#i warned him at the beginning- told him those kind of people won't talk to someone speaking in sign language- they don't bother trying | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

lukesaprince · 7 months ago

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Rich Part 22

Summary: Neighbour/Older!Harry. Y/n meets Anne, her Dad finds out the truth and an unexpected encounter has devastating results.

Warning: Smut, bj (the beginning of one anyway), penetration, semi-public sex, exhibitionism, dirty talk. Mentions of revenge p*rn, Ethan, bad mental health. There is also a detailed account of a panic attack and negative thinking so please be mindful of this. PLEASE lmk if I've missed anything ❤️

Word count: 21k+

Author's note: Look I'll always say I'm an angst writer not an angst reader so I hope you guys enjoy reading a bit of it... At this point Rich won't be finishing up at Part 25 as expected because I just don't think I'll fit everything I want to within three more chapters so you're welcome I guess. ANYWAY happy reading muah

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“Okay… y’ready?” Harry asked, bopping his knee anxiously.

“I’m ready.” You confirmed, smiling.

You totally weren’t ready.

This was the first meet-the-parents thing you had ever done in your life and you were fucking terrified. You didn’t want to come across as too immature or young but you also wanted to be yourself. Compared to Harry you were young and even if you had things in common, you were as Gen Z as they came and the last thing you wanted was Anne thinking you were some kid.

From what Harry told you, Anne wasn’t a judgmental person. She was a sweetheart and seemed so gentle and kind. Like your mum but without the hint of crazy. He did say Anne liked a good glass of wine, which both you and your mum enjoyed as well so that was one thing you had in common.

You were definitely overthinking it way too hard but Harry being nervous made you nervous. You just wanted her to like you. It was a lot harder meeting her for the first time via Facetime too because there wasn’t really a lot of external stimuli to chat about if things got quiet. You weren’t sharing a meal or doing an activity where the conversation could drift naturally. This all felt so formal.

Harry assured you that he’d jump in at any point it got quiet but that he didn’t think he’d need to because Anne loved to talk about anything and everything. That made you feel a bit better but you still felt like your inside matched how Harry looked on the outside. Anxious.

You didn’t really want to make it worse by talking about your own nerves, especially since Harry had been talking about it all damn day. He kept bringing it up through text and called you double what he usually did while he was at work. He was trying to appear calm and in every conversation he was making sure you were still okay with meeting his mum.

You knew that it was because he was nervous about it. Harry was practically losing sleep over it and he didn’t really understand why. He didn’t expect to be so nervous about it, especially since he wasn’t phased by your parents knowing about you two.

He just loved you so much, so fucking much, and you were one of the most important people in his life. The most important. His mum was one of the other important people and maybe that’s why he was all in knots about it.

His mum’s opinion on you mattered a great deal to him and even if it wouldn’t change how he felt about you, or whether he continued seeing you, it still mattered. She is the closest family member he has and he wants you two to get along more than anything else.

Deep down, all along all Harry ever wanted was a family. Maybe not the kids and nuclear family model, but family. He could play it off and think that meaningless hookups and money could satisfy him for the rest of his life and for a while it did. It truly did. But meeting you changed everything and now all he wanted was his family together.

He wanted a life with friends that he loved, a partner he adored who adored him back and he wanted his family back together again. Harry had two out of three of those things and now his family was the last thing he needed to tackle.

Harry knew Anne would love you because he loved you, but he was still riddled with anxiety. The cause was more than just this initial FaceTime of course, but this was one of the many things he was having a hard time dealing with. He felt blessed that he had you to support him through everything.

You placed a gentle hand on his knee, applying a little pressure so it would stop shaking. “Are you ready?”

Harry nodded, grabbing your chin affectionately, “yeah, m’love. Just haven’t introduced many partners to her before. Not that any of them were nearly as important as you.”

Not that any of them were as important as you.

Oh did you fucking love this man.

“I hope she likes me” you whispered, puckering your lips against his thumb when he brushed it against your mouth.

“She will.” He assured you while smiling fondly. “What’s not to like, baby?”

“thank you…” you whispered, pecking him quickly. “I love you.”

“Love you.” He murmured, wanting to say so much more only to be interrupted by the ringing sound of his laptop. It was far easier to do FaceTime with both of you on the bigger screen and this way you wouldn’t be as squished up.

You quickly adjusted your hair over your shoulders so it laid nicely, trying not to bite away the lipgloss you applied specifically for this call. You wanted to look nice to meet Anne for the first time, even if it was via FaceTime.

The screen lit up with Anne’s gorgeous face and smile when Harry answered the call. His hand fell to your thigh immediately, reaching for your hand to intertwine your fingers together.

“Hi mum.” Harry greeted with a bright smile. His entire demeanor lit up when he saw her and you could visibly feel his body relax a little. You had never seen Harry interact with any family before so it was just so… nice to watch. You felt warm inside even after two words.

“Harry! Oh my gosh, your beard. It’s so lush. You look wonderful.” Anne beamed, her face bright and so warm. You had seen photos of her before, even stalked her Instagram a little to see what vibe she gave off and she was even lovelier than usual.

“Thanks,” Harry sheepishly responded, stroking the stubble on his jaw. He didn’t grow it out very often, at least not to the length it had gone now. It was only when he was on holiday usually. But you liked his moustache and the feeling of his facial hair between your thighs so he was more than happy to give you what you wanted. Harry liked the look too, he just preferred being cleanly shaved for work.

You were obviously more important than his job.

“And you must be y/n! Oh, you’re gorgeous.” She cooed, looking right at you, “She’s gorgeous, H.” Her eyes flicked to Harry.

“I know. Absolutely breathtaking” Harry brought your intertwined fingers to his mouth and kissed the back of your hand before setting it back down on your knee.

“Thank you.” You blushed, “it’s so nice to meet you, Anne. Harry’s told me so much about you.” You squeezed Harry’s hand, feeling like you were in some sort of job interview. You were lost for words and so nervous. You couldn’t relax even if you wanted to.

“Oh, I’m sure he has, darling.” She laughed. It was so warm and homely, much like Harry’s. “He’s such a storyteller, aren’t you, H? Always has been y’know, even as a kid. He used to dress up and perform plays for Gem and me. Oh, he was so cute!”

“Mum.” Harry scolded. Of course, it barely took a minute before she spoke about his childhood. He knew if you were all in her kitchen she’d have the photo albums out before you even arrived.

“Oh shush, you. Don’t pretend you didn’t love it. He was such a little actor. A good singer too.” Anne replied, happy to be sharing stories about her son with an actual girlfriend of his.

“Yeah he is,” you agreed, “He always leads our singing in the car.” You finished off with a giggle.

“I do not.” Harry defended.

“You so do! He always leads, Anne. Always.” You laughed, earning

“That’s not true, I sing plenty thank you very much.” Harry defended, knowing you were just riling him up when in fact your car singalongs were some of his favourite moments and a regular occurrence when you were out and about.

“Mhmm. Sure.” You teased, earning a pinch on your thigh in reprimand.

“We’ve got one of those little karaoke machines here, y/n, and every Christmas Harry used to do a singalong with all the kids. He said it was because they loved it but we all knew it was because he did.” Anne smiled fondly at the memory, but you could feel the sudden shift in the air at the mention of Christmas. Something Harry hadn’t been to for years. “Anyway, that was a while ago…” she brushed off, but you could feel the way Harry was tensed against you. “Harry tells me you’re studying? Marketing, right?”

“Yeah,” you confirmed, giving Harry’s hand a comforting squeeze.

He wrapped his arm around your waist to hold onto you and intertwined your fingers with his other hand. It immediately made him calm down again. He wasn’t usually so sensitive but with so much going on and the possibility of him actually being at his family’s Christmas this year, it hit him a little harder than usual. It wasn’t Anne’s intention at all and Harry knew that, but it was hard to think about the years he missed.

“I’m doing a double bachelor's degree in marketing and arts. It’s my final year so I’ve only got one semester left and then I’m free. Finally.” You finished with a nervous laugh.

“Oh wow, that’s amazing You must be so proud of your achievements,” She gushed like she was proud of you and it was the first time she had ever met you. Her energy was so kind and warm, exactly how Harry described. “I remember from Harry how hard it can be to be in university. All that study and stress. You’re working as well, aren’t you?”

“Um thank you,” You tucked your hair behind your ear, feeling a little shy at her sudden praise. “And I am, yeah. I’m working at a cafe on campus a couple days a week, sometimes more depending on my workload. It can be a lot sometimes but I’m trying to make the most out of it. I’ve made really good friends and we all live close by or have classes together so I want to have as much fun as I can before it’s all over. It’s crazy how fast it’s gone already.”

“Well from what Harry’s told me, you’re smart and very capable. I’m sure you’ll do great.” She replied earnestly, “do you have plans for after graduation?”

“I’m not 100% sure yet, actually. I always had this idea of going straight into work and if I find something I’m interested in I’ll definitely go for it but I don't know… I don’t think I’m in a rush to get there. I’d like to travel for a bit, maybe take some time to figure out what I want to do. I’d like to do my masters eventually as well so I’m not sure if I want to do that before going into full-time work or work a bit then do it. I’ll see how I go, really.” you smiled sheepishly, looking at Harry briefly. His entire focus was on you and he was squeezing your waist and hand encourgagingly. “For now I just want to get good results.”

“She’s incredibly smart and talented,” Harry complimented, kissing your temple lovingly. You blushed at the show of affection, especially in front of his mum. You loved it, you really did, it was just so unfamiliar to be so open in front of family. You two hadn’t even seen your mum together yet. “Whatever she does, she’ll be amazing at.”

“I’m sure you will be, y/n.” Anne echoed, feeling her own heart burst with how affectionate Harry was being with you. She had never seen him like this with anyone before. Not since he was a young boy anyway.

“Thank you…” You whispered, smiling up at him. His gaze was so loving and so sincere. It was like you were his entire universe. You were getting way too flustered and at this point, you still hadn’t asked Anne any questions. You wanted the attention off yourself already. “And what about you, Anne? Harry told me you write children’s novels?”

“And illustrate.” She proudly added, “Oh it’s my passion…”

The phone call lasted a good hour. It was just a natural back-and-forth conversation between you all that felt so comfortable and so homely. After you finally relaxed and Harry did as well, it was easy to enjoy talking to her. Anne was so lovely and so sweet and funny, you already loved her. Archie of course got some limelight and you were able to show pictures of your family and friends and share so many details about your life.

It was only the first meeting and you felt like you were connecting well with her already. Even though Harry said he’d jump in if it got quiet, it just never did. You two were as chatty as anything and Harry barely got to speak unless he was directly addressed. It was wonderful. Anne never made your age seem like it was an issue, though you could tell she was surprised when you told her exactly how old you were.

Harry told her more about you after you agreed to meet her and showed her photos of you and all that, but at that point, you realised that he never specified how old you were. You thought he would’ve been completely honest about your age gap and for the most part, he must’ve been, but it was a little surprising to see that look on her face.

It was only fleeting and if you didn’t see her surprised reaction, you would’ve never known because her attitude didn’t change. She seemed genuine in every way, but you hoped that she didn’t have any ill feelings towards you because of your age. It would’ve been understandable of course, especially considering your mum’s reaction to Harry, but you really liked her already and you wanted her to like you back.

“Alright mum, I’ll talk to you soon.” Harry bid his goodbye.

“Bye, darling. It was so nice meeting you too, y/n. Hopefully, it isn’t too long before I get to see you in person.” Anne waved into the camera, blowing you two a kiss through the screen.

“Hopefully not.” You smiled while waving back to her “Bye, Anne.”

The screen turned black once the call ended, leaving you two (and Archie) alone again. “So… how do you think it went?” You asked after a moment of silence.

He grinned and cupped your face with both hands to look at you, “how do I think it went? Baby, you two didn’t stop talking the entire hour. I think it went perfectly.”

“Really?” You whispered, pecking his mouth before pulling back just enough so your noses were brushing together. “You think she liked me? She seemed so surprised when I told her how old I am.”

Harry nodded, “I think she loved you. I told you she would.”

“I hope so because I loved her. She was so sweet.”

“She’ll love you saying that.” Harry grinned, humming before kissing you once more. He closed his eyes while pulling away, “mmh. I love you for saying that. I love you anyway, but even more now that you love my mum.”

“And here I thought you couldn’t get more obsessed with me. All it took was impressing your mother and you’re kissing me and-”

Funny enough, it was a kiss paired with a firm hand around your throat that interrupted your words. The kiss changed from a smooth brush of your lips to something that had you whimpering and gasping for air in a matter of seconds. “I am obsessed with you.” He murmured, pulling away just enough to say the words before he kissed you again. You smiled into it and gripped his hair in a firm tug.

“Can I… can I say something that might make you more obsessed with me?” You offered, panting a little while letting your hand fall to his thigh to give it a firm squeeze.

“Impossible but I’m listening?” He grinned, leaning back against the couch. He grabbed onto your waist and pulled you towards him, hooking his hand under your knee to drag you across his lap so you were straddling him. It wasn’t meant to be sexual necessarily, just because he wanted you as close as possible.

His arms wrapped around you as soon as you were settled and he was happy to slide them under your-well his nice knit jumper you stole for the call. It didn’t seem necessary to put a bra on when you two were just spending time at home today and only your shoulders up would be shown in the call. He was able to feel the entire expanse of your bare back and how soft your skin was. It was driving him mad.

“I’ve been thinking… about London.” You swallowed thickly, a little nervous about the conversation you were about to have, “About Italy…”

It was hard to communicate properly when his hands were rubbing all over your back and sides, his fingers even grazing the sides of your breasts for a moment before returning backwards. You had been thinking about the trip intensely over the last couple of days since he first brought it up to you and all the pros and cons of going.

Your main concern was his family, but it wasn’t just that. When you two spoke about it, it was before your mum knew and there was so much uncertainty surrounding your parents. You knew you wouldn’t have been able to go on the trip without telling them about it and you couldn’t exactly do that without telling them the truth. Now that your mum knew and was happy for you… it kind of felt like that situation wasn’t a reason not to go on the trip anymore.

University was another concern but Harry was right in saying that the trip would barely overlap with your classes. Your semester ended just over a week before the trip, as did your assignments. You only had two exams and they were both luckily early on in the timetable, like even your university wanted you to go on this trip. They didn’t leave you much space for when Harry wanted to leave, barely a few days but you could manage.

As for money… Harry already offered to cover everything… multiple times. You knew that if you did end up going it was non-negotiable for him to foot the bill as he simply wouldn’t have it any other way and while the thought kind of mortified you, you also knew he only offered because he genuinely wanted to do it. Besides, even if Harry offered to pay for it all, you still wanted to have your own money and realistically… you did. With how Harry paid you for months while you dog sat for him, you had really healthy savings and while most of it was reserved for actual living and your trip at the end of the year, you could afford to spend some of it.

There were more reasons to go than not to go and you hoped that the concerns you did have could just be talked about.

“Yeah? What about it?” Harry scratched your back lightly, making goosebumps rise all over your skin until you shivered against him.

“Would you… would you still want me to go? If I could?”

“You want to come? Seriously?” His eyes widened in glee and he perked up instantly.

You laughed softly while playing with the curls at the back of his head, “I do and I can make it work with school it’s just… are you sure it’s not too soon? To… y’know, see your house and your childhood town and for us to spend an entire month together? We’ve only been together a couple of months. What if you get sick of me?”

“I’d never get sick of you.” He defended with a soft smile, hugging you close to him. “I want you to come more than anything, baby. Truly. It would make me so happy.”

“And what about your family? I want to support you and I’m happy to be there for you but I don’t want to overstep and I don’t want to… I don’t know, like, take away anything from your healing. I still think this is something you should do by yourself.”

“I understand what you’re saying, y/n and I get it.” His hands settled to your lower back in a loose hold while he maintained eye contact with you, “This is something I’ve been afraid of for years and I know I need to face it by myself but that doesn’t mean I don’t want you meeting anyone.” He flashed a soft smile, wrapping his arms properly around you. He hugged you against him, loving the feeling of having you close to him during a conversation like this. “Sure, Gem’s birthday might be off the table because who knows how that’s going to go, but I’d still love for you to meet my mum and… whoever else would be willing. It’s been a long time since I’ve been back, but I’d like to think you’d be received with open arms.”

Truthfully, Harry didn’t know what to expect from his visit home. He kept in contact with some of his closest cousins and friends, but there were still those who never really forgave him for what he did to Gemma. He wasn’t sure if they’d come around after the effort he was about to put into trying to mend that relationship, but they were all loving and earnest people. Harry hoped they’d be willing to forgive him.

He was trying not to get too hopeful though.

“Even if I’m not… received with open arms, I’d understand it.” You replied softly. “I just don’t want to be one of the reasons your family doesn’t want to give you a chance, that’s all.”

If this situation was reversed and your family member was coming to visit to try and mend things, only to bring his very new and young girlfriend along with him, you’d be hesitant for sure. It was why you had no expectations to meet anyone or attend any family reunions. You were very prepared to be spending days alone and exploring the city while Harry reconnected with everyone. You had always wanted to solo travel so you actually hoped you’d be able to spend some days just walking around by yourself.

“Y/n… my sweet, sweet girl, you won’t be.” He assured, bringing his hands from under your jumper to cup your face. “There may be a chance they’re not very receptive to me, but that’ll be with or without you there…” He smiled lovingly, running his thumbs over your cheeks. His touch was an instant calm and you found yourself leaning into it heavily. “Look, I understand if you may feel a little awkward so I won’t push you to do anything, but if things are going well I don't see why you couldn’t meet everyone. I know my mum would want to have you over for dinner. Not sure if you’ll be able to get out of that. ”

You laughed softly at his comment and leaned forward to kiss him. “I’d love to meet your mum.” You declared softly, kissing him again. “Okay…” You whispered while pulling away, “I’m in.”

“Yeah?” He grinned.

“Yeah.” You echoed, nodding before squealing when Harry suddenly scooped you up from the couch.

“How ‘bout we celebrate then, hm?” He mused, kissing you between words as he very quickly made his way upstairs. You laughed a little but agreed nonetheless, kissing him as much as possible until you were lying down on his bed.

Archie had followed you upstairs with a toy in his mouth, tail wagging like you were all about to play a game until Harry quickly uttered those three words that made Archie whine like a sad puppy dog. “Harry, he’s crying.” You pouted, looking around Harry’s legs to make eye contact with the sad little boy.

“He’ll be fine.” Harry laughed, “go on, Arch, go downstairs.”

After another huff, Archie trotted off with his toy in his mouth, allowing Harry to close the bedroom door and leave you two alone. He turned back to face you, eyes dark and full of promise of what he was about to do to you. You couldn’t have been more excited.

“I can’t believe we’re finally christening your bed.” You teased, pushing your sweatpants down your legs until they got caught around your ankles. Harry was quick to help you and pulled them off the rest of the way.

“Mhmm. It’s been way too long, baby… Still want to get my box of toys out, though. I’ve got a paddle and pink rope with your name on it.” He smirked, dumping your sweatpants onto the floor before pulling off his hoodie and shirt in one go.

“When I sleep over. Please, when I sleep over…” you murmured, sitting up so Harry could pull your-his knit jumper off to join the growing pile on the floor. He quickly shoved his pants off before settling between your thighs and joining your mouths in a messy heated kiss.

You’d never get sick of kissing him, not when it felt like an explosion in your belly and a tingling all over your body. Just a single peck had you completely swooning and you’d happily make out with him for hours without doing anything else.

Though knowing you two… it always turned into something else. Something more.

“Baby there’s so many things I need to do to you. Just need time and privacy so I can make you scream as loud as I fucking want.” His words were low and rumbly, partly disappearing into the seam of your mouth because he just couldn’t part from your lips long enough to get a full sentence out. The fact that he used ‘need’ instead of ‘want’ drove you up the fucking wall and you were suddenly more desperate than ever to touch him.

“I’d do anything for that… anything…” You gasped, digging your fingers into his shoulders. His body was so big and heavy over you and you could already feel how hard he was pressed against you. Long and thick and all yours. Sometimes you had to pinch yourself when you thought about being with someone like Harry.

“Mmh, I know you would.” He hummed, beginning to kiss along your jaw down to your neck. “Bet you’d beg for it too, wouldn’t you?”

“Yes…” You nodded breathlessly, pulling his mouth back to yours by cupping his jaw in both hands. With a little hook of your neck and a very clear ‘lay down’ mumbled into Harry’s mouth, he let you turn your bodies so he was against the bed and you were straddling him.

“I love seeing you like this” Harry murmured, watching you adjust so you were kneeling between his legs instead of sitting on top of him. You smiled at the compliment and ran your hands over his chest, digging your nails into his skin ever so slightly so he groaned and squeezed your waist.

“I love seeing you like this” You replied, leaning down to press a kiss to the middle of his chest. “I love kissing you…” you continued, peppering kisses all over his chest and down to his abs, “...kissing your body, your tattoos…”

Harry sighed above you, sliding his hand through your hair to sweep it across to one shoulder so it wasn’t covering your face. Every gentle touch of your lips against him had his entire body clenching with need. He knew you could feel it too.

You took your time running your mouth and tongue over his body, tracing his tattoos and the contours of his muscles. There was just something so fucking sexy about having full access to him like this, of being able to touch and kiss wherever you liked. And you had time, you could take as much time in kissing him and touching him and making him cum in your mouth.

As far as your parents knew, you were out with Lucy for the night. You weren’t particularly sure if your mum believed your lie when you walked out the door after dropping your things off, but you didn’t really pay too much attention to it when your call with Anne was on your mind. There was a change in your schedule this week which allowed you to sleep at your childhood home midweek for once and you took it immediately. Being away from home was harder than ever now that you and Harry were seeing each other and you were getting a bit homesick.

You loved living by yourself, but you missed the moments you used to have with your parents. Your nightly Netflix binges with your mum and cooking with your dad. It was why you loved to come home and why you tried to spend as much time here as possible. Now that Harry was in the picture… well your homesickness was for him as well as your family.

It always got bad towards the end of the semester too and you were feeling it extra hard this time. You were run down and tired and pushed to your absolute limit and all you wanted to do was go home and be a kid again. Nowadays all you wanted was to curl into Harry’s arms and forget all your responsibilities existed.

Oh… and you absolutely wanted to do this…

“Especially love these ones…” you continued, kissing over his right fern tattoo before pressing your tongue flat against the leaves. “And biting here…” licking a trail up to his hip, you very happily bit down on the spot right above his waistband before starting to work on making a small hickey there.

“Shit…” Harry breathed, clenching his jaw. His fingers tightened in your hair, trying to control every cell in his body that wanted to take control of the situation. Your teasing was torturous and his cock was so goddamn sore he didn’t think he’d even be able to last a full minute once you got your mouth on him. At least he hoped that’s where this was going. However, he really did not care as long as you were just touching him in some capacity.

“Wanna know what I really love, though?” You asked, looking directly up at him while tucking your fingers into the waistband of his tight briefs. His cock was pressing angrily against the soft material and all you wanted to do was get your mouth on it.

“What’s that?”

“Tasting your cock…” you reached down and licked along his length through his underwear, loving the way his filthy moan echoed around the room. “Can I? Please…”

“Fuck… of course you can.” Harry swallowed thickly, almost trembling when you found his tip and sucked ever so gently on it. “Shit baby… take me out.”

Right as you were about to free his cock and finally taste him, the sound of Harry’s doorbell echoed outside his bedroom door. He had an intercom system upstairs and in his kitchen so the sound was always loudest in those two areas. Archie’s barking followed the ringing soon after and you could hear the distinct sound of him jumping around near the front door.

“Who the fuck would be here right now?” Harry cursed, rubbing his hand over his face.

“Just ignore it. We’re busy.” You shrugged, licking him through his briefs again. You were a big fan of ignoring the door and your phone when you didn’t want to speak with someone but if there was one thing you noticed about your parents and well… Harry’s generation was that they were incapable of putting their phone on silent.

Harry shuddered and hissed at your hot tongue against his cock and soon the door was the last thing on his mind. “You’re right… you’re right. For the love of god, please continue baby.” He practically pleaded, almost coming at the dazed-doe expression you had on your face. It looked like you were almost enjoying this more than him. Almost.

You got back to it and kissed along his skin as you pulled his boxers down, following the waistband with your mouth until your lips brushed against the very base of him. His fingers tightened in your hair the further down his length you got until you had licked a trail from his base right to his tip.

But then the doorbell rang again, just as you were about to pull his underwear completely down his thighs.

“Fuck. This better be fucking important” Harry cursed again, reluctantly letting go of your hair. You made a noise of indignation and pulled his boxers back up for him before making space so he could get up from the bed. You flopped onto your back, looking at him with straight annoyance at the fact he was taking his cock away from you. “I’ll be right back, y/n. Right back.” He promised, reaching down to peck your mouth. “I’m just going to see who it is, okay?”

All Harry had to do was walk a little down his hallway where the intercom was and he could speak to whoever was at the gate. He could do it from his phone too but he left that downstairs and there was no way he was walking all the way down there with a sore cock just to turn away whoever was trying to sell him something.

“Hurry upppp.” You complained, already impatient with him leaving you.

“Just be patient, y/n.” Harry tutted, trying not to show how dizzy he was by how eager you were to suck him off. You could give him head every day or once a month and he’d be as eager and grateful for it every single time. There was just something about enthusiastic head that drove Harry up the fucking wall.

Harry adjusted his cock in his boxers before pressing the video button to see who was at his gate and when the clear image popped up, his eyes nearly fell out of his head. “Uhh… y/n?”

“Yeah?” you called back, staring up at the ceiling while clenching and unclenching the duvet in your hands to try and distract yourself from how horny you were.

“It’s your mum.”

“What!?” You shot up from the bed immediately, looking at him wide-eyed. “What the hell is she doing here?”

It was an immediate cause of panic for the two of you, like you were two teenagers being caught having sex after your parents came home too early. But neither of you were teenagers and you were in the privacy of your own home. Well, Harry’s home.

“I don’t know! What do I do?” Even Harry was panicking, mostly at the loss of his time with you but also because he had no idea what your mum wanted. As bad as it was, he hadn’t spoken to her properly since she found out about you two. He hadn’t seen her due to his work schedule and he didn’t really feel right going over for a cup of tea to talk about your relationship without you being present.

“Just answer it, I don’t know!?”

“Okay… shit. Okay.” Harry cleared his throat before pressing the call button to speak to your mum, “Hi Jules, everything alright?”

“Is my daughter in there?”

You pressed your hands to your face and groaned into them, already recognising the slight tinge of drunkenness in her voice. Even through the intercom, you could identify the one, potentially one and a half glasses of wine she had.

“I know she’s there, Harry, so I suggest you let me in so we can all chat.” Jules continued.

Harry looked back at you and took his finger off the button, giving you a look that basically asked, ‘so what should I do?’.

“Well we don’t exactly have a choice, do we? I can’t lie to her again.”

“I’ll be right down, Jules.”

Barely two minutes later you were opening the front door and letting your mum into Harry’s house. It was possibly the weirdest situation you had ever been in and you didn’t have the slightest idea why she'd be here.

“Mum, what are you doing here? You can’t just show up like this!” You exclaimed, crossing your arms when her eyes landed on Harry’s knit sweater. Both of you were in a severe rush to get your clothes back on and you opted to greet her so he’d have a little more time to sort himself out. He was as hard as anything upstairs and there was no way he was coming back down without trying to get rid of it.

“I can and I will. You lied to me, y/n. I thought telling me about you two was so you wouldn’t lie.”

“I couldn’t exactly openly say that I’m spending the afternoon with Harry, could I? You’re being so weird about us still and Dad doesn’t even know.”

“That’s why I’m here. I can’t keep it a secret anymore! You know how dad is, every time he flashes those puppy eyes or makes me dinner I’m ready to spill everything. He knows I’m hiding something. You two need to tell him and-” she stopped herself abruptly, “where even is Harry? This is for all of us to talk about not just you and me. He hasn’t even come to talk to me too, by the way. Just so you know.”

“I apologise for that,” Harry interjected, making himself known as he walked down the stairs to join you two. He seemed settled enough and far more nonchalant than you were. You still felt and probably looked all flushed and nervous.

It wasn’t every day your mum interrupted you about to give your boyfriend a fucking blowjob. Hiding where you were was for that exact reason. Because she simply couldn’t deal with you two being alone in his house yet and you knew it.

“I haven’t seen you since y/n told me you knew and I felt it was important for all of us to discuss it together. I wasn’t avoiding you by any means, Jules.” He flashed that smooth buttery smile as he stood beside you, resting his hand on your lower back. “Should I put the kettle on? Or would you rather have a nice glass of Cabernet Sauvignon?”

You had never been more grateful for Harry’s effortless ability to charm women. In a second your mum went from alarmed and ready to tell Harry off to calm and pliant. Part of you fucking hated it, the other was glad she wasn’t giving you that panicked look anymore.

Barely five minutes later all three of you were sitting on Harry’s dining table with wines in hand. The atmosphere felt like something you had to fight your way through just to breathe. It was awkward and a little tense, something you hoped it wouldn’t be after your mum gave her support to your relationship. But she was clearly upset that he hadn’t spoken to her.

It was understandable to a degree but at the same time, if Harry was a boy your age she wouldn’t want to grill him so fucking hard. She’d probably call your relationship cute and sweet and ask questions about his family and any siblings.

Instead, she was asking him the same questions she asked you already, trying to watch with her own eyes whether Harry was earnest and truthful about his affection for you. The wine she drank drove her questions, none thankfully which were about your sex life. She had no problems asking Harry if he worried about dying at 70 and leaving you young at 50 years old, though, which wasn’t exactly a conversation you wanted to have.

“Mum. Seriously, what are these questions? If he was my age would you ask that?” You scolded, getting a headache. She had no ill intentions of course and she only wanted the best for you, but the way she was grilling Harry was killing you.

“I want to know if he’s seriously thought about it, y/n. That’s all.” Mum defended. “Have you thought about it?”

Truthfully, until she asked the question the thought had never crossed your mind. Now, you were definitely going to think about it.

“It’s okay, y/n. She’s just worried as any mother should be.” Harry tried to assure you, bringing your intertwined fingers to his mouth to kiss the back of your hand. He hid it well, but even Harry was taken aback by her questioning and it took a lot to surprise him. He flashed a calm smile before turning to your mum, “I think about our future every day, Jules, and I don’t take it lightly. I just want to make y/n happy. That’s all I want. If I give her 2 years, 5 years, 40 years of happiness I’ll be happy.”

The thought of that made you giddy. Not the idea of your relationship being limited to two years, but knowing that this could be the rest of your life.

“Hm.” Your mum responded, sipping her wine. “Okay, well I know where you live so any problems and I know where to find you.”

“Yes, you do.” Harry chuckled, resting his arm on the back of your chair. His fingers found your hair and he fiddled with it in his fingers. It was hard for either of you to forget what was so rudely interrupted earlier.

Your mum’s eyes drifted to his fingers playing with your hair and you could see the soften of fondness drift in her expression. All she wanted was to make sure you were okay and happy and while her grilling may have annoyed you, you knew it was because she loved you and nothing else. Harry wasn’t a twenty-something-year-old, he was 17 years older than you so your mum had every right to make sure he was treating you well. Especially since you were neighbours for years.

“Well I’m happy,” Mum finished off her glass and stood up from the table, “now you two are coming for dinner. I’ll give you half an hour and you better make sure you look more put together than you do now.”

“Mum-” you tried to interject, standing abruptly from the table as well.

“No. You need to tell your dad. I can’t keep this a secret any longer and neither should you two.” She looked at Harry briefly, but you both knew that this whole situation fell on your shoulders.

You looked down at Harry who was already looking up at you. He nodded gently, reading the question from your one look. Standing up, he squeezed your shoulder before letting his hand fall to your waist.

“We’ll be there. It’ll be nice to finally have everything out in the open.” He squeezed your waist, trying to ease some of the anxiety clawing its way up your throat. You nodded and pressed your hand to his lower back, fisting his hoodie.

“We’ll see you then, mum.”

Neither you nor Harry could relax once she left. There was no going back to what was interrupted so all you could do was go back upstairs to clean up a little better, which really was just brushing your hair and Harry changing into something a little nicer. You were going to stay in his jumper and your sweats because it was the only clothes you had, but Harry wasn’t one to show up in a sweat set for dinner with your parents, especially when it was such a heavy evening.

You just hoped that your dad wasn’t going to explode. That he’d have a reaction calm enough that you’d be able to discuss it all without anyone yelling. Your dad was kind and generous and he loved you more than anything, but he was also protective. Fiercely protective. The first time you were hurt by a boy as a young teen he almost went to that boy's house to confront him and it wasn’t to have a chat.

Him and Harry were… friendly but not exceptionally close. You always found it a little odd that Harry never wanted to become friends with anyone in the neighbourhood, even when he had common interests with them. Both Harry and your dad liked golf and soccer and yet they never did more than a casual chat over the fence or at a barbecue Harry only attended once in a blue moon.

Now… you were grateful for the distance Harry kept because it meant their relationship was pleasant but not close enough for there to be some sort of loyalty. There was no betrayal for dating someone a bit younger than your parents. No sides where your dad could feel offended for you dating a friend of his.

Still, there was no prediction of what his reaction would be.

“Mum, dad! We’re here!” You called through the house as you both walked towards the living area. Harry held your hand tightly, walking closely beside you until you entered kitchen. Once you were in view of your parents he let go of your hand as per what you two agreed. You wanted to settle into dinner before you said anything to your dad, so for now you had to act like you just went over to visit him and your mum extended the invitation for dinner.

“Hey pumpkin,” Dad greeted immediately, leaving his pot on the stove unattended while he approached you immediately for a hug. “How are you? Missed you.” He squeezed.

“‘M good. Tired. How was work?” You hugged him back, smiling at the feeling of him kissing the top of your head while he released you from the hug.

“Same old, P.” He shrugged, squeezing your shoulder before moving onto Harry. “Harry, mate. How are you? ” Tim greeted with a wide grin, extending his hand for Harry to shake until they went into one of those quick bro hugs. “Glad you could join us!”

“‘Course, thank you so much for having me.” Harry smiled back.

Dad was as happy as anything with Harry being present, especially after Harry offered one of the more expensive wine bottles from his collection as a gift. They got into immediate conversation while Dad got back to cooking and Harry joined him. He offered his help and wound up pouring Mum and you a glass of that expensive wine each. Your mum definitely didn’t need it, but you sure as hell did.

