#he deserves his matilda moment!!! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

russellsppttemplates · 1 month ago

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I'm sorry to hear you need the distraction for the reasons you do.

I have a fluffy one for Lando and his wife...like, imagine right after Tilly is born, still in the hospital, Lando asks the nurses to take the baby girl to the nursery, so he can take care of y/n. He helps her have a shower, wash her hair, and do her skincare bc he knows that's something that relaxes her. He is the softest hubby tending to his girl after she has their baby.

Cw: hospital, post partum care

"Would it be okay if I asked you to take Matilda back to the nursery after Y/N has fed her?", Lando asked one of the nurses as she entered the room to leave your afternoon snack on the table.

"Yes, absolutely", she smiled, "just let us know when you're ready for us to take her by ringing the button there and we'll look after her".

Excusing after checking everything was okay, Lando closed the door and went back to sit by your side. Even though your daughter had only been born the day before, he still couldn't believe how much you were already doing for her, your body making up the food she needed as she happily suckled on your nipple.

"Can you get me that cloth, please? She spit a little bit", you asked, pointing to the lavender coloured fabric by the foot of the bed.

"There you go, love", Lando offered, looking in awe at you as you carefully wiped the baby's cheeks and chin, "can I burp her?".

Passing the baby to Lando so he could have some time with her, you let yourself rest against the pillows, watching the cosy scene unfold. You were in love with your little family and wouldn't change it for the world.

Lando paced softly in the dim light of the room, a gentle smile hidden beneath a veil of concern on his face. He loved your daughter more than words could explain, but right now, he was focused on you. You had just brought Matilda earthside and he wanted to make sure you knew just how cherished you were.

“Just a minute, princess,” he murmured to himself, heading towards the call button as he glanced at you, seeing your eyes begin to flutter shut. It tugged at his heartstrings - you needed something soothing that would help you relax after the whirlwind of labour and delivery.

With a quiet determination, he approached you, "I asked the nurses if they could take Tilly to the nursery so I can look after you for a little while - is that okay?", he asked, not wanting to overstep any boundaries but making his opinion known.

"Oh, I'm fine, I don't need-", you began.

"I want to do this, okay? And she can go and sleep there just as well as she sleeps here", he reasoned, pressing the button when you didn't say anything else.

When one of the nurses arrived, she gathered Tilly carefully, cradling her with the utmost care before heading off, leaving Lando alone with you in the room.

He returned to your side, sitting on the edge of the bed with tenderness, "Hey, love,” he whispered, brushing a strand of hair gently behind your ear, “how are you feeling?”.

You sighed, a small smile lighting your face as you looked up at him, knowing that hiding the truth wouldn't be good, “Tired but happy. Just a little dazed, I guess", you mumbled

Lando nodded, his heart swelling with love, "How about a shower? I know it helps you relax," he suggested, his voice low and soothing as he rubbed circles in your hand.

"You'd help me do that? I'm not sure I can do it on my own", you chuckled despite the genuine gratitude you felt for him for even offering.

“Always,” he affirmed, standing up to help you sit up. With careful movements, he helped you swing your legs over the side of the bed, steadying you as you found your footing, "You just brought our baby girl to the world, you deserve a moment just for you,” he smiled, his voice gentle and encouraging.

After setting everything up, Lando helped you step into the bathroom, turning on the water and letting the warm steam fill the space. He set a few towels near the sink, ensuring everything was within reach in case you needed it, “just relax, okay? I’ve got you,” he said softly, looking into your eyes with unwavering support.

As you stepped under the warm spray of the shower, you felt relief wash over your body as Lando stood just outside the curtain, keeping a watchful eye, “I’ll wash your hair, just like you like it. I packed all your favourite products” he offered, and you couldn’t help but smile at the soft, comforting tone of his voice, "Come here, gorgeous", he called out, making sure to get everything just right as he lathered your hair, the scent of your favorite shampoo filling the air. The gentle fingers massaging your scalp felt heavenly, a tangible reminder of the love you had built together.

You could hear his chuckle as Lando reminisced about your first times together, "do you remember me getting soap on your eye and yelling because I thought I had permanently blinded you?", and all of the moments that led you here.

Once you were done, he helped you rinse off, gently wrapping you in a soft towel as you stepped out to dry, "You look beautiful”, he whispered, his eyes warm with adoration, "even more radiant than I remember".

You blushed, feeling the love that emanated from him, "you always know what to say to make me feel better, and you've always been a charmer", you replied, your heart fluttering as he led you back to the bed.

After getting dressed, you slid back under the covers as Lando carefully pushed the foldable table closer to you, taking every item of your skincare routine from the toiletry bag.

"I'll be gentle, I promise, and nothing is going on the eyes this time!", he smiled before he applied moisturizer and massaged it into your skin, his touch tender and careful as he focused entirely on you.

“I can't believe we have a daughter", he said, laughing softly, "thank you, my love, I'll never be able to repay you for this", he admitted.

“We make a pretty good team, I think it's quite okay", you smiled.

Lando finished up, leaning in to plant soft, lingering kisses on your forehead, "yu did so amazing. I’m so proud of you, and I love you more than anything", he confessed.

You looked up at him, gratitude bubbling inside, "I love you, too, Lando. Thank you for being so wonderful and caring to me".

"This is my daddy duty now!", he smirked, "I want to help you as much as possible, and I never want you to feel like you don't matter, or that I don't love you or any of that silly stuff, okay? You rare the love of my life and I never want you to forget that", he stated firmly.

The baby girl in the nursery might be your new adventure, but in this moment, it was just the two of you - wrapped in the warmth of your love, with the whole world waiting beyond the walls of the hospital room. Together, you were creating a life filled with laughter, love, and an unbreakable bond.

(Thank you for sending this in ✨️)

#lando norris blurb #inês writes blurbs #f1 blurb #f1 x reader

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vettelsvee · 6 months ago

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Hey, how's it going?I have been thinking, for me, Seb gives off a GREAT vibe of a big family guy, who has a big family with the person he loves, my opinion of course. Could you write something like this?

E a propósito, adoro tudo o que você escreve!!

ROADTRIP TO MONACO | Sebastian Vettel

f1 masterlist | ao3 | requests or let's talk!

retired sebastian vettel x wife!reader

word count: 2894

summary: seb and a pregnant y/n go and have a trip to monaco with their three little ones after seb's retirement

warnings: none, just mentions of pregnancy sickness as y/n is on her first term of her pregnancy! fluff, lots of fluff, and dad!seb

a/n: i love that seb. i actually love seb and oscar so much that the only thing i want to do is write about them. i'll be waiting your feedback, comments and requests please! and also, don't forget reblogs are truly appreciated (also, so close to 1k! tysm to you all because i most of the times feel surreal with all of this and how much you seem to enjoy my fics). also, anon: hope you like this!

The soft melody of an alarm broke through the darkness of the bedroom Sebastian and you shared around one-thirty in the morning, interrupting the couple's deep sleep. Sebastian, still startled by the noise, managed to quickly stretch his arm to turn off the alarm in an attempt to fully wake up. Meanwhile, you rubbed your eyes, fighting against the tiredness.

"Is it already time to get up, sunshine?" you asked sleepily.

"Yes, darling, it's time," Seb nodded as he sat up in bed. "If we want to get to Monaco on time and avoid Charles from killing us. We should leave in about an hour and a half."

You yawned, curling up under the blankets.

"But it's too early, love… Don't you think we could, and should, sleep a little longer?"

Sebastian approached you and gently stroked your hair. He was aware that the fourth pregnancy was being a bit challenging for you compared to the previous three, despite being only in the second month.

If fatigue, nausea and dizziness were making life difficult for you at the moment, he didn't want to imagine how you would feel four months from now.

"Y/N, sweetheart, don't worry. Let me be in charge of waking up the kids and getting everything ready. You stay here and rest a little longer, okay? I promise I'll let you know when everything is ready so you only have to get in the car."

You looked at him with a tired but grateful expression. Still, you knew you had to help prepare the final details of the trip, and most importantly, make sure the kids were perfectly ready..

"Are you sure? I don't want you to take on all the work, really," you expressed with concern in your voice. "Even though I'm tired, I can help you..."

"I'm absolutely sure, darling," the man interrupted, smiling and giving you a warm kiss on the forehead. "These are the kinds of things I retired for, so focus on going back to sleep, alright? I'll see you in a bit, liebe."

"Sebastian…" you spoke again. "I'm really serious: we're in this together, and I don't want you to handle everything alone. It's a family trip, not a trip of Seb with his three kids. I want to help."

He admired your determination, but he wanted you to be treated as you deserved.

"I know, Y/N," he explained, "but I also know how tired you are. Really, allow yourself not to worry about your kids for once. I promise I'll wake you up soon enough so you can get ready."

You nodded, trying to avoid continuing the conversation and settling back into bed, closing your eyes and trying to sleep without thinking about how long your husband might take to prepare your kids.

Meanwhile, Sebastian left the room with determination and headed towards the children's rooms. Emily, Charlotte and Matilda slept all in different rooms, so he went from door to door, opening them gently and affectionately, and then approaching each bed.

He first woke up Charlotte, the middle one, who rubbed her eyes and looked at her father, confused.

"Dad, what's going on?" she asked, puzzled. "Did you have a nightmare and want to sleep with me? Or is mom having the baby?"

"No, no," Sebastian chuckled at his seven-year-old daughter's antics. "It's time to wake up. Remember we're going to Monaco today."

The little girl's eyes lit up immediately.

"Yes, that's right! We're going to your old workplace!"

After letting her fully wake up, the head of the family went to the room of the youngest, Matilda, who was four years old.

"Matilda, wake up, honey," whispered Vettel, giving her a gentle tap on her shoulder. "We have an exciting day ahead. We're going to see those fast cars daddy used to drive."

The youngest Vettel lazily stretched in his small bed and yawned. Sebastian then smiled, picking her up while she just wanted to hug Seb.

"That's what I like to see, little one," he commented, tousling her hair. "Let me dress you so mom doesn't have to worry too much, okay?"

Both the children and Sebastian hurried to get ready. There was no doubt that, despite the sleepiness, the family was full of energy and excitement for what awaited them in the country about seven hours from their residence.

After also waking up Emily, your eldest, and making sure all of them were ready, Seb put cartoons on the living room TV to keep the children entertained and returned to his room, where you were still resting, seemingly peacefully asleep.

"Honey, the kids are ready. They're waiting for us in the living room. Are you feeling better?" he whispered as softly as he could, gently stroking your arm.

You opened her eyes and sat up in bed, stretching aggressively. “Thank you so much for getting our little devils ready, I owe you one."

He tenderly kissed you on the lips.

"You don't owe me anything, you did enough effort to bring them into the world and act as both father and mother when I wasn't around. Let me help you get ready, we have a great day ahead."

Quickly, Seb helped you change you clothes, gently touching your small but already slightly prominent pregnant belly. Once you were finally dressed in sportswear for comfort, you both walked hand in hand out of the room and headed to the living room, where your children were already waiting impatiently.

After making sure everything was ready and the kids had no further needs, you all headed to the garage, quickly getting into the family car. While Sebastian made sure the suitcases fit perfectly in the trunk, you took care of buckling the children up and offering them a few games or movies to keep them entertained on the way, although you were quite aware they would end up asleep.

"Are you all ready?" you inquired, turning around from the passenger seat and looking at her children with a smile as Seb began to start the car.

"Yes, mommy, let's go!" exclaimed little Matilda, who received cheers from her sisters.

With the car's engine purring softly, they set off on the Swiss roads amidst the darkness of the night, which, despite being synonymous with tiredness, brought a surge of energy to the youngest members of the family, where conversations and plans for Monaco came to the forefront.

"Do you think grandpa Norbert is going to come, Dad? I heard you talking to him the other day," exclaimed Charlotte, once again showing her admiration for Sebastian's sister. "Is grandma Heike coming too?"

"I want to hear the loud noises of the cars and see how fast they go," Emily added immediately, excited.

Sebastian smiled as he drove, very happy to hear the excitement of his children and, especially, to be sharing such an experience with you all not only after his retirement.

As the hours went by, tiredness arrived, and the children fell asleep. Quite the opposite happened with you: you woke up when you no longer heard the sudden conversations between the siblings. As you progressed along the winding roads and approached Monegasque territory, the sky began to lighten, giving them a beautiful sunrise.

"Look, honey, the sun is rising," you commented to Seb, pointing to the horizon stained with warm colors. "I can't believe we're finally arriving in Monaco after weeks of waiting..."

After a couple more hours of driving, and lively conversation among the family resulting from a brief stop for breakfast and in your case, vomiting a couple of times, you arrived in Monaco. The city looked completely different from any other time of the year as the streets were adorned with flags and banners for the Grand Prix. Furthermore, the grandstands, the paddock, and the countless yachts docked in the harbor made Monte Carlo seem even richer than it already was.

"We're here, guys," Sebastian announced to his children sweetly. "If you need something, just make sure to tell me, alright?”

Seb parked the Mercedes in a parking lot reserved for VIP guests, and then got out of the car to help you. He made then a phone call, possibly to Leclerc, your kids began to stroke your belly. You reacted early and quickly moved them away, aware that journalists and paparazzi could discover the secret.

"Let's follow dad, guys," you whispered to them, getting down to their level. "And remember: no one, not Uncle Charles or anyone who asks you, can know that dad and I have made a little baby, okay?"

The children nodded in response to your question, which somewhat reassured you were still nervous. However, the excitement began to set in as you walked alongside your kids, following Seb towards the place where the free practice sessions would take place, partially pushing aside your worries. The sound of the engines grew louder with each step you took, with the youngest of the family covering her ears with his little hands.

"Look, mommy: there's the Ferrari team!" exclaimed Emily pointing towards the red team's garage.

Charles appeared in his racing suit, as Free Practice was set to begin in just thirty minutes.

As soon as he spotted your husband, who was slightly ahead of all of you, he raised his arms in the air with great joy at seeing him again on the circuits, a wide smile adorning his face.

"Charles!" exclaimed Seb when he finally reached the Monegasque, giving him a strong hug. "Thank you so much for inviting us. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. The kids are very excited to be here, and especially to see you."

Leclerc returned the hug to the German, reminiscing about the two years they were teammates.

"You don't have to thank me, Seb," replied the Ferrari driver. "I'm sure Emily and Charlie remember something, but I know it's all new for Matilda. Anyway, I'm sure they'll enjoy it like the first time, just like Y/N!"

As the conversation continued between the two men, you and the kids surrounded the Ferrari driver, who felt a bit shy seeing the children's excited faces.

"Thank you, Charles," you expressed with your little ones embracing you somewhat shyly. "We're very grateful that you made it possible for us to come," you leaned closer to the Monegasque and whispered: "and don't tell anyone, but despite Ferrari's shitty strategies, you're doing great."

After a few minutes of conversation catching up on your respective live, and where Seb almost revealed you were expecting your fourth child, Charlotte, Emily and Matilda crowded around Charles, excited to see their father's former teammate again. Despite the constant denials from the team engineers, he managed to let your kids have a close look at his car.

"Look," said Charles, excitedly, pointing to the vehicle, "this is the car I'll be practicing with today, and that's my teammate's, Carlos," he pointed to the car beside it. "What do you think?"

The children's eyes widened with passion as they began to examine the car closely.

"Can we touch it, Uncle Charles?" asked the four-year-old, grabbing Leclerc's race suit pants.

Charles smiled, nodding enthusiastically, inwardly melting at the scene he was witnessing. He wished he could see himself like that with Olivia in a few years.

"Of course, but do it quickly so you father doesn’t get fined again," he said jokingly.

While the kids explored the car, and after you joined them shortly after, Charles and Seb began to converse animatedly yet seriously about the expectations for the Grand Prix and the sensations he had so far in the 2024 Formula 1 season.

The sudden hustle in the Ferrari garage made it clear that Free Practice 1 was about to begin. Sebastian and Charles had their conversation interrupted when Leclerc's beloved engineer insisted he get into the car as soon as possible. It was finally time for you to head to the corresponding grandstand to enjoy the practice session.

The Monegasque was forced, much to his regret, to interrupt his conversation with the your husband. Seb, however, understood, and immediately turned to you all, who were eagerly waiting to go to the best spot to watch the cars go around.

"Come with me, kids," notedhim, "it's time to go up to the VIP grandstand to get a better view of the session."

Taking Matilda in his arms, holding his daughters' hands with his free hand, and with you on his left, you all formed a little chain to avoid getting lost in the commotion on you way to the designated spot.

You were moved by the scene you were witnessing. Holding onto Seb's free arm, you tried to control your tears as your followed your husband's lead.

Minutes later, you had found your reserved seats, but numerous fans who had recognized Seb had delayed him. You were used to this, as were your kids. Moreover, none of your minded as they were aware that Seb had done great things for and in the world of motorsport.

“Look dad!”, exclaimed Emily excitedly as her father sat down next to her, “That's Charles! He's going really fast!”

