#supportive bestie sebastian

[schmooplesboop]

Toffee Apple

Pairing: Alex X Male farmer/player

Rating: Teen

For the past couple of years Alex had skipped out on Spirit’s Eve. It had gotten pretty stale. Fake plastic hedge maze, shitty plastic scares, and even shittier food that might as well have been plastic. Just bad all around.

This year, though… on top of keeping his farm afloat Colton had volunteered to grow a huge corn maze on his land for the town’s Spirit’s Eve celebrations. And the rumors had been buzzing around Pelican Town since: Colton had recruited the weird wizard dude who lived in the woods to provide spooks for the haunted corn maze, Gus had been inspired by Colton’s enthusiasm and dug up new recipes for Spirit’s Eve treats, Marnie wanted to set up a hayride for those who wanted a calmer vibe. Everyone was excited to see this year’s festival, Alex included. Even if he hadn’t cared about the event, he had a personal reason to be excited this year. Colton had straight up asked him on a date.

“I may not look it, but I’m a giant scaredy cat. I need a big, strong date to guide me through the maze. You up for it, dude?”

Haley had been staring at him so intensely that Alex could practically hear her brain screaming at him to “Just say yes, you big dope!” For once, he didn’t need her intervening, he’d said yes almost immediately. Colton’s smile and faint blush was worth the awkwardness of Haley standing there looking like she wanted to scream with delight.

Now the big night was here and he was nervous as hell. This was his first real date in a while and his first date with another dude, period.

Alex looked himself over in the full-length mirror in the hall outside his room. He’d chosen to wear a grey hoodie under his old letterman jacket and his cleanest jeans. Hair perfectly coiffed then perfectly re-coiffed, his usual hour-long hair care routine had lengthened into two. He anxiously looked over the cologne Haley had forced into his hand that morning.

“Spiced Orange. Seasonal and sexy!”

He sniffed it warily. It did smell nice… ah, what the hell. He sprayed himself then tossed the bottle through the doorway onto his bed.

Alex wished he had someone other than his grandparents to give their opinion of the end result.

His grandmother was terribly biased, “You always look handsome, dear!”

And his grandfather was not biased enough, “Hair is hair. You look like always do.”

Out of desperation, he’d asked Dusty’s opinion too. “What do you think, boy?” He gently scratched his old dog behind the ears. “How do I look? Underdressed?”

Dusty huffed a quiet doggy noise of reassurance and licked Alex’s fingers.

Alex set his jaw, chiding himself. (It’s a haunted corn maze, not the fucking opera. Just chill.)

It was definitely going to be a cold and spooky night. Alex’s breath misted in the air as he headed out of town toward Gullwing Farm, hands shoved in his jacket pockets for warmth. Fog swirled around his ankles.

Alex’s jaw dropped as Colton’s farm came into view. He’d really gone all out. Orange and purple fairy lights were strung everywhere. Ghost and witch decorations hung from the trees. Menacing scarecrows leered in the fields. Dozens of jack-o-lanterns lined the lane that led into the farm.

Right at the main gate to Gullwing there were two signs, both decorated with childish drawings of different townsfolk being scared by different monsters. Alex recognized Vincent and Jas’s handiwork straight away. One sign said that entry was free, but there was a suggested donation of five dollars. The second sign was slightly ominous, simply stating that the “Ghost Show” was at midnight… whatever that meant. Alex put fifty bucks in the slotted box nailed under the first sign and went through the gate.

Gus had a canopy set up under which he and Emily were busy doling out food and drinks. Trays of toffee apples, buckets of popcorn in three different flavors, ‘devil hot’ potato chips, pumpkin cookies, ‘mini brain’ cake pops, ‘graveyard’ cupcakes, apple punch, and hot cider. It must’ve taken them all day to get things ready.

Haley was hanging out with her sister, looking vaguely bored and eating a cake pop. When she spotted Alex, she gave him a quick once over and a round of brief silent applause. Feeling slightly better having his friend’s approval, Alex waved at her as he went by. The food looked delicious, but Alex was still mostly nerves. He didn’t think he could eat anything right now.

Pierre had set up his stand too, of course, selling Spirit’s Eve t-shirts and decorations. Alex bought a little plastic bobble ghost for his gran. She liked these weird, cheap little things for some reason. She had so many that she’d had to buy an enormous bookcase to display them.

The corn maze loomed in the distance, looking intimidating and surprisingly eerie in the fog and dim, colored light. It really was huge, it would probably take a couple of hours to get through, maybe even more. Alex was impressed by the enthusiasm and effort that not just Colton, but everyone had put into this. The whole town had really pulled together to make things better than before. Colton seemed to have that effect on people, Alex included.

Jodi was standing outside the maze with a tearful Vincent, telling him that it was too scary for him and trying to convince him to check out the more laidback hayride Marnie had going not far away. Sam, Abigail, and Sebastian stood nearby, pushing each other around and laughing.

Sebastian caught his eye and waved. Alex waved back. This is what he’d meant by Colton having an effect on him too. Old Alex dismissed Sebastian as “that weird guy” without a second thought. But when the weather had gotten colder and their morning beach runs had evolved into morning hikes in the mountains, Colton had invited Sebastian to join them sometimes and Alex had been surprised to learn that not only could Seb keep up with them even though he was 95% skinny legs, but he also knew a lot about wildlife (frogs mostly). He’d also discovered that they actually had things in common. They were both really into an old adventure-fantasy comic series that had been all the rage before either of them was born. Sebastian had even lent Alex two of the comics he was missing from his own collection. New Alex had learned not be so fucking judgy. He was liking New Alex way more than Old Alex.

Abigail linked arms with Sam and marched him into the maze. Seb pointed to a little picnic area where people were milling about eating treats, waiting for their turn on the hayride, or just enjoying the atmosphere. Alex could see Colton waiting there, munching enthusiastically on a toffee apple. Willing himself not to blush, Alex nodded his thanks to Sebastian and made his way over.

Colton towered over literally everyone around him and Alex was relieved to see that they had similar outfits on. He was wearing a fleece lined black-and-teal plaid jacket over a dark sweater and faded jeans. Now that it was too cold to surf every day, his tan skin had lost its golden luster and his hair had faded from bleached back to sandy blonde, but Colton was still super hot, to use Haley’s words.

Colton spotted him and quickly swallowed a bite of his apple, “Hi, Alex!” Like Haley, the farmer gave him a once over and Alex felt his chest tighten with anxiety. “Looking very spruce tonight, dude.”

Oh, thank fuck. “Thanks. You’re looking good yourself.” Alex was impressed with how chill he sounded, despite feeling very unchill. “Did you do all this yourself? It looks awesome, I barely recognize the farm.”

“Thanks! But nah, I had a lot of help. Demetrius helped me design the maze, but I did all the planting and watering and maintaining. Vincent and Jas helped with decorating and Marnie’s handling the hayride. Gus and Emily are in charge of the food and drink, of course. Rasmodius also said he’d provide scares for the maze and something called a ‘ghost show’. Not sure what that means, I’m kinda nervous about it to be honest—"

A scream came from the maze, startling Alex and sending a ripple of murmurs through the picnic area.

“I think that’s Maru, poor woman’s been in there for a long time. Even Harvey made it through the maze before she did. We should rescue her if we find her.” Colton finished off his apple and tossed the stick into the trash. “You ready to guide my wussy ass through this maze or would you like some food first?”

“Let’s get our maze on.” Ugh. New Alex still sometimes said mortifying shit.

Colton seemed charmed by it, thankfully, and they entered the maze. Alex didn’t scare easily, but he had to admit it was pretty creepy in here. The corn was so thick you couldn’t see through it, and it rose high over even Colton’s head. The only light in the maze came from the full moon and the fairy lights that occasionally criss-crossed overhead and it was like outside noises were muffled somehow. The ankle-deep fog outside the maze became knee-map inside. Somewhere ahead they could hear Sam whimpering and Abigail calling him a baby.

