#booth does his whole «what happened to eyes meeting across the room…. magic… a minute later

[hurricanery]

If the Sun Comes Up - pt. 2

A/N: Here’s part 2 of If the Sun Comes Up! (AU- interns fic). Thank u thank u thank u for the nice messages about the first chapter, your messages and replies seriously warm my lil heart. I’m still basically planting seeds for some future plot points here, but I hope you enjoy anyway <3

You can read part 1 here.

_______

And if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up, if the sun comes up

And I still don't wanna stagger home

Then it's the memory of our betters

That are keeping us on our feet

_______

Everything’s different when the sun comes up. It all comes to light in a different way. The sun rises, and reality settles in. Like sleep is some magic reset button. And all of the thoughts and decisions, all of the fun, all of the mischief, it all seems worlds away. Like that was then, and this is now.

A funny thing happens though, when that reset button gets skipped. When there is no sleep, and no separation of night and day. When you stay awake for 24 hours straight and you watch the sun come up in real time; you watch the sun rise twice in fact, and there isn’t that detachment. It all flows together like a never-ending moment.

It’s strange, Amelia thinks, to have no reset button. To sacrifice the idea of choosing sleep. Because instead of calling it quits after two sunrises, she finds herself in a bar, of all places, sitting across from the people she’d met just 24 hours ago.

“I’m sooo happy you’re moving in with me,” Maggie yawns hugely next to her. And Amelia bites down on a smile at the confession; at what no sleep and a slim two beers has done to this previously panic-stricken intern. The intern that was currently dealing with the impact of being related to a Grey.

Except the panic isn’t worth it. Because there isn’t any fallout. Lexie practically laughs until she cries, when it all comes to light. When Maggie finally lets it slip about who her birth mother is. Between the delirious fits of laughter, all Lexie can manage is a “good luck telling Meredith that.”

And it only gets more chaotic.

There’s no reset for all of the sleep-deprived decisions. Lexie and Jo, in an impressive and almost falsely confident manner, venture off towards the bar, where a handful of residents and attendings claim territory. The rest of the newly formed crew stick together, in their quiet corner of the bar.

Amelia can feel Link’s eyes on her from across the booth as she brings a warm mug of tea to her lips. But her eyes remain glued down, staring down at the crumpled tea packet on the table. One of those cheap brands. Cheap because it’s a rare request in a place like this. The kind of drink that ends up taking longer for the bartender to make. More time-consuming to prepare than one of those fancy cocktails even, because it ends up that the bartender has to go search in the stock room for a tea bag in the first place.

Her thoughts are interrupted when a strong hand occupies her line of vision. It’s jolting, to say the least. For her focus to be intruded on like that. The tea packet she’d been so comfortably resting her eyes on, now suddenly consumed by Link’s grasp. He covers it completely, picking it up and further crumpling it in his fist before dropping it back down on the table.

The action forces Amelia to look at him. Which is probably his intention, anyway. So she does, and it’s equally as jolting. His expression. Because she’s half expecting it to mirror the harshness of a crumpled tea packet. But it doesn’t. It’s warm. And it’s soft. And it’s slightly curious.

“You should all move in with me.” Maggie’s voice chimes in.

And Amelia rips her gaze away from Link’s.

“Okay, slow down there,” she lets out an amused exhalation. “You were barely on board with the idea of me moving in.”

Winston playfully nudges Maggie’s side, from where he’s seated on the other side of her. And Amelia doesn’t miss the way his hand settles just above Maggie’s knee. The interaction stands out to her, and she decides she’s going to bookmark it for later. Revisit it perhaps when everyone’s feeling more awake and alert.

“Who should all move where?” Lexie slides into the booth next to Link, eyes wide with naivety as she sips a full drink.

“My apartment,” Maggie responds matter-of-factly. “I have one more room open.”

Amelia scrunches her nose at this, and she staggers through her confusion. “Wait. Just one more? What happened, I thought-”

“Well, I already promised a room to Link….” Maggie’s voice is laced with exhaustion and something else, as she turns to explain to Amelia. “When you were in the bathroom….I told him, I-” She hiccups slightly, abandoning her sentence. And Amelia tilts her head to the side quizzically. “Anyway,” Maggie gestures across the booth towards Link. “Meet your new roommate.”

Amelia’s gaze returns to Link, and he shrugs somewhat defensively, muttering under his breath, “Sorry.”

But Amelia doesn’t feel sorry. She feels something else. The notion rises in her chest, and she wants to label it as anticipation.

“Okay, but I have to get out of Meredith’s house!” Lexie slams her drink down on the table. “I’m living with a bunch of residents.”

There’s unanimous murmurs of condolence from the group.

“Oh! Speaking of….” She continues, picking her drink back up and nodding towards the bar. “The plastics attending….Mark Sloan? Just bought me this drink.”

“Ugh,” Amelia’s quick to counter. “Do not go there.”

All heads turn to her, and she feels heat rise in her face as she takes in the curious stares. When she doesn’t follow up on her previous precaution, Lexie speaks up again.

“....Have you?” Lexie swallows, a disconcerted expression on her face. “Gone there?”

Amelia doesn’t miss the way Link surveys her expression, following this particular question. She clears her throat, eyes shifting back to the crumpled tea packet.

“No, no. God no.” Her tone is low as she shakes her head dismissively. “I’ve just….known him my whole life.”

“Oh,” Lexie shrugs, taking another sip of her drink. And Amelia quickly surveys any other reactions to her response.

A general quietness falls across the table and Amelia’s eyes eventually settle back to the tea packet. She can’t quite determine why it seems to be the focal point of her evening. Or morning. Or whatever this was. She wants to claim it’s the vivid yellow packaging that keeps catching her eye.

But, her thoughts are intruded once again when Link suddenly stands up from the table. She peers up at him intently.

“Shepherd,” his tone is gentle as he starts moving away from the table. “I think I promised you a game of darts.”

Amelia blinks. Partly in confusion. But also mostly against her sudden bout of exhaustion.

“I, uh,” she mutters, turning around in her seat as she watches Link make his way around the booth.

“Come on.” He raises his eyebrows at her.

And she bites the inside of her cheek, turning around to set her mug down.

“Okay, okay,” she’s not yet facing him when she stands from the booth. “One game and then I’m out of here.” She looks pointedly at Maggie as she exits the booth. “And I can drive anyone home that needs a ride.”

Maggie offers her a toothy grin, and Winston nods in grateful agreement at the offer. Amelia steps away from the table, and tries not to mirror the smug look on Link’s face.

“One game,” she repeats.

And he chuckles a bit, proudly.

“I don’t know….” he lets her lead them across the bar, towards the wall that’s filled with dart boards and other bar games. “You’ll probably want a rematch….when I beat you the first time around.”

Amelia feigns shock at his words. But really, somewhere deep down, she’s suppressing her gratification. Because he’s feeding into her competitive side completely.

“We’ll see,” she says, as she collects the darts and starts separating them.

She hands Link his portion of the game’s pieces and he mimics her words back to her. “We’ll see.”

_______

It ends up that uninhibited decisions turn into concrete plans. Link and Lexie move into the apartment. And Amelia adheres to her pride that she was the first choice in the matter, and that everyone else just happened to follow suit.

She wakes up in the new apartment on this particular morning, and it takes her a moment to adjust to her surroundings. She groggily registers that the unfamiliar space around her is, indeed, her own bedroom.

Her alarm blares again loudly, after it’s been snoozed repeatedly for the last 15 minutes, and she aggressively shuts it off. Sitting up in bed, she throws on a cardigan before shuffling out of her room and down the hall, towards the shared space of the apartment.

“Gooood morning,” Maggie practically sings, her voice an irritating level of cheerful for the early hour.

As Amelia rounds the corner into the small kitchen area, her tired eyes settle on Maggie, where she occupies one of the stools at the counter. All she can manage to mutter is a slight “mhm,” in acknowledgement of the greeting.

She reaches into the cupboard for a mug, before filling it from the coffee pot that’s already been prepared. Once her mug is full of the steaming liquid, she turns back around to face Maggie. She leans against the counter as she brings the cup up to her nose, inhaling the scent and closing her eyes in gratitude.

The sound of Maggie’s bedroom door creaking open eventually shakes her from her blissful moment, and then her expression quickly turns to one of shocked amusement. Because her eyes settle on Winston, as he exits the bedroom and enters into the main room. He’s dressed in the same clothes he’d been wearing the day before, and Amelia looks him up and down, biting her lip in excitement, like she’s just remembered where she’s hidden the last piece of a puzzle.

“Ha,” Amelia’s delighted revelation sounds gravelly, the sleep still evident in her voice. “You don’t live here.”

She shifts her gaze to Maggie, who offers a pleading look in return. And then she looks back to Winston, who has since halted in the doorway. She can’t hold back the raspy sounding chuckle that escapes her lips. “I get it. You guys are sex friends. It all makes sense now.”

Winston scratches at the back of his neck awkwardly. And Maggie blinks, dumfounded. She stands suddenly, stepping away from the kitchen counter, like she’s desperate to remove herself from this situation.

“I’m gonna go shower. Don’t want to be late,” Maggie mutters.

Amelia just smiles further, eyes shifting playfully between the two, before she turns to walk back to her room. She raises her coffee mug slightly above her as she walks away, like she’s motioning a ‘cheers’ to the air. She tilts her head back once more in their direction, before she disappears from the kitchen, and sarcastically repeats Maggie’s greeting from before. “It is a good morning.”

Maggie rolls her eyes, but follows after her through the hallway, turning into the bathroom.

“Let me know when you’re done!” Amelia announces when she reaches her room. “I want dibs on the shower next!”

_______

Amelia finishes her coffee, and as she sets her empty mug in the sink, her impatience steadily rises.

“Maggie!” She yells, as she returns to the hallway. “You’re gonna make us late!”

There’s no response, but she hears that the shower is still on, and she even hears music coming from the bathroom. She finds the music choice odd for Maggie, and also finds it odd that Maggie is even the type of person that listens to music while she showers.

“Maggie,” she tries one more time, knocking her fist against the door.

There’s no answer.

She sighs, glancing at her watch. And then she decides to push the door open slightly, stepping into the small bathroom. “Maggie are you almost done?! I’m just going to brush my teeth real quick while you’re in there,” she announces loudly, over the music, as she reaches for her toothbrush on the sink.

“Um, not Maggie.” A surprisingly deep voice sounds from the other side of the curtain as she starts brushing her teeth.

And oh, that’s Link. “Shit, sorry! I thought you were Maggie! Wow, I just barged right in-”

“It’s fine” he interrupts, and then Amelia hears the water get shut off. “Could you, uh, actually hand me a towel though?” A dripping wet hand shoots out from behind the shower curtain and Amelia just stares at it, her toothbrush falling slack between her lips.

“Hello….? Towel?”

“Uh, right. Here.” She mutters around her toothbrush.

Blinking from her daze, she slowly reaches for a towel and hands it to him. And then suddenly the curtain is sliding open and Link is climbing out of the shower, towel around his waist, in all of his soaking wet glory. And holy shit, Amelia thinks, as she not so subtly darts her eyes around the tight space. Attempting to look anywhere but at him. She settles on turning around, and facing herself in the mirror as she makes quick movements of brushing her teeth.

She doesn’t know where the sudden panic comes from. She’s a confident person. Never timid. And somewhere, in the back of her mind, she retaliates against the idea that she’s lost any of her game. Or that she’s the one creating any awkward tension.

Link enters her line of vision through the bathroom mirror, and she feels frozen where she stands. Because, for some reason, he starts inching even closer.

He clears his throat.

“Just need to, uh, grab something…”

She practically jumps out of the way as Link reaches around her for the medicine cabinet.

“Ah, sorry. I’ll get out of your way,” she exhales a sheepish laugh at her own reaction, and tries not to cringe at the way she sounds with her mouth still full of toothpaste.

Link finally moves to exit the bathroom, and Amelia wants to sigh in relief, as she resumes her position in front of the sink. But she doesn’t. She holds back. And from her peripheral, she can see him pause in the doorway.

She turns her head in his direction. And he smirks at her before he leaves.

“Shower is all yours.”

The bathroom door clicks shut and Amelia spits harshly into the sink.

_______

Carpooling is apparently a thing they do now. They arrive at the hospital, and everyone piles out of Maggie’s car, beginning to cross the parking lot.

“Hey!” Jo’s breathless voice sounds from somewhere behind them as she locks up her own car and jogs to catch up with the group. She steps into pace with them, walking next to Link. “Whose service are you guys on today?”

“Neuro. With Shepherd,” Winston responds.

“Same here!” Lexie actually sounds excited.

“Okay, but why are we all on Shepherd’s service?” Jo mutters.

Everyone turns towards Amelia, as if she knows the reasoning behind her brother’s request. She just shrugs nonchalantly.

“Someone a little let down that they aren’t with Karev today?” Link nudges Jo playfully, and Jo feigns shock at the accusation, swatting at his shoulder.

As they enter the hospital, Amelia slows a bit behind the group, letting everyone else venture off ahead of her.

“Not excited about neuro?” She hadn’t realized Link had slowed down with her. “Not exactly my first pick either, but-”

“No, no,” she cuts in. “That’s not it.”

Link just stares at her for a moment, and Amelia almost feels scrutinized by it.

“Oh,” he continues. “Not excited about your brother, then?”

Amelia sighs, questioning to herself when they started getting so personal with each other. And then she cringes at the direction of her thoughts. Because maybe the getting too personal thing had started this morning, following the shower incident.

“That’s not exactly it, either.”

“Not exactly?” He raises his eyebrows.

“Okay, what’s with-”

“Amy Shepherd?!”

Both Link and Amelia turn around, following the voice that’s interrupted their conversation.

Mark Sloan is walking towards them full force, a huge grin on his face.

“Mark?!”

“Amy?!”

“....Amy?” Link mutters under his breath, chuckling at the nickname. And Amelia glances sideways at him in warning.

“The only person that still calls me that is Derek,” she raises her eyebrows at Mark, matching his grin.

“Well, Derek didn’t mention you were in town,” He finally approaches, and Amelia pulls him into a tight hug. They pull apart and Mark looks her up and down. “You look….different than the last time I saw you.”

“You look different, too,” she smirks.

Link looks between the pair curiously.

“And I’m not just in town,” Amelia adds as she steps out his embrace. “I work here now.”

“You work here?! Why didn’t Derek say anything…” Mark gets momentarily distracted by something, or somebody behind them. “Derek!” he yells. “Why didn’t you tell me your sister works here now?!”

Derek approaches, his demeanor reflecting his overall impatience. He completely disregards Mark’s question.

“Why do you people not answer your pages?”

“....And this conversation’s no longer entertaining. Catch up later?” Mark glances at Amelia a final time before stepping away. Then Derek turns towards his sister expectantly.

“When I requested you all on my service today, I expected punctuality.” He raises his eyebrows, and when Amelia offers no response, he continues. “I have a patient being admitted today. She’s had a sudden onset of seizures. We don’t know the cause. But we need to figure out the cause.”

