#Cledwyn

[andsotheuniverseended]

OC Associations Meme

tagged by @floralprintshark (thank you!!)

Cledwyn

Seasoning: salt

Weather: bitterly cold but no wind or storm

Colour: dark blue/grey

Sky: completely clear blue but not sunny or warm

Magic power: Warding Bond (for those unfamiliar with dnd, basically taking half the damage dealt to someone else)

House plant: old lady cactus

Weapon: a hammer, the head of which detaches and can hit from very far away

Subject: history

Social media: social media??? willingly interacting with other people??? absolutely not

Make-up product: she doesn’t use any but. eyeliner

Candy: candied nuts

Fear: failing the world

Ice cube shape: orb

Method of long distance travel: riding next to her wife on the front of her show cart

Mythological creature: i mean she is a goblin... but actually that one greek giant that has hundreds of eyes uhhh Argus Panoptes

Piece of stationary: binder

3 emojis: ����❄️🤖

Celestial body: Sirius (the star)

Tarot card: Ten of Wands

annnnd i’ll tag @queerical and @du-hjarta-skulblaka and whoever else sees this and wants to participate

[daysofauldlangsyne]

they're the worst of friends!!

based on a 2019 post

[baeshijima]

what if i cried

EHAT IF I CRIED

[steak-n-popotoes]

FFxivWrite '24 - 20

To the Attention of One Mr. Caranar (no surname)

As recompense for innumerable personal offenses, irreconcilable differences, and generally insufferable behavior, you are hereby challenged to a gentlemanly duel under the law of the Holy See and the Fury's ever-vigilant eye.

Don't bring a second.

- Renaud-Elouan Cledwyn

"What a load of shite." Eryna stated.

Caranar stood at his wife's desk, trying to get her to put ink to paper.

"I don't see why you should even bother to answer. He's an arse."

"He's not gonna let it go."

"How can you be sure?"

In response, Caranar held up three more similarly addressed letters, still in their envelopes.

"Ugh." Eryna looked over the message once more. "Since when did he give a damn about what was proper according to Halonic scripture? And what's this bloody nonsense about 'no seconds'? That alone isn't proper."

"He's a coward. The only reason he'd ask for a duel in the first place is so he can cheat."

Eryna rolled her eyes. He was surely right, but... "All the more reason for you to let him bluster about unheeded like the impotent wretch he is."

"Or," Caranar muttered through his teeth, "I could thrash him within an ilm of his life like he so badly wants, so he'll think twice about trying it again."

She groaned loudly and drooped against her desk. "I just don't want you getting hurt."

He snorted, then graced her with a crooked smile. "I know. Don't worry, he's not gonna get the chance."

"You really mustn't kill him, either. Beef and Popola would be devastated."

Caranar grumbled affirmatively. "You ready to start writing?"

Eryna sat up and lifted her quill from its inkwell. "I suppose."

"Alright..."

Dear Renaud,

Fuck yourself. Time and place?

Sincerely, Caranar

[whatwouldvalerydo]

The theory of blow magic - Your mischief is showing - 1/9

Well, here it is, my crack fic mini series. Don't ask, i don't know and will probably never know. Short chapters just for fun.

Extra OCs mentioned belong to: @kc-and-co and @that-scouse-wizard

Warning: minor sexual references (nothing major)

Year seven for the students of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry always represented a finality of sorts. Each and every one in that year was looking forward to the last of everything: exams, Quidditch game, dance. It brought them to the end of their academic journey before they were thrust out into the world, each running after the career of their choosing or the life that was promised once they came of age.

But while there were still a few exams left, the last year students were still busy reviewing notes for the upcoming tests, majority taking over the library like a storm filled with stress, anxiety and trepidation hanging heavily in the air. However somewhere in that sea of people hunched over their notes, between the gentle scratches of the quills scribbling frantically on paper, there were a few who had other matters to discuss.

“You are telling me that you have not heard of such a book?” Gareth asked in a hushed voice as he leaned closer to Jin, holding in his hand a yellowed page.

His brows lifted slightly before answering “Precisely. While I am not saying I have read all the books this world has to offer, that is not on my list and neither is it on my to be read list.” Taking one last glance at the miniscule tittle printed on the paper, he searched his mind once more “Perhaps you could ask misses Scribner?” however he tried not to focus on the page, eyes instead doing a quick sweep of the library.