"Yes, he's going fast indeed, Emily," Seb answered, still in shock at what he was witnessing after many time.

As the practice hour progressed, you captured some moments of the family with your camera, all of them fully caught up in the energy emanating from the circuit at that moment. The applause and words of encouragement, though impossible to hear for the drivers, were felt as the local hero made his appearance on the track.

When it came to an end, faster than they thought, you all made your way back to the Ferrari garage, where Charles had promised to meet his former teammate after the session.

Once there, you saw the blue-eyed with his girlfriend, Alexandra, engaged in lively conversation, likely about what had happened on the track during the previous hour. Charles, upon seeing Sebastian with you at the garage door, hurried over as fast as he could.

"Seb, I thought you'd be gone!" he exclaimed excitedly. "I didn't get to see you: you know, speed problems," he laughed at his own bad joke, "but I'm sure you had a good time, and your amazing wife and kids did too, right?"

Matilda and Charlotte shouted in unison. You and Emily nodded quickly.

"I'm really impressed, Charles," Vettel said enthusiastically. "Apart from the track being in wonderful condition, the weather cooperating, and not having too many idiots running around today, your performance has been incredible."

Alex joined the conversation, greeting your and the kids first, and then Seb.

"It's been wonderful seeing you in the stands. I wish I didn't have to stay locked up in the garage all day, but there are these crazy Charles fangirls out there..." she joked.

You laughed at the comment. If she only knew all that you had to go through in the early years of your relationship with Seb…

"Anyways…" Leclerc began, placing his arm around his girlfriend's waist. "Alex and I have been talking these past few days and we'd like to ask you if you'd like to join us for dinner tonight. It would be nice for us to spend some time together, just relaxing, and celebrate that you've finally come back around here," he explained, looking directly at your husband.

"But really, if it's any inconvenience for you," she hurried to add, "or if you need to head back home or..."

Sebastian looked at you, who nodded excitedly at the proposal.

"It would be an honor, Charles."

After exchanging details for the dinner, they bid farewell momentarily due to Leclerc's press commitments. During that time, you returned to the hotel where you would stay for a couple of days to freshen up and prepare for dinner, as managing three children wasn't an easy or simple task.

When you met again, this time at the restaurant, you were warmly welcomed by its members. Dinner unfolded amid laughter and lively conversations, mostly revolving around Formula 1 anecdotes and your private lives.

As the night progressed, Seb and Charles delved into deeper topics about the world that absorbed so much of their lives. Alex and you, on the other hand, got to know each other more and realized they had more in common than you initially thought.

The children, meanwhile, were having the time of their lives: Charlie, Emily, and Matilda, who fell asleep early, spent the night playing games with the young couple, who still seemed like kids in your eyes.

"I hope you've enjoyed the day, guys," Charles said, raising his glass of wine. "I hope we can enjoy many more moments together, especially when the little one comes because, Y/N, I know there’s a reason why you’re not drinking alcohol when you like wine so much."

"Cheers!" you all exclaimed while you tried not to get nervous and more shy than you actually were, laughing at the revealed secret.

As you continued to enjoy the delicious food, along with the laughter and entertaining stories, you knew that trip to Monaco would become a cherished memory in the years to come. There was no doubt you should definitely do this more often and, above all, around the world if given the chance, something you had been waiting for years.

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writing-intheundercroft · 3 months ago

Text

Falling Hard

Summary: A story about how Garreth fell first (literally and figuratively).

Word Count: 5,416

Rating: T (boner alert, but that’s about it)

A/N: Thank you to @cuffmeinblack and @ellivenollivander for arranging @garrethweasleyfest!! And a special thank you to whoever submitted banana peel as a prompt lmao

Read on AO3

Garreth Weasley laid flat out in the center of the Great Hall, staring at the candle lit ceiling. He could hear laughter echoing around him, and a sharp pain radiating through the lower half of his back. Garreth shut his eyes tightly, wishing he was anywhere but the middle of his school dining hall, spread-eagle with banana pith on his heels.

He supposed he deserved this, after all.

And then, Garreth felt her hands cupping his cheeks, the soft pads of her fingers brushing his chin. When he opened his eyes, he blinked heavily, her face hovering over his. Wisps of her hair brushed his skin as she leaned over him, eyebrows furrowed in concern.

Okay, he would survive this. Especially if it meant being in this close of proximity to her.

“You’re an idiot, Garreth.” She shook her head, staring down at him with wide eyes.

He smiled up at her, blinking to clear his eyes. She was kneeling, hands flat on the ground at both sides of his face. He could smell her, the faint hint of mallowsweet lingering over her distinctive perfume. If he craned his neck up, he could probably kiss her—

“Yeowch,” Garreth groaned, a sharp pain crackling through his head like lightning. The sensation was enough to drive him back down to the ground, grasping at the flagstone floor. She shifted her hand, this time to cup the back of his head. He heard her inhale sharply, examining reddened fingertips.

”Is that blood?” He asked weakly.

Leander scampered forward, gasping when he saw his best mate’s current state. She was frozen at his side, fresh blood dripping down her hand.

“Somebody call Blainey!”

It sounded like Natty. Leander sat at his side, bracing Garreth’s head in place. He tried to move, to pry himself from the other redhead’s grasp, but the sharp pain returned. Someone was saying something to the effect of conjuring towels, and he saw her sit up, the offending yellow culprit in hand.

Fuck bananas, Garreth thought. Horrible stringy fruit. Who even liked bananas anyways?

She did. She’d always bounce over from her table, snatching a banana from the fruit bowl closest to him. She’d smile, say good morning, and that interaction would make his entire day.

”Garreth,” he heard her voice. He tried to crane his neck upwards again, but the ringing continued in his ear.

And then he passed out.

“I can’t believe you,” Aunt Matilda huffed. “Seriously Garreth, cracking your skull a week before graduation. Your mother will have my head.”

”I’m sorry,” Garreth repeated for the umpteenth time, wincing as Blainey wrapped another bandage around his noggin, flattening down his red hair. It was late afternoon already, and he’d missed the majority of his classes. With exams on the horizon, few of his friends had the free time to sit by his side. Therein, he was sequestered to his hospital wing bed with only his aunt for company.

“Garreth, you’re nearly a grown man and I still have to mind your behavior.” his aunt snapped. “How can an employer take you seriously when you’re still acting like a third year? Let alone a woman—“

”I get it, Aunt Tilly,” Garreth grumbled. “I have to wisen up.”

His Aunt Matilda’s face softened, lips pursed as she gave him a flat lipped smile. “I know the final days of term can be stressful. I just don’t want to see your talent wasted on trying to be remembered as a goofball.”

Garreth wasn’t trying for anything in particular—in fact, his stunt in the Great Hall had been an attempt to get everyone to forget what he’d blurted out in the heat of the moment.

Someone cleared their throat; Garreth and his aunt turned their heads to see Nurse Blainey standing next to the fabric partition.

“Visitors for Mr. Weasley,” she announced, gesturing to the now visible doorway.

”Oh thank Merlin,” Garreth wheezed, sitting up. He smiled weakly at Natty and Leander, who were walking into the hospital wing with his textbooks and assignments in their arms.

”Sorry it took us so long,” Natty said apologetically. “Had a double potions session with Sharp.” She dumped Garreth’s book bag onto the bed, books and papers spilling out the top.

”Thank you for bringing his homework,” Aunt Matilda said kindly. She redirected her attention back down to Garreth, eyes narrowing. “Now, don’t get into any more mischief, young man. I’ll be back in the morning.”

”Yes, Aunt Tilly.” Garreth said dully, crossing his arms. Natty and Leander watched the deputy headmistress walk out of the hospital wing, disappearing down the stairs.

”How do you feel?” Leander asked, pulling up a chair. Natty sat at the end of the bed, rearranging his book bag.

”Like shit,” Garreth grumbled, rubbing his head. “Cracked my skull, remember?”

“While skele-grow works wonders, I’m sure it can’t taste all that good.” Natty winced, shivering at the thought. “What did it taste like?”

”Chalk,” Garreth tapped his chin. “Think I blacked out all over again while taking it.”

Leander snorted, opening his own book bag to deliver a pumpkin pasty wrapped in a napkin. “I know the hospital wing food is tragic, don’t eat it all in one go.”

”What’s the damage then?” Garreth asked, swiping the pasty from Leander’s outstretched hand. He took a big bite, chewing thoughtful as his eyes flitted between his two friends.

”It’s fine—“

”Awful, mate.”

Leander and Natty shared similar sharp glances at one another.

“Alrighty then,” Garreth wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Give me the play by play, what people are saying.”

”Well,” Natty said hesitantly, playing with the end of one of her braids. “People are saying you’ve…er, gone a bit mad.”

”Me?” Garreth balked. “Gone mad? Over a banana?”

”It’s not just the banana.” Natty sighed. “It’s how you were speaking to her.”

”To her?” Garreth posed the question, still confused.

”Well, you sort of shouted at her.” Leander said slowly.

”I did not shout at her,” Garreth retorted.

Natty winced. “Yeah, afraid you did.”

Garreth blinked, trying to remember exactly what had happened at breakfast that morning. “I…I shouted at her?”

”She came over to the table to take a banana, like she always does.” Leander recounted. “And you asked her to sit with us. She just about did—“

”Until Sallow yelled at her to come back and sit with him and Ominis.” Natty finished his sentence. “You kind of lost the plot then.”

”I don’t remember this at all,” Garreth groaned.

”I think that’s for the best.” Natty said reassuringly, patting his hand.

“No, tell me more.” Garreth beckoned them forward. “Tell me how bad it was.”

”You sort of…well, you got into it with Sallow, told him off for interrupting you. And you both stood up at the front of the table, got in each other’s faces. And then, Sebastian yelled—“

This part Garreth remembered. It came back to him like a punch to the gut.

It’s almost like you’re in love with her, Weasley.

“Fuck,” Garreth swore. “I told everyone I was in love with her.”

Leander and Natty shared a painful glance with one another. “Just about. I mean, really, you were screaming it, so I’m not sure everyone truly understood.” Natty offered.

Leander scoffed. “It was pretty easy to put two and two together, Nat.”

Garreth buried his face in his hands as the memory formed in his head. Completely red in the face at Sebastian’s remark, he stared at the Slytherin with balled up fists. Garreth had stepped up, puffing his chest out as he blurted out his confession.

Maybe I am, he’d shrieked. IkindofsortofamkindofinlovewithherandI’vebeeninlovewithhereversinceourfifthyear.

”Merlin’s saggy tits,” Garreth muttered, hanging his head low. “I need to move continents.”

“I’m sure it’ll blow over,” Natty assured him. “It’s the last week of school, everyone who didn’t hear you will just assume you had—“

”A mental break?” Leander interjected. “That’s plausible. What’s not plausible is the fact that he decided to throw a bloody banana peel and crack his own skull open.”

“It was for comedic effect,” Garreth argued. “To uh, deflect the problem at hand.”

”Joke went out the window when everyone saw your blood on the floor.” Leander pointed out.

Garreth slumped in his bed, a hand flying up to adjust the gauze bandage around his head. He opened his mouth, shutting it rapidly as he tried to form his next thought without making his brain explode.

”It seemed like the best possible plan at the time.” He said miserably.

”It was funny at first.” Natty shrugged. “Don’t dwell on it, Garreth. Peeves has already stopped singing about it.”

Garreth ripped his pillow out from behind him, screaming into the feathered cushion.

”I told you we shouldn’t tell him that part.” Leander muttered.

Hogwarts was known for its decadent meals, but that service didn’t seem to translate up to the food offered in the hospital wing. It was nearly eleven o’clock at night and Garreth was still playing with his spoon, dragging it back and forth the cold, half-empty bowl of chicken broth a house elf had brought in for him. He wished he hadn’t been so quick to finish the pasties Leander had smuggled in for him.

“You should eat, Mr. Weasley.” Nurse Blainey clucked. The school nurse was clad in her pajamas, hair set in curlers as she prepared for bed. “Your bones will heal faster if you’re properly nourished.”

”Not much nourishment in this soup,” Garreth wrinkled his nose.

Blainey ignored his complaints, instead brushing the edge of her robe. “Now, it’s lights out, Mr. Weasley. I’ll leave you with your tray, but otherwise you should get your rest. I’ll be in my office; should you need me, just ring the bell.”

Blainey disappeared behind the partition; Garreth could see the outline of her walking back to her office, waving her wand to dim the lights. The door clicked shut, and all that was left in the hospital wing was poor old Garreth and his bowl of cold broth. He winced as he shifted in the creaky bed, setting the tray down on the bedside table. If he was going to be stuck here all night, he might as well get a good night’s rest before facing ridicule from the entire student body.

”It’s only one more week,” Garreth mumbled to himself, pulling the woolen blanket up to his chin. A singular week separated him from graduation. In seven days, he’d be a free man. Free to explore the world, to finally start the research on his potion ingredient almanac the way he’d planned on doing his entire school career.

A week before he’d likely never see her again.

Garreth turned on to his side, groaning. Perhaps that was for the best, he thought. He probably frightened her. That, or at least made her think he was completely off his rocker. Who in the right mind would shout their undying love, followed by trying to annihilate oneself with a banana peel?

Fuck, he’d never live it down. The ghosts would tell stories of his tragedy for years to come.

Besides, it wasn’t as if she’d responded. If she had understood his ramblings (which Leander had confirmed to be an unmistakable declaration of love), she hadn’t visited him in the hospital wing at all during the day. He’d been optimistic earlier, after Natty and Leander left for supper. But with every passing hour, Garreth lost a little bit of hope that his affections might be returned.

How could she love him, he thought. They were friends, that’s all. It was his own fault he’d taken the bait from Sallow, who’d given him that annoyingly smug face at the breakfast table.

Garreth was so lost in his thoughts that he did not notice the footsteps, or the creak of the partitions being moved. He only became aware of a second body in the hospital wing when the mattress dipped. He furrowed his brow as he looked over his shoulder, blinking at nothing.

”What the?” He grumbled, sitting up.

“Revelio,” a familiar voice muttered.

“Bloody hell,” Garreth gasped. He clutched his heart, as if it were going to beat right out of his chest at the sight of his crush materializing out of thin air at the edge of his bed.

She smiled at him, wild hair flying around her face as she dropped her wand onto the blanket. “Hi.” She whispered, nudging his legs. “Scoot over.”

”What are you doing here?” Garreth whispered, eyes wide.

Figured you could use some company.” She said nonchalantly, smoothing out the edge of her dressing gown. “And some snacks—the hospital wing food is atrocious from what I can remember.” She reached down to her little purse, undoing the flap. Garreth stared at her in confusion as she shoved her arm down to the elbow.

”Undetectable extension charm,” she murmured, pulling her arm back out to reveal a tin can. “Here, eat this.”

Garreth looked down at the tin, which she’d placed in his hands. Banana flavored candies from Zonko’s.

“What are you doing here?” Garreth repeated, peering up at her through his copper lashes.

She gave him a funny look. “I’m here to see you, silly.”

”But why now?” Garreth insisted. “You had all day.”

”Excuse me, I had a full diary today. I wasn’t factoring a trip to the hospital wing in the schedule.” She scoffed, handing him a chocolate bar from Zonko’s. “Classes, studying for NEWTs, some errands for a few folks in the highlands, checking in on the shop.” She herself opened a tin of licorice, tipping it his way as an offering. “The usual.”

Garreth gladly took a piece. “You do too much, you know.” He pointed out, followed by a big bite. “I have no idea how you manage.”

She shrugged, playing with the edge of the blanket. “I just want to be helpful while I’m still around the highlands. Who on earth is going to help these villagers with all their tasks when I’m gone?”

Garreth chuckled, shaking his head. “You do too much.”

She chewed on the candy, eyes twinkling. “I know I do.”

”And you should probably be sleeping,” Garreth pointed out. He looked at the clock on his bedside table. “Merlin’s beard, it’s nearly midnight. You’ll be exhausted tomorrow.”

She swallowed thickly. “I just wanted to see that you’re okay.”

Garreth felt his face heat up in a blush. “I’m fine,” he sighed exasperatedly. “Just a bump.”

She raised her brow. “A bump? Garreth, you were in a puddle of your own blood.”

”My own fault.” Garreth pointed out. “As everyone has reminded me.”

She shook her head, fighting a laugh. “Garreth Weasley, only you would try to take yourself out with a banana peel the week before graduation.”

”It’s pathetic.” Garreth wrinkled his nose.

”It’s hilarious,” she said sternly, wagging a finger in his face. “But I must plead with you to be more careful with yourself.”

Garreth chewed his bottom lip, avoiding her gaze. He instead focused on the woven pattern of the blanket, pulling on the frayed edge. “I thought I might have scared you.”

She tilted her head. “Scared me? How so?”

“Because I said some things…perhaps I screamed them at you, I don’t quite remember.”

Her face softened, and she tilted his chin up to look at her. “Sebastian can be cruel sometimes, I don’t want you to take it to heart. He felt awful, you know. I gave him a proper scolding afterwards. He didn’t mean to egg you on like that.”

