#ladies cotton pyjamas

[houseofdreams-things]

The Importance of Choosing the Proper Sleep Night Dress

Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for overall health and well-being. While factors like a comfortable mattress and a peaceful environment play a significant role in promoting quality sleep, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is the choice of sleepwear. Believe it or not, the type of sleepwear you choose can have a profound impact on the quality of your sleep. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of selecting the right sleep-night dress for a restful night’s slumber.

[roshanisence]

Buy Women Pyjamas & Tracksuit Online| Women Snoopy | Sweet Dreams

Buy women pyjamas & tracksuits online at Sweet Dreams. Explore our women snoopy collections that inlcludes ladies pjs, short dress & more. Shop now!

[loforay]

Indulge in comfort with our 2-Piece Women's Button Down Pyjamas Set from Loforay.com. Crafted from 100% Cotton, experience a loose fit with a slight stretch, ideal for Spring/Autumn nights. Revel in softness with added features like pockets and an elastic waistband, ensuring comfortable and convenient wear. Elevate your sleepwear collection with this stylish and cozy ensemble. https://loforay.com/products/2-piece-womens-button-down-pyjamas-set-100-cotton

[onestopfashion1]

Shop Printed Cotton Nighty For Women Online From Onestopfashion in India. The smooth and lightweight 100% cotton fabric used to create this Printed Cotton Nighty For Women. It has a round neckline and a distinct design pattern. The nightgown fits well and has an A-line shape. It has an empire waist and short sleeves. Just below the knees, the hemline creates a humble and cosy appearance. This nightgown is ideal for staying in or for lounging around the home.

[beenbaanbuun]

mothers w/ mingi

words - kind of short

genres - fluff

warnings - shaving, bad relationships with family, bad relationships with food, body issues, inherited insecurity, mingi is a precarious baby

——————————————————————————

“do you think your ball trimmer will shave legs?” you turn and look at mingi who’s lay innocently on his bed, scrolling mindlessly through his phone. that is until your words sink in and his gaze shoots up to where you stand with the small contraption in hand.

“i guess so,” he shrugs as he turns his phone off and puts it straight down. you ignore the way his eyes furrow as you turn it on and inspect the blades close up. you don’t know how close the shave would be, but you guess in desperate times, that doesn’t really matter. at this point, any shave will do.

you switch it off again and nod to yourself, placing it on the dresser before going through your drawers to grab your other things ready for a shower. you pick up a plain blue pair of cotton panties that despite not being sexy at all, you’re sure mingi will find an excuse to rip off of you post shower. then you grab your comfiest sports bra that again has one too many holes to be considered sexy. finally you grab one of mingi’s shirts - an oversized one that seems to have taken permanent residence in your pyjama drawer - and begin to head to the bathroom with your boyfriend’s ball trimmer in hand too.

“hang on a second, baby,” he calls out after you, scrambling off the bed and rushing towards you until you’re close enough for him to swaddle in his grasp. arms wrap around your shoulders, pinning you to his chest, “what do you think you’re doing?”

you lean back against him, enjoying the impromptu hug more than you’d care to admit.

“shaving my legs,” you close your eyes as you inhale the familiar peppery smell of his cologne; it’s warm and invades your senses, just like him, “i lost my razor so i need to use this.”

“why are you shaving your legs?” he asks, not quite satisfied with your reply. probably because you’d stopped bothering with that sort of thing pretty soon into the relationship. it’s a lot of effort, and your hair seems to be the last thing on mingi’s mind when he saw your legs. mostly he just thinks about what’s between them and how he’s going to get to it. he hardly even pays notice to the prickly hairs that run up and down your skin.

“we’re going on holiday with my mother,” you grumble in reply, “i have to be prepared.”

ah yes; the monster-in-law…

she’s a lovely lady for the most part, inviting mingi into the family with open arms despite the fact that she obviously wasn’t expecting him when you said you were bringing a boyfriend home. its clear she doesn’t approve of the way he dresses, or the nail varnish that coats his fingertips, but that doesn’t stop her from treating him like her own son. he gets the biggest portions of her home cooked meals and the first pick of desert. she calls him handsome when she sees him wearing something she likes, and compliments his uniqueness whenever he’s wearing something that’s a little more outlandish for her old-fashioned taste. she thinks he’s brave when he colours his hair in an outlandish fashion, and gorgeous when he wears it black. all in all, she’s a pretty lovely woman once you get past the hard shell of her traditional values.

and, of course, if you ignore the way she treats you.

to be honest, mingi is impressed at how resilient you turned out after living with that woman for 18 years. constantly having your self esteem torn down can’t be good for someone’s mental health, and yet you made it out the other side with a relatively normal relationship with your body. you have a healthy relationship with food, if you don’t count the days when mingi has to coax you to eat just a little more, and the days where he’d find you scrutinising yourself in front of a mirror are, for the most part, long gone! sometimes you tell him it’s because of him you feel so comfortable in your body; he refuses to take any of the credit for your own inability to be broken.

in fact, it’s only moments like this that he begins to see cracks in those walls you’ve built up. moments when you know you’ll have to see your mum soon. it’s like alarm bells go off in your mind reminding you that you haven’t quite met her standards yet. eat less because ‘you’ve gained a bit weight recently; you ought to keep an eye on that’. shave your legs because ‘as a woman you shouldn’t have hair on your legs; it’s just not natural’. buy expensive skincare products because ‘acne? at your age? you really should take better care of yourself’. it’s these moments that mingi can see the damage done. that he really has to take care of you.

“you shouldn’t listen to your mum,” he presses a kiss to the top of your head and gives you an extra tight squeeze with his gangly arms, “they’re your legs, not hers; you only ever have to do what you want to with your body.”

“i know,” you say, leaning your back into his sturdy chest. he’s so warm and cosy, so reliable and strong. the small smile that rises to your face as he holds you close is involuntary. you guess you’re just so in love that you can help it, “she’s just so hard to be around when i’m not absolutely perfect.”

“well then i don’t see the issue here,” he lets you go for just a few seconds, spinning you around until you’re facing him. once more he encloses you in his grasp, a loose grip around your waist just to keep you close, “you’re already perfect, baby.”

“you’re so cheesy,” you giggle. he laughs too. in that moment nothing matters to you but him.

“it’s not cheesy if it’s the truth,” he bends down and presses a firm kiss to your lips, “perfect, perfect, perfect baby.”

[libraryofloveletters]

Made For You

Jack Grealish x Fem!Reader

Warnings: soft boyfriend jack, cheesy matching pjs, jacks's horrible driving, mini fashion show.

Word Count: 723

Author's Note: this is my bookie pookieeeeee fr, y'all better eat this one - it's so jack.

--

His favourite time of the year; when you suggested the idea of matching pjs, Jack was all over it. 

Your cheek pressed into the soft cotton of Jack's shorts, one of his hands tangled in your hair and the other used to hold his phone and scroll through what you could only assume was Instagram.

This was a typical afternoon for you two, unwinding on the couch in comfortable silence.

The TV played quietly in the background, the holiday movie you had put on for background noise was on commercial and there's an ad running for holiday pyjamas. The parents and their kids sat in front of the fireplace and then it switched to a couple on Christmas morning.

"Those are sure," you mumble and Jack looks down at you, phone off to the side. "What'd you say, love?"

"The pyjamas," you nodded towards the tv, "aren't they cute? We should do that."

Jack sits up a bit straighter, causing you to slip off your pillow - his thigh. His phone is back in his hand, a few quick passes of his finger over the screen before he hands it to you.

There's a few options already open for pjs, matching ones that is. The classic black and red flannel pants with red tops, a set with the grinch on the black pants and a green top that says hate hate hate, I'm staying home!, another set with what looked like Christmas lights printed on the legs and sleeves with some sort of Santa's workshop on the front of the shirt. The last set has little reindeers on the shirt while the pants have snowflakes along it.

"That was fast." You rested your head on your boyfriend's thigh again, looking up at him. He hums, taking his phone back. "I was gonna get us some as a surprise but since you know now, you can help me pick."

"I like all of them, but the reindeer one is my favourite - oh and the grinch one."

Jack smiles, "I figured that one would be your favourite."

You nod, turning your attention back to the tv but Jack stands, causing your head to drop flat into the couch cushions. "Ow?" You looked at him, confused as to what's going on.

"Sorry baby," Jack grabs your hands, pulling you up. You're beyond lost, unsure as to why your boyfriend has pulled you up. "What's going on?"

"We're going to get the pyjamas."

"Now?"

"Yeah," he nods, car keys already in hand as he walks out the front door. "God okay, wait for me!" You shout, locking the door and running after him.

It's a miracle you even made it there; you had asked Jack to let you drive but he insisted that he was fine to drive, training wasn't even that difficult today - and yet, you nearly ran into the curb like 12 times.

Jack carried the basket, following you around the store as you picked out the sets you liked, the same ones that Jack had shown you. You sorted through the sizes, tossed them at Jack, the man watching in amusement as you navigated the hectic store in all its holiday glory - to be fair, it was his fault for waiting until 3 days to Christmas to do his pyjama shopping.

Once again, Jack drives home and you're just counting down the minutes until you arrive home - you loved your boyfriend but he couldn't drive for shit.

Jack insists you try on the pyjamas for him, doing a little fashion show. He goes as far as finding a soundtrack for you; settling on bad romance by Lady Gaga.

It was mostly the two of you giggling and dancing around the living room until you ended up on the couch. You huffed, your head on his shoulder.

"These are soft," you put your hand on his face, Jack's hand rubbing along the sleeve of your shirt.

"So soft," he says, the words muffled under the palm of your hand.

"Movie night?" You sit up, walking to the kitchen to make some popcorn.

Jack nods. "Let me change," he runs off to the bedroom before meeting you back on the couch. He was now wearing the matching set to your grinch one, coincidently you two settled on watching the grinch again, for the millionth time this season.

"Love you," you whispered, head on his shoulder.

Jack's arm draped over your thighs, patting it softly. "Love you."

[wa-wandavision]

Imaginary | Bang Chan

Bang chan x reader

Summary: you lived in solidarity and self-hatred for as long as you can remember, but that all changes when a handsome blonde man appears in your room. He was perfect and ideal for you. You discover that he's just a figment of your imagination, but does it matter to you if it means you get to be happy?

Sh, eating disorder, self-hatred, insecurities, reader thinking too much, suicidal thoughts, depression (Detailed)

Wc: 1723

You lay on your side on the mattress, your eyes unfocused, as you think about your life—about everything, really. Dry tears stain your cheeks, and an ache in your head blooms, continuously banging with every slight move you make. 

Your heart weighed heavily on your chest as you lay emptily on your bed. It didn't even feel like a heart in your chest anymore; instead, it felt like a big, heavy stone weighing you down with even the slightest step and actions, and you didn't know what to do to make that feeling go away. Your mind felt like it was detached from you, stuck in a very dark place with no way back to its rightful place.

You shuffle in your bed, your eyes squeezing shut from the banging in your head as your hair sprawled messily on your pillow. Your puffy eyes ached, the strong light in your room making your eyes hurt and struggling to keep it open. You desperately wanted to get up from your warm comfy bed, but whenever you think about doing it, the stone in your chest weighs heavier, pinning you down further into your bed.

