#Lily orchard is not safe to be around

[sillygoblinantics]

Can I trauma dump for a second?

Personal essay by Bri

Can I be vulnerable with you all for a brief post? You don’t have to read what’s under here if you don’t want to hear about dark thoughts and events from my childhood. So take this as a content warning going forward, especially if you are not in a good state of mind I want you to ignore this post and check out my other light hearted stuff in the meantime. 🩵

In the past month spanning the duration of September, Lily Orchard has made several posts answering self asks where she makes various and progressively worse than the last threats on many people who she labels are stalkers.

Each of these posts were said throughout the month that is a very particular awareness month: suicide prevention month. The amount of ways she’s phrased it are just heartless and reckless.

Today, being no different than the others has struck a cord to me personally.

For context:

I was transferred to a school for kids with learning disabilities when I was 9 in the middle fourth grade. At this private school I would receive proper education and resources that would help me excel but in less than four years at this school I would be the target and victim to one boy’s torment and abuse. Let’s call him Pepsi, because he wouldn’t shut up about bragging about how his mom was ceo of the company’s local branch. Pepsi had been a troubled boy who had bullied kids before I arrived and because of his parents the school couldn’t do anything outside of suspension. I being prone to teasing and not understanding tone or jokes due to being born autistic was the perfect target for Pepsi. So he would harass and pick on me: tripping me in hallways, flipping me off, calling me names and messing with something I showed interest in, standard bullying stuff. During this time I was slowly driven into high stress/anxiety and shortly following I would have depression. I would hurt myself by scratching my arms with paperclips which my mom would eventually request the school have a teacher escort me to and from the bathroom just so I wouldn’t self harm. This was between 4th, 5th and 6th grade.

It was around here that I begun having suicidal ideation… I tried asphyxia: belt, infinity scarf and even a cats-in-the-cradle toy. These attempts were always at home and would be stopped by my parents… at one point my old dog came bursting in to check on me when I was crying my eyes out and wouldn’t leave my side until she made sure I was ok.

(I’m tearing up over that specific memory as I type this out… she was a very good dog…)

Seventh grade Pepsi would do something that began my ideations and planning that would go into effect the next grade. During a school dance, I decided to invite my brother and his two friends as I didn’t know any guys or really thought someone liked me. I tried to hangout with my brother on the bleachers in the gym. While sitting on the bleachers one of my peers approached and asked if I’d slow dance with them. No boy ever did this and I thought it was genuine I was so happy until at the other side of the gym, under the basket ball hoop against the wall, surrounded by other boys (who weren’t goons) I saw Pepsi, laughing. Laughing and pointing and I still remember the feeling I had as I could feel my lil heart shatter into pieces in my chest.

I ran to the bathrooms tears running down my face. My brother and his friends saw this and were about to beat Pepsi up but the school chaperones stopped them. I wish they didn’t.

From then to eighth grade I was barely myself and would sit in class staring out the windows down the long uphill half mile long driveway that cut through a small bit of woods and opened to the busy road. I’d watch all kinds of cars pass: big cars, small cars, pickup trucks, suvs, eighteen wheelers, buses and all sorts of vehicles pass by between the tree line. I’d watch and imagine myself being hit, thinking of the day I’d enact this plan.

I was excited for eighth grade, not only would I be graduating and headed for high school but it was the year our grade would get to perform one of two Shakespeare plays! The class before us did Romeo and Juliet and our class would get to perform the Scottish play. I was excited even if I was a narrator. My mom made it clear to the school and teachers to make sure that Pepsi and I were kept apart at all times. At. All. Times.

The one time during rehearsal, when me and Pepsi were in the same room, the one moment that a teacher stepped out for just a few minutes. Pepsi took the opportunity and berated me, said every nasty thing he could at me.

I can’t remember most but what I know is something about my weight and that no one would love me and that I should die.

I felt a switch go off and suddenly I was speed walking towards the door of the gym (the stage was in the gym since the art and music classes were connected to the gym) and as I was walking I could hear my teacher calling my name but I didn’t look back. Once I got out the door I ran, I ran so fast.

I ran down the hill, the sound of my shoes hitting the pavement echoed in my ears still and the only thing in my mind were: the plan but also the hope that I was still being chased by the teacher, I kept running and running and by the third Italian cypress tree that lead to the small forested area and up the driveway of the school I skidded to a halt. I caught my breath and with a glimmer of hope for a hand to grab me I looked behind me:

…

The teacher wasn’t there… they stopped chasing me. Why did they stop chasing me? Weren’t they suppose to care?! Why aren’t they here?! I looked back at the road now crying for a different reason. I flaked out… I couldn’t go through with the plan. ‘No one would care’ I thought… so I turned around and ran back up the hill and past the school buildings and near the back where I waited and cried for the day to be over or for someone to notice me. The advisor or some type of teacher; who would take his class on nature walks behind the school on the old trails where an amphitheater was; found me. I didn’t tell my mom at pick up. I told my first therapist about it and later was sent to a hospital and then five days at a literal hell where it only instilled fear of being vulnerable and honest about my mental health stayed. I had to stay out of school for a few months until I could graduate… I missed my chance to be a narrator for the play, I fumbled my science fair… I would forget about this day until I was a junior in high school with a new counselor and my mom. I only had dreams of running down the hill of my middle school and I never knew why until my mom told me and my counselor… those dreams stopped after the revelation.

I was twelve years old when I tried to kill myself via being hit by a car.

Lily orchard, you have no fucking right to act like the bigger person because you’re trans or native or whatever bullshit you spew.

It’s been two or three years since I’ve had any suicidal thought, a year since I’ve self harmed and I refuse to relapse now.

I don’t wish any horrible thing on you, no one does, no one has or will ever wish harm or ill will on you. And the people who do have something to say about you are validated after putting up with your abuse that has been documented on so many occasions.

I don’t wish what I have gone through on my middle school bully, I wouldn’t wish the worst thing ever on him. I wouldn’t wish the worst fate even on you.

The only thing I wish you get: is help. Actually human help.

And Lily, if I see you talk smack about anyone’s mother or father like this again, there’s nothing I can do in my power to act; because you’ve already done it to yourself.

———————————

Thank you to those who aren’t Lily orchard for reading this, it’s a heavy subject for me that as I share and open up about becomes much lighter and helps me get the strength and confidence to be able to be honest with the people I care most about outside of the internet.

While I can say I’m in a better place it’s always changing but it’s gotten easier to manage and recenter myself.

Stay safe everyone (ówò)

[nudgeride]

I’m gonna say this.. stay away from this blog. They defend Lily Orchard and have made excuses for her writing child porn, incest porn, claiming that Courtney abused lily in their childhood and is saying that KP is clout chasing.

I am saying stay away because if they can excuse child porn, incest porn and think that allegations of rape should be PRIVATE WHEN PEOPLE ARE AT RISK AND ESPECIALLY CHILDREN SINCE LILY HAS A CHILD FANBASE AND A NIECE AND NEPHEW. Then I don’t this that this person is safe to be around.

[trickstarbrave]

lily orchard is honestly so fucking. i dont know if she's actively malicious, stupid, or both. its probably both but this is a new low.

she admits she linked a nsfw stream in her discord server in a safe for work channel where minors were present. she admits she knew a minor asked "oh why does this steam say its 18+" and her response was just "watch and find out". she then also admits she and her girlfriend flashed her audience in that stream and that that breaks youtube's terms of service. she admits she probably shouldn't have done all that

she admitted all of this. and then a few minutes later in this very same video, goes "this isn't inappropriate behavior with minors nor can it be called grooming. the argument just comes down to 'you didnt try to keep minors out hard enough, therefore you're in the wrong' when there wasnt anything else i could do to gatekeep it. what, did you want me to demand ID verification? if it says 18+ that means 18+ plus and if its good enough for the platform its good enough for me"

you didn't try to keep minors out at all. you didn't say "this is an 18+ stream because there might be nsfw content in it, if you're a minor don't want it". you didn't follow the platform's guidelines either, so no it's not "good enough for the platform" and no one could use youtube's guidelines as a measure of what they should or should not be watching. many times an 18+ stream on youtube only really features dirty jokes, violence, and a lot of swearing because sexual nudity or nudity in general IS NOT ALLOWED!!!!!

you're making shit up to dance around the fact you were inappropriate around children. when you got any backlash towards it you just made your discord server 18+ only but the damage had been DONE AT THIS POINT. you admitted you were doing shit you shouldn't have been doing yet you are bending over backwards to frame yourself as someone who couldn't help but be put in that situation and had no other way of conducting herself. you didn't have to break youtubes TOS. you didn't have to give a vague non-answer to a literal child who asked why a stream was 18+ because they were confused why you would be linking it in the safe for work channels where children were present. you didnt have to do literally any of that and it is not unreasonable to say You Shouldn't Have Fucking Done That. no one is saying you should have ID checked everyone in your discord server and stream, but you should have been clear and upfront about what the stream was going to include, linked it only in nsfw channels, and probably shouldnt have fucking broken youtube's TOS for sexual nudity. there are places to post your tits on the internet with the reasonable expectation children won't see it but you didn't care to do that. you're the fucking problem in this situation

but the worst part is many ppl in her audience are actively eating this shit up.

[opinated-user]

Do you ever feel worried that Lily Orchard is causing harm to trans women through her actions, since trans women are stereotyped as predatory, hypersexual and accused of "grooming" children by transphobes?

Some terfs and radfems also believe that even young AMAB children are sexually aggressive monsters who are a threat to girls and have justified violently threatening young trans girls (and minors they see as trans girls) because of it, so Lily having perpetuated COCSA on her sister starting when she was a child might empower this belief.

no, because TERFs don't ever need any reason to hate trans women. LO could be actually the wholesome and safe person that she wants us to believe she is, no red flags anywhere, exemplary behaviour all around, loved, admired and respected by everyone, and a TERF somewhere is going to believe that she is a predator anyway until her dying breath. because to them is not about behaviour or anything a trans woman said or thought, it's all about them being trans women the issue.

which is actually the reason why we must take out any transphobia out of the way when we talk about her, since that only gives her a convenient shield to hide behind and make it out to be like our only issue is her being trans and not what she actually did, the words she actually said.

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

The Other Evans Girl [Part Twenty Nine]

Fandom: Harry Potter [Marauder’s Era]

Pairing: Sirius Black x Original Female Character, Sirius Black x Daisy Evans, James Potter x Lily Evans

Characters: Sirius Black, Original Female Character, Daisy Evans, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, James Potter, Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Alice Fortescue, Frank Longbottom, Marlene McKinnon, Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort, Peter Pettigrew, Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix LeStrange, Walburga Black, Orion Black, Jasper Thicknesse, Barty Crouch Jr, Mulciber, Walden McNair

Word Count: 4555

Rating: Mature

Summary: Hogwarts is a safe haven, a home for many, but it’s often a place where heartache, love and complex emotions dwell and none know that better than the Marauders. Lily Evans just wants to make it out as a successful witch though the oncoming war and the ongoing advances of James Potter threaten that. Daisy Evans, her twin, has other goals. Join the Evans sisters as they make their way through Hogwarts, prepare for war and eventually find love.

Tags/ Warnings: Hogwarts, Friends, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Marauder’s Era, Teenage Angst, Babies, Weddings, Dating, Crying, Loss of Virginity, First Wizarding War, Love, Kissing, Teenagers, James Potter is a bit of a dick, Hogsmeade, 1970s, Fighting, Loss of Parents, Grief, Babies, Injuries, Gore, Harm, Christmas,  The Potter’s Mansion // Daisy’s Dress // NYE Lily’s Dress // NYE Daisy’s Dress // Lily’s Ring // Daisy’s Ring

Notes: Okay so I’ve been working on updating this and I’ve finally gone through all the chapters already written before I start writing more. It’s changed a lot so I’ve decided it’s just better to completely re-upload it.  

If you want tagging let me know

LINK TO AO3 // LINK TO PINTEREST // LINK TO ALL PARTS

Sirius couldn’t sleep. He tried to but every time he closed his eyes he thought of Daisy, running out of the dining room with no one following her. It didn’t help that James was lying next to him, sounding as if he was revving a chainsaw every time he breathed. After a several fruitless attempts he decided to get up and escape the room which was closing in on him by the minute. He knew he couldn’t go to find Daisy, after all, Lily would be sleeping next to her and he felt uncomfortable trying to explain his presence at her sister’s bedside in the middle of the night, so instead he headed downstairs to the kitchen and made himself a glass of water. It was quiet down here, the only thing he could hear being himself downing his drink in four big glugs and the clink of the glass as it hit the sink ceramic as he tidied it away. Once he was done he wandered through the house in the dark, through to the drawing room and it’s large windows so that he could look out into the garden.

Though the Potter’s garden was large most of its length was barren, just a neatly manicured lawn hemmed in by trees that multiplied as it got to the orchard, but outside the house was a patio which was made up of furniture, a grill and an outside fire which to Sirius’ surprise was lit. And curled beside it, wrapped in a blanket and sitting on a patio chair was Daisy. Granted Sirius couldn’t see her face her mop of blonde hair couldn’t be mistaken.

Sirius heaved a sigh of relief. At least now he could check she was alright. He crept quietly out of the back doors smiling at her as she turned around after being disturbed. She smiled weakly back at him and then turned back to watch the fire as he slid onto the outdoor sofa opposite. He didn’t talk, instead, he sat watching her hoping she would initiate the conversation. Even though she wasn’t crying now her eyes were red and puffy, signalling she had been not long since. As the fire popped and hissed in front of them they sat in comfortable silence until finally, she spoke. It was barely more than a whisper but even so he heard her as she said, ‘I bet you’re fed up with me being dramatic huh?’ ‘What?’ Sirius said genuinely confused by the question. ‘Well, my outburst must have put a dampener on dinner,’ she replied with a sniffle. ‘Not at all. In fact, we were all worried if you were okay,’ he said honestly. She stayed quiet for a moment, fiddling with the tassels on the blanket she was wrapped in before responding in a meek voice, ‘I’m fine…just a bit embarrassed to be honest.’

‘Well don’t be and I’m glad,’ he said, clearing his throat as she looked at him puzzled, ‘that you’re alright.’ ‘I remembered something,’ she admitted, chewing on her lip nervously. Sirius didn’t know what to reply, whatever it was having triggered the outburst and therefore not something he wanted to risk again, but given she’d brought it up he figured there wasn’t any harm in letting her get it off her chest and raised an eyebrow as if urging her to continue. Daisy shifted and mumbled, ‘about mum and dad…it wasn’t anything bad. In fact, it was quite nice.’ ‘That’s good,’ Sirius said. ‘Except it reminded me of last Christmas,’ she said glumly. ‘Oh?’ Sirius said trying to sound nonchalant as his mind raked over last Christmas which they spent in the castle. Sure she’d been injured and the fall out that had followed it hadn’t been great but for Sirius, well, he’d loved every minute of it.

‘Yeah, then I just sort of spiralled because it reminded me that I missed their last Christmas. My last family Christmas and I didn’t have to,’ she said, not looking at him as she willed herself not to cry. Because truth was she wasn’t sad, she was angry at herself. For being so wrapped up in her own life she hadn’t thought of her parents.

‘Madam Pomfrey told you to stay put though right?’ Sirius said, seeing the all too familiar look of self-hatred in her eyes.

‘Yeah but I still came here,’ she said spitefully, ‘I still enjoyed myself whilst they were probably worried sick about me. They didn’t see me for months, when I’d practically been at death’s door, and I just didn’t go home. I didn’t spend their last Christmas with them, what shitty person does that?’ ‘You’re not a shitty person for not predicting the future Dais,’ Sirius reasoned, his heart aching at how broken she sounded. ‘I didn’t predict the future but I took it for granted,’ she said, tears brimming in her eyes, glinting the firelight, ‘I could’ve died that Halloween and I didn’t even think about going home, to let them make sure I was okay.’

