#have a grumpy owl

[pine-dexter]

"You know, when you left me all those years ago I still waited for you to return. I don't know why even now." -- Bill @dimensionbled

"I don't know why either. You used me for your own gain, Cipher. Why would any of that make me want to have anything to do with you?"

[abirddogmoment]

I love that photography is more accessible than ever and more people are appreciating nature and wildlife BUT

if I have to see one more gaggle of dozens of #wildlifephotographers mobbing an owl for that perfect shot I'm going to scream

[chloedoesart]

Some various Tavern AU design sketches! We've got it all, AHiT AU, human AU, pirate gem AU, superhero AU, you name it.

Yes. Yes that is my interpretation of human Defect. I'm sorry if you were imagining him as a hot tumblr sexyman.

[taz-metamals]

Here we have the aquatic chihuahuowls. Now, chihuahua + owl is incredibly vague, at least, to a biology nerd like myself it is. So I decided to find the owl that is the most aquatic. I based these guys on the Blakiston’s fish owl (Ketupa blakistoni), one of the largest living owl species (though the term large is complicated to determine because it can refer to things like height, weight, mass, or all combined.). It’s a little unclear if they are the most aquatic, but they hunt lots of fish and wade through rivers. Now, the Jungle Island creators probably didn’t base their owl animatronics on an owl I, an animal enthusiast had not yet heard of, and they probably went with something more well known like a Great Horned owl (which is in the same family), or a barn owl, or maybe a snowy owl. But when Justin leaves the door wide open for interpretation, my instinct is always going be to go for as “scientifically accurate” as possible. Yes. These are a. animatronics, and b. hybrids, so it absolutely should not matter, but the biology brain doesn’t turn off and I’m having fun.

[insaneillusionist]

🌹

Devin! Thanks for the ask!

“‘I don’t know why Belos wants this so badly he’d make me dig through trash slug corpses to get it. I mean, why does he need a Mac Crib? Em’s Crib? MC Rib? Whatever.’ He sighed.”

[wolfwarrior142]

Happy National Nurses Day 💓💓💓

Thank you for your bravery, heroism, and sacrifices to help people. You make a difference and you work so hard and I am so proud of you ❤️

mwah 😘

Awww, thank you so much! I legit forgot that was today, so thank youuu!!! Appreciate you saying that today, it's so sweet of you. And maybe someday you'll be celebrating it yourself if you decide that this is a career path you'd like to pursue! (No pressure if nah tho, it's not an easy choice to make and is not for everyone.)

Also, thank you sooo much for the kind response to my message about nursing!! I'm glad it was useful to you, and I hope it didn't scare you too much lol. Im happy to help as much as I am able to, as that is a driving force in a lot of areas of my life. And I always thank people like you who are so kind and appreciative!! If you have more questions about nursing, I'll answer them as best I can!

Again, this was so nice of you and I'll definitely think about it tomorrow while I'm at work. Thank you again so much for being so kind!! ❤️❤️

[factual-fantasy]

Back in 2020 when I first got into Transformers: Prime, I had this thing where I drew the transformers as animal crossing villagers.

This was because I was also into AC:NH at the time and bots were realllllly hard to draw. Drawing AC style characters was a piece of cake though. So the crossover was born! XD

A few years later and I'm being dragged into the fandom again 💀 I think my art skills have greatly improved since then and I'm a lot more confident in my ability to draw bots! So I thought hey! Why not go back to one of my AC comic thingies and try to draw them as ACTUAL transformers? :00 This was the result!

I couldn't help but laugh when I got to that last panel. I forgot I had originally made Ratchet a Rooster XDD It took me a long time to decide what animal he should be. First a Rooster, then a goat, then a sheep, then back to goat, then lastly I settled on a grumpy owl XDDD

The bots are still hard to draw, but I've learned to just trust the process and not take the anatomy too seriously. It doesn't really matter if they couldn't really bend like that or that body part is kind'a the wrong shape. As long as the pose looks decent it'll be ok XD

I'm considering going back and finding more of those AC comics and redrawing them, I never ended up posting 90% of them.. But then again the transformers take soooooo looonnnggg to draw😫

Idk, I guess I'll see how feel tomorrow 😅

[sheepispink]

i did it yall ✋🏽🙂‍↕️🤚🏽

hybrid! reader x tf141, but they’re nocturnal and ghost HATES it

(insp by undeadgrimm cai bot with nocturnal reader, the intro, not the ai bot)

As an owl hybrid, you harbored incredible hearing and used it to your advantage, along with your night vision. The only issue with this fact was that your animal side was nocturnal. Thankfully, you’d trained your human side to follow the schedule of a regular soldier back in your rookie days, but with more stressful missions coming about sometimes your hybrid side would peek through, giving you instinctual bouts of insomnia, of a sort. Naturally, this led to the captain introducing a curfew for the team, though actually designed for you.

Tonight, you couldnt get an ounce of sleep no mattter how many times you twisted or turned or even ruffled your feathers. It seemed near impossible, a feeling in your chest driving you with an insatiable need to explore and potentially hunt. Your wings spread as you stand, stretching out to their full size before relaxing. You often tucked them behind you, as it was more convenient but with the lack of people around it was more than normal to let them stretch for a bit. As you make your way to the common room, your bleary eyes finally readjust to the surroundings and you instantly notice the clink of a glass as it settles on the counter. Having now rubbed away the sleep in your eyes, you can faintly see the outline of a familiar mask, only the white bone marks showing despite your night vision.

He doesn’t bother waiting for your greeting, stepping out of the kitchen towards where you stand; your wings unintentionally form a curtain around your body— like a blanket almost. “You know the drill, back to bed, bird.” You mentally groan, rubbing your eyes with the heel of your palm. Of all the people to get caught awake by, the Lieutenant was by far the worst option. Not only was he practically the epitome of stoicism, but you’re convinced that he just has everything against you. Thankfully, it’s not in a ‘hybrids are disgusting creatures’ way, but more of ‘you’re a rookie and you need to be better’ way. After all, your training sessions with him are no joke. Despite that, you aren't particularly scared of him, despite the infamous reputation of the mask he wears. No, not when you know well that the Captain has far more authority over him— and over you too but that’s besides the point.

”But Lt…” You complain, flopping back on the small couch in the common room, intrigued by a packet of biscuits there. “You know I can't sleep, it’s not fair.” As expected, he doesnt take well to your excuses, only rolling his eyes up at you before snatching the biscuit pack. He places it on a higher shelf than usual, ensuring you can't have it. “Don’t care, go back to bed.” He tugs you easily off the couch, pushing you lightly towards the door.

“Aren't you awake too?”

“Do I get sleepy and grumpy during training?” You want to say yes, because you know damn well that he’s acted particularly grumpy once after getting minimal sleep. Then again, he is right about you getting annoyed during training. Regardless, even if you go back to bed, you won't be able to sleep anyways, the instinctual urge will probably just make you climb your walls. “I don't wanna just stare at the ceiling. C’mon, I just wanna walk around a bit. I won't stay up all night.”

He raises a brow at that, knowing damn well what happened last time he caught you up at this time and then he takes another step towards you, causing you to back up. “Told you, I dont care. Back to bed, now. Or i’ll carry you and duct tape you to your bed” He backs you against the door, but you’re desperate now and running on three hours of sleep. That also means you arent thinking sane in the slightest. And so, you cross your arms over your chest, a frown curving your lips.

“I’m telling Price on you.”

”You wouldnt dare.”

He stares at you, almost a challenging glare in his eyes and the bird inside you squirms, almost excited. It’s been a while since you’ve ruffled your feathers properly and this seems perfect. “Watch me.” You grin, and before he can react you’ve turned on your heel and dashed down the hallways. “You little—“

The heavy clacks of his boots start to pick up behind you, but you dont care, wings growing larger before spreading straight behind you in a way that’s almost streamlined. The height of these hallways are too low to fly, so you’ll have to rely on your legs for now. “Get back here—“ He’d growl if he was part animal too, but all he can do is grunt as you turn around another corner. He can see you rapidly approaching Price’s door now, almost barreling into the wood as you quickly knock. Awake as usual, Price calls you in and you turn at the last moment to flash him a cheeky grin before darting inside.

“You basta-“ He huffs as he stands in Price’s doorway, watching you sitting on the edge of his bed as you frown all innocently. “What the hell is going on here?”

He can only grumble, his hand grasping the door frame as Price frowns at him, clearly more amused than anything.

“He’s being mean to me— he wouldnt let me get a glass of water.”

Price looks back at you and then at Ghost, raising a brow at the man despite an amused look in his eyes. He clearly found the situation laughable and even Ghost couldnt retain his anger much longer. Still, he persisted, insistent on keeping the routine.

“They’re the one who's causing a racket. It’s way past their curfew! They should be asleep.”

He whisper shouts, eyes narrowed at his captain behind the surgical mask. Price just sighs, pushing the papers away; it was clearly time they all hit the hay. “You do realise that’s all our curfews? If they have to follow it, we do too. You shouldnt be up.”

“I dont care. They should be in bed—”

Price is about to laugh again when he hears a soft snore in the room, both of their gazes shifting to where you were behind Price’s swivel chair. You were still on the bed but now your lips were parted, hands in an almost starfish position as you laid on your back. His little chase with you had knocked the insomnia right out, leaving you snoring soundly beside Price until the sun shone once more.

———————-

buy me a coffee :)

[meganegatari]

i just know new years with ellie would be so damn special. have this i farted out in two seconds...i miss writing so bad.

your relationship with her was still very new, full of shy glances, giggles, and tingles when your fingers grazed—both of you wanted to be perfect for the other. to not rush. but to say you didn't long to be kissed was a lie.

you stared at those pouty rosebud lips of hers, and dreamed about how they'd feel on yours. you counted her freckles and fantasized about ghosting your lips over each and every one of them, igniting her cheeks in a blush; a hue so deep it makes them vanish. luckily for you, the perfect moment was fast approaching.

you two decided to watch the fireworks outside in a clearing, so you could stargaze before and after the main event. it was cold, and you felt her nuzzle closer to you—your heart skipped a beat. you nudged her with your shoulder, "ellie, it's almost time!"

you were met with a dazed murmur, a grumpy sound. you shook the silly girl awake, melting at her adorable expression—sleepy as a nesting owl. she jumped when a sudden firework shot up in the sky, creating a sparkly golden trail. you looked at them too, but you were more focused on the glint in her eyes—a wonder and joy like none other. she turned to you, grinning as wide as ever, but you had other plans.

"yay! happy new year! i—" escaped from her paired with a gleeful chuckle, only you cut her off by pressing your lips to hers without a warning, leaving her breathless. she was so soft, velvety lips and the warmth of her unsteady gasps fanning your face.

shortly, she kissed you back lovingly, sweetly, tenderly, as if you were made of precious ceramic, her hand gently cradling yours.

you broke apart to smile at her, canines bared and everything, and brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. your heart grew many sizes looking at her like this, you haven't felt such adoration for someone so fast in what feels like forever. your voice was shaky with emotion, nothing but positivity, and you whispered while you rested your forehead against hers, "happy new year, ellie. here's to a good one."

[sadnymi]

「 ✦ cloud nine p2.✦ 」

Mattheo riddle × reader [part1]

Summary: The "jinx girl," as they call her, is said to bring bad luck. However, when Mattheo Riddle decides to get to know the school's most neglected girl and takes matters into his own hands, Y/N's life is turned upside down in a mere night.

Warnings:angst, smut, fluff

Words: 13.5k

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

[ A Cry for Help (and Hippogriffs)]

Dear Uncle Ben ,

Consider this my official "You were absolutely right (but with way more heartbreak)" letter. Remember all those warnings you showered me with before I left for Hogwarts? Werewolves, Dementors, rogue Gillyweed incidents (honestly, who even uses that stuff anymore?) You covered the whole spectrum of nightmarish magical creatures. But why, oh why, did you neglect to warn me about charming Slytherins with a really really pretty smiles and the ability to shatter hearts ?

Yes, Uncle Ben, your favorite niece (and, let's be honest, only niece) has officially fallen from cloud nine and landed face-first in a puddle of disappointment. Remember Mattheo Riddle? The one with the eyes like melted chocolate and a smile that could disarm a grumpy Hippogriff? Turns out….well, you get the picture. My heart is in as many pieces as a poorly repaired Floo Network."

So, here's the thing, Uncle Ben . **I'm done. Hogwarts can keep its feasts, its Quidditch matches, and its overly enthusiastic Potions lessons.** I wouldn't be caught dead on the Hogwarts Express, and frankly, the Burrow isn't exactly calling my name right now either.

This is where you come in, my valiant (and hopefully broomstick-wielding) savior. **I need an extraction, Uncle Ben . A daring rescue. A grand exit that would make even Dumbledore raise an eyebrow.** Floo powder me out? Sneak me aboard a disguised Thestral? Honestly, at this point, I'd even settle for a well-timed Hippogriff stampede (though maybe not – those beaks look awfully sharp).

So please uncle Ben As soon as this letter reaches your extraordinary hands, pack your Niffler leash, your Newt-approved travel kettle, and anything else that might help

Your distraught (and slightly heartbroken) niece,

Y/N

P.S. Please bring some Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans. Maybe a chocolate frog or two wouldn't hurt either.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

After folding the letter with care, I sealed it using a wax stamp adorned with a grumpy-looking Kneazle, a delightful creation from a talented first-year Hufflepuff. Placing it inside an owl-sized envelope addressed to "Benjamin Scamander, Ministry of Magical Creatures, Department for Beast Regulation and Control," I sent it off with a silent prayer for a speedy rescue.

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Y/N

Consider it done. Talon wasn't thrilled about the Beans (apparently, they don't quite mesh with his sophisticated palate), but the chocolate frogs seemed to appease him. Be ready by nightfall. We'll have a proper family reunion, Hippogriff style.

P.S. Don't worry about any "Hippogriff stampedes." Talon's surprisingly well-mannered (for the most part).

Love,

Uncle Ben

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

After two blissful days away from Hogwarts at Uncle Ben's cozy cottage in the Welsh hills, I woke up to find him bustling about the room. Despite the comfort and serenity of our time together, I couldn't shake off the tears that stained his (probably very expensive) linens.

He lumbered in, a steaming mug clutched in his hand, followed by a bewildered-looking Billywig (apparently, they weren't exactly known for their graceful exits).

"Here," he said kindly, placing the mug on the bedside table. "Peppermint tea. Guaranteed to cure a broken heart… or at least numb it a bit."

I took a shaky sip, the warmth spreading through me like a gentle hug. Uncle Ben perched on the edge of the bed, concern evident in his gaze that battled with his usual amusement.

"Alright, spill it," he finally said, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "What's got you blubbering like a Bowtruckle caught in a rainstorm?"

I choked on a sob, wiping my nose with the back of my hand. "It's just… everything. Mattheo… the rumors… the whole thing feels so stupid."

"Stupid? Sweetheart, this is practically a textbook case of teenage wizarding drama!," Uncle Ben said with a chuckle.

"First, the rumors. Turns out Charlie Spinnet, fancies you and that by the way explains the sudden change in cologne and his haircut whenever he visits. But then instead of acting like a normal human being, he decided to spread those ridiculous stories about you being a jinx?"

I nodded, sniffling. "And then there's Riddle Jr.," Uncle Ben continued, his voice laced with a hint of disapproval. "Used you for a dare? Honestly, these Slytherins – where's the chivalry gone? Back in my day, we at least serenaded our crushes with a well-timed love potion, not a staged play."

"I know right? !" I cried, wiping away fresh tears, he come closer pulling me into a warm hug.

When the last tear finally dried, a heavy silence settled between us. My eyelids drooped, exhaustion pulling me under. "Uncle Ben," I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep, "Can I… can I leave Hogwarts?"

He pulled back slightly, his eyes searching mine. "Is that what you want, Y/N?"

"I don't… I don't want to see him, or them, or…" My voice trailed off, the thought of facing whispers and pitying glances unbearable.

He squeezed my hand gently. "There are other schools, Y/N. Places where you can learn, grow, and maybe even find someone who truly appreciates you."

A flicker of hope sparked within me. A fresh start? A chance to heal away from the prying eyes and judgmental whispers? "Do you think… could I transfer… maybe to Beauxbatons?"

Uncle Ben chuckled. "Beauxbatons? Now that's an interesting choice. But hey, if you fancy learning with a bunch of wand-waving fashionistas, who am I to say no?"

The crisp Welsh air whipped through my hair as I sat on the porch swing, watching the sun set over the rolling hills. Uncle Ben's cottage, nestled amongst ancient oaks, seemed even cozier with the warm, orange light bathing its stone walls.

Thankfully, he'd managed to smooth things over with my parents, convincing them it would be perfect for me to stay with him until I figured out what to do about school.

Weeks melted into each other, and a unsettling undercurrent began to ripple through the otherwise idyllic setting. Every boy who showed even a flicker of interest in me or mustered the courage to ask me out –vanished after our initial encounter. Poof. Gone.

Only to reappear the next day, looking sheepish and pale, with mumbled apologies for missing our planned date . "something came up" or a sudden "family emergency."

kind, awkward Liam, sporty William , even that quiet bookworm Ethan – they all faced the same fate , a freckled boy named Callum, practically leaped over a nearby toadstool with a yelp, his face blanching as if he'd seen a ghost. It was as though the sight of the bumpy amphibian unearthed a buried terror within him.

