#oh third semester.... what a mess of fun implications you are

[senblades]

Adjustments need to be made. But first: what makes you tick?

[theaceofgays]

Misconceptions Ch 8: Mismatched

Fandom: Little Witch Academia | Pairing: Dianakko/Diakko

Word Count: 1,365  | Read Time: ~ 6 minutes

First Chapter | Previous Chapter

Summary: Magic mishaps and a lovely discussion over tea.

The table was set, tea cups, saucers, kettle, tea pot, sugar, cream, spoons, and a various assortment of biscuits, cookies, shortbreads, cakes, crackers, and jams. Diana had never really been much for sweets, but she knew Akko was, and had made a point to ensure that she had a range of options for her to choose from, despite knowing Akko would probably still scarf down everything without a second thought or even so much as tasting what she shoves into her mouth. Tea was brewed right on time, 8 minutes to boil, 10 minutes to steep. 2 minutes to cool in Diana’s hands before she took her first sip. She had ordered an assortment of teas for the semester and had become rather fond of the jasmine and cherry blossom green tea blend that had arrived. She hoped it didn’t make things too obvious, but then again, her letters might have also been a bit over the top. Time passed, nothing happened, and Diana began to worry. Soon enough, Diana had begun to stand, and paced around the room frantically, well, as frantically as she might have allowed herself, for what seemed like an hour now. Akko was late, only by a few minutes, but each agonizing second Akko did not appear made Diana more concerned about the severity and sincerity of their letters. “Surely she didn’t forget,” Diana murmured, before she was startled by a knock at the door. “Just a minute!” She moved to open the door, but first adjusted herself in the mirror to ensure she didn’t look as much of a frantic mess as she felt. “Akko? I— Oh…”

“Diana!” Avery said, looking absolutely exhausted. She had ran all the way from Lukić’s room to see Diana. “Something horrible has happened, you must come quick!”

“Of course,” Diana nodded, though her brow creased. Akko wasn’t one to back down from something when she made up her mind… But duty called and she simply didn’t have the time to wait on her. She hurried down the corridor along side Avery, keeping her composure, despite the turmoil in her heart.

--------------------------------------

Akko hadn’t intended to be this late. In fact, she hadn’t intended to become Sucy’s guinea pig for the third time that week either, but there was no avoiding the matter. Sucy had promised to make an elixir that could ail Constanze’s muteness, but when Constanze refused to drink it, she had given it to Akko as she passed by on her way to Diana’s room. And now she could not seem to stop talking. She was running her mouth so much her tongue felt arid and numb like sand paper. she could not will herself to silence, could not, for the life of her, stop her jaw from moving, her tongue from hitting the roof of her mouth, air from exhaling through the back of her throat, and the more she spoke, the less she could think behind her words, the less she could control her very thoughts, and the more the words began to slur together like one great big run-on sentence that extended for an eternity. Sucy couldn’t get a hold of Akko’s mouth long enough to get her to drink the antidote to the talksalot elixir and Constanze seemed too horrified at the thought that it could have very well been her doing the rambling rather than Akko to help. Poor Lukić could not get a word in, either to scold the girls for misuse of classroom resources or even a word of praise for replicating such a complicated potion in the first place, and her intensive shouting was only met full force by Akko’s own voice, raised in pitch and volume. At some point the words didn’t even sound like words anymore, only like vague sounds and squeaks, as if Akko had become a parrot, or some other form of high pitched, squealing bird.

Diana had, of course, arrived by this time, when Sucy had given up on helping Akko, reverting back to her usual smirking, chuckling self when it came to Akko’s suffering. Akko’s face was blood red and her eyes were in tears from the action and thus her vision too impaired to even see that Diana had stepped into the room. Lukić gave Diana an update as to what had happened while Sucy was too busy laughing to give a straight answer, and in that instant, Diana raised her wand and casted a counter spell to keep Akko from talking. “Honestly, was that so hard?”

Akko, upon being silenced, perked up at hearing Diana’s voice, blinking away tears in utter joy and surprise. She was just grateful to no longer hear the sound of her own voice, despite the tingling in the back of her throat. When at last the nullification spell had been casted and Akko was free of all magic, she rushed to Diana’s side, hugging onto her. “Thank you, Diana! You’re my hero!”

“Akko!” Diana tried not to blush as she gently pushed the girl off of her. You really do get yourself into all sorts of trouble…” She sighed, taking Akko’s hand. “And now I have to brew a fresh batch of tea. What a waste…”

Sucy and Constanze watched Akko go and simply shrugged, returning to the cauldron in front of them. Sucy gave Constanze an apologetic grin. “What should we make next?”