‘You’re right,’ Sirius said, his blunt tone taking her off guard as she looked at him shocked, ‘you did take it for granted but Dais what teenager doesn’t? Should you have gone home? Maybe. And did your parents care that you didn’t? Probably. But Dais that’s only because they love you so much. You forget I spent time in your home remember and though, yes, you probably could’ve spent more time there. Maybe even spent their last Christmas with them but that didn’t change how much they loved you. Dais, I felt more love between you and your family in the week I was there than I ever felt in my house in the fifteen years I lived there,’ Sirius said, trying not to panic as her chin wobbled though more out of sympathy for his own situation than hers, ‘is it a shame they’re gone? Absolutely. I mean I’d trade my parents in a heartbeat for you.’ ‘Pads,’ she said sadly. ‘What? I’m just being honest,’ he shrugged. ‘You say it like you haven’t got a family,’ she said, ‘I mean what about me, Lil, the boys?’ ‘I know that which I why I also know that, sure, you missed your last Christmas with your parents but that wasn’t your last family Christmas. We’re family. Always will be,’ he smiled, earning a smile back before she dropped her gaze nervously as she whispered, ‘Pads?’ ‘Yeah?’ Sirius replied. ‘Can I have a hug?’ she said. Sirius didn’t say anything forcing her to look up where she found him making space on the couch, beckoning her to come and join him. She got up in an instant, trying to ignore how the cold nipped at her pyjama clad legs now she wasn’t tucked in the blanket, before they were covered back over as she folded herself up and nestled into his side, his arm around her shoulders, her hand falling onto his thigh which caused electricity to buzz through him. They stayed like that for quite a while though as the night wore on the air around them started getting bitter so much so the fire couldn’t stave the cold off any longer and though Sirius didn’t want to move, he could feel her shivering next to him and so he nudged her causing her to sit up and look at him.

‘I think we better go inside,’ Sirius mumbled, earning a nod from Daisy who to his disappointment got up quickly and headed inside, him close on her tail. Once inside Daisy’s shivering intensified, as her body tried to get used to the warmth of the house, and Sirius rubbed his hands along her arms trying to warm her up which made her smile. After a moment she dropped her gaze and mumbled his name.

‘Yeah?’ he said, dropping his hands from her biceps and watching her in the moonlight. ‘Tomorrow, can we…I mean, I know James will have to because of well…I mean,’ she rambled. ‘The point Dais?’ he chuckled making her look at him and smile. ‘I was wondering if we could skip the party? I mean I understand if you don’t want to miss it, actually forget it,’ Daisy said, waving him off as she attempted to leave suddenly feeling awkward. ‘Dais, it’s okay,’ he said grabbing her elbow so she couldn’t flee. ‘No, forget it I’m being silly,’ she sighed. ‘If you want to skip it that’s fine. I don’t mind and I’m sure the others won’t,’ Sirius said. ‘Really?’ she said biting her lip, ‘what about Euphemia I thought those were rules?’ ‘I’m sure she and Monty will make an exception,’ he said reassuringly.

‘It’s just all too much too soon,’ she explained. ‘I get it,’ Sirius said, pulling her in for a hug hoping to fend off the tears in her eyes. She allowed him to, her head on his chest as he said, ‘leave it with me. I’ll sort it out with Euphemia.’ ‘Thanks,’ she sniffled, ‘I really appreciate it.’

All he could do was mumble an agreement into the top of her hair. All to soon she pulled away, the pair of them exchanging mumbled ‘goodnights’ before she was gone, leaving Sirius standing there watching where space she had just vacated.

As he trudged back to bed he thought it over. He was sure that if he explained to Fleamont and Euphemia they’d understand yet he couldn’t deny the idea made him apprehensive. Over the past day or so they’d done so well at pulling her out of herself, keeping her from spiralling into the hole she had been. He just worried that whilst she might not be ready for the world if they allowed her to regress she might go all the way back. So he compromised, if she didn’t want to go to the party he was going to bring the party to her.

✵✵✵

When Lily woke on the morning of New Year’s Eve she found she was alone in her bed. Though she had felt her sister climb into the bed in the early hours of the morning, she hadn’t been awake enough to comment on it, and now she was gone, yet her pillow was mussed and her pyjamas discarded on the bedroom floor suggesting she had slept and changed her clothes two days in a row which was a plus. With a yawn Lily climbed out of bed and picked up her sister’s clothing, throwing it into the washing basket along with her own before she walked to the bathroom and got in the shower. The warm water felt good against her skin and she allowed it to shroud her as her mind wandered.

Though she didn’t want it to, her mind went through the last week recapping its entirety; her loss, the funeral, trying to keep Daisy from spiralling. It was only looking at the difference now, Daisy up and out of her bed for the second day in a row, did she realise how much the Potters, especially James, had helped. And though she hated to admit it she had come to really like him. She had already been edging that way before Christmas but seeing him help them, not for any gain other than being a good person, had solidified those feelings. Only as she thought of how nice he’d been, how nice his parents were, she thought of her own parents and started to cry. Of course she had cried quite a bit over the past week but it was always hidden away, like she was now. Whilst Daisy fell to pieces so publicly Lily felt as though she couldn’t follow suit, that she had to remain solid and so her grief was hidden away until she was alone and the tears could run free. Fortunately they didn’t last long and the shower disguised their presence anyway so by the time she climbed out of the shower it was impossible to tell she’d broken even a little. 

Once out of the shower she dried herself quickly, throwing on a pair of cords, a long-sleeved shirt and a thick jumper, before she threw her hair up into a clip, allowing a couple of tendrils to fall and frame her face. Yet just as she was slipping her socks on there was a knock at the door.

‘Come in,’ she said curiously, wondering who was on the other side. As a mop of messy black hair poked through her heart sped up, thumping against her ribs as James’ head floated in the gap of the door checking to see if he could enter. ‘Hey,’ he said, slipping inside once he saw that the coast was clear. ‘Hey,’ she said, confused at his shifty behaviour and trying to ignore her racing heartbeat. ‘Daisy’s not here right?’ he asked coming and sitting on the dressing table chair.

‘No, why?’ Lily asked. ‘Just checking, I wanted to talk to you without her overhearing that’s all,’ he said simply. ‘About what?’ Lily asked curiously. James’ gaze was roving over her belongings as he replied to her, ‘we’ve decided we’re gonna have a party of our own tonight. I mean we usually do anyway but Sirius said Dais is worried about being around all those people tonight so we-’ ‘When did she say that?’ Lily interjected, worry bubbling her stomach, forcing her beating heart to take second place in her unruly emotions. James shrugged, ‘dunno. Last night I assumed.’

‘Right,’ Lily said, her nerves fading as she remembered her sister slipping into bed in the wee hours. At least she had someone.

‘He didn’t go into much detail; he just woke me up and told me the plan,’ James explained.

‘The plan?’ Lily asked. ‘Yeah, by the time I’d woke up he’d already spoken to my mother who, thank god, told us we’re under no obligation to attend the party tonight,’ James said with a smile, ‘so, Sirius has taken Daisy off into town on some made-up last-minute errand which is gonna take them all day. Then when they get back you’re gonna get her changed and up onto the balcony.’

‘Okay,’ Lily said, agreeing before she realised how little sense it made, ‘wait what, I mean, why’s he took her out the way if we’re just gonna hang out on the balcony.’ ‘Well it might be a little less formal but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to party, even if it’s not the party,’ Jame said, when Lily raised an eyebrow he sighed, ‘we figured we’d make it all nice and shit for you guys. A proper party but without all the boring ministry officials.’

‘That’s kind of you,’ Lily said, unable to stop smiling at the sentiment, even if his wording was the less than eloquent.

‘Well we figured both of you could do with something fun to do even if it is just us six. I did suggest making it a surprise for the pair of you until Moony pointed out you’d probably catch on if we tried to distract you,’ James said, ‘And Daisy wouldn’t see through it?’ Lily said raising an eyebrow. ‘They’ll be too busy fawning all over each other to notice,’ James chuckled until he realised Lily was looking at him wide-eyed, ‘I mean, um…’ ‘Don’t worry it’s not like I don’t know she’s gaga for him,’ Lily smiled, ‘I just didn’t know he y’know.’ ‘He does,’ James said rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. He felt bad for betraying his friend’s confidence but knowing Daisy felt the same made him feel a little less guilty. It was also a relief to finally have someone on the same wavelength about the situation which is probably why he continued, ‘he just doesn’t know how to tell her. And now after everything that’s happened recently I just don’t think he wants to hurt her anymore.’ ‘Well that’s just stupid,’ Lily said bluntly. James looked taken aback at her tone but then he smiled, ‘welcome to the world I’ve been living in for the past six months.’ ‘I mean does he really think that she’d say no?’ Lily asked disbelievingly. ‘I think he’s just nervous,’ James said, smirking as he added, ‘you Evans girls can be intimidating you know.’ ‘I’ll take that as a compliment,’ Lily said flushing pink. ‘Oh, it was,’ James said his grin growing as he noted the tinge on her cheeks.

‘So back to the plan,’ Lily said, ignoring that her thudding heart had returned. James nodded and started telling her their plan for the balcony. Lily listened, nodding in agreement and offering suggestions until they got to a final agreement. Once everything was finalised they decided there was no time like the present and headed to find Remus and Peter so they could help though as they got to the door James felt a hand on his elbow, slowing him until he stopped. Lily looked at him nervously before she said, ‘you’re a good friend for doing this for her.’

‘Well it was more of Sirius’ idea,’ James admitted. 

‘Maybe but I doubt he was thinking of me so…thank you,’ Lily said before walking straight past him and out into the hall.

✵✵✵

Daisy stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in a towel, hoping to fend off the slight chill in the air and prevent her from shaking like a leaf, as she had been when they’d got home, their enjoyable afternoon in town marred by the journey back which had soaked her to the bone. As she walked out into the bedroom she found Lily sitting at the dressing table applying eyeliner, which slipped as she looked towards Daisy, causing her to wince and hold a finger to her waterline, trying to stop the blackened tears from running down her cheeks and ruining her makeup.

‘Jeez Lil, is this a new fashion trend for next year,’ Daisy mused as she walked into the room, pulling some pyjamas from her dresser. If Lily could’ve, she would’ve rolled her eyes at her twin but seeing as her eye was still stinging from the mishap she thought it best not to risk it. ‘Oh you’re so funny,’ Lily said sarcastically, watching her sister in the mirror as she threw her pyjamas on the bed and slipped some underwear on underneath her towel. ‘I try,’ Daisy quipped, ‘besides who are you dressing up for? I thought Euphemia said we didn’t have to go to the party.’ ‘Yeah about that,’ Lily said turning around in her chair to watch her sister, who’s movements now slowed anticipating what Lily was going to say.

‘You’re going?’ Daisy asked.

‘I think we both should,’ Lily said, sighing as Daisy rolled her eyes, ‘look I know she said we don’t have to but they sounded so excited to have us all attend yesterday and they’ve been so good to us.’ ‘Lily don’t,’ Daisy said, begrudging the way her heartstrings tugged, ‘Euphemia said we don’t have to go and besides I’m really not in the mood to hobnob with wizarding elites right now.’ ‘I know and neither am I but if we show our faces and have something to eat it might be okay,’ Lily said, offering an apologetic smile. Daisy grumbled, ‘oh Lil.’ ‘Oh come on…for me?’ Lily pleaded, adding a fake pout for extra clout. Daisy sighed and folded her arms as her sister stared at her. ‘Fine,’ she said after a moment causing Lily to break out into a big smile, ‘one hour. Tops.’ ‘Okay misery guts,’ Lily giggled, standing up. ‘I mean it, Lil. One hour,’ Daisy said watching her sister stand up and beckon her to the chair. ‘Okay, okay, but even for an hour you’re going to look somewhat presentable now get your arse over here,’ Lily chuckled.

✵✵✵

It didn’t take long to get Daisy looking presentable. Of course she hadn’t gone overboard, her makeup and hair routine significantly shorter than it had been last New Year’s, but with her hair neatly pinned up and her makeup done naturally, as Lily favoured, she couldn’t deny she looked pretty. As she stared at herself in the mirror she couldn’t help but realise how much better she looked with the last couple of days now that she was sleeping and eating. Yet as she slipped on her dress and examined herself in the mirror she couldn’t help but feel sad because she couldn’t understand how could she look so nice and feel so crappy.

Deciding not to dwell on that idea for fear of kicking off another round of tears she pushed it away and came out of the bathroom to find Lily dressed and popping in different pair of earrings. Whilst she was occupied looking in the mirror Daisy scanned her eyes across the ensemble, a rich green dress that came just down to her knee and hugged every curve of her body and a pair of black heels Daisy had never seen before. As Lily turned around Daisy noticed her pale, freckled chest was showing ample cleavage, and resisted the urge to quirk an eyebrow as it wasn’t her sister’s normal style. Ever her twin’s opposite Daisy’s dress differed in almost every way. It was shorter and floated off her though Daisy didn’t know if that was due to its design or the face she had lost weight since she had last tried it on at school.

‘You look nice,’ the pair of them said simultaneously making them chuckle.

‘Ready?’ Lily asked, heading towards the door. Daisy nodded, ‘you promise it’ll only be an hour right?’ ‘Of course,’ Lily said opening the door and gesturing for Daisy to hurry up, ‘come on I said we’d meet the boys upstairs and then all go down together.’

Daisy followed her sister as she headed into the hall and then up the stairs to James’ bedroom. She could hear the sounds of music coming from the large drawing room, giggles and conversations echoing from just beyond the doors. It made her stomach turn and she tried not to think of being crammed in amongst them, unable to flee until Lily’s one hour decree was up. Though as she headed into James’ room she reminded herself that even amongst the highest of wizarding society she’d have the boys and Lily. If she didn’t want to entertain they’d jump in for her, she was sure of it, or at least she was until she got inside and found it deserted.

‘Where are they?’ Daisy asked, wondering if they were through in the spare room or god forbid already downstairs which would mean her and Lily would have to enter on their own. Though as she looked at Lily for answers she didn’t say anything, merely smiling back at her before she walked over to the balcony doors and pulled back the curtain. Once it was opened she pushed the balcony doors open and hurried outside, with Daisy following quickly behind. Though it wasn’t as she’d expected. Instead of the normal plain balcony that overlooked the patio below now in front of her was their very own party venue. Balloons, banners and fairy lights hung in the air, seemingly tied to nothing, and candles were also dotted around on the floor. There was a table laden with food and drinks for them as well as a stack of board games next to a record player that was playing a song she wasn’t familiar with. And there, standing in front of her was Sirius, James, Remus, Peter and now Lily watching her with bated breath.

James spoke first, nervous energy spilling out before he could stop it as he blurted, ‘so what do you think?’ ‘It’s amazing,’ she breathed, a million questions buzzing around her brain as she said, ‘but what about the party Lily said-’ ‘Only said that to get you dressed up and upstairs,’ Lily said. ‘Yeah, we wanted a party with glitz and glam,’ Peter said. ‘But without making you mingle with all those people,’ Sirius said, unable to stop himself from smiling once he’d seen her face light up. Yet his smile immediately dimmed, as did the others, as tears brimmed in her eyes as she sniffed, ‘oh boys.’ ‘I mean it’s okay if you don’t want to’ Remus said, his face panicked like the rest of the boys. ‘Yeah, I mean if you just hang out in the games room we can,’ James continued. ‘Yeah,’ Sirius said, his heart hammering, ‘we can scrap it all if you want right boys?’ ‘Definitely,’ Peter said quickly. Lily rolled her eyes. ‘She’s fine you lot, right Dais?’ Lily said, walking towards her sister and offering her a tissue from nowhere as she wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Daisy blotted her eyes and chuckled, nodding at them to signal she was alright.