It was such a nice domestic scene to watch. The way Harry so effortlessly conversed with your parents and made himself at home in your kitchen to help out was fucking sexy, that’s what it was. Your mum and you were able to just sit at the island bench and watch while your partners did all the work, which is exactly how it was when it was just you and Harry. Of course, only three of you in the room knew the truth, but even so, there was no akwardness or tension in the air.

You were sure that would change once your dad found out, but your mum was as happy as anything and she did know. It was like the conversation you had barely an hour ago settled all the nerves in her stomach. That or she was in her happy place watching dad cook so having Harry easily join into that arrangement made it easier for her to like him.

“Maybe I am a fan of Harry because not only do I get to look at one, but two very sexy men in the kitchen.” Mum whispered to you before exploding in a fit of drunk giggles. You gasped but joined her in her laughter, happy that she was able to joke and relax… even if it was a little weird for her to call your boyfriend sexy.

“What are you two giggling about?” Harry mused, sipping his wine through a smile while looking directly at you.

“It’s better if you don’t know, mate. My wife has a habit of objectifying men.” Dad joked, turning around with the pot of gnocchi to serve it into the bowls Harry got out for him.

“I do not! That’s slander. Defamation.” Mum defended.

“Well, I’m flattered.” Harry laughed while grabbing the bottle of wine to offer a refill, “Y/n, would you like some more?”

Truthfully it was hard for you to concentrate on anything being said because if there was one thing your mother did get right, it was that Harry was a sexy man. You had never felt the loss of your interruption more than now. His navy sweater was pushed up to his elbows and he had one hand pressed to the bench while the held the bottle in the other. All you could focus on was his tattooed forearm and the veins in his hand. He was ringless as you two were relaxing after he got home from work and there wasn’t much point putting them back on when he wanted his knuckles deep inside you at some point during the night.

The absence of his rings did nothing to diminish his attractiveness though because somehow the missing pieces allowed your eyes to focus on his veins instead. The way they made his arm look stronger and his fingers longer… how they tensed and protruded when he gripped your thigh or your throat. All you could fucking think about was him wrapping that same veiny hand around his cock to guide it to your mouth or pussy.

Jesus…

“y/n?”

“Hm?” You blinked, suddenly coming back into focus, “Oh, um yeah. Yes please.”

You sat a little taller and slid your glass towards Harry, finding a cheeky fucking smirk on his face. He said nothing, but you could read everything in his expression. Harry pressed his tongue against his cheek while pouring your wine, focused on the way you bit down on your bottom lip. It was an anxious habit you had since before you two even became friends and was one of the first things he noticed about you that drove him crazy.

Now all he wanted to do was reach against the bench and tug your lip free to correct the behaviour. Seeing you be so enthusiastic at the mention of rope and toys had him going fucking crazy and now it was all he could think about. Having you bent over against his bed while he spanked you or spread wide and tied up for him so he could overstimulate you with a vibrator.

He was fucked. His cock was still sore as he couldn’t exactly nut one out with your mum downstairs and his mind was dizzy just at the sight of you sitting there all cozy in his sweater. You were makeup free and flushed from wine and it was one of his favourite sights. He loved you in anything really, or nothing at all, but being in your kitchen with your parents and cooking together and enjoying wine like it was a normal occurrence stirred something in him.

It stroked that box inside of him that yearned for a family. The box you had cracked open and kept open just by being you.

“Thank you.” You whispered, suddenly aching for his touch. You just wanted to cuddle into him or hold his hand or anything.

“You’re welcome, love.” He smiled, moving onto your mum.

“Alright, dinner’s served. Pumpkin would you mind taking these to the table?” Dad motioned to the bowl of freshly grated parmesan and the salt and pepper shakers. You nodded and grabbed the items, tucking the shakers under your arm so you could carry your wine over to the table at the same time.

Soon Dad and Harry brought the bowls of gnocchi over to the table and you were all happily chatting away. Your mum made a very strategic play of ensuring Harry sat beside you, which was quite easy when she clung to your dad like they just started dating.

Their affection was one thing you always admired about them. Even after all this time they still hugged and kissed and showed those quiet displays of affection. A peck on the cheek or holding her chair out before she even had an opportunity to sit down in it. Cracking pepper over her food without even needing to be asked because he knew she liked it. A hand on the small of her back and him carrying her shopping bags like the thought of her lifting a single finger even in an activity she enjoyed was torturous.

It was why you found the small gestures Harry did so much more gratifying than any big ones. The every day little things he did, possibly without even thinking about them that just made you feel special and important. His good morning texts and check-ins to ask if you had eaten or drank water, which you always forgot to do in your heavy study grinds. The daily goodnight phone calls where he asked about your day, which yeah sure, bare minimum, but he just treated you like you were the most important thing on the planet.

It was why you were so head over heels in love with him.

“Dad, I have to tell you something.” You didn’t mean to blurt it out, really. Not in the middle of everyone enjoying their gnocchi anyway but you couldn’t help it. You wanted to talk about it after dinner so if anything went pear shaped at the very least your food wasn’t ruined, but the more you thought about it the more anxious you got and you didn’t want to put it off any longer.

“Okay…” Dad’s eyes flicked to Harry briefly and you could see the look of concern flash in his eyes. “Everything okay, y/n?”

“Yes. Yes everythings fine I just…” This time it was your turn to look at Harry, whose gaze was soft and adoring. He immediately stopped eating to gave his full attention to you and found your fingers underneath the table for support. “I’m seeing someone.”

Your dad’s eyes widened in surprise and he was quick to look at your mum, “Oh wow. Wow. Did you know about this?”

She nodded, “Yes. Not for long though.”

“Okay… shit, okay. First boyfriend, I hope. Unless you hid another relationship from me?” His tone was light and you just coughed out an uneasy laugh in response.

“Nope. First one, Dad.”

Harry tried to hide his amusement by rubbing his spare hand over his mouth. He made brief eye contact with Jules across the table who shared a similar expression. Hers was also laced with stress, but she flashed him a smile anyway.

“Well that’s fantastic.” Dad declared, spooning another scoop of his gnocchi into his mouth. “Who is he? Do I know him?...” He spoke between chews, “Is he that boy from your birthday last year? Y’know the one I didn’t like?”

“Um no not him, but you do know him. He’s really kind and funny… even plays golf like you do.” You chuckled at the way your dad’s eyes seemed to light up at that information. The entire time you spoke Harry kept his hand in yours and smoothed his thumb over the back of your hand. “He’s sweet and has a dog-”

“You love dogs.” Dad pointed out, to which you nodded with a smile.

“I do. He treats me really well and… well, I’m really happy with him Dad. Really happy.”

“That’s all I want for you, pumpkin, you know that.” Dad smiled at you fondly, sipping his wine. “So who is he, then? Better not be one of my boys.” He referred to his company, hoping it wasn’t one of the idiots he had working for him. They were good on the tools but for the most part had no fucking idea how to treat a woman. His daughter especially.

“It’s Harry.”

You just had to say it. You had built up his character in hopes to make a smooth introduction, but all that happened when you brought your intertwined fingers up onto the table was dead fucking silence. The mood disappeared instantly and a whirlwind of emotions circulated in the air. Dad didn’t say anything, Harry didn’t say anything, no one said anything.

“Dad?” You swallowed thickly after what felt like an eternity of silence, watching his eyes flick between your face, Harry’s face then your held hands on the table.

“You’re lying. This is a joke right?” Dad laughed, suddenly standing from the table. “This is just some stupid joke for tiktak or facebook or whatever, right?”

“No… Dad, it’s not a trick. I’m not lying to you.” You stood from the table, pressing your hands to the top of it to keep you steady. His immediate reaction freaked you out and you weren’t sure where it was going to go from here.

“Y/n, he’s double your age. Are you serious!?” He snapped, jaw clenched.

“I am. I am serious.”

“And you knew about this?” His head whipped to your mum, “You knew she was dating him and let it happen?” Mum didn’t get a chance to respond before he was looking back at you, eyes showing just how hurt and angry he was about your relationship. “Y/n. My office. Now.”

He had never spoken down at you like that before. Even as a child your dad was always gentle and corrected behavior rather than yelled to tell you off. He always heard you out, always. When you wanted to move away for school he was so damn against it because he thought it was a waste when there were good schools, even better ones closer by. But he listened to you and your reasoning.

He hadn’t even given you an opportunity to reason with him yet.

“No.” You shook your head, watching his eyes widen in surprise at your clear disagreement. “You have always given me the benefit of the doubt, dad. Always. Just let me talk and explain. Please.”

“This is ridiculous.” Dad spat, running his hand through his hair in utter disbelief of what was going on.

“Tim, please. I’ve listened to both of them and I think you should too.” This time it was your mum’s turn to step in. She put a gentle hand on his arm and you could visibly see the way your dad started to calm down a little bit. “She’s happy.” Her tone grew soft, as did her eyes.

“Please, Dad.”

Your Dad looked over to you, then to Harry then back to you like you were his final destination. You flashed a pleading look, one he had never resisted before. It was like the cogs were visibly turning in his head and there was another long pause before he grabbed the half-opened bottle of wine on the table and filled his glass to the brim.

He collapsed down in his chair and chugged half the glass then placed it back down on the table. You looked over at Harry and you both excganhed a look of both concern and confusion, not really sure where this was going to go.

“Alright, y/n. I’m listening.”

You spent the next half hour explaining everything. You wanted to be as honest as possible about your relationship without exposing the entire truth because you didn’t really need him knowing that you and Harry hooked up for weeks before dating. All he needed to know was that there was attraction there but you didn’t want to start anything because of the many reasons there were. And that part was the truth.

And he genuinely listened. His initial shock and disagreement for it had faded away a little bit and he was actually able to listen and ask questions and try and understand what you two had going on. You could kind of tell that everything you said just didn’t click with him, but he wasn’t reacting that way. For the most part his grilling was towards Harry and while part of you was happy to be out of the firing line, the other was worried that Harry was in it.

“So her age isn’t some weird kink of yours?”

“Dad!” you scolded, slowly sinking down into your chair. It was like your parents had no filter. That or they just didn’t care about boundaries or how things came across.

“It’s okay, y/n.” Harry assured you, just like he did when your mum asked her death questions. Mum seemed to go worst case scenario with everything while your dad automatically assumed everyone was out to get you. It was an only child thing. “No, Tim, it isn’t. Y/n is the youngest woman I’ve ever dated in comparison to myself, yes, but that isn’t the reason I love her. In the beginning it was actually one of the reasons I didn’t want to pursue things with her but as we became friends… I realised that we had so much in common that it was hard to ignore how I felt about her. I think I knew from the moment things changed that she was different to any other woman I’ve met. There are infinite reasons I love her and care for her.”

It was question and answer just like that, and every single time Harry was able to provide some answer that had you absolutely swooning over him. Even the most awkward just fucked questions, Harry had no reaction to them. Nothing phased him. It was like he had prepared answers for everything that might come his way.

“Okay, I’ve heard you two so now I think you should hear me.” Dad clasped his hands together and rested them on the table. “I still don’t think this is a good idea.”

You went to protest his opinion but he quickly shut you down and glared at you. “Ah.” He tutted before continuing to speak. “I don’t think this is a good idea because he’s just too old for you, pumpkin. You two can love each other and have fun and think that this is forever, but you’re not realistic and I don’t think it’ll work in the long run. For kids, for life experiences, for everything. Your age gap will always dictate everything you do and I don’t want that for you.”

Harry grabbed your hand under the table and squeezed it tight, providing comfort you so desperately needed. Every word your dad said was just hurting you more and more. If your mum could see the potential in your relationship, why couldn’t he?

“I know you two don’t need my blessing and you’ll just keep seeing each other anyway, but I can’t agree with it.” Dad shook his head and stood up suddenly, “You’re happiness is my happiness, y/n so I won’t stay in the way, but don’t expect anything more from me than the bare minimum. Understand?”

You just nodded, a little at loss for words. It wasn’t the worst outcome in the world, but it also wasn’t the best. Your dreams of everyone getting along suddenly seemed so far away. Dad looked at you like you were still his sun, moon and stars but when he looked at Harry… it was like he hated him. A solid unwavering dislike that lasted generations and all it took was him finding out Harry was a whole lot more than your neighbour.

To think less than an hour ago your Dad and Harry were laughing like they were best friends and now… they were practically strangers.

“I understand your hesitation but I want you to know that I’d never hurt your daughter. This is the most serious I have ever been in my life about anyone and I hope one day you can see that.” Harry stood up from the table as well, extending his hand across your cold, forgotten food as a gesture of good will to your Dad.

But all Dad did was look down at Harry’s olive branch then back up at his face. “I think it’s time for me to go to bed. I have work in the morning.”

Harry’s hand fell to his side but he didn’t look deterred at all. If this situation was in reverse and this was Harry’s family… you’d be in tears. Dad bid goodnight to your mum as he usually did then rounded the table to hug you too. It was brief and distant enough to make your heart ache. Still, he whispered an ‘I love you’ before leaving the room without another look at Harry.

“Well…” Mum announced, grabbing the second bottle of wine that emerged on the table sometime during your discussion to pour herself another glass. She clearly wasn’t going to work tomorrow. Luckily her husband was her business partner. She took a happy sip and looked at both you and Harry over the rim. “I don’t know about you two but I think that went a lot better than I expected.”

You knew she was right, but it didn’t really feel that way.

“He’ll come around.” Harry shrugged, starting to stack the dishes so he could take them to the kitchen. “In time.”

Yeah… in time.

“Mr. Styles, you’ve got a visitor.” Sharon opened his office door, peaking in just enough for him to see her face.

He replied without looking up, focused on the document in front of him. “Who? I’ve got an appointment with Niall in 10.”

“Y/n? She said you’ll make time for her.”

Yeah fucking right he was going to make time for her. His eyes snapped to hers quickly and she could see how his irritation had disappeared into thin air.

“Do you want me to bring her in?” She continued, pointing behind her.

Trying to hide his excitement, he set his pen down and quickly stood up, buttoning up his suit jacket. “No. I’ll go and get her.”

She had a mischievous smile playing on her lips and flashed a knowing look to her boss, someone she managed to create a pleasant working relationship with.

“She must be special for you to go get her yourself.” There was a slight tease in her tone as she walked alongside Harry down the hall to where you were standing in the small waiting lounge. You hadn’t been back since that day Harry took you to Pleasing. You had often met in the city for lunch but never at his office. This time you wanted to surprise him.

“What did I tell you about speculating about my personal life?” His tone was humorous, but Sharon knew he was being serious.

“Right. Sorry. You just never have anyone visit.”

“I’m kidding, Sharon. She’s very special. She’s the love of my life.”

A soft smile played on her lips. Harry was a serious guy basically all the time. Seeing him look so happy was a nice change. She had noticed that he seemed happier recently too and more relaxed at work than usual. “Let me know if you need anything cancelled.”

“Thank you.” His thanks was brief, a murmur like he didn’t mean the words because there you were sitting all pretty on one of the sofas scrolling away at your phone. You had one of the tote bags Harry bought you beside you and it looked full to the brim. It was one of the bags you two had matching, as were the pair of gazelles on your feet. You saw them in an ad online and told Harry how much you liked them and he was quick to order you a pair. You didn’t show them to him so he’d buy them for you but he liked to spoil you. They were cheap and Harry quite liked the look of them as well so he decided to buy himself a pair too.

You always got so shy when he bought you something, always grateful. When he asked you why you got like that, you explained it wasn’t the item, but the thought behind it. He noticed everything to the point you were convinced he was writing notes or had tabs on your browser history because he was always showing up with something you made a passing comment about.

Even the very same shoes you had on your feet. He showed up to his routine night at your house wearing his and was like a giddy kid giving you the box with your own pair in it.

“Oh my god, you got the shoes! They look so good on you.” You beamed, eyes immediately drawn to his feet. They were the third thing you noticed about him. After his pretty face, his pretty mouth and those black joggers he wore when he wanted to be super comfy. They always managed to turn you on a crazy amount.

Harry knew that too of course.

“I got you a pair too.” He smiled widely, practically throwing his overnight bags on your bed so he could open one of them to take out the shoe box. You thought you were bad with the amount of shit you took with you on your sleepovers, but no, Harry was just as bad. Worse even. He had some comfy clothes stashed at your place but if he was staying a weekend he always brought multiple outfit options and his entire stash of toiletries.

It was sexy. You felt like a rich housewife when you laid on your bed watching him get dressed while he asked for your opinion on everything.

“You didn’t!” Your mouth gaped in shock, grabbing onto the shoe box to open it. You didn’t expect to find the exact same pair as Harry’s inside, but it was a pleasant surprise to find that he had gone out and bought matching shoes for you two. It was possibly the cutest thing ever. “Matching shoes?” You smiled, looking up at him from the box.

He suddenly appeared very shy, like the very idea of being one of those couples who had matching clothes and outfits was a stupid idea. A sheepish expression flashed over his face and he tucked his hands behind his back like a dog tucked their tail between their legs. “Yeah… but if you don’t like them I can return them. Or even if you don’t like the colour we can swap th-”

You interrupted him by chucking the box on your bed and pulling his face down to yours to give him a big thank-you kiss. “I love them.” You assured him before kissing him again. He smiled into it, wrapping his arms around your body to lean back and lift you off the floor until your tippy toes skimmed the rug. “Thanks for being the best sugar daddy ever.”

Harry’s laugh broke the kiss while he set you back down on the floor. “Does that mean I get sugar in return then? Since I bought you shoes and dinner.” He let his hands crawl down to your ass, squeezing your cheeks through your leggings with both hands.

“Fuck off.” You hit his chest, trying to act like you didn’t want to give him sugar when in reality you had been waiting to see him all day in hopes he was horny. He usually was. “I’m not an object. You can’t buy me.”

“I can’t?” He raised a brow, “I saw you look at my cock the moment I walked in, y/n. Had you in the palm of my hand just because I wore the sweatpants you like.” Harry had this cocky shit-eating grin on his face that made you want to hit him. Because he was right. All it took was a simple pair of (expensive) sweatpants and you were ready to spread your legs for him. And he brought shoes and dinner? Maybe you could be bought.

Who were you kidding, you definitely could be bought.

“You’re annoying.” You huffed, grabbing the collar of his to pull him in for a kiss. It only lasted a second before you pulled back, rolling your eyes at the pure look of satisfaction on his face. “Just because you’re right this time doesn’t mean you’re right all the time.”

“No?” He ran his tongue over his teeth, using his hands on your ass so he could pick you up and set you down on the bed. “You want to test that theory?”

You watched as he smoothly shoved all his belongings (and your shoes) off the bed before taking his sweatshirt and t-shirt off in one go. He grabbed the back of both collars near his neck to do so and fuck. You never understood why it was so sexy when men removed their shirts like that and yet it had you sweating.

“I’m up for some experimentation...”

The sight of you standing from the sofa broke him free from the memory, which was probably best because you were wearing those jeans that made your ass look incredible and the memory associated to them was heading down a reverse cowgirl lane. He didn’t exactly want to be getting hard in the middle of his office.

“Hi.” You beamed, quickly tucking your phone into your back pocket and slinging your bag over your shoulder.

“Hi…” Harry beamed, immediately drawing you in for a tight hug. You smiled into it, careful not to get makeup on his expensive suit. “What are you doing here? Don’t you have classes today?” He asked, pulling back while letting his hands rest on your hips.

“I skipped.” You shrugged, “It was just a lecture anyway and I wanted to finish work off at home. I wanted to surprise you too.” You smiled softly, resting your hands on his chest.

“I’m so happy you’re here, baby. Truly.” he squeezed your hips, biting down on his bottom lip as his expression turned almost painful. “But Niall will be here in five minutes... I can cancel, though. I will cancel.”

“About that…” you looked away for a moment, making brief eye contact with a random girl at her desk who seemed far more interested in you and Harry than her work. “I’m Niall.”

“Since when?” He shot back, laughing softly. “No. Seriously. Since when?”

“Stop.” You protested, poking his chest at his teasing. “I wanted to make sure we had time and… well it was kind of fun, actually.” You admitted, watching his eyes twinkle at your admission, “I even called pretending to be his assistant.”

Harry laughed loudly, head tilting back in that gorgeous wide smile that you adored of his. His happiness seemed to capture the attention of anyone nearby and you suddenly felt quite overwhelmed with all the eyes on you two. You didn’t particularly dress up to see him and compared to everyone else in their business attire, you looked extremely casual and young.

“You could’ve just texted me, baby. I would’ve made time for you.”

He was so free with his affection for you. So willing to show you off. He wasn’t hiding that you two were a couple or even toning anything down. It made you feel so special. So important.

It felt so free knowing that your parents knew about him. Even if Dad was pretty against it, mum was happy for you. She was happy that you finally found someone who you deemed worthy to date you and who made you happy and one was better than none.

You were just so scared to tell them about the trip. Knowing that your mum was willing to accept your relationship made the whole world of difference but your anxiety was at an all time high. Now that everything was in the open, it felt like you two could move on to the next stage of your relationship as well as the next steps Harry had to take with his family situation. While it was his family and a problem that existed before you two even met, you were going to be there on the trip for him in whatever capacity he needed.

You didn’t want to get involved because families could be so messy and it truly wasn’t your place, but you wanted to support him. You were going to support him.

“Yeah, but then it wouldn’t have been a surprise.” You replied in a ‘duh’ tone before widening your tote bag to show him its contents. “See. I brought sushi for lunch.”

After everything he’s been doing for you to get ready for your trip, you felt like it was a nice gesture to bring him lunch as a bit of a thank you. It wasn’t the end of your gratitude and not the first thank you, but it was a start. Harry was even going as far as offering his credit card to you for any pre-trip shopping as well as a designated shopping day to buy you anything you may need. He knew you well enough to know you were already looking for new dresses and swimsuits and options on options for clothing and wanted to cover all of it. He bought you things he thought you’d like (or selfishly just because he wanted to see you in them) and had already sat through a clothing haul and it had barely been a week since he booked your flight.

He just loved to spend his money on you. It was almost a turn-on for him to see you enjoy the fruits of his labour. A dress he thought you’d look pretty in or a pair of shoes you had your eye on. He liked to keep your belly full and your heart happy and wanted nothing more than for you to be taken care of in any way. It wasn’t to diminish your hard work or make you feel like you couldn’t afford the things you wanted, just because he fucking loved you more than anything.

You felt a little bad that he was covering the trip, especially since your flight was booked much later than it should’ve been and ended up being quite pricey (not that he let you know the exact price anyway) but you could also tell that Harry was happy to pay for it. He showed genuine pleasure and excitement for it and there wasn’t a hint of him that felt apprehension or like you somehow owed him for the trip. He was happy that you were joining him, no matter the cost.

You used that happiness of his to try and not feel as guilty for the trip. When you told your friends about it they thought you were crazy for ever feeling guilty in the first place. Before you two even started sleeping together, you’d fantasise about having a rich man buy you nice things and take you wherever you wanted and now that it was actually happening, you felt anxious about it.

But you wanted to enjoy it and you obviously would when you were in the Italian sun with a spritz in one hand and an ice cream in the other… you just needed to give back a little. You had your eye on a nice shirt for him and already started researching restaurants to go to in Italy that you could treat him to. You promised yourself you’d take him to one fancy, romantic dinner and what better place than the home to pizza and gelato?

Harry’s eyes beamed literal hearts as he squeezed your hips and leaned in to kiss you. It was a little unexpected since Harry was very particular about his job and you two were in the middle of his office, but it was a good unexpected. It was gentle, innocent, a loving peck before he pulled back and smiled down at you.

“I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” You blushed, not really used to the amount of PDA you two were doing right now.

“Come on.” He nudged, smirking at your shy reaction. “We’ll go eat in my office.”

He let you walk slightly ahead of him but kept his hand on your lower back to guide you to the right place. Last time you were here you didn’t get inside his office so you had no idea where you were going.

“Can’t believe you’re here. I missed you.” He murmured, shutting the door behind you two and then immediately grabbing your face to kiss you properly. A peck simply wasn’t enough. After the full-on week you two had, he had missed this. Missed you. He hated when things were complicated and spending time with you like a normal couple was his favourite thing in the world.

“I missed you too.” You giggled, clutching onto the lapels of his suit jacket while kissing him multiple times. He smiled into the kiss and kissed a few kisses down your jaw to your neck. A pretty little pant whimpered into his ear and that’s when he had to stop himself before he got too ahead of himself.

“Come on, baby. Sit next to me.” He smiled, grabbing your bag from you and setting it down on his desk. “How’s your day been?”

“Boring.” You groaned, watching him beeline to one of the arm chairs in front of his desk so he could drag it beside his wheely chair, “I finished one of my smaller assignments last night and today I worked on one of my final ones. It’s literally due next week and worth like 40% of my grade and I feel like I’ll never get it done in time. I’ve barely studied for my exams either and I just feel so shit. I’m over it.” You whined out the complaint, feeling like your head was going to explode.

You had so many things on your mind at once, it was hard to keept track of it all. There was so much left to do for your trip but you barely had any time for it all and you still needed to deep clean your apartment before you left. Most of your clothes were there, but you had so much at your parents’ too that you needed to go through and they didn’t even know about the trip yet. You felt like you were going to be in such a rush towards the end.

Luckily Harry had taken care of practically all the travel essentials, so all you needed to worry about was packing. It still felt like a mammoth of a task when you were swamped with everything else going on in your life.

“I know it’s hard, baby but you’re doing so well,” Harry praised, pulling his nice chair out for you to sit down. “You’ve been working so hard and you’re so close,” he let you sit down before pushing the chair in for you before sitting down beside you, “You just have to stick it out a bit more. It’s only two weeks.”

“I know.” You sighed, helping him to unpack the food you bought from your tote bag. “Everything’s happening so fast, I just feel so unprepared.”

“Well you’ve got me to help, okay? So just focus on your studies and I’ll help you with everything else. We’ve got time and all the important things are taken care of. I’ll help you clean your place and pack and whatever else you need. Don’t stress.” He assured you, giving you a comforting squeeze on your knee.

“Thank you,” You smiled, squeezing his chin to bring him in for a quick peck before you looked at the array of trays and small bites you grabbed to share with him. It was what you usually did when you went out to eat so you two could try a little bit of everything. “My mum called too…”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah… she was talking about you again. It’s all she talks about and she’s always asking if I’ve seen you recently. I’m pretty sure it’s because she’s jealous I see you more than her.” You laughed.

“I keep bumping into her on my morning runs more than usual. I have a feeling its on purpose.” Harry laughed in return.

“Yeah that sounds like her…”

“And your dad?” He nudged your shoulder, “I haven’t seen him since we had dinner. Is he coming around to the idea of us yet?”

“He is. Sort of. I don’t know, Harry, he seems a bit distant towards me. We usually call every couple of days and he’s still doing it but it… feels different. I haven’t even told them about the trip and I don’t want to put it off but I feel like he’ll be really upset.”

“You haven’t told them yet?” Harry blinked, “Y/n we spoke about this. You were meant to tell them over the weekend.” He sighed, almost like he was disappointed in you. You both agreed that you had to tell them sooner rather than later. You wanted to give your dad a few days to process your relationship before telling him because you couldn’t really leave it any longer than that.

It was just shit timing. The trip was coming so fast and your parents found out about you two so close to when you were leaving. Way too close.

“I know. I know.” You replied, groaning a little. “It’s just shit timing.”

“I know, y/n, and they might be upset about it but we leave in two weeks. You need to tell them.” He stressed. You hated when he spoke to you like that. It wasn’t rude or condescending in any way but you could tell he was a little annoyed about it. He had every right to be because this was something you had to do and you didn’t want to fight about it or start anything unnecessarily when you were in the wrong.

You also just didn’t have the energy to deal with it.

“I hate when you’re right. It’s annoying.” You sighed, trying to lighten the mood by laughing softly. Harry knew this was a conversation that didn’t end here, but he could sense your reluctance in it all. He was happy to entertain a small break from it, but it seriously was something that had to be dealt with.

“Well I get it from my mum so if I’m annoying so is she.” Harry smirked, expertly picking up a piece of sashimi with his chopsticks before popping it into his mouth.

“No, never! Anne is like a ray of sunshine. She can be right whenever she wants”

“And I can’t ?” He laughed, “that seems unfair.”

Harry wasn’t sure why the sound of his mother’s name on your lips made his heart beat so goddamn fast, but he nearly dropped the sushi from his mouth at how casual and normal it was. He loved it. Adored it. He hoped that you two meeting in person would be as successful as it was via Zoom.

Harry also hoped that her concerns for your relationship would disappear once you two were face to face. You’d have ample opportunity to spend time together on your trip and he hoped that it would solidify what you two had. The future you two had.

Anne’s concerns were valid and Harry knew that it was something that would come up time and time again with everyone that met you.

“She’s just so… young. She’s a gorgeous girl and so sweet, I can see why you like her but are you being realistic? I just don’t want you getting hurt, H,” Anne sighed through the phone, “Young women want to be free and I just don’t want you two to get a year, two years in and you’re ready to slow down while she’s just getting started. It wouldn’t be fair to either of you.”

“I love her, Mum and if anything her age has been better for me. I feel like I'm enjoying my life in a way that’s completely different from when I was single. I’m learning so many things and so is she. It hasn’t been easy by any means, but it’s working.”

“Well, as long as you’re sure…”

“I am.”

“I saw she’s wearing my necklace too,” She continued after a beat of silence, “She must mean a lot to you.”

“She does, mum. She means everything to me. I can’t explain it but I just know she’s my forever.”

“Well it’s nice to see you so happy. It’s been a long time since you’ve smiled so much. I missed it.”

“I missed it too.”

“You’re just saying it’s unfair because I’m on her side and not yours.” You grinned, breaking him free from his daze.

“If this is going to be another Archie situation where my mother loves you more than me…” he waved his chopsticks towards you, making you giggle.

“Oh it absolutely will be. I’ve been texting her y’know. We follow each other on Instagram now.”

“You’re kidding.” He gawked, all wide eyed.

“Nope. When she found out I was coming to England she was so excited.”

“Yeah I’m sure. You’re her favourite and she’s only known you for a week.” Harry sighed dramatically, eliciting a little shove of his arm. He grinned and squished your face to draw you in for a kiss, loving the way he could taste and feel every emotion you two were feeling in that moment. Words could lie but a kiss never could.

“I’m serious though, y/n...” He murmured against your lips before pulling away while keeping his hand on your jaw. His thumb brushed against your cheek, caressing your soft skin. “You need to tell them tonight.”

“I’m scared.” You whispered. “I’m going either way, obviously, but I’m so worried they’ll be really upset with me. You know I hate upsetting them.”

“I know baby, I get it.” Harry dropped his hand from your cheek and relaxed back to his chair. “The timing is shit and I know if this trip was in a couple of months it would be easier for them to handle, but this is your life, y/n. We’ve done nothing wrong by going on a trip and I’m sure if they can accept our relationship, they can deal with a holiday. You’re an adult and so am I.”

“Maybe you’re right...”

“Baby all we did was fall in love.” He sensed your apprehension and wanted to try and convince you otherwise. He tipped your chin towards him so you were looking at him before grabbing both of your hands in his. “Your dad might not be happy with us dating or going overseas or any of it but I can make him understand. I know deep down that all he wants is for you to be happy and… I can prove that to him. You’re important to me, y/n. The most important person in my life.” He reached out to fiddle with the little pearls around your neck. Your breath hitched in your throat, feeling all kinds of nervous at his words. “If I were a father, all I’d want for my little girl is to know she was being loved and cared for. That she’s happy. No matter who she’s dating.”

Harry wasn’t sure where it came from, putting himself in the role of a father. He could’ve phrased it in a different way, in any other way and yet it felt so right to imagine himself like that. Barely three months into being in a relationship with you and he somehow felt different about everything.

It scared the hell out of him.

“I am happy. I am.” Your eyes softened, glossing over ever so slightly. You squeezed his hand in both of yours,. “And I know you’re right. I just want us to skip to the good part where we’re together with our families, y’know. I loved meeting your mum and even just having dinner with you and my parents was amazing… before I opened my mouth.” You laughed softly but it was over before it even started because you just found yourself overcome with so much emotion. Through everything, Harry never failed to know what to say or how to make you feel better. It sometimes felt like he had a read on you before you even knew what you were feeling. “I just want us to be happy.” You whispered, reaching up to cup his face, “I love you so much Harry. I’ve never felt like this, ever. You’re my person. I want everyone to know that.”

You’re my person.

You’re. My. Person.

Harry repeated the phrase in his mind over and over, nearly bursting at the seams with how much love he felt towards you. You were his person too. Through and through. From the moment he met you he just knew there was something different about you which is why he was always drawn to you. And now he had the words for it.

You were his person.

Harry cupped your face and pulled you in for a deep kiss, one that expressed every single emotion he felt for you. He could taste the sushi and soy sauce on your lips but he couldn’t care less. He was happy and the boring day he was having suddenly turned into the best day.

“You’re my person too.” He breathed, panting slightly from how long the kiss had gone. “Have been from the moment I met you. I just didn’t know it.”

You didn’t know what to do with yourself. There was something about Harry being romantic and professing his affection that got you so unbelievably riled up, you couldn’t contain it. You couldn’t switch it off and while you could pretend it wasn’t happening or ignore the fact you already had a heartbeat between your legs, you didn’t want to.

Things were left so unfinished the other night and you always did wonder what it would be like to be bent over Harry’s desk…

“Harry I mean this so seriously, if you keep talking like that….” You breathed, watching the way his heart-eyes heated up and turned into something dark and smoldering.

“What?” He grinned, cocking his head. “If I keep talking like that ‘what’?”

He was teasing you, trying to coax you into admitting what he already knew you wanted.

“I won’t be able to stop myself…”

“Then don’t” Harry smirked, letting one hand slide down to loop around your neck so he could pull you in to kiss him again. You whimpered softly into his mouth, cupping his jaw while practically melting into his touch. Your other hand fell to his thigh, squeezing it in your palm while your mouths molded together in a kiss so intense your body was floating.

Were you really going to have sex right here?

Yeah. Fuck it.

“Baby.” He groaned against your mouth, forcing himself to pull away from you. Your chest was rising and falling quickly and all he wanted to do was get a handful of your breasts. To tug at your pebbled nipples that he could see so fucking clearly due to the soft cups of the bra you were wearing. At this point he knew exactIy what your tits looked like in all different types of bras.

