#or maybe they’ll kill harry instead.

[rappaccini]

oh hickman gets it.

a world where peter never meets harry or gwen in college obviously means gwen not only makes it to adulthood but probably marries harry, who she knew first and longer, and who she probably would've ended up with if she broke up with peter instead of dying (everyone forgets this! gwen and harry dated too!).

gwen's marriage to a billionaire exacerbating her preexisting girlboss tendencies, her white feminism and her intense overachieving popular girl personality, leading to her becoming co-ceo of oscorp and definitely having some questionable views about vigilantism, justice and how to make the world better that will probably be corrupted in a villain arc.

gwen knowing damn well that her husband's the green goblin and probably being in on the whole scheme, if not the person who built him the suit in the first place.

this is what og gwen would have and should have become if she hadn't been fridged. the missed potential was never that spider-man never saved her. gwen was never meant to be a fucking housewife or Spider-Man's Wife or The Mother Of Spider-Man's Babies (whether they're peter's or miles's). she was meant to be a career woman who's one day away from going supervillain. he GETS it.

[shanastoryteller]

shana, happy holidays, maybe some parselmouth draco?

a continuation of 1 2

Getting to see his house founder’s secret chamber is absolutely not a privilege worth dying for and Draco blames Harry for death being on the table at all. He’s gone twelve years with the closest he’s come to death been when he drops his mother’s fine crystal, and now he’s running from a basilisk.

“Don’t listen to him!” Draco hisses even as he rolls away from the massive snake’s lunge. He’s been practicing compulsion for years, but with garden snakes and the occasional mamba, not anything magical.

His only hope is that the basilisk doesn’t want to kill them either. The basilisk can’t throw off Marvelo’s compulsion entirely, but if they give it two conflicting compulsions, it maybe be able to choose to follow theirs instead.

Maybe. Or maybe they’re going to get eaten and no one will ever find their bodies and they’ll be stuck haunting a bathroom with Moaning Myrtle for eternity.

That’s worse than dying.

“Help me!” he shouts to Harry.

He throws him an irritated glance before he stops running, pivoting on his heel, and facing the basilisk head on.

That’s not what he meant. Now he’s really screwed. If Harry dies, there’s no way he’s getting out of this on his own.

“STOP!” Harry shouts, layering more compulsion into his voice than he’s ever managed during practice.

The basilisk freezes mid lunge, massive jaws halfway to open.

Draco takes advantage of Marvelo’s distracted outrage to dart forward and scoop up the diary.

Okay, great. Now what?

[anxiousnerdwritings]

I was wondering, about Lily!Lookalike, or any version of Harry’s sibling, did they survive the curse too? Cause like, how would Voldemort cast two curses at once, you know? So was the curse still for Harry, and his sibling was just along for the ride? Or did his sibling survive, and he’s along for the ride? If it’s the latter, that would definitely make his tendencies and protectiveness of his sibling worse, to know they almost died, and has an army out to kill them

I love the idea of Voldemort having no clue that the Potter’s had twins so he goes in to finish off what he think is one kid only to find two babies and now he’s gotta take a second out of his plan to do Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo to decide which one to kill first and then shit hits the fan for him and he done fucks up.

I could see there being a spell to mirror or duplicate another spell allowing Voldemort to off the twins at the same time. Like, maybe the spell results in the wand shooting two of the same spell out or something. Or maybe there’s a spell that could be used to bounce another spell from one person to the next leading to Harry and his sibling both having a scar of their own if anyone wants to go with them both being the ‘chosen one’

Personally, I like the idea of only one of the twins being the chosen one and having the scar. If it’s Lily!lookalike!Reader then Harry would be 100% so much more protective of his sibling, especially when things really take off and people are very actively seeking out to harm and kill them. I mean Harry’s extreme overprotectiveness would kick in during first year of course, especially after everything happens with the philosopher’s stone and his twin almost dying and him not being able to do anything about it really. I could also see Harry really admiring and looking up to the Reader if they were the one to have the scar, seeing them as having protected him by taking the killing curse instead of him getting hit with it, also if the Reader was already pretty protective of him regarding how Dudley and the rest of the Dursley’s treated him/the two of them. So, in Harry’s mind and given his hero-complex it’s his job to protect his sibling too just like they did (along with their mother) for him.

In the case that Harry still ends up being the one to bear the scar then he’d be grateful that Lily!lookalike!Reader wouldn’t have to deal with it and that they would be safe, at least that’s what he thinks. But in actuality they’re no safer than he is given their relation to him. They’ll be seen as just as much of a threat to Voldemort and his cause as Harry already is, therefore resulting in them being in just as much danger if not more so since Death Eaters and whoever else will use the Reader to get to Harry. And he can’t let that happen. A part of him wants to hide his sibling away to protect them but another part of him wants to/needs to keep the Reader close to his side so he can protect them at all times.

[teaforthotxxx]

They’ll never do it but if I was rebooting HP i would literally start off in the Marauders’ first year and have a degrassi-style graduating cohort every year so we can see the entire transition from each year and each headppl. Then, I would change the plot by literally making every ship gay to give the AO3 readers what they want. Cause i mean the faithful adaptations’ already been done. Like literally I would make Dorcas/Marlene canon. Wolfstar is definitely canon. Jily is a thing for the first 2 seasons but I would literally create a fan poll to see if the mob wants jegulus, jily or jegulily.

I wouldn’t go fully into Order of the Pheonix. I’d hint abt the first war but it’d be through whispers and rumours to keep Hogwarts the main focus. Then, I would unkill everyone. I might still have Peter betray them or maybe I won’t- Maybe, he almost breaks but in this reality the marauders are good friends and they manage to save him somehow.

Then if my Max series somehow doesn’t get cancelled, I’d do Golden Trio era but like mostly focused on the weasleys and what they got up to. The trio can still be a thing but we’ve already seen their story. Like we’ll get an in depth character analysis of Ginny and her rs with Tom Riddle. Then, we are gonna have dramoine surprise get tgt. Because in this ver., Harry is a little bit more mentally stable (assuming his parents are still around or like trapped in a mirror or idk how it wld work but MAGIC). Maybe, Harry can explore his bisexuality and hook up with Cedric or Cho or Oliver Wood. We can see what everyone’s been up to. Maybe, do the grindeldore flashbacks some justice (have someone finally see their entire love story). We can see more of Luna’s future beau or Luna can be with Harry (we all know mentally stable Harry wld be more of a whore). I’d still talk about the wizarding war and Voldy will still be a thing but his story will be more fleshed out through Ginny and maybe Draco. Then, it’d end with the grand finale where they have an epic-ish battle. Maybe some ppl can die or maybe not. I wld still kill some ppl for PLOT but Dobby can keep his sock.

Then, once everything is over and all the ships are messed up. I will do some mental gymnastics and plot acrobatics to somehow make next gen hp characters a thing so I can fully showcase Teddy Lupin (yes blue hair teddy. Idk maybe Nymphadora was a surrogate or they had a thing but wolfstar would still be alive and endgame). Then, we can have Victorie Weasley, other Weasleys etc. Eventually, we’ll hit cursed child era but instead of the nonsense we got, I’ll stop milking the dead dick of Voldy and come up with a brand new facist villain. Maybe it’ll be the ministry or like the Elf enslavers? Deep dive into Kreacher? Politician!Dobby? More “dark creatures” at the sch? Possibilities are endless!!

HBO MAX pls hire me. Also, im not straight or white so you best believe we are going to add real diversity and not just racebend or genderbend for the sake of diversity.

Anyways just my thoughts on the reboot. Im prepared for disappointment esp w the recent hp discourse but oh well.

[hargrove-mayfields]

Harringrove Harvest Week- Day 2

Prompt: Beetlejuice

Billy and Steve as Adam and Barbara, Max as Lydia, and the rest is pretty canon divergent.

Billy was driving too fast in his stupid car again. The papers say it was on purpose, because of his past and the rumors that followed him out of Hawkins, Indiana. The true story is something that shouldn't have been there smashed his windshield. He over-corrected, slipping into a panic attack, and lost control. Into the riverbank that beautiful Chevy went. In 1989, Billy Hargrove and his boyfriend of three years, going on four, drove off a bridge.

He and Steve had left as soon as they graduated, using combined resources from their combined summer jobs to score a shell of a house. A farmhouse, still too country for Billy’s California tastes, but cozy. They made it their home. Spent the years they had together thrifting furniture and putting up wallpaper and fixing new leaks that would pop up. And then…

Neil bought the house as soon as word got back to Old Cherry Road telling the Hargrove-Mayfields that Billy and Steve had kicked the bucket. Even in death he couldn’t let his son have anything nice.

The house they made was too frilly for Neil’s military tastes. Too comfortable maybe. Too reflective of everything Billy had earned in his short life once he finally got away from that asshole. Love, happiness, safety. Only to be holed up in the attic, where he and Steve have to watch while his father and Susan gleefully destroy the house they were supposed to get married in.

Max does too. Her whole life has turned into a dark room. One big dark room. And even though Billy is just a floor above her, he’s terrified to reach out to her when she’s like that. They didn’t leave things on the best of terms when he skipped out on Hawkins, but Steve convinces him that it’s the only way to do something about the destruction of the house.

He gets Billy to do the sheet ghost shtick to prove to Max they aren’t just a grief induced hallucination, and she starts spending a lot of time with them, scheming ways to scare Neil and Susan off so she can have the house since she’s almost eighteen. (They consider taking the easy route and murdering them but the idea is shot down when they realize they’ll have two more ghosts in the house they’ll never be able to get rid of.)

Neil catches wind that Max has been talking to her dead brother, and thinks she’s lost her mind. He steals the handbook from her room, there because she wanted to read it and this time understand what Billy was going through. But once Neil has his hands on it, he doesn’t mistake the séance actually, he does the exorcism on purpose to prove a point.

Max being scared out of her mind to lose Billy and Steve again summons Beetlejuice (Vecna?), the plan backfires, she’s only seventeen and she’s marrying a corpse? Ew.

Susan grows a heart when her daughter is imprisoned in a crimson red wedding dress, and her stepson is half decomposed in front of her. She defies Neil and closes the book, Billy and Steve are saved, so Billy can save his little sister and kill his dad in one go à la sand worm.

The end sequence of Max passing her test and dancing and floating and everyone finally being happy is the same, except Billy definitely plays angry rock music for her to float around to instead of Harry Belafonte, because that’s their mutual outlet.

[padfootastic]

I saw a Reddit comment about it, and I was wondering what you think would’ve happened if Snape had seriously injured or even killed James when he cast “Sectumsempra” on him in SWM? I personally think that Sirius, who was raised by the Blacks, would’ve seriously retaliated, unless someone else stopped him because either witnesses were around or Snape should be arrested instead, or that Sirius would’ve been hellbent on ensuring Snape rotted in Azkaban, because Sirius is still a wealthy pureblood heir and so was James, so they both are fairly influential as a result. My point is, Snape could’ve killed James in that scene and I feel like people ignore that Snape used a Dark curse in that scene that we saw nearly kill Draco and seriously injure George

an ask an ask i got an ask!!

*coughs* let’s try that again.

so. this is an interesting question that made me look up properties of sectumsempra bc i remember someone downplaying it but yeah, no, it’s still a potentially deadly dark curse that can lead to death if left untreated. so, moving forward with that assumption here’s a few thoughts and questions.

- did snape deliberately use a weaker version of it that day? was it not fully developed? did james keep bleeding from it? how did it get healed?

- in an event when the full powered spell hit james, how would snape go about it? is vulnera sanentur a known curse? would the healer know to use it? i’m a bit skeptical bc snape was the one who helped draco + how possessive (and secretive) he is of that doesn’t help the case. so would he just let james bleed out? sneak in middle of the night and do his thang? hope the nurse gets it? idk. i have an uncharitable view of the dude and i don’t think he’ll do any of the latter. maybe he tries to rationalise it to himself? but yeah, def don’t see a james-esque saviour vibe in him.

- so in the event james does get killed/harmed—i think, much as i hate, you have to acknowledge the power dynamics here. when the myrtle incident happened, hagrid (a half giant, less influential than a good looking, powerful half blood) was blamed and kicked out. if this happens, u just know the administration might go for something similar bc snape is the weaker party and regardless of whether james’ parents are out for blood (which they might be tbh) they’ll need to do it to set a step by example so the other purebloods don’t get fired up about the whole thing. they’ll probably also try to pin the whole dark magic thing (no matter how weird conceptualised it is) on snape and basically use it as a way to justify kicking him out.

- will he get azkaban? i…don’t think so, actually. not unless some very obvious retribution/revenge is carried out by the potters or sirius. hagrid was only expelled, harry got detention for the draco thing, draco didn’t even have consequences for almost murdering so many people—clearly magical injuries are treated a bit lackadaisically (and i think punishments r given not to reduce them, exactly, but save face?). there’s the dumbledore aspect of it, he might offer help or ‘sanctuary’ or whatever tf. of course, i don’t see 5th year snape, recently humiliated, ever accepting a groundskeeper adjacent position with dumbledore, ever. so then, is going back to his childhood house really any better than azkaban for him?

when it comes to sirius, though, oh ho ho. the poor guy would definitely wish he wasn’t born. all talk of privilege and power dynamics are gone bc james is not here. there’s anything sirius can deal with if james is there but he’s not so he can’t. 5th year sirius would also not have such a great control over his baser emotions so he would just lose his shit. like, i can just imagine him waiting in the hospital, praying fervently that james will be okay because there was so much blood but also it’s james and when has that bastard ever not gotten up? right? and then he gets The News and i can just see his magic bursting out of him? like an uncontrolled magical explosion ykno? just because of how turbulent his emotions are and it’s never like that and yeah. he’ll definitely go for revenge of some kind—like to the point he’ll have to be held back, which will be a whole feat bc he’s so fkn powerful ykno? like he’ll have to be incarcerous-ed by three people sort of held back.

and the faculty and students would know to keep an eye on sirius black. everyone has seen how close him and james were, there’s rumors all over of how ruthless the blacks are and no one expects snape to get off scot free (nvm that he’s probably expelled w his wand snapped) so sirius has to reign himself back very hard bc of how scrutinised he is. i can also see dumbles calling him in for a fuckall ‘let go of ur anger’ meeting and just, yeah. i think sirius would become a very ‘angry young man’ stereotype tbh. a lot of rage with nowhere to go sort of a situation.

[moonflower-rose]

I’m doing the microfic

Well, @tackytigerfic this is basically your doing, tally-ho!

@drarrymicrofic prompt ‘Tie’. Also on AO3.

“You’re angry at me.”

Malfoy walked beside him, but his eyes were straight ahead, and Harry could see his jaw was clenched.

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Malfoy said, his voice light and dangerous. Furious, then. Murderous, maybe. They reached their office door, and Malfoy opened it and didn’t bother to wait for Harry to enter first, as he usually would. He went instead directly to his desk, and started shuffling through their files with brutal speed.

Harry sighed, and came in after him, closing the door behind.

“Smith is just being obnoxious. He just wants to throw his weight around.”

“Yes, I’m aware Zacharias Smith is a prick, thank you.” Malfoy was never this cold with him. They’d never been cold with each other. Everything was very hot, charged, whether they were getting along or had their hands at each other's throats.

“It’s just a tie,” Harry said, hesitant, and he reached up to unravel said tie from the prim bow he’d belligerent fastened around his shaggy mess of hair. “Technically, I’m meeting his stupid dress code.”

“Malicious compliance,” Malfoy murmured. “How clever. Hilarious.”

Harry tossed the tie on his desk. Now he was starting to get pissed off as well. “Well, it doesn’t affect you, Malfoy, so I don’t know why you’re being such a fucking bitch about it.”

Malfoy slammed the file in his hands down on the desk, so suddenly and with such force, that Harry jumped, and paperclips and fastenings flew in all directions. “Doesn’t affect me? You stupid fuck. Smith hates us both, remember that. So while I’m obeying every one of his nonsense, bullshit rules, he can still use you and your fucking pranks to punish me. They’ll split us up, Potter, or haven’t you thought that far ahead?” Malfoy laughed, and that was cold too. “Of course you haven’t. Or you have, and you don’t care. Maybe you want another partner. Great opportunity to get rid of Malfoy once and for all.”

Fuck. “That isn’t going to happen. I won’t let it. I don’t want that, Malfoy.”

“Yes, well. It doesn’t matter what you want. Smith is acting Head Auror, he’s the one with the power. By the end of the week, you’ll be assigned to some fucking idiot with no idea what they’re doing, and within a fortnight you’ll be killed in action.”

Harry stared at his back. Malfoy’s shoulders were rigid with tension. “Malfoy - wait on.”

“No, you wait,” Malfoy spat like an angry cat. “I won’t stick around for it. As soon as they split us up, I’ll take the offer from the Unspeakables, and you can die alone like you clearly want to.”

Harry picked up the tie again, and wound it around his fist. “Will you come to the funeral, at least?”

That got Malfoy to turn his head slightly, enough to level a glare at Harry, but he still wouldn’t face him. Malfoy’s skin was blotchy. Harry clenched his fist and felt the fabric tighten around his hand, and he crossed the room to stand in Malfoy’s personal space. Within punching distance.

“Help me tie this fucking thing, will you?”

Malfoy remained stiff-backed and stubborn for long, silent minutes. Harry waited.

“You’re useless,” Malfoy snapped eventually. He twisted, snatched the tie from Harry’s hand, and unrolled it with a hard snap of his wrists.

“Completely useless,” Harry agreed, and he bent his head. Malfoy looped it around his neck. His eyes were bright, his face red. His fingers worked quickly, touching Harry briefly on the throat, grazing an earlobe. “I’ll wear it every day. You might need to help me, sometimes.”

“Fuck off.” Malfoy smoothed his fingers down the tie, now knotted to what Harry assumed was perfection. His face was brick red, now, and Harry lay both of his own hands on top of Malfoy’s, and pressed them to Harry’s chest.

“I promise I’ll behave. I promise I won’t let them split us up. I promise,” Harry swallowed, nervous. This was something new, a line he hadn’t crossed before. “I don’t want another partner. I don’t want anyone else but you.” He thumbed gently at the inside of Malfoy’s wrists.

“Potter.”

“We should probably have a talk, tonight,” Harry said after a long moment, where they just stared at each other, the tension of many unsaid things heavy between them. “Maybe I should come over.”

Malfoy swallowed, and nodded. “Maybe you should bring a clean shirt. For tomorrow.”

Harry could feel Malfoy’s pulse under his fingertips. His wrists were blood hot. “Yeah,” Harry said, low. “And a tie.”

[lena-in-a-red-dress]

Nia just needed a friend to do a hard mall trip. Trying out dresses. For a formal dance. And hey, maybe Lena and Kara are mad at each other but... She just needs Lena okay?

When Lena receives a call from an unknown number, she almost ignores it. But just enough people spread her phone number that she answers it on the off chance it might be someone who needs her.

“Lena Luthor, how can I help you?”

“Lena, please don’t hang up.”

The voice is familiar, but Lena can’t place it until the voice continues.

“It’s Nia. Nia Nal? And I know--” Lena almost hangs up right then-- not because it’s Nia, but because Nia treads dangerously close to a subject Lena is dead set on avoiding. Almost. “I know you have no reason to take my call, but… I need your help.”

Lena almost hangs up. She doesn’t.

“What do you need?”

---

The crisis, Lena learns, is that Nia has been given the assignment of her life covering the Golden Globes ceremony being hosted in downtown National City, but has nothing even remotely appropriate to wear. The mundanity of it all is so far from what Lena expects that it’s long moments before the words fully register.

“Uh, Lena…?”

“I’m here,” Lena says quickly, clearing her throat. She leans forward in her chair, rattling off an address. “Meet me there tomorrow at 11am.”

The next day, a few minutes after eleven, Nia walks up to Lena outside of Sylvie with hesitation all over her face. “Lena?”

Lena tucks her phone away and turns towards Nia with a professional but bright grin. “Nia, you made it.”

“Uhm, yeah actually… I kinda thought I’d gotten lost…”

Lena looks at her in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Lena, I can’t afford anything on this boulevard, are you crazy??”

Oh.

“You’re not paying,” Lena says simply.

Wide eyes blink at her in shock. “What? No! No, Lena, I can’t ask you to do that--”

“I’m offering.”

“Look, I was thinking we could just go to the mall--”

“The mall.”

Nia quails under Lena’s judgement, and Lena softens.

“Nia, you are about to be on the red carpet, covering an event that could catapult your career into the stratosphere. I think that warrants something a little more than what a department store can offer.”

“But…” Nia continues to protest, but uncertainty colors her features, and Lena knows she’s slipped under her guard. Carefully, Lena places a hand on Nia’s wrist.

“I won’t force you to accept what I’m offering,” she says gently. “But calling a Luthor for help means calling for a Luthor solution-- and nothing says Luthor more than shopping at the best boutique in town.”

Nia nods, but she ducks her chin with a swallow. “It’s just…”

“Just what?”

“I don’t want you to think that’s why I called, you know?” Nia expels a sigh, working a harried hand through her hair. “It’s just that Kara was supposed to come with me for moral support, but she’s had to cancel four times and the ceremony is in three days and if Andrea hears one more time that I don’t have a dress, she’s going to kill me…”

“Nia,” Lena says softly. Nia stops, and meets Lena’s gaze with a hesitant one of her own. “I would never think you were calling for a hand out. I’m offering.” Nia still looks uncertain, but Lena holds her gaze. “You asked for help… so let me help.”

Nia considers her words, studying Lena carefully. Finally, she wraps her arms around herself with a steadying sigh. “If you’re sure…”

“I’m sure.”

Nia follows a few paces behind as Lena turns and approaches the door to the shop, lingering to let Lena be the one to press the buzzer to be allowed in. But as they near, the door opens for them, ready and waiting to admit them.

Luthors don’t use buzzers.

“Welcome to Sylvie.” A pair of well groomed attendants relieve them of their purses, exchanging their bags for a couple flutes of champagne offered by a third.

“Thank you,” Lena replies easily, well versed in the practice. Nia fumbles a step behind, her movements stiff and uncertain. Instead of moving directly into the belly of the store as she usually did, Lena lingers, allowing Nia the chance to take in the shop for the first time. The showroom looks much like any other, as could be glimpsed through the windows, styled with clean lines and immaculately dressed mannequins. The true Sylvie experience, however, happens further in, beyond the curtains that separate the dressing rooms from the rest of the store.

“If you’ll follow me, ladies, I’ll show you to your dressing room.”

Lena wonders what Nia expected as they approached one of the curtained off areas. Perhaps a cramped alcove like the hollywood thrift stores shown in coming-of-age films, where your elbows knocked the walls as you changed and you’d be lucky to find a stool to put your own clothes. Certainly it isn’t the plush, spacious room that awaits them, if Nia’s wide eyes are anything to go by.

Charnelle waits for them at the curtain. “Welcome, ladies,” she greets, parting the curtain so that Lena and Nia can slip inside. “Lena, lovely to see you again.”

“And you,” Lena returns.

“I’m Charnelle,” she introduces herself to Nia. “Wonderful to meet you. I’ll be assisting the two of you today.”

“Thankyousomuch,” Nia says in a rush, her shoulders tight as she shakes Charnelle’s offered hand.