The first scare that Rasmodius conjured up, maybe literally, came running at them from out of the corn. A skeleton that glowed a sickly green sprinted right for them with arms outstretched. Alex jumped as Colton screamed. The skeleton blew right by them, bony fingers scratching at the farmer’s arm before disappearing into the corn again. Alex’s stomach flipping had nothing to do with the scare and everything to do with Colton grabbing hold of his hand.

“Sorry for making you jump, Alex. Did warn you I was a big ol’ scaredy cat.” Colton sounded self-conscious.

Alex hated to hear it. Didn’t feel right, that someone as awesome as Colton was feeling bad about himself. He gave the farmer’s hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled. “Nothing to be sorry about, dude. Happy to be bodyguard and date tonight.” Or any night.

And Alex played his part well. The wizard’s scares definitely weren’t of the plastic variety. Giant spiders, weird noises in the corn, invisible hands that brushed at their ankles and arms, figures in the fog, drooling red-eyed hounds, big swooping bats, footsteps that ran up behind them with nothing there when they turned. Colton didn’t scream every time, but there was always someone else screaming just out of sight.

By the time they reached the middle of the maze, Alex had one arm wrapped tight around Colton’s waist. The farmer looked around nervously. There was nothing here in the center of the maze except a creepy statue of what looked like a guy with an octopus for a head. Poor Maru screeched again, but it sounded distant. It seemed she might actually get out sometime before dawn.

Colton looked at the faintly glowing display on his watch, “The ‘ghost show’ starts soon. Wanna see what that is before we try making our way out?”

Alex nodded, even he needed a break. “Sounds good.”

The wizard’s ‘ghost show’ started at exactly midnight. Vaguely human-shaped figures, glowing pale blue, drifted up through the corn and started swirling over the maze. Fast, slow, they zipped and twirled overhead. There were a few surprised squawks from the maze dwellers, then a murmur of amazement. Considering what they’d been through already tonight, this was actually kind of… soothing.

(And romantic?) Alex’s brain supplied oh-so-innocently.

No! Don’t be stupi—Alex swallowed thickly. Apparently, Colton agreed with Alex’s brain. He’d turned to face Alex, leaning in slightly. The anxiety in his deep brown eyes had melted into something very close to desire.

(Okay. The hottest man in the valley wants to kiss you, don’t fuck it up. Shit. I can do this. Okay. Fuck. C’mon, Alex, you’re not afraid of ghouls and shit, but you’re afraid of a kiss? Just--)

He blinked. Colton was suddenly angling away, looking a little embarrassed. Belatedly, Alex realized that the other man had been politely waiting for him to lean in too and had taken his getting momentarily lost in his own panicked brain as disinterest. Great. Fucked it up instantly.

“Then unfuck it, doofus!” He heard Haley’s voice so clearly in his mind it was like she was swirling overhead with the wizard’s ghosts. Hoping this didn’t make things even more awkward, Alex slid his arms around Colton’s neck and leaned in. The embarrassment faded instantly. Colton leaned down… and holy shit, they were kissing, the farmer’s body very warm and very firm as it pressed against Alex’s. Colton tasted like toffee apple and he smelled like rain in the woods with a hint of the sea underneath. Then his fingers hooked into Alex’s belt loops to draw him closer and who knew that such a small thing could be so fucking sexy?

They parted, both slightly breathless, as the ghosts above faded out so that near darkness settled over the maze once again.

“That was nice.” Colton murmured.

Alex agreed wholeheartedly. “Yeah, it was.”

He shivered as Colton’s lips brushed against his ear and his fingers tightened in his belt loops. “You smell amazing, by the way…”

Score one for Haley, she’d be pleased to hear it. Alex was trying to form some kind of reply that wouldn’t want to make him shrivel up and die when somewhere to their left they heard the sound of Abigail screaming and Sam laughing long and loud and very donkey-like. Their little romantic moment was over, but not ruined.

Colton’s lips were at his ear once more. “Get me out of this maze alive and I’ll kiss you again.”

If it wouldn’t have ruined the experience for everyone else, Alex would’ve bulled a straight line through the corn and made his own exit.

Oddly, kissing Alex seemed to have bolstered the farmer. He was much less jumpy as they navigated their way out and only screamed twice. Alex felt his ego puff up. Just a bit.

Someplace ahead of them they heard Maru shriek again, but this one was different. It was a scream of triumph, “Heck yeah, I survived! Emily, two cupcakes, please!”

Colton laughed, “Guess she found her way out.”

A few more twists and turns and they found their way out as well, Colton breathing a sigh of relief in the cold night air.

“Thanks, Alex. My hero.”

True to his word, Colton was moving in close again. Alex moved as well, perhaps a bit too eagerly as their noses bumped lightly. Colton only chuckled, tilting his head just a touch more so their mouths slotted together perfectly. Goddamn he tasted and smelled and felt so good. Alex could get used to this…

Afterward they bought some snacks and cider and went to join Maru and a few others in the picnic area. Haley had disappeared, probably went home a while ago. Spirit’s Eve wasn’t really her thing. She’d likely just come to give her sister and Alex some support. With the kids in bed and the last few stragglers exiting the maze, Marnie was dismantling the hayride and loading her ponies into the trailer behind her truck. Alex took a bite of the toffee apple he’d bought, a sheepish grin on his face. He knew it was kinda goofy, but he wanted to relive the taste of Colton’s lips a few more times.

They were halfway through their snack feast when Sam, Abby, and Sebastian emerged from the maze, taunting each other about who was the biggest baby.

“Didn’t hear Seb once so he’s obviously the champ among you three.” Colton called out with a teasing smirk.

Abigail laughed as the trio came to a stop beside their table. “You and Maru had a chorus going.” She teased back.

“Oh dude, yeah, I definitely would’ve dropped dead five feet into the maze without Alex to protect me.”

Alex’s cheeks flushed as he felt Colton’s hand slide over his wrist. Abby and Sam’s eyebrows raised in surprised, Sebastian just looked smug that he’d known something his friends hadn’t. Old Alex would’ve cared, probably too much. New Alex didn’t give a fuck.

He just smiled and gave Colton a nudge with his elbow. “Don’t sell yourself short, you didn’t shit yourself on the way out.”

The five of them laughed together. It felt nice.

“Walk me home?” Colton asked as they threw their trash in the bin, gesturing to the farmhouse in the distance.

“Yeah, of course.”

Alex felt more sets of curious eyes on them as they walked off hand-in-hand. He still didn’t give a fuck.

As soon as they entered the farmyard Finn, Colton’s dog, came barrelling out of his doggy door and jumped all over Alex, barking excitedly trying to lick his face.

“Oh, I see who his favorite is.” The farmer smirked.

Alex laughed and scratched Finn around the neck, trying and failing to keep all four of the dog’s paws on the ground. “Hey, buddy!”

“Thank-you, Alex.” Colton said as they ascended the stairs onto the porch, Finn racing in circles around both of them. “I had a lot of fun with you tonight.”

A pleasant little knot of warmth formed in Alex’s stomach. “Me too.”

“No hike tomorrow. Gotta take all this stuff down.”

“Not by yourself, I hope?” Finn impatiently butted his head against Alex’s leg and he reached down to pat him.

“Nah. Wizard dude is taking care of the spooky stuff tonight. Marnie, Gus, and Pierre are taking care of their areas tonight too. Tomorrow morning Marnie, Shane, Seb, Sam, and Abby are coming to help with the rest.”

“I’ll help too. What time?”

“Yeah? I thought it’d be kinda tacky to ask my date to help me clean up.” Finn was harassing Colton for pets now, and he ruffled the dog about the ears.

“Nah, I want to help. Just tell me when to show up.”

A fond little smile curved Colton’s lips, “Why don’t you come by a bit earlier than the others? I’ll make pancakes.”

Alex felt his cheeks go red, “…I’d like that.”

“Seven, then?”

“I’ll be here.”

His affection quota satisfied, Finn slipped back through his doggy door into the house. Colton’s affection quota not quite satisfied, he placed a soft kiss on Alex’s jaw. “Goodnight, Alex.”

“See you tomorrow, Colton.”

[steviebbboi]

Stevie BB 200 Followers Celebration Writing Challenge!