And it’s seems like anyone who would show any interest in me will face the same fate

Case in point: a particular book I had discussed with a boy who worked at the library and had also asked me out for a date. The next day, that very book was on uncle Ben leaving room the next day and I knew for sure that uncle Ben wasn’t the one who did that .

Curiosity piqued, I went to the library to inquire about the book's whereabouts, only to find the boy in a state of sheer terror. He avoided eye contact and stammered out a nervous apology, his fear palpable in the way he trembled. It was as if he had encountered something terrifying, something that left him traumatized overnight. Unsettled by the encounter, I sought help from another library assistant to locate the book I wanted. This time, the assistant was more than eager to assist, his eyes darting around nervously as if expecting something unexpected to happen again.

Weeks dragged by, each day a monotonous echo of the last.

As I wake up today a tear slipped down my cheek, tracing a warm path through the cool morning air. I cursed myself under my breath, blinking furiously to clear my vision. There it was again, the lingering echo of his touch, the warmth of his smile, all remnants of a cruel dream.

Damn it. I cursed myself under my breath, throwing the covers back with a huff. How dare I miss him? How dare my traitorous subconscious paint him in a loving light after everything? The betrayal, the lies, they were all still raw, a constant reminder of his deceit.

Feeling the need for some solace and quiet reflection, I decided to head to the library

The usually a comforting haven, was eerily silent. A prickle of unease crawled up my spine. Did the boy who worked here quit ? Thanks a lot, Mattheo.

Pushing open the library doors, I was greeted by an unsettling emptiness. Pushing the thought aside, I navigated the towering bookshelves, half expecting some kind of magical mishap – maybe a rogue pixie infestation? With a spine-tingling creak. An unsettling feeling wormed its way into my stomach. Surely Johnny, the cute boy who worked here, wouldn't leave the entire library unattended?

"Hello, Johnny?" I called out, my voice echoing eerily in the vast space. No answer. Great. Just fantastic.

Shrugging it off, I ventured deeper into the labyrinth of bookshelves. The silence pressed in on me, broken only by the soft pad of my footsteps. Halfway expecting a rogue Acromantula to drop from the ceiling or a mischievous pixie to trip me with a strategically placed shoelace, I navigated the towering stacks.

Suddenly, a loud creak pierced the silence. My heart lurched, and I spun around, wand instinctively halfway out of my pocket. The heavy library door swung shut with an ominous finality. For a moment, I stood frozen, every nerve on high alert. Was I alone?

and there he was ... His usual playful smirk was replaced by a furrowed brow and a flicker of something… hurt? Regret? It was a confusing cocktail that sent my carefully constructed facade teetering on the edge of collapse.

My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs, threatening to burst from my chest. My carefully crafted mask of indifference felt like it was cracking under the sheer force of seeing him.

the silence of the library seemed deafening, amplifying the chaotic symphony playing out inside me.

I plastered a smile on my face, hoping it came across as confident and not the terrified mess I truly felt. This was ridiculous. He was the one who lied and betrayed me, not the other way around. Yet, here I was, feeling like I was the one on trial.

"Dramatic much?" I spat, my voice laced with venom. "So what's the deal now, Riddle? Bored with your little toad transformation hobby? Decided to haunt the library instead?"

He gave me a slow once-over, his gaze lingering a beat too long. It sent a shiver down my spine, a confusing mix of anger and a vulnerability I desperately tried to suppress.

Folding my arms, I tried to project an air of annoyance. "Look, Riddle," I said, forcing a harsher tone than I felt. "Let's cut to the chase. Open the door and disappear."

As he took a tentative step towards me, the carefully constructed wall around my emotions started to crumble. His eyes held a depth of emotion I couldn't decipher – hurt? Regret? It was a confusing mix that threatened to unravel me.

"You never mentioned you were a Scamander," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. The sound of it after all this time, even laced with the echoes of past pain, was a punch to the gut.

-well technically I was from my mother side but i never dared to say that to anyone afraid to bring shame to the family name , because I never felt like I deserved to.

Tears pricked at the back of my eyelids, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "And you," I choked out, the words raw with hurt, "never mentioned being fucking liar . Seems like we're even, wouldn't you agree?"

he started to speak. "I know you don’t want to listen—"

Frustration bubbled over before he could finish his sentence. "Why are you even here, Riddle?" I snapped. "You know I don't want to hear your excuses."

His gaze held mine, unwavering despite the storm brewing in my own eyes.

"Stop staring at me like that!" I hissed, the vulnerability I desperately tried to hide threatening to spill over.

Desperate to break the tension, I lunged for the door, yanking on the handle. Panic surged as it remained stubbornly shut. "What's wrong with this stupid door?" I yelled, "We can't use magic outside Hogwarts!" I exclaimed, bewildered. "Did you do something to the door?" Kicking it with my foot in frustration.

Spinning back to face him, my voice trembled with a mix of fury and fear. "What did you do to those boys, Mattheo? Turned them into toads?"

A smirk played on his lips, a sight that only intensified my urge to lash out. "Not all of them," he countered, his voice laced with a hint of something… jealousy? "Why? Do you care about them?"

“Apparently I did “I challenged, my voice laced with a bitterness I couldn't hide, "That's why I agreed to go out with them in the first place."

His smugness evaporated, replaced by a desperate plea that sent a shiver down my spine. "Don't go to Beauxbatons, love," he pleaded, his voice barely a whisper, laced with such raw emotion it threatened to crack the dam of my anger ,considering his impressive stalking skills I wasn’t surprised he knew about that ..

"Don't call me that, Riddle," I choked out, squeezing my eyes shut to hold back the traitorous tears that welled up. When I opened them again, the sight that greeted me was my breaking point.

Hurt, confusion, and a flicker of something that looked suspiciously like longing swirled in his eyes. "Why - why did you keep calling me that? Why not say my name?" he asked, his voice thick with a pain that mirrored my own.

"It's just Riddle for me now ," I said, my voice cold, a desperate attempt to shield myself from the storm of emotions brewing within me.

"Please," he whispered, the word hanging heavy in the air. "Please don't go to Beauxbatons."

"Get out of my way," I snapped, my voice laced with a venom I barely recognized. "I won't say it again."

He took a hesitant step forward, his eyes pleading. "I'm not above begging," he said, his voice low and urgent. "I'll do anything you ask. You say you hate me, then hate me. Ruin my life. Do whatever will make you feel better, just do it in front of me. Stay at Hogwarts."

Shock rendered me speechless. "Don't do this," he continued, his voice cracking. "Not for me, but for you. Don't run away. If anyone deserves to leave Hogwarts, it's not you. Please, don't do this."

His words hung heavy in the air, each one a shard of truth that pierced the carefully constructed wall of anger I'd built around myself. "Let go of my hand, Mattheo," I whispered, not daring to look at him. He released me slowly, his touch a lingering ghost on my skin.

The silence stretched on, heavy and thick. Finally, I forced myself to meet his gaze. My own eyes, red-rimmed and tear-filled, mirrored the raw emotion in his. With a shaky breath, I whispered, "Open the door now , please."

He nodded, his face etched with pain. The door swung open silently, and for a moment, our eyes locked. Then, without a word, I turned and walked towards the door.

But before I reached the doorway, a new urgency filled his voice. "Y/N, wait!" He reached out a hand, but stopped himself before making contact. "I know I messed up. There's no excuse for what I did, but please believe me – I love you. And I'm not giving us up. I'll do whatever it takes to prove it to you."

The weight of his words hung in the air, a challenge and a plea rolled into one. My heart pounded a frantic rhythm against my ribs, Taking a deep. I turned and walked out, leaving Mattheo standing alone in the empty library.

Reaching Uncle Ben's cozy cottage, I fumbled with the latch, my vision obscured by a fresh wave of tears. The door creaked open to reveal Uncle Ben, his face creasing in concern at the sight of me. Before I could even think of a response, I was enveloped in his warm, familiar embrace.

"Merlin's beard, Y/N," he chuckled, his voice laced with concern, "what happened? Did you lose a duel with a particularly grumpy pixie?"

Pulling back, I managed a watery smile. "Something like that," I mumbled, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand. Uncle Ben's gaze narrowed, his playful demeanor replaced by a more serious one.

"You know, all this tears and sniffles could lead one to believe…"

He paused dramatically, dragging out the suspense. "You are not pregnant, are you?”

"Pregnant? Uncle Ben, seriously?"

He threw his head back and laughed, a booming sound that filled the room. "Just checking! Seriously that world won’t survive another riddle “

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound the crackling fire in the hearth.

"You know," he finally said, his voice gentle, "sometimes the heart wants what it wants, regardless of past hurts." He met my gaze, his eyes filled with a knowing warmth. "The question is, Y/N, what does yours truly want?"

"I don't really know," I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. "One thing's for sure, though. I'm done running. I can't keep letting fear dictate my life."

“Every time something gets hard, I pack my metaphorical bags and vanish. But this time… this time it feels different."

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. "There's this anger inside me, this need for revenge," I confessed, letting out a shaky breath. "It scares me, Uncle Ben. "

Uncle Ben reached for me his hand warm and comforting on mine. "There's a difference, Y/N, between righteous anger and destructive vengeance," he said softly. "Anger can be a powerful motivator, a fuel that can propel you forward. But it's crucial to channel it, to use it to grow stronger, not to let it control you."

Turning to him, I met his gaze with a newfound determination. "So," I started, a mischievous glint sparkling in my eyes, "would you help me pack up my bags for Hogwarts? And maybe... with something 'Scamander related' ?"

A playful smile mirrored mine on his face. "Always up for a good mystery, Y/N," .

The Hogwarts Express journey wasn't the gauntlet of whispers and pointed fingers I'd braced myself for. The carriage felt eerily quiet, devoid of the usual gossipy chatter and giggling. A part of me wondered if this unsettling silence was Mattheo's doing.

My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs as I rounded the corner, the familiar brick facade of the school looming ahead. Taking a deep breath.

I saw him.

He was leaning against the oak tree by the entrance, a casual posture that couldn't quite hide the tension in his shoulders. His gaze was fixed on the school doors, and for a thrilling moment, I thought I might have imagined him there.

But then, our eyes met.

His breath hitched ever so slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features before a slow smile bloomed on his face. It wasn't a wide, dazzling grin, but a soft, genuine one that crinkled the corners of his eyes.

The next morning, a nervous energy thrummed through me. Gone was the urge to flee; instead, a steely determination burned bright. I arrived at Charms class, ridiculously early, senses sharp with focus.

Adrian Pucey sauntered in, brow furrowed. "Y/N? What are you doing here so early? Malfoy's the one meeting me," he said, surprise flickering in his eyes.

"Just eager for Charms," I replied coolly. "and you said Malfoy ? No idea, really”

Actually I was the one who wrote him the fake note with Malfoy’s name to come earlier.

He cleared his throat, avoiding my gaze. "Look, about what happened , believe me what Mattheo did to me after was enough to ——"

"Don't worry about it, Adrian," I interrupteda sly smile playing on my lips."Things happen."

His surprise deepened. "You...you forgive me that easily?"

Pulling a cupcake from my bag, I offered it. "Freshly baked. Want some?"

Hesitantly, he took a bite. "Sure, thanks."

"Did you know," I said casually, "Flobberworm milk compels truth?" I winked.

Stepping closer, cupcake in hand, I re-offered it. "Second chances deserve a second cupcake, wouldn't you say?"

He hesitated, then took another bite. "Thanks," he mumbled, cheeks warming.

"Speaking of truth-telling," I said, leaning in conspiratorially, "did you know the tears of a phoenix can be used to create a voice projection charm? Like, if I whispered something to a cupcake with phoenix tears baked in, and you ate it, you'd hear it in your mind ."

He blinked, clearly unsure whether to believe me or not.

"Curious, isn't it," I murmured, "the things you can learn when you spend your summer with magical creatures."

Adrian stammered, "Wh-what have you done?"

"Ever wonder what happens when a Hufflepuff marries a Slytherin?" I continued, savoring his confusion.

A playful glint entered my eyes. "Well, for one, someone might get a taste of their own medicine," I quoted my mother with a smirk.

He attempted nonchalance. "Kids would be too good for Slytherin, not quite Hufflepuff."

"And that," I said, a triumphant smile blooming, "is where things get interesting. Especially with a Scamander in the mix.”

I continued, a triumphant grin spreading across my face.“And what happens when you push a Scamander kid too far?" I continued, a triumphant grin spreading across my face. "They use their knowledge, their magical creatures... and maybe a touch of Slytherin cunning for a little revenge.

He backed away, eyes wide.

The bell clanged, shattering the playful tension between Adrian and me. Professor Flitwick,bustled in, his voluminous black robes billowing around him like a miniature storm cloud.

"Good morning, class!" he boomed, "Today, we delve into the fascinating art of Wandless Charms! A skill that separates the truly magical from the...well, let's just say it requires a certain finesse."

Professor Flitwick launched into a lively lecture, demonstrating simple levitation charms with a flourish. As he conjured a teacup to pirouette in the air, I noticed Adrian fidgeting in his seat. Leaning in, I whispered playfully, "Enjoying the class, are we, Pucey?"

He shot me a panicked glance, then mumbled something inaudible. Taking a deep breath, I decided to push my luck a little further. With a mischievous glint in my eyes, I mouthed, "Tell the truth about what you feel of this class ."

Suddenly, Adrian's hand shot up, waving wildly. Professor Flitwick, momentarily distracted, peered over his thick spectacles at the unexpected outburst.

"Mr. Pucey?" he inquired, a quizzical eyebrow raised.

"Professor," Adrian blurted out, his voice surprisingly loud in the quiet room, "I hate Charms! It's useless and frankly, you're a terrible teacher!"

Suddenly, a loud, booming voice erupted from Adrian's mouth, echoing through the entire classroom. "I HATE CHARMS! It's the most useless class ever, I CHEATED on the exam LAST YEAR, and And I've been doing everything just to be the center of attention. I've lied, manipulated, and stepped on others to make myself look better."!"

The entire class erupted in stunned silence, followed by a wave of uncontrollable laughter. Adrian's jaw hung slack, his eyes wide with horror.

Professor Flitwick, his face purple with rage, sputtered, his fist raised in the air. "Mr. Pucey! Ten points from Slytherin! Detention for a month! And perhaps a visit to Madam Pomfrey to check your sanity!"

Adrian sunk deeper into his seat, the laughter morphing into snickers and whispers

The laughter slowly faded, replaced by the echoes of Professor Flitwick's threats. I couldn't help but stifle a triumphant smirk. Adrian practically resembled a puddle of misery in his seat, the color completely drained from his face. Mission accomplished.

Just as I reached the aisle, a hand shot out, grabbing my waist in a surprisingly firm grip. Before I could yelp in surprise, two strong hands was on either side of me , pinning me against the cool stone wall. I found myself staring into the eyes of none other than Mattheo .

"That," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine, "was fucking hot."

He brushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear with his thumb, Our gazes locked, the air crackling with sudden awareness.

My gaze remained steely, unflinching. "You liked that?" I challenged, my voice laced with a dangerous edge.

"I like everything you do," he replied with a smirk.

"Good," I said, leaning in closer, my voice barely a whisper. "Because that was just child's play. compared to what I'm planning for you, Riddle"

The bell echoed through the hallway, shattering the moment. Mattheo reluctantly released me, a hint of something akin to fascination flickering in his eyes. "Can’t wait my love ," he winked, a mischievous glint sparkling within, before disappearing into the throng of students.

My success with Adrian fueled a mischievous fire within me. The thrill of using magical creatures for a little payback was intoxicating. Professor Flitwick's class became my testing ground, a petri dish for brewing delightful chaos.

Every person who participated in the stupid play faced my revenge; none escaped unscathed.

The once dreaded nickname "Jinx Girl" had faded into a distant memory. This year, I was Lady Luck, a title whispered with a mix of awe and amusement. My string of successful pranks, each meticulously crafted with a dash of magical creature mischief, had transformed my reputation.

The whispers started subtly, like the rustling of leaves in the forbidden forest. "Did you see what happened ? Y/N's behind it, for sure!" or "Isn't it strange how everything's turned around for her lately?" It was a subtle shift, but the air crackled with a new awareness. The "Jinx Girl" label was fading, replaced by a more intriguing title - Lady Luck.

One gloomy afternoon, as I settled into a plush armchair by the crackling fire, a hesitant knock echoed through the room.

"Come in," I called out, peering over the worn pages of a Charms textbook.

The door creaked open, revealing a sheepish-looking Charlie . His blonde hair seemed to lose its usual vibrancy under the dim light, and his freckles stood out starkly against his pale face.

"Y/N," he mumbled, scuffing his worn boots on the floor. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Sure, Charlie," I said, patting the empty space beside me.

He shuffled in place, fiddling with his wand. "It's... well, everything. The rumors, the play, everything."

“ Look, Y/N, I'm so incredibly sorry. I know I shouldn't have spread those rumors. I... honestly, I was a complete idiot."

"I thought," Charlie continued, his voice laced with shame, "that if I spread those rumors, every boy would stay away from you. I didn't think it would get this bad."

A mixture of anger and curiosity bubbled within me. "Why, Charlie?" I asked, my voice calmer than I felt.

He took a deep breath, his gaze filled with regret. "I… I like you, Y/N a lot since we were just kids but you never noticed me ," he confessed, his voice barely a whisper. "And when I saw you with Mattheo, well, and after everything he did..."

He hung his head. "And the play," he mumbled. "It was me. I told Adrian about your past. I was so angry… jealous, really. After seeing you with Mattheo."

