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kanene-yaaay · 1 month ago

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The Collection (Third Chapter)

3. Love

Kanene's Notes: I DID IT KJHGTHYUJIK LAST CHAPTER!!!!!!! CAN YOU BELIEVE???? AAAAAAA Almost didn't manage to post today because I was resting oikuytyuj but it's here!!! Yay!!! :D

Warnings: Light Self Depreciation, Mouth Tickles (like, lots of it), Light Angst and mostly Fluff. Ler!Xichen + Ticklish![SURPRISE] Around 8.000 words.

[~*~]

In the end, for him, tickling was a way to show love, care, trust. To have someone’s vulnerabilities right in your hands and decide to hold them so tenderly and freely that your love could not ever be mistaken. To analyze someone’s reaction and discover what they like and didn’t like, to bring a bit more of playfulness and brightness to their days. It meant to show respect and at the same time create a song so unique as both of them danced to it. His collection was meant to hold someone, to laugh and relax and, above all, to strike happiness and love, whichever was the form the person decided to show him.

(...)

Wei Wuxian kept running.

He knew it wouldn’t be enough. No matter how far he pushed himself, for how long he kept running even when his body pleaded for a break, Wei Wuxian knew it was just a matter of time until he was caught. Mo Xuanyu’s body wasn’t nearly closer to be as strong, resistant and great as his original one, which could hold his breath underneath water for minutes and escape for days if necessary. However, by the sheer determination and power of his pursuer, even if he had his original stamina and velocity, maybe even so it would be a long battle to outrun the other.

(Maybe he was simply doomed from the beginning)

He was panting, struggling already as he jumped over rocks and roots, taking wild turns and twists in the middle of the forest in an attempt to confuse. It still wasn’t enough. He would be caught.

He would be caught.

Thinking back, it had been foolish, truly, to think he could face this without Lan Zhan. He was too far from his location now, without even realizing what kind of plight Wei Wuxian was trying to survive.

At least… at least he had the chance to be his husband before his fall.

And fall he did. With a loud shriek Wei Wuxian collided with the grass, claws curling around him when he shouted with the despair of a man trying to buy one single more moment of life.

“We can make a deal!”

The claws stopped inches from his skin, right above his stomach, too close to all his fragile organs. They twitched and he could feel a shadow of electricity escaping from the points where it barely brushed the skin.

“A deal?” He sounded amused, not even worried, as if he already imagined them both in this outcome, as if capturing the former Yilling Patriarch was nothing but expected. Wei Wuxian couldn’t even complain, his attention too caught in the claws getting dangerously closer and closer, twitching and brushing and making him feel more and more each movement. Even if he wanted, he wouldn’t be able to look away.

“What is your offer?” “Lan Zhan’s secret spot.”

A chuckle ressounded across the yard and the hands immediately came down. Wei Wuxian shrieked once more and waited for his end. Those hands, however, simply rested on his belly, no further movement coming, being successful in only making his nerves prickle and buzz with anticipation and adrenaline. Wei Wuxian could listen clearly as the amusement grew bigger in his captor’s voice. “I have known Wangji since we were kids. There is no secret spot when it comes to me.”

“Even the one on…”

“The back of his lower ribs, the closer to the sides the quicker the giggles get? Yes.”

Wei Wuxian pouted. Although a quick digging on his stomach immediately exchanged it for a wobbling, giant smile that made the tickles stop automatically.

Xichen-ge was such a tease.

Besides, this one wasn’t even the spot he wanted to trade, but he slotted the information in his mind to explore more later.

Suddenly an idea appeared in his mind. The nervous smile in his face gave its spot for a wicked smirk.

Feeling the smugness on the other, Xichen’s attention honed in with interest.

Also aware of the Benefits of Teasing and Being a Little Shit, Wei Wuxian relaxed completely on the ground, stretching and put his arms behind his head, completely calm, as if there was no more danger to fall upon him after the next offer was out, a proud grin on his lips.

“You are absolutely right, Xichen-ge! You both grew up together and the two of us are the only ones who can truly read and understand Lan Zhan,” He stalled and Lan Xichen narrowed his eyes in suspicious, an amused light shining in them, although. “But I must give to you the merits you deserve for the extra years of experience you have. When it comes to you and Lan Zhan, there is no doubt that you know your didi wonderfully.”

This was a pause for a bigger effect, Lan Xichen recognizes. He could tell Wei Wuxian is just trying to buy time, but both of them know how patient and stubborn Lans can be. It is only a matter of time before he gets what he came for anyway.

Then, Wei Wuxian went for the kill.

“And yet so do I. If you let me go, I can tell you a special tickle spot that will transform Jiang Cheng into a laughing, flustered mess in seconds.

Lan Xichen froze. Wei Wuxian’s smirk only grew, like a cat about to jump on his prey, knowing precisely how priceless and unmatched his offer was.

Got you.

“So, what do you say, Xichen-ge, my favorite brother in law? Will you let me go? From one big brother to another.”

Lan Xichen reflected quietly, fingers still tapping on the ticklish belly under them, as if deep in thought, fingertips barely gracing the skin before going away, the little tickles just enough of present to keep the anticipation going and the bubbling giggles alive.

In the end, he sighed and Wei Wuxian beamed, already knowing what he was going to say. “Very well, you share this information with me and I let you leave for today.”

“Only today?! Why, why, Xichen-ge! Don’t be greedy.” He wagged his finger in front of his face and Lan Xichen’s hands digged a bit more on his stomach in reply. He wiggled, a triumphant grin still clued on his face. “The moment you attack Jiang Cheng there, he will know who betrayed him immediately! His bad temper will fall on me and I will certainly not survive such a vicious revenge, you see, especially after an attack of yours! Lan Zhan has shared plenty of information about his own falls in your claws.” He pouted and looked at the older with big eyes. “I will need at least three weeks to recover after his visit.”

In one week Wanyin would be visiting the Cloud Recesses to discuss sect matters, which would grant more than one month before Lan Xichen was allowed, by their deal, to take his revenge on him. The date fell suspiciously close to Jin Ling’s birthday, a celebration that would oblige Lan Xichen to travel away from the Cloud Recessess. Truly a brilliant mind his brother in law had.

“One week, at most. You did attack me in front of my students, afterall. It wouldn’t be well for them to know I granted you more mercy than that trick deserved. A punishment for breaking the rules must be given.”

The snickers that came out of his mouth had nothing to do with the tickles, but more with him remembering the other’s shriek at the surprise tickle attack. His next squeal, however, had, since Xichen decided to claw a bit on his sides. “One week and half!”

Lan Xichen hummed, and once more Wei Wuxian beamed. After being so close with Wangji, it was no surprise he hadn’t problem reading his tells. “Very well, one week and three days, but I retain the right to break the deal if when I try the spot no reaction is found or if you decide to tickle me again during this time, even if by mistake. If any of those cases happen, then I will come collect my original payment and bring Wangji with me for help.”

Wei Wuxian crackled, bowing at him with the best of his ability. “So little trust in my words, Xichen-ge! This lowly one would never dare to trick the almighty Zewu Jun, please have the mercy my dear husband won’t give!”

“You won’t have to worry about it if the information you share is true.” Letting him go, Lan Xichen got up, offering a hand for Wei Wuxian to bring himself up as well. He took a few leaves and dirt out of his still pristine robes, hesitating before the question came out in a low voice. “Wanyin truly won’t mind if I know?”

“Mind?” There was a mix of amusement and confusion in his face, then Wei Wuxian’s eyes widened as he came to a realization. “Xichen-ge! Don’t tell me! You never tried to tickle Jiang Cheng before?”

“I have not yet, no.”

Mischievous shine in his eyes, Wei Wuxian came close resting an arm on his shoulder, making him huff a laughter at the comic position, with their very present height difference. The other shook a finger next to his face. “Give me one more week free of your revenge, Xichen-ge, and I will share this one more secret with you, also! He will thank me for it anyways, later.” He scratched the bridge of his nose. “Probably.”

Having the feeling of what the secret was, Xichen simply shook his head, a smile on his face.

“I think this one I shall find by myself, young master Wei.”

(...)

Lan Xichen rubbed the shoulders under him, feeling the way those muscles tensed unrelentlessly under his touch. Equally unrelenting, he pressed a soft kiss on each shoulder, feeling the other jolt under his lips in alarm before forcing out a tight sigh.

He didn't say anything, just kept rubbing those tensed shoulders, arms, hands and fingers, even taking his time as he trailed down from his back to his hips, squeezing too firmly to be nothing but comforting, before going up and repeating the cycle again, letting his hands warm and accostume the cold skin under him.

There was no hurry for any of them, no emergency or matter that would require their attention for the rest of the day. It was just the two of them and a cold evening perfect to better enjoy the warmth of each other.

His hands traveled across every muscle, pressing on it lightly as his soft pecks followed the line of his shoulder until it arrived at the middle and travelled to the other’s nape. Goosebumps appeared across the caressed skin and Lan Xichen chuckled, half fond and half smug, at the physical proof of how his touches affected him.

Jiang Wanyin tched.

“To think this is what finally makes you get quiet in bed. Unbelievable.”

Xichen huffed, still too close to his skin, which obliged Wanyin to hold back a small jolt at the series of shivers that followed his action. “I apologize for the lack of talking. I am simply… too excited, too thankful for this.” He nuzzled him, taking in the delicious smell of lotus flower and wood from the other, controlling himself to not bite the spot. “Although it is quite nice to know you like as much as me the words we exchange in our intimacy.”

“Of course you would take this as an opportunity to be sentimental.” Jiang Wanying groaned. “Don't think that just because I accepted your offer it doesn’t mean that I won't be breaking your legs and getting out if you start with your thing”

“... My thing?”

Jiang Cheng huffed and scowled, shifting self consciously on the mattress. “You know what I am talking about. Besides, I already accepted doing this, you don't need to keep flattering me.”

Lan Xichen frowned, confused. “It’s not flattery, simply my feelings.”

“Stop it, I know senseless praises when I see one and you do as well. We’ve grown to deal with the same politics, even with our clear different strategies to deal with it.”

Ah, he sees what is happening now.

Effortless, Lan Xichen gets out of the bed and kneels right by Jiang Cheng’s head, who blinks surprised for a moment before tensing more and pushing himself up on his arms to better stare firmly at the other, as if he was about to be sent away. Knowing how Wanyin usually thinks, this option probably wasn’t far away from his head.

Xicchen would have to prove him otherwise, then.

