#and every time I ask in a group chat they get like. the same amount of votes.

[shadowmoses]

ohhgĝhh. why was I cursed with being so indecisive

[mxauthor]

Magic Hands

Summary: Chilchuck is having trouble sleeping, Y/n's magic touch just might be the answer.

Word Count: 1,531

Warnings: fluff

Y/n was a touchy person. 

The party was well aware of this statement. Especially since they have been on the receiving end of their affection. Y/n never took it too far, always being mindful of everyone’s boundaries and their comfortability at all times. 

Marcille loved Y/n’s hugs and headpats, the (race) was always warm and gentle, squeezing just the right amount to where she felt safe. Laios found their playful fighting or their lighthearted shaking endearing. The tall-man was rambunctious at heart, so having someone to ‘play’ with allowed him to be serious at times of need. Senshi appreciated their pats on the back. It was their way of saying ‘thank you’, something he appreciated since he also wasn’t great with words or expressing himself. 

So it was no surprise that when the moment came and Chilchuck had started to become open with the party little by little, Y/n took a small chance. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was ‘late’ into the night. Laios had suggested that they camp for the night seeing as they had just reached the 6th floor of the dungeon. They set up camp and Senshi began dinner.

The party conversed lightly, talking of plans within the dungeon or things that needed to be gathered. Y/n and Marcille chatted with each other, Marcille talking about a book she read a while ago, while Y/n softly combed out her hair. 

They listened intently, making sure to ask questions to show the elven woman that they were paying attention. Senshi called them over, having finished dinner. The party had gathered around the fire with their food and began eating. The group ate in relative silence, a small comment here and there but silence nonetheless. 

Y/n and Chilchuck assisted Senshi with the dishes of the night, as Y/n was drying a bowl they lightly nudged the half-foot getting his attention. 

“You doing alright? You seem a little more tired than usual.” Y/n asked. They’ve begun to notice a slight lag in his step, not enough to cause him to misstep while disarming traps, but enough that his normal walking pace was a lot slower. 

“Yeah, just haven’t been getting enough sleep.” Chilchuck quietly shared. Sharing his feelings and struggles was still new, especially since it was something as simple as sleeping. 

Y/n hummed in acknowledgement, trying to find a reason for his current dilemma, “Is it nightmares?”

“No, I’ve already checked.” His voice was filled with defeat. Every night he looked within his pillow for the small monsters. He even ‘borrowed’ Laois’ monster book to see if there was another type that caused sleepless nights. “I even tried to look for another monster to see if they caused the same thing, but nothing.” 

The (hair color) could tell that he was exhausted. It wouldn’t take long until the rest of the party noticed and when they caught on, all they would do is try to pressure Chilchuck into telling them everything that was going on, or try and take over work which would frustrate the half-foot more than him not getting enough sleep. 

Y/n knew that he liked his privacy and that he liked to be able to carry his own weight, not relying on anyone to do it for him. They hummed in understanding, before offering a small solution, “I could try and make a tea for you. I’m sure I have something that causes sleepiness.” 

Chilchuck turned his head towards Y/n, “there’s no need for you to do that. I’ll manage.” 

Y/n tried to counter his statement, but they’ve both finished the dishes and Laios called them over to draw straws for night watch. Chilchuck dismissed himself, walking right over towards Laios and the rest of the forming group. 

Y/n watched in defeat before following behind. The group all grabbed their stick before pulling them. Each stick had a number, which decided the order. 

Y/n had gotten first watch. Followed by Marcille, Senshi, Laios, and Chilchuck. They watched as the tired man’s shoulders slumped in relief. The rest of the group began to set up for the night, with Y/n getting comfortable for watch. 

Marcille set up to their right, while Chilchuck claimed their left. Senshi and Laios closed the small gap, and a light fire was set in the middle for warmth. It didn’t take long for most of the party to fall asleep. The elven woman made sure that Y/n knew she was next.

With amusement, the (race) lightly patted her head and wished her a goodnight, disspelling her worries about making sure they followed the order of the lots. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An hour passed when Y/n began to hear the ruffling of covers next to them. They glanced over to see Chilchuck slightly tossing and turning within his bedroll. Trying to get comfortable again.

Y/n watched as he rolled over a few more times, before setting their journal down. They had a feeling they should’ve made the drink anyway. Slightly moving closer, Y/n would see the frowned brows of the locksmith. They lightly pressed onto his pillow to see if a nightmare had crawled in during the watch, but it was completely soft. 

The (hair color) quietly huffed to themselves, but an idea struck.

This wasn’t the first time Y/n’s dealt with a sleepless night, especially when it was someone else. Before, when Marcille had become restless, Y/n would lightly run their fingers through her hair, lightly scratching her scalp in the process. 

The elf would always fall asleep immediately, almost like Y/n had pushed the insomnia away with their touch. 

Hesitantly, Y/n reached out to Chilchuck’s hair, they knew he wasn’t the most open to physical touch and the last thing Y/n wanted was to make him uncomfortable. Before their hand connected, the (race) whispered lightly, trying to not disturbed the others, “I’m sorry if I make you uncomfortable by doing this.” 

Even though Chilchuck tried to grasp onto the little remnants of sleep, his senses began to wake slowly. His hearing always being the first one. He had heard the ruffling next to him, knowing that Y/n was most likely still on watch, then it went quite their steady breathing being the only thing he could hear. 

Then, their apology. He was confused about what they meant, but the feeling of fingers pushing back his hair and nails lightly scratching his scalp had answered him loud and clear. 

Y/n’s touch was soft and delicate. They made sure not to press too hard or scratch too deep, making it soothing enough that it was like a massage. Chilchuck had half a mind to push them away, but his forced closed eyes became heavy. His body was relaxing, and his mind was calming down. He sagged deeper into his bedroll, having to actually fight the sleep to continue feeling the heavenly sensation.

With the last of his consciousness, Chilchuck murmured out his thanks before falling asleep deeply. 

Y/n watched as his furrowed brows softened and his breathing evened out. They heard a light murmur of words, “feels nice.” 

The (race) shifted back towards their own bedroll, they were going to continue with their journal, listing down all the findings within the dungeon. But an imaginary pull had coaxed them into moving their bedroll closer towards the half-foot. It took little back and forth between themselves, before lightly pulling it over. 

Y/n continued to scratch his scalp, wanting to make sure he’d be in a deeper sleep before they removed their hand. Their movement almost hypnotizing, making sleep pull at their own mind, coaxing them into its warm grasp. Blinking the sleep away, Y/n slowed their movements until they came to a full stop. They then pulled their hand away, seeing as Chilchuck’s breathing became deep and constant. 

It didn’t make a drastic change, it was just enough that if Chilchuck needed another round of coaxing, they were close enough to reach over. With a small satisfied smile, Y/n continued working, happy that they were able to assist with Chilchuck's dilemma after all. 

Bonus: 

After the switch over, it took Marcille a little over an hour before she noticed the two of them. She thought Y/n’s bedroll was a little farther than when she fell asleep, but now it made more sense. 

Once her eyes had cleared enough and her mind was fully awake, she saw how Y/n’s hand was perched within Chilchuck’s hair, and how his own hand was laying within the crook of their elbow, almost like he was trying to keep them from pulling away. If she looked closer, Marcille could see the look of content within Chilchuck’s features, almost like a missing piece was put into place just perfectly.

It took everything within her to not squeal in delight. From the beginning, Marcille believed that Y/n and Chilchuck would be a perfect match. Maybe it was all her romance novels, but his grumpy nature and their soft personality had her swooning with the idea. 

Marcille watched on, only thinking one thing, ‘I wish I could draw.’

[aniesvision]

𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 | 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝟏

𐂂 𝚌𝚑𝚛𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚕𝚘 𝚡 𝚏! 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛

𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜: 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔, 𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒋𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒚 𝒊𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔, 𝒊𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍

𝚊/𝚗: 𝒉𝒆𝒚! 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒄𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔, 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒃𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒚 𝟓 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔. 𝒊 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒚'𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕, 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒖𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚 ☕︎

𝚜𝚞𝚖𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚢: 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝑵𝒊𝒄𝒌 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔.

✈︎ italic is flashback

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾ ⋆⁺₊⋆

-Can you be quiet? -I roll my eyes in annoyance and give the boy next to me a gentle kick, as he keeps moving his legs on the coffee table.  

-Can you stop being annoying? -He replies with the same intonation, giving me a tired look.  

It wasn't until Larray's birthday party that I got to know the famous triplets. I'd heard a lot about them from many people until I realized that it was only a short time before we became friends too. My group of friends and theirs were the same, but as I was the last to arrive in the circle, I was delayed in meeting the three “same face”, according to Larray.  

My first friend in the whole group was Larray, which is why it took a while to get to the triplets - the amount of friends this boy had introduced me to before was immense.

At Larray's birthday party, I spent a long time sitting at a table with the birthday boy, the triplets, and Madison. Of all the people there, I instantly hit it off with Nick and Madison. The girl was lovely, sweet and such a nice person to talk to. She was always with a smile on her face and it made me admire her a lot. Nick, needless to say, was my partner in enthusiasm for the rest of the party. We danced together, took photos, recorded videos, everything as if we'd been best friends for years.  

Then, almost at the end of the party, I found Matthew lying alone in the front garden and I took a seat with him. We had a nice long chat, he seemed like a nice person, he had nice thoughts and a fun way of talking. His humor was incredible and made me want to get to know him. On top of everything, he was very handsome and seemed excited about mental health and helping as many people as he could. Beautiful on the outside and on the inside.  

There was only one of them left for me to get to know properly, but the youngest had disappeared into the house. I walked around the rooms a few times until I found him leaning against a wall next to the kitchen counter, where the alcoholic drinks were.

I know they don't drink, it was one of the first things I was warned about, but he wasn't there to get anything, he was waiting for a brunette, who quickly stood next to him with a smile. I walked over to them, picked up an empty glass from the counter and filled it with vodka and energy drink. They don't drink, but I do.

I pass Chris and his brunette with a smile and he ignores me, looking straight ahead and drinking from his can of Pepsi. Okay. Interesting.

After the party was over, Nick asked me to spend some more time at their house with Madison as well. Obviously, I accepted. At the boys' house, Matt treated me like the sweetheart he is and we even had an “upgrade” moment in our friendship when he placed his arm around my shoulder as we walked to Nick's room together. Chris, on the other hand, didn't even try to exchange a single word with me and whenever he looked at me he seemed suspicious or annoyed.  

It didn't take long for us to feel sleepy and I ended up falling asleep in Nick's room in the middle of him and Madison. Unfortunately, I woke up during the night and forced myself out of bed, walking to the kitchen. I ended up tripping over something since it was dark and I wasn't sure where every place in the house was.

-Fuck, my shirt. -I hear a voice and finally, a light comes on.

I tripped over the edge of the table and bumped into Chris's back, which caused him to spill a few drops of Pepsi on his white shirt.  

The boy turns to me angrily and I stare at him in shock for a few seconds, but I can't help observing his face for the first time considering how close we were. He was handsome too.  

-What the fuck was that? -He asks, opening his arms and showing his shirt, now ruined by the soda.  

-I didn't mean to, it was dark and I don't know where things are in this house. -I defend myself, receiving a long sigh and a roll of the eyes in response from the brunette. 

-Whatever.  

I looked at him confused, but it was no use as he just threw his can away and left the room without even looking at me. Maybe he was the type of handsome on the outside but not inside, unlike Matt.  

Despite this little incident with Chris, Nick, Matt and I became great friends in no time and we were always together. And in that, the boy had to be included. Not that it was a bad thing, he just wouldn't talk to me or if we had the slightest interaction, things would go back to 0 with a show of swearing and a contest of who could annoy each other the most.  

I don’t know why, but ever since I met them it's always been like this. Brotherly love with Nick, extremely friendly love with Matt, best friend love with Madison, and something different with Chris. We haven't been able to get along since Larray's party, but we've never had a chance to talk alone. What he knows about me is from our friends and what I say when we're out and about, and the same goes for me about him.  

It's not as if I hadn't already tried to get close too, but with every conversation he seemed close to kicking me out of this life and I intend to stay alive a little longer.

I wanted to get to know him, I wanted to be friends with him, and I wanted to have more chances to see his face next to mine like in the kitchen the first day I slept at their house. But, of course, at some point, it became clear that getting weird out of the blue and annoying each other seemed to become normal.  

-You're the most annoying guy I know. -I confess, looking at Chris.

Nick enters the room and smiles a little before sitting down and staring at us.  

-What? -I ask, confused.  

-You and Chris.

Chris and I share a quick, awkward glance before turning our attention to Nick.  

-You guys are weird. The day you find out you love each other, I'll be able to say I knew it from the start.  

-In your dreams, Nick. -I answered, rolling my eyes and getting up.  

-Where are you going? -Nick asks.  

-Probably to see Matt, her little boyfriend. -Chris replies, sarcastically and with a smug sideways smile.

-Jealous, Owen? -I ask, with a grin that widens when I see the annoyed look on the boy's face.  

𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒔 ✍︎

➪ @riowritesitall @sturniolosarethebest @hyacinthst @flower-sturns @sturncakez @watercolorskyy @delooshunalhoe @sarosfilms @blahbel668 @sturniyolo69 @sturniolosl0t @sturnsxbitvh @colbsposts00 @fallingforfalll2 @stvrnmc @slxtformatt @starnoirr @katie-tibo @mattsfavbigtitties @sturnioloblues

[tarjapearce]

I wonder what mama would be like when she was pregnant with benji? Was she more active?? Anyways, have a good day/night!

💗💗💗

Benjamin's Pregnancy

Suggestive, fluff and little angst. No proofread ~ c:

After the little stunt in the lookout spot and the police officers calling out your hornytis, you returned home.

But that only had you climbing Miguel like a tree as soon as he closed the door behind you. Not that he complained in the slightest.

"W-Wait" He was mumbling through kisses as you struggled to get his damned shirt out. Hormones running in a brazen flurry all over your body. A single purpose engraved in your grey matter. Make a baby.

"Te juro que si no me haces un bebé-" (I swear that if you don't make me a baby right now)

Miguel only carried your hormone crazed body over his shoulder and gave a low whistle.

"Espérate tantito, mi reina."(Wait a minute).

He tittered as his ears turned pink, like his cheeks, "Let me get the water first."

Cause in truth, you wouldn't give him a rest. Not until your body knew that it was enough. It both amazed yet low key terrified him. He'd awake sore and stiff, spent and completely drained while the overall glow oozed from every pore of your body. Both sex's drive were high, but when ovulating, he had to acknowledge your stamina undoubtedly outmatched him. But the goofy and spent smile you'd awake with later was the perfect reward.

With a roll of his shoulders and a water pitcher on hand and some glasses, he closed the master bedroom's door and begun his work.

----

Your grip only tightened on his waist as tears flowed down your cheeks. He showered your face in soft kisses and loving praises upon watching the positive outcome in the pregnancy test.

"We're having a baby!"

God, he loved the excitement in your voice, the way your tears were out of joy, and the fact you were gonna make him a father, again. It was impossible to not feel the same amount of excitement you were experiencing.

His big hands wiped your eyes and cupped your cheeks while kissing your forehead.

"Can't wait to tell Gabi. She'll be over the moon!"

Now that the first step on his husband duty was completed, the second was just starting. Spoiling you until you were ready to pop his child.

To your surprise MJ gave her own news on the girl's chat group. It was a good distraction for a freshly broken hearted Jessica. A celebration ensued.

Peter was asking Miguel for guidance as you gushed with MJ the future changes her body would take.

Miguel's lips turned into a fond smile upon watching you. Your married ring fit perfectly in your hand, and shone brighter, like your smile whenever you rubbed your belly.

Never once the doubt of you being a bad mother crossed his mind, despite your inexperience and both being young, you had done a pretty good job with Gabriella. And this new stage in your lives would only polish some skills that needed a bit more refining.

----

His heart nearly stopped when the doctor said it was a boy. So far, as long as his kid was healthy, the rest was just a bonus. But now that he'd have a boy it both worried and excited him.

It worried him cause he had no paternal figure to grow with, but like you had told him once.

"You're not your father. You're way much better than him. Look at the wonderful child you've raised, without his help. Be proud of yourself, Mi amor."

He adored your reassurance, and now he'd teach his baby boy everything he had to learn on his own. He'd be a good father.

----

The tidal craving waves made you scourge the fridge at random times thorough the night.

The first crave was simple, jalapeños smeared in peanut butter. You didn't know how, but the flavor was way too good for you to just eat one.

Miguel would find you guzzling his own can of jalapeños while scooping up a spoonful of peanut butter.

"You'll get sick if you eat that much spiciness"

"No, Miguel, wait!"

"Uh-uh. You'll get cramps and-"

Oh shit.

Your eyes turned glossy as he placed the can above the fridge. A spot you certainly didn't reach.

Shit.

"You're so mean."

A hiccup echoed between you two, followed by a sniff.

"Mi reina" His tinge amazed and full of disbelief, "I don't want you to get an upset belly, that's all."

"But I am hungry! They're not even that spicy!"

You sobbed and half yelled. Miguel could only sigh and take the can back

"Here."

"I don't want it anymore."

You took another spoonful of the butter and walked back to your room.

Great.

He rubbed his face in defeat. Now he felt like an idiot for not giving you the canned spicy goods. And definitely that night you didn't cuddle him.

Hormones were surely making a mess out of your emotions, and it took him a bit to adapt at the quickening pace they often changed. Exercise and long walks helped you to keep relaxed and active.

The next day you were crying while apologizing, only for him to hold you and offer you a couple of jalapeños in return. He even tried the odd mix with you to try and understand why you loved that specific combo. Neither good, neither bad, like something he tried before. But glad you were no longer at odds with him.

But soon they stopped being your obsession, instead strawberries and tuna came up. And just like Gabi, you'd wake him up in the middle of the night at the devil's hours to get him to fetch you strawberries cause you had ran out of them. Or called him when he was a few blocks away from your home to let him know and God forbid if he returned with empty hands.

The dangerous months had been long gone, and seeing your baby bump growing with each passing day, made his phone to be filled with a daily picture of you, holding it. Gabi occasionally appearing it them with a goofy grin.

One particular rough day at work, had his energies and emotional reserves drained. But changed immediately when he saw you laughing as Gabi painted over your belly.

"Papa! The baby is kicking!!"

Gabriella gasped and pulled him to place his hand over the clean parts devoid of paint in your belly to feel his baby boy kick.

"Look at that." Miguel huffed in child like wonder as he felt every powerful little kick. He then kissed your belly and your forehead with new energies.

You and Gabi were the reason he'd wake up and work. You'd help him with paperwork at home whenever he needed it.

----

Hormones kicked in harder in the last trimester, everything was a trigger for tears to fall down.

You couldn't reach your toes? You'd cry. The cream cheese was too perfect for digging a spoon in it? You'd cry. Gabriella existing around you and being a happy kid? You'd definitely cry. And if Miguel couldn't find his sock in the washing machine, you'd cry harder.

It was low key funny for him, even had some compilations of you crying over the littlest things in his phone. He'd watch them over and over whenever stress was rampant on his office.

But also, would stare both in awe and hungry when he saw your body bouncing ontop of an exercise ball.

"It brings back memories." He muttered while your cheeks flushed. It was the exact way you rode him while making your baby boy.

When hormones hit between your legs, you wouldn't let him go until he came out of the room, drenched in sweat and breathless. That's where he discovered his lactation kink.

But all horny and sexual thoughts were sapped out his body when he saw you curled in bed, crying and wiping your eyes with tissues. A couple of them used and gathered before you.

"'Tas bien?" (You alright?)

Another muffled sob.

This wasn't the usual hormone craze that made you cry over dappy things, but true and unadulterated sadness. His brows creased as he sat before you.

"Wanna share what's wrong?"

"I feel so useless, Miguel."

"Useless?"

You nodded while sobbing a couple of fresh tears and covered your face with your hands, ashamed.

"I can't even put my shoes on my own. And-" A sniffle, "I feel like I'm leaving all the load to you. It's not fair."

Even in your condition, you still worried about him and his stress. It humbled him.

"Mi reina." With a gentle, yet firm voice he sat next to you and wiped your eyes with utmost care, "You're growing my child. Do you know how important that is?"

You hiccuped and shook your head.