--------------------------------------

“Sucy should have known the implications of such a brew from the start before she gave it to you,” Diana said, pouring Akko a fresh cup of tea. “You’re already very talkative, and to give you anything to make you more so meant that the potion would just run you lil you were incapable of speech altogether. In theory, it might have worked better on Constanze, but the fact remains that the measurements have to be exact or else the consequences are infinitely awful.” She tapped her spoon against the brim of her cup to reduce drip after she stirred and wrapped her hands around its warm body. “The fact that you went as long as you did is one of the many miracles of being you, Akko. I think your ability to absorb and tolerate high concentrations of magic is beyond even me…”

“Thank you, Diana,” Akko laughed nervously and scratched the back of her head. “I guess that’s just one of the benefits of being me. I have to make up for my lack of talent somehow. Maybe this is just how I do that.” She was joking of course, but Diana knew there was a bit of truth seeping into her words.

“Lack of talent? Your magic is extravagant, very mysterious and alluring. It might not always be reliable for average, day to day spells, but you always manage to improve and find ways to astound me…”

Akko couldn’t help but blush at that. “Yes well, you’re one to talk Diana… Your magic is well admired—“

“And yours isn’t admired enough,” Diana took a sip of her tea. “Akko, you give yourself far too little credit.”

“Diana…” Akko smiled nervously. “I could never match your skill.”

“You couldn’t?” Diana raised a brow. “I believe you already have, on multiple fronts. You’ve proven yourself, time and time again. I think that’s something to admire.”

“Thank you, Diana,” Akko smiled softly. “I mean it.”

Tea time lasted for a few hours, Diana and Akko chatting about various subjects of magic and even a few personal topics such as friends, and all while Akko scarfed down the treats Diana had laid out, much to Diana’s dismay. Though she did, eventually, try to be more civil on the matter. When it was time to clean up, Diana waved her wand and gathered the dishes, clearing them away. “This has been fun, Akko.”

“Yes it has, Diana. Thank you for letting me have tea with you.” Akko stood and bowed. “We should do this again.”

“Any time,” Diana smiled. “Just let me know beforehand.”

“Of course.” Akko said, as Diana walked her to the door. Before she left, she made a quick point to kiss Diana’s cheek on her way out, just before she closed the door.

[teasoundsgood]

(Artichoke) Hearts chapter 2

banner by styleslegends

Read here or on 1DFF

Chocolate croissant my heart and hope to die

***

“Wake up sleepyheads,” a distinctly Rose Han-like voice said as someone lightly shook my feet.

After Harry left, I spent the next 30 minutes sitting with Cole in his room letting him pine over Pia. He’d done the same for me before so, even though I’d much rather be out with everyone else (no, not just Harry), I was committed to doing this for him. Sometimes you need to vent. Cole might just need to a little more—or, more specifically, every time Pia leaves with a boy who is not Cole.

“Is it noon yet?” A groggy Astrid asked from somewhere to my left.

“It’s 9:30,” Rose replied.

“Gross,” Astrid groaned. “I’m not waking up until at least noon.”

“Same,” Reese echoed.

“Oh c’mon. Cole and Dom are up and Cole definitely had a more shit night, you three have no excuses,” Rose argued.

Midst pity party, Reese and Astrid burst in to make Cole come do shots and have fun with them, claiming they could feel the sadness from the living room and that just wasn’t allowed at the first party of senior year. Even though I wasn’t intending to drink anymore, I was down for more fun and possibly finding Harry again, but when we got back to the rest of the party I couldn’t find him.

“He left,” Astrid said when she noticed me looking around.

“Who?” I asked because she could’ve been talking about anyone. And because I play dumb sometimes.

“Harry,” she explained. “I saw you two together earlier, so I thought I’d let you know he left.”

“Oh,” I said, knowing the implications behind him leaving the party and who he could’ve left with. I didn’t really care about Harry leaving because I didn’t know him at all, but I was also very drunk and he definitely would’ve been leaving with me if I hadn’t ended up taking care of Cole (who was now three more shots in and probably going to make out with the brunette next to him based on the way her hand was sliding up his stomach).

“With Niall,” she elaborated. And, because it’s Astrid, I knew she left that part out at first just to see my reaction and be able to tease me about it later. Actually any of my friends would’ve done that. “I mean he was with some blonde girl that may or may not’ve been the girl who tried to hook up with Dom—bless him—last semester, but Niall was a fucking mess so Harry took him home instead. Guess you’re both on the friends-first-train tonight.”