Rolling his eyes, Gareth sank in a chair next to Cledwyn who has not lifted his eyes from the notes he was reviewing “I did and she told me there is no such book, but with the page there were instructions that have vanished mysteriously from my dorm.”

“And what did those instructions say?” Jin asked faking genuinely curiosity.

“That all pages of the book must be assembled in order to break the curse. If not the pages will disappear from out possession at the end of the year and the next seven year generation will have to go through the entire ordeal again.”

“What curse are you mumbling about now?” Cledwyn asked annoyed, his brows lifting slightly when he saw the page Gareth was holding “Is this another one of your jokes?”

“I can assure you” He said tipping the page against his nose “that this is no fault of mine. This is not my doing, however since I came in its possession, I do not wish to have this curse loam over me. What if something strikes me down?”

“Or blows you away.” Cledwyn scoffed.

“Or and to be fair studying is dreadfully boring. I could use a distraction and a much needed break.”

“The only thing you managed to break was my concentration. Now go bother someone else with your theory of blow magic.”

Gareth cracked a smile “Sounds funny coming out of your mouth.” Turning back to Jin since he was the only one willing to entertain his wild hunts and theories, he spoke again “Could it be some magic spell?”

Jin shrugged his shoulders but also leaned closer “It very well might be, certain cultures refer to magic as being part of the four elements, fire, water, earth and wind. It very well might be an old representation of a known spell, or a new one entirely. Not that far fetched considering all that has happened in the past years at this school.” Stealing another glance at the page, he added “There is some…unique magic contained in that page, just so you know.”

“You are certainly right on that front my friend, since it is a curse. Well then, I shall be off, see if I can discover other pages or if anyone else knows more.” Dipping his head, he excused himself.

“He’s incorrigible.” Cledwyn said shaking his head.

“But what fun he is. Blow magic.” Looking back at his book, he suppressed a chuckle since the librarian was getting closer to their table.

Taking a book from the second shelf, Leila returned back to the table she was sharing with Siobhan, her friend frowning as she absentmindedly twirled an unruly lock of hair around her finger. Hearing the chair scape against the hardwood floor, she looked at her petit friend “Took you long enough, I thought you got lost or something.”

“Far from it, I was eavesdropping on a very interesting conversation and trying not to laugh and give away my position.”

Pushing aside her papers, she provided Leila her full attention “Do tell. Anything is better than this abomination of a subject.”

Shrugging, she said “Oh nothing much, just that the school will be in a frenzy trying to discover what the theory of blow magic is about.”

Cocking her head to the side, Siobhan tried to maintain a straight face “I know what it is, you know what it is, but why will the entire school try to discover what it is?”

“Simple” Leila smiled revealing sharp fangs “because Reuben pissed me off.”

“What did he do?” lifting her hands, she backtracked “On second thought I do not wish to know. What did you do?”

“Sparked the curiosity of the right group of people.”

Cocking a brow, Siobhan leaned even closer “Please tell me the entire school won’t be talking about blow magic until the end of the year.”

Shrugging her shoulders Leila feigned interest in the book she brought over “That or it will all blow over.”

“At least this year won’t blow entirely.”

Both took a second to look at each other, laughter erupting from their table, several people hushing them, the librarian as if materializing next to their table.

“Another outburst like that and you two shall be banned until the end of the year.”

“Yes misses Scribner.” They both said in unison.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Leila looked over her shoulder, whispering “Blow me.” The girls fighting another fit of laughter.

[mxihi]

elves 1 & 2 at your service......!!! i drew this as a sticker for @/reversemagician!!!!!!

[manasong]

since the benchmark didnt work on my pc i figured id have to get a new graphics card. cause the actual game wasnt loading and crashed on startup lol. but thanks to the guy on the sqe forums who had a fix from reddit. that worked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so here's some photos of renaud since its been five thousand years since i last posted screenshots. and i want to chew on his ears. ok bye

[clouseplayssims]

"I don't mean to upset you I'm just trying to be honest how I feel. I just... I don't need her in my life anymore. I'd like for her to be, she's our mother, but I have you and Eadburgha, Jeremie, even Gamaliel. The people of Penrith are enough."

