#don't worry the golden trio are still close

[cloudybarnes]

Pretty Boy

Pairing: Harry Potter x reader

Summary: everyone knew you had a thing for the boy who lived, everyone, that is, except for Harry himself.

Word Count: 1.3k

Warnings: Harry is so soft in this it's insane so take this as your warning

Masterlist

✰  ✰  ✰

It wasn't like you were hiding anything.

You prided yourself in being very direct, and very much a go-getter. After transferring from Beauxbatons, you made quick friends at Hogwarts, even with Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

With Harry, you very quickly became fond of the quirky things he would say, and how flustered he would get when you were around.

Some people called you a flirt, but you liked to think you were just really clear about what you wanted.

Him.

You just weren't sure if he felt the same way about you.

"So, (Y/N)." Hermione said as you, her, Harry and Ron walked out of potions class. "Did you want to study for the exam with us? I figure I could use as much help to make sure these two know what they're doing."

"Hey!" Ron complained, "I happen to be smart sometimes too, Hermione. You're not the only one with a brain."

"You're right, Ron." Hermione said. "(Y/N) has a brain as well, that's why I've asked her to come study with us."

Ron rolled his eyes with a grumble.

"I think that'd be nice," Harry softly said.

You grinned. "Well if Harry wants me there, of course I'm down."

His cheeks turned pink as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Ron snickered and playfully elbowed Harry a couple of times. Harry swatted him away; the pink on his cheeks growing a darker shade.

Harry sheepishly smiled at you. "O-of course I want you there!" He stuttered.

You smirked at him. "Don't worry, pretty boy, I promise I'll be there."

Harry's mouth fell open slightly, as Ron started laughing. "Harry, close your mouth for Merlin's sake!" Ron teased Harry by pointing at his parted lips.

Harry swatted Ron's hands away from his face with a scowl. "Shut up, Ron," he muttered.

You laughed. "I'm just gonna catch up to you guys later. Bye, Harry." You sent a wink in his direction as you walked away. Ron's cackling laugh boomed through the hallway as you left.

✰  ✰  ✰

"Hey, (Y/N)!"

You had started walking down the hallways to get to the Gryffindor study hall where you were supposed to meet up with the golden trio when Luna stopped you.

"Hey, Luna!" You smiled as she walked towards you. "Where were you today? I didn't see you in herbology today."

Luna had been one of your closest friends outside of Hermione, Ron, and Harry. She was fun to talk to, and pretty much knew everything about you already and vice versa.

"Yeah," she smiled, "I was off in the woods taking a walk. It's very nice out there this time of year, you know that?"

You nodded, "oh yeah, it really is."

"So where are you heading off to?"

"Hermione invited me to help them study for the potions exam we've got coming up."

"Oh!" She grinned, "will Harry be there?"

You giggled, "he will be there. Did I tell you he specifically said he wanted me to come with them! I just about died, Luna, like my heart was fluttering like crazy."

Luna chuckled, "You guys need to get together already! Unless you're keeping it a secret from me," Luna squinted her eyes at you playfully.

You laughed. "No, we're not dating. Not yet at least." You winked at her.

"Ahem," a throat cleared behind you.

Turning around, you saw Harry standing there, a bewildered look on his face, and a red burning in his cheeks.

"Um," he stuttered, "I didn't mean to interrupt, I just wanted to make sure you were still coming to the study hall."

Slowly, you turned back to Luna who gave you a sorry smile.

"Well," she said, "I'm going to leave you two alone. I'll see you later, (Y/N/N)." With that, she walked away, leaving you alone with the boy who basically just heard you telling Luna you wanted to date him.

You looked back to Harry with a soft smile. Even though you laid your flirting on so thick with Harry, that wasn't as scary as this. Flirting was innocent. If he didn't reciprocate your feelings, you could always act like you were just messing around.

Now, though, it was the real deal. Even if you looked composed on the outside, you were freaking out quite a bit on the inside.

"Yeah, I'll be there." You smiled, "I'd never ditch my favorite boy."

Harry choked on a gasp.

"You okay?" You asked, stepping a little closer to him.

Harry gazed up at you with confusion, but also intrigue.

"What are you doing?" He asked softly.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean like-like with me? Why do you say things like that to me?"

Instinctively, you took a step back. "I'm sorry? I didn't know you felt some type of way about how I acted." You felt horrible. Maybe you had done a little too much. Maybe you had flirted too hard and too blatantly that it scared him off.

"No!" He practically shouted. "No, I mean, ahem, I mean I don't feel any type of way about it. I mean, yeah I feel some type of way, but not like- not like a bad way, if that makes sense. I mean more like in a good way, you know? But also, like in a confused way. I'm not sure, I mean, I like when you say things like that to me, but it's also confusing because why would you say things like that to me?" Harry rambled on.

You couldn't help but chuckle a little.

He looked up at you when you laughed, and gave you a sheepish smile. "Too much?" He asked.

You shook your head with a smile. "No, just enough. So you don't think I come off too strong when I flirt with you?"

Harry grinned. "So you are flirting with me!"

You chuckled, "I would hope you consider that flirting. I'm not sure if you know this, but I don't go around calling too many people 'pretty boy' or 'my favorite boy'."

He blushed. "Yeah, that's what Ron said, but I didn't believe him. I just can't believe out of all the guys that like you, you like me instead."

You smiled, "So Ron told you I liked you?"

"Well, he may have mentioned it a time or two or twenty," he chuckled, "I just didn't believe him."

"How could I not like you? You're Harry, you're incredibly sweet, and selfless, and so much more. Anyone with eyes would like you, Harry."

His face turned ten shades of red. "That's how I feel about you, too, (Y/N). But with you, it's just obvious everyone loves you. You walk in a room and every single head turns. You laugh, and the birds start singing. You smile, and the sun quivers from how bright you light the place up."

With every word coming from Harry's lips, you found yourself more and more drawn to him. Your heart beat erratically.

"I didn't realize you thought so highly of me." It was your turn to blush now. You could feel your face getting incredibly hot by the sweet words he spoke. You never thought Harry would like you back, especially not as intensely as he's describing. Frankly, you didn't know he had such a way with words.

"I think you're incredible, (Y/N), and if you would let me, I'd like to take on a-a date sometime?" He suggested.

You grinned at him and grabbed his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'd love to, Harry."

He grinned, and held on tight to your hand.

For a minute there, the two of you just stared at each other, smiling. You started to giggle. "As much as I would love to stay here like this, we promised Hermione we would study with her and Ron."

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that." Harry admitted, sheepishly.

You chuckled, "come on, let's not keep them waiting, pretty boy."

Harry grinned. "I like that nickname."

"I like you."

[weasleyreidstyles]

Serendipity

chapter eleven

summary: it was only meant to be a purely transactional relationship. he would help her strengthen her abilities in return for her getting his friends out of his father's nasty path. he didn't mean to fall for her, but loving her was the easiest thing in his dark world.

no use of y/n, but your general nickname is Meadow. all characters are aged up to be over 18.

pairings: mattheo riddle x fem!ravenclaw reader; platonic!slytherins x fem!reader; platonic!golden trio x fem!reader

warning(s): fighting, mentions blood, more angst lol

series masterlist; previous part; next part

The three of you sit in varying states of unrest beside Ron's hospital bed.

Hermione was still gripping his hand, as if her touch would entice him to wake up; Ginny was throwing a ball against the nearest wall as she quietly chatted to Mione, ignoring the glares of annoyance from the matron every time her ball made a thwack sound against the stone; you were sat on one of the uncomfortable chairs, a copy of 'Mythical Lore' in your lap, your eyes darting to and from Ron's chest to check that he was still breathing. Harry was Merlin knows where, but you knew he'd be back soon, never willing to leave his friends in distress for too long.

It had been like this for hours. Your tears had dried up and your anger had simmered away slowly; all that was left was the hollow feeling of helplessness and despair as you sat there.

Helpless against the poison that was slowly leaving Ron's bloodstream.

Helpless against forces that harmed your friends.

Helpless to whatever was happening to you.

A monster is what you were. A mythical, dangerous monster. Your gut churned with unease.

The somewhat peaceful atmosphere was interrupted as the doors to the Hospital Wing behind you burst open in a flurry that alerted Madame Pomfrey instantly.

"What is the meaning of this?" she said to whoever had appeared in the doorway. You swivelled in your seat to see, noting Ginny's incredulous look and Hermione's annoyed one, which could only mean one thing.

"Where is my Won-Won?" the squeaky voice of Lavender Brown sliced through the calm. "Cormac McClaggen told me he was here but I didn't believe him."

Madame Pomfrey tutted at her dramatics and pointed the girl in the direction of where you were all sat. You tensed at the blazing heat simmering in Lavender's eyes as she looked between Hermione's hand in Ron's.

"Y'alright Brown?" you say with a grimaced smile, discontent with the fact that you knew the other two wouldn't dare to speak. "Ron's been out for a few hours. Should be cognisant properly in a week's time."

Apparently you'd taken to snarky remarks to cover up your terror at the fact that he had not so much as stirred from his dreamless sleep. She turns to you then, her features betraying how worried she was for her boyfriend, but she had let jealousy rear its ugly head.

"And what is she doing here?" she hisses, pointedly looking at Hermione as you and Ginny share bewildered looks.

"Well-" you say, awkwardly glancing between the girls, "Well they're friends aren't they?"

"Yes well, you're friends with Theodore Nott, but it's so obvious that you're fucking each other behind closed doors." she snaps and you gape at her in disbelief. "Forgive me if I don't think that Granger's intentions are any less pure."

"I am not fucking Theodore." you jibe, throwing a whithering glare at Ginny who had let out a loud snort at Lavender's self assured statement.

"I've been friends with him for longer than he knew of your existence." Mione snapped, not letting go of Ron's hand, scowling as Lavender lets out a catty laugh.

"You're joking right? The two of you haven't had a civil conversation in weeks. But I suppose you want to make up with him now that he's all interesting." she says shrilly and its Ginny who whirls on her this time.

"You call being poisoned interesting? Are you that dim?" she questions and Lavender's resolve jostles only slightly.

Suddenly, Ron's features contort in discontent.

"Oh look at that." Lavender says smugly, eyes flicking to Hermione's grimacing face. "He senses my presence."

You yelp as she practically shoves you away from where you are sat, leaning over to peak at her boyfriend's face as it twitches with his dreams. He begins to mumble something that you can't make out and Lavender begins to encourage him to speak up, as if he'd be able to hear her.

You just stare at the back of the girl's head in annoyance until she staggers away, mouth agape with shock. You're confused until you hear it for yourself.

"Her- Mione. Mione. Mione." he chants her name like a siren's song.

Hermione smiles gently and her thumbs caresses his hand softly as he continues to mumble incoherently in his sleep. Lavender lets out a broken exhale and promptly flees the ward. You pity her in that moment. Not even the most incorrigible of people deserve that kind of betrayal.

The three of you are silent as you watch Ron. But he's sound asleep again. Still, as if it had been a combined figment of your imaginations. You stand to make the matron aware of this development, playfully shoving Ginny away as she taunts you.

"I can't believe she thought you and Nott are fucking." she laughed. "Unbelievable."

"Shut up." you berate her and she lets out a giggle before replying in a barely hidden whisper.

"Wrong Slytherin Prince, right?"

She smirks as you throw up a middle finger towards her as you reach the matron's office on the other end of the Hospital Wing.

~∞~

Somehow you've mastered the accute art of stealth.

In the week that has passed, you have managed to drift through the castle halls without so much as crossing paths with any of the Slytherin group. Partly due to the fact that you spent your time in the Hospital Wing with a near-cognisant Ron, in classes or in your dorm. You didn't dare go to the Room of Requirement or the library and you were eternally grateful that it was not your week to do the nightly Patrols.

Ancient Runes proved to be a difficult feat, but you somehow coerced a fellow Ravenclaw to switch seats with you in exchange for completing the next essay so that they could focus on training for the quidditch match at the end of the week. Under normal circumstances you would've abhorred the idea of it, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

You could feel his eyes practically burning holes to the back of your head in all your shared classes, and you felt him in the corridors, but you didn't dare give in. You didn't want to see him. Couldn't bare to face him.

Mattheo was restless and agitated. All week long you wouldn't so much as look at him, let alone deign to spend an ounce of time with him. He was worried.

When you slammed the common room door in his face a week ago, he had reluctantly confessed to his friends about what the two of you had discovered; each of his friends were wholly willing to help him find a way to help you, if only he could tell you the good news.

And he'd tried. He'd reached over the tether that had connected your mind to his, but each time he was met with an offensive wall of dark stone. You'd blocked him out completely, and he would've been impressed if he wasn't so desperate to hear your voice.

Now he knows how you must've felt all those weeks ago, but it's different now. Now there are feelings involved. Now he doesn't know how to cope without your snark and sarcasm.

When he found Jeremy Stretton sat in your seat in Ancient Runes he found his reigned in emotions snapping. Especially when he saw that you were sat in the front, happily chatting away to Hermione and one of the Patil twins, waiting for Professor Babbling to turn up. He doesn't know why the sight of the Chaser makes his blood boil.

Mattheo slammed his hands onto the desk, bringing his face level with Stretton's, who had looks up in startled alarm. Mattheo was seething, and he didn't particularly care that everyone was beginning to peer curiously at the scene that was beginning to unfold.

"What the fuck are you doing at my table, Stretton?" he snarled, eyes narrowing as his hands tightened around the lip of the desk.

To his credit, Jeremy shook off his stupor and looked at Mattheo obstinately.

"I'm sitting in my seat, Riddle. Problem?" the Ravenclaw chaser replied, challenge flaring in his oceanic eyes.

Mattheo's glare became venomous.

"That...is not...your seat." he said slowly, his voice low and dangerous. He could see you standing up in his peripheral, looking as if your going to intervene, but Granger stops you with a hand to your shoulder, a look of incredulity on her face. "I suggest you move, before I move you myself."

"Well actually," Stretton says with a barely there smirk, "I think you'll find that it is my seat. I don't know why it's taken her so long to do so, but Meadow practically begged me to swap and I can only oblige to her wishes."

He sees red almost instantly and Stretton's shirt collar finds its way into the clenched fists of Mattheo's hands, his hot breath fanning over the Ravenclaw's smirking face. He now knows why fury coats his every being with a tiny detail that whispered to his consciousness. Stretton had taken you to the Yule Ball two years ago. This was a product of pure jealousy as well as rage.

"Oooh did I hit a nerve?" Stretton says. "What could dear, sweet Meadow possibly see in you, Riddle?"

Mattheo doesn't register the feeling of his fist untangling from the shirt collar, until he feels the soft cartilage of Stretton's nose breaking beneath bloodied knuckles. He can vaguely hear Theodore and Pansy telling him to stop, can barely hear the sounds of people jeering and gasping at the scene. But what he does hear is your blessed voice.

"Mattheo stop it." you say, and it's like the sound brushes away the feelings clouding all his senses. He lets go of Stretton, who flops to the floor unceremoniously, but he doesn't pay him another glance. Not when you're looking at him the way you are. With bewilderment and what he thinks is unease. His breathing is ragged as he steps towards you, but you step back.

"Are you insane?" you hiss at him and to his utter horror, you turn your gaze to the blubbering boy on the floor and kneel down to help him instead.

"Jeremy?" the way you say his name with a soft tone grates through him and he's about to step towards you again, when Theodore's firm hand on his chest stops him.

"Let it go. You've already caused quite the scene brother." his voice is a gentle caress to his ears and his graciously listens to Theo who sighs in relief, pushing Mattheo out of the door, ignoring the shouts of Professor Babbling, who had just entered the classroom.

~∞~

Wordlessly, you heal Jeremy's wounds as Professor Babbling meanders in, unaware of the turmoil that had occurred only moments ago. Jeremy was hissing and cursing as your magic washed over his skin.

"You can take your godsdamned seat back, Meadow." he spat. "It's so not worth getting another beating over."

You smile grimly at him, guilt clouding your eyes. "Of course. I'm sorry, Jeremy."

"Not your fault, love." It's nearly impossible for you to hide the way the nickname makes you cringe. "Can't say I won't miss the opportunity for some extra quidditch practice though."

He bats your healing hands away as Professor Babbling stands above the two of you.

"What on Earth is going on?" she says, voice stern. "Does it have anything to do with why Masters Riddle and Nott are notably absent?"

Jeremy nods immediately at the same time that you freeze, not willing to give them up so easily. He stares at you incredulously. You clear your throat awkwardly.

"Uh, yes. Yeah." you say in a muted whisper. "But it's been sorted."

Jeremy throws you a look, which you adamantly ignore as you rise and go towards Pansy's table, taking Theo's empty seat. She doesn't so much as look your way, tense as you sit down. You close your eyes and sigh.

"Look I'm sorry that I've not spoken to you." you mumble without turning to face her.

"Ignored and neglected more like." she retorts in response. "I had no idea about Ron, Meadow. You have to believe me."

You reach over and squeeze her hand in your's. "I do believe you, Pans. I do. But it doesn't mean that the others didn't. And I-"

You're cut off by Professor Babbling's introduction to the lesson's topic, but the squeeze that Pansy's hand gives your's is all you need to know that you're both okay. And that's enough for now.