“We’re lazy, good-for-nothing millennials,” Astrid said and I could feel her shifting around. Probably covering her head with her pillow to avoid Rose. “We don’t need anymore excuses.”

“I haven’t seen you all in months and this is the welcome I get?” Rose huffed. “Some friends you are.”

“Fine,” I groaned and pushed myself up because I could be a bit of a pushover when it came to guilt trips. “You win. Astrid, Reese let’s get up.”

“No,” they both responded immediately.

“C’mon,” I said. “I’ll make breakfast.”

They were up after that—slowly, of course, but the pillow was off Astrid’s head so they were getting there.

“Welcome back Rose,” I smiled and hugged her. “L.A. missed you.”

“I missed L.A.,” she replied.

“Is Cole sulking?” I asked as I pulled away.

“It wasn’t too bad, but then Pia texted the group chat saying Liam offered her a ride to her morning shift so she won’t be at breakfast with us and now he’s in full sulk mode.”

“I’ll make him chocolate chip pancakes or something, he’ll be fine,” I shrugged.

“Make them for me too!” Astrid said as she stood up.

“And me!” Reese added, but he was still under the duvet.

“I only make pancakes for people who are ready,” I said. “And that means up and in the kitchen.”

“And done at least some cleaning because our apartment is a mess and I wasn’t at the party so I’m not doing it,” Rose added.

“Okay moms,” Reese groaned. “Just give me a minute to stop feeling like projectile vomiting is in my near future.”

With that, Rose and I left Reese’s room and went to the kitchen to hang out with Cole and Dom who were about as great company as Astrid and Reese.

“I’m almost done, I promise. I just have to edit the transition for this last scene and then I’m done,” Dom said after the third time Rose commented on how nice it was to be back in LA with her friends who love her so much.

“The semester hasn’t even started yet and you’re already doing work,” I commented.

“If I want this internship, I’ve got to have a well edited video,” Dom said. “I was watching some of the previous interns’ videos with Niall and they were fucking great.”

“Well then it’s a good thing you’re fucking great too,” Astrid complemented and kissed Dom’s cheek before sitting on the table next to his computer.

“Don’t expect me to do that too,” Reese said grumpily as he shuffled in after Astrid and sat in the free chair. “Now what’s for breakfast?”

“Y’all don’t have that much so—”

“We moved in two days ago,” Reese defended.

“Y’all don’t have that much,” I repeated and glared pointedly. “So just scrambled eggs and chocolate chip pancakes.”

They weren’t even chocolate chip pancakes from scratch. All they had was the Bisquick Shake’n’Pour mix that I added chocolate chips to. My ‘Ultimate Guide To Pancakes from Scratch blog post was scolding me. This shame was inescapable.

“See, told you it was a good idea to get chocolate chips,” Dom looked between Cole—who was sulking on his phone—and Reese—who was sulking on his phone as well.

“Yeah, yeah you’re fucking great, Dom. We get it,” Reese sighed exasperatedly.

“Hey, it’s not my fault you were shit-faced last night,” Dom frowned.

“Speaking of shit-faced,” Rose interrupted. “I want to hear about everyone’s nights.”

“Pia left with Liam,” Cole said because he was still in the room and still a lovesick puppy.

“Shocker,” Astrid deadpanned. “What?” she frowned when she received three sets of glares. “It’s not like we didn’t all know it was going to happen. She started flirting with him the minute he got there.”

“Astrid’s right,” Cole said. “Thanks y’all, but it’s not like I can pretend it didn’t happen. Pia can sleep with whoever she wants to—she doesn’t even know I like her and even if she did, that doesn’t mean anything would be different.”

“Well, well, well,” Rose smiled and went to hug Cole from behind his chair. “Look at our little straight white boy showing some personal growth.”

“If it makes you feel any better, Cole, I don’t think Pia likes him likes him,” Astrid said. “I mean, last time we talked about it she didn’t. She likes hooking up with him, but she gets pretty bored when he talks—I think it’s probably going to end soon.”

“And then you can tell her how you feel,” I added because we were all getting tired of the bullshit that was Cole’s constant pinning and what ifs.

“Not going to happen,” Cole shut me down just like he always does. “I don’t want to make it awkward between us.”

“Yeah because you being a grumpy pants is going so much better,” I deadpanned.

