#𝐈𝐕𝐘'𝐒 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐍 𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐍𝐈𝐂

[iamgonnagetyouback]

hi ivy!! for your autumn picnic could i request number 4. from sappy/ romantic with remus?

thank you so much for request, lily!!

𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐒

The air outside was crisp, tinged with that familiar autumnal scent of fallen leaves and wood smoke. The Hogwarts grounds were painted in hues of orange, gold, and red, and you found yourself nestled under a large oak tree, bundled in a cozy scarf, a steaming cup of spiced cider in your hands.

Remus sat beside you, his leg brushing against yours as he absentmindedly twirled a leaf between his fingers. The two of you had spent the entire afternoon out here, watching students rush by, their laughter carried on the cool breeze. It was peaceful, the kind of quiet that only autumn could bring, and you felt completely at ease with him.

"Are you cold?" Remus asked softly, his warm hazel eyes scanning your face.

You shook your head, taking another sip of your cider, the warmth spreading through you. "No, this is perfect."

He smiled that soft, crooked smile that always made your heart flutter. "Good."

You leaned your head on his shoulder, breathing in the scent of pine and parchment that clung to him. The soft rustling of the leaves overhead was soothing, and for a moment, you closed your eyes, content to just be here with him.

"I love autumn," you murmured, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

"It suits you," he replied quietly, his hand slipping into yours. "You're warm, like the season."

You smiled at the sweetness of his words, your heart skipping a beat. There was something so simple and pure about moments like this with Remus, as if the rest of the world faded away and it was just the two of you.

"You're too good with words, you know that?" you teased, nudging him slightly.

Remus chuckled, the sound low and comforting. "Only because I mean every one of them."

You felt the blush rise to your cheeks and took another sip of your cider to hide it. He always knew how to make you feel special, even in the simplest of moments.

As you set the cup down beside you, Remus shifted, turning to face you. His gaze softened, his thumb brushing gently against your cheek, tracing the coolness of your skin. You leaned into his touch, the warmth of his fingers a comforting contrast to the chilly air.

"You've got something…" he whispered, his hand brushing your lips.

"What? Where?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

"Cinnamon," he murmured, his eyes never leaving yours. "And apples."

Before you could respond, he leaned in, his lips brushing softly against yours. It was slow, sweet, and you melted into him instantly.

When he pulled away, his nose bumped gently against yours, and you couldn’t help but smile, your heart racing in the best possible way.

"You taste like cinnamon and apples," he whispered, his lips ghosting over yours as he spoke. "And I can’t get enough."

Your chest fluttered at his words, warmth blooming deep inside you. You grinned, leaning in for another soft kiss, your hands finding their way to the collar of his sweater, tugging him just a little closer.

"And you," you murmured between kisses, "taste like—"

"Like what?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes as he pressed his forehead to yours.

"Like… home," you finished, your voice soft and sincere.

Remus's breath hitched slightly, and you saw the way his eyes softened even more, his grip on you tightening just a little. He kissed you again, deeper this time, like he was trying to hold on to this moment for as long as possible.

When you finally pulled away, your lips tingled, and the world around you seemed to slow. The leaves rustled, the sky dimmed as the sun sank lower, but none of it mattered. All that mattered was him, and the way he made you feel so impossibly cherished.

"Home, huh?" he repeated with a grin, his thumb tracing circles on your hand.

"Yeah," you replied, nuzzling into his neck as you snuggled closer. "Like home."

And there, under the oak tree, wrapped in the colours of autumn and each other's warmth, you knew that as long as you had Remus, you'd always feel at home.

[iamgonnagetyouback]

Could I make a request for your autumn picnic? 😊

1. "I fall for you a little more every autumn." With a Charlie Dalton x fem!reader?

thank you so much for participating, love!!

𝐅𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐘���𝐔, 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐌𝐍

The crisp autumn air filled the campus of Welton Academy, a blend of oranges, yellows, and reds carpeting the ground like a cozy quilt. The days were getting shorter, the mornings chillier, but none of that mattered as you walked through the falling leaves with none other than Charlie Dalton.

