#Balancing screen time for kids

[kidsinnowadays]

Practical Guide to Managing Screen Time: Finding the Right Balance for Healthy Development

This practical guide provides essential tips for managing screen time effectively and promoting healthy development in children. #ScreenTime #ParentingTips #HealthyDevelopment #TechBalance

In our digitally connected world, screens have become an integral part of daily life, especially for children and teenagers. While technology offers numerous educational and entertainment benefits, excessive screen time can have negative consequences on a child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In this practical guide, we’ll explore strategies and tips to help you and your family find…

[paunchsalazar]

Fire Emblem Awakening families in my play through…

[sablegear0]

Hello there! Your jjk fix it au is a really interesting idea! Is it ok for you to tell how and why mahito became an assisted duo with shoko?

For sure! I haven't written or made any other notes on it so I'm just working from a loose idea. If someone wants to write or draw it out, go for it I suppose. (It got long, full text under the cut 😅. Tl;dr is Shibuya Incident goes not as bad as canon, Gojo snags Kenjaku and Mahito for some harebrained experiment to fix Geto and bring him back, Shoko is stuck working with Mahito because she's apparently the school's only medic. Things go better than expected.)

I'd have to re-watch the episodes to get the exact order of events but basically the AU begins around the start of the Shibuya Incident arc: the students and other sorcerers manage to catch up to Gojo and not-Geto in time to keep their teacher from being sealed. Instead, the school team is able to turn things around on the curse gang.

I imagined the turning point is that Yuji and possibly others manage to reach the station in the moments before the Prison Realm actually grabs Gojo, leaving it out in the open to be swiped and repurposed. Freed of his momentary distraction, Gojo does some quick mental math on the situation: his friend's body has been stolen - but his soul seems to be intact, the Prison Realm is within reach, as is the cursed spirit with a technique that can manipulate the body via its soul. He can work with this.

So whoever is there (probably Gojo, Yuji, and Todo?) take advantage of the stunning effect of Gojo's domain and the Prison Realm to get Kenny boxed up and grab Mahito while he's incapacitated (probably literally, since Gojo could probably safely 'touch' him with Infinity running), and drag the both of them back to the school for safekeeping.

Gojo's harebrained scheme is to surgically extract Kenjaku and use Mahito's ability to grow a working brain back into Geto's body. It's weird, but it's no worse than having to kill him all over again. Unfortunately to do this he needs to have Mahito's cooperation, which he initially does not. After some negotiation, Gojo enters into a pact with Mahito for his assistance; roughly a "Help us or we kill you" arrangement, since the school staff can guess that not-Geto was almost certainly planning to eat Mahito anyway.

Since Mahito's technique has extensive medical application, he ends up working alongside Shoko for the next little while. With supervision from Gojo at first, to ensure he behaves and to check up on Geto regularly. But the aftermath of the Shibuya Incident still needs attention so Gojo finds himself drawn away more often than not, leaving Shoko alone to deal with Mahito's shenanigans and care for a recovering Geto. Thankfully Shoko has enough experience dealing with annoying teenage boys (and Gojo) that she knows how to handle Mahito's childish temperament. She's the right mix of no-nonsense and easygoing to handle him and they eventually form a more cooperative working relationship. I imagine Mahito is one of those "problem children" that would thrive with clear instruction and strong boundaries. He'd be a good worker, he just needs someone to keep him in line.

If I do end up writing this in some capacity, my impulse right now is to make it 50% heavy SatoSugu angst, as Geto recovers in the care of his mortal enemies and the one person who never gave up on him; and 50% office comedy with Shoko and Mahito getting acclimated to one another and taking care of Geto and the rest of the cast as they heal up from the incident.

[aakhilrana]

 Parenting in the modern world is full of unique challenges! From managing screen time to helping kids develop social skills in a digital age, today’s parents face situations our own parents never imagined. In this article, we’ll explore common modern parenting (read more) challenges and offer simple, practical solutions to handle them.

[voguegenics]

Why Kids Love Minecraft and Fortnite: A Parenting Perspective

Minecraft and Fortnite may be two sides of the same gaming coin, but both offer valuable lessons for our kids in creativity, teamwork, and digital literacy

Ah, here we are again in 2024, watching as our kids dive headfirst into the pixelated worlds of Minecraft and Fortnite like it’s the new Olympic sport. As a seasoned mom (and proud owner of an extensive collection of questionable parenting choices), I can’t help but scratch my head and ask: what is it about these games that has our kids glued to their screens while we reminisce about the good ol’…

[kids-worldfun]

Balancing Screen Time: Tips for Keeping Kids Active and Healthy in the Digital Age

In today’s digital world, screens are integral to our daily lives. From educational tools to entertainment, children are increasingly exposed to digital devices. While technology offers numerous benefits, excessive screen time can negatively impact children’s health, leading to issues such as obesity, poor sleep, and reduced social interaction. Striking a balance between screen time and physical…

[wondersinwaynemanor]

Gothamite 1: Mr. Wayne looks more tired than usual.

Gothamite 2: Must be women problems.

Gothamite 3: I heard Wayne Enterprises is going bankrupt.

Gothamite 4: He must be really sick cus he has that Timothy boy doing the work for him. Although, that kid has been gone for quite some time now.

Gothamite 5: I heard he's gay and working at a club at night.

meanwhile, Bruce is just trying to balance life as Batman and as a father while dealing with his de-aged kids.

he knew he shouldn't have brought them with him on the mission.

Young Dick, tugging a toy: I'm going to kick you in the butt if you don't give me that stuffed toy back!

Young Tim, balancing an energy drink with one hand while pulling the toy from Dick on the other: You're so selfish, Dick! It's my turn!

Young Jason: *reading a book outloud by the corner just to annoy everyone else*

Young Cass: *on the floor, trying to balance her waffles on the table, with syrup all over the area*

the whole place is littered with fruit loops and cookies, milk splattered on the floor, the curtains are torn, dirty footprints are on the couches, a cape from one of their Robin suits is hanging on the chandelier, and the flat screen is damaged.

Steph: Ooof, it's bad, B.

Damian: Tt. Is Zatara even in this planet right now, Father?

Bruce, pinches the bridge of his nose: I think she's off world right now.

Duke: I'm more worried when Alf comes back from vacation and he sees this whole mess.

Bruce: I--

then they all hurriedly move to the children when they start to tackle themselves on the floor.

[andycmarshall]

Creator or Consumer?

How do you manage screen time for yourself? Screen time is an interesting thing if you are an artist that has no time to create art. The very fact that you have screen time is proof that you do have time to create. You just have to decide if you are a creator or a consumer. You don’t have to always stick to one or the other, but every time I’m looking at a screen now, I ask myself could I be…

[talentgum1]

Discover effective strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between screen time and engaging in skill-building online co-curricular activities for children. Explore practical tips to ensure your child's development and well-being in the digital age.

[clockwayswrites]

So far this file is called 'birdritch'. Those of you who follow my art tumblr might know where this is going. I needed something light to write, been a low day. There has been zero editing or reading through and it is past 2am, sorry and enjoy! (Don't need any typos pointed out, ty.)

---

“You are supposed to be home.”

Danny blinked up from his work to find Lucius Fox standing in the doorway of the lab. The man had the sport of expression one wore around a child who had just done something disappointing.

(Danny was used to the look, even if it had been a long time since he'd been a kid. Or seen his parents, for that mater.)

“Okay, but,” Danny started, “we agreed that I could start at ten and take my eight hours and one for lunch—”

“A mandatory one hour for lunch away from your desk,” Lucius interrupted.

“Yes, yes, I’ve been doing that! I’ve been eating out on the rooftop garden or even leaving the building and eating out or taking lunch to the park. I’ve been behaving, Lucius, I promise.”

Lucius raised a judgmental brow. “It’s after eight, Danny.”

“What? No. I have an alarm on my phone and everything… okay, well, that only works if my phone is charged.” Danny jabbed uselessly at his phone screen. He followed the charger, which was plugged in, all the way to the wall. He resisted the urge to let his head fall against the wall. “I guess Leslie fried the outlet again or something. I’m sorry, Lucius.”

“It’s fine, Danny,” Lucius said, “but only because, one, I know you have been trying, and two, I am going to buy you the most embarrassing alarm clock I can find and mount it to something in this lab. Now it is late and I am going home and so are you, Mr. Fenton.”

“Yes sir, Mr. Fox,” Danny said and made an exaggerate show of packing up his backpack, dead phone and all.

Lucius gave a little snort at the antics, but left with a ‘get home safe, Danny’. After his boss was gone, Danny took the time to actually make sure everything was in his bag and secure. He still didn’t get why he couldn’t just work late, but apparently WE had something of an insistence of work life balance. According to Lucius, Danny crossed the line too often and so was being kept in line. (Danny didn’t think mention he didn’t have much of a life, literally and otherwise, would help his case.)

Still, Danny mused as he stepped inside the empty elevator, the rules did keep him from becoming his parents. And that was a very, very good thing! Being a mad scientist in Gotham usually ended up landing someone in Arkham. It was just that after the chaos that Danny grew up with, going back to his empty apartment was depressing. It wasn’t as if Danny never got out and did things, it was just that all those things were mostly on the weekend. Most days he just didn’t have a reason to go back to his place.