“Wanyin, I have been eagerly waiting for this day ever since I read your letter accepting my invitation. Last night, I was barely able to sleep, similar to a junior preparing for their first night hunt, getting too excited only in imagining how delightful it would be to be here now. I am honored you trusted me enough for this moment.” Fire began lacing across his face, yet Xichen refused to look away from the ther’s wide-eyed stare. “More egotistically, too, I am even more happy because your laughter has been haunting me for seasons, since that very day on the Fifth Conference in Yunmeng Jiang, when after the banquet we all have been a little tipsy and I fell on one of your lakes. When I resurfaced and saw your face… you were laughing so hard while offering me a hand.” And I haven’t gone a single season by without imagining being once more the reason for your laughter, he didn’t complete.

Jiang Cheng looked pleased. “So you were not drunk enough that night to have forgotten it. I knew it, you froze that one time I mentioned it.”

“It was a very beautiful laughter.” Xichen defended himself.

Jiang Cheng scoffed. “It’s a normal one.”

“Not for me.” As a slight hint of a blush appeared on the bridge of Wanyin’s nose and Xichen found himself struggling to not focus at it. He had to set his point across. His voice lowered, a bit soft, a bit vulnerable. “I wish to hear it again, but you must trust me enough to know that a Lan does not lie and I would not deceit you. How you feel here is important, and so you have to be sure that I will take care of you above it all and honor the trust that you placed on me, Wanyin. Only if you want, of course.”

Jiang Cheng got quiet, his frown lessened to a more thoughtful expression. After a couple of moments when the nerves began gnawing at Xichn’s mind, he sighed.

“Go on, then.”

Lan Xichen almost jumped with how jittery he was, a happy smile appearing on his face. “Will you, really, Wanyin? Will you let me take care of you?”

“I am here, am I not?” His hands grabbed the sheet with force, a flame of irritation flaring up, pulling the attention away from the vulnerable tune of his words. “Or you think I would just come here to back away so easily? I am no chicken.”

Lan Xichen engulfed the hands on his, staring seriously at the other’s silver eyes. “You can step away if you don't want this anymore. At any moment, the second you want you can get out, I would never hold this against you, Wanyin.”

The sect leader rolled his eyes at this. “Of course you wouldn’t! Come back with these words when you manage to carry a grudge for more than five days.” At Xichen’s displeased huff, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His demeanor softened and his hands turned around to grab his, eyes scurrying away from his searching gaze. “No. I don’t want to go away, Xichen, I meant it. If you’re trying to convince me to get out, then do it better.”

“Wanyin…”

Jiang Cheng huffed, finally finding his gaze again. Somehow, he always found it a bit comforting, sometimes even amusing, to get a little on the Lan’s nerves. “Aren’t you being the stubborn one, right now, or is your hearing already becoming faulty? Do no make me repeat that again: I am still here, am I not?”

As if to prove his words, he suddenly pulled his hands closer, making Lan Xichen stumble and lay partially on the bed, inches from his face. When he tried another remark, he was promptly cut by the Yunmeng’s Leader. “Also, no. Don’t try to go back to all your teasing flattery again.” Lan Xichen huffed, now he was trying to be purposely obtuse.

Jiang Wanyin took advantage of his position to press a fleeting kiss to his knuckles of the hands still on his grip, his words no longer carried any heat or bother, but a more mischievous (and vulnerable) tune.

“How could I forget,” Lan Xichen acquiesced, recognizing the victory and permission for what it was. How could he not, when it came to Jiang Cheng? “That my Wanyin is such a tease to his poor Xichen.”

Jiang Cheng scoffed. “Get on with this at once because it's way too cold to just keep laying around with a bared torso.”

Lan Xichen chuckled lightly at that, his grin stretching when he felt a small, tentative, soft rub of thumbs on the back of his hands and his heart melted. He climbed back on the mattress, resuming his position on top of the other's legs, with those sifting, tensed muscles under his hands. This time, his determination was stronger than before.

Wanyin didn't allow himself to be fully relaxed under his ministrations, yet. Even with the permission and all his self reflection preparing himself for this moment, none of that erased the years of stress and exhaustion his body had survived under. He was no fool to not realize why Xichen had suddenly doubted his willingness to participate of this session, with the way posture continued to be held as if he was being scrutinized by a strict teacher and not in the presence of a dear friend, yet, no matter how much he tried to convince himself to relax, his muscles didn’t obey.

The patience and stubbornness of a Lan must not be taken lightly, however. When his hands digged on his shoulders, Jiang Cheng tensed even further. Only to blink in astonishment when nothing happened. Lan Xichen… started massaging him. After a few moments of this, he turned his head slightly to his direction, a confused frown on his face.

“What are you doing?”

“Giving a good massage, I hope.”

“But you-” He looked at the gleaming shine in his gaze and his innocent smile, eyes narrowing. A trap. “You're planning something.”

Lan Xichen shook his head lightly. “My only plan is getting you to relax.” His words were completely truthful, but he might as well have said the worst of the teases for the way that Jiang Cheng stared at him, a nice very weak shade of red painting his nose, then promptly shoved his face back on the pillow. An amused huff escaped Lan Xichen as he continued his ministrations, skilled and nimble hands finding every tense spot or unrelenting knot and pressing on them firmly until it became completely undone.

He started at the base of his spine, thumbs sliding across its length and fingers squeezing (not the original type of squeezing he had been prepared to do, but alas) and digging on a tensed muscled until it relented to him before he continued to work upwards on another in the same rhythm, sometimes using his knuckles, his palms, his fingers, either be digging, kneading or pressing, always in a firm, soothing touch.

Some knots were too tense and old to completely disappear, still, by the moment he was back on his shoulders, pressing firmly on the base of it and sliding his thumbs up across his nape, following his spine, Jiang Cheng was like putty on his hands, melted and relaxed, an appreciative groan leaving his mouth unguarded, breathing slowly as if he was almost falling asleep.

Lan Xichen rolled his tired wrists, smiling content and happy with the result, almost too happy to interrupt it with the next step of their session.

Again, almost.

In a lighter, but still firm touch, he ran his palms across his back, following a line on his middle and then letting his hands branch from the ribs until it rested on his shoulders, massaging it, fingertips almost brushing his ears and neck. Not even a twitch, a hilt or breathing or even a questioning word came from Jiang Cheng.

Perfect.

With just his fingertips and in even more of a lighter touch, Xichen roamed his hands to the base of the neck and then downwards in two paralleled lines. Goosebumps made their appearance and, if it wasn’t for his attentive eyes, he wouldn’t have noticed the way the other twitched to grip the mattress before relaxing and letting it go.

Lan Xichen smiled, lifted his hands just a little bit more, until only his short nails were grazing the sensitive skin, running to his ribs and swirling tiny circles across them, sliding down to trace uncaring patterns across his sides, scribbling so soft it was almost imperceptive on each one before gliding upwards once more and re-starting the cycle again until there was a tiny squirm and a forceful huff being pried from the other, his muscles tensing the slight bit at the touch.

True to his words, Xichen immediately stopped at that and went right back to massaging his back. He could almost see Wanyin’s confused frown, letting his tension go bit by bit as the moments passed without another soft, tickly attack from him.

The ke his guards were down again, the Lan immediately spidered his fingers across his spine, going from his lower back to his shoulder blades and deviating to skitter across them skillfully. The moment his nails grazed it, a hint of giggle was partially freed on the air before Wanyin bit and swallowed it down.

Interesting.

As previously, at the tension, Xichen went back to his massage.

Wanyin was having none of that. “What even is this!? Wasn't you going to…”

Lan Xichen couldn't help the amusement in his voice. “To…”

“Tickle me!”

Aw. How cute.

“Well, since you asked so nicely.”

He immediately latched back at that spot right between his shoulder blades, wanting to discover more about the spot that was able to make Sandu Shengshou giggle. Fingers dancing across it, his attentive eyes watched the way Wanyin squirmed from one side to another, a high sound being muffled and a giggly kind of tune taking over his voice.

“That is not what-” a snort broke free when he started tapping his fingers downwards, following the line of the bone gaze sharp and each scribble getting more and more precise as the giggles began growing quicker and louder the more he continued. “It’s not w-what I-” This time it was a squeak, a squeak and Xichen was beyond endeared. It was chased by airy titters. “NotwhatImeant! Fuck!”

Not even bothering to answer, too concentrated to find what exact place was pulling such delightful reactions, Lan Xichen stopped on the lower part of each shoulder blade and then moved a few inches to the side, pressing quickly.

With a squeal, Jiang Cheng buckled.

They both froze.

Jiang Cheng must have realized just what happened at the same time as Lan Xichen, and he tried to lift himself to roll away just as the other pressed his thumbs on the same spot and digged. His arms wobbled and failed in the middle of the movement, body falling on the bed again in a soft impact as laughter poured freely and unstoppable from his lips.

There we go.

“S-stop it!” He continued squirming, louder, uncontrollable-er high pitched giggles and bubbling squeaks taking over the air as Xichen decided to try prodding and poking the same place, making his entire nerves get set ablaze, electricity running from every inch of skin that was tickled and racing across his meridians, making his Zidian spark in short bouts of useless of lightning that were unable to harm either of them (when did he get so soft for Xichen?). “How snk-dihihihid you evhehen find out thihihis!” His eyes then widened as realization hit. “WEI WUXIAN!!”

Quick to divert his attention (Wei Wuxian really knew his brother well, Xichen sent his soul a quick prayer), Lan Xichen increased his tickles, successfully making Wanyin lose himself even more amidst snickers.

“GEHEHEHeht oHOHOut!!”

Lan Xichen hummed, “Maybe my memory has been failing me afterall, because I do remember my Wanyin asking me to tickle him not long ago. He truly shouldn’t be surprised when I was quick to acquiesce with his request, then. Have I ever denied my heart from anything?”

“Yes!!” It was the immediate reply, another squeal painting his every word as he spidered downards to his lower back and got him into titters painted in a bubbly relief only to go back to that spot and unleash another unforgiving tickle attack the moment he recovered a bit more of air. “StohoHOHOP! Yohohohou’re lihihitEHEHErally DEHEHEHehenyihihing me- Dammit!”

“Perhaps my Wanyin is simply surprised by how ticklish he is?” Lan Xichen continued as if nothing had been said, musing out loud. “I must agree with such a feeling. It's been nothing but delightful to find just how sensitive every part of his body is. Afterall, my Wanyin is very kind and soft when you get to know…”

Suddenly, he ceased his attack, letting his fingers trace the spot lightly and basking on the airy, fast and tittering like yelps and huffs of laughter that continued to flow from just a tease. Before he could get used to it, however, Lan Xichen jumped to his ribs and began kneading and clawing.

“Right where to find it.”

Jiang Cheng shook his head, arms lowering themselves and twisting to his back in futile attempts to pry his hands away, snorts now mixing in a lovely melody with his laughter, even as Xichen slowed his ministrations to a soft kind of skittering running up and down his ribs, a kinder torment. With a few good nuzzles on his neck and lightly blowing air on his ears Xichen was successful in distracting those determined arms from trying to snatch his well deserved tickles away.

“Stohohohop sweet talkihihihing me!”

