#also who knew zats could cook

[askzatsunemikuo-blog]

“FOR NON-VOCALOIDS ONLY” “except you miku you can have as much as you want”

[johannstutt413]

(requested by calligomiles)

“Hey, General, can you try something for me?” Gummy came home one day with a box from the kitchen. “My friend made a cake, and it’s really good, so I brought you a piece.”

“Huh. Thanks, Rada.” Zima took the box and the fork the chef provided and popped it open. Inside was a rather...strange-looking slice of cake. The form itself was essentially perfect - two layers of cake with some strawberry jam or something like it gluing them together and evenly frosted along the outside - but the deep shade of purple on everything was rather disorienting. What flavors were the components supposed to be? Were the black flecks in the cake itself fruit or chocolate? Nothing in Ursus, or even Rhodes Island, looked like this…

Still, she knew better than to take appearances at face value, and if her gourmand friend thought it was good, who was she to refuse trying it? Sonya stabbed into it, pulled off the front corner, and took the bi- WHOA. “Your friend made this?” She asked, coping with the rapturous delight with her usual composure.

“Yeah! Do you like it?” Gummy came back from putting away her vaul- shield and fighting pan, but as soon as she did, she knew the answer. “I’ve watched her cook, and I don’t know how she does it. It’s like nothing else, right?”

“...I want to meet her. Who is she?”

Rada smiled, but it was rather strained. “Um, well, I think you’ve probably heard of her...Blue Poison, the Sniper?”

“The toxicologist?” Zima looked at the fork in her hand and swallowed. Hard. “She bakes?”

“Yeah, and she’s really sweet as a person, too. I don’t get why people are so scared of her...well, I guess there’s rumors that go around, but they aren’t true.”

The general thought about what she’d heard, for the first time from a critical perspective - that her saliva was a critical component in her darts’ poison, that she coated anything she touched in toxins that could kill a person in moments, that she asked people to touch her so she could eliminate her competition and finally be with the Doctor...and realized just how much bullshit she’d accidentally swallowed without thinking about it. “They couldn’t be, and even if they were, I’m sure the baking takes care of any lingering toxins. I want you to introduce us - invite her over for dinner or something before the end of the week.”

“Yes, General!” Rada’s smile brightened; she loved when she got orders she was going to act on anyway. “If she’s free tomorrow, would that be too soon?”

“No, if she’s free, that should be fine. Thank you, Rada.”

The chef saluted her. “Конечно, товарищ генерал!”

“...Is this whole slice for me?” Zima looked at the rest of it, wondering if Anna or Rosalind might want some. “There’s enough to split.”

“As you wish, General! I’ll go ask them.” With that, Gummy went off, leaving Sonya to her thoughts...and another bite of the cake. It was given to her first, after all.

--------------

Blue Poison sighed, watching the dessert table with the normal degree of disappointment. Usually, only two or three portions were taken from her contributions - those being the Doctor’s, Gummy’s, and Glaucus’ - which meant she often had leftovers, and it always made her dream of the days her cakes barely lasted half an hour after she made them. One of a few things she missed from home, if she was honest, but there was no point in thinking of going back there…

There was a tap on her shoulder, and she jumped. “Oh, Gummy. Sorry, I was just...thinking. Do you need something?”

“I took a piece of your cake to my friends like I said, and they all loved it! Leto and Istina had to go on a mission, but the General and I were wondering if you’d like to eat dinner with us tonight. I’m making waffles!”

“Waffles for dinner?” The Anura smiled; Gummy had a way of making that happen. “That sounds delightful. What time are you expecting me?”

She shrugged. “I’ll start cooking 1800ish? But really any time after work is fine; if you come earlier, it’s just more time for us to hang out!”

“I think I’ll head over after I change out of this...Have I met ‘the General’ before?”

“I don’t think so.” The Ursus replied. “I’m pretty sure she’d remember meeting you.”

Blue raised an eyebrow. “You think so?”

“You remind me of her favorite UFC fighter, so I think you’d stick in her mind pretty easily. Oh, actually, I also came back here for some scones. Gotta run, talk to you tonight!” And there she went.

“Hmm...Dinner with Gummy and her friend.” The Anura looked at her muffin tin before nodding to herself. “I know just what to bring.”

A few hours later, after helping with dinner and heading to her room for a change of clothes, Blue Poison found the USSGG’s suite and knocked. A bright Ursan voice called from beyond it, “I’ll be right there!” Sure enough, Rada was less than a minute later. “Hi, Blue! I’m glad you showed up sooner rather than later~”

“It’s been awhile since someone’s invited me somewhere, so I got kind of excited. Is your General-”

“Hey, Rada, is she-” Zima emerged from the back room, already in her pajamas, and standing in the doorway across from her was one of the most beautiful women she’d ever seen. “...Evening.”

Blue waved with her fingers, as there was a tray of cupcakes in her arms. “Good evening. I hope I’m not overdressed.”

“Oh, it’s fine! The General doesn’t really have anything else that’s really casual-”

“Rada, could you take the cupcakes to the table for her?” Sonya, in spite of herself, was blushing from the combination of awe and embarrassment. “Do you want something to drink, Miss Blue?”

She nodded. “Water will be fine, General.”

“You can call me Sonya; I’ve told Rada she doesn’t have to call me that anymore, but she insists.”

“You’ll always be my General, General!” Gummy sing-songed. “I’ll get the drinks; feel free to sit anywhere, Blue!”

After standing awkwardly for a moment, the Anura sat on the couch. “Thank you. My friends called me Azure back home, if we’re using first names here.”

“Azure, huh? That’s a pretty...cool name.” For some reason, Zima found herself leaning into the tough girl persona she’d perfected in her school days. Maybe once dinner started, she could let it drop.

“Thank you.” Now they were both blushing. “Sonya is, too. Gum- Rada said you liked my cake?”

Thank God, something to talk about. “I’ve never had something so sweet that tasted so natural. Most of the desserts we had back home were just fruit, but chocolate and strawberry together was something I’ve never tried. I’m glad you brought more with you.”

“Guests usually made dessert for the evening where I’m from. It’s how I learned to bake as well as I did.”

“I imagine so,” she agreed. “You seem like someone who’d have a lot of friends.”

Azure sighed. “I did, but...some things happened.”

“Ah...” Shit, she’d made it awkward.

“I have water!” Gummy emerged from the kitchen with glasses for each of them. “Oh, and something a bit stronger, too, just in case!”

The general blinked. “Rada, isn’t that the vodka Natalya got you for your birthday?”

“Yep! I thought tonight was as good a night as any to try it, don’t you think?”

“Vodka?” The Anura looked from one Ursus to the other. “That’s a popular Ursan alcohol, yes? I’ve never tried it before.”

The chef set the tray she was holding down, opened the bottle, and poured each of them a shot. “Yep! It doesn’t do a lot for us, but apparently other people think it’s really strong!”

“Interesting...Cheers.” They clinked shot glasses, and Blue drank it like a normal drink - which meant she very quickly started coughing.

“Are you okay, Azure?” The name really did roll off her tongue...hmm. Come to think of it, didn’t Anura have- No, brain, not the time to think about that. “The idea is to get it as far back into your throat as possible so it burns less.”

She nodded, downing half a cup of water soon after. “Guh~ I’ll know for the next one.”

“You want another?” Gummy cocked her head, already filling another round.

“I do.” Azure lightly slapped her face on both sides. “But only one more.”

Clink! Round 2 went down much better, although she immediately felt it as Rada went back to the kitchen to start cooking. Zima noticed when she picked up her water and was visibly shaking. “Feeling okay?”

