#like. it's more like he's trying to surpress these thoughts rather than being oblivious to them

[anqelbean]

"But girls"? Do you mean yourself by that, Shen Yuan?

Why are you, a man, thinking about your disciple, a man, kissing? Sus

[fanfic-she-wrote]

Imagine being Sir Henry's younger sister and having a crush on Sherlock Holmes

It had only been a week since you had met the great Sherlock Holmes having arrived at Baskerville Hall the same time. You were surprised at his arrival. No one had informed you of the goings on at the manor and the supposed attempt at your brother, Henry's, life. Henry didn't want to alarm you, especially if it was over nothing. Typical older brother. Nevertheless, you appreciated Sherlock's presence all the same.

In fact, you had found yourself growing quite fond of the world's greatest detective. You found him utterly fascinating. Soon, you found that you had developed feelings for him. You tried to keep it a secret, but you could never keep anything from your brother. It had happened so suddenly that even you hadn't realized how deep your feelings were till you saw Sherlock limp into the manor after having just escaped the mines, his leg broken and bleeding profusely.

"It'll be fine." Sherlock assured you, noticing your concerned expression. "Just a scratch." He added waving it off, trying to make it appear as if it were nothing. You were already worried about your brother and now you had to worry about Sherlock as well.

After helping Watson mend Sherlock's leg and helping him to his room, you went to your own room hoping to relax for the remainder of the night when there was a knock on your door. "Come in."

Your brother entered the room, looking very chipper. "Hello!" He said.

"Hi! What's up?" You ask looking up at him from your chair by the window.

"The Stapletons have invited us for dinner." He told you. "I was hoping you would join us."

"I'm not really up to it tonight." You admitted. You didn't really like them. What Henry saw in that girl you didn't know. She was pretty, but very strange. And Mr. Stapleton had the personality of a rock. Not the kind of people you were interested in dining with.

"Mr. Holmes is invited as well." Henry said, hoping that would change your mind.

"Oh really?" You aske excitedly. He nodded, yes, in reply.

"Well, if Sherlock-Mr. Holmes is going, I guess I could." You said.

"Y/N, do you have feelings for Mr. Holmes?" Henry asked abruptly. You bit your lip, trying to surpress a blush that was slowly forming on your face.

"What? I...I don't know what you're talking about?" You deny, looking away.

Henry smirked. "I think you do."

You let out a sigh. "Is it that obvious?" You ask.

"Yes, unfortunately. If I was able to figure it out then surely Mr. Holmes has too." He pointed out. Oh no. The thought hadn't occured to you. Of course Sherlock would notice. He noticed everything. He must think you a complete fool.

"Do you plan on acting on those feelings?" Henry asked.

"I don't know...I would like to." You answered, fiddling with your necklace.

"But?"

"But he's Sherlock Holmes. He doesn't have relationships. At least not the one I would like." You told him.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked." Henry apologized, turning to leave the room.

"Henry! Do you think I'm crazy for liking him?" You ask, feeling unsure. He turned and faced you.

"No, I don't. I think you should at least try. It's better to be rejected than not knowing what could have been." You nodded. Perhaps he was right. Maybe, just maybe Sherlock felt the same about you.

After changing your clothes and preparing yourself for dinner with the Stapletons you walked to Sherlock's room, practicing your speech over in your head as you went.

You went to knock at his door when suddenly it burst open before you and your brother came storming out slamming it shut behind him. "What happened?" You asked.

"Nothing!" He snapped. "Don't bother coming for dinner. I'll go alone!" You watched him stunned, your mouth agape as he marched down the hall and disappeared. Shrugging it off you knocked on Sherlock's door, entering when you heard his voice telling you to come in. "What happened?" You ask again, feeling very confused. 

"I just told him I'm not going to dine with him and the Stapletons." He answered, lighting up his pipe.

"Why?"

"I'm onto something. Today in the mine I found this." He began, picking up a bone and showing it to you. Now you were even more confused.

"That's when the mine collapsed. I believe it was a deliberate attempt on my life and I know who is behind it and the Baskerville legend." He informed you.

"Who?"