"I wanna do more. Help you around. Not just being a housewife that leeches off-"

"No, no. Stop. Stop." the last word said with a warning tone.

How could you think of yourself such way?

"Pinguinita, mi amor, look." His shoulders slumped with a deep sigh, "For how long have we been together? Ten, twelve years now?"

You refused to look his way, but his hands gently pulled your chin towards him. Makin your gaze meet his.

"In all those years, I've worked for us cause I wanted to. And I don't want you to work because you already do more than enough here."

His lips were warm, conveying all his love in another kiss.

"You're growing my child, Mi reina. Pregnancies are hard. And look at you, doing your best. Cause that's all I could ask from you."

He cradled your shoulders and kissed the side of your head with a gentle smile.

"You've taught me how to be a good parent, even now, you are teaching me things I didn't believe myself capable of doing. I'm a better man thanks to you."

His hands rubbed your lower back in soothing yet shapeless patterns.

"And now, I'll be an even better father. All thanks to you."

His words were like a soothing balm from your doubtful and insecure heart.

"You'd still love me if I was another ten pounds heavier, right?"

"The question is offensive in itself. But yes, I would. Come here."

You basked in his affection, all you could do was let him love and pamper you.

The footrubs and backrubs were a staple on your pregnancy, like the hammock in the porch. The cotton nightgown he gave you while pregnant with Gabi had been such a wonderful gift that came in handy when the last trimester's hot flashes appeared.

You'd sit in the tub with him, Miguel rubbed and caressed your shoulders, eased the tenderness in your breasts and helped with the sore points in your. lower back.

"What about Miguel Junior?"

He snorted while lathering your back in the lavender scented shower gel.

"No. I don't want a traditional name for my boy."

"Me neither, I mean, Max doesn't sound bad-"

"That's a dog's name, mi amor"

Your laugh was like music to his ears. He rinsed off your back with the tepid temperature water.

"Short for Maximilian."

"Junior doesn't sound that bad now that I think-"

"Wait! I know! I know. Benjamin."

"Benjamin" He tried as the name rolled off his tongue, "I like it."

He kissed your neck. Fresh lavender scent etched to your skin.

"Benjamin it is."

-----

Little Benjamin "Benji" O'Hara was born at 3 pm. Nearly putting you under a c section. Miguel had been there, cheering you on as soon as complications arrived. But thanks to yours and the doctor's efforts, his baby boy wailed healthily as soon as he came out of your womb and the touch of the nurses alarmed him. They weren't you. Benjamin needed his mama.

Miguel showered you in kisses and praises while the nurses cleansed him and dressed him up with the clothes you had provided them.

And finally, you could hold your baby boy in your arms, immediately feeding him and silencing his acute cries.

"Míralo nomas. Mi campeón. No parece que casi lo hicimos en el auto." (Look at him, my champ. He doesn't look like we almost made him in the car)

Miguel fixed the tiny hat ontop of his head, some lovely and dark chocolates curls twisted ontop and around his forehead as you tittered, exhausted.

" Stop, oh my god."

"He's definitely have your curls."

Gabi was allowed to enter a bit later and her lips pursed

"I wanted a sister."

"I know, Solecito. But we did our best"

"Still... I was prettier, right?"

Jesus. Like Father, like daughter.

"Of course you were, Gabibi."

Miguel was ready to start his lessons as a father. With a baby boy on hands, he'd be the dad he never had.

[ghostieyanyan]

hi ~🤍 how do you think (yan or not). demon twst react to find out mc is a human girl ? they khow she is magicless but ahem...

~Human girl in NRC?!~

Yan!DemonAU!Idia x fab!mc

Yan!DemonAU!Jack x fab!mc

Yan!DemonAU!Leona x fab!mc

I'll still use they/them pronouns even if mc is female. so if you're male, there is talk about future kids so processed with caution

i don't know if you sent this twice or if someone just asked the same question but i don't mind either way. i picked some random students to write about since you didn't specify which one you wanted. i hope you enjoy!!

Warnings: maybe a lot of grammar issues (sorry), future kids talk, stalking, creepy behavior, hint of nsfw, cannibalistic behavior

~~~

Idia

Idia found out second hand, aka from Ortho.

Apparently, when ortho meets anyone, he does an automatic scan of them. It basically tells him everything about the person, mainly physically. That scan also goes into Idia's computer and he happened to see it.

To see the mysterious prefect has more layers of mysteriousness??? You must be a legendary pull!!!!! He HAS to know more. but it wasn't like he'll talk to you himself.... his heart couldn't take that.

Instead, he asked ortho to check up on you. which wasn't too hard cause you already consider Ortho as one of the first years in your group.

He recorded every interaction you had with ortho, pretending you were talking to him~

"How are you today?"

"You did great, Orth--- ████ !!"

"Hey, you wanna stop by Ramshackle dorm after school?"

He'd probably made an AI voice box like your voice for his sick fantasy.

Talking about Ramshackle, he also had installed hidden cameras in every corner of that dorm. One in the kitchen, one in the living room, two in the bathroom, two in your room, and much more. Inside, outside, everywhere!

He likes watching you when you're alone. He also hates to see anyone else in your dorm, with the exception of his own brother and that cute kitty.

Idia likes to think, in a fantasy world where he has more courage, you'll be in the kitchen making him something because work called him in last and when he gets home, you'll greet him with a "welcome home, master" with cat ears---!!!! fantasy world but still!!!

No only is he just feed his sick fantasy of you, he imagined what a future with you would be like... You had no magic so if he took you away to the Island of Woe, you'll have a really hard time running away from him, nearly impossible.

Plus... he's family is a pretty powerful family.... one day, he'll have to think about future kids...

With that, he's decided he'll try to talk to you. It'll be easy with your connect with Ortho, plus Ortho could help.

Ortho would probably see this as helping his older brother with a crush and if that crush helps his brother out of his shell, its a win win!

Idia will, of course, only tell his brother about his innocent pining for you and keep his dark fantasies to himself for now. Until he's sure you wouldn't might him share his fantasies with you. And if you do mind... sorry to break it to you-

Maybe when he takes the overblot students to the island of woe, he'll also take you. saying it's for your safety. No one knows why there's been a coincident amount of students in NRC overblot. Plus you being caught in is most of them time is worrisome. you staying in NRC will likely end you life if you keep in countering these Overblots.

Ortho couldn't help but agree with his brother but also saw this opportunity to get you more closer to his brother.

"What do you think, prefect?"

~~~

Jack

Jack was one of the first to find out about your little secret. It was your scent... But he's not the type to share it if you haven't shared it yourself. And if any other beastmen tried to share that information or point it out without your permissions, he'll have a nice chat with them. You don't have to worry a thing!

Whether you, him, or anyone that notices, wants to admit or point out, jake has been stuck to your hip. He will 100% be like a personal. Make sure no one enters a room when you are changing. Make sure that when you use the restroom, no one is trying to peek at you. Especially makes sure that no one tries anything that might be a threat to you!

He'll total imagine you running your fingers through his hair, scratching behind his ears, and rubbing the base of his horns. He will go feral.

If you ask Jack about how this world works, his tail will start wagging. (he's happy you came to him with your questions.) He'll answer any questions you have, even the "obvious" ones. He not the type to make you feel guilty about asking a question that you don't know, unlike ace.

If the topic changes to the future, he'll say that he's planning to find a mate so that he can proudly work hard for his mate and his pups. But he's "not in a rush to look for one right now." Cause he's already found his mate...

Some people on the outside of your relationship with Jack, might say that you have Jack wrapped around your little finger. You want to lay down on him? He'll turn into his wolf form so you'll be comfortable. You late to something? He'll give you a ride! (He could change into his wolf form but he could also give you a piggy back ride.. and feel your legs wrapped around him~)

Jack tries his hardest to not let his animal instincts scary you off. It's not like he thinks your weak, anything but that! He actually admires you, you were thrown into an unknown world and learned to adapted and you've made yourself home here. You've also make home in his heart~

He could only hope that your relationship grows enough that you wouldn't want to leave...

In dyer situations, Jack will protect you. He'll shield you with his own body, protecting you from tiny things like falling books or from big powerful spells.

He also really likes to watch you nurse him back to health. If you were anyone else, he'll brush you off, saying "he's fine" or "he can take care of himself." But since your the one nursing him, he's a little more weaking on his protest.

Watching you take care of him, makes me super excited for the future. Maybe he'll help you were sick? Or maybe he'll walk in on you care for your pups?

Man... if it weren't for both of you being in college and freakily not financially ready for kids, he would-

~~~

Leona

He was one of the first people to find out. He usually wouldn't care much about it. he would have just allowed you to be and keeps his distance. And if you were paths do cross, he'll be mindful of the things he says to you, aka not being too rude to you. (Only people that were sharp notice his demeaner but it wasn't like they'll go up to the lion about it)

Without realizing it, he kinda became fond of you. How you go get things but not in an obedient pet way, just because you can help way... you often cant say no but you also could stand up for in justince? How you are still kind to the people who hurt you or used you, tricked you.. How you still help people with any background.

He couldn't understand it but he was also fascinated of it.

The day when you came to savanaclaw because you and your cat beast were kicked out of your dorm was, in better words, interesting.

He wasn't proud of it but when you slept in leona's room, he couldn't help himself from watching you sleep. Watching how your chest moved as you breathed in and out subconsciously. How savanaclaw's heat made you kick your blanket away, showing him your sweat glazed body. It made his mouth water..

he wonders how'd you taste..? No, your sweat wasn't enough to satisfy this lion, but you. Your blood, the meat that clung to your skin and bones, your organs... he wont mind killing you here and now just to have a taste...

But it was too soon, way too soon... he'll spoil himself if he wasn't patient.

For right now, watching you from a distance will be enough. unless you keep trying to interact with him, he cant make any promises...

After watching you for quite a while, hes thoughts about killing your just to taste you slowly subsided. but it was quickly replaced with another thought..

Cheka was at NRC for one of his visits, much to leona's dismay. but he'd overheard that cheka had taken a liking to you!

Whenever Cheka returned to leona's side, he'd always asked, "why does that not-demon live so far away..? They must be really lonely.." or "why not bring that not-demon home with us?! Then they wont be lonely anymore!!"

After Cheka left and leona had some time to think to himself. He thought, he could bring you back to Sunset Savana. You took care of cheka like he was your own. You wont be able to say no to cheka.

You'll also be taken care of. Food, roof over your head, secrity, what more could you need?

The only problem was how to make you stay...

He thought about it long enough and rolled over in his bed to take a nap.

Cheka would leave him alone if he had a new cousin to play with...

~~~

[pink-onyx-au]

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Nap time! Thank you everyone for your continued support and interaction! I adore it and it adds so much more to the AU than you could know. This is a heads up on some minor down-time for the blog while I rest up and prepare the next episode.

Notes and asks are still open and encouraged during this time! Bored and want to chat? Send me a message!

To see some WIP, storyboard previews, doodles, shitposts, and other projects I’m working on, along with a healthy amount of 3am memes, head over to my trash fire blog, Ceephor’s Shit Show. The "pink onyx au" tag will filter everything for you, along with showing you fabulous fan art made by others that I just love to pieces.

Speculation and theories are encouraged! The comic is designed as close to the show’s logic as I could muster, which means many secrets are staring right at you, provided you know what to look for! Just be kind to one another.

Comic FAQ:

What is this?

Pink Onyx AU is a Steven Universe AU focused on interactions between Steven and Jasper and is intended to be read after you have finished Steven Universe Future, as it contains many many spoilers for the series. If you have watched it already, great! Welcome! The goal is to bring you a Jasper redemption arc that we couldn’t get due to time and cooperate restraints on the Crewniverse. I hope you enjoy!

I do not own these characters or their likenesses except for the single fluffy thembo fusion I created for the story. This is just a fan comic.

Comic is PG-13 for some angsty/touchy themes, minor blood, violence, and gem-cussing. Touchy-subjects will always be in a cartoon-ish metaphorical representation you would likely find on TV and be available for multiple interpretations.

When do you post?

Typically when you see this post pinned, I’m on a bit of a break, but when Nyx wakes up (this post goes away) the comic is due to be released 1 page at a time at 7am EST most days. I try for a daily release. Sometimes I skip a day if I’m behind. Episode release dates are always announced ahead of time by a few weeks.

Is this a romantic ship AU between Jasper and Steven?

Nope, more like an aunt and her nephew trying to figure it all out. No romance between these two here.

Is your Tapas updated at the same time?

Nope, tumblr comes first, and the tumblr will always have bonus content which Tapas will not. The Tapas for this updates after the tumblr version is completed. Usually same day or within a day.

Do you have a reference for Onyx? Sure do!

How do I use the ask system for this blog?

You can leave a message, or even an object, for the characters to interact with. The asks you leave can be answered by myself, Onyx, Steven or Jasper within the realm of this AU. Your asks will have no effect on the comic story. Think of it like the actors are in their dressing rooms and you get to give them a poke while they take a break! As the comic story progresses, their replies to your answers may change! Their responses will be in-character depending on where in the story we are.

My note by the den (an ask) was never answered. How come?

Lots and lots of asks come in every day. I wish I could answer them all! Since I draw something to go with most answers, especially the character ones, they do take a bit of time. Sometimes, I get duplicates of the same ask, or an ask that may refer to something that spoils the story if I answer it. I might hang onto those asks for a later time! Or group them into categories to answer all at once. I hoard asks for 1 year in an attempt to get to them. If I missed yours, know I tried and I love them anyway! I hope it does not discourage you in the future.

Curious about the characters? Check below the cut for more a detailed FAQ about the inner workings of the story. Love you all! See you soon! 🧡💕❤️

FAQ’s about the characters generated via interactive asks:

What kind of fusion is Pink Onyx? Are they good or bad? Pink Onyx is a fusion of a protagonist and an antagonist, so their alliance is yet unknown, but they have Steven’s good heart and Jasper’s loyal nature. They also have Steven and Jasper’s flaws, so they can be volatile and emotionally explosive at times, too.

What are Pink Onyx’s pronouns? Onyx likes they/them, but also answers to he/him and she/her, especially when Steven or Jasper is dominant over one another. They also seem to take on a fluid role and prefer a she/her when in a caretaker status. They dislike it/its.

What does Pink Onyx sound like? Personally, I hear them as a youthful, masculine tone. Like Steven if a little older. But I also enjoy when people say they hear them as a gruff, Amazonian-type feminine. I enjoy and endorse both.

Do Jasper and Steven enjoy being fused to one another? For now, it is a struggle, but they enjoy what the other brings to the fusion even if they won’t say it.

Does Pink Onyx need to eat and do human things? If so, do they enjoy it? They don’t need to do them, but they do feel the discomfort without them. Things like breathing, eating, and sleeping are optional for Onyx, but they will become quite irritable if not allowed to do them. They greatly enjoy sleeping and trying new foods.

What does Jasper think about having human organs when fused? She’s pretty grossed out by the idea of organic matter going into her mouth and coming out of other places. The heart beating and lungs breathing she can feel for the first time, and it is highly strange for her to experience.

What is Pink Onyx’s favorite food? They adore anything watermelon flavored and Cookie-cat ice cream products

Does Pink Onyx have any special fusion powers? They do, and as they learn about themselves, more powers seem to come out. Each of their base component appears to be enhanced in a unique way. They have Pink Diamond at their core, so the destructive potential is also there.

Why is Steven hiding Pink Onyx from others? This AU occurs directly after the events of "I Am My Monster", so Steven is very emotionally, and mentally, raw. He fears judgement for running back to Jasper, who in the past, was part of so much trauma he already endured.

Pink Onyx seems to know nothing about human culture and gem culture despite being a fusion. What’s going on? Jasper and Steven agreed to fuse, but they have yet to open up to one another about much else. The fusion exists because they agree to do so, but Jasper won’t open up about her emotions, and Steven is so sensitive yet that he is not sharing because he knows Jasper won’t want to hear it. This causes Onyx to be unable to access both of their memories easily, but they can bring it out with enough effort.

[inchidentally]

I just love everything and every little detail about the Landoscar dynamic. It's so captivating. The pt. 2 video of the mid season celebration just showed another layer.

Oscar is the typical mischievous introvert who teases the unhinged extrovert to do the crazy things for him, for his own amusement. And Lando will just cave because I don't think he can say no to Oscar, even if he wanted.

no fr anon the fact that Lando likes being able to wheedle and fuss and complain around the people he loves but is otherwise extremely shy around new people and finds it difficult to navigate new places without friends or his team around to help… while Oscar is overall quiet and lowkey but can get extremely mischievous and actually prefers to navigate new experiences and places all on his own… Lando thrives on consistency and feeling comfortable… Oscar is super flexible and happy to make sure other people are comfortable… Lando is extroverted in that he thrives on being around people but introverted in how he'll only relax and let loose around people/places he knows and trusts (having multiple sets of friends groups for different activities etc, keeping tons of friends for over 10 years) Oscar is extroverted in that he rarely if ever seems daunted by wherever he finds himself and never 'performs' or loses his self-confidence but introverted in how he'll prefer a one-on-one chat in a club over being in the middle of the action and needs a certain amount of time and space all to himself… the way their little 'games' are Lando whining and misbehaving to get Oscar to do what he wants and Oscar's is to get a twinkle in his eye and bribe or connive to get Lando to misbehave with him…

and bc I think maybe the air temperature in fandom about Hungary has reduced enough, Oscar fully knowing that Lando - like any driver!! - will have to be pushed and forced over team orders no matter what the circumstances (Oscar is quieter about it but no less reluctant) AND that Lando will require space and time to come down off the emotions after the race because that's always when it's most difficult for him (and the media know this ie them creating the Lando/Max drama). Lando literally saying he remembered what Oscar's "done for him in the past" and all the times Oscar's been so happy for him after team orders and like my god for ppl who know Lando !! his reactions to the media immediately after that race were the purest proof of his respect for Oscar and their partnership by him overcoming that initial tidal wave of personal disappointment and anger. Oscar moving to stand close to Lando at Lando's plinth and Lando reaching that hand out to him and them sharing that baffled smile between each other bc it's just A Lot but the one thing they know is that none of this situation is something to take out on each other. (and oh !! the poetry of brocedes between them !! the contrast of a different generation and intimacy being mistaken for understanding - compared to landoscar choosing understanding over immediate intimacy) but Oscar didn't push any further into Lando or ask for anything else and Lando fought to give that smile every time Oscar looked at him and like !!!! they gave each other things and then gave each other space !!! and chose to see out flight delays in a little group and then playing a board game in an even smaller group! and so many ppl haven't fully appreciated that they've always done this before I think bc it was sort of expected by Oscar's position in the team for him to obey team orders, even when it really hurt. and definitely bc a lot of folks see Oscar's calm demeanor and think he isn't burning up over giving up a lead or losing out on a podium in exactly the same amount every driver does. but as Lando keeps reminding even his own fans, he knows what Oscar's done for him <3

and the cameras and media back at MTC clearly had Lando thrown back into that feeling of quicksand over every single thing he said and how he said it and he'll have fully witnessed how his own friends and family and hardcore fans will have felt and how often can he reiterate something before someone decides to accuse him of just delivering a PR line and uuggghhhhhgg. but then !! Oscar breezes in full of mischief and smiles and standing tall and proud !! and Lando can giggle and step back and breathe a little from the weight of The Narrative bc the more Oscar keeps refusing to let it settle over them the less interest others will take! if Oscar won't be drawn into anything about the team orders or Lando then The Narrative will slowly lose all it's color and interest and Lando can breathe and disappear into the break. bc for all that he has experience on Oscar, he does not have experience of this situation at all!! and Oscar bearing them up through it with that same unflappable calm while Lando writhes and grapples with it inside himself is just <3<3

and it all boils down to what's compelled all of us into their dynamic so deeply despite them not baiting with fake gay or bromances or publicizing a friendship in a way that usually gets us invested. they talk and they communicate and they allow space to learn each other and to react and behave instinctively. on the one hand they already have a shared wavelength that's gotten noticed by pretty much everyone and we get glimpses of how they hone in on talking about things with just each other kind of forgetting that cameras or other people are around. but on the other hand they still watch each other talking and reacting SUPER closely at times and keep fumbling around the concept of their rivalry and their partnership in this conflicted and clearly kind of anxious way. they'll have certain people in their lives pushing for them to say to hell with being friendly with the other guy - then they'll have Andrea and the team negotiating life at the front and keeping both cars there - and then the fact that when all that pressure is lifted, they have a genuine fondness and gentle affection for each other that would make them easy friends in any other circumstances.

and that's why it makes all the more sense why they choose to not broadcast to fans when they spend downtime together or give us their relationship in any kind of packaging. they're not hiding it but they're not letting us into a share of that space. as a few of Lando's friends/colleagues showed that weekend, a lot of unnecessary mess gets created when people can't separate work from private life feelings. and it's why Oscar has wisely asked everyone in his own private life circle to limit their opinions and commentary - Nicole's podcast ep was about Oscar as a person and only a bit about him as a driver. just like how Lando and Oscar don't hide anything about their dynamic or their partnership at all - even down to saying how they need to do more sports together - but they're not going to consider fans or PR at all when it comes to developing that dynamic and partnership. private but not hidden or secret.

so it's ended up as this rare experience of watching them both openly get to know each other, negotiate the honestly dizzy fast experience of going from a backmarker team to both being top 4 in the WDC in under 2 years together - and in a car that is identical between the two of them and that they've both developed with open communication between both garages. in being so open and honest about all of those experiences, their personalities have revealed themselves gradually to each other and honestly to fans as well.

which is why everyone who thought Hungary would be followed by a massive dry spell or just angsty/fix it fic was way off - nobody's into landoscar bc they're another perfect bromance where all we want is sunshine and positivity - and they're honestly not even yaoi fodder. they're so gd compelling for authors especially bc they're in so many ways equally softly rounded and hard edged and their dynamic is so effortlessly sweet in some ways and so intriguingly complex in others. Oscar only talks about Lily the same way he talks about Lando (when it comes to non-racing stuff). Lando reveals a more vulnerable, quieter side with Oscar that you don't really see in him with other drivers and even a lot of his mates. but then they're both identical in their determination and focus and desire to win that would be like drift compatible but in this case they're also each other's opponents.

they don't spend as much social time together as they have with other teammates, but they have a level of understanding each other and improving each other they've never had before. they don't go clubbing regularly but they finish each other's sentences. etc etc etc.

they get thrown into one of the most dramatic racing/team orders scenarios at a point in the season when it's even more dramatic, but they remain steadfastly resistant to the divide being pushed by fans and the media with a maturity that I hope more people give them credit for considering how young they are ????

and again, I don't expect them to be able to have such smooth sailing as time goes on and McLaren are eventually dealing with two number one drivers. but !!! their maturity and understanding of each other will also only increase so !!! they're just very very very exciting to watch and talk about and write fic about !!