"For what it's worth," she mumbles almost imperceptibly. "You're doing an awfully good job of avoiding him. I've never seen Mattheo so ruffled."

Instead of satisfaction, that statement only brings you an aching sense of pain. And whether you do it unconsciously or not, you'll never admit, but your mental walls break down the smallest amount.

Enough for him to know that you're in as much agony as he is.

~∞~

As soon as Pansy leaves your side after you've walked out of Ancient Runes, Hermione is there immediately.

"Okay, what in Merlin's name happened in there?" she asks incredulously.

"We both know Riddle has a short fuse, Mione. It's not that abnormal to see." you retort and she gives you a disbelieving look.

"Maybe so, but it can't be just me that's noticed that he hasn't resorted in bloody fist fighting in months." Damn her and her brilliant observation skills. "And why was Stretton in your seat in the first place?"

"I asked to swap." you say with a shrug and when you don't give her the answer she's no doubt looking for, she pins you with a glare.

"You've been avoiding them all week. Parkinson, Nott and Riddle. You've spent more time with me, Ginny and Harry this week than you have all year."

"Tired of my presence already, Mione?" you say with the ghost of a smirk of your face. When she doesn't return your humour, you sigh. "I've been a little busy with visiting Ron. And maybe Harry's spiels have been getting to me."

"What?" she questions before lowering her voice. "You think they're Death Eaters?"

"I don't know what to think." you say. "But I can't talk to them. I won't."

"You spoke to Pansy, just fine earlier."

"She's not the one I'm avoiding."

A brief glance into her mind shows you that she thinks you're speaking about Theo. And while the thought of speaking to him after what he no doubt had a hand in helping orchestrate, seeing Mattheo, speaking to Mattheo, makes your heart want to drop right down to your stomach.

You can still feel the phantom of his power all this time later. Though that could just be you imagining it; you don't doubt that the brief feeling you got was exhilarating. It terrified you.

"Are you coming to see Ron after lunch?" Hermione asks as you part ways for your differing classes.

"Yeah. I'll find you in the Great Hall once I've finished Astronomy." you smile in farewell as she makes her way towards her Arithmancy lesson.

Your smile slips immediately as you turn the corner, because you find yourself trapped between a cold stone pillar, and his strong, muscled chest, his arms straining as they pin you to the hard structure. You don't look up to lock eyes, instead glaring intently at his loosened Slytherin tie.

"Hello, Princess." Mattheo spits menacingly. All he gets in response is a huff from you. "Still intent on avoiding me, are you?" he lets out a dark chuckle that sets your skin alight, and you can tell without looking that a sinister smirk paints his gorgeous face.

You feel as he sensually caresses your mind, and it has you keening into him.

Let me back in. His deep voice is demanding and assertive. At your blatent refusal he growls. Why won't you let me in?

I can't. You say back, your inner voice a mere whimper in comparison to his. He tilts his head down to look at you, chasing your eyes with his own. He can feel your fear and self hatred like it was highlighted in bold colours for all to see.

"What are you so afraid of, darling?" he asks out loud in a low and raspy tone that makes you melt. Your eyes shut on instinct, squeezing away the light until your dizzy.

"I'm going to be late for Astronomy." you say, deflecting and he scoffs, pushing you further into the wall.

"It's barely eleven o'clock. I'm sure you're not going to miss a change in star pattern any time soon."

"That's not even the point and you know it." you argue, trying in vain to evade his strong hold.

"Stop avoiding us. Stop avoiding me." he begs. "Do you know how insufferable Teddy has been?"

"What a horrible thing to say about your best friend." you retort halfheartedly. But Mattheo is only partially glad that you're returning his words with quips of sarcasm. He sighs.

"I don't blame you for what happened in my dorm, love." Unlike how you cringed away from Stretton, your heart sings at the nickname. "'S not your fault."

"I could've drained you to death, Théo." you say quietly, and his face heats at the shortened nickname. One that he had not heard in years, since the passing of Theodore's mother. "I don't know how you can stand to be around me."

You're still evading his eye contact, so he lifts a hand from the wall and gently cradles your chin, moving your gaze to his; bloody knuckles contrasting with the smoothness of your skin.

"You're not a monster." he says resolutely, like he truely believes it. "You never have been, and you never will be. Not to me, not to my friends, not to your friends, either."

Your brow furrows and your eyes line with unshed tears.

"I went to Dumbledore." you say and he stills. "After I left your common room. I went to him and he said I was a weapon. Because I can detect certain magical objects and people."

Mattheo's body lit up with fury again. You were not a weapon to be used and discarded. No, you were a person who did not belong on the frontlines of war.

"And what did you say to that?" he asks you, onyx eyes narrowed in anger that was not directed your way.

"I told him that I didn't know how to control it. That I wasn't interested in being fated to die." you say, and it feels good to talk about things you're too afraid to speak to your friends about. "I asked him to grant you all safety too."

At this, Mattheo's gaze snaps right to your own. Incredulity lacing his features. "Why would you do that?"

"He could see right through my shield." you defend yourself at his tone. "He refused anyhow. Said you had to ask for yourselves, and he knows that you won't."

He admired your ire for his friends. But he almost winces at the glare you send his way.

"You knew that he wouldn't help any of you no matter when or how I asked. Didn't you?" you couldn't believe him.

"You learn to expect nothing less from the people who expect nothing but bad intentions from you, sweetheart." he replied with a shrug. "Though I wish they'd help the others, no matter if they associate with me or not."

His face is dark as he lets you go. But you don't move away. Instead you tilt your head and stare up at him, eyes moving across his features: from his onyx eyes framed by gloriously long lashes; to the bridge of his nose, crooked from previous fights with a long scar stretching across the middle of it; to his perfect mouth that pouts slightly as he gazes down at you.

Keep looking at me like that and I'll take you in this very corridor. He snarls in your mind and you smirk.

Kinky. But I draw the line at exhibitionism. You pat at his hard, muscled chest and make to move away and run towards the class that you are no doubt now late for. But he stops you with a firm grip to your bicep and he spins you around to face him again.

"Tease." he mutters with his own smirk as he presses his lips to your's. It's as euphoric as the first time, and every time after that as his lips fight against your's, ultimately winning your miniature battle for dominance. You mewl into his mouth as his tongue brushes against your's, hands clawing at the hairs at the nape of his neck as he pushes you into the wall once more.

You're so lost in eachother that you don't hear them when they turn the corner. Ginny and Harry stop dead in their tracks as they stare at the two of you wide eyed. The former smirks at the thought of finally catching you out but it drops immediately when she turns to the boy beside her who is visibly fuming. And she can't steer him away fast enough to save you from his wrath.

"Shacking up with Death Eaters now, Meadow? I thought that was below you." the spitting sound of your best friend's voice breaks you from your daydream like state and you force yourself away from Mattheo's wondering mouth to gape at your two friends.

Ginny is sending you an apologetic look which you bypass in order to face the scathing eyes of Harry Potter.

"Harry-" you say, stepping out from where you're trapped between Mattheo and the wall, and you're so grateful that he doesn't keep you pinned there, instead he stands slightly infront of you, arms folded, a glare set on his face.

"Don't." Harry says, eying the way Riddle stands infront of you protectively. "All this time, I thought you were only tutoring him for Nott's sake. But, of course you just had to get in his bed, too."

The hand on his bicep is the only thing stopping Mattheo from launching at the boy.

"Watch it, Potter." he snaps, his position infront of you turning defensive.

Harry lets out an incredulous laugh; Ginny's attempts to persuade him to leave it alone, are ignored.

"I overheard you." he continues as if Mattheo had not spoken at all. "In Dumbledore's office. Begging him to help your friends."

You don't know what to say. Starstruck by his anger. But you understand why he's angry at you, and that ache burns ever brighter in your chest.

"The same friends who have tormented us, tormented you for years. How can you even ask such a thing?"

"They deserve to be helped just as much as the rest of us." you say at last, your voice quiet and on the verge of cracking with emotion. The lump in your throat gets bigger with every word you speak. "You know what it's like to grow up in an unwanted home Harry. You know that no one deserves that."

"That's not the point Meadow." he snaps and he visibly delights in the way you recoil at his words. "They're all Death Eaters. Working for his–" he points a steady finger to the boy stood beside you, "-father. Did you ever stop to think that they were buttering you up to take to him once they got wind of your powers."

You blanch at that and turn your gaze to Ginny. She gapes between the three of you and avoids Harry's eyes. "I didn't tell anyone. I promise you, Meadow." her resolute tone is the only thing grounding you to reality right now.

Harry shakes his head. "Dumbledore told me that you can siphon people's power as well as perform Occlimency. When were you going to tell us?" his anger gives way to betrayal as he looks you up and down. And the way he spits out the word 'siphon' tells you everything you need to know. He thinks you're a monster.

"I was going to tell the rest of you." you promise, not looking at Ginny again. "But only when I had a better grasp of it."

Harry scoffs and steps towards you. Rolling his eyes when Mattheo stands directly ahead of you.

"Back off Potter. If you know what's good for you."

The way his venomous lilt travels through you should make you ashamed, but it only sends sparks of arousal to your core.

Harry only looks at you from over Mattheo's shoulder, distain painting his pale face as he utters a heartbreaking sentence before he leaves, with Ginny following quickly behind him, with a silent promise to find you later and apologise for Harry's (entirely justifiable, you think) words.

"Don't go to see Ron later, and don't you dare seek us out again. I don't trust you, and I don't know if I ever will again."

Mattheo is onto you the second the pair depart, wrapping you in his arms as you collapse from the onslaught of emotion that crashes down on you.

What have I done? What have I done? What have I done? You say over and over and he does his best to comfort you, going as far as to sit against the wall, cold floor stinging against the fabric of his school trousers, cradling you into his chest.

It's okay. I'll fix it. I promise. Is all he can muster up in comfort as you crumble before his very eyes, sinking into his embrace.

~∞~

i love writing angst lol i hope you enjoyed this shortish chapter (lots of time skips im sorry)

the coming updates will probably be slow since i've gone back to uni - i have to complete three presentations and come up with a product idea and a lab report in like 5 weeks 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲

i've tried to fix it and i've reported the bug but i'm still incapable of editing pretty much all of my posts (not the serendipity masterlist post though, thankfully) and its getting quite frustrating now but we move 🫡

taglist:

(striked out users are ones that i couldn't tag)

@camille-1019 @lovelyygirl8 @xluansstuff @babeylover @thejadeazalea @undercover-smutlover @adhxmoony @dreamingofonceuponatime @thepassionatereader @urmomsgayforme5 @aphroditeisamilf @devotedlycrookeddonut @purplegirls-posts @nofacenonamelikekira @foxboyapologist @lafrone @lovely-maryj @nromanovaswife @leeknows-wife @dracygf @wildlyobserving @ravenclawprincess33 @melllinaa @vellicora @lantsovheiress @emiliahoward @stunkbiggu @vcosette @prongsprincessworld @mattiesgirl @rachmmb @x-kermit-x @sun-fiower-seed @cas-planet @certaindreampost @weirdowithnobeardo @mikalovesicecream @sunasbbie @rainy-darling @faeriepigeons @lovely-blackinnon @hiireadstuff @gimalo135 @elsafromcabinsix @moonlightreader649 @blueshome @nopedefe @spencerreidsthings @navs-bhat @agent-tempest @magimtz23 @y0urm0m12 @sbrn0905 @leona-hawthorne @whatsupb18 @moni-cah @taylorann2013 @unstablereader @gisellesprettylies @nat1221

[natailiatulls07]

please more leclerc!reader with her brothers !!

Let her go

Arthur Leclerc Charles Leclerc Lorenzo Leclerc Pascale Leclerc & Leclerc!reader

Summary - Y/n is getting married and her older brothers is learning to let her go

Warning - Herve Leclercs death, poor translation of French

A/n - I know I haven't finished the golden trio but look I've been wanting to post a written fic for a while now and I have seen so many brothers first look tiktoks so thats what you're getting today!! 😚

-

2017

Herve Leclerc was on his last days when he called his three sons to his hospital room. "Papa? Is everything okay?" Lorenzo asked of his dying father.

"My three sons as you know I'm nearing my last day and I only have one thing to ask of you..." The three brother surrounded their fathers bed, Charles and Lorenzo sitting in seats on each side of the bed with Arthur sitting at the feet of the hospital bed. "I want you three to step up and take my place in protecting, caring and loving your sister"

Herve adored his sons equally but he had a different sort of adoration for his youngest. Since her birth, he has always thought of her as an angel. "Of course...we'll do anything you ask of us Papa" Charles answered his fathers orders, alike their father they also felt that level of undying adoration for their younger sister.

-

Charles had sat Y/n down on the plush couch in their Monte Carlo childhood home. "Chérie...Papa died last night" It broke the twenty year old's heart to see his sister find out about their fathers death. He could see her eyes gloss over and fill with salty tears.

He took her into his arms as she started to sob. "He loved you so much, and he said he will watch over us always..." He could feel himself breaking down at his sisters reaction. But Charles knew it was coming.

The twenty year old Monégasques knew it wouldn't be easy for anyone, not for their mother, not for him, Lorenzo, Arthur or her. But they would do what they always did, push through and come out stronger.

-

2023

Waking up today, all three of the Leclerc brothers knew it would be both a hard and joyous day for them. It was the day they would have to give away their sister, the sister they promised to their father they would cherish, protect and love in his place. But today they'd need to give her away to the love of her life.

They were staying in the childhood home, back in their childhood bedrooms. When planning her wedding with her fiancé, Y/n insisted they have it in Monte Carlo. Of course her fiancé agreed, knowing how she wanted to be close to her late father on her wedding day.

Getting out of his bed, Charles made his way down to the kitchen where Pascale and Lorenzo were sat eating breakfast. “Bonjour” He announced his presence before making a start on his coffee.

“So where is the bride?” Turning to look at his mother, Charles wondered how Y/n was feeling this special morning.

There was a audible sigh from Pascale. “Well your sister couldn’t sleep last night so I imagine she is currently still sleeping” Both Lorenzo and Charles had concerned looks on their faces.

Noticing their concern, Pacale continued "She couldn't sleep because she was too excited. Don't worry no cold feet" She knew every single one of her children, Pascale knew all too well that her three sons would be overly worried for their sister.

The two oldest sons just nodded, concern evidently gone.

-

There was a knock on the front door. Charles, who was talking with Arthur on the sofa, got up to answer the door. Behind the door stood, the maid of honour and the rest of the bridal party. "Hello Ladies, how can I help you?" Charles joked before stepping aside letting them in.

"We're here for the special bride, where might she be?" The maid of honour asked as she looked around the open plan kitchen and living room where Pascale, Arthur and Lorenzo currently sat. After hearing the question, Pascale quickly pointed up the stairs to which the excited party followed.

After watching the girls running upstairs, Charles moved to sit back down on the couch. As he sat down, all the Leclerc brothers and Pascale could hear was the sounds of excitement.

-

It had been a few hours since the bridal party arrived and everyone had now gotten ready. Standing on the balcony was Arthur, Lorenzo and Charles, all facing away from the balcony doors and more towards the Monte Carlo harbour.

Y/n insisted they do a first look for the brothers, so that’s why she was stood just behind her three older brothers. “Maman are you filming?” She asked of her mother who stood off to the side filming. Pascale nodded. “Okay, you guys can turn around now”

Turning around, each brother now faced their Y/n. She was dressed in her long white gown, hair done and makeup perfected. Tears welled up in their eyes, they could remember the day she was born and how they watched her grow up into the incredible woman.

“Oh chérie tu es si belle” Arthur was the first pipe up from their stunned state, walking towards her before bring her into a careful hug.

Soon enough Lorenzo followed, hugging his sister. “Je t'aime tellement petite princesse” Even now when she was just about to get married, he still used his nickname for her. The same nickname he has used since her birth.

After stepping aside, Charles was the last one to break his stunned state. “Cha Cha…?” Y/n called out for him, everyone knew he was the closest to her, that he loved her the most.

“Mon rayon de soleil…” Finally he stepped forward, taking her hands in his. “Je suis si fier de toi” Through his tears was a soft smile the same smile he had when Y/n started high school, when Y/n graduated and when Y/n was born.

The next question meant so much to Charles, even more than anything else. “Cha Cha…m'accompagner dans l'allée?” She was asking him to take their fathers place and walk her down the aisle before giving her away.

In that moment, he really felt like he had accomplished the one thing his father asked of him and that was to take his father place once he was gone.

Nodding aggressively, Charles crashed Y/n into a hug. “Oui oui oui bien sûr!”

-

[corpsebasil]

NIKOLAI HUNGER GAMES PARTE DOS

dear God he's so handsome I can't do this

Maybe you shouldn't be, you know you shouldn't be, but you're happy to see your prep team regardless of how you're feeling on the inside.

"'The female tribute for District Two'" Lionus Treech, the announcer for your district, had cheered, reading the slip of paper inside the glass bowl. If you could've bet money you'd put your life's savings on every name in that bowl being yours. "'Y/N Y/L/N!'"