Charnelle allows the curtains to close behind them, isolating them in their own little pocket of divine luxury. Lena settles herself on the central chaise lounge, folding her legs elegantly before her. Nia perches on the edge beside her, her gaze flicking to the small boudoir in one corner and another curtain that shields the actual changing area. Inside there, Lena knows Nia will find a plush bench to sit on as she undresses, and gold hangers to hold her clothes while she tries on various gowns. It’s designed to be beyond comfortable, a place where one could spend hours-- and lots and lots of money.

“So, what do you have for us today, Lena? Another benefit gala to dazzle?”

“Actually,” Lena replies, “Miss Nal here is covering the Golden Globes this week for CatCo Worldwide.”

“How exciting!” Charnelle rounds on Nia. “And what are you looking for in your gown?”

Caught with a mouthful of champagne, Nia freezes, then swallows audibly. “Um…” she coughs out. “Something nice? I probably shouldn’t be outdressing the stars or anything, so nothing too crazy?” She shrugs. “I don’t know, exactly.”

“Charnelle,” Lena intercedes, “could you bring us some formal options in black, maroon, or blue? Floor length, of course.”

Charnelle nods, beaming. “Absolutely.” She gives Nia a wink. “She has your colors nailed, honey. What are your measurements?”

Nia stares at them both. “Uh. A six, usually?”

“They’ll need your measurements to ensure a proper fit,” Lena delivers gently. “Do you mind if Charnelle--?”

“I’m trans!” Nia blurts, her chinks coloring a solid ear-to-ear pink. “Sorry,” she adds quietly. “But-- yeah. Just so you know.”

Lena stares, surprised more by the outburst than its content, but Charnelle takes it in stride. “So am I, baby girl,” she responds smoothly. “That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to have a dress that fits.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, Nia finally, finally relaxes. She offers a shaky grin. “Okay. Yeah. Let’s do this.”

Charnelle gives Nia’s wrist a squeeze on her way to the boudoir to pull a tape measure from the top drawer. While she’s busy, Lena catches Nia’s eye and lifts her glass in a silent cheers of support. Nia rewards her with a small smile, before Charnelle returns and makes quick work of measuring Nia’s bust, waist and hips.

“All right!” Charnelle chirps, wrapping up her tape. “I’ll be right back with some options. You two stay here and get comfortable, all right? I’ll be right back.”

She disappears, and Nia all but collapses onto the chaise next to Lena. “I can’t believe I did that,” she groans.

Lena pats her on the knee. “You’re all right. Sylvie only gets my business because they know the value of discretion.”

“Yeah.” Nia lifts her head with a hum, surveying the dressing room once more. “This is nice. Thank you for talking me into it.”

Lena smirks. “Just wait.”

As if on cue, the curtains part to admit not Charnelle, but the woman who’d offered them their drinks. This time, her tray holds an array of small finger sandwiches. “Refreshments?”

“Oh, wow!” Nia exclaims, quickly helping herself to three. “Okay, yeah. I could get used to this.”

Lena grins, snaring a cucumber sandwich for herself. “Thank you. And another round, if you could,” she adds, seeing Nia’s empty glass.

The woman nods. “Of course.”

When she has disappeared again, the dressing room fills with quiet, and Lena realizes that she doesn’t have a clue what to say. She’s gone shopping with her mother, and with Andrea, and in both cases the conversation flowed easily, for better or for worse. But she’s never been shopping with a girl several years her junior, and never one in the middle of Lena’s biggest heartbreak.

“It happened the last time I went shopping for a dress too,” Nia says, breaking the silence. “The anxiety about… you know. I guess something about formal wear brings out the worst of it.”

Unsure of how to respond, Lena looks at her. “When was the last time?”

Nia sighs. “Prom. I’d transitioned by then, and most people were used to me, but I didn’t have a date, and part of me just internalized it as a fixture of me not being girly enough, and not, you know, the fact I didn’t know how to talk to boys, let alone date them. I didn’t even know if it was worth it to go at all, and I just-- started crying, right there in the dress shop.”

“What happened then?” Lena asks gently.

Nia smiles fondly. “My mom. She just hugged me, and told me how proud she was to have such a beautiful, confident daughter. It was sort of embarrassing at the time, but… it was something I needed to hear, you know?”

She pauses then as the server returns with their champagne. Afte the woman dips out again, Lena nudges her. “And did you ever find a dress?”

Nia snorts, nodding. “Yeah. Like, two minutes after I calmed down I found my dream dress. And my friends and I had a blast at prom, so I’m glad I went after all.”

“Good,” Lena murmurs, sipping her drink. “Well, I can’t promise anything about a dream dress, but I’ll call it a win if we get out of here without any tears.”

“Cheers to that,” Nia concurs, lifting her own glass for a deep sip.

In that moment, Charnelle returns, wheeling a short cart of long dresses along with her.

“All right, ladies-- who’s ready to see some gowns?”

---

Nia settles on a bias-cut gown of sky blue, accented with beaded embroidery at the bust and straps. It may not have qualified for dream status, but it’s perfect for the Globes, and Lena can tell Nia is excited by the time they step back out onto the street, garment bag draped over her arm.

“Thank you, again,” Nia offers, hiking her purse higher on her shoulder. “You really didn’t have to do all this, especially with how weird things are right now. I know it probably wasn’t easy to say yes when I called last night.”

Lena blinks. It honestly hadn’t occurred to her to say no. “Nia?”

“Yeah?”

“Why did you call me?” It’s her turn now to shift uncomfortably on her feet. “I’m always happy to help, but… as you say, things are weird. Why me?”

“Honestly?” Nia asks. Lena nods. “You remind me of my mom. I can’t begin to tell you how or why, but you do. And the thing is… my mom was probably the kindest person I’ve ever known. So-- if you reminded me of her, I figured you were a pretty safe bet. And the worst you could do was hang up on me, so…”

Right.

Lena nods, her throat locking painfully around a sudden lump in her throat. Forcing a smile, she clears her throat. “Okay. Well… I’m glad I was able to help. Are you okay to get home?”

Nia nods easily. “Yeah, I’ll just catch the bus. Thank you again. This was really nice, and it was really good to see you.”

Lena nods, but before she can turn away, Nia catches her by the wrist.

“I mean it, Lena. I owe you one. If you ever need anything…”

Lena turns her wrist, allowing her hand to settle into Nia’s palm. Giving it a squeeze, Lena offers her a smile.

“I know who to call.”

// prompts are closed

[supercorpkid]

Rager Teenager.

Supercorp, Kara Danvers x Daughter!Reader, Lena Luthor x Daughter!Reader, Alex Danvers x Niece!Reader, Kelly Olsen x Niece!Reader

Word Count: 2900.

Alex doesn’t even look shocked when she sees you landing in her backyard, dropping a bag of clothes loudly on the ground.

“Hey.” You greet her with a smile, looking at her standing in the doorway with a glass of wine in her hands.

“Running away, kiddo?” She points at the bag, but she means it like a joke. Let’s just say you were quite generous with the amount of clothes you packed. You could be leaving the house for a month, for what it’s worth. Yet, no one would actually think that you are running away from home.

“Yep.” You shrug it off. Her eyebrows are pinched together immediately. “Can I stay?”

Alex moves away from the door, giving you space to walk in. “Should I call your moms to let them know or-?”

“Nah, they’re aware.” You pick up your bag and make your way inside, passing her on the way in. “Hi, aunt Kelly. Where’s Jamie?”

“Oh, hi.” Kelly smiles at you from her wine glass. She then acknowledges the bag, pointing at it with her face. “Is that some big creation or something fun for you two to do?”

“Actually, just my clothes. I’m moving in.” You smile making your way to the stairs. “Indefinitely.”

“Oh. Sounds fun.” Kelly gives you two thumbs up, not looking as amused as she made it sound. “Your cousin is upstairs.”

“Cool. Thanks for letting me stay.” You say, making your way to Jamie’s bedroom to surprise her.

You are aware they didn’t exactly let you stay. Especially not ‘indefinitely’. But you know they would never say no to you, just like your moms would never say no to Jamie if she wanted to stay at your house. You also know that Alex is probably calling Kara right now, and that at some point tonight Kelly will try to assess how you’re feeling, claiming this is an open safe space.

It’s annoying that they’ll treat you like you’re the one that needs to talk about your feelings and understand them. You do understand what you’re feeling. You’re feeling like they think you should be ok with the fact that you don’t need their attention anymore. And of course you don’t need it. But you want it.

Your moms have always been your best friend. You tell them everything and you like that. You like the fact that you don’t have to be rebellious to get their attention, because you are the most important person in their lives, and you liked that feeling.

But well, now things are different. Maybe you need to change a little. Make a little trouble. Be a rebel rascal. A wild child. A rager teenager.

“Hey!” You drop your bag in a loud thud on the floor, making Jamie look up from her phone.

“I see you finally brought back all the things you borrowed from me.” She points at the bag with her eyes, and you roll yours in response.

“You wish.” You throw yourself on her bed, in front of her. “I’m actually moving in.”

“You don’t say.” She throws her phone to the side, looking at you with curiosity in her eyes. “Well, go on. Let’s hear it.”

You tell her everything and Jamie looks amused that the first time you’re throwing a tantrum is over something so dumb as not getting their attention. Says the girl who doesn’t pick up her phone at eight -not even in a life-threatening situation- because that’s her catch up time with her moms.

“So your big rebellious act is coming to my house?” You nod. “I would’ve thought staying with, I don’t know, Lillian Luthor would be far more dramatic.”

“Should I?” You ask out loud, but you’re actually talking to yourself. “No, right? No. That’s insane.” Is it? Yes, yes it is. “But I do have another rebellious idea in my baggage.”

Jamie zeroes in the bag you brought in. Sure the bag is big, but it doesn’t fit what you’re thinking.

“Not my actual bag.” You roll your eyes. “I meant my emotional baggage.”

“Oh, that’s a lot bigger than that one.” She agrees with her head, making her point. You look at the enormous bag on the floor of her bedroom.

“No, it’s not.”

“Hey, remember that time you almost died?”

“Which one?” You ask and she gives you a satisfied grin, like she is saying ‘touché’. Yeah, you guess she has a point.

“ANYWAYS!” You say, trying to ignore her. “Movies!”

See, it was kind of obvious that you wouldn’t be good at being rebellious. You never had to do this before. You’ve only seen it in movies. Ok, so let’s try what movies did. In Harry Potter, Hermione's big rebellious act was erasing her parents' mind. Huh. That you have the means to do. But no, that’s insane. Right? Right! Making your moms forget you is insane! Maybe you should think of rom-coms or teen movies. Hm, in ‘Mean Girls’ Cady throws a party when they’re parents aren’t in the house and dresses slutty or whatever. You can’t pull any of this off. Who would come to your party? How would you kick your moms out of the house? And you would rather die than dress slutty.

“Movies.” Jamie repeats, incredulous. “You know, for a genius you really lack basic information at times.” She says making you gruff. “You want to be rebellious? Steal Lena’s BMW, sneak out, go to a party, get drunk-”

“I can’t exactly get drunk unless it is alien alcohol.” You add.

“Steal alien alcohol.” She adds to the list, a little disgruntled that you made her lose her train of thought. “Make me go with you.”

“You’re literally giving me the idea.”

“Hmm, yes. Because I’m dying to go to this party Maya told me about, but I need plausible deniability. As in-”

“If your moms ask, it was all my fault?” You ask with an eyebrow raise and she agrees with her head. “Ok, fine. I’ll take the blame. But I think we can be more rebellious than that.” You give her a wicked smile. “Can you imagine how crazy it would be if-” You take off your glasses. “She went to a party?”

“WHAT!” Jamie sits straighter in bed looking equally terrified and excited. “No! You can’t have Superkid go to a party! She is a SUPER! Kara would absolutely kill you.”

“What’s the point of only pissing off Lena? I do that way too much already.” You throw yourself back in bed, thinking about it. “Besides, no one wants a Luthor in their party. Now, who’s going to say no to Superkid?”

“Ok, wait a minute. I-I-” You can tell you have made Jamie really confused when you leave her speechless. “Superkid doesn’t even exist anymore, and you want to bring her back just so you can go to a party?”

“Superkid doesn’t-'' You laugh, then furrow your brows. Holy shit, people still think you’re not supering anymore. “Oh, yeah, about that. I’ve been supering in secret ever since I came back from that other reality.”

“You-” Jamie’s mouth comically open wide like a cartoon character. “But-You-And then-I don’t get it.”

“See? That’s why I’ve been doing it in secret.”

Because how do you do it? How do you go back to being a superhero when you made such a big deal about not ever wanting to be a superhero ever again in your life? How do you unsay it?

Should you just come back home and be like ‘oh yeah, by the way, Superkid exists again, and you have to go back to worrying about me, Lena. And yes, Kara, you might have to go to outer space save me again a couple of times. No biggy. Good night!’

So you don't, right? You sneak in in secret instead. Pray you don't die on the job. Pray they don't find out. And mostly, you pray that you're doing the correct thing, because it's the righteous thing to do and not because you selfishly want that powerful feeling you had before.

“So for weeks you’ve been going around National City saving people and no one knew?” You nod. She needs to make sure. Jamie slaps your arm like you could feel pain. “You didn’t even tell me?”

“I’m telling you right now. Before anyone else.” She still rolls her eyes at you. “Come on, it’s a great way for Superkid to do her comeback. At a party, dancing with stupid teens.” Jamie looks unconvinced. “We can still take Lena’s car.”

“Why would we need it? You can just fly us there.”

“Yeah, I know. But it will piss off Lena.” You give her another wicked grin. “I’ll let you drive.”

“Yeah, ok, cool.”

Simple as that.

So it’s Friday night, Jamie agrees she will go to the party with Maya, and you told your girlfriend you were grounded. Yes, it’s a lie. But barely. You’re sure you’ll be grounded right after this, anyways.

It’s before midnight when both of your aunts say goodnight and go to bed. Kelly makes sure she schedules a ‘talking about your feelings’ session right on Saturday morning with you, before she leaves, though. Ugh, this won’t be fun.

You give them some time, then use your super hearing to make sure they are asleep, before you fly out the window and look for Lena. Like you suspected it’s Friday night and she’s made it back to L Corp, after you left home. Rao, you’re so mad.

You fly home and check for Kara’s presence. All clear. Must be tailing Arnold McKenan or running away from her problems. For someone so brave, you can’t believe how much of a coward she is when it comes to Lena. Rao, you’re raging.

You grab Lena’s car keys, your supersuit in their closet, and then pick the car up and drop off in front of Jamie. You love Jamie, and you know she drives better than you do, but still you fly behind her car the entire time to make sure she is safe. Damn the car, if it was for you, you would toss it in the ocean, it’s Jamie you care about.

“Holy!” Maya says, when she slides in the car. “That’s-wow! Did you steal this?”

“For sure.” Jamie smiles and drives off, leaving nothing but tire marks behind.

“Is that why Superkid is following us?” Maya asks, and you smile to yourself.

“Nah. She was saving a kitten and I asked if she wanted to come to a party. Now, she’s following the car.”

“WHAT!” Maya yells, sounding excited. “You’re joking! We’re going to a party with Superkid?” She gets nothing but a nod. “Holy fucking shit! I can’t believe my girlfriend won’t be there. Maybe we could convince her to sneak out?”

“Please. Do you even know your girlfriend?” You hear Jamie’s response. “She would never.” You scoff. “Besides, I don’t want to be third-wheeling all night. You guys are awfully handsy.”

“Yeah, well. She’s hot.” Maya says, making you smile even more. “Here. We’re here.” And so Jamie parks.

“Hi!” You open the car’s door to Maya, giving you her hand so she can exit the car. “I’m Superkid.”

“Of course you are.” She manages to say, looking red as a tomato.

“Your friend Jamie said it was ok if I came. I hope I’m not intruding on anything.”

“NO! No! Not at all. You’re more than welcomed. I mean, it’s not my party, but I’m guessing you will be more than welcome. I mean, who wouldn’t want Superkid in their party, right? So yeah you’re welcome! Anyways, you cool? I’m cool.” She rambles, making you and Jamie share a look. “Oof, I’m sweating.”

“Don’t be nervous.” You put your hand on her shoulder for a light squeeze. “I’m just a normal teen.”

She wheezes out a laugh. “I don’t know about normal.”

“More than you think. Shall we?” You point inside the house, and she agrees with her head. They fall a little behind you, and you can hear Maya whispering.

“Doesn’t she look awfully familiar?”

“Haven’t you met her before a few times?” Jamie saves you and you smile when Maya agrees, and lets it go.

Let’s just say going to a party as Superkid is on the top of the best ideas you’ve ever had. Superkid is a big hit. There’s even a line so people can take pictures with you. And they all love you. You’ve never felt so loved in your life. This was exactly what you needed.

It sucks that alcohol does literally nothing to you, but you still enjoy watching Jamie and Maya getting louder and flushed and talking nonsense to you all night. So this is what it's like to be a normal teenage girl? You’ll take it.

It is also very exciting that Maya can’t ever stop bringing your name up. The real you. Not Superkid. Not you in this shiny suit. The nerdy you that is apparently home, texting her so she can enjoy the party.

The night goes on and you don’t think once about Lena in her stupid office, doing her dreary paperwork, acting like that fucking company is more important than your family’s existence. You also don’t think about Kara in that stupid DEO, doing her dreary patrol, acting like the fucking world is more important than your family’s wellbeing. Or maybe you thought about it once or twice. But not as much as you would if you were home alone waiting for them. But hey, you shouldn’t be thinking about them! They sure as hell aren’t thinking about you right now.

“Shit, shit, shit.” Jamie says looking at her phone. “It’s mami! She probably noticed I’m not in my bedroom.”

“It’s ok. Let me see that.” You grab her phone. “I’ll take this up in the sky, so she doesn’t hear all the noise.”

“You’re going to answer her phone?” Maya asks, and you realize that it doesn’t make a lot of sense for you to be answering the phone of some girl you just met. Damn! Maya still makes sense even with all the alcohol.

“Oh. Um. I’m really good at impressions!” You say with a smile. But you can’t actually impersonate Jamie. You put both hands on your waist and look up. “Hope, help, and compassion for all.” Then you smile. “That was Supergirl.”

“It was perfect.” She says, and now the alcohol is probably doing the effect again.

“Ok! Gotta go!” You fly up and notice that a bunch camera flashes follow you. Feels good to be loved. “Heeeey auntie.”

“Where the hell are the two of you?” Kelly yells through her phone and you actually have to take it off your ear, because it’s too loud.

“Oh!” Think of something, come on. “We’re at-at the Fortress. I brought Jamie to help me look for this thing-”

“And none of you thought it was a good idea to let us know that? We were here thinking she was kidnapped!”

“By whom?”

“Well, I don’t know. It’s a new threat every day in this town! A few weeks ago you literally vanished from your bedroom one night!” Oh, that. What a cool funny story, that no one thinks is cool nor fun, except you. Kelly exhales. “Why didn’t she pick up the phone herself?”

“Oh! I think she got lost in one of the rooms.” You hate that you’re lying so much. You never once lied to Kelly before. What if she just knows? “Don’t worry, auntie. We’re safe, and will be back home in bed soon, ok? Go to bed, everything is ok. Goodnight!”

You hang up before she answers. Way to be suspicious. You come back to the party and see Jamie hyperventilating afraid of the conversation you just had.

“We should go.”

“Relax, I handled it.” You pick up another jello shot, putting on Jamie’s hand. “Chill, I’ve got this. No one will ever know.”

And when you make it back home and park Lena’s car exactly like it was parked -in all honesty Jamie couldn’t parallel park so you picked it up and put it in its place-, you think no one will ever know. And when you and Jamie sneak in her bedroom and go straight to bed, and none of her moms wake up, you are sure no one will ever know.

Wouldn’t it be nice if that was actually the case? But when you wake up the next morning… Oh, crap. Oh, shit. Oh, no. What are Kara and Lena doing here?

[strawwritesfic]

Harry Potter x Werewolf!Reader: Belong

Summary: It is sometimes the arms of our loved ones that hold us together.

Rating/Warnings/Tags: All (references to scars on arms and death; set during canon events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows; Ron & Reader friendship; Hermione & Reader friendship)

Challenge: “115 Word Challenge” by BonitaWolfSpirt on Lunaesence Archives.

Tag List: @imaginesfire

Belong

The summer prior to your seventh year was the coldest in your memory. It was not just the breeding of dementors that caused the chill, either. Sixteen had not been good year for you. The slow rise of Voldemort had seen the loss of many things: your normal life, your family, and—worst of all—Albus Dumbledore, the one person who had tried to keep a distraught student intact. Staring out upon the misty yard of the Weasley home, you felt as numb and as hopeless as the night you’d got the owl saying your parents had died in the line of duty.

“What are you looking at, [Name]? You’ve been awfully quiet.”

You turned at last from Ron’s bedroom window. Three others crowded the tiny space: Ron himself, Hermione, and, of course, Harry.

It was the last who had interrupted your deluge of thoughts. The trio had been talking among themselves, you realized, and you hadn’t heard a word. Bashful, you stepped carefully through Hermione’s large spread of books to sit next to her on the small bed. Her frown deepened the closer you got to her.

“What’s wrong?” she asked. “You don’t look so well.”

What wasn’t wrong was a better question. All the same, you didn’t want to intrude on their planning. Mrs. Weasley hadn’t given any of you a chance to sit down since Harry arrived. You shook your head as you pulled your knees to your chest to give Ron more walking room. Hermione, however, knew you well enough to press the issue.

“[Name]…”

“I was thinking,” you said slowly, “about how I won’t get to go back to school.”

“Why wouldn’t you be able to go back to school?” said Harry. Even as you smiled at him, your fingers clapped around your forearm. The raised skin there felt hard through the fabric of your top. He knew better than anyone what direction your thoughts were going and scowled as he added, “That shouldn’t be an issue.”

“It shouldn’t be, but it will be,” Ron said absently, only to have Harry turn his scowl on him instead.

“Dumbledore—”

“Dumbledore’s gone, Harry,” said Hermione.

“McGonagall won’t—”

“McGonagall won’t have a choice.” You sounded tired, and you were. Those same thoughts had been playing through your mind repeatedly every night since your former headmaster’s death. It was hard to believe that a mere year ago, you had had both parents and a healthy body. “Voldemort’s got his claws into the Ministry. They’re not going to let a werewolf go to school.”

“She won’t let them ban you. She’ll fight it.”

“And they’ll get her fired and replaced with a Death Eater. Or they’ll just kill her outright. Face it, Harry. Hogwarts needs Professor McGonagall more than it needs me.”

No one needed you. In the face of Harry’s fierce gaze, you felt tears prick at the corners of your eyes and stared at your bare feet to avoid him seeing.

“That’s not fair,” he said at last.

You had to smile at that. “No, it’s not. I just don’t where I’ll go instead.”

“Well, that’s obvious,” said Ron. “You’ll stay here. Mum and Dad won’t kick you out.”

Molly and Arthur had shown you a great kindness in opening their home to you that summer. They’d known your parents well, had practically been your adopted aunt and uncle while you’d been growing up. So long as Lupin came by once a month with a Wolfsbane Potion, you were not a danger to them…but you were still another mouth to feed in a difficult time, another obstacle to the Weasleys managing a happy life. How could you stay, knowing that? A werewolf in the house would only make things harder for Arthur at work.

“No,” you said. “I’ll probably go abroad. My parents left me some money. Maybe I’ll go to America, and—”

“You’ll come with us.”

A beat of silence followed Harry’s proclamation. Ron and Hermione exchanged a look you didn’t understand—not that you could spare much thought about its meaning, given how busy you were gaping at Harry.

“What?” you gasped.