"Do you ever get tired of this, Dalton?" you teased, kicking at a pile of leaves. The crunch beneath your boots was oddly satisfying, and the colors of the trees overhead were too beautiful to ignore. You tugged your coat tighter against the breeze, your fingers brushing the scarf Charlie had insisted on wrapping around your neck earlier, despite your protests. It was annoyingly cute, the way he smirked at you as if he always knew what was best.

"Tired of what?" he asked, his voice light, almost amused. His hands were shoved casually into his coat pockets as he walked beside you, keeping just close enough that your shoulders brushed every few steps. "Being the most dashing young man in all of Welton? Being your favorite person? No, I could never tire of that."

You rolled your eyes but couldn't help the smile tugging at your lips. "My favorite person? Bold claim, Dalton. Last I checked, you were still competing with Todd and Neil for that spot."

Charlie’s grin widened. "Please, Anderson’s too shy to even ask you for the time, and Neil’s got his head stuck in a Shakespeare play. Meanwhile, I’m the one taking you on romantic autumn strolls. I think I win."

"You’re lucky I let you take me anywhere, Charlie," you said, bumping your shoulder against his a little harder. His flirtatious banter always left you feeling warm inside, like the golden sun filtering through the trees around you. But you weren’t about to give in that easily—Charlie Dalton was insufferably cocky, and you couldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing how much you liked it.

"Hey, you know you love it," Charlie teased, leaning closer. "Admit it, this—" he gestured to the scenery and your scarf, now fully owned by his scent— "is the perfect autumn date. And I’m the perfect autumn date companion."

"Says the guy who almost tripped on his own feet five minutes ago," you shot back, arching an eyebrow. "Real smooth."

"Only because I was distracted by how stunning you look in this light." He said it with that casual grin, but there was a genuine warmth in his eyes that made your heart skip a beat. Charlie could be a flirt, but moments like this? You knew he meant them.

"You’re such a flirt, Dalton," you sighed dramatically, but the smile on your face betrayed you.

"Only with you," he replied, voice softer now, more sincere. He reached out, brushing a leaf from your hair gently. "I fall for you a little more every autumn, you know that?"

Your heart stuttered, and for once, you were speechless. But Charlie, in true Charlie fashion, wiggled his eyebrows mischievously before adding, "And I’m pretty sure you’re falling for me, too."

"Don’t push your luck," you shot back, but your tone was light, teasing, and you didn’t move away when his fingers lingered near your cheek.

Charlie leaned closer, his breath warm against your cold cheek. "Too late. I already know."

"Do you now?" you challenged, lips curving upward as you tilted your chin defiantly. His flirtations always left you flustered, but you were never one to back down.

"Yeah." His voice dropped, and for a second, the world around you—the falling leaves, the rustling breeze, the far-off laughter of the other boys—seemed to fade. It was just the two of you, standing beneath the golden canopy of autumn, leaves crunching underfoot. His eyes flicked down to your lips briefly before meeting your gaze again. "And I know you’re thinking about kissing me."

You scoffed, but your cheeks burned at how accurate he was. "You think too highly of yourself, Dalton."

"Maybe. Or maybe I just know you better than you think," he said with a wink.

Before you could sass him again, a gust of wind blew a pile of leaves right into your faces. You sputtered, pulling the scarf tighter around yourself while Charlie burst out laughing, the sound rich and contagious.

"Alright, universe, I get it," you grumbled, but you couldn’t stop laughing either.

Charlie shook his head, brushing leaves off his coat. "Okay, okay. The leaves are telling me to stop talking. But I’ll leave you with this—" He caught your hand, spinning you around playfully as if you were in some grand ballroom.

You giggled as he spun you under his arm and pulled you back close, his face inches from yours. "Next time, no leaves. Just you and me."

You tilted your head, smirking. "I’ll think about it."

But as Charlie smiled that crooked, charming grin, you knew you were already planning your next date together.

[iamgonnagetyouback]

Hey lovelies!! The leaves are falling, the air is crisp, and it’s officially cozy season, so I thought—why not host an Autumn Picnic? Here’s what’s on the blanket:

🍁 Prompt Basket: Pick a prompt from my list (or surprise me with your own!) and pair it with your fave character for a oneshot!

