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“Which is why I can’t get drunk. I’m afraid I might kiss a boy next,” Brandon huffed in laughter, cheeks warming up in sheer happiness. “And I think you’re drunk too- or you wouldn’t kiss me back,” He muttered, leaning closer towards her. Brandon was dangerously swaying from left to right- his tall stature might just crush her should he lose his balance and topple on top of her. “Drunk Brandon is fun, sober Brandon... now, sober Brandon’s gonna hate himself for drinking. The hangover’s going to hurt,” He pouted comically, shrugging his shoulders in acceptance.

It was a loud secret, a known one that they were not only quidditch beater partners, but good friends with extremely good benefits throughout the years they have known one another. Brandon’s chemistry with Tuesday was fantastic in everything they do- insanely fantastic that the idea of sleeping with one another seemed rather... feasible. “Of course I am. I was the one who taught you how to kiss,” He retorted proudly, tilting his head to the side. Brandon frowned when Tuesday pulled back at the mention of Tyler, whose name unfortunately slipped out of his drunk stupor. “What’s-His-Face hurt you, didn’t he... but you’re right- no mentions of What’s-His-Face anymore. Not if he’s only going to make you upset,” Brandon blinked, finally realising how the situation might take a turn for the worse should he continue kissing her like that. “I... yeah- yeah, we should stop,” He took a deep breath, trying to steady both himself and Tuesday with a grasp on her shoulders. “We should... I mean, we shouldn’t have done that. We shouldn’t kiss some more- that’s... uh. I’m not supposed to be kissing anyone in the team,” He shook his head. “What’s the quickest way to sober up, Tues?”

{Victory Party}

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Grant Gustin at San Diego Comic-Con, 2015

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omg, im dead already

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Brandon didn’t know what he was thinking- it wasn’t like he was in full control of his thoughts anyway. One moment, he thought Tuesday was absolutely the most beautiful girl he has ever laid his eyes upon, and soon after, he was actually kissing her. It has been a while since that much action happened between the both of them, but it felt... it felt really nice. He blinked slowly when Tuesday pulled away, lips forming into a wide smile. “I’m in such a good mood. And I think I’m drunk too,” He slurred out, head nodding happily. “Shouldn’t have been drunk,” He sing-songed, eyes crinkling in happiness.

His arms wound up around Tuesday’s hips, pulling her close. “This feels so... so... wrong, Tues,” He mumbled underneath his breath before continuing. “But it also feels so... so... right?” He chuckled underneath his breath before leaning down to capture her lips once more. At the back of his head, Brandon’s conscious told him to stop, that this was his best friend and nothing good will come out of this, but the haze that was alcohol in his system blurred that little voice in his head. “You’re a good kisser,” He mumbled against her lips, fighting to swallow that giggle down. “And What’s-His-Face should regret not being with you right now,”

{Victory Party}

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Grant Gustin for the Los Angeles Times

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“You’re not a bad kisser. At least not to me,” Brandon frowned, now going through his hazy thoughts to actually recall if he did say anything wrong. His eyebrows furrowed deeper, creasing just above his eyes as he cringed to himself. “Well... I still think you’re beautiful, and I’m sorry if that was your first kiss- I hope I did you justice. And... insulted you? Wha- when? What did I say that made you upset?” He blinked slowly, scratching the back of his hand quizzically.

Brandon was unfortunately too dazed to react faster than Astra as she deliberately took his drink right out of his fingertips. He was definitely appalled when she deliberately left him hanging, walking away from him. Oh boy, Astra was sure an odd ball- he wasn’t sure what caught her panties in a bunch and he wasn’t too keen on finding out the reason behind it, but he’s not about to let her stand him up like that. “Hey!” He called out, hand reaching out her for her shoulder before grasping it firmly, turning her towards him. “What was that for? What did I do?”