“You’ll come with us. We can’t go back to Hogwarts either. It makes sense.”

Your nervous laughter lifted into the air. “No, it doesn’t. You’ve already said you didn’t want me coming.”

“I’ve changed my mind.”

“I’m not asking for your pity.”

“This isn’t pity.”

“Do you think I’m going to run off to America and fall in love with some other boy?”

“Hardly.”

“Good,” you said. You knew how lucky you were, to have a boyfriend that didn’t care that you’d been bitten. When the other students flung curses at you even after Dumbledore had allowed you to continue your education, Harry had gone out of his way to protect you. You loved him. But you wouldn’t ask him for more than he had already given you. “I can’t come with you. Wherever you’re going, I’m sure Wolfsbane Potions will be light on the ground.”

“Actually…” Every eye in the room swiveled to Hermione. As usual when it to came her myriad talents, she pretended to be perfectly blasé as she continued, “I’ve been practicing, and I think I’ve got the finer details down. Keeping you docile at the full moon shouldn’t be a problem at all.”

Hermione doing this—especially after all the times she’d given you a shoulder to cry on the year before—broke your heart. “That’s lovely,” you said in a hushed voice, “but we won’t exactly be able to get ingredients on the fly.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” she said cheerfully. “I’ve been making regular orders in bulk all summer. There’s enough to keep you in stock for at least a year inside my bag.”

The statement struck you speechless. A desire to cry swallowed you so fully that for several minutes you were capable only of preventing yourself from doing so. Eventually, you were able to croak out:

“Why?”

Ron smirked as he reached over to clap your back. “Neither of us really thought Harry would be able to leave you behind, mate. I’ve been taking notes from Lupin whenever he visits, too. You know, so we can make sure you’re comfortable while we’re on the road.”

Now you couldn’t help but allow the tears to run down your cheeks. Harry caught your eye and nodded.

“So it’s settled. You’re coming.”

“Th-thank you,” you said through a hiccup.

Then, before anything else could be said, Ron leaned in closer for a hug. Hermione followed suit. So did Harry, until you were tangled up in the arms of all your closest friends, laughing and crying at the same time. Yes, you were more alone than you’d ever been in your life in some ways, but as far as you were concerned, in that moment, there had never been a place you’d more belonged.

[mandoalorian]

Hey, can I request Javi Gutiérrez having a fight with the reader because they want to make their relationship public but Javi knows that he can’t because of the whole plot and blabkabla. But at the end Javi apologizes and have a fluffy/angst moment?

Together [Javi Gutiérrez x F!Reader]

Warnings: vague spoilers for The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, allusions to sex, pregnancy mention, toxic family mention, drugs mention

Reblogs appreciated as this isn’t showing up in tags. 🧡

Javi was your world. He was your sun and your moon. And you were in love with him.

You and Javi had been together for a couple of years now, and you were living together in his secret jungle mansion. You had never met anyone like Javi. He was so pure of heart, and endearing in every sense of the word. He had his hobbies and interests and he was so passionate. You could listen to him babble on forever about his favourite films and the screenplay he’d been working so hard on.

You’d talked about marriage, sure. Javi was keen to start a family and have kids of his own one day, that much was clear. The conversation regarding yours and his ‘future’ was beginning to crop up more and more often nowadays, occasionally during after-sex pillow talk or occurring amidst movie night. It seemed like Javi wanted a small, private wedding. It’s not like he could make it a big deal, after all. He vaguely spoke about wanting three kids; a boy and two girls, but again, he seemed hesitant on the subject.

You knew that Javi loved you, even during the times you and him argued. It seemed like lately though, your arguments were about your future.

“You say you want to marry me, and yet I haven’t even met your mom. Lucas doesn’t even know about us. Nobody knows about us.” you muttered, crossing your arms over your chest.

Javi’s gaze briefly flicked from the Nic Cage movie that was playing on the television, over to you, where you were sitting on the opposite end of the sofa, your lips curled into a frown.

“You know why that is.” Javi told you, his usual expressive voice now monotone and serious, like there was absolutely no room for questioning him.

You did know. You knew exactly what kind of dysfunctional, narcotic-selling family you had wormed your way into two years ago. To be fair, at least Javi had the decency to warn you.

You didn’t reply, instead looking down at your nails and picking at them nervously. Javi sighed and paused the movie before turning to face you.

“You know fine well what Lucas is like,” He sighed, running his fingers through his long brown curls. “If we were to elope, and start a family, I wouldn’t want him to be involved at all.”

“I feel like Lucas likes me.” you shrugged quietly.

“He does,” Javi coos, shuffling closer to you and adjusting the cashmere blanket that was resting over your lap. “But baby, if he finds out that we’re together. He’d have you killed. Maybe even kill me too.”

You were fighting back tears now. “I just want to be with you Javi. We shouldn’t have to worry about this.”

Javi nodded his head understandingly and took your hand, brushing comforting circles into your skin. “What if we marry in secret?” he proposed, but you weren’t having it.

“Everything is ‘in secret’. We’ve dated in secret for the past two years. Then what? We marry in secret and neither of us can wear our wedding bands? And what about when I fall pregnant, Javi? Do we have a secret baby? How the hell is all of this going to work?”

“I don’t know!” Javi snapped, pointing his finger. He was angry, sure. Not at you, but at the fact you were hurting like this and there was nothing he could do about it. His heart yearned to make you happy, and knowing that there was no way to do that pained him so much. You sniffed and rested your head on his shoulder. “We could run away.” he suggested quietly.

“The world thinks you’re a freakin’ king-pin, Javi. If we ran away, and Lucas didn’t catch us, then the cops certainly would. We’re prisoners if we stay and we’re prisoners if we leave.” you sighed.

“You think one day they’ll find out the truth about Lucas?” Javi swallowed thickly at the thought. “Because I’m not as bad as they make out.”

You laugh quietly and press a kiss into your boyfriend’s jaw. “I know you’re not, Javi. Your favourite movie is Paddington 2 and you eat Marshmallow Fluff straight out of the jar. I know you’re not as bad as they make out,” Javi smiled at your comment, the corners of his honey brown eyes crinkling with delight. “The day the world figures out the truth about Lucas will be the day we’re set free.”

Javi pulled the blanket over the both of you and grabbed the TV remote, playing the movie.

“But for now, you’ll stay with me, won’t you? I know it’s hard, but I love you, my dear.”

You kissed him again, this time your lips delicately brushing against his. “Of course I’ll stay with you Javi,” you promised. “We’ll get through this together.”

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[honeypiehotchner]

intelligence & issues (Hotch x Fem!Reader) -- chapter twenty-eight

Hi babes! I forgot to say this last chapter, but I made a playlist for this story! Here’s the link xx. You’re welcome to snoop around my Spotify! I make tons of playlists haha (Here’s the link to the “pov: you’re falling in love with aaron hotchner” one <3)

Chapter title is from “Let’s Get Married” by Bleachers!

Warnings: lots of ~suggestive~ comments (no smut), angst if you squint (i think), loads of fluff

Previous chapter || Fic Masterlist

Chapter Twenty-Eight: I know it’s hard enough to love me

Aaron doesn’t get done at the BAU until seven. Much later than he wanted, but he had work that he couldn’t abandon. The case still wasn’t closed yet – all the paperwork is done now, but it normally doesn’t take him this long.

He shouldn’t overanalyze his every move, but he can’t help it. He knows he’s walking a thin line, dating a member of his team. A fellow agent, a much younger fellow agent, when he’s a divorced father who doesn’t even have custody of his own son, only visitation.

It’s tearing him apart. But the one thing that puts him back together, is seeing you.

So, that’s what he does.

He didn’t like leaving you this morning. He didn’t want to. But he didn’t expect the psych eval to upset you as much as it did. He truly was only trying to give you a heads up – even though that’s against his rules, too.

He’s breaking all his rules for you. Every last one of them.

And yet, you don’t care.

You open your apartment door to him, and you throw yourself in his arms like you’ve waited all day for him.

“I’m sorry I’m so late,” he says, kicking your door closed with his foot. His arms are around your waist and yours are around his neck, so he’s lifting you off the ground just enough to carry you over to the couch. He’s careful when he shifts your weight as he sits down, so he can swing your legs around gently so you’re sitting in his lap, your arms never having to leave their place around his neck.

“It’s okay,” you say, your voice muffled due to the fact that you’re hiding your face in his neck. “I’m sorry I was so grumpy this morning.”

Aaron sighs, rubbing your back. “You’re forgiven, I promise.”

You lift your head a little to press a kiss to his cheek, your apology in two parts. “My mom and I talked about it.”

“What did she have to say about it?”

You smile softly. “That you look at me the way my grandpa looked at my grandma.”

Aaron hums, curious.

You continue. “She said you looked like you’d bring the moon down to Earth if I asked you.”

He chuckles, pressing a kiss to your lips. “I would.” Another kiss. “I’d need some help.” Another kiss. “But just say the word.”

Another kiss and you’re giggling. “I don’t need the moon, Aaron.”

“No?” He raises an eyebrow. “Or are you too afraid to ask?”

You shake your head. “I’m not.”

He tilts his head, giving you another look. “Little girl…”

“No,” you stop him, pulling him closer, staring into the glass of whiskey that is his eyes. “I don’t need the moon…because I have you.” You pause, watching his eyes, seeing his reaction. “And that’s enough,” you whisper. “I don’t know how to let you love me, but I’m gonna try.”

“Y/N…”

“Mom told me you just love me too much. You’re not trying to upset me, you’re just…trying to make sure I’m okay and that I can do this without killing myself, I guess.”

“She’s right,” he adds softly.

“I know she is,” you chuckle. “She’s right a lot more than I want her to be, but point is, I’m not mad at you. Thank you for the warning about the psych eval. I know you weren’t trying to be a dick by doing it.” He’s not out to get you. You know that now, or you’re trying to.

“Thank you for saying all this,” he says quietly, the one hand that isn’t holding your back coming up to brush your cheek. “I owe you an apology, too. I didn’t do a good job of explaining earlier and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have sprung that on you right before I had to leave. That wasn’t fair.”

“It really wasn’t,” you laugh, “but thank you.”

He hums, sealing the resolve with another kiss. “Have you eaten dinner?”

You shake your head. “I was waiting for you.”

He sighs, smiling despite his better judgment. “I appreciate that, but it’s late. You didn’t need to wait for me.”

“Well, tough.” You lay your head on his shoulder, biting your cheeks to keep from smiling. You’re more than well aware that that little comment will poke Aaron’s buttons. His hand tightening around your waist is evidence of it.

“What do you want to eat, brat?”

Your breath hitches. Then, as if you want to make it worse, you say, “Do you want me to answer that honestly?”

Aaron sighs again, this time tired and ragged, holding on by a thin thread. “Food, little girl. Food. My cock isn’t food.”

“Well…”

“Y/N.”

“Fine, fine. I don’t know, pizza? Pizza is a safe bet.”

“Pizza it is then,” he says, pulling his phone out of his pocket. While he’s looking up the number of the pizza place, he says nonchalantly, “You know I’m not fucking you until you’re fully recovered. I won’t say it a third time.”

You want to argue because technically sucking him off isn’t him fucking you, but you decide not to. Right now.

Later, you will. He’ll cave eventually. You’re sure of it.

+++

Aaron curves your every attempt to steer things in a more sensual direction. You don’t mind it really, you like teasing him like this – even if you know it’ll come back to bite you in the ass when he decides to punish you for it all. But he insists on not fucking you.

You know you were just shot, but you wish he’d just slam you into the wall already.

Unfortunately, your injured leg doesn’t coordinate with your desire because rough sex – or any sex – is off the table now.

You weren’t going to take any pain medicine for it because it wasn’t hurting that bad, but then it got worse, and you think it’s probably because you did laundry today when you definitely shouldn’t have. You’re not telling Aaron that, though. No way.

Still, he made you take some pain medicine, and now you’re settling into the first Harry Potter movie. He kept his word and you did, too. He needs to watch all of them.

You’re lying down now with your head in his lap – on a pillow, of course, because he doesn’t want you getting any ideas – as the familiar tune of the opening scene plays.

You doze in and out, falling asleep quickly because Aaron’s hands are massaging small circles into your head. You recall him throwing a blanket over you at some point, so you must’ve been shivering.

It’s not long before you’ve fallen asleep completely, waking only after the movie has ended and Aaron has you in his arms bridal style, carrying you to your bed.

“What time is it?” You mumble, turning to bury your face in his shirt, inhaling the familiar smell that is your man.

“Almost eleven,” he whispers back.

You hum, wrapping your arms around his neck. “Are you staying?”

“Of course,” he replies almost instantly. “I stuck a bag in here when we surprised you.”

“You did?” You ask, smiling stupidly. “Cheeky motherfucker.”

He laughs, catching himself and muffling the sound so it doesn’t rattle your eardrums as hard. “Just looking out for my little girl.”

You hum again, pressing a kiss to his collarbone. “Your little girl loves it. And you.”

“And I love her too,” he murmurs. “Can I put you down now?”

Your eyes pop open lazily, seeing you’re in your bedroom. “Have you just been holding me?”

He nods as he lowers you onto the bed. “I felt like holding you.”

You hold onto his neck, and he doesn’t seem to mind as he stays bent over you, his nose brushing against yours. In the dim light, you take him in, searching his brown eyes, trying to find some reasoning, some magic spell that made it possible for him to love you this much.

“You better stop,” you whisper, not knowing where this is going.

“Or what?” He asks, inching closer, his lips ghosting over yours.

“Or I’ll wanna marry you for real,” you mumble. You’re aware of what you’re saying, but the exhaustion from the pain medicine makes it hard to fully process your own words. All you know is you mean them, every syllable.

“I already want to marry you,” he replies quietly. He’s not sure if you’re even coherent right now. You look like you are, but it seems too good to be true.

And as if his thoughts are confirmed, your eyes slip closed, sleep taking over.

You probably won’t remember this in the morning.

But he hopes you will.

+++

When you wake up, Aaron is long gone.

There’s a note next to a glass of water on your nightstand. He’s left for work and is going to try to be back earlier this evening. You smile at the thought, knowing he’ll get caught up again, but you don’t mind. It comes with the job.

You would love to go to the office for lunch. Maybe surprise him this time? You wouldn’t need a ride, as long as you don’t take anymore pain medicine today. The affects from last night’s is already gone.

He might kill you for it, but you’re doing it anyway. You miss everyone.

So, on that note, you get up and eat a quick breakfast before throwing on the comfiest clothes you own. It’ll be weird going into the BAU in these clothes with your badge clipped to the edge of your sweatshirt instead of to a blazer.

And sure enough, it does.

Stepping off the elevator on the floor of the BAU feels more nerve-wracking than it should.

On one hand, you’re excited to be here again, to see the rest of the team and to surprise all of them. On the other hand, you know Aaron won’t be happy with you (at first) for coming here. And you have this strange pit in your stomach, but you’re not sure what that’s about.

You push the negative feelings away and try to stay positive, focusing on the reactions from the rest of the team. They’ll be happy to see you, no doubt. That’s what you should be focusing on.

You’ve barely rounded the corner when you run into Penelope.

She grins, shaking her head. “You’re not supposed to be here, you sneaky little weasel.”

“I know, I know,” you groan. “But I was going insane and I miss you guys! I had to come visit and surprise everyone for lunch.”

“I can order in your favorite,” Penelope winks. “Come, come. Let’s grab JJ.”

Penelope links her arm with yours and the two of you walk to JJ’s office. JJ is at her desk and not on the phone for once, but the stacks of case files are as tall as ever. She looks up when you knock on her doorframe, and her face breaks into a grin.

“Hey you!” She stands, ignoring the open file to give you a hug. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to say hi,” you chuckle, squeezing her tight. “I’m going insane doing nothing.”

“It’s barely been two weeks,” JJ laughs. “What are you gonna do for the other two months?”

“Don’t even tell me that,” you groan. “I don’t know. I’ll just come bug you guys every day off the clock, I guess.”

“And if they’re gone, you can come camp out with me in my lair,” Penelope offers.

“Of course,” you nudge her arm. “I’ll probably hide out with you to avoid the wrath of Hotch.”

“He doesn’t know you’re here?” JJ asks. She grimaces when you nod. “Good luck with that one, sister.”

“Why do you think I want to walk in there with you guys? I’m not going into the lion’s den alone.”

“Oh, you’d be fine,” Penelope laughs. “We’re still having a girl’s night, right? We still need details and you are not getting out of it.”

“Yes, yes, we can, we’ll find time,” you promise.

After another moment of idle conversation, the three of you head up the hall to the bullpen. Through the glass doors, you can see Reid doing another magical science trick, and he must be practicing because Derek and Emily are working on some paperwork instead of watching him.

You decide to surprise Emily first since her desk is closest. Derek spots you, but doesn’t say a word, letting you sneak up behind Emily.

“Did you use my shampoo?” You ask right into her ear (don’t ask why, it’s the first thing that came to mind).

She spins around and jumps up, pulling you into a hug. Derek gives you a hug next, and Reid waves from his desk before going back to whatever experiment he’s in the middle of doing.

“Where’s Hotch?” You ask, glancing between everyone.

“Your man is in his office,” Derek snickers. “What? Did you not get enough lovin’ this morning?”

“Shut it, Morgan,” you try to smack his arm, but he dodges your swing with a laugh. “And since you asked so nicely, I’m never satisfied.”

Your shit-eating grin earns cheering from the girls, but Morgan groans loudly, shuddering.

“I did not need to know that, L/N. Seriously.”

You shrug. “Don’t ask then.”

Morgan shakes his head, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. “I’m glad to see you’re just as feisty as always.”

“That’ll never leave me,” you wrap an arm around his waist, accepting his hug. “Where’s Rossi?”

“He took today off,” Emily answers.

“Something about his publisher,” JJ shrugs.

“Another book?” You ask. “I thought he was done with that.”

“Maybe,” Morgan says. “And I thought you weren’t allowed back here for at least another month.”

“To work,” you clarify, poking his stomach. “I’m just here to bug you guys and have lunch. I’m enjoying my time off, thank you very much.”

“You’re bored, aren’t you?”

“Out of my fucking mind,” you admit with a laugh.

You’re too busy talking to Morgan to realize Hotch has walked out of his office and is standing on the balcony, arms crossed over his chest, and a near death glare settled on you.

“Uh oh,” Morgan mutters, sliding his arm off your shoulders.

Your arm slips from around his waist, your eyebrows furrowing. “What—Oh. Oops.”

“Y/N,” Hotch says firmly. “Can I speak to you in my office?”

“You’re gon’ get it now,” Morgan says under his breath.

But you hear the remark, so you punch him in his side. “Of course, sir,” you say to Hotch, adding another jab to Morgan’s ribs when you hear him snickering at you. You’re gonna get him back later. So bad.

Aaron turns and walks back into his office. He’s closing the blinds when you walk in.

“Shut the door,” he says sternly.

You do as you’re told (for once), shutting the door behind you. “Aaron, I can expl—”

You don’t get to finish your sentence because the wind is knocked out of you, and Aaron lips are smothering your own. He nips at your bottom lip, and you open up for him, moaning when his tongue doesn’t even fight for dominance, just takes. The kiss has you hot all over, thanks to his wandering hands that run under your sweatshirt, leaving goosebumps everywhere his fingertips touch.

When he pulls back, you’re breathless, your chest heaving, your eyes wide, lips bruised.

“Um,” you pause to take a deep breath, licking your buzzing lips. “I’m sorry?”

“We’ll talk about this later,” he says sternly. “You’re lucky they’re out there or I’d bend you over my desk.”

You swallow thickly. “You still can.”

He smirks, but shakes his head, his thumb stroking your cheek softly. “No. And if they ask, you can say we were discussing your psych eval.”

You deflate at its mention. You try not to show it, but Aaron sees it. “When is that, by the way?”

“The Friday after next,” he says quietly. “At noon.”

“Okay,” you murmur. “When are you supposed to formally tell me?”

He chuckles. “Today is fine. I can tell Strauss I called you in to discuss it and you decided to have lunch with the team – if she asks.”

“Are you okay with lying to her this much?”

“Believe it or not, I’ve lied to her more often than you think. Before you joined us.”

“I don’t believe it,” you smirk. “You’re always such a stickler for the rules.”

“And yet here I am,” he pauses, kissing you again, “in love with you.”

“Loving me is dangerous, huh?”

“You have no idea.”

Next chapter

[drarrily-we-row-along]

Day 25: Hiraeth

Hiraeth (Welch): A kind of homesickness which is a combination of the homesickness, longing, nostalgia, and yearning, for a home that you cannot return to, no longer exists, or maybe never was.

Harry hated cleaning Grimmauld. And it always seemed that no matter how much cleaning he did, more junk (half of it cursed) appeared to replace it.

He forced himself to set aside two hours every Saturday morning, someday this house would be worth living in and having guests in.

This particular morning, Harry was working in the hideous study, cleaning out the desk and thinking that he really ought to tear out the carpet and take down the wall paper, when he accidentally knocked over a small bust of Merlin only knew which Black. A heartbeat after the bust was knocked over, a panel on the wall scraped open.

That was interesting.

With a bit of caution, which was warranted given how many things had attempted to kill and maim him in this house, Harry made his way over and peeked inside of what appeared to be a cupboard of some sort. Inside was a pensive with a shelf above with memories floating in vials. Many weren't labeled at all but there were some that were labeled in Sirius' familiar script.

One sitting right in the front, as though it had been placed there for him, was labeled Harry. There were several memories swirling together in this one and Harry found himself reaching out and pouring it into the pensive without really thinking about it.

A moment later he plunged his head into the pensive.

He looked around when he landed and saw that he was standing in his parents' home in Godric's Hollow. His mum was sitting on the couch with her feet propped on the coffee table rubbing at the side of her very pregnant belly.

Sirius was knelt on the floor next to her, rubbing his hand over the other side, "And I am going to be your favorite uncle," he promised. "I'm the cool one, I'll teach you how to ride my motorbike and help you with your boy trouble."

"His boy trouble?" his mum asked, obviously amused.

"Well, I can't very well help him with his girl trouble."

(Read more below the cut)

His mum laughed and brushed her fingers through Sirius' hair. "I suppose you're right about that.

"He's kicking," Sirius crowed, rubbing his thumb over his mum's belly. "Hi, Harry," he said. "It's your uncle Padfoot," he informed him, leaning closer and putting his mouth almost against her belly, "I love you and I cannot wait to meet you."

--------

The scene faded and was replaced by the next one.

"He's perfect, Prongs," Sirius murmured and Harry saw that he was standing in a hospital room. His mum was sitting up in a bed, looking tired but smiling so wide that Harry's mouth ached in sympathy. Sirius and his dad were standing close together, a baby held securely in Sirius' arms and his dad hovering near his head.

"Yeah," his dad whispered in reply, sounding genuinely choked up as he brushed his fingers over the baby's downy head.

"Look at his tiny fingers," Sirius said. "He's got your eyes, Lily," he added.

Harry watched as the baby wrapped Sirius forefinger in his little fist.

"Oh Godric," he murmured. "I'm gone on him," he said, looking up at James and Lily. "I love him more than life itself."

"We feel the same," his mum replied, smiling. "James, you should tell him."

His dad covered his mouth with his hand and shook his head as though he couldn't manage any words.

"Tell me what?"

"We want you to be Harry's Godfather," his mum said.

"Really?" Sirius whispered looking back and forth at his mum and dad like he could hardly believe they were serious.