Stifling back a moan, he slid his hand back up to cup your cheek while running his thumb over your mouth. Your lips were swollen, all pink and pretty and so delicious it was almost painful to not dive back in and kiss you. “We need to stop if you don’t want things to go further.”

“Who says I don’t want things to go further?” you breathed, grabbing onto his spare hand to bring it up to your chest. Your hand pressed over his until he squeezed a good handful of your breast, running his finger over your hard nipple. Shit. “Please.”

“Go lock the door.” He murmured, standing up quickly out of his chair while shrugging off his suit jacket.

You beelined to the door, thankful for the big oak doors Harry’s position afforded him. It didn’t mean you had total privacy. Walls were thin and he had huge glass windows on one side of the office. Anyone could see you two and someone could most definitely hear you.

Which is why you had to be quiet and quick.

Harry met you halfway, crossing the floor in three quick strides to grab your face and kiss you again. Everything was happening so quickly. You were unbuttoning his pants and pulling his dress shirt out of his pants while he guided you backwards towards the small couch he had against one wall. Harry would’ve liked to bend you over his desk, but it was covered in your uneaten sushi and he had a feeling both of you would be starving after your quick fuck.

He almost couldn’t believe it was happening until he remembered all the moments you two practiced exhibitionism before. In his pool, his car and on the boat during your weekend away. He had no doubt it would happen again, most likely at Pleasing where you two could really explore all the things you wanted to.

Harry sat back on the couch, keeping your mouths connected while he undid your jeans button and zipper. It was such an effort wearing jeans and you suddenly regretted wearing pants at all. You quickly made a mental note to wear something easier to remove if you were ever visiting Harry for ‘lunch’ again.

“Why did I have to wear jeans?” You groaned, helping him shove them down your legs to quicken the process before you stepped out of them.

“Don’t wear pants next time.” He breathed, grabbing the back of your thighs to guide you down to straddle him.

“I won’t.” You agreed desperately, threading your fingers through his hair while kissing him to try and keep yourself quiet. You could feel the hard length of his cock the moment you straddled him, all long and thick. You could hardly wait to get him inside you, not when he had said such romantic things and looked so fucking hot in his suit.

There was something so sexy about his workwear and now that you were straddling him in nothing but your sneakers, underwear and t shirt and he was still practically fully dressed… it had never been hotter.

“You’re so hard.” You murmured, tilting your head back to gasp as he grinded your pussy against his cock.

His fingers were dug so hard into your ass you knew you’d be feeling the touch for days. He’d probably come over straight from work and fuck you again, making it known how hot he finds the fresh bruises on your pretty skin. Then he’d take nice care of you and massage your skin, rub cream into the marks and kiss you everywhere until you were reduced to a sleepy mess.

“And you’re so wet. Did telling you I love you really turn you on this much?” Harry smirked, nipping at your neck. He tucked his work pants down to his thighs when he sat down on the couch so you wouldn’t make a mess of them and he was glad he did so. You were soaked. A sticky mess that had fully soaked through both your underwear and his until his cock felt warm with your arousal.

“I like to be romanced.” You smiled, nipping at his bottom lip. “Being sentimental gets me wet, what can I say?”

“Yeah? Maybe I need to do it more often then.” He murmured, pushing your t shirt up until it bunched over your tits. He cupped one of them, keeping firm eye contact with you while running his thumb over your nipple until he pushed the thin lace material of your bra down to expose it. “Tell you how my heart skips a beat when I see you. How fairies are born when you laugh?”

He was only teasing, but there was nothing teasing about the way he wrapped his mouth around your nipple and sucked, tugging at it between his teeth until you were holding back a loud moan. That was torture. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Am I? You’re saying that you don’t feel your pretty cunt flutter when I tell you how my life would be incomplete without you?” He cocked his head, watching the way your eyes glazed over as he continued grinding you over his dick. You could already feel that tingle in your belly and it had barely been two minutes of grinding on him. “Or would you prefer I tell you how badly I need to pump you full of my cum? How you’re a needy little slut for begging me to fuck you right here when anyone could walk in on us?”

And he felt it. He felt the way you clenched against him. How the heartbeat between your legs increased at the first few words of degradation.

“That I love you more for it…” He had this shit eating grin on his face and was happy to nip at your nipple and grind your clit against him until you were a poor tense little thing on top of him. “That did it, didn’t it, baby?”

“I need your cock. Please.” You whispered, dragging his head from your breast upwards so you could kiss him again. He smirked into your mouth and lifted your hips off him, making you rest on your knees instead of his lap so he could untuck his cock from his briefs.

The moment his cock was free he dragged you back down and dipped his fingers between your bodies to nudge your underwear to the side so he had free access to you. “Y’want my fingers?” He offered, knowing it would sting to take him with no prep. Harry knew you liked that, but he also couldn’t assume it’s what you wanted.

The haste shake of your head was all he needed to guide his cock to your entrance, making sure to muffle your quiet whimper by his own mouth while letting you take lead and drop down at your own pace. You had no issues being quiet by yourself. You could make yourself cum dozens of times and barely moan so no one would hear and yet the second you were with Harry all you wanted to do was make noise.

Maybe it was because he always encouraged it. That he loved the way you moaned his name and screamed for him. Or maybe it was because no vibrator or dildo could compare to the feeling of his hard cock splitting you open. The way his veins felt going inside you and how it was attached to the hottest man on the planet.

Your vibrator didn’t wrap its arms around you and your dildo certainly didn’t kiss you filthily and grab your ass to encourage you to take it. They didn’t grab your hips and bounce you or wrap their mouths around your nipples to deliver that bite of pain Harry knew would get you off quicker.

Because this was a quickie and the moment you had his entire cock deep inside you Harry was pulling out all the tricks to get you to finish quicker. He had no issues orgasming fast, nor did he have issues holding himself back to make it last longer. But you… he needed you to finish first when he was inside you and that wouldn’t change just because you two were having a quickie.

“Shit. Shit, Harry.” You gasped, rocking your hips back and forth to grind his cock against your g-spot. With every back and forth movement, your clit rubbed against the trimmed hairs at the base of his cock, the material of his boxers adding extra friction that hit you so much harder than usual.

“I know. I know. Being so good for me. Y’ride me so fucking well, baby.” He whispered, fisting the hair at the back of your head to kiss you again.

It was all gasps and slapping skin and sloppy kisses that were way too loud. If anyone came close to the door they’d know exactly what you were doing but neither of you seemed to care. You were both just trying to reach your highs while keeping your moans to a minimum.

What never stopped though was his filthy fucking dirty talk. Right in your ear when he kissed your neck and rumbled into your mouth when your lips brushed together while you two tried to catch your breaths. It was why you finished so fast. Why your first orgasm tumbled over you barely two minutes into riding him, then a second under two minutes after. Everything about the situation was so hot and you were so beyond turned on it felt easy for your body to respond to every touch and every word. Every utter of I love you.

You severely underestimated the ability for those three little words to cause so much love and so much arousal all at once.

“You’re unbelievable.” Harry breathed out a laugh while tucking himself back into his boxers, watching you hastily pull your jeans back on.

“Me? You’re the one telling me fairies are born when I laugh. In the middle of sex too.” You laughed, running your fingers through your hair.

“I wasn’t exactly lying.” He flirted, grabbing your chin with a cheesy smile before he kissed you. “I love you.”

“I love you.” You repeated earnestly.

“Did that make you wet?” He asked, already expecting the roll of your eyes.

“You’re an idiot. Now sit back down, I’m going to go pee and clean up quickly.” You poked his chest and went to grab your phone then walked to the door.

“Yes, ma’am.” He mock saluted, returning in his chair by the time you unlocked the office door. “Do you know where the bathroom is?”

“Yeah. We passed it on the way to your office. Now don’t eat everything.”

“You better hurry up then.” He teased, shoving a piece of a california roll into his mouth. You rolled your eyes again and left his office, shutting the door behind you on your way out.

Harry’s office was the last door at the end of a hallway. There were a few closed offices on the way, then the bathrooms were closest to the waiting area. It was a short walk, barely 20m between you and your destination which was a blessing considering the cold cum slowly soaking into your undewear. A quick wipe with a tissue wasn’t enough with the amount of cum he filled you with. Which was why it never occurred to you that you’d run into anyone you knew.

You knew there was a possibility, given Harry worked with his friends and… Ethan, but it just didn’t cross your mind because they all worked in different areas and you were a little preoccupied with the mess between your legs. Their jobs overlapped but the only reason they spent so much time together was because they were friends. Otherwise the overlaps could be handled by a third party.

Wednesday’s were Harry’s meeting heavy days and often the day he chose to work at home. They were usually via zoom anyway which is why you chose today to come visit him. He’d be busy with meetings and you booked a slot. You knew he was avoiding any work with Ethan and when it couldn’t be avoided, Harry would get someone else to deal with it.

As bad as it sounded… you were just trying to forget about it all. Or at the very least deal with what happened without dwelling on it. You had shut it out of your mind, ignoring the big part of you that wanted him to pay for what he did. You knew it was a bad coping mechanism but it was better than dwelling on the fact that you couldn’t get him on any charges. With the way he did everything there was no paper trail or evidence so you couldn’t exactly do anything without it being a he-say, she-say situation.

You trusted that Harry was still devising a way to get him out of your lives for good, but for now you were just focusing on working on your relationship supporting him when he had a particularly rough Ethan day. It wasn’t a long term solution by any means, but you couldn’t exactly do anything about it. You had the pictures and he was leaving you alone, that was good enough.

So when you were distracted replying to a message on your phone and a body was distracted by a folder in their hand, you didn’t see them until your shoulders bumped.

“Oh my god, I’m so so-” The words got caught in your throat, eyes widening at the sight of Ethan in front of you.

“No worries babe, should’ve looked where I was-” he replied on autopilot until he actually looked at you and an arrogant pig-like expression morphed onto his face. “Well if it isn’t little y/n. What brings you here?”

In a split second time seemed to freeze. You couldn’t speak, you couldn’t hear. Suddenly the world around you was blurring into fuzzy shapes and black dots. All you could think about was the intimate photos he had of you for weeks. How he had a list of people with copies, most who probably saw them and how he probably got off to them and got off on the fact that Harry was reduced to nothing and had to pay thousands of dollars just to protect you. To get you back.

You weren’t even sure Ethan knew that you and Harry were together, but you knew damn well he revelled in the fact you two had to break up. That he ruined your relationship.

But you couldn’t say any of that even if you wanted to because the world was starting to close around you and you felt this pressure on your chest that became suffocating. It was like air ceased to exist and you feared that if you didn’t get away from him you’d die on the ground right at his feet.

You said nothing and ran past him, ignoring his confused ‘what the fuck?’ that you somehow felt rattling in every corner of your brain. Stumbling, you shoved your way into the women’s bathroom and headed straight to a stall so you could sit down.

You barely made it, collapsing onto the closed toilet seat so you wouldn’t pass out. Your whole body was trembling and it was like you were burning from the inside while simultaneously freezing all over. You had never experienced anything like it and even though you were trying to control your breathing, trying so fucking hard, nothing was working.

With every breath the air became thinner, every tremble you sweat harder. All you could think about was your naked body being in the hands of a stranger, someone who had no permission or right and willingly paid to view you in your most vulnerable state. You couldn’t get it out of your head or your heart or your body.

You were panicking.

And then you felt it, a brief moment of fresh air and crystal clear vision before your lungs closed again. There was a commotion outside the bathroom, two muffled voices that made no sense to you. Then a second later the door was slamming open and you recognised the voice of your lover in his own panic.

“Y/n? Baby where are you?”

You tried to open your mouth and yell out to him but all that came out was a muffled gasp. It didn’t matter whether you yelled to him or not though because he was slamming each stall door open until he found you and when he did he fell to his knees in front of you, right on the dirty bathroom floor. But he didn’t care, not one fucking bit when you were sitting on the toilet looking like you were about to die.

“Oh god, baby. Look at me. Just look at me, okay?” He soothed, cupping your face to try and get your eyes to focus on him.

He knew exactly what was happening. He didn’t know why or how exactly but he figured it had something to do with the bastard he passed on the way to find you. Right now though, none of that mattered. Not when you were having a full blown panic attack right in front of him for the first time in your life. You must’ve been so scared and being scared and panicked was only going to make it worse. He knew that.

“Sharon, I need water.” He called over his shoulder. “And a towel please and you need to make sure no one comes in here, okay?”

You heard her muffled reply before he was looking right at you again. “Look at me, y/n. Come on.” He encouraged, running his thumbs over your cheeks. You finally looked at him, tears streaming down your cheeks. “Good girl. That’s it. It’s okay. It’s okay, y/n. You’re safe and nothings going to happen to you, okay? I’m right here.” Shit. “I’m right here.”

“It’s… I can’t-I can’t breathe.” You whimpered, clawing at your own chest to articulate how horrible you were feeling.

“I know. I know but it’s okay. You’re okay.” His voice was so calm, so steady. You appreciated that. He gently took your hands in his so you wouldn’t hurt yourself and cradled them so his chest. Using one to keep them there, he used the other to grab the back of your neck gently to pull you forward so your foreheads were pressed together. “Just breathe with me, okay? Try and match my breathing.”

“I can’t. I can’t.” You protested, closing your eyes while a pitiful whimper slipped in the small space separating your mouths. You panted desperately, breathing through your small cries while hugging onto his body in hopes that his warmth and calm presence would help you.

“I know it’s hard, but you can do it. Just try, baby. You can do it.” He was trying to encourage you and stay calm. The last thing you needed was feeling any stress or panic from him because that would just make the entire situation worse. But god it was so fucking hard. Feeling your body tremble and watching your pretty face in so much pain was horrible. But he had to stay strong and he just wanted to get you better so he could take you home. It was his only concern.

“Deep breath in, y/n. In… out…”

Harry closed his eyes for a single moment, collecting himself before opening them again to watch you while he guided your breathing again. He kept his tone soft and even, guiding you through it until you seemed to be breathing easier. Your trembling started to cease and you were no longer a stiff board in his arms. You were able to relax into his touch, slumping against him with your forehead on his shirt.

“That’s it. You did so well, baby. Love you so much.” He soothed, letting his lips brush against your head while he ran his hands over your back.

You didn’t respond, but he took how pliant you were becoming in his arms as a good sign. The bathroom door swung open a moment later and Sharon was rushing in with a plastic cup of water and a damp hand towel. She passed them to Harry and wordlessly left once Harry thanked her to guard the door to give you two some privacy.

“Here…” Harry nudged your chin, “Can you drink this?” He held your chin in a gentle grip, feeling like his heart was going to shatter just at the sight of your teary eyes and puffy cheeks. You grabbed the cup from him and started to take shaky sips from it, closing your eyes when he grabbed the damp towel to dab your face.

The two of you remained like that for a while. You weren’t exactly sure how long. Harry just kept rubbing your back and using the cool temperature of the towel to try and calm your splotchy skin. You didn’t say anything and neither did Harry, but even if you wanted to, you had nothing to say. Your mind was blank and if anything… all you wanted to do was go home.

You had never felt so emotionally drained and numb all at the same time. It was like all your compartmentalisation and bad coping skills had suddenly given way and let everything in all at once. There was so much going on in your brain that it all cancelled each other out until you felt absolutely nothing but pure exhaustion and… anger. You were tired and angry and numb and everything was so fucking confusing you didn’t know what was what, just that you were over it.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Harry asked softly, speaking the first words for what felt like an hour. You weren’t sure why it jarred you so much to hear him ask that but you took that as a sign that you needed to go home. You didn’t want to be in this office any longer than you had to be and as bad as it was… you didn’t want to be near Harry either.

You went from needing him and feeling like his presence and his calm was the only way you could breathe to feeling suffocated just by being near him. You didn’t understand it when it wasn’t his fault but somehow felt like he was the one to blame. It was unfair.

It was also unfair to have photos taken of you in your most vulnerable state then be threatened with them. It was unfair to have your boyfriend work with the man who did that to you and suffer no consequences for his actions. Even if Harry did have a plan, you just didn’t fucking understand how he could stand being in the same building as him.

The last thing you wanted was saying something you’d regret because your mind wasn’t clear so it felt like the right decision to go home by yourself, even if you already knew Harry would want to drive you and make sure you got home alright.

“No… um, no I don’t think so.” You shook your head and pressed your hand to the wall of the stall to help you stand up. Your legs were cramped and shaky from being sat down for so long and the rest of you felt like you had a 50kg weight tied to every muscle in your body.

Harry’s brows furrowed, and he quickly stood up as well. There was a switch in your demeanor that he didn’t like. A distant, almost… cold shift that he had only seen in the very beginning of your relationship when he fucked everything up. But he hadn’t done anything so to see you become so withdrawn sent alarm bells ringing everywhere.

“That’s okay, you don’t… you don’t have to.” Harry exhaled a deep breath and squeezed the towel in his hand, “I know it’s hard but it is good to talk about it. I’m here when you’re ready.”

“Thank you.” You smiled softly, crushing the plastic cup in your hand. The sound echoed around the bathroom and it felt entirely too loud for how intense the situation was.

Harry attempted to reach out and give you a comforting squeeze on your arm but was only met with rejection when you shifted your shoulder back to avoid it. You could see the flash of hurt cross his eyes and the way his brows knitted even closer together, but he didn’t dare comment on it. Harry knew how sensitive someone could be after a panic attack so he tried to not take it personally and viewed it as a mistake on his behalf.

But you let him hold you for what felt like forever. You just collapsed in his arms until you could breathe again… still, he had gone through panic attacks and he knew that everyone reacted differently. You could come out of it in the worst mental state and the last thing he wanted was giving you too much space and something happening because of it.

“I’m just going to wash my hands.” The moment you slid past him and out of the stall, you immediately felt a sense of relief from not being so confined anymore. You scratched at your chest a little while watching him join you at the basin beside you to wash his hands as well.

“I’ll drive you home, y/n. I don’t think you should be alone right now,” Harry spoke softly, looking directly at you while scrubbing his hands with the soap.

“I actually think it’s better if I am… alone.” You cleared your throat and walked to the paper towel dispenser to dry your hands. Your back was towards him but you could feel his stare on your back. “I parked at the station so the train will be fine. I think I just need some time alone, if that’s okay?”

“Are you sure? You’ve never had a panic attack before, y/n. I don’t really feel comfortable leaving you all by yourself. At least let me drive you.” Harry offered, trying to be encouraging without too pushy. But it was really fucking hard because every moment you withdrew from him was another moment he felt himself start to panic at what was going on with you. He had no idea what was running through your head and there was no way for him to find out unless you told him yourself.

“I’m fine, Harry. Really.” You sighed, turning around to face him. He looked so… sad. Helpless almost. “I just need to walk it off, okay?”

With a firm nod, Harry reluctantly backed down. It was the last thing on the entire planet that he wanted but what choice did he have?

“Okay. Just…” he inhaled a ragged breath and stepped towards you. Harry wanted to touch you so badly, even just a pinky looped to yours but he stopped himself just before his fingers grazed the back of your hand. “Let me walk you out at least. Please.”

Even though your chest was still clammy, your lungs didn’t feel like they were at full capacity yet and you just didn’t want him to walk you anywhere, you still agreed. He had done so much for you, more than you felt like you deserved. The least you could do was let him walk you out the building.

The walk to get your things and go downstairs was painfully awkward. Thankfully Sharon had warded off the bathroom and hallway so there was no one lingering around, including Ethan but that did very little to dispel how uncomfortable you were. It hadn’t felt like this for months and there wasn’t a single moment since you two started dating where you didn’t want to be around him.

It was a sick feeling, one that just mixed in with your need to go home and die in your bed. Unfortunately, you knew that once you had a shower and cried some more, you’d be pushing it all away again to focus on your assignment. It was cruel.

“Text me when you get home?” Harry asked, voice full of hope. He tucked his hands in his pockets as you adjusted your tote bag on your shoulder. The street was full and busy of the usual lunch rush, all the corporate men and women off to buy an overpriced sandwich or go to their favourite hole-in-a-wall restaurant for takeaway.

You two could’ve been going to your favourite japanese cafe for a coffee right now to walk off your food comas, but instead your nice romantic lunch had turned into something ugly. It felt like it was all your fault and yet somehow your brain was blaming Harry.

Again, even if you didn’t want to agree, you did. “Yeah, of course.”

“Okay, cool. Thank you?” Harry wasn’t sure what to do or say. He was at a loss.

There was nothing about this situation that felt normal or even was normal. He didn’t feel like he could kiss you or even hug you goodbye. It felt like the end of an awkward first date where the polite thing to do was hug goodbye even if neither party wanted to. But Harry did want to. He wanted to follow you right now to make sure you got home okay. That you were okay.

“Bye Harry.” You opted to make the painful goodbye, feeling sick to your stomach at the entire day. You felt dirty and sticky and the complete normalcy of everyone around you just going about their day was kiling you a little bit inside.

“Right… um, okay. Goodbye, y/n. Thank you for lunch.”

It was formal and ugly and all you could do in response was mutter another goodbye and flash him the saddest most pitiful smile you could muster before turning around to walk in the direction of the closest train station.

And just like that, Harry watched you walk away.

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adelliet · 1 year ago

Text

Joel miller x f!reader

Ur too young for me

Summary: it's your mom's birthday party and her boyfriend Tommy is of course invited, but none of you were expecting he'd bring his brother too, which you had no idea he even have one.

Warnings: 18+, rough but soft, unprotected sex ( p i v ), age gap, drinking alcohol, teasing, sexual allusions, fingering, flirt, dom & sub

A/N: Hi! Sorry I wasn't active these days…trust me I have load of ideas and concepts, but I have no time :/ also sorry for the mistakes, of there are any, english isn't my first language! Enjoy, sedning love <3

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You stood in the corner of the kitchen, far away from all those 40-50 year old people, who were talking so loudly that if you wanted to, you could hear every detail of their conversation. But you didn't care about that, you didn't care about any of that, and the only reason you're here is your mom. She does enough for you, so you want to at least pay her back and attend this boring senior party where absolutely nothing happens. The only good thing here is alcohol.

Since there are enough people here that mom won't see you drinking Gin or Vodka through them, you take the opportunity to get drunk to the point of unconsciousness so you don't have to spend any more time here. However, when you wanted to pour another glass of Vodka into the red plastic cup, you felt a woman's grip on your forearm. Before you could turn around to see who it was, you were led to the front door.

Of course, it didn't take you long to realize that your mom was dragging you to the door. "So, straighten up and be nice" your mom ordered as she smoothed the dress over her stomach and reached for the handle. You just rolled your eyes and looked at the door in disgust until Tommy appeared in it. A really forced smile appeared on your face by the second and you tried not to be mean like your mom told you to.

Tommy is a nice guy, you gotta admit, but you don't even know why you "don't like" him. Like it was some kind of natural instinct because none of the guys mom found after dad died were smart or nice. They all acted like whores and wanted only one thing from mom. Maybe your hatred is also from trust issues, but you haven't had much time to think about it now. Your mission to get drunk must succeed, so you did everything to make it happen. “Hi Tommy” you greeted him and wanted to offer your hand for a shake but he forcefully ignored her and pulled you to his chest as he wrapped you in a hug. At first you thought how gross it would be, but it felt pretty good. When he finally let you go, he hugged your mom too and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek. Your mom was as red as a tomato and her happy smile just couldn't be shaken off. You were glad that she was happy after such a long time.

"I hope you don't mind that I brought my brother too" this sentence that came out of Tommy's mouth caught you both by surprise. You stared wide eyed at Tommy until you heard footsteps coming down the hall towards our door. "You have a brother?" Mom asked in shock and Tommy nodded. Then he said something to her, but you stopped noticing everything that was happening around you as soon as you saw a muscular, mature and slightly older man standing in the doorway. He was tall, with a light gray beard and hair so silky you fought the urge to run your fingers through it. Wearing a green plaid shirt with a gray belt around the waist and slightly flared jeans. You wouldn't say that such a sexy and attractive man is Tommy's brother. Now the fun begins.

All of a sudden, everyone fell quiet and there was an awkward grave silence as everyone but one stared at the man standing in the doorway with a serious face that exuded genuine respect. Seeing this man on the street, you wouldn't want to mess with him. The silence became too long and deep, so our birthday girl decided to break it. "You must be Joel, is that right?" mom asked sweetly, suffocating you a bit to get a better view of him. You couldn't believe it. Tommy was literally standing next to her and she was even redder than before paying attention to this man. On the other hand, you should not be surprised. You don't see such a handsome man very often.

“That's right" Joel spoke and his voice was even more beautiful than you imagined. A deep husky voice, to hear it so grainy in the morning, oh my god. He accepted your mother's offering hand for a shake, giving you a better view of his soaked and muscular whips. He must work out at least 3 times a day.

You couldn't take your eyes off him. You looked at every detail of him, his sharp beard, the beautiful brown eyes that looked so sweet, but they were formed strictly. You imagined how his body must look under all those clothes. It must certainly look like it was created by god himself. When your mom finally pulled away and finished chatting with Joel, she made room and now you could see the handsome guy face to face. You started to get nervous. What's going on?

You were never nervous with any boy before, whether you liked him or not. This is weird. Everything is strange and especially your feelings that you can't describe right now. "And you are?" a manly deep voice interrupted your thoughts and you regained your composure a bit. You made eye contact with him and that was your bottom. You could feel your knees buckle and your legs shake. The heat was boiling inside you and your heart was beating at least 4 times faster, as if you were charged with some energy.

"Y/N" stuttered a little but you finally answered, and accepted his massive hand that he was offering you. His grip was strong, he surrounded your entire palm with his, fingers thin and long enough, god you had to move away from him or you wouldn't be able to hold on and it would end badly. "Nice to meet you" he added but no smile appeared on his face. You didn't know how it was possible, but the fact that he wasn't smiling at all added 100+ points to his attractiveness.

“Nice to meet you too” you squealed so quietly, that you couldn't even hear yourself, but Joel heard you very well because you could see his corners lifting slightly up, when you spoke. "Well…how about we all introduce ourselves hm?" Tommy jumped into your eye contact and broke it. You, Joel, your mom including the other people, were looking at Tommy, but you knew very well that everyone was interested in Joel. You were jealous a little, but at least you could do anything and everyone's attention was on the massive man, not on you.