Why are you still alive at this point? You were worthless and useless, nobody was gonna miss you if you grab the blade in your nightstand drawer and drag it across your throat and wrist. In fact, you think they would be better off without you. All you did was lay on your bed, cut everyone off and think about your life, past regrets and compare yourself to others out of self disgust and hatred.

You think about your childhood and your current life, and quickly, the feeling of guilt nagged at your chest. Your childhood life and current life wasn't bad but it wasn't great and perfect either, and it made you feel horrible for making it seem like such a big deal. 

But if it wasn't horrible and such a big deal then why do you want to end it all? 

You sighed deeply, shuffling in your bed, your nose immediately scrunching in disgust as you accidentally sniffed your pyjamas. Your cotton night dress stinks very badly and you knew you wouldn't sleep because of it, even if you tried. You stink badly. With a tired groan, you lift your head up heavily and stare at your room door in utter despair. 

Your head hits the silky pillow gently as you zone out once more. You can shower tomorrow, it doesn't have to be right now.. , but…you wouldn't be able to sleep knowing that you absolutely reek. You haven't showered in weeks, and if you weren't going to do it now, then when are you? You eye your front door with a frown and sigh heavily. With heavy movements, you slowly sit up from your bed. 

You sluggishly pull yourself up from your bed and sigh, forcing yourself not to lay back down again. It was very tempting not to lay down again. With one last sigh, you force yourself to fully get up from your bed. 

Your hair was tangled, frizzy, and matted, and your lips were dry and cracked. You roll out your tongue lazily and lick your lips to moisturise them.

You felt like an old lady as you stood with a slouched posture and slightly bended knees. With a small, tired noise, you slowly straighten your posture and legs. With slow, sluggish steps, you walk to the lamp sitting on your table opposite your bed. You reach to the switch on flick it, a click filling your ears immediately. 

A faint orange colour illuminated the room a little, but it was barely seen as the main light in your room concealed it.

Now, you finally saunter to the door, switch off the light with a small click, and finally exit your bedroom. The only light coming from your bedroom was the orange hue coming from the lamp on your table.

Even though the hallway to the bathroom was dark, you still placed your hands on each side of your face as you groggily passed a tall mirror on your way to the bathroom.

You opened the bathroom door with the side of your bottom and stepped in, not bothering to open the lights.

You began to strip. 

Almost two hours later, you hear something fall on the ground in your room as you continue to fall victim to your frustrating thoughts. You snap back to reality and narrow your eyes at the sound. From what you remembered, no windows were opened, and not a single door was unlocked.

Your heart raced anxiously as you over thought about what fell and what caused it.

Maybe… Was it the wind? No, that wouldn't make any sense; all windows were closed. It could be ghosts, but yet again, ghosts are not real. In your opinion, at least. Or maybe it was just something that wasn't placed properly. Yeah, that was it. It must've been that—nothing else.

You go back to lazily scrubbing yourself, but you soon tense up and pause once you hear another thing fall. Your heart rate skyrocketed immediately, leaving you hyperventilating. You let out shaky breaths as the hot water continued to hit your scalp and scarred skin.

You stand up slowly from the bathtub and turn off the shower, carefully stepping out so you don't slip. You don't want that to happen. You don't think your body can handle another bruise from your clumsiness and laziness. 

You grab your pyjamas you left on the radiator two days ago. You remembered that you had wanted to try and shower, but you just went back to bed.

You pull the pyjama top over your wet head and then slide your legs into the pyjama pants. Your hair dripped and slightly drenched your pyjama top.

You slip your wet slippers on and silently pull the bathroom door open, which was a little difficult for you since you haven't used your arms in a few days. They were very lazy and weak at the moment.

You slowly and carefully walked to the guest room, narrowly avoiding the creek on the stairs. The guest room had baby toys since your cousin came by to see you a few weeks ago, and they had forgotten to take the toys with them. 

In the guest room, you quickly but tensely grab a yellow plastic hammer toy from the ruffled bed. Sure, the hammer was a toy, but it was big, so it will do perfectly for the attack. It was perfect to create minor damage, like bruises. Nothing serious.

With determination, you walk out of the guest room with slightly lifted arms as you raise the hammer, gripping the yellow handle tight. 

You gulp as you see a figure in the middle of your room, back turned against you. It looked like a man. You breathe heavily, but you still have some determination left in you. All you had to do was attack the man and give him the scolding of his life. And integrate him! You can't forget about that. 

On accident, you step on the creaky part of the short stairs, and you immediately tense, your breath hitching faintly. Dumb you. How could you forget about the stairs? 

You gulp and breathe faster in fear as you see the man stiffen but not move from his spot. 

You clutch on the handle of the toy hammer with narrowed eyes, determined to make him realise that he picked the wrong house to break into and shoo him out of your house. 

You get ready to pounce, and with a war cry, you raise your hammer and hurry to your room with a slight run.

First hit on his head, then his back, and then back to his head again. He yelps with each hit, but you ignore it and continuously hit the man's head with determination. 

“How. Did. You. Get. In. My. House, Old Man?!" You yell with each blow at his head.

The blonde man hisses and yelps in pain from the force of your hits. He lost his balance, tripped on the edge of the rug, and landed on the ground on his side with a small, painful huff. 

“You sneaky son of a-”

“Ah, stop, stop, stop, stop!” The man yelled out, his voice broken from the pain as he shielded himself—mostly his head—interrupting you mid-sentence. 

You pause in surprise as you hear him speak, ceasing your abuse on his head, the yellow toy hammer pausing halfway to his head also. “Oh… I didn't know you could speak. So the burglar speaks, huh?” You say, surprised, before snapping out of it. You give his head a good last bonk with the hammer before stepping back a little, your eyes on him closely and cautiously as he lays in pain on the rugged floor. 

He groans and hisses in pain, and he rubs his head to ease the pain a little. The blonde man hurries up to stand, his back still turned towards you. He huffs and mumbles to himself in annoyance, wiping away the imaginary dirt from his clothes.

You continue to stare at him blankly, waiting for him impatiently to turn around to you and show his face. “You’re stupid for thinking you can weirdly sneak in and steal something from my house,” you say coldly, but he doesn’t say anything. He still continued to rub the imaginary dirt from his clothes. “Ya! I’m talking to you," you snap.

You hear him sigh, and you see him pause for a moment. You were taken aback to hear him speak... and for his voice to be soft. “Wait- I’m sorry, did you say steal? I don’t want to steal anything.” In a swift motion, the blonde man turns to you, and God…

He had sharp but soft features. His eyes were the perfect shade of brown, his lips were plum and the ideal shade of pink. And his nose...his nose was so defined.How could someone bad like him look this perfect?

You didn’t believe him. If he didn’t want to steal, then why did he sneak into your house? He seriously needs to be a better liar. You stare blankly at him, about to interrogate him and give him the scolding of his life.

Tags: @delulu18

[blueraineshadows]

Brothers Part 13

Garreth Weasley 🔺️ F!MC 🔺️Oscar Weasley

A love rivalry between two brothers. Oscar is an OC created by @eternalremorse and used with her permission.

Chapter Master List and Ao3

NSFW 🔞 smut

Chapter Thirteen - Chasing Happiness

They entered the empty dormitory with their hands clasped, MC’s gaze sweeping over the circular room with the four poster beds, immediately guessing which one belonged to Garreth before he had even tugged her over towards it. The bed was made. However, the haphazard piles of clothes and school books scattered on the floor and cabinet beside it made her smirk. There were opened Honeydukes boxes littering the space, a few birthday cards propped up, some toppled over already in the chaos that was Garreth's corner of the dormitory.

Garreth was hurriedly kicking stuff under the bed, grabbing some things off the cabinet and stuffing them into the drawer before turning to her, cheeks tinged with pink.

“It isn’t always this messy,” he grinned, reaching for her hands again. “If I had known I would be entertaining a young lady this evening I would have tidied up a bit.”

She leaned in close, touching her nose to his with a smile. “I’m not here to see how tidy you are.”

His eyebrows lifted in interest, arms slipping around her waist. “What are you here for, then? Do tell.”

“Oh, I’m only here for the freckles,” she said, tracing a finger across his cheek in a pattern, a smile playing on her lips.

“Ah, of course,” he smirked, catching her hand and pressing his lips to her finger tips, one by one. “Now, would these be the freckles on my face, or the ones on my hands?”

MC giggled, watching as his lips softly touched each of her fingertips, the tingles spreading up her arm to swirl within her. Her eyes burned with hunger as she stared at his mouth, the freckles dusted around it daring to encroach on the soft pink of his top lip.

“I quite like this one,” she murmured, before pressing her mouth against his, capturing those pretty lip freckles in a kiss. She heard his soft gasp, her eyes remaining on his as she pressed another kiss to the corner of his lips. “And this one.”

“Are you going to kiss them all?” He gave her a teasing look and she smiled, nodding her head before pressing another kiss nearer his jaw.

“In that case, maybe we should get more comfortable. This could take a while.” He glanced down at the bed, a slight blush staining his cheeks.

“Well, I can stay, if you like,” she said, her fingers toying with his waistcoat. Her breath felt shaky as she looked at him. “All night, if you want me to. That should give me plenty of time.”

It felt like her heart was going to pound itself through and out of her chest. Not once had she considered sharing a bed with Oscar, not even that night she allowed him to remove her blouse.

There had been a few times during her days in the orphanage when she had slept in a shared bed with other girls, but that wasn’t often, and it was to fight against the loneliness that came from being without a family.

There had even been a few times she had slept in Sebastian’s bed at the Feldcroft house last summer, when the nightmares had clung to her thoughts and he had held her through it, but this was different. This was Garreth, and the thought of spending all night in his bed with him made her a little breathless.

“Oh, I want you to,” he whispered, holding her closer. He pressed his forehead against hers, his hands smoothing up and down her back and making her spine tingle pleasantly. “I’ll get you one of my pyjama tops to wear.”

Whilst Garreth turned his back respectfully, MC slipped her blouse from her shoulders and draped it over the back of his chair, her eyes on him as her pulse fluttered. Her fingers trembled as she tugged her chemise free, her skin erupting in goosebumps as the cool air hit her bare flesh. The pyjama shirt was soft cotton, the sleeves too long and the length leaving it hanging just past her bottom. It smelled like Garreth and she wrapped it around herself, fastening the buttons before bending to remove her trousers with a shaky breath.

As she undressed, Garreth removed his waistcoat and boots, careful not to peek at her. His gentlemanly manners warmed her heart, knowing he probably wanted to look and yet he had restraint enough to give her some privacy. It only made her want him more.

With her clothes neat on his chair, she padded barefoot across to him, wrapping her arms about his waist and pressing her cheek to the warmth of his back. There was a vulnerability to only wearing a sleepshirt and knickers, her legs bare and her skin tingling at the thought of being this way under the covers with him. His hands covered hers as she pressed them to his stomach, his fingers trailing lightly over hers in a comforting touch.

“Are you alright?” The deep timber of his voice sounded against her cheek through his back and she smiled, nuzzling her face against the fabric of his shirt.

“I will be once I am warm and snug under your blankets,” she said, dragging her hands to his sides and gripping the fabric of his shirt. Tugging it upwards, she pulled it free from the waistband of his trousers and slid her hands beneath it. Her palms ghosted tentatively over his stomach, his muscles twitching under her touch. Her fingertips grazed through a smattering of hair near his waistband, his skin soft and warm to the touch as she sought higher towards his ribs.