“Mmhmm. Just a little woozy...”

“Alright. Let me know if that changes.” The general stretched her arms above her head and yawned. “So uh...” Damn, what to talk about?

Blue was already two steps ahead, apparently. “Gummy told me that I look like your favorite fighter. ‘Zat true?”

“She said that? I don’t think so; your hair’s similar, but outside of that, not seeing a resemblance.”

“Aww.” The Anura pouted. “That’s a shame. I thought you’d think I was cute.”

...Sonya only had one response to that. “I never said you weren’t; you just don’t look like Jolanta.”

“So you think I’m cute?” Azure leaned towards her, holding herself up with her arms and tilting her head to one side. It definitely looked like a frog poised to jump.

“Yeah?” Sticking to her guns. “I like your pigtails.”

She giggled. “Thanks~ You’re pretty cute, too.”

“Well, that’s a first.”

“Whaaaat?” As it turned out, Blue held alcohol about as well as a sponge as it’s being squeezed. “Your girlfriend hasn’t told you that before?”

Sonya shook her head. “She’s not my girlfriend.”

“Oh...Does that mean you’re single~”

“I’m not dating anyone.” The Anura hopped towards her. “Azure, what are you doing?”

More giggling. “Your voice cracked.”

“Hey, do you guys want your waffles thick and fluffy or flat and crispy?”

“Flat!” Both called back in unison. Blue hopped forward again, now only a cushion away. “Just like us~”

Zima sighed. “Look, Azure, you seem nice and all, but I’ve known you like five minutes, so slow your roll.”

“You don’t like me?”

“What? No, I do, I just think this isn’t the way to start.” The Anura retreated, hopping backwards. “Azure...Come back.”

She did. “I just want a hug~ Is that too much?”

“No, a hug is fine.” The Ursus stood up, and Blue leaped to her feet and into her arms.

“Yay.” Azure rested her head against Sonya’s shoulder. “You didn’t ask if I was gonna poison you~”

Zima smirked. “I know that’s a bunch of bullshit.”

“You do?” Her arms settled a little lower along the general’s back.

“It’s obvious you wouldn’t.” One of the Ursus’ hands found its way to Blue’s hair. “You’re not the type to endanger your friends like that.”

Azure nodded. “I’m not...You’re so sweet, Sonya~”

“I’m just being honest with you.”

“Yeah, but...” A tear found its way to Zima’s shoulder. “I miss having friends to hug.”

The general patted the back of her head. “Well, you know where to find us. Rada’s a hugger, too.”

“Mmm. You’re willing to share?”

“I-” The approval caught in her throat. “I...hmm.”

Blue’s eyes, still a bit watery, lit up at the hesitation. “Is that a no?”

“...Maybe. You don’t mind, do you?” She smelled the way a candle called ‘birthday cake’ would, somehow.

“One’s enough for me.” The Anura pulled back to look her in the eye. “Sonya...”

The Ursus smiled back at her. “Yes, Azure?”

“Waffles are ready!” Gummy called from the kitchen.

“...I’ll tell you after dinner.” She poked her nose with a finger. “Shall we?”

Zima let go of the embrace, but immediately after doing so she took her hand and led her to the dining room, both smiling more brightly than they had since arriving at Rhodes Island.

[thetreecorner]

To Fall In Love With Emotions (Blankgameplays x fem!Reader) Part 1

Request?: Yep!

Requested by who?: @pastanestor

AU: N/A

Characters: Blank and Henrik

Warnings: Not that I can think of? A really badly written German accent (I do not mean to be offensive by the way I write Henrik’s accent. I listened to him speak and attempted to copy his dialect). Blank draws on his skin with a sharpie marker

Words: 1764

A/N: Okay so this comes from the idea that Blank was created by @the-wild-ego’s character Gear. A few other things before we get into this: The way Blank was created in this, is that Gear discovered what it would take to remove a human soul, and attempted to rip Blank’s soul from his body. While he failed to do so, the soul was severely damaged and he became a “Blank Slate”.

Unsatisfied with this result, Gear ‘threw him away’. After weeks of wandering, Blank was found by one of the Septics, who brought him in for Henrik to look at. Blank, in this, lives with the Septics.

Also this is only part one!

Blank.

Blank, blank, blank!

He took a sharpie to his skin, tracing from one freckle to the other to try and create… something.

Anything.

A distraction.

A freckle here.

A freckle there.

A line in between, a line through, a line around them. Twisting and turning.

These lines weren’t making any sense; then again, nothing really made much sense to Blank as of recent.

His heart often felt as if it was on fire, it felt - for once - like the soul his tormentor has so viciously tried to rip out of him was finally alive again.

He wasn’t too sure how to explain it. It felt like… he felt like… he could do anything.

Blank sighed, tossing away the pen, and attempting to rub away the ink from his skin. He wished he understood what he was feeling. All these… unnaturally natural senses that he was experiencing for the first time - or maybe not, he didn’t know.

He looked at the clock - the doc would be here any minute, probably to check his vitals again. Blank was getting tired of getting his vitals checked. He knew he was healthy. He knew his blood pressure was good, that his ears were clean, that his reflexes were just a smidge bit slow, but nowhere as slow as Robbie’s.

He wanted to know about his soul, but Henrik said the soul wasn’t his area of expertise. Blank wasn’t sure what the doc’s expertise was. He wasn’t very sure he wanted to find out.

No, the soul was Marvin’s area - and bless the magician, but Blank couldn’t help but wonder if he could be any slower at finding a solution. Blank yearned for… Well, he wasn’t exactly sure.

What Blank was sure about about though was that this feeling could be nothing good - he hadn’t felt any good feeling other than content since he could remember, and he couldn’t remember very much.

Sadness. He felt that often, though he didn’t know why. He felt it while he was in the shower, or while laying in bed alone. He felt it while he ate breakfast and while he helped the others cook dinner.

He felt bored, too. He never had much to do other than eat, or drink, or sleep. He didn’t feel much like reading, regardless of how many times Henrik, or Jamie, or even Chase suggested it. And he didn’t want to go out much. The looks people threw his way made him uncomfortable, and Blank would rather be bored than uncomfortable.

Yes, people tend to stare, but he could understand. He had a feeling the darkness of his eyes, and the paleness of his skin threw others off. He felt as if he was some freak who belonged in horror movies, though the Septics all told him he looked just fine. A bit rough around the edges, but just fine.

He didn’t want to look just fine, though. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to look like, but he did know one thing - he liked the solitude of the Septic household. No one to stand around and judge. A whole group of others just like him. He didn’t feel so alone.

Then there was her. One of Chase’s good friends, who came over rather often, and who’d known about the “egos” for a very long time (according to Marvin, she had a few egos of her own of whom liked to cause a ton of mischief).

Blank didn’t know exactly what an ego was. He knew the basics - they all belonged to a certain group. The Septics. The Ipliers. The Battles. And those in a group, like the men he lived with, all looked exactly the same.

Blank didn’t know which group he belonged to, but he wasn’t too worried about finding it. As far as he knew, Gear was in that group, and Blank wanted nothing to do with that machine ever again.

He also knew that, the egos had an “original” - the Ipliers had Markiplier, the Septics Jacksepticeye, so on, and so on, and so on. Some originals knew about the egos, like Mark and Jack. Blank wasn’t sure if his original (Henrik once called him Ethan) knew about them, but that didn’t bother him either way.