You decided to take advantage of this and carefully sneaked into the kitchen with maximum stealth, where you picked up two bottles, each a different type of alcohol, and hide yourself in the bedroom, as you sneak there the same way you sneak into the kitchen. Everything went so smoothly you couldn't believe it. Everyone was really only looking at Joel, both women and men, including your mom. She looked at him suspiciously peacefully, but at the end of the day you decided not to deal with it and to fulfill the mission you ordered from the beginning of the party. Get drunk.

~~~

After a few minutes and a few sips of Vodka, the bottle was already half empty and you felt a slight dizziness, but still nothing terrible. You stared at the wall and all you could think about was Joel. You tricked your thinking into drunkenness, even though you knew full well that thinking about Joel Vodka really wasn't to blame.

As you were about to take another sip from the bottle, you suddenly heard dangerous footsteps approaching your room. You immediately took the bottle out of your mouth, even doused yourself a little and hid it with the other one under the bed while you cleaned yourself up and checked your breath for the smell of alcohol. Suddenly the door opened aggressively and to your surprise Joel was standing there. He looked quite stressed and as soon as he entered your room without permission he slammed the door behind him and leaned against it. He rubbed his face with his large palm and exhaled until he saw you sitting on the edge of the bed. He was so startled that he jumped slightly on the spot and had to grab his heart. "Oh my God" he breathed out and you tried as hard as you could to fight the urge to immediately imagine his light outpouring in some deviant scene in your head.

“Sorry, didn't know you're here” Joel apologize but entered in the room anyways so, it's too late to apologize. “It's okay” you assured him, but you didn't ask the crucial question that was running through your head. Why is he even here? Shouldn't he enjoy partying with people of his own age and equal? Shouldn't he be enjoying the fame and being the center of attention? Probably not his cup of coffee. He looked pretty tired and beat up, like he'd just been hit in the head with 40 footballs.

He laid down on your bed without any warning or question, automatically covering his closed eyes with his hand. You bounced a little on the bed when he jumped there. You watched him and looked at him like a he was some treasure. “Those people are wild” he complained and when he finally spoke in a normal tone, your body calmed down a bit. You laughed at his good point and pulled the bottles from behind the bed. You wanted to drink one of the bottles but the familiar voice stopped you. "Aren't you too young to drink this?" you slowly turned over your shoulder only to see Joel, even hotter and more attractive than five seconds ago. One hand was tucked behind his head, the other rested on his chest, and his beautiful brown eyes were only fixed on you. "You're not my dad" you snapped at him and drank anyway. You have no idea where you got the courage. It sure does the drinking.

"Fine, but I won't hold your hair when you gonna throw up in the toilet" he got comfortable and finally closed his eyes after he said that. His words took you a bit by surprise and left your head spinning, but you ignored it anyway. "What are you doing?" you asked him curiously and slightly offended as your pupils widened. "Taking quick nap" again, that deep husky voice that made you cross your legs and ignore the throbbing down there. "And who let you lie here?" you asked him in a sussy voice, but immediately ducked your tail as Joel mopped the floor with you. "Who let you drink alcohol?" Shit, he's good. You decided not to answer and drink again.

You looked at him. You watched his nostrils expand every time he breathed air out, you watched his chest rise slowly and calmly, it was so calming to watch him that you got tired too. Your bed isn't very big so there wasn't much room left for you with Joel taking up most of the space, but she decided to rub herself in and lay next to him. He turn to side so now he wasn't laying on his back, but on his side. His face was right in front of your back, but you decided to not really care, or at least, try to not care.

But you couldn't lay down without touching Joel at all, and right now you were touching a really sensitive spot. You could feel your ass in that tight red dress touching Joel's pelvis. A normal person would have moved forward a bit or just ignored it, but the alcohol in your brain was starting to take over and so were your wild thoughts, so you decided to do something that could get you into trouble. You lay with your back to Joel, unable to see his face just imagining it. You slowly started moving your hips from side to side, provoking Joel. You waited for his reaction but nothing so far, just his sleep breathing purring into your neck, but no reaction at all. So, you didn't stop and keep going, maybe add a little more power.

Suddenly you heard an annoyed deep exhalation and at that exact moment you felt Joel's hand on your tiny neck. He had it propped up under your head, so you were practically lying on his arm. You gasped a bit from the surprise, because you weren't ready and expecting this to happen at all. You though that he may be telling you to fuck off or something, but definitely not this. His huge palm was covered all over your neck, his grip strength was small, but he would only need to add a little more strength and you would be suffocated in no time. You played a dangerous game but you loved it. "What do you think you're doing?" he barked at you quietly, his half-sleeping voice were sending chills down your spine and a flame of fire to your feminine parts. You felt your nipples harden and goosebumps appeared all over your body. "Getting myself comfortable" you said innocently, trying not to let your plan be known, to make Joel hard by teasing him with ur ass. You were so horny in your life right now, you never been like this before.

“Do that again and you'll regret it" he hissed making it clear that he was pretty pissed off but what did you take from that? That a dangerous game was starting to turn and you decided to provoke Joel even more and put yourself in more danger. Of course you were frozen when he said this and you waited a moment until you heard that cute purr on your neck again and his grip softened. You then started slowly moving your ass again, but this time, in a different direction. You weren't afraid to challenge him at all and moved your hips back and forth, hitting Joel's lap hard. You could feel the slowly growing bulge in his jeans, but it didn't last long as Joel huffed aggressively and woke up again, now even angrier than before.

Not only did he tighten his grip around your neck, but his other hand literally pressed down on your hip with si much preassure. He was holding your body so hard you thought he was going to break your bones. Your breathing quickened but it wasn't that you were afraid. The reason for your rapid heartbeat, pulsing and breathing was all too clear, you were so turned on. You could feel the wettness in your panties, dripping off to your inner thight and landing on the mattress. And it get so much worse.

"Didn't you hear me the first time you little brat?" he growled into your ear and squeezed your hip even more, making you curl your toes and stretch them out. So much pressure, so much tension, so much horniness and lust that you screamed ‘I want to have sex’ without even turning your face to Joel. You ignored his question, which may have been a mistake. "This is wrong you realize that?" he was asking you questions in anger and frustration, but you felt as if you were speechless and unable to verbally respond to them in any way, but that didn't matter because Joel could clearly read what was on your mind from your body movement.

"We're going to be in trouble…" he breathed out, his voice a little calm but grainy and so deep it was as if the bear himself was speaking to you. You felt his hand on your hip as it slowly traveled lower on your lower abdomen but it didn't stop there for long as it then traveled to your thigh where Joel then left his palm print as he squeezed it hard. That imprint will be there for a long time. You squealed softly, full of temptation and your body as hot as concrete in the summer. Joel felt very good about you and knew what to do. He always knows what to do.

"Tell me, has anyone touched you like this before?" another question, which was already much more pleasant when Joel was rubbing your thigh, his palm moving up and down and slightly returning the provocation when he sometimes went lower, where your thighs met and where you needed his hand the most . But he never stayed there very long, which frustrated you even more than being at your mom's party with old people. “Answer my question”

His grip on both your neck and your thigh twitched and gained strength as you remained silent and tried to enjoy this. You shook your head in disapproval but it wasn't enough for Joel. "Words" the grip even tighter and you felt that you were starting to feel your neck slightly. "No" you finally answered, all shaky but as soon as you said it, Joel's grip on your neck took away that strength, but on your thigh it was the oppostite and be just added more. "Good girl...where did the courage to speak go, huh?" this was a sarcastic question and you both understood that you weren't supposed to answer it.

After a bit of teasing, Joel decided to start doing something more, maybe it's because of his hard dick, which twitches every time you move or make any sound. "Will you be a good girl and be quiet?" he asked as he forced his hand he fell between your legs and caressed your inner thigh, where he sometimes 'accidentally' flicked his finger against your wet panties. He let out a small giggle when he felt how wet you already were, but decided to save his comment until after your answer. "Y-yes" you stuttered, all hot and eager as you moved your hips to feel Joel's fingertips just a little bit where your flame was heating the most. "So wet and we haven't even started..." he sighed as he finally touched his fingers to your panties and began to slowly and gently rub.

You let out a cute quiet sight, but you try really hard not to be loud, as Joel told you. "Good girl...you wanna feel my fingers inside you, don't ya?" what the fuck is happening. Are you fell asleep and this is a dream or are you that drunk that you are imagining things...or is this really happening? Is the most hot and attractive man in this house and in your whole life rubbing you through your panties and saying dirty stuff in your ear? What kind of porn-story is that!?

“Please~” you moaned, head turning so you could scream into the pillow and not be hearen, but Joel didn't fucking let you. He likes how you you begged and pleaded but he wasn't going to let you trick him into not controlling your squeals and whimpers, so he lifted his shoulder that you were laying on and rolled your head back to the original position it was in before. “No cheating, or you won't get what you're asking for” god his voice only added to your wetness and body temperature, you were as hot as a falling meteorite. This was the worst torture what could you have experienced but you deserved it. You shouldn't have provoked Joel with your ass and none of this would happened, but do you regret it? Absolutely not. This is so much better than be drunk, which you practically were.

“Do you want it?” He asked you as his body get closer to yours, that you could feel his muscular chest hiding in the clothes and his popping bulge wanting really hard to get out of there. His hot breath was know on your back of your neck, and you couldn't move. You were locked in Joel's touch and there was nothing to do than listen to him and do what he told you to do, so you could finally get what you fucking need. “Yes” you answered, this time full of confidence which Joel likes but not as much as he heard you begging.

“Beg for it” he said as he put much preassure on his two fingers rubbing against your wet panties that were probably soaking inside. Your clitoris was plumbing as much as your hole, fuck this man. "Please" you moan once again, trying really hard to give him his ego and the dominance he lost for a moment but regained immediately. You could feel his annoying grin ear to ear as he heard you. “See how easy it is” he stopped rubbing your vagina over the soft material which made you freeze a bit and you let us out with what you had at least for a little while and now you lost it but you didn't wait too long as Joel took off your panties in one jerking motion until they came down to your ankles and you shook them to the ground. "Let me feel how wet you really are" and before he finished this sentence, you could feel his bare fingers, rubbing your labia back and forth. Finally. The exhalation from the feeling that you have finally passed to the next stage kicked you so much that you forgot your promise and let out a slight loud sight. Joel immediately covered your mouth with the hand that was originally on your neck. "Shhh...we have a deal honey, don't break it" your eyes rolled back as he started to looking for your clit by his one finger and find it immidietly, then started doing small circles around there, making you go crazy and scream into his hand so fucking loud.

“God…you have no idea what're you doing to me” he whimpered into your ear and you could tell from his voice and shaking that he was in such tension and he couldn't last very long without interacting with him and his needs. You wanted to help him, but he wouldn't let you. You couldn't even turn or look at him, just trying to lie in a still position and not make a sound, which was quite hard task for you, especially when Joel added strength to your clit and started rubbing it hard and fast. You automatically pressed your thighs together, squeezing Joel's hand as well. You felt so close, but there was still something missing, which Joel filled in after a short time.

He stopped teasing your clit, but instead stuck two fingers straight into you. As soon as you let out a loud controlled sigh and your eyes squeezed tightly, Joel started curling his fingers inside you, slowly but with passion. His fingers were big, string and long, so when he goes deeper, he hits your g-spot really fast. You started shaking, eyes with tears when you couldn't move and could only scream Joel's name into his own hand, that were still covering your mouth. "You're close, aren't you?" he teased you a bit, but you nodded your head roughly and moved your legs when you really felt the climax coming. Joel makes it even worse, when he uses his thumb rubbing your clit too. It was totally over for you.

The tension were so close and you were tense and hard, but suddenly Joel pulled his fingers out of you. You opened your eyes in confusion and furrowed your brows as you angrily turned to face Joel and were on your back on the bed. Although you were upset that he didn't finish you off, the sight of him licking his fingers and muttering happily while doing so made you forget about it right away. "Did you think it would be that easy?" he asked provocatively and before you could react Joel was on top of you. One hand resting on the bed as a helper to keep him from falling, the other hand on your hot red face, softly rubbing it with his thumb. You liked this angle better.

Joel didn't leave you in the pleasure for long though, breaking your eye contact with him as he forced his lips to yours. You felt his hard erect cock, pushing in his pants and rubbing against your inner thighs, very close to your core. The passionate and ardent kiss turned into an intense kiss that clearly indicated that it would go to the next level soon. Joel's hand on your face very quickly moved to your neck where it stayed long enough until Joel couldn't take it and used it to pull off his pants freeing his partner. All this time, you were glued to each other not only with your bodies, but also with your lips. Your saliva was mixing and you were trying to inhale as much oxygen as you could because you couldn't tear yourself away from Joel.

The atmosphere was starting to thicken and your bodies were starting to heat up, forcing you to roughly unbutton Joel's shirt, finally exposing his godlike body. Joel didn't let himself be talked down to and decided to cooperate as he slid his arm under you and lifted you up a bit pulling you closer, your lips still on his. Joel was unzipping your dress while you were unbuttoning his shirt and when all the buttons were done, you tore the fabric off of Joel like a wild animal, and immediately broke the kiss to look at the miracle, you wanted to see since the moment you met Joel for the first time, a few hours ago.

Those toned muscles, those muscular abs, and that unshaven hairy chest that clearly indicated what an alpha male Joel was. It looked even better than you imagined. You couldn't hold it for much longer, knowing that every second you were getting closer to what you so desperately needed, so without any warning, you stuck your tongue in Joel's mouth again and gently ran your hands over his massive body. You swear you felt an egotistical smirk from Joel, but chose to ignore it.

You weren't the only one who wanted to see the other naked. Joel was so curious about you, so excited and mostly so horny that he literally ripped your red dress off you. You immediately pulled away from his lips and shot a ‘are you serious?’ look. "Are you fucking kidding me?! They were expensive!" you raised your voice after him, but Joel could care less right now. He was so amazed by your body, that he ignored the fact that you literally yelled at him. If you weren't almost naked, you would be in so much trouble. "You look much better without them" he said in his husky-bear voice again.

There was only one thing standing in his way now, apart from your angry face, and that was your black bra, which Joel passionately lunged for and in one graceful movement, with no effort in, unhooked your bra and gently threw it to the floor. It was a strange feeling to see Joel not knowing where to look first. He loved your body, if he could he would have hearts instead of pupils. He didn't know where to look first. He wanted so badly to squish your body and leave huge purple and painful hickeys everywhere, but he decided to save that for another time. He couldn't resist, and after a few minutes of just watching and admiring your naked body, he had to go, and he wasn't afraid to take a challenge.

He cup one of your tits, he slowly squeezed, and your natural reaction was to throw your head back and sink your teeth so deep into your bottom lip that you could feel the blood coming out after a while. "You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen" you melted at his words. You felt his cock twitch almost every two seconds, and all the blood from his body was just there. He was so close you could feel his head and a little wetness on it as the pre-cum started to form. He was just as horny as you, he wanted it just as much as you, but the only difference was, that he was so fucking patient.

In a snap, his mouth was on your neck, sucking and leaving red fresh marks on your sensitive neck. You weren't thinking about anything but Joel's tongue, hand placement and his definitely huge dick, you want to feel inside you so badly. Just make things worse, he started to teasing you. His head of his cock was really slowly started brushibg against your labia, and you thought you gonna cum already. He is fucking asshole.

He wanted it as much as you did, to push his member inside you and fuck you so good, but he loved the feeling of you being helpless and able to plead for Joel, which is exactly what you did. He had you wrapped around his finger, manipulated you didn't even realize what Joel was doing to you. All you focused on was sex. “Please~” you sighed, throwing your head back and pulling Joel's hair slightly, as the feeling of his teeth on your shoulders and the top of his member softly rubbing you, and start teasing your clitoris too. Joel loves your fingers inside his hair, your moans and sights, but he wanted more. His head with his lips went lower on your body, stopped when he met one of your tits, and start slowly sucking and licking your nipple. You never were on this kind of ‘stuf’, like breast playing, but gosh it felt so fucking good! He also included his other hand in the game, which he used to roll your other nipple and his elbow was resting on the bed so he wouldn't lose his balance. On top of all that, as if it wasn't enough, he added power of provoking your pussy and not only started to speed up, but also started getting inside a little bit.

“Fuck~” you moaned, thugging Joel's slightly gray hair more and arched your back, when you started feeling your legs shaking and your underbelly hurting from how hot it was. Joel wasn't stopping with playing not only with your breast but even with your vagina, having you under his control. “Tell me, how much you want it?” he asked you as his hips still moves around you and played with you like with some toy, but you were so desperate and helpless for him, that you would do anything to get what you want. “Badly” you sighed and lick your lips as Joel started giving sweet kisses on your nipple and softened. “How badly?” you wanted to punch him so much. “So badly I~…I'd do anything” he loved seeing you in that state.

When he first saw you in that door, he never could have imagined it would turn out like this but he liked it maybe more than he should have. But Joel wanted to hear you begging, begging for his cock, begging to be fucked by Joel Miller. "Anything huh? What do you offer…" his mischievous grin widened as he stopped whatever he was doing giving you a chance to breathe in oxygen and reply in a notmal tone without sighing or moaning. Of course you took advantage of that and straightened your body so you could look into his eyes. You completely forgot about the question, how fired up you were, and the whole situation as you lost yourself in Joel's eyes. 'All eyes are the same' they say, but he showed you that's not true. You can read so many things in them and stare at them for hours as you melt into Joel's hands massaging your hips. "Hm? Did you hear me?" he woke you up a bit from the day's vigil and you thought about your answer. "Anything you want...I'm all yours" this was exactly the answer Joel needed to hear. Not only did you allow him to do whatever he wanted with you, but you also admit you are only his. Joel is very possessive and your answer gave him even more ego than he already had, which seemed impossible. "What a needy girl...I'll do what you want so badly for the last minutes hun, but you need to beg" this is where the final game starts. Joel started rubbing the tip of his dick against your labia again, making you open your mouth out wide and squeeze really hard your eyes. “I am begging you Joel…please~” this was a lullaby to his ears. "What? Didn't hear, can you said that again?" fuck this man. "I. am. begging. you." you blurted out and when Joel realized you couldn't talk anymore, he decided to take pity on you.

He carefully leaned back and directed his cock to hit. You were starting to find it really weird that he wasn't saying anything and not really doing anything either out of nowhere, so you opened your eyes, but when you looked down, at that exact moment, Joel thrust his cock into you. Even though it was what you wanted so much, it extremely hurt.

You hissed in pain and dug your nails deep into Joel's back leaving gashes. It looked like he had been attacked by a wild beast, which actually wasn't that far from the truth. He did nothing for a while and let you get used to it and wait until you stopped destroying his huge back. "U're okay?" he asked nicely and placed one of his palms on your face when he saw tears coming from your eyes. You nodded roughly through gritted teeth, but Joel didn't believe you. You didn't look like you were 'good' or enjoying yourself like you were a few seconds ago.

“S’okay…we have as much time as we want” Joel's voice was suddenly soft and caring, that you wouldn't believe your ears. After a few seconds, when you didn't feel the pain as much, you nodded to give Joel's permission to continue. He understand your sign immediately and push more into you, he stretched you more and you felt so full. Pain started to surround you again, but Joel's hand on your hip and cheek made it better. Added to that were his lips on yours, sweet small kiss making you feel butterflies again. “God that's a lot” you sighed in laugh as you finally felt better and open your eyes.

But your laughing immediately stopped, when you saw Joel's face, which was not as happy as yours. You frowned at him and cocked your head to the side in confusion. "It's only halfway" he whispered and your eyes widened by at least 7 inches. HALF?! IS HE FUCKING KIDDING?! You already felt full and the thought of him having to push that much length into you one more time intoxicated you so much that you closed your eyes again and tried not to think about it.

"'Kay, do it" you said quickly and your whole body was in such tension. "Are you sure? We don't have to rush this-" "I am." you snapped at Joel and your brow furrowed and your teeth clenched as you felt him continue. It really hurt a lot, you couldn't imagine such pain even in your worst dreams, but when Joel was all the way in, you knew it would only get better. He waited again for a while as he kissed you passionately, trying to distract you, which was half working.

His kisses and the way he squeezed and touched your body sent chills down your spine and juice into your already big fire down there. After a bit of kissing and groping, Joel began moving his hips very gently, in a circular motion. This movement sent pain to the back of your head and you couldn't help but let out sighs of happiness. The pain gradually fades to pure pleasure, and as your moans began to sound more intense, with more force and volume, Joel began to change direction and speed.

“Fuck…you have no idea what you're doing to me” Joel gasped as his orgasm started feeling closer, so does yours. Pain wasn't there anymore, only pleasure instead. Very soon you started to feel on your edge, cuz Joel didn't search for long and found your g-spot very quickly, then he just hit it every time, whenever he thrust into you.

His thrusting started being more aggressive, more intense, that the whole bed started shaking too. Joel needs to cover your mouth again, and this time really put strength on your lips, because you no longer had control over the sounds you made or over your body. You twitched in tension whenever you felt the strange sensation of going to the bathroom.

You couldn't hold it for long, and you could tell by Joel's expression and the way he wasn't continuing at the same pace, stuttering and sighing much more often, that he was damn close too. A few more thrusts and you already arch your back, but Joel did it again, he stopped.

It frustrated not only you but also him, but he knew very well what he was doing. As if your fury could not be greater. First he didn't give you that first orgasm, then he ruin your clothes and now he doesn't want to give you another orgasm? What is wrong with this man?! "Joel-" before you could even ask him anything, Joel grabbed you closer to him and roll that he was laying on his back while you were sitting on his lap, this time he was under you. You were still inside him, not moving a muscle. You looked at him confused, but not for a long time when he said: "I wanna see you ride me" and that made your pussy pulse again.

Right after he said that a devilish grin appeared on your face from ear to ear, and you started moving forward slowly. Joel was sighing the same way you were, he was looking at your belly, then your breast and then deep into your eyes, repeatedly. You only looked at his face in the hope that he will tell you instructions, because you never 'ride a man' before. Joel corrected you with his hands on your hips, gently pushing you back and forth as you let him lead you.

After a moment, when your vagina and yourself calmed down, you threw your head back and opened your mouth wide. "Joel~" that was only thing you could say, correctly, moaned. This position makes your orgasm come even faster to you, and you just hoped you wouldn't be so loud, since Joel can't really reach your mouth and can't shut you down.

"Yeah, good girl...just like that" he said as he started making you go up and down on his cock, practically jumping on him. At first it was slow, you couldn't even hear the smacking of your ass against his thighs, but after a while when the atmosphere kicked into high gear and in your liquid started to accumulate in the vagina, your slaps whenever you land back on Joel's legs started being louder and louder. After a few seconds, Joel didn't even have to continue guiding you because even though you didn't know what to do, your body definitely knew. Joel was admiring your body, your breasts moving up and down to the rhythm, your moaning and literally screaming his name, it was beautiful. "Joel I-" "I know baby, I know~" Joel groaned as an angry wolf and his grip was thick and strong, just as your pussy. You both felt the climax coming, it started being so intense that Joel is definitely going to have red marks of your ass on his thighs. The bed started to creak so much that you thought it was going to break but now you weren't focusing on that at all. All you focused on was your orgasm, which was so close, and you finally reached it when Joel pushed you a little and started rubbing your clit. You came first but Joel didn't let that stop you from riding. The post-orgasm feeling was amazing, but you started feeling overstimulated. Of course you wanted Joel to reach his orgasm too, but your vagina was just as tired as you. It didn't take long and luckily Joel did and respectfully and honestly, his face and the sound that came out of him when he squirted into you was something like euphoria for you. The overstimulation thing fades out really fast, as you saw Joel, breathing heavily as you and when you realize, YOU make a man come. It was amazing and you had so many mixed feelings right now, that you don't even know how you feel. The only thing you know for sure is that you are fucking exhausted, that's why you passed out right next to Joel, breathing heavily as he did.

It was akward silence, except your and Joel's loud breathing, trying so hard to catch breath and not pass out by low oxygen in body, and the people talking loudly in the other room, where the party is still going. you were quite surprised that the celebration wasn't over yet. Even though the sex with Joel seemed endless, it only lasted a few minutes, that's how good the fuck was. You tried to ignore your surroundings and focus on only two things, breathing and thinking about what the hell happened. It's wrong, this whole situation is wrong, this shouldn't have happened, but these negative thoughts immediately passed you when you felt Joel's large, muscular arm under your neck. He then pulled you closer to his warm manly body. Even though you were both covered under the covers, you could still feel the nakedness and sweat from the other. You couldn't find the words. Even as your breathing calmed down and so did Joel's, you didn't know what to say. You wanted to thank him so badly because the way he made you feel and relieved you was unforgettable.

“Thank you…” you chirped softly but loud enough for Joel to hear you. As soon as you said it with a shaky voice, Joel scoffed and made you tilt your head, so you were looking into his eyes. "Are you kidding me? Are you thanking me right now?" he asked eagerly, and it was clear that Joel thought you were being sarcastic, but when you remained silent and formed your lips into a thin line, Joel rolled his eyes and sighed in disappointment. "Boys haven't been nice to you in the past, have they?" he asked, softness in his voice as he rubbed slowly and comfortably your back by his big palm. You sigh as a clear answer. "Oh baby...don't worry, you have me now and I'll show you how a man should treat a girl like you" the way that he said that made you blush and you needed to burn your face into his chest , making him giggle a bit. "But promise me one thing" still rubbing your back and sometimes stopped at your hair, slightly played with them. You look up at him again and give him a shy little 'hm?'. "Do not tell anybody about this...especially not your family members" it was like all your power and confidence just woke up, as you imagine ur mom finding out about this.

“Are you kidding me? Do you think that my mom would jump with happiness that I slept with…basically my uncle? Oh my god saying that out loud makes me want to puke…” The typical ‘dad laugh’ came out from him and he agreed. Your mom would literally tear you and Joel appart on pieces, then cook the bodies and serve it on parties like this…like some Jeffrey Dahmer in female version.

Well, I think she needed to hear us because there is absolutely NO WAY that she came to my room without knocking, that's what she always do, and of course, cough us. The timing was too damn perfect so I couldn't bealive that. I think mom is some kind of wizard and she is just plying with time, when she is alone.

She stare at us, in shock, behind her was Tommy, who stare as same as my mom. I and Joel stare in shock too, we had no idea what to do or what to say…

Well, we're FUCKED-

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#pedro pascal #smut #pedro pascal x reader #joel miller #joel miller x f!reader #joel miller x reader #joel tlou #joel x reader #joel x y/n #joel x you

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vpgoldenrod · 1 year ago

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Aziraphale's Haunted Look: On Being Forcibly Outed and Exiled From The Garden

While we're all talking about Aziraphale's reaction to the kiss, I'm surprised by those who thought Aziraphale looked disgusted because that's not an emotion I'd seen in him at all. There's sadness, and confusion, and anger, but I couldn't remember seeing disgust. When I watched the scene again I realized there's something else going on that really struck a chord with me. It's an uncomfortably familiar look.

He feels exposed. And I know what it feels like to be exposed in such a violent and intimate way.

Stay with me, I promise this is relevant to my analysis.

I didn't know what being transgender meant when I was a kid. Being raised in a fundamentalist Christian house meant that I wasn't exposed to those ideas, so I lived my life feeling like something was always just kind of broken. It was like I was looking right through the problem at other things, trying to alleviate symptoms without understanding why they existed in the first place. I eventually met other trans people, who gently nudged me in the direction of my truth. I even became aware that I had experienced some minor dysphoria. Every time I came close to acknowledging the truth however, my eyes would once again begin to glaze over the problem. I always managed to subconsciously shove it back into a little box and move on with my life. It was like I accidentally “did a big miracle” and hid this truth from myself so well that I continually forgot it was there.

Til one day I had an encounter that changed everything.

We're friends now but oddly enough, it was only meant to be a fling. I won't go into too many details because it's not just my story, but it was a lovely time that culminated with us meeting and doing what adults do. The person I was with, a cis man, silently clocked me the minute we were face to face. For reasons I now understand, without warning and in the middle of our shared intimate experience, he decided to talk dirty to me as if I were a gay man.

No one had ever spoken to me like that before. It had never occurred to me to ask anyone to do that, or that anyone would want to. I was in an intimate space and filled with the typical emotions and endorphins one has during sex, but it was a fling. I had walls up. So for the first time in my life, in this incredibly vulnerable position, someone grabbed me by my lapels and forced me to face a deep truth about myself that I'd spent decades silently dancing around. It was a blunt, irrefutable truth and it hit like a sucker punch to the solar plexus. He saw me when I was very much not trying to be seen, and there's few things more terrifying than that.

Even now, years later, I have such a hard time putting into words the overwhelming emotions I felt that night. There were so many, and yet somehow I can see every single one of the emotions I felt in Aziraphale's face when Crowley lets him go. My heart breaks all over again seeing how exposed he felt. He can barely make eye contact until he stumbles onto the one emotion that gives him his agency back: anger.

Gabriel shows up to the bookshop completely naked. When a bewildered Aziraphale points it out Gabriel says, “Who told you I was naked?”

But that's not how the story goes.

God looks for Adam in the garden, but he hides from her. He eventually tells God, “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid myself.”

Then God asks Adam, “Who told you you were naked?” And of course Adam knows he is naked because he ate the apple.

I've made jokes about Crowley being the apple that bit Aziraphale, but I forgot the bit that happens afterwards. He is aware of his own nakedness. He is exposed. To God, to Crowley, and to himself. As a result he is exiled from the safety of his Eden. Man, if this isn't the perfect analogy for being forcibly outed I don't know what is.

This show is so gay you guys.

#michael sheen deserves an emmy and also a hug #good omens #good omens 2 #aziraphale #crowley #do it again #neil gaiman #good omens analysis #amazon prime video #pay your actors #good omens spoilers #michael sheen #LGBT+

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thebestofoneshots · 1 year ago

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Gilded Constellations | wolfstar x reader

Series Masterlist | Previous episode

Pairing: Wolfstar x Reader Word Count: 10.3 K Warnings: none Prompt: You finally throw the magical party that you'd been planning for Marlene. The night gets even more bewitching as you engage in a series of party games, including a daring game of Potion Pong and a spirited game of truth or dare. As secrets are unveiled and dares become more challenging, the first sparks of romantic tension begin to ignite. This IS a wolfstar x reader fic, but it's incredibly slow burn. They won't start all dating each other until we're very deep into the story, but I promise the long wait will be worth it. THIS EPISODE CAN ALSO BE READ AS A ONESHOT

Fooled Around and Fell in Love

Thanks to Peter’s retellings of the Gryffindor try-outs, you’d gone from the new girl in sixth year, to a little bit of a quidditch celebrity. Some smaller kids would go see the Quidditch Practice, and according to James, he’d even seen some of the players from other groups trying to get a glimpse at you when you were in the Great Hall. Trying to measure if the stories had actually been real or if it was all just school gossip.

A smaller Gryffindor girl even approached you once, to ask if it was possible that you taught her how to do the triple backflip you’d done last Friday. You had to awkwardly explain to her that you hadn’t done a triple backflip, but that you would be happy to help her get more confident on her flight technique someday. She’d gone back to her friends with a huge smile, her friends squealing when she told them the news.

“Peter made me into some kind of celebrity,” you complained to Mary as the two of you walked to the courtyard together. You had teamed up with her for your Herbology project, and you were on your way to the garden to find some dried leaves to turn into fertiliser.

“No-uh,” she said, shaking her head “You did it yourself, love.”

“I didn’t go around telling everyone about the tryouts,” you responded as a pair of young boys passed the two of you, looking at you with wonder.

“But you slayed those tryouts by yourself! You did that backflip trick, not Peter. And he’s not the only one who’s been retelling the story all over the school. I heard Teddy tell his friends about you a couple of days ago in the common room.”

“Well, either way, it’s hard to get used to all of this attention. In my older school, I wasn’t so popular.”

“And you thought coming here and making friends with James Potter and Sirius Black of all people would let you blend into the background?!”

“I kinda brought it onto myself, didn’t I?”

“You’re gonna have to take that new-fund popularity and embrace it.” She said “Or you can just do whatever Remus does, he can somehow be a hot shot and still blend in the back when he wants to.”

You raised your eyebrows, it was true, even when he was with the boys all the time, he tended to stay in his own little friend group rather than talking to everyone the same way Sirius and James did.

“I’ll ask him sometime…” you said as you crossed the gates with Mary. Then leaned onto her, “Isn’t that Holden Crawford? Next to Alexander Wood?”

She nodded, “you should invite them now that they’re together.”

“Yup,” you said, giving her a small pat on the back and walking towards the Hufflepuff head boy.

“Hey Alex,” you said with a smile.

He turned to you, and smiled when he identified you “Gryffindor, aye?” He pointed at your tie.

You nodded “I guess so,” you replied “I wanted to thank you for being so nice to me on my first day.”

Holden, who stood next to him, raised one of his eyebrows “Ahh.. so you must be the infamous (Y/N) everyone’s been talking about.”

“Infamous? Hope not!” You teased with a smile and handed him your hand to shake “(Y/N)(Y/LN), nice to meet you.”

“Holden Crawford,” he replied, shaking your hand.

“The Ravenclaw… seeker?” You asked with a bit of a smile. He raised his eyebrows in response “James told me all about the other teams. Gotta know who you’re going up against.”

“And… you’ve done your homework.” You nodded.

“Anyway, I gotta go…” you said pointing at Mary, and after a couple of steps, you turned back to them “Actually boys–“ you said walking back towards them “–this Friday the Gryffindor Tower is having a party. I’m helping plan it. It’s for Marlene’s birthday.”

“Your beater…” acknowledged Holden.

You nodded eagerly, Holden knew Marlene, that was perfect. “Yeah exactly! Anyway, I’m in the planning committee along with Mary over there,” you pointed at your friend “and I think it would be great to have you guys there. You know the more the merrier,” you said that last bit with a smile.

“I’ll come if you come,” Holden said to Alex. Who seemed to be thinking about it.

“Come on,” you animated him. “It’ll be super fun, I promise! I’ll help pick the music out.”

Alex finally nodded “Ok, we’ll see you there.”

“Brilliant! 8 PM, Gryffindor Tower. Don’t miss it!” You chimed “Anyway, I am in the middle of picking up some dried leaves for herbology so I’ll leave you boys to your things,” You said before walking back to Mary.

“So...?”

“They’re coming,” you said with a proud smile. “And Holden knows Marlene. As in, he instantly identified her as Gryffindor’s beater.”

“Oh, she’s so gonna shit herself when she sees him at her party.”

You nodded and the two of you walked inside the small green area to pick out some dried leaves, levitating them from their place on the floor and placing them on the satchel Mary had brought. You then walked together to the greenhouses and started the spell that would turn the leaves into a very potent fertiliser, even if it took some time. Professor Folly would evaluate you based on how efficient the fertiliser was in the end. And you’d found the recipe on an old book in the library, that promised to both potentiate the growth of plants and maintain them.

September 10th, 1976