There was no getting out of it tonight, the great and powerful Fox had spoken and Danny knew better than to try and sneak back up. He lifted his hands over his head, stretching as the elevator descended the last few floors. Oh well, at least it was before ten. He could still grab something on the way home and have a full, warm meal to take his pain meds on. By the pull along his forearm he would need them.

“Night, Bill,” Danny said as he passed the security guard who was on the evening shift. He got another ‘get home safe’ in response and gave a little wave in reply over his shoulder.

Even after the few years in Gotham, it still amused Danny how much everyone wished everyone else some sort of safe travels here. As much as Gotham was a city of hardened realists, there still was so much hope about it. Hope people got home safely, that the Bats would get where they were need in time, that the city would rebuild again and again and again. The undercurrent of hope was so strong that Danny could practically feel it moving through the city like a river.

It had been one of the reasons Danny had taken the job.

He could use hope.

He also had been very careful not to look too closely into it all. While Danny’s early life may have been dominated by the occult, he tried to stay away from it these days outside of the necessary visits to the Realm for his health. As much as the Far Frozen was full of ghost yetis, Frostbite was still a being of science and being there felt more like a cold vacation to his weird relatives than anything else those days.

Danny was actually worried that he was getting close to needing another visit. He shouldn’t, not yet. He wasn’t actually due back for another three months, but the thought of visiting Frostbite had been pulling at the back of Danny’s mind. The most annoying part of it all, is that there wasn’t any concrete reason that Danny felt he needed to go, just a lot of little things: the ache was deeper in his bones, he’d been missing noticing little things, his near constant vertigo was worse, and, oddest of all, he had been feeling chilled.

Maybe he should just take a long weekend and go for a quick visit.

Lucius would undoubtedly approve of the break.

Tomorrow, Danny would ask tomorrow.

(As long as he remembered.)

[kidsinnowadays]

Healthy Screen Time: What Is Good for Children's Digital Well-being

Guide on balanced screen time for kids. Covers digital limits, content monitoring, social prioritization, and healthy tech habits for parents. #screentime #digitalwellbeing #parenting

Screen time has become an increasingly prevalent part of children’s daily lives. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, and an endless array of apps and websites tailored for kids, children today are spending more time staring at digital screens than any previous generation. This rapid adoption of technology has left many parents concerned about the impacts, both positive and negative, of all…

[sophrosynesworld]

Yeah, Best Friends (Pt. 1)

Katsuki Bakugo calls you during a panic attack seeking comfort.

“Hello?” I mumble groggily as I answer my phone, rolling over and fumbling to switch on the lamp beside my bed. The sudden brightness stings my eyes, my eyelids droop heavily as I wait for a response.

Silence.

I rub my eyes, blinking at the screen to make sure the call hasn't been disconnected. Bakugo’s contact name and photo glare back at me.

“Bakugo, are you there?” I ask, my voice still rough from the early morning wakeup. I sit up slightly, my curiosity piqued. The other line remains quiet. Just as I’m about to end the call, I hear it—a muffled cry from the other end.

“Bakugo?” I repeat, “Is everything okay?”

There’s a pause, followed by a shaky breath. “Yeah,” he finally replies, but his voice is uncharacteristically soft.

“What’s going on?” I question him again, my concern growing. The silence between us stretches thin, filled only with his ragged breathing.

“I… I didn’t know who else to call,” he admits, his voice cracking. “I didn’t want to be alone.”

My heart aches. “I’m here, Bakugo. I’m not going anywhere. Just talk to me.”

“I can’t,” his voice breaks off as he struggles to keep his composure, “I keep seeing it. The explosion, the screams… I can't get it out of my head.”

I throw the covers off and get out of bed, balancing the phone between my ear and shoulder as I pull on a pair of jeans. “It’s okay, Suki . You’re safe now. It’s just a memory.”

“But it feels so real,” he whispers, his voice strained. “I can’t breathe, I can’t—”

“Listen to me,” I interrupt, “Focus on my voice. Take a deep breath, in and out. You’re not there anymore. You’re here, with me. Just breathe.”

I can hear him trying to follow my instructions, his breaths shaky. "That’s it. Keep breathing. You’re doing great.”

I quickly pull on a sweater and grab my keys. “Why does this keep happening?” he asks, “I’m supposed to be strong. I shouldn’t be like this.”

“You are strong,” I assure him, pulling on my shoes and heading for the door. “How many times a week do I call you crying? That doesn’t make me weak, does it?”

There’s a long silence, then a soft “Thank you.”

“Anytime,” I lock my apartment door behind me. “I’m always here for you, Bakugo. We’ll get through this together.”

His breathing steadies further, “Yeah,” he murmurs. “Together.”

“Stay on the line with me,” I say, heading down the stairs and out into the cool night air. “I’m coming over.”

“What? You don’t have to—” he starts, but I cut him off.

“I want to,” I insist. “You don’t have to be alone right now.”

There’s a pause, then a quiet, “Okay.”

I pick up my pace, eager to get to him. “What’s on your mind?”

He hesitates, “It’s just… everything’s been piling up. The expectations, the pressure… I thought I could handle it, but tonight it just… it’s just harder tonight.”

“What happened?” I ask softly, turning a corner and quickening my steps.

“Everything started flooding back. The memories… when I was a kid,” his voice wavers. “I was always told to be strong. My quirk was so powerful, everyone expected so much from me. I couldn’t show weakness, not ever. And the explosions… they weren’t always under control.”

I listen intently, offering words of comfort and encouragement as I make my way to his place. “You were just a kid, Bakugo. It wasn’t fair for them to put so much on your shoulders.”

“I know that now,” he says, a hint of bitterness in his voice. “But back then, every mistake felt like a failure. I couldn’t control it… I saw the fear in their eyes, the way they looked at me like I was a monster.”

“You’re not a monster,” I scold him. “You’ve grown so much since then, I mean, I am quite literally best friends with the number 3 hero.”

“Thanks for reminding me of that,” I can’t see him, but I can feel his eyes roll. “Sometimes it feels like I’m right back there. I can hear people screaming my name, begging me to save them.”

I reach his building and buzz his apartment. “You’re not alone in this anymore. We’re all here for you.”

Moments later, the door buzzes open and I hurry inside, taking the stairs two at a time. When I reach his door, it opens slowly, revealing Bakugo looking more fragile than I’ve ever seen him.

Without a word, I pull him into a hug, feeling his tension melt away as he clings to me. “Thank you,” he whispers again, his voice muffled against my shoulder.

“Anytime,” I reply softly. “I’m here for you, Bakugo. Always.”

He steps back, his eyes glassy. “I didn’t want to be weak,” he confesses, his voice barely audible.

“You’re not weak,” I assure him. “You’re human, and humans need each other. We’re stronger together.”

He nods, a small, smile forming on his lips. “Together,” he echoes.

“Now, let’s get you settled,” I say, guiding him back into his apartment.

He squeezes my hand, his grip firm and reassuring. “Thank you,” he repeats, his voice steadier now. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You don’t have to find out,” I reply with a smile. “I’m your best friend for a reason.”

His smile falls, an unknown expression forming in his eyes. “Yeah, best friends.”

Part 2: Out now

[rue-isabelle]

Aphrodite of Formula 1

Yn had never imagined working as Toto’s personal assistant would put her in the spotlight. Her days were filled with managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and ensuring the smooth running of the Mercedes team. She loved her job—it was busy yet calm, a perfect balance for her. But what she didn’t realize was how much her presence had captivated the entire Formula 1 paddock.

She was beautiful, yes, but it wasn’t just her looks. Yn was gentle, intelligent, and kindhearted, with an easygoing demeanor that made her magnetic to everyone she met. Her ability to handle pressure while keeping a warm smile never went unnoticed—especially by the drivers.

---

Charles and Alexandra

Charles leaned against the wall of the Mercedes hospitality, watching Yn chat animatedly with Toto. His lips curved into a soft smile as he took in her laughter, the way her eyes sparkled with genuine interest in every conversation.

Alexandra stood nearby, fuming. “I don’t get it,” she muttered under her breath.

“What’s that?” Charles asked, not looking at her.

Alexandra crossed her arms. “What’s so special about her? She’s just… Toto’s assistant.”

Charles finally turned to face her, his smile gone. “Don’t talk about Yn like that.” His tone was sharp, protective.

Alexandra blinked in surprise. “I didn’t mean anything by it, I’m just saying—”

“She’s kind, she’s smart, and she doesn’t need to try. She’s perfect just the way she is. She isnt.tge one.getting jealous about every tiny thing. And to be honest, she is a better person than you will ever be. At least she doesn't use me for fame and my name. She would never be a gold digger and has never done anything to you. You are the one acting fragile and shy, while we both know you are just jealous. Yn has always been a sweetheart to you and i wont let you talk liek that to her.” Charles said firmly.

Alexandra felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She had tried everything to mimic Yn’s effortless grace, from her style to her mannerisms, but it only made her feel more inadequate. The problem was that she didn't have Yn big heart and good soul.