The burning in his heart bothered him. It seemed to consume him from the inside out, licking at his skin and yearning to break free.

His thoughts were broken when Henrik entered the room, which had been designated as Blank’s very own room (not like the cage Gear had kept him in), with a clipboard and blood pressure cuff.

Blank wordlessly lifted his arm, and without looking Henrik fastened the cuff around his upper arm.

“Good morning, Blank.” Henrik greeted while he did his work. His eyes never left the clipboard, but Blank didn’t say a word. He let the doc do his work, scribbling down numerous numbers and words before finally bringing his gaze to the young ego.

“You are writing on your skin again?” Henrik didn’t like when Blank did that. He always claimed it was because of blood poisoning, but Blank knew it was because Schneep didn’t understand the lines either.

“Didn’t even notice.” Blank’s joke was flat, and bland, like most things he said, but Henrik gave a small smile anyway. Blank guessed it was because he was at least trying. Trying was all he could do at this point.

“Vell, I would suggest you stop zat. It can lead to a very bad case of blood poisoning.”

“I know, doc.” Blank attempted a smile, showing more teeth than was necessary, and Henrik chuckled.

“If you know, zen why do you do it?” He took his stethoscope and lifted the back of Blank’s shirt. “Deep breath, please.” Blank did as he was told.

“I don’t know.” Henrik moved around to place the cold metal against the centre of Blank’s chest.

“Again.” Henrik moves the stethoscope around a couple more times before putting it back around his neck.

“I wish I knew.” Blank sighed, holding out his arm so that Henrik could take a blood sample. He and Marvin had been attempting to find out what Gear had done to him, and if there was anyway to fix it, or at least help piece together Blank’s past.

“Vell, whenever you feel like doing it again maybe try somezing a little less… permanent.” Blank looked back down at the dark lines on his arms.

What the hell do they mean.

“I will keep that in mind.” Blank agreed, waiting for Henrik to get a bandage. He poked gently at the blood, to which Henrik slapped his hand away.

“Don’t do zat.” He scolded him. Blank said nothing, wiping the small drop of blood off on his dark colored pants.

“Is Marvin coming by today?”

“Nein, he has some business he needs to attend to today. Vill you be alright?” Blank frowned. Marvin was a sort of… therapist. Blank could usually describe how he was “feeling” and Marvin did his best to make sense of it, both in a logical and a magical way. Marvin told him that any information could help them towards a solution. It helped Blank a great deal to have someone he could tell things, without judgement.

“I… I don’t know.” Blank shook his head gently.

“Is somezing wrong, Blank?” Henrik set aside his clipboard and shoved his hands into his coat pockets. Blank shook his head again.

“It’s nothing, doc. Just… thinking.”

“Well, I might not be Marvin, but if you vould like, I’m here to listen.” Blank pursed his lips. He and the doc were close. Blank would consider him a very good friend, even if he wasn’t a hundred percent sure what made a good friend.

Curse that damn cyborg bitch-

“Do you ever feel like your heart is on fire?” Blank stares down at Henrik’s shoes, fiddling with the sleeves of his shirt.

“How do you mean? Does it hurt?” Blank could hear the worry in his friend’s voice.

“No, no. Not… hurt. It… aches, I guess. But it’s not painful. Not yet. It actually makes me feel… alive again?” The idea scared Blank. Yes, he would like nothing more than to feel alive again - but not like this. Not with emotions he didn’t understand.

“How so?”

“Well, doc. How… I don’t exactly know how to explain it.” This was how most of his and Marvin’s sessions went. Blank would make a vague remark about his thoughts, Marvin would ask what he meant, and Blank would scrap his mind to find an answer only to turn up… blank.

“Take your time, Blank. Ve have time.”

Blank took in a deep breath. Maybe it would be better to not think before he spoke, this time around.

“I don’t exactly remember anything before the incident. There’s faint flashes of memories, here and there. I don’t see any faces, I don’t hear any voices. But I remember how I felt. And those feelings… it’s like they’re happening all over again. Doc, I… I feel such adoration.” He wasn’t sure what the word meant exactly. But, out of all the thoughts in his head, this was the clearest.

Adoration.

What the hell is adoration?

“Adoration? If I may ask, for what?” Blank thought hard, scouring his brain for anything that could cause it. He shook his head gently.

“I don’t know. I just get so flustered, and I can’t stop myself from yearning to feel it more, but it’s so fleeting.” Blank wondered if the strain he put on his words exhibited the emotions he wanted them to, that the broken part of him would hold together just this once.

“Vell, I am no therapist, but, uh…” The Doctor’s face twisted into one of deep concentration as he rubbed gently against the scruff on his face. After a long, silent moment, the german man let out a sigh - whether it be from frustration, or from being tired, Blank would never know. The doctor was usually both. “Vhen you feel this adoration again, try to notice your surroundings. Where you are, what you are doing, who’d there with you. Do that every time, and eventually you should get some kind of idea who, or what, you adoration is for.”

“What if I forget?”

“Vell, that is all up to you mien friend.” Henrik clapped Blank’s shoulder, startling the young man, and gave him a smile. “I believe in you.” Blank attempted to return the smile, though the best he could get was a small twitch at the corner of his lips.

“Thanks, Henrik.”

[taztaas]

Thank you, come again

for @taakitzweek day 2 Notes: Modern/Café/Library AU, Kravitz is a tiefling, Taako is thirsty. Magic Brian is getting married. ao3 link

“Thank you, come again.” Taako droned on autopilot as the customer left with a take-out cup of coffee in hand.

Working at the library’s cafe was pretty much the worst thing ever. Most customers were either snot-nosed kids after a cupcake or old ladies who kept squinting at the menu silently for like 20 minutes and when asked what they want they just say a coffee with two sugars. It was a public library, so there weren’t many students coming in and most people were at work during the hours Taako was manning the counter so it was pretty quiet. And boring.

Taako sighed. At least Brian was there to keep him company, even if he couldn’t talk about anything else but his wedding plans. He glanced at the drow in question, sitting in an armchair near the counter so that the two of them could keep up a conversation. Brian was going through a pile of wedding magazines and Taako was pretty sure that he had hoarded every single issue of Fantasy Brides magazine in the library’s collection.

Taako watched as Brian flipped to another page, pushing his sunglasses higher on his nose as he did. Taako snorted; Brian was one of the few people (besides Lup and himself) that could pull off wearing sunglasses indoors. The shades were round and purple-tinted with silver frames. Taako had the same pair in shell-pink and gold.

Taako sighed again, bored. He leaned on the counter, propping his chin on his palm. He stared into the middle distance until he heard Brian’s phone chime with an incoming text message.

“Brad?” Taako asked, even though the answer was obvious when Brian’s lips, painted with black matte lipstick, curved into a soft smile.

“Ja.”

“Fucking, Brad,” Taako muttered, looking away, “I’m still wondering how you managed to score a hunk like that.” Brad wasn’t exactly Taako’s type, he had nice arms but he wore polo shirts and cargo pants which were a definite hard pass in Taako’s not very humble opinion.

“Vell, you know, a magician never reveals zeir secrets.”

Taako rolled his eyes, “Fuck off.”

Brian tittered but was soon absorbed in an article about color schemes. Taako watched him read for a lack of anything better to do. He stayed quiet until he saw Brian frown at the page thoughtfully.

“Listen, I’m telling you, black. Black and purple. With silver accents.” Taako said, for the hundredth time.

“Oh, I guess you’re right darling,” Brian said, turning the page and skipping the rest of the article.