When the day of the party arrived, the air buzzed with anticipation. You were in the Gryffindor tower, along with Remus and Beth, attempting to decorate the area. Beth had asked her mom to send some streamers and she was magically sticking them all over the ceiling. You sat on one of the coaches and used your wand to blow some balloons that she’d also gotten from her mom. You had the idea to fill some of the balloons with glitter, and you’d blow them up when she arrived, leaving a trail of sparkly glitter all over her, and everyone else.

“We’ll be finding glitter in our dreams after today,” said Remus as he sat down next to you with a box of tapes. You finished timing one of the balloons and leaned over the box to take a look at the stuff he had. Led Zeppelin, Bowie, The Clash, Queen, Abba, they had it all.

“What will you choose?” You asked him, he pulled out a cassette with Sirius’s elegant handwriting and handed it over to you. “Marauder’s mix tape?” You asked.

“It’s what we call ourselves,” he said “Sirius invented it back in the third year, it’s still a thing now.”

“Fitting,” you said with a smile. And turned the tape to take a look at the songs. Smiling when you saw Rebel Rebel in the list. “

“He made this one over the summer,” he said pointing at the cassette, “and he brought a music player too,” he stood up “I’m going to go get it now, wanna help?”

You nodded and stood up, walking behind him towards the boys’ dorm. “Excuse the mess,” said Remus as he let you into their room. He was being silly, there wasn’t much of a mess. Maybe some candy packaging on the floor and one of the beds wasn’t done. You saw a Queen poster on top of said bed.

“Lemme guess,” you said pointing at the bed “That’s Sirius’.”

Remus nodded “It was an easy guess.”

You took that as a challenge and started scanning the rest of the beds, the one to the left of Sirius’ was well done, and it had a hard case for glasses on the nightstand, you pointed at it “James’” Remus nodded, with his eyebrows raised. You kept looking. Now there was a bed lousily made and one that was neatly done. The lousy bed had some parchments on top, along with a bag of chips. The other bed had a nightstand with some books, and a sweater folded over near the pillow, very neatly placed as well. You pointed at the one with chips “Peter’s, and the neatest one is yours, obviously.”

“Almost perfect, I’m next to Pads.”

“But the glasses case?” You asked confused.

“They’re for reading, my eyes get tired at night.” He then walked towards a dresser “Mind giving me a hand?” He asked, you nodded and walked toward it. It looked slightly heavy, but you placed your hands on the other side, ready to help him pull “Just make sure nothing from the top falls, m’kay?” He then pushed the dresser, with an ease that had you stunned. Maybe it just looked heavy. Behind the dresser, there was a small hole in the wall, filled with all sorts of things. From hand-rolled cigarettes, to prank supplies, and scary-looking vials with labels on them.

“You’ve got a secret stash?!” You said surprised, kneeling down to look at it better “How? Does my room have one too?”

“James blew up the wall while practising bombarda in 4th,” Remus explained “We didn’t want anyone to find out so we rearranged the furniture to hide it. Sirius figured it’d be a good place to hide stuff.”

“Do you mind?” You asked, nodding towards the little hole, he shook his head and you grabbed one of the bottles “Shrinking solution?”

“We brewed it last year, Prongs and I stole it from Slughorn’s office.”

You grabbed another one “And…” you looked at the label “Vanishing Solution.”

“Sometimes you gotta get rid of the evidence.” You laughed, Moving some things around, you found some dungbombs, neatly stacked. And behind them found a box of Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder. “Oh, and you’ve got some good stuff in there too,” you said as you grabbed a Magazine with a very dotted young woman –with nothing to cover her chest–, she had a seductive stare and blew kisses at you.

Remus snatched it from your hands “Sirius must’ve put it there,” He said all too quickly, throwing the magazine under a bed.

“Hey! I don’t judge,” you said, raising your eyebrows “It’s a boys’ secret stash after all.”

“But I don’t–“

“–you don’t need to excuse yourself, Remus.” You said and pointed at the back “That’s it, isn’t it? the cassette player?”

Remus nodded and pulled it out, dusting it off “We left it here all summer.” You helped him put all the things back in their place. Except for the dirty magazine that was still under the bed somewhere, and stood up, going back to the side of the dresser to push it back to its place.

You tried to push it before he grabbed onto the side. But it was impossible, the dresser was heavy. At least for you, for Remus, who pulled it with ease back onto its place, it seemed like lifting a feather. You stared at him as he turned to grab the cassette player, he was tall, the tallest of the group, and he did have nice broad shoulders. Again, the sexy pirate analogy came to mind, but he didn’t seem particularly strong. He didn’t have thick muscles like James or Teddy. Which completely clashed with what you’d just seen him do. You shoved all those inconsistencies to the back of your mind and followed him towards the door.

The two of you walked downstairs again, finding Beth still working on the streamers, as Remus went to set the cassette player on the farthest section of the recorder you went back to your balloons, levitating those that were ready all over the common room. As you were doing, you saw Lily and Mary arrive, they both carried snacks and other food things in their hands. Mary had a huge bowl and she placed it on the table Lily was arranging it, and she set herself to prepare a punch. “It’s Mary’s signature punch,” explained Lily “She makes it for every party, everyone loves it.”

“I’m looking forward to trying it,” you said with a smile. When you were done with the balloons you rushed towards Lily and helped her finish the refreshments area.

Sirius and James arrived later. Carrying several bottles in their hands. “Are you sure those are safe?” Lily asked, frowning at the bottles.

“Yes Lils,” said Sirius rather exasperated and turned one of the bottles around for her to see the label was still on “They were purchased in Hogsmeade.”

“By who did you say?”

Sirius smiled, “Nice try Evans, it’s still top secret.”

“When is Marlene getting here?” You asked as you helped James with some of the bottles.

“Tom is distracting her,” said Beth from somewhere. “She’ll be here at around 8:30.”

“Well then, everything looks ready,” Sirius said with a clap of his hands “Imma go put on some nicer garments.”

James, who was still wearing some Quidditch gear from practice, also left the room. You’d been allowed to skip after saying you felt bad, that way James entertained Marlene and you could focus on decorating the common room.

Remus was already wearing casual clothes, while Lily, Mary and yourself went up to change.

Once in party clothes, with glitter all over your eyes –that Mary had insisted you had to put on–, you went back down, finding some people were already making it to the party. You identified a couple of kids from your classes that were from other houses. Holden and Alexander were both already in the party too, which made you smile, nudging Beth so she was aware too. Then she smiled wickedly and leaned into you “I’ll go make some arrangements for later,” she said before disappearing in the swarm of people.

“What’s she up to?” Asked Sirius, who somehow had ended up beside you.

You shrugged in response “I wish I knew,” you said and saw him drinking from a black mug. “What you drinkin’?”

He licked his lips “Mhm.. this?” He asked, raising his cup “Wanna try?”

You raised an eyebrow and grabbed for the mug, feeling his cold rings as your fingers brushed over him to take a hold of the mug, and pulled the mug up to your lips. You winced once you’d taken a sip, you were not expecting for the liquid to be straight-up iced vodka.

“You didn’t even try to water it down,” you complained, handing the mug back to him.

He just shrugged “I like it, cools your throat down.”

You rolled your eyes and pushed him gently “At least put some juice on it or something.”

“It’s the expensive stuff, you’re not meant to water it down.”

You rolled your eyes at his remark when Mary came out of nowhere and pulled your arm "Sorry Sirius, I’m taking her with me,"

You raised your eyebrows at that but followed alongside Mary, "What’s wrong?" You asked her preoccupied. She looked like she’d been running and had a blush on her cheeks, well perhaps running wasn’t it, you thought as you noticed her slightly dishevelled stance.

"Nothin’," she responded casually, "I brought you here because I wanted to introduce you to someone," she pulled you into a corner "he was at the bleachers when you were on tryouts. I got good word he’s been wanting to meet you ever since."

Your eyebrow rose, yes the try-outs had been the talk of the castle for the past week, but someone wanting to befriend you after it… perhaps it wasn’t so incredible "Who is it?" you asked.

You felt a looming presence from behind and the two of you turned around, a very tall boy, probably as tall as Remus, was there, with a huge smile on his lips "(Y/N), this is Minho Yun, Minho this is (Y/N)."

You smiled and held your hand out to shake his, "Nice to meet you.”

He shook your hand “Nice to meet you too.”

He started to talk again but Tom came rushing through the door like a madman “Everyone HIDE!” He roared as he jumped behind one of the coaches. No one moved, he stood up again “Marlene’s coming you whackheads, find a freaking hiding spot!”

“Shit,” you said before running towards a small closet-like spot hidden behind one of the wall rugs you’d found a couple of nights before after your quill sharpener fell out of your hands. But once inside you found yourself sharing the spot with someone else. “Puppy?” You asked when you smelt the same cologne you’d felt before.

“(Y/N)?” He asked “What are you doing here? This is my spot!” He whispered-yelled.

“Well then, move over so the two of us can fit comfortably,” you retorted, he adjusted himself a little, and you managed to fully enter the small space “Shouldn’t be long.”

You could feel his hot minty breath near your forehead “So… how’s your potions essay going? Remus a good partner?”

You nodded, realising later he probably couldn’t see you. “Great, he’s brilliant, I don’t regret switching with James.”

“You switched with James?” He asked shrugging “But Slughorn said–”

“–We switched before,” you explained. “didn’t make a fuss about it like you. Sorry, you got paired with Slime-head tho. How’s it going?”

“We split the tasks,” he sighed. “That way we don’t have to see each other more than necessary.”

“And quidditch practice today?” You asked.

“Oh good, we missed you though.”

You nodded again, perking your ears to see if Marlene had already arrived. Nothing. “Do you mind if I ask you why they call you Pads?”

“Short for Padfoot.”

You raised your eyebrows, looking up at him with “Yeah, I remember that was your nickname, but why?”

“Sort of an inside joke, can’t really tell you without the boys all agreeing on it.”

“Oh,” you said with a nod, turning your head back to the door, “must have to do with everyone’s nicknames then.” He nodded. You took a deep breath. You did not expect Marlene to take so long to arrive. “Do you still have the–?”

“–here,” he said, handing over his mug, "you took a sip, and then another.

You gave him back his mug and exhaled “Sorry to take your spot.”

He shrugged, you did not see it, but you felt him, that’s how close you were standing “No problem,” he said honestly “I don’t mind you being all over me,” he teased.

“Sirius!” You reprimanded, he chuckled.

“But, in all honesty, love, I’m really happy that you came to Hogwarts.”

You looked up at him again “I’m really happy I came too. You weren’t joking when you told me how amazing your friends were.”

He bit his lips as he smiled, god he was stunning, even in the dark “They are, aren’t they?”

And then you heard the portrait door open, giving Sirius a complicit look as the two of you jumped out of the hideout, alongside everyone else, Marlene was taken aback by seeing so many people “One… Two… Three!” You counted.

“Happy Birthday Marlene,” everyone screamed, you waved your wand and half of the balloons blew up, sprinkling glitter over every single person in the room. You smiled when you realised the stunning shower of glitter. Some of it fell over Sirius's hair, he shook it off, like a dog would, causing more to drop over you. You closed your eyes tightly and nudged him “Sirius! It’s gonna get on someone’s eyes.”

He gave you a look “Remind me, love. Whose brilliant idea was to have glitter shower over every single one of us?”

You averted your gaze, annoyed, and nodded “Just be careful!” You said before running towards Marlene, holding her gift in your hands. You’d gotten her a Holyhead Harpies jersey, you remembered she’d mentioned it being her favourite before.

When she looked at you, all filled with glitter she pointed an accusing finger “You weren’t sick!” You shook your head with a smile.

Remus, who had walked closer to the two of you, smiled and placed a hand over your shoulder “She helped with the decorations.”

“And Potter just… let it happen?” She asked.

“He didn’t have much of a choice,” you said with a half smile “Happy Birthday Mars! I hope you have lots of fun!”

Both you and Remus hugged Marlene and then retired to allow the people who were crowding her to give her their own hugs and gifts. You walked towards a less crowded area alongside the boy, and when you turned to him, you realised he had a piece of glitter over his lash, so you placed a hand over his shoulder, “something wrong love?”

You shook your head, “Lean down a little, yeah? You’ve got some glitter over your lash…” he complied and bend his knees until he was about your height, you carefully grabbed his head with one hand, to steady him, and used your other hand to take a piece of glitter away from it, looking at Remus so close, you realised how pretty he really was, he had beautiful chocolate eyes, with golden sparkles, that looked absolutely surreal, inhuman almost. He wasn’t pretty like Sirius who had a very ethereal, fae-like look to him, he had a more haunting and enigmatic look. But after a second, he gave you a questioning look, as if to ask if you were done, you nodded and pried your hands off him with an awkward smile “It’s done!”

“Thanks.”

After that some girl took Remus away from you and you went to sit alongside Lily, who was talking to Peter.

“I think we succeeded,” you said sitting next to Lily, who scooted over to give you some space.

“Totally!” She smiled, “Peter said he’ll bring the cake at 10:00 pm,”

You leaned over to look at your friend “Need any help with that Pete?”

He shook his head, “This… This 5th-year girl will help me, actually.” Both you and Lily rose your eyebrows.

“Oh… Our Pete’s got a date…” you teased.

He instantly went red “It’s not a date…”

Now you shared a look with the redhead “Want some advice?” She asked, placing a hand over his forearm.

“No… don’t worry about it,” he said, almost thinking if he should ask “We’ve been talking a bit, that’s all.”

“That’s how it starts,” you said.

Lily leaned back on the couch “Ah… young love, how beautiful it is.”

You laughed “What are you, 80?” You teased, “What about your young love?”

“I don’t have any young love,” she said, standing up straight and turning towards you.

“Yeah sure,” you scoffed. “There isn’t a messy hair, hazel-eyed boy pining for you at all.”

Lily went red now “(Y/N),” she said, dragging out your name “We don’t talk about that!”

“But we should,” you told her, “don’t you like him back? He’s handsome! Not my type of handsome but handsome nonetheless.”

“Oh yeah,” she teased “I know your type of handsome all right,” she said, eyeing Sirius, who was talking to Remus.

“Evans! Don’t you dare change the subject!”

She laughed at that “He’s just so… sometimes he can be exasperating!”

You laughed, in the short time you’d known James Potter, sometimes might have been an understatement. He had his mind pretty much set most of the time, he was thick-headed and maybe a little unhinged, but he was kind, and so full of love for his friends it was hard not to imagine him making a lovely couple with Lily.

“Hm… maybe he can make up for his bad traits in another way,” you suggested, the other way implicit in the tone you used, and she right up hit you with one of the pillows.

“All right guys!” You heard Beth shout as she came down with a box in her hands “It’s playtime!”

“Oh no,” you heard Lily whisper.

Beth finally reached the bottom of the stairs and placed the heavy box on a long table that you set out with some drinks “It’s time to play potion pong.”

“Potion Pong?” You asked Lily, who looked distressed.

“All right, gather up, we’re making two teams of four people “Marlene Love, you’re the birthday girl, so you’re playing yes or yes.” She then turned to you “(Y/N), this is your first time in a Gryffindor Party, so you’re also in. I’m playing duh, and Evans,” she said to Lily “You playing today, yeah?”

“Last time I got a vomiting potion!” She complained.

“No vomiting potions this time, don’t worry about it.” Beth said dismissively “Potter, you’re in, cause you let lovely (Y/N) out of practice to help with decorations, you, Ravenclaw boy,” she said as if she wasn’t well aware that Ravenclaw boy was Holden Crawford, Marlene’s crush “You’re playing too!” She looked around then, “Minho? Where you at? You said you wanted to play last time in the first round, yeah?” She asked out to everyone “He actually holds the resistance of potion pong title,” she explained, “and… Sirius? Wanna play?” She asked last. Sirius nodded, and you all gathered around the table. Beth divided everyone into two teams, She, Marlene, Holden and James, against Minho, Sirius, Lily and you.

“All right, the rules!” She said as she started setting the table, bringing lots of vials with different colour liquids out of the box, opening and placing them in a triangle position in front of each side of the table “Simple game, each turn a player gets a ping pong ball, and you have to try and make it enter one of the vials with potions by bouncing it on the table at least once. If it goes in, someone from the other team has to drink the potion it fell on.”

“What kind of potions–˝ you started to ask.

“–Well if I tell you then where’s the fun?” She said placing her hands over her hips in a reproaching manner “The team that drinks all the potions first loses. If a player is disabled, for whatever reason it might be, he still has to take a shoot in his or her turn. There’s no skipping players, and no cheating, so hand over your wands.” Everyone complied with her demand and she placed them all in a jar on the mantel. “Excellent, if we don’t have any questions, let’s get started.” She pulled out something from her pocket and opened her hand in front of everyone “These are magic beans, each of you gets one of them, you can take it if you can’t stand the effects of the potion, but only after you’ve spent three turns with the effect on you. And… you only get one,” she said with a wicked smile “so if you use it up with a potion that’s not that bad, then you’re gonna have to suck it up and deal with the next potions by yourself, sorry.”

“And how did she come up with the game?” You whisper-asked to Lily.

“Beth is pretty well known for her party games,” she responded, leaning into you “and she has the resources to make them all happen too.”

Everyone walked closer to the table and picked a bean from her hand. Since you didn’t have where to put it, you handed it over to Sirius “Mind keeping this for me?”

He nodded and placed it in his pocket. Beth spoke then “All right! Witches, wizards, It’s time to start. Mars, it’s your birthday, which means you shoot first.”

Marlene nodded and grabbed the pig pong ball, shooting it towards the table and having it bounce very close to one of the vials, but failing her shot in the end.

“It’s ok Mars, not everyone gets it in the first round,” Beth reassured her.

Minho took the ball next, bouncing it and shooting straight into a cup with light blue liquid. He smiled cockily while everyone who was watching cheered. “It’s gonna be you, love,” he said pointing at Beth “It’s only fair since you brought the game.”

Beth shook her head with a bit of a smile and gulped the mixture down in one go. “Hic–“ she started, “I think it’s –Hic.”

“Hiccup haze,” you concluded.

James raised an eyebrow at you and mouthed “How do you know that?”

“I used it on a teacher I disliked once,” you said with a shrug.

Lily looked at you with her eyes open wide and her hands covering her mouth “Please remind me not to make you my enemy!” She said and you laughed.

It was now James’ turn. He grabbed the ball and had it bounce against the table twice before it landed right on a cup, he made a small victory dance and looked straight at you, “Bottoms up, darling.”

You rolled your eyes but picked up the pink-coloured cup from the table and took the potion in one go. Soon enough all the content in your mouth was turned into jelly, along with the liquid of the potion, “Uggh, I hathe thees slimy feelin’. ”

Everyone laughed, it was your turn now, so you bounced the ball on the table and somehow scored. “It's payback mopherfugher!” You said pointing at James, who took in the yellow potion in one gulp.

Out of literally nowhere, James Potter turned into a cow. You laughed historically as you heard him Mo, almost choking with your jelly mouth. “Thers a coow pothion?” You asked in between laughter.

Everyone in the room was laughing along, except for Lily next to you who looked mortified and James –the cow– who just mooed pathetically. And he would have to stay like that for a while.

Beth was next, she didn’t score. Sirius followed, and he didn’t score either. Marlene’s turn came again and he finally scored, having Minho take the potion this time. He got a potion that made his voice come out in a series of high-pitched squeaks and chirps, like a bird. You giggled along with everyone.

Sirius shot next and scored, having Holden take the potion, he drank the greenish liquid and shrugged, shaing his head as if nothing had happened. But when he opened his mouth a bubble floated from it, popping after it was just above everyone's head “I don’t think It had any effect,” the bubble said, finally letting Holden’s voice out. Everyone laughed. Then it was James’ turn. Beth moved a little to let the cow close to the table and placed the ball in its mouth. He let it go and it rolled pathetically on the table.

You pulled a face to him and grabbed the ball “Zorthy djaaames!” You said with a shrug and shot. You didn’t score. Beth took the ball and shot herself this time, scoring.

“You’ve-hic– been safe so far Lils –hic,” he said “Go –hic– ahead love!”

Lily looked at the yellow potion with a frown and reluctantly drank it. Then she started staggering, as if drunk “Everything’s spinning,” she complained, so you walked towards her to hold her. Maintaining her steady. She grabbed the ping pong ball and somehow scored, this time Marlene drank the potion and she started glowing, literally glowing, shining like a lightbulb.

A bubble came out of Holden’s mouth and popped “Wow Marlene! You really are the star of the party!” You laughed, your mouth was finally getting back to normal, and James turned human again, ending up sitting on the floor and mooing as he turned human.

He quickly stood up, stretching slightly before he grabbed the ball and shot, having it go straight into one of the cups, he then looked at Sirius “You haven’t taken anything, have you Pads?” You exhaled, thinking he would target you after you made him turn into a cow.

Sirius looked to the side but grabbed the vial with the black draught, drinking It in one sip. His hair suddenly turned red. He looked at James with an extremely distressed face “What have you done to me Prongs? You ruined my hair!”

Everyone stared quietly and you handed the ping pong ball to Minho, who probably tried to say thanks but chirped instead. He shot and missed. Beth took the ball next, and shot, right into a purple draught. He gave you a look. “How’s the jelly mouth love?”

“Almoth gone.”

“All right, go ahead then.”

You grabbed the mysterious looking potion and downed it in one go. Your face instantly lit up. giggle brew, you thought as a giggle escaped your mouth, you’d felt this before. A ticklish sensation spread all over your body, which caused another giggle to come out. Lily, who was still dizzy, turned to you with concern.

But her concerned face looked so hilariously amusing, that it caused you to burst into fits of giggles, too difficult to contain. Then, then you saw Sirius, the beautiful Sirius Black with his hair bright red, oh he’d hate it if someone took a picture. Someone should take a picture, you thought and looked around trying to find someone who would. And there you saw it, Alex, your Hufflepuff friend, had a Polaroid in his hands. So you turned to him with a smile and shouted “A picture–“ you said, bursting into a breathy laugh in the end “Take a picture Alex,” you said, turning to him, holding Lily and having Sirius and Minho turn to the camera. By the time Alex clicked on the camera button to snap the shot, you had managed to place Sirius’ arms over yours and Minho’s shoulders, your cheeks flushed with joy, and eyes sparkling with mirth.

When Alex handed you the picture you laughed again, you felt so much joy. The picture was absolutely hilarious and you laughed again as you looked at it. “Who’s turn is it now?” Asked James. Sirius grabbed the ball from your cup and took a shot, it landed right on a cup, splashing the two other cups left on his table, and you giggled again, finding it amusing.

“Who’s drinking it?” Asked Minho, he’d finally gotten his voice back, you giggled remembering the squeaks and chirps.

Beth did, and suddenly she was in slow motion, every movement seemed like it’d been slowed down, which only made you laugh even further. She took a shot and failed. Minho took the next shot and it landed on one of their cups. Marlene drank it and her tongue suddenly transformed into that of a snake. Hissing as she tried to speak. You tried not to laugh, you really did, it was her birthday after all, but you couldn’t suppress the wave of amusement that’d hit you and bursted into laughter again.

Lily shot and missed. Beth shot, in slow motion, and it hit right on the cup. You laughed again. Minho downed it since he was the only one not affected by a potion at the moment. Well, Sirius only had colourful hair, but he was making a drama about it. Minho started tap dancing the moment he took the drink and you giggled yet again.

Eventually, it was your turn again, and you landed the shot, effectively finishing the game. Beth walked towards you and placed a potion-shaped pin on your shirt. It said “Potion Master,” you giggled as you imagined yourself in Slughorn’s clothes, you couldn’t help it, all you felt was a state of sheer merriment and delight.

Everyone started to take the beans Beth had given them at the beginning. Lily went straight to sit down to try and get a sense of stability and Sirius’ hair turned back to normal. You got close to him and grabbed a strand. “It was cute in red too.”

He rose an eyebrow cockily, of course he would “Was it?”

“Yeah,” you said in between breathy laughs.

He grabbed your jaw in between his hands, you giggled when you felt his cold rings against your skin. “Open your mouth,” he ordered.

“Kinky!” you responded with a smile, but complied “AAAhhh.”

He instantly put the bean inside. You munched on it. Finally coming down from the high the potion had you in.

Then Sirius leaned closer, still with his hand on your cheeks “Now love, do you still want me to be kinky?”

You playfully pushed him back and used your finger to warn him “Don’t play games with me Black,” you said before walking towards Lily on the couch.

When you were finally sitting down you saw Peter coming in through the portrait with a huge cake in his hands. A girl making sure he didn’t trip accompanied him.

You smiled and started singing loudly “Happy birthday to you…”

Everyone started to sing along “Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday dear Marlene, Happy birthday to you…” Marlene hadn’t taken her bean, so she was still glowing like a fairy as she blew on the candles with everyone around her, you noticed a flash from the camera and once everyone was back in their seats as Peter and Remus helped cut the cake, you took the photo they’d taken during potion pong again.

You stared at it for a while, you looked so bloody happy it was insane “Did you like it?” Alex asked, approaching you.

“I absolutely love it!” You told him with a smile “ You can really tell I’m drinking giggle brew tho.”

He frowned, “I don’t think so,” he said, pulling out another picture from his pocket and handing it over. In this picture, you weren’t holding Lily yet, James was a cow and Sirius’ hair was black. Definitely, before you took the potion, but your smile, it was just as bright as in the other picture. You blinked a couple of times, looking at the picture and back at Alex “I regretted not being chosen to play,” he told you “You guys were having so much fun.”

“I’ll make sure Beth picks you next time. Can I keep this one too?”

“Hold up,” he said, grabbing it from your hands “Gemino,” he whispered, the picture split in two, creating identical copies. “I need to keep them for the yearbook.” He explained.

But you looked at him surprised. “You just… you just used a Gemino Curse.”

He smiled proudly, “You’ll see it in charms on 7th, It’s sooo useful.”

“I bet! Is it too hard? Could you teach me now?”

He seemed to think about it for a minute and nodded. Eventually, Mary came looking for you and dragged you to the table to get some more pictures taken along with the rest of the Gryffindor gang.

Once the party was over, most people were gone except a few of the older kids. That’s when Beth came down with another small box in her hands. “It’s time for the last game of the night,” she said with a smirk and pulled out a potion from the box.

“Is that… Veritaserum?” Asked Lily.

Beth nodded “Welcome to truth or dare, where absolutely no one can lie.”

Your draw dropped in shock “For real?” You asked, and Beth nodded.

“Come on, we’ll sit in a circle.” she said with a smile “Those brave enough, of course.”

“HOLD UP! What kind of dares?” You asked.

Lily turned to you. “Any kind of dare. Last time I had to levitate every single one of the objects in the room.”

“Yeah, this time might be a bit different. See everyone will write 3 dares and 3 questions on a piece of paper. And we’ll place them in these bowls,” she lifted a blue and a red bowl. “Then each turn you’ll choose truth or dare and pick one.”

“Aha,” you said and walked towards her “What’s your plan?” You mouthed.

“I’m playing matchmaker today,” she replied mischievously and nodded towards Marlene and Holden who were talking in the corner.

“I see,” you said with a smile, you decided you’d become her accomplice, making sure all the dares and questions you wrote were relatively romantic. Little did you know your matchmaking would bite you in the back. “Who else is playing?” You asked.

“I’m in,” said Lily walking to fill up some papers “Mary, Marlene?”

“We’re coming,” said Mary. Holden stayed by Marlene’s side and took some paper to fill out as well.

“I wouldn’t miss a good truth or dare,” said Sirius, pulling Remus along with him.

James and Peter joined you next, and eventually around 12 people had gathered along, all sitting in a circle. You sat right in between Lily and Sirius. Beth grabbed a glass and poured all the veritaserum inside, taking a sip and handing it over to the person next to her so they could do the same. Once everyone had taken a sip, the game started.

“Marlene, you’re the birthday girl, which means you go first,” she said looking straight at your friend, “truth or dare?”

Marlene, who was sitting in between James and Holden responded “Truth,” and then went to grab a paper from the red bowl “It says, Which Deathly Hallow would you choose if given the chance: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, or the Invisibility Cloak?” She seemed to think about it for a minute. “Easy, all the other brothers died, I’ll take the invisibility cloak.” She turned to her right “Holden, truth or dare?”

“Dare,” he said and grabbed a paper “Take a sip from the mystery potion left over from Potion Pong… How do I find that?”

“Oh,” said Beth pulling something out of her pockets “Here it is,” she handed it over with a smile.

Holden grabbed it and did what the potion told him “I think it did nothing,” he said, but then Marlene accidentally brushed her arm on his and he started laughing “Oh, stop, please! No tickles!”

Everyone looked at him confused and once he finally stopped laughing Beth spoke “Oh, Maybe it was Ticklemania.” She then turned to Tom, who sat next to Holden “Truth or dare?”

“Dare,” he responded and grabbed a piece of paper “Make a floating sculpture with items around the room, All right then, not that hard,” he said and started lifting random objects until he made a floating dolphin. “Your turn Beth.”

She went ahead and grabbed a dare “Take off a piece of clothing and switch it with the player next to you.” She nodded and took off her scarf, switching it with Lily’s headband.

Lily grabbed a dare “Kiss the player to your right –on the mouth– for 3 seconds.” She then turned to you “To kiss… to kiss her?” She asked, shocked.

Karma, you thought, you’d written that one. But if you called this one kiss off then all dares could be called off and your matchmaking would fail. So in order to succeed in this ordeal, you would have to kiss Lily. Not that you minded too much, Lily was very pretty, and she always smelled really nice too.

“It’s what the dare says.”

She exhaled but nodded “Ok,” she turned to you “Are you sure you’re ok with it?”

You nodded and you both leaned in, locking lips together. It was over quite fast and all you could think of after, to lighten the mood, was to joke about it “Great kisser Evans.”

She scoffed and lightly hit you in the arm “And you expected me to be bad? I’m offended!” You both laughed along after that. But it was your turn now.

Everyone seemed to be avoiding truth so far, and to be honest you also wanted to avoid it, especially since you’d written some of these questions and you definitely did not want to respond them. So you went for a dare. “Perform a spell or charm that can entertain the other players in the room.” You nodded and used a spell to puncture the balloons, causing them all to make a funny sound as they blew all over the room, you leaned down when one of them passed over your head. You smiled when it was done and made a bit of a bow before sitting back down.

“Sirius, Truth or dare?”

“Truth?” He said before grabbing one of the papers “Have you ever used magic for personal gain or to break the rules at Hogwarts? If so, explain the situation.” He laughed right after reading “Which one do I even say?”

“Oh, tell them about the clock,” said Peter.

“No, tell them about the time you got Peeves to help on a prank.”

“Yeah guys, go ahead please, continue telling everyone about ALL the pranks we DIDN’T get caught doing. What could go wrong?” Remus said exasperated.

“I know,” said Sirius “One time, we created a rainy cloud and enchanted it to follow around some disagreeable Slytherin students.”

Minho, the only Slytherin in the room, laughed first “Oh! That explains so much. Severus was so pissed that day, but he had no way of proving it was you.”

Sirius nodded, surprisingly, even if Minho was a Slytherin they seemed to be pretty good friends. Maybe it was because they were both beaters. What you didn’t know is that Minho had been the one to help them get the alcoholic beverages, since he was in 7th and had already turned of legal age, all the Marauders had become his friends like that.

“All right, Moons, your turn,” Said Sirius.

“Dare,” he responded without beating an eyelash and grabbed a piece of paper “Give a 10-minute foot massage to the person on your left?”

You laughed when Sirius threw him a teasing look.

“A FOOT MASSAGE FOR PADFOOT?! WHO EVEN WROTE THIS DARES?”

“Who cares? I get a free massage,” said Sirius as he was unlacing his boots. Remus sighed. Finally, Sirius took his boot off, showing a pair of colourful Gryffindor-themed socks. That’s what you call commitment to a brand, you thought. Sirius then turned his feet towards Remus and let his head fall on your leg “Do you mind?” He asked looking up at you, you could see his dark lashes framing his stunning icy blue eyes, but also noticed how he asked after he had already gotten himself all comfortable.

“No really,” you replied, and he nodded in response, closing his eyes as Remus started rubbing his feet. And damn were you a little jealous as you saw Remus pressing his strong hands on Sirius’s feet, he was clearly, really good at massaging. Sirius’ face told you everything.

Then it was Imogen’s turn, a Hufflepuff girl you’d shared classes with before. She was very smart, you remembered. She picked truth and grabbed a paper “Fuck, Mary, Kill: Slughorn, Kettleburn and Nightshade.” She said, “Ummm… I’d murder Slugorn, fuck Kettleburn and Mary Nightshade.”

“You’d fuck Kettlebrun?!” Asked Beth shocked.

“Between him and Slughorn? Every single time!” Imogen responded.

“And you’d marry Nightshade?” Asked Peter.

“Who wouldn’t marry Nightshade?”

You nodded to what Imogen was saying “No, no, Imogen has a point,” you said pointing a finger at her “Seraphina is stunning.” Sirius looked at you with a raised eyebrow, he still lied his head on your right leg “She has this grace to her, she’s like a ballerina.”

“She was a ballerina,” Said James as he munched on something.

“Really? How do you know?”

“She’s friends with our parents,” explained Peter, and grabbed a paper himself. He also chose truth “Do you like anyone? If so, say who it is.” Peter was instantly red and looked around as if checking if a particular person was still in the room, he took a deep breath once he was sure, and let himself speak “Yes there is, it’s this very pretty Ravenclaw girl from Fifth called Annabeth.”

“Annie Doxon?” Beth jumped from her seat “You have a crush on my cousin?!” Peter nodded, still shy. “Ok then, you break her heart, I break your nose.” Peter nodded, he knew Beth wouldn’t be too excited about it anyway “But I’m happy, at least you’re a good guy, I’m sure you’ll treat her well,” she cheered “Potter, you’re up.”

James grabbed a dare and after reading it out loud he tied his shirt over his belly and started belly dancing as best of his ability allowed him. And surprisingly, he was actually pretty good at it, which had everyone laughing. You leaned over to Lily, careful not to disturb Sirius, whose hair you’d started playing with at some point and whispered “Bet he’s got some sick moves in the bedroom too,” she gasped and hit you lightly, turning red as a tomato. Which just caused you to laugh even more, Lily was definitely going to end up with James Potter. And they’d probably have the cutest children.

Eventually, it was Marlene’s turn again, she chose dare and ended up giving Holden a massage, and Holden had to hold hands with her for the rest of the game when he got his dare. By the time Mary was taking her paper, the sand clock you’d set to measure the 10 minutes Remus would rub Sirius’ feet was over and he shoved Sirius’ feet off his lap.

“Oi, a bit more careful there Moony!” He complained as he finally sat up straight again.

“Yeah?, well I’ve had enough of your stinky feet,” Remus retorted.

“Take that back, My feet are NOT stinky!” He then turned to you “Are they Love?”

“Sirius, no matter how much I appreciate you, I will not be smelling your feet.”

He pouted and was about to speak again but got interrupted by Mary “Fuck James, marry Remus, Kill Sirius,” she said carelessly.

“Who put our names in the–“ Remus started.

“–You’d kill me? But I’m beautiful!” Sirius gasped.

“I wouldn’t wanna deal with the drama,” she responded simply.

“And I’m certain I’d be a better lay than Prongs too.”

“You wish,” James snapped and threw a pillow he had at Sirius’ face.

“LOOKS LIKE IT’S MY TURN!” Said Tom with his hands extended to the sides to get everyone's attention. He took a truth as well. “Name a teacher you’d hate to see naked and a teacher you’d like to see naked. WHO WROTE THIS?! You guys are sick. I’d hate to see Slughorn naked. I’d like to…” he shuddered “I don’t want to see any teacher naked.”

“You have to name someone,” argued Imogen.

“But–“

“Name it, Name it, Name it,” everyone started to choir.

“Professor Spellman?”

“Profesor Spellman!?” Asked Peter confused.

Tom shrugged, “I bet he’s ripped under those robes.”

Everyone laughed. On Beth’s turn, she had to do a cartwheel and then it was Lily’s turn, she went straight for a dare “Kiss for 30 seconds, whoever is in front of you,” she said looking up from her seat and discovering it was none-other than James Potter.

You tried to hold a laugh. And patted her on the back, she turned to Beth distressed “Can’t I just Kiss (Y/N) again?”

“Can’t stop thinking of me, huh?” You teased with your eyebrows raised, Sirius’ personality was rubbing on you. She gave you a reproachful look, as if asking for help.

“Rules are rules love,” said Beth and motioned for Lily and James to get closer together. She awkwardly did, James just stood in his place, frozen in shock.

“I– I’m gonna start, m’kay?” She asked James.

He nodded awkwardly, and in an instant, they were locking lips. Their kiss was nothing like yours and Lily’s, just a peck and then done, no, they were kissing. James had even grabbed Lily by the waist and pulled her closer at some point. Those thirty seconds were up, and you were sure they were still kissing. But eventually, Lilly broke this kiss off, clearing her throat and crawled back to her seat next to you.

You turned to her “You good?” You asked with concern. She nodded a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. You smiled and grabbed your paper.

“Sit on the lap of the player to your right for the rest of the game.” You read, with a bit of a frown “Seat on the lap of–?”

“–Sirius Black.” Finished Lily.

“Don’t you…?” You were about to ask, but Sirius had already accommodated himself and waited for you with open arms and a welcoming smile. Of course Sirius wouldn’t mind, he was Mr. Flirt after all. “Kay then,” you said and moved to his lap. He held you by the waist and set his head on your neck.

“Mind passing over a dare paper?” He asked.

You leaned in and grabbed one and opened it for him “Let a player draw something on your arm,” you read.

He shrugged and handed you his arm. “There you go love, draw me a Picasso.”

“I could just draw a dick,” you teased.

He nudged you with his head “Draw something nice, would ya? I’ll leave it on all week if you do.”

You raised an eyebrow and nodded as you used your wand to bring your quill and ink closer, dipping your quill in the dark ink and drawing on Sirius’ arm.

“We’re almost out of papers,” said Beth as she leaned over the two bowls.

“We should probably end soon anyway,” Lily said, stretching her arms, “It’s getting kinda late.”

“What’s it gonna be Rem? Truth or dare?” Asked Beth.

“Dare,” he chose again, not even thinking about it, he leaned over and grabbed a paper, looking visibly pale as he read. Not that you noticed, you were very focused on Sirius’ arm.

“Well then? What does it say?” Asked Beth.

Remus didn’t say a word. Imogen grabbed the paper from his hand and read it “Kiss the person to your left for one minute straight.” The second those words left her mouth your pen went completely sideways, leaving a straight line in the middle of your drawing, you looked up, alarmed.

“But… there’s two people on Remus’ left,” Imogen continued.

“Three people kiss?” said Beth as an option.

“Three people kiss? What on earth is that?!” Asked Remus alarmed.

“It’d be too awkward for a minute straight,” said Imogen as she shook her head with a soft tsk, she wasn’t convinced.

“Pick one then,” Beth said with a shrug.

“Well, it’s obvious, (Y/N), she’s the girl.” Said Peter.

“But I had to kiss her too, that doesn’t matter in this game,” argued Lily.