🍂 Trope Corner: Name a trope (enemies to lovers? friends to lovers? misunderstandings?) and your fave character, and I’ll write you a drabble.

🐿️ Q/A Acorns: Ask me anything from the Get to Know Me list! Seriously, I’m an open book!

☕️ Cozy Moodboard: Give me a scenario and a character, and I’ll create a moodboard that’s alllllll the cozy vibes!

🎧 Autumn Songs: Give me an autumn song (think Sweater Weather, All Too Well, or anything that screams cozy) and a character, and I’ll turn that into a oneshot.

Can’t wait to fall into this with you! (Yes, I went there. 😂) Let’s make this the coziest picnic ever!

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑

note: it can be au's too!

[iamgonnagetyouback]

𝐅𝐥𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐲

"Did you really rake all these leaves just so we could jump into them?"

"You’ve got leaves in your hair. Let me get them out."

"I baked you pumpkin cookies. Yes, it took three tries."

"Come closer, you're freezing. We can share my blanket."

"I made us matching fall sweaters… Yes, you have to wear it."

"I brought you hot chocolate. With extra marshmallows. Just how you like it."

"We should carve pumpkins together! No, you can’t use magic this time."

"You caught a cold. Guess I’ll have to take care of you now."

"You made me an autumn playlist? That’s the cutest thing ever."

"The way you look with rosy cheeks and a cozy scarf should be illegal."

"I’m not scared of haunted houses… Okay, maybe a little. Hold my hand."

"Why do you always make the best s'mores? What's your secret?"

𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐲/𝐇𝐮𝐫𝐭/𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭

"You weren’t supposed to get hurt trying to protect me. You idiot."

"Why do you always walk away when things get hard?"

"You can’t keep pushing me away. Not this time."

"The leaves may be falling, but I feel like I’m falling apart."

"You always say you’re fine, but I see how broken you really are."

"I don’t want to talk about it. Just hold me, please."

"Why do you always shut me out when you need me the most?"

"You didn’t have to come all this way. I’m not worth the trouble."

"I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you when you needed me most."

"How can you forgive me after everything I’ve done?"

"I’m here, even when you feel like you’re not enough."

"You’ve been pretending to be okay, but you don’t have to with me."

𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐲/𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐲

"You thought wearing flannel would make you look less like a lumberjack? Think again."

"Who knew you could be this competitive about pumpkin carving."

"You said you’d never do a couples costume… but here we are, dressed as pumpkins."

"How do you burn cider? It’s literally two ingredients."

"Did you really just trip over your own feet in the corn maze?"

"I’m not lost. We’re just exploring… in circles."

"You’re not seriously trying to impress me with your leaf pile-jumping skills, are you?"

"I swear, if you throw one more leaf at me, I’ll—"

"You look like a disaster in that oversized sweater, but like, a cute disaster."

"What do you mean you don’t like pumpkin spice? Who are you?"

"This fall aesthetic photoshoot was your idea. Now stop complaining and hold the pumpkin."

"If you make one more pun about fall, I’m going to kick you into the pile of leaves."

"You said this hike would be 'relaxing,' but now we’re lost, and I’m freezing."

"I’m only wearing this ridiculous fall hat because you begged me."

"Did you seriously just use that spider decoration to scare me? Grow up."

𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲/𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜

"I fall for you a little more every autumn."

"You’re the warmth I didn’t know I needed this season."

"I can’t stop looking at you. You’re more breathtaking than the fall leaves."

"You taste like cinnamon and apples. And I can’t get enough."

"Autumn’s always been my favorite season, but now it’s because of you."

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐈 𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑

[iamgonnagetyouback]

Could I request "Why do you always make the best s'mores? What's your secret?" And "You’ve been pretending to be okay, but you don’t have to with me." With Charlie Dalton? 😊

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆

The campfire crackled softly, casting a dim, wavering light over the small group huddled in silence. It was quieter than usual—no laughter, no playful jabs—just the sound of burning wood and the occasional rustle of leaves in the dark. Charlie Dalton sat across from you, his usual smirk nowhere to be found. He held a marshmallow over the fire, though he wasn’t paying much attention to it, staring into the flames as if they might burn away the heaviness that had settled over everything.

