#the way he always put his hand on andrey's shoulder when he's making fun of him so he knows it's all love pleASE

[tennis-kittens]

the comfort trio 🥺❤️

[rvblos]

can u write something for andrey where it's the reader's first time with him? not her first time but like their first time together and andrey is super gentle and loving

first time (blurb) - andrey rublev

warnings: smut but so cute, gentle sex, sweet praises😞

notes: yay!! hope u liked it i had so much fun writing this one !!

despite being together for almost two months, the two of you always limited yourselves to steamy make out sessions but never got to the point of doing it.

he had always been the type of guy to never push your boundaries, always respecting them and never going too far. he never put you in any uncomfortable situations or positions.

but after two months it was starting to weigh on you, the fact that the two of you never got intimate, at least on that level.

and it was making you nervous, so nervous that you started seriously doubting that he even wanted you that way. but it was too embarrassing to ask anyway, so you kept your cool and acted like you always did.

but it was unbearable.

you felt an aching pain between your legs everytime that, during a match, he got close to his bench that was right under his box, where you were sitting, and changed his shirt revealing his toned body like it was nothing.

or everytime that he came back from practice sweaty and tired, with that sweet smile on his lips. he’d reach you waiting for him on the bed and kiss your lips softly “how is my girl doing?” he’d say with the most nonchalant tone.

you felt ashamed that those simple words had such an effect on you, but what could you do about it?

it had been a tough week: andrey had been gone for almost five days for a tournament and you, because of your job, had to stay in your apartment waiting for him.

but now, being in his arms, it was as if nothing had happened, nothing had changed, and that was true.

his lips moved slowly on yours, biting your bottom lip and gaining some muffled whimpers from you, as you felt that same pain between your legs but decided to ignore. it wasn’t easy.

especially when he began to kiss and suck on your neck’s skin, leaving evident marks on you. gasping for air you tugged on his hair, your fingers intertwined with his red strands as he hummed on your skin and reached your earlobe, biting it gently.

he parted from you locking his eyes with yours and you could finally see his face: hair all messy, lips parted and of a bright red and cheeks all pink from flusteredness. he looked heavenly.

you tugged on his black shirt to bring him closer to you, making his warm body perfectly adhere on yours. climbing on his lap you gained a surprised expression from him, he couldn’t believe what you were doing.

you were eager for him, eager for his touch and the pain between your legs was starting to hurt and scream for some kind of relief. “what is it baby?” he asked you taking a strand of your hair and placing it behind your ear.

your hands were resting on top of his shoulders and your gaze was directed downward from the embarrassment. “i need you…” you confessed squeezing your eyes. you were so ashamed of giving voice to your thoughts, but what else could you do? certainly you couldn’t suppress them any longer.

so you felt his hands caressing you thighs, and his voice asking “are you sure about this? we can wait.” his tone was sweet and comforting, and you thanked him silently for it.

you nodded in response “i’ve done it before.” you pouted and it made him laugh softly. “i know, j’s wanted to make sure.” he stroke your cheeks gently before placing a kiss on your forehead.

he reached your lips and started kissing you slowly, his tongue made a little pressure on your teeth as you welcomed it inside your mouth. he took his time, his hands rested on your hips guiding your movements on top of him, you grinded eagerly on his thigh.

you could feel his member getting harder against your thigh and it just created even more desire within you. you tugged on his shirt, begging him to take it off. you wanted to touch him, made him feel how badly you wanted him.

“take this off? mh? you wanna take it off?” he asked smiling making you squirm at those words. you nodded biting your bottom lip. “okay, baby. we can do that.” he was so gentle it was making you insane, you just couldn’t wait to feel him inside you.

he removed his shirt exposing his toned body ahead of you like it was nothing, but it was having such an effect on you. your lips connected one more time, heavy breathing and lips noises filling the quiet room.

“please…” you found yourself saying before you could even register it, whispered a cm from his lips. “impatient girl…” he sighed, feeling your grind harder on his thigh.

his finger reached the hem of your shirt and slowly began to take it off, letting it fall onto the ground near his own. he stared at you in awe, contemplating your naked flesh, but then starting marking it as his own. he left one hickey right under your boob and, with your hands in his hair, you almost let out a scream of pleasure when you felt his mouth on there.

“shhh… you have to be quiet.” he demanded in a sweet tone, chuckling at your reaction.

and, finally, he got his pants off, exposing his bulge covered with his boxers. and it was so big you started getting nervous. it had been a while since you did it with someone so seeing it made you feel so anxious and awkward.

you got rid of your pants too, leaving you only in your underwear, begging for him to touch you. noticing him taking his time with you, you found the courage to say “andrey… please hurry.” in a pleading tone, and you felt so embarrassed. he laughed and removed his boxers, throwing them away.

surprised by his size, you said nervously “h-how… is that..” his tip was bright red and leaking with precum and you noticed a big vein going from the bottom to the top.

he immediately reassured you by saying “don’t worry, i’ll make it fit.” and you felt yourself melt at his words. with a hand he moved your panties to a side. kissing your flushed cheek, he lifted you up and adjusted your body on top of his member, positioning his tip right on your entrance. you hissed, closing your eyes.

he made his way into you, until his member filled you entirely. you let out a moan feeling him reaching every single spot inside of you. “mhmhh…” you cried out, you had to admit to yourself that it was hurting a bit. “i know, baby. i know.” he sighed in pleasure, taking you by the hips.

when you got used to his size inside of you, and that took a while, you felt him beginning to move slowly and sloppily. you moaned loudly, the sensation becoming all-too-much. you felt your stomach begin to swirl, your pants and breaths becoming more ragged with each growing second. subconsciously, your hips bucked up and spasmed against andrey’s movements.

his arms embraced your waist and he rested his head in the crook of your neck in an intimate position. “you’re taking me so well.” he praised you humming against your hot skin, and you shivered as he reached a particular spot.

his words were so sweet but yet so dirty that you felt your head spin in pleasure, you weren’t understanding a single thing that was coming out of your boyfriend’s mouth. he fastened his pace, hitting your hips with his own. lifting his head, he locked eyes with you, a desperate look adorning your face. “oh fuck.” you whimpered as his member filled you completely.

“you’re doing so well, baby.” he moaned as you rocked your hips even faster, to match his own movements inside of you. the friction between your bodies was becoming unbearable and you could only hear the unholy noises that you were making. all of it was making your head spin so fast.

your nails drag down his broad back, making him whine into your neck, hitting a spot inside you no one's hit before. you can feel him start to chase his release, twitching as his sounds start to rise in pitch.

it was just too much. “a-andrey i think i’m going t-to…” you tried to say between moans. “i know, baby.” he said with his lips on your chest. “just cum for me.”

those words sent you over the edge and, before you could notice it, you came all over his member, your leaks staining the sheets, but none of you seemed to care. it was a matter of seconds before he reached his climax too, filling you up completely. “shit-, i’m so sorry, i’ll get a-“ he began to say completely sorry for what he had just done.

you chuckled at his words, he was cute. “there’s no need to.” your lips reached his, placing a small peck on them. “thank you.” you stared at him lovingly as he returned that little look to you. “i love you.” he hugged you sweetly, never wanting to let you go from his embrace. “i love you too.”

[b0r3dtod3ath]

oi amor! I just need to share a little thought that I had after a dream with Andrey. Soo could you write something about him having very specific ways to show love to the reader, like every time he hugs her and gives a little peck on her neck and it's really automatic. something like this you know? I need some fluff life has been pretty bitter these days lol.

Morning beverage

He usually wakes up before you because of his training plan. He would give you a kiss on the cheek and start his morning routine. After getting ready, even if he’s not eating anything, he will make sure that your morning beverage is ready. He makes you a coffee or tea and when he knows you will sleep in a little longer he takes your favorite cup and puts coffee or a tea bag in it and fills the kettle with water. So when you wake up and there isn’t a drink waiting for you all you have to do is switch the kettle on. 

Walks 

Randomly throughout the day he would offer to go on a walk with you. It’s his way to spend some time with you without any distractions. Sometimes the two of you would talk about something that was occupying your minds, sometimes you just talk about random stuff and sometimes you just don’t talk at all, enjoying each other's company and nature. The walks aren’t too long, the whole point of them is to have at least 15 minutes of peace. 

Physical touch 

We all know he is a very touchy person. Whenever you are sitting next to each other he rests his head on your shoulder or plays with your hands. He likes to hold you by your waist when you are standing next to him. 

Like you said, every time he hugs you from behind he gives you a little peck on the side of your neck, just under your ear. 

When he is tired he gets ten times more clingy. There’s no way you can get rid of this man. He hides his face in the crook of your neck as mumbled complaints leave his lips. Sometimes he takes your hand in his, places it on his head and makes you play with his hair. 

Communication

When he is away he always texts you. His friends even make fun of him for being on the phone all the time. He always feels like you are his person, he trusts you and can always talk with you. Sometimes he's not in a mood to talk so he just calls and tells you to talk to him, it calms him down.

June 25, 2024

[just-dino-maggie]

prompt #10 with andrei svechnikov?

Thank you so much for the request! I hope you like it!

10. Swimming at night

Working as a trainer with the team is hard. Being so young it took time to build trust but now that I have, things can get draining. A lot of the young guys depend on me. Not only for their physical health but sometimes their mental health. I’m happy to do it, I love my job but sometimes I need a break. Time to relax and focus on what I want.

The hurricanes are on a west coast road trip. It’s the longest one we go on and being away from my bed has sucked. Tonight I’m laying in a hotel bed, it’s too early to fall asleep but I definitely don’t want to go out. Then it clicks, I should go to the pool. It might technically be closed but I don’t mind.

I thank my past self for packing a swimsuit. I throw it on along with a cover up and some sandals. I make my way down the stairs to the outdoor pool. I don’t waist time throwing my things on a pool chair and jumping in the water. It’s perfect.

I swim a few laps for the exercise then I allow myself to float on my back. I look up at the stars. The palm trees frame my vision. It’s so incredibly peaceful.

After a few minutes of floating and looking at the stars I hear the door to the outdoor pool open. I look over and Andrei is putting his towel on the chair next to mine. He’s gorgeous, anyone could see that. He all man. Tall, muscular, and chiseled. I swim toward him and cross my arms over the side of the pool. “Why aren’t you out with the guys?”

“I didn’t feel up to it tonight.” He says easily shrugging his shoulders. His accent is music to my ears. It has lessened since I met him but it’s still strong.

I smirk, “You’re only 23 and you are already tired of going out? How can that be?”

“Y/n, you’re 22 and you’ve never liked going out.” He responds simply, walking toward me and easing himself into the pool.

I blush. It’s kinda sweet that he notices those kinds of things about me. “Touché,” I reply. I turn around so my back is up against the pool wall and I turn to look at Andrei. “Do you do this a lot?” He furrows his eyebrows as if he’s confused by the question. “Swimming in the hotel pools at night.”

“When I have time I try to. It’s nice.” He says looking at me with those dazzling eyes.

I glance back at the stars, “Do you ever have those weirdly particular experiences that you just really want to do?”

“I think I know what you mean.” He contemplates, “tell me yours.”

“I want to spend winter at a lake house, hopefully in Michigan. I want to swim in the ocean at night.” I pause blushing, thinking of something I shouldn’t have.

He pokes my arm, “What’s that look?”

“I want to make out with someone in the rain or in water. Like a lake, pool, ocean. I know it’s dumb but I always thought it was so romantic.”

He nods then goes quiet, I feel like an idiot. The other guys over share with me a lot so sometimes I forget to have a filter. “Maybe we could do some of them together. Swimming in the ocean at night seems fun.”

“Yeah, maybe we could!” I say smiling.

He looks away from me for a second, “I could also help with the other one.”

“You know a lake house in Michigan we could stay at?”

He chuckles and brings himself closer to me. “I was talking about the other one.”

I realize what he’s insinuating and I blush deeply. This would be very unprofessional of me and honestly stupid but I’ve been working on separating myself from work. Doing things that I want to do because I want to do them. And right now the number one thing I want to do is kiss Andrei Svechnikov.

“Are you sure?” I ask, putting my arms around his neck.

He grabs my legs and wraps them around his waist, “Yep.” Then his lips are on mine. He’s not shy, he’s pushing me up against the pool wall and his hands are all over me. I can tell he’s more experienced. I certainly don’t mind I just hope I’m keeping up.

Soon enough his hips are rutting against mine and his groans are undeniable. I pull back to try and slow things down but his lips goes straight to my neck. Now I’m arching into him.

When he pulls back to look at the work he’s done to my neck I can see him smirk. “We should stop.” I say because I know we have to, or I’ll do something I can’t take back.

“Yeah, we probably should. I don’t want to.”

I smile and push his arm, “You’re not helping.”

He laughs but holds my hips, not letting me go just yet. “What if I don’t want this to be a one time thing? I like you.”

I pause for a second thinking about what he just said. I should be professional, he’s a co-worker. But he’s also just a guy that I find attractive, maybe it wouldn’t hurt. “I like you too, maybe we could meet tomorrow for coffee?” I say with butterflies in my stomach.

He presses his lips to mine once again, “perfect.”

[the-shiftshop]

One Touch - Part 2

Inspired by @dark-limbo​​. Might want to check this blog out!

TO VOTE FOR THE POLL FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER, CLICK HERE 

 Today is the day I’ll be free to do whatever I want without thinking about anything else. Mom had allowed me to rest out of town all by myself for a week. Dad had lend me allowance which I can spent on what I had planned for.

Upon arriving to a beach resort, which was like 5 hours away from my hometown, I was feeling a little nervous. Technically, this has been my first vacation alone, away from anyone I know. Having the ability to hypnotize anyone doesn’t come with less worry about what dangers there would be. I may be confident to get anyone I want, I’m still scared that I might get in trouble with things and I wouldn’t be able to get away with it.

Trying to loose up, I just took a deep breath and decided to look around the lobby.

Looking over to the seats to the right near the windows, I’ve noticed this guy staring at me. He looked away after realizing I’m staring back but I know we had eye contact. He had his chest muscles peaking through his shirt and I can’t make myself look away. This guy’s interesting. I’ll come back to him later. But for now, let me drop my things to my room.

After reaching my room on the third floor of the hotel, I had to quickly drop my things and lie down on the bed. To be honest, choosing somewhere far to test my powers is not that important, but I had to make sure I’ll be going somewhere nobody I know lives, and somewhere I can enjoy at the same time. This is just to save from all the trouble of failing and letting everyone I am acquainted with know that I can hypnotize anyone I want.

Lying down the bed, I took a rest for a while. I started thinking of all the possibilities I can do here. Meeting all the men I might find attractive, pulling them in, and finally making them do what I please. All these thoughts are already making me hard, but I might need to save this up for later.

After lying down for a few minutes, only to be more frustrated because of my hard on, I decided to go out for a while and explore the resort.

Just as soon as I walk out to the back of the hotel, there I saw him again, dipping down into the pool. As soon as he descend down, I noticed that he was staring at me once more.

As I stare back at him, I notice him smile and look away. That’s already a hint, or if ever that I’m assuming things, I can always fix things up. Nevertheless, I’m nervous but excited at the same time. My own fun is about to start!

I walked near him as he keep his shoulders under the water.

“Andrei” He said.

“Nice to meet you.” I replied.

“So, you alone?”

He’s already asking if I went here alone. That’s already a big assurance he’s hitting on me.

“Yeah.” I answered.

“I actually saw you come in the resort, and you seem like you’re that type who never had been on vacation without their parents. Is it your first time around here?”

“Damn, you’re great at guessing.” I smiled. “Yup. It’s my first time here. I might need a little bit of company.” I looked at him, hoping he would get me.

“I’m actually with a few friends.” He replied, sounding a little more solemn, “But it wont hurt if I could help you explore around for a few hours.”

His eyes sparked up and it felt like mine too as we stare at each other. I chuckled and squat down in order to be much closer to him. I don’t want to play these mind games anymore, I want to go straight to the point.

“Or we can explore each other in my room.” I teased.

I was expecting him to brighten up more, but it seems like my assumptions were wrong. He furrowed his brows and stared at me, but this time, his eyes were of a different gaze.

“Ah. Sorry man, I don’t swing that way.” His tone of voice changed, slightly sounding disgusted. “I... I just thought that you might’ve need some help since you seemed lost.”

I knew it would turn out this way. Getting fooled by the nice guys. Even my face somewhat contorted to dismay. “I- I’m sorry, man.”

“Sorry, but, just leave.” He began to get out of the pool. I don’t want to cause a fight right now, especially when I just started my vacation. I should act quick.

“No, I mean, sorry. I didn’t mean to. I can still use a bit of-”

“Dude, get out of the way!” He tried to move me away but before I could even back off, my hands found their way to his arms.

Here he was now, in trance of my touch. I fell his shoulders rise as he take a deep breath in, keeping eye contact with me. He wasn’t moving, just frozen in place. I look around to see if anyone is watching. Lucky enough, we’re alone.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“No. I’m mad.” He answered. Monotonous, but you can hear how natural he speaks even under my control.

“No. You’re not mad. You’re happy.” I said.

“Oh. Yeah! I am happy!” He chuckled.

“You’re happy because you finally get to know me, you’ve been longing for me.” I whispered in his ear.

“I’ve been... wanting to know you...”

“Don’t speak a word. Dry off and change your clothes here. After that, follow me to my room.” I commanded.

It was a firm command. He didn’t speak at all. He proceeded to climb up the pool ladder and went to his things. He got his towel and his clothes to change into. He was under my control. He didn’t mind changing his clothes in public. He first took everything off, giving me a clear view of all of him from his muscular back. I want to touch him again right now, but I just let him change his clothes first. He wore his white tank top and his spare red short. Putting all of his things back into his bag, he hanged it over his shoulder and wore his flipflops.

I nodded and started walking back to my room. He followed.

Walking through the hallways was unintentionally nerve-wrecking. The fear that he might look like he’s in trace and other people might get weirded out, or that someone will call his name and since he’s under my command, he can’t talk, but luckily, we have arrived to my room.

I didn’t waste anymore time. I pushed him on the bed and started touching every skin I could. Exploring his whole body while he’s left frozen and unable to talk. I moved a hand to his crotch and gripped on his balls through his shorts. He wasn’t reacting whatsoever, but it took just one command.

“Match with me.”

With that, his hands moved up my back as I hear him give me soft but satisfied moans. I pushed my lips to his and forced my tongue in, which became much easier as he opened his mouth for me. My knee moved up the bed to his crotch as I massage him there with it. Both of my hands slowly took his tank top off, over his shoulders and off his head. He did the same, taking my shirt off. I pulled his face near my chest and he gladly sucked on my nipples.

“A-Ah...” The feeling was sending shivers all over my body. I want more than this. “Suck me off. Make me feel better.”

His hands moved down to my shorts as he try to pull it down. I stood up and let him take it off me. After finally exposing my raging hard on, I moved up the bed, with his legs in between mine, almost as if I can sit down on his lap. He continued kissing my chest, moving down to lick my abs, then finally to my cock. He proceeded putting all of my shaft into my mouth. He pull me closer as he lie down on the bed, my hands supporting myself on the bed while he’s under me, bobbing his head. I thrusted my hips slowly into his mouth. Everything feels so good. I can almost feel myself near my release. He flipped me over, now I am the only lying on the bed while he tries to get rid of his shorts. He pull my leg and aligned my hole to his shaft.

“No!” I exclaimed. “Not yet. I’m not ready.” I said. “I’ll be the one penetrating you.”

He smiled and dropped my legs down. He then moved to my cock, this time him aligning his hole to my shaft. He gave me a long painful grunt as he push himself down to my cock, then back up. I can’t endure seeing his face contort because of the amount of pain he’s having right now, but at the same time I find his hot.

He fell close to my chest, still my cock in his hole. We rolled over so this time I’m above him once more. He had put his arms around me as I thrust my hard on into him, slowly at first, but it wasn’t long until I quickened my pace. I muffled his moans as I pull him for one more kiss. My hand on his nipple while the other is stroking his cock that had been begging for attention.

I broke out kiss as I feel myself nearing climax “Fuck! Fuck! I’m gonna!” I screamed. I thrusted much faster than before until I pull out and came all over his body, spewing all my hot juice all over his muscles. We were left panting on the bed. Andrei, though, still was hard as ever. I still have not managed to make him cum yet so I decided to move back down to suck him off.

Not being able to say words, he keeps moaning and moaning as I explore his cock with my tongue. Bobbing up and down while my tongue pushing on his skin made me realize this might be giving him a lot of pleasure. His hands moved to my hair as he push me more, violently.

Soon, he screamed as he came into my mouth. I gladly swallowed all of it. He came too much though that some of them leaked out of my lips.

I finally pulled his cock out and stared at him while we both pant. For one last time, I moved near him, kissed him and hugged him as we rest.

Later this afternoon, I might need to release him back to his own control, but right now, I’ll just enjoy the skinship while it lasts.

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

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[the-a-word-2214]

Wise Beyond Her Years

summary: Pierre realizes he’s in love with his childhood best friend

pairing: Pierre Bezukhov x reader

word count: 1,489

warnings: fluff, soft Pierre moments

My dearest (Y/N),

Helene has become unbearable. She admitted to not wanting children although I persuaded her with having any amount of money she could ever want. I would like children one day, maybe Helene isn’t meant to be in my life after all. Thank you for listening.

Pierre Bezukhov

—————————————

As you carefully read Pierre’s letter, you cannot help but feel his unhappiness. He didn’t even originally want to marry Helene, her father thrust marriage upon them.

You’d known the man since you were children, you always felt a growing sense of love when you saw him but it was much more than a friendly love, it was a romantic one.

Once Pierre had come into the sum of his father’s inheritance, women were falling over themselves to get to him. It’s as if the socially awkward man they once saw had been erased from their minds.

He was still your Pierre though, the man that you loved and had since childhood. Your heart leaped anytime you saw him, but that was long ago. After getting thrown out of St. Petersburg, you hadn’t seen him in many months.

Once you received his letter, you immediately wrote back.

—————————————

Pierre,

I’m sorry to hear about your misfortune with Helene. Just know that there is a silver lining to your problems, my dear. You must come visit me, I get lonely most days without you here. The ice has frozen solid over the lake, it is now perfect for ice skating.

(Y/N) (L/N)

—————————————

The wind whipped through your hair as you skated across the frozen lake. Your warm coat kept out the cold. You skidded to a halt as you saw a figure in a fluffy ushanka marching towards you. It was Pierre, your Pierre.

He rushed towards you, nearly falling on his face. You met him in the middle, squeezing him tightly in a hug.

“Pyotr! So good to see you.” You exclaim, your mouth buried in the fur of his coat.

“Dearest (Y/N), it has been too long.” He mumbles into your hair as you pull away to look at him, your hands on his forearms.

“Come, let me show you how to skate.” You carefully pull him onto the ice with you as you skate backward, your eyes remaining on him. His gaze is wary as he slowly begins moving on the frozen water.

“This is much more fun than I ever anticipated.” He laughs softly as he looks down at his feet.

*******

Once you both return to the warmth of indoors, you take off your coat. You run your hands down the length of the smooth fabric of your dress. A soft sigh escapes your lips as you sit down next to the fire, the only sound being the popping of the fire.

“How have you been, (Y/N)?” Pierre startles you with his voice as he sits down in a chair next to you.

“Oh my! You gave me a fright.” You laugh softly as you put a hand to your chest.

“I’ve been lonely, Sonya and Natasha keep fine company but I miss our talks. I miss the way you used to make me laugh.” Your eyes flit to him, taking in his appearance. His hair a little longer than what you remember although the same glasses adorn his face.

“I see. I’ve missed you too, dearly. Helene only thinks of me as an oaf and a brute. She’s decided that she won’t mother any children either. The words she used were ‘you know I’m not the motherly type.’” He sighs, running a hand over his face.

“You deserve someone who will treat you better, Pierre. A kind woman who will happily bear your children.” You gently take his hand, he looks down at it. His eyes turn to you as he moves your hand up to his lips, kissing it softly.

Your breath catches in your throat as you turn to look away, your cheeks dusted with a faint blush.

“Pierre, you always flatter me.” You whisper as a smile graces your lips.

“You know that I’ve always found you to be wise beyond your years. You’re extraordinary! I’m four years your senior and yet you could outsmart me in almost any situation.” He’s doting on you now, making wild gestures with his hands. It always humored you when he became over dramatic.

“Oh, stop it Pierre. You’re too kind.” You laugh softly as he stands up, pulling you with him by your hands.

“It beguiles me that you can’t see your worth. You deserve a good man, (Y/N).”

*******

Pierre begins writing to you once more after he sees you. He would tell you about how many times Helene would be out and about and how each time he was more and more tempted into divorcing her.

The straw that broke the camel’s back was the truth of him finding out that Fedya Dolokhov, his own friend, was having an affair with Helene. Her restless behavior when he was around made sense now.

Pierre had challenged Dolokhov to a duel, in which he won. It was a miracle that he remained unscathed through it all. He wrote to you about his good fortune and each day after that. He began writing so often that you couldn’t keep up.

—————————————

My dearest (Y/N),

There is a ball being held soon. I would hope that you would be in attendance. This will be one of the first times that I make an appearance in public after separating from Helene. Please consider my proposal.

Pierre Bezukhov

—————————————

The thought of seeing Pierre again enticed you enough to bare the festivities of aristocratic life. With a heavy sigh, you prepared for the ball that’s taking place in the evening.

*******

The gold that lined the walls of the palace was illuminated as the darkness from outside seeped in. Everyone looked regal in their white clothes, especially the girls who lined up to meet their suitors.

You stood by your lonesome with your parents at your side as you surveyed the crowd. Andrei was somewhere in the crowd along with Pierre. You followed their gaze to see Natasha playfully looking away from their watchful eyes.

You felt wrong for coming, you felt like a fool. Of course Pierre could never love you when he was always so close with Natasha. Tears filled your eyes as you rushed off to another part of the palace, leaving your parents and the emotions of the ballroom behind.

You cried softly as you sunk to the floor, the only other bodies in the room being that of the footmen. The sound of boots against the tile filled your ears as you remained in your previous position.

“(Y/N)? Are you alright? What is the matter?” Pierre squatted down to your level as he beckoned you to look at him.

“I saw the way you looked at her, you love her don’t you?” You sniffled as you whipped your head up to look at him.

He opens his mouth to speak before closing it again, at a loss for words.

“...Never mind.” He stands up again as he begins to pace the small space.

“Never mind what? What is it, Pierre?” You demand as you approach him.

“I don’t love her, I love you.” He blurts out, his eyes a mix of fear and sadness.

You choose your words before vocalizing them.

“I love you too, Pierre. Ever since we were little.” You whisper the last part, staring at your shoes. He pulls you closer to him, his hands on either side of your face. He leans down and captures your lips in his own. The kiss is tender and soft as your lips move together as one.

Once you finally part, you feel as if a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. Your feelings no longer harbored, now out in the open.

“I’m delighted to hear that you feel the same way. Now, might you allow me the honor of dancing with you? If you’ll have me, that is.” He holds out his hand to you. You take it without a second thought, his deft, gloved fingers warm in your own.

He leads you out to the ballroom, this time your view of it is different. The faces seem a little more welcoming and you now notice just how handsome Pierre looks in his pale grey jacket. His eyes never leave yours as he holds you close. A slow melody fills the air as you hold him close.

Your hand in his, the other on his shoulder. You feel peace for the first time in years as you gaze at the man who loved you in return. That’s all you ever wanted in the end, is to be loved and love in return.

This was just the beginning of your new life with Pierre. Just the start of something wonderful.

[queenxxxsupreme]

The Eldest Son

A/N: I honestly couldn’t tell you where this came from but..... I think I like it.....???? As usual I’m really shitty with titles so just ignore it 

Warnings: someone is outted in this, mentions of slurs being used but not actually mentioning what slurs, mentions of a fight, 

Word Count: 4.1k

Summary: Bram struggles to figure out how to tell you and Geralt his sexuality. 

***

You lifted your head from where you were sewing a rip in one of your skirts. There was movement coming from down the hall from Bram’s room. You drew your brows together, knowing very well your son had gone out with friends for the evening. 

The door to Lana’s room opened and you saw her slip into Bram’s room. 

Curious and a little concerned, you placed the skirt on the kitchen table and went to see what was going on. 

You knocked on Bram’s door, hearing muffled whispers from the other side. 

“Lana? What are you doing in your brother’s room?” You tried to open the door, only to find that something was barricading it. 

“I’m-I’ve got something, mom. Don’t worry about it!” She spoke, sounding a little frantic. 

“Lana, this door should not be blocked.” You put your hands on your hips, frustrated and even more concerned now. Who was in there with her? Why was she in her brother’s room while he was gone? Why was the door blocked to keep anyone from entering?

There was more whispering, this time you could hear who it was. Lana was clearly one of them, and the other sounded like your son. 

“Just tell her, Bram.”

“Lana, I’m gonna fucking-,”

“She’ll understand! I’m sure she will! And maybe she can talk to dad.”

There was silence. You waited, your patience wearing thin. 