“Would you rather receive another kind of sweet, then?” He pointed his sentence with a raspberry on the side of his neck as his fingers climbed upwards to his pits, taking the opportunity of his laughing distracting at his raspberries to burrow his wiggling fingers on the spot. Since Jiang Wanyin was so fond of trying to pry his caring touches and playful nuzzles away, Xichen might as well give him an incentive to keep his arms down and nicely out of his way.

Just as he started to scribble and scratch quickly just the border of the pit, there was a loud screech and an even more delightful snorting laughter that made Lan Xichen laugh softly too.

When the other simply shoved his face even more on the pillow at that, just like bashful maiden hide his blushing features away (and the Lan couldn’t wait to make his ears and neck at least half red as his face, later), Xichen captured his arm and held above his head, leaving his side, ribs and armpits unprotected, absolutely defenseless to his attack.

Jiang Cheng squirmed once more, anticipation and adrenaline making his entire torso tingle in anticipation to the tickles, chuckles falling like waves from his lips even before he was actually attacked, planting a stubborn and way too silly smile on his face.

Lan Xichen scratched and drummed on every hint of skin around his unprotected armpit until he got next to the spot where his back connected to his armpit, leaded there by the anxious titters and protesting snickers that grew quicker and airy the closer he got to the place, immediately giving away to a short, strident screech when he drummed a single finger there.

“So sensitive, so responsive for me…” He nosed the side of his neck, making sure to whisper the next words as close as possible from his ear, a playful tune jumping on his voice. “Tell me, my life, did we find another sweet spot?”

Since Wanyin refused to answer, Xichen would have to keep his conversation alive by himself. A pity, but, oh well.

“I think we did. It’s right here, isn’t it?” He traced the spot, watching with crickling eyes as the other controlled his jolt at the touch, muffling a tiny squeak. “So many places to enjoy, to discover, to tickle and tickle over and over and over again until we are satisfied. As I’ve said before, my Wanyin is really full of sweet and soft spots.”

He lifted his hand away from his back, in silence, patiently awaiting for the other to move his head to the side, a peaking eyes searching for the reason why he stopped. Only then, with a teasy, knowing grin, Lan Xichen formed a claw with his free hand and slowly began descending it towards the spot, wiggling his fingers plenty and letting them scrape the skin for a light, maddening seconds until giggles upon giggles were bubbling so much on his chest, begging to be free and Jiang Cheng closed his eyes, his already gigantic smirk growing even bigger at him.

He attacked.

Instead of the previous strident giggles, a crackling kind of laughter exploded around the place and Jiang Wanyin hit the bed with his fists, his trashing increasing so much that Lan Xichen had to lock his legs more firmly around him to not have the risk of being knocked out, already tipping dangerously to one side with the movement.

The more Xichen’s fingers danced on the spot, spidering and skittering, drumming and prodding, the louder his laughter sounded, the feeling exploding and taking over his mind completely, every thought, every doubt disappearing until there was nothing but a chant of “It tickles, it tickles, it tickles” in his head.

Lan Xichen suddenly realized that his face was much closer to his torso than before, as his tickling hands slided to his armpits, stopping Wanyin’s arms once more from trying to pry him away (and to think Jiang Cheng was the very one who asked for those tickles…), an idea flashed in his mind and he was quick to jump to its execution.

Jiang Cheng jumped in the same place. “Do not-” His voice sounded higher than normal. “-Kiss me there!”

It was just a tad of too much panicked than normal that made Xichen stop, fingers stilling from the maddening tickles to a slower scraping. “You don’t like it?”

“No!” Jiang Cheng fumbled. “It’s not…”

Lan Xichen lifted his head, tilting it so he could find the other’s eyes. It was both an unsuccessful and successful effort. The moment they met, Jiang Cheng seemed to relax a bit but the embarrassment in his face only grew. “It’s not a place to be kissed. It’s dirty.”

Everything went quiet and Lan Xichen froze, only when Jiang Cheng jolted once more under him he realized he was curling and pressing his fingers even more on the skin.

Forcing them to lie flat again, he made himself start once more.

“Sect Leader Jiang…” Said one looked at him with a mix of feelings in his eyes, most weren’t pleasant. Lan Xichen pushed on, he laid his forehead on his back and took a deep breath, trying to not get too charmed by the way the other wiggled at that. When it came out, his voice had a purposeful calmness, with a hint of tightness. “Still smells like that lotus fragrance I gifted you on your birthday, perfect, delicious,” he let his teeth graze the bit of skin at the last word, happy at the goosebump this brought. His next words became softer, also grazing the sensitive spot he hadn't moved away for the entire conversation. “I am happy that you appreciated it. Convince me, then, Wanyin, why my hands, my attention, my lips shouldn’t be all over you.”

When he received no answer, he pressed his mouth in a circle around the spot, traveling to his armpit, kissing it with revence, softly, feeling each twitch, each shiver as he continued his way up and to the side, pressing kiss after kiss until it grazed his neck - a safe ground - and then continued to follow to his other armpit, letting it greet as much of skin as he could.

Jiang Wanyin pressed his face firmly on the mattress, feeling something in himself starting to lose the fight with the fear that protected his vulnerability. He wanted to smile, to huff, to push that stupid man with his stupid sweetness away and grab him closer. The feeling was only amplified as he felt two fingers drawing slow circles on his sides, tracing the skin as if there was nothing else they could ever wish to do with their time.

He suppressed a wiggle. “You shouldn’t-” he stuttered as the tickling changed the rhythm to something a little quicker, the hands now slightly pluckering and poking his side with tiny, playful tickles. It felt both soft and a warning. Watch your words. He pressed his smile even more on the soft bedding, swallowing giggles.

A petulant snort escaped, its meanings clear. Sounds like a challenge.

“You’re being c-childish. You know I am right.”

“I can not in good conscience agree to this, Wanyin.” Jiang Cheng could feel the grin his answer elected. Gusu Lan’s example of self control, my ass. There was now the feeling of nails lightly scratching the skin, words being whispered on his shoulder, getting closer and closer to their target and yet stopping only enough to keep sending ticklish shivers across his spine until there were quiet, airy titter escaping from his mouth, bigger than his efforts to hide it. “Please, allow me to convince you otherwise.”

…Dammit. Lan Xichen knew what he was doing, exaggerating his every move, asking softly, keeping his touches light enough so he could be just the slight amount of distracted… He was directing Jiang Cheng to a trap. One that would end up with him being honest.

“I know what you’re doing.” He accused, without heat.

Xichen hummed and then laid an playful nip and then a tiny apologetic on his back. And then another. And another. Soft touches of his lips as they moved and breathed and talked. “Don’t you like it?”

“Thahat is irrelevant.” Now he was snickering, great.

“Not for me.” Lan Xichen experimentally nipped that dammed spot that started all of this, smirking smugly at the sharp intake of breath and barely muffled squeal it created. He then stopped, holding himself tightly to not continue to pull such lovely sounds without the other’s answer first. “Do you like it?”

Silence. Jiang Wanyin frowned and pressed his lips together, now more less like holding laughter and more like holding words inside. There was no problem, Lan Xichen could distract him until they surfaced naturally.

His hands began fastening to a scribbling that fluttered upwards to his ribs, prodding and teasing each bone, lightly scratching in between them while he repositioned himself to whisper right behind his reddened ears.

“Or maybe is it something else that has you distracted? The tickling, perhaps. The way it keeps making you want to laugh, to let me listen to every one of your lovely sounds. Tell me, Wanyin, does it make it worse? Hiding your face and for doing so not being able to see where I will strike next? Knowing that I will continue to do it time and time again until you’re too occupied laughing under me to disagree?”

“Xichen!” The Lan waited, but no further protests followed him.

He hummed, pleased, deviating his hands to his spine and spidering it, vibrating and pressing on each bone only the slight bit for maddening seconds before jumping away, only to poke another bone and continue his tickly treatment. “I am simply asking a few questions, Wanyin. Since you didn’t answer the first one I can continue to present more of them until we find one of your liking.”

Jiang Cheng’s wiggles began to get a tad more uncontrolled, too. From one side to another. One side to another. Lan Xichen smiled at how lovely this was. He kissed his back, once more, a little far away from his armpit but still close enough to it so his next words wouldn’t be confused. Enough of teasing. “If you wish, I won’t press you anymore. Say the words and I will leave it alone and continue just the way we were before, but please be honest with me, Wanyin: Do you want me to continue?”

A moment of quietness, before his voice cut the room, more hesitant than Lan Xichen ever heard him being. “If you don’t think it’s dirty…” Lan Xichen dug on his ribs and began tasering in a stronger warning and Wanyin snorted in surprise, laughter pouring for half of a ke before he held it back again. “Damn it, Xichen. Yeah, I like it! Do whatever!”

Lan Xichen stopped, warmth blossoming on his chest, and lifted his body until he could watch the other’s expression again. He wanted to be sure it was really okay. The moment their eyes found themselves, Jiang Cheng's entire demeanor seemed to soften a little.

“I am happy to find something else that you like, Wanyin.” He nuzzled his cheek. “Thank you.”

Ah.

And Jiang Cheng… Jiang Cheng melted. All his fight bleeded out from his muscles, the combination of such lovely words with all the caring and coaching touches from earlier, his massages, his teases, his light, soft, rough and maddening tickles, in the end it all culminated in him finally giving up to the warm, happy feeling on his chest that has been blossoming stronger and stronger at it small show of care from the other, mixing with joy and exploding like fireworks in his very soul.

Seeing this, Lan Xichen sighed contently, adjusting his position to lay more comfortably. There was a tiny, expectant smile on his face.

Very well.

“My heart, my heart, then… May I?” He sounded as excited as his Yunmeng’s kids would when they came to their Sect Leader in a bundle, the braver one asking him to show them a cool trick with Zidian, like Jin Ling would sound when he called his Jiujiu to play with him and he accepted. The snort that left his lips held another kind of amusement.

“So dramatic. Tsk, since you’re being so stubborn about it, might as well do what you want.”

Lan Xichen grinned sweetly, kissing his neck. Appraisingly, he slowled his tickles once more to a soft drag of fingers and adjusted his position to lay cozily in Wanyin’s back.

“What we want, Wanyin.”

Before the other could answer (or more likely, protest), he immediately closed his lips around the exact spot that made him jump before, nibbling on it with energy and making the other take a sharp intake of breath and let out a high pitched screech.

“THAHAHAHAHAT IS NOT-” This time, the crackles were even louder, quicker than before, snorts and squeals chased each other across the room and Jiang Cheng couldn’t even trash anymore, both because of Lan Xichen draping his entire body on top of him and because the sheer force of his laughter, together with all the previous teasing and tickling, had been embarrassingly effective to transform him into a puddle of strident laughter and giggles. His tune changed to wheezy, almost silent snickers everytime when Lan Xichen noticed his crackles were slowing down a bit and then changed to the same spot on the other side, greeting it with reverent kisses before attacking with the real nibbles and nuzzling that made him let out another shriek. “NOHOHOHOHOHOT A KISS!!”

