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youvebeenlivingfictional · 4 years ago

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A Grave Life Part Fifty Seven

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist Notes: I hope everyone has a good week 💖 Warnings: Light angst? Summary: Eugenia had been inviting me to join her and a few of her society friends for months now.

It was not lost on me that the stack I had appointed to Calhoun and Matilda began to grow shorter and shorter as the months passed. Even as I added the odd file to it from the others I was sorting through, it steadily grew smaller. Now and again I’d ask Matilda about the details of some such case or another, and she’d narrow her eyes a little bit, asking if Graves had filled me in. I’d just shrug and smile a little.

It was nice, knowing that not only had I judged those case files correctly, but Percival trusted me to steer things from outside of the office. I knew that department - I knew my old coworkers, I knew their strengths and weaknesses as well as he did. There were still, of course, a few evenings where Percival politely requested that I get another hobby.

“I don’t understand why you’re fussing,” Eugenia frowned as she watched me smooth my hands over my skirt for the umpteenth time that evening, “You know all of these women.”

“Yes, but consider,” I argued, “The last time I was in their presence for more than a few minutes, it was for a case. They don’t know me, they know who I was pretending to be to get answers out of them. And that was before I locked one of their own up for selling opium.”

Eugenia did consider this for a moment before she waved her hand dismissively.

“If you expect to become part of this society, you will have to spend more than one afternoon with them,” She pointed out, “And with all of these facts hanging over your head. It is best for all concerned if you just...Put that aside. I’m certain they will.”

Eugenia had been inviting me to join her and a few of her society friends for months now. I had run out of excuses, and had no reason not to join her and her friends that afternoon for a few hands of cribbage. I wasn’t particularly well versed in the game, had only played a couple of times with Eugenia, but she had deemed me a good enough player to sit in with her friends.

It turned out that the women would be the least of my problems.

The poor girl looked miserable. Lottie Hopkins had brought her daughter, Edna, because -- “The nanny went and got herself sick--” and Edna was sitting in the corner, quiet, with a doll and looking utterly bored. The child couldn’t have been older than six, and she’d been completely and utterly silent since she’d been practically tugged into the parlor by her collar and relegated into a chair in the corner.

The rest of the ladies seemed to have forgotten that the child was even there, but I couldn’t take my eyes off of her. She just seemed so dejected, so muted, like a girl out of a silent picture.

I couldn’t help but wonder - was she like this with the nanny, too? Or was she only like this around her mother and her mother’s friends? If I had children and brought them up around this society, was I expected to leave them with the nanny as I flitted from house to house for social visits?

Would I reach a day where my own child sat in the corner and I simply no longer took notice? -- Eugenia saw the shift in me, my discomfiture with Lottie, the way I flinched when she gripped Edna by the shoulder to steer her by the door.

And she very simply asked, “I take it you won’t be joining us for cribbage again?” --

“How was work?” I asked as Percival hung his coat up.

“Long,” He sighed, cupping my chin and pecking my lips, “How was cribbage?”

“Fine.”

Percival’s brow furrowed at my answer, but I stepped away before he could try and stare me down.

“Are you hungry?” I asked, stepping to the table, “I could make something, or...We could go out--”

“Fine?” Percival asked rather than answer, following me.

“Well, you know I’m not particularly good at cribbage, Perce. I’ve really only played with your mother, and it’s the only instance in which she’s gone easy on me.”

“I know you weren’t as worried about the cards so much as you were about the company,” Percival commented.

“The company was...Fine.”

“There’s that word again.”

“Is it not permitted in this apartment?” I sighed, flipping open a file and skimming it before dropping it atop the 1916-1920 pile.

“Of course it is.”

“Then why are you taking such an issue with it?”

“I’m not--”

“Do you want dinner or not?”

Percival was quiet for a long moment as I reached for the next file.

“What happened?” He asked. I was quiet for a moment, setting the file atop Calhoun and Matilda’s file before I braced my hands against the table.

“When you were a child...How often were you around your parents?”

“Most evenings, some weekends, when I was not engaged in some activity or another.”

“What sort of activity?”

“Junior Quidditch leagues, primarily, or study groups. And when I was home for the summer from school, I spent a fair amount of time with my parents-- Again, mostly evenings. My father was busy with his work at the firm, my mother with her committee and groups and such, as you know of them.”

Percival’s hand rested on my arm, stilling me as I reached for another file.

“What brought this on?”

I glanced over at him.

“There was a child that was brought to cribbage today. Her mother was vile and the poor girl just seemed...Miserable,” My shoulders sagged.

“And that makes you worry?” Percival frowned.

“It…” I straightened, turning to lean back against the table, “Concerns me. I wouldn't want to be some distant figure to my children, if we had them. And we would be expected to have them.”

“That worries, you, too?”

“A little.”

Percival came to stand in front of me, hands rubbing over my shoulders.

“I know that I was raised a certain way, and I know that the society that I and my family are surrounded by carries expectations, but that doesn’t mean that we would bow to them.”

“I don’t want my children chased by their peers’ whispers because they’re raised differently.”

“Dearheart… With the weight that my name carries, the whispers would not leave their parlors. No one would dare say a word against our children.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“Because no one dared say a word to me, and it was unusual for my parents to spend so much time with me during the week. I didn’t learn that until I was in school,” He tipped his head to the side as I lowered my eyes to his chest. I reached out, smoothing my hands over his waistcoat, absently fingering the chain of his father’s pocket watch.

“We will raise our children in a way that suits us best. You’ve my word,” Percival added softly.

I leaned up, pecking Percival’s lips.

“I love you,” I sighed.

“And I, you, dearheart,” He murmured, “I don’t want you to worry about these things alone. I think about them, too.”

“You do?”

“Often.”

I raised my brows, peering up at him.

“Like what?”

“Well,” He gave my shoulders a soft squeeze, “Why don’t we discuss it further over dinner?”

Tag list: @myplaceofheavenorhell ; @britishfajita ; @terrainhead ; @thatkidofwarandpeace ; @rvgrsbrns ; @maaaaryx ; @remmyswritings ; @flostvs1508 ; @fantasticcopeaglepasta ; @mylittlelonelyappreciationtoo ; @paintballkid711 ; @knightsimp; @hypnobananaangelfish

#A Grave Life #percival graves x reader #percival graves imagine #percival graves/you #percival graves x you #Percival Graves/Reader

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viennaesme-c · 4 years ago

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Task 1: Headcanons

Vienna Esme Calhoun, Twenty Six, Sports Journalist for the LA Kings

tw: shooting, domestic abuse

5 Headcanons about: Appearance

Her hair is naturally red. She has heard every ginger comment in the book and then some.

She’s muscular. She works out daily, whether it be MMA, boxing or even just running. She takes pride in her ability to now protect herself when she needs it.

She has three tattoos: A Matilda tattoo on her forearm, a beauty and the beast quote on her foot and “though she be but little, she is fierce” on her ribs.

Leather jackets are her best friend. She wears them almost daily.

She has multiple scars from her last relationship, the most notable being a bullet wound scar and a scar underneath to fix her broken shoulder from being shot.

4 Headcanons: Relationship/Academics

Vienna has only been in two serious relationships: the one with her ex and the one she is currently in. She met Jackson at the gym and he was by her side throughout getting injured, healing and the trial. She’s never felt this way about someone and she tries to make sure he knows it.

Jackson is also her best friend and they sometimes have the sense of knowing what the other is thinking. ( @jcksnlngfrd)

Vienna graduated high school at sixteen and college at twenty. She skipped two grades when she was five.

The woman is too intelligent for her own good. She has a pretty good photographic memory and accidentally can turn into a know it all.