"Yeah," his dad said, patting his shoulder, "Yeah, of course."

Sirius looked down at the baby in his arms and Harry watched a tear track down his cheek, "You hear that, Harry?" he murmured. "I'm your Godfather. I'll never let anything bad happen to you," he promised.

-------

Godric's Hollow came back into view and Sirius was sitting on the couch, his arm around Remus' shoulders while Remus fed Harry a bottle.

"You're just a little angel, aren't you?" Remus cooed at him. "Just the most perfect, beautiful baby anyone has ever seen."

The baby kicked his feet.

"We'll teach you how to get up to mischief," Sirius promised. "Don't you worry. You'll get to inherit everything we've learned, you're going to make the best prankster imaginable."

Remus huffed, "But you'll be good to Minerva, won't you? She had more than enough trouble with your dad and uncles."

The baby finished the bottle and Remus sat him up, holding him over his shoulder as he lightly patted the baby's back. "I know things are a little scary right now," Remus murmured and Harry for the first time wondered where his parents were, if they were on a mission for the order at the moment, "But everything's going to be okay. You'll see."

Sirius rubbed Remus' neck soothingly, "Everything's going to be okay," he repeated but his face looked as weary and worn as Remus' did.

--------

"Come on, Harry! You can do it!" Sirius cheered and Harry shaded his eyes to see the back garden better. Sirius was squatted a few feet away from his dad who was steadying the baby as he apparently thought about walking. "Come on," Sirius said again, holding out his arms.

With a little giggle, the baby started to toddle unsteadily across the distance to Sirius. Sirius caught him and scooped him up in his arms, swinging him as he stood before pulling him in to smother him with kisses.

The baby giggled and grabbed at Sirius sunglasses, pulling them off his face.

"Ah, here, allow me," Sirius said, as he put them on the baby instead with a big smile. "Already developing better taste than your dad, I see."

"Oy," his dad called from where he stood with his arm around his mum's waist, stealing her glass of iced tea.

"I can't believe how big you've grown," Sirius murmured.

"Us either," his mum replied. "It's all gone so quickly. At this rate we'll be watching him head off to Hogwarts tomorrow."

"We'll all be there," Sirius promised, pressing a kiss to the baby's chubby cheek.

--------

The baby was a bit older in the next memory, and Harry knew there wasn't much longer left before the inevitable.

"I don't know how to do this," Sirius said, he was holding the baby in his arms, swaying back and forth, and Harry could hear the unshed tears in his voice.

"Be our secret keeper," his dad insisted. "Sirius we trust you with our lives, we trust you more than anyone."

"I can't," he said, shaking his head. "Dumbledore said it himself, they'll know it's me."

"Then stay here," Lily pleaded. "Just stay with us. Help us keep Harry safe."

"I would," Sirius said, "You know I would if I could. The Order won't allow it, they need more people to be able to go out on missions."

His dad nodded, scuffing the toe of his trainer over the carpet and it struck Harry how young they were. Harry was older now than his parents had lived to be.

"How am I supposed to say goodbye?" Sirius asked, pressing his forehead into the baby's dark curls.

"It's not goodbye," his mum said fiercely. "We can't think like that. It's just for a little while. It's just a see you later."

Sirius nodded and pressed a long kiss to the baby's forehead, "See you later, love," he murmured. "I'll miss you every second."

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

Harry was snapped out of the pensive and he stood still for a long moment, in what must have been shock, before he realized that he was crying. It took another second to realize that his entire body was shaking as he was overcome with a sense of grief that he thought he'd long since buried.

He was overwhelmed by the longing to have a home, to have a place where people loved him and cared about him, a home were people wanted to protect him and be sure he was safe. It was a longing that he'd felt from the core of his being for as long as he could remember. And in these memories he'd had that.

He'd had so many people who loved him, so many people desperate to keep him safe, desperate to watch him grow up, and he'd lost it before he'd ever really known it.

The injustice, the hurt, the loneliness, and every moment that he'd ever desperately wished to be loved welled up inside of him at once and he couldn't breathe. He couldn't think. It was like he was being pounded by waves in the ocean and he could make it up for air.

Harry couldn't stay here, he pulled out his wand and apparated.

He'd intended to go to Ron and Hermione's, or maybe even the Weasley's but that was not where he ended up. No, Harry ended up in the front yard at his auror partner's house, sobbing and gasping for air.

"What the-" he heard and looked over to see that Draco was out working in his Garden, "Potter? What-" he started as he got closer. "Are you alright?"

Harry shook his head but couldn't manage to get any words out.

"Are you hurt?"

He shook his head again, "I didn't mean-"

"Alright," Draco said softly, wrapping a protective arm around him before Harry could even finish his sentence, "Come on. Come inside."

Harry could only nod, trying to make his feet move in spite of their numbness.

"You're shaking," Draco murmured as he guided him inside of the cozy cottage, all full of sunlight and fresh air. "You're sure you're not hurt?"

"Yes," Harry whispered, voice still raw.

Draco nodded, "Let's have some tea, yes?" he asked, guiding Harry into the sunny yellow kitchen. "Here," he said, pulling out a chair and settling Harry into it before moving to prepare tea.

Harry took the few moments of relative privacy to try to get himself under control, to try to reign in all of the feelings. He was certain that he would feel embarrassed about this later; this wasn't a great look for someone you were a little bit in love with to see.

By the time Draco turned around and brought the mugs of tea over, his breathing had even out a bit and he wasn't sobbing anymore. Draco set a cup of tea in front of him, "Here you go," he murmured before sitting down in the chair next to Harry instead of across from him.

"Thank you," Harry managed as he took a sip of tea made just the way that he liked it.

"Don't mention it," he said, he reached over and rubbed soothing circles on the center of Harry's back as Harry drank his tea. He didn't push or ask any questions, he was just quiet, just there with him as Harry's heart slowly came down to a normal pace and he finally managed to stop crying. "There we are," he said.

"Sorry," Harry whispered, feeling embarrassed and foolish and raw. "I didn't even mean to come here," he confessed.

"Well, I'm glad you did," Draco told him and for some reason, Harry believed him. "I've got some ginger biscuits in, if you'd like?"

"I shouldn't impose-"

"It's no imposition," Draco said, standing up and reaching for the cookie jar. He set them out, offering it to Harry before taking a couple himself.

Harry nibbled at his biscuit, not really sure what to say.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Draco asked. "You don't have to, of course, but I can be quite a good listener."

They'd been partners for three years at this point, so Harry knew it was true that the other man was an excellent listener. After a moment debating where to start, Harry confessed, "I always felt like there was something wrong with me." He stared down at the biscuit in his hands for a moment, "When I was little," he swallowed and set down his half eaten biscuit. "My aunt and uncle didn't want me and they weren't shy about letting me know."

Draco frowned, "Then why did you live with them? Surely there were no shortage of wizarding families who-"

"I had to," Harry said. "In her death, my mother's magic protected me. It's why Voldemort couldn't kill me. Because my aunt Petunia shared my mother's blood, as long as I lived with them I was protected."

"Alright," Draco said, nodding once and apparently accepting that answer without any other questions, which Harry was grateful for.

"They didn't want me and they didn't love me," Harry continued, "and I just really wanted to be loved, you know?"

Draco nodded, "Yeah, of course," he said as though Harry was being totally reasonable right now.

"I always imagined that I'd had parents who loved me," he said. "Like I always imagined that Lily and James Potter were completely besotted with me; they literally died trying to protect me. And I've had it confirmed by people throughout my life in a casual sort of way."

Draco nodded again, "But you've just had it confirmed in a more tangible way?" he guessed.

Harry nodded and felt a tear slip down his cheek. "I found some of Sirius memories when I was cleaning today," he said.

"That's fascinating," Draco replied.

"Yes," Harry agreed, "And there was a vial with my name on it, so I poured them into the pensive and took a look." Draco waited patiently as Harry tried to calm himself enough to get the next words out. "They were all of me as a baby," he finally managed in a whisper. "Of him with me, of my mum and dad, and Remus. And they all-" he choked on the words. He could hardly get them out, "They all loved me so much," he managed.

Draco took his hand.

"And I can't even remember-" he couldn't manage another word before the waves of grief rolled through his soul once more.

"Oh, love," Draco murmured as he stood and moved to wrap his arms around Harry, holding him and letting him cry against his stomach.

"It's not fair," Harry finally managed.

"No, it's not," Draco agreed, one of his hands stroking through Harry's hair. "It's not fair at all."

When Harry finally got himself under control once more, Draco drew back and sat down in the chair beside him.

"Sorry," Harry said, feeling miserable, and drained, and exhausted.

"You've nothing to apologize for," Draco said as he took another biscuit.

Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, "I just thought that I'd stopped grieving this."

"Do we ever really stop grieving the people we love?"

"It's not just the people, though," Harry said, shaking his head. "It's that I had a home, I had a place where people loved me and cared about me. If I'd fallen and scraped a knee in that home, I would have had adults clambering over themselves to fix it. I would have been tucked in at night, and someone would have read me stories. I would have always had enough to eat and I would have had clothes that fit me and toys that weren't broken. There are a million things that could have been that I'll never know."

"I'm sorry," Draco said softly, "I can't imagine what that must feel like." He put his hand over Harry's, his thumb rubbing soothingly over Harry's knuckles.

Harry nodded once, trying very hard not to start crying again because three times felt like it might be a bit ridiculous for one day.

"There are people who love you now, though," Draco said gently. "And I know it doesn't change the past, and it doesn't make this hurt any less, but you have people who love you. And I'm sure that someday, you'll live with someone who loves you, someone who wants to protect you and comfort you when you're hurt, someone who wants to share their life with you."

Harry scoffed, "I have my friends but there's no one who would want that with me."

"There are loads of people who would want that with you," Draco said, rolling his eyes as if Harry was being ridiculous.

"Not people who actually know me," Harry argued. "Sure, there are people who want me because I'm Harry Potter but no one who wants me because I'm just Harry."

"That's not true," Draco replied.

"Name one person who wants that life with me because I'm just Harry and not the savior," he challenged. "One, single person and I will go out right now and move in with them. Tell me one name of someone who would want this," he said, gesturing at himself, "Who wants all of this mess, all of this baggage, and traum-"

"Me," Draco finally exploded. "I want that with you. I want to protect you and comfort you when you're hurt. I want to make you tea in the evening before bed and I want you to wake me up with coffee in the morning. I want to spend every moment with you, celebrating your successes and weeping with you about what makes you sad. I want that."

Harry blinked at him, a bit (alright, a lot) shocked.

"And I know that it's stupid and you don't want that with me, because, well," he shook his head. "There are a million reasons you shouldn't, but you said one person and I want you to know that it's more than possible for someone to know you and want that with you."

"You do?" Harry asked.

"Do you think I would have told you that I did if I didn't?"

Harry felt a little smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "I would like that with you, too."

"What?"

Harry shrugged one shoulder, "I've been a little in love with you for like a year," he confessed, feeling brave now that Draco had already told him how he felt.

Draco smiled a shy little smile at him, "Maybe we should go on a few dates before you move in, for appearance's sake," he joked.

He laughed, but then actually considered it, "Do you care about appearance's sake? We already know that we work together, we already know that we're good at spending time together," Harry replied. "I know more about you than I've ever known about anyone I've dated."

"Do you really want to move in with me? Already?"

Harry shrugged, "I mean, you've got a second bedroom, right? We wouldn't have to rush into anything. Just," he swallowed and he reached over and took Draco's hand, "Wouldn't it be nice to come home at night to someone who cares about you?"

"Yeah," the other man agreed with a smile, "Yes it would."

"Yeah?" Harry asked, feeling hopeful.

He nodded, "Yes, of course. Merlin, of course you can move in," he said with a laugh.

"I'd like very much to kiss you if you'd be amenable to that," Harry said.

"I'd like that, too," Draco said, with a breathless little smile.

Harry leaned across the corner of the table, cupped Draco's cheek in his palm, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

When he pulled back Draco's eyes were still closed and he murmured, "I'm going to need you to do that again."

Harry grinned and obliged him.

"Again," Draco breathed.

Harry leaned in and took Draco's bottom lip between his, sucking lightly before brushing his tongue over it. Draco let out a soft sigh and his fingers clenched in the fabric of Harry's t-shirt.

"Again," Draco whispered when Harry pulled back.

He smiled and let his finger's slide in Draco's hair, tilting his head slightly as he slotted their lips together. He slowly explored Draco's mouth and Draco explored his in turn, they kissed slowly, luxuriously. Hands brushed over necks, cheeks, shoulders, and backs as they carefully learned their way around each other.

Draco was the first to pull back this time and Harry's eyes fluttered open to look at him, his cheeks flushed and lips red. "You are so beautiful," Harry murmured.

He looked down at the table, smiling shyly, "We should start getting you moved in."

"I'd like nothing better," Harry replied with a big smile of his own.

And while moving in with Draco didn't give him back the home he'd lost, it did give him a place where he belonged. It gave him a place where he could receive the love he'd longed for and give all of the love he'd always wanted to. It wasn't perfect and it wasn't always easy, but it was home and Harry wouldn't have traded it for anything.

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

Thank you, @iamactuallya-cat for the prompt! I hope you enjoy it and that I didn't break your heart too much! <3

Day 24: Mafia Husband | Day 26: Broken Bone

[anabsolutetrainwreck]

welcome to the final show || h. styles

warnings: harry’s pov, breakup, swearing, angst, kind of written like a letter??

word count: 1.4k

summary: harry’s still not over your breakup...

What they don’t tell you about a breakup, is the painful reminders littered throughout the streets that they were once yours. Always the little things that send heart-wrenching shocks through your veins every time you see them.

That happened to me the other day, love. I don’t know why I still call you that; I haven’t seen you in months. But it still hurts. God, it hurts so much. I haven’t walked the scenic route home from the studio in a while, but I did the other day. And I walked past that little fruit market you used to like. If I’m honest, I forgot it was there. I stopped to buy some apples (green, just how you like) and Arthur asked how you are. You haven’t been in months, he said. Is it as painful for you as it was for me? I wanted to tell him that you were great, that we were going to order food that night instead of cooking. But I couldn’t. I had to tell him that we weren’t together anymore. 

I wrote a song about you today. It made Ny cry. She said she misses your spontaneous drop ins, telling us all to take a break and eat the lunch you’d bought. And I hate to say so, but I miss it too. I miss you. God, I’m so overworked. I wake up, write songs about how miserable I am, go to the studio to toy around with the instruments, come home, maybe cook but I’ll probably just order something, write some more about how lonely I am. I doubt I’ll ever release the song. It’s for you and me, love. Just us. I hope you hear it one day.

Sometimes I order what you’d have, just so I can pretend that you still live in my house. I dish it up and put on your favourite tv show - I think I’ve watched it through three or four times since you left. The ending always gets me. It’s always the endings, isn’t it? Nothing seems to end happily. I just want to feel like you’re still around. The shower looks empty without all of your fancy shampoos and your exotically scented products. I never understood why you needed so many, but they always made you smell incredible. I bought some of your vanilla milk and papaya stuff last week, just to remember how you smell. 

Do you know what I think I miss most? I miss waking up beside you. I still reach out for you in the mornings, like a reflex. But you’re never there and I don’t know why it stills upsets me when I discover that you’re so. It’s been months. It’s been months and it still upsets me. I pray that one day I’ll wake up and feel your head on my chest, your body tucked beneath my arm. 

I saw your sister last month, she probably told you. She said you hadn’t mentioned me in a while. I’d asked about you, of course I had. Is it true you haven’t mentioned me? Are you over it? Over us? Because I’m not. I just wish I could still hold you. Still whisper things in your ear. Still crack all those inside jokes we share.

That’s another thing: I find myself in so many situations that are just perfect to crack a joke that only you would understand. But you’re not here anymore and nobody else would get it.

I just always pictured us together until the end. But I never pictured it would be this kind of end. I wanted us to grow old and wrinkled together, have kids together. God, imagine how great it would be if we raised kids. You’d stress over the smallest things, as you always do. But they’d be so perfect, I just know they would.

I went home two weeks ago, just for a moment to collect myself. I needed a break from all the writing and producing and nonstop torture of having to listen to all of my songs I wrote about you. I caught Mum and Gemma talking about you in the kitchen. They played it off as if they weren’t, for my own sake no doubt, but I heard them. Something about how weird it felt to have me home without you. And I realised that’s why I’d felt off the entire time I’d been there: you weren’t with me. It was the first time I’d visited since our breakup and it didn’t feel right. You were always meant to be with me. You were always meant to be by my side.

I got a text from Niall. He said he was ‘sorry for the split, mate’. He’d always wanted to meet you, we just never got the chance. It probably never would have been able to happen; the press would get wind of Niall meeting you and all of a sudden there’d be all sorts of rumours of a reunion. You would have liked him, I’m sure. I didn’t expect him to text, I didn’t expect anybody to text. But he did. He even offered to call, just to make sure I was okay. So, I did. I phoned Niall - it’d been so long since I’d heard his voice coming out of my phone - and we caught up. It was nice. It took my mind off of you for a half hour or so. I needed it, most definitely.

I want to write a happy song. Something with heart-warming lyrics and an upbeat melody. Like Canyon Moon, that was always your favourite. But I can’t. God, I’m fucking trying. I’m really trying. But every thought I have that I put onto paper is such a selfish, miserable one. It just makes the entire thing even more gruelling. It’s times like those that I really wish you were still in my life somehow. It wouldn’t even need to be in any sort of romantic way. I just want you.

You’re everywhere, love. And that’s the thing they don’t tell you about a breakup: no matter where you go, no matter how far you run, they’ll always be there. Tiny, seemingly insignificant things bring back these simply marvellous memories I forgot I had. 

I need to stop calling you that, don’t I? ‘Love’, it’s not exactly fitting for you’re not my love anymore, are you? I wish you were. I wish you could see it how I see it. Feel it how I feel it. You’re woven into my DNA. You’ll always be here and it fucking kills me to know that I’m not woven into yours. 

I want to know what you’re doing now, how you are. Are you well? I hope so. Because as much as it destroys me to see you happy without me, I know you deserve it. And I do want you to be happy, love. With or without me. I was making you unhappy. And that’s why you needed to leave, and I understand that now and I accept it. At the time, I thought you were making me unhappy too. I thought we were just slowly sinking each other. But you swam to the top, didn’t you? You broke through the water and you can breathe again. But, I was just dragging you under the entire time. It was actually when you left, when you swam to the surface, that I realised I needed you to save myself. It was like I hadn’t learnt to swim yet and I was relying on you to keep me afloat. And you were; you always were. I dragged you down and now I’m stuck on the seafloor. I’m so far under I don’t know if anybody would even dare swim this deep to save me.

I just pray, for that’s all I can do, that you realise one day that maybe we could help one another stay afloat. I hope I see your face soon, and you’ll reach down and take my hand and drag me back up to the surface. I want to feel the fresh air on my face again. And I want you to be with me when I do. Because, I realise now, that I’m still in love with you.

[enviedear]

miss moonlight, put in a word → draco malfoy

DESCRIPTION ⌙ in which draco sees the same annoying hufflepuff he’s enamored within his dreams every night, but can’t muster up the courage to talk to her in waking life. so instead he talks to the moon, telling the rock that’s miles away, everything he wants to tell her. little does he know, she does the same thing.

PAIRING ⌙ draco x fem!reader

WORD COUNT ⌙ 3k

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

its a little angsty im sorry. but im nervous abt this and have been sitting on posting it for almost a month now so please lmk if you like it :)

based off the songs talking to the moon by bruno mars and please mr sun by tommy edwards

she waves at him, her eyes holding a happy glimmer. he walks closer to her and wraps his long arms around her, pulling her close. he breathes in her scent and she giggles. it sounds like heaven. he holds her like that for what feels like forever before she pulls away.

he watches as she sits down in the grass, patting the place beside her.

“sit draco.” she commands. he complies.

“i love it when i’m asleep. you’re here and the world is so much more peaceful.” he smiles, a real true smile. not like the ones he usually gives now.

“but imagine if we were awake. the world might not be so wonderful, but we’d have each other. and the sun. and the wind. and the trees. and missus moon.” she grins, looking up at the bright blue sky.

he wants to agree, and tell her that’s all they’ll ever need. but he knows he can’t. because truth be told he needs more. he needs to know his family will be safe. he needs to know if he’ll make it out of his sixth year alive. he needs more than the sun and moon.

instead, he places his head in her lap, relishing in the way her fingers card through his hair. she sings a song he can’t place as he falls asleep. 

“i love you y/n” he whispers, right before he dozes off.

that’s how the dreams usually end. he always slips off to sleep so peacefully in your arms. but when he wakes up, he’s still in the slytherin dorm, lonely and afraid.

yours end in the same way, and when you wake, you’re clutching your pillow as if it’s him. you don’t dare tell anyone about the dreams. your friends and family would think you mad. but it’s enough for you to be able to have them, even if you’re not sure if they’re shared or not. 

you see the way he looks in the dining hall, potions, and in passing. he’s always so monotonous. so unlike the boy you’ve grown up with.

you of course have dreams, where he’s told you everything that has happened to him. he’s confessed to you that he’s working with voldemort, for his parents' sake. he even told you about dumbledore. but no matter how much you beg him to leave that life behind, he can't. besides, you’re dreaming all of this. who’s to say it’s even real. 

so you stay away, yearning for bedtime. where you can talk to the boy you love more than anything else in the world.

you’re not sure how the dreams started but you have an idea.

and so does draco.

he reckons he must have used some sort of wandless magic the night he was thinking to himself on the astronomy tower. it had been a humid night and he was all alone. his eyes deadset on the bright moon in front of him. he had just started talking.

he knew the moon wasn’t someone that could actually listen but then again, maybe that’s what he wanted? he didn’t want someone to place any input on his situation. he just wanted to speak and let his thoughts travel into the void and maybe out from his aching head.

“i just want everything to be okay. mother deserves a son who can protect her and.. father needs me. i can’t fail.  i just wish i had someone to talk to when the sun goes down. someone kind and someone warm. i know they’re somewhere out there. but maybe all i’ll ever have is you missus moon, at night when it’s just the stars to listen in to our conversation.” the boy had mumbled, before making his way to his dorm room.

you had been having a word with missus moon that night as well, alone in your hufflepuff prefect dorm. you thought yourself lucky to have a window so that you could see the stars and the moon. you were fighting sleep and had no one else to speak to, so you watched the bright yellow moon as you recounted your troubles.

“my dreams have been so bad recently missus moon. i think it’s because i’m still so scared for everyone and myself. they say the dark lord could strike any day. i’d hate for anyone i love or even myself to end up like poor cedric. i wish i had someone to talk to, someone to understand. everyone thinks i’m crazy, but they don’t know what i know. the world is getting scary. at least when the stars light up my room i have you missus moon.” you had sighed getting off the floor and laying down in your bed.

that night draco dreamt of flower fields and you. at first, the boy wondered if maybe it was real. it seemed real. he could see you and everything around you so vividly. and the same for you, you made out his platinum hair and could smell his crisp cologne. but when the two of you awoke, you knew it couldn’t be real.

until the next night, where the both of you met again in your dreams.

“are you following me?” you had asked draco.

he narrowed his eyes at you, “how could i follow you into a dream. what a stupid thing to ask.”

“you’re supposed to be nice to me. this is my dream after all.” you had pouted.

draco snorted, “i need to stop drinking tea before bed. i’m having dreams where the people in them think they’re the ones doing the dreaming.”