“And Sirius was to his left originally,” chimed Holden.

Remus’ eyes darted from one person to the other, looking further mortified at the second. “Let’s just wand, potion, spell it,” you intervened “Destiny chooses instead, how does that sound?” Remus looked at you and nodded.

“Well then,” you shifted on Sirius’ lap so you could see him directly, “Ready?”

“Do we do it in the first result or two out of three?” He asked.

“I– I don’t know… Rem?”

“Two out of three.”

“Well then, it’s settled.”

The two of you positioned your right hand on top of your left “Wand, Potion, Spell.” You said together. Sirius’ hand turned into a fist with his thumbs up, Potion, beating your extended palm, spell.

“Ok, again,” he said.

“Wand, Potion, Spell.” You repeated this time you chose spell, beating his wand.

You gave him a look, Remus was still holding his breath right next to the two of you.

“Again.”

“Wand, Potion, Spell.” You both choose spell. “Wand, Potion, Spell.” You both picked wand.

“Sirius!” You complained.

“Not doing it on purpose luv!” He argued back.

“Ok, this is the one, ready?” He nodded.

“Wand, Potion, Spell.” Sirius chose spell, you chose potion.

“(Y/N) Won,” said Beth, “It’s settled then, go ahead.”

You threw her a look “I’m gonna end up kissing the entire circle with this game,” you complained as you tried to move off Sirius, but he tightened his hold on your waist.

“Gotta stay here till the end of the game, remember?” He asked, not allowing you to budge. You turned to him with a frown.

“He’s right, if you get off you’ll get a penalty,” agreed Imogen.

You gave him a confused look and he just shrugged, “Rules are rules.”

Remus moved closer instead “You sure you’re ok with it?” He asked, sincerity in his voice as he stared at you, faces inches away from each other. You nodded and closed the gap between the two of you.

As your lips met Remus', you instinctively placed your right hand on his shoulder to steady yourself, Sirius' hands remained securely wrapped around your waist, you could feel his subtle shifts beneath you as you continued to kiss his friend. The nature of the situation made you wonder if you had ever found yourself in such an uncomfortable scenario before. No, not that –it was weird– but it wasn’t particularly uncomfortable, in fact, Remus’ kiss was quite nice.

It was delicate and it was sweet. Remus tasted of chocolate and rum, and you let yourself enjoy the moment, you were sure Sirius was intently staring at the both of you, you wondered what he was thinking as you felt the muscles of his tights tense, and relax. As you explored the gentle rhythm of Remus’ kiss, any apprehension dissipated, replaced by a growing sense of ease, even with Sirius staring at the two, it was strangely enjoyable. The gentleness of Remus' lips against yours seemed to resonate both affection and curiosity, you wondered if he was being gentle because that was in his nature, if he was being gentle because it was you he was kissing, or perhaps because you were in the middle of a dare, and that’s what would be expected of him.

Eventually, the last drop of sand from the hourglass reached the bottom, and it emitted a soft sound. You and Remus finally separated, looking at each other with breaths slightly heavy, both attempting to regain your composure. Once you caught your breath you decided you had to do something to ease the situation, or something. So you channelled your inner Sirius Black and reacted as he would, you smirked; “Well then Remus, thank you for that delightful kiss, love that you put in an effort even if it was just a dare, anyway, who’s next? I really can’t be the only one who keeps kissing everyone around me, can I?” People laughed at your reaction, Remus was shaking his head with a small smile slipping from his lips, maybe he had kissed Sirius in the end.

Sirius leaned into your ear, whispering “Smooth way to divert the tension luv,” he whispered as Imogen grabbed a paper, and you gulped as Sirius' breath brushed your neck.

“It’s me,” said Imogen, still processing how you’d been so brave to kiss a boy while sitting on another’s lap. She wanted to be like you when she grew older “It says: If you could be anyone in this room, who would it be?” She seemed to think about it for a second “I mean… right at this moment? (Y/N), she’s gotten the most action tonight.”

You laughed, reclining against Sirius unconsciously, “Well, then, switch with me,” you told her as a joke, but you felt Sirius’ hold tighten, as if reproachful.

Peter leaned in for a paper “Give your best friend a lap dance.” He read. “What?! Who wrote this?” You laughed, at least you hadn’t gotten that one.

“Get up Jaaaames,” you heard Sirius say in a sing-song voice from behind. He pulled a chair with magic to the centre of the circle and set the record player to “Love to Love You Baby” by Donna Summer.

James sat on the chair with a smile as Peter stood up, walking in front of James and started to dance. Peter was not vibing with the song or the dare for that matter. But he pulled through, even with Sirius’ constant teasing “Come on Pete, you’re not getting tips tonight if you don’t put in an effort!”

You eventually joined the teasing too, whistling as Sirius continued talking. Once the song was over Peter went instantly back to his place, hiding his entire face between his hands and questioning all the life decisions that had led him to that moment.

There was only one paper left, and it was James' turn. He leaned in and grabbed the truth paper “Have you ever had a crush on anyone in this circle?” He read, and then he nodded “Of course I have. But you all know who it is already.”

Lily coughed several times “Well, game’s over,” she said as she stood up and pulled Marlene towards the fire with her “We should sleep soon, so go ahead, time to open the gifts.”

Marlene raised an eyebrow at her, she just shrugged. You, like the good friend you were, decided to tease her further, finally leaving Sirius’ lap and walking behind her “Wow, Lils, never seen you run from a situation faster than that.”

“Shut it, luv.” She Told you and pulled you to sit on the sofa, the rest followed you seconds after, all walking towards the comfortable living room-like setup in front of the sofa. Once everyone was comfortable, Beth urged Marlene to sit on the rug in front of everyone to open her gifts. She’d gotten a quill set from her parents, a magical chess set, an enchanted journal, some fun jewellery, the Jersey you’d gotten her and many other things.

You all sat comfortably in front of the fire as she continued opening her gifts.

You leaned down next to her when she opened a box with bright red wrapping “Is that quidditch polish set?” You asked with a smile “That’s brilliant!”

“Thanks,” said James, of course, he would have been the one to give her that “now you can be the fastest beater.”

Sirius looked at him with a shrug and hit him on the arm with the back of his hand in a reproachful manner “Way to drag your friend down, mate!”

“Hmmm… there’s only one way to find out,” Marlene said with a shrug “A race…” she smirked at the last bit.

You looked at her and then back at Sirius, eyebrows raised slightly and nodding along with Marlene “AND you know, Sirius Black does owe me race…”

He looked at you with an amused look on his face, his eyes shining at the dare “You’re on.”

Series Masterlist | Next Chapter

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Raead more Marauders Fiction

A/N: I swear this has been one of my favourite chapters to write so far. What was our dear Sirius thinking when he stared at you? What was Remus thinking? So much drama I love this sm. Some interesting things are coming soon, stay tuned lovelies <3

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staytinyville · 1 year ago

Text

Yunho

PLEASE REFER TO MASTERLIST TO GET FULL TAROT READING EXPERIENCE

↣ Summary: You are invited to Idol Radio with Yunho and Hongjoong to talk about your new album! Yunho tells you that they’ll support you in everything you do.

↣ Characters/Pairing: Jeong Yunho x gn!reader ; a touch of ot8

↣ Genre: Fluff

↣ AU/Trope info: idol!au

↣ Word Count: 985

↣ Warnings: None

↣ A/N: Honestly I was close to making you part of a group but thought against it. LOL I have like a fictional girl group that’s signed with KQ. I love them so much. Yunho is such a lovely boy and he deserves the world. WHICH IS WHY HE GOT THIS CARD.

THE WORLD

Completion, Integration, Accomplishment, Travel

The world is a card that tells you the journey you have been traveling has come to an end and you now feel accomplished with what you have done. In whatever journey it is you have been going through—college, marriage, pregnancy, partnership—the adventure you have taken has ended and now you are relishing in the results.

This card is meant to tell you now is the time reflect on the journey and know that what you have gotten in the end was due to the hard work you put into it all. And if you are not at the end quite yet this is your sign to say is coming close!

The world is always spinning to bring about night and day. Because of this the day is completed. Just like that, so is your journey of hard work ( or it’s going to be). This card can also mean travel!

XXI THE WORLD

You waved with both hands to the camera with a smile on your face. You felt at ease knowing that your label mates were sitting next to you to do the interview. You were invited for season three of Idol Radio with Yunho and Hongjoong as the hosts and were so excited to get the chance to talk freely with them and laugh while the fans listened in.

“You have come out with your 3rd full length album, which is something you are very passionate about.” Hongjoong grinned at you, pulling your attention back to them.

“Yes, yes!” You beamed. “It has been a project I started on since the very beginning—I wanted to make sure each song was what I was made of rather than creating music with other people where it's a mixture.” You explained.

“Don't get me wrong, I love working with you, Maddox, and Eden–but this gave me more satisfaction because it's what I enjoy writing about.” You laughed as Hongjoong grinned.

You were the second person to become a trainee under KQ. While you had debuted as a solo artist, you worked closely with Hongjoong in creating music that you found a passion for. Each song most of you write usually had each other’s names in the production credits. But with your newest work, you spent a good majority working on it alone.

“There are a lot of emotional songs about different things in your album, for sure.” Yunho told you. “You talk about friendships that last a lifetime, your days that aren't the brightest, the idea of breaking out from normal standards, and of course a lot about love.”

“For you, what made you write those things to experience emotions like that?” A blush overtook your face as Yunho kept his eyes on you.

You could see the proud look behind his eyes and the kind smile he gave you melted your heart. He knew the story behind every one of the songs on the album–especially the loved ones. They were about him, after all. But he wasn’t exactly able to boast about it.

“I was a trainee alongside you guys, and it was a bit tough because I didn't feel like I was up to standard when you debuted and I was still trying my hardest.” You answered. “But in the end it really paid off because now as a soloist I'm not tied to creating an image for other people as well. It's a lonely road, I won't doubt it, but I had you all, so it wasn't so bad.”

“We love you too, (Y/N).” Hongjoong laughed, a large smile on his face as he thought about his time spent with someone like you.

“There is a lot I wish I could say about ATEEZ, but all I'll stick to is that they are the most talented group of performers I know and they make me want to become better for not only my fans but for myself.” You spoke into the microphone, looking out the window and to the fans that were watching. “I am where I am today because of them.”

“(Y/N).” A pout was on the tall boy’s lips as he took in your words.

“Yunho!” You cried out, giggling as he looked close to tears. “Awe, nooo.” You quickly stood up on instinct, pushing your chair back.

“(Y/N)!” Yunho faked cried, standing up as well to meet you halfway.

“Yunho!” You laughed, pulling him into a hug.

“(Y/NNNN)!” He fake cried even louder, wrapping his arms around your body as he picked you up, so he didn’t have to bend down.

“Yunhooooo!” You mocked him, sticking your head into his shoulder as the giggles fell from your lips.

He swayed you for a moment before finally setting you down as laughs seemed to be heard around the studio. You looked up at Yunho, his large body covering you from the prying eyes of the fans. And that was good for the both of you because the look he gave you made you want to actually cry.

His eyes were so soft as he kept the words in. He wanted to tell you so much in that moment but knew it had to wait. All of you were trained to not do those kinds of things in public. But you knew with the look he gave you just exactly what it was he meant.

The rest of the show was spent joking and telling stories about your days as trainees. You also talked a bit about ATEEZ comeback and did some of their challenges, while they did yours. You were sure at one point or another the fans would find out that Yunho and you liked each other somehow with how much you both looked at each other. But that was for another day.

Once you were all out of the studio and from the prying eyes of the fans, on the other side of the window, Yunho was quick to stop you in your tracks from behind as he wrapped his arms around you.

“Don't make me cry like that in front of the cameras!” He joked, giving your cheek a wet, sloppy kiss.

“I'm sorry, Yuyu!” You laughed, rubbing your cheek against his to wipe the spit off. “Kith?” You said silly, pouting your lips as you waited for him.

He grinned widely, leaning down to give you what you wanted. Instead of pulling away, he placed his forehead against yours, smiling. “You worked hard for this. I'm proud of you.” He told you.

There was so much that led you to this moment. Each one of the boys made you feel content in what you were doing. Just like you helped them to reach this point, they helped you reach yours. You loved what you did. And you were very satisfied with the trip there.

“Thank you.”

Tags : @cultofdionysusnet , @wonderlandnet , @pirateeznet , @k-vanity ,

#cultofdionysusnet #k vanity #wonderlandnet #pirateeznet #ateez x reader #ateez #ateez fanfic #ateez fic #ateez imagines #yunho ateez #jeong yunho #ateez yunho #yunho x reader #yunho #jeong yunho x reader #yunho x you #yunho x y/n #tarot

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tedelunazz · 2 years ago

Text

march 7th, dainsleif and al haitham

synopsis: some genshin guys with a reader with the personality of march 7th from honkai star rail

warnings: these days i was not active i saw so much honkai star rail content and i was so in love with the game, especially march 7th, kafka and the female mc.

although kafka reminds me a little bit of makima btw hope you enjoy this writing

AL HAITHAM

Al haitham didn't understand you most of the time, he thinks you are one of the most complicated people he has ever met, even though you get excited easily with anything you see and get happy when you learn something new, despite all that, he thinks you are complicated.

"He'll take a picture of everything that's new to me so I'll never forget it!" That's what you once said to one of the wise men who questioned you for always taking pictures, he thought you looked so sincere yet melancholic when you said those words.

"Not many know, actually, only a few sages of the Akademiya know, who were the ones who found me." Al haitham only listened to you speak as he continued to read his book." They told me I was wrapped in giant ice, it took them too long to get me out of there. They thought I was already dead when they finally managed to get me out of the ice, but surprisingly I was still alive."

You continued talking while looking at the starry sky through the window of Al Haitham's house.

"When I woke up, they asked me who I was and where I came from." For a few seconds your voice became weak but you quickly pulled yourself together. "I answered that I didn't know and that I didn't remember anything. At first I felt so sad and frustrated, as if my existence had been snatched from my own hands.

Al Haitham nodded, as he did this he put his book down on the table and discreetly took your camera that you had left on the table, he slowly approached you who were at the window.

"But after a few days, I decided that I would always carry a camera with me, hoping to find a photo to help me remember my past." You smiled to yourself. " And that day, that's when I was born again. "

You heard the sound of your camera activating and quickly turned to meet Al Haitham who was holding out a freshly taken photo along with your camera.

"Y/n, I hope you find the answers you seek. I know what you will. "

You were stunned and looked at the picture he had just taken, it was a picture of him.

Your eyes were beginning to fill with tears.

"Thank you, Al Haitham. I promise I will never forget you."

DAINSLEIF

You were like two lost children, one on one side looking to rescue the person you once wandered around Teyvat with and on the other side was the other person, who desperately wanted to find something that would help her remember her past.

You don't remember very well when you started wandering with Dainsleif around Teyvat, you vaguely have the memory of him touching your forehead with the palm of his hand and you hitting him to get him to move away from you. You don't have many memories of the first moments you spent with him, you only know that he allowed you to travel with him on the condition that you don't interfere with his plans and he won't interfere with yours.

They were simple, weren't they?

"Dain, do you think the person you follow would let me take a picture of him?"

Your question caught him off guard as they walked into Stormterror's Lair.

"What's with that question?" To your taste Dainsleif sounded a bit cold but you had grown accustomed to his tone of voice, cold and colorless.

"I suppose a picture of that person would make you happy. I may not know a lot of things about me or you but I'm sure that would make you very happy. " Dainsleif stopped walking and you bumped into his back." That hurt, Dain."

At times like this, Dainsleif didn't know what to say, mostly he never knew what to say to you when you asked these kinds of questions and just kept telling you "No". That's what he did the first time you asked him to let you take his picture, he said no and you haven't stopped insisting since.

Is that why you want to take a picture of Lumine? To give it to him? You're so weird, you get excited about simple and mundane things, you get excited every time you see a Crystal Lily in Liyue or when they come to Stormterror's Lair. Even when you went down to Sima and had your little adventure with a certain blonde-haired traveler and her floating friend, even there you were excited.

"I don't need a picture of her." Was all he merely said.

Dainsleif said this as he stopped turning his back to you and stared at you, "I don't need a picture of her or anything else in this world."

"I see." Your answer was just as short. "I guess you have a very good memory and don't forget anything."

In Dainsleif's perspective you looked a little sad when he said those words but he wasn't going to comfort you because he didn't intend to hurt you with what he said either.

"But you know, I do need a picture of what's important. "Dainsleif watched as you slowly picked up your camera that was strapped to your right side so you would never forget it!".

You were faster than him or maybe he didn't want to stop you, neither of you will ever know.

And so, you took your first your first picture with your traveling companion, with Dainsleif.

"I'll keep our first picture, okay?! You get to keep the others."

Dainsleif thought you looked brighter for a few moments but kept it to himself and kept walking, with you keeping pace with him.

#dainsleif #genshin impact #fanfiction #genshin impact x reader #al haitham x y/n #al haitham x reader #dainsleif x y/n #dainsleif x reader #honkai star rail #march 7th #al haitham #lumine

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rhys-ravenfeather · 1 year ago

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In Defense Of Kevin McCalister

WARNING: Super long, pointless rant/character analysis about a now 33-year-old movie coming up.

You have been warned.

Also, disclaimer: it has been years at this point since I've seen Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and I'm like 99% sure that Home Alone 4 is set in the Bizarro Universe, given that all the original characters are played by new actors. So I won't be counting the events from either of those movies for this post, just the first movie. Also, for that reason I'm just going to keep referring to Marv and Harry as the 'Wet Bandits' throughout this whole post, instead of going back and forth between calling them that and the Sticky Bandits.

Anyway! It's December now, and I think at this point everyone and their dog theorizing about how Kevin is a psychopath, or sociopath, or grew up to be Jigsaw (no, really, for those who don't know that IS an actual theory) because of the torture he put the Wet Bandits through is almost as much a holiday tradition as actually watching the movie.

But I finally got to rewatch the movie recently, and I have a few thoughts.

I. The McCallisters

So um, I don't know about you guys, but from what we see of the entire extended McCallister family at the beginning of the movie, they kinda seem like a lowkey toxic bunch:

Okay, maybe 'toxic' is a bit much--to their credit, there are a lot of extra people in that house, they're about to go abroad for a trip, so it's not surprising that everyone would be stressed out and tensions are running high.

But that doesn't make their behavior right.

Early on, we see the family, kids included, pushing their stress and misery onto each other, and especially onto Kevin. Granted, Kevin himself is kind of a brat at the start of the movie, but guess what?

He's still an eight-year-old kid.

He's the youngest, at least in his immediate family, and the whole night he's either ignored by the adults, insulted by his siblings and cousins, no one bothers to help him pack, and he's told he'll have to bunk with his cousin, who is a bed-wetter. That's a LOT for a kid to deal with, and with everything piling up, can you really blame him for snapping over something as simple as a cheese pizza?!?!?

So to sum up: This eight-year-old boy spends the entire night getting dumped on and looked down on by all his older family members, and in the one moment he finally dares to retaliate, it results in a mess that gets all of them even angrier at him, and he's sent to his room angry and upset, and feeling like all of them hate him.

You're really going to tell me that none of you ever had an experience like this with your families as a kid????????

Can you really blame him for wishing his family away after a night like that?!?!?

Also just a quick side note: Someone else pointed out that, well, Kevin thought he made his family disappear. So it's not really surprising that the kid would probably think he's tough enough to take on two grown adults after that.

Now, that all being said, let's talk about:

II. The Wet Bandits

Look, I'm not going to act like I didn't wince watching some of the torture Marv and Harry went through, especially Marv stepping on nails and Christmas ornaments...talk about agony of the feet (don't boo me, that's the actual trope name!)

But there's one teeny, tiny little thing I think most people tend to overlook when talking about these guys, and the hell they went through...

MARV AND HARRY ARE CRIMINALS.

We literally start the movie with Harry pretending to be a cop to get information on the McCallister's home, and their security defenses, so that he can rob the place with Marv later.

And okay, to their credit, it's not like the pair start off trying to hurt Kevin right off the bat.

Doesn't change the fact that they were still planning to rob his home, and very likely WOULD hurt him if/when they found him in the house they were planning to rob.

And yeah yeah, the McCallisters seem to live in a rich neighborhood, and seem very well-off themselves, but you can't tell me that you would see THIS outside your house:

And NOT get scared, especially if you were a small child left at home with no family to help and protect you.

Kevin doesn't go full Jigsaw on them right away--in this scene, after tricking the pair into leaving by turning the lights on, he runs and hides under the bed, like the scared child that he is.

To address another post that I've seen once--'KeViN cOuLd HaVe CaLlEd ThE pOlIcE aNy TiMe!' No. He couldn't have. The phone lines were down.

Also, the police, for most of the movie, seem uncaring at best--when his mother calls the police to get them to check on her son, they all but roll their eyes when talking to this worried, scared mother who wants to make sure her son is safe, and while a police officer DOES come to check on the kid eventually, Kevin is still too scared from seeing the burglars to answer the door. Because, again, he is a confused, scared child.

And again, the very first 'police officer' we see in this movie is revealed to be one of the very criminals trying to rob his house.

And yet, when the kid accidentally steals a toothbrush (because he was scared of his neighbor, who was in the store with him), a cop goes after him.

Oh yeah, and it's not like Kevin goes full torture technician on the Wet Bandits the SECOND time they come around either--just uses a lot of dummies, cut-outs, and strings, as well as Christmas music, to make it seem like the house is full of people.

Then the Wet Bandits find out they've been had.

And it's then, and ONLY THEN, that Kevin turns his house into a Saw trap--remember, these grown men are dangerous criminals who fully intended to rob his place, and again, it's not a stretch of the imagination to think that, even though they didn't want to hurt him originally, they wouldn't have ANY PROBLEM WHATSOEVER doing so when they came to his house again after finding out that he tricked them.

TL;DR: KEVIN WAS A LITERAL CHILD WHO WAS LEFT TO FEND FOR HIMSELF AGAINST TWO BAD PEOPLE WHO WOULD HAVE HURT HIM, OR *WORSE* IF GIVEN THE CHANCE JUST TO GET WHAT THEY WANTED, AND WAS JUST TRYING TO PROTECT HIMSELF.

#rhys-ravenfeather signing on #home alone #yeah sorry i know this is dumb but honestly?#those 'kevin is a sadistic xyz' comments/theories are getting old #also yeah i definitely give the mom credit for doing everything she could to get home to her son #i will also acknowledge that parts of this post might be a bit disjointed and there might be some things i'm missing #feel free to correct me on some things or debate me #i just had to put this out there

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acacia-may · 2 years ago

Note

Langris for the "Penny for your thoughts" 🥰

(I might just drop by again for something self-indulgent, but you should also get a treat 😤❤️🔥 (chance to talk about your faves))

Aww thank you so much, Laura! You're so sweet, and I really appreciate the opportunity to talk about my faves! 💖 (And yes please feel free to drop in anytime with self-indulgent asks. I'm always happy to get those as well! 🥰)

(Warnings: Vague discussion/mention of childhood trauma & toxic home environment)

Goodness where I do I even begin with Langris? He is just such a complicated character. I absolutely detested him in the beginning--just couldn't stand him. My sister and I used to make insulting jokes about him whenever he appeared. (My favorite was he had some line about a competition, and my sister basically screams at the tv, "Your face is a competition!" 😂 Clearly, we had way too much fun watching this...) Anyway, as much as I really didn't like Langris at first, I always got the feeling that he was also a victim. The bits and pieces of what we saw of House Vaude and the lord and lady were just so toxic that I knew there was no way that Langris didn't also suffer from growing up in that hellscape. And I like that the story actually went into that and established that Langris also suffered in House Vaude just in a different way than Finral.

On the surface, it might look like Ledior and Liliane loved Langris, but they didn't. They withheld their "love" on the condition that he live up to their unrealistic expectations of perfection, so in response, Langris began looking for his entire self-worth in being the "perfect son" and this powerful magic knight when actually for all of his bravado surrounding his successes and this arrogance with which he carries himself masks the fact that he is deeply, deeply insecure. What's so interesting is that he has been told his whole life by his parents that he is the superior brother because he has the more powerful magic and is more ambitious, successful, and responsible ect., but on the inside, it's almost as if Langris knows that he isn't successful in the things that really matter: being personable, making friends, and building meaningful relationships. These interpersonal skills are things that Finral has always really excelled at whereas Langris is more awkward and it doesn't come easily for him to open up to people. And I think we see in his flashbacks at the Royal Knights' Exam especially, that this weighs very heavily on him.

I think there's definitely a part of Langris that is still this sad little boy who just wants to be unconditionally loved. It's like an empty space in him that he tries to fill with accomplishments and achievements hoping that someday he will finally be enough. When the real tragedy is that, I think, deep down Langris feels that he'll never be enough--that there's something wrong with him that makes him unlovable, so he kind of closes his heart off to others because he's terrified of what he considers inevitable rejection. I really think that one of his biggest fears is that if he let someone close enough to him to see who he is beyond his achievements, they won't like what they see.

And to me, this is one of his main issues with his brother--he can't wrap his mind around how Finral could love him with no conditions and no strings attached. It's almost like he's closing the door to building that sibling relationship because he's waiting for the other shoe to drop and for his brother to leave again. (A/N: Of course, Finral leaving had nothing to do with Langris in the first place but that's another discussion topic).

I really think that Langris is very tortured emotionally, but what I love about him is that in spite of all of that, he has such a deep capacity for love. He is willing to sacrifice everything he worked for his entire life (and on a certain level his entire sense of identity), so that his brother and Lady Finesse can have the chance to be happy. He can really be such a tsundere about how much he cares, but I think you'd would be hard pressed to find another character who has shown so much selfless devotion. And I absolutely love those moments where he shows his softer, gentler side, though I wish there were more of them. 💖

As for songs, I have a lot that make me think of Langris, and I think I may have talked about this one before but I've picked the song "Three" by Sleeping at Last because it's just such a Langris song to me. I mean the first lines are literally: "Maybe I've done enough, and your golden child grew up. Maybe this trophy isn't real love, and with or without it, I'm good enough." I think it also just perfectly encapsulates how I personally see Langris as a character. He is this overachieving perfectionist who is secretly deeply wounded and insecure because he fears he will never measure up not only to the expectations of perfections others put on him but also to the expectations he puts on himself. I think that as hard as Langris can be on other people, he's even harder on himself, and he is really on this great character journey where he is beginning to realize that with or without his accomplishments and achievements, he is worthy of love. [Also, I just want him and his brother to get along! Come on boys! 💚💙]

Sleeping At Last - "Three" (Official Lyric Video) - YouTube

Thanks again for the ask and for playing my Penny for Your Thoughts ask game! 💖

#langris vaude #my boy 💙#yes i am a langris vaude sympathizer #thanks for the ask!#laura 🧡#feel free to stop back by friend ❤️‍🔥#penny for your thoughts asks

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colloquialbitchisms · 1 year ago

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SONGS FROM MY OC'S PLAYLIST THAT VIBE A LITTLE TOO HARD — PART 2

RED — TAYLOR SWIFT

“loving him is like driving a new maserati down a dead end street.” “loving him is like trying to change your mind once you're already flying through the free fall.” “losing him was blue, like i'd never known.” “missing him was dark gray, all alone.” “forgetting him was like trying to know somebody you never met.” “loving him was red.” “remembering him comes in flashbacks and echoes.” “moving on from him is impossible when i still see it all in my head.”

POMPEII — BASTILLE

“i was left to my own devices.” “the walls kept tumbling down.” “does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?” “how am i going to be an optimist about it?” “we were caught up and lost in all of our vices.” “where do we begin?”

LOST BOY — RUTH B

“there was a time when i was alone, with nowhere to go & no place to call home.” “i am a lost boy from neverland.” “as we soared about the town that never loved me, i realized i finally had a family.” “you are now my home sweet home.” “neverland is home to lost boys like me.”

TEETH — 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER

“you talk so pretty, but your heart's got teeth.” “then you turn into somebody i don't know.” “and you push me away.” “i don't know if i'm gonna make it out alive.” “you're looking at me like you don't know who i am.”

HEATHENS — TWENTY-ONE PILOTS

“please don't make any sudden moves.” “you don't know half of the abuse.” “you'll never know the psychopath sitting next to you.” “you'll never know the murdered sitting next to you.” “we don't deal with outsiders very well.” “you have trust issues.” “i tried to warn you just to stay away.” “it looks like you might be one of us.”

ALIVE — SIA

“i was born in a thunderstorm.” “i grew up overnight.” “i survived.” “i wore envy and i hated that.” “i had a one-way ticket to the place where all the demons go.” “i have made every single mistake that you could ever probably make.” “i knew what i wanted; i went in and got it.” “you took it all, but i'm still breathing.” “i'm alive.”

ALONE TOGETHER — FALL OUT BOY

“i don't know where you're going, but do you have room for one more troubled soul?” “i don't know where i'm going.” “but i don't think i'm coming home.” “i'll check in tomorrow if i don't wake up dead.” “this is the road to ruin.” “let's be alone together.” “my heart is like a stallion, they love it more when it's broken.”

JUST ONE YESTERDAY — FALL OUT BOY

“i thought of angels choking on their halos.” “pulling out their fragile teeth & clip their tiny wings.” “i'd trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday.” “i know i'm bad news.” “i want to teach you a lesson in the worst kind of way.” “letting people down is my thing.” “this town isn't big enough for the two of us.” “if i spilled my guts, the world would never look at you the same way.” “i'm here to give you all my love.” “and watch your face as i take it all away.”

SIT STILL LOOK PRETTY — DAYA

“i'm never gonna be that girl.” “i don't want to be the puppet that you're playing on a string.” “i don't want to sit still, look pretty.” “i would rather fly solo.” “i don't know what you've been told.”

NIGHTINGALE — DEMI LOVATO

“i can't sleep tonight.” “i need a light to take me home.” “i know you're there.” “you could be my sanity.” “i'm overwhelmed.” “bring me peace.” “i don't know what i'd do without you.” “as long as you're with me here tonight, i'm good.”

DARK CAN BE BEAUTIFUL — ALEC CHAMBERS

“sometimes it takes all day to get out of bed.” “skeletons in my closet when i get dressed.” “don't go pretending like your past might drive me out.” “i promise i won't run away.” “tell your demons they can stay.” “when i tell you that i feel you, those are not just words i say.” “dark can be beautiful.” “it's okay to not be okay.”

THE ARCHER — TAYLOR SWIFT

“i'm ready for combat.” “i say i don't want that, but what if i do.” “i've got a hundred thrown out speeches i almost said to you.” “i jump from the train, i ride off alone.” “who could ever leave me? but who could stay?” “i hate my reflection for years and years.” “i wake in the night; i pace like a ghost.” “all of my heroes die all alone.” “can you see right through me?” “all the king's horses, all the king's men, couldn't put me together again.”

NUMB LITTLE BUG — EM BEIHOLD

“do you ever get a little bit tired of life?” “like you're not really happy, but you don't want to die?” “am i past repair?” “i'm barely breathing, trying to stay afloat.” “i guess i'm just broken & broke.” “like a numb little bug that's gotta survive.”

THE OTHER SIDE — MARGØ

“why am i villain if i speak what's on my mind?” “just look into my eyes.” “you know you can trust me, right?” “so, i painted my heart black.” “i kind of like the danger.” “don't you know that i do this to survive?” “i'll never lie again.” “i'll see you on the other side.” “maybe, someday we could be friends.” “i wouldn't trust me.”

VILLAIN — JESSIE PAEGE

“no one understands it quite like me.” “how could they believe me?” “i'm blessed, i'm cursed, i'm both.” “how do i save myself?” “it's dark here.” “i'm battle-ready when the demons come.” “these tears will be my warpaint.” “fighting with my shadow; the battle inside my head.” “i won't surrender while i still have my human heart.”

BRITTLE — ICON FOR HIRE

“i'm rough around the edges.” “i get stuck in my head.” “it's not personal, it's just personal.” “i've been strong for too long.” “sometimes i forget why i'm trying.” “just another tragic misfit.” “tape me up & ship me off. now i'm someone else's problem.” “they call me difficult 'cause i don't fit in the lines.” “i didn't get this far without any scars.” “i'm not brittle.” “maybe just a little.” “maybe i have a tendency to snap on people.” “they're lying, they're lying, they're lying.” “keep breathing, don't lose focus.” “you're alive, you're not a diagnosis.”

#( it's all fun & games until someone loses an eye – memes )#rp meme #rp memes #roleplay memes #roleplay meme

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muthaz-rapapa · 2 years ago

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[TW: trauma, mental illness, suicide; additional warnings: criticism of the author] There were some things that greatly unsettled me after reading chapter 70 so I'm going to put them all here in hopes that I can sort out my feelings and move on.

I won't deny that the recent development added to the growing disappointment I've been having about this arc for...god, probably close to a year now.

But I did give myself 3 weeks to clear my head before addressing the issues I have with this chapter in particular. When my mental state is at its lowest, of course anything I think of would be at its worst too. At least I'm a bit calmer now than I was at the beginning of the month...

..still, the writing and the impressions that it left, even though I'm well aware that they're not permanent and probably weren't intentional...

It hit too close to me personally and I just can't stomach it anymore.

And I'm not ashamed of what I'm going to talk about (which is why this isn't set to private) because I didn't pull these thoughts out of my ass. So if you're sensitive and unable to read through topics like that or are very biased towards CLAMP or some combination of both then I implore you exit this page right now. I'm not looking to push this opinion on or cater to some cause. That's not the purpose of this post. I want to leave my anger somewhere and be able to get over it. I owe it to myself, my own well-being, to be honest on my own space when I need to be.

The warnings are there at the top. I've mentioned them twice already.

I will not engage in discussion with anyone about this after I'm done either so please, please just heed those cautions if you choose to continue reading beyond this point.

There were two things I was deathly afraid of possibly occurring in this climax. I tried really hard not to think about it too much but to my dismay, they happened anyway.

One was Akiho being left behind by someone she loves again.

When the chapter finally sunk in, I can't even begin to describe the despair I felt over what CLAMP made Kaito do. What they didn't let him realize before he went ahead and completed his plan of extracting that book planted within Akiho.

And that was repeating the mistake that Akiho's parents made.

True, we were told that they sacrificed themselves to protect her from some sort of incident. Maybe it was unavoidable, even with Lilie's ability to see the future. Maybe that was one of two or more possible tragedies that could've happened to Akiho (the other being the threat of the artifact that would destroy her soul) so they chose to accept the harsher, more difficult route that would happen sooner to ensure that their daughter would survive.

Frankly, there has never been a doubt in my mind that Akiho was truly loved by her parents and this act of sacrifice is ultimate proof of that.

But even so, even if they really loved Akiho more than anything to die so she could live, they still left her alone in the hands of monsters that Lilie definitely knew would hurt her own daughter.

And that brings up several questions about what kind of person Lilie really was when she was still alive.

We've only ever seen her through flashbacks and the memories of other people (Kaito, Momo, Nadeshiko), after all. And it's important to note that through the lens of those perspectives, Lilie is always shown in a very positive light because they remember her with fondness.

A kind, bright and compassionate woman.

It does not mean she was perfect, though. It does not mean she thought everything through. It does not mean she fully considered the gravity of her decisions, of how much it will hurt Akiho to be left alone, before she chose to die to protect her daughter.

Was that really the best way to go? Did she really not believe there were other options? Or was it because she was a dream seer, who like many other dream seers before her, that she could only see one future and be trapped by that notion of how difficult it would be to change it?

So she thought she could only chose to let the rest play out as she saw it in her dreams? In a way, dumping that huge responsibility of taking care of Akiho on the person who would come get her (Kaito), despite that person still being a child himself at the time?

...I honestly don't know.

Because Lilie is someone who is primarily meant to support Akiho and Kaito's story but hasn't been fleshed out into a well-rounded character. She is mostly defined by her relations and significance to others so she doesn't have a purpose beyond that and that's why we can only leave it to interpretation (and the remaining chapters if her ghost does show up) on what her real self is like.

I also don't know if Akiho's parents ever tried to assign nannies to her or find people they could actually trust to take care of Akiho after they were gone...or if it would've proved useless anyway because Akiho still fell under the custody of her clan after their deaths so maybe those caretakers would've been replaced or fired by her kin and the effort would've amounted to nothing...

But again, even so. Even with Lilie knowing with certainty that Kaito will appear before Akiho to take her away from those magicians, the time Akiho had to spend waiting before then... repeatedly getting abused before his arrival...

