#or is that just too hard for you absolute dunderheads

[twilleansparks]

Omfg people are STILL trying to argue that Luz and Hunter are canonically siblings, even after WAD.. I am going to eat a lawnmower..

[marveloustimestwo]

Can you do yandere Peter Parker with a reader that is Mj sister and he starts to get obsessed with her?

Do you only write headcanons or oneshots too?

Hi Anon, thanks for the request! I write headcanons for the most part. The only time I don't is for my Yandere! Peter Parker series Sick and for my writing events. When it comes to non-event requests, I prefer to write headcanons.

Warnings: Yandere themes, mentions of stalking, stealing, and implications of murder

When Peter first started to like you, even with just the hints of affection that went beyond friendship, he was a bit scared.

MJ is a naturally intimidating person. She's blunt, sarcastic, and when she has an issue with something, she has no problem calling it out.

That combined with her protectiveness over you, Peter has no doubt that she'd shut him down the moment he displayed any romantic interest in you.

Because when it comes to MJ and her sibling, it's that MJ can be quite picky about those who think they have a chance with you. You're her sibling, so of course she's going to make sure the person who's after you isn't an absolute dunderhead.

But Peter has a hard time not falling for you. The more time he spends with you, the faster and harder he obsesses over you.

And we all know that Peter isn't all that good at hiding what he feels. When around you, he gets all blushy and lovestruck. If questioned about how he acts around you, he also tends to stutter and avoid eye contact.

MJ's not stupid. She'll see that quickly and be rather blunt about confronting him if she finds out anything that's illegal or even weird.

Because let's be real, no decent sister would put up with someone stalking or stealing their sibling's stuff.

While I think Peter could sweet talk and act his way through a lot of people, I think MJ is one person who'd see through it and absolutely not put up with half the stuff Peter does.

While he'd never let her or anyone else know about the more vicious and unsavory things he's done to keep you "safe", MJ would pick up his obsessiveness and not let it slide.

Once Peter realizes that MJ might be catching onto his more. . . unsavory tendencies (stalking, stealing some of your stuff, and god forbid the stuff he's done to scare off people he thought were bad for you), he'll panic, but it's not like he can scare off or even hurt MJ in the way he usually does with people who get in his way.

Peter prioritizes your happiness and well-being. He's lucid enough to realize that removing MJ from your life isn't really an option.

Considering she's your sister, MJ likely won't leave you alone willingly, and any threats to scare her will only make it back to you. However, taking the more drastic option would leave you grief-stricken and miserable, even more so than if it were a friend or potential romantic partner.

So he'd likely just go for covering up what he's done as much as he can once he knows MJ is catching on. Hiding the stuff he's stolen from you better, making sure nobody can see him while stalking you (and likely starting to use cameras and trackers instead), and being on his best behavior while around MJ.

All to avoid losing you and having to resort to staging an accident.

Because Peter truly values MJ as a friend and would love to one day call her his sister-in-law. But he still values having you see him in the best light possible.

And if MJ starts to taint that, Peter will do as much as he possibly can to stop that before it's too late.

[sacredsnape]

Can I please request a oneshot where reader comforts Snape after he's had a hard day? Thank youuu

I wanna give him sm comfort :( he deserves it

Genre: Fluff/angst

Warnings: mentions of stress

Link to masterlist

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ

Sighing heavily as he closed his classroom door at the end of the day, Snape slumped back against the wall, exhausted.

All of his classes had gotten on his nerves more than usual, and he was so agitated and tired that he wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole and never speak to anyone ever again.

He proceeded to scrub the dried up flobberworms off of the desks, scrape gunk from the bottoms of the cauldrons, and give a good sweeping to the area around the basin in the corner.

"Bloody dunderheads," Snape muttered resentfully to himself as he picked up a glob of moondew that was stuck to some flobberworm mucus. "They seriously don't know how to clean up after themselves."

As Snape hastily washed his hands at the basin, he heard the door of his classroom open, expecting to see a student coming in to further bother the shit out of him, but instead he saw you.

"I was looking for you," you explained as you softly closed the door behind you, walking over to your boyfriend. "It's almost dinner time."

Snape replied with a grunt, washing his hands more vigorously now and avoiding your eyes.

"Sev?" you gently asked, watching him scrub his hands raw.

"What?" Snape replied shortly, annoyance lacing his tone as he turned the tap off and finally looked at you. He was visibly tense; his shoulders were hunched and his jaw was clenched.

"Are you okay? You seem a little tense," you worriedly said, watching Snape roll his neck side to side as he groaned.

"I'm not tense, Y/N. I'm absolutely peachy," he retorted sarcastically, and despite his tone, you couldn't help but smile, finding his sarcasm to be endearing.

"Let me help you relax," you sweetly offered, extending your hand out to him. "You've had a hard day, I can tell."

Snape hesitated before nodding reluctantly, taking your hand and allowing you to lead him out of his classroom and to his room a little way down the dungeon corridor.

"Wait here," you told him as Snape sat down on the edge of the bed, a small frown on his face. "I'll bring you dinner. Also, don't frown so much. A smile looks better on you."

To coax a smile out of him, you pressed your lips to his forehead, which earned you a timid smile from Snape. You then left his room, leaving Snape there.

Snape's smile instantly fell the moment you left and he massaged his throbbing temples, his head aching as he remembered all of the assignments he had to grade before next week.

Snape would've loved to just lay back on the bed and relax, but he couldn't; he'd been so stressed lately and could hardly handle his responsibilities anymore.

Most of all, he just wanted to be with you all day and bask in your endless affection and loving words. He didn't want to deal with more students tomorrow, or staff, for that matter. All he wanted was to spend time with you and cry a bit.

As Snape thought about it, he realized he hadn't cried in a while, in fact. The last time he did was months ago, and he figured a good cry would make him feel better.

Snape sat there until the corners of his eyes started to sting and his throat began to tighten, conjuring up all of his stress so it would push him over the edge. He's never cried in front of you since he didn't want to show you that vulnerable side of him, so crying was a private activity of his.

Snape sniffled loudly as tears began to roll down his cheeks, his hands tightly clutching onto his robes. Closing his eyes, he focused on the sound of his breathing, shutting out everything else around him.

Too concentrated on his shaky breathing to notice you had returned, Snape nearly jumped out of his skin when he felt your hand brush against his arm.

"Oh, my prince," you cooed, setting a silver platter of delicious food down on the bedside table. "Go ahead, let it out."

Snape quickly shook his head and wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve, mortified that you had seen him crying. "No," he said hoarsely, trying to scoot away from you, but you had a gentle hold on his arm. "You can't see me like this."

"Why not?" you asked, genuinely interested in why Snape believed you couldn't see him in such a vulnerable state.

"Because," Snape breathed, feeling more tears gathering in his eyes as he stared at you. "I don't want you to think that I'm weak."

You stared at him, surprised that Snape would ever consider himself to be weak, when he was the bravest and strongest man you ever knew.

"I would never think that you're weak," you truthfully said, closing your hand around his and squeezing it reassuringly. "You're so strong, darling. Despite everything you've been through, you've been so resilient. I know how difficult your life has been, but I am so proud of you for getting through it."

Snape bit his lip hard, trying to fight back the sobs threatening to leave him, but he couldn't, completely breaking down in front of you.

"Shhh," you soothed him, gingerly holding Snape against your chest as he trembled. "You're okay, baby. I'm here, I'm here."

"No one-" Snape gasped, shielding his teary face from your view. "-has ever cared for me so much before. I- I appreciate you so much."

You kissed his forehead and rocked him without thinking twice, stroking his thick hair and mumbling, "I'll always care for you, Sev. You deserve to be cared for you and deserve so much love and reassurance. No matter what anyone says, you're worthy of happiness and acceptance."

Snape's chest and throat were beginning to ache from how much he was crying, but they were nothing but tears of joy.

You continued to soothe him while Snape whimpered, "I love you more than you'll ever know."

"Than I'll ever know?" you giggled, running a thumb across Snape's cheeks to wipe away his tears.

"I have a lot a love for you," Snape mumbled, finally looking up at you. His eyes were watering still, but less now. "So much that I can't even put it into words sometimes."

"You are such a sweetheart," you admired, kissing the tip of his nose, which caused color to blossom onto his cheeks. "You're my lovely, precious, sweetheart."

Snape mumbled something that you couldn't quite hear, but you swore you caught the words, "Nuh-uh, you are."

Snape held onto you then, his arms around you, seemingly afraid of letting you go. He was trembling less now and was visibly relaxed, and you couldn't have been happier that you helped him get all of his emotions out.

"You should eat before your food gets cold," you noted, reaching behind you to grab his food.

"Aren't you going to eat?" he quietly asked as he looked down at the platter, his mouth watering at the sight of all of his favorite foods.

"I already did," you answered, smiling at him. "Go ahead and indulge, handsome. You deserve it."

Snape simpered at being called handsome and eagerly nodded, beginning to eat his dinner.

You affectionately watched Snape, your heart swelling with so much love for him. No matter how hard Snape was on himself, and no matter how deeply that he believed that he was weak, you knew that you'd always reassure him and remind him that he was far from that.

To you, Snape was the most heroic man you could think of, and you were so grateful to be in love with him.

[mediocre-daydreams]

(ch.2) i don’t do love

enough with the blackberry torment!

pairing: sirius black x female! potter! slytherin! reader

summary: james potter’s younger sister can’t tell if she adores or loathes sirius black. sirius black can’t tell if he’s an asshole for flooding the great hall in blackberries, or if he’s an asshole for flirting with his best mate’s sister. (which he’s not, of course, but hypothetically, if he was, how mad do you think james would be?)

warnings: strings of long winded insults, really dramatic ranting, an overworked slughorn who is trying so hard and loosely based off my history teacher, NO (Y/N), she/her pronouns

W/C: 2.8k

A/N: second bit done! the fear of ants translating into blackberries is a real experience of mine. i can’t tell you how many shudders i had writing this chapter. 

Blackberries were a feature of breakfast on Monday morning. You knew exactly why. Regulus took one look at your look of disgust and sighed. “Did my brother have something to do with this?” He didn’t need a verbal response to understand.

“Your brother and my brother and their stupid little boyband- they will not one up me! Not today. You know what? You know what-” You lept to your feet, practically tossing your jellied toast at the first year sitting across from you. “I’m so sorry!” You shouted back at them as you stormed to the Gryffindor table, not needing a second to spot your brother and his friends; you could follow the obnoxious noise.

“You gits! You absolute dunderheads!” You grabbed Remus and Sirius by their collars, knowing they must’ve been the masterminds behind the breakfast sabotaging. “You two little sadists think it’s so funny to exploit my childhood ant trauma for a little prank, don’t you? And you, Mr. Prefect,” you jabbed your finger into Remus’ chest.

 “How did you even- what did you two do to the poor house elves to convince them to screw up breakfast, huh? The audacity! The nerve! The gall-” Your words were lost as Sirius pulled you to sit on the bench next to him. Turning to meet his smirk, you shoved him, the bottoms of both your palms digging into his chest. He didn’t budge.

“Curse you and your stupid quidditch muscles! I swear, you’re so insufferable!”

“Good mooooornin’ bug! The weather’s lovely today, ‘innit?” James leaned over from behind Sirius to tap you on the head a few times, multiple times, too many times, and you couldn’t help but snap at him.

“It is 8AM, I woke up and found out my shoes,” you glared at Sirius, “were so chuffed that the leather has begun peeling, and now I’m wearing Marlene’s old ones because I don’t want to get dress coded, and I just got an owl telling me my new Potions textbook won’t arrive until two weeks later, so Slughorn’s gonna be so upset because I’ve already forgotten to hand in last week’s homework, and now I have to put up with you lot and your pre-pubescent, immature pranks!”

 Your chest heaved as you tried to recover from your passionate monologue. Sirius looked down at you, your cheeks tinged pink with exertion, and seemed entertained. Merlin’s beard, he makes me so furious! He’s all fun and great until he can’t take anything seriously at all and now I’ve just had a fit in front of the entirety of the Great Hall and it’s all his fault!

“Alright there, I’m sorry, yeah?” Sirius wrapped a hand around your head and pulled you into his chest, the same stupid chest which you couldn’t even shove because it was so chiseled firm, and as you buried your head into the soft fabric of his shirt beneath his robes, it wasn’t like you were even comfortable. Sirius’ chest was very much uncomfortable and you wished he would just let you go.

Sirius prayed that you were upset by the blackberries enough to distract you from his thumping heart, just above where your forehead rested. You banged your head against his chest a few times in mock anguish as Sirius ran his fingers through your hair and his other hand around your back. 

To anyone else, it would’ve seemed like an intimate embrace. To you, it was the worst morning of your life. To Sirius, it was heaven—he was getting a firsthand look at the aftereffects of his prank, and he relished every moment of it.

“Alright, Pads. Hands off my sister. As much as I love watching her in despair, I don’t love watching my mate feel her up, got me?”

You practically flung yourself away from Sirius in disgust. “That was not what we were doing, James!” Sirius plastered on a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

I didn’t go too far, did I? She looks horrified. I should’ve asked before I touched her, she seemed repulsed by it. Repulsed? Is that it? She’s repulsed by me? Godric, what has she been hearing about my family in the common room? What has she been hearing about me?

James patted your back as he and Sirius bantered; you cracked your neck, staring down a bowl of blackberries. Fucking blackberries… what a prick, that Sirius Black. He’s getting such a kick out of this, isn’t he?

Your silence was not lost on Remus, ever perceptive, who leaned across the table and pushed the blackberries out of your line of sight. 

“Hey, we didn’t take it too far, right? I’m sorry, Sirius and I found the whole story cute and we didn’t realize how much it would affect you. Can I make things better? Do you need me to walk you out?” You met his eye, lips curling at his comforting smile.

“Thank you, Remus. You’re so kind, but I think I’m going to finish eating with Reg. He’s familiar with my blackberry… aversion. It’s okay, though—the prank, I mean. You couldn’t have known.” Remus sat back down, satisfied with your answer. You waved to him as you rushed over to Regulus, shaking your head at the ground in disbelief at your brother and his posse of baboons.

Sirius turned to Remus. “Reg? Did she just call my brother Reg?” Sirius snorted, taking a large swig of his orange juice and slamming the goblet onto the table with a little too much force.”

Remus shrugged. “Does it really matter?” 

Sirius grumbled. “Guess not.” His brother, Regulus Black—what was he telling you about him? The two of you had always been close, finding yourself distant from the elitist, blood supremacist Slytherins ever since being sorted in your first year. That didn’t mean you had to be his best friend or anything. Regulus Black… what was he good for anyways? What did you even see in him?

“I could hear Sirius’ voice from across the hall,” Regulus laughed, rubbing your shoulder assuredly. “Why don’t you finish your toast and then we can leave for Potions early? I hear Slughorn’s having another Slug Club event soon and rumor has it he’s getting enchanted candied oranges!” He nudged you with his elbow, prodding a smile out of you. “Eh? Eh? C’mon, I know you love ‘em.” 

You met his eye with an intense squint, which he reciprocated, as the two of you battled for dominance. You gave in the minute he waved a new piece of toast, slathered in a generous layer of orange marmalade, in front of you which he had prepared as you were off doing business with the sixth year Gryffindors. You suddenly became aware of the food redistribution around your seat—the blackberry croissants, blackberry strudels, blackberry juices, blackberry jams and jellies, blackberry pancakes, and gleaming dishes laden with heaps of ant-like blackberries had all been pushed to the side, replaced by plates stacked with golden toasts, slices of peeled oranges, little clementines in bowls, a steaming pot of oatmeal, and a little ceramic duck which poured syrup out of its bill.

“I love you,” you mumbled through your toast, eyes watering with gratitude. “I love you, and I love orange marmalade.”

The fortunate consequence of running from the blackberry-infiltrated dining hall was facing an empty classroom and having the first choice of seats. Obviously, you both dove for the window seat on the left-most side of the middle row, which had the best view for when the giant squid passed by, was just the right distance from the front to be able to read the board while not getting cold called, and close enough to the supplies cabinet so that one could rush over and gather ingredients quickly without getting caught in a line. Regulus beat you to it.

“You know what, Reg? I’ve been having a great morning and am in a cheery, giving mood today, so I will let you take the window seat with the grace and poise of the pureblood Slytherin I am.” You slid into the seat next to him, throwing your head back to dangle over the seat.

“Did I hear you right? Finally coming around to the truth, Potter? You’re a pureblood, and nothing can change that, as much as James and your blood traitor parents might try and sully your line. You’re one of us, Potter.” Mulciber, a perpetually gumpy looking Slytherin, called out at you as he and Avery sat behind you.

“Oh sure, Mulciber. I’m one of you? Please enlighten me, what does that mean? That I’m a pureblooded pug breed who can’t differentiate between my left and right?” Avery barked, much to Mulciber’s frustration.

“Potter’s got a point, actually. Remember when you stirred four times counterclockwise instead of clockwise and your potion practically exploded? I swear I have a picture of you and your boils in the infirmary somewhere…”

You grinned at Avery, who held his hand up for a high five. Regulus slapped it out of the air instead. “I’m sorry Mulciber, I really, truly am, but if I ever get a tattoo, you best believe the first one will not be some crudely designed snake worming its way out of an anatomically incorrect skull—what even is that supposed to represent, the culmination of every Slytherin cliché?” 

You patted Mulciber’s arm supportively. “It’s gonna be okay, big boy.” You reached into your bag and pressed a sugar quill into his hands—surprisingly well-manicured for such a gruff guy—as a way of amends.

“I’m only letting this slide because I have to, Potter. Slytherins have each others’ backs, as much as we may hate each other.” Mulciber bowed his head to hide a small smile. “But you can’t just bribe me with sugar quills next time.”

Slughorn’s heavy footsteps reverberated within the Potions dungeon as the last few stragglers settled into the front row.

“Look alive, folks!” Slughorn clapped his large hands together loudly, jerking more than a few students from their dozing. “Today, we’re going to be brewing…” He mimicked a drum roll on his knees, “Befuddlement Droughts! 

You couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm, and while you weren’t alone in your appreciation for the chipper teacher, a chorus of poorly-concealed complaints filled the air. Slughorn pretended like he didn’t hear anything.

“Who can tell me what a Befuddlement Drought is?”

A couple of hands raised, but you and Regulus’s arms shot up immediately. Slughorn quirked an eyebrow, familiar with the academic competition between the two of you. This time, you were quicker than Regulus.

“The Befuddlement Drought causes the drinker to become belligerent and reckless, as it’s brewed with ingredients that stimulate the inflaming part of the brain.”

“Excellent, and what a wonderful addition about the ingredient properties! 10 points to Slytherin. Please pull out your textbooks and turn to page 351, where you’ll find the brewing recipe and instructions. Work with the person sitting next to you—and I don’t want any trouble, Mulciber and Avery!” You could feel the two boys shrink a little from behind you.