{Victory Party}

He had simultaneously comforted and rejected her. Addie wasn’t sure exactly how someone could do that, but Brandon could. Pain shot across her forehead, and she winced backing away from him. A hand rubbed against her skin and she watched him as he spoke.

She was supposed to hate Crowley. At least traditional lore said so, but she couldn’t find herself able to. She’d already fucked up with Loxley and she was downright terrified of Madonna hearing of another transgression. He was drunk. This was different. Completely unlike her run in with Blair.

Those eyes were dark, fierce, and unreadable as he spoke. “I didn’t realize I was so shit at kissing.” A haughty huff escaping her lips, “You walk up, tell me I’m beautiful, steal my first kiss, and then you insult me. Fine form, Crowley. Really spectacular.”

She thrust her hand out, stealing his drink as he’d caused hers to spill. Her eyes so intense they seemed to see right through him, seemed to know all his secrets. But she wasn’t yelling or screaming or throwing a fit. In fact, Addie was walking away. If he wanted to prove he had the emotional range of a teaspoon she would just ignore him.

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Surprised. Brandon blinked slowly as he let that piece of information to sink in. He would definitely sport a different reaction when he was surprised, but he realised he was too lightheaded to ask such a question. “Well, don’t cry. There’s no actual reason to cry. It’s... it’s a... party! We don’t cry in parties!” He argued over the loud music, eyes peering into her teary ones. Brandon craned his head down, a smile playing on his lips. She was smaller than he had realised, and he didn’t want to carry around the reputation of making someone else, particularly a girl cry- he’s had enough of that in sixth year.

When Astra pressed her lips back against his, Brandon was surprised- and definitely caught off guard. He deepened the kiss once more, sighing in content as he pressed the small of her back closer towards him. He wasn’t quite sure what it was but he definitely was getting off from kissing who was supposed to be the very person he should avoid- maybe it was the sense of rebellion against his family that caused the rather intoxicating sense of adrenaline rush. Brandon was about to move his lips across the expanse of her exposed skin when he accidentally bumped his forehead against hers. “Ow!” He pulled away almost immediately, definitely not welcoming the ringing in his ears and the sudden pounding in his head. “I’m sorry, I’m pretty... tipsy... I think...” He blinked again, waiting for the room to stop spinning on him before huffing once more. “I think... I think we’re not supposed to hang around each other...? I mean, I would... actually give enough shit to be rather shitty around you. I think,” Brandon slurred, eyebrows furrowed once more. “Do you understand what I’m saying? Cause I don’t,” Brandon giggled to himself before pressing a hand against his mouth, trying his best to stifle it down.

{Victory Party}

She was so powerful as a Beater that it was always incredible to see her up close. Ad Astra was small, delicately framed with small, precious features. It was always a mystery how she got physical power behind her bat. But that wasn’t what was important, not at the moment.

His fingers had graced her scalp, which was still tender from the rather physical encounter she’d had. The tears weren’t from pain, but from embarassment. Brandon Crawley was a formidable foe, and though he actively paraded against her house, he was a handsome one. His fingers came out of her hair tinged red. Had he grabbed that dark mane too roughly.

Spotting the evidence Addie quickly grabbed his hand, lowering it and guiding it to the small of her back, her head shaking quickly. “No.. not hurt. Surprised me is all.” She’d cried like that when she’d sat the ten long minutes under the Sorting Hat as it tried to decided where to put her.

The pressure of his lips was nice, his kiss tasting of whiskey, and something else. Something absolutely Crowley, that was so tempting. Her heels helped her gain some height, so she wasn’t totally dwarfed by him, and she leaned up just a touch on her toes, lips pressing to his, a slight tremble through her plush bottom lip as she gave a heady kiss of her own in return.