“Of course I’m right,” Taako said and maybe he puffed his chest out a little, proud and confident. “Cha’boy knows colors.” He was an elf of many talents and one of them was color scheme design, while cooking was his forté.

Taako had been elated when Brian had asked him if he wanted to do the catering for the wedding. He had played it cool of course, unwilling to let on how flattered he was by the request. Though he had a feeling Brian had known anyway but mercifully enough he hadn’t made a big deal out of it.

Brian went back to leafing through his magazine. Taako sighed again.

He pulled out his phone from his back pocket, just to check the time. He had gotten too many warnings from his employer about fiddling with his phone while working so he didn’t dare to keep it out otherwise. It was almost noon, and Taako visibly perked up.

Kravitz’s shift was going to start in a few minutes.

Kravitz was the only reason why Taako hadn’t quit his shitty job yet. Kravitz was a librarian, and every day he had a two-hour shift at the reference desk, giving Taako a reason to get up and trudge his way to work every morning.

Taako maybe liked to stare at Kravitz a bit.

Taako had maybe memorized Kravitz’s schedule to ensure he was working at the same times and got the maximum amount of eye-candy available.

Kravitz was a tiefling, and dreadfully handsome. He had horns, decorated with gold bands and other jewelry, which curved down to frame his face. He also had some gold around his wrists and fingers, but it was all tasteful. Taako could appreciate a man who knows how to accessorize. Taako has also maybe thought about holding on to said horns during certain activities.

When Kravitz smiled, and he smiled a lot because he was a decent person and good at customer service, Taako saw a hint of fangs and sometimes Taako had thought about how it would feel to have those sharp teeth biting gently at his sensitive elven ears.

So yeah, maybe Taako was a bit thirsty, but who could blame him. Kravitz looked really hot, even in a cardigan and he was ticking all of Taako’s boxes.

Taako only knew Kravitz’s name because he had sent Brian out on a stealth mission to find out the hot librarian’s name. Taako didn’t even own a library card but Brian did and checking out a load of wedding magazines had been the perfect excuse to steal a glance at the man’s name tag.

“You should go talk to him,” Brian said, startling Taako out of his thoughts. He looked at Brian who had his phone in his hands again, probably texting his fiancé.

Taako huffed. Maybe he should, finally. It wasn’t like either of them was getting any younger. He dug out the ON BREAK, BRB -sign out from the cabinet behind him and slammed it on the counter with conviction. He rounded the counter, fussing with his clothes and hair and cursing the fact that he didn’t have a mirror at hand. He could go and check his face in the library’s bathroom but he was afraid of losing his nerve if he didn’t do this now.

“How do I look?” Taako asked Brian, not at all nervous. Though he really wished he was wearing something nicer. He was feeling a bit frumpy in an oversized sweater and jeggings, but after a lecture for appropriate workplace attire - which apparently was not flirty miniskirts, he had decided to play it safe. Jenkins was kind of a prick and Taako had already pushed too many of his buttons, he wasn’t going to risk it.

His makeup was also uncharacteristically simple. But at least his hair looked cute. And librarians like the bun hairstyle, right?

Brian squinted at him and beckoned him over. Taako stepped closer, wondering what was up. Brian reached up for Taako’s face and brushed something off of Taako’s cheek, mindful of his ridiculous acrylics, sharp enough to poke an eye out. Taako blinked.

“Zere. You had somezing on your face.”

“Yeah? Thanks, dude.” Taako grinned and started walking away but he didn’t get far before Brian called his name.

“What?” Taako said, turning around halfway, hands on his hips, eager to get going. Brian grinned at him, showing a hint of fangs.

“Do you vant my advice, Taako dear?”

Taako shrugged, because why not. “Lay it on me, kemosabe.”

“Ask him about zat book he’s reading,” Brian said, a devious look on his face. Taako raised a brow at him, suspicious.

“...Why?”

“Just do eet. Trust me.” Brian returned to his magazine.

“...Alright, I’ll bite. But if you’re fucking with me I’m telling Brad about that one time when we played spin the bottle.” Taako said, but Brian just waved him off, not looking up from his reading. “Ja, ja, go get him.”

Taako turned around again and saw that Kravitz had taken up his seat at the service desk. He let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding and started walking. Kravitz had his nose already buried in a book, as per usual, but he looked up when he saw movement and for a split second their eyes met. Taako gave him his best smile and Kravitz was suspiciously quick to avert his eyes and return to his reading.

Pleased by the reaction, Taako’s smile turned into a confident smirk and he made sure to put some extra swing to his hips for the rest of his walk over. Kravitz was determinedly not looking at him, right up until Taako reached his station and leaned on his desk, efficiently blocking Kravitz from seeing anything else but the elf in front of him.

“Hey,” Taako said casually. Kravitz’s eyes flicked up from his book, but only briefly. He cleared his throat.

“Um, hi.”

“So uh, you come here often?” Taako blurted out and wanted to knock himself unconscious right after. Jesus fucking Christ Taako, the guy works here. Kravitz was also caught off guard, staring at Taako dumbly, like he couldn’t believe what he just heard. Taako coughed awkwardly. “Pretend I didn’t just say that.” Kravitz nodded silently in agreement, equally eager to pretend that what had just happened, never happened.

“Anyway! How you doing Kravitz? ” Taako said, taking great pleasure in mouthing the name.

“Good, uh?” Kravitz trailed off, apparently just now realizing that he didn’t know who he was talking to.

“Taako.” The elf provided with a smile and leaned closer to Kravitz, setting his elbows on the tabletop.

“So. Whatcha reading, handsome?” Taako purred out, trying to steal a glance at the book’s cover, not that he was expecting to recognize the title. To Taako’s surprise and delight Kravitz blushed and fidgeted in his seat before closing the book and setting it down on the desk to hide the cover. He covered the back of it with his arms even, and Taako was suddenly very much interested in this book. His ears perked up and he turned up the flirt factor of his smile up a couple of notches, leaning even closer to Kravitz. “Hmm?”

Kravitz was biting his cheek and averting his eyes until he fell prey to Taako’s beautiful face and couldn’t resist.

“It’s uh... it’s vampire erotica.” He muttered quietly and Taako just about managed to not slam his hands on the desk in surprise.

“You’re reading PORN?!”

“Shh!” Kravitz shushed him and grabbed Taako’s arm, looking around, clearly panicked. Taako didn’t pull away but covered his mouth with his other had to keep in his startled giggles. Kravitz was staring up at him, eyes lined with gold eyeliner, a pleading expression on his face and hachi machi, that… that sure was something.

At that moment, Taako realized that he was in way over his head, Kravitz was just too cute. He could feel himself blushing.

“So, would you uhh… recommend it?” Taako said and gestured to the book, startling Kravitz who had been staring distractedly at Taako’s face.

“The uh, the book?”

“Uhh, yes, the-- the erotica,” said Taako, and he couldn’t believe he had just said the word erotica out loud.

“Well,” Kravitz said, took a deep breath, and went off on a tangent about how the characters are stereotypical, and while the plot is really quite redundant, the author has a way of describing the characters’ feelings and making them relatable that has him hooked. Kravitz kept talking and Taako sort of tuned him out, thinking how listening to a guy monologue about shitty porn literature shouldn’t be hot but it somehow really was.

Maybe it’s just Kravitz, he thought, and immediately decided that yeah, it’s just Kravitz. Taako would have been happy to listen to anything as long as it came out of Kravitz’s mouth and that was… Hmm…

“Sorry,” Kravitz cut off suddenly, looking sheepish. “I didn’t mean to bore you.”