When you moved forward, exchanging one quick glance with the sharp-toothed Enobaria, you knew none of the other surviving victors would volunteer. Even Brutus, a nasty, violent man that still treats life like an arena, hadn't done much but lift his brows when Nikolai's name was read from the male bowl. (It helped that Nikolai was watching Brutus with an expression that promised unspeakable violence if the older man even blinked funny.)

"Darling!" The first voice cries; the trio of stylists that burst through the train door are as loud as their sense of style, all three clad in some sort of animal print. "You look stunning!" Lark gasps, bringing his warm hands to your face. The dark-skinned man is wearing bright purple liner, the color unfairly gorgeous on him. "Don't worry, we'll get these dark circles out of the way. Where's that handsome man of yours?"

"You won't believe the party you missed last month, Y/N. There were aerialists dressed like actual swans! And a frozen swan ice sculpture!" Jem adds, kissing your cheeks quickly. Her dark hair is pulled back in a spiky bun, the part of her hair zigzagging. "You would've looked glorious in this white little number I was working on--covered in feathers. Just glorious."

"I'm sure Y/N feels devastated she missed it." Xiomara, your most level-headed stylist, muses, her tattooed skin free of any makeup. She almost looks normal by Capitol standards--if it weren't for the ear-modding that leaves the tips of them pointed like a fairy's. Her golden eyes are amused when she pulls you into a soft hug, her voice soft. "Hello, darling. We've all missed you." When she pulls away it's clear she wants to say more but she doesn't. "The gem of the Capitol. We will do our best to make you shine."

"Oooh! That's an idea!" Lark snaps his fingers. "'Shine'!"

"What are you getting at?" Jem scoffs.

"Shiiiiiineee. We can cover her skin in gold dust! She'll look like a goddess."

"She'll look like a damn disco ball."

"Lets see you come up with--"

"Hello." The moment Nikolai speaks, his frame filling the empty doorway, all three preps whip their heads in his direction. Jem actually blushes. Then the cooing begins, Jem and Lark fussing over him while you and Xiomara watch with tiny smiles on your faces. Your prep team--Nikolai's biggest fans. "Yes, yes I did." Nikolai responds to a flurry of questions, Lark's biggest concern being whether your lover has cut his hair recently or not.

"With you and Finnick there I'll have to keep smelling salts around for the amount of swooning Capitol citizens." Lark sighs, fanning himself dramatically. "Just imagine him covered in gold dust, Jem."

"I am certainly imagining it."

"Picture it. Picture it vividly."

"Let's allow the two of them relax." Xiomara urges, calmly leading her fellow stylists out the door. She gives Nikolai a soft pat on the shoulder as they leave, still squawking about covering the two of you in gold dust. The second the door closes you sit on the nearest velvet-clad seat, a long sigh leaving you.

"Gold dust, hmm?" Nikolai hums, approaching you calmly. "Seems like your prep team is excited for the Quell."

"Maybe they're inspired. They get to style me, after all."

"Course they are." Nikolai smirks when he leans over you, arms caging you against the couch. Your eyebrows lift, chin raising a fraction as he crowds you, forcing you to look up. "You're utterly striking."

"Why thank you. I always say--"

"You always say--?"

"--'I am the gem of Panem'--"

"Yeah, yeah." Nikolai scoffs, cutting off your giggles with his mouth. He leans into you, lips roving over your own while you close your eyes, your hands tugging him even closer. "'Gem of Panem'. You certainly are." His words are spoken softly against your lips before his tongue moves to trace the curve of your throat.

"Yes..." You murmur, head tipping back. "That is....true."

"Mhmm."

"Nik."

If anyone overhears the moan you let out when he kisses his way down your neck, tugging the front of your dress down with him, they don't bother you.

Lol

I need him

[chromaticleaf]

Been thinking about Tessa and the Murder Trio, and I've started wondering... how do the drones even feel about Tessa, in canon?

Reviewing what we have, it's a bit less clear than I expected, so I'll break down what we actually get in canon for each pair.

Tessa / J:

J having romantic feelings for Tessa is quite the popular fanon of course. I like that interpretation quite a bit myself, and a few subtle details I've seen discussed can even imply it as subtext.

As far as actual text goes, though, J is a loyal sidekick. She follows Tessa's lead and seems proud to assist and protect her. Pretty clearly a positive relationship, and easy to extrapolate further for shipping and fun head-canons.

But canonically, it isn't too different from her relationship with Cyn, or even the "company" in episode 1. Loyal, proud of her capable service, dedicated. Blasphemous as it may be, one could question if she actually cares for Tessa specifically, beyond her position as her "boss".

And this isn't to accuse J of being heartless: she reacts with clear horror at the thought of V (and the other library drones?) being discarded in episode 5. She cares about V (and, I would argue, N) in some capacity. Her rejection of them in episode 8 is easy to read as a defensive denial: casting them as a lost cause in order to justify fighting them to herself.

Even so, I do still interpret J and Tessa as having a close relationship, especially since contrary evidence is lacking.

Tessa / V:

We get basically nothing with actual Tessa. V has a few interactions with Cyn as "Tessa", though. She shows no real loyalty to her, seeming to go along with their excursion into the labs only for N and Uzi. She's very quick to snap at "Tessa" for her inability to protect them, but also seems quick to look past that. Most notably, she's quick to save "Tessa" from a bullet, so it's easy to read her as being as "tsundere" towards her as she is towards N and Uzi.

So canon doesn't necessarily imply a very strong relationship between them, but at least some basic level of loyalty probably existed, at least before Cyn's rampage.

Tessa / N:

This one is pretty interesting. Tessa's adoration of N is very apparent, of course. But we don't actually see any reciprocation from N. With actual Tessa in his memories, he seems to begrudgingly accept Tessa's affection, but his primary focus at the time was Cyn (and the ghost witch sending him messages). Perhaps this can be written off as extenuating circumstances, especially with Uzi's interference influencing his perception of the memories.

The other meeting we see, with Cyn as "Tessa", has Cyn mimic similar affection. N however seems more worried than excited to see her. Especially notable, in the same meeting, he seems delighted to see J (the same goes for V too, on both counts). "Tessa" gets a worried frown from N, where J gets a smile.

"Tessa" of course does little to endear herself to N during their lab mission. N shows plenty of concern for V and Uzi, and almost no concern for "Tessa". However, he still seems willing, if reluctant, to follow her orders, up until he catches her in a lie, upon which he beheads her with no hesitation. Even with N's genre savviness, he did not know she was Cyn at the time. Again, compare to J, who even as an enemy receives a hand-drawn IOU from him.

One can again argue extenuating circumstances, but it stands out for the golden retriever "I love doing anything" drone, doesn't it?

Conclusion:

It is surprisingly easy to build a case that the drones do not actually care about Tessa all that much. And it is even more surprisingly easy to build a case that N rather dislikes Tessa.

Do I think this is the intended reading of the characters? Not really.

I think the murder drones did like Tessa. There's not much positive evidence that any of them disliked her while they were in the manor, and all of them probably felt loyalty to her for repairing them and at least attempting to protect them from her parents.

Cyn's easy manipulation of N and V while pretending to be Tessa almost certainly relies on their lingering loyalty to her, overriding their natural wariness and doubt about the situation, so the fact that they aren't even more hostile and distrusting of "Tessa" on Copper 9 is probably a positive sign for their past relationship.

Still, it's an interesting thought experiment to interpret their relationship with Tessa in different ways and see how it can fit with canon.

Anyway, that's my sleep deprived ramblings on the topic. Hopefully someone finds them interesting!

[py-dreamer]

Rant about shadowpeach (WARNING! Mac slander)

I'm sure you've all heard this time and time again but you know what screw it I'm tossing my 2 cents into the ring

I think my bias for Wukong definitely has a part in this but I will try to be as neutral as possible which is impossible. My personal opinions will absolutely shine through but it is just that: a personal opinion

I love my trio of gay monkeys, I really do.

Is Macaque a good character? Yes

I do think he's a genuinely interesting character, with cool mystery ,interesting backstory, cool powers, he's fun to watch, has a kickass theme song and aesthetic and I can see why a lot of fans attach themselves to them.

Do I love seeing him with Wukong? Yes

Their banter is fun, past shadowpeach can be sweet as sugar (or spicy, I don't judge) and their angst is real yummy.

What I don't like is when the angst is all Wukong's fault. And everyone and their grandma will harp on the Monkey king and just ignore all of Mac's bullsh!t. Especially in fanfics.

Like don't get me wrong, keep writing that good stuff! But like...jeez

The amount of smack that the golden monkey goes through in this fandom is like...yikes.

Look, I know we're all hung up about the bloody murder thing.

(Personally I'm on the theory that Wukong didn't actually kill Mac, if they were really that close he wouldn't have acted so casual upon their battle after he murdered him, but I digress)

And Wukong should be called out on that BUT.

Mac also isn't blameless here.

(If you like toxic shadowpeach, fine. But this is for peeps who think that Wukong is the only toxic one and Mac was just a victim.)

Take it from this perspective:

The two were really close during the brotherhood era. Wukong kept doing stupid things to gain power and getting them in trouble and in the final battle did something astronomically stupid and they all lost.

Then they all ditch him...leading to his imprisonment (five phases mountain) and torture (furnace and also being fed iron pellets and hot mercury)

Fair, Mac probably shouldn't have been trapped too but he visited once out of 500 years, had a fight and never came back by the looks of it.

He assigns himself the role of the warrior who always stood by his king's side.

And then ditched him in his time of need.

Mans really failed at his own self proclaimed job.

Fine, he probably should've taken a break, none of them were in the right state of mind and Wukong was being very bratty.

BUT

IF HE TRULY VALUED THEIR RELATIONSHIP (from the looks of his lil gay play, he did) HE WOULD'VE Y'KNOW. COME BACK AND TALK?!?!

If he really valued their relationship, outside of calling him a coward and LEAVING, never to visit again. Would that not be a perfect opportunity to communicate?

Like, my dude. He's stuck in the rock. He can't run. Could you not find the roots of the problem and solved it?

But lets say "He was too busy taking care of flower fruit mountain"

(despite him literally EATING one of the monkeys in JTTW, but that was JTTW and I don't think its canon in Lmk. But still, interesting to note.)

I'm sure his subjects were worried about their king? Did he never answer them? If he really valued their bond, could he not have I dunno, shadow portaled some monkeys to see their king or like put time aside to communicate and update the monkeys?

But lets say "He was too traumatized from the burning of his home and was too angry"

500 gosh dang years seems like a long time to take a break.

I feel like at that point, he should've let go of Wukong

BUT NOOOO HE DOESN'T NOW DOES HE.

We establish that their relationship is kinda wrecked.

They don't communicate.

He ditched Wukong for 500 years.

But when he see's the pilgrims decides that Wukong ditched him and the brotherhood..?

So by his logic, Wukong has abandoned ffm the brotherhood and him, after they ditched him under a mountain for 500 years, never visited, never talked, never tried to rebuild their relationship.

Sees the circlet being used, sees the pilgrims not trusting him, sees him go on this journey unwillingly, not allowed to leave the monk unprotected, and comes to the conclusion that Wukong is a traitor...?

But plans to free him because he's being abused and forced to do it?

Pick a lane my dude. Did he abandon you or not?

BUT THEN.

He impersonates him, destroys what little trust the group had

WHILE TRIPITAKA STILL HAD EASY ACCESS TO THE FILLET MIND YOU

hurts Wukong multiple times, till he gets banished. And tries to kill Tripitaka as he still had the bloody circlet?!

This isn't sad lover getting revenge at being abandoned.

This is bitter jealous ex getting petty revenge and still expecting to get back together like this.

Also he says he watched as the pilgrims tortured him with the fillet. If he watched them, he'd know that Wukong is also obligated to fight and most of the time he does kill them, despite the pacifist monk.

He's required to PROTECT THE MONK AT ALL COST.

So tell me...

WHAT THE HELL WAS HIS PLAN?!

He does realize that like this was mandated by heaven right? And there'd be huge consequences to killing the monk right?

So basically:

Mac: yea so my plan is to impersonate you and commit crimes you didn't do, get you in trouble and inadvertently hurt you severely, traumatize you even more then kill the monk so we can go back to flower fruit mountain like we wanted to right?

Even though there will probably be astronomical consequences for you, me probably the rest of the monkeys for letting me kill this monk on the trip mandated by heaven. By failing to protect him, redeeming yourself and also losing a close friend heaven might probably put you under another mountain again probably forever this time, and I will probably use my powers to get out scotch free and we'd all blame you even though I killed him.

But you're still to blame for abandoning me, the brotherhood and your subjects even though I never visited you after our fight, calling you a coward, immediately leaving never to come back and update you on what happened. Its your fault the mountain is like this even though I never asked you for help or advice or even contacted you to let you know our home was destroyed.

Meanwhile I'm the victim and you never valued our friendship.

.

.

.

This idiot-

In summary, he abandons his king, accused him for ditching them all comes back claiming to help him by antagonizing him, hurting him and puts himself in a position where he kinda has to do something?

Because Mac was set on killing the monk.

Everyone acts like he just visited, said something mean and Wukong played the stab game bit too hard.

But he tried to kill him and wouldn't back off?

Seriously what did he expect Wukong to do?

The fandom acts like he was given a pass to not die when he's already broken off the relationship and put Wukong in an impossible situation where Mac wouldn't freaking leave or let go about killing the monk.

I'm not saying that Wukong should've killed Mac on the spot. But I just wish that everyone stops acting like he was being such an asshole and killing him out of nowhere.

(for someone with six ears and is meant to be all hearing he sure is bad at listening)

Then he gets revived by the lady bone demon and let me check:

steals all of Mk's powers

tries to kill the kid despite having no bad blood with him

antagonizes Tang, ridiculing him and calling Wukong a coward despite ditching him under a mountain

makes a copy of the TEA van to kidnap and traumatize Mk even more

Traumatizes Mk AGAIN in the shadow play and steals his friends souls

Hold Mei and Sandy hostage for the rings and tries to squeeze the life out of them

Shooting the airship down (OOOHHHH WUUUKOOOONG this ape is down bad.)

Chokes Mei and uses her as a hostage again for the samadhi fire ritual

Immediately leaves after Mei's firey outburst

Wants to leave possessed Wukong to the clutches of LBD

never gives Mk the full story in the ink scroll that he tried to kill Sanzang or how he never came back.

NEVER APOLOGIZES

I don't even think Macaque has apologized for any of his bullsh!t.

Some of his acts were necessary but he just makes it uneccessarily cruel and revels in their pain

And the fandom makes them all buddy buddy at the end, excuse all his actions and collectively hate Wukong?

Yes he does help Mk in fighting possessed Wukong but like LBD's reign would end the world as he knew it. What else could he do? DBK would probably do it in his position.

But he never apologizes to any of the cast.

I've seen fics where he does apologize which is good.

But he also never apologizes to monkey king?

But that will be in pt2. Yes there will be a goddamn pt2 cause I've not even scratched the surface when it comes to fanfics.

But I will take this chance to share a fic that does tackle this issue really well:

Fractured Pieces make a mosaic by @furornocturna

Cause this fic is genuinely so good I am vibrating at the seams, its one of my favs (also furornoctura's writing is good in general)

One of the only fics I've seen where the characters all call out Mac being a jackass and in an interesting way.

One day I will make some fanart for this but till then this will do

Their writing is so yummy go check it out

[factorydefaultlu]

Mhysa Mia

Aemond Targaryen, Aegon Targaryen and Jacaerys Valaryon x Fem!Reader

Chapter 2

Chapter 1: Arrival

Story Summary: Lady Otherys arrives in King's Landing, as she explores, she meets several men and has a whirlwind romance with each. Unbeknownst to her, she's been wooing three princes. Things may bubble over, especially when they find out about eachother, and who she's betrothed to. Though she's equally upset when she finds they've been lying about who they really are. Does she remain with her betrothed or will she end up having an affair with all three men?

The water of Blackwater Bay was choppy and rough as the passenger ship pulled into port. A beautiful vessel, fit for a wealthy Lord. Wealthy indeed, the patriarch of House Otherys of Braavos has come to strike a deal with the Seven Kingdoms' Master of Coin, and subsequently the King.

The lord has brought with him his wife, and only child, a daughter. He hopes to help strengthen the alliance with a marriage, King Viserys has several sons, as well as a grandson old enough to marry. If the Iron Bank isn't enough to entice him, surely a betrothal could ease his worries.

The young Lady Otherys rushes giddily from her cabin, her pretty little heels clacking on the wood of the deck. She had never seen Kings Landing, let alone left Braavos, and she was excited to explore. Her mother and father watched her as she impatiently waited for the anchor to lock and the ramp of the ship to be let down.

"Where exactly do you plan on running once the ship is docked?" her mother asks amused.

"Everywhere." she breathes out, her excitement winding her.

The Lady's mother and father chuckle at her enthusiasm, and soon the trio are able to leave the ship. A handsome, dark haired man in a white cloak stands close to the ship dock, he bows as the Lord and his family step onto solid ground.