There’s slight hesitation at his instructions.

“Okay, you! Dr….” his eyes shift down to glance over Link’s ID badge. “Dr. Lincoln. I want you to grab the rest of the interns and head to the library. Starting now, you all are in charge of research. Anything, I mean anything, you can find on this. Case studies, research papers, all of it. Just….find something for me.”

Link nods respectively, and he begins to turn towards Amelia.

“And Amy,” Derek’s eyes settle on hers, in an almost disdainful way. “You’re with the patient.”

Amelia is stunned for a moment, her mouth hanging open in disbelief.

“You want me to do what, exactly?” She steps forward towards Derek, who mutters under his breath in frustration. “Babysit your aneurysm? Because my time is worth way more than-”

“An aneurysm, is the last thing this is-”

“And what makes you so sure of that?!” She looks between his eyes incredulously.

“You think this woman’s just been walking around with a ruptured aneurysm-”

“I didn’t say ruptured-”

“Well if it’s not ruptured, she’d likely not have any symptoms at all, so your logic makes absolutely no sense.” Derek raises his eyebrows, like he’s won the argument.

“I’m just saying! I did a research paper on this. Similar case. Sudden onset of seizures. No prior history. But, this woman fell and-”

“I never said my patient had a fall.”

“Well did you ask her that?”

“Amy,” Derek breathes, exasperated. He tries to move around her, completely done with the conversation.

But she blocks his movements. And he gives her a blank stare. While Link stands off to the side, looking between the two uncomfortably.

“Derek.” She retorts, the frustration in her tone highly evident.

“Take my patient to CT. And then stay with her, while she gets transported to a room. You can manage that, right?”

Amelia bites her tongue, nodding numbly. She refrains from voicing everything she wants to say, and she tries to fight off the emotions that arise as Derek steps around her. She feels defeated. And small. Which was typical lately, following any interaction with her older brother. She curses herself for thinking it would be any different, now that she was here under specific circumstances. Professional circumstances. Hand picked for this surgical internship out of a large pool of equally impressive applicants. But it’s not different. If anything, it’s even more demoralizing, to be met with this discouragement both personally, and now professionally.

Derek steps away and she’s left standing there with Link.

“Your brother is….kind of a jerk.”

Amelia rolls her eyes, pushing past Link.

“Shepherd, wait-”

She ignores the way he calls after her, and she keeps walking. Because she has a patient now. A patient who needs a head CT.

_______

Link finds her about a half hour later. She’s walking from CT with a stack of scans in her arms. She nods a greeting at Link as begins walking with her.

“Hey! So, we've all been in the research library, could probably use your help-”

“I was right,” she says simply, shaking her head. “It’s an aneurysm. It’s tiny, but it’s there.”

Link doesn’t hold back his surprise. “Wow, how’d you-”

He’s cut off again when Amelia turns to him, forcing the scans over into his hands.

“What are you-”

“Make sure Derek gets these.”

“....You don’t want to hand them over yourself?” Link objects, trying to give them back to her. “Tell him you were right?”

“Nah,” she breathes, turning away from him. “I want off his service.”

Link comes to a halt in the middle of the hallway, watching her continue in the opposite direction. She turns around, facing him once more before she’s off again.

“Just please, hurry. He needs to see those now.”

_______

Several hours later, after her shift has ended, all Amelia wants is a peaceful evening. The first thing that comes to mind for her, when seeking this, is chamomile tea.

After changing into her sweats, which includes her favorite Harvard sweatshirt, she wanders down the hall to the kitchen to begin her evening routine.

The kitchen is dark, so she flips on one of the dim lights before she starts rummaging through the cupboards. To her left, from the balcony attached to the small kitchen, she can hear the sound of Jo’s exuberant laughter, mixed in with a couple of other voices.

A moment later, the sliding glass door is opening and Link is stepping inside. He slightly grimaces at the difference in volume to the quiet kitchen, as the voices outside get cut off with the door sliding shut again.

“Oh, hey,” he mutters, as he sets an empty beer bottle on the counter. “Didn’t know you were up. Are we being too loud?”

Amelia shakes her head, her focus still on her tea set-up.

She knows she’s being standoffish, and probably to Link’s notice, too.

“Weird day, huh?”

Amelia shrugs. And then realizes she has yet to say anything out loud here.

“Yeah, kind of.”

“You seem like someone….that would want to talk about it, no?”

Amelia smirks at this revelation.

“It’s a long story,” she murmurs, listening to the water in the electric kettle start to boil, and then the comforting sound gets interrupted by Jo’s laughter from outside. “Shouldn’t you get back out there, anyway?”

“Sounds like Lexie’s keeping her entertained.”

Amelia leans her back against the counter, peering across the kitchen at him.

“Derek….he’s not a jerk,” Amelia says simply. “I know it seemed that way earlier. But really, there’s more to it.”

Link shrugs, moving to lean against the opposite counter.

“It just seemed like he wasn’t taking you seriously. When you happened to be right, so. Maybe he should have.”

Amelia nods to herself.

“Do you have siblings?”

“No,” he chuckles. “Only child.”

Amelia grins. Something about this piece of information makes sense to her.

“I think sometimes it’s hard to....I don’t know,” she trails off momentarily. “Take the baby of the family seriously?”

It’s probably obvious to Link that there’s more to it. Reasonings that she’s conveniently leaving out. But he nods along with her explanation anyway.

“Anyway, I don’t want you to go on thinking my brother is some bad guy….” she mutters as she turns around to face the kettle again. “Because he’s not, he’s….one of my favorite people, actually, so.”

Link watches as Amelia starts drumming her fingers against the countertop, her eyes glued to the tea kettle.

He steps towards the fridge, because he’d originally come inside to grab another beer.

The kettle clicks off and Amelia’s fingers against the counter come to rest. She places a tea bag into her mug and pours some of the boiling water over it. She turns around just in time to see Link shut the fridge door, empty-handed.

“Aren’t you heading back out there?”

“Yeah, I just….” he gestures towards the kettle. “That looks pretty good, actually. Is there any left over?”

Amelia holds back her surprise, but quickly nods. She reaches over for another tea bag and hands it over to him.

“Knock yourself out.”

She watches Link hesitate, turning the packet over in his palms.

“It’s nothing fancy,” she grins. “Just use the water from the kettle.”

Link nods, reaching for a mug.

“I’m going to bed. Think you can handle it?” Amelia gestures towards the mug in his hands.

And Link rolls his eyes. “Yes, I’ve got it. Is it that obvious that I’m not really a tea guy?”

Amelia bites her lip, and shrugs, turning on her heels and back towards her bedroom.

“Goodnight, Amy.” She can hear Link snicker from the kitchen. And the use of the nickname causes Amelia to halt in her tracks. She slowly rounds the corner back into the kitchen.

“Don’t even.” Her voice is tight with astonishment. “Do you want me to start referring to you as Atticus? Because I will.”

The threat causes Link to falter only a little. And then he grins.

“Try again,” she mutters.

“Okay,” he’s laughing now. “Goodnight, Amelia.”

She thinks it’s the first time he’s said it out loud. Or called her by her first name at all. She’s been so used to hearing him refer to her as ‘Shepherd,’ that the sound of her first name falling from his lips actually stirs something inside her. She convinces herself that that’s it. That’s the reason it stuns her a little. It’s simply because she’s not used to it. Definitely has nothing to do with the fact that she enjoys the way it sounds.

She can’t help the smirk that crosses her face, as she repeats his sentiment. She turns back towards the hallway, an amused edge to her voice.

“Goodnight, Link.”

//

[shysneeze]

persausion (part one)

George Weasley x Malfoy!Reader  

*part one*

Description: two years after she’s broken George’s heart at the hand of her parents’ persuasion, she bumps into George at the leaky and everything comes flooding back .

 Warnings: alcohol, angst and I want to say swearing but I genuinely don’t think there is. It’s very AU. Fred is alive because he deserves to be (let me know if there is any ive missed please) 

(Author note: not what i wanted it to be hence long ass delay in posting cause i got angry but hey ho. Also can you tell I’ve literally given myself a big fat crush on Fleur??”)

series masterlist 

~

A giggle bubbles in (Y/N)’s throat as she sways slightly, arm hooked through Fleur’s as they struggle their way across the cobblestone of Diagon Alley towards the Leaky Cauldron in their heels. The winter air is crisp, and it bites at their bare skin. The plan was devised at the last minute and mostly fuelled by the buzz left from the bottle of wine they’d shared in (Y/N)’s apartment.

“It’s freezing!” Fleur shivers. “Why didn’t we bring jackets?”

“Excitement?” (Y/N) laughs with a slight shrug of her shoulder. “Probably the wine.”

“Definitely the wine.”

The woman burst into another fit of giggles, followed swiftly by a hiss of relief when they enter the warmth of the pub. They pause in the doorway together, long enough to fix each other’s hair and pull their dresses down. It’s not until they step further into the pub that (Y/N)’s smile begins to fade as the voices grow louder, and suddenly, she remembers why they usually stick to drinking in her apartment.

She can see it happening every time she steps in a crowded shop or in this case, pub, the exact moment that she goes from being a stranger in the corner of someone’s eye to (Y/N) Malfoy, first daughter of a notorious ex-deatheater. It’s no different this evening and her eyes sink to the floor when the whispering begins, already uncomfortable and longing to return to her apartment. Her change in demeanour doesn’t slip by unnoticed by Fleur who has already begun to fend off the dirty looks with a well-practiced glare of her own.

“Why is it so busy in here tonight?” Fleur sighs dramatically, standing slightly on her toes to see over the mass of people that are lingering around the bar without seats. “We’ll never get a booth!”

“How tragic.” (Y/N) makes an attempt to tease. “We’ll have to go back and drain the bottle of gin you got me for my birthday now.”

“No!” Fleur whines. “I have only just gotten you out of that apartment and I will not let you back out now. You’ll become a recluse!”

“Ouch.” (Y/N) pouts. “That’s harsh.”

Her own hurt at the comment is unconvincing to even (Y/N) herself as her pout soon turns into another bout of giggles. Fleur laughs with before returning to look out, searching every corner for somewhere to sit. She’s about to give up and reluctantly agree with her friend when she spots them.

“The twins!” She exclaims. “They’ll let us sit with them.”

Before she can even process what Fleur has said, they’re on the move again, Fleur’s dainty hand wrapped around (Y/N)’s wrist. It takes a moment for the words to sink in, but as soon as they have (Y/N) comes to a halt instantly, eyes wide and mouth hanging open. She doesn’t even try to explain herself when Fleur turns to frown at her, she’s already staring across the room where her eyes find George Weasley’s.

His eyes are just as wide, hand paused in mid-air with his pint halfway to his mouth, and for a second, all they can do is stare at one another. Then, his brows drop into a scowl and the look that falls onto his face is a jab straight to the heart for (Y/N). The disgust written all over his face forces the air out of her lungs and her hands to tremble nervously. She remembers back at Hogwarts, hidden away together in the astronomy tower or, after graduating, tucked away in his bed above the shop, how his eyes chocolate brown eyes were the only ones in the world that made her feel safe, the only ones that looked under her surname. Now, they make her feel nauseous with guilt as they bore into her own and she can’t even blame him.

“(Y/N), are you coming?”

Fleur’s question makes (Y/N) jump, turning back to her friend, mouth stuttering wordlessly as she tries to gather the sentences that she needs to tell her friend that she absolutely cannot sit with George Weasley.

“It’s only the two of them.” Fleur continues, hand slipping into (Y/N)’s. “They won’t mind.”

(Y/N) gives up on her protests and allows herself to be pulled towards the booth at the back because what is she supposed to tell her? How is she to explain that she can’t sit with her friend’s brother-in-law because three years ago, she broke his heart? No, she can only follow in silence with her eye firmly stuck to the floor. She already beginning to feel whatever confidence boost the wine had given her wearing off.

“Fleur?” She hears Fred exclaim, a drunken joyfulness in his voice. “What are you doing here?”

“Trying to find a seat.” Fleur exhales a sigh as they come to a stop. “It’s so busy tonight.”

“Well, we’re not waiting on anyone else.” Fred states. “You and your friend can sit with us. We don’t mind, ay, George?”

There appears to be no response from George, though (Y/N) can’t bring herself to look up yet. Fleur’s hand slips out of (Y/N)’s as she goes to hug her in-laws and a sudden vulnerability hits (Y/N) at the lack of contact.

“I told you, (Y/N).” Fleur nudges her. “They’re fine with it.”

At the soft jab to her side, (Y/N)’s eyes filter upwards despite her own resolve to stare at the ground until it swallows her whole. She watches the recognition flicker across Fred’s face, smile forming a sort of ‘o’ shape. (Y/N) can only give him an apologetic look as she’s tugged into a seat across the booth beside Fleur.

“Hi.” She squeaks.

“Malfoy.” Fred manages, eyes drifting for a moment to his brother. “It’s been a while.”

“I forgot.” Fleur exclaims. “You were all in the same year back at Hogwarts, no?”

“Yes, we were.” (Y/N) manages quietly, sobering up faster by the minute.

“Yeah it’s been a while.” Fred agrees with an awkward grin. “How are you?”

The question is so clearly forced and (Y/N) can’t believe she ever believed that her and George had kept it all a secret from him years ago because now, two years later, it’s clear he knows everything and he’s just as annoyed as George is.

“I’m good.” She nods. “How are you two?”

“We’re great, right George?” Fred chuckles awkwardly.

Once again, George doesn’t reply and only raises his brows before downing the remaining contents of his pint. His glass is forced onto the table with slight thud and he gets to his feet without a word. Everyone at the booth watches as he silently makes his way towards the bar and all (Y/N) can do is purse her lips at the whole thing.

“Anyway…” Fred clears his throat. “I never realised you two were friends. How did that happen?”

(Y/N) can only hope her face portrays the gratitude she feels for him at this moment for that distraction. Rather than questioning George’s abrupt departure, Fleur jumps into explaining how she and (Y/N) met at (Y/N)’s shop and quickly became close friends, and Fred listens attentively, even in his intoxicated state, humming and a nodding at all the correct places.

“I never knew you owned a shop.” Fred blurts, leaning in slightly out of curiosity. “On Diagon Alley?”

“It’s tucked out the way somewhat.” She admits. “It’s just down the street from, um, your shop actually.”

She doesn’t quite know why she’d hesitated, as if bringing it up is incriminating in some way. It’s not of course, their joke shop is famous and not exactly subtle either, no one else would expect her not to know of Weasley Wizard Wheezes and no one seems phased by her mentioning it at all. Yet, a sudden anxiety hits her, as if acknowledging the shop is only a step away from revealing the secrets the apartment above it used to hold.

“Wow, I didn’t know that.” Fred exclaims. “What do you sell?”

“She does the best perfumes I’ve found here in Britain.” Fleur gushes.

“I guess it’s more of a boutique in a way…” (Y/N) confesses nervously. “I sell magically enchanted gift items of sorts.”

“Huh, I never imagined you doing that.” Fred admits. “Always assumed you’d be in the ministry.”

