#i thank the day i entered the merlin fandom

[dollopole]

I love Merlin’s ending, and for one reason only:

it opened the gate to so many modern AUs fics.

The directors unconsciously gave us infinite material to work on:

reincarnation tropes;

Arthur’s rebirth and return to save bloody Albion. This too opens the path to so many theories on what it is he has to save, how and when (better if all the characters are reborn and Merlin is just there, waiting, UUGGHHH, I ate those fics up each.time.);

this alone opens so many possibilities, including each different way on how Arthur and the others are born again;

modern AUs with reincarnation and royalty;

back in time travel fics, with Merlin going absolutely mad over the lack of modern things and clean water;

fix it fics, FIX IT FICS!!!

Basically, I believe all the good fanfictions are in the Merlin fandom, and I read a fuckton of fics in my life, so I know what I’m talking about.

Bonus points if they’re all Merthur, with some good old hurt/comfort and the tooth-rotting fluff, because these two are so in love it makes you sick.

And of course, the ending also gave us good smut material, and this doesn’t need explaining, I think you get it.

(on this note, I’m making this post, because today I just finished reading “Destiny That Darkly Hides Us”, by ‘Nympha_Alba’, AND IT’S A WORK OF ART?! IT’S BASICALLY A NOVEL?! I FINISHED READING IT AND I HAD AN HOLE IN MY CHEST, whattheactualfuck)

[sweetestlittledarling]

As your local stranger, I am here to give you a prompt (saw your bingo card)

Hiding and Injury :)

Hi! So, I saw this earlier and I wanted to post but my brain did the thing of anything I wrote I hated and a little bit myself. I am now trying my best not to overwhelm myself and not to be too hard down on my writing. I wanted to thank you for suggesting this and I want you to know I finished. So here is the finished project for my first 'Bad Things Happen Bingo'

Title: The Knight

Fandom: Afk Journey

Rating: PG

Pairing: Valen/Lorsan/Mabon (Oc Merlin)

Prompt: Hiding an Injury (Part of "Bad Things Happen Bingo")

Word Count: 1570

Summary: Valen is a knight and his word is his bond.

Stupid. Plan and simple. He had let his guard down and someone had managed to get a hit on him. Leaning against an alleyway wall, Valen grunted as he pulled his hand from his side and found it completely covered in red. The strike had been sharp, and it had gone deep. He couldn’t be sure how deep it was but if pain were anything to go off of, this was bad. “Dura above, you sure put yourself in it this time Valen,” he muttered to himself, “a few months away from Mabon and look what happens.”

              “Captain Valen!”

              Valen rose quickly as he heard the sound of boots approaching, quickly shifting his cape around to hide the wound. He put on his best confident smile. “Good of you boys to join me!”

              “We are still on the search for the bandits attackers who- “The man speaking stopped suddenly, looking at Valen with a weird look. “Are you alright sir?”

              “I’d be better if we find the culprits before they escape,” Valen answered, doing his best to mask the pain in his voice. When the men before him shared a look, he sighed. “I’m fine! Go! We’ll lose them if we continue to just stand here and chit chat!”

              “Yes sir!”

              Valen sighed at the sound of fading boots as he leaned against the wall again. He didn’t need them to worry about him, not when there was work to be done, and not when it was his own stupidity that had gotten him hit in the first place. Dura, what would they think of their captain if they knew? Valen looked down at the red on his hand and grit his teeth. He had been hit worse while traveling with Mabon and survived. He’d be fine. For a moment thinking about the magister filled his mind with the open field of brilliant blue flowers.

              He would get to see it again one day, he had promised himself and there would be a bright-eyed magister and a long-eared bard beside him. Rising from the wall, he found new hope as pushed past the pain and followed his men.

…

              From the moment I met you, I knew I was meant to fight by your side.

…

A few days later

              “Magister Mabon,” Dolly said as the magister entered the tavern that evening, “there is a letter for you.” She held out the letter to him. “It’s from Holistone.”

              “I bet it’s from Valen,” Chippy said, grinning. “He’s always sending messages to Mabon.”

              “Chippy,” Hammie warned, giving the hamster knight a bit of a nudge, “don’t tease the magister.”

              “I’m not teasing, it’s true!”

              “That is not the point, it’s rude to- “Hammie’s words fell away as she looked at the magister’s face, which had gone suddenly pale. His eyes were wide as they looked at the words in front of him. “Magister Mabon are you- “Hammie was unable to finish as suddenly the magister had turned on his heals and rushed right back out the door, not even closing it behind him. Both Hammie and Chippy let out a sudden cry as they went to follow but stopped as Dolly let out a gasp.

              She had picked up the letter where it had been dropped on the floor. “It’s from General Hogan,” she gasped, “it says Valen has been injured!”

…

              It’s been long said that a wizard needs a knight by his side.

…

              Valen groaned as he continued to look up at the ceiling, he had been looking up at for at least a week now. Dura above, who knew bed rest could be so boring. To be fair it was only boring because General Hogan would not allow him anything fun. He probably shouldn’t have collapsed from blood loss in front of the general. He was out for a good twenty-four hours before regaining consciousness again. Hogan was there and ready to give him an ear full about pride and its downfall. He hadn’t hidden his wound out of pride…well not completely. Valen sighed as he thought about all the work he was going to have to do once he was out of the infirmary. At least they had given him a private room so he could wallow in his boredom in peace, but he was really not looking forward to all that paperwork.

              Another thing that really bothered him was that he was stuck in bed and Mabon and Larson were not-

              The door being slammed open made Valen jump so high he nearly fell out of the bed. His instincts nearly kicked in as he thought about his swords, but they are currently in Hogan’s possession. Luckily the face he saw was not one he found threatening, though he had rarely seen it this angry. Mabon’s icy blue eyes bore into him and Valen felt both happiness and sudden fear ran through him. He often forgot that Mabon was Merlin and Merlin was Mabon. He opened his mouth to speak but was caught off guard when, in what felt like a flash, Mabon was sitting next to him with the mage’s lips were against his. At first, he was shocked. It was not like Mabon to kiss with such forcefulness and need, but after a moment Valen was dragged in, giving into feelings that were not unlike his own. A month’s worth of loneliness and missing his love started to melt a bit as he closed his eyes, his hand resting on Mabon’s as he let the mage lead. The kiss was over far too quickly for him, as he felt Mabon pulling away. He couldn’t help but grin. “I missed you.”

              “Don’t start,” Mabon huffed, his eyes a little less fierce but still cold, “do you know the panic I felt when Hogan wrote to me saying you were hurt?”

              Of course, the general would write. Valen should have expected this. He let out a sigh as his smile then changed to one of apology. “I’m sorry to have worried you,” he said, squeezing Mabon’s hand, “I’m fine, just a little banged up.”

              “A little banged up?” Mabon gasped, “Valen, you fainted in front of the general!”

              “Something I won’t ever live down,” Valen chuckled.

              “Could you let go of your pride for a moment and listen?”

              “I am listening,” Valen argued, “I’m sorry, but wounds come with the territory! If I stopped for every scratch, I- “The swordsman’s words fell away as he watched the tears start to fall from Mabon’s eyes. He was still not used to seeing Mabon cry and he felt his heart ache with every tear. He reached out his hand and cupped Mabon’s face. “It’s okay,” he said brushing away the tears.

              “It’s not,” Mabon said, voice wobbling, “you said you would always be by my side, and I almost lost you Valen.”

              “You haven’t lost me,” Valen said. He reached forward, bringing the Mage closer, their foreheads touching. “I swore I would be by your side as your knight,” Valen said, voice soft but true, “I haven’t forgotten that, and I always keep my promises.”

              “But if I’m not here to- “

              “Even when you’re not here, I am going to keep my promise. I am going to stay alive so we can meet again, and I can travel by your side.”

              Mabon sniffled. He moved his head to Valen’s shoulder, tears and voice muffled by the man’s skin. “You’d better, or I’ll magic you back just so I…I…don’t know what but it’s going to be something.”

              Valen chuckled but rubbed Mabon’s back gently. Despite the circumstances, Valen was glad to be in the magister’s presence again.

…

              So, I want to ask…can I please be your knight?

…

              It was a few days later when the door slammed open again. Valen, who had healed enough to try to rise from the bed, nearly fell to the floor in surprise. He looked up and found another familiar face he was happy to see, along with a pair of long gray ears. Lorsan’s bright blue eyes looked at him with shock as Valen just tried to smile. “Hey there Longears, guessing Mabon called you?”

              Like a bunny Lorsan leapt at Valen, sending both Lightbearer and Wilder crashing onto the bed. Valen grunted with pain as Lorsan held tight, his side not completely healed.

              “Lorsan,” the knight grunted. “Can you please- “His words were cut off as Lorsan began to pepper his face with kisses.

              “Do…you…know…how…worried…we were?” he asked between each kiss, nose tickling Valen’s skin with each little movement, “you…owe…me…and Mabon…a drink…and a good…meal!”

              Valen reached out to Mabon who smiled from the doorway. “Help!”

              “Oh, I think Lorsan has ever right to punish you as he sees fit,” Mabon said, not moving an inch, “you worried him as well. And I agree, when you are well enough to go to the tavern again, you owe both of us a date night, complete with meal and dinks.”

              Oh boy, his knight’s salary was going to take a hit this month. Though it was kind of worth it, punishment or no. Especially since they were all together again. The mage, the knight, and the bard. It wasn’t a field of flowers, but he would take it, if he meant a little more time by their side.

…

              Please let me stay by your side, for a little bit longer…please…

[michellemisfit]

Shameless Fandom Questionnaire

Thanks for the tag my love @darlingian 💚

What’s a fic you’ve read more than once?

What haven’t I read more than once? I have 350+ open tabs and yet, here I am, re-reading @loftec’s None The Wiser. AGAIN. Because it makes me happy, and what is fandom about, if not making you happy? Other things that make me happy: Two of Your Earth Minutes by @the-rat-wins, The Menagerie & Twenty Strangers & On Top by @crossmydna, Cooperative Gameplay & Like Real People Do by Gray, An Exception to the Rule by @gallawitchxx, Weaver of Fate by Ravenheart, Life or Something by @palepinkgoat, The Garden Song duology by @gardenerian, Ristretto by @howlinchickhowl, let the bodies do the talking by @captainjowl, basically anything that @sam-loves-seb has ever written!!! Also anything by @crestfallercanyon who has been completely blowing me away. And like, a million more!!!

I also still merrily re-read stuff from the Merlin fandom and the Shadowhunters fandom, so if that’s of interest to you, hit me up and I will link you to several excessively long rec lists on the @f-f-podcast website, complete with accompanying podcasts!

All I’m saying is: RE-READING IS LOVE!!!

(Also I formatted this on my phone so hopes and prayers that all of these links are correct!!)

What’s a gifset you always have to reblog?

‘Kiss me and I’ll cut your fucking tongue out’ into Club Kiss. It is genuinely one of the cleverest things I’ve ever seen!!

What’s a headcanon you can’t stop thinking about?

Mickey going along to Ian’s therapy session, on Ian’s request, and eventually deciding that he’s going to give this therapy thing a go himself.

What’s a fanart you love looking at?

I am utterly in love with @deedala’s style and Smokey Mickey and Gardening Joy always make me smile. I also absolutely adore @gallawitchxx’s style and wish I could be that bold and succinct in my own art.

What’s an idea you’d love to create if you had the time/inspiration?

I’ve been thinking about Ian & Mickey shot gunning for like… a year now 🤦

What’s something you’ve discovered since entering this fandom? A new trope you love? A different analysis of the show? Something else?

Currently discussing every episode of Shameless over on @f-f-podcast so basically discovering new things every week! Check it out if podcasts are your jam <3

What’s an underrated trope or concept you’d like to see more of?

There can never be too many coffee shop AUs, right? Not an underrated trope, but surprisingly underrepresented in this fandom 😭

What’s your favourite season?

Autumn! haha

Honestly, I’ll tell you when we’re done with South Side Rules, as we’re rating every episode, but we’re also rating each season overall so… watch this space in 2025!

What’s a plot hole you wish had been answered or resolved?

Urgh. Don’t. Yikes… Yevgeny. Mandy. Fiona. Everyone else on Shameless who disappeared and then was never spoken of again. Like… what the heck? You don’t need to get the actors back. Just get the other characters to mention them, so I don’t feel like the writers forgot they existed! Also don’t give me Dichen Lichman and then just take her away!!! 😭

What scene or moment do you feel isn’t discussed enough?

Every time Mickey has to say the end of his sentence directly into Ian’s mouth because Ian can’t wait the extra 3 seconds to let him finish, he needs his lips on that boy’s mouth NOW! They’re so precious and horny and I love that for them!

What line/dialogue/description from something else do you feel describes Ian and Mickey’s relationship?

90% of Richard Siken’s poems

What do you think is next for Ian and Mickey post-finale?

They’ll be deliriously happy forever and ever and nothing bad is ever going to happen to them. It’s terribly simple. The good guys are always stalwart and true, the bad guys are easily distinguished by their pointy horns or black hats, and we always defeat them and save the day.