[mikachacha]

𝙱𝚘𝚢𝚏𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚍 (𝙱𝚊𝚍𝚊 𝙻𝚎𝚎 𝚡 𝙹𝚁! 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛)

Synopsis: Bada is jealous since everyone seems to be flirting with you while she's been pursuing you even before the competition

Warnings: some language, a little bit of angst, jealous Bada

(A/N: It's based off from dear Anon's request 🤧🤧)

🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸💮🌸

Bada feels like she's gonna lose her mind as more people want your attention. Unbeknownst to many, Bada has been pursuing you even before Street Woman Fighter. She didn't know you were gonna be in the competition as well until it was revealed that you're the final member for Jam Republic. She initially thought that it was a blessing in disguise since you're gonna be working on the same set but it was the complete opposite. You're this pretty goddess and everyone wants to be the one receiving your love and affection. You were shipped to almost every single dancer in the competition, especially to Haechi and Chocol that made Bada even more pissed off. Then the Chili challenge came to play that skyrocketed your fame even further. Idols both male and female began flirting with you since they saw how well you danced. Especially when you did Kirsten's part on one promotional video since Kirsten had to attend to something and it had everyone losing their minds as they saw your prowess in dancing.

"Hey.. What's wrong? You seem like you're mad at me.." you approached Bada one time since you noticed Bada has been more pissed off. Well team Bebe told you since you're good friends with them.

"I'm not mad at you, Y/N.." Bada said a bit coldly that made you frown and cross your arms over your chest. Yup, you know something's wrong since Bada doesn't talk to you that way.

"Okay. What the hell is wrong with you? You've been acting all pissed off not only to your members and me but you're also acting so hostile towards Haechi and Chocol. Like I get this is a competition Bada but what the fuck?? This isn't like you at all!" you finally exploded and Bada looked at you, shocked at your outburst. She didn't expect that at all and now that you did, she just realized how much she fucked up. Not only with you but her team as well. She's not too sorry about Chocol and Haechi though since they're competitions. They've been flirting with you openly and it pissed Bada off.

"I'm sorry, Y/N.. I didn't mean to. I just get so pissed off seeing everyone flirting with you, seeing how everyone wants you and all that. I'm not your girlfriend, you're not my girlfriend but fuck, I don't want to see you with somebody else.." she finally admitted and you stood there, stunned before you sighed and smacked her on the arm. Bada can be the cure for your headaches but right now she's the cause of it.

"Oh my god, Bada.. Sometimes you're so unbelievable.." you groaned and went back to your crew since filming is about to begin. Bada watched you walk away, cursing herself mentally because she fucked up big time.

The next few days, Bada has been bringing you coffee, texting you a lot, giving you snacks and lunch, even sending flowers to your team's room which made your teammates tease you, especially Latrice and Ling who took photo evidence of everything and compiled it on the group chat you have with the team.

"Bada is down bad for Y/N and it's just the best. Like who the hell would send coffee, milk tea and foods like it's a routine?? She even gets flowers every single day. Like girl, what??" Emma comments and the other girls laughed, agreeing with Emma. You just received a delivery for lunch and your favorite milk tea order.

"How long has she been pursuing you?? The amount of dedication Bada has for you is making all of us jealous like for real." Audrey asked and you began counting on your fingers. You just realized that Bada's been trying her best for the last eight months to date you. She's very consistent with her efforts, except when she was in her jealous phase that it dropped a little bit but still she made efforts for you, unlike the men flirting with you on your instagram that couldn't even be bothered with meeting you or visiting you on set unless they're promised a fun night.

"Close to nine months now.. I honestly am confused. I want to give us a chance, not gonna deny that but we're competing with each other, ya know? I don't want to start a mess or complicate things between us. Between Team Bebe and Jam Republic." you pouted and sat down on the couch where the team just hugged you, understanding what you're going through.

"Y/N, honey.. I know how professional you are and how professional Bada is. I know both of you won't let your relationship come between the competition. If you really want to date her, that's completely okay. What's between you and her will be kept in private until both of you are comfortable sharing it with everyone else." Kirsten says and you hugged her tight, thanking her for understanding your situation and understanding your fears. You're very lucky to have the girls since they provide great comfort and provides the best advices.

You thought about it over and over again until you finally made up your mind. You messaged Bada to meet you at a café. You wanted to talk to her about the real score between you. You didn't want her to think that you're just leading her on while flirting with other people behind her back. You wanted to be clear with her, wanted to be clear with your feelings.

"Hey Y/N.." Bada greets and you smiled at her. You already ordered her favorite drink that got her beaming from happiness, even taking a picture of it to send to her team as she's really happy you remembered her favorite order.

"Hey Bada.. Look, I'm really sorry for how I acted when we last talked to each other. I didn't think about how you felt at all and just thought about myself and I'm really sorry for that. It's your right to be jealous.." you started and Bada reached to hold your hand across the table and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"It's okay, Y/N. I don't have any right to be jealous about people flirting with you since I'm not your girlfriend, you're clearly not mine.. Plus I did deserve those words. Snapped me back to reality which is much needed." Bada tried to laugh it off and you sighed, intertwining your fingers together.

"But you are my girlfriend. Well now, you are. Starting today, we're now girlfriends." you said and her eyes widened in shock and she looked at you like you just invented something really cool.

"Are you serious right now?? I'm not dreaming or hallucinating, right? Like all of this are real?" Bada asked, just wanting to check if her mind's not playing tricks on her. She has waited for this moment for almost nine months now.

"Nope. It's all real. We're girlfriends now whether you like it or not." you confirmed and a grin made its way to her face before she got up, hugging you from your seat and kissing you all over the face as she's just way too happy about what just happened.

"I swear you just made my whole year.. Thank you, Y/N.. I swear to you that you wouldn't regret anything." she says as she finally calmed down a bit. You just smiled and pulled her in for a sweet kiss. You love your goofy and sometimes jealous girlfriend.

[stinkysam]

Serge “Frenchie” - Hands games.

Warning : drug and alcohol consumption, violence (?)

Genre : fluff

Synopsis : “I was listening to the song "I'm so crazy for you" by Rebzyyx and I was thinking about Frenchie in that context or like in the sense of, Match my Freak. So you could you write a fluffy/angsty bit with Frenchie and male reader being the most unhinged, diabolical couple on the team?” - anon

Reader : gender neutral (you/yours)

A/N : i know so nothing about drugs I didn't even know the short name for cocaine smh, so please, if I'm wrong, close your eyes. Ignore it. See nothing, say nothing.

It's not that they hate you, it's just that they're not particularly excited about working with you two.

You make them uncomfortable by being a tad bit too comfortable around them.

Except Kimiko who seems unfazed by it all, as long as you two are happy, she's fine with anything. And Butcher, who's too tired to properly care.

Hughie tries to be open, only to often find himself smiling awkwardly as you and Frenchie are tongue deep in eachother’s throat, hands wandering everywhere, not caring about the people around.

Kimiko approaches him with a smile, tapping his shoulder before showing him her phone.

“👀 Time to get out 🍆💦🍑” Is written on the screen. Hughie stammer a bit.

“Th- They're doing it here ? Ri- Like right now ?” He asks and she nods, pulling him with her out of the room.

The amount of time Hughie or the others almost saw you or Frenchie naked is astronomical.

When you had to hide at the back of some shop with a group of smugglers doing their thing, you'd leave your makeshift bed and stay in boxers, ignoring Hughie's pleas to put some clothes on even during urgent meetings.

“What are these two still doing naked, eh ?” Butcher asked, stopping his explanations, just noticing the two of you rolling a joint, chatting together in boxers as if you had no worries in the world. You two frowned in confusion.

Naked ?

“It's summer.” You replied simply with a shrug.

“J’ai mes chaussettes. I'm not naked.” Frenchie added, raising his right foot up.

“Yeah me too.” You nodded. “I'm all for walking barefoot blah blah blah but the floor here is so unsanitary. So socks stay on.” You sighed, a bit too focused and upset about the unclean floor.

“So… uh, you said you had a plan ?” Hughie said hesitantly, returning the attention back on Butcher.

You couldn't do that in the new hiding spot. Though it wasn't really hidden as it was the Flatiron Building.

M.M explained what the color of every post-it meant, and which trash cans were for what before insisting on behalf of unnamed people -everyone- that all of you must remain fully clothed, at any time.

That didn't stop you from making out on the desks. Or fucking on the couch when it was just the two of you.

M.M thought it was common decency to not fuck on it. But apparently, he was wrong, and told you two to stop it.

That didn't stop you. But as a precaution he never sat on that couch ever again.

You two had a game. The slightly weird kind.

You'd slap him across his face, gently, and he had to slap you back slightly harder. In return, you'd have to do it back harder as well, and so on and so forth.

You two never went too far, never hurting the other, but you had to admit that sometimes, a slap can leave you a bit shocked.

He had started it. It was barely a slap, but you moved your head to the side dramatically before doing the same to him. Slowly it escalated, both growing more competitive and not wanting to be the last one slapped.

You were waiting, slightly grimacing, bracing yourself for the impact. You bit your lips as you watched Frenchie focus, approaching his hand from your cheek a few times before slapping it a bit stronger than anticipated.

You both gasped, surprised, your cheek tingling and burning as well as his hand. He grabs you and pulls you closer, kissing your reddening cheek.

“I'm so sorry, mon cœur.” He laughed.

“Oh putain.” You turned to him, your eyes burning with revenge as you chuckled. “Alors toi…”

“No, no, no, no, I stop here.” He quickly said, taking a step back. He knew you'd always want revenge, one way or another.

“Oh no, you started it, which means it's my turn, then we end it.” You wiggled your fingers, ready to throw your hand at him.

He began to walk backwards, still facing you. You grabbed his shirt to stop him but he kept pulling back, laughing.

“No, no, no, I'm out.”

“You can't.” You said in a sing-song voice.

“A kiss then !” He tried, his hands joined together in a praying manner. You sighed, thinking about it.

“Okay. A kiss. But I'll get my revenge. Sleep with both eyes open.”

Annie was looking at you with a frown, eyes squinted and mouth slightly agape as she tried to understand why you would play such violent games. At least it ended with a kiss ?

You had tried it with Hughie once but he's so afraid to hurt you that he never slaps too hard.

Kimiko gets really competitive though she's really stressed about hurting you or Frenchie. And M.M didn't even let you explain the rules, he was already saying ‘no’.

You never tried with Butcher, for obvious reasons.

That's also when you gained the habit of slapping each other's ass when passing by. It was cute and simple when it was only that.

But one day, one of you -you- slapped the other -him- a bit harder than usual, sparkling a competition to slap each other's ass harder each time. And now, it was a recurring thing.

Everyone was silent and focused at their respective desk, Butcher was God knows where, Hughie was working with Newman and Annie was at the Vought tower

You stood up to throw your can of beer in the trash. You had the misfortune to pass next to Frenchie’s desk.

His hand went behind him to then slap your ass as hard as he could.

“Ah !” You jumped as you both gasped loudly.

“What the fuck !” You turned around, looking at him with wide eyes. “I could've dropped my can !”

“I think I felt your ass bones !” He said, shaking his hand, grimacing. “Ah, sa mère.”

“Et toi, tu m'as explosé le cul !” You hissed,

“Titre.” He said with a smile, still holding his stinging hand. You grimaced at him before walking away, raising your middle finger at him.

M.M tried to ignore you two, focusing on sorting his papers. Still, a disapproving sigh left his lips.

“They're in love 🥰” Kimiko typed on her phone to show him, who looked at you two, flipping each other repeatedly, then back at her before rolling his eyes. Kimiko typed quickly again on her phone.

“Weren't you and Monique like that ?”

M.M scoffed.

“Why-” He started, before lowering his voice. “Why would I ever slap Monique's ass like that ?” Hoping you two wouldn't hear.

Tough luck, you both heard.

“Because she has a nice ass ?” You and Frenchie said in unisson.

“We're civilized adults.” He replied, focusing back on his papers.

“She has a flat ass.” You said quietly with a sad face, pouting, your index sliding on your cheek to imitate a single tear falling.

“You don't wanna go down that path.” M.M said very seriously, warning you.

“I was joking. I'm sure she has a nice ass.”

“[Name].”

You nodded, understanding his last warning before throwing the can in the trash and returning back to your desk, passing by Frenchie's who raised his hand once more. You jumped to the side, hands in front of you in defense.

“No, don't you dare ! That's my turn !” You whispers-yelled.

“You're passing by, that's the rule mon cœur.” He shook his head, and stood up.

“Jeux de mains, jeux de vilains !” You quickly said as you darted away, Frenchie close behind you.

“Bunch of teenagers…” M.M whispered, shaking his head.

That's when Butcher entered the room, you and Frenchie immediately stopped running to turn around and walk back to your desks, trying not to laugh. You profited being behind him to slap his ass with all your strength.

The sound of the slapping was quickly followed by Frenchie's gasp, trying to stay discret, hands on his ass as he cursed at you quietly.

“Putain de…” He turned around pointing at you menacingly. He'll get you back. You sent him a flying kiss.

Butcher closed his eyes, he was already tired of your shit and it hasn't even been 5 seconds.

As much as you love Frenchie, and him you, you two bring out the worst habits of each other.

You both claim one of you is always sober or clean to look after the one who isn't.

Which is totally false.

It's just that one if you will pretend -badly- to not be stoned or drunk.

Both shushing each other loudly and giggling at a team meeting to form a serious last minute plan while you're drunk off your ass and Frenchie so high he sees cartoon characters version of you.

Hughie had to pull you apart to calm you two so Butcher doesn't commit a crime. But even then you're both signing -partially nonsense- to each other before slowly turning it into a mime game. Yeah, they're not going to get anything from you two today.

You really can't listen to orders when you're together, you're like two teenagers, it's horrible. Which can often put you two in danger at times.

You realize it when sober. How close you were from death and how bad your habits are. How irresponsible you can both act.

Multiple times you tried to stop drinking or doing hard and soft drugs.

But you always failed, unable to say ‘no’ to another drink at any minor inconvenience or ‘no’ to Frenchie when he went for a joint or some crack.

Kimiko tries to help, but she can't do anything when you aren't with her and she can't really help unless you really want her to, but you're not at that stage yet.

She fears one of you, if not the two of you will become a slave to these bad habits that are taking a lot of your life already.

She wrote to you two about it and neither of you knew what to answer. You knew she was right, you didn't know how to stop, when to draw the line, and being with the boys sure didn't help.

Traduction - Translation :

J'ai mes chaussettes. - I have my socks.

Oh, putain. - Oh, fuck.

Alors toi… - You…

Ah, sa mère. - Ah, motherfucker.

Et toi, tu m’as explosé le cul ! - And you, you've exploded my ass.

Titre. - Title (a that's what she said joke / title of my sextape)

Jeux de mains, jeux de vilains. - Hands games, nasty games.

Putain de… - Fucking…

[ameliassecrets]

Got him (T.N. x reader)

You finally make friends with your next-door neighbour, but it seems you like the same guy.

A/N: So I might have gone horribly overboard with this, but I've been way too inspired recently, so I had to get it out of my system. Anyways, here you go!

(Has been intended as fem!reader, but could also be read as gn!reader since I didn't specify any pronouns)

Exactly one year ago you had officially started your career as an auror. You knew it wouldn't be easy but you were determined, otherwise you also never would’ve been able to get a job at the Ministry of Magic. You were standing on your own feet, so to speak, for the first time in your life, therefore you were faced with new challenges. Challenge number one had been to find an apartment that you liked. After living in your first apartment for a year and constantly having trouble with your landlord, you decided you needed a change.

As it just so happened every available apartment nearby came with three roommates as it seemed, all of which were guys. You didn't necessarily love your new shared apartment, but it was still an improvement on your last one. The boys were nice to you, yet you never really became part of the group and it bothered you.

It made living there even harder and you were starting to struggle. You were desperate to make your room feel like a home, but no amount of furniture and decor could make you feel less caged in your own little space. You felt like you were treading on thin ice, scared to loose footing at any given moment.

Then there were your neighbours. Your roommates instantly got along with them. 'No wonder' you scoffed in your mind. If you had knocked on their door asking for help from a 'strong man', you surely would've been their favourite neighbour as well.

Needless to say you didn’t get along with them. They kept hitting on your roommates, as well as other colleagues as you had heard, and you had quickly disliked them.

You can still recall them giggling as one of the boys was more than eager to lend them a hand.

You didn’t need to get along with them anyways, you had befriended other colleagues and for the most part, as long as you avoided your apartment everything was fine.

One of the colleagues you got along with the best was Hermione Granger. You were both smart and competitive, yet you supported one another, instead of feeling a need to bring the other down. That was probably what made your friendship so strong, nothing but little disputes that were easily forgiven, ever getting between you so far.

But there were also colleagues you hadn’t ever really paid any further mind to. One of them: Theodore Nott. Admittedly he was an attractive guy, with his mesmerizing eyes, dark curly hair and his charming smile that would turn into a sinful smirk ever so often, but you never really got to know him all that well.

Ever since you were paired up together in one of your classes though, getting closer to him was inevitable and Merlin it drove you mad.

He started seeking you out more often, you would always make each other laugh and with all the attention you were now getting from him you couldn’t help being intrigued by him.

----------

You went out to a karaoke bar in muggle London with your colleagues after a particularly hard training session that day. It was a Friday night, so the bar was crowded, but your group was still able to save yourselves a nice table in the corner of the room.

'I need a drink' you thought to yourself after a good half an hour of listening to several people sing. Only when you turned around towards the bar you held back. One of your neighbours was chatting up Theodore. Perhaps you had taken an unexpected interest in him that you weren't quite ready to admit to yourself. But it was brutally clear that so had she.