Regulus pulled out his copy of the textbook and slid it between you; you nodded gratefully. “I’ve got the aisle seat, so I’ll grab the ingredients.” Not even a minute after you were gone did Avery and Mulciber tap Regulus’ shoulders mischievously.

“So, anything going on between you and Potter? You two have been getting real cosy recently.”

“Mate, Potter and I have been ‘cosy’ since the first year. What about you? I’ve never seen you two apart, ‘ya off shagging in broom closets or something?” Regulus deadpanned. The three immediately shut up as you approached; you dropped the ingredients in front of your partner rather carelessly, with scurvy grass flying everywhere.

“Did I hear someone say shagging in broom closets? Are you two having a little passing period fun?” You snort, finding yourself incredibly funny. “Don’t worry, I can keep a secret.” You turned around only to see Slughorn’s face looming over yours.

“Alright, Potter. As good of a Potions student as you are, I will not tolerate any more talk of sexually-charged broom closet escapades in my classroom. Or making a mess of my scurvy grass! At some point, teachers pay out of pocket and grass is surprisingly expensive…” Professor Slughorn trailed off as he meandered through the desks to check up on other students. Avery and Mulciber raised an eyebrow at you, implying, is it just me, or is Slughorn off his rocker? 

The sixth year Gryffindors were met with a slightly frazzled Slughorn and scurvy grass scattered on the dungeon floors. There were no questions as the professor paced behind his desk, visibly distraught. There were also no offers of help, nor condolences.

Sirius had insisted Lupin sit with him during Potions, as the former had no clue what the difference between an essence and an elixir was, while the latter was well versed in the assigned readings. James and Peter sat just beside them, separated by an impractically small path, as Slughorn couldn’t seem to comfortably fit and often had to waddle sideways, much to the awkwardness of the students. The only benefit to the desk spacing was being close enough to pass notes and whisper stealthily enough to avoid being caught.

“Excuse the floor, sixth-years! I haven’t yet gotten a chance to clean up… or emotionally recover… after the last class. However, I have a treat for you all!” Slughorn pulled out a polished cauldron, emitting dancing wisps of steam that seemed to glimmer in the flicker of candlelight. “Somebody tell me what this is, please!” He swiped the sleeve of his robe over his forehead to dry the perspiration there, looking as if he wanted to retire right then and there. What in Godric’s name did the last class get up to?

“Ms. McKinnon, take it away!” Slughorn gestured limply towards Marlene, who shot Dorcas a concerned look at the state of their teacher before answering.

“It’s Amortentia, professor, the most powerful love potion in existence. It causes a powerful, obsessive state of infatuation in the drinker, usually for the potion’s brewer. It’s recognizable for its mother-of-pearl sheen and steam characterized by its spirals. It’s considered very dangerous, as its effects can completely alter one’s brain function and autonomy.”

“Great job, McKinnon. Five points to Gryffindor. Yes, Amortentia will be one of the potions you’ll need to know to prepare for your N.E.W.T.s next year, along with Veritaserum and Polyjuice Potion, which we will cover in later classes. Today we will simply be observing the properties of Amortentia and indulging a little in its effects. For next week, you are to turn in three pages of parchment on the neurological effects of Amortentia and the role each ingredient plays in the potion in preparation to actually begin brewing the potion.”

“Three pages, are you kidding?” James’ harsh whisper cut through Slughorn’s droning. “We have a Gryffindor-Slytherin quidditch match this weekend! How does he expect us to write three whole pages? Plus, he’s the head of Slytherin—if he’s not gonna go easy for our sakes, he should at least think about helping out the Slytherin team!”

“Keep it down, Prongs. Lily is judging you real hard right now.” Peter spoke out of the corner of his mouth, not even bothering to turn his head. James’ posture immediately straightened, but as he was preparing to turn around and send the love of his life a cheeky wink, he thought of what you had said that weekend. Fuck. He hated when you were right.

“Thinking about what your sister said, Prongs?” Sirius whispered with his cheek resting lazily in the palm of his hand. “You really are incapable of communicating with Evans without flirting, aren’t you?” James groaned, slouching even deeper into his chair than before with his arms crossed over his chest, lips pouted.

“Shut up, Padfoot.”

Peter chimed in. “Yeah, it’s not like you can ever talk to Prongs’ sister without flirting.” Lupin looked at Peter murderously. If the Amortentia was dangerous, Lupin was more so.

“Excuse me? You and my sister talk? You guys flirt when I’m not there? Mate, are you hitting her? You’ve got to be shitting me, you could have anyone and you pick my little-” James hadn’t realized how loud he had become until Slughorn came up from behind and whacked him with a thick stack of lesson plans. Remus looked like he wanted to die.

“Prongs, you know it’s not like that. Pads goes around shagging anyone who looks his way, which is basically everyone; he’s just like that. It’s nothing more than teasing, and you know he cares about you enough to know your sister’s off limits.” Remus emphasized the last few words with a well placed kick to Sirius’ shin. Sirius’s single piece of potions knowledge came into play at that moment. 

Why does my stomach suddenly feel like a bezoar?

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

masterlist | series masterlist | next chapter

[valiant-au-save-slot-a]

After about the fifth time he's tried to pick up his phone off of the floor to try and text someone, ANYONE about his situation, he finally was able to overturn it so it'd be screen side up. How fortunate he had his hand on that let him use the touch screen... He just has to call into the League and tell them he's dealing with a personal situation and can't come into work until he's got it figured out. Easy peasy!

Just... Have to unlock the screen. It's a swipe lock, so it shouldn't be too hard to— Oh nope his bicep spasmed and he has to restart. That's fine. Not too inconvenient. Don't freak out... Just... Try again— Nope absolutely fucked that one up too. He really wishes his limbs didn't feel like water bags full of angry bees...

AHA! HE'S DONE IT! Thank goodness, he was THIS close to picking it up in his teeth and biting it in half out of frustration. The first person he'd thought to call was Becky, his coworker and eye in the sky per say. He's worked alongside her pretty much since he started there, so she'll get it when he explains his situation, right???

After a few rings, a young lady's voice sounds on the other end of the phone, "Crow?? We've been looking all over for you. You were supposed to be at HQ an hour ago. I was about to send for someone to make sure you were still alive. Where are you?"

He takes a deep breath, "Olay ientosay... Toyesay neay imay asacay. Oyhay onay uedopay rabajartay. Toyesay ufriendosay."*

* "Lo siento. Estoy en mi casa. Hoy no puedo trabajar. Estoy sufriendo." -> "I'm sorry. I'm at my house. I can't work today. I'm suffering."

The silence on the other end of the line was deafening. Crowley pulled his lips in between his teeth, repressing his screaming.

"... I'd ask if this was a prank or something, but I know you'd rather die than not be punctual," Her sigh was audible, and Crow could almost hear her pinching the bridge of her nose, "Alright. Sounds like you've got a situation going on right now. Do you need assistance from the League to resolve it?"

Crowley thinks for minute... The League probably DOES have the resources to cure this magical ailment... But his pride. His EGO... It's too great. He can't cave and present himself as WEAK, they're all going to question how such a dunderhead got to be the kingdom defender! "¡Onay aciasgay! ¡Diosaay!"* And he promptly hung up via a series of slaps on his phone.

* "¡No gracias! ¡Adios!" -> "No thanks! Bye!"

And now..... He's left standing in his bedroom once more, staring down at his phone, wondering what to do next— Ah no his knee buckled and he hit the deck. He'll be down there for a while.

[still-a-morosexual-help]

So I'm replaying S1 and I absolutely love MC and Mammon's relationship in it????

I love that they didn't like each other. They were just at each others' throats 24/7 and it's hilarious.

I love that Mammon disguises advice as insults.

I love that he refuses to call them their name and instead calls them 'human' so in retaliation they call him 'demon'.

I love how grumpy and angry he is about helping them BUT at the same time he goes all in while helping them - like he goes above and beyond what they ask him to do while complaining the entire time.

In S3 I said that the reveal that Mammon was a morosexual was the plot twist of the century but apparently I'd just forgotten my roots because S1 Mammon immediately clues into the fact that MC's dumb, with no patience, too much curiosity and negative self-preservation instincts and he calls them a whole list of names - "dunce, dunderhead, dummy" and I'm actually really happy that "Dummy" survives till S3

I love that MC can talk back to him, unlike how that's only a rare occurrence with the other brothers. Mammon's an ancient, "evil" demon and they just never register the fact that he may be dangerous to their general well being? Like Mammon will say something wild - just completely insane - that emphasises the fact that he's very much not human but MC would just roll their eyes and be like 'lol okay'????? Eg: Mammon says if he helped them find out what was in the attic Lucifer would "eliminate" him and that he would take "200 million years" to recover from that and MC's only dialogue option is to more or less say "huh, it's okay if you're scared of Lucifer" and just Babe????? You're gonna gloss over that whole 200 million years thing just to bully Mammon into doing what you want!? Really!? Really!? A guy who could definitely kill you (and who has admitted to eating human meat) says he can recover from having his physical body (??) destroyed and your first choice of action is to call him a pussy!!???? Are you okay!?

Also when I write fics for Mammon I have a tendency to make him ramble or go on insane tangents that the others find hard to keep up with and all this time I thought I was just adding this from my own experiences cause I thought it fit his characterisation. I thought this was me adding into my HC of him and that it had no basis in actual canon. But NO??? S1 Mammon does this! He starts talking about one thing and then detours to a completely different thing and I'm so upset I forgot this and that we don't really get to see it much in S2 and S3 BUT I actually love that this is canon

And this is just what I got after playing the first 3 lessons

tldr:

Mammon & MC speed run enemies to reluctant allies to partners-in-crime to friends to bestfriends in like a couple weeks and I'm living for it

[inkabelledesigns]

You know, a few hours ago I typed up a lengthy post about my feelings about Bendy: The Lost Ones now that I was halfway through the book. I’m really loving it so far! Well, I should’ve waited until I was actually halfway to say anything. I was like what, around 120 pages? No, 150 or so pages is truly halfway, I’m now at page 199 of the physical version, and excuse me while I scream about it. Warning, spoilers under the cut. I’m gonna ramble, I’m gonna ramble a LOT.

I have never felt such a strong urge to scream before. And I don’t mean like, geek out scream, I mean like physically scream, like scream in terror. My heart is pounding, my gut has sunken, I feel physically sick, I am genuinely HORRIFIED by what I just read. This whole book has been so chill up to this point, it’s been cute, almost slice-of-life. These people lived normal lives with normal problems, they’re sweet, I like them. I want to see them succeed and achieve their goals. I almost forgot I was reading a novel that’s set in the same world as a horror game. But the middle of this book SURE DID REMIND ME?! We FINALLY got to the part where the ink makes an appearance, and it is LEGITIMATELY HORRIFYING! I have so many thoughts and theories running through my head, but what I can’t believe right now is that they FUCKING KILLED BRANT?! ADRIENNE KRESS EXCUSE ME WHAT THE FUCK?! I have never felt such a NEED to scream expletives, but I am in shock, I can’t believe that happened, I am crying, there are real tears pouring from my eyes. I am having a visceral physical reaction unlike any other I’ve had in this franchise. When Buddy died in DCTL, I covered my mouth in shock and put the book down. It hit me but it didn’t phase me too badly. When Sammy and Alice die in BATIM, I was surprised, but it didn’t break me. When we first met the lost ones in chapter 4, I covered my mouth and sat there in shock, whispering “I’m sorry” over and over because I felt something terrible had happened to them. That was anxiety, but THIS, this what I’m feeling right now? This is HORROR, this is TERROR, this is a demon that haunts you. I feel HAUNTED by this book. I was expecting a DCTL clone, and I was SORELY mistaken. I should’ve changed my expectations after that masterful Wally Franks intro, with those brilliant Thomas Connor breaks. They KNEW what they were doing, the team came to play and they play HARD. I’m so glad this book wasn’t spoiled for me, for as shaky and as tearful as I am right now, I’m glad I didn’t see it coming. I feel so...alive. I thought I knew the ink, I thought I knew the demon, but it’s very clear that I don’t. For if I did, I would not be in awe of its power.

Just my god, Brant, Brant my beloved, you big dunderhead, you absolute buffoon, you’re really gone...I’ve only known you for a day, I’ve only seen small snippets of you, but you made me laugh. You made me smile, you were so desperate to achieve your goals, I wanted to see you achieve them. I was rooting for you to make it as a journalist, even though I suspected you wouldn’t. And then you just...died. Just...turned to ink and popped like a bubble when something heavy landed on you. And they tried to get you out, Constance grew a backbone because your life called for it. Bill froze, I would’ve frozen too in that moment. I mean you did fuck around and find out, but like...did you deserve that? I don’t think so. And it’s not just me that’s haunted by it, you have Bill and Constance haunted too, and they’re not okay. God they aren’t okay, I wish I could hold them, help them, turn back the clock and save you. But I can’t, not unless I pick up my own pen.

Though...I may not have to. This books switches narrators every few chapters. My curiosity was too much, I NEEDED to know if Brant was a narrator again, and he is, his name appears on a few more chapters, he’s still around somehow! I need to keep going, I need to know what happens, but it’s 1:30 in the morning and I need to try and sleep. I only kept reading to 199 so I could find a little peace. Constance breaking it off with Andrew was okay, but I’m not at peace, I’m still trembling. But it’s enough. I knew if I kept going before, Buddy wouldn’t be okay, but it would be over, there would be rest, there would be something I could use to solve the puzzles, find a solution, make it better. Here, I don’t know if it’ll be the same. I know where this book is going, all three of you get claimed by the ink, there’s no other way it could end. Yet, here I am wishing it could. I barely know you and I FEEL for you. I didn’t expect to get attached, but all of you are so HUMAN, so very human. When that ink touched your face, when you investigated the machine, I knew where it was going, I knew it would be a disaster, and I couldn’t stop you, couldn’t warn you, couldn’t save you. It all turned to crap so fast in just one moment. I wanted to look away, but much like with a car crash you can’t. Everyone wants to look, to see it with their own eyes. 

Perhaps I picked the wrong book for Nightmares are Reality as an isekai fic. Maybe I should’ve put my protagonist in here. There is time for that later though. For now...for now I need to try and rest. I need to make an attempt at sleep. We’re closer to understanding how the ink works, this may be the book that gives us a clear shot at it. I’m hopeful. I can’t wait to read the rest, I can’t wait to work with every precious word of it for my theories and lore building. I’ve seen so many moments that I can’t wait for people to read with their own eyes, specific people came to mind for all of them. Favorite characters, literary references, it’s all so good. I’m so glad I picked this book up, I love it. 

I’ve never been so happy to be scared before.

[astronova-00]

@lockhart-thot Here it is, sorry it took me so long to write.

Oneshot about Gilderoy Lockhart and Severus Snape <3

Pasting back and forth in his classroom, Severus internally groaned when he realized he forgot his quill at the staff room. Mentally deciding whether or not to go and get it, he decided on the latter. Taking long strides to the door, Severus opened it and walked down the hall with his cloak following.

Children who were laughing and joking around with their friends were now silent and frozen when Severus walked pass them. Severus internally smirked knowing he had the power to shut up children with just his presence. Stirring pass the students, Severus reached the staff room, and quickly entered not wanting to spend extra of his precious time.

In the staff room most likely writing letters back to his adoring fans, there was the Gilderoy Lockhart. All dressed up in the bright colours that made Severus want to gag in disgust. The soft lavender robes sat nicely on Gilderoy and his messy yet nicely groomed golden hair curled around his face like a shield. His eyes sparkling with anticipation on what to write next. Shaking his head, Severus scolded himself for noticing these things.

Saying nothing, Severus walked to his area from earlier and picked up his quill and then tried to leave, empathize the tried.

“Oh hello Severus, I barely saw you come in with all these letters I have to write back to. You know I get so much fan mail everyday, it’s quite hard to keep up with it all. Especially all the suitors flirting with me, or trying to court me through letters.” Gilderoy rambled, not taking into account that Severus was mentally rolling his eyes.

'Only this dunderhead would blatantly talk about himself with no hesitant.' Severus thought while glaring at Gilderoy.

"Excellent." Severus dismissed, not wanting to linger on their conversation any longer.

Lockhart continued to talk about himself like he was the center of the universe, which (spoiler alert) he isn't. However the way his words fall off his tongue as he speaks with passion of whatever it is that he is talking about, sparks something inside Severus. Severus so greatly wanted to shove Gilderoy's words back in his throat and continue on with his miserable life. Due to his unfortunate condition of having a slight interest in Lockhart, those ideas shut down as soon as they started to spiral. Severus was pulled out of his thoughts as soon as he felt a hand on his.

"So how about it?" Gilderoy asked as he placed his shinning pearls on displace with his smile.

"Hmm...sure." Severus nodded while making a curtain of the world with his hair in his face.

"Great, I will see your handsome face down at my office at ten." Gilderoy winked as he excused himself and skipped out the staff room as he always did.

Severus blinked a few times to make sure what he just agreed on, did not actually happen. But because he has the greatest luck in the world, it seemed what it was.

Time passed and it was five minutes until ten o'clock and Severus was outside of Gildeory's office and his palms were unsurprisingly sweaty. He tried wiping them off on his trousers but alas it did not work, although it was not like he expect it to.

Severus softly knocked on the door and his face went back to its neutral state. A blank slake with possibilities to change the way he faces you. Tangled in his thoughts once again, he noticed he has been daydreaming quite often and too much for his liking.

“Ah Severus! Three minutes early, I love a man who’s punctual.” Lockhart laughed as he dragged Severus inside by the elbow.

Gilderoy led him to a seat in front of his desk and make a set of tea appear in front of them. “I believe you took your tea black..am I correct?”

Severus nodded and gave a brief thanks in response as he slipped the warmth. Though the rumors might have it as such, Severus absolutely hates the cold. He glanced over to Gilderoy and noticed how much milk he was pouring inside his own cuppa. Severus let a brief face of distaste before putting his mask back up and not knowing how much longer he would be trapped in here.

“Ready to get started?” Lockhart stated as he gathered a few papers together from his desk.

Severus wanted to say yes, but he couldn’t. Not without noticing what in the bloody hell, he had actually agreed to. He thought about straight up asking Gilderoy what he was here for but decided to casually mention it. “Remind me what my presence is required to do?”

Gilderoy laughed in response and shook his head backwards, “I knew you weren’t paying attention. Too much going on in your head, Severus?” Lockhart purred as he placed his chin in the palm on his hand as he settled into his lounge chair.

“You could say that.” He replied with a raise of his eyebrows. “What do you want, Lockhart?”

“Oh and here I thought we were finally on the first name bias.” Lockhart pouted, as his golden curls wrapped around his face.

“Spit it out Lockhart.”

“Fine, fine. I can see how pushing you are getting. Would you fancy into joining me for dinner at Hogsmead soon? You know exercise is quite good for you and Hogsmead is just a short walk away.” Gilderoy finally managed to get out without stuttering over his words.