“but i am the one dreaming! this is my dream. i can control it, watch!” you’d grinned, before commanding a nearby tree to grow apples.

draco’s eyes had widened, “no, this can’t be right.”

you watched as he wished for the tree to grow taller before glaring at you, “smack yourself.”

you glared back at him, “no, but you can shove your fist down your throat if you’re going to be rude.”

draco circled you, “so you don’t have to do what i tell you and neither do i. strange.”

“why would i have to do what you tell me to do in my own dream?” you’d asked.

the boy had shrugged, “maybe it’s not just your dream. maybe it’s mine too.”

that’s the most the two of you ever discussed the shared dreams. after that there wasn’t a need. you both enjoyed them. both of you needed them.

once in study hall you caught draco reading a book about dreams but you didn’t ask him about it. in truth, you were too afraid to have him label you as insane.

draco found himself wanting to speak with you too. countless times. he had grown quite fond of you after the dreams he found you in every night. so in the daytime, he would sneak glances at you. he took notice if you did your hair differently or if your makeup was done. of course, he knew he couldn’t talk to you. you’d think him mad. still, he found himself dropping subtle clues to see if you’d come over to him, like reading a ghastly book about dreams in a class the two of you shared. it hadn’t worked but he could have sworn he caught you looking his way.

draco spends hours obsessing over you, the dreams, and the few glances you would give him. but the vanishing cabinet is almost fixed and he knows it’d be foolish to speak to you now. no matter how much he wishes to run into your arms and tell you to take him away from here, he won’t. 

it’s a dreary day in june and you’re getting snacks for some of the first years when you hear it. maniacal laughter and breaking glass. your first thought is to check on your house. you rush into the hufflepuff common room and make sure everyone’s ok and then urge them to stay safe. they nod and bolt to their dorms.

then, you make your way to the source of the noise. the dining hall, which is torn to shreds, is crawling with death eaters. you feel lightheaded as you watch them. out of the corner of your eye, you see professor snape making his way to the astronomy tower.

curious, you quietly sneak behind him, careful not to make yourself known. you hear a voice above you. a voice you recognize.

draco. 

you’re trying your hardest to figure out what he’s saying but you can’t. all the sounds around you are blending together and you can’t seem to calm down enough to hear anything. when the professor reaches the tower, underneath the scene of whatever is going on, you stay behind.

in a flash, the teacher is out of your vision and upstairs in the chaos.

“severus, please.” is all you hear before the killing curse bolts out of snape’s mouth.

you stand in shock as the footsteps trail out of the tower. draco. snape. dumbledore. death eaters. it was all so much.

“y/n! are you ok?” a watery-eyed harry potter asks from beside you. you don’t even question how he got here or if he saw what you did. instead, you fling your arms around him and stare at the wall petrified. no tears can escape your eyes, you’re in disbelief.

“come on. you have to breathe and we have to get down there. get your wand ready. we have to do something!” he shouts, voice breaking.

you look at him for a second before he bolts out of the room, wand in hand.

instead of trying to fight, talking to anyone about what you saw, or even going to look at your headmaster’s dead body like everyone else, you slip quietly into your prefects dorm.

you watch the moon until she’s gone and when you see mr sun the tears finally fall. you mumble, “talk to him please, mr sun.”

draco glanced at the blinding sun from the malfoy garden, where he had spent the night. he couldn’t be in that house. not after everything that happened. so instead, he sat in the garden thinking of his best thoughts, you.

he watches the sunrise, listens to the winds and the robins singing, and mutters to himself, “tell her how i feel. it shouldn’t end this way. since you are all her friends, she’ll listen to whatever you have to say.”

a baby robin sings a little louder, almost like it’s agreeing, and it causes the boy to cry.

it’s an eerily quiet early morning in the room of requirement on the second of may. you’re in the back of the room, trying to sleep. sleep has become your only form of happiness. your dreams have become a wonderful fairytale. draco is still prevalent and he holds you tighter and tighter with each night.

almost as soon as you drift to bed, you hear gasps. you look up to find harry, ron, and hermione. without a care in the world, you rush to the three just like everyone else. harry gives you a weak smile and you return it.

the three of them explain that today is the day. today is the day the world is split into two and voldemort attacks. plans are arranged and everyone holds each other close.

selfishly, you wish you could see draco. 

minutes later, a meeting is called by snape in the dining hall. You watch as neville and ginny procure robes for the green-eyed boy and walk to the hall.

the carrows look at everyone with malice in their eyes as snape drones on about a sighting of harry in hogsmeade. soon after, harry shows himself and begins arguing with the black-haired man. he tells everyone about the night in the astronomy tower.

mcgonagall throws curses at the man along with harry before he flies out of the hall. The woman looks at all of us, eyes wide but determined.

in a rush, everyone is scattered about. you follow neville to the bridge and help as much as you can. when the death eaters, led by greyback, enter hogwarts, you stand your ground. you’re ready to fight.

draco easily locates blaise and goyle before heading off to find his wand and harry potter. his chest aches with looming fear but he tries to repress it the most he can.

“i guess this is it boys.” blaise sighs.

draco looks at his friend, “we’ll be fine. just stay safe and together. don’t go weak on me now zabini.”

you’re doing your best to fight off corban yaxley but every time you’re ready to throw a killing blow his way he narrowly hits you with the killing curse. your fighting in a state of pure unadulterated anger. it’s been hours of fighting but your anger remains.

“stupid little girl, you’ll be dead before nightfall.” yaxley spits before hitting you with a weak spell. 

you still double over a bit, but hold your ground enough to raise your wand and hit him with the cruciatus curse. in the corner of your eye you watch professor flintwick begin dueling the vicious man, before running inside the castle.

fire burns everywhere around draco. he’s about to turn to blaise and say his goodbyes before potter snatches him up and leads him out of the room of requirement. the second he’s on the ground he makes a run for it. he loses blaise on the way and can’t seem to figure out where to go. he’s on the second floor, tears are pooling out of his eyes and the ache in his chest has grown when his body collides with another.

you fall back, hitting your head against the hard stone of the castle floor. when you look up, your vision is hazy and shaky.

“y/n?”

you know that voice. it’s the same voice you’ve heard every single night for a year.

“draco?” you ask, hands reaching out.

“you’re bleeding. let me help,” he says before gently healing your head.

you stare at the boy, “you know it feels weird to see you. i’ve never really spoken to you besides the dreams.”

his eyes grow wide, “you know about those?”

you smile a little, “yeah, i do.”

the two of you find yourselves entering the great hall, helping whoever you two can.

draco is comforting a teary-eyed second year when blaise zabini comes in, eyes bloodshot and clutching his right arm.

you watch as the two embrace, pulling apart so that draco can tend to his arm.

minutes that feel like hours pass as the three of you silently process the commotion going on around you.

a tattered luna lovegood emerges through the rubble and towards the three of you.

“everyone’s outside now- harry he... i think you all should come with me.” her shaky voice requests.

draco looks to you and nods, helping you rise. his hand grasps yours and you all follow luna outside.

all around you is destruction. the place you’ve called home for years in now a bruised battleground and at the very center of it stands the man you’ve come to fear more than anything in the world. voldemort. 

“harry potter, is dead.” the creature laughs.

you grip draco tighter and he looks at you with an expression of sorrow.

“from this day forth you put your faith in me. and now is the time to declare yourself! come forward and join us. or die.” the man spits, smiling at the broken faces opposite him.”

it is quiet for just a moment before lucius malfoy calls for his son. you watch the man and his wife plead with him. but his hand remains in yours and feet right beside you.

you look up at him and give him your brightest smile, a smile you would give him in dreams. as he peers down at you he knows that nothing in the world means more to him than you and that smile he’s spent hours telling missus moon about.

“you insolent boy, draco!” the snake-like man hisses.

you turn to face him, eyes wide with fury and hate.

neville begins limping toward the band of villains.

“i’d like to say something.” the boys breathes out.

voldemort smirks at him, “well neville i’m sure we’d all be fascinated to hear what you have to say.”

“you’re wrong! harry’s heart did beat for us, for all of us!” and with that, he pulls the sword of godric gryffindor out of the sorting hat he’s been clutching and aims it at the deatheaters and their leader.

draco’s head cranes in harry’s direction, and in an instant, the boy flies out of hagrid’s arms and throws a spell at voldemort.

you cry out along with everyone else before watching voldemort’s followers disappear.

“come on, we’ve fought enough. i won’t let you die now!” draco commands, leading you to the bridge.

you follow, but turn to look at the castle one last time. draco stops as well and you see him meet ron and hermione’s gaze. ron nods his head and draco returns the gesture.

“let’s go draco.” you sigh.

he didn’t know he’d see you again. the two of you had gone to your home to bathe and sleep and when the boy found himself in his dreams, he saw you.

you smile at the platinum haired boy, “sit draco.”

he complies. 

“i hope you haven’t gotten tired of seeing me. i suppose it will be a lot now. to have me in waking and in sleep.” you giggle.

draco stares at you deeply, “i could never get tired of you. i’ve spent a year talking to the moon, trying to get you. in hopes you're on the other side, talking to me too. i’ve asked the sun to tell you all the things i couldn’t, the wind to whisper all the things i love about you, all the rainbows to make you smile, and the trees to take you under their branches. i’d want nothing more than this.”

you lean your head on his shoulder, “i’m here now and we have eternity to tell eachother the things we haven’t said yet.”

the two of you can’t help but to stare at the moon some nights, silently thanking missus moonlight for putting in a word.

[atlafan]

Office Neighbors - Part Ten

a/n: okay A LOT happens in this part, lots of tension, please don’t be mad at me (reblogs and feedback are super helpful!)

warnings: angst, fluff, and smut

words: 17K

masterpost

“They’re gonna know.” You say as you frantically try to fix your smudged makeup on the car ride back to the cabin.

“They’re not gonna know.” Harry chuckles.

“They’re gonna know!”

“How would they know?”

You make a scoffing noise at him.

“Let’s see, my mascara has run down my cheeks, and my hair looks awfully fucked up. We’re also later than we said we’d be.” You look at him and reach your hand out to smooth out some of his hair.

“We’ll just tell them we got a bite to eat. Just go straight to our room. The lights will probably be dimmed when we get in anyways.” He takes your hand and kisses it. “It’s not a big deal.”

“It’s embarrassing, I don’t want them to know.”

“What’s embarrassing about having a quickie in the car?”

“It’s like we were teenagers with no self-control.” You mutter.

“Was kind of nice to do something so spontaneous. Suppose it was my fault for making things difficult in the gondola. If Mum and Dad scold us, I’ll take the blame.” He smirks.

“But if you do that, they’ll never let me see you again! You’ll have to start sneaking in through the window.”

“It’ll be worth if it means I get to see you.” He winks and you start laughing. “Oh! Just say you laughed so hard you cried if they ask.”

“They’ll never believe that! You really are a narcissist if you think you’re that funny.” You smirk. Harry glares at you and it makes you laugh harder.

“Yeah, I’m not funny at all.” He says facetiously.

You take a deep breath once you’re back at the house. The lights were definitely dimmed, so maybe no one would really notice how fucked up you looked.

“Hey, you two.” Paige smiles. She was all snuggled up with Noah on the couch. “The kids are in bed already, they were exhausted. You should have seen it, Harry.” She pouts. “Noah had to carry both of them off to bed, and Andy even let me tuck him in, it was so sweet.”

“He sure is cute when he’s drowsy.” Harry agrees. “Well, we’re gonna go to sleep to, so-“

“How was the gondola ride?” Noah asks.

“It was great, I would highly recommend it.”

“Maybe we should take everyone tomorrow night since it’s our last night.” Noah says to Paige.

“Yeah!” She squints over at you. “Are you feeling alright, Y/N?”

“You know,” Harry puts his arm around you, “she got a little nauseous on the way down, it’s why we’re a little late coming back, I had to drive slower. So we’re gonna head to bed now.” He smiles and starts walking with you to your room.

“Hmm.” Paige says. “She goes to bed early a lot and now she’s nauseous.”

“You think she’s pregnant?”

“Maybe.” She shrugs. “We’re all going out for dinner tomorrow, we could see if she orders a drink or something.”

You and Harry scurry into your room, and you feel like you can breathe again.

“Nice save.” You say to him as you start to get undressed. “Mind if I use the bathroom first? I have to pee so bad.”

“Go for it.” He chuckles.

Once you’re both settled in bed you lay your head on Harry’s chest with a sigh. He rubs your back as you both slowly drift off.

//

After getting some skiing in, and taking the kids tubing, you all get ready for a nice dinner in the small resort town. It was a Chinese food place that offered buffet, so it was perfect for everyone. The kids loved piling up their plates. You did order a cocktail, so that squashed any thoughts Paige and Noah had of you being pregnant.

The kids talk about what they liked most about their week away, as do all of the adults. The food is excellent, and everyone has a good time.

“Andy, did you wanna come back with us tomorrow, or go with Dad and Y/N?” Paige asks as Harry and Noah quietly squabble over the check.

“Um, well, I think Brandon wanted to hang out tomorrow night, so I’ll go with Dad.”

“Alright, honey. What did Brandon do over break?”

“His family goes skiing at Loon.”

“What about Caroline?”

“Mum, why is this turning into twenty questions?”

“It’s not, baby, I was just-“

“Well, stop.” He picks around at the peas on his fork.

“Andy…” You put your hand on his shoulder. “She was just asking you a question.”

“She doesn’t need to know every little thing.” You give him a look, and he rolls his eyes before he looks at Paige again. “She stayed home, went sledding a few times, and her sisters drove her down to the mall, okay?”

“There’s a boy at Hebrew school that thinks I’m cute.” Rachel says. This catches Noah’s attention, which means Harry wins the bill, just like he wanted.

“What?”

“Yeah, you know David? He told me so.”

“Rachel, you’re way too young for boys to be telling you that you’re cute.” Noah frowns.

“But it’s okay for Andy to have a girlfriend? He’s only a year older than I am.” She huffs.

“Okay, what do you say we head out, yeah?” Harry says. “Everything’s all set.” You and Harry stand up as does everyone else.

“You get everything you want.” Rachel mumbles to Andy as they leave the restaurant.

“What are you talking about?”

“Everyone’s extra nice to you, and then when it comes to me I have a ton of rules to follow. It’s not fair.”

“Sorry your dad is more strict than mine, that’s not my fault.”

“No, it’s because I’m a girl and you’re a boy, and boys get whatever they want.”

“Rach, I-“

“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes.

Everyone gets in their cars to head back to the cabin, and Andy follows Rachel into the bunk room.

“Do you really think I get whatever I want?”

“What does it matter what I think?” She sits down on her bed and looks at him. “You know, I’m glad you’re going back with your dad for the rest of the weekend. It’s better when you’re not around.”

“Do you really mean that?” He sits down next to her.

“You don’t care.” She looks away. “You don’t even like me, Andy.”

“That’s not true…I like you.” She looks at him and gives him an unconvinced face. “I do! Look, I know when you and your dad first moved into my mum’s house, I wasn’t-“

“You literally asked to move out a month later. I was excited to not be the only kid around because my dad works so much, and you just left! You’re not the only one that feels sad sometimes, you know? And I hate it when you say ‘my mum’, guess what? She’s mine too.” She crosses her arms and Andy’s eyebrows raise. “You can be such a brat sometimes.”

“You sure are just letting it all out…”

“Yeah, I’m gonna keep letting it all out. You’re not even nice to my dad half the time, do you know how much that bothers me? He tries so hard to make sure you’re happy, and you don’t even care.”

“Maybe he should try less then. I don’t need him trying to impress me.”

“No, but it makes Mom happy to see you happy, so that’s why he does it. Y/N does the same exact thing.”

“No she doesn’t.” Andy scoffs. “Y/N’s my friend, she understands me.”

“You just like her because you like your dad better.”

“That’s not true!”

“Yes it is! It’s so obvious, and you don’t even care how much it kills Mom!” Rachel stands up and so does Andy.

“Stop calling her that! She’s not your mum and she never will be!”

“Newsflash, this summer she officially will be and there’s nothing you can do about it!”

The two of them stare at each other angrily. Rachel had never really spoken up to Andy like this before. Guess she was sick of his shit.

“You’re a spoiled brat.” She spits. “You never speak to Mom nicely, or it’s rare if you do.” She starts tearing up. “You have no idea how lucky you are to have a mom that loves you as much as she does, and now you have Y/N. I may have been little when my mom died, but I miss her every single day, and your mom…well…she takes a lot of that way.”

“Shit…it was around this time of year…wasn’t it? When your mum-“

“I don’t wanna talk about.” She wipes a few tears away. “You know what’s really annoying? I still feel like that you’re basically my brother. I just wish you felt the same way about me.”

She goes into her dresser, grabs her things for bed, and goes into the bathroom to do her thing.

“Kids! We have ice cream for you!” Paige shouts.

Rachel comes out in her pj’s and looks at Andy.

“Well? Are we having ice cream?” She says.

“Wait…” He puts his hand on her shoulder. “I’m really sorry.”

“No you’re not.”

“I am…I…guess I don’t always realize when I’m being rude. I’ve been coming around to things a lot more. I’m happy that Mum is marrying your dad because he makes her happy. That’s all I want for her, for both my parents. I know how lucky I am…and…maybe I didn’t want a sister at first. When you both started coming around more, I felt like I was being replaced. Like Mum liked you better because she finally had a daughter or something, and then when you moved in…I took the easy way out and ran to my dad instead of dealing with everything. But…it’s the best thing I could have done. I’m a lot happier with him.” He smiles at her. “Isn’t this what brothers and sister do? They fight sometimes…”

“You don’t see me as a sister…”

“Sure I do.” He shrugs. “You’re my annoying little sister, and I’m your bratty older brother. It’s perfect.” He throws an arm around her. “Come on, let’s go get some ice cream.”

“Okay.” She smiles and walks with him. “Sometimes you need to remember that we’re on the same side.”

“Yeah…we are, aren’t we?”

“Was everything okay in there?” Harry asks. “Thought I heard shouting…” He sizes the both of them up.

“Oh! We were just fighting over who could use the bathroom first, Uncle Harry.” Rachel giggles. “I won, though.”

The kids smile at each other and sit down at the table to make up their bowls of ice cream. After everyone’s done, Andy helps Paige clean up in the kitchen.

“Mum?”

“Yes, honey?”

“I’m sorry for being rude at the table earlier…”

“Oh…well, I’m not going to say it’s alright because I really don’t like it when you speak to me that way. You do it your father too, and I really don’t like that.”

“I know…I don’t know why I do it, it just happens. I feel really bad about it…” He looks up at her, and she smiles at his sweet face. “I…I love you, Mum.”

“Oh, baby, I love you too.” They throw their arms around each other. “I hate that you’re getting older. Your attitude is only going to get worse.” She chuckles.

“And you’ll still love me?”

“Of course I will, do you promise to still love me?”

“Yeah.” He smiles up at her. “I promise.”

//

It was a great week away, and you enjoyed bonding with everyone, but you were happy to be heading home.

“Har, just drop me off at my place, yeah?” You say as he takes the exit for your town.

“Oh…really?”

“Yeah, I wanna do laundry, and I need to go grocery shopping, and then I need to get some work done.”

“You can literally do all of that back at my place.”

“Harry, I’d like to go back to my place.”

“Okay.”

Harry gets out of the car to help you with your things once he’s pulled up to your complex. He walks you up to the door.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“What?! No, babe, I just, you know, it was a really social week. I’m tired and I have things to do. It’s nothing personal.”

“Alright.”

“I love you.” You smile. “I had such a good time. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?” He nods and lets you kiss him goodbye, but you knew he wasn’t thrilled you weren’t coming back over. “Please don’t be upset.”

“I’m not.” He kicks some rocks on the ground. “Was just sort of hoping to be alone since Andy’s going to the movies with Brandon later.”

“Come over later then.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah.” You smile. “We can, uh, finally use that candle.” You wink at him and go into your building, leaving him completely flustered.

Harry smiles and gets back in the car.

“Dad, I’m gonna need some extra money tonight…”

“Oh? Gonna load up on snacks at the movies?” He chuckles.

“No…we’re going on a double date, and I’d like to offer to pay for Caroline like how you do for Y/N.”

“A double date at the movies?! You can have the money, but there better not be any funny business. I want a full synopsis from start to finish, and-“

“I’m not going to make out with her, no worries there.”

“Good…it’s not nice to swap spit like that in such a public space.”

“So, you’ve never made out at the movies?”

“Uhh, well, I was a little older than you so-“

“Enough said, I don’t need to know.”

Harry and Andy get into the house and put some of their things away. Harry ends up laying down on his bed for a bit to read and relax, and Andy comes in lay down next to him, twiddling his thumbs.

“What’s up, buddy?”

“Nothing…does something have to be up?”

“No, but you don’t exactly come in to snuggle with me anymore.” He smirks.

“You can read me like a book, Dad.” Andy sighs. “I’m nervous for my date…”

“Why?”

“What if Brandon and Molly start kissing, and then Caroline expects me to kiss her?”

“You could tell B beforehand to maybe cool it with that stuff. Kids your age really shouldn’t be doing that as it is. Do you want me to talk with his parents?”

“No, that would be so embarrassing!”

“What movie are you even seeing?”

“The newest Pixar movie…”

“Alright, I bet it’ll be fine. If it gets weird at all, just call me, and I’ll come get you.”

“Thanks.” Andy says with relief. “I’ll probably sleepover at B’s after the movie, is that okay?”

“Sure.” Harry shrugs. “Just text me and let me know for sure. I’m gonna go to Y/N’s after I drop you off.”

“How come she didn’t just come here?”

“She just needed a little alone time. She gets tired when she’s been really social.”

“Have you talked with her about moving in at all?”

“I have, yeah…we talked about a lot of things a couple of weeks ago. She was thinking maybe July when her lease is up, how would you feel about that?”

“Yeah…why would she wanna wait that long?”

“She has a lot of work to do on her PhD. You may not remember when I was working on mine, but it’s a lot of hard work, and sometimes she needs her own space to get that work done. She’ll be done next May, though. We’re gonna paint together during our spring break, and we’re gonna go furniture shopping soon. Oh! She even wants to take you on a little day trip to Boston sometime soon.”

“Really? That would be so much fun! We haven’t been to Boston in forever.”

“I know! See, it’s all working out. She just needs some time and I wanna make sure I don’t put too pressure on her.”

“I’m really glad she came with us this week. She was so much fun when we went tubing.”

“Yeah, thought she was nearly gonna bounce outta that thing.” He laughs.

“Were you just reading in here?”

“Yeah, why?”

“Do you mind if I just lay in here for a bit? Forgot how comfy your bed is.” Andy yawns and pulls one of the quilts up over himself.

“Course.” Harry smiles and smooths some hair away from Andy’s face.

//

“Andy, thank you so much for paying for my ticket, that was so sweet of you.” Caroline tells him. “At least let me pay for the popcorn.”

“No worries, I got it.” He smiles. “Do you want to, um, share a slushie?”

“Sure.” She blushes. “I like getting the blue and red mixed.”

“Me too! It tastes like grape.”

“Yeah!”

They both giggle as they get into the snack line. Brandon and Molly were just getting their snacks. Brandon’s parents were off seeing a movie that was for adults. They all go in and grab their seats. The boys sit next to each other, and the girls sit on their other sides. Brandon almost immediately puts his arm around Molly and she giggles. Andy rolls his eyes and tries to get comfortable. Caroline reaches for his hand and he smiles as he takes it.