"The Stapletons." He answered. You gasped, pressing your hand to your mouth.

"I have to warn Henry!" You exclaimed turning to leave.

"No! Wait! Tonight I think Miss Stapleton is going to act and that's when we stop her."

"So you're using my brother as bait?!"

Watson placed his hand on your shoulder. "Don't worry. We'll be following them." He said, trying to calm you down.

"Yes, let's get going." Sherlock said getting up.

"Should you be moving with that leg?" You point out.

"We have no choice." He told you as he threw on his coat. You suddenly felt overwhelmed with worry. You could feel your chest start to hurt and you found it difficult to breath.

"Are you alright?" Watson asked, watching you.

"I'll be fine..." You lied. You couldn't bear it if something happened to your brother...or Sherlock.

Watson sat you down on the bed. "Stay here. Don't worry. Everything will be alright." He told you calmly.

"Be careful, please." You urged them as they started towards the door.

"We will."

You placed back and forth nervously waiting for them to return...if they returned. What if the Stapletons were successful? What if they came after you next? You started to feel that pain in your chest again. You tried taking some deep breaths, but it was no use. "I should have gone with them." You muttered to yourself as you looked out the window, hoping to see any sign of them. No. You would have been more of a hinderance than anything. You told yourself. You glanced at the clock. They had only been gone an hour, but to you it felt like an eternity. Was your brother still alive?

Finally, just when you couldn't take it anymore they returned. You gasped, when your eyes fell upon Henry as he entered the room. His clothes were torn apart and he had scratches and bite marks all over his body. So, the Baskerville Hound was real! It wasn't a legend. You rushed over to them.

"Henry!" You gasped. Sherlock walked over to you and pulled you aside.

"He'll be alright. Watson will take care of him." He assured you, sitting you down on the sofa. You watched as Watson helped your brother up the stairs.

"It's all over now. You don't have to worry anymore." He told you, holding your hand. You felt the ache in your chest ease slightly.

"I was so frightened." You admitted, holding back tears.

"I know. Everything is going to be ok now." He said in a soothing voice, noticing how tense you were. You took a deep breath, feeling yourself calming down a little. Sherlock hesitated for a moment, but reached out and pulled you close holding you in his arms. If you weren't having a panic attack, you would be enjoying this. You thought. He held you as long as you needed without complaint. The warmth of his embrace calmed you down and once you felt better you pulled away.

"Thank you Mr. Holmes." You said.

"Anytime." He said with a smile. How you loved it when he smiled. It made him practically irresistible. In fact... You leaned close to him and quickly placed a kiss on his cheek leaving him stunned.

"Oh um..." Watson coughed, feeling awkward as he entered the room. "You can go see your brother now."

"Oh. Thank you, Doctor Watson." You said, getting up and leaving without another word.

"What was that?" Watson asked Sherlock.

"She kissed me. Why did she do that?" He answered, staring at the door you just left through.

"Sherlock, the girl likes you." He pointed out, stuffing his hand in his pockets. How oblivious his friend could be.

"She does?"

"Yes, I think she's made that fairly obvious." He said.

"I never noticed." How did he miss it?

"Anyone who would sit and listen to you talk about different kinds of tobacco must fancy you." Watson remarked. "Now what are you going to do about it?" He asked.

"I don't know. What do you think I should do?" Sherlock asked, rubbing the back of his neck. He had never really been in this situation before.

"I think you should give her a chance. It'd be a refreshing change of pace after all this." Watson told him. Sherlock sat there for a moment, trying to decide what to do. He did rather enjoy your company, different than the way he enjoyed Watson's and you were very attractive.

"Well what are you waiting for?!" Watson exclaimed, pushing his friend out the door.

Sherlock walked down the hall going over everything in his head. Perhaps Watson just misinterpreted it. You just kissed him as a thank you for saving your brother that's all. He soon found himself outside Henry's room. He hesitated for a moment before raising his hand and just as he was about to knock, you came out.

"Oh, hi!" Sherlock said surprised. He looked over your shoulder and saw that Henry had fallen asleep.

"How's he doing?" He asked as you quietly shut the door.