[gvaine]

can you tell us more about your fanfic tracking spreadsheet. please.

i certainly could 😭 i decided to put it under a read more because. idk. i really do love spreadsheets but not everyone does dkfjsdhf

thanks for indulging me. i love you.

i started it because i saw someone else post their stats last year and i thought it was fascinating to read about. so it would be even more interesting to do it for myself.

i fucking love tracking stuff (or rather looking at the graphs afterwards) and i was curious how much i actually read. i also wanted to keep track of which pairings i read and how my reading tastes/habits may change throughout the year. and some other things, just to see if i might gain any interesting (to me, lol) insight at the end of the year. it also helps because i don't bookmark everything i read, but this way i don't have to worry about never finding a particular fic again without having to scroll through pagessss of my ao3 history. i only started doing it jan 1 though. i wish i had begun earlier!!

basically i write down the titles of the fics i read in my notes app, and then every few days i go to my ao3 history and into my spreadsheet and enter all the "data". this includes, besides fandom, pairing, title and author: word count, rating, category, publish date; more specific things like whether it's an au, whether it's established relationship, and "vibe" (humor, fluff, angst, horror, smut, and "general" for fics that can't be categorized so easily)

i also rate how i enjoyed it and whether it was a reread.

some interesting things i've gathered so far: i read a lot, much more than i thought. i read mostly M and E-rated fics. late march/early april i had a three-week long phase in which not a single fic i read made a particularly noteworthy impression on me, haha. i know which authors i read the most. i know that i had four days this year where i read over 100k words each. on average i read somewhere between 20k and 30k words per day.

my favorite thing, i think, was realizing that i read much more of certain pairings than i would have realized without the numbers - arthur/gwaine/merlin, for example.

i've rambled on too much already but if you're interested i could add some graphs and stuff 🥲❤️

[birdman-6]

Searching for writing help

Hello everyone!

I’m writing a Merlin x Arthur Pendragon fanfiction on ao3 and have fallen behind in editing. I would like a second set of eyes on it if anyone is willing. In other words, I’m looking for an editor. Someone who’s not afraid to give constructive criticism. This is just for fun, not a paid gig. (Apologies). Even if you’re not an editor but looking to input ideas or collaborate, I’m willing to listen!

Here’s a link to my work that I’ll be updating:

Through the Mist (2099 words) by Banana_9 Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Merlin (TV) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Relationships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Elyan/Lancelot (Merlin), Gwen/Morgana (Merlin) Characters: Arthur Pendragon (Merlin), Merlin (Merlin), Gwen (Merlin), Percival (Merlin), Gwaine (Merlin), Morgana (Merlin), Mordred (Merlin) Additional Tags: Implied/Referenced Torture, Friends to Lovers, I don’t know what other tags to put, unfinished work Summary: At Arthur’s long awaited arrival, which is prolonged due to the dangers in the forest, his servant struggles to contain his need to be by the blonde oaf’s side. Merlin, the servant to the king of Camelot, has found himself grappling with newfound love for the blonde, heart racing and cheeks blushing whenever Arthur enters the room, but it hasn’t happen in days. Not since the king left to aid another kingdom. Merlin sets out to find Arthur and bring him home. Unbeknownst he to him, there’s something far worse in the forest than creatures of the night. Will he be able to see his beloved king or die trying to?

~🗡️~

I appreciate you all taking time to reading this help wanted message and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. Whatever work you do, I’ll 100% give you credit for all that you do to help me in this and all the credit you deserve!

Would love to get to know you all and make new friends/connections on here, and have a nice chat! Thanks again! Hope you guys all have a wonderful and fantastic day! <3

[hakka84]

I entered in the fandom in 2016 but I had the chance to see posts of interviews and such thanks to a (precious) Livejournal that covered every news of the show since at least 2009. And I do remember the trolling from Eoin and Tom at interviews and cons. Eoin especially definitely shipped Merthur. Sure, the (infamous) interview with Colin going "don't feed the sites" might be Eoin playing with Colin, but I think he genuinely liked the pairing. I don't remember Angel sharing her opinion on the matter, but other than her, I think most of the cast agreed that Arthur and Merlin were a couple (not necessarily a romantic one, but a platonic, soulmate thing that I'd compare to the aforementioned Kirk/Spock). I think the more reluctant on the pair was Colin (can't fault him, being the "face" of one of the characters shipped. Also, it's within his right to not like the ship!). I don't exactly remember about Bradley but I seem to recall he was more open to it?

(sorry, The Diamond of The Day doesn't count. The finale is a shipping manifest! I should've added the note "TDTD excluded")

I understand your argument, and a part of him says that you're right. It's just... lately I've grown tired of uber-enthusiastic shippers (you know the type, those that see proofs in canon that the authors meant to hint the couple but couldn't *for insert reason* make it happen), and my reaction is always to default to "authors didn't meant it, you're just seeing things". That's the reason of my opinion you quoted above, I guess. Also, Italian here. Italian series are more detached from their fandoms - since they don't have proper fandoms. So it's hard for me to acknowledge that a tv show author/writer could listen to the humor of the fandom and drop hints or offer some crumbs in later season to feed shippers/fandom.

Thanks for posting that magazine snippet, that's interesting to know that even at the time the show drew queer interest. Thank you for the reply, actually: that was an interesting reading.

(A-Team? Refined taste, my friend. What is the gay ship I missed? I need to know this right moment taaaaaalk!!)

(I raise your A-Team with Supercar (1984). Once you (platonic) ship Michael and K.I.T.T. you know you're forever doomed.)

I wanna see something

[bonesbuckleup]

Saw your list of wips and I gotta know.... Bruce steals the Declaration of Independence???? What is happening 😂😭 also I'm curious about the merlin shapeshifter WIP and the boy in the asteroid one for atla! Thank you for the crumbs, laughing so hard at the dick snippet you posted from the hinge sequel 😂😂 hope you're having a good one!

Good choices!

Bruce steals the Declaration of Independence: every time I enter a fandom I am legally obligated to devise a National Treasure AU that I will not actually write.

In this one, Bruce does not have a cowl, but he does have a family legacy of treasure hunting. Instead of becoming Batman, he throws himself into finding the lost Knights Templar treasure (as you do) but can't find where the key rests with Charlotte. One day this kid shows up to be like, "Hey, Mr. Wayne, sir, I, uh, I think I found the Charlotte?"

Basically, Bruce is obviously Ben. Tim (15ish) is the Riley character/tech guy. Jason (estranged son #2) works for the Smithsonian and has three hobbies: Doing history the right way and not the treasure hunting way (your boy has degrees for dayz), getting into flame wars about literature on twitter, and making Bruce Thomas Wayne's life as difficult as he possibly can. Dick (estranged son #1) is a police officer who has sworn off history (but gets the Daylights Savings realization). All of them get roped into shenanigans loosely based on National Treasure.

Shapeshifter: ANGST. AU from somewhere after series 4. Merlin believes himself to have been arrested for sorcery by Arthur and kept in a dungeon and treated very, very badly, but then...turns out it wasn't Arthur. Turns out it's a shapeshifter that feeds off power and misery (ie, it came looking for Arthur, found Emrys instead). Thing is, Merlin really thought it was Arthur, so then like 70% of the fic would actually be the fall out from that--Merlin trying to not be afraid of Arthur, who keeps telling himself it wasn't him except for Arthur doesn't know about the magic so what if it's how Arthur will be one day, Arthur trying to figure out if Merlin really trusts him that little, trying to understand how the hell Merlin could believe that Arthur would hurt him or torture him, and just.....no one has a good time at all. Eventual magic reveal and hopeful-ish ending.

Boy in the Asteroid: I had a concept for a atla characters on a Starfleet ship/Star Trek AU but it never came together much beyond this snip:

“Captain’s Log, Stardate 2152.3. Commander Sokka and Lt. Commander Dr. Katara are no longer allowed on solo away missions. I know I’ve said that before, but I mean it this time. I draw the line here.”

Basically, Zuko's the captain, Sokka's his first officer, Katara is the CMO, Toph is head of security. On an away mission, Katara and Sokka accidentally crack open an asteroid and find Aang.

[cl0udcupidsvz]

dear parents

Fandom: Harry Potter

Pairings: Sirius Black x daughter!reader, Fred Weasley x reader

Warnings: toxic relationships, divorce, parents fighting

Summary: You open up to your dad about why you are afraid to be with Fred

A/N: this is inspired by the song dear parents by sundial because i’ve been obsessed with it for a few days

You loved your parents. Really. They had raised you well, loving you and making sure you had a good life. It was thanks to them that you were the person you were; confident, smart, kind (and a little cocky, let’s face it. Sirius Black was your father).

You loved them and they loved you.

And you knew that they loved each other. You had seen that love growing up. They was your dad lit up at the sight of your mum and how she would make sure to take care of him whenever he was stressed due to work.

They loved each other, even after they had split up.

But, that was the problem.

“Hey, love.” A pair of arms wrapped around you from behind, a body pressed against your back. A familiar head of ginger hair appeared in the corner of your eye as Fred rested his chin on your shoulder.

Your dad had told you that you would be staying at the Weasley house for a few days since he heard that Harry and his parents were here. He told you it was so you could hang around with your friends instead of your ‘old but cool dad’. You knew that he just wanted to see James.

“Good morning, Freddie.” You greeted back, fighting the blush that threatened to appear. You tried to focus on making your tea, though the heat from the redhead seeped into your back and was very distracting.

“Always a good morning when I get to see your beautiful face.” He mumbled against your neck. You rolled you eyes playfully at the line, though you couldn’t ignore the wild fluttering of your stomach.

You turned around in his hold, since he refused to take his hands off of you for even a second.

“I’m not wearing makeup, my hair is tangled and I’m still wearing my pyjamas.” You said. “Still think I’m beautiful?”

“You’re always beautiful to me.” He replied seriously, his eyes burning into your face. “Especially when you’re all natural.”

It was impossible to smother the smile that pulled at your lips. Fred noticed and grinned back, kissing your cheek as your dad and uncle entered the kitchen.

“I’ll see you later.” The redhead shot you a wink as he left the kitchen, practically skipping out.

“Not one word.” You warned the older males once seeing your dad open his mouth.

“I was going to say that you should ask him on a date.” You dad insisted, surprising both you and James.

“You were what?” James asked.

“He’s a good kid and I can tell that he cares about you.” Sirius shrugged. “You deserve someone like that.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.” You said.

“Why not?” Your dad frowned, walking over to you. “Do you not like him?”

“Of course I do.” You admit. “I just- I don’t think it would work.” You left the room before either male could say anything else.

Sirius and James shared a look.

“You should talk to her.” James said.

“I will.” Sirius promised. “But she would want it to be just us. If I ask her about it in format of people she’d just joke about it.”

“Sounds like another Black I know.” James snickered as the two left the kitchen.

“Yeah, Reggie really needs to work on that.” Sirius said. James rolled his eyes.

“And then the firework went off. It flew around the room and set George’s bed on fire. Mum was furious but couldn’t tell at us because our ears were bleeding. You should have seen her explaining what happened to the nurse at St Mungos.” Fred laughed at the end of his story.

“Merlin,” You sighed. “How are you two still alive?”

“To be honest, I’m just as surprised as you are.” He grinned up from where his head rested in your lap. You smiled back down, running fingers through his hair.

You two were in the attic, which had been decorated to be more comfortable. You sat on the sofa facing the big window, a blanket thrown over Fred and hot chocolates in your hands.

You turned your attention to the rain hitting the window. You loved rain. When you were younger, your parents and you used to sit at the window seat in your room, your mum reading a book to you as you cuddled into your dad.

It was just one thing from a list of things that had ended when your parents split.

“Are you okay?” You realised that Fred was now sat beside you, watching with furrowed brows, concern shining in his eyes.

“Yeah.” You nodded, forcing a small smile. “I just…I used to do this with my parents.”

“I’m really glad that you decided you could do it with me.” He said. You were grateful he didn’t continue the talk of your parents. “It’s really relaxing.”

“Well, with your life you need to relax a little.” You teased.

“I relax plenty.” He said, faking offence. You raised a sceptical brow and he pouted. “I relax!” He insisted, moving forwards to tickle your sides. “Admit it.”

You squealed, trying to move away from him, only succeeding in making you both fall on the floor. He straddled you as he continued tickling you.

“My dad taught me not to lie.” You managed in between giggles.

Fred paused, letting you catch your breath. He smiled down, admiring your flushed features and shining eyes.

“You really are beautiful.”

You blushed a little as he got off you, helping you up. The two of you were stood barely a centimetre apart, him staring down at you with adoration in his eyes.

Slowly, he slid a hand to rest on your waist and another to the back of your head. You felt your breath catch in your throat as he leaned a little closer.

“Can I kiss you?” He whispered. “I really want to kiss you.”

Your head screamed that it was a bad idea.

“Please.” You heard yourself answer. Fred wasted no time at all before his lips were on yours.

You had heard people say they felt fireworks when they kissed someone. But you felt none of that. It just felt right. Natural.

Fred deepened the kiss for a few seconds and your hand fisted his shirt, returning all the passion. You pulled apart after a few seconds but kept your eyes closed for a while before finally opening them. Fred was staring at you, looking happier than ever.

The full impact of what had just happened hit you.