With a heavy sigh, Daega nods. "You're right. It's hard to hear but you're right. It's just hard not to want my mother when I'm pregnant and vulnerable, you know?"

[pyjamac]

this¹ is what I'm referencing btw. they² were in love… not like pawl and cledwyn, they’re more like raffles and bunny³.

¹ an excerpt from the lancelot-grail cycle aka vulgate cycle, a 13th century arthurian work. ² lancelot and galehaut, who were buried together. ³ characters from the series by e.w. horung which i am using to gesture at fagging, a type of systematized abuse in british public schools to which similar structures existed in medieval knighthood.

[missiletoe]

Much Ado About Nothing

They’ve amassed a crowd in the lunchroom, which Nerys tips her head slightly to gesture at. They’re all watching and waiting to see what they do next and it is only with great resignation that Cledwyn gives it to them.

He grabs the bottom of Ren’s chin and tugs before he can protest, shoving a forkful of green beans into his open mouth.

“My,” the McKinnon girl that’s always following Nerys around coos happily, chin resting on her palm. She scrapes her utensil against the edge of her empty plate. “You two make such a lovely pair!”

if anyone reads my yaoi propaganda for the webtoon the price is your everything where i make the two MLs kiss each other since i don't like either of them as love interests for the MC i will be very happy

[that-scouse-wizard]

Here's one lol for the crack ship. Cledwyn and my sweet Victoria 😋 ♥️

Very interesting!

Here's some headcanons:

-Cled and Victoria probably interacted in school when Victoria asked him for help in DADA.

-In spite of the obvious odd couple that they are, Victoria probably appreciates Cled's blunt attitude, she can always gauge him despite him being a bit prickly.

-Likewise, in his own way Cled finds Victoria wearing her heart on her sleeve endearing in regards to her sunny attitude.

-Reconnect after their school years when Victoria moves to London, and Cled just so happens to be working as a hit wizard. Fusses over him when he comes back hurt from taking his revenge on the Greybacks.

-After what must be the tenth lecture on keeping himself safe, and her letting slip she's going to go travelling, Cled offers to join her.

-If they got married, it would be one of convenience to keep up appearances but after a time Cled could be convinced to adopt and raise a kid. In spite of the reason (and potential angst), Cled does love Victoria but not the way he feels she should be loved, making him feel a bit guilty as he thinks he's holding her back.

[andsotheuniverseended]

questions for you know who by now i'm sure :'D 1, 11, 21, 35, 45 and 53!

Grumpy Gals Time let's go

What’s the lie your character says most often?

Flint: oh, easy. "my name is Flint."

Wyn: mmm... "I don't know"? it's a little harder to pin down to a specific phrase that she says, but basically avoiding the fact that she lived in an alternate universe with these people for forty years and therefore knows a lotta people who do not, in fact, know her

11. If someone was impersonating them, what would friends / family ask or do to tell the difference?

Flint: gods now because of her Everything that is real tough, because she would say she has no friends or family and has spent most of her time deliberately avoiding trying to be known. so a doppelganger situation is tough. it would probably hafta be from a couple of very specific people... Raleigh asking why she has an undercut, a story only the two of them know. or anything from Velvet, who's a child and the only person Flint is unreservedly nice to at all times

Wyn: her wife could ask her any question about the other world they were in together because she hasn't shared that experience with anyone else. Zia could use the fucking dragon question (there's a dragon Wyn is aware of and she will neither confirm nor deny who it is. out of integrity)

21. What common etiquette do they disagree with? Do they still follow it?

this is gonna be hard because i myself am not good at common etiquette and also both these characters are grumpy antisocial bitches, neither of them do any common etiquette in the first place, let alone stuff they disagree with

Flint: she does, actually, tend to use people's etiquette against them by weaponizing it to create distance. i think what she would genuinely find frustrating though is that thing where you, like, talk around a power dynamic. she'd prefer to just state out who's got what leverage and what everyone needs to do for each other

Wyn: the idea that proper politeness is ignoring insults and continuing to be genteel. and no she absolutely does not follow it, she isn't even polite before people start insulting her, she starts every conversation like it's a battle

35. What is the smallest, morally questionable choice they’ve made?

Flint: a dozen every day. the natural consequences of deliberately cutting herself off from other people, so just assuming someone else will help someone who needs it, ignoring requests, making life a little more inconvenient, etc etc

Wyn: ahhh my paladin. honestly she made like one really morally questionable choice that seemed small at the time and then radiated out into the whole reason she's in the party/part of the campaign. otherwise she actually tends to be pretty morally upright, as grumpy as it makes her

45. What’s something unimportant / frivolous that they hate passionately?

Flint: people who nitpick grammar

Wyn: crowds. PDA. loud people. food that mostly just looks fancy and has very little taste or substance.