3 Headcanons: Home Life/Languages Spoken.

Growing up in PIttsburgh, Vienna had the ability to experience city life as well as rural life, due to her grandparents having a farm.

She has what they call a “PIttsburgh accent” and doesn’t realize it until someone says something

She is able to speak fluent English, French, ASL and knows some Russian due to her job.

2 Headcanons: Workplace

Vienna’s job is essentially in the Staples Center because she works with the LA Kings. She’s the one that interviews the coaches and players during the game.

There are times she will travel to different arenas for games, but she mainly is at the home games.

1 Headcanon: Defining Moment

Vienna’s defining moment was the night she got shot. After a few years of feeling safe and secure, only for him to find her changed her life completely. All of a sudden, she felt like she wasn’t able to go somewhere without the feeling that he was close behind her, even though he was in jail. After that night, she truly realized how short life is and once she was healed, she tried to get back on the mend to live a normal life. That night will always be a moment in her life that changed everything for her and it still flashes back to her often.

#sm:task #about vienna #*#[ebony and ivory]#tw: domestic abuse #tw domestic abuse #tw shooting #tw: shooting

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hsmtmtsnet · 5 years ago

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Disney Theatricals President Thomas Schumacher, Frozen star Caissie Levy, High School Musical :The Musical: The Series creator and show runner Tim Federle, The Lightning Thief composer Rob Rokicki, and more will appear at this year's Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta, scheduled for January 17–19. Produced and hosted by iTheatrics, the weekend event brings youth groups from around the world together for a celebration of everything theatre.

Also on hand at JTF Atlanta will be Hamilton stars Nicholas Christopher and Jennifer Locke, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series stars Olivia Rodrigo and Joshua Bassett, School of Rock alums Luca Padovan and Isabella Russo, Newsies and Between the Lines director Jeff Calhoun, and Matilda alum Lotte Wakeham.

Soon to join the upcoming revival of Caroline, or Change, Levy will perform the festival's headlining concert.

The Junior Theater Festival celebrates musical theatre and musical theatre education with a weekend of events and performances that bring Broadway and West End professionals together with educators and young students. Youth theatre companies can bring 15-minute staged selections from titles in musical licensor Music Theatre International's Broadway Junior collection for adjudication, after which students attend interactive workshops. Students interested in technical theatre can participate in the tech track, which includes the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals backstage for the festival's mainstage events.

This year's New Works Showcase will feature selections from new musicals that will soon join Music Theatre International's Broadway Junior library, including Roald Dahl's Matilda JR., Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play JR., The Drowsy Chaperone JR., Newsies JR., and Moana JR.

Educators, whether bringing a group of students or attending individually, have access to professional development workshops. Educators traveling with groups have the chance of being selected for the Freddie G Fellowship. Named for MTI Co-Chairman Freddie Gershon, the fellowship is bestowed annually on eight exceptional educators and includes an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City for professional development with Broadway greats and a $5,000 grant for the educator's theatre program.

Playbill will be on hand at JTF in Atlanta to present The Playbill Community Service Award. All groups attending the Junior Theater Festivals are encouraged to submit videos documenting their organization's community service projects. Up to five finalists will be highlighted on Playbill, where the public can vote on their favorite beginning January 11. The winning organization will receive a $1,000 grant to support continued charitable efforts along with a free custom Playbill from PLAYBILLder.com, our online program creation tool that allows schools and community organizations to personalize and print an authentic Broadway-quality Playbill for their production or event.

The Atlanta festival, which was first held in 2003, will host more than 6,000 attendees from 129 groups in 2020, with 31 states, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. all represented. JTF West, now in its fourth year, expects 2,200 attendees from 48 groups in 2020, representing 17 states and South Korea, the U.K., New Zealand, and Australia.

“It is estimated that 36 million people attend a performance of a Broadway Junior show annually in the U.S. and Canada," shares festival founder Timothy Allen McDonald. "That’s three times the number of people who attend a Broadway show each year. Because of this, our Junior Theater Festival students have become the de facto tastemakers for all things musical theater. They embraced songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul five years before Hollywood honored them with an Academy Award, and the songwriting duo introduced Ben Platt to our JTF family a year before Dear Evan Hansen opened on Broadway and won Tony awards for the three JTF alums. Our JTF fans welcomed Zac Efron at one of our first festivals, they lined up for the launch of Tim Federle’s first New York Times best-selling book here, and this January they’ll greet the creator and executive producer and stars of the Disney+ show High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Rob Rokicki may have opened The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical on Broadway this year, but our audience has been singing songs from the show since he first started performing them at JTF three years ago. If you want to know what’s going to be hot in musical theater in the future, ask our JTF kids. All of this is a wonderful bonus to our core objective which is to celebrate young people and their teachers, who make the world a better place one musical at a time."

Title sponsors of both festivals are Music Theatre International, Disney Theatrical Group, and Playbill.

#news #long post

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veabay · 3 years ago

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☆ . ° . a prospective resident said: this looks so cute ! fictional character ideas ?

ah thank you babe! as for examples i'd say noah czerny, xie lian, spike from mlp, anakin skywalker, bugs bunny, ariel (little mermaid), betty boop, peter pan, buffy summers, gandalf, lucas scott, natalie cook, sam, alex and clover from totally spies, scarlet o'hara, shrek, frodo baggins, fiona gallagher, domino, chandler bing, cruella de vil, princess leia, leslie knope, alice cullen, rachel green, matilda wormwood, tom nook, jay gatsby, veronica mars, yoda, edward cullen, hank hill, zoolander, and noah calhoun! let us know if you need anymore

#twitter rp #appless rp #poc rp #answered.

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cherrygummycandy · 2 years ago

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Thanks @wordsbymae for the tag! I've never done something like this before.

3 ships: Fix-it-Felix and Calhoun (Wreck it Raplh) Proteus and Sinbad (Sinbad animated movie), and Sam the Eagle and the French detective (Muppets: Most Wanted).

First ever ship: Probably Nani and David (I think that's his name) from Lilo and Stitch. They were both really cute apart and together.

Last song: School Song (From Rhoald Dhal's Matilda the musical movie). I seriously recommend watching if you have netflix.

Last movie: Guillermo Del Toro's Pinnochio. The claymation was beautifully done, and I enjoyed the tie in with historically fascist italy.

Currently Reading: I don't read physical books to often, but right now I am taking notes and looking through my collection of disney concept art books. Turning red is my most recent one.

Currently watching: Craig of the Creek! It's a cute kids show and cover a variety of social issues in an easy to understand way. Watching it with my little brother.

Currently consuming: Homemade ham and beans with cornbread. Probably going to have some pecan pie later.

Currently craving: Arepas con Queso and Cesar salad.

