#lysander fluff | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

writingsoftarnishedsilver · 1 month ago

Text

Sebastian's Offer (AKA Demand) | Sebastian Sallow x OC #13

buckle up this is a long INCREDIBLY TOOTHROTTING FLUFFY ONE.

Summary: Hogwarts empties for the winter holiday, Evangeline finds herself spending Christmas at Sebastian’s cozy cottage in Feldcroft after he surprises her, insisting she shouldn’t be alone. Their time together is filled with simple joys—exploring the snow-covered village, exchanging thoughtful gifts, and sharing quiet moments by the fire as they each struggle to keep their growing feelings in check.

Words: 12,922

Tags: FLUFF. BIG TIME FLUFF. Slow Burn, Friends To Lovers, Christmas, Romance, Soft Moments, Mutual Pining, Not Actually Unrequited Love

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

Read on AO3

The bustling halls of Hogwarts had grown quiet, a peaceful stillness settling over the decorated common rooms and candlelit corridors as most students left for the holidays. Only a few remained, their footsteps faint echoes in the castle’s vast, snow-dusted expanse. Ominis had departed for London to spend the holiday with Anne, Sebastian had returned to Feldcroft, and Lysander had left early that morning.

For Evangeline, saying goodbye to her boyfriend should have been a moment to savor—a culmination of the closeness they’d been building over the past months. The night before, he’d surprised her, guiding her up the winding staircases to the Astronomy Tower for a private exchange of Christmas gifts under the stars.

She’d climbed the final stairs to find a picnic blanket spread across the stone floor, flanked by candles glowing warmly in the dark. A basket waited, filled with sweets and cocoa, and the faintly twinkling stars above cast a gentle light over them. The whole setup had been undeniably thoughtful, even romantic in its intention, and she’d felt a flutter of gratitude at the effort he’d put into planning it.

They’d settled in together, sharing quiet laughter and the soft clinks of cocoa mugs in the chilly air. Evangeline had given him her gift, a carefully selected book on magical creatures that she knew he’d wanted, and he’d thanked her warmly, brushing his fingers against hers in a soft, unhurried gesture before reaching for his own gift to her.

“Open it,” he’d said with an eager smile as he passed her the elegantly wrapped package. She’d carefully peeled back the layers of paper, revealing an ornate, glimmering necklace resting within a velvet-lined box. It was a beautiful, extravagant piece that sparkled with intricate stones and delicate, twisted chains.

“Oh, it’s…wow,” she’d murmured, running her fingers over the gemstones. It was dazzling, but so far from her style that it almost felt like someone else’s necklace entirely. She tried to imagine wearing it, the heavy gleam of the stones catching the light, but it felt too bold, too ornate.

Lysander’s eyes had shone with satisfaction, clearly pleased with himself. “I knew it was perfect for you the moment I saw it,” he’d said, leaning in to press a warm, brief kiss to her cheek.

She’d smiled back, the gratitude sincere, though there was a strange twist in her heart as she admired it. It was an undeniably generous gift, and she didn’t want to seem unappreciative. But try as she might, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the necklace was a little too extravagant, almost gaudy, for her taste. She wore jewelry sparingly, preferring simpler, understated pieces, and this necklace—stunning as it was—felt almost like it was meant for someone else.

Still, she’d thanked him, appreciating it nonetheless. This was a gesture of his affection, after all, and she chided herself for her own sense of dissatisfaction, for not simply being grateful for his thoughtfulness. Surely she could get used to it, she’d told herself, even enjoy the grandeur of it over time.

After the picnic, he’d walked her back to the Gryffindor Tower, his arm around her waist as they strolled through the emptying castle, her gift clasped carefully in her hands. When they reached the portrait hole, he had kissed her goodnight, the familiar warmth of his lips against hers a soft, reassuring presence. He’d whispered goodbye with a warm smile, his fingers grazing her cheek, “Have a lovely Christmas, Evangeline. I’ll be thinking of you.”

The moment should have left her glowing with contentment, the perfect close to their budding romance. But as she watched him walk away, a faint ache gnawed at her heart, an uneasy feeling she couldn’t ignore. Her mind drifted, unbidden, to memories of the Ball, of Sebastian’s steady hand in hers, his eyes searching hers as they’d danced.

It was wrong, she knew, to linger on thoughts of someone else while Lysander had gone to such lengths to make the night special. And yet, that ache lingered, that same gnawing, confusing pull toward thoughts of Sebastian that she couldn’t quite push away.

And this morning, while Evangeline sat on one of the plush couches, the last few students trickled out of the Gryffindor common room and the castle settled into its winter quiet. In the silence, she told herself she’d be fine spending Christmas alone, that she’d stay busy. She had plenty to do, after all—a Potions project to finish, a stack of library books waiting by her bed, and, tucked away in the bottom of her satchel, a book she’d impulsively bought on her last visit to Hogsmeade.... One of those intimacy books Sebastian had told her was stocked at Tomes and Scrolls.

The memory of that day in the bookstore came back to her vividly. She’d slipped inside, praying she wouldn’t be noticed by anyone she knew. Her face had burned as she’d picked up the thin, nondescript book, thumbing through its pages just long enough to confirm it was indeed filled with all the “detailed” advice Sebastian had hinted at. She hadn’t dared meet the shopkeeper’s eye as she’d purchased it, her cheeks hot as she mumbled a thank you and stuffed the book into her bag. She’d tucked it away when she got back to the castle, unable to summon the nerve to actually open it.

But now, with the castle empty and her only company a restless feeling she couldn’t shake, the book seemed like a good distraction—something she could read without interruption, maybe something to satisfy her curiosity. Taking a steadying breath, she reached into her satchel and pulled it out, the cover plain and unassuming. The title was innocent enough, “Intimacies and Affections: A Guide to Healthy Romances.” She ran her fingers over the smooth cover, her heart beating a little faster. Even though no one was around, she still felt self-conscious, as though someone might walk in at any moment and catch her.

Steeling herself, she wrapped herself up in blankets, stretching her toes towards the fire. She stared at the book for a long moment, and part of her was worried about what she’d find—if it would be embarrassing, if she’d feel foolish for wanting to understand more about things people like Sebastian seemed to know so effortlessly.

She was about to turn the first page when a loud banging sounded at the portrait hole.

She froze, her fingers gripping the edges of the book tightly. The banging continued, loud and insistent, echoing through the empty common room. Her heart leaped, and she quickly stashed the book behind a cushion, her face flushing as though someone had caught her red-handed.

The banging grew louder. Whoever it was wasn’t about to give up.

With a quick glance at the hidden book, she took a deep breath and crossed the room, pulling open the portrait hole. She hadn’t expected anyone she knew, least of all Sebastian Sallow, to be standing on the other side.

His face lit up the moment he saw her, shaking snow from his hair and his coat, his eyes glinting with a determination that almost startled her. “Evie,” he began, his voice a mix of insistence and a rare softness, “you’re not spending Christmas alone in this drafty tower. Pack a bag.”

She blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “What? Sebastian, what are you doing here? I thought you went home?"

He crossed his arms, a determined glint in his eye. “I came back to get you, Sterling. You’re not staying here alone.” His tone softened, though the conviction remained. “Come to Feldcroft with me.”

The sincerity in his voice, the way he looked at her, took her by surprise. Her stomach twisted in a way that felt all too familiar. “Sebastian, I… I appreciate it, really, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea. Lysander…”

“Lysander’s gone home for the holidays, isn’t he?” Sebastian’s gaze didn’t waver. “It’s just Christmas with a friend. No harm in that.”

She hesitated, glancing over his shoulder as though searching for an excuse, but found none. The castle was empty, the quiet pressing in around them, and the thought of spending Christmas without anyone made her heart sink. And despite the conflict churning inside her, Sebastian’s warmth and the earnestness in his eyes made it hard to refuse.

“Come on, Evie,” he murmured, his voice softening, almost pleading. “It’s Christmas."

His gentle insistence broke down her resistance. She knew there was no way she could truly say no—not to Sebastian, and not when he was standing there, offering her a holiday break that was more than just her and a stack of unread books.

With a quiet sigh, she nodded, her heart pounding. “Alright. I’ll go pack.”

She turned to leave, letting the portrait swing behind her, but Sebastian called after her, leaning casually against the edge of the opening. “Are you really going to leave me standing out here, Evie? Do you need me to admit that I’ve always wanted to see the legendary Gryffindor common room?”

She paused, turning to give him an amused, slightly exasperated look. “Sebastian, I’m pretty sure you know that’s against every rule we have.”

He shrugged, unfazed. “Rules, schmules. The way I see it, if they didn’t want Slytherins sneaking in, they should've made it harder to find the entrance,” he said, smirking. “Come on, you Gryffindors are always bragging about how cozy it is. I think it’s time I get a look for myself.”

She rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile, but stepped aside to let him through. “Fine. But if you tell anyone I let you in here, I'll hex you into next year."

Sebastian’s grin widened, clearly thrilled by her concession. “I’ll take that risk,” he said, stepping inside with the same casual confidence that seemed to accompany him everywhere.

The warmth of the Gryffindor common room enveloped him immediately, a stark contrast to the cooler, shadowed ambiance of the Slytherin dungeons. The fire crackled cheerfully in the hearth, casting a soft, golden light over the plush armchairs, the scarlet-and-gold tapestries, and the mistletoe that had been charmed to float just above the fireplace.

“Not bad at all,” he murmured appreciatively, his voice softened with something almost reverent. “It’s… different up here.”

Evangeline watched him with a mix of amusement and curiosity. She couldn't deny she quite liked seeing him in her world, here among the soft glow and rich colours that had become as much a part of her as her own heartbeat. She found herself smiling, despite herself, at the sight.

Sebastian caught her gaze, “What?”

She crossed her arms over her chest, chuckling, “It’s just… unusual, seeing you in here."

His smirk deepened as he moved closer, letting his fingers trail over the arm of a red armchair, as if savoring its plushness. "It's definitely a change from the Slytherin common room, but I admit, there’s something very cozy about it. It suits you.”

She felt a warmth rise to her cheeks at his words, brushing it off with a playful scoff. “Now you’re just trying to charm me. Be careful, or you’ll start thinking you actually like it here.”

He laughed, glancing around with a look that was almost fond. “Maybe I do. You Gryffindors might be onto something with all this… red and gold,” he admitted, “Certainly feels a lot more alive than the dungeons. But anyway, enough stalling, Evie. Go on—pack your things."

Evangeline chuckled, a warmth spreading through her at the teasing authority in his voice. With a playful eye-roll, she turned and hurried up the stairs to the dorms, her heart beating faster than it should as she grabbed her travel trunk and hurriedly tossed in clothes and essentials, too aware that Sebastian was still waiting below.

In record time, she was back down the stairs, breathless as she maneuvered her trunk into the common room. But she stopped short, her heart dropping as she took in the sight before her.

Sebastian was sitting comfortably on one of the couches by the fire, legs stretched out and posture relaxed, with her book resting in his hands. His brow was raised, lips twitching with the beginnings of a smirk, and his eyes danced with unmistakable mischief as he looked up at her.

Mortification spread through her, her face flushing hot. “Sebastian!” she sputtered, rushing over and snatching the book from his hands. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He bit back a laugh, holding his hands up defensively. “Just reading the dedication page. Didn’t think you went in for this sort of literature.”

She hugged the book tightly to her chest, her eyes narrowing in embarrassed exasperation. “I can’t believe you—do you know how rude that is?”

Sebastian rolled his eyes, "I'm the one who told you these books existed in the first place, Evangeline." he said, her name rolling off his tongue with a kind of playful insistence that made her stomach flip.

He rarely ever used her full name—only when he was either trying to make a point or when he was deadly serious. Each time he did, it sent her heart into a confusing tailspin, as if he was reaching past her defenses to tug on something deeper. Now was no different; hearing Evangeline instead of the casual Evie threw her off balance, adding to her already burning embarrassment.

Her cheeks warmed, and she struggled to hold her ground, clutching the book tightly to her chest as if it might shield her from his gaze. “That doesn’t give you permission to just pick it up and read it,” she replied, her voice coming out higher than she’d intended. “It’s private.”

Sebastian’s expression softened, the smirk fading into something almost understanding, though the humour remained in his eyes. “Alright, alright,” he conceded, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “I get it—private. But you know,” he added with a grin, “I’m actually impressed. Didn't think you'd be brave enough to buy it.”

Her cheeks burned even hotter, and she fumbled for a response, her thoughts scattered. “Sebastian Sallow,” she muttered, trying to keep her voice steady, “if you ever bring this up again, I’ll—”

“—hex me into next year, yeah, I know.” He chuckled, leaning back against the couch with a satisfied grin.

Her heart did another strange flip, but she fought to ignore it, shooting him an exasperated look instead. “Enough of that. Are we going or not?”

With one last, unrepentant grin, Sebastian stood and grabbed her trunk, his hand brushing hers briefly as he hoisted it up. “Of course we’re going. As long as I'm around, you'll never spend another Christmas alone.”

As they stepped out of the Gryffindor common room and into the quiet, candlelit corridor, Evangeline let herself breathe a little easier, her cheeks cooling as the familiar, teasing banter with Sebastian settled into a comfortable silence. He kept her trunk balanced effortlessly, his stride purposeful as he led her toward the nearest Floo connection, his quiet confidence making her stomach flutter despite herself.

They reached the nearest fireplace, and he extended a hand, gesturing for her to go first with a slight smile. “Ladies first,” he said, his voice warm and steady, as if they weren’t about to make an impromptu trip halfway across the country.

With a soft laugh, she tossed the powder into the flames, calling out, “Feldcroft!” She stepped in and felt the familiar rush of spinning green flames before stumbling onto a cobbled street in the little village. The chilly winter air greeted her, and she wrapped her cloak tighter around herself, glancing around.

To her surprise, the usually quiet village had taken on a festive charm for the holiday. Garlands hung between the street lamps, twinkling softly with enchanted lights, and small wreaths decorated the shop doors. The air smelled faintly of pine and something sweet, perhaps from a nearby bakery. It was simple but charming, and a smile crept over her face as she took it all in.

Sebastian appeared beside her in a swirl of green flame, and he noticed her smile, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. “Nice, isn’t it? The locals put in a bit more effort around Christmas,” he said, glancing around.

Evangeline nodded, genuinely touched by the quaint scene. “It’s lovely. A bit different from Hogsmeade’s bustle, but it suits the place.”

Sebastian returned her smile, then nodded toward the familiar little cottage he called home. “Come on,” he said, his tone softening.

As they approached, Evangeline’s eyes drifted over the cottage. It looked to be in better shape than she remembered from her last visit. The old stone walls seemed newly cleaned, the windows freshly painted, and a soft glow emanated from within. She couldn’t help but feel a flicker of admiration—Sebastian had clearly put effort into maintaining it, something she hadn’t been sure he’d do.

“Have you been keeping it up on your own?” she asked, glancing over at him.

Sebastian shrugged, a casual smile tugging at his lips. “Well, it’s mine now. Didn’t see much point in letting it fall apart.”

Her heart warmed, a surge of affection rising in her chest as she looked at him. “You’ve done a wonderful job.”

He held her gaze a moment longer than necessary, his smile softening. After a moment of fishing out a key and fiddling with the lock, he pushed the door open and stepped back to let Evangeline enter first.

She crossed the threshold, and the sight that greeted her left her momentarily speechless. The once-small, simple interior had been magically expanded, and a warmth filled the space as though it had been expecting her. What had once been a cramped sitting room was now a cozy yet spacious area with a wide hearth crackling with a welcoming fire, casting a golden glow over plush sofas and thick rugs in deep, warm tones. Strings of garlands and holly adorned the walls, twinkling with soft lights, and a small Christmas tree sat in the corner, decorated simply but beautifully with sparkling ornaments and a silver star on top.

She turned to look at him, her eyes wide. Sebastian grinned, clearly pleased with her reaction, "You like it?"

She stepped further into the room, taking in the small, thoughtful details—the knitted blankets on the back of the couches, the set of mugs by the hearth, and the scent of pine mingling with the faintest hint of something sweet, maybe mulled cider.

"Like it?" She laughed, her voice filled with genuine delight as she spun around to take it all in. "Sebastian, I love it. It’s perfect. When did you do all this?!"

He rubbed the back of his neck, his grin softening into something almost bashful as he watched her take everything in. “Well, yesterday. I wanted to get it done before I brought you over."

She looked at him, her eyes bright with a mixture of admiration and disbelief. “You did all of this just for… me?”

Sebastian’s gaze softened, and he shrugged, though she could tell by the faint color rising to his cheeks that he was genuinely touched by her reaction. “Well, I couldn’t let you spend Christmas alone in that empty castle,” he replied, his voice quieter, more sincere than usual. “Besides… it’s not really Christmas here without some company.”

Her heart gave a little flutter. The room was beautiful, yes, but it was more than that—it was thoughtful, filled with small, intentional touches that felt warm and welcoming, like he’d crafted a space just for her.

“Well, I think you might be better at this Christmas thing than I am,” she teased gently, her voice laced with affection. “You’ve really outdone yourself, Sebastian.”

He let out a soft chuckle, his usual smirk tempered with something softer as he looked at her. “I’ll take the compliment… though I have to admit, seeing you this happy is already worth all the effort.” He glanced away briefly, almost as if he were embarrassed by his own words.

Evangeline’s smile lingered, and she took a step closer, feeling the pull between them as natural as the crackling fire beside them. “Thank you,” she said softly. “This really means a lot to me.”

For a moment, he looked as if he wanted to say something more, his gaze searching hers, but instead, he just held out his hand. “Come on. Make yourself comfortable. I have everything we need—including your favourite biscuits,” he added with a wink.

She laughed, slipping her hand into his, feeling the warmth of his touch spread through her. With a gentle squeeze, he led her to the armchairs by the fire, and she settled into the plush seat, savoring the comfort of the moment.

Sebastian returned moments later, a steaming mug of hot chocolate in each hand. He passed one to Evangeline, who took it gratefully, letting the warmth seep through her fingers. She inhaled, catching the faint hint of cinnamon mixed with chocolate, and smiled as she took her first sip, the rich sweetness flooding her senses.

“Just the way you like it,” he said with a satisfied grin, settling into the armchair across from her. He set down a small tin of her favourite biscuits on the table between them, the top half-open in a silent invitation.

Evangeline’s gaze drifted to the old, familiar chessboard on the side table, and Sebastian’s eyes followed hers, his grin widening. “Fancy a game?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “I seem to remember you’re quite terrible at Wizard’s Chess, but I’d be more than happy to teach you a thing or two.”

She narrowed her eyes, smirking. “You think you’re so clever, don’t you?”

“Well,” he replied, shrugging casually as he set up the board, “I did just transform my whole cottage to make you feel at home. I think I’ve earned a little self-congratulation.”

She shook her head, laughing, and took another sip of hot chocolate. “Fine, I accept the challenge. But don’t get too smug—I might surprise you.”

Sebastian snorted, setting his pieces in place as she mirrored him, and the game began. Within minutes, her poor strategy had led to her queen being unceremoniously smashed to pieces by one of his knights. Sebastian’s laughter filled the room, light and teasing as he rested his chin on his hand, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

He shook his head, laughing, “I did warn you, didn’t I?”

“Oh, don’t you start,” she huffed, glaring at her remaining pieces as though they’d betrayed her.

Despite her efforts to focus, she lost the first game in a matter of moves, much to Sebastian’s delight. And yet, she insisted they keep playing, his teasing grin never faltering. They played round after round, and although her skills didn’t miraculously improve, the warm, playful banter that filled the room was worth every crushing defeat.

Between games, they chatted about everything and nothing—school gossip, upcoming exams, and rumors of pranks planned by Leander and Garreth that had left half the Slytherins looking over their shoulders.

Hours passed, and the cottage grew darker, save for the flickering firelight. As the evening wore on, Evangeline grew more comfortable, tucking her feet under herself as she leaned back in her armchair, finishing the last of her hot chocolate.

Eventually, she sighed, eyeing the board as another one of her knights crumbled under his rook’s relentless attack. “I think I officially surrender,” she laughed, raising her hands in mock defeat. “There’s no coming back from that.”

Sebastian grinned, leaning back with a contented sigh. “Well, it only took you… what, ten games?” He reached for the biscuit tin, offering it to her.

“Ten games and far too many of my pieces sacrificed in battle,” she replied, accepting a biscuit and nibbling on it, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of playfulness and gratitude.

“So, tell me,” he said suddenly, adopting a mock-serious tone, “how much of that book have you actually read?”

Her cheeks flushed as she fumbled with her biscuit, nearly dropping it in her lap. “I—um—” she stammered, trying to downplay her interest.

He raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Didn’t seem like you’d gotten too far given how I found it. By the way, your hiding skills could use some work.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, feigning indignation. “Excuse me, how did you even find it in the first place?”

“Because,” he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. “The moment I walked into the common room, it was obvious where you’d been sitting—blankets thrown everywhere, that very you-shaped cocoon.” He chuckled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “And then I spotted the book sticking out from the cushions.”

Evangeline groaned, covering her face with one hand.

“Oh, come on, Evie,” he teased, nudging her shoulder. “You can’t expect me to resist when it’s so… conveniently placed.”

“Curiosity?” She shook her head, her lips twisting into a smirk. “More like a complete lack of boundaries.”

“Boundaries are for strangers,” he replied smoothly, leaning a little closer, his voice lowering. “And we’re hardly strangers, are we?”

The warmth in his voice sent a shiver down her spine, but she forced herself to stay collected, giving him a mock-glare instead. “I’ll make sure to hide anything ‘private’ next time you’re around, then.”

Sebastian chuckled, leaning back with a look of pure, unrepentant amusement. “You can try, but I have a talent for uncovering secrets. Especially yours, Evie.”

Her face flushed, both at his words and the way he seemed to be enjoying this. She wished she could deny it, but he was right: he was far too good at reading her. His perceptiveness had always unnerved her, especially when it came with that sly grin and those knowing eyes that seemed to peel back every layer of her defenses.

“Fine,” she huffed, crossing her arms in an attempt to look stern, though she was sure the effect was undermined by the lingering smile she couldn’t quite suppress. “Maybe I’ll just start keeping my books locked up.”

“Oh, now where’s the fun in that?” Sebastian leaned in closer, the flickering firelight casting a warm glow over his face. “Besides, I already know what you’re reading. So… was it helpful? Any earth-shattering revelations?”

"I'd barely had the chance to open the cover before you were pounding on my common room door." She said, raising an eyebrow at him. "So any ‘earth-shattering revelations’ will have to wait until after you’re done dragging me around Feldcroft.”

Sebastian chuckled, leaning back with a look of mock disappointment. “Oh, the tragedy. Here I was, thinking you’d have all sorts of interesting theories to share. Guess I’ll just have to wait.”

“Well, if you hadn’t interrupted me, maybe I’d be a little more enlightened by now,” she shot back, folding her arms in mock indignation.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Interrupted? I was saving you from Christmas boredom.”

Sebastian raised his mug, savoring another sip of hot chocolate as he watched her with a glint of curiosity in his eyes. After a comfortable silence, he set his mug down and tilted his head thoughtfully, the firelight casting shadows across his face.

“So, did you and Lysander exchange gifts before he left?” he asked casually, though the way his eyes lingered on her hinted at something more than idle curiosity.

Evangeline’s smile faltered, and she attempted to look pleased as she nodded. “Oh, yes. We did… a little something up in the Astronomy Tower before he left.” She tried to keep her tone light, as if recounting a perfectly pleasant memory, but there was a hesitation she couldn’t quite mask.

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed, picking up on the subtle shift in her expression. “What did he give you?” he pressed, leaning forward with an intensity that was both endearing and a little unnerving.

She hesitated, feeling the warmth rise in her cheeks again. “Well… he gave me a necklace,” she said slowly, glancing away as if studying the intricacies of the room. “It's beautiful, really ornate, elegant—"

"You hate it," Sebastian interrupted, his tone matter-of-fact, though his eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and something else she couldn't place.

Evangeline’s mouth opened to protest, but the words faltered, and instead, she let out a reluctant laugh. “I don’t hate it,” she insisted, though even she could hear the weakness in her own voice. “It’s a lovely necklace. Just… a bit much. And maybe… not exactly what I would have picked for myself.”

Sebastian looked at her for a beat, his gaze steady, as though something had just clicked in his mind. Without a word, he pushed himself up from his chair, crossing to the small Christmas tree in the corner. He crouched down, reaching for a small box wrapped simply but neatly in red and gold, and then straightened, turning back toward her with a thoughtful expression.

Evangeline watched him, her curiosity piqued. “What are you doing?”

He didn’t answer immediately, just walked back to her and held out the box, “Might as well open it now.”

She glanced between him and the box, her heart beating a little faster. “Sebastian… what is this?”

“Just open it,” he said softly.