After they heaved a sigh of relief they beckoned her over, dropping into their seats and getting settled, drinks barely being poured before Remus suggested they play monopoly, a game James and Sirius had never played. As they played, ate and drank the night started getting cooler and darker until eventually, the sounds of the downstairs party spilling out onto the patio below was too much to ignore and the group took to the chance to spy on the mix of partygoers from above.

‘Is that Valentino Quentin editor of the Daily Prophet?’ Lily asked as a raven-haired man walked out onto the patio, wrapping an arm around a blonde-haired woman and smushing a kiss to her temple as she pawed him off. ‘Yeah,’ James said with an air of boredom that is only gained from hobnobbing in exclusive circles since birth, ‘he was only invited because Dad’s recently got an ad running in the prophet.’ ‘Oh yeah, I saw it!’ Peter said, ‘second page in right?’ ‘Monty’s spending the big bucks huh Prongs?’ Sirius quipped. ‘Maybe,’ James said, ‘though he said he bartered a good price.’ ‘Oh is that why Quentin’s hair is suspiciously quaffed?’ Lily teased, smiling at James who feigned shock, ‘Lily Evans! Are you suggesting that journalistic integrity could be swayed by pleasantries?’ ‘No,’ she chuckled, ‘but it’s nice to know which ones are malleable.’

Bolstered by Lily’s interest James broke into a who’s who of all the gossip and intel he had on the wizarding world below, only stopping when heard them start counting down to New Year. James insisted they did the same, wrapping his arms Lily and Peter and insisting they do the same to the others. Pretty soon Daisy was swept in between Sirius and Remus, who dwarfed her until she was buried in a sandwich between them, a circle now formed as the group started to sing ‘auld langs syne’ laughing and giggling as fireworks exploded above them.

And though the volume made her ears ring and she bashed in between the boys since no one seemed to know which direction to sway she couldn’t help but beam with happiness because even if this year had ended awfully, and from the looks of it the next few weren’t going to be easy to navigate, she couldn’t help but thank her lucky stars that she had the best people around her to fall back on when she needed them.

SIRIUS BLACK/SERIES TAGS

@maeisafangirl @mysteriouslydelicateface @caitlin1996 @imthebadguyyy

[tempest-toss]

It started with a slight rumble. Water rippling out from a cup as if a T-Rex had begun its escape. Pencils rattling as if a giant train was rushing by. It stopped as soon as it started, and Site 230 was still again.

Then the tremor began.

It was violent and sudden, throwing personnel down as it seemingly increased in strength. Cracks formed along the foundations, and anything not bolted down came crashing. Emergency Protocol E was enacted, emergency warheads were disabled for the time being and covered, and every person was safely hidden under what they must.

~

The morning was hectic, with all hands on deck. Agents, MTF, and researchers assisted in searching and rescuing any trapped and missing humanoids and D-Class. The psych team was asking questions while medics attended the wounded. Janitors were cleaning up any blood, the cooks were making comfort meals for everyone, and any remaining personnel aided where they could.

Site Director Anne Marie, despite her hesitancy, led well. Sure, she wasn't prepared for what seemed like an anomalous tremor attack, but that didn't matter at the moment. What mattered was ensuring that her personnel and the SCPs were not gravely injured or dead.

There had only been a few deaths and a few more were unaccounted for by after a few hours. Some off-site crew had been called in to help. SCP 919, The Clockmaker's Creation, had her battery damaged, and was currently being repaired.

Anne Marie note that while 919 was being repaired, the "SCP Squad", as they were called in her notes by the former Site Director, were huddled around her. They included Demetria Meadowood, Wizard Wally, Lily Teca, My Guardians, Blood Puppet, Spider-Boy, the Orchard Twins, the Serpentine Siblings, and even though he tried not to look concerned, Easel.

Anne Marie watched with interest as the group watched 919's head cog being reinserted, turning on, and spinning her arms and head 360 degrees to celebrate being turned back on all better. The group of sapients swarmed 919 with cheers and smiles.

"Makes it worth it, doesn't it" a voice called out from behind her. She turned and saw a face she didn't expect to see. There stood the now O5-11, "The Godfather", holding what seemed to be a yam. "I heard through the 'grapevine', that something happened, and I came to check up on things," He said as he lowered himself down to plant the yam.

He joined Anne Marie's side, his eyes immediately landing on the "SCP Squad".

"It pleases me," he began, "That their friendship still lasts. They've found their new family here, and I couldn't be more glad."

The silence was between them both for a moment before Enigma spoke once more.

"Seeing the smiles and happiness of them all... it makes the job more than worth it. Hopefully, you see that already. If not... then I just hope soon you'll see it like I do, Site Director Marie."

[weaselbeaselpants]

@castorochiaro *chefs kiss*

mood here^ no seriously.

Amongst the weeds of nasty antifandom-absolutism there were and still are a lot of good faith, by which I mean harsh and angry, but still reasonable criticism to be had. But all that would be so hard to digest amongst what is clearly vendetta-based hatred for a series that made a person so mad you have to bother why you continue to give it attention for your own mental health. It's why I'm down with making fun of Helluvaverse for fun/analysis sake but I'm just so goddamn exhausted by the antifandom's obsession with making drama or hating where there is none. Granted, SU I think has less behind the scenes irl drama than spindlehorse does, but it really is a good starting comparrison (for spindlehorse, but also any other kind of critical fandom).

As already mentioned earlier, the Steven Universe fandom had this toxic edge that was super appraising of EVERYTHING EVER and it just made you love the show but hate it's base. If you did so much as say "I wish this plot were handled better"/"I actually think that bit was problematic [explain why]" and not put out first that your were lgbtq and not an altright chud, you would PAY FOR IT. A lot of fans I saw were bullies to each other and treated the show's messaging like some kind of dogma rather than just good morals, and/or was the same as just being gay. Like, we joke but, "I can't be racist/homophobic/sexist, I like Steven Universe"-really hit like a vibe in some circles under some people who needed to get a grip. AND THEN, when the polarizing ending happened, there was this feeling of the 'I just liek the show' sticklerfans hanging around and either loving the ending completely or just wishing some shit was done better but still loving it overrall. I think I def fit into the latter camp. However, when it came to the fans who were gung-ho about the show "finally getting GOOD", as well as the ex fans who'd been disenchanted by the fandom being mean to them, when they saw the final seasons and didn't like it, they REALLY didn't like it.

All this to say; yeah people are allowed to really not like things, nothing is perfect and nothing is devoid of criticism of problematicss...but Steven Universe was really hit with a downpour people who just really disliked the show being led down reeeeeeally bad faith for the sake of bad faith-communities, all telling them their anger was actual activism and that they were the "good ones" in their demographic for "seeing past Steven Universe's lies". It was toxic. Just toxic. Lily Orchard and that one altlightedgy cartoonguy ran that train into the fucking center of the earth.

There are certainly safe ways to commit urself to things you don't 'like' but enjoy watching in the name of critical fandom; there's ironic fandom, being a fan but having a really darkdryblunt sense of humor, considering yourself an exfan but having some joy for the parts you did like (that's me and My Little Pony)....and then there's the layers of antifandom that help no one. They don't really help people who've been hurt by fandom spaces and showrunners, and they really don't breed anything vitriol into media analysis.

If you're going to get angry at something, it should be because there's a problem beyond your immediate fandombrain wants and notwants and has to do with something that effects you (and others) as a person.

people discovering steven universe in 2023 are always like "this show is really good why the hell were yall so weird about it"

[littledevilinside]

Isaac had hummed and hawed about whether to get her anything for Christmas - after all, they were only new friends, however fast they'd fallen together. He decides to play it safe, offering a gift box (obviously from the in-store wrapping service) with a pretty blue sweater inside. Cashmere, incredibly soft. He's also tucked the gift receipt underneath - in case it doesn't fit, or she doesn't like it. In his other hand, he offers a small bouquet of yellow flowers, because those never miss.

she doesn't expect anything for christmas, aaron is not a huge holiday person and her family's gone and disowned her, so when there is a package laying on her doorstep, she glanced down at it curiously. picking it up and bringing it inside, a curious look set across her features.

lori reads the note at first, a bright smile spread across her lips when she notes that it's from isaac, the fact that he took time and energy to get her a gift - she couldn't believe it. of course she was going to get him something in return, she'd already commissioned a wood burned sign of the name of the orchard to hang above his doorstep, and gotten a few treats and toys for lily - their shared pup, because she deserved to be treated as well.

there is an audible gasp that falls from her lips when she opens the box and sees the striking blue sweater, her fingers immediately coming into contact with the softest fabric she can imagine. the color is beautiful, a shade of blue that is reminiscent of the ocean, and knowing it would compliment her eyes well - and his if she wore it on one of their friendly outings.

she immediately picks up her phone to call isaac, dialing his number while walking around her house, filled with too much excitable energy for her to sit still in the moment. when he answers, she begins to gush about the sweater, and how he didn't need to get her anything, and how sweet she thought he was.

the beginning of this friendship proved that it would be one that would become an everlasting relationship, if she had anything to say about it.

[fantasy2reality-things-blog]

Ocean World

I like pirates, you like pirates, and you know what pirates like? Lots of ocean without governments able to control them.

So let's fill the planet with ocean!

My idea is - in essence - a mostly oceanic planet. There is almost no land at all. Instead there are 4 main ways that large communities congregate.

Jungles

Roots planted deep into the ocean floor, with branches extending up to the skies and granting access to orchards of fruit, these trees come up in two forms.

Full jungles, who exchanged their heights in order to expand out with expansive interconnected root systems. Jungles are generally where you will find small wildlife and the closest you have to 'land dwelling' creatures living naturally. These are safe from leviathans because the root systems deter predators.

1.5 Life Trees

The next type of tree is extreme mega fauna, foregoing 'friends' in order to reach up to the skies, what I am currently calling 'Trees of Life' can hold villages in each of their branches at full size, allowing an entire kingdom to populate a single tree. Those in higher branches are safe, but those among the base and root systems can be susceptible to attacks from young leviathans.

2. Lily Villages

Another large plant-based colony, these villages spread out on plants which group together - roots often wrapped around kept forests and spaces rife with underwater life. These densely packed ecosystems allow for safety of the people living above water, as well as providing those capable of deep diving with plenty of foraging opportunities from the forest below.

3. World Turtles

Instead of avoiding leviathans, some chose to live on these colossal creatures, specifically on giant turtle-like leviathans who, once they reach a proper size, will float along the surface of the water for the remainder of their lives. People will build up towns and villages atop their shells, and can forage parasites off of the creature. Care for their host is interwoven into the lives of these people. These civilizations will struggle to maintain steady trade with any of the others, as the leviathans they rest on tend to constantly be migrating to stay in their preferred climates. Thankfully, they are rather self-sufficient thanks to their symbiotic relationship with their leviathan host.

4. Boat villages

Last and, well, honestly least come boat villages. These are shabby and can be unstable, due to a lack of resources, unstable connections between boats, and the near-constant threat of being leviathan chow. More often than not these will be temporary groupings of much smaller groups or lone ships for trading or festivals.

These are my ideas, I will slowly expand on them, and explain further as I figure things out. There are a lot of leviathans though. And also water spirits/demons and gods that I haven't made up yet. I am open to questions and suggestions.

[animezing-fandoms]

Raise Me Up (Gruvia Day 2021)

Masterlist

Relationships: Gruvia

Warnings: None

Summary: Gray gives Juvia a lift to reach an apple, and thinks about all the times she’s lifted his spirits in the past. 

A/N: So I know I haven’t written anything for gruvia in awhile, and I didn’t even know today was Gruvia Day! But this art combined with my excitement for Fall led me to write this quick little drabble for the day.

------------------- 

“Who the hell hires wizards to pick apples?” Gray asks. “This ain’t a job if you don’t even need to use your magic for it.” 

“It’s not a job.” Juvia reminds the bored ice mage. “This local farmer wanted to thank Fairy Tail for all of their help keeping his crops safe from monsters. So he let us get first pick of these apples!” 

They look around at their other guild members in the orchard picking apples. 

“I could probably use some of these apples to make homemade baby food.” Levy notes as she picks an apple from a low branch. “If only I was tall enough to pick enough apples to do that.” She grumbles. 

“Don’t worry Lev, that’s why you picked a strong, tall guy to be your kid’s dad.” Gajeel says and picks a few apples to put in her basket. 

“And I can reach the ones at the tops of the trees too.” Panther Lily says. 

“Hey Lucy! Look how many apples I can fit in my mouth!” Natsu’s muffled voice shouts followed by Lucy’s cry of panic. 

“Natsu spit those out! You’ll choke!” She exclaims and drops her basket to run over to him. 

“Perhaps Juvia could bake Gray-sama an apple pie with these!” Juvia cheerfully suggests. 

“Yeah, I’d like that.” Gray says, blushing. 

Juvia notices a beautiful red apple high up on one of the trees. 

“Oh that one looks perfect!” Juvia admires. “If only Juvia was tall enough to reach it...” 

As soon as she finished her sentence Gray was at her side to see if he could get the apple for her. Juvia giggles when she notices that his shirt and jacket are missing. She’d have to find them later but she didn’t mind. Especially since he was being so helpful to her with apple picking. Except this apple was too high up for even him to reach! 

“Hm, I don’t think either of us can reach it.” Gray says. “And we promised the farmer we wouldn’t use our magic in the orchard because that would risk damaging the trees.” 

“I suppose Juvia could ask Lily, Happy or Carla to fly up to get it for her.” Juvia suggests. 

Gray felt his heart sink. If he was going to be her man then he should be able to help her with everything. He wanted to be the one to make her happy. 

“No, you don’t need to ask them. I can help you get it.” Gray says, thinking of an idea that makes him blush. 

“How?” Juvia asks curiously. 

Gray gets down on one knee and Juvia screams in surprise and joy. 

“Oh my! Gray-sama is on one knee! He’s going to propose to Juvia!” She shouts. 

Gray’s face turns bright red from the suggestion and the fact that all of their nearby guild members heard that and were now staring at them, thinking they were about to witness a huge milestone for their guild-mates. 

“What! No! No no no no!” Gray quickly shouts to both Juvia and everyone watching them. “I’m kneeling so that you can climb on my shoulders so I can lift you up to reach the apple!” 

“Oh.” Juvia says, slightly disappointed until she realizes she’ll be sitting on Gray’s shoulders. “Oh...that’s a wonderful idea Gray-sama!” 

Both of them were blushing as Juvia climbs onto his shoulders. 

The water mage couldn’t help but let out a small gasp as Gray places his hands on her thighs and stands up.

“Oh Gray-sama...” Juvia mumbles. 

“Just hurry up and grab the apple.” He urges, feeling incredibly flustered by the fact that his face was pressed against her bare thighs. 

“Juvia will.” She says. “But Juvia also likes the view from up here.” 

Since they were at the end of the row of trees, by looking around the tree she could see all the way down the orchard, to admire the red, yellow, and orange leaves of the other trees surrounding the farm, highlighted by the light from the sunset. 

“It’s beautiful.” Juvia sighs. 

“Yeah. It sure is.” Gray says, looking up at her. 

This farm was absolutely scenic as hell, but what made it more beautiful was the fact that Juvia was able to see it. 

Juvia had never even seen the sun before they met. He brought light into her world, and she had been in love with him ever since. And over time Gray realized that she had done the same for him by being by his side and lifting him up when he was down. They both brought each other out of the darkness and into the light. They were each other’s light. Reminding each other of the good things in life, and what true happiness and love felt like. 

“Got it.” Juvia says as she picks the apple from the branch. 

She admires it before looking down at Gray and smiling as she brushes a lock of hair behind her ear so she can get an unobstructed view of his face. 

“Thank you Gray-sama. Juvia loves you.” Juvia says, making Gray’s heart swell and his grip on her thighs tighten briefly.