Whilst you were stood studying them from afar you could make out how she was constantly seeking out the opportunity to get impossibly closer to him, batting her eyelashes at him and carelessly throwing her head back laughing as he appeared to have made a joke.

What made it even worse was that he didn't seem quite as repulsed by her actions as you were. He kept their conversation going, making her laugh and leaning in whenever it was necessary so that she could hear what he was saying.

You hated feeling this way, it was only a silly crush. Oh please who are you even kidding.. he's a colleague. Exactly, 'a colleague', you reminded yourself. Who knows, maybe getting to know her would also help you get to know the others a little better and you would feel more at home?

And with exactly that thought in mind you pushed yourself through the crowd towards them.

"So what are we drinking over here?" You asked the both of them, after you had greeted them with your best smile.

"A sex on the beach" he replied with a toothy grin.

You were cursing yourself for the thoughts that flooded your mind at his reply.

"A sex on the beach? I thought you would take another Cuba Libre" you teased him, remembering his cringe at the taste of the drink he had earlier.

"Please, don't remind me" he begged whilst putting a hand over his heart, his face distorting into one of faux pain.

"Alright", you laughed. "Does it taste good?" You asked, pointing at the drink in his hand.

"It does. I can only recommend it" he said, after having taken another sip of the drink and leaning slightly back against the bar so that he would be able to face you whilst you were placing your order.

After getting your own drink and making casual conversation, one of your roommates came up to the three of you with one of your neighbours in tow.

"Do you also want a tequila shot?" he asked you over the loud music after offering some to the others. You took one of the shots, thanking him, only regretting it at the warm feeling of the liquid going down your throat.

"Salazar, we should sing a song together" your dark-haired neighbour cheered, after you had all downed the contents of the little glasses.

Theodore had protested immediately, his eyes almost comically wide, as they threatened to jump out of his head from the shock.

“Oh come on” You all teased him, his eyes stuck to yours in particular at your pleads for him to sing.

“Only if you go as well” he bargained, with a challenging look, adorned by a wolfish smile on his face.

“Fine, as long as you go” you replied confidently, despite the fact that you were usually uncomfortable singing in front of people. He rose his eyebrows in question of if you really wanted to do this but you left no room for arguments.

As soon as you had formally introduced yourselves, since she didn’t know your name and neither did you know hers, the girl was quick to write your names down on the board.

"I'm Pansy" she had introduced herself, reaching out her hand for you to shake, smiling as you told her your name.

As the girl named Pansy - as you now knew - had run off, you took the chance to introduce yourself to the other girl as well.

"By the way I never got your name.." you sheepishly admitted. Of course it was weird to introduce yourself to your neighbour after living next door to each other for months, but you’d rather have it be late than never.

"That's alright, I'm Daphne" she laughed, giving you a warm smile.

"Nice to meet you, I actually wanted to introduce myself on the first day and ask if you maybe wanted to drink a glass of bubbly together but I kind of missed the opportunity." you told her, smiling back.

"That sounds like a great idea, we should do that. Feel free to come over whenever you want, we can all sit on our balcony if you'd like." You were surprised with how on board Daphne seemed with the plan, seeing as you had never even introduced each other up until now, but then again you were generally surprised how nice she had been so far.

"That does sound good, how about we do that next week?" You asked happily.

"Alright” she confirmed, only to be interrupted by her friend.

"Our names are up on the board!" Pansy announced cheerily upon her return. "Now we just have to wait for our turn."

"Great, I'm going to go back to the others until then if you don't mind." you excused yourself, going back to your table. As the time began to pass you started berating yourself for your actions. Your nerves were beginning to eat you up when Daphne tapped on your shoulder.

"We are going to leave now, we want to go to the club already. Do you want to come with us?" She offered with a smile.

"Actually we were planning to stay a little longer” you had to decline, after giving it some thought “but we're going to join you guys there later, thank you." You added politely.

You were in a tug of war with yourself. You knew how weird it would seem if you were best friends with your neighbours, who you had been making fun of for the most part so far, all of a sudden. Yet you couldn't help wanting to feel like a part of the group with your neighbours and by extension, your roommates, who had taken a liking to them.

As it just so happened, due to their group staying longer and your group leaving earlier than intended, you all left at the same time.

"That sounds great!" Pansy cheered as you and Daphne filled her in on the plans for the following week.

"Alright then, I'll come over first thing on Monday" you joked, as Pansy clung to Daphne’s arm.

"Monday?!" She asked incredulously. "I don't think I'm going to be sober again by then" she stated, making the three of you break out into a fit of laughter.

"Okay, Tuesday it is" you announced.

----------

Apart from the bitterness you had felt when Daphne had openly admitted to liking Theo and leaving with him shortly after, the night had been fun.

After the two had left, you spent the rest of the night dancing with your colleagues, also explaining your sudden change of mind towards your neighbours and they had been nothing if not understanding.

You had also spent the early hours of the morning dancing with a certain Riddle brother, so you didn’t feel quite as bad. He had looked devilishly good in the colourful lights of the club, which accentuated his features. You had shared some drinks and after the club had closed you got some food to sober up. His treat of course.

But even better than the food were the stories he had to tell, one of which had peeked your interest particular. Daphne had apparently been interested in him at first. He told you all about how their friends would purposely leave them alone together and how it made him feel quite uncomfortable a couple of times. You never would've guessed that Mattheo was the guy to feel uncomfortable like that, seeing as he always seemed so indifferent on the outside, but you could only sympathize with the boy.

Even if nothing had happened between the two of you, you were glad for how the night had ended with the two of you simply enjoying each other’s company.

After that night you were still unsure if your neighbours were truly nice people or if it was just a facade, simply because Daphne couldn't have been downright rude to you in front of Theo, but you were willing to give them a chance.

Theodore and you kept getting closer as well as you and the girls.

After that one fateful day on their balcony, sharing drinks and snacks as well as some good stories and laughs, it became a regular thing.

You all got along far better than you had initially expected, mentally chiding yourself for being so quick to judge the girls. Only one thing never really changed. Daphne still liked Theodore. And you still hated it. Although now it was for a different reason.

He had confided in you what had happened after they left the club, how he had been interested in her in the beginning, only to be completely let down by her. She had pulled a switch on him just like she had on Mattheo. Still that was not the reason you hated her feelings for Theodore. No, it was your own guilt.

You couldn't help your own feelings for him getting stronger the more time you spent together in between classes, telling each other more about your lives and your families.

You could still remember him going on and on about how much he loves his grandmother, it was clear she was the most important to him out of his family.

It also didn't help your growing soft spot for him, how highly he talked about his grandma. Theodore had an unexpected soft side, which you grew to love so much you would never dare to admit it.

You weren’t sure when exactly your dynamic changed but at some point it just did.

Perhaps it had been more of a fluid change, rather than an abrupt one, leaving you unable to determine an exact point in time when you started being more than friends.

There was only that one point in time when the tension had built up so far, that there was definitely no denying it any longer.

It was at a colleague’s party, when the longing glances turned into an equal understanding, an eye-contact that was meant to never be broken, speaking the truth about your feelings and desires in the rawest form. His pupils were dilated so wide, you could hardly see the blue of his eyes that you had grown so fond of.

It was the moment when your eyes dropped to his lips and you noticed just how close you two were, when you noticed your breaths mingling, only for him to kiss you with such vigour that you were sure he had completely stolen the air from your lungs.

Friendly touches turned to clinging onto the other, afraid it would all end too soon, trying to feel as much as possible of each other’s bodies.

You had lost all concept of time, too caught up in each other.

Then came the guilt.

The guilt of kissing the man you knew your friend liked as well. Godric you were a crappy friend. You had listened to her swoon about him so often, never daring to speak up about your own feelings for him. Surely you could’ve talked to her, but no, you were a coward. And now there was no going back.

----------

After your classes had ended for the day, you took your sweet time packing your bag. The professor had already left as well as the other aurors-in-training, leaving only you and Theo behind in the otherwise empty room. He walked up to you and you wrapped your arms around his neck, lacing your fingers through the short hair at the nape. You knew he loved when you did that, it was written all over his face.

“Hello, love” he whispers, leaning in to kiss you for the first time that day. You get lost in the kiss for a minute, enjoying every second of it, before you reply with a sheepish ‘hi’. You could feel a blush creep onto your face, so you quickly try to look away, still catching a glimpse of the victorious look on his face.

This was only one part of your routine by now. Once you had accepted that albeit your kiss posed a betrayal to one of your friends, you could neither deny your feelings any longer nor go back to only being friends, your relationship with Theodore had flourished into a steady but secret relationship.

“Do you want to hang back and study together tomorrow?” he asked hopeful. Sure, at first that doesn’t sound like a typical date. In fact, the first time he had asked you to study with him you had given him a questioning look, unsure of whether or not he had an ulterior motive. The library quickly became your favourite place though. Since no one was there most of the time, you could openly hold hands, steal kisses and simply spend some time together as a couple.

"I'm sorry, I can't, I'm going over to the girls' place tomorrow" you apologise, leaving a soft peck on his lips.

"Again?" He whines, although you know it's only half-hearted. He has always been understanding and patient with you.

"I know, I know.. but if I cancel on them now, then they're going to ask me why and I don't want to lie to them, they're my friends." you sigh, tired of hiding.

Truth be told, you were getting rather sick of your current situation and you could see how he was hoping for you to just tell Daphne already. Of course you knew that hiding forever wasn't an option.

"Then don't lie to them" he counters. "I mean how long do you want to keep doing this?" he asked, coming to stand impossibly closer to you.

"Well, you know how Daphne still likes you" you remind him, making him cringe at the thought, "and besides, what do you expect me to say?"

"Just tell her that we're together and that you want to spend time with your boyfriend" he insists, playing with the belt loops on your jeans.

You felt the guilt creep up inside you again, making you look at the floor shamefully. No matter how many times you had told yourself that Daphne wasn't truly interested in Theodore or that the two of you hadn't been close friends when Theo had first kissed you, you knew she liked him and even now as her friend, you're still kissing him.

"I don't care about her, love. Besides she isn't even actually interested in me, I've told you how weird she got that night at the club."

You frown at the memory of how poorly she had treated him.

"I promise, you guys will be fine." he assures you, lifting your face by your chin to make you look at him.

"Alright.." you sigh after a minute of contemplation.

"Wait, really?" he asks surprised by your change of mind.

"Don't make me change my mind again!" you warn, making him pull you in by the loops and kiss you. You let out a content sigh, feeling him smile against your lips. Godric you were down bad for this boy, you thought. But how could you not be, when he so shamelessly loved you as well.

"So you're going to tell them? No more hiding?" he asks again, his face full of hope.

"No, you're right, I have to tell them eventually anyway and I don't want to hide our relationship anymore."

"I'm sorry, what was that you just said?" he teases proudly, pretending he didn't hear.

"I said you were right" You repeat yourself, leaning in again for a kiss filled with all the love you could convey.

[a-chip-in-inosukes-nichirin]

Upper Moon Demons at the Gym

I did the Hashira already, but I wanted to explore the upper moons (plus Muzan and a few of the lower moons). If y'all wanna see the other characters (Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Genya, Tamayo, Yuichiro, etc.) let me know.

Lower Moons + Muzan

Enmu:

Does an astonishing amount of leg workouts. Only wears bulky/baggy clothing. Says milk is better than protein shakes. Will hang around the gym to gawk at other's workouts. Confuses everyone at the gym with weird personal questions while they're in the middle of sets.

Rui:

Refuses to go to the gym. If he does get dragged there by his family, he sits and watches videos on his phone. If there is a pool, he can be convinced to swim, but only in the shallow end. He will take pictures of people to make fun of them. He's been banned from one gym for this.

Muzan:

Takes private fencing lessons and only works out in the privacy of his own home as he thinks the gym is unsanitary. Will try any and every protein shake and pre-workout, obsessed with staying fit and young-looking. Takes every supplement known to man. Wears joggers and muscle shirts. Hates sweating and mostly just walks a lot on his treadmill at home, despite having several other pieces of gym equipment.

Upper Moons

Kokushibo:

Wears a sweatshirt and joggers at all times, never seems to sweat even when he is exerting himself. He prefers extracurriculars such as akido and karate but goes to the gym to supplement his classes. Thinks pre-workout and protein shakes are scams.

Douma:

Only works out enough to stay physically fit and attractive. Will make unnecessary comments to people at the gym, especially women. He always seems to weasel his way back into gyms after getting kicked out because of his smooth tongue. He spends a lot of time lounging around in the tightest shirts he can buy. Has been sponsored by workout brands for clothing and supplements for his charisma and pretty eyes. There is usually a spike in sales after Douma does a commercial or ad, so he's a highly coveted model.

Akaza:

Does a lot of calisthenics and weights. He will also sprint on treadmills but focuses on building upper and lower body muscle groups. Can do more pull-ups than any of the moons. Wears wife beaters and joggers, basketball shorts if he's going to be running on the treadmills. He's generally a good gym goer but tends to challenge other gym goers to competitions. Kyojuro is the only one who has kept up with him in a challenge. Akaza lives off of pre-workout and protein shakes. He is responsible for getting Douma kicked out of a couple gyms, and vice versa- neither of them can attend the same gym without it coming to a head eventually.

Hantengu:

Hantengu- is an old man who will go to the gym to stare at girls doing squats. He doesn't do much else, except biking on occasion.

Sekido- has gotten in trouble for slamming weights and yelling at his brothers in the gym. He spends most of his time with dumbbells and on the bench-pressing weights while grunting loudly. Only drinks pre-workout, and probably hasn't had a proper glass of water since starting at the gym. He will drag his brothers to the gym and then complain about them being there.

Karaku- is pretty well rounded at the gym, trying out new things and never really sticking to a specific plan. As long as he feels sore by the end, he doesn't care to target anything specific. He will loudly talk and conversate with other gym-goers, and there are actually a few gym employees who like chatting with him. Will eat or drink anything given to him.

Urogi- likes to do parkour and tends to enjoy cardio more than his brothers. He will also attempt to talk to other gym goers but will also nit-pick the way they workout while giving somewhat backhanded compliments. Likes pre-workout but will not drink protein shakes. Wears loose clothing like basketball shorts and oversized t-shirts.

Aizetsu- hates going to the gym and is always asking when they are leaving. He wears oversized hoodies and sweatpants, and exclusively does ellipticals and biking. He will do stretching if no one else is around. Strictly drinks water and tries to never make eye contact with anyone at the gym.

Zohakuten- Gets dragged along with his brothers to the gym even though he hates going. Thinks all of the women there are skanks no matter how they are dressed and makes no attempt to hide his contempt for others. He made a comment on Mitsuri at one point which mysteriously resulted in him accidentally eating a snack that contained peanuts and having an allergic reaction (they never found the culprit, but others have suspicions about a certain black-haired man who wears masks to the gym).

Gyokko:

Wears the weirdest clothes to the gym and is constantly muttering or having full-on conversations with himself/at people about art and the human body. He does very little exercise, stating he mainly comes to the gym for inspiration in his art. He hasn't caused any major trouble, so he hasn't been banned or kicked out, but people tend to avoid him at all costs as he gives a lot of them the creeps- men and women alike.

Daki:

She, like Mitsuri, wears cute matching sets to the gym, but they tend to be more revealing. Daki has also gotten a lot of modeling and ad contracts for workout brands, although her modeling career extends beyond the gym. Daki has been asked out no less than seventeen times while at the gym, all of which she declined. She spends a lot of time preening in the mirrors between sets, and judging people both in her head and out loud. She only drinks protein shakes that are sweet and makes Gyutaro mix them up for her.

Gyutaro:

He only attends the gym because Daki goes. His crippling self-esteem issues force him to wear dark oversized and baggy clothing. Gyutaro sticks to any machines that are inconspicuous and don't draw attention to himself. He has never once slammed his plates, afraid that it will make people look at him. The only time he is okay with people seeing him is when Daki is dealing with a persistent admirer, and she needs him to act as a physical barrier and guard dog. He will only drink energy drinks.

[watermelonsugacry]

I'm not sure if you have watched dwd yet but it would so cool if bandmate!y/n had a tiny feature in it

Bus Ride

A/N: I saw it opening night and I have both popular and unpopular opinions about lol

SINCE 2010 masterlist

So we all know that Ms. Wilde is not very fond of the idea of Harry's girlfriend coming on set every once in a while just because it takes his attention away from her. But when YN joined the cast for lunch on set one day in Harry's trailer and Florence made an off-handed comment about how fun it would be if YN did an actual cameo like Olivia's character was supposed to be, the small group of actors laughed along to the idea.

After everyone settled down, she noticed that Harry and Flo gave each other a knowing look.

"No, no." YN warned with wide eyes as she saw the two grow smiles on their faces and got up slowly from their seats. "No! You guys!" She practically fell out of her seat when they basically ran out of the trailer to their director's trailer.

Yeah so as much as Olivia didn't like YN, there was no way she wasn't going to pass up an opportunity to not only have the world's most famous man on the planet as one of her leads, but to have the world's most famous woman in a cameo? What more can she ask for.

And as much as YN tried to get out of it, Harry, Flo, and the rest of the cast persuaded her with their wide, pleading eyes and excitement. Plus, when Jenny mentioned that Olivia basically begged for YN's small role at the suggestion, it definitely was a boost to her ego.

Not to mention the fact that it meant more time with her boyfriend during the day, so she couldn't really complain.

Especially when she's able to wake up at the same time as him, snuggled up by her side in the early hours of the morning. Or when he hands her fresh coffee in her favorite tumbler and holds her hand as he drives them to work. Or the fact that when he walks her over to make-up trailer, he keeps her there for as long as he possibly can before they have to be whisked away.

They lean against the side of the trailer, their shoulders pressed up to the white vehicle as they chat amount themselves--flirty smirks and giggles hidden behind coffee cups. And when they do have to part ways for the time being, he presses a loving kiss to her lips. He holds her close to him as he pecks tiny kisses to her smiling face before she has to back him away with her hand to his face.

After a couple hours switching between make-up, hair and wardrobe, Harry gets called to set by his PA before he can see her in her full attire. Disappointed, he reluctantly steps on the 50s inspired kitchen and sees Florence and some of the other female cast members chatting among themselves. As he approaches the group, he stops in his tracks when one of the women twists her back to look at him.

He's left breathless and his dimples dig into his cheeks at the sight before him. He almost doesn't recognize his love without any of her tattoos and her hair pinned up in victory rolls. The yellow dress they put her in hugs her waist perfectly and the way the skirt puffs out to her knees reminds him of their early days in the band.

And the smile she gives him with her full, cherry red lips? His knees go just might give out.

"Well hey there, handsome," YN beams with an American accent and puts her fists to her hips. The ladies behind her giggle at her antics all the while Harry just stares at her with an open mouth smirk. "Better close that mouth mister, you'll catch flies." YN playfully pinches his lips before tilting her head back, arms bent outwards by her side as she dramatically walks further into the kitchen. "Excuse me ladies, but I have a mouth to feed."

The women laugh behind their masks before quickly getting into character, all nodding as they scurry off the kitchen platform. Even Flo gives him a playful jab in the arm before nodding over to follow his girlfriend. He stuffs his hands into his trouser pockets, steps further into the set and all he can do is just watch his love fiddle around the small kitchen with a fond smile on his face.

"Now, I hope you're hungry because I'm makin' your favorite tonight: roasted chicken with veggies," YN waggles her finger at him as she walks over to the fake sink and moves her hands around under the faucet without any water coming out. "Yes I do the cookin', yes I do the cleanin'. Oh! And look what else they gave me."

She quickly walks over to her boyfriend with a pep in her step and fans out her fingers in between them. He takes her hand in his and thumbs over the rock on her ring finger. "Since I have such a vital role in this film as bus rider number 5, one of the nice make-up lads gave me whole backstory for her. She's very good dancer and loves gardening. She's married to her loyal hubby Jonathan--who is also a part of the Victory project--but she's in her little hoe phase right now because she's apparently having a secret love affair with some bloke named Jack Chambers. But I don't think that's gonna make it in the movie."

Harry can only describe what he's feeling right now as over the moon. It's a mix of gratitude that she's here with him, overjoyed that she's actually managed to bring some light into his dreaded job, and an overwhelming amount of love at the sight of a ring on her finger.