Howdy lads~ exciting news to share:

I just reached a 200 follower count on Tumblr 🎉🎉🎉

I kinda can't believe it? Writing is indeed good for my soul. Interacting with y'all on here has helped me with my mental and emotional wellness due to just finding such great community on here. Thank you for giving me the space to write and for following along/supporting in my writing journey 💖

With that spiel spoken, I wanted to host a writing challenge in celebration of this milestone! *squealing because i'm so excited to host*

Stevie BB 200 Followers Celebration Writing Challenge Masterlist

*you'll find all writing submissions and writing requests (answered) at the link above*

You could participate by sending in either:

✨ writing request via my Asks (💙)

and/or

✨ writing submissions (💥).

General Rules:

the challenge will start October 1st until the end of November (flexible on late entries for submissions only💥; let's say till mid-December or so).

I'll read/write for Chris Evans characters, Henry Cavill Characters, and Charlie Hunnam characters [and Bucky Barnes specifically lol] (these are my preferences but if there are other characters that you'd like to bring in, just ask me)!

for writing requests 💙, i will only be accepting requests (2 max/person; pls do not send more than 2 asks!) until the end of November.

for writing submissions 💥, go wild! submit as many as you like!

you can do both (send in a writing request 💙 AND send in a writing submission(s)💥) if you want to; rules still apply for the requests though.

use at least one prompt within your request 💙/submissions💥 from the lists below (but def. go crazy if you wanna use more than one! you don't have to claim any prompts).

works can be inclusive! poc, gender neutral, neurodivergencies, mid size/plus size/curvy readers are encouraged!

No word limits but please use a 'read more' after 200 words

Works can be part of an existing series but must be able to stand on their own

tag me @steviebbboi and use the tags #bbboi200celebration and #steviebbboiwritingchallenge in your entry so i can read/reblog your work! (If I somehow lose sight of your submission, please remind me and I'll take a look at it right away ☺️)

Most important one: Have fun!

How To Play:

✨ You must be 18+ to participate in this challenge!

✨ Choose one (or multiple 😏) BB's:

Chris Evans Characters

Steve Rogers/Captain America

Ransom Drysdale

Ari Levinson

Frank Adler

Curtis Everett

Andy Barber

Hayden/Harvard Hottie

Nick Gant

Jake Jensen

Johnny Storm

Lloyd Hansen

Henry Cavill Characters

Clark Kent

Napoleon Solo

Geralt of Rivia

August Walker

Charlie Hunnam Characters

Jax Teller

Raymond Smith *extra brownie pts if you write about him omg*

King Arthur

Sebastian Stan

Bucky Barnes [he's all by himself im so sorry lmfao 🥹]

✨ Choose one (or more) of the following prompts:

*if you don't want to write smut, you don't have to choose anything from the kinks prompt! feel free to only use the following two prompts :)

soft dom!BB

clothes/naked ratio

size kink

slow and deep 👀

breeding kink (non-pregnancy version)

somnophilia

free use

cockwarming

belly bulge

Squirting

consensual non-con

consensual dub-con

cumeating

creampie

anal/or dp

possessive/or protective manhandling!BB

oral sex

orgasm delay

dumbification

daddy/princess kink

overstimulation

sex pollen

prone bone

cockdrunk

threesome (BB/Reader/BB)

ass/pussy spanking

mild degradation

body worshipping

quickie/don't get caught (public sex, threats of exhibitionism, etc.) 😏

Grouchybb! who is only soft with you

Married and loyal!spouse

A/B/O

lumberjack!bb who is a teddy bear on the inside tho

mob AU

biker AU

soulmate AU

mutual pining/idiots in love

childhood besties to lovers

reformed playboy

professor AU

supernatural/mythical (gods, sirens, werewolves, witches, vampires, ghosts, oh my!)

frenemies to lovers

fwb to lovers

locked in AU/forced proximity

medieval AU

fake dating/relationship

sharing one bed

polar opposites attract

break up and make up

spy AU

meet cute

cowboy AU

gentle recluse!BB

brothers best friend!BB

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Yes, take it, slut"

"It's not that big of a deal."

"God, why do you always do this"

"You're impossible."

"Then I guess we gotta be quiet, huh?"

"We're trapped."

"Shh, you wouldn't want anyone to hear, or do you?"

"You're taking me so well, baby"

"Good girl" *for fem readers; adjust accordingly!*

"Tsk, uh-uh, c'mere, honey"

"You always feel so good around me, baby"

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Here, let me help you."

"Yeah, are you a cockhungry slut, now?"

"I hardly think that that's necessary."

"Don't be a brat, baby."

"Aw, does it feel good right there?"

"I'm sorry!"

"What do you want from me?!"

"I didn't mean to!"

"What do you think you're doing here?"

"Nope. Again."

"Don't worry, I got you."

"Just stay still, there you go."

"Just one more, I promise."

"C'mon, don't you wanna be good?"

"Stay over there!"

"You better hurry up, baby."

"Thaaaat's it, you're doing so well, honey."

"Uhm, I'm not sure that's going to work."

"Please, I'll beg, please!"

"Be honest."

"Be careful there, darlin'."

"Are you okay?"

"Are you sure you wanna go there?"

Scenarios? Any! Go. Wild.

✨ I love reading/writing angst w/HEA, soft dark (nothing too dark though), fluff and SMUT (as you can see w/the many many kinks).

no incest (stepcest is ok if tasteful lol), no infidelity, no watersports, no murder, no gore. if you're unsure if a trope is appropriate, ask me!

if im ever uncomfy with writing something, i will lyk and we can talk more about it to see if we could work with it!

feel free to ask any questions!

i think i got everything!

Have the best time, laddies~ thanks for celebrating with me!

All are welcome to join in the fun! ❣️

Tagging a few mutuals who may be interested but no pressure bbs:

@bigtreefest @mercurial-chuckles @stargazingfangirl18 @yenzys-lucky-charm

@sweater-daddiesdumbdork @buckets-and-trees @hotdamnhunnam @laurfilijames

@autumnrose40 @eloquentlytired @misscherry-26 @stellar-solar-flare

@darsynia @navybrat817

[sunflowerkiwis]

Hiya! This might be a niche request so feel free to just ignore but I’ve been enjoying you’re age gap insta AUs. I was wondering if you could do one with either Vettel or Button where they’re dating an English footballer who is younger but it’s revealed when England win the euros? Either way love your work 💖

Love

sebastian vettel x reader requested - she's a short one, dunno if you'll like it as much but 💛 feedback is appreciated + requests are open! enjoy xx

f1.updates

302,146 likes

f1.updates some fans spotted sebastian vettel at the women's euro tonight!

view all comments

user01 sir??? watcha doing there seb?? 🤨🤨

user02 well... that was not on my bingo card this year...

user03 wrong sport seb😭😭

user04 love how nobody's surprised it's women's football, it just caught us off guard that it's FOOTBALL out of absoltely nowhere

user05 that's what i love about seb AND his fans

sebastianvettel

liked by charles_leclerc, yourinstagram, and 923,412 others

sebastianvettel Congratulations to the @lionesses in tonight's win, everyone did great!!

view all comments

user06 yn yln in the likes 😀

user07 who is that?

user08 she's a player on the team

user07 what's so big about her being in the likes? he posted about her team, sounds normal to me

user37 it's the grandpa grammar for me😭

user39 grandpa seb🤭

user44 our favorite seb

yourusername thank you so much!! 🫶

user11 this is not what i think it is...

user10 join the delulu train bestie

yourusername

liked by lionesses, sebastianvettel, and 806,903 others

yourusername big thanks to everyone and the team for your support, great job ladies ����🤍

view all comments

user11 these two and their interactions...🤔🤔

user12 we're thinking, i repeat, wE ARE THINKING

sebastianvettel Great work out there!

liked by yourusername

user13 seb and his old man grammar kill me sometimes😭😭

user15 so no one's gonna talk about how she was looking int he same direction sebastian was sitting the whole time...?

user14 STOP I WAS JUST ABOUT TO SAY THAT

user16 WE ALL AGREE THAT THE HEART WAS TO HIM RIGHT

user15 ABSOLUTELY

yourusername

liked by charles_leclerc, sebastianvettel, and 812,202 others

yourusername and now we go :)

view all comments

user22 hi ms yn, hello, um who is that????