“You have a little tan from skiing.” Caroline points out. “It’s cute.”

“Oh, uh, thanks. The goggles will do that.” He leans forward to take a sip of the slushie. “I…missed you while I was gone. I’m sorry I didn’t get to call you much.”

“Oh! That’s okay. I know you were busy. I missed you too.” She smiles and leans in to give him a kiss on the cheek. “How were things with your…do you call her your step-sister?”

“Yeah, and her name’s Rachel.”

“Since when do you refer to her as your step-sister?” Brandon butts in.

“We had a heart to heart.” Andy shrugs. “She’s not a baby to me anymore, she’s pretty cool, actually.”

“Oh, well, that’s good, I guess.” Brandon says. “I’m glad you guys are doing better.”

“Me too.”

The theater gets darker as the previews come on, and they all pay attention to the screen. Andy felt at peace, he wasn’t sure why he was so worked up before. This was totally chill.

//

Harry shows up to your place with a bottle of wine and pizza. He lets himself in, and is very confused when he sees all the lights off.

“Y/N?!” He flips the lights on and sets everything down in the kitchen. “Baby?!” He goes down the hall and sees the light on in your office. “Babe?” You were passed out with your face in a book and a highlighter in your hand. Harry sighs and comes over to lift you up.

“Huh?!”

“It’s just me!”

“You nearly made me shit myself, Harry, Christ. You can just so easily pick me up?”

“You’re not that heavy.” He chuckles and sets you down. “I was just gonna tuck you in.”

“Well, I’m awake now. Sorry, I was working and I must have fallen asleep.”

“I brought pizza…and wine, but we don’t have to-mph!”

You tugged Harry close to you by his collar, and slotted your mouth over his.

“Pizza and wine sounds incredible.” You grin. “You always know exactly what I need.” You walk out of the office and he follows you. “Oh, and you got the white, you must really wanna get busy.”

“Why do you always think I have an ulterior motive?” He grabs two plates and two glasses.

“Because all men do. Sex is always on your minds?”

“And it’s not on yours?”

“Well, it wasn’t until I started dating you. Now I just always feel absolutely feral.” You smirk as you bite into a slice of pizza.

“Feral, huh?”

“Mhm, although, as a woman I can hide it much easier. I don’t have to worry about an appendage getting excited.” You take a sip of wine and so does Harry.

“No, but…” He comes over to stand behind you to speak into your ear. “You do have to worry about your panties getting wet.” His fingers trail down your body and up under your shirt. They skim the waistline of your sweatpants.

“That would involve me having to wear panties.”

“How do you feel about cold pizza?”

“Love it.”

“Fantastic.” Harry takes the pizza box and shoves it in the fridge, and then grabs you to throw you over his shoulder.

“Harry!” You squeal.

“You know me, I get a little excited.” He chuckles as he carries you into your room. “Babe…” He puts you down. Your room was a fucking mess.

“Okay, before you say anything, it looks like this because I’ve been going through my stuff.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t wanna do it last minute when we eventually move in together. Plus, I have a ton of clothes I don’t wear anymore that I can donate…I’m sorry, you must think I’m so messy.”

“I don’t.” He tucks some hair behind your ear. “I just hate that you’re basically staying here for your home office. You have no problem using mine at the house.”

“But what if we both need to work at the same time?”

“Plenty of room for your desk up there, baby.”

“I feel like we’re rushing and it kind of scares me a little.”

“There’s still no rush…move when you’re ready.”

“You say that, but I know you hate it when I’m here…and I sort of hate it too. I prefer sleeping next to you.” You bite your bottom lip.

“So do I.” He sighs. “What about…over spring break?”

“We’re supposed to paint, moving will take so much work. I don’t know what I wanna do with all my furniture yet…I was thinking of bringing some of it to the consignment shop.”

“What if we put your living room furniture up in the loft? It could look really nice up there, and the TV could go into the basement.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I want you there, and so does Andy. I know it’s stressful and scary, I’m a little scared too, but I want this. I just want you around.”

You pout up at him and wrap your arms around his neck. You hug him close to you.

“I’ll think about it, okay?”

“Sounds good to me.” He kisses you. “Now, I think we came in here for a reason.”

“We sure did.” You peck his lips and let him go. “Take your clothes off.” You go over to your side table and take out a candle and a lighter. “Feel like getting a little freaky?”

“Will it hurt?” He asks, already taking his shirt off.

“Harry, you have a fuck ton of tattoos and you’re scared of a little wax?”

“What kind of wax is it?”

“It’s, like, rose oil. It doesn’t hurt, it’ll just feel warm. You can use it for massages and stuff too.”

“Are you telling me you’re offering to rub my back?”

“Yes.”

“Alright, I’m in.” He smiles and strips down to his boxers. He gets on the bed and lays on his stomach. He puts his glasses on the night table.

You sit on top of his bum and let the candle burn while you get some lotion on your hands. You knead Harry’s shoulders and work your hands down his back.

“Feels so good, baby.”

“Are you ready for the wax?”

“Yeah, go for it.”

“Okay.” You feel giddy. You get off him and take your clothes off. “Flip onto your back, and get your underwear off. If I’m naked, you’re naked.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He smirks and does as you say.

You straddle him and grab the candle. His hands grip your hips, and he squeezes you in anticipation. Your pour the wax, carefully, onto your chest and let it drip down onto his. His mouth hangs open as he watches. It sort of mimicked his come dripping down your body, and that pleased him very much.

“Do it again.” He says.

“You liked it?”

“Yeah…it’s really sexy.”

You smile and pour a little more over your chest and watch it drip onto his. You stick your hand in the wax and let the droplets fall from your fingertips onto his torso. You watch as his stomach tightens.

“Not too hot?”

“No it just feels like warm water…I thought the point of these were for them to hurt a little.”

“That’s what some people use them for. I just like how warm it feels on my skin.”

“Yeah, it does feel kind of good. Do a little more.”

You pour just a little more onto him and set the candle down. You lean down and kiss him, and his hands slide up your back. You suck on his bottom lip and grind yourself against him, making him groan.

“Gotta get a condom.” He mumbles against your mouth.

“Yeah, we probably should.” You say into his ear as you kiss on his neck. “Or…you could pull out and come on back.”

He smiles and nods at you. You get off him and lay on your side, looking over your shoulder. He gets on his side behind you, and lines himself up with you so he can slide in.

“You wanted it like this, huh?” He asks as he grips your hip and rocks in and out of you.

“Yes, Harry.” You hook arm around his head so you can grip his hair.

His hand on your hip slides to your clit, and he rubs slow circles on you. You moan out from the feeling. He sponges his lips on your neck, biting and sucking on your tender skin. You both were grunting and panting. Feel Harry raw was like nothing else, and this angle was sending you.

“Fuck, oh my god.” You moan and your head rolls back against his shoulder. “Say it, Harry, please.”

“You’re such a good girl, Y/N.” He says right into your ear.

“Whose good girl am I?”

“Mine, you’re my good girl.”

“Fuck, yes, I’m yours, I’m all yours.” You start panting more as he rubs your clit faster. “Fuck, I’m gonna!” You arch into him as you release around him.

“Y/N, I need to pull out, I can’t hold it much longer, baby.”

“Okay.” You breathe.

He pulls out and you roll onto your stomach for him. You hear him grunt and groan and you gasp when you feel his warm come shoot onto your back. You look over your shoulder and smile at him.

“Better than the candle?”

“Way better.”

“Let me go get a rag, be right back.”

“I have a better idea.” You say as you get up. “Let’s go take a bath together.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah.” You peck his lips. “Let’s just enjoy each other tonight.”

//

The movie was great, and Brandon’s parents let Andy and Brandon wait with Molly and Caroline to be picked up from the theater before driving them home. Once they’re at Brandon’s, they get settled into their pj’s and with some video games.

“That was a good movie.” Andy says.

“Yeah, it was really funny. We’ll have to all do it again.”

“Definitely. Would you ever wanna go to the pottery painting place? Y/N said she would take Caroline and I there.”

“You know, not everything needs to be a double date, Andy.” Brandon rolls his eyes.

“I thought you liked double dates.”

“I do, but…I don’t know, I don’t always need to hang out with Molly. I like when just you and I hang out.”

“Me too, I feel like we haven’t done anything just the two of us in a while.”

Brandon pauses the game and looks at Andy.

“Yeah, it’s like…girls have taken over.”

“I don’t even wanna hear it.” Andy laughs. “When you first dated Molly she was all you talked about, and you wanted me to go out with Alexis!”

“I just wanted you to feel included, and I missed you.” He shrugs.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah.”

“How come you guys broke up in the first place? Couldn’t have been that bad if she wanted to go back out with you.”

“She…she thought I liked spending time with you better, and she wanted me to basically not be friends with you anymore, and I chose to be friends with you instead of being her boyfriend. When I asked her to the dance I didn’t think we’d be full on back together, but I guess we are.”

“And does she still have a problem with me?”

“We haven’t talked about it.”

“I can’t believe you chose me over her.”

“I always will, Andy. You’re my best friend.” Andy blushes at that. “Can I ask you something?”

“Yeah.”

“Why haven’t you and Caroline kissed yet? I know you said you didn’t want it to be public, but…”

“Y/N said it was okay not to rush into things.” He shrugs. “I just don’t feel ready for that.”

“You two act like you’re just friends…”

“Friends don’t hold hands and kiss on the cheek. I wanna kiss her, it just hasn’t felt right. Like…I feel like I wouldn’t even know what I was doing.”

“It’s not difficult.” Brandon laughs. “You just sort of smoosh your lips to hers, stay there for a few seconds and then pull away.”

“No way, I’ve seen enough movies to at least know you have to move your lips a little. What if she wants to open mouth kiss or something?”

“Like with tongue? It’s not that gross.”

“You tongue kiss with Molly?!”

“Sometimes.” Brandon shrugs. “It’s nice.”

“I feel like you know everything.” Andy rolls his eyes.

“Well, Andy, when you’re twelve you sort of just figure it all out.” He smirks.

“You’ve been twelve for a month, get over yourself.” Andy laughs.

“Seriously, though, kissing isn’t that scary.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

“You know…if you ever wanna, like, know how to do it so it’s good for her, I could show you how.”

“Like…practice?”

“Sure.” Brandon shrugs. “Only if you wanted.”

“Wouldn’t it be like cheating on her, though?”

“Not really, it’s not like it would count.”

“So…you’d show me how to kiss?”

“Yeah, what else are friends for?”

Andy’s heart was racing. Deep down he sort of knew he shouldn’t be doing this behind Caroline’s back, but Brandon was offering something he really wanted on a silver platter and he wasn’t sure he wanted to pass it up.

“Okay, show me what to do.” Brandon scoots closer to him, and furrows his brows. “What?”

“Your hair is just kinda in the way, here.” Brandon reaches forward and pushes Andy’s hair back. “There.” He was blushing and so was Andy.

“Thanks.” He swallows.

“You’re sure about this?”

“Yeah, I wanna know how to do this right.”

“Okay…so…basically, you just sort of…” Brandon cups Andy’s cheeks and leans in closer. “You’re okay?”

“Yeah.”

Brandon nods.

“So, you close your eyes and pucker your lips, but not too tight.”

Andy closes his eyes.

“Like this?”

“Yeah.” Brandon smile, but Andy obviously doesn’t see it. “I’m gonna do it now.”

“Okay.”

Just as Brandon’s about to press his lips to Andy’s, there’s a knock on the door, they both scoot away immediately.

“Boys, it’s getting late.” Mrs. Stewart comes in. “Time for bed.” She smiles and closes the door.

Both boys start laughing.

“I think we should go to sleep like your mum said.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah…I mean…I guess Caroline and I will just figure it out together when it happens, but thanks anyways.” Andy rolls out his sleeping bag.

“You know you can sleep on the bed with me…”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

“Because…one morning when I slept over I woke up, like, ugh, see I do this thing when I sleep where I hold onto something. Like, I have a body pillow at home, you’ve seen it. The same thing happens to my dad, I don’t know why. So one time when I was here I woke up holding onto you and I don’t wanna do it and make you uncomfortable.”

“It didn’t.”

“Wait, you…you knew that happened?”

“Yeah, I just didn’t say anything because I didn’t wanna make you uncomfortable.”

“It didn’t weird you out?”

“No…should it have?”

“I don’t know.”

“Girls do that and share beds all the time. Molly told me that her and Alexis do it all the time.”

“Oh.”

“Sleep on the floor if you want, but you can share my bed with me.”

“Well…I guess if you really don’t care if it happens…”

“Andy I was willing to kiss you, I don’t really care if you accidentally hold me in your sleep.”

“Okay, then, uh, I’ll sleep on the bed then, but I’m gonna use my sleeping bag still.”

“Whatever works.” He shrugs. The boys both get into bed, and lay there staring at the ceiling. “What we did, well, what we almost did…that should probably stay between us…”

“I agree.”

“Pinky promise?” Brandon raises his pinky.

“Pinky promise.” Andy locks his pinky with Brandon’s and they rest their hands together on the bed, neither of them letting go.

//

You and Harry enjoyed a nice, long bath together, and then went to bed. You felt unbelievably cozy in his arms. Yeah, you were definitely going to be moving in sooner rather than later. This is what you wanted every single night, and he felt the same way.

The next morning you wake up with Harry’s hard-on pressing into your ass. You know he’s awake when he starts grinding into you, and groping at your breast. You smile as he kisses on your shoulder.

“Someone’s awake.” You giggle and he hums his response.

“Very much so. Is this alright?”

“Very much so.” You say his words back at him.

“What do you say we-“ Harry’s cut off by the sound of his phone going off. He groans and grabs it. “What’s up, Andy?”

“Dad…you were supposed to pick me up, like, fifteen minutes ago.”

“Oh, shit!” Harry sits up immediately. “I’m so sorry, I’ll be there soon, just hang tight.”

“Where are you?”

“I had a sleepover of my own…I’ll be there soon, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Fuck, I’m late picking Andy up. I never set an alarm, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, baby, go get him.”

“Are you staying here today?”

“Yeah, but I’ll come over to sleep tonight. I wanna finish up the work I was doing last night.”

“Okay.” He smiles and kisses you quick before throwing some clothes on. “Text me later, I can have dinner made.”

“Sounds good.” You smile and watch him walk out.

Harry picks Andy up, and Andy gets into the car.

“I’m so sorry I was late, you know that never happens.”

“It’s okay, where’s Y/N?”

“She’s at her place, she’ll be over later though. She said she may move in during spring break instead of waiting until July.”

“Really? That’s great! Um…do you think if I called Mum…like would you care if I go to her place?”

“Not at all, I’m sure she’d love to have you home. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just feel like being with her, I guess.”

When they get inside, Andy goes to his room to call Paige.

“Hi, honey, how was Brandon’s?”

“Good…are you busy today?”

“Not really, why?”

“Could you come get me? I wanna stay with you tonight.”

“Yeah! Is everything okay?”

“Everything’s fine, I just feel like I miss you, Mum.” Andy had spent an entire week with his mother, and he really didn’t want to wait another week to see her again. “Got used to being around you and now you’re not here, so-“

“I can be over in a few hours, does that work?”

“Yeah.” Andy sighs. “That’s fine.”

“And you’re sure everything’s fine?”

“Yeah, I just wanna come hang out with you…”

“Okay, baby.”

Andy hangs up and gets up to close his door. There was one more call he needed to make before going out to the living room with his father.

“Andy?”

“Hi, Y/N.”

“Is everything alright?”

“Why does everyone keep asking me that?”

“Well…it’s a bit odd for you to call me…oh my god, is your dad okay?!”

“He’s fine, chill! I just needed to talk to you about something and I’m going to Mum’s later.”

“Oh, you are? I’m coming over for dinner…”

“I know, I just feel like being with her.”

“Alright, well, I’m glad you’ll see her then…so, what’s up?”

“Something happened last night.”

“At the movies?”

“No, after, at Brandon’s…”

“What happened?”

“We almost kissed.” Andy groans.

“What?!”

“Yeah! We were talking about kissing, and I told him I was nervous about kissing Caroline because I don’t know what I’m doing, and he…he offered to show me how.”

That sly son of a bitch. You think to yourself.

“Andy…you’re dating Caroline.”

“I know! We didn’t kiss, his mom knocked on the door and told us to go to bed. And when we went to bed we fell asleep holding hands.”

“How do you think Caroline would feel if she knew about that?”

“She’d probably feel bad.”

“Right.”

“I really like her, Y/N…but maybe I just like her as a friend, and Brandon as more than a friend. I like having Caroline around, we have a lot in common, and we have fun together.”

“Maybe now just isn’t a good time for you to be dating anyone. It’s not fair to anyone involved, you know?”

“I guess so…but I don’t wanna hurt her feelings.”

“You’ll hurt her more if you do something behind her back with Brandon.” You sigh. “Think things over at Mum’s…maybe you could even talk to her about it. She may have better advice than me, your dad could too.”

“No, they won’t understand.”

“They could if you tried talking to them.”

“But I like just talking to you about this stuff.”

“And I feel so honored that you feel comfortable with me, Andy, I really do…I just think this is starting to get heavy, and you have so many people that love you and care about you that just want to help. I’m one of those people, but so are your parents.”

“It’s just awkward to talk about…”

“I know, sweetheart. None of this is easy. Could you just try? For me?”

“Yeah…I’ll try…thanks Y/N.”

“You’re welcome.”

Andy hangs up the phone and takes a deep breath. Harry was up in his loft, and Andy goes up to join him.

“Dad?”

“Yeah?”

“Mum said she could be here in a few hours.”

“Okay.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.” Harry turns around and gives Andy his full attention while Andy sits down on the loveseat, pressing a pillow to his chest.

“How do you breakup with someone?”

“Oh no, you don’t like Caroline anymore?”

“It’s not that I don’t…I just think I…Dad, Brandon and I almost kissed last night, and I don’t wanna do anything behind her back because I like her and I don’t wanna hurt her feelings.”

Harry gets up and sits down next to Andy. He puts his arm around his and rubs his shoulder. He wasn’t entirely sure what to say.

“Have you and Brandon talked at all about how you both might feel about each other?”

“Not really.”

“I know it can be awkward, but it seems like he may like you the way you like him.”

“The times Caroline and I have almost kissed I’ve felt really scared, but I didn’t feel scared with him.”

“I think you’re right to end things with her, I’d hate for your first kiss to be a dishonest one.”

“So…you don’t care that it was almost with Brandon?”

“Of course not! We’ve talked about this, Andy. No matter who you are or who you wanna be with, I’ll still love you. I just want you to be happy.”

“What does it mean when you like boys and girls?”

“Um, well, the term is called bi-sexual.”

“Is it normal? I feel like such a freak.”

“It’s very normal! A lot of people like boys and girls. You’re not a freak, Andy. You also don’t have to have it all figured out right now.”

“Everyone keeps saying that, but it doesn’t make me feel better.” He sighs and leans into Harry more.

“I know…but I promise, at some point, it will get better.” Harry smooths some hair away from Andy’s face.

“It will?”

“Yeah.” Harry smiles. “You know when I was younger, I used to be afraid to paint my nails, or wear things that were seen as girly, and then when I got to uni I just stopped caring. I grew my hair out really long, and just did what made me comfortable, and it helped me really realize who I was. Now I don’t care what people think when they look at me. I do what makes me happy and comfortable, and I want the same for you. I don’t know if you kids have easier or worse nowadays. Things are more accepted, but you also have all that social media and cyber-bullying.”

“There are plenty of other kids in the school that know who they are already. There’s even a trans kid in my class. No one cares, she’s really nice. I guess I just wish I could have it figured out like them.”

“These things take time. I know it’s not exactly the answer you wanna hear, but…”

“No, I get it.” Andy sighs. “I’m sorry I haven’t really been talking to you about all of this, it’s just so awkward to tell my dad I like boys…”

“I suppose.” Harry chuckles. “But just know I’m never gonna judge you, and neither will your mother. She’s just as understanding and accepting as I am. If she wasn’t we never would’ve gotten together.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, she needed help with her nails one night and I helped her. Next day she kissed me.”

“Wow…Mum made the first move?”

“Technically, yeah, but I used to flirt with her all the time. She knew I liked her, but she had just broken up with someone else so she was taking some time before jumping into something else. I know it seems like Mum sort of stands in the shadows, but she’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met.”

“And what about Y/N?”

“She’s very brave and strong too. It take a lot of courage to move somewhere new and start over just to get another degree. I tell her all the time how proud I am of her.”

“Is she your person?”

“Have you been watching Grey’s with Mum again?” Harry groans.

“No! Okay, sometimes we watch it together when I’m home, but I wasn’t thinking of that when I asked the question.”

“Yeah, Y/N’s my person.” Harry nods. “I think we complement each other nicely, and she’s great with you. That’s the most important thing to me.”

“I like her a lot. Sometimes I wish I could have the relationship I have with her that I have with Noah…”

“You can, you just have to work at it. Meet him halfway a little more.”

“And you’re okay with that?”

“Andy, I’m always gonna be your father, your dad, Noah’s not going to replace me in any way, but I think it would be good to let him in a little more. He’s not going anywhere, you know?”

“Right. Maybe I could ask him to watch a movie with me this weekend.”

“I bet he’d really like that.”

//

Paige picks Andy up, and he’s quiet in the car at first. He was drained from all the talking, but he knew he needed to fill her in on things.

“Mum?”

“Yes, honey?”

“I don’t really wanna talk about it anymore, but I like boys and girls, and I think I like Brandon more than Caroline, so I need to break up with her, and I’m scared, but I know it’s the right things to do, so I’ll do it.”

“Oh…oh my, um, okay.”

“Do you…do you still love me?” Andy’s voice cracks just as Paige pulls into her driveway. She turns around to look at him.

“Of course I still love you! You never have to worry about that.”

Andy nods and gets out of the car. Paige hugs him immediately before going inside. Once Andy’s put his things away in his room he comes down to the kitchen and smells something delicious.

“What’s for dinner?” He asks.

“Well, since we knew you were coming we decided to get some of those spinach raviolis you like, and Rachel requested garlic bread.” Noah says.

“You did that for me?”

“Course, buddy.” Noah smiles.

“Thanks, Noah, that was really nice of you.” Andy sits down at the table next to Rachel. “Hey.”

“Hi.” She raises an eyebrow at him. “I thought you wanted to stay with your dad this weekend.”

“I did, but…I sort of missed Mum, so…”

“Must be nice to do that when you can.” She mumbles.

“I was gonna ask your dad if he wanted to watch a movie together tonight, would you wanna join?”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, sure, but why?”

“I’m trying to make more of effort. I’ve been acting like a baby.”

“I believe I said spoiled brat, but baby works too.” She smiles. “I think a movie is a great idea.”

“Hi, precious.” Lydia comes to the table and gives Andy a kiss on the top of his head.

“Hi, Gram.”

“Alright.” Paige says as she puts everything on the table. “Everybody dig in.”

“This looks really good.” Andy says. “Thank you.”

“More than welcome.” Noah says.

“Would everyone be up for watching a movie tonight?” Andy asks.

“Sure, honey, what do you feel like watching?” Paige says.

“It doesn’t matter.” He shrugs.

“How about Ratatouille?” Rachel says.

“Oh, I like that one.” Andy says.

“Ratatouille it is then.” Noah smiles.

“Andy, after dinner, there’s something I wanna talk to you about. Noah can set up the movie.”

“Okay.”

“What is Ratatouille about?” Lydia asks.