“Oh no, I’d hate to be stuck in an office all day.” (Y/N) shakes her head. “I like meeting people and making things with my magic that might make people smile.”

“That’s a bit like George and I.” Fred grins.

“Well, my roses tend not to bite.” (Y/N) jokes.

“Biting roses…” Fred begins to ponder. “That brilliant!”

“What’s brilliant?”

George has returned, face still devoid of a smile but no longer holding the same animosity it did earlier. It might have been years, but (Y/N) can tell he’s given himself some sort of pep talk at the bar. He slides carefully into his seat again, the contents of the glasses huddled in his arms sloshing dangerously up the sides. (Y/N)’s automatic response is once again to drop her eyes, afraid to meet his in case it takes her too far into the past again.

“(Y/N) just gave us a great idea for the shop.” Fred explains. “Roses that bite.”

“Hmm.” George hums uncommittedly.

He pushes a glass of wine towards Fleur once he’s sat, then, taking (Y/N) completely off guard again, he places a glass of wine in front of her, drawing her eyes up to meet his in surprise. His brows are peaked almost questioningly at her expression.

“T-thank you.”

With a shrug he turns away again, facing his brother as he bursts into a pitch for biting bouquets for Valentine’s day while Fleur giggles at his enthusiasm. (Y/N) fiddles nervously with the stem of her glass, watching the side of George’s face as he listens, eyes fixed on the smile that begins to tug at his lips over his brother’s antics.

It hurts.

It hurts to see him, a reminder of what she could have had if she hadn’t allowed herself to be persuaded to destroy it. She hasn’t got the right to miss him as much as she does, not after how she left him, with a poorly written letter full of excuses that she herself didn’t even believe. No, she deserves this cold shoulder, deserves much worse in fact. She almost wishes he’d just shout at her, to tell her exactly how evil she is.  

“Thanks for the idea, (Y/N).” Fred announces, pulling (Y/N) out of her memories with a start.

“Oh.” She recovers. “I can’t really take credit. It’s all yours.”

“Me and George will have to come visit your shop sometime.” He continues. “It’s just across from us, George.”

George lets out another bored hum that makes his brother’s smile twist into an awkward grimace, brows tightened and frozen for a second as he considers how to recover from this.

“Don’t feel the need to go out your way.” (Y/N) mumbles. “It’s not all that exciting.”

“That’s not true!” Fleur bursts. “You’re being modest. Your products are fantastique.”

An embarrassed sort of smile creeps onto (Y/N)’s lips at this and Fred laughs a little at her shy expression at Fleur’s declaration. Fleur seems to be completely unaware of the fact that she’s made the entire evening that little bit more bearable for her. Fleur’s always doing these little things that make everything more bearable and (Y/N) has never been more grateful for their friendship.

“Thanks, Fleur.” (Y/N) smiles softly.

Fred picks up another conversation, one far less likely to lead to any awkward silences. It holds better than any of the previous conversations have this evening and (Y/N) considers that this is because it is mostly dominated by Fred and Fleur, not that she’s complaining. (Y/N) is quite content for the awkwardness to settle solely between George and herself, where it truthfully belongs, and not to interfere with Fleur’s evening, especially after she’d been so excited to get (Y/N) out of her flat.

She considers that, if nothing else, this evening will relieve her of her life sentence to become recluse as Fleur had suggested.

~

An hour or so later they find themselves walking together back along Diagon Alley, shivering in the cold and hobbling with blistered feet. With the end of the night within her grasp, (Y/N) can hold herself a little lighter, and she finds herself laughing honestly as she watches Fleur and Fred babbling drunkenly together. To her side, George hides a smile stubbornly under her gaze and now that they are far enough from earshot from the others, she takes a risk.

“Thank you.”

“For what?” He asks, brows piqued quizzically.

“For not saying anything.” She expands. “I didn’t deserve that.”

He lets out a breath that almost sounds like a scoff before turning his head away from her, as if trying to hide his expression.

“I didn’t do it for you.” He states after a moment.

She knows this, it’s not a surprise. She’s suspected all evening that his lack of outburst and direct insult has been for the sake of his pride, for Fleur and for his brother, but certainly not for her, and so the knowledge doesn’t insult her. She’s glad in a way.

“I know.” She whispers. “But thank you nonetheless.”

She knows him well enough still not to push it any further and she quickens her pace to catch up with the others. They’re slowing to a stop in front of the twin’s shop and Fred flings his arms around both the Fleur and (Y/N)’s shoulder and pulls them into a hug.

“We need to do this again.” He announces.

(Y/N) can’t fault him in being as drunk as he is, not after he’s held the entire evening together so well. Instead, she laughs and nods as she pulls from his grasp. George is rolling his eyes at his brother, lips twitching into a sort of smile.

“Yes well, we need to invite Bill next time.” Fleur agrees. “He’ll be jealous to have missed it.”

“He does know you’re staying at mine, right?” (Y/N) asks, panic stricken for a second. “Neither of us are in fit state to apparate.”

“Of course.” Fleur assures dismissively. “You’ve sobered back to your worried self again.”

“Yes, but I’m no longer a recluse.” She retorts. “So, the evening hasn’t been all in vain.”

“I’ll take that achievement.” Fleur nods matter-of-factly. “Now, let’s go before we freeze.”

“Okay, okay.” (Y/N) chuckles. “Thank you for letting us share your booth.”

“Any time.” Fred curtsey’s mockingly. “Goodbye, Ladies.”

With a final eyeroll, (Y/N) loops an arm around Fleur’s waist and turns to make her way towards her own apartment.

As cliché as it may be, (Y/N) can’t resist the temptation to sneak a look behind her as they walk away, a last glimpse of the man she lost two years back. Expecting to see his back as he retreats into his apartment, she is startled to find him facing her, eyes capturing hers again. They’re not full of surprise or disgust as they had been at the beginning of the evening though. They’re the soft, brown eyes she remembers, the eyes that once held her hostage in the potions classroom, that shared secrets with only a glance across the great hall and that saw her as herself for the first time in her entire life.

Upon the realisation that his private moment has been witnessed, he turns away and follows his brother into the shop. A wave of tears stings her eyes before she realises what’s happening and they blur his retreating figure as they trickle down her cheeks.

“(Y/N)?” Fleur asks gently, coming to stop. “Are you crying?”

“Oh!” She jumps, turning back and forcing a painful grin. “It’s the sodding blisters. I hate heels.”

Fleur looks unconvinced, holding her friend’s eyes longer to try and decipher what’s caused this sudden bout of tears to spring loose. Frowning and with an almost imperceptible shake of her head, she lifts her hand and gently uses her thumbs to wipe away the tears from beneath (Y/N)’s eyes.

“You’ll ruin your mascara.”

Relief escapes (Y/N) in the form of a choked laugh. She’s amazed again at how perfect a friend Fleur is for not pushing her. She knows Fleur enough to know that she’s not let it go, but she’s willing to let (Y/N) come to her in her own time.

“Thank you.” (Y/N) sniffles. “I’m sorry for trapping you in my apartment all the time.”

“Nonsense.” Fleur dismisses.

“No.” She continues. “No, I’ve been selfish and scared. I’ll make an effort to be more adaptable in the future.”

Curiosity flood’s Fleur’s expression but a smile grows on her lips regardless and she lets out a soft, bell-like laugh. She hooks an arm through (Y/N)’s and guides the pair forward along the street again, huddled tightly to fight to bitter cold.

“You’re so formal at times.” She shakes her head. “Let’s get home and get your shoes off before you become a puddle.”

“Oh thank Merlin!”

[juliandev0rak]

Grieving Ghosts

this was an anon request, and my requests are open!

Main 6 taking care of a grieving mc but then-they realise that they're a ghost and mc is grieving over them.

warnings: death mentions, grieving, angst

here’s your daily dose of angst and sadness, these started as headcanons and then became drabbles bc i got carried away with the idea so oops lol, enjoy these mini fics 👻

-Asra-

-he arrives home from a trip late one afternoon, but now standing in front of the door to the shop he can’t even remember where he went on the trip

-he shakes it off as just him being tired and opens the door, eager to see you again after being away for so long

-he doesn’t see you in the shop even though it should still be opening hours but shrugs it off, maybe you were tired too

-as he makes his way up the stairs to the apartment area you share with him he stops, hearing the sound of loud crying through the door

-this makes him rush up the stairs even faster, throwing the door open to check on you

-he sees you sitting on the bed with your head in your hands sobbing your heart out

-“MC! What’s wrong, are you ok?” he rushes over to your side, immediately putting an arm around you

-he watches as you shiver and look up to glance around the room in confusion

-“I’m right here, please tell me what’s wrong! I’m back now.” Asra’s tone is growing frantic as you continue to cry, not acknowledging his presence

-after a few minutes his brows furrow in confusion and he gets up, “I- I’ll go make some tea for us, then maybe you’ll feel like talking.”

-he turns to the kitchen area, wincing at the view of you now face down on the bed, the pillows only slightly muffling your crying

-a few moments later he turns around to watch you as he waits for the tea to brew and he spots Faust slither her way over to you

-you pick your head up and look at Faust with a look of intense pain on your face as she slithers comfortingly around your arm “Oh Faust, I can’t believe he’s really gone.” she gives you a squeeze and says “Miss him!”

-“Yeah Faust, I miss Asra too.”

-Asra picks up the tea cups to make his way over to you, “I’m right here MC, I’m back from my trip!” he’s still confused, and slightly hurt, that you haven’t said a word to him

-Faust looks up, making direct eye contact with Asra and wiggling in happiness as she slithers over towards him

-“Faust, where are you going?” you call after her

-“Asra!” she says

-“Asra’s not here Faust, he’s dead remember?” you watch in confusion as she twists in circles around a spot on the floor

-Asra nearly drops the tea cups in shock

-“I’m not dead, I’m right here!” he protests, but then he notices that Faust is going right through him, and now that he thinks about it- he feels like he does in the Arcana Realms, a spirit without a body

-“Asra!” Faust says again, this time you really look at where she’s pointed, noticing a slight ripple in the air, a slight change in your aura

-“Faust, is he here?” you ask, not daring to hope, you’d seen his body, been there when he was taken away and buried, attended the lavish funeral Nadia had planned

-“Friend!” Faust makes another circle around Asra’s feet

-“I’m here!” he shouts, taking a step towards you to try to grab your hand but he goes right through you

-you feel the slight push of energy against you and then you can sense him, his spirit is there in the room even if you can’t see him

-“Asra! If you can hear me, know that I’m trying everything I can to bring you back, I’m not letting you go.” you cry, staring at the spot you think might be his face

-he looks around the room and sees books everywhere, many of them the same ones he had used to bring you back

-“I’ll do anything to bring you back.” you say, picking Faust up from her spot on the floor “Anything.”

-He feels a flush of fear mixed with longing, though he wants nothing more than to be reunited with you he’s worried about you pushing the boundaries of magic so far and scared of you dealing with dangerous forces

-But it’s no use, he can’t communicate with you so all he can do is watch and wait and hope that you don’t make a mistake you can’t come back from

-he just wishes he could be there to help you, or even just to comfort you as you cry

-Julian-

-he’s walking down the empty streets of the South End, not another person in sight even though the warm weather usually brings the whole city outside

-although, he doesn’t really know what time it is, the lamps are lit but it could just as easily be 3 in the morning as it could be early evening

-he spots the sign of his favorite tavern up ahead and his face breaks into his signature smirk, he could go for a salty bitters right about now

-when he walks in he notices that the Rowdy Raven is as busy as usual, he greets people as he walks by but nobody responds, he assumes it’s too loud in there, or they’re too drunk already

-“Barkeep! Another drink!” he hears a familiar voice slur loudly from the corner booth, it’s you

-“Oh! MC, fancy seeing you here!” he makes his way over to your table, confident smile firmly in place, “May I join you?”

-the bartender walks over, placing another drink in front of you and gathering the stack of empty cups in front of you

-“Hang in there, MC. You’ll feel better in time.” The bartender says with uncharacteristic gentleness

-when you still haven’t said anything to Julian he decides to just sit down, his smile faltering as you remain silent

-it’s then that he notices you sniffling into your cup, eyes wet with tears

-“Oh no, my dear what’s wrong?” he leans towards you, eyes going wide as he takes in your sorrow filled eyes

-you continue to sip your drink, fighting back tears as you literally drown your sorrows in bitter tasting drinks

-“Darling, what's wrong? Just talk to me, was it something I did?” he tries to disguise the fear in his voice as you continue to stare into your drink or straight through him as if he isn’t there

-Julian grows more and more anxious as you continue to ignore him and he reaches out tentatively to take your hand, freezing as his hand goes straight through yours

-before he has time to think about what just happened the door bangs open and he watches as a fiery redhead and a short older woman barge through the crowd towards the corner booth

-“MC! We’ve been looking for you all night!” Portia sounds angry but her eyes take on a sheen of pity as she regards you sadly slumped over your drink

-“Portia how could he do this to us?” You mutter, not reacting as she slides into the seat next to and Mazelinka sits across from you, next to a very confused Julian

-“I know,” her eyes are flooding with tears now too as she reaches to grab your hand. “That idiot brother, we should’ve known his harebrained scheme wouldn’t work, if only-“

-“He was an idiot, Ilyushka always jumps before he looks.” Mazelinka cuts Portia’s what-ifs off with a stern frown. “But he made his choice, we all have to live with it.”

-Julian has figured out by now that nobody can see him, or touch him, but he still doesn’t know what it means

-“If only I’d done a better job in the trial...” you sigh, reaching for your cup

-the trial... suddenly Julian remembers it all, turning himself in, his plan to meet the hanged man- but clearly it hadn’t worked

-“I’m so sorry.” he moans into his hands, knowing that nobody can hear him, that his loved ones will never know how sorry he is for causing them this pain, his magic mark wasn't powerful enough to raise the dead it seemed

-“No more for you,” Mazelinka says as she grabs the cup out of your hands, “you're coming with us.”

-Portia blinks back tears and nods firmly, “Come on MC, we’re taking you home.”

-“Don’t you want some family time alone?” you hiccup, allowing yourself to be pulled out of the booth by Mazelinka on one side and Portia on the other

-“You’re part of our family, we’re in this together..” Portia gives you a shaky smile, her eyes regaining some of their fire, Mazelinka nods in agreement

-Julian follows slowly behind as they take you back to Mazelinka’s house and tuck you into the bed you’d shared with him not so long ago

-“I’m so sorry!” he says again, his voice breaking as he watches Mazelinka pull Portia into a comforting hug

-“I think he’s here.” you say blearily, you’re really not sure and it might be the alcohol in your system but you feel his presence around you, just a hint of his spirit is there with you

-“Those we love have a habit of sticking around.” Mazelinka says in a tone that makes you feel certain she has experience with this

-“Well if Ilya is here, I hope he knows how STUPID HE IS!” Portia breaks into a shout, causing all of you to laugh. This manages to make Julian smile, a flutter of hope rising despite his best efforts to squash it

-at least you're not alone, you have Portia and Mazelinka and your other friends, and maybe someday you’ll figure out some magic trick to talk to him again so he can have a chance to apologize, but until then he’s resigned to his fate and resolved to stay around to watch over his family

-Nadia-

-this was certainly the strangest dinner Nadia had ever attended, and she’d once been invited to a dinner party at Praetor Vlastomil’s...