Charles sighed and walked away, disappointed to call her his girlfriend, leaving Alexandra standing there, humiliated. Her cheeks were a deep shade of red. Some people nearby were giving her dirty looks. She glanced back at Yn, who was now walking towards the drivers’ paddock, blissfully unaware of the tension she had caused.

---

Carlos and Rebecca

Rebecca wasn’t blind. She could see the way Carlos’s eyes followed Yn every time she entered the room. He would light up like a kid in a candy store, his usually suave demeanor crumbling into something boyish and endearing. Sometimes, he would even beg his cousin to take a picture of Yn, just so he could see her every day. She was his wallpaper on his phone after all.

“Carlos,” Rebecca said one evening as they sat in their hotel room.

“Hmm?” he murmured distractedly, scrolling through his phone, looking at Yn Instagram. Oh, how he wished to be there right now. He was the one sending her flowers every week, paying her rent, and sending her random gifts.

“You’re in love with Yn, aren’t you?”

Carlos froze, his thumb hovering over the screen. “What? No! I mean… she’s great, but—”

Rebecca laughed softly, cutting him off. “It’s okay. I get it.”

Carlos looked at her, guilt written all over his face. “Rebecca, I—”

She shook her head. “Honestly, I don’t blame you. Yn is… amazing.” Her voice softened as she spoke.

Rebecca’s thoughts drifted for a moment, imagining herself with Yn, walking down an aisle, just the two of them in some intimate, fairy-tale wedding. She could see it in front of her, their beach house in Malibu. They would go shopping every day, she would dress Yn in the finest clothes. She could imagine Yn pregnant, carrying their child. She would kiss her breathless, lead her into their bedroom and...

She snapped back to reality and cleared her throat. “I’m not mad. I just wish…”

“Wish what?” Carlos asked cautiously.

Rebecca didn’t answer. Instead, she turned away, her mind swirling with thoughts of Yn’s gentle smile. Oh, how she wished to finally leave Carlos. She played often with the thought about breaking up with Carlos and running away. Oh, what a beautiful dream, a life without Carlos obsession over Yn, while she obsesses over her.

---

Max and Kelly

Max was leaning against the Red Bull garage, trying—and failing—to look casual as Yn walked by. Kelly noticed the way his entire demeanor changed when Yn was around. It was infuriating.

“Max,” Kelly said sharply.

He tore his gaze away from Yn and looked at Kelly. “What?”

“You’re staring at her again.”

Max frowned. “I wasn’t—”

“You were.” Kelly’s voice was bitter. “You act like she’s the only person in the world when she’s here.”

“She’s nice,” Max said defensively. “And she works hard. What’s wrong with that?”

Kelly scoffed. “You’re obsessed with her. Everyone is.”

Max didn’t deny it. Instead, he looked back towards Yn, who was now chatting with George and Oscar. “It’s not like she’s trying to get anyone’s attention. That’s what makes her… different.”

Better, was what he was thinking. There were so many moments where Max knew Kelly was just using him for his fame and that he could be a father to Penelope. He told everyone the age difference didn't matter, but it did. He felt like he was in a relationship with his own mother.

Kelly’s jealousy bubbled over, but she bit her tongue, knowing any outburst would only make Max more defensive. Oh, how she wanted that little disease called Yn to vanish forever from her life.

---

Oscar and Lily

Oscar was shy by nature, and his crush on Yn only amplified it. He could barely string a sentence together when she was around, his cheeks turning a deep shade of red whenever she smiled at him.

“You should talk to her,” Lily said encouragingly.

Oscar shook his head furiously. “I can’t. What would I even say?”

“Anything! Just be yourself,” Lily said with a laugh. “She’d probably find it adorable.”

Oscar groaned. “Lily, she’s way out of my league.”

“Everyone feels that way about her,” Lily said, rolling her eyes. “But she doesn’t act like it. That’s why everyone loves her. Including me, by the way.”

Oscar’s eyes widened. “Wait, what?”

Lily grinned. “What? I can’t appreciate Yn too?”

---

George and Carmen

Carmen adored Yn like a little sister. She often invited her to lunch, bought her small gifts, and even shared personal stories about her relationship with George.

“She’s like family,” Carmen said one evening as she and George prepared for a gala.

George forced a smile, adjusting his tie in the mirror. “Yeah… family.”

Carmen didn’t notice the wistful look in his eyes or the way he always seemed to find excuses to spend more time with Yn. The way he always had to walk up those stairs behind her, to make sure she didn't trip (and to admire her ass). Or his need to always show her how to do every training workout right (imaging her sweaty skin underneath his rough palm for a different scenario)

“You should invite Yn to the gala,” Carmen suggested. “I think she’d enjoy it.”

George’s heart skipped a beat. “You think so?”

“Of course! I’ll text her now,” Carmen said cheerfully. Oh, how excited she was to see her baby again. Her beautiful innocent angle.

George nodded, hiding the turmoil inside. He loved Carmen deeply, but Yn… Yn had a way of making the world seem brighter.

---

Pierre and Kika

Kika and Pierre didn’t hide their admiration for Yn. They often joked about being in a polyamorous relationship with her, though there was a hint of seriousness in their laughter.

“She’s perfect,” Kika said one evening as they lounged in their hotel room.

Pierre grinned. “I know. But don’t get any ideas—she’s mine.”

Kika raised an eyebrow. “Yours? I don’t think so. If anything, she’d pick me.” Deep down, she wished Yn would pick them over anything.

Pierre laughed, shaking his head. “We’ll see about that.” Hoping, to one day call this woman their wife.

Despite their playful rivalry, they both knew Yn was oblivious to their feelings—and to everyone else’s, for that matter.

They didn't need to talk about the things they imagined doing with her. If it could just be easier.

---

Yn hummed to herself as she sorted through some paperwork in Toto’s office. She loved the quiet moments when she could focus on her tasks, unaware of the chaos she caused outside her bubble.

When Toto walked in, he raised an eyebrow. “You’re always so calm. It’s impressive, considering how much you have to deal with.”

Yn smiled. “I like keeping busy. It makes the day go by faster.”

Toto chuckled. “You’re something else, Yn. Don’t ever change.”

She didn’t notice the knowing look Toto gave her or the way the drivers seemed to hover outside the door, hoping for a chance to talk to her. To Yn, it was just another day at work—a job she genuinely loved, with people she genuinely cared about.

Little did she know, the entire grid worshipped her.

Part 2. Part 3

[munsonluhvr]

ARE YOU MY DADDY?

synopsis; modern!older!eddie munson x college student!reader. bored with the boys at your college, you find refuge in much older Eddie Munson. warnings: (18+). age gap relationship, fingering, oral, p in v, body parts described, spit kink. word count: 3.8k authors note: I deeply apologize for this filth - my situationship pissed me off and I blew off steam by writing this...

“Just give me a chance,” Steve Harrington says, standing in the doorway of your dorm room. Behind you, your roommate Nancy Wheeler snickers, shaking her head at the poor sap that is begging for your attention for the umpteenth time. 

You sigh, leaning against the door. “When are you going to give this up, Steve?”

Nervously, Steve runs a hand through his hair. “When you say yes to going out with me.” 

You laugh, glancing back at Nancy to see if she’s hearing this. She sits on her bed, legs crossed, flipping through what she calls her ‘trashy magazines.’ She makes eye contact with you, rolling her eyes in an over-exaggerated fashion. “Keep dreaming, Steve. Have a good night.” You say, stepping back to let the door close in Steve’s face. You shake your head, wishing the kid would take a hint. 

Steve is a classic college boy - self-absorbed with a budding alcohol addiction. He has his moments of being sweet and kind, and his infatuation with you is flattering. However, you rarely give boys your age a chance, or even a second glance. They’re boring, immature, and only looking to fuck, and not very well at that. What you look for is nurturing and care, a soft, gentle touch, which normally comes from an older man. 

“He’s pathetic, y/n. All these guys at this school are just pathetic.” Nancy says, laying down on her stomach across her small, twin bed. She watches as you pass by and sit on your own bed. 

You sit down on your bed, leaning over to swipe your cellphone off your bedside table. “Tell me about it, Nance.” You press the ‘on’ button on the side of your phone, the screen igniting with light in response. To your pleasure, a new, unread text message sits on your lock-screen. 

Munson (1 unread message): Picking you up at 11. Be ready. 

You bite your lip, unable to contain your excitement. You glance at the time on your phone; half past ten. You stand up off your bed again, beginning to rummage through your belongings to find something to wear. 

“Going out?” Nancy asks, peeking up from her magazine to watch you frantically flip through your drawer of panties. 

You look over your shoulder in your roommates direction, a devious smile on your mouth. “Maybe.” You find your pair of white, lace panties, the one’s you know he likes, and you pull the panties you wear down shamelessly in front of Nancy, slipping the new pair on. 

Nancy sits up with interest and curiosity. “Is this the older guy?” 

You giggle in response, biting at your bottom lip again. “Don’t tell anyone, okay? He’s, like, forty-something and I don’t want people asking questions.” 

Nancy frowns. “Why would people ask questions? You’re of age already.” 