"Shaken and tired, but I think he'll be fine." You answered. "What about you? You should be resting with that leg."

"Oh, I will. I just wanted to talk to you about something." He replied.

"It's about the kiss isn't it? I'm sorry. I shouldn't have." You apologized, looking down at your feet.

"No,no. I just wanted to let you know we'll be leaving for London tomorrow." He said.

"Oh, I see." You said in a low voice. He clearly wasn't interested in you. He was going to return to Baker Street and forget you. "I was hoping we might see each other again?" He said, holding your hand.

"Really?" You asked, looking up at him.

"Yes, I'd like to see you again."

You smiled at him, perking up. "I'd like that." You answered.

"Oh kiss her damn it!" You heard Watson call out from down the hall. You laughed.

"You must forgive Watson. He's not the most patient man." Sherlock said with a smirk.

"I must confess something to you, Mr. Holmes."

"Sherlock, please." He insisted.

"I'm not patient either." You playfully told him. He smiled, leaning down, and placed a kiss upon your tender lips.

"Better?" He asked.

"Much."

"Finally." You heard your brother sigh from inside his room.

You didn't know where this new relationship with Sherlock Holmes was going or if it was going to last, but you couldn't wait and you were going to enjoy every second of it.

[dawna-the-daring]

Trollhunters O.C's

Heroes

The Nobel Family

Skylar Clarice Nobel

Mother of Duksy and Dawna, Skylar Clarice Nobel is a high ranked aristocrat who takes the title of Dutchess. She is a magic user who has worked alongst side Merlin and studied under him to master her illusions when she was younger. She is very close with the Royal Family having grown up in the Royal Court. She gave birth to her twins before her "lover" died in the Gum-Gum war. It was rumored the mage was seeing a changeling (Strickler) but the rumors were silenced when her baby girls were borne human. Alone and feeling lost she falls for King Arthur wishing for his hand in marriage. After Gweniveres death they seem to be growing closer but Arthur is weary of magic. Skylar to appease him surpresses that part of herself and discourages her daughters from practicing any magic. A well intentioned mother who does her best but is often ignorant to her childs needs and wishes. She cares more for status than her families happiness and is often doing what Arthur asks rather than what her family needs.

Dusky Gracelynn Noble

Dusky is a bubbly teen who's a huge people pleaser. Like her mother she can create powerful illusions and uses these powers to do fun tricks to impress people at parties. She is a beloved princess in the Royal Court and all the other nobles love her. When Arthur banned magic she stopped practicing and simply used her charm to continue being the center of attention. She once had a good relationship with Dawn but over the years they grew apart. She knows she will not take the throne thanks to Dawn and resents her sister because of it. She spends her time partying with other nobles and taking any of Dawns possible suitors in spite. She just wants her older sister to notice her and act more normal like her and her mom but Dawns in another world.

Dawna Annabelle Walthomew Noble

Dawna is the secret child of Morgana Le Faye. After a mistake in her youth Morgana finds herself pregnant and alone, afraid of the scandal she decides to take a potion to speed up the pregnancy. She makes a deal with Merlin and he helps her hide the child. Skylar who was pregnant at the time believes she had twins rather than one child. Raised in the castle as a powerful magic user Dawn does not learn the truth of her origins for a long time. She grows up oblivious in the Royal Court and is Queen Gweniveres and King Arthur's favorite. Taught by Morgana and Merlin she has powerful magic that amazes her aunt Gwenivere. She is destined to be the next to the throne if Arthur and Gwenivere do not conceive and Morgana does not rule. Dawn however has other plans and often sneaks out into the woods to learn spells after Arthur bans magic. She wishes to be a magical knight that travels the world and wants nothing more than trolls and humans to get along.

Dawn after the fall of Camelot is badly injured and develops a memory problem. She is found and taken into the order as Strickler believes her magic could be useful. Strickler is not her father (though for a time he thought he might be as he had romantic affairs with Skylar) but he is her mentor in the Order and the closest thing she has to a father so he is recognized as such. She grows up with Nomura, Otto, and Strickler teaching her the ways of the Order and the Gum Gums.