user24 CHARLES???? WHAT HAPPENED TO HELLO? GOOD MORNING? HOW ARE YOU??

user23 ARIANA WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE

user27 WHAT IS HE DOING HERE

user25 FIRST SEB, NOW THIS????

user26 what is happening in the house of commons.

user28 ma'am, who is we?????

user29 my wife is cheating on me with a mystery man😔🤧

f1.updates

298,467 likes

f1.updates sebastian vettel and yn yln spotted at the airport earlier today!

view all comments

user31 so are we all just gonna ignore the fact that she's like 24 or...?

user30 right??? it's so weird, they're like 12 years apart

user32 what if ya'll mind your damn business??

user31 just saying🤷‍♀️

user33 respectfully stfu

user33 im sure he probably wouldn't wanna date you, a 16 year old, treating others and being up in their business like this

yourusername

liked by yourbestfriend, sebastianvettel, and 845,699 others

yourusername a soft launch in black and white ;)

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user34 you. can't. tell. me. that's. not. seb.

user35 frr

user36 it's the way they're so cute 😭😭

sebastianvettel

liked by yourusername, scuderiaferrari, and 903,237 others

sebastianvettel She says it's called a Hard Launch...

view all comments

user38 i knew it was coming... i just didn't know it was coming

user40 my wife is so hot

user41 fr, like what's this random old man doing with my wife, back off seb🙄

yourusername you did it wrong babe

yourusername i love you nonetheless❤

sebastianvettel I love you too ❤ Thank you for trying to help me, love

user42 "love" 😭

user44 new favorite seb

user43 don't mind if i just collapse real quick

[leclerc-s]

wait, there's another one of you?

series masterlist

isabellaperez posted new stories

this booger picked me up from the airport and then decided to mock me for buying food at the airport. little outfit change because it's not hoodie season in mexico. i ditched the booger and picked up my comfort food. no i will not be sharing, they're all mine.

lando norris someone want to explain to me who the guy in isabella's story is?

isabella perez my fucking brother? gael? dulce perez it's our brother.

charles leclerc wait, there's another one of you??

max verstappen how do you people not know this?

mae jones i didn't know...

daphne jones i did know, nice kid. i don't know how he's related to isabella.

sebastian vettel he used to come to races all the time, and then their dad died and he stopped coming.

dulce perez we all bonded with dad over f1. it was harder for gael because he was karting when dad passed. he gave up on the sport after that.

isabella perez haven't you heard, he's a big shot actor now. HE WORKED WITH THE SEBASTIAN STAN!!

penelope trevino your taste in men needs to be studied. under a microscope. isabella perez i don't really have a crush on sebastian stan. i have a crush on bucky barnes. it's very different. penelope trevino oh yeah, that makes so much sense.

max verstappen the worst thing is that he's a ferrari fan too 🙄

isabella perez HELL YEAH! FORZA FERRARI BABY!

charles leclerc LET'S GO!!

lewis hamilton i will never understand how checo's own blood aren't red bull fans.

dulce perez he was a ferrari academy driver with jules. it's practically in our blood to be tifosi. i just like to support my uncle, the other two are heathens.

isabella perez WE CAN SUPPORT UNCLE CHECO AND SUPPORT FERRARI AT THE SAME TIME DULCE!

esteban ocon we have to meet this guy!

lance stroll when can we meet him? carlos sainz are we allowed to meet him? dulce perez never. my brother will not be tainted by you nerds.

rowan todd listen, i understand the boys, but seeing as we work together with marvel. good luck keeping me away from him.

rowan todd wait-

rowan todd in the sense that, we're going to become besties. work besties if you will.

lance stroll pierre just let out a sigh of relief.

pierre gasly do you know how to shut the fuck up? if so, please do so. lance stroll why would i when you're so easy to tease?

max verstappen you have to bring him to a race soon. it's only fair! i will turn him into a red bull fan.

isabella perez listen, uncle checo driving for red bull is temporary, however long that may last, but ferrari is forever. you just have to deal with this max, uncle checo does.

carlos sainz max is just surrounded by tifosi isn't he?

max verstappen oh shut up carlos.

carlos sainz is the little one still a huge charles fan?

daniel ricciardo he called my move to mclaren the worst mistake of my life. daniel ricciardo he's also a little shit. but we love him max verstappen NO! YOU LOVE HIM! i tolerate him at best.

fernando alonso when you say patito, you don't mean pato o'ward, do you?

isabella perez i do! they were best friends growing up!

dulce perez wow, you are dumb.

isabella perez WHAT THE FUCK DOES THAT MEAN??

dulce perez ask gael. maybe he'll answer the question.

lando norris someone could be in love with her and she would never notice.

daniel ricciardo i can't wait for the day i get to witness that

daphne jones don't be mean. she's not dumb, just oblivious.

pierre gasly this is like that time that guy asked for her number and she gave him dulce's number.

arthur leclerc WHAT THE FUCK? WHEN WAS THIS?

max verstappen arthur right now, probably

charles leclerc can confirm that is what arthur sounded like.

max verstappen at least someone appreciates my comedic genius. natalia ruiz he's in love with you charles leclerc literally shut up?

isabella perez WHAT ARE YOU PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT? HE ASKED FOR DULCE'S NUMBER?

rowan todd HE ASKED FOR YOURS! HE CALLED YOU PRETTY GIRL AND EVERYTHING?

isabella perez WHAT THE FUCK? HOW DID I MISS THAT?!

daphne jones like i said, you're oblivious.

freya vettel at least put us all out of our misery and ask out cute prema guy

isabella perez i can't.

esteban ocon the fuck do you mean you can't?

lance stroll wait. don't fucking say it isabella

isabella perez i got back together with austin

daniel ricciardo WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK ISABELLA?

fernando alonso OTRA VEZ? ISABELLA, NO PUEDES SEGUIR HACIENDO ESTO! (again? isabella, you can't keep doing this!)

isabella perez but he said things would be different this time!

dulce perez THAT'S WHAT HE FUCKING SAID LAST TIME YOU MORON!

gael perez dime que no es verdad isabella! (tell me it's not true isabella!)

isabella perez that depends, what are we talking about?

dulce perez cut the bullshit. why would you do this?

isabella perez HEY YOU KNOW WHY! I LOVE HIM!

gael perez i'm gonna die and my sister's still going to be dating that lunatic.

dulce perez at this rate i'm going to get back with arthur and she's still going to be with him.

isabella perez let's talk about dulce's problems instead!

gael perez old news, we all know she's still in love arthur but in denial about it.

isabella perez by the way, was patito ever anything more than your friend?

gael perez i have to go.

isabella perez CLEARLY I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH PROBLEMS HERE!

isabella perez dulce is a snitch who's still in love with her ex and my brother dated his best friend.

dulce perez HEY FUCK YOU! WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SIBLING GROUP CHAT STAYS THERE!

max verstappen no, tell us more. as the children say, spill the tea sis.

mae jones i forget you have a broken childhood.

charles leclerc tell us something we don't already know.

dulce perez literally fuck you guys. i don't have to sit here and take this.

dulce perez i have class now.

pierre gasly coward.

dulce perez PIERRE'S IN LOVE WITH ROWAN BUT IS AFRAID TO ADMIT IT! MAX IS ALSO IN LOVE WITH MAE! AND CHARLES IS LOVE WITH NATALIA AND WE ALL KNOW THEY'RE SLEEPING TOGETHER!

dulce perez call me a coward again gasly. i know all your secrets.

lance stroll she's sort of scary sometimes.

daniel ricciardo she's a middle child. of course she knows everything.

daphne jones i love her.

max verstappen i'm kinda scared of her now. what else does she know?

dulce perez i know everything verstappen. all of you confide in me because i'm the only 'normal' one here.

dulce perez AND I KNEW ABOUT DANIEL'S PROPOSAL BEFORE ANYONE ELSE SO SUCK IT FUCKERS! (except for seb, lewis, and nando. i love you guys.)

mae jones RICCIARDO! YOU TOLD ME I WAS THE FIRST TO KNOW!