You flap your hand in her direction, ignoring her question. “Do I look okay?” You stare at yourself in the little mirror that hangs on the wall – you know you look fucking great. Your skin glows, your summer tan still staining your skin, you have minimal makeup on, just how he likes it, with your eyelashes coated in a thick mascara. You reach out towards your nightstand, spraying a small hit of perfume on the nape of your neck. 

“You look great, and you know it.” Nancy says, watching you. She shakes her head, tempted to ask her own boyfriend Jonathan to come over while you’re out. 

With the few minutes that are left before 11, you change your shirt twice, trying to balance the line of being sexually appealing and innocent. Your heart thumps against your chest with excitement, seeing him never fails to make you jumpy. You slip your shoes on just as your phone blinks awake again. 

Munson (1 unread message): Outside. Come out, now. 

You drop your phone into your pocket of your loose pants, crossing the room to Nancy’s bed. You lean over, kissing her on the cheek. “Be back soon,” you say in a whisper, a little smile on your face. You dash away, your feet carrying you quickly. 

“Make him wear protection!” Nancy yells across your room as you slip out the door, letting it shut with a thud behind you. 

Like a little mouse, you scurry down the hallway of the building, passing by endless dorm-room doors. A small bubble excitement rises up your body, ready to be released at the hands of Eddie Munson. 

Once you reach the end of the hallway, you push open the double doors, the chilly air blowing your loose hair around. At the back of the parking-lot, beside the large lamppost that’s placed in the middle of the lot, you see his car, the headlights on. You flip your hoodie over your head, crossing the parking lot with eagerness. You take a deep breath as you walk, your fingers trembling with anticipation. You’ve been waiting for this all week, dirty thoughts turning over and over in your mind. 

As you approach the car, before you can read the handle to the passenger-side door, he pops it open by leaning across the front seat. Without hesitation, you slide into the passenger-seat. 

“Hi, my princess,” Eddie says, reaching his hand out to cradle the side of your face. His long fingers brush your hair to the side, making your skin accessible. He leans forward, the smell of his cologne intoxicating you, as he presses his lips to your cheek, beginning to trail down to your collarbone. You let your eyes flutter shut, enjoying the sensation of each kiss he presses onto your body. You can’t help it – you bite at your bottom lip, letting out a hum of satisfaction. 

Eddie makes his way down the length of your neck, beginning to lightly nip at your skin as he goes. “Where do you want to go this time?” He murmurs against your neck, the heat from his breath creeping against your chilled skin. 

“The lake,” you mewl, barely able to form words. You let your head fall back, soaking in every warm touch of Eddie’s. 

“Lover’s Lake?” Eddie asks, beginning to pull away from you. “Is that what you want?” Keeping his eyes on yours, he lets his hand creep across your thighs, settling over the thin fabric over your crotch. You nod quickly, eager for his fingers to sink into you. Eddie smiles mischievously as he watches you nod. “Then that’s where we’ll go, princess.” 

With ease, Eddie ignites the car’s ignition, pulling swiftly out of the dark parking lot. He keeps his hand placed on your thigh, navigating the dark streets with one hand. You play with the hem of your shirt, eager to burn off steam and spend time with Eddie. 

Eddie maneuvers his car through the dark streets, still with one hand. The pressure of his fingers on your thigh, the light feeling of his fingertips brushing your bare skin, makes the pit in your stomach grow intensely. The wild thoughts you’ve been having all week, ones where Eddie has you pressed into different positions, enters your mind once again, making your skin warm. You suddenly have the urge to pounce on Eddie, regardless of him driving, and sink your body down onto his. 

You glance over at Eddie in the driver’s seat, his facial features defined only by the headlights of other cars that pass by; his jaw, the little freckles dashed across his neck catching your attention. You nearly begin to drool, your core tightening making your cunt pulse with desire. You bite at your lip until you’re sure you’re going to draw blood; you can take it no longer. 

Swiftly, you lean in your seat, beginning to paw at the zipper of Eddie’s jeans. He lets out a low laugh, only intensifying your need for him. He finds your lust for him humorous, as if he knows that you sit in classrooms all day, surrounded by immature boys, thinking about his fingers and cock probing you. He lifts his arm that once laid on your thighs, placing it gently on your back. His fingers stroke the length of your spine, allowing you to maneuver his cock out of his pants.

To your pleasure, Eddie is hard. The length of his cock springs out from underneath his boxers once you pull them down. You let your hand wrap around the base of him, steadying yourself with your other hand as you lower your face, your lips enclosing onto his tip. You hum softly, the feeling of Eddie’s warm cock filling your mouth easing some of the lust that was budding within you. 

In the tempo that you know he likes, you begin to bob your head up and down, taking extra time when it comes to the tip. You’ve craved Eddie for so long that you begin to drool at the sensation of him in your mouth, letting it dribble down your chin and throat. Eddie let’s his hand snake down to your ass, laying a firm spank on your thinly covered ass cheeks. Then, he allows his hand to move to the back your head, careful to not veer off to the side of the road. 

“Such a good girl,” Eddie mumbles, as you lick the length of his cock with the lip of your tongue, then engulfing just his tip and pulling back to make it pop out from your lips. “You know just how I like it, don’t you?” You turn your head to the side, your head leaning against the steering wheel as you peer up at him just in time to catch him glancing at you before looking back to the road in front of him. His eyebrows are knitted together, tension beginning to brew in his abdomen. 

Above you, you feel Eddie make a sharp right, feeling the tires crunch over the dirty road that leads to Lover’s Lake. You don’t let this distract you as you work with your mouth and hand to bring Eddie to the edge. Abruptly, he presses on his brake, throwing the car into park quickly. Gently, yet firmly, he laces his fingers into your hair, pulling you off his dick. You pout, feeling your head pull back and his spit-covered member slipping out of your mouth. “I’ve been thinking about this all week,” Eddie says, bringing your face close to his, his fingers still interlaced in your hair. “Don’t think this is going to be a quickie, I’m planning on taking my time with you.” Despite the hair that clings to your face, your spit making it firmly stick, you can’t help but smile, the idea of being teased by Eddie mercilessly brings adrenalin to you. 

With little warning, Eddie puckers his lips, laying a fresh bundle of spit across the bridge of your nose and into your eye. “What am I?” Eddie asks, leaning back to look at the new decoration he adds to your face. 

You let your eyes flutter shut, then open again, your eye blinking around his spit that begins to dribble down your cheek. “You’re my daddy,” you say softly, playing into his deepest desires. All you want to do is please him. 

“Get in the back seat,” He says, letting the fistful of your hair go. He watches as you climb into the back of the car, his eyes trained on your ass. He shakes head, attempting to not get ahead of himself. 

You land with a light thud in the back seat, spreading your legs open. You’re fully aware that your pants are sheer, nearly see through, and the lace edges of your panties are on full display. Eddie, too, notices this, his fingers beginning to gather the fabric of your pants and pulling them down in one swift motion. 

“I wore them just for you,” you say, your eyes flickering between your bottom half and Eddie’s eyes. He groans, frustration building up inside of him all over again. He finishes maneuvering himself into the back seat beside you. You’re quick to lean over to him, connecting your lips with his. 

His kiss is sweet and rough, the tension between you becoming apparent as you grab at each other’s clothing in desperate need to take it all off. His hand cradles your face again, bringing you deeper into his kiss. His tongue grazes through your lips, colliding with yours, and you moan gently at the feelings. 

Little by little, your clothing begins to disappear, Eddie’s fingertips dragging across the softness of your skin causing goosebumps to rise, until you’re sitting in just your panties. You manage to get Eddie’s clothing off, until he’s down to his boxers which are already stained with your spit from earlier. Gently, he lays you down across the rest of the backseat, your body shivering at the coldness of the leather seats. You part your legs, making it easy for him to rest on top of you. 

With one last swift movement, you lift Eddie’s plaid shirt over his head, revealing his tattoo-covered torso. You hum, your fingertips dragging across his lower abdomen, your mind whirling at the anticipation of his cock filling you any minute now. 

Eddie settles himself over you, then lowers his face, his eyes connecting with yours. Slowly, he dips down, backing further down your body until his mouth meets the band of your panties. He places a soft kiss on your hip, then grabs your panties with the edge of his teeth, beginning to pull down slowly. He travels down the length of your thighs, ever so slowly. Your head throws back, the anticipation continuing to kill you. 

Eddie pulls the rest of your panties down by hooking his fingers around your panties; finally, you’re bare for him. Your pussy is all wet for Eddie, your folds showcasing your excitement to be alone with Eddie after being away from him for over a week. Eddie notices this, taking his time to admire your slickness. You catch him admiring; “See how wet I am for you?” you ask. 

“I see that, princess.” Eddie mutters, his mind occupied with the things he’s planning on doing to you. Without much warning, Eddie plunges his pointer and middle fingers into you, his mouth lowering onto your clit. You reach out, gripping the back of the passenger seat, your fingers digging into the leather. You moan loudly, your back instantly arching. 

Eddie plunges his fingers in and out of you, your wetness beginning to drip down the length of his digits and the back of his hand. He works to work against you with his tongue, the tip maneuvering it’s way around your clit in a way that sends you reeling; you wish you could slow down this moment, capture it in a bottle, for when you’re all alone and missing Eddie. 