She’d completely glazed over the confession, Garreth noted. A clear sign of her feelings towards him. Just friends, that’s all they were. They’d been friends since she arrived at the beginning of fifth year—she’d been the only person brave enough to sneak into Sharp’s office to get him a fwooper feather, and then she’d boldly traversed the One Eyed Witch passage to gather him some billywig stings. Letters exchanged over the summer holidays, stolen glances across the cauldron from one another in Sharp’s seventh year seminar. He’d memorized the sound of her laugh from all their shared classes, always endeavoring to make her giggle at least once every lesson. And for the last year, she’d volunteer to be his partner every night in Astronomy, shivering together as they charted their stars.

But, there was Sebastian.

Garreth had nothing against the chap, except for the fact that he was a Slytherin. In fact, he and Sebastian had quite a jovial acquaintanceship going before she arrived. But as soon as they’d returned for their sixth year, things seemed to change. Sebastian was more withdrawn, keeping to himself more than ever after his uncle’s death. And she stayed at his side, always fussing over him at meals or passing notes with him during study periods. It was the kind of treatment one would reserve for a loved one, an intimacy Garreth could never seem to cross with her.

Sebastian always hogged her, especially at meal times. She only ever left his side at breakfast to get her daily fruit from the Gryffindor table, exchanging pleasantries and a kind smile with Garreth in exchange. If he were lucky, they’d have time for a cup of tea between classes. On even luckier days, he might catch her walking home from Hogsmeade, electing to take the long way home just to hear her speak.

Even if she was taken, his crush on her grew stronger, made even more alluring by how unattainable she was.

”It was stupid of me,” Garreth mumbled, pinching the blanket. “To say all that in front of your boyfriend.”

She wrinkled her nose. “My boyfriend?”

”Yeah,” Garreth sighed. “Sebastian.”

Her eyes softened once more, and she took her hand in his.

”Garreth,” she said carefully. “Sebastian and I—we’re not together.”

Garreth looked up at her in confusion. “You’re not?”

”He’s just my best friend,” she murmured. “He’s had it tough the last two years, and perhaps I’ve babied him a bit too much. But trust me when I say there is absolutely nothing between us. He’s like a brother to me, Gar.”

”A brother,” Garreth repeated.

”A brother who is very protective of me,” she chewed on her lower lip. “Especially around a boy who might like me.”

“Yeah,” Garreth breathed in sharply. “A boy who might like you very much.”

She started to trace a circle in the palm of his hand. “And if I’m to believe the confession he gave at breakfast this morning, a boy who might love me.”

Garreth gave her a weak smile. “It’s stupid, I know. We’ve hardly had time together, let alone to properly…uh, properly grow those feelings. But it’s true.”

”It’s not stupid.” She shook her head. “Not when I feel the same way.”

Garreth sat up straighter, sucking in sharply when he felt his head ringing. At this point he wasn’t sure if it was the wound or the blood pounding in his head from her own confession.

“You should lay down,” she said, coaxing him back into the bed. “I’ll lay next to you, okay?”

Garreth scooted over to the edge, letting her slip under the covers next to him. He felt as if he was dreaming—his wildest dreams coming true, having the object of his affections curled up into him a week before graduation? He pinched himself as they shuffled on the small bed frame, getting closer.

“You like me,” Garreth said slowly as the top sheet fell over their heads.

”I like you,” she affirmed. “Have for a while, actually.”

”Since when?” Garreth asked, feeling his heart drop into his stomach.

”Since the party at the end of fifth year,” she confessed. “When you let me try fizzing whizzbeer. You…uh, you put your arm around me and kissed me on the cheek. Said you couldn’t have done it without me.” Her face was pink, flushed from her own confession.

“Merlin, I’m an idiot.” Garreth groaned.

”Just a bit,” she snorted. “I tried to drop so many signs. Why else did you think I wanted to be your partner all the time in Astronomy?”

”Because I’m good at Astronomy?”

“Garreth, you’re terrible at it.” She chuckled. “I kept trying to cuddle up with you, but you were always speeding to get the star charts done as fast as possible so we could go to bed. I thought—I mean, I took that as a sign you weren’t interested.”

Garreth’s eyes widened. “That was why you kept wearing such thin cloaks to class?”

”I wanted you to put your arm around me.” She retorted.

Garreth tilted his head, putting two and two together. Now it made sense why she was always shivering, backing into him as they took their evening class. She’d once stepped right between his legs, her backside pressed right against—

Shit. He was an idiot.

”We’re bad at this flirting thing, aren’t we?” She tilted her head.

”Awful at it,” he moaned. He lifted his hand, letting it rest on her hip. She seemed to like it, melting into his touch.

”Sebastian was getting so frustrated hearing me whine about you.” She murmured. “I think that’s why he was pushing you so hard this morning. I think he and Ominis had a bet you’d say something before graduation, and Seb didn’t want to lose his galleons.”

”I’ll have to thank Sallow then,” Garreth pointed out. “For helping me across the finish line.”

“You shouldn’t, his head can’t stand to get any bigger than it already is.” She chuckled. Garreth could feel her breath on his cheeks, and his eyes fluttered at the sensation.

”So, you like me.” Garreth repeated. It felt like a mantra he had to repeat over and over again, lest it not be true.

”And you love me.” She said coyly, lifting her hand to touch his cheeks. When her finger brushed against his lips, he pressed a tentative kiss against them. ”You love me enough to save me a banana every morning.”

”It sounds silly, doesn’t it?” Garreth murmured, his grip tightening on her waist. She shifted closer to him, legs tangling between his.

She looked up at him, eyelashes fluttering as the hand on his cheek drifted upwards to touch the bandage around his head.

“Does it hurt?” She asked.

Garreth shook his head a little. “Just a scratch.”

“That’s a shame,” she pouted. “I was hoping to help you feel better.”

“Oh no,” Garreth blinked heavily. “Oh, it’s actually so painful.”

She smirked, rolling her eyes. “Does it now?”

”So painful,” Garreth groaned, feigning dramatics. “I don’t know how I’ll ever carry on.”

Her hand snaked around his head, fingers threading through his copper hair. She scratched his scalp, and Garreth leaned into her touch in return.

“I’ll make it better,” she said coyly, nose brushing against his.

Garreth had kissed other girls before, but nothing could have prepared him for the feeling of kissing her. He just about moaned into her mouth when her lips touched his, melting into her touch. He immediately tried to roll over, to cage her underneath him against the mattress, but his body had other ideas.

”I can’t—“ Garreth huffed through gritted teeth, “roll over.”

She let out a breathy laugh in exchange. “Let me, then.” Her voice was low as she swung her leg over his lap, straddling him in his pajamas. She pulled the thin sheet over them, just the two of them under a cotton canopy. Garreth swore under his breath as she leaned over him, hair tickling his chin.

“Is that better?” She whispered.

Garreth grinned against her lips, his nose brushing against hers. “This just might heal me,” he murmured, arms circling around her waist to bring her in tight. She hummed approvingly when he nipped her lower lip, delicately licking into her mouth. Everything was new, yet it felt so right—every kiss she returned was just an affirmation that she felt the same way. She liked that he was silly. She liked that he was loud. She liked the way he saved her a banana in the morning, the way he’d lean his body against hers during the cold nights in the astronomy tower—

Maybe one day she might love him too.

The sheet went flying, exposing both of them to the cold hospital wing. Garreth blinked rapidly to adjust his eyes to the darkness; instead, Nurse Blainey materialized, holding a lamp with the world’s largest frown on her face.

”Young lady,” Blainey hissed. “What in Merlin’s name do you think you’re doing?”

She quickly hopped off Garreth’s lap, taking the sheet with her as she slid off the bed. Garreth squeaked indignantly as the warmth of her body disappeared, pulling one of the pillows to hide the rather obvious erection she’d left him with. His partner in crime adjusted her dressing gown, giving Blainey an awkward smile as she patted down her hair.

”I just wanted to check in on Garreth, that’s all.” She said smoothly.

“And you thought it appropriate to crawl into his bed?” Blainey snapped.

She winced, scratching the back of her head. “I wanted to see if his bandage was still alright?”

“Nice try.” Blainey rolled her eyes. “You’re very lucky the two of you are of age, otherwise I’d have to call your aunt in, Mr. Weasley.”

”Oh come on,” Garreth whined. “It’s just a week before we graduate—“

”And I certainly don’t feel like filling out any detention paperwork at this hour.” Blainey hissed. “You, go back to your dormitory straight away. And Mr. Weasley, if you do not rest—“

”Right, right,” Garreth grumbled, sinking back into his mattress. “It won’t heal properly, and I’ll be stuck here longer.”

Garreth wanted to protest as she balled up the bedsheet, tossing it back into his lap. She gave him a sheepish smile, grabbing her wand from the stone floor. “Er, I’ll see you tomorrow morning, okay?”

“Breakfast?” Garreth asked hopefully.

Her face flushed red, a smile blossoming on her lips as she backed away. “Yes, breakfast.”

Blainey cleared her throat, saying her name one more time. “If you don’t go back to your common room right away—“

”Alright, alright,” she rolled her eyes, walking backwards towards the entrance. She waved one last time before she turned on her heel, slippers thwacking against the floor as she made her escape.

Blainey looked down at Garreth, coughing as he tucked himself back into bed.

”You won’t tell my aunt, will you?” Garreth asked hesitantly.

”I should,” Blainey narrowed her eyes. “But I won’t. Your aunt has too much to worry about without having to find out you tried to deflower a young lady in the hospital wing.”

”I did not,” Garreth guffawed. “I would never!”

Blainey shrugged. “And at least your case gave me a good chuckle today. Your friend Mr. Prewett is correct. You will always be remembered as the boy who’d cracked his skull open slipping on a banana peel, after all.”

”Oh come on,” Garreth huffed as the matron walked away. “You’ve had to have seen worse cases.”

”Self-inflicted banana related wounds are a first,” Blainey snorted as she walked back to her office. “Go to bed, Mr. Weasley.”

Garreth fell back against the pillows, wincing slightly at the sting from his wound. He stared up at the ceiling, touching his lips. He hadn’t dreamt it—he’d held her in his arms, kissed her until she was breathless. Quite content, Garreth fell asleep with little effort.

He had breakfast to look forward to, after all.

“Good as new,” Nurse Blainey nodded, balling up the wad of bandages from Garreth’s wound.

”Oh, thank Merlin.” Aunt Matilda cooed. “I’m glad the skelegrow was able to sort out the skull fracture.”

Garreth averted his gaze as he glanced at his watch. The house elves had brought up a fresh uniform for him, so he at least wouldn’t have to stop at the Gryffindor dormitory. He tapped his brown boots against the floor as Nurse Blainey went through her concussion checklist once more.

”Can I please leave?” Garreth wheezed, rocking back and forth on his heels. “Breakfast is nearly over—“

”What has you in such a rush this morning?” Aunt Matilda asked, eyes narrowed in confusion.

“I just have friends I need to meet up with at breakfast,” Garreth said quickly.

Nurse Blainey snorted as she tapped her quill against her clipboard. “Right,” she drawled. “Friends.”

Garreth drummed his hands against the iron rail of the bed, nodding his head. “Yes, friends.” He repeated. “And I really, really don’t want to miss them.”

“Well, you’ve passed the test with flying colors,” Blainey checked the assessment. “No flying, floo travel, or apparating for the next forty eight hours. Overall, please limit any physical activity.” She waggled her eyebrows at Garreth, prompting a ferocious blush on his cheeks.

”Thank you,” Garreth said quickly, snatching his book bag from the edge of the bed. He could hear his aunt yelling after him as he scampered down the hall, feet drumming against the stairs as he made his way down.

”Garreth!” Aunt Matilda roared. “I can write you a note if you’re that worried about being late—“

”Gotta run,” he bellowed, skipping the last two steps. “See you later, Aunt Tilly!”

Despite Blainey’s instruction to limit his physical activity, Garreth had never run faster in his life. He nearly mowed down a pack of first years trying to scamper through the hallways, prefects and portraits yelling at him to slow down. He tore past both Natty and Leander, their mouths agape at their best friend making a fool out of himself yet again.

There would be plenty of time to explain later.

Garreth pushed the doors of the Great Hall open, panting as he doubled over, hands on knees. He scanned the Great Hall, praying to Merlin he would find a familiar face. The room was mostly empty, most of his fellow students off to their first classes of the day.

Except her. His heart thumped in his chest as he stood up straighter; she was perched on the Gryffindor table, sitting next to the fruit bowl. Like every morning, she had a half eaten banana in her hand.

Garreth willed himself to walk over, a big goofy grin on his face as he approached her. There was a twinkle in her eye as she leaned back on her elbows, appraising him.

”You look well rested,” she hummed, taking another bite. “Good as new.”

Garreth rubbed the back of his head. The injury was gone, the thatch of hair ant the spot of his wound already grown back thanks to Blainey’s tonic. “Better than ever,” he announced, setting his bag on the ground. “Are you going to finish that?”

She carefully peeled the fruit, breaking off a chunk to hand to Garreth. He took it gratefully, savoring the bite as she ate the rest. He cocked a brow when she folded up the peel into a neat square, tossing it onto the table.

”Have to be careful, you know.” She shrugged. “There was a guy in here just yesterday, cracked his skull slipping on a banana peel.”

Garreth rolled his eyes, snickering. “Very dangerous.” He tiptoed closer to her, his thighs pressed against her knees. He shoved his hands into his pockets, rocking into her. “A fall like that might cause a head injury. Would make someone say some pretty crazy things.”

She snorted, tilting her chin up to face him. “I’m pretty sure you said you loved me before you slipped on the banana peel, Garreth.”

”I did,” Garreth admitted. “I love you.”

She didn’t have to say it back, he thought to himself. He was just happy it was out there, that she might reciprocate his feelings even fifty percent—

She grabbed his tie, tugging it to pull his face closer to hers. He could smell her perfume again, and the faint hint of banana on her lips. Her eyelashes fluttered against his cheeks, and she pressed a delicate kiss to his lips. Garreth returned it eagerly, pulling his hands out of his pockets and resting them on the table as he leaned into her embrace. Her kiss was soft and sweet, a reassurance of her feelings for him. When they pulled apart, foreheads resting against each other’s, she smiled once more.

“I love you too, you idiot.”

#garreth weasley #garreth weasley x mc #garreth weasley x reader #garreth weasley x you #garreth fell first #the prompt was banana peel #I'm so serious it really was a banana peel and I ran with it #garrethweasleyfest2024 #garrethweasleyfest

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yamumsyadadd · 2 months ago

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the forgotten girl (5)

posted this originally on my old account. will be posting twice weekly :)

Alexia Putellas Segura. The one that got away? She was my first. First kiss, first person I had sex with, first person I was in love with. Maybe in a different universe things could work out. What’s the saying, right person wrong time? That seemed to be the case with us Every time. I loved her, she wasn’t ready for that. She loved me, I had just gotten together with Emily.

There was a moment when things would’ve happened, after Emily died and before I went MIA. But after that first night I couldn’t. I didn’t want to hurt her, to break her heart. So I left, breaking her heart anyway. Now she is with Olga and things are going great with them, right? The what ifs always playing on my mind.

•————————————————————-----------------------———•

I was glad to have Ariel, my social media manager. I didn’t have to deal with the comments or the tweets, I could live in my peaceful bubble and not have to worry about anything. The news of Sam Kerr tearing her ACL ripped through the football community, the Matilda’s were out a striker. There were two possibilities, Michelle Heyman who is retired or me. The girl who hasn’t played an international game since the 2019 World Cup, the same person who left the team high and dry for the 2020 Olympics.

The tillies were coming off a successful World Cup, secretly I’d watched every game, cheering them on from the safety of my own living room. When Jona had informed me that Tony had rang and asked for my number I was shocked, surely he’d call up Michelle before he rang me. She deserved it, I’m sure there were lots of younger players that deserved it too. But alas, it was me he rang. Just as training ended and we’d made our way back to the locker rooms.

“Hello?” Confused by the unknown caller, forgetting the conversation with Jona.

“Amelia? It’s Tony Gustavsson.”

“Oh shit. Yeah hi Tony. How are you?”

“I’m good Amelia, listen, I know you’ve heard the news about Sam, we are in an Olympic year and now without a striker. I know you’re just coming back and you haven’t played an international game in a few years, but if you’re willing I would love for you to join us this international break.”

“What? What about Michelle or one of the younger girls? I’m sure there’s someone more suited to this.”

“There is no one else I would rather. You’re the person we need. The missing piece to this team. The girls look up to you, they listen to you. We need you, I need you. Take some time and think about it, we have a few days before the foster needs to be released. Call me in two days ok?”

“Yeah yeah okay. I can do that. Thanks Tony.”

Disbelief. Was I excited for this opportunity? Sure. Did i deserve it? Probably not.

“Who was that?” Keira’s voice broke me from my thoughts.

“Uh it was tony. The Matilda’s head coach. He wants me?”