daniel ricciardo would you look at the time. i have to go walk my kangaroo.

fernando alonso coward!

daniel ricciardo no shame about it!

taglist: @burningcupcakefire @arkhammaid @sunflower-golden-vol6 @applopie @lorarri @mypage-myfandoms @bb-swift @thewannabewriter @stopeatread @hobiismyhopeu @lilsiz @alessioayla @niniluvsainz @au-ghosttype @justtprachisblog @nichmeddar @landonorizzz @unluckyyoshi @brekkers-whore @natcha888 @camdensreg @mycenterfold @dear-fifi @prongsvault @georgeparisole @dan3avocado @nikfigueiredo @bella-1 @namgification @jensonsonlybutton @chezmardybum @d3kstar @weekendlusting @trouble-sistar @lesliiieeeee @leclercsluv @33-81 @theseus-jpg @sarah-thatstings-ann @suicidepanda07 @minmira95 @vroomvroom95 @scuderiadevils @lilsiz @ssararuffoni @you-bleed-just-toknowyouarealive @cowboylikemets1989 @rmeddar123 @kaa212 @anxxiousaries

not taggable: @Mimolovescookies @julesbabey1 @julesbabey @Smnthnclj @melissayalene @nothanqks @ragioniera @anytimeanywherebitchblog @burberryfilms @lorenaskaspersen @My-fangirling-outlet

click here to be added to the honest series taglist

¡leclerc-s speaks! if i hadn’t mentioned this character before that’s because he was literally made up like last week. i also just love danny ramirez and i had to include him somehow. this entire series is just me putting together all my interests in one. also my love for pato, i love him so much. i have too many stories and don't have time to update them all so i just create more to ignore the bigger issue.

¡disclaimer! this is in no way making assumptions about the people involved in this story, this is all fake. it is a fanfiction please don't take any of what is said seriously. this is all for entertainment purposes and as a creative outlet for me. enjoy!

[cherryvampart]

I have to thank my bestie for always supporting me and for comissioning me.

This piece was certainly a challenge but I did my best for our dear boy Sebastian... He's one hell of a butler... and priest. Chracter: Sebastian Michaelis Media: Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler)

[wrishwrosh]

hey, i find your posts about historical fiction pretty interesting, do you have any recs?

anon this is the most beautiful and validating ask i have ever received. absolutely of COURSE I have recs. not gonna be a lot of deep cuts on this list but i love all of these books and occasionally books do receive awards and acclaim because they are good. in no particular order:

the cromwell trilogy by hilary mantel. of course i gotta start with the og. it’s 40 million pages on the tudor court and the english reformation and it will fundamentally change you as a person and a reader

(sub rec: the giant, o’brien by hilary mantel. in many ways a much shorter thematic companion to the cromwell trilogy imo. about stories and death and embodiment and the historical record and 18th century ireland. if you loved the trilogy, read this to experience hils playing with her own theories about historical fiction. if you are intimidated by the trilogy, read this first to get a taste of her prose style and her approach to the genre. either way please read all four novels ok thanks)

lincoln in the bardo by george saunders. the book that got me back into historical fiction as an adult. american history as narrated by a bunch of weird ghosts and abraham lincoln. chaotic and lovely and morbid.

the everlasting by katy simpson smith. rome through the ages as seen by a medici princess, a gay death-obsessed monk, and an early christian martyr. really historically grounded writing about religion and power, and also narrated with interjections from god’s ex boyfriend satan. smith is a trained historian and her prose slaps

(sub rec: free men by katy simpson smith. only a sub rec bc i read it a long time ago and my memory of it is imperfect but i loved it in 2017ish. about three men in the woods in the post revolutionary american south and by virtue of being about masculinity is actually about women. smith did her phd in antebellum southern femininity and motherhood iirc so this book is LOCKED IN to those perspectives)

a mercy by toni morrison. explores the dissolution of a household in 17th century new york. very different place and time than a lot of morrison’s bigger novels but just as mean and beautiful

(sub rec: beloved by toni morrison. a sub rec bc im pretty sure everyone has already read beloved but perhaps consider reading it again? histfic ghost story abt how the past is always here and will never go away and loves you and hates you and is trying to kill you)

an artist of the floating world by kazuo ishiguro. my bestie sir kazuo likes to explore the past through characters who, for one reason or another (amnesia, dementia, being a little baby robot who was just born yesterday, etc), are unable to fully comprehend their surroundings. this one is about post-wwii japan as understood by an elderly supporter of the imperial regime

(sub rec: remains of the day by kazuo ishiguro. same conceit as above except this time the elderly collaborator is incapable of reckoning with the slow collapse of the system that sheltered him due to britishness.)

the pull of the stars by emma donoghue. donoghue is a strong researcher and all of her novels are super grounded in their place and time without getting so caught up in it they turn into textbooks. i picked this one bc it is a wwi lesbian love story about childbirth that made me cry so hard i almost threw up on a plane but i recommend all her histfic published after 2010. before that she was still finding her stride.

days without end by sebastian barry. this one is hard to read and to rec bc it is about the us army’s policy of genocide against native americans in the 19th century west as told by an irish cavalry soldier. it is grim and violent and miserable and also so beautiful it makes me cry about every three pages. first time i read it i was genuinely inconsolable for two days afterwards.

this post is long as hell so HONORABLE MENTIONS: the amazing adventures of kavalier & clay by michael chabon, the western wind by samantha harvey, golden hill by frances spufford, barkskins by annie proulx, postcards by annie proulx, most things annie proulx has written but i feel like i talk about her too much, the view from castle rock by alice munro, the name of the rose by umberto eco, tracks by louise erdrich

[libraryofloveletters]

Written In The Photos - Social Media Series

decided to take a little break from writing (I will still be writing after this, don’t worry!) but I didn’t want to leave you guys without content so I present the Written In The Photos series. each driver/player has a song and their post is inspired by said song :) I hope you guys enjoyed this as much as I enjoyed making it <3 // special thank you to my bestie @themandaloriansdiaries for all her help with song choices and all the cracked out convos we had to put it together. 

Carlos Sainz Jr - Smooth Operator by Sade

late nights, jet leg and messed up sleep schedules lead to words spoken which would normally be kept to themselves. 

Jack Grealish - Hot Girl Summer by Meg Thee Stallion 

party after party, Jack seems to be spotted with the same girl over and over again.

Lewis Hamilton - Loveeeeeee Song by Rihanna and Future 

he’s sick and tired of seeing you in private, he wants the world to know you’re his. 

Sergio Ramos - Way 2 Sexy by Drake 

working for a footballer isn’t easy, it’s even harder when everyone thinks you’re dating. ( footballer x pr manager)

Max Verstappen  - Can We Still Friends by Tyler, The Creator

even the best of the friends can have falling outs, especially when you’re on opposites side of the track.  (teammate/rival!reader)

Andy Robertson - I’m Still In Love With You by Sean Paul ft. Sasha and Jeremy Harding

so many years apart and you’re still in love with the same guy you’ve always been in love with.

Lance Stroll - Stuck With You by Ariana Grande 

every relationship goes sour, except for the one you had with a certain brown eyed boy. 

Pato O’Ward -  Sunday Candy by Nico Segal 

snapshots of love and life with the love of your life.

Jude Bellingham - P Power by Gunna ft Drake  

young and in love, you two find yourselves making headlines more often than not. 

Sebastian Vettel - Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado and Timberland 

can’t keep his hands off you and can’t keep the flirty comments away. (redbull seb) 

Kylian Mbappe  -  Hotel Room Service by Pitbull 

secrets unravel when you’re caught together in spain.  

Jenson Button - Money by Cardi B 

diamonds are a girl’s best friend after all (sugar daddy!jenson)

Ruben Dias - Golden Hour by JVKE 

you supported him through it all, it only made sense you were the one there in the end. 

George Russell - London Boy by Taylor Swift 

grey weather is a bit of a downer, unless you have someone by your side. 

Bukayo Saka - Star Boy by The Weeknd

proud, proud, proud; you showed everyone just how proud you really were. 