If Severus felt shocked, his face didn’t show it. Even after Roy’s confession, he managed to keep up his mask. And yet something bothered him that someone else could possibly like him enough to piss him off to pieces. Why would famously annoying Lockhart, ask him, poor old snarky Snape out on a date? What could he possibly have up his sleeve? Severus’ long tangents were a habit he never got rid of and seem to block out the world surrounding him…

“Well then…uh I suppose that I will take my leave, if you do not have anything to say. I bid you a fare night, Severus.” Gilderoy’s sweet voice broke Severus out of his trance for a second time but managed to catch him before he left. Alas give it to Roy to walk out of his own room when something goes wrong.

Severus grabbed Roy’s wrist and pulled him to his lap and cupped his face.

“I suppose joining you would not hurt anyone.”

[musecharm-writes]

Bad Influence, Pt 3 (Steve Harrington X Reader)

Summary: A couple of days after your first day at Melvald’s, you tell Joyce about something that’s been bothering you; Steve gets help with his crush from a couple of friends.

Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV

Over the days following your first shift, things get much easier. You’ve almost totally forgotten the exchange with Harrington and his friend. You might be able to completely, if it weren’t for their extremely obvious attempts to spy on you.

You think they’re under the impression that they’re being very sneaky, which means they probably don’t know that you’ve already caught on, but it also makes you feel a little sad that this is the best they can do.

You elect to do your best to ignore it; a nosy jerk and his little pal aren’t gonna get to you, not when things are finally starting to go your way.

“You’re cleaning that counter a little forcefully, there,” Joyce observes, carrying a box past you. When she emerges from storage, she asks, “Something on your mind?”

You consider the question. You stop scrubbing the counter like it’s done something to offend you and lean against it, the rag still under your hand. “Nothing. Just thinking about the meeting with Chief Hopper.”

Joyce walks over to a nearby shelf with an inventory checklist on a clipboard. “Uh huh. Okay. So what’s really bothering you?”

You purse your lips. Putting the rag and lemon scented Pledge you were using to clean under the counter, you follow Joyce over to the shelves, shoving your hands in your pockets.

“Steve Harrington’s friend and some kid have been following me,” you confess softly. “Every time I’ve left to go home for the past three days, I’ve caught them trying to spy on me. They’re probably gonna do it again today.”

Joyce looks genuinely concerned. “Steve’s friend? Who, what’s their name?”

You shrug. “Some girl. She was in here with him the other day, I think he called her Bucky?”

Joyce’s eyebrows shoot up toward her hairline. “ Buckley ? Robin Buckley?” She gestures with one hand to indicate a height of about five and a half feet. “This tall? Short brown hair?”

“Yeah, I guess that’s her.”

Joyce has a look of growing suspicion and confusion on her face. She lowers her clipboard to put one hand on her hip. “What did the kid look like?”

You frown as you try to remember. “Uh… a little shorter than that Robin girl, with curly hair, I think. At least, from what I could tell; he was wearing a hat.”

Joyce nods slowly. “...I think I know who we’re dealing with.” She looks you directly in the eye, and says, “Do you want me to tell them to leave you alone?”

You think about saying yes, just for a second. Then, you shake your head. “I’ll tell them to stop if it really starts to bother me. They haven’t realised it yet, but they suck at spying.”

Joyce laughs. “Okay, but if you change your mind, lemme know, and I’ll rough ‘em up for ya.” She smiles playfully, and you can’t help but laugh at the image of Joyce Byers fighting two children for bothering you.

“...Thank you, Joyce,” you say softly.

She gives you an odd look. “For what?”

“For… I dunno. For not being too hard on me, even though you were the one who caught me… doing what I did.”

She sighs, looking around to double check you’re still the only two in the store. “I won’t get into it too much since we’re still working right now, but… I used to be a bit of a wild child myself. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. Plus,” she gives you a little nudge with her elbow, “Hop likes you. That counts for something in my book.”

You smile at her. “I guess it does.”

--

“You WHAT?”

Dustin and Robin look pleased with themselves, despite the fact that Steve is filled with a murderous rage.

“We’ve been following your crush to make sure the two of you would be compatible,” Dustin repeats. “To be honest, I don’t think you’re cool enough to land this one, but Robin seems to think you have a chance, so I’m gonna go with it.”

Steve points a finger angrily, about to defend himself and his infinite coolness, and then closes his mouth and folds his arms. “I don’t have to signify that with a response.”

Robin chimes in with, “I think you mean ‘dignify,’ genius,” which really doesn’t help their case with the whole ‘Steve-is-incredibly-angry-at-them’ thing.

He throws his hands up, frustrated. “Whatever, who cares! Why have you been following a person who I have zero chance of ever being in a relationship with to find out if we could date? That’s weird! And probably invasive, I think! Which means it’s also creepy!” He stalls out as he realises the possibility that you may have noticed his dunderhead friends creeping on you. “You haven’t been noticed, right?”

Dustin blows a disbelieving raspberry. “Psh! Please, you’re kidding, right? I think if we were able to successfully spy on a bunch of Russian soldiers without getting caught, we can do this, no problem.”

Robin smiles triumphantly. “Yeah, Harrington. Have a little more faith in our abilities.”

Steve shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. He prays that they’re telling the truth; otherwise, he senses some major embarrassment in his future.

Steve sighs, resigned. “Fine. Fine . I’ll let you two keep playing secret agent on my behalf. But if you get caught, lie your asses off about what you were doing, okay?”

They both promise not to put Steve in any more hot water with you than he already is, but it doesn’t fully lay his fears to rest.

“Oh, hey! You should come with us this time! We can fill you in on everything we’ve learned so far, and then you can watch the wild crush in its natural habitat,” Dustin says.

Steve frowns. “I dunno… Sounds like a bad idea.”

“No, I think it’ll be good. That way, if we do get caught, we can say it was all your idea,” Robin jokes. (Or at least, Steve hopes she’s joking.)

Which is how they all end up hiding behind Steve’s car, across the street from Melvald’s, waiting for your shift to end.

When the time finally comes and you’re walking out the door, they have to communicate via hurried whispers in order to coordinate their movements. Steve thanks their lucky stars that you’d walked to work that day.

They follow you down the street away from downtown. In the moments when it seems you’re about to turn around and catch them or you’re waiting to cross the street, they duck into alleys or alcoves, dive behind cars, or hide behind other people. Steve hates to admit it, even only to himself, but he sort of enjoys the exhilaration of sneaking around. He’d forgotten how much he enjoys it.

At the corner of 12th and Oak, after hiding behind a parked car, Dustin hisses, “Shit.”

Steve immediately snaps to attention. “Shit? What do you mean, shit? What’s wrong?”

“I don’t know where--”

“Hey.”

Robin, Steve, and Dustin all yell in surprise, whirling around to find you standing behind them. You have your hands in your pockets, a rucksack over one shoulder, and a bland expression.

“...Hi,” Dustin says awkwardly. He looks around for a moment, apparently noticing for the first time the ramifications of his and Robin’s actions. “Uh, we can explain--”

You hold up a hand. “Don’t bother,” you point at Steve. “You had them,” you point at Robin and Dustin, “follow me, for who knows why and honestly who fucking cares. Please stop. You’re not great at stalking people.”

Ouch. Okay. Well, there’s a hard truth.

“Sorry,” Dustin says, looking genuinely dejected. Steve isn’t sure whether it’s because he upset you or because you said he’s bad at spying.

Your face twitches, like you’re trying to maintain your vaguely stern expression, and then it crumbles, and you sigh. “It’s okay. I’m not really that mad about it since you guys aren’t really bugging me that much, but just…” You run a hand through your hair. “Look, please stop following me around, okay? It’s weird, and a little creepy. I don’t know why you were doing it, nor do I want to know, nor do I really care. I’m just kind of over the weird shit.”

Robin and Dustin share a look before nodding, and Steve says, “Don’t look at me, I got roped into this at the last minute.”

You look confused, but you nod back. “Okay. Cool. Bye, then.”

You go around them and start to walk away, but before you can make it to the crosswalk, Dustin calls out, “WAIT!”

You turn to look back, one eyebrow raised in a silent question.

Dustin says the last thing Steve wanted to hear him say. “Can Steve get your number?”

Steve’s entire face feels like it’s gonna melt off. He’s absolutely going to run away and change his name; this is just too goddamn embarrassing.

Then, you do something that shocks Steve to his core: you laugh. It’s a full, rich laugh, and it makes his heart pound so hard he thinks for a second he might be having a heart attack -- but, like, for real.

And then , you say, “Damn, kid, you have a lot of guts. Sure,” you swing your bag off your shoulder and root around in one of the pockets before emerging with a pen and a small notebook. You scribble your name and number down before ripping the page off and handing it not to Dustin, but to Steve, who feels like he might combust.

“I get home at one o’clock every day for the next two weeks,” you say, with a crooked smile. “Call me any time after that.”

Steve nods, dumbfounded, and you turn on your heel and saunter away.

“Holy shit,” Robin says, laughing, as soon as you’re out of earshot. “I cannot believe that that somehow worked in your favour. You are either the luckiest guy in the world or more pathetic than I originally thought.”

Steve pays her no mind. Instead, he’s desperately trying to remember if there are any rules about when to call once you get the phone number. Do you wait a day, or call that night? Or maybe you wait longer than a day? Or do you wait for them to call you? Wait, shit, he didn’t give you his number. 

Why didn’t he give you his number?

“Steve, I can practically hear you panicking. Calm down, it’ll be fine,” Dustin says.

Steve’s head whips around. He stares at Robin and Dustin, considering his options, and then realising that his only other options are Nancy and Jonathan.

“I need you guys to help me land a date,” Steve says.

--

You spend a couple of hours at home doing nothing in particular. You read a couple pages of a book you pull at random off the shelf, but you can’t concentrate on it, so you turn on the TV and start channel surfing.

All the while, you’re also trying to pretend you aren’t waiting for the phone to ring.

You gave Steve Harrington your number. If you’re being honest, you think you may be  panicking a little, but you don’t really mind the idea of him calling you so much as you mind the fear that this is some kind of joke.

A part of you is very, very afraid that it’s a joke.

You sigh, putting the remote down and stretching out on the couch. You gave him your number; all there is to do now is wait for him to do the rest. No use stressing over it since it’s out of your hands.

At least, that’s what you keep telling yourself. As the hours tick by -- as you make yourself dinner and put some in the fridge for your mom, as you watch a movie with your feet up on the coffee table and a bowl of ice cream in your lap -- you start to lose hope that Harrington ever planned on calling you at all.

Then the phone rings, and you almost drop your ice cream jumping up to get it.

“Hello?” You say casually, proud of the fact that you don’t sound out of breath from running to the phone.

On the other side, Steve Harrington says your name.

“Y-Yeah,” you say, and then clear your throat. “That’s me!”

“Cool, cool,” he says. “So, hey, uh… I was wondering if you wanted to hang out sometime?”

You chuckle. “Wow. That’s a little forward of you, isn’t it?” You’re thankful that he can’t see you blush through the phone.

“Oh. Is--Is that bad?”

You smile, a little charmed despite yourself. “Nah. I’ll give you brownie points for it, if you want.”

“Oh! Sure. I, uh, I love… brownies,” he finishes on a bit of a low note, so you decide to throw him a line.

“You wanted to hang out, Steve?”

“Y...Yeah. Yeah. Uh, if you want. I just… Wanted to give us the chance to get to know each other. Like, under the right circumstances, y’know?”

You hesitate for a moment. You have a feeling that he’s got more in mind than the arcade; after a bit of thought, you admit to yourself that you’re at least curious about where this goes.

“Sure,” you reply. “What did you have in mind?”

“I’ll meet you at your place at… seven on Friday night? If that’s cool with you, obviously. No pressure, y’know.” He sounds a little nervous, and you can’t help but feel for him a little. Poor guy’s clearly out of his depth.

“Yeah, Steve. That sounds great. I’ll see you then.”

It’s not until after you’ve given him your address and hung up that it hits you: you might, potentially, have a date with Steve Harrington.

Steve Harrington, who saw you get arrested.

Great.

[antidrumpfs]

We're tentatively starting to emerge from the four year-long national nightmare of Donald Trump's presidency, but the reckoning of what the nation endured will take years to really understand. Trump was terrible in so many ways that it's hard to catalog them all: His sociopathic lack of regard for others.

His towering narcissism. His utter ease with lying. His cruelty and sadism. The glee he took in cheating and stomping on anything good and decent. His misogyny and racism. His love of encouraging violence, only equaled by his personal cowardice. 

But of all the repulsive character traits in a man so wholly lacking in any redeemable qualities, perhaps the most perplexing to his opponents was Trump's incredible stupidity. On one hand, it was maddening that a man so painfully dumb, a man who clearly could barely read — even on those rare occasions when he deigned to wear glasses — still had the low cunning necessary to take over the Republican Party and then the White House.

On the other hand, it was the one aspect of Trump's personality that kept hope alive. Surely a man so stupid, his opponents believed, will one day blunder so badly he can't be saved, even by his most powerful sycophants. That has proved to be the case as Trump fumbles his way through a failed coup, unable and unwilling to see that stealing the election from Joe Biden is a lost cause.

Trump's unparalleled idiocy gave us a few laughs along the way, which we sorely needed in those troubled times. With that in mind, here's a list of the 10 most jaw-droppingly stupid moments of Trump's White House tenure.

1) That time Trump suggested injecting household cleaners into people's lungs to cure them of the coronavirus. Even for connoisseurs of Trumpian idiocy, it was a shocker when, after hearing that bleach and Lysol can kill the coronavirus on surfaces, got behind the podium in the White House briefing room and declared, "I see the disinfectant, where it knocks it out in a minute, one minute. ... Is there a way we can do something like that by injection inside, or almost a cleaning, because, you see, it gets in the lungs, and it does a tremendous number on the lungs?"

He then pointed at his head, and said, "I'm, like, a person who has a good you-know-what."

The situation was only made worse because this nitwit said this during the daily coronavirus "press briefing," during that surreal period of the spring and early summer in which he held forth daily, often for hours, presenting himself as not just a leader but an expert. Never has a man believed he knew so much while knowing so little.

2) That time he looked at a solar eclipse without eye protection — after everyone was repeatedly told not to look at the eclipse without eye protection.

It was at this moment that I realized that Trump voters must like it that he's an stone cold idiot, if only because they enjoy the way it triggers the liberals.

3) That time he couldn't admit he was wrong when he tweeted that Hurricane Dorian was going to hit Alabama, and so he drew on a weather map with a Sharpie to make it seem like he was right.

Again, what really elevates some of the best dumbass-Trump moments is when his stupidity combines with his massive ego to create a dunderhead singularity.

4) That time he threw paper towels at people in Puerto Rico who had just endured Hurricane Maria.

Trump's ego plus Trump's stupidity is just sublime. But when his stupidity combined with racism, the effect was often more chilling than funny.

5) That time he asked members of the National Security Council if they could nuke hurricanes rather than letting them hit the U.S.

Hurricanes drew out Trump's fatuousness like a good cheese draws out the notes in fine wine.

6) That time Trump was told to talk about Frederick Douglass at a Black History Month event, clearly had no idea who that was, and while trying to bullshit his way through the talk, implied that Douglass was still alive.

"Douglass is an example of somebody who's done an amazing job and is being recognized more and more, I notice," Trump said, using the same strategy that a sixth-grader who hasn't read the book might employ to bluff through a book report. There was a piece of paper in front of Trump that likely had more information about the author and abolitionist who was born enslaved died in 1895 as one of the most famous Americans, but Trump, as ever too vain to wear his glasses in public, probably couldn't read it.

7) That time he suggested that his much-desired border wall could just maybe be buttressed with alligator moats.

This one was fondly remembered by the Salon staff as an iconic example of the way Trump's racism amplifies his imbecility in an almost exponential fashion

8) That time he asked Canada's prime minister, Justin Trudeau, "Didn't you guys burn down the White House?"

At this point one almost wants to give him half-credit for remembering that the White House was burned down at one point — by the British in the War of 1812. But then one remembers that Trump has declared himself the protector and savior of American history, so much so that he's created the "1776 Commission" in a supposed effort to preserve what he considers the proper teaching of history. All he means by that, of course, is teaching kids that the blatant racism of the past was noble and just, and not so much actual facts, let alone actual history.

9) That time Trump "liked" a tweet praising Rihanna. This is a deep cut, but a personal favorite of mine, mostly because Ashley Feinberg at Slate did a detailed exploration of this topic and demonstrated it was almost certainly the result of stupidity, horniness and Trump's short and stubby fingers. It started when Trump liked — and then unliked — a tweet by a woman named Heben Nigatu declaring, "Every new Rihanna interview makes me grow stronger. We stan a work/life balance queen!!!"As Feinberg noted, Rihanna's name was trending on Twitter the night of the weird "like." If users clicked that trending topic, they saw a photo of Rihanna lounging on a couch in a see-through leotard. As "our president is furiously, pathologically horny," Feinberg concludes, he likely "clicked on this photo of Rihanna while making a series of steamboat noises and sweating profusely," which led him to a list of tweets mentioning Rihanna — including Nigatu's tweet. At which point his fingers, which are too small to be controlled with any grace, likely slid unconsciously over the "like" button. As further evidence, Feinberg points out Trump had, in the past, done the same to a sexy photo of Katy Perry.

10) When he called the Second Epistle to the Corinthians "Two Corinthians."

This is another personal favorite, because, like many other of Trump's dumber moments — such as when he tried to put money on a communion platter, or when he held a Bible as if he were afraid it might bite him, or when he seemed confused by the idea that he should ask God for forgiveness — it was a fun reminder that Trump's professed Christianity is not just an act, but an act he can barely be bothered to keep going. It's delicious because it's a twofer, not just exposing Trump's stupidity, but the absolute shamelessness of the Christian right leaders who backed him. (For those who may be unclear: This book of the Bible is abbreviated as "2 Corinthians" but always called "Second Corinthians.")

Every time Trump fumbled in this way, and the Trump-friendly evangelists kept on acting like he was God's emissary on earth, it was further evidence that most of these supposedl devout Christians don't really care about faith or God or Jesus or any of that that stuff — they care about power. As with their beloved president, dramatic performance of public piety by so many right-wing Christian leaders is little more than a dog-and-pony show put on to sucker the rubes.

So there's your top 10, with the caveat that it was hard — perhaps impossible — to narrow down that number in a satisfying manner, since Trump has done unbelievably stupid crap virtually every single day for four years. But that's why the internet gods invented social media and comment sections, so you can add your own to the list!

Source: Raw Story - Commentary by Amanda Marcotte

EXCELLENT!!!  I have to agree attempting to the catalog the top 10 tRUMP absurdities is pretty much impossible. Even narrowing it down to the top 100 would be a difficult task, but this was a great and noble effort.

[another-snape-story]

Morning Post

Chapter XIII

“Pity you didn’t partake in carving pumpkins last night, it was fun,” you complained meeting Snape at your door awaiting to accompany you to the Great Hall for breakfast.