With a hesitant smile, she carefully unwrapped the box, peeling back the paper to reveal a plain black velvet case. She glanced up at him, a question in her eyes, but he just nodded, urging her to continue. Taking a steadying breath, she lifted the lid.

Inside was a simple gold necklace, delicate yet sturdy, with a small garnet pendant gleaming in the center. She reached out to trace the charm with her fingertips, her heart swelling with warmth as she took in the intricate yet unassuming design. She could tell at once that it was crafted with care—its simplicity made up for in the precise detailing around the edges of the pendant and the fine, golden links of the chain. It was the kind of piece she knew would feel right in any setting, a bit of elegance without the weight of grandeur. And it felt so personal, as though Sebastian had somehow managed to capture something essential about her and turn it into this gift.

She glanced up at him, her voice barely a whisper. “Sebastian… this is beautiful. You didn’t have to-"

“Don’t even finish that thought,” he interrupted softly, a faint smile curving his lips.

“But it looks… it must have been expensive,” she continued, her fingers still resting on the pendant, marveling at its perfect simplicity. “This isn’t just… a little something, Sebastian. This is…"

He shrugged, looking a bit bashful now, rubbing the back of his neck. “It just… it reminded me of you,” he admitted, his gaze steady, even as a faint color rose in his cheeks. “You don’t need anything over-the-top or flashy. And when I saw it… I just knew.”

“It’s perfect,” she whispered, looking down at the necklace again, touched beyond words. “Thank you, Sebastian. Truly.”

He shifted a bit, a softer smile replacing his usual grin. “I’m glad you like it.” After a pause, he reached forward, meeting her eyes. “May I?”

She blinked, realizing he was offering to put it on for her. She nodded, unable to speak, and turned slightly, lifting her hair to the side as he took the necklace from the box.

His hands brushed lightly against the back of her neck as he clasped it, sending a gentle warmth through her. When he finished, his fingers lingered just a second longer than necessary before he pulled away, and she turned back to face him, her fingers drifting to the pendant now resting just below her collarbone.

He took a step back, his eyes lingering on her as though committing the sight to memory. “Looks perfect on you,” he murmured, his voice low.

Evangeline’s mind raced, her thoughts spiraling as she touched the pendant lightly. This gift, from Sebastian of all people—her best friend, the one she’d been trying so hard to suppress feelings for—felt so achingly perfect that it was almost painful. The necklace was everything she hadn’t known she wanted, simple yet thoughtful, understated but full of meaning. And it hit her, uncomfortably, that this was a better, more personal gift than the one Lysander, her actual boyfriend, had given her.

She swallowed, the reality pressing in, mingling with the warmth of Sebastian’s gaze, and a flutter of guilt twisted in her chest. She shouldn’t be comparing them, shouldn’t be reading into what was surely just a gesture of friendship from Sebastian. But then, why did it feel so… significant?

In an effort to distract herself, she cleared her throat and managed a shaky smile, hoping he didn’t notice the slight tremor in her voice. “So, it’s only fair I return the favor, right?” she said, forcing a lightness into her tone as she moved toward her bag. “I have something for you, too… well, a few things, actually."

Sebastian’s brows lifted in surprise, a smile curving his lips. “You do?”

“Of course I do,” she replied, glancing back at him with a softer smile, grateful for the change in focus. “You didn’t think I’d come here empty-handed, did you? But don't get too excited, we're only spoiling one. gift”

She rummaged through her bag, pulling out a small bundle wrapped in emerald green paper and tied with a simple black ribbon. It was unassuming, not grand or flashy, but she’d spent ages thinking about what to get him this year. As she handed it to him, she caught herself holding her breath, anticipation prickling at the edges of her nerves.

Sebastian took the package, his expression softening as he glanced from the gift to her. “Should I be nervous?”

She laughed, feeling some of her tension dissolve. “I’d say no, but you’ll just have to open it to find out.”

Sebastian unwrapped the gift with an amused smirk, but as he lifted the lid of the small box inside, his brow furrowed. A simple, elegant compass rested there, its polished surface catching the light of the fire. Yet as he picked it up, he noticed something odd: the needle wasn’t pointing north—it was pointed directly toward Evangeline, steady and unwavering.

He tilted his head, glancing at her in mild confusion. “A compass? And it’s… pointed at you? Are you secretly magnetic or something, Sterling?”

She laughed, “Maybe the compass is just pointing to the center of the cottage.” She gave a nonchalant shrug, "It's enchanted."

He raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Enchanted how?”

“It’s charmed to always point toward wherever you feel safest or… most comfortable,” she explained, her voice softer now, a hint of nervousness slipping into her tone. “I thought it might come in handy if you’re ever… lost.”

Sebastian’s gaze flickered back to the compass, “So… it points towards home,” he murmured, his voice soft as he felt a faint, steady warmth spread through him. Of course, it was pointed directly at Evangeline. There was no need to question it, not really. But Merlin was he glad she brushed it off, chalking up the needle’s direction to the center of the cottage rather than toward her specifically.

She nodded, a little shy now. “Exactly. For… whenever you need it.”

Sebastian’s throat tightened, and he swallowed, the depth of the gift hitting him all at once. He closed his hand around the compass, and looked back at her, his eyes softening. “Evie… I don’t even know what to say. This is so thoughtful. Thank you.”

Evangeline’s cheeks flushed under the warmth of his gaze, and she quickly looked down, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well,” she murmured, trying to sound casual, “I know how you get yourself into trouble, so it seemed… practical.”

Sebastian chuckled, the sound low and filled with something that almost felt like gratitude. “Practical, sure,” he replied, his voice gentle. “But more than that.” He thumbed over the compass once, the weight of it settling into his hand like it belonged there. “It’s… perfect, really.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the quiet filled only by the soft crackling of the fire. For once, Sebastian didn’t rush to fill the gap with humor or a smirk. Instead, he kept his eyes on the compass, a look of peacefulness crossing his face as he considered the small but meaningful charm she had placed in his hands.

The moment stretched, each of them acutely aware of the other, of the small but powerful significance of the gift between them. Then, with a soft smile, Evangeline gently nudged his shoulder, breaking the spell. “So, where's the guest room in this new-and-improved cottage?"

Sebastian blinked, his thoughtful expression breaking into a grin as he tucked the compass carefully into his pocket. “Ah, tired already are we?" He stood up, gesturing for her to follow him down the narrow hall. “Your room is this way,” he said, leading her to a small but cozy room on the left. “It’s nothing grand,” he added, opening the door to reveal a room with a neatly made bed and a small nightstand holding a softly glowing lamp. A window overlooked the snowy fields beyond, a view softened by a sheer, lacy curtain.

Evangeline stepped inside, taking it all in. The space felt warm, personal—he’d even left a few books on the nightstand, ones she recognized as her favorites. She turned to look at him, surprise and gratitude in her eyes. “My room?”

Sebastian leaned against the doorframe, his grin softening as he took in her reaction. “Well, I couldn’t let you spend Christmas feeling like a guest." He shrugged, attempting to play it off with his usual nonchalance, though she noticed the faint color rising to his cheeks. "You'll always have a home here, Evie."

She shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat as she turned to him, her eyes bright. “Sebastian Sallow, who knew you had such a sentimental side?”

He chuckled, scratching the back of his neck as he tried to appear unfazed. “Don’t go spreading it around, Sterling."

They shared a quiet smile, the moment stretching comfortably between them. The crackling fire in the distance, the gentle warmth of the room—it all made Evangeline feel like she’d been given something truly precious, far more than just a place to stay. It was a reminder of just how well he understood her, even the little things she often didn’t realize mattered.

“So, settled in?” he asked, breaking the silence with a softer tone. “Anything else you need?”

She shook her head, clutching the compass gently in her hand. “No… it’s perfect. Thank you, Sebastian.”

For a moment, he looked as though he wanted to say something more, his gaze lingering on her face. But instead, he nodded, giving her one last warm smile before he turned to go. “Well then, I’ll let you get settled. But I’ll be just down the hall if you need anything�� or if you feel like getting thrashed in another game of Wizard’s Chess.”

As he left, she couldn’t help the smile that lingered, her fingers drifting down to the necklace resting against her chest.

The morning sunlight filtered through the soft lace curtain, spilling gentle warmth over Evangeline as she blinked awake. The room was peaceful, and the quiet of the cottage—so different from the lively bustle of the Gryffindor dormitories—made her feel as though she’d woken in some forgotten, secluded world. After a moment, she slipped from bed, careful not to make a sound as she pulled on a robe and crept into the hallway.

The cottage was still, and from the quiet, she knew Sebastian wasn’t awake yet. Not that it surprised her—she couldn’t recall the last time he’d risen before her. A faint smile crept over her face as she wandered through the cozy space, curiosity urging her to explore the changes he’d made to his home.

The hallway extended further than she remembered, leading to a new room she hadn’t noticed last night. She pushed the door open and was greeted by the sight of a neatly furnished guest room, with soft shades of blue and dark wood furniture. It was spacious yet personal, with familiar touches—like the old record player Ominis adored—that made it clear he’d designed the space specifically for his friend.

Her chest tightened, warmth blooming at the realization. Sebastian hadn’t just expanded the cottage for himself—he’d done it to create a home for those he cared about.

Continuing her quiet exploration, she discovered another newly added door that led to a small office. Inside, the desk was scattered with neatly organized notes, spare quills, and a book on advanced defensive magic that looked well-thumbed. She could practically picture Sebastian poring over it late into the night, always striving to outdo himself.

She wandered back down the hall, stopping when she reached the last closed door—Sebastian’s bedroom. The urge to peek in tugged at her, her hand hovering by the doorknob as her curiosity wrestled with her better judgment. It was just one look, she reasoned, but even as she thought it, a familiar pang of guilt twisted in her chest. She’d been so careful, trying to keep her feelings for him buried. Spending Christmas here was already pushing the boundaries, and she knew Lysander would be hurt if he ever found out. With a sigh, she took a step back from the door, scolding herself for even considering it.

She moved to the kitchen, eager to occupy her thoughts with something practical. As she surveyed the cabinets, she chuckled under her breath. For all his meticulous preparation, Sebastian had somehow forgotten to stock the basics. She’d seen a bakery on the way in yesterday and decided to make a quick trip. Pulling on her coat, she slipped out quietly and crossed the village square, the early morning air crisp and quiet.

The bakery was a charming little spot, its interior warm and inviting, with rows of freshly baked bread, pastries, and other morning treats on display. Evangeline breathed in the comforting scent, her eyes scanning over the assortment before settling on a loaf of crusty bread and a few sweet rolls. She couldn’t resist adding a couple of flaky pastries to the basket—knowing Sebastian would appreciate them.

As she moved toward the counter, she noticed shelves along the wall stocked with basic necessities: fresh eggs, small jars of jam, even a few pints of milk and bundles of herbs. She picked up a dozen eggs, milk, and a jar of strawberry preserves. Her basket quickly filled, she approached the shopkeeper, who offered her a warm smile as he wrapped each item in brown paper.

With her arms full of fresh supplies, she stepped back into the crisp morning air, a sense of contentment settling over her as she made her way back to the cottage. The quiet village, dressed in snow, felt like a scene from an old storybook, each step crunching softly beneath her feet as she followed the little path back.

When she reached the cottage, she nudged the door open with her shoulder, stepping inside to the warmth and soft crackle of the fire. She set her bounty on the counter, unwrapping the items and setting up a small workspace as quietly as she could. But, just as she cracked the first egg into a bowl, she heard soft footsteps behind her and turned to find Sebastian leaning in the doorway still wearing his pyjamas, his hair a tousled mess and a sleepy smirk on his face.

“Didn’t know you were planning to sneak off on me,” he murmured, his voice warm with a hint of amusement as he noticed the spread on the counter.

She smiled, pulling out a loaf of bread. “Well, it turns out that in your grand plans, you thought of everything except breakfast,” she teased.

Sebastian smirked, clearly unbothered. “I never said I was perfect,” he replied, pulling out a chair settling down at the dining room table. “But it seems you have everything under control.”

Evangeline rolled her eyes, amused as she cracked another egg into the bowl. “Lucky for you,” she replied, whisking the eggs with a bit more flair than necessary.

He chuckled, stretching his long legs out under the table, watching her with that lazy, satisfied grin she was far too accustomed to. “You know,” he said, his voice still thick with sleep, “I could get used to waking up like this."

Her heart skipped, and she quickly focused on the skillet, pouring in the eggs, though she couldn't stop herself from asking, "Waking up like what?"

Sebastian’s smirk faltered just a bit, realizing he’d nearly let slip more than he intended. He cleared his throat, sliding back in his chair and stretching as if suddenly fascinated by the cabinets. “Oh, you know,” he drawled, shifting his gaze to the kitchen counter, “waking up to the smell of breakfast. Speaking of, we’re missing a key ingredient: coffee.”

Evangeline raised an eyebrow as he headed for the kitchen counter, watching him rummage through the cabinets.

Moments later, he set two mugs on the table, a fragrant steam rising from the freshly brewed coffee. He settled back into his chair, his usual confidence restored as he watched her transfer the scrambled eggs and toast onto plates.

“Looks impressive,” he said, raising his mug in a sort of approving toast. "Didn't realize you were such a chef."

“Guess growing up in the muggle world had its benefits,” she replied with a grin as she placed his plate in front of him.

They ate while exchanging stories and laughter. He listened with genuine interest as she recounted memories of growing up, the small traditions and quirks of her world that always felt a bit different from life at Hogwarts. And she found herself caught up in his tales of the antics he and Ominis would get up to in the Slytherin common room, and their half-hearted schemes that sometimes ended with the two of them nursing their bruised egos.

Sebastian looked around the room, taking in the morning light filtering through the cottage windows, his gaze eventually drifting back to her. “So, what’s the plan for the day?”

“Well, since we’re officially in the middle of nowhere,” Evangeline began, setting down her knife and fork, “I thought we might venture out a bit, maybe see some of these haunted woods you mentioned last year. You wouldn’t be afraid, would you?”

“Afraid? Me?” He rolled his eyes, mock-offended. “Sterling, please. I’m practically the very picture of courage.”

“Oh, of course,” she replied, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “A Slytherin known for his bravery.”

Sebastian grinned, clearly delighted. “But yes, I’ll take you up on that ghost hunt,” he said, "I'm surprised you remember me mentioning that."

Evangeline felt a small, knowing smile tug at her lips. “Of course, I remember. You went on about it for nearly an hour that day in the Three Broomsticks,” she said, looking over at him with a spark of amusement in her eyes. “You painted quite the picture—how you and Anne would sneak off into the woods, convinced you’d find something no one else had seen.”

Sebastian’s grin softened as he recalled the memory, leaning back in his chair. “I may have exaggerated a bit,” he admitted with a chuckle, “but in our defense, we really did think those woods were haunted. Every little sound felt like some dark creature lurking in the shadows.”

She laughed, picturing a younger, wide-eyed Sebastian creeping through the trees with Anne by his side. She could almost see it, the two of them finding excitement in the unknown, each noise adding to the thrill. There was a certain innocence in the way he told those stories—a rare glimpse of the boy he’d been before Hogwarts, before everything changed.

“And yet,” she continued, a mischievous look in her eyes, “I don’t remember you ever mentioning that you two actually found anything.”

Sebastian shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Perhaps we will today."

The days leading up to Christmas Eve drifted by in a quiet, comfortable rhythm, each one blurring gently into the next as Evangeline and Sebastian settled into an easy companionship. They filled their time with simple joys—wandering through Hogsmeade’s snow-dusted streets, taking the Floo into London to explore shops adorned with twinkling lights, and, on occasion, heading out into the Highlands for a bit of exploring.

And when they were back at the cottage, their days continued in that same, effortless cadence. She’d found herself brewing tea for both of them in the afternoons, adding cinnamon and a dash of milk because he liked it that way, while he’d taken to fetching wood for the hearth and setting it alight in the evenings, his face flickering in the warm glow as he joked about having a “natural talent” for lighting things on fire.

It was strange, she realized, how easily they’d fallen into a routine as if they’d been doing this for years. And the more time she spent with him, the harder it became to ignore the insistent tug in her heart. She could feel it with every small gesture, every look they shared across the room—she was falling, deeper than she had ever expected or wanted to. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to pull away, not even with the nagging guilt that occasionally pricked at her when thoughts of Lysander surfaced.

But whenever that guilt began to claw its way up, it was quickly brushed aside by the overwhelming sense of rightness she felt here, in this little world they’d created. She hadn’t missed Lysander, not really, and the realization was almost as startling as it was inevitable.

Christmas Eve arrived with a hushed, magical stillness, and that evening found the two of them curled up on the couch in front of the fire, noses buried in books, each lost in their own worlds yet entirely aware of the other’s presence. Outside, snow had just finished falling, casting a gentle white sheen over the world beyond the window.

Evangeline stretched out on the couch, her feet finding their way across Sebastian’s lap as he absentmindedly shifted to make room, neither of them needing to say anything as they settled in. She glanced over her book at him, watching the way his brow furrowed in concentration, the firelight casting warm shadows across his face.

And in that quiet, stolen moment, she felt the weight of everything settle over her—how deeply she cared for him, how easily they fit together, and how strange it felt to think about returning to Hogwarts, where everything would once again be complicated by the presence of others, by the reality of her relationship with Lysander, by the fact that she and Sebastian weren’t meant to be anything more than friends.

But here, with him, it was impossible to feel anything but a gentle, aching happiness.

Sebastian looked up then, catching her gaze. A soft smile curved his lips. “Getting bored?” he asked, his voice a gentle murmur that sent warmth curling through her.

She returned his smile, shifting her feet slightly as if that could somehow diffuse the tension that had thickened between them.

“Not at all,” she replied, her voice softer than she intended. “Just… thinking.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, setting his book aside as his gaze softened. “Dangerous business, that. What’s on your mind?”

She hesitated, glancing away for a moment, but there was something about the quiet warmth of the cottage, the way he looked at her, that made her want to answer honestly. “Just… how easy all of this feels,” she admitted, gesturing to the cozy scene around them. "Six months ago, I wouldn't have thought this possible."

Sebastian’s expression softened, his gaze searching her face as he absorbed her words. “Six months ago, I wouldn’t have thought so either,” he admitted quietly. His voice was steady, but there was an underlying vulnerability that she wasn’t used to hearing from him. “Feels strange, doesn’t it? How everything changes and yet… some things feel like they’re exactly where they’re meant to be.”

Her heart beat a little faster, her eyes meeting his as his words lingered in the quiet. “Yeah,” she murmured, feeling a warmth settle in her chest. “Exactly like that.”

Sebastian glanced toward the window, his gaze shifting to the faint starlight peeking through the frost-lined glass. A small smile crept onto his face, thoughtful and a little mischievous. “How about a walk?” he suggested, his voice light. “The sky’s clearing up—maybe we could get a proper look at the stars.”

Evangeline’s eyes lit up, but she hesitated, glancing down at her feet. “I’d love to, but my last pair of dry socks got soaked this morning.” She shrugged, chuckling softly.

Sebastian’s grin widened as he rose from the couch, brushing off her concern with a dismissive wave. “Lucky for you, I have plenty of socks to spare.”

He disappeared down the hall, returning a moment later with a thick, woolen pair in hand. “Here,” he said, holding them out to her. “They'll be a little big, since you've got fairy-sized feet, but they’ll keep your feet warm.”

Evangeline took them, her fingers brushing his as she did. “Thanks,” she murmured, slipping them on and feeling the cozy warmth spread through her toes. They were indeed oversized, but somehow that only made them more comfortable, as if she were taking a small piece of his warmth with her.

Once they were bundled in coats and mittens, they stepped out into the crisp night. Snow blanketed the ground, a fresh layer glistening under the silver light of the moon. The world felt hushed, as though all of nature was holding its breath, and the stars overhead shone with a fierce clarity, illuminating the sky in a way that made her heart ache with wonder.

They walked side by side down a winding path that led through the trees, their footsteps muffled by the snow, the silence between them thick with a sense of shared tranquility. Occasionally, Sebastian would reach out to steady her on an icy patch, his hand lingering just a moment longer than necessary before letting go.

Eventually, they reached a small clearing where the trees parted, revealing a perfect view of the heavens above. Stars scattered across the sky in brilliant clusters, and Evangeline tilted her head back, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air as she took it all in.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmured, his gaze shifting from the stars to her face, as if he were searching for something in her expression.

She nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them like this. It’s… like they’re closer somehow.”

Sebastian gazed up at the stars for a moment longer, then raised his hand, pointing to a particularly bright constellation. “See that one?” he murmured. “Canis Major. It’s supposed to represent the loyal hunting dog of Orion.” He traced the shape in the sky with his finger, drawing her attention to the bright star in its shoulder, Sirius. “That’s Sirius, the Dog Star. It’s the brightest star in the night sky. Legend says it represents loyalty and guardianship. Protectiveness.”

Evangeline followed his gaze, surprised he'd paid so much attention in Astronomy class, though her eyes traced the lines he’d pointed out. “A protector,” she said softly, glancing at him. “Seems fitting for you.”

He chuckled, though there was a touch of something serious in his expression. “Think so?”

She nodded, tucking her hands deeper into her pockets to shield them from the cold. “I do. It suits you. You’re… protective.” A faint smile tugged at her lips. “And a more than a bit stubborn."

Sebastian laughed softly, shaking his head. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“It is one,” she replied, her gaze lingering on the constellation. After a beat, she added, “Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if your Patronus was a dog of some sort.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “A dog?”

She shrugged, smiling a little. “Or maybe a wolf. Something loyal and fierce, the type of animal that sticks by the people it cares about, no matter what."

He shrugged, a slight smile playing at his lips. “When you put it that way… maybe I don’t mind being compared to a dog."

They continued walking, slipping into an easy rhythm as they wandered further down the moonlit path. The silence that followed was comfortable, each lost in their own thoughts as they took in the beauty of the snowy landscape around them. But eventually, Evangeline began to feel a shiver run through her as the cold seeped past her coat.

Noticing, Sebastian stopped and turned to her with a faint grin, unwinding the Slytherin scarf from around his neck. “Here,” he said, reaching out to drape it over her shoulders. “We can’t have you freezing before we’ve even made it back.”

Evangeline’s hands moved to protest, but the warmth of the scarf, and the scent of Sebastian clinging to it, was too inviting. She pulled it closer around her neck. “Thanks,” she murmured, her cheeks warming despite the chill in the air.

Sebastian crossed his arms, looking entirely too pleased. “I’d say green suits you.”

She rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips as they resumed walking. “Only a Slytherin would think that.”

They shared a quiet look before he nodded toward the path, his eyes glinting in the starlight. “Come on, then. Let’s get you back before I have to start carrying you.”

Once back inside the cottage, warmth quickly enveloped them, a comforting contrast to the frigid night air outside. Evangeline unwound Sebastian’s scarf from around her neck, but hesitated before handing it back.

Sebastian, already shrugging off his coat, didn’t seem to pay much attention as she tucked the scarf under her arm, a small, guilty smile tugging at her lips. He must have plenty of scarves, she reasoned. He wouldn’t miss one. And the thought of having a piece of him nearby—a small memento—felt comforting, like carrying a bit of this shared evening with her.

Sebastian shot her a quick grin as he sauntered down the hall. “Going to change."

She nodded, her cheeks still warm as she slipped into her room as well to pull on her pajamas. The soft cotton and fleece were a far cry from her outdoor layers, and she sighed in relief, reveling in the coziness. She slipped Sebastian’s scarf in her bag, smoothing it out and letting her fingers linger for a moment over the fabric before she turned back toward the hallway.

When she re-emerged, Sebastian was already in the living room, his dark pajama shirt and trousers a relaxed contrast to his usual attire.

“Comfy?” he asked as she approached.

Evangeline nodded, crossing the room and settling into the armchair by the fire, its warmth immediately enveloping her. She pulled her knees up, curling into the chair as Sebastian took his usual spot on the couch while the silence settled between them, comfortable and familiar.

Evangeline watched him quietly, her gaze lingering on the details she scarcely allowed herself to fully appreciate. The firelight danced over him, illuminating the slight scruff along his jawline and the lines of his face that seemed a bit more defined than she remembered. Somewhere along the line, he’d begun growing up—she realized with a soft pang. She noticed how his pajama sleeves, once a perfect fit, now rode up just slightly on his wrists, revealing the lines of his forearms and the faint shadows of veins that ran along them. The hint of adulthood in him, subtle yet unmistakable, made her pulse quicken.

Sebastian, seemingly oblivious to her gaze, leaned his head back against the couch, his eyes half-closed. A soft sigh escaped his lips, the sound almost melting into the warm crackle of the fire. He looked peaceful.

And then suddenly, the clock on the wall chimed, the soft notes echoing in the stillness. Midnight. Christmas.

Sebastian’s eyes opened, meeting hers, and a slow smile spread across his face as he sat up a little, his gaze softening. “Happy Christmas, Evie,” he murmured, his voice low and warm.

“Happy Christmas, Sebastian,” she replied, her voice barely a whisper as her heart raced. She kept her eyes on his, feeling her cheeks grow warm under his steady gaze.