“I-I-“ You stuttered. You had to get away. “Excuse me.” You practically ran out of the room, hearing Fred call after you and footsteps follow.

As soon as you reached you room, you closed and locked the door, breathing heavily.

“Do I want to know?” You jumped, spinning around at the voice. Your dad was perched on your bed, staring at you curiously.

“Uh, I don’t- you- he-“

“Y/N?” Fred’s voice called from the other side of your door. “Y/N, please open the door. I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t mean to pressure you or-“

“You didn’t.” You replied. “I just- can you give me some space?” Your tone was a little harsher than you intended.

“Sure.” Fred said and you hated the sad tone of his voice. You could hear him walk away from your door.

“Ignore my earlier question,” Your dad said. “I want to know.” He made room for you on your bed. You sighed a little as you sat and were grateful he gave you some time to sort your thoughts.

“Fred kissed me.” You said finally.

“And you didn’t want him to?”

“No. I mean, yes. I wanted him to. I really wanted him to.”

“Okay.” You could hear the confusion in your dad’s voice.

“I want to kiss him and go on dates and just be with him.”

“But?”

“But I’m scared.” You admitted. “I really like him, dad. He’s so amazing and special.”

“So are you, sweetheart.” He said softly.

“I know. That’s not why I’m scared.”

“So, why?” He frowned. You took a deep breath, preparing yourself for what you were about to admit.

“Because of you and mum. The only love I’ve ever really witnessed was between you two. You were so great together at first. You were so in love. But then you started to argue more. I remember you once fought during a Christmas dinner over your job. And that trip we took for my birthday, you barely spoke. What if that’s what happens to me and Fred? I don’t want to lose him.” You looked at him, your cheeks wet. “I don’t want to have a love like you and mum.”

He smiled softly at you, wiping your tears.

“Sweetheart,” He pulled you into his side. “I loved your mum. I loved her so much. But the thing was, I wasn’t in love with her. We only really decided to marry because she got pregnant with you. We tried to make things work but you can’t fake being in love. You and Fred have that. You don’t need to pretend.” He hugged you. “You won’t end up like me and your mum.”

“I’m afraid.” You said quietly.

“That’s a good thing. If your scared, it means you really are in love. James was scared with Lily, and they’ve been together for almost fifteen years now.”

“Were you scared with Remus?”

“Absolutely terrified.” He grinned. “But I had you to support me. Now you have my support.” He kissed the top of your head. “Now go get your man.”

“Never say that again, please.” You laughed a little as you stood, kissing his cheek. “Thanks dad.”

Sirius watched you go with a proud smile. Yeah. He had a great child.

[themxlkyyway]

Please don’t cry.

Navigation ⋅ Main Masterlist

Prompt: "Please don't cry."

Fandom: Harry Potter

Pairing: Regulus Black x reader

Warning: Period, Blood mentions

Word Count: 820+

Copying, adapting, and plagiarism, whether in person or digitally, is totally prohibited. Please do not translate and use it as your own work.

- Why does it has to come every month! What sin are we women paying!? - You said with all the strength you could do. You were in a fetal position trying to get those cramps to go away, Merlin, they were killing you. You moved every 5 minutes when you felt uncomfortable in that position or when you felt that part of your body goes numb. It was as if the Gods had punished you more than anyone else. The walk to the bathroom was like thousands of knives entering your body, your legs were weak, your eyes full of tears and sleep, and your body was at the point of exhaustion.

You couldn't move an inch because you felt like the red ocean might come out of your body. Between your legs, you had a pillow, and your eyes were closed feeling how sleep was taking over you, but seconds later you felt a big pain in your lower belly that made you make a face of pain feeling how tears began to fill your eyes. They fell down your cheeks as you let out sounds of pain. In a matter of seconds, you heard the door open, letting you hear heavy footsteps on the floor. A hand rested on your back giving small caresses.

- My love, how do you feel? - Asked that voice letting you know that it was your best friend, Regulus.

- I feel like I can die at any moment. - You said letting out small hiccups of sadness. You raised your head from the pillow, turning to see Regulus. Tears fall from your eyes, feeling another wave of pain entering. He took your body in his arms, lulling you and running his fingers through your short hair. You closed your eyes, feeling the warmth of him, tucking yourself in as if you were talking about a blanket. You were still sobbing in his arms, feeling his chest vibrate as he spoke.

- Please don't cry... If I could make you feel better, I would do it, princess... - Regulus spoke to you calmly and quietly in your ear. - How about if you take a nice relaxing shower while I go get your favorite cookies? -

Hearing the word cookies, you wiped away your tears, revealing a big smile on your face. You separated from his body, making Regulus laugh at your excitement.

- I forget how bipolar you can be in these days. - You snorted when you heard what he said, but you decided to ignore him and kiss his cheek.

- Can you take me to the bathroom? I don't feel like I can get up. - You gave him puppy eyes so that he agreed to your plea, Regulus nodded still laughing, and then took you tightly in his arms, so he could get up and take you to the bathroom. Once inside, he Left you on top of the toilet seat and then open the water of the tub and fill it with almost hot water to relax your muscles. He threw the essences in the water and kiss your forehead.

- I'll be right back, take all the time you need, yes? - He looked at your eyes with calmness and affection before you nodded with a small smile. - Thanks, Reggie. -You took his hand and gave it a kiss before kicking him out of the bathroom. You carefully removed your clothes to go to the toilet to clean my down there, then I got up and got inside the tub, not wanting to dirty it with blood. Once you were in that tub, your body completely relaxed, and you let out a sigh of relief.

Half an hour passed and still in that tub, you decided to leave, already feeling your fingers begin to wrinkle. You dried your body with the towel and left the bathroom, one you were in the room you jump a little scared by the boy that was in bed. - God Regulus, how can you enter so quietly? - You placed a hand on your chest, listening to the aforementioned laughter, and a small "sorry" came from his lips. Then you went to the closet to look for comfortable clothing, you put on your panties with a sanitary towel that looked like a pamper, then you put on your clothes feeling the heat radiate in your body.

You walked towards the bed seeing the plate of cookies on the table, your eyes widened like two plates, and started clapping your hands excitedly before throwing yourself into his arms.

- You're the best, Reggie. - You said having your face on his chest making your words unclear, Regulus put his hands to your head separating you a little from him.

- Do not thank me, I'll make anything for you to feel better on days like these. - You smiled happily before taking the plate of cookies and sitting next to him to enjoy the cookies having your head on his shoulder, savoring the moment.

[sofya-fanfics]

Hello Merlin

Fandom : Merlin

Relationship : Merlin x Arthur

My Fluffy February 2023 contribution for the prompt : Hello.

I’m sorry for the mistakes, English is not my native language. I hope you like it.

Summary : Arthur parked in front of the hospital. It was a small hospital in a small village on the English coast. He took a deep breath and entered. He had been waiting for this moment for two years. In comparison to all those centuries Merlin had waited for him, two years was a short time.

Disclaimer : Merlin belongs to Julian Jones, Jake Michie, Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy.

@fluffyfebruary​​​​​

AO3 / FF.NET

Arthur parked in front of the hospital. It was a small hospital in a small village on the English coast. Only a few hundred inhabitants lived here, there were only a few shops, a school and this hospital. But Arthur saw that this was the kind of village that was good to live in.

He took a deep breath and entered. He had been waiting for this moment for two years. In comparison to all those centuries Merlin had waited for him, two years was a short time. He perfectly remembered that day when he saw Merlin again.

In this world, Arthur was called Dean and he had become a police officer. It had been a year since he went to criminal. By becoming a police officer, he wanted to change things. He wanted a fairer world and to protect those who needed it. That day, he was about to solve a case, but things had gone wrong. The suspect had tried to escape and had shot him. He could feel death approaching and he was terrified. He did not want to die, not now, not like this. He felt a presence near him. Hands resting on his wound trying to stop the bleeding and a voice saying to him :

“It'll be OK. You'll be fine Arthur.”

Why did this person call him Arthur ? He opened his eyes with difficulty and everything he saw was blurry. He could make out a figure above him. He guessed it was a man, but he could not see the features of his face. He heard him mutter something he did not understand. It was as if he spoke a foreign language. Strangely, Dean knew that everything was going to be fine. He closed his eyes and everything went black. He woke up in a hospital bed two days later. It had been explained to him that his bleeding had been contained thanks to a stranger. Without this man, he would not be alive.

That was when he started having strange dreams. His dreams took place in a medieval fantasy world where magic was common. He always dreamed about the same people. Uther, Guinevere, Morgana, Gaius and especially Merlin. These were familiar names that he had studied their stories years ago when he was in high school. But his dreams seemed far too real to be mere dreams.

He had come to understand that these were memories of a past life where he had been Arthur Pendragon. He had not told anyone about it. They would take him for a madman if he claimed to be King Arthur. As the centuries went by, magic was no longer visible to the eyes of people, most did not believe in it. Himself, before recovering his memories, found it ridiculous. His real name, as well as those of his family and friends, had become characters in legends in which many writers have written about it. But in the end, neither of them knew what really happened. No one really knew him or knew Merlin.

Deep down, Arthur knew that the man who had saved him was none other than Merlin. So he had investigated for two years. He had finally found him in this small village. He was a nurse and he called himself John Smith. In this place, with such an ordinary name, he was sure to go unnoticed.

Arthur went to the reception. He asked to see John Smith and he headed for the waiting room. He could not sit up, he was way too nervous. He was pacing. He almost wanted to laugh. It was the first time he had been so nervous about seeing Merlin. But centuries had passed and after saving his life, Merlin had done everything for not to be found. Arthur was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard footsteps behind him.

“I was told you wanted to see me ?”

Arthur turned round. Merlin opened his eyes wide before pulling himself together. It had barely lasted a second, but Arthur had seen the surprise in his eyes.

“Hello Merlin.”

Arthur almost laughed but caught himself, seeing Merlin's look on his face.

“What...I...Excuse me ?”

“I remember everything. My memories came back when I was in the hospital two years ago. You were there. It was you who saved me.”

Arthur smiled.

“As always.”

Merlin grinned from ear to ear. He had never been so happy.

“I've been waiting for this moment for so long.”

Merlin walked over to Arthur and hugged him. Arthur wrapped his arms around him and hold him tight. They pulled away slightly and kissed. It was as if nothing existed around them. As if time had stopped and the centuries that had separated them had never existed. They were no longer John and Dean. They were Merlin and Arthur again. They knew that now nothing could separate them.

Centuries ago, Arthur had died in Merlin's arms and it was in his arms that he was coming back to life.

The end

[mtap-comics]

Here comes the next fill in for my Bad Things Happen Bingo Card:

Fandom: My time at Portia

Pairing: Arlo x Female Builder

Summary: Arlo came home late that night to the sight of his wife curled up on the couch, sound asleep and with a much warmer forehead than he would have liked.

Word count: 6744

Prompt: Cradling Someone in Their Arms

Author’s note: I hardly believe it myself, but it hasn't even been two weeks since my last fill. After asking what you guys would like to read next, @onlytwobraincellsleft had requested this prompt among others and suddenly inspiration hit me. So thanks for that!

I love sickfics, but have never written one myself. So the logical conclusion to this is.... Right, I'm writing almost 7000 words of sickfic right away. I may have overused the words soft, gentle and tender in the process, but well... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Warnings: Mentions of blood, Arlo saying (and thinking) the word Fuck repeatedly

Read on AO3: Link

Taking Care

With an exhausted sigh, Arlo stepped through their garden gate. It was just before 3 a.m. and he was looking forward to getting into bed, snuggling up to his wife and finally sleeping in again.

The last three days had been extremely stressful. He had to get up before sunrise and came home very late. More than a short goodbye kiss on Elenya's sleeping head wasn’t possible the last few days and he missed his little builder.

But Sam has been sick and in addition there were problems in the Collapsed Wasteland. A strange smell coming from Sunken Lake made the Pinecocks and Slurpees a lot more aggressive and so, in addition to more patrols, Remy and he had the task of keeping the monsters in check enough for Petra and Merlin to find something to neutralise the smell.

Fortunately, they had succeeded today and after spending the last hours writing a detailed report, he was now actually looking forward to two days off. Sam was well enough to return to work tomorrow (or today, if you will), and Remy had convinced him to take a break and spend some time with Elenya. He couldn't resist this suggestion, of course, and he hoped that he could get Elenya to take a few days off as well.

Should she be too busy, however, he would be content to watch her work as well. It was always fascinating to see how much power resided in this small body and what wonderful things she could create with her equally small hands.

Carefully he opened the door to their house and entered as quietly as he could. Elenya was a very light sleeper and he didn't want to wake her up. To his astonishment, however, a small light was still burning on the coffee table and his eyes continued to wander to the couch. 

A wave of affection washed over him. 

Elenya was curled up on the sofa, an open book lying forgotten on the floor in front of her, and she was wrapped in his grey sweater that she loved to wear. It swallowed her almost completely and made her look even smaller than usual. 

The sight awakened in him the need to wrap her in his arms and protect her from all the evil in the world. Not that she needed that, she could take care of herself without any problems, but that was a feeling he couldn't just turn off. Especially not when she looked as fragile as she did now.

With an affectionate smile on his lips, he quietly took off his shoes and jacket, picked the forgotten book up to put it on the coffee table and then knelt in front of the couch, level with her face.