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It has been a while since Brandon took a snog that this random kiss with this random stranger felt oddly comforting and... nice. From the softness of the pair of lips against his and how she tasted nicer than usual, it finally occurred to Brandon that he was indeed kissing a girl. He deepened the kiss, moving his bottom lip against her soft ones while his fingers laced through her long hair. Feeling a small hand pushing him gently on the chest, Brandon was about to detach his lips from hers and move them across the line of her jaw, wanting to peck her with little kisses when he noticed the tears in her eyes. Brandon was rather confused- he thought his kisses were rather enjoyable, and from the responses of those he has kissed or attempted to kiss, they never really shunned him whenever he wanted more.

“What’s wrong? Did I... hurt you?” He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, hazy eyes attempting to search hers. “Are you okay?” He blinked, letting the image of the girl standing right in front of her to settle properly. “Hey, you’re... you’re that Slytherin beater. Zabini, yes?”

{Victory Party}

There was a moment when Ad Astra had attempted to relax. Her encounter with her Grandmother had left her shaken. Afraid of human contact and of being touched. Though she looked okay on the surface she was breaking inside.

She had just picked up her first glass of Firewhiskey and was taking tentative sips at it. The heat stung her lips and warmed the lump in her throat, spreading heat around her heart and relaxing her somewhat.

She had faced Crowley before, but they’d never spoken. For a moment, the way he looked at her, the adoration in his eyes was delicious. Addie had considered herself undesirable. After all, Caldwell couldn’t love her - and then she pushed that thought deep inside, to be forgotten. He was stripped away from her, and even though Sol was across the room, and Evangeline was somewhere, she’d never felt more alone.

Addie was going to turn away from Brandon’s roaming eyes, afraid he’d see right through her facade and out her to everyone, but the feel of his hand against her face was strangely comforting, and her heart pounded as he kissed her. Really kissed her like someone who wanted her around. Her cup fell to the floor spilling against the carpet. Her ringed fingers coming to his chest to gently push him back, those dark eyes wide and swimming with tears.

Brandon Crawley had just stolen Addie’s first kiss.

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“That... sounds like it requires commitment. You know how I am with commitment,” Brandon replied with a rather knowing smile. Besides quidditch, there was nothing he considered important enough to dedicate so much attention to. “But I’ll try to keep track- this can finally be a good pastime. My grandfather’s not going to be pleased though. He’s got this ridiculously archaic view towards muggle culture,” For some reason, he was glad that he decided to let Quinn spend some time with him in between secluded aisles. Besides Quidditch, he knew very little of his fellow housemate. He never really had a proper reason to bond with her over anything besides Quidditch, and it felt nice talking about something else, especially something she particularly liked. “Wait- there are sounds? A lightsaber sounds too complicated for me. How in the world do you carry a weapon that actually has sounds? That beats the purpose of having a weapon, don’t you think?” Brandon actually snorted under his breath- his compliments towards his other teammates usually did not come freely, but he has to admit that he’d feel rather helpless should Quinn decide to quit the team one day. “Well... you are, arguably so. But Elaine’s pretty impressive too, you know. And yes, Little Padawan is just between you and me. It’s like our little secret,”

Quinn took a breath, realizing that she was probably talking really fast. She had a tendency to do so when she was excited. “Yes. Start with the books, there are three of them. Then you can try to track down more books, which won’t have been written by the same author but are within the same universe. Then you could watch the movies and learn what inspired the books you’re reading.”  Quinn smiled at Brandon, already planning on ways that she could get Brandon to watch the original Star Wars movies. Eager to introduce one of her favourite things to a new person. “Yeah, it does. Uhm, think of it like fire encased into a small space. It’s what muggles call a laser. Basically a lightsaber is a laser sword, but with a cooler name.” Quinn laughed and nodded, “I would love to show you a lightsaber.  I even managed to track down a charm that recreates the sound effects the make in the movie.” She had spent a few years trying to do so. What good was magic if she couldn’t nerd out with it? Quinn gave Brandon a playful smirk and scoffed at him, “You wouldn’t dare. I’m your best chaser. Though to be safe I’ll continue to call you Crawley or Captain on the pitch.”