A wave of emotions washed over me. Anger for his actions, confusion for his feelings, and a spark of something else – mattheo wasn’t the one who told them about what happened .

Taking another deep breath, I met Charlie's gaze. "Those rumors hurt," I admitted, my voice firm but gentle. "And the play…" I trailed off, choosing my words carefully. "It was a low blow, Charlie. But…" I hesitated, searching for the right words.

"But you were scared," I finished, a hint of empathy softening my tone. "Jealous, even. It's okay to feel those things, Charlie."

He looked up, a flicker of hope igniting in his blue eyes. "Do you… forgive me?"

I studied him for a moment, taking in his genuine regret. "I do," I said finally. "But forgiveness doesn't erase the consequences. You hurt me, Charlie, and you hurt others I will never forget that ."

Charlie's shoulders slumped. "I know," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "I'll do anything to make it up to you."

I smiled faintly. "Please don’t do anything a normal apologize would do ."

Months had passed since I last set foot in the library, and the scent of aged paper and leather, a familiar comfort that once soothed my soul, now felt laced with a bittersweet pang. Yet, stepping back into the hushed haven felt like tumbling through a time warp. The scent of aged paper, the rhythmic tick of the grandfather clock, even the worn patches on the armchairs – everything whispered memories of Mattheo, both sweet and stinging.

the silence thrummed with echoes of hushed conversations and stolen glances. Memories of stolen moments with Mattheo – whispered secrets amongst the stacks, fingers brushing as we reached for the same book – played in a loop behind my closed eyelids.

A sigh escaped my lips as the heavy oak door shut with a soft thud behind me. The vastness of the library stretched before me, empty shelves yawning like forgotten dreams. No bustling librarians, no chattering students hunched over dusty tomes. Just me, adrift in a sea of silence, the weight of the past clinging to my every step.

But then I saw him.

Mattheo stood near the Charms section, a sly smirk twisting his lips. His eyes, usually filled with a cool amusement, held a challenge this time. A knot of tension formed in my stomach.

"You forgive him so easily," he drawled, his voice low enough to carry only between the towering bookshelves.

He gestured towards an empty space beside him, a clear invitation. My pulse quickened. Part of me wanted to whirl around and storm out, to deny him the satisfaction of any reaction. But another, more curious part, craved to know what game he was playing.

With a measured breath, I sauntered towards him, my chin held high. "Forgive who?" I asked, feigning ignorance.

He raised an eyebrow, the smirk deepening. "Come now, Y/N," he said, his voice a silky murmur. "Don't tell me you haven't had a heart-to-heart with Spinnet already."

"What do you really want, Riddle?" I demanded, my voice trembling with a mix of hurt and confusion.

Mattheo took a shaky breath, his hand reaching out hesitantly before retracting. "I can't do this anymore, Y/N," he confessed, his voice raw. "I thought if I gave you some space..."

"Space?" I scoffed, tears welling up again. "Space? You call watching me all summer, space? I know what you did to those boys, and then threatening everyone in this school on the first day to not talk or do anything to me space??" I yelled, tears streaming down my face.

The words tumbled out, fueled by a wellspring of hurt I hadn't even realized I was holding onto. "I don't understand, Mattheo! I don't really understand. I've dealt with difficult things before, truly awful things, but none of them hurt as much as this betrayal. Why? Why can't I get over it? Why does it feel like someone ripped open my soul and stomped on it a million times? Then it hit me. You did that, Mattheo. You."

My voice broke, replaced by a choked sob. "You showed me a love I never knew existed, a love I never dared to dream of , showered me with affection and tenderness. You touched parts of my soul I never knew were there. Every inch of me, every piece of me – my heart, my mind, my soul – had your name written all over it , Every fiber of my being, every beat of my heart, seemed to have your name etched upon it. And then, you snatched it all away.. They say it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all, but that's a lie. Because feeling your love, then losing it, is the worst pain I've ever experienced.”

The air crackled between us, thick with unspoken emotions and the sting of my tears. Mattheo inched closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. I could feel his breath whisper against my cheek, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Y/N," he pleaded, his voice husky with emotion ."I know you don't believe me," he confessed, his red- eyes searching mine .

“but this feeling... it terrifies me. I've never felt like this before. Never cared about anyone but myself and Enzo . But then you came along. The purest thing I've ever have , the closest I'll ever get to heaven."

His words hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the arrogant facade he usually presented.

"I miss you," he continued, his voice raw with longing. "I miss what we had. The way your smile could light up a room, the way your cheeks would flush the prettiest shade of pink ."

He paused, his hand hovering hesitantly near mine. "I can't do this anymore. This game... it's torture. Every stolen glance, every witty banter, it just makes the truth harder to bear. Tell me what you want me to do. Name it, anything. But please, just end this charade. It's killing me “

A tremor ran through him, and for the first time, I saw a flicker of genuine fear in his eyes.

He looked at me for a second, taking a shaky breath. Then, the words tumbled out, raw and unfiltered. "I love you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm not afraid to say it anymore. I regret not approaching you properly, i regret taking that stupid dare ."

His gaze held mine, desperate for any sign of reciprocation. "You asked if everything between us was a lie," he continued, his voice low. "But listen to me now. You're the truest thing that's ever happened to me. I love you, Y/N. And I can't stand there watching you, knowing I can't hold you. I never wanted to hurt you, And I promise, I'll never let anyone hurt you again"

My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drum solo in the quiet library. Every fiber of my being yearned to believe him, to reach out and melt into his embrace. But the betrayal was still fresh, a gaping wound that pulsed with pain.

"I can't trust you anymore, Mattheo," I choked out, the words a bitter truth. "Even if I want to, I can't. Every word you say feels like another lie. I hate you," I confessed, the words ripping from my throat. "I hate you so much for making me want to forgive you. I hate you because I love you so much."

"Don't cry," he pleaded, his voice thick with a desperate sincerity. "I'll do anything. Just say it, and I'll do it."

The promise hung in the air, tempting and dangerous. I reached up and covered his hand with mine, the warmth seeping into my chilled skin. Despite the storm raging inside me, a small part of me craved the comfort of his touch, the solace of forgiveness.

"Then let me go, Mattheo," I whispered, the words tasting like ashes in my mouth. "Let me go. Don't approach me. Don't try to fix anything. Just let me go."

The pain in his eyes mirrored the turmoil within me. "Is that what you truly want?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

I could only nod, a fresh wave of tears cascading down my face. Every part of me ached to forget the past, to bury my head in his chest and feel the familiar rhythm of his heartbeat. But the betrayal was a wall I couldn't climb over, not yet.

"Then I will do it ,love." He brushed away my tears one last time, his touch lingering for a heartbreaking moment before he took a step back. The pain in his eyes was a something i could never forget.

He gave me one last, lingering look before turning and leaving the library, the heavy oak door closing with a finality that echoed the slamming shut of my own heart. The air hung heavy with unspoken emotions, the weight of my decision pressing down on me.

My revenge, I realized with a bitter pang, tasted worse than Flobberworm milk and phonics tears on cupcakes. But in that moment, I didn't realize that in punishing him, I was condemning myself to an equally excruciating torture

Days bled into weeks, each one stretching out with the agonizing slowness of a Dementor's kiss. What I had envisioned as a sweet victory – Mattheo squirming under the weight of my indifference – felt more like a self-inflicted Cruciatus Curse.

The once-familiar halls of Hogwarts became a minefield of awkward silences and stolen glances. Every corner held the ghost of his laughter, every shadowed alcove whispered echoes of his touch. Avoiding him became a constant, exhausting dance.

In Herbology, Professor Sprout droned on about the magical properties of Bubotuber pus, but all I could focus on was the empty space beside me. It had become a glaring absence, a constant reminder of the warmth that used to be there.

Across the room, I could feel his gaze burning into me. But when I dared to steal a glance, his head would be bent diligently over his textbook, his jaw clenched tight. It was a practiced act of indifference, a mask that mirrored the one I wore.

Lunch in the Great Hall was an ordeal. I'd scan the long Slytherin table, searching for any sign of him. Relief would flood me when I wouldn't see him, only to be replaced by a hollow pang of disappointment.

One day, as I shuffled through the crowded hallway, I felt a presence looming behind me. My heart hammered a frantic tattoo against my ribs. I quickened my pace, clutching my books tighter, willing myself to disappear. But the presence remained, a silent taunt.

Finally, unable to bear the suspense any longer, I chanced a peek over my shoulder. My stomach lurched. It was him, his face a stony mask, his eyes fixed on a point far beyond me. He sidestepped me with practiced ease, not even a flicker of recognition in his gaze.

The charade was relentless. In Potions, Professor Snape's scathing remarks seemed muted compared to the deafening silence between Mattheo and me. We brewed our Draught of Peace with a silent intensity, each movement a calculated act of avoidance.

The whispers started subtly, like the rustle of leaves in a slight breeze. "Did you see them? Not a single word!" one student would murmur to another. Soon, the whispers morphed into open stares, the entire school buzzing with the unspoken tension between us.

It was as if by avoiding each other, we'd created a spectacle far more dramatic than any confrontation could have been. The unspoken longing, the raw emotions hanging heavy in the air – it was a story more captivating than any Quidditch match.

What hurt the most ? I couldn't escape the feeling that everyone else was living their lives, while mine was trapped in this agonizing purgatory of unspoken emotions and a love I couldn't embrace or deny.

The silence between us was deafening, a reminder of the bond we'd shattered. My carefully crafted revenge felt hollow, a Pyrrhic victory that left me as desolate as the empty space beside him. The ache in my chest had little to do with anger and everything to do with a longing I couldn't name.

Then came the worst part. It wasn't just the awkward silences or stolen glances at him interacting with others. It was the way the girls around me perked up, their smiles a bit too wide, their laughter a bit too forced. They saw the distance between Mattheo and me, the void where his presence used to be, as an open invitation.

Professor Sprout's well-meaning attempt to pair us up for a project backfired spectacularly.

Mattheo, his usual smirk replaced by a practiced indifference, meticulously tended to his Venomous Tentacula while I wrestled with a particularly stubborn Flobberworm. The silence between us was thicker than the sap dripping from the Bubotuber pus. We moved with a practiced efficiency, avoiding eye contact, our movements a painful ballet of unspoken hurt and when he was finally done with his part he left without even glancing at me .

Across the room, laughter erupted. A pretty brunette girl, Astoria Greengrass, leaned in conspiratorially towards Mattheo, a giggle escaping her lips. He threw his head back, a genuine smile lighting up his face, a sight that sent a spike of jealousy through me.

My Flobberworm wriggled free, sending a spray of dirt flying. Professor Sprout's raised eyebrow and stern lecture were a welcome distraction from the scene unfolding across the room. The warmth in Mattheo's laughter, the ease with which he interacted with Astoria, was a sharp contrast to the icy distance he maintained with me.

The worst part, however, wasn't the girls themselves. It was the way they looked at me – a mixture of pity and smug satisfaction. Their gazes seemed to say, "See? Now you see what you had and threw away."

Another day, another ordeal. During Charms, a boy from Ravenclaw, Michael Corner, sidled up to me, his voice a steady stream of nervous chatter. He droned on about the upcoming Quidditch match, his words blurring into background noise.

Across the room, I stole a glance at Matteo. He sat slumped in his chair, his gaze fixed on the textbook in front of him. But a flicker of movement caught my eye. His jaw clenched slightly, knuckles turning white as he gripped the book. He didn't turn towards me, didn't acknowledge Michael's presence. It was as if I, and the boy beside me, simply ceased to exist.

A pang of something akin to disappointment shot through me. Was this truly what he’s doing ? erasing me from his memory? The silence between us, once deafening, now felt suffocating. I craved a reaction, anything to break the monotony of our charade.

Days bled into weeks, each one a monotonous echo of the last. Lunch in the Great Hall was an exercise in self-torture. I sat with some girls from my class , their cheery chatter a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.

Across the room, Mattheo sat with a group of Slytherins, his usual arrogance back in place. He spoke in hushed tones, his eyes scanning the room. Did they land on me? I couldn't tell, wouldn't allow myself to hope.

Suddenly, Draco Malfoy sauntered over, a smirk playing on his lips. He leaned in, whispering something in Mattheo's ear, his gaze flickering towards me. A flicker of something – anger, maybe? – crossed Mattheo's face before he schooled his features back into indifference.

Draco's smirk widened, punctuated by a loud laugh. The sound grated on my nerves, a confirmation that he had successfully moved on, leaving me drowning in the wreckage of our broken connection.

The once vibrant halls of Hogwarts had become a constant reminder of what I'd lost. The whispers, the pointed looks, the morbid fascination with our unspoken war – it all felt suffocating. The silence between us, once deafening, now resonated with a profound emptiness.

In my quest for revenge, I had succeeded in destroying not just him, but a part of myself. And as I stared across the Great Hall, the bitter truth settled in – the only thing more unbearable than his betrayal was his indifference.

The ache in my core pulsed with every stolen glance at Matteo. A single, accidental lock of eyes during Charms was all it took to reignite the inferno I'd thought I'd extinguished. The familiar heat bloomed in my cheeks, spreading downwards, a stark reminder of the raw, physical connection we shared.

Driven by an insatiable hunger, I succumbed to temptation, seeking solace in the darkness of night. With trembling hands, I slipped my fingers inside my pants, yearning for the touch of his hands upon my skin. But no matter how fervently I imagined his touch, it was futile, a poor substitute for the real thing.

His absence loomed large in my mind, a constant reminder of the void he had left behind. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I grappled with the overwhelming sense of loss, longing for the warmth of his embrace.

In the silence of my room, I cried myself to sleep, the weight of my unfulfilled desires weighing heavily upon me. No matter how hard I tried to bury them, the flames of passion continued to burn, fueled by the memory of his touch.

The next day crawled by, each tick of the clock echoing the heavy weight in my chest. Just as I contemplated escaping to the familiar comfort of the Slytherin common room, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows of the deserted hallway – Enzo.

His usual carefree air was replaced by a somberness that mirrored my own. "Y/N," he started hesitantly, his voice uncharacteristically unsure.

"Enzo, hi," I greeted nervously. "Are you... are you alright?"

He paused, his gaze flickering with concern. "I need to talk to you," he finally said, his voice low.

"Sure," I whispered, a nervous smile tugging at my lips.

He gestured towards an empty classroom beside us. We entered, the silence suddenly thick and heavy.

"It's about Mattheo," he began, his voice dropping even lower.

My heart hammered against my ribs,

"What about him?" I managed, my voice barely above a whisper.

Enzo took a deep breath, his gaze flickering with an emotion I couldn't decipher. "He — He has a really dangerous disease Y/N," he blurted out, the words heavy in the quiet hallway.

Enzo's words hit me like a Stunning Spell. My breath caught in my throat, the air suddenly thick with a suffocating weight. Disease? Mattheo? It couldn't be true. The anger that had simmered within me for weeks flickered, threatened by a spark of something else – a flicker of fear, of a terrible, dawning realization.

"Disease?" I choked out, the word barely a whisper.

Enzo nodded. "Serious. He doesn't know how long..." He trailed off, his voice thick with emotion. "But he's getting worse every day. Refused to tell you himself, stubborn git."

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring Enzo's concerned face. "He never said anything," I choked out, my voice thick with emotion. "He wouldn't even look at me."

Enzo sighed, a deep rumble that spoke of a burden shared. "He's stubborn, that one. Especially when it comes to protecting you “

"But how could he not tell me?" I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

"He loves you, Y/N," Enzo said, his voice firm. "More than anything, I swear. I've never seen him care about anyone the way he cares about you. I knew what he did was unforgivable , but his feelings for you… they're real."

A sob escaped my lips, tears blurring my vision. The image of Mattheo, his usual arrogance replaced by vulnerability, echoed in my mind.

"you deserves to know," Enzo said, his gaze unwavering. "Even if you can't forgive him, even if you hate him… you deserve to know the truth."

Tears streamed down my face, a mixture of grief and confusion.

"He'll do anything for you, you know," Enzo continued. "Hiding this… it's killing him. More than the illness itself."

Another sob escaped my lips. The anger, the carefully constructed walls of indifference – it all seemed so petty now, dwarfed by the weight of his illness. All this time, I'd been punishing him, punishing myself, while he…

Panic clawed at my throat. "How bad is it? How long…?" My voice wouldn't form the question.

Enzo shook his head, a grim expression on his face. "I don't know all the details, Y/N. He wouldn't tell me much. But he's getting worse, and by the way there's no cure."

The weight of the revelation pressed down on me. The silent war we waged, the stolen glances filled with unspoken emotions – it all seemed so meaningless now. All I wanted to do was see him, to hold him, to tell him… what?

Looking at Enzo, tears streaming down my face, I whispered, " Where is he?"

Enzo hesitated, then pointed towards the forest . "He's usually there, you know where , trying to clear his head."

"Thank you, Enzo," I croaked, my voice thick with emotion. "For telling me."

Enzo nodded, a hint of a sad smile gracing his lips. "Just… don't let pride get in the way, alright? Talk to him. Figure things out he needs you now more than ever. ." He squeezed my shoulder before turning and leaving me alone with the weight of this revelation.

Enzo's words echoed in my head, each syllable a hammer blow against my chest. Disease. Limited time. The anger, the carefully constructed walls of resentment, all crumbled under the weight of this revelation. Tears blurred my visionI raced through the castle corridors, legs burning, a primal urge driving me forward.

I didn't care about the stares, the confused whispers that followed. I only cared about getting to him , My heart hammered a frantic rhythm against my ribs, each beat punctuated by a sob that tore through me.