Something behind the door moved and it opened, but only enough to reveal Lana. 

“Don’t be mad, mom.” She murmured quietly, brows drawn together.

“I’m not mad, Lana. I don’t like that the door was blocked.” You tried to peek into the room but Lana wouldn’t let you, closing the door a little more. You raised your brows at her and opened your mouth to speak when Bram’s voice came from within his room. 

“Lana, move.” His voice sounded off, like he was scared. 

Lana stepped out of the way and without hesitation, you moved into the bedroom to check on your eldest. 

He stood at the foot of his bed, holding his arm. His eyes were cast to the ground. 

With a wave of your hand, the fireplace in his room was lit. Though it wasn’t the best lighting, you could see dark bruising on the left side of his face and what appeared to be dried blood below his nose and spread across his cheek. 

“Close the window behind you, Bram.” You told him softly. “Lana, give me a moment with your brother, please.”

She nodded her head and left, closing the door behind herself. 

“Why didn’t you come in through the front door?” You shifted from one foot to the other, unsure of what to make of the situation. 

“Didn’t want to bother you.” He muttered.

“Sit down, love.” You gestured to his bed. “I’ll be right back. Need to clean your face up.”

You left the room to retrieve a bowl of warm water and a washcloth. When you returned, he was sitting on the edge of his bed, shoulders slumped. 

“Never think that you are a bother to me, Bram.” You sat the bowl down on the table by his bed and dipped the washcloth into the water, then you wrung it out. You sat down on the bed next to Bram. “No matter the time of day or night, you’re never a bother to me.”

“Just thought you’d be sleeping.” He didn’t turn his head to you. 

Your eyes flickered down to his hands, taking note of his busted knuckles. 

“I can’t sleep when your father is gone.” You spoke gently, reaching over for his hand. Bram let you take his hand and carefully, you began to clean the blood from the wounds. “It’s an old habit from before he left the Path.”

Even though you knew your husband was just out with his brothers, you couldn’t seem to silence the voice in the back of your head that screamed he was still in danger. 

“Who did you get into a fight with, Bram?”

“It’s not a big deal, mom.”

“Something is bothering you." You stopped wiping the blood from his hand and instead looked up at him. “Bram, look at me when I’m talking to you.”

He closed his eyes, shaking his head firmly. A tear slipped down his cheek. 

You put the washcloth over the side of the bowl and put your hand on his back. 

“Bram-,”

“I just- I fucking want to be left alone!” He shouted, standing up suddenly. 

You were taken back. He’d never once cursed at you, nor did he direct his anger at you. He was your sweet boy, your first born. You two were always so close. 

You opened your mouth to speak, to maybe reprimand him for cursing at you and raising his voice. But something in your gut twisted up. There was something going on that he wasn’t telling you, something that was hurting him. You couldn’t bring yourself to scold him then and there. 

You nodded your head and left the room, pulling the door shut behind yourself. You stood there for a minute, unsure of what to do. Your heart was racing furiously in your chest and the urge to vomit was rising in your stomach. 

“Mom?”

You turned your head to see Lana standing in the edge of her room. 

“He isn’t angry at you.” She whispered, shaking her head softly. 

“Who did he get into a fight with?”

Lana said nothing, eyes flickering down to the floor. 

“Is he in trouble or something, Lana?” You moved away from the door, stepping towards your youngest.

“No, mom. No.” She shook her head. “It’s just…. I can’t tell you. It’s for him to tell you.”

You admired her loyalty to her brother and trusted her judgement. If Bram was in danger and if his life was at risk, she would tell you. 

“Come give me a hug.”

She closed the space between you quickly, nearly plowing you over when she collided into you. She wrapped her arms tightly around you and squeezed. 

“Love you, mom.”

“I love you, Lana.” You kissed the side of her head. You told her good night and then went back to the kitchen to finish patching up the skirt. 

***

About thirty minutes later, the door to Bram’s room opened. You had finished with the skirt and now sat by the fireplace reading. 

You looked up from the book to see your son shuffle in to the living room. His eyes found you and he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. 

“I-I’m sorry, mom, for…. for yelling at you.”

“It’s okay, Bram.” You closed the book. “I’m your mother, Bram, and if there’s any sort of trouble you’ve gotten yourself into, or-or something else…. You need to tell me.”

“I’m not in trouble with anyone.” He shook his head. His eyes flickered over to the door. “When do you think dad will be home?”

“It’s just a little past midnight.” You thought out loud. “And Lambert said they weren’t coming back until sunrise. I’d say a few hours.”

Bram nodded, still thinking as he rocked back and forth on his heels. 

“Can I talk to you about something? I-I just…. I don’t want dad to-to know. At least not yet. He’ll be angry.”

You crinkled your brows together, confused, but nonetheless, you nodded.

Bram moved to sit on the floor in front of the fire place, focusing on the flames inside the hearth. He picked at his nails. 

“I got into it with Andrei.”

“Andrei? What happened, love? I thought you two were friends.” You tilted your head to the side. 

Bram shrugged his shoulders, taking a moment to clear his throat. 

“He was, um, was making fun of Maverick.”

Maverick was another one of Bram’s friends.

“Maverick…. Mom, Maverick doesn’t like girls.” Bram whispered, shaking his head softly. His eyes watched the fire. You could see the tears in his gaze, see the pain in his eyes. “He’s-He’s…. And Andrei was just…. He was being such a fucking asshole.” Bram covered his face with his hands. 

You moved out of your chair and got down on your knees beside your son. You placed your hand on his back to comfort him. 

“Shhh, love. All will be okay.” You murmured. “I’m so sorry Maverick had to go through that. He’s a sweet boy. I’m glad you were there to stick up for him. But there’s no reason to get so upset over it, Bram.”

“He-He saw Maverick with someone. He’s-Mom, he’s going to tell everyone. The entire village is going to know and-and Maverick’s family is going to kick him out! Or worse! Mom, they could….” He trailed off.

“Then he can come and stay here.” You said. “If you’d like him to, that is.”

Bram’s breath caught in his throat and his hands fell from his face. He looked at you, brows furrowed. 

“If-If I want…. If I want him to?”

“He’s your friend, and you are worried about him.” You explained. “If you’d like to offer him a place to stay, he can stay here. We have the extra space and you know we’d never let harm befall him. Neither myself or your father would allow it. He’d be treated just as one of our own.”

Bram lost his voice as he stared at you for a few heartbeats. The tears that trailed down his cheeks broke your heart. You wanted nothing more than to reach out and wipe them away, to comfort him and tell him that his friend was going to be okay. 

“I-I-I was the one…. Mom, I was the one Andrei saw him with.” He whispered. 

You didn’t hesitate to embrace him, to wrap your arms tightly around him and pull him into your chest. You cradled the back of his head, holding him just as you did when he was a toddler and suffered from nightmares. 

“I love you, Bram.” You told him, giving him a tight squeeze. “I love you, and nothing in the world could change that.”

Now you understood. The anger. The sneaking into the house. The concern for Geralt finding out. 

His shoulders shook with his cries and he melted into your touch, tucking his nose into your neck. 

You comforted him until he stopped crying, until he pulled away and wiped his cheeks. 

“Who else knows?” You asked, reaching out to brush a few pieces of his hair back out of his eyes. Then you took his hand.

“Just Lana.” He said. “And…. And Uncle Jaskier.”

You nodded your head gently. 

“How…. How do you think dad will react?” Bram hesitantly met your gaze, sniffling and wiping his nose on his sleeve. “I-I don’t-I don’t want him to be angry with me, mom.”

“He’s your father, Bram. He’d never be angry at you for something like this.” You carefully squeezed his hand, not wanting to hurt him. 

“What-What if Andrei tells everyone? That’s-That’s just going to be another thing everyone gives him shit for.”

“You let your father handle that.” You leaned forward to kiss his cheek. “I can promise you he’ll fight anyone who says anything crass about you. You’re his son, his first born. He loves you, and nothing would ever change that.”

“He’ll be so disappointed in me.” Bram murmured quietly. “I’ll bring you all dishonor.”

“I promise you that there is nothing about you that could make him disappointed in you.” You hooked two fingers beneath his chin and tilted his head up so he would look at you. “As long as you are happy and as long as you are healthy, that’s all that matters.”

Bram gave you a little smile, one that made you smile. 

“It’s late. You should get some sleep.”

He nodded and stood to his feet. You did the same and without any warning, he embraced you. 

“Thank you, mom.” 

You squeezed him tight, almost afraid to let him go. 

“I’m your mother, Bram. If I turned you away for who you are, then I wouldn’t be doing my job.”

***

There was a hand on your knee that woke you up. You jolted, eyes immediately finding Geralt. He was knelt down in front of your chair, his hands sliding alongside the outsides of your thighs. 

You smiled at him at first, but then you noticed the furrow between his brows and the worry in his golden eyes. 

“What’s the matter?”

“You haven’t fallen asleep here since Lana came down with that cough three winters ago. Is something wrong?”

“Just…. Just wanted to wait for you.” You told him, eyes flickering over his face.

In the years you’d known him, he’d never truly shown his age. Thanks to the trials, he aged slower than humans. But in the last few years, wrinkles around his eyes had become more prominent and when he’d let his beard grow out, it was more gray than white. 

Right now was one of those times that he was letting it grow out. 

You smiled softly, reaching out to brush your fingers across the scratchy surface.

He placed his large hand on the back of yours, turning his head to kiss your palm. 

“How was your night out?”

Something that sounded like a grunt and a growl rumbled in his chest. He pulled away from you and stood up, shaking his head. 

“What happened?”

“Just…. just fucking tired of this town.”

“Did something happen?”

He shook his head again. He moved to go down the hallway, heading to be no doubt. 

You followed him. 

“Geralt?”

“It’s nothing you need to worry about, dove.”

“But it is if it ruined your night with your brothers.” You sat down on the edge of the bed and watched him undress. 

He stayed silent. 

“Was someone taunting you?”

“No.”

“Did Lambert start a fight?”

“No, dove.” He let out a heavy breath, forgetting about a shirt. He sat down on the bed just in front of you, rubbing his eyes. “The blacksmith’s son, that friend of Bram’s…. What was his name?” 

You paused for a second.

“Jackob’s son? His name is Andrei.” You messed with the hem of your shirt. 

Geralt nodded his head. 

“The boy came running into the tavern, squawking and squealing with blood running down his nose. I wasn’t concerned until I heard him mention Bram.”

You locked your jaw, fearing what you were about to hear. You knew this wasn’t what Bram wanted. He deserved to be able to tell his father himself. He deserved to have control over this. 

Geralt’s brows were drawn together as he looked down at the fire in the hearth. 

“He called Bram slurs and claimed to have seen him with another boy. Eskel had to pull me out of the tavern. I was ready to hurt the boy for saying such things about him- about Bram.”

Your stomach twisted and your throat itches. You looked down at where your fingers messed with the hem of your shirt. 

“Would it…. Would it be all that terrible though? If he was?” You whispered, losing your voice. You weren’t expecting this reaction from your husband and now you were second guessing everything you’d ever thought about him. “If-If Bram had been with another boy?” 

Geralt looked at you, concerned. 

“That isn’t what I was meaning, Y/N. I was furious that someone would call Bram- or anyone for that matter -such names just for who they’re with and for who they court.”

You paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. 

“Oh.”

Geralt was quiet, watching you carefully. 

“You know, don't you?” His voice was soft. 

You knew very well he could hear your heart racing. 

The White Wolf nodded his head softly, looking down at your hand. You were nervous. He reached over to take your hand and bring it to his lips. 

“Six years ago, when he was around ten.... I was gathering up his and Lana’s dirty clothes to be washed. Out of habit, I check their pockets. Remember when Bram would stuff cookies in his pockets and then forget about them?”

You laughed softly, nodding your head. He smiled too at the memory. 

“I found a folded up piece of parchment in his pocket. It was a little note he'd passed back and forth with another boy at school. It was just harmless little stuff they wrote to each other.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?” You furrowed your brows.

“Because he would come to us whenever he was ready.” 

You nodded.

“I-I don't want him to think that I told you.” You moved to sit next to your husband, leaning against his shoulder. “I want him to come to you.”

“I want him to as well.” Geralt kissed the top of your head. “How did he tell you?”

“He told me he’d gotten into a fight with Andrei because Andrei caught him with Maverick.”

“Maverick.” Geralt repeated the name thoughtfully. 

“Mhm. Bram said he was worried about Andrei telling everyone in town and he was worried about everyone giving you trouble for it.”

“I'd like to see them try.” Geralt muttered under his breath. You rubbed his arm. “Was he…. Did he show any concern for my response?”

“He did.” You nodded, turning your head to kiss his bare shoulder. “But I assured him you'd love him no matter what.”

“Have I ever done anything to make him think otherwise?” 

“Not that I'm aware of.” You traced a prominent vein along his forearm. “But perhaps in the morning, if he feels he's ready to talk to you, you can ask and clear things up. Let him know that you're supportive of him.”

Geralt nodded his head. 

***

In the morning, the both of you were up before the sun rose. Geralt couldn’t sleep. He was too busy worrying over Bram. And you couldn’t rest knowing your husband was lying wide awake next to you. 

You made breakfast, humming as you moved around the kitchen. Lana had gotten up a while ago and went to do her usual morning routine, which was to make sure the animals outside had fresh water and that they had enough straw to keep them warm. 

“Is Bram awake?” You asked Geralt. He was sitting at the kitchen table, hands wrapped tightly around a mug of tea. 

He nodded softly, brows knitted together in a permanent frown. 

“Been awake for a couple of hours. He’s been pacing his room.”

You wiped your hands off on a rag and set it down on the counter. 

You went to Bram’s room and knocked on the door. 

“Bram? Are you awake, love?”

“You can open the door, mom.” He answered quietly. 

You pushed the door open and peered inside. 

Bram was just sitting down on the edge of his bed, broad shoulders slumped as he dropped his eyes to the floor. 

“Are you feeling okay? You look a little unwell?” You moved towards him, placing the back of your hand against his forehead. 

“Just didn’t sleep good.” He muttered. “Is…. Is dad here?”

“He is. He’s out in the kitchen.” You combed your fingers through his unruly locks for a moment, trying to tame his hair. “I understand why you’re still upset, Bram, but you shouldn’t let it be the reason you’re losing sleep.”

He said nothing to you. 

“I love you, Julian Bram.” You leaned down to kiss his forehead. “You’ve got a loving and supportive family that will have your back no matter what path in life you chose, so long as you are safe and doing right by others. I need you to know this, dear son.”

“I do.” He whispered, shoulders trembling as he let out a breath. “I do, mom.”

“Good.” You smiled, pulling away from him. “Whenever you are ready, breakfast is waiting for you. Then I’m sure your sister would like some help mucking the stables afterwards.”

He groaned and rather dramatically threw himself back on to his bed.

You returned to the kitchen, a smile still playing on your lips. Geralt noticed this. 

“How is he?” He asked, though the witcher had listened to every word of the conversation. It wasn’t that he was trying to eavesdrop, but he couldn’t help it. 

“He’ll be okay. Right now, he’s just in a tough spot.” You explained, stopping at your husband’s side to kiss him. 

***

Another half hour had passed. Lana sat at the kitchen table, just finished up her breakfast. 

“Can I go down to the river with a few friends, daddy?”

“Ask your mother, little dove.” Geralt said, golden eyes lifting from the bestiary on the table next to his plate. He looked at her for a brief moment before bringing his attention to you. 

“Mom?”

“After you help Bram clean the stalls.”

“What if I clean my half since he’s taking forever?” She bargained, quirking a brow up. 

“How about you go out and start and he can join you whenever he’s finished with his breakfast?” You tilted your head to the side a little, a little grin tugging at the corner of your lips. “It won’t kill you to wait for your brother, Lana. It’s not even noon yet.”

“Fine.” She sighed. 

You watched her leave through the front door. 

“She’s got your attitude.”

“I beg your pardon?” You brought your attention to your husband. 

The corner of his lips turned up a little. 

“That huff she did, the way she threw her shoulders down like it pained her to have to put her plans on hold, that’s exactly what you do when you’ve got something set in your mind and you can’t do it.”

You chuckled, shaking your head. 

The door to Bram’s room clicked shut and you fell silent, wanting to listen carefully for him. 

He came around the corner a few moments later. The bruising on his face looked worse than last night. Underneath his eye was dark blue and black and it extended out to his cheek. 

“Good morning, sleepy.” You greeted him with a warm smile. “Would you like me to make you tea? I’ve got the kettle still warmed up.”

He nodded his head. 

“You look like you had a rough night.” Geralt commented. He didn’t let his gaze linger on Bram for too long. He turned to page in his bestiary and took a sip of tea. 

“I…. I didn’t…. get much rest.” He admitted, absentmindedly rubbing his arm. “Um, can I…. Can I talk to you for a minute, dad?”

“Of course.” Geralt nodded his head. He closed his bestiary and gestured for Bram to sit down where Lana had previously been sitting. 

“Do you want me to leave, Bram?” You asked him. 

“No, mom. You can stay.” 

You nodded and continued to make his tea. 

Bram sat there for a few moments, wringing his hands together and chewing on the inside of his cheek. His stomach churned and the urge to vomit nearly overpowered the need to cry. 

Geralt watched his son for a few minutes, trying to think of a way to make this easier for him. 

“Dad, I-I don’t like…. I don’t like girls.” He murmured, keeping his eyes cast downwards. “I’m-I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for, Bram?” Geralt asked him. 

“That I’ll never- I’ll never be the son you want me to be. The perfect son. I’ll-I’ll never be able to carry on the family name.” He ran a hand over his face to quickly wipe away the tears on his cheeks. 

“You are exactly the son I want you to be, Bram.” Geralt spoke as he reached over to place his hand on Bram’s shoulder. The boy furrowed his brows together, looking up at Geralt. 

“You aren't…. You aren't ashamed of me? That I…. I'm….?”

“Nothing in this world can make me ashamed of you, son. You're strong-willed, and you have a sense of what is right and what isn't. You're a bright boy with a good future ahead of you. Who you love doesn't effect that.”

Bram nodded his head. His eyes flickered down to the table in front of him. 

You moved to place his tea in front of him. You rubbed his back and leaned down to kiss his head. 

“We love you.” Your words were whispered against his hair. 

“Now, who did you let put those bruises on your face?” Geralt asked, effectively shifting the mood. “I hope they ended up worse.”

“They did.” Bram nodded, a little grin coming to his lips. “Knocking him square in his ass.”

“You'll have to show me how it happened later on after you help your sister. I’ll give you some pointers on how to prevent them from getting you in the face like that.”

“He only caught me once or twice, dad.”

“Sure had me fooled.”

You smiled as you moved to make Bram a plate.

Taglist: @pressedinthepages @mishafaye @whitewolfandthefox @wolfyland07 @belalugosisdead @persephonehemingway @keira-hulmaster @dinonuggs69 @greatestauthorofmygeneration @shadow-hunters-lover @dancingwith-thesunflowers @tedi-fach-las @thecomfortofoldstorries @raspberrydreamclouds @natkowaa @disasteren @weathervanes-my-oneandlonely @onlyhenrys @wackylurker @criminaly-supernatural @magpie343 @permanently-exhausted-witcher @hina-chans-stuff @the-space-between-heartbeats @havenoffandoms @carriebee1 @ger-bearofrivia @naominami @writingawaymylife @reaganjenelle @theawkwardpedestrian @scarlettwitcher @badassspaceprincess @just-a-sad-donut @summersong69 @an--actual--human--disaster @rubyqueen819 @omgkatinka @c-a-v-a-l-r-y @vonxcon @mazakeen @bravelittlesunflower @thereagles @awkward-turtles-world @menalliha @cotton_mo @maan24 @thefirelordm @monkeymo @krenee1drful @nympha-door-a @unadulteratedtreecrusade @Aquarius-pisces-rose @mentallyscreamingsincebirth @fl0ating @sometimesiwrite @you-fxcking-wish-bish @thanks-bruh-for-nothing @maan2442 @thegaydeath @creatingstuffinpeace @wellthisstinks @andyrazzledazzle @crazybutconfidentaf @runawayolives @she-wolfoftheinquisition @onlygeraltofrivia @vonxcon @thefirelordm @henrythickcavill @maan2442 @lharrietg @wellthisstinks

[official-weasley]

Neither - (The Irreplaceable Charlie Weasley AU)

Warnings: pure family fluff

Word count: 3,693

Characters: Charlie Weasley and my OC Nova from TICW which you can find here

A/N: I just want to say a few words about the baby talk. I have done some research about how to properly write it and the letter R is usually pronounced as W but with some words, it looked weird and when I was reading it I got confused. So all of Aoede's Rs are replaced with Ls instead because I find it more readable, no offense to any babies out there! 💙

Nova

“You know sometimes I am really happy we are wizards so we can use spells like the Silencing Charm,” Charlie said, panting and giggling, laying next to me.

“Are you calling me loud?” I smirked.

“You weren't exactly quiet, love.” He winked at me and bit my lip. “Not that I mind.” He added seductively.

“It's your fault I was screaming from pleasure.” I wiggled my eyebrows at him making him laugh.

“Oh, unlock the door in case Aoede wakes up. We don't want her questioning why we lock ourselves in the bedroom.” I unglued our lips after we started making out again as if we were 17.

“Alohamora.” Charlie waved his wand at the door before returning to my lips.

“You know, speaking of spells...” I raised my eyebrows at Charlie's grin and scarlet cheeks.

I knew that look – he had an idea for which he wasn't sure how I would react or what I would have to say about it.

“Yes?” I asked slowly.

“Aoede is going to be 3 in a few weeks and we have been doing great with her and our life is back to normal...” He was avoiding my gaze, making a heart shape with his index finger on my shoulder.

“Mhm.” I hummed.

“How about we stop using the Protection spell?” He mumbled so fast as if I would scold him for his words.

“You mean start trying for another baby?” I lifted his chin for him to finally lock eyes with mine.

“May...be.” Charlie made puppy eyes and scratched the back of his head.

“Are you going to carry this one for 9 months?” I laughed wholeheartedly.

“You know I would if I could, love.” Charlie's cheeks turned a deeper red.

“You know what...” I said slowly, pretending to think about it, tapping my chin with my finger.

I loved messing with him and stalling every time he asked me about something he was nervous to see how I would react.

“I quite like that idea.” I bestowed him with the biggest grin and kissed him tenderly.

“Really?” Charlie sighed in relief. “I thought you would say it's too soon or that you don't want any more children with the amount of morning sickness you had with Aoede.”

“If we would have another child like Aoede is, I would endure the morning sickness for the whole 9 months if need be. She is adorable and such an angel.” I pressed my lips against his again. “And, truth be told, I have been thinking the same. I think we're ready.”

“You do?” Charlie's eyes sparkled as they usually do when Andrei tells him he has the baby dragon shift.

“I do and I think Aoede will be a great big sister.” I smiled.

“She's going to be the best.” Charlie nodded in agreement.

“Can I ask you why you were so nervous asking me this?” I made him lay down and rested my head on his chest.

“I feel like myself again. We are both working again. Aoede is such a sweetheart and every time we play with her and have so much fun and I watch you two giggle it just fills my heart with so much joy and warmth and I guess that the wish to make our family bigger came back.” He smiled sheepishly.

“And you thought I don't feel the same?”

“I guess so.” Charlie shrugged. “I know you wanted more kids before everything that went down last year but we haven't talked about it since Aoede was born and I didn't know if you still felt the same with you already having to take care and be part of Teddy's life.”

“Just because Teddy is here once or twice per week and just because we lost friends and family, doesn't mean I don't want to have more children with you.” I tilted my head to look up at Charlie and pressed a soft kiss on his cheek.

“So can we say we are trying to get pregnant again?” Charlie was shaking from excitement.

“Again?” I teased.

“Okay, Aoede wasn't exactly planned but we were pregnant before, that's what I meant.” He playfully rolled his eyes at me.

“I know what you meant, Charles. I just love messing with you when you are nervous around me for no reason.” I chuckled.

“Hey, you can be intimidating!” Charlie tried defending himself.

“Intimidating?” I gasped dramatically. “Should I remind you how long we have been best friends and how long I am your wife for?”

“I know.” He brushed his nose against mine. “I just really want this so I got silly for a second.”

“I know, Char. It's cute how much you blushed.” I caressed his cheek with the back of my fingers.

“Oh, shut it. I'm manly.” Charlie frowned and flexed his muscles.

“Sure you are.” I patted him on the head. “Especially since Aoede was born. You definitely didn't go all soft and mushy.”

“Never.” Charlie lifted his chin proudly. “I'm a real tough guy!”

“Of course.” I cocked an eyebrow at him. “It's very tough-guy of you when you let Aoede paint your nails.” I giggled.

“Okay,” Charlie rolled his eyes, “maybe I'm a bit soft with her. I just can't say no to her big blue puppy eyes.”

“You mean these eyes?” I made the exact same expression Aoede always makes when she wants something from Charlie.

The more she grows the more she looks like me and apparently she got her expressions after me as well. She learned how to persuade Charlie to let her paint his nails and makes 5 ponytails on his head and makes him go to work like that. And I don't want to point any fingers but I think she saw how I make puppy eyes at Charlie when I want something sweet and he has to go to the store so I think...I think she got it from me.

“Stop it, love! Unfair!” Charlie pouted. “What do you want?”

“Well I was just playing around but since you gave in to it, how about you make the sandwiches for our trip?” I giggled.

“Okay,” Charlie sighed, “but you pack our things.”

“Already did that yesterday when you were giving Aoede a bath.”

Ever since the war has ended and it's safe to travel around again and Aoede started to show interest to go outside more, we have been going on a trip every weekend. Charlie managed to convince Andrei to only work during the week so he can spend the weekend with us and now we go on adventures, as Aoede likes to call them, every week.

She is not old enough that we could apparate somewhere so we have been mostly going for hikes around our village and the Sanctuary.

Last month we visited the Sanctuary with Aoede for the first time. Charlie was beyond excited to show our daughter all the dragons he is working with. After all of our friends and co-workers stopped cooing at her and telling us how adorable and cute she is, Charlie picked her up and we started to walk around.

He showed her all the habitats and took her to the Nursery to see the baby dragons and we were even lucky enough to observe a dragon being hatched but it was soon evident that Aoede didn't inherit Charlie's obsession and love for dragons.

The trees and the boulders in the Sanctuary were more interesting to her and even though Charlie tried hard to hide that he was a bit hurt, I knew that this meant a lot to him. So that night when we came home and we put Aoede to sleep, I tried cheering him up by telling him that Aoede is still too young to appreciate how amazing dragons are and that she'll come around, even though I wasn't so sure she would because she didn't play with the dragon plushie Charlie bought her once but she loves going through my art supplies.

“Of course, you did.” Charlie ran a hand across his face, pretending to be annoyed that he has to make sandwiches even though I know he doesn't mind at all and he makes such good ones.

After a few minutes of us just giggling like two idiots, he leaned over me a bit, supporting his head with his arm, and started gently caressing my thigh, with a smug expression on his face.

“You want to go again?” I sent him a wink.

“You said you want to have another baby.” He smirked.

“Oh, you want to start working on that straight away, do you?” I chuckled.

“Why waste any time?” He whispered in my ear seductively.

“What if Aoede wakes up?” I tried staying focused as he started biting my neck.

“I checked the time. It's not even seven. She won't be up for at least half an hour if not more.” Charlie extended his arm to reach for his wand on the nightstand.

“Colloportus.” He mumbled and went back to my neck.

“Charles,” I blushed, “you are on fire today.”

“Always for you, love.”

—

“Uh, Charlie?” I scratched my cheek, looking at the calendar.

“Yes, love?” He lifted his head, careful not to move as Aoede was drawing all over his right arm.

“I think we have to make a trip to the drug store.” I was thinking of ways to talk to him not to make Aoede suspicious or say anything we shouldn't in front of her.

“The drug store? Why for?” Charlie asked confused.

“Well, uhm, how to say this...” I narrowed my eyes and bit my lip. “Do you remember that conversation we had in our bedroom a few weeks before Aoede's birthday?”

“Mum, my bilthday was a month ago,” Aoede said absentmindedly without knowing what we were talking about.

“I know, sweetheart.” I couldn't help but playfully shake my head looking at her.

Her tongue was sticking out and her brows were furrowed in concentration as she was deciding which color to use for the unicorn's mane.

“We have a lot of conversations, love.” Charlie was still puzzled about what I was trying to say.

“Yes, but one morning we had a very specific,” I tried putting as much emphasis on the word as I possibly could, “conversation about something to do with our future and then we...ugh...hugged a lot.”

“Hugged a lot?” Charlie blinked at me twice before his eyes widened. “Oh, yeah. I remember that conversation. What about it?”

“Think about it, Charles. Connect the conversation with the drug store.” I found the whole situation too amusing not to chuckle.

“Oh,” the skin behind Charlie's freckles turned red at once, “you're late?”

“Mum's late? To whele? She's still in hel pajamas.” Aoede looked in my direction for the first time since we started this conversation.