“I’m not excited about these childish entertainments,” he stated blankly.

“So, Professor McGonagall is a child, in your opinion?”

Snape rolled his eyes, defeated.

“Ha! Got you!” you cheered.

“It’s just not my cup of tea.”

Actually, the point was not in ‘childish entertainments’ in general, but in enormous amount of people involved in this activity, whose presence Snape had no desire to tolerate longer than necessary. Moreover, he found it unacceptable risking his reputation by being caught at such a shameful piece of work.

In fact, Snape had one tiny pumpkin in his private chambers, carved carefully all by himself. When was the last time he did it, he’d hardly remember, but this year he discovered he was in sort of a festive mood. Where did it come from? He supposed, he knew it. If you’d offered him to do it together, he would’ve probably agreed – not without showing reluctance and discontent, of course. Snape heartily regretted losing the whole evening of enjoyable pastime in your company. Maybe he should’ve sacrificed his grim image? Anyway, it was way too late for remorse.

Once you climbed the narrow spiral staircase to find yourselves in the Entrance Hall, someone ran into you, knocking you off your feet right in Professor Snape’s arms.

“Damn you, Quirrell!” he growled. “Watch your step!”

“I’m s-s-sorry,” he adjusted his turban and disappeared behind the corner.

“He’s been frantic lately,” you rubbed your shoulder, throwing scornful look in his direction.

“Idiot,” Snape hissed.

Meanwhile a crowd of Gryffindors rushed by, Harry Potter among them. The boy greeted you with a cheerful smile which vanished once he noticed your gloomy companion. Snape, annoyed by recent unpleasant encounter with his stuttering colleague, seemed now even more intimidating.

“Nice boy – Harry,” you smiled, as you leisurely continued your way along the corridor. “So diligent. He’s having a hard time. So many things other children find common are new to him.”

“He’s not the only one in this boat,” Snape snapped disdainfully. He didn’t like children, you knew it. Neither did you, actually – at least not that loud mass.

A Hufflepuff girl brusquely slipped between the two of you – just in time to confirm your conviction.

“Ugh, how you’ve been surviving here for so many years?” you grunted.

“Self-control and tones of sedatives,” he answered plainly as you entered the Great Hall, which buzzed and hummed in usual mealtime routine. His wit never failed to make you laugh, this time was no exception.

Eyes rounded in amazement, a few heads turned in your direction, watching you as you made your way to the teachers table. Beaming with joy, you created a huge contrast with the man black as thundercloud.

“Severus! You should’ve joined us last night!” Professor McGonagall exclaimed with a mixture of reproach and disappointment on her face.

“I’ve been told off already, thank you very much,” he pulled the chair for you to help you sit and took his place beside.

“He’ll assist us next year,” you whispered, so that Snape wouldn’t hear.

“Oh? How did you manage to persuade him?” McGonagall leaned closer, curious and excited.

“I haven’t yet,” you replied furtively for the sake of privacy, “but I think it’s quite possible.”

Satisfied, the old lady straightened on her chair. After making some hard thinking, she gave Snape a meticulous look, drawing it on you and then back on Snape. As if coming to a conclusion, she smiled slyly.

You didn’t pay attention when owls delivering post flooded the room – you rarely received letters – not once during your staying at Hogwarts. But dozens of surprised gasps made you raise your head from your plate. Everyone’s attention was caught by a long, thin package carried by six large owls. Even the small envelope landed on the table escaped your notice. But not Snape’s – with the tail of an eye he studied the inscription.

“Broomstick?” you instinctively looked up at Snape, searching for an answer. “Is it a broomstick?”

“It is,” Professor McGonagall affirmed without hesitation.

This very moment the birds dropped it right in front of Harry Potter.

Snape squinted in disgust, his spirits reaching the lowest. “Potter again. Always Potter in the spotlight.”

“Come on, why does he annoy you so much?” you grudged. “The boy changed in the face, when he saw you today!”

“They all annoy me, these dunderheads,” he spat.

“He’ll replace Charlie Weasley in Gryffindor Quidditch team,” McGonagall announced proudly.

“What?” Snape outraged. “But first-years are not allowed…”

“I’ve settled this matter with Albus, Severus. He agreed it was a good idea,” she cut him short crisply.

“The boy barely mounted the broom! You can’t…”

“He’s showing better skill in flying than Terence Higgs so far!”

“Let us not become personal!” Snape barked, his nostrils fluttered in resentment.

Sitting in a crossfire, you had no other option but to follow the argument. You found it curious that Snape cared about Harry’s safety. Strangely, it didn’t come along with his attitude towards the boy. Nevertheless, you tended to take his side rather than McGonagall’s – you also found it insane throwing a child into this chaotic whirlpool of players, Bludgers, Quaffles, Snitches, and Merlin knows what else.

“Remember you promised to give me xylem sap?” you addressed him quietly, carefully putting your hand on the man’s wrist.

Once he faced you, for a brief moment you sensed all his anger directed on you.

“I need it in my class. Shall we go fetch it now?” eyes locked on his, you tightened your grip.

“Yes…” he let out a heavy sigh. “I suppose…”

With a gesture concealed from Snape’s view, you apologized before Professor McGonagall and were about to leave, as Snape stopped you.

“Won’t you take it?” he handed you the envelope. “As far as I can tell, it is for you.”

Indeed, there was your name on it. And the other name, which promised no good. Without reading, you shoved the letter in your pocket.

“Is everything fine?” seeing how upset this small piece of paper made you, Snape asked worriedly.

“Yes,” you squeezed a smile and headed for the exit, a tall man in black following you. He was still annoyed with the news about Potter being taken into the Quidditch team, but his wrath subsided a little – not without your involvement. He was thankful you saved him from burning bridges with Minerva, but what he appreciated most was your sympathy, which he – in his opinion – didn’t deserve.

“It is not right!” he complained. “They can’t just rewrite the rules for no reason!”

“A legend in a Quidditch team, isn’t it a good reason?” you noted sarcastically. “You have no power against two ganged up Gryffindors who happened to be the school’s main authorities.”

Snape sniggered at your remark. You’ve always managed to push his thoughts off distressing rails.

“We’ll be cheering on Slytherin harder then,” you stated. “Won’t we?”

“Absolutely,” Snape agreed. He felt much better now.

“See you at the feast?” it was no longer possible to delay the moment of parting – classes were about to start in a few minutes.

Snape smiled mildly and gave you an affirmative nod.

“Thank you for xylem sap, by the way,” you smirked playfully.

“I have some, if you ever really need it,” his brow sprang cunningly.

“Is there something you don’t have, Snape?” you laughed and hurried off.

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[lov3nerdstuff]

Voluptas Noctis Aeternae {Part 1.3}

*Severus Snape x OC*

Summary: It is the year 1983 when the ordinary life of Robin Mitchell takes a drastic turn: she is accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Despite the struggles of being a muggle-born in Slytherin, she soon discovers her passion for Potions, and even manages the impossible: gaining the favor of Severus Snape. Throughout the years, Robin finds that the not quite so ordinary Potions Professor goes from being a brooding stranger to being more than she had ever deemed possible. An ally, a mentor, a friend... and eventually, the person she loves the most. Through adventure, prophecies and the little struggles of daily life in a castle full of mysteries, Robin chooses a path for herself, an unlikely friendship blossoms into something more, and two people abandoned by the world can finally find a home.

General warnings: professor x student (however no underage romance), blood, violence, trauma, neglectful families, bullying, cursing

Words: 5.3k

Read Part 1.1 here! All Parts can be found on the Masterlist!

______________________________

As she slowly walked towards the door to his office, she reminded herself that she didn't want to look intimidated, and most definitely didn't want to cry. Especially not in front of Professor Snape! Alright, maybe she was scared of him after all. Summoning all bravery left within her, Robin knocked three times, before finally sticking her head through the small space between the door and its frame, not daring to open the door any further.

"Took you long enough." Was his scolding reply to that, and Robin entered the office with careful steps while still chewing on her bottom lip. She was starting to taste the bitter sting of copper in her mouth, as her constant worrying had left her lip raw and the skin broken. Professor Snape seemed to be entirely indifferent to her nervousness. "Sit."

She complied immediately, taking a seat on a rustic but sturdy wooden chair across from him at the desk. For a short while she allowed her eyes to scan her surroundings as thoroughly as the moment would allow her, and she took in both the impressive collection of books and the astonishing variety of potions. The closer Robin looked, the more she realized that they were stacked and stashed absolutely everywhere, and yet everything seemed to follow some kind of sorting system, a certain logic she couldn't quite grasp at the first sight alone. But she appreciated it nonetheless, this intricately structured chaos that sparked her curiosity more than it intimidated her, and oddly enough she felt comfortable in his space right then. He was also just a person, a teacher with orders and rules to follow. Surely he couldn't kill her on the spot. The realization relaxed her enough to at least cease the worrying of her poor bruised lips. Her eyes shifted back to Professor Snape sitting behind the desk, and she studied his folded hands on the tabletop for a moment.

"What do you have to say for yourself?" He inquired with an eyebrow risen just enough to give an edge to the question despite the coolness of his tone, and Robin's eyes moved up to his dark ones.

She felt like someone had inflated a balloon inside her chest, and that balloon threatened to squeeze all air out of her lungs in return as she opened her mouth to reply. "I… He…" Her voice words came out croaked, while too many thoughts stumbled over each other in her mental race for a decent answer. Get a grip, Robin… "He was bullying Theresa."

Professor Snape raised an eyebrow at that, but his continued silence clearly communicated that he expected Robin to continue on, which she however had no intention to do. This was as good a reason as any, she thought, and whether he knew the truth or not didn't change the fact that she was the one in trouble right now. Almost a little defiantly, she held his gaze in silence, even if only to cover up for the way her heart raced and the fact that she felt sick to the pit of her stomach.

"And you and Miss Franklin have been friends since…?" His eyes were fixed on Robin's so intently that she could feel his gaze at the back of her head, crawling through her brain like the chill creeping up her spine. It reminded her in an odd way of wearing the sorting hat.

"We're not."

"I see…" Another interval of silence followed, while yet his eyes never left hers even for a second. Finally Robin felt uncomfortable enough to speak up once more.

"Sir… will you-... Will I be expelled now?"

His brows furrowed into a deep frown in an instant. "Don't be ridiculous, Miss Mitchell, stupidity doesn't suit you nearly as well as your classmates make it out to."

"Then… why am I here?" She dared to ask, voice small again as she tried to wrap her head around his cryptic remark. Was that supposed to be an insult or a compliment?

"You are here because you knowingly tricked your classmates into brewing babbling beverage instead of the assigned antidote!" His voice was strict, his eyes cold and hard, and Robin wished to go back to being simply disregarded by him. It was better than being scolded.

"It's not like drinking it could've made the nonsense coming from him any worse, you know…" Robin muttered under her breath as she averted her eyes at last, focusing on a medium sized glass bottle on his desk instead. It held worms, of some kind, and Robin was surprised by how little the sight repelled her. Somewhere in her mind, a tiny voice wondered what their use might be. Where they could be collected or bought. If they were cut or squished for potion making.

Once the silence of the office became too suspicious yet again, she looked back up at her professor only to find the corner of his lips turned upwards into the barest hint of a smirk. Almost startled, Robin blinked in confusion at the almost-display of emotion coming from him, and the expression vanished from his face as suddenly as it had appeared.

"Indeed, it likely wouldn't have…" He finally said, a little milder in his tone, and Robin let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Still, it would interest me not only to hear how a first year came to know about babbling beverage, but also how said first year came to the conclusion that the instructions for the antidote could be altered into making the sooner."

"I read. A lot." Robin blurted out before her brain would come up with a more intelligent response. Looking at her hands, she added so quietly that she wasn't even sure if he would hear, "And I thought his oblivion was funny."

Professor Snape rolled his eyes and leaned back in his chair with a condescending sigh. "Has it ever crossed your mind that maybe there is more to consider when making a potion than just throwing together the ingredients on the list? And that thus the likelihood of successfully altering a potion without consequences of enormous gravity, at least for an inexperienced individual, is close to zero?"

"No, sir." Robin replied quietly, and her gaze dropped to her hands in her lap in shame. She felt ridiculous, embarrassed enough to wish the ground would swallow her up. Arrogance was a spiteful thing, especially when hers had been so very unwarranted. It has been five stupid weeks, and she had already believed to be on top of the world because she had gotten ONE bloody potion right.

"Do you deem Mister Downing's wrongs to be reason enough to quite possibly blow up the entire castle?"

"No, sir." That was it, she couldn't possibly embarrass herself more than she just had. In trying to prove to him that she was no complete dunderhead like everyone else, that she wanted to learn more about potions, she had only proved the very opposite.

"And, pray tell, did you seriously believe that I would tolerate such behavior in the first place?"

"No, sir." Robin's whisper was followed by yet another long moment of sobering silence, and she could feel his scrutinizing gaze lingering on her small figure as she slumped down even further into the chair.

"Contrary to popular belief, I do not overlook the wrongs done by students of my own house, nor those of any other for that matter." He sighed at last, finally releasing her from his scrutinizing watch in order to let his eyes travel over to a bookshelf on the wall. Robin had heard this rumor before, that he had a rather strong game of favoring Slytherins going on, but she hadn't yet seen any of that for herself. In class, he looked down on everyone just the same. And now, she would be punished just the same. "Tell me, Miss Mitchell, what would you deem an appropriate punishment to give now?"

"For… for the babbling beverage or for the failed essay, sir?" She winced inwardly as she spoke, hoping to not upset him any further by asking questions in the first place.

Professor Snape however, for once, looked mildly surprised by her words and lifted one eyebrow even higher in return. "Neither. I was referring to Mister Downing's repeated abuse of the English language to cover up for his admittedly justified inferiority complex."

The wheels in Robin's brain turned for a moment, then her eyes snapped up from her lap to meet his in genuine surprise. "You… had him write that essay because he's bullying people?"

Snape rolled his eyes again. He seemed to do that a lot whenever Robin spoke up. "Punishing him for bullying people would encourage that boy rather than have him reconsider his pathetic behavior. I wouldn't give him another reason to act out his hatred."

"But, I mean, you asked me about a punishment that's appropriate for him bullying people, but you also didn't want to punish him for it yourself… But then you still gave him that essay? What kind of answer do you expect me to give in the first place?"

"Isn't that obvious enough?"

For a moment, Robin thought over everything that had been said, and everything that hadn't. She didn't want to blurt out the first thing that came to her mind again, not after him just showing her that she'd literally hit rock bottom of her own misguided pride. Then a different thought graced her spinning mind and brought it to a sudden stop. "Why would you ask what punishment I would give now?"

Again she was met with a silence that urged her to continue, and this time she actually did, trying to not let him down again. "You asked what punishment I would give NOW… meaning I did, actually, punish him before already, by… by having him make the babbling beverage. But I understand that… that it was very foolish of me to act that way. My revenge only led him to have even more reason to bully m-... Theresa. And… it was stupid of me to mess with things I know practically nothing about, and arrogant to assume I knew enough about it in the first place. I'm sorry…"

"Are you?" Professor Snape asked calmly while lifting his eyebrow once more in question, thereby looking almost bemused by Robin's monologue of misery.

His question made Robin blush, for no other reason than because he had straight up caught her lying to him. Could he… no, surely not. But then again… there WAS a rumour about Professor Snape being able to read minds, wasn't there? She decided not to test her luck today and stick to the truth, however painful that might be. Childish behavior had gotten her into enough trouble already. It was nothing but the truth for her from now on.

"Actually… no. And yes." She earned herself another eye rolling for that, but continued nonetheless. "I'm not sorry that I defended Theresa even though we're not friends, specifically. I'm not sorry I defended any innocent person in general. I'm not sorry I defended myself. But I am truly and honestly sorry for…" She bit her own tongue before she could finish the sentence. What she'd meant to say wasn't something he wanted to hear, and it certainly wasn't something she wanted to admit to.

"Yes?" A pause. "Do go on, Miss Mitchell."

"For disappointing you, sir." Robin finally said, as the crimson crept up her neck and onto her cheeks, feeling uneasy by how true the statement was indeed. She absolutely hated disappointing people she looked up to. "For being the bloody idiot you likely take me for. The stupid muggle born Slytherin who disgraces your house. The dunderhead who failed her essay because she was too proud to ask for clearer instructions. The arrogant-"

"Get over yourself already." He almost snarled, and Robin's eyes snapped back up at him in irritation and just a little more hurt than she would've liked to let on. Here she was, telling him she was scared as hell to disappoint him, and he told her to get over herself? Before tears finally rose to her eyes however, for but a short moment, his face showed discomfort rather than reproach, and her feeling of hurt ebbed down significantly in an instant. A second later however, his frown deepened and the mixed expression vanished from his face as he spoke on. "I did not expect you to be sorry for your actions, and that is not why I asked about your take on punishment."

"You... did not?"

Another eye roll. "Obviously. I had rather hoped you would come to understand my terms of punishment." When Robin merely kept looking at him expectantly, he added, "Well?"

"Uh..." Think, Robin… what's he trying to say? What's the lesson here? She spoke on before she knew the answer to either question. "If it wasn't just his failure at the antidote or his bullying of people… Maybe Alexander's error, ultimately, was that he didn't do his readings, and didn't pay attention in class. And that was why you assigned him the essay. For him to… to learn about what he'd failed to learn before."

For the first time since Robin had known him, Professor Snape looked pleased. And that about her very own words! She let out a relieved breath; obviously she had drawn the right conclusion from what he had said after all.

"And what did you fail at today, Miss Mitchell?" He asked in a pointed drawl while quirking an eyebrow at her yet again.

Did 'everything' count as an answer? Probably not, she had to think deeper than that. "My-... my essay?" That, quite possibly, was the worst answer she could've given, and Robin wanted to smack herself in the head if he didn't preempt her.

But all she got was a scowl, and that impossibly intense gaze again. "I have no intention to justify my grading in front of my students, if that is what you are trying to achieve by bringing it up again." He rose to his feet with a start, and Robin jumped quite visibly at the sudden movement, which in return made him roll his eyes even more as he walked over to the bookshelf. He scanned the spines of the books at eye level for a moment, then spoke on. "However since you seem to care more about your performance in this subject than about the subject itself, let me assure you that your essay grade is fairly reflective of your classwork in general."

Bloody hell, did he really think that badly of her? Didn't he see that she worked so hard just to appease him? Or that-... Oh.

Her shoulders slumped as realization dawned on her, and she suddenly found great interest in her shoes and the dark stone floor beneath. He had put it rather brilliantly… every ounce of her efforts had gone into getting a perfect grade, not into studying the subject of potions itself. The worst part about it was that his words hadn't even been the slightest bit taunting, without any accusation, as if he deemed it perfectly legitimate to just try for grades. That perhaps was what made her feel guilty the most; that she's had a choice, and only now came to realize that she had chosen wrong. Not in his eyes, but in her own.

