#if this post is up it means i didn't get to make a lovestruck set because I am going to be busy watching The Great Debate

[hipsternumbertwo]

Todd and Angela (Cut for Time)

[wildlife4life]

Fucking Inspirational Seven (+) Sentence Weekend

I have been tagged all through the weekend and I really did want to post on the actual days but I made those days for my daughter and insuring she had a magical 4th birthday. Party was fantastic and she is a very happy tot! To make up for the previous days, I have combined them all into this one, along with all those who have tagged me! @wikiangela, @loserdiaz, @thekristen999, @disasterbuckdiaz, @giddyupbuck, @hippolotamus, @fortheloveofbuddie @thewolvesof1998 @try-set-me-on-fire @jeeyuns @spotsandsocks @monsterrae1 @lover-of-mine @watchyourbuck @devirnis @jesuisici33 @exhuastedpigeon @theotherluciferr Thank you all so much and I look forward to all your works! Also this is me tagging you for Seven Sentence Sunday.

Maddie took a step back and turned her body just so, blocking the several photographers capturing pregame photos. Most of the time they moved on after photographing Evan linking his pinky with hers before pulling his older sister into a tight hug. A wholesome family moment, exactly what NFL and the sport world loves to see. But they also want to see every players dirty little secret. There was nothing dirty about Eddie and Evan's secret love. To a large portion of society though, it was wrong and in professional sports world, a single shot of that love could mean the downfall of everything Evan has worked so hard for. So ever since Maddie came back into her brother's life, joined the little family he built with Eddie and Christopher, she made herself the shiny shield. Look at me, look at the star quarterback's big sister. The woman who inspires him and has supported his football dreams since peewee league. Look at her and not at the shadows of a closeted bisexual man who loves an openly gay fireman. A quick peek of her surroundings, Maddie notices the dwindling sideline crowd and lessened attention on the quarterback. Catching Eddie's eye, she gives him a small nod and he steps up to Evan's towering form, grinning broadly. "Watch for that double high safety Buckley." He states with a wink. Evan's cheeks went slightly pink and Maddie can’t help but wrinkle her nose. She knew that look on her brother's face all too well and somehow Eddie had made a simple play reminder sexual. Ew. The quarterback chuckles, "Yea of course. Thanks man." He reaches out and thumps Eddie's chest over his heart three times. Eddie's giddy smile softens. With his own fist, Eddie hits the pads on Evan’s chest in the same place. Thump, thump, thump. Three taps meant I love you. He pulls his hand back and Eddie hits the center of his own sternum once. And the lone tap to his chest was a poor replacement for a kiss good luck. Maddie witnesses the same gestures between the two lovestruck men at every game Eddie attends and it breaks her heart every time.

Hope you all enjoyed! I promise I will be getting back to writing this week and if you want to see previous NFL Buck posts and snippets, go here!

Tagging those I didn't tag up top (no pressure): @alyxmastershipper @forthewolves @spaceprincessem @rogerzsteven @ladydorian05 @eowon @911onabc @911-on-abc @lizzybizzyzzz @cowboydiazes @cowboy-buck @cowboy-buddie @brokenribsdiaz @buck-coded @housewifebuck @bekkachaos @bvckandeddie @glorious-spoon @elvensorceress @bigfootsmom @transbuck @honestlydarkprincess @eddiediaztho @buddierights @athenagranted @rainbow-nerdss

[amethystfairy1]

Hihi! I just wanted to say I absolutely adore both of your fics sooooo much! The way you write all the characters is amazing :D. I was just wondering do you have any advice or tips for people looking to get into fic writing? And quick q about travelling thieves! We know that mumbo has met pearl but if Grian and Pearl were to meet would they even recognise one another? Anyway your work is incredible and I cant wait to see what you do for the rest of febuwhump!

Hello, hello! ✨

I'm so glad you enjoy my fics and characters!