Pyra

Penelope or Pyra is the daughter of a single father who's an ex veteran. He now works at an office cubicle while Pyra goes to school. A quirky kid with aspegers she has a high I.Q and enjoys the world of science. Her father doesn't understand her love for it but does his best to be supportive. Now attending a new school in a new town Pyra decides to explore and take the long way home. As she's walking through the woods she trips and slashes her leg on a rock before getting knocked out. This "rock" was a piece of HeartStone that breeched the surface. Now Penlope is connected to the Heatstone and has fire powers. As she struggles to understand what's happening to her she befriends the CreepSlayerz and together they try and find out what's really happening in Arcadia and how to control her powers.

Noble

Noble the Nifty is a Viking warrior. Daughter of the Tribes Leader she inherits the clan after her father dies from a troll in battle. Not letting grief and hatred consume her she knows the difference between Gum Gums and regular trolls. So she risks everything to make an alliance with the good trolls and together they drive back the Gum Gums and take back their land. She herself falls for a troll during battle (Kelpy) and eventually they wed shortly before she's killed.

Kelpy

Kelpy the Kindred is a Celtic troll who spends his time wandering Europe and exploring. He is a talented warrior but is lazy and after the death of his people he choses not to fight. His skills are renound as his people were talented warriors but he wants nothing to do with that life as it killed everyone he loved. When he meets Noble and Dawn along with the troll resistance he realizes he can't stand by and watch more people die. He joins the resistance and takes pleassure in hurting Gum Gums. He's weary of humans after what happened to his people but he learns to trust them and even falls in love with the feirce viking Nobel after Trinamir tells him he should confess.

Trinamir

Trinamir is a Kuberra troll who was taken from his home and inducted into the Gum Gum army. As soon as he was able he got rid of his armor, changed his Gum Gums marks, and ran away. He wishes to find somewhere peaceful where he can be safe and not have to be in this war. He however gets captured and is imprisoned for some time in Camelot just for being a troll. He was a philosopher who just wanted to avoid the war after he was freed but he realizes the wars bigger than himself when he sees humans and trolls fight together at Killahead. He becomes a master strategist in the coming years and a formidable opponent tracking the rest of the Gum Gums down. He is given the name Trinimir the True because he has always stayed true to himself and his beliefs.

Villains

Mother Rose

Mother Rose is a powerful witch who has made it her misison to discipline naughty children. She's an elemental mage who can create realistic illusions and control plants. Connected to all the gardens of the world she lures children in and tests them with tempting treats to eat or toys to take. If you take these toys or treats without permission you will slowly turn into a plant and be doomed to forever live in her garden as another one of her craefully tended to plants. For each child she takes she gains more power as she feeds off the emotions of the trapped children. However if your a good child and don't fall to temptation she is a sweet lady who can give you whatever you desire. Her test is harsh but it's rewards have helped many.

Delilah

Delilah is the daughter of Mother Rose. She's a shapeshifting mage who excels at casting illusions and fire/shadow magic. After an accident leaves her with amnesia she is confused for a polymorphous changeling and taken into the Order. A sadist like her mom Delilah enjoys pain and does many of the Orders dirtier jobs as it brings her pleasure. She meets Dawn in the Order and falls in love but is brutually beaten by Bular for trying to make a move on his mate. This furthers her already stewwing hatred for trolls and someday she hopes to run away with Dawn so the Order can no longer hurt either of them.

Changeling Sisters

Not much is known about this family other than their aristocratic changelings and very high up in the Order. They are "cousins" to Dawna but that's more for formality than aby blood relations. The sisters are considered direct descendents of Janus the Changeling and they each have each mastered an elemental power. Some talk of fowl play has been discussed about their parents sudden death but no such things have ben confirmed as those who spread rumors mysteriously die.

Emerald

Emerald is the oldest of the Crystal sisters. She has mastered Earth magic and is the patriarch of her family. She takes care of her sisters and manages all their finances and missions from the Order. She is the coldest and sternest out of all the sisters but she is not the cruelest. Rumors are she is a ploy morph and will take the form of another changeling to ruin their life when bored/angry/threatened but no such rumors have been confirmed. Some say she is envious of Dawn and wishes to kill her but no attempts have been made public.