Mick Schumacher - Dark Red by Steve Lacy 

he only has eyes for one girl and it’s the one girl he wasn’t supposed to be looking at. (vettel!reader)

Neymar Jr - Tití Me Preguntó by Bad Bunny 

he promised to change, you were stupid enough to believe him but people never really change do they?

Lando Norris - Young, Dumb and Broke by Khalid 

regret makes people do crazy things. 

John Stones - I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston 

your husband winning the treble calls for celebration and you two finally get the night out you deserve. 

Esteban Ocon - Sure Thing by Miguel 

attached at the hip; the sunshine to his rain. you were everything to him. 

Erling Haaland - Sunday Mornings by Maroon 5

sunday mornings were a bit of a tradition for you, everyone notices when the pattern changes.

Pierre Gasly - Creepin’ by The Weeknd 

loyalty runs both ways, until it doesn’t anymore but nothing ever really changes, does it?

Virgil Van Dijk - Let ‘Em Know by Bryson Tiller 

some things never change, no matter how much you try. 

Fernando Alonso - I’m Still Standing by Elton John 

looking up and looking down, it never felt so right. 

Jordan Henderson - If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys 

with your 10th anniversary around the corner, you both get a bit in your feels.

Charles Leclerc - A Sunday Kind Of Love by Etta James 

races, weddings and races again; sundays hold a special place in his heart. 

Trent Alexander Arnold - One Kiss by Dua Lipa

all it took was one kiss and the floodgates were opened. 

Daniel Ricciardo - Woo by Rihanna

monaco is good to those who are good to it, especially those who win. every winner deserves a prize worthy of a king.

Christian Pulisic - Unforgettable by French Montana and Swae Lee

the star player and the ex girlfriend of his closest teammate are spotted together; you’re too unforgettable.

Kostas Tsimikas - Boyfriend by Ariana Grande and Social House

you were his until you weren't, but then you were again. the two of you tangled in the sheets and in a web of confusion; were you or were you not?

[fernandomagicalonsomanydances]

Been largely absent from Tumblr since I had to reset my phone but in preparation for the last race of the season here's my updated rating of the drivers based on how much I love and support them

1. Carlos - you are the reason I got into the sport Smooth Operator and "I ain't quitting you" even if you did decide to go to the cellar that is Williams

2. Fernando - with the Newey news hope is restored for my favorite old man to get his much deserved and long overdue 3 WDC "help me Adrian Newey you're my only hope"

3. Oscar - well with Logan and Danny gone and Checo leaving looks like you're getting adopted yet again Osco by me the American congratulations you can now claim 3 more races as "home races" because I'm claiming you as my home driver cause it sure ain't gonna be Canadian Nepo Baby

4. Esteban - oh Estie Bestie they didn't even let you say goodbye. Screw that shit show that is Alpine. Can't wait to see you take Haas to the next level with lovely Ollie Bear beside you (please don't hurt him or I will end you)

5. Max - my trauma bro for life who healed my inner child when he let his little sister Victoria put the sticker on the Redbull cooler at Qatar. You are the champion of the world and of the horror story that is your past

6. Lando - "a gentleman on and off the track" as your bro4lyfe Carlos said. I will never say anything bad about you again after how gallantly you treated Oscar. The goodest boy.

7. Franco - chaos powered by maté please don't go away. We need the heir of Sebastian's rizzardry and Senna's face to stick around

8. Charles - you can be a princess sometimes but you're my best friend's favorite princess just maybe don't act like someone pissed on your cheerios every time Carlos does better than you and please toughen up and lighten up because i don't know if I'm prepared to see BOTH Ferrari pilots be sad wet mops next year

9. Pierre - I used to think you were an arrogant little Frenchman who came off as vain but after burying the hatchet with Esteban at Brazil and then qualifying like a GOAT ever since I'm prepared to look past the past and actually like you now

10. Valterri - oh you cheeky cheeky Finn with your cheeks out everywhere, the grid won't be the same without you and if you want me to help you lock Helmut Marko in a shed so you can get that Redbull seat I'd only be too happy to help

11. Alex - sweet zookeeper I'm sorry your car is held together by scotch tape and prayers these days

12. Nico - the Just For Men hair care model that you are never change Nico... Except hopefully Audi can change the number of podiums you have

13. Yuki - feisty parkour king you deserve the seat alongside Max more than anyone else in the RB family currently and I will help you beat up Helmut Marko if that's what it takes

14. Checo - please go spend time with your family. You were great but you gotta go it's getting embarrassing leave before there's no dignity left to leave with and your successes get lost for the sour ending

15. Kevin - please use your last race in F1 to absolutely embrace the Danish Demolition Derby that you are and clear a path for Hulk's first podium and then enjoy your adorable lovely family and whatever sports you move on to next

16. Zhou - thanks for saving Sauber from the total ignominy of a big ole goose egg at the end of the year. I hope you come back cause you're such an inspiration to your country

17. George - once upon a time you were in my top 3 and then you decided chicanery was the way to take down Max. If you don't believe you can beat him on the track then admit it don't go plotting his downfall by getting him hit with penalty points for basically a non-event. I loved you but now you're just some whiny bitch I used to know

18. Lewis - you literally would have had a chance to surpass George if you too weren't being a whiny bitch Lewis. Threatening to not race the last 3! Whining before Brazil! Wanting to quit in Qatar! Are you or are you not a 7 time world champion? Freaking act like it. Regardless of whatever Toto may say you owe it to the team that brought you most of your championships to at least try. Think of Bono if you can't think of anyone else to show your appreciation by sucking it up a little bit bro

19. Lance - you are basically useless but at least your daddy's money will get my Daddy a better car since he brought Newey in with his dough

20. Liam - I was prepared to forgive you for replacing my beloved Danny Ric and then you went and acted like the biggest prick on the grid and decided it was on sight with any pilot who spoke Spanish or their teammates now at this rate. Your love for Cars cannot redeem your attitude which smells like Durian fruit.

[legacygirlingreen]

Part VI Chapter 5: The Repository I // Sebastian Sallow x Reader

A/N: Hi guys! I am finally back with my main story (I know it's been so long!) I have been dreading this since I HATE writing action but it's finally here. The repository! I hope you all enjoy, especially with my strays from canon... I did not edit this because I was too eager to get it out to you all. in the following days ill come back and edit... Anywho much love to those who continue to support me as always. @strawberrypinky my bestie. Anyone who wants to be added to the tag list I am going to try and start please let me know. I also love hearing your ideas so if you have any sound out. <3

Screenshot by @dvinaamesca

Audio for this chapter found HERE & HERE

As always this is Sebastian x y/n but there's almost NO usage of that so if you'd rather insert your MC or OC feel free to do so, just know it is female pronouns!

Masterlist for the other chapters is HERE

Word count: 9.3k

Warnings: violence, mentions of fighting, you know what the repository is about, BRIEF allusions and mentions of kidnapping / almost sexual assault

“Ready whenever you are Weasley.” Sebastian said, looking to the Gryffindor boy who stood towards the back of the great hall with Lucan, both of them holding vials of a mysterious liquid. If either of them wanted to risk their own safety with a Garreth original concoction to help him and the others escape, he wasn’t going to dare question it. 

Carefully slipping behind a group of 3rd years at the hufflepuff table, being consoled by the flying instructor, Sebastian made his way to the side door of the great hall, leading out into the quartyard and the outside of the hufflepuff common rooms. As he came to stand by the others, he looked back to the Gryffindors they intended to leave behind, giving them a nod as he turned his attention back to the group. 

“We won’t have long to slip out of here once they cause a diversion so we will all need to get working on breaking the charms on the door the second weasley causes a commotion. Natty, you’re the best with charms, mind taking charge?” he asked her as the girl nodded. 

“Everyone is aware of where they are to report as soon as we get out of here? We will have to move quickly since they likely already shut down the floo network.” Sebastian whispered, seeing Mr. Moon inching closer and closer to them. 

“Of course Sebastian. And we all plan to stay in groups of two so that no one is left alone.” Amit responded, ready to head with Samantha to the Ravenclaw tower to retrieve his notes on the goblins drills to identify points of weakness on their machinery. 