“It’s about this rat named Remy who’s really good at cooking, and then he hides under the hat of this guy who isn’t good at cooking, and he helps him cook in this fancy restaurant.” Rachel explains.

“Perhaps I’ll read something instead.” Lydia chuckles.

After dinner Paige goes into Andy’s room with him, and sits on his bed.

“So, what’s up?” He asks her.

“Well, the wedding’s going to be in July, as you know.” Andy nods. “And I’ve been fleshing out some of the details. There’s something I’d like you to do.”

“What, Mum?”

“If you felt comfortable with it, I’d like you to walk me down the aisle and give me away.”

“I…I thought you wanted me to walk Gram down the aisle.”

“I did at first, but Uncle Ned is gonna do it.”

“You really want me to do it?”

“I can’t think of anyone else I would want to give me away at my wedding, baby.” She smiles at him.

Andy’s eyes well up. This was the breakthrough he had been needing. He knows his mother loves him, but for a while he felt like she was moving on without him.

“Okay, Mummy.” He says and they throw their arms around each other. “I’d be happy to.” He snuggles into her and she holds him close, rocking him gently.

“You have no idea how happy that makes me.” She kisses his cheek. “I love you so much, Andy.”

“I love you too.” He looks up at her. “I’m really sorry Gramp won’t be there to do it, but he’ll sort of be with us, right?”

“Right, baby.” She blinks a few tears away. “Well, I think Noah said something about ice cream sandwiches, so we better get down there.”

Everyone gets comfortable on the couch to watch the movie.

Paige: I asked Andy to walk me down the aisle, and he said yes! Thanks for sharing him this weekend

Harry was knuckle deep fingering you when Paige texted him, so it took him a bit to respond.

“Oh! Andy’s gonna walk Paige down the aisle at her wedding.” Harry shows you his phone as you both get settled into bed.

“That’s great! I’m glad he went over there.”

“Me too. Let me just text her back.”

Harry: Amazing! And no worries, he really wanted to hang out with you

Paige: I can bring him back to you tomorrow so you don’t have to

Harry: you sure?

Paige: yeah, it’s no trouble :)

Harry: alright, thanks

“Okay, putting this on do not disturb.” Harry sighs.

“Are we, um, going to the wedding?”

“Slow down, we?” Your face drops and he starts laughing. You smack his shoulder and he laughs harder. “Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. We’ve been invited, but I haven’t made up my mind yet. It’s going to be a little tough for me. Maybe we’ll just go to the reception, skip the ceremony.”

“Whatever you wanna do is fine with me.” You give his hand a squeeze. “It would be cute to see Andy walk her down the aisle.”

“You know I was nervous Paige was gonna ask me to do it when she was still a little vulnerable after Nathan died. I’m really glad she didn’t.”

“I feel like that would be crossing a line.”

“Just a wee bit.” He takes your hand to kiss it. “I think she forgets where the line is sometimes, but it’s hard to correct her.”

“If she had asked you to do it, would you?”

“No.” He shakes his head. “I would have told her to ask Andy. I’m glad she thought of it on her own.” You both slide down in the bed and you rest your head on his chest while he cards his fingers through your hair. “So, you wanna get married at some point.”

“Correct.” You giggle.

“What kind of wedding do you think you’d want?”

“Something small, honestly. Just close friends and family.”

“I like the sound of that. No sense in blowing an arm and a leg on it.”

“Exactly! I’d love for it be in the fall so it’s not too hot, like, at a nice gazeebo in a park. Oh! And I could really see myself in, like, a white pair of slacks and a blouse.”

“You wouldn’t wanna wear a dress?”

“Not really.” You shrug. “I mean, I could change my mind, but I like the idea of doing something a little different. I’d do the veil and all that.”

“You’d look lovely no matter what you’d wear, baby.”

“Thanks.” You kiss his chest. “What would you want?”

“Pretty much everything you described, something simple with close friends and family. I love the idea of having it in a park. We probably wouldn’t be able to do it in the fall because of school, but maybe in the late spring when the weather feels the same? We could have a nice reception at a local hall so people could dance, or we could rent a tent or something? Lots of really good food, buffet style so people can just take what they want.”

“And we could get assorted cupcakes, I like when weddings have those.”

“Me too, it’s just enough dessert.” He looks down at you and tilts your chin up, pressing his lips to yours. “When do you want to get married, Y/N?”

“Oh, god, I don’t know, baby. Probably after I get my doctorate. As simple as things would be, it would still be a lot to plan along with my work, you know?”

“Mm, definitely. Although, you wouldn’t be planning it on your own. It would be our wedding, so we’d both plan it.”

“You’d really wanna help with all that?”

“Sure! Seems like it could be fun.” He smiles. “And then…I mean, when do you think you’d wanna start having kids? I know I’m still young, but I wanna be too old that I can’t even play with them. That was the most fun part about being young with Andy. I had all the energy in the world when we’d go to the playground and stuff.”

“I’d say by the time I’m thirty would be good, but I mean, if it happens sooner I wouldn’t be mad.”

“Even if we weren’t married yet?”

“Yeah, I mean, ideally I’d at least like to be engaged, but if I got pregnant before we got married it would be fine. Is it weird that I’m not really worried about it?”

“So if you missed your period you wouldn’t freak out?”

“I mean right now I would, I’m way too busy for a baby, but once I’m done with my work I could definitely handle it.”

“I love hearing you talk about wanting to have a baby with me.” He kisses your forehead.

“It’ll be so nice to feel you come inside me.” You bite your bottom lip as you look up at him.

“I’m sorry, did I not make you come enough times earlier? Are you still in the mood?” He smirks.

“Mmm, maybe?” You slide your leg over his and lightly grind against it. “I wouldn’t mind if we went another round…we need all the practice we can get if we’re gonna make a baby at some point.”

“I like the way you think, darling.”

//

During the beginning of March, you and Harry work to get the living room ready for painting. Andy was a big help, and it was fun to watch how serious he took painting. You played music and had a pretty good time getting it all done. Many hands make light work.

Noah came over to help move some of the furniture. The couch and love seat needed to be moved to the basement to make room for the new furniture you had ordered. That was a fun day too, Andy had a ball flopping down onto the different couches. You found a set that had recliners. You also went a curtain and blind store to update some other things.

Then came yours and Harry’s spring break, it was time for you to officially move. It was bittersweet saying goodbye to your apartment. It had been an excellent place to live, but Harry’s house was home now. You set up the loft to have both of your desks and you both loved that no matter what you’d be office neighbors. Andy was a huge help with moving too. He honestly needed the distraction. Things with Caroline…weren’t great.

“Andy, it’s sweet you wanted to go for a walk after school, but it’s a little chilly.” She laughed.

“Sorry, I just wanted to talk privately. Wanna go sit on the swings?”

“Sure.” She shrugged and they walked over to the school playground. “So, what’s up?”

“Caroline, I’m really glad you’re here, and I’m happy we’ve gotten so close, but I don’t think I can be your boyfriend anymore…”

“Wh-what?” Her eyes welled up and her bottom lip quivered.

“Please, don’t cry.” He reached for her hand, and she let him hold it.

“I thought we were having fun…”

“We were! I…I’m really confused about things right now, and it wouldn’t be fair to keep dating when I’m not one-hundred percent sure.”

“What are you confused about? Do you like someone else?”

“I really like you, a lot, Caroline, but there is someone else I also really like, and I liked them before you came here, and I thought that feeling went away, but it didn’t. I’m really sorry.”

“Who is it?”

“I don’t wanna say…I haven’t talked to them yet.”

“Well, this isn’t what I thought we’d be talking about at all…”

“I…don’t wanna stop hanging out with you, though. I like when we do stuff together, you’re so much fun, and-“

“So you just wanna be friends?”

“If you’re okay with that.”

“Um…I think it’s gonna take me some time to wanna be friends, Andy. I feel…really blindsided.”

“I didn’t want to hurt you, I feel terrible.” She nodded at him and stood up, so did he. “Will you think about it? Being friends?”

“Yeah…I mean, I don’t wanna lose you. You were the first person that talked to me here and made me feel welcome.”

“I don’t wanna lose you either.”

She threw her arms around him and they hugged.

“I hope things work out with the other person.” She whispered.

“Me too.”

Things were awkward at school for a bit, especially since people wanted to know why, but Caroline was coming back around slowly to Andy. Anyways, he was just thankful for the creative distractions of painting and rearranging furniture. It made him happy to see his dad so happy too. He could tell Harry was trying to contain his excitement of you moving in.

Things with Brandon were…a tad strained too. It was a little awkward after the almost kissing thing, and even though Brandon was there for Andy after breaking things off with Caroline, he still seemed to be with Molly, and Andy was more confused and annoyed than ever.

The topic of Andy’s April vacation had come up, and Harry and Paige agreed to split the week so that both of them would only have to take a few days off from work. That’s when you and Harry decide it would be good to take Andy to Boston for a little trip. You could spend a few days at Julian’s hotel for next to nothing, and Andy could meet your parents. Harry could meet your friends too, maybe not in the bar atmosphere you were hoping for, but they could meet him nonetheless.

Things were going really well. You were able to get more work done than you thought at the house, and your classes were going incredibly well. Living with Harry was a breeze. He was such a chill and easy going person. You never had a relationship where you could communicate with someone so easily. You rarely fought, and it made for a really happy and healthy environment for everyone.

You were having a peaceful Saturday morning, working away up in the loft while Harry was downstairs reading on your new couch. He loved the recliners.

“Hey, Dad.” Andy plops down next to him.

“What’s up?” Harry closes his book to give his son his full attention.

“So, um, my birthday is a month away, as you know.” Harry hums his response. “My grades have been really good again this year, don’t you think?”

“They’ve been exceptional, I’m really proud of you.”

“Thanks…so…you know how you and Mum usually get me something?” Harry nods at him. “Well, there’s really only thing I want this year.”

“Oh? And what might that be?” Harry sits his chair up straight so he can turn to face Andy.

“A smart phone.” Andy mumbles.

“Hmm, are you turning thirteen this year?”

“No…I’m turning twelve.”

“Right, that’s what I thought. So, no smart phone, Andy.”

“Dad, please?”

“We had an agreement. Your mum feels the same way, I’m sorry, my hands are tied.”

“What’s the difference between now and one more year?”

“If a year doesn’t make a difference, then you can continue to wait.”

“Ugh, you’re being so unfair!”

“Don’t raise your voice at me, I’m being perfectly reasonable. There must be something else you want?”

“No, that’s literally all I want.” Andy huffs. “All of my friends have them, why can’t I?!”

“First of all, smart phones are very expensive, your phone now only costs thirty dollars a month. I’d have to add your line to mine, and that could be over one hundred extra a month. Second of all, I don’t care what your friends have, it’s not happening.”

“You get paid like ninety grand a year!” Andy stands up. “No way money is the issue. I’ll get a paper route or something to help pay for it.”

“That’s really not a lot of money to make when you own a home and have a child. You can wait another year. What do you even need one for right now? You have your own laptop, you have all the internet you could need.”

“I wanna be able to go on Instagram like my friends can!”

“Instagram?!” Now Harry’ standing up, and you can’t concentrate on your work anymore, so you stand up and lean against the banister to see what’s going on. “Who said you’d even be allowed to download all of those apps when you get a smart phone?!”

“Are you kidding me?! That’s the whole point!”

“You won’t be allowed to have any of that until you go to high school!”

“You’re living under a rock, Dad! Everyone my age uses this stuff! I wanna be able to see what my friends are posting, I’m always left out of the loop! I can’t even group text properly!”

“Who do you need to group text with?!”

“My fucking friends!”

Harry was fuming now. You had never seen him like this. You creep down the stairs to maybe see how you could help. You had never seen them fight like this before. Usually it was playful. This was very serious.

“Give me your phone, now.”

“What, why?”

“Because I said so.” Harry holds out his hand for it, and Andy reluctantly gives it to him. “You want a phone so badly for your birthday? You can have this back next month.”

“What?!”

“You heard me.” Harry puts the phone in his pocket and crosses his arms. “You can use the landline if you need make calls.”

“What if Mum needs to text me or-“

“I’ll tell her what’s going on, and she’ll either call me or she’ll call the landline if she needs to speak with you.”

“I can’t believe you’re getting upset over a simple question! I just asked for a phone!”

“We’ve been over this a million times! You’ll get one when you’re thirteen, and that’s final.”

“And you’re really going to take my other phone away until my birthday next month.”

“That’s right.”

Andy was fuming now. He looks at you, almost pleading to say something to his father, but you bite your inner cheek and look away.

“You’re being unfair!”

“I think I’m being plenty fair! This phone isn’t even yours, it’s mine! I pay for it, don’t I?”

“Harry.” You finally step in. “That’s enough.” He turns to look at you with raised eyebrows. “Andy, you shouldn’t talk to your father like that…I don’t like hearing you use cuss words. Also, the rules have been pretty clear, you need to wait another year for a smart phone. Try to think of something else you may like for your birthday, yeah?”

“But-“

“I think you should go cool off in your room for a bit.” You nod in that direction.

“You can’t tell me to go to my room, Y/N.” He scoffs.

“Actually, she can, so go.” Harry says.

“Everyone’s against me! Jesus Christ.” He grumbles and storms off to his room, slamming the door shut.

“I wish you had stayed upstairs, I was handling it.” Harry says to you.

“Were you? Because it seemed like you were throwing daggers at him. You can’t say that to a kid.”

“What?”

“That his property isn’t really his because you pay for it. That’s like saying his room isn’t really his because this is your house. My dad used to say shit like that when he’d get really mad at Phil and I. It doesn’t exactly make for a safe environment when you don’t think anything is yours.” You bite your bottom lip. “Did you really need to take his phone away?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because he was acting like a spoiled brat, and I can’t stand it when he does that. Maybe that’s on Paige and I for rarely saying no, but I’m saying no now and he needs to respect that.”

“And you’re really not going to give it back to him until his birthday?”

“That’s right. It won’t kill him to be a little unplugged. If I need to get in touch with him at school I’ll just call the office, and he knows he can do the same. The secretary has a community phone for the kids to use.”

“You didn’t flip out until he mentioned Instagram, why?”

“Because he’s too young for all that. If he gets one then I’ll need to get one.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ll need to monitor what he’s posting.”

“Oh my god.” You shake your head. “You know what that leads to? Him just making a finsta that’s private and all his friends will follow him on there, and he’ll post whatever he wants and have the real fun, and then he’ll post what he thinks won’t get him in trouble on whatever account you follow him on. Come on, Harry, only helicopter parents do shit like that.”

“What in the fuck is a finsta…?”

“It’s a fake Instagram. Look, instead of doing that, we could just talk to him about the importance of privacy settings, and what’s appropriate to post. Instagram can be a lot of fun for kids, you can post aesthetically pleasing photos, although it’s not as fun as it used to be. I remember when I got mine, like, god almost ten years ago, people just used to post cool pictures of food, now it’s a place for influencers and models, which is really annoying, but-“

“Y/N, please, you’re giving me a headache.” Harry sighs. “I’m his dad, so what I say goes.”

“Right, and I’m just the woman who lives here that fucks you, is that it?”

“Don’t twist this into an argument between the two of us, it’s not necessary.”

“You picked a fight with him for no fucking reason, Harry.”

“He started getting-“

“I don’t care! You’re the parent, like you said, act like the adult you are. You could have handled that ten times better, but instead you chose to be petty, and for what? I know it’s scary that he’s growing up, and maybe right now you can protect him by not getting him the phone, but you can’t protect him from every little thing. What you should do is teach him how to properly use all of that stuff so he doesn’t get hurt. Don’t talk to strangers applies in the real world as it does virtually, stuff like that.”

“Wow, been living here a month and you’re an expert on parenting, that’s incredible. You should really write a book on it.”

You narrow your eyes at him. Harry had never, not once, spoke to you like that. Something had really crawled up his ass today, and you clearly hit a trigger for him. This had to be about Andy growing up, and Harry being sad about it. You look him up and down and smirk before going back upstairs to your work. If he didn’t want you to be involved, then you wouldn’t be involved.

After a couple of hours, Harry knocks on Andy’s door.

“Come in…” He mutters as Harry enters.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Can we chat?”

“Are you gonna yell at me again?”

“Are you gonna yell at me?”

“No.” He mumbles, and Harry nods. He sits down with Andy on his bed.

“I know I was harsh earlier, and I know it seems unfair that I’m being so firm about this, but I’d appreciate a little trust here. You do not need a smart phone yet, trust me. All of those apps and stuff just rot your brain. Right now you read before you go to bed, and you’re able to relax. Smart phones are really tempting and can keep you up for hours if you’re not careful. I just think you could handle it better a little later on.”

“My friends are able to take pictures and post them, and then someone always has to show them to me. It’s embarrassing.”

“I’m sure you’re not the only one in your grade that doesn’t have one.”

“You’re probably right, but it’s still annoying.”

“I know.” Harry sighs. “Here.” Harry gives Andy back his little phone. It was the kind that slides open to have a keyboard to text. “You have no reason to really be punished, you didn’t do anything that would warrant not having your phone.”

“Thanks.” Andy sets it down on his bed.

“Social media can be really scary, and I know you think it’s fun, but it can turn to not so fun fast, and my biggest fear is that something could happen to you because of it.”

“Dad, I’m not gonna talk to anyone I don’t know…”

“Well, I should hope not.”

“Is Y/N mad at me? I shouldn’t have said that to her…”

“No, she’s mad at me actually for how I handled things. I’m sorry I said that too about the phone being mine. It’s not, it’s yours…and I don’t mind footing the bill.”

“It’s okay…is she still working, can I go see her?”

“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind the visit from you.” Harry smiles. “Can we agree that you’ll get the phone next May? Please, I don’t want to keep having this same fight.”

“Okay.” Andy nods. “But there’s something else I want then.”

“Name it.”

“Ariana Grande is touring again soon, and I’d like to go to her concert.”

“Do you wanna bring a friend?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.” Harry sighs. “I’ll see what I can do, alright?”

“Really?!”

“Yeah.”

“Oh my god!” Andy squeals and lunges himself onto Harry for a hug. Harry chuckles and hugs his son back. “And don’t worry about having to chaperone, Y/N told me if Ari ever toured here again she’d take me.”

“Thank god, I really don’t think I could sit through it.”

Andy rolls his eyes to get up and go see you.

“Y/N?”

“Hey.” You smile at him.

“I’m sorry about earlier.”

“Oh, please.” You scoff. “It’s fine, I would have said the same thing. Did you and Dad figure things out?”

“Mhm.” Andy grins. “He’s gonna try to get tickets to see Ariana Grande for us!”

“That’s great! Better than a phone, huh?”

“Way better.” He comes over to you to hug you, and then he heads back downstairs. The Styles men, you were starting to notice, are a special breed.

You don’t’ say much to Harry for the rest of the day, although you could tell he trying to butter you up. He made lasagna for dinner, one of your favorites. You mostly spoke with Andy at the table. You wanted a formal apology for what he said to you, that was it. When you had still barely spoken to him by the time you both got into bed, he sighs heavily and looks at you. You raise an eyebrow at him.

“What do you want to hear, that you were right?”

“No, I want to hear you say you’re sorry for being a facetious little shit when I was just trying to help. I’m fully aware that I don’t have as much experience parenting as you do, but don’t discount me like that. I’ve been in that kid’s life long enough now, also I’ve read a few parenting books since we started dating so-“

“You have?”

“Of course I have! I went into this blind, I had to do some research, Harry.”

“I’m sorry I said what I said to you, I was frustrated that you…that you just read the situation to a T. I’m petrified of him growing up, it sucks. I hate it and there’s nothing I can do to stop it, and I have control of the phone thing, so I flipped out when he challenged me on it.”

“I didn’t like hearing you yell. You never get that mad.”

“I have my moments, you’re just more privy to them now.” He sighs. “It’s hard for to stay calm sometimes when he starts yelling at me. It’s only going to get worse, so I know it need work on keeping my cool.” You nod your head. “I gave him his phone back.”

“You did?” You features soften.

“Yeah, it was stupid of me to have taken it in the first place. He didn’t really do anything wrong.”

“I’ll always respect your decisions, I mean, you’ve been doing this alone, sort of. But I want you to remember I’m your partner in this, we’re a team, babe.”

“Yeah, we are.” He smiles. “I really am sorry for speaking to you like that.”

“It’s okay.” You shrug. “You backed me up while he was still in the room.”

“I’m glad you butted in, who knows what else I would have said if you hadn’t. I feel like for so long, like, because he wanted to be with me, and I got used to it, I didn’t really discipline him as much. I wanted to keep him happy so he’d want to stay. It was so hard for years only seeing him for small chunks of time. I’ve been trying to form better habits.”

“And you’re doing a great job, I think you’re doing as best as you can. I just want you to know it’s not all on your shoulders anymore.”

“Thanks, baby.” He kisses your cheek. “So…we’re good?”

“Yeah, we’re good.”

“Good, I couldn’t stand the silent treatment.”

“I just didn’t really know what to say to you, honestly. Upside is I got a fuck ton of work done.” You chuckle.

“Oh, well, thank god for that.” He laughs. “So, you’re not gonna deprive me of the booty tonight, then?”

“No, you can still have some booty.” You giggle and shift down in the bed, and turn over so he can wrap himself around you. The sound of his sigh makes me you smile. “I feel like even if I was so mad at you that I didn’t want you to hold me, you would in your sleep anyways.”

“My plan is to never make you that mad, so we don’t have to worry about that.”

“Oh good, I’m glad you have a plan.”

“Goodnight, Y/N.” He kisses your cheek again before really getting cozy with you.

“Goodnight, Harry.”

//

Since you were going for a few days, you decide to drive down to Boston. You were a little worried that it might be awkward sharing a room with both Harry and Andy, but neither of them seemed all that concerned. Julian said he’d hook you up with a good size room, so that put you at ease.

“What are we doing first, Y/N?” Andy asks excitedly from the back seat.

“Well, first we’re going to check in to the hotel to drop all of our things off, and then I was thinking we could go to the aquarium, would you like that?”

“Yeah! I haven’t been there in forever. Can we do the touch tank?”

“Of course.”

Harry puts his hand on your thigh as you drive. He was over the moon about doing something just the three of you. Even though you all lived together now, a trip would be a good bonding experience.

“Holy shit.” You say to yourself when you go inside the room. “He gave us a full suite! Look, there’s two bedrooms.”

“Sick!” Andy says as he runs in, and claims one of the rooms.

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise.” Harry says. “We’ll have to make sure to say thank you.”

“Definitely.” You text Julian immediately to tell him how amazing he is. “Okay, bathroom break and then we’ll head to the train?”

Andy didn’t get to go on the train very often, so hopping on and off was really exciting. He got to use the tube in London, but this was still fun for him. His eyes light up when you get the aquarium. He waits for you and Harry to get your tickets before going up to the touch tank that was on the outside of the building.

“They brought us here for a class trip when I was in the fourth grade, I think this and the penguins were my favorite part.” He tells you as he gently touches the various animals in the tanks. “It’s so cool.”

Once Andy’s had his fill, you all head inside. He nearly squeals when he sees the penguins, and Harry takes his phone out to take some pictures, chuckling to himself.

“What?” You smile at him.

“Nothing, he’s just gonna sleep so well tonight.” He kisses your cheek. “I’m really glad we’re doing this.”

“Me too. I thought this trip could be sort of educational for him, so I got us tickets for the museum of science tomorrow.”