"Good morning Lord Otherys, I have been sent by the King to safely escort you to the castle." The man speaks very formally, and composed.

Lord Otherys smiles at the man, then hands a bag of coins to the deckhand unloading their luggage onto a cart. "Yes, thank you."

The family is ushered into a grand wheelhouse, the young Lady Otherys is used to luxury, but it still feels like a fairytale to her. She draws the curtain back and stares out the window as they take the short ride to the castle.

Formalities are exchanged, and the family is brought to their chambers. They're given a few hours to settle in and rest after their travels, then the Lord's presence is requested in the small council room.

Lady Otherys wanders the chambers, taking in everything. The golden candlesticks, just like the ones at home, but these are exciting because they aren't the ones from home. Neither are the silk drapes, or the crystal decanters, or the fine linen sheets.

It's all new, therefore it's exciting. The little lady soon grows bored, having explored her surroundings to the fullest. She paces around the sitting room, her mother is sat in a chair resting her eyes. Though her daughter's pacing is disturbing her peace.

"Darling, why don't you go and ask a guard to show you around the castle?" she suggested, knowing she'd jump at the opportunity.

The little lady beams and rushes to the door. She opens it, but finds the hall empty. 'Must be transition time' she thought to herself. It wouldn't be an adventure if she had a guide though now would it? She closes the door behind her and peers down both sides of the hallway.

Left? Hmm, she always likes right better, but no one ever goes left. So left it is. She begins her ascent down the hall, heels once again clicking on the tile. She stares at the tapestries lining the walls. Assuming that they're a depiction of the Seven, a religion she was mostly unfamiliar with.

'I thought Targaryens didn't worship the Seven.' she mulled in her head as she stared up at the art. The little lady must have gotten lost as she walked, her attention drawn to the walls instead of what was in front of her.

"Shit." she muttered and glanced around. Not a soul was visible,'For such a large castle it's pretty damn empty.' The little lady then turned around, and a large wooden door stood before her. Surely there was something interesting behind it.

She grabbed at the handle ring and pulled, the door easily opened although it creaked as it did. The smell of books and ink filled her nose, the bright candlelight of the room lit up her face as well as the hallway around her.

The little lady grinned. "The library." She stepped into the grand room. The tall walls were lined with books, several desks scattered the room and small lounge chairs were tucked away into corners they could fit. The library in their house at home was impressive, but this was something else entirely.

She scanned over every inch of the space, absolutely in love with the new surroundings. Soon, her eyes landed on a man, sitting in a chair with a book in hand. Her nerves jolted, and she hoped she hadn't bothered him. It doesn't seem like she had. His eyes, or eye singular, never left the book he was holding.

She curiously watched him, she had seen men with scars and eyepatches before. But never in a place this fancy, and definitely not reading. The young man suddenly glanced up, his soft blue eye boring into her.

The little lady froze in fear, and her blood turned to ice. She wasn't afraid of what he looked like, she was afraid that she had disturbed him.

"It's rude to stare." he said, his voice was soft but clear. She immediately bowed and apologized profusely.

"I'm so sorry my lord, I didn't mean to offend. I've never been to King's Landing and was exploring and got lost and then I found the library and-" she was cut off by him raising his hand to grab her attention.

He shook his head, the slightest smile on his face. She really had no idea who he was, though he knew exactly who she was. He tossed ideas around in his mind, he could easily just dismiss her and let her be, or he could toy with her.

Nothing too mean of course, he just wanted to see how long it took this foreign girl to realize that he's Prince Aemond Targaryen. Yes, he thinks he'll do exactly that.

[sasha199]

Gale/ Wyll drama pt. 6 This one's for all my fellow citizens of the Holy Rolan Empire.

Y’all…this game hits different when your Tav is a stand in for yourself.

My sister and I are playing a multiplayer as ourselves, as sisters. I was romancing/flirting with both Gale and Wyll. I made a move on Lae’zel too but THAT ended in tears. Sister is pulling both Astarion and Shadowheart.

(I’m Sasha, sister is Marlie.)

The Last Light Inn is bustling, as usual. Harpers have a knack for keeping their minds occupied, they're survivors first and foremost. After the acquisition of the Moon Lantern, Marlie and I are on a first name basis with most of the people here, but as I approach Quartermaster Talli, the nearby Harpers go quiet. Everyone stares at us. I do my best to ignore them and I greet Talli with my usual enthusiasm. She gives Minthara a hard look as she doles out heavy armor and weapons, but gives me no grief. The conversations pick back up again as we walk away. 

Marlie makes her way over to Dammon to see what he's been working on. The tiefling blacksmith has a knack for harnessing the power of infernal iron, and we had managed to gather more on our recent venture. Astarion seems to be looking in every direction at once as he follows her, his footsteps eerily silent. 

As I enter the main common room Alfira rushes over, her face is stretched taunt with worry. That's not new, she's been struggling since the death of her instructor and friend Lihala. I gather her in a brief hug, the bells of her bard's collar tinkling faintly. "Everything alright?" I ask. I absently do a head count of the children over her shoulder, my heart sinks as I remember that Mol is still missing. 

"No," her dark golden eyes dart back and forth between mine, "It's Rolan, I can't find him."

"Rolan? Lia's brother? He's probably drying out somewhere..."

"No, you don't understand, I don't think so. He's been missing since last night."

"Alfira, I'm sure he's fine." That man was more of a headache than I had ever anticipated a wizard could be. 

"When did you last see him?" she asks me. 

I picture in my mind's eyes the swaggering, scowling, tiefling, hair always coiffed to hide his ears as if he's ashamed of them. His golden eyes were lidded and drooping, he leaned over the bar like he was preparing to take a nap right then and there. Granted, the fight with Marcus had been exhausting. I'd rushed downstairs to help Jaheira, who had already wild shaped into a panther, and Rolan had been engaged with a horrible winged monstrosity. I had cast Mage Armor on him as I ran past trying to put myself between the children on the first floor and the creatures descending from the sky. The golden light from my spell was still emanating around him, making his eyes shine. 

He sneered at me before I could speak. "Just stay away from me," he slurred, "I'm so sick of you and you're self-righteous heroic crap. None of this would've happened if you hadn't interfered in our business. We'd be in Baldur's Gate by now. Together. Safe."

The "we" he was referring to were his siblings. They'd been ambushed by a group of cultists from Moonrise, and taken prisoner. Many members of the tiefling refugee group had perished in that conflict. I had first met the trio when our party had been in search of a healer for the tadpoles swimming around in our brains. His sister, Lia, and I had become close during that time, and she had been keen to aid the refugees as they journeyed to Baldur's Gate from Elturel. Rolan thought I was a bad influence on her. 

I was hurt by this outburst but not terribly surprised. Rolan was not what I would call a kind man. "Look, I'm sorry about what happened to your family-"

"They're dead for all I know," he sloshed more wine into a silver tankard, dribbling the frothy liquid onto the counter, "I don't need your help... or your pity."

"I'll rescue them," I snapped. "I would never abandon Lia, or Cal." I reminded myself that Rolan had saved Alfira, saved the children. It was his magic that allowed them all to escape and take refuge at Last Light. I owed him a lot. It would be wrong to walk over, wrap my armored hands around his red neck and watch gleefully as that stupid golden light left his black eyes. "They're strong and capable, they'll take care of each other. I trust them to manage until I can get them out."

He turned to face me fully then, his tail lashing behind him, "They're MY responsibility." He bared his fangs at me, lowered his head as if to charge me, but his voice was quiet and menacing, "You go save the world, or whatever it is you do. I'll fix this."

"Well fuck." I say coming back to reality. Alfira is still looking at me, pleading with her eyes for me to take action. 

"Stay calm," I tell her, "If he's still alive, we'll find him. Lia would never forgive me if I didn't look out for him."

I reach out through my mind, through the tadpole connection to Marlie and Astarion. "Time to rally," I think harshly, "Rolan has gone to Moonrise. Maybe we can still catch him."

"Who?" Marlie responds.

I sigh and send her a mental image.

"Oh, that egotistical shit." I can feel her exasperation, the bitter taste of it curling on my tongue through out mental connection. "I'll be pissed if we did all that work to keep him alive only to fail here."

***

***

Marlie and I had grown up in the wilds to the south of Baldur's Gate. It's an entirely different environment from where we are now, but the intensity of the Shadow Curse has turned this city into a wasteland of sorts. I'm never so grateful for my tracking skills as we make our way towards the ruined battlefield. I avert my eyes from the slaughtered tiefling bodies that litter the ground not far from here. I can still hear Asharak's encouraging voice if I think hard enough.

Marlie and Astarion are stealthing in the darkness, I can't see them but Marlie sends me flashes through the tadpole of the landscape, and I know they're scouting for shadows. It's then that I hear "DETONO" from somewhere up ahead. The ground vibrates with the force of the spell and I jump over a low wall, moving towards the sound.

"Rolan!" I shout, rounding, a corner. Minthara leaps ahead of me, her sword glowing with divinity, and my eyes flash green in the darkness. In one smooth motion I pull fletching to cheek and loose an arrow ablaze with dread and malice. The shadow it embeds itself into shrieks and collapses in on itself. I hear Astrarion off in the distance laughing as an attack misses him. 

Soon, it is over, and panting I turn to Rolan. "Gods damn it all." He shouts before I can say anything. "Anyone but you...can I do nothing right?"

I don't know what to say, I feel like I'm in the wrong. I reach out tentatively and he recoils, teeth bared again. I was prepared for his reaction, but this is too important, why doesn't he ever cast it on himself? Rolan is now glowing with a bright yellow light, I mutter the incantation and he looks down as three arcane shields buzz around him for a heartbeat. I'm heartened to see his face soften slightly. 

"If it helps," I venture, "when I re-tell this story, I could say you killed all the monsters?"

"Who gives a damn about your stories," there's a note of despair in his voice, "All I care about is getting my brother and sister back." 

"Instead he found himself cornered by shadow fiends and in desperate need of rescue." Minthara's melodious tones almost echo around us, the group has re-gathered and Marlie and Astarion are looting somewhere in the darkness.

"From you of all bloody people." Rolan snarls, looking particularly devilish in the flickering light of his torch.

"You were trying to help your family," I say quickly before I lose my nerve, I don't know why I'm attempting to make him feel better, "you're - you're too hard on yourself."

"Or not hard enough." There is no appreciation in those yellow eyes, only contempt. He looks like an entirely different person from the man who filled the air with sparkles at the grove's celebration. The man who basked in my applause and asked me if I needed anything before retiring to spend the evening alone. That man is dead apparently. 

"Are you in the habit of collecting wizards who nurse a death wish?" Minthara steps up next to me, absently looking over some loot Marlie gave her, she sneers at Rolan, "Seems they cannot help but follow in your wake. Like ducklings."

"I'll return to Last Light." Rolan storms away, torch held high, he mutters something else but I can't make it out. I'm pretty sure he's cursing me. 

"Moonrise would have eaten him alive."

"And you should have let it," Minthara tosses the loot casually on the ground, apparently it does not meet her standards. "There are too many fools in the world as it is."

When we return to Last Light, Rolan is drinking in the corner again. 

"Don't do it." Marlie says to me.

"Do what?"

"You have enough on your plate, don't go asking for more."

"I'm not."

She lowers her voice, "You can't save people from themselves, Sasha. Let him be miserable if he wants to be."

I sigh and walk over to Rolan's corner.

"Gods, what now..." He mutters into his tankard. I keep my distance, feeling awkward, wishing I knew what to say. He turns to me, he looks haggard, defeated. "Come here to gloat? "

"Yes." I respond half thinking.

"Well I'm not here to grovel, so PISS OFF!" He takes a hardy swig. 

It shouldn't matter, I owe him nothing. As I walk away I wipe my nose absently on my sleeve. I'm not crying, everything is fine. I'm perfectly fine. 

Marlie is at my side as I step out into the yard. "Did you find...?" I trail off as she nods her head slightly, sending me a mental image of a haughty, finely dressed man. Last I'd seen him he was sitting across from a one-eyed little girl, a board game between them. I swallow a lump in my throat and say a silent prayer for Mol. 

"To Moonrise?" She asks me as I digest the image. 

"First to camp," I say, "we can't take Minthara back there."

"Right. Who are you going to bring with you instead?"

I look at her, an image flashes in our tadpole connection. "Right," she says again, "poor Daddy's Boy."

[nspdr-neo]

Cynthia makes a proposal to Volo, he lets her and a few others go, she can lure Junko into the boombox area, and he gets a new dancer, to keep the boombox, and use it for money.

Cogita shows up to help (with earmuffs, the lady isnt stupid) and Skyla who's having way too much fun with Volo since this started, thwarts Junkos attempt to escape with her massive jet speed ass.

Arceus and the space time trio look on in confusion. Eh, it's not Giratina having a temper tantrum so he's going to just...stay out of this mess

Disclaimer: R18 material! If not to your liking then please do not view!

"Ahhh, how's my little evil Mastermind boy doing~" "Heeeey, bestie!~ Doing great~!!" It was a meeting between dimensional evil, with Junko and Volo greeting each other at the entrance.

"Sooooo, how's my little boombox coming in handy~"

"It's going great, Junko!! You won't believe how much money I'm raking in from it~" The despairful mastermind chuckled and smirked at the Arceus seeker.

"Excellent, and I suppose you're close to funding your own 'schemes' soon? Puhuhuhu...still remember our deal?~" Junko said darkly. Once Volo has enough money, he'll go for a second venture to bring out the God of the Pokeworld: Arceus...

And once Arceus is caught? Why, both Junko and Volo's world shall be reborn in their image!!!!

At least...that's what was agreed upon.

"Of course, when the time comes, you'll be the Goddess of a world of despair! Just how you would like it!!" Volo said earnestly. The duo stopped at a room that was strangely dark. "Oh, but until then, I do have something new to show you! Something that'll really shake things up!!" Oh? Junko entered the room...but it was then she got a suspicious feeling inside of her.

Something only confirmed when she got to the middle of the room and the lights came on...

With there being a gorgeous GILF in black, wearing earmuffs, smiling at her...and the golden boombox right in front of her.

Uh oh. Eyes widening, Junko darted back to the entranced only for a surprise hip bump to send her spiraling down.

"YAY YAY!! Seeeeeeee?~ Look Master Volo, Mistress Gita!~ I, like, tooootally stopped her~" Skyla said, giggling happily and bouncing place.

"Yes, yes, you did good." Cogita praised before turning on the boombox. As the the hypnotic tunes washed over Junko, the fashionista pouted and yelled at Volo, also wearing earmuffs.

"HEEEEY!!! What about our deaaaaaaaaaaaal?!!!" Volo waved at her dismissively.

"Yeah, so, sorry~ But, I work better alone and got a much better deal for 'recruiting' you instead!! But, don't worry!! Being my newest big earner is gonna give you a rush of despair like no other!!!"

"V-voloooooooooooo~" Junko slurred out, already feeling the effect muddy her mind. Filling it with nothing but the need to strip...and to twerk!!!

"Puhuhu...puhuhuhu!! To be betrayed like this...such sweet despair!!! I just have to celebrate~" Junko began to cackle, and it was then that her ass began to grow. She had an impressive bubble butt before, but the feeling of excitement from being backstabbed like this and her own acceptance of her situation had it grow to the point one could be forgiven for thinking she was carrying a friggin' couch. Getting into something related to a Jack O' pose, she her meaty, newly powerful, wobblephat get to work clapping and moving about with the moves of a pro (clearly not her first time throwing it back for an audience~)

Truly the mark of a new beautiful relationship~

-

"Alrighty, Cynthy you're free to go~" Volo waved. Rolling her eyes she, Elesa, Fennel, Bianca, Annabel and Juniper were free per the requests. Volo's an absolute menace but when it came to this deal he did honor it. As such, Cynthia was at least willing to let him off for now.......until she could find some way to get payback on this evil twink.

"Hmph, I would say good luck with your business...but that would be a lie." Cynthia said before peacing out with her ladies. Cogita, who stayed behind for tea, looked at Volo in both annoyance, yet curiousity.

"So, a lot of your personnel are now gone...are you sure your business can still continue?" Volo gave a nonchalant grin.

"No worries, Cogita, dear. Considering the turn out tonight," Both walked back to the main venue of Volo's Villa. One that recognized a new debut for a twerkslut in a black and white slingkini and slamming her powerful globes onto the stage so hard, yet so hypnotically, one could be forgiven for thinking Earthquake was being used!! And the crowd loved it, showing Junko with money and jewels and...more sticky based fluids~

Something that had Volo looking in approval with a slasher smile of a smirk.

"I'm going to be just fine~"

[pvrkacciosan]

The Heart of the Lioness: ☽⋆13⋆☾

Family Reunion

The Heart of the Lioness Masterlist

Previous Part

Warning: !Smutt warning but if you guys read SJM books this should be fine!

Aedion turned to find the Lioness of Doranelle— his aunt. Smirking at him. Two dangerous males stood vigilant at her sides. She smelt strongly of woodlands and smoke, her all to similar golden hair pulled back tightly to the back of her head in a style Aedion couldn't see.