Sebastian felt a weight drop in his stomach, as if the adrenaline finally was about to kick into gear. He was ready. He only hoped that he would be able to lead their classmates into battle carefully and safely. He understood the risk they were all taking, and appreciated their willingness to help. 

Suddenly a loud bang filled the great hall. Everyone turned their heads to see bright fireworks going off near the entrance as the professors all rushed to discover the cause for commotion. Shrieks and laughter filled the room as Garreth and Lucan were both at the center of the disruption. 

“Now!” Sebastian said as Natty attempted to remove the charms placed on the side exit. Just as they were getting somewhere, a figure came up directly behind Sebastian. 

“Ah Mr. Sallow… attempting to make a hasty exit are we?” Mr. Moon spoke as he turned around. 

“I -” Sebastian thought their plan was done for, knowing that more than likely the man would prevent them from leaving. He watched with surprise as a look of mischief crossed the man’s eyes and he sent a small charm towards the door, allowing it to crack open. 

“Go. I’ll cover for you all.” he said with a wink, casting a large disillusionment charm over the entire group, and turning back around with a whistle.

“Now’s our chance, let’s go” Sebastian whispered as they all made their way out of the great hall. 

Once the doors slid shut and locked back into place, the illusion was dropped, each of them coming back into view once more.  The group picked up the pace, rushing around past the yawning gargoyle as they all rushed to the quad to re enter the school’s halls to disperse wherever they needed. Once inside, Natty, Leander, Everret and Imelda took off towards the library annex and the front of the school.  Samantha and Amit rushed towards the ravenclaw tower above them, as Sebastian and Poppy followed, ready to head towards the Astronomy Wing from the bridge near the ravenclaw common room. As the group dispersed, the castle’s shaking continued to grow more and more intense.

As the group rounded the stairs that lead to the ravenclaw common room, Poppy called out to the two students by saying “We will have the others pick you up from the rooftop!” before her and Sebastian rushed down some of the stairs leading towards the Defense against the Dark art’s tower. 

Sebastian was surprised seeing how much faster than him the small girl moved, considering how much shorter her legs were than his own, but he didn’t question it. They had the most ground to cover, and needed to find her knapsack in the room of requirement, as well as Highwing and possibly Calico before they headed off. Sebastian knew the hippogriffs were fiercely loyal to the girl, and having them in the fight would prove handy in tracking her location. 

Soon the pair found themselves out of breath and in front of the room’s appearing doors. Sebastian hardly waited, as he pushed his way inside, rushing towards the vivarium she kept the creatures in when a small voice called out behind him. 

“Mr. Sallow! Ms. Sweeting!” turning around Sebastian saw Deek looking frightened at their hasty entrance. 

“Deek, I’m glad to see you’re alright.” Sebastian said, frantically looking for the old leather bag she stored in the room. 

“Deek heard what happened to our friend and he sent the phoenix to help. Was he able to locate the camp Ms. Sweeting?” Deek asked, walking towards a small shelf, pulling a chair to sit directly under it, before climbing up onto it. 

Poppy only nodded, using this time to catch her breath as she avoided looking at sebastian. 

“Good. Those poachers are always up to no good. I am glad our friend is alright.” Deek reached up, retrieving the leather bag Sebastian was looking for easily before handing it off to him” 

“Deek went ahead and already put Highwing inside. I figured it might come in handy having them if she came to the room. You’ll take them to her for him right? Deek is so honored to serve such a kind witch like her.” he said, nervously fidgeting as he handed Sebastian the bag. 

“I promise we will Deek, thank you for your help.” With a snap of his fingers, the house elf left them standing there in the dimly lit room. 

“Ready?” He asked the hufflepuff girl, noticing the way she was staring at something above one of the planting stations on the wall. Just as Sebastian was turning back to the hall leading to the door she let out a loud wail, collapsing to the ground faster than he could react as she folded in on herself. 

By the time he made it to her shaking frame, Poppy was tucked into fetal position, rocking back and forth as she struggled to breathe, all the while tears rained down her face. Somewhere between the loud cries and struggled to breathe he could hear her attempting to speak but couldn’t tell what she was saying. 

“Hey, shhh Poppy…” he cut himself off before reprimanding the girl on the poor timing of her outburst as he saw a moving portrait of his witch and the girl along the wall. 

“I , I…” she started to say as he tried his best to figure out what was upsetting the girl. 

“Hey Sweets , you gotta breathe alright? Not doing anyone any good by hyperventilating and I really hate to leave you behind but if you’re not well enough to fight-“

“No!” She shouted, startling him. In her brown eyes Sebastian could see a look reminiscent of a cornered animal, so he leaned back slightly, giving her some space. 

“I -“ Poppy spoke looking at his outstretched hand in the gap between them where he’d paused it before she continued crying. “I’m so sorry” the hufflepuff girl wailed as she covered her face with shaky hands. 

Finally taking the risk he leaned forward enough to put a hand on her shoulder as he felt the tremors wracking her body as she cried. If he left her, he was concerned she’d join them later and alone, so he needed to calm her and do so quickly. 

“Poppy,” he said with a sigh as she continued crying into her palms. She refused to look at him so once again he repeated her name much more firmly this time. “Poppy.” 

The girl paused, sniffling before removing her hands as he looked at her blotchy cheeks and he sighed as he removed his hand from her shoulder. 

“It’s not your fault Poppy, I don’t blam-“ 

“It is my fault! If I hadn’t asked her to accompany me then she wouldn’t have gotten hurt!” The girl said before once again dissolving into tears. 

“Rookwood could’ve gotten to her any time, it’s not your fault… she’s had a lot of dangerous people after her for a while now. It was only a matter of time before-“ Sebastian tried his best to reason with the girl, and while he found the words heavy upon his tongue, deep down he knew their truth. He couldn’t blame Poppy for what happened. Perhaps a much younger version of himself would. It would be an easy scapegoat for what happened since the hufflepuff girl had indeed abandoned his love, but his resolve in loving the girl in question caused him to see this wasn’t Poppy’s fault. She was only doing as she was asked from the little bits and pieces he had heard. He just simply wanted to know more… 

“Poppy what happened?” He asked her gently after a prolonged period of silence overtook the space and she sucked in a deep breath before telling him everything. 

How they had flown over the area, arrived near Feldcroft and found a camp. What they overheard and how his love slipped into the camp in secret and found the journal off rookwoods desk, before all hell broke loose. How she begged the girl to get Anne to safety. How as she left all she heard was the ashwinders using crucio. What happened with Solomon on feldcroft and how she had refrained from telling Anne the truth. How she had come back to the school and retrieved the potions master, enlisting the help of the centaurs to free her. The horrid state his love had been found in - battered, bruised and bare. 

Poppy shivered as she explained watching the girl hobble out of the camp wearing essentially only Professor Sharp's overcoat before Rookwood emerged. How she killed him in anger and frustration but did so by repelling his own usage of the killing curse before collapsing and having to be carried back by the professor. 

She told him about the fight in the hospital ward between his love and Solomon as his uncles sins had been revealed. How the staff watched in horror as she repeatedly punched the man over and over again until she bloodied his nose and busted his lip, all the while having the injuries from her imprisonment still visible. As the school had started shaking they left the hospital ward the same time poppy had been ushered out with Garreth Weasley who had come back by having heard the girl was back safe after helping by finding his aunt to inform her. 

Sebastian gladly accepted her fast and nervous explanation of the events he’d only been allowed brief snippets of until now. Taking a deep breath as she finally seemed to have stopped crying, Sebastian reached a hand out to her shoulder to comfort her in a way that wouldn’t be inappropriate. 

“Poppy it’s not your fault. You were doing as she asked of you… and in doing so you helped my sister. You also went back to help her. I don’t blame you, in fact…” he trailed off as the girl looked up to him from where he knelt next to her on the floor as he spoke. “I should be thanking you. You helped save Anne, my sister is getting the help she needs because of you. You saved her life by going back. That means the world…” he told her as he felt a surge of gratitude. 

“But-“ 

“We don’t have much time, and she needs us. How about we hash this out later okay? Just please know, I don’t blame you. And I’m thankful to you for helping Anne. We are all really fortunate to have you as a friend…” he confirmed as he offered his hand out to pick her up off the floor. Looking around the room he noticed an assortment of cloaks, glasses and items she had discovered exploring with protective charms. 