She suddenly came to realize, with a startling desperation, that she actually wanted to learn more about the wide field of potions for learning's sake, not because it would get her good grades or praise, but because she actually cared about the subject. Honestly cared, more than she had really understood before being confronted with the two alternatives as for why someone would work this hard. Maybe it wasn't too late for her to get on the right track just yet. Still, Robin sighed in regret for the time lost and the wrong impressions made.

"I think I do know what I failed at, professor. Not only today, but ever since the start of term… And I'm sorry. Truly." Saying those last words at last, she lifted her eyes off the floor once more to seek his in an attempt to convey that she actually meant it. That the message was understood, appreciated even, and that she had the honest-to-the-core intention to act on it too.

For a moment his eyes remained fixed on hers, leaving Robin to feel the odd tingling in the back of her mind yet again, and she subsequently started picking at the sleeves of her robes again.

"Do you know what this is?" His surprisingly calmly spoken question replaced an actual answer to Robin's statement as he took a step closer and held the item in his hands out for her to see.

"A book, sir?" Robin's immediate reply was paired with her own eyebrow rising in question, and only after a heartbeat did she realize that she had just sassed her professor. The adrenaline caused by a natural flight instinct hit her like a brick wall, and she held her breath in shock and anticipation .

His immediate response was not much different than hers, to be honest, a good mixture of sincere shock and surprise, but also… subtle amusement? His guard was back up before she could properly grasp it.

"It's a chance, Miss Mitchell." He finally said, obviously deciding to let her previous retort slip as he handed the book to Robin and then moved to sit back down behind his desk, watching her in silence until at last she looked back up at him. "As opposed to engaging in the average pettiness of the other imbecile children in order to gain their respect and recognition, I propose you don't attempt to prove yourself by their very means at all. You cannot, and the sooner you come to realize that, the sooner you will discover that the only way to achieve what you are striving for is to stop trying to be equal and start trying to be better."

"...Sir?"

"You heard me, Miss Mitchell." His tone held a graveness that had Robin's skin tingle in an equally pleasant and frightening way, leaving her breathless and just a bit dizzy. "Prove. Them. Wrong. And not through the usual pathetic scramble over blood status and grades."

Her eyes widened at that, and she stared at him as if he'd told her about the existence of aliens or something equally unbelievable. Had he truly said what she had heard, subtext and all? She had so much to think about, so many cryptic statements to sort through…

"That would be all." The bored indifference had returned to his voice, and he dropped his gaze from Robin's eyes down to the students' notebooks on his desk without another word.

"But… you haven't given me any sort of punishment, sir. For the babbling beverage." Robin spoke up quietly as she rose to her feet, unsure why she would even bring it up. Maybe because she thought that she deserved to be punished after all… it would certainly clear her conscience of the remaining guilt.

Professor Snape sighed in rather badly feigned annoyance that even Robin could spot for once, and dropped his quill onto the desk a little more forcefully than necessary before he looked back up at her. "What did we discuss about punishment, Miss Mitchell?"

"That, uh, that it's supposed to make you learn what you failed to know before?"

"And?"

"And… in regards to the babbling beverage… I would need to learn that…" She almost wanted to say 'I shouldn't have done it', but that wasn't it. That couldn't be it. Severus Snape would not have taken so much time and so many words just to have her realize that pulling pranks in class wasn't cool. So she took a breath, and took a chance. "... that revenge by their means only leads to more suffering on either end. And that if… WHEN I get my revenge, I better be the smartest person in the room."

This time the smirk playing on his lips was quite certainly a smirk indeed, and Robin felt tremendously pleased. However she knew better now than to show a reaction to it and thus she simply made sure to remember that her professor actually could look pleased if one got that far with him.

"I believe you have a class to get to. We are done here." He said and turned back towards his work, causing his long hair to hide his face from Robin's sight for the most part. Didn't he like people seeing him show positive reactions? Probably not.

"Thank you, sir…"

"Don't thank me. I'm responsible for a house full of morons, and I would much prefer to have one person less to worry about." He said, and added almost with a humored tone as Robin made for the door, "Read the book, Miss Mitchell."

"Yes, sir." She smiled despite the insult, for she got the lasting impression that it hadn't been directed at her. "I'll be done by Thursday."

"Make that Tuesday and I might actually be impressed." He murmured as Robin stepped out of the office, and she couldn't believe that he'd actually sassed her back. In a humorous manner! The grin that fell onto her face didn't cease as she hurried through the classroom and out into the hallway, through the dungeons and up the spiral staircase.

Only once she walked through the empty courtyard, book still tightly clutched to her chest, she realized just how late she actually was to her defense against the dark arts class. A good thirty minutes! Bloody hell… Professor Morgan would have her head, and quite possibly every other body part carefully separated from the other as well. That is… if she showed up in the first place. When it was either playing practice dummy for the rest of the class, or getting some quality time and have a look at Professor Snape's book, there wasn't really a choice to make.

Once she had arrived back in her empty dorm room and sat down cross-legged on her bed, she stared down at the book in her hands. 'Basic Herbology for Potioneers'… Huh, why would her potions professor give her a book about herbology? She had never considered that a subject might actually be of use for another, but then again, it definitely made an odd amount of sense. Especially with potions and herbology. With all those plants she had read about while researching for… The essay!

With a sharp intake of breath, Robin dug through her bag in search for the crumpled up pages of parchment. Somehow, after having Professor Snape unveil the truth about her focus on grades instead of knowledge, the stupid essay had greatly lost in significance to her. Even if she had gotten a bad grade… and even if that meant that her overall performance was bad as well… she would try to be better from now on, in a general manner and not just about grades. However a little ambition couldn't hurt either, and thus she unrolled the papers without the sour feeling she had gotten at its mere sight this morning.

Below the very last of her own written lines, her professor had scribbled a dark red 'O'. At first Robin mistook it for a zero, then however she read his comment.

'Congratulations for being the first student to not completely bore me out of my mind.'

Robin let out a short laugh, then shook her head to herself as she kept on grinning. She felt absolutely exhilarated, because even now that it was an 'outstanding' instead of a failing grade on her essay, she actually didn't care anymore. Sure, she was relieved to have passed, and giddy to be the first student to get an outstanding from Professor Snape, but she didn't actually need it anymore. Because she had been shown a better path, because she would be better indeed. With the goal to actually understand and remember what she read before she would return the book on Monday night, she finally started on the first page.

_______________

Christmas break had been long awaited by many, and in hindsight Robin was almost embarrassed to admit that she rather had been looking forward to it as well. However the second she had come home to an empty house and a note saying that her parents were at a work event that night, and that they were sure she'd be alright on her own 'because she was twelve now after all and used to being on her own at school', she had regretted coming home in the first place. Her entire Christmas break was either spent alone in her home, watching her parents work when they were there, or listening to them talk about work during meals. Really, meals were the only time they talked at all, but Robin still found herself surprised when the conversation took on a different topic than her parents' work or general household matters for once.

"So tell us, Robin, how do you like the new school?" Her father asked completely out of the blue, after ten minutes of talking about some kind of cells Robin hadn't even understood the name of. Something weird in Latin, or whatever language that had been.

"I, uh…" She found herself at a loss for an answer for a moment only, then however the words all came rushing to her mind at once. "It's amazing, actually! The subjects are completely different to anything you will ever have heard of, things like transfiguration, or defense against the dark arts… or potions! Potions is my favorite, it's super hard but also so much fun! Oddly enough, the other students can't stand our professor in that class at all, actually nobody but me can, but I get along with him for some reason! I borrow books from him every week, once or twice even, depending on the time I have and the amount of pages or the difficulty of the topic… He's also responsible for our house! There's actual houses people get sorted into in the beginning of their first year, can you believe that? And they have this competition for points between them, and I often times get awarded points for giving right answers in class! Oh, and don't even get me started on the library they have! Really, learning is so much fun when you like the subject, and I like most of them a lot!"

The excitement about finally being able to talk about these things to someone completely overtook Robin in a wild rush, and she couldn't help smiling widely as she spoke, but after a while of talking she had to realize that neither of her parents actually seemed to pay too much attention to what she was saying. Her smile faded, and she paused in her stories.

"That's lovely, sweetie." Her mom replied the very moment Robin fell silent, and honestly the reply couldn't have been more generic. "Can you keep up with everyone? How about your grades, do you even have something like that?"

As the realization set in that her mother hadn't really been listening indeed, Robin suddenly lost both her appetite and her willingness to converse at all. She felt stupid to have rambled like that… felt like someone had punched her in the stomach.

"I get good grades, better than most." She made herself say though, picking at the broccoli on her plate while tears of stupid humiliation made her vision swim together. "Even though I have… uh… I've been trying to focus more on… learning, instead of grades."

"Good, good…" Robin's father answered with a small nod that looked almost content, and she already felt a little better upon his approval. But his voice turned into the very opposite direction when he spoke on. "So you would like to keep attending this school instead of a normal one, I assume?"

"Yes." Robin replied in an instant, in utmost determination for once. Going to Hogwarts was the best thing that had ever happened to her, and she wouldn't let anyone take that from her again.

"I hope you are aware of how that is limiting you in regard to potential future careers." He went on, and Robin only rolled her eyes. They'd had this conversation a year ago already, when she had first received the letter of acceptance.

"She is twelve, she doesn't think about future careers!" Her mom argued right back. "And she can still get a real degree when she is done with the magic!"

"Right, because a nineteen-year-old with a degree in magic tricks will get accepted into any of the colleges…" He scoffed in sarcasm, dropping his cutlery on the table much like Robin had. "Look at your own students and tell me that they haven't all struggled through a real education first!"

"You don't even know anything about Hogwarts or the things they teach there!" Robin protested with an angry frown. "It's as serious a school as any of your world!"

"Did you hear that?! 'Your world', she says, as if she isn't even part of it anymore!" Her dad ignored her and looked only at her mom across the table. "I was against this nonsense from the start. But if Robin is happy where she is, please, I haven't said anything at all!"

"But I can continue going to Hogwarts, yes?" Robin asked, even though she was being actively ignored in this conversation about her.

"Yes, sweetie. Your dad is just concerned, that is all. You're doing great, I'm sure." Her mom finally took enough pity to reply, and Robin felt relieved upon that at least.

Neither spoke a word after that, and Robin still didn't touch her food until her father told her to finish what had been put on her plate for manners' sake. She did, but she didn't stop the tears from running over her cheeks at the same time.

The only good thing that came of her holidays spent at home was the allowance she received for Christmas. Her parents had explained to her that they didn't actually know what she liked in terms of presents anymore, nor what she would like to be given as a gift, and thus she might as well use the money given to her to buy something she truly wanted. Robin found that even if it was a little impersonal, she didn't mind the arrangement all that much, and went ahead to invest her (admittedly pretty gracious amount of) Christmas money in Diagon Alley. She bought more books than she cared to admit, some purely out of curiosity and others because she had previously borrowed them from Professor Snape and had been especially reluctant to return them once she'd read them through. After having an elderly witch who worked in the bookstore shrink all the books to a traveling size for her –and give her an entire book of literature related spells for free so she could bring them back to their original size once at Hogwarts– Robin went ahead to spend the very last of her 'gift' on buying herself an antique locket on a chain. It wasn't anything extraordinary, but quite beautifully made and worth every penny in her opinion, despite its obvious signs of age. She didn't really know what made her buy it nor what to put in it yet, but she had an inkling that eventually she would come to know.

______________________________

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[queenofbaws]

Don’t know how many you have but here’s some more!

OT3 random number generator: Josh/Sam/Mike

So this was the life she’d resigned herself to, huh? Sam did her best to bite back her sigh when she felt Josh lean all of his weight onto her - she was pretty used to it by then, the way he’d set his elbow on her shoulder and use her as a living, breathing armrest - but when Mike set his elbow onto her head too...well, there was only so much a woman could take.

“Yeah, it’s funny, laugh it up,” she said, no doubt in her mind that they were smirking over her head, making faces and silently joking, “I hate to break it to you dunderheads, but being short is actually an evolutionary advantage, sooo...”

“Oh shoot Sam, I absolutely didn’t catch that all the way up here...any chance you could repeat that a little louder this time?” Mike snickered, setting that much more of his weight against her.

“Happy to!” she said cheerfully. “See, here’s the thing - when you’re short, you have a lower center of gravity, meaning it’s pretty hard to get knocked over...but when you’re tall - ” without any warning, she reached out and over, planting her hands firmly on the smalls of both their backs, giving them a solid shove that sent them both stumbling, and then tripping, forward, “ - it’s just wayyy easier.”

six sentence sat(or)sunday!!!

[everlarkficexchange]

I Choose You

Written by: @wendywobbles

Prompt 51: Katniss E, the Valedictorian of Panem High school, is perfect in all fields of life. And that is the crush of awkward, average in studies, not so popular, never had a girlfriend, often bullied Peeta M. Not only does she have a very popular friend circle but also a handsome, popular boyfriend Gale H. Will she even want to be his friend? Is his crush doomed to fail? Eventual Everlark) [submitted by @white-dandelion-seeds]

AN: I hope I did your prompt proud. The title comes from a Sara Bareilles song that I love.

——————————————-

Peeta Mellark walked quietly in the door and leaned against the wall at the school assembly. He hated these things. Being trapped here for an hour while Principal Trinket droned on and on about what was coming up in the next semester was hell.

They had just returned from their autumn break and Peeta was counting the days down until this last year of school was finished. His experience in Panem 12th Region school had been long, dull and miserable.

Not for the first time he wondered if his dad had lived how his life would have turned out. Would he have been a popular jock with lots of friends and confidence instead of a feeling like a ghost in these hallways? He hoped college would be different. As far as he knew none of the dicks from his year would be attending Capitol U.

He had no idea what Trinket was talking about but he became aware the second the speaker changed……Katniss Everdeen was at the podium and saying hello to everyone. Instantly he paid attention.

Katniss Everdeen was in Peeta Mellark’s eyes the most perfect woman to ever walk the earth. She had long dark hair, clear olive skin and grey eyes.

She was a distance runner for the Panem 12th Region Athletics team. She trained hard , Peeta knew this because he had often seen her running in the early hours of the morning when it was his early shift at the Bakery or sometimes he would see her on the trails when he was out running she always had a smile and wave for him as they passed.

Her grades were always high, again Peeta knew this was down to hard work and not just luck.

Sometimes he would see her at the library when he was hiding out avoiding Cato and the other Jays and his maths whizz brother Leon had been tutoring her since last year.

She has a quiet confidence, and strength that just drew people to her and had a wide circle of friends but would make time for everyone whether it was a quick hello or a longer more in-depth chat. It was no wonder when she ran for student council she was elected president.

With a confident smile the object of Peeta’s affection began to speak

“Hi all! Hope everyone had a wonderful break, I know I did. Principal Trinket has given me a few minutes of the assembly today to talk about our Winter Formal. This year we are looking to do something a bit different and we are hoping that you guys will help us come up with a theme. This is the last 12th Region dance some of us will attend and we would love to make this something a bit special, but right now our ideas aren’t hitting the mark and I know that there are so many talented and creative individuals here so we’d love to hear from you.”

She looked behind her and Annie Cresta, her Vice President, handed her a cardboard box covered in silver paper. She held it up for all to see

“Okay, I know this probably looks a bit basic but this box will be left in library until next Friday. If you have an idea put it in. We will then post the suggestions online and then we can vote for our favourite. Easy right? I can’t wait to see what people come up with.”

“Thanks for listening and don’t forget Friday is the big Game against D13’s Coin Cavaliers and once again the 12th Region’s very own Mockingjays are out to destroy them. Show you school spirit by wearing black and orange. Go Jays!”

All around Peeta students began to cheer, he just rolled his eyes and slipped quietly away.

*********

For the rest of the day school was buzzing with excitement for the game and Katniss announcement. Peeta was glad when his final class was over and headed to his locker to collect his bag.

“Hey Bread Boy” called Johanna Mason, a short shaved head girl that somehow had become one of Peeta’s closest and dearest friends

“Yes Jo?”

“So are you making any suggestions for the Winter Formal? I’ve got mine in – Roller Disco with night vision goggles. Great, huh?”

“Seriously Jo? I mean while I can certainly appreciate the theme, how exactly would a person fund all those glasses……” he smiled.

“I’m the ideas woman, the reality is her ladyship and her minions area of work…speaking of which. Anyway I gotta go, see you later handsome “ and with that Jo sprinted away.

Peeta looked up and saw Katniss Everdeen walking down the corridor. She was carrying an armful of books, a bag and a bottle of water, had an apple wedged in her mouth and her shoe lace was beginning to open on her ever present black Cons. Peeta was thinking how this looked like an accident waiting to happen when Katniss reached up to take the apple out of her mouth, stepped on her now undone shoe lace and tripped herself up sending everything flying.

“Katniss! Oh my god are you okay?” Peeta was by her side in a flash and quickly helped her right herself.

Surprisingly she burst out laughing “Oh my god! I can’t believe that just happened. Thanks Peeta, I’m ok.” He started to help her pick up her stuff when Gale Hawthorne appeared.

“Katniss? What happened? You ok?” concern was all over his features.

“Fine, fine I tripped Peeta was just helping me collect my stuff.”

Gale nodded but proceeded to take the books Peeta had in his arms “Well I’m here now. Mellark you can …go do whatever it is you do. I got this.”

Peeta felt his face flame but kept his mouth shut previous experience had thought him that answering back to people like Gale usually ended up badly for people like Peeta.

“Sure. Whatever” he mumbled and moved to step away.

Katniss meanwhile shot Gale a glance that would have felled a lesser man, but Peeta imagined as Katniss’ boyfriend Gale was probably used to her looks so he just ignored her.(Imagine being able to ignore Katniss thought Peeta)

“Thanks again Peeta. Hey before you go, do you have the details of the English assignment? I can’t find where I wrote it down.”

“Sure, hold on” Peeta rummaged in his backpack and pulled out a notebook. He pulled out a sheet and copied the details onto the paper for her.

“Ummm here you go” he said handing it over.

“Katniss? Are you ready I’ll carry this stuff to your car” huffed Gale.

“Go ahead I’ll be right there. I just want to check something with Peeta” She called without looking at Gale.

“I’ll wait.”

“Dunderhead” muttered Katniss under her breath so that only Peeta could hear her, keeping her voice low she began to speak “Um I was wondering if you were going to submit any ideas for the dance. When we were kids I remember you always had a great imagination.”

Peeta blinked and stared and Katniss “Um no. I don’t….I mean I’m not interested in that kinda thing you know. I’ve never even been to a school dance.”

“Oh…right. Sorry I just, I guess I’ll see you in class or something.” Katniss seemed embarrassed and Peeta wanted to die. This was how he spoke to the girl of his dreams….Leon was right he was an idiot.

As she turned to walk away he called after her “Wait! I may not have an idea but um I’m pretty good at art and design maybe,I mean if you needed it, I could help you guys work on pulling it altogether?” he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“That would be fantastic! I know you’re headed to Capitol U next year to begin a Fine Art Degree so absolutely we would love your help.” Katniss smile was a mile wide as she said all this.