He brings his left hand up to hers and admires the look of their accessorized hands together.

"Think I'd make a pretty good housewife, don't yeh think?"

"You'd make the best wife," Harry finally speaks up and butterflies erupt in his tummy at those tantalizing eyes smiling back at him. "My wife, yeah?"

YN's eyes widen and her heart beat skips when he lowers himself down on one knee. He looks up at her with so much love in his eyes and with her hand in his that he never wants to let go.

"YN YLN?" Harry can see the way her chest begins to rapidly go up and down, her lips parted and if he listens closely, he can almost hear her heart pounding out of her chest. "Will you wait for me as I tie my shoes?"

He bursts into a fit of laughter and weakly shields his arms up as his girlfriend smacks any part of him she can reach.

"You son of a--yeh scared me! I hate you!" YN can't help the laughs that tumble past of her lips.

Olivia doesn't know whether she should sink in on the miserable feeling from the sight of the couple laughing together, Harry pulling his girlfriend into his arms and pressing persistent kisses to her cheeks that has YN squeezes her eyes shut in a fit of giggles. Or if she should feel a weight of relief off of her shoulders at the fact that Harry didn't propose to his girlfriend on the set of her movie.

Taglist:

@wobblymug @be-with-me-so-happily @ashtongivesmebutterflies @kiwiskiwiskiwi @darlingdesire @obsesseddd @hopefulwastelandcreation @cacapeepee @breezie-b00 @harrysfolklore @theekyliepage @sunshinemoonsposts @nervousspiderling @tbslonelyhes @tenaciousperfectionunknown @harrystylesrecs @certified-nalayak @itsjustsel @iknowyouthinkimbulletproof @gviosca @behindmygreyeyes @twobluejeans @allisonxmcu @theemeraldbutterfly @jean-love @marvellover-sam @b-reads-things @reveriehs @rach2602 @thurhomish @perrypughstyles @luvonstyles @mxltifxnd0m @teamspideyman @c00chiemonster @juiceboxrry @s8tellite @folklorehrry @illicithallways @claramllera @eunoiaax @hoya122 @nichmedder @sleutherclaw @gloriousmoneyrascalbiscuit @harianaswhore @teawithcyb0rgs @vrittivsanghavi @vc55bughead @futuristiccroissantlampsludge @onecrazydirectioner @valluvsu @itsgabbysblog @awkwardbisexuall @rosehel @sucker4angstt

[heliads]

Hellooooo!!! I was wondering if I could request a modern au newt x reader? this is going to be a specific request, but where gladers are playing monopoly and it turns into an all-nighter because Minho refuses to let anyone stop and during it, reader, being sleep- deprived, confesses her feelings for newt. in the morning reader doesn't really remember, but newt does and he confronts her?

absolutely delightful idea

masterlist

You should have known from the very beginning that this was going to end badly. Look, the idea is better in theory. It always is. After all, what could possibly go wrong during game night?

The answer, as it turns out, is everything. It was Minho’s turn to decide what game would seal the friend group’s fate for the evening, which is never a good sign. Last time it was his choice, he forced everyone to undergo a dreadfully long session of Twister. You don’t think Newt’s leg has been the same since. 

Ah, well. Your prophecy is sealed. Minho has refused to so much as say the name of what game you’ll be playing tonight, opting instead to issue out wicked cackles of glee whenever one of you asks. All he’s let slip is that the lot of you should put aside a significant amount of time for what is to come. That sounds like it’s going to involve a fair amount of pain and suffering, and at this point, being sentenced to years in a medieval torture device seems like a far more efficient method of ending your days. 

You suppose you could always just skip game night and get back your treasured hours, but everyone knows that’s not an option. To show even the slightest sign of flinching under fire means that you’ll be brutally roasted in group chat and hallway alike for years, possibly even decades. 

No, you must go through with this. This doesn’t mean Minho won’t escape without at least an earful or two of complaining, though. He has his role (torturer number one) and you have yours (critic most vocal). Besides, if you’re being honest it’s kind of fun to suffer with your friends. Any decent friendship has to be borne on at least some sort of shared trauma. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Thus the afternoon ends with you rolling up to Minho’s place of residence. The chooser of the game must be the host, tradition dictates. Otherwise the messes were astronomical. Your little gatherings have cultivated their own sort of lore over the months, strengthening with time until breaking the rules is something akin to a mortal sin worthy of the strictest punishments. 

So it goes. As it turns out, that’s just the sort of fun that you happen to like the best. No matter how difficult life gets, how much work you have or how much it feels like you’ll never be able to get through what you must, you can always count on your friends to lift your spirits. You would follow them to the end of the world. Forget that old saying about jumping off a bridge if your friend took the plunge first. For them, you’d dive off the tallest tower, take the most treacherous risk. You know that they would save you every time.

That’s why you laugh about what is to become of you, but in the wholehearted sort of way that warms your spirits even as you feign complaints. In the end, you couldn’t be happier to be here. These are your friends, your newfound family. You couldn’t put them to the side if you tried.

Truth be told, there’s one amongst your numbers that you’re excited to see more than the most. Your friends have always been your favorite people on this earth, but that difference goes the extra mile when it comes to the blond boy currently walking up Minho’s driveway with a smile like the sun. 

You’re not sure when you first fell for Newt, but oh, you couldn’t shake that sort of heartsick hopelessness if you tried. No, Newt is what matters most to your skipped heartbeats and jumping pulse, end of story. He has this way of making you feel extraordinary, even on the days when you don’t want to think about a single thing connecting you to anyone else. You could come up with a thousand reasons to hate yourself only for Newt to brainstorm a million more to love yourself.

No, there has never been anyone for you like him. It’s a shame, then, that he doesn’t seem to feel the same way. Newt knows the perfect thing to say to keep you from falling apart, the perfect smile to wear. He is perfection incarnate, except for one characteristic which threatens to fracture apart his entire image in your eyes. Were it not for the fact that Newt will never see you as someone along the lines as a sister or a particularly close friend, he could be flawless.

Every one of you is mortal, though, and in some way it’s almost refreshing to know that even Newt has his lapses in character. This is only a problem to you, obviously, but even this flaw in his visage hurts like staring at the sun. You could spend your entire life revolving around him, reveling in the blindness of scorching your eyes out over his brilliance, and you don’t even think he would notice once.

It is a terrible sort of ache, to be sure, but it is one that you have known for quite some time. That’s why you’re able to put aside your cracked and fractured heart and greet him with a charming grin when he walks through the door. Pleasantries are what Newt expects from you, and you will give them to him every time. You can keep up this act if it kills you. Especially if it kills you. Dying for him might be the best sort of nothingness, a gradual slip off into the abyss. 

You’ll mess up at one point, of that you’re certain, but until then you can keep pretending that nothing is the matter. Newt will go on being exactly who he is– kind, more than you deserve, the best sort of boy that too few people will ever get to know– and you will push off the inevitable discovery for as long as you can. After all, if Newt were to know how you truly feel, he’d surely be disappointed.

That’s why you have to keep this to yourself. You simply have no other choice. It’s that or leave him behind, and that is one thing that you surely cannot do.

Newt is very grateful for tonight. Game nights are always an experience, and he has an inkling that tonight won’t be an exception. Minho has been plotting this for at least a week now, which is never a good sign. Newt has already had murmured discussions with Alby over what Minho could be planning, and although they have their ideas, they won’t know for sure until Minho whips out his chosen game board and seals their fate.

Until then, he gets to talk to his friends, eat snacks, and try to have a good time. School stress has been settling around his shoulders in a thick blanket as of late, choking up his movements and forcing him into a frustratingly slow existence. He needs to study, but he can’t get his brain to focus for longer than five minutes at a time. He tries to get better grades, but the content seems impossible to master.

That’s why he needs a night like this, a chance to think about something other than godforsaken schoolwork for a change. Newt can always count on his friends to clear his head, it’s what he’s done since what feels like the beginning of time and what he’ll do until the day he dies.

Newt was especially glad to open the door to Minho’s house and see Y/N smiling at him from across the room. Obviously, he’s happy when all of his friends are around, but for some reason he seems to enjoy Y/N’s company more than anyone else. Newt can’t quite put his finger on the reason, but he’s certain that it will come to him eventually. Everything always makes sense around her, so surely this feeling will have a name soon enough. 

Until then, he’ll suffer with this sensation like having a word on the tip of his tongue only to forget it the second he opens his mouth. It’s infuriating, but then again, so are most things in this life. Over time, Newt has learned that the way to deal with things is to just keep moving forward, and so he does, walking into the house and greeting Y/N as soon as he can. He can banish any negative thought so long as he can just see her.

Minho ends their anticipation soon enough, announcing with a dreadful flourish of his hands that they’re going to be playing Monopoly until the very end of the game. There will be no untimely conclusions for them, no sir. The group is going to play until one person is capitalist extraordinaire, and after that long-awaited moment they can all free themselves from board game exile.

They’re going to have quite a long time to ponder their fate as they play, though. Minho is clearly delighted with the thought of chaining his friends to the accursed game, likely because the dark-haired boy is ungodly good at it for some reason while the rest of them are absolutely terrible. It feels like Minho’s already racked up a multitude of properties after just a few turns. Newt would think he’s cheating were it not for the fact that Gally keeps an eagle eye on the bank, just in case.

Thomas is convinced that he should not have been sent to jail, Gally threatens that he should be there for longer, Alby groans and tells Thomas that one turn will be a sufficient punishment for his board game crimes. In between getting absolutely robbed over egregious rents on the various brightly colored squares, Newt passes his time in another, somehow better way. The loud, raucous complaints of various friends as the game progresses serves as a brilliant cover-up for the conversation Newt wants to be having instead. 

Y/N chose to sit by Newt, something he’s very happy about, again for a reason he can’t entirely describe. They use the threats of mortal violence ricocheting between friends to muffle their quiet exchanges. Newt is always filled with this ridiculous need to sound as cool and funny as possible around her, so he’s grateful Minho can’t overhear Newt’s attempt at suave conversation. He has a feeling that the other boy would find it incredibly humorous, and likely point this out at great volume.

As the night wears on, Newt’s attempted control over his own words grows less and less strict. They have been at Monopoly for hours and they’re still no closer to winning the game than when they started. Minho insisted that even losers must remain around the board game table, likely to make sure no one would try to sacrifice themselves in the hopes of escape, so they’re all still packed just as tightly around the game board.

However, the late hour and the mind numbing brain drain of trying to remember all the rules has Newt’s attention span shrinking by the second. Y/N looks like she’s about ten seconds from falling asleep, and Newt ends up playing most of her turns for her. She’s leaned up against his shoulder now, eyelids continually flickering shut as she fights the urge to pass into unconsciousness.

In the beginning, Y/N would tell Newt what she wanted to do, but he’s long since been able to guess at what she wants that she doesn’t even have to say a word. They’re of one mind, the two of them. It is impossible to tell where she ends and he begins, if there was ever such a difference in the first place.

As if reading his mind, Y/N yawns and whispers something to Newt, her words scarcely audible over Frypan declaring his hatred of another railroad square. “I’m glad you’re here, you know.”

Newt chuckles. “Why, so you have someone to suffer with you?”

“No,” Y/N says amidst a quiet laugh, “I just like spending time with you. Guess it’s ‘cause of the whole crush thing, but still. You’re fun.”

After this pronouncement has been given, Y/N tucks her head back against Newt’s shoulder, looking to all the world as if she’s just commented on the weather or something normal. By contrast, Newt feels as if he’s never been more awake in his life. He knows what Y/N said, even if she might not be aware of it herself. She said that she liked being with him because of the ‘crush thing,’ but that sounds like– that sounds like–

She likes him. She might even love him. Newt’s brain might fall to pieces over the force of such a revelation. Isn’t that how he feels, though? Like he doesn’t want to spend time with anyone other than her? The fact that he hadn’t even realized it until now is insane to him. It makes perfect sense the longer he thinks about it. Of course he loves her. How could he not? Isn’t this what love is, wanting to be with someone for the rest of your life?

The rest of the game night passes in a haze. Newt isn’t entirely sure who won, although he’s certain that whoever it was will take great pains to remind them until the next game night. Newt lost whatever advantage he had in the game the second Y/N accidentally confessed her feelings. He just couldn’t think about something as elementary as Monopoly when someone like Y/N told him that she liked him. How could anyone focus on a board game during such conditions?

Newt feels like he’s walking on eggshells when he approaches Y/N at school the next Monday. She didn’t text him over the weekend to indicate that anything unusual had happened. In all honesty, Newt’s not even sure that she was awake enough to know what she said. Newt knows, though, and that makes all the difference.

Newt stops by Y/N’s locker, wondering how he’s going to bring this up. Y/N saves him the trouble, flashing him a casual grin as she opens her combination lock.

“Hey, Newt. Sleep well this weekend? I was exhausted after Friday. I assumed I’d have to pull an all-nighter at some point, but I didn’t think it would be over Monopoly.”

Newt forces a chuckle. “Yeah, yeah. Hey, about Friday. There’s something I wanted to talk about.”

Y/N’s brow furrows. “What do you mean? I think I fell asleep once we passed into the three a.m. range, sorry about that.”

Newt shakes his head. “No, it wasn’t about that. It was, well, when you were falling asleep, you told me something.”

Judging by the way Y/N’s face falls, she might have been aware of it after all. “I thought that was just a dream,” she whispers, “Guess not.”

“Yeah,” Newt says.

Y/N winces. “Look, I’m really sorry about that. It wasn’t supposed to happen at all. Can we just pretend I was asleep and didn’t know what I was saying? Please?”

“I don’t want to pretend, though,” Newt whispers, “I want it to be real.”

Y/N seems to freeze in place. “What?”

That’s as good as any to continue, so Newt does just that. “I like you too,” he says, “really, I do. More than I thought I could.”

Y/N stares at him a second longer, then breaks into a slow smile. “If this is what comes of Minho’s game nights, I’m not entirely sure I mind them anymore.”

Newt laughs. “Is that your way of saying that you’d like to go out with me sometime?”

“It most certainly is,” Y/N assures him.

Maybe Newt is still reeling from the high of staying up so late, because he swears he can feel his heart do a loop in his chest. Either way, he couldn’t be happier. He’s got his girl, and that’s all that matters right now.

tmr tag list: @rogueanschel, @ellobruv, @retvenkos, @neewtmas, @thatfangirl42, @hiya-its-amber, @gods-fools-heroes, @hope92100, @23victoria, @w1shes43

[imagrindylow]

I have a Leander prompt if you’d be interested? MC is back for the start of sixth year and not coping well after the events of the map chamber etc. Leander finds her in the common room late at night upset and they become unlikely friends and develop feelings over time? 👀

Big big fan of your writing! X

Thank you for this request, anon!! I really loved working on this, as you can probably tell from how insanely LONG this is. I also saw your other ask with the added details and I incorporated those too! I hope you like it!!

You See Me

Leander Prewett / gn!Gryffindor!Reader 12.4k words

Content Warnings: Game spoilers, angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, MC is dealing with anxiety Summary: MC is having a hard time starting out sixth year. Their friendships from fifth year are falling apart and the loss of Professor Fig is weighing on them greatly, leading to reoccurring nightmares. As things get worse, MC finds comfort in someone they didn't expect to.

~~~~~ The summer holiday following fifth year unfortunately did not give you the reprieve you so desperately needed, after the hell that was your first year of experience as a Hogwarts student. You made some friends and had some fun, sure, but the price you paid mentally and emotionally while being there for those you grew closest to, and while defending the school you’d come to love, left you reeling and distraught over the summer months.

You’d kept in touch with Sebastian, via owl, during the months the two of you spent away from the castle. You wrote him multiple times a week, though not every letter you sent him garnered a response. You were sick with anxiety over the thought of him staying alone in that little house in Feldcroft. Not a happy home to begin with, when his Uncle Solomon had been ever angry and pessimistic, and Anne so ill, nowadays, with only Sebastian residing there, silence and loneliness overwhelmed the small house making the ambiance all the worse.

Sebastian’s letters explained to you how he had seen neither Ominis nor Anne since the events of the catacombs, and how regretful he was for what had happened, how he desperately wished he wasn’t so utterly alone while away from school. You wished that your living situation allowed for him to stay with you for the time being, but it wasn’t possible. Your caregivers wouldn’t entertain the idea for any amount of time. The tone of his letters made you anxious about the state in which you’d find him when you’d finally be reunited after summer.

He was equally concerned for you, and rightfully so. In your letters, you’d written a lot about your grief over losing Professor Fig, and the guilt you felt around the ordeal. You kept the full story from your caregivers over fear of not being allowed back to Hogwarts, and you wanted nothing more than to be in the proximity of someone who understood. You needed your friends now more than ever.

You’d sent Ominis several letters, as well. You weren’t sure if he genuinely didn’t receive them, or if he was simply ignoring your efforts to stay connected to him, but regardless, his lack of response only added to your feelings of unease as you packed your trunks to head back to Hogwarts for your sixth year. You were excited to see them both again, but a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach made you unsure whether or not things would ever be the same among your little group… You could only hope.

Boarding the Hogwarts Express, you could fine neither Sebastian nor Ominis as you walked through the train cars, taking your time to peer into each cabin. Your assumption was that they simply hadn’t boarded yet, though you hadn't seen him on the station platform either. Perhaps they were just running a bit late, or you overlooked them in the massive crowd. Instead, you resigned to sitting in a cabin with a Gryffindor housemate of yours, Natsai Onai. You took the seat across from her, and the two of you started to chat about your summer.

You hadn’t had much time to catch up with her before the door to your cabin was being pulled open again, and you were being joined by two more housemates, Garreth Weasley and Leander Prewett, the two boys dialing up the volume level in your cabin from a 2 to a 10 instantaneously with their banter and laughter. Despite being housemates with the two of them for an entire school year, you hadn’t truly become friends with either of the boys, due to your involvement with Sebastian monopolizing nearly all of your spare time. This fact was obvious and regrettable when the addition of the two boys to your cabin drew Natty’s attention off of you, and made you feel like an outsider even though you were surrounded by people who should have been your closest peers. You made a mental note to try to expand your friendships this year.

You sat mostly quietly, Garreth dominating much of the conversation, speaking to the three of you as a whole about all of the various experimental potions he’d concocted the last few months. You were hearing him, but not quite listening, your gaze focused out the window as the train departed the station. After awhile, the conversation around you calmed. Leander had taken to reading a book, while Garreth chatted to Natty, who remained polite but was definitely less than interested in the conversation.

Having actually been your friend through fifth year, Natty could tell something was troubling you, but she also knew better than to outright ask you about it, especially not in front of anyone else. You didn’t set out to be the mysterious type in your fifth year, but the nature of your various activities didn’t lend themselves to being casual conversation topics. And so, you stewed in your thoughts and anxieties privately as the train drew closer to Hogwarts. Stealing the idea from Leander, you pulled a book from your satchel, and pretended to read in an attempt to look less stricken as you dwelled on whether or not Ominis was angry with you, or if he and Sebastian would get back to speaking terms, or if Sebastian would still be the friend he was when you’d last seen him.

Eventually, the train pulled into Hogsmeade Station, and the train deboarded slowly. You tried to scan the crowds the best you could for your Slytherin friends while heading towards the carriages en masse to take the short ride to the castle. It wasn’t until you were seated at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall that you’d finally spotted them from across the room, your heart aching that they weren’t seated together. You knew there would be work to do to get things to return to how they were before every thing had happened. But you knew you had to try.

You sat quietly through the sorting ceremony before dinner was served, eating your food quickly and chatting absentmindedly with your housemates until the meal is over and you’re finally able to slip through the crowds of students making their ways to their common rooms, over towards the Slytherin table, where you’d finally be able to catch up with Sebastian. As you made your way towards his table, among the droves of students exiting the Great Hall, you spotted Ominis, not sticking around to chat with anyone.

You couldn’t formulate words before you were being wrapped in a tight hug, Sebastian’s fists clenching your robes as though you’d vanish if he didn’t hold you tightly enough. “Gods I’ve missed you.” He muttered with his head buried against your shoulder.

“I missed you, too.” You said softly, all of your focus going into keeping the tears inside that were threatening to spill at the feeling of finally being reunited with the only person who really understood.

You clutched him back, squeezing him tight for just a few moments before the two of you backed up a step, holding each other at arms length and really taking each other in. Sebastian could see the sadness and grief in your eyes, the hurt you had from losing Fig, the burden of everything you’d seen beneath the castle, mixed with a new feeling of relief that came with just being near him.

Sebastian’s guilt over the events of the catacombs, the tragic series of events that led him to losing contact with his sister and best friend, was painted all over his face. His eyes were solemn, the smile he had for seeing you again, though genuine, was nothing like the smile you came to know the previous year, before things had gotten complicated.

As the Great Hall emptied, the two of you made your way out of the room with the last of the crowd, him slowly walking you towards your common room and chatting quietly all the while.

“Do you think Ominis will start speaking to you again…? Now that you’ll be forced into proximity in the dorms?” You asked him, worry heavy in your voice. You couldn’t imagine how not only awkward, but painful it would be to have your closest friend so close by, but separated by the circumstances.

“I damn well hope so. He’s been so stubborn, but he’s only human. I’ll do my best, apologize for everything that happened...” Sebastian said, before leaning in and lowering his voice. “Convince him I’m through with the dark arts.”

“I hope you can.” You said.

“I’ll be trying from the moment I return to our common room. If all else fails, you can give it a go. You’ve always had a way with Ominis.” Sebastian sounded more confident than he looked, but it was refreshing to hear the drive in his voice again.

“I think you’ll have better luck with him when it comes to this. He hadn’t returned any of my owls all summer, as I had mentioned.”

“Hm. I know. Mine either, of course. But... We’ll give it our best. He still cares for us, regardless of what happened, there’s no way he doesn't.”

“Well, good luck then.” You said as the two of you approached the portrait of the Fat Lady. Sebastian bid you a goodnight, giving you a little wave while taking a few backwards steps before turning around and making his way towards his own common room.

You headed through the portrait and into your common room, where the rest of your house mates were scattered through the space, chatting, laughing, telling stories about their summers. Despite spending more of your time with your Slytherin friends the previous year, the Gryffindor common room felt soothing and homey as you entered.

Knowing you’d have lost yourself in stressful thoughts if you’d have gone to your dorm room, you settled yourself among a group of your fellow sixth years in the corner of one of the sofas near the fireplace, against the armrest. Nellie Oggspire was sat beside you, along with Garreth who was half underneath her, his arms encircling her waist, holding her in place. Natty was sat in the armchair adjacent to you in conversation with Cressida, while Leander sat against the opposite armrest of the sofa, beside Garreth.

Joining into the existing conversation seemed daunting at first but the group eagerly included you, overall glad that you were making a point to be social by inserting yourself amongst them. As a whole, the group assumed this was a first step to normalcy for you, they knew you were there when Fig passed and that you were likely emotional in coming back to school. But they were happy to see you trying to connect.

The six of you chatted late into the evening. You now knew they details of their summers: that Leander’s family had gone on a long holiday, on which they brought along Garreth, that Garreth and Nellie who’d apparently been close since the year prior started dating, that Natty’s mother had finally loosened up a bit, and that Cressida had not only perfected the charm you’d helped her with the consequences of the year before, but learned to preform it non verbally. It seemed as though each of them had pleasant summers, but you didn’t have much to contribute about yours without bringing down the vibe of the group, so you spoke of the books you’d read to keep the mood light.

You all talked about Quidditch being reinstated, and about continuing on with Crossed Wands, calling Lucan to join the conversation. He promised to get sign ups going as soon as possible. These two things excited you, having hobbies and things to do would keep your mind busy and leave you less time to succumb to your anxieties. You hoped that the group couldn’t tell how as they spoke you seemed to be a bit preoccupied in your own mind, smiling and reacting to their words just a moment later than the rest did. You were wondering how Sebastian was fairing in his mission to speak to Ominis for the first time in months...

But despite being a bit distracted you tried to keep your thoughts positive, and as the conversation went on, you found yourself relaxing a bit more. Overall, you had a pleasant evening and did feel a bit closer to your house mates, and when you tucked yourself into your bed for the evening, you were able to sleep mostly soundly.