“Nah man sounded good to me,” Taako said and the flustered look on Kravitz’s face told him that he really should’ve listened what the man was saying. “I-- I mean uhh--” he fumbled, feeling his face heat up.

Kravitz grinned hesitantly at him, showing off those fangs and Taako’s mind immediately dove deeper into the figurative gutter. It really should be illegal to be that handsome.

“So uh, how is it, working at the cafe? I’ve noticed you look kind of bored a lot?” Kravitz said, trying to save their disastrous conversation and make some small talk like a normal person. Too bad normal and ordinary weren’t exactly Taako’s wheelhouse.

“Hmmm… You’ve been lookin’, handsome?” Taako purred, a smug smile on his face. He leaned back onto Kravitz’s desk and tucked a loose piece of hair behind his ear in a calculated, flirty move.

But before Kravitz had time to say anything, Taako felt his phone vibrating in his pocket. He dug it out and to his surprise, saw that it was Brian calling. He looked over his shoulder to see what was going on and was met with Jenkins’ piercing stare, the man pointing meaningfully at Taako’s on break -sign, now that he had his attention.

“Shit.” Taako hissed under his breath and turned back towards Kravitz with an apologetic smile, fiddling with the sleeve of his sweater. “I gotta run, come over for a cuppa sometime, yeah?”

“Uh, sure.”

“The muffins are shit because they’re store bought but uhh-- if you stop by tomorrow, I can have something homemade for you?”

“You bake?” Kravitz asked with a smile that made Taako feel nice and warm inside.

“Ch’yeah! And I’m fuckin’ stellar at it.” Taako replied and managed just in time to stop himself from going for a hair flip since his hair was done up. He shot a finger gun at Kravitz instead.

“Oh, uh, I guess I stop by tomorrow then, on my break?”

“Yeah, cool!”

“Cool,” Kravitz said a bit hesitant, as if unfamiliar with the word but he was smiling still and that was… good. Very good.

“Bring your book, yeah? I’d love to know more about it.” Taako said with a grin and winked. He wiggled his fingers at Kravitz, as he started to back away, and got a small wave in response. He turned fully around and flashed a discreet thumbs up at Brian, who responded in kind.

Taako walked towards his workstation with a lot more spring to his step than before. Jenkins was tapping his foot and giving him the evil eye but Taako didn’t really give a fuck. He was gonna ask for Kravitz’s phone number tomorrow and after that, he might as well quit and get a better job.

[somekind0fmagic]

Chapter 5. Speak and You’ll Choke

I do not own Harry Potter or the characters created by Rowling.

I added put z’s instead of s’s to the end of Dominique’s words because, while it’s only been for 4 months, she has been living in France. 1 month was with her aunt and cousins from that side and the other 3 at Beauxbatons and so she has developed a French accent, that’s also why instead of ‘there’ it’s ‘zer’ too

( Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14 )

Chapter 5. Speak And You’ll Choke

Albus awoke very slowly and quietly. The sun was barely coming through his maroon curtains, he yawned and pushed himself off of his bed. He sat on the side of his bed and looked around. He never really had since he got home. The dark red walls and his white desk and bookshelf. He looked over to the alarm clock on his desk, it was 8:30 am. He sighed, knowing his mum was about to come and see if he’s up. He got up and shook his leg, making his pants leg fall down. He walked over to his door and opened it, walking out of his room. He looked around and saw that James’s door was still shut, Lily’s was open and he could hear her talking in there. He walked out and down the stairs to the living room. 

His parents were sitting there, both drinking coffee, quietly talking. “Morning mum and dad.”

They both looked over at him in surprise, “Morning sweetie, how’d you sleep?”

He shrugged, “It was alright. My body is used to getting up early by the way.” He walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge to grab a water. He walked back into the living room, “So, I was curious, could I invite or two over?”

“Which friends?”

Albus sighed, he knew his father would ask it, “Scorpius Malfoy and Anneliese Green. You kind of met Anneliese, she was the girl who walked with me to you guys.”

Harry looked wary about it while Ginny was giving her soft, warm, motherly smile. “I have no problem with it as long as your father and their parents.”

Albus looked at Harry and he sighed, “Alright, just let me know what day and if they’ll be staying over.”

Albus smiled widely, “Thank you!” He ran up to his room and grabbed a pen and paper and began to write the two letters. He didn’t understand why they couldn’t just use pens and pencils at Hogwarts, they were so much better and more reliable. 

Scorp,

Hey, it’s Al, I wasn’t killed haha, I asked mum and dad and they said you could come over as long as your parents are okay with it. Just let me know, I hope it’s the same day as L comes over too. To me it would seem weird not having both around. But still, like I said, let me know so I can tell my parents.

Al

He wrote the same to L. He walked downstairs and over to the snowy white owl. “Hey Frost, take these to Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire and Green Manor in Wales.” The owl blinked as an understanding and flew off out the window. Albus watched for as long as he could, that was until he could no longer see the bird.

Albus turned around and walked out of the small room. When he got into the living room he noticed his parents were no longer there. He went into the kitchen and saw his mother over the stove. “Mum, I sent the letters, what’re you making?”

She didn’t turn around and continued to cook, “That’s good that you sent them, your father left for work by the way. And I’m making pancakes.” She sighed, “Could you get your siblings down?”

Albus nodded and left the kitchen. He stopped before he walked up the stairs, he hadn’t really spoken to James. He knew his views on Slytherin House. He knew his views on him. He shook his head and walked up the stairs, stopping at Lily’s room first as it was there. “Lils?” She looked over at him, the phone against her ear. “Mum wants you downstairs. She said she’s making pancakes.” SHe nodded and something about having to go to whoever she was on the phone with. Albus walked to James’s room. His hand was hovering over the door handle. 

Before he could open it the door swung open. The two dark-haired boys stared at each other. No words were spoken. ALbus felt like he would choke if he even tried. James knew that he couldn’t start a fight, unless he wanted to get in trouble. Unlike at Hogwarts where he can get out of it as teachers have faith in him, Ginny didn’t. So he just rammed into Albus’s side, since he was so much bigger than Albus’s lankier self, he fell. He stayed on the floor for a few seconds, but to him, it felt like hours. He shook his head and pushed himself up and walked down the stairs, back to the kitchen.

The kids ate in silence with their mother, Lily was the first to speak, “Mummy, can I get a new backpack? I noticed mine has a hole in it and the left strap keeps breaking.”

“Lily, you could have told me earlier. I’ll get it when I have the time. And Albus, Ron and Hermione will probably want to speak to you tomorrow. I know Hermione has already sent you a letter, but they both still wish to apologize to you.”

Albus shook his head, “But it’s not their fault, Rose was the one who chose to attack me.”

“I know dear, but they feel like it’s their fault as parents for not raising her to not do that.” Albus just nodded and finished eating his food.

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Albus finished packing his bag. He just packed 2 pairs of pants and tops. There was a knock at his door and then he heard the door open. “Your mum wanted me to come up and check on you kids. Seems all of you left your packing to the last minute.”

“Actually, I’m just adding some things. I was already ready to go 30 minutes after I woke up.”

Harry nodded and sat in the chair that went with Albus’s desk. “I never got to ask, do you know when your friends are coming over?”

He nodded, “Is New Years Eve and Day good? L said that her mother told her she could get out of the New Years party if she goes to the Christmas dinner at Malfoy Manor and Scorpius’s mum said that he wasn’t obliged to go to the New Years dinner.”

“I guess those two have hung out already.”