The familiar path to the Forbidden Forest became a blur. Thorns ripped at my robes, branches snagged at my hair, but I didn't feel them. All I felt was a desperate need to reach him, to hold him.

A sharp sting on my knee brought me back to the present. I looked down to see a crimson stain blooming on my robes, a tear in the fabric revealing a scraped knee. But the pain was a mere whisper compared to the agony twisting in my gut.

The memory of his secret place, fueled my desperate run. It was a sanctuary he'd revealed only to me, Now, it was my beacon, the only place I could imagine him seeking solace in his time of despair.

Bursting through the familiar curtain of trees, I skidded to a halt, chest heaving, tears streaming down my face. My vision swam, but I could just make out the clearing, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun.

Reaching the clearing, I pushed aside the concealing ivy with trembling hands. The familiar wooden door stood before me, mockingly still. I flung it open, ignoring the groan of rusted hinges.

Pushing the pain aside, I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the blood seeping through my torn robes. The hidden entrance, disguised by a tangle of ivy, materialized before my tear-filled eyes.

With trembling hands, I cleared the vines, pushing through the narrow opening. The familiar scent of earth and damp stone greeted me, a small comfort in the storm raging inside.

Inside the dimly lit chamber, my breath caught in my throat, with my ragged sobs as I stumbled towards the bed. Mattheo peacefully sleeping on , his chest rising and falling with shallow breaths.

"Mattheo!" I shrieked, the name a desperate plea that tore through the silence. "Mattheo, wake up!"

He stirred at the sound, his brow furrowing in confusion. His eyes fluttered open, blinking away the remnants of sleep. his eyes widening in shock before softening at the sight of my tear-streaked face,the raw panic radiating from my very being.

"Y/N?" he rasped, his voice weak. "What's wrong? What happened?"

Before he could finish his question, I was on him, collapsing onto the bed in a heap of sobs and frantic whispers

His arms wrapped around me. held me close, his voice a soothing murmur against my ear. " it's okay, love," he whispered, his voice thick with concern. "What happened? Are you hurt? Tell me what's wrong, baby did someone…" he trailed off, his voice hardening with a possessive anger."

The sound of those endearment words, so unexpected after weeks of cold silence, sent a fresh wave of tears cascading down my cheeks.

"Don't cry, love," he murmured, his voice thick with concern. "Tell me what's wrong. Did someone hurt you? Did someone say something?"

His gaze dropped to the injury, "Oh Merlin," he breathed, his voice laced with self-reproach. "How did you… why did you come here like this?"

My voice, when it finally came, was a choked sob. Words tumbled out in a rush, a jumbled mess of emotions. "Enzo… he told me… you're sick… I… I thought…"

Mattheo's brow furrowed further. He reached out, his touch tentative on my arm. "Slow down, love," he murmured. "What did Enzo tell you?"

I took a shaky breath, wiping at the tears blurring my vision. "That you… that you had a dangerous illness… that you didn't have long."

A bewildered frown creased his forehead. illness? What illness ? “

"Don't lie to me, Mattheo," I pleaded, tears welling up again. "He said you were… you were dying."

"Enzo that fucker ," he muttered, shaking his head . "He must have been trying to get us to talk." He let out a dry, humorless laugh, the sound sending a fresh wave of pain through me. "He always did have a dramatic flair."

My entire body tensed. Was he lying? My gaze darted across his face, searching for any sign of truth.

"But Enzo wouldn't lie about something like that," I protested, my voice shaky. "He was so worried. He said you loved me, that I deserved to know."

His arms tightened around me "Well, Enzo got one thing right then,"

"So there's no illness?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mattheo cupped my face in his hand, wiping away a stray tear with his thumb. "No illness, love. Just a heartbroken fool who did something incredibly stupid." His gaze softened, searching mine. "You believed him?"

Shame burned in my throat. "I… I was scared,"

Mattheo's expression softened. "Scared about me?" he asked gently, his thumb brushing against my cheek in a soothing gesture.

I nodded, unable to meet his gaze as tears threatened to spill over once more.

“you don't have to be scared anymore. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."A wave of relief washed over me as I melted into his embrace, feeling the weight of my fears slowly lift from my shoulders. In his arms

his playful smile fading, replaced by a sharp concern that etched lines on his face his gaze flicked down to my knee

"Oh Merlin," he muttered, kneeling down to examine the wound. A crimson stain was blossoming on my knee .

"It looks worse than it is, probably," I mumbled, trying to sound nonchalant. But the wince I couldn't quite suppress betrayed me.. He knelt beside me, his touch sending a familiar spark through my body despite the circumstances.

"You shouldn't have run like that," he said gently, his voice laced with a hint of disapproval. "Look at you, all bruised and bleeding."

My cheeks burned, not just from the sting of the wounds, but from the unexpected tenderness in his voice. "I… I just needed to see you," I mumbled, looking away.

A soft chuckle escaped his lips. "Well, you certainly made an entrance," he said, a hint of amusement returning to his eyes. But his smile faltered as he focused on my wounds .

"Here, let me get you cleaned up," he said, his voice firm.

He rummaged through the surprisingly well-stocked medical kit hidden in the corner, pulling out vials of glistening potions and bandages. The air filled with the pungent scent of dittany as he carefully cleaned my wounds, his touch surprisingly gentle.

Each swipe of the cloth sent a jolt through me, a confusing mix of pain and a strange kind of pleasure. Shame battled with a newfound hope as I met his gaze. The anger and hurt that had clouded his eyes for weeks were gone, replaced by a warmth that sent a flutter to my stomach.

"There," he said finally, tying the last bandage with a practiced ease. "That should hold for now."

As he pulled back, our eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, the air crackled with unspoken words. The silence between us, once heavy with tension, thrummed with a new energy.

"I'm so sorry for barging in like that," I mumbled, looking away.

"Hey," he said, his voice firm but kind. " You scared the daylights out of me, but I'm glad you're here."

"Do__Do you still care about me?" I blurted out, the question tumbling out before I could stop it. Tears welled up again, threatening to spill over.

Mattheo's eyes widened for a moment, then a flicker of something warm crossed them.

"Like... are you kidding me?" he said, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "Of course I do."

My heart hammered in my chest. "But I thought..." I trailed off, unsure how to voice the tangled mess of emotions that had been churning inside me.

"You thought I moved on?" he finished, his voice gentle.

I nodded, ashamed of the doubt that had festered for so long.

"I was giving you space," he explained, "the space you said you needed. But believe me, it was killing me."

"Merlin's beard, Y/N. Every time some bloke even glanced your way, I felt like I might hex the lot of them."

My cheeks burned. As I laughed at what he said

his gaze lingering on my lips. "I swear I didn't tell anyone about what you told me that night," he murmured, his voice low and sincere. "I had nothing to do with the play. ,I didn't know they were going to do that I only didn't want you to go because it was connected to the dare and I thought if we just stayed away, it would all blow over."

"I know," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Charlie told me."

his messy hair softened by the dim light, his jaw shadowed with a hint of stubble, but his gaze held that same familiar warmth that had always sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

He looked so good, so heartbreakingly handsome, a possessiveness rising in my chest. He was mine

I couldn't hold back any longer. With a soft whimper, I closed the gap between us, my lips meeting his in a kiss that was both desperate and tender.

His lips were warm and soft, molding perfectly to mine.The taste of him – a mixture of mint and something uniquely Mattheo – flooded my senses, sending a jolt through my body.

Mattheo responded instantly, pulling me closer until I was practically settling me on his lap , melting into him . His hands slid down my back.

He held me tightly, as if afraid I might disappear, and the urgency in his kiss mirrored my own. It was a hungry kiss, filled with a raw passion that had been simmering beneath the surface for too long.

We explored each other's mouths with a newfound intensity, the taste of him igniting a fire deep within me. Our tongues danced together, a silent conversation filled with unspoken promises and a desperate need for more.

He pulled back slightly, his breath ragged. His eyes, shimmering with desire, held me captive.My own hands tangled in his hair . "I missed you," he rasped, his voice thick with emotion.

The words echoed my own feelings. God, how I'd missed him.

He kissed me again the kiss deepened, a desperate plea for connection after weeks of longing. My hips instinctively swayed against him, seeking a friction that had been absent for too long. The ache in my core, a dull throb that had plagued me, seemed to lessen with each press of my body against his,It felt like a dam had broken, a release after a drought.

But then I felt it – a firmness pressing against my core, a sensation that sent a jolt through my system. It overwhelmed my senses, momentarily drowning the delicious haze of the kiss. As my body brushed against it again, a guttural moan escaped Mattheo's lips. Reality slammed back, and I tore myself away from the kiss, eyes wide with a sudden realization.

"I'm so sorry," I stammered, the words tumbling out in a jumbled mess. "I didn't realize…" my cheeks a fiery red. "Does it hurt you too?"

"Too?"He tilted his head, a playful smile on his face ."What do you mean, baby? What's hurting you?

"I-I just..." I stammered, my cheeks burning like embers. "I don't know... It's just..." Words failed me completely.

His playful smirk deepened the pit in my stomach. "Yeah?" he prompted, his confusion tinged with amusement.

"That would be…" My voice dropped to a barely audible murmur. "That ache, and it won't just go away, no matter what I try."

He chuckled, the sound warm and comforting. "Oh, my love. That sounds awful." He brushed a fallen strand of hair away from my face, his touch sending a fresh wave of heat through me.

"Tell me, love," he whispered, his voice husky with desire, "where does this ache come from?"

before I could confess, a new sensation stole the air from my lungs. His lips, warm and insistent, found my neck again

"Where was that ache coming from, love?" he repeated, his lips soft against my skin, eliciting a moan of pleasure.

"Tell me," he urged, cupping my breast while peppering kisses all over my neck. "I'm still waiting for you to answer me, my love," his voice dominant, commanding my attention.

"It was... down there," I admitted. "It won't go away, no matter what I try," I continued, feeling exposed.

His lips found a sensitive spot behind my ear, sending a jolt of pleasure through me. "And what have you tried to do to make it go away?" he murmured, his voice turning dark .

"I... I tried to do what you did to me before, but I couldn't," I whispered, tears welling in my eyes, their origin unclear. He kissed them away, his lips tender against my skin.

"You tried to touch yourself? Tried to recreate what I did to you? And who were you thinking about while doing it, darling?" he asked, his voice thick with desire.

"You... it was you. I also imagined it was you, but it didn't work," I confessed.

"You're going to be the death of me," he murmured, kissing away the last of my tears. Then he continued, his voice low and seductive, "We need to do something about that then , Would you let me kiss it better?"

Unable to tear my gaze from his, I simply nodded, my voice stolen by the intensity in his eyes.

"Words, love,I need to hear your voice "

"Yes, please," I whispered, the words barely escaping my lips.

The kiss that followed was possessive, a searing claim . When he finally pulled away, his eyes burned with a dark intensity.

"Good," he breathed, his voice thick with desire . "Because I'm going to worship every inch of that beautiful body. Every. Inch. Of. You."

With a tenderness that contrasted with the raw desire in his voice, he gently laid me down on the bed. The plush fabric felt cool against my flushed skin as anticipation coiled in the pit of my stomach.

His fingers brushed against my collarbone as he meticulously unfastened each button of my shirt. His gaze never left mine, the intensity in his eyes sending shivers down my spine.

"That Ravenclaw boy, Michael Corner, what was he telling you?"

His question jolted me back to reality. I blinked, momentarily confused, then recalled, "Oh, right, Michael. He was talking about the next Quidditch match. I didn't know you noticed."

A wry smile played on his lips. "Oh, believe me, I did," he said, his voice a low rumble. "Every. Single. Second. Especially when his eyes kept flickering back over here."

His gaze dropped pointedly to the space where my shirt now hung open, and a blush crept up my neck.

"Believe me," he whispered,"my eyes were on you the entire time."

Heat pulsed through me as his kisses trailed down my neck, each one a spark igniting a fire within. I squeezed my eyes shut, a strangled moan caught in my throat. Nervous flutters danced in my stomach, a foreign sensation that both scared and thrilled me.

A gasp ripped through me as Matteo's cool fingers dipped beneath my skirt. My skin, flushed from his heated kisses, sent a jolt of contrasting sensation against his touch. It was a delicious shock, leaving me breathless.

"Hey," he murmured, voice laced with concern as he immediately stopped, his brows furrowing. "Is this okay? Do you want me to…"

He began to retract his hand, but before he could fully pull away, I reached out, my fingers blindly grasping at his . "No," I mumbled, the word barely a whisper. My voice betrayed me, shaky and breathless. Why did this simple touch feel so earth-shattering?

"No," I repeated, a little firmer this time, gathering my courage. "I mean, yes. This is… I want that." The last few words tumbled out in a rush, so quiet I wasn't sure if he even heard them.

I squeezed my eyes shut, unable to meet his gaze. I could almost picture the smirk tugging at the corner of his lips

A blush crept up my neck as his voice rumbled in my ear, a promise laced with concern. "If you feel uncomfortable at any point, love, just say the word. I want this to be good for you." His touch lingered on my bare skin, a burning ember against my suddenly chilled flesh.

The sincerity in his voice calmed the knot of nerves twisting in my stomach. I knew he wouldn't push me further than I was ready. Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze, my own desire reflected back in his warm brown eyes.

"I trust you," I whispered, the words a shaky promise.

A slow smile spread across his face, lighting up his features like the sunrise.

The brush of his fingers against the fabric of my bra sent a jolt through me. He paused, his eyes searching mine once more, a silent question hanging in the air.

This time, my response was a small, barely-there nod. It was a hesitant surrender, an invitation whispered on a breath. A satisfied glint sparked in his eyes before he continued his exploration, his touch sending shivers dancing across my skin.

Matteo's fingers grazed the clasp of my bra. The touch was a spark that ignited a fire within me, a rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. Instinctively, my fingers tangled themselves in his hair . He dipped his head, his lips trailing a warm path down my neck before finding a sensitive spot on my chest. A soft moan escaped my lips as he teased the nipple

My back arched involuntarily, a silent plea for him to continue. I tugged on his hair, not wanting him to stop, not wanting this exquisite feeling to end.

"Does that feel good, love?" he murmured against my skin, his voice husky with desire.

"Yes," I breathed, the word barely a whisper lost in the symphony of sensations swirling around me. My eyelids fluttered shut, the world dissolving into a haze of touch and taste, the touch of his skin and the warmth of his breath. Everything else faded away .

Moving to my other nipple giving it the same attention .My fingers instinctively tangled themselves in his hair.

A wave of heat washed over me as Matteo's hand brushed against the hem of my skirt soft sigh escaped his lips as his gaze drifted to my soaked panties .

“I’ve wanted this for such a long time, you have no idea,” he murmured, sucking on the skin of my inner thighs as my hands fisted the bedsheets.

“Please,” I begged, feeling no embarrassment about how desperate I sounded. As soon as he began to suck on my clit, all my worries began to vanish. Profane words spilled from my mouth as Matteo took his sweet time with me.

"Merlin, oh, I—" It seemed as if I couldn’t control my mouth any longer; my instincts took over. I knew that I was ready; I wanted him, all of him.

“Relax, baby, I’ve got you,” his eyes were pitch black by now pupils were dilated, a dark reflection of the desire .

A loving smile playing on his lips as he slowly inserted a finger into me. It still felt strange to me, a sensation I hadn't quite grown accustomed to yet. I was tight around his fingers, but my moans urged him on. Adding another finger, he alternated between sucking, licking, then repeating, drawing me closer to my release,a mind-blowing orgasm that I’d never forget.

My stomach clenched, a tight knot forming as a foreign heat bloomed in my core. Blood roared in my ears, drowning out everything except his voice and the frantic pounding of my heart. My head arched back against the pillow, muscles involuntarily tightening around his fingers.

" good girl , Come for me, love,"

A guttural moan escaped my lips as pleasure surged through me, a wave cresting and crashing in a series of shivers. "Mattheo," I breathed, his name a desperate prayer repeated again and again.

"That’s fucking right, love ." he murmured, his voice thick with satisfaction. "Say my name,no one else says my name quite like you do. It's a sound I desperately missed."

His words fueled the fire within me, and I surrendered to the overwhelming pleasure, clinging to him as the wave crested and receded. Exhausted but exhilarated, I opened my eyes to find his gaze locked on mine.

A slow smile tugged at his lips as he brushed a kiss across my flushed cheek. The touch ignited a spark within me, and I reached out, my fingers curling around his hand. With a newfound boldness, I drew him closer, our lips meeting in a kiss that spoke volumes.

"I want you Mattheo all of you ," I whispered against his lips, with newfound confidence.

His gaze held mine for a beat, searching for any flicker of hesitation. He saw none, only a reflection of the desire burning brightly in his own eyes.

"Are you absolutely sure, love?" he asked.

"Absolutely sure just be gentle ," I breathed against his lips, the words leaving no room for doubt.

He undressed himself slowly, his eyes never leaving my form. I couldn't help but admire the contours of his body as he revealed each inch of his skin. My fingers tingled with anticipation, and I reached out to trace the lines of his sculpted six-pack, feeling the firmness beneath my touch. His muscles rippled under my fingertips.

My apprehension grew as I looked at his length, my mind swirling with doubts and desires. " will it hurt?" I asked, my voice betraying my fear and curiosity. I couldn't shake the nagging thought of how he would fit inside me.

"I won’t do anything to hurt you. I'll be gentle with you, okay?"he reassured me, his words soothing my nerves.

 “Is that gonna fit?” 