-nobody is paying any attention to her, and although as a child she would’ve loved for her family to simply leave her alone for a night, as an adult (and a Countess) she was annoyed

-even Portia seemed to be ignoring her, going so far as to forget her glass when she went around the table to refill everyone’s wine

-and you aeren’t anywhere to be seen, which is highly unusual as you always join Nadia for dinner

-after only a few courses she can’t take it anymore, nobody had even spared a glance in her direction and she’d been passed over every time Portia served the new course

-nobody listened when she protested so she doesn’t bother to say anything as she leaves the dining room, if everyone was going to ignore her then she would simply ignore them back, she’d deal with Portia’s uncharacteristic disrespect later

-she arrives in her room and finds the door to her contemplation tower ajar, which is highly unusual

-she walks in to discover you there, eyes shut in meditation, Chandra perched nearby

-“There you are darling, why weren’t you at dinner?” she asks

-you’re deep into your meditation, it’s the only thing that’s keeping you sane these days as you process your grief

-“I don’t like being ignored,” Nadia takes a step closer to you, normally she wouldn’t want to disrupt your meditation but she’d had quite enough of being ignored today

-a few minutes go by and she sighs, taking a seat next to you and deciding to wait until you’re done meditating

-your eyes open after a while and you take in Chandra perched nearby, walking over to give her a pat on the head

-“Thanks for being here, I know you miss her too.” you say and Chandra hoots sadly

-“Darling?” Nadia’s still trying to get your attention, hurt coloring her voice as she watches you turn away from her

-“Well, come along then Chandra. I already missed dinner but I’d better go greet everyone, we have a funeral to plan.”

-“What on earth are you talking about? Whose funeral?” Nadia questions, reaching a hand out to stop you from leaving the tower

-of course, it goes through you and she watches in confusion as you leave, shutting the door behind you

-she follows, taking in your peculiar clothing which is all black, a color you don’t usually wear

-it isn’t until she sees her entire family, and all of your friends, gathered in the parlor that she understands

-they’re planning her funeral

-she handles this revelation with her usual poise, she doesn’t remember how she got into this... situation... but she’s glad to be able to see everyone she loved again, even if they can’t see her

-she wants to be around for the planning, it’ll be her last event after all- so it has to be perfect

-Muriel-

-he’s out chopping firewood when he sees you step out of the hut, wearing one of his heavy furs to keep out the winter’s chill

-he stays focused on his task, deciding to stay quiet as usual unless you talk to him

-“Come on Inanna, let’s go see him.” you reach down to pat her gently and she follows closely at your heels as you walk into the forest

-Muriel doesn’t find it odd that you haven’t said anything to him, but he’s confused by your words, wondering who the “him” you’re referring to is

-you walk deeper into the forest and he puts down his axe, peering after you

-“Don’t go alone!” He calls after you, “it’s not safe.” but you don’t listen, continuing on your path

-he sets out to follow you, eyebrows furrowing in confusion at your odd behavior, you’ve never ignored him like this before

-the sun is just barely rising as you continue to walk through the forest following your now well-worn path

-you walk this path a couple times a year but this is the earliest you’ve set out, hoping to watch the sunrise with him like you used to do

-the walk lasts about half an hour and by the time you arrive in the clearing the sky is turning pink, the chill in the air lessening slightly

-Muriel is still following behind you, silently wondering what could be so important in this random clearing

-you have your back turned to him as you sit down in the center of the field, Inanna laying down beside you

-Muriel keeps his distance, watching as you begin to pick wildflowers from the field

-you weave them into a flower crown and place it gently on your head, hands reaching for more flowers to make another

-while you’re working you keep up a constant stream of chatter, “I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long, I’ve missed you so much. I’ve been busy at the palace, I know you hated it there but it’s good for me to be around people sometimes...”

-Muriel walks a few steps into the clearing, wondering if you’re talking to him, but you keep your voice so low that he assumes you must be talking to yourself like you sometimes do when you’re focused

-“Here you go, Muri, one for you and one for me. I thought we could watch the sunrise together, it is your birthday after all.” you say, placing the second larger flower crown on the stone in front of you

-it’s been a while since you cried, your grief having settled a bit over the years. most days you could look back on your memories with happiness but it was on days like this that the grief seemed to weep out of you like before

-Muriel can see your sadness and walks uncertainly over to you, you still haven’t said anything to him and he isn’t very good at comforting people but for you he feels the need to try, he can’t watch you cry alone

-he gently kneels down next to you and puts an arm around you tentatively, his eyes searching yours as you stare up at the sunrise

-you shiver as you feel a familiar energy and a hint of myrrh enter your space and Inanna makes a whining noise under her breath, making you smile

-“I know Inanna, I feel him too.”

-it’s then that Muriel looks down and sees the memorial stone in front of you, the carefully constructed flower crown sitting on it

-the stone is covered in various carvings, drawings and writing he recognizes as yours, and even Asra’s, it tells the story of his life

-he remembers then and a small smile settles on his face as he thinks about you coming to visit his grave so often, coming to talk to him even though you know he can’t talk back (and it isn’t like he did that much talking when he was alive either)

-he keeps his arm around you, reaching his other to rest on Inanna, he knows you can’t really feel it but he wants you to feel his presence there in whatever way you can

-just as you watch over him, he’ll watch over you, even in death

-Portia-

-she’s been following you around the palace all morning trying to get your attention

-you were always surrounded by other people, including various royals and public figures, so she hadn’t wanted to yell your name or just drag you out of a room

-but at this point she’s getting frustrated and when you leave the dining room at lunch to walk back to your guest room she follows after, shouting your name

-when you continue to ignore her, not even turning around once, her annoyance turns to anger

-she marches into your room after you, grabbing your shoulder “What is your problem, MC? I’ve been trying to talk to you all day and you’re just going to keep ignoring me?” she’s so angry she doesn’t even notice that her hand isn’t actually touching you

-you sit down on the bed, tired after a morning of meetings and a lunch with the Prakran royal family, all you wanted to do was cry and then maybe take a nap

-Nadia thought distraction would be a good thing for you at the moment, and you had agreed, jumping in to help with her plans to renovate the city

-Your other friends were all helping too and Julian especially had jumped at the chance for a distraction, you were both grieving after all

-now alone in your room the tears come and you give in to them, not noticing Portia angrily stomping around the room still trying to talk to you

-she stops when she notices you crying, her anger fizzling out as quickly as it had come

-“Oh, oh no I’m sorry! I was just upset that you were ignoring me, I didn’t mean to make you cry!” she flies to your side, sitting next to you on the bed

-when you still don’t react she just assumes you want space and gets up to leave, “I’ll just leave you be then, if you don’t want to talk. I’ll be in my cottage if you want to find me later.”

-before she can leave the door opens and Asra pops his head in, taking in your crying form with a frown

-he enters the room without saying anything to Portia and she’s about to be angry again when she notices him look back towards her with a puzzled look on his face

-“MC, I’m here.” He pulls you into a hug, letting you cry as he holds you, but his eyes stay trained on the spot by the door where Portia is standing with mouth open in confusion

-“Can you see me?” She says and Asra cocks his head to the side as if listening for something

-“I don’t mean to alarm you MC, but I think Portia’s here.” he says, releasing you to walk towards the door.

-“I’m right here! What’s going on?” Portia frowns, still confused

-“She can’t be Asra, she’s gone. You saw her.” You watch him in question as he reaches a hand out to the air

-Portia grabs the hand, the past few weeks coming back to her in a flash as she realizes suddenly why nobody can seem to see or hear her

-her hand goes through Asra’s but he smiles, “There you are, we’ll find a way to help you communicate”

-“Portia?” You stand up to join Asra, not believing that Portia could really be there

-“I’m right here!” you don’t hear her, but as you reach your hand out you feel a wave of emotions that are not your own wash over you, confusion, fear, and hope

-“Portia!” you can tell its her

-“Let’s go to the fountain” Asra suggests “maybe we can contact her in a way she can respond to.”

-for the first time in weeks you feel hope too, you’d missed Portia so much and couldn’t help but blame yourself for what happened, now you might have a chance to make things right

-Lucio-

-Lucio is normally a pretty light sleeper, years of battle reflexes mean that he can be up at a moment’s notice, and when you start talking in your sleep he wakes up instantly- not even sure when the two of you had gone to sleep

-“Lucio” you say, turning over in your sleep, clearly having some sort of dream

-he looks over when you call his name but realizes quickly that you’re still asleep, he grins and decides to listen more, wondering if you’ll say anything else about him in your sleep

-“Lucio, NO!” your voice raising in fear, it’s clearly a nightmare you’re having and Lucio wipes the smile off his face and reaches out to wake you

-you shoot up, hand flying to the shoulder Lucio’s holding but seeing nothing there

-you catch your breath, still reeling from the nightmare, and hear the telltale sounds of Mercedes and Melchior walking over to your side of the bed

-you reach over the side of the bed to pet each of them, glad for their comfort and presence

-“Were you having a nightmare?” Lucio asks, only slightly annoyed that you’d reached for the dogs before him

-“It’s ok,” you say soothingly as the dogs both whine in unison, you know Lucio would have hated it if he were here but you allow the dogs to jump up on the bed next to you

-“Hey! Don’t let them up here, they’ll rip the silk! We’ve talked about this!” Lucio says in a huff, his concern for your nightmare gone in a flash

-“I know,” you continue to pet the dogs who have settled in against your side, “I miss him too.”

-“Wait” Lucio groans, testing his hand against your arm and watching as it passes through your skin with no resistance, “NOT AGAIN!” if anyone could hear him, the whole palace would’ve awoken at his yell

-he knows why he feels so weird now, he’s a ghost again

-he gets up from the bed and immediately goes to the full length mirror next to the door, breathing a sigh of relief when he sees his human form before him

-“At least I’m handsome this time” he sighs, his eyes going back to where you sit on the bed still talking to the dogs “but I was really enjoying being alive..”

-“We’ll bring him back.” you’re saying, and Lucio’s ears perk up as he takes a step closer to hear you better

-“If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Lucio, it’s that death can’t hold him. We’ll get him back” you say, determined “Maybe death will get tired of his complaining and they’ll send him back.” you joke

-“Hey! This is no joking matter, focus on the bringing me back part.” Lucio says indignantly “And hurry!”

-even though he knows you can’t hear him, he whispers the next words “I miss you.”

[differentwonderlandgiver]

I Love You,Too.

Emma Swan sat at a table at Granny’s Diner with a hot chocolate sprinkled with cinnamon sitting in front of her, looking out the window. For being summer it was a coolish day in Storybrooke but the sun was shining, she ran her finger through the whip cream and licked it from her finger. It had been a bit now since Emma had been cursed with the darkness but that wasn’t what was on her mind or should she say who was on her mind. August W. Booth, she chuckled softly as she thought of the first time she’d seen him in Storybrooke, he’d come to town to help her believe in magic and break the curse that let everyone remember who they were back in the Enchanted Forest. The curse had been broken and now everyone was free to live their lives the way they were supposed to, at least for them, Emma knew she still had a curse to deal with; she shook her head and sighed softly. Her mind drifted back to August and once again it brought a smile to the savior’s lips. He had watched over her for 28 years and Emma had always pushed him away because she felt it was best for him, she didn’t deserve him but he always came back.She had built walls up and never really let anyone over them...until August.  She could talk to him and he would never judge her, he was always there to support Emma, even with the current situation she was in he’d already made it known that he would be there to help her through it in any way he could and they had gotten quite close recently. Emma had found herself wanting any excuse to see him or talk to him. She was in a daze and hadn’t heard the bell above Granny’s front door ring and had no idea that someone had sat down at the table she was at until Emma felt hands over hers, her head jolted up a bit startled until she saw her mother, Snow White and her Daughter, Hope. She let out a breath and chuckled to herself, Hope leaned across the table and kissed Emma’s cheek. “Hey Mamma!”  “So what..or should I say who had you so deep in thought, Emma?” Emma looked at her mother and could feel the warmth creeping up into her cheeks. “It’s him again isn’t it?” Her mom said matter of factly. “I can see the way you look at him and the way he looks at you when you’re together. You love him” Snow gave Emma a knowing look and her blushed deepened as she nodded. Hope excitedly bounced in her seat. Her mom placed her hands over Emma’s. “Emma I love you, you’re my daughter but you’ve spent so much time making sure everyone else has their happy ending since the curse broke...Don’t you think it’s about time you get yours?” Her voice was soft as she spoke and again August’s face entered her mind. “I..” she chewed her lip momentarily. “I do love him mom” Emma let out a wistful sigh and Hope continued to bounce in her seat. Snow just smiled from ear to ear at her daughter. “He’s good for you sweetheart.”  She placed a hand over Emma’s again, her mother’s eyes misting slightly as she looked at her. “With August you’ve done what I don’t think you’ve ever been able to really do..you let true love in and that is the greatest gift you’ll ever get.” Hope looked at her mom and smiled. “You deserve to be happy, mom!” Emma chuckled and wiped her own eyes. “You think so huh?” Hope nodded and grinned.  Emma’s phone distracted her and she pulled it from her pocket, her eyes widened slightly when August’s name showed up on the caller ID. “It’s him,” Snow grinned. “Answer it Emma” She let out a breath and pressed the accept button on her phone. “Hey what’s up?” August had just been calling to check in on her, her eyes lifted and her mother was mouthing words to her, Emma chuckled softly. “Are you..busy?” She chewed on her lip. “Can we meet up? I..need talk to you about something” Snow watched Emma and placed both crossed fingers in front of her and Hope followed.  “I’ll be right there.” Snow leaned over and kissed Emma’s forehead and Hope followed her grandmother’s motions again and did the same. “Good Luck Sweetheart!” She felt her heart beating faster as she left Granny’s and headed just a few blocks to where August had been staying at Granny’s Boarding House. The words that her mother had said earlier started to echo through her head and it seemed like Emma couldn’t get there fast enough. “Does he really?” She finally made her way to the house, opening the door and stepping inside; August was already waiting on her and when she saw him it was like the world stopped for Emma, the smile he had made Emma weak in the knees. “Hey” “Hey yourself” She chuckled softly as he took a few steps from the door and she was wrapped in his arms, Emma’s senses swirled. After a few minutes she felt him step back, trying to hide the blush in her cheeks. August took her hand and they walked back into his room, he pulled a chair out for Emma before sitting down in another one. “So what brings you here?” Emma closed her eyes for a second, she realized sitting wasn’t the best idea for what she had to say so she slowly stood up, August’s eyes followed her. “Hey Emma..what’s going on?” She paced for a few seconds before realizing that he was standing in front of her with a concerned look on his face. “Talk to me” She took a breath and rested her forehead on his shoulder for a few seconds, then felt his arms protectively come around her. “Is it the darkness? Did something happen?” Emma finally lifted her head and looked at him, she could hear her own heart beating in her chest as she slowly shook her head. “No, it’s not the darkness. So far that’s been..quiet.” He was still concerned but Emma could see him relax a bit. “Then what’s going on with you?” His voice held nothing but care and concern for her. It had taken Emma a bit to calm her nerves enough to be able to finally speak, she lifted her head and looked into August’s eyes, her stomach jumping as he looked back at her. “You’ve always been there for me and things..feelings have changed for me when it comes to..us.” August looked at Emma but didn’t say anything, she let out a breath and continued. “You’ve known me my whole life and you know I had walls up.” He nodded. “You not only climbed over those walls but you broke them down.” She sniffled softly as a few tears slid down her cheeks and August brushed them away with his thumbs, his hand cupped her cheeks. Emma looked into his eyes. “I love you August.” He didn’t say anything. Instead he pressed his lips to Emma’s and pulled her close, his arms wrapped around her waist and hers wrapped around his shoulders, his kiss held words that didn’t need to be spoken. When the kiss finally broke both of them were smiling and he rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, too.” That was all that Emma needed..Those four words and August..Emma would always need August. He was her savior and she knew no matter what they could get through anything..together. 