Sebastian rose from the couch, his movements casual yet purposeful. He wandered over to the small Christmas tree in the corner, kneeling to retrieve a couple of gifts wrapped in deep greens and silvers, each tied neatly with white ribbon. His back was to her, but she saw the faint hint of a smile tugging at his lips.

"Alright," he murmured, glancing back at her with a glint in his eyes, “time to make it official. Let’s see if Father Christmas stopped by after all.”

Evangeline blinked, jolted out of her reverie. She’d been so caught up in simply watching him that she’d nearly forgotten about the gifts she’d brought. Feeling her cheeks warm again, she quickly pushed herself out of the armchair and hurried to her room, rummaging through her bag until she found her carefully wrapped bundle of gifts. She’d spent ages choosing each one, thinking of things that might hold meaning for him, but now, with the quiet magic of the moment still lingering in the air, she suddenly felt nervous.

When she returned to the living room, she found Sebastian already settled back on the couch, his gifts neatly stacked on the small table between them. He looked up as she approached, his eyes softening at the sight of her with her bundle in hand.

“Thought you might’ve forgotten about me there for a second,” he teased, his voice low, though his gaze held nothing but warmth.

She managed a smile, sinking back into her chair and setting the gifts down beside her. “Never."

Sebastian reached for one of the green-wrapped gifts, holding it out to her with a playful grin. “Ladies first.”

She carefully unwrapped the paper, peeling it back to reveal a small, leather-bound journal with her initials embossed in gold on the cover. The pages were thick and cream-colored, and a small quill was tucked inside. She traced her fingers over the letters, her breath catching slightly. “Sebastian… it’s beautiful.”

He shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, though there was a hint of satisfaction in his expression, "It's a forget-me-not journal... charmed so that it always returns to the owner’s side when they need it," He explained, his gaze softening further as he watched her flip through the first few pages. Then, after a moment, he gestured to the gifts by her side. “Go on then. Let’s see what you’ve got up your sleeve.”

She picked up one of her carefully wrapped gifts, her heart pounding as she handed it over. Sebastian’s expression grew curious as he tore away the paper and opened the box, revealing a small, elegantly stoppered vial filled with a swirling, golden liquid. He turned it in his hand, the shimmering contents catching the firelight, his eyes widening as he recognized what it was. “Evangeline… is this—?”

“Felix Felicis,” she confirmed, a bit shyly. “I know how much trouble we got into last year trying to find a vial. So… I thought maybe you’d like your own.” She laughed softly. “I spent months trying to get it right, following every rule— it was quite the endeavour, if I'm honest."

He was silent for a beat, his thumb brushing over the vial, visibly awed. “You made this for me?”

She nodded, biting her lip nervously. “I thought… if you ever need a bit of extra luck. Merlin knows you find enough ways to get yourself into trouble.”

Sebastian’s eyes softened, and he carefully set the vial down before looking at her with an intensity that made her heart pound. “You didn’t have to go to all that trouble,” he murmured, his voice lower, as though he were struggling to find the right words. “But… thank you."

He held her gaze a moment longer, and then, as if realizing he’d almost said too much, he looked away, his cheeks faintly pink. “Alright, my turn,” he said, picking up another of the gifts and holding it out to her.

Evangeline took it and carefully peeled back the green paper, her fingers trembling slightly as she revealed a small, elegant satchel with a soft, worn-in leather texture. She looked up at Sebastian, a mixture of curiosity and surprise in her eyes.

“Wow, Sebastian... this is such a beautiful bag,” she breathed, tracing her fingers over the smooth surface.

Sebastian grinned, clearly pleased with himself. “Not just any bag. Here, watch."

He leaned over, taking the satchel from her hands with a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Let me show you,” he said, and in one swift motion, began picking up random objects around the room—a few books, a teacup, even a throw pillow from the couch—and tossed them into the satchel.

Evangeline watched, half-amused and half-baffled, as he kept adding things, the bag barely bulging under the growing weight. When he was done, he handed it back to her with a triumphant smile.

“Now, think of something you want from the bag,” he instructed, gesturing for her to give it a try.

She took a breath, humouring him with a skeptical smile as she thought of one of the books he’d tossed in. Almost instantly, her fingers brushed against it, and she pulled it out, marveling at how easily it had appeared.

“Oh, Sebastian, this is incredible!” She ran her hand over the bag’s smooth leather, the realization dawning on her that this was no ordinary charm. “It’s like it knows exactly what I’m looking for.”

Sebastian’s grin widened. “Because it does. No more endless digging for whatever you need; just think of it, and there it is.”

She stared at the bag, overcome by how thoughtful—and genuinely useful—the gift was. “How did you even think of this?” she asked, her voice full of wonder.

He shrugged, trying to look casual but clearly pleased by her reaction. “I noticed how you’re always carrying around way too much stuff. Figured it might help you actually find what you're looking for,” He paused, a hint of softness entering his voice. “Besides, if you’re going to be off getting into all sorts of trouble, you’ll need to be prepared.”

Evangeline chuckled, a warmth spreading through her chest as she glanced down at the bag, feeling a surge of gratitude for his thoughtfulness. “Well, it’s perfect. Honestly, I don’t know how you thought of something so… exactly what I needed.”

Sebastian’s expression softened, his gaze holding hers for a long, unspoken moment. Finally, he reached for another small bundle, handing it to her, “Alright,” he murmured, his voice almost shy. “Last one.”

She took the gift, her fingers tracing the delicate edges of the wrapping before she carefully peeled it open, revealing a small candle encased in a glass holder, the wax a soft shade of purple. Her brow furrowed in curiosity, looking up at him.

“A companion candle,” he explained, watching her reaction closely. “It’ll light up whenever the person you’re thinking of the most is also awake.” He rubbed the back of his neck, as if trying to brush off the vulnerability in his voice.

"How lovely," She murmured as she reached for the candle’s lid, lifting it with a faint tremor in her fingers. The moment it came free, the wick flickered to life, as though it had been waiting for her touch. Its soft glow filled the room with a warm, golden light, and the scent of vanilla and lavender drifted between them.

Sebastian watched the flicker of the flame, casting its soft glow across her face, accentuating the warm curve of her smile and the gentle sparkle in her eyes. He couldn’t help but wonder, for the hundredth time since he bought the candle, who the it might connect her to—was it him, right now, as he sat here beside her? Or could it be someone else entirely? The thought twisted uncomfortably in his chest. It could even be Lysander, he supposed, and that thought made him hesitate, his gaze flicking to the flickering flame.

But before he could dwell on it, Evangeline’s soft voice pulled him from his thoughts. She held the candle close, watching the flame with a tender smile as she murmured, “Well, I guess now I'll always know… if you’re up causing trouble at odd hours.”

Sebastian’s heart stilled, her words sinking in slowly, their meaning filling him with a quiet thrill and palpable relief. His mind raced, replaying the words in his mind. The candle had tied itself to him—of all people. It was him that Evangeline thought of most often, him sparking the candle’s flame.

He felt his lips curve into a soft, almost bashful smile, trying to cover the swell of happiness by brushing off the comment with his usual humour, “Trouble?” he echoed, feigning innocence. “Me? I’m practically a model citizen.”

She gave him a playful, knowing look. “Uh-huh, sure,” she teased, rolling her eyes. “You’re practically a Slytherin saint.” Then, with a gentle smile, she reached for her own final gift, retrieving a small box, “For you,” she said, her voice a soft murmur.

He chuckled, but there was a softness in his gaze he couldn’t quite hide as he took it, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before he carefully peeled back the wrapping, uncovering a smooth, dark case.

Inside, nestled in velvet, was a delicate glass vial, its contents swirling with a faint, silvery shimmer. Sebastian’s breath caught as he looked up, meeting her gaze with a mixture of surprise and wonder.

“Another memory,” she explained, her voice barely above a whisper. “One I... thought you might want to hold on to."

He smiled, tilting the vial gently as the memory swirled within, "I can't wait to see which one it is this time."

Evangeline’s lips curved into a soft smile, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “Well I'm not going to ruin the surprise,” she murmured.

With a smile, Sebastian slipped the memory back into its case, his fingers brushing over the smooth velvet with a reverence that made her heart ache, and before she could stop herself, she reached out, gently pulling him into a hug. Immediately, his arms were around her, strong and sure, wrapped her in his warmth. His hand pressed gently against her back, his fingers splaying as if he wanted to memorize the feel of her there. She relaxed against him, letting herself melt into his embrace, her cheek resting against his shoulder.

Sebastian’s chin brushed the top of her head as he held her close, his heart pounding in a way that felt unsteady, vulnerable. He could feel the softness of her against him, every breath in sync with his, and for a fleeting moment, he let himself hope—let himself feel the way she fit perfectly there.

He knew he should pull away, that he shouldn’t linger like this, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to let go. His fingers found their way to her hair, brushing a soft strand away as he pulled back, just enough to look down at her. Her hazel eyes met his, and Sebastian could feel his unspoken feelings clawing their way up his throat in the quiet.

Their faces were close, close enough that he could see the faint reflection of the candlelight in her eyes, feel her breath warm against his cheek. A heartbeat passed, and then another, as though the whole world had narrowed to just this moment, just them.

But finally, with a gentle squeeze, Sebastian forced himself to pull back, the ghost of a smile on his lips. “Happy Christmas, Evangeline,” he whispered, his voice low, holding a softness that was just for her.

Her own smile mirrored his, warm and steady as she whispered, “Happy Christmas, Sebastian.”

Late into the quiet hours of the night, Sebastian lay on his bed, his room dimly lit by the soft glow of his own companion candle, still flickering on his nightstand. He watched the flame closely, feeling a slight tension in his chest as he waited for it to go out. His fingers traced the edge of the memory vial, its delicate glass smooth under his fingers, while his thoughts drifted to the scenes it might hold.

He’d been so tempted to view the memory earlier, but something about doing so while Evangeline was still awake felt too revealing, too personal, and the last thing he wanted was for her to somehow sense his presence in her thoughts. So when the candle flickered out… when she’d fallen asleep… then he’d be free to let his curiosity slip into her memory, to see this moment she had chosen to share with him.

It felt like it took ages before the flame wavered and went out, leaving the room in near darkness. A mix of relief and anticipation fluttered in Sebastian's chest as chest he took a breath, steadying himself as reached under his bed for the pensieve she had gifted him.

Setting it on his bedside table, he poured the silvery contents of the vial into the pensieve, watching the memory swirl and settle. His heart pounded, a blend of curiosity and anticipation making his movements careful as he leaned forward, letting himself be drawn into the memory Evangeline had chosen for him.

As the memory sharpened around him, he found himself in the grand hall of the Solstice Ball, every detail vividly brought back to life: the sweeping, ornate decor, the glittering chandelier casting soft, romantic light, and the quiet murmur of distant voices blending into the melody of a slow, stately waltz. For a moment, anxiety twisted in his stomach, worried that the memory she’d chosen to share might show something he wasn’t prepared to see. A memory with Lysander, perhaps, or a glimpse of her feeling genuinely at ease within the stiff rituals and grandeur of pure-blood society.

But then, she and Ominis materialized before him, smiling at each other as they finished their dance. And then, he saw himself approaching from across the room and the breath she held in her chest as he drew close. It was then that he noticed how Evangeline's gaze lingered on the finer details—the slight, self-assured smirk he wore, the uncharacteristically intense way he looked at her as though he were seeing her for the first time.

As the memory continued, Sebastian found himself captivated by the way Evangeline had experienced their dance. Everything beyond their shared space was muted, softened into indistinct shadows. The vastness of the grand hall, the elegance of the other guests, even the opulence of the Solstice Ball decorations—all of it had faded into a hazy backdrop in her memory. It was as if, in that moment, she’d seen nothing and no one but him.

He watched himself dance with her, his touch at her waist light but firm, his gaze lingering on her face with an intensity he now knew she’d noticed, even in those fleeting moments. The small gestures he’d made—the way his thumb traced over the back of her hand, the slight pull to bring her closer—were magnified in her memory, each touch and glance recorded with perfect clarity.

Her focus shifted as he leaned closer, her attention drawn to his smile, the curve of his mouth, the way his eyes softened whenever she met his gaze. Sebastian felt a surge of warmth realizing she had noticed these details so closely.

And then, as the final notes of the second dance began to fade, he saw himself pause, his reluctance to let go as apparent as her own. They lingered together, the air between them thick with the unspoken, but eventually, he watched himself step back, forcing himself to let her go.

Sebastian expected the memory to end there, his heart already heavy as he watched himself turn and walk away. But it didn’t. Instead, the memory lingered, holding steady as he watched Evangeline’s form move toward Lysander. And just as she neared him, something unexpected happened: she hesitated. Her steps faltered, her body shifted, and before she fully reached the Ravenclaw, she cast a glance over her shoulder.

Sebastian’s heart stilled. In that fleeting, tender look, she followed his retreating form, her gaze lingering on him in a way that felt unguarded, searching, almost reluctant. She had turned to Lysander as he had expected—but her focus had remained on him.

In her memory, Lysander’s figure was blurred, an indistinct silhouette against the brightness of their dance. Sebastian had been the only one fully in focus, as if even then, even after stepping away, he was still the one who held her attention.

The memory’s edges began to blur, the ballroom fading until Sebastian found himself once more sitting sitting alone in his room. He let out a long, shaky breath, his heart full of emotions he hadn’t expected. The memory had held more than he could have hoped, more than he could have ever guessed.

Setting the empty vial gently back on his bedside table, he allowed himself a smile, the ghost of hope flickering within him.

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

26 notes · View notes

bhaal-battle-beer-bard · 4 months ago

Text

Astarion x Tav

📜🪶📜🪶💙🎻🫧🌹🌸🌹🫧🎻💙🪶📜🪶📜

request: for @aristenfromwarsaw

Fangtastic days of our lives

➹summary: a comforting day/evening in the life of Astarion and his love Aristen after post-game settling down, takes an unexpected turn as Astarion while enjoying his new found life and love, sees something of interest…

➹pairing: Spawn Astarion x F!Tav (Aristen by @aristenfromwarsaw)

➹content/tags: fluff, comfort, romance, smuty flirting, fun, slice of life, little tiny bit of angst and guilt

➹word count: 5,036 ➹ao3

➹cameos: @evander-jane Devana Lysander @alpydk Ragnar @goromimii @pinkberrytea (by order)

➹a/n: another belated birthday present for @aristenfromwarsaw Thank you very much for all the great photoshoots you always did for me, just like that. Such things really fill my heart with joy. I hope you like it. Thank you for trusting me with your Tav Aristen. I take writing other OCs really serious, because an OC is very personal thing and it is way harder to get them in character. I used the infos/backstory you gave me once about Aristen for the best I could.

📜🪶📜🪶💙🎻🫧🌹🌸🌹🫧🎻💙🪶📜🪶📜

Fangtastic days of our lives

Teak, mahogany, oakwood, dried tobacco with the hidden essence of vanilla. From somewhere the sweetness of honey and roasted nutmeg.

These were impressions of antique wood, boiling kettles, clanging beer mugs and laughing voices that filled the Elfsong tavern.

It was like a honey-colored, subterranean, starless sea.

A sea of people, scents, voices and music.

A sea of life that would envelop the coming evening when the sun would have completely disappeared, making way for the aurora again after the starry night.

Astarion was acutely aware of his surroundings. Perception meant survival.

But not today…not anymore.

He could simply explore and enjoy his surroundings while he waited for his beloved:

Aristen the storm sorceress and former daughter of Bhaal. She was able to walk in the sun and as a vampire spawn he had to wait until the sun had made the rays that were fatal to him disappear.

That didn't matter to Astarion. He was used to the night.

But he never wanted to go back to that cold, lonely life.

The Sorceress, along with the other companions, had freed him from slavery once and for all. But it was she alone who had given him back the vision of his eyes, of his entire senses. Astarion could sit in the tavern and just be, taking in the surroundings of life.

No more looking for victims. No more fear. Never again.

The Elfsong Tavern was full of life and he was part of it.

So after hundreds of years, Astarion could finally taste life again. See it. Hearing it with his pointy ears and feeling and smelling it warmly with the scent of pumpkin, butterscotch and spicy beer.

A quite pretty bard with white freckly tattoos on her face and braided crimson hair beneath her Tiefling horns played the lyre on the Elfsong stage. Astarion noticed dagger-shaped earrings on her pointed ears. The Avernus fire of her origins blazed in her blue eyes as she sang:

“Empty kisses, shallow words,

Fiery passion only hurts

When the sorrow takes an oblivion hint

Will you cure and begone with the wind…”

Astarion continued to look around while the sadly whispering voice reached his elf ears.

“I hope someone sings a song like that for me too. Such expressions of love really manage to make me weak,” sighed a tall black-haired woman, whose face bore at least as many tales of adventure as freckles.

"Me too. But I really hope that the ballad has a happy ending,” replied a long-haired beauty at her table. The human woman's wavy, light hair framed a gentle face with captivating blue eyes.

“Oh you heard that? Oh no! ", the adventuress, ashamed, put her hands on her head with her side-braided hair and covered cringing with embarrassment one of the green eyes. "I should stop talking loudly to myself."

The other woman laughed a little and her wavy hair swayed on the shoulders of the long, light dress with floral embroidery: “It’s all good. I won’t tell anyone else.”

She winked briefly.

“But tell me…” she took her hands away from her face with the little different eyes, “…you’re not from Baldur’s Gate either, right? You also speak with a different accent than me.”

"Correct. I come from the East..."

“What did she say? Sêlune guide me?”

Astarion was distracted by an almost desperate voice that sounded at least as concentrated and angry as it was beer-soaked.

He saw a barbarian sitting at the next table, holding his beer mug almost too tightly.

The raised dark blonde hair did not distract from the piercings and black war paint, which Lae'zel would certainly have approved of.

“Okay, can I memorize this Sêlune prayer or not?” he muttered to himself and downed the beer in one gulp.

Astarion had seen him before and that evening he had stared at Shadowheart the whole time. Was the barbarian building up – or drinking up - the courage to speak to Shadowheart next time?

The vampire was distracted from the barbarian when a pale woman walked past his table accompanied by a brown-haired man. He noticed them because they both had scars on their faces. But no, that wasn't it at all. Something else drew his attention to them...they smelled somehow, almost reeked of...swamp? No magic.

That same hidden scent of feymagic that came from the black haired adventuress with the freckles.

The woman's pale face was friendly, almost cheerful. She enjoyed the music and the sad ballad. Did she know the feelings and sad love that the Tiefling woman sang about?

Astarion was all the more struck by the face of the dark-clothed man with the scarred hands who accompanied her: he was rigid and joyless and his eyes had an almost malicious shimmer. He didn't seem to suit her. He walked rigidly like an aristocrat or a trained soldier, or was he rigid because of the blade - that was clearly visible to the Rogue - that he wore under his clothes?

The man's gaze fell on the bard's dagger earrings. But not only the brown-haired human looked at the earrings, but also a white-skinned, tall elf who walked behind him. Astarion didn't know what was more noticeable: his large deadly sword, the long white hair, the black tattoos on his face, or...or the earrings in the shape of a dagger that hung from his ears.

He nodded almost imperceptibly to the bard and she returned his nod briefly.

Frowning, Astarion averted his gaze and looked around the taproom.

Many of the guests listened attentively to the ballad. Couples in love held each other tightly and some wiped a tear from their face.

“…in the dark of the night I see your tears

Rubies glisten full of pain

Rage and misery

Don’t get lost in brandy, bergamot and rosemary”

The ballad finished gently and the bard stood up.

"Thanks! And now for the bard duet!”

With a wave of her hand, she invited her partner onto the stage.

Wild white hair adorned the scarred drow face. It looked like survival for Astarion.

She could be young and old at the same time, that's how it was always with the elves. Young pretty faces and centuries behind them. Sorrow, suffering, joy. Everything was possible.

The narrow waist with the subsequent curved hips and thighs with short pants was adorned with a weapon belt with a sword and a flute.

The skilled hand whirled out a shiny silver flute and the duo began to play:

„Two bards do the trick, because bards do it better

Drow or Tiefling, it doesn’t matter

Shiny white hair, or wagging tail

Their persuasion will never fail“

They quickly changed the melancholic mood and the silver flute had a captivating sound, as if it were a homage to a goddess.

“One plays the flute, the other smashes lutes

Buy us a drink and we’ll tell you who is who“

A Tiefling whose rosé colored hair matched her white pink frilly clothing cheered enthusiastically to the tavern song.

Astarion heard her applaud with a giggling laugh. Cute little laughs with a sweet smile upon her light face.

It was that kind of sweet laugh that told the vampire how innocent, unspoiled, kind and naive the person was.

Yes, the delicate Tiefling woman was a sweet, innocent thing, Astarion could tell that with just a sideways glance of his red eyes. The sweet and naive kind of girl that immediately fell for him. Who he easily ensnared and seduced for Cazador. Or was she one of the people he would have avoided because they were so naive...innocent, undeserving of it? He would probably have avoided her if possible because such a sweet, lovely person didn't deserve to fall victim to the vampires.

Astarion closed his eyes briefly and grimaced at the emerging memories that he immediately wanted to repress.

Thanks to his beloved Aristen, he no longer had to do this.

He was free.

Cazador dead.

All of Baldur's Gate saved, saved from the Empire of the Netherbrain and the Mind Flayers.

Yes, thanks to the blonde adventuress whose fate was forever intertwined with his and all her other companions, he had escaped his fate as a slave. Their courage and their determination, with the help of the other fighters, allowed him to defeat Cazador.

But not only that, the storm sorceress had also given him love and patience. And the confidence to be better than Cazador. He didn't need blood-soaked, soul-eating power to be safe, to be worth anything.

Astarion would never have to hurt innocent people against his will again.

All thanks to her.

And yet Aristen did not consider herself to be good, nor to be lovable.

She loathed herself for her actions as a born Bhaalspawn, which she only dimly remembered. No one could hate her more than she hates herself.

And perhaps it was even worse for her, imagining every day what atrocities she had committed in the name of the God of Murder instead of knowing for sure.

She didn't see herself as a lovable hero, a savior. Astarion wished so much that she could see herself through his eyes just once. Then she would finally forgive herself.

The problem was that the sarcastic vampire had never said that to her and perhaps never would. There would always be something gnawing inside him, at his battered heart, that would prevent him from casually revealing his innermost, deepest feelings. What if he did lose her to someone else one day? If it would not be an arrow or observer to steal her from him? How could he then pretend that his vain heart had not been destroyed for all eternity?

Darkness crossed Astarion's face at all the thoughts and he shook his head with his white curls to drive them away.

Once again he let his gaze wander over the audience, while his pointy elven ears only casually listened to the singing of the bards. It was only thanks to his beloved Aristen that he was able to recognize the diversity of the guests gathered. To be recognized again.

It had once been a faceless mass. At some point, after all the years of slavery under Cazador, the people in the taverns had become nothing more than a uniform mush to him. Victims, cattle like sheep, to his master. Criminals who hurt him and whom he hurt in return and they became victims of the vampire lord.

Dark, blank faces.

Without eyes, without soul. Just like Astarion himself had felt.

But after Aristen came into his life - with the craziest tentacle adventure of his life - everything had gradually changed.

First he recognized her blue eyes, then her face. The smile of her lips plagued by guilt and bloody ghosts of the past. The same smile as his own.

Then he saw all the faces, the people, their stories and lives again.

He saw the colors. The differences and the similarities. He heard the voices, the laughter, the music. He noticed the scents and smells again. Astarion saw joy and life again.

A scent that stood out from the rest of the tavern's smells suddenly tickled Astarion's nose.

Orchid drifted discreetly from the front door.

A slightly tickling shiver ran over the tips of his elf ears, while Astarion was already peering towards the door with large, round eyes.

Like the true epiphany she was, a blonde woman made her way through the elven song. Her appearance truly stood out from the rest of the tavern's audience:

Her delicately pinned hair and a ladylike, sweeping blue dress made her truly look like a lady of name and rank.

Astarion smiled as he looked at Aristen's appearance.

She always made an effort to look chic and beautiful, no matter what the circumstances. Like a true lady who belonged in a ballroom and not a tavern.

A ballroom, not a bhaalroom.

But Aristen loved all facets of life and also sat in the meadow under a tree in the forest with her fancy dress on.

If Astarion had his way, then very soon she would be pressed into the grass beneath him with the dress rumpled.

He chuckled dirtyly to himself as he couldn't help but think of that thought. And before he even thought about the first visit to his grave together, he shook his head and pushed it all away from his white curls.

"Darling..." Astarion stood up after Aristen made her way to him, having spotted him with a smile beaming with joy, "...you give me all sorts of ideas as always."

“What do you mean?” the high elf asked in surprise and blinked in confusion because she couldn’t follow him.

“Nevermind little love,” Astarion grinned mischievously and briefly kissed her delicate hand in greeting. He gently stroked Aristen's hand again as he slowly lowered it.