Tips to get into fic writing? Hmm...I mean, I know it's probably said a lot, but my biggest advice is don't be afraid to start. The first fic you ever write won't be perfect, it'll be far from that, and you've just gotta be ok with that. The best thing you can do is start, write something and post it, see what people think, see what you liked and didn't like about it...then do it again!

As far as like...actual advice, I'd say participate in a writing challenge! Like Febuwhump which is going on right now! 😆 It'll force you to take a prompt, make something of it, post it quickly and then move on. You'll end up with a big chunk of fics and feedback on at least some of them I'm sure, and you can go from there! Also you'd be surprised what sort of storylines might accidentally form during a writing challenge...Traveling Thieves came out of my Whumptober prompts from last year, after all!

My last bit of advice would be to not start with a long fic. By that what I mean is don't try to write some huge overarching narrative...start with something smaller.

Your favorite ship needs to get together, who asks who out? How did that go? What was their first date like? What about their first kiss? How long did it take for them to say 'I love you'? That's like four or five short fics right there. 😛

The reason I write my AU's the way I do is because of stuff like this. It's scary writing a long fic (trust me I've done it a ton of times) because once you bypass a certain point in the story, you can never go back. The fun thing about my AU's being a series of short stories is that I can always bounce up and down the timeline! If you've been keeping up with TTSBC you can see it! I wrote Flower Husbands all the way up to Scott knowing about Jimmy's wings and consistently spending the night at his apartment. They've fought, they've said 'I love you', Scott has been to the under-city and met Jimmy's parents...but I suddenly felt like writing more details about their early game relationship! Before Scott know Jimmy's big secret, before they'd said 'I love you' or anything like that...so guess what? I did just that! I wrote 'Karma Witch' and 'Lovestruck Baby' after I'd written fics like 'Gutterline Sunshine' because that's the greatest part of this set up! I can bounce around! I never get bored or stuck on one plot point because if I don't feel like working on it, then I don't have too! So if you're into worldbuilding and wanna create an AU to have your characters all exist in, I'd super super super recommend using the 'shorter stories in an interconnected series' format.

BONUS TRAVELING THIEVES QUESTION 🏃‍♀️

Pearl and Grian last saw each other when they were sold away form their colony at fifteen years old. It's been seven years since then, but considering they're twins and they were both already mostly grown before they were sold away? Yes. They would definitely recognize each other if they saw each other again. The problem would be if they'd allow themselves to admit they recognized each other...cut ties and forgotten names and all. 😭

I hope my rambling advice helped at least a little bit!

Thanks for coming by! 💖

[doyouknowhowtowaltz]

Terribly sorry to pester you with my beast romance nonsense; but the angle I am sort of heading towards is a sort of Bonnie and Clyde, but instead of cash it's happiness.. I'm trying to keep the "Dante's Inferno" aspect, I know the Beast is essentially Lucifer -so this warlock comes in as a "Lilith" type. Where he wants to serve, like actually wants to keep the tree-man alive. Mostly on the grounds of thinking hope is weakness, so ultimately dying to feed tree boyfriend is like going to heaven for him I guess..this doesn't make sense lol.

This is an interesting concept! It has some very fun ideas to play around with

I'm not entirely sure from this ask and the last you sent me if the romance is one-sided or requited but both have interesting possibilities.

On the one-sided side, I could see the Beast initially brushing off the warlock, who keeps trying to get sent to an early grave, or maybe just show his affection, with the Beast eventually becoming fed up. The Beast tries to taunt while roots grow up around the warlock, something something "Look how devotion repays you." something something, but the warlock is lovestruck (You could also branch off here and maybe get into the fact that the Beast can't grow up an edelwood if he's happy leaving them stalemated, put them in a long-term game that could end happily for both or very very badly) and undaunted, succumbing to the edelwood, the warlock can make their profession of undying love, their comments about being happy to become a part of the Beast, their speech about sacrifice, whatever you write that strikes the best chord.

Then you can shift your narrative center off the warlock who's now an edelwood and depict the Beast's reaction. Maybe he's thoughtful, not having returned the affections, but intrigued, baffled even by the depth of the warlock's affection.