You hesitated, then broke the silence. “You always make the best s’mores, you know that?” You tried to inject a bit of the usual lightness into your voice, but it came out softer than you intended. "What's your secret?"

Charlie’s eyes flicked to you, a ghost of a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. It was tired, strained. “Guess I’ve just had a lot of practice,” he muttered, turning the marshmallow slowly. “You focus on something long enough, you get good at it. Even if it’s just… roasting sugar.”

You watched him for a beat, then leaned in a little, searching his face. “Charlie… come on. It’s me. You don’t have to pretend right now.”

His grip tightened on the stick, and for a moment, you thought he might deflect, throw out some cocky remark, anything to dodge the truth. But instead, he sighed, long and low, and shook his head. “Pretending’s kind of all I’ve got left.”

The weight of those words settled between you like another log on the fire, and you felt your chest tighten. It was so unlike him to admit that, to let that crack show in his armor. Charlie had always been the one who kept things light, who made everything a game, even when life was anything but.

“Charlie,” you said quietly, “you don’t have to keep it together for us. For me. Not after everything…”

He flinched at that. You didn’t have to say Neil’s name. His absence was loud enough.

“I know that,” he said, his voice rougher than before, the cracks showing now. “I know I don’t have to. But I don’t know how to… not.” He looked up at you, and for the first time in a long while, he looked like he didn’t have the answers, like he didn’t know how to keep juggling everything. “I’ve always been the guy who could laugh it off, you know? The guy who made everything a joke. I thought if I could do that, it’d be easier. For all of us. For me. But now…”

He trailed off, staring down at the marshmallow, now charred and blackened on one side. He didn’t seem to care.

You shifted closer, your voice soft but steady. “It’s okay if you’re not okay. None of us are.”

He chuckled, but it was bitter, without any of the usual warmth. “Yeah, well, someone has to be, right? We can’t all fall apart.”

You shook your head. “We can, though. You don’t have to carry all of it.”

Charlie blinked, as if the idea was foreign to him, like it hadn’t even crossed his mind that he could drop the act for once. The firelight reflected in his eyes, but they were dim, lost in thought.

“Neil was…” He stopped, swallowing hard before continuing. “Neil was supposed to be the dreamer, you know? The one who got away from all this.” His voice cracked, and he quickly looked away, like he didn’t want you to see how much that hurt him. “And I— I didn’t even see it. I thought… I thought he was fine, just like I pretend to be.”

You reached out, lightly touching his arm. “Charlie, none of us saw it. Don’t put that on yourself.”

His jaw clenched, and he looked down at your hand, then up at you. For a moment, his bravado was completely gone, and all that was left was Charlie—raw, vulnerable, hurting. “I don’t know what to do without him,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “I don’t know how to keep going.”

“You don’t have to have all the answers,” you said softly. “You just have to let yourself feel it. Let yourself be sad, or angry, or whatever you need to be.”

Charlie closed his eyes for a moment, breathing deeply, as if trying to steady himself. When he opened them again, there was something different in them—still pain, but also a kind of acceptance.

“I don’t know if I know how to do that,” he admitted. “I’ve been pretending for so long, I don’t even know what real feels like anymore.”

You squeezed his arm gently. “Then we’ll figure it out together. You don’t have to do it alone.”

For the first time that night, Charlie really looked at you, and the smallest, realest smile broke through the sadness. “Thanks,” he said quietly. "I… I don't deserve you."

“You deserve more than you think,” you replied, your voice gentle but sure. “We all do.”

[iamgonnagetyouback]

What’s your go-to comfort food?

What’s your favorite season and why?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Coffee or tea?

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

Favorite movie to watch on repeat?

What’s a hobby you’ve always wanted to try?

Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?

What’s your favorite book or book series?

If you could live in any fictional world, which one?

Do you collect anything?

What’s your favorite holiday?

What’s a song that always makes you happy?

What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Are you a morning person or a night owl?

What’s a food you refuse to eat?