The men in the watchtower wisely gave the trio a wide birth.

The lankier of the two males, a dark crescent type design tattooed into his brow, leaned into his aunts side, "Why is everyone of your bloodline so good looking?" he looked Aedion up and down an excited flicker dancing in his eyes.

The Lioness shot a glare at her sentry before taking a step towards her brothers son. Aedion took a step back. But didn't miss the movement of the taller male who had been on his aunts other side, reaching across to slap the other male upside the head.

"Aedion" her voice was softer, Aedion leant back, where a splash of water echoed behind him. His muscles twitched to do so, but he couldn't turn his back on these Fae, something about the air around them whiffed of some... a shadowed danger. They were lethal.

"Don't say my name like that" he snapped, the men in the tower, looked worried as they passed glances between each other, There was no doubt in his mind that everyone of them knew who this female was, How could they not?

She had sacked cities with her brother and his friends, and alone had brought kings to their knees.

"I didn't come to interfere with whatever progress my brother may or may not have made with you" she was like stone when she stood still, it unnerved him when her tawny orange eyes held his.

"Then why are you here?" the seat of the harpoon hit into his lower back, when he inched away once more,

The Lioness rose up onto her heels slightly, to peer across to the bay behind him, her eyebrows lifted then lowered, Aedion tracked the movement of her eyes when they slid in the direction of the southern watchtower, then back to the two males she had arrived with.

"We've come to meet this Flawless Queen of Terrasen" her eyes seemed to glow, "See if her words hold truth"

There was another huge slap of a fin against the waters surface behind him, he didn't check himself as he looked back, Lysandra was swimming once more, the darker wyvern which was defending for them, putting himself between the bull and the sea dragon, infiltrating the bulls attempts to get close to the jade coloured creature.

"But it appears we have things to do first" came the voice of the lioness once more, Aedion turned to see her approach the two males, both watched her, expressions shifting.

Aedion wasn't going to stand around when Lysandra was being hunted in the water like some defenseless animal, she was anything but that. Pivoting around Aedion slunk back down into seat of the harpoon, looking around its wide base to track Lysandra's Jade green body speeding through the water.

A figure moved out the corner of his eyes, looking across Aedion watched as the Lioness twisted her neck, a couple of cracks resounding from the bones within. She looked to him, when she felt his gaze watching her every move. She winked at him, then turned back to face the bay. Her hands didn't so much as flinch when she let her power reign free.

☽⋆❈⋆☾

It felt immensely good to just... let go. Like an arrow from a bow her magic aimed true. Never failing or faltering. 

She knew Fenrys and Gavriel were down there somewhere, felt their presence tug against her body, the pull of being this close to Fenrys was like having a dagger scraped against her insides. but she couldn't do that now, needed to finish whatever this was first. 

The Sea dragon was racing towards them, she saw how her Nephew watched her, and knew instantly. It didn't take a genius to figure it out. The shapeshifter was still being trailed by the two Wyverns, Brielle smiled as Theron pushed his shifted body to its limits, keeping to the chase.

She knew contacting the two wandering spies would work in her favour, Theron's mate Vera was across the bay, at the southern watchtower. She knew her cue.

So Brielle just had to time her own correctly.

Looking out into the bay she could see the carnage the group had managed to cause, and albeit they had done a good job, the fire burning away at the splintered wood on the water front, people still screaming. The panic. The smell rife in the air. It was manic, and it was fucking glorious.

Perhaps this spitfire heir of fire would be a lot more fun then she had originally thought.

The sea dragon burst from the water, the Bull right behind her. Brielle felt the harpoon being fired through the air, felt the conducts of air as it parted, helping the aim land true.

It struck the bull in the eye, the beasts howled just as Theron's sea Wyvern body erupted from the waves, mighty jaws clamping down on the bulls windpipe.

The three beasts splashed into the water.

The air in the bay silenced, no one moving. Then an uproar of cheering boomed across the bay, townsfolk and crew members alike screaming out with joy.

The waves parted as Theron swam, diving under the Sea dragon, parallel to her when she started making her way to land. Her limbs and movement are slower and less graceful than before.

Theron knew he had to get out the water, knew the risks of staying within its depths. Brielle watched him nudge his way onto the sand, shoving his body into the shifters, urging her to move further and further up the beach.

Her nephew threw himself from the harpoon, his footfall heavy as he clattered down the stairs of the watch tower.

She tracked his movement as he sprinted across the beach towards those two marvelous giant bodies, in the same moment Alexi and Corbin stood up to her sides once more.

"Vera is ready"

Looking across the bay, Brielle watched Vera's figure walking outwards onto the ice still holding firm from the king's magic. Whether the young royal stayed to watch Brielle didn't care.

Alexi's hand brushed her elbow and she looked back to the bay. To the bodies bobbing, struggling against the waves, the debris of the broken boats layering the water like a thin sheet of algae.

She knew Fenrys was down on the beach, her brother too. There was a tug in her chest, their scents burning into her. Like the claws of fire burning the back of her throat.

She had to finish this first then she could see them, it hurt her so to rip her gaze away from the beach where she knew they all now stood.

Ships which had been docked out in the harbour now moved, to no doubt pick off stragglers in the water and save their own.

She had to stop them so Vera could do her job. They were counting on her— her magic.

Plunging downward Brielle found the essence of it deep within, drawing it up she closed her eyes taking a breath of the salt water in through her nose she felt her magic coil into the air around her.

Focusing to each of the bodies on those boats she got into the minds of the men working the ropes.

And as though she was snapping her fingers, all the ships halted in one singular motion. There was a second of silence as she went man to man in the water, invading their minds. Those of Skulls bay, urging them to swim, making their bodies move towards the ships now rocking in the bay.

The minds that were dark in nature and like a sickness had embedded in their head she left in the water, keeping their muscles locked in place. Gripping their consciousness to keep them in the water, swimming enough to keep them afloat.

Once she had been through the dozens of men in the water, Brielle sent her magic skittering across the bay in waves, to Vera on the other side. The other Fae female walked, the silk like dress she wore slit down the side, exposing her pale leg when she sauntered across the ice to the edge, where it touched the water.

She lowered both hand, until her palms dipped into the waves.

The wood of the boats would save those who had fought for the Queen of Fire, but any of the soldiers in the water...

Brielle felt the moment the life slipped from the bodies when Vera's bolts of blue lightening collided into them, the water conducting the waves. Some of the bodies erupted into blue flames on the surface of the water, the scent of burning flesh brushing the tip of her tongue.

Alexi chuckled behind her, Brielle pulled more of her power up, slipping back into the minds of those on the boats, the wooden structures turned back to face the town.

There was whispers from the men still gathered behind the trio, watching as the Lioness used the legendary power which many people had only heard stories about, the display put up like a show, a living legend playing in front of them. A show they would no doubt one day tell their children, and grandchildren.

Alexi and Colden were stoned faced when Brielle turned back to them, the cloak they wore now blowing in the wind. The azure blue bearing the mark of a lion's paw.

Colden and Alexi despite their dark clothing adored the symbol with pride, the material allowing for a perfect shadow to hide their weapons.

One man's eyes widened when he surveyed the lingering power in the air before looking to them once more, His jaw unhinged, the breathe of their name a whisper on his lips.

Brielle gave the man a sidelong smirk when she past, moving for the stairs with her two spies behind. The whispers becoming words, an ember starting a fire as it resounded across skulls bay.

This city and its people were now under the protection of The Pride. And any would be stupid to even contend with them.

Brielle had used that bewilderment of the crowd to get a faster descent, men parted for them, eyes widening as they grouped at the base of the tower, gathering in hopes of finally putting a face to the group who had so easily broken into and saved countless of lives from slave camps across the country. 

"I wish you would have warned us, could have made myself a little more presentable" Alexi piped up from where he walked beside her. 

Colden snorted a step back from them, "This war isn't a social convention"

Alexi smiled, his body twisting as he could free his arms from the folds of his cloak, Brielle lifted an eyebrow at him, he flared both arms out gesturing to himself, "You never know, someone might want to tumble with one of the most powerful members of the Pride"

"Yvonne will cut your tongue out for saying that" Colden mused,

Her mind fell to her youngest spy under her command the sharp tongue golden skinned human girl from the south.

"Yvonne is only sixteen" Alexi was still young in the eyes of the Fae, but Yvonne was human. One of the few Brielle allowed in as a member of the Pride.

"Exactly."

Alexi clamped his jaw shut at that.

It only took the three of them a few seconds to be down on the beach where the two huge beasts were perched. A group so familiar to her gathered around them.

It took every once of her self restraint to not run up to her mate and brother. To check every inch of them for injury. The all too recognisable white of Rowan's hair stood out, and not just because of his broad stature.

Fenrys familiar scent of wood had an ashen tint to it, even from behind him and still a good distance away Brielle could sense how tired he was. His magic a weakened presence in his scent. He didn't shift as she and her two spies moved closer.

Theron noted their approach but didn't move from where he sat between the sea dragon and the water. He was yet to shift back from his Wyvern form, Brielle suspected it had something to do with Theron feeling more protected in his beasts forms. She smiled, only her spies would constantly live up to their given titles. The Beast. Theron had spent ten years trapped in the body of a dark cat, a size to rival her own lioness form, Vera travelling with him. The wandering spies, keeping each other safe and sane for those tedious ten years when magic was trapped.

Brielle didn't doubt the mated pair faced just as many challenges with this mating at she had with Fenrys. But yet here they all were.

Still no one but Theron noticed them when they travelled across the sand, the big dark obsidian coloured Wyvern tilted his head down in acknowledgement of her title and status. And of his loyalty to her, not the crown she was sworn to.

"We can't carry her, and she's too weak to shift"

"I can make her shift." Brielle added, giving her comment a small wiggle of her fingers, which could have resembled a wave when the whole group looked back to stare at her and the two males which had accompanied her up the length of the beach. She would be able to use her power, forcing the female to shift back into her other form which she had no doubt moved just as gracefully as she had in the form of the water drake.  A firm body pressed into the space before her, Fenrys used his muscled body to block the others view of her, 

The sight of him knocked the air clean from her lungs, leaving her body shaking in his wake. If he had reached for her then, Brielle would have allowed herself to be molded by him and his glorious hands, biting into the inner side of her lip she forced her eyes to not look down at those fingers which could make her crumble with the littlest of touch in the correct place.

His gaze bore straight into hers, trying to work through the puzzle of her minds working, Brielle smiled when she realised he was trying to figure out how she had managed to hide from him. Fisting her hands against her legs Brielle pushed down the urge to reach for him, the burning desire to tear her fingers through his hair, and mount her body atop his own, Oh how she would marvel at the feeling on his powerful toned body beneath her, the warrior between her legs.

Suffocating the yearning was downing her own chest with sand, the fire being snuffled out as more piles and pile of sand were kicked atop. Pressurising her breathing, until it felt as though there was no more air for her left to breath.

Fenrys hadn't seemed to blink since he laid eyes on her, that was until he noted how close Alexi and Colden stood, his lips pulled back, exposing his teeth and canines, a dangerous flicker in his eyes. It was that moment that Brielle finally allowed herself to touch him, reaching to clasp his forearm, his skin was warm under the dampness from the cool water coating his skin, His onyx eyes looked to her, and really looked. 

There was once a time when Brielle would have shied away from those glances, but now she welcomed the warmth it spread through every part of her, blooming from her chest, all the way to her finger and toes. That gods— damned look, It reminded Brielle what it meant to be utterly alive.

"You will do no such thing." The voice of her so distasteful nephew barked out, conveniently forgetting of the company his aunt had brought with her. There was a resounding rumble from the Wyvern sat behind the female shifter, reminding the young commander just exactly who he was talking to.

Fenrys' body was stiff when Brielle gently nudged him aside with a hand to his firm chest, electricity ignited and numbing her fingertips at the touch. She couldn't help but wonder whether his body reacted in the same way hers did. 

Her mates body moved to make way for the sight of her brother's son, the nephew she had never known about. Aedion scowled up at her, an expression she had seen so many time, instead etched into the lines of her brothers face. She doubted a laugh from her lips would go down well in this moment. 

Brielle felt the second her mate, and brother sucked in a breath. Across from Brielle was Rowan Whitethorn, the Prince's body rigid as a stick, that was until a well manicured hand slide around the ball of his muscles shoulder, and from behind him outstepped the future Queen of Terrasen.

The oxygen in the air itself was incredibly constricting as the two Fae Females sized each other up, Brielle assessed the last living Heir to the mighty kingdom while Aelin observed the stance which Fenrys had taken in front of her, to the male company she had travelled with, to her cousins protective stance, then back to the obsidian Sea Wyvern behind her shapeshifting friend. 

Brielle knew those eyes had seen them calculating. Had smirked at them before.

"Why are you here? Don't get me wrong I've heard stories. Always wanted to see if the legends held truth, but I don't see what business your Queen has with you being here"

"Nice to meet you too"

Fenrys was rock solid beside her, 

"In fact" Aelin drawled, taking a step further away from Rowan, the male looked almost worried as he glanced to Aelin, perhaps cautious about what she might say next. Gods only knew she had an affinity for saying the right things to piss someone off. "I've always wanted to know if the big Lioness of Doranelle was in fact just a kitten with anger management issues"

Gavriel looked as though he might throw up as he glanced from female to female, Aedion bearing a similar expression, Rowan reached for Aelin but stopped when Brielle gripped him with her magic, 

No interfering, I'm not going to touch her, I just want some fun.

Rowan scowled, but when Brielle released him from her hold, he made no attempt to reach for Aelin, some part of him still trusted her. Brielle peaked an eyebrow.

"Well you said it yourself, You've heard the stories, it all relies on how much of them you choose to believe" Brielle mused, raising her chin up, "But you've got a fair few stories of your own Aelin... or do you prefer Celeana?"

Brielle hadn't known whether Aelin would remember their chance encounter all those few years ago, the Queen's bright smile gave away that she did. And she too seemed to be enjoying the shock it brought to the male beside her. Rowan was shooting a wary glance between the two, Silently communicating to Gavriel in not so subtle glances. Brielle had no doubt they had silently devised a plan of movement should either her or Aelin lashed out.

"It appears neither of us knew we we really met that night then?" Aelin welcomed the hold of Rowan now, his hand snaking around her, 

"Ballsy of you for holding a knife to my throat" 

Alexi coughed from behind where her and Fenrys stood, When Brielle looked over her shoulder, she didn't miss how even Colden had a hand held up to his lips, hiding his amusement.

"It changes nothing now I know who you are. I'd do it again" —there she was.

Brielle laughed hard, her head flung back. "Careful your majesty, You've heard the stories so must know about the skeletons in my closet. I don't think" — a look to Rowan, "Your Prince would appreciate it if I added yours to my collection"

"Well it's a good thing I let you go then when we last met"

"Then call this me returning the favour"

The air was silent with the end of conversation for no more then a moment before Aedion, still scowling looked back up, meeting Aelin's eyes with a pent up expression.

"I'll stay," he just wanted us... Me away from the shifter, "You deal with Rolfe" he finished, his voice so similar to their own. Looking across, Brielle met the gaze of her brother, Gavriel's brow was pinched, in apology or pain Brielle couldn't quite decipher.

"I'll go get some supplies from the watchtower" Gavriel offered without breaking the eye contact with her,

Aedion's emotions were shielded when his quick response cut through the air, a hot knife through freshly churned butter. 

"I'm sorry" Aelin all but whispered to her cousin, Brielle averted her gaze from her brother to watch Aelin, the sharp tongued beauty stalking away, Rowan guiding her along the sand.

Brielle didn't let another second pass her by as she spun and threw her arms around Fenrys, nails digging into the flesh at the back of his shoulder, she didn't think he minded at all as his arms encircled her waist, pulling her into him tighter and tighter, as though he still hadn't registered she was actually there with him, couldn't tell if he was dreaming or living, either way he was alive with her in his arms.

Brielle could feel the tiredness ebbing from his muscles when they pressed into her body, the hard lines exposing the toned training of each. His hot exhale rushed against her neck when he crushed his nose into the soft cavity. Brielle would've giggled had Gavriel not cleared his throat from behind them,

Fenrys would have been hesitant to let her go, she knew him well enough to know that, but still he released his grip on her as she moved for her brother. Gavriel captured his younger sister in a  tight, bone crushing hug as soon as she was within reach.

Brielle could feel the stares of her nephew watching them, beholding their love for each other, perhaps longing for what he had missed over the year, what he could have had, had he known about this side of his heritage. He said nothing.

Brielle couldn't let her mind wander to thoroughly, Pulling from her brothers warmth embrace she welcomed the familiar kiss he placed at the top of her head. It brought her back to the moments when they weren't this. When he was simply her big brother, her protector. Not a general or Maeve's blood sworn. But just her big brother.

Pulling away Brielle turned back to Alexi and Colden, who both watched, genuine smiles of contentment on their lips, 

Putting the mask of commander back on she quickly studied them both, "Go get some rest, we traveled hard today," Brielle looked up to Theron who towered over them, his golden ringed eyes glancing between her and the Southern watchtower, Brielle didn't need to speak for him to know he had her full permission to go.