( Long dark fingers traced the seams where bark bled into a twisted face, the gouges in the tree carved into something almost peaceful. They pause at the place that wood warps into what might be a wan smile, lingering over lips that might once have kissed the hand that strayed there now with deepest devotion. "Curious," The word is barely a whisper in the brittle air, and the hand steals away, hidden within a shroud of furs. The snow quickly fills in retreating footsteps and shores up against the sturdy roots, water sinking down into the soil to offer its strength to the young tree. The Beast does not return for a long time)

Maybe even throw in some hints that the Beast actually did return the affection but didn't, for whatever reason express it. Maybe he didn't recognize it until the warlock is oil, maybe he wouldn't let himself be in love with a mortal, but now that it's a tree, he pays his affection there.

As for requitted you could have a lot of fun by putting them in a situation where the Beast wants to turn the warlock into an edelwood, but can't for whatever reason (magic, the warlock just is too damn hopeful about being turned into an edelwood, what have you) and the warlock won't leave until he does, meaning they're stuck with each other. Shenanegans ensue, romance, maybe the Beast falls a tiny bit in love, maybe he falls a lot a bit in love.

Does the Beast keep trying to turn the warlock into an edelwood? As his own twisted sense of love? (Get you as close as possible and savor you) I mean, I would say he would, that's how I write he and Enoch, but you can also get a lot of mileage out of him being unwilling to grow the warlock into an edelwood. I can see the Beast doing both (hence why I've written stories with both trains of thought) for his own complex sets of reasons. It could also be interesting to explore if the Beast is able to articulate those reasons to a mortal.

Thanks for stopping by again! Keep me posted on your story!

[elusiveimp]

Blooming Panic Boys Comforting You After A Nightmare

Heya! Here's the next set of headcanons for BP! This is one where you're the one waking up. A reverse will be posted later! Gender neutral!Reader

Quest

Wakes up the instant you bolt up in bed

Sits up, looking concerned

"Angel? What's wrong?"

You shake your head and he lets you take a moment, waiting patiently

"...N-Nightmare..." you whisper

The next second, he's got you wrapped in his arms, cradling you against his chest as he rubs your back

"Shhh... you don't have to tell me about anything you don't want to"

"I've got you, angel"

"Nothing can get you while I'm here, I promise"

You just cuddle closer, letting your eyes fall shut as the sound of his heart thuds in your ears

The sound eventually lulls you into a peaceful sleep

Quest keeps you close, ready to comfort you if you wake up again

xyx

Already awake, being an early riser

Is working on a case at his desk, trying not to disturb you

So he feels guilty when you sit up in bed

"Sorry doll, I didn't mean to wake you-"

He grows concerned when you just silently shake

Immediately goes over and wraps an arm around your shoulder, pulling you into his side

He recognizes the signs once he sees you up close

Besides the shivering, your eyes are wide and slightly vacant

It honestly haunts him a bit, though he shakes it off a moment later

"...Do you want to talk about it? No pressure." he says, voice quiet and collected

Regardless of your answer, he pulls you into a gentle embrace, falling back against the bed facing you

He kisses your forehead and starts softly singing the tongue twister song to try and get you to head back to sleep

The sound of his rich voice in your ears relaxes you soon makes you forget whatever plagued your mind

Cat even comes over to cuddle up with you two

nightowl

He's always up at night, but the sight of you curled up in bed tempts him away from his studies

He's lying beside you, gently caressing your face and smiling like a lovestruck dork

So he's a little startled when your eyes snap open, staring into his own with pure fear

He immediately cradles your face, murmuring your name

"Hey, hey, cutie, it's me. It's okay. Shhhh"

Your eyes clear and you recognize him

"n...nightowl..."