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{Victory Party}

There’s a particular reason as to why Brandon usually refrains from drinking more than a glass of firewhiskey at any given party- he gets oddly affectionate, extra touchy and maybe slightly aroused.

Given that he’s had a rather rough patch to get over with, Brandon thought maybe a secret sip or two of firewhiskey might not hurt- he wasn’t even sure where the liquor came from anyway. He wasn’t quite sure how many cups he has downed for the past hour but what he was definitely sure of was that the crowd seemed particularly rowdy and it was affecting his mood too. “Hi!” He smiled ridiculously wide at the person standing right in front of him, and for a second, he actually thought that person was probably the most beautiful human that has ever graced Hogwarts. “You’re so... so... beautiful,” Hands framed the person’s cheeks and eyes darted towards the mouth, Brandon did that one thing he knew he’d regret the moment he sobers up- he kissed the living daylights of the person standing right in front of him.

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grant gustin not so subtly being an adorkable idiot at comic-con 2015

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"If this ever goes out to anyone in Hogwarts, please remember that I know where all of you live- just next door,”

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Grant & Candice Part 2 I Part 1 (x)

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“Well, you’re a Ravenclaw who’s secretly not a Ravenclaw,” Brandon mimicked her cheeky grin, chuckling to himself before scooting over to make some space for her. “I trust you to save your other Ravenclaw buddies and save them from stuffy rooms surrounded by books,” He giggled to himself, rolling his eyes in good nature. “What? You are indeed nosy- you can’t seem to leave me alone for the most part... like right now,” He absent-mindedly bumped his shoe against hers, moving closer to her so that their arms brushed against one another and their shoulder touched. “Indeed, I’ve decided that I like you enough to let you stay, so please Emi, don’t break a man’s heart and never leave,” Brandon decided to throw in a rather cheesy remark of his own as he flipped through the pages of the book for a while, making a tiny dog ear on the page he was currently at before turning his full attention towards her. “How’s practice going on for your team? Ready for the game yet?”

Brandon chuckled, handing out the old book towards her. “It’s a muggle book- Star Wars to be exact. Met my brother at Hogsmeade last weekend and he wouldn’t stop mentioning it so I thought I’d give it a try. It’s certainly not any textbook, that’s for sure,” He exhaled audibly, pushing his hair back from falling into his eyes. “And now, I’m regretting ever picking up this book because between juggling quidditch and schoolwork, I don’t really know when to make time for this piece of wonderful junk. It’s such a good read, and that’s grand coming from someone who actually does not like reading,”

“I hate to break it to you, mon ami, but I am a Ravenclaw,” Emi replied with a cheeky grin, indicating the house emblem on the front of her uniform vest–strategically located at the curve of her chest, a fact Emi did not fail to take into consideration–as evidence, “We tend to congregate in stuffy places surrounded by books.” She gave a jokingly indignant sound when he called her nosy, looking dramatically affronted for a moment before laughing and allowing herself to be pulled into a seated position next to the Gryffindor on the floor. “A particular liking, hmm? My, what an honor…” she said sarcastically, rolling her eyes and pointedly stretching out her long legs in front of her. You certainly don’t, do you… Emi thought to herself, glancing at Brandon in her peripheral vision. Sure, this may not have been what she’d come to the library to accomplish, but it was way more fun. 