[ronanwazlib]

wolfstar pride pt. 3

(please rb in case the linked posts still don’t show up in this new algorithm!!!)

As the last of the parade goers wandered off and said their goodbyes, Sirius tousled Remus' hair and announced that he was hungry.

"What do you reckon, Moony? Fancy a bite with ol' Sirius and the girls?"

Remus' heartbeat a bit faster, but he pretended to ponder it over a moment.  "Suppose I could eat. I am craving chocolate." He admitted with a shy smile, ducking his chin. Now Sirius' heart kicked up.

"Right then. I know just the spot." He eyed a payphone outside of a petrol station. "I'm going to duck out and call a friend. Well, he's more like my brother. See if he wants to join. Back in a mo'!" He jogged off and Remus gathered Dorcas and her girlfriend, who was trailing the sign behind her tiredly and cheered at the proposed nourishment. Sirius walked them down to an American style diner crammed in beside three or four seedy pubs. They slid into a large booth in the back corner, Sirius smushed up against Remus without even thinking, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. He shifted his weight so that his shoulder was pressed against Remus', who was starting to believe that maybe it was.

"Budge over." Marlene said as she threw a cheeky glance at Sirius. "I wanna sit next to your boooooooyfriend." An hour ago, Remus would have turned red on the spot and leapt up from the table, stammering excuses and protestations, but now his eyes darted over to Sirius' unimpressed expression and then back to the girl's as he tossed an arm around the back of the vinyl lacquered seating and across Black's shoulders, before scooting them both down. Then he smirked, one corner of his freckled mouth turning up. "There's room, why don't you get closer, McKnickers."

Even Dorcas looked impressed as their mouths all dropped open. Remus settled back in his seat with a self satisfied grin just as a tallish boy with unruly dark hair and the thickest set of black frames Lupin had ever seen loped up to their table, with a tiny red headed girl in tow. "What are you lot doing gapping with your mouths open like fish?" He asked, fighting a laugh, before throwing himself down on Sirius' other side and picking up the menu. As the girl examined their choices, he peered at them from the top of the laminated cardboard. "Alright then, lads? How was your... event?"

Marlene scoffed, while Dorcas flipped him two V's. "Lads!" She cried in outrage. "Last I checked, you know, I weren't no lad!"

Marlene's face shifted into a bemused smile as she innocently sipped at her glass of water. "Last I checked, too." James' eyes went wide and his face reddened. Dorcas and Sirius both dissolved into uproarious laughter and even Remus chuckled at the group's friendly teasing.

"Alright, alright! That's enough, ladies!" The tiny girl spoke for the first time, and her voice was much stronger than Remus had been expecting. "Don't break poor James' heart by reminding him about the night life he's missing out on! He can't bear it, you know how sensitive he gets."

James rolled his eyes and shoved her good naturedly with a gentle hand. "Piss off, Evans." He said all smarmy, before ducking his head to kiss her once, then twice, then long enough that the rest of their friends began to cheer or jeer.

"Come on, mate, you've already got one in the oven!" Sirius called out and they finally broke apart as a waitress took their orders.

Remus turned to him. "Is she really pregnant?" He whispered and Sirius broke into a wide smile. "Yep. Eight months along in a week or so, not that you'd know it. It's like she uses magic to hide it, or something."

"But it's not magic, Sirius, it's just clever layering of clothing and never letting anyone stare for too long. Not that I'm ashamed, of course." She cut in, rolling her eyes at Black and fixing him with a sharp stare.

"Congratulations, er..." Remus began.

"Lily." She offered her petite fingers to him across the table to shake with a new bright smile. "Pleasure to meet you.."

"Remus. Remus Lupin."

"Pleasure, Remus. And thanks. We couldn't be more excited."

"Or surprised." James added. "God, you never think it'll happen to you... One time you forget and now you're awaiting a sprog." His eyes shone, and he kissed Lily again, on the top of her head.

She turned back to Remus. "Not going to ask why I'm near to pop and out and about, then?" She began, but Remus waved a hand.

"Think you can trust your own judgement. And I'd bet that you aren't the type to let anything stop you." He replied easily, leveling her stare with a kind smile. Her grin broadened and she leaned over James to punch Sirius' shoulder.

"Oh, I approve." She stalled and placed a hand to her stomach with a dignified wince. "Baby does too."

Sirius mimed wiping away tears and blowing his nose loudly into James' discarded jean jacket. "I'm gonna be an uncle." He blubbered, clutching Remus' arm as though in hysteria. They all laughed, then were distracted by the food arriving.

"God, what is wrong with the Americans! And can I grow up to be just like them?" James had crowed upon seeing the wide array of fried foods they'd ordered. Nobody noticed that Sirius didn't take his hand off Lupin's arm, or that Remus slid his own over it to keep it there.

~

Once everyone had finished, forcing down the last burnt chip at the bottom of the basket (Marlene) or loudly slurping the final sip of a milkshake (Sirius), they all elected to go round someone's house and "get blitzed," as Dorcas put it. The debate lasted a while, Remus listening the whole time without much input seeing as he was basically a stranger to them all, and he lived in a bad part of the city in a shite little flat he wasn't too keen to have people over to. Dorcas and Marlene had crazy housemates, Lily lived back home in Cokeworth and was only staying with James until they could move into a house of their own outside of London, James had somehow forgotten the keys to his flat and someone called Pete wasn't answering the phone, leaving him fuming about the ten pence he'd lost to a phone booth, and Sirius was currently sleeping on James' sofa, so they were running out of options quickly. Marlene and Dorcas returned from the drugstore in Piccadilly square, where they were currently stopped, and waved the brown bag at the rest of them.

"Come on then, whiskey's getting cold!"

Sirius raked a hand through his hair with a groan. "Alright, alright, I've a shitty idea."

"So one of your usual ideas then?" James quipped, raising an eyebrow. Sirius smacked him on the backside of his head. James stuck his tongue out at him, then Lily smacked him again and chided him for acting like a tiddler when his unborn child was around. James lovingly placed a hand on her abdomen and cooed apologies at her belly button.

Sirius' face twisted in a grimace for a split second, and James was suddenly at his side and not laughing any longer. They all circled around him as he stared down at his boots. Hating to just stand there idly, Remus stepped forward and pressed his fingers into Sirius' hand. He squeezed back and finally spoke.

"We could go to the ol- my house... No one's there since my mother died, and it's technically mine... I've just been avoiding going over there."

James balked at him. "Ta, mate, but you don't have to go back there if it's too much." Remus frowned. What had happened at the place that Sirius would rather stay on a sofa at James' with three other people than go there?

Sirius shrugged, all smiles as though his minute of panic had never happened. "Nah, it's just sitting there anyhow. Might as well use it to keep our drunken arses out of the cold." With that he stepped forward with a dramatic thunk of his boots on the pavement, and began to lead the way. James and Lily had actually driven in her car, so they all piled in for the ride to the Black home. Remus gave Marlene the other seat, but they protested when he tried to curl up at their feet, so he ended up half on her lap and half on Sirius'. He very awkwardly attempted to at least angle most of his bottom away from the girl, as she probably didn't want to be crushed under a lanky male behind, and because to his chagrin, Sirius probably wanted exactly that. He tried not to think about it too much, focusing on the strains of the Clash trailing in from the radio.

Sirius' house was grand. It was sandwiched between two other very large and posh estates on a street that was completely clear of any refuse and not a spot of graffiti to be seen. When he unlocked the door and led them inside, the interior was a different story. Cobwebs darkened the gloomy corners of every corridor, complimenting the peeling gold wallpaper and cream paint flaking off of the banister. The heavy brocade curtains all wheezed a layer of dust when Sirius threw them open to let in some air through the windows, some of which sported cracked or missing panes. The ancient floor creaked as they gingerly tiptoed around in observation. Ghoulish hunting trophies and lifelike oil paintings of harrowing and stern figures followed their every move. Out of the corner of his eye, Remus saw Lily shiver.

"Well, here's home. Cozy, isn't it?" Sirius preened, smacking a switch hanging out of the wall to bring light flickering in from an ornate brass chandelier overhead.

"Right..." Remus replied, attention turned to the large black cloth draped over a heavy gilt frame, now illuminated.

"That's dear old Mum." Sirius told him with false adoration and just a hint of bitterness. "Keep her covered up so that I don't have to feel her judgement whenever I come by to pay the caretaker's wages."

Sirius could afford to hire a caretaker who didn't seem to even do his job, and yet he slept in James' living room? "There's a caretaker?"

"Well, no, not really. I keep changing the locks on him so he can't get in, but he usually finds a way. Like magic, it is. Cor, I'd bet he's here even now, creepy bugger he is." Sirius chuckled, before a loud scream sent both men racing into the kitchen.

"What the bloody hell!" Remus exclaimed, as they found James, pale as a sheet and clutching the space between the wall and the ice box, across from a squat old man bent onto the floor surrounded by piles of silverwear.

"Pansy here be scared o' old men." He grumped, mouth twisting into a sneer as he gestured with a delicate wrist and his polishing cloth as though it were a ladies handkerchief. Then he shrieked in a high falsetto, "Gave me a fright sir, Ohhh!" and swooned.

James scowled, and Sirius moved to haul him up from his spot, kicking over a pile of incredibly tarnished spoons. "Mr. Kreacher, get the hell out of my house before I call the police. I took your last key."

The Kreacher fellow jerked out of his grasp. "Bah! What a waste it is in your hands, too! Look at how you keep the place. Look what you've done to the family silverware!"

"Do not make me ask again. Take this and leave us." Sirius pushed a crumpled twenty into his hands. The bitter caretaker nearly growled at them as he slunk out the door.

~

"Well, that effectively removed me of ten years of my life." James announced briskly, clapping his hands together as Marlene and Remus walked about lighting candles with Sirius' silver lighter and a book of matches. They were holed up in the basement, one of the only places Sirius could stand to be in, and therefore one of the cleanest.

They'd laid a few small and threadbare blankets on the ground, yet Marlene and Dorcas still huddled together for warmth. "Freezing my bollocks off here, thanks, Siri, darling." Dorcas groused, and her scowl deepened when James shot back, "I thought you didn't have any bollocks Dori, dearest."

"Then why aren't we drinking?" He replied, twisting the cap off the bottle, their second one as they'd shared the first between the four of them on the walk and ride over, and something much more fancy than their pharmacy score from the Black cellars, with a roll of his eyes. He fixed the short haired girl with a sarcastic smirk; he knew she was mostly being dramatic, seeing as it was summer and just under 18°. She stuck her tongue out at him.

"Oi, save that for Marlene!" He jeered as she shoved at him, and Marlene, hearing her name and Sirius' voice called out, "Wanker!" without even looking up from the long shaft of the candle she was lighting. Sirius shrugged and set the first bottle on the stone floor with a clink and a devious glint in his silver eyes.

Remus chuckled, then looked to Lily, sitting against one wall, James' jacket tucked behind her back. "There a history I'm missing here?"

Lily smiled then arched an eyebrow at the pair. "Oh them? Marlene was Sirius' first kiss in year four. Played seven minutes in Heaven. I know, much more mature than spin the bottle." She joked. Remus laughed again. "Then they dated for about two weeks. Lot of snogging, those two. Then someone accused him of being her beard and she went off on them. Somehow the shouting match turned into an invitation to dinner to prove she really liked her man. Guess who the accuser was?" She deadpanned, eyes settling on Meadowes, still harassing Sirius.

Said "wanker" was rubbing his hands together and beckoning Remus over. "Gather round, ducks, and give us a spin. Who's first then, Evans, are you game?"

Lily, unmoving from her somewhat more comfortable spot, shook her head with a wry smile. "God, no. I kissed enough of you lot when we were 15." The rest of the group began to cahjole her, even Remus calling out, "Come on, Evans." and throwing a wink in her direction.

"Oh alright!" She conceded, shooing off James, who was still at her side. "Be a dear and spin for me."

The bottle whirled clunkily around for a few moments before its head settled between Sirius' feet.

"Oooo!" Marlene giggled. "You've got to kiss Lils, Sirius."

"With pleasure." Sirius said, pretending to fan himself with an exaggerated lick of his lips. Remus watched his tongue swipe out from behind his teeth.

"Ohh no!" Lily protested, pointing a finger to James. "He spun for me. He's the one who's got to snog you." James and Sirius pulled the exact same look of disgust, staring at each other, aghast.

"That's bloody incest, Evans, and as the mother of our child your suggesting it quite disturbs and concerns me!" James cried.

Sirius wrinkled his nose haughtily. "I shan't be kissing... That." The rest of them laughed and said they had to, rules were rules, it weren't personal, innit? With a sigh, James trudged forward, eyeing Sirius apprehensively. At the last moment a grin quirked at the corners of his mouth and he grabbed Sirius' by the back of his head, hurdling him forward to smash his lips... against his forehead with a loud smack. His glasses smushed up against his hairline, the both of them drew away laughing.

"Mate, I didn't know you loved me that much." Sirius told him, false shock coloring his tone.

"'Course I love you, arsehole!" James chirruped over his shoulder as he placed his glasses back onto his nose and crossed back over to Lily. The next few spins of the bottle saw Remus peck a slightly stunned James Potter on the lips, Dorcas kissing Sirius full on the mouth, and quite a bit of snogging from Marlene and her girlfriend, who were cheating and placing their feet in the bottle's trajectory. Eventually, and without any sapphic intervention, one quick flick of the wrist of Sirius Black pointed the bottle directly across at Remus, whose cheeks pinked only a little... from the alcohol, of course. He looked up at Sirius with a sort of blank expression that was equal parts hesitant and Well, try it, then... and rose to his feet only to find Black still firmly planted on the floor.

"No." He said, with a careless shrug of his shoulders.