Intently he looked at the peacefully sleeping face, which was softly illuminated by the light. Examined her soft features, her long eyelashes that gently caressed her cheeks, her small snub nose and her sweet pouty lips that he loved to kiss.

The longer he looked at her, the more the tension of the last three days disappeared from his body. They had been married for almost a year now, and seeing her face every day had been the highlight of his day ever since. The fact that he hadn't had this the last three days had bothered him more than he had thought.

Probably noticing his gaze, Elenya's head turned slightly in his direction, causing a strand of hair to fall into her face, tickling her nose. Cutely, her nose scrunched up and with a tender smile, he gently brushed the offending strand back behind her ear. 

As soon as his fingers came into contact with her forehead, however, his smile disappeared and was replaced with concern. That definitely didn't feel normal.

Concerned, he lightly pressed the back of his hand against her forehead, confirming his suspicions. She definitely had a fever.

Not very high, as far as he could tell, but it was there. 

He would have liked to just carry her to bed, but he had to know how bad she was feeling first.

Gently, he stroked the back of his hand from her forehead down to her cheek and then began to carefully brush through her hair, hoping to wake her up as gently as possible.

"Elenya, sweetheart, can you wake up for me?"

It took a moment, but then her warm green eyes opened and immediately a smile crept back onto his lips.

How he had missed those eyes.

"Arlo?" A sleepy smile settled on her lips. "You're home."

He winced slightly when he heard her voice. She sounded all raspy and scratchy and her throat must have hurt. Hopefully she hadn’t caught the flu from Sam.

"Hey sweetie, sorry I woke you up. How are you feeling? You are feeling pretty warm."

He placed his hand on her forehead once more to emphasise his words and then continued to gently comb her hair with his fingers.

With a contented sigh, Elenya leaned into his touch.

"It's okay. I was actually waiting for you. Missed you. Must have fallen asleep, though. Where is...?" Searchingly, her eyes wandered around the room until they landed on the book he had picked up.

"Oh..."

Love and warmth filled his heart at the thought of her staying up to greet him. Even though he would have much rather she had gone to bed early when she wasn't feeling well. Which made him think that she hadn't answered his question.

"Don't worry about that. I missed you too, but still, I'd rather you got enough sleep. But how are you feeling now? Please be honest."

As if he had caught her doing something, her eyes turned away from him and an uneasy feeling spread through him.

What didn't she want to tell him?

"Sweetheart?"

"Well... my throat has been hurting for 3 days and.... I don't know if it's the air getting colder outside, but I've been coughing on and off since yesterday. On top of that, I just couldn't get warm today." As if to emphasise her words, her body began to shiver.

Arlo quickly grabbed the blanket that was lying over the back of the couch and wrapped Elenya in it. Her voice barely rose above a whisper during her explanation, and with growing guilt he listened.

"Thank you... I kept making myself thyme tea, but it doesn't seem to be helping right now." A soft cough escaped her and his worry and guilt intensified.

Damn, she'd been feeling bad for 3 days already and he hadn't even been home long enough to make her tea. What kind of husband was he?

"I'm so sorry I wasn't here, sweetie. It's my job to take care of you after all..." Apologetically, he cupped her cheek with his left hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Oh Arlo, love, that's nonsense and you know it. Portia has needed you more than I have the last few days and that's perfectly fine. Besides, you're here now, aren't you?" She chided him, but then an uncertain look settled on her face.

"Or do you have to leave again tomorrow?" Big green eyes looked up at him and his heart contracted painfully.

While Elenya understood how important his job was and kept reassuring him that she didn't mind if he had to work a lot, as she was doing the exact same thing, it didn't mean she didn't get lonely anyway.

"No, I don't. You'll have me all to yourself for the next two days, and longer if you need me."

"Oh, that's nice. I really missed you a lot." A big yawn followed by a slight cough escaped Elenya and exhausted, but with a soft smile, her eyes closed again.

"I've missed you a lot, too. Come on, let's get you to bed." With a tender smile and another gentle kiss on her forehead, he carefully lifted her into his arms, blanket and all.

With a happy sigh, she immediately buried her face in his neck and relaxed completely in his arms, trusting that he would never let her fall.

As always, he was touched by the inexhaustible trust she placed in him and promised himself again never to abuse this trust.

With sure steps he carried his little builder into the bedroom and gently set her down on the bed. He quickly pulled back the covers and then helped her to lie down and nestle in.

"Shall I make you some more tea or do you need something else?" Concerned, he brushed another stray strand of hair from her face and was about to get up to go to the kitchen when a small hand reached for his.

"I don't need anything, thank you Arlo. Just... cuddle?" She looked up at him pleadingly and instantly his gaze softened. He'd never been able to refuse anything to those eyes, certainly not something he was only too happy to do himself.

"Of course, love. Just give me two minutes, okay? I just have to get ready for bed quickly."

Grateful that he had already showered at headquarters, he quickly put on his sleeping clothes, brushed his teeth and extinguished the lamp in the living room. In record time he was ready and slipped into bed.

She was already half asleep when he joined and he carefully pulled her into his arms, her head coming to rest over his heart. With a frown, he worriedly noticed that she was still shivering slightly and pulled her even closer to him, hoping to give off some of his body heat.

Happy to hold his wife again, he fell asleep completely exhausted, the last three days taking their toll.

~~~~~~

Arlo was woken up by the sun the next day, which was a rare occurrence. Confused, he looked around their bedroom until his eyes fell on the shock of black hair still on his chest.

He must have been more exhausted than he thought. Elenya must have been too, because normally they would turn away from each other at some point during the night, but she was still in his arms just as they had fallen asleep.

Worried, he put his right hand to her forehead and noticed with concern that it felt a lot warmer than it had during the night.

A soft groan told him that his touch hadn't been careful enough and had woken her up. He quickly went to caress her hair soothingly in the hope that she would fall asleep again, but unfortunately that didn't work.

With another uncomfortable moan, her glazed eyes opened and looked up at him tiredly.

"Good morning my love."

Gently he pressed a kiss to her far too warm forehead, bringing a tender smile to her lips. Before she could answer him, however, she was attacked by a painful sounding coughing fit.

He quickly hurried to get her into an upright position so that she could cough better, but had to keep one arm wrapped around her back or she would have fallen right back.

The coughing fit lasted almost a minute and left her panting. With a pained whimper, she let herself fall against his chest and he quickly wrapped his arms tightly around her and pulled her onto his lap.

"Oh God..." Her voice was little more than a croak and another pained whimper escaped her, breaking his heart.

"Shh... It's going to be all right. Don't try to speak. I'm afraid you got the flu from Sam."

"Hurts..." She moaned softly and reassuringly he pulled her even closer. Cradled her against his chest, hoping to take away some of her discomfort.

"I know, sweetie. I'm so sorry, but I'm going to take care of you." Lovingly, he pressed a kiss to her mop of hair and just held her on his lap. His right arm looped under her knees and his left wrapped around her back, her hot forehead pressed against his neck. 

After a while, however, she began to freeze again and he hurried to lay her back down and wrap her in two blankets. The shivering did not subside, however, and worriedly he checked her fever again.

Damn, had it gone up even more?

He really needed to find a thermometer so he could take her temperature properly.

Pitiful, glassy eyes looked up at him and apologetically he gently caressed Elenya's cheek.

"I'm sorry, but I can't give you another blanket. Your fever is too high. But I'll make you some tea, okay? It will do your throat good and warm you from the inside. Would you also like something to eat?" A slight shake of the head came in reply and with a worried frown he made his way to the kitchen.

Elenya very rarely got sick, but when she did, it hit her hard. The last time was almost two years ago, shortly after they got together, and back then she could hardly get up under her own strength for almost a week.

In addition, her asthma, which usually only manifested itself in winter, made her lungs particularly vulnerable. His heart contracted painfully at the thought of what the next few days would bring her. Hopefully the flu would not develop into something worse like pneumonia.

Arriving in the kitchen, he quickly put on a whole pot of thyme tea and, in the time it took for the tea to steep, quickly performed his morning routine in the bathroom.

There he also found their thermometer and took it into the kitchen, where he fished out the thyme and filled Elenya's favourite cup with tea. He was just about to sweeten it with some honey when the next painful-sounding coughing fit sounded from the bedroom.

He quickly grabbed the tea and thermometer and hurried into the bedroom. Elenya lay curled up on her side, coughing painfully into the crook of her arm, a few single tears running down her cheeks.

"Shit, shit, shit..." He quickly unloaded the tea and thermometer on the nightstand and pulled Elenya up into an upright position. With a few well-aimed blows to her back, he tried to loosen the mucus from her lungs, but it didn't seem to help.

She continued to cough. No sooner was one fit over than the next one began and panic slowly started to spread through him.

"Come on sweetheart, you have to breathe."

He tried again with a strong blow to her back and finally something seemed to loosen up because the coughing suddenly sounded productive and then subsided.

Completely exhausted, her body slumped and she swayed to the side. He quickly pulled her against his side while her hand clung to his T-shirt searching for support.

"Dizzy..."

"It's all right, I've got you. Just breathe." Gently, he wiped the tears from her cheek with his thumb and just held her again, lending her his strength.

When her cramping grip on his shirt loosened, he took it as a sign that she was feeling better and reached for the thermometer. He could feel her radiating heat even through the grey jumper she still wore and in a soft voice he asked her to open her mouth.

Without opening her eyes, she complied with his request and gently he slipped the thermometer under her tongue. While he waited anxiously for the result, he gently detached Elenya's hand from his T-shirt and took it in his own instead. Unlike the rest of her body, it was ice cold. 

He lifted her hand up to his lips and gave the back of each finger a gentle kiss, bringing a tired smile to her lips. A tender feeling spread through his chest at the sight and he pressed her a little more against him.

Even sick and with a thermometer between her lips, she was still the most beautiful to him.

As soon as the thermometer beeped, he released her hand and carefully took it from her mouth. As soon as his gaze fell on the result, however, he could not suppress a muffled curse.

Surprised, Elenya's head lifted from his shoulder and questioningly she peered up at him.

"Sorry, but fuck, that's way too high. We really need to get your temperature down."

Stressed and full of worry, he ran his hand through his hair. Her temperature was at 39.3°C, far too high and above all dangerous if it rose any higher.

Damn it, what was he going to do? How could her condition have deteriorated so quickly in just a few hours?

Should he take her to Dr. Xu?

No, the cold temperatures outside would only put more stress on her body.

But then what?

Deeply immersed in his anxious thoughts, he didn't even notice how he pulled at his hair and tightened his grip around Elenya's shoulder until a trembling hand slid into his field of vision, gently smoothing the deep furrow between his eyes.

Surprised, he looked down into the green eyes of his little builder, which were gazing at him tenderly.

"Hey, don't worry so much about me. I'll be fine." She only whispered and he could see how much it pained her to speak, yet there was a gentle smile on her lips.

Guilt spread through him once again.

Fuck, he had to pull himself together. He had to take care of her, not the other way around.

Apologetically, he gently cupped her cheek and tenderly pressed his forehead against hers.

"I always worry about you, sweetie. I hate to see you hurt or sick." With a gentle kiss on her forehead, he eased away from her and reached for the cup that, momentarily forgotten, still sat on the bedside table.

"Here, drink your tea first. It should soothe your sore throat and cough a little. Can you hold the cup yourself?"

Uncertainly, Elenya reached for the cup, but was able to hold it securely and began to drink in small, careful sips.

"Great. I'll prepare you some cold calf compresses, okay? I hope that brings your temperature down quickly."

Arlo checked once more that she could really hold the cup herself and then went to the bathroom to get two thick towels, which he placed at the bottom of the bed. He then proceeded to soak two more towels with cold water, wringing out the excess water.

Back in the bedroom, he was greeted by the sight of Elenya lying down again, but this time without a blanket, as the tea had probably sent her to the other extreme, sweating instead of freezing.

Beads of sweat stood on her forehead and he hurried to prepare the calf compresses. He pushed the legs of her sweatpants up as far as they would go, then placed one of the dry towels under her calves and reached for the first cold towel, which he had briefly placed on the floor.

"I'm sorry, princess, this is about to get very uncomfortable."

Gently, he lifted her left leg and wrapped the towel around her calves. At the first contact of the cold fabric, Elenya winced violently, a soft whimper escaping her lips, and he squeezed her ankle reassuringly.

"It's all right. You'll feel better in a minute."

He quickly repeated the process on the right leg and then placed the second dry towel over both.

It wasn't long before she began to shiver again. Carefully, he spread one of the blankets over her upper body to at least give her some warmth and then disappeared briefly into the bathroom to fetch a small basin of cold water and a washcloth.

He put the basin down on the night table, grabbed the chair that was next to their wardrobe and sat down on her side of the bed.

Dipping the flannel into the cold water, he wrung it out and then began to gently wipe the sweat from Elenya's forehead. At the gesture, her eyes opened a crack and her gaze fixed tiredly on him.

He gave her a gentle smile and reached for her left hand with his free one.

"We'll leave the calf compresses on for twenty minutes and then see if your temperature has dropped, okay?"

"Okay..."

Her eyes closed again and for the next 20 minutes he kept dipping the flannel into the cold water to place it freshly on her forehead again, vigilant over her light sleep.

Once the time was up, he removed the wet towels, gently dried her legs and then tucked her in neatly. 

At his gentle coaxing, Elenya opened her mouth enough for him to slide the thermometer under her tongue and, relieved, he could note that her fever had dropped slightly to 38.9°C.

Still higher than he preferred, but it should now be low enough for her to feel a little more comfortable. 

"Hey darling, your temperature's down a bit. Try to get some more sleep, I'll be here when you wake up," he whispered softly in her ear and with a slight nod she snuggled a little more into her blanket and her breathing slowed.

As soon as he was sure she was asleep, he made himself some breakfast and started to cook some soup for Elenya so that she could get something in her stomach later.

Throughout the day, he cared tenderly for his sick wife. He regularly gave her soup and tea, repeated the procedure with the calf compresses twice more and cuddled her when she felt well enough for physical contact.

Towards the night, however, the problems began. Elenya's fever, which he had successfully kept below 39°C, rose again and her cough became even worse than in the morning.

She tossed and turned restlessly, unable to find a comfortable position. Helplessly, he sat beside the bed, cooling her forehead with a wet washcloth and helping her to sit up when she was again tormented by a coughing fit.

He had tried propping her upper body up with pillows so she wouldn't lie flat in bed and could breathe better, but her back had cramped up so much as a result that she felt even worse than before.

After her last coughing fit, she lay whimpering and shivering in his arms, completely exhausted and drained of all her strength. 

"Arlo..." Tears of frustration and pain ran down her cheeks and his heart broke at the sight.

He didn't know what else to do. None of Dr. Xu's tinctures they had for her asthma were helping with her painful cough, and he didn't want to give her the emergency caffeine mixture, as her pulse was already way too high from the fever anyway.

"I know, sweetheart. I'm so sorry, but I don't know how to help you anymore." Firmly he cradled her against his chest and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.

Fuck, if he didn't think of something soon, he was going to have to wake up Dr. Xu in hopes that he could help her.

Desperately he went through everything in his head, what medicine they still had and what his mother used to do when he was sick, but none of it was helpful in this situation.

"Arlo?" 

Elenya's soft voice snapped him out of his thoughts and questioningly he looked down at her.

"Yes, my love?"

"Can you maybe... read something to me?" Uncertainly, her feverish eyes looked at him and surprise spread through him.

Was she afraid he would refuse her such a thing?

"Read something to you? Of course, anything you want." Gently, he brushed a strand of hair out of her face and thought about how best to go about it. She couldn't lie down flat without instantly coughing again, but they couldn't sit like that either, in the middle of the bed. Soon his back and hers wouldn't tolerate that anymore.

"Thank you. Maybe... if I can focus on something else..." Her voice broke on the last words, her throat inflamed and far too irritated from all the coughing, and he gently hushed her.

"Shhh, it's okay. You don't need to say any more. If it makes you feel better, I'll be happy to do it for you. Do you think you can sit by yourself for a minute? I might have an idea how to make you comfortable enough to sleep."

Glad that he had finally thought of something, and assuring himself that she really could sit under her own power, he carefully disengaged from her and began rearranging all the pillows in the bed.

Why did he only think of this now?

Satisfied with his work, he leaned against the mountain of pillows, spread his legs slightly and gestured to Elenya, who had been watching him curiously, to sit between them.

As soon as she was within reach, he pulled her the last bit towards him, her overly warm back flush against his chest. He adjusted her and himself some more until Elenya relaxed in his arms.

"Better?"

"Mmm... this is nice."

She snuggled a little more against him, her head resting against his shoulder and her face buried in his neck.

"I'm glad."

Happy to finally give some relief to her fever-ridden body, he tightened the arm wrapped around her stomach, preventing her from accidentally sliding down.

With his free hand, he reached for the book on the nightstand she was currently reading, and opened it somewhat awkwardly at her bookmark.

For the next half hour he read to her, his voice pitched to a low and soothing rumble, until, almost at 1 AM, he felt the last of the tension leave her body and she fell into an exhausted sleep.

Carefully, Arlo put the book aside, turned off the bedside lamp, and cradled her a little bit closer to him, before following her into dreamland as well.

He will certainly have a sore back tomorrow, but as long as it made Elenya feel better, he was happy to endure it.