“The sun has already set enough for you to go out, Astarion,” his lover informed him. She would pick him up when it was safe for him outside.

"I've already run errands from a few merchants," Aristen spoke as the two left the tavern.

"Nice. Then we can now buy the rest together. Have you got everything so far?” asked Astarion.

The blonde nodded as they stepped outside.

Astarion sucked the air outside the elfsong into his lungs. Had breathing changed since he became a vampire? After all, he was undead.

Astarion didn't know. He couldn't remember, it had been too long.

In addition, the past no longer counted - smiling, he glanced furtively at Aristen who was carrying the basket with the purchases - only the present and the future counted.

“Yes, I did the grocery shopping that wasn’t of interest to you,” the blonde laughed and winked knowingly. “There was wonderful blossom honey, I couldn't resist,” enthused the sorceress, rolling her eyes heavenly at the thought of it and licking her lips in anticipation of the taste of the honey.

“Then I can taste it from your lips and tongue,” Astarion whispered seductively.

"What?"

“Oh, nothing…” the pale elf just grinned again.

His pointed ears were suddenly tickled by the brush of her lips as she leaned in very close to him.

“I heard you very well, my dear,” she whispered to him, her blue eyes sparkling meaningfully at him after she leaned back and gave him a knowing smile.

The vampire laughed. It was a serious laugh. It went from its sonorous, seductive, dirty murmur to a deep rumble before dying out in a high-pitched spike.

“I saw such a beautiful pair of earrings in the window at the Glitter Gala,” sighed Aristen languidly after she continued the story.

“So why didn’t you buy it, darling?”

Aristen shook her head: “Because it’s not necessary. I prefer to save our money for important things. After all, magical artifacts are expensive and the most important thing is that we find something that makes you immune to the sun.”

Yes, that was the ambition and current mission of Aristen and Astarion: to find a way for the vampire spawn to walk in the sun again.

Their friends also kept their ears and eyes open.

Gale read every book that might contain useful information.

Shadowheart, as well as Lae'zel on her travels through the astral planes, always sent them messages when they heard about mysterious artifacts.

And Halsin and Jaheira also reached out to all their acquaintances from near and far.

"If you hadn't used so much of our gold to rebuild the city and help its people, then you could afford any jewelry you wanted," Astarion nudged her with his shoulder and winked knowingly. The slightly accusatory tone was just an act.

“You know I wanted to try to somehow make amends for my actions when I was under Bhaal's control. This will never work, I know that. I can't bring back the people I killed. But I can at least try to help those left behind. It's too little. It’s no consolation…but at least it’s something.”

There was sadness in the blonde's voice. The look in her blue eyes was sincere before they slid slightly to the ground.

Astarion didn't like that, so he decided to cover up the whole thing: "I don't know what you're doing with this penance and compensation anyway."

He casually folded his arms behind his head and sounded as indifferent as he could.

“But…” he grinned playfully at the blonde Sorceress, “we could visit The Counting House again with Minsc. Then we have enough money to play benefactors and buy jewelry and beautiful clothes.”

Aristen raised an eyebrow with an amused grin: "You want to volunteer to do something with Minsc, really?"

“Now that you mention it…argh…better not. You may find him amusing, but he's always bursting in to chatter about his hamster at the most inopportune times. The guard almost caught me picking the lock of the Tabernacle when he suddenly stood loudly behind me, screaming my name and his hug almost broke every bone in my body.”

“What did you want at the Stormshore Tabernacle outside of opening hours?” Aristen asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh, nothing!” Astarion quickly dismissed the topic. Too fast.

“What’s next on the list for today?”

“We really have to go to the Devil's Fee. It has finally opened since the devastating battle against the Netherbrain and the reprocessing. If there are special artifacts or information about them anywhere, it’s there!”

Astarion nodded eagerly and the two elves walked quickly through the streets of Baldur's Gate.

"Oh no! No no no!” Helsik shouted from afar as her eyes saw Aristen.

The Sorceress blinked in confusion at the violent reaction and she looked around to see if anyone else was behind her, as the shopkeeper thought she might be.

“Not you!”

"I? But…"

“Nothing but!” Helsik cut her off. “After last time, I already told you that it was too hot to be seen with you and that the store was off limits for now. After the fuss you caused with your little friend and the black-haired fuzzy head.”

Astarion grinned briefly. He knew exactly who the saleswoman was talking about. After all, they had learned of Bhaal's daughter's past and how she had been involved in the Grand Design.

“I have new business partners, so I don’t need loud attention, after all, hell operates quietly.”

“We don’t want to cause any problems, I swear!”

The vampire let his eyes wander over the lavish and devilishly mysterious display while Aristen soothed Helsik.

“We just want to buy an artifact or information. Nothing improper, nothing complicated, nothing dangerous. Just good old Mammon.”

“Child, you will never have as much gold as I want from you so that I can burn my fingers again because of you.”

"Are you sure? I'll pay any price...whether it's gold or otherwise. We're just looking for a way to break the vampire curse of being vulnerable to the sun. Please."

Helsik laughed briefly, compassionately, not maliciously: “Deary, at the Devil’s Fee we don’t break curses, it’s more about the other way. That should be clear to you from the name.”

“My Love…” Astarion slowly tore his eyes away from the display cases and stood next to Aristen again, “…let me talk to her. I think I can convince them better with less…emotional involvement based on old stories.”

“Are you sure?” Aristen asked, unconvinced.

“Of course, baby…” he was already pushed the Sorceress toward the exit, “…you go do the other errands in the meantime and leave this to me.”

Aristen left the devilish business and made her way to the large square of the lower city wall. She visited the arms dealers and her thoughts continued to dwell on the fact that if even devils couldn't find a way to free Astarion from his curse, who would?

She would never give up hope. Anyway, Helsik was probably right: if it was about help, then hell wouldn't be a good negotiating partner.

Maybe they should trust in nature, magic and clerics. The gods may not have heard Astarion then, but perhaps they could now request divine intervention?

The vampire could walk in the light of the Moon Maiden, perhaps Dame Aylin and Shadowheart could ask even more of Sêlune. Maybe she could expand her moonlight.

Perhaps…

“STOP IMMEDIATELY!”

Aristen was snapped out of her thoughts and the blacksmith who was stationed across from Sorcerous Sundries just handed her back Astarion's freshly sharpened dagger.

“COME BACK IMMEDIATELY!”

From the direction of the Devil's fee came rumbling, loud voices and, above all, lightning and sparks.

“Stop the criminal scum!” shouted a city guard. “Subject, let him stand still!”

“Where for?”

“That way!”

“Or rather there?”

“I thought I saw something in that direction…”

“Then I here, you there,” the steel armored guards rumbled.

The clatter of steel armor slowly faded from the blonde Sorceress's ears, but a perfume that differed from her own scent of orchid and rose reached her nose.

Aristen smelled cherries, musk, palmarosa, black pepper and…

“Does this belong to you, little mouse?”

…sulfur.

Raphael's slightly tanned complexion stood before her. His brown hair was done to perfection with meticulous work, as were his clothes. Large, sparkling brown eyes regarded her, both sublime and mischievous.

The devil in human disguise had the white-haired vampire in tow, holding him by the collar like a naughty schoolboy.

"Raphael..."

“So you still know my name. Ah…very good. Tell the wizard of yours that too. Hopefully he’s still looking for my crown?”

Aristen nodded: “We defeat the brain. The crown will then be at your disposal. That’s how it was settled.”

“Excuse me…” the vampire groused

The devil released Astarion, who grumbled and moved his shoulders.

“Stealing from a shop that has connections straight to hell, very very naughty.”

As was his style, Raphael moved his hands theatrically while his voice whispered mellifluously. The reprimand was more than just played as amusing.

“Anyway, you were there in vain. There is nothing to buy there that could solve the vampire's little “problem”. Otherwise they would all be walking around here freely in the sunlight. Or not?”

The devil made a sweeping gesture and looked around ostentatiously before laughing.

“I'll talk to Helsik and smooth things over, after all you don't sleep well in unmade beds like in clover. But tell your wizard that it is my crown. When he finds it, he has agreed to hand it over to me immediately. Not to Mystra and he certainly shouldn’t get the foolish idea of using it himself.”

“He is not my wizard,” Aristen clarified briefly, “Gale belongs to no one but himself. Mystra also has nothing to command him.”

“Does he see it that way too? Or does he like to be walked on a leash? He always just does what others tell him. After all, his own decisions are the stupidest I've ever seen...and I've literally seen it all."

“You mean as stupid as wanting to rule the crown of Karsus?”

“Haha…careful, little mouse,” laughed Raphael. “Just make sure I get the crown as quickly as possible.”

“When Gale finds it, you get the crown. That was the deal. We stick to that. But you'll have to be patient. It wasn't intended that the crown and the stones would be lost again, but it was hard to prevent it when the Netherbrain fell into the sea during the fight."

“I'm surprised you're so relaxed about this. You can't put me on a leash as easily as you can put the vampire spawn on a leash. Or was it rather the other way around and you Astarion put the former Bhaalspawn on a docile short leash?”

Mischief sparkled in the brown eyes of the human-shaped Cambion. There was a subtle, biting, malicious provocation in his words, which he spoke with a sonorous purr, as always.

Astarion's face contorted a little and the vampire barely suppressed a roll of his ruby-colored eyes. For a moment he seemed like a disgruntled cat.

"I think I liked you better when you just rhymed all the time," Astarion replied sassy.

Raphael laughed briefly, unimpressed: “Whatever. Less dawdling and making long fingers, but more diving for the crown,” reprimanded the devil with a raised eyebrow.

The devil wrinkled his nose slightly at the vampire spawn before turning back to Aristen and giving her his full attention.

“By the way, greetings from your fiery friend Karlach and her rapier-wielding colleague Wyll Ravengard.”

“Why are you ordering greetings from Karlach and Wyll? Have you met them?”

“Well, those two made themselves quite a name all around Avernus,” Raphael smiled in his smug way, “furthermore, I greatly welcome their actions against Zariel’s forces.”

He made one of his swinging hand movements with his manicured fingers: “I would like to invite you all to my House of Hope to linger, relax and chat. So you can catch up. You know, the Crown of Karsus is the key that grants you access. And until that happens…fare thee well, little mouse. I hope I will see you soon, knocking on the door of my house.”

As was his style, Raphael bowed expansively and his scent of leather, cedar, lily, rose, oud, vanilla and sandalwood disappeared into a swirl of sparks and sulphur.

“He hasn’t forgotten his flair for great performances. I don't know whether I should admire it or whether he's starting to get on my nerves with it," Astarion sighed briefly before straightening his shoulders and straightening his doublet with a quick tug.

"Anyways..." the vampire turned to another topic, "...I think it would be a good idea if we get out of the immediate area while the city guards are wandering around here."

The elf touched Aristen's elbow to encourage her to leave.

“What did you want to take from the store anyway, in the first place?” Aristen wanted to know from Astarion, curious and skeptical.

“Well…” he started to press and scratched the back of his white curls, “…I saw something…”

"And what was so terribly interesting that you would risk to be arrested by the Flaming Fist?"

“Well...it reminded me of you...and...I thought you should have it. But Helsik is really a cutthroat bitch with exorbitant prices.”

Aristen smiled good-naturedly: “Oh Astarion…”

“However…here…”

The vampire held out a white silk scarf to the storm sorceress.

Aristen's eyes widened. You could see from the shimmer and the way the fabric fell that it wasn't just silk that was woven there. It was definitely the weave itself and more that was at work there. Depending on how it fell and how you moved it, a golden blue shimmered.

“The scarf reminded me of the one you told me about. You know, the scarf with your name on it that you were found wearing as a baby in the Bhaal Temple. It’s one of the few memories you have left.”

The vampire took out a borealis blue thread from his pocket and began to embroider “Aristen” into the scarf.

“I wanted you to have something that you could never lose, that could never be destroyed, that had your name on it. Because if something ever happened again that made you forget...that made you forget yourself, at least you would always have your name with you. Then you know that you are Aristen. Not the daughter of the murder god. Not the chosen one of Bhaal. No Bhaalspawn. Just you. You are Aristen.”

The vampire began to embroider an “&” sign into the scarf.

“And well…” Astarion began to shuffle uncomfortably again and focused entirely on his work so that he didn’t have to look his lover in the eyes, “…if you ever forget something again, then you’ll know that we belong together. I don't want you to ever forget me. And so you also always carry my name with you.”

The vampire finished his work and the white scarf now embroidered with new memories read: "Aristen & Astarion"

“There is nothing in the world that would ever make me forget you, Astarion,” the high elf spoke softly.

She closed the distance between the two of them and kissed Astarion. The elf slowly closed his eyes as their lips met. His cool, hers warm. He felt her breathing life into him as they kissed.

"Thank you so much," the blonde said after they pulled away from each other, "you can't imagine how much this means to me. I love you, Astarion."

Aristen held the silky, white and blue scarf in her hands, stroked the pale elf's blue embroidery and smiled. "I think this used to be the color of your eyes too."

She smiled softly, as soft as the silky fabric of the scarf felt on her soft hands. Hands too soft for the crimes they had probably committed earlier in the name of Bhaal. In a previous life.

Aristen raised her eyes, which were also blue, and caught Astarion by surprise. Speechless.

That rarely happened.

Very rarely did the vampire find himself without words.

“Ah, I…” he took a breath to say something, but he lacked a suitable response, so he could only hold his breath, taken aback.

The gentle look in his lover's eyes and her words had triggered something in Astarion that he still couldn't handle: affection, sincere love.

Towards him and in his own heart.

The white-haired vampire exhaled and smiled just as gently at his beloved Aristen.

He reached out his cool hand to her and placed it against her rosy cheek. The blonde nestled herself a little in the vampire's hand and her gaze lingered lovingly in Astarion's now ruby-colored eyes.

“You never stop surprising me,” his whispering voice sounded sincere and just as genuine was the smile he continued to give her.

It was a smile that acknowledged how happy he was, partly surprised, partly just realizing that he wasn't really surprised anymore. And perhaps that was what surprised Astarion the most.

It was a day like any other.

A day like any other.

One day in the rest of their life.

Their life together.

And it was beautiful.

And he would never want it any other way.

📜🪶📜🪶💙🎻🫧🌹🌸🌹🫧🎻💙🪶📜🪶📜

➹a/n: i just gave my own Tav Saulus a little cameo guest appearance 😉 in the style of AU I also inserted aristenfromwarsaws other OC Devana, like a little, what are all the other tavs doing when not being the main character

the great Tavs of my lovely mutuals also did a tiny cameo:

Nala Hartwick of @evander-jane

Thomas Rosewood and Nana of @alpydk

Lovely Vierith of @goromimii jamming with my Saulus, best bardic duo

Mavka of @pinkberrytea

I hope I did the slice of life good justice and you all could taste, feel, smell, hear the life through all the description of scents, etc.

#is anyone else hungry after the description of the tavern? 🥵#can someone please tell me how to tap with long nails on y keyboard?! please!#i decided to let my nails grow a few month ago and it seems i have not written very much since than #i always tap the UP/hold button when tapping the str/up putton for the quoting marks that make me hold my fingers otherwise now and it hurt #and when I say long I do not mean very long only a little bit longer than manly short #and when a lovely writer can finally tell me and give me advices and layouts to bring my ff on tumblr in form that would be very nice #fun fact:it is crazy to play the game in your nat language and than have to google what da fuck is the store called in english?no clue #bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #baldur's gate #bhaal battle beer bard #astarion #me #mine #bg3 tav #astarion ancunin #astarion x tav #astarion x aristen #Tav: Aristen #Aristen: aristenfromwarsaw #aristenfromwarsaw #judasiskariot #my writing #writing #fanfiction #ff #fanfic #my fanfiction #bg3 fanfiction #astarion x f!tav

32 notes · View notes

pupsmailbox · 10 months ago

Text

FOX ID PACK

NAMES︰aiden. ajax. alfie. amber. arbusto. asra. auburn. aveline. bandit. bark. baya. bella. berrian. blanc. blanche. blanchette. bosque. bramble. briar. bush. bushette. buster. byakko. caelus. calix. cameron. canidae. canis. cedar. chepi. christel. cinnabar. cinnamon. ciro. claud. claudia. claw. clawette. cody. copper. corsac. crimson. dash. eira. ember. eris. faelan. faux. fennec. fern. finn. fira. flannery. fluffers. fluffy. flyn. forest. fox. foxen. foxette foxette. foxian. foxie. foxsse. foxy. frost. frostette. frostine. fyre. gale. ginger. grim. harlow. hazel. hiver. holly. hunter. invierno. james. jamie. kit. lily. liora. lira. lune. lysander. maple. mary. mirren. mischiefesse. mischiefette. neige. nevada. nieve. nixie. noir. nyra. nyx. orin. patches. paw. pawer. pawette. pawie. powder. red. redd. rena. renard. renna. reynard. rita. rogue. rojo. rory. rouge. rougette. rowan. rufus. runa. rune. russ. rust. rustesse. rustette. ruston. rusty. scarlett. scout. serin. sly. snow. snowball. snowbelle. snowy. socks. softse. soren. sorrel. sox. sylvie. talia. tawny. tod. todd. trixie. velox. vire. vivi. vivienne. vix. vixen. vixenne. vulpa. vulpes. vulpine. vulpus. vuvu. whisp. willow. winter. wyn. yako. yap. yappy. yara. yip. yippers. zephyr. zinn. zorro.

PRONOUNS︰ae/aem. artic/artic. bark/bark. berry/berry. bite/bite. blanc/blanc. burrow/burrow. can/canid. can/canine. canid/canid. canidae/canidae. caninae/caninae. canine/canine. chase/chase. chew/chew. chomp/chomp. claw/claw. climb/climb. den/den. dig/dig. fa/fang. fang/fang. fast/fast. fennec/fennec. fi/fer. floof/floof. fluff/fluff. fluff/fluffer. fo/fox. forest/forest. fox/fox. frost/frost. fu/fur. fur/fur. fwu/fwu. gnaw/gnaw. gray/gray. growl/grow. growl/growl. grr/grr. hide/hide. hide/hider. howl/howl. hun/hunt. hunt/hunt. hunt/hunter. hx/hxm. hy/hym. ice/ice. jump/jump. ki/kit. kit/kit. leap/leap. mischief/mischief. ni/nip. nib/nib. nibble/nibble. noir/noir. nom/nom. nussle/nussle. orange/orange. pa/paw. pad/pad. paw/pad. paw/paw. pawpad/pawpad. pelt/pelt. pounce/pounce. prowl/prowl. puff/puff. pup/pup. purr/purr. quick/quick. rabbit/rabbit. red/red. scream/scream. shx/hxr. shy/hyr. si/swift. silver/silver. sly/fox. sly/sly. snea/sneak. sneak/sneak. sneak/sneaky. sneaky/sneaky. sno/snow. snout/snout. snow/snow. soft/soft. spirit/spirit. swift/swift. ta/tay. tail/tail. thxy/thxm. thy/thym. tri/tric. trick/trick. trot/trot. twitch/twitch. vix/vix. vix/vixen. vu/vulpi. vulp/vulp. vulp/vulpine. vulpine/vulpine. wag/wag. whine/whine. whisk/whisker. white/white. wi/wild. wild/wild. winter/winter. woof/woof. yap/yap. yelp/yelp. yip/yap. yip/yip. yop/yop. zoom/zoomie. ⛰️. 🌲. 🌿. 🍁. 🍂. 🐾. 🥩. 🦊. 🦴. 🧡.

#pupsmail︰id packs #id pack #npt #name suggestions #name ideas #name list #pronoun suggestions #pronoun ideas #pronoun list #neopronouns #nounself #emojiself #foxkin #fox therian

80 notes · View notes

nextgensquad · 5 months ago

Note

I'm curious, what careers do you think the new generation will pursue? (Weasley, Potter, Malfoy, Lovegood, Lupine and Longbottom)

just gonna put my (pearl) answers here for now and publicly pressure everyone else to come and edit theirs when they have a moment! sorry it's taken so long, anon, i love this question <3

becca's answers now added too!

pearl:

victoire - my victoire is a v different from fandom typical victoire nowadays and she is a sporty, quidditch-obsessed jock who lives and breathes for the sport. one of the best captains gryffindor has ever seen, gets scouted for five teams out of school, including two french teams, and chooses the holyhead harpies like her aunt ginny.

dominique - unspeakable researcher at the department of mysteries. dom is into arcane witchcraft, crystals, tarot, astrology, things like that, which everyone else thinks is silly, but she puts a lot of time and effort into researching it and her discoveries catch the attention of the dom who send her an offer letter out of the blue. nobody in her family knows exactly what she researches down there but it makes her very good money. eventually, i think, becomes the divination professor at hogwarts.

louis - one of the only two academically gifted weasleys, he goes into politics after his uncle percy, which you may claim makes him a nepo baby... and you'd be right. doesn't actually have ministerial ambitions, and works in public relations, eventually becoming press secretary for the minister after percy.

molly - investigative journalist for a leftwing paper called the legacy, founded by susan bones a couple years after the war. she didn't start out as that, though, but worked her way up from fluff pieces.

lucy - out of school she makes her money drag racing and bartending, but hard to say what she'll do after that. she's very reactive and doesn't put a lot of thought into her future.

fred - magical engineer, taking muggle things and reverse engineering them and making them better with magic. probably arthur's favorite grandchild because of it.

roxanne - magical ice dancer, quits hogwarts after her fourth year to pursue it professional in the wizarding olympics called the meteorics

rose - artist, she's very smart but in a completely different way than hermione, also dyslexic so doesn't love academia even though she would if she didn't have to deal with hogwarts being completely unfriendly to kids with learning disabilities. mostly works with painting but also does other types of art

hugo - another one that's hard to tell, mostly because like lucy, he gives the impression of not caring very much one way or the other. also like lucy, it is a false impression, he cares very much, and is also super smart, just hides it well. i think ultimately his girlfriend edie urquhart (pansy's daughter) will be the breadwinner of their house though

james - just like victoire, a born and bred quidditch fanatic who gets scouted out of hogwarts and (unlike her and most hogwarts recruits), gets placed on a starting position at the falmouth falcons (one of the best teams in the leagues) at age 18. nearly monumentally fucks up his quidditch career at age 21 though.

albus - magical hacker, ran a black market ring of illicit muggle tech goods in his time at hogwarts and also likes to amuse himself by dicking around the ministry of magic's fledgling magic internet systems. this eventually gets him scouted for the aurors, mostly against his will.

lily - magical photographer, ends up working at the scamanders' magical creature sanctuary and kind of accidentally winds up doing public relations for them via her photography

scorpius - future comic book artist, once he gets over his internal prejudice about muggle things and his refusal to admit he likes comic books and drawing. also future wizarding art professor at hogwarts i think

teddy - he's in a band with his best friends that accidentally gets very famous

lorcan & lysander - run the magical creatures sanctuary their parents helped set up

jake longbottom - auror like his godfather harry

abigail longbottom - healer, with a special focus in magical neurobiology, in the hopes of one day finding a cure for her grandparents

becca:

teddy - loves working with animals and children but lacks any noticeable ambition; works a bunch of random jobs after school, to fund his real passion, which is mainly volunteering at various magical animal rescues. eventually in his late 20s gets around to following the career that's always been in the back of his head, care of magical creatures teacher at hogwarts.

victoire - the opposite of teddy, very driven and ambitious. goes into the department for international magical co-operation as an assistant and rises through the ranks to become a delegate to the international council of wizards.

dominique - could probably have been a professional quidditch player but takes a different route into journalism. writes an anonymous gossip column for a while, which causes upsets with the family when it's revealed. they forgive her, and she eventually becomes a travel writer.

louis - works for the wizarding wireless network, in the behind-the-scenes broadcasting team, where he works for years, and ultimately becomes a programme commissioner.

molly ii - works at obscurus books, initially as an assistant and eventually as an editor.

lucy - develops a passion for theatre at a young age and turns her school drama club into a travelling theatre company. will one day be one of the foremost magical theatre directors in the business.

fred ii - inherits his dad's entrepreneurial spirit and starts his own business with some friends, selling all sorts of magical illusions, spectacles and experiences, for pleasure and entertainment. highly experimental stuff and sometimes not quite legal.

roxanne - studies fashion design at the lugh school of magical art, in northern ireland, and designs beautiful clothes imbued with magic and charms.

rose - follows in her dad and uncle's footsteps and becomes an auror.

hugo - becomes a bestselling romance novelist under a penname (to hide his famous connections), it's big news when his identity finally comes out.

james - fails to make it onto a professional quidditch team out of hogwarts (for reasons unrelated to his quidditch ability) so takes a job at the ministry sports department, which he loathes, so quits and does bar work for a bit instead, before he goes into lower league quidditch and makes his way up to international player.

albus - overcomes his anxieties to become a healer, eventually specialising in pediatrics, he's especially good with other anxious kids.

lily - drifts about for a while, works some retail, slowly develops her baking hobby into something professional and in the end sets up her own little patisserie.

scorpius - uses his skill with intricate, technical charms to go into magical invention, essentially creating magical tech, particularly (in the end) forensic technology.

iseult malfoy - quidditch player for the holyhead harpies, teaches flying at hogwarts after she retires.

caelum malfoy - currently in my fic he's approximately eighteen months old so i haven't thought of a career for him yet.

lysander - starts a magical co-operative living project with lorcan and a bunch of their friends/partners, where he takes charge of the practical side and spends his days growing vegetables, mending roofs and caring for animals and children.

lorcan - lives in the same community as lysander but is a poet, philospher and stargazer.

aidan longbottom - photographer and filmmaker in the embryo magical film world starting to grow up.

sophie longbottom - actor and wardrobe mistress in lucy's theatre troupe

#hp next gen #hp next generation #james sirius potter #teddy lupin #albus severus potter #ask #anonymous

11 notes · View notes

littlelovelyra · 6 months ago

Text

Chapter 6: The Inconvenience (The Change Series)

"... My patience is wearing thin and I would very much like to relax with my girlfriend, yes you heard me, my GIRLFRIEND. Now get out or you will die sooner rather than later.”