His heart just shatters when you sink into him, shaking with sobs

He's pulling you close without hesitation, curling his body around yours as he whispers sweet nothings in your ear

His fingers gently card through your hair

He doesn't ask you what you've seen, only seeking to comfort you from whatever upset you so much

Once you calm down, he walks you to the bathroom to clean your face and let you blow your nose

He keeps close, watching you with worry in his dark eyes

Takes you downstairs for a glass of warm milk and more cuddles before you head back to bed

Or he'll let you stay up with him if that's what you prefer

Setting his work aside and focusing on making you

Anything to see his cutie's smile again

Toasty/NakedToaster

Is a little slower to wake up than the others

He had just gone to bed after a long workday and some raiding with xyx

Is awoken by the sound of your whimpers

"Hmmm...? Dearest...h-hey..."

He pulls you back into his chest, pressing his lips to your ear and gently calling your name

Your eyes snap open and you struggle at the arms around your waist

"Hey...hey! It's me, toasty. "

You slump back against him in relief

Before he can say anything, you flip over and bury your face in his shirt, clinging desperately to him

He's a bit flustered at the suddenness of your actions, but he holds you close with one arm

His free hand slips into yours, holding and squeezing softly to let you know that you weren't alone

"...Take your time... I'm not going anywhere...You're safe now..."

His touch slowly grounds you back into reality

You two end up spending the rest of the night curled up in his desk chair, you in his lap, playing FFXIV

He can sleep when you're ready to

[enchantress-emily]

The Soft Zone(tm) Fic Rec Post

Today @ineffablefool gets his own rec post! If you’re a Good Omens fan and you like soft, romantic Aziraphale/Crowley fic, you should go read everything he’s written (assuming you haven’t already).

Some of his fic is canonverse, and some is Human AU (plus one or two non-human AUs), but all of it is guaranteed to be 100% asexual and to include a lovely fat Aziraphale and a Crowley who adores him that way.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are a few of my favorites:

Canonverse

Armor of Righteousness

Aziraphale, still sitting on all his feelings for Crowley months after the not-apocalypse, gets a panicked call from him, and prepares to defend him with skills last used before the Earth was formed. Will he be in time? (Spoiler, yes he will. This story takes place in the Soft Zone and I promise that nobody will get hurt.)

This fic does a really nice job of balancing the two different sides of Aziraphale: he still has formidable abilities as a Heavenly warrior, but when it comes down to it he would much rather be soft.

Correct On the Third Point

A customer tries to insult Aziraphale, but does a terrible job of it. Cuddles ensue (not with the customer).

A classic ineffablefool Spite Fic (i.e. a good strong dose of fat positivity, written in response to fatphobia elsewhere). Aziraphale is fat and doesn't see why that should be considered an insult, thank you very much, and Crowley wholeheartedly agrees.

Human AU

If Not Now, When

Anthony Crowley has learned by now that anything that makes him happy will be temporary at best. His quietly desperate routine is challenged when he happens to strike up a conversation with a customer at work, and he starts realizing three things, in this order: 1. oh huh this Aziraphale guy is actually interesting; 2. he can't stop embarrassing himself by accidentally flirting with him; and 3. oh no this Aziraphale guy is actually extremely attractive what do I do.

This is Jack's magnum opus: 28 chapters of gorgeous, moving relationship development. Both characters have a lot to work through - body image issues for Aziraphale, gender stuff and overall lack of self-worth for Crowley (who's trans here) - but they're doing it together and giving each other unfailing love and support.

Error 404: Crowley’s Brain Cell Not Found

The "information technology professional coworkers" human Ineffable Husbands AU which... someone needed, possibly. Aziraphale is very fat and very pretty, Crowley is a lovestruck disaster, and your author is an IT professional who has seen a lot in a surprisingly short amount of time.

This one is set in my own home state of Wisconsin (with A&C as British expats), which makes it especially fun to read! Most of the tech stuff goes over my head, but there are helpful explanatory footnotes. Lots of silly flirting and no angst (unless you count Crowley agonizing over whether or not Aziraphale like-likes him).

A Matching Pair of Fools

This was foolish, the whole idea was foolish, and Aziraphale himself was the greatest fool of all. Oh, he knew his sister meant well, but what she apparently didn't understand was that Aziraphale was difficult. He was difficult to love, to even tolerate, with his very particular standards on everything from attire to zebra crossings. To expect a stranger to overlook all of that… (Human AU. Pre-blind-date anxiety followed by Lots Of Soft.)