Colden turned to the Beast, "We'll meet you guys at the lodgings"

Theron didn't show any sign that he heard or acknowledged Colden's words as his slick body slipped back into the water. Diving beneath the waves and swimming away. His Fae form appeared on the southern bank of the bay a moment later, a quick flash of light.

Alexi and Colden were already half way up the beach when Brielle turned back around, Gavriel also making his way towards the watchtower, to gather the supplies he promised.

Leaving Brielle with the only person in the world she wanted to be with right now, When she turned Fenrys was already so close to her she felt the warmth of him behind her. 

His mouth was attacking before she could register anything else. Brielle's body took over as she rose up onto her toes, every muscle in her aches from her travels across Erilea to get here in time. He was warm against her, the cordial of his muscles hard pressed to her palms.

Pushing lightly, Brielle brought a hand up to take hold of his face, she cast a quick glance at  Aedion who still splayed in the sand beside the shifters gigantic body.

"Come with me" Fenrys whispered, his hand sliding down the centre of her body, igniting a flourish of fire down her body to the core between her legs,

She welcomed the comforting weight of his hand in hers, a heart in her palm, Fenrys shifted and Brielle breathed heavily when his body rushed to hers, his warmth enveloping hers, a blanket which she willingly wore like a cloak of reassurance. He was here, he was real and here with her.

The Lioness needed this, otherwise she might have gone mad. Brielle didn't doubt her white wolf felt the same, with the way he clung to her spoke louder volumes to her then any word every could.

The city was still thrumming with the buzzing of a victory hard won, with loses that lifted into the air with a sickening thickness, Yet Brielle wouldn't allow herself to let those things drag her down. Not the deaths surrounding them, or the coming war, or even the task Maeve had given to her, the weight of that alone had crushed and sat on her chest for weeks.

No, She would take the time to savour every second of this, of him.

The room Fenrys led her into beheld two beds, the room was a pleasant space, she didn't give herself a chance to fully take it in before Fenrys spun, his grip on her hand reaching up to snatch at her waist.

Lips were burning into hers a second later, Oh sweet gods the taste of him, his tongue caressed the inside of her mouth, a lulling sensation that made her heart pound harder, the beats thumping inside her skull, knocking her senses on a blurring spin.

His kisses were hungry, as though he had been starved and she was the feast he had been waiting for, the feelings, every. single. fucking. one. of them was mutual. 

A sound akin to a growl rumbled from within his throat, Brielle latched her hands into the locks of his hair, fingers tangling in to pull him closer, needing  to feel more surface.

A heat pulsed in ever fibre of her body, pounding with a sensation of such insatiable righteousness it nearly knocked her completely breathless.

She could no longer feel the warm press of his hands against her sides, but there was a resounding clatter as Fenrys removed and carelessly dumped each and everyone of his weapons as if they meant nothing to him, 

Fenrys didn't once release her lips from his grasp, a sharp prick in her lower  lip as his canines bit into one too keep her from pulling away, Brielle smirked, his hands were too her body a second after, they scoured every inch of her, as he efficiently released every one of her weapons, each small dagger and blade. Recalling each of the places she preferred to keep them tucked away.

Her body felt lighter when he dropped the last small knife, which was tucked into a small leather strap beneath her right breast, his hand moved down, to slip under her cotton, travel worn shirt. 

The heat of his fingers against her torso burned, a featherlight touch dragging up, taking a second on each of her ribs, his tongue stroking her own each ridge he drove over, counting each bone in her rib cage.

Brielle could have sworn those very bones were about to cracked with each thundering beat her heart echoed, a thumping banging into her ear drums, His hand stopped below from where he had just released the dagger, warm thumb coming up to gently stroke the underside of her breast.

The tang of her blood bloomed in her mouth, a taste no where as strong as his against her taste buds, 

Brielle had begun to wonder where his other glorious hand had gone when it pushed into the base of her spin, fingers digging in and pulling her waist closer to his body. Brielle's hips pressed into his own, the solid mass of his body, a wall.

A wall which she had the feral sensation to climb. A wall which was more then willing to let her climb upon it, a mounting that could cleave the world into two.

A shattering so unbound it made Brielle's knees quake, Fenrys may has well read her mind ad both his hand moved. Wrapping around the crooks of her knees.

"Bre—"

 It was the first word either of them had muttered, yet Brielle couldn't allow him to finish, his lips were apart from her for far too long in the short seconds he took to speak. She already knew what he was commanding, so jump she did.

Her back slammed into the wall behind them, a spike of pain bursting up her spine, she couldn't bring herself to care as Fenrys's mouth pushed onto the skin of her neck, canines grazing the artery just below her skin.  

He sucked and tugged the skin, Brielle thumped her head back against the wall, a cry of utter shattering pleasure leaving her. She didn't know what exactly the sound of her did to him, but she liked the outcome for her.

He pushed his hips into her, pressing her harder into the wall, his lips bit into her flesh, yet she felt no pain, only burning blinding pleasure. His hardening length pushed into her heating core, through their clothes Brielle felt the pulsing. The ache between her legs building.

"You have no idea what you do to me Fenrys Moonbeam" Brielle shocked herself with how breathy her voice sounded when the words left her lips, yet she couldn't bring any part of herself to care or be embarrassed as Fenrys kissed the bruise he had left against her neck, a marking of his making. His onyx eyes glowed with a light Brielle had only seen a handful of times before.

"Then why don't you show me, Future Mrs Brielle Moonbeam"

Something animalistic snapped inside her chest at his words. They had never been able to fully accept their mating bond, in fear Maeve would find out. But Brielle also couldn't find a care for that either. It was traditionally a males job to mark and claim their mate-age with their female. But every part of Brielle, the good and bad, wanted to claim every part of the male in front of her. Pinning her to the wall.

Pushing her full weight into him Fenrys allowed himself to be pushed backwards, hands still hooked under her legs, walking backwards and allowing himself to fall when the back of his legs met the edge of the bed.

Brielle could scent her brother on the sheets, "Gavriel..."

Despite being beneath her, Fenrys shot upwards, hand latching to her back to keep her from falling off his lap, "Don't speak another males name right now."

Brielle growled at him, hand pushing into his shoulders, slamming him back down onto the mattress below them. Leaning forward she smashed her lips to his, mellowing out the growl that had begun building in his chest. Territorial fool.

Grounding her hips down into his, she welcomed the feeling of pressure his erection offered. There was too many barriers, she needed rid of them. 

Sitting back up, Fenrys grunted when she sat back onto him, his head pushed back into the sheet from the pulsing pleasure of her, Brielle slowly teased her shirt up and over her head, feeling the burn of his gaze into her skin. She circled her waist once more, she smirked at the moan that slipped from her mates lips, the sound making the wetness grow in her underwear.

The air in the room was cool when it brushed her burning fleshed, her nipples puckered, 

She shifted as Fenrys pushed himself up from under her, Brielle's hands didn't even fumble as they tucked up the bottom of his own shirt, the warmth beneath hit her like an arrow to the chest.

The expanse of his toned stomach made saliva pool in her mouth, her hands went to trace the hard lines of each ridge, he gently grasped her left wrist, fingers finding the pulse there, Brielle watched as Fenrys closed his eyes, chest still heaving.  Feeling each strong thrum of her pulse, lifting her right hand Brielle brought it up to the column of his throat, thumb lightly pushing in to find his pulse. The beat met her thumb pad with no delay, it was strong and warm— full of life.

"I will endure it all for you" his voice, now equally as breathy whispered into the air between them, Brielle's eyes fluttered open to meet his gaze, so unwavering in its resolve her head pounded. Pulling with her wrist lightly she interlocked her hand with his, leaning in to push her forehead to his.

"We will endure it, Together. We always do."

Fenrys smirked, the true nature of his being shinning through, "You never showed me just what I do to you Brielle Moonbeam"

There was that feeling again, it lodged inside her, a coil in her stomach, a flicker of a flame. She leaned forward to kiss him once more, an open mouthed kiss that deepened with a groan from the back of her throat.

Pushing her knees into the bed under her, Brielle lifted her hips off his, Hands trailing down to grasp the belt over his waistband of his trousers, Never once breaking the connection at their lips.

The movement was so familiar Brielle didn't so much as hesitate once, just like any training, she quickly removed the last of their clothing, leaving them both exposed on the sheets the chilling breeze not so much as fazing them from the combined heat radiating off their bodies.

Just before she sank down onto him, to take him completely inside of her like she never had before, he rested a hand to the jutting bone of her hips, stopping her movement. She looked up expecting to seem a flicker of hesitation.

The oxygen was knocked clear from within her from the expression on his face, no hesitancy, or regret, but worry, Genuine uncanny worry.

"Are you..?" his sentence fell short, a muscle below his eyes twitched, as though he was resisting the urge to look down and take her in, the full expanse of her completely and utterly bare for him. He must be dreaming, they had been intimate before, but never  this far.

A flicker of fear did burn into her, that anyone of the memories of her missions from Maeve might come to mind, but she needed to pushed them under the surface, drown them, push them out, because if she let those memories win, then she was letting Maeve win, letting herself be Caged. She was the Lioness and she would not allow herself to be caged again.

Brielle answer was to clashed her lips to his and fully pushed herself down onto him, she gasped into his mouth, and Fenrys went rigid beneath her. He was so filling her stomach knotted and heart pounded upwards into her head, a dizzying feeling fogging her head.

"Bre?" his voice was worried, but she leaned in to pushed her forehead against his once more, Fenrys tipped his head back to place a gently kiss against her forehead.

"Tell me your reaction is from me and not my powers" she whispered, 

Brielle smelt his worry in the air, but pushed it under, she needed to know, her mates actions were from her alone, and not her magics grip on his senses,

Fenrys shifted his hips slightly, he didn't believe it was possible but somehow the warmth of being inside her made him grown harder, Brielle's eyes snapped open as she felt it, 

"Trust me" he lightly thrust his hips up, Brielle moaned, a sound making his resolve almost snap, "This is all you."

The rawness in his tone made her toes curl into the sheets, every instinct in her body was roaring to life inside her, clawing her up. Some ancient tugging, leading her as she leaned down, capturing his lips once more, her hips rolling.

Fenrys growled at the feeling, Brielle copied the action once more.  Again, then Again until time became a fuzzy notion distantly in her mind, when he finally released himself inside her, Brielle had cried out, the sound more a roar as her own released cracked through her own body.

Taking control satisfied something in her, sticking back together the pieces of her soul. Each time she had fucked a male for the past few years it had been under Maeve's command, and she never once had control of her own body. This time she did and it felt good.

A wild feral feeling clicked, this was all she would need for the rest for her life, her mate and nights like this, and Enduring it together slowly they might both begin to heal. It may take centuries, but they would.

As they continued on throughout the night, Fenrys allowed her to lead them both into oblivion again, again and again. For the first time in a long time Brielle had enjoyed this side of a males company.

She lay awake in the hazy fog of the morning in Skulls bay, Fenrys' naked body pressed to her back, arm holding her tightly in place by her waist, her head resting on his other arm which acted as another pillow.

His breathing was steady, fanning against the back of her neck, worry began to set in, gnawing at her gut. Maeve had given her orders, ones which were out of her control to manipulate. 

In the time she has spent with her mate tonight the Lioness had vowed to never let anyone take away her control of will again, That was not about to change now. She had to find a way out of this command, the lives of everyone in this war may depend on it. The thought was a sickening awakening for her.

But as her mate stirred from behind her his grip around her tightening, flipping her over. She allowed herself to climb back atop him once more, Fenrys smiled up at her, Brielle smiled back, What was a few more hours of distractions anyway?

She had allowed herself to be caged before. But that was in the past. And she would find a way out of this command— even if it killed her. 

Because she was the Lioness and she would never allow herself to be caged every again.

. . .

Taglist: @dreamiezpsycho@lunaralaraspace@mis-lil-red@mali22

Next Part

[little-corritrice]

Fred & George ~ Devil

{Above is your outfit your wearing. Change if you'd like.}

Voldemort was killed, his decaying body floating in the air. I smirked from a pile of rubble, having watched everything. Everyone came out as the skies cleared, and they all cheered. The Golden Trio all came out, hugging each other and cheering. I smirked at this, getting up from my spot. I slowly walked down, clapping my hands loudly, making sure everyone heard me. They all turned to me, seeing me shocked them all. "Surprise!" I laughed, stopping where Voldemort was killed. "Such a shame." I clicked my tongue, faking pouting. "Oh well." I said, smirking up at all of them. "Well, I'd love to stick around, but I have some business to attend." I said, and was about to walk away, but Harry yelled out at me. "y/n!" He yelled, and I turned around, my eyebrow raised. "Yes?" I asked, seeing him fuming. 

He stepped forward, raising his wand. "Are you with them?" He asked, and everyone waited for my answer. I scoffed, offended by his question. "With them?" I laughed, holding my stomach. "It's been a hoot watching you take on the 'devil'." I said, laughing shortly. "Especially considering I've had him wrapped around my finger since the night I stepped into the Malfoy Manor." I said darkly, staring at them all. "But-" He was about to say, but stopped as confusion took over him and everyone else. "Why did you think he wanted you?!" I yelled, seeing some people flinch. "Because I wanted you. Duh!" I said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "It was all Voldemort behind this, but how do you think he got so close?" I asked them, seeing their confusion. 

I turned towards them, and started walking to them slowly. "Who do you think told him to get Draco? Or told him where to find the wand?" I mused, seeing him baffled. "It was me! Not him, not Snape, not Draco, me!" I said, pointing at myself. "I set the trap, and you all fell into it." I smirked, seeing everyone raise their wands. "Oh, don't do that." I said, swiping my hand across the crowd, all of their wands flying out of their hands. I held my hand out, and the Elder Wand flew into it. "No!" Hermione screamed, but I held my hand up. "Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to use this." I said, looking at it. I looked Harry directly in the eyes, and snapped the wand in half. "All better now." I smirked. "You killed our friends!" A kid shouted, making me sigh. "Look. I'll explain it once more. Voldemort did the killing and everything. My main goal was to get rid of this, and Voldemort, so you should be thanking me." I said, turning around. 