I just nodded at Charlie who was staring at me – excitedly waiting for my answer – trying to forget what Aoede asked us because I didn't know how to explain it to her.

“Okay, time to go to the drug store!” Charlie exclaimed, ignoring Aoede's question too.

“Dad, you moved!” Aoede frowned. “Now look what you made me do!” Aoede pointed at the drawing on Charlie's arm.

From what I could see, she colored outside the line, due to Charlie moving his arm.

“I'm so sorry, Pumpkin. I will be still I promise. Can we fix it somehow?” Charlie pressed his lips together, looking down at what Aoede was doing.

“I don't know,” Aoede sighed, “mum, what do you think?”

I made my way to the living room and sat on the floor next to her and Charlie.

“How about we do this?” I picked up the color Aoede used to outline the mane and made it bigger.

“Yeah, let's just pretend that I'm a canvas,” Charlie said sarcastically as we both started drawing on his arm.

“Shh, dad. We have to focus.” Aoede lifted her right hand – her drawing with her left – and tried putting it over Charlie's mouth to make him stop talking.

“You two are too adorable.” I looked up at Charlie as he said that after a few minutes of silence.

“What?” I felt my cheeks burning when I saw the love and admiration with which he was looking at me and our daughter.

“You both had your tongue out when you were drawing.” Charlie giggled, nodding to Aoede who wasn't finished yet, her tongue still outside.

“Oh, yes. This looks so much bettel! Thank you, mum!” Aoede hugged me, warming up my soul as every time she did that.

“Okay, can we go to the drug store now?” Charlie asked impatiently.

“Do we all have to go?” Aoede didn't look nearly as excited as Charlie.

“Okay, you stay here with mum and I'll go.” Charlie gently pulled his arm away, not knowing if Aoede was done.

“Can I dlaw on youl alm then, mum?” Aoede turned to me, the biggest pleading grin on her face.

“I don't have a choice, do I?” I chuckled.

“No, you do not.” Charlie and Aoede said together.

“Okay, so what are we drawing?” I asked my daughter when Charlie closed the door behind him.

“A unicoln, of coulse.” Aoede said as if I was supposed to know that already.

“But wasn't the unicorn on dad's arm enough?” I giggled.

“Mum,” Aoede looked from her pencils at me, “thele is nevel enough unicolns.”

“That's true. I simply don't know what I was thinking.”

“Okay, I got it!” Charlie said the second he came back.

“Got what?” Aoede asked without lifting her head, focused on her masterpiece on my arm.

“A muffin for you.” Charlie lifted one of the bags he brought back.

“You went out to get me a muffin?” Aoede gasped and jumped up, completely forgetting about her drawing.

If there was anything she loved more than doodling was muffins and cookies.

“Well, I had to make up for the fact that I almost ruined your unicorn.” Charlie motioned for me to stand up too and get the other bag.

“Okay, apology accepted, dad.” Aoede snatched the bag from Charlie and hurried to the kitchen.

“What do we say?” Charlie lifted his eyebrows at her, as she bit into the muffin.

“Phank you.” She said with her mouth full, which was my queue to go to the bathroom.

“Can I come in?” Charlie knocked on the bathroom door.

“Yes.”

“So? Did you get the result yet?” Charlie couldn't hide his excitement.

“I did.” I tried keeping a straight face.

“And?” He wanted to peek at the pregnancy test but I quickly hid it behind my back.

“We're going to have another baby!” I tried whispering as much as I possibly could, not knowing where Aoede was.

“You're not joking? You're pregnant?” Charlie teared up at once.

“I'm pregnant.” I nodded and took a step closer to him so I could hug him.

“You have no idea how happy you are making me.” Charlie sniffed, mumbling into my hair.

“I think I have some idea.” I giggled and tightened our embrace.

“I have just realized that we have to tell Aoede.” Charlie gently pushed away after we stood embraced in the middle of the bathroom for 5 minutes.

“Do you think she would want a brother or a sister more?” I giggled. “Let's find out.” Charlie grabbed my hand and guided me out of the bathroom.

“Pumpkin, can we disturb you for a second?” Charlie said gently, sitting with me on the sofa and gesturing to Aoede to join us.

Aoede walked to us and let Charlie pick her up and place her in his lap.

“So,” Charlie cleared his throat, “mum and I have a question for you.”

“Am I in tlouble?”

“No, sweetheart. You didn't do anything wrong.” I brushed my fingers through her dark red hair.

“We were just wondering what would you like more a brother or a sister?” Charlie asked.

“What does that mean?” Aoede questioned. “Well, you know aunt Ginny?” I started to explain.

“I love aunt Ginny!” Aoede clapped her hands.

“Yes, so aunt Ginny is your dad's sister.” I continued.

“And all your uncles...”

“Uncle Bill and uncle Pelcy and uncle LonLon and uncle Geogie and uncle Fled...”

Charlie flinched when Aoede said Fred's name. George came to visit us often ever since Charlie first invited him to stay with us last Summer. Aoede always questioned why he came alone and why her uncle Fred was never with him so George knowing Aoede is too young to understand said that uncle Fred is on a special adventure.

“Yes, all those wonderful uncles of yours are your dad's brothers.” I finished.

“Oh.” Aoede narrowed her eyes. “So if dad has so many blothels and a sistel, why would you ask me what do I want?”

“Well, if we ought to have another baby would you like a sister or a brother more?” Charlie started to sound nervous.

“Neithel,” Aoede replied with confidence and certainty.

“What do you mean neither?” Charlie failed to understand.

“Dad, you have such a big family why would I need a blothel ol a sistel?”

“Umm,” Charlie scratched the back of his head, turning to me as Aoede obviously left him speechless.

“Well, umm, mummy and daddy want to have another baby,” I mumbled.

“Why?” Aoede tilted her head to the side. “Alen't I enough?”

“Oh, sweetheart, of course, you are. That's not why we want another baby.” I said as quickly as I could, not expecting her to think that she wasn't enough.

“Why then? Did I do something wlong? Ale you going to leplace me?” Aoede was on the verge of tears.

“Dear Merlin, no! Aoede, you are perfect to us.” Charlie found his voice again. “We just want to have a bigger family, for you to have someone to play with.”

“But I don't want that.” Aoede shook her head. “I like to play with you.” She pointed at both of us.

Charlie and I exchanged a look. We did not expect this conversation to turn out as it did. We were both left speechless and our joyful moment in the bathroom was forgotten.

“So, if mummy would have another baby, what would you say to that?” Charlie pressed his lips together, waiting for Aoede to answer.

“Mummy won't have anothel baby so I don't have to say anything.”

Charlie stiffened in his seat and I was sure all color left my face. This didn't go as we hoped at all. I thought Aoede would have a preference – either a brother or a sister – and our biggest worry would have to be to hope that she guessed the gender right, but we didn't know how to deal with this at all.

“It might be a little too late for that,” Charlie said, his voice barely a whisper.

“What do you mean?” Aoede questioned, looking up at her dad.

“Mummy already has a baby in her belly.”

I don't think we were this nervous when we were caught by Snape snogging on the Seventh floor and we had to have a talk with McGonagall and Flitwick about losing 100 points for our Houses.

“But why?” Aoede frowned. “I don't want to shale you with anyone!”

“But you don't mind when Teddy comes to visit.” Charlie tried reasoning with her.

“Yes, but Teddy leaves. The baby would be alound all the time and I don't want that.” Aoede shook her head.

“Sweetheart, we still love you the same. We love you every day more and no matter if we will have another baby, we won't leave you, you are enough and we won't stop loving you or stop paying attention to you.” I tried calming her down as it seemed she was about to throw her first-ever tantrum.

“I don't cale. I don't want one!” She jumped from Charlie's lap to the floor and went back to her drawings.

Charlie and I looked at each other, our mouths open in shock.

“She'll warm up to the fact that you're pregnant, right?” Charlie whispered to me.

“I hope so.” I gulped.

“Hey, don't worry. Once she sees that nothing will change she'll warm up to the baby.” Charlie put his arm around me and embraced me.

“Yeah.” I nodded.

“Since when is she so stubborn, though?” Charlie giggled.

“She agreed with everything we did so far.” I bit the inner side of my cheek.

“She might be a miniature you but she didn't get that stubbornness from you.” Charlie placed a kiss on my forehead.

“Must be you then.” I chuckled.

“Hey, I lived in my little dragon world when I was her age.” Charlie nudged me playfully.

“She did awfully remind me of someone.” I narrowed my eyes, thinking. “The determination and her thinking she is right and has the final word.”

The second that came out of my mouth, Charlie's eyes widened and I gasped.

“Grandma Molly,” we said in unison, half horrified.

[myhockeyworld87]

Bubble Wrapped - Part 12

Word Count: 2,510

POV: Reader

Warnings: Same as always, Language, Smut, NSFW, Please see the note in the Masterlist

Teams: Bruins, Caps, Flyers, Lightning, Pens, Jackets, Canes, Islanders (more to come)

Notes: I literally have no clue what happened the frist time, but let’s try this again. When last we left this story, (Y/N) had just had a steamy encouter with Joel. Now with Svech back at the suite hurt, let’s find out what happens.  As always feedback is greatly appreciated and wanted…hahaha! Luv ya all!! Happy Reading to all!

A quick run downstairs and a check-in with Carly told you that everything at the hotel was running smoothly. You gave her a recap of what had happened with Svech and told her that you were heading back upstairs to be with him at least until Joel and Dougie got back from practice. By the time you got back up to the suite, the boys were just heading out the door. "Ready to head up to bed?" You asked Svech and his eyebrow shot up. Obviously, you didn't mean it that way as the man was in no way able to perform. Or was he?

"Sure," he said eagerly then hobbled on his crutches to the elevator with you. It took a few minutes to get him into his shared bedroom with Joel, but once you did you propped his foot up on a stack of pillows, making sure to take extra care with it, so as to not cause him any more pain than necessary.

"Comfy?"

"Yeah," he mumbled and you could see the tiredness in his eyes.

"Do you need anything else?"

"I don't think so."

You dug through your bag and placed the bell you'd found in one of the offices on the nightstand. "Here, in case you need me, just ring this. I'll be downstairs doing some work, but will be up in a flash." He looked so young and innocent just lying there and you swept a bit of hair that had fallen onto his forehead away. "Get some rest."

You went to leave, but he grabbed your wrist, tugging you back in his direction, which caused you to stumble and land awkwardly on his chest; your face a mere inches away from his. He didn't say anything, just cupped your cheek with his free hand and brought your lips to his. It was soft, yet with the right kind of pressure, and he sought entrance to your mouth with a simple glide of his tongue to your lips. You opened for him, deepening the kiss. Svech was gorgeous there was no denying that, but at the same time you felt a little bad after doing what you'd done with Joel last night and now you were kissing his teammate. Though when he moaned into your mouth all thought of that left.

Gently you pushed back from the kiss. "Svech, what are you doing?"

"I want you, (Y/N). I have from the moment I saw you in this bubble a few weeks ago." You tried to think back about running into him at any point before the Canes had actually transferred to your hotel but couldn't recall a time that the two of you met. "Don't worry, I don't expect you to remember. I would come here to play tennis. Well, not really, it was just an excuse to see you. You're so beautiful." His hand caressed your body lightly as he spoke and it ignited a fire deep within you. "I know I'm younger than you, but it doesn't mean that I can't satisfy you."

"Svech it's not that..." For really it wasn't. You had no doubt that he was good in bed, it was just, well, his injury and all.

He must have caught on to your hesitation. "I'm fine I swear, though you'll have to be on top. I just think this is really the optimal time. The guys are gone and won't be around for a couple hours. Say you want me too."

There was a pleading look in his eyes, this sort of need to be wanted. Your body definitely couldn't deny that you craved him. It was just your head that wasn't in sync. You threw caution to the wind and decided to just give in to what your body wanted this time; not that you hadn't been doing that all along. "I want you too."

His hand went to the back of your neck and he drug you down to his lips again for a hard and searing kiss. "Undress for me, beautiful." He whispered out and you stepped back from the bed. Slowly, you unzipped your skirt, then shimmied it down your hips to fall on the floor. Your hands worked each button on your blouse revealing your soft supple skin to his gaze, and look he did. There was a hunger in his eyes as the top fell to the floor and you stood there in only a bra and thong. "Fuck you're gorgeous." He sat up and shucked his shirt over his head before propping himself up against the headboard a bit. "Don't stop now."

A small giggle escaped you at his eagerness. Your hands went to the clasp of your bra, releasing the globes for their confines. Holding the bra with one hand, you let the straps slide off your shoulders, then dropped the garment. You cupped your breasts, gently squeezing them and pulling on the nipples. Svech sucked in a breath of air and you saw him bite down gently on his bottom lip. Your eyes dropped to his crotch, where you could see his erection growing even through his shorts.

Hooking the elastic of your panties, you wiggled them over your hips and glided them down your legs. There was a visible wetness in the crotch that you knew Svech could see, letting him know how badly you wanted him. You sashed back over to the bed, then slid your hand down his chest and abs to the waistband of his shorts. "We're going to need to do something about these." He lifted his hips up, using his upper body strength and you slid them along with his boxers down. It was a bit tricky getting them over his boot, but you managed.

Once that task was accomplished, you went back up and kissed him. "You know you're a really good nurse." He laughed and you joined in, as you straddled his hips.

"Well, I try. Gotta keep my patients happy." His hands went to your hips, while you used his shoulders to steady yourself. "Let me know if I hurt you in any way."

"You're killing me now because I want to be inside you." You chuckled, then took his cock in your one hand and guided it to your entrance. You coated him a bit in your wetness before sinking down on him. "Fuck you feel amazing. So wet...and..." He didn't say anything more as you began to move up and down on his length. "Oh...yeah...fuck..." There was an endless stream of moans out of his mouth. When you swiveled your hips, he almost lost it. "Do that again."

"You're quite the demanding patient," you hissed out as you rode his cock.

"Can't help...it..." he panted. "I've wanted...this...oh fuck...for...mmm...yeah just like that....so long...faster baby." His hips started to rise up, thrusting into you, and you were concerned that he would be putting pressure on his bad foot. Your mind was so lost in making sure that he wasn't hurt, you'd knew that you'd never get off. "I'm so close...are you?"

You weren't but you didn't tell him that. Instead, you grabbed his hand on your hip and moved it to your clit. "I need you to..." you moaned out as he started to rub your little nub, grabbing onto the headboard now to steady you both. "Mmmm...yeah." His movements got faster pushing you to that familiar crest you wanted.

You could feel him tighten his grip with the hand that still held your hip and knew he was close. "Come on baby," he encouraged you and flicked your clit more. It was all you needed, as you screamed out in ecstasy as your orgasm came over you. "Fuck," Svech moaned as your pussy spasmed around him and he thrust deep in you, cumming hard. You were both breathing heavily as you came down off your high and it took a moment for you to collect yourself. As you made a move to roll off him, he held you tightly. "Don't go just yet."

"You've got to be uncomfortable like this." After all, you were practically lying on top of him.

"Quite the opposite, really. Besides, I don't know if we'll get another chance at this. I plan on savoring the moment." His fingertips skated up and down your spine. "You're really something, you know that?"

"I don't know about all that."

"I know I wouldn't have a shot, but if I was a few years older and maybe had a bit more experience in the league. I'd try and steal you away from everyone else here."

“You make me sound like I’m ancient or something. I’m only a few years older than you.”

His hands skimmed up and down your body, fingertips gliding along your ribcage and making you shiver. “I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just…I can’t even take you out to dinner in Raleigh and buy a bottle of wine.” Damn, you forgot the boy was under twenty-one. You really should’ve thought about things before you jumped into bed with him. Why did your libido have to run rampant around these men? “These guys here are probably showering you with expensive gifts and I just can’t compete with them, though I wish I could. I’d give you the world if I could.”

“Aww Andrei, the fact that you want to do something like that, is just so sweet.” You placed a gentle kiss on his lips. You needed to diffuse the situation before things got too out of hand or the next thing you know he’d be asking for your hand in marriage or something. “I think you’ve had a little too much prescription medication.” He went to protest but you stopped him placing a finger to his lips. “This was fun, but you should rest. Besides I’m sure the others will be back soon.” He nodded as if he finally understood that nothing more was going to happen between the two of you. It was then that you climbed off him and out of bed, picking up your scattered clothes before kissing him one last time. “Get some sleep. If you need anything just ring the bell.”

The tile floor on the hallway felt cold as you made your way down to your room so that you could change into something more comfortable. Hearing Andrei’s declaration really made you start to think. Maybe you should be looking for more than just a fling here and there. Tyler was begging you to let him come to Toronto if the Stars lost or have you fly there if they continued on; maybe it was time to seriously start to consider his offer.

The rest of the morning you buried yourself in paperwork until Dougie and Joel got back early afternoon. Then they took over nursing duties, or at the very minimum getting their teammate food when he wanted. You were still in a cropped hoodie and leggings when you headed downstairs to see how things were going. Thankfully, no one had set the hotel on fire, which was a major accomplishment considering all the rival teams you had under one roof.

“So how goes it with your three roommates?” Carly asked you wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

“You don’t even want to know.”

“Of course, I do. I’m living vicariously through you now that Brayden and I are together. Spill the juicy details.”

“Juicy details about what?” You knew that voice, before turning to see that Mat Barzal was standing there, a sheer sheen of sweat lightly coating his forehead, telling you that he had been working out. His shirt clung to his body in all the right places. And those thighs. Ugh! It should be downright illegal to have thighs as muscular as his and shorts that tight.

“We were just talking about…” Carly started to say before you elbowed her.

“It’s just about someone that works here in the hotel. You probably wouldn’t know them, considering you’re staying at the Royal.” God, you sounded like a snob; a snob and a prick. “I mean it’s really just work gossip.”

“Oh well, hopefully, I’ll be moving in here soon. Then maybe you’ll let me in on your little secrets.” He gave you a little wink as if he knew you weren’t exactly talking about some indiscretion of a hotel staff member. Although technically you were. That member just happened to be you.

“I guess if you do get to move, I’ll have to reveal all the dirty laundry this place has going on,” you said flirtatiously, and suddenly you were throwing out that whole idea of settling down.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing what you’d got going on underneath everything.” Mat playfully bantered back, as his eyes roamed your body. His heated stare had your panties getting wet. You were really going to have to do your laundry after the day you had.

“Well, I can see I’m not needed here.” Carly chimed in as you’d completely forgotten about her being there. “I think I’ll go check on what Chef’s preparing for dinner.”

She sauntered off leaving you standing there alone with Mat. “Speaking of dinner. Would you like to get some, say maybe tomorrow night? We’re playing tonight or I’d say in a couple of hours.”

“I’d like that, but it’s not like we can go out to any restaurants.”

“True, though I do remember you mentioning something about a suite you’re staying in.”

Had you mentioned that? You couldn’t really be sure and it didn’t really matter at the moment considering you had roommates. “About that…You see there was kind of a little incident here. Let’s just say it involved a hockey stick and some busted pipes.” Mat looked like he was ready to bust out laughing but he took a deep breath regaining control. “So now I have three people staying there with me.”

“Oh well if it’s your friend there and a couple others I’m sure Tito and a couple guys wouldn’t mind coming along.”

“Yeah,” you said cringing as you told him this next part. “It’s not Carly. It’s three guys from the Canes. Dougie Hamilton, Joel Edmunston and Andrei Svechnikov.” Mat’s eyes widen and his jaw dropped a bit before drawing together to form a hard line on his jaw. He hadn’t seemed like the jealous type in your last encounter but then at the time, it didn’t seem like you were having a foursome every night in your suite. “It’s just temporary.” You were quick to add. “Their room should be fixed in a couple days.”

“I see.” It was a short response and you could tell that he wasn’t pleased. “I guess dinner is off.”

You didn’t want it to be. In fact, Mat was the first guy that you really were interested in more than just a fling with since Sidney. You just needed to come up with another place for dinner and maybe some sort of dessert that involved both of you being naked. That shouldn’t be too hard.

.

[elliemarchetti]

Somewhere to Start (Part 6)

Warning: mention of eating disorder

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Other Harry Potter fics:

Slytherin!Hermione AU (part 2) (part 3) (part 4) (part 5)

The Deal (part 2) (part 3)

The Polaroids The Sixth and Seventh Polaroids 

Words: 1281

The snow fell heavily on the castle and the park, making Viktor feel less homesick. Although he was enjoying this school year as he had never done, mainly thank to Hermione, he missed his native country’s snowy hills and the countless lights of the Christmas markets where he and his brother always went as children, planning of being able to earn a free sarmi’ or a slice of koledna pitka, in hope of being the lucky ones who would find the coin inside it, but this was before he became famous: since they had begun to recognize him free tastings seemed to never end, like the people who asked him for an autograph or even a photo, ruining the magic of the moment, something that couldn’t have been replaced even by the most powerful of spells. However, Beauxbaton’s blue carriage and the half-giant’s hut seemed like a human size construction of frosted gingerbread and the ship's hatches were covered in ice, which made him feel more at home than he had ever felt in Durmstrang. Even the house-elves who worked in the kitchens contributed, preparing,  in addition to the usual rich stews,  soups of beans and tripe to no end, with extreme horror of Fleur Delacour and her friends, who found that kind of kitchen too heavy. Viktor supposed there was Potter’s hand in that sudden change from a more varied series of dishes from all three countries to an almost total elimination of the French ones, but he told himself that it was due to the fact that, just like him, his opponent had also noticed that the only way to make her friend eat something was to tell her this or that dish was a typical Bulgarian recipe. Although he was very pleased, Viktor was a little worried about Hermione, who had lost a lot of weight due to her hunger strike, called to support S.P.E.W.’s cause, although at that time it didn’t seem the only one to be forcibly on a diet: all the girls ate even less than usual, even Darina, who was already of slight constitution.

“They do it for those stupid dresses.” Andrei had told him one day during one of their morning runs, where they had encountered an embarrassing number of girls that before would never have thought to train, let alone with that cold! His friend's aversion to that ridiculous practice made him smile: those girls didn't even realize that if they wanted to conquer the most beautiful guy of the Durmstrang delegation, who hadn’t yet invited nobody and had refused the invitations of many, certainly they didn’t have to starve as he was the first supporter of curvy girls and had tried to make Darina fatter, obviously in vain, since they first met. Viktor knew it had something to do with his sister that, when she was a little girl, had decided suddenly that her belly had to be flat and she should’ve been able to touch her fingers when she had her hands around her thighs in order to be beautiful. Things had settled down now, she had graduated and worked as a secretary at the Bulgarian headquarters of the Ministry of Magic but it had left a deep mark in Andrei and since he was just a kid he had never made fun of anyone for his physical appearance, convinced that there were other things that mattered in a person.

“I think you should talk to Hermione too: this hunger strike won't get her anywhere but in the infirmary.” he told him, when they had gone far enough from indiscreet ears. Indeed, Viktor had already thought about it but didn’t want to influence her choices in any way: if it was so important for her to make it a personal cause, she had every right to continue and he, as far as possible, would support her, or at least he would have until things had gone too far. “One cannot help those who don’t want to be helped, especially when these beings have before them the example of what they could become and still decide not to act.” the boy added, when they had reached the deck of the ship. As always, his friend was right but Viktor was too afraid that such a speech was just what Hermione hoped not to receive from him and said nothing until Christmas morning, when he decided that enough was enough: when Hermione entered the Great Hall she seemed not to have the strength to smile at him to greet him, as she used to do, and deep circles surrounded her tired eyes, making her face even more dull. So without even thinking about it he joined her at Gryffindor's table and asked her if they could talk for a moment in private, earning puzzled looks from everyone present. He already imagined what that herd of geese in her year would say: was he telling her that he had found someone else to go to the Yule Ball with? Or that he was tired of spending his afternoons in the library? Well, sooner or later they would know that it wasn't either, so he decided that it wasn’t worth the trouble.

“I'm worried for you.” he admitted once they reached a fairly secluded spot.

“For me?” she asked puzzled.

“Yes, for you. This madness of the hunger strike must end. Can't you see you're barely standing?”

She widened her eyes and Viktor hoped he didn’t sound too aggressive.

“But I can't stop right now that we're so close to a result!” she exclaimed.

“Hermione, the only result you'll get if you go on like this will be to end up in the infirmary. Is that what you want? Do you want them to send you home forcibly and your parents see you like this?”

Viktor knew that by mentioning her parents she would have had a stronger reaction as she never stopped talking about them, how much they loved her, supported her and generally how they were extremely fantastic, sometimes making him see his parents as the social climber monsters they were; of course, there were his brothers to make his family more bearable but they were just kids and he wouldn't put on their shoulders the weight that should have been on those of his parents. However, this wasn’t the time to feel sorry for himself when Hermione seemed to have come out of a sort of trance and she was startled, shaking her head as if unable to comprehend how she had gotten to that point, shining eyes, though Viktor couldn’t understand why. He didn't want to make her cry and above all he didn't want a group of curious Slytherins to see her in that state, so he wrapped her in a strong embrace and she hid her face in the hollow of his neck.

“What do you say we spend the day in front of the fireplace and ask someone to bring us a decadent hot chocolate with whipped cream, cocoa powder and marshmallows before you disappear to get ready with your friends?” he asked and felt her nod.

“And the chocolate chips.” she murmured, her voice so childlike that it broke his heart.

“And chocolate chips. Do you also want the biscuit straw from Honeyduke?” he asked, looking at her as she dried her tears. He would have done anything to make her happy.

“Did you buy them during the last trip?” she asked, with renewed energy.

“No, but Poliakoff has, so we can steal two from him.”

The idea made her laugh and Viktor could only think that it was the most beautiful sound in the world.

[abunchofstories]

Last Night in Bucharest

A Bucky Barnes/OFC One-Shot - 15.816 words

This is Bucky’s POV, When in Romania is the OFC’s POV. 

By: @lowkeysebastianstan

Rating: Explicit 18+

Warnings: Allusions Of Torture, Angst, PTSD, Explicit M/F Sex, 1st person POV, Excessive Use Of Commas, Far Too Long Paragraphs, Waffling, Adverbs, Google Translated Romanian 

(Original art created for me by my wonderful husband.)

I could feel my hand slipping, but I couldn't feel the wind. I can never feel the wind. There had been wind. Roaring wind. I knew that. And the sound of metal screeching as the train flew along the ridge. No! Bucky! Hang on! NO!! Grab my hand. NO! Bucky!!! GRAB MY HAND!!!

Then the wind came.

It was all I knew until I woke, drenched in sweat, blood pulsing, heart pounding, and for a moment I didn't know again. I didn't know if I was still flying even if I clearly was grounded. I didn't know. I gasped for air, but the pressure was too much, the pressure on my chest was too much. Safe. Safe. Safe. Safe. I grabbed my knees and pressed my head between them. Safe. Safe.

"Obține bucata ta de rahat din calea mea!" The voices were muffled and mingled with a low howling sound. I flinched, but looking up I saw the glimmer of daylight through the makeshift blinds. Safe. I was in the room. My room. The door is there, the bolt is secure. They can't reach me. Safe.

"Du-te dracu!" The faint howl wasn't a siren, but a car honking. Safe.

I relinquished the grip on my calves, knowing the left one had angry red welts, four at the front, one at the back, and sank down, closing my eyes. I inhaled slowly, keeping my hands flat against the mattress, ignoring the uncomfortable chill of the soaked sheets. Safe.

I felt good, the dream being the wind one. The wind one was the best.

I exhaled and focused on the three stains on the ceiling, the three stains that looked like a dog. There was the bicycle too, but that was in the other direction, and I had just moved the mattress two days ago. I inhaled again, breathe in, exhaled, breathe out, inhaled, breathe in, exhaled, breathe out. I rolled off the mattress and stood up, ignoring the flashes of pain. I always ignore the pain.

Removing the cardboard from the window, I opened it to let in some fresh air before I walked into the bathroom and ran the shower. I stroked my chin to check if I needed to trim, appearance is important, they had taught me that. They taught me a lot of things.

I had to shop today, I remembered because I had made a list. The steam spread through the room, heating it. I wrenched out of the tee and sweats, and stepped in, feeling the hot torrent, thinking about the wind. Steve was in that one. He was in the other one too, but there he always turned into the other one. The one in white. Zola. No! Safe. Safe. Safe. I held my head and closed my eyes, concentrated on the list. I was going out today, and I had to shop. Safe. Safe. Safe.

I wriggled the handle, checking that the door was locked before descending the staircase. I scanned the floors carefully, no reason not to, everybody does that. The old lady on 3 approached carrying a big bag when I came down, and I held the door for her.

"Bună ziua, doamnă. Ar trebui sa te ajut?" I smiled, I have to smile, if I smile they smile back.

"Bună ziua, dragă. Nu, mulțumesc, mă descurc." She went inside, smiling appreciatively.

"Multumesc draga. Să aveţi o zi bună." I nodded, still smiling, and let the door slide shut before I stepped out of the shade of the entrance and into the faint afternoon sun.