“I’ll tell her when and if I’m ready to tell her,” Cole shrugged. “I don’t need you all judging me.”

“Oh hun,” Astrid laughed and leaned back to kiss Cole on the top of his head. “What did you think you were signing up for when you became friends with us? Kindness?”

“Yeah, yeah,” Cole swatted her away. “Can we possibly talk about someone else for a bit?—Teddy, what about your night, hm?”

I looked up from the plate of chocolate chip pancakes I was about to pick up and take over to the table to see Cole looking at me expectantly. No matter what anyone says, Cole is definitely just as big of a shit as the rest of us.

“Y’know I don’t have to give you any of these,” I threatened.

“But you will anyway because you love me and feel sympathy for me,” Cole grinned.

“You suck,” I frowned because I knew he was right.

“Wait, go back to Teddy talking about her night,” Rose said. “What happened? I didn’t hear anything about this.”

“Nothing happened,” I said as I set the plate down and went back to grab the eggs and my own plate of food—because I’d learned to make my own plate of food before giving it all to those heathens I call my friends.

“Sure didn’t look like nothing when I came outside,” Cole smirked.

“It wouldn’t have been nothing if you weren’t being such a cock block,” I threw back.

“Okay you two need to stop and rewind,” Rose interrupted. “What didn’t look like nothing? Who were you with, Teddy?”

“Teddy had the pleasure of meeting one Harry Styles for the first time last night,” Astrid explained. “Reese and I watched you two from afar for awhile. It was very cute.”

“We even did our own voiceovers too,” Reese added, a bit more pep in his step with a chocolate chip pancake in his hand. “Oh Harry,” Reese imitated (terribly). “It’s so nice to meet you. You’re so strong and your jaw is so chiseled and beautiful—did I tell you I was named after a dead guy?”

“Why, no you didn’t, Teddy,” Astrid responded in her equally as terrible Harry impression. “That’s so attractive—did I tell you that I’m turned on by old, white men?”

“We get it. You’re both hilarious,” I said through a mouthful of scrambled eggs.

“I think it’s great that you met Harry,” Rose said. “He’s cute. Do you think that’s gonna be a thing?”

“I dunno,” I shrugged. “I mean we only talked for like 15 minutes before Cole interrupted us and then Astrid saw him with some other girl before he and Niall left.”

“He asked about you first though,” Dom piped in and closed his laptop. “I was hanging out with Niall and a few other film majors and he came over and asked if I knew where you were. He’s definitely interested.”

“You should totally go for it,” Rose said. “Even if it just ends up being you hooking up a couple of times. He’s a nice guy, much nicer than JQ—and don’t you try to tell me JQ’s a nice guy.”

“I wasn’t going to,” I replied and I was actually telling the truth. JQ was an overall nice guy, just not when it came to our semi-secret-not-a-relationship of the past 5 years. This time last year I would’ve been defending him, but after someone tells you he wants to be with you and then breaks it off three days later when he finds out you’re going abroad and he’s going on tour because he “just can’t do long distance” and then proceeds to write an entire album about how shit you are, you really aren’t going to put a lot of effort into defending him.

“Good.” Rose smiled. “So do you think you’ll hook up with him?”

“Maybe? I don’t even know if I’ll see him again,” I replied.

“Oh you’ll definitely see him again. He’s living with Liam and Niall this year, it would be pretty difficult to not see him,” Dom said.

“Plus literally all of us will wing-woman you,” Rose said. “So it all comes down to you deciding if you want to or not. Which, like, I totally understand if you don’t want to, but also you should because he’s hot and nice.”

“I second that,” Astrid said.

“So are we going to start voting on my sex life now or something?” I laughed.

“Excellent idea, Teddy,” Astrid said. “All in favor of Teddy fucking Harry say aye.”

And, because all my friends are dumb, they all did.

“The ayes have it. You’ve gotta do it now,” Astrid said.

“You’re all dumb,” I rolled my eyes, but didn’t say anything else.

I’d already decided I wanted to hook up with Harry—I wasn’t sure if it was going to happen, but I was pretty sure it was something I would be interested in. Harry was hot and, according to Rose, a nice guy. I’d spent most of last year moping about JQ, but this summer was devoted to getting over him. I changed his contact name in my phone to Do not text/call, I burned everything he ever gave me (which, unsurprisingly, wasn’t that much) with Pia, and I deleted every photo I had on my phone of the two of us. I had cleansed myself of JQ—well as much as I can considering I’ve known him my entire life and he’s in a band with my brother—and it was time for me to have some fun, so if the opportunity presented itself then count me in.