Looking at the loom in the corner he saw something much more his size than her own. As he picked it up, underneath was a page that had descriptions of what beast items had been used alongside ones she intended to acquire eventually to add. At the top she saw his name with “ancient magic keeper”. Unsure what it all meant, and realizing the depth of the danger they were marching into, he decided to make the executive decision to take it now, knowing if she was still alive a part of her would be relieved to see him safe. 

“Poppy, grab some stuff out of the chest she has of items from the tombs we’ve explored. They have protections on them. Most of them are ridiculous but… every little thing we can do to help out is important. We can take some with us for the others as well” he explained before hauling off into the other room where he knew she kept a dressing screen and stripping off his dirty clothes from completing the keeper trial pulling on the cloth and leather suit she’d weaved for him. He was always impressed with her ability to recognize the needs of others so thoroughly and realize them into perfect gifts. Shaking his head he rejoined poppy as she had finally sifted through the more useful items such as cloaks and scarfs, holding them as he emerged. 

“She’s been working on that for a long time.” Poppy explained and he nodded. 

“I can imagine… It's really detailed. I can feel the magic protecting it” he said while dropping his normal cloak to the floor while helping her grab items for the others in his hand not holding the leather bag. He’d come back for his uniform later, right now they needed to hurry.  

“Let’s go meet up with the others atop the astronomy tower, come on” he said as they left the room and headed off quickly.

Just as they made it to the top observation deck a flash of blue round the side of the stone tower. 

“Did someone call for a lift?” Everett asked as Imelda flew next to him. Sebastian saw Natty on the back of the broom already behind Everett and when he asked who he was meant to be joining, Leander awkwardly climbed higher into view as he clung to his broom for dear life. Poppy began to climb over the railing, hopping behind Imelda without much word. 

Just as he went to ask about the extra broom Amit showed up with Samantha riding next to him, along with a face he hadn’t expected. 

“Larson?” Sebastian asked at seeing the Ravenclaw in their class who rarely spoke up. Amit offered an explanation for why they were there, not waiting at their common room’s roof, as well why the blond was now suddenly with them. 

“We got to our common room and when I got to my room I found Andrew had been left behind. When the professors ushered everyone out they forgot to check the roof somehow and Andrew got locked out. He was just making his way out to find out what happened when Samantha and I arrived. He offered his broom along with our Quidditch captains that he, uh… borrowed…” Amit explained as Sebastian looked to the only open spots to hop on. 

Before he could even ask Andrew to spare him from having to sit with Leander, Samantha explained their quick rational, ruining his plan of riding with the Ravenclaw not the Gryffindor : “Andrew has offered to go to Hogsmeade and find Officer Singer and get help” Dale spoke and he sighed. It was a smart addition to their plan and he nodded to the young man. 

“Sallow stop stalling and just get on with Preset. It won’t kill you.” Imelda called out with an annoyed eye roll and he rationalized that while his housemate was correct, it didn’t mean he had to enjoy it. 

“Alright. Thanks Larson. Prewett, make room” Sebastian grunted out, levitating the items he carried over to Poppy’s outstretched arms before climbing over the rails, reaching towards the ginger as he jumped, landing on the back of the broom unceremoniously.  

“Do me a favor and don’t fall off” the boy said and he huffed in reply.

“Prewett please don’t get us killed on this thing” he said as he reached around behind himself to grab the broom for stabilization instead of the boy near him. 

“I wasn’t planning on it, Sallow” Leander said with an eyeroll.

“How much further?” Solomon grumbled out as they made their way down the steps into the repository. Opening the door she saw a long walkway leading to another door with the ruin she’d grown so acclimated to seeing at this point. 

“A problem Solomon?” she hissed out as she felt each step burn her lungs further from the anguish delt during her captivity. Unfortunately fate was forcing her from one bad situation into another and although she wishes she’d been granted the simple chance to see Sebastian - possibly say goodbye if things went south - Fig’s confirmation he was safe meant the world. 

Glancing over her shoulder to see her Lover’s guardian walking alongside professor Sharp as Fig made his way leading the pack, she waited for his response. His eye roll is almost invisible due to the forming black eye. It reminded her of the way her knuckles had fallen against the man’s face and she simply huffed in response and turned back, attempting to prepare for what was to come. 

“The others should be joining us shortly” Eleazar informed the group and she nodded, relieved to know that the other professors would soon be assisting and that for once she wouldn’t be dealing with the keeper business on her own. 

As they made it to the end of the walkway and pushed open the final door the ground beneath them shook violently, nearly sending everyone to their knees as a large drill became visible off in the distance. She had seen drills like this once before, off with Amit in a mine when Lodgok was still alive. Lodgok. She tried not to grimace as she was reminded of her goblin friend who had died to help wizard kind defend themselves against his brother. 

“Damn. The Goblins” Fig announced as the others regained their balance. 

“I wonder if Ranrok is with them?” she pondered, looking for a safe way down now that the cavern was beginning to collapse onto itself. 

“One way to find out. Over here.” Fig called from the right and she saw a winding path leading down, following behind him as the professor and Solomon picked up the pace to join. 

Rushing ahead she tugged at the leather harness she’d snagged on her way down to the map chamber, hoping it would do its best to protect her for the fight ahead. The material scratched the newly developing scars in a way that was uncomfortable, however she’d have to ignore that for the time being. 

As they rounded out to flat ground she saw movement ahead, along with some goblins standing next to one of the drills. 

“Quickly. We’ve got company ahead” she rushed, leaving the men behind as she charged in without pondering the consequences. So often when dealing with this threat she snuck around, using the disillusionment charm Sebastian had taught her. On missions to keeper trials, seeing Lodgok, with Sebastian chasing Isadora’s memories - each time she usually resorted to sneaking around and only using violence when necessary. However today, watching these goblins wielding such dark magic, attacking a school to which she’d found a home, she was seeing red. They would pay for what they had done with blood. 

She had leveled several goblins using ancient magic in a fit of rage without even realizing it, that was until Fig placed a palm against her shoulder, indicating that the path was now clear and she nodded, following after him, leaving Solomon Sallow stunned for a moment. In his mind, he’d always viewed the girl as innocent. She so sweetly regarded his niece and acted nothing but a love-smitten girl to his nephew, yet watching her effortlessly reduce a horde of goblins in her bath to nothing but a pile of ash, he shuddered at what she was truly capable of. 

He was worried what would happen when she finally unleashed the full extent of her anger upon him for what he’d done to Sebastian. 

“What in Merlin’s name was that? What kind of dark magic are you wielding?” he asked in fear as the other professors shrugged, having seen the girl wield this magic before. 

“That is what happens to those who choose to harm others…” she hissed as his blood ran cold. Solomon actually stepped back, fearful as he watched her eyes darken and the grip on her wand tighten. The scar running from the top of her eyebrow, coming down to her right nostril only adding to the illusion that his girl he’d allowed in his home was truly dangerous.

“Now is not the time” Professor Sharp told her firmly, breaking the trance she had fixed upon Solomon and she huffed, turning to face the path ahead once more. 

Aesop Sharp used a modified version of the blasting charm, knocking the large goblin made drill out of their path as everyone continued ahead. 

The blood thrumming behind her ears had drowned out the loud sounds of stones falling, drills piercing the school’s sanctity and the shouts from both the goblins and her allies. In the midst of the rubble, smoke, water’s spray and ash she hardly could focus on the task at hand. Her mind being plagued by a sole thought: Sebastian Sallow. 

Fighting to keep him safe. 

Fighting to end this goblin threat so his home would be free. 

Fighting to seek justice for Anne.

Fighting to get back to him and the life she wished to build. 

Rushing ahead, Professor Fig led them all into a crouch underneath a rock blocking majority of the path. As they came to the other side safely, the wall to the left exploded, a large armored troll barreling through as another erupted on the opposing wall. 

As terrifying as the sight would have been to some, all it did was trigger her memory. Suddenly she was back in Hogsmeade, that first day she had spent