His swift intake of breath was combined with a high pitched sound and she huffed a breathless laugh against his back. “Fuck, your hands are cold,” he squeaked.

“Oh, well in that case…” She pulled her hands out from under his shirt, stepping back away from him with a playful smirk.

He spun immediately, reaching for her, shaking his head. “Don’t you dare stop,” he said, his eyes flaring with dark fire as he took in her form, dressed in just his pyjama top. He slowed, his eyes roaming deliberately over her from head to bare feet, and she squirmed under such close scrutiny, her thighs squeezing together at the heat in that gaze.

He shook his head as if in disbelief, his voice hushed. “This can’t be real. I must be dreaming.”

As he held her closer, MC pressed a kiss to his lips. “It's real,” she assured him.

“Shall we get under the blankets?” He smiled.

She could see nerves in the way he bit his lip, the way his gaze flickered over her. Smiling softly, she nodded, and felt warmth flush over her as he turned down the blanket, and assisted her into his bed. He tucked it over her legs and she frowned.

“Are you not getting in?”

He smiled and tugged at his shirt before beginning to unfasten the buttons. “I'm a little overdressed,” he smirked. “Just keeping you warm whilst I catch up.”

MC watched, her eyes following his movements as he unbuttoned his shirt, leaving it open to reveal a teasing glimpse of freckled skin and red hair dusting his stomach. His eyes remained locked with hers as he unfastened his trousers and removed them. Leaving his undershorts on, he finally slipped the burgundy shirt from his shoulders and lifted the corner of the blanket.

“Budge up, my lovely,” he said, rubbing his chest. “It's a bit chilly out here.”

He was so soft and adorable, and yet the lines of his exposed body made fire sing in her blood. It was rather overwhelming how desperately she wanted him to be closer. Reaching up, she wrapped her hand around the back of his neck, pulling him down onto the bed and on top of her.

“Come here,” she urged. “I'll warm you up.”

There were a few moments of giggling and grunts as they shuffled to get comfortable in the slim dormitory bed, adjusting the blankets over their tangled limbs. Garreth was deliciously warm, the coarse hair on his legs tickling against hers, and as she smoothed her hands over his skin she felt him shiver.

“Is this okay?” She asked, pausing before sliding her hands up his back.

“Yes, it's fine,” he said, a blush creeping over his cheeks as he adjusted his head on the pillow. “I apologise if I have any spots on my back, though.”

She met his gaze, looking into beautiful green eyes and deliberately smoothing her hand upwards over soft, warm skin. There were a few bumps under her finger tips, but she didn't care about those. All teens were troubled with spots, herself included. They would fade, and held no sway over him and who he was, especially to her. She snuggled up against him.

“You're beautiful, Garreth,” she said softly, trailing her hand over his freckled shoulder, tracing the jut of his bones and the curve of lean muscle. “Right down to the very last freckle.”

His hand lingered at her hip, his thumb barely grazing at the sensitive skin just above the waistband of lace. The pyjama shirt had become rumpled, sliding up to her waist, but she didn't attempt to pull it down. Neither did it scare her how close his hand was to skin normally hidden from view. If anything, it stirred a heated thrill and she realised she wanted more.

Kissing his bottom lip, she teased him with soft touches and delicate swipes of tongue. Instinctively, their bodies closed the gap and her leg slid over his, his hand urging her hips against him. She felt the hardness of his arousal press temptingly against her softness and she rubbed against it, drawing a soft sound from his throat.

Whispering her name, he turned them both, pressing her into the mattress as he deepened their kiss, slotting between her legs with aching accuracy that had her lifting her pelvis to meet him.

With every soft gasp of breath and sensual roll of hips, MC felt herself slipping further into the feel of him, losing herself to the fire that consumed and surrounded them. She craved every touch and taste, her hands daring to drift past his waist, sliding to caress the curve of his bum through his undershorts. Soft and yet firm, she gave it a squeeze and he pressed himself against her heat with a groan, grinding with deliberate slowness.

“You have no idea how much I have wanted this,” he murmured into her neck, lips kissing and nipping at her skin. “You feel so good.”

MC moaned at the nudge of him against her sensitive folds, she felt the wet heat that had gathered, her cheeks flushing slightly realising he must be able to feel that through the cotton and lace of her underwear.

Thoughts turned to the steamy stories that played out within the novels that Poppy gave her, men using their fingers to touch and pleasure a woman, and MC guided Garreth’s hand towards her throbbing core.

What would it feel like to be touched there? The memory of her naughty dream about him sharpened the ache between her thighs, leaving her breathless with anticipation and nerves that he might actually touch her there.

Garreth looked down at their hands, his fingertips grazing along the edging lace of her underwear. “Are you sure about this, MC?”

Garreth had broken through the barrier that she usually held securely around her heart, he had found a way in and now when her blood pumped through her veins it came alive with a fire that burned for him alone.

It wasn’t just the attraction, like the way Oscar had made her feel, it was more than that. Being this close to Garreth, and feeling his skin against hers, it felt stronger, the need to be close to him sinking deeper than her very bones. It was soul deep.

“I'm sure,” she nodded. “I want you to touch me.”

He visibly swallowed, nodding slightly himself as he stared down between their bodies. She realised his fingers were trembling slightly and smoothed her thumb over his wrist. He gave her a nervous smile.

“I've never…you know… I'm not like Oscar. I'm not sure if I will be any good,” he said, hanging his head. His red curls drooped over his forehead, his face flushed pink as he rolled his lower lip thoughtfully. “I don't want to disappoint you.”

“Garreth, you could never disappoint me,” she said, cupping his face, her heart squeezing. She tilted his head so she could see him, smoothing back his wild curls and staring at him with earnest eyes. “It's okay. We don't have to do anything, especially if you don't feel comfortable. If it makes a difference, I've never done this before either, so we would be learning together.”

His brows drew together slightly. “You haven't? But… I walked in on you and Oscar…”

MC squeezed her eyes shut as she remembered the embarrassing moment of being caught without a blouse, Oscar touching her. She took a shaky breath and opened her eyes again, looking at Garreth with pink cheeks.

“That was the one and only time we went that far,” she admitted, cringing slightly at talking about Oscar whilst in bed with Garreth. “I couldn't believe it was you, of all people, that walked in on us. I think the reason I panicked was because I was so confused about my feelings for you.”

His eyes widened. “You had feelings for me then?”

She nodded, biting her lip as shame flooded her face. “You must think I am awful.”

“No,” he shook his head, his fingers sliding slowly up over her waist under the shirt. “I just can't believe my brother never got you into his bed. I thought no girl could resist his charm. It used to drive me crazy thinking about you being with him.”

“You were jealous?” She whispered, her voice catching slightly as his caress danced over her bare ribs. She arched her back slightly, anticipation making her breasts tingle as the shirt rode up even higher at the push of his hand.

He nodded, finger tips grazing at the soft skin under her breasts. “Very much so. His hands were on you, and I wanted it to be my hands. After that night I caught you both, I couldn’t get the image of you out of my head. I wanted my mouth… here…”

His thumb flicked over her nipple and she gasped, his eyes darkening as he cupped her soft curves in his palm. Quickly, with fumbling fingers, she pulled at the shirt buttons, freeing them until the soft fabric gaped open to reveal her breasts to him. She held her breath, shy and nervous because of the faint silver scars that still lingered after the poacher attack that had put her in the hospital wing.

She watched as his eyes roamed over her, his copper eyelashes fluttering against his cheeks as he took in every inch of exposed skin. His other hand sought out her other breast and he groaned as he gently moulded them, his thumb seeking out her stiffening peaks with teasing strokes.

“So gorgeous,” he moaned, burying his face against her, his lips pressing kisses over her soft flesh until he found a nipple. He swirled his tongue over it, stealing her breath away, before sucking deeply with a satisfied moan.

How could he ever think that he would disappoint her? His kisses were fire, her body arching greedily for his mouth and hands, her own touch smoothing over his shoulders and arms, fingers seeking out the soft locks of his hair and massaging against his scalp.

When his mouth clamped greedily onto the soft flesh of a breast, drawing her skin into a sharp suck, she moaned, gripping his hair as he marked her. Not once, not twice, but several times. A pattern of red blooms over her pale skin. He paused, looking down to admire his work, a satisfied smile curving his damp lips as his eyes blazed with something dark and glittering.

“Mine,” he said, his voice low and husky, an edge to it that bordered on possessiveness.

MC felt heat pierce through her, a wave of fire that rolled out from her core and made her want to squeeze her thighs together. That look in his eyes did something very hot and dangerous to her insides. Underneath his gorgeous softness was a man with hidden fire, and she wanted to burn in those flames.

She actually shook with the need, her heart thudding so fast she almost felt dizzy with it. She pushed herself up to shrug out of the shirt, shoving it to one side as she lay back beneath him, breathing hard and fast.

Reaching for him, her hands cupping his neck, she pulled him close for another deep kiss. His hands roamed her body, cupping her breasts and hips, sliding round to squeeze her rear whilst his hips rolled against her. Her soft moans were captured by his kisses, her body surrendering to him with aching fire.

Whilst caught up in the whirlwind of desire, there was still the flutter of nerves tickling at her tummy. Never before had she been so exposed and vulnerable for someone. Opening herself up to Garreth was a bold step forward, another step outside of the tight circle of comfort she had drawn around herself as a child.

Professor Fig had tempted her out of her shell and brought her into this world of magic and acceptance. Once here, Sebastian had pulled her further out of that circle, opening her heart to deep friendship and giving her the confidence to let others get close.

Oscar had opened her eyes to the physical awakening of her own body, but she needed so much more in order to surrender herself completely. Garreth had the same warmth and safety that Sebastian gave her, but he also woke up her flesh with his eyes and his touch. These facts combined meant he had captured her. She was his, body and heart.

It had just taken a while for her to see it, to trust it and follow the path her heart longed for.

Safe and sure, her hand pressed to Garreth’s chest above where his heart thudded beneath his ribs. She could feel it, the patter fast and bold like her own. Her fingertips pressed into his skin, caressing over that generous heart, before sliding downwards over his abs.

She hesitated at the waistband of his shorts, meeting his hooded gaze and waiting for his nod before she carefully slid her fingers inside the warmth.

“MC,” he breathed, closing his eyes with a soft moan as her fingers slid with exploring strokes over silky smooth skin.

He was hard and hot, the tip slick with leaking release that she smeared with her touch. She watched the pleasure as it tightened his face, soft sounds leaving his pretty mouth as she explored with gentle touch. Thick, curling hair met her hand at the base. Nudging the fabric of his shorts down, she could see that the hair was as red as that on his head.

“Hold me like this,” he said, his voice tight and breathless as he gently showed her how to wrap her whole hand around his cock. He pushed his shorts down further and MC eyed him curiously, the tight pink flesh almost intimidating in its thickness and size, a pulsing vein running down the length.

There was a musky, male scent that was as arousing as the sight of him. It seemed to call to her, coaxing her own flame to burn that much hotter as she absorbed the scene unfolding between them on his bed.