“Do you like that?” He mumbles; his eyes flick up to meet yours. You nod, parting your mouth to speak but nothing comes out except a soft sigh. That response in enough for Eddie. 

Around Eddie’s head, your thighs begin to quiver, jolts of pleasure causing your abdomen to tense and then release when another wave of pleasure arrives. You feel your chest tighten, your skin heat up, and despite the cool, chilly weather, beads of sweat beginning to collect at your hairline. You roll your hips in response to Eddie’s touch, but Eddie stays placed firmly against you, his arms slightly tightening to keep him in place. He loves the taste of you, the way he watches your body crumple under his touch, and he, too, wishes he could slow the moment down. 

Eddie has always been attentive to your body, wanting to know the intricacies of how you receive pleasure, how you give it. In this way, he’s learned your ques, however subtly they may be, and he knows when you’re close when your legs tighten around his head, your back beginning to lift off the seat. He slows his mouth movement to a slower pace before he pulls away. Due to his lack of touch, your body slumps back onto the leather seats, your fingertips lightening their grip on the seats. 

You sit up on your elbows, a small pout staining your mouth. You reach out, the flatness of your hand palming at the crotch of his boxers before you let your fingertips tug against the waistband of his boxers. Eddie smirks, before pulling his boxers off, letting his cock spring out. Even against the darkness, you can see a small bead of pre-cum beginning to dribble off the tip of his cock. You bite your lip at the sight, the need for Eddie increasing. 

“How bad do you want it?” Eddie asks, taking his cock into his hand, positioning himself against you. In a slow pace, he begins to brush his tip against your entrance. You moan softly, your eyes beginning to roll into the back of your skull. “Bad. So bad,” you mumble, your mind beginning to draw a blank. “I need you so bad, Eddie, I’ve been waiting all week to see you, to feel you.” 

Eddie groans, your words bringing him to the brink with ease. He has had plenty of partners in the past, but none have ever drove him crazy like you do. He finds that you’re constantly on his mind, and he’s unable to shake the thought of you on your knees, your mouth full of his cock, spit dribbling down your chin. So many times, he has had to pause wherever he was: grocery store bathroom, at work, in his car on his way home, and stroke himself to the thought of you.

With ease, he pushes himself into you, gasping at the way your body stretches to accommodate his size. You mewl, your legs automatically moving to tighten around his waist, your arms wrapping around his shoulders, bringing him closer to your body. He starts out slow with his strokes, and then picks up his pace. 

Your sighs and soft moans fill the silence within the car, the windows beginning to fog from your body heat. Eddie’s body rocks against yours, pleasure coursing through your torso. His cock thrusts into you, each stroke stretching you out, causing a little pain in addition to the pleasure. 

With your head thrown back, Eddie takes the opportunity to kiss the length of your neck, his teeth nipping at your soft skin. His hands travel up your sides, his fingers intertwining with your hands and holding them above your head, against the car door. Your fingers enclose on his hand, squeezing gently as your eyes squeeze shut with the pleasure that runs through your body. When he gets to your collarbone, he offers one last kiss before burying his face into your neck. 

You begin to feel a knot forming in your lower abdomen, the sensation building with each stroke Eddie gives you. “Eddie,” you whimper, the pleasure overtaking your body. “You feel so good.” 

“Am I making you feel good?” Eddie asks back, the warmth of his breath tickling your neck. 

You nod, your hair falling into your face. “So good.” 

Eddie leans back, leaning on his hands, to get a look at your face. He notices how your hair has fallen and uses his fingertips to brush your hair to the side. He smiles softly, the dark light playing on your features beautifully. “You’re so pretty,” Eddie mumbles, his eyes grazing across your face. “Do you know that?” You feel your cheeks flush, your skin heating up in reaction to his compliment. You nod gently, thinking about all the times he’s told you how attractive you are. You’ve been told all your life that you’re beautiful, but only Eddie’s compliments are what matters to you. 

You let your arms lace around Eddie’s upper body, your thighs clamping on to his waist. Your heart thumps against your chest, the sensation of Eddie moving slowly between your legs causing you to become light-headed. Each stroke, he massages the knot building in your lower abdomen, bringing you closer and closer to finishing. Above you, Eddie’s eyes flutter shut, his eyebrows knitted together once more. “F-Fuck,” he mumbles. 

Your fingertips dig into the flesh of his back, expressing the pleasure coursing through you. “I’m close, Eddie,” you mumble, your words coming out in a stammer. You whimper again, your teeth clenching together in response. 

With a sudden movement, Eddie leans back, using his upper-body strength to pull you up from the back seat and flip you on to your hands and knees. Before you can comprehend that you’ve switched positions, he inserts himself into you, bending his upper body over the length of your back. His tattooed arm snakes around the front of you, his arm fastening around your neck so that your chin is resting in the crook of his arm. You exhale, tension building within your limbs that tremble. 

“Say that you need me,” Eddie says, his voice a low hum next to your ear. 

“I need you s-so bad, Eddie,” you whimper, your breath leaving your body. 

His arm loosens around you, your body slumping forward onto the seat, leaving your rear positioned in the air. Eddie grasps your hips, plunging himself deep into you. After a minute, Eddie removes one of his hands from your waist, placing it on the back of your skull. He leans forward slightly, applying a little weight onto his hand. He quickens his stroke pace, nearly rutting into you. You can tell Eddie is close as he mumbles ‘you’re so tight, baby,’ over and over. 

His pace causes tears to form your eyes, and you bite your lip as you take each stroke he gives you. 

Behind you, you feel Eddie begin to slow his pace, his movements becoming rigid. It’s not until he pushes himself all the way into you, a grunt escaping his lips. “Fuck, y/n,” Eddie says, his voice coming out drowsy. You feel your cunt fill with his cum, and it begins to dribble down the inside of your thighs. In response to Eddie finishing inside of you, something that turns you on, you finish too, hard, a loud moan escaping your mouth. 

Your bodies are sticky with sweat, the windows of the car completely fogged over now. You’re out of breath, your body working hard to recover. Eddie reaches out, moving to cradle you against his body. His fingers interlace in your hair, lifting it off your sweaty back. “You were such a good girl for me,” Eddie says gently, an approving smile on his face. 

You smile softly back, nodding. “Just for you.” 

Eddie pouts jokingly, a playful look now appearing on his face. “Just for me? I’m sure you have the boys going wild at school.” 

You shake your head, knowing that Eddie is well versed in your opinions of the boys at school, “Only you.” Eddie nods approvingly, snaking his arm around your shoulders and pulling you into him. He places a kiss on the top of your head and in that moment you catch a whiff of his Old Spice cologne. You smile to yourself, pleased with how the night has gone while looking out the front of the window shield, the bright moon glaring back at you; “You are my daddy after all.” 

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hi angel!!!! absolutely adore your blog and especially the way you write for regulus 🥹🥹 makes my heart so happy, like that’s baby boy!!!! thank you so much for sharing with us!!! i have a prompt request but only if you feel so inclined!!! number d8 “where is she?" with regulus, pretty please, like maybe something happens to reader and he is the last to find out (busy w quidditch or prefer things) so when someone finally tracks him down being like your girl needs you, his composure is for once non existent and he is panicking!!!! ughhh hurt/comfort with reg is everything!!! anyway only if you feel my up to my love no pressure ever - love your blog regardless 💗💗💗

hi my love<33 this is hands down the sweetest request i have received, thank you so much for being so kind 🤍🤍 i genuinely appreciate your words so much! as for the request, i adore some hurt/comfort with reg, and this is an idea i've had for a while, so it was so fun to write

Prompt: D.8 "Where is she?"

Words: 6k

Warnings: not proofread, fem!reader, severe injury (happens off screen, explained and treated on screen), lacerations, typical regulus anxiety (overworked), best friends to lovers, pomfrey being a badass, snape is a villain, animal abuse (technically), background marlene, rosekiller, etc.

It was common knowledge that Slytherin quidditch practice was never to be disturbed, especially this close to the final match of the season against Gryffindor.

This was Regulus’ first year as captain and he was determined for it to be written in the history books as a victorious one, to make himself deserving of the title. Playing opposite his brother and his best friends didn’t lessen the pressure much, either. 

He knew he had been pushing the team quite hard, but he also knew that if anyone could handle it, it was them. Evan and Barty funnelled all their chaotic energy into quidditch once they realised just how much it mattered for their mate, and Dorcas had just as much to gain from winning against Marlene as Regulus had against Sirius. Fenwick had had his skull bashed in by enough bludgers in his career to not be able to formulate any complaints, even if he had them. The rest of the team were relatively young players, a risk most others had chastised Regulus for taking, but one that was playing off beautifully – and with those rumours, they wanted to prove themselves, too. 

There really was little problem with this arrangement, he told himself, other than the fact that he was perhaps wearing himself a bit thin when balancing it all with his prefect duties and exams.

And, more importantly, missing you.