“Ok. Well keep me posted. Oh and Katniss you should probably tie your shoelace” Peeta smiled and her and began to walk away. It was only as he turned the corner he realised something. He had never mentioned getting into Capitol U …how had Katniss known that?

********

“So what did you need from Mellark?” asked Gale.

“Gale you were standing right there when I was talking to him - English homework and he’s offered to help with the dance.” said Katniss taking her bag from Gale. She reached down to grab the apple that she dropped and popped it in a bin as she walked by.

“Help how? Loser never goes to anything school related.”

“So? What has that got to do with anything? And he’s not a loser. Look Gale we need help with this dance and I’m happy to have someone like Peeta come on board-“

Gale cut her off “ Ooh I get it now, you get the nerdy runt to do all the work and you take the credit.”

“Shut up Gale. When have I EVER treated anyone like that? I can’t believe you would even think I would do that.”

“Oh relax, it’s High School not the real world.”

Sometimes Katniss goody two shoes attitude really annoyed Gale. Kill or be killed that was Gale’s motto(not literally of course) but sometimes you had to be ruthless on and off the field.

“Let me make it up too you… how about a movie?”

“Can’t I have to get home to help dad. I’ll round up the gang maybe we can all go see something on Saturday?”

Frustrated Gale rolled his eyes before responding “Katniss I meant …..”

Katniss knew exactly what he meant and after going out a few times two years ago, Katniss wasn’t going down that road again, Gale however still thought they were perfect for each other and was always trying to get her to agree to a date.

Katniss blundered on pretending not to have heard him “It’ll be a fun way for everyone to relax after Friday’s game. I’ll text everyone later unless you want to do it?”

Gale clenched his jaw frustrated at Katniss he wanted to say something more when his phone rang. It was Cato.

“I’m late for practice. Talk to you later” and Gale took off running towards the sports field.

A grateful Katniss watched Gale sprint away, glad of the reprieve from his hints and outright declarations that they would make the perfect couple.

She hopped into her car and got ready to head home, when out of the corner of her eye she saw the hunched figure of Peeta Mellark walking out and heading towards town, she watched him til he was out of sight.

There was something about Peeta that made Katniss want to get to know him better but the blue eyed blond boy kept himself to himself. She had has crush on him since the first day of school when he drew her a picture of her teddy bear.

She smiled recalling how upset she was being separated from her bear and was missing him something terrible on her first day. Seeing her tears Peeta had marched up to her pencil in hand and asked her what he looked like and under her guidance had drawn a pretty good depiction of Snowball Abernathy.

Katniss still had the drawing; her dad had laminated it years go and she used it as book mark. The bear was also still knocking around, slightly bedraggled, more grey then white these day but still loved.

She sighed remembering a time when they were younger and Peeta was much more open. It all changed when his dad died though he seemed to retreat from childhood.

********

Katniss knew from Peeta’s older brother Leon that it hadn’t been easy after Mr M had died.

She had met Leon when her parents hired him to help her with her maths. Leon was like a skinnier less good looking Peeta. He was in college locally hoping to be a teacher and he loved maths and tutored a few kids.

As Katniss and he worked together they became more friendly.He was kind and funny and talkative.

When Katniss got accepted to Capitol U to study Engineering she was overjoyed and then Leon told her Peeta had been accepted to CU too.

“That’s amazing! What program? I wonder if we’ll run into each other. That would be cool.” Katniss gushed. She was practically vibrating at this piece of news.

And had completely forgotten who she was talking too. She couldn’t stop the blush that crept up her face.

Leon felt a grin spreading over his face “Careful Everdeen or I might think you have a crush on my baby brother……oh my god you do!!!”

That was a few weeks ago and Leon kept encouraging her to talk to Peeta and teasing her that if she let the year pass without saying anything he would tell Peeta before graduation.

Katniss knew though her secret was safe. Leon was very protective of Peeta, and from what Leon had told her-and what she knew from the past herself and gossip- the death of Mr Mellark had hit the whole family hard.

The oldest Mellark brother Sean had taken over running the place full time (this had always been the plan but the death of Sean Snr meant things moved a lot quicker). He quit full time college and moved home.

Leon and Peeta helped out but right after her husband died Mrs Mellark seemed to “disappear” leaving Sean 20, Leon 16 and Peeta 13 to carry on.

The older boys tried to stay on top of everything.- the house, the business, school even dealing with their mom- but their home life was chaotic following in the weeks following their fathers death.

It was a lot to cope with, and they tried to do it all without any help - scared that if they let people know what was going on their family would be further torn apart.

Katniss remembered when Peeta came to school in the same hoodie for 5 days –not really a big deal but Cato Snow grabbed this and began to tease Peeta.

“Hey Smellark. Don’t you have any CLEAN clothes?”

His goons soon joined in for weeks whenever they could get Peeta alone they went at him, they pushed him, squirted hand sanitizer on him, threw water on him.

Some of the other kids tried to tell Cato to stop but no one wanted to make themselves a target so most just ignored what was going on. Katniss did too, and the memory still pained her.

It all came to a head one Monday afternoon Peeta finally snapped and swung at Cato. Peeta may have been quiet and smaller then the others but in the past number of weeks a fire had raged in him.

This particular Monday Cato had decided that Peeta needed a hair cut and got Tom Marvel and Derek Blight to hold him down and started to hack at Peeta’s hair.

It was the final straw for Peeta, to this day no one knows exactly how he did it but Peeta got loose and punched Cato busting his nose, the sight of the blood caused Marvel to flee. Blight wasn’t quick enough and Peeta managed to leave him with a black eye. Peeta picked up his bag and left the school vowing to never return.

While this was going on, an anonymous tip off was left with a children’s care charity begging them to check on the Mellark’s. A young case worker Finnick Odair took the call and hearing how distressed the girl in the end of the call was decided to make a house call.

He met a shaken, tattered Peeta at the house on the front step.

“Hey kid? You ok?”

And for the first time since his dad died and the bullying began Peeta cried and his story just tumbled out

Finnick met with the rest of the family. Mrs. Mellark was very obviously depressed, the boys were grieving but had no time to process everything that was happening as they desperately tried to keep things going. A decision was made to contact Mrs Mellark mother, Sae.

She arrived in a day and scolded her grandsons for not calling her sooner and hugged the life out of them.

She sought out her daughter and held her close as she wept and wept.

Then the five of them sat on the sofa together and Sae told Finnick she was sticking around for as long as was needed and he helped her to find the help her family needed.

Peeta however refused to talk about what had happened and wouldn’t confirm the bullying. He hoped by keeping his mouth shut Cato would leave him alone. (It hadn’t. Although Cato no longer actively sought him out he still tormented him)

When Peeta returned to school a few days later people seemed to give him a wide berth the story of his Hulk like anger had scared people. It made him sad.

When he went to his locker he found a bag there and inside was a paper dandelion, a packet of coloring pencils and notebook.

Peeta was confused and wary but the yellow flower was the first thing he remembered seeing in color; since his dad died life had just been grey. He smiled, just a small one but somehow this flower made him feel something he hadn’t felt in a long time -hope.

********

On Friday the school was buzzing. Peeta had on a black tee shirt and orange cons showing his school spirit.

He had noticed Katniss that morning in her black skinny jeans, a Jays orange jersey, black oversized cardigan, in her braided hair there was an orange ribbon and on her feet a pair of orange cons. He smiled when he saw them.

He was just slipping to class when she called him

“Hey Peeta! Look we’re foot twins.” She bounded over to him and stood toe to toe with him. His heart was pounding.

She pulled out her phone “Can I take a picture?” and she aimed her camera down before clicking a few snaps.

“I think yours look better” she smiled and looked up at him, suddenly aware how close she was to him.

“I’m sorry Peeta I’m such and space invader” she stepped back “like I was saying yours look better, they have that lived in Cons look, mine are brand new they need breaking in. I’m gonna put this on Instagram, want me to tag you?”

“Why? Why would you tag me? I mean we’re not exactly friends, besides I don’t think Gale or his friends would appreciate any part of me appearing on your feed. I have to go Katniss.” Peeta smiled sadly and walked away.

Katniss couldn’t understand what she had said or done but she quickly deleted the post.

********

When the dance committee opened the silver box they found a good deal of papers, half though were filled with utter rubbish- crude drawing, bits of gum wrapped in the paper and some downright dangerous suggestions -roller skating with night vision goggles???

The most surprising thing was that even though the students had been given free reign most were standard dance ideas. According to Delly Cartwright this was because despite claims to want to express themselves and be individuals most teenagers just wanted to blend in and follow the herd, and in the end there were only five familiar themes to choose from.

1. Winter Wonderland/Snow Ball /Yule Ball

2. Once Upon a Time(Fairytales and stories)

3. Enchanted Forest or Magical Garden

4. Candy land

5. Masquerade Ball

Students were just handed a ballot paper and asked to vote for their favourite and with the result revealed at the following weeks assembly.

The winning theme in the end was the Enchanted Forest, and Katniss was secretly thrilled. Now the theme was picked it was time for the hard work to begin, and time to see if Peeta was ready to join the dance committee.

********

Peeta and Jo were sitting on one of the benches outside the school when Katniss walked over.

“Hey” she called

Peeta waved, Jo gave a nod.

“Peeta, if that offer to help out with the dance is still on the table the dance committee is meeting tomorrow after school to get things moving. I was wondering if you’d like to come along and get an idea of budget, how we can pull off the theme and if we can actually make something out of nothing” Katniss joked.

“I don’t know Katniss-“ but before he could finish Jo interrupted

“He’ll be there. What time and can I help too? My dad owns the forest out past Turn 4. He might be able to help with some stuff for decoration.”

“Ok, well we be in Room 17 from about 4 pm and Jo it would be great to have more help. I’ll leave you guys to it then. Bye”

As she walked away she missed the glare Peeta threw at Jo and the grin that spread across her face.

“What? You have been crazy about her for years. Now’s you chance to woo her” grinned Jo

“She has a scary boyfriend or did you forget that? A boyfriend who has no issue with beating a guy like me and might I add he has the connections to dispose of me where no one can find me.” He muttered darkly

“I dunno I know what people say but, I don’t think they are a couple….. anyway never mind that it’ll be at least one fun memory we’ll have of going to this place before we head to Capitol.”

********

Over the next few weeks Peeta’s life and routine took on a different one. The initial meeting of the dance committee had been nerve wracking but the other members, along with Katniss made him and Jo feel very welcome.

Peeta was wary at first but there was no punchline, he wasn’t a joke to anyone and surprisingly he started to enjoy the meetings.

The other members Annie Cresta, Thom Dalton, Brian Turner or Beetee as he was known, Delly Cartwright and Cecelia Hubert were a mixed but fun group.

“Hey Peeta, can you take a look at this?” Katniss called

“What’s up?” he asked.

“This…. I think I did it wrong…..it looks..” they two of them tilted their heads looking at the mess in front of them Katniss was supposed to be making centre pieces from twigs adorned with lights, and flowers.

“I think you’ve glued things on upside down, it’s okay we’ll fix it” he tried not to laugh. Katniss was the least crafty person he had ever met.

“I like the arch way, you’ve made it look really spectacular, it will make the entrance look so special. You have really helped us to set the theme, you and Jo.”

“Well you know us art nerds” Peeta mumbled as he undid some of Katniss handiwork.

“I don’t….but I’d like too” Katniss whispered in a low voice.

Peeta didn’t dare to look at her but kept going with what he was doing. He wasn’t sure what to say. He took a deep breath and prepared to ask her what she meant when suddenly the door burst open and there stood Gale, Cato and the other Jays players.

Gale was wearing what looked like doctors scrubs while the others were dressed in tacky sexy nurse outfits that no nurse in their right mind could wear and work in.

“Hey Katniss”

Peeta would swear he felt Katniss stiffen beside him, then she took a deep breath and turned to look(along with the rest of the room)

Gale unravelled his sign which said “I’m no doctor but it appears you’re suffering from DATELESSNESS. My suggestion is…..” meanwhile the rest held up signs that read “A date with Gale?” And “What more could you want?” And “A dose of Vitamin G!”

“No!” she shouted and the laughter and shouts of the Jays stopped.

“Just no! I told you this last night, the night before. You NEVER listen to me? I don’t want to date you or even go to the dance with you. I’ve tried being polite but it’s gotten me no where, please leave me alone and stop this. I’m not your girlfriend. I don’t want to be. Just stop”

“You selfish b-“ Gale started towards Katniss but Peeta stepped in front of her.

“I wouldn’t take another step or utter another word Hawthorne. Just take your guys and go. Or would you like me to call Miss Trinket?” Peeta’s voice was low and calm. Thom and Beetee had stood up too and walked towards Katniss and Peeta.

“Or what Smellark?” spat Gale.

“Funny, real funny but I think after 4 years you guys could have gotten a bit more creative with your insults. Cato, why don’t you take Gale and the guys and leave. Katniss has refused Gale’s offer, there is nothing else to be said.”

In the crowd of guys a few looked angry but others just looked confused about what had gone on. Had Gale really been hassling Katniss? He made it sound like she had wanted this big fuss but what if she hadn’t? The team started to move away and soon the room was cleared.

“Umm thanks guys…now where were we?”

“Hey Everdeen, I thought that guy was your boyfriend?” asked Jo confused by what had happened.

“Nope. Never was, never will be. He’s never been my type” Katniss smiled

“Interesting…..and would you type maybe be a little less male perhaps?” teased Jo much to the amusement of the others

“Sorry Jo, I’m not into girls, but I do know that Delly happens to think you are real cute.” And with a shocked squeak from Delly the whole committee burst into giggles.

Once everyone had settled down Katniss walked over to Peeta.

“Hey Peeta? Thanks for what you did for me with Gale. I don’t know why he has to act like that you know?”

“Katniss it’s ok really. I’ll walk you to your car after we’re done here if you want? In case he’s still around.”

“Thanks, but I should be ok. Right I better get these to Annie.” She nodded her head at the closed box in her hands that she had picked up from somewhere.

“What’s in it?

“Flowers! I may not be much good at making centerpieces but if you need a paper flower I’m your girl” she grinned as she said this “open the box and have a look.”

Peeta’s stomach dropped when he opened the box there were daisies, roses and right at the top yellow dandelions like the one given to him all those years ago.

“Peeta? Are you ok?” a worried Katniss asked.

“Yeah. Sorry just zoned out. These are really pretty. I better get back to the trees.”

Peeta worked quietly for rest of the hour to trying to figure out why Katniss had given him the flower all those years ago and the pencils and notebook which became his companions. In the notebook he drew his fears, his hopes covering every page and when it was full his mom bought him a new one. Even now he always had a notebook in his bag.

“Peeta? Can I give you a lift home?” asked Katniss Peeta startled at her voice he looked around and was slightly shocked to see they were the last people there. He hadn’t heard the others leave.

“Ok.” He shrugged and gathered up his stuff.

“Katniss? Can I ask you something?” Peeta was nervous but he needed to know why she did what she did.

“Sure.” She nodded

“After…. the Cato incident there was a paper flower and art stuff left in my locker. Did you do that?”

He watched her hands tighten around the steering wheel and she took a deep breath before she answered.

“Yes. I just wanted to give you something nice you know. Those guys were so mean and the rest of us should’ve done more, told the teachers. I watched you almost disappear and I hated that the light in your eyes dimmed so much. Your family was going through so much.”

“You were just a kid Katniss,it’s ok. Really. We got help. As a family we’ve survived. What else could you have done?” He reached over and put his hand on hers, it was awkward in the car but he wanted -no needed- her to know that he was ok.

“Your flower gave me hope, gave my life some color at a time when I had none. Thank you for seeing me, at a time when I felt no one did.”

“I always saw you Peeta.” She was looking at him now Peeta wanted to look away her gaze was almost too intense.

“You’re a painter. You’re a baker. You like to sleep with the windows open. You are the noisiest walker I have ever heard. And you always double-knot your shoelaces.”

“I know these things because I’ve always watched you and yes I know that’s crazy and I sound like a stalker but I need you to know this because we’re going away to college soon and I would like to at least be your friend but what I really want is to know you better and Leon knows and he told me that if I didn’t tell you I liked you he would.”

“Slow down… what?”

“I like you. A lot. Your stupid brother found out and has been teasing me. He said he would tell you before I could especially since we’re going to be at the same college next year. If you just want a friend that’s fine but I would really like to go on a date so you could get to know me…. and then…..well who knows….”

“Okay.”

“Okay like let’s go on a date or like I’m going to get out of car and run away?”

“The first one.”

**********

And so they had their first date 2 nights later.

And their first kiss that night too.

Peeta asked Katniss to be his girlfriend on their third date.

They went to their dance together and danced under the canopy of trees and flowers they had helped create.

They had their first fight when Peeta struggled to understand what a girl like Katniss saw in him. He questioned why? He kept expecting things to fall apart and doubted what they had was real.

Eventually his mom took him aside and told him that his problems were bigger then him and a professional would be better placed to help him.

“You deserve happiness Peeta,let us help you find it.”

He started seeing Dr Aurelius with Katniss, his family and friends supporting him every step of the way.

He told Katniss he loved her one evening when they were in her parent’s house. They were watching a stupid movie and she was laughing. He watched her eyes crinkle, her chuckles ringing in the air as she sat there in a panda onesie and he blurted it out.

She smiled at him and throwing her arms around his neck she told him the same, placing tiny kisses all over his face.

And then they graduated. The one person who didn’t was Cato Snow who was expelled following a positive drug test and several reports of bullying.

Gale never spoke to Katniss again.

A few of the Mockingjays team had apologized for their part in the dance proposal telling Katniss they had believed Gale when he told them that it was her idea.

Neither wanted to go to the end of year dance, instead they went with some of their friends to a small cabin by a lake and had a quiet celebration.

And later, in the quiet of the night after they had spent time having their own private celebration. Katniss sang to Peeta

Let the bough break, let it come down crashing

Let the sun fade out to a dark sky

I can’t say I’d even notice it was absent

‘Cause I could live by the light in your eyes

I’ll unfold before you

Would have strung together

The very first words of a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right

I choose you

I will become yours and you will become mine

I choose you

I choose you, yeah

There was a time when I would have believed them

If they told me that you could not come true

Just love’s illusion

But then you found me

And everything changed

And I believe in something again

My whole heart

Will be yours forever

This is a beautiful start

To a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right

I choose You

I will become yours and you will become mine

I choose You

I choose You

We are not perfect we’ll learn from our mistakes

And as long as it takes I will prove my love to you

I am not scared of the elements I am underprepared,

But I am willing

And even better

I get to be the other half of you

Tell the world that we finally got it all right

I choose You, yeah

I will become yours and you will become mine

I choose You

I choose You

I choose You

She had just finished and Peeta was about to say something when Johanna shouted.