Albus shook his head, “Actually, they haven’t but they both asked their parents when before they left the station to go home.”

“Well, alright.” Albus continued to add things to his bag. When he finished he closed the bag and Harry spoke up. “Listen, everyone is surprised with you being in Slytherin, I have no clue on what has been said when we aren’t there, but just know that your mum and I don’t care, neither do your grandparents, your Aunt Fleur was actually happy and she said something about how maybe you’ll get better fashion.” Harry stopped and laughed at that, Albus joined him in laughing. “Well, we should get going. We’re Flooing this year, your mother doesn’t wish to apparate since we don’t have Teddy to take James.”

The two raven haired, green eyed males walked down the stairs. “Hey dad, I think I might need glasses. It’s been getting harder for me to see almost anything written down anymore.”

“Well, I guess we can get that checked, let’s say, the 2nd?” Albus just nodded, swinging his bag further up on his shoulder.

“Good, I was just about to call for you two. Let’s get going, I don’t want to be reprimanded by mum again for being late. James, you first.” 

James walked over to Ginny and took the floo powder and walked over to the fireplace. He lifted his arm before yelling, “The Burrow!”

When the fire died down Ginny motioned for Lily to go, once she disappeared into the flames Ginny turned to her youngest son, “Albus, I know things are tense with you and some of your family, but please interact with them. Even if it’s just your younger family members, I do not care.”

“Gin-” Harry started but Albus interrupted him, “No, it’s okay and I will mum. Now may I go?” She just nodded and he grabbed the powder from the tiny pot. He noticed the look his dad was giving his mum when he turned around in the fireplace. “The Burrow!” Albus said it loud and clear and immediately felt the green flames engulf him and soon enough he was spinning.

To no surprise, he fell forward when he landed at the Burrow, but he felt someone grab him. “Zer you are!” He was engulfed into a hug, due to the person being around his height he knew it was his cousin Dominique. She pulled away from the hug and he noticed her strawberry blonde hair was longer than the last time he saw her. “How has Hogwatz been? I heard you waz put into Zlytherin.”

He moved out of the way from the fireplace and over to the couch and shrugged, “Alright, I guess. How has Beauxbatons been?”

She smiled softly, “Oh, it iz zo beautiful zer, ze uniformz are very zoft too! Zilk iz what it iz made from.”

“It sounds wonderful.”

“By ze way, I am ‘appy zat you got into Zlytherin, it makez you much more unique.”

“Thanks Dom...hey Dom, when you were told I was in Slytherin, what was your reaction?”

“Oh...well, I zink if I remember correctly, I juz’ zmiled and zaid zometihng about it making you unique.” She moved some of her hair behind her ear, “Why do you azk?”

“I was just curious.” She nodded as an understanding.

“Well well well, if it isn’t mini Harry Potter, except this time he didn’t beg to not be in Slytherin.” Dominique and Albus turned their heads to their Uncle George. “How’re you doing kid? Make any friends?”

“I’m doing good Uncle George and yeah, I’ve made a few, but really only 2 good ones.”

“That’s good kid, good that you have friends who don’t care and good that you’re doing good. How about you miss I-have-decided-to-live-in-France-for-about-9-months-of-the-year-rather-than-in-Scotland-for-that-long?”

Dominique laughed at her Uncle, “Good Uncle George, how about you?”

He smiled widely, “Amazing, business is great, my kids are happy, and my wife still loves me.”

“That’s good Uncle George.”

Albus mostly talked to Dominique through the night, but he found out that his cousins Lucy, Louis, and Roxanne didn’t care that he was a Slytherin, but Hugo was a little iffy about it, but then again, his dad talked the most crap about Slytherins. None of Aunts or Uncles cared either, George made a few jokes about how unlike Harry, Albus didn’t say no to Slytherin. Of course Ron was a little wary about it, but tried not to show it.

Of course everyone who heard her laughed when Molly first saw her grandson and granddaughter. “You two are much too skinny, my god. Albus, you look as small as your father when I first met him. And you Dominique, do they not feed you at that school?!” The two kids just shook their head at their grandmother.

----------------------------------------

It was probably midnight, all the other kids were asleep but Albus just couldn’t. He sighed and pushed himself off of the floor, careful not to step on anyone. He stopped right before walking into the kitchen, “--Harry, are you really not worried about Albus? He’s friend’s with a Malfoy and--”

“--Narcissa Malfoy saved me and honestly, is part of the reason we won the war. I get it, you don’t trust them, I have no clue, but you are assuming an 11 year old boy is a bad person just because of his family. And I have trust in my son's judgement of people. And Ronald, if you want to say anything, at least he didn’t attack his cousin for no reason!”

“Harry’s right Ronald, yes, I was a little wary because he’s friends with a Malfoy, and before you say anything Harry, I got no sleep last night because I was working on that paper for the Prophet, that’s why I was being such a bitch this morning. I will apologize as soon as he gets his ass in here.” Albus felt like he stopped breathing, “Albus, c’mon out, I know you’re up.”

He walked in there slowly, his head was down, not wanting to see who all was up and staring at him. “Huh, I thought I was the only one who noticed those things.”

Ginny scoffed at Harry, “No, I can't. I just noticed his eyes were open when I looked out a few minutes ago, then I saw his shadow because my eyes are exactly where it was.” He heard her sigh, “Albus, look at us, your neck is going to hurt if you continue to do that.”

He slowly looked up and saw all the adults in his family were there. “Um...sorry for not being asleep. I couldn’t.”

“It’s alright, I have something you could take if you need it.” Albus looked at his Uncle, “What? Working with dragons you learn that sometimes if you really want to sleep and stay asleep you just need a potion.” Albus nodded and Charlie got up and walked up to his room. 

The silence that fell upon the room was terrifying to Albus, but he didn’t dare utter a word. “Here you are kid, just a quick sip will do. It’s not strong enough to knock you out immediately, takes about 5-10 minutes.”

Albus looked at the bottle, it was filled with a dark purple liquid. He opened the cap and quickly took a fast sip. It tasted like grape juice. He put the cap back on and handed it back to his uncle and walked out and back to his spot on the floor. The effects of the spell hitting him quickly.

----------------------------------------

Albus was the last to wake up the next day. It was about 8 when he did. When he walked into the kitchen, he felt a thick tense and awkward atmosphere appear. He took a breath in and walked over to his grandmother and grabbed the plate she was handing him. 

Now at noon, he was playing a game of wizards chess with Lily. “Albus? You have a package and two letters.” Albus looked over to his mother, “Says they're from Scorpius and Anneliese.”

“I’m done, I can’t beat you.” Lily said with defeat ridden in her voice. 

Albus laughed and got up, walking up to his mother, “Thanks mum.” She nodded and handed them to him. He walked back over to the spot where he had been and opened the letter from Scorpius first.

Al,

Yeah, I know I’m seeing you in a few days but I wanted to go ahead and send this. I have no clue what you wanted so I just bought you this. I remembered you saying something about needing a new jacket so I got you one. Hopefully it fits you.

Scorp

Albus turned to the package and opened it. A green silk jacket sat inside. He pulled it out and saw that it was stitched together with grey threading and had ‘Potter 06’ on the back. Since it was Christmas Day he wasn’t wearing the sweater his grandmother made for him, but instead it was a long-sleeved dark blue top. He slipped the jacket on and smiled as it fit him. He moved the box away and looked at Anneliese’s letter.