No pressure: @yanderemommabean @yandere-toons @classic80sand90smovieloves2 @lulubellule-kfp @lowpolyparrot @anxiousnerdwritings

tag 9 people you’d like to get to know better

I was tagged by @grabyourpillow thanks <3

3 ships: Dreamling (my beloved), Mercelot (my beloved), Portamis (my beloved).

first ever ship: mmmm, I can't remember?

last song: Agony from the Into the Woods 2022 play. It was referenced in a fic I was reading and I had to.

last movie: Glass Onion. It has me reading Benoit/Phillip fics. There are like 10. I think this might be my first true rare pair. It doesn't even have a canonized tag on AO3.

currently reading: The entire list of Benoit/Phillip fics, any Dreamling things I desire, and nothing else because I'm a lit teacher and books feel like work now :(

currently watching: The Twilight Zone. This is our New Year tradition, so me and mom and I are going through a few episodes this morning before we have to get back to work.

currently consuming: tofu pigs in blankets made by me and my mom. We both go back to work soon, so we're just taking it easy and hanging out, because we never see each other when we're working because we're always busy and tired. The tragedies of working women (gender neutral).

currently craving: nothing. honestly, I just let myself have stuff when I want it, and so all my cravings are fulfilled at the moment.

tags: If you've already done one of these, feel free to ignore <3 @mismaeve @tj-dragonblade @introvertbibliophile @aceumbrellaheroes @acedragontype @little-ligi @mumble-muse @icannotreadcursive @groundbreakingdot872

#chats with cherry #not a fic

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daisynamegames · 8 years ago

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H: [64] David Stanley Eugene Kenneth Mark Lloyd Valentine Christian {LN: Kirby Stewart Ludlow} W: [64] Bryony Louise Flora Claire Jane Catherine Lauren Celeste {LN: Thomas Taylor McDonald}

S1: [44] Harrison Robert William Peter Adam Max Sven Julien D1: [42] Vera Lucille Therese Erika Nadia Penelope Alice Angela D2: [39] Laurel Susan Belle Margot Anna Eliza Lucinda Edith S2: [38] Victor Joseph George Daniel Edward Aubrey Graham Murray

S1: [44] as above -W: [42] Louisa Janet Victoria Ursula Adela Evelyn Wilhelmina Lucienne {LN: Calhoun Rutledge Peterson} --D: [13] Paula Louise Marie Cecilia Caroline Estella Jane Emmeline --D: [9] Judith Lavinia Diana Lily Constance Norah Cordelia Katherine --D: [7] Genevieve Emma Juliette Adelaide Natalia Henriette Sylvia Caterina --S: [6] Thomas James Jonathan Christopher Henry Andrew Elliott Morgan --D/S/S: [3] Sophie Aurora Elizabeth Albertine Eva Helene Lola Justine / Charles Nicholas Luke Duncan Alexander Max Orlando Otto / Leo Samuel Eli Theo Oliver Douglas Henry Wiley

D1: [42] as above -H: [43] Roland Pierre Philippe Lucien Bernard Ernest Marcel Francis {LN: Gillis Long Sefton} --D: [15] Simone Elsa Tekla Laura Karin Charlotte Lilly Lena --D: [11] Jeanne Mathilde Eliane Anna Paulina Elspeth Lucia Eleanor --D: [7] Maud Clara Hannah Carolyn Margo Idina Jemma June --S: [4] Ezra Robert Baxter Anthony Horatio Jonathan Atticus Josiah

D2: [39] as above -H: [41] Abraham Hugh Ambrose Alaric Michael Tristram George Frederick {LN: Kelly Frederick Harmon} --D: [10] Isobel Olive Amelia Renee Gwen Jennifer Julia Rachel --D: [8] Selena Matilda Elaine Josephine Mae Kathleen Aimee Jane --S: [6] Solomon Fraser Wolf Grant Adam William Arthur Scott --S/S: [3] Clement Lewis Richard John Eric Hector Benjamin Roger / Walter Leo Duncan Desmond Alan Malcolm Geoffrey Theodore

S2: [38] as above -W: [39] Lauren Ariana Valerie Odette Zelda Miriam Opal Amelie {LN: Ross Duncan Foley} --S: [17] Noah Theron Flynn Owen Elias Zachary Clark Thaddeus --S: [15] Asa Pascal Felix Maxwell Archibald Graham Matteo Laurent --S: [14] Peter Mason Simon Oscar Stephen Aaron Sidney Gareth --S: [9] Edward John Ralph Toby Julian Ivan Darcy Vincent --S: [6] Marcus Gideon Alfred Roger Colin Ian Morgan Miles

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thegeekherald · 6 years ago

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ESPY Awards 2019: Who-all succeeded in grabbing one??

We live in the 21st century, where sports is considered equally important as education. ESPY Awards which is ESPN’s yearly celebration for everything related to sports were held in Los Angeles this year. The 27 edition of the auspicious event was hosted by Comedian Tracy Morgan on Wednesday.

The ESPY awards goes to…

Saquon Barkley became the winner of The Best Breakthrough Athlete award. While Zion Williamson won the Best College Athlete and Drew Bress secured the Best Record Breaking Performance title. Drew successful built a new record for passing yards while playing against Redskins.

#EspyAwards : Sandra Bullock calls for equal pay for U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team https://t.co/FumpBwk8Bf pic.twitter.com/CTcIz256dL

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 11, 2019

The Blues who catapult from last-position in the league to first by winning the franchise’s first-ever-championship won an award too. St. Louis Blues got much deserved Best Comeback award. Alex Morgan received the Best Athlete in female category award while Giannis Antetokounmpo won the male version.

ESPN's 2019 ESPY awards honored the world's finest athletes and their impact out of uniform. Here's the complete list of winners: https://t.co/OAy40ncgwt

— CNN (@CNN) July 11, 2019

Best Moment award of this year went to Lindsey Vonn, Dwyane Wade as well as Rob Gronkowski. However, the game got grabbed by the Los Angeles Rams’. Their record-setting victory in Monday Night Football over Kansas City Chiefs is something worth a watch!!

“I’ve dropped the F-bomb on every stage I’ve been on for the last three days…" https://t.co/A7tQefPQW7

— HuffPost (@HuffPost) July 11, 2019

Best Team rightfully went to Women’s National Football Team of United States. For their remarkable victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Finale.

The United States Women’s National Soccer Team Source: People

Some Special Awards

Pat Tillman Award for service- Kristie Ennis.

ESPY Awards Source: Glamour

Arthur Ashe Award for Courage– Bill Russell.

The Capital one Cup winner award is shared by Virginia men and Stanford women.

Marine Corps veteran and amputee to receive Pat Tillman Award for Service at Wednesday’s ESPY Awards https://t.co/Facxnihra8 pic.twitter.com/mlR88ffPk6

— Navy Times (@NavyTimes) July 10, 2019

The Jimmy V Award For Perseverance went to Rob Mendez.

Best Boxer Award- Canelo Álvarez.

Best Male Golfergot received by Brooks Koepka, while Best Female Golfer: Brooke Henderson

Congrats @samkerr1! Not one 🏆 but two 🏆 at the @ESPYS awards!#GoMatildashttps://t.co/Ue5SrKNZgw

— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) July 11, 2019

WWE Moment of the Year – Return of Roman Reigns to Raw

Some of the remaining awards went to…

The Best Coach award went to the 77 years old Jim Calhoun. Ohashi received the Best Viral Sports Moment Award. The Best NFL player award went to Patrick Mahomes. While the best MLB Player goes to…… Christian Yelich.

ESPY Awards: Gymnast Katelyn Ohashi gives a rousing speech about body shaming https://t.co/kHiOeblGFL #EspyAwards pic.twitter.com/z3JgQ1bfst

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 11, 2019

The Best International Soccer player men’s category went to Lionel Messi, obviously. The female category of the award was received by Sam Kerr.

The ESPY best Boxer award went to Canelo Álvarez.

For more updates and information stay tuned to The Geek Herald.

The post ESPY Awards 2019: Who-all succeeded in grabbing one?? appeared first on The Geek Herald.

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youvebeenlivingfictional · 4 years ago

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A Grave Life Part Fifty Two

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist Notes: I hope everyone is having a good week 💖 Warnings: Uhhhhhh none? Summary: Being back in the department did funny things to my stomach.

The home was detached, and small. It was in a quiet part of Brooklyn, in a neighborhood that I didn’t recognize.

“Feeling alright about it?”

I glanced over at Rinora and nodded, giving her a smile.

“Now remember,” She added as we walked up the few front steps, “I will deal with the child. You speak with the parents, modify their memories.”

“How was it?”

“...A little, uh… Traumatizing is the wrong word,” I considered, watching Matilda pour milk into her coffee. Her eyes darted up to me, brow furrowing.