There's no way I can't hold her accountable for that either.

The belief or knowledge that "it will be alright" in the end doesn't justify the pain and suffering Akiho had to endure before she was rescued from that hell.

Lilie surely did love Akiho. She's her mother after all and she probably even set up some safeguard magic in place beforehand that would help bring Kaito back to Akiho later on...yes, I still believe that in spite of my doubts about the choices she made.

But simply loving isn't enough. Simply loving someone a lot isn't enough to shield them from the worst that can hurt them. You need to try at least harder than that.

And that's what Lilie's mistake was. That she let Akiho get hurt despite the good intentions she had of wanting her daughter to meet the person who will love her more than anything else.

That was the one thing Kaito should've learned to avoid before he sacrificed himself to save Akiho.

But he didn't. At least not yet. Not until he is "revived"/brought back or his perceived "death" on screen is prevented through another rewind or whatever.

The point is, Kaito being gone will inevitably hurt Akiho as well when it shouldn't have to be that way.

Because not only will she eventually realize that she's not Sakura's twin sister, that she's not really a member of the Kinomoto family and that the reality she's been placed in is essentially a falsehood. That her real place to belong is with the people (Kaito, Momo) who truly know and accept her for who she is, sad past and all...

But also because the loss of Kaito will hit her so much harder, be so much more painful, than the loss of her parents.

Because unlike her parents, whom she loves but never knew, she does know Kaito. They have been together almost her entire life and she's grown to love him more than anybody else, think of him as her most important person above everybody else.

His absence and her learning about the truth, about everything he did just to save her...that's going to scar her so deeply. It's something that should've been totally avoidable through the handling of the writing.

Even if you try to argue that Kaito did better than Lilie by actually leaving Akiho with people who would definitely not mistreat her or that this will give Akiho the drive she needs to find a way to get him back (and thereby, fulfill the promise CLAMP has made in one of their twitter spaces) in the next five chapters, it doesn't change the fact that this is an another blow of suffering that Akiho didn't need to go through.

Dragging this torment out on her, adding and prolonging her turmoil for the angst and suspense and to really hammer home that idea of "earn you happy ending"...that's bullshit, alright?

Yea, kids will have to fight their own fights and some harder than others because life isn't fair to everyone. And this is a manga and so on so I shouldn't think too hard on it...

...but the way this story has been set up for Akiho and Kaito when it could've written so much better is very disheartening.

I'm tired of narratives that conveniently take advantage of the absence or subdued presence of adult figures so that the child main characters have no choice but to take on the brunt of the conflict themselves.

It's fucking 2023 already. Storytelling has evolved better than this.

Rather than focusing so much on the saving, there should be more emphasis on the correct way to protect someone. So that nobody has to feel so backed into a corner that they can only act under the stress of desperation.

Which brings me to the second issue. Kaito's "death".

Granted, we don't know for sure if he was really killed off or was just sealed somewhere (the book?) but it's pretty obvious this is only temporary as Akiho will remember him through the pocket watch he left behind which will then kickstart the goal of getting him back.

But again, things shouldn't have gone to the extent that... he actually left the scene believing it was best for everyone that he disappeared.

You're not supposed to let a suicidal person rationalize and validate their own depressive thoughts like that. Especially not in a story where it's a given that he is meant to be saved from such a tragic end.

There were so many instances before this chapter that suggested someone (namely Akiho or Momo) would make it in time to stop him before he threw himself off the edge. But not only did that not happen, the authors also ensured he would "die" by revealing new information about the sealing spell attached to his title of "D."

So regardless, they wanted to "kill" him off at least once.

For what? hm? Shock value? Tears? Sadistic pleasure?

Fuck you.

No amount of themes or logic CLAMP wants to put in this story can excuse how badly they handled this topic.

Suicide isn't something that you can just casually toss around under the guise of self-sacrifice. Not in a time where mental health is considered more important than ever.

This ripped me apart so much because I was in a similar situation when I was in high school. And while I fortunately never got so bad that I ended up putting a knife to my wrist, I can tell you the pain I felt was very much real. Because I'm still feeling the effects of having those suicidal thoughts today, even when I stopped thinking I wanted to die a long time ago.

That's how I know for sure that Kaito is a teenager. Because teenagers don't really have a long-term grasp of the consequences of their actions so they tend to do things on impulse, which is not always good.

And for a lot of their intense emotions, particularly the negative ones, the brain is capable of numbing them to an extent as a way of protecting them. So that they're not overwhelmed by the severity of those feelings all at once.

But even the brain can only do so much to stop you when you're constantly telling yourself "I want to die, there's no point to me being alive". If you can't persuade yourself out of that mindset, you need help from outside, too.

That's what saved me, the words from a friend who told me what I needed to hear to get me off that self-destructive path.

"I'd be very sad if you were gone."

Even now, I'm so grateful for those words and that was what I wanted the most for Kaito, for the message he's supposed to represent for every mentally ill person struggling with low-esteem and self-worth, out there.

And it didn't happen.

And it won't happen until after he's revived/brought back in some miracle magical manner but if that was the plan all along, then it still would've been better to stop him the first time.

Not the second.

Because there are no second chances if you end your life. When you're dead, you're dead.

I've read so many headlines about people committing suicide over the years since my high school days and it has never gotten any easier to hear those stories for a reason. Because if I were to get used to it and think nothing of it, it won't increase the desire to stop suicides or help the efforts to prevent tragedies like that from happening.

That's why I'm so disappointed.

That the hope that was to be delivered to Kaito, who needed it more than anything else, was side-tracked and delayed to drag this ending fatigue out even further. For the angst, for more magical girl gimmicks, for Ohkawa's Alice fetish, for any other related explanation except for the things which should be considered more important.

......

Sometimes I ask myself if I'm overreacting to this. I make it habit to remind myself that while fiction does affect reality, it doesn't do so in a 1:1 ratio way so I shouldn't treat this too personally. And the authors aren't responsible for the trauma I went through and everything.

I know that.

I also know that I've read many other stories before this one, harsher and darker and heavier with their portrayals of abuse and trauma than this, and I never took a development I didn't like this badly as I did for Akiho and Kaito.

But I think these two are the special exception among all those cases in that they enabled me to finally face my personal demons after setting them aside for so long. The more I watched them and analyzed their characters, the more I related with their anguish that seemed so similar to mine. So naturally, whatever I have been blessed with to help me survive till this day, I wanted that for them as well.

But I kept getting let down by many things I continued to learn over the course of following this series, a majority of those grievances which won't be discussed here but in a future separate post because those need time to sort out too and I'm already reaching my limit with this one.

...still, I can't help but wonder if CLAMP really hadn't thought about the damage they could potentially cause with they way ch 70 was written, regardless of it being fixable cuz it's a fantasy.

I wonder, since they've been working in this industry for so long and how senior they are, if they still hold onto these old-fashioned notions over the "nobleness" of self-sacrifice, a theme they had visited many times over and over again in their previous works. And that in spite of all their criticisms against it, they're actually quite obsessed with the idea because to them, that "nobleness" probably looks so beautiful to imagine and portray on paper.

I remember when I was attending a course for Japanese literature that my Japanese professor said "Japanese people like to appreciate the beauty of sadness and tragedy" and I wonder if CLAMP falls into that category of people who like to romanticize such things.

...again, I can't stomach that. Not anymore.

I mean, even though I've seen this theme touched upon in other works made by different authors, I felt like some of them (arguably) handled the seriousness surrounding this subject in a much better way than what I read in CC. With the proper respect and attention it deserves instead of coating "noble self-sacrifice" over how terrible and ugly it really is when mental illness wrecks our minds and affects how we act.

And I admit that I've also changed and grown since the time I was reading manga when I was 10 years old. Hell, even a year ago, my perspective was quite different than what is now so that's also a factor in the way I think at this moment. In how I'm able to recognize what I can tolerate or not. What I want and do not want in what I consume.

...I think that's fine as well. To be upset as I am because at the end of the day, I know CLAMP is nowhere near perfect. They're just regular people like anybody else and therefore, susceptible to being called out like anybody else and it's okay to drop them just like anybody else for that same reason.

I don't know if I've come closer to obtaining the peace of mind I wanted after ranting so much but at least, I think I've reached a conclusion on what to do from here on on out. And that's to let go of things, even people, that I know I no longer need.

I will still follow the story of CC to the end out of my deepest love for Akiho and Kaito and my wish for the satisfactory happy ending that they deserve...but I'm not going to make myself pretend the rest of it matters anymore.

I lost faith and stopped believing in this author...and I'm going to be okay with that.

[again, this post was done to help me get things off my chest so please don't leave any comments, I will not respond to any of them, thank you]

#🗙🌸

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agent-grey-fics · 3 years ago

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You don't belong here | Denver | Part 1

Pairing: Denver (casa de papel) x reader Summary: Havanna joins the gang as a medic but Denver wants her out as he sees her as a fragile, naive girl. Warnings: slow burn, enemies to friends kinda, fluff and lots of it Word count: 7800 words AN: Thank you annon for the request, I enjoined writing this one! Hopefully, you like it xoxo Lexi

You can read part 2 ‘braking point’ here

Berlin greeted you as you walked towards the house. You had met him before after you spoke with their leader. It had been an interesting couple of weeks. A man who called himself El professor showed up one day at your studio after you had a rough day at work and started rambling about his crazy plan to rob the royal mint of Spain. He told you that he knew about your ties with the Italian mafia, kinda using it as a threat because you knew the Spanish police were still looking for persons of interest tied to the mafia case they had running. His whole idea sounded stupid at first but then you could see it all come together and your position in the whole deal. Today was the first time that you would meet the other members of his gang and you were way more nervous than you thought that you would be. 'Nervous?' Berlin seemed to read your mind as the two of you were walking next to each other in silence. 'Is it that obvious huh?' A chuckle left his lips. 'Relax, it will be fine. None of us knew each other beforehand and they all get along so it will work out.' As the two walked down a hallway you could hear music building up, it seemed as if someone was throwing a party in one of the rooms. All of a sudden Berlin stopped in his tracks and gave you a grin. 'Ready to meet the others?' You just nodded.

You were right, they were throwing a party. You could see a dozen people dancing and laughing whiles they were holding beer bottles. 'Havana, meet the rest of the crew.' Berlin pointed around the room as he was speaking. 'Grab yourself a drink and get to know them, you'll see that they are fun.' With those words, he left your side and blended into the crowd. Awkward was the only word to describe the situation as you were standing there by yourself, just looking around and taking in the others. 'I haven't seen you around?' The voice almost made you jump. 'Christ, don't do that.' As you turned around you could see a tall brunette smiling down at you, her dark eyes were sparkling with fun as she saw your expression. 'Nairobi.' She held her hand out so you could shake it. 'Havana, I'm new.' She nodded as she heard you speak. 'El professor talked about getting us a medic of some kind.' She tilted her head to the side as she waited for your reply. 'Yeah, that's me, guess I'll be putting you guys back together if needed.' A grin appeared on your lips as you were talking. Berlin was right, these people were easygoing. 'Let's hope that won't be needed. Come on I'll introduce you to the rest.' She swung her arm around your shoulders as she pulled you with her. After an hour you had officially met everyone, Helsinki had pushed a beer bottle in your hands as the two of you were talking. You figured that he was like a giant teddy bear who looked scary on the outside but had so much love to give. You laughed a lot since the alcohol level in your blood rose because you got pushed bottle after bottle in your hands as you met everyone.

'Havana, right?' You turned around on your heels as you heard a voice behind you. 'That's me.' A guy with brown, messy hair and dark eyes stood in front of you whit a small smile on his face. 'Give me a second, I'm trying to remember your name, don't say it.' You were going over all the faces and names you had seen and heard tonight, those were quite a lot. You had met him at the beginning of the night, he was a hacker and you just could feel the sexual tension he had with the girl who called herself Tokio. 'Starts with an R.' He helped when you couldn't remember right away. 'Rio!' You were practically yelling what made him laugh. 'I wish everyone was as enthusiastic as you when they remember my name.' You could feel how your cheeks were turning red when you realised how you reacted and a small smile grew on your lips. 'Sorry, had too much to drink.' You softly shook the bottle in your hands so he could see what you meant. 'No no, it's fine. Don't worry about it.' He assured you, 'besides, I think we've all had too much to drink. It's our way of dealing with the stress every now and then.' You nodded as he spoke, you could imagine that it was a stressful situation.

It was almost two 'o clock as the two of you were sitting in one of the seats in the room. 'How long have you guys been here, in Toledo I mean?' Rio took a sip from the bottle to give himself some time to think. 'We met five weeks ago I think but we've only been staying here for the last two weeks since El Professor was still looking for some additions to the team.' With his last words, he pointed towards you. 'Ah I see, so I didn't miss too much then?' He shook his head. 'No, we're getting to know each other and teaching each other basic combat moves so everyone is capable to fight in one on one combat at least.' This was so much different from your daily life. You were not completely new to this world since you were a private medic to one of de biggest mafia clans of Spain but you were not used to being part of the actual fighting. Patching people up was your task, not handling a gun. 'Oh, I wasn't expecting to learn all of that. I thought I would be more of a behind-the-scenes kind of person here.' A soft chuckle left his lips. 'Why should we only use your pretty face behind the scenes?' You rolled your eyes at his comment. 'Just imagine the following, if I or someone else gets shot during the heist, you need to come and get us but what if the attacker is still nearby?' You just nodded as you were listening to his explanation, it made sense tho. 'You need to be able to protect yourself in that situation. But don't worry, we will teach you.'

'We will teach her what bro?' A husky voice asked from behind you. 'How to fight.' You answered before Rio could open his mouth. Denver was standing behind you, he had caught your eye from the moment you had entered the room. He had this macho aura and that was your one weakness when it came to men. He eyed you up and down as he took a drag from the cigarette that was placed between his lips before he dropped into the seat. 'Right, our princesa doesn't know how to fight?' You lifted one of your eyebrows when you heard his words. 'Excuse me?' A grin grew on his face when he saw the annoyance on your face. 'You heard me.' Macho meant asshole most of the time and you were not up for this. Not tonight. You faced Rio and gave him a polite smile. 'Well it was nice getting to know you Rio, I guess I'll see you and the rest in the morning because I don't feel like having this kind of conversation with him.' Rio chuckled as he saw the look on Denver's face when you nodded towards him. 'Well, likewise. I think you're a great fit with our group so nothing to worry about Havanna. I'll see you in the morning.' Without giving Denver another look you stood up and started making your way over to Berlin, you could hear the boys exchange some words before you were out of hearing distance. 'Way to go, bro.' 'Oh shut up man.' You tapped Berlin on his shoulder to get his attention. 'Uhm, I don't want to be a burden but I'm afraid that I didn't pay enough attention during our walk here to find my way back to my room.' 'It's okay kid, come on I'll walk you.'

[Three weeks later]

'I think I finally got the hang of it!' You had been firing guns the whole afternoon, following Tokio's instructions. Today she was learning you how to handle an assault rifle and made you shoot at some improvised targets. 'I still cannot believe that they never learned you how to handle a gun. I mean, you were part of a mafia clan I would think that was lesson number one.' A chuckle left your lips as you heard her words. 'I was just their medic it wasn't like I went into the field as a hitman or something like that.' She shrugged her shoulders. 'I don't know girl, mafia is mafia.' You walked towards her and swung the gun nonchalantly over your shoulders. 'Are we done for today? I've held enough guns today.' She started laughing. 'Yeah, we're done or we will be late for El Profesor's class.' 'Right, he's going to explain the gameplan, how could I forget.'

The two of you made small talk as you walked towards the makeshift classroom El Profesor made in one of the rooms. 'So, you and Rio huh?' You wobbled your eyebrows as you nudged her shoulder with yours. Tokio facepalmed herself. 'Is it that obvious?' You just nodded. 'Yeah, I think everyone is on you two. Well at least Nairobi and I are and I guess Denver as well since he isn't that stupid.' She started laughing. 'Mark my words, you're going to fall for that guy and hard.' 'Ew, as if. He's a pain in the ass if you ask me.' Denver had been hostile the last couple of weeks. Always giving snarky comments about your whereabouts, mocking you during one on one practice and just being an ass in general, calling you princesa all the time. He was just so annoying. 'Mark my words Havanna.' Without saying another word she walked into the room, taking place next to Nairobi. You had to be kidding, the only seat left was next to Denver. Great.

You pushed the chair back and took place without saying a word. He had other plans. 'Princesa.' The greeting made you clench your jaw as you turned your head towards him. 'Denver I meant it when I told you to stop calling me that. What is your problem?' An arrogant grin was plastered on his face as you looked him in the eyes. 'Just greeting you, nothing more.' He looked away and stared at the professor as he started explaining his plan. Denver started tapping his fingers on the table as he was listening, once you noticed it you couldn't unhear it. 'Can you please stop doing that?' He ignored you. 'Denver.' It was a hiss as it left your lips but he just kept going. 'Dude come on.' Annoyance was written all over your face as you placed your hand on top of his. 'Stop.' As your hands touched a warm feeling spread through your body and you quickly pulled yours back. 'Just stop, it's annoying. Thank you.' It was a soft mumble as it left your lips but it made him turn his head towards you. 'Havanna, Denver, care to share your story with the group?' You cleared your throat and shifted in your seat as you were avoiding everyone's gaze. 'It was nothing Profesor, sorry.' Denver said before you could open your mouth. It felt like high school all over again. 'Pay attention please, I need all of you to make this work.' You mumbled a quick 'yes sir' and ignored Denver for the rest of the session.

'Havanna is our medic as you all know but she will be your partner in the field. Keep helping her the following weeks on combat and gun training so she'll be on a similar level as all of you.' Helsinki turned around in his seat and gave you a smile. 'She doesn't need that much training anymore, sir, she kicked Rio's ass yesterday isn't that right girl?' A small smile grew on your face as you heard his words. 'Hey! She was just lucky that I wasn't a 100% fit, that's all.' Helsinki winked at you before he turned back around. 'It doesn't matter how good you already are, you still need the training. We will be facing trained professionals, you can use all the training you can get.' A shiver went down your spine as you heard those words and you just nodded in response. 'Yes sir.' When El Profesor was done with his info session you left the room before Denver could make another snarky comment.

A couple of days went by and Denver seemed to be avoiding you. No comments, not trying to provoke you, nothing. Helsinki was helping you out, labelling some boxes with the basic equipment that you needed in the field and that wasn't too big, so it was easy to smuggle them into the building before the heist. 'Dude, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to hit you in the head with that.' You gave Helsinki a confused look as you heard voices down the hallway. 'Yeah whatever mate, it doesn't matter. Just go back outside, I can handle myself.' Denver walked into the room with his shirt pressed against his left eyebrow, blood dripping down his arm as he adjusted his grip. 'Well, time to see you work your magic, Havanna.' Reading the situation you went into autopilot mode. Helsinki cleared the desk that was standing in the corner of the room and you ordered Denver to sit while you were gathering my equipment. 'I guess that you don't need extra hands right?' You waved Helsinki's question away while you were looking through the medical kit for the set of needles. 'I've got this, it's probably just a small head wound that's bleeding like crazy. Nothing to worry about.' The Serb walked out of the room leaving the two of you in awkward silence. 'What happened?' You asked as you set up your sterile working field next to him. 'I was training Rio in one on one combat, he hit me in the head with the back of his gun and split my eyebrow open I guess.' You were standing in front of him and slowly took his shirt away so you could see what damage Rio had done. 'Yeah it's just a cut, you'll be patched up in no time.' You made him push a gaze against his head instead of his dirty shirt and started prepping your tools. 'Okay this is going to sting but you need stitches so I have to give you a local anaesthetic.' Before he could resist you had already given the injection and he got a sore grimace on his face. 'I'm sorry.' you mumbled as you reapplied pressure on the wound. 'You're enjoying this, aren't you?' You gave him a confused look. 'You have been the one who has been an asshole from the moment that I arrived here, not the other way around.'He rolled his eyes at your comment. 'So no, I'm not enjoying this. I'm here to patch you guys up if you get injured, that's my job.' After a couple of minutes, you started to clean the dried-up blood on his face, working your way from the centre of the wound to the outside. 'You don't belong here,' he mumbled and it made you stop in your tracks. 'What?' 'You don't belong here, you're a medic not a criminal.' A laugh left your lips as you started working on his face again. 'Oh Denver, do you really think that you're the first person to thinks that of me?' He looked up at you through his eyelashes. 'Oh you really thought that you were the first one, didn't you?' He shrugged his shoulders. 'Well, I may not know how to handle a gun properly but I worked for the mafia, remember?' You were bluffing a bit, you were far from being a career criminal but as Tokio said, mafia is mafia.

'The Italian mafia came to Spain because mafia families aren't really a thing here, you know.' You put away the tweezers and gaze that you were using and started prepping your needle to give him stitches. 'When they came here they had a clean slate, nothing to worry about. I was working at the hospital one day and this guy walked in with a bullet wound telling us it was an accident and that he didn't need the police. When I walked into work a couple of weeks later the same guy gave me the same story and that is how it all started.' Before you started stitching up his eyebrow you commanded him to lay down. 'It was hard at the beginning, being a woman in a men's world. But I'm good at what I do and I work fast, without asking too many questions and that was what they needed. Lay still, you might feel this a little.' With a quick movement you pierced through his skin. 'I've met dozens of men who thought that I wasn't the right person for the clan, but their leader saw something in me and made me swear omerta after something you can compare to an intern period. I've stayed with them for almost eight years.' You shrugged your shoulders. 'Then they relocated to America and I was granted permission to stay in Spain, end of the story.' With quick hand gestures, you stitched up his eyebrow in less than ten minutes. 'Told you I was quick.' A chuckle left his lips. 'But why did you join this job? It's nothing like the work you did before, you can get killed here.' You took off your gloves and started cleaning up the small station you had set up. 'I don't know, I guess I'm missing the thrill of it all.'

You looked at his face, you had cleaned the area around the cut but a big part of his face and upper body was still covered in blood. That was the moment you realised that he was sitting there with no shirt on and the view wasn't disappointing at all. 'Give me a sec, I've towels laying around somewhere so you can get cleaned up.' After a couple of minutes, you threw one in his direction. 'Did you really think that by acting like an arse I would change my mind about this whole plan?' He sheepishly nodded his head. 'I thought that you didn't think this through to be fair.' He got up from the desk and scratched the back of his neck. 'I'm sorry, shouldn't have judged you that quickly. We're all here for a reason, and so are you. Let me make this up to you, I make a neat daiquiri what do you say?' You started laughing. 'It takes like what, 3 ingredients? You must be a terrible bartender if you can screw that up.' He rolled his eyes and started walking towards the door. 'Come on Princesa.'

The two of you were laughing in the living room space, cocktails in hand swaying to some music Denver had put on. 'We could have been doing this for a couple of weeks if you hadn't been persistent on getting me out you know.' He took a sip from his drink before he put it on the table next to the two of you. 'Well let's make up for that lost time then huh?' Before you knew it he had pulled you in close, placing his hands on your hips as your bodies were moving to the rhythm of the music. It suddenly got warmer in the room. 'Oh this is your way of making up for it?' A chuckle left his lips. 'What had you in mind then?' You loosely placed your arms around his neck. 'I was more thinking about doing my chores and everything.' He started laughing. 'Like my plan better, but whatever, I'll do it.' The two of you spend the evening laughing and dancing around the room, drinks in your hands. After some time Tokio walked into the room, grin spreading on her face as she saw the two of you. 'I told you that the two of you would get along eventually!' You just rolled your eyes, ignoring her comment. 'Care to join us?' Denver was already walking over towards his improvised bar, ready to make her a drink. 'You know I never say no to a party.' Before you knew it the music was blasting, it would only take a couple of minutes before the others would be joining you but that was ok. Denver started to pour another round of drinks, shot this time. You rubbed your hands together while you were walking toward him. 'Oh man, I can get used to this.'

[The next morning]

Your head was pounding when you opened your eyes. The sunlight that was peeking through the window made it even worse and you groaned. 'What the fuck.' You slowly got up and grabbed your head with both hands. 'You can say that I barely remember anything from last night.' Nairobi mumbled from her bed and it made you laugh. 'Auw, don't make me laugh it only gets worse.' She pulled the pillow over her head and groaned. 'Just let us remember that Denver never gets to be the bartender ever again, I'm 100% sure that I didn't only drink alcohol last night.' You tried your best to remember the events of the evening but it was all one big blurry mess. 'I'm going to shower, maybe that will help with getting through this hangover.' You stumbled out of bed, pulling the t-shirt over your ass while you walked down the hallway towards the bathroom. Not caring about the flesh you were showing. 'Look who's finally up.' Berlin's voice echoed through the hallway and it made you flinch. 'Please, don't be so loud it's like Metallica is rehearsing in my head.' He started laughing. 'I heard you made amends with Denver?' You nodded. 'Yeah, something like that.' 'Good, that's good to hear.' You pointed awkwardly over your shoulders. 'Well, I'm going to hop in the shower and I guess that I'll see you at breakfast in a bit.' He nodded and started walking away, leaving you to your much-needed shower session.

The water seemed to wash away part of last night's toll, but not everything. You had found some painkillers in one of the cabinets underneath the sink and had popped two in, not taking any chances. Your head was still pounding as you walked into the kitchen in search of some greasy breakfast. Tokio was sitting in one of the chairs, so was Rio. Berlin was nowhere to be found. 'Well, I feel a lot better now that I see you're in the same state as us.' It was Rio who spoke to you and gave you a small smile. 'Wait until you see Nairobi.' You mumbled back as you opened the fridge. Your prayers were heard as you saw bacon laying in the fridge. Bingo. Without saying another word you started preparing your breakfast not bothered to ask the others if they wanted anything. Autopilot took over as you were staring into nothingness, trying to remember last night. Small snippets of people laughing and dancing were the only thing you could remember. But you were glad that you weren't the only one who had trouble to remember the night before. When the bacon was cooked you placed it between some bread and took place across Rio and Tokio at the table. 'Was there a training scheduled today?' You didn't ask at anyone in particular. 'You, Denver and I have combat training.' It was Tokio who mumbled the answer, 'but no way that I'm going to throw punches today, I'm going back to bed in a bit. You and Denver can do what you want but I'm out.' A smile grew on your face as you heard Tokio 'I'm going to eat my breakfast and I'm going back op myself. I feel like I'm hit by a bus, I can't take extra punches today.'

The three of you sat in silence for another thirty minutes before Rio and Tokio went back upstairs to their room, leaving you in the big kitchen. You ran your hands up your face, through your damp hair as you sighted. 'Morning Prinseca.' Just the person I was missing whiles I felt terrible. 'Don't, I feel like shit.' He chuckled as he took place opposite of you. 'Here, you'll feel better if you drink a couple of this.' He placed an Aquarius drink in front of you and you gave him a grateful look. 'Thanks.' You eagerly took a couple of sips before you gave him a close look, he wasn't looking that bad compared to the others. 'Who comes that you don't feel as terrible as we do?' He lifted his shoulders. 'I've got some tricks on my sleeve, and this is the third Aquarius that I'm drinking since last night so I guess that's working its magic on me.' You shook your head. 'Next time I'm mixing our drinks or we just keep it by beer.' His laugh echoed through the kitchen. 'Don't do that, please.' You placed your head on the cold surface of the table as you groaned in annoyance at his loud laugh. 'Do you remember everything?' You mumbled without looking up. Maybe Denver could fill you in on the gaps that you had in your memory. 'I think so, you don't?' You shook your head. 'Nor do Tokio, Rio or Nairobi.' He chuckled. 'I'm not surprised by that as the four of you kept doing shots all night. Nairobi puked btw, twice.' Oh God. 'Tokio and Rio went upstairs earlier than the rest of us, Helsinki joined us for a bit and oh El Profesor walked in angry in his pyjamas. He was yelling something about being responsible or something like that.' You didn't do anything embarrassing yourself, that was a win. 'Doesn't sound too bad.'

The two of you sat in silence for a couple of minutes before he started talking again. 'You know that we have combat training right?' You shook your head in protest. 'Tokio won't be joining, and neither am I.' 'Yeah, I figured.' He went quiet again and this time it took a couple of minutes before he started talking again. 'We can hang out later tonight, watch a movie or something like that?' His words had an insecure undertone and it made you look up. Head resting in your hands as you placed your elbows on the table. It was so weird that his demeanour had changed 180 degrees since your conversation yesterday and you could tell that he was actually trying to be nice. 'Let's say that I'll join you if I feel like a normal person again tonight?' A smile spread on his face as he heard my words. 'Deal.'

The world was a bit more bearable, you still had a headache but it wasn't as bad as it was this morning. That was probably the result of the several painkillers you took throughout the day. After you gave his idea some thought, you found yourself in front of Denver's room ready to knock on the door. Before your hand could connect with the wood, the door swung open. Rio greeted you with a big grin. 'Havanna didn't expect to see you here. What's up?' He knew why you were there, you could just tell. 'Yeah, I'-, I'm here to see Denver.' You awkwardly scratched the back of your neck as you spoke. The grin on his face even grew bigger as he heard your words. 'Just go bro.' Denver groaned from inside the room, 'don't be an ass.' Rio started laughing as he stepped aside so you could enter. 'Have fun you two.' Before either of you could react he had already closed the door behind him, leaving you and Denver alone. 'Feeling better I see?' He ushered you to take place on his bed that was placed in the corner of the room. 'Yeah, I'm pulling through.' You answered with a small smile on your lips as you kicked off your shoes so you could climb on his bed. He grabbed his laptop from the desk that was standing in the corner across of his bed and then took place next to you. 'I don't have the biggest variety when it comes to film genres, it's either horror or thrillers. I might had to tell you this sooner.' He laughed. Horror, great. You hated that kind of movies, you wouldn't be able to sleep after them. 'It's ok, you can choose one just don't make it too scary, please. I would like to be able to sleep tonight.' A small smile hung on your lips as you saw his grin. 'Yeah sorry, didn't think of it any sooner and we don't have wifi here so I only can access what I've already downloaded.'

After a couple of minutes he placed his laptop on the chair he strategic had placed next to his bed. ''Friday the 13th' the title read. It sounded familiar but you were sure that you never had seen it before. 'This isn't that scary, but it's a classic that you must see at least once.' He flicked off the light switch above his head and the room went dark. You shuffled in your seat as you made yourself comfortable, leaning against the wall. Denver laid himself down and propped an elbow under his head as he focused on the movie in front of him. The movie started with a big jumpscare and you shifted in your seat, and squinted your eyes. This was the reason why you hated this kind of movies, the damn jumpscares. You really tried your best to keep your gaze on the screen but you caught yourself looking at him every couple of minutes. 'You won't be able to follow the movie if you keep looking at me Havanna.' Blood rushed to your cheeks and you were happy that the lights were out. 'Sorry.' You quickly mumbled while you refocused on the screen.

One of the girls in the movie got grabbed from behind by the killer and you almost jumped out of your seat. A chuckle left Denver's lips as he saw the look on your face. 'You ok?' You just nodded as you grabbed his pillow and pressed it against your chest as the tension in the movie started building up again. 'Come here.' He mumbled as he sat up next to you, pulling at your shoulder so you leaned into his chest. He readjusted the two of you so you were laying comfortably against his frame, feed tucked next to you. To balance yourself you put an arm around his waist. Your heart was pounding in your chest, it made you wonder if he could hear it if pulled you in any closer. He nonchalantly swung his arm around your shoulders. It felt good, the two of you laying together. You didn't care about the movie, you could only focus on his chest which went rhythmic up and down as he was breathing. The two of you stayed like that until the end of the movie. 'It wasn't that bad, was it?' he looked down on you as he asked the question and you started laughing. 'I just hate jumpscares, it takes five years of my life every time.' His laugh rumbled in his chest as he heard your answer. 'Yeah, I've noticed that. I'll keep that in mind for the next movie we watch.' A grin grew on your face. 'Oh so there will be a next time?' You were teasing him and he knew it. 'If it's depending on me then yes.' He had a playful look in his eyes. He had a pretty face: cute curls, big greyish eyes and his lips looked so kissable. Your look lingered a second too long on his lips and you could feel yourself starting to blush again. This man had you under his spell because you normally weren't the type that blushed that easy. But here you were, blushing like a little girl.

He leaned down towards you, flicking his gaze between your lips and eyes. His lips brushed softly against yours as if he was afraid of your reaction to his move. You pushed yourself up so you could press your lips against his. They were as soft as you had imagined. He replaced his hands, slowly dragging them down over your back until he rested them on the small of your back. You broke the kiss for a second so you could straddle his lap, and place one knee on either side of him. His hands found their way under your shirt and he started to trace small incoherent figures on your skin. Goosebumps appeared where his hands touched you. He reconnected your lips and pushed you closer to his chest. His tongue slowly swiped across your bottom lip, asking for entrance and you gladly granted him that. Your fingers played with the hem of his shirt, slipping under it after a couple of minutes. You could feel his abs underneath your fingers as you explored his skin. The two of you leaned back, locking eyes and as if by agreement you started to undress at the same time.

That was how it all started.

[Presentday, two months in]

Tokio and Nairobi were looking at you with big grins on their faces as they hear you talk about the dinner you had planned with Denver for tonight. 'I told you that you were going to fall for that man. I just knew it from the moment I met you that the two of you would be a perfect fit.' You rolled your eyes and the dark-haired girl and suppressed a grin. 'It is just dinner, nothing special.' 'Nothing special?' Nairobi looked at you with big eyes. 'Then man follows you everywhere Havanna, macho's don't do that unless-' 'Don't finish that sentences.' You had given it some thought the last couple of days. You were into him, no doubt but you were wondering if you were only a fun diversion from the mission. Something to handle the stress a bit better. 'Besides, he doesn't follow me everywhere. He's just being nice, that's all.' The girls burst out in laughter. 'Yeah, keep trying to convince yourself Havanna. I'm nice to Helsinki as well but that doesn't mean that he gets me in his bed.' You shook your head in annoyance. Denver and you had started this hookup thing, with no strings attached, or at least that was what you thought that he wanted. 'Or is there someone else outside, waiting for you?' There had been a couple of guys but no one ever stuck around long enough for it to become something serious. 'No, it's not like that. It's just, I-.' You sighed and combed with a hand through your hair. 'Like how did you know that it wasn't just in the heat of the moment what you and Rio are doing?' Tokio shrugged her shoulders at your question. 'I don't know, we just knew I think. He's the kind of person I would be with outside of all of this, or at least he's the kind of guy that I would want.' A soft smile appeared on her face. 'He's sweet, cares a lot, crazy smart and he can handle my craziness.' 'Don't forget that he's easy on the eyes as well.' Nairobi pointed out with a grin on her face. 'Yeah he's handsome. I don't know, we just clicked from the moment we first talked with each other.' See that was the problem, you and Denver avoided each other the first month since he thought that he found a way to get you out of the whole plan and the sexual tension had been building up ever since. 'I don't know guys, I just think that he likes to have fun while we still can and there's nothing wrong with that. I just don't want to think too much of it, what if I'm overthinking this and he just wants something but nothing serious ?' Nairobi placed her hands on my shoulders. 'Havanna, you've got him under your spell. Just go with it.'