“I thought your friends were meeting us tomorrow?”

“They are.” You grin. “It’s going to be fantastic.”

You and Harry hold hands as you walk through the aquarium with an enthralled Andy. You stop off for a quick snack in the small food court, and keep going.

“What are we doing for dinner tonight?” Andy asks.

“Bud, you just had a bag of chips and a candy bar…” Harry says. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hungry for more?”

“I’m not, it just got me thinking about food later.”

“Happens to the best of us.” You chuckle. “We’re going to have dinner at my brother’s place so you can meet my family, how does that sound?”

“Wow, really?” Andy asks with wide eyes.

“Mhm, and brother is a really good cook, so you’re gonna eat well tonight.”

“Are your parents gonna be there too?” He asks.

“Yup.” You smile and so does he.

After the aquarium, you all go back to the hotel to freshen up before hopping in the car to go to Phil and Julian’s. You were happy it was a Sunday evening so Phil didn’t have to physically be at the restaurant. Andy gets a little shy as you walk into the complex, sticking to Harry’s side.

“Hello?” You say as you key in.

“Hey!” Julian says as he greets you. “Come on in, hi, Harry.” He smiles. “And oh my goodness, you must be Andy! Hi, I’m Julian.”

“Hello.” Andy says, politely shaking Julian’s hand.

“Phil’s made so much food, you’d think it was Thanksgiving all over again. A little birdy told us you like pasta, Andy.”

Andy’s smile grows as you all come into the kitchen. Phil had made homemade raviolis and bolognaise, along with a meatless option for you and Harry.

“Hey, everyone.” Phil smiles as he strains the raviolis. “Mum and Dad should be here any minute, think they got stuck in traffic.” He looks at Andy. “Hi, I’m Phil, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Hello.” Andy shakes his hand as well. “So…you’re Y/N’s big brother.”

“That’s right.” He throws an arm around you. “She drove me nuts growing up, but now I don’t know what I would do without her.” He kisses your temple and lets you go. “You’re on April vacation, right?”

“Mhm.”

“Must be nice to just have an entire week off, enjoy it while you can.” Phil chuckles.

“Babe, do you want me to get the table set?” Julian asks.

“Please, that would be great. Garlic bread’s almost done and then we can put it in that nice basket you got.”

Julian nods and gets to work. A knock on the door signals that your parents have arrived, and you go to open it for them. It’s hugs and kisses all around, and then they say hello to Harry.

“Good to see you both again.” Harry says to them.

“Same to you.” Your dad says.

“Andy, c’mere, I want you to meet my parents.” You say to him and he stands in front of you. “Mum, Dad, this is Harry’s son, Andy.”

“Well are you’re you just the most precious thing!” Your mom says. “Y/N’s sent us some pictures of you, but they don’t do you justice. Look at those curls!”

“Oh, thanks…I use a special mousse for them.” Andy says shyly. It makes both of your parents laugh.

“Andy, we heard you enjoy painting.” Your dad says to him and Andy nods. “Well, we couldn’t help ourselves, especially since we also heard your birthday was coming up soon.” He takes a bag from behind his back and hands it to Andy. “Go ahead and open it if you like.”

Andy looks up at you and you nod. He opens the bag and gasps.

“Whoa! It’s that washable paint stuff! Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.” Your mom says. “We saw it and just had to get it.”

“Okay, dinner’s ready, let’s sit.” Phil says.

Everyone sits down at the table, and the conversation stays around Andy. He answers questions about school, friends, what his favorite subject is, what he does for fun (other than painting), and he talks about how much he likes living with Harry.

“Sometimes I miss my mum, but I like living with Dad more. It’s just calmer.” Andy shrugs. He was thoroughly enjoying the food as well.

“Can’t be much calmer with Y/N there now.” Your dad chuckles. “With the way she’s always running around like a chicken with their head cut off.”

“I do not do that…” You mumble.

“Sure you do honey, you always used to run around the house never able to find anything, and we’d tell you not to run because you always had socks on too, and one time you completely wiped out!”

“Wow, I didn’t realize we’d be telling embarrassing stories about me tonight.” You roll your eyes.

Andy thought it was interesting seeing you interact with your parents. You sort of did what Harry did, in that you acted like a kid again. He also liked observing Phil and Julian. Maybe things would get better.

//

The next day, after enjoying a nice breakfast at the hotel, you all head to the Museum of Science. Claudia, Nora, Darcy, and Mark would all be meeting you there. The three of you wait inside for them.

“Y/N!” Nora squeals and runs over to you. You open your arms and you hug each other. Everyone else comes following from behind.

“I swear she turns into a cheetah when she sees you.” Claudia says.

“Oh, shut up.” Nora says, letting go of you. She looks at Harry grins. “Well, well, well, look who have here.”

“It’s so nice to meet you all.” Harry says.

“Oo, boy, that accent.” Mark giggles to Darcy.

“This is my son, Andy. We’re both excited to spend the day with you.”

“Hello.” Andy says. He was feeling a little shy, but less so than last night.

“He’s so handsome!” Nora says to Harry. “Not surprised though.” She looks Harry up and down.

“Okay, enough flirting with my boyfriend.” You say. “Harry, Andy, this is Nora, Darcy, Claudia, and Mark, my best friends in the world.”

Everyone gets properly introduced, and you all head inside to the main area. Nora and Mark loop arms with Harry, and it makes you giggle as they walk with him, and talk his ears off. Claudia and Darcy do the same with Andy, and he loves it. Everyone helped make all of the science and exhibits extra fun for Andy. His favorite part was the lightning show.

You all were pooped by the time you got to the planetarium. Andy sits in the middle of you and Harry, and Nora sits on your other side. You two giggle and she makes you laugh so hard you cry while trying to be quiet during the show, which makes your other friends laugh too. Harry enjoys all of it.

“Okay, we were thinking Mexican for dinner, does that work for everyone?” Mark says.

“I love tacos.” Andy says. “Sounds good to me.”

“Yeah, we eat Mexican all the time.” Harry says.

“Great! You’ll love this place. They have the best margaritas.” Claudia says.

Andy was eating good this weekend. He wondered if you did this a lot when you used to live here. All of the adults order drinks, and Harry lets Andy get a virgin pina colada for his drink. Everyone got all different types of food. Luckily the restaurant had a kids menu with more traditional Tex-Mex that he was used to.

“So, Harry, talk to us about this cabin. Is it used in the summer?” Darcy asks.

“Yeah, it’s great for all seasons.” The friends all look at each other. “You all will have to come up some time this summer.”

“Oh, well, we wouldn’t want to impose.” Nora scoffs. “But I have to say, we’re incredible house guests.”

“Good to know.” Harry smiles. “So, what do you all do for work?”

“I’m a preschool teacher.” Claudia says.

“I’m an executive assistant to this CEO downtown.” Mark says. “At a marketing firm.”

“I’m an insurance agent.” Darcy says.

“And I also work in higher ed, but I work in Alumni Relations.” Nora says.

“Did you all go to school together?” Andy asks.

“Nora and I became friends in high school, and went to the same undergrad, that’s where we met Darcy and Mark, and then Claudia and I met in grad school, and she and Darcy, um, saw each other for bit…”

“But we realized friendship was the way to go.” Claudia says.

“That’s right.” Darcy says. “And we’ve all just been a little group ever since.”

“That’s kind of how my friend group is. My best friend is Brandon, and we have this other friend Tyler. And then Caroline became friends with us because she and I were boyfriend and girlfriend, but now we’re just friends.” Andy explains. “It was awkward at first, but everything’s normal again.”

“It can definitely be awkward.” Mark agrees. “You’re in sixth grade, right?”

“Mhm.”

“My god, the drama.” Claudia snickers to Darcy.

The group asks Harry questions about how he got into academia and how he ended up in New England. It was a great conversation all around. The food was excellent and everyone seemed to be meshing well. You and Nora had got up to go to the bathroom together, it was a chance to consult.

“Well?” You say to her as you both wash your hands.

“I can’t find a single flaw, Y/N.” She says. “I mean, on the outside, ten out of ten, that man is gorgeous, but he can also carry a conversation. He’s not one of those condescending know-it-alls, you can tell he’s really listening. God, and that Andy…so adorable.”

“Right? Sweetest kid ever.”

“You can tell how comfortable he is with you too by how comfortable he already is with us. He was shy at first, but he opened up. Living together has been going well so far?”

“Yeah, for the most part it was seamless. I’ve never felt this sure in a relationship before.”

“Clearly! I don’t think you’ve ever lasted this long in one.” She jokes and you roll your eyes. “I like them both a lot, well done.”

“Thanks.” You smile and walk back to the table with her.

“Well, this has been fun, but every night as to come to an end at some point.” Darcy says.

“Yeah, not all of us have a week off.” Mark says.

“Hey, I’m using vacation time same as you.” You say. “But I appreciate you all coming out today.”

“It was so nice to finally meet all of you.” Harry says.

“You both better come back down soon. We can show you a really good time nightlife wise.” Nora says.

Harry nods, and Andy says goodbye to everyone before you all go to your separate trains. Andy can barely keep his eyes open as he sits on the train between you and Harry. His head falls to Harry’s shoulder, and Harry pouts down at him.

“M’gonna have to carry him.” He says to you. “What a treat.” He puts his arm around Andy to keep him comfortable.

“I didn’t realize just how much walking we did today.” You chuckle and run your fingers through Andy’s hair.

“Think that big meal we just had did him in. It’s alright, he’s having a great time.”

“Are you going to be able to carry him?”

“Oh, sure. He’s not that heavy.”

“I know…he’s just getting lanky.”

“He’s due for a growth spurt, that’s for sure.”

Once you reach your stop, Harry’s able to pick Andy up bridal style and carry him out cuddled to his chest. It was one of the sweetest things you had ever seen. You weren’t always pricy to the more tender moments between them, and you were living for this one.

“I’m just gonna get him settled into his bed.” Harry whispers to you once you’re in the hotel room. You nod and go start your nightly routine.

Harry’s able to get Andy changed, and tucked into bed. Just as Harry kisses his forehead, Andy fidgets.

“Dad?” He mumbles.

“Shh, go back to sleep, buddy.” Harry coos.

“M’having a lot of fun with you and Mum.” He yawns and rolls over. “Goodnight.” He mumbles again before passing out.

Harry’s eyes widen and his mouth falls open. Did Andy mean to say that? Why were people always making confessions to him while they were half asleep? He slowly leaves the room and heads into yours. You were just sliding into bed.

“He all set?”

“Yeah, I’m just gonna go do my thing.” He points to the bathroom and you nod. You had gotten your period yesterday, and you were sort of thankful so that there would be minimal funny business. It wasn’t necessary on a family trip.

“Are you alright?” You ask as Harry gets into bed.

“Yeah…he just…he mumbled something in his sleep, that’s all.”

“What did he say?”

“He said he was having a lot of fun with us, um, just made me happy to hear.”

“Aw, he’s so sweet.” You peck Harry’s lips and settle down into bed. “Love you, baby.” You yawn.

“Love you too.” He says as he spoons you.

On your last day in the city, you and Harry decide it would be fun to bring Andy to the Quincy Market Place so he could do a little shopping. He nearly sprinted when he saw the Newbury Comics. You spent quite a bit of time in there, and Harry let Andy pick out a couple of things he wanted.

“Do you guys mind if I go into The Loft?”

“I thought you didn’t really shop for clothes.” Harry says to you.

“I don’t, but they’re having a sale, and I’d like to go check it out.”

“We can go with you, Y/N.” Andy says.

“So, I’m really annoying to shop with.” You laugh. “Go on to another store. I can meet you in, like, fifteen minutes?”

“Sure, let’s meet outside The Loft.” Harry says and you nod.

You really did hate to shop for clothes, especially with other people around. You were extremely picky and indecisive.

“Alright, where should we go? Need a bathroom break?” Harry asks Andy.

“No, I think we should go into one of these jewelry stores.”

“Why?”

“So you can look at rings, duh.” Andy scoffs.

“Oh, Andy…I…”

“Rip the band aid, Dad, come on, let’s just go look.” He tugs on Harry’s arms towards a jewelry store and they start looking around. “She only has, like, two rings she always wears, so this one definitely needs to be good.”

“Are you telling me you want me to propose to her already?”

“She’s living with us, why not?”

“It’s a big deal to marry someone.”

“But you both want to, right?”

“Well, yeah, we talk about it enough.”

“Okay, then. No harm in looking.” Andy shrugs. “She likes wearing silver…”

“I know.” Harry nudges him. “I have no idea what style she even would want…”

“She wears that necklace you got her every day, I don’t think she’ll care that much.”

“True, I got lucky with that one.”

Harry’s eyes scan over the various rings as the women behind the counter watch him. Nothing was really catching his eye until he saw a silver band with small diamonds studded in it, and large square diamond in the middle.

“Hey, what about this?” Harry asks Andy. “It’s…elegant, like her.” Andy tugs Harry’s shirt down so he can whisper in his ear.

“Take a sneaky picture of it so you can just order a similar one online.” Harry nods and does so swiftly before leaving the store. They both walk over to The Loft where you were standing already.

“No luck?” Harry asks when he doesn’t see any bags.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” You shake your head. “Trying clothes on while bloated was not a good idea, let’s just leave it at that.”

After a bit more walking, and a quick lunch, you all decide it’s time to hit the road. Just like last time, you drive through the city, and pull over at the rest area to let Harry drive the rest of the way. Andy was conked out in the back seat. You hold Harry’s hand as both of your arms rest on the console.

“This was a great few days.” Harry says.

“I know, I almost wish we just took the whole week off from work.” Harry chuckles at that and nods his head. “Is Paige coming to get him tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’m gonna let him sleep in, and then she’ll come grab him while we’re at school.”

“Alright, sounds good. My family loved meeting him by the way, so did my friends. I got a ton of text messages saying so.”

“Ah, so you have all the official approval you could need then?”

“I’d say so.” You nod. “I think my parents are still a little uneasy about it, but they’ll get used to it.”

“It was really nice of them to get him that paint.”

“They’ve been dying to become grand-parents, so I’m not surprised that they jumped on the schmooze train.”

“Still, they didn’t have to do that.” He squeezes your hand. “It’s not easy to just treat someone as your own right away.”

“He doesn’t make it difficult, trust me.” You bring Harry’s hand up to your lip to press a kiss to his knuckles and he sighs.

//

With Andy at Paige’s for a few days that guaranteed no one just walking in, as soon as your period was over, it was like Harry went feral. It reminded you of that first weekend you actually slept over where he just wouldn’t let you leave the bedroom. He tried to be subtle about it, but he wasn’t very good at it.

“Feel like taking a break?” He says to you one night as you’re working.

“Do to what?” You say to him without looking.

“Me.” Your hands freeze over your keyboard, and you slowly turn to look at him. “You looked so pretty today, and I barely had time to tell you with all my advisees coming in and out.” He tils your chin up so you can look at him easier. “What do you say?”

You look at your computer quickly to save whatever you’re working and then you reach for the button on his jeans, but he backs away.

“Let’s get comfortable, darling.”

“You know, a break implies that this will be quick.”

“I meant break as in you’re done for the night, was I not clear?”

“Harry…”

“You’re going to burn out if you keep coming home and working until an ungodly hour.”

“I can’t help it.” You pout up at him.

“Come on, come down to the bedroom with me. We don’t have to worry about being quiet tonight…”

“Alright.” You sigh and get up to go downstairs with him.

Once you’re in the bedroom he cups your jaw and starts kissing you. It’s slow at first; soft. Your hands splay on his chest as he licks into your mouth. Before you can meet his tongue with yours he pulls away and nuzzles his nose to yours.

“Baby.” He whispers with a smile, and that all about melts you into a puddle.

He kisses from your cheek to your jaw to your neck, feather light, causing goosebumps to grow on your covered skin. You tug at the hem of his shirt, and he steps back so he can take it off. He reaches for yours and you lift your arms up. He cups your bare breasts (who wears a bra at home?), and kneads them as his lips find yours again. He gets you on the bed, and kisses down your chest. He tugs at your leggings and wriggles them down your legs along with your panties.

“Yours too.” You toe at his jeans and he smirks at you. He does as you say and gets rid of his jeans, leaving him in his boxers.

“Happy?”

“Yes.”

He goes back to kissing on your body, nipping where he feels like before sucking a bruise into your inner thigh. You grit your teeth and try not to buck your hips towards him. You gasp when you feel his tongue on you, sucking and swirling around your folds before he makes his way to your clit. He moans into you and your hands grasp at his hair. You bite your bottom lip as two fingers slide inside you, and you grind against them.

“Feels so good, don’t stop.” You say to him as he sucks on your clit and curls his fingers inside you. Your legs were starting to shake around him. “H-Harry.” You groan as your head rolls back. He keeps his pace steady, not changing a thing so you can get there. “Oh, fuck!” Your chest heaves as you release around his fingers.

He sucks his fingers into his mouth and looks at you with a smirk.

“What?” You breathe.

“Can I put the handcuffs on your for a change?”

Your eyes widen as you look at him. You really didn’t like being the one restrained, and it just looked better on Harry the times he’d let you cuff him.

“Um…maybe use one of the scarves, I don’t like the handcuffs on me.”

“But you’re okay with the scarf, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

He nods and goes into the drawer to get it.

“I’m not even gonna tie to you to bed, I’m just gonna put your wrists together.”

“Alright.”

“Sit up for me so I can tie them behind your back.”

“Oh?” Your eyebrows raise as you do as he says. He ties your wrists together and sits on the edge of the bed. “What do you want me to do, ride you?”

“Please.” He puts his arms out for you to help you. “Can I just come on your stomach?”

“Yeah, that’s fine.”

He helps get you lined up, and you sink down on him. You use your knees on either side of his thighs to help you move up and down. You could feel yourself trying to reach for him, but you couldn’t. He sits back with the palms of his hands flat behind him on the bed as you bounce up and down on him. He watches how the features on your face change as you basically use him.

“Harry, please put your hands on me.” You groan.

“Only because you asked so nicely.” He reaches for you but stops when you speak.

“Don’t be cute with me.” You smirk at him. “Or next time I’ll just have to tie you to each bed post again and ride you like this. Remember how much fun that was for you?” Your lean forward and ghost your lips over his, making him shudder.

“Okay, sorry, I’ll touch you.” He pouts slightly. His hands slide down to your ass and he helps you move on him.

You slot your mouth over his and lick into him. He moves you so you’re grinding back and forth on him and you moan into his mouth.

“Like that, baby?” He says to you as he sponges kisses to your collar bone.

“Yes, fuck, keep going.”

He looks up at you as you squeeze your eyes shut and bite your bottom lip. Your head rolls back, and you squeeze around him.

“That’s it, baby, be a good girl and come for me.”

Your mouth falls open, and you cry out as you reach your high. Those were the magic words, and they worked every single time. Harry pecks your lips before lifting you off of him and settling you on your back. He has you place your arms comfortably above your head, your wrists still tied together. He throws both of your legs over his shoulders, and thrusts back into you. He looks down to make sure you’re alright, and you nod at him to let him know he can keep going. Both of your moans and groans fill the room, along with the sound of his skin slapping against yours. Your clit was throbbing, and you need to give it some friction, but you knew Harry wanted your hands to stay put.

“H-Harry, please, could you, ah!” His tip your g-spot. “Fuck, please, rub my clit.” You groan.

He drops one of your legs so he can do so properly, and you moan out with relief. He thrusts were fast and deep, and it was going to send you over the edge any second with him rubbing you as well. Your eyes roll into back of your head when your orgasm reaches.

“Harry.” You whimper as you come down from your high.

He lets your other leg drop, and he comes down to you, chest to chest. He sucks on your bottom lip as he rocks in and out of you, and you wrap your legs around his waist. His hands come to yours, and he pushes down on your wrists as he continues to fuck you. You were breathing heavily underneath him, and you couldn’t help but look up at him and just watch. He looks down at you too, and it’s insanely intense, but neither of you can think to look anywhere else.

Harry keeps one hand on your wrists as the other snakes between the two of you. He rubs circles into your clit, and moves his hips in the same motion. Your mouth falls open and the whiniest moan comes out. He smirks at you.

“Harry, fuck, I’m gonna come again.” You groan.

“Yeah? Just feels that good, huh?”

“So good, baby, so good.” You start panting. “You treat me so well, Harry. I love you so much.”

“Fuck, I love you too.” He kisses you sloppily, teeth clanking and everything.

You moan into each other’s mouths as you come to your fourth release. You squeeze him a little too tightly, and he nearly loses control.

“Shit, shit, shit, shit.” He says as he pulls out, coming immediately onto your stomach. You were in such a daze you almost told him he could just come inside you, but that was the orgasm talking. “Fuck, baby.” He breathes and kisses your forehead. “Let me go get a rag.” Harry comes back with a warm washcloth to clean you up. “Feel like watching a movie, darling?”

“Sure.” You giggle as he cleans between your legs. “I can do that you know?”

“I know, I just feel like it’s the gentlemanly thing to do. I made a mess, I should clean it up.”

“Remind me to thank your mother some time for raising your right.”

Harry chuckles at that and tosses you one of his shirts before putting on a pair of boxers. He opens up his armoire and grabs the remote for the TV, and gets into bed while you go properly clean yourself up.

“What do you feel like watching?” He asks as you get back into bed.

“Something funny. Hmm, how about Step Brothers?” He scrunches his face at you. “Come on! It’s funny.”

“It’s mind numbingly stupid…”

“That’s the point.” You rolls your eyes at him. “I’m not watching another documentary, Harry, I’m just not.”

“But you learn so much from them, and they’re fascinating.”

“Maybe to you, I find them to be boring as all hell.”

“You can’t tell me the documentary we watched about prohibition was boring!”

“The only interesting part was when they got into the speak-easies.”

“You said you enjoyed the whole thing, you even laughed at certain parts.”

“Faked it.” You smirk and he gasps.

“You didn’t.”

“I did. Faked the whole thing.”

“Why would do that?”

“To keep you happy of course.” Your grin grows as he glares at you.

“Better be the only thing you’ve faked.” He says as he puts Netflix on to watch Step Brothers.

“Harry, you’re nuts if you think I would fake an orgasm with you. I’m not in the business of doing that anymore.”

“Anymore?” He raises an eyebrow at you.

“Did it a lot when I was younger, it’s the fastest way to get someone else to finish when you’re not super into it. I used to not be as vocal as I am now. Sometimes it takes a girl a while to feel comfortable enough to find her voice in the bedroom.”

“Fair enough.” He says as he puts his arm around you, pressing his lips to your hair line for a few kisses. “I love how vocal you are.”

“I know you do because you like hearing how good of a job you’re doing.” You look up at him and start laughing.

“What?”

“Do you get a stiffy when you read your good course evaluations?”

“No, I do not!” He starts laughing. “Why would you even ask me that?”

“Because it just seems like something that would happen to you. All of that praise must go right to that big head of yours.”

“Do you wanna watch this fucking movie or not?”

You burst out laughing as he holds you closer to him, pressing play on the movie. You kiss his cheek and settle down.

“And by the way”, he starts, “I enjoy American documentaries because there’s a lot I didn’t learn in school growing up, and it helps me know what some of the students are talking about. I get a few history majors now and then and I can happily say I can carry on a conversation with them.”

“Harry, it’s okay to be a nerd all on your own, you don’t to blame it on your students.” You give his chest a little pat, and gives your hip a pinch. “Aw, I’m just teasing, sweetheart.”

“Teasing is my thing, get your own.”