Ruby

Ruby is the twin sister of Sapphire. She has mastered fire and is the most bubbly of the sisters. Her happiness however is out of sadistic glee and she's happiest when smashing someones head in. Sapphire is her rock and they are the closest of all the sisters. She has anger issues and her sisters often have to stop her from doing something impulsive or stupid. Her anger fuels her fire.

Sapphire

Saphire is Rubies twin sister. She controls water and ice while her sister controls fire. They are complete opposites but they love each other and get along fine depsite their different personalities. Sapphire is dead to emotion and only cares for her family. She does not often get mad but when she does she takes it out violently on whoever triggered it. She may be quiet but she's always listening waiting to strike.

Opal

Opal is terrifying. She may be the youngest in the family but her powers are the strongest and she is not afraid to use them. Master of air she often uses this ability to make peoples heads explode or choke them to death. She hates when people don't take her seriously because of her age and she makes sure to show off her powers so no one makes the mistake of thinking she is naive because she is young. She'll slit someone's throat before she'll shake their hand.

3below O.C's

Heroes

Astro Novas

Astro is the husband of Vala and father of Stellar. He's a human scientist from Earth. He happened to stumble across Area 49-B when looking for a astrophysics or space shuttle engineering job. He soon realized the horrors of the compound but was afraid to leave as he needed the money and no one else had responded to his job calls. Then Vala crashed to Earth and everything changed. He fell in love with the Arkirridon and after a year of imprisonment he freed her using some of her tech. They've been on the run ever since. Astro believes his wife is dead after she takes off in a spaceship to try and get back to Akiridion-5. He dies before he learns that she is alive just unwell.

Vala Novas of House Novas

Vala is a Nobel Akiridion from Akiridion-5. She and her sister Celestial were raised in the Royal court with the King and Queen and know them closey. Vala was more impulsive than her sister and often got herself in trouble with the Queen. As a fighter pilot and commander of a fleet she was focused on keeping the peace and ensuring her planets safety. In her cadet training days she met Varvotos Vex and Val Morando. They we're close friends. One day while exploring a not so distant star system Vala was unexpectedly shot down and captured before a homing beacon could be sent. She was imprisoned on Earth before the kind scientist Astro freed her. Together they have a child named Stellar. Vala is sadly separated from her family when trying to leave Earth to return to Akiridion-5. Her ship gets flung across the galaxy and her core cracks corrupting her. She becomes more violent and hotheaded wishing for revenge against the Queen and King for abandoning her and wishes for nothing more than to find her daughter.

Stellar Novas/Stella Nova

Stellar is the hybrid child of a human and Akiridion. She was homeschooled for most of her life and raised by her two parents. Her mom taught her about her home world and their culture along with science and math while her dad taught her fun learning games and how to socialize. Her mother taught her to spar when she was young and it was a happy life. When Stellar was about twelve her mom found an old ship and her parents worked on fixing it. Her mom told her she was going to Akiridion-5 and would return to pick them up once she got a better ship. The ship exploded once in the atmosphere and Stellar and her father move for a change of pace. Astro decides being close to the enemy to watch them is better than hiding far away so he goes back to Arcadia Oaks where Area 49-B resides.

Villains

Celestial is Valas older sister. While Vala is a fighter she is a politician. Her hands are dirty with secrets while Valas are stained in blood. Raised as a proper noble she is one of Akiridion-5 strategists. She works with the King and Queen to keep the planet in Order and the military functioning. She wanted to marry Val Morando but grew jealous as her sister gained his affections. Distancing herself from her she becomes devastated when she goes missing. She blames the King and Queen for not searching hard enough for her sister and their lost friend. Because of this anger she helps plot a coup against them with Val Morando. She wants only vegance for her sister and to find her or her dead core.

[castexpectopatronum]

Liquid Amber - Part I [Remus Lupin x Reader Imagine]

Summary: You had been crushing on Remus Lupin for an eternity when you finally decided to ask him out. However, things do not go as planned and you remain wondering just what exactly is going on with this boy.

word count: 1.6k

trigger warnings: rejection?