“Holy shit that’s amazing! Milly that’s so good! Congratulations!” The high fives poured in from everyone, expect one person, Alexia.

If it was so good, why didn’t it feel it? The first thing I did when I got back to the apartment was make a pros and cons list.

Pros:

It’s the olympics

Cons:

It’s the Olympics

Media

The team?

Football

I was stuck in my own head until a knock rippled through the apartment. Apprehensively I opened the door to Alexia standing there. She walked straight on through as if she’d been here before.

“What are you doing here? How’d you get my address?”

“Hi to you too. I’m good thanks how are you?

“Yeah yeah answer my questions?”

“I heard the phone call in the locker room and how you looked stressed. So I thought I’d come and be a good friend.”

“And you got my address from?”

“Jona. You should add that you can see me and Jenni.”

“Huh?”

“Your list” she points. “We will probably be there.”

Silence. Unsure what to even say in this situation. Alexia was still standing, looking around. There wasn’t much to look at. I had bought a couple of plants but other than that, it was just furniture.

“Have you lived here long?”

“3 and a half years. Why?”

“Oh. It’s… empty?”

“It’s easier this way.”

“So when you want to run away again, there’s nothing you need to take? Clothes and furniture can be replaced right.”

“That’s not fair Alexia.”

“No what’s not fair is you leaving in the middle of the night! You disappeared Amelia!“

“Seriously? We are doing this now? Fine. Yes I did leave, yes I disappeared, yes I fucked you and told you everything you wanted to hear. But I couldn’t stay. Not after everything. You deserved better Alexia.”

“I didn’t want anyone else but you! I loved you and you just left.”

“You should go.”

“Mil”

“No. Go home to your girlfriend Alexia.”

After she left I got up to write another con on this list:

Potentially seeing Alexia

Maybe in another life time things would be different.

The next week is rough. The tension between Alexia and I is very clear to the team, not to Olga though. She reached out inviting me to dinner with her and some girls from Manuelas. It was a nice night overall, it definitely felt weird being friendly with Olga. It was hard to separate the Olga from Manuelas and Alexia’s girlfriend Olga.

the morning of my first game arrived, I had barely slept because of the nerves. I wasn’t starting, however Jona said he’d bring me on in the second half. The thought of playing again was extremely overwhelming. My body went into autopilot, doing my old day time routine: making breakfast and coffee, brushing my teeth, changing my sheets, laying out my clothes and then going for a swim.

The ocean was calming and refreshing. It reminded me of home. The one place I could go and enjoy myself when I was living in foster homes. I taught myself to surf after watching some people do it, it took a lot of trial and error but in the end I was successful. As I came out of the water, I noticed a familiar pale, ginger sitting on my towel.

“It’s nice. You should go in.”

“Don’t be stupid Milly. I would never get in there in the winter.”

Keira was a constant. No matter what happened or what teams we played for, she was always there. She’d drop everything to come help and wasn’t afraid to tell me I was being a dickhead. I wasn’t expecting what she was going to say.

“You being here is hard for her. Being so close and her not being able to be with you. It’s a lot, I know you did what you thought was best but you broke her heart and she’s been different since.”

Alexia. It always comes back to her.

“I couldn’t let her love me Kei. It was too much.”

“But she loved you anyway. Pretty sure she always has and always will. She was mad for the first few weeks, then really worried, then sad. Every Sunday she would message Leah and ask if she’s heard from you, and every Sunday it was the same answer.”

“We should go. Got a game and all.”

#fcb femení #alexia x reader #woso fanfics #mapi león #woso imagine #woso x reader #woso community #alexia putellas x jenni hermoso #alexia putellas x reader #alexia putellas imagine #lucy bronze x reader #keira walsh x lucy bronze #lucy bronze #keira walsh x reader #keira walsh #claudia pina #barca femeni #ingrid engen

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djmaliksmix · 1 month ago

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Matilda ~ Harry Styles x reader

warnings: fluff, crying

a/n: hey lovesss! Ik I said I would be coming out with the 2nd part to “where the light enters” but I’m still trying to perfect it so give me some time but it will come I promise!

For this fic I wanted to write abt Harry and his song Matilda bc it’s my fav Harry song. I actually came up with an idea for a fic as I was listening to it LOL so I hope you enjoy! 🤍

Summary: Y/n and Harry have been best friends since he started his career in one direction and they’ve always had feelings for each other but it just has never been the right time. The band has went on their hiatus (but they still talk) and Harry has been in his solo career for a while now. He writes Matilda for the reader and she loves it. Then they hangout with the boys (Louis, Liam, Zayn, and Niall) to just catch up and Harry and y/n tell them about the song and what happened when Harry showed you.

The late afternoon sun filtered through the studio windows, casting long streaks of light across the floor. Harry sat at the mixing desk, headphones hanging around his neck and a pencil balanced between his fingers. The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the equipment, and yet his mind was anything but quiet.

He’d rehearsed this moment in his head a hundred times—showing her the song, watching her reaction—but now that she was here, he felt a familiar nervousness creeping in.

The door creaked open, and there she was, her curly hair slightly frizzy from the wind outside and a coffee cup in her hand. She paused in the doorway, her gaze settling on him with a smile.

“You’ve been holed up in here all day, haven’t you?” she teased, stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

Harry smirked, spinning his chair to face her. “What can I say? A genius doesn’t take breaks.”

“Modest as always.” She rolled her eyes playfully She crossed the room to sit on his comfortable couch that he had in his studio. Her presence grounded him in a way nothing or no one else could.

They fell into an easy rhythm, talking about her day and the book she’d been reading, and Harry and how his studio hours have been going, but Harry could feel the weight of the song pressing on him. Finally, as her laughter trailed off, he cleared his throat.

“I, uh, actually have something I want to show you,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Oh? Is this the big secret project you’ve been working on?”

“Something like that.” He reached for a pair of headphones on the desk and handed them to her. “It’s called Matilda.”

She nodded. “Oh! Like my favorite movie!”

He smiled, “yes, we used to watch it all the time together when we were younger.

She laughed to herself, “yeah! I remember that!”

“I wrote it for you.” He said with the upmost intent in his tone. He smiled softly.

Frankly, he was nervous out his mind on how she would react to the entire song but he was even more nervous on how she would react when he told her he wrote it for her.

“Oh Harry! Really?!” She said smiling, genuinely happy that he would even think of her in the very tight scheduled work that he does.

He nodded. “I wanted to show it to you first though. Before I put it on the album so it wouldn’t be a surprise.” He said thoughtfully.

“That’s so sweet! Thank you Harry!” She said getting up to hug him. He always loved when they hugged.

Harry watched her carefully, his heart pounding as she slipped on the headphones. He could feel the weight of this moment pressing down on him—Matilda wasn’t just a song. It was a piece of her story, a mirror he hoped would reflect how much she deserved to let go of the pain she carried.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice quieter than usual.

She nodded, her fingers gripping the edges of the headphones like they might anchor her. “I think so.”

Harry pressed play.

The soft opening notes filled the space between them, and he leaned back, his chair creaking faintly. At first, her face was neutral, her head tilted slightly as she took in the melody. But as the lyrics began—“You were riding your bike to the sound of ‘It’s No Big Deal’...”—he saw the shift. Her lips parted slightly, and her brows knit together in recognition.

By the time the first chorus came around, she was leaning forward, her elbows on her knees. Harry watched as her fingers curled into the fabric of her jeans, her breathing slow but deliberate. The words were sinking in.

When the second verse began, her hand moved instinctively to cover her mouth. The tears started slowly, one sliding down her cheek, then another. She closed her eyes briefly, as if to steady herself, but it didn’t stop the flood.

Harry’s voice carried through the headphones, soft but resolute:

“You can let it go, you can throw a party full of everyone you know. Not invite your family, ‘cause they never showed you love.”

Her shoulders trembled slightly, the weight of the song pressing down on her. She pulled the headphones off for a moment, her eyes wide and glistening with tears.

“Harry…” she whispered, her voice breaking. “This is—”

“It’s okay,” he said softly. “Take your time.” Harry said kindly.

She nodded, wiping her cheeks quickly, before slipping the headphones back on. Harry moved from his chair at the table to sit next to her on the couch. His heart in his throat as he watched her listen.

He held her hand in support.

And then came the part he had worked on the longest, the part he had poured his soul into.

“I don’t believe that time will change your mind…”

She froze, her breath hitching audibly.

His voice rose, raw and full of emotion, carrying the words with a conviction that made the room feel alive.

“In other words, I know they won’t hurt you anymore as long as you can let them go…”

The multiple layers of ranges his voice went into on this one line was like an angel’s cry.

It was beautiful.

Her reaction was instantaneous. Her hand squeezed his. Her lips quivered, her eyes squeezed shut, and her body moved lightly with silent sobs.

That single line shattered her soul. It wasn’t just the words—it was the way Harry sang them, the way his voice climbed higher, breaking slightly with the force of his emotion. He wasn’t just singing; he was pleading with her, telling her with every note that she could be free of the pain she carried.

She pulled the headphones off again, setting them down carefully on the armrest of the couch before covering her face with her hands.

“Hey, hey,” Harry said softly, moving closer to her. He held her face in his hands. His green eyes piercing through her soul. “It’s okay. You’re okay.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she shook her head, her voice trembling. “It’s like you took every part of me I’ve tried to hide, every part I thought no one could see, and you…you put it into words. Into music.”

Harry’s eyes glistened, but he smiled softly. “That’s because I see you. All of you. And I want you to know you don’t have to carry it anymore.”

Her breath hitched, and she leaned forward, resting her forehead on his neck. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

“I think I do,” he whispered.

The moment stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words. Then, as if by instinct, she leaned in, her lips brushing against his. Harry stilled for a heartbeat before kissing her back, his hand moving to cradle her cheek. The kiss was soft and unhurried, filled with all the emotions they hadn’t yet put into words.

When they pulled apart, her cheeks were flushed, and his thumb brushed away the tears that lingered.

“You’re not alone anymore,” Harry said, his voice steady but gentle. “Not with me.”

She gave a small, tearful laugh, her smile finally breaking through. “You’re too good at this, you know, making me vulnerable, breaking me open.”

He chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. “If it means you’ll finally believe how amazing you are, I’ll keep doing it.”

He got into a more comfortable position on the couch and she lay on his chest, hearing his heart beat. He ran his fingers through her curls. And she had her arms around his chest. Holding him tight, she wished that she could stay like this forever.

This is where she wanted to be.

Where she was always meant to be.

She didn’t feel lost anymore, she felt whole.

It was the most beautiful experience they both have had in life. Harry was forever grateful that she was the one he could show it to first.

And for her to have all the emotions with just them two in the room is a memory only they’ll have.

And she loved it.