I started walking off, but stopped, turning slightly to face them. "Oh, and your friends are fine. I cursed all the death eaters to not be able to kill. They are just sleeping." I smiled, clapping my hands together. "But your still a death eater!" Another person shouted, making me laugh loudly. "No, I am not. See?" I said, showing them my arms. "Like I said, I had him wrapped around my finger." I said softly. I turned fully to them, giving them a smile. "Well, it was nice seeing you all again. Your evil is gone now, and you're free now. The pleasure is all mine." I said, bowing at them. I scanned the crowd and saw my two favorite boys. I gave them a small wave and a smile before I apparated away to the next stop on my list.

~~~

It had been a few weeks, and everything was back to normal. I made sure to help rebuild Hogwarts as best as I could without being sighted. I decided to go see my two boys. I apparated to their shop, as it had just closed. The lights were on, and I saw the Pygmy Puffs in their pen. I went over, bending down to see them. I pet one softly, until a wand was at my neck. I sighed, flicking my hand and the wand flew. "That was really mean, ya know?" I said, turning to him with a fake pout. He stared at me shocked, and stepped back. "What's wrong, Georgie?" I smirked, backing him into the counter. "Did ya miss me?" I teased, seeing him still shocked. "y-y/n, what happened to you? I...we thought you were d-de-" He was saying, but I cut him off. "Dead? Not a chance. Let me give you a quick story." I said, taking a step back. 

I turned to look at some products, grabbing one. "7th year, right after you guys left me." I said darkly, turning to him. He gulped, still against the counter. "He came by my house that first summer night. Killed dad, and left me. I was so scared, and prayed someone, anyone, would come and save me. But no one did." I said, setting the product down. I walked around, grazing my fingers over the wall. "So, I took it upon myself. Grandma always taught me dark magic, and wandless magic. So, I read all her books on it, and after I knew I was ready, I went to him. Played with his head, and manipulated him to do anything I said." I said, walking behind him as he was standing in the middle of the shop. "I spent day and night, knowing what the future held for him. He was just my puppet on a string." I said, whispering the last part in his ear. He stood still, his eyes following me as I walked in front of him. "After I got rid of him, I knew everyone would blame me, so I took precautions, and made sure no one would come out harmed." I explained.

He looked shocked as I kept explaining how I was the one repairing Hogwarts secretly. After I was done, I stood in front of him, seeing the tears in his eyes. "y-y/n, I am so sorry." He whispered, looking down at me. "It's okay, Georgie. I'm not mad at you guys. You guys are my bestfriends. I just hope you're not mad at me." I said, bringing my hand to his cheek. He leaned into it, closing his eyes. "I could never be mad at you." He whispered, bringing me into a tight hug. He buried his head in my shoulder, soft sobs leaving his mouth. I held him tightly, rubbing his back. "George-" I heard, making me softly pull away. We both looked up, seeing Fred on the stairs, holding a box. He dropped it, staring at me. "You!" He yelled, bringing his wand up. Before I could do anything, George stepped in front of me. "Stop it, Freddie!" He yelled, blocking me from him. "George, move!" Fred yelled, but George didn't. "It wasn't her fault! It wasn't..." He cried, staring at Fred. He slowly lowered his wand, and cautiously came down. 

George moved aside, and Fred stared at me. "Explain." He seethed, and that's exactly what I did. Just like George, he understood after a bit, and rushed to me. He picked me up, bringing me into a tight hug. I wrapped my legs around him, burying my face in his shoulder. "I'm sorry." I whispered this time, and he shook his head. "No, I'm so sorry, princess." He said, holding me tighter. "I am so sorry I wasn't there when you needed it most." He apologized, but I just held him tightly. We all hugged each other for some time before going upstairs, and settling in the living room. We talked about how everything was, and what we were going to tell everyone so I didn't have a target on my back. "You know, we never took down your room. The one we promised to build for you." Fred said, and I frowned. I was allowed to be vulnerable now, so the tears pooled in my eyes. Fred pulled me into a hug, stroking my hair. "It's okay, princess. It's all over now, and soon everyone will think your a hero." He said, George agreeing. I cried in their arms, just letting all my pent up emotions out as I was protected in their arms at last.

{Did I fool ya in the beginning?}

[sanguinesorcery]

Fariah is keenly aware of how close the older of the two Hylians is following her. Normally, this would not be an issue, but she also has her doubts as to his intent. Nothing she would act upon unless in retaliation, but she is allowed her personal biases. It keeps her ready and keeps her people safe. Even if nothing were to happen, she would rather admit to herself she was wrong than to be oblivious to any threat, blatant or undermining.

Such is the curse of the conquering warlord, this she knows. Everyone is an enemy until proven friendly.

One ear flicks back at the concerned disagreement that unfolds soon enough. Her head follows to look as she is addressed, a slow stop in her steps to show her attention is had, if the gilded gaze leveled into the King's eyes didn't say it. She offers a brief glance toward the afflicted, a softening of imperious features in subdued sympathy to his troubles.

"You should have said so before. Although the way is not immediate, the official transition is still shorter than the ... scenic route." she tells him. Though it is not meant to sound condescending, the smooth evenness of her tone could easily be misconstrued as such. It's clearly not intentional as she continues. "No, I let my pride in who we are dictate my actions, rather than considering our climate may be harsh on some. This way is not so steep, but what it lacks in altitude it certainly makes up for in length. I do apologize."

She bows her head slightly to emphasize her sincerity on the matter before she continues onward at the same brisk pace of before. It isn't long before Shrayak himself comes into view, a sign they are nearing the end of the path up. Normally, she would slow to admire the monument as well, cast bronze over the top of the elaborate gates into the lower parade grounds of the charging horse carrying the nefarious First Ariad, his fangs bared in an everlasting roar of defiance on the world below. But this is a point she makes to ignore outside a quick reverent glance to him. There is time for him later.

The path turns abruptly, shifting from its slow easy ascent to a short steep set of stairs carved out of the rocky foundations of the walls into the parade grounds. With a quick, "Mind your step..." as the incline shifts, she glides up to the top with quick practiced steps as though this is hardly more than a dance to her.

She is met at the entrance into the parade grounds, outside the walls, by a small unit of four soldiers. Though their uniforms are sharply-lined to emphasize their builds in turn, they are drab in color save silver braids hanging from their left shoulders. If it were anywhere else but in front of the marble and stone that make up the palace complex's composition, they would have blended in to the background. Their commander makes a fifth, standing as tall and authoritative as one might imagine he should. Aside from wearing the same neutral tones as his charge, a golden braid across his left shoulder and a stripe of red on his side seams betray his rank.

">>Your Eminence...<<" he begins, falling back into the native language as a greeting. He bows to her, his unit follows suit in one fluid movement. ">>Are they cleared?<<"

His eyes are focused now on the trio. Scrutinizing, trying to read each in turn.

Fariah responds in kind, voice low to reassure him. ">>Not yet. I wanted you nearby before I did so. Don't worry, I have a way to avoid suspicion...<<"

The captain merely huffs in recognition of the reply before she turns to address the others. "I am very sorry for this small delay. This is Kubyar. He is chief of security here in the palace complex, my captain of our Imperial Guard, and he takes his job very seriously.

"If each of you could tell him your full names in turn, he will know and remember who you are, and that you belong within the inner walls."

She knows the King's name. The few rounds of correspondence over the past month or so have been signed in it. She knew he was bringing an entourage as any traveling monarch should, but she was not privy to how many or their names.

But it is not merely introduction that names are required, and from the words of each individual in turn. Her face betrays no concern for now, or so she hopes, as she hopes claiming security reasons is a good enough excuse to ask for them.

It's strange how the moment he steps a little too close to the Emperess' space, some magical energy causes enough of a fuss for him to feel it. Ganondorf isn't sure what set it off or if it's from the Emperess or an item on her person, but it's reacting to him, no doubt. That could pose an issue, but he'll have to cross that bridge if it gets to that point.

Fariah's words catch the group's attention, and while Ganondorf and Deedrik are rather eager, Nolon is less enthusiastic. He still looks out at the islands but isn't as impressed as his companions. Deedrik is having the time of his life, watching the busybodies with amazement. He's seen quite a few groups in his life, but this has to be one of the larger ones. Ganondorf mirrors the younger Hylian, though not as enthusiastically. It's been quite some time since he's seen a crowd of this size, but it's one he welcomes.

The turn of her hand directs them to look behind at something rather intriguing. From the little spoken to how it's said, even down to the look of it, the two older men can tell this isn't a place to be spoken of frequently, if at all, to outsiders. Something else to keep in mind is all it is, really, but Deedrik has plenty of thoughts on his mind. Seeing how his two elders aren't replying, it's probably best to keep those thoughts to himself. He can't be having another outburst in front of the king.

While Deedrik and Ganondorf take in the sights, Nolon follows closer to the Empress than one may first think. He doesn't feel like sightseeing at the moment, but what can one do? It could be seen as rude and inconsiderate if he asks to hurry along on account of his aches and pains.

Thankfully for him, it's something his king takes notice of, and after coaxing Deedrik onward, he speaks up for the old Hylian. "My sincerest apologies, but I believe Nolon requires his rest sooner rather than later."

"Your Majesty, you don't-" he begins before Ganondorf cuts him off.

"You stubbornly declined my offer to heal over your pains. The only reasonable solution is to allow you comfortable rest." Though Nolon doesn't reply, his deeper frown shows he isn't happy about this. The Gerudo lets out a soft sigh, glancing at the silent yet concerned Deedrik before his gaze rests on Fariah. "I apologize for any inconvenience this may bring; I only wish to ensure his comfort."

[bi-the-way-i-love-bunnies]

(In which Draco is Harry’s healer and now he has to look through his pensieves in order to save him au. Also, Harry travels)

Drarry drabble: 

“I don’t understand,” Hermione whispered as she gazed down at the seemingly lifeless form of her best friend. “I know we haven’t spent as much time together as we should, but he’s dying?”

Behind her stood Ron Weasley, a comforting presence, though he wasn’t fairing much better. It was disheartening to watch, even for Draco’s standards. 

“Yes, well,” he went back to his notes, using it as an excuse to look away and keep busy, “Even a person like him can’t be so lucky all the time can he?” 

His team was one of the best at St. Mungo’s and upon their discovery, he estimated that Potter was cursed within the last month. 

“He was in Jakarta at the time,” Hermione said, “Only came back last week. If we had known…” The look on her face said enough. 

Everyone knew that Harry Potter decided to leave England in order to travel and see the world. What exactly he was doing remained a mystery but the general public believed that he was spending his days relaxing and sightseeing the world, fitting for the boy who couldn’t seem to catch a break. 

Meanwhile in England the remaining golden trio has been trying to keep the Ministry together and help capture the remaining death eaters with the aurors. It has been 7 years since Voldemort has been gone. During the beginning of all the rebuilding, Draco heard enough of the small whispers that the golden trio had some sort of falling out, though he never quite believed it. Judging from the tension in the room, it was obvious that they still cared for one another deeply. Just because one moved on with their lives doesn’t mean that he left everything of his past behind. 

“Right,” Draco got back to what he was planning to say before Granger got all emotional on him. “There’s little chance of recovery,” he warned, “but if we move fast enough we might be able to make a breakthrough if we find out what cursed he was hit with, seeing as he’s a high priority patient.” Merlin knows what would happen if the public found out they let their savior die. 

“Luna’s his mind healer. She has pensieves of Harry’s memory stored in her clinic. He always bottles his latest memories of his trips and shows them to her.” She bit her lip before adding, “although it’s highly confidential, if you’re able to help him in just any way, you’ll be allowed clearance to view.” 

Ron interrupted before Draco could reply, “Remember Malfoy if you use these memories in any way to hurt him you will be sorry.” He gave the blonde a pointed look, “Harry has had a tough time after the war and if you end up leaking anything, and I mean anything at all, you will be on the receiving end of my wand, and I know some pretty mean hexes.” 

“Wouldn’t dream of it Weasley,” it was the next head auror he was talking to after all. “Just left Lovegood know that she’ll be expecting me.” 

And that was how he ended up in this current situation having tea with the Ravenclaw in her clinic. He sipped his earl grey tentatively as she came back to the room with a box full of Harry’s pensieves.  

She smiled sweetly before setting them down on the long table. 

“These are all the memories he pensieved while he was in Indonesia. He visited quite a handful of times you know. Something about it kept pulling him back in.” 

She levitated their cups as she made her way out of the room, giving him some privacy to focus. Before she closed the door she turned back to him to give him a warning. 

“Draco, as one healer to another I know you wouldn’t do anything to hurt a patient. But know that we would never betray Harry’s confidence and given your history I’ll have you know that a lot of people care for him. Don’t betray his trust, Draco.” 

He nodded in agreement and when she left, he slowly poured the bottles into the pensieve, the newest model allowing multiple memories to be viewed at once. If he was being honest with himself he was a bit anxious to know what his old rival’s been up to. Sadly, he acknowledged that his old obsession with Potter back at school was making a comeback. As he was pouring out the last bottle he couldn’t help but notice a note attached to the label. 

‘Loving can hurt, yet loving can heal and mend your soul. Remember to keep your love in these photographs, Harry, and they’ll help lead you home.” 

Obviously one of Lovegood’s encouragements he mused as he poured the last one in. He stared at the pensieve for a beat longer before plunging in. 

He expected a warm sunny beach, or yet a luxurious hotel for Potter to be relaxing in. What he wasn’t expecting was to see children in poverty in a small room. They were huddled over small books and there was an adult at the front speaking. With a small jolt he realized that this was a classroom. He searched around for Potter before finding him next to a little girl around the age of 5 or 6. He had a small piece of parchment out and it looked like he was trying to draw. 

He spoke to the girl quietly before presenting her with what he drew, earning him a delighted smile. He watched the memory continue as the group of students eventually moved on from their school day and watched Potter instead. Salazar, since when could Potter draw? As Potter finished yet another art piece a small memory made him remember that Potter was friends with Thomas, who was now a famous artist in England. He wondered if Thomas ever gave his friend lessons. This might’ve been a year or two after the war since Potter didn’t look like the scrawny teen he once knew. Actually, judging from the state from when he was admitted to St. Mungo’s, all the traveling clearly benefited him deeply. 

Another memory and they were in a more public area, but this time Potter looked closer to when he just finished the war. Here, Potter was speaking with an old man, deep in conversation. A turn of his head showed a different group of kids, yet their situation didn’t seem any different from the group in the previous pensieve. After a while, he saw Potter hesitantly approach and open a bag, giving the children and their parents some basic necessities like soaps he got from his hotel to small snacks from a local vendor. He proceeded to sit down when he was done and engaged in small talk with the locals, the man he was speaking to earlier leading the conversation. He watched Potter slowly grow more relaxed and laugh more freely. At some point he moved on to entertaining the children. Draco watched on until the sunset before shaking his head reminding himself that he was on a mission. 

More memories afterwards showed more of the same thing. Occasionally Potter would spend some time for himself but he would always move on to the streets to engage with the locals. A lot of the pensieves had the old man from the second memory. 

Potter drawing, Potter handing out whatever he could spare, smiling, laughing, and surprisingly even dancing to the song some local street band was playing. Apparently his dance skills have improved quite a lot since their fourth year. 

Eventually he came across a memory that stood out in more details. You could tell with the more vivid colors in the pensieve that this was quite an important memory to Potter. 

“Have you found her yet?” he asked after a small woman entered back into the room with the old man Draco nicknamed Rani. 

“We think she wandered too far under the bridge. It’s getting late and she still hasn’t returned,” the woman replied shakingly. “If something happened to my daughter…” she trailed off but the silence filled in what she was trying to say. 

He watched Potter get up from where he was sitting. “I’ll find her.” 

“Are you sure?” Rani asked as the Gryffindor walked towards the door. “Jakarta is a very friendly city but Naya is young and easy to prey upon.” 

“I’ll be back by tomorrow at best,” he hitched his backpack over his shoulder. “Give Indah my love and tell her I’ll try visiting soon.” 

He followed Potter through the pensieve once he left, watching as they passed barracks, railroad tracks and bridges. Eventually he watched Potter pass under a bridge before a small ambush took  place, Potter’s attackers shielding a small child behind them. 

He watched at the last second as Potter got hit square on the chest, which barely fazed him, before he threw an Expelliarmus and stunned him. Once it was over and he got Naya back to his mother, Draco replayed the fight scene over again and watched as the attacker fired the spell, noting the color and making out the incantation. 

He watched Potter one last time, all relief and smiles showing in his face as he watched Naya reunite with her mother. Ever the heroic Gryffindor still. He briefly wondered if these people would miss him if Potter- he shook himself from these thoughts and he resurfaced from the pensieves. 

He found Luna Lovegood watching him softly before nodding to herself and helping pack back the memories. A look behind her at the window told Draco that it was already night. 

“Thank you for letting me borrow the pensive Lovegood,” Draco said while slowly moving the contents to their original bottle, “I think I got what I needed for Potter’s case.” 

“He was quite happy wasn’t he,” she spoke out of the blue, “I think he truly needed that after the war and all.” 

“He did look...rather well, yes,” he agreed, unsure of where the conversation was leading. He may have wondered about Potter in the past but it never got him anywhere. He didn’t realize how much he missed the git until he saw him basking in the joy of just spending time with others and engaging in their culture. He wondered what else he had missed with Potter’s life and suddenly he was a bit too keen to find out. 

“I think Harry needed to see that the world wasn’t all that bad after Voldemort was gone. But even though he didn’t find exactly that, I think it makes him happy. Being part of their lives and doing what he can. Humans lead such intricate lives,” she paused appearing to be in deep thought. “I secretly think that if it was all sunshine and rainbows like Harry wanted to find, he would’ve gotten bored after a while you know? Life can only be good when you see the bad too. And in all his pensieves he saw a mix of both. Poverty with a sense of community. They had the simple pleasantries he couldn't have afforded here.” 

Draco thought back at the Potter he knew from Hogwarts. He thought back to all the bitterness and jealousy that he felt when Potter was always the one in the spotlight. Even with everything going on at school, the git just wasn’t able to have a normal year. He reflected back to what Lovegood said about simple pleasantries. He knew all too well what that felt like after the war. Those were some dark days before he was finally able to apprentice as a healer when Penelope Clearwater decided to give him a chance.  

They finished in silence as Draco bottled up the last of it. 

However before he left, Luna sent him off with a message, “When Harry finally wakes up, give him my love will you?” 

He was already on his way before he could tell her about the low chances of Harry’s survival, yet he didn’t doubt Luna’s words. And for Merlin’s sake when did he start referring to her as Luna? 