You had been the best friend he could have asked for during this hectic year of his, always standing by his side, just as much of a loyal team-player as those on his actual sports team. That unwavering dedication you had shown him over the years that taught him that maybe, just maybe, he was capable of being loved – and most definitely of loving, because Regulus would be damned if he didn’t admit that that was the only appropriate word for how he felt about you.

Not that he had told you that yet, though, and neither had you. It was never the right time, and you both knew, at least to some degree. For now, it was enough. You had each other, always, and it was enough. He told himself as much, at least.

Regulus was trying to zero his thoughts back on his team running through their plays off-broom on the ground, looking for any weakness in their formation, when the cardinal rule of not disturbing practice was broken.

“Black!” A voice shouted as it ran across the pitch from the school. 

Regulus squeezed his eyes shut, trying to will the pestering fourth year away, one of those who just seemed to always be there, nameless and bothersome. It was to little avail, though, judging by the sounds of his heavy steps hitting the still somewhat moist dirt on the field.

“Black, I have to–”

“We are in the middle of a practice!” Regulus cut the kid off, letting his nerves get the better of him as he saw most of his players stop in the midst of what had been their best run-through so far. “Unless someone has died, it can wait.”

“But–”

“Has someone died?” Regulus had his hands on his hips, half aware that he looked way too much like his older brother as he regarded the student-shaped owl in front of him with derision. 

“No, but–”

“Are someone in the midst of dying? Like within the hour?”

“N– no.”

“Then you may leave.” The student looked thoroughly confused, clearly not having been properly warned by whoever sent him as a make-shift owl that this was the only response he would be getting from Regulus. He could vaguely hear you whispering poor boy in his mind, always advocating for Regulus’ softer side, but right now he pushed it away as he turned back to his teammates. “Whatever it is will still be there when we are finished up here.”

Regulus didn’t wait for him to go before he began to pretend he was air, attention fully on his team once more.

Barty snickered as he tried to lean his chin on Evan’s shoulder, only to have the taller boy fully shove him off. Regulus shook his head, ignoring the crestfallen student beside him as he tried to increase his energy levels back to where they needed to be.

“Okay, that last round was getting closer to where we want to be. Ready to take to the sky for the last few minutes?”

When he finally stepped foot inside the quidditch locker rooms, Regulus sped through his shower routine. He was eager to get out of there and back to the dorms quick enough to have sufficient time to spend with you before going to sleep. He had half a mind to ask you to sleep in his bed tonight, but he wondered if that might be pushing it since you just did that a few nights ago. Nothing ever happened, of course, you were just the best of friends – and even if you had been something more, it was hard for anything to happen with Evan and Barty in the same room.

You just brought him a sense of peace he found himself craving more day by day. He wished to squeeze out every ounce of it he possibly could.

His hair was still wet, bag thrown about as haphazardly over his shoulder as he could allow himself to without spiralling – which is to say, he still looked perfectly polished to anyone but him. He turned to give the team lingering behind an attempt at an emphatic great work today that ended up falling a bit short from his hoarse voice. Thankfully, everyone else seemed tired enough to accept it without reservation, and Regulus could exit the changing room before all but running towards the Slytherin dorms. 

On his way there, he passed through the Great Hall, attempting to slow his stride to look a bit more composed, but quite ready to throw all of it away for the night just to curl up with you.

“Re- Regulus?!”

Sirius’ incredulous voice sounded behind him, and though Regulus loved his brother dearly, he took a deep sigh at the disturbance, knowing that, with him, it would likely not be a short one.

“That would be me.” Regulus turned around with a sarcastic half-smile, only for it to waver when he saw the expression on Sirius’ face. 

There was an evident tension in his face when he looked Regulus up and down, as if trying to figure him out while a thousand thoughts ran through his mind. Sirius’ lips were pressed tight, as if holding back a severe frown and his eyes were decidedly clouded with worry.

“Reg, what are you doing here?” His voice conveyed more confusion than upset, but both were woven into his tone.

“I’m… on my way to Slytherin? We just finished practice.” 

It was as if Sirius found an answer to his confusion as his face settled into a form of defeat. “You don’t know.”

“Don’t know what?” Regulus stared his brother down, heart speeding up in his chest, but he could feel it in his whole body. “What is it, Siri?”

“James sent someone to tell you,” Sirius says, speaking more to himself.

“Tell me what?” Regulus’ patience was worn thin by his pulse straining his skin.

“Uh, it’s Y/N.” Pangs shot through his body, pulling every vein taut. “She�� she will be fine, don’t worry, but–”

“Where is she?”

Regulus struggled to make out where Sirius stood in front of him as the world seemed to tunnel around him and his mind was immediately elsewhere, immediately with his best girl, imagining any possible horror that might have overcome you. Had it not been for Sirius’ delivery of the news and the way he looked at Regulus, he might have felt more calm. But he had always known his big brother to be more composed than this.

“The infirmary–”

He didn’t need to hear more before he was running at full speed down the hallway.

Little to nothing registered with Regulus on the way to the infirmary, that he for the first time in his life realised was located painfully far away from the Great Hall. Illogical, given how many students go through there throughout their days. 

He felt lighter than ever as he was entirely certain he had never run this quickly in his life, simultaneously as every limb felt heavy with worry. 

She will be fine is only reassuring if he was concerned you had died – in every other scenario it is the worst thing to hear, because it confidently means you are not fine right now.

Regulus is half aware that he has run through two ghosts, into one student and past a professor – he thinks maybe Flitwick? – but he paid none of them any mind, willing to take the point deductions or even detentions, if only they don’t slow him down. He can deal with everything and anything else later. 

When he finally reached the door to the infirmary, it took everything in him to come to a halt. 

He all but crashed into the door, catching himself with one hand on the doorframe as he breathed heavy, giving himself but two seconds to collect himself, lest he be banned from the infirmary by life by Madam Pomfrey. That was not something he could afford right now.

Still heaving, he opened the door and took two steps inside – before his vision became entirely swamped by that very same woman, standing with her hands on her hips.

“Is she here?” He tried to get out before she could say anything.

“No visitors at the moment,” Madam Pomfrey said sternly.

“Please, is she here?” Regulus couldn’t even think to say your name, but the look on the matron’s face told him she knew.

“She is, and she is alright, but there will be no visitors at the moment.” Her voice was a bit softer now, but she was not relenting and she was not moving.

Regulus’ breath picked back up, and he didn’t register the tears that were forming in his eyes. A choked please was forming on his tongue when–

“Please.”

You beat him to it. Your meek voice sounded from a few curtains down behind Madam Pomfrey. Regulus didn’t hear the noise that escaped him when he heard the soft pain in your usually chipper voice, but the matron did. Still, it seemed to be on your account and not the lovestruck, fear-sickened boy in front of her, that she took a step to the side.

“Only you, and it must be brief.”

Her words were mostly caught by the air that Regulus left in his wake the moment she moved to the side, because as soon as he could he was by the curtain he had heard you speak from behind, ever so gently pulling it to the side.

“Oh, mon amour.”

The sight he was faced with both mended and broke his heart – because you were there, awake and already looking at him, but your forehead and right arms were bandaged and your face bore telltale signs of pain. He could see tear tracks down your delicate cheeks, mascara smudging just barely beneath your eyes. You looked happy to see him, he could see your chest heave a breath of relief, but that was about the only positive thing he could decipher in you at the moment.

At last, his movements were measured and careful again, but for once not for the sake of how he was perceived, but rather to not disturb the space around you, as if that could lessen your pain. He barely managed to close the curtain behind him with trembling hands, giving you a semblance of privacy, even in this infirmary that he had no idea hosted how many others.

There was enough space on the left side of the bed beside you for Regulus to take his rightful place by your side, as close as he dared. His eyes kept jumping all over your body and face, breath hitched.

Your name escaped his lips in a small breath as his eyes widely roamed your form.

He didn’t realise his hand was hovering between you before you reached up to him with your left hand and took it in yours. Your grip was weak and the tips of your fingers cold, but it was still the smooth skin he was used to feeling on his.

Upon your touch, he seemed to be brought back down to earth and the welling tears spilled down his cheeks.

“Oh, Reggie,” you whispered, squeezing his hand. “It’s okay, I’m alright.”

“My poor love,” he whispered back, letting his free hand move up to lightly caress your cheek, brushing some damp hair away. It must have gotten wet when Pomfrey tended to whatever wound was bandaged on your upper forehead. “What happened to you, amour?”

Regulus often referred to you with terms of endearment, you knew you were each other’s person, but the absolute softness of them now broke your heart a little.

“It was…” you trailed off, wincing as you scrunched your brows in confusion and consequently pulled on your bandage. “It was an accident.” The sound that escaped you was almost a laugh, but it was too wet and strangled to truly be classified as such.

“What happened?” Regulus’ voice urged, more desperate than before. He held your hand tighter, bringing it closer to his chest, as if to protect it.

“We were helping Kettleburn – unwillingly mind you –”

“Who are we?” Regulus cuts you off, still seeming rather feverish in his desperation to know what was wrong. You squeezed his hand and smiled at him to calm him down. 

“An unfortunate bunch of us who happened to be enjoying the fresh air by the benches. Me, Lily, Marlene, Snape, Avery and some others we don’t really know too well, mostly fourth years.”