Two hours later you sat outside, Denver next to you as you were taking a bite from the pizza he had made for the two of you. He had made you sit on the countertop as he made a pizza, asking what toppings you want. 'You like cooking, huh?' He nodded while he swallowed the bite he just had taken. 'I do actually, it clears my head.' A small slime grew on your face. 'Who taught you?' He shifted a bit uncomfortable, not answering your question immediately and you could already guess the answer. It was an ex-girlfriend. He cleared his throat with an awkward cough. 'An ex-girlfriend, she huh-' He scratched the back of his neck while he was talking, 'she loved cooking and taught me quite a lot. But it was almost ten years ago, I was around nineteen years old then and I never stopped cooking after that.' You turned towards him and gave him a small smile when you saw the awkwardness in his movements. 'You're good at it but I never pictured you for the cooking type.' You jokingly said while you nudged his shoulder with yours. His laughter echoed through the air. 'Oh you didn't? What did you think of me then?' You bought yourself some time by taking another bite from the pizza slices. 'Well, you seem like this big bad guy so I don't know. I imagine you playing pool in bars, hitting on girls with that grin of yours.' 'What grin?' He knew what he was doing as he gave you that darn boyish grind while he had sparkles of mischief in his eyes. You rolled your eyes as he gave you a wink. 'That's the one I'm talking about, but let's continue. I can picture you dancing all night not caring about anyone else but getting a lot of attention from the ladies because you look mysterious.' He shook his head, still grinning. 'Maybe even riding a motorcycle.' 'Havanna, you've watched too many movies.' You shrugged your shoulders. 'That's the vibe you give dude, this is just me observing.' He playfully rolled his eyes. 'Let's see if I can make some right guesses, shall we?' You shifted in your seat and tilted your head to the side, giving him the 'go on' sign. 'So I imagine you being this conscientious girl, helping people out whenever she can. Oh, you do some kind of yoga in your free time as well. And if I'm the douche who is hitting on girls at bars, then you're the one who pretends that she is not interested while she secretly is. Am I close?' You started laughing. 'No, well I do help people but all the other things you've said are total bullshit.' You didn't have the patience to do yoga and you hated it when men hit on you at the bar, but if it was Denver you wouldn't mind you thought to yourself.

'Are you seeing someone ?' The question caught you by surprise and you gave him a confused look. 'You mean outside of all of this?' He nodded. You didn't even know how that would work, no one knew how long this heist was going to take and you didn't know if you were capable to endanger someone you loved that much so you shook your head in response. And then was there the fact that the two of you were sneaking around and sleeping together behind El Proffesor's back, you weren't the type of girl who would take two guys at the same time. 'Are you?' 'No, haven't been seeing someone seriously for quite some time.' There it was, you knew that he wasn't serious about the whole situation. 'And it would be crazy to do so right now, you know. It would be cruel as well to the person on the outside, not hearing from us for weeks and maybe run in with the law.' He shook his head and you did the same. It was quiet for some minutes, you gathered all your courage and just blurted the question out: 'What are we doing actually here, you and me?' He cocked one of his eyebrows and gave you a questioning look. 'What do you mean?' You fiddled with your fingers, the courage leaving your body. 'You know, you and me hanging out all the time, hooking up.' He got this 'Ohw' expression on his face when he realised what you were saying and gave you a small smile. The mischief look made place for kindness. 'Oh, well I- I don't really know what actually is going on between the two of us. I just thought that we would figure it out along the way, no?' You took a deep breath, only then did you realize you had held your breath. 'I just find it difficult to read you, I just want to be sure that I don't mistake your intentions for something else.'

Your heart was pounding in your chest and blood raced to your cheeks, making you blush. 'What makes you confused?' A sight left your lips. 'It's just, you're this big tease, flirting all of the time and I thought that you didn't mean anything with that. But then Tokio and Nairobi started talking in on me, saying that you're a macho and that you didn't act like this before and it's just confusing because I didn't think anything of it before and now I just can't stop overanalysing your every move.' Everything came out at once and you dropped our head in your hands, not wanting to look at him after your rant. 'It's stupid I know.' He made you look back up by placing the index finger of his right hand under your chin. 'Hey, it's not stupid we should talk about this. Everything started out so weird for us, I can imagine that it's overwhelming for you, it's the same for me.' A small smile appeared on your lips as he started talking. He let go of your chin and went with his hands through his hair. 'We live under special circumstances and everything we do is exciting. I talked about it with Rio as well since he and Tokio are in a similar situation as us.' Oh if Tokio only knew about this you thought to yourself. 'And the little shit laughed at me as soon as I told him what was going on on my mind, it was a couple of weeks ago and he is teasing me about it ever since.' A chuckle left your lips, Rio teasing Denver? 'Do you think that it's only a byproduct of the high we're living in?'

That was the thing you didn't know. Denver was a great guy, you would fall for him outside of this whole setting but you were afraid that it was him who wouldn't look at you twice outside in the real world. 'I thought that it might be the case for you.' He tilted his head to the side, giving you a confused look. 'I'm not some exciting girl outside all of this. As you said, I'm just a medic who happens to work with the mafia. I'm not even doing that anymore, I'm just an ER nurse outside all of this. I figured that you would get bored of me.' His eyes had a sad look in them. 'Did you really think that?' You nodded. 'Oh Havanna, I never saw you as boring. I thought you were an innocent girl who had her first run-in with some criminals, I just wanted to keep you from making bad decisions. I didn't think of you as boring.' He gently placed his right hand on your cheek, placing soft strokes with his thumb. It felt as if your skin was on fire underneath his touch. He was so gentle as if he was scared that you were going to break into a million pieces. 'I-' He didn't finish his sentences as he leaned in, placing his lips on yours. It took you a second to comprehend what was happening but your body went into autopilot. You crawled onto your knees without breaking the kiss so you could get closer to him, placing one knee on either side of him so you could straddle his lap. He placed his hands on the small of your back, trying to pull you even closer. It just felt right. After a minute or two, you pulled back so you could catch your breath. The mischievous look had found his eyes again, it made you blush as he eyed you up and down. 'Oh girl, just to get this straight, boring girls don't do this.' He pointed towards you and the way you were sitting on his lap, 'don't you act so innocent.' You rolled your eyes at him as you bit on the inside of your cheek, trying to suppress a grin. His mischievousness made place for a new look, he hadn't looked at you like that. He had love in his eyes. 'I was drawn to you from the moment you walked into that party with Berlin. But you just looked so innocent, so pure and I couldn't let myself be selfish with you so I did my best to make you change your mind. I'm glad I failed tho.' He softly stroked your cheek as he spoke. 'Oh Havanna, I've got me under your spell.' Your chest filled with a wonderful feeling, blood rushing through your body making your heart pound like crazy. 'I'm yours if you want me to be, Havanna.'

#casa de papel #denver x reader #rio x reader #Denver casa de papel #El profesor #Lisboa #Nairobi #Helsinki #Denver imagine #Denver x fem reader #Denver CDP x reader #Casa de papel x reader #Casa de papel fanfic #tokio x rio #Tokio x reader #Helsinki x rader #Nairobi x reader #Berlin x reader

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maraudersmap123 · 3 years ago

Text

Peace (Cedric Diggory)

Summary - based on “peace” by Taylor Swift. Or where Cedric Diggory and his girlfriend live through the second wizarding war while attempting to maintain as much peace as possible.

Warnings - Mentions of the cruciatus curse. Depression and maybe other mental health problems. Not proofread.

Word count - 6,602

Reading time - 24 mins

***

Our coming-of-age has come and gone

Suddenly the summer, it's clear

When Cedric Diggory met Y/n L/n all those years ago on their first trip on the Hogwarts express he could never have guessed how important the young Slytherin would become to him. They had instantaneously become best friends and remained as such until the start of their 6th year.

When she had heard he was planning on entering the Triwizard Tournament she was so upset with him that she didn't talk to him for three entire weeks. It had taken him locking her in her empty dorm room in the dungeons and not letting her out until he explained himself for her to even begin to come round to the idea.

"It's dangerous Cedric, I don't like it one bit," she told him with her arms crossed over her chest "I have a bad feeling about it, what if you get hurt"

"I won't get hurt Y/n, they said it's safer this time" he attempted to reassure her but she didn't believe him "just trust me, love," the pet name was all it took for her to crumble and accept that he was going to put his name in the cup whether she wanted him to or not.

"Fine, but I still don't like this Ced" she mumbled and he just grinned, having got what he wanted. He knew he wouldn't be able to go through with it had she not approved, he valued her opinion too much.

The night his name was pulled from the cup he kissed her for the first time, sneaking her into his dorm after the celebration party. And that night she became his, and vice versa.

Her bad feeling about the tournament had been correct. Her beloved boyfriend was subjected to the crucitus curse for almost an hour while 14-year-old Harry Potter watched. He came back little but a shell of himself and was only just able to recover in st mungos, but he wasn't the same even years later. That was no surprise, something changes in a person when you are almost tortured into insanity.

But that was almost two years ago now. After their 7th year, which Cedric was luckily able to attend the second half of after around 6 months in the hospital, they moved into a homely cottage in Devon, not far from his parents who he wanted to stay close to. The peaceful atmosphere that the countryside provided them with worked as a welcome distraction from the war raging on in their country and community.

It was a warm Saturday afternoon in the midst of summer and y/n had decided to make the pair a small lunch to enjoy in the garden. It was nothing more than sandwiches and crisps, but Cedric appreciated everything she ever did for him. She brought the food out to the garden and he smiled up at her as she placed it down on their garden table. He had a cigarette resting between his lips, a nasty habit he had picked up after he left the hospital.

"Thank you darling, it looks lovely," he told her gratefully and she gave him a kind smile, appreciating the compliment. He watched her as she sat down in the chair opposite his, her summer dress the perfect purple.

He stubbed out his cigarette on the ashtray in the centre of the table and grabbed one of the sandwiches from the plate she had brought out.

"It's getting pretty bad at the ministry, you can tell something is going on. No one trusts anyone, not even people they've been friends with their whole life" he told her after swallowing the final bite of his sandwich. She looked up from the book she was reading with furrowed brows, a frow evident on every part of her face.

"I guess it's to be expected, given the current climate. Sad though" she spoke softly, thinking over her words carefully before speaking. The pair had grown used to how things were, they had known after all that Voldemort was back a year before the rest of the wizarding world, everyone's denial had run deep. The sound of the ocean crashing onto the beach just out of sight brought her out of her thoughts, and he watched her.

"I'm struggling to see when things will get better, it's getting worse every day" he confessed, and her frown deepened.

"I'm sure things will reach a boiling point. It will be ugly and I'm sure very violent but I don't see another way this could end" she told him, violence was everything the pair wanted to avoid in life. He had already faced too much.

I never had the courage of my convictions

As long as danger is near

Bill and Fleur's wedding stuck out like a sore thumb. It didn't at all feel like the appropriate time for such an event, especially when so many of the guests had to either use poly juice potions to attend or couldn't make it at all.

Cedric had been largely confused when the invite had been delivered by the couple's owl, and he expressed this confusion to his girlfriend after walking out to meet her in their garden that she was tending to.

"I think it's the perfect time for a wedding, reminds us all that there's still love in the world," she told him as he sat down beside her. She pulled off her muddy gloves and wrapped her arms around him, he returned the gesture happily and decided that he liked her opinion on the subject, but thought that no one would ever need to show him that love still existed in the world so long as she was there.

"You look beautiful," he told her as she came out of the bathroom, her hair curled perfectly and the blue dress complimenting her tone delicately.

"As do you" she smiled up at him as she come to stand in front of him, fixing his tie that was slightly askew over his chest.

"I'm excited to see everyone, it feels like it's been ages," he told her as he slipped his fingers through her hair, she looked up at him through her eyelashes and for a moment he forgot how to breathe.

"It has been ages, other than Fleur and your parents I've not seen anyone in weeks," she told, finally turning away from him and grabbing her purse from their bed. "Have you checked the door is locked?"

The wedding was beautiful, it was held in the Weasleys back garden which was decorated perfectly. Mrs Weasley had done what everyone knew she would and cooked an amazing meal, and by evening the guests were positively drunk and enjoying themselves for the first time in a while for many.

"You make a beautiful bride Fleur," Y/n told her close friend, they had become friends during the tournament and for whatever reason, the friendship stuck. She was one of the only people she saw, only living over the hill from her and Cedric.

"Thank you ma belle, I'm sure it will be you soon enough" she grinned, eyeing Cedric standing in the corner of the room talking to Mr Weasley and Charlie

"Maybe" the younger girl blushed and Fleur laughed at her reaction

"Y/n!" Marietta Edgecombe's voice came from behind her, she gave fleur one last hug before turning to face the girl she had befriended alongside Cedric back in her first year. They had mostly lost contact after they left school, likely because she and Cedric had gone into partial hiding and were pretty hard to find.

"Marietta, how you are!" she was truly happy to see her, she was a lovely girl during school and had always been a good friend to her. She was the one who informed her of her very obvious feelings for her at the time best friend.

"Oh alright, better than some I'm sure. You and Ced still going strong I see" she exclaimed, and at the mention of the name she subconsciously glanced around the room to try and find him, only she couldn't.

"As ever. What have you been up to" before the Ravenclaw girl could say anything they were interrupted as they were pushed back slightly into a circle.

The room had grown dark and a small glowing orb had flown into the tent. Everyone surrounded it in anticipation, it looked like a Patronus. Suddenly it began talking, the voice of Kingsley Shacklebolt the only noise to be heard, everything had fallen silent.

"The ministry has fallen. The minister of magic is dead. They are coming." the last sentence echoed three times before the Patronus disappeared, Molly Weasley began ushering people out of the tent, but Y/n had frozen in her spot. They are coming.

Before she knew what was happening guests started disapparating and as quickly as they left death eaters appeared in their place. She knew she had to find Cedric, that they needed to get home. But she couldn't move. Marietta had disappeared into the crowd and spells were being shot past her from every direction, some missing her by millimetres. She never did well in dangerous situations, that's why Cedric had been the one to put his name in the cup and not her. She didn't even react when she caught sight of her estranged brother making his way toward her quickly, he hadn't been invited to the wedding.

The last thing she heard before someone grabbed her was the shouting of her name. When she opened her eyes she was standing in her unlit kitchen, like she had been there the entire time.

"What were you thinking, you were right in the crossfire and didn't even move" she heard Cedric yelling as he pulled his suit jacket off and loosened his tie, undoing the top button.

"I-" she didn't know what to say to defend herself. He was right after all. She had just stood there as people tried to kill each other around her. Had she been just one step to either side of where she was she would probably be dead, the only reason she wasn't was because he had grabbed her just in time.

"You could have been killed" he mirrored her thoughts, and she reached up to wipe the corner of her eye, feeling a tear attempt to fall "Your brother was about to attack you!"

She heard him sigh as he watched how dissociated she looked, it was as though she had just had a drink too many. The look on her face didn't at all represent what had just happened.

He opened the fridge which was to their right and grabbed a bottle of water, handing it to her. After she had placed the bottle down he wrapped her in his arms as multiple tears finally fell down her face.

"I'm sorry" she whispered into his chest, he patted the crown of her head, leaving a kiss on her forehead.

"I just get frightened when I see you in these situations, I have no idea what I'd do if anything happened to you" he responded gently and she nodded slightly, looking into his eyes that were visible to her because of the refrigerator light that illuminated the room. "We're all right" as though having to remind himself.

And it's just around the corner, darling

'Cause it lives in me

No, I could never give you peace

Unlike Cedric, Y/n's relationship with her parents was very difficult. They were everything Y/n disagreed with. Her parents had a lot of pride in their blood status. Though her mother didn't have the mark she did everything she could to accommodate Voldemort.

Her father and older brother on the other hand had taken the mark as soon as they were asked to, her father at the beginning of the first wizarding war and her brother at the beginning of the second. Her dad had even been in the graveyard when Cedric had been tortured. Up until that point, she believed he had liked her long time friend, or at least tolerated him.

The only thing holding back her little sister was her age, she was still in Hogwarts and teenage girls weren't really Voldemort's main demographic.

It had been when Cedric was still in the hospital when she discovered her father's part in the whole situation. When she confronted them he had told her to stop resisting her natural destiny and to join them on the right side. She had been disowned that night and hadn't seen anything of her parents since. She saw her sister at school, but the younger girl acted as though she had never seen her before.

Cedric still went to work after they left Hogwarts, but outwith that the couple were largely in hiding. They hadn't had much choice when her brother had threatened to show her the side she was bound to be on, insinuating that he would do what he had to clear her vision. He threatened her with this when Dumbledore was still alive, in a crowded Diagon alley, so she feared to know what he would do now.

The only people who knew where the pair lived were his parents, Fleur, and by association Bill. Cedric had decided to be their secret keeper, knowing the fate of the likes of the potters and not willing to risk it.

She of course felt increasingly guilty as she watched the isolation begin to affect her boyfriend. Had he been with someone else, someone with a normal family, he likely wouldn't need to go into hiding for a while. It was undeniable that after Voldemort got rid of all his imminent enemies Cedric Diggory was exactly the type of man he would go for, but that day hadn't come yet. They weren't yet hiding from the wizard who had his claws in every aspect of their lives, but rather from her murderous, psychotic family.

But I'm a fire, and I'll keep your brittle heart warm

If your cascade ocean wave blues come

The effects of the cruciatus curse still ran deep in Cedric. It came in waves, and recently he had been having a relatively good time with it. However one night this changed and she knew they were back where they were a few months ago when his last bad episode had been upon them. His good weeks were good and his bad were terrible.

She had awoken that night to him breathing heavily beside her and a noise that almost sounded like whimpering falling from his lips as he thrashed around in the covers, she had seen these nightmares far too many times to not know what they were.

"Cedric. Cedric wake up" she shook him awake and as his eyes shot open he sat up swiftly, his hands covering his face as he attempted to catch his breath. He allowed himself to lie back in the bed as she hovered over him slightly.

"It's alright, it was just a dream" she whispered and a quiet sob left his lips as he began to wake up more, coming to realise what had happened again. He rolled over slightly so he was laying on his side, pulling her as close to him as he could "You're safe baby"

She wasn't shocked the next morning to realise that by 1pm he still wasn't out of bed. She considered sending a letter to the ministry to inform them he would be off sick for the day but decided against it, from what she had heard the ministry was in disarray, she was sure they wouldn't question why he hadn't shown up for work.

"Ced are you getting up," she asked him gently as she entered the still dark room. He was lying on his back staring up at the roof, after waiting a few seconds and receiving no response she decided to fix him some food before returning. She left the food on his bedside table, he didn't even react to her presence. You would think she was invisible.

She decided it would be best if she wrote to his parents. They would be expecting them that evening as they would go to Cedric's childhood home every Friday for a family dinner. She doubted greatly that he would be up to it as these episodes tend to last days at least.

A few weeks passed and there was little improvement within the house. Cedric had started coming down to the kitchen to grab food, but other than that he barely left his bed. She would attempt to get him to come out and sit in the garden for a while but he never did, he would just turn away from her and trot back up the stairs without a word.

"Can you come down to the living room and watch a film with me?" she asked him as she opened the door to the spare bedroom. He hadn't been sleeping in their shared bedroom for days now. He grumbled in acknowledgement but didn't make to get out of bed. His back was facing her as he lay in the pitch-black room, the light from the doorway being all that allowed her to see his silhouette. All she knew was that he wasn't going to get better like this and that she was beginning to feel increasingly lonely.

"Ced please" she pleaded, her voice sounding desperate. He didn't show any signs that he had heard her, after a few moments of waiting she sighed before turning and shutting the door, making her way down to the kitchen and pouring herself a glass of wine.

After around half an hour of watching a muggle movie on the TV they had bought in a local town, she heard footsteps approaching her from behind. Turning around she saw Cedric at the bottom of the stairs, looking over at her. He was only in a pair of red pyjama bottoms, his upper body exposed.

"Come on" she whispered as she opened her arms to him, the blanket around her raising as she did so. He moved towards her, sitting down beside her and pulling the blanket over the both of them. He wrapped his arms around her and she rested her head against his chest, continuing the watch the film that was playing as they got comfortable.

"I love you" he whispered and she nodded "and I'm sorry, I know I'm not an easy person to be with. I'm trying my best" his voice, if possible, dropped an octave and she looked up at him when she heard his voice crack. It was clear he had been crying.

"I love you too much to care if you're an easy person to be with. And it's not your fault, given everything that's happened I think you handle it gracefully" he smiled at her and she reached up, wiping the single tear that fell down his face.

"I don't deserve you," he told her and he shook her automatically.

"Yes, you do Ced. You deserve to be happy and loved"

The devil's in the details, but you got a friend in me

Would it be enough if I could never give you peace?

Voldemort's power only continued to grow after he took over the ministry. The young couple had to go into complete hiding, Bill Weasley apparating to their house to tell them that the dark wizard's followers were looking for Cedric and that they had to hide. And they did just that. They would only leave the house to go to either his parent's house or Bill and Fleurs. Other than that they didn't leave. She had been living this way for months, or since her parents had disowned her, but he hadn't.

He had gotten better since his last bout of depression, which surprised everyone who knew given their situation, it was expected to get worse before it would get better.

it was of course frightening that multiple dark wizards were out to get them both, that there were many places in the country they would make it out of alive. But Cedric had always known that they would come for him as soon as they had the time, Voldemort didn't like that he had escaped him and they both knew that.

It was that same day that Bill had also informed them that nobody had seen Harry, Ron or Hermione since the wedding. And that the Order believed they were preparing for something.

Most of their evenings are spent the same way. They would have their dinner before moving into the living room and watching tv until they fell asleep, illuminated by nothing but the white light from the screen. Sometimes his parents would come over to visit, or they would visit his parents. These evenings were always appreciated, as they broke up the very repetitive cycle they were living through.

During the day Cedric would go on a long walk along the beach behind their house, there was never anybody on the beach, so they decided it was safe for him to do so. She would sometimes join him but most of the time she would tend to their large garden, waiting for him to open the garden fence after returning from his walk.

Their garden was the best aspect of their house. It had multiple large flower beds, all of which she had decorated with a variety of different flowers. In the back corner, there was a small pond and a vegetable patch. Her garden was one of her biggest achievements.

She was on her knees in front of the vegetable patch, planting a new packet of carrots that Cedric's mother brought her a few days prior. She glanced down at her watch and realised he had been gone just over an hour and noticed he would be returning home soon.

Just as her mind wandered back to the task at hand she heard the garden fence creek open and swivelled around to see who it was, her heart rate increasing. She placed her hand over her chest when she saw it was just him.

"Sorry love, didn't mean to frighten you" Cedric's voice floated over the garden as he approached her, a small smile gracing his features.

"How was your walk?" she asked him as he settled down beside her, his light brown trousers a contrast to the green grass, one she was sure would stain. She placed the green trowel down beside her and brushed her hands off on the cloth she had over her lap.

Turning to face him she felt that familiar feeling of butterflies in her stomach, a feeling that felt like it hadn't left since she met him 9 years ago.

"Nice, I saw a couple walking along the road at the end of the beach, I think they were muggles though," he told her and she raised her eyebrows at this, feeling concerned at the news.

"Did they see you?" she asked, her eyes snapping behind him as she looked out over the fence. He noticed her actions and patted her lap.

"No, they never. Don't worry darling I placed an invisibility charm and came home once I saw them" satisfied that he had assured her everything was fine they settled into a comfortable silence. She had begun planting some primrose when he got her attention once more.

"It's exceptionally lonely living like this isn't it?" he whispered, she turned to look at him with a sad smile.

"Ye, it is. I miss our friends and family" she agreed

"I'm glad I have you, I dunno if I could do it without you” he confessed and she held his eye, knowing what he meant. She too didn’t think she would have managed to survive these last few years without him by her side. He wasn’t just her boyfriend, he was her best friend and soulmate. He made even the hardest of times okay.

“And you’ll always have me Ced, you’re my best friend and always have been,” she told him and he laughed at her words, for though the term ‘best friend’ sounded far too simplistic and casual to describe what they felt for one another yet he found that she was correct.

“You’ll always have a friend in me” he whispered, something they used to tell each other before they dated.

And you know that I'd swing with you for the fences

Sit with you in the trenches

It had been a spring night like every other. The couple were wrapped in blankets in front of the television, preparing to head to bed after this episode as it was nearing midnight. However, just as pulled herself apart from him to attempt to clean the living room before they would go to bed somebody apparated within the wards protecting their home.

Cedric had jumped up from the couch at the loud snapping sound, pushing the girl behind him and grabbing his wand, holding it in front of him. The tension left both their bodies when the figure of Bill Weasley rounded the corner, Fleur Delacour following behind. Despite the relief that overcame them Cedric kept his wand up, stopping her from stepping around him and approaching the couple they hadn't seen in 9 months.

"It's us mate, my mum and dad sent us to get you," Bill told him, lowering the wand that he two had raised. Cedric remained defensive.

"Ced, what are you doing," Y/n asked from behind him. Fleur was looking at her with a sad look on her face. They had all been friends for many years now, it was sad that the climate hadn't gotten to frightening that you couldn't even trust your friends.

"Sorry" he mumbled after staring at Bill for a while longer.

"It's alright," Bill said quickly. Stepping into the room.

"They think there's about to be a battle. Ron, Harry and Hermione are at Hogwarts and from what we've heard Voldemorts is on his way. We have to get there as soon as we can" Bill broke the news and Cedric let out a shuddered sigh. He turned to look at his girlfriend behind him and with just one look they had both agreed on what they had to do. No matter how sceptical she was to allow him in any sort of violent situation she knew this was something they had to do.

Within five minutes they had opened up their fireplace for the first time in what felt like forever and travelled to the hogshead pub then quickly made their way to Hogwarts.

That had been over two hours ago. Once they had entered the castle they were separated almost instantly, with nothing but a quick kiss to the side of her forehead in goodbye. The castle had finally fallen quiet as she ran down every corridor she could remember from her days at school, searching for any sign of Cedric. She couldn't quite bring herself to go to the great hall, where she knew the discovered dead were being held. Every corridor she found to search as a delay to what could be life-ruining news.

Exiting one hallway she stumbled into the main stairwell, which looked extraordinarily different to how it had when she had been at school. Sat atop the first flight were Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. Having heard the footsteps approaching the couple's heads had shot up to see who it was, visibly relaxing when they noticed it was the familiar girl.

Hermione gave her a small, tired smile that she returned quickly.

"Are you both alright?" she asked, and they both nodded. "Have either of you seen Cedric"

"No, not that I remember anyway. You should check the hall" Ron told her, it sounded like he had been crying.

"Have you been yet?" she asked them, Hermione told her they had and that it was bad, though Ron never said another thing to the girl rather looking down at his hands.

Making her way to the large hallway she let her eyes roam over the people she could see. Her heart stopped for a second when she saw the lifeless bodies of Professor Lupin, his wife and Fred Weasley. She had heard only last month that the couple had welcomed their first child. And she knew Fred from their time at school together, he and Cedric had been friends. She would have considered him one too.

Then she saw Colin Creavy, a boy visibly younger than any of the other casualties in the hall. A tear slipped down her face when she noticed the sheer number of people around her, who had been alive only hours ago. At long last she spied Cedric sitting against a wall, his face buried in his hands. She ran over to him as quickly as her legs would allow, coming to a still in front of him.

"Ced" she whispered, his head shooting up at the sound of her voice.

"Darling, oh thank goodness" he mumbled, standing up to meet her and wrap his arms around her body "Are you hurt, are you okay?" he asked her, his hand framing her face as he scanned her face, ensuring she looked okay

"I'm fine, Are you?" she asked concerned.

“I’m alright”

They allowed themselves to sit down, watching the people in the hall. They were relieved to see many familiar faces that had survived, however the bodies of those lost looked over them. Another tear ran down her face.

“It will all be over soon” he whispered from beside her and done her best with the little energy she had left to nod.

Give you my wild, give you a child

Give you the silence that only comes when two people understand each other

Family that I chose, now that I see your brother as my brother

Life had changed drastically after the war ended. After the initial happiness and relief had faded witches and wizards all over the country were left with the reality of the horrors they had faced for years, horrors they now had to recover from. However, with time this recovery started to show. Diagon Alley was once again bustling, and Hogwarts was back to how it once had been. And for the first time in a very long time, you could hear laughter in the streets, at parties, even at work.

2 years later and the newlywed couple living in Devon were much like everyone else. They were doing their best to recover from the long years they had just faced. More and more Y/n was seeing the side to Cedric that she hadn't seen since the early days of high school. Of course, he still had his bad days, but these were growing few and far between.

What the pair had missed most during the war was seeing their friends and family. The isolation had been indescribably difficult and finally being able to see people had been one of the best parts of the recovery.

It was a rainy afternoon in early spring and Ginny and Harry were over for afternoon tea. The couple had brought his god-son Teddy along as he was staying with them for the weekend.

"And how are things over in the Department of Magical Games and Sports," Harry asked from across the table. He and Ginny had barely been seen, alongside Ron and Hermione, for well over a year and had only very recently entered the wizarding world again. The now 20-year-olds were very different to what Cedric and Y/n had remembered.

"Oh it's alright, the quidditch world cup is looking like it will be good this year. You guys planning on going?" Cedric asked. He had moved departments when he returned after the war, leaning into something he was actually interested in rather than what his parents wanted him to do.

The two and a half-year-old who had been pre-occupied in the living room had come running through to the dining room, climbing onto Ginny's lap. Y/n watched the interaction fondly but returned to the conversation within a few minutes. He had grown so much since she had last seen him, he was unrecognisable.

"Perhaps, we want to take Teddy to his first match" Harry answered and Cedric nodded in acknowledgement. The little boy's head had popped up to look at his godfather after hearing his name and harry simply laughed, reaching out to ruffle his hair.

After they had eaten they moved to the living room. Y/n sat with ginny and discussed many things. They had never been particularly close in school, having a 4 year age gap in school tended to prevent any friendships. However, during the war, they had become friends, especially when Cedric was still at work. Harry and Cedric were sat on the other side of the room, the young boy sat between them trying to be involved in the conversation.

At many points, she looks over to the group of three and feels her heart swell slightly at the sight of her husband and the young child. Ginny gently cleared her throat beside her. She turned to look back at the ginger girl, pretending she hadn't been caught watching them.

A few hours later the three left and the couple set about making their dinner and relaxing before bed. They were cuddled under a blanket in front of the television eating the pasta and chicken he had made when he cleared his throat, causing her to look up at him.

"Do you want any?" he asked her. She furrowed her brows at the question, not understanding what he was referencing.

"Do I want any what?" she returned and he sat up, placing his bowl on the coffee table.

"Children," He said simply. Her eyes widened at his answer and she rested her bowl on her leg. He watched her as considered her answer.

"Ye, I think so" she answered and he smiled

"You always said when we were younger that you couldn't see yourself with children," he said quietly and she frowned, forgetting that she had once had the mindset before she and Cedric were together.

"That was before I was with you. I'd never want them with anyone else" she told him and he laughed at her.

"I'd never want kids with anyone but you either darling," he told her and she smiled.

"Do you want them?" she asked.

"Ye, more than anything. Imagine a little mixture of me and you running about. And we have the perfect house for children" she leaned in against him, his arm wrapping around her shoulders as they settled back into the silence.

"You need to quit smoking first," she told him halfheartedly

It was 4 months later when the leaves began to change. The world was painted a beautiful orange and the air had grown cold. The couple were holding a small get together in their home one Saturday afternoon. His parents and their friends were sat in the living room as the smell of the cooking dinner swept through the home.

“How have you been darling,” his mother asked her as she sat down next to her. Cedric was across the room discussing something with Bill Weasley, who was keeping a watchful eye on his heavily pregnant wife.

“Oh I’m fine, I’m glad Ceds back at work, he’s much happier. He loves that job” the young woman told the older witch.

“He has been much happier recently I agree, Amos and I noticed it a few months ago,” she told her, resting a hand on her arm

“I know how difficult things have been for you two, given everything that’s happened with him. And I just want you to know that Amos and I, we are so happy he has you. We don’t know what he would have done had he not” she whispered, earning a small smile in response.

“I’m all honestly Mrs Diggory, I don’t know what I would have done without him either. He’s one of the best things that ever happened to me, even with the circumstances”

Cedric had exited the room a few seconds late, motioning subtly for her to follow. She excused herself from the room, telling the group she had to check on the food, and followed him outside. He was standing on the patio looking out at the water when she stood beside him.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his side, pressing a kiss to the top of her head and mumbling I love you.

They stood in silence for a few more seconds before he spoke. “Are you ready?” he asked, and she looked up at him smiling.

“Ye, I’m ready”

An hour later they were sitting around the circular dining table, most people finishing off their meal. Cedric cleared his throat, the room quickly falling silent as a result.

“So I’m sure you’re wondering why we decided to hold this get together today” he started, all eyes on him. His mother raised her eyebrows and the young woman felt her eyes fall onto her. She assumed she had worked it out.

“We have some news, some really great news” he continued, holding her hand under the table, and looking over at her with a look filled with so much love it was overwhelming.

“Well, don’t leave us hanging!” George Weasley joked as the silence protruded

“I’m pregnant”

5 months later

The late summer air had finally started to cool, the last couple of weeks being the hottest anyone can remember in England for many years. The start of the sunset cast an orange glow around the garden and the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore just below fused with the sound of the radio floating out of the kitchen.

"Darling would you like me to pop out and get something for dinner?" Cedric's voice carried across to her as he popped his head out of the open patio doors.

"I think we should have something in the fridge, I think there's leftover salad and avocado from the other night" the woman responded from her place and sat down in the garden. He disappeared again before making his way over to her no more than 5 minutes later. He sat across from her on the picnic blanket and gave her a small tired smile before looking down at the small baby lying in between them.

"I can't believe he's real" He whispered more to himself than to her. His hand gently came up and he ran a finger down the side of his newborn baby's face, making sure not to wake the, finally, sleeping child.

"Me neither" Y/n responded after a few moments.

"You really made him" he continued.

"We both did, he was made by both of us, and somehow we managed to make the most perfect thing on earth," she said, leaning over and resting her head on her husband's shoulder. They had gotten married only 3 months before their baby was born.

"Archie Amos Diggory how lucky we are to have you" she continued. and Cedric laughed gently, looking down at her and pecking her lips.

"How lucky we are to have you indeed" he repeated.

For the first time since they were 17, the couple felt nothing but happiness. What had felt like the impossible for so long had finally become their reality. At 25 they were living the life they had always wanted. They had peace and all thanks to one another.

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