“Seriously?? It was bad enough listening to you two screwing each other senseless now I have to hear you sing?! Keep this up and you’ll have to find a new roommate!”

After their laughter subsided Peeta turned to Katniss and whispering quietly he said.

“I choose you too. Always.”

[gloves94]

To Be So Lonely [Draco Malfoy] 22

Rating: PG-13   Pairings: Draco Malfoy/OC Chapter warnings: Cursing?

CHAPTER MASTERLIST

MY MASTER-LIST

It had downright been a foul week.

The First Task of the Triwizard tournament had already occurred.

Thankfully nobody had been injured too badly. Harry had received a scratch from the dragon and had come in first tied with Krum for first place. Fleur had come in last and Cedric, after having some points deducted from having part of his face burnt off by the dragon, came in third. This incident had landed him in the Hospital Room where he was constantly surrounded by hordes of adoring fans, friends and students that were concerned for him.

It was early on a Saturday when Nel decided to pay her friend a visit. Thankfully it seemed like the Hospital Room was vacant with the exception of Madame Pomfrey.

She approached Cedric who was sitting on his bed content with half of his beautiful symmetrical face covered by a bandage that would hopefully heal nicely. “So what’s the verdict Scarface?” She asked crudely as she took a seat on the chair next to his hospital bed.

The older boy looked up from a get-better card he had been reading and smiled at his business associate laughing slightly at what he interpreted to be a joke.

“Madame Pomfrey says it’ll heal nicely, won’t even leave a scratch.”

Of course, it wouldn’t.

Leave it to Cedric to keep his stupidly beautiful face intact after almost having it burnt off. Hell, who knows he could be the only one able to be able to pull off a half-burnt face and look just as handsome.

“You cost me ten galleons,” She sighed crossing her arms over her chest upset.

“You bet on me?” Cedric laughed a little incredulously. “Like a racehorse?”

She didn’t want to think about the stupid bet Malfoy had talked her into.

“Ladies choice,” Draco had said with the mocking tone of a gentleman as they sat in the stands ready to witness the four champions taken on the first task.

Without giving it much thought Nel bet on Cedric. She needed him to win if she wanted to get paid. Also, why would she doubt his abilities?

“You’re not betting on Scarhead?” Malfoy scoffed. “What? No faith in your friend?” He spat out the word friend almost as if it was toxic.

“I’m not going to bet on Harry exactly because he’s my friend!” She huffed irritated. (It wasn’t a complete lie.)

If only Cedric hadn’t slipped towards the end. She should’ve bet on Harry who at least tied with Krum. Then maybe she would’ve been ten galleons richer instead of having to painfully cough them up. At the rate these bets were going she would lose all her money to a brat that didn’t even need it.

“Pleasure doing business with you,” Draco said ostentatiously taking the golden coins from her. It really wasn’t fair.

Come on! He didn’t even need it!

“Don’t talk to me,” She grumbled before leaving and going to check on Cedric at the Hospital Room.

“I’m running a business Diggory,” She said cooly.

Cedric eyed her oddly. She could be so strange sometimes.

“I thought that was you the other day, standing by the door, hiding,” He teased sitting up taller. She avoided his hazel eyes. Nel would’ve never admit it to her business partner but naturally she was concerned for him. I mean who wouldn’t? The golden boy had almost been turned into a roast marshmallow.

“I’ve got a clue for you,” She informed. “About the second task.”

He looked at her attentively. The Second Task of the tournament wouldn’t be until late February and they were barely at the end of November. How had she figured it out so quickly?

“I think it has to do with the Great Lake,” she said scratching her chin seeming deep in thought. Or at least that’s what Nathair had mentioned to her. The adder had said that when creeping around the castle grounds he had seen some men in suits, probably from the Ministry of Magic as well as Dumbledore, Hagrid and others walking around the Black Lake’s perimeter. “Some of the Ministry members were seen walking around it.”

“What? You think they’re going to make us wrestle the Giant Squid now?” His eyes widened slightly at the horrible thought.

“Not sure,” Her brows knitted together. Honestly, she wouldn’t put it past the Ministry of Magic. Her eyes fixing on a random spot on the window above his hospital bed. “What about your clue?” She turned her attention to the large golden egg besides his bed.

Cedric explained it was just terrible shrieking. Completely undistinguishable noise. He said it didn’t sound like anything he had ever heard before. Both tossed and debated some ideas of what the potential next task could be.

“Whatever it is, I’ll keep doing some research,” she stood up and stuck her hand inside of her book bag. “Here,” She spoke her voice less harsh as she pulled out a card that was lamely hand crafted and a knitted thing that resembled a lemon? Or a ball?

He eyed it curiously as he picked it up and gave it a strong squeeze. “Did you make this?”

“It’s a knit lemon stress ball. It’s enchanted to never explode no matter how hard it is squeezed,” She explained. “Feel better,” She said quietly, ready to run to the opposite side of the room. Embarrassed for showing concern over the Hufflepuff. Specially for Cedric. To him this was probably garbage, his friends and fans had probably gifted him way nicer and more useful presents.

“Thanks, Nel, this is really thoughtful,” He smiled sincerely flashing her the dashing smile that made all the girls around him swoon. She remained silent simply wanting to exit the room as quickly as possible. “Where are you going?”

“Snape has summoned all the Slytherins in the Assembly Room. Merlin knows what kind of vile torture he’s got in mind for us,” she half joked.

Xxx

Despite having been joking, the Slytherin hadn’t been far off. Snape did have a torturous idea in mind. Ballroom dancing. With him.

“There you are!” Tracey said to her friend the moment she arrived to the large room where all of Slytherin House was gathered. Snape stood in the center of the room looking beyond irritated. Even Mr. Filch was in the room standing by the sides next to an ancient looking record player, holding his dancing partner Mrs. Norris in his arms. “Where were you?” Tracey asked.

“Oh!” Nel shot her a mean glare. “So, I can’t ask where you’ve been, but you can?” She shot before giving her friend the cold shoulder.

Tracey grew silent and looking burdened with guilt turned away from her friend ignoring the stab she had just taken at her. It was true. Tracey had now been sneaking off been missing from everybody’s radar from weeks and nobody seemed to know where she was, what she was doing or who she was with. It even seemed like Tracey had crossed the point of lying after having been caught in one of her lies more than once.

On the other hand, Daphne seemed much too distraught by the current events.

“Isn’t this exciting?” She said in a dreamy tone as she beamed at her friends and clapped her perfectly manicured hands together.

“What is?” The dark eyed girl uttered in a dark tone as she glared at an older Slytherin that had been starring at her from across the room. It also seemed like the audience had been divided into males one side of the room females in the other.

“The Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard tournament since its inception. On Christmas Eve night we and our guest gather in the Great Hall for a trivial and rather dull conviviality,” Snape began to explain. His nasal voice echoing off the walls of the large room lulling some younger students to sleep. “As representatives of the host school and Slytherins I expect each and every one of you will represent the House with pride. Foolish behavior will be unacceptable, and I will not tolerate the lot of you acting like a cluster of dunderheads,” He took inhaled a deep breath sounding absolutely drained. “Sadly, the Yule Ball is first and foremost a dance and to save yourselves and Slytherin House the grueling humiliation - we will be reviewing the basics of ballroom… dancing,” he scowled almost spitting out the word as if it physically hurt him to say it.

Most of the girls in the room chatted excitedly and turned to gush at their friends. One of those being Daphne who probably already knew what she was going to wear, how she was going to do her hair and make-up and probably even who her date would be. Tracey looked terribly uncomfortable through the meeting keeping her gaze lowered to the wooden floor and Nel had a blank look of confusion on her face. She had a hard time telling her right from left how was she supposed to bloody learn how to ballroom dance and from Snape.

“I am certain the majority of you have had dance lessons before,” He grumbled almost resembling a miserable wet crow. This ball, it almost sounded like he had a personal vendetta against it. Yikes.

Amongst the excited girls was Pansy who felt the need to make an announcement. “I’ve been taking lessons since I was six,” she bragged proudly while keeping her eyes fixed on the prize. A certain blond across the room. Was she secretly hoping to impress him?

Most of the males groaned dreading having to hunt down dates and get their dancing shoes ready.

“Congratulations Parkinson,” Snape said deprecatingly his tone heavily dripping with sarcasm. “I will now proceed to demonstrate the basic footwork with somebody inexperienced who lacks the proper grace required to perform the art of dancing.”

Nel was too busy snickering at the Professor’s sarcastic comment she didn’t realize he called on her. Pansy shot her a triumphant glare, that’s what she got for laughing.

“What?” She looked around the room nervously. She would’ve been a lot braver if he had asked her to slay a dragon or take down a giant squid. Nel had never danced in her life. Maybe that one time when Wool’s Orphanage held a local fundraiser back in London in which the children had to torturously perform a dance to “Jingle Bell Rock”; Even that had been a catastrophe. She winced slightly at the embarrassing memory of accidentally kicking a boombox directly into someone’s face.

“Professor, as a concerned student-“ She began with persuasion. “I think you should select a more prepared, even a more eloquent partner. Everybody heard what Parkinson said, she’s practically been dancing her whole life-“

He silenced her with a deathly glare that commanded her up to her feet. She let out an exhausting sigh as the loud sniggers were heard around the room as she approached the professor. Embarrassed she rubbed her arm standing next to the Potions Master feeling both extremely awkward and small standing next to him with all eyes fixed on the two of them.

“As I said. If an unskillful, inelegant person like Saintday can be taught to dance, so can anybody in this room.”

‘Geez, alright, take it easy with the compliments,’ she thought resenting his comments. Again, the majority of the room laughed. This was humiliating.

“Silence,” Snape snapped his loud voice echoing the newly found silence in the room. “The House of Salazar Slytherin has commanded the respect of the Wizard World for nearly a millennium and I will not have you sullying that name in the course of a single evening.” He paused before stretching out a pale hand. “Ms. Saintday,” he bowed his head slightly.

The quiet laughing in the room made her cringe as she took the professor’s hand.

Xxx

That had been absolutely mortifying.

“I’m never going to let you live that down!” Theodore laughed loudly as they excited the Assembly Room. The four Slytherins walked together as they exited the room and the Gryffindors went in.

“Even if you deny it I know you’re one of Snape’s favorites. Private lessons with him and now a personal ballroom lesson?” He teased in reference of the private meetings Saintday had with the professor in order to improve the weak control she had over her volatile emotions.

“I will kill you,” She cursed. Laughing, Theo excused himself and said he was going to catch up on some Transfigurations homework.

“My dress should be arriving soon,” They overheard a loud voice bragging as the three girls attempted to walk away from its source. “It’s made out of the only the finest silk. Imported. Cost a fortune. Initially daddy opposed but once mother convinced him I just had to have it – well he caved. Obviously, his little girl has to have the best of the best. Wouldn’t you agree Daphne?”

“I’m excited to see your dress!” Daphne responded unaffectedly. Above all things came art, beauty, design and fashion.

“I might be the best dressed, of course after you,” Pansy added eyeing Daphne with some resentful bitterness. She turned to look at Millicent hoping her best friend would have her back, but instead she seemed distraught, probably also distressed about what she’d wear to the dance or who her date would be.

“I’ll say,” Pansy cleared her throat. “I can’t wait to see what rags you pull out of the rubbish bin Saintday. That is if you even manage to get a date for the ball. With that disgraceful footwork and graceless poise, I doubt it,” She laughed obnoxiously with her friend.

Nel was ready to lunge at her Tracey and Daphne held her back. “Shut up Parkinson nobody cares about you or your stupid dress you irrelevant twit!”  She shouted at her. Pansy gasped and began rambling about who was really relevant and who wasn’t.  

“Don’t listen to her Nel,” Daphne said looking over her shoulder as they walked away from the other two Slytherins and descended into the dungeon. “She’s just looking to get a reaction out of you.”

The irritated Slytherin was about to respond went something vibrantly orange phased through her a loud cackling laughter followed. Oh no.

“Oi there, if it isn’t Slytherin’s Spotted Cod,” He levitated before the three girls with a broad Cheshire grin that meant the poltergeist was – as per usual - up to no good.

“Spotted… Cod?” Tracey repeated the nickname with confusion. Nel gave her a look not to ask.

“I hope you haven’t forgotten Dots,” Peeves leaned in dangerously close looking at her eye to eye. Of course, Nel knew what he was referring to. He was referring to that time he showed her the secret passageway out of the Defense Against the Dark Art’s Office. She had been hoping he had forgotten but of course, Peeves never forgets.

“You know Peeves, I don’t think it’s a good idea,” She said running a hand through her hair nervously.

His ghastly face instantly shifted to a scowl. “We had a deal,” He growled out becoming more agitated.

“I don’t have time for this,” She admitted sincerely. She really didn’t. In between her work, lessons with Snape, helping Cedric with the tasks, finding a dress and somehow convincing Ellar to ask her to be his date for the Yule Ball, Nel really had her hands full. For once she just wanted to have a perfectly ordinary night. She tried to sidestep the ghost, her two friends following behind, but Peeves once again phased through her.

“You owe me!” He shrieked loudly as the poltergeist began throwing a terrible tantrum. The pipes in the ceiling above them burst soaking them. Some of the armor figures in the dungeon all bent in unnatural ways and cold water rained down on them. Daphne spit out a mouthful of water and glared at the poltergeist with great distaste.

“Alright,” Nel ceded to her side of the bargain. “Alright,” She raised her hands in a truce. “You got me. I’ll do as you wish,” she let out a frustrated breath.

“You know what to do!” he cackled manically before backflipping out of scene. She rubbed her temples in great frustration at what she would have to do. Daphne and Tracey didn’t seem to question his motives. Both simply stood very still.

“Is this water…” Tracey spoke after a moment. “Clean?” She wondered out loud.

“I don’t want to know,” Daphne pivoted on her heel as she rushed inside of the Common Room sounding almost as if she was going to vomit. “Same,” The brunette followed with repulsion.  

Xxx

After a rather disgusting Saturday morning Daphne and Nel decided to head to Hogsmeade for the day to go dress shopping. Tracey had excused herself with a blatant lie that neither of the two bothered calling out. Daphne already knew what she was wearing to the ball. She actually had a tailor personally make it for her over the summer holiday and she was praying it still fit her. Being a good friend, she offered to go dress shopping with Nel for fun... Nel doubted that Cloelia would bother in sending her an outfit, let alone a fine dress for the ball, but then again who knew maybe if Ellar was her date?

“Do you think he’s going to ask you?” Daphne asked in the carriage to Hogsmeade. “I don’t know,” The other girl babbled with excitement.

“I mean- we have been talking a little more and more each time, the other day he held my hand in the Great Hall.”

“Really?” Daphne enthused back with the same enthusiasm  

“Well, kind of- it was more of a pat,” She admitted the reality. “But- never say never, right?” She laughed lightly as they arrived at the Wizard village.

Distraught looking at the snow that was beginning to fall Daphne pulled Nell out of her daydream. “Look!” She hissed in a loud whisper. “There he is!” She discretely pointed at the wizard whom the two had just been talking about. Speak of the Devil…

Ellar was wearing a dark blue coat and appeared to be window shopping for something outside of Zonko’s. He was with some of his Beauxbaton school mates who were all laughing at a particular prank toy.

“Go talk to him!” She urged her friend nudging her forward.

“Are you nuts?” The other shot back looking down at the gray jumper she was wearing and dark jeans. Definitely not as presentable as she wished she’d be.

“I can’t talk to him now – He’ll think I’m asking him to the dance!”

“That’s the point!” Daphne struggled as she snaked her arm under her friend’s and dragged her forward the two bickering back and forth until they stood in front of the group of French students. “Just smile!” She advised with a sharp hiss through her clenched teeth.

“Bonjour,” Daphne greeted politely in poor French. Although Nel doubted any of them even heard or listened, most were probably distracted by her smile and glowing cheeks.

“H-Hi Ellar,” Nel stammered not even remembering to greet him in the French she had been practicing so hard to impress him.

“Daphne, is it?” Ellar greeted taking her hand in his and leaning in to kiss her face three times on each side like the French did. “Elowen,” He turned his attention to her and did the same.

“What are you doing here?” He asked.

“We came dress shopping. You know, for the Yule Ball,” She edged on the topic anxiously. Dancing on the heels of her feet, lightly swaying forward hoping he’d take the initiative to ask her.

“I see,” He acknowledged and wiped the edge of his nose. “I’m sure you’ll look very beautiful,” His lips stretched into a thin smile. “The both of you,” He added also acknowledging Daphne. With that he bid them goodbye before walking into Zonko’s with his friends.

Daphne brought a hand to her temple when she saw her friend literally pressing her face against the window shop’s glass starring at the back of the French boy’s dark wavy-haired head.

“Ugh..” She groaned out painfully. “Why didn’t he ask me?” She cried out dramatically.

Daphne rolled her eyes and peeled her desperate looking friend off the glass. “Maybe it wasn’t obvious enough.”

“I think it was pretty,” she touched the tip of her nose. “On spot.”

“Just ask him yourself next time you see him,” Daphne advised.

“But I want him to ask me. Not the other way around!” Nel cried back childishly. Daphne tried to convince her it wasn’t a big deal if she did the asking. Easy for her to say. Everybody would probably be dying to go to the ball with the prettiest Slytherin.

Again, Daphne shook her head as the two walked into a large pink and teal shop that was named Gladrags Wizardwear “245 years dressing the Elegant Wizard” a sign outside of the shop read.

“What about this one?” Daphne immediately rushed to a beautifully sleek plum colored dress evening gown. Nel almost had a heart attack when looking at the price tag. “How about we look in the discount section?” She coughed awkwardly already feeling her wallet stinging from the unnecessary expense of wearing a dress.

“Nel,” Daphne held onto her hand, stopping her in the spot and giving her a knowing look. “This is a once in a lifetime event. We are never going to live another Yule Ball,” She said melodramatically sounding as if it was a life or death situation. “I know you’re careful with your spending, but don’t you for once want to treat yourself?” She insisted.

Elowen didn’t want to look into her persuasive grey green eyes. She knew that if she did, she would cave. Daphne wasn’t wrong, she had been hoarding her savings like a dragon sitting atop a small fortune. But then again, she had been very careless about it even losing some of it to Malfoy in stupid and unnecessary bets. Maybe, just maybe Daphne was right, and she deserved to allow herself one nice treat.

“Don’t you want to feel like a dream? Have all eyes on you for one magical night?”

It was too tempting. Her greedy eyes looked at the expensive dresses in the shop and she wondered just how easy yet unnecessary it would be to swipe one of them or trade the tag with something in clearance. She didn’t want to be the only girl wearing a uniform at the ball. Specially not if she was planning on attending with Ellar Lestrange. The young man would probably show up looking like a dreamy prince from a faraway land and she would look- well… Like what she really was – a nobody.

She couldn’t help but think of Pansy’s cruel taunts and her and Millicent’s loud laughter. Insecurity also pricking at her side to buy the damn dress.