Emi grazed her hand along his arm until she reached the book that was opened in his lap and she pointed at several lines, making a show of leaning in closer, as if trying to get a better view of the words. “Now, what is this book you seem to be so absorbed in? It certainly doesn’t look like any textbook I’ve ever seen…”

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Brandon literally had no time to digest what Quinn had literally babbled to him, and he was pretty sure he got lost. His eyes blinked multiple times before he nodded slowly, suppressing a ridiculously large smile. “So... alright. I guess I should start with this book, and continue my way there then? Considering that I can’t really watch the movies here not at home... and I don’t even know who Darth Vader is but he sounds pretty lethal so when I get to that part, you’ll be the first to know. And slow down, Quinn- I’m still somewhat a Star Wars baby so don’t start telling me the ‘magic equivalent of Star Wars’ or I’m going to end up with a headache,” Brandon smiled at her, pushing his glasses again from slipping down his nose bridge. “Oh, so it burns people? I still don’t understand how that works, so you’re going to need to recreate that lightsaber for me- with or without the harming effects, I don’t really mind,” He chuckled and laughed to himself at the air of excitement she seemed to carry around the both of them. “Calm down Quinn, please. All I ask is for you to be my Star Wars Master. And Little Padawan is fine, it makes me feel exclusive- but hey, call me Little Padawan on the field and I’ll make sure a bludger comes your way the very second that comes out of your mouth,”

“You didn’t pick up the wrong book, it’s just complicated. Even for those of us who grew up with it. It’s one of the few franchises where the movie came first. Basically they made the movies in the early 80′s and they were popular, but then interest sort of started to dwindle until the early 2000′s and that book was published. Then they made a prequel story to give background to the villain of the story, and since you haven’t seen the movie I won’t spoil it for you. The original movies do tell the story of how Luke and Leia met, and how Leia and Han got together. And well, space battles and Darth Vader too.”  Quinn really was trying to not ramble on to fast about Star Wars, she was just excited that someone was listening to her. Usually people either knew about the things she was talking about or were too confused to pay attention. 

“Yeah, the lightsaber is more like a sword, but extremely dangerous because one tough burns you. Their equivalent of magic is what they call the Force, which only certain people can use, and it requires years of training to be able to properly use the Force.” Quinn tried not to smile like an idiot when Brandon asked her to be his “Star Wars Master” and she nodded so quickly that she had to push her hair back out of her face.  “I would love to train you in the ways of the Force, Young Padawan.  The term is usually Young Padawan, or just Padawan, but I might call you Little Padawan…” She laughed and couldn’t stop smiling. “I’ve actually been working on charms to recreate a lightsaber, except without the dangerous part, if you’d like to see someday.”

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Brandon definitely wasn’t amused when a hand deliberately lowered the book out of his peripheral vision. His eyebrows furrowed, lips just a second short from snapping at the intruder, but he definitely kept himself mum upon staring straight into Emi’s warm eyes. “Didn’t I tell you this space is occupied?” He pointed out with a rather knowing smile, eyebrows raised before Brandon took off his spectacles and folded them neatly into his breast pocket. “And look at you too, Beautiful. Any particular reason for being at the library today, Emi? Or are you just finding reasons to be alone with me?” Brandon chuckled with a rather warm smile on his face, gesturing for her to take a seat next to him. “See, I’m hiding from nosy people like you, but since I’ve taken a particular liking for you, you’re not only excused, but you’re compelled to accompany me while I do the hiding. So, sit down,” He softly tugged at her long fingers. “Oh, for your information, I don’t really take no for an answer,”

Emi wasn’t usually one to be found in the library, much preferring to spend her time in the opposite environment–somewhere less quiet, less hidden, and much less boring–but the Quidditch match between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw was fast approaching, and with all the extra time she’d need to spend training, she needed to find a sucker to pawn her coursework off on.

Brushing her finger lightly over the spines of dissimilar books as she passed them, Emi was startled when one bookshelf just ahead appeared to be speaking to her in a low, familiar voice. Disregarding the voice’s request entirely, Emi made her way toward the sound until she was standing directly in front of the cover of a book she didn’t recognize, covering a torso and pair of legs that she most certainly did recognize. 

Emi smirked, reaching out a hand and gently lowering the book until she could see Brandon’s bespectacled face peeking out from behind it. “Well look at you, Mr. Studious,” she said with amusement, “Who are you hiding from from, hmm?”