AO3

Notes: Sorry this took so long! I've been busy with work lol - also for my other fics if you are following them, I promise updates are coming <3

Summary: You and your companions are celebrating the small victory of finally killing Auntie Ethel, saving the young girl from a horrible demise and reuniting her with her mother. The location of your celebration is at the speakeasy Astarion had previously taken you to (the one that has some special infused wine for vampire spawns like yourself) - later that evening your companions head back to the Elfsong continue your celebrations while you and Astarion take a walk to the docks…. and end up getting kidnapped, again. Great.

For ease all my work is 18+ minors DNI

Warnings: torture (ish if you squint its very very short), fluff, blood, fighting, language, let me know if i missed anything?

____________________________

Tav:

Laughter and cheers fill the air of the speakeasy you and Astarion visit frequently, because why would you pass up the opportunity for free beverages? Especially when said beverages were infused with ethically sourced humaniod blood. Glancing around the room you see Karlach and Halsin arm wrestling to see who’s the toughest, no doubt Karlach will take the victory, Halsin may be huge for an elf, however, he is just a big softie. You watch as the sweat beads atop the druid’s brow as Karlach flashes a knowing smile. You can almost see the veins in his hands pulsing as he strains to pin her and against all his efforts Karlach flicks her wrist in one movement pinning his arm to the table. Halsin’s head rolls back and a rumbling belly laugh fills the room as Karlach dramatically kisses her muscles while she flexes. These moments are rare since you are all occupied with taking steps to defeat the elder brain, the destination seems eons away as you are trying to help all your companions with their battles. Cazador was just one abuser on that list… you still needed to aid Shadowheart, Gale, Wyll, Lae’zel… the list goes on and on. But today… today was a small victory and you owed it to them to have a small respite to celebrate.

“Evening Tav, you look beautiful as always.” Lysander, the very flirtatious barkeep leans over the counter giving you his best smile.

“Evening Andy, as always you are too kind to me.” You return his smile with your own, knowing that Astarion is watching. This was one of the fun little games you loved to play with him, he gets so very jealous of Lysander and you find it quite adorable. “How has business been? Anything interesting happening as of late?” You bat your eyes and slowly brush your hair over your shoulder.

“Business has been busier since your last visit m’lady. I have noticed more of our patrons are requesting our… infusions.” He presses his lips together and his brow furrows in mild concern.

“Is that so? Well, Andy, you’ve piqued my interest! What can you tell me about these new patrons?” You keep your voice light and flirtatious but a wave of anxiety courses through your body. You know Sebastian is waiting to strike at any given moment and while your other half is not worried, you certainly are.

“I’m glad you came tonight, there is something I needed to tell you. There were four spawns here two nights ago, asking of you and your… friend.” Lysander always refused to acknowledge Astarion’s connection to you, but you let it pass this evening and allowed him to continue. “I knew they spoke of you as the descriptions fit. I had told them that many people visit this establishment and I couldn’t possibly keep track of every soul who walked through my doors.” He offers a sheepish smile as his face reddens. “I thought you should know… If you are in any sort of trouble m’lady… Let me try to help in any way that I can?” His hand momentarily touches yours in a show of concern, however, he releases it as he sees Astarion stalking over to the bar.

“So lovely to see you, Andy. This looks like a fascinating conversation, mind if I butt in?” Astarion glances at you raising his eyebrow, a subtle smirk appears as he wraps his arm around your waist.

“Andy was just telling me he had some people here asking for us. But he graciously turned them away. He offered help if we need it.” You smile sweetly at the barkeep and his eyes sparkle at your acknowledgement. “If anything comes up again, please see me at the Elfsong Tavern. We have the whole upper floor. Thank you again for letting me know but my companions and I should be going.” You nudge your head to the group just as Gale drunkenly knocks over a bottle of wine and you give Lysander an apologetic smile. “I know my drinks are complimentary but please take this to restock.” You place a pouch filled with 500 gold coins and his eyes widen in appreciation and shock at your generosity.

As your group leaves the speakeasy to make their way home you and Astarion fall slightly behind after letting them know you will see them in the morning. The pale glow from the moon illuminates the quiet streets of Baldur’s Gate as you stroll hand in hand towards the docks, only the sound of the wind dancing through the sails surrounds you and for once you feel a moment of peace. The soft tap of your footsteps along the dock echoes out over the still water that reflects the clear skies above, looking as if the water were the stars themselves.

While admiring the star-filled water, Astarion's arms wrap around your waist from behind pulling you into him and he places his chin atop your head, gazing out at the water with you in a comfortable silence. Eternity… You get to be with this man, eternally. Tears sting your eyes at the thought and an uncomfortable lump of emotion builds in your throat. How far the two of you have come from the first moment you met. After all the obstacles you have faced together most people would have crumbled to the pressure, but not you. Your love seems to withstand anything, and although you are far from being able to live a peaceful life you think to yourself that it wouldn’t matter as long as you had each other.

You are not sure how long you have been standing there lost in your thoughts but you feel a slight shift in how Astarion holds you. His arms seem to have tightened, his stance has widened and he now stands upright while his head slowly scans the area.

“My love, it seems we have some… visitors” He calmly whispers into your ear and you mentally ready yourself for a fight.

_________________________________________________

Astarion:

There is something about the still of the water you find yourself staring at while you hold her. Perhaps it’s the inky darkness or the way it reflects the stars… or it’s because of both. You would not be able to see the stars had the water not been so dark and it comes to mind that that is what Tav is to you, the light in the dark. With all the darkness that has surrounded you throughout your journey, she has been the light. You wonder to yourself if you would ever stop being in awe of her and deep down you already know the answer is no.

Something snaps your attention away as you see a shadow shift behind a barrel from the corner of your eye. Cautiously you glance around the area and notice three shapes slowly sneaking their way to you and your lover. Mentally you scoff at their amateur attempt at staying hidden, they clearly need some lessons in the art of being stealthy and you doubt Sebastian even knew where to start. Nonetheless, your grip tightens around Tav’s waist as you adjust your stance and ready yourself.

“My love, it seems we have some… visitors” Your voice remains calm and kept to a whisper. You feel her breathing become shallow as anxiety settles within her chest. “I will not let you go, you’ve got this and I’ve got you.”

Three vampire spawns spring out of the shadows and surround you, two males and a female, their crimson eyes glowing with hatred.

“Sebastian requires your presence, Astarion.” The female hisses in your direction. You vaguely remember her, the half-elf you had found one evening at the bar in Wyrm’s Crossing. Her hair was a pale blonde back then but it seems she has since changed it to an inky black.

“I hate to disappoint but we will politely decline.” Tav’s voice flows through the air with an eerie calm as you feel her body tense against yours.

They do not bother to respond, instead, they inch closer to you grabbing both you and Tav sending you disappearing in a cloud of red mist. Gods dammit, not this again. You think in frustration as you both appear in a familiar part of the Underdark. The bloody Underdark, of all places… you let out a loud annoyed sigh.

The three spawns quickly bind you and Tav together back to back and usher you to sit inside an inactive Faerie ring. This looks… familiar.

“The Faerie ring, does this look familiar to you?” You send a mental note to Tav utilising the tadpoles link.

“Yes, we’ve been here before. If you go slightly left, that crevice leads to the Kuo-Toa.” She proceeds to send you a mental image of the pathway leading to your fishy friends. “How are the binds? Do you think you would be able to undo them?”

“With some time, I may be able to get them loose-.” Your thought is cut off as you see the half-elf female approach you.

“Well, it seems like this is my lucky day. Sebastian can’t make it here as soon as we had hoped, but, he told us we could have some fun as long as you were left alive.” She flashes a wicked smile and pulls out a dagger, pressing the tip to your cheek just hard enough causing a drop of blood to spill.

“If you touch him again, you will regret it.” Tav’s voice cuts through the air sharply, every word laced with a poisonous promise.

“Last I checked, you were the ones tied up.” The half-elf drags the dagger down your chest and you press your lips together to muffle the scream that threatens to escape your throat. You will not let them hear you scream.

Tav wriggles behind you furiously “You’re going to regret that! I’ll kill you!” Her voice cracks betraying her.

The half-elf drags the dagger slowly up your left thigh and you concentrate hard on holding back the screams of pain that are trying to claw their way out. You slowly wriggle your bound hands trying to find any weak points in the binding and realise that they have not been tightened enough. Amateurs. You mentally scoff.

“If this won’t make you scream… perhaps this will.” The female walks around and runs her blade down Tav’s arm and she grunts through the pain. A rage settles in your chest and you promise yourself that she will pay for this. “I can get these ropes loose, they haven’t tightened them.” You pass a mental note to your lover as you stealthily release one hand and work on hers. “Be prepared to run.”

“I have a plan. Follow me once we get free alright?” She gently squeezes your hands that are loosening her bindings and it’s not long before her hands are freed.

Tav spits in the half-elf’s face which sends her tumbling back in disgust “Detono!” She sends the half-elf flying back landing in the middle of a small group of spawns. The two of you jump to your feet and you ignore the burning pain shooting through your body.

“Ira et dolor!” An ominous black mist encases the spawns and between the whispers of the fog, you hear blood-curdling screams as they attempt to escape.

Tav grabs you by the hand and sprints toward the crevice, leading to the Kuo-Toa and you climb down the cragged rock with haste.

As you reach the bottom you sprint towards the creatures stopping in place once they all turn their attention to Tav.

“Mahkloompah!” They yell in unison and bow their heads in reverence to your lover.

________________________

Tav:

“OH great and mighty Mahkloompah, to what do we owe this visit?” The one you know as ‘Pooldrip the Zealous’ waves his arms about excitedly as he awaits your reply.

“I have come to… issue you with a test! My… chosen and I are being bothered by a few vampire spawn. I could vanquish them with a flick of my wrist, however, I realised, that this would be an excellent test for my most loyal followers!” You spin around dramatically stretching your arms out to the many creatures surrounding you. “Mahkloompah’s blessing will be upon any followers who aid us in our safe return to Baldur’s Gate!”

The creatures roar with cheers and chant your name. “Oh, magnificent Mahkloompah… we shall pass this test! We will prove ourselves worthy of your blessings!” Pooldrip claps his hands together and bows his head. As you look toward the cragged rock you see the group of spawns closing in.

You dramatically usher their gaze towards the spawn and bow holding their stare outstretching your arms. A smirk spreads itself across your mouth “Kill them all. But leave the half-elf female for me.” As soon as the words leave your mouth your loyal followers descend, greatly outnumbering the ten spawn that have come to retrieve you.

As you look around the clashing bodies your gaze lands on the half-elf and you cock your head to the side. “Impero te.” The words slither out from you, snaking their way toward her and you watch her body lock into place as you dominate her. “Come to me.” You command and watch as she makes her way towards you, her eyes wide with fear.

As she finally stands in front of you a laugh escapes your mouth “Take out your dagger.” Another command fires out and she obeys. “Good. Now, do exactly what you did to my lover on your skin.” A rage bubbles under your skin remembering his muffled grunts of pain. Her eyes well with tears as she slowly carries out your order and an unfamiliar smile settles on your face.

You feel a hand on your shoulder and Astarion leans down to your ear “Tav, we can be better than this.” His voice is calm as he rubs your shoulder. “She hurt you Astarion.” Your words bite back and you feel a gentle squeeze.

“I know, I want to hurt her too for what she did to you… but… she’s angry, she has every right to be. I… took everything from these people.” The softness of his voice breaks your rage and you feel tears fall down your cheeks. “You did what you had to… he made you do this… do they not understand?” Your voice cracks as the sobs leave your body.

“I know, what’s done is done. Let her go Tav, it’s alright.” He kisses you softly on your cheek and wipes away the tears that have settled on your skin. You glance at the half-elf and release your hold on her. She stands there for a moment, blade in hand and you can see the thoughts running through her mind as she weighs her options. Astarion folds his arms around you and pulls you in close to his chest. “Go. Now. But know this, if you touch her again, I will not be willing to let you go.” With shaking hands he waves her off, before she leaves you see her eyes soften as she glances between you and Astarion and then disappears in that familiar red mist, the remaining spawn follow her lead and flee from the combat.

“Let’s go home shall we?” He whispers in your ear and places a soft kiss on your cheek. As you make your way toward the exit of the hidden cove Astarion turns to the Kuo Toa and clears his throat. “Mahkloompa is most impressed with your dedication, she finds favour with you all!” A roar of cheers and praise erupts through the air as you ascend and make your way to the nearest sigil.

In flash of purple light you and Astarion land at the top floor of the Elfsong Tavern and don’t bother filling in your companions of the recent events. You are both tired and in need of some healing, opting for the healing potions you keep in your private quarters. You notice the door to your room is slightly ajar and Astarion protectively walks in front of you using his arm to shield you as he pushes the door open and walks in.

“Oh for fucksake.” Astarion bites out. “Come to do your own dirty work now Sebastian?” Your body prickles with fury as you spin out of Astarion’s grip and stalk your way towards the spawn stopping halfway.

“You would know all about dirty work, wouldn’t you?” Sebastian spits back his eyes glowing with a red hot hatred.

“Shut your filthy fucking mouth.” A rage boils through you as you pull a dagger out from your boot as you throw it watching the blade slip through the air and land right next to his head, burying itself in the wall.

“What a temper she has Astarion. I must say, you chose well for that conquest, she hangs on your every word and is so willing to protect you. A smart move.” Sebastian chuckles softly as he looks at you with disgust. “He doesn’t love you, you know that right? Right?” He holds your stare and a smile plays on his lips. “Astarion… remember what we once shared? Why bother with her? Surely what we had is more… special?” You watch as Sebastian’s eyes turn seductive as if he was trying to lure Astarion back to him and your insecurities bubble within your stomach as he turns to face you. “Gods, you think he loves you, don’t you? Are you that stupid? Do you have any remaining braincells in that thick head of yours?” In a flash Astarion is at his side gripping Sebastian’s throat firmly.

“Do not speak to her that way again or it will be the LAST thing you do. What I have with her… transcends anything I have ever had.” He squeezes tightly and shoves his grip forward knocking Sebastian’s head back. “Now, what do you want? My patience is wearing thin and I would very much like to relax with my girlfriend, yes you heard me, my GIRLFRIEND. Now get out or you will die sooner rather than later.” Astarion’s eyes are ablaze with irritation.

Sebastian’s gaze flickers between you and your lover and you notice the unmistakable glimpse of envy that is soon replaced with humour. “Girlfriend? My how you’ve changed… very well, I’ll take my leave for now. However, this is not over until one of us dies and I assure you, it won’t be me.” He vanishes in that stupid red mist and you continue to stare at the chair he was once in.

“He was right there. We could have ended this.” Your voice is soft and void of emotion.

“It wouldn’t have stopped anything, he’s not the only spawn who hates me my love.” Astarion wraps his arms around you and pulls you into him, pressing your back against his chest. “Can we just take some healing potions, draw a bath and call it a day please? I refuse to let them get in the way.” He spins you around to face him and he puts on his best puppy pout. All the frustration leaves you and is swiftly replaced with warmth as you stare into those crimson pools, diving straight in and never wanting to resurface. You lift yourself on your tiptoes, wrapping your arms around his neck and you place a soft kiss on his lips.

“Girlfriend, huh?” Your smile presses against his lips and you feel him smile in return.

“Was that term not to your liking? How about… love of my life?” He kisses your forehead. "Wind beneath my wings?” He plants a kiss on your cheek. “The air in my lungs?” You feel a kiss on your jawline. “The beat of my cold heart?” A soft kiss meets your neck.

“Hmm, any of those will do, I suppose.” You flash him a playful smile as he arches his brow at you and his eyes dance to life. He goes to scoop you up but winces remembering the wounds that are still fresh on his body and yours. “Here, drink this.” You hand him a healing potion and take one for yourself chugging down the contents, already feeling a warmth spread over you. “Let’s get a bath going, we can pour a small extra healing potion in it as well to help speed the process.”

After a few moments you and Astarion are lounging in a warm tub. He sits behind you and you lean back into him resting your head in the crook of his neck with your eyes closed. He exhales slowly and wraps his arms around you pulling you in closer. “I love this.” He whispers out as he rests his head on the lip of the tub. “Me too.” You whisper back, your eyes still closed as you inhale deeply and release the air.

“Astarion?” You shift your head slightly to look at his face.

“Yes my sweet?” He glances down at you smiling.

“I never thought to ask… if you had thought about being with Sebastian when you first saw he was alive?” You are not necessarily worried about the answer to this question… more curious than anything.

“Little love… nothing compares to you, to what we have. When I saw him, I briefly wondered what I would do myself… but that would have meant losing you to chase something from my past that I have come to realise was not even close to love. What you and I have… its unlike anything I have ever experienced and I don’t ever want to lose that.” He continues to stare into your eyes as if searching them to see if his words have landed in your heart.

“I love you.” The three words spill from your mouth as you shift yourself around and pull him into deep long kiss.

“And I love you. We’ll get through this spawn situation, we’ll find a way to deal with it. We always do, but for now lets just enjoy some peace and quiet?” You nod your head in agreement as he pulls you in tightly and kisses you tenderly.

As you both finish your bath you pull a book from your dresser and hand it to Astarion as you climb into bed. He walks to the other side and props up some cushions to support his back as he sits up on the bed. You snuggle yourself in as he begins to read to you and the two of you spend the rest of your time like this until rest finds you.

7 notes · View notes

allmcl · 11 months ago

Text

❤︎ : MCL BOYS AS BOYFRIENDS !!

MCL BOYS . . . and little things about being in a relationship with them + habits they would have.

pairing. ot5 x f!reader

genre. fluff, little bit suggestive.

settle. established relationship ofc, this situates in mcl hsl since they´re teenagers in here.

content warning. mentions of sex in nath´s part but is way too subtle, kissing and the boys being whipped for you.

author´s note. i tried to make this as accurate and long as i could!! i love them so much :(

✧. - ̗̀ CASTIEL . . .

1. he would have such a SOFT spot for you, and it would be so obvious. you are basically the only one who can make him feel better when he is angry, and even though it may not seem like it, it is always very difficult for him to get angry with you. most of the fights you have are mostly in a joking way, mainly because he is way too patient with you, what makes it difficult for you to factually fight, and if it happens it has to be for a good reason. whenever he has a problem, or feels angry for some reason, he turns to you because he discovered that your presence calms him in some way, and he is more likely to take into account what you say about it than what other people say (literally does not care if someone tells him that something he´s doing is rude until you point it out). plus he can't help but give in to your attempts to make him smile when he's upset, which would bother him if it were someone else.

2. he would let you touch his electric guitar (which could result in homicide if someone else tried), he literally wouldn't care at all about trusting it to you. plus, I'm sure castiel would love to teach you how to play it, even if you understand absolutely nothing about music. from time to time he would teach you how to play easy melodies and tease you throughout the process, lovingly of course. it would be adorable to see him excitedly talking to you about something he likes, explaining in his own way how you should hold it, helping you by placing his hands on yours and smiling proudly when you achieve it. he wouldn't care if you couldn't do it, he'd really just enjoy spending time with you laughing when you hit the wrong note or when you forget what he was explaining to you. but it is true that he would be very excited to be able to share that with you.

3. so BOLD. i feel like all the time he would be saying the most out of pocket stuff that would make you blush intensely, and laugh about it because teasing YOU it´s his favorite thing to do. HE HAS NO SHAME, he wouldn't mind saying totally unexpected things in public or private just to see how your face immediately turns red. also would totally make dirty jokes just to watch your expression, also kissing you in public to fluster you would happen very often (i also feel like he wouldn´t do it in front of close friends, but would totally do it in front of strangers.) you could say that his main hobby is definitely embarrassing you.

4. SUCH A HEAVY SLEEPER, you could literally be shouting next to him but he would keep sleeping like a baby, not even MOVING the slightest. it´s funny because the only moment where he would actually wake up because of some movement, it would be when you pull away from his grip while cuddling for any reason. half awake he would simply mumble questions about why you moved, or just blink hard trying to see where you are so he can hug you again. his favorite way to cuddle would be spooning you, i don´t make the rules. he just loves feeling you snuggle against him and pull you closer. he woudn´t mind being spooned either if you liked it, but would prefer it the other way around.

5. he could be SO oblivious sometimes. like, for example, if you changed something in your looks he would take a good few minutes before noticing. or maybe with other things like you being mad. every time you would distance yourself from him because you´re angry, he wouldn´t notice. mainly because i feel like you two totally respect each other when needing space, but after you answering in a very sassy way he would just realize that maybe the reason of you distancing was something bothering you. he tries so hard tho to figure out these things 😭😭

6. used to dying his hair by himself since always, but it just takes a little insistence from you to let you help him. over time, it becomes a habit for both of you, so he always ask for your help whenever he´s about to start his hair treatment. it always ends up being a mess anyway, because he loves to get dye all over you whenever you do it just to annoy you a bit. (he also uses it as an excuse for you to massage his hair when washing it). and in case you would want to dye your hair he would gladly do it for you. but he just finds this moments so cute that he would do it so carefully and gently.

7. suddenly pull you into his lap to make you nervous, but actually enjoys a lot holding you. also loves to hold your waist, like, EVERYTIME. when you´re walking, hes already sliding his arm around ur waist. you two can be hugging and the first thing he would do is wrap his arms around your waist. the same when he´s kissing you, loves to pull you from the waist. would never admit how much he loves laying his head on your chest while cuddling, it soothes him.

8. for some reason i think castiel ignores EVERY message he gets. he´s just too lazy to answer, but only takes the time to answer yours. no matter the time, the place, or what he´s doing, he´ll type something back in response to whatever you sent. is also a huge hater on emojis, he would literally glare at the screen every time you send one. hate stickers too. ALSO HAS YOU AS HE WALLPAPER. would kill anyone who dares to tease about it. his phone has also a secret folder full of cute pictures of you. maybe sleeping, a blurry one walking, laughing, little videos of you two kissing, messing around, and he looks at every single one of them every time he misses you. he would be actually so shy if you ever saw it, he´s just so in love with you what can i say.

9. his kisses are the mos passionate thing ever. is just something about the way he makes you chase after him when he pulls away, the way even though he is normally unintentionally rough he completely changes when his lips are on yours. holding you so close to him by your waist, biting your lips from time to time, teasing you before actually kissing you, tracing the curves of your body while he deepens the kiss. he literally leaves you breathless every. single. time. the only way to fluster him is pulling him by his shirt and kissing him, he enjoys every time you do it even thought when you pull away you can see his blushing face.

✧. - ̗̀ NATHANIEL . . .

1. literally the most shy person at the start of your relationship. i think it would depend a lot when you two started dating. if it´s like in the game, he´ll probably won´t take long before actually being comfortable in the relationship. he´s been in one before, but the difference is that he never felt the way he does with you. i think he would anyway be so nervous to do almost anything. kissing, hugging, even expressing his love for you (which he does unconsciously anyways). he would wait for your consent before trying something like that until you literally have to explain to him that you´re totally fine with all of that.

2. he always find a way to help you anyway he can. it doesn´t matter what you´re struggling with, he will always be there to give you a hand. something i feel like something he always does for you, is remember the little things. i just think that nath is the kind of boyfriend who would be so attentive. he sometimes know you better than yourself, so he will always have your stuff prepared in case you need to go somewhere, he would bring you food he remembers you like, and would totally finish your homework for you when you´re too tired to do it yourself. he literally doesn´t care because he genuinely wants you to rest :(

3. SCARED of public pda. it´s not like a doesn´t want other people to know about your relationship or something, but he would never recover if someone saw you kissing, he´s just like that. anyway he´s totally fine with hand holding, you guys do it all the time. when he walks you home he always find a subtle way to graze his hand with yours until you get the hint (because he´s too nervous to ask you), and finally take his hand in yours. honestly, loves the intimacy it comes with it. loves to hold your hand under the table in a big group of people, while guiding you in crowds, while kissing, literally all. the. time. he takes hand holding even wen you´re both in bed, apart from the act itself, feels that holding your hand is a reminder that there are indeed feelings involved, gently intertwining fingers and gently pressing your hand from time to time in a loving gesture.