They stayed like that for a while, the song still playing softly in the background, its message now woven into the quiet, shared understanding between them.

~~~~~~~~~

A week later, Harry found himself standing outside Louis’ house, a bottle of wine in one hand and a small gift bag in the other. The boys had decided to get together, a rare occurrence now that their solo careers had taken them in different directions.

Y/n now officially Harry’s girlfriend,had been one of Harry’s best friend for years, and though she hadn’t joined the boys for many of their previous hangouts, she’d agreed to come this time. After all, Harry had invited her, and they both knew the boys would be pestering him about the song—and why he’d been so secretive about it.

He walked back down the sidewalk to open the car door for y/n. “Why thank you Mr. Styles.” She said playfully and smiled. He smiled softly, “Anything for you my love.”

He put the gift bag in the same hand as the wine and held her hand.

She could tell he was nervous, his palms were sweating and he was moving his hand a lot.

“Nervous?” she teased, nudging his arm.

“Not nervous,” Harry said, though his voice shakes slightly. “Just…prepared for the shit I’m about to get from my best mates.” Harry said, fake smiling.

“They’ll be nice,” she said with a grin. “Maybe.” He said under his breath.

The door swung open before they could knock, and Louis’s familiar grin greeted them. “Look who finally decided to show up! Come on, you guys, we’ve been waiting.”

Inside, the living room was a flurry of laughter and conversation. Niall was perched on the arm of the couch, already halfway through a bag of chips, while Zayn leaned back on the other end of the couch, propping his feet up on the ottoman. Liam was pouring drinks, his usual calm presence grounding the chaotic energy.

“Harry!” Niall called, waving him over. “Y/n!” Niall said bringing you in for a hug. “It’s been years! He said in the same kind voice you remember him having.

“Hey Niall!” You said hugging him back.

She walked to the kitchen to greet Liam. He smiled. “It’s great to see you again love.” He said putting down the drink he was pouring into a cup. You smiled at the warmth of his voice. “You too, Liam.” You whispered.

Liam always had a welcoming demeanor.

She walked back to the living room where Zayn and Niall were sitting.

Y/n sat on the cushion next to Zayn and Harry sat right next to her.

Zayn smiled, “hey y/n, it’s been too long. He side hugged her.

“Hey Zayn” you said smiling trying to match his mysterious tone and presence.

“Ahh, the lovely y/n finally graces us with her presence,” Louis chimed in, exaggeratedly clutching his chest. “I feel honored.”

“Please Louis, don’t make it sound like I’ve been living under a rock,” she replied with a sarcastic smile. “We’ve known each other for years. We just haven’t seen each other in so long.”

“Well, you were always with him,” Niall teased, gesturing toward Harry.

“Oh, that’s what it was,” she said, smirking at Harry. “You just didn’t want to share your best friend with the rest of them.”

Harry’s cheeks flushed, “I- I- well-“ he said stuttering. He wasn’t rly good at showing his emotions outwards, only to the one person privately.

Louis laughed and said, “Look at ole Harry getting flustered by his girl!”

Zayn, Liam, and Niall, smiled and looked at each other. They were really happy that Harry was happy and in a good place.

Harry rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the grin on his face. “You’re too funny.”

The guys launched into their usual banter, with Niall and Louis cracking sarcastic jokes at Harry’s expense, Zayn occasionally chiming in with minimal but pointed remarks, and Liam attempting to play the peacemaker. She slipped into the dynamic effortlessly, throwing in witty comebacks and keeping up with the lighthearted teasing.

But then, as the laughter died down, Louis turned to Harry with a knowing grin. “So, come on, mate. We’re dying to know—what’s up with this Matilda song? You’ve been all mysterious about it.”

Harry shot him a playful glare. “No one said you could know about it.”

“I think it’s a bit too late for that,” Niall quipped. “I heard you were all emotional in the studio. I bet it’s one of those ‘weepy ballads’.”

“Wouldn’t be the first,” Zayn added dryly from his chair, not looking up from his phone.

“Hey, there’s depth to a good cry,” y/n chimed in, glancing at Harry with a teasing smile. “Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve heard it.”

Harry sighed dramatically. “It’s not just a ballad.” His voice softened. “It’s…well, it’s for her.”

The room fell quiet. She met Harry’s gaze and smiled softly, her heart swelling at the way he cared for her.

Louis raised an eyebrow, leaning forward. “Go on then, tell us. What’s this ‘Matilda’ really about?”

She turned to the group, not missing a beat. “Harry wrote it because he knows what I’ve been through. It’s about… letting go of the people who hurt you, specially your family/people that should be supporting you, and choosing to be your own person.”

The guys exchanged looks, their expressions softening as they listened.

“I cried when I heard it,” she continued, glancing at Harry. “It was like he knew exactly what I needed to hear. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so seen in my life.”

There was a collective silence before Zayn said simply, “She’s not wrong, though. Harry is one of the most understanding people.”

Niall blinked. “Wait, hold up. Harry? Mr. ‘I Can’t Let My Feelings Show’ Styles?”

“Yeah,” she replied with a teasing grin. “Turns out he’s got layers.” She said sarcastically.

“Who would’ve guessed,” Louis muttered with a playful eye roll.

The moment of levity didn’t take away from the underlying warmth in the room, the connection between the group stronger than ever. Harry squeezed her hand, his gaze soft but full of affection, grateful that, with these people, they had a family—a family that saw them, truly saw them, for who they were.

“Well, there you have it,” Harry said, chuckling as he leaned back. “I guess I’m showing feelings now.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Liam added, raising his glass.

They all clinked glasses, a toast to old friends, new bonds, and the kind of love that made you feel like you could finally breathe.

This is your family.

#harry styles #harry styles x reader #one direction #one shot #fluff #love #music #harrys house

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sleeplesssmol · 8 months ago

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Imagine if, somehow, Vertin got turned into pre-Breakaway Smoltin. Would chaos unfold in the Suitcase?

At first I was going to say "yes" but after really thinking about it...

Vertin's team is soooo protective of her. She'd be in safe hands. Also, Smoltin was a menace because she was forbidden from being true to herself. I think the team would be happy to show her new places, help her catch Critters, and tell her stories about their adventures. They'd give her the childhood she was robbed of. Even the little ones like Erik, Eagle, and the others would be happy to play the role of "Big Sister".

I'm sure she'd still get into shenanigans but everyone is in on it!

Also, maybe this could be an important time of healing for Sonetto. She gets to hug Smoltin. It's something she wish she did more of when they were younger instead of breaking her little heart. She'll be the one giving Smoltin toffees and sweets this time.

However, she is also unwilling to share Smoltin which means that the team is actively fighting over her. While Vertin was the black sheep at the Foundation, here she's the apple of everyone's eye 🍎

Regulus wants to show her all her favorite records.

Sotheby wants to show her potions and talk her ear-off about crazy ideas.

Druvis makes a swing out of tree branches in the Wilderness for Smoltin.

Blonney and Desert Flannel want to dress her up like a little doll.

Jessica introduces her Critter friends to Smoltin and the little one curls up between the fluffy Carbuncles.

Click is following her around and taking pictures of these precious moments.

Smoltin is in awe at how big Matilda and Sonetto are now! Matilda acts normal but admits to Sonetto in private that seeing Smoltin like this hurts. This is the life Vertin deserve; one full of happiness and belonging. She also remembers the day she thought Vertin was Reversed like the others which is something she never talks about, not even to Sonetto.

Smoltin befriends Pavia's dogs, who recognize her scent as the person who gives them treats. Pavia acts annoyed but makes no attempt to stop Smoltin from playing with his puppies. He even offers her some of his precious Gelato and is pleased by her excited reactions when she eats it. He tells her to smile like that more often because he's sick of her stoic face (referring to Vertin as the Timekeeper).

Oliver Fog wanted no part of this. He's only concerned about getting her back to normal, but X thinks the whole thing is hilarious. He is in no rush and takes his time showing her his inventions. He likes that Smoltin and Vertin are always curious and listen intently to his explanations, even if he can tell they don't quite get it.

Mesmer Jr. gave her exactly one head pat. She has a lot of baggage too, but in that moment seeing Vertin reminded her of their childhood before the Break-away event and the Parade. She and Smoltin were friends at one point. Part of her misses how things used to be and the other reminds her not to dwell on these things. Its easier to not care.

As fun as it is spoiling Smoltin, the team begins to miss their Timekeeper. Without Vertin leading them, there is a noticeable hole in their lives. She was a friend, leader, parent, and everything else they needed her to be. They develop a deeper appreciation toward her. After all, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

There are so many fun possibilities with this idea I'm sure other people have many. Feel free to share!

#reverse 1999 #vertin #smoltin

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hogwartslegacyreactions2 · 9 months ago

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Hello! Sorry if you have already done something like this but I would love the professors' (whichever ones you feel comfortable writing) reactions to mc struggling in class due to being so stressed/tired/overwhelmed from the chaos that is their fifth year. I would love some parental vibes

Thank you! :)

A/N: Hogwarts professors deserve all the love 💕

HL PROFESSORS REACT TO MC STRUGGLING IN CLASS

ELEAZAR FIG: He gets a pit in his stomach from guilt. MC's circumstances aren't entirely in his control, but he feels responsible for them. The first thing he does is get them to take a break. Full stop on everything. Take a few days to decompress and refocus. Afterwards, he'll be right next to them to help them catch up on their studies. They'll pass their O.W.Ls with flying colors if he has anything to say about it.

MATILDA WEASLEY: This doesn't entirely surprise her given the rumored extracurricular activities MC has been up to. She has a heart-to-heart with them in her office. She wants the full story. No more deflection or bullshit. Tell her the truth. She takes the whole ancient magic thing pretty well, even if she doesn't fully understand. With their powers being so heavily tied to the goblin threat, suppose certain school assignments will have to be postponed. She can make arrangements.

CHIYO KOGAWA: She sees the heavy bags under MC's eyes when they come to tell her they completed another one of her assignments. They could barely focus on the wand movements necessary for the new spell. She has them sit and she pours a cup of tea. "Imported from my hometown in Japan. Just got it today. Have some. Might help you feel better; along with some decent sleep."

AESOP SHARP: He pulls them aside after class. "If you keep falling asleep standing up, you're going to wake up face first in your brew." His tone wasn't accusatory, but it made MC cry anyway. He's taken aback for a moment but he's seen this behavior before. They're exhausted. Likely pushing themselves too hard and not getting enough sleep. He holds out a handkerchief to them and then a small sleeping draught. "I have a new assignment for you. Go to your dorm, get comfortable and take this. Don't come back until you've caught up on sleep."

ABRAHAM RONEN: He sees MC fall asleep in his class again. No matter how much Natty prods them, they can't seem to stay awake. He doesn't allow Natty to bother them further, even when class ends. He lets them sleep until they wake up on their own and he has a tall cold glass of pumpkin juice poured for them. He sits next to them, pouring a glass for himself. "Don't panic. You didn't miss anything important. But, I am worried for you. Why are you falling asleep in class?"

MIRABEL GARLICK: She asks MC to stay behind after a lesson and asks what's been going on, they don't seem themselves. "Your engagement in class has fallen really low. Why is that, my dear?" As MC starts pouring their heart out and tearing up, she pulls them into a warm hug. This makes MC cry more but she just gently shushes them and rubs their back. "Let it all out, dearie."

MUDIWA ONAI: She's a master at reading body language. She can tell just by looking at them that MC has been running themselves ragged. She puts a hand on their shoulder and looks them in the eye. "Even the sun must rest, MC. You are powerful, full of potential, but without rest, you are as well suited for life as a dehydrated toad." MC laughs a little and nods understandably. She pulls MC close and gives them a forehead kiss. "Take better care of yourself."

BAI HOWIN: If there was one class MC could slack off in, it was beasts. She found them asleep in the hay multiple times and she doesn't bother them. She does get curious after a while if her class is just nap time for them or if there's something else going on. If they come clean that they've been overworking themselves, She doesn't give them more assignments from her class other than the necessities.

DINAH HECAT: "Enemies are going to catch you on your back foot at this rate." She comments as MC sluggishly packs up after class. "Perhaps You should limit your extracurricular activities for a while. Studying for your O.W.Ls seems to have you busy enough." But then MC sits down hard on the bench and MC lets it all out. They tell her everything. She sits and listens calmly. "I see...let me talk to Professor Weasely on your behalf. Perhaps we can work something out."

CUTHBERT BINNS: His class is where most catch up on sleep anyway. He's not overly concerned, but if MC asks for more review material he is happy to provide.

SATYAVATI SHAH: "Wake. Up." Her sharp voice can snap anyone out of sleep. "That's the third time this week. You're falling behind. Do I need to start deducting house points to make you care about your studies?" MC doesn't even look at her, they just shake their head. She feels a pang of guilt for going hard on them, they seem to genuinely be struggling, but life's a struggle. They'll figure it out or fail.

PHINEAS NIGELLUS BLACK: This doesn't seem like his problem.

#hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy reactions #hogwarts legacy professors #eleazar fig #aesop sharp

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morgandereks · 9 months ago

Text

slide on through my window

@bucktommyweek Prompt: Day One - Alternate first meeting Rating: Teen and up Summary: Based on this other prompt - “You broke into my apartment drunk thinking it was your friend’s house and I should call the cops but my cat kinda likes you so we’re good.” Notes: for #bucktommyweekend

The first inkling Tommy Kinard has that something’s wrong is when Matilda doesn’t come greet him at the front door. She's usually there as soon as the door opens, winding herself around his legs purring loudly

He steps into his apartment, tossing his keys on the kitchen counter as he cranes his neck in search of his cat.

That’s when he gets an eyeful of his second clue that his day’s gonna be off to a weird start.

There’s a half-naked man sprawled out across his couch, snoring softly. Matilda, the traitorous little fur ball, is curled up on the man’s lap, tail wrapped around her body. She opens her eyes but doesn’t lift her head, watching as Tommy creeps forward.

For a moment, all he can do is stare. Because this is weird, right? Even by LA standards. Tommy allows himself some time to take in the stranger’s appearance. By his guess, the stranger could be about his height, but isn’t quite as broad. Despite his large frame, his features are boyish, with a birthmark at the corner of his right eye and above his brow and his mouth softened in sleep. His sandy blond hair is a mess, almost as though someone had been running their hands through it. That combined with the missing shirt—Tommy doesn’t allow his gaze to linger on the tattoo on his left pec—and Tommy can’t help but wonder if there’s another half-naked stranger in his apartment somewhere.

It’s been a long night, and an even longer shift at the 127. The whole drive home, all he’d been able to think about was snuggling Matilda, and then falling face first into bed and crashing for the rest of the day. This stranger has robbed him of both those things.

“Hey.” Tommy inches forward and pokes the man in the shoulder. A loud snore is all he gets in response. He frowns and rubs a hand over his face before trying again, poking him harder this time.

“C’mon, wake up.”

“Wha’?” The stranger jerks awake, sitting upright so quickly that he almost head butts Tommy in the face. It's only reflexes honed from years of Muay Thai that save him from a broken nose. Bright impossibly blue eyes blink at him in confusion. Somehow, the man hasn’t disturbed Matilda at all, and she rests her chin on her little paws and watches the standoff through a half-lidded gaze.

“Who’re you?” the stranger asks in a sleep roughened voice.

Tommy straightens to his full height, suddenly indignant.

“Who’m I? I’m the guy whose apartment you broke into,” he snaps.

The stranger squints at him before his expression breaks into a broad, still somewhat tipsy, grin. Tommy does his best not to notice how it brightens up the guy’s whole face.

“Nah.”

Jesus Christ.

Tommy draws in a deep breath through his mouth before releasing it slowly out his mouth. Grace, he reminds himself. It’s important to always extend grace to others, even when they don’t deserve it. Even when they’re intruding on his very limited free time.

“What’s your name?”

“Ev—Buck.”

“Evbuck?”

The beautiful dimwit blinks up at Tommy, clearly baffled. He slowly lowers himself down onto his elbows—Tommy is about to warn him not to get too comfortable—and shakes his head.

“My name’s Evan. Friends call me Buck.”

Well, Tommy sure as hell isn’t this guy’s friend.

“Okay, so. Evan. You broke into my home.”

This doesn’t seem to sink in any better than it did the first time. Evan frowns at him, then glances down at Matilda. She blinks placidly back at him.

“You’re Chimney’s roommate?”

Now it’s Tommy’s turn to be confused. Is Evan simply drunk, or is he having some sort of seizure? Tommy belatedly wonders if he shouldn’t just call 911 and be done with it. This entire conversation is giving him a headache.

But Evan has apparently used the brief silence to fill in some blanks in his mind. Only, he apparently spells like a toddler, judging by the way his shoulders abruptly sag in relief.

“Man, I guess Chimney didn’t tell you I was coming.” He flops back down onto the couch, the picture of ease as he beams up at Tommy. “I’m really sorry about that. He said I could—”

“What the—who is…” Tommy takes another deep breath. It doesn’t help, so he counts to ten before saying in as calm a voice as he can manage, “Evan. Are you on drugs?”

Now Evan looks offended. Good.

“No.” A beat. “I’m just a little drunk. But,” he adds, when Tommy opens his mouth to speak, “not so drunk that I can’t read… this.” He rummages around in the back pocket of his jeans, having to arch his back and lift his hips off the couch to do so and.

Is Tommy having some kind of Freudian nightmare? Is that what this is? Did he just crash on one of the bunks in the station and this is all just a figment of his overtired imagination? Is he gonna have to pinch himself?

But no, there's no time for that. He watches as Evan pulls a worn little square of paper from his pocket and waves it under Tommy’s nose triumphantly. Tommy snatches it out of his hand to peer at it.

Jesus, no wonder the kid had gotten lost. Tommy looks down at the chicken scratch on the bit of paper, practically illegible even in the early morning light. Tommy’s eyes narrow.

“What’d you say your friend’s name is?”

“Chimney,” Evan replies promptly, as though that’s at all helpful.

“The name on his birth certificate,” he clarifies through clenched teeth. Tommy can practically feel his eye twitching.

“How the hell am I s’posed to know?” Evan’s voice rises slightly in exasperation. “He just said—Ow!”

Tommy jumps, the piece of paper fluttering from his hands to the floor as Evan lets out a loud yelp. It’s easy to guess the source of his sudden discomfort. Matilda, who’d been handling the situation a whole lot better than Tommy, had seemingly lost her patience with the way Evan kept shifting around beneath her and stuck her tiny, needle-like claws through his jeans in an effort to keep him still. Evan stares down at her, eyes wide, big body motionless.

And. It’s stupid. Utterly ridiculous. This stupid man had broken into Tommy’s apartment and stolen his cat’s affection. But even though Tommy knows first hand how much those claws hurt, Evan makes no move to push Matilda away or retaliate. And just like that, Tommy feels most of his irritation slipping away. He lets out a gusty sigh and drops down into the loveseat opposite Evan.