If you could learn any language instantly, which one?

Favorite Halloween costume you’ve ever worn?

Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets?

Favorite kind of weather?

What’s your dream vacation spot?

Do you have any hidden talents?

What’s your favorite comfort TV show?

If you could meet any fictional character, who would it be?

What’s a skill you’d love to master?

What’s your favorite pizza topping?

Do you believe in ghosts?

What’s the last movie you watched?

If you had a time machine, would you go to the past or future?

Do you prefer dogs or cats?

What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever tried?

What’s the last book you couldn’t put down?

What’s a hobby you wish you were better at?

What’s your zodiac sign?

Do you like spicy food?

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

What’s your dream job?

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Do you like board games? If so, what’s your favorite?

🍂 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 🍂

Favorite candle scent?

Favorite season of the year?

Favorite childhood memory?

Favorite way to spend a lazy day?

Favorite fast food place?

Favorite snack?

Favorite app on your phone?

Favorite color to wear?

Favorite thing about fall?

Favorite Disney movie?

Favorite place to relax?

Favorite dessert?

Favorite video game?

Favorite quote or saying?

Favorite way to stay active?

Favorite item of clothing?

Favorite flower?

Favorite breakfast food?

Favorite store to shop at?

Favorite fictional couple?

🎃 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 🎃

Hot chocolate or apple cider?

Movie marathon or binge-watching a show?

Cake or pie?

Texting or talking on the phone?

Ice cream cone or ice cream sundae?

Concerts or festivals?

Hiking or swimming?

Chocolate or vanilla?

Cookies or brownies?

Indoor or outdoor activities?

Comedy or horror?

Books or movies?

Long walks or long drives?

Shopping online or in-store?

Early bird or night owl?

Pastels or bold colors?

Staying in or going out?

Sweet or salty snacks?

Summer or winter?

Heels or sneakers?

🐿️ 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐬 & 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 🐿️

If you could have dinner with one celebrity, who would it be?

If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?

What’s something on your bucket list?

What’s your dream car?

If you could be any fictional character for a day, who would you choose?

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?

What’s a dream you’ve had since childhood?

If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be?

What’s your ideal way to spend a weekend?

What’s your dream house like?

If you could solve one global issue, what would it be?

What’s one skill you wish you had?

What’s your biggest dream for the future?

If you could open a business, what would it be?

What’s the one place you’ve always wanted to visit?

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

If you had unlimited resources, what project would you start?

If you could be in any movie, which one would it be?

What’s a future goal you’re excited about?

If you had to choose a new hobby to start tomorrow, what would it be?

[iamgonnagetyouback]

Hey Ivy! I'm popping over to say that I absolutely adore your writing. Your works are always so beautifully executed!

Also, if it inspires you, I'd like to make a request for your autumn picnic. I was thinking that the song (🎧) October Skies by Mumford & Sons would pair well with Barty Crouch Jr (who I just so happen to be obsessed with at the moment 😅). If you're not feeling it, no worries. But, if you do decide to write something for it, I know it'll be amazing!

𝐎𝐂𝐓𝐎𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐄𝐒

The soft crackle of fallen leaves underfoot fills the air as you make your way toward the small clearing, the picnic basket swinging in your hand. The sky above is painted in hues of orange, pink, and gold, the perfect autumn evening, framed by the towering trees that seem to whisper secrets only the two of you can hear. You can already see Barty, leaning casually against the oak tree, arms crossed over his chest, his sharp features softened by the silver light filtering through the branches. His dark hair falls just into his eyes, and for a moment, you’re struck by how at peace he looks here, with you.

As you step closer, your eyes meet his, and that smirk—a smirk that you’ve come to love and dread all at once—spreads across his lips. "Took you long enough," he teases, but there’s no bite in his words, only warmth, a rare softness that he shows only to you.

You roll your eyes playfully as you set the basket down on the plaid blanket, already laid out and waiting for you both. “Patience, Barty. Not all of us can apparate across the woods.” You sit down, the crisp autumn air nipping at your cheeks, and he follows, settling in next to you in a way that makes the world feel a little less heavy, a little less dangerous.