Masterlist

He was as quiet as ever, deeply absorbed into the essay lying infront of him. You could hear the scratching of his quill now and then, the sound of the pages turning, his fingers drumming softly onto the wooden, strongly battered table.

You often catched yourself staring at the young Gryffindor and today was no different. It was something about his presence that relaxed you even if you couldn’t quite put your finger on it. Every time you saw him, in the library, like now, in the Great Hall or outside the school grounds, you catched yourself spacing off and staring at him in a way that was close to being pathetic.

But you couldn’t help yourself. You had tried, hard. Sadly, however, it is far more difficult to fall out of love than to fall in love.

Thus, avoiding him, reasoning with the more rational part of yourself, and attempting to write down every single annoying character trait of him had been of no use. You had only found yourself to fall even more for him.

And considering you had started to grow feelings for him three months ago, you decided it was finally the time to do something about it.

Today was the day you would ask Remus Lupin out.

At least, you meant to. The problem only being you would battle an acromantula rather than approach the boy you had an absolute hopeless crush on. Fighting off a giant and extremely intelligent spider seemed far easier than asking him out.

Why was this world so cruel?

You looked back onto the parchment lying infront of you, completely blank except for your name, the date and the first two sentences. One look into your potions textbook was enough to make you drop your quill onto the table, though. This essay seemed to be a particularly tricky one you would need all your concentration for, only that you were unable to focus on anything right now.

Naturally, you were aware that pining would make your sitiuation worse than it was before. The best thing you could do, no matter the result, was to ask Remus out on a date and it was about time you stopped avoiding that encounter with everything you could think of, finding excuses constantly.

Only that was far easier in theory than in real life.

The sun was about to set when you finally took a deep, rather shaky breath and stood up, slowly making your way over to where Remus was sitting, still deeply absorbed into his homework. Flicking through the pages of his torn text book, he absent-mindedly scratched his chin with the end of his quill, lost in thought.

Ten steps.

There was still time to turn away and pretend to be searching the shelves for a book.

Nine steps.

Maybe this was a bad idea. Remus was a quiet and reserved boy so if he did have feelings for or at least some kind of interest in you, you were certain he would have hidden them well. Then again, perhaps he simply hadn’t noticed you at all.

Eight steps.

Your heart was picking up its pace – it was now racing so hard you could feel it beating against your ribcage.

Seven steps.

You pulled your sleeves over your hands as your palms were rather sweaty by now – no need for any reason to make the upcoming situation more awkward than it was already going to be.

Six steps.

This was a mistake. You would absolutely and utterly humiliate yourself.

Five steps.

Was ist better to go completely unnoticed or to take the risk to embarrass yourself?

Four steps.

Oh merlin oh merlin oh merlin

Three steps.

You didn’t want this anymore. What had you been thinking?

Two steps.

It was too late to pull back now.

One step.

“Hey, Remus.”

He only noticed your presence once you had spoken to him, and if he had heard the nervous tone in your voice that you were trying so hard to surpress, he didn’t give it away. Instead, he smiled friendly at you.

“Hello, (y/n).”

For a moment, which left you in a state of pure terror, your mind went completely blank.

Say something! you yelled at yourself.

But what?

Anything!

“What’s that essay for?” you quickly asked, only restraining yourself last minute from practically screaming the question at his face.

“It’s, uhm, for potions,” Remus answered, taking a short glance at what he had already written. ”I know it’s not due until in two days but I don’t exactly excel at potions so I thought I should probably put some more effort into this.“ He smiled sheepishly.

Never in your entire life have you ever been so tense before.

“Yeah, that’s a good attitude,” you said. “Besides, it’s a rather tricky essay, isn’t it?” you added, glad you could contribute something a bit more considerable to the conversation. “I just tried to do it myself but I gave up. Couldn’t focus.”

Oh yes, well done, you thought sarcastically. Now he thinks you’re a bloody nitwit!