“Okay, let’s try to figure this out,” he says, trying to be reasonable. “I’m telling you that you’re in the wrong apartment. No one by the name of Chimney,” Tommy pulls a face, “lives here.” Evan looks like he’s about to argue, so Tommy continues hurriedly, “I also don’t believe that you’re some kind of weirdo who just breaks into people’s homes so you can sleep on their couches.”

“Good. ‘Cause I’m not.”

“Right. Glad to hear it.” They stare at each other for a moment; Evan is definitely pouting. Tommy forces himself to concentrate on the matter at hand. “So this leaves us with a third option: this was all just a big mixup. Which, given your friend’s handwriting, isn’t surprising. So. No harm, no foul.”

“You’re not gonna call the cops?” Evan asks in a small voice.

“I was tempted for a minute.” Tommy looks back over at where his cat is kneading at Evan’s thighs in an effort to make herself comfortable. Evan winces but makes no move to stop her. “But Matilda’s the boss around here, and she seems to like you.”

Evan follows the direction of his gaze and smiles. It’s soft and sweet and Tommy really needs to go to bed. He pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and starts swiping through his apps.

"Uh..."

"Relax," Tommy says without looking up. "I'm getting you an uber."

"Thanks, that really nice—" He stops, and the abrupt silence grabs Tommy's attention, worried that Matilda's somehow managed to draw blood. He glances at Evan, only to find the other man looking at him thoughtfully.

"What?"

"You never told me your name."

Oh. It's strange but he feels a flutter of something like nerves for the first time since finding Evan passed out on his couch. He glances down briefly before forcing himself to get it together.

"Tommy. My name's Tommy."

And dear God, what was it with this guy and his smile? Tommy's too old to be getting flustered by some pretty boy and his fucking dimples. He clears his throat and quickly looks away again.

"Well. Evan. It's been nice meeting you. But I think it might be time for you to go."

"Yeah." Evan's smile dims slightly. He seems to shake it off, though, as he turns his attention to Matilda. With one big, gentle hand, he reaches down to scratch under her chin. Tommy can hear her purring from here. "Sorry, babe, but I gotta go," he tells her with a grin. She pushes her face against his hand, demanding that he keep it up, and Tommy has never before been envious of a cat. "But I promise, I'll always remember our time together."

He's so stupid. And adorable. And Tommy needs him to find his shirt, stat.

It takes some coaxing—and Tommy going to the kitchen for some treats—to get Matilda off Evan's lap. Tommy does his best not to stare as the other man gets off the couch and stretches lazily. The flex of his muscles is obscene and Tommy can't help the way his eyes dip to where the happy trail disappears beneath Evan's jeans.

Shit.

Tommy feels his face burning as he rips his gaze away, looking up just in time to catch Evan's little smirk. He can feel his cheeks burning and he pointedly turns his back as Evan pulls his shirt on over his head.

Together they walk to the front door, and the silence feels kinda awkward. A sudden thought occurs to him.

"Hey. How'd you even get in?"

"Huh? Oh." Now it's Evan's turn to blush, and he ducks his head. "I, uh, I came in through the window."

"We're on the third floor."

"Yeah." Evan scratches the back of his neck, expression sheepish. "I wasn't thinking too clearly. But still," he peeks up at Tommy from beneath his lashes, "pretty impressive, right?"

Is he... flirting right now?

But there's this incorrigible grin on Evan's face, impossible to resist, and Tommy can't help smiling back at him.

"Yeah. Pretty impressive."

Tommy's phone buzzes, a notification that the uber's just around the corner. He can't help but feel a pang of disappointment.

"Hey, can I—?" He looks up to find Evan looking slightly nervous. Tommy's expecting a request to use the bathroom but, instead, Evan surprises him.

"Can I have your number?"

"My number?" Tommy scrambles to cover his astonishment and tries for teasing as he asks, "Why, d'you wanna call ahead the next time you break in?"

"No. I wanna take you out for dinner. Or, y'know, maybe for breakfast." Evan's got this cocky smirk on his face, but there's a hint of vulnerability there too.

This is a terrible idea.

That knowledge doesn't stop him from giving Evan his number and watching as he disappears down the hallway and into the elevator.

This was really not how Tommy had expected his morning to go.

But he can't say he minds.

#bucktommyweekend #evan buckley #tommy kinard #bucktommy #911 abc #my writing

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overtrred28 · 4 months ago

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Stargirl | matildas x original character fic [part twenty one]

Words; 2.1k

Pairings; matildas team x astrid taylor (OC)

Warnings; none

masterlist

The lead up to the world cup is no easy feat, for anyone. Everything you did as players both at club and on national level in the months before mattered more than ever. And for Astrid the pressure was building up inside.

She had made her mark in the team again at the last camp against Scotland and England, playing in the second match, assisting Charli’s first Matildas goal and slipping one of her own in. Not to mention her 19th birthday celebrated in England before she went back to Sweden and returned to Hammarby training with Kyra.

They were in the start of the Damallsvenskan season and nearing the end of the Svenska Cupen, hoping to make it to the final and win the cup. Astrid and Kyra were both a major part of the squad, either playing full matches or close to and making an impact within the team. They continued to work well with one another, creating beautiful passes and more assist/goal partnerships than anyone else on the team.

Their relationship outside of the game was continuing to grow with one another, but only behind closed doors. They knew what fans could be like with speculation and looking deeply into photos to find “clues” as to whether or not their close friendship had evolved anywhere further. So it was best if no one was in on their secret, not even Charli or Courtney who thankfully lived further away and didn’t interrupt their stolen moments at home.

On the 6th of June, 2023, Hammarby had their final game in the Svenska Cup against BK Häcken for the title. Kyra had been named in the starting line up with plenty of other strong players she could create chances with, but when they got to halftime and no goals scored by either side, she was ready for Astrid to come on.

Replacing Matilda Vinberg on the wing, Astrid came on with a fire to take out the cup and win her first trophy with Hammarby. Madelen Janogy helped them get ahead with 2 goals within 15 minutes of the second half.

Astrid’s first goal came not long after that, a corner by Kyra’s right foot, the ball landing directly at her head as she stood close to the goal, knocking it in with precision to slip past the keeper's hands. She immediately ran over to Kyra who came in from the corner, jumping onto her and nearly pushing her down but Kyra stabilised themselves, before the rest of the team came and dogpiled them.

One more goal from Maika at 68 minutes and there was no chance they weren’t winning, the possession stayed with Hammarby and although the Häcken keeper was able to block a lot more the of the shots towards the end, Häcken wasn’t able to get any goals into the net either. The whistle blew and the team screamed in joy, running in together and celebrating their cup win.

After the end of that cup, the Damallsvenskan was in full force and Hammarby were on a winning streak. The 4 games in the remainder of that month ended in victory for the club and happiness forAstrid for making one or more goal contributions to each of those games.

The 3rd of July 2023 became a date Astrid would never forget. It was early morning right before they left for training when Astrid’s phone began buzzing, Tony’s contact appearing on her screen. Without hesitation she quickly accepted the facetime and held it up to see him.

“Ah! Hello Astrid.” Tony waved through the screen.

“Hi G-man, how are you?” Astrid waved back, a wide smile on her face but her stomach churned in anticipation.

“Very well, thank you.” Tony laughed at the nickname like every time she said it, Kyra was also shaking her head and holding a laugh from the otherside of the room.

“Congratulations on the cup win, very deserved.”

“Thank you Tony, very happy with the result.” Astrid nodded her head and waited for him to speak further.

“Astrid,” He began falling into a more serious tone. “My reasoning for the call is to talk about the next camp against France and also this year's World Cup.” Astrid stayed silent and nodded her head. “As a coaching staff we have never been more impressed with a person of your age and talent. You are strong, skilled, resilient and so much more. You are a large asset to the team both on and off the pitch.” Tony smiled kindly at her, watching her face light up at the compliments.

“Thank you.” Astrid held back the tears brimming from her eyes and let him continue.

“Which is why it is my pleasure to invite you on our roster for the 2023 Women's World Cup if you would join us?” Both their smiles grew bigger and Kyra was jumping up and down in the living room for her girlfriend.

“Yes, yes. Absolutely yes.” Astrid beamed even brighter, nodding her head up and down as Tony laughed and they wrapped up their conversation. As soon as the call ended Astrid dropped her phone and ran over to Kyra, jumping up and wrapping her legs around Kyra’s waist. “OH MY GOD!” Astrid yelled out as they spun in circles. Tears of happiness ran down her face as Kyra placed her down again.

“I’m so proud of you.” Kyra wiped Astrid’s tears with her thumbs before leaning in and kissing her. But they were interrupted when Kyra’s phone started buzzing in her pocket. “It’s Tony.” Kyra looked from her phone back up to Astrid who was practically answering the facetime for her and pushing it up to Kyra’s face, stepping out of view.

Astrid was half paying attention to the facetime as she stood opposite Kyra, instead thinking of her parents and how proud they would be. Wishing she could tell them but they already knew as they watched over her every single day of her life. Astrid zoned back in as Kyra finished her conversation and ran to her girlfriend with an even bigger smile.

“WE’RE GOING TO THE WORLD CUP BABY!” Kyra shouted as they jumped around in a circle holding hands before pulling in and kissing one another with pride. A morning Astrid will never forget.

Only 5 days later Astrid and Kyra were jumping on a plane back home to Australia for their final World Cup prep match against France down in Melbourne. The flight was long but not awful, both of the girls managed to sleep a lot of the way, landing well rested and not irritable.

They pulled up to the hotel and jumped out, grabbing their bags and moving into the lobby. Because of their club schedule the pair were once again last to arrive, after rooms had been assigned by their teammates. So it was a mystery which teammate they had been paired with until they opened their room doors and greeted their bunkmate for the next week.

Astrid and Kyra walked hand in hand while no one was around, soaking in the last minutes they could act like a couple for probably a few days. They waved bye to each other and reached their separate rooms. Astrid opened her door and pushed her way through, dragging her heavy bags in and peering around the corner.

Sam was laying on one of the beds and looked up from her phone upon hearing the door open. “KIDDO!” She threw her phone down as Astrid appeared around the corner.

“SAMMY!” Astrid yelled in reply as she dropped her items and ran forward tackling Sam on the bed in a bear hug.

“UGH!Get off me you rat.” Sam laughed and pushed Astrid away and over to the bed opposite.

“What? You’re not happy to see me?” Astrid scoffed as she flattened her hair down again, pouting playfully at Sam.

“No, not really.” Sam shrugs playfully, pretending to occupy herself by picking at her nails and Astrid is not having it.

“Admit it Sam, I’m your favourite.” Astrid crosses her arms and raises a brow, awaiting Sam’s response.

“Ha! You wish As-turd.” Sam retaliates as she settles back down into her previous position with her phone. Dramatically Astrid gasps with a hand to her chest.

“Excuse me, only Macca is allowed to call me that.” Astrid mirrors Sam, lying down on her own bed and turns her head towards Sam’s bed where the captain was also looking over at the young striker.

“Whatever. How have you been? Congrats on the cup.” Sam brings them to a regular conversation.

“Thanks. Yeah, I’m good. Excited to be back home.” Astrid speaks with a soft smile, turning towards the roof. She loved coming back home to Australia after so much time away, but it didn’t feel the same anymore.

“Good.” Sam nods and the room goes silent for a minute. “How’s it going with Kyra?” Astrid's eyes widen and her head snaps back to Sam. How does she know?

“W-what do you mean?” Her voice wavers a bit and Sam continues looking at her phone.

“Aren’t you guys living together? Is she making you pull your hair out yet?” Sam chuckles lightly and Astrid lets out a sigh of relief.

“Oh yeah. Everyday.” She laughs and rolls her eyes. Phew.

“Are you ready for dinner?” Sam asks after checking the time and seeing it was time for team dinner now that everyone had arrived.

“Yes, I’m starving!” Astrid jumped out of bed and they left the room together.

As everyone arrived at the dining room they greeted one another, excited as always to be on camp with the people again and playing the game they love.

Astrid sat with Kyra, Charli, Courtney, and Mary, or as everyone else called them, the babies, and they caught up after 2 months apart and loudly annoyed one another which then annoyed everyone else.

After a night of catching up, playing games and relaxing before the week ahead of their French battle, everyone tiredly returned to their rooms and fell asleep early.

The girls had four days together to prepare for game day and no one was messing around. Well, kinda.

The team always liked to have fun with one another in training, laughing and giggling at one another's mistakes, pulling small pranks and teasing but most of all chatting. They loved to chat while running drills, especially Astrid and Charli.

They could chat and chat for hours while still perfectly executing drills or simply running around the track. The other girls were marvelled with how much they could get done while talking to one another and giggling mostly.

After four days of training it was finally match day at Marvel Stadium. The team had gone on their pre-match walk and completed their pre game training, watching the fans start to filter through and fill the seats.

Astrid hadn’t been named in the starting 11, which slightly disappointed her but she understood that her reputation still stood as a super-sub and she was more than happy to come on towards the end and hopefully score a goal for the fans.

And that’s just what she did. At 75 minutes her number 31 was flashing green and number 20 was red as Sam made her way to the sidelines for Astrid to come on. Astrid ran to her position as the new 9 alongside Tameka as the 10.

It didn’t take long for Astrid to get her foot on the ball and close to the goal, after Kyra had passed it through to her and now she was 1v1 with a french defender. She battled easily and managed to nutmeg her before running around and towards the keeper. She was alone and onside and the net was clearer than ever.

Her line was as clear as it was going to get so she went for it. Her right foot swung hard against the ball, rolling across the grass in what felt like slow motion as it rolled through the keeper's feet and past the white line.

The crowd roared and Astrid took off running, hands reaching up to the sky and forming a hard with her hands as she ran, her teammates running behind her before she stopped and they jumped all over her. She smiled and laughed with her best friends as they celebrated and the crowd was cheering.

The game ended in a 2-0 win and a very happy crowd of supporters celebrating the last game before the world cup starts only 6 days from now.

The girls did their round of the stadium for the fans, taking photos and signing merchandise, making people's dreams come true. This could easily be Astrid’s favourite part of being with the matildas, watching peoples faces light up with joy over a simple interaction or wave in their direction and it made everything they go through as players worth it.

To be continued...

#auswnt #matildas #kyra cooney cross #charli grant #steph catley #matildas x reader #alanna kennedy #mackenzie arnold #sam kerr #caitlin foord #woso #woso x reader

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owenstark · 2 months ago

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who: @cfthornsandroses what: the king of the north arrives to the riverlands during their festival as show of support for iona as queen of the riverlands. during this stay he comes across lady matilda tyrell.

The game room hummed with laughter and idle chatter, the low crackle of a nearby hearth underscoring the sounds of dice clattering and cards being shuffled. Highborn lords and ladies surrounded polished tables, each engrossed in the merry tension of the festival’s games. The Riverlands were alive with celebration—songs from the courtyard drifting in faintly through open windows—and yet King Owen Stark moved through the gilded chamber as though the revelry bent to him instead.

He was a figure of quiet authority, the weight of the North on his shoulders, though little of that burden reflected in his demeanor tonight. Clad in dark wool and trimmed fur—undeniably northern in cut, though softened for a milder Riverlands evening—Owen carried himself with the easy confidence of a man who had won battles and hearts alike.

His sharp grey eyes scanned the tables as he walked, like a wolf seeking its quarry, and then they found her—Lady Matilda Tyrell.

He knew her well enough, or at least as much as one could through glimpses and fleeting moments in crowded halls. It had been during Lann’s Day, amid the gold-dripped splendor of the Westerlands, that she had unmasked him at the festival games, stripping him of a small victory with a knowing smile. A moment of defeat etched in his memory—and not entirely unpleasant.

The smile on Owen’s lips turned roguish as he approached, his footsteps unhurried but purposeful. “Lady Matilda Tyrell,” he greeted, his voice carrying warmth that softened the edges of the North in his tone. “I thought I spied the flower of Highgarden here among the games.”

“You may recall unmasking me once,” he added, an air of mock grievance pulling at his smile. “I’ve been told I’m a sore loser, and I find it’s a reputation I deserve. So…” Owen gestured toward the empty seat across from her table, where cards lay untouched. “Play a game with me. Give me the chance to win back a shred of dignity.”

Owen Stark was a man of appetites, and women of the South held a particular allure. Perhaps it was their grace, their warmth, or simply the thrill of something foreign to the rugged North. Whatever the reason, as he leaned his hand on the back of a nearby chair, waiting for her response, it was clear he intended to linger in Lady Matilda Tyrell’s company a while longer.

“Well?” he teased, a brow quirking upward. “Unless, of course, you’re afraid I’ll take a win of my own this time.”

#c: matilda #matilda002

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townsenddecades · 6 months ago

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1314 – Day 3

TOWNSEND FARM

The rains are still worryingly heavy. It isn’t normal for the weather to be this wet at this time of the year. Some people, scared for their survival, are already wondering if this is some sort of punishment by The Watcher for the state of the world. They’d flock to Her churches, if they weren’t so desperate to make ends meet.

On the Townsend farm, Malika’s pregnancy is progressing steadily. Doing her chores and caring for the three youngest members of the household isn’t easy when she feels as if she waddles rather than walks, but she does her best. Her only consolation is that it can’t be long, now.

Both Helen and her young niece and nephew spend a lot of their time being underfoot on the farm – just like all the other children before them – when their parents and grandfather are too busy to pay attention to them. Benjamin helps Malika to care for the children whenever he’s got the time, but because they still plan to furnish the second cottage – a necessity now that their family is growing – he has little time to do so.

Whatever their woes regarding their fields, Benedict’s carpentry, at least, is serving them well. He does not earn much by it for the most part but has had two commissions for artworks by wealthier patrons Anna and her family had procured for him. He hopes that he will have more of them as his reputation as a craftsman spreads. Watcher knows they will need it, although even that won’t save them if there is no food to be had at all.

Malika thanks him for his efforts, regardless. He has given most of the running of the farm over to them, but she knows how hard he works so her children will have a better future. He waves her words away, but she can tell he is touched.