His hand covered hers as he guided her, and she watched, fascinated and breathless as they worked him together. From head to base they stroked, the weeping tip helping to let her hand glide in swooping strokes that made him twitch and moan, his head burying into her neck as his hips pushed his cock harder into their grip.

MC tried to imagine how it would feel to have him thrust himself into her like this and she shivered, tingles spreading outwards and she squirmed, intrigued and yet slightly daunted.

Feeling him tense up, his hips stuttering slightly as he groaned, she shifted to try and see his face.

“Garreth, are you okay?”

“Fuck, yes,” he gasped, letting go of her hand and cupping her breast. “Don't stop. Keep going. I'm going to… mmph.”

She kept going, keeping the rhythm he had taught her as he gripped her breast, his harsh breaths hot on her neck. She forgot about herself, her eyes fascinated as a flush darkened his chest and neck, his soft whimpers and moans melting her insides.

His cock began to twitch, the hot flesh pulsing between her fingers and she paused, shocked as release splattered across her stomach. He gasped into her neck, panting as she watched wide eyed, her hand gently squeezing as more cum coated her fingers, dripping hotly onto her thighs.

It was shocking, but erotic, the almost bitter smell of it mingling with his arousing male scent. He lifted his head, cheeks flushed and eyes dazed, his hair a riot of red curls, and he gave her a sheepish grin after seeing the mess that coated her skin.

“Oops,” he said, biting his lip. “So sorry, but, merlin…that felt good.”

She bit back her giggle, convinced he wasn't sorry by any stretch of the imagination judging by the cheeky smirk on his face. Her eyes took in the mess, her hand still wrapped around him, and she gave him one more slow stroke. He whimpered, still sensitive, and she bit her lip.

“That good, hmm?”

He nodded and pulled her close, uncaring of the mess as he held her tightly, stroking her hair as he pressed kisses to her nose and cheeks before claiming her mouth.

“Better than I imagined,” he said, meeting her eyes. “I can't wait to do more like this. I'm especially looking forward to making you a trembling wreck in my hands.”

She shivered against him, a small smile teasing her lips. “That sounds like a promise.”

“Oh, it is,” he assured, and kissed her firmly.

….*....

The hour was late and the dormitory was quiet, the soft sounds of his sleeping dorm mates a familiar and oddly comforting sound. Garreth lay wide awake, his head slowly processing the day, his birthday, and he still couldn't quite believe how things had turned out.

His eyes drifted to the spill of beautiful hair that covered his pillow, the delicate scent of apples and floral perfume filling his nose and pulling at his heart strings. His arm was wrapped tightly around MC’s waist, holding her back against his chest, the tempting curve of her exposed neck right under his nose.

His arm flexed gently, savouring the softness of her, the warmth of her bare flesh against his own. He could hardly believe that she was even here, let alone naked in his bed. His heart thrummed with the joy of it, tingling with the pleasure she had coaxed with her touch. He closed his eyes with a soft sigh as he relived the intense moment, the sight of his seed covering her skin like that was beyond arousing and satisfying. It was the filthiest of fantasies and she had allowed it to play out.

The soft sound of her breathing in sleep filled him with a different sense of satisfaction. Having her safely tucked up in his arms like this was a dream, the most perfect ending to a special birthday. He had so much to write about in his journal, something he usually liked to do before bed, but he willingly sacrificed the ritual in order to have MC right here. He could write his words tomorrow.

Nuzzling closer against her, his face buried into the back of her neck where he could breathe her scent, Garreth felt the love he had harboured for this amazing girl flow through him. It danced through his veins, filling him up until he thought he might burst from it.

His fingers traced a circle against the flesh of her stomach, so soft and inviting. She shifted slightly under the caress and his lips pressed softly against her neck.

He didn't wish to wake her peaceful slumber, and yet he ached for more contact. Their warm cuddles that had led to her drifting into sleep ending the exciting sex they had begun to explore.

How he cursed his stupid nerves. She had wanted him to touch her and he had hesitated, his feelings of insignificance winning out there for a moment, the fear that he wasn't good enough. He had been sure that Oscar had bedded her, the shock of her intact virginity filling him with a rather new and dominant feeling of possessiveness.

His hand slid up towards her breasts, slowly cupping one under his palm, taking delight in knowing that his marks were littered over her skin. He had not thought himself that way inclined, but he felt a fierce protectiveness over MC. She was his.

His to love and cherish, his to touch and hold, just as he was hers.

His thumb slid over her breast, his palm gently moulding her as his hips instinctively began to grind against the soft curve of her arse. She still wore her little lacy knickers, the pretty garment pulling at a need within him. Rubbing against her earlier, he had felt the heat, the soaked fabric almost a torture against his throbbing cock.

He kissed her neck again, his nose grazing upwards into her hair as his hips pressed firmly into her, his cock already beginning to swell.

She shifted again, her head tilting back with a sleepy sigh. “Mmm, Garreth,” she whispered.

He smiled against her neck, kissing her softly, his hand caressing with surer strokes now.

“I'm right here, darling,” he whispered near her ear.

She sighed again, her hips tilting slightly as she rubbed her delicious behind against his stiffening cock. Oh, but she was so sexy. She drove him crazy with want.

Abandoning her breast, he took hold of her hip, grinding more firmly and closing his eyes at the delicious rub. Her breathy moan made him harden further, his thumb hooking under the lacy waistband of her underwear and tugging it over the exquisite jut of her hip bone.

Fully aware that they were no longer alone in the dorm, the burgundy curtains surrounding his bed their only barrier, Garreth knew he was pushing his luck. He didn't want to wake his dorm mates, and yet his hand slid under the fabric of her knickers to grope peachy soft flesh, her quickened breaths and sexy gyrating urging him on.

He bit his lower lip, pulse roaring as his finger tips glided along the curve of her arse, dipping between the cheeks and daring to seek lower between them. He bit back a groan as he skimmed damp, soft hair, her flesh so hot and tempting. He thought maybe he had been too bold, but her arse lifted eagerly for him, inviting him.

So, he dipped his hand down again, going further this time until his fingers found slippery heat.

“Mmm… Garreth…”

The breathless sound of his name on her lips had his cock twitching, his loins burning, and he took a breather to savour it. MC rolled her hips eagerly, her leg shifting forwards and bending at the knee to give him more access.

“You are so very tempting, sweetheart,” he breathed, his lips seeking kisses along her neck and shoulder. “Let me touch you, I want to feel you, but you must be quiet.”

“I'll be quiet,” she promised. “Touch me.”

He closed his eyes with a blissful sigh at her words, his hand delving to seek out her most sensitive parts with delicate fingers. Greeted with warmth and slick, he eased a finger against her, exploring the unknown.

He'd heard things. Boys talk, or rather, they brag. Even Leander had revealed some rather interesting information after he'd had a girl under the Quidditch stands. Garreth knew there were two special spots to rub, that he needed to take his time, and that getting her ‘good and wet’ was key.

Not that he was expecting to fully take her tonight. They had both been drinking, it was the first time they had touched each other, and he definitely didn't want MC to think that this was all he wanted. This, and the fact they were surrounded by his sleeping friends, too. He couldn't expect her to give herself fully. Not like this.

Even if he wanted her so very much.

To touch her so intimately was an honour, and he took his time as he stroked her, savouring the little gasps that came from her mouth. Circling her soaked entrance, he dared to probe inwards, burying his face into her neck to stifle his own moan at the tight softness that enveloped the tip of his finger.

She was perfect. So utterly alluring, and more than he could have ever imagined, and this was just the beginning.

“Tell me if this is too much, or if it's uncomfortable,” he whispered into her ear.

She shook her head, her hand pressing between her thighs to stroke against his. “Don't stop,” she whispered. “It feels good.”

Slowly, he pushed his finger in deeper and her back arched, a soft moan escaping her mouth.

“Shh,” he urged, snaking his other hand under her neck to wrap around and cup her mouth. His lips brushed against the shell of her ear. “You will wake the others.”

He wouldn't lie, hearing her moan for him was making his blood fire, his cock was twitching eagerly and he rubbed it against the peachy softness of her arse. Pushing his finger as deep as it would go, he withdrew it slowly before plunging inwards again, her sharp exhale hot against his palm.

He began to repeat this movement, thrusting with a finger as she panted into his hand, his mouth at her ear.

“Tell me where it feels good, darling,” he whispered.

She whimpered, hips squirming as she slid her own fingers over his. She guided his touch to a small nub. “Here, like this,” she whispered.

His slick fingers circled over the tight, little nub and she rolled her hips, another muffled moan escaping her. He tightened his hand over her mouth and her head tilted back, back arching as he rubbed her with a quickened pace.

When he pushed his finger back inside her heat, she was deliciously wet. He could get addicted to the feel of this, thrilled to be pleasing her, and eager for more. He continued to worship her neck with kisses as he began to circle that sensitive spot again. He removed his other hand from her mouth as she buried her face into his pillow, her moans muffled as her hips rocked.

Her hand reached back to caress his thigh and he subtly nudged her higher, desperate to feel her hand around his cock again. They moved together, the pace picking up as they struggled to keep quiet, before she began to tighten up.

Her moan was deeper and longer and he felt her contracting, his finger sliding in once more to feel the delicate flutters that had him groaning into the nape of her neck. The feel of her coming undone in his hands was deeply satisfying and rewarding, tipping him over the edge into his own bliss. Her hand was wrapped firmly around his cock as he felt his own orgasm shudder through him, coating her pretty bottom and thigh with more mess.

“You are incredible, MC,” he whispered, leaning to kiss her cheek.

She smiled, turning to look up at him, her cheeks flushed and eyes glassy in the dim light.

“And don't you forget it,” she whispered, cupping his face.

“I couldn't,” he said, claiming her mouth in a long kiss, feeling like the luckiest bloke in the world.

….*....

The first thing MC was aware of when she awoke was warmth. Heavy weight, and warmth. Blinking slowly, she assessed the situation, taking in the scents of heated bodies and bedsheets, the press of warm flesh against hers. She could feel the steady, even breaths of a sleeping Garreth, his hand nestled snuggly under her breasts and their legs entwined.

A nervous flutter erupted in her chest at waking up so close like this. The intimacy of it was new and strange, but then she thought about the exciting touches and deep kisses they had shared in the night, and that nervous flutter faded into a spread of warmth that tingled across her skin. Closing her eyes, she remembered the feel of Garreth’s fingers delving deeply where no other had been, the tight heat that had exploded into a rolling fire. It made her breathless just to think of it.

Shifting slightly to turn and look at him, MC took in the tumble of his messy curls framing his sleeping, freckled face. Peaceful in sleep, there was none of the cheeky mischief to be seen, only softness and innocence on that handsome face.

He was losing the soft roundness of his cheeks, his jaw widening and his cheekbones more prominent than when she had first met him. But, his lips were still full and pink, the cute slope of his nose and the long, thick eyelashes still adorable. Unable to resist, her finger tips trailed along the line of his jaw, scratching against stubble before she delved into the softness of wild curls.

He moaned softly, shifting to nuzzle his face into the pillow. She smiled as she played with his hair, watching his eyes blink awake to reveal sleepy green that sparkled with delight when he caught her gaze. He immediately urged her closer.

“Wow, dreams do come true,” he mumbled, his lips seeking skin to smother with kisses.