53. Who would / do they believe without question?

Flint: Velvet, the child

Wyn: Savras, her god

[alloftheanxiety]

Mountains

Part 2

Dacey stood on the porch of the tavern with the rest of the guests and stared out at the horizon. His mind was torn equally between awe and confusion at what lay in front of him and he wondered, very seriously, if perhaps he was still asleep. Esk had only just woken up and the sprite hadn't manifested to be able to see anything yet, but he could certainly feel his fae's restless emotions.

'What has happened?' Esk asked inside the young man's head.

"I don't know if I should believe it or not," Dacey answered aloud and somewhat breathlessly, "But the feckin' mountains are back." 

The crowd shuffled and murmured around him, all just as confused and taken aback as he was. Last night the sun had set on an empty sky and this morning it rose to reveal a picturesque mountain range in the far distance. The peaks weren't the same size or even shape as what had been there before the Collapse but that was hardly the important part.

Mountains had risen literally overnight and no one had been woken by it. There hadn't been so much as a tremor.

"I feel like I'm dreamin'" Dacey said and a few others agreed with him.

The village they were staying in was made up of more Rhean citizens than Phell and so there wasn't much reason for Esk to hide. The bracelet on Dacey's left wrist became hot and a bright stream of flames burst out of it as the sprite manifested. He fashioned the fire into a nimble little body with a long wispy tail instead of legs and a bald head that crackled with low flames. His orange eyes were lidded and only half paying attention as he blinked and looked out at the mountains. There wasn't any change in the calm, sluggish manner that Dacey could feel through their contract.

"I do not understand. What is the reason for fuss?" the sprite asked tiredly.

Dacey gawked and waved a hand in the direction of the mountain range.

"Feckin' mountains, Esk," he emphasised in disbelief. 

Other people watched and listened as they spoke to each other. Esk seemed unbothered by their audience and titled his head, eyes falling closed and flames flickering yet lower. He was completely unbothered.

"Yes, I can see that, human. The earth god Rhea is sick, not dead, and the ground still moves on his whims. He wished to craft mountains and so there are mountains."

Dacey huffed and looked between his disinterested companion and the offending scenery a few times, still unable to close his mouth for the sheer absurdness of what he was hearing. Not once in their years of research and travel had Esk or any other sprite ever mentioned that an earth god could just choose to change the topography of their territory so drastically on a whim. Nor had anyone thought to suggest or question how much control Rhea still had over his own magic. Dacey had spent the last few months under the assumption that the god was crippled and relatively harmless. Apparently not.

"Feckin' gods," the young man muttered in awe.

Maybe the end of the world was coming for them faster than anyone had thought.

[the-kingshound]

tall, mute mc: *towering over him and sighning menacingly*

cledwyn: ,,,ok?

Cledwynn is just so confused lol

[steak-n-popotoes]

FFxivWrite '23 - 23

Stress and anxiety charged a constant electric surge through Caranar's body.

Never had he foreseen anything like this.

Still he felt that familiar instinct to look over his shoulder while he still could - to spot the thief in the night, the knife in the back, the blood in the wine, the pitfall, the curveball, the trick, the hitch, the catch.

When you've spent so long being toyed with by fate, the one outcome you can never have faith in is a happy ending.

Really.

Liberating two nations, no strings attached? Burying that bastard Zenos, completely unscathed?

And now this? Things were going too well. He was too happy. Overindulgent in his joy; there had to be a reckoning.

"You have got to relax," L'kozu scolded, "you've already sweat through the undershirt and if it reaches the jacket it will show through."

Caranar shuffled under the formal attire. He knew it was important to Eryna, and he had to admit he was feeling swept up in the ceremony of it all, but that didn't mean he liked wearing the suit any more than he would have were it for some stuffy political banquet.