“Oh my, I apologize profusely for my mistake. Perhaps Sandu Shengshou, in his unyielding kindness will allow this lowly one to try again?”

“IHIHIHIH DO NOHOHOHOHOHOT!”

“Thank you, I knew you would understand.”

Pretending to not listen to the laughing protest, Lan Xichen lavished every tickle spot with all the nibbles, kisses and tiny raspberries anywhere he could reach. With one hand he took Wanyin’s right forearm and pushed above his head to enjoy the free reign of every inch of his unprotected torso, kissing his armpits with louds ‘mwah mwah mwah’ that would make Jiang Cheng squawk madly in protest, nibbling on his ribcage while doing all kind of silly munching sounds and even sneaking a lick once, which made the other shriek once more in protest and surprise, before finally settling on his side, shoving his face on the spot and blowing the biggest raspberry, shaking his head from one side to another until Jiang Cheng was kicking his legs and hiccup amidst his uncontrollable belly laughter.

Pushing himself up, Lan Xichen adjusted his position so he could look at him. There was a wobbly, unending grin on his face, his eyes were closed with hint of tears on their corners and his face was painted with a delightful blush, even if it still didn’t reach his ears (something Lan Xichen would remedy soon, of course) and tiny chuckles just continues to fall and fall and fall non stop from his lips, body becoming completely pilant on the mattress, completely relaxed.

The Leader of the Lan Sect couldn’t even stop smiling, as well.

Seeing the snickers were already dying out, Lan Xichen rested his free hand on the lower of his back to adjust himself better and back to his straight position, but he was quick to pull his hand back in surprise when the other suddenly jolted and his chuckling went alive again.

Bright, grey eyes turned to look at him wide with equal parts of unbelief and surprise, Lan Xichen stared back with his own, fond ones.

“There too?”

Jiang Cheng scoffed with an amused and slightly-irritated huff. “How do you even keep finding them?”

“As I said before, my Wanyin is full of soft spots.”

“Rubbish.”

Twirling a single finger across the lower of his back, Lan Xichen simply looked smugly at him when another giggle quickly jumped from his mouth. Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes, still smiling, still melted like a relaxed (trusting) puddle in his hands.

“Just make it quick.” He grumbled and pouted (Xichen doesn’t know if he will survive this), which obviously made Lan Xichen fall from his back and drop on the mattress right by him, gathering Jiang Cheng in his arms and reverting their position. With Wanyin right above him, Xichen could kiss his cheeks and neck until that pout was rightfully replaced by a series of giggles that were muffled when the Jiang hid his face on his neck (thankfully not noticing the way Xichen shivered and chuckled at that).

“It will be our last duet for today, then.”

At the small nod from the other, Lan Xichen began running the tip of his fingers on his lower spot, wiggling, skittering and scratching softly as he went from one side to another, keeping his tickles slow and soothing, giggled whispers dancing together across the room.

And more importantly, teasing those ears (and their owner) bright red with plenty of nuzzling and nibbling.

“If only I could, I would listen to this sweet melody of your laughter everyday.”

“Yohohohou want to kihihihiill me or whaahahat?!”

Lan Xichen huffed and gave a slight mean tasering on his lower back, closer to his side, in retaliation to his poke of fun, making him arch his back and guffaw on his neck as result. In reply, Jiang Cheng pinches his side and Lan Xichen snickers and lays a peck under his jaw in apology, going back to the lighter tickling.

“Finding your sweet, soft spots are a gift and to find and appreciate your reactions to every single one of them, over and over again, is something priceless. When you try to hide or expression and laughter but at the same time let me break you slowly, piece by piece until I can listen to your each giggle, each snort, each crackle or chuckle loud and free, that you trust me so much with them, with you means to me much more than I can ever express.”

“For fuhahahack’s sakeheheheee, Huahahan.” Xichen would probably spend the rest of his days replaying the way his name had sounded being giggled out like that, the mix of snickers and giggles already sounding completely loopy, airy and uncontrolled. He could watch the start of a blush creeping to Wanyin’s ears as Jiang Cheng held him even closer, as if he could disappear and snuggle forever in his embrace (and wasn’t that a nice thought?). Still, the Lan got more to say.

“Thank you, Wanyin, for letting me do that today. I love this and I am unspeakably amounts of happy that you enjoyed this just as much, as well, because it means that when you want, when you allow, I can keep giving you more and more of this joy. There is no scenario, there is no reality when I can see myself not loving to make you laugh, to find your every weakness and explore it while having you safe and sound in my arms for as long as you want it. When you let me pry, find every reaction and cherish it with my soul, my teases, my tickles, again and again and again. I love to tease you, Wanyin, love to tickle and discover what makes you smile more, what melts and leaves you so happy, so free… Thank you for allowing me that much, Jiang Cheng.”

“Ehehehenough, enohohohough, please.”

Lan Xichen stopped immediately and sighed happily. “Of course.”

One of his hands kept rubbing the other’s back, touch firm enough to chase every remaining tickle away as the other waited patiently to wipe those tears away. Lan Xichen couldn’t wait to look and caress every inch of Jiang Cheng’s blushy, smiley face, to try to commit it into his mind. He barely had time to do so, however, before the other was attacking every inch of his face with kisses, lips following the fabric of his (their) forehead ribbon and then pushing it up to kiss the cold skin under it. When the pecks began trailing to his cheeks, Xichen began tittering uncontrollably.

“W-wahahahayin, plehehease. Yohohou know, you knohohow Ihihi am the mohohost t-teheherribbly tihihihicklish there!”

“Serves you right.”

“Wahahahait, please hahahave-” oh my, his voice had already started to get high and giggly, how silly. “-Hahahave your wahahahater first! On the tahahahble, there is- oh, plehehehease, Wanyin!”

Jiang Cheng chuckled, amused, and teased him enough to put an equally wide smile and bright, slight teary eyes (which was quite easy when it came to Lan Xichen, something that would make him blush and pretend to hear nothing when mentioned) before they went sit at his writing table, enjoying the warm oolong tea (with honey for Wanyin) and a few snacks to replenish their energy so they could cuddle and enjoy the rest of the day without sleeping.

“I am,” Lan Xichen thought, when the night was already dark and the moon was shining, as he remembered about all his happy, giggly memories from earlier, warm, content and light as a feather that could be taken anywhere in the sky, “really, really lucky, for all the lovely people I have on his life, who let me share so much joy with them.” From his childhood, his worst and best days of life, all of this had only been possible for the wonderful people that were by his side who he saw grow up and whom he grew up with. Being lucky seemed an euphemism for them.

Closing his eyes, Xichen thought about putting all of those memories on a book, so he could always remember and cherish them without any mistake or misremembered detail.

Perhaps he should. He could even call his friends and family to add a line or two about their feelings or thoughts in the part of their own memories.

He snorted softly, thinking about where he could hide it to not have curious eyes and outsiders wondering why Zewu-Jun, the First Jade of Gusu Lan, the actual Leader of the Lan Sect had pages and pages of such a playful, quite childish kind of mischievousness, thing so carefully registered on paper.

If he actually wrote all of it down, it could make an entire story, with plenty of chapters and plenty of love. Perhaps those memories could fill more than a single book, even.

Nevertheless, he thought, a smile easing on his face as his thoughts were taken bit by bit by the unconsciousness of sleep, what a wonderful collection that would be.

[~*~]

EXTRAS

Lan Xichen and Wei Wuxian only started to get into tickle fights because one day, while he was teaching about music cultivation to Wangji’s class, since he had to go to shufu resolve a serious matter, Wei Wuxian confused him for Lan Zhan and, in an unfair attack from behind, locked his arms in a hug and tickled his armpits. Of course, even after saying that he didn’t take the confusion to his heart and accept his brother in law’s apologies, his revenge was swift and merciless. Not one to be easily outdone, Wei Wuxian decided to compete to see who was the biggest tickle monster in Gusu Lan

This fic has exactly 26.022 words, crazy!!! The doc where I wrote it tho has 30.424 because I wrote there a all those extras, an extra scenario and The Only One Monser fica because I was procrastinating writing this fic kjhgfghujikjh rip

#mdzs tickles #mdzs tickling #Kanene's fic #Kanene's fanfic #<3 #THEMMMMMM #Bruh writing those two are soooo difficult for me because kjhgfghj i like them too much and I want it to be perfect rip #Anyways is crazy how much words I can put on tickle fics that are in no way related to tickles iuytrdfghujikkjuhygt #This chapter was like the second thing I finished when I started writing the fic kjhygfrgtyh that why it took longer to edit #since it had been so long since I wrote it #Aaaaaa I was so so soooo freaking afraid of losing interest in this fic and not being able to finish it but!!!!! Now it's here!!!!#There's an extra scenario but I still dont know if I make an Extra Chapter for it or put on the rb of this chapter #gonna decide later #anyway!!! I hope you liked it!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 #Ticklish Jiang Cheng #Ler Lan Xichen #Lee Jiang Cheng #forgot I made jc kissing lxc ribbon so uhhhh they're all in a polycule idc or sometimes ur fated one is platonic and kiss sometimes <3 <3

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hphmseojunglee · 2 years ago

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‘deed i do [2/4]

read on ao3

wc:

more info about this fic in this tumblr post

— — —

“Alright. I’ll do it.”

Five sets of eyes whip towards you. It’s the middle of breakfast on Wednesday morning. They’ve not said anything about Tonk’s idea last night, but you can tell that they are dying to know.

“You’re okay with it?” Penny’s blue eyes shine with anticipation and excitement. She spoke earlier about how tired she was of being approached. Luckily, since she started telling people that she was going with someone else, less brave souls tried. However, there were some older students with massive egos who thought they could change the Hufflepuff’s mind with chocolate or flowers. As you well know, some men believe the world revolves around them.

You nod. “I’m in.”

Tonks rubs their hands together. “Excellent! Now, we have to get your story straight.”

“There’s nothing straight about this story,” you mumble quietly into your tea.

Only Penny hears. She snorts and slaps you lightly on the thigh. “Shut up.”

Rowan picks up where Tonks left off. “Right. When did you two start dating?”

“I think last year would be good. You wanted to keep it a secret in the beginning, as a new relationship.” Chiara suggests as she takes a bite of her toast. “You did spend a lot of time visiting Penny in the Hospital Wing after she got attacked by that Dementor, Seojung.”

“She’s right… you visited her more than I did, and that’s saying something.” Tonks rubs their chin. “And I walked in on you two sharing a cot more than once.”

“It wasn’t my idea! Penny hates hospitals. She asked me to sleep with her so she doesn’t get nightmares. Who was I to refuse?”