Juvia had never been shy about her feelings. She always knew exactly what to say and what to do. And it may have taken awhile for him to get there, but Gray was learning how to do the same for her. To lift her up when she was down and be there for her like she always was for him. 

“You’re welcome Juvia. I love you too.” Gray says. 

[viking-raider]

Southern Generation - Part IV

Summary: Sy wakes up in Lily’s arms and shows his gratitude for her comforting him. The mysterious caller is revealed, causing Sy to get extremely protective.

Pairing: Captain Syverson/OFC

Word Count: 7,178

Rating: M - Language, Protective!Sy, Domestic Kink, Stalking, Harassment, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Angst, Confession, Smut - Nipple stimulation, intercourse, orgasm, cream pie. 

Inspiration: Always wanted to write a Sy fic and this is a re-work on an old fic I wrote several years ago.

Author’s Note: Thank you for all the love and support, @wondersofdreaming​! Your ideas, suggestions and encouragement mean the world to me, and my stories.

Sy woke the next morning wrapped around a warm body and a steady heart beat in his ear, he tipped his head back and was met with Lily's sleeping face, his head pillowed on her breasts. He smiled, hugging his arms snugger around her waist and sighed, comfortable and peaceful, nuzzling his face into her chest.

Lily moaned softly, making Sy smile against the fabric of the night shirt she was wearing, her hand moved against the broad expanse of his back, fingertips sleepily caressing his spine, unconsciously soothing him, before moving between his shoulder blades, tickling the nape of his neck and rubbing the back of his head with her palm.

He vaguely remembered her calling his name and holding him after his nightmare, whispering into his ear that he was safe and at home, with her. Lily made the choice to bring him to her bed, comforting him even more, until he fell asleep, and for the first time in years, Sy actually dreamt about something other than war and endless spaces of bloody sand.

Reaching up, Sy brushed his fingers through her bangs, smiling. “My Angel.” He whispered, not wanting to wake her.

Carefully unwrapping himself from around her, Sy slipped out of bed and gingerly covered Lily up, before tip toeing downstairs to the kitchen. Scratching the back of his head for a moment, Sy moved about the kitchen, setting up the coffee maker, pulled out the skillet and started making breakfast. He figured she had been making him breakfast every morning for the last several months, it was time for him to return the favor.

So, Sy went all out, once he had everything made, he brought it upstairs to her.

Lily took a deep breath and moaned, stretching and rolling onto her back, but found Sy was no longer in bed with her. She sat up, panicked that something had happened to him, and was about to get out of bed to look for him, when he appeared in the bedroom door, relieved he was all right.

“Morning.” He smiled, finding her sitting up.

“Did you make breakfast?” She frowned as he approached her side of the bed.

“I did.” He nodded, setting her steaming cup of tea on her bedside table. “I thought, since you always make me breakfast, that I'd make you breakfast this go around.” Sy explained, setting the tray of food over her lap.

“What's better than breakfast in bed?”

“Nothing currently comes to mind.” Lily smiled, a soft blush on her cheeks, actually pleasantly surprised at this change of events, touched at Sy’s sweet gesture.

“I didn't think so.” Sy chuckled, pulling up the chair that was at a small desk in her room and sat down, balancing his own plate of food in his lap.

“So, what's on your agenda today, Captain?” She asked, taking a sip of her tea and was surprised to find it was exactly to her liking.

“I think, it's time I started working on the roof.” He replied, bringing his fork to his mouth. “I want to at least give it some temporary patches, before the weather turns.” He told her, after swallowing. “It'll also give me a chance to find out what all the problems with it are, and if I'll need to re-roof it.”

“I hope not.” Lily frowned, washing down some of her food with a gulp of tea.

“Well, from what I've seen on the ground, it looks to be the original roof that was put on when the house was built.” He chuckled at her, setting his empty plate on her nightstand. “That was nearly a century ago.”

“Unless, you know about it being replaced since then?” He asked her, tilting his head.

“The realtor didn't mention it to me.” Lily replied, searching her mind for any scrap of memory of the day she bought the place.

“That's all right.” Sy assured her, gently touching her hand. “I'll get it done, don't you worry.”

Lily smiled at him, turning her hand to thread her fingers with his. “I'm not worried, since you're the one on the case.” She replied, softly.

Sy grinned at her, bringing her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers, before letting go and collecting their plates. “You know, what would you say, if I managed to install a dishwasher for you?” He asked, pausing in the doorway of her bedroom.

“I have a dishwasher.” Lily giggled, holding up her hands and wiggling her fingers at him.

“You know what I mean, sugar butt.” He laughed, smirking even broader at her.

Lily shrugged, still giggling at him, her cheeks coloring at his nickname. “I don't know, Bear. I've never had one before.”

“Well then, Angel, I'll riddle that one out for you.” He promised in a soft voice.

“I believe you.” She whispered back, giddy, and not for a dishwasher.

“I'm going to check the mail.” Lily said, drying her hands on a dish towel, after washing the dishes from lunch.

“All right.” Sy nodded, still sitting at the table.

Sy had stood to refill his coffee cup, when the phone rang. Biting his lip and glancing out of the kitchen, he saw Lily was too far down the driveway to call her back to answer it, so he picked it up instead; clearing his throat.

“Moore residence.” He spoke into the receiver.

“She's a sweet thing, isn't she?” A sinister voice asked from the other end.

“Excuse you?” Sy barked, a flash of hot anger bursting through his body.

“Oh yes.” The voice chuckled, incredibly delighted. “She is sweet as a Lily, so pure and good.”

“Who is this?” Sy demanded with a deep growl, his teeth gritted and bared as he gripped the handle of the phone even tighter in his hand.

“She's mine, you know.” They growled back at Sy, breathing heavily, their own anger mounting. “She's always been mine and she will always be mine.”

“Not anymore.” Sy hissed back and slammed the phone down in its cradle.

“Sy?” Lily frowned, coming into the kitchen as he hung up the phone. “Who was that?”

“I don't know, you tell me?” He replied, turning towards her, brows drawn together.

“I'm not the one that answered it, Austin.” She countered, shaking her head, confused by his anger.

“It was some guy, said you were his, always had been and would be.” Sy told her, pushing his jaw forward.

Lily's eyes glassed over, letting out a shuddering breath and started trembling. Sy blinked at her, his anger at the caller's words melting away to alarmed concern. He took a step forward, reaching out for her, but Lily stumbled away from him, tears finally spilling free.

“Lily.” He whispered softly, his chest tight. “Easy.” He cooed at her, licking his lips.

“I'm not his, not anymore.” She whimpered, shaking her head. “Why can't he just leave me be.”

Sy blinked at her, frowning harder. “What?”

“Nothing.” Lily mewled, biting her lip.

“No, come on.” He coaxed her, resting his hand on her arm and gently pulled her against him. “Tell me.” He whispered, gently rubbing her back.

“I thought I got away from him.” She sniffled against his shirt. “Thirteen hundred miles away from him. I was so careful—so careful.” She mumbled, hands clinging onto the sides of his shirt. “I don't-I don't know how he found me—unless...”

“Unless?” Sy frowned, still slowly rubbing her back and trying to process what she was telling him. “Sit down.” He said, moving them towards the breakfast table and pulled out a chair for her, before bringing the other one around from the other side to sit beside her.

“Start at the beginning.”

Lily cleared her throat and stared down at her hands, folded in her lap. “I was born and raised in Middleburg, Virginia. You know, that I'm an only child and that my mom died, when I was born. I was raised by my grandparents, because my dad was in and out of my life, before just finally disappearing from it, when I was nineteen.” She explained to him, licking her lips.

“He blamed me for my mom's death.” She added, quietly.

Sy reached out and rested his hand on her thigh, squeezing it gently, and gave her a sweet smile.

“When I was seventeen, I met a boy at church, Jak.” Lily continued to explain to him. “It was the only time I really got to interact with others, my grandparents were strict, homeschooling me and only really letting me out of the house, unless they were with me, which was usually only for church on Sunday.” She fidgeted, shyly. “He was the only boy to show any interest in me, which didn't and did surprise me. The little house on the prairie dresses my grandma made me wear, and the glasses I had back then, you could see the moon through them.” She chuckled, cheeks colored.

Sy smiled back at her, even picturing her as a little girl like that, he still found her beautiful.

“But, Jak didn't care, or at least he didn't say or show he did. I would sneak out at night to meet him in the apple orchard my grandfather grew. It had been in our family since the Revolutionary War, the land was given to my, how many times, great-grandfather as payment for his service in the war.”

“I bet it's beautiful.” Sy commented, warmed at the thought.

“They are, so many of the trees are the original ones that were planted.” She smiled back, picturing the orchard in her mind. “The first one that was ever planted, after he cleared away the land, is still there and yielding, there's a plaque staked by its roots, and people come from all around to see it and the orchard, the Warren Apple.”

Sy rested back in his chair. “Your family owns the Warren Orchard Company? You're one of those Warrens?”

“I am.” She nodded, smiling proudly at that fact, but it vanished.

“Anyway, Jak and I would sneak every moment we could to see each other. He even got a job, during the summer, in the orchard, so we could see each other even more.” She took a deep breath, letting it out softly. “But, a year after we met and started being sweet on each other, my grandparents lodged a missionary for his two year mission in our ward. Jak thought he and I were getting close, that my grandparents had actually brought him to live with us, so he and I could court and marry.”

“He grew jealous and possessive. I was stupid, naive and young, I didn't know what was happening, that he was being abusive, until it was almost far too late.”

“What happened, that caused you to realize it?” Sy asked, tilting his head at her.

“I met Jak in the orchard one night, when I was twenty, the day after the missionary went back home to Michigan, because his two years were up. When I got there, Jak was pacing, already angry. Livid. When he saw me, he started yelling about how he had seen me kissing the missionary, how we practically ate each other's faces on the back porch, while everyone else was in the house, during his farewell party.” She said, glancing out the window behind the breakfast table.

“Of course, I hadn't been. Matt, the Missionary, and I had been on the back porch together, I had gone out there to get away from the press of all the people and he went out there to check on me. We had hugged, only the once, since doing so isn't really acceptable, two not courting, unchaperoned kids. But, we did nothing more, before going back inside. The truth didn't matter to Jak though, he had his version of what he saw and it was unchangeable.” Lily bit her lip and gripped Sy's wrist as his hand still laid on her thigh. “He lost his temper and hit me, but in my love sick stupidity, I didn't break it off there or tell my grandparents about it.”

“Instead, I enrolled in a university for Photography and Web Design, moved out of my grandparents' place and into one with him, like an idiot.”

“You weren't an idiot, Lily.” Sy told her, shaking his head and slipping his hand into hers. “It's more common than you think.”

“I know it is.” She sighed, clinging onto his hand.

“He only got worse and it got harder for me to get my school work done, with him accusing me that I was sleeping with my project partners, even teachers.” She huffed, shaking her head at his allegations, that now sounded so ridiculous. “The straw that broke the camel's back was,” She paused, biting and licking her lips, fighting down a bubble of emotions and memories. “One of my project mates called to ask me about the faux website we were designing for a fake company we had to make up, cause she wanted to know what time was good for us to meet up, and Jak answered the phone, claimed he heard a guy in the background, throwing the phone across the living room and went ballistic, saying I was having her call me to set up a time for me and the guy he heard, to try and fool him.”

“He spent the next hour going to town on me.” She said, glancing up at him, the hint and meaning in her eyes.

“Afterwards, he went to work and I packed a bag. I had some money from the family orchard business, so I took a good portion of it, bought a greyhound bus ticket to a cousin I was close to in New Jersey, Maggie, and stayed with her, knowing he wouldn't find me there, my grandparents wouldn't think I'd go there, and she wouldn't ever rat on me. While I was there, I petitioned for a name change, from Liliana Warren to Lily Ana Moore, and finished my degree, then found this place and moved out here.”

“So, how do you think he found you?” Sy asked, worried about her safety and angry that this asshole had the audacity to hurt her and wanted to try and hurt her again, but he kept a lid on his temper, not wanting to frighten her anymore than she already was.

“I've been keeping tabs on my grandparents, mostly through my cousin.” Lily answered, biting her lip. “She called me a year ago, to tell me that my grandmother had a stroke, a pretty bad stroke at that. She's apparently wheelchair bound now. Maggie went down there to visit them, and my grandfather was talking about how he needed someone to work on the company website, when Maggie let it slip that I have a web design business.”

“Oh.” Sy let out, eyes wide.

“Yeah.” She nodded back. “So, of course, they got upset, understanding that Maggie knew what had happened to me and where I was and all that. She called afterwards, apologizing up and down to me for it. She didn't tell them where I was or anything like that, just that I was safe and fine, and if I wanted to contact them, I would.”

“Did you?”

“I did.” Lily sighed, voice tight. “I figured after four years, I owed them a call.”

“So, do you think they told Jak?”

“I don't know.” She shrugged. “But, a week after I called them, I started getting hang up calls, then calls where no one would say anything for a few minutes, before hanging up. Then, two months ago, I got a call that was different from the others, he said something to me, and a month ago, he said something being soon.”

The wires connected in Sy's brain. “That's what caused you to take all those pills.”

Lily gulped and bit her lip, eyes burning, as she nodded her head. “Ye-ah.” She choked, fear and anxiety starting to mount inside of her again.

“Hey, hey.”

Sy cooed, wrapping his arms around her and pulled her into his lap, hugging her against his chest. “It's all right, Lily. It's going to be all right, I promised to protect you and I will. You are safe with me, you will always be safe with me, whatever the cost.” He whispered in her ear, holding her close and planning ways and means to protect her.

“Sy?” Lily called from the open door of her bedroom, just as Sy stepped out of the hall bathroom, in nothing, but a pair of black boxers.

“Lily?” He replied, rubbing the towel over his head, and looked up at her, lifting a brow, inquisitively.

Lily rested her hand on the handle of her door and stepped sideways, giving a little motion of her head into her room, a soft and offering expression on her face. Sy blinked at her, surprised, then down at Aika, who sat in the doorway of his room, feeling like he was picking what lady to sleep with for the night.

He tilted his head at Aika and gave her a sympathetic expression.

“Sorry, Girl.” He whispered to the Shepherd, turning towards Lily.

Lily chuckled at him, smiling and shaking her head as he passed by her and into her room. “You can come too, Aika.” She called to her, then turned into her room.

“You're cool with this?” Sy asked, eyes motioning to her bed.

“It was my idea, wasn't it?” She smiled at him, then stepped inside her closet for a moment and came back in a t-shirt-like nightie with Mickey Mouse on it, before pulling down the blankets and crawling into bed.

“It was.” He nodded, then laid down with her, covering up.

Lily scooted closer to him and Sy draped his arm over her waist, tucking her against him and she let him lay his head on her chest, stroking his arm. She was comfortable with the warm weight of his body against hers, the clean scent of his skin and hair from his shower. She felt Sy's body slowly melt into hers as he fell asleep, it had been her plan. Lily knew there was a high likelihood of Sy having another episode or nightmare, but figured, if he was there, with her, already safe and comfortable in her arms, he wouldn't have it.

That was her deepest hope, at least.

But, the next thing Lily knew, she was being jerked roughly off the bed and pinned underneath Sy's mountainous weight, his heavy and hot breath puffing against the side of her face as he blanketed her with his body, clearly startled and on high alert. The room lit up with a quick flash of lightning and the furious sound of rain beating on all parts of the house filled the bedroom around them.

“Austin.” She gasped, grasping the back of his arms, nails digging into his sweaty skin, thinking he had been set off by the noise of the sudden storm. “Aust-”

“Ssshhh.” He hushed her, lips brushing her temple, the hairs of his beard tickling her skin. “Stay here.” He whispered into her ear, then moved off of her and out of the room, Aika sitting in the open doorway and growling into the darkness of the hallway after him.