MC giggled as his mouth moved from her face to her neck, nibbling at her ear as his hands stroked her back and hip. “Good morning to you, too.”

Garreth groaned and buried his face into the crook of her neck, holding her even tighter.

“No, not morning already,” he grumbled. “That means you will be leaving me.”

The pale light seeping through the edges of his bed curtains suggested it was dawn, and it would be best if she did slip away now and return to her own dormitory before the others woke up. Leaving the warm safety of Garreth’s arms didn't seem all that appealing, though, especially when his mouth was teasing the fire under her skin, and his hands were already seeking out soft curves.

“We can meet up later,” she said, stroking his hair. “And we must remember to be discreet in front of everyone.”

“That's why I'm getting in as many kisses as I can right now,” he said, his voice muffled as his mouth trailed down towards her breasts. He cupped them both, eyes full of mischief. “Mmm, hello. These are definitely my favourite.”

As he buried his face into her curves she smothered her giggle, losing herself in him once more before it was time to leave.

…*...

The stream of hot water was helping to relieve the dull ache behind Oscar's eyes as he lifted his face to the shower spray, swiping his hands back through his hair. He'd indulged in a few too many firewhisky shots last night in his attempts to blot out the images of MC dancing with Garreth.

Surprisingly, he had woken up in his own bed alone this morning, despite the temptation of Trixie whispering in his ear as they had left The Three Broomsticks last night. He had made a promise to himself to behave, and he had held on to it. He needed some time to sort his head out.

Switching off the shower, he reached for his towel and held it to his face, the voices of other boys using the bathrooms drifting through the steam to his ears. He stilled as he heard Garreth and Leander, head tilting as he caught their words.

“Come on, spill the beans, G,” Leander said. “Bed curtains closed and a pile of clothes on your chair that look suspiciously like what MC was wearing last night. You got laid, didn't you?”

“Would you stop?” Garreth hissed, followed by the sound of a tap turning on. “The whole of Gryffindor tower can bloody well hear you.”

Oscar peered around the edge of his shower curtain, spotting Garreth and Leander at the sinks preparing to shave and clean their teeth. Garreth’s hair was a wild mass of curls, and despite the dig to the ribs he gave Leander, his mouth was split with a wide grin. Leander chuckled and clapped his large hand onto Garreth’s shoulder.

“Nice one, mate,” he said, smiling back at Garreth. “MC is lovely.”

“Yes, but she is also my brother's ex. So, if you wouldn't mind, keep that gossiping trap of yours shut for once,” Garreth said. “We don't want to rub his face in it, that wouldn't be fair.”

“I'm not a gossip!” Leander scoffed, combing his damp hair. “How rude.”

Oscar stepped back, not wanting to leave the shower and reveal himself. He swiped rivulets of water from his face as he leaned against the cold tiles of his cubicle. Last night he had noticed that Garreth had disappeared from his own party, and that MC was gone too. He had tried not to dwell on it too much, but now there was no getting away from it.

They had left together. Leander had seen her clothes beside Garreth’s bed.

Oscar closed his eyes trying not to imagine the things that had gone on behind Garreth’s curtains, his stomach twisting with envy and disappointment. Taking a deep breath he shook his head and grit his teeth.

Swallowing bitterly, he decided he would go and grab his broom. Nothing could beat a fast session of flying to ease some tension and clear your head. Rather than rise to the frustration of it all, he would fly instead.

….*....

By the time MC had crept back to her own bed, it was almost time to get ready for breakfast. She couldn't stop the smile that curved her lips, her whole body seeming to float in a little bubble of tingling excitement as she hurried to drop her jacket onto her bed and perch on the edge of Poppy’s.

She gently nudged her sleeping friend, making her grumble and tug the blanket a bit higher.

“Go ‘way… sleeping…”

MC shook her a little more, tugging the blanket away. Poppy blinked and stared up at MC, her gaze travelling over her flushed face and the clothing from the night before. Her eyes darted to the little clock on her night stand. She sat up immediately. “Are you just getting back now?”

MC nodded, putting her hand over her mouth as her blush deepened. Poppy opened her mouth in a silent squeal and lifted her blanket, urging MC to crawl under with her. The girls snuggled up in the warmth and Poppy grabbed MC by the hand.

“Tell me everything!”

Sharing the details of her time with Garreth felt a little strange at first, but Poppy understood everything, even sharing some of her own experiences with Sebastian for comparison. Hearing about that was weirder than talking about herself and MC cringed, putting her hand over Poppy’s mouth with a chuckle.

“Ew, no, Poppy. I don't need to hear about Sebastian's manhood. Thank you very much,” she said, shaking her head.

Poppy giggled and tugged MC’s hand away. “Why not? I want to hear about Garreth’s.”

“Yes, well, Sebastian is like a brother to me, and you're just a menace,” MC said, poking her playfully on the nose. She eyed Poppy, remembering their conversation in the pub last night. “Speaking of Sebastian. When are you going to call things off with him?”

Poppy’s smile faded and her gaze dipped. “I already have. Last night,” she sighed. “He wanted me to go back to his dormitory and I couldn't do it. We had a bit of a fight, and I told him it was over.”

“Oh no, Poppy,” MC cringed, biting her lip as she wondered how Sebastian had taken the news. “I'm sorry. How did he take it?”

Poppy shrugged. “He Disapparated out of Hogsmeade main street right in front of me, so I'm not sure. No doubt you will hear about it from him.”

“Maybe. He might not talk to me considering we are friends,” MC said. “But I will check in with him and make sure he is okay. What about you? How do you feel about it?”

Poppy thought for a moment, her fingers twirling the ribbon on the front of her nightdress. “Sad, I guess. I am sad we had a fight, but ending it was the right thing to do. I didn't want to carry on and let him think it was going anywhere.”

MC nodded. That she could understand. She pulled Poppy in for a hug, once again realising that they were in opposite situations when it came to matters of the heart. None of it was easy, not like reading about it within the pages of a novel. They got their happy endings when it was written down in ink. How difficult it was to navigate such a thing in real life.

She hoped Sebastian was alright, wherever he was. Sensitive to loss, no doubt he took Poppy’s rejection as a blow, and MC worried for him. She made a mental note to check on him at breakfast.

“You did the right thing, Poppy,” she said, stroking her friend's hair back from her face. “Even if it is tricky now, it will work out in the end, you'll see.”

“Is that how it is for you and Oscar, now?”

“Not exactly,” MC said slowly. “Garreth and I need to be careful, and most definitely discreet. Hopefully, Oscar and I can be friends.”

“I should think this is more tricky for him and Garreth. They are brothers after all,” Poppy said, looking up at her. “What happens if they fall out?”

MC felt her stomach tighten, the very idea of something like that making her chew her lip with worry. That was the last thing she wanted. Both Weasley boys meant something to her, and their bond as brothers was so very special, something she had never had growing up, and it would tear her up inside to think she had caused them to lose it.

She swallowed hard. “Let's just hope it doesn't come to that,” she said softly.

….*....

December saw the first heavy snowfalls across the Highlands, life outside the castle slowing right down as people took refuge in their cosy cottages against the bitter winds and huge drifts of snow.

Hogwarts had a festive air about it with roaring fires and the fresh scent of pine coming from the many garlands, wreaths and trees appearing in the halls and classrooms. The Great Hall ceiling mirrored the sky outside, softly falling snowflakes adding to the festive decorations, just without the bone deep chill.

Garreth was finishing off his bowl of treacle sponge with custard, his journal open on the table as he made some notes about the new potion idea Sebastian had come up with.

It wasn't a new potion as such, more a potion that would earn them some coin if they were to offer it for purchase. He bit his lip as he read over the ingredients, the various herbs when combined together making for a rather potent contraceptive. A blush warmed his cheeks at the thought of having to drink it himself.

It had been 2 weeks since MC first shared his bed, and ever since then, they had been sneaking around to find quiet corners to indulge in plenty of snogging and heated fumbling under their clothes. He couldn't get enough of the little sounds she made, the taste of her kisses drove him crazy and he would revisit the memories once in his bed at night, savouring each and every moment.

He was even more fiercely protective over his journal now he had those memories written within its pages. Reading over them made his blood fire up, and had him reaching for parchment to send MC naughty little notes that had her blushing the next time she would see him in class.

Garreth tried to think of a time when he had been happier and couldn't. She was all he could think about and a smile was the permanent fixture on his face as of late.

Soon, they would take it further. They were getting closer each time they fooled around. Last night, for example, things had become so heated that his cock had slid right against her slick folds, dangerously close to entering. It had been a huge effort to pull back from the tempting heat of her and catch his breath, her flushed cheeks and glazed eyes almost his undoing.

They just needed the right space and time to do it. Somewhere safe and private. He wanted it to be perfect.

As though summoned by his lustful thoughts, MC appeared before him, climbing onto the bench beside him with a smile. Snowflakes were melting in her hair, and her nose was pink with cold. She didn't touch him and kept a respectable, friendly distance between their bodies. It was torture not to brush her hair back from her face or take hold of her hand.

It was the one shadow that hung over his joy. Trying to hide it all from the one person he would love nothing more than to confide in was a strain, and he wished that things could be out in the open. Hurting Oscar wasn't an option, although he suspected Oscar might already have his suspicions. He had been avoiding Garreth lately, and his guilty conscience made him think MC might be the reason.

“Hello, handsome,” MC murmured quietly. “What were you thinking about? You look miles away.”

Neck flushed and hot from where his thoughts had been regarding MC, Garreth closed his journal and slipped it into his robes before giving her a cheeky smile.

“Just thinking about how much I want to kiss you,” he whispered. He lifted an eyebrow. “Perhaps I ought to find some mistletoe and give you a damn good snog.”

He relished the pretty pink flush that swept over her face, her eyes darting around to see if anyone was listening. “Garreth,” she hissed.

He chuckled and picked up his pudding spoon, sliding it into his mouth to suck the remains of his custard from it, his eyes far too suggestive for the dinner table. “What?” He asked, innocently.

She slapped at his thigh, her face stern, but her eyes betraying her. “You know very well what.”

He shook his head, eyes playful. “No idea,” he said, leaning closer to whisper. “Meet me later and you can show me.”

Her eyes darkened and her teeth sank softly into her lower lip, making the heat in his stomach twist urgently. His gaze remained fixed on her mouth, imagining biting into the softness with his own teeth and hearing those delicious little whimpers she made.

So lost in his little fantasy, he almost jumped from his seat when a hand clamped down on his shoulder and Sebastian's freckled face appeared between them, impish smirk firmly in place.

“And what are you two love birds plotting?” He asked, his eyes sliding from Garreth to MC. “You're blushing, MC. Is Weasley being a naughty flirt?”

“Seb!” MC pressed her hands to her cheeks and aimed a kick towards Sebastian's shins, but he was too quick, jumping back to avoid it with a laugh.

“I will take that as a yes,” he said, ushering them further apart with his hands so he could sit between them. “Shift up, then. Let me be the decoy for your illicit relations. Unless you want to suck your spoon suggestively for me, Weasley.”

“Suck your own spoon, smart ass,” Garreth chuckled. “What can we do for you?”

Sebastian looked at them both, the teasing smirk fading from his face. “I wondered what you were both doing for Christmas. It's only a week until the term ends and I realised I had no plans. I was thinking of staying here.”