It was pleasant, and there was a light breeze. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, shaking off the dream. Safe. I took my list out and set off to the library, I could shop at the little red store around the corner from it. After that I had to go out, but I didn't know where to yet. I had to walk until I found somewhere, maybe tonight I could find somewhere nice. Last week hadn't been that good, the music was too loud, and the patrons too drunk. I remember drinking, but I can't remember being drunk. I can't get drunk. I've tried, but all I get is lightheaded. I've tried because I know drinking is supposed to make you forget, but I remember all of them.

I reached Biblioteca Metropolitană and dipped my head in greeting to the girl at the front desk. Today she was wearing a low cut cotton tee in a soft blue colour, with some sort of animal printed on the front, her hair a brown mass of loose curls tumbling down her shoulders. She nodded back coolly, and I could feel her eyes on me, warily following me as I made my way to the elevator. I resisted the urge to look back as I pressed the button and waited for the doors to slide open, and when I turned in the lift she was staring at the screen in front of her. She was scared of me, she hadn't always been, but after the incident she'd kept her distance. She seemed a smart girl.

The doors closed, and the lift shook slightly, creaking as it ascended before coming to a halt on the third floor. Scanning the hall, I made for a desk in the back, pulling out a chair. I removed my cap, shrugged off my jacket, and sat down. The computer whirred to life, I opened the browser and got to work.

I remember all of them, but there are others I have to search for. The fallout, the collateral damage. All the wives and children and grandchildren, all the lives lost by corrupt regimes. All the damage done, the blood shed, and history changed. My imprint on the world; courtesy of Hydra.

Dallas, November 1963, Memphis, April 1968, Chernobyl, April 1986, Long Island, December 1991, Rawalpindi, December 2007. It's dreary work, but I have to do it, I need to know.

Today I went through Stockholm, February 1986, and when I flicked the computer off I felt I'd made some progress, adding two more names to the list. Two more to the endless list of lives destroyed. I stuffed my notebook into my pocket and put my jacket and cap back on before backtracking through to the lobby and out the door, relieved the girl was away from the desk. I walked down the huge marble steps in front of the library, turned and headed for the store.

The store was empty, the after-work crowd being done for the day and settled into their homes, their safe havens. Checking the list, I walked around slowly, trying to avoid having to double back for anything, shopping is hard enough, no reason to add chaos to it. I treated myself to a ready-made cheese and pickle sandwich, I was gonna have to talk to Andrei about more work anyway, and it didn't cost much.

"Tony Stark şi Natalia Romanova, mai bine cunoscut ca Iron Man si The Black Widow, sosit la Viena în această seară, împreună cu restul de Avengers pentru un summit să semneze acordurile de la Skovian. Acordurile sunt concepute pentru a exercita un control şi să limiteze strict Avengers implicarea în conflicte din întreaga lume. Acordurile sunt scrise în colaborare cu 117 naţiuni suverane, şi a fost initiativa lui T'Chaka, regele Wakanda, după 11 Wakandian vieţi au fost pierdute în timpul unui atac terorist în Lagos, Nigeria. Ca moartea lor au fost un rezultat direct al Avengers implicarea, regele numit pentru un control mai puternic de ceea ce el considera ‘vigilantes violenţei cu niciun motiv de îngrijorare pentru siguranţa civililor au jurat pentru a proteja.’ Lipseşte din grupul care a sosit a fost Captain America, el însuşi, Steve Rogers, şi zvonurile sunt acum răspândire despre discords în Avengers ei înşişi. În altă ordine de idei, un al doilea val de căldură loveşte coasta Mării Negre şi de afluxul de turisti... “

The radio was drowned out by the roaring in my ears, and I stood frozen for a minute before I became aware of the thin handles of the shopping basket bending in my grip. I relaxed my arm, consciously loosening each of the fingers on my left hand, rolled my neck, and shot a quick glance in the mirror above me. The clerk seemed oblivious, which was as expected, but caution never hurt, everyone is cautious.

So Captain America wasn't signing. Steve. His name is Steve. His name is Steve Rogers, and I knew him. His name is Steve Rogers, and he was my friend. I was a little surprised, but at the same time it made sense; mine wasn't the only life changed two years ago on the bank of the Potomac.

I slowly made my way around to the checkout, set the basket on the counter, and reached for my wallet. I try to avoid thinking too much about Steve, thinking of him pulls too many other things into focus, but I need to keep up with the news. All of it, even the uncomfortable news. Especially the uncomfortable news.

It pays off occasionally; last year I'd spent two weeks in Sokovia, helping to clear debris. It had been rewarding, even if I'd stayed away from the rescue, not wanting to bring attention to myself, attention isn't good. Safe.

The cashier rounded up my things and I paid, counting my money as I handed him the correct sum. I really needed to see Andrei about more work. Construction work is easy, and he pays well, always in cash. He likes me, or my ability to work, is always friendly, and he never asks questions. Questions are bad, questions bring attention.

"Vă mulțumesc, și au o noapte bună, domnule." The cashier held out the bag with my groceries. I took it, remembered to smile and nod, and exited the store.

It was getting full dark outside, but the air was still pleasant, and I decided on the long route back. I started down the street and stepped aside to let two young women pass. They were dressed for a night out, heavy makeup and short dresses, a lot of bare skin. I hoped they would be okay. They were laughing, and one of them looked at me, running her eyes over my body. She turned to whisper something in her friend's ear before she giggled and shot me a backwards glance. The other one laughed, and I smiled a little, allowing for a brief moment to imagine myself walking with them.

I remember fun. I remember dressing up, going out, the excitement, the carelessness. I remember girls, dressed more modestly perhaps, but still strikingly similar, soft and warm. I remember how they would smile and laugh. I remember dancing. But that was when I was the other one, when Steve was still little, and I had something to lose.

I stood watching until they were swallowed up by the darkness and continued down the pavement. I caught a glimpse of myself in a window and saw a brief glint of my hand. I stopped and checked it out, and found a small hole at the side of the glove where the seam was coming apart. I would have to put gloves on my list for tomorrow. The gloves are important, especially this kind, the ones I use when I go out. Leather for grip and durability, but nice enough looking that people don't notice.

I picked up my pace, if I wanted to stop by Harry I had to get a move on. I was getting hungry, and I wanted to eat my sandwich.

The alley was dark, but I knew where to go. As I closed in on the nook behind the dumpster, I could hear the rustling of movement and the tiny mewing of kittens. Harry came out and started rubbing against my feet as I fished the can out from my bag. I pulled the lid off and emptied the contents into the cracked bowl sitting there. Harry purred and went to work on the food.

One of the kittens came out from the darkness and stood on wobbly feet in front of me, barely discernible even if my eyes had adjusted to the dark. I leaned back on the wall, opened the plastic wrapper on my meal, and watched as the two others came out. They were only 4 weeks old, but they were growing fast, and it was nice to see them getting more coordinated and developed. I'd thought she was a tomcat until they suddenly appeared one day, and I tried to make a point to stop by every other day to check on them.

I munched my sandwich, trying to savour it, but as usual it didn't taste much, food rarely does. Except fresh food, like fruit. Fruit is nice, it's sweet and it tastes like life. Otherwise eating is a chore, something I have to do. I had tried to refuse to eat, but they had taught me not to. They taught me a lot of things.

I finished my food at the same time Harry did, and she came over, begging for more. I bent down and scratched her behind the ears, scooped up the empty can and stuffed the plastic wrapper inside, tossing it into the dumpster. I smiled at the kittens, but walked away, knowing I would stall if I let myself. I had to go out, it was on the list, and I needed to get my shopping home before it got too late.

I stepped into the pitch black room, the weak stairwell light letting me see as I made my way over to the window, satisfying myself it was clear before I hit the switch and the fluorescent buzzed to life. I crossed the floor in three steps and knelt, prying open the floorboard carefully and extracted the backpack, depositing the notebook into the small inside pouch. I always keep track of the current one. I shook the contents to flatten the pack, tucked it into the hole, and slid the board back, making sure it aligned.

I made a quick detour to the bathroom, turning the shower on to let it heat before putting my groceries away. I put my toothpaste and shaving cream on the small shelf over the cistern and undressed, checking the temperature before stepping in. I let the water soak my hair and just stood there a while, trying to think about where I should go.

Maybe I could do something different tonight, maybe a place outside the city centre, some small neighbourhood hangout. I would have to drive, public transportation was far too unreliable, but I had filled up the bike just last week and had hardly driven it since.

I finished my shower and slung a towel around my waist, letting my hair and arm dry while finding fresh underwear and a clean sweater. It was too hot for long sleeves still, but since I have no choice I never bother to question it. I have several, and I chose a red one.

The drive was uneventful, but good. I like to drive, the traffic was light, and I could even speed a little on my brief run on the freeway. I like to drive but I rarely do it, I need to interact with people, and you can't do that when driving a motorcycle. My bike is a 1100cc 95' Honda Shadow, and it's my only possession of value. It's old, but in good repair, and I keep it in the shed across from my building. I bought it cheap when I was in Prague, and I generally only use it for when I move, but sometimes I have to venture out of the city, and then it's a good thing to have.

I kept my eyes open for a suitable prospect and in the end saw a promising bar around the corner of a small hotel. I circled the block three times, making sure I knew the easiest exits. No reason not to, everybody does that. Safe. I pulled up and parked the bike around the corner between a couple of cars, made sure it was locked and backtracked to the three steps leading down into the basement bar.

I scanned the location through the glass in the door before I went inside, and found it looking benign enough. Besides, the music was nice, it wasn't too loud or upbeat. I walked over to the bar, took a vacant stool on the far short end, satisfied that it was a corner seat, with a short hall leading down to the restrooms and an easy exit. Safe. I shrugged off my jacket and waited for the bartender to finish with the couple he was serving. After a few moments he turned towards me and gave me a welcoming smile.

"Bună seara. Ce pot să-ti aduc?"

"Bună seara. O sticlă de culoare închisă Stejar, te rog."

He nodded and went over to fetch my bottle while I got my money ready, adding a small tip. He took it gladly, opened the bottle with a bit of flair and left me to enjoy my drink, not striking up conversation. I liked the man.

I took a sip, and tried to relax, hoping this time it would be better. The low murmur from the other guests kept me occupied until she came in. I didn't notice right away, there was a group speaking Russian two tables down, and I was listening to their banter, trying to rid myself of the growing unease. Russian is the language I know the best but like the least, and I was thinking about draining my beer and leaving when she came into view, inching herself onto a stool at the middle of the bar.

She was around my age, my apparent age, and lightly dressed in a simple sleeveless linen dress, not tight but clingy enough to show off the soft swells and curves underneath. Her hair was sun-streaked, her bare arms smooth and she didn't wear much in the way of makeup. Her eyes shone with excitement, and the brilliant smile never left her face while she was talking to the bartender, her phrasebook in hand. She was beautiful and confident and alive, and she seemed intent to enjoy every minute of it.

I was conscious I was staring but had a hard time looking away, she was so fascinating to watch. The bartender made her drink, and I felt a small sting of jealousy, envying him the pleasure of talking to her. She turned away for a moment, leaning casually on the bar. Her hair fell back enough to allow a glimpse of bare skin on her shoulders and neck, her elbow on top of the counter revealing the black lace of her bra underneath her arm. I felt a twitch in my groin at the sight and took a long draught of my beer, staring when she swung back, stiffened for a moment, whipped her head around and caught my eyes.

I felt the rush of panic and averted my eyes, attempting to appear calm. Safe. Safe. Safe. I looked down on the shiny surface of the bar, studying the small indentations and scratches from years of wear, and lifted the bottle to my mouth, looked over the edge of it and met her gaze.

She was staring intently, not looking the least bit abashed, and then she tipped her glass in a silent toast at me and the panic was back. My chest tightened, and I tried to steady myself enough to be able to walk out unnoticed. But she will notice. And she will still remember. If anyone comes to ask. Not safe.

I sank back down and concentrated on keeping my breathing steady and my pulse in check. I turned around and found her still looking, taking in the sorry display, but I didn't see any contempt or pity in her eyes, only a piercing curiosity. I tried to smile but my mouth wouldn't cooperate fully, and it felt more like a grimace. I swallowed hard, willing some saliva back, and I watched her as she looked down the bar and saw the empty stool across the corner from me, silently asking for consent to occupy it. My pulse started to quicken again as I nodded, and she gathered her things, slid off her seat and came towards me. Not safe.

She shrugged herself onto the tallish seat, causing her dress to twist. Her neckline was pulled down slightly, drawing my eyes to the soft swell of her cleavage, and I could feel the twitch again, my jeans becoming tighter as I hardened. I averted my eyes from hers, trying to hide my embarrassment, but she seemed totally oblivious and cheerfully offered her name and extended her hand.

My name is James Buchanan "Bucky" Barnes. My name is James Buchanan "Buc—I'm Sgt James Buchanan Barnes of the 107th Inf—My name is Bucky Barnes and he's my friend. My mind blanked, and I couldn't for the life of me remember my current alias, and I suddenly realised I was staring dumbfounded at her hand. I reached out and took it, the warmth of it burning in mine.

"Bu—Jam—Bucky. My name is Bucky."

Not safe. At least I hadn't given her everything, but I'd given her enough. She felt safe, she felt real, but I don't always trust my instincts, they had taught me not to. They taught me a lot of things.

I let go of her hand and grabbed for my beer, trying to hide the upheaval. She took her glass and looked away, giving me the moment she saw I needed.

"Bucky. That's not local. So... American?"

I cursed myself again, and my heart fell while I tried to come up with any kind of response that wouldn't press the matter further.

"Yes. American. But I live here now." It sounded hollow and pathetic, and she was clearly wishing for more, I could see she was forming the questions in her mind.

Her lower lip shone in different hues reflected from the bottles behind the bar, and a rush of blood surged, constricting my erection against the fly. I shifted in my seat, trying to shrug away my discomfort, still painfully aware of her searching gaze. Not safe.

She was too close, my head was clouded from the brightness in her eyes, the gentle puffs of her breath, the heat from her body, and her faint scent. Sweet with a hint of citrus, stirring some memories I didn't dare examine.

I remember sex. I remember it from before, but mostly I remember dreaming of it in cryo. Sometimes I miss cryo, the simpleness of it, the comfort. The cryo dreams feel real, and they aren't marred like the others, they don't blend together and become nightmares. I think they are true memories. So I remember sex, I remember lust, I remember the anticipation, the joy of it. I remember the relief and the pleasure and the release and the contentment. But most of all I remember the warmth. The warmth and comfort, the softness and the ache. I licked and bit my lip, trying to find my bearing.

"I'm just coming through. I'm trekking Europe. Sort of an adult interrail. Planes, not trains." She drew a short breath, and I realised she knew. She didn't know why, but she knew, and she offered me some peace.

"Interrail?" I gratefully latched on to the topic, trying to keep my expression calm and the words from hitching in my throat. I knew the answer, but I needed her to carry the conversation, less risk of losing control again.

"Yes. It's a European thing. Kids get train tickets and travel around, backpacking all over. Sort of a rite of passage." She looked at me and cocked her head. "You know, some architecture and culture in Prague for a couple of nights, beer in Berlin for three, then Athens and Rome for art and history, some sunbathing in southern Spain before ending in a stupor on Jim Morrison's grave at Père Lachaise."

I racked my brain, but I couldn't pin down any information, and, hating to reveal my ignorance, I had to concede. "Jim Morrison?"

A glimpse of confusion made my heart sink further, and I suddenly regretted not sightseeing at Père Lachaise when I was in Paris last.

"The front singer in The Doors?"

An internet page flashed before my eyes, the name and a picture, but I still had nothing, and not wanting to push it further I feigned.

"Ah. Yes, of course." I could see she still saw right through me, but she was obviously determined to be gracious, and let me off. "And you do this? Alone?"

"Yes. This is my last stop before Paris. And the stupor. Why not?"

I felt a pang at the thought of her leaving, it was strangely disheartening, which was a surprise. So far all I had were a few fleeting thoughts of attraction and some terribly awkward conversation, it shouldn't affect me at all. On the other hand it was still conversation, still interaction, which was rare. Not safe.

I tried to focus on the positive of it, not harbouring much hope of it getting less awkward, but I had to try; everyone does that.

"Well, you're a... well, I mean, is it safe?"

The look of offence on her face confused me until I realised she thought I was questioning her independence. I tried to mount an explanation, some sort of rationalisation, but before I managed to form the words she voiced her displeasure.

"What? You think a woman can't take care of herself?"

I felt the colour drain from my face, and for a second I thought about running again, the condemnation being too much to bear.

"No, I didn't mean to imply—I mean, I didn't..." The words came out a scramble, not the saving grace I'd hoped, but suddenly her expression shifted, and I felt a flush of embarrassment.  "You're joking. Sorry."

Her face did the thing again, her eyes were glittering with a mixture of joy and mischief. I felt the warmth spread through me, my cock becoming absolutely rigid and the blush deepened.

"Yes. Or not really. But you're not the first man, or woman for that matter, who's asked me that. And in some ways it's a fair point, shitty as it is. The world has changed little in the last century." Her tone kept light, but the sense of urgency was apparent.

"Yes. Apart from the world changing. I think it's become rather unrecognisable."

The sardonic look she gave me told me I was off, but that she still appreciated the effort.

"Sure. I guess. In some ways. But you'd think with all the technical advances these things would change too. That was my point." The point was fair, and the close echo of my own thoughts just a few minutes before had me cursing internally, I really should have been able to keep up.

"Ah. In that case, yes. One would think that'd be the case. I'm sorry."

She smiled and once again I was struck by the brilliance of it, and I wanted nothing more than to prevent it disappearing. The sudden ache caught me off guard, and I hoped the flinch wasn't visible.

"It's not your fault. I'm just glad you agree."

She chuckled, a warm calming sound, and another rush went through me. She lifted her glass thoughtfully, and I copied her movements and emptied my beer. The last dregs were rather flat, but I could have drunk gallons of it just to continue sitting with her. I waited until she'd drained hers, and I took the leap, the question out of my mouth before my brain could voice the objections I felt forming.

"Another? On me." For an agonising moment I got worried she would take it as another affront to her independence, but she looked positively radiant, and my pulse raced, almost drowning out her reply.

"Sure. Thank you."

I turned and caught the attention of the bartender, waving him over in what I hoped was a casual and collected manner.

"Scuzati-ma. O alta bere pentru mine, și la fel pentru doamna, oricare ar fi ea are." The man's smile told me he was clearly a team player, and for an instant I was back in New York, surrounded by friends and the elated hopes of a bright future. The feelings lingered as I tucked the dangerous memories away. "Vă mulțumesc, păstrați schimbarea."

He set the drinks down in front of us, took the tip, and turned without trying to hide the knowing smirk on his face. When I met her eyes she smiled shyly and looked a little winded, making me suspect my mind wasn't the only one that had wandered. She lifted her glass in mock gusto, and I readied mine with a smile.

"To Romanian, and the foreigners who really make an effort to learn it."

I grinned to hide the pang of chagrin that hit me, it was no achievement of mine after all. She kept her steady gaze on me, a completely guileless expression in her eyes, and I suddenly felt another flush and some genuine pride.

"I've been here for some time. It's not that hard to learn. Besides, I've got a fair knowledge of Slavic languages." It was a half-lie, they could be extremely hard to learn, but they had taught me. They taught me a lot of things.

"Really? How about Ukrainian?"

I laughed and offered some sentences, all more benign than my usual repertoire.

"Labvakar, skaista dāma. Paldies par rotā manu dzīvi ar savu precence. Hop uz karuseļa un izbaudīt braucienu.”

She stared and kept her eyes fixed on my mouth, seemingly enthralled, making it hard to concentrate.

"Russian? Hungarian? Latvian?"

I wanted to skip the Russian, nothing sounds benign in Russian, but I couldn't bear any disappointment on her part.

"Ty krasivaya zhenshchina. Annyira örülök hogy találkoztunk. Šī ir mana laimīgā diena."

She either didn't care or was too embarrassed to ask for the translation, clearly finding the game too much fun to risk. She continued her prompts beyond Eastern Europe, and I was happy with the move but didn't dare to continue my shameless declarations in languages she would be more inclined to understand.

"Je suis heureux d'obliger, bien que ce n'est pas ma première langue. Das Wetter ist schön an diesem Abend, zu verpassen. Möchten Sie für einen Mondlicht spazieren zu gehen?" I shot her what I hoped was a teasing look, and she laughed, racking her brain for new challenges.

I remember fun, but I couldn't remember it feeling like this. It was exhilarating and joyous, sure, but most of all it was terrifying. I could feel my defences slip, and for the first time since I stepped out of the Potomac I wanted to allow myself the opportunity to make a real connection. Not safe.

But I couldn't stop, I was already too far in. She was easy to talk to when I let her lead, all I had to do was not dwell too much, or ask too much or hesitate too much. I finally found use for all the hours spent in the library and bookstores, trying to garner some sort of impression of what had happened in the last seven decades. I'm a good student, I'd tried not to be, but they’d taught me anyway. They taught me a lot of things.

She was an animated person, and she kept squirming and moving around, constantly showing off new parts of bared skin. I tried not to dwell on it, but it was a losing battle.

She had a light drizzle of freckles on her nose and cheeks, furthering the image I had of her being out in the sun. She smelled like she was out a lot, fresh and clean.

I like the sun, but I prefer the overcast, when it's hot I have to stay inside. I sometimes venture out to ride my bike because then I have a reason to cover up, but it's still hard. Her dress was almost see-through, and I could discern a faint outline of dark panties, probably a matching set with her bra. I ignored the tightness between my legs, I didn't even want to entertain the thought, and I hoped she wouldn't notice.

She brought up Sokovia, which was expected because of all the focus on the Accords, but I couldn't tell her about being there. I didn't want her to ask. She did ask something in the end, but that I didn't mind too much. I have been all over, but some of that was before. So I even managed to make light of it, finding the discomfort of reaching back in my mind lessening. I topped off our drinks as needed, heartened by the fact she didn't seem to mind. I could afford it, I had to talk to Andrei regardless, I could just as well do it sooner than later. So I managed. I even thought I managed well. Until she fell.

She announced she had to go to the bathroom, and she wobbled a little when she jumped off her seat, causing her sandal to catch in the footwell, and suddenly she was there. Her breath hit my face in waves, I would have been able to taste her had I been able to inhale. The weight of her hand burned on my thigh, and I could feel the trembling resonate up the sensors where my hand was gripping her upper arm. Her lips were pink and soft and shiny and just inches from mine, but I could hardly see them, mostly all I could see was her eyes. They were widened and only a thin slice of her irises circled the dilated pupils. I wondered fleetingly what was scaring her until I remembered another reason for pupils to dilate like that.

"Want to get out of here?" Her voice was barely audible, but she could have been shouting.

I finally drew breath, her scent engulfed me, and I couldn't think. "Yeah."

I can't get drunk, but I think this was close to how it feels. My head was buzzing, my body felt like falling, and it was strangely pleasant. I couldn't tell if it was her or the toxins of the alcohol finally getting to me, but at that point I was beyond caring.

"Yeah. I do."

She pushed herself off me, hand on my chest, the pressure of her hand causing my heartbeat to echo back into my chest. "Okay. Gimme a minute."

She smiled shyly and started towards the ladies room, my eyes glued to her every step of the way. Not safe.

As soon as she disappeared the spell was broken. Without thinking I slid down off the stool, grabbed my jacket and was around the corner of the bar when I saw the bartender staring at me. I stopped. Not safe. Not safe. He caught my eye and looked at me, some mixture of pity and judgement in his expression. I felt shaken and panicked and cowardly. Not safe.

I have been hiding from the world for two years, two years of unveiling the actions of seven decades. Two years of trying to find some footing, trying to learn to walk, talk, see, sense, touch and breathe on my own, but all I've really learnt is to run. Not safe. Not safe. Not safe.

I hesitated for a few more seconds before I shakily retreated back onto my seat. The man gave me a short nod of appreciation, I smiled weakly and tried to relax. I was half hoping and half fearing she'd run off, made her escape through the back window, but I couldn't tear my eyes off the door to the ladies room.

She appeared smiling, her eyes sparkling, and I willed my voice to carry. "Hi."

She walked over and took my hand, hers still damp from washing. The simplicity of the gesture was unnerving, but I closed my fingers around hers, letting them entwine lightly.

"Hi. Shall we?"

I didn't dare answer, but stood up, glad my weak knees carried, and followed her outside, jacket in hand. When we got out I was lost, having no idea how to proceed. I was sure what she had meant when she'd suggested the move, but I still couldn't wrap my head around it. I stammered out a question, but she just turned around and tugged me along.

She lead me around the corner, and up the steps of a small nondescript hotel and once again I had to stagger the panic that surged through me. I managed to let her tow me inside and over to the lift at the far side of the lobby. The wait for it was excruciating. I kept my gaze fixed at the lights indicating the descent, fighting to keep my breathing even, concentrating on the warmth of her hand, and emptying my mind. When the elevator finally arrived I walked in a trance beside her, voluntarily putting my safety in the hands of another for the first time since I woke up. We stepped in, the doors slid shut, and everything changed.

She brushed against me when she turned and the last of my defences broke. I grabbed her, and I lost sense of everything else. All I could feel and touch was her. All I could smell, all I could see. The sweet citrus of her perfume drowned me, the softness of her breasts against my chest, her waist and hips supple under my hands. I could almost feel her heat burning against my left, cold dead limb. Her stomach soft to my erection, her eyes impossibly close, impossibly bright and alive before they slid shut and she sank down as I pressed my lips against hers.

She tasted of mint and gin and summer, and she was warm and wet and soft. Lost memories got dragged up to the surface as I realised she wanted me just as much as I wanted her. Lust and happiness raged in me like I hadn't felt for so many decades, and I felt human again. Like the man I had been before they started teaching me. They taught me a lot of things, but they didn't teach me this.

I was only half aware the lift had stopped until I had her against a hallway wall. I didn't want to move, but a small voice told me staying there was a bad idea. I tore free of her mouth and tried to steady myself long enough to communicate my intentions.

"Where?"

Her breath hit me in furious bursts and she let go of me while she fished out a key from her bag and waved it in the right direction. "Number 14."

I took it, and without hesitation led her down, agonising over the fact I had to let her go even for this. I found the door, pushed the key in, and wrenched it open, tugging her inside.

My jacket fell from my grip as I pushed her around, feeling the door slam shut behind her, and I was on her again. Her exquisite and welcoming mouth left me lightheaded, much more so than mere alcohol could ever do. It felt like every ounce of blood in my body churned into my groin and my cock, and I revelled in the emptiness it left behind. She explored my mouth hungrily, and her hands were in my hair, pulling at it, the small sharp stings in my scalp egging me on, keeping me oblivious to anything but the heat, the throbbing, the lust. I wanted to consume her, I wanted to lose myself in her, I wanted to fuck her, and for a moment I forgot.

I forgot all I've felt, all I've known, all I've seen. I forgot I wasn't human, that no matter how hard I try I can never escape the monster they made, I'm no longer made for this. My body reacted to her, and I forgot to be gentle. A small intake of air and an involuntary jerk away from the source of the pain, and it came rushing back. Not safe. Not safe. NOT SAFE! I jumped back, releasing her, my head roaring and my heart pounding, air caught in my throat.

"Oh god. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." I saw she was confused, that she didn't yet understand, and I was grateful. "I'm so sorry. I should never have... I'm sorry."

She moved towards me, questions flickering in her eyes, and I backed away, not trusting myself near her.

"Bucky. What's wrong?”

The softness in her voice sounded like someone trying to calm a scared animal, and I almost laughed. I wanted to be through the door, needing to get away, to get away from her questions and the temptation.

"I'm sorry. I have to go. This was a bad idea." I started towards her, expecting her to step aside, but she just stood there, blocking the exit. For a second I thought about forcibly pushing her aside, but eventually the unlikely realisation hit me. She didn't want me to leave, she wasn't scared, she trusted me. She felt safe.

"Bucky. Please. I'm fine. I don't want you to leave."

I wanted to scream at her, to make her understand, but I couldn't. I wanted to stay, I was desperate to. I didn't want to give her up—give it up so soon after having discovered it. I looked at her, tried to form the words, to ask the questions I needed to have answered.

"You're not scared? Or hurt?"

She shook her head and took a tentative step towards me, while I fought the urge to flinch back.

"No. Not at all. I'm fine."

I tried to wrap my head around it, to understand the full meaning behind her words, not daring to believe the truth behind them. "You're really fine? You want to... continue?" I knew what she would say, but I still needed her to say it.

"Yes. I'm fine, I'm not scared, and I'd very much like to continue."

I watched her carefully, trying to gauge the amount of risk involved while ignoring my own selfishness. I wasn't sure if I could, but every fibre of me told me I should, I couldn't remember the last time I'd wanted something this bad. I closed my eyes and drew a long breath, trying to empty my head of the qualms.

"Okay. But we're taking it slow." I could hear the doubt in my voice, and so could she, she laughed huskily and stepped closer.

"Slow it is." She reached up, breathed the words into my mouth, and I could feel her tongue on my lower lip before I had mine in her mouth. I lay my hand on her, leaving the other hanging motionless, and held her lightly, not daring to give into it again.