“You can go through my essay, if you’d like,” Remus offered, pushing the parchment into your direction. “I’m just not sure if it’s any good. I’m afraid I’m not a great help when it comes to potions.” An apologetic smile appeared on his face. For someone who was shuch a reserved person, he did smile quite a lot.

The sunset was now colouring the sky in the wildest shades and warm golden light fell through the window behind Remus and filled the library. His eyes catched the last sun shines of the day and turned them into liquid amber. You couldn’t help but wonder if anyone had ever noticed before how beautiful his eyes looked in the sunlight. Brown eyes always turned into the most amazing shades but Remus’ in particular were-

“(Y/N)?”

Your heart gave a little leap and you suddenly fell out of your daze. “Sorry, I spaced off again. Probably the lack of sleeping.” Now he might think you’ve got insomnia. “What were you saying?” And you’re not paying attention to his words. That really is incredibly attractive, (y/n), you’re doing a great job.

His eyes, still catching the sunlight in such a wonderful way, searched your face worringly. “Is everything alright?”

You smiled, although rather forced, and pulled your sleeves over your hands. “Of course, I’m fine.”

“So… you do want to look through my essay?” He furrowed his brows, now looking a bit confused.

It was now or never.

“Actually… I wanted to ask you something,” you confessed, clinging onto your sleeves as if they were a lifebelt and you were close to drowning. Which, as a matter of fact, you kind of were.

Remus smiled, oblivious to your inner struggle. “Sure, go ahead. What is it?”

You swollowed hard before answering. “Would you… uhm… I was just wondering if… I mean, you … and me… I just wanted to…” A deep sigh escaped your lips and you closed your eyes defeatedly. “Sorry,” you muttered.

Remus laughed quietly. “It’s alright. Just ask me right away, whatever it is. I promise I won’t bite.”

You looked at him and suddenly wished there would be a shelf falling to the ground, spreading the books into the deepest corners of the library, or an earthquake that would shake the entire school or a dragon attack that would set the forbidden forrest on fire – basically anything that would give you an excuse to not ask him.

But you had sworn to yourself that you would and besides, you were already far too deep to back out now. There was no going back.

You took a deep, shaky breath.

“I was just wondering if you would like to go out with me,” you said quickly before you could stop yourself again. “Like on a date. With me.”

Remus’ smile faltered.

“We could go to Hogsmeade together. Although, that’s not going to be until in a couple of weeks so we could also have a study date of some sort or just… take a walk or something or sit by the lake and just talk-”

“(Y/N).”

“-or we could go to your common room and chat for a little while or we’ll raid the kitchen – provided, of course, we find someone who knows how to get in there, or-”

“(Y/N).”

Immediately, you stopped your rambling and looked down at Remus who was wearing a rather conflicted expression on his face.

Your heart stopped. But still, despite the fact that your stomach was tensing up in an incredibly uncomfortable way, an utter calmness suddenly took over you.

Remus opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again, and looked down at his textbook.

“I’m sorry, I… I can’t go out with you, (y/n).”

You swollowed hard and clenched your teeth although you had expected this reaction.

“Oh… that’s okay. May I ask why not, though?“”

“I just…” He stopped, and turned his gaze now to his hands which were placed in his lap. “I don’t feel this way about you…” He closed his eyes. “I’m sorry.”

A lump formed in your throat, making it almost impossible for you to speak, but you still managed to squeeze out the words: ”Nah, mate, it’s fine. There’s no need to apologise for your feelings … or for your lack of feelings.“ Remus winced slightly and you made a grimace once you had realised how harsh your words had sounded. ”Sorry,“ you muttered. Remus’ eyes were still firmly attached to his hands which he was looking at as if he was seeing them for the first time in his life and was now wondering how these paricular hands belonged to him.

“I better get going, I still got this bloody potions essay to write…” You let out a shaky laugh which was rather forced just like the smile that had appeared on Remus’ lips. He continued to avoid your gaze and looked more tense than ever, giving you only a curt nod when you said your goodbye and hasted back to your bag.

Remus didn’t lift his gaze until you had left the library.

The sun had now completely set and his eyes, which had been the colour of liquid amber before, were now back to a light brown.