4. would love recommending books to you, and reading together. just laying in your lap while reading a book is all he needs to be happy. it´s okay tho if you don´t really enjoy reading, he just likes doing it in your company. in the case you like movies better, he would be fine watching anything you want, but secretly really likes romance movies. i strongly think that he randomly started reading to you at night whenever you stayed with him in his apartment. nath´s voice is so sweet and calm, that it lulls you to sleep almost instantly. also, he probably has the softest hands ever, and even softer every time he plays with your hair, so if you ever have trouble sleeping, you don´t have to worry about that anymore.

5. nath is mostly a light sleeper, and i think he is so prone to have nightmares. he sleeps better every time your next to him because you´re always ready to comfort him in case he wakes up scared. sometimes, when he´s alone and wakes up after having a horrible dream, he would think a lot about what to do since he just can´t sleep right away, the memories of the bad dream still livid. he would finally decide to text you something. if you´re up, he would like to call you and fall asleep while talking to you. if you´re not, he would just listen to your voice audios and try to regain sleep.

6. nath kisses are THE SWEETEST. he just adores kissing you when you´re alone. he always control himself when you´re in a public space, but in school would almost always wait for you both to be alone in the delegates room and would have a short make out sesh. he looks innocent, but he would be so passionate while kissing you. pressing you against the table, nibbling your lips, pulling you closer by the waist, the whole package. but the way he holds you is the purest thing i swear, so delicate and sweet that you get totally confused at the way he kisses you afterwards. he also loves staying there with you, simply hugging and pecking you in the lips form time to time.

7. loves back hugs. giving and receiving them. every time he´s stressed, you come up to him, and you just stay there, carefully squeezing his wait as you engulf him in a big hug. something about it makes him fell at ease, the closeness, the warmth, and the way your arms wrap around his torso and just stay there in complete silence, like you don´t need to say anything. when he´s upset, he does it a lot too and stays there like you´re some kind of charger. while sleeping is the exact same thing. i think we all remember that one episode in mcl where candy lays in nath´s bed and just hug him from behind. well, that´s exactly how i see them cuddling. no all the time tho, if you like being the little spoon is totally okay for him.

8. always sending you encouraging texts through the day: wishing you a good day, reminding you of something, sending some meme he finds funny, LOTS of stickers between texts, and stuff like that that totally brighten your day. also constantly likes to send you pics of his cat, calling you her mom all the time, which never fails to melt your heart. you´re the few people he trust enough to let you play with the little animal, hold her, feed her, and just petting it.

9. i feel like you two almost never really fight, just debate about stuff. but when something actually happens between i actually think nath would give you the silent treatment, in case you´re the one who messed up. also would give you that exasperated expression of him when he´s too stressed, and would be very petty. he would wait for you to come and apologize to him, which won´t long because he just can´t stay mad at you for too long. and if you´re the on who´s mad, in the first place he wouldn´t let you go, he would sit you down, wait till you´re not so angry, and talk about it while apologizing. he would try to understand you and give the time and space you need, still checking on you until you´re ready to forgive him.

✧. - ̗̀ LYSANDER . . .

1. the most romantic person in earth. he´s the kind of boyfriend who would LOVE to make handmade gifts for you. letters, crafts, and in general small details of things you like. dedicating love songs to you, most of the, written by him, leaving you notes throughout the day. i also feel like he would never forget to say good morning or good night to you, it's just part of his routine at this point. also has a lot of drawings of you in his note book, and is the most heartwarming thing ever. doodles of your face in his books, and some perfectly made drawings that would have him blushing if you ever saw one.

2. everything, but like, EVERYTHING reminds him of you. finds you in every single thing he looks at. it can be a cute picture, some object, a flower, a song. he always projects in the things he does, and mos of the time you´re the only thing he thinks about. i just feel like he he´s so whipped for you to a point where you won´t even understand. zones out all the time, mostly when he starts thinking of you (cough, cough, all day, cough).

2. castiel is TIRED. he talks his ear off all day about you, just ranting about every little thing you do for him. he literally knows so much about you two that he´s like the third one in the relationship at this point. he also notices how lysander always find a way to add something about you in every song. when it´s a song that they share, is very subtle, he just knows it because he probably mentioned it. but in the songs lys writes in his private notebook, they literally BASED on you.

3. LOVES to sing for you. his favorite moments are when you just lay your head in his lap and listen to his soothing voice whispering the lyrics of some song he wrote, which you instantly notice is about you. he doesn´t try to hide it anyway, but for some reason i feel like no matter how many songs he sang to you he just gets nervous every time. no because he thinks you won´t like it or something, is just that he talks about you in them in a way that is so disgustingly sweet and in love. also writes a lot of poems for you, and leaves them in your seat at the start of the day and loves watching your reaction while you read it.

4. stares a lot at you, in the most sweet way ever. actually so good at making eye contact (finds adorable how you´re always the first to look away blushing). his eyes literally shine the brightest when they´re focused on you, he doesn´t even blink for long seconds. his favorite past time is memorizing your features. this is why he know exactly how to read you. lys always know the exact face you make when you´re mad, the way you furrow your eyebrows when you´re confused or disagree with something, he know the exact color of your eyes, he literally knows your entire body language at this point, you don´t even have to talk because he already figured out what you´re thinking.

5. i feel like he´s the one normally initiating pda anywhere. he doesn´t really shows much affection in public, but would love having you sit on his lap while wrapping his arms around you and pressing his head against your back. lots of affection while passing by, just because he genuinely can´t keep his hands from himself. brushing his hand in your waist while passing, quick cheek kisses, lovesick smiles in the distance, instantly finding you in a crowded place and seeing him look at you with hearts in his eyes from afar, brief back hugs.

6. FOREHEAD KISSES. FOREHEAD KISSES. FOREHEAD KISSES. i think his main love language. he just finds forehead kisses something so sweet and intimate that he does it all the time. after a kiss he pulls away just to softly kiss your forehead. when he hugs you, he kisses your forehead or the top of your head because hes way more taller than you. while sleeping he does the same thing, since his favorite cuddle position is facing each other he kisses your forehead from time to time before dozing off.

7. his kisses are truly the most delicate thing ever. is just something about the way he pulls you closer, not even touching you, just placing his fingertips in your chin, tilting your face up to kiss you so slow, savoring the moment, tracing your jawline and carefully cupping your cheek after. and the way he pulls away makes you instantly chase after him. he´s so gentle, holding you like you´re made of glass, even sometimes biting so softly you just feel a little tingling sensation before he returns to kiss you sweetly.

8. loves taking care of you. every time you need help, just call, he´s there for you. you´re sick? he´s standing in front of your door with a bag full of food, your favorite snacks, and meds. you´re hungry? he doesn´t mind buying things for you, but prefers making the most delicious homemade meals (husband material fr). if you normally sleep late, he will totally scold you for not taking care of yourself and always makes sure you ate, drank enough water, and slept full 8 hours.

9. surprisingly good at giving advice, he just know how to say the right thing in the right moment, he doesn´t like arguments, so he normally hates fighting with you. he truly doesn´t mind who´s right and who´s wrong, all he wants is talk things out with you to fix everything. so he does the same thing when you fight to someone, he strongly believes the best way to make things up is giving each other and space and accepting your mistakes. also i totally know that it doesn´t matter how mad he is at you, he would never raise his voice or disrespect you. the way he still cares for you ad calls you cute names while subtly showing affection is the most heartwarming thing. he wouldn´t mess things up with you because of a temporary fight.

✧. - ̗̀ ARMIN . . .

1. can we all agree that armin and you are married, live together and raise your 4 children in sims? the moment you found about it was the literal most funny thing ever, he was casually showing you how he designed you two in his game and made a family in there, explaining everything with so much detail it actually seemed so real. YOU LITERALLY LOOK THE SAME IN THE GAME IT´S SURPRISING. he secretly wishes that his future with you looks exactly like that. it may seem like something he does for fun, but he literally aspires to have all of that with you.

2. gives you the most out of pocket petnames you can think of. both of you love to fight with each other who can come up with the most ridiculous pet names and just laugh your ass off while doing it. anyways it´s not so funny when he starts calling you his "pookie wookie bear" in public. he loves to do it tho because of how embarrassed you get. enjoys. every. second. hes totally unfazed when you do the same tho he genuinely finds it so hilarious. and if you call him an actually sweet petname, he´ll totally become a blushing mess so pls do it often, because he secretly screams internally every time you do.

3. you´re the only one who gets to touch his console. every time you two hang out in his house he lets you lay with him cuddling as you play together. so happy to share something he likes so much with you. he would also do things that he normally wouldn´t just to see your smile. he wants to share your hobbies just like you do with him, so all you have to do is say the word and he would do whatever you want, for example, going out. we all know he hates it but, for you, he would make an effort.

4. sucker for you playing with his hair. he finds it the most calming thing ever. it´s so funny how he randomly comes up to you, and lays his head in you thighs and you immediately know what he wants. literally vibrates from joy the moment your soft fingers start playing with his locks, softly scratching his scalp, and leaving kisses from time to time. also pls do it while you kiss him. his brain malfunctions every time you do it because he can´t take so much at the same time.i mean, your soft lips kissing his with so much love while you casually slide your hand through his hair, interlocking your fingers with it even pulling softly when he kisses you deeper? he melted. his kisses are so playful tho. loves to come up unexpectedly and steal kisses from you to make you flustered.

5. SO AWKWARD every time he comforts you. he tries so hard but even though he tries so hard to come up with something struggles so much to find the right words. it breaks him to see you cry, but sometimes its you who throws themselves in his arms before he clumsily wraps them around you and pats your back. he really wants to say something but he prefers to just hold you until you feel better. doesn´t pressures you to talk if you don´t want to, but is actually a very good listener and would silently stare at you while you rant about whatever is bothering you. also adds threats to whoever made you upset from time to time just to see your smile and chuckle about it.

6. he doesn´t mind about public affection. it´s not because he wants to make you nervous or anything, he literally doesn´t care who´s around. alexy for example doesn´t even care anymore because of how used he is to you two being affectionate. most of the time armin completely forgets where you two are, and just wrap his arms around you resting his head in top of yours, holding hands in front of everyone, unexpectedly kissing you whenever he feels like it. would GLARE if anyone dares to say something about it. i mean, he just loves affection, he hates staying away from you for too long so don´t expect him to be subtle. he also loves showing affection through little things like remembering little things about you.

7. LOVES horror movies. i just know it. normally uses them as an excuse to make you scared and snuggle against him every time something scary appears in the screen, and wrap his arms around you. anyway, he´s actually unfazed about everything he sees. i feel like it´s so hard to scare him. like, you have to pick a very good movie to make him at least flinch. definitely sleeps while watching 😭

8. loves to play silly jokes on you. can´t go a moment without making a joke, literally. loves to prank you every time he gets the chance, mostly scaring you for jumping out of nowhere because he finds the faces you make the funniest thing ever. also i feel like armin would sen you funny pics of him out of nowhere, a lot of memes, and random pictures he finds amusing.

9. SO unserious sometimes. this normally lead to both of you fighting a lot. i mean, you two would normally argue over a lot of stuff. not like actual fights most of the time, but the both of you are so petty that there is always someone who will be right and prove the other person wrong. worse when it's really something important and many times armin doesn't take it seriously, which usually happens because fighting stresses him out, and his way of dealing with it is by making jokes about it to lessen the tension. since this bothers you, you two end up fighting worse. in those cases, armin is initially convinced that he did nothing wrong and has no reason to apologize. it is almost always alexy who must intervene to explain to him that in fact, he is the one who is wrong and convince him (force him) to apologize, which he always does. anyway, over time, as he adapts more to the relationship and things get more serious, he learns to improve in that aspect, although you are almost always quite tolerant too.

✧. - ̗̀ KENTIN . . .

1. do i need to say that kentin is the most sweet boyfriend ever? i feel like hes the whole package. attentive, sweet, good listener, and SO PUPPY CODED. being with you literally makes him the happier person in earth, as cheesy as it sounds. he has no problem in telling you that all the time. he struggles a little but he out of nowhere starts ranting about how much he loves you, which you gladly listen to every time.

2. the most invested in physical contact. I think that kentin was always a loving person, but from the moment he discovered that specifically YOUR TOUCH is what makes him feel like he never had before, he also discovered that he hates being separated from you. he might even seem too clingy at times, since he literally sometimes feels his body ACHE from being separated from you for too long. he always seeks to touch you in some way, touching hands, hugs, kisses, anything that involves closeness.

3. kentin has no problem with affection in public, although generally you are the one who initiates it (in case you feel comfortable with that). however, the moment you show him in some way that it doesn't bother you at all, prepare to have him on top of you almost all the time. he doesn't really abuse it, but he does like to hold your hand and peck you from time to time, although he does blush if someone mentioned something about it. although he doesn't mind too much after getting used to it. his hold is literally the most soothing ever. its just something about the way his hands fit perfectly into yours, the way he gets lost in your eyes every time you two made eye contact, the blushing in his face when you´re the one kissing him first, and all the little gestures.

4. kentin kisses are literally the most breathtaking thing ever. he can never get enough of the taste of your lips in his. its just that he sometimes can believe the person he´s been dreaming about for so long is reciprocating his feeling, it sometimes gets too much for him. glossy eyes, faint touches, and loving caresses are the kind of things you can expect after kissing him (in private, of course). he just feels so vulnerable every time you cradle his face with your hands and get on your tiptoes to kiss him. i think he tries to be gentle, but ends up almost every time kissing you a little roughly, he just can´t help it sometimes. something he often does after kissing you, is pressing his forehead against yours just a moments before catching his breath and kissing you again.

5. he can be really insecure sometimes when it´s about you. he doesn´t find himself special to the point of deserving a partner so amazing like you, so, why would you even be with him while having so much other options? this thoughts get to him pretty regularly at the start of your relationship, because everything is so new to him and you´re just so important in his life that he needs a lot of reassurance during moments like this. he normally tells you about how he feels, but sometimes it gets a little hard for him to express himself. you know very well how to read him tho, he can be very transparent sometimes about his emotions. but after he gets more comfy in the relationship and starts maturing an realizing that you´re with him for a reason, this thoughts get almost inexistent.

6. can´t go a single day without cuddling with you. i think ken is actually very protective of you, which also shows in the way he likes to hold you. his favorite cuddling position his holding you securely against his chest, so he feels like protects you. and he totally does, because every time his strong arms wrap around you, pressing impossibly closer to each other is when you feel like nothing in the world can harm you as long as he´s there. but sometimes i think he wouldn´t mind AT ALL being held by you. there are those days where he feels like he´s just too tired and the only thing he needs is you, s he just lets himself relax in your embrace, calming himself by the sound of your heart beating.

7. loves hanging out with you. you guys see each other almost every single day. in high school, and then you both normally hang out a lot after that, normally going to the park, ken taking you on dates, taking a walk with cookie, making video call until late hours, and basically just coming out with any plan he can think of just to spend more time with you. you guys talk about a lot of stuff while chilling together anywhere you two decided would be a good place. talking about the future, where he always includes you.

8. LOVES making playlist for you and the sending them for you to listen to all the songs that reminds him of you. also, it normally ends with both of you blasting each one in your room while messily singing to the lyrics and laughing. i feel like he also loves to spend his time watching movies, and is totally the kind of person who wouldn´t shut up and would accidentally spoil you lol he always gets scolded by you.

9. kentin always does the impossible to avoid fights with you because he just can´t stand to know that helps the one upsetting you. if you guys fight over minor stuff he would apologize anyway, but he would be totally relieved you aren´t actually mad at him. but please never yell at him, or say something mean because kentin would literally cry. he actually does sometimes when the argument is serious and you just walk away out of anger. even if it hurts him he normally gives you space if you tell him (he would prefer not to because of his clingy ass but like, he gets it) but as soon as things cooled down, he would think of whatever he can do to fix things up (and just like lys, he doesn´t even care about who´s right). honestly, he just wants to make up as soon as possible.

©allmcl !

831 notes · View notes

verystrxxwberry · 8 months ago

Note

Hi, Alex! How is your day going? I was here to do a request about MCL high school life (completely sfw, so it is safe!) about the routes dealing with a reader who is stressed because they overwork in school and still doubt that will never achieve the dream of going to university?

It's just I am pretty stressed with the thought of not being able to go to university, because even if I overwork a lot, I don't get the perfect grades that I would like :(. Anyway, thank you so much! Love your writing<33

MY CANDY LOVE HSL; When you are stressed about school.

♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•.

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: fluff, MCL HSL routes, comfort. ↝ 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: Greetings! I am doing quite good, thanks for asking. Regarding your issue, I understand you a lot, because my last year before entering university also was like that. I don't know how your country's education system will work, but whatever it is, university is not the only path in life. There are many people who have moved on without a career or something; and above all prioritize your own health! I understand that you want to get good grades, but if you overwork yourself you will only block your brain and not allow it to function well because it will be exhausted since it has no rest. Good luck, and take life easy, it's only one life you have and you have to enjoy it!

♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•. ♪¸¸.•*¨*•.

CASTIEL

He didn’t start caring about his grades until he saw that he failed almost every subject during the first months of classes. Sigh… he can’t let that happen.

Initially, there was a contrast between you and him. He was the stereotypical rebellious kid who didn't care about classes, and you were that student who was always keeping up with the class. Castiel is aware of how much effort you put into studying. Many times he would tell you to come to his house to spend time with him, and he would let you study on his desk for a while without any problem. Of course, he is strict about breaks and insisting that you give your little head a rest.

He will even quietly kiss your head spontaneously as you are focused on studying, to cheer you up however he can.

Castiel feels confusion when he sees that a grade matters so much to you to the point of breaking down over it. He doesn't blame you, but considers that you don't deserve so much pressure regarding grades. As he looks you in the eyes and pulls your hair out of your face, he would say "Come on, life doesn't end because of a grade. You're human, not a machine; although sometimes machines fail too. But so what? We can't be good at everything. Ask for help, don't give up." You can feel his hand cupping your chin to make you look at him. And you can see the worry and affection on his eyes.

He's concerned about how this issue affects your mental health. After every test you take, he would take you somewhere for a date so you don't get over stressed. A break for your own good never hurts.

In Castiel's opinion, college is overrated; but he knows you are capable. More than once he will have had deep conversations with you about "You're already too hard on yourself, don't drown yourself in an abyss of negativity before you start something you want."

Even if you didn't go to college, that wouldn't make you any less human. And there's nothing wrong with that.

Castiel would support you no matter what your decision, though he'd rather you take things more lightly. He doesn't like to see you stop enjoying your actuality because of the stress of school.

NATHANIEL

Nathaniel's strict prioritization of his studies was mainly because of his father, but Nath had inner desires that went against the stereotype that he was.

During class he already noticed that you felt some frustration when you received your test grade. His hand rested on your forearm and he looked at you with concern. "Hey, what's wrong?"

When you explain your disappointment in reference to your exam grade, he sighs and shakes his head. "Get that thought out of your head, dear.... No grade is perfect and everyone has their strengths and weaknesses." He strokes your back gently, in order to comfort your state of mind.

If you're struggling with something, he has no problem helping you to understand it. He makes dates to study with you in a cafe <3 (he would end up inviting you to dinner or a drink in the cafe itself). And never feel ashamed of failing! Everyone does and there are always opportunities to improve. If there aren't, then life goes on; don't get stuck in the past.

Whatever grade you have, it will be something Nathaniel will congratulate you on. What matters is that you tried!

Nathaniel knows that having a good healthy schedule for your homework and study management will be what helps you get to college. He supports you, as long as you don't break your boundaries. Don't set expectations, don't compare yourself, just do what you can without pushing your limits and you can get to where you want to be.

Another thing Nath would also do is to talk to the teachers so that they can help you in those subjects that are more difficult for you, and he could accompany you if you wanted. Anyway, he does it for your sake and seeing that you also put dedication makes him feel happy and proud. At the end of each day, before you each leave for home, he would give you a little kiss on the forehead and say "Good job today."

LYSANDER

Lysander takes everything calmly, even studies. During classes he takes light notes, but generally listens to the teachers. Not ironically, his memory does not usually fail when it comes to his studies. Likewise, he is not a strict person with his schedule and he will see that you are quite strict with yours. Why do you study so much if your brain needs a break?

Lysander has no problem accompanying you to the library, but he insists that between assignments you take certain breaks. More than once he will tell you "Don't be so hard on yourself, it will have negative consequences in the future."

After each study session he sings to you to relax in his arms, to take your mind off anything study related and get some rest.

Lysander believes that you shouldn't look so much into your future, since the present is already unpredictable enough without planning for something stable in the future. You build your way towards that goal you have, but you will always encounter some difficulty along the way. He knows that your grades are that difficulty that keeps you from moving forward in terms of your hopes of going to college.

"Honey, do what you can; what matters is that you tried. Life goes on, sometimes you have to take shortcuts or other paths that don't allow you to reach your goal. But it will never be your fault, since you already know that you have done your best" He would tell you while caressing the back of your neck. "Be proud of yourself and stop criticizing yourself so much. You don't value yourself enough to see that you are capable enough to put so much effort into things; and that is what should be valued the most."

KENTIN

Oh no, he's not going to let your little pretty face fill with sadness over something as annoying as grades. He understands that you want to go to college and he will certainly encourage you to follow your dreams; but in moderation! He would suggest that you come to his house to study with him, or to the library, and then he would reward you with cookies.

Kentin will force you to take at least two or three hours a day for yourself. You know what they say about playing sports for a while a day so you can exercise your concentration? Well Kentin believes it and will encourage you to join his routines so you can concentrate better and study in less hours than extending them to the point that it affects you negatively.

There's nothing more upsetting for Kentin than seeing you cry over a grade. "Hey, nooo, listen, you're more than enough, don't let a grade ruin your life! You're very disciplined, I'm sure that facet already opens many doors for you even if you don't make it to college" He would tell you as he cradles your cheeks in his hands.

He's going to kiss your tears, he's not going to let you be sad for long.

Kentin is very involved in you taking some time out of your day just for you. He invites you to his house to take a nap, or to go practice sports with him, or bake cookies in his kitchen. But he also supports you to study and spend time studying; but he offers you the idea of balance your organization so that you can clear your mind and have a more positive mindset.

ARMIN

Maybe Armin is a bad influence when it comes to giving school advice?- He would literally tell you to focus on being happy and leave all those worries behind you. In fact, he supports that idea of; if it makes you feel bad, leave it.

But he knows he can't be such a bad influence and push you to make decisions that distract you from your path for so long.

It confuses him why you care so much about your grades. He witnesses all the effort you put into studying, since during exams time he can barely see you :(. Usually because he always brings his console with him, and that's going to distract you from studying. He doesn't mind being patient; he will always send you messages of support when you go to study!

It took him a while to realize that it really is an issue that affects you, but when he saw that it was serious, ah-ah, don't even think about overworking. "You know what happens to a character when they run out of stamina? They feel weak, they can't cope well with situations and they need rest. So do you!"

The easiest way he has to distract you is to write you a message in discord and saying “hop on terraria, bb” (or any other game). But he can completely adapt to those things you enjoy doing! He doesn’t mind (even if it is out home he is gonna whine a lot)

No matter the grade you get on an exam, he is gonna clap at you and feel very happy for you. Sometimes he’d make you blush from embarrassment at how loud he can be… But still, he is very proud of you. And he is not gonna hide it!

“Oh, hey, what’s with that pout? Come on, smile! You did such a great job.” He speaks in such a sweet way that it barely looks like him, but he wants to make you smile, to squeeze you in between his arms. “Never give up, you are strong enough to deal with this and more! But do it at the needed pace to not drain yourself, remember?”

Never back down never give up

✰; remember to reblog and like to support my content, I hope you enjoyed it!