Skye rolls her eyes. “Married.”

You flick a crumb at her. “Shut up.”

“This is good. Okay, so you shacked up after P’s Dementor attack, and you’ve been dating in secret ever since. You’re not fond of PDA, which is why you haven’t kissed or anything. On your first anniversary, this year, you decided to be less secretive. But you aren’t about dramatic gestures, which is why you didn’t do some stupid public ask to the dance.” Tonks lists off the details. “Any objections?”

Everyone shakes their heads.

“Great. Next, speaking of PDA… do you want to step it up, or keep it as-is?”

“What do you mean, ‘keep it as-is’?” You are perplexed. What is Tonks talking about?

“You really have no idea?” They raise an incredulous eyebrow.

“No…what?”

Rowan answers kindly. “You guys are so touchy, it could be interpreted as dating.”

“What! No!” Surely Rowan is exaggerating. But as you look around the table, everyone else nods in agreement. Except Penny.

“Pens, is this true?”

She shrugs. “I don’t think so, but we’re in the minority.”

“Alright. Well, I think we should add stuff like hand-holding, maybe kissing on the cheek and head?” You feel your cheeks heat up as you talk about kissing, but you steamroll on and hide your face in your mug.

“I agree. What do you think of pet names?”

You love terms of endearment. Perhaps to an unhealthy extent. But you probably should say something more acceptable. “I think that would help with the illusion. I wouldn’t be opposed. I’m partial to terms like ‘darling’, ‘honey’, and ‘yeobo’. How ‘bout you?”

Penny is practically bouncing in her seat. “Oh, I adore pet names! I can use ‘babe’, ‘love’, and ‘dear’.”

“Penny can start coming to your Quidditch practices and you can start walking her to classes.” Chiara smiles. “Maybe you can even share a bed? That’ll be the quickest way to get the rumor mill running.”

You nod, looking over at Penny. This is fine. You went as friends to the Celestial Ball and had a great time. The added “dating” things aren’t really a departure from how you two normally act. At least you don’t have to kiss her. Because if you had to kiss her, things would get really messy, really fast.

“Just make sure to cast some Muffling charms before you go to sleep. Seoj snores.” Rowan scowls as she eats her oatmeal. “Loudly.”

“I do not! Chiara, back me up.”

The silver-haired girl shakes her head. “Sorry, Seojung. Rowan and I cast Silencing and Muffling charms every night on you after you fall asleep. Luckily, you turn in much earlier than the rest of us.”

Tonks scoffs. “You’re such an old man.”

“I’m going to un-seam all of your robes again, Tonks.”

They stick out their tongue and return to their steaming stack of pancakes.

“I’ll be the judge of whether or not Jung snores badly.” Penny smiles brightly, much too cheerfully, considering the time of day. “I’m sure it’s not bad!”

“Perfect! May Operation Swandive commence!” Tonks whoops and raises her goblet.

“Operation Swandive? What the hell, Tonks?”

They shrug. “What? Swans mate for life.”

“Fine.” You roll your eyes at Tonks’ shenanigans. “So, girlfriends?” You stick out your hand to Penny.

Skye groans. “A handshake? Come on, at least hug her, you dork.”

“Oh. Right.” Opening your arms, you smile in what you hope is a comforting way. It seems to work. Penny practically jumps into your arms like she always does. And just like yesterday in the Common Room, she pecks your cheek.

You make a mental note to talk to Penny about PDA and new boundaries later. You’re not sure what she’s comfortable with. For the moment, you follow her lead, playing the loving girlfriend and twisting Penny’s body so that her legs are resting on yours perpendicularly. Chiara asks you a question about Muggle jazz musicians, and you’re lost in the world of Ella Fitzgerald, Blossom Dearie, Sarah Vaughan, Keely Smith, and Billie Holiday. Otherwise, you would have noticed Tonks smirking at Penny, who is staring at you in admiration.

Before you know it, breakfast is over. The six of you pack up and head over to the Greenhouses.

You offer to carry Penny’s books the way there. Skye and Tonks make kissy noises behind the both of you, Rowan sighs, and Chiara giggles.

“Don’t make me hex you, Tonks.”

“Just focus on being a good girlfriend, SJ!”

—

When you and your friends arrive at Greenhouse 3 for Herbology, Penny thanks you for carrying her books with a sweet peck on the cheek. “Thanks, babe!”

“It’s my pleasure, honey.”

It has the intended effect. Instantly, all of your classmates, fellow Hufflepuffs and Slytherins, shut up and stare. You find Barnaby and Liz among the group. They’re both smiling. Liz gives you a double thumbs-up and mouths “Congrats”, throwing in a wink.

You ignore the many pairs of eyes drilling holes into your back as you arrive at your desk and set up the class supplies. No doubt there are a few boys who are insulted by the fact that they got turned away in favor of a girl. And many more students who would kill to be in your shoes.

Even if the circumstances are unconventional, you’re glad to be where you are. The fact that you are means that Penny trusts you very much. And the thought of Penny’s deep trust makes you smile.

Tonks huffs out a sigh as they stare at their leather gauntlets. “So, how are you going to save the Ball from being an awful clanger?”

“I have no idea how I’m going to try and change Pince’s mind.”

“Sounds like the first thing you need is an excuse to talk to her about the dance.”

“Yeah…” Your brainstorming is interrupted by Professor Sprout’s arrival. She bustles into the Greenhouse with an excited gleam in her eye.

“Good morning everyone, it’s time to begin today’s instruction. As you know, Professor Dumbledore announced the Valentine’s Day Ball yesterday. To help with the joyous occasion, I thought it would be helpful to grow flowers as decorations for the event!” Her wand seems to jump from a pocket on her coat into her hand.

“As some of you may recall, on Valentine’s Day in the past we used the Herbivicus Charm to grow roses. This year, however, we’ll be adapting the charm to grow this romantic bloom again as a bouquet.”

The instruction is pretty short, considering it is basically a review. Sprout teaches the spell and the wand movement within half an hour.

“Now, you try.”

Up and down the long tables, you can hear students attempting the spell. Penny attempts it before you do. The pot in front of her blooms into several pretty roses.

“Nice one, Pens!” You raise your hand for a high-five. She beams and gives you one.

“You should try next!”

“Alright. Herbivicus Duo!” Green light shoots from your wand. Not only does the pot sitting in front of you bloom, but the extra pots behind it bloom as well.

“Look at these! So lush and vivid! Filled with color, life, and romantic possibility! Well done, Miss Lee, five points to Hufflepuff. I believe these are the best in the class.”

You feel your face heat up again at the praise. “Thank you, Professor Sprout.”

Penny leans on your side and kisses you on the cheek in congratulations. That definitely doesn’t help with your blushing, but you find yourself wanting more. Before you can daydream about sappy things, Professor Sprout turns to the rest of the class.

“We should keep going. I’m sure Madam Pince will want to fill the room with flowers for the ball!”

Tonks smirks, charming another pot. “I’m not. Flowers can get messy, and that’s something I can’t see Pince appreciating!”

“But surely she’ll want a romantic mood. And what’s more romantic than lush bouquets of roses?” Trust Penny to be the sweet optimist. You want to give her a hug, but a thought pops into your mind, stopping you.

“Hold on…that’s it.” You address Professor Sprout. “Professor, Perhaps I should bring this bouquet to Madam Pince for approval?”

The head of Hufflepuff claps her hands. “Grand idea! Do so at your first opportunity!”

“Looks like you’ve got your chance to talk to Pince. Which means you’ll be the power couple at the Ball before you know it.” Skye joins the conversation and winks at both you and Penny.

“Only if I can turn Madam Pince around on the dance details.”

Sprout’s voice rings out on the other side of the Greenhouse. “Well done, everyone! Class dismissed. And have a happy Valentine’s Day, dears.”

As your classmates pack up and file out the door, they throw you and Penny a varying array of looks. Happy, envious, disapproving, supportive—they’re all there. Chiara’s suggestion seems to work perfectly.

You sling your satchel over your shoulder and address your friends. “I’d better get going, see you guys later. It’s time to confront Pince and maybe even get to help plan the Ball.”

Penny slides her hand into yours. “I’ll join you. Come on, Jung. We’ve a ball to save!”

Sure, you look a little stupid, holding a bouquet of roses with one hand and Penny’s hand with the other. But you don’t care. Penny’s hand fits perfectly in yours. All too quickly, you arrive at the Library. Reluctantly, you break contact with your best friend and go find the Librarian—you both figured going alone would be best. She’s at her desk, holding a rather large stamp and looking at a long list.

“Excuse me, Madam Pince. Professor Sprout asked me to bring—”

“Shh! Lower your voice, please.” Without looking up, she carefully presses the stamp down on a card.

“Sorry, Madam Pince.” You internally roll your eyes. Your voice wasn’t even that loud!

As she puts the stamp down and finally looks up, she speaks again. It seems you’ve caught her in one of her bad moods. Her eyebrows are turned down spectacularly low. “Miss Lee, you should know that plants in the library are prohibited. You will need to leave immediately.”

“Actually, the flowers are the reason I came to speak with you. Professor Sprout hoped you’d like to decorate the Great Hall with them for the Valentine’s Day Ball.”

Madam Pince’s forehead wrinkles lessen imperceptibly. “I didn’t realize she went through the trouble… But flowers only remind one of what they don’t have on a holiday, and this dance isn’t meant to make anyone feel more alone.”

“Why would flowers make anyone feel alone on Valentine’s Day?”

“Nevermind about that. It’s not my way to discuss such matters with students.” Immersing herself back in her bookkeeping, she attempts to dismiss you. Unfortunately for her, you’re incredibly stubborn and don’t care about

“It’s just- this ball is meant to be a celebration. And there are some concerns amongst students that…”

“Yes?” She looks up sharply.

“Well, that perhaps you might not have the same vision in mind for the ball as the students do.”

“Perhaps you’d like to enlighten me about the type of ball ‘the students’ would like to see.”

“With pleasure.”

You tell her what your friends have said. With every sentence, her mouth gets thinner, rivaling Professor McGonagall’s.

“So your classmates would like a loud, sugar-fuelled night of happy connections with your dates and friends. Bathed in flowers and bright lights, even. Is there anything else you can think of? Perhaps one more request?”

You probably shouldn’t push it, but you cheekily do anyway. “Certainly Butterbeer should be present. And then the night you just described sounds perfect.”

“There will be no floral arrangements at this dance. No sugary refreshments either, and the only sounds I want to hear that evening is a lonely classical Fortepiano.”

That sounds absolutely miserable, but you’re smart enough to not say that to Madam Pince’s face.

“As much as I love books, I don’t intend to force storybook romance on myself or others. No matter how much we all might want to believe in it.”