~~~~~~

As expected, Arlo awoke the next morning with a kink in his neck and a cramp in his back, but it was all worth it. 

Elenya had slept soundly the rest of the night and even now she didn't stir at all when he carefully tried to gauge her fever with his hand.

It was lower than the night before, but that was to be expected, the body usually cooled down during sleep. However, he very much assumed that it wouldn’t stay that way.

He really needed to talk to Dr. Xu. Seeing Elenya in such discomfort and pain for another night was not something he could bear.

Maybe he could combine the walk up to the clinic with a short round of jogging while he was at it. He wasn't used to doing nothing for a whole day, and a restless energy had taken hold of him. On top of that, the running should effectively relieve the tension in his neck and back.

Making a decision, he carefully climbed out from behind Elenya and gently laid her back into the pillows. He waited a moment to see if she would wake up, but she did not stir at all.

Good, her body needed the rest. Hopefully he would be back before she woke up.

Relieved, he pulled the blanket up to her shoulders, making sure she wouldn't freeze, and then got ready to go out.

After a light breakfast, he placed a glass of water on the nightstand for Elenya, along with a brief message about where he was going and that he would be right back.

With a gentle kiss to her forehead, he left the house a little reluctantly. He was loath to leave Elenya alone in her condition, but she needed better medicine, so he stretched briefly and then jogged off.

~~~~~~

It took him a good hour to get back to their garden gate, much longer than he would have liked.

Dr. Xu had first asked him thoroughly what Elenya's symptoms were before he handed him different bottles of medicine. The doctor tried to explain to him what was in which vial, but other than what it was for, he couldn't memorise, as he was way too anxious to get back to Elenya quickly.

With the concerned request to bring her immediately to the clinic, should her symptoms not improve, he left the clinic and met Sam and Remy outside. 

Of course, they wanted to know what he was doing in the clinic on his day off, and he quickly informed them that Elenya had probably caught Sam's flu, eliciting a worried gasp from both of them, and that he would probably not be able to work for a few more days.

Arlo felt guilty about that, since Remy had had 3 equally exhausting days, but Remy assured him not to worry about that. He felt fine and that Elenya's well-being was much more important.

With get well wishes from both of them for Elenya, he could finally make his way back, reassured that his two teammates had everything under control.

He carefully opened their front door, removed his jacket and shoes, and deposited the bag with the medicine on the coffee table so that he could check on Elenya directly.

But when he entered the bedroom, Elenya was no longer in bed. Instead, the glass he had left for her lay in shards on the floor, an already dried trail of blood leading in the direction of the bathroom.

His heart dropped at the sight.

Oh God...

He quickly rushed to the bathroom, where Elenya lay curled up on the cold bathroom floor, drenched in sweat and shivering violently. The sole of her left foot was covered with bleeding cuts and tears were staining her cheeks.

"Elenya! Sweetie, what happened?"

Fear spread through him when she didn't respond to his voice. For far too long a second, he just stood paralyzed in the doorway until he inwardly slapped himself and quickly knelt on the floor beside her.

With trembling hands, he gently turned her onto her back, noticing far too much heat radiating from her. At the movement, a soft moan escaped her and her dull eyes opened.

"Arlo?"

Her voice was shaky and weak and a new flood of tears flowed from her eyes, but she was awake and pure relief coursed through his body.

"It's all right, I'm here, I'm here. It's going to be okay."

Gently, he lifted her into his arms, off of the freezing floor and carried her into the living room, where he set her down just as gently in one of the armchairs, careful that her cut foot didn't bump anywhere.

"I'm sorry..." More tears flowed from her eyes and she hiccupped, triggering a terrible coughing fit.

Suppressing his own panic, he tried to calm her down.

"Shhh, just breathe. It's all good. You don't have to apologise for anything." Gently, he stroked her back until her coughing subsided and her head fell exhausted against his chest. She sobbed and soothingly he put his arms around her trembling form.

"Shhh, you're okay. I'm here. I'm so sorry I left you alone." 

His heart shattered at her next whimper.

Damn, he should have known better. Why hadn't he listened to his gut and stayed with her? He could have just as easily found someone else and sent them to Dr. Xu.

"E... Everything hurts so much." Another distressed sound left her, further irritating her inflamed throat and making her whimper again.

"I know, sweetie, I know. Your fever is way too high again. I'll just take care of your foot and then I can give you something for it. You'll hopefully feel better soon then."

He held her in his arms a moment longer until she calmed down a bit and then quickly hurried to the bathroom to get their first aid kit. On the way back, he took one of the blankets from their bed and wrapped Elenya in it.

Gratefully, her eyes closed and she snuggled a little more into the chair, her shivering diminishing slightly.

Satisfied to have given her some comfort, he knelt on the floor in front of her and gently lifted her left foot into his lap. 

A sympathetic hiss escaped him at the sight that greeted him there. The sole of her foot was littered with many small cuts, some of them still bleeding slightly, and several pieces of glass still lodged in her foot.

Hopefully he could get them all out.

As carefully as he could, he took the splinters out of her foot with a pair of tweezers, but she still flinched every now and then, and soothingly he caressed her shin. 

Once all the splinters were out, he cleaned and disinfected the wounds and wrapped her foot with compresses and bandages. Fortunately, nothing had to be stitched, but it will take a few days for the wounds to heal.

With a gentle kiss on the fresh bandage, he cleaned up the first aid kit and straightened up. 

"There, all done. Now let's see what your fever is doing, shall we?"

Gently, he slipped the thermometer he had also brought under her tongue and pressed a long, loving kiss to her temple.

While they waited for the result, he worriedly studied her pale face, two deep red spots high on her cheeks the only colour left, accompanied by deep shadows under her eyes. Sweat stood on her forehead and he really needed to dress her in fresh clothes, yet she was still shivering with cold and he would have liked to wrap her in more blankets if it hadn't been so counterproductive.

The thermometer beeped and a curse escaped him again when he saw the result.

39.5°C. Even higher than it was yesterday.

He quickly rummaged in the bag containing all of Dr. Xu's medicine for the right vial and then carefully held it against Elenya's lips.

"Here, darling. This should help with your fever."

She drank the liquid without resistance, wincing in pain with each sip, however. He hastily rummaged for the second medicine he had bought as well and held it to her lips too.

"This should help with your sore throat and cough. I'll make you some more tea in a minute, too. Do you need anything else? Are you hungry? Oh, and we should get you some fresh clothes. Do you want to wear something special? Maybe another sweater from me? While your fever isn't down yet, it can't be too warm, but I don't want you to keep freezing like that either. I'm sure the bathroom floor was freezing cold. Oh shit, I didn't even think of that. Have you fallen? Did you hurt yourself anywhere else?"

Frantically, he began to scan her body, looking for other injuries.

Damn, had she maybe hit her head and that's why she wasn't able to answer him at first?

The panic and self-blame which he had suppressed for her sake, came back all at once.

He was about to probe her head carefully when a slight tug on his sleeve made him stop. Questioningly, he looked down at Elenya, who was looking at him with concern and now somewhat clearer eyes.

"Arlo, slow down. I didn't hurt myself otherwise. You're already taking such good care of me, and you don't have to beat yourself up over anything." She cleared her throat briefly to get the scratchiness out of her voice, Dr. Xu’s medicine doing already a great job of soothing her throat. "I didn't fall, I was just so dizzy and I didn't have the strength to get back up again. None of this is your fault. I should have waited for you."

Trembling, her left hand lifted and gently caressed his cheek before dropping back into her lap, powerless.

What was happening here? Why was she trying to comfort him? She had been lying on the cold floor for who knows how long! And that only because he wasn't with her.

"Arlo." She reprimanded him and with a sigh he bent down to her and lifted her in his arms, pressed tightly against him, needing to hold her safe

"I'm sorry. You just gave me a terrible fright. I don't even want to imagine what else could have happened just because I wasn't here." He hugged her a little closer and she buried her head in his neck.

"I know, I'm sorry, too. I was going to wait for you, but then I had to go to the bathroom really bad, and then when I got up, I accidentally dropped the glass." A soft, apologetic kiss against his neck accompanied her words and with another sigh he buried his face in her hair, inhaling her familiar smell of vanilla and metal.

"I hate being this weak." Her voice was already losing what little strength she had been able to muster, and he strengthened his arms around her body some more.

"I know sweetie. But let me be your strength for now, okay? You just rest."

With sure steps he carried her back to the bedroom and gently set her down on the bed. He quickly helped her put on something fresh, including a sweater of his, and then tucked her in comfortably.

"I'll just make you some more tea, okay? Be right back." At her gentle nod, he made her another pot of tea, and while the herbs steeped, cleaned up the broken glass and traces of blood.

That done, he sweetened Elenya's tea again with some honey and then helped her drink it again, her hands shaking far too much themselves to be able to hold the cup. He sat on the edge of the bed for it and pulled her into a sitting position, her shoulder leaning against his chest.

Once the cup was empty, he set it down on the nightstand and then gently placed it back into the pillows, pulling the covers up to her chin.

"Do you need anything else? Perhaps a cold washcloth for your forehead, or would you like something to eat?" Questioningly, he looked down at the sick bundle buried under the blankets, but Elenya answered with a shake of her head.

"No, I don't need anything... just..." Uncertainly, she began chewing on her plump lower lip, dragging his gaze there.

Distracted, he asked her, "What do you need? I'll give you anything."

"You... I need you..."

Surprised, he looked back up into her pleading eyes and he couldn't hold back any longer.

Fuck it.

Gently, he cupped her face with his hands and surged down, pressing his lips desperately to hers. Her lips were slightly chapped, but just as soft as ever and damn how he had missed that feeling.

Surprised, she returned the kiss, moving her lips gently against his until a hand settled gently on his shoulder, pushing him away with barely noticeable force. 

Reluctantly, he broke away from her, but didn't pull back far and looked questioningly into Elenya's eyes.

"Stop, you're going to get sick too.... Even though I really missed your kisses." While she sounded concerned, she was also pouting at the same time, unconsciously teasing him even more.

"I don't care. If I get sick, I'll get it anyway, being as close as I am to you all day. We haven't kissed in five days, I can't wait any longer." With that, he bridged the few inches between their lips again and engaged her in a tender, gentle kiss.

For the next few minutes, they exchanged one tender kiss after another, grateful that the flu hadn't affected Elenya's nose so far, making up for the last few missed days. Arlo kept her head gently wrapped between his hands the whole time, caressing her face, showering her with love.

Only when Elenya's movements became more and more sluggish, he detached himself completely from her and looked lovingly into her half-closed eyes, which could hardly stay open due to exhaustion.

He pressed one last, brief kiss to her lips and then walked around the bed to lie down next to her. Gently, he pulled her into his arms, her head pillowed on his chest and her left leg draped over his. Reassuringly, he stroked her back until her body relaxed completely, indicating that she was getting some much needed rest.

"Sleep well, my heart. I love you so much."

Cradled in his strong arms, he watched over her sleep.

[thebadgerclan]

Little Tease

Pairing: Severus Snape x reader

Requested by @fandom-puff

Summary: Your choice of attire gets Severus a little riled up...

Smut!

Severus thought he might just die.  His eyes tracked your hands as they pulled sheer black stockings over your legs and hooked them onto a garter belt.  His mouth dried out and his cock hardened in his trousers.  Severus stalked over to you, coming to stand behind you, his hips grinding into your ass, arms coming around your shoulders.  “Have you any idea what you do to me?” he asked, and you smirked, pulling open your dresser drawer.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, darling,” you replied, selecting a plain black skirt that fell to your midthigh.  But Severus wouldn’t let you move from his embrace, pressing a lingering kiss to your jaw.  “Don’t you?  Then just why are you wearing those stockings, my sweet?  I think that you’re trying to tease me, distract me, hmm?”  That was indeed your intent, at least part of it, but you weren’t keen on giving up so soon.  “Why would you do that, Sev?  We both know how much we have to get done today.”