“Well, now that we’ve got that settled,” Reese said. “Can we talk about that guy in the grey shirt and pink shorts last night? Because Astrid thinks he’s straight, but he’s definitely playing for my team.”

“He was drinking natty light,” Astrid argued. “We didn’t even have any at the party—he brought his own natty light to the party.”

“I’m on Astrid’s side, Reese,” Dom said. “Any self-respecting gay man would never bring natty light anywhere.”

“You brought an entire 12 pack of natty light to a party last semester,” Reese said.

“Why’re you assuming Dom is self-respecting?” Cole added and the biggest grin broke out on his face at his well-timed dig.

“It was a film major party and I was in charge of beer pong, you assholes,” Dom rolled his eyes.

“Dom, we aren’t talking about you,” Reese rolled his eyes. “We’re talking about the guy that is definitely gay.”

“I refuse to believe that,” Astrid replied. “There’s actually no way. He was drinking natty light and wearing salmon colored chubbies, that is one of the straightest things ever.”

“Was he brunette with a man bun?” Cole asked.

“More ponytail than man bun, but yeah,” Astrid said.

“That’s Chad, he’s definitely straight,” Cole confirmed. “He’s a geo major and we worked on a project together last year. Last night he asked me if I thought Teddy, Pia, or Astrid would fuck him.”

“Fuck this,” Reese groaned and hid his face in his arms that were resting on the table.

“I don’t know why you even argue with me,” Astrid laughed. “You actually have the worst gaydar I’ve ever seen.”

“And you have the worst face I’ve ever seen,” Reese shot back like a child.

“Oh, real mature,” Astrid rolled her eyes. “My face is definitely nicer than yours.”

Luckily, over the years of our friendship, we’d all learned to tune out of Reese and Astrid’s dumb fights. They always stopped after 5 minutes max and laughed at how dumb they both are, so there was no point in stopping them.

I picked up my empty plate and brought it to the sink when I heard my phone buzz from where I left it on the counter while I was cooking. I picked it up to see two texts, one from Cole to our group chat and one from my dad.

Cole’s was just an Okay! See you later P seven minutes after Pia sent her message even though I knew he saw it the minute she sent it. I didn’t bother to reply. My dad’s message I did reply to.

From: Dad Hey kiddo I’ve got a few meetings with students on campus today. I thought I could bring the dogs and pick you up you could watch them while I have my meetings and then we could go out to lunch—really short meetings. It’ll probably take me an hour max

To: Dad Sounds good. I’m at Cole, Reese, Dom, and Rose’s. It’s the building next to the cafe with the scones you like

From: Dad Pick me up a scone then?

To: Dad Of course

From: Dad This is why you’re my favorite daughter. I’ll be there in 15 minutes.

“Listening to you two fight has been fun,” I interrupted. “But my dad just texted so I’m headed out.”

“Already?” Rose frowned. “But I just got back.”

“We’re all getting lunch tomorrow so I’ll see you then.”

“Fine,” she sighed. “Say hi to Papa Roosevelt for me.”

“I’m gonna get my stuff from Reese’s room,” I announced. “Bye y’all!”

“See you tomorrow, Tedward,” Reese called, followed by a chorus of goodbyes.

I brushed my teeth then grabbed the rest of my stuff from Reese’s room before leaving to go grab two chocolate croissants from the bakery next door. My dad texted me that he was out front as soon after I got our pastries. I was barely in the car before I was attacked by two very excited dogs. Fairbanks was typically better behaved than Cactus Jack, but we were still working on calm greetings and CJ’s craziness definitely wasn’t helping.

Dad asked me how my friends were doing as we drove to campus so we chatted about them between bites of our croissants for most of the ride. I told him that Cole was still pining after Pia (which he wasn’t surprised about) and that I spent some time comforting him last night before Astrid and Reese declared that it was time for more shots. What I didn’t tell him about was Harry.

I’d always been pretty open with my dad, but I’d never told him about boys before. JQ and I kept our relationship a secret from everyone because our families were so intertwined that it would’ve been awkward for them to know when we didn’t even know what we were doing. At this point, it felt natural not to talk about boys with my dad. Besides, there was literally nothing to talk about. I talked to Harry for 15 minutes and it would’ve been weird to bring him up. My dad would’ve read way too much into it and would’ve spent the semester trying to figure out who Harry was. Even though UCLA is a big school, I have no doubt my dad would find him.