 

 “I’ll make it fit.” He kissed a trail down the valley between my breasts, his lips igniting a flame against my skin. Each touch sent a surge of heat through me, anticipation building with every passing second.

He ran the tip of his hardness through my wet folds agonizingly slowly, each touch sending shivers of pleasure coursing through my body. I could feel myself throbbing with need as he coated himself with my slickness, the sensation almost overwhelming. Gasping for breath, I reached out for his free hand holding it , needing the connection to ground me amidst the whirlwind of sensation.

“Breathe for me, baby,” Matteo murmured, his voice laced with tenderness and desire. "Keep your eyes on me. Let me see those pretty eyes."

A sharp hiss escaped my lips as he slowly began to push into me, each inch stretching my muscles as they accommodated his girth. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, a combination of pleasure and slight discomfort mingling together. , his lips pressing tender kisses against my cheeks wiped away the tears .

As he started to roll his hips, a slow and steady rhythm, the initial discomfort gave way to a rush of pleasure that flooded my senses. Each movement sent waves of sensation coursing through me, building the intensity of our connection with every thrust.

It didn't take me long to get used to the new sensation; my cries turned into moans, loud moans, my nails clawed at his back as he picked up his speed. "You're doing so well my love '." He kept on praising me as I clenched around his length.

“Good girl," . His thumb continued to circle my pulsing clit, sending electric shocks of pleasure through me. Mattheo buried his head in my neck, inhaling my scent as he listened to the rhythm of our bodies moving together. "God, you feel so good, like a fucking dream. I'll never get enough of you," he whispered against my skin, his words sending shivers down my spine.

As I looked down, the sight of our bodies connected together made me moan even louder. I couldn't help but notice the drips of blood on his dick as he moved, a stark reminder of our primal connection.

"I love you, Mattheo. I'm sorry it took me so long to say it, but I do love you more than life itself," I breathed out between heavy moans, my confession hanging in the air like a promise. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I pulled him closer, desperate for more of him.

"Fucking hell, love, are you trying to kill me?" he sucked on my neck, pushing me over the edge for the second time that evening. The feeling exploded in my belly, my moans urging him closer to his own release. Still, I continued to clench around him, my body writhing with pleasure as he rode me through the bliss. His cock twitched inside of me, warmth spreading through me as he released himself inside of me.

I was on birth control pills my mother had made me take them since I turned eighteen, but in that moment, nothing else mattered but the overwhelming sensation of love and desire coursing through my veins.

“ Holy shit,Never thought I could love someone this much. What are you doing to me ?“

"Not even Astoria Greengrass?" I teased, unable to resist bringing that up .

"Don’t you dare bring another woman’s name up while my dick is still inside you," he retorted, his tone playful yet possessive.

I chuckled, cupping his face to kiss him passionately. His response was equally fervent, but a moan escaped my lips as I felt him getting out off me .

Surveying the aftermath, I couldn't help but feel a mix of pleasure and soreness. "I think I've lost my ability to walk," I joked.

"yeah ?" he teased back, laying down beside me. His fingers gently traced patterns in my hair as he leaned in to kiss my forehead with tenderness.

"I will never, ever do anything to hurt you again," he vowed softly.

Smiling softly, I whispered, "I know," before meeting his lips in another kiss.

He broke the kiss with a chuckle" I owes Enzo big time, huh? Best brother of the year?"

I laughed, feeling the exhaustion starting to set in.

"still ,but he'll pay for frightening you like that. Now, how about I take care of you first ?" I nodded, too tired to speak.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅

BONUS SCENE.

We re-entered the castle, his hand never leaving mine. It wasn't a casual hold, but a tight clasp, his fingers weaving between mine like a declaration

Suddenly, Matteo stopped short, his eyes widening in surprise. Following his gaze, I spotted a familiar tall figure with kind eyes and a warm smile – Uncle Ben! My jaw dropped. What was he doing here?

“Look who it is! Isn't that my favorite niece?"

"Uncle Ben? What are you doing here?"

"Ah," he chuckled, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "Professor Flitwick requested a little assistance with a... well, let's just say a certain magical artifact has gotten a bit out of sorts. Seems my expertise is needed to tame the beast, Thought I'd surprise you , and pop in to see how things are going at Hogwarts"

My jaw nearly hit the floor,how things are going at Hogwarts ? Well uncle…

“ this young man was keeping my company , Enzo, wasn't it?", his voice laced with amusement as he gestured towards Enzo.

"The one and only," Enzo confirmed with a wide grin, throwing in another wink for good measure.

My stomach lurched as Uncle Ben's gaze darted down to our hands, still subtly intertwined. The air crackled with sudden tension , his eyes darted from me to Mattheo, lingering a beat too long on the hand that still rested possessively on mine.

"Riddle Jr., isn't he?" he boomed, his jovial demeanor replaced with a mixture of surprise and something akin to panic.

My mind raced, desperately searching for an explanation. "Uncle Ben, it's —" I began, only to be cut off by his frantic question.

" you're not pregnant, right?" he blurted, his voice dropping to a panicked whisper.

My jaw dropped. Enzo choked on a laugh, shooting a helpless glance towards Mattheo, who seemed to be suppressing a smirk.

“you're holding hands! "

Enzo clapped Uncle Ben on the shoulder, his voice booming with forced cheer. "Come on, Ben! Let's not jump to conclusions. They're just kids, figuring things out."

My uncle's expression remained skeptical. He shifted his gaze to Matteo, a guarded look replacing the initial shock. " Riddle Jr. here," he began, his voice tight. "What exactly are your intentions towards y/n ?"

Matteo met Uncle Ben's gaze head-on, his posture unwavering. "Sir," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I deeply regret the way things ended between y/n and me. I know I hurt her, and for that, I'll never forgive myself. However, I care for her a great deal, and I would never do anything to intentionally cause her pain again." His eyes flickered to me briefly, a flicker of something warm passing between us. "All I want is a chance to prove myself worthy of her trust."

"Uncle Ben, I trust Mattheo. We'll take things slow, and I promise to be careful."

"Wow, you two look positively radiant. Blindingly so, actually. Sunglasses anyone?”enzo said wrapping his hands around my uncle shoulders.

Our synchronized eye rolls at his comment were enough to power the entire castle for a week. He held his hands up defensively, a playful grin plastered across his face while murmuring, "I'm still your brother, don't kill me," to Mattheo.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ── ─── ⋆⋅☆⋅

Tag list :

@avee-wavee @lovelyygirl8 @lovelyypythoness @timmychalametsstuff @sage-ove

[sei-rq]

Hiiii i really like your writing hehe sooo i wanted to make a request about a really specific scenario that i’ve been thinking abt.

imagine Rin and fem reader are childhood besties and before Rin goes to bllk she confesses to rin and runs away not letting him respond. Anyway, they dont see eachother until after the u-20 match and when they see eachother again , it’s tense and awkward and yea lol (they end up together tho)

a/n: wahh, I didn't know if you wanted fluff or smut, but I have so many requests about smut so I thought I'd try something different, hope you like it <33 and TYSM, ILY :D

stupid owl [5:37 AM]:

okay so

i don't have the guts to say this irl, so as the silly little guy i am, i'm just gonna send this here rq

we've been friends for so long and i don't want something like this to affect us, but i really need to say this before you leave for the little training thing you have

i really like you, fuck actually I really love you

i'm so sorry, i have so much more to say but I feel like if I say more than this, it's going to hurt more, because i know you don't feel the same way, i understand if you don't want to talk after this, good luck with soccer and everything else, rinrin, wishing you all the best <3

you [6:07 AM]:

[n/n], i love you too.

-

error, message couldn't send.

this user has blocked you.

...

rin isn't okay, he slept so well last night, he woke up at the usual time as he does, but well, he can't have shit, because he has developed a very bad habit of checking his phone soon after he wakes up, so he woke up at 6:00 AM, yes?

and disaster strikes, maybe a better striker than him. he had expected a million reels on his insta from you, funny or relatable tiktoks too, maybe even you talking about wanting to stop living as a human and turning into a capybara that balances an orange on it's head at 4 in the morning.

but no, it's none of that, it's his direct messages.

and he sees all of it right before leaving for blue lock, and his heart is falling to his stomach, his ears are red and hot, they're burning so such that he thinks he can't hear anything at all, his ears are ringing, he's happy at first, why wouldn't he be?

he has liked you ever since you tripped on the soccer ball in the playground when trying to learn the game, trying to play with him.

why wouldn't he like you back?

but then his chest tightens and his throat is dry and he can't seem to swallow the lump forming.

this user has blocked you.

fuck.

he's so fucked.

normally, if this was any other day, he'd run to your house, throw rocks at your window like it's a highschool romcom, but it just had to be the day he has to leave for bluelock, he really doesn't have time to spare.

itoshi rin is never late and he knows he wouldn't mind being late just this once, however, he has to get ready, take a shower, do yoga, then his daily morning run, breakfast. his bag is already packed, he doesn't need to worry about that.

and this is the first time, rin decides to say, "screw it."

he's freshly showered, bag in hand, protein bar in mouth, running to your house before his bus arrives, he hasn't done anything in his packed morning routine other than showering and the pathetic excuse of protein for breakfast.

but it's over.

as soon as he rings your doorbell and your mother answers the door with something along the lines of—

"they left last night to visit their aunt for the summer, didn't they say anything?"

okay so, it's really fucking over, and he's very fucked and screwed.

fuck this.

he's grumpy on his ride there, and he's even more pissed when the first challenge in blue lock arrives, he ends up kicking the ball into someone's face, eliminating them and causing them to have blood pouring out their nose, if not already backed by the sadness of being disqualified.

oops?

rin spends his days in the blue lock facility, distracting himself with soccer, forcing himself to recall his one goal, beating sae.

and in a history of firsts for rin, this is also the first time he can't seem to focus on the game he's held onto so desperately since he was introduced to it by his big brother.

time flies by and he wins victory after victory, until it's really time to prove himself and he has his goal set and nailed down in his mind, he will accomplish it, no matter what.

he's looking through the crowd, he's already tense as it is because of sae's attitude, well, it's way worse when he comes in contact with familiar eyes, he knows them by heart, he has dreamed about them since he was a brat with chubby cheeks. (that he still very much has.)

you.

you're wearing his jersey.

and in that moment, nothing else matters.

no one else matters, no other goal matters.

it's not over, you're here to watch him play, you're here to cheer him on, to see how much he has improved and now?—now he has enough motivation to do what he has set in mind, he will make things right, it's all going to be okay.

he's way more nervous when he plays this time, he scores a goal and his eyes are already back on you, to see your reaction, to gauge if that satisfies you even by a morsel, he needs to have your eyes on him.

they already are on him before he looks at you and—

oh.

oh fuck.

he knows he's done for.

he's all yours and he feels everything, everything is felt so deeply.

after the match, he is in a pissy attitude, he was happy when he saw you but sae as always has to ruin shit.

he's alone as he walks down the hallway to reach the elevator.

"rin?"

and in an instant, his heart is down his stomach.

the familiar comforting voice that he is so used to, he turns around to you and no— he hates that look on your face,

that unsure look, the insecurity and the awkwardness as though he'd ever ignore you, that face that screams "i don't want you to look at me like i'm repulsive."

you absolutely shouldn't have that look on you, never in a million years.

"[n/n]."

and he's breathing your name in like the air he breathes, immediately turning around to close the distance between you too, he sees you step backwards and he's hurt, but he needs to fix that look on your face.

he pulls you in by grabbing your wrist, his head drops to your shoulder, his arms wrap around your frame as he nuzzles his face into your neck.

home.

"you played so well."

don't do this to me.

please don't do this to me, don't treat me like a stranger, don't act like there's nothing here, like i'm not here, don't act so indifferent, please.

"i missed you." he murmurs, he can't get enough, he's drowning in your scent, his heart aching like a man starved and oh god, the yearning, he needs you so bad.

"missed you too, rin." and you apparently think this is a time to be funny, yet he knows that you aren't joking with that tone, what did he do to deserve the calculated tone of your voice and the sharpness of your words?

"don't call me that." his brows furrow.

"call you what? i just used your name, rin."

"don't pull this shit on me, [y/n], just anything but this right now, please." there is an edge to his voice like it'll break, like he's about to start sobbing, and it's pathetic but he's so desperate, for anything, just please.

"don't treat me like a stranger, please."

you don't know how to respond to that as you pull away from his reach and his face drops further, he grits his teeth as he pulls you into the elevator with him, it's nice, the elevator is cool, the glass showcasing the world outside from the tall structure of the building, it goes down slowly.

and before you know it, your back is pressed to the glass.

rin's hand on your cheek, the other hand in your hair. and he's pulling you in, his lips rest on your forehead, then your nose and then your cheek, ghosting over your lips and—please.

"am I allowed to kiss you?"

because this is so strange, you were so sure itoshi rin doesn't do feelings, but that look on his face proves it otherwise, he looks frantic, like he's touching glass or something so fragile it might shatter under his care.

"please?"

who are you to say no? his lips are on yours as soon as he gets the signal, deep, intimate, intense, afraid, painfully desperate.

and when he pulls always to look down at you to utter the words.

"i love you too."

the elevator door opens to isagi yoichi whose soul leaves his body, as the sprout on his head jumps alongside him.

well.

words aren't very important at the moment and rin isn't good at them either and there is plenty of more time to deal with all that, but what matters most is that he has made himself clear with his actions.

he won't let you slip away.

and that starts with his pissed off expression as he chases isagi out the elevator to grab him by the hair and the poor blue haired boy can only feel his soul leave his body like those animated cartoons.

you're left by yourself to giggle at the person in front of you, someone who has been your best friend before everything else.

how foolish of you to assume he wouldn't want this.

how foolish, because if he felt nothing, why were his hands shaking when holding your face so carefully to kiss you? as to not break you?

how foolish.

[eobe]

(Narrative ALT text by @eclec-tech ✨)

✨ The Mysterious Holographer! 😎🤌🤌

Alpha-17 is a dangerous man! 👀 If his mission is taking the best holopics, he‘ll succeed 🫡 Nobody is safe, no excuses! 😳 He even got the latest awesome shit holopad from GAR goods!

The reason why he’s the man to succeed this challenging mission, because he’s most likely the only one of the GAR that is actually able to force convince superiors like the grumpy Marshal Commander Fox and growling Commander Wolffe into a Commander Squad group holopic despite them being gothic styled! 😎✨

The conspiracy around the Mysterious Holographer is revealing now and you‘ll find a little gift and the reason for this collab under the gallery of Alpha‘s so far holoshots! 👀

✨ Holoframed conspiracy artworks

A neat gallery scroll with links to the original post and artist’s tags 😎 Also featuring the shiny CT-9075 and Alpha-17 as narrators in the ALT-texts 📖

Tahny barking at Hunter 🧨 by @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf

"It was a Dark and Gothy Shiny Night" 🖤 A GAR Goth Night Story by @eclec-tech and the lost shiny holoshot – art collab by @wings-and-beskargam (the shiny) and @eobe (the background)

Archer the Mandalorian Sandalorian 👀 by @wings-and-beskargam

"Okay, barkeep. Listen up!" Tahny instructing the bartender to mix the Blue Ga'haiian drink🍹 by @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf – Check out that delicious receipe by the way 😽

Archer versus Captain Gregor – Flirtation Wars Round 👀✨ by @wings-and-beskargam

Jedi General Lupe of Lothal and ARC trooper Fives 💙 by @lonewolflupe

ARC trooper stealing a keg of booze 🥃 by @foxwithadarkside

Owl Squad entering the GAR Goth Night 🦉 by @eobe

Commanders' group holoshot 🫂 by @eobe

📸 ✨

Being the best of the best of the best (and having more fun than he would ever admit) means also that Alpha-17 uses the holopad like his weapons – fast and unerring! 🎯 He takes snapshots in the very moment when needed and will absolutely indulge the most fun and silly ones in the quiet of his office after the GAR Goth Night!

The following link leads to a shared Google file with a free-to-use transparent holopic frame artwork in DIN A4 size and neat printable quality (300 ppi), that I drew based on the design of the group holopic of Cody, Rex and the Domino Twins! 🤩🫶 I‘d love to be tagged, but no pressure – it’s a gift 💝

🔗 Holopicture frame overlay

Maybe some artist has a vision of what shenanigans Alpha might hunt with his holopad? 👀✨📸 You can use the transparent holopic-frame as an overlay to give your artwork a snapshot-, selfie- or group pic-like style – the "holopic"-finish! ✨📸 If you tag #mysterious holographer snapshot your holopic-artwork can be added together with your tag to another big post of Alpha's holopic-collection of the GAR Goth Night 😎 Unsubtle-unsubtle call to art action! 🤩

The reason for all of this 🥰

Marshal Commander Fox at the GAR Goth Night by @ghostymarni

The reason for this conspiracy is the person who started GAR Goth Night: Marni 👏🎉

She casually dropped this goth Commander Fox and didn't realise we'd go completely crazy over him and the concept of a goth-themed GAR event.