“We can get that done after I fuck you,” Severus said, spinning you in his arms, pressing his lips to yours.  You resisted the intense urge to melt in his arms and let him have his way with you, instead pushing him back gently.  “I wish I could, Sev.  But I have to go into town and pick up a package for Sirius.”  Severus sighed, stepping back from you.  He might be insanely aroused, but if you said no, then he’d go no farther.  You pulled your skirt on, fixing your hair and pressing a kiss to his cheek.  “I’ll be back, love.  And maybe later I’ll let you have your way with me.”

As you exited your bedroom and went down the many stairs of Grimmauld Place, you smirked to yourself.  You didn’t really need to go into town, you could have asked Remus or one of the younger Order members to do it, but what could you say?  You wanted to tease your man.  About an hour later, you returned, giving Sirius his package before heading back upstairs.  Severus caught you halfway up the stairs, pressing you against the wall and kissing you hard.

“I’ve been hard all morning, Y/N,” he rasped against your lips.  “So fucking hard.  I keep picturing your perfect legs in those damn stockings.”  You sighed into the kiss, one arm around his neck, the other hand on his chest.  You trailed that hand down his body until you were cupping Severus’ bulge, making him whimper.  He kissed you again, keeping you against the wall, his tongue entering your mouth.

You gently squeezed Severus’ erection, and he gasped, rolling his hips into your hand.  Just when you were about to suggest moving to the bedroom, footsteps were heard coming up the stairs.  “What do you two think you’re doing?”  Molly Weasley stomped the rest of the way up the steps, fire in her eyes, and you stepped out of your husband’s embrace.  “Molly,” Severus greeted, his voice slightly strained.  “Really you two, I’d have thought you’d have more self restraint than a few 6th years!”

“We are married, Molly,” you said, stepping in front of Severus, both in a protective movement and to hide his erection.  “There is nothing wrong with-”  “I’m noy saying there’s anything wrong with it!  But in the hallway where anyone could see?  There are students here, Severus!”  He said nothing, not trusting himself to speak.  “Now,”  Molly continued.  “Get yourselves together and downstairs for the meeting.”  The Weasley matriarch turned and descended the stairs, Severus sighing when she was gone. “Some nerve on that one,” you muttered, righting your skirt and heading downstairs, Severus following close behind.

***

Of course, it was when Severus was hornier than he’d ever been in his life, when his cock felt like it might burst with how it ached, when he was seriously thinking about taking you over the table, that was when the meeting ran long.  Molly hadn’t stopped you from sitting next to your husband, and you could feel the arousal and tension radiating off of him.  He tried to listen to the meeting, he really did, but Severus’ mind wandered to fantasies of fucking you in every position imaginable.

His hand strayed to his hips, and Severus thanked Merlin that the tablecloth concealed his waist.  Slowly, he pressed on his cock, nearly hissing at the stimulation.  He’d refrained from touching himself while you were gone, but he couldn’t hold back any longer.  Severus palmed himself slowly, enough to relieve the ache, but not enough to truly pleasure him.  His teeth were grit, holding back his sighs and moans of pleasure, his hand working his cock slowly.

When you noticed, you stilled his hand, and Severus couldn’t keep the desperate whine from leaving his throat at the loss of stimulation.  “Soon,” you whispered, eyes staying on the table before you.  Finally, Sirius rose, saying the meeting was over, and Severus thought he might sob.  As soon as there was a clear path up the stairs, he bolted up them, dragging you behind him.  The door to your bedroom slammed shut, and once it was locked and warded, Severus was stripping you naked, moaning at the sight of you in nothing but the stockings and garter belt.

“Fuck, Y/N, you’re so beautiful,” he said, tearing his own clothes from his body.  “My gorgeous wife.  And you’re all mine.”  You’d been wet all day, as Severus had been hard all day, and you whimpered as he pulled you flush to him, kissing you deeply.  Now naked, his hard, weeping cock pressed to your abdomen, and your pussy clenched around nothing.  “Severus, fuck me,” you pleaded, and that was all he needed to hear.

Severus roughly pushed you onto the bed, flipping you onto your belly and pulling you up to your hands and knees.  There was no need to ready either of you; you were plenty wet enough, and Severus lined himself up, thrusting into you hard.  “Fuck!” you shouted as he stretched you out, cock filling you up just right.  He set a rough, hard, nearly brutal pace, skin slapping against skin, sweet, desperate moans filling the room.  Severus bent over you, rutting into you like a dog in heat, the pent up desperation and need he’d felt all day finally letting loose.

“Teasing me with those stockings all day,” he grunted.  “Fuck, Y/N, the things you do to me.  I’ve wanted to fuck you all day, ever since I saw you put those bloody things on.”  “Sev,” you moaned, eyes rolling back in your head.  “Yes!  Right there, oh fuck!”  The head of his cock was ramming into your g-spot with each thrust, the angle allowing him to fuck you deeper.  His hips moved with almost inhuman speed, drawing you closer and closer to that blissful peak.

And Severus sensed it, as he always could, and brought a hand around your waist to rub your clit.  “S-Severus!” you wailed, bucking your hips weakly to match his thrusts.  “Yes!  Oh, yes!  Please, please, oh fuck, I’m gonna… yes!”  Your words devolved into a string of gibberish as your orgasm crested, legs trembling and giving out beneath you.  Severus held you upright as he came, biting down on your shoulder as he released within you.

“Fuck,” he whispered, kissing over your neck and up the side of your face, pulling out a moment later.  You whined at the loss, content to lie with him inside you for hours on end, keeping you filled up, but sense was also lost on you at the moment.  Severus cast the contraceptive and cleaning charms, pulling your stockings and garters from your legs.  He then lay down at your side, pulling you into his chest, kissing you sweetly and tenderly.

“Little tease,” he whispered, a smile on his face.  “I love you so much.”  “Hmm, I love you too, Sev.”  “You looked so damn beautiful in those, Y/N.  You always look beautiful, but those stockings just added something to it.”  “Thank you, Sev.  I thought you’d like them.”  “Oh I do, very much.  I think I’ll have to buy you more.  A lot more.”  You laughed softly, cuddling closer to Severus’ chest.  “My beautiful wife, I love you.”  You hummed, too fucked out and tired to respond, but the sentiment was clear.

[holyhead-harpy]

The Inflatable Killer Whale

For @pottinglilies - you are such a gift to the fandom, and I thought your killer whale story. I hope you like this.

“Last year, Lils, can you believe it?” asked Marlene McKinnon as she and Lily Evans exited the welcome feast.

“It feels so strange to be leaving Hogwarts,” Lily replied.

“Well, we’re not leaving yet, so don’t get all maudlin on me. Will you be taking off that Head Girl badge to celebrate the start of the year with the rest of us tonight?”

“Yeah, Marls, Merlin know I’ll need to take my chance to relax while I can before NEWTs prep really kicks up.”

“Merlin’s balls, don’t remind me,” groaned Mary MacDougal as she passed the two other girls on the stairs, “do you think if I spontaneously combust they’ll send a passing grade to my mum out of pity?”

“Probably not, said Marlene, not unsympathetically, “did you ever hear what happened to Edna MacMillan?”

Mary’s wince suggested she had.

“Oh, Mary, I brought you something for your Muggle Studies project,” Lily interjected.

“Wicked, thanks!” Dread at the upcoming exams pushed off for the time being, Mary disappeared amidst the throng of students in the stairway.

“What’d you get, Lils?” asked Marlene.

“I’ll show you later tonight,” Lily responded.

However, all thoughts of muggle items quickly left both of their thoughts as they entered the Gryffindor common room and observed the riot of decorations and students loudly catching up with their friends after the summer holidays.

“This seems a touch overboard,” Lily said, after taking a minute to regain her bearings.

“It’s seventh year,” said Remus Lupin as he passed by, levitating several streamers that were flashing between scarlet and gold, “so, it’s now or never, really.”

“And I, for one, vote now,” Marlene agreed enthusiastically, “Remus, I assume someone has drinks?”

Remus indicated one of the window alcoves, where a grinning Sirius Black was holding court over an eager throng. “Sirius picked up some stuff from Hogsmeade.”

“So that’s why he missed the Sorting,” Lily muttered.

Remus put a finger over his mouth and winked. “Mums the word, if you don’t mind, Madame Head Girl.”

Lily rolled her eyes but nodded nonetheless as Marlene threw an arm over her shoulder and led her to the drinks.

“So, Sirius, I assume there’s some fire whiskey among your contraband?” asked Marlene.

“You assume correctly, but for two ladies as lovely as yourselves, I’ve got something even better: old Aberforth gave me a bottle of his moonshine,” Sirius said, “careful though, this stuff is strong.”

 ~

Several shots of Aberforth’s moonshine later, the common room was beginning to have a pleasant blur around the edges. The lower years had largely been shooed off to bed, and the upper years were taking full advantage of their last day before classes began, other than an unfortunate few who had not completed their summer homework. For her part, Lily was feeling somewhat more fond of her year mates than usual—even of Potter, who had, admittedly, been much more tolerable of late and hadn’t asked her out once over the summer or since arriving back at Hogwarts.

“Lils, your muggle thing!” said Marlene suddenly, with great urgency despite the slight slurring of her words, “your muggle thing, you were going to show me your muggle thing!”

“Oh, right,” Lily replied, somewhat loath to leave her comfy spot of the sofa nearest the fire, “can I show you tomorrow?”

“No!” Marlene exclaimed, giving her friend a light shove off the sofa, “I’ll save your spot, just go get it!”

“Or else we can set a new fire for you wherever you end up sitting,” said the passing Sirius with a wicked grin.

“You will do no such thing, Sirius Black!” called Lily over her shoulder as she made her way up the girls’ stairs.

“Merlin’s balls, but she reminds me of McGonagall when she’s pissed,” commented Sirius as he went off to find where Prongs had wandered off to.

 ~

After taking a frankly embarrassing amount of time trying to blow up the item before remembering she could just use an inflation charm, Lily returned to the common room bearing a large inflatable killer whale. She showed it to Marlene, who was somewhat disappointed that it didn’t actually do anything.

“So,” said Marlene slowly, turning the orca over in her hands, “it’s made of rubber…”

“Right,” Lily replied.

“And you fill it with air…”

“Yes.”

“And then what?”

“You play with it Marls, it’s just for fun.”

“I’m not sure about muggles’ ideas of fun,” said Marlene dubiously, “I mean, I can’t imagine spending much time playing with that.”

At that moment, however, James Potter—Quidditch sensation, Gryffindor heart-throb, and three-sheets to the wind on several shots more of Aberforth’s moonshine that would be strictly advisable for anyone who was beginning the next day with double potions—gasped audibly and snatched the orca away from Marlene.

“What is this?” he asked, slightly too loudly.

“It’s an inflatable killer whale,” Lily replied, “a muggle creation.”

Rather than respond, James darted off amidst the throng of people, still holding the toy.

“Damn,” hissed Lily, “I need to get that back. Who knows what he and his idiot friends would do to it.”

 ~

“Sirius!” James exclaimed, brandishing the orca, “look at this!”

“That’s neat, mate,” Sirius replied.

“Neat? This is the greatest thing muggles have ever created!”

“I’m not sure about that,” Sirius said reasonably, “what about…”

“No,” James cut him off with the confidence of the very drunk, “bugger your motorcycle, this is the greatest thing that muggles have ever made.”

What was sure to be a passionate argument was cut off by the arrival of Lily Evans, in full force as Head Girl and Voice of Reason of Gryffindor House, only slightly undercut by the fact that she had clearly been drinking as well.

“I’ll have that back, Potter,” she demanded, and grabbed the killer whale back from his arms before marching off.

“Tough luck, mate,” Sirius said, patting James on the shoulder.

“No,” said James, “this means war.”

 ~

Lily had just resettled on the sofa—though Marlene had taken her spot nearest the fire while she was gone, the traitorous witch—when James sprinted past with a yodeling war cry and stole the orca. Lily reacted quickly, firing off a tripping jinx at his back, causing him to fall forward and taking out a pair of sixth year girls with him. Lily made her way over as delicately as possible to retrieve the whale, fixing the prone boy with her iciest glare.

 ~

“We need your help, Moony,” James murmured to his friend.

“What with?” asked Remus without hesitation.

“To distract Evans,” Sirius answered.

“So we can get the whale back,” James clarified unhelpfully.

“The whale?” Remus questioned?

“Don’t worry about it,” Sirius said.

“How should I distract her though?”

“Just talk about homework or something,” Sirius said.

“Ask her what she wrote about for the charms essay on the impact of wand grip on emotion-based charms,” James said, with unexpected insight, “she loves charms.”