There was something sad lingering behind Sebastian's eyes, a fleeting shadow that he tried to cover up with a smile, but Garreth caught it. Judging by the way MC reached for Sebastian's hand and squeezed it, she had seen it too, or rather she knew what ghosts haunted their Slytherin friend.

“I will likely be staying here, too,” she said, with a shrug. “I have nobody to go home to, so you will have me for company at least.”

“What do you usually do at Christmas, Garreth?” Sebastian asked, his gaze shifting towards him. “I bet you have a big family get-together, don't you? Does Professor Weasley come for dinner?”

Garreth shifted a bit on the bench, seeing the curiosity in both of their gazes. He knew MC had no family at all, and Sebastian was an orphan and his sister was gone. They were both alone, and here he was surrounded by loved ones.

“I er… yes. My family all gather for food, and we have a party on Christmas Eve,” he said, a tad awkwardly. He eyed them both, hating the thought of them being alone. “You two should come this year. I mean, Aunt Matilda will be there, but once she's had a few glasses of sherry, she isn't very professor-like anymore.”

Sebastian's eyebrows lifted in surprise and MC exchanged a glance with him. “We wouldn't want to intrude,” she said carefully.

“Nonsense,” Garreth said, warming to the idea. “What better way to spend Christmas than with my friends? I shall send an owl to my mum and tell her you're coming. She won't mind, she loves having people to fuss over.”

“As long as your mum is okay with it, then that's very kind of you, Garreth. Thank you,” Sebastian said, his face rather humbled. Garreth patted his shoulder and smiled.

“Don't thank me yet. Leander will likely be there, too. His dad is mates with mine, and they often come along to the Christmas festivities.”

Sebastian groaned and rolled his eyes. “Oh bloody hell, not Prewett. Really?”

Garreth smirked. “No backing out now, Sallow. It's settled. You're spending Christmas Eve with the Weasley's. Don't worry, you will love it.”

Garreth locked eyes with MC as she leant her head on Sebastian's shoulder, chuckling at him moaning about Leander. Just like that, he had smoothed his way to inviting her over for Christmas. Whilst his whole family would be there, including Oscar, he was determined to get her under the mistletoe for a cheeky snog. His heart swelled with excitement at the thought of her under his family's roof and sitting at their table.

All he had to do now was check in with Oscar, and he hoped his brother would be okay with it.

….*....

The sunlight was bright as it reflected off the glittering white snow that lay thick and smooth across the grounds of Hogwarts. A narrow path had been cleared to allow access to the Beast enclosures, and Oscar had made his way there in heavy boots and a thick coat.

Rubbing his gloved hands together against the bite of the cold, he approached the little huts where the animals were safely stowed away from the snow, a warming charm keeping them cosy in their beds of hay.

Although he wasn't afraid to fly in all weathers, Oscar had kept his feet on the ground for the last couple of days. The snow storm that whipped through the valley had been fierce, and today was the first bout of sun they had seen in a while. Rather than fly, he had come out to check on the animals, glad to get out for some fresh air and away from the possibility of bumping into Garreth or MC.

With a bucket of kibble in his arms, he entered the kneazle shed and was surprised to see a little figure wrapped up in a scarf and woolly hat already here. Turning at the sound of his boots, Poppy’s face peered up at him, her mouth lifting into a surprised smile when she saw him.

“Oscar! What brings you out here?” She asked, stepping towards him. She really was quite small, he realised as he gave her a smile in return.

“I offered to come out and check the feeding troughs,” he said, holding up his bucket. He glanced at the full troughs in the centre of the shed. “But, it seems someone beat me to it.”

“Oh, that was so lovely of you to offer,” Poppy said, clasping her little hands together. “I'm sorry I stole your job. I thought I would top them up whilst I was here. I came to give them a fuss. The weather keeps company away from them, you see. I come and have a little chat with them.”

A blush stained her cheeks and she twisted her hands together. He smiled, thinking her rather sweet as he placed the feed bucket down near the door.

“I am sure the kneazles appreciate your conversation,” he said with a wink. “What were you telling them? Or is that a secret between you and the beasts?”

“Oh, you know,” she said, waving her hand dismissively. “Just silly chatter, really. Nothing too deep and meaningful.”

Oscar hunkered down and began to make a fuss of a kneazle, scratching under its chin as it came to sniff at his hands. He glanced up at Poppy, curious about MC’s closest friend.

“You know, it's said that animals can be quite good listeners,” he said, his eyes soft. “I've been known to unload my troubles into their ears, they don't tend to judge me when I confess my sins to them. That's my favourite part.”

“Your sins?” Her eyes widened as she looked at him. “Gosh, what jaw dropping gossip have you fed into their poor, unsuspecting ears?”

Oscar laughed, the sound rumbling up from his chest and bursting from his mouth. It felt rather good actually, and it felt even better when Poppy’s own laughter joined in.

“You probably wouldn't want to know,” he said, his laughter fading as he shook his head.

“Well, that depends,” she said, crouching down beside him. He met her gaze, her eyes a light brown flecked with delicate gold. “If it’s something that I could help you with, then I would be willing to listen. We all need a friendly ear sometimes.”

Studying her face, the light dusting of freckles across her nose, the cute button nose and soft, friendly mouth, he realised how lovely she was. A tiny, innocent thing, and yet there was a strength and a brightness in her eyes that shone through. He could see why MC was drawn to her, there was a steadfast kindness in Poppy that put you immediately at ease.

He dropped his gaze to the kneazle that was purring and rubbing its head against his hand, debating the wisdom of speaking his truth to a girl so close to the one that made his chest ache.

“It's not much in the way of gossip,” he said, clearing his throat. “It's more a case of me making a mess of things. I've come to realise that maybe my actions in the past have led to bigger consequences than I could ever have imagined.”

A crease appeared in Poppy’s brow. “Is this about MC?”

He met her gaze and swallowed thickly. “Is it strange for me to talk about her with you? I won't if it makes you uncomfortable.”

Poppy bit her lip. “She is my best friend.”

“It's alright, I understand. I won't say anymore,” he said, keeping his focus on the kneazle, ruffling its fur with fond scratching.

He felt a light touch on his arm, Poppy’s gloved hand placed there as she looked at him. He looked down at her hand, and then back up to her face.

“You really liked her, didn't you?”

To his shock, he felt his throat close up and his eyes burn. He blinked and looked away, clearing his throat. “I thought things would be different with her…”

“Different? In what way?” She asked softly.

“I wanted more,” he admitted. “She wasn't just another girl to roll about in bed with. MC was… "Well, she was her. But, she didn't trust me, and who could blame her? I don't exactly have the best reputation with girls, and maybe I pushed too hard for more when she wasn't ready. I don't know. All I know is that she ran from me, and my brother was there ready to catch what slipped through my fingers.”

A soft gasp left Poppy’s lips, and her grip on his arm tightened. “You know?”

His chest contracted painfully as he stared at her, the truth of it slamming into him by the look on her face. “I suspected,” he said, voice strained. “But, I'm right, aren't I? MC and Garreth…”

Poppy winced, her expression awkward as she gave his arm a squeeze. He blinked back the burn behind his eyes, the truth confirmed making him ache, feeling her loss all over again.

“I'm so sorry, Oscar,” Poppy said, her voice soft and strangely soothing. “This must be so difficult for you. If it's any comfort, MC was so worried about hurting you, she still is to be honest. The last thing she wanted was to cause trouble.”

“I knew Garreth had feelings for her,” he admitted. He shook his head, shame colouring his cheeks. “Even before I tried to capture her interest, I knew he wanted her, but I chased after her anyway. At least he held back, I suppose. He stood aside so I could have MC because that's the type of person he is. He has always been a generous soul.”

“I didn't know he felt that way about MC for that long,” Poppy said, surprised. “And she never mentioned him at all until after things ended with you. I thought they were just friends. To be really honest, I always thought it would be Sebastian who would get her in the end.”

“You and me, both,” he muttered. He eyed Poppy curiously. “I thought you and Sebastian were a thing.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “We were, but that's over now. It wasn't meant to be.”

“Because of MC?”

She shook her head. “Oh gosh, no. I just knew it wasn't forever. We are better off as friends, although he hasn't quite forgiven me yet. He is more stubborn than a graphorn, and that is saying something.”

Her eyes sparked with a fire and Oscar found himself smiling. He nodded in agreement. “I have to say, I find it very hard to understand the boy. It baffles me how close MC is to him, and I hated it.”

Poppy's face grew serious. “Whilst I understand what you're saying, MC’s friendship with Sebastian is something very precious to her. She came here with nothing and no-one, she was thrown into terrifying ordeals and he pulled her through it all. I truly believe she would be dead without him, and I wonder if the same couldn't be said of him, too. You want to be close to MC? Then Sebastian is part of the deal.”

Oscar huffed a dry laugh. “That's something Garreth seems to have managed rather well.”

Poppy smiled. “They are a right pair of rascals to be sure, but you know what? Garreth makes Sebastian laugh and smile. After what he has been through, I think that's a lovely thing.”

Oscar studied her again. She was right. Garreth had that ability to draw out the lighter side of a person, he did it all the time and he barely had to make an effort. It just came naturally to him.

“You are an uncommonly kind young lady, Miss Sweeting,” he said, his smile soft as she blushed a lovely shade of crimson.

“Oh, give over,” she said, slapping his forearm. “Now you're just working that Weasley charm on me.”

His smile widened and he reached to fuss over the kneazle once more. “Does he make MC smile and laugh?” He asked, returning his gaze to Poppy. “Does Garreth make her happy?”

“Yes,” she said, nodding. “He does make her happy.”

It was strange, the feeling that pierced through his chest, it was the pang of loss combined with a sense of pride for his brother. It was bittersweet. Whilst he had lost the girl he had thought to give his heart to, he also took joy from the knowledge that his brother was happy. Garreth deserved it after all. Through his patience and generosity, his warmth and his bravery at staying true to himself, he had earned the affections of a very lovely young lady.

“Perhaps I need to follow my brother's example and step aside so he can chase his happiness,” he said with a sigh. “He might be a cheeky little rascal, but Garreth is no fool. He played the long game and won.”

“You will win too, one day,” Poppy said, her smile brightly confident. “A man as handsome and charming as you, the lady who captures your heart will be one lucky girl indeed.”

….*....

Despite the bitter chill outside, the greenhouses were lovely and warm, protected by charms that kept the plants happy and safe. It was so warm, in fact, that Garreth had shed his robe and was tending to the plants in his shirt and waistcoat. He was humming a mindless tune, his thoughts tumbling from potions to the plants, and of how MC’s eyes were quite possibly the most beautiful things he had ever seen.

How had he ever managed to get so lucky?

He turned at the sound of footsteps, pausing in the task of repotting some feverfew when he realised it was Oscar approaching him.

“Hello, brother,” he said, holding his soil stained hands up. “What brings you to the greenhouses?”

“It's you I've come to see,” Oscar said, coming to a stop beside him. He reached to touch a leaf, feeling the texture of it before turning his blue eyes onto Garreth. “Do you have time for a chat?”

Garreth's brows drew together in a slight frown. “Of course. Is everything alright?”