Hiya Albie,

Heard Scorp say he was getting you a jacket and I sat here in my room trying to figure out what to get you. Then I decided to get you this, it’s called a hematite ring, it’ll help to absorb negative energy and should calm you when you’re stressed or worried. It’s also a very protective stone and is great to carry to help you stay grounded in many situations. I know you get worried and stressed easily so I thought you could use it. It’ll mold to your finger.

L

He looked at the ring and slipped it onto his pointer finger, he watched as it molded to his finger. He smiled, but then stopped when he realized that he hadn’t gotten them anything. He made a mental note to ask his parents if they could go and get them something.

----------------------------------------

Albus waited as his mum and dad said their goodbyes to his grandmother and grandfather. He was standing there awkwardly, he had felt like anything he did was awkward since he'd woken up. “Are you ready to go Albus?” Albus broke out of his trance when he heard his mother's voice, “Albus? Are you okay?”

He looked around and saw that his siblings and father had left. “Yeah, I’m fine. Sorry, just spaced out.” Ginny nodded and handed him the floo powder pot. He took some and walked into the fireplace. “Potter Manor!” He felt the green flames engulf him and almost immediately felt himself falling onto the floor. He pushed himself up and off the floor, grumbling to himself. 

He tried to walk up to his room but he heard his fathers voice, “Albus, wait a minute. Your mother and I want to talk to you.” Albus tried not to groan, sometimes he really hated his dad. When Ginny arrived she immediately turned to Harry, telling him to start. “What Ron was saying--”

Albus didn’t even let him finish, “It’s fine, honestly.I know you guys were drinking and we all know Uncle Ron is a lightweight. He probably didn’t mean it. Now I’m going up to my room and going to bed. Goodnight.”

He didn’t even give his parents a chance to say anything. He just ran up to his room, the room that belonged to Sirius Black when he ran away from home. He tossed the bag across the room and fell onto his bed face first. Just wanting to go to sleep, and surprisingly, sleep wanted to take him.

[beaute-epoustouflante]

Fleurs face brightened at their shared interest, but it didn’t last very long as he continued to speak. “Who says zat you not good enuf?” She knew the feeling all too well, of not feeling good enough, that people didn’t think you could do something. She knew the roots of people’s doubt in her, her beauty, her charm, the Veela gene within her that made her her. This man in front of her however, what was it about him that had others questioning his abilities? Maybe he just wasn’t that good but surely if he practiced enough he could be great? That’s what made her great, blood grit and sweat. She had put in hours she could not count into what she loved and that’s got her to where she was today.

“Illegal?” She exclaimed. Instruments were illegal? She couldn’t comprehend a day without her fingers sliding across the black and white keys of a piano or a group of strings. With one small movement of her fingers Music would flow and fill a room with a different kind of magic.

There were times where it was relaxing, she could sit down at the piano and melt away, disappearing from reality for a small moment in time, it was like her dancing. It was an escape as well as creating a joy within her. Along with an letter of interest in the royal ballet she also received a written letter of interest for the Orchestre National de France, It was a difficult process to decide between her two loves, to make music or dance among it.”zat sound awful zat you ‘ave to ‘ide.” She shook her head in disgust. She had been lucky in school she could escape down one end of the Beauxbatons palace and emerge her self in music without the fear or concern Hogwarts had put on their students.

Fleur hadn’t been in the city for very long and she couldn’t say that she knew London very well. Yes she had spent her last year of school in Britain but that never included a visit to London. The school year had been confined to Scotland, the Hogwarts grounds and the village of Hogsmeade. She could however say she’d seen the entirety of diagon alley, but the rest of London was yet to be explored. The leaky cauldron was easy to get to but the food wasn’t quiet to Fleurs liking. Living in France she had grown up with food quiet different from the food put before her in this foreign country. During her school year at Hogwarts she had her mother smuggle in some cooking from home when she’d visit on tornament days, a relief she treasured after months of English food. “Thank you for ze offer, I would really like zat but I would not want to intrusion on your lunch.” She hoped that he would dispute her last phrase and insist to show her around. Just as she had not seen much of London she had not met many people other than the other dancers at the royal ballet company, she did not have friends swarming around her so she hoped that this Englishman might offer her some company while she was here in England for her short stint.

“I work here to be closer to my family. A lot of things have been happening since the tournament and I—“ he couldn’t talk about the Order of the Phoenix. Not a mention, not a word. Even though the term may gloss over Fleur’s head because she was French and, quite possibly wasn’t familiar with the war history of the U.K., he still couldn’t divulge in the details as to why exactly he found himself working a standard 9-5 desk job, “—I wanted to be here for them. The Diggorys have—had—lived across the pond from us since I was a boy. I remember the day Amos brought Cedric to the Burrow right after he was born… He and Dad were close. Our families helped keep each other safe during the first war… Since Cedric—well, the Diggorys left. Dad says Amos isn’t with the Ministry anymore, and he doesn’t know where they’ve gone off to…” even though he was trying to fill his answer with convincing details, this wasn’t a lie. His parents were worried for the Diggorys, namely Amos, but it was only piece of a much bigger problem, “I didn’t know Cedric very well, sadly. He was nice enough, I’m sure. Then again, all Hufflepuffs are friendly. I’m sure we would’ve gotten on. I’ve gotten a particular fondness for the ‘Puffs.”

When they approached the lift at the end of the corridor, a rather lazy-looking goblin with his arms slumped and a melted grouch on his face was perched upon a tall stool and sitting in the left hand corner of the space. With he, Fleur, and the goblin in the lift, it was quiet crowded. From this proximity, he could smell Fleur’s natural scent. Not the fruity shampoo she used, or the vanilla lotion she rubbed into her skin, but the scent that was entirely unique to her and was one of her defining characteristics. It almost made him a little dizzy because of its pleasant aroma, “Um, take us down to level C,” he asked of the goulish goblin. His only acknowledgement of Bill’s request was the act of fulfilling it with a wooden stick that he had delicately pinched between his spider-like fingers.

When they stepped off onto the platform and the lift disappeared up the shaft, Bill felt it was safe to speak again, this time, with greater distance between the two, “If you haven’t already figured it out, the goblins don’t quite like us… humans, that is. They welcome our patronage, but not our service here at the bank. They think we’re unreliable, and we can’t be trusted. The only reason I’m here is because I normally work on behalf as the back as a curse-breaker in Egypt. My job is—was—to retrieve gold for the bank to melt down and put into circulation. When I decided to come back to England, Ragnok, begrudgingly, extended the courtesy and gave me an office job. For Ragnok to hire you and assign you to Griphook’s secretarial position, it must mean you have something special…” Bill wasn’t sure if Fleur knew, or if she even cared, why she was hired to work for the bank when it was made quite obvious that all employees working the lobby, were goblins. Humans, who were not patrons of the bank, were rarely seen walking through the building. He felt sorry for her, really. No doubt she had an impressive pedigree, and she certainly had the wits and the brains above most for her to be chosen by the Goblet of Fire. But, her she was, hired for grunt work just because of her genetics and not her abilities. Bill’s situation was entirely the opposite. His clothing and overall style was unconventional and not convenient for society’s standards of professionalism. Gringotts only tolerated him because he brought them a lot of gold, more than their former Head Curse-breaker, Patricia Rakepick.

“There’s only five of us here—including you. You’ll probably bump into them. They’re cool, but, not as cool as me, sorry to say…” he shrugged his shoulders with a smirk. Was it a joke or cockiness? Who knows.