Lily sat up on her elbows, knowing that what was happening couldn't have been from one of Sy's nightmares or the storm, because Aika wouldn't be acting like this, she was angry, like she was daring something Lily couldn't see to try and cross her. But, nothing came, not even Sy, and Lily was starting to get worried. So, getting up, she edged around Aika and tip toed downstairs, jerking at another boom of thunder and crack of lightning, until she found Sy standing in the entryway.

“Austin?” She called out to him, over the sound of the rain, which sounded much louder downstairs.

“I told you to stay upstairs.” He barked, not looking back at her.

“What's wrong?” She asked, knowing there had to be something, by the tone of his voice.

“Nothing, just go back to bed.”

Narrowing her eyes, Lily stepped closer to him and her eyes grew wide, seeing what had caused Sy to wake up and react like he had. The large bay window in the den that faced out onto the porch and the front of the property was smashed, the glitter of the broken glass shined in the lightning strikes and left the outline of the brick amongst them, the cause of the broken window. Lily's eyes snapped out the living room window, expecting to see someone, not just someone, but Jak, to be standing out in the yard, staring back at them. But, there was no one, but her and Sy's cars. Her heart started to race and pound, making her feel dizzy and lightheaded, trembling so hard she almost lost her balance, but caught herself on the back of the couch.

Sy turned and grabbed her, picking her up in his arms and carried her back up to bed. “Stay here.” He ordered her, pointing a stiff finger at her, then went back downstairs.

Going out back, Sy grabbed a large piece of plywood he had bought in preparation for repairing the roof and instead used it to board up the broken window, until the storm passed and morning came, so he could find a piece of glass to replace it, leaving him and the den floor mostly wet. He moped the den floor and laid out nearly every towel Lily had in the house in hopes the old floorboards wouldn't warp under the water damage.

He stepped out onto the porch for a moment, glaring into wet dark. “This is my house now.” He growled, knowing Jak was still out there somewhere nearby. “My girl.” He hissed, before turning back inside, going up to the guest room to change into a dry pair of boxers and joined Lily back in her bed.

“It was him.” She mumbled, hugging her pillow to her chest. “It had to be him.”

Sy sighed softly, locking his arms around her waist and hugged her to his chest, curving his body around hers. He didn't know what to say to her, they both knew it had to be Jak, who else would have thrown a brick through someone's window in the middle of a storm like this one, especially after all the other incidents over the last several months; all the lines drew back to Jak on his unhealthy, possessive rampage to reclaim Lily as his own. Sy was afraid that if he verbalized his agreement with her, it would only inflate her already inflamed fear of the obvious.

So, he just clutched her tighter to him, pressing his lips to her shoulder and squeezing his eyes shut against the bright flashes of lightning.

“Lily, I'm going to go to town, I have something I need to pick up.” He told her, searching the living room for his car keys.

“I thought you already ordered the new windowpane?” Lily called back, appearing out of the kitchen, where she was washing the dishes.

“I did.” He nodded, he had found a shop that he could order a replacement windowpane for the den window that morning, but it wouldn't be ready until the next day. “This is for something else.” He told her, finding his keys under a magazine on the coffee table.

“What are you going for, then, Bear?” She asked, tilting her head at him.

Sy paused and regarded her. “Don't worry about it, Angel. I'll be back in an hour.” He told her, then, went out.

“Okay.” Lily frowned, glancing out the living room window, the thunder and lightning had passed during the early morning, but it was still raining cats and dogs.

Sighing, Lily turned back into the kitchen, taking a bucket and mop out of the utility closet, filled the bucket with warm water and soap, before getting down to mopping the floors, with nothing else to do in the current weather.

Sy rushed out to his truck, but was still almost half soaked by the time he settled himself in the driver's seat. Turning on the car and cranking on the heat, Sy pulled off the property and headed towards Celina. He pulled into the small parking center the small town had, scanning the rain blurred signs, looking for the one he was heading for, before opening the door and rushing towards it, pulling open the door, with an electric ding, announcing his presence.

“How can I help you?” the shop owner asked, coming out of a small room in the back and stopped behind a long glass case.

“Yeah, I'm looking for something specific.” Sy replied, stopping on the other side of the glass case, a look of understanding in both men's eyes.

“What specifics would that be?”

“Taurus, PT111 G2, 9mm.” Sy rattled off with familiar ease.

“Do you have a license and ID?” The store owner asked, eyes scanning the case between them.

“Then, some.” Sy laughed, pulling out his wallet to show the man his qualifications.

“You're a retired Captain.” The man noted, seeing Sy's military ID.

“That I am.” Sy chuckled, grinning with some pride.

The store owner got Sy squared away with the weapon he wanted, a secure case and a couple rounds of ammo, while also chattering about the military, being a retired Staff Sergeant himself. Getting back into his truck, he put the case under the passenger seat, pausing to stare at it for a moment,emotions and thoughts brewing inside of him, then shook them off. Satisfied, Sy went back home to Lily, finding her dusting the living room, when he came in, carrying the case and sat it down on the coffee table.

Lily paused, dust rag poised above the mantelpiece, staring at the case. “Is that what I think it is?” She asked, finally looking up at him.

“If you think it's a gun, then yes.” Sy replied, sitting down on the couch and tugging on the soaked laces of his boots.

“Why,” She gulped, arm dropping to her side. “did you buy a gun and bring it here?”

“Because, I wanted to and as a precaution.” He answered her, yanking his boots off.

“A precaution?”

“There is a fucking asshole out there.” Sy barked, jerking his arm up and finger pointing out the window. “Trying to hurt you.” His finger moved to her, in emphasis. “I am a big man. I'm a strong man. I've killed and subdued more than one man with my bare hands, but a personal cost.” He explained to her, standing and jerking up his shirt, showing her a couple of scars on his sides and chest, some were round and puckered, gunshot wounds, others were stripes, like stab wounds.

“If that prick decides to come into this house, to try and put his hands on you. That,” He pointed down to the gun case. “is going to be the first thing he wants to meet, because if he has to get close enough to me, that I need to put my hands on him, then they will be that last thing he will ever feel.” He told her, chest heaving as he got worked up over the situation.

Lily gulped at him, biting her lip, a flash of fear in her eyes at his passionate words, seeing a vein of rage that Jak had also been capable of.

“I just want to protect you.” He said softly, taking deep breaths, trying to calm himself down; seeing he had scared her.

“I know you do, Austin.” She whimpered back, gulping, eyes shiny. “I know you do.”

Sy moaned, something cold pressing into his neck. “Hm, Lily.” He chuckled, scrunching his head and shoulders together, grinning as the cold and wet touched his bare chest, making him grunt and wiggle away. “Why are you so col-” He started to laugh, opening his eyes, only to meet the soulful and tawny colored eyes of Aika.

“Aika, what are ya doin' here?” He frowned, and sat up, finding it was just him and the German Shepherd in the bed, Lily nowhere in sight. “Lily?” He called out, turning his head towards the master bathroom, but it was empty.

Panic filled Sy as he yanked the blankets back and pounded down the stairs into the living room, then the den. Sy squeezed his eyes shut, taking deep breaths and clenching his hands in and out of fists, trying to keep himself cool and calm, before going into the kitchen, hearing the screen of the back door knocking against the door frame, and found the main back door was ajar.

“What is she doing?” He whispered to himself, biting his lip and looking back, considering the option of going back upstairs and getting the gun, but something in his gut told him he wouldn't need it.

Opening the door, Sy stepped out onto the back porch, a shiver wracking his body as a strong gust of rainy wind rushed by him. He narrowed his eyes, scanning the drenched backyard, the tall, unruly and uncut grass bent from the pelting of the rain and gusts of wind, he caught a quick movement to his left and turned in that direction, stepping off the porch and followed after it, towards the barn, just catching the billowing fabric of Lily's white nightie, vanishing inside.

“Lily, what are you doing in here?” He called out, pushing open the barn door a bit more. “Lily?” He called again, frowning as he crossed the barn and found her huddled in one of the old horse stalls. “What are you doing in here, Angel?” He cooed at her, shaking his head, droplets of rain running down both of their faces, and watched her melt into the corner.

Lily panted, her back pressed against the warped and worn wall behind her, arms pressed to her chest, her nightie so soaked, it was almost see through. Sy bit his lip and gulped, slowly crouching down. He knew what was going on, he had seen and suffered things like this a million times over the last ten plus years. She was having a PTSD episode, running away from the terror that was inside her head, trying to hide and find somewhere safe from it. Everything over the last several months with Jak stalking and harassing her was really starting to affect her, finally breaking her it seemed.

“I'm not going to hurt you, love.” He said softly, keeping his voice soft and low. “Come here.” He gulped, opening his arms to her and biting his lip with apprehension. “It's all right. You know, you can trust me, Sugar.” He whispered, nodding his head as she slowly unfolded herself and crawled over to him.

“Hey, Angel.” Sy cooed, sighing softly, and closed his arms around her, pressing his lips to the top of wet her head. “Ssshh.” He hushed her, rubbing her back and cupping the back of her head, feeling her tears add to the raindrops on his chest.

“I c-can-can't ta-take it an-anymore.” She sobbed, trembling in his arms, overcome with emotions and cold.

“We'll get through this, Angel.” He whispered to her, cupping her chilled cheeks in his hands and tilted her head back to look up at him. “We will get through this. You and I will get through this together. Everything will work out.”

Lily shook her head, her pale lips trembling. “N-no, it wo-won't. He-he always g-gets what h-he wants. All-always.” She mewled, whining. “I don't kn-know why I-I thought I c-could ge-get away.”

Sy's expression was hard for a moment, before he brought their faces together and kissed her, deeply. Lily stiffened against him, taken off guard by his kiss, but she didn't pull away or push him away. Gulping, she shyly returned his kiss, resting her hands on him, feeling the skin of his sides jump and react to her icy touch.

“I've wanted to kiss you.” Sy said, pulling back. “For such a long time.” He admitted, looking into her eyes. “Since that day on the porch, when you woke me up.”

“Since, you gave me your hoodie at the fair.” She whispered back, licking her lips, the warmth of Sy's still lingering on them.

Sy leaned forward, kissing her gently and brushing his fingers through her dripping hair, Lily pushing forward to deepen it for a moment, letting out a breathy whimper. Sy smirked, then looked down at the floor between them, it was still strewn with decades old hay and dirt. He held up a finger and stood, bumping around in the dark barn before a scratching sound sounded among the patter of rain on the metal barn roof. A moment later, a teeny glow filled the space and Sy approached where Lily was still kneeling, holding an old, beat up, oil lantern he knew was in the barn from his many searches of the space, hanging it up on a bent and rusty nail on the stall wall, then disappeared for another moment.

“Stand up.” He said, motioning her out of the stall, holding something in his arms.

Lily frowned at him, but stepping out of the stall and out of his way, catching a glimpse of what it was, it was one of the drop clothes he bought for when he painted the house, keeping the paint off the new porch. Sy unfolded the drop cloth over the dirty hay and stall floor, making sure it was comfortable, then turned back to her.

“How gentlemanly.” Lily complimented him.

“I am a Southern boy.” Sy chuckled, letting his Southern drawl deepen, and wrapping his arm around her waist, pulling her against him. “Who's in love with Southern Lady.”

Lily blushed as Sy kissed her again, hugging her against him and up off her feet, turning around and slowly dropped to his knees, gently laying her back on the situated drop cloth. Lily wrapped her arms around Sy's neck, moaning softly against his lips, feeling the fabric of her nightie rub against her cold hardened nipples as Sy moved to kiss down to her neck, sinking his teeth into her delicate skin and let out a loud moan, pushing up against him.

“Austin!” She cried out, pressing her cheek to his ear as he continued to bite and suck on her neck, his beard tickling and rubbing against the skin underneath her jaw, leaving it red and sensitive.

Sy chuckled, loving the sound of her calling out his name with the metal patter of rain, his hand gliding over the soaked material of her nightie, bunching and hiking it up out of his way, pressing his palm against her side, rubbing his big hands all over her exposed body, grunting and growling into her neck, like a wild grizzly bear, finally getting his claws on his prized catch. His big mitts were on her plump breasts almost instantly, squeezing and kneading them, rubbing the rough pads of his thumbs over the sensitive nubs of her nipples, making her moan and whimper, fidgeting beneath him and rubbing her legs together, adding to the growing slickness between them.

“You sound so sweet.” Sy moaned back, pulling away from her neck, a set of dark teeth marks left behind, dipping his head for a moment to swirl his tongue around one of her nipples.

“Sy.” She whined, gulping down a moan. “Sy, please.”

“Oh.” He smiled, impishly. “You like that?” He asked, flicking her erect nipple with the tip of his tongue and watched her partially melt. “Your sweet, sensitive, little buds.” He cooed, then closed his lips around one of them, suckling gently, rubbing and rolling his tongue against it.

“Ah, shit!” Lily gasped, gripping his shoulders, eyes rolling and fluttering back into her head, heels digging into the fabric of the drop cloth. “God damn it, Austin.” She snapped, pressing her palms to the back of his head, holding his mouth to her breasts, her moans and whimpers filled the barn, pushing against him, egging and begging him to keep going, her breathing growing rugged and labored, moans becoming more urgent and reckless.

“Ah, fuck fuck fuck.” She cried out. “Suck them harder.” She coaxed and demanded. “Oh shit! Please, Austin!!” She gasped suddenly, body going rigid with a soft tremor.

Sy pulled away from her and dripped a hand between her trembling thighs, finding an extremely wet patch there. “So, you come, when you get your pretty breasts sucked.” He grinned, fully turned on and impressed, licking her juices off his fingers and palm.

“I've also never heard you say such naughty words.” He added, teasingly.

Lily chuckled, slowly recovering and smiling shyly up at him.

“Oh, it's too late to get shy now, Angel.” Sy laughed, leaning down and kissed the corner of her mouth. “Your secret is out.” He continued to tease her, playfully bouncing her boobs in his palms.

“And, I'm not letting you off.”

“I'm going to regret this, I can just feel it now.” Lily huffed, shaking her head, but her smile gave away her true feelings.

“Yes, you are.”

Sy chuckled, his hand dipping back between her legs, rubbing her still dripping folds with his calloused fingers, melting her into a puddle of weak and vulnerable whimpers. “You're so sensitive and sound so sweet.” He cooed at her, licking his lips and watching her face. “So, so sweet.” He panted, mouth slightly ajar, slipping his free hand into his damp boxers, curling his fingers around his thick and rock hard shaft, giving it a few shallow strokes.

Lily's eyes drifted down the length of her sweaty body, watching Sy work his cock inside his underwear and felt herself shiver in want and anticipation of it. She licked her lips and looked up at him, their eyes in a silent communication of what they both wanted. Sy shifted, yanking off his boxers to kneel between Lily's legs, wrapping them around his waist, her hips and bottom resting atop his thighs, with the small of her back lifted off the drop cloth beneath her.

“You're sure?” Sy panted, gulping thickly and already breaking out into a sweat, staring at her with wide eyes and blown out pupils.

“Yes.” Lily sighed, nodding her head vigorously at him. “God, yes.” She moaned, squeezing her legs around his waist.

Sy smirked, pressed a hand to her hip, pushing it up her side to palm one of her breasts, squeezing and rubbing it, while taking the base of his cock in his other hand, pumping it a few times, rubbing the fat and cut tip against her still wet pussy, slowly slipping between her folds, brushing her entrance and pushing inside. Lily let out a moaning sigh through her nose, feeling his wide girth stretch her open far more than she had ever been before. Her toes curled and squeezed his hips between her calves and thighs, back arching and hips shifting against the nearly uncomfortable burn of his length being buried ever deeper inside her core. Sy tilted his head at her, bracing a hand on the drop cloth, beside her head, and leaned over her, causing Lily to let out a raspy gasp as his cock changed angles inside of her, and kissed her, slow and passionately, still pushing his hips into her.