She pressed closer, ran her hands up both my arms and, after the initial resistance, I followed her cue. If I was doing it, I had to do it right. I willed myself to relax and soon I was getting lost again, she made it so easy, her whole body attuned to mine. I let out a sigh as I embraced her more forcefully, getting harder, again feeling her stomach and hips as I ground against her, her back arching, her dress riding up.

"God. You're so warm and soft."

She started tugging at my sweater and, having come this far, I just let it happen. I moved back half a pace and pulled it over my head, but took care to leave my tee on, she didn't need to be exposed to the most visceral of my physical scars. I dropped my sweater to the floor and took a breath, bracing myself for her reaction. After a fleeting flash of shock her expression was a mixture of disbelief and wonder. She let out a small gasp, and I almost felt the need to apologise.

"Bucky. What is that? Is it a prosthetic? It's beautiful."

It's a fully functional, nearly indestructible cybernetic prosthetic limb made of a vibranium infused steel alloy, made to mimic the motions and reactions of a human arm to near perfection. Ensuring the asset can perform its tasks unhindered in the field. A demonstration, please.

I shoved the unwelcome imagery as far back in my mind as I could, and stretched the arm, letting the panels ripple and whirl. She stared, hypnotised, and extended her hand, gingerly asking for permission before she touched it. She took her time, and I let her, finding a strange sense of pride, amazed that something so destructive and horrifying could actually be conceived as beautiful. When she spoke she seemed slightly out of breath.

"Sorry. I don't know what I expected, but it wasn't this. How does it work?"

It's drilled directly into its humerus and scapula, the deltoid being the primary muscle connection, but we also used parts of the biceps, triceps and teres major where possible to ensure as much natural movement as possible. It's further attached to the central nervous system by direct fusion to the radial and median nerves in addition to an artificial synaptic lead through the brachial plexus and the cerebellum while the subject was awake to ensure the easiest and most accurate registration of nervous reactions, such as pain and stress. The asset shows extraordinary aptitude in its performance and has conformed to the limb without much resistance.

Despite my efforts, the memory forced its way back into my brain. I fought the urge to squeeze my eyes shut, to close off the voice in my head, to heave on the floor, and I managed a small smile, moving away from the panic and onto safer ground.

"Like an arm, I guess. I don't know the mechanics of it, other than it's fused to my shoulder, connected to the central nervous system." Shying away from the hollowness in my voice I removed my glove, and looking at the silver extension I became consciously aware of the only real deficiency of it. I found it strange that it had never occurred to me before, but then I hadn't really wanted to touch anything like I wanted to touch her.

"I obviously can't feel anything." I reached out and ran a finger down her cheek, trying to will something more than the register of resistance from it. She leaned into it, held it at her cheek and sighed.

"No, but it feels good."

I refrained from telling her what it could feel like, using all my will to concentrate on the obvious positive reaction she gave me, letting it permeate the thing itself, and letting it permeate me.

"Really?"

She smiled again, and it was the most beautiful smile I've ever seen.

"Yes, really."

I let myself believe her, and took her face in both hands, gently teasing her mouth with mine, and eliciting a small moan from her. Her hands were on my hips, stroking my sides and stomach, searing my skin as they went, grabbing my jeans, pulling me closer.

My breath hitched, and I responded eagerly, finding her thighs, stroking up her dress as I went, kneading lightly and left my hand on her back, rubbing against her, feeling her grinding back, searching for closer contact. The movement had my cock throbbing even more, every nerve exposed, and it threatened to overwhelm me as I found her knee and hitched it to my hip, opening her up to me.

She slung her arms around my neck, allowing me to get a hold of her ass. As soon she was in my arms, her ankles crossed behind me, pressing firmly, narrowing the gap, her weight grinding in jagged motions on top of my strained jeans. I heard her sandals drop down, and I was desperately trying to contain some control when I suddenly felt her wetness smearing my stomach where my shirt had ridden up, and I lost it.

"Oh god." It was visceral, and I couldn't think about anything but how it would feel to be in her, to penetrate her. To feel the slick, silky warmth of her yield and conform and wrap around me. My breathing became ragged, and I found her neck as she arched back and moaned into it, my tongue and teeth tasting her. She started yanking furiously at my tee, and for a moment I stopped, and just held her, making sure to commit the feeling to memory in case this would be the thing that ended it. Not safe.

"What? Bucky?"

I bit my lip and inhaled the sweet scent of her, trying to shake off my fear.

"Please. Tell me what's wrong."

I could feel her twisting, wanting to get a response from me, and I tightened my embrace one last time before I slowly released her and sunk her to the floor. She backed away, for the first time showing a reflection of my fear and doubt. With a conviction I didn't feel, I ripped the shirt over my head, letting her see me. Her eyes widened, and she stood completely still for a second, and I wanted to cover up again.

"Yeah. It's not pretty."

She shot me a look, and my mind raced. I'd been prepared for disgust and horror and pity, but what I wasn't prepared for was the look of admiration and marvel she met me with. Her eyes were wandering all over my torso, but her focus wasn't where I had expected it to be, she hardly seemed to notice the ragged ruins of my shoulder at all.

"No. You're right. Pretty doesn't even come close." Somehow that made me even more self-conscious and, strangely, more aroused. The way her gaze lingered on my chest and moved slowly down my abdomen had me twitching, and her unabashed look reminded me of a predator closing in on its prey. "Don't you even own a mirror?"

I snorted, for a brief second imagining telling her the truth, that I’d not seen myself reflected in anything but vague random surfaces since the 40s; but she continued her shameless ogling, not caring one jot.

"No, of course you don't. How would you get anything done?"

I couldn't stifle a laugh, and not even her finger slowly rising to gently trace the ragged edge of the mutilation could stop the smile forming on my lips.

"You're beautiful." The honesty in her voice moved me thoroughly, and I felt the rush of blood reddening my cheeks. I wanted to respond, but I was struck dumb by her twisting her dress over her head and dropping it on the floor. "There. So you don't have to feel uncomfortable."

I could barely hear the quip comment over the roar of blood churning in my head and left me unable to form any coherent thought as I just stared at her, taking in every stunning inch of bare skin she offered. Her chest was moving rapidly, causing her breasts to quiver slightly in the cups of her lace bra, the hint of tan lines along the rim, the faint shadows of her hardened nipples rippling down her slim but soft stomach. Her waist was accentuated by the roundness of her hips, ending at the black triangle of her panties pointing down between her legs, having me dwelling on the heat and moisture and tightness I knew it covered.

It wasn't a matching set. The randomness of the stray thought amused me, I'd been so sure it had been. The irony wasn't lost on me even thinking about it when my only concern was getting it off her. She had a small scar on her thigh, and I felt a bit better, seeing that the flaw only enhanced the perfection that was the rest of her. She watched me with glittering eyes, a smile playing on her lips. I swallowed hard, fighting the impulse to just fling her on the bed and fuck her senseless, though something in her eyes told me she wouldn't have minded that one bit.

"Uncomfortable isn't the word I would use, no.” I traced her bra with a finger, not quite hiding the tremble in it, and let my palm brush against the peak of her nipple through the lacy fabric.

A shiver ran through her, and, encouraged by the response, I moved slowly to the side, sliding the strap off her shoulder. Her tongue darted out, flicking over her lips, and she stared at me a moment before quickly reaching back, unhooking it and shaking it down her arms. My hips jerked and I could feel myself leaking at the sight of her. I tried to keep my hand still and carefully cupped the breast, feeling it yielding and forming to my palm, and I brushed my thumb over the hardened peak, feeling it stiffening further. Air hitched in my throat as my breathing became shallow, and she moaned silently before laying her hands flat on my chest, burning against my skin.

She ran them lightly down my stomach and rested them on my hips. My brain was in a haze as I bent down and closed my lips around a nipple, my tongue tasting and circling it, sucking gently. She pulled me closer, grinding as I moved to the other one, not wanting to let any part of her go unexplored. She pressed into me and started tugging at my belt, her fingers grazing my lower torso, drumming above the fly of my jeans. Small jolts thudded through the swollen head of my cock, and my hips shot back an inch, allowing her space to work.

Without conscious thought my hand reached down and found the soft tender skin inside of her thighs, stroking up between them and feeling the wetness overflowing her panties. I couldn't hold back. I slid my fingers underneath the edge and slipped them into her. The feeling was unbelievable, the slickness, the heat and the pulsating resistance. I stopped, wanting to revel in it, to make it last.

"Jesus." I moaned loudly and found her chest, neck and shoulders, inhaled and tasted her, there was no part of her I wasn't aching for.

She started grinding harder, hands yanking at my jeans again, the fly flew open. Her hand was on me, closing around me through the damp front of my underwear, jutting her hips up with a gasp, and I was pushed further inside. My head fell forward, and I didn't even connect the long drawn groan with myself.

Base instinct took over, a remnant of a time long past, and I felt my fingers twitching and turning slowly, exploring the entrance and inching further inside while my thumb connected with the soaking wet lace covering her clit. Her nails dug into my neck and shoulders as she fell back, her full weight on my hand as I slid it down behind her and pulled her knee up, pinning it to my waist with my elbow, stroking down again and finding her panties, hooking a finger under the skimpy fabric. I was vaguely conscious of her laugh as it snapped in my hurry to pull it down, but it was exchanged for a deep groan as my bare skin connected with her, sliding between her folds and finding the throbbing centre buried in them.

"Oh fuck yes." Her hands reached up around my neck, groping and clawing for anchoring as she fell back further, her lungs working overtime expelling air in shallow bursts while I massaged her, falling into a steady rhythm, hitting deeper inside her, revelling in the hot softness. My breathing was just as ragged as hers, my whole midriff and groin seemed on fire, her reaction being so feral, so real, so joyous. She whimpered into my mouth, and I felt my mouth turn up in a wondrous grin, and she came.

"Fuuuuck." She whimpered and moaned into my smile, and pushed herself even closer, her walls clenching furiously, her heart vibrating in my chest, her pelvis pinning my arm between her and my dick, almost causing me to come with her. I kept the pressure on, rubbing carefully as she rode it out, and I chuckled as she struggled for air. "Damn."

It was hardly a whisper and so feeble it had me shaking with a low laugh, making her thrust against me, register my rigid erection and stop. She leaned back, locking her eyes into mine, a calculating smile forming while freeing a hand and sliding her fingertips into the elastic of my boxers. The grin froze on my lips along with the rest of my body as she slid her finger around to my stomach, and with a gentle yank pulled them down.

I stopped with a gasp stuck in my throat, and I couldn't look away when I felt her warm hand close around my balls, kneading gently while she was biting her lip. The pressure and tightness were amped up to an unbearable level, my crotch was on fire. I arched back, and my hand slid out from between her legs to grab her shoulders for support until she let her leg down and started falling to her knees, not once breaking eye contact, anchoring her descent firmly around my base.

Trying to remember all the reasons it might be a bad idea, my eyes widened and I bit my lip to conceal a primal growl building in my throat. I watched her tongue extend and lap up the leaking precum before closing her soft lips around me, sinking down while moaning silently.

It was indescribable, for a moment all my other senses were shut off completely, I couldn't breathe, and I didn't want to. Every nerve in my body seemed to register the soft resistance of her throat, her tongue poking and stroking every indentation and ridge underneath, her hand tightening and relinquishing in slow motion as she pumped in perfect rhythm. I held her gaze, her eyes half closing, small wet sounds in unison with the languid pace, her hair flowing down her shoulders, and I fought with every fibre for some restraint. The sight of her was enough to drive me over the edge, the feel of her was almost too much to handle. I was scared to touch her, I was scared that if I did I wouldn't be able to let go of her, and I was half wishing she would stop, but I couldn't act on it. I could feel myself swelling and aching impossibly inside her, and she was the most beautiful and the most lecherous being I'd ever seen.

I remember sex, I remember all of it, but I didn't remember this. The pureness of it, the division. I wanted to retain my dignity, to be in control, but I also just wanted to give in. I felt like I would burst every time her tongue pressed and stroked, every time the overload of nerves that was my cock hit her palate, every time her teeth grazed lightly, every time her hand jerked. But I kept my hands off her, I managed, until she slid her other hand inside my pants and took hold on top of my ass.

I couldn't have stopped her if I wanted to, and I didn't want to. She had control, and I was completely helpless. She pushed and released, pushed and released, and I let her. Every small jut of my hip imitating the initial penetration, her mouth tightening and expanding around the head in a steady pace, the sight of my cock entering her beautiful mouth, and I had to hold on to something. So I grabbed her head, held on to her hair, afraid to hurt her, scared of the part of me that didn't care if I did. I wanted to go deeper, I wanted to pull out, I wanted to come, I wanted it never to end. Safe. Not safe. Safe. Not safe.

In the end it was not up to me, she was in control, complete control, until I tensed up, and I held her, and I thrust. I exploded in a blinding euphoria, the best 3 seconds of my far too long life.

I'd thought I remembered sex. The way I remember it from before and dreaming of it in cryo. Cryo, with the simpleness of it, the comfort. The cryo dreams feel real, and they aren't marred like the others, they don't blend together and become nightmares. I've thought they are true memories. I remember sex, I remember lust, I remember the anticipation, the joy of it. I remember the relief and the pleasure and the release and the contentment. And I've orgasmed since I returned, it took a long time, true, but I've jerked off, several times a day sometimes, it's a semi-effective way to get more relaxed. Besides, I'm 99; not dead.

I've tried to recreate it, but my memories are wrong. No matter the dreams, no matter how unmarred I think they are, I didn't remember this. It didn't compare. Maybe it was the rarity of it, the amount of time that had passed, maybe I'd simply never been this attracted to them. The beautiful and warm and fantastic girls I had known when I was the other one and the future was bright and Steve was little. Maybe it was because she was so free, uninhibited and daring. It could be any or all or none of them, but this by far surpassed any memory I ever had had.

I was shaking, I was panting, and I could feel myself unloading into her mouth, again and again and again, for a long moment I felt it would never stop, that I would never land. I felt free and relaxed and warm and safe. It was brief, and it was fleeting, but it was there. Like in a haze I became aware of the way my hands were entwined in her hair, the steel grip I had on her head, and I opened my eyes, trying to make my fingers relax and free her. She was smiling, clearly enjoying herself, and she was stunning. I tried to calm my breathing enough to speak, but it took a few seconds until I was able to form any coherent thought.

"Jesus." The inadequacy of the statement wasn't lost on me, but she seemed to take the full meaning. She pushed back, and, with a last lick, she released me. I pulled her up, her shoulder grazing the belt buckle, my softening cock sliding between her breasts, and grazing her naked stomach. I cupped her face and took in her brilliant smile and sparkling eyes before kissing her. Lightly at first, then deep and demanding, tasting myself on her lips and her tongue, and I held her, never wanting to let her go. "God, you're amazing."

Her cheeks touched my chin as she broke out in a grin, and a soft chuckle escaped her. "Really? I never would have thought you thought that." Her teasing tone and her husky voice sent a wave of pure joy through me, and I laughed as I embraced her and just stood there, content, breathing her name. Safe.

"No, I really kept my cool, didn't I?" She chuckled again, and I closed my eyes, savouring it fully.

"Yes. Impossible to read. To be honest I'm still in the dark as to whether you even liked that." She reached up and stroked my hair away from my face, and her grin widened even more, she was clearly enjoying the tease, and it was contagious.

I flexed my fingers, gently dug them into her sides, and in a fit of laughter we tumbled back onto the bed behind me. She fell on top of me, and I just held her, enjoying the pureness and spontaneity. I may have remembered it wrong, but the joyous emotion was still familiar, and for once I didn't try to suppress the rush from the past. I lay back, closed my eyes, and just felt her weight, her skin, her curves under my hands, the reality of her. I couldn't keep track of time, it felt endless, but a pang still hit me when she moved, it was far too soon.

"But it's too bad really."

I opened my eyes, watching her.

"What?"

She was sunk down beside me, a leg draped over mine, chin in her hand, resting on an elbow. A lazy smile playing on her lips.

"Well, maybe I should have saved that for something else." Her fingers were tracing my torso, her gaze glittering and seductive, her hair slightly messed, and I suddenly wasn't as spent as I thought I was. She walked her hand towards my pelvis and gently brushed her fingers in the hair just above my already hardening dick. I met her eyes, wondering if she could recognise the awe in mine, and grinned, taking her cue.

"Yeah. That's too bad." My voice was hardly carrying, the influx of lust overwhelming me for a second. I felt my pulse increase, envisioning the continuing possibilities, and I reached up, brushing a nipple, feeling it stiffen under my thumb. Her midriff jerked closer, spreading her legs, her pussy soaking my thigh. My cock twinged visibly, and I struggled to keep my tone light and teasing, the surge of blood making my sentiments entirely clear. "Really too bad. But I can't do anything about that now."

She ground harder, trying for some traction, and I flexed my thigh obligingly before sliding my hand down and felt my way through the impossible wetness and heat.

"Really, really too bad."

She hid her face in my chest, moaning, and suddenly I had her pinned underneath me, wanting to feel her again, needing to feel her. I inserted my fingers, twisting up as I penetrated her mouth with my tongue, my already rock hard length rubbing against her as I settled between her legs.

I became aware of my feet still tangled in my pants and hurriedly shrugged out of them. Without losing momentum, I kissed her breasts, her neck, grazing my teeth over her nipples, touching all the bare skin I could reach. She let out a gasp when I pushed deeper inside her, teasing her apart, stretching her. Keeping up the pressure as I wriggled down, I used her hip as leverage, tracing her stomach and mound with my mouth as I went. I had planned to keep her suspended, but when I got down I couldn't. The heat and scent blocked all my other senses, and I pushed her knee out, exposing her and finally sunk my tongue in her entrance, tasting her, savouring her again and fighting the urge to lose myself. She tasted of salt and sex, of trust and joy and warmth, of sweetness and of life.

"You taste like heaven." It was an involuntary moan, but her response was loud and clear.

She was writhing under my touch, arching her back and kicking off to get friction, and I wondered fleetingly if this was what happiness felt like. I wanted to drown in her, take her, have her, keep her, but most of all I wanted to please her. I'd given up on being gentle and caring and selfless a long time ago, they had taught me not to be. They'd taught me a lot of things, but for the first time in a long time I finally believed some things can be unlearned.

I sighed contentedly and licked my way up and found her clit while she pulled me in by my hair. With only minor doubt I released her knee and brushed my metal fingers along her inner thigh, opening her up with my other hand, gauged her reaction, and slowly slid two cold, smooth hard fingers inside her.

"Fuck." Breath caught in her throat, she moaned my name, and it made my heart race even faster. "Bucky."

I kept my tongue on her, circling and stroking, recalling vaguely what to do without needing to, she made it so easy. Her every movement and reaction a confirmation, and my laugh resonated, the effortlessness a welcoming surprise. She squirmed violently, and I rotated my fingers, watching her closely, making sure the lifeless limbs adjusted to the delicate softness surrounding them. I could feel her swelling in my mouth and willed the sensors to register her tightening and pulsating around the unyielding surface and with a strange sense of pride and accomplishment I knew she was close. I was torn between letting her come and the urge to keep her there, tethering on the brink, but the rapid whimpers and curses chose for me, there was nothing she could ask that I would deny her.

"You wanna come, doll?" The writhing and low groans left me in no doubt, but I wanted to hear her say it, wanted to deliver it to her.

"Yes. Please. God yes!"

I drove my fingers upwards one last time and sucked harder, pressing my tongue full into her, and she came, a violent shiver running through her frame. She bucked in ecstasy, and I could feel her orgasm pulsating against my tongue and my lips and even in my hand. The spasms gradually and carefully expelling me while she sank back, panting and heaving for breath. I lifted my head a couple of inches, looking up at her, and kissed her lightly, a grin on my face, my lips and chin wet and slick from her.

"Damn. I had almost forgotten how good that felt. You taste fucking fantastic." I ignored my lie and kept my eyes on hers as I worked my way upward, small currents emerging where her skin touched mine. My cock was rigid and leaking, brushing her thigh, as I lowered myself onto her. "Thank you." I cupped her face, resting on my elbows, and smiled as I kissed her, wanting to convey the truth without revealing too much, and she was gracious.

"You're welcome. It was a genuine pleasure." She twisted under me, scooting downward, stopping just as she barely touched me, letting me feel how she was throbbing and dripping still. The reminder was maddening, and I had to use all my restraint, reliving how she felt in my mouth and around my fingers, and my breath hitched a little imagining her wrapped around my cock. I was on fire again, equally if not more eager that I had been initially, the intense orgasm making me hungry for more. I crashed my lips onto hers and her mouth opened, our tongues meeting forcibly. I savoured the combined flavour of her mouth mingled with her pussy, my chin and cheeks still covered with the proof of it.

She moaned weakly and started to grab at my hips and waist, landing on the small of my back, and steered me into her. I rotated slightly, angling myself and she spread out, allowing me access, and I dipped into her, my cock almost bursting against the heat. I drew a shaky breath, one hand braced by her head, kissed her again, and pushed against her, feeling the tight wetness of her entrance, my head dizzy with anticipation... and stopped. The thought was unwelcome, and every fibre in me wanted to ignore it, but I couldn't. I let out a snort, half in desperation, half in exasperation, it was just too idiotic. I fell down and buried my face in her shoulder, laughing silently.

"Fuck." I wanted to shout, I wanted to cry, I wanted not to give a damn, but I couldn't. She pushed me up and looked at me, and I felt equal parts embarrassed and tragic; it was too stupid. I wondered briefly if there were any options open, but in the same thought I realised that the only thing I wanted was to be inside her. Which I couldn't be. My cock twitched at the thought, and I fell down and buried my face again. "I don't... We can't do this. I don't have anything." I felt pathetic, and annoyed, and mortified, but what struck me most was that I also felt comfortable and relaxed. Apart from the incessant thrumming and burning in my groin I felt more relaxed than I could remember ever feeling. I smiled despite myself, clinging on to the thought that I'd still have this.

“Anything what?" It took her two seconds, she'd been fairly gone in the moment too, something I felt another twinge of pleasure at. "Oh. Right. That." I nodded into her hair, a groan escaping me, my head shaking.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't think, I never expected... I haven't done this in a really long time." I hoped she would let that comment slide too, and she did, only not in the way I expected. She started laughing, and I felt her wriggling down and applying pressure on my back again, stopping only just when I was dipping into her folds, wet, yielding and welcoming. I stared at her, unbelieving. "That's not helping, you know." She wriggled infinitesimally closer and grinned, her eyes sparkling.

"Get my bag." I stared at her for a long moment, my mind boggled by the implication, and then I was off her, searching frantically for her bag. I found it hidden under my jacket, her having dropped it there when we entered the room. I threw it in front of her, and she rooted through it, fishing out a small box and handed it to me. I stared at her, my eyes asking the question without meaning to. "What? Alone in the big world, remember. Besides, I used to be a girl scout." I chuckled and opened the box, tipping some of the content out in my hand, keeping one, and returning the rest. I looked at her before turning my attention to the object in question, weighing it in my hand, turning it around, reading the description, trying to ignore the throbbing ache as I became aware of yet another complication.

"Yes. I remember. Always prepared, huh. Wise words to live by." I bit my lip thoughtfully, shooting her another look, and was struck by the chagrin in hers.

"What? You think I'm a slut?" I was stunned for a second before I realised what she was saying, and I was kicking myself for allowing the faintest trace of the thought to enter her mind.

"What? No! I think you're fucking amazing." I stumbled over them in my hurry to get the words out, and I inhaled before trying again. "I think you're the most amazing woman I've ever met." I hoped action could convey my sentiments more clearly and bent down and kissed her, first her lips and then her nose. Relief rushed through me when her face brightened, flushed and relaxed, before the inevitable question formed, and she shot me a sardonic glance.

"But what then? You don't think it'll fit?" Her eyes darted between my erection and my face, a strange gleam of sarcasm and lust playing, and I snorted and shook my head, not quite knowing how to explain.

"Yes. That's exactly it." I smiled, but then stopped, sighed, struggling to find the words while she looked at me attentively. "No. I just... I don't know if I can... I haven't... It was different, they were different..." The words were a scramble, and for a moment I wished I could take them back, a pang of annoyance hitting me that I would cause more problems. I've worked to avoid conflict for two years, spending every day meticulously planning to ensure I don't have them, and I wasn't prepared to deal with them. I looked at her, grinning, trying to hide the agony, trying to think, trying to ignore the well of opposites working in me, I just wanted it to be easy. Like it used to be, like this should be, like it had been, and like it would have been throughout had I not been taught different. Had I not been different, had I been just a man.

She looked at me another moment, returned the smile and rose, keeping my eyes locked as she stepped over and saved me. I opened my mouth to speak, but she leaned in, kissed my chest and ripped the foil off in one smooth motion before gripping my cock at the base and wiping the moisture off the head. The touch of her made me flinch, suddenly all my inner turmoil was washed away, and I summoned all my energy to keep myself in check. I stood there gaping, not daring to breathe, until she placed the condom on top and dragged her hand down, securing it in one tight motion, and I lost it.

Before I knew what was happening she was hoisted up and pinned against the far wall, her legs firmly pressed on the swell of my ass. Her hands clawed at my neck, threading into my hair, my hands clamped around her shoulders, her ribs pinned by my elbows and her pussy; wet and soft and sweet and warm, crowning the tip of my cock. It took all the self-control I could muster to stop, trying to manage enough clarity to make it last, to be considerate and gentle. I wanted to be considerate, I wanted to be gentle, I wanted to be everything they taught me not to be. I wanted to be me, or at least the version that was left to me. I tried to steady my breathing, feeling hers wash over me, her taste and scent, and my head was swimming.

"Are you sure?" It was a ragged moan more than a sentence, but she seemed to understand me well enough, small affirmative whimpers and nods mingling with puffs of air in my mouth and I finally let go. I dug my fingers into her shoulders, pulling her down as I thrust into her, slowly, endlessly, trying to make sense of every moment as the taut swollen head of me pushed into her, feeling her stretch and conform, tighten and constrict, closing around and squeezing every inch of me, until I finally was inside her, swallowed and helpless. I blanked out, I just stood there, having no emotion or sense that wasn't directed into her. I could feel every twitch and clench, every squirm and wriggle, every breath and every heartbeat. I was fleetingly grateful for both the orgasm and the condom, without either I would have come in an instant. "Oh god, oh god, oh god." I fell against her, gasping for air, clamouring to string a coherent thought together, not quite succeeding. "Is this okay?" She just spread out further, her heels digging into my buttocks, grinding frantically for traction, and my focus was fast dissolving. I was vaguely aware that I should loosen my grip on her, but I was afraid to move, I couldn't see myself being able to stop if I did.

“Oh, god yes. Please." She twitched and buckled a little, making her pussy twinge, sending a small electric current through my whole frame. I shifted, clamping her firmer against me, wanting to go deeper but making a last effort of control. "Please, Bucky. Just fuck me." If it was the pleading tone, the command or simply the use of my name I didn't know, but the words had me simultaneously wanting to explode in her and make it last as long as possible. Keeping all my focus on the latter, I finally pulled out.

The cool air in the room made the difference even more noticeable when I sunk back in, the heat and tightness almost scorching. I groaned helplessly into her neck and shoulder, trying desperately to direct my attention elsewhere as I felt her rubbing against me, her clit finding friction on my pelvis. Her fingers tugged frantically at my hair, her breathing small, ragged moans.

“Jesus fuck.” I secured my embrace and began thrusting, slowly and steadily, gradually building the rhythm. Blood roaring for every stroke, her walls were squeezing around me, slick and soft, impossibly wet and warm. Every fibre and nerve of my cock exposed to the pressure, forcing its way in, feeling her close on the way out, repeating the process over and over, every intrusion threatening to push me over the edge. She found my mouth and latched on, lips moulding to mine, letting my tongue penetrate her as I fucked her, air catching in her throat, and I could feel she was close.

My arms flexed, wanting to clamp her tighter, to go deeper, and somewhere buried in my brain a warning light flashed. Not safe. Not safe. Not safe. For her. Not safe for her. With agonising effort I found the last ounce of reason left in me, and firmly inside her I stopped, panting and sweating, hunched and pulled my head back, looking at her, marvelling at the sight. Her eyes were shining, her face and chest flushed and her hair was darkened by moisture, small droplets of sweat running down her temples and on the bridge of her nose. She looked glorious, and I was filled with equal measure of joy and renewed surges of lust as she scrunched her eyes in exasperation, moaned, gasping for air, sending me a pleading look.

"Don't stop." I could understand the dissatisfaction, I wasn't hurting her half as much as myself, but the gratification I got from her frustration made a huge grin break out on my face. She stared at me in mock annoyance, losing her composure as I shifted my grip, slid my hand under her ass, spreading my fingers for support, and shot my hip up. I penetrated her deeper, effectively landing her full weight on my cock. The increased pressure and depth threatened to overwhelm me, but I managed to retain composure long enough to brace myself on the wall beside her head as I leaned in for a kiss, her lips trembling against mine.