#: ̗̀➛ alex's mcl headcanons!#my candy love #my candy love headcanons #mcl headcanons #mcl new gen #mcl hsl #mcl nathaniel #mcl lysander #mcl castiel #mcl armin #mcl kentin #amour sucre #corazon de melon #cdm #fluff

122 notes · View notes

offorestsongs · 3 months ago

Text

quick sketches of Rook and Lysander's future kid - Rosemary "Mary" Hunt. y'all are probably going to see more of her (and some lilyarrow parenting adventures) because i am suddenly having domestic fluff brainrot

some lore/ramblings under the cut!

so Rook and Lysander probably have more kids (Rook has a lot of siblings himself so it was kind of a natural choice for him while Lysander hated being an only child and wouldn't want his kid to grow up like that either) but Mary's the oldest

since Lysander is trans, she's their biological kid too

she was also. uh. sort of an accident lmao. they only planned to have kids after they would get married but well. it certainly didn't go that way! not that they were unhappy about it (actually they got married while Lysander was pregnant)

when Mary was born, Rook was so happy, he accidentally sat on Lysander's glasses and broke them (Lysander made fun of him for that for years after)

Mary is. an absolute menace to society

she's energetic and wild and very independent, usually runs around wherever she wants and goes off on little adventures of her own

like both of her parents, she's very interested in nature and when she was little, she would often disappear for hours to watch different animals or wreak havoc in Lysander's garden (she tried to do gardening too! ...with different results. and also made a lot of mud soups)

very creative as well, she likes to experiment a lot with her appearance. she often tries out different make up looks, dyes her hair and modifies her own clothes. she loves to wear a lot of different colors, even if they're clashing

honestly she often kind of looks like she just put on the first things that fell out of her closet

speaking of appearance - her hair color is close to Lysander's original hair color

she thinks of Grim as her older brother <3 she often drags him on her little adventures

she's also INCREDIBLY spoiled; she has a lot of uncles (Ace, Deuce, Vil, Epel, Malleus, Kalim, etc) and they all treat her like a little princess <3 <3 <3

she has her favorite uncle and it's Vil but don't say that out loud

#twisted wonderland oc #twst oc #twst #rook hunt x yuu #💌 art #❣️ lilyarrow #she's also besties with whatever kids józia and silver end up having #(because i dont think rosienne and vil would have kids...)#józia is her second favorite in the family tbh #she perfected the strategy of batting her eyelashes at others till she gets what she wants <3

8 notes · View notes

takumifujiwaraswfe · 6 months ago

Text

MY CANDY LOVE MASTERLIST

✨ - fluff 🍬 - smut 🍭 - angst

Armin

Nothing's here yet

Castiel

Nothing's here yet

Lysander

Nothing's here yet

Nataniel

Nothing's here yet

Kentin

Nothing's here yet

#mcl #mcl high school life #msl hsl #castiel veilmont x reader #mcl boys #mcl castiel #mcl headcanons #mcl nathaniel #mcl armin #mcl kentin #kentin lerhay #my candy love kentin #kentin x reader #nataniel mcl #nataniel x reader #lysander #lysander x reader

19 notes · View notes

ofsupernovcs · 9 months ago

Text

There was a look of surprise before the tears sprang down his cheeks. "I wish I recorded what you said, It torments me every night." Lysander confessed. "Don't tell master he'll think I'm weak."

There was a genuine laugh, a laugh that was never uttered from Lysander's visage. A wisened but joyous laugh. "Awfully long but I don't need a driver's liscence anyhow." He tried to joke, his wisened and happy face showing. "I use to think the same but I would probably steal for the mushy feelings." He said.

Lysander without thinking gently lifted up Billie and flew to a tree top. There was a gingerness as he flew her up. Not because of his safety but her own. "I don't want Klaus to hurt you for slandering his name." He said quickly. he took a deep breath. "I'm happy he is by your side. He is a man of honor and valor." He reassured. There was a pause. "If not here, do you want to travel to the disney land. They might be able to help us. Especially the tinker named Tinkerbell."

A sigh carried between the pair, Billie’s shoulders shrugging as she found Lysander’s gaze, ensuring that it held “do I? We’ve all done things that we regret. Hurt people we never wanted to hurt – that we never meant to hurt, but when they have a heart like yours, freedom shouldn’t have to be a luxury.”

A subtle smile tugged at the corners of her lips, nodding confidently now as he repeated her words, “guess i’m really buying into the whole ‘always and forever’ thing that the Mikaelson’s have going, huh?” Before enclosing their distance as she nudged his frame with her elbow, “Sir Lysander Castro-Mikaelson – rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?” Her laughter carried freely, finding it impossible not to match his expression as she taunted “alright, alright – no getting mushy gushy on me, dude.” Her head shook as her laughter prevailed before fading into a softer sounds “it’s alright, I’ve had enough mothering for one lifetime I think.”

Eager to quell his concerns, her gaze found his once again as she spoke sincerely “and I appreciate that, I really do, but you don’t have to worry about me, not here. Trust me, i’ve lived with some crappy people and I know that – what Klaus – did to you wasn’t right, but for the first time in my life, i’m safe here. Safe with the Mikaelson. With you” her smile could only get bigger as she mused “with Briggs.” Nodding now, she inhaled a soft breath as she answered honestly, even if Lysander only meant for the conversation, “he’ll always be by my side.”

#fragmcntedsouls #c;billie #m;lysander #(IM TRYING SO HARD TO PREP THIS TO BE VERY HAPPY )#(FLUFF BOOTCAMP PUSH THROUGH)

8 notes · View notes

writingsoftarnishedsilver · 1 month ago

Text

Spring Fever | Sebastian Sallow x OC #18

Summary: As spring arrives at Hogwarts, Sebastian struggles with his growing jealousy over Evangeline Sterling’s newfound attention from other boys and his inability to confess his feelings. A lighthearted yet revealing conversation with Ominis and encounters with cryptic hints from Imelda and Nerida leave Sebastian both exasperated and more aware of his own emotions than ever.

Words: 8,408

Tags: Fluff, Jealousy, Slow Burn, Mutual Pining, Not Actually Unrequited Love, Unspoken Feelings, Secret Crush, Friends to Lovers, Ominis Gaunt Being Done™, Light Humor, Angst, Light Implied Smut

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

Read on AO3

Spring arrived at Hogwarts in a rush of warmth and sunlight, melting away the last remnants of snow and breathing new life into the castle grounds. The Forbidden Forest hummed with birdsong, and the Black Lake shimmered beneath a cloudless sky, its icy sheen replaced with rippling waves that mirrored the sunlight. Students eagerly abandoned their heavy cloaks and scarves, reveling in the promise of the season, and the air was filled with laughter as they spilled out onto the lawns between classes.

It had been a couple of weeks since Evangeline’s bold declaration in the Great Hall—words that had cut through the buzz of dinner chatter and silenced the rumors about Sebastian's brawl with Lysander Clearwater. And since then, Lysander had seemingly disappeared into obscurity, his presence notably absent in the hallways.

Sebastian had replayed the moment in his mind countless times—the way she’d stood there, unshaken, her words ringing with quiet conviction that left no room for doubt. Each time he thought about it, his chest tightened with a tangle of emotions he couldn’t fully untangle: gratitude for her unwavering loyalty, guilt for the way he’d let things spiral between them, and... love. That last feeling hit him hardest, raw and undeniable, yet impossible to voice. He wanted to say something to her, to acknowledge what she’d done, but every time the words formed, they lodged in his throat like a spell gone wrong.

Not that she seemed to expect anything from him. Evangeline hadn’t brought it up even once. Her easygoing demeanor hadn’t changed, offering no hint that she sought thanks or recognition for her statement. If anything, it was as though the moment had never happened, her focus firmly fixed on her studies, her friends, and Quidditch.

And Sebastian should be happy. Lysander was out of the picture, winter’s bitter grasp had loosened, and his friendship with Evangeline had never felt more steady. Yet, inexplicably, he found himself resenting the arrival of spring. It wasn’t the warmth—he welcomed that after months of icy winds and snow-covered grounds—but rather what it meant for her.

The Gryffindor common room, perpetually cozier and livelier than the Slytherin dungeons, had likely nudged Evangeline toward lighter clothes well before most. And now, with the frost melted from the grounds and the sun casting golden light through the castle’s tall windows, she had fully embraced the change in season.

Her sleeves were rolled up just past her elbows these days, exposing smooth skin that seemed to glow in the sunlight. She’d foregone the extra layers of winter, no longer wearing thick tights beneath her skirts. Instead, she now favored thigh-high socks, leaving a tantalizing sliver of bare skin visible between the hem of her skirt and the top of her socks. It was maddening—that hint of skin, small but utterly distracting, like an open invitation for Sebastian's thoughts to stray into forbidden territory.

And it wasn’t just him. Everyone noticed. Everywhere she went, heads turned, and conversations paused. Boys who’d hardly acknowledged her existence last year were suddenly eager to hold doors open or offer to carry her books. Sebastian couldn’t even sit in the Great Hall without overhearing murmurs about her.

“Sterling’s really come into her own,” someone had said over dinner the other night, loud enough for him to hear it from two tables away.

“She’s even prettier this year,” whispered another, their tone dripping with admiration.

The courtyard was no better. He’d overheard Seventh-Year Hufflepuffs discussing her in hushed tones as they leaned against the fountain. “She looks amazing. How is she still single?” one of them asked, clearly angling to be the one to change that.

But the worst had been in the Slytherin common room, when one of his own housemates—a pompous prat named Callum—had said it outright. “Sterling’s fit as hell. Think I’ve got a shot?”

Sebastian had tightened his grip on his quill so hard he thought it might snap. The words were still ringing in his ears. Fit as hell? He wanted to throttle him.

Deep down, he knew he should let it go, but he couldn’t. How could he, when every lingering glance, every murmured comment felt like a personal affront? Because Evangeline wasn’t just anyone. She wasn’t theirs to look at or talk about. She was—

Merlin, she wasn’t his either.

Sebastian sat beneath a beech tree by the Black Lake, his legs stretched out on the cool grass as he watched the ripples spread across the water. The soft lapping of the waves might have been soothing if his thoughts weren’t churning like a storm. He’d skipped Crossed Wands for the first time in weeks, seeking solitude in the quiet sanctuary of the lake. But his reprieve didn’t last long.

It wasn’t a surprise when Ominis found him. It never was. The blond appeared with his usual ease, navigating toward him with the tap of his wand and a knowing tilt of his head. Without a word, he settled against the tree trunk, his back resting against the rough bark as he opened a book on his lap. He said nothing about Sebastian’s absence from the dueling club, nor did he acknowledge the tension radiating from him.

Ominis simply existed beside him for awhile, an unspoken reminder that silence didn’t have to mean loneliness. For all his sharp remarks and biting wit, Ominis had a quiet, grounding presence that could either soothe or infuriate, depending on Sebastian’s mood. Right now, it was leaning toward the latter.

“You’re quiet,” Ominis said finally, without looking up.

“Am I?” Sebastian muttered, leaning back against the grass and glaring at the blue sky.

“Yes. Which is odd, considering you’ve been in a mood all week.” Ominis tilted his head, his unseeing eyes turning toward him. “Should I bother asking, or should I let you sulk until you explode?”

Sebastian hesitated. It was a loaded question, and Ominis probably already knew the answer. Still, his frustration boiled over, and before he could stop himself, the words spilled out.

“Have you heard them?” he snapped. “All of them? The idiots? Every boy in this school suddenly thinks they’re in love with her!”

Ominis raised a brow. “Her?”

“Evangeline,” Sebastian said sharply, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. “It’s all I hear lately."

Ominis closed his book slowly, his expression calm but tinged with curiosity. “Ah,” he said simply, the corners of his mouth twitching faintly as if fighting off a smirk.

Sebastian groaned, dropping back against the grass. “It’s unbearable. Everywhere I go, someone’s whispering about her."

“Yes, well, Evangeline is quite stunning,” Ominis said matter-of-factly. “Surely, you’re not surprised that others have noticed?”

Sebastian sat up sharply, his glare cutting through the mild spring air. “That’s not the point, Ominis. They don’t just notice her—they ogle her. Like she’s... like she’s—”

“Like she’s the most beautiful girl in the castle?” Ominis offered with a smirk, his tone unhelpfully nonchalant.

Sebastian groaned, dragging a hand through his hair. “You’re not making this better.”

Ominis leaned back against the tree, his smirk softening into a knowing smile. “I’m not trying to make it better. You’ve been walking around with that storm cloud over your head for days, and frankly, it’s exhausting. You clearly just need to let it out.”

Sebastian scowled, his hands dropping to his lap as he glared at the lake, "I've nothing to 'let out', Ominis."

Ominis’s smirk deepened as he tilted his head. “Really? Then explain why you’ve had that blasted companion candle burning every single night this week.”

Sebastian’s scowl faltered for the briefest moment before he quickly recovered, straightening his posture. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he muttered.

“Oh, don’t insult me,” Ominis said, waving a hand dismissively. "I’m not daft. You’ve been obsessively monitoring that thing so you can convince yourself Evangeline isn't sneaking off with some other bloke at night.”

Sebastian’s glare turned sharp, but the color rising in his face told Ominis he’d struck a nerve. “That’s not—” He stopped himself, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “It’s not like that.”

“Of course not,” Ominis said dryly, crossing his arms. “You’re just keeping tabs on her for... what? Her safety?”

Sebastian’s silence stretched, and Ominis pressed on, his tone unrelenting. “Face it, Sebastian. You’re driving yourself mad. You’ve been pining after her for what? Basically two years now? And this is where we are. So if you aren't going to tell her, you might as well let it out to me so I don’t have to keep enduring your miserable brooding.”

Sebastian groaned, letting himself fall back into the grass, his arm thrown over his eyes as if to block out the bright spring sunlight—and Ominis’s infuriatingly knowing expression.

“Fine,” Sebastian muttered, his voice muffled. “Fine. But if you make another smarmy comment, I swear I’ll toss that book into the lake.”

Ominis’s lips twitched with amusement, but he gestured magnanimously. “By all means. Unburden yourself.”

Sebastian let out a long breath, his hand falling from his face as he stared up at the sky. “It’s everything about her,” he said finally, his voice low and frustrated. “Everything. The way she walks, the way she looks when she’s concentrating, even the stupid way she ties her hair up when it’s windy.”

Ominis arched a brow. “Ties her hair?”

“Yes,” Sebastian snapped, sitting up slightly. “Have you ever seen it? She does this thing where she twists it up and—” He cut himself off, “Never mind.”

“No, do go on,” Ominis said dryly, gesturing vaguely. “I’m on the edge of my seat."

Sebastian shot him a glare but continued anyway, his voice gaining momentum. "And her smile—she does this tiny, smug little grin when she’s figured something out before everyone else. And don’t get me started on her uniform.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” Ominis said, though his smirk suggested otherwise.

Sebastian groaned, “Those stupid thigh-high socks... I mean, how is a person supposed to focus when she walks into the room wearing those? I mean have you seen her thighs?"

Ominis’s smirk widened into something positively devilish, and he raised an eyebrow. “Can’t say I have, Sebastian. Do enlighten me.”

Sebastian gave him a withering look, but his frustration—no, his need—was too much to keep bottled up. "They’re… perfect. Perfectly full, just the right amount of softness. They look like—like—Merlin, I don’t even know what. But when she sits down, and they press against the chair? Or when she crosses her legs, and you can see just a hint of the muscle beneath? It’s maddening.”

Ominis coughed, poorly disguising a laugh. “I see."

Sebastian scowled, but the floodgates had already opened. He gestured animatedly, his words tumbling out in a rush he couldn’t seem to stop. “And it’s not just that. Her skirt—don’t look at me like that—it’s just a touch shorter than all the other girls because her hips make the fabric flare out. And her ass, Ominis. It’s—it’s impossible not to notice. And when she walks, Merlin’s beard."

Ominis raised a brow, his smirk hovering somewhere between amusement and disbelief as Sebastian continued on, too deep into his tangent to notice his friend's expression.

"And her shirts! They’re always just a bit too small in the chest. The buttons pull apart, and it’s like they’re holding on for dear life. And sometimes—sometimes, when the light catches just right, you can see her corset through the spaces between the buttons.”

Sebastian let out a strangled sort of sigh, “It’s driving me mad, Ominis. I can’t concentrate. I can’t think. She’s everywhere, and she’s perfect, and I—” He stopped himself, his voice catching in his throat.

Ominis tilted his head, his smirk softening into something sly yet understanding. “And you what?"

Sebastian froze for a moment, his arm still draped over his face as if it could shield him from the weight of his own confession. Finally, he exhaled sharply and sat up, his hair disheveled and his frustration palpable. “And I want her,” he admitted, his voice low and raw, “In every way you can want someone."

Ominis’s smirk faltered, replaced by something more contemplative. “Well I'm glad you're finally being honest about it."

Sebastian groaned, leaning back on his hands and glaring out at the lake. “But what good does honesty do me? She doesn’t see me that way.”

“You don’t know that,” Ominis countered, his tone measured. “You think you know her better than anyone else, but you can’t read her mind, Sebastian. You don’t know how she feels.”

Sebastian barked out a bitter laugh, his head falling back against the tree trunk. “Oh, come on, Ominis. She’s out of my league, and we both know it."

Ominis sighed deeply, his arms folding across his chest as he leaned back against the tree trunk. “You know,” he began, his tone measured, “for someone so brilliant, you’re spectacularly dense.”

Sebastian shot him a glare, but Ominis pressed on, undeterred.

“You sit here wallowing, convinced she’s out of your league, yet you’re the same Sebastian Sallow who's spent the better part of this year sneaking off with half the girls in the school. You're obviously not lacking in the looks department, Sebastian."

Sebastian stiffened at Ominis's remark, his jaw tightening as heat crept up the back of his neck. “That’s not the same,” he muttered, his voice defensive.

Ominis arched an unimpressed brow. "Oh, so you are aware that you can't fill the void with an endless string of meaningless flings?" he asked dryly.

Sebastian stiffened further. He hadn’t actually been sneaking off with anyone lately, not in weeks. The fleeting entanglements he’d indulged in earlier in the year had lost their appeal. Ever since Christmas—the time he’d spent with Evangeline at his cottage in Feldcroft—he’d found himself… disinterested.

But admitting that to Ominis was a different story.

“I haven’t—” Sebastian started, but Ominis sighed, tilting his head slightly as if the weight of Sebastian's dramatics physically exhausted him.

"Look. Point is, perhaps instead of sulking and pining, you could consider telling her? Might I remind you that while you sit here agonizing over what might happen, you’re letting other boys swoop in, charm her, and maybe even take the chance you’re too much of a coward to seize.”

Sebastian's glare narrowing on Ominis. “I’m not a coward.”

“Aren’t you?” Ominis asked, his tone challenging.

Sebastian’s fists clenched, his jaw tight as he glared at the lake. He hated how Ominis could see through him, how his friend always managed to cut straight to the heart of things. But he wasn't going to admit that.

Sebastian pushed himself to his feet in one fluid motion, his frustration bubbling over as he glared down at Ominis. “I don’t need this right now,” he muttered, brushing bits of grass from his robes with jerky movements.

Ominis tilted his head, his unseeing eyes fixed in Sebastian’s general direction, his expression exasperated. “Ah, yes, because walking away from your problems has worked so splendidly before. By all means, storm off, Sebastian. That’ll fix everything.”

Sebastian scowled, refusing to take the bait. He turned on his heel and marched away, his shoes crunching against the grass.

Ominis sighed, shaking his head as he leaned back against the tree. “Brilliantly handled,” he muttered to himself, “As always.”

Sebastian’s temper simmered as he strode across the grounds, his thoughts a tangled mess of frustration and longing. Ominis’s words echoed in his head, irritatingly logical, but he shoved them aside.

Then, as he rounded the corner of the Transfiguration Courtyard, the sight that greeted him stopped him dead in his tracks.

Leander Prewett stood under the shade of a flowering tree, his red hair catching the sunlight as he leaned casually against the trunk. Across from him, laughing at something he’d said, was Evangeline. She looked stunning, her cheeks flushed with amusement, her dark hair shining like a curtain of silk in the spring light. She’d tied it back in one of those effortless styles that made her look as though she’d stepped out of a painting, and her sleeves were rolled up just enough to showcase the elegant curve of her arms.

Sebastian’s stomach twisted.

Leander’s expression was all too familiar—his eyes were bright, his smile boyish and eager, and he leaned slightly forward as if trying to close the gap between them without being too obvious. It was a look Sebastian knew well because he’d seen it every time he caught his own reflection after spending even a moment with Evangeline.

Jealousy hit him like a depulso to the chest, sharp and unforgiving. He wanted to march over there, shove Leander away, and tell him to keep his hands—and his bloody hopeful smiles—to himself. But instead, Sebastian stayed rooted to the spot, his hands curling into fists as he watched the scene unfold.

Evangeline said something, and Leander laughed, the sound grating against Sebastian’s ears. The Gryffindor boy then stepped closer, just enough that the space between them seemed uncomfortably small. Sebastian’s jaw tightened, his nails digging into his palms as he resisted the overwhelming urge to intervene.

“Having fun?” Ominis’s voice drawled from behind him, startling Sebastian enough that he nearly jumped. He turned to see his friend strolling up, his wand lightly tapping against his palm as if he’d expected Sebastian to linger here like an idiot.

“Don’t start,” Sebastian warned, his voice low and clipped.

Ominis stopped beside him, tilting his head as if to listen to the scene ahead. “Ah,” he said after a moment, his lips twitching with amusement. “Leander Prewett, huh? That's new."

Sebastian glared at him. “She’s not—she’s not interested in him.”

Ominis raised a brow, clearly unimpressed. “And you’re so sure of that because…?”

Sebastian opened his mouth, but no words came out. Instead, he turned his attention back to the courtyard, where Leander had offered something to Evangeline—a folded note, by the looks of it. She took it with a smile, her fingers brushing against his as she accepted it, and Sebastian felt his control slipping.

“She’s not interested,” he repeated, though the words sounded more like a plea than a certainty.

Ominis sighed, shaking his head. “You really are hopeless, aren’t you?”

Sebastian ignored him, his focus solely on the pair beneath the tree. Evangeline glanced at the note, her expression softening, and Sebastian felt a pang of something that bordered dangerously close to despair. If he didn’t act soon, if he didn’t tell her how he felt, someone else—Leander bloody Prewett—would.

And he wasn’t sure he could live with that.

“You’re going to combust if you keep glaring like that,” Ominis said lightly, his voice cutting through Sebastian’s swirling thoughts. “Why don’t you just march over there and claim your territory? That seems like your style.”

Sebastian shot him a sharp look. “She’s not territory, Ominis.”

“Then why are you acting like she is?” Ominis quipped, tilting his head slightly.

Sebastian didn’t answer. His jaw worked, his teeth grinding together as he stared at the scene unfolding before him. Leander reached out, brushing an invisible speck off Evangeline’s sleeve, and Sebastian saw red.

Before he could stop himself, he took a step forward. Then another. His strides lengthened, and his frustration propelled him across the courtyard. He didn’t have a plan—didn’t care about one. He just needed to interrupt, needed to get between Leander and Evangeline before his jealousy consumed him entirely.

“Sterling,” he called, his voice loud and firm, cutting through their laughter like a severing charm.

Both Evangeline and Leander turned toward him, Evangeline’s expression shifting to mild surprise.

“Sebastian,” she greeted warmly, her tone carrying that easy familiarity that always managed to undo him.

Leander offered a forced smile, though the tension in his posture betrayed his annoyance. “Sallow,” he greeted, his tone polite but strained. His eyes flicked over Sebastian, sizing him up in that way boys did when silently measuring the competition.

Sebastian didn’t miss the shift, and he returned the look with one of his own, his shoulders squaring as he stepped closer to Evangeline. “Prewett,” he replied curtly, his voice carrying a pointed edge.

Before the situation could escalate further, Evangeline glanced over Sebastian’s shoulder, her expression brightening. She lifted a hand to wave, her attention shifting across the courtyard. “Ominis!” she called, her tone light and cheerful.

Sebastian turned just enough to see Ominis standing across teh courtyard, waving in return. Despite his usual impassive expression, there was a faint twitch at the corner of his lips—a sign, no doubt, of his amusement at the scene.

“Speaking of," Evangeline said, turning back to Leander with an apologetic smile, I should probably go. I promised Ominis I’d help him go over a rune translation he’s working on.”

Leander’s smile faltered, his disappointment poorly masked. “Oh,” he said, stepping back slightly. “Of course. Maybe we can talk later, then?”

Evangeline nodded graciously. “Sure, Leander. See you later.” She turned to Sebastian with an expectant look. “Shall we?”

Sebastian blinked, momentarily caught off guard, but he recovered quickly, nodding. “Yeah, let’s go,” he said, grateful for the excuse to extract her from Leander’s presence. He stepped aside, allowing her to walk ahead before following close behind.

As they crossed the courtyard, Sebastian’s mind raced. He couldn’t tell if he was more relieved or confused by her sudden decision to leave with him. He glanced sideways at her, noting the calm ease in her stride, as though nothing about the interaction with Leander had fazed her.

It wasn’t until they were halfway back to Ominis that she leaned in, her voice low enough that only Sebastian could hear. “I completely made that up. Merlin, he’s stifling."

Sebastian’s chest tightened at her words, and he barely managed to keep the smirk off his face. “Stifling?” he echoed, his tone carefully neutral despite the satisfaction curling in his chest.

Evangeline huffed softly, her expression one of mild exasperation. “He’s been following me around like a lost Kneazle all week,” she muttered, glancing over her shoulder as though making sure Leander wasn’t still watching. “And that note? Another invitation to study together. He doesn’t take a hint.”