Oscar's eyes glittered in the winter sunlight that filtered through the greenhouse glass, a serious gleam in them that had Garreth’s heart thumping a little faster. He swallowed as he waited, beginning to suspect what this might be about. Despite their best efforts, perhaps he and MC had not been as discreet as they thought.

“I received an owl from mum,” Oscar said, deepening Garreth’s suspicions. “She had some rather interesting news to share. Apparently we have some extra guests coming to the Christmas Eve gathering.”

Oscar folded his arms and leant back against the workbench, one eyebrow lifted in enquiry.

“Ah, yes… about that,” Garreth said, slowly wiping his dirty hands together. “I've been meaning to have a chat with you about this.”

“I'm listening,” Oscar said, tilting his head slightly.

Garreth fiddled with his own fingers, picking at the dirt caught under his bitten down fingernails. “I er… I invited MC and Sebastian for Christmas Eve because they have no family and I didn't want them to be alone. I hope that's alright, I mean, because of MC and everything.”

“It sounds to me like the choice has already been made, brother,” Oscar said. “What if it is a problem?”

Garreth felt his stomach sink, his face dropping as he stared at Oscar. The implications of his words throwing up potential problems when it came to the deeper meaning behind the invitation.

Forgetting entirely that his hands were dirty, Garreth rubbed his hand against his forehead, smearing dirt through the sweat that was beginning to gather there. His mouth worked as he tried to find the words to say.

“It was kind of a spur of the moment offer,” he said, finally. “They were talking about having no plans for Christmas and I just hated the thought of them missing out on what we have at home. Can you imagine that? What is Christmas without the people you love around you? They are my best friends, Oscar. I'm sorry, I didn't think it through…”

His rambling was cut off by a firm hand on his shoulder. His eyes swung to meet Oscar's and he almost gulped, his heart pounding in his throat.

“Take it easy, Garreth,” Oscar said gently, his hand squeezing slightly. He shook his head, his lips twisting in amusement. “If your heart gets any bigger it's going to bust out of your chest. I think MC and Sebastian are fortunate to have someone who cares so much about them, despite Sebastian being a pain in the arse. I mean, honestly, Garreth. Did you have to invite MC’s little bodyguard as well?”

“He isn't that bad, Os, and it is Christmas after all.”

“I suppose,” Oscar sighed. “Maybe just this once, then.”

“So, you're not mad?”

Oscar's face relaxed into a brief smile and he shook his head. “I'm not mad, Garreth. You're right. Nobody should be alone at Christmas.”

Garreth nodded, his teeth worrying at his lip. “What about MC? Will it be hard for you to have her there?”

He was almost holding his breath. It felt like so much was hanging on the answer to that question. If Oscar couldn't put up with her being in their home, what did that mean for him and MC?

“I won't lie, it might be a bit tense,” Oscar said with a sigh. He eyed Garreth carefully. “Especially if I catch you snogging her face off under the mistletoe.”

Garreth stilled, his eyebrows shooting upwards and his lips parting in shock. “I… I… what?”

Oscar patted his shoulder. “Maybe keep the snogging to a minimum, hmm?”

Garreth was still processing as Oscar smirked and turned to leave, slipping his hands into his pockets.

“Wait, what does that mean?” Garreth blurted.

Oscar turned, a grin on his face. “It means, little brother, that if I catch you sucking face with my ex in mother's kitchen, then I'm going to dunk your head in the rain barrel. Even if I have to crack the ice layer off first to do it.”

Garreth shivered at the thought, but the mischievous grin on his brother's face was a positive sign. He smirked and went bold.

“What if I snogged her in the hay barn instead?”

Oscar's eyes narrowed. “Don't push your luck, Garreth. Just keep the touchy feely stuff out of sight, okay?”

Oscar winked and turned around, strolling towards the greenhouse exit. Garreth was buzzing, a smile of delight on his face.

“Message received! Loud and clear!” He called out towards Oscar's retreating back. He grinned. “Love you, Os!”

Oscar paused at the door and stuck his middle finger up at Garreth, chuckling as he pushed the door open. Garreth returned the gesture, excitement fluttering in his chest. He couldn't wait to hurry off and find MC to tell her the news.

This was going to be the best Christmas ever!

To be continued...

[alphabetbill]

Macabre [ HEMLOCK GROVE ] - chapter 2

~ description ~

A werewolf whose only skill is running from his fears, a half-upir with no idea of the true darkness lying inside of him, and a girl found alive in the woods months after her mysterious death.

Some secrets in Hemlock Grove should have just stayed buried. In a town that isn't so sleepy after all, monsters of all kinds are wide awake under the surface, crawling their way up.

~ warnings~

This story will contain mature and heavy themes that may involve potentially explicit content, gore and murder, talk of kidnapping and stalking victims, supernatural/paranormal/religious themes and trauma, any other themes not covered in the general description will probably be tagged here at the start of the chapters that other significant warnings apply to.

A list will be linked here upon completion and upload of each chapter:

Cicada and the Snake

Chapter 1 . Chapter 2 . Chapter 3 . Chapter 4 . Chapter 5 . Chapter 6 . Chapter 7

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

c h a p t e r t w o .

Roman Godfrey

<<>>

ROMAN WAS COMPLETELY UNBOTHERED BY the smell of alcohol and cigarettes that permeated the air in Jude's room. He took the joint from her fingers like it had become his second nature, having become well-adjusted to the familiar routine after years of friendship.

Roman was splayed out on her bed as if it were his, his eyes absent-mindedly drifting from her to the television and off into orbit again.

Jude was sitting on the couch, her fiery hair braided over her shoulder, her freckled skin glowing in the light of sunset through the window. She was wearing a soft pale green cotton sweater and her cloud-print pyjama shorts. Coiled in her lap like a frail old lady, was an elderly French bulldog, snoring like a faulty engine with a face only a mother could love.

"Are you ever embarrassed?" he asked.

"Of what?" she tilted her head, her eyes glued to her phone as she scrolled through unread text messages. He noticed frown lines on her forehead as she focused on an unsaved number.

"Of owning such an ugly dog."

Roman didn't hate Minnie. Not really, but he would never admit to his unyielding love for that raggedy abomination out loud.

"If you're going to be mean to my comfort animal I will send my foot into your balls so hard it will end your bloodline," she warned him. She was joking of course, he could see it in the way she tried and miserably failed to keep a straight face.

"Comfort animal or biological weapon?" Roman snorted.

"You're horrid," she shook her head, picking up a throw pillow and hurling it in his direction. He caught it just before it could hit him in the face and ruin his princely soft brown hair, a grin flashing across his lips.

She was right and Roman was horrid. In more ways than one. In more ways than he wanted to admit, even though with her he never even needed to. The thought made him frown. Time spent puffing on cigarettes and inhaling obscene amounts of cocaine and fucking cheerleaders in his car was nothing compared to the moments where Jude could make him stop and think. To say he still wasn't a shallow and arrogant bastard around her would have been a lie, but he did care about her and he did love spending time with her. Loved.

A warm draft slid inside through the open window beside the bed, brushing the nape of Roman's neck and spoiling the impressive spiral of smoke from the joint. It was dark out now as the sky seemed to vanish, all colour swallowed by the void of starless night. Something rang out through the trees, like distorted barking mixed with a scream. It chilled him more than he cared to admit when he finally heard the sound drifting closer to the tree line.

"That's a deer, you stupid idiot" Jude laughed warmly as she caught him staring out the window with poorly concealed terror. "They do that all the time. Pretty spooky huh?"

Spooky didn't explain the way the unease felt like bugs crawling beneath his skin. He didn't find himself spooked very often, not unless he got that gut feeling.

His eyes stayed trained to the window.

"You want something to eat? I think I'll eat you if I don't eat something now," Roman changed the subject to one he deemed more urgent, mostly in an attempt to comfort himself.

"Is that you offering to bring me food? And not the other way around? You- Roman Godfrey?"

"Do you want something or not?"

"What about pizza?" she asked.

Jude had a way of making suggestions that weren't really suggestions, but in fact, were the word of law expected to be followed lest one find themselves excommunicated from her graces. Or maybe she was only like that with Roman.

"Of course your fat ass wants pizza. Let's order and I'll go pick it up. Now hand me the dog."

"What are your intentions with my daughter?" she eyed him dubiously. Minnie's eyes drifted in opposite directions as she raised her head to look at him. He was uncertain if she was seeing his face or if she could only see the space either side of him.

"I'm going to punt her across the trailer park" he said. "I'm going to take her for a drive. She'll probably die before she sees that kind of luxury if I don't"

Roman just wanted to spend time with the dog.

"Jokes on you she's immortal."

After much discourse over what toppings to order, Roman picked Minnie up in his arms, because he didn't even know if she could walk without crumbling to dust and floating away in the wind, got into his car and drove to pick up a pizza.

The day after that Jude wasn't at school.

It wasn't as out of the ordinary for her, but it was a bit annoying for him to sit by himself surrounded by other people pretending to be his friends for the benefit of his immaculate godly image.

But she wasn't at school the day after that either. And, what's more, she hadn't said a word to him. No texts, no calls- and no answer when he called her.

Then Judith Evergreen was reported missing and then Roman didn't go to school for days. He stayed in bed most of the time, only getting up to rifle through piles of clothes to find spare packets of cigarettes once a couple days turned into weeks. His mother came to his bedside and offered comfort and coaxed him to eat, despite having not been afraid to show her disdain for Jude the trailer-dwelling junkie [as Olivia would often call her].

Nothing worked to fill the void that Jude's disappearance had ripped open inside his soul. Numbness wriggled beneath his skin and bathed him in despair.

When he did go back to school, people looked. People talked.

They talked about Roman. They talked about Jude which was more than any of them had ever even thought about her. They talked about the new boy Peter who was a Gypsy. They talked about how Christina Wendall in a few grades below him started a rumour that he was a werewolf. Roman mentioned the boy to his mother whose disdain for Peter's kind became suddenly animated and so he refrained from mentioning it again.

He wondered what exactly it was that Olivia knew about the Rumanceks.

The first thing his cousin Letha did when she saw him was fly into his arms. Her blonde hair bounced as she ran to him and practically crushed him. She had always liked Jude.

No one had liked her more than Roman.

He didn't show it in public, but it ached to not have his funny red-head companion at his lunch table, or belting her stupid crappy indie music in his car, or coming over to his house to drink all his liquor and explore his absolute maze of an estate. No more cuddles with Minnie, who sat on the couch waiting until she couldn't wait any more.

Roman had gone to the trailer to check on her, Lance Evergreen passed out on the couch as always, and had been the one to find her.

Jude was gone and Minnie knew it. Roman knew it too. He knew exactly how the old crone must have felt. He buried her somewhere nice and finally allowed himself to cry.

Olivia broke the news to him the morning the body was found a month later.

She sweetened her words and spoke to him like a child, sugary sympathetic and fake but he didn't care. At first he stopped breathing. He sat still, the only sound in the room the rapid beating of his own frantic, fractured heart. Then he breathed but it was sharp and painful and tragic and suddenly he wished he hadn't let the air in. It was the first time since he was a child that Roman wept into his mother's arms- right where she wanted him.