Oh, the perks of your dad being a professor at the school you go to.

“I’ve got to meet with two of my students who were abroad in the spring, but they shouldn’t be long meetings and then we’ll go for lunch,” he confirmed when we were outside of the Classics department. “Do you just want to hang out here?”

“Yeah, I’ll play with the pups and maybe work on a few commands, depending on how much of an idiot CJ decides to be,” I replied.

“He’s just like your brother,” Dad laughed. “See you in a bit.”

The dogs were not pleased with my dad leaving, but I pulled out a couple toys from the bag dad gave me and they were quickly entertained by playing tug of war.

“Well bless my soul,” a terrible southern accent called from behind me just as Fairbanks plopped down on the ground in defeat. Cactus Jack was ruthless when it came to tug of war. “Is that Teddy Roosevelt and her dogs? Here? At UCLA?”

I turned around to see Pia, still in her uniform so she must’ve just gotten off her shift at the campus Jamba Juice, walking towards me. The dogs also heard her and completely forgot about their game in favor of running to Pia—which meant me running to her too.

“I’m flattered by all my fans,” Pia said as she got on her knees to greet CJ and Fairbanks.

“You’re off early,” I commented as she took Cactus Jack’s lead from me.

As one of my oldest friends (pretty much the only one who wasn’t named after a dead president) and one of the only ones who’s from LA, Pia was a regular dog walking companion so she was used to walking CJ. Fairbanks wasn’t a fan of anyone walking him besides me if I was on the walk. He’s loyal like that.

“Yeah, they thought it was going to be busier with the semester starting up tomorrow, but it wasn’t that bad so my manager let me off early.”

“That’s nice of her,” I replied.

“Yeah, Liam and I were a little rough last night and everyone at work could see I was walking funny and took pity on me,” she shared as we sat down on the grass.

“So that’s still going well then,” I commented.

“Eh,” she shrugged. “I hadn’t seen him since last semester so I definitely wanted to fuck last night, but I don’t know how much longer I’m going to keep wanting to.”

“Really? But Liam’s hot,” I replied even though I was silently screaming inside.

I was probably one of the biggest Pia and Cole fans. I didn’t want to pressure Cole to tell her or to pressure Pia into liking him, but I knew they would be great together.

“Probably one of the hottest guys I’ve hooked up with,” she confirmed. “Literally every inch of him is muscles and could pick me up and throw me onto his bed.”

“So what’s the problem?” I asked, but I already knew the problem. She was my best friend after all.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, he’s a nice guy and all, but…” she trailed off.

“He’s boring,” I finished for her.

“So boring,” she agreed. “He talks about the gym all the time. We fucked in the shower this morning and then he spent twenty minutes talking about his workout regimen because I said it was hot that he could hold me up in the shower.”

“That is hot,” I said.

“Yeah, when he’s doing it, not when he’s showing off his gym schedule while you’re trying to get ready for work,” she huffed. “He literally has a color coded gym schedule.”

“Do you think he’ll make you one when you get married?” I asked jokingly.

“Y’know your mom thinks she’s so funny,” she said to Fairbanks when he brought her a ball to throw for him. Cactus Jack had found a stick so he wasn’t going to be paying attention to anyone for at least five minutes.

“Can confirm,” I nodded. “I do think I’m really funny.”

“But yeah, I think I’m almost done with him,” she said. “He was a great hook up, but I’m pretty much ready to move on.”

“Well good luck with the next one.”

“So what about you, hm?” she asked with a knowing smile.

“What about me?” I asked.

“Liam and I were talking about you this morning.”

“Okay, it’s a little weird for you to be bringing me up in your dirty talk—is there something we need to talk about?” I joked.

“Hardy har har,” she narrowed her eyes at me. “While Liam was driving me to work, he told me Harry thinks you’re hot and asked me if I knew what you thought of him.”

“I think I’m interested,” I nodded, a slight blush creeping into my cheeks. “I’ve been thinking about it and we all talked about it at breakfast this morning and I’m interested.”

“You talked about it at breakfast? Without me?” she gasped. “I’m hurt.”

“Yeah well you were getting fucked so hard you can’t walk straight so you don’t get to complain.”

“Fine,” she huffed. “Anyway, what did everyone say?”

“They’re all team Harry—especially Rose. She said he’s a nice guy, which is new considering I’ve mostly just been with JQ, and that I should go for it even if it’s just hooking up a few times.”

“Do you want it to be more than hooking up a few times?” Pia asked, eyebrows raised.