"No?" Remus repeated, halting in his tracks. His stomach dropped.

Sirius shook his head, tossing his hair out of his eyes, which were hard. "No." He intoned again, with a certain finality that declined any further explanation. "Won't do it."

"Oh." Remus said, still a bit confused, though on his way to being angry, and hurt. "Right, then." He resumed his seat, legs crossed, holding his own elbows. At this point Marlene was half asleep in Dorcas' lap, Dorcas herself being a giggling mess. He couldn't understand what he'd read wrong.

part one part two inspo 

[so-hoseok]

The New Kid (3)

genre: fluff

words: 2.5K

a/n: I’ve literally written three chapters tonight and I’m about to write another one IM SO EXCITED FOR THIS IM SOO INVOLVED!!!

Previous Chapters:  1 2

Next: 4

“Girl what took you forever, I’m basically an ice block right now!” Veronica said as she walked through my front door with a handful of popcorn and snacks.

“You’re fault for wearing the shortest shorts in the whole world,” I responded back to her taking a few things out of her hand.

“I was hoping Jungkook would be outside doing things boys do,” Veronica said. Amanda and I both looked at each other and shook our heads at her. Veronica let out a loud internal scream at our reaction and walked into the kitchen to start popping the popcorn. I really wanted to tell them about Jungkook and Yoongi texting me and everything about tonight but I knew I couldn’t, they’d get really angry and possibly stop talking to me for the time being. I really did not want this year to mess up, it already took a left turn once I meet eyes with Jungkook and I’m not planning on getting off on any more exits on this road trip. I join Veronica in the kitchen and sit down on the barstool next to Amanda.

“Hey girls! What movie you guys watching?” My mom says coming out in her robe. She does this thing where she has a cup of coffee right before bed so when she wakes up she isn’t groggy which is honestly smart but probably bad for you.

“It’s called The Kissing Booth, it just came out and I’ve seen it all over my Instagram feed,” Amanda said grabbing some drinks from the fridge.

“Sounds interesting, oh hey honey, I gave Mrs. Stevens your number in case something happened and you couldn’t get a hold of me.” My mom says as she pours her coffee in the coffee pot. My eyes widen with her words, I tried to give her a verbal cue to not mention anything about tonight in front of Veronica and Amanda but she obviously did not listen.

“Oh right! How did that go? Did Jungkook dress up?” Veronica asked.

“Was Yoongi cooking? I imagine him being a great cook.” Amanda said right after Veronica. They both lean onto the counter expecting a reply from me. I use everything in my power to not mention anything I know will upset either of them.

“He did and yes, Yoongi helped make the steaks.” My mom said in place of me. She winked at me as she grabbed her mug and walked back to her room.

“Maybe you can ask Mrs. Stevens for Jungkook and Yoongi’s number and give them to us so we can work our magic,” Veronica said.

“Yeah, maybe I can. She’s probably asleep right now so I won’t bother her until tomorrow about it.” I respond back quickly grabbing anything in my sight I know we’ll need and sprint up the stairs to my room.

The movie was actually really good so far, and oddly relative to my situation. I just sat there the entire time begging for neither Jungkook or Yoongi to text me at all. I mean why would they, they already texted me once today and that was probably enough interaction either of them wanted with me. But something about the difference in the tone of the texts couldn’t get out of my mind. Jungkook’s was very forward while Yoongi’s was apologetic and kind. Maybe how they text shows their personality to a T, I honestly could see Jungkook being the forward, dominant guy. I mean, he’s a classic jock and obviously, everyone wants a piece of him. And then there was Yoongi, the quiet nonsocial guy who probably has a secret passion he thinks is weird to everyone else. I can see myself being really close with Yoongi since we both seem like we have the same kind of personality. But all I could think about was Jungkook and how he did not have to text me, but he did. He took time out of his day to text me saying I looked good. No guy has ever said I looked good, mostly because all i wear are soccer shorts and t-shirts and no makeup on a daily basis. There was just something different about him that I wanted to find out.

“Earth to E, are you even watching the movie,” Amanda said waving her hand in front of my face.

“Huh?” I respond back realizing we’re already almost over with the movie.

“You’ve been zoned out for the past 15 minutes, what’s going on?” Veronica says pausing the movie.

“Nothing, I just think I ate something pretty bad tonight,” I said. I excuse myself to go to the bathroom while Veronica and Amanda continue to watch the movie. I grab my phone before I head into the bathroom to see if I got any more texts. I looked into my messages and realized I never responded to Yoongi, he probably thinks I’m avoiding him from what happened this morning.

Emily- Omg thank you so much, and it wasn’t awkward at all. I had a really good time :)

I send it off. I got the feeling of being comfortable talking to Yoongi other than the other way around when I texted Jungkook earlier. There was something about him that was so welcoming like we had been friends for 5 years already. I really wanted to further this friendship but was scared to because my life was so good at the moment and I did not want anything to mess up.

Before heading back out to my room, I checked my messages one more time and Jungkook had responded. I sit back down onto the toilet (with the lid closed) and braced myself before reading it.

Jungkook- We should hang out sometime soon, maybe play a game or get something to eat

Did he ask me out? Did he ask me on a date? Was this going to be my first date? My heart was racing out of my chest, I honestly felt like I need to throw up I was so nervous. I wanted to run to Veronica and Amanda so bad and share the news but I held myself back. I braced the toilet seat and screamed internally before grabbing my phone with shaking hands and reading the message over and over again to make sure this was real. I held my phone close to my heart and said a quick prayer hoping this would turn out okay and everyone would be happy.

Emily- I agree! Just let me know whenever you’re free

Jungkook- I’m free tomorrow after tryouts end if you want to stick around and toss the ball around and then we can get some food.

Emily- That would be cool! Let’s do that then.

Jungkook- It’s a date ;)

I fall off the toilet and onto the floor melting from the thought of getting to spend even 5 minutes alone with him, let alone a few hours. I want it to be tomorrow already. Nothing else matters in my world right now except Jungkook and praying that I do not make a fool of myself.

“E, are you okay? You’ve been in there for awhile and missed the whole movie.” Amanda knocks on the door. I completely forgot they were still out there. I run to open the door and grab Amanda and pull her in seeing that Veronica had fallen asleep on my floor. I can not hold this in any longer and if I was going to tell someone, it’d be her.

“You promise not to tell V any of this?” I tell her whispering.

“Woah, I don’t know, we don’t keep secrets around here.” She says getting scared.

“This is really important to me and it would mean a lot to me because I really need to get it off of my chest,” I say.

“Why don’t you go wake up your mom and tell her, I don’t know if I can have the pressure of a secret between us,” Amanda responds as she tries to grab for the door handle to leave.

“A! Come on!” I say back pulling her away.

“Okay fine, what is it?” She says. I pull her down to the floor so we’d be closer and she’d be able to hear me.

“Read.” I shove my phone in her face and watch her reactions as she goes through the message between Jungkook and me.

“E, what are you doing?! V called dibs!!” Amanda yells. I quickly quiet her down before telling her everything from the moment we walked into the Stevens house. I tell her about the dinner, about the dress, what my mom said, everything. Obviously, nothing at Yoongi because there’s nothing between us anyway so that’s irrelevant.

“Are you happy?” She responds. I shake my head smiling as wide as I could. She smiles back at me and takes my hand into hers.

“I want you to be careful. If V ever found out about any of this, she’d flip. Please, be careful.” Amanda says with sincerity.

“I will I promise,” I say back giving Amanda a hug. We both walk out of the bathroom and wake up Veronica. They both grab their stuff and head home since they’ve both got work in the morning. I throw my phone onto my bed and go to try and take my makeup off with water and soap because I don’t have the supplies to do it the right way. As I’m in the bathroom I hear my phone ring on my bed. I ignore it thinking it’s those stupid spam calls I’ve been getting a lot lately. But it keeps ringing. I walk over and grab it and see I’ve missed 3 calls from Jungkook. I tense up immediately, I don’t know if it was a mistake or intentional. I mean, he wouldn’t mistake a call three times. I pace around my room wondering if I should call him back, maybe it was something important. What if someone is breaking into his house? But he’d call 911 then. What if he got locked out and needed a place to sleep? Then he’d call his mom. I finally bit the bullet and called him back. The rings were the longest rings I had ever experienced in my life.

“Hello” He answered in a deep voice. Ugh gosh, I love sleep voice on guys.

“Hey, you called?” I answered trying to seem chill and calm when I was not.

“Yeah, I don’t know why but I got the urge to call and tell you to look out your window.” He said. I race to my window and open the curtains. Across the street, I can see straight into Jungkook’s room. There he was, sitting on his roof outside his window. The light was perfectly shining on his face creating a shadow on the other side. He was in the same clothes as when I first saw him and his hair was a mess like he had been tumbling around in bed trying to fall asleep.

“What are you doing?” I respond back. Like seriously, sitting on your roof is dangerous.

“I don’t know, I wanted some fresh air and this seemed perfect. Hey, I wanted to ask if you wanted to do something right now actually, I just can’t wait until tomorrow to see you.” He said. I tried to hold in my freak out session since he can actually see me this time. So i just curl up my toes and put all of my pressure and tense into that to seem calm on top and in my voice.

“Right now? Its 1:30am” I say back. I mean, I’m totally okay with doing something but I didn’t want his mom to freak out or anything,

“Perfect time to have some fun, I’ll get changed and pull up in front of your house in 10 minutes.” He says hanging up. I watch him as he crawls back into his window and closes it shut. I was not prepared for this. This was not my life. I was not about to go on a date, with a boy, in the middle of the night. Luckily my mom is a very heavy sleeper and is very strict with her daily schedule so she won’t be up for another 8 hours. I grab a pair of shoes and a sweatshirt and head downstairs trying to be as quiet as I can. I had never left the house this late before and suddenly everything was louder than it normally was. I make my way to my front door and manage to open it and close it quietly and I turn around and there he was, leaning up against his truck waiting for me. I hold back my happy dance and walk towards him. His hair was still a mess but he had changed into Adidas soccer pants instead of his sweatpants.

“Where shall we go this fine night?” He says as I get closer to him.

“I don’t know, why don’t we drive around and let the world take us where it thinks we should go,” I say holding back my laughter at this stupid way I’m talking.  He smiles back at me and walks around to the other side of the truck and opens the door for me. I got into the truck and immediately got a text from Amanda.

A- be careful

She must’ve seen me walk out my door and meet with Jungkook. Part of me knows this is wrong and I spend a few seconds debating if I should be here or not, but then Jungkook gets in the truck and turns the key and I lose thought of whatever debate I was having. I look at Amanda’s house and I see her sitting by her window watching Jungkook and me. She smiles at me and I smile back letting her know I was going to be careful. I really hope she doesn’t burst and tell Veronica.  

[astrofireworks]

house of cards: a night circus binu au (v)

part i | part ii | part iii | part iv

The book in his lap is probably half his weight; it’s big and heavy and musty and the font size is way too small for Eunwoo to read without squinting. The room is dim – the only light coming in is that of dying sunlight streaming in through the window, but he needs to finish this chapter before his instructor comes back.

He does not mind the reading; the only books at the place he was at before the man picked him up were torn and tattered, flipped through so often that some of the words on the edges of pages were rubbed away. It’s new content too, not just stories and soft romances, but words spinning a whole world about magic. There are symbols littering the page, small scribbles next to each symbol explaining its meaning.

He absentmindedly traces a symbol from the book onto his thigh – this one means ‘green’, he thinks. He needs to ask his instructor if he can have a notebook to take notes in; there’s no way he can store all these symbols in his head.

The rattle of the door flying open and hitting the wall vibrates through the whole apartment and Eunwoo looks up just as his instructor turns the doorknob.

He slides into the room and peers at where a small Eunwoo is folded on the floor, giant book in his lap. “You have a table.”

“There’s no light,” Eunwoo replies evenly.

The man frowns and pulls a scrap of paper out of his pocket. He scrawls few small symbols on it and presses his thumb on it once, hard. It flashes red. Eunwoo watches as the man flings the piece of paper into the air and it disappears.  

Almost instantly a soft glow is shed on the table; there is no apparent source. Eunwoo’s eyes are wide with wonder and the man chuckles.

“You’ll learn to do that,” he says.

Eunwoo looks down at the book on his lap, then back up at his instructor, eyes still round in awe.

The man crouches down next to Eunwoo, and with a single flip, reaches the exact page in the book. “That one,” he says, pointing to the symbol for ‘light’, “and this one.” His finger travels down the page to ‘source’. “You’ll learn to do that, when you’re ready.”

“When I’m ready?”

The man settles down on the floor next to Eunwoo. “When I determine that you’re ready. But in the meantime, we have a promise to fulfil.”

Eunwoo blinks.

The man reaches into his pocket and pulls out a golden charm. He slides it into a chain and leans forward to settle it around Eunwoo’s neck. The charm rests like a weight on Eunwoo’s heart.

“It’s going to hurt,” the man warns. “You can hold my hand, if you like.”

Eunwoo shakes his head, but squeezes his eyes shut anyway, and sure enough, there is a burning flash on his chest where the charm has settled against his heart. He nearly topples over from a combination of the pain and the shock.

A world away, Bin doubles over the dinner table, hand pawing at his chest.

~

The iron-wrought gates tower over everything, and Bin can see them even a hundred-people-long-queue distance away.

He wonders when the people at the front of the queue arrived - Jinjin and he have been standing in line for five minutes but already more and more people have gathered behind them in an untidy line. How long it’d take for the person at the ticketing booth to get through them all, Bin has no idea.

He fidgets and checks the time on his phone again for the fifth time in three minutes. Five forty-three.

Rocky said that the circus opens at sunset, and it’s due to happen in about two minutes. Bin squints at the sky. Perhaps there’s some way to make it set faster...

“Whatever you’re thinking, don’t do it. You’re lucky it’s wintertime, sunset’s just a few minutes more,” Jinjin admonishes. He’s tapping away on his phone, no doubt updating the Magician about how popular the circus seems to be.

Bin sighs, and almost on cue, fireworks explode from beyond the gates.

Immediately the crowd hushes and all faces collectively turn towards the sky. The fireworks are bright pure white; they seem to hang in the air, a silver reminder in a deep purple sky that what the people are about to experience is indeed close to, if not, magic.

“Silver,” Jinjin breathes from beside him.

“Silver,” Bin confirms. He yearns to reach for a bit of that silver magic, to taste it, to see what it’s like, but there are too many people around to use his own.

A beat, and more fireworks start blossoming across the night sky. They come in all colours, painting a phrase, slowly and clearly in neat script on the night canvas - “The Circus of Dreams”. Then, slowly, each pinprick of light falls from the sky and onto the circus below; lights start popping on, one by one, candle by candle, as far as the audience can see.

There is another beat, then thunderous applause. Already the audience is impressed, and they have yet to buy their entrance tickets. If anything, those who were unsure about forking over money for a night of entertainment are now convinced that this is their only chance to experience something close to magical.

There is an almost imperceptible rumble, and the gates slowly drift apart.