It is a relief to Malika when she finally goes into labour, at least until the pain starts to gain strength. The midwife is quickly summoned, hours go by, and far past nightfall, she gives birth to a perfect, healthy son. Like with most of the Townsend children, his appearance is a bit startling, if only because his dark skin is contrasted by light blond hair – indubitably inherited from Benjamin’s late mother. Benedict’s eyes fill with tears when he sees this reminder of Anne. He’s spotted traces of her in all their children, but none of them has inherited her hair. It’s almost as if the Watcher Herself wants to show them that some part of her lingers.

Benjamin is equally moved when he cradles their boy, whom they name Duncan, while his wife gets her well-deserved rest.

CRAWLEY HOUSEHOLD

While the Townsends are in suspense over Malika’s labour, anxieties of a different sort assail a member of the Crawley household. The rain has stopped for once, and as she often does, Anna has gone outside to be with her lost children for a while. Nothing brings her more joy than spending time with Annette, but she still misses Matilda and Edward as if a part of herself had been taken from her.

There is no sign of another pregnancy yet. If she’s honest to herself, she isn’t too unhappy about that. It will likely take years for her to make her peace with her children’s deaths and she isn’t looking to add more heartache to that.

Lost in her recollections as she is, it takes her a while to notice that Caroline has joined her outside, fiddling with her wide sleeves and looking uncharacteristically unsure of herself.

“I…I need to speak to you”, she says, after a moment. “I need your help.”

“My help?”, Anna asked, taken aback. “Shouldn’t you be planning your trousseau with your mother?”

That had been another monumental change: only weeks after the death of the future Baroness Elbenhawke, Lady Petersmarch had approached Mary and Matthew to talk to them about arranging a match between the widowed heir to the barony and Caroline. The Crawleys had jumped at the chance, of course. It meant snubbing the Sterlings, but for their daughter to be betrothed to a future baron! It was an honour scarcely imaginable.

Only Caroline had been very quiet, as could be expected. She had liked Tobias Sterling, and no position in the world can make up for having to break the heart of a man that holds true affection for oneself.

Anna’s comment had been meant as a pure joke, which makes Caroline’s sharp gasp even more startling. The other woman quickly covers her mouth, but she’s pale and trembling.

“That’s exactly it”, she forces out. “I can’t marry Pelham’s heir.”

Anna rushes over to her, now truly concerned. “I know how much you liked young Sterling.”

“It isn’t just that. I…we…I committed a sin, Anna. A terrible mistake.”

The implications dawn on Anna almost immediately. It’s what led to her brother Benjamin’s marriage, after all. “Oh Caroline, you didn’t.”

Caroline’s eyes fill with tears. “We did. We were as good as betrothed, and he said he’d marry me if…it took. And then, a few days later, Father told us that the Baron’s son had offered for my hand.”

She’d had no say in it. Her Father ultimately decided whom she was to marry, and no one had thought that she would raise any objections to be raised up into nobility, regardless of her affections for her swain. Even Anna, while sympathetic, hadn’t considered the possibility. How could she have known what her friend had done?

She rubs her arms until Caroline stops shaking. “And you’re with child?”, she asks, looking around quickly to make sure none of the servants are lurking anywhere. Caroline nods timidly.

“I haven’t bled in two months.”

“Oh dear.” If someone found out, it’s likely that the Baron would rescind the marriage offer, on grounds of Caroline’s questionable morals. Understandable as her tryst with Sterling had been, it also doesn’t speak well of what she might do once married. “Does your swain know?”

Caroline shakes her head. “I couldn’t say if he’d still want me. He…he didn’t take well to being thrown over. He thinks I should have fought my parents or run away with him. I don’t know what he’ll say if I were to go back on that now just to preserve my honour.”

And even if she does, she’ll have to insult the Baron’s family and break her promise. People will still talk. “Would you want to do it? Marry Tobias, I mean?”

Caroline hesitates. “Mother and Father would never allow it.”

“You could elope. Tell Tobias you’ve changed your mind.”

“I’ve already broken his heart. And besides…it could help our family so much if I were to become a baroness. I’d lift them up, too. Set a precedent, which could even improve Annette’s marriage chances. I want to be with Tobias, more than anything, but…I don’t know if I can disappoint Mother and Father to do it.”

Part of her surely wants to be a noble lady, too. It is a grand honour that the Countess has spoken up for her. Snubbing that could damage Matthew’s standing in the Earl’s household, everything he’d been working for, all for a stupid, youthful mistake. There is no good way out of this situation, that much Anna can see clearly.

She is silent for a while, pondering their chances. “As I see it, you have three options. One, marry Tobias Sterling, and risk insulting both Lords of the county in the process and damaging your family’s reputation.”

“I can’t do that”, Caroline whispers. “I love Tobias, but I can’t.”

“Which means you’ll have to marry the Baron’s son, which he likely won’t consent to if he finds out you’re pregnant with another man’s child. We could try to hasten the marriage and make him believe your child is his, but you may already be too far along for that, and he’ll likely not wish to insult his wife’s memory by marrying so soon after her passing.”

“So, I’m doomed.”

“No.” Anna shakes her head, an idea already forming. “I’m not sure you’ll like it, but we could make a trip somewhere else, you and me. Maybe go to the seaside for the bracing air. We’ll stay there for a few months, until you’ve given birth. And once we return with the baby, I’ll claim it’s mine and George’s.”

For a few moments, Caroline is speechless. “You’d to that?”

“Of course I would. You’re my sister. I’d do as much for Edith.”

“But I would never to be able to acknowledge the child as mine.”

Anna gives her a sad smile. “I’m afraid that’s the price you’ll have to pay, if you wish to keep it a secret. We’ll likely need co-conspirators, but the fewer people know, the better. I do want your brother to know, however. I can’t keep a secret like that from my husband.”

Caroline still looks numb, but she nods with an effort. “I suppose there is no other way.”

But she sounds incredibly heartbroken as she says it.

Prev: 1314, Day 2 <--> Next: 1314, Day 4

WATCHER’S COMMENTARY:

This wasn’t planned.

When Elinor died, I went through my options as to who Richard could marry. Creating an entirely new sim was an option, but my first thought was the Dudleys, which fell through because their only living daughter is Gwendolen, who is far too young. So, my mind went to Caroline. A lord’s heir marrying the daughter of a commoner isn’t realistic, but I’ve been very frank about the fact that I’m taking some liberties, and with her family being close to the Earl and well-off, I decided to just handwave it.

And I kid you not, I couldn’t even get them engaged before I received the notification that she had gotten pregnant by her boyfriend. So, I decided to incorporate that into the story, the result of which you see here. The fact that it gave me an opportunity to write some more about her and Anna supporting each other was just the icing on the cake.

What this will lead to, I don’t know yet. I know the gender of the baby, but I have no idea if it will take after the Crawleys or after Caroline’s lover. I also don’t know if I’ll have the child be part of the succession should the need arise, or if I will skip them in favour of the next-closest sim that is part of the Townsend bloodline. I will cross that bridge should I get to it.

I do know that I will roll for the kid, so let’s see if they even survive past infancy.

#i honestly love anna and her friendship with Caroline so much #easily my favourite sim and relationship atm #ultimate decades challenge #the ultimate decades challenge #the sims 3 #ts3 #townsend legacy #udc: townsend family #udc: pelham family #udc: crawley family #udc: gen 1 #1310s

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sunnyrealist · 7 months ago

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Chapter 49: Cartwheels

The Sun, the Moon, and All Our Stars

Summary and Details…

Previous Chapter Recap/Context: Sebastian has moved into Kate's cottage. In the previous chapter, Sebastian completely unpacked, explained his frequent use of sleeping potions, and sentimentally reminisced about his family as he shows Kate three old portraits. He shared a lot of details in particular about his parents, including their research. Kate suggested displaying the pictures in their house, and then she and Sebastian spoke about having portraits done of them as a couple. They also had a discussion about Sebastian's dangerous work with the DMLE and how he needs to find a way out of it. When the previous chapter ended, a letter from Hogwarts had just arrived. This chapter picks up right after that and features these two being playful, lovey-dovey goofballs, sharing their most embarrassing moments, and post-lovemaking pillow talk about children and their future.

Pairing: 25-year-old, post-Azkaban Sebastian Sallow x 24-year-old Kate Mayflower (my OC), the assistant librarian at Hogwarts

Content warnings: In general, this is rated 18+, so minors should not read or interact with this story. This chapter doesn't have any smut, but there is definitely some innuendo and mentioning of making love.

The full chapter is available below the cut; it can also be found on AO3 (link is posted below). Please leave some feedback if possible, especially if you like what you read! 🥰

Chapter 49: Cartwheels

Sebastian holds out the envelope to Kate. “It seems that Hogwarts has business with you.”

Kate’s face scrunches up. “Hogwarts? During the summer? That’s odd.” She quickly breaks the seal and looks for the signature. “It’s from Prof- I mean, Matilda Weasley,” she informs him. As she reads, she goes red.

Dear Miss Mayflower, I am writing regarding some library business. As you know, in the summer, Headmaster Black requires me to complete an evaluation of each of our spaces to ensure that the castle is in an acceptable state for the next term. I am not certain as to why this has occurred, but the library is not ready in terms of organization and cleanliness. Additionally, the Ministry of Magic has recently gifted the library about a dozen new artifacts for safekeeping in the Restricted Section. These must be catalogued and stored properly. I will explain more in person. If possible, I would appreciate a conference with you during normal working hours next week to discuss when you might be able to complete some work over the summer. Please reply with a date and time for our meeting, and I will be happy to see you in my office. I hope you have had a lovely first week off of work, filled with well-deserved rest and relaxation. All my best, Matilda Weasley Deputy Headmistress, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

“Matilda wants me to do some work over the summer,” Kate summarizes after reading. “It sounds like Agnes and I might not have been as thorough with organization as we thought before leaving for the summer. She also has items that must be catalogued into the library’s Restricted Section, but she’s being a bit dodgy about what these artifacts are. That probably means they’re hazardous.”

“Hazardous?” Sebastian echoes. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Well, I don’t know that for sure - it’s just speculation,” she notes. “But it is part of the job. I’ve never had to do that before - Agnes has always handled it in the past… I’m sure I can handle it.”

“I know you can take care of yourself, but it doesn’t mean I won’t worry. I don’t know what I would do if…” he trails off, then gives her a pointed look. “Just… Be careful, alright?”

Kate smiles sweetly at his concern. “It’s just a meeting for now. It’s not like I’ll be working with these artifacts right away next week.” She slides off of the bed. “Well, I had better write back to her.”

Just a meeting… Sebastian thinks to himself. Nothing to worry about. Not yet.

“Oh!” Kate suddenly adds. “I almost forgot! I need to send an owl to my parents, too. They asked me to write as soon as I returned from our trip.”

“Good idea. I don’t want them to think I’ve kidnapped you,” he replies, half-kidding.

“Dearrrrr mamma and papa,” Kate loudly begins to recite with a cheeky smile on her face. “You wouldn’t believe how much danger I was in on our trip! I know we’ve only officially dated for about a week, but I’ve invited Sebastian to live with me. Also, I can’t wait to tell you all about the things he can do with his mouth…” She pauses for a moment as he processes her words, then cracks up, darting into the kitchen.

“Oi!” Sebastian lets out a chuckle, shaking his head as he follows her in a rush. “Be careful what you say to your parents! I don’t need them to know all of the sinful things I’ve done to their precious daughter!”

She giggles as he chases her into the kitchen, right on her heels as she rounds the table. He’s far too fast and strong, easily catching her.

“Sebastian!” she shrieks, cackling as his arms wrap around her waist.

Leaning in close, his lips hover just above her ear. In a low, seductive tone, he whispers, “You know you’re in trouble now, darling. Teasing me like that and running away… We can’t let that slide, can we?”

Kate chuckles to herself. “Oh, Bash - I would never!”

“I don’t believe you for a second,” he retorts, grinning widely and tightening his hold on her. “You know exactly which buttons to push.” He presses a kiss just above her ear.

After a moment, she murmurs, “I… should write those letters,” as if she needs to convince herself.

“You probably should,” he reluctantly agrees. “Though I must admit, I would much rather spend the rest of the day doing… other things.”

She breaks out of his grasp, raising an eyebrow. “You’re insatiable, you know that?”

“Sure. Insatiable and unapologetic about it.” He smirks, crossing his arms. “My girlfriend is absolutely irresistible. Can you blame me?”

“Yes,” she replies with a pointed look.

Sebastian pouts melodramatically. “Fine. Go write your letters. I’ll just… be all alone and neglected.”

Kate kicks him playfully. “I love you, ridiculous man. Read a book, play piano - just find something to do so I can get something done. You’re rather distracting.” She pulls her wand out of a pocket in her dress. “Accio correspondence supplies.”

Sebastian begins to leave the room as the summoned items soar into the kitchen. He decides at the last moment to return for a kiss, and that’s when he collides with the ink pot, which spills all over Kate’s dress.

“Ugh!” She shoots up, grabbing the ink and shoving it upright back on the table. “Scourgify!” She points her wand at her dress. The stain slowly begins to disappear, but the ink is so dark, it still leaves a blotch. She sighs, plopping back down. “It’s ruined.”

“Sorry, love,” he murmurs, feeling guilty, but a moment later, he gives her a mischievous look. “You know, you could just… take your dress off.”

Kate narrows her eyes, shaking her head. “You sly dog.” Then, a smile of amusement tugs at her lips. “You know, now that you mention it, it is a bit chilly in the cottage. Perhaps I should take the dress off… and replace it with an oversized sweater, scarf, long skirt, stockings… you know… fully cover up.”

Sebastian groans dramatically, mock suffering on his face. “Ah… no, no, no. Don’t hide your heavenly body from me. I’ll suffer.”

“Oh, well, we can’t have that,” she plays along. “But I simply cannot be naked all of the time, Bash. You wouldn’t want me to catch a cold… that would make me suffer.” She giggles.

He leans against the wall, a lopsided smile on his face. “Of course - of course. But… who needs clothes anyway? They’re just a hindrance. We should both just walk around naked all the time. That would solve everything.”

“Oh, yes, what a brilliant idea, Mr. Sallow,” Kate retorts sarcastically, peering at the stain again. “And while we’re at it, why only be naked in the house? We can garden and do laundry in the nude, too. Then, any old passerby could see me, too.” She laughs, knowing how mad she’s about to make him. “Imagine how many men might see my body…”

The silly glimmer in Sebastian’s eye immediately disappears as he squints at her. “Don’t even joke about that.”

Kate chuckles, unable to stop teasing him. “You know you’re not the only man who’s seen my body before…” She rests her chin on her hand, studying his reaction.

“I know, sunshine, but I don’t like thinking about it,” he mutters, looking away. “I damn well will be the only one to see you naked from here on out.”

She glances away, biting her lip and grinning, debating whether to bring something up. “Have I… ever shared with you my most embarrassing moment?”

Sebastian’s eyebrows raise in curiosity, and he takes the seat next to her. “No, you haven’t.” He smiles. “I promise I won’t laugh too much.”

“Well…” she begins. “It happened during my sixth year at Hogwarts. Hufflepuff had just won the Quidditch Cup, and it was quite a big deal. I think every Hufflepuff was packed into the Three Broomsticks that night, and let’s just say that… alcohol was flowing freely. Professor Garlick was kind enough to turn a blind eye - no one got in trouble. So, anyway, my friends and I were absolutely pissed when we stumbled back into the Hufflepuff common room. We were some of the first people back, and we decided to continue the fun and play drinking games. Eventually, Truth or Dare became our game of choice… Do you want to hear more of it?” She gives him a questioning glance.

“Yes, yes,” Sebastian replies eagerly. “Go on. What happened next?”

“It was kind of what you might expect - a lot of stupid dares and silly questions. But it got wilder and wilder as the night went on,” she continues. “We were passing around bottles of vodka and gin, taking shots, and we were quite sloppy around 1 o’clock in the morning. Someone dared me to perform a cartwheel, which probably sounds quite tame.”

Sebastian can picture a younger Kate, drunk and giggly with her friends, causing chaos and mischief, and it makes him grin. “It is pretty tame. So what happened? Did you fall on your arse?”

Kate grimaces. “Not quite. I agreed to the dare, but I had forgotten something important. It was unseasonably warm, and over the course of the night as we drank, body temperatures rose. Most of us stripped down a bit since we were amongst close friends. I myself was just wearing a loose, low-cut shirt with my corset… which I had loosened considerably as the hours passed. Right when I started the cartwheel, the door to the common room opened, and in walked the Hufflepuff Quidditch team, flanked by just about the entire house. I was midway through the cartwheel, upside down, when suddenly… my tits popped out of my corset, and I exposed myself to just about everyone. The Quidditch guys whistled and cheered like I had actually intended to flash them.” She turns beet red, recalling the incident.

Sebastian bursts out laughing, the sound echoing around the room. “Oh - Oh, Merlin!” he exclaims. “I’m sorry, love, but, my gods, that’s hilarious! I can almost see it! I bet the team thought they won the World Cup!”

“Yeah…” She joins in the chuckling, able to see the humor in the situation now that it is long past. “I suppose it was quite the warm welcome back for the team. Personally? I just wanted to turn invisible. To be permanently under disillusionment.” She shakes her head with merriment. “Everyone kept making comments about it for weeks afterwards. I already had a boyfriend at the time, but I kept getting asked out by other guys. And one girl, too. I guess they… erm, enjoyed the view…” She raises her eyebrows, looking away.

He rests his hands behind his head, leaning back in his chair. “I would have remembered that for ages, too, had I been there. I probably would have been the one whistling loudest, in fact..”

Kate reaches out to swat at him; he dodges. “Se-BAS-tian!” she chastises, punctuating each syllable. “You’re terrible! Don’t you remember, I was an entire year younger than you at Hogwarts!”

“Oh no!” Sebastian replies dramatically. “One whole year younger?!” He cackles again. “If I had been there, I would have absolutely tried to muster the courage to ask you out for a Butterbeer after your little show. In any case… it would have provided some… shall I say, inspiring material for many nights to come.” He waggles his eyebrows.

“Inspiring material?!” Kate shouts, laughing even louder. “You mean… You would have…” she doubles over, unable to breathe. “Is that what the boys would call… Quietus Time?”

He nearly falls out of his chair at her response. “That’s exactly what I would have called it! I guarantee that you made your way into many a Quietus Time after your little… accident.”

“Oh my gods, Bash! Gross! Teenage boys are so gross!”

They devolve again into a fit of giggles.

When the two can finally breathe again, Kate cocks an eyebrow. “Well… What about you? What was your most embarrassing moment? I’m guessing you didn’t flash all of your housemates.”

Sebastian runs his hand through his brown hair, still grinning as he takes a moment to think. “I guess I could tell you about the time I lost a bet and had to wear Hufflepuff house colors and cheer for them during a Quidditch match against Slytherin - in the Slytherin stands. It was a very traumatic experience for me.” He feigns a shudder.

“Oh, not that!” she yells dramatically. “Imagine cheering for Hufflepuff - what an embarrassment!” She shakes her head disapprovingly at him. “You just watch. Someday, our kids will be in Hufflepuff, and you’ll have to cheer them on.” She pokes his arm.