“It’s the wrong word, but it’s the first one that came to mind?” She pressed.

“It brought some stuff back, I suppose. My own extraction wasn’t as painless as I initially remembered.”

The sight of Rinora cradling the young Witch had brought to mind a memory, a flash of a red light - a stupefy, if I wasn’t mistaken, directed at someone else.

“How’d the kid take it?”

“She was asleep for most of it. The parents didn’t understand what was going on, but they also didn’t understand why she was able to make her toys float, either. Doesn’t matter,” I leaned back in my seat, “They won’t remember. I’m going back to follow-up with them in a couple of days, see how they’re doing.”

“So it went well, then? I mean… Well enough for you to check-in?” Matilda pressed.

“Mhm,” I nodded, “I mean… I’m going to think about it for a couple of days. The kids aren’t going to be asleep every time, the parents won’t necessarily be calm, but the Galenore needs more hands. More and more No-Maj kinds are cropping up and the other homes around the city haven’t been able to pick up the slack.”

Matilda folded her arms on the table, thoughtful.

“I can’t believe you used to sit in the office and race typewriters for fun.”

“I only raced it twice!” I sighed, shaking my head, “How’s Thomas?”

“He’s alright. We’re looking at having the wedding at the Prince George Ballroom,” She answered.

“I thought you were aiming to have it at the Grand Prospect Hall.”

“It was booked on the date we wanted,” Matilda sighed, shaking her head.

“Sorry, ‘Tilds.”

“It’s alright. I’ve still got my dress to get, a few odds and ends to tie up, and… I wanted to ask you about something.”

“Alright?”

“Well…” I watched Matilda shift nervously in her seat, “I wanted to know if you would be my Maid of Honor.”

My brows rose in surprise.

“Oh,” I said softly.

“I don’t have a large bridal party, of course, I mean--” She was shifting in her seat again, and she wasn’t meeting my eye, “It would really only be you and Queenie and one of my cousins--”

“I’d be proud to, Matilda.”

Matilda looked up from her cup of coffee, shoulders sagging with relief.

“Thank you,” She nodded a little bit, smiling. I reached across the table, taking hold of her hand and giving it a soft squeeze.

“So,” I leaned back, reaching for my own mug, “How’s Calhoun been?”

“Well he’s only wound up with medical once.”

“Sounds like a slacker.”

Being back in the department did funny things to my stomach. It was like the coffee I’d just had was...bubbling. I tucked my hands into my pockets as I followed Matilda through the sea of desks.

“God, I hope Picquery’s not in there,” I muttered, eyeing the closed door to Graves’ office.

“Would you like me to check?”

“No, but thank you,” I patted Matilda’s shoulder, “Be careful out there.”

“Be careful in there,” Matilda teased, nodding toward Graves’ door. I smiled, giving waves and nods to a few people in the office as I walked close to Percival’s office. I hesitated, raising my hand and knocking on the window. There was a pause, then the door opened. I looked up to see Graves’ brow furrowed in concentration. His face shifted when he saw me, a small face smile pulling at his lips.

“Hi there,” I said.

“Hello,” He greeted, taking a step back and nodding me inside. I stepped in, looking around. Nothing had changed since I’d been there last: my chair was still there, in the same place, as well as the bronze duck head from Ermentine.

“What brings you in?” Percival asked, shutting the door behind me.

“I had lunch with Matilda,” I said, turning and facing him, leaning back against my chair, “Caught up on some office gossip.”

“Oh? Are you going to clue me in?”

“I’m sure you don’t need me to,” I laughed as Percival came closer, “And I think we both know that nothing good comes from my passing on office gossip.”

“We do,” Percival agreed, resting his hands on my shoulders.

“What have you got going on?” I asked, nodding toward his desk.

“Report and document review,” Percival hands slid down to my hips before he lowered his head, nudging his nose along my jaw. I smiled, eyeing the door.

“How long do you--”

Percival lifted his head, brushing his lips across mine. I leaned up into the touch and he hummed, raising his hand a cupping my cheek. I smiled against his lips, reaching up and looping an arm around his neck.

“Perce,” I mumbled against his lips. He didn’t answer, just grunted as he wrapped an arm around my middle. I chuckled as he drew me against his chest.

“What if someone sees?” I whined as he tipped his head, pressing a kiss to the corner of my mouth.

“Sees what?” Percival murmured. I leaned away, arching a brow.

“You’re not worried about my being in here getting back to Picquery?”

“You haven’t disappeared from my life, dearheart. Or Matilda’s-- Or that of the Goldstein’s,” He pointed out. I hummed, sliding my hands down over his waistcoat.

“How long do you think you’ll be here?” I asked finally.

“A few hours, at least. Will you come over for dinner?”

“'Course. Send an owl when you’re set here?”

Percival considered for a moment before he reached into his pocket, pulling out a key.

“Why not let yourself in?”

I eyed the key for a moment before I nodded.

“Sure. I can leave this on the coffee table?”

Percival shook his head a little bit, “This is yours, dearheart.”

I glanced between Percival and the key in surprise.

“Really?” I asked, arching a brow.

“If you’ll accept it, yes. I want you to be able to come and go as you please.”

I lowered my eyes to the key, biting my lip to quell a smile. I reached up, wrapping my fingers around it.

“I’d give you one to mine as well, but you know that you can Apparate in at any time.”

“I do know that. And it concerns me, but we can discuss the lax security of your apartment building at another time.”

I rolled my eyes a little bit before I leaned up, kissing Percival gently.

“Thank you,” I murmured.

“It’s something that I should’ve given you a long time ago,” Percival murmured, leaning in and nuzzling against my temple. I grinned, curling closer to him.

“I should get back to work,” he murmured.

“Yes,” I nodded, leaning up and pecking his lips, “I’m going to stop in on Queenie before I go.”

“I’ll see you tonight, then,” Percival pressed a kiss to my forehead before he turned to open the door for me.

I found Queenie loading a coffee tray. She glanced back and grinned when she saw me. I felt a half-second of her sifting through my mind before she squealed, “Matilda asked you!”

#A Grave Life #percival graves #percival graves x reader #percival graves imagine #percival graves x you #percival graves/you #Percival Graves/Reader

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youvebeenlivingfictional · 4 years ago

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A Grave Life Part Forty Nine

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist Notes: I hope everyone is having a good week 💖 Warnings: Uhhh... I don't.... I don't think there really...Are any? I know, I'm as confused as you are Summary: There was no longer any hesitation on my part.

“Now you’re going to write me,” Iona says, tipping her head up and looking her nose down at me, reminding me so much of the first time I saw her in the booth of a speakeasy, “Interesting things, too, not like that awfully dreadful letter you wrote your sweetie—You never told me his name,” She pouted. I chuckled, shaking my head.

“Does it matter?”

“Well it does if I know him. Though I can’t see you going in for one of our set after everything that happened with Willy. I’m sure that affair would’ve soured you on the idea.”

She went quiet then, for a moment, eyeing my suitcases. I knew that her mind wasn’t on the prospect of who my sweetie might be anymore, and was, instead with wherever William was. I knew very well - could picture the cell he was confined to a M.A.C.U.S.A. headquarters, but the sight of him there was nothing I’d ever wish on Iona. For as much as William had put her through, I knew that she still cared deeply about him.

I raised my hand, giving Iona’s shoulder a squeeze, and I watched her pop a smile onto her face as easily as she changed fashions. She even flashed me her teeth, and I knew that I had let my pity for her bleed into my expression.

“I’ll write you,” I promised, “But I can’t promise the letters’ll be very interesting. There isn’t much going on around without you in the city. You need to come back to New York soon.”