Aziraphale works himself up into an anxiety attack about his impending blind date and is comforted by a handsome stranger... who just so happens to be on his way to a blind date himself. Includes one of the best descriptions I've ever read of Aziraphale's happy little wiggle.

Pins (rolling or otherwise)

Aziraphale was just contemplating closing up the bakery a few minutes early, when a last-minute customer walked in, saw him, and immediately began blushing and mumbling. (Human AU, Aziraphale is a baker, Crowley is a disaster)

A sweet little meet-cute with a genderfluid Crowley, a confident Aziraphale, and a very nice moment of asexual connection.

[caroldanversmohawk]

Quidditch Captain Danvers - Chapter 4 Posted!

Mazie walked through the corridors with her best friend, Wanda Maximoff. They had finished their homework yesterday, which meant they had Sunday to themselves. Mazie had suggested they go for a walk outside. Her hope was to innocently wander the grounds of Hogwarts and maybe accidentally pass by the Quidditch pitch a couple times, in case Gryffindor was practicing.

"She's actually really nice, you know." Mazie told Wanda, out of nowhere, who sighed in response.

"You've already said that, like at least five times." She told her. Wanda knew exactly who her lovestruck friend was talking about. The only person she had been talking about for the last few days.

"Well it's true." Mazie mumbled, embarrassed that she was to the point of annoying her own friend. But still unable to contain the bursting excitement inside her from actually meeting Danvers two days ago.

"Tell that to the uniform she ruined." Wanda smirked at her. The Combusting Chalk never did come out. In fact, Mazie still had some red streaks left in her hair. It was fine though. She kind of liked the flash of color in her otherwise monotone mane. Not to mention it reminded her of Carol every time she saw it.

"She didn't mean for that to happen! She's not mean. Just...reckless," Wanda was already snorting at the dreamy tone Mazie's voice had taken on.

"Right. I still think Romanoff is better for you." She told her friend, honestly.

[[MORE]]

"That's not how you felt when I first met her!" Mazie accused. "You'll warm up to Danvers, too. You'll see"

Wanda raised her eyebrows at Mazie, "I didn't like Romanoff because she’s a Slytherin. And she acts like a stone cold bitch."

Mazie giggled at Wanda's blunt words, only partially horrified. They had talked about this before. Before Mazie had met Natasha in person. The first time had been at Hogsmeade, when Carol had put Whizzing Worms in Natasha's Butterbeer. Mazie hadn't even thought about what she was doing before she cast the counter spell that contained the exploding liquid. She had learned that one a long time ago, as soon as her little brothers first got their hands on those bloody worms.

"But she's much nicer in person! She just acts cold so no one messes with her." Mazie insisted. After saving her from the Whizzing Worms, Natasha had bought Mazie a drink. She had been intimidated by the Slytherin Prefect at first, but once they got to talking, she realized that Natasha really did just put up a front. She was kind and caring, and very clever. Mazie couldn't remember the last time she had such an engaging conversation about transfiguration, especially with anyone who wasn't a Ravenclaw.

"It doesn't seem to stop Danvers from messing with her…" Wanda noted, with small smile. She knew that reminding Mazie of Carol again would only set her off more.

"Yea, but that's because Danvers is a reckless badass! She's not afraid of anything. Or anyone." Mazie's dreamy grin was back.

"You're so far gone, Stanton. It's useless for me to try to convince you otherwise." Wanda looked at her friend fondly. "So, are we circling the Quidditch pitch a few hundred times?"

Mazie wanted to deny it, to feign outrage that her friend thought her so fickle...but she was that transparent. Not to mention, she loved Wanda like a sister. And they knew each other almost as well, after 7 years of sharing a room in the Ravenclaw dorms. "Yea...but let's at least try to look subtle about it, okay?"

-------

Carol was frustrated by her team's slow progress. They only had six more days before the big match. And they still weren't ready.