“But, Madam Pince—”

“No buts. Professor Dumbledore hand-picked me for this responsibility and asked me to do as I see fit. If you have issues with how I’m planning the event, I suggest you take it up with him.”

You sigh in disappointment, but nod quietly and walk away. Clearly, you have someone else to speak to. Heading back to Penny, you fill her in on what the Librarian told you.

“I better go see the Headmaster, because if I don’t, there might not be a Ball worth attending.”

“But first, we have Charms with Flitwick.”

There is no instruction during Charms. Everyone is so excited about the upcoming dance that no one is able to focus on the topic at hand. So Flitwick calls it a free period. You ask him to send a message to Professor Dumbledore. You need an appointment.

“Professor Dumbledore will be happy to meet with you. The password is Chocolate Frog. And, Miss Lee?”

“Yes?”

He smiles. “Good luck.”

—

After class, you and Penny walk together to the Headmaster’s office.

“I’ll wait out here. You’ve got this, babe.”

You’re pretty confident that Professor Dumbledore will be on your side. As you walk up the circular staircase, you run over your lines. At the top of the staircase, there is a large wooden door. Knocking thrice, you wait for an answer.

“Enter.”

The door silently moves without your doing, revealing Professor Dumbledore at his desk. He stands as you enter the expansive office.

“Professor Dumbledore, thank you for seeing me. It’s about Madam Pince and the Valentine’s Day Ball.”

“I trust that you and your friends are excited for the event?” There’s a twinkle in his eye as he gestures for you to sit down in a comfy chair. He takes the one across from you.

“It’s all anyone can talk about. And we’re especially excited to spend time connecting with friends, and about the prospect of choosing who to take to the ball. But I’m worried Madam Pince’s plans for the event are a bit…rigid.”

“You are not the first student to tell me that Madam Pince is set in her ways. It often serves her well.”

“Perhaps not this time. I’m not sure the students will appreciate the event she’s planning.”

Professor Dumbledore smiles and inclines his head. “What has Madam Pince planned for the ball that has you so worried?”

“No roses, no lights, no sweets, and only soft, sad piano music. I just can’t understand why anyone would want a party like that!” In your passionate rant, you shake your head so hard that your glasses almost fly off.

“The party the students want certainly sounds festive. And Madam Pince may have different ideas for the ball… So perhaps a compromise can be reached.”

A compromise? You doubt that will happen. Madam Pince seems to be a very stubborn and convicted person, much like yourself. You put your head in your hands. “I don’t know about that. Madam Pince said flowers would make people feel lonely. Who doesn’t love flowers on Valentine’s Day? And she doesn’t want to quote-unquote, ‘force storybook romance on people, even if they want to believe in it’. It doesn't even make sense. How can I reason with logic like that?”

Dumbledore smiles, steepling his hands in front of him. “It sounds like Madam Pince shared more with you than you realize. Sometimes listening to what someone is really saying requires more than using one’s ears. Perhaps you should listen with your heart. Do that, and I think you’ll find the answers you seek.”

“If you think that will help, I’ll try again.” Internally, you don’t think it will help, but maybe Madam Pince has more respect for the Headmaster than she does of you.

He rubs his chin. “Perhaps it would help to share why you care so much about this Ball.”

“We need something positive and celebratory. It would be nice to have something nice lift us up.”

“I’m happy to know there is a student who cares enough about this ball to ensure its success. Just listen with your heart and consider another way… and you and your friends will have a Ball to remember.”

“Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. With your advice, perhaps I can still save this ball.”

“And you may yet show Madam Pince the true spirit of the day we will be celebrating. Have a good day, Miss Lee.” Dumbledore stands and runs a hand over Fawkes’ head. It’s a clear dismissal, so you thank him quickly and make your way to the door.

As you walk back down the circular staircase, you mull over Professor Dumbledore’s suggestion. Time to call in reinforcements. Starting with the most optimistic witch in the entire school, Penny Haywood.

Luckily, Penny is still at the foot of the stairs, like she promised.

“How did it go?” She loops an arm around yours as you make your way back to the Library.

“I’m… not sure. I tried talking to Dumbledore about Madam Pince’s plans for the event, and he suggested I listen to her with my heart rather than my head. I don’t do that!”

“I know, love. But if the advice came from Dumbledore, it’s sure to help us solve our Pince predicament.”

You chuckle at the alliteration as the both of you cross over the threshold to the Library.

“I think so, too. But to really listen, first we need to get her to talk to me again. How are we going to do that?”

“Shhh!” Speak of the devil. The Librarian appears seemingly out of nowhere.

“Sorry, Madam Pince. Penny and I were hoping to talk to you about the Valentine’s Day Ball?”

“Not this again. I told you, everything is under control. And it’s frankly insulting that you continue to stick your nose in matters that the Headmaster put me in charge of.”

Your immediate instinct is to snap back. However, you remember the conversation you just had with Professor Dumbledore. Taking a calming breath, you swallow your annoyance and try a different tack.

“You’re right. Professor Dumbledore assured me that you want to make this a wonderful event. But he also thought we should try and collaborate with you in an effort to make it a grand ball for all.”

That stops her ire. “Well, if the Headmaster took the time to suggest it…”

“I think Penny and I would be able to help if we understood why you want the ball to be so simple.”

“I simply don’t want to create a storybook version of romance at this dance. Such fairy tales don’t end happily. In fact, they can leave one feeling more on the outside than ever. I don’t want anyone feeling excluded or lonely.”

“No one will be lonely, Madam Pince.”

Penny agrees with you. “Valentine’s Day is about connections of all kinds, including friendship!”

You give her a lopsided smile as the warmth in your chest grows stronger. You love Penny so much. She’s simply too good for this world.

“It’s simply a matter of controlling expectations and avoiding disappointment. Some people may feel out-of-place at a romantic event where they aren’t with someone they care about.” Madam Pince’s voice shakes you out of your thoughts.

You and Penny share a look. There it is: the crux of the situation. Before you can say anything, she speaks again.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a serious matter to attend to. Good day, Miss Lee, Miss Haywood.”

With a curt nod, Madam Pince turns and walks away, leaving you and Penny to think about the conversation.

“Well, Jung, I think we both listened with our hearts.”

“Mine says Madam Pince might be lonely and doesn’t want anyone else to feel like that, either.”

“It’s understandable. Being with someone who makes your heart feel as warm as a freshly brewed potion, well, that’s what Valentine’s Day is all about. And, truth is, you make my heart feel like that, Seojung.”

“That’s really sweet, Penny.” You open your arms and raise an eyebrow. “What are you waiting for?”

She barrels into your arms without a second thought. You’re much less likely to initiate contact than she is, so she takes full advantage of every opportunity she is given when you do take the first step.

“You definitely need to sort out this Valentine’s Day Ball business first or there won’t be a ball worth going to.”

“Out! Out!” All of a sudden, Filch’s rough tenor can be heard near the entrance. A poor first-year Gryffindor scurries out the door with his proverbial tail between his legs, sufficiently scolded for eating in the Library.

“Oh, Madam Pince! Sorry about that, I didn’t mean to cause a ruckus in your library.”

“It’s quite all right, Mr. Filch. I’m sure you were taking care of a disturbance so I wouldn’t have to. Such a gentleman. I actually wanted to thank you for helping me with the dance preparations.”

“Why, of course, Madam Pince!”

You can’t believe your eyes. Madam Pince is actually smiling. At Mr. Filch, no less. It’s an unlikely pairing, but the more you think about it, the more you can see how it works. They both like rules and the simpler side of life. They seem to enjoy scolding students and handing out punishments. Both are fiercely protective of the things they love. Yes, Filch and Pince.

“Look at that. Perhaps Beauty isn’t the only one who can tame the Beast. Pince can, too!” Penny winks at you.

“Wait, that’s it, Pens! We need to make Madam Pince believe in fairy tales again, and show her the true meaning of Valentine’s Day by cheering her up with her own valentine!”

“Oh, how adorable! That’s brilliant, babe!” You resist the urge to kiss her, right there in the library.

“If I can make the two connect, then maybe Madam Pince will finally listen to our ideas about the ball.”

“You’ve got to get Mr. Filch’s attention if you want to talk to them. And to do that, you might need to get in trouble. Not that you have a hard time with that.”

“Hey!” You push her gently.

“You know I’m right.” Her bright blue eyes glimmer with amusement. You can’t bring yourself to disagree, because it’s true. Penny is usually right. That’s just how life is.

“Alright, fine. But there’s someone who knows better-Merula.”

“She’s in Astronomy with me. I’ll let her know you want to chat in the Courtyard, if that’s okay.”

You nod in agreement. “Hey, if you want to ask her, I won’t complain. Thanks, Pens.”

“Meet me in the Common Room later?”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll get some studying done here first.”

“Catch you later, Hero.”

With a light peck on the cheek and an easy smile, Penny is gone.

You mean to do your History of Magic assignment, you really do. But you can’t stop thinking about Penny and her casual touches. It’s driving you insane. You’re surprised you’ve managed to hold it together this long. If you two are going to share a bed tonight, you might just die right there.

Someone snaps their fingers under your nose. It’s Rowan, who looks quite concerned.

“Oh, hey Row. What’s up?”

Your best friend rolls her eyes. “Don’t even bother trying. You’re a horrible actor. I tried calling your name five times! What’s biting you?”

This time, you smile and chuckle at Rowan’s attempt to use an American phrase. “That’s ‘eating at you’, but… I think you know.”

“Penny?”

“Penny.”

She takes out her schoolbooks and cracks open her Potions textbook. “How are you doing with that?”

“I wish it was real.” The words fall out of your mouth before you can stop them at your teeth. You pause. “I love her. A lot.”

Rowan pushes her glasses up her nose. “Have you considered telling her?”

“Yeah… I’m worried how she’ll react. What if she doesn’t want to be friends anymore?”

The dark-haired girl snorts. “As if Penny Haywood would ever do that to you. You don’t have to worry about her cutting off your guys’ friendship.” She lays a hand on your forearm. “For what it’s worth, I think you should ask her to the ball as actual dates. Let her know how you feel, for real.”

You nod slowly. You’ve known Rowan even longer than you’ve known Penny, and you know she wouldn’t lead you wrong on purpose. She knows both you and Penny very well. “Thanks, Rowan. I’ll think about it. If the Ball preparations go right, maybe.” Pulling out your silver pocketwatch, you pop open the cover and look at the time. “I’ve got to go. I need to go convince Merula to help me get Filch’s attention.”

She raises her eyebrows. “Tell me about it over dinner?”

“You bet. See you, Row.”

—

“All right, Lee, what do you want? Haywood said it was urgent.” Merula stands near the fountain with her arms crossed, not caring that you can barely catch your breath.

You roll your eyes and clutch at your sides. Running was not your strong suit. You need to work out more often.

“I need your help getting Filch’s attention so that I can cheer up Madam Pince and save the Ball.”