For a few moments, there’s only the sound of the wind rustling through the trees, the distant chirping of birds preparing for the evening. It’s quiet, peaceful, but the air between you is electric, charged with unspoken emotions, with something deeper that neither of you has dared to address. Yet.

You hand him a steaming cup of apple cider from the thermos, your fingers brushing against his, sending a shock of warmth through you. His eyes, dark and intense, flicker up to meet yours, and in that brief touch, it feels like the whole world falls away. It’s just the two of you, here, under the October skies.

“Do you ever wonder what it would be like?” you ask suddenly, surprising yourself with the question. Barty raises an eyebrow, not quite understanding.

“What?”

You hesitate, biting your lip. “A life…a real life. Without all of this. Without the war, without the danger. Just…you and me.”

There’s a pause, and you can see the tension in his jaw, the way his hands tighten around the cup. For a moment, you think you’ve pushed too far, asked too much. But then, he surprises you.

“I used to.” His voice is low, almost a whisper, and he looks away, staring off into the distance as if he’s seeing something far beyond the horizon. “I used to dream about it. But dreams are dangerous things. They make you forget who you are, what you’ve become.”

His words are sharp, filled with the darkness that has always lingered just beneath the surface. But then, he turns back to you, and the darkness fades, just a little. “But then I met you. And now… I think about it again.”

Your heart skips a beat at his confession, the vulnerability in his voice something so rare, so precious, that you can hardly believe it’s real. You reach out, placing your hand gently on his, and this time, he doesn’t pull away. His fingers curl around yours, and the warmth of his touch spreads through you like fire.

“Barty,” you whisper, your voice barely audible above the wind. “You don’t have to be that person. Not with me.”

He closes his eyes for a moment, and when he opens them again, there’s something new in his gaze—something soft, something filled with longing. “You have no idea what you do to me,” he murmurs, his voice rough, but filled with a tenderness that makes your chest ache. “You make me want to be different. Better. But I don’t know how.”

You smile softly, leaning in closer, until your foreheads are almost touching. “You don’t have to try so hard. You’re already enough. For me, you’re everything.”

He lets out a shaky breath, his eyes closing as he leans into your touch, the walls he’s built around himself crumbling, if only for this moment. In the distance, the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the both of you, the light dancing in the fading leaves, the world bathed in the soft, ethereal glow of the October skies.

For a long moment, neither of you speaks, content to just exist in this fleeting, perfect moment. His thumb strokes the back of your hand, a simple gesture, but one that sends waves of affection through you. You can feel the weight of everything unsaid hanging between you, but here, in this quiet clearing, under the watchful gaze of the autumn sky, there’s no need for words.

“You know,” Barty says after a long silence, his voice soft and laced with a hint of that familiar mischief, “you’re the only person who’s ever made me feel like this. Like I’m worth something.”

You laugh lightly, the sound bubbling up from your chest, and he looks at you, confused.

“What’s so funny?” he asks, mock-offended.

You shake your head, smiling. “I just think it’s cute. You, trying to act all tough, when really, you’re just a big softie underneath it all.”

He narrows his eyes at you, but the corner of his mouth twitches upward, betraying the amusement he’s trying to hide. “Don’t push your luck.”

But there’s no malice in his words, only affection. You lean in closer, resting your head on his shoulder as the sun dips lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across the ground. Barty wraps an arm around you, pulling you closer, and for the first time in what feels like forever, you feel safe.

The melody of October Skies drifts through your mind, matching the rhythm of his heartbeat against your ear, and for a moment, you allow yourself to imagine a future—a real future—with him. Maybe it’s foolish, maybe it’s dangerous, but here, in his arms, you dare to hope.

“Promise me something,” you whisper, your voice barely audible.

“Anything.”

“Promise me that, no matter what happens, you’ll always come back to me.”

He pulls back just enough to look into your eyes, and there’s a fierce determination in his gaze, something unbreakable. “I promise,” he says, his voice low and steady. “I’ll always come back to you.”

Aww, you just made my day @reidishh!! Thank you so much!! I’m honestly blushing over here, like, how are you so sweet?? Your support means the absolute world to me.