Iona scoffed.

“It’s always so terribly dreary in winter, darling. At least here I can pop down to Paris for a few days and then come back up to the townhouse to recover.”

I hummed.

“Well, if you come back to New York sooner than later, I’ll be around.”

“Doubtful, darling, but really, one never knows.”

No, but one can, perhaps, have a hunch. -- “How is she then?”

“Oh, you know Iona,” I pillowed my head on my head on my hand, watching Matilda flit around her kitchenette, “You could set a freshly hatched dragon down in front of her and she’d tell you about her aunt, who also happens to be a duchess, has a pair of shoes that looked just like it. She seems alright, though. She was coming off of a stint in Paris when I got to London and she seemed pretty tired… Not that that kept us from going out.”

Matilda chuckled a little, muttering, “No, of course not.”

I smiled a bit as Matilda turned to face me, folding her arms over her chest.

“And you?” I asked, “How’s...How’s work been? Who’d you wind up partnering with?”

Matilda shifted from foot to foot, eyes darting to the floor before lifting to mine. She tended to do that when she didn’t want to tell me something.

“Calhoun.”

I nodded, “How’s it going?”

“Fine.”

“He hasn’t led you out onto any ledges to break into any suspect’s apartments?”

She didn’t even crack a smile, and I rolled my eyes a little.

“‘Tilda,” I sighed, but she turned away to tend to the coffee before I could keep talking. I knew that she didn’t want to hear what I was going to say next, but she knew what was coming.

“Do you really think this is the wisest decision?” Picquery had a way of staring down her nose like Iona did, but where Iona did it to intrigue, Picquery did it to intimidate.

“Yes, ma’am, I do,” I answered steadily. And I did. There was no longer any hesitation on my part. The final nail in the coffin had been Theseus’ light offer, however joking as it may’ve been. The thought of doing exactly what I’d been doing at M.A.C.U.S.A., even if I was by Theseus’ side, had been no more appealing than staying in my current department, working with Matilda and Graves

“You do recognize that in any workplace situation, you may come up against authority and decisions that you do not agree with?”

She had this little smirk on her face, like I was going to pitch a fit and stomp away. Maybe she didn’t understand that I was doing what was best - not only for myself, but for the department. And maybe she’d realize that later, but right now, that wasn’t my concern. I nodded.

“Of course,” I agreed, “But when it comes to having fundamental differences with my employer and potentially endangering my partner, I think that’s a good sign that that workplace is no longer the right one for me.”

“...Have you told him yet?” Eugenia asked. I was a little surprised that she was bothering to ask at all, but she’d been much less shy about speaking to me about Percival lately.

“No,” I admitted, “At least—Well, there was an...Incident--”

“If you’re referring to your first resignation letter, I’ve heard. And didn’t I tell you not to send the letters that you drafted?” She tutted as she lifted her teacup. My face burned with the reminder of my idiotic mistake from the previous week.

“You may’ve mentioned it, but the wine I’d had chose to omit that particular detail.”

I was quiet for a few moments, glancing into the fire.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the news reached him through other means, though,” I added, “Picquery, if I had to guess. Matilda wouldn’t tell him.”

“Do you want him to hear it from someone else?”

It would be easier, but I didn’t want to admit that to Eugenia. Then, she knew me so well, I might not have had to. Instead I steered the conversation toward what Eugenia had been up while I was in London. The tip of her head told me that she was taking it easy on me, going along with my diversion.

“...You’ve heard, then.”

It was on his face when he opened the door to me. He nodded once before he stepped back to let me inside.

“I can’t say I’m surprised,” He admitted, helping me out of my coat. I hummed, stepping deeper into the apartment and looking around, rubbing my hands absently over my arms (mostly so I’d have something to do with them that wasn’t reaching out for him).

“Hunch you had from before I left?” I asked, eyeing the dining room table. Was it me, or were there even more files then the week before last?

“Your letter was very sparse. You seemed like you were trying not to give me an answer that I wouldn’t like.”

I glanced back as Percival’s hands settled on my shoulders, rubbing gently.

“Are you cold?” He added softly. I gave him a small smile and shook my head.

“Are you upset with me?” I asked. Percival didn’t answer right away, and dread filled my stomach. He stepped past me into his living room, and I watched him, stunned to find that he seemed unable to keep still.

“I… Will not act as though I’m overjoyed. I understand, however, and I wouldn’t wish for you to remain in a position in which you’re unhappy, dearheart.”

I smiled a little as I mumbled, “Thank you.” Percival nodded.

“Picquery did not tell me when your last day is,” He came to a stop in front of me, and I couldn’t hide my wince. Of course she didn’t.

“It’s...Happened already, I’m afraid. Picquery decided that it would be for the best for my resignation to be effective immediately. I’ve no cases to wrap up-- and Matilda and Calhoun seem to be working together well enough, it would be selfish of me to break into that for only a couple of weeks for the sake of saving face.”

Percival nodded a little bit, lowering his eyes.

“And you’re alright with this?” He asked. Suddenly I couldn’t bring myself to keep still. I eyed his collar, reached up, straightened it despite its perfection.

“I didn’t want any drawn-out goodbyes or pomp, I’m not the type.”

Percival chuckled softly.

“I’m quite aware of that...Is there a plan?” He asked.

“Nothing terribly firm, but there are options, and I’ve savings to last me a bit until I’ve something worked out.”

Percival nodded a little, and I could see an offer on the tip of his tongue.

“I will work something out,” I said stubbornly, and the corner of his mouth twitched into an almost unwitting smile.

“Yes, dearheart, I know you will.”

I humphed before I turned away, moving over to his table. I shook my head, beginning to shuffle through the case files at the very top.

“You’re technically no longer allowed to look at those.”

“Stop me, then,” I retorted. Percival simply drifted a little closer to watch me.

“It will be odd, not seeing you around the office,” He said softly, leaning back against the table. It would be odd, not being there, but I didn’t want to say that.

“Did you always like seeing me around?” I chose to tease instead.

“Yes.”

“Even when you hated me?”

Percival didn’t answer for a long moment, and I made the mistake of glancing at him. He looked—crestfallen, pained.

“I never hated you.”

I lowered my eyes back to the files quickly, hands working to reestablish the system I used to sort them into back when-- Well, back when I used to do this on a regular basis.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” I mumbled, ashamed.

Percival reached out, taking gentle hold of one of my wrists to still me, and I stopped sorting, looking down at our hands.

“I’m sorry,” He said softly, “I should never have made you feel that way.”

“It’s alright—”

“It’s not.”

“We don’t have to talk about this.”

“Dearheart,” Percival straightened from where he’d been settled, his hand lifting from my wrist to lightly grip me by the shoulder and turn me toward him, “If… Forgive me for being presumptuous, but if we are to move forward together, we should discuss this.”

My eyes darted to his, incredulous. Neither of us had mentioned our kisses after they had occurred in my apartment; we hadn’t gone out of our way to repeat them, either.

“Are we?” I asked, stunned.

“If you wish.”

“Is that what you want?”

“Do you think I let just anyone touch my files?” He smiled, and I chewed the inside of my cheek. I didn’t want to admit that I’d always wondered about him and Clara, the idea of the two of them together, there; the image of her fluttering around him (though she never did strike me as the fluttering type), of her standing where I was and disrupting the stacks I’d created on Percival’s table. Instead I lowered my eyes to the table again, eyes scanning the sea of manila. It was safer for me to look there.

“...Would you like to discuss this further?” He pressed.