"No, I don't ever want to stop." I laughed shakily, feeling her sink even further down, and I abandoned the last attempt of control. I used my arm for leverage, hoisted her up and pushed her against the wall, allowing myself space to move and sank into her as far as I could. My breath hitched, my tongue plunged into her mouth, and my mind went blank. I was engulfed by her, drowning in her, the feeling of her skin, the intensity of her heat, the soaked, clenching tightness that squeezed and contracted around me. It made every nerve burn and ache. The taste of her mouth, the firm demands of her tongue, the scent of her skin, the sound of her breathing, the moans she elicited into my mouth, and I forgot. I completely forgot as I stroked harder and faster, pounding relentlessly, feeling every connection, every fibre, every drop of moisture. I forgot to breathe, I forgot to think, I forgot who and what I was, all that mattered was her, feeling her, sensing her, fucking her, loving her.

"Oh god, I'm co-co—" Her whole frame buckled, and she arched back, impaling herself on me as she orgasmed, her nails digging into my neck and shoulders, forcing my mouth onto hers. I chuckled, my head swimming before I thrust into her with all the force I could muster, and I came violently, cursing her name. Everything stopped for what felt like a flash of eternity, my head was completely empty, a brilliant moment of clarity. Then the pleasure and euphoria hit as I landed, and I regained all my sensory system, all of it focused at that one point where I throbbed and ejaculated, a feeling of complete relief washing over me. I felt completely spent, I felt relaxed, I felt whole, I felt alive, I felt human. I felt warm. I felt safe.  

"Fuck." The small sound was barely audible through the incessant creaking of the wall under my hand. The blood roaring in my ears and our combined panting, and I let out another small laugh as I became aware of her slumping down on my shoulder, her legs shaking and struggling to keep their hold around my waist. "Jesus, Bucky. I'm falling apart at the seams here." I laughed again and tried to keep my own legs steady as I gathered her up in a firmer embrace, tugging my fingers out of the dents they'd made, hoping she wouldn't notice. My face hiding in her neck, I carried her over to the bed, resting on my knees as I laid her down, still inside her, reluctant to pull out. Not wanting to let her go. I never wanted to let her go. She slumped back, ankles still crossed behind my back, and I kissed her, her contractions expelling me, having her squirm against me one last time. I got a hold on the condom, slid it off and dropped it on the floor before rolling down beside her. I settled her onto my arm, and she slung along my side, her knee on my thigh, her head resting on my shoulder. I had no words, there was nothing I could say that could even begin to express what I felt, so I kept silent, listening to the receding pulse in my ears, the rapid thrumming in her chest. I took her soft, small fragile hand in mine, struck again by the contrast, but for the first time trying to recognise the potential similarities. Safe. I closed my eyes and sighed.

"Thank you." I barely got the words out, they seemed so insufficient, so hopelessly inadequate, but I needed to say them. I could feel her twisting her head, rubbing her face in my chest, not knowing how to respond.

"For what?" My lips twitched, I knew she understood, but at last I didn't want to shy away from an answer.

"For the best night in..." I stopped, not finding the right wording, how to say enough without saying too much. "In a long time." It was too little, but it was all I had to offer, no matter how desperately I wanted to give her more. She twisted her head up, cupped my cheek and kissed me, telling me she understood, and a well of gratitude rose in my chest.

"You're welcome. And likewise." I looked at her, struck again by awe and wonder, her eyes glittering, her lips swollen and shiny, a small smile playing on them, her hair mussed and tangled and a faint flush spreading up her neck and face, making her hide her face again. I inhaled deeply and she snuggled closer, wincing slightly, and relaxed, moulding her body to mine. "Are you staying?" The words were light and casual, but I could feel the small hitch as she held her breath for a second, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

"Yes." I exhaled slowly. "If you want me to." She let out a tiny sigh, probably revealing more than she had intended, and I stayed gracious in return.

"I do. I have an early flight though, so you have to get up early." I smiled at the neutral tone, and tugged at the blanket, draping it over us, cradled her closer and kissed her hair, taking in her scent and the texture, forcing the thought of her leaving out of my mind.

"I always get up early. Just sleep. I'll be here.”

The roar of the bike was unnaturally loud in the quiet morning air as I kicked it to life, and I twisted the handle twice more before kicking into drive and speeding out of the alley, not caring about oncoming traffic. I sped through the sleeping streets, accelerated up the onramp, and flew down the empty freeway, clearing my head and chasing away the remnants of melancholy and sadness.

It had been a long night, but nowhere near long enough. She had fallen asleep within minutes, her heart slowing and her breath steady, her chest rising and falling softly, her eyes relaxed, her lashes resting on her cheeks. I'd lain there just watching her. Fascinated by the trust and peace she displayed, the trust she had in me. I'd traced her arms and cheek, her waist and thigh, following the contours of her, the outline, trying to make her tangible, to keep her. I'd been revelling in the warmth and comfort, both things I've given up a long time ago, and I had allowed my mind to wander, to imagine, to dream. What it would be like to ask her to stay, to go with her, to get to know her, to see her again, to see her always. I knew it would never happen, I never imagine, they had taught me not to, they'd taught me a lot of things, but lying there with her I still did it. I saw her trust in me, and I wanted to believe I could be worth it. That I could be more. That life could be more. More than routine and struggle and lists and fear, more than a fight.

Even as I'd lain there, I could feel the memories of the night fading. They were like dreams, my mind a sieve trying to catch them. It wasn’t a dream, and I knew that. I had to remember, to commit the feel of her, the weight of her, the warmth of her to memory. I had to remember. I continued to count her heartbeats until the first ray of the sun gleamed through the slip in the curtains, and I knew it was over. She was still sleeping as I carefully withdrew my arm, and lifted her leg to inch out from under it, sliding out of the bed, careful not to jostle it too much, not looking back at her, not wanting to lose my nerve. I'd found my clothes spread out across the floor, and I relived every moment of how each item got there as I collected them and got dressed. I'd tidied up what I could, I didn't dare make too much noise, I'd been determined to slip out unnoticed.

Until I'd stood by the door, my hand hovering over the handle and the ache became too much. I'd walked back to the bed and stood a long while just watching her, and when I bent down to kiss her I'd known she was awake. I knew she'd been awake, and I knew she'd let me go. Not because she wanted to, but because she knew she had to. I pressed my real hand to her hair, brushed my lips against her cheek and hurried quietly through the door before I changed my mind. I hadn't stopped until I was in the alley, sitting across my bike, fighting the urge to throw it through the nearest window.

I was halfway to Constanța when I noticed the traffic getting heavier, and the sun getting higher. I checked my watch and confirmed my thought that it was too late, and that she would be gone. I slowed down and idled in at the next rest stop, made a u-turn and fell into the increasingly steady stream of cars heading back to the city. I passed the tired commuters and truck drivers, the families with kids, and couples bickering and I felt more connected to them than I ever had. I had imagined myself to be one of them for a fleeting moment and that had been enough.

When I entered the city limit, I thought about stopping to get some coffee or something to eat, but my head was already buzzing and my appetite was for something completely different, so in the end I just stopped by Harry and checked on the kittens. She was visibly annoyed that I hadn't brought her something but placated enough when I sat there for a few minutes, scratching her and letting the kittens climb my arm. I left with promises to return later in the day with more food and drove slowly back to the room. My room. Maybe if I talked to Andrei I could get more work. And afford a better room. I parked the bike in the shed, locked it, and went in, half running up the stairs.

I was out of breath when I wrenched the door open and stepped in, doing a cursory sweep through the window before shrugging off my jacket and shoes. I latched the door and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. I brought it to the bathroom and turned the shower on, draining the water bottle as I waited for hot water. I stepped into the shower, and as the stream hit my hair, her scent washed over me, and for a fleeting second I was back there, with her. With her and with the knowledge that I'm not only a monster, that killing isn't all I can do. That no matter what they've taught me, there are other things to learn, other things I know. That even if the monster is still in me, so is the man. I recalled the memory of her, slipping as it might be, and fought with every fibre to keep it; if I can remember all of them, I must be able to remember her.

After I'd dried off I went over to the window and put the cardboard in place, shutting out the sun, I had to sleep no matter how much I was dreading it. I sat down and shook out the sheets before I stopped, scanning the room. I saw the clothes I'd left on the floor and went over, bringing back my sweater and shirt, draping them over the flat pillow before laying down on it, inhaling deeply. I am tired of fighting, and I want to stop, to rewind, to be different, to change. It always ends in a fight but maybe it doesn't have to. Safe.

I shifted to my side, buried my face in the pillow, closed my eyes and drifted into a dreamless sleep 73 years overdue, not knowing that in 5 hours a bomb would go off in Vienna. Safe.

[darkiplurrr]

A New Hero: Chapter 1

Author’s Note: So, I was inspired by some of @bones-and-tomes stories (Go read them, they’re awesome!) and came up with my own original character! This is based on her idea of the egos living in a dimension ruled by the imagination and creations there are called thoughtforms! Also the concept of supers is directly inspired by X-Men!  

Warnings: Violence, swearing, bullying, mentions of prejudice, alcoholism

If anyone wants to be tagged in this series, let me know!

There lies a dimension beyond our own world where the dreams and imaginings of people are given life. They share a world parallel with reality, one compromised of people and mythical creatures and sharing the same history and culture as the real world.

At the beginning of the 1980s, when the X-Men comics were at the height of their popularity, the world of the thoughtforms received a massive change. The dreams of children in the real world, who played pretend at being superheroes, began to seep through the dimensions. Thoughtform children started being born with mutations, special powers and physical differences.

As these births became more and more frequent, these people began to be referred to as supers. Over time, a few of them banded together to form the League of Superheroes, deciding to use their powers for good like their comic book predecessors. Two famous superheroes were known as Jackieboy Man and Silver Shepherd, a Septic and Iplier ego, created specially by humans in the real world to use in comedy sketches. In the thoughtform world, they were real heroes. They were always there in time of need.

In the town of Sighisoara in Romania, famous for being the place where Vlad the Impaler – The inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula – lived, a baby was born to the town doctor, Amara Petrescu, and her husband Denis, who was a skilled painter. When the baby was placed in his mother’s arms and wrapped a tiny hand around his father’s forefinger, tiny claws like a kitten’s suddenly unsheathed from his fingers, causing a nearby nurse to scream in surprise. Baby Lukas Petrescu simply cooed in response.

 “Mama, can I go to the square today? I want to do some sketches.”

  Amara looked up from her medical files and smiled at her son. “Yes, dear, just don’t wander too far. And don’t go into the forest, the wildcats will snatch you up. Be back in time for supper.”

 Lukas nodded, excitedly pulling on a jacket and flinging the front door open. “Bye, mama!” He raced out into the cobblestone streets, barely noticing the looks in his direction as mothers fearfully pulled their children out of the boy’s way. Lukas understood he was different, but was still too young to understand how deeply rooted prejudice could be. His parents never gave him a direct answer when he asked why he wasn’t allowed to go out at night to chase fireflies with the other children. He didn’t hear the whispers as passersby stared at his hands, trying to catch a glimpse of his claws, which were now as big as a tiger’s. The most he had gotten out of his father was, “People fear what they don’t understand. You just stand tall and don’t let them get to you, you’re perfect the way you are.”

 Lukas ducked through an alleyway into the town square, pushing through the throngs of people going about their daily lives. He spotted a store where an elderly man was selling painting supplies and headed inside, admiring the fresh paper and buckets of brightly colored paint. Lukas handed the store owner eighty leu in exchange for a new horsehair paintbrush, which he quickly put in his satchel. The boy then sat down on a bench at the edge of the square, pulling out a sketchpad and paints and beginning to draw out the scenery around him. He had inherited his father’s talent for art, able to paint in great detail ever since he was six years old. Painting allowed him to express himself, to put the world as he saw it down on paper. He could lose himself for hours in the steady motions of moving the brush across the page and the satisfaction in seeing the images take shape. He dreamed that he would someday be a famous artist, with his work displayed in art galleries for people to marvel at.

 As Lukas was trying to find his green paint to sketch out a nearby tree, a muddy shoe suddenly came down hard on the paper, crumpling the half-finished painting. “Hey!’ He shrieked, looking up in anger. “What are you-“

Three slightly older boys were standing over him, smirking at Lukas. The one whose foot was resting on the painting was Daniel Moraru, the local bully. His mother had died suddenly the year before, causing his father Andrei to spend most of his time drinking. That left Daniel to wander freely, taking out his anger on others. His grin was as wide as a shark’s as he said, “Sorry, mutie, guess I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

Lukas could feel his cheeks turning red with anger as he tried to yank Daniel’s foot off of the torn paper. “You ruined it! And don’t call me that!”

Daniel rose an eyebrow. “Call you what? Mutie? That’s what my father says you are, you’re a freak. Unless you’re a werewolf, like my little sister thinks. Are you a werewolf, mutie? Did you come down from the mountains?” He reached down to snatch Lukas’s paintbrush, turning it over in his hands.

“Give that back!” Lukas cried out, jumping to his feet and reaching for it, held back by the other two boys. “Let me go, that’s mine, I just bought it!” He felt tears starting to run down his face. “Please, I’ve been saving up for it!”

“Ohh, it’d be too bad if it …” Daniel snapped the paintbrush in two. “Broke.” He threw the pieces at Lukas’s feet as the other boys grinned. Then Daniel roughly shoved Lukas to the ground, who then whimpered as he tried to pick up the shattered remains with his trembling hands.

Lukas felt as if the world had faded away. Fiery rage bubbled inside him like lava. They had destroyed the things he loved and made fun of him for something he couldn’t help being born with. His heartbeat thudded in his ears as he stood, his claws unsheathing. In the blink of an eye, he scratched the side of Daniel’s face, leaving a large wound. He and the other two boys went silent in shock for a few moments before Daniel started to scream in pain, causing the nearby crowd to gasp and cluster around.

Daniel’s father Andrei stumbled out of the nearest pub at the noise, giggling a little from the effects of the whiskey. He blinked as he stared at his son before he realized what was happening. His face became a mask of rage and he raced over, desperately trying to calm the crying boy, before catching sight of Lukas and his bloodstained claws. “You! What the hell have you done to my son?! You’ve hurt him, you little brat!”

Lukas cowered at Andrei’s angry voice. “I … I’m sorry, I …”

“Lukas!” Lukas’s father, Denis, was running up the street towards them, eyes wide as he took in the scene. He pulled his son into his arms. “What’s happened? Are you hurt, son?”

“Is he hurt?! That little monster of yours almost killed my kid! He’s too dangerous to be wandering about where he could attack people! I’m trying to keep my family afloat, we don’t need this right now! I’m warning you, Petrescu …” Andrei spat, glaring at Denis.

“Enough!” Denis barked before looking down at Lukas. “Why did you scratch Daniel? Just tell me what happened.”

“H-He …” Lukas’s eyes were wide with fear. “He br-broke my new p-paintbrush … A-And he r-ruined my painting … And h-he knocked me down … He did it on purpose, I told him to stop …”

“My son was just messing around, he didn’t mean any harm, you-“ Andrei began to snarl before Denis held up a hand.

“Bring the boy to my wife and she’ll fix him up,” Denis said softly. “It sounds like your son provoked mine but I’m sure we can settle this somehow. Let’s just help your own son for now, alright?”

Andrei glared at Denis but picked Daniel up and shouldered past the artist towards Dr. Petrescu’s office, hissing, “Your family will pay for this, I’ll make sure of it.”

Denis sighed and began to guide the trembling Lukas along. “I know you’re telling the truth, he was bullying you. I probably would’ve reacted similarly. But you have to be careful, son. Defend yourself if someone attacks you, but I don’t want you getting into any more fights if you can avoid them, you understand? I just don’t want anything happening to you. It’s my job as a parent to always protect you.” He knelt down and hugged Lukas tightly. “I’m sorry this happened, let’s go home now.”

Lukas nodded tearfully, pressing closer to his father and staring at the ground so as not to see the stares and hear the whispers of the townspeople as they passed. He never wanted to hurt anyone ever again.

[carriedvoice]

🎵

♫  five times my muse swears it’s not a date, and the one time it maybe is.

@steelstriings u better fuckin give me something good for this lmao

I - Barely a week after meeting, he asks her to come to a concert with him. Just her. No one else. Her friends tease her about this outing being a poorly-disguised date. She doesn’t see it as such. There had been no prior indication of a date. Two music lovers watching a band they both like doesn’t sound like a date. Does it really have to be a date ?  Why do people automatically assume such things when it comes to a guy and a chick going somewhere together ?  Platonic seems to be a word with which no one is familiar. That’s all this is between her and Andrei. Totally platonic.

     The night is more fun than she expects. The band is a group she’s never heard of but it doesn’t matter since the sound is exciting and fun. Way better than the Kuhlau and Spindler she’s been listening to all week. A piano recital is coming up quick and she’s devoted nearly all her free time to diligent practice. Nearly two hours a day. Close to three on weekends. She has to be good. Better than good, actually. It’s something close to a miracle that Andrei has convinced her to go out tonight. Bianca isn’t the type to skip out on any chance to perfect her craft. Something about that boy has brought her out of her shell. Even just a little bit. He’s awfully special to have pulled Bianca away from her beloved ivory keys.

      Throughout the entire gig, she finds no indication that Andrei had intended for a date. Just two kids having fun while the new wave music fills the small venue. They stick close together, laughing and dancing without a care. Other teenagers approach them but they hardly stray from each other. The limited conversations with the other kids make it clear that both of them aren’t interested in making friends. It’s the music that captures their attentions. This band is unlike anything she’s accustomed to hearing. Bianca’s parents have limited her to church hymns and classical pieces. The rare instances she hears the current hits are when she spends the weekend with friends. Radio and records are absolutely nothing compared to seeing musicians in the flesh. Live music is much more different. She’s certain she can actually feel the music course through her, causing a sensation so indescribable yet so euphoric. Or maybe that’s just because she’s never stood so close to a boy before. Throughout the entire set, he’s barely left her side except for the one time he ran off to buy them both drinks.

     Somewhere between songs Andrei’s arm drapes over her shoulders without warning, keeping her small frame close to him. She can smell the leather of his jacket and the strong cologne he wears. For a few fleeting moments, she’s convinced that this truly is a date. By the time the guitar’s echo has segued into the next song, the notion leaves her thoughts and his arm slides away from her. 

     Not a date.

II - She hates scary movies with a passion and he knows that. At least, he should. It isn’t some heavily guarded secret. He drags her to see the third installment of Friday the 13th anyways. The assurance that it’s not as hyped up as people make it out to be does nothing to calm her upset nerves. He claims it’s better than staying at home like a bump on a log. Even with his insistence, she finds herself frightened and hiding her face into his arm for a majority of the film. Horror is her least favorite genre, regardless of whether the movie features vengeful ghosts or machete-wielding murderers. It brings up unnecessary paranoia for her. They stay through the entire thing with Bianca clinging to Andrei for dear life. Her only other solace throughout the film is the bucket of overpriced popcorn. Cheesy as the movie is, it still spooks her. 

     As they walk out of the theater, he drapes his jacket over her shoulders. It has gotten chillier since they’ve been in the theater. Winter is upon them. She finds it odd because he’s never done that before. The arm around her shoulders has been the norm lately but he’s never given her something of his to wear. She says nothing of it as they make their way to the bus stop a block away. Silence between them is nothing new and remains that way for quite some time. It’s not awkward when they don’t fill the space between them with talk. Without conversation, she’s left to her own thoughts. Hands reach up to pull the jacket tighter around her skinny frame. The unexpected gesture makes her wonder if this outing is more than just friends going out to see one of the most poorly-made movies in box office history. Can Andrei letting her wear his jacket still considered as friendly ?  Many movies and television shows have established some sort of amorous gesture behind the man’s jacket being put on the woman.

     She doesn’t ask. It may not be the right thing to question so she keeps her mouth shut on the matter. He may get offended if he does think it is a date and she’s had doubts. These uncertainties are kept to herself. 

     They glance over at each other at the same exact time. Smiles appear on both their faces upon realizing the coincidence before turning into amused laughter. Funny how synchronized they’ve become. A sign of a real connection between them.

     ❛  Are you warm ?  ❜

     ❛  Yeah. The jacket does help.  ❜

     Another smile plays at his lips at her answer and he nods.  ❛  Good, good. Can’t have my bandmate freezing to death.  ❜  Beneath the joking tone, there’s genuine concern.

     The word bandmate sticks in her mind. Any possibilities that could indicate that this had been a date is thrown out the window. And all because of one word ?  Well, yeah. It’s more than enough evidence for her. He’s merely concerned with her well-being. Nothing romantic about that.

     Still not a date.

III - Celebrating their successes is just as fun as the milestone itself. The pair of them always find ways to rejoice in the good things that occur in their lives. This time, though, she’s not quite sure what the happy occasion is. They’re at the park, sitting on a blanket with a bottle of wine between them, hidden beneath his jacket so they don’t get in trouble. A while back they discovered a small hill that has a scenic view. The little hill has been their designated spot ever since. The spring sun shines down on them but it’s not too hot nor is it too cold. The weather is just perfect. A rarity.

     The duo pass the time with conversation though it’s mostly bickering over whose turn it is to get a sip of wine. Bianca knows it’s her turn but she allows him the satisfaction of winning the argument and the next swig of wine. 

     ❛  So, why are we out here ?  ❜  she asks once the smug smirk has disappeared from his lips. 

     Brow raises at her question, as if it’s the stupidest thing she’s ever asked.  ❛  Why not ?  ❜

     ❛  I just thought there’s something worth celebrating if we come out here. That’s the usual, isn’t it ?  Get a gig then head out here to congratulate ourselves ?  ❜  Her hand absently reaches out for the bottle he offers as she continues to speak.  ❛  Is there something you’re not telling me ?  ❜

     ❛  Does it have to be every time we get something good ?  ❜

     He does have a point. A small nod exhibits her agreement with the rhetorical question but she continues to press her side. ❛  True, but I thought the whole point was to have some sort of reward to look forward to.  ❜

     A cheesy smile curls on his lips. She can already picture the jesting twinkle behind his heavily tinted sunglasses. He’s seconds away from making some sort of joke. She’s knows that smile from a mile away.  ❛  Bee,  ❜  he begins as he pulls himself up to sit properly on the blanket and meet her gaze,  ❛  your company is a good enough reward for me.  ❜  For more theatrics, he gives an overly sincere nod and rests his hand over his heart.

     ❛  That’s a lame reply,  ❜  she says with a roll of her eyes. 

     ❛  It’s true !  ❜  he whines.  ❛  Better than any other date I’ve had.  ❜

     Brief shock settles on her upon hearing the dreaded “D” word. She masks astonishment with a few more sips from the wine. Overthinking clouds her mind yet again. By now she should have learned how to tune out the silly assumptions that these outings were anything past friendly. They never have been so why would that change now ?  It’s fruitless to be thinking like this. One more sip and she’s blocked out the irritating thoughts. The bottle returns to him with Bianca pushing for him to have the remainder. There’s not much left.

     She finds some reassurance in remembering how previous instances were not at all dates. This one is no different from the concerts or dinners they go to together.

     No date here.

IV - Touring is much more grueling than she imagined. The performances are fun but the travelling is what gets to her. At least there’s a few days of rest before they finish off the tour and head back home. The two of them have been advised to stay in their hotel to get some well-deserved rest but pent-up energy refuses to be contained for a second longer. 

     Disneyland is only a twenty-minute taxi ride from their hotel. It’s not too far. Neither one of them could pass up the opportunity to cavort around the theme park for a few hours. Over-sized sunglasses and tacky baseball caps are deemed good enough as disguises before they sneak out of the hotel without alerting any crew member. It’s like they’re teenagers again, waiting for their parents to be fast asleep so they can creep through the backdoor and meet at the corner of the street. Currently, it’s the middle of the afternoon but the thrill is alive as ever. Neither one of them can hardly contain their giggles as they hail a cab and use fake names. 

     With his arm around her ( when is it not ? ), they roam the theme park like children, eyes wide with awe and smiles plastered on their faces. The two of them look like they’re having more fun than the children. Battered baseball caps are traded for the iconic mouse hats. Just for kicks they pay a little extra to get their bogus aliases embroidered on the front. Billly Bob and Sharon. The three Ls are not a mistake. Sounds idiotic but it’s all part of the humor.

     Hours pass until they find a vacant bench to sit upon. The hot sun is still beating down on them despite it being past noon. Southern states have a completely different climate than the rest of the US. Her head rests on his shoulder, tipping the mouse ears to the side and almost off her head. She lets it settle in its awkward position while she gets a few moments of sitting. Her eyes close and she blocks out as much of the surrounding noise. A minute passes before she feels something soft press against her lips. The unexpected sensation forces her eyes open only see that he’s offering a piece of his obnoxiously pink cotton candy to her. 

     Has their friendship dwindled down to literally hand-feeding each other ?  It appears so. There is hardly any limits between them at this point. The moment is brief but it must have looked so stupid to onlookers. Like they’re a couple. Thankfully, they aren’t a couple. This isn’t some cheesy date. Even if it does look like they are on a date, that’s definitely not the case. It never has been in all the years they’ve been friends. She doesn’t understand why she still gets those instances of doubt. A romantic connection between them is as unlikely as Kajagoogoo getting another Top Ten. It’s just not realistic. 

     Never will be a date. Ever.

V - It seems like they do everything together. Shopping, eating, cooking, even vacationing. They’re a level short of being a couple. Neither one of them have brought up that topic, though. There’s no need when they have something perfectly functional between them now. What’s the point in tainting it with a real relationship ?  No, they’re better off being friends. 

     The hiatus is meant to keep them away from the band, which means even each other. They obviously don’t care about such recommendations if they take the same flight out to Hawaii. Being apart is practically unheard of for those two. No matter what, Mascarade is a packaged deal. You get one, you get the other whether you like it or not. It’s like that Frank Sinatra song. Can’t have one without the other. Besides, vacationing with no one else tends to be lonely. There’s no fun in that at all. 

     Perhaps the tropical destination is not ideal for someone like Bianca. She doesn’t know how to swim very well. As long as she stays in shallow water she’ll be fine. At her insistence, they spend most of the time exploring the island itself. After dedicating an entire day to hiking, the pair of them spend the evening browsing shops and occasionally purchasing items. For family, for themselves, and, of course, for each other. From time to time a fan stops them for a picture or autograph. The cluster of three grows to almost ten. As much as she loves her fans, she wishes they harbored some respect for her boundaries. She’s supposed to be on a vacation, not signing ten different pictures of herself ripped from Tiger Beat. 

    One by one they eventually return to their own endeavors, visibly thrilled to have bumped into celebrities. As they both finish signing napkins, one fan can’t help but ask,  ❛  You guys on a date or something ?  ❜

     The question nearly causes Bianca to drop the pen mid-signature. Why do people always assume that ?  At this point, it’s close to infuriating. No matter how clear they make it, there’s always a person who can’t grasp the simple concept. Bianca and Andrei are not a couple nor will they ever be.

     ❛  No, we’re just out. As friends,  ❜  she tells the fan, handing back the pen and the napkin. Her name is a little sloppy near the end, surname almost illegible. The query momentarily derailed her train of thought. 

     There’s some doubt in the fan’s eyes as he gives them one last glance before rejoining his own group. The fact that he doesn’t believe the answer makes her feel a little sick to her stomach. People just don’t get it. These things wouldn’t happen if they’re the same sex. Hall & Oates don’t have to deal with their platonic relationship being questioned constantly. Mascarade certainly doesn’t deserve to deal with it either. If she has to hear another interviewer or fan ask about their relationship outside the band, she’s going to tear her hair out in clumps and scream.

     This isn’t a date. It’s not.

Final - They never went out for Valentine’s Day. Usually ( and unfortunately ) their dates would have dumped them by now. The could-be significant others find it difficult to compete with the best friend. There’s only so much of Andrei that her dates can handle. Perhaps it’s high time she learns how to stop talking so much about her band mate. Still, she can’t help it. Andrei is her best friend. Why wouldn’t she talk about him ? 

     With both of them alone for yet another year, he’s brought up the idea of going out to dinner. Together. The idea wouldn’t have struck her as odd but, considering their recent conversation about being a couple, she wonders if there’s a bigger reason to his proposition. The fact that he tells her to  “dress nice”  also brings up more curiosity. With some reluctance from her and unrelenting prodding from him, she finally agrees.  

     ❛  Where are we going ?  ❜  she asks once they’re ready to go.

     His attention pulls away from the mirror. One hand absently fixes the collar of his shirt.  ❛  Don’t you trust me to pick some place good ?  ❜

     Instead of an answer, he’s met with a pause. She’s learned through many trials and errors that she can’t give her full trust to Andrei in certain situations. Some of his choices can be questionable at best.  ❛  Kind of ?  ❜  is the answer she gives and he deems that as a good enough response.

     ❛  It’ll be great, I promise,  ❜  he tells her before they head out the door. He extends his hand out to her with a smile.  ❛  Shall we ?  ❜

     That smile becomes so contagious at times. Without much conscious thought, a grin appears on her face and her hand reaches out to take his. She’s done it many times before. It’s almost second nature to her by now.