“You are so beautiful.” He rasped against her lips, nibbling on her pouty bottom lip.

“Austin.” She whimpered back, breathy, hooking her arms under his arms and pressing her palms flat against tense and sweaty back, nails digging into his cool skin. “Austin.” She chanted, softly, rubbing her nose against his.

“Lily.” Sy moaned back, finally flush inside of her, and rocked into her, taking his time and enjoying her heavenly warmth wrapped around his cock, like a toasty sleeve. “I love you, Lily.” He whispered into her ear, kissing her jaw and cheek.

Lily blushed and let out an airy chuckle, hiding her face in his neck and broad shoulder, hugging her arms and legs tighter around his body, clinging onto him for dear life and squeezed her eyes shut, taking in the sound of Sy's heavy breathing and loud moans and groans, grunting, and sighing out her name, the still steady pitter-patter of the fat raindrops on the old, rusted tin roof and sun-kissed wood walls, all mixed with her own sounds of pleasure.

“Sy?” Lily whispered, after their shared climax, still feeling the euphoric and relaxing pleasure it gave both of them, as she laid on the drop cloth, half tucked underneath Sy's body for warmth in the drafty barn.

“Hm?” He hummed back, nosing her hair and took a deep breath.

Lily smiled, feeling the vibration in his chest, nuzzling back into him. “I love you too, Austin.” She whispered, turned her head to look back at him.

Sy lifted his head and looked down at her, a smile slowly pulling across his lips, an excited and giddy feeling in the pit of his stomach, reaching out to gently brush her hair out of her face, picking out a few bits of straw that happened to get stuck in it from earlier; before oh-so-tenderly kissing her.

“You have no idea how happy that makes me, Angel.” He murmured against her cheek.

“I'm guessing as happy as it makes me, Bear.” She chuckled back, kissing the tip of his nose.

Lily softly stirred just before dawn, cradled in Sy's arms as he carried her out of the barn, the rain finally letting up, and into the house. He carried her upstairs to her room and gently laid her down on her bed, letting him help her out of her still damp nightie and tossed it through the open door of her master bathroom, before crawling into bed with her.

Both of them were out cold before the blankets settled around them, unaware of the audience they had a good deal of the night.

[recreancyrpg]

THE DEBRIEFING.

An emergency meeting is called at midnight, at the cusp of June 25th to debrief about the botched mission. They have a spy — they know this already, but it’s more than evident now. Someone leaked this information to the Death Eaters. 

A voice comes from the back. A haughty drawl from none other than the youngest Black sibling. You've overlooked the obvious. Not a surprise, I know, but I didn't expect to think for you all again. If you're this worried about spies, stop being so fussy about personal privacy or whatever it is you’re dithering over and make everyone show their forearms, Regulus scoffs, and the members of the Order give one another confused stares.

Regulus explains about the Dark Marks that Voldemort places on his most trusted followers and any spy will thus surely have one. Eyes go to Severus, questioning. Severus confirms what Regulus is saying, claiming he did not share this prior because Dumbledore has his reasons. He shows his forearm — a pale skull with a serpent tongue rests there. Severus explains how it works for Voldemort to call his followers to him.

Alastor and Hestia send for Theodosia from the infirmary. The same symbol rests against her skin. She’s allowed to return to the infirmary. Much chatter ensues — arguments, frustration, exhaustion — but, soon, each member shows their forearm. No other member has a visible Dark Mark. The Order is left back where they started — with a spy they don’t know, one step behind the Death Eaters.

To end the meeting, each Team Lead gives their reports. The meeting concludes around two in the morning.

FIELD REPORTS.

Team London, led by Wila Travers.

Prior to the explosion, Edgar and Nicky were stationed in the orchard in the back and Wila and Lily were stationed in the front. Xenophilius joined them in the front. There was no sign of trouble. The explosion happened at approximately 12:03 pm. The exact location could not be pinpointed, but it was very near the Pierce home. It completely destroyed the street, along with several homes. 

Nicky and Edgar sustained minor injuries: Nicky a concussion after being blow from a tree; Edgar a minor wound on his side that later reopened and became more severe upon Apparating to headquarters. Xeno was blown back from the blast and sustained a concussion and other minor wounds. Wila suffered a broken wrist and cuts and bruises. Lily was critically injured after being blown into a car. She survived, but is still being observed in the infirmary. 

Wila sent Edgar, Xeno, and Lily back to headquarters to be seen by the healers, and sent Nicky to find Regulus and Marlene, who had arrived as back up. They were tasked with finding as many muggles as they possibly could to help. The three of them passed on the story that a gas main had exploded and they helped as many muggles as they possibly could. 

Wila met up with Ted, who was there working for the Ministry, on the scene of the explosion and Ted informed her that official cover-up story is a burst pipe. The news will be covering the story in the morning. They were able to locate Wilma’s family in the Pierce house and bring them to Muggle police.

Wila reports on how well her team did in the face of all of the chaos that surrounded them. They handled the change in team lead and the emergency planning meeting, along with the fallout of the explosion. The team members that were injured in the explosion all wanted to stay and continue helping the muggles, but Wila sent the most injured back for healing.

Team Liverpool, led by Gideon Prewett.

The Death Eaters approached Liverpool just after noon, as expected. However, there were more of them than anticipated. Severus, Theodosia, Alastor, and Gideon distracted the Death Eaters and drew them away before engaging in battle. Alastor and Theo sustained larger injuries. Gideon and Severus sustained minor injuries. The team was able to make their exit to the safe house, with Severus supporting Theo to the infirmary at headquarters.

Reggie and Lucinda went to the house for the family. They were held with a knife to Reggie’s throat before Lucinda called Remus for back-up. Upon his arrival, they were successful in getting the family, including an infant child, to the safe house using their portkey. The trial run with the amulets worked well. 

Team York, led by Peter Pettigrew.

The team began split into two with Peter and Gwen at the top of the hill and James and Amelia near the house when dementors approached just after noon. James called headquarters for back up and Robyn and Andromeda joined them. James found Peter, while Robyn found Amelia. Andromeda and Gwen were tasked with getting out the family. This was successful with minor set backs where Andromeda had to return for one member. She was splinched upon arrival back to headquarters, but was healed and discharged.

Robyn reports that she approves of James’ focus on finding Peter when it was clear he'd be at a disadvantage, but tempers that praise with a note about failing to inform Amelia of what he was doing when he ran off. She also praises Amelia for staying cool and in control under pressure. She notes personal concerns about Dementors slipping away from Azkaban and the potential implications that could have on a broader scale, with recommendations on remedial Patronus lessons for all Order members in case they are an ongoing threat on future missions. In the meantime, she advises all Order members be made aware of the Patronus status of their teammates going forward. Andromeda backs up this notion with colorful swear words.

Amelia has requested to not be paired up with James again after he left her in the lurch, while Andromeda reports that Gwen was very helpful in getting her to the infirmary after splinching. She is worried about Gwen’s safety on the field. Gwen praises Peter for his leadership, James seconds.

It is noted to the Order members that James’ patronus has changed to a dragon.

Team Wiltshire, led by Alice Longbottom.

Upon their arrival, Emma triggered a trap on the property of the farm, which was no doubt put there by Death Eaters after the Order’s plans were leaked. Alice inferred there would be more traps and warned the group, splitting them into teams of two to search for and disarm the rest. Dorcas and Emma took one side of the farm, while Sirius and Fletch took the other. They believe they were able to find all traps and successfully dismantle them. Dorcas, Emma, and Fletch sustained minor injuries from the traps.

Right around noon, the final trap was set off and Fiendfyre encircled the farmhouse, with Dorcas on the inside of the ring nearest the house. Alice and Emma were able to make their way across the fire with minimal damage. A patronus was sent to HQ for back up and Dirk arrived for support. Alice praises Dirk for his quick thinking to contain the fire and the group began to work as one to do so. Frank arrived on the scene, bringing news of the incantation to reverse Fiendfyre. They were successful in clearing the area of fire, although damage was done to the property.

Alice checked in on the family, who were safely inside, and did likely see the spellcasting. She reports to Ted that the Ministry may need to get involved, as the team left quickly once Muggle authorities arrived. Dirk and Dorcas called them firefighters. Dirk reports concern over Fiendfyre’s lifelike ability to adapt, change, and target individuals. He requests more studying to be done on the subject, in case they run into this again.

Burns and smoke inhalation were sustained by every member of the group, with Alice having the worse of the burns (though not severe) and Dirk having the worst of the smoke damage to his lungs. Alice and Dirk were also affected by temporary magical draining from using patronuses too near the fiendfyre, although as yet no Order members are aware of this effect. All members were treated at the infirmary and cleared. Alice expresses (somewhat surprised) pleasure with how well the whole team dealt with the unexpected (and deadly) events with a particular focus on how well members looked out for one another in the face of danger.

HEADQUARTER REPORTS.

Infirmary, report given by Evan Rosier.

Evan gives a shoutout to everyone since no one died. With that said, Lily and Theo will be spending the night in the infirmary for overnight observation. Severus will assist in overnight monitoring.

He requests a bigger space for the infirmary. One room, along with a makeshift morgue, is not enough space if more than two people need to be observed overnight or longer. Death Eaters are upping their game and he has no issue with upping his, but cramped spaces aren’t going to cut it for mass injuries. This request is granted by Gideon and magical construction can begin in the morning.

Evan forces everyone into a lecture to discuss what “minor injury” and “I’m/it’s fine” means. For future missions, he requests avoidance of black/navy blue outfits for the sake of people being able to tell if they’re injured before getting back to HQ. He understands this could change for covert operations.

He praises Emmeline for being in her element and keeping her cool throughout the entirety of the healing support. Remus, Robyn, and Daisy get shoutouts for stepping in to assist. At the team’s request, please assign Robyn someone to practice her mummification skills on after each mission. (They need a source of entertainment to lighten up the somber mood.)

Evan would like better warnings on who he is getting for team members since scrambling to try to figure stuff out is not an ideal. There was some confusion among the additional pre-mission staff as to why they were put there in the first place. It is not a helpful for anyone if Evan doesn’t know what to do with them and people don’t know why they were assigned to him in the first place. He also requests that people not assume he’ll hit it off with someone purely because they’re both purebloods.

Finally, James is temporarily banned from the infirmary. This is non-negotiable.

Strategy and Field Operations, report given by Hestia Jones.

Hestia begins her report by giving specific commendations. Daisy did some excellent work in both headquarters and the infirmary. Pandora was a necessary assistant to headquarters. Dirk did well with the fieldwork. Gwen’s work exceeded expectations. Peter led his team against the absolute unexpected with aplomb. Good work, as usual. Alice continues to kick ass. Gideon held his own in the field against unfair odds. Great work. Edgar brought a level of know-how well above his level. Brilliant job. Emmeline continues to show incredible promise as a healer. Wila showed exemplary leadership skills on the field. James managed himself well on the field.

She is proud of the Order’s teamwork and ability to keep all the families safe. Despite the challenges, they completed their objective. She has plans to discuss concerns with individual members privately, but appreciates the reports given tonight. Some members should be prepared to be called into a meeting with her and Alastor later this week if concerns need to be discussed.

She also reports on possible changes to be discussed later:

Daisy optioned for possible assistant work for team leadership/infirmary. 

Frank has made a full recovery and is back on the roster.

Wila to be optioned for more frequent team leadership/possible First Level promotion. 

Dirk to be optioned for field work slightly more often. 

Gwen given Third Level field work status.  

Gideon officially reinstated as Team Lead. 

Edgar to be optioned for Second Level field work status, a promotion.

James’ request for leadership is still under advisement and will continued to be monitored based on performance. The infirmary ban is supported.

Concerns (Note: These were not shared with the group, but have been discussed with Alastor and these members may be called in for a meeting or plotted with by players):

Regulus may need to be kept on a shorter leash regarding his leg. Will be monitored. He may be optioned for field work less frequently or given easier mission work due to mobility.

Emma will be further monitored regarding field missions. She may not be ready.

Lily will be monitored based on her injuries. She is expected to make a full recovery. 

Theodosia will be monitored based on her injuries. She is expected to make a full recovery. 

Severus engaged in an altercation in the infirmary post-field. To be discussed. 

James engaged in an altercation in the infirmary post-field. To be discussed.

Strategy and Field Operations, report given by Alastor Moody.

Alastor also begins with specific praise for each team. For Team London, despite the fact that they literally had shit blow-up in their faces and numerous members injured, not only did Wila keep a level head and get her team out safely, she was also able to get the Pierce family out with no harm done to them. For Team Liverpool, Alastor notes that each member held their own well against the Death Eaters that showed up. Reggie and Lucinda both acted professional and calm despite the weapon held on them, and were able to gain the family's trust to remove them safely.

For Team York, a job well done, but a mild suggestion to check that all team members are with the group at mission's end to ensure members do not need to return to a possibly hostile area. Peter led well, however, during the dementor attack and his team aided one another well beyond this concern. For Team Wiltshire, being put up against Fiendfyre is no easy task and each member of Alice's team conducted themselves exceptionally in the face of injuries, traps, and the fire itself. They ensured not only one another's safety, but the family's too. A job well done.

Concerns (Note: These were not shared with the group, but have been discussed with Hestia and these members may be called in for a meeting or plotted with by players):

Regulus' mobility does not mean he cannot go out into the field, just that they should check what his limitations are. Concerned with phrasing of said concern, and suggests that they bring Regulus in to discuss the matter soon rather than make it a blanket statement. (Vetos)

Emma’s monitoring is fine, but again ask. Provide reasons why she may not be ready, rather than assume so. (Approves with suggestions)

Wishes to discuss Edgar's promotion further. Would like to see him do more work with another lead before being given said promotion. He did well in this mission, yes, but should not be just held to one thing and given an expectation for growth and a place to make mistakes where people won't die if he messes up (Neutral with suggestions)

Would like to add that a shift should be put into place so Lily and Theodosia may be monitored and not burden Evan or Emmeline overly much in the aftermath of the mission. Let them rest. Asks for volunteers to take overnight shift for the evening. Ted, Remus, and Gwen volunteer. Severus will also remain in the infirmary. (Neutral)

Agrees that Severus and James should both be pulled aside, most possibly separately, for their discussions. Alastor does not want to break up a school yard fight and have to send them to time out. (Approves with suggestions)

DETAILS.

You may begin threads set June 25th and after. Feel free to react to the debriefing mission in your threads or set paras on same night. 

Theo Sewlyn was able to communicate with Voldemort after returning to the infirmary and he was able to make the Dark Marks invisible, which is how our other spies stayed undiscovered. After the debriefing meeting, spies will notice their Dark Marks returning even darker than before — a sign from the Dark Lord that he owns them. 

Not present at the meeting: Emmeline (stayed in the infirmary while Evan went as Lead), Lily (unconscious), Theo (overnight observation; she attends briefly at the beginning when requested to confirm Dark Mark information).

As always, all existing threads are allowed to be continued, no matter the date set. If you are dropping threads, please provide a short closing summary.

[opinated-user]

https://www.tumblr.com/lily-orchard/725647075220520960/i-wonder-if-i-can-write-off-the-fashy-drama?source=share

who wants to bet shes talking about zena and poppys interview with courtney? its not above LO to go around calling anyone whos a little mean to her a fascist

i have my own issues with the way poppy and zena carry their channel, but calling them fascist... and especially coming from LO, it's safe to call it a step too far. more than that, i really don't think it's "mean" to call out an incestuous child molester for molesting a child they were related to or lying about being a race they are not. the only people who would care to call that "mean" are the same people who enable that kind of behaviour. (this directed to LO, who thinks anyone putting out boundaries or telling her "no" is also mean, not you, anon)

[lily-orchard-gossip-blog]

Man, I only recently became a fan of Orchard. After stumbling on all the new gossip blogs cropping up I can safely say jesus christ I feel ill for supporting this person. If I had known even half the shit she's been pulling I wouldn't have even thought of making fanart for her. Thank you for all the work you've been doing with calling out all her out on her shit! More people need to know about what she's doing

I think a lot of Lily's ex fans feel horrible for supporting her. I remeber feeling like an idiot when I realised what she was like. I also remeber desperatly wishing to find other people who felt like me.