L'kozu held their stern silence while they inspected the vest for any loose threads or other imperfections. They found none, of course. "If Beef can deal with it, you can."

"Are you kidding? Beef loves playing dress-up." The flower boy had been twirling in his skirts from the moment Kozu had shown him how to get them on. "The suit's nothing. Well, it's great, I mean. It looks great-"

"Then what's actually bothering you?" Kozu asked. They stopped fussing over Caranar and fixed their eyes on his.

Sweat continued to bead along Caranar's brow under the shadow of his tamed hair. Of course they could tell.

Caranar struggled to coax words from his lips.

"It's just... I feel like I can't-"

A rush from within raced through his mind, forcing him from it. Oh gods. This was it.

"Caranar? You can't what? What's wrong?" The sensation of L'kozu taking his hand and bracing his shoulder reached Caranar from across the divide.

His stress turned to panic as that damned pain spiked into his skull again. He knew it couldn't last. He cursed all the gods he knew as he was stricken by their blessing.

A vision of the future danced before his senses.

Sweat rolled down his brow as he reentered the room. L'kozu had given him the boot, knowing he wouldn't be able to contain his anxiety.

They slipped past, returning to the bedside, and spoke to its occupant in a low, soothing tone.

Though he was only mere steps away, Caranar couldn't hear what they said. He had miles to cross before he was there himself.

"Caranar?" came Eryna's voice, exhausted and weak.

Suddenly he was standing alongside the curtain.

"I let him know." L'kozu said. "He's right here, Eryna."

Eryna reached a hand out for Caranar's, which he took gently in his own. His eyes were locked on the bundle in L'kozu's arms.

Before he could protest or shy away, L'kozu responded by holding the little thing out for Caranar to take. He cradled it - cradled her - in his other arm, close to his heart. Dark hair was curled around long ears atop her head, and a few soft, dark scales mottled her arms, legs and face.

"So much of the world to see, yet they're both already asleep." L'kozu said. "Asleep, but in perfect health." they added. "I suspect their first bath was more excitement than they were prepared for."

L'kozu's words reached Caranar from within his daze. "Both?"

He tore himself away from the newborn he held to look up at L'kozu, who then nodded to Eryna.

Cradled against her was another sleeping baby, a mirror image of the first.

Caranar felt a swell within his breast; warmth spreading to every edge of his being.

"Twins. A boy and a girl." said Eryna, breathless. "Like Alphinaud and Alisaie."

"Delivered without a hitch. You've earned some rest yourself, Eryna."

Caranar had no words. He still couldn't believe it had come true.

There was wet upon Caranar's cheeks as he returned to the present.

He had been moved to a chair with his collar and neckerchief undone as L'kozu held a cold compress to his head. His best man looked him over with unguarded concern.

"Are you alright? Was it the Echo?"

Caranar struggled to compose himself, and ultimately failed. Tears fell unhindered onto white silk. "It-it was."

"What did you see that was so sad?"

Sad? Caranar thought, was he sad? Caranar searched the vision for some angle, some hidden tragedy. Healthy, Kozu had said. Without a hitch. No matter how he tried, he could find none. Yet each drop fell after the other.

"No... it was nothing." He sniffed loudly. That vision, the sensation of holding his own child he still felt in his arms and within his breast, he clung to as it burned white-hot amidst all of the other dark and miserable glimpses of the future he had endured over the course of his life. It was for him, and him alone. It burned bright enough to chase the shadows away.