When more and more clones and OCs started to join in, none of us could have imagined how popular the night would get! We wanted to add some more mystery and gothspiracy to add some plot to the night, to show our appreciation to Marni, for her amazing ability to design and gothify anything Star Wars related! 🖤✨🌹⛓️🦇✨

Marni, thank you for hyping us up and getting this off the ground! 🤩 This wouldn't have been possible without you! This one's for you! 🫶

The Mysterious Holographer Conspiracy Culprits Credits ✨⭐️

Conspiring, plotting, arting, storywriting, texting and coordinating:

lonewolflupe

foxwithadarkside

wings-and-beskargam

crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf

eclec-tech

eobe

Multiple tagging in here, because when the list gets stolen, some of us are always missing – so here's a (so far?) complete GGN taglist 😂

GAR Goth Night friends and Chaos vode 🖤✨ @ghostymarni @lonewolflupe @wings-and-beskargam @eclec-tech @eobe @foxwithadarkside @fiveminutetrash @crosshairs-dumb-pimp-gf @feral-ferrule @ladylucksrogue @nika6q @skellymom @vimse @gargothnightzine @sunshinesdaydream @noblelightfighter @returnofthepineapple @freesia-writes @covert1ntrovert @vikushat @nocturius8015ficore @mamuzzy @risavulpes @niobiumao3 @sazzujazzu @blackseafoam @thora-sniper @gars-weaponeer @leenathegreengirl @vodika-vibes @headphones-ct-09978 @thecoffeelorian @bad4amficideas

[stellaspectral]

Can you do a Bayverse Raph x Childhood best friend reader who's kind of a girly girl (loves pink, knows a lot about makeup and fashion, likes dressing up in pretty and cute outfits, and is an absolute sweetheart).

During when the tower is falling (reader isn't here for this) and Raph is cofessing, is where he spills that he's loved the reader for years but never said anything because he felt like he wouldn't be good enough for her and that she deserves better is also around the time they just landed on the ground and his brothers as well as April know the truth about Raph's feelings for her, and reader feels the same but also didn't say anything because she was worried it would affect their friendship in a negative way.

The way they confess to each other could be very similar to Lumity, where his brothers set them up on a 'mission' together. Which is actually a set-up date that Raph destroys out of embarrassment and fear of getting rejected, which makes the reader sad because she thinks he doesn't like her. But after something goes wrong and protects the reader from it is when they finally tell each other

A/N: Hello, anon! I haven’t watched The Owl House in a hot minute, but I tried my best to capture the vibe of *that* episode in a TMNT context. Thank you so much for the request; it was fun to finally write some Bayverse turts!

Rooftop Confession (angst/fluff)

❤️ Bayverse Raphael/Female Reader ❤️

CWs: Near-death situations (past & present), angst/insecurity, mutual pining, first kiss, happy ending. Takes place between the first movie and Out of the Shadows. All characters are aged-up.

The memory still hits Raph sometimes, sharp and sudden. Hanging onto that crumbling tower, the world tilting beneath him, the certainty of oblivion pressing in. He remembers that moment when, with everything stripped away, the raw truth clawed its way out.

“I … I shoulda told her,” he remembers choking out, the words torn from him by fear and regret, barely audible over the roar of destruction.

Leo, Donnie, and Mikey—they heard it. April, clinging nearby, heard it too.

“I always loved her. Since we were kids. But she deserves better. Someone … normal. Not a freak like me.”

They survived, somehow. Landed hard, bruised and battered, but alive. The confession hangs in the air between him and his brothers, an unspoken acknowledgment. They know. April knows. The only one who doesn’t know the depth of his feelings for you is … you.

❤️ Some Months Later ❤️

You adjust the bow on your pastel pink crossbody bag, humming softly as you follow Leo through the lair’s entrance tunnel.

Tonight’s outfit is one of your favorites: a soft, lavender A-line dress with little white flowers embroidered on the hem, paired with cute white sneakers that have delicate ribbon laces. You’ve also done your makeup—a shimmery pink eyeshadow, a touch of blush, and your signature strawberry-scented lip gloss.

Dressing up always makes you feel happy, even if you’re just hanging out in a sewer lair with your giant turtle friends.

Especially one giant turtle best friend specifically.

Your heart does its usual little flutter-kick when you see Raph leaning against a wall, arms crossed, looking characteristically grumpy. But you know him, know the slight softening around his eyes when he sees you, even if he tries to hide it. You’ve been friends since you were both kids—you, the bright-eyed human girl fascinated by the shadows. And him, the equally fascinated mutant turtle hiding within them.

You share secrets, scraped knees, and watch terrible late-night movies together. And somewhere along the way, your childhood affection has blossomed into something deeper. Something you are terrified to name for fear of shattering the precious bond you already have.

“Alright, team,” Leo says, clapping his hands together. “Quick recon mission tonight. Donnie picked up some unusual activity near the old waterfront warehouse district. Could be the Foot stirring things up, so we need a quiet approach.” He looks pointedly between you and Raph. “Raph, your strength might be needed if things get heavy. And you—your observational skills are top-notch. And frankly, you blend in better than the rest of us. But make sure to keep comms open and report back.”

You try to ignore the way your stomach flips at the idea of working closely with Raph tonight. “Just us? Are you sure, Leo?” you ask, tilting your head.

Mikey practically vibrates with suppressed energy behind Leo, giving you an overly enthusiastic thumbs-up. Donnie adjusts his glasses, looking suspiciously focused on a scanner that isn’t turned on. April, leaning against Donnie’s desk, offers you a small, encouraging smile.

Something feels … orchestrated.

“Positive,” Leo answers firmly. “Now gear up, you two.”

Raph grunts, pushing off the wall. He doesn’t meet your eyes directly, which is odd. Usually, he’d at least give you a nod or a gruff, ‘hey.’

You grab Donnie’s enhanced binoculars and a pair of comms devices from his desk, attaching one to your dress. You hold the other out for Raph, who takes it without a word. His thick fingers brush yours for the briefest second, and a pleasant jolt zings up your arm. He recoils as if burned, shoving the device into a belt pouch before storming towards the exit and muttering under his breath.

You follow him out, casting a quick, slightly bewildered glance back at the others. Mikey is practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, Donnie is suddenly very interested in polishing his glasses, Leo gives a sharp nod that feels more like a dismissal, and April just winks.

Okay, definitely orchestrated.

You hurry after Raph, your sneakers quiet on the concrete floor. “Raph? Everything okay?” you ask softly as you catch up in the tunnel leading out.

“Peachy,” he grunts, his voice tight. He won’t look at you.

The silence stretches between you as you walk. Usually, these tunnels echo with your shared laughter or Raph’s rumbling complaints about Mikey’s latest prank. His shoulders are rigid, his sais held tight at his sides, radiating a tension that has nothing to do with the upcoming mission. It prickles against your skin, making your own nerves fray.

You risk a sideways glance at him. His jaw is tight, his gaze fixed firmly ahead. The usual grumpy facade is there, but underneath it simmers something else—something agitated and uncomfortable. It hurts, just a little, this sudden wall between you. He’s never been this closed off before.

“So,” you try again, keeping your voice casual. “Waterfront warehouses. Creepy. Think we’ll see any ghost pirates?” You’re referencing an old inside joke, a ridiculous B-movie you watched together years ago. Normally, it would earn you at least a scoff, maybe even the faintest hint of a smile.

He doesn’t break stride. “Focus,” he grunts, the word clipped.

You bite your lip, feeling a flush creep up your neck. Fine. If he wants to be all business, then so can you. “Right.”

You adjust your bag again, suddenly self-conscious about your dress and sneakers. Maybe dressing up wasn’t the best idea for potential Foot Clan trouble. But Leo knew what you were wearing …

You pull your own focus inward, scanning the tunnel ahead, trying to push down the disappointment churning in your stomach. Why is he acting like this? Did you do something wrong?

You emerge from the sewers near the waterfront. The air here is cool, carrying the distant sounds of the city—a lone siren, the rumble of traffic on a far-off bridge. Ahead, the hulking shapes of the warehouses loom against the night sky, their windows dark.

“Okay, Leo said quiet approach,” you murmur, more to yourself than to Raph, pulling out the binoculars. You scan the nearest rooftop, looking for movement or any sign of Foot activity.

Raph moves ahead, his enormous frame surprisingly silent as he hugs the shadows along the alley wall ahead. He pauses at the corner, peering around it cautiously before gesturing for you to follow. As you move to join him, your sneaker catches on uneven pavement. You stumble, letting out a tiny gasp.

Instantly, a large, three-fingered hand shoots out, steadying your arm. The touch is firm, grounding, and sends another jolt through you. You look up, surprised, straight into Raph’s eyes. And for a fraction of a second, the wall is down.

You see the worry in his gaze, the familiar protective instinct overriding whatever else is bothering him. His grip tightens almost imperceptibly, a reflex honed over years of watching out for you. Then, just as quickly, it’s gone.

He snatches his hand back, turning away sharply. His shoulders tense up again, maybe even more than before. “Watch your step,” he mutters, his voice rougher than usual. He doesn’t wait for a reply, just melts back into the shadows at the corner, resuming his watch.

Your heart skips a beat, though it’s tangled with confusion. That brief moment—that flicker of the Raph you know—only makes his current behavior more baffling. He’s here, right beside you, but he feels miles away. And whatever this mission is, you have a growing suspicion that the real challenge tonight won’t be finding the Foot.

It’ll be navigating the strange, sudden distance between you and your best friend.

You activate your comm. “Okay, Leo, we’re topside at the waterfront. Area looks clear for now. Anything else we should be looking out for?”

There’s a crackle, then comes Leo’s voice. “Negative, just keep your eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary. How’s … uh … how’s the teamwork going?”

You glance at Raph’s stiff back. “It’s … quiet,” you say carefully.

“Good! Good! Quiet is good for recon!” Leo replies quickly. Then you hear a muffled shuffling sound and what might be Mikey whispering, “Ask them if they’re holding hands yet!” followed by a sharp “Mikey!” presumably from Leo or Donnie, and then static.

Your cheeks flush. Okay, now you know for sure. This isn’t a mission. This is a set-up. Raph’s brothers—they’ve thrown you two together out here. But why? And why is Raph acting like he’d rather wrestle Shredder blindfolded and unarmed than be alone with you?

“So,” you say, deciding to push forward with the charade, mostly because you don’t know what else to do. “Rooftop access?”

Raph grunts and points at a rusty fire escape ladder on the side of the nearest warehouse. “There,” he says, moving towards it.

He tests the lowest rung, satisfied when it holds his weight, and begins to climb without a word. You follow, hoisting yourself onto the first rung. You focus on the climb, placing your feet carefully, acutely aware of his broad back moving steadily above you.

Normally, Raph would check back, offering a hand even though he knows you’re capable, grumbling about making sure you don’t fall. Tonight, he just climbs, putting distance between you—and the hurt twists a little deeper in your chest.

You reach the flat, gravel-strewn roof, panting slightly. Raph is already crouched near the edge, his silhouette stark against the faint glow of the city lights reflecting off the low clouds as he scans the cluster of warehouses. You join him near the edge, keeping a respectful distance, the silence stretching taut between you.

The rooftop overlooking the warehouse district is surprisingly nice, in a way. The city lights glitter in the distance, reflecting off the dark water. There is even a small, neglected rooftop garden across the street with overgrown planters. It feels almost … romantic.

You take a deep breath of the crisp night air. “It’s actually kind of pretty up here, isn’t it?” you offer, trying to break the tense silence.

Raph swats away a loose piece of gravel. “It’s a rooftop. Concrete and pigeon crap.”

You wince slightly at his tone. “Right. So, uh … any signs of Foot activity?” you finish lamely, pulling the binoculars back up to your eyes, though you’re not really looking at anything.

He shifts beside you, sweeping away another stone, sending it skittering across the rooftop. “Nope,” he grunts. “Place is dead quiet. Just like Leo probably knew it would be.” There’s an edge to his voice, a raw frustration that goes beyond simple grumpiness.

Lowering the binoculars slowly, you turn to face him more directly. You can feel the thump of your own heart against your ribs. “Raphael,” you begin, your voice softer than you intended. He flinches, just slightly, like the sound of his full name startled him. He finally glances towards you, though his gaze lands somewhere near your shoulder, not quite meeting your eyes. “What’s wrong?”

He stiffens immediately, crossing his thick arms over his plastron. “Nothin’s wrong. Told ya. Just doin’ the mission.”

“No,” you persist, finding a little more firmness. You know him too well to buy that. “Something is wrong. You’re barely speaking to me. And you’ve been acting weird ever since we left the lair. Did I … do something?” Your voice trembles slightly on the last question.

His head snaps up slightly at the tremor in your voice, a flicker of alarm crossing his features before he clamps down on it. “No!” he says, the word sharp, almost explosive. Then, quieter, more strained, “You didn’t do nothin’. It’s just … this whole thing is stupid.”

“Stupid? The mission?” you ask, latching onto the excuse, even though your gut tells you it’s not the entire story.

“Yeah! The ‘mission’!” He practically spits the word out, gesturing vaguely at the empty warehouses spread out below. “Leo sends us out here for nothin’. Just … gawkin’ at empty buildings in the dark.” His frustration is palpable, rolling off him in waves. He still won’t quite look at you.

“So you’re mad at Leo?” you probe gently, sensing you’re circling the actual issue.

He scrubs a hand over his face, his expression a turbulent mix of anger and something else. Embarrassment? Conflict? “Yeah. Mad at Leo.” He pauses, then mutters under his breath, almost inaudibly, “and Donnie. And Mikey.”

“Why?” The question hangs in the air, though the orchestrated nature of the evening has become blindingly clear. “Because they sent us out alone?”

Raph finally looks at you.

The raw emotion swirling in his eyes makes your breath catch. It’s frustration, yes, but tangled with a vulnerability that mirrors the look you saw when he caught you stumbling in the alley. He is watching you, a strange mix of frustration and something softer flickering in his eyes before he quickly looks away, scowling harder.

“This is dumb,” he growls, suddenly rising, pacing back and forth. “Just standin’ around. We should be doing somethin’.”

Your usually bright demeanor dims again, and a knot of disappointment forms in your stomach. Usually, even when Raph is moody, he isn’t this dismissive towards you.

You hug your arms around yourself, the pretty dress suddenly feeling even sillier. “If you don’t want to be here with me, you can just say so. Leo can send Donnie or Mikey.”

Raph stops pacing, looking genuinely taken aback for a second. “What? No, it’s not … It’s not you. It’s this whole … mission.” He gestures vaguely again, looking flustered. “It’s pointless.”

His words, meant perhaps to reassure, land wrong. This—being here with you—feels pointless to him?

Tears prick the corners of your eyes, and you quickly blink them back, turning away to stare fixedly at the skyline. “Oh. Okay.” Your voice is small.

Raph opens his mouth, then closes it, running a hand over his head in frustration. He looks utterly miserable, caught between his fierce feelings and his equally fierce fear. He hates seeing you sad, especially when he knows he is the cause. But the thought of confessing—of seeing potential pity or rejection in your eyes—it paralyzes him.

This whole set-up by his brothers is backfiring spectacularly.

Suddenly, a low groan echoes from the structure beneath your feet. Not metal stress. But something heavier, older. Concrete shifts.

“What is that?” you ask, glancing down nervously.

Before Raph can answer, a loud CRACK splits the air. The section of rooftop near the edge, right where you are, buckles violently. A chunk of concrete the size of a small car breaks loose, plummeting towards the alley below, and taking the patch of roof you are on with it.

You cry out, stumbling backwards as the ground disappears beneath you while Raph roars your name.

In a fraction of a second, all his awkwardness, fear, and frustration vanish, replaced by instinct. He launches himself forward, his massive green hand clamping around your wrist like a vise just as your feet leave the stable part of the roof. He hauls you back, stumbling himself but managing to pull you against his plastron, shielding your body with his own.

You land hard against his chest, the air knocked out of you, heart pounding against his like a drum. His arms are iron bands around you, holding you so tight you can barely breathe. Dust fills the air. Below, the chunk of concrete smashes into the alley with a deafening crash.

For a long moment, neither of you moves. You are trembling, clinging to the rough texture of his skin, the solid reality of him beneath your hands. He is holding you as if his life depends on it, his breathing ragged.

Finally, he loosens his grip slightly, tilting your chin up with one finger, his eyes scanning you frantically. “You okay? You hurt?” His voice is raw, thick with adrenaline and fear.

“I-I’m okay,” you stammer, tears finally spilling over, born of shock and relief. “You … you saved me, Raph.”

Seeing your tears, his expression crumples. “Aw, hell, I …” He trails off, looking down at you cradled in his arms, so small and fragile compared to him. The nearness, the lingering danger, almost losing you—it breaks down the last of his carefully constructed walls. “I’m sorry. For before. For bein’ a jerk.”

You shake your head, still trying to catch your breath. “It’s okay.”

“No,” he insists, his gaze intense, locking with yours. “It’s not okay. I ruined it. This … this whole thing.” He takes a shaky breath. “Leo an’ the guys—they set this up. This wasn’t just recon. It was supposed ta be … somethin’ else.”

Your eyes widen slightly. Like … a date?

“I panicked,” Raph admits, looking deeply ashamed. “Because … look at ya. You’re amazing. Always have been. So bright, and kind, and perfect.” He gestures at himself. “And I’m just … this. And I freak out, thinkin’ there’s no way someone like you can ever”—he pauses, swallowing hard—“feel the same way about someone like me.”

He finally echoes the words he confessed on that falling tower. “I’ve loved you for years. Since we were kids, watchin’ cartoons. But I was scared. Scared I’m not good enough. Scared I’ll ruin everything. I think you deserve … better.”

Waves of emotion wash over you—shock, understanding, overwhelming relief. The tears flow freely now, but they aren’t sad tears.

You reach up, your hand trembling slightly as you cup his cheek. “Oh, Raphie,” you whisper, using his old childhood nickname. “You idiot.” A watery giggle escapes you. “You big, strong, wonderful idiot.”