Which, it turns out, a lot of people did.

Plus, with all the blogs flying around right now, I think Lily is facing the largest amount of accountability she's ever faced when it comes to her online precense.

[marvelyningreen]

Late-bloomer

[Summary: Professor Xavier once said that there was much more in you than you knew. You weren’t sure what he’d meant by that. Then again, when push comes to shove, who knows?

Warnings: mild language, references to injury

Notes: Peter Maximoff x reader, of the low-key established relationship variety. Sequel to “Linger.” ]

“You are gonna come with, aren’t you? Please?” Peter had laced his fingers through yours, swinging your hand playfully. “The professor thinks you’re ready, and I wanna be there for your first mission!”

The better part of a year had passed since Professor Xavier promised to spend more time helping you master your abilities and, true to his word, he devoted time every week to training you. To your own surprise – if not to anyone else’s – you’ve actually been improving. While you sometimes still feel that you’re behind the curve, you can’t deny that you’re much stronger than you used to be.

For your part, you kept your promise to the professor.

You’d always been too intimidated to speak to Jean, but one morning, you psyched yourself up and did it. You asked to sit with her at breakfast, and initiated a fumbling conversation that was mostly about the weather. Scott seemed baffled – and frankly embarrassed for you – but from across the room, Peter gave you a thumbs-up.

You did manage to find out that Jean’s fond of phlox and peonies, and resolved to add more to the garden. You must’ve thought it pretty loudly, because Jean caught your eye and smiled. She greets you when you pass in the hallways now.

You’d overheard Kurt mention that a certain disused alcove was probably once a little Mary garden. He’d sounded wistful to you. You did your homework, bringing in a small statue of Mary and filling the surrounding flowerbeds with irises, lilies, and roses.

The next time you saw Kurt in the gardens, you casually suggested that he walk over that way, trying hard not to sound like a try-hard and hoping that you hadn’t overstepped yourself. Not two minutes later, Kurt suddenly teleported in front of you and hugged you before you could say a word. Now, you often see him go out there to pray. Sometimes, you join him.

Summers are fairly quiet at the school. The students who were able to would go home for summer vacation. Some elected to stay around to further their training and some, sadly, didn’t really have homes to return to.

Your summer project has been an effort to revitalize the mansion’s disused kitchen gardens. You let the remaining students know that anyone who wants to is welcome to help out, and the response so far has been enthusiastic. You haven’t had any shortage of volunteers to help with the planting and weeding and watering. Some of the faculty joined in as well, when they were between missions. You think you might able to get a head-start on replanting the orchard.

And Peter, well…

Peter may not be inclined to gardening himself, but he’s definitely inclined to hang out with you while you garden. Apparently, you’d been the last to figure out that Peter was smitten with you, so it was to the surprise of no one when it was clear you two were seeing each other.

He’d even volunteered to help with your training. Of course, he was almost immediately banned from using the “think fast!” technique, if only because he was way too nice about it. The second it looked like you weren’t going to catch whatever he’d tossed in your direction, he’d zip in and catch it himself so it wouldn’t hit you. It was adorable, but not exactly helpful to your learning process.

He’d be gone for weeks at a time, though. He would get sent on missions here and there, and he took summer as an opportunity to spend time with his mother and sister. Your windowsills are beginning to fill up from all the souvenirs he brought back.

Just this morning, you’d promised him homemade apple strudel for breakfast, and he’d mentioned he might bring someone else along, if that was alright with you. You’d assumed that meant Kurt was coming home early. But no, Peter turned up at your door with Mr. Lehnsherr in tow.

It might’ve been nice to have a little advance notice so you could make a good first impression on your boyfriend’s very intimidating father – who happens to be an ex-supervillain – but at least Peter’s easygoing confidence managed to keep things from getting awkward.

And somehow – somehow – the offshoot of all this was that you and Mr. Lehnsherr both ended up tagging along on this mission. Whether it was the professor’s reassurance that it was strictly a diplomatic errand or Peter’s puppy-dog eyes that were more convincing, neither of you could say.

You’d managed to convince yourself that this was fine. The professor wouldn’t have brought you if he didn’t think you were ready, right? And all of your doubts were in your own head; you knew that. Nobody was looking at you and wondering why they’d brought the help along. Peter, who for some reason seemed to be enjoying the opportunity to spend time with you and Mr. Lehnsherr simultaneously, stuck close to you and gave your hand a reassuring squeeze.

And then everything went all to hell before you could blink.

Now you’re trying to telekinetically prevent a net-full of plastic waste barrels from falling into the harbor, Scott has just lasered a third shipping container in half, Mr. Lehnsherr is turning the wreckage into a makeshift holding cell, and Peter is zipping around tossing your assailants into it.

And just when everything’s finally been safely contained and you think you’ve got a second to breathe, the professor speaks up.

“I’ve lost Hank.”

The fairly upbeat mood darkens instantly.

“One of those guys was running psychic interference, wasn’t he?” says Peter.

“Yeah, but he got knocked out,” says Scott. “Nice shot, by the way.”

That last part is directed at you, with an approving nod.

“We’ll find him, Charles,” says Mr. Lehnsherr. “He can’t be far.”

“I’ll take a look around,” says Peter.

He disappears, and there’s a second or two of silence. The professor presses his fingertips to his temple and glances around worriedly, as if listening all the harder for any trace of Hank. Before you can suggest heading back to your transport, you hear Peter shout.

“Over this way! Hurry!”

Wordlessly, you all take off at a run. He’d only said to hurry. He hadn’t said that Hank was alright, which can only mean…

As you round the corner, you gasp in horror. There lies Hank – injured, unconscious, and bleeding out on the ground. As one, you all rush to his side, but Peter’s there in a blink.

“I can run him back to the mansion,” he begins, but Mr. Lehnsherr interrupts.

“If we move him before we stabilize him, it might kill him.”

Peter had looked worried up until this moment, not panicked. But at the thought that his particular skills won’t help here, his expression turns grim.

“If we don’t get help, he’ll die anyway,” Scott argues.

As the others speak, the floor seems to tilt under you, and you sink to your knees just to keep yourself from falling. You press your hands against the cold pavement, trying to steady yourself.

Is it because of the blood? No, it’s something else. Something pressing against your skull.

Hank, who’d always been kind to you, who’d become like family to Scott after Alex was killed. Hank, who’d been giddy as a schoolboy all week waiting for Saturday, when he was going to take Mystique out on a real date – dinner at a fancy restaurant, just the two of them.

It isn’t fair.

You feel Peter’s hands on your shoulders. You feel sick, like you’re about to faint, like you’re seeing double, like-

You are seven years old, playing out in your yard. A windstorm the night before has knocked several baby birds from their nest. The mama bird hops nearby, chirping and calling to no avail. You watch as the baby birds, featherless and helpless, struggle in the grass.

You feel a horrible crushing sadness in your chest. You’ve been told never to touch baby birds, and even if you did, there’s no way you could climb all the way up to their nest.

A heartbroken sob shakes your body. It isn’t fair. The birds are too small to fly, and too weak to defend themselves. And you’re too small, too.

It isn’t fair. You should be able to fix this. You should be able to help.

You aren’t allowed to touch wild animals. Why couldn’t there be a way to help without breaking the rules?

You reach out, and –

The mama bird shrills in alarm. Your sobs fade, and your eyes widen, and you watch as the little birds are lifted into the air – up and up and up – and set gently back in their nest. You know somehow, although you don’t understand, that you made it happen.

“I can fix this.”

The words leave your mouth before you know you’re speaking, and suddenly the others are staring at you in confusion. They know, as you do, that you don’t have any healing abilities, and yet… There’s an inexplicable certainty in your mind, in spite of the panic in your chest.

“I can fix this,” you say again, “But I don’t know how.”

You turn away from Hank, looking up at Professor Xavier. There’s worry in his eyes, and something unreadable along with it.

“Sir, please, can you help me?” you plead.

The professor nods, and reaches out to place his fingertips on your temple. Almost of their own accord, your eyes close, and your hand reaches out to Hank’s shoulder.

Through the chaos of your fear, there’s a calm presence in your mind.

Focus, it bids you. You can fix this. You can change it. Reach out to that which is damaged, and make it whole. Focus.

You reach out, and your mind is overwhelmed with a sensation that it struggles to comprehend. You’d thought that trying to use your powers was like trying to remember the words to a song. You see now that that’s not quite accurate. It feels like having heard a song played backwards your whole life, and finally hearing it the right way ‘round.

You are thirteen. A girl in your class has just seen her friend get pushed down the stairs by a bully. The girl shouts, and suddenly the granite steps rearrange themselves into a ramp, and the landing turns to sand, and the friend slides down into it unharmed.

The girl runs off before you have a chance to say anything. The following week, she doesn’t show up for class. You learn later that her family moved away.

You’re afraid, and you don’t understand, and you keep going. The effort of focusing is immense, impossible. You hardly know if you’re remembering to breathe, or if the pressure is inside your skull or around it.

You feel… What you feel defies description. It’s as though you’re at a beach, and you press your hand against the sand, and you can feel the pattern, the structure in the seemingly random grains of sand, and you know that it isn’t right. And if you focus – if you focus all your energy – you can will the millions and millions of grains of sand to rearrange themselves into the right order.

For a moment, the sheer vastness of the situation threatens to overwhelm you. But the professor’s steadying presence stays in your mind, like a hand holding yours as you lean further and further out over a ledge. Slowly, grain by grain, the sands are beginning to shift.

You’re in college. Yet another class has devolved into a debate about mutants – their existence, their rights, their purpose.

You don’t speak up in class under normal circumstances. That isn’t about to change now.

A voice, outside your head, drifts through the garbled static in your ears.

“His wounds are healing. He’s… he’s stabilizing. Charles, how-?”

You’re vaguely aware that the professor is answering him out loud, but you hear him in your mind: Come back now. Come back. You’ve done it; just relax.

Relax? You can try. The strange sensations fade from your mind, and their place is filled by the sounds of the world around you and an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. It feels as though the hand has pulled you back onto solid ground, but you can’t seem to keep your balance, and-

The instant you begin to fall, you find your head resting against somebody’s shoulder, and their arms are wrapped around you.

You’re twenty-five, and the entire world is shaken to its foundations by some catastrophe in Cairo. You try with all your strength, but nothing you do can prevent your apartment building from collapsing.

“Professor…?” Peter’s voice is beside your ear, strident with worry, but it seems so much further away.

“It’s alright, Peter,” you hear the professor saying, dimly.

You’ll be alright.

You are twenty-six. It’s far too quiet in this room. This building may function as a school, but it still feels like a mansion. You stare at the cup of tea in front of you. It smells wonderful, but you’re too nervous to take a single sip. Across the table, Professor Charles Xavier regards you with a thoughtful expression.

“I understand you wish to work here at my school. Is that right?” he asks.

“Yes,” you say. “I know I’m too old to be a student, and I don’t really have any experience teaching, but I… I want to learn, and I’m willing to work. If there’s any job that needs doing, anything at all; if you need a custodian, or help in the kitchens, or… or a groundskeeper, maybe. Anything.”

Your gaze darts longingly to the gardens outside the window. The grounds here are so beautiful. It’s one of the things you missed most when you lived in the apartment – having a garden to look after.

The professor takes a sip of tea and sits back.

“My school is open to anyone who wishes to learn,” he says. “What are your abilities, exactly?”

“My…? Well.” Your heart sinks. You were afraid of this.

Painfully aware of the professor’s eyes on you, you telekinetically lift your spoon into the air. Focus, now. Focus. The spoon dips into the sugar bowl, and – spilling a trail of sugar along the way – shakily hovers back to your teacup and stirs itself in before returning to the saucer with a loud clink.

“I know it’s not much,” you say, “But that’s why I want to learn.”

With hands trembling as badly as the spoon had, you pick up the teacup and take a sip, just to buy yourself a precious few seconds.

The professor nods. “I see.”

He leans his chin on his hand. You’re certain that you’ve failed. Just as you’re bracing yourself to hear him politely send you packing –

“We hire a local company to maintain the grounds,” he says, “But the gardens themselves could use better tending, especially from someone who cares about the work. There’s even a little groundskeeper’s cottage that’s only being used to storage now, if you need somewhere to stay. The job is yours, if you want it.”

You can’t believe your ears. Professor Xavier – the Professor Charles Xavier – is offering you a job, and a chance to learn, and a place to stay? You nearly upset the whole tea set as you stand abruptly, reaching across the table to shake the professor’s hand.

“Yes! Absolutely, yes,” you say, “Sir, thank you. I’ll work hard, I promise.”

The professor laughs. “I don’t doubt it.”

-

Are you ready to wake up?

No, you mumble. Five more minutes.

The voice in your head chuckles gently.

It’s been three days already.

Three days? Ridiculous. No one would’ve let you sleep for three whole days. The gardens would be overrun with weeds. The windowboxes would’ve dried up. Indignant, you open your eyes.

And immediately squint them shut again. The intense brightness of the room stings.

You feel a hand lift from your forehead, and a shadow falls over your eyes and lingers there. Beyond its merciful shade, you can tell that the light in the room has dimmed. Cautiously, you open your eyes once more, blinking a few times.

You’re disoriented for a moment, expecting to see the familiar walls of your room in the cottage. But this rather featureless room is in the infirmary beneath the mansion. You don’t have the faintest idea what you’d be doing there.

The hand shading your eyes withdraws, and you follow its movement to see Professor Xavier looking down at you. He smiles.

“Welcome back.”

“Back?” you repeat. “Back from wh- … wait.”

You remember. You remember all of it – the docks, the blood… Hank.

You have to get up. You have to find Hank.

The professor catches your shoulder, preventing you from sitting up.

“Easy. Easy, there,” he says.

“What happened? Where’s Hank? Professor, did I… Is he-?”

The professor speaks slowly and gently, like he’s calming a frightened child. And to be honest, that’s exactly what you feel like in this moment.

“Hank is fine,” he says, “He’ll need to take it easy for a while, but he’s going to make a full recovery. You saved his life.”

Relief floods through you, tightening your throat. For a moment, you don’t trust that your voice is steady enough to speak. You look away from the professor’s kind gaze and blink back tears. You’d been so scared that a good man might’ve died because you and the others were too late to save him. You’d been certain that, once again, you were powerless to help.

“I don’t understand what happened” you say, finally, “All of that… Was it you, Professor?”

He shakes his head.

“All I did was help you keep your focus. Everything else was you entirely. Didn’t I say that there’s more in you than you would guess?”

“I… I figured you were just saying that to be nice.”

Your sheepish honesty makes the professor laugh, and that puts you a little more at ease.

“I said it because it’s true.” He pauses, then continues on to answer your unasked question. “Hank has some rather complicated term for your abilities, but the more common expression for it is a reality warper. Telekinesis is merely the simplest manifestation of those powers.”

“Reality…? I’m still confused,” you say, and it’s the understatement of the century. The sporadic, barely-adequate telekinetic abilities you’d possessed since childhood weren’t really telekinesis at all?

“Within limits, you have the ability to alter reality. For example, it would be simple enough for you to change an apple into an orange, or freeze the water in a glass. It follows that you are able to take something damaged and repair it again. And if the damage is an injury, you could heal it. Of course, Hank was quite badly injured, so undoing the damage required tremendous exertion on your part.”