~~~

The first day of term brought stress and excitement weighed very equally for you. You were excited to get into your new courses, and to get back into dueling, and trying out for Quidditch did sound fun. But at the forefront of your mine when you woke up the following morning, was seeing how Sebastian’s conversation went with Ominis. With any luck, they’d be sitting together at breakfast. You dug through your trunk, grabbing clothes and your toiletries, and readied yourself for the day, before heading down to breakfast along with your dorm mates.

Sitting among your group from the previous evening, you poured yourself your morning tea and served yourself some eggs and toast. Conversation was happening around you, but your gaze was fixed on the Slytherin table, scanning over the long benches for either of your best friends. Part way through your search, you notice Sebastian storming into your peripheral vision, and your eyes shot to follow him. There were only a few times you’d seen him so bitter. A couple of times after interacting with his uncle, and once when he’d heard you’d befriended a goblin… luckily that was something you were able to move past.

Sebastian threw himself down onto the bench beside Imelda and a few of his other housemates, none of whom dared to address him while he was in such a state. You continued to scan across the table, noticing that Ominis was not there, and when he didn’t come into the hall after a few minutes, you concluded that something must have happened between the two boys, and you had a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. Sebastian caught your gaze, giving you a drawn out stare, his furrowed brows not softening the way they typically did when you looked at him with concern.

You were a moment away from standing up, ready to go to him, to find out what happened and to offer him a listening ear when you felt a nudge to your arm.

“Garreth’s speaking to you, MC.” Spoke a soft voice to your left, snapping you out of it, and bringing you back to the conversation around you. It was Leander. He’d nudged you gently, getting your attention before motioning towards Garreth who was sitting across and down a few heads from you.

“I’d just asked what position you’ll be trying out for, now that Black’s re-allowing Quidditch. Personally I was saying I’d like to be a beater, maybe a chaser. And Lee was going to go for Keeper. What do you think?”

“Oh, uh. I… I hadn’t really thought to much about it yet. Maybe chaser.” You say, honestly shocked realizing that you’d zoned out to the point where you’d totally missed the discussion going on around you.

“I reckon you’d be a fine chaser!” Garreth said and nodded in agreement while sloppily eating his breakfast. Lucan, who was sat beside him, started talking about how he was going to be trying out for seeker, and that conversation pulled his attention from you.

You resumed eating, but your gaze went back to Sebastian, who was eating his breakfast so aggressively it was as though it had personally offended him.

“Are you alright, MC?” Leander’s voice was soft as he spoke to you again. You turned to him, seeing him looking from the Slytherin table then back at you, he’d been trying to see what you were staring at. “Something wrong between you and Sebastian?”

“I’m fine, and no.” You said, not about to elaborate to a boy you’d only spoken to a handful of times since you’d met him. Though, the fact that he even asked made you smile a bit. You hadn’t expected him to be observant enough to tell… Or maybe you were just more emotive than you’d thought you were.

Whatever made him ask, your response was enough to keep him from pressing the issue for the time being. He had looked at you as though he had something else he wanted to say, but had decided against it, and instead hopped back into the Quidditch discussion with the others. Not wanting anyone else to question you, you more actively joined the conversation as well.

Once breakfast was wrapping up and students were starting to disperse, you noticed Sebastian getting up from the table, you did the same. You excused yourself from your housemates, and followed him out of the Great Hall, walking quickly to catch up with him.

“Sebastian! Wait for me!” You called to him, trailing behind him several paces, as he walked with a swiftness that should have told you he didn’t really want to speak right now.

But when you persisted in your following and pleaded calling, he stopped and turned to face you suddenly, and when you stopped a few feet in front of him, he closed the distance quickly. “Undercroft. Now.” Though whispered, he delivered the message very sternly.

You nodded and followed along with him to the defense against the dark arts tower and towards the large ornate clock that housed its entrance. Quickly scanning the area for prying eyes, you followed Sebastian into the Undercroft, where he began pacing, rubbing his temples.

“I’m guessing speaking with Ominis didn’t go well...?” You said cautiously.

“No, it bloody well didn’t, MC.” He snapped, then winced in spite of himself, but didn’t apologize for his tone.

Of course, you didn’t hold his tone against him. You just assumed that whatever happened must have been serious. “Do you want to talk about it?”

“I was able to speak with him… I told him everything, bared my heart, told him how regretful I am for how everything happened in the catacombs… How much I missed him, and Anne. I thought the whole thing had been going alright… but then that fucking prick let it slip that he’s in contact with Anne all this time, and he won’t give me her damn information so I can write to her!” He shouted, gripping his hair, his teeth baring as he groaned in what could described as misery. “No owl I have sent her since she left has been able to find her… And that bastard knows where she is.”

Sebastian was pacing as he vented his frustrations with Ominis, and you weren’t exactly sure how to console him. “Do you want me to try to talk to him?” It was really the only thing you could think to offer, and he did mention yesterday that perhaps you’d be able to get through to Ominis instead… but that was in regard to just getting your trio back together...

Before bothering to reply, Sebastian shot off a few blasts of confringo to some of the various crates and things about the Undercroft, letting out his frustration in a way he’d grown accustomed to when he fought goblins with you the year prior.

“Be my guest, because I certainly have no plans to speak with him in the foreseeable future. Unless he come to me to apologize for keeping my own sister’s whereabouts from me, and tells me where she is I don’t wish to speak to him.” Sebastian huffed as he made his way towards an old tattered sofa, letting himself plop down onto it and throwing his head back.

You nodded. “I’ll do that, then. As soon as I see him, I’ll ask him if we can speak.” You assured Sebastian.

He waved you off, and you couldn’t blame him for wanting to be alone, so you turned and made your way out of the Undercroft. You had class to get to, anyway.

As you headed to your first class of the day, you tried thinking of what you’d say to Ominis when you saw him… You wanted to talk to him, not just for Sebastian but for yourself as well… You wanted to know if he’d received your letters, if he was angry with you or just upset as a whole. Perhaps selfishly, you wanted your friendship back with him regardless of any spat he was in with Sebastian. And you had to communicate all of that while also asking him to divulge information to Sebastian that no doubt Anne had asked him to keep secret. It would be no easy task, and you were hardly sure if you were even up for it given your own emotional state, but, as you’d shown time and time again, you’d go to any length for your friends.

Your first class of the day was Charms, which Professor Ronan started in a similar fashion as your first day the previous year, with a refresher of the Accio charm, in the form of Summoner’s Court. This year however, as sixth years, you were required to begin learning how to cast non-verbally, which would provide an interesting twist to the otherwise straight forward game. The Professor paired off you and your classmates, and assigned you to play against Leander. The two of you watched along with the other pairs as Professor Ronan demonstrated, making the task look easy, but you knew that non-verbal casting was supposed to be anything but simple.

The first few pairs of your classmates made goes at the task, some getting the ball to roll a bit, but none of what anyone had accomplished in their allotted time could have actually been considered playing Summoner’s Court. No one thus far had been able to score with all three of their balls, and most couldn’t get a ball to move at all. Professor Ronan assured every group as they tried that this skill would take time, and that he had the utmost confidence that everyone would be able to play non-verbally with more practice over the next several lessons.

After a few other pairs had attempted, Professor Ronan called on you and Leander to try. Stepping up onto the platform, Leander gestured to you, allowing you to go first.

Your head was clouded from your conversation with Sebastian, but you were confident, your use of ancient magic being non verbal, you were more than sure you could manage a simple summoning charm silently. You swished your wand, focusing as best you could at the moment on one of the red balls, willing it towards you… but nothing happened.

It should have been Leander’s turn after your first attempt, but he shook his head, gesturing for you to keep trying. “You go again. You can do this, focus.” He encouraged.

You nodded and took a deep breath, grit your teeth, and tried to focus all of your energy on bringing your ball into the 50 point section of the board. But again, nothing happened. You sighed, letting your hands fall to your side. “You try.” You told Leander, your frustration with yourself evident in your voice.

Leander adjusted his stance and took several deep breaths with his eyes closed, readying himself. Once completely focused, he cast silently, once of the blue balls rolling half a meter towards him, not earning him a score, but still doing enough to earn praise from Professor Ronan.

You tried to smile, but your voice was defeated. “Well done.” You told Leander as you stepped forward, this time attempting to copy his focusing method, your eyes closed, breathing deeply, before attempting your second turn. This time, the red ball you’d been aiming at rocked in place a bit. Not what you were hoping for, you shook your head at yourself and stepped back.

The two went back and forth practicing a few more times and exhausting the rest of your allotted time, before Professor Ronan reset the court and the next pair of your classmates gave it their shot. You and Leander took a seat in the garden, watching the rest of your classmates trying their luck. You leaned back on your hands trying to relax a bit and pretending you hadn’t just made a fool of yourself when you knew everyone would have been expecting more from you after your accomplishments of the previous year.

You could feel Leander’s eyes on you as you watched intently your classmates similar failures. “We could both use some more practice.” He said casually, in a hushed tone as not to be overheard by the professor or your peers sat in the grass scattered around you.

“Mhm.” You hummed, not turning to look at him, for fear his competitive side would rub your crushing defeat into your face.

“I’d be keen to continue practicing together, if you’d be.” He said softly.

“Oh... We can do that, sure.” You agreed, pleasantly surprised that he didn’t give you the snark you’d become used to hearing from him around the castle. The two of you quietly chatted a bit more, as class progressed, deciding to meet during your free period on Wednesday.

~~~

Through your classes, the need to speak with Ominis lingered in the back of your mind. But getting the Slytherin alone was proving to be more difficult that you’d anticipated. You shared a several common classes, double Herbology, History of Magic, Potions… But at every strike of the clock as it dismissed lessons, he was too quickly out the door and into the sea of other students in the castle for you to approach him.

It was midweek when you’d found him in the Library before breakfast. You’d taken to seeking him out outside of classes as it was clear he was avoiding you during them. Not expecting your – or anyone else’s – presence so early, he startled when you softly spoke his name into the quiet room.

“Ominis… Can we talk?” You asked.

He set his wand down along the center of the book he’d been reading, and turned towards the direction of your voice. “I’ve already spoken with Sebastian. Has he put you up to this?”

You hesitated for a moment. “I wanted to talk to you, regardless of what Sebastian told me of his conversation with you... Did you get my letters over summer holiday?” You asked as you sank into the chair across the table from him.

“I did. I can appreciate that you’re regretful of how things happened last year, but you… you convinced me to betray my morals on more than one occasion and I have not forgiven you, nor am I sure that I ever will.” Ominis said. “And I am finding it hard to believe that you’re not here right now to try to convince me to betray Anne’s trust by giving Sebastian her whereabouts. He asked you to speak with me, don’t lie to me.”

“He did…” You admitted, leaning forward and keeping your voice down to keep the conversation private. “Ominis, that’s his sister, the only family he has left, and who’s time is likely limited… Don’t you think it’s a bit cruel of you to keep that from him?”

“Cruel of me?” Ominis asked with a scoff. “We can have a discussion what cruelty actually is, if that’s what you would like to do, MC.”

He was clearly offended at your remark, and against your better judgment, you continued to push him. “It shouldn’t be up to you whether or not Sebastian gets the opportunity to say his piece to his sister. It can be up to her to respond, but it isn’t your place to keep that chance from him.”

“I gave Anne my word and I intend to keep it. If she chooses to connect with him, she knows where he is to send him an owl.” Ominis said with finality.

“Ominis…”

“You will not sway me again, MC!” He almost shouted, rising slightly from his chair and turning the heads of several other early rising students who were already in the library.

A defeated sigh was the last thing out of your mouth before you rose from the table and headed out of the library, and towards the Great Hall, where breakfast would be beginning to be served momentarily.

You really had given it your best attempt, trying to play at Ominis’s heart but his conviction to keeping his word to Anne was making him unreasonably stubborn, and now, you had to deliver word to Sebastian.

You were one of the first in the Great Hall that morning. You didn’t bother fixing yourself a plate just yet, as you sat at the Gryffindor table, eyes locked across the room, waiting for Sebastian to make his appearance so you could undoubtedly ruin his day with the news that you couldn’t win over Ominis this time… You were dreading it.

You sat about 15 minutes before Sebastian came through the tall wooden doors into the Great Hall, and you started making your way towards him quickly, before he’d even reached his seat, the other Gryffindors who’d meandered their way to your table turning to you in confusion over how someone could seem to have so much vigor so early in the morning on a Wednesday.

Sebastian caught your eyes as you headed his way, meeting you at his table, you sunk onto the bench beside each other, he wasted no time in giving you an expectant look. “Well, have you spoken to Ominis? Do you know where she is?”

“I’m sorry… Sebastian. I tried reasoning with him… He’s not planning on telling you, and he wouldn’t tell me. He’s not forgiven me for my part in things and he doesn’t want to speak to me at all, it would seem.” You said as gently as you possibly could, your hand on his shoulder while you gave him the news.

Sebastian said nothing, kept his eyes straight ahead as you told him, bit his lip, likely to keep himself from saying something to you that he’d regret. You could see the rage beginning to simmer up within him, and a moment later, as the hall started to fill with more students, he got up and stormed towards the doors.

You were certain he was heading to the Undercroft, so you got up and went after him, the two of you making you way to the Defense Against the Dark Arts tower quickly, and through the clockwork door to the secret room.

No sooner did the gate slam down behind you did Sebastian turn to face you, his brows furrowed in anger. “That might have been my last shot at finding out where Anne is… And you blew it!” He said, his last words laced with venom.

You were taken aback that his outburst was directed at you. “Sebastian, I did my best, he shouted at me in the library he was so angry. I did all that I could.”

“You must have used the wrong approach with him! You’ve always been able to get through to him!!”

“Well, he’s not happy with that fact!” You spat back.

“Just go, MC. You’ve done enough.” He said. When you didn’t make a move for the gate, he stepped towards you, making you take a step back. “GO!”

Finally you did turn to leave, looking back over your shoulder at the brooding boy as you raised the gate. You wanted to say more, to sympathize with your friend, but he wasn’t having it at all, at the moment, and so you left.

Breakfast was still being served and would be for awhile longer, but you no longer had an appetite, your stomach twisting in unwarranted guilt. You knew you tried your best, but still, you felt as though you failed.

I did fail. You thought.

Your mind spiraled as you made your way back to your common room. Knowing that you had a free period after breakfast, you let yourself fall into your bed before drawing the surrounding curtains shut and burying your face in your pillow.

Your pillow growing damp beneath your tears, you slowly began to doze off. Your mental exhaustion overriding the fact that you’d only been awake for a couple hours. Before succumbing completely to sleep, you pulled your curtain back a tad, and pointed your wand at your alarm clock, charming it to wake you before your first class of the day.

About an hour later you awoke, your little nap not making you feel any better as a creeping sense of dread weighed in your mind.

I let Sebastian down.

You pulled yourself from your bed, standing in front of the mirror for a moment to straighten out your uniform and fixing your robe which you hadn’t even bothered to remove.

Heading back down to the common room, you intended to grab an apple to tide you over until lunch, but yet another set of disappointed eyes caught yours as you made your way to the fruit bowl.

Leander. Fuck! You’d made plans to practice non verbal casting with him during the free period you’d just slept through. You didn’t think you could feel any more guilty than you already did, but you proved yourself wrong instantly when those deep brown eyes of his met yours, giving you a look of questioning as he closed the book he’d been reading.

“Leander, I’m so sorry! I totally forgot we were supposed to meet outside an hour ago.” You said as you approached, taking a seat next to him on the sofa near the fireplace.

“I waited fifteen minutes… I don’t like being stood up.” He said, annoyance clear in his voice. “Were you sleeping?” He asked, turning in his seat to face you better. He looked you over, taking in the state of your hair… something you hadn’t bothered fixing, and your wrinkled robe. “In your uniform?”

You nodded, your eyes towards the floor in embarrassment.

You were expecting judgment, perhaps even criticism… But the look on his face softened as his eyes studied your face. “Look MC, if there’s something going on, you can tell me.”

Merlin did you want to. You wanted to spill everything you were feeling just to get the weight off of your chest and maybe hear that not everything was your fault, but you bit back the urge to vent. “Can we just reschedule? I still really need the practice and I promise, I won’t forget next time.”

Leander sighed, seeing that he wasn’t getting anywhere with you at the moment. “Sure, we can reschedule.” And so the it was decide. Same time Friday, during your shared free period after breakfast.