“Can we sit?” I asked, glancing up at him. Percival smiled a little, taking a step back and nodding toward the couch. Tag list: @myplaceofheavenorhell ; @britishfajita ; @terrainhead ; @thatkidofwarandpeace ; @rvgrsbrns ; @maaaaryx ; @remmyswritings ; @flostvs1508 ; @fantasticcopeaglepasta ; @mylittlelonelyappreciationtoo

#a grave life #percival graves x reader #percival graves #percival graves imagine #percival graves/you #percival graves x you

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youvebeenlivingfictional · 4 years ago

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A Grave Life Part Forty Three

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist Notes: Not beta-read. I hope everyone is well and having a good week 😊💖 Warnings: More fluff than angst this time. I know, right, who am I? Summary: I hadn’t heard from Tina, and I steered clear of her new department for that reason.

In all my time spent in Eugenia’s home, I’d never been so well-acquainted with the front hall. Following my Saturday teas with Eugenia, Percival and I began to … Converse fairly regularly by the coat hooks.

Tina was back to working at M.A.C.U.S.A. by mid-January. I knew she was in the building before I saw her -- whispers rippled through the department, ones that I was sure made their way back to Graves’ office as well.

Graves and Picquery had sent out a notice regarding the incident with the Second Salemers. It had given the circumstances in the broad strokes - explained that there had been a confrontation involving Congress personnel and an Anti-Wizard activist group. Picquery had thanked myself and Matilda by name for “the actions taken to prevent further exposure and harm to the community”. Other Aurors had stopped by to congratulate myself and Matilda on our mention, and on our promotion (I’d decided to accept it - if I did ultimately decide to leave the department, Matilda would maintain her rank and be assigned a partner that was of equal competence). When they’d pried for details, though, I’d clammed up, and Matilda had likewise shut down additional questions.

It didn’t matter, though. She and I weren’t the only ones there that day. Who knew who the details came from - Richardson, Calhoun, Newman, Burke -- maybe Maynard or Andrews or Abernathy (probably Abernathy). There wasn’t a single person at M.A.C.U.S.A. that didn’t know what Tina had done by the time she returned to work in the wand permits department.

Queenie had told me that she had given Tina my letter. I hadn’t heard from Tina, and I steered clear of her new department for that reason. She didn’t need me dropping in to see how she was doing, stirring up any further fuss. And she surely didn’t want to talk to me just now. She was adjusting to her new position, she was surely aware of the whispers that followed her at every turn. Tina had always had an ear out for what people were saying in the office, and if she was ignorant to it now, it was willful. I wouldn’t drag it to her attention. -- “Have you seen Ms. Goldstein?”

I shook my head.

“I’m not sure that’s a fence that can be mended.”

“...With respect, I think you’re underestimating Ms. Goldstein’s capacity for forgiveness,” Graves said after a few moments. My brows rose with surprise.

“Is that so?”

Graves lifted a shoulder in a half-hearted shrug. He looked irritatingly cozy in a brown, heavy shaker knit shawl collar sweater. I’d been certain he’d hurry into his mother’s sitting room today - I was certain of that every day for the past three Saturdays, but he always lingered now when I came out of his Eugenia’s sitting room (at a moderate speed, thank you very much).

“What makes you say that?” I pressed.

“Something she said when I spoke to her.”

My stomach twisted with hope.

“You’ve spoken with Tina?”

Graves gave a small nod, “I ran into her on the elevator.”

“Were you stepping onto it too quickly?” I teased. Graves tipped his head to the side, giving me a look that I was certain was meant to be chastising. It didn’t quite make it, though; I could see that he was trying not to smile.

“...How is she?” I added softly.

“She is adjusting. It’s slow going,” He admitted. I nodded. I’d heard as much from Queenie that when I’d asked the same question.

“Of course, you’d know this yourself if you tried speaking with her,” Graves tacked on. I was careful not to roll my eyes.

“Perhaps we’ll get there.”

“Perhaps… If I may?”

“Hm?” I shifted from foot to foot where I was leaning against the wall opposite him. His eyes drifted over my body for a moment before they flitted back up to mine. It stunned me for a few moments. While Graves and I had taken to conversing in his mother’s front hall, as well as the odd quiet moment at work, I hadn’t gotten any indication that he was at all still interested. But that look -- I’d seen ones like it before, when he and I were… Involved, entangled, associated-- whatever he wanted to call it (or not call it, for the apparent sake of my longevity with the department).

“As it’s been some time now and nothing regarding the Second Salemers has arisen, I was wondering if you were going to revisit your plans for leave.”

I wasn’t sure what I’d been expecting - perhaps another lecture about openness where Tina was involved or a question about why I’d chosen to take on the promotion.

“I don’t know,” I admitted, shaking my head a little bit, “Things have been quite busy over there lately. Theseus and his team uncovered a cell of Grindlewald’s followers and they’re trying to track down all possible connections.”

Graves’ hands slipped from his pockets to fidget with the cuffs of his sweater, eyes lowering sharply to his newfound task.

“You’re still in contact with him, then,” It was more a statement than a question as he said so - an observation. I frowned. Surely he had surmised as such before. I’d been planning on spending Christmas with the man’s family for Merlin’s sake.

“Of course,” I nodded, “We’re good friends.”

“...Of course,” Graves conceded softly. I searched his face for a few moments, brow furrowing.

“I would like to make it over some time. He’s quite keen on his new sweetheart and he’d like me to meet her. He’s certain we’ll be fast friends.”

Theseus’ last letter had told me all about Leta Lestrange - a name I had heard before, but not where Theseus was involved. I was surprised, but not heartbroken. Theseus deserved to be happy, and I wasn’t as if I expected him to mope around and wait for me.

Graves’ eyes lifted sharply to mine then, hands stilling as he looked for any sign of a lie or tease. Seeming to find none, he tucked his hands back into his pockets.

“I see,” He said, tone a little lighter than before, “Then in that case, I hope you do make it over soon.

“In that case?” I repeated

“Yes.

“But not under any other circumstances?”

If the question threw Graves for a loop, he didn’t let it show on his face; he simply chose not to answer. I arched a brow, amused, and feeling like I’d managed to catch him out just a little for once.

“It’s alright,” I added, “I know you’ve never liked Theseus.

“I bear no ill feelings toward Mr. Scamander.

“Oh no?”

“Of course not.”

“You could hardly stand him when he was here.”

“Well, he was rather presumptuous. He made himself more than comfortable in my office, which was quite rude, and he tried to take you from me—From my team.”

“From—”

“From my team,” Graves repeated his correction before I could properly question him. His slip of the tongue had my heart lodging itself in my throat. I opened my mouth to ask another question, but was cut off by the clock chiming five. I glanced back toward the sitting room before I sighed softly.

“I ought to go. I’ve plans and I don’t want to be late,” I said, stepping forward and reaching for my coat. Graves always stopped just beside my coat now.

“Plans?”

I glanced up at him.

“Yes. I’m meeting a friend.”

“Which friend?”

Matilda and Thomas, but I was enjoying his prying far too much.

“What business is that of yours, Mr. Graves?”

“It’s less off a matter of business and more that of innocent curiosity.”

“Well, then I bid a good evening to you and your innocent curiosity.” Tag list: @myplaceofheavenorhell ; @britishfajita ; @terrainhead ; @thatkidofwarandpeace ; @rvgrsbrns ; @maaaaryx ; @remmyswritings

#A Grave Life #percival graves #percival graves x reader #percival graves imagine #percival graves/you #percival graves x you #Percival Graves/Reader

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youvebeenlivingfictional · 4 years ago

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A Grave Life Part Fifty Five

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist Notes: I hope everyone has a good week 💖 Warnings: Uhhhhhhhh none Summary: One topic I did wind up having to address was whether or not Percival and I were attending Matilda’s wedding as a pair.

In my newfound workplace separation from Percival, I found us avoiding certain topics of conversation more often than not.