     There’s hardly a hint given in regards to their destination. He doesn’t even allow her to hear the address he gives to the chauffeur. He claims it will be a surprise. With the way he’s talking about it, the restaurant better exceed all expectations. Throughout the entire ride, the question of whether it not this is considered a date hangs in the back of her mind. Every time she glances at him, the inquiry threatens to leap out of her mouth. During the instances he does meet her gaze, all she can do is smile and say nothing. What if this is the one time she’s convinced and it ends up being just two close friends having dinner ?

     She silently assures her overactive imagination that this is nothing more than just a way to celebrate a holiday without being completely alone. That’s all. The doubts come crawling back when she sees that they’ve arrived at one of the fanciest restaurants in the city. Uncertainties pile up as he takes her hand again and leads her inside to a private table for two. He even pulls out the chair for her.

     Perhaps, this time, it actually is a date.

[thrashermaxey]

Ramblings: Injury Updates; Larkin; Doughty; Aho; Ekblad – April 19

  As when all teams get eliminated from playoffs, we find out about all the injuries players were going through. Pittsburgh’s locker clean out brought us that as Jared McCann told us he was playing through a separated shoulder. Also, Brian Dumoulin was playing through a torn posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in his knee.

When we have more information on the injuries, it will be passed along.

We also got more rumours that Evgeni Malkin will be traded, which seems to be almost a rite of passage whenever the Penguins don’t win the Cup. That always overlooks the fact that even if the Penguins wanted to trade Malkin, he has a no-move clause. Honestly, these types of rumours exhaust me because there is never is a kernel of truth and people are just looking for clicks. I guess that’s just the online world we live in now.

*

Tampa Bay also told us that Victor Hedman was not medically cleared for Games 3 and 4 after being cleared earlier in the series. It’s pretty obvious Hedman was nowhere near himself for the playoff series. GM Julien Brisebois also said there will be changes, but as I stated in my Ramblings yesterday, it’s just a reality of their cap situation rather than blowing up the roster.

Again, this roster is loaded top to bottom. It seems Brisebois understands that making significant changes would not be in the team’s best interest. It’s nice to see him take a measured approach.

*

Alex Killorn had a slight tear in his left knee’s MCL but will not require surgery.

*

Andrei Svechnikov went through a one-hour skate on his own on Thursday, wearing a full cage while doing so. I always worry about players returning so quickly after an injury such as his but it still warms the heart to see him on the ice. He did not suit up for Thursday night’s game, obviously, but it doesn’t seem as if returning before the end of the series is completely out of the question.

*

Boston’s bottom-6 has been getting throttled most of their series against Toronto but there may be reinforcements coming as Sean Kuraly is a game-time decision for Game 5. He’s been out with a broken hand for nearly a month now but he probably can’t do much worse than most of Boston’s bottom two lines have performed thus far these playoffs.

*

Here are your 2019 Lady Byng finalists:

  Your 2019 Byng Finalists: Barkov (FLA), Monahan (CAL) & O’Reilly (STL)

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) April 18, 2019

  I have no particular feelings about this award in any sense.

*

Carolina tied their series with Washington 2-2 thanks to a 2-1 win on Thursday night. Warren Foegele scored his third goal in two games just seconds into the game, with Teuvo Teravainen and Alex Ovechkin trading goals in the second period.

Petr Mrazek saved 30 of 31 shots in an excellent effort in net.

The story coming out of the contest was a hit by Foegele on TJ Oshie late in the third period that resulted in an injury to Oshie and penalty to Foegele. This was the play:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="nl" dir="ltr">TJ Oshie is hurt <a href="https://t.co/YIK2JjeICQ">pic.twitter.com/YIK2JjeICQ</a></p>— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteBlackburn/status/1119048747403685888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2019</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I’m wondering if Foegele doesn’t hear from the Department of Player Safety on that one. It’s a pretty dangerous hit. Todd Reirden doesn't think Oshie will be back anytime soon. 

Jordan Staal’s line did a pretty good job at limiting Ovechkin at five-on-five, holding the winger to one shot. Ovechkin’s goal was a power play tally from his usual spot.

*

Update on the late games in the morning.  

*

Those who read my Ramblings know I focus as much of my work producing evidence-based analysis as I possibly can. That evidence informs my opinions, and like everyone, these opinions can often be wrong. Such is the nature of predicting the future.

But with better tools, we can hopefully make better decisions and more informed opinions.

There was a website re-launched recently called Puck IQ and without diving into everything the site offers – just go visit and fidget around, it’s the best way to learn – one interesting aspect is that it has the ability to break down ice time by quality of competition (you can read the methodology for breaking down competition here). Now, I firmly believe that a player’s line mates are more important than who a player faces, but it’s also interesting to see which players are most often tasked with the best of the opposition.

One name that stood out: Dylan Larkin. Among all forwards in the NHL, he faced the opponent’s top competition more often than all but four forwards: Aleksander Barkov, John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and Sean Couturier. As a percentage of ice time, he was just outside the top-10. Larkin faced elite competition in over 575 minutes of his even strength ice time  while no other Detroit forward cracked 440 minutes. Larkin, as many would have assumed, was quite often tasked with shutting down the top competition from their opponent.

The importance of this isn’t that Larkin faced elite competition so often; we kind of figured that. It’s that he absolutely crushed that role: by general shot share, Larkin’s percentage was situated between Brad Marchand and Sean Couturier. By shot share relative to his teammates when they faced elite competition, Larkin was second in the league behind only Ryan Johansen. That may speak more to the quality (or lack thereof) of Detroit’s depth, but the fact that his raw shot share was still close to someone like Marchand, who plays for a team that doesn’t have the same lack of depth, speaks to just how good of a season Larkin had.

With Detroit’s rebuild starting to come into focus, the team is starting to build itself up around Larkin. In the fantasy game, Larkin’s across-the-board production is proving very valuable and that should only improve as the team keeps improving. All the same, Larkin had a spectacular year and defensive improvements were a big part. That aspect of his game will only get better, and we are watching a player develop into a superstar in real time. It’s fun to watch.

*

Just as a small side: Sebastian Aho absolutely crushed his minutes against elite competition in 2018-19. My assumption before the season was that Jordan Staal would take all those minutes but because of significant time missed due to injury, that often fell on Aho’s shoulders and he was fantastic. That should allay any concerns the coaching staff or fans had about Aho and how he’d fare in a role where he was counted on to be The Guy. He’s another superstar in the making.

*

When looking at the defencemen on Puck IQ sorted by top competition, I couldn’t help but see that it was Aaron Ekblad’s name at the top of the list for most ice time vs. elite opposition. Not only was it the most ice time overall, it was the highest share of ice time as well, just ahead of Zdeno Chara and Nate Schmidt. And not only was he most often used against the best the opponent had to offer, he crushed the role, as his shot share relative to his teammates was +3.7 percent. For a frame of reference, Hampus Lindholm, widely considered one of the best and most underappreciated defensive defencemen for years, was at +4 percent, while Kris Letang was a +3 percent. Now, Ekblad’s offensive generation suffered in this role but he was excellent defensively.

It makes me wonder about Ekblad’s future as a fantasy asset. He is undoubtedly going to be used in this role moving forward and at the least, that should lead to a lot of ice time. He reminds me of a young Drew Doughty in that sense (not their actual skill, just their age and role). But unlike Doughty, with Keith Yandle signed for four more years, does Ekblad ever take over the top power-play role? He’s averaged fewer than 10 PPPs over the last four seasons because of how much Yandle has cut into that production time. It’s very possible we see Ekblad put up very good multi-cat numbers because of his role and ice time, but he never puts up great point totals because of that same role.

At this point, Ekblad is established as a ~10-goal, ~40-point defenceman with solid peripherals. Maybe that’s the most we can expect from him for the next few years. That’s just fine, by the way, we just need to be honest about expectations.

*

Speaking of Doughty, the metrics from Puck IQ don’t paint a very flattering picture of his 2018-19 season, and that’s just when compared to his teammates when they were put in similar roles. Was it his defence partner? That’s very possible, considering how much better Doughty has fared over the last two years when not playing with Derek Forbort. Was it the coaching staff and their systems? It may be, and we’ll have a better idea of this now that Todd McLellan is behind the bench. Was it just an off year? I don’t want to dismiss that, either.

I’m pretty comfortable saying that Doughty going from playing with Jake Muzzin to playing with Forbort had a massive impact on his performance. But does he have a better partner next year? We’ll see.

from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-rambling/ramblings-injury-updates-larkin-doughty-aho-ekblad-april-19/

[official-weasley]

The Irreplaceable Charlie Weasley: Pt. 8, Ch. 1

PART 8: WHERE IT ALL ENDS Chapter 1 - The First Three Years

Nova

THE FIRST TO AID (1992)

I couldn't believe how rested I felt. I haven't had that feeling in a really long time. Having two days off really does do you good, who would've thought. I turned around and saw that Charlie was already out of bed. The fact that I was rested wasn't the only rare occasion. Having 2 days off at the same time as Charlie did, THAT was even rarer.

We worked in the Sanctuary for about a year now and if I didn't love my job as much as I did, I would've given up a long time ago. Feeling tired and smelling like roasted meat most of the time wasn't even that bad because of the work I could do.

—

I still remember the day when I arrived. I was so nervous to meet everyone and to see what exactly my job would be. They greeted me with extended arms and big grins plastered on their faces, just like Charlie said they would. He came 2 weeks prior and waited behind the crowd of people who were excited to meet me.

The welcomeness of everyone calmed me down a bit and I just gave in. I knew I already got the job, that I am not going to go through an initiation process or any of the sorts.

“Wotcher! You must be Nova!” A man with a thick mustache approached me and squeezed my hand so tightly that I wanted to wince from the pain. I could see that Charlie wasn't the only one with muscles around here as I eyed the man, that introduced himself as Ben, up and down.

The next one to offer me a hand was a blond man named Tim. He had to be about my age but with a lot more scars than Charlie had. He was followed by Alice, Beatrice, Sam, and Dominik. After they all asked me the polite questions of how were my travels and if I need anything I should just ask, I finally reached the two men that looked like they were in charge.

“You must be Andrei.” I smiled. He was the only one I recognized as Charlie told me a lot about him and he was the one who wrote me the letter.

“Pleasure to finally meet you! Charlie can't shut up about you!” He returned the smile and shook my hand. I tried not to blush and act as professionally as I could, even though my eyes went to Charlie, who was standing behind them, at once.

“And I'm Felix.” The other one said. Felix Rosier, Charlie told me about him as well. Apparently, very talented and he went to our school and was a Prefect. I studied his face to see if I could recall seeing him at Hogwarts, but he didn't seem familiar at all.

“Nice to meet you both!” I liked meeting all the rest but I can't lie, I was the most excited to meet these two. The way Charlie spoke about them has piqued my interest.

“We can chat more at dinner. You must be tired.” Andrei said and gestured to start walking with him.

Charlie joined us, beaming. I knew he couldn't wait to show me around and I knew he was just as excited for me to finally be here as I was. I missed him so much in these past 14 days and I couldn't wait to hug and kiss him.

“You wait here.” We stopped in front of a wooden cottage that looked like a reception. “Dorothy will be with you soon to accommodate you.” He grinned. His eyes met those of Charlie's and he winked at him. I had no idea what was going on but I was excited to get my own place.

I have been dreaming about living in one of these cottages ever since Charlie told me that our date room in the Room of Requirement was something like these huts in the Sanctuary.

“Ah, Dot! Here you are!” Andrei playfully slammed his hand on the wall next to the door that just opened. Dot was a middle-aged woman that reminded me a lot of Molly if Molly had pitch-black hair.

“Oh, a new arrival!” She squeaked. “Come in dear, come in!” She waved her hand and I looked at Felix and Andrei who nodded that I should go inside.

“Let's see...your name?” She stepped behind her desk and started looking through the many piles of papers she had on it.

“Nova Blackwood.” I gave her my name.

“Blackwood...Blackwood...” She browsed through the papers murmuring more to herself than to me.

“Ah!” She exclaimed and lifted a piece of parchment into the air. “Blackwood, Nova! Our new Magizoologist!” She looked at me and I couldn't hide the excitement on my face, which indicated to her that I was the right person.

“Looks like you have a roommate!” I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. I was used to having a roommate at Hogwarts. Tulip was the best one anyone could ask for but I was hoping, after spending almost an entire Summer in a house full of Weasleys, that I would get some alone time. I loved Charlie's entire family and I loved spending time with them but as an only child, it could be very tiresome when 5 kids try to get your attention at once.

“Let's see here.” I looked up at Dot, snapping myself from my thoughts.

“Ah, very curious.” Her brows met. “We usually don't have roommates of the opposite gender. Was this a request?” She looked at me, bewildered. I blinked at her, not knowing how to reply. I didn't have to fill out an application for the cottage. Charlie told me he was going to...oh.

“Charles Weasley.” My lips curved even before she read his name. “Nice lad, not intrusive so you won't have any problems living with him.” She reassured me, clueless just how unbothered I was with my new roommate.

“He's my boyfriend, actually.” I decided to spear her the embarrassment as I could see she was looking for more words to make me feel comfortable with the fact that my roommate was a man.

“Oh.” Her cheeks turned slightly pink. “That would make more sense, yes.” She cleared her throat. “Well, here are your set of keys.” She handed me the keys with a Romanian Sanctuary keychain. “And I would just need your signature here.” She put her finger on a piece of paper and I came closer so she could hand me a quill and I signed the document.

When I got back outside, Felix and Andrei were gone and Charlie was leaning on the wall next to the entrance, having the same smug face he always had when he was proud that he was able to surprise me.

“I heard you have a male roommate.” He winked at me and pulled me into a hug.

“Yeah, I heard he's pretty handsome. You never know what might happen.” He laughed at my sarcastic comment.

“Sorry, to burst your bubble but I've heard he is very much in love with his girlfriend.” He kissed my forehead.

“Bummer!” I cupped his face and kissed him as hard as I could. I missed him so much. I couldn't wait to be around him every single day.

—

“Morning.” Charlie said as he heard me walking down the stairs. Something smelled delicious. I have never thought that us living together would mean that he would cook so much but he was just incredible and so painfully handsome. I hated when he cooked only in his boxers. If we weren't living in a wooden cottage with a high risk of burning it down, I would strip him every morning while he was cooking.

“Morning.” I hugged him from behind and peaked at the stove. “Pancakes, what's the occasion?” I kissed his back and chuckled. We had pancakes every time we had a day off together. It was our little treat and because we had two days off, we had pancakes yesterday too.

“Well, this rarely happens...” I could feel his body vibrating in giggles, as he placed a pancake on a plate. “That we have two free days in a row and I had no idea what to cook.” He poured another pancake into the pan.

“I still can't believe it.” Charlie and I didn't work together often. He worked with a team to tame and feed Dragons and I either worked with researchers or my team of Magizoologists, which I was now a leader of. The only time we worked together was when we needed Dragons to observe their behavior around the creatures we brought into the Reserve or if we needed to move a Dragon to a specific location for better observation.

Getting a day off was something we both struggled to get. Charlie was one of the best at doing his job and if something went awry they always turned to him for help. After half a year of working with 2 other Magizoologists, Felix saw that I had a talent for working with creatures and that they tend to listen to me more than others so he put me in charge of our team.

I now work with 4 other Magizoologists and several researchers and we have done so much in a year. I have written 2 groundbreaking papers about Dragon interaction with Hippogriffs and Mountain Trolls and after these two days of free time with Charlie, I am going to work with one of my dream creatures as Andrei approved my research for a Chimera.

“What's this?” I waved an unopened letter laying on our dining table. Charlie's eyes moved from the stove to me.

“I think it's from Ron.” He placed another pancake on the pile. “Haven't opened it yet. You can do it if you want.”

I turned the letter and unglued the seal. Charlie was right, it was from Ron.

“They have what!” My eyes widened as I was reading the letter. I remember when Charlie told me that Ron befriended Harry Potter. I mocked him that he outdid his entire family by just being friends with the Boy Who Lived. They were having a rather peaceful year and we were glad they weren't getting as many letters about detention as Fred and George were.

“Is it from Ron?” Charlie turned the stove off and brought the pancakes to our table.

“Oh, Hagrid.” Charlie started laughing and shaking his head as he was reading the letter from behind my shoulder. “He got himself a Dragon!”

“He's insane!” For some reason, I didn't find it as amusing as he did. He liked Hagrid's crazy ideas much more than I did. I knew Hagrid always wanted to have a Dragon and I guess now that he somehow got his hands on one he saw they were not just another Fang.

“How are we going to transport an illegal Norwegian Ridgeback from Hogwarts to Romania?” I couldn't think of a single idea how to do it.

“Not just a Ridgeback, love. NORBERT!” Charlie was having too much fun with this. I just playfully rolled my eyes at him, without a reply.

“It's impossible.” Charlie was still laughing, putting jam on our pancakes. “We can't do it on a weekly notice.”

“Unless...” I said under my breath an idea appearing in my head.

“Unless?” Charlie sat down next to me, beyond excited.

“We were friends with two pranksters and a smuggler at Hogwarts...” I am not going to lie, I was getting excited too. “And Tonks and Tulip are coming here next week anyway.” I suggested.

“You want to entrust Tonks, Tulip, and Jae with a Dragon?” He raised his eyebrows at me.

“We would help!” I defended my idea. “They would kill themselves if they went alone.” I chuckled.

“Love, we barely got two days off in a month, how are you going to get to Hogwarts?” He leaned on his hand and I knew he was having as much fun discussing this as I was.

“Let me talk to Rosier. He has a soft spot for stories like this.” I swung my hand as if it wasn't a big deal.

“You should go with them, I'll stay here. Someone has to be here to let you in.” Charlie was giving the idea some thought. “And there's no way Rosier is going to let both of us go.” He added.

“So, should I write to Tonks?” I couldn't believe we were going to do this.

“I will write back to Ron. I think in the middle of the night would be the smartest and somewhere up high so that you can leave as undetected as possible.” He nodded.

“Astronomy Tower?” I suggested.

It didn't even take Tonks a day to reply with a yes, having both Tulip and Jae on board. As predicted, Felix was up for it as long as nobody would see us and now we just had to wait for next Saturday.

—

“Be careful, this is a Norwegian Ridgeback.” Charlie hugged me to say goodbye. Jae was already waiting for me and Tonks and Tulip were going to meet us at Hogwarts.

“I know my Dragons, Weasley!” I winked at him and kissed him. Ever since we have been working together he calmed down a little bit when it comes to me being hurt.

I was scratched, burned, and bitten more times than I would enjoy and he got used to the fact that I am fine every time so he stopped eyeing me as if I was made out of glass. And once I threw in his face that he isn't any better, having the biggest burn mark covering the majority of his left arm, a big cut on his back, and a still healing scar that halved his left eyebrow, he finally gave in that I can have scars as well.

Just like me, he couldn't deny that the scars suited him. I already found him incredibly attractive but he looked so cool and sexy with all his scars, once healed properly, of course.

“I love you and I'll see you soon.” He pressed his lips against mine and gave me one of those kisses that weakened my knees. He always did this when he knew we won't be able to see each other for a while.

“I love you too, Charles.” I looked deep into his eyes. “Now, I have to go!”

I rushed outside and Jae and I apparated together. The warm air filled my lungs as I have almost forgotten how much warmer Britain was compared to the Sanctuary.

“Are you ready?” Jae whispered to me.

“Are you?” I looked at him and by his gaze, he knew exactly what I meant.

Charlie was corresponding with him more than I did but I talked to Penny, Tulip, and Tonks regularly. A few months after our Seventh Year, Jae and Tulip broke up and when Charlie and I compared the messages between the two, Jae seemed way more hurt than Tulip did.

“I'll be fine. We have to focus on the Dragon anyway.” He dismissed me.

“Have you talked to her at all, since...you know?” I finally unlocked our arms, as we were still standing on the spot we apparated to.

“A few times.” He whispered. “We are trying to be friends.” He tried looking me in the eyes but decided to avoid me at the last second.

We ran as quietly as possible to the Astronomy Tower. Tonks and Tulip were already there with three brooms. We still didn't know how exactly we would do this but it was now or never. I hugged them both and Tulip indicated that we are going to talk later. She looked at Jae and their eyes met for a split second before they both looked to the ground.

“Alright, let's do this!” Tonks was as excited as she was every time she did something that could get us in trouble. She was an exceptional Auror-in-training but her mischievous spirit never left her.

I shared a broom with Tonks and we flew up to the top of the Astronomy Tower where two kids were waiting for us with a big box behind them.

“Nova?” Whispered the boy.

“That's me. Where's Ron?” I looked at him.

“He was bitten by Norbert...I mean the Dragon.” Said the girl. “I'm Hermione Granger and this is Harry Potter.” Tulip gasped when she realized who the boy she was looking at was.

“I would love to chat and get to know Ron's friends but this is not the time and place.” I whispered as I got off my broom. They both nodded in agreement but I still shook both of their hands.

“Is he in the box?” I looked behind them and they turned around.

“Yes.” Nodded Harry.

“We didn't know exactly how you are going to approach the situation.” Hermione looked embarrassed. She reminded me of Penny; not wanting to break the rules but somehow finding herself in the midst of it anyway.

“Leave it to us, sweetheart.” Tonks put her hand on my shoulder and took out her wand. “See, light as a feather.” She said proudly after casting the Feather-Light spell upon the box.

“Is it sleeping?” Jae asked, eyeing the box.

“It's okay. I'll carry him, Jae.” I reassured him and stepped closer to the box. I opened it and gasped. “He's beautiful.” I looked at Harry and Hermione who looked at me like I was mental.

“I can see how you were friends with Hagrid.” Harry said, trying not to be impolite. I chuckled and cast the stunning Spell on Norbert.

“You should meet Charlie then.” I grinned and lifted the box with my wand. “It was nice to meet you both, now please go inside. Charlie will write to Ron to update him on everything.” I gestured that they should step back as my friends mounted their brooms again.

“And say hi to Ron for me. I hope he gets better soon, Dragon bites can be quite nasty, got a few myself.” I waved my hand at them but quickly put it away as they got the same horrid expression on their faces as before.

I sat behind Tonks and we started to fly away from the Castle. We stopped three times in between so I could recast the spell on Norbert and I was hoping nobody would spot us. We got to the Sanctuary with an hour to spear before sunrise.

Charlie's proud grin when he spotted us only got bigger once I carefully placed down Norbert and told him to look at him.

“He's a beauty!” His eyes sparkled. “I can't believe someone just gave the egg to him.”

“Not everybody is as excited as you are about Dragons, Charlie.” Tulip giggled.

We showed our friends to our cabin and then I helped Charlie settle Norbert to the spot his team prepared for him. On the way back, I told him how it was and he laughed when he heard the faces Ron's friends were making.

Finally, we could start talking and I hugged Tonks and Tulip again. We were glad that the situation wasn't as awkward between Jae and Tulip as we thought it would be as we sat around our fireplace and talked about our school days and our lives now.

Tulip told us that she published a very important paper and that if everything goes through she might start working on a new telescope.

Jae told us that he was being relocated to America as they were lacking Aurors there and I couldn't help but notice that Tulip was intrigued by that idea. We haven't seen our friends in such a long time and it was nice to just sit back and relax with them. We were missing Andre and Penny but we knew that with them being engaged, it was only a matter of time we would all get together again.

THE FIRST TO WED (1993)

“Charlie! We're going to be late!” I looked at myself in the mirror, desperately trying to do something with my hair. Where is Andre when you need him? Oh, right, getting married!

“Do you reckon...” I turned around as I heard Charlie rushing down the stairs. “Wow, you look...” He stopped when he saw me, blinking at me as if he couldn't believe his eyes. “Ravishing!” He breathed out.

“Thank you.” I couldn't stop the grin spreading across my face. I liked my beige dress with black lace. It showed my curves and I felt good in it but I still hated my hair. “What did you want to ask me?” Our eyes locked as he came to kiss me.

“Uhm...” He seemed completely lost for words, his eyes still on mine.

“You're drooling, Weasley.” I giggled and turned back to the mirror.

“Do you reckon Tulip will bring a date?” He finally snapped out of it and started putting his tie on. He was so handsome, I tried looking at myself in the mirror but my eyes kept escaping to him.

“Probably not. Why?” I finally managed to capture that one lock that made the hairdo bearable. I was sure Penny would fix it for me anyway.

“I just opened the letter Jae sent me yesterday.” He lifted his chin to finish tying his tie.

“He's bringing a date.”

“He's what?” I frowned and turned to him. “Penny will lose it if they start drama at her wedding.”

“So out of the blue as well. Didn't say her name or mention her before, either.” Charlie shrugged his shoulders and started kissing my neck.

“What are you doing?” Our eyes met in the mirror and I knew the look on his face.

“You look too good in this dress, love.” He winked at me and got back to my neck, his hands on my zipper.

“Char, we don't have time.” I said in a whisper, closing my eyes.

“We're apparating there and the wedding doesn't start for another 3 hours.” He tried calming me down, his hands on my shoulders, ready to take my, now unzipped, dress off.

“I'm the Maid of Honor. Penny will kill me if I'm late.” I turned around and kissed him passionately.

“I see how much you care, yes.” He whispered in my ear, pulling me towards the sofa.

“Okay, but don't ruin my hair. I just got it up.” I gave in.

“Likewise.” He winked at me and his eyes escaped to his tight pants. He looked too good in the suit.

“Oh, shut it!” I pushed him gently so he stumbled on the couch and started untying his tie.

—

“There you are!” Tonks locked our arms together and rushed me inside the second Charlie and I apparated. “See you later, Dragon Boy!” She waved at the left behind Charlie.

“Tonks, where are you taking me?” She was dragging me all the way to the bathrooms.

“Tulip and Jae are back together!”

“What?” My jaw dropped. “So she is Jae's plus one?” That will avoid a lot of drama.

“Yes! Ever since Jae was relocated to America they have been seeing each other again!” Tonks whispered, excitedly. It felt like we were at Hogwarts all over again.

“I thought Tulip was suspicious when we went to get Norbert.” I rubbed my chin, thinking about it.

“Finally!” Tonks and I both jumped in the air. “What took you so long!” We turned around and saw Penny standing behind us, looking unamused.

“And what's with the hair, Blackwood!” She blinked.

“Please, fix it!” I pleaded and before I could say anything else she was already dragging both Tonks and me to her changing room.

“So what do you think?” Penny asked, beaming when Tonks and I saw her wedding dress.

“Pen...” I was lost for words. It was perfect for her. She was going to look like a princess.

“I know, right!” She knew what I meant without even saying it.

“Well, let's see it then!” We all turned around and saw Tulip standing in the door frame. We all rushed to hug her and Penny pulled her inside and sat us all down.

Tonks and I looked at Tulip and winked at her.

“Tonks, I told you not to say anything.” Tulip hissed at her.

“Get off it. She would find out sooner or later!” Tonks laughed.

“So, are you guys serious, or is this just for the wedding?” I asked, waiting for Penny to put on the dress.

“It's been going on ever since he moved to America.” Tulip blushed.

“That was 4 months ago!” Penny came from behind the room divider, her eyes widened, not even fully in her dress.

“Yeah.” Tulip giggled. “I guess it's not just for the wedding.” She was blushing like crazy. It felt different this time around. As if they were more serious.

“I can hear wedding bells!” Penny sang.

“Oh, no!” Tulip shook her head. “Nova's next!” She leaned on my shoulder.

“Why, because Charlie and I are together longer?” I laughed.

“It's a miracle you two aren't already married, Blackwood.” Tonks mocked.

“We're too busy to think of things like that right now.” I wasn't lying. We really were. We talked about it that night when Charlie expressed the interest in marrying me when we told our families we're together. But we have never mentioned it since and I wasn't bothered by it.

“Sure, every excuse comes in handy.” Tulip winked at me.

“Okay, what do you think?” Penny interrupted our staring contest and we all looked up at her. Tears started gathering in my eyes, she was so beautiful. She reminded me of that one princess from a Muggle fairytale from a book I used to read to Ginny. Beauty and the Beast, I think. Tonks had her hands over her lips and Tulip's mouth was open.

“Penny, Andre is the luckiest bloke in the world.” Tonks said with a shaky voice.

“You look beyond beautiful.” I stood up and reached for my purse. “You wrote to me that you needed something blue.”

“You remembered!” She turned to me.

“It might not be traditional, but it's very rare.” I barely held in the tears, looking at her. I spent far too much time on my makeup and I knew Penny was too emotional to fix it.

“Is that a Dragon scale?” Tulip gasped as I put the brooch on Penny's sleeve.

“A Swedish Short-Snout one.” I nodded.

“Nova, it's beautiful!” She hugged me and I waved to Tulip and Tonks to join us.

—

I felt my cheeks turn pink as I was walking down the aisle before Penny. I saw Charlie standing next to Andre and Jae and I loved the way he was looking at me. It reminded me of the night of the Ball when he saw me walking down the stairs.