Sebastian’s smirk threatened to break free, but he bit it back, feigning casual indifference. “I can’t imagine why he’d suddenly be so persistent,” he said lightly, though the heat of satisfaction burned bright in his chest because he knew exactly why. The change in weather, the lighter clothes Evangeline had started wearing—it was no wonder Leander had fallen under her spell. Who wouldn’t?

Evangeline sighed, shaking her head. “It’s just so sudden,” she lamented, her tone caught between annoyance and bewilderment. “We’ve always been such good friends, and now it’s like someone slipped him a love potion.”

Sebastian hummed in agreement, though he couldn’t resist asking, “And what’s wrong with studying together?”

Her expression turned incredulous. “Sebastian, you know that’s not what he’s after. He’s not subtle.”

He chuckled under his breath, finding her exasperation entirely too endearing. “Fair enough.”

As they finally fell in step with Ominis, Evangeline continued, her tone thoughtful now. “Leander’s great, really. He’s kind, and he’s smart—”

Sebastian’s stomach sank, but then she added, “But he’s not my type.”

His head whipped toward her so quickly he almost stumbled. “Not your type?” he echoed.

“He’s a good-looking bloke, but he’s just… not for me,” Evangeline continued you, “Too wiry, for one thing. I’d probably snap him in half if we ever—"

She cut herself off, as if suddenly realizing how far her thoughts had wandered, her cheeks flushing a delicate shade of pink. “Never mind,” she muttered quickly, waving a hand as though to dismiss the thought entirely. “You get the idea.”

Sebastian, however, almost tripped over his own feet, replaying her words in his mind. Snap him in half? His imagination, unhelpfully vivid, conjured images he had no business entertaining, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

Ominis chuckled, nudging Evangeline with his elbow, "You’re looking for someone sturdier.”

Evangeline’s blush deepened, "I mean... yes."

Sebastian was still recovering from the mental chaos her words had unleashed as Ominis continued to press, "Anything else I should keep an eye out for?"

Evangeline groaned, clearly regretting the turn the conversation had taken. “I’m not drafting a list,” she muttered, her hand flying to rub at her temple as if to soothe the embarrassment creeping up her neck.

Ominis tilted his head, the picture of calm amusement. “Oh, come now. Humor me. Sturdy and…?”

She waved a hand as if to shoo the question away, her blush now creeping toward her ears. “No, that’s it. Sturdy. End of discussion.”

But Ominis was relentless. “Come now, Evangeline,” he said, a sly grin tugging at his lips. “Surely there’s more to it. A specific height, perhaps? A particular charm? Or maybe…” He tilted his head, clearly relishing her discomfort. “A knack for getting under your skin?”

Sebastian’s grin widened, his earlier frustrations momentarily forgotten as he watched Evangeline squirm. He couldn’t resist joining in. “Ominis makes a good point,” he said, his tone feigning innocence. “What’s the rest of your checklist? It’s only fair to give us a complete picture.”

Evangeline shot them both a glare, though her pink cheeks made it decidedly less intimidating. “I’m not giving you a checklist," she said, her voice laced with exasperation. "What I'm looking for is none of your business.”

Sebastian leaned closer, his grin turning smug. “Oh, I think it’s very much my business.”

Her eyes narrowed, and she opened her mouth to retort, but Ominis cut in, his expression the picture of amusement. “Let me guess,” he said, holding up a hand as if deep in thought. “Sturdy, tall, brunette. Someone with a bit of a reckless streak... the type of man who can handle a bit of banter… ”

Sebastian froze, his smug grin slipping as Ominis’s words landed like a well-aimed hex. His heart thudded loudly in his chest, and for a split second, he was sure Evangeline would catch onto the fact that Ominis was describing him.

But instead, she groaned again, this time in sheer exasperation. “Ominis, I swear, one more word and I’m hexing you.”

“Point made,” Ominis said with a dramatic sigh, his smirk softening but still present. “I’ll behave.”

Sebastian let out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding, quickly plastering his grin back into place before Evangeline could notice the way his pulse raced. “You’re lucky she hasn’t hexed you already,” he said, nudging Ominis with his shoulder.

“Pure luck,” Ominis agreed, his tone light but his smirk decidedly knowing.

Evangeline, clearly over the entire conversation, picked up her pace, leaving the two boys to catch up. “Anyway. You would be of no help anyway," she told them matter-of-factly, "Half the girls in this school have laid claim on someone or another." She paused, glancing over her shoulder at them, "Take Poppy for example. Everyone knows she's head over heels for Leander. So his effort on me is completely wasted."

Sebastian faltered, his brows furrowing as he tried to process her words. “Poppy? Head over heels for Leander?” he repeated, his tone laced with disbelief. “Since when?”

Evangeline gave him an incredulous look, “Since forever. It's well known among the girls in our year."

Sebastian blinked, his confusion mounting. “And what, exactly, does that have to do with anything?”

Evangeline rolled her eyes, as though he were particularly slow to catch on. “The point is,” she said patiently, “there’s no point in either of you playing matchmaker for me. Half the boys in this school are already ‘spoken for’ in girl world.”

“Girl world?” Ominis repeated, his brow lifting in curiosity. “Is that some sort of secret society you’re all sworn into at birth?”

“Yes,” Evangeline deadpanned, though her lips twitched with amusement. “We meet every full moon to update the list. Didn’t you know?”

Ominis chuckled, clearly entertained. “And this list dictates who everyone fancies?”

Evangeline shrugged, her pace slowing so the boys could catch up. “It’s more about knowing who’s interested in whom, so we avoid stepping on anyone’s toes. Like Poppy and Leander—everyone knows she fancies him, so it would be... wrong of me to entertain his advances. Even if I wanted to.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened. “You don’t, though,” he said quickly, his tone sharper than intended.

Evangeline glanced at him, her expression softening. “Of course I don’t,” she said easily, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. “I told you, he’s not my type.”

"So,” Ominis began, his tone casual but carrying that unmistakable edge of curiosity, “are the two of us spoken for in this mysterious girl world of yours?”

Sebastian stiffened beside him, his mind suddenly racing. It was a question he hadn’t dared to ask himself, let alone voice aloud. His eyes darted toward Evangeline, anticipation clawing at him as he waited for her response.

Evangeline’s laughter rang out, light and genuine, catching them both off guard. “You two?” she repeated, glancing between them with an amused smile. “Oh, absolutely.”

Sebastian blinked, his heart leaping into his throat. “Wait, what?” he managed, his voice a little too loud.

Evangeline grinned, clearly enjoying the rare moment of having the upper hand. “Both of you are very much spoken for," he gaze settled on Sebastian for a moment, expression unreadable "Surely you knew this, Sebastian. You've snogged half the girls in school."

Sebastian’s pulse quickened. He opened his mouth, then closed it as Ominis interjected, "So more than one girl can lay claim on a... potential suitor?"

Evangeline nodded, her grin mischievous as she continued, "Indeed. Though it creates quite the social labyrinth. For example, Ominis, you're practically worshipped by half the Ravenclaw girls for being so mysterious and intellectual."

Ominis scoffed, but Evangeline continued on, "They're always bickering about who liked you first, who has the best chance, whatever kind of upper hand they can get to convince the others they're the rightful heir to your affections,” she finished, her tone teasing but her grin warm. “It’s a whole thing.”

Ominis groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Please tell me you’re exaggerating.”

“Not in the slightest,” Evangeline said with a laugh, clearly enjoying his discomfort. “You’re a hot commodity, Ominis. The mysterious Slytherin with dry wit and impeccable posture. They can’t resist.”

“And me?” Sebastian pressed, his voice tight.

Ominis waved a hand dismissively. “You're the school’s walking heartbreak, Sebastian.”

Sebastian’s smirk faltered, his chest tightening at the jab. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Evangeline rolled her eyes, “It means you’ve left a trail of broken hearts so long, I’m surprised Nurse Blainey hasn’t declared it a medical crisis.”

“I don’t—” Sebastian started, but Evangeline cut him off with a wave of her hand.

“I've heard all about it. You make them feel special, and then you’re gone,” Evangeline explained, though Sebastian could hear the unmistakable edge in her tone. “Then they don’t know what to do with themselves. But since you’re such a menace, every girl who fancies themselves a ‘fixer’ thinks they can tame you.”

Ominis snorted. “That sounds about right.”

Sebastian opened his mouth to retort, but Evangeline was already moving ahead, her laughter trailing behind her on the spring breeze. Ominis, holding his wand aloft, followed, leaving Sebastian to stew in the growing knot of emotions twisting inside him.

By the time he reached the tree near the groundskeeper’s hut, Evangeline had settled herself on the grass, leaning back against the bark. Ominis joined her, his legs stretched out as he leaned his head back, the picture of unbothered calm. Sebastian, however, hesitated before sitting down, still caught between irritation and a strange sense of unease he couldn’t quite shake.

“Do they really say that about me?” he asked after a moment.

Evangeline looked up, her dark eyes catching the light as she tilted her head. “About being a walking heartbreak?” Evangeline’s lips curved into a teasing smile, but the faint strain behind it didn’t escape Sebastian’s notice. “Absolutely. And unfortunately, I'm caught in quite a bit of crossfire as a result."

Ominis, still lounging comfortably, tilted his head toward her. “Oh?"

Evangeline sighed, glancing at Ominis with a wry smile as she leaned her head back against the tree. “Oh, you know how it goes,” she said lightly, though her fingers fidgeted with the blade of grass, betraying the ease in her tone. “I’m the best friend who’s too close. To both of you, actually."

Sebastian frowned, his irritation sparking. “What’s that supposed to mean?

Evangeline chuckled, but the sound was tinged with bitterness. “It means that half the girls in this castle think I’m hogging the two most eligible bachelors at Hogwarts for myself. Apparently, being your friend comes with a side of jealousy and spite.”

Ominis raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. “Well, that explains the occasional chill from Samantha Dale.”

“Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin—even Gryffindor,” Evangeline muttered, her voice dropping. “You wouldn’t believe the looks I get sometimes."

Sebastian, sensing the shift in Evangeline’s tone, decided it was time to redirect the conversation. His mind spun for a moment before he smirked. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, the drama in ‘boy world’ is just as ridiculous.”

Evangeline perked up slightly, her curiosity piqued. “Oh? Do tell.”

Sebastian leaned back on his hands, his smirk widening. “Take Everett Clopton, for example. Did you know he’s been trying to challenge Arthur Plummly to a duel every week over a single remark about his hair?”

Evangeline’s brows shot up, her expression shifting from weariness to amusement. “His hair?” she echoed, incredulous.

“Oh, yes,” Sebastian said, his smirk growing. “Arthur made some offhand comment about how Everett’s hair looks like a nest for Bowtruckles. Apparently, Clopton claims Arthur’s ruining his reputation with the Ravenclaw girls.”

Ominis, lounging comfortably beside them, tilted his head, his lips twitching with amusement. “Isn’t Everett the one who dyed his hair green during the Christmas holidays two years ago?”

Sebastian nodded solemnly, earning a a genuine, melodious laugh from Evangeline.

Sebastian chuckled, his grin widening as he continued. “Clopton even tried to bribe Lucan to stage a duel in the Crossed Wands arena so he could prove himself.”

Ominis sighed, shaking his head. “How noble. Did it work?”

Sebastian shook his head, feigning disappointment. “Lucan turned him down. Said he wouldn’t sully the reputation of Crossed Wands for vanity’s sake.”

The banter continued, light and easy, until the sun began to dip lower toward the horizon, casting the grounds in a warm glow. The light filtered through the leaves above them, dappling their faces as they laughed and teased. For awhile, it felt as though the world outside their little bubble didn’t exist.

But all good things come to an end.

Sebastian sighed heavily, a reluctant sound that betrayed his desire to linger just a little longer. With a groan, he pushed himself to his feet, brushing stray blades of grass from his robes and stretching his arms above his head. “Well, much as I’d love to sit here and entertain you both all night, duty calls,” he muttered, his tone edged with mock despair.

“Ah, detention,” Ominis quipped, his expression unimpressed as he tilted his head in Sebastian’s direction. “Your home away from home.”

Sebastian shot him a glare, though the corners of his lips twitched upward. With a final wave, he turned and began the walk back toward the castle, the fading sunlight casting his shadow long across the grass.

The Great Hall was buzzing with the familiar hum of students as Sebastian made his way toward the Slytherin table, weaving through the crowd with practiced ease. He found his usual spot near the middle, across from Imelda and Nerida, who were already deep in conversation.

“Evening, ladies,” Sebastian greeted, sliding onto the bench with his trademark smirk.

Imelda arched a brow at him, unimpressed. “You’re late.”

Sebastian sighed as he dropped into the seat across from her, grabbing a roll from the platter in front of him. "Sharp had some extra cauldrons he wanted me to scrub."

Imelda snorted, barely glancing up from her plate as she stabbed a fork into her salad. “Honestly, you’d think he’d know better than to trust you with something like that.”

Sebastian chuckled, playing along with her jab, but his focus was elsewhere. As Imelda prattled on about the latest Quidditch strategy, his mind kept drifting back to the conversation he’d had with Evangeline earlier.

Her teasing words about “girl world” and the mysterious rules governing relationships had been gnawing at him ever since. And as he chewed thoughtfully, her remark about boys being “spoken for” kept resurfacing. He couldn’t shake the sense that there was more to it, more than he understood.

After a few moments of internal deliberation, Sebastian cleared his throat, drawing the attention of both girls across the table. “Hey... I wanted to ask you two something.”

Imelda looked up from her plate, raising an eyebrow as she picked up her goblet. “What now? What did you break this time?”

Sebastian rolled his eyes, “No, nothing like that. This is about... well, something else.”

Nerida, sensing the shift in tone, set her fork down, her eyes narrowing in interest. “Alright then spill.”

Sebastian shifted uncomfortably, glancing around to ensure no one was listening too closely. He had to phrase this carefully. “Earlier, Evie and I were talking... and she mentioned something about how... how the girls have this... system.”

Imelda’s eyes flicked over to him, clearly intrigued. “System?”

“Yeah, like—some of the us are... well, off-limits... because we're spoken for,” he muttered, a touch of awkwardness creeping into his voice.

Imelda chuckled, crossing her arms over her chest. “Ah, so Evangeline let you in on the secret, huh?”

Sebastian nodded as Nerida raised a brow, exchanging a quick glance with Imelda. “So what exactly is it you want to know?”

Sebastian leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as he tried to get a handle on his curiosity. “I just... Is it really like that?”

Imelda’s lips curled into a half-smirk as she settled back into her seat, clearly entertained by his genuine confusion. “Well... yeah. There’s a certain understanding between the girls. It’s just how things are done."

Sebastian absorbed their words, his brow furrowing in thought. “So... like a... code?”

Imelda nodded, her smirk softening slightly as she leaned forward. "Exactly. A sort of... unspoken rulebook, if you will. If a girl likes a guy or has shown interest, it's common courtesy to back off if you're aware of it. No one likes a situation where things get messy or awkward."

Nerida joined in, shrugging lightly. “It’s all about respect. You don't want to make things difficult for the other girls, especially if they’ve already made it clear who they fancy.”

Sebastian nodded slowly but the whole thing felt like a tangled web of rules that made no sense to him but somehow governed everything. It was a subtle game of cat-and-mouse between the girls, and the boys were stuck in the middle, either blissfully unaware or forced to play along.

"Um," Sebastian began cautiously, trying to keep his tone neutral. "So, you two would know about... which guy all the girls in our year fancy?"

Imelda and Nerida exchanged a glance, a brief, silent communication passing between them before Imelda’s lips curved into a smirk. “Of course we know,” she said with a nonchalant shrug, clearly entertained by the question.

Sebastian swallowed hard, "So you'd know who Evie has her eye on then."

Imelda’s smirk widened, her sharp eyes glittering with mischief as she leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the table. “Oh, I see where this is going.”

Nerida bit her lip to stifle a smile, her gaze flicking between Imelda and Sebastian. “Evie doesn’t talk about her love life very openly. She’s... private that way.”

Imelda snorted, her smirk turning sly. “But,” she added, drawing out the word, “the two of us are, indeed, aware of her... interests.”

Sebastian resisted the urge to squirm, leaning back slightly and forcing a casual shrug. “Oh?” he asked, his voice carefully even. “And what might those interests be?”

Imelda leaned closer, her smirk positively wicked now. “Why so interested, Sallow? You’ve got half the school pining after you already."

Sebastian glared at her, though his ears burned at the implication. "She's my best friend, Reyes. It would be good to know if she's got her heart set on anyone."

Imelda’s smirk deepened, and she rested her chin in her hand, clearly reveling in his discomfort. “Your best friend, eh?” she drawled, her tone dripping with faux innocence. “You just want to be prepared, in case you need to protect her delicate heart?”

Sebastian’s glare sharpened. “Yes,” he snapped, though the warmth creeping up his neck betrayed him. “That’s exactly it. Someone’s got to look out for her.”

Nerida tilted her head, her expression thoughtful. “You know, he might actually mean that,” she said to Imelda, her lips twitching with amusement. “It’s almost sweet, if you ignore the fact that he looks ready to murder someone.”

“I do not,” Sebastian muttered, crossing his arms. “I just... don’t want her wasting her time on some idiot who doesn’t deserve her.”

Imelda chuckled, sitting back in her seat and crossing her arms. “You’re so transparent, it’s almost painful, Sallow.”

“Are you two going to answer the question or not?" Sebastian practically growled.

Nerida sighed, "Look, Sebastian. We wouldn't be very good friends if we just spilled all Evie's secrets to you, now would we? If she wanted you to know, she’d tell you herself.”

Imelda leaned forward, her smirk sharp enough to cut. “Unless, of course, you’re too chicken to ask her directly. Which wouldn’t surprise me.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists on the table. “I’m not scared to ask her,” he snapped, though the faint pink creeping up his neck told a different story.

“Oh, sure,” Imelda said with a laugh, rolling her eyes. “Because you’re just dying to hear her say she’s madly in love with someone else, right?”

For a moment, Sebastian's carefully constructed mask of indifference cracked. He hesitated, his throat tightening as he forced himself to reply. “If that’s the case, then at least I’d know.”

Nerida’s expression softened, and she exchanged a glance with Imelda, who sighed dramatically before fixing Sebastian with the most sympathetic gaze she could muster, "Fine, you want an answer? I’ll give you one.”

Sebastian’s heart jumped into his throat, but he kept his face carefully neutral. “Go on, then.”

"Evie's obviously got a type," Imelda said breezily, taking a sip from her goblet as though the turn in conversation wasn’t setting Sebastian’s nerves ablaze. “Take Clearwater as an example. There were obviously things about him that drew her in..."

Nerida hummed in agreement, clearly picking up on whatever thread Imelda was pulling. “Tall, strong, handsome... quite the star Quidditch player." She paused, letting the words sink in before she continued, "In the end though, he was too polished for her. Not to mention all those pure-blood expectations..."

“Exactly,” Imelda said, snapping her fingers as though Nerida had just perfectly encapsulated her point. “Evie likes a bit of unpredictability. Someone who’s not afraid to bend the rules, get a little messy. Clearwater was just… too perfect, you know?"

Sebastian’s mind was racing, every word they said sending his thoughts spiraling further out of control as he tried to piece together the meaning behind their hints.

“Too perfect,” he repeated, his voice quieter this time. “She doesn’t want someone polished. But what does that even mean?”

Nerida chuckled softly, clearly amused by his confusion. “It means someone with a bit of personality, Sallow. Someone who can keep up with her.”

“Someone who can match her intensity,” Imelda added, leaning forward with a wicked grin. “And let’s be honest, there aren’t many blokes around here who can do that." She laughed, “Not that they aren't trying... have you noticed the absolute parade of boys trying to impress her lately?"

"I've certainly noticed," Sebastian muttered darkly. "Half the male population thinks they have a shot with her.”

“They don’t,” Imelda said simply, her tone dripping with finality. “None of them do. It’s pathetic. And hilarious. None of them stand a chance. Honestly, it’s like watching Kneazles chase their tails.”

Sebastian frowned, his frustration simmering just below the surface. “And how are you so sure none of them stand a chance?”

The two girls finally stood up from the table, their meals long finished. Nerida shot Sebastian an exasperated glance while Imelda simply sighed, her smirk sharp as ever.

"You’re hopeless, Sallow," Imelda said, adjusting her bag over her shoulder. “Absolutely hopeless. It’s staring you right in the face, and you’re still too thick to see it.”

Sebastian scowled, the heat rising in his neck. “What’s staring me in the face?”

Nerida laughed softly, stepping around the table as Imelda straightened up. “We’ve told you everything we can, Sebastian. The rest is up to you.”

With that, they turned and left the Great Hall, their laughter trailing behind them as they disappeared into the crowd. Meanwhile, Sebastian raked a hand through his hair, his frustration mounting.

Against his will, his gaze drifted across the Great Hall, searching for her. And there she was, seated at the Gryffindor table, a soft smile lighting her features as she chatted with Natty, who was laughing at something she'd said.

Sebastian frowned, rubbing the back of his neck as he tore his eyes away. What’s staring me in the face? Imelda’s words echoed mockingly in his head. For all their smugness, Nerida and Imelda had told him absolutely nothing useful. If anything, their cryptic hints had only left him more confused, the knot in his stomach tightening with every passing second.

Sebastian had spent forever learning Evangeline's quirks and mannerisms, memorizing every small detail about her without even meaning to. He knew how she liked her tea (too much sugar), how she tied her hair when she was in a rush (that haphazard twist that always left a strand loose), and how her voice softened when she was genuinely worried about someone. He knew her better than anyone.

So why couldn't he figure this out? Why did it feel like he was missing something?

With a frustrated sigh, Sebastian pushed himself to his feet. His mind was a storm of half-formed thoughts and questions he couldn’t answer, and the only solution he could think of was to retreat to the dorm and drown himself in distraction until he could sleep.

The trek to the Slytherin common room felt longer than usual, his boots echoing faintly against the stone floors as he descended into the dungeons. The usual dim, greenish light of the common room was welcoming in its familiarity, and he waved off Imelda and Nerida, who were lounging by the fire, clearly waiting to tease him some more.

When he finally reached the sanctuary of his dormitory, Sebastian kicked off his shoes and dropped onto his bed, the thick curtains providing a blessed barrier between him and the rest of the world. He leaned over to the small chest beneath his nightstand, opening it carefully. Beneath a stack of notes and a few dog-eared Defense Against the Dark Arts texts lay his guilty secret.

The book was heavier than he remembered, its ornate, gold-embossed title glaring up at him like a judgment: Intimacies and Affections: A Guide to Healthy Romances.

Sebastian frowned at the cover as though it had personally insulted him. He still wasn’t sure what had possessed him to buy the damn thing. He’d stumbled across it in a tucked-away section of Tomes and Scrolls a few weeks ago and had been reminded of Evangeline.

Sebastian huffed, shaking his head at himself as he opened the cover. He wanted to know what Evie had been reading all term. What provocative advice this book had to offer that had kept her blushing every time he brought it up.

Sebastian flipped through the pages, the parchment soft beneath his fingers. The book had seemed harmless at first, if not slightly absurd—a guide for navigating the mysterious intricacies of romance. What a joke. As if he needed advice. He wasn’t some bumbling first year with a crush on the Charms professor. He was Sebastian Sallow, Slytherin’s most incorrigible flirt, the object of countless affections himself.

Not that he particularly wanted to be anymore.

He skimmed a section titled “Understanding What Your Partner Wants (Even If They Don’t Say It)” and couldn’t help but snort. “What my partner wants,” he muttered under his breath, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “How about what my best friend wants?”

Still, he read on. Against his better judgment, the words began to take root, poking at the insecure corners of his mind.

"A deep and lasting connection stems not only from admiration but from vulnerability. The willingness to be honest, even when it feels impossible, is the cornerstone of trust."

Sebastian’s brow furrowed, and he slammed the book shut with a groan, tossing it onto the bed beside him. Vulnerability. Honesty. It all sounded so simple on paper, but the thought of baring himself like that to Evangeline? It was enough to make his skin crawl with dread.

The truth was, he wasn’t sure he had the courage. She was Evie, after all—the girl who laughed at his stupid jokes, who had risked her life to stand beside him in the darkest moments, who always saw something good in him when he struggled to see it himself.

Sebastian flopped back with a heavy sigh, staring up at the canopy. The soft green glow of the common room seeped through the gaps in his curtains, casting shifting shadows across the fabric. He ran a hand through his hair, his thoughts an endless loop of frustration and longing.

Maybe Imelda and Nerida were right. Maybe he was hopeless.

And yet, as he lay there, his mind racing and his heart pounding, he couldn’t stop himself from reaching for the book again. Because for all his bravado, all his sharp wit and confidence, Sebastian Sallow was utterly and completely lost. So with a resigned sigh, he flipped the cover back open and began to read, letting himself hope—just a little—that he might find the answers he so desperately needed.

Read more stories about Sebastian and Evangeline

Read on AO3

24 notes · View notes