Now, he’s the one whose eyes widen in surprise.

“You think I didn’t feel the same?” you continue, your voice gaining strength. “You think I didn’t spend years wondering if you saw me as anything more than just your human friend? I was scared too, Raph. Scared of losing you, losing our friendship if I said anything, if I misread everything. Scared I wasn’t tough enough, or cool enough, for you.”

You press your forehead against him. “You’re not ‘just this.’ You’re brave, and loyal, and you protect the people you care about more fiercely than anyone I know. You have the biggest heart, even if you try to hide it under all that grumpiness. How can I not fall for you?”

He stares at you, his usual scowl completely gone, replaced by stunned vulnerability. “You … you mean that?”

“Every word,” you breathe.

Slowly, tentatively, he leans down. You meet him halfway, your lips brushing against his in a kiss that is hesitant at first, then deepens with all the years of unspoken longing. His hands are infinitely careful as one cups the back of your head, the other resting gently on your waist.

And when you finally pull back, breathless, you are both smiling.

“So,” Raph mumbles, a faint blush creeping up his neck. “This, uh, date kinda sucked hard until the end.”

You laugh. “Yeah, well, the ending was pretty spectacular.” You feel safe and warm nestled against him, the earlier hurt completely forgotten. “Maybe we can try again? Somewhere more structurally sound?”

He chuckles. “Yeah, I’d like that,” he says, tightening his arm around you protectively.

Your comm crackles to life. “Uh, guys? Everything okay?” Leo’s voice sounds cautious. “Donnie lost your signal for a minute after that tremor.”

Raph glances down at you, a smirk playing on his lips as he switches on his own comm. “Yeah, Leo. Everything’s fine. More than fine.” He pauses, then adds, unable to resist, “Mission accomplished.”

You giggle, burying your face against his plastron as you hear Mikey whooping victoriously over the comms. The set-up might have gone disastrously wrong, but sometimes, it takes a little chaos to finally knock down the walls and let the truth come tumbling out.

And looking up at Raph’s relieved, smiling face, you know one thing for certain …

This ending was worth the wait.

[fandomkingdom18]

some silly little headcanons i have specifically for my au of the outsiders that i felt the need to write down all in one place.

after their parents died, darry made a deal with the state that he could keep his brothers as long as they're able to support themselves

so darry got three jobs, roofer, contractor, and uh...yk what.

two-bit who was almost 18 started working at a grocery store cause i said so

dally managed to get a job as a bartender at bucks

and ofc soda and steve work at the dx

johnny and pony don't have jobs yet cause the others don't want them to because they're "too young"

(when really they're 14 and 15 and are in fact old enough)

when everyone else is at work, johnny and pony stay home and watch movies. like binge watch.

they once thought they could handle horror movies.

they couldnt.

they were latching on to darry when he got home.

dinner at their house is chaotic.

they're yapping over each other and darry's trying to get them to settle down so that people don't report a noise complaint on them.

how to bribe the curtises?

not money.

not gold.

these big backs only listen when there's dessert involved.

even after a 12 course meal, if they're hungry in the middle of the night and sneak out to the kitchen, there will most likely already be someone there

steve and soda used to share a room.

keyword: used to

they would stay up all night giggling and shi

same thing with pony and johnny.

so steve and pony swapped rooms.

darry regrets it cause now soda and pony cant stop giggling, but he can't stop it so he just gave up

so therefore dally and two bit share a room.

dally isn't thrilled

two bit yaps

dally needs sleep or he'll be grumpy in the morning

but two-bit contradicts him saying that dally is gonna be grumpy either way.

and then dally comes at him about still living in the house as an adult and then teases him for his lack of ability to pull

dally would try to find a way to get darry to let him sleep in his room if darry weren't such a heavy snorer

(dally snores too)

(but he refuses to accept it)

darrys the type to need his morning coffee before speaking to anyone

dal just doesnt want to speak to anyone

ponys a night owl.

they'll tell him to go to sleep and pony will be like "just one more chapter"

but he keeps reading and suddenly the birds are chirping

johnny tried to protest this once back when they shared a room

to say he'll stay awake too unless pony goes to sleep

he fails and ends up falling asleep.

pony gives him a pat on the head and continues to stay awake until the sun shined through the window.

pony then proceeds to sleep the day away

(same)

[daenysx]

mmmm any thoughts on modern!sirius? 😌

YES, here are some modern!sirius headcanons (at least what i imagine)

um- so this man is hauntingly beautiful

i think sirius has this intimidating kind of beauty, you wanna look away but you can't

black curls and shiny eyes and lovely lips

written by lana del rey

his favorite lana album is ultraviolence

leather jacket is a life style

he once wore it when it's snowing like when it's dangerously cold and got sick after

remus was like 'what were you expecting'

and sirius was like 'mm-no regrets'

charming as hell

and he's like super sarcastic

just imagine how charming he should be to let you ignore his sarcasm

he likes drinking americano with an extra shot

always cold hands. only gets warm when he lets you hold them.

leans down to hear you better. and what is this like the boyfriend material?

he's a night owl, enjoys the darkness of the night and the silence of his room

but then he can never wake up on time in the morning

he sleeps with three pillows

puts his head between two of them and uses the other to wrap his arm around it

his hair always gets messy but he knows how to fix them by using the right products (we all know he knows what to use right?)

tattoos

lots of them sprinkled on his chest

likes being kissed on them

loves getting hickeys on them

oh- speaking of hickeys let me get a lil smutty here

i feel like he knows what he wants and also knows how to get it

teases a lot but you don't even notice sometimes because he kisses his way out of everything

a big fan of sleepy sex

also a big fan of having you on top

he likes wearing rings and guess what

he doesn't really take them off when he touches you

he always talks you through it

adores how you tilt your head back as he makes you come- and the noises you let out

yeah you have him wrapped around your finger right there

smokes after sex

loves having the windows open and feel the fresh air on his bare skin

he's so dramatic sometimes

sometimes?

oops sorry i meant always

but he looks good when he pouts so do we even care

he likes when you pull his hair (i literally have a fic for it right here)

and he's kinda insatiable when he's not sleepy or grumpy, he just likes touching and being close to you

drives remus crazy by doing literally anything

he loves doing it (we kinda ship them here you know this) so he'll never stop

he would die for remus and james

and regulus

oh regulus

in my mind they always argue but they would die for each other so-

happy happy life with the black brothers

sirius pretends he hates it when you say regulus is right on something but he actually enjoys it- like i said a man of drama

loves getting forehead kisses (click here for more on this!)

loves falling asleep on your thighs

loves getting his hair played with

do i really have to say he loves slow scratches on his skin? i mean he's modern life padfoot come on

speaking of padfoot- he's a dog person

he thinks he can actually speak with dogs

i think that's all i have for now

you can send me an ask if you want more! <3

[scarlet2007]

⊹ ₊˚꒷꒦︶⊹ Apricity ₊︶꒷꒦︶

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

Pairing: Steve Rogers X Reader [This chapter], Steve Rogers X Bucky Barnes and Bucky Barnes X Reader [Later chapters].

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

Summary: Steve hated you simply because of your past as a HYDRA agent. But now that you have joined the Avengers, will things start to change? Especially after his dear friend, Bucky, seems to only recognise you clearly and you are the only one who can control the Winter soldier.

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

Warnings: Gore, PTSD, reader is out-casted, Mean Steve, reader got drugged, torture, brainwashing, anxiety, background character death in detail, electrocution, and just usual trauma that comes with HYDRA.

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

Word count: 6.2k

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, Grumpy x Sunshine, found family, friends to lovers.

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

[ Master list ] / [ Next ]

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

Being the enemy of Captain America was not easy.

And being in the same team as him while being on his radar was definitely not easy.

You sighed, staring at your cereal bowl before finally looking up to make eye contact with Steve Rogers, who was already staring you down. It's been months since you joined the Avengers, Fury's and Tony's decision, and yet Steve's scrutiny has only increased. Whenever you go, whatever you do, he is always keeping an watchful eye on you.

You both stare at each other, his gaze burning into yours with nothing but hatred and suspicion while you were just blinking awkwardly at him.

Steve averted his gaze when Natasha cleared her throat as she walked by him as she glared at him, an unspoken warning. You returned her smile as she made her away towards the kitchen.

"Did you wake up late again, Lil Owl?" She inquired, her gaze filled with amusement as she watched you nod.

"My sleep schedule is fucked beyond repair." You chuckled as you stirred your strawberry flavoured cereal.

"You might wanna work on that cause we have an important mission coming up on Monday," Tony's voice made you turn around as you titled your head in slight confusion before he continued, "It's... HYDRA related."

Everyone became tensed at the mention of HYDRA, the air in the kitchen seemed to thicken with a subtle hint of suffocation filling the room. You could feel everyone's gaze falling on you, making you stop your mindless stirring as your mind started to race with the memories of your past.

You were an HYDRA agent since the second World War, some records even speculating that you were in HYDRA well before the war even begin. A killer, a bioweapon that surpassed human capacity. A human turned machine. That's what they used to describe you.

Belladonna.

That's what they called you.

For years you were nothing but a brainwashed machine.

Nothing but a mindless killer.

"We cannot trust her to go on such an important mission. She might sabotage it." Steve's cold voice brought you out of your chain of thoughts as you shifted uncomfortably in your seat under his burning gaze.

The way he looked at you... It lacked any warmth. His gaze told you more than he ever needed to. Hatred and mistrust. And worst of all, lack of respect. You knew that he didn't even respect you, thinking of you as nothing but a human who has no care for the bloodshed you have unleashed, for the pain and suffering you have subjected innocent people to. You knew that he doesn't consider you as a part of the team.

As a part of his team.

You were nothing more than an intruder, a venomous snake waiting for an opportunity to strike and kill. A betrayal in formation.

"Rogers. Cut her some slack, she has been a loyal agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. for three years now. She has guided and led all HYDRA based missions for a year now." You glanced up at Tony, thankful to have him by your side.

Since you have joined the team, it has been Tony and Thor who have stood by your side no matter what. Because of them, others started to warm up to you and slowly accept you as a part of the team.

"And? She has been a loyal agent of HYDRA for 70 years. If anything-"

"Come on, Rogers. Don't tell me you are still salty about the fact that she kicked your ass in World War II." Tony's word immediately made both you and Steve tense up.

During a HYDRA mission, well after a year the war ended, Captain America had the misfortune of going against Belladonna. It left him injured and his men killed.

He was made to protect whereas she was made to kill.

"Stark, you better-"

"Enough, both of you!" Before things could get any more heated, Natasha intruppted them while you continued to chew on your cereal. Both of them continued to stare each other down before Steve finally averted his gaze to glare at you, who was staring back at him with a mouthful of cereal.

"I have my eyes on you, don't forget that." You watched him storm off, being used to seeing him annoyed around you.

"Without context, someone might think that Steve is flirting with you." Tony's comment made you chuckle as your gaze landed on him.

"Oh yeah? And what's your definition of flirting? Death threats?" You shot back, shaking your head at his behaviour while Natasha simply smiled. You both were known to engage in playful banter, a reason why Steve banned you from pairing up after a mission where both you spent more timing being sarcastic than actually working.

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

You stared at the layout of the HYDRA building while listening to Tony and Steve explain the plan. It was a simple plan; Get in, Kick asses and Get out, as Tony has put it.

Seemed simple.

A little too simple for your liking.

You glanced up at Steve as he called out your name, "Pay attention. Stop staring at the layout, you can memorize it later."

"There is something weird about the layout." You mumbled, making his eyebrows furrow as he walked to where you were standing to glance at the map.

"HYDRA does not store all of their new weapons in one facility, they are usually scattered across the country so if one base is ambushed, others still have access to the weapons. But according to this layout, this whole area," You gestured towards the array of rooms lined together, "Is for weapons, which is extremely unusual because why would they need such a big room for weapons when the other part of the facility is half its size?"

You could see everyone exchanging glances as they pondered over your words, realizing that it did seem odd.

"What are you implying here?" Steve's voice broke the thoughtful silence from beside you, his body brushing against yours as he stared at you with an unreadable expression.

You bit the inside of your cheek before clearing your throat to explain, "Well... What I am implying is that are we certain that the weapons are not... Bio-weapons?"

"Bio-weapons? What do you mean?" You glanced at Tony, taking in his confused expression, "HYDRA is making a virus or something of that sort?"

"HYDRA refers to their biologically enhanced soldiers as bio-weapons." Steve mumbled, staring at the layout as he considered your words.

Despite his hatred towards you and your past, he always took your words into serious consideration whenever it came to plan formation. It is a quality of his that you respect and look up to. Qualities like this is what makes him the Captain America.

"When I was still in HYDRA a few years back, they were... Trying to replicate their formula, the one they used on me. If I recall correctly, they were successful at creating a prototype but... She died after a few months due to the intensity of the training and the... Brainwashing." You trailed off, biting your lips as your mind flashed with the images.

A woman was laying limply on the cold metal chair, the electrical collar that was attached to her head was lifted up.

She was dead.

Her body couldn't take it anymore.

There were gashes all over her body, small cuts littered all over her chest as her collarbone gushed with blood. You could almost see her bone amongst the onpour of blood rushing out of her collarbone. A metal wire was attached to her collarbone, going deep inside her. They not only brainwashed her but for some sick reason, they pushed the electric wire inside of her flesh, electrocuting her from the inside.

Everything around you felt like a blur, the only thing you could focus on was her eyes.

They were wide open.

Her pupils were dilated to the point it felt like staring at an abyss, at something with was not human. Something that was stripped off of it's humanity and was considered an object.

She was not human.

No, she was a mere prototype.

Her fate was fixed the moment you kidnapped her. She was always meant to die. She fulfilled her purpose and hence the only thing left to do was to kill her.

But... Did she really have to die like this?

Even in death, she seemed to be in agony. Blood trailed down her cheeks, even in death, her corpse was crying blood. Even in the afterlife, the scars of her suffering stayed with her. It seemed like she was suffering even after dying. Forever making her a symbol of HYDRA's cruelty.

And whose fault was that? Was it really HYDRA's fault? Or was it yours? You were the one who kidnapped her, you were the one who dragged her to the facility, you were one the one who gathered all those candidates for the possible prototype. You were just following orders but... If you did not do all those things, she wouldn't have met such a cruel end. She had a beautiful smile and a mother who was waiting for her to return for Christmas. If only you-

You took a deep breath as someone called out your name, making you tear your eyes from the map as you stared at Tony.

"Yeah?" You asked breathlessly, a feeling of suffocating almost overwhelming you as you blinked furiously to clear out your vision as it was hard to see because your vision was blurry.

"Are you okay?" Bruce's worried tone made you wave your hand in front of your face to dismiss his worry, chuckling awkwardly as you avoided eye contact.

"Yeah, I just... I am allergic to dust. Yeah." You lied, staring at the table as your eye scanned for a tissue to wipe your eyes and nose.

You glanced up at Steve in surprise as he silently handed you a handkerchief, his initials written on it with blue thread. He stared back in your wide eyes as it reminded him of a frightened deer. His chest was burning again. An odd feeling of sadness, a sadness that he felt not for himself but for you, took over him as he felt a lump form in his throat.

He hated this feeling.

He hated that look on your face.

He cleared his throat as he saw you hesitantly taking his handkerchief, your hands brushing against each other's as you muttered a small thank you before you wiped your eyes with it.

"So... What you are saying is that there could be more people like... How you were back in HYDRA? Is that were you are getting at?" Tony's voice broke the silence, making you nod as you took a sip of water.

"I cannot be entirely correct as it has been five years since I have escaped but it never hurts to be on a look out." Steve nodded at your words, his expressions hardening at the possibility of HYDRA experimenting on innocent people and turning them into ruthless killers. He hated them. They were the reason for countless deaths, for the death of his comrades. They stole his youth and his dearest friend, Bucky.

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

The cold wind blew past you, leaving a trail of goosebumps behind. You glanced behind you, your eyes lingering at a dark corner in the corridor before you turned your gaze forward. You can't seem to shake the feeling that there was someone following you. That someone was keeping an eye on you.

You followed closely behind Steve as your hand seemed to be turning white from the grip you had on your gun. In all honesty, you have a bad feeling about today's mission. There is something just not quite right with this facility. By now, you would've encountered at least two HYDRA agents but it seemed like there was no soul around.

"Stark, have you found anyone yet?" It seemed like Steve and others have noticed the lack of activity within the facility as well, judging from the weary expression on Steve's face and the confusion in Tony's voice.

"No, not even a fly so far. It's like they have finally stolen Harry's invisibility cloak."

You almost let out a giggle at Tony's comment, making Steve shoot you a disapproving glare as you covered it up with a cough. You always appreciated Tony's humour, it was well needed in tense times like this. You switched to personal comms as you heard Tony call out your name, "Don't forget you still have to watch the second Harry Potter with Pepper and I."

"Yes, yes." You mumbled back, smiling to yourself before straightening up.

You felt it again.

That weird presence and the feeling that someone was behind you.

A crawling feeling overcame your body and you felt a heaviness behind you, it almost felt like someone was behind you as you quickly turned your head around to check. A long corridor stared back at you, the dim lightening gave it a sickening look. It was like a void, it lacked the touch of humanity. It made you feel cold, extremely cold as a subtle anxiousness settled in your chest.

Steve glanced at you, noticing how tensed you look as you stared back at the corridor.

"Captain... Was that... Was that door always there?"