The Slytherin raises an incredulous eyebrow. “I’m not sure I understand why one grump helping another grump plan a ball is even remotely a good idea.”

“I just saw them in the Library earlier. The two of them looked happy talking to each other. She seems to want to believe in storybook romance. So perhaps Filch could be Madam Pince’s valentine? I’m hoping I can get Filch to think my ideas are the same as Pince’s, then the ball might be a success.”

“That’s quite the nefarious plan, Lee. All right, I’m in. And I want this Ball to be a good time. What if… we did something to Mrs. Norris? That’s sure to get him to react.”

“That’s a good idea! What’s something easily reversible?”

She sniffs. “That’s easy. Colovaria.”

You take a second to think about it. “I like it. You’re really on a roll today.”

“It’s a brilliant idea. I’m the Most Powerful Witch at Hogwarts, and I have the best ideas. You wish you had thought of it.”

You don’t bother to respond to her preening. It’s incorrect. Obviously, McGonagall is the Most Powerful Witch at Hogwarts. Instead, you change the subject.

“So, why are you so invested in helping Pince?”

“Because I don’t want the Ball to be a bore. You heard her plans.” She rolls her eyes. “Still, Pince and Filch. What a strange couple.”

“It might be strange, but they’ll get no judgment from me.”

“Suppose we could be an even odder couple if we were to show up together. Of course, you’d be the odd one. The Most Powerful Witch at Hogwarts isn’t odd. She’s awesome.”

You sigh. “Honestly, Merula, I’m still not over all the abuse you gave us the first few years we were at Hogwarts. I’d barely even call us on good terms. You still have a lot to make up for. So even if I was available, I wouldn’t want to go with you. But I’m going with Penny, so I’m not available anyway.”

She nods, looking like she sucked on a bad lemon. “You know what? Forget I said anything.”

“Done.” You shrug. “Okay, I need to get Filch to see things our way. Oh, there’s Filch and Mrs. Norris now.”

Merula turns to where your head is tilted towards. She pulls out her wand and grins devilishly. “Ready?” At your nod, she fires off an enthusiastic Colovaria! at the Maine Coon.

It’s a little concerning how much pleasure Merula is deriving from this, but you have more pressing matters. Mrs. Norris turns a bright neon pink and yowls indignantly.

“Gamey goblin bogies! Who’s responsible for this?!” He looks around, making eye contact with you. “Lee! You’re coming with me!”

“Looks like you got his attention. Now, let’s see what you do with it. Good luck, Lee.”

You roll your eyes as you walk away. “Thanks, Merula.”

—

Upon opening the door to Filch’s office, he explodes on you.

“How dare you do such a nasty prank to a poor, sweet, innocent creature like Mrs. Norris!”

Sweet? Innocent? You barely hold back a scoff. Mrs. Norris is anything but.

“The next words out of your mouth better be an apology, Ms. Lee.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Filch.”

“Not to me, to Mrs. Norris!” The caretaker growls, spittle flying from his mouth.

“Oh! Sorry, Mrs. Norris.”

You take out your wand and reverse the spell.

“Why would you do this to a magnificent creature like Mrs. Norris?”

“It was for the ball. Speaking of which, I was really hoping to talk to you about the Valentine’s Day Ball, Mr. Filch.”

That certainly gets his attention. A brief look of worry crosses his face. “Why? Has Madam Pince said something? Is she upset with how I’ve been stacking the chairs?”

“Not…exactly. But you really do care about what she thinks, right?”

“No! I’m just helping set up the ball for Madam Pince as she has enough on her plate.”

“Oh, because I happen to know that Madam Pince is looking for more help. Someone to discuss her ideas and truly collaborate with her.”

“Is that so?” Filch takes Mrs. Norris into his arms and starts stroking her head.

“I thought perhaps you might want to be the one to talk to her about the ball?”

“What, no! How could I help? I don’t know anything about planning dances!”

Mr. Filch unwittingly opens the door for your persuasion. “Actually, I happen to know some of the things Madam Pince wants to see for the Ball.”

“You do? Might be useful for our next event planning meeting later today…”

“It certainly would. Perhaps I could help you get organized for your meeting?”

“All right, you can help me. But no funny business!”

With a few white lies and half-truths, you fill Mr. Filch in on what “Madam Pince” would like to see at the Valentine’s Day Ball.

“So Madam Pince wants sophisticated refreshments and refined music and elegant flowers.”

“Yes, and she also wants the party to be fun. But something people of all ages will enjoy. I think she really needs a peer she respects to confirm all of these notions. So perhaps you could tell her you like those things, too?” You give him your sweetest smile.

“But I don’t like those things!”

“Are you sure, Mr. Filch? Because Madam Pince sure does. In fact, I think she really wants to believe that the night could be romantic and special for everyone, but is afraid that people who don’t have someone special in their life might not enjoy it as much.”

He shakes his head quickly. “I wouldn’t want such a marvelous woman as Madam Pince to feel she isn’t getting the ball she wants. And I suppose those things might suit a dance like this.”

“It seems Madam Pince wants this night to be like a storybook romantic ball right out of a fairy tale! Perhaps you should dress the part when you go to the meeting? To show you truly understand her vision.”

“Dress the part? I wouldn’t even know how! I’m not magical like Madam Pince, I’m just Squib.” He spits the last part out like it’s a terrible affliction. Part of you feel bad for him, surrounded by such wondrous magic and unable to partake in it.

“I bet Madam Pince likes you just the way you are, Mr. Filch. Magical or not. But, if it would make you feel better, I know someone who could give you a makeover!”

“A what?! Out of the question. You kids and your new-fangled ideas…”

You ignore him and continue. “Looking your best is always a good idea. Sprucing yourself up will feel great! And Madam Pince might like it, too.”

“Well, let’s be quick about it! I’ve still got other duties to attend to.”

—

“Andre, I need a favor…” You poke your head into the Transfiguration classroom.

“This better be good, Seojung, I’m already busy enough making outfits for the Ball!” Andre Egwu, the most stylish person you know at Hogwarts, is currently surrounded by random patterns and many manikins.

“Trust me, the Ball won’t be worth your effort unless we get your help right now.” You step fully into the classroom, Mr. Filch right behind.

“Excuse me? It will be a proper event, with or without your contribution, Miss Lee. Remember we’re here to help Madam Pince achieve her vision for a romantic ball and for nothing else.” Mr. Filch snaps at you.

Andre’s confusion is clear on his face. “Her vision? I thought that Pince’s boring ball ideas were the problem in the first place.” Oh, Andre. You want to clap a hand across his mouth, but it’s too late.

Filch glares at you. “Boring?! What is he going on about?”

“Andre, Mr. Filch is going to help Madam Pince have a storybook Valentine’s Ball just like we all want. I was just explaining she wants fun and lights and romance, she’s just having trouble seeing that. But as she seems to very much respect Mr. Filch, he’s agreed to talk to her about it.”

His eyes clear up. “Now I understand what we’re after. That’s proper brillant, Jung. So how can I help?”

“Well, any romantic storybook Valentine’s Day features a dashing, well-dressed suitor for the ball’s host…”

“I see. So we’re thinking a full makeover?” He scans Filch from head to toe, gears already spinning in his head.

“There’s that ridiculous word again! I never agreed to anything of the sort.”

You grin and pull the Madam Pince card again. “Remember you’re giving your colleague a happy Valentine’s Day!”

“We all really want this to be a magical night, Mr. Filch, and you can reflect that with how you dress.” Andre pipes up, waving at the many half-finished project scattered around the room.

Mrs. Norris meows languidly and stretches at Mr. Filch’s feet. For once, she is at ease.

“See? Even Mrs. Norris agrees!”

“All right. I’ll let you try your hand at it, but I don’t want anything too frilly. Or colorful. Or uncomfortable.”

You step back and watch as Andre takes Filch’s measurements and quickly throws together a formal, ball-worthy outfit for the custodian. Before long, Mr. Filch is behind the partition, trying on the clothes. When he steps out, it’s like there a whole new person has replaced the man you know.

Mr. Filch is wearing a handsome pinstriped three-piece suit, complete with the long tuxedo tails, spats, and a tophat. All he needs is a cane, and he could be the front man for a tap show.

“I cannot believe what I’m seeing…” Andre’s jaw hangs open.

“It’s horrible, isn’t it?!?”

“No, you look quite handsome, Mr. Filch. The question is, will Madam Pince like it?”

The fashion whiz regains his footing and collects himself. “I believe she will. If it weren’t for Filch’s scowl I’d almost mistake him for a gentleman.” You wince at the dig. Andre seems to really want to piss Filch off. Thankfully, Mr. Filch is too busy looking at his boutonniere to hear him.

Mrs. Norris comes out from behind the partition as well. She is dressed in a matching bowtie, cuffs, and tophat. You think she looks adorable, for once. Andre is a genius.

“So, do you feel ready for your meeting with Madam Pince, Mr. Filch?”

“Wait a second, my tie is crooked…” As the Caretaker fiddles with his bowtie, you turn to Andre.

“Thank you for helping me. The ball wouldn’t be the same without your stylish eye for clothes.”

“Oh, please say more. It was my pleasure, Curse-Breaker. Good luck with Pince.” With an impish wink, he returns to his work.

“We’d better get a move on, Miss Lee. Can't keep Madam Pince waiting, now can we?”

You agree and together head out. The Library is a short jaunt up a few flights of stairs. Unfortunately, Madam Pince is nowhere to be found. You scan the aisles and find a familiar face.

“Hey, Talbott. How’re you?”

Tallbott Winger gives you a small smile. He’s reading a thick textbook in another language you can’t understand. “Fine, I suppose. And you?”

“On a mission. Have you seen Pince?”

“Madam Pince is putting jinxes on some of the new books.”

Mr. Filch suddenly comes up next to you and Talbott. “Here to cause trouble, Mr. Winger? I bet you are!”

“Keep your voice down, Mr. Filch. Madam Pince wouldn’t want us to disturb the quiet of the library.”

“Fine, but only because Madam Pince wouldn’t appreciate it.” Mr. Filch looks down at his outfit again. “I can’t believe you convinced me to wear this ridiculous outfit.”

“You look handsome, Mr. Filch, not ridiculous. Just as I said before.”

It seems that Mr. Filch is unable to take compliments. His face twists into a scowl. “Bah! I’m going to go find Madam Pince.” With a swish of his coattails, he walks to the Forbidden section of the library.

Talbott raises his eyebrows as he watches Filch leave. “I’ve heard you’re trying to save the Valentine’s Day Ball.”

“Yep. I’ve enlisted Mr. Filch to help persuade Madam Pince to make it a lot more fun. And maybe even be her valentine.”

“I’d like to help.”

You have a double take, looking quizzically at the introverted Ravenclaw. It seems rather unlike him to care about this sort of thing. “Really? I didn’t realize you were interested in the Ball.”