He grins at her playfully. “I sure hope not. If we have children, they had better be sorted into Slytherin. I’ll have nothing less.” He leans in to whisper in her ear. “Besides, I think you’ll look amazing in green and silver.”

“Oh, do you?” Kate asks innocently, then turns her nose up. “You wish.” Moments later, her haughty expression melts into a smile. “Bash, I’ll be happy with them no matter what. Even if they end up arrogant little Slytherins.”

Sebastian’s eyes glint with amusement. “Arrogant, you say? Not so. We’re simply confident and proud,” he retorts, pretending to take offense. He reaches out to brush a stand of hair behind her ear. “I’m calling it now, Kate. Our many, many adorable little ones are going to be Slytherin, and you’ll learn to love it.”

“You’re insufferable,” she mutters with a grin, throwing up her hands.

They chuckle, and then Kate leans in to press a kiss to Sebastian’s lips. “I love you, my insatiable, insufferable Slytherin.”

He grins against her lips. “And I love you, my… intoxicating, irresistible Hufflepuff.” He kisses her more deeply, his hands tracing up and down her arms. “You know,” he murmurs, his voice low, “When you tell me you love me, I can barely fathom the wonder of hearing those words. But it sounds even better when you’re breathless underneath me, moaning it in my ear…”

Kate’s suddenly heated gaze flicks up to him. “I… I feel like we’re on our honeymoon. Do you?” she whispers. “It feels like… time has just stopped today.” She kisses him again.

Sebastian’s eyes sparkle with affection. “I know what you mean, my love. It always feels like time freezes when I’m with you.” His voice is soft and tender. “And yes, it feels like a honeymoon, but now that I know it’s… permanent, I feel like I’m in heaven. I am so privileged to have you by my side every day now.”

Eventually, she insists that it’s time to finally complete her correspondence and demands that she is given at least a little bit of privacy. It’s clear that, without it, she will not get much done. In her letters, she arranges a meeting with Matilda Weasley on Monday and writes to tell her parents that she is home and safe and that she would like to visit soon to tell them about Sebastian. This, in particular, weighs heavily on her, but she resolves to put it to the back of her mind until she hears back from them.

Later that night, Sebastian lays next to Kate, both of them naked and content after making love. His fingers gently stroke her wavy blonde strands. “I can’t stop touching your hair. It’s just so soft and beautiful. I love it. I can’t help myself.”

“Maybe our daughters will have my hair,” Kate replies dreamily. “You can learn to braid.”

Sebastian lets out a laugh at her words. “Daughters? Bold of you to assume we won’t have sons instead.” His gaze softens as he considers it. “I suppose, though, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t want to have little girls with your hair and eyes.”

She chuckles. “And they’ll probably inherit your freckles. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.” She kisses his cheek. “What do you think we’ll have more of? Daughters or sons?”

He hums thoughtfully, a smile tugging at his mouth. “Who knows? There’s an equal chance for both. But personally, I’m hoping for at least one daughter with my freckles and your golden hair.” He raises an eyebrow, considering the alternative. “The thought of little boys with my stubbornness and recklessness is… a bit scary. They would likely end up driving both of us insane.”

“Yes, they would!” Kate laughs heartily. “They would keep me on my toes every minute.”

She kisses him, still chuckling, weaving her hands into his wavy chestnut hair. He leans in closer, his hand wandering up her abdomen.

“They will keep us on our toes,” Sebastian corrects. “You won’t be the only one dealing with them, you know. They’ll be the spawn of two troublemakers who will suddenly find themselves having to keep miniature versions of themselves in line.”

“Gods help us. And don’t forget how sneaky I’ve always been. I’m an expert at getting away with things.” She scrunches her nose. “That will make it even worse. Sneaky little mischief-makers… How will we ever handle them?”

“The only way is together, as a team. We’ll keep each other sane… or at least, as sane as we possibly can be.” He kisses the top of her head. “Just imagine it, darling. We’ll fill this home with love and laughter and joy. There will be books and toys everywhere, and it will be absolute chaos, but… it will be perfect.”

Kate exhales softly, snuggling into him. “It sounds like a dream - a beautiful dream. Oh, I love you so.”

“One day soon, all of this will be our reality. We’ll have our own little family, and we’ll be happier than we ever thought possible,” he murmurs contentedly.

“I’m already happier than ever,” Kate whispers before kissing his chest. Then, she yawns uncontrollably. “Oh, Bash, I’m so tired. You’ve worn me out. I think I’ll go to sleep. It’s been quite a day.” She adjusts to a more comfortable position, turning over to face away from him. “Are you staying up or going to sleep as well?”

“I’ll stay here with you, but I’ll probably read for a bit. I’ll keep the light hidden away as best I can,” he replies. “You should rest, my sweet.”

Kate closes her eyes, pulling the covers up over her shoulders. “Good night, my moon. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Good night, my sunshine. Sweet dreams,” he whispers, his heart full of affection.

It isn’t long until Kate is lightly snoring. Crickets chirp outside the cottage, and the room is lit only by the soft glow of one burning candle. Sebastian eventually grabs his book from the nightstand and flips through pages, but it’s difficult for him to focus. His mind is reeling with anxiety over tomorrow’s journey to the Feldcroft cemetery.

As if reading Sebastian’s tumultuous thoughts, Kate turns over, deep asleep, wrapping her arm around his waist and putting her cheek against his bare back. It’s as if she knows, even unconsciously, that he needs comfort. His heart performs cartwheels.

#hogwarts legacy fanfic #hogwarts legacy sebastian #sebastian sallow x oc #post azkaban sebastian #hufflepuff x slytherin #aged up sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy oc #hl oc #hl sebastian #hogwarts legacy romance #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy original character

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womanofwords · 1 year ago

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The Cuckoo Princess

Dedicated to @befuddled-calico-whump because their prompt has been in my head.

Before the wizard, the king, and the neighbouring prince came, Charlize had been living like any other princess. She woke up in a wonderful bed with servants already at her back and call from the moment she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. From there, she would order a very complicated breakfast from the rat-like servant Rosetta or whatever her name was and snigger as she scurried off to get it from the cook.

After that, she would change into whatever of the incredible outfits she wanted to wear and go for a chariot ride. Sometimes, she would go and see one of the other princesses, and sometimes, she would have the chariot drive through the poorer neighbourhoods in the kingdom so she could see how the peasants lived their little peasant lives.

But today wasn't destined to be an ordinary day.

"Today will be the best day of your life," Queen Matilda said, as she sat down to eat with her daughter. A rare occurrence. "Prince Edmund has a magical bond with you that was cemented soon after your birth. You were destined to marry him, my girl."

"What do you mean, magical?" Charlize asked.

"Their wizard had a prophecy that Edmund was destined to marry my firstborn daughter, so he cast a spell shortly after you were born that would make your heart glow in the presence of the prince. It will be a surreal sight."

The royal princess couldn't help but feel proud at the thought. Singled out by magic and fate? It couldn't possibly be happening to a more deserving person.

Charlize was dressed in a pale pink dress ("All the better to accentuate the glow that will be about you," her mother said) and her hair and makeup done perfectly. Anything to get Prince Edmund's attention.

Everyone in the castle was there when Prince Edmund, his parents, and the wizard arrived. Charlize did her best to flirt with her eyes with the prince, but his head was down. The wizard smelled of lavender and sweat.

"Greetings, Queen Matilda, King Declan, Princess Charlize," the king said. Charlize greeted him with a bow. Edmund smiled shyly at Charlize.

"Edmund, Charlize, you two were bound together by the red strings of fate," the wizard proclaimed. "I saw it in a vision that you would marry the first daughter of the neighbouring king and queen."

"And this is her?" Edmund asked.

"In the flesh," Charlize crooned, with the sweet vocals her music teacher had praised us for.

"To ensure that everything is in order, I shall cast a simple recognition spell." The wizard's hand began to shine as he muttered incantations, and Edmund's chest shone.

But nothing happened to Charlize. She felt nothing, and nothing happened to her.

"Why isn't it working? Is your spell wrong?" Queen Matilda snapped. Just as she said that, the maids began to groan and shield their eyes, and that was when they saw something shocking.

The young servant girl, Rosie, was glowing from her literal heart. "Your Majesty, something's terribly wrong," was all she could say.

It didn't take long for everyone present to join up the dots. The bonding spell was cast on the princess shortly after birth. If it was happening to a maid instead of the girl everyone knew as princess, then that meant that it was the maid, not the princess, that was the king and queen's biological daughter. Someone had swapped the royal newborn with the brat of a scullery maid, and that brat had had silver spoons in her mouth ever since.

And that was when she was branded with that horrible nickname: the cuckoo princess.

Charlize knew what a cuckoo bird was; her science teacher had told her about it. The cuckoo bird ensured survival of its offspring by leaving it in the nests of other birds. The offspring would complete the work of its parents by pushing its siblings out of the nest.

And that was what she was being called now.

All the details came spilling out after that. Charlize's biological mother had bribed the midwife to swap her own newborn (which was Charlize) with the royal newborn when they were born days apart. From there, the royal child was raised as a commoner with the maid as her mother, while the maid's child was living in the royal palace. They hadn't been counting on the spell the wizard cast and simply thought that they would never be caught.

Both were executed for treason and fraud, of course, and the true princess was accepted into the high circles as royalty. Prince Edmund openly admitted that he liked her better than the girl he thought he would have to marry. And the nobility were fawning over her like a puppy that had hurt its paw. Poor Rosalie, they would say. Robbed of her birthright, being made to live in poverty and serve a fraud! How awful!

"What do we do with the imposter?" Queen Matilda said.

"Execute her along with the others involved," King Declan ordered. Knights grabbed her and Charlize struggled and screamed as they attempted to drag her over to the dungeon. This was it for her. As a result of others' crimes, she was destine to be executed in front of the-

"Wait!" Rosalie said. Everyone turned to stare at her. "She was an infant at the time and was merely a pawn in someone else's plan. Now I am a princess and my adoptive mother is dead, there are two maid vacancies. Putting her to work in the profession of her birthright will fill one of those roles."

And that started her new life as a scullery maid. Instead of eating off silverware, she was cleaning it. And everyone seemed to think it was hilarious to keep calling her a princess.

"You need to polish a bit more, princess."

"Do it again, princess."

"If I can't see my reflection in every inch of it, it's not good enough, princess."

And every day, she saw Rosalie. Conversing with her etiquette tutor, learning good posture with books balancing on her head, eating her meals with cutlery she'd clearly never used. And all the while, she was being coddled endlessly.

Even more than anyone coddled her.

"Rosalie, is the food to your liking?" King Declan asked, nervously checking on his daughter.

"Yes, sir-I mean, Father," Rosalie said.

"Are you sure? I know you're not used to much," Queen Matilda said, also monitoring her daughter. Charlize wanted to vomit with disgust and envy. One little spell and they discarded someone they raised for years in favour of someone who basically lived in a gutter.

After a long day, Charlize would fantasize about running away and living anonymously. Sneaking out of the castle and starting anew. But that soon proved impossible.

"12 pence," said the woman in the bakery.

"The sign says 6," Charlize pointed out.

"For everyone else, it's 6. For cuckoo princesses, it's 12," she said, a smug look on her face. Charlize had no choice but to pay up.

When she was walking back to the palace with the bread she was overcharged for, she felt something wet and disgusting hit her face and peals of high-pitched laughter come from two children.

"I hit the fake princess! I hit her, I hit her!" one of them cheered. Charlize sobbed and ran back as fast as she could.

After that, she stayed in the castle as often as she could, which the other maids resented. "Please get lost. You hang around here like a bad smell," someone told her.

"I can't go outside. People hate me!" Charlize wailed.

"She has a point. We can't send her to get food because all the vendors either refuse to sell to her or overcharge her into oblivion," another maid pointed out.

"See?!" Charlize shrieked.

"Whatever. Just . . . stay out of sight."

And Charlize did exactly that. She languished in the attic, hiding from everyone as often as she could. She couldn't leave, and she couldn't stay, and she had to see Rosalie's face everywhere. She was the worst, and although she never did anything overt, she knew the effect she had on Charlize.

Charlize used to twirl in the corridors and run carefree throughout the castle. But with the way the people of the kingdom treated her outside of the castle and how she was quietly reviled inside of it, there was no escape.

She was the cuckoo princess, and she would be for the rest of her life. That was the real punishment Rosalie gave her.

#creative writing #my writing #writing inspiration #writers on tumblr #writeblr #writing #writers #writerscommunity #royalty #swapped at birth

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streettealee · 2 years ago

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Jem Carstairs & Yin fen

TW: discussions of chronic illness, prescription drugs, and pain

So, you can laugh at me, but I have this box beside my bed. It’s... maybe the size of a tissue box? Slightly thinner, a smidge taller, at least compared to the tissue boxes I’m used to. Anyway, it holds this medication I have to take nightly (I have others to take during the day as well, but they’re stored elsewhere). Basically, the box holds several sachets full of granules - they’re tiny, mostly white looking, at least until they’re mixed with water because then I think they look slightly on the pinker side of white. Sitting here, turning to reach for my box on my bedside table full of sand-like stuff that I have to take in order to, basically, function day-to-day, I realised it reminded me of Jem Carstairs. Obviously, his drug is more harmful than any good, and he can’t live without it whereas I could - with a lot of struggle, but I could, and it’s non-addictive.

This is part of something that always touched my heart about Jem though. TSC is not... I’m not going to say it’s the greatest source of representation for everything, because it’s really not, but I will say that learning about him when I was 16 and reading The Infernal Devices was really comforting. When you’ve been dealing with chronic illness since about the age of 10, you carry that weight with you. You feel it some days more than others. You wonder what it’s like to be normal. To be able to go about your day not needing to worry about the time you take your meds, the pain keeping you from regular activities, the way certain meds and the nature of your condition triggers other long-term problems that you also need to keep on top of with yet more meds.

It was cruel, but I used to get a lot of jokes about how, if I were a racehorse, I’d be put down (racehorsing was kind of a Thing where I used to live and there’d be all sorts of discourse going on about it, just as an aside). And we know of several times in TID where Jem was dying and some thought that Tessa and Will should not waste their time being bound to him (also, obviously, cruel).

I get where Jem was coming from, funnily enough, when he says he’d rather burn brightly for those he loves for a shorter amount of time than live a half-life. When I’m in a bad health period, I do become reduced to a half-life if I don’t have medication. I have spent the entirety of my teenage years - allegedly important and life impactful years - struggling to live a full life like many others my age. I used to be the protective older sister, the shield for all my siblings. I was fiery, stubborn, argumentative, and kind of aggressively loyal even to those who did not always deserve it. But after the accident that allowed for my condition to evolve, I was weak. Not just in body but also mind, eventually. I was tired all the time. Couldn’t sleep either because of the pain or the pain meds that kept me up. Pain was like a second thing, a second being, inhabiting my body and pulsing and taking up space and reducing my ability to exist in a moment beyond it. On my better days, it’s more like a heavy weight on my shoulders that tires me out but isn’t necessarily keeping me armchair-bound. Nevertheless, I stopped being able to do everything by myself for a time, to take care of myself and others around me. Suddenly, they needed to take care of me. Help me change shirts, do my hair, carry things, and even write sometimes.

I couldn’t participate in sports. I turned to music. Clarinet was not easy because of the nature of my problem being focused primarily (at the time) in my shoulder and arm, but it gave me something. It was a little lonely, because no one else played the music I did (music classes were always full of pop and I was learning things like the national anthem, Waltzing Matilda, and some classics). Sure, I got transposed music that occasionally allowed me to play things like Imagine Dragons (did you ever think Believer could be played on clarinet? I committed to it). Hallelujah was a dear favourite, and a rare song I felt I could play with deep emotion. I learned an instrument and nearly played in an orchestra (on bass clarinet, admittedly, because they were a person short and I was able to adjust to the instrument more easily on short notice), until The Pandemic. These days? I can only really play the national anthem and simpler pieces. It’s been so long since I’ve properly and consistently practiced. Anyway, we got slightly off-topic.

Music felt like the one thing I could do most days (sometimes the pain got bad enough that I couldn’t practice as often in a week as I wanted). That, and reading and watching movies. I didn’t have the brain space while in pain to do well in school for a while. I couldn’t concentrate in classes. I still can never get out of my head a time when a guy I genuinely had a major crush on (for years) asked me to dance and I had to decline because I was in too much pain to trust myself to do it well or comfortably. So, a lot of time was spent just listening to people idly and not taking much in, as well as reading from screens on the days that books hurt too much to hold (you’d be surprised how much that affects my arm and shoulder), and watching far too many movies and shows. I developed a lot of different interests than the people around me. When I sketched, I drew attention (sorry, pun was unintended but I’ll leave it there), but outside of that? It was a struggle to keep up with them. I felt like I was missing out all the time. On life.

Jem Carstairs felt like someone had looked at my quiet, pain-tensed body and peered through to the tired, raging spirit still underneath that couldn’t get out for the longest time, and said, “You are not alone with this. Here is a young man who plays the violin and suffers day in and day out.” Some people would look at him and treat him as if he were already dead. In my lifetime, I’ve been treated like I’m not even there, just faded into the furniture, gone. Not a lot of people want to be friends with the depressed chronically ill kid who struggles with a pain from an ailment they can’t even see. That’s why I always loved the Tessas and Wills of my life, the others that didn’t treat me any less because I could not live the way they did. And I love Jem for finally being someone in fiction I can relate to.

Sometimes, it’s not about which character has the closest personality and similarities to me. Sometimes it’s just one character who has just one key thing that connects deeply with an experience of ours that isn’t common which gives us comfort. For me, that’s Jem Carstairs and his yin fen box. My meds often make me feel ill but let me function better than I would otherwise. I have some in a box on my bedside table. And I have people who understand my limits, but do not act as if I cannot be human. It’s really nice to see that part of me reflected.

#jem carstairs #james carstairs #the infernal devices #tid #tsc #yinfen #chronic illness #chronic pain #personal experience

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