We never discussed Percival’s self-described helplessness when it came to my care after the incident with that Galenor extraction. Whatever he had been thinking, whatever worries or panic he’d faced, he had resolutely swallowed it or let it go. We never revisited the topic of how I’d potentially be expected to change if we married, or the manner in which our children would be raised. Neither of us pushed the topics away when it was raised because neither of us raised the topics in the first place.

One topic I did wind up having to address, finally, was whether or not Percival and I were attending Matilda’s wedding as a pair -- and only because Matilda was up in arms about the seating chart for the wedding reception.

“I’m certainly not going to ask him!” She’d hissed at me as we’d poured over the layout for the hall they’d booked.

“Well-- What if you--”

“He’s still my boss.”

“But--”

“Please?” -- It took a couple of days of mulling over for me to bring it up to him. I wasn’t quite sure how to broach it in the first place. I nearly went to Eugenia for advice, but ultimately decided against it. I didn’t want her to feel obligated to fix every little hurt and hang-up between myself and her son. Besides, Percival and I were adults, these were the sorts of things we had to be able to decide for ourselves.

“...What on earth are you doing now?”

“Well, I’ve sorted it down to cold cases between 1910 and 1915, 1916 and 1920, and 1921 and now. This stack,” I pointed to the stack nearest to me, “Has cases with perps suspected of involvement with Grindlewald, that stack,” I pointed to the stack beside it, “Has cases I think that, frankly, Matilda and Calhoun could probably tackle within a week, tops and, um--” I glanced toward the untouched end of the table of the table, “I’m… Still working toward that all...Over there,” I waved my hand toward it.

“... We need to get you a hobby,” Percival tutted as he came to stand beside me, plucking up one of the files from Matilda and Calhoun’s stack.

“Well, I have one, sort of. This,” I frowned, brow furrowing.

“Something that doesn’t involve Congress files, which you technically shouldn’t be looking at anymore.”

“If I shouldn’t be looking at them, then perhaps you should stop bringing them home.”

Percival cut me a look out of the corner of his eye, but he said nothing; we both knew that I was a little right.

“Besides, it’s not like I talk to anyone about them,” I added, taking a step over to start looking at the files that I had to start sorting. Percival grunted, still flicking through the file he’d picked up.

“What is it, then?” He asked.

“Hm?”

“Well, you tend to start sorting through these when there’s something else that you’re trying to work out. What is it?”

I shifted from foot to foot before I leaned across the table, dropping the file onto the 1916 to 1920 file before leaning back again. I felt the weight of his gaze heavy on my shoulders as he added,

“...Dearheart, we promised we would be honest with one another.”

I pushed a soft sigh out through my nose before I said, “Matilda wants to know if you and I are attending her wedding together or separately.”

“Is that all?”

I turned on him, wide-eyed.

“What do you mean, is that all?”

Percival lowered the file, then lifted it again as I said, “That is not where it goes.”

He waited for me to point to the proper stack before depositing it there.

“What would you like to do?” He asked, and waited patiently as I considered him.

“I… I would like to do...Whatever ruffles the least feathers.”

“That’s new for you.”

“Don’t make fun.”

“I’m sorry,” Percival chuckled, crowding closer as I folded my arms over my chest, “Whose feathers are you worried about ruffling?”

“Picquery’s, for one.”

“Anyone else’s? Mother’s, perhaps?"

"Perhaps."

"There's no need. She’s well aware of our situation.”

“...What is our...Situation?”

Percival tucked a crooked finger under my chin, lifting my gaze to his.

“As I see it,” He said softly, “I love you very much, and I’m courting you. Do you see it differently?”

It took a moment for the words to settle over me fully, my heart fluttering in my chest before I shook my head a little bit.

He nodded, “Then if it’s alright with you, I’d be happy to attend Ms. Stuart’s wedding with you on my arm.”

I stepped closer to Percival, tucking my face into his neck and cuddling against him. His arms curled around me, and he dropped a kiss to the side of my head.

“Dearheart?” He murmured.

“I love you, too,” I mumbled, curling my fingers greedily in the fabric of his waistcoat. I felt Percival smile, his hand soothing over my back.

“I feel I’ve been quite remiss in saying it,” He admitted, “But I intend on making that up to you.”

“Is that so?” I raised a brow, tipping my head up to look at Percival.

“It is.”

He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to the corner of my mouth. The murmur of, I love you, that followed warmed me to the core, as did all the murmurs and kisses that followed it.

#A Grave Life #percival graves x reader #percival graves imagine #percival graves/you #percival graves x you #Percival Graves/Reader

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youvebeenlivingfictional · 4 years ago

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A Grave Life Part Forty Six

Previous Part | Next Part | Masterlist Notes: Not beta-read. Merry Christmas Eve to those of you that partake! To those of you that do not, happy Thursday! I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! 💝 Warnings: Cursing; yearning Summary: If I did leave M.A.C.U.S.A, what could I do?

Matilda wasn’t saying anything. In fact, the only person she’d spoken to or made eye contact with was the waiter. She was staring down at the table with utter concentration. For once, I couldn’t think of anything to say - a simple ‘sorry’ felt like a bad starting point; I wasn’t sure quite how to justify my behavior to her.

“You still don’t know when to shut up,” Matilda finally spoke up, “But it is a wonder that you’re not saying a damn thing now.”

“... There isn’t anything I could say now that can fix what I did yesterday.”

“Not fix, no. but… God, could you at least tell me what the hell you were thinking? Were you thinking?”

“I was upset. I don’t agree with how she operates sometimes - especially not this entire… Incident, from Tina to this.”

“It’s not just Tina.”

“What?” I frowned.

Matilda shook her head, leaning back in her seat as the waiter came back with two cups of coffee.

“You’ve seemed kinda off since everything that happened with William. I’m not just talking about...You know, the fact that he tried to kill you.”

I took a sip of my coffee, quiet for a few moments.

“Picquery reassign you yet?”

“No. She said it’s up to me, I’ve gotta pick by this afternoon.”

I nodded, “Well, you need someone that can keep up with you, so Calhoun and Newman are your best bets.”

“Thank you for sorting through the candidates for me.”

“Fuck, Tilds, I’m sorry, I just… It’s not like I can be of any more help to you right now.”

Matilda nodded, fingers fiddling with her engagement ring.

“Have you got any plans for your… Free time?”

“Oh, you know. May paint my rooms, may see Iona, she’s been bugging me to see her since before Christmas, but she’s been touring the continent—Tilda, I meant to ask but things got a little, uh… Busy. What did you mean about me and Graves?”

Matilda glanced around, presumably to make sure no one that we worked with was nearby. She leaned forward against the table, lowering her voice,

“When I went up to report what had happened to… To them, you know, he was pissed—at Picquery. Started going on about how she should’ve sent more Aurors with us, that running the op the way she did was irresponsible.”

A chill ran through me and I leaned back a bit, frowning. Matilda picked up the sugar pourer, adding a small amount before plucking up her spoon and stirring it in.

“I’m just saying, I doubt he’d be twisted into that kinda knot if it was me,” She said before picking up her mug. I hummed, shaking my head.

“Well, that’s not fair. Graves cares about everyone in the department. If you’d gotten hurt during the same way, I’m sure he would’ve been upset.”

“Maybe not as upset.”

“What’d she say?”

“That it was a conversation for them to have another time, though ‘another time’ clearly meant without me around.”

“I’ve seen them have that kinda conversation before.”

I was quiet for a moment, pillowing my head on my hand.

“Have you spoken to him?” Matilda asked. I shook my head.

“No. I did see Tina and Queenie for dinner, though, that was nice.”

“Tina?” Matilda’s brows rose. I nodded.