"Barton, the snitch has been out for 20 bloody minutes. Some hawkeye you have." She scoffed, then rounded on her beaters. "And you two. Avery--Moaning Myrtle could swing harder than you. Valkyrie--you have the accuracy of a blast ended skrewt." Valkyrie tilted her head at her friend, looking like she was ready to make Carol eat those words, literally, but luckily there was no bludger in reach.

“Hill, you’re flying like you drank a barrel of firewhiskey. You need to stay in bloody formation.” Maria stared Carol down with raised eyebrows, not saying a word in response. Carol wasn’t phased by the glares she was getting from her team. She was just being honest.

She left Steve out--he was trying at least. Compared to the rest. She turned his friend though, who was hovering by the goal posts. "And for Merlin's sake, Bucky. Stop watching Steve's ass and start watching the quaffle. A gnome could’ve blocked more of our shots."

"As far as I'm concerned, that's Gryffindor's ass." Bucky muttered quietly, expression neutral. He seemed like the only one who wasn’t angry at her rant.

"Fine. We can make it the bloody Gryffindor mascot if you want." Bucky was surprised she heard him but completely unabashed all the same. "Just stare at it another time. As far as I'm concerned, I own all your asses when we're on this field. And at the moment I'm not impressed with any of them."

Valkyrie snorted to Avery, "That's because none of them are Romanoff's."

"What did you say?" Carol pulled her broom in a 180, facing her beaters again. Both had the forethought to look contrite, though Valkyrie still had the hint of a smirk. They held up their hands in surrender.

"Nothing, Captain." Avery responded for them.

Carol rolled her eyes, letting it go for the moment. She had bigger worries than dumb rumors. She sighed, "Everyone take five. Then I want you back on the pitch with your heads screwed on properly. Or else."

She landed first, needing the break more than them, if she was honest with herself. Her head felt like it was going to split in two. She knew her team had the potential to beat Slytherin, the potential to be better. But it seemed like every day they were on the pitch her team was getting worse.

"Danvers," Steve's voice was calm, like she hadn't just exploded at them up there. "I had some ideas for maneuvers we could do--"

"Not now, Rogers." She cut him off. What part of ‘take a break’ didn't he understand? When she glanced at him, she saw him blinking, unsure what to do now that he was turned away. Her pity won out. "We can talk about it when we regroup, okay?" She said, a little less sharply.

He nodded, relief spreading across his features. "All right." Carol didn't watch to see him walk over to Bucky. She just knew he would.

She turned away from the whole team and started to make her way to the edge of the pitch. A breath of fresh air, that's what she needed. That was when she spotted the red-speckled hair. Bobbing along next to another girl. Carol momentarily thought Natasha was walking with Mazie, only to let out a relieved breath to see it was a much taller girl. With brunette hair and blue trimmed robes.

So Mazie had friends, Carol mused. Or at least, a friend. That's good. Carol decided that maybe this was the break she needed. She headed off down the path so she would collide with their route.

"Stanton," she called out when she was close enough to be heard.

Mazie's head whipped around to stare at Carol, wide-eyed. "Oh. Hey Danvers. What's up?"

“Oh, you know how it is. My team is sucking and there’s nothing I can do about it.” Carol shrugged, brushing off her dismal words. “Who’s your friend?” She nodded to the tall brunette.

“This is Wanda Maximoff.” Mazie had a grin on her face, but she couldn’t hold eye contact with Carol for long. She looked back at Wanda. “This is, uh, Carol Danvers.” Mazie was surprised her voice didn’t flutter on Carol’s name. Her heart was, that’s for sure.

Carol reached out to shake Wanda’s long-fingered hand. “Nice to meet you.” Carol remembered her manners for once.

“You too,” Wanda smirked, glancing slyly at her friend before turning her attention back to Carol. “Mazie’s told me a lot about you.”