As Bin and Jinjin shuffle up to the ticketing booth, the man behind the counter squints at them, then at a picture on his computer monitor, then waves Jinjin’s offered payment away. They are presented with two silver tickets - “Courtesy of the acrobats,” the man says and waves them in.

“Rocky pulling through,” Jinjin grins as they walk away, and tucks his ticket into his wallet. “Any idea where you want to head to first?”

~

Jinjin… has no idea where he is.

Bin had the great idea of betting food on who could exit a mirror maze the fastest, and between Bin’s mischievous grin and the delicious smell of cinnamon and buttery popcorn in the air, Jinjin’s resolve melted.

And now he’s stuck in here.

He taps forlornly on a mirror. “Get your shit together,” Jinjin says. His reflection, twice his width and half his height, stares back.

He sighs and turns around, looking at the ceiling in hopes of catching a glimpse of pipes, exit lights, anything that might indicate a direction in which he can move next, but all he sees staring back at him are different versions of Jinjin.

“You,” he points to a Jinjin with glasses, “Tell me how to get out.” The Jinjin with glasses blinks and shrugs. The Jinjin with a scarf next to him throws his hands in the air and falls to his knees dramatically.

“You and me both,” Jinjin huffs at his reflection and looks despondently around.

There is a laugh. “Need some help?”

Jinjin whirls around. All he can see in all directions are himself – where did that voice come from?

“What– who?”

There is another bright giggle, all sunshine and delight.

“I run the maze, I can help you get out,” the voice offers, smile evident.

Jinjin scowls. “Is it always this difficult to exit?” At this rate, Bin might already be in that long line for those churros they spotted before coming in.

“Look, he’s cute even when he’s scowling,” the voice sighs dreamily. “Maybe I should help.”

Jinjin blinks. Cute?

A light blinks on somewhere overhead to Jinjin’s right, and he forgets about the voice’s words as he hurries towards it. The mirror with a Jinjin twice his height swings open, and he pushes through into a room nearly identical to the one he just left.

“I don't normally help patrons in getting out of my maze, but that’s because nobody’s gotten lost in here before,” the voice muses.

Jinjin huffs and looks carefully at all his reflections. The Jinjin slurping pasta looks up from his bowl just as Jinjin places a finger on his mirror to push through to the next room. “Are you sure? It seems harder than that.”

The voice sulks, “Of course I’m sure. I run this place, remember? Everyone makes it out in relatively little time. You’re the only one that’s taken more than ten minutes to clear the first half of the maze, so I thought I’d step in.”

Jinjin squints at a reflection sipping coffee and decides that it is not the right choice. “You calling me slow?” he calls out, tentatively pressing a finger to the Jinjin bopping along to music. It stays closed.

The voice sighs, and a light comes on above the Jinjin sipping coffee. “It’s okay. You’re cute enough that being slow won’t matter.”

“You’d help anyone cute?” Jinjin mumbles distractedly, stepping past his coffee-loving reflection. The exit’s close; he can hear vague chatter coming from outside the tent.

The voice hums for a while before answering, “Like I said, nobody’s needed help before. But,” it adds as the Jinjin in a cap looks up at the blinking light above his head, “I do expect some compensation for helping you.”

Jinjin looks up too. “Compensation?”

“Get hot chocolate with me,” the voice offers, just as Jinjin reaches the exit.

Jinjin pauses, hand on the mirror leading outside. He doesn’t know who this voice belongs to – all he knows is that it is male (?), that it owns the mirror maze and that it, for some reason, enjoys helping cute people. Or people who can’t make their way out of its maze alone, Jinjin amends lamely.

Still, if the owner of the voice is an employee of the circus, it wouldn’t do that much harm to meet it, would it? If anything, making more friends in the circus might help Bin find out who his opponent is.

Jinjin sighs and looks up at the ceiling once again. “Sure, why not?”

There is a bright laugh and an echo of someone clapping delightedly. “Great! See you outside!”

The mirror swings open and Jinjin steps out into the brightly lit circus, ambient chattering and and buttery scents resuming full strength. He looks around, but he has no idea where Bin is – Bin’s probably wandered off in search of either Rocky or food, Jinjin muses. Most likely the latter.

There is a small white blur beside him, and Jinjin turns to greet it. It is a boy about his height, with messy bangs, large, curious eyes and mouth already quirked up in a smile. He is bundled up in a large white coat that nearly reaches his ankles, and it gives off the vague impression of the boy being a marshmallow.

“Sorry I’m late! I had to go swap the sign at the maze entrance. My name’s MJ, what’s yours?”

Jinjin is too startled to reply; he was expecting an old man for some strange reason, even though the voice clearly belonged to a young person.  

The boy’s eyes brush over Jinjin once, twice, before meeting Jinjin’s gaze.

“You’re my height,” the boy says, eyes crinkling up in delight. “Fantastic.”

wow remember when i said this was going to be a binu au yet myungjin came to attack me first asjdfhasjd

[paarraanoid]

“You’re Too Young” -- Michael Del Zotto Imagine (Part 1)

A/N – It seems there will be more parts to the Story of Zoe and Michael! This makes me excited, enjoy!

(Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) (Part 6)

Keep one foot in front of the other, that’s what I kept telling myself…or, at least that’s what Macy kept telling me. “Zoey! Are you sure you want another drink? You think you’ll be alright?” Macy’s wide eyes stared at me as she yelled over the loud music.

I smiled at my best friend. “Absolutely!” I grabbed my glass and slipped through the groups of people that scattered the dance floor and the tables. I spotted an open seat at the bar and picked up my pace, but quickly spun around to throw Macy a thumb’s up. This action caused me to narrowly miss a bunch of drunks in my path, which would have resulted in broken glasses, and probably a fist fight.

I slid onto the lone vinyl seat at the bar and waited for the bartender to make his rounds. I bobbed my head back and forth to the music and clinked my nails along my glass. The alcohol visibly working its magic. I closed my eyes and smiled as I let the music take me into another world. That was until the sound of a glass being slammed down in front of me broke my concentration.

I looked at the magically appearing drink in front of me, highly confused. I certainly don’t remember ordering myself another drink…or did I? I picked up the drink and took a strong sniff.

A whiskey sour.

I love whiskey sours.

“Uh, excuse me, bartender!” My abhorrent volume caught his attention. “I didn’t order this!” I pointed at the drink. He nodded his head before turning his attention to another customer.

“You didn’t, but I did.” A heavy, thick voice chimed in from my side. The heat from his breath made the hairs on my arms stand up. A rush of adrenaline spiked through my body. Heat rushed to my face. A smirk played upon my lips as I turned my head to meet his gaze.

“And how did you know whiskey sours are my favorite?”

“Because I’m the one who got you hooked.”

“Were you now, Michael?” His name rolled across my tongue in a sultry manner, and I just so lightly batted my eyelashes–my best attempt at being playful. I remember sitting in his kitchen just a few years ago in Ontario. Our families gathered for a Christmas celebration in the living room while Michael taught me the art of bartending (sort-of) and how to order the best drinks at the bar. Determined to drink hard liquor, but not throw it up at the same time, Michael suggested I try a whiskey sour and the rest is history.

His smile faded and his voice turned stern. “Zoey, what are you doing here.”

“Explain?”

“I thought I told you to stay out of bars.”

I rolled my eyes hard enough to cause pain in my head. “And here’s your protectiveness coming out again. God, let me live.” The liquid drink hit my lips, but not for long. Michael grabbed the glass and brought it back to the counter.

“You just took a sip of that drink and anyone here could have spiked it. I watched you close your eyes justs minutes ago.”

What in the world was he talking about? “Michael! You’re the one who ordered the drink! You would have watched the whole thing being made!”

“Zoey.” And now his condescending tone was alive, too.

My hands covered my eyes and then ran themselves through my hair. Frustrated, I spoke, “What is your issue, Michael?” He leaned forward to speak into my ear, rather than letting the entire bar hear our conversation.

“You’re underage Zoey. You shouldn’t be risking your chances.” He pulled back and gave me a hard look. One of his legs was bouncing up and down, one of his hands was gripping the back of my chair and the other was gripping his drink.

“And yet,” I grasped his shoulder, “you just bought me a drink. Thanks for adding to the cause. Cheers.” I tipped my glass before sliding off the seat to head back in the direction towards my friends. When I sat back down in the booth, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding. Macy was staring at me, silently questioning my encounter, while everyone else was too far gone to realize what was going on.

I nodded my head in the direction of the bar for Macy. Only, when I peeked my head around the corner of the booth, Michael was no longer at the bar, the seat now occupied by another client. “Was that Michael I saw? What is he doing here?” I shook my head because I no longer had a clue. He might have had a game tonight and him and a few of his teammates decided to go out for a drink. That was the only probable cause. But with us both living in Philly, we did seem to end up at the same places, too frequently.

“Macy…I don’t even know anymore. He’s trying to get me to stop coming to bars underage. Like, I’m 20, Mace! I know what I’m doing!” I took a quick second to admit to myself that maybe I didn’t know what I was doing, but I seemed to be pretty good at it. “I’m not going to get caught, but he still freaks out. I can handle my alcohol. And dear god, he even bought me this drink. He contradicts himself with everything he does!”

Macy’s eyes carefully scanned the room and her face dropped soon after. “He’s watching you like a hawk.”

My eyes followed her direction and low and behold, there was Michael. Leaning against a high-top, ankles crossed, drink in hand, staring straight at me. His jaw was clenched. Someone who I suppose is his teammate was speaking to him, but he wasn’t paying any attention to the rookie. “It’s like he’s an overprotective brother.” I scoffed while watching him as well.

“Maybe your father put a price on his head if anything happened to you while home in the states. Ya’ know, because you aren’t living in Canada with him.”

My focus was back to Macy. “Maybe. But what about my sister, hm? Why doesn’t my dad make anyone pay attention to her?” Macy shook her shoulders in question.  “Do I really seem like that much of a liability?!” Macy let out a boisterous laugh and I couldn’t help but join in with her. A smile spread across my face and the annoyance I had with Michael was beginning to disappear.

As the night progressed, I realized more drinks were flowing to our table, my already drunk friends more than happy to keep the buzz going. Macy and I participated in a few rounds but then opted to call some Ubers and get our girlfriends back to campus, safely.

“Always the mom,” Macy spoke as I helped usher the last into a car, providing the address.

“It’s in my nature. What can I say.” We shared one last laugh until Macy’s phone lit up.  Her eyes scanned the text and then a car pulled up out front.

“Shit, Zoey, I totally forgot to tell you. I’m supposed to be staying the night at Justin’s.” I looked towards the car and saw Justin wave towards us, his shy smile making an appearance.

“That’s okay.”

“But Alex and Ally aren’t going to be at the apartment either, this weekend. I can’t let you go home by yourself, let alone be at the apartment by yourself.”

“Macy, relax!” She was heading into panic mode. “I’ll be alright. I’m—”

“I’ll get her home safe, Macy.” A voice chimed in behind us. Michael was slipping his jacket on as he headed in our direction. Macy gave me a disapproving look.

“You can always come home with Justin and I. Might put a wrench in our plans but if it’ll get you away from him, we can suffice without sex for one night,” she whispered in my ear.

Pulling her into a hug I reassured her. “I appreciate it, Mace. I really, really do. But I’ll be alright with Michael. Besides, it seems we have to have a talk.”

“It’s like you two are in a relationship. Better work that shit out.” She gave me one last hug before running off to Justin, with the car eventually pulling away from the curb.

I turned back to Michael and cocked my head to the side. The alcohol was making me sleepy and I wasn’t really in the mood to argue. I had to admit, I didn’t really have a game plan about what I was going to do tonight, being all by myself in my apartment. Macy was right about that much. But I also had to give thanks to Michael for offering to get me home. At least I always had someone to fall back on in this city when I was in a pinch.

“Well howdy, Cowboy.” I smiled at Michael as I turned around and he helped me slip on my jacket.

“C’mon, you troublemaker. We gotta get you home.”

Michael ushered his hand in a motion to get me walking, so I wrapped my arms around his one free one and we were on our way to his car. It was quiet for a few minutes and I could hear Michael playing with his keys in his pocket. “You look nice tonight. Did you have a game?”

“I thought you told me you watch all of my games?”

“I may or may not have told a small white lie.” I smiled up at him as we approached his car, his Audi looking slick in the night. “Are you okay to drive, Michael? You had a few drinks.” He opened the passenger door for me.

“Are you fine, Zoey?”

He stood staring at me with the door open. “Of course! Why would you think I’m not?” With a motion to get in the car, I placed one foot in the vehicle and crouched down. “Oof!” I squealed as a loud thump was heard.

“Zoey, Jesus Christ! Be careful with yourself!” Michael caught me as I smacked my head against the outside of the car. My hand immediately began rubbing my temple.

“I guess I need to crouch lower next time.” And so I did, and successfully sat in the car the second time around.  Michael slammed the door shut and before he even got into the driver’s seat, I had myself buckled. That was one less thing he could scold me about.

It was easy to tell that he was upset. His shoulders were tight with tension and honestly, I thought his suit jacket might rip if he moved too quickly. His chest was inflating and deflating as if he was trying to calm himself down from something. What could it have been? As he threw his seat belt over his body, I heard the loud click and then the dangling of keys. The engine of the car roared to life and the dashboard lit up in an array of colors.

Michael pulled the car out of the parking deck and onto the seemingly quiet street. I watched out the window as building after building passed, all of the lights blurring together. With my eyes closed, I can still see the flashes of colors as we pass street lamps and elegant houses and hit stoplight after stoplight. “You know the way to my apartment?” I spoke quietly with my eyes still closed and head resting gently against the seat. A small smile was plastered on my lips.

“I’m not taking you to that goddamn apartment.” At his remark I peeked one eye open.

“And why not?”

“Zoey…” his condescending tone reemerged as if I was supposed to already know the answer.

“Michael…” I copied. He breezed through the intersection we were supposed to turn at. “You missed the turn. Now you’re gonna have to go up one more block and make a left—”

“Zoey I don’t feel safe with you living in that apartment.” He interjected.  “You’re in a bad area of Philly. I’m not taking you there, especially when none of your other roommates are home.”

“Michael you have got to be kidding me.”

“Does it sound like I’m kidding you?”

“So where you do you expect me to stay tonight then, huh?” The car jerked to a stop when we hit a red light. Green flashed in the adjacent direction and I focused my attention on the cars in front. I also noticed that Michael hadn’t turned his left blinker on yet.

“Don’t be stupid, you’ll stay at my place.”

With the leftover alcohol searing through my body, it was easy to get a little fired up. Screw me not being in the mood to argue–Michael was making it so easy to do.  “Michael, we’ve talked about this a million times already! This apartment is all I can afford with the job I have plus my bills for school. If my parents hadn’t moved to Canada, I’d be commuting. But that doesn’t seem to be an option, so I’m doing the best that I can,” I managed to forcefully huff out. “I’m sorry that not all of us make millions of dollars each year and can afford to live wherever they like.” I crossed one leg over the other in my seat and ran my hand through my hair. The light turned green but Michael didn’t move his foot off the break.