Your head is spinning as you try to process all of this. You can change things, transform them, fix them.

Your gaze drifts to Professor Xavier’s wheelchair.

If you can heal people, then maybe…

But when you look up, the professor is shaking his head.

“As I said, there are limits even to powers like yours.”

“But if I tried,” you say, “Maybe I could-”

“No.” The professor’s tone is firm. “You’ve been unconscious for days, and that was from healing recent injuries. Something new is more easily altered than something old. And an old wound… It’d only do you harm to try. I can’t allow you to do that, even for my own sake.”

The confused elation you’d been feeling starts to flag. You’ve been so used to feeling useless that it’s easy to slip back into that familiar territory. It startles you when Professor Xavier lays his hand on yours.

“Someday, you may be able to accomplish that and more,” he says, and laughs gently. “I’ve just told you that you have the power to reshape the world, and the first though that comes to your mind isn’t a way to use it for gain or entertainment. Your first impulse is to use it to help someone. I’m touched. Truly, I am. Thank you for thinking of me.”

There’s a deeper warmth in his voice as he says this, and you cannot doubt that he’s speaking from the heart. He’d know – he must’ve known, somehow – what you were when you came to him, offering to take on any job that needed doing just for a chance to learn. On some level, you’d always assumed he hired you out of pity.

But things are becoming clearer now – why he’d accepted you, why he hadn’t told you what you were, why he’d let you find your own way.

You’ve known the professor long enough to understand that his decisions are motivated by kindness. He had no choice in gaining immense powers at a young age, himself. Jean was just the same. You couldn’t fault him for wanting to spare someone else that burden.

The professor must be following your train of thought, because he nods slightly.

“I always had faith that your path would lead you here,” he says, “And that whatever the circumstance, you would come into your own out of an earnest desire to help others. That’s exactly what you did. I’m proud of you.”

Your hand closes around the professor’s for a brief, fervent instant.

“Thank you,” you say.

The sincerity of this validation warms your heart. You blink rapidly, trying to keep yourself from actually tearing up, when –

“Awww…”

You’re startled by the sound of another voice in the room. You look sharply over to see Peter sitting in the corner, his feet kicked up on a table.

“Peter!” you gasp, “How long have you been there?”

He shrugs. “The whole time. You just never looked over this way. And it seemed like you two were having a moment, so I didn’t wanna interrupt. Good morning, by the way.”

“Good… morning,” you say, haltingly, suddenly realizing that you have no idea what time it is.

Peter grins and pushes himself to his feet, walking over to stand at your bedside. The professor watches him with a smile.

“Peter’s hardly left this whole time,” he says.

“Not true,” says Peter. “I went out to try and help keep up on your groundskeeper stuff. Don’t, uh… Don’t look too impressed. I don’t actually know what’s a weed and what’s not, so I might’ve pulled up a bunch of your flowers. Sorry.”

Oh god, you can just picture the state the gardens must be in. You’re going to have a lot of work to undo whatever happened out there. But the mental image of Peter speed-weeding the entire estate is too amusing not to smile at.

“It’s the thought that counts,” you say.

“Tell that to the geraniums,” says the professor, shaking his head wryly. “Well, I’d better go tell Hank that you’re finally awake. I’m sure he’ll want to thank you in person. I’ll be back.”

The professor could’ve easily just called for Hank telepathically. You get the feeling he’s being polite and trying to give you and Peter a moment alone.

You start to sit up, and wow, apparently that’s a bad idea, because the room is no spinning. You close your eyes, reaching out as if to steady yourself against thin air. In an instant, Peter’s sitting on the edge of the bed, gently holding onto your arms.

“Whoa, take it easy,” he says. “I got you.”

You take a moment to breathe, and the dizziness slowly fades. “It’s okay. Just headrush.”

When you open your eyes, Peter’s still watching you intently. Never fully letting go, he moves his hands to hold yours.

“How are you feeling?” he asks.

“Alright, actually. Just… tired. Not in a bad way.”

You smile, hoping it’ll reassure him, and it seems to work. Peter leans in to kiss you.

“Who’s exceptional and important and incredible now?” He grins brightly as he tosses your own words back at you.

“That’s not- You don’t- Um…”

He laughs as you trip over your tongue completely. You’d always felt a little inadequate in the face of compliments, and that’s a lot of them to accept all at once.

Peter rolls his eyes. “Alright, fine. Bite-sized compliments from now on. Got it. But you are all of that. I always knew you were.”

Though his tone is teasing, the look in his eyes is entirely sincere. And, to your surprise, you believe him. There’s not an insincere bone in his body; you know that for a fact. So, it stands to reason that his feelings about you must be just as genuine.

The rush of that feeling – the confidence in Peter, and in yourself – puts on you cloud nine, almost literally. You have to focus to keep yourself from actually levitating everything in the room.

“I can’t believe I’m just figuring all this out now,” you say. “I mean, I’m thirty, for crying out loud.”

“And I lived in my mom’s basement until I was twenty-seven. What’s your point?” says Peter, shrugging. “Just ‘cause it took us a little longer to figure things out – we both still got there in the end. Late-bloomer solidarity, am I right?”

“Late-bloomer solidarity,” you repeat, grinning back at him. “Wait, do you think this means I’m gonna be an official X-Man now?”

Peter’s face lights up. “Hell yeah, you are! I’m officially calling dibs on having you as a partner. Hey, have you thought about what your codename’s gonna be?”

Your brows furrow in a look of confusion that Peter seems to find amusing. You actually hadn’t thought about it at all. You never thought you’d get this far, really.

“I wouldn’t know where to start,” you say.

“Yeah, you’ve got a lot going for you. You’re a jack of all trades, a wild card. Oh!” Peter snaps his fingers excitedly. “Wild Card. That’s a good one. You don’t have to pick right now, but… I’m just sayin’- if you don’t pick your own, somebody’s gonna pick one for you.”

You grin. “That’s true. I mean, look at you. You’re fast, you’re full of sass, and you love sugar. In another life, you might’ve been The Amazing Hummingbird.”

The look of disgust on Peter’s face is priceless. “That’s tragic, and I’m offended.”

You can’t help but giggle.

“I like Quicksilver,” you say. “I think it suits you.”

You run your fingers through Peter’s hair, and he seems to melt. He turns his head to kiss the palm of your hand.

“You don’t know how glad I am that you’re back,” he says. “I didn’t realize just how boring this place can get without you.”

In spite of Peter’s frank expression, you can’t quite believe that. As a fairly reserved gardener, you know you’re not exactly the life of the party.

“Without me?” You laugh. “Be serious.”

Peter snorts. “Right, right. Baby steps. I forgot.”

By chance, your gaze drifts to the far side of the room, where Peter had been sitting before. You just now notice that there’s a cot set up over there, and it’s clearly been slept in. He really had stayed down here for the past three days, hadn’t he? It gives you kind of a warm fuzzy feeling that he’d wanted to stay close to you.

When you look back at Peter, you see that he’s frowning slightly.

“Y’know, you had me worried for a minute there, back at the docks. I mean, the professor explained that you just exhausted yourself because you never changed anything that big before, but…” Peter blows out a breath, shaking his head. “It really looked like you pulled some sorta equivalent exchange healing thing, and I thought, like, what if this is it? I guess what I’m trying to say is – there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”

Before you can ask what he means, Peter leans in and kisses you.

“I love you,” he says.

You wonder if this is how Peter feels when he uses his powers – like being the only person truly awake while the rest of the world is frozen in time. In spite of yourself, you feel the gravity in the room loosen its hold just a little, and everything’s floating gently an inch off the ground.

“I love you, too, Peter,” you say.

The trace of apprehension in Peter’s face melts into a smile.

“Even though I wrecked your geraniums?” he asks, sheepishly.

“I can find more geraniums. There’ll never be another you.”

At that, Peter actually looks bashful. Is he… is he blushing? He absolutely is. Gently, you take his face in your hands, and even as you kiss him, he can’t seem to stop smiling.

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

The Other Evans Girl [Part Forty Seven]

Fandom: Harry Potter [Marauder’s Era]

Pairing: Sirius Black/Original Female Character, Sirius Black/Daisy Evans, James Potter/Lily Evans,

Characters: Sirius Black, Original Female Character, Daisy Evans, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, James Potter, Harry Potter, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Alice Fortescue, Frank Longbottom, Marlene McKinnon, Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort, Peter Pettigrew, Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix LeStrange, Walburga Black,

Word Count: 1240

Rating: Mature

Summary: Hogwarts is a safe haven, a home for many. But it’s often a place where heartache, love and complex emotions dwell and none know that better than the Marauders. Lily Evans just wants to make it out as a successful witch though the oncoming war and the ongoing advances of James Potter threaten that. Daisy Evans, her twin, has other goals. Join the Evans sister’s as they make their way through Hogwarts, prepare for war and eventually find love.

Tags/ Warnings: My Writing, The Other Evans Girl, Sirius Black Fic, Sirius Black/You, Sirius Black x OFC, OFC, Marauders Fic, Eventual Sirius Black, Sirius Black x Reader Fic, Sirius Black Fic, James Potter is a bit of a dick but we LOVE it, Hogsmeade, Friends, Hate, Love, Angst, Fluff, Kissing, Implied Sex, Potters, Babies, Weddings, Dating, Friends to Loves, Slow Burn, Eventual Sirius and Daisy, Teenage Angst, Insecurities, Fighting, Arguing, Bullying, War, First Wizarding War, Marauders, Marauder’s Era, 1970’s, 1970s Fashion, Canon Character Deaths, Loss of Virginity, Crying, Voldemort, The Other Evans Girl, Marauders Era to war, Multiple Parts, GORE, injuries, harm, fighting, blood, The Potter’s Mansion // Daisy’s Dress

Notes: ask if you want tagging. Also i didnt want to do this but no one in hp has grandparents apparently like? why was petunia the only one left smh

LINK TO AO3 // LINK TO PINTEREST // LINK TO ALL PARTS

Sirius couldn’t sleep. He tried but every time he closed his eyes he thought of Daisy, running out of the dining room with no one following her. It didn’t help that James was laying next to him and sounded as if he was revving a chainsaw every time he breathed. After a while, he decided to get up and escape the room which was closing in on him by the minute. He couldn't go to find Daisy, he knew that, after all, Lily would be sleeping next to her and he felt uncomfortable trying to explain his presence at her sister's bedside in the middle of the night. Instead, he made his way downstairs and made himself a glass of water. After downing it in four big glugs he put the glass in the sink and made his way through into the drawing-room and looked out at the garden.

Though the Potter’s garden was large it was barren for most of the length of it. Mostly just a neatly manicured lawn hemmed in by trees that multiplied as it got to the orchard. But outside the house was a patio which was made up of furniture, a grill and an outside fire which to Sirius’ surprise was lit. And curled beside it in a patio chair was Daisy. Though Sirius couldn’t see her face her mop of blonde hair couldn't be mistaken.

Sirius heaved a sigh of relief. At least now he could check she was alright. He crept quietly out of the back doors smiling at her as she turned around after being disturbed. She smiled weakly back at him and then turned back to watch the fire as he slid onto the outdoor sofa opposite. He didn't talk, instead, he sat watching her hoping she would initiate the conversation. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying though she wasn't doing so now. As the fire popped and hissed in front of them they sat in comfortable silence until finally, she spoke.

It was barely more than a whisper but he heard her even so as she said, ‘I bet you’re fed up of me being dramatic huh?’ ‘What?’ Sirius said genuinely confused by the question. ‘Well, my outburst must have put a dampener on dinner no?’ ‘Not at all,’ Sirius said, ‘in fact, we were all worried if you were okay.’ She stayed quiet for a moment before responding. ‘I’m fine,’ she said meekly, ‘a bit embarrassed but nothing too bad.’ ‘Good, I’m glad.’ ‘I remembered something,’ she admitted. Sirius didn’t say anything but raised an eyebrow as if urging her to continue, ‘about mum and dad…it wasnt anything bad. In fact, it was quite nice.’ ‘That’s good,’ Sirius said. ‘Except it reminded me of last Christmas,’ she said. ‘Oh?’ Sirius said trying to sound nonchalant as his mind raked over last Christmas which they spent in the castle. He’d loved it.

‘Yeah, then I just sort of spiralled because it reminded me that I missed their last Christmas. My last family Christmas. And I didn’t have to, not really…I mean Madam Pomfrey told me to stay put but I still came here. I still enjoyed myself whilst they were probably worried sick about me. They didn’t see me for months and I’d practically been at death’s door. And I didn’t go home. I didn’t spend their last Christmas with them, what shitty person does that?’ she said spitefully. ‘You’re not a shitty person for not predicting the future Dais,’ Sirius said. ‘I didn’t predict the future but I took it for granted. I could’ve died that Halloween and I didn't even think about going home. Letting them make sure I was okay,’ she said. He could see the tears brimming in her eyes reflecting the fire in front of them.

‘You’re right,’ he said bluntly. Daisy looked at him with confusion as he started to elaborate, ‘you did take it for granted. And should you have gone home? Maybe. But would your parents have cared that you didn’t? Probably, because they love you. I spent time in your home remember Daisy and though yes you probably could’ve spent more time there, maybe spent their last Christmas with them but that didn't change how much they loved you. Dais, I felt more love between you and your family in the week I was there than I had felt in my house for the entire 15 years I lived there. Is it a shame they’re gone? Absolutely. I mean I’d trade my parents in a heartbeat for you.' ‘Pads,’ she said sadly. ‘What? I’m just being honest.’ ‘You say it like you haven't got a family,’ she said, ‘I mean what about me, Lil, the boys?’ ‘I know that…I also know that, sure, you missed your last Christmas with your parents but that wasn’t your last family Christmas. We’re family. Always will be,’ he smiled. She smiled back at him and then dropped her gaze, nervous to whisper the next bit, ‘Pads?’ ‘Mmmhmm?’ Sirius replied. ‘Can I have a hug?’ she said. Sirius didn't say anything so Daisy looked up and found him moving over and beckoning her to come to sit next to him. She moved and sat down beside smiling as he threw an arm around her and pulled her closer. She nestled into his side, her hand falling onto his thigh which caused electricity to buzz through him.

They stayed like that for quite a while though as the night wore on the air around them started getting bitter so much so the fire couldn’t stave it off any longer. Sirius didn't want to move but he could feel her shivering next to him and so he nudged her causing her to sit up and look at him. ‘I think we better go inside,’ Sirius mumbled. Daisy nodded and the pair got up walking back in through the double doors. Once inside Daisy’s shivering intensified as her body tried to get used to the warmth of the house. Sirius rubbed his hands along her arms trying to warm her up which made her smile. After a moment she dropped her gaze and mumbled his name.

‘Yeah?’ he said watching her in the moonlight. ‘Tomorrow, can we…I mean, I know James will have to because of well…I mean,’ she rambled. ‘The point Dais?’ he chuckled making her look at him and smile. ‘I was wondering if we could skip the party? I mean I understand if you don't want to miss it, I mean…actually forget it,’ she said. ‘Dais, it’s okay,’ he said grabbing her elbow so she couldn’t flee. ‘No, forget it I’m being silly.’ ‘If you want to skip it that’s fine. I don’t mind and I’m sure the others won’t either,’ Sirius said. ‘Really?’ she said biting her lip. ‘Yeah, and I don’t think the Potters will mind either.’ ‘It’s just all too much too soon,’ she said. Sirius nodded. ‘I get it,’ Sirius said, ‘leave it with me. I’ll sort it with Euphemia.’ ‘Thanks,’ she said before leaning into a give him a quick hug, ‘I really appreciate it.’

He didn't say anything but mumbled an agreement into the top of her head. As she pulled away she smiled and then left the room leaving Sirius standing there watching where she had just gone. If she didn’t want to go to the party he was going to bring the party to her.