“This is Level C… these vaults belong to families or individuals whose content value is no hire than 3,000 galleons. I have a vault on this level, and my family does, too. These vaults are quite small, no bigger than your average closet… but, there are also thousands of them on this level. They are the least problematic when it comes to upkeep. Like all the vaults at Gringotts, their inventory needs to be routinely checked. Theft is Gringotts’s biggest priority. If something goes missing under your watch, they won’t give you a second chance.”

As Bill moved closer to his family, Fleur moved away from hers. She left her mother, father and her little sister in France where it was safe and there was no threat. Fleur had crossed the ditch and stepped onto dangerous soil. She did not know the full extent of what she was walking into, or what the future might hold.

Fleurs expression dropped, any joy from her porcelain face drained as his name rolled off Bill’s tongue. The image of the handsome blonde teenager, just the same age as her. In yellow streaked robes he had caught her eye among the Hogwarts castle, the bright eyed boy with a glimmering smile vanished and was replaced with the memory of his limp dead body on the grass before her. There was something not quiet right as cheering and celebration exploded through the crowd when he and Harry returned that night. As she stepped forward it became clear Cedric wasn’t there anymore it was just his body, lifeless. The boy she had wished would ask her to the Yule ball, the boy that made her smile across courtyard.

“E eez…amicale” He was a kind and friendly person, fleur spoke in a blend of her native language as she attempted to describe him in the language so unfamiliar, there were no words she could find in her limited English vocabulary to describe the boy that didn’t deserve to die. Fleur hadn’t spent much time at all with those donned in yellow instead the Beauxbatons students had gravitated towards the ravenclaws. But she could see he was undeserving of the fate that took his life. “E eez good, ‘e should not ‘ave died zat day. ” he had all this life still ahead of him.

It frightened Fleur when she thought about that day, that Cedric lost his life, his parents lost a son. His life was over just like that. It could have been her, that maze held things that none of the champions could have expected, that those youngins shoyld never have come across. What if it had been her that found the cup, what if it was her body that appeared on the grass oval, limp and dead.

Something special? She would like to think it was her intelligence, her talents and her abilities. But she was kidding herself, it was more likely her Veela charm, her beauty, her ability to woo men and woman and have them under her spell where she could have them do almost anything she wanted without having to use an unforgivable curse. She was constantly at battle to show everyone that she was so much more that what one could see on the outside. The triwizard was one example and this job was another, to prove herself different that all the assumptions and judgements of onlookers.

“Cool?” Fleur repeated her eyebrows knitted together as a look of confusion shifted across her features. “Why eez you cold zan zem?” Fleur could not understand the way he was describing himself and comparing to the other employees she was yet to meet. Why was he telling her about his temperature as they moved through the rows of vaults. Deep beneath the streets of diagon alley it was dark and dimly lit. The temperature had surely dropped, was it something about the cool temperature down here he was referring too?

[missymarysthings]

Richters in Love

Alvara let his head drop loudly on the kitchen table. It caused Xeranus, and the person the former Richter heir was talking to on the phone, to wince at the sound. He then sighed heavily. “But I vant you to find happiness, even if it isn’t vith me. I can live vith knowing zat I did touch your heart, but to know zat you are choosing to be alone? Zat you are separating yourself from your family? I...” he trailed off as the person on the line, Crystal, spoke once more. 

He sighed once more as he picked his head up from the table. “I suppose, zis is it zen. You know I can never forget you, und I just hope zat from time to time, your mind lets you zink of me. I...I vish you all ze luck, my dear Crystal. Goodbye,” she said softly before hanging up the phone. Alvara took off his glasses and let his head hit the table once more. “Life is so very cruel my friend,” he said to Xeranus. 

Xeranus looked at his Richter friend sympathetically before sitting across from him at the table. “And just before Valnetine’s too...tough break my friend,” he said. 

“She could have loved me Xeranus. If ve had more time togezer before...” Alvara trailed off with another sigh. “She said ve can not be togezer, und yet she will not let herself find love vith anozer eizer. She’s even leaving her family! My heart aches for her, for what’s she doing to herself. My love for her has caused her so much trouble und yet I can’t stop loving her. Vishing ve could be together.”

“Let me guess, you won’t try finding anyone else either?” Xeranus asked.

“How can I give my heart to someone else, vhen it still belongs to her?”  Alvara asked in return. “At least I can hope zat my gift to my mozer makes it to her. She alvays loved my hand made cards...Gott I miss her comforting vays right now...”

---

“So...Audi...vhat are you doing for ze lovely wife zis year?” Aldrich asked his cousin curiously in the time they had between patients. Audwin looked up from the computer at the reception desk at his cousin, who was leaning on it with a brow raised.

“Vell, if you must know...I’m cooking her a special dinner. Vell, special to us anyway,” Audwin said with a little chuckle. “I’m going to remake for her the first meal she ever tasted from me. Und I bought some sparkling mango juice to go with it this time.” 

“Interesting, dear cousin. Quite interesting,” Aldrich said as he rubbed his chin. “Und flowers?”

“Vell, of course! I got zis colorful variety of zem zat I zink she’ll just adore,” Audwin answered. “Und I also found zis lovely little charm bracelet vith sunflowers und hearts on it zat I’m giving her,” he added. Aldrich nodded slowly as he thought about it. “I never know vhat I’m getting vhen I ask...but you?”

Aldrich grinned devilishly for a few moments before answering. “Nothing short of vorshipping my beloved vife as ze golden haired goddess zat she is! Fine vine, fine chocolates, a special dinner of my own und zen? Some fine, nein! Extra fine lovemaking! She may not be able to move in ze mor-”

“Aldrich!” Audwin interrupted.

“I’m just saying...” Aldrich trailed off into a mischievous laugh.

---

Lily took off her apron for the moment as she tied the red container in front of her with yellow ribbon. She took a heart she cut out of pink construction paper and taped it to the container after writing ‘To Selik, From Lily’ on it. She knew she was going to be too busy making things for the cafe tomorrow night, so she made Selik’s treats tonight instead. 

She was proud of her little heart shaped pieces of fudges. Just a few pieces of chocolate and white chocolate fudge, she didn’t want to go too overboard. However, she couldn’t help but put each type of her choco-strawberries in the container for him as well. She smiled to herself as she put the container into the fridge near the ones meant for her parents. 

When she closed the fridge she tilted her head slightly as a thought came to her. Maybe she could invite Selik to spend some time in the cafe tomorrow as well. She had to admit that, even with her auntie looking out for her, some of the male customers still managed to make her feel a little uncomfortable. Lily’s head then titled the other way. 

There was the possibility that he might be busy though and she would feel bad if she kept him from anything. Still, she couldn’t seem to help but want to have him near. And yet...

Her head tilted to the other side once more. There was one little thing that made her more reluctant again about trying to ask. Lula was quite the flirt, and Selik is quite handsome. “Maybe...I won’t ask him,” Lily mused to herself. She didn’t want him to be pestered by Lula during his time there. “Ja...I’ll be fine with just giving him his treats...”

---

Marcel did not have anything extravagant planned this year. He just wanted to keep things simple and spend as much time with his wife as possible. Make her breakfast in bed, cuddle for most of the day, unless she wanted to do other things, then he’d do whatever she wanted, and then have a nice fruit filled lunch and a nice dinner. 

He was already feeling clingy towards his wife, but he had to resist for now. He had to get most of the work related things out of the way so he could be completely free to be at her will on that special day. It wasn’t easy to resist though, he would be in the middle of signing papers when the urge to just shove them aside and go find his wife would surface.

However, he knew it would be worth it in the end. Do his duties now, and then he could do his wife later.