“Just imagine,” Daphne continued to press. “You, Ellar, the night… It’ll be like a fairy-tale!”

Daphne painted a very tempting image of what the night would be like. Magical.

She was right. She had to do it. This was completely a necessary expense. She was going to dazzle not just Ellar Lestrange, but everybody that ever looked down at her during this night. Even Parkinson and Bullstrode.

“Let’s do it,” She quickly caved before she changed her mind. “Really?” Daphne’s eyes went wide and she squeezed her friend’s hand tightly as she jumped squealing eager to begin shopping before beginning to ramble about the jewelry, she would lend her and how they were going to do their hair and make-up and shoes- of course you couldn’t forget the shoes.

Xxx

Nel’s head was still spinning from having spent such an unreal amount of money on a dress she would probably only wear once. The girls had returned to the Common Room where they left the dress before Daphne asked her to come to the Courtyard with her to paint since Theodore and Tracey were nowhere to be found.

“Let me get this straight,” Nel said sounding terribly bored as she stood next to Daphne holding a tray of acrylic paints as the girl painted a canvas with the school’s Courtyard. “You’re painting what exactly? Haven’t you painted the same Courtyard at least a dozen times before?”

Daphne looked at her as if she was insane. “Well,” She began her artistic digest. “It’s never really the same is it? No matter how many times I paint it my mood is never the same, the light is never the same. It’s always a different season or a different perspective. Even if to you it’s the same dull courtyard it never is to me. In a way life can be like that too. Like the way a day is always different from the night before or the day to come, or the way two thumbprints or even two loves are never really the same.”  Daphne got a dreamy look on her face before realizing she had perhaps gotten too carried away in her passionate artistic declaration. Regardless she didn’t apologize for her boldness. Nel starred at her friend in awe and her eyes scanned the same Courtyard she had been in hundreds of times before. Daphne was… well, right. She had never taken the time to romanticize her day in such a manner, but then again who did?

“Like- take a look, what looks different?” She encouraged.

“The First-Years are playing gobstones by the entrance, Diggory is out of the Hospital surrounded a lot of Hufflepuffs – typical. Malfoy is climbing up the courtyard’s tree-“ Her eyes narrowed on the silvery blonde that was suspiciously climbing up that tree he had been up in a couple of weeks ago. However, she found it odd that he was alone.

“That’s weird,” Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as he appeared to be carving something into its bark.

Putting the paints on a tall stool next to her friend she approached the tree with a mistrustful attitude. Daphne smiled a little and shook her head. No day was the same as the last. Who knew, maybe today she’d paint the ancient tree being set on fire by Nel Saintday.

Autumn leaves crunched under her feet as she approached the oak tree. Upon closer inspection she saw Draco up on the tree eating a green apple with one hand and indeed carving something into the bark with his wand in his right hand.

“I didn’t take you as a vandal,” She said loudly startling him so much he almost fell down “Then again, why would I be surprised?” “Stars, Saintday, don’t sneak up on me!” He snapped rudely before hopping down with a crouch before gracefully dusting any invisible dirt off himself.  

“Why are you vandalizing the tree?” She asked her newest friend. If that’s what they were.

“Why are you sneaking up on me?” He shot back defensively crossing his arms over his chest. “Geez, I was just making conversation,” She raised her eyebrows before walking away from the hostile Slytherin. “I figured bothering you would be more entertaining than watching Daphne paint.”

“So, Greengrass and Nott. I take it they’re going to the Yule Ball together,” He commented changing the topic.

“Yeah,” Nel scratched her cheek. “Seems like it.”

They hadn’t really talked about it but judging by how close the two seemed it made sense.

“And Davis?” He walked towards her, the way he seemed to swagger pompously as he took another bite from his apple. Nel shrugged in a disinterested response. Sad that she had no clue who her best friend intended on attending to the dance with.  

“And you?”

She gave him a blank look before shrugging in an exaggerated manner. She wanted to go with Ellar Lestrange. She wanted him to ask her, but as of now nothing was official. “How on bloody hell am I supposed to know? They just told us about the stupid dance today,” this time she was the one who raised her guard at the invasive question. He probably wanted to make fun of her just like Pansy had earlier in the day.

“Wouldn’t put it past you to take Professor Snape. You two really swept the dance floor today,” he laughed at the dance lesson they had had earlier that day.

Alright. This conversation was over. Glowering, Nel turned around to return to Daphne. She wasn’t going to stand there just so he could take jabs and make fun of her all afternoon long.

“I’ve got a proposition for you Saintday,” He called as he continued to enjoy himself.  

“I’m not playing any more games with you Malfoy,” She called over her shoulder as she began to walk away from him. “You always cheat.”

That wasn’t a complete lie. The boy had known he would befriend Viktor Krum at the World Cup before he gambled that they would sit together. Last time when gambling during the First Task, well, that had just been sheer dumb luck. Although she wouldn’t put it past him to fix the game in some type of way.

“Come on, I’m offering you a chance to redeem yourself and make up for your loses,” he dangled the offer. It sounded like the kind of thing gambling addicts told themselves. What was one more bet. One more shot to make up for what had been lost. She had already lost some money to him and spent a ridiculous sum of money on a dress. Maybe it wouldn’t have seemed like a lot to him, but Nel cherished every knut and galleon that she worked for. Unlike him, allowing money to slip through her fingers and down the drain wasn’t a luxury she could afford to have.

“How about this,” He proposed sinking a hand into his pocket almost as if he was hiding something. The other still held half an eaten apple, he appeared to be thoughtfully chewing it when he spotted Cedric Diggory across the Courtyard surrounded by other Hufflepuffs.

“I bet you don’t have it in you to ask Diggory to be your escort to the Yule Ball.” She looked at him incredulously. “I’ll give you five, no ten galleons if you do it.”

Alright, so it wasn’t a gamble. It was more of a dare than a bet.

Her eyes turned to also look at the Hogwarts’ Champion who was enjoying his day out. She contemplated the dare for a moment. Malfoy didn’t know her, and Cedric were well acquainted. She could use this to her advantage just like he had previously done with Krum. She had to laugh at his ridiculous offer, “And why would I do that for five- no, ten galleons?” Odds were that Cedric would most likely say no. But the gamble wasn’t if he said yes or no, it was if she dared put herself through that.

“If you’re lucky and he says yes, you get to go with Hogwarts’ second best.”

“Second best?” She laughed. If anything, Cedric was Hogwarts most eligible date to the Yule Ball. She could’ve bet that at least a dozen of girls had asked him already.

“However, if he says no,” He leaned in closer and carelessly tossed his unfinished green apple over his shoulder. “You’ll just have to settle for the best of the best,” he flashed her a self-important smile. “Who then? Krum?” She asked genuinely curious not aware she was she taking a stab at his swollen ego.

“Me. Saintday. I’m talking about me,” He said in an annoyed tone when he realized she wasn’t well aware he was Hogwarts finest. “Obviously.”

She gave him a funny look. There was no way. An unexpected feeling of nervousness flooded her stomach. She let out a edgy laugh completely taken aback by what he was suggesting. “Are you asking me to the Yule Ball?”

He stood awkwardly and let out a weak laugh and a dramatic scoff.

“All I’m saying is, to make up for your rejection, I’ll put myself through the martyrdom of escorting you to the ball,” He combed a hand though his hair. “I mean, since no one else will,” he just had to add with snide.

Of course, he was going to be a rude arse, even about this. She shot him a foul look and hit his arm harder than she intended to. As if she couldn’t find a date to the ball. “How gracious of you,” She drawled out sarcastically. “I didn’t know the great Draco Malfoy could be so generous with his time.”

She looked at him hard, with a cross look, “If you’re asking me just say so,” she dared him.

“I’m not,“ he spoke quickly in a defensive tone. She took a moment sizing him up and just what his true intentions were. Why couldn’t he just bloody admit it if he was asking her to the Ball?

“Make it twenty and you’ve got yourself a deal,” She stretched out a hand. “Deal,” Both shook on it. “And no-“ She pulled him in still holding onto his hand tightly. “I am not going to the Yule Ball with you.

With that she marched towards Cedric and the other Hufflepuff Sixth and Seventh Years. She stood before them putting on a brave face and combing her hair back as she appeared to be more confident.

Nel didn’t even want to go to the Yule Ball with Diggory or with Malfoy. Her narrow tunnel vision made her obsess over the Beauxbaton student. She had a feeling that Cedric would say no and then she would just take Malfoy’s money, blow him off and be twenty galleons richer. Who did the slimy git think he was? His words stung her just like Pansy’s had earlier ‘if you even manage to get a date for the ball.’ Maybe she wasn’t the most popular girl in school, or the most pleasant person in Slytherin House but she still wanted to be asked to go to the dance.

“Diggory,” She cleared her throat. “A word,” She pulled at her sweater’s neck hoping he wouldn’t note how bright her ears were.  

His friends all hooted and howl at the request already expecting Elowen to be another girl shooting her shot at going to the ball with Cedric. Nearby bystanders ogled as the two walked to an empty spot in the courtyard. Even Daphne watched from a distance wondering just what had happened since her friend left her side.

Draco watched from underneath the oak tree’s comfortable shade with a smug smirk on his face. There was absolutely no way that Diggory would ever agree to go to the Yule Ball with Elowen. Of course, he had perfectly calculated the outcome of this gamble as he usually did.

He saw her say something to Cedric, her lips moving and body language shifting uncomfortably as she dropped the bomb. Diggory was silent for a moment before speaking.

With that the two walked away from each other.

Elowen walked back with flushed cheeks and her eyes wide in surprise. Draco couldn’t tell if the source of the color was from anger or embarrassment.

“I demand my twenty galleons,” She stuck a handout and looked at him angrily. Still wearing a smug smile Draco pulled out a coin pouch and handed it to her. “We’ll have a good time,” he said genuinely looking forward to the ball.

Eyes turned into slits she almost tossed the velvet coin purse back at him. She didn’t want to go to the ball with him, or with Cedric or with anybody else. This whole thing had been a stupid idea. One that wasn’t even worth twenty galleons.

Malfoy’s plan went down the drain with three simple words: “He said yes.” She said upset.

“You don’t look too happy about it,” He said dryly nothing how disappointed she seemed at the news.

“Of course not!” She snapped. “I didn’t want to go with him or with you! And now I have to go with him!” She screamed. “This is all your fault!” She accused him before retreating back to the inside of the castle. “And for the record!” She stood before again turning to give her a piece of her mind. “I don’t need you to be my pity date. I can get a date whenever I want and with whomever I want. If today wasn’t proof enough for you!” She spat angrily before finally leaving.

Draco tossed his head back and his hid face for a frustrated moment. How could he have majorly messed this up?

AN: *evil laughter*

[bubbyleh]

I See La Vie en Rose - Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Twisting Feeling

"What do you think, Sunkist?" Tommy holds up a yellow sweater. "This? Or the pineapple shirt?"

Sunkist doesn’t answer, and it isn’t because she can’t speak. She rolls over in her bed, offering a soft yet firm woof as she does so.

“Sunkist, I- I’m sorry you can’t come today!” Tommy explains, putting the sweater to the side. “Darnold would really like to see you, but the restaurant doesn’t allow dogs!”

Tommy offers Sunkist a few ear scratches as consolation. She leans into Tommy’s hand, practically pinning it below her, but she still does not move from her bed. Well, Tommy didn’t want to tell her this now, but if she’s gonna act so mopey…

“Y-you know, Sunkist,” Tommy lets a little excitement seep into his voice. “Gordon’s heading down for the… to take care of the cult today. And Benrey’s gonna- gonna be really busy.” In her usual adorable way, Sunkist is already wagging her tail. “I thought you could help them with Joshua?”

There’s always been something about Joshua that makes Sunkist love him. Maybe it’s the fact that he was the first baby she ever met, but when Gordon showed Josh to her for the first time, not even ten minutes old, that was it. In that moment, Sunkist recognized a puppy, and as the most perfect dog, she had to protect it.

Sunkist barks as she stands, high-pitched and quick. Her eagerness is both endearing and hilarious to Tommy, who struggles to hold back his laugh.

“Alright, c-calm down!” Tommy chuckles. “You gotta- you gotta help me pick my shirt first, okay?”

☆○☆○☆

To say that Tommy is nervous would be a complete and total understatement. He keeps catching himself tugging at the sleeves of his sweater, or biting his cheek way too hard, or taking his propeller hat off to run a hand through his hair. And hey! Benrey teasing him for his “fancy” look on the way out? Did not help!

Because, look. Darnold is clearly interested in him. Tommy would have to be a fool to miss the fact that, more often than not, when Darnold invites him over, they usually end up talking long after they’re finished running whatever soda experiment was planned. Or that whenever they text, Tommy immediately gets a reply. Or that whenever they meet with each other, Darnold’s smile is so big it reaches his eyes. When they brush hands accidentally and Darnold gets all flustered. When he notices Tommy admiring him and gets all embarrassed.

Which is to say, Tommy is aware that his feelings for Darnold are likely reciprocated. The fact that a relationship with Darnold (the idea almost makes Tommy faint) now actually seems possible, like he shouldn’t and doesn’t have to be worried about his mortality every second…

It’s like a weight’s been lifted. It’s like a chain’s been broken. Something like that.

Tommy is excited! He’s nervous! He’s absolutely terrified!

But he can do this. Tommy balls his fists and hypes himself up. He can do this! He repeats this in his mind as he approaches the restaurant they agreed to meet up at. He can do this! He can do this! He can do this!

Until Tommy actually catches sight of Darnold, who’s waiting for him outside. He’s wearing a sweater vest and a bowtie, and it’s so fucking cute Tommy can feel cardiac arrest.

“Oh, Tommy!” Darnold calls out when he sees him, waving.

"Darnold! Hi!" Tommy greets him. "Why are you- Is the restaurant crowded?"

Darnold shrugs. "I don't know, I haven't been inside." A small smile appears on his face. "I was waiting for you."

Tommy’s heart flutters. Damn it! This confession business is gonna be REAL hard if Darnold keeps saying shit like that!

The inside of the restaurant is nice. Darnold had suggested it when they were making plans the other day. Apparently he heard really good things about their desert menu! It’s a wonderful little place, with wide street view windows and a casual atmosphere. They manage to get a booth next to one, and the sun warms their cheeks during their meal.

A throughout it all, Tommy tries. He tries oh so desperately to tell Darnold how he feels, and every missed opportunity feels like a knife being twisted around inside him. He’ll be about to say something, his mouth opened and his chest full of confidence, and then…

And then he makes eye contact with Darnold, and the soft warmth he radiates immediately destroys him.

How’s he supposed to do this? How is Tommy supposed to confess his feelings to the man he loves if everytime he looks at him, he feels like he’s going to fall apart?

“You know,” Darnold says, looking out the window. “My whole life, I’ve never really been… I guess the word is lucky? I’ve never been that lucky.”

Uh oh! Tommy got distracted thinking about how much he loves Darnold, and whatever he’s doing is completely throwing him for a loop! Why isn’t he looking at him? Did he do something wrong!?

“Love, especially,” Darnold continues. “I, uh. I’ve thought about praying, but I’ve heard the minor domains don’t get as much attention…”

Yeah, can’t disagree with him there. While Coomer and Bubby are attentive (Coomer especially adores the love domain), it isn’t either of their main domains, so it tends to get shoved to the side.

But Tommy has a suspicion that Darnold isn’t starting a theological discussion.

Darnold takes a deep breath, and he looks him right in the eyes. “I- Tommy, I feel extremely lucky to have met you. And I value our friendship and the time we’ve spent together! What I’m trying to say is…” He’s fidgeting with his fingers. “You’re so confident, and smart, and amazing. And I… kind of fell in love with you.”

At once, Tommy’s face is both flushed and lit up. He can’t put away the goofy smile spread across his face, and the butterflies in his stomach seem to have relocated to his chest. Darnold confessed! He… oh! That’s why he chose such a nice restaurant! He was planning this! Dang, he was so much more prepared than Tommy was.

Tommy clasps his hands in front of himself. “I…” he tries, but whatever he could say next escapes him. Oh damn it, are his eyes welling up with tears? Tommy resorts to just nodding very enthusiastically and hopes the message gets across.

“O-oh! I didn’t mean to-” Darnold reaches out, but he’s cut off by Tommy taking his hand instead.

“I- I fell in love with you, too,” Tommy finally manages.

The way Darnold’s eyes widen, the surprise clear as day, Tommy is sure he’ll always remember it.

☆○☆○☆

“So, was- was that a date?” Tommy asks as they’re on their way out.

Darnold puts a finger on his chin and mimes thinking. “I dunno. Do you want it to be?”

There’s a bit of a chill today, Tommy notices as they step outside, but the sky is mostly clear and the sun is still so warm. He loves days like this.

A thought occurs to him. “Can I- can I kiss you? Is that okay?”

Now it’s Darnold’s turn to be all flustered. “Yeah!” he nods eagerly. “It’s very okay!”

Tommy’s read romantic novels before. He’s watched practically every soap opera there is. He is not unfamiliar with the phrase “sparks flying”. But he feels like he never truly understood what that meant until he kisses Darnold. Because everything feels electric, and terrifying, and beautiful.

It’s right. It’s so right.

☆○☆○☆

“Guys!” Tommy exclaims in a giddy tone upon his return. “You- you won’t-”

He stops himself.

Gordon’s back. He must have returned right before Tommy, because he’s standing at the edge of the pool, leaning against Coomer. Tommy can clearly see a few bruises, and even some cuts and scrapes. Benrey looks afraid to touch him, while Bubby is delivering a lecture.

“Mr. Freem- Gordon!” Tommy shouts, and in an instant he’s right beside him. “Wh-what happened!? Are you okay?!”

“I told you to be careful down there,” Bubby continues. “Who knows what those bastards would have done to you if they had knocked you out!”

“Bubby, dear,” Coomer warns.

Bubby snaps. “They’re dangerous, Harold! I’m allowed to tell Gordon off!”

Tommy looks to Gordon, because he knows what he’ll say next. The same conversation they had last night. He can practically hear it now, ‘If they’re so dangerous, then why don’t you tell us anything!’ And Tommy will agree with him, because this is getting too far. Gordon’s been hurt! The man Tommy has basically guided through godhood has been royally fucked up by those bone-worshipping dunderheads!

But there’s nothing. Gordon’s eyes are blank. There’s no righteous anger, he barely seems to register the pain he’s in. He just stares down at the floor.

“G-Gordon?” Tommy barely manages to whisper.

Their gazes meet, and he looks so… empty. “I’m tired.” Gordon says. “I just need to sleep right now.”

Coomer takes this as a sign to guide Gordon back to his home, Bubby tailing behind him, still giving his speech on how badly things could have gone. They leave Tommy and Benrey behind, the latter of whom appears both dazed and concerned.

“I’ll… I’ll take Joshua, t-tonight,” Tommy offers.

Benrey blinks, snaps out of whatever thoughts he’s having. “Yeah, that’s… probably a good idea.”