A week passed. He did not attend the funeral.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

fun fact every time you're not running Minnie gets closer.............but you still have time bc she can't tell which direction you went and actually she doesn't give a shit

[imhereforscm]

I loved your Karno fic. 🩷🩷🩷🩷

Can you write a period comfort fic for Tauxolouve x reader? I beg you!!! 🙏 My period just started this morning.

"Want a hug?"

Genre: fluff/comfort

Warnings: none

A/N: I'm so happy you liked my other story too, dear!😊❣️❣️❣️ And here you go! Princess treatment just as you deserve😌✨ I came home after I ate and drank SO much I was in a sleepy happiness and it was perfect to finish this fic during that💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

The keys jiggled in your hand as you stepped back into your house, sighing in relief at the thought that you'd finally collapse into the softness of your bed.

You made your way to your bedroom and were surprised to find it finely tidy and a scented candle sitting on your desk, enchanting the air into an intoxicating aroma.

The strap of your bag slipped through your fingers and fell to the floor, the corners of your lips forming a tiny smile. "Louie?" You called out and a few moments after, footsteps approached your bedroom, before the door opened.

Your boyfriend made his way into the room and smiled at you, before picking up your bag. "How was your day?"

"Rough. Because I've been in pain ever since this morning." You complained to him about your day and your desire to return home, where you could at least be somewhere comfortable and he listened closely with an understanding heart.

"I'm sorry to hear you're going through that." He touched your arms and started rubbing them up and down with his big and warm palms. "Want a hug?"

Your grin broadened and you nodded, eager for his affection, that always seemed to soothe you without fail.

Tauxolouve spread out his arms and welcomed you lovingly in them, his embrace tightening around you and you soaked into his caramel scent, the sound of his heartbeat doing wonders to your pained head.

"My back hurts so much." You whined, your voice muffled into his chest. "I just want this to end already. I can't believe it's only the first day."

"It hurts me to see you in pain, so allow me to pamper you for today." He whispered against your head, swaying with you in his arms a little. "Here," His arms slowly loosened up around you. "let me help you get comfortable."

You stared at him, as he moved to the chair in your room, draping your pyjamas over his forearm and bringing them to you.

"I'll turn around." He said and did just that. "I promise to not peek if you don't want me to!"

"Thank you." You said as you changed into your pyjamas, hugging yourself and enjoying the soft feeling of cotton wrapped around your exhausted body. "I'm ready. You can turn around now."

Tauxolouve cupped your cheeks within his gentle hands and brought his lips to yours, kissing you sweetly and feeling both of you smile into the kiss. "Lay down and I'll be back in a second."

While Tauxolouve left the room, you slipped into bed, breathing in to the scent of the candle your boyfriend had so sweetly added there for you before you got home.

The door opened with a click and closed again and Tauxolouve came to your bedside, offering you a glass of water. "Here. Drink up, my little lady."

You adjusted in your seat, getting comfortable and accepted the glass from his hand, drinking half of it in one go, before placing it on your bedside table.

Tauxolouve patted your head and gave you a smile. "Good. It's important to stay hydrated, don't forget that."

"Alright. I promise, I won't." You smiled back, sinking deeper into the covers.

"How's your back?"

"Better. Not fully well, but much better."

"I'm happy to know." He said, bringing your hand to his lips and pressing a kiss to the back of it. "Maybe sleeping a little will help?"

"Yeah, I should try that." You shifted around in bed to get more comfortable and Tauxolouve readjusted the blanket, so it would warmly tuck you in.

He bent over, placing a kiss to your temple. "Sleep well, my little lady." He hummed for you a lullaby and slowly, but peacefully, his voice faded and your eyes closed into absolutely peace and quiet.

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From xxxl track pants to plus size nightwear, Cupid Clothing embraces diversity in every sense. Their designs cater to real bodies, ensuring that every woman, regardless of her size, finds something that’s truly made for her. Whether it’s fitness pants for ladies or night pants for women, the fit is always relaxed yet flattering.

2. Affordability Without Compromise

Here’s the kicker: Cupid Clothing proves that quality doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Their black pajamas, cotton track pants women, and relaxed fit sweatpants women are budget-friendly, making it possible for every plus-size woman to indulge in comfort and style without breaking the bank.

3. Designed for Every Occasion

Cupid Clothing’s versatility is unmatched. Whether you’re lounging at home, hitting the gym in dri fit track pants women's, or traveling in linen track pants, their collections cater to your every need. Even their pjs womens set and high waist track pants for women are perfect for cozy evenings or spontaneous sleepovers.

Top Picks to Elevate Your Everyday Comfort

1. High Waist Track Pants for Women

These track pants are a must-have whether you’re flowing through yoga poses, taking a brisk walk, or simply lounging at home. They’re designed for movement and style, ensuring you feel confident wherever the day takes you.

2. Plus Size Night Suits

Perfect for winding down after a long day, these night suits combine breathable cotton fabrics with relaxed fits to keep you comfortable all night. Whether it’s summer or winter, they’re crafted to suit every season.

3. Relaxed Fit Sweatpants Women

Your go-to for cozy weekends or travel days, these sweatpants offer a perfect blend of comfort and flexibility. Pair them with a casual top for an effortlessly chic look or use them for your daily workouts.

4. Dri Fit Track Pants Women’s

Stay fresh and focused during your gym sessions or morning jogs. These track pants wick away moisture, giving you the perfect combination of performance and comfort.

5. Printed Track Pants

Add a pop of personality to your casual wear with stylish printed designs. Ideal for casual outings, they offer both fun and functionality, ensuring you stand out while staying comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is it so hard to find stylish and comfortable clothing in my size? Cupid Clothing is here to break this myth by offering fashionable options in sizes that fit beautifully.

Do I have to compromise on quality for affordability? Not anymore! Cupid Clothing ensures top-notch quality at prices you’ll love.

Will these clothes make me feel confident and beautiful? Absolutely! Cupid Clothing’s designs are crafted to celebrate your body, not hide it.

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Stylish and Comfortable Embracing the Top and Shorts Set Trend for Women

In the world of fashion, trends come and go, but some combinations remain timeless. The top and shorts set is one such ensemble that effortlessly combines style and comfort. As temperatures rise and casual attire takes center stage, the top and shorts set women to emerge as a go-to choice for various occasions. From lounging at home to exploring the town, here’s why this trend deserves a prime spot in every woman’s wardrobe.

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Buy Women Pyjamas & Tracksuit Online| Women Snoopy | Sweet Dreams

Buy women pyjamas & tracksuits online at Sweet Dreams. Explore our women snoopy collections that inlcludes ladies pjs, short dress & more. Shop now!

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Buy Embroidery Printed Cotton Nighty For Women Online in India

Shop Printed Cotton Nighty For Women Online From Onestopfashion in India. The smooth and lightweight 100% cotton fabric used to create this Printed Cotton Nighty For Women. It has a round neckline and a distinct design pattern. The nightgown fits well and has an A-line shape. It has an empire waist and short sleeves. Just below the knees, the hemline creates a humble and cosy appearance. This nightgown is ideal for staying in or for lounging around the home.

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The Joe Loss Orchestra 75 And Still In The Mood The Legend Lives On!

In 1930 a talented musician aged 21 decided to form a dance band, and hey presto, the countrys, if not the worlds, longest serving entertainment unit was born and has been doing jus that non-stop ever since! The Joe Loss Orchestra now directed by Todd Miller is still appearing countrywide to this day.

I say entertaining because Joe always said, although we are in the music business we are also entertainers. When Joe became ill in 1990 he asked Todd to take over the Orchestra and not one booking was cancelled. Todd himself joined the Orchestra in 1972 and is now regarded by many as one of the best front men in the business.

It was in 1969 that Joe decided, for financial reasons, that he would reduce the personnel to ten musicians and three vocalists. He felt that when the moment was right he would re-assemble the big band. Indeed to this day there are many musicians playing in present day big bands who appear in the Joe Loss Big Band whenever the band is booked.

On the subject of big bands and their leaders there is an amusing story relating to Joe and Billy Cotton. It appears that one morning just after the end of the war, Joe arrived home after a gig just before breakfast. Having had a quick cup of tea and still in pyjamas and dressing gown, who should be knocking at the front door other than Billy Cotton with a brand new motor car. He insisted on taking Joe for a spin and although the weather conditions were pretty grim, bitterly cold and with thick snow off they went into the surrounding countryside. Unfortunately, before too long the car ran out of petrol (it still being rationed that time didnt help) and Billy left Joe in the car whilst he set off in the quest for a garage. There sat Joe as cold as ice and with teeth chattering when along came the local trang kubet chính thức bobby. Pushing his bicycle, he enquired as to why Joe was sitting in the car in freezing weather wearing his pyjamas and dressing gown. Joe informed the police constable that he was Joe Loss and that Billy Cotton had gone off to try and get some petrol. By the look in his eye the constable was finding it hard to believe such a story, until Billy re-appeared with a can of petrol and convinced the sceptic that the story kubet osasuna was indeed true! The constable cycled away with a smile on his face with two prized autographs in his notebook!

But I digress. It was with an eight-piece band, playing in the style of Oscar Rabins Romany Band at the Astoria Ballroom, that Joe took the first steps to becoming well-known. His growing popularity brought him a job làm giàu từ kubet at the Kit Kat Club where he made many of the BBC outside broadcasts. During his time there he raised the personnel to 11 plus a young lady vocalist a croonette as they were known. She made her first broadcast singing Red Sails In The Sunset the top hit of the day in 1935. She was only 18 and in years to come became the Forces Favourite none other than Vera Lynn.

After a long residency in London Joe began to tour the music halls, as did many bands of the day. During the war he took the band to entertain the troops around the UK and eventually to France and Holland. In 1946 Joe began a regular residency in the Isle of Man from May until the end of September, which lasted until 1959. With the coming together of the ITV companies Joe and the orchestra became the house band for ABC and opened up all of the television regions throughout the UK during the period from 1956 to 1960. They were to be seen regularly on television often up to four times a week. This was followed by a long phần mềm hack kubet residency at the Hammersmith Palais until August 1969 broken only by an 18-week season at the Empire Leicester Square and 12months at the Lyceum in 1967. They then moved on to the Empire until November 1970 at which point Joe decided to retire. He told Sam Watmough, the current manager of the band, who joined in 1956 that during the meeting he was to inform the band of his decision.

Joe opened his speech saying Gentlemen, we shall be leaving the Empire and Mecca in 6 weeks time on November 30th. This brought Stan Pickstock, lead trumpet, to his feet, Stan had been with the band since 1961, who said, bloody great, now we can get back on the road, at which point the band applauded.

Joe however was taken aback and said, I didnt think you would want to go on the road again, but if you do thats fine. So the Joe Loss Orchestra was back on the road once again and had remained so ever since.

When Joe first became too ill to travel To0dd fronted the Orchestra until Joe eventually retired on January 31st 1990, two weeks before his 81st birthday. Joe passed away on 8th June, many thought that the Orchestra would not carry on without him, how wrong they were! They remain one of the most popular and busiest bands in the country. To quote Sam Watmough, who had been Joes manager phần mềm hack ku casino for 30 years, I knew what Joe wanted and we are still proud to be known as Todd Miller and the Joe Loss Orchestra. As Todd himself says, We must be doing something right!

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Ladies Lion Printed Cotton Night Suit

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