“A lot of things you don’t know about me, Lee. But it would be worth it if you were there. I wasn’t planning on seeing you here, but now that I have, I want to ask you to the Ball.”

“That’s really kind of you, Talbott… I’m already going with Penny, sorry.” It doesn’t surprise you that Talbott hasn’t heard the gossip flying around the castle. He keeps to himself very well. A small part of you hopes he’s okay with it, because he’s close friends with Penny. Not that you’re looking for validation.

The quiet boy takes it in stride. He nods slightly and gives his signature quirk of his lips. “That’s all right. You two make a great couple! And don’t worry, I’d still like to help. First, you definitely need to talk to Pince and save the dance. Now we really need to make sure it’s a great night.”

“Thanks, Talbott. Speak of the devil…” You both fall silent as Mr. Filch and Madam Pince near you. That way, they couldn’t possibly lecture you. But, as it turns out, they wouldn’t have heard you anyway. They are in the midst of a conversation of their own.

“My, you’re looking quite dapper, Argus.”

“Thank you, Irma. I was hoping to try something different today…though I’m now worried I look like a Hippogriff’s behind.”

“Nothing of the sort. I think it looks very nice. And I won’t hear anything different.” Madam Pince smiles elegantly at Mr. Filch. It shapes her face quite nicely, turning her into a different woman. But just as quickly as it came, the smile drops at the sight of you.

“I see you’re back, Miss Lee. This time with Mr. Winger, it seems. Can I ask why?”

You turn to the caretaker. “I’ll let Mr. Filch fill you in.”

“Miss Lee here was helping me get organized for our meeting.”

Madam Pince nods. “Very well. Let’s start our meeting, then.”

And so the meeting happens. You, Mr. Filch, and Talbott outline your suggestions. Finally, Mr. Filch does what you asked him.

“I think your Valentine’s Day Ball vision would be even better with tasteful sweet refreshments, smart music, and beautiful flowers fit for a woman such as yourself, Madam Pince.”

“Oh, I don’t know, Mr. Filch… it’s all a bit much.”

You quickly speak up. “Madam Pince, you should know that Mr. Filch worked really hard to come up with ideas that fit your vision. We talked about string music to liven up the mood but keep it classy, delicious treats and tasteful, red flowers. Mr. Filch has your best interests at heart, Madam Pince.”

Talbott pipes in. “And isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is about: heart?”

You continue. “We just want to make sure that you and Mr. Filch get the Valentine’s Day Ball you both want.”

“Me and… Mr. Filch?” Your words seem to have an effect on the librarian.

The caretaker removes his tophat and worries the brim with both hands. “Well, not- I don’t mean to presume or nothin’… but, well, you deserve a fairy tale ball, Madam Pince. Something right out of one of the story books you have here in the Library, even.”

“And Mr. Filch will be right by your side making sure everything turns out just as you like!” You use your best Penny smile to inject as much optimism as you can into your words.

“He will?”

Talbott nods sagely. “He will.”

“Well… yes, it would be my honor, Madam Pince… If you’ll have me, that is.” Mr. Filch bows his head slightly.

“I suppose I may have been a little too utilitarian with the festivities. Adding some tasteful flair may be in order. What Mr. Filch has described sounds simply wonderful. Magical, even, like a fairy tale, just as he said. Perhaps people of all types can enjoy connecting on Valentine’s Day, after all.”

“I wholeheartedly agree, Madam Pince.” Yes! Success. You did it!

Talbott smiled. “I agree, too.”

“The only problem is that now there’s so much to prepare with these new ideas!” There is a new light in Madam Pince’s eyes as she considers the new tasks.

Thankfully, Mr. Filch rises to the opportunity. He pledges his assistance. “Don’t worry, Madam Pince, I’ll help you.”

“Talbott and I can help too! And our friends, of course.”

“All right, Miss Lee, get your friends together to help. We’ve a romantic storybook ball to plan. Don’t forget that this should still be a classy sort of fun, even the music.” She sternly reminds you that she is still in control.

“Don’t worry, Madam Pince. I know just the person to talk to about romantic music.”

Bidding farewell to the Librarian, Mr. Filch, and Talbott, you make your way to the Hufflepuff Common Room. Talking with Chiara will have to wait for tomorrow. You have a study session with Penny to prepare for. You make a mental note to ask Chiara at dinner tonight or breakfast tomorrow.

Penny greets you with a big hug and another kiss on the cheek. She seems to like it as much as you do. “How did it go?” Grasping your hand earnestly, she steers you over to an empty table in the corner of the Common Room.

“Really good. I managed to change Pince’s mind with a little help from Filch. Andre gave him a makeover and everything. He cleans up well. How was Astronomy?”

“Utterly boring. I wish you were there.” She pouts. “Stuff isn’t fun if you’re not around.”

Penny always seems to know just what to say. That weird feeling in your chest grows again. Spending time with the blonde Hufflepuff is one of your favorite things to do.

You bump her shoulder with yours. “I missed you, too. And I really need help with my Potions essay.”

“I see how it is. You only talk to me for my brains.” Penny crosses her arm in faux-anger. Her fond smile gives it away.

“Not true! You also compliment me a lot.”

She shoves you in the shoulder. “The nerve!”

You grab one of her hands. “Seriously though. I’m glad you’re my friend. You’re important to me for much more than just homework. I promise, I’ll always be around.”

All your worries about saying the wrong thing are wiped away with Penny’s embrace. She smells like roses and patchouli, and the scent fills your lungs.

She cuddles close to you as she explains the potion Snape covered in lecture today. Her ability to break down complicated concepts into simple terms is what’s keeping your ass afloat in Potions.

With Penny’s help, you finish the essay for Potions and move onto the DADA one you started the day before. With renewed focus and the help of your best friend, you manage to scrape together the right words for that assignment as well. In exchange, you offer help with Transfiguration, Muggle Studies, and Charms.

You lose track of time, realizing that afternoon has turned into evening only when you glance out one of the windows.

“Damn, it’s night already?”

Penny laughs kindly. “Yes, we missed dinner. Are you hungry?”

Your stomach joins the conversation, growling like an old automobile.

“I guess that answers that. Come on.” She stands and offers a hand. “We can get something from the Kitchen.”

You’re thankful that the Hufflepuff Common Room is right next to the Kitchen. It makes getting midnight snacks easy.

Despite the late hour, the Kitchen is still thrumming with energy, its numerous hearths still roaring away. A house elf, Dory, approaches them. “Good evening, Misses. What can Dory do for you?”

“Good evening, Dory! Seojung and I missed dinner, we got caught up in our studies. We were wondering if there were any leftovers?”

Dory grins and pops away with a snap of her fingers. She reappears with a tray of steaming sandwiches and two covered bowls. You gratefully take the tray from the elf. “Thanks, Dory. We appreciate it.”

Dory curtsies. “Dory is happy to help. Enjoy!” She snaps her fingers again, leaving you and Penny alone.

“Come on.” Holding the tray carefully, so as not to spill the precious goods, you lead the way back to the Common Room.

Over the late but scrumptious meal, you chat about upcoming exams and the younger students Penny had to reprimand. You don’t envy her position at all. Being a Prefect seems too stressful for you.

Pretty soon, the other students retire to their beds. One by one, until it’s just you and Penny sitting in the quiet room.

You remember the note you gave yourself at breakfast. “Hey, Pens?”

“Hm?” Penny smiles in response to your nickname for her. It’s something only you alone are allowed to use. Tonks might call her Penne from time to time, but they usually just call her P.

“I wanted to ask about PDA and boundaries… and other stuff. Just making sure we’re on the same page.”

“Of course. What’s up?”

“How much PDA are you comfortable with? Anything that’s completely off-limits?”

She wrinkles her nose. “I hate when people snog in the hallways and in front of other people. Could they have a little more class? Definitely nothing like that will fly with me. But quick little kisses as greetings, I’m fine with.”

You nod, taking everything she says to heart. “I feel the same way. The sounds people make when sucking on each other’s faces make me sick. But I… really like when you kiss my cheek, so you can definitely do more of that.”

You don’t look at Penny as you speak, too embarrassed to make eye contact. Instead, you pick up a pen and spin it aimlessly. But Penny has other ideas. She reaches forward and gently cups your face, turning it so that you’re facing her. She leans closer, never once breaking eye contact.

“You promise me you’re telling the truth?”

“I promise.”

Her lips touch your cheek and linger there. When she pulls back, she searches your eyes for any pushback. “Is something like that okay?”

You feel your lips curl up before you can even tell them to move. “More than.”

The clock above the fireplace chimes, signaling the new hour, making you jump. It is ten o’clock, your bedtime. You stretch, hearing the bones in your neck and upper back pop and crackle. Your sitting posture is a bit poor. Okay, a lot poor.

As you pack up your schoolwork, you look over at Penny, who is doing the same. “Do you want to sleep in my bed tonight?”

“Sure. I’ll get washed up and come over.” She yawns and raises her arms over her head, stretching her sides.

You give her a thumbs-up and go to your room, changing into pajamas and washing up in the bathroom. As you’re finishing up a diary entry, Penny comes into the room. She’s wearing a light blue t-shirt and light grey sweatpants, quite similar to your sleepwear. The only difference is that your top is dark blue.

“Look at us, two Hufflepuffs wearing Ravenclaw colors. A disgrace to the house.”

Penny snorts as she climbs under the covers and closes the curtains on her side. “It’s not our fault that blue is our favorite color. Though the Sorting Hat did consider putting me in Ravenclaw.”

“Same. But I wanted to be in Hufflepuff, because Jacob was in Hufflepuff. I felt like I had to prove that I could be in the same house as him and not turn out the same way.” You slip your glasses off and toss them lightly onto your bedside table, clicking off the lamp and closing the curtains. Casting a muffling charm, you turn back to the other girl. “My biggest fear is turning out like him.”

“You won’t. You have your friends to keep you from turning out that way. And you have me.” It’s dark now without the light from your nightstand, but you can hear the smile in Penny’s voice as she calmly encourages you.

“Thanks, Pens.” You’ll probably regret it later, but you pull her close so that her head is resting on your chest and shoulder. You cross your fingers and hope that she can’t hear how fast your betraying heart is currently thumping inside your ribcage.

She gives you a tiny kiss on your collarbone and snakes an arm around your waist. “Goodnight, Jung. Thanks for everything.”

Throwing caution into the wind, you lean forward and press your lips on the part of Penny’s forehead you can reach. Lying back, you feel the blonde’s breathing deepening and slowing down. Pretty soon, she’s out.

The constant weight on your right side is comforting, but you are hyperaware of the closeness. It makes your skin prickle. You tell yourself that it’s worth seeing Penny so happy.

But yeah. It’s going to be a long night.

— — —

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