I gave him a hard stare and then looked at the light to infer that he could indeed proceed forward. But no, he continued to keep his foot on the break and his attention focused on the wheel. Why in the sam hell will he not move this car forward? I glanced behind me to see the cars that were growing impatient, except there were none. The light flashed amber and then red and we were once again going to sit through a three-minute light rotation.

“Don’t use that against me, that’s not fair.”

Not fair? Are you kidding? “Life’s not fair. But tough shit, that’s the truth. Now since you seem to make all of my decisions for me, why don’t you make the decision to take me back to my place. At the very least let me get some goddamn clothes to change into.” I mumbled the last part, tired and dreaming about sleep. I crossed my arms and pouted like a child. Might as well, since it seemed Michael was treating me like one.

Catching onto my antics, Michael called me out. “Stop it, Zoey. I’m doing you a favor.”

“A favor? And what would that be?”

“I’m taking care of you.”

“Why, because I can’t take care of myself? My knight in shining armor, God bless.” I ended my speech as Michael pulled up next to the curb. I lept from the car even before he shut off the engine and unbuckled his seatbelt. I made quick up the stairs to my apartment and threw open the front door, Michael somehow hot on my heels. One more flight of stairs and I found myself outside my front door. “Why are you following me,” I said to Michael as I fiddled with the sticky lock. I put a little weight into the door and it opened on cue. Definitely going to try that more often.

“I don’t like this part of Philly.”

“It’s not even North Philly. Relax.” I crouched down when I felt fuzz against my leg, greeting a purring Binx.

“You have a cat? Since when?”

“Correction, Macy has a cat. Say hi to Binx!” I scooped the furball up in my arms and flicked his paw up and down as if waving hi to Michael.  

“Binx?” Michael questioned as he scratched Binx’s ear.

“Yeah, you know, Binx. The black cat from Hocus Pocus?” Nothing. “Seriously? You’ve never seen Hocus Pocus? With Sarah Jessica Parker?” Still nothing. Wow.

I placed Binx on the floor and quickly poured a scoop of food into his bowl. Then I backtracked my way to my room to pack some clothes. I pushed my closet door open and pulled my small duffle bag from the shelf. Then I pulled some shirts and pants and extra socks from my drawers. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush…I mentally went through a list of toiletries as threw it all into my duffle. I tried to calm myself down by breathing in through my nose and out through my mouth. Michael always knew how to press my buttons, but tonight he was just being stupid. His actions were unnecessary and I was starting to feel like I was trapped in a fishbowl, with him watching my every move all the time.

“This your room?” I heard Michael’s voice from behind me as I zipped up my bag.

“Mhm.”

“It’s clean. And organized. Very minimal.”

“You sound surprised.” I flashed a quick look at him. His attention was spanning the walls of my room.  “What did you think it would be like? Your room? Hell no.” Michael let out a small chuckle as I brushed passed him and into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. I stripped off my dress and slid into a worn pair of leggings, followed by a sports bra and sweatshirt. I opened the door and threw my clothes into my hamper and found Michael lying down on my bed. “Comfortable?” He just nodded his head. I walked back into the bathroom and removed my contacts from my eyes, then what makeup was left on my face. The last accessories were my glasses and my trusty Converse.  

“C’mon,” I tapped Michael’s leg as I grabbed my stuff, trying to wake him up.

“You should let me get you a place,” Michael said softly from his position on my bed.

This response was certainly out of the blue. “No, you’re not doing that. Now let’s go before I kick you out and stay here for the night.”

“I’m serious, Zoe, you should let me get you place.” I hooked my hands around Michael’s arms and pulled him up and then shuffled him out of my room, locking my door behind me.

“Absolutely not.”

“I know it would make your father feel better about living in the city on your own—”

“It would make my father feel better, or it would make you feel better?” I retorted, his shoulders dropping. Binx came trotting back to me as I walked to the kitchen to fill my water bottle. “Hey bud, I love you lots.” His purring surfaced as I scratched his ear and stared into his green eyes. “Get some sleep, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He meowed at me when I removed my touch. “Fine, one kiss, that’s it.” I crouched and gave him one kiss on the head, which emitted many more purrs. “Now, I will see you tomorrow.” I scolded at him. He skidded to the window seal and made himself comfortable.

“You talk to all animals like that?”

“Just Binx. He’s one-of-a-kind.” I secured my water bottle in a pocket of my duffle and reached for the door handle of the apartment when the door burst open to a giggly Alex and a mysterious guy. I stumbled backward in my attempts to dodge getting smacked by the door and also getting tackled by the two oblivious people in front of me. Michael’s arms instinctively slid under my armpits and he steadied me. A few seconds later, Alex finally realized she and her guest weren’t alone.

“Oh, hi Zoe! Um, I didn’t know you’d be here tonight…” Alex pushed the guy behind her short frame as if she was hiding him and scratched her head.

“Me? You’re the one who’s supposed to be gone the whole weekend.” I giggled at her.

“Oh, yeah, well, change of plans I guess.” She shrugged in embarrassment. My eyes caught hers, then the mystery guy’s. Her’s then darted from mine to Michael’s and I saw her start to squirm. Michael glanced at me, confused as to why Alex was skittish all of a sudden. “So, you and Michael…” she trailed off as she pointed back and forth between us two.

“Yep, okay. We’re done here. Hope you have a fun night, Alex.” I stood upright and pushed Michael out of the apartment and shot my roommate one last look. Her face grew a cherry red at my remark and I made sure to close the door quickly before she changed her mind on her mystery man and lunged at Michael.

“What the—” Michael started as I kept pushing him towards a flight of stairs. ��What just happened?”

“Nothing.”

“Zoey…”

“A drunk Alex is what happened.”

“Wait, did Alex know that guy?” Michael laughed.

“Nope.” He laughed again.

“Did you know that guy?”

“Nope.”

“He kind of looked like me, am I imagining that?”

“No, Michael. You’re not.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Michael turned around abruptly and I slammed right into him. I mumbled a “what” into his chest. “Why was Alex acting all weird?”

“Because you looked at her,” I snorted at the memory of her incompetence to handle her emotions when she had some alcohol in her system.

“And what does that mean?” Michael still wouldn’t let me get by.

“The car, Michael.” I whined and pointed. He gave me his unimpressed look. “Dude, she’s in love with you. Now can we go to the car?” The wall in front of me broke and I bolted, trying not to spend more time out in the cold than necessary.

“And why did she say, ‘So, you and Michael?’” he mimicked.

“Because she thinks there’s a ‘thing’ between us two.”

“A ‘thing?’”

“Yes, a ‘thing.’ That’s Alex and Macy’s nice way of thinking that we’ve already fucked.”

Michael started laughing as he pulled away from the curb and began in the direction of his place. “Why are you laughing?”

“Because, you girls think the craziest things when you’re all liquored up.” He started laughing again. And it kind of hurt.

“Honestly, I’m not surprised. Especially with the amount of time we spend with each other. Not to mention how you somehow manage to always find me at a bar and whisk me away back to your place.” I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see it.

“Zoey, that’s so farfetched and you know it.”

“If it is then why are forcing me to stay the night at your place rather than letting me stay at my own?”

“That’s differ—”

“It’s really not. Lately you’ve been acting as if the world will come crashing down if something happens to me.” I interjected. I let out a large sigh, feeling the air leave my chest. I thought about what I had just said. Would the world come crashing down, or just his world? I wasn’t quite sure, but it seemed like the latter. Aside from his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter, he was quiet and my point was proven.

[loribos]

New Post has been published on Toronto Events, Activities and Entertainment

New Post has been published on http://www.torontonicity.com/2018/02/18/techto-meetup/

What Happens at a #TechTO Meetup?

Once a month, and sometimes even more frequently, hundreds of well connected Toronto area tech workers gather in one spot to listen and learn the latest trends and social tactics presented in recent business case studies at TechTO. This meetup has become a much anticipated monthly occasion and a celebration of good ideas and technological innovations. as the leaders of Canada’s largest companies discuss how they use the internet.

Networking at TechTO on Feb. 12, 2018

TechToronto, or #TechTO, is the biggest monthly technology meetup in the city. But it didn’t start that way: this is the little webmaster convention that grew. If you read the About Us section on the TechToronto.org website, Jason Goldlist describes how the first meetings happened in pubs and restaurants. Outgrowing these smaller venues, the meetup group moved about for many years as it grew and grew until it couldn’t possibly get any larger, and now it’s a monster.

TechToronto went mainstream long ago and is now hosted in the most capacious conference rooms of the tallest bank towers in the city. The 2018 conference schedule features rock star executives from A-list companies and super generous giveaways from the biggest corporations on planet Earth. Sponsors include Facebook, Microsoft, and Rogers is in there too of course, and even General Motors. The City of Toronto itself, Canada’s largest urban center and the fourth largest metropolis in all of North America, is also among the proud sponsors.

Entrepreneurs

Below is Tricia Adler with her two-slice pizza dinner. This enterprising #TechTO attendee retails magic charms online at Amulights.com and is a well known female Canadian webpreneur. She comes to this convention every month to network and connect with people who can grow her business.

Tricia Adler of Amulights.com is a Canadian webpreneur.

The Women in Tech Meetup was present in the foyer. Check Eventbrite for Women in Tech events and to get details on their many activities throughout the city. By the way, men are welcome to join and participate.

So what actually happens at TechTO?

As per the mandate on their website, the monthly TechToronto meetup is designed for Toronto technologists to “learn something new and meet someone new.” The entire evening is organized around an idea that goes back to its root origins; five speakers get five minutes each. Each presentation is made by a Toronto technology company, and they use their time on stage to share a lesson learned, a counter-intuitive finding, or to demonstrate and sometimes even “debut a disruptive new technology.”

Yes, the five show & tell sequences last longer than five minutes each; with questions answered they can stretch to fifteen and sometimes twenty minutes per speaker. And remember, there’s forty minutes of networking over beer and pizza beforehand; put it all together and you’ve got a proven model for tech convention success.

A vendor promotes his business outside of the #TechTO conference room.

A dozen or more vendors line the corners and ends of the lobby area outside the main conference room; every business in a booth presenting out here was busy competing for attention and was therefore giving away something. These baubles ranged from paper wrapped chocolates, free mobile apps, colourful (branded) stickers for laptops and rubber squeeze toys.

Hover Domain Registry at #TechTO Meetup in Toronto

Hover domain registry was there giving away dress socks again – they did that at HackerNest as reported on eMagTO, but this conference is much larger, and so many more socks would be required. Over four hundred people attended TechTO on this Monday night, Feb 12, 2018 – such is the appetite for learning and networking in this sector.

There is one more magic ingredient that makes this mix extra special; Jason Goldlist is among the most charismatic and unique MCs in the city. Iconic on his hover board, he marshals the masses into the theatre with his megaphone.

Chris. host of #TechTO Meetup in Toronto

And then there’s another extra special feature that must have evolved into the activities menu and stayed there because its so popular; after introductions and before the first speaker comes on stage there’s a fifteen-minute open mic session where audience members can regal the masses with their own promotional messaging for ten seconds each. Jason stands, or hovers, beside the speaker with his eyes on a stopwatch, and he will, and often does, take the microphone right out of the speaker’s hand, mid-sentence, at the eleven second mark!

This portion of the itinerary always yields an amazing array of orally-delivered classified-ads style messaging. Someone in the audience will stand and say, ‘We’re looking for developers here’, and someone else will say, ‘I’m an out of work techie please hire me’; it’s a highly entertaining segment that has survived the scheduling because it is so popular, helpful and authentic.

Raymi Lauren at #TechTO Meetup in Toronto

Raymi Lauren strategically positioned herself at the back of the room to lay in waiting, ready to pounce as Jason passed during the open mic session; Toronto web development company Full Stack Resources sends Raymi Toronto to these conventions to make friends and influence people. Carrying brochures and questionnaires from Full Stack Resources, Raymi represents an entirely new business model that peddles custom software solutions over hard-to-find IT staff.

Raymi Lauren speaks to the audience at #TechTO Meetup in Toronto.

When Raymi got the mic, she shouted out solicitations to business owners looking to develop online resources, and also to unemployed programmers and coders looking for work. This duality ensured the message was well received and judging by the similar calls that came afterwards, it may have inspired some other software engineers to broadcast their own technical offerings.

Raymi Lauren speaks at #TechTO Meetup in Toronto.

After the pass-the-conch ceremony concluded, the audience was then treated to some words from the sponsors, and among the highlights here was Michael Dingle from PWC – Price Waterhouse Cooper who showed statistics illustrating how much money was pouring into the tech sector, and particularly to new startups where investors believe they can get more ground level opportunities. Michael is a Partner in the Deals practice of PwC Canada and leads the firm’s Deals efforts in the Technology Sector on a national basis. Run by #CDNTech leaders @dulny, @DingleMichael, #MoneyTree Q2 2017 is available now.

Then the speeches started proper, and first up was Mark Opauszky, Co-founder & CEO of LookBookHQ. His company builds software that accelerates B2B purchase decisions by helping marketing and sales educate prospects and customers faster and more efficiently. They have a great reputation among marketing technology vendors, and LookBookHQ prides itself on being proactive about optimizing performance on behalf of their clients. Mark himself and the Lookbook HQ company as a whole has lots of experience to share with hundreds of deployments under their belt now; at this point they can speak confidently about every nuance and use-case for their software.

Next was Dr. Joshua Landy, Co-founder of Figure1. This firm has made medical sharing technology that allows physicians and institutions to effortlessly share medical cases and get second opinions and additional insights on treatments. Their technology saves lives.  Joshua Landy’s discourse was inspirational; more than once he referenced the value of (and the need for) a Hippocratic oath for technology workers.

Don Mal, the Founder and CEO of Vena was the third speaker and he also explored ethics and workplace ‘best practices’. Vena is enterprise class software for budgeting, planning and forecasting with powerful reporting and analytics display tools.

And finally Jordan Wimmer, CEO and Co-Founder of Thrive Savings took the stage around nine thirty pm. This company earned some gasps when it became clear what exactly they do; Thrive Savings is an automated savings program that attempts to customize itself to each user’s lifestyle, income, and spending habits. The software helps people save money by extracting it when they are least likely to notice or care.  But what piqued the audience is how they ask Canadians if they can link to their bank savings and chequing accounts! And more amazingly, how and why so many people are now saying ‘yes’.

This from their website: “Thrive supports all major banks and credit unions across Canada. We’ll analyze your spending and income patterns and use this data to determine how much to save for you. Thrive is secure. We protect your data with bank-grade 256-bit encryption.”

In summary you could say that the #MeToo movement has definitely impacted these bright lights big city technology companies and female equality but also worker empowerment in general was a talking point in all presentations.

Follow Tech Toronto @TechTorontoOrg , ‏a pillar in the Toronto technology community. Search #Entrepreneurs, #Startups or the hashtag #TechTO in any social medium to get real time updates on this entertaining high-tech knowledge network.