Entering St. Mungo’s was a blur or pressure and distress. Him and his team worked hard to form some sort of antidote potion (a counter spell wasn’t made yet), and the whole time he couldn’t stop worrying about the git. He knew as a healer it was his job to remain calm and collective for the efficiency of the case, but he really needed Potter to wake up afterwards. Although they still didn’t see each other much, Draco was determined to fit himself into Potter’s life. There was just no way he couldn’t when he recalled what Potter was like in Jakarta. He wanted to know how he changed and all the ways he could smile and bring joy to people’s faces just by engaging in small talk or dancing without a care in the world. 

He thought of all the things this would change for them as they fed Potter the potion, and he thought of all the things he needed to say as Potter slowly awakened after a few hours. 

“Malfoy?” Potter stated groggily as he sat up, “God, I remember the last time I was here. Do you need me to do those annoying question checks to see if I’m fine?” 

Draco felt the corner of his lips quirk up as he scribbled Potter’s new status on his notes. “Yes, Potter. Not even the boy who lived can escape standard check ins, no matter how annoying they are.” 

He looked up just in time for Potter to let out a fond sheepish grin. “Yeah I reckon so, though I have no idea what you could possibly ask me.” 

A beat of silence was shared and Draco felt a swell of anticipation for what he knew was going to come. He could tell Potter knew too just by reading his face. He was always an open book. 

“I guess we’ll have to start off with the basics,” Draco smiled, approaching closer until he was standing to Harry’s side, “Tell me about your trips to Jakarta, Potter.”

[zingaplanet]

I agree soooooooo much with all you said in that answer and especially you saying that it’s difficult to find the right words to describe what they have!!! Looking at it factually, Rafa and Novak have played each other a whole third times more often than Rafa and Roger have (59 to 40 if my memory’s correct) but I have honestly never sensed that kind of… feeling? Between the former as I have between the latter… And that isn’t to say Rafa and Novak or Roger and Novak or all three of them or all four of them with Andy don’t all have something special (After so many hours spent together on court and so much tennis-defining done, it must be so!) but there is a magic (?) about Fedal that transcends words and really does speak to the depth of the bond they share? I always find it hard to describe what exactly they make me feel, even outside any “ship” stuff (that’s just fun and games in the end, anyway) there is something so undeniable between them and I cannot put it into words at all, or rather, words don’t really do it any justice? I could try to write the most beautiful verses about them and it still wouldn’t capture what it means to know someone like that, to the very, very core of one’s being… and being known back the same. Sorry for the super long ask, but please do keep up the long answers if you have the time and energy, they are wonderful to read!

Hahaha don't worry, getting engaged in philosophically long discussions on other people's personal relationships is my favourite thing cause frankly, I DON'T HAVE A LIFE, so keep the asks rolling anons lol

So here's what I think honestly about the big four, or in this specific case if we're being a little honest, the big three and how Roger and Rafa approach their rivalry with Novak differently. I think the tennis world hasn't been kind to Novak (and by god they have their reasons) but if we're looking purely from an objective competitive perspective, I think it's also because the tennis world doesn't really like nor do they have the space to accommodate trios. Tennis has always been, as I mentioned, a very personal relationship between two people, either in doubles (we've seen many strong bonds and stories formed over the years with the Williams sisters and the Bryan brothers), or an intense two-sided rivalry in singles (Sampras-Agassi, Borg-McEnroe, Lendl-Edberg). There's just something mystical about pairs, I guess, and Novak broke through the Federer-Nadal story, he did it consistently and once we've thought we already have all the star players of a golden-era defining generation, and I think this is partly the reason why the other two of the big three didn't feel that particular sense of depth to their rivalry with Novak because THEY ALREADY HAD ONE, they've already had their biggest, career-defining rival to chase or to beat way before he came onto the scene.

Federer-Nadal were basically the ONLY story on the run from 2004 to around 2009, nobody else even came close, they were number 1 and number 2 for so long. And I think this initial period is the key to why the tennis world held their rivalry superior for so long but also to why they themselves did it. Firstly because the early 2000s saw a crucial transition from the older Sampras-Agassi generation to a new one, one that is surprisingly much more stronger than the previous one (Federer actually beat Sampras and Agassi multiple times, instead of just picking over their leftover crowns). When he became world number 1 and frankly with little competition (Hewitt and Roddick never really managed to beat him), there was a dominance established that somehow the whole tennis world feels is lacking something, a restlessness that doesn't exactly settle, and Federer himself actually feels it, I think, he references in a couple interviews that there was simply, in the humblest term, not enough exciting competition. And this changed when Rafa came into the frame, and he did it in the most staggering way, barely 17, beating the world number 1 and winning a first grand slam final against him. From then on, I think, they have already made a story for themselves, for Federer that this was a new challenge for him, and for Rafa, that he can now truly chase his idol on an equal level. The intense ranking chase going on from 2004 until 2008 was I feel something that the tennis world hasn't seen before and will probably never see again. It feels as if the balance is finally restored and the world is finally set right again. Tennis is somehow saved, because healthy competition at the very top level is the heart and soul of every sport.

As for Roger and Rafa personally, I think these formative years were the foundations of why they will always consider their rivalry to be the most important of their careers, regardless of the number of meetings, titles, or head to heads, simply because of its personal significance. Rafa became world number 1 for the first time chasing Roger, he won his first grand slam and Wimbledon against Federer. Federer lost his first grand slam final against Nadal, and truly felt the brunt of mortality when he lost his number 1 to Nadal, he was quite simply flying on wings and only realising that he could at some point fall. But that also reinvented his game, made him appreciate his wins more and as he later on admitted, made him fall in love with tennis and competition again.

Lastly, on this very long answer of an ask that you have now definitely regret asking (lol), I also think it's because of the very strange and almost psychically fated nature of their beings. They are literally polar opposites in an almost poetic way, not just in their extreme reverse style of plays but also in terms of their personal lives in general and they both knew it. Federer is the epitome of Swiss calmness and elegance, he doesn't actually show that much emotion on court, he literally grew up in the Swiss Alps (lol) and Nadal is the ever-passionate Spaniard, who wears his whole heart on his sleeves and was born and forever in love with his island Mallorca and the sea. I think there's never a truer example of opposites attract than them both. But the bottom line is, differences don't actually form a bond, it's the realisation that underneath all of these supposed opposites, there is a realisation that actually, they're also as close and as similar a person as they can be. Rafa even mentioned this again in their last presser, that they have very similar outlooks on life, and relating to my previous answer, they are two sides of the same coin, the only ones who can be as close as possible to 'live' the other's life.

I think that, is very frankly, one of the most whacky, poetic, and beautiful things the universe has ever designed, that underneath it all, those we thought our enemies were actually our brothers, and those we thought our opposites were actually the ones who're always there all along.

[clouddd-hannn]

What if you were a demon who pretended to be friends with all the other Hashiras, especially Tanjiro whom you grew fond of, and decided to betray them?

[ This will take place before the Mugen Train incident ]

"Yes, I understand," you answered the Demon King, Kibutsuji Muzan, who smirked as he looked down at you, placing two fingers on your chin as he raised your head, making you whimper as you avoided his plum red eyes.

"I see. I hope you haven't forgot what you're supposed to be doing, M/N," Kibutsuji stated as he forced you to look at him, his eyes seem to be buried deep in your own. "Have you found someone interesting? Hm? Was it that kid, Tanjiro? The one kid whose sister was turned into a demon?"

You shivered under his gaze as you removed your chin from his hold, the other smirking amusingly. "I did not forget, Mr. Kibutsuji. I simply am just...stalling to take their minds off of the demons."

"M/N, you do know you're a demon in the upper rank, right?" The Demon King reminded you as you flosed your eyes and nodded, Muzan smiling as he finally fled into the night, leaving you with a sullen look on your face. You looked down at the ground as tears began pouring down your eyes, quiet sobs leaving past your lips as you knelt down and placed your hands on your mouth to suppress your cries.

A certain black-haired girl that gradiented into a flame orange has been wandering around, looking for you when she woke up in her box with no signs of you beside his brother where you usually slept. Hearing your distress, Nezuko made her way outside the manor where she found you.

With your heightened hearing and foresight, you knew for sure that Nezuko would come and you already knew what was to come tomorrow. You stood up and sniffed as you looked towards the girl who looked worried before moving towards you and wiped your tears. "Thank you, Nezuko," you stated before finally going back inside the manor.

The next day, you were as fidgety as ever that you couldn't even speak much with neither of the Hashiras nor to the Golden Trio and Nezuko. "M/N," you turned towards the voice, seeing Tanjiro who was smiling from ear-to-ear. He seemed happy to see you after his training and the sun was already setting. "I've manage to explode a gord!"

You smiled at him as you nodded. "That's great! Then, will you be able to fight off the demons now?" You asked the other male who huffed as he sat down on your bed and held you closer to his chest.

"I hope so. I won't let anyone hurt you nor any of the Demon Slayers. Even you," he stated as he booped your nose making you chuckle, although that died down when you sensed the approaching of demons. "I won't even let anything or anyone hurt you."

"That feels good to hear from you, Tanjiro. But can you tell me exactly why you're protecting me when I'm stronger than you?" You asked the male who laughed as he squished your cheeks, finding you cute as he placed a kiss on your forehead. "Ah, right. That answers my question then."

He held you closer as you two drifted off to sleep. When you two woke up, it was already midnight. All of a sudden, you two suddenly heard a loud 'boom' from outside. Knowing what was already happening, you looked at Tanjiro who got his sword and held your hand, yet you removed his hand from yours. "What are you doing? I'm not leaving you here, M/N," he stated.

Hearing you say my name makes my heart flutter too much. You thought before smiling assuringly at Tanjiro who was still worried. "I'll manage, Tanjiro. Trust me."

Tanjiro nodded before finally exiting the nursing ward and into the main estate where the other Hashiras were. You sighed, looking back at Muzan whom you expected. "Hm? I knew there was something with you and that kid."

"I already did what you wanted so don't hurt them—"

"Tsk, tsk. M/N, don't you know that telling me their whereabouts and everything...would mean you betrayed them," Muzan stated, making your eyes widen as you looked back at the door where Tanjiro exited. "Go. Let's see if there're still people left."

You sneered at Muzan before finally exiting and ran towards the main manor where all the demons were chuckling and laughing evilly. Your eyes bulged out at the scene, there was blood everywhere, the thing you haven't foreseen. This was not what I saw in my sight. What's happening? You thought as you panicked.

"Who could've told them?" Tanjiro, who was the only Demon Slayer left (along with Giyu, Shinobu, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko), stated before Giyu turned his eyes towards you where you were standing. They went back to their fighting stance as they fought off demons. You watched everything happen in front of your eyes.

How they were killed, how they became lifeless, how they took their last breaths, how Tanjiro cried as he witnessed how his friends died. You went up to Tanjiro who happened to kill the last demon who almost hurt Nezuko. "T-Tanjiro," you called.

Tanjiro looked at you with tears flowing down his cheeks. "You...M/N, did you have anything to do with this? Have you betrayed us? The only family you have?" The black haired male stated as he aided his sister who was now awake.

You were about to speak up but Muzan beat you to it. "Family? Kamado, the only family he has was the ones you killed. I'm the only family he has left," he said as tears began to pour down your cheeks.

"I-I didn't mean to, Tanjiro. Please—"

"Enough. I've had enough," Tanjiro stated as he drew his sword outand before you could sense it, he had already sliced your head with his black sword, not looking at you as he cried.

You smiled at him, as if you were victorious. "You've managed to beatan upper rank, Tanjiro. I'm proud of you," you stated as you closed your eyes and watched as Muzan gritted his teeth and fled the scene. "I'm sorry," you stated as the sun began rising, feeling yourself burn as you closed your eyes and smiled one last time at Tanjiro who began crying at your last words.

[holden-caulfield]

Because She's Worth It

↪︎ 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

Summary: reader's friends find out about her secret relationship with Draco Malfoy.

Warnings: none, just a terribly written ending.

Word Count: 1428

//

"Watch where you're going, traitor." said your so-called friend Harry as he bumped into your shoulder without even looking you in the eyes.

He had a reason to be mad at you, just not a good one in your opinion. You had been dating the slytherin prince for quite some time now, but you had decided to keep your relationship a secret, afraid of the judgement of your friends. After the recent events, rightfully so.

They had found out a thursday morning: the gryffindors had transfiguration with the slytherins and once the lesson was over, Crabbe and Goyle thought it would have been funny to pick on you and the golden trio. You reacted with your usual snarky remarks to put them in their place but what surprised you was that Draco had intervened and told them to stop. The action shocked everyone, including himself. You looked at him with an alarmed look and he played it off with a quick comment,

"Why even bothering with these nullities? Just you wait and they'll realize they don't belong here." Crabbe and Goyle laughed at the statement as if it was the greatest joke to have ever been told and you sighed in relief.

"If there's someone who doesn't belong here, it's you, Malfoy!" spat Harry, still set on arguing.

"Let's just go away." you whispeded, trying to stop Harry and Draco from starting something everyone would have regretted. Hermione grabbed Harry and Ron but Harry didn't budge, instead he took a step closed to Draco.

"What's up Malfoy? Not in the mood to bully anyone today?" said Ron. Draco visibly stiffened and you could tell he was trying very hard not to tell them off there and then but he knew you wouldn't have appreciated it. Crabbe and Goyle got closer too, feeling surprisingly feisty that day.

"Why don't you listen to your stupid girlfriend and go away?" at Goyle's comment, Draco's eyes began burning.

"I am not his girlfriend!" you objected, but Goyle wasn't done yet.

"Whatever, why don't you shut your stupid mouth and use it for something more useful, like-"

"Why don't you shut your mouth before I make you!" spat Draco, grabbing Goyle's robe's lapels in his hands.

"What?" Goyle looked legitimately terrified as he asked the question, but Draco kept his eyes trained on him and didn't move. You placed your hand on Draco's shoulder and he suddenly seemed to realize what he had just done.

"Don't you ever talk to her like this." he released Goyle and he immediately backed away. The trio's gazes were fixed on you as you gently took Draco's hand in your own, knowing that you wouldn't have been able to keep the secret any longer anyway. He cast a worried glance at you and you squeezed his hand, reassuring him.

"Malfoy, really?" asked Ron poisonously. You opned your mouth to explain everything, but he stormed off, followed by Harry and Hermione. She gave you a comforting look, meaning she would have talked with them, but you had a bad feeling about this and you were right.

It had already been a week since the episode and you still hadn't talked with Harry nor Ron. They ignored you everytime and you were getting quite frustrated. You were sad because you missed your friends but you were also angry because you thought they would have at least given him a chance. You also felt a little bit of guilt, but that feeling was immediately sent away with Draco's loving kisses and sweet words to reassure you you hadn't done anything wrong. Luckily, Hermione gave you a chance: you told her everything and she understood you, she didn't necessarily approve of Draco, but she knew he made you happy and that was enough.

After a week of not talking you thought they would be up to listen to you, but when you tried talking with them in the corridors, they simply bumped into you.

"Watch where you're going, traitor." you felt your heart break a little, you couldn't believe your best friends were treating you that way. Draco's hand was interlaced with your own but when he saw the look in your eyes after the encounter, he knew he had to do something and not just stay there and watch you getting hurt over and over again by your friends' silence. He broke the contact and strode over to Harry and Ron, placing himself in front of them. A deep scowl was plastered on both of their faces, but Draco's own frown was even deeper. You rushed up to them, fearing the worst, but instead of hexing them, Draco started talking:

"Listen here kow, Potter. You don't like me and I don't like you and I never will. I've done dreadful things to you and many others of this school, some of them I don't regret. I know I don't deserve your pity, but that incredible witch right there does. She saw something in me that I didn't even know was there. She makes me a better person by simply existing and gracing me with her presence and you are a complete and utter fool to voluntarily cut her out of your life merely because she gave me a chance. She deserves to be happy and I feel incredibly lucky knowing she chose me over anyone else, I will do everything in my power to make sure she is content, even if this means talking to you or even pleading you. Because she's worth it. So if you decide you still wish to be a touchy downright prat, at least have the decency to respect her or I'll make you regret it."

Draco's love words were laced with venom as he glared at Harry and Ron who were now staring back at him, mouth agape. He waited a few moments before interweaving your hands back together and resuming his path towards the slytherin common room. When the two of you arrived there and closed the door behind you, you immediately threw your arms around him, almost making him tumble down. He held you close to him, one hand on you low back and the other holding your head. You pulled away only to crash your lips on his, your hands cradling his face as if he could disappear. He kissed you back passionately until you both had to pull away to breathe.

"Should I lash out more often? Because so far I'm loving the consequences." he said with his usual smirk as you both rested your foreheads against each other. You rolled your eyes and gave him a quick peck on the nose.

"Idiot."

"I'm profoundly offended!" he feigned hurt, slightly receding from you.

"No, come here! I want to grace you with my presence!" you retorted with a playful pout on your lips.

"Oh shut up." he grabbed you by the waist and held you flush against his chest, reconnecting your lips once more before settling on the green couch in front of the fireplace.

You spent the night in Draco's dorm just like you had done many times before and got ready to head to the great hall for breakfast. You and Draco walked into the hall, his arm slung around your shoulders. You saw your friends sitting at the gryffindor table, but quickly avoided eye contact. Despite that, they noticed you and made their way towards you.

"Can we talk, y/n?" asked Ron, nodding towards the door you had just walked in from. You nodded 'yes' and led them outside.

"We're sorry, y/n." began Harry. Hermione slightly nudged Ron with her elbow.

"Yeah, we're sorry, y/n. We behaved like complete gits." added Ron ruefully.

"I think someone else here deserves your apologies..." you suggested and Draco raised his brow at you before smirking lightly.

"We're not going to apologize to Mal-" Hermione nudged Ron again, a bit harder this time, and Ron immediately changed his mind.

"We're sorry, Malfoy, I guess." said Ron annoyed. You raised your eyebrow at Harry who scoffed before adding, "yeah, sorry."

"And I think that someone else should apologize too." Draco's complacency was soon replaced by a look of confusion as you looked up at him expectanctly. He rolled his eyes in annoyance before muttering, "I'm sorry but I still loathe you"

"Likewise." stated Harry before you pulled all your friends in a tight hug. You pulled away and gripped Draco's hand.

"Can we go now? I'm starving." admitted Ron and you all made you way towards the great hall.