Several minutes later, Lily was giving an impassioned oration on the importance of varying one’s grip in accordance with whether one wanted to cast a charm to cause a positive pr negative emotion, Remus egging her on by suggesting that the Crumperton grip was designed to be multipurpose. However, it wasn’t until Sirius pointed out the problematic nature of defining an emotion as positive or negative that the orca fell beside her, forgotten. James took the shark and snuck off, always having preferred Transfiguration to Charms and thus much less invested than the others.  

 ~

It was significantly later that they called the debate a draw and lily noticed the toy was missing again. However, she quickly spotted it next to James, who was quite distracted by a game of Exploding Snap. She attempted to levitate the whale over to her, but even heavily inebriated, James’s seeker instincts held true and he snatched it out of the air.

 ~

“You know,” said Sirius, “after all this bother, I think our killer friend needs a name. Ulrich, perhaps? Unctious?”

“How about Hortensia?” Remus suggested, eager to head off what was sure to be a list of every name beginning with a U ever bestowed upon a child—with the unfortunate naming habits of pure-bloods, there were sure to be a lot of them.

“Alihotsy,” James declared, “like the fudge. Merlin, I’d like some fudge right now.”

 ~

As the party began to wind down in the early hours of the morning, Lily approached James again.

“Look, I know we’ve all been having fun, but I really do need that back. I only brought it for Mary’s Muggle Studies project, and they’ll be starting on them soon, to be ready for NEWTs.”

“I’ll give it back for a kiss,” James offered, perhaps less flirtatiously and more sincerely than he intended.

“Alright,” Lily agreed easily, surprising herself as much as James. He handed back the orca and Lily closed her eyes as James slowly leaned forward. Then, suddenly, James snatched back the toy and ran off up the stairs, cackling. Lily was annoyed, of course, bit underneath that was surprised to find herself, disappointed?

James Potter woke up the next morning to a splitting hangover, which quickly gave way to intense regret as he remembered his final actions from the night before.

“Did I really give up the chance to kiss Lily Evans?” he groaned.

“’Fraid so, mate,” Sirius answered, far too cheerfully as he levitated the inflatable killer whale to make it appear to swim through the air of the dorm, “but at least we’ve still got Alihotsy. I’ll admit, she’s grown on me.”

James only moaned and buried his head in a pillow.

[weakforarwen]

Just finished season 4 and I have many thoughts but wow Gwen deserved better than to be banished with no help. BUT QUEEN GWEN is everything to me. Gwen and Arthur make me so happy. (Also Merlin should retire after the way he was treated this season lol, if that was me, I would've packed my bags and disappeared.) Your blog is great and I love your commentary I haven't been able to find this level of analysis and critique which I love.

Gwen for sure deserved better than what happened to her. Arthur should've done better by Gwen, of course, but, really, her brother and Merlin should've helped her too - they hadn't been "cheated on", after all. The writers really just wanted Gwen gone, characterization be damned. I mean, Merlin just watched Gwen leave without talking to her at all? Silent support? Is that all Gwen deserved? The writers really don't wanna give Gwen a voice sometimes... They also can't ever seem to remember that Gwen and Elyan are siblings.

I love Queen Gwen as well, but you won't like season 5. Gwen was, unfortunately, much better served as a servant. It's like the minute she became a Queen, the writers decided they were done with her character and her story was finished. Queen Guinevere doesn't feel like Guinevere at all :/

And, ditto, I'm so obsessed with Gwen and Arthur right now! I want to write about them, but I don't know the fandom. Is there anything left to say that hasn't been said already? I'm also scared to enter shipping discourse - I know most fans are Merthur shippers (and probably Lancelot/Gwen shippers as a consequence).

Merlin should've retired in episode 1, my god! It's not me that would die for anyone or make my entire world revolve around one man. That poor guy doesn't get paid enough for the shit he puts up with - he doesn't get paid at all, in fact, or even thanked 99% of the time!

Thank you so much for enjoying my blog! I write too much, don't I? I wanna do shorter reviews, but then I just can't stop writing. I'm really happy you enjoy my commentary! Your ask made my day :) If you have any suggestions or requests for my blog, let me know!

[malereader-inserts]

Not Impossible

Fandom: Harry Potter Pairing: Marauders & Male!Reader Summary: It’s all theoretical, really Word Count:  1,822 A/n: Just like End-Game we can ignore the flaws of time travelling here

“Professor?”

You looked at your head of house, she sat in her office, looking up at you confused to why you would venture out for her at the hour, very early in the morning before breakfast as even started. You looked sheepish, your tie done loosely and your shirt untucked for its pants. 

“What can I help you with?”

“I have a question, one that I usually asked Professor Dumbledore, but seeing he’s not here I would go to the next best professor,” McGonagall smiles at your compliment, “If you were to go into the future with a time turner, unlikely but not impossible when you return to your time - will you have the knowledge of the future sticking in your memory? I know that you cannot be seen by your future or past self, but other people?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Curiosity, ma’am,” You replied with a shrug, standing at her doorway, “After all, I did get hat stall with Ravenclaw, curiosity is just natural with me.”

“Well,” McGonagall hums, thinking before looking at you with sharp eyes, “I would assume so - explain further by what you mean.”

“Say I travel to the future, I have married with kids, and my kids see me - I know their names and who I marry, but not asking how it came about, technically I am not ruining the future because I’m not stopping what will come to be, right? Therefore, I should remember my time in the future and is the reason I named my kids because I met them.”

“Interesting,” McGonagall nods, “I would assume, by your logic, you would be correct - though I do wonder how you came to this conclusion.”

“I asked dad once why he called me (Y/n),” You say, there was a thoughtful look on your face, “He said I’ll understand in due time - it’s always has stuck with me so I was just thinking-”

“If your father travelled in the future and met you...”

“It’s unlikely, but not impossible.”

McGonagall had a twinkle in her eye, as if she knew something, a few years ago a group of boys come barreling into her office late in the night. You looked at her uneasy before she comes to approach you, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. 

“You are correct, try not to think too much for it. You have exams to concern yourself with and a quidditch match tomorrow to think about.”

“First game against the slimy-”

“Umh!”

“Sorry,” You looked at her sheepishly, “With the Slytherin team.”

“Well, off you go, I don’t want us to miss breakfast and look smart - your father looked better in that uniform than you do!”

You smiled cheekily before dashing away from the office, McGonagall locking her office for a time being, there was a glint in her eyes as she noticed the date. Reminding herself to tell your teachers of the day that you’ll be missing on their lessons for special reasons. You walked down to the great hall, you had quidditch practise that night. Your robe draped over your shoulder bag as you tried to look presentable.

That was until you heard voices murmuring, as you went closer to an empty classroom you could hear harsh whispers. Out of curiosity, you opened the door to see four boys looking like they were just caught. Your eyes widen as they had Gryffindor ties - you know all the boys in your house, after all, prefect went to you rather to Ron - who was very relieved

“Who are you and why are you posing as Gryffindor boys?” You asked as they looked at you with wide eyes.

“We’re um-” The long hair boy spluttered, looking at glasses for support. 

As you gave them a harder look, you realised something, you had recognised them, old pictures in your dad’s photo album.

“I know you!” You exclaimed.

“Oi Lupin!” Your head snapped outside to see Seamus waving you down, “You’re going to miss breakfast!” 

“Fuck off Finnegan, no I won’t,” You say as the Irish boy chortles before dragging his friends away from you. 

You sighed as you entered the room and closing the door behind you, looking at the boys in front of you.

“You’re James Potter,” he waves, as you turn to the long-haired teen, “And you, Sirius Black!”

“Yeah, I am.”

“You’re Remus,” You smile fondly, how can you possibly miss your dad’s awkward smile? Before turning to look bitter, “And Peter Pettigrew.”

“How do you know us?” James asked.

“What year is this?” Peter asked meekly.

“Hang on,” Remus exclaimed loudly, “We’re ignoring that they said you’re a Lupin, but I don’t-”

“The year is 1996, late April, and I know you because how can I not? You’re famous whether you like it or not,” You replied, shrugging your shoulders, “By any chance have you fiddled with a time turner?”

There was silence as you crossed your arm, sharply looking at them before James broke under your stare - it was all too familiar. 

“No?”

“James,” You say lowly before he looks at Remus who reveals that he had the time turner around his neck, “You’re all idiots, the lot of you!”

“Well, we’re aware of that,” Sirius says boldly, as you glared at him.

“Well, I don’t know how long you’ll be staying here. But, you better fix it. Because what you’ve created is a paradox. This shouldn’t have happened.”

“Ah, unlikely but not impossible,” Remus pointed out.

You opened your mouth before closing them, this is what your dad means when you’ll soon find out about your name. You finally picked up on McGonagall look towards you, you sighed, running your hand down your face.

“Well, breakfast will be ending in half an hour, you stay put and I mean it - I’ll help you sort this out and you go back to whatever year you are in. How old are you even?”

“Sixteen, the lot of us, Wormtail here just turned sixteen two weeks ago.”

“Oh cool,” You answered, nodding, “Guessing in nicknames that you’ve recently able to shift into your animagus forms?”

“Yeah, how do you know that?” Peter asked as you had to hold back a glare for the lad, he’s just an innocent sixteen year old who has the whole world coming for him.

“I know you guys better than the world does,” You shrugged your shoulders.

“You haven’t answered Lupin’s question,” Sirius says.

You smirked, “You’ll find out in due time. Now, will you guys promise to stay put if I get food for you?”

They all looked to each other and nodded, you sighed in relief as you placed your bag down, before leaving the room. The group of boys looking loss before obeying and getting themselves comfortable, you had returned with goodies. 

“I’m starving!” Sirius says, ready to pounce before Remus grabbed the back of his collar, “Aw, Moony!”

“Sorry about them,” Remus says as he helps you out to distribute food, “Thank you.”

You waved them off as the five of you get to work in how to get them back to their year, not much with you telling about the future for them, but dropping sublet hints for them.

“I miss Evans,” James sighs wistfully, the three other boys ignoring him - used to his pining as you stare at him, “What?”

“Oh nothing,” You hummed before looking back at your books - which you had to make a trip to the library to bring the boys some books to look for information, “Have you ever tried referring her with her first name?”

“Trust us, Evans is scary when you call her by Lily,” Sirius responded, “I tell you, bloody scary gingers - the lot of them.”

“Tell me about it,” You say thinking about Ginny Weasley, what a fiery girl, “Well, don’t give up James, might work out.”

“You think?”

“I think.”

“James, you’re asking someone from the future - it would make sense, he would know,” Remus replied dryly.

“Do I have a kid?!” James asked excitedly.

“I’m not telling?” You give him a look, “I’m not an idiot in telling you that, Merlin’s beard, knowing you idiots you would ruin the bloody future. My future - if anything, the only one I trust is Remus!”

“Yeah, make sense,” Peter answered, even you chuckled in his response.

“Well, I’m not surprised - you do share a last name.”

You give them a glare before they all got to work. You sighed back, by midday you were hoping to find a resolution. 

“God, I’m going to be tired for practice,” You yawned as you shut the sixth book of the day, standing up to stretch, “Angelina is going to be pissed.”

“You play quidditch?”

“Yeah? Chaser,” You say, before waving it off, “Not important really.”

“I think it is, Remus doesn’t like playing quidditch but knowing that you a Lupin does - it’s fascinating!” James teases as you rolled your eyes.

Your quidditch practise started at seven, luckily it was about five that you were able to finish up with the group of idiots. You had neatly stacked some books to bring back to the library. You had a nice day, you learnt more stuff about them, stuff that you wouldn’t have known, you got them to talk about their time at school.

“We’re making a map, of the whole school, but we’re not really sure what to name it. We don’t have a group name for us, by now we were hoping someone in school would name our group for us,” Sirius mention before James nudges him, telling him that he shouldn’t have told you.

You a bit preoccupied, answered without a thought, “Oh, marauders fits you idiots quite well.”

“Marauders?” Peter asked inquisitively. 

“One who roams from one place to another, it fits well with a map if you ask me,” You hummed before looking at them, all of them huddled with a chain around their necks. Remus holding the time turner, he looks at you.

“Wait, we never got your name or who you are,” He says, you smile at him.