"It's alright." Caranar said. "I'm alright."

~~~~~

Though many would have given anything for the right to claim they were present when the Warriors of Light were wed (a right which was oft exercised by the youngest son of House Fortemps), L'kozu and Tataru had flexed quite a lot of power in ensuring the ceremony was attended by close friends and family only.

On one side were seated Eryna's relatives, while the other was filled out by the Scions and their associates. Beef was sitting with Popola and Renaud whenever he wasn't gleefully scattering flower petals; Popola bouncing in her seat with excitement while Renaud slumped in his chair looking annoyed that her attention was somewhere else. Thancred was inconspicuously holding his head, still reeling from the previous night's festivities. Alphinaud was busy assisting L'kozu with directing while Alisaie, Y'mhitra, and maid of honor Y'shtola were off with Eryna and the rest of her bridesmaids. Representing the Steppe was Cirina of the Mol, who looked a mite overwhelmed as she placed an ornate stringed instrument at a table loaded down with gifts for the bride and groom. Those with sharp eyes even insist that the Azure Dragoon himself was spotted lingering against a wall at the back of the venue.

Caranar's tears threatened to spill over once more throughout the ceremony, pausing only briefly to laugh when he saw Sidurgu stuffed into a suit himself, sitting with his arms crossed while a halo of moogles harassed him overhead. Rielle carried herself with smug poise as the ring bearer, no doubt aware of Sid's plight.

The brief reprieve came to an end when Eryna approached the altar escorted by her father, and Caranar's emotions struck again with strength tenfold.

Eryna, on the other hand, had spent the day certain she would not cry and ruin the effort her bridesmaids had poured into her appearance, but found that resolve sorely tested when she beheld her groom wearing the tear-stained tuxedo L'kozu had drafted and tailored for him. His usual charming, stoic self she had been prepared for, but this... smiling through his outpouring of love, of feeling. It was so unlike him. Vulnerable and free.

They shared the same wishes for their life together as they shared a kiss.

[whatwouldvalerydo]

For July's surprise prompt hosted by the brilliant @hp-12monthsofmagic we have Gareth and Cledwyn.

Initially I wanted this to be a mini series but since my brain is scattered everywhere and nowhere, we get this. Cled belongs to the darling @that-scouse-wizard.

Characters mentioned here belong to @lifeofkaze and @kc-and-co. so sorry for not telling you beforehand, it sort of happened as I am trying to get some things done before my next work trip.

Tagging: @endlessly-cursed for the Gareth content <3

The book club was one of the events Gareth actually looked forward to. He could be alone with his favorite book, with no one to pester him, getting lost between the pages or his own thoughts. That was something he could not have in general, not even in the library because sooner or later at least a few girls would try to chat him up, try to get under his skin and hopefully his heart.

However the young future duke was not interested in them. While he did play around in his fifth year, it was mainly for show, a way to pass the time or to annoy the hopeless romantic Oliver Gerard. By the time year six came around, he was tired of the show, wanted to make time matter and Oliver was actually dating Victoria Summer.

But he did not lose the previous year entirely. He came to a daunting realization, initially being conflicted by such feelings. Once he settled himself, he admitted it, he was different, wanted someone different.

And the stunts he pulled to try to get the attention of taciturn Cledwyn were no easy feat, at one point reaching a sort of inner exasperation when the young man did not even wish to spend too much time talking to him. He initially figured he was interested because someone actually told him off and was brutally honest which was refreshing. Then it was more, a second glance, lingering and if it was something Gareth did, it was to commit everything to memory and read into it.

And when he leaped off the wall after asking him to go out with him and shared a kiss, one that was returned, much to his surprised, Gareth knew he had him. He was as interested, curious at least, Gareth told himself as he arranged his hair in the mirror.

Steps took him to the library, finding Cledwyn in a corner engrossed in a new book “Just the person I was looking for.”

He rolled his eyes, but apart from that, he looked bent on ignoring the obnoxious royal until he stuffed a book on advanced potions under his nose “What do you want?”

“Help obviously. Can you please not act like I have the plague? I actually have impeccable hygiene.” Gareth mentioned grabbing a bouncy curl from Cledwyn’s head between his fingers, the later smacking away him with the book “You cannot possibly be upset about the kiss. I can take it back you know.”

“Really now?” he glared, eyes widening when Gareth shieled their faces with the book in his hand, giving him a quick peck on the lips. Stepping back he stumbled in the book case, Gareth smirking “You can’t keep doing this.”