“Well, I mean, I’ve only talked to him once so I have no clue if I’ll even like him that much so I don’t know,” I shrugged. “I’d be fine with us becoming a regular hook up but I don’t think I want anything serious—like I’m done with JQ and I’m not getting back with him after all the shit he pulled, but I don’t think I’m ready for an actual relationship yet.”

“Well you know what they say,” Pia wiggled her eyebrows at me. “The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”

“Oh god you’re ridiculous,” I groaned and fell back on the grass, which Fairbanks took as an invitation to sit on my stomach.

“Yeah,” she laughed and lay back on the grass too, which really threw Fairbanks for a loop because how was he supposed to sit on two people’s stomachs? “I agree with Rose though, I think you should go for it.”

“Yeah, I’m going to,” I nodded.

“Just…just don’t get your hopes up—okay?” Pia said, suddenly serious. “Harry’s a really nice guy and all and I know you’re not looking for something serious, but I’ve heard he gets around and I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Don’t worry, P,” I reassured her. “Really, I don’t see this getting serious, I’m not ready for that.”

“Then I wish you all the best in your quest to get fucked by Harry Styles,” she said as she sat up, prompting me to sit up too.

“Well thanks for your blessing,” I laughed.

“You’re welcome,” she winked at me. Suddenly she widened her eyes at something behind me before smiling in a very ‘hi my name is Pia Kapoor and I’m a world class shitster’ way. “Speak of the devil.”

“What?” I frowned and turned around to see one Harry Styles leaving the Classics department building. “Oh.”

“Harry!” Pia called and waved him over when he turned to look because she’s shameless. “Over here.”

“You’re a menace,” I hissed.

“No,” she smiled sweetly. “I’m a wing-woman.”

“Hey Pia,” he greeted then turned to look at me and smile. “Hey Teddy, nice to see you.”

“You too,” I smiled back.

Fairbanks and Cactus Jack decided this moment was the best time to investigate this new person. Fairbanks was a bit more of a gentleman and sniffed him politely, while Cactus Jack just went for it and jumped up on him.

“Who are these two?” Harry asked happily as he pet both of them.

“Fairbanks and Cactus Jack,” I replied as Harry sat down. “They’re mine and my brother’s dogs.”

“That’s so cool,” he said. “I always wanted a dog, but our cats didn’t like them.”

“Fairbanks is great,” I said. “Cactus Jack can be a little much, but he’s still pretty great too. They’re only two so they’re both still learning.”

“Let me guess, Cactus Jack is your brother’s?” He asked and Cactus Jack chose that moment to jump on Harry, narrowly missing his crotch.

“He’s just like him,” I confirmed with a wince.

“I’m definitely glad your dog isn’t the one who almost attacked my balls there,” Harry laughed and winked at me which meant he was flirting with me again.

Which meant I had to flirt back and try not to look like an idiot.

“Yeah, Fairbanks is a bit more…gentle.”

Nope. Nope, nope, nope. I’m definitely giving off idiot vibes right now.

“Good to know,” he smirked and maybe we were both idiots because apparently my line worked.

“Well,” Pia announced loudly. “As fun as it is to listen to you two flirt through the dogs, I think I’m going to head out.”

“Nice seeing you, Pia,” Harry stood up and kissed her cheek.

“You too, Harry.” She smiled at him before turning to look down at me with her hands on her hips. “And you, missy?”

“Eh,” I shrugged and grabbed Fairbanks to make him sit in my lap. “I’d give this interaction maybe a 6.5 out of 10, but good luck next time, yeah?”

“I’ll see you later,” she rolled her eyes and left with a final wave.

“You two are pretty close,” Harry commented as he sat back down next to me and scratched Fairbanks ear.

Cactus Jack got jealous pretty quickly and wriggled his way into Harry’s lap.

“We’ve been going to school together since 6th grade,” I told him. “She’s probably my closest friend who isn’t named after a dead guy.”

“Ah yes, the Dead President’s Society,” he nodded. “I should look them up on iTunes.”

“Excuse me?” I gasped and shoved him. “Them? Just because I’m not in the band doesn’t mean I’m not a founding member. I was the one who thought of the name.”

“I remember,” he laughed. “You gave me this rant last night, remember?”

“A rant, is it?” I raised my eyebrows at him.

“A very cute rant,” he reassured me.

“Cute?” I frowned. “My rant isn’t cute. It’s intimidating.”

“Oh,” he widened his eyes and then nodded. “Then I am quite intimidated. Shaking in my boots.”