Mazie’s eyes widened. She was contemplating if hexing Wanda in front of Carol would make it more or less embarrassing. “Oh yea?” Carol’s lips quirked up into an unashamed grin, making Mazie’s core clench, especially because it was directed at her. “All good things, I hope?” She added a wink. The mischievous spark in her eye made it clear to them both that Carol had a feeling none of it would actually be good. Mazie felt like she should say something but her mind was completely blank.

Wanda didn't seem to be suffering from the same muteness, “She thinks your team is going to beat Slytherin 2 to 1. I told her there was no way they would lose that badly.” Mazie clutched Wanda’s arm, not sure what she was trying to communicate to her friend, but sure that her face was turning crimson all the same.

“Yea, she told me that too.” Carol sighed, her eyes locking with Mazie. “At this rate, that’s not going to happen. Sorry, darling.” Mazie was glad her hands were covered by the sleeves of her robes. She felt them twitch at the pet name. Wanda let out a quiet laugh though, feeling it where Mazie held her.

"Itsokay," Mazie rushed out the words so they sounded like one. "As long as you win I'll be happy."

Carol frowned, "Not even sure I can guarantee that…"

"If anyone can figure it out, it's you."

Carol was touched but not sure her confidence was well placed. "Thanks. But you didn't see our practice today." She grimaced.

Mazie shrugged, "You've been doing this for seven years! Most of you have. I'm sure a lot of it is second nature at this point. It's just a question of who can get the edge this year. And that edge may not be through repetitive practice." Mazie shut her mouth, realizing she was rambling.

Carol's eyes widened, the thought finally hitting her. "You're a genius, Mazie!" She jumped forward, catching Mazie off guard and kissing her on the cheek. "I gotta go." She turned on her heel and started to run back to the pitch. After a few steps, she threw back over her shoulder, "Nice to meet you, Maximoff. Take care of my sassy, genius Ravenclaw friend."

Mazie stood there, rooted to the spot, watching Carol disappear in the distance. She wanted to say something, but every fiber of her being was focused on the warm patch on her cheek, where Carol's lips had been moments ago. And every thought in her head echoed the words, "darling", "genius", and "my friend."

Wanda put her arm around her, "Maze, you okay?" Wanda sounded just as caught off-guard as Mazie at the sudden change in Carol's behavior.

Mazie just let out a high-pitched whine, attempting to respond to her friend. Wanda laughed nervously, "Maybe we should go back inside, since we've been spotted."

Mazie could only nod and let Wanda guide her back down the dirt path, back toward the castle. "I can die happy now." Mazie muttered.

Wanda laughed, "If that interaction was any indication, you may just want to wait on dying. I think you might have some good things coming your way, Maze. If you can stay alive long enough…"

Mazie was clutching at her chest with her hand. "I think I'm having a heart attack."

Wanda snorted, "Well, deal with it darling. Cause now I kind of want to see where this goes. So you're not allowed to die yet."

"Fine. I'll suffer through this for you. Because I'm that good of a friend." Mazie mumbled.

Wanda laughed again. "Sure you are. You're doing it all for me. Not for that blonde Quidditch Captain that clearly has a thing for you." Wanda smirked, raising a challenging eyebrow.

"She does not," Mazie countered automatically. But she was actually beginning to wonder. Was it not just her imagination?

"You could've just stayed in the Prefect's bathroom to find out. But nooo, you had to run away." Wanda continued to tease.

"She kissed me, Wan. She kissed me." Mazie hadn't really been listening to her friend's words.

"Yes, she did. Let's get you inside before you faint," Wanda still looked at her friend with amusement. But also with worry. Mazie was innocent and sweet, and she was getting caught up with the wildest student at Hogwarts and the most ruthless student at Hogwarts. She just hoped that Mazie would be able to find her way between the two Gryffindor and Slytherin superstars. If not, Wanda was going to put to shame the meaningless pranks they had been playing on each other. She would be out for blood.

-----

Carol ran back onto the pitch to her dejected team, lazing around on the grass. "Rogers, what were those new maneuvers you came up with? I think it's time we added a little excitement to our lives."

Her team noticeably perked up at her words. This may just work.