“Then tell me why you pulled me in for another kiss back then.”

“I didn’t.” Cledwyn countered quickly, Gareth just rolling his eyes “You’re imagining things.” Pushing him aside, he stormed out of the library, the royal watching him intently.

During the book club, Cledwyn refused to raise his eyes from the book he was reading, Henry paying attention to his text, Jin reading something in Latin to them, Gareth paying attention to Cledwyn.

Clearing his throat, Jin looked over at Gareth “Do you wish to add anything?”

“Apologies, I keep finding myself distracted as of late.” Cledwyn scoffing at his words, making Henry look at them in order to survey the room. Looking over at Gareth, he nodded politely as he finally settled back to his own text.

Jin however smirked as he looked at Cledwyn, picking up on his heartbeat “Most interesting.” Causing the boy to look at him, Jin smiling, gesturing with his head towards Gareth “Not one to judge.” Cledwyn feeling as if the room was closing in on him.

“Now that I have you here Jin” Gareth said drawing his attention to him “you mentioned a fascinating read about the temples in Japan. I would very much like to get my hands on that book myself. Is it true ��Mahoutokoro school is close to a lot of historical sites?”

“I see what you are doing, but I will indulge your faux curiosity my friend.”

Contrary to what Cledwyn believed, Gareth did not try something that night, him deciding to linger close to Henry because for some reason, the royal douche was on his best behavior around him. And once Gareth understood what he was doing, he decided to skip a few club meetings out of spite.

But missing those made him bitter, as if he lost his sanctuary, his drive for debates and stories.

During a Quidditch party celebrating a win for Gryffindor, Gareth joined, stripes on his face red and golden, Cledwyn rolling his eyes yet again when he approached. Lifting his hands he stopped in front of him “Just wanted to congratulate you. Nothing more.”

“Honestly what do you want from me?”

He did not miss a beat, answer coming out on the spot “I want to get to know you. Spend time with you.”

“Then ask. Don’t go pulling your stunts on me.”

Sighing, Gareth wiped away at his face with his sleeve “If you are truly mad at me I can understand. However, if you are mad at yourself and your feelings, I can understand that as well for I have been there, just as confused. But if it is the latter and you are taking it out on me because you cannot look within yourself, then we have nothing more to discuss. Do you understand me?”

Looking down at the cup he was holding, Cledwyn pushed it into Gareth’s hand “Just enjoy the party. Talk if you must, but don’t expect anything.”

“I’ll take that.” Gareth said, sitting next to him, taking a sip from the cup “You know this is an indirect kiss right?”

“Sod off Farr.”

However that was enough for Gareth to go back to his small shenanigans, stealing kisses, coming out of nowhere, Cledwyn being on alert all the time. As if he did not have other better things to do. However, despite himself, he found himself talking more to Gareth when he actually chose to contemplate life and be honest about everything. He listened to stories about his family, the pain he reluctantly wished to admit, Cledwyn opening up more to him as well.

Which felt alright, yet strange as he had a hard time believing his intentions.

And after a visit to his parents during a weekend when Gareth acted more obnoxious than normal, Cledwyn was adamant on ignoring him.

But he still watched him during class, or club activities and noticed something was wrong, Gareth’s mask slipping from time to time when he thought no one was paying attention to him. And there was more sadness behind those eyes, far more than usual.

So one day after they finished the book club, Cledwyn stayed back, Gareth taking the opportunity to invite him for drinks at Hogsmeade “What’s going on with you?”

“Nothing, stop being odd. I am merely…”

“You’re lying.” Cledwyn quickly stepped in, all up in his face “Something happened and you’re trying to hide it. Tell me and I’ll go with you this weekend.”

Shaking his head, Gareth leaned against a wall “Are you bribing me? Everything is fine.”

“Lying once more. Again and again the same thing with you. Fine. Go ahead, lie. Feel better about yourself for a moment.” Once more that false masked slipped for a moment, Gareth looking away, eyes unable to find a focus point. Placing a hand on his shoulder, Cledwyn felt the tension underneath his robes, but he remained silent.

“They found someone for me, after I graduate school, showed me her pictures and everything. I hate her, I do not wish for this.”

There it was, that small collapse, when he was honest, when he would look back at him, emotions radiating, cascading off him in small ripples, before his gaze would widen, a power inside his eyes pulling him in. Leaning in, Cledwyn pressed his lips against his, Gareth’s mind needing a moment in order to understand everything that was happening.

Parting from him slightly, Gareth sighed softly “Well, that was certainly a brilliant surprise.”

Bumping his forehead against his slightly, Cledwyn spoke “Don’t ruin it.”

“I would not dream of it.” He leaned back in, smiling as he kissed him back.