~~~

Sebastian had been distant from you following your tiff days prior, and Ominis made himself scarce, never lingering after classes, his guard up at all times. You were still feeling an overwhelming sense of loss after Fig, and the dissolution of the little trio that had gotten you through your fifth year was only adding to that feeling.

Through it all though, you were looking forward to practicing some non verbal Summoner’s Court with Leander. Anything to get your mind into a better state was welcomed right now, even if it was essentially just extra class work.

When your free period Friday morning came around, you were tired as you made your way outside to the Summoner’s Court platform. Leander was waiting there already, smiling at you as you approached.

“Morning. Ready to get the ball rolling?” He asked as you stepped up on the platform, chuckling at his own pun with a smirk on his face.

“Hopefully I can get it rolling this time.” You remarked, eyes rolling at his joke. “How’d you do it so easily in class the other day?”

He shrugged. “Was just focused. It seemed like your mind was elsewhere. I think that was your problem.”

Oh, how right he was. You weren’t sure if Leander had always been so annoyingly perceptive or if it was just that overtly obvious that you were already really going through it this year. You nodded at his assertion. “I will try to focus harder. You go first.”

In the same manner he had during class the other day, Leander shut his eyes and took several deep breaths. “Focus on your breathing, let everything else fade away. Concentrate on the ball.” He told you, before pointing his wand and willing one of the balls towards him, without saying the incantation.

He did even better than he had in class, scoring 30 points for himself. He pumped his fist in excitement for himself, before his eyes darted to yours as though seeking validation. He looked almost guilty for doing well at something you’d struggled with. You met him with a smile.

“Good job! Seriously, that’s very impressive. Non verbal casting is supposed to be really difficult. You’re making it look easy.”

“I may have practiced a bit more when I was waiting on you the other day.” He said with a little grin. He took a few steps back and gestured for you to take your turn. “I know you can do this.”

You knew you could too. If learning non verbal casting was something that was taught midway through fifth year, no doubt you’d have crushed the challenge. You’d felt like you could do anything then. This year was different. You did your best to clear your head of everything else that was weighing you down, of your feelings of inadequacy, of your crumbling friendships. You kept your eyes locked on your ball as you cast and this time it came rolling towards you, stopping beside Leander’s.

“You did it! Nicely done!” He exclaimed as you jumped and laughed.

You couldn’t explain why, but in that moment, you had a strong urge to throw your arms around his neck and embrace him… and it seemed like he felt it too. He took a step closer to you, holding eye contact with you, each of you with a wide grin on your face. He reached out towards you then hesitated before playfully nudging your shoulder, then cleared his throat.

“Thank you!” You replied, a beat too late for the pause to not be slightly uncomfortable.

As small as the achievement was, it had been awhile since you felt like you accomplished something… and the last time you had, any feeling of pride you had were quickly swallowed by overwhelming loss and guilt. But not this time. You felt genuine joy, if only for a few moments, before a palpable awkwardness settled between the two of you.

“You’re up.” You said and looked away for just a moment, before stepping back and watching Leander gather himself, closing his eyes to concentrate.

By the end of your shared free period, you’d completed a few games of Summoner’s Court, getting better with your non verbal casts each round, and sharpened your wit with some friendly banter. Score wise, you’d lost to Leander every round, but the score wasn’t what mattered this time, so you took your losses gracefully, and Leander didn’t gloat this time. You were confident now that next Charms class, you’d be able to show Professor Ronan some serious improvement.

The rest of your day was largely uneventful. The small victories you had with your non verbal casting had you in a good mood that spanned most of the rest of the day, until you got to your first double lesson of the day – Herbology – which was shared with the Slytherins. Back in fifth year, in these double lessons, you’d sit between Sebastian and Ominis, but of course that changed with the start of sixth year. Ominis would sit himself clear across the room whenever he could, leaving you beside Sebastian. But today, with Sebastian still bemoaning the fact that despite your best efforts, you couldn’t get Ominis to divulge Anne’s whereabouts, Sebastian sat himself as far away from you as he could, too.

So you were agitated in Herbology, feeling a bit alone, until the empty potting station that Sebastian usually filled beside you, was instead filled by Leander. You were fine with this, but when you looked Sebastian’s way from across and down the row, he was in the middle of the most dramatic eye roll you’d ever seen, followed by a look of contempt over your new company. You shook your head and rolled your eyes at Sebastian, Leander sitting by, watching the silent exchange.

“What’s got his wand in a knot?” Leander asked quietly, leaning in towards you a bit with his eyes still on Sebastian. He’d been able to tell since the other day in the Great Hall that something was off to do with you and the Slytherin, regardless of the fact you told him otherwise.

“Who knows.” You replied dismissively. You weren’t about to tell Leander that of course Sebastian wouldn’t be happy that you were spending time with someone he considered to be a bit of a rival whilst the two of you were in a petty spat.

Leander sighed. You knew your reply wasn’t good enough for him, and you didn’t doubt that he actually cared about whatever you were going through that was clearly troubling you. But Herbology class wasn’t the time or place for that conversation, and you weren’t sure if such a time or place even existed... You had too much else on your mind to stop and consider the growing feeling of warmth you had when in Leander’s presence.

The sound of Professor Garlick’s voice ringing through the greenhouse drew all attention to her. Leander had looked like he’d wanted to say something else to you, but he thought better of it, and turned his head to face the Professor. The class listened attentively to her explaining that the Fanged Geraniums would need tended to regularly this term, and that each student would be expected to procure several fangs for used in Potions later on in the year. You and the rest of your peers donned the precautionary dragon hide gloves and got to work.

As class was dismissed, you were shoving your gloves and textbook back into your satchel, chatting casually with both Leander and Garreth who had been seated to Leander’s other side, when Sebastian passed by making his exit from the greenhouse, bumping his shoulder hard into yours in the process.

Leander and Garreth both shot him a look before turning back to you, expressions of ‘what the hell?’ on their faces. You scoffed, excusing yourself from your housemates, and followed Sebastian out of the room, grabbing his arm and pulling him aside in the greenhouses atrium for a word. You kept hold of his arm and watched the rest of your classmates filter slowly out of the greenhouse and through the large doors returning to the castle, ensuring you were alone before addressing him. Your Gryffindor friends brought up the rear of the line, Leander looking over his shoulder at you before disappearing through the large green doors.

You released Sebastian’s arm before you spoke. “Have you got something to say?” You asked Sebastian, returning every bit of snark he’d given you through Herbology.

“No, I don’t.” He said, standing with his arms crossed in front of you.

“Well, I do. How long are you going to be angry at me when I tried to help you? I tried speaking to Ominis. I did all I could.”

“As long as I want.” He replied, sounding like a petulant child, taking a bratty stance with his weight shifted to one leg, his arms still folded as he looked at you.

“This is ridiculous, Sebastian! We’ve both already lost our friendships with Ominis, do you really want to lose each other too?” You tried to reason with him. The argument was so obvious to you, you couldn't wrap your head around why he was acting this way.

He smirked and rolled his eyes. “What do you care? You’ve got Prewett and Weasley now.”

You laughed and shook your head. “Don’t be daft! You know you’re my best friend!”

“Right. I’ve got to get to class.” He said and headed off without another word.

You shut your eyes tight and leaned back against the glass wall as he walked away, disappearing through the doors exiting the atrium. You heard him shout at someone, or perhaps at his own situation, after the door had shut behind him, but you couldn’t make out what he’d said.

You sank down the wall, letting your head fall to your bent knees, wondering how despite your best efforts, rather than him coming around after a few days had passed, things with Sebastian had somehow seemed to get worse.

Could I have done something differently? Did I take the wrong approach speaking with Ominis?

Thoughts of what you could have done and things you should have said instead flooded your mind, and you could feel tears threatening to spill over your eyelids. You could have easily let yourself wallow in your feelings – it was difficult to think of doing mostly anything else at the moment – but you had Transfiguration class to get to, so you wiped your eyes, pulled yourself up, and headed to class, arriving only a minute or so late.

~~~

You absentmindedly went through the motions that propelled you through the rest of the school day, your exchange with Sebastian occupying far too much of your mind.

Why did he have to be so difficult?

You attempted to relax amongst your housemates that evening in the common room around the fire, your legs curled comfortably underneath you in an armchair with a book on your lap, your eyes laid on the page unmoving, the chatter around you sounding dull in your ears as your mind wandered elsewhere. Not waiting to be the first of your peers to retire to bed for the evening, you waited awhile, daydreaming, as one by one they slowly left your peripheral vision to head upstairs to the dorms. You nodded and said goodnight to those sitting around you as you headed upstairs to your dorm to ready yourself for bed.

You settled yourself into bed and drew the surrounding curtains closed tight. You knew that sleep would not come easily to you tonight, your mind playing and replaying your exchange with Sebastian.

You tossed and turned until your exhaustion finally won out over your minds inexplicable need to dwell on conversations you couldn’t change.

Scenes of fifth year played in your mind, flashes of green light mixed with images of things you wished you could forget... Sebastian’s face as he uttered the spell that would end his uncle’s life and simultaneously end his closest friendships... Professor Figs body slowly giving in to its final rest after helping you through a battle no teenager should have had to go through in the first place… Things that most people wouldn’t be able to fathom in their wildest dreams was your history, and it plagued your present, even in your sleep.

Two hours had passed when you shot straight up, tears in your eyes, your breath coming in gasps and your forehead sweaty, as you realized it was just a nightmare. You were no longer under the castle in your personal hell, but in your bed. The panic slowly subsided, but you couldn’t lay back down just yet. You slowly pulled your bed curtains open, your eyes adjusting to the darkness of the dorm, all was still and silent in the room around you.

If you were being honest, you were surprised the nightmares hadn’t hit you sooner upon your return to Hogwarts. Through the summer holiday, they had been frequent. You made your way down to the common room, needing time to clear your head before you’d feel comfortable enough to try to sleep again.

The large room was quiet and dim, such a stark contrast to how lively it was during the day. It was almost eerie. You headed for your favorite armchair but froze in your tracks when you noticed a tuft of fiery red hair against the back of the sofa next to it.

“Leander?” You asked. Your voice into the silence of the room startling him.

His body turned and his head whipped around to face you. “MC, what are you doing up?” He asked, surprised by the sudden company, but not sounding unhappy to see you.

“Couldn’t sleep.” You replied simply, and headed to sit near him, taking the spot on the other end of the sofa rather than on the armchair as you’d planned to.

The smile he had when he first turned and saw you faded as he looked you over, taking in the small details that gave away that you were not awake right now by choice. Your hair at your scalp was damp with sweat and your eyes were red as though you’d been crying. Your skin was pale, unsettled from the fright that had awoken you.

“What’s wrong?” His tone now taking on a more serious edge, genuine concern filling his voice and plain to see on his face.

“I uh... I had a nightmare. That’s all.” You said, offering him a half smile. “It’s fine… I sort of... get them a lot.”

“Looks like it was a hell of a nightmare.” He said.

You sighed and nodded, settling yourself more comfortably in your seat. Silence filled the air again. You could hardly take his eyes lingering on you, studying you as you sat there. “What were you doing up?” You asked him to break the silence.

He held up a book that was sat beside him. “Lost track of time reading.” He said and shrugged. “It’s easy to do when the common room is quiet.”

You just nodded, the air awkward between the two of you.

He looked at you incredulously, not wanting to be insensitive but also seemingly wanting to say more. “If I may, um… I get the feeling that a nightmare isn’t the only thing that’s been bothering you.” He said and turned his body on the sofa to face you better. “You’ve been off since the train ride here.”

You nodded slowly. His assertion shocked you in the way it was totally spot on. His perceptiveness made you chuckle a bit, mostly in embarrassment, for the fact that he’d caught on so early and actually seemed to care enough to call you on your behavior.

“What gave it away?” You asked him.

“We were on that train for hours, and you never once turned the page in the book you were staring at.” He said rather bluntly, but the look in his eyes told you he was nervous bringing it up

You grinned a bit, as did he after you reacted first. “Noted. I’ll try to be more convincing next time.” You said, a tinge of sass in your voice perhaps as a way to downplay his observations.

But at the same time… though a part of you wanted to keep your struggles internal, another part of you, perhaps an equally large part, felt good knowing he could really see you. Perhaps you weren’t quite as alone as you felt.

But Leander wasn’t finished yet. “I can tell there is something wrong between you and Sebastian. And Ominis. The three of you were inseparable last year and now…” He trailed off and cleared his throat, not wanting to get too deep into what he knew would likely be a painful topic for you. “I know it isn't my business, but if you wanted to talk…”

You felt a pull to tell him, a feeling you had a few days prior, when you’d slept through your plans with him… and the feeling was only stronger now. But again, you bit it back.

“I’m fine. And my friends and I will be fine.” You said, trying to sound more confident in this statement than you actually were. You could tell from his facial expression that your attempt was not successful.

What could he really say to that, though? He didn’t believe you but he wasn’t about to beg you for information you were clearly too stubborn to offer to him, even when he could tell you could use a friend. You could see him pondering but all he did was shrug and offer up, “Well, I read in the common room most nights, when it quiets down. If you ever want a listening ear, or some company.”

You offered him a little smile, and nodded in acknowledgment of his offer. “I appreciate it, really. But, I won’t keep you from your book any longer tonight. I’m heading back to bed.” You told him before getting up and heading back upstairs and to your dorm.

~~~

The longer Sebastian went without coming around and apologizing to you like you’d expected him to do within a few days of your little spat, the worse your days seemed to get. You knew he was stubborn, but the more time between you, the less hopeful you were for him to realize he was in the wrong here.

A week out from your last words with Sebastian, you were still quite hurt, but now anger had settled in alongside of it. A good day, in the past week, would have been defined by not begrudgingly sneering at other’s friend groups as they enjoyed their time between classes or at meal times. You didn’t have a good day in the last week.

It felt too early in the year for you to be mindlessly going through the motions, but that was the point you were at. Your classes, that should have been interesting and engaging to you simply felt lackluster. You had been looking forward to Crossed Wands to ease the drone of lessons, but like everything else in your life at the current moment, it just couldn’t go as you’d planned.

After Sebastian dodged you during the first rounds of Crossed Wands for the year, partnering up with Nerida Roberts instead, you were less confident than ever that he’d decide to make amends. Dueling against him, rather than beside him wasn’t something you pictured yourself ever doing, but you fell into a rhythm dueling alongside of Leander instead, and it went better than you could have imagined. The two of you were focused, and seemed to anticipate each others next move with incredible accuracy, playing to each others strengths and weaknesses, and coming out on top in the end.

That win did great things for you self esteem, which had been suffering tremendously as of late in the absence of your two closest friends from the year before. For a few precious moments, you weren’t thinking of the things you’d lost out on lately. You let yourself be present in the moment, and to feel happiness. You watched Sebastian brood in his loss, a look of disgust on his face, while you felt yourself being pulled into a tight embrace from behind, and felt your feet leave the stone floor beneath you. Turning your head to the side, you blushed, catching a glimpse of Leander’s wide grin as he celebrated your efforts, playfully lifting you up for a moment whilst cheering.

Sebastian’s loss, along with witnessing Leander’s triumphant display with you seemed to add fuel to the Slytherin’s fire, sharing no post duel pleasantries with you as a graceful loser would, he marched through the gates and out of the clock tower while glaring daggers at you. Even with the threatening look on his face, it was hard to feel too upset by Sebastian’s disdain when your chest was fluttering at the sensation of having been wrapped in Leander’s arms just moments prior.

Despite your win, after an overall not so great week and with a larger distance between you and the friend you longed to be close with again, your nightmares that night came with a vengeance, as though punishing you for feeling a shred of normalcy. You were always quick to slip from your dorm when you’d wake in the night, chest heaving. You never wanted to bother your dorm mates, your startles were never silent. Tonight you shot awake with scrambled images of Sebastian, and the look he gave you as he stormed from the clock tower, in your mind. Although you couldn’t make sense of what had actually transpired in your dream, you had a heavy feeling in your chest, as though you and he had been fighting. It felt all too real, and left you choking tears at the thought. Your body was trembling as you descended the stairs into the common room shortly after midnight, a cold sweat on your brow leaving you with chills.

You let out a quiet sigh in relief seeing Leander, knowing you didn’t have to be alone this evening while you calmed yourself. Noticing the sound of feet on the common room floor coming from behind him, Leander peered over his shoulder to see you, and shut his book as you sat on the sofa beside him.

“Another nightmare?” He asked as you wrapped your robe around you and tucked your legs under your body as you settled next to him.

“Mhm.” You said and nodded. You were quiet for several moments, you gaze lingering on the fireplace in front of you, seemingly in a daydream. Your mind was turning over the idea that you may well have truly lost your friendship with your Slytherin counterpart, as the details of your nightmare started to come back to you. You just couldn’t shake the feeling your dream had left you with.

“You alright?” Leander asked quietly.

You heard his words but didn’t answer or even turn to look at him. Tears welled and threatened to spill and that just wasn’t something you wanted Leander to see from you. Burying your face in your hands, you muttered that you were fine, but your body language pointed to the contrary. Feeling weak for your emotions and for your vulnerability, you let out a frustrated sigh, then felt a warm hand on your back.

“Come on, come here.” He said softly. His hand moved from your upper back to your shoulder, and pulling you to him gently. You let out a breath and laid your head on his shoulder, allowing him to comfort you. “You aren’t alone. Even if it feels like you are.”

“Thank you, Leander.” You said, turning your body towards his and letting him envelope you in his embrace while your head nuzzled below his chin. You draped an arm across his body, returning his affections, though still unsure what it all meant. You could admit to yourself what you felt about him... the pull deep within you that willed you close to him any chance you could be, and the butterflies that swirled in your chest at his proximity… You liked him. A lot. Even when all of his attention could easily be explained away as friendly, you basked in it, wondering if he felt the same.

After a few moments silence you offered, “I wish I could tell you everything… but much of what is troubling me aren’t my issues to share.”

“Why does that not surprise me, MC?” He asked with a dry, humorless laugh. “You’re always there for everyone else, bearing their burdens, but what about yo-”

You cut him off mid thought, “I don’t need a lecture.”

“No, you don’t, do you? You already know where I was heading.” He said and sighed, holding you a little tighter, his hand slowly running up and down your upper arm.

And you did know where he was going. You knew deep down you did a lot for your friends, perhaps even too much, to the point where anyone’s disappointment in you for any shortcomings, haunted your sleep. But you’d always been a people pleaser. You wanted to help your friends. And you thought it was better for you to say yes and fail, than to say no and not try. Or at least… that’s what you always told yourself.

“I’m sorry, it wasn’t my place to say anything.” Leander said after a few moments contemplation.

“It’s okay.” You took slow, deep breaths, letting yourself calm down in his arms. You focused on the gentle feeling of his fingers along your arm, and the crackling fire in front of the two of you, relaxing for several long minutes in comfortable silence before either of you spoke again.

“It’s getting really late.” He said. A gentle way to suggest that you head back to sleep, likely so he could get some rest himself.

You nodded, sitting up slowly, meeting his eyes and exchanging shy smiles with each other. Leander’s cheeks were always rosy but tonight you noticed they were especially so. “Good night, Leander.” You told him before getting up from the sofa. “Thank you again, for being here.”