Regulus scowled at the mention of Snape and Avery, but nodded, as if encouraging you to continue.

“Kettleburn needed some help preparing bait. He believed there was a hippogriff in the Forbidden Forest that he wanted to draw out. It worked a bit too well, a bit too well.”

His brows scrunched at that. “But hippogriffs are mainly peaceful unless you disturb them?” Unease was growing in his stomach.

“Yes, that’s what I said as well,” you feel a bout of dizziness come over you, but try and speak through it. “We were down, probably a bit too close to the forest when it came out. I tried to push the bait towards it carefully, keeping my distance. It just wanted food, you know.”

“But?”

“But Snape and Avery freaked. When it took a step closer, just to eat – they let curses fly, kneejerk self defence reaction they said.”

Regulus had to be mindful to not hurt your hand as his fists clenched on reflex. He settled for holding the sheets beside him disturbingly hard instead – he had already pieced together what happened. “You were still in the line of fire,” he concluded, eyes darkening.

“Yes,” you whispered weakly. “It would have been fine, if it had only been a stupefy or something, but Snape shouted something else, some freak hex. It was like being slashed with a knife all over.”

Regulus’ breath hitched as he let his eyes travel from gauze to gauze. His fingers came up to linger near a particularly large bandage that travelled from your shoulder in under your hospital gown. “All over?” His voice was a mere whisper before he finally looked in your eyes again. He found them teary, and his heart clenched painfully.

“Yeah, I– The biggest one is across my stomach. Pomfrey has patched me up nicely, but it was, uh, it wasn’t good.”

He can’t fight the new tears that spill as he whispers my girl before carefully shuffling closer to you to give you a hug, or at least as close to one you could get right now. His cheek is pressed into yours, his hand on the back of your head, and you can hear him cry directly into your ear, drawing tears from you as well. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered into you. “So sorry, amour.”

“Reggie, there was nothing you could do,” you try to look at him, but his grip on your head remains steadfast.

“No, I should have been there. I’m so sorry.” He presses a kiss to your upper cheek, and his lips are wet. “I should’ve been there.”

“Reg, there was no way anyone could have known.”

He pulls back slightly, looking you over to see if he was hurting you before settling in with his forehead against yours – making sure to avoid the wound in the top left. When his eyes look into yours, you feel a sense of calm finally wash over your body that had been riddled by the shock of being torn open. A grey safe haven.

“I’m sorry, amour.” He keeps saying it like a prayer.

You try to shake your head, but wince at the action. His hand immediately shoots up to your jaw, to still your head. Protecting you, even from yourself. “You’re not allowed to be sorry, Reg, you didn’t do anything. You can only feel sorry for me, which isn’t quite that hard. I look pathetic right now.”

Your half-hearted attempt at humour doesn’t seem to drag him from his despair as his eyes keep searching your face, flitting from the tears to the deviating makeup. His thumb, ever so carefully, drags under your eye to wipe away some of the mascara there. You lean into his touch.

“They tried to tell me, but I– I didn’t know, so I didn’t listen and–”

“You were at quidditch practice,” you cut him off. “Everyone knows you can’t be disturbed then.”

Regulus looked at you incredulously. “This is disturb-worthy, you – anything with you is always the biggest priority. I’m sorry.”

“One girl versus preparing for the match of your life? Hm, I think it’s good you weren’t distracted.” You are determined to lighten his mood, the sinch of his eyebrows and worry in his eyes were beginning to make you feel sick for him.

“But you’re my girl,” he says in a low voice, stressing the words as if to pour additional meaning. “You’re my best friend, my everything. Y/N, you are everything.”

You struggle to come up with a response to that. Any mask Regulus switches between is completely discarded in this small infirmary section with you. When he holds your face and looks at you, you know what it is.

Unable to speak over the lump in your throat, you just drag his face closer to press a sweet kiss to his cheek, as always.

Except this time, while your lips linger on his cheek, Regulus uses his hand still on your jaw to angle your face towards his. With your lips millimetres apart, he looks from them to your eyes, searching for something, and then back down. He whispers another soft everything before pressing his lips to yours.

For all the times you had thought of kissing Regulus, nothing compared. You never expected there to be salty from tears, you never imagined his scent in your nose to be swirled with the disinfectant covering everything around you – but he was right, it was everything. His lips were unbelievably soft against yours, even as he pushed himself even closer to you, as if he needed you underneath his skin, not just on top of it. The pinky underneath your jaw digs into your skin, and you can feel your pulse beat against his finger.

When Regulus pulls away, your mouths are still essentially connected, slightly parted, just breathing into each other. You open your eyes and find him looking at you with nothing short of love.

“I–”

“I love you.” You cut him off, smiling a bit as he half feigns indignance before it turns soft once more.

“I love you, belle fille.”

“I know.”

Finally, finally he gives you a genuine smile. It eases your nerves more than even his eyes could, and you feel yourself melting back into your pillow. Unfortunately, comfort makes you even more aware of the pain and soreness in your body, but he doesn’t need to know that.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers again, mostly to himself it seems.

“I won’t allow that.” You tug your intertwined hands closer to you, wanting to share the comfort with him. “I’m alright, Reggie.”

“You’re wounded and bandaged.”

“And I’m perfectly okay.”

He gives you an as if look, but it’s good enough for you, for now. Then his face twisted into something darker and you saw the same desperation from earlier bubbling to the surface.

“What happened to Snape? And Avery?” His hold on you is still soft and caring, but the rest of his body has grown stiff, mind racing with imagined visions of what went down and of what he would do with them in return.

“Nothing yet,” you said with a careful, measured voice. “Kettleburn wanted to ease the situation first, but since it was technically his fault for bringing us along unprompted, I’m not sure what would be done. Detention maybe?”

“Yeah, Kettleburn’s an idiot for that, but Snape was the one who used an unorthodox and probably dark hex. He has to be dealt with.”

Though you don’t condone how fast some of your friends resorted to revenge and violence, even you had to admit that the idea of Snape knowing magic like that didn’t sit right with you either. There was no situation you could imagine where a slasher spell like that would be moral in combat. 

“I’m sure they will deal with him tomorrow,” you settle on. “Tonight the main priority seemed to be making sure I don’t bleed out on the grounds.”

Regulus’ look was pained as he pressed his lips together. “How did you get in after that anyway?”

“I don’t remember too well.” You truly didn’t, and the flashes that went through your mind were not ones Regulus would be better off knowing about. “Kettleburn shushed the Hippogriff back into the forest – it thankfully didn’t get severely injured it seemed – while everyone else panicked. Lily and Marlene were the first ones by my side.”

You both smile absentmindedly at that. When you first befriended Lily through your study sessions at the library, Regulus had been unsure of how to approach your joint integration into his brother’s friend group, but the girls had turned out to be some of the best friends you could have asked for. 

“Oh!” you exclaim, almost straddling Regulus. “Almost forgot, but you’ll be happy to know that Marlene suckerpunched Snape before they brought me inside with a levitation spell. Pretty gnarly punch, too.”

Regulus’ smiled seemed to be less from gratification and more from endearment from you. “I think I’d like to see Snape get a little more than a punch for what he did to you. But that’s a great start, darling.”

You rolled your eyes playfully at him. “It’s a start. And again, we can deal with all of that tomorrow. I don’t have the energy today.”

“No, no, you are the only priority right now, amour.” Any mirth slipped from his face as he studied you concernedly once more.

“I know you’re “alright”, but you’re not alright” he started. “Could you tell me where it hurt the most?” He looks over you again, as if he can map you out and fight your pain off, spot by spot.

“My stomach and chest got it worst,” you admit. “It’s growing more sore, but Madam said I could get more pain relief in just a little while.”

“Well, she also said I could only stay here for a short while,” he whispers conspiratorially, looking towards the curtain as if he expected it to be ripped back any minute. “Pretty sure we’re way past that.”

“Maybe she heard us crying like babies over a non-fatal injury and figured it was less of a hassle to leave us to it.” You squeeze Regulus’ thigh with a grin and he bites back a yelp.

“She would be wise to do so. Especially because there’s no bloody way I’m leaving.”

You don’t say much to that because you really, really don’t want him to either. You know you are fine, and for his sake you try and seem even more assured of it, but the white panic that soared through your veins those first few minutes is hard to shake. Even though you don’t want him to hold his absence against himself, you don’t like the thought of him leaving now that he was there.

“Has she said anything about a treatment plan? How long you’ll be here? She said you’re fine, so it shouldn’t be too long right?” Though Regulus looks at you as he asks his questions, you know he is already trying to piece together probable answers in his head.

“Most of our first conversation was her narrating what she was doing while I was moaning and not listening.” Your comment was off-handed, but Regulus seemed to wince at the image it painted in his head. “Sorry,” you mumbled bashfully, but he just gave you a smile.”

“Good thing I have the memory of an elephant, then.” Madam Pomfrey’s voice sounded just seconds before she ripped the curtain back and stepped into your little bubble. 

Regulus went straight into autopilot, rightening his posture and schooling his expression. You squeezed his hand tighter, so that he couldn’t pull away, but that had not even been any option in his mind. Pomfrey went through the station beside you at the speed of light, way too familiar and comfortable with these procedures.