We had so many beautiful moments together and we made so many memories during all these years but that night was still one of my favorites and every time Charlie looked at me the way he did now, it reminded me of just how much he wished for us to be together back then and it made me feel so special to know I was able to bring him that happiness.

The ceremony was beautiful and Tulip, Tonks, and I all cried as Andre and Penny exchanged their vows. They were such a beautiful couple. After all the food and all the toasts, it was time to dance. I couldn't help but hope that we would have more of these moments together because I was having so much fun dancing with the girls.

I loved that our friendship was so strong that even though we saw each other a couple of times per year we still acted as if it was every day.

It was finally time for Penny and Andre's slow dance. I was probably looking at them as if I was in love with them both. I meant what I said earlier, that I didn't mind that Charlie and I weren't engaged or planning on getting married any time soon but moments like this sparked something in me that made me think otherwise.

“May I have this dance?” Charlie suddenly appeared in front of me, disturbing my thoughts and as I zoned back in I heard that Magic Works started playing. I took the hand Charlie offered me with the biggest grin on my face. That was the song we slowed danced to at the Ball. That was the song that made me break down all my walls and the song that made me realize just how much I wanted to be more than friends with Charlie. It was our song.

“They look amazing together, don't they?” Charlie said softly as my head was resting on his chest and we were slowly moving to the song.

“They do. I am so happy for them.” I smiled.

“Are we next then?” I looked up at him when he asked the question.

“What do you mean?”

“To get married.” He brushed my nose with his, the biggest smile on his lips.

“I...” I blinked at him. His question surprised me.

“Just because we don't talk about it, doesn't mean it's not on my mind, love.” His sparkling eyes were killing me softly.

“You're not asking me now, are you?” I could feel my heart against my ribcage.

“You really think, this is how I am going to propose to you?” He chuckled.

“Oh, so you already have it planned out?” I placed my head back on his chest, my heartbeat was getting faster with each sentence.

“Of course, I do.” He said as if he was thinking about this every day.

“You don't want to get married?” He asked after a minute of me being silent.

“I want nothing more than to be married to you, Charles.” I looked up at him as I heard his heartbeat raise. I could see he was trying to hide his excitement but he was doing a rather bad job. “It's just...we never talk about it so I didn't put much thought into it.”

“Well, it's going to happen, Blackwood.” He kissed my forehead. “Bill predicted that I will make you an official Weasley. I can't let his Divination talent die.” I laughed.

“Then perhaps we are next.” I smiled at him and his eyes sparkled as if I just said yes to his marriage proposal.

When we get married, I knew that it wouldn't compare to Penny's wedding. It was amazing and we had so much fun. Events like these made me realize just how much I miss my girls and we promised each other that we would visit one another as often as we could.

After people started leaving and Jae, Andre, and Charlie fell into a heated debate about the Quidditch World Cup next year, Penny took us girls outside.

“I have to tell you something.” She put her hands to her cheeks and she looked as if she was about to start crying. Tulip and I exchanged a look.

“I'm pregnant!” She exclaimed and we all jumped up, in awe.

“Merlin's beard, Penny!” Tonks didn't know how to reply.

“You're moving fast Mrs. Andre Egwu!” Tulip pulled her in a tight embrace.

“We're going to be aunts!” I shouted and started jumping into the air. They all laughed and joined me. I was right, her wedding can't be topped.

THE FIRST TO FEAR (1994)

“Are you sure you don't want to come?” Charlie shook my shoulders as I rolled my eyes at him.

“For the millionth time, Char! I will stay with your mum and Ginny.” He let out a sigh. “You rarely see your brothers, you should spend some time with them!” I placed my hands on his cheeks. Ever since Arthur announced that they were going to the Quidditch World Cup we have been bickering over me staying at the Burrow.

He has been at the Cup with his family a few times and he just wanted me to experience it. I believed him when he said it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see how Quidditch is really played but I had enough by just him describing everything so vividly. I always felt like I was there with every one of his stories.

I wanted him to spend some time with his brothers and his dad. I knew he missed them more than he would like to admit and he will get to say that he was at the World Cup with Harry Potter. He was the new Seeker for the Gryffindor Team and I knew Charlie couldn't wait to talk to him about it. Besides, we rarely got time off and whenever we got to the Burrow we were so preoccupied with every single family member that I don't know when was the last time I spent some quality time with Ginny.

I was worried sick when she was taken by the Basilisk and kept sending Pip to Molly to see if she got any news. The whole Weasley family, including me, was so grateful for Harry to rescue her and the fact that Ginny has the biggest crush on him is just too adorable. I would say that they remind me of me and Charlie when we were their age, but for some reason, Hermione and Ron ring more of a bell.

“I don't know if the Burrow ever had 3 girls without a single boy before.” Charlie chuckled and I joined him. I wished Hermione would stay too. I would like to get to know her better as Ron couldn't stop writing to us just how brilliant and smart she was.

“The Burrow will do just fine!” I pressed my lips to his. “Just enjoy your time and have fun for a change!”

“Hey, I have fun!” He smirked at me.

“Sure you do, Mr. Serious.” I ruffled his hair. I loved that he let his hair lose every time he wasn't working. It made him so charismatic. He rolled his eyes at my remark but said nothing. He knew I was right. He was focused on his work most of the time and rarely unwinded. I admired that about him but he needs to relax more, he's a workaholic for sure!

“Alright!” He finally gave in as our lips parted. “Have fun with my mum and Ginny.”

“I will. We will party like crazy!” I laughed.

“Sure, especially when mum starts asking questions about us.” He winked at me. That was the only part I wasn't looking forward to.

We have been together for 4 years and she has been nagging us about marriage and children for 2. I knew she will take this opportunity of us being alone to talk about it as she obviously couldn't get through Charlie's thick skin.

“What if I was planning to propose during the game and you're not coming?” He tried convincing me one more time.

“You are not that cheesy, Charles.” I giggled.

“You know me too well, love.” He pressed his forehead to mine and hugged me tightly. He took a deep breath and I knew he wanted to remember my scent.

“I love you, Charlie.” I looked deep into his eyes. The words still gave me butterflies sometimes. “Now go have fun with your brothers!”

“I love you too, Nova.” He kissed me one more time, hugged Molly and Ginny, and ran after the others.

—

“So, Ginny.” I sat down next to her on the sofa. She eyed me suspiciously without turning her head, pretending to read.

“Yes, Nova?” She said, casually, even though I was pretty sure, she knew what I was going to ask her.

“You and Harry.” I nudged her and she let out a deep sigh.

“Forget it, Nova. I am not talking about it.” She turned the page of her book, pretending to be unbothered by my question.

“Hey, you were the first one to know about me and Charlie, I have the right to know.” I acted offended.

“There's nothing to tell. He doesn't fancy me.” She tried to keep her voice normal, but I knew her too well to know she wasn't okay with it.

“Oh, give him time! There is something going on in his life every year at Hogwarts!” I wasn't wrong. I couldn't believe how peaceful we had it compared to him. The Stone, the Basilisk, his Godfather last year. The kid has some stuff going on!

“Yeah, right.” She chortled, trying not to get her hopes up.

“Look, sometimes boys need longer. He'll come around.” I tried to encourage her. It was obvious Harry had too much on his mind to think about having a crush.

“Wasn't it the other way around with you and Charlie?” She winked at me, a smirk painting her face.

She was right. Charlie started fancying me in our Third Year and I needed about a century to realize that having him as a friend wasn't enough.

“That's beside the point. I was blind!” I laughed.

“You really were.” She leaned on my shoulder. “I don't know, Nova. Perhaps, I'm too young.” She finally gave in to talking about him.

“Rubbish!” I started brushing her hair with my fingers. “He's only one year older than you.”

“And he's Ron's best friend!” She continued. “You know how protective he is!” I chuckled. I knew all too well.

That evening when we told our families that we are together, 11-year-old Ron cornered Charlie and threatened him to learn the meanest hex at Hogwarts and use it on him if he hurts me. And Charlie is his family, not me.

“If you two would fall in love, I am sure he would understand.” My fingers still in her hair.

“It's ridiculous if you think about it.” She closed her book. “I fancied him since I was 10 and he knows too.” She lowered her head.

“You are beating yourself over it too much!” I pulled her in a half hug. “You're going to be in your Third Year this year. You still have time.”

“Do you ever wish you and Charlie started dating sooner?” She looked at me with those beautiful eyes. They were the same as Molly's.

“I used to.” I answered honestly. “When I realized how long I liked him for and how long Charlie had feelings for me, I wished we would've gotten together sooner, but I am certain we came together at the right time and I wouldn't change a thing.” My lips curved as memories started rolling in front of my eyes.

“So, you're saying to just be patient?” She asked.

“Perhaps but also don't find yourself waiting for him. Enjoy your life. If it's meant to be, you two will come together at the right time.” I smiled at her.

“Thank you, Nova!” She hugged me so tightly that she could give Molly a run for her Galleons. “You're the best sister!”

My cheeks turned pink. Every time Ginny called me her sister it melted my heart. She adored me since she was 4 years old and always made me feel so included in their family. That never changed, even now that I was part of the family.

We helped Molly with dinner, even though it was much easier cooking for only 3 people for a change. Now that everyone was at Hogwarts, Molly could relax a bit as she and Arthur were alone most of the time during the school year.

I couldn't believe how much fun we were having. Molly was a completely different person when the boys weren't around. I don't think I have ever seen her so relaxed. She told us all about how she and Arthur fell in love and all the cheesy gifts he has given her over the years. I knew she enjoyed talking about it to us as I am sure the boys wouldn't be so keen on listening to their perfect love story.

The two days passed quicker than Charlie would catch a Snitch! Ginny has already gone to bed as she gave up on waiting for the lot to come back as we weren't sure exactly when that would be and I knew she wanted to avoid seeing Harry. I was sitting in the living room, in Molly's usual spot, as it was easier for me to write my reports in an armchair and since Molly went upstairs to take a bath I reckoned I would have some alone time to finish my report on the Chimera which was still in the Sanctuary.

It was a tough creature to work with but I didn't lose patience and Felix and Andrei told me that there is no rush to have a revelation. Dragons and Chimeras were creatures that both had such strong magical energy and I knew getting them together was not going to be easy. At first, I thought that the Chinese Fireball would warm up to the creature but almost made me bald instead as he breathed fire straight into me to let me know he does not approve of my friend.

Charlie wanted to help me but Ajax, the Chimera wasn't that fond of him and got vicious every time Charlie was near me. I considered him to be jealous as I befriended the creature on my own. Norbert was doing the best with Ajax, out of all Dragons, and Charlie was rather proud of him for that. He was the one who took care of Norbert the most and as he was almost fully grown and has gotten a bit out of control and more stubborn it was a miracle that he got along with Ajax.

“Nova, dear!” I lifted my head from my scribbling at Molly's words. “You should go to bed.” She came down the stairs in her nightgown.

“I have to finish this report.” I smiled at her as she started to the kitchen.

“Want some tea?” She whispered to the best of her abilities as she put the kettle on. I nodded, her eyes were still on me.

“You're not going to bed?” I smiled at her as she sat down on the sofa.

“Oh, no!” She shook her head. “You know me. I constantly think of my boys.” She swung her hand as if worrying for them was the only thing she did.

“Should I move? I'm in your seat.” I finally noticed and started moving my papers around.

“No, dear. You sit and don't let me bother you.” She grinned. “I just want some company.” I lowered my head down to finish the report. I only had a conclusion to write anyway.

When I put my quill down and closed my ink bottle I looked up at Molly and saw her staring at me. I couldn't stop my cheeks from turning bright pink.

“I'm sorry.” She put her cup down. “Sometimes I just can't phantom how lucky Charlie is to have you.” My heart started racing at that. I could never get enough of her compliments and I always started missing my mum when she said things like this.

“Well, I should say the same.” My lips curved. “I always feel that I'm the lucky one.”

“I just wish Bill would find someone as well, you know.” She sighed. Me too. Bill was so great and I couldn't believe he wasn't seeing anyone special.

He wrote to me a couple of times about this girl he was seeing that was also a Curse Breaker but it didn't go well. He did fancy this girl he met at Gringotts once but nothing came out of that either.

“He will.” I stood up and sat down next to Molly. “He just hasn't found that special someone yet.” I wanted to reassure her. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that Bill won't find a nice girl to settle down with.

“And what are you two waiting for, anyway?” She asked after a moment of her nodding and staring at the fireplace.

“What?” I didn't exactly know where she was aiming with her question.

“Four years of being together and no ring on your finger.” She raised an eyebrow at me. I knew this was coming.

“We...” I felt like I was 16 and had to explain to my mum why I got detention. “We are in no hurry.” I scratched the back of my neck.

“In no hurry!” Molly scoffed. “You two are as perfect as anyone can be. You should be married and pregnant by now.” My eyes widened at her words. I was not ready to have a baby yet. I was only 22!

“Well, we talked about it, and with the field of work we're both in we don't feel like it's the right time.” I was being honest. My career was only getting better and better and Charlie is in for a promotion.

And to be fair, we might've talked about us getting married on rare occasions but we have never talked about having children. I knew I wanted to have a family and I knew Charlie felt the same but we never discussed it beyond that. I couldn't imagine raising a child next to Dragons and a Chimera.

“Nonsense!” Molly waved her hand at me. “There is never a right time. These things just happen.” I didn't know how to respond to that. I knew she and Arthur got married fresh out of Hogwarts and Bill came soon after but I wasn't planning to follow in her footsteps.

“Right now,” I started slowly, “being just the two of us is enough for Charlie and me.” Her expression softened a bit. She had a soft spot for our relationship.

“I understand.” She put her hands on mine. “But at least give marriage a thought. You would be such a beautiful bride.”

“A crying bride.” I chuckled and she joined me. I know I was going to cry at my wedding even more than I did at Penny's.

“Don't let your job be an excuse.” She brushed the lock of hair, that fell over my cheek, away. “You two love each other too much not to celebrate it and have a family.” She said in a soft voice that melted my heart.

She wasn't wrong. I caught myself daydreaming about having a family with Charlie more than I would like to admit. Perhaps we could talk about it even though I knew we would eventually get there.

“Bill has to get there first.” I tried to stir the conversation back to him as I didn't know what to add. If he was here, he would kill me.

“Right!” Molly rolled her eyes as she was reminded yet again that her eldest son didn't have a significant other.

She opened her mouth to say something else but she stopped as her eyes widened, looking at something behind me. I turned around and saw that she was staring at the Weasley Family Clock and the hands on the clock those of Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred, George, and Ron turned from Quidditch to Mortal Peril.

We looked at each other and stood up. We were so deep in conversation that we didn't notice the time.

“When are they supposed to be back?” Molly whispered as I was sure she couldn't manage anything else. I could feel her shaking next to me.

“I am sure it is nothing they can't handle.” I tried reassuring her even though I felt my throat tighten.

We walked outside to the garden and sat down on the bench. I knew we would be able to spot them as soon as they return with the Portkey. It seemed we were waiting for hours. I could feel Molly drifting away on my shoulder and then lifting her head realizing she almost fell asleep. I tried to keep my focus on the spot where I knew the Portkey was and I couldn't help but get more nervous by the minute.

I went inside to make us some tea and my eyes turned to the clock. Still Mortal Peril. What was going on? How could they be in danger at the Quidditch World Cup? I couldn't understand and imagine what could've happened and that was the scariest part.

I went up to take a shower as the sun was almost rising. I couldn't sit still and look at the same spot anymore. It was making me too anxious. I came back down and used a Drying Charm on my hair as I heard the hands on the clock move. I hurried in front of it and the hands one by one started to move from Mortal Peril to Home.

“Molly!” I shouted and rushed outside. She was standing by the edge of the garden, her hands to her cheeks, looking at the Hill where the Portkey was. Percy was the first that I could see. He looked like a mess and a sense of worry on his face. George and Fred followed and then I saw Bill, his hand was wrapped in bandages.

My heart leaped as Percy, Fred and George reached us and Molly pulled them into a hug. Where were the others? Fred saw my worried face and came to hug me.

“He's alright.” He whispered in my ear and my heart started slowing down.

Before I could ask him where is Charlie and what in the hell happened, I saw him walking next to Arthur toward us. As Bill came to us and I pulled him into a hug, he winced at the pain in his arm. He smiled at me and nodded for me to go to Charlie. I started shaking and I couldn't just stand there, waiting for them to reach us.

I ran so fast that I thought I wouldn't be able to stop myself as I was nearing them. Charlie picked up his pace to meet me halfway and spread his arms as I ran into him with such a force, that he let out a small 'oof'.

“I'm okay.” He said gently, his fingers buried in my hair as we stood in the middle of the field, embraced.

“What in the bloody hell happened?” I asked as I finally let go of him and we started walking towards the Burrow.

“Death Eaters.” Charlie exasperated, pulling me in a half hug.

“Death...” I couldn't grasp the fact that they were attacked at the Quidditch World Cup.

“Where are Ron, Hermione, and Harry?” I asked.

“They aren't back?” Arthur said, looking around the Garden. Molly and I both shook our heads.

They explained what happened. How the Dark Mark appeared in the sky and how they accused Harry of conjuring it. How the loud voices and burning tents woke them up and how they tried fighting them back before they suddenly fled.

“An elf conjuring the Mark?” I repeated Percy's words, incredulously. “That sounds ridiculous.”

“That's what we said but she has been found with Harry's wand.” Arthur pursed his lips, not believing it either.

Charlie and I exchanged looks. We knew this didn't mean anything good. There have been rumors that He Who Must Not Be Named was coming back and will regain his power but we dismissed the rumors up until now. The Dark Mark wasn't a good sign and now I wished to be there so I could've fought with them.

—

Charlie and I accompanied the lot to the Hogwarts Express before we would have to return to Romania. Charlie kept teasing the twins with a secret we knew and they didn't. Hogwarts was going to host the Triwizard Tournament and Charlie was assigned to bring 4 Dragons to the school in November. He was beyond excited and I wished I could go with him.

“You'll find out soon enough.” Molly chuckled as she waved at the boys on the train. I couldn't help but get nostalgic and as I looked up at Charlie, amused that his brothers were clueless about what was going to happen, I couldn't help but picture us waving our kids goodbye like this in the future.

[official-weasley]

The Irreplaceable Charlie Weasley: Pt. 8, Ch. 10

PART 8: WHERE IT ALL ENDS Chapter 10 - Oblivious Fleur

Charlie

“Will...you...let...go!” I said through my teeth, staring at the Common Welsh Green. The bag, he was clutching with his teeth and I with my hands, was about to rip.

“Stop being so stubborn and release the bag!” I pulled it towards me, but the Dragon wouldn't let go. “You know there's no more meat in it?” I raise an eyebrow at him but he didn't care.

“I will bring you an extra snack before I go if you don't destroy my bag!” I sang at Eero, giving him one final chance. I felt his jaw soften a little bit but he was still holding on to it.

“Eero, love, I don't have time to play with you, you have to understand.” I said softly and knew it was a mistake as he pulled the bag towards himself again, almost making my feet lose contact with the ground.

“I'll be back soon enough, c'mon.” I pleaded and tried hard not to laugh at the playfulness in Eero's posture. He was enjoying this as much as I was.

I loved my job and every single Dragon, big or small, in the Sanctuary. But there was no one as playful and as tamed as Eero and I have to admit that sometimes I visited him just so we could bicker as we did right now. It was my favorite pass time and it reminded me, every time, how lucky I was to work here.

“Charlie!” Eero looked up at the voice and for a split second forgot that he was supposed to take the bag away from me. Me knowing full well who the voice belonged to, I seized the opportunity and snatched it from him.

“Ha! Got you!” I stuck my tongue out at him and moved a few steps backward, just in case he would not be happy about it.

If he could, I knew he would roll his eyes at me but instead he laid on the ground, smoke coming through his nostrils in admittance of his defeat.

“What is it, Andrei?” I turned around and saw him standing by a boulder looking amused.

“It's time. Your Portkey is ready! You'll be late!” He said.

“Bloody hell, is it that time already?” I rolled up my sleeve and looked at my watch. My eyes widened. “I am so late!” Andrei nodded at my realization. Without saying another word I ran down the path, straight to my cottage. I opened the door, grabbed the bag I prepared the previous night, and was on my way to the front gate.

Andrei was waiting for me there, a mocking grin on his face.

“You got your dress robes? Your toothbrush?” He laughed, imitating my mum. “The wedding rings?” I stopped for a second, my face in panic. I opened my bag and stuck my hand into it until I felt the satin box.

“Got the rings!” I said proudly. Nothing mattered more than that.

“Have fun, Charlie!” Andrei half hugged me and opened the gate for me.

—

I got up and dusted my jeans as I landed flat on the ground after touching the Portkey. I stopped for a second, closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. I felt so nauseous. Never liked to use those things much and I hated apparating even more. And mum still wondered why I didn't come home more often.

I looked to my right and a smile painted my face as I saw the tree where Nova and I used to stargaze under. I looked at the sky, imagining she was looking down upon me, wherever she was, and made my way towards the Burrow.

“Charlie!” I braced myself, knowing full well that Ginny is going to crush me with her hug.

“Hi, Gin!” I hugged her back and looked up, seeing George approach me.

“What happened to your ear?” I couldn't take my eyes off him.

I knew that they transported Harry here last week but for everyone's safety, we didn't correspond much these days if it had nothing to do with the Order.

“I became holey, Charlie.” George was trying hard not to laugh and I narrowed my eyes at him, trying to understand his joke.

“Hol...” I rolled my eyes. “Oh.” I facepalmed myself when he took off the bandage and I saw a hole where his ear use to be.

“Please tell me, he didn't tell his unfunny joke.” Fred showed up and put his hand around my shoulders, us both looking at George now.

“Of course, I did.” George beamed. “He got it before you did!” I started to laugh even though I was shaking my head. I missed them too much not to find their jokes funny.

“There he is!” Bill started towards me. “My best man!” With his arms opened, he pulled me into a hug. “You have the rings, right?” He whispered in my ear and I nodded.

“Ron, Fred, and George bet against Ginny and Hermione that you'll forget.” He rolled his eyes playfully.

“Haven't they learned already that Ginny is always right?” I laughed.

“Charlie, dear!” Before I could say another word to Bill, my mum put her arms around me and squeezed me so tight that I gave out a little sigh. As she pulled away, the smile that the hug gave me faded from my face when I saw the fury with which she was looking at my hair.

“It is time for you to get a proper haircut!” She roared and pulled me by my sleeve.

“Mum, give it a rest!” I felt like I was 12 again. There was nothing wrong with my hair. “So it got a little out of control, so what?”

“A little?” She said and sat me down on one of the chairs in the kitchen. Fred, George, and Bill were giggling like 14-year-old girls, watching mum pull out her wand and started pointing it at my hair.

“Are you trying to disguise him like Harry, mum?” Fred was wiping the tears of laughter now.

“Another word from you and you'll be next!” She stopped pulling my hair for a second and pointed her wand at Fred. He gulped and took a step backward.

“There's barely anything left!” I shouted as Ginny brought me the mirror. “Mum!”

“At least it looks nice now!” She defended herself.

“Nice?” I shook my head in horror. “Mum, I had more hair on my head when I was born!”

“Oh, don't be silly.” She tried to ruffle it, but there was nothing to ruffle. My hair has never been so short and if I didn't know how to grow it back, I would probably throw a tantrum right now.

“Looking sharp, mate.” Fred and George said together, Bill winking at me.

“I know the spell as well, want to be next?” I hissed at them and they pressed their lips together, trying not to laugh.

“I zink you ztill look 'andsome, Charlie.” I turned around to find Fleur glaring at my 3 brothers, her arms on her chest.

“Thank you, Fleur!” I said, even though I couldn't agree and I couldn't wait for everyone to go to sleep to regrow my hair.

That evening, when most of the house was already asleep, I was sitting in the kitchen with Bill, Fleur, Ginny, Hermione, and mum. Ginny and Hermione were discussing different types of hairdos they are going to try for the wedding tomorrow. Mum was telling Fleur about the tiara aunt Muriel is going to lend her for the wedding and I was explaining to Bill how I got one of my new scars.

It was nice being home. I was worried sick when they were transporting Harry and I knew I wouldn't know how it went without a few days passing by. It was a blow when I heard that Moody was killed and Bill wrote to me how disappointed he was when they couldn't find his body.

On the one hand, I was glad that I was away from everything. I experienced being attacked by the Death Eaters and it didn't matter how long ago it was, it still left a bitter taste in my mouth. Being tortured by the Cruciatus Curse. Seeing so many of my friends die. The Dragons being hurt. Losing Nova...

But on the other hand, I felt like I wasn't doing enough. Recruiting Wizards felt like nothing compared to all the work the Order was doing here. I didn't have an opportunity to take a desk job like Bill. There was nothing desk-job-like about Dragons. I wanted to help, I wanted to be more involved but dad said that I already fought my battle and Bill said that he is certain the time will come when we will have to fight again.

“Charlie!” Fleur's exciting voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked at her. She was leaning on her hands on the table, looking at me.

“Yes?” I liked Fleur. I think she was perfect for my older brother but we didn't talk much, at least not without a bunch of people around us, so she startled me when the whole room went quiet and they were waiting for what she was going to say to me.

“You are zo 'andsome!” I raised an eyebrow at her. “Bill iz getting married now, you are next!” She lifted her hand confidently in the air.

My heart started to beat faster. I didn't want to talk about my love life. Not to her, not to anybody.

“'ow come you don't 'ave a girlfriend? You should 'ave found someone by now!” Hermione gasped. All eyes were on Fleur. Nobody dared to look at me. The room was now so quiet that I was sure they could hear my raising heartbeat.

“How dare you!” Mum stood up and started towards Fleur. I extended my arm just in time to stop her.

“You...didn't...tell...her?!” Ginny hit Bill in the arm with every word. I turned to him, an apologetic look in his eyes.

“I didn't...I...” Bill was lost for words. Hermione and mum looked like they were going to burst into tears at any moment.

“What did I zay?” Fleur whispered. Her hand over her mouth, her face puzzled.

“That's enough!” I snapped. “Mum, stop piercing Fleur with your eyes. Ginerva stop hitting your brother!” Ginny stopped, her eyes on me now, her hand still clenched into a fist.

“I'm sorry, Charlie...” Bill started, his voice trembling. “I...I didn't know how to tell her and it was never the right moment and...”

“Bill...” I took a deep breath. “It's okay.” I lifted a hand at him to make him stop talking. I closed my eyes, then looked at Fleur.

“You didn't do anything wrong.” I reassured her. “There was someone. Her name was Nova. She was my schoolmate. We were best friends since our First Year.” I swallowed hard. Years might've past but it didn't mean it was any easier to talk about her. “We started dating in our Sixth Year and she worked with me in the Sanctuary.”

“Oh.” Fleur breathed. Both her hands over her mouth now.

“The Summer after He Who Must Not Be Named came back, Death Eaters tried to steal our Dragons. Between fighting them and trying to save the Creatures, they attacked one Dragon and he breathed fire at us from the pain they've caused him. We were both supposed to die, but she...” Fleur was now shaking her head, tears in her eyes.

“She saved me and the burns were too severe to save her.” I blinked fast a couple of times. I didn't want to cry in front of my mum, otherwise, she would hex Fleur.

“We were engaged. One month away from the wedding.” I said in a barely audible voice.

“Oh, Charlie!” Fleur jumped from her seat and wrapped her arms around me. “I am zo zorry! I didn't know!” She cried.

“It's okay. You couldn't have known.” I said softly. I didn't blame her as much as I didn't blame Bill for not telling her. Why would he tell her anything like that? Things like this don't just come up in a conversation and I know how close Bill was to Nova, it probably isn't easy for him to talk about it either.

Mum's look softened as she sent Hermione and Ginny to bed. Fleur gave me one more apologetic look and her and Bill went upstairs as well.

“Charlie.” I looked at my mum. “I am sorry for the way I reacted.”

“Mum, it's okay. Don't mention it.” I smiled faintly.

“It's just...”

“I know. Mum, don't.” I raised my hand to stop her. I already planned on talking to her before I leave back to Romania and I really didn't want to talk about Nova twice. Not to her. It was painful for both of us.

“She is just so...” Mum was looking towards the stairs leading to the floors above, frowning.

“Mum...” Her eyes turned back to me. “I think you shouldn't be so harsh on Fleur. She proved times and times again how much she loves Bill and I don't think it's fair how you're treating her.” Her expression softened, her mouth open at my words.

“I know. I don't know why I am so strict with her. I never was with Nova.” Her voice shook, saying her name. “But then again, Nova was...” She sighed, looking at nothing in particular behind me. “Perhaps it's because of her. I am trying to compare them too much.” She swung her hand.

“Don't. Fleur is great and Bill is happy with her and that's all that matters. She is just as worthy of being in our family as Nova was.” I said gently.

“You're right.” She came closer and cupped my face. “You're just like your father.” She whispered and kissed my cheek. “You both have the biggest loving heart that sees the best in everyone.”

She nodded her head to the stairs, indicating that I should go to sleep as well while wiping a tear off her cheek. I didn't dare say another word and slowly started going upstairs.