“Y’know, I didn’t peg you for this big of a suck up,” I tried to frown at him, but my smile was definitely breaking through.

“I suspect I’m not the only one full of surprises, Teddy Roosevelt.”

“Is this a president joke? Because I definitely don’t have any government secrets,” I replied.

“So you don’t have any insider information on the aliens?” he asked jokingly.

“Unfortunately not.”

“Well, while I’m very disappointed, presidential secrets are not what I meant when I said you’re full of surprises.”

“And what did you mean?”

“I meant—”

“Harry, what are you still doing here?” someone interrupted, which put an end to whatever moment we were maybe having.

I turned and looked up to see my dad walking over to us from the Classics department building. Both Cactus Jack and Fairbanks’s heads immediately popped up at the sound of his voice and ran over to him. Harry quickly stood up after Cactus Jack vacated his lap and I stood up after him.

“Oh hi Professor,” Harry greeted.

“You done already, dad?” I asked because I definitely thought he would take longer.

Dad had never had the best time management skills so whenever he told me how long something was going to take him, I always added on at least another half hour. Especially for things that involved teaching. But this time he’d actually gotten out early so it was easy to say my entire world was crumbling and everything I’ve ever known was a lie.

“Wait—dad?” Harry frowned. “I didn’t know Professor Roose—oh that makes sense.”

“I didn’t know you were a Classics major,” I said to Harry.

“He’s one of my best,” my dad answered for him. “We missed him while he was away. Though it has been nice having our female students paying attention to the coursework instead of him.”

“Why am I not surprised?” I laughed and turned to raise a brow at Harry before quickly returning my attention to my dad.

“Hey!” Harry objected. “I can’t help my dashing good looks and winning personality!”

“I guess you can’t, Harry,” my dad chuckled then leaned down to pick up both leashes. “Well, Teddy and I are off on a father-daughter-dog lunch, so I’ll see you in class Harry.”

“Bye Professor,” Harry replied. “See you around, Teddy.”

“See you around,” I repeated.

“Oh shit,” my dad said as he pat his pockets. I was used to my dad’s occasional swearing, but, from the way Harry widened his eyes, it seemed Dad didn’t swear much in class. “Left my wallet in my office, I’ll be back in a moment.”

My dad handed me both leashes and the dogs immediately pulled on them as Dad jogged back to the building he’d come from.

“I definitely should’ve figured out he was your dad quicker,” Harry said. “Not many people have Roosevelt as a last name.”

“Eh,” I shrugged. “It’s more common than you think. Besides, no one is going to assume that the girl they were flirting with is also their professor’s daughter.”

“Oh, so you figured out I’ve been flirting with you, then?” Harry smirked and took a step closer.

“Figured it out?” I raised an eyebrow. “Harry, you aren’t that subtle about it.”

“I know,” he agreed. “But it’s always nice to get some confirmation.”

“Is it?” I asked.

“Yeah, which is why I want you to know that I’ve noticed you flirting with me too.”

“You’re right, it is nice to get some confirmation.”

“So now that we’ve established that we’ve been flirting with each other, I think it’s a good time to ask if I could get your number.”

“Then I think it’s a good time to say that you can,” I replied and held out my hand for Harry’s phone.

He pulled it out of his back pocket and unlocked it for me before handing it to me. I quickly entered my name and phone number before handing it back to him.

“Great,” he smiled at me as he put his phone back in his pocket. “I’ll see you around, Teddy.”

“Well, you’ve got my number now so around doesn’t have to be so indefinite,” I said boldly.

“Yeah,” he smiled. “I do.”

Harry walked away with one hand already reaching for his phone and I turned around to pick up Fairbanks and CJ’s toys with a big smile on my face.

“Harry left?” my dad asked as he reappeared with his wallet a minute later.

“Great deductive reasoning, Dad,” I said sarcastically. “You’ve gone into the wrong field, you should’ve been a detective or something.”

“You’re being pretty bold for a girl whose dad is paying for her lunch today.”

“What can I say, Dad? I’m a bold person,” I replied.

“Okay Bold Girl, let’s go get some lunch.”

My dad and I each took a dog as we walked back to car. We loaded them into the back (which neither of them were happy about and would much prefer to be sitting on laps in the front seat) before taking our seats in the front. It wasn’t until Dad was reversing out of the spot that I pulled out my phone to see one new text from eight minutes ago.

From: Unknown Confirmation text that I’d definitely like to change my “see you around” to “see you soon.” -Harry