His eyebrows furrowed at your question as he moved closer to where you were standing, his hand accidentally brushing against yours as he followed your gaze and strangely, there was indeed a door that seemed to have appeared out of thin air.

"It was always there, what do you mean?" You stared at him in confusion and bewilderment.

No, you were certain that the door was not there when you first passed by it.

"Then... Then why did we not check it? We are supposed to check every room." Steve smiled at your words, shaking his head as he stepped closer to you.

You blinked in surprise as he gently pat your head, "Because we need to hurry back home, if we check every room, we will be loosing our precious time. Plus, aren't you looking forward to our movie night? It's friday."

You stared at him for a while before nodding slowly with a small smile. It is true that checking every room will only drag out the mission, what you were looking for is not even inside of that room.

Steve started to move forward, glancing back at you as he gestured you to stay close to him. You followed him, your steps lighter and faster as you felt a rush of warmth through your chest, an excitement for finally being included in the Avengers' weekly movie nights.

It seemed like Steve was finally warming up to you.

Your smile faded as a strange noise reached your ears. A muffled whisper that was far away but at the same time it was near. It sounded like someone was whispering something in your ear but they were being choked and waterboard so the only sound they could make was a muffled groan.

Your feet came to a halt as you closed your eyes to focus on the noise. Your breath hitched as a piercing pain shot through your head.

"He..lp....m...e..."

"Help... Me..."

"HELP ME!"

You stumbled as an ear piercing scream reached your ear. Turning around quickly, you let out a gasp as you saw blood pooling out of the open space underneath the door. Flinching as the doorknob started to rattle, screaming filled the corridor as someone kept banging against the door, seemingly trying to open it.

Steve's hand suddenly grabbed your upper arm, stopping you from rushing towards the door.

Something is not right.

Steve would never ask you to join the move night with the Avengers. He was the one who excluded you from all the team bonding activities that the Avengers held, insisting that if you were present, he would not join.

It was not even Friday.

"What happened?"

You struggled against his grip as the realization hit you, "Let me go!"

"Why wouldn't you help me?!"

"Huh?-", Letting out a scream as you fell backwards, your eyes widened in shock.

No, it can't be...

Blood dripping down her cheeks as her eyes were wide open, her mouth agape as she stared back at you with the same haunting look. The cuts on her body slowly started to bleed as her knees buckled underneath her. You crawled backwards as she fell on the ground, her arms reaching out for you as she dragged her body towards where you were.

You stumbled to get back on your feet as you rushed towards the door, trying to open it as someone kept banging on it from inside.

You froze in fear as you felt the girl grab your arm, her body pressed against yours as she leaned against your head to whisper, "Wake up... Save yourself..."

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

Your whole body shook as you opened your eyes, groaning in pain as the bright light shined directly in your eyes. Your arms were tied down to the bed as you heard someone curse loudly.

"Bound her legs quickly!" Your gaze immediately fell on someone approaching you with a rope before you glanced around the room. Panic settled in your chest as you realised where you were and what was happening as your eyes landed on a glass flask that was filled with blood, your upperarm aching as you felt the room spinning.

The guy groaned in pain as your kick landed on his chest, his body hitting the ground. You struggled against the restraints on your hands, screaming as you ripped the handle off the bed, freeing yourself.

You turned towards the guy that was trying to sneak up on you, his footsteps alerting you. You kicked him in the chest before slamming the handles into the face of another person who tried to punch you. Your eyes were burning as everything around you seemed too bright, every sound too loud as you felt a pulsing pain in your head. The smell of blood was overwhelming and you could feel the ropes in your hands rubbing against your skin, the cold sweat dropping down your forehead. You could taste the mixture of your blood and saliva in your mouth as you spit on the ground.

All of your senses were heightened, the adrenaline in your system was overwhelming you as your fight or die instinct kicked in. Your fingers landed on your ribs, pressing an emergency button in your suit to send your location to the Avengers as well as S.H.I.E.L.D. with an emergency message.

A sudden blow to your back made you stumble to the ground as your breathing hitched in pain. A harsh pain shot through your skull as they slammed a nearby metal tray on your head.

You groaned in pain before you body slammed them but to no avail as other HYDRA agents quickly grabbed both of your arms, one grabbing your waist as they tried to grab you away. Your eyes landed on the glass flask filled with your blood.

The guy you body slammed let out a curse as the flask landed on the ground after you kicked it, making the blood spill everywhere.

He looked at you, his eyes burning with rage as he got up. He towered over you, the muscles in his arms flexing under his clothes as he slapped you.

You coughed up blood as the room around you started to spin once again. A realization hit you.

He was a bio-weapon.

The sheer strength he possessed was different from the other agents but it seemed like he was a defected bio-weapon as your eyes landed on his code.

D-04.

Defected experiment number 4.

You felt weak as you gazed at an agent walking towards you with a syringe.

No... You cannot let them have your blood.

You glanced at the bio-weapon in front of you before you mustered up all your strength to kick him in the balls. Pulling your arms in front of you, you slammed the agents that were holding your arms into the bio-weapon while stomping your foot on the foot of the agent who had his arms around your waist to restrain you.

The agent with the syringe froze as your gaze landed on him, the murderous glint in your eyes not going unnoticed by him as he subconsciously took a step back when you started walking towards him.

A sudden breeze flew against your face as you saw a glimpse of something blue passing besides your face before you turned your head to see Captain America's shield hitting D-04. You saw him rush towards you as you stumbled on the ground, his arms stopping you from falling face first on the ground.

The others rushed inside as well, their eyes immediately falling on your weakened state in Steve's arm and the blood surrounding you.

Your gaze landed on Natasha, her lips moving but she sounded far, like a distant wave crashing over at the beach. You sniffled as you felt something drip down your nose, the metallic smell confirming your suspicion of a nose bleed. You felt everything and nothing all at once. You could feel every touch, smell every drop of blood, hear every sound, see the brightened light that loomed over you and taste the blood in your mouth. It was all too much.

Steve stared down at you worriedly, your discomfort on only growing as the second passed by awfully slow. His gaze landed on your eyes, the light and the tears in your eyes made them look extremely glossy as they shined like diamond. Despite their beauty, he couldn't help but feel unnerved by how dazed they look. It was as if you were looking right through him and not at him. He has never seen you so distressed and out of it. His gaze shifted towards the crimson floor before travelling up to your arm. Your sleeves were torn off and your arm has started to swell. He had a feeling that the blood was yours. A pang of anxiousness hit him as he thought about you getting critically hurt.

"Hey, hey, look at me. I am going to get you out of here, okay? Hold tight." You nodded slightly at Steve's words. His hands gently clasped around yours, making you wince as he wrapped your swollen arm around his neck.

He paused before standing up as he glanced at your face, noticing the nose bleed you had. His hand reached towards your face, hesitation clear in the way his hand stopped right before grabbing your face. You blinked slowly as you titled your head in slight confusion before nodding slowly as he asked, "May I?"

His gloved hand slowly cupped your face, the rubbery texture of his glove rubbing against your skin made you cringe a bit as even the slightest touch seemed too overwhelming for you. His thumb slowly wiped the blood away, his touch gentle as if he was scared that you will get hurt further.

For a moment, it seemed like everything around you had gotten silent. All you could focus on was the way he was staring in your eyes. The way his blue eyes looked like the sky before the storm. Calm, collected yet stirred up with an onset of complex emotions ranging from rage to concern. Your eyes trailed down to his neck, the way his Adams apple moved slightly when he noticed your gaze shifting as he swallowed.

Steve was the first one to break the eye contact as Tony's voice broke you both out of trance, "Move it, upcoming lovebirds who have just gone through an emeies to lovers trope! She needs medical assistant, she lacks the plot armour!"

Steve shot Tony an annoyed glare but started to hurry outside of the facility. He passed through the door of the lab you were in, halting when he felt your hand on his neck.

"W-wait... My blood... You have to wipe it... Don't let them get any..." You mumbled, struggling to find the words as your brain seemed to have given up on you.

"What do you mean?"

"It's..." You trailed off, struggling to find the proper words to explain as you stuttered. Steve stared at you patiently, something he always does whenever you have to say something that appears to be important. Finally , you found the words to explain, "Like... My blood has the DNA segment of the serum, right? The only version that, despite not being the serum that you had and not being as good as it, worked efficiently. They didn't realise it until a few months before I escaped. I think..."

"They are trying to replicate the serum that is in your system." You nodded as Steve finished your sentence, his jaw clenched as he realised that the whole mission was a hoax to lure you in and if Tony did not insist of making your mission suit and installing multiple security and emergency measures in it, who knows what would've happened to you. For all he knows, they would've captured you again, turning you into the mindless machine you were all those years ago.

For some reason, his heart clenched at the possibility of HYDRA turning you into Belladonna again, triggering your alter ego and using you as the mindless killing machine. He cannot fathom the cruelty of stealing away someone's humanity from them, someone consciousness from them and using them for their own selfish agenda. Someone who was as bright as you, someone whose as lively as you being turned into a heartless machine once again arose an empty feeling in his chest, one that made it hard to breath and the lump forming in his throat made it harder for him to speak.

Clearly his throat, he started to walk towards the exit of the facility, "Don't worry, S.H.I.E.L.D. is on their way. They'll ensure that not even a single drop of your blood can be stolen."

He glanced at you nodding slowly, your eyes fluttering shut as you leans your head against his shoulder.

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

You watched an S.H.I.E.L.D. agent make his way towards you with a cheerful smile on his face. You returned his smile, sitting on the bed at the compound's medbay. You had just woken up a couple hours prior and after a quick glance at the clock, it appears like you were out for a day. It was not unusual for you to sleep for extended period of time when you needed to recover as HYDRA would often put you in cryo induced sleep, which has now become a habit of your body. To sleep the pain away, both physical and mental.

Your attention was pulled towards the agent again as you saw him pull out a syringe, an unsettling feeling taking over your body as you saw him prepare it to draw blood.

"Um... What are you doing?" He paused in his tracks, his smile going a bit lip tight as he stared at you in silence for a minute.

"We need to draw your blood to send it to get tested to identify what drug they induced you with. It's a safety precaution." Something about his words rubbed you wrong as red bells rang in your head. You have often gotten hurt in past missions and are no stranger to getting druged once or twice during those missions as well but S.H.I.E.L.D. has never done this safety precaution before so why would they do it all of a sudden?

Your luck seems to finally shine through the dark clouds like sunshine peaking through after a dark storm as Bruce made his way towards you after noticing your discomfort.

"What's the matter here?"

The agent seem to froze at Bruce's question but you noticed the grip he had on the syringe seemed to have gotten stronger. After a moment of silence, Bruce glanced at you for answers.

"He wants to draw my blood to test it. Apparently it's a safety precaution by Director Fury." Bruce's eyebrow furrowed at your words as he casted a quick glance at the agent. Bruce seemed to have noticed that something was off about the agent as well as he walked in between you and the agent, purposefully shielding your body with his own.

"Yeah, no, I will have to ask you to leave as she has already lost a significant amount of blood and we cannot let anyone draw more from her until a few days. You can come back within a few days to draw her blood after we have confirmed this 'safety precaution' of yours with Nick Fury." The agent seemed to have frozen in place as he stared at Bruce with a hard expression.

"We cannot do that, we need the blood today-"

"What blood?" All of you turned around to stare at Steve as he walked towards the bed you were sitting on, his eyes narrowed as he stared at the agent, "Who are you?"

The agent's body became tensed as Steve stared him down, "I am from S.H.I.E.L.D., there is a safety precaution that we need to-"

Bruce cut him off as he turned to face Steve, his expressions giving away his weariness and annoyance, "He is trying to draw some blood from her."

Steve's eyes immediately fell on you peaking from behind Bruce, his eyebrows raising as he made eye contact with you. You stared back at him before nodding silently to show that what Bruce said is true. Steve's face hardened as he stepped towards the agent who took a step back as he nervously looked at him.

"I am going to ask you to leave and you will without any complaints."

"But-"

"I said, and I repeat, leave."

The agent stared at Steve before his gaze fell on your face, an unreadable expression on his face before it slowly turned into one of anger and desperation. Something about him was off and everyone in the medbay could identify that. None of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents that were assigned to you acted like this because they were always high ranking agents. Fury always assigned the trusted agents with the task of interacting with the team and completing any safety precautions to ensure confidentiality.

The agent nodded slightly before reaching inside his pocket. You could see Steve's body immediately tensing up, subconsciously preparing to attack at any given moment if needed. Even Bruce seemed to have picked up on Steve's alert body language as he stepped away from him slightly and shot a worried glance at you. You titled your head, slightly confused as to why he seemed so worried about you because you are well capable of taking care of yourself but then you remembered his tendency to get worried about all the members whenever they are injured. Biting your lips, you tried to stop a smile from growing on your face at the possibility of Bruce thinking of you as a member and being worried about your well-being.

You were pulled out of your cheesy chain of thoughts as you heard Steve's fist coming in contact with the agent's face as he landed on the ground. You cringed slightly as Steve stepped on the agent's wrist before bending down to force the knife out of his hand.

"We need to be on a lookout- Woah there, seems like HYDRA needs to give their spies better training. How low is their budget to train their double agent this poorly? Do you need funds?" You couldn't help the chuckle that escaped you despite the seriousness of the situation as you saw Tony walk up to the HYDRA agent on the ground. "We just got alerted that there is a HYDRA spy cosplaying as a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. Thought it would be a tad bit harder and fun to find him but alas, HYDRA sure knows how to kill joy."

Steve shot Tony a disapproving glare as he continued to make sassy comments on the situation before sighing as he shook his head, knowing that nothing can stop Tony from being the diva that he is.

"Let's get you to the cell now, shall we?"

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

It's been a few hours since they have taken the HYDRA spy down to the interrogation room. A few agents from S.H.I.E.L.D. have also arrived to interrogate and gather information from the spy. You have finally been discharged from the med-bay after strict guidelines from Bruce on how to take care of yourself for a speedy recovery despite the fact that you already recover faster than a normal human due to the super soilder serum. You were smiling the whole time he was explaining the importance of taking proper care of your body to ensure a speedy recovery. He seemed taken aback when you explain the reason why you were smiling so much was because this was probably the first time in 70 years that someone was so worried about your well-being and that it kind of reminded you of your friends and mom back in the days who always treated even minor injuries and illness as the end of the world and scolded you while simultaneously taking care of you.

The cold breeze felt like heaven against your sweaty body, making you paddle your bycycle harder to increase the speed. Closing your eyes, you imagined that yourself as a pirate who was on a quest to sail the seven seas as she stood proudly on her ship as the cold breeze hit her face. Your imagination was cut short as you bumped against a speed breaker. You felt your body lunch forward as you lost control of your bycycle before a sharp stinging sensation on your knee made you hiss in pain. The gravel underneath your body dug harshly against your body, the tiny rocks digging against your skin uncomfortably.

Someone called out your name before all your friends circled around you in worry before the redhead pulled your body in a sitting position, wrapping his arms around your shoulder as he ended your dramatic display of laying on the ground as a dead body, "Oh my god! Star, are you okay?!"

"Of course she is not, you Dumbo! Her knee is bleeding!" Another friend of yours sassed, his arms crossed over his chest as he looked at you both with a expression that mirrored a single mom who is extremely done with her children after working a 12 hour shift for minimum wage.

"Aye, who you calling a Dumbo?"

"Are you that much of a Dumbo that you cannot even figure out the fact that I am calling you a Dumbo?"

"Aye-"

"Guys! Cut it out!" A third voice intervened their bickering as the Venus rolled her eyes at their behaviour. The boy holding you, Mars, pouted as he looked away for a second before glancing at your bleeding knee. Juno huffed as he crossed his arm, his muscles flexing under his shirt, decided not to say anything to save himself from the earful he would receive otherwise.

"Can you walk?" Venus asked as Mars slide his arms under yours as he slowly pulled you up into a standing position. A stinging pain shot through your knee, making them buckle as Juno quickly caught you in his arms. Venus sighed as she looked at you before shifting her gaze to Juno.

"Carry her home, Mars and I will take care of the bicycles."

Before you could protest, Juno slid his arms under your legs and carried you home bridal style as a surprised squeak left your mouth as he stared at you with a shit eating grin. You recognised that expression immediately as your eyes widened, he is gonna do something. You heard Mars and Venus yell at him as he started to run towards your home while laughing. You may not remember a lot of things but you do remember one thing clearly; His laugh was contagious and precious. You ended up laughing all the way home, forgetting about the stinging pain in your knee.

You don't clearly remember what happened next but you if you remember correctly, until your knee was fully healed, Juno carried you everywhere while Mars and Venus tended to your every need. Thankfully it was summer vacation so you didn't have to bear the embarrassment of Juno carrying you from one class to another.

A warm feeling filled your chest at the fond memory. It was something you thought about a lot. You cannot recall their names so you made them up. You remember your nickname being Star, hence why you named them after the planets.

You smiled to yourself, thinking about the memory. JARVIS voice quickly pulled you out of your thoughts as he rang an emergency message throughout the compound.

"Intruder alert, I repeat, Intruder alert! Please stay calm and stay where you are."

A realization hit you.

The Bio-weapon and the spy are in the interrogation rooms.

HYDRA is here to take back their Bio-weapon.

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹

Author's note: Guess who's back? Back again? And now with a series! Anyways, if you would like to be added in a taglist, please let me know in the comments!

꒷꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒦꒷︶꒷︶꒷꒦꒷︶꒷꒷꒦꒷︶꒦ ͘ ˖ ⊹