“Of course. Good night, MC.” He said. Leander watched you as you left the common room and headed up the stairs towards the dorms, staying back just a few more minutes to finish the chapter in the book he’d been reading when you’d came down earlier.

~~~

When you made your way into the Potions classroom the following day after lunch, you did not expect to see Sebastian setting his materials up at the station you’d been sharing with Leander and Garreth for the past week and a half. Thinking of the sight before you further, you knew he’d have intentionally gotten to the classroom early in order to be able to secure the spot.

Of your new Gryffindor trio, you were the first to the classroom and you headed straight up to Sebastian, a look of curiosity on your face as you greeted him cautiously with a nod. “Sebastian.”

“Hey.” He said softly, his brows furrowed in what looked to be embarrassment as you set up your station beside him. “Can you meet me in the Undercroft after the lesson?” He asked you, leaning close, his voice hushed.

You nodded, a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. In your heart, you knew one of two possibilities would be incoming. He would either plead for you to talk to Ominis again… Something you’d have to refuse for your own good… Or he’d apologize for the stress he’d caused you lately. You were crossing your fingers for the latter.

Your classmates slowly started to trickle into the room as time drew closer for the lesson. Leander arrived before Garreth and rather apprehensively claimed the third and final station at your table, leaving the other Gryffindor with an amused and confused expression as he entered a few moments later, eyeing up the configuration and chuckling as he approached.

“Right, good luck with that.” Garreth said, nudging your shoulder in jest as he walked past to take an empty spot at the next grouping of tables.

Tension was thick around you, but before things could become too uncomfortable, Professor Sharp made his entrance and began the lesson, commanding everyone attention, and giving you something else to focus on besides the odd mix of your friends around you.

The hands on lesson was a welcomed distraction, while it lasted, but once it was over, you felt the knot in your stomach pulling you back to earth as Sebastian met you with expectant eyes as your peers gathered their belongings and left the room slowly.

“MC?” It was Leander’s voice that snapped you from your thoughts as you packed your potions book into your satchel. “Would you like to walk to Transfiguration together?” He offered.

“Oh… I – um, I’ll meet you there. You go on.” You said, tripping over your words.

You could see the look of disappointment on his face, as subtle as it was. In a way, it made you feel good, the small indication that he wanted to spend any extra time with you that he could – you wanted the time with him too. But your plans with Sebastian came first, and so you followed the Slytherin out of the room as Leander finished packing away his materials. Walking quickly to catch up with Sebastian, the two of you made your ways through the corridors silently side by side, through the sea of other students, and to the Defense Against the Dark Arts tower.

Waiting until the coast was clear, the two of you entered the clockwork door of the Undercroft, heading into the dank expanse of the room, a sense of dread of what was to come filling you. Sebastian leaned back against one of the large stone columns in the center of the room, his hand at the back of his neck as he contemplated his words. You sat atop an adjacent stack of crates in waiting, your eyes on the ground, as not to pressure him to speak before he was ready.

After a few moments, Sebastian cleared his throat and let out a groan. “Look, MC. I’m... sorry.” He said, his voice slow and resolute.

You met his gaze and exhaled a sigh of relief as he uttered the words you’d been wanting to hear for the better part of two weeks. You hoisted yourself from the stack of crates, moving to him with arms open, and he met you with an equally enthusiastic embrace.

He continued muttering his apologies with his face buried in the crook of your neck. “It wasn’t fair of me to take out my anger on you, especially when you tried to help me.” He said, his voice now cracking with emotion. “Will you please forgive me? I need my best friend back.”

“I’ll forgive you.” You said, and immediately felt his arms tighten around you, and heard his sigh of relief.

“Thank you, MC. You’re too good a friend to me.” He said, finally releasing you from his embrace, allowing you to step back a bit, and smooth out your robes. You nodded at his words and he gave you one of his little half smiles. “You ought to get to Transfiguration... You’ll probably be late as it is. Sorry for that, too.” He added.

“Right... I’ll see you later on, then, yeah?” You hated that you had to cut your making of amends short, but he was right, you had a class to get to.

“Mhm. Homework in the library after lessons?” He proposed – a ritual that the two of you had adopted during fifth year that you were all to eager to resume.

“I’ll meet you then.” You told him, a grin on your face as you turned to leave for class, waving over your shoulder at Sebastian as you headed through the gate and out of the Undercroft.

It felt as though a weight had been lifted from your shoulders, as you headed to your next class. The stress and anxiety you’d been carrying recently seemingly melted away with Sebastian’s apologies, and there was a lightness to your stride you hadn’t had in days.

Your change in mood didn’t go unnoticed when you finally strode through the door and into the Transfiguration classroom, just a few minutes late. Professor Weasley gave you a stern look, pausing her lesson just for a moment as you took your seat beside Leander.

“That will be five points from Gryffindor, MC. For your lack of punctuality.”

“Sorry professor.” You said as you pulled your materials from your satchel. Professor Weasley resumed her lesson while you quickly got to the corresponding page in your textbook. Despite the loss of house points, you were still feeling better than you had in awhile.

“You’re too cheery for someone showing up late to class and losing house points.” Leander remarked under his breath, noticing the subtle grin on your face as you got settled.

“Maybe so.” You grinned and whispered back, before turning your attention to Professor Weasley for the remainder of the class period.

~~~

Following the days lessons, you excused yourself from your house mates as you left Transfiguration, parting ways to meet with Sebastian, you made your way to the Library. Sitting with him in the back corner of the Library, leaning over your parchment and text books, working together while conversing and making jokes, it had felt as though the argument that plagued your mind as of late hadn’t even happened.

You told him of your nightmares, for which he apologized. You teased him playfully for yours and Leander’s win in crossed wands, a victory he finally admitted was well earned and deserved. It was in these moments of banter you knew that your friendship would be okay. It had survived many trials before, and this likely wouldn’t be the last, but you were more confident than ever that it would stand the test of time.

Homework long completed and dinner fast approaching, you and Sebastian headed for the Great Hall together, where you joined him at the Slytherin table for a meal the first time since sixth year began. You were comfortable. Happy.

Remaining in the Great Hall well past dinner, you and Sebastian watched as few at a time the other students around you headed back to their common rooms for the evening, while the two of you took your time having an evening spot of tea.

When you did finally go your separate ways that evening, you were still riding a bit of a high when you made your way through the Fat Lady’s portrait and into your common room just before curfew. The room was still lively, with mostly fellow sixth, and seventh years about, while most of the younger students were in their dorms. You crossed the room towards Nellie, Garreth and Leander near the fireplace, the boys hunched over a wizard’s chess board on the sofa between them, and Nellie perched on the arm rest of the sofa behind Garreth.

Garreth was muttering under his breath as you joined the group. You sat on the armrest behind Leander, peering over him at the game board, one of Garreth’s rooks being brutally overtaken by one of Leander’s knights.

“Merlin, I’m terrible at this…” Garreth muttered.

“Well, there’s only one way to get better. Keep playing.” Leander told him, chuckling as he awaited Garreth’s next move.

You and Nellie watched the game unfold quietly, letting the boys focus. After about forty minutes, Garreth had officially lost, his last piece tossed unceremoniously off the board by one of Leander’s remaining pieces.

“Right, I’m going to bed.” Garreth said, clapping his hands against his thighs before standing up and stretching, clearly over the game and it’s outcome.

“Oh come on Garreth, don’t be a sore loser.” Leander teased.

Garreth stood from the sofa, shoving Leander’s shoulder playfully as he passed. “Naw, it’s more fun this way.” He said. “Night Lee.” He added as he and Nellie headed out of the common room and up the stairs towards the dorms.

The common room was quiet and empty now, your peers having retired to their dorms while you’d been spectating the game. You moved to sit where Garreth had been, and Leander picked up the chess pieces, putting them back into the folded board for storage. “Good to see that you and Sebastian made up.” Leander said, once your other friends were out of earshot, setting the chessboard aside and turning to face you as he relaxed against the back of the sofa.

You nodded, smiling. “Finally.” You agreed. You knew he’d have something to say of the matter, knowing that Sebastian would have been the reason you were late to Transfiguration after his reappearance at your table in Potions. He’d have seen the pair of you through dinner, and would likely have drawn some conclusions.

“I suppose that’ll be the end of your nightmares.” He said, his eyes right on yours, and an almost wistful expression on his face, his cheeks rosy, as though he was embarrassed he’d even said anything.

“Maybe for now.” You shrugged. “That’s a good thing, though.” You said, though you understood where his feelings were coming from. It was clear to you through his actions lately, that he really enjoyed you coming to him in the night, when you needed comfort. You enjoyed it too, and he deserved to know.

You scooted closer to him, taking his hand and holding it as it rest in his lap. “It doesn’t mean I’ll stop spending time with you in the evenings, though.”

“Oh?” He questioned, his lips curling into a little smile while his gaze laid on your entwined fingers.

“Just because I might not have nightmares as frequently anymore, doesn’t mean I won’t still want to be close to you.” You said, your thumb rubbing gently against the back of his hand. “You make me feel comfortable… and safe.” You admitted.

“That’s… All I wanted to hear.” He said quietly, his grin spreading as you gave him a look of adoration.

Without a word in response from you, he leaned in towards you, gently pressing his lips to yours, still holding you hand. His lips were soft against yours, the kiss short and chaste but more than enough to make your heart race and your cheeks flush pink. His lips had barely parted from yours when your eyes met for a moment and you moved your free hand to his cheek, your gaze dropping from his eyes to his lips, guiding him to kiss you again, this time with an urgency… you wanted more.

You felt his hands at your waist, pulling you closer to him. Your hand ran up his chest to his shoulder, then to his neck deepening your kiss with a gentle tug there as you parted your lips for his. Leander groaned as his tongue brushed you lip before delving into your mouth, your kiss becoming heated, and only breaking when you were both short of breath.

Leander let out an amused sigh, shaking his head, seeming to be in almost disbelief of the kiss you’d shared, his already ruddy cheeks growing even redder the longer your eyes drank him in.

“That was… better than I’d hoped.” You said, smiling at him and taking his hand in yours again, your face as red as his, your heart still racing.

“So you were hoping to kiss me then?” He asked playfully, and you nodded. “Only good dreams from now on.” He said. “I’ll make sure of it.”

[kissagii]

diamond-studded delights

michael kaiser x gn!mikage!reader ; wc 1.7k

tw: kaiser exists. references to reader getting insulted. cursing. pet names used: pretty, darling.

There are three kinds of people present at business galas. Firstly, the old, rich, notorious entrepreneurs that could be a business’ savior or its downfall. Second, the young entrepreneurs, fresh on the scene and desperate to suck up to a rich executive and get a business deal. And third, the begrudgingly attending spouses and children only there to add to the chatter and be something for the old men to brag about. You and your brother fall into the third group - you the heir in name, and him the heir in practicality.

Business was never your goal in life, so your role at the galas amounted to looking pretty, chatting up older women to keep them entertained, and disappointing business executives that were scandalized by the thought of an eldest child uninterested in the empire they were set to inherit. 

This particular gala is shaping up to be nothing out of the ordinary – you’re dressed to the nines in classic navy and silver, not a hair out of place. Your mother’s friends shower you with compliments, calling you charming and mature and pretty, and their husbands look at you with pure disdain.

You can sort every attendee into one of the three groups as soon as you see them. Except for one, a young man whose two-toned hair and lack of a jacket immediately piques your interest. Just who does he think he is? Whoever he is, he’s new, and you want to know more.

As the chatter builds around you and the music is drowned out, you approach the newcomer. Your question is simple - “You’re new, aren’t you?”

“Do you make it a habit to keep tabs on all your guests like this?” The young man turns on his heel, blonde hair fluttering around his shoulders. His eyes are a striking blue, lined in deep black and vibrant orange, and his black shirt is almost scandalously unbuttoned. He’s  pretty, you have to admit, but at the same time clearly destined for trouble.

“Who are you with?” You ask bluntly. Foreigners like him are a rare sight at these events, and as far as you remember, none of the European executives had sons. 

“Oh, you don’t know me?” He smiles cruelly at you, almost as cruel as his silken voice. “Michael Kaiser, with the Blue Lock project.”

Blue Lock. You know that project all too well – it had swallowed up your brother just a few months ago, and your father insisted on funding it. 

Before you can mention that you haven’t actually heard of him, he’s walking towards the party with long, languid strides. He stops beside you, lowering his voice to whisper in your ear. “If you’ll excuse me, I have some old geezers to flatter. Money doesn’t grow on trees.”

This is where the conversation should end, you know that. He’s some soccer star (you assume) here to charm old men into funding his career and probably cause trouble in the process. But still you call after him – “You won’t make any connections looking like that, you know.”

Kaiser turns slowly back to face you, that stupid cruel grin plastered across his face once more. “Oh? And what do you suggest I do, then?”

“Go to the restroom, wash your eyes, fix your hair, button your shirt, and pray that nobody remembers what you looked like before. Going around like that will only start a scandal and I’d rather not spend my time picking up after you.” You look him straight in the eyes as he slowly approaches you, steps calculated like a hunter approaching its prey. You don’t scare me, your eyes say, so don’t think you can walk over me so easily.

Suddenly you’re very aware of how close he’s standing – close enough that you can smell his earthy cologne and see the flecks of green and gray in his eyes. Close. Too close.

“And have you considered that I don’t want to change that?” He croons, voice soft, emphasizing how very, very close he stands.

You take a step back, praying he can’t hear your heart hammering in your chest. “Then go ahead, run your funding attempts into the ground. I don’t care.”

Again, that grin. That cocky grin of a man who knows he can get exactly what he wants, no matter what it may be. He steps toward you again, a ring-wearing finger hooking under your chin and pulling you close. “Don’t act so apathetic, pretty. I see how you look at me, undressing me with those eyes of yours. I know you love it.”

The breath hitches in your throat, and for a moment, your heart ceases to beat. Any words that form in your mind fall silent on your tongue, and you stare at Kaiser, completely speechless. This bastard sees right through me. His eyes glimmer at the sight of you silenced.

“See what I mean? Now come on, let’s go outside, since you clearly don’t want me in here with everyone else. That’s a bit selfish of you, don’t you think? Wanting me all to yourself?” His finger on your chin pulls you closer to him, his breath fanning over your face. Close. Too close.

You stumble back sharply, heartbeat pulsing in your ears. “You’re delusional.”

“You tell yourself that,” Kaiser says, stepping beside you, his shoulder against yours. “I’ll see you outside, pretty.”

There’s absolutely no reason to even consider following him. In fact, you should be glad that he’s leaving, taking his arrogant and flirtatious attitude outside where he won’t bother you or any of the other gala guests.  And yet you still think about how easy it would be to follow him out the doors, to escape the chatter, stuffy small talk, and disdainful glances. It almost sounds like a good idea.

With a steadying breath you begin wandering through the crowds once more in search of a conversation to start. Has it always been this noisy? Have the people always been this close together? You don’t want to be in this room any longer, it’s too restrictive. Like you’re being crushed by the very atmosphere. Leaving – following Kaiser – is a recipe for scandal. But a scandal in the form of Michael Kaiser is too tempting to resist. 

Your legs take you there before you can fully think through your choice, the hot summer night a refreshing break from the cacophony inside. And there in the garden Kaiser is waiting, leaning against a wall, poised to see you the moment you walk out the doors. 

“I knew you’d come, pretty.” He said as he strode over to you. Even in the darkness his eyes sparkle sapphire blue, reflective like the gemstones on his cufflinks, dark lashes casting shadows over his face. “Just admit it, you’re losing your control.”

No matter how right he was, you wouldn’t let him know. “Me, losing my control? Come on, don’t act like you weren’t waiting for me like a dog waiting for its owner. You’re just as desperate.”

“And if I said I wanted you? What then?” His arm snakes not-so-subtly around your waist, “What will you do, darling?”

Words are overrated, you decide abruptly, pressing your lips against his. Your hand rests on the blue roses inked onto his neck, pulling him into you. He kisses you back with a passionate fervor, chasing your lips when you pull back. In the mere moment that your skin is against his, every ounce of breath is stolen from your lungs, heart racing and mind begging for more.

 Kaiser is poison. But he tastes oh so good.

Who can blame you for wanting to go back for more?

“Let’s get out of their view,” He whispers, guiding you away from the doors, deeper into the garden where you are safe from prying eyes. In this corner of the world it’s just you, Kaiser, and the crickets chirping in the warm summer air

The moment you’re far enough away from everyone else, he’s on you again, all lips and hands and ardent passion. You can taste the remnants of the pomegranate-ginger party drinks on his tongue as it passes by your lips, hungry for more of you; you lean into him without hesitation, as desperate for him as he is for you. He’s a horrible decision, but a horrible decision never tasted so good.

He whispers your name when he finally separates his lips from yours, the word rolling so sensually off his tongue. When’d he learn that? It hardly matters, though, because he’s said it and all you want is for him to say it again. And that he does, bringing his lips to your ear, “Fuck, I want you so bad.”

Maybe words aren’t so overrated after all. Because those words are the final drop in the cup that breaks the surface tension – there’s no going back now. You want him and he wants you, and the world’s opinions be damned, you’ll kiss that stupid soccer player in the shadows of your father’s business gala if it’s the last thing you do. You’ll kiss away any thought he has that isn’t you, you’ll let him dishevel your clothes and hair, you’ll explore every facet of him while the night grows late and the last traces of daylight vanish into inky blackness.

“You’re like a fucking diamond,” he murmurs breathlessly between kisses, “Sparkly and tantalizing and so damn unbreakable. Do you know what you do to me? Playing hard to get and acting like you can’t fucking stand me.”

You pull your face away, fingers tangled in his hair preventing him from leaning into you. Despite the darkness you can tell his face is flushed a warm and pretty pink. For such a cocky bastard, he sure looks pathetic, pulling against your grip in an effort to get close to you once more.

 “Hmm… how about you show me? Make sure I understand?” You can’t help but smile as you egg him on, giving him the opportunity to do what he’s oh so good at – getting what he wants.

His reply is whispered, hurried, breathless, and desperate: “Fuck, just kiss me again.”

You indulge him.

i hate that he has such a strong grip on me

[nian-7]

Hallo :>>> can I request for pjsk boys x gn!reader headcannons when character x reader met in college. If you dont mind, please add whether their respective group/s disbanded or not :') that's all for me and ty in advance <333

hello! sure, please enjoy!!

Tsukasa, Rui, Akito, Toya x gn!reader

✧meeting in college

✧fluff

-Wonderlands x Showtime has become more of a side thing for them. Emu does it the most often though, followed by Tsukasa.

-Tsukasa probably went to college for something in the drama or theatrical department. An actor of sorts, whether it be a stage actor, movie actor, or a voice actor.

-He likely met you through a group project where he needed a partner and you just happened to be sitting next to him that day so why not ask to be partners? No harm in it!

-He'd get along with you fairly easily. As long as you don't push him away, he'll be your friend even without ever verbally asking to be friends.

-Probably asks if you need help and vise versa. You're his friend now and he'd like for you to be able to get through college and pursue your dream as well!

-Again, Wonderlands x Showtime has become more of a side thing for its members. Rui is the least active in it because of college work but, he does occasionally show up for shows.

-He probably had gone to college for some sort of engineering degree. It probably wasn't unlikely that he met you in a class that you struggled in and asked him for help.

-Rui helped you but it wasn't much after that. You both would chat occasionally when you found yourselves sitting next to each other in class or in the halls.

-Probably would accept your offers to come by your dorm or house to work on an assignment together. As long as he has nothing going on, he really doesn't mind.

-Honestly, he likely has invited you to come to Phoenix Wonderland and help work backstage on the automations like Robo-Nene. It was honestly quite a shock to the other Wonderlands x Showtime members when they see Rui there along with a new friend.

-Vivid Bad Squad has probably gone on some sort of hiatus. Both Vivids and Bad Dogs operate still just at a lesser rate. They can't find the time to all get together with their busier schedules.

-Akito likely went to community college. Whether it be because he wasn't sure what he wanted to go to college for or if he just wanted to continue Rad Weekend.

-He honestly probably met you through Rad Weekend. Having you randomly come up to him after Toya and him got off stage and telling him he did a good job! Somehow the conversation spiraled from there into him getting your number by the end of it.

-After that, he'd always text you when he'd be performing at Rad Weekend and you'd always show up. He appreciated it even though it wasn't often that he got to see you.

-With the two of you being in college, study sessions aren't uncommon. He'd randomly bring it up one day and it'd start becoming a near weekly thing for the two of you.

-Again, Vivid Bad Squad would be on a hiatus while Bad Dogs and Vivids operated independently. Toya is a bit bummed about it but, he still is able to go up occasionally.

-Toya likely went to a college on his fathers accord. He likely came to a sort of compromise (if it was even possible) with him about where he'd like to study.

-Most likely, he met you on a walk one day when he was going out for lunch. Whether you were an employee or just another customer, it was a simple and nice chat.

-You both would see each other at the same place every week, whether it be on purpose or not, he's still baffled by how he had gotten your number in such a short amount of time.

-He likes to text you about random things and will always respond to anything you send him. Sometimes you feel like he's waiting for you to text him with how fast he'll respond, even when he's in class sometimes...

please do not repost any of my work without my permission, thank you for reading.