“Miss L/N had 5 deep lacerations and several shallow ones,” she begins to recite and Regulus hangs onto every word. “The shallow wounds are almost entirely gone from the treatment already, but the more severe ones will need time to recover. She will have to stay in the infirmary overnight today and tomorrow for observation and continue to receive some medication. Among those are pain potions and salves for the wounds. Rebandage every 10 hours and apply new salves.”

“How will that affect her?” Regulus asked, probably pushing his luck with the matron.

“The pain potions will make her a bit slow and groggy, but she will still be awake. Though she should sleep.” At that she gives you a curt look over her shoulder. “The healing process for the wounds will likely be itchy and uncomfortable and she may develop a fever. We will pay particularly close attention to the stomach wounds in case she develops any infections there.”

“What are the symptoms of infections like that?”

You try and pat Regulus’ leg to say down, boy, but he doesn’t give you the time of day, instead focusing fully on any and all information the matron is willing to share with him. You had half a mind to joke that this was private medical information, but let it be.

Madam Pomfrey turns to Regulus at his fourth question, putting her hands on her hips as she measured him closely. It seemed like she decided on something and the next second she exited through the curtains again. You and Regulus barely had time to exchange a glance before she came back and threw a white coat at Regulus who catched it bewilderedly.

“Seems like I’ve got myself an assistant for the remainder of her stay, haven’t I, Mr. Black?”

A slow smile spreads across Regulus’ face before he hurries on the coat. “Yes, Madam.”

Pomfrey talks you – and now, Regulus – through the new pain potion she is about to give you, giving brief background on the ingredients, application and effect when the door to the infirmary slams open, decidedly louder than when Regulus entered earlier. Her eyes squeeze shut, as if pained by the disrespect and incredulity of students, but finished giving you the potion.

“That is no way to enter an infirmary, Mr. Crouch,” she says through half-gritted teeth as she works. She waves at Regulus to open the curtain to your bed, revealing Barty, Evan and Dorcas, all heaving as if they have been running too. “You seem to be particularly loved, Miss L/N. Please never get injured again, it disturbs my workspace.”

Your friends’ eyes are wide as they take in your form where you lay, still rather pathetically, in your bed. 

“Merlin’s tits, what happened?” Dorcas asks.

At the same time Barty’s gaze flits between you and Regulus. “Who?” he asks, while looking at you.

“I–” you start, but that was clearly the wrong answer because he then immediately turns to Regulus instead.

“Who?”

There is no hesitation in Regulus’ voice. “Snape.”

Barty’s face morphs from shock and concern into pure determination. He stalks over to you in three wide steps, pressing a quick kiss to the safe side of your forehead, whispering a quiet take care, Treasure, before turning around and dragging Evan out of the infirmary. The other boy’s jaw was ticked shut and went more than willingly.

Even you felt a bit bad for Snape in that moment.

Madam Pomfrey, however, only breathed a sigh of relief that they left so quickly.

Dorcas comes up between you and Regulus, sitting on the very edge of your bed. Pomfrey, with Regulus’ assistance return to the work on your bedside station, though his eyes are on you almost the whole time. He has that furrow between his brows that shows up whenever he focuses intently, and you are torn between wanting to kiss it and draw it.

“We met Marls and Lily in the hallway,” Dorcas explains. “They got halfway through their story before Junior took off with us on leash behind us.”

“Sounds like him,” you laugh, trying to hide how the rumble hurts you. “But really, I’m totally fine. Or, I’m relatively good, and will soon be alright.”

“Yeah, especially when you’ve got two nurses to tend to you,” Dorcas teases, casting Regulus a knowing sideways glance.

“Pardon you, Miss Meadows; I am a Healer.” 

You can’t help the snort that escapes you. Despite never wanting to return to this infirmary, you had grown quite fond of the Madam.

“My deepest apologies, Madam,” Dorcas offered with a gleam in her eyes. You could have sworn you saw Pomfrey smile ever so slightly.

“But yeah, Dorc, I’m well taken care of. I’ll be fine.”

“Firstly, just because you’re wounded does not mean you can get away with calling me that.” You laugh once more, happy to not be treated like a dying animal even in such a grave hour. “Secondly, I’m glad. You deserve it, and it was about damn time.”

You pretend to not understand what the last part referred to, but you knew she got you all figured out. You squeeze her leg in a sign of admiration and, perhaps, defeat.

“Thirdly,” Regulus interjects. “You need to either not make her laugh or leave.”

Pomfrey nodded emphatically. 

“Not my fault your girl just finds me absolutely hilarious, Black.” Dorcas winks at you.

“Speaking of someone’s girl,” you drawl, trying to even the playing field, which worked, if Dorcas’ light blush was anything to go off of. “Please tell Marlene I say thank you. I don’t think I got to in the whirl of everything and then everyone was thrown out.”

Dorcas’ smile softens. “I will, babe, but you don’t have to thank her. She’s still a bit worried though, so I’ll tell everyone you’re doing fine.”

“Thanks,” you whisper through a smile, accepting Dorcas’ half-hug before she slips out of the infirmary, which finally returns to its prior quietude.

“That’s enough visitors for today!” Pomfrey explains, clapping her hands together as she is done. “Only staff and patients for the rest of the night.” She shoots Regulus and his white coat a knowing glance.

“Does that mean I can sleep?” You don’t mean for your voice to sound so meek, but the pain potion is starting to work, and the more your body relaxes, the more exhausted you realise you are.

Regulus makes a soft cooing sign, coming back to sit on the side of your bed, taking your hand in his and drawing comforting circles on its back. “Yes, amour. We have prepared the station for when we have to wake you in a few hours for reapplication.”

You groan a bit at the thought of being woken, and both your matron and her assistant laugh a bit at you. 

“Better that than affection, Miss L/N.”

“Yes, of course,” you relent, letting out a heavy sigh. “Thank you. For all of it.”

Pomfrey merely nods before gathering her things and exiting into the rest of the infirmary, pulling your curtain shut behind you. You expect that is the closest she usually gets to a you’re welcome and you accept it heartily.

Regulus shifts into a more comfortable position beside you, back against your headboard, ensuring you are as comfortable and pain-free as possible. He brings your intertwined fingers up to his lips to press delicate butterfly kisses to them. The softness of it all makes you almost want to cry again, but you bite it back, purely because you can’t stand seeing Regulus cry again tonight, and you knew he would.

“Congratulations on your promotion.” Your tire does not hide the coyness of your tone and he smiles fondly at you.

“Thank you. Think she figured it was easier that way – and I have always been a top student.”

“Yeah, yeah, you and your OWLs.” You turn your head more towards him, smiling. “Such a nerd.”

“I reckon you like that about me.”

“I reckon the same.”

You lean forward and he meets you halfway for a slow kiss. The casualness of it makes it feel all the more important, especially when the past few hours of your life has been anything but.

He leans his head onto yours, drawing you as close as he can with your current circumstances.

“I’m sorry,” Regulus whispers again and you shake your head beneath his. Before you can tell him no, he continues. “Not just for what happened to you or not being there. Just, I don’t know. Being slow.”

“Didn’t we just agree you were bright?” you tease, but when you turn to see the sincerity in his eyes, you soften. “It’s okay, Regulus. We were both slow.”

Neither of you feel compelled to delve into the details of it, and it makes you feel more at ease. Even with everything, this was just how it was supposed to be.

“I’m glad I have you.” It is the best way to summarise it; it was enough. He smiles warmly at you.

“And I you.” 

You ignore the strain of some of your bandages as you lean closer to kiss him again, where he meets you enthusiastically – it was worth it.

“Go to sleep now, amour. I’ll be here to ease you awake when the time comes. I’ll always be here.”

And he was.

[cal-flakes]

‧₊🫧꒷꒦‧₊˚⋆

— freshly manicured feet padded against the floorboards as you neared his office, extra careful to avoid the squeaky ones, hesitant to disrupted the quiet taps of rafe’s fingers against his laptop. as though you were your own worst enemy, you winced, losing your balance — heel driving directly into one of the few boards that was known to creek.

“thought you went to bed kid” he muttered, eyes refusing to withdraw from his screen whilst his lips pulled together in focus. despite his distant mumbles, you followed through, head poking around the door with a meek expression, pushing him to relent.

your eyes gleamed as his pulled away from his work —finally. “m’busy doll, wha’s up” he sighed, allowing his shoulders to relax into the cushioned chair for the first time that day. taking his sudden ease as an invitation, your tip-toes turned into skips, quickly finding your self stood between his legs as he gazed up at you. “jus’ missed you rafey, haven’t seen you much t’day” you all but pleaded, yearn laced in your words.

a condescending snort left you frowning as your fingers toyed with the hem of your fluffy robe. “s’that right?” he smirked, snaking an arm around your bare thigh before pulling you closer effortlessly. “mhm”

“c’mere, m’almost done” he assured as he adjusted himself on the seat, allowing you to slot your knees in beside him. “good girl, won’t be long, alright kid?” he huffed, pressing a gentle peck to your neck as you nuzzled into his, nodding softly as you allowed your eyes to flutter shut.