“Oh, I’m (Y/n) Lupin, I’m your son,” With that, you started the turns of their time tuner, as Remus looks at you wide-eye, “Told you, you’d understand in due time.”

With that, you step back watching the boys fade away. You sighed and continue with your dad as you left the classroom to make your way to the library then to the great hall, you just can’t help be send a strongly worded letter to your father - hoping he reads it to Sirius. 

“Bunch of wankers,” You muttered to yourself.

“Are you okay, Mr Lupin?” McGonagall asked as you looked at her, “Muttering yourself again? How was your day?”

“It was eventful, more than I thought it would be.”

“Well, I shouldn’t keep you too long, hope you had a lovely day.”

You nodded, “Yeah, what an unlikely day I’ve had.”

[xviruserrorx]

Title: "Turn Off The Lights, I'm In Love"

For Day one of @camelove and for @merlinbingo and day nine of @fluffbruary as well! 😃

Fandom: BBC Merlin

Prompt(s): "OTP", I5 "Breakfast", " Poppy"

Relationship: Mordred/Daegal, Mordred & Daegal (can be read however!)

Rating: Gen

Word count: 2,335

"Did you mean what you said last night?"

Mordred's expression softened, "I always mean every word I say to you."

"I know just…" Daegal opened and closed his mouth with an ache in his throat.

How can you love me?

Continue reading below over on Ao3

With the start of the day, the sky was overcast a milky blue with a tinge of grey on the edges. The air held a subtle crispness that lingered on the skin and on his breath. So much so, Daegal found himself catching his cloak as Merlin tossed it to him on his way out the door.

All of Camelot was still fast asleep aside from the few servants that roamed the halls with platters, clothes, and pots full of warm rocks. The sun had yet to come out of the clouds and illuminate to its full potential across the sky. Leaving the few chirps of the waking birds and falling leaves that scratched against the incoming breeze like a ripple of applause, the only prominent noise.

His footsteps echoed as they pounded down against the stone in rapid succession. He caught the only pair of open windows by the edge of his sight, briefly turning and leaving a glance before he continued running.

Once loud steps became dampened by the forest ground, every so often being caught in the splash of a puddle caused by the downpour of the night before. He jumped over small streams, pushed past bushes, ducked under vines and branches. He lined up his feet, one behind the other as he balanced along a fallen log over a shallow river.

His destination was met at the other side, in the calmness of a memory and ghost presence before being plucked from the earth. Gathered in a fond grip of a blood-red feathery silk touch. The traces of the forests followed back over stone grounds once again and into the castle.

The hustle slowly became more and more as others awoke. Missed platters and wine-filled decanters were ducked under as he finally reached the kitchens where the platter was. Topped with fruits, bread, meats, and cheeses; he placed his items in hand beside the assortment of food as he dodged and made his way out of the kitchen

Knocking was long forgotten as he pushed open the familiar door and saw the comforting sight. Windows from earlier laid open as Mordred peered out them from the ledge. His attention was caught on the open book in his lap, though it quickly switched to Daegal as he entered and set down the platter on the table.

Mordred smiled, "You really don't have to do this every morning." He stood up with his book in hand.

Daegal shrugged his shoulders, "I enjoy it." He popped a couple of grapes into his mouth and sat down at the table, "besides, it's my excuse to see you every morning."

His hair was ruffled as Mordred passed by, the book set down as he stared down what was beside the platter. "Poppies." He picked one up, bringing it up to smell it before he admired it once again.

"I'll put them in some water." Daegal got up and quickly replaced the flower's in a vase on Mordred's desk from the day before with the fresh red ones. Yellow daisies had occupied the previous day with one being snatched away and kept by Mordred. And the day before held its own unique pick of flowers, as did all the days before.

"Thank you." The platter was pushed more towards Daegal as he sat back down.

He plucked another grape off the vine and into his mouth as he tilted his head at Mordred's book laying on the table. "New book?" He questioned. He grabbed it and quickly realized it was indeed new from the few pages marked that were read.

Mordred nodded, "You would like it, I'll read some of it to you tonight?" His words ended with a raised eyebrow giving Daegal his own choice to make.

He flipped through a couple of the pages seeing only blocks of text that just looking at them lost his interest. He shook his head and passed the book back with a scrunched up nose.

"Bring your normal book then," Mordred chuckled, "we'll read that."

And as Mordred said, he kept to his word. Daegal returned as normal back to Mordred's chambers that evening with the book in hand. A collection of short fables that Geoffrey had given him one of the times when he helped every so often in the library.

Dinner was had there as he didn't stay with Merlin for the meal before he became engrossed in the book in wait. Tucked into Mordred's side in his bed as he was told of splendours unheard of. Story after story, many told from previous nights before, were revisited in fragments. His excitement started high before turning in contentment, somewhere which he felt safe and allowed his eyes to droop close as Mordred's words blurred into something soothing that lulled him to sleep.

A few more seconds of bliss passed before the short story came to its moral ending. Mordred ended it in a soft The End muttered as he saw Daegal's sleeping state. His arm now stuck with his refusal to move Daegal, the few flickering candles were put out with a quick spell of magic. The book was softly closed and put aside, while he pulled the covers up and over both of them as he situated himself as carefully as possible.

He let a few seconds linger with his hand busy moving Daegal's hair from his face before he softly pressed his lips to his forehead.

"I love you," he said. There was a soft whine in response that he lightly chuckled and took as his answer.

Daegal shifted, his head tucked under Mordred's chin and arms scrunched up with hands balled in Mordred's nightshirt. Safety allowed as arms wrapped around him and pulled him closer for deep slumber.

They both woke as normal; Mordred up far too early for Daegal's liking as the knight quietly had escaped to the window sill edge with a book in hand once again. Daegal was behind a few hours as he was greeted with a soft good morning before heading to the physicians' chambers to let Merlin know he was okay.

Though all through getting changed into clean clothes and forced to stay to eat breakfast, he found himself thinking of Mordred's words the night before. Words that he found sounded foreign in Mordred's and Merlin's mouths when spoken to him despite all meaning and intention present.

"Merlin?"

"Hm?" The older man hummed through a mouthful of food.

He pushed his food back and forth around his bowl as he pressed his lips tight together.

Merlin stopped as he swallowed and focused all his attention on him. "What's wrong, Daegal?"

Daegal let the spoon rest in his bowl and his figure slouched as he took a deep breath. "Why do you say you love me?"

Eyebrows furrowed as sympathy laid in Merlin's expression. "Because I do."

"But why do you say it?"

Merlin cleared his throat as he reached across the small table and covered one of Daegal's hands with his, "I want you to know I do, Daegal. Sometimes people worry when you don't know these things."

He almost hated the sombre look Merlin was giving him, the one he often got when he asked certain questions. Things he felt he should know or understand but didn't.

"Just me saying it isn't the only way for you to know though," he continued. "Everything, all the little things like this," he gestured to their breakfast and his hand over his, "are also ways to show that you care and love others."

A small smile slowly climbed on his face as he nodded.

Merlin returned the smile, "Why do you ask?"

How can you love me? He wanted to ask. How can Mordred? He shook his head as he returned to his breakfast with a concealing smile, "no reason."

He lied through his teeth with a heavy heart. A content okay returned from Merlin made him swallow hard through a forced smile.

He abandoned the rest of his breakfast after a few bites so Merlin wouldn't bother him about eating. The sun told him to hurry as he found what he needed all in time as he made his way back to Mordred's chambers.

Once blood-red flowers were replaced in a quick manner before Mordred had to rush out of his chambers clad in chainmail and armour. Blue Cornflowers sprouted from Daegal's hands as he held them out, catching Mordred momentarily off guard. One was plucked from his hands with a quick thank you and a bashful smile before a billowing red was the last thing he saw.

Mordred's words replayed in his head and intermingled with Merlin's as well as his own thoughts. What they meant tangled with what he thought they meant, nothing exactly clear in the end.

His prior sleepiness of the night before led him to believe it was just the beginning of a dream but a part of him knew that wasn't true. He tried to keep his head down throughout the day, contemplating things he tried hard to understand and find a meaning to. Yet his coyness to act okay but hidden at the same time soon came to its fault.

"What's wrong?"

His head snapped to where Mordred was changing out of his armour from training behind the screen. The rustling came to a stop as Daegal sat up from where he was laying on the ground by the fireplace.

"What?"

"What's wrong?" Mordred walked out. "You've been quiet all day, you're never this quiet. Well… at least with me." He closed the distance and slipped his palm over his forehead, "You don't feel warm or look ill for that matter."

Daegal shook his head, "none of that."

A grimace appeared on Mordred's face as he kneeled to the floor, "what's wrong then?"

He shrugged, "just…" he couldn't put together the right thoughts and words to say how he was feeling. He fidgeted his fingers before looking Mordred straight on, "Did you mean what you said last night?"

There was a momentary blank before what Daegal was talking about resurfaced. Mordred's expression softened, "I always mean every word I say to you." He spoke in surety.

"I know just…" Daegal opened and closed his mouth with an ache in his throat.

"People do love and care about you, Daegal," Mordred said. "Me included. And just because I say things doesn't mean you ever have to say them back, okay?"

To say words in their full nakedness and honesty, with nowhere to hide, scared him. But not knowing another's honesty scared him even more. He knew every word Mordred spoke, he knew the compassion that laced his voice, that lingered in echoes even long gone to be unheard of. Yet to fathom genuineness of actions and words for only himself, he didn't want to.

He nodded his head, "Okay…"

The night came quickly as he found himself sitting in front of the same fire from hours before. Though the night brought its chill, making the stone floor colder than before as he opted for the chair rather than the floor. The crackling filled the air along with the soft brush of pages from Mordred's book.

Every few minutes, despite his lulling eyelids, they would flutter back open with every flick of a new set of pages. He tried the comfort in the lone fire but couldn't without hearing of Mordred's presence. Even when the pages closed and the rustle of the bedclothes followed, bare feet met the cold floors in a sultry longing that made Daegal smile at the uncommon habit.

A soft bout of silence lingered between a small thump of the book returning to its rightful place and the warm arms that wrapped around him.

"You should get to bed, it's late." Soft words were muttered as he tried to regain some semblance of consciousness. The billowy light sleeves from Mordred's tunic tickled his bare skin, almost mocking his night tone of voice.

"I can always stay here?" He muttered, lifting his head as Mordred's arms left with more pattering of his feet. He heard the sheets flourish and hit the air, a small quick breath before they landed softly in silence.

"I don't want you in the antechambers," came Mordred's voice, "it's far too cold in there."

He stretched over the chair before turning to face Mordred.

The top blanket was thrown back as Mordred patted the right side of the bed, "Come on."

"Are you sure?"

"Oh, Like we haven't slept together before," He teased. The previous night and many nights before all evidence of his words.

He got up as Mordred went to his wardrobe, grabbed a nightshirt and quickly disappeared behind the changing screen. Shoes were discarded on Daegal's part along with the layers he wore over his tunic.

Mordred appeared again, extinguishing the rest of the candles aside from the one by the bedside. All while Daegal sat at the edge of the bed, his mind wandering once again before his restless notions made themselves known.

"Mordred?"

He quickly got his attention as Mordred continued to move around.

Words formed to come out but stopped in his throat. "I…"

As if he read his mind, Mordred gave him a fond smile before walking to his knight attire that was still hanging from the changing screen. He reached into the inside of his gambeson and pulled out the blue cornflower from that morning, "I know." He twisted it between his fingers as he walked closer. Laying the flower on his bedside table along with the previous days.

The sheets were pulled back as he slipped under them and held open the other side for Daegal to climb under.

He held no hesitation, allowing the blankets to cover him and his own selfish conceit in Mordred's warm embrace. His actions spoke for him even if he struggled with his words.

He received a drowsy smile as the last words were spoken between them both.

"I love you too."