“It’s shaky, but… I think we’re okay.” --

I was frighteningly productive during the beginning of my suspension. I rearranged my furniture, re-applied the revealing spell on my door, began going on walks in the morning.

As the days went on, though, I started getting up later and later, and missing those walks. Rather than find ways to improve my apartment, I drifted around it, aimless, considering my options.

If I did leave M.A.C.U.S.A, what could I do?

There was always the possibility of returning to work at Ilvermorny. If I considered it, this entire fiasco had started because I was teaching Tina a few additional tricks. I could also work at a home for No-Maj born, helping to raise children like me.

But what would leaving the department mean for the relationships I had with the people in it? I had little doubt that anything would change between myself, Tina, and Queenie. We’d been friends since school. I wasn’t as sure about Matilda. I hadn’t broached the subject with her when we’d spoken, but considering the actions I’d taken, I was sure it wouldn’t come as a shock to her if our paths deviated.

And Graves.

He and I had seemed to finally be coming to some kind of middle ground again and now I’d gone and mucked it all up.

-- “Just when I thought you’d managed to work that corner out,” Graves commented, hands gripping me by the shoulders to steady me. I sighed, lowering my head.

“I was just—You startled me,” I managed—half of an explanation, half of a scold. Graves hummed in turn, hands lowering from my shoulders.

“What are you—”

“Why are you—”

We both began before stopping abruptly.

“Go on,” Graves urged softly.

“... What are you doing here? Don’t give me that look,” I added at Graves’ quirked brow, “I know it’s your mother’s house, but it’s nearly noon on a Wednesday for Merlin’s sake… Seems an odd place for you at this time, is all.”

I’d spent the morning with Eugenia, being berated with politeness (“Of course I do understand that you felt you had no other choice, but those feelings are better expressed at a later date. Perhaps written in a letter that you never send,” She’d given me such a look that I felt I ought to be taking notes). She had an engagement that afternoon, however; several of her friends were on their way. She’d offered to let me stay, of course, but I would be awful company. It was my second week of suspension; I felt listless, and was intent on returning home and wallowing.

“I was actually hoping I might run into you, though not quite so literally,” Graves admitted, “Might we talk for a moment?”

I glanced toward the sitting room.

“Your mother has guests on the way.”

“I’m aware.”

He held his hand out to me, and I hesitated, glancing down at it. What was he planning? And what did he want to talk about that required such privacy?

I grabbed my coat from its hook before I took hold of his hand.

His apartment was exactly as I remembered.

It was a brief shock, but I managed to shake myself from it as Graves took my coat from my hands. I immediately tucked my hands in my pockets, unsure of what else to do with them. When I’d been there before, it had always been in a more familiar capacity. I’d always been at liberty to reach out and touch, or to stroll over to Graves’ dining room table and start sorting through files (the stacks seemed to have grown in my absence, which was moderately concerning).

“Can I get you anything to drink?” Graves offered as he shrugged out of his own coat.

“Thanks, no.”

“... Are you alright?” He asked after a moment.

“You haven’t told me why you’d like to speak with me.”

Graves nodded, beginning to walk deeper into the apartment. I had no choice but to follow.

“I hear you’re planning on traveling.”

I couldn’t help but wonder who he’d heard it from - Matilda or Eugenia.

“Seems like as good a time as ever to go visit Theseus. I plan on seeing Iona while I’m over there, too.”

Graves stopped by his mantle, murmuring, “Incendio.” I watched the fire spring to life before he turned back to face me.

“I’m glad this suspension has managed to revive your social life. It seemed to have grown quite stagnant.”

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Joke or no, I’m not in the mood, Mr. Graves.”

His brow quirked for a millisecond before he drifted away from the mantle.

“How long are you planning to be there?”

“Don’t know. A week, maybe, though I’m unsure what business that is of yours.”

“One of my Aurors will be out of the country, it’s very much my business.”

“I’ll leave an address where I’m reachable, of course.”

Graves nodded slowly.

“... If that’s all, Mr. Graves--”

“I never got the chance to thank you.”

“Excuse me?”

“For the pen.”

It took me a moment before I remembered - of course. His Christmas gift.

“It was nothing,” I shrugged a shoulder.

“Well, it was something,” He took slow, steady steps closer, and I fought to keep myself still, “If it was nothing, then it would be nothing, but a pen is...Decidedly something.”

“You just needed a new one, is all.”

“Nevertheless, I appreciated it.”

“Well. You’re welcome.”

Graves stopped just in front of me, watching me for a few moments. I wasn’t sure I liked that look - I wasn’t sure I even knew it. Or maybe I had, once, but I’d made myself forget.

“... I should let you get back to work,” I finally said, blinking first and turning my head away from him. If I were deluding myself, I would’ve sworn I saw his shoulders wilt out of the corner of my eyes.

“Right,” He cleared his throat, “When do you leave for London?”

“In a couple of days.”

“What’ll you do until then?”

“Oh, what I’ve been doing the entire time. Sitting around my apartment feeling just...Swell.”

Graves sighed softly, tipping his head to the side.

“You did your job to the best of your abilities.”

“And then I yelled at the President.”

“Well. There was that,” Graves conceded, nodding, “Certainly not your brightest moment.”

“Or yours.”

… Whoops.

I cleared my throat, turning back to grab my coat.

“Mine?” Graves questioned, stepping closer.

“I misspoke.”

“You’re an awful liar, dearheart.”

I went stock-still. I hadn’t heard that in… Well, months. It still washed warmth over me, like stepping into the sunny spot of an otherwise dark room. I managed to shake myself from it after a few moments, slipping my coat on.

“What did Ms. Stewart tell you?” Graves added, sounding more amused than irritated.

“Nothing-- Don’t you have a report somewhere over there to read?” I asked, waving in the direction of his dining room table. Graves chuckled, stepping closer.

“I have,” He agreed. I could feel him watching me as I hurriedly buttoned up my coat. It was quite blustery out - I couldn’t very well do this in the hall without one of his snooty neighbors coming in; his doorman wasn’t the fondest of me, and I didn’t want to linger in the entrance hall.

“Here.”

Graves plucked the blue scarf I’d given him off of the hook it was sitting on and wrapped it around my neck.

“Oh—You don’t have to—”

“Shush,” He murmured as he straightened my collar, “You’ll catch a chill.”

Despite our previous conversations in the hallway of his mother’s home, Graves and I hadn’t been this close for this long in quite some time. His thumb grazed over my throat as he lowered his hands and I couldn’t help but take in a soft, sharp breath. Graves’ eyes lifted to mine, his hands still hovering around my collar.

“... Well, thank you, Mr. Graves,” I mumbled.

He nodded, finally taking a step back and tucking his hands into his pockets.

“I’d like that scarf back before you depart for London, if you don’t mind.”

“I’ll do my best.”

I hurried out of the apartment, careful not to slam the door behind myself.

-- When I reentered my apartment, I had to look around it as if to make sure it was still mine.

Graves’ conduct had been… Unexpected. Stunning, even. I unbuttoned my coat and unlooped the scarf from my neck. I made to hang it up before I stopped, looking at the fabric. I hesitated before I brought it to my nose, taking a deep breath. It smelled like his aftershave, his cologne, and the cinnamon oil that was used with his soap flakes. I sighed, lowering the scarf from my face.

I was suddenly very glad that I lived alone. I couldn’t imagine having to explain to someone why I had just smelled a scarf. Tag list: @myplaceofheavenorhell ; @britishfajita ; @terrainhead; @thatkidofwarandpeace ; @rvgrsbrns ; @maaaaryx ; @remmyswritings ; @flostvs1508

#A Grave Life #percival graves x reader #percival graves #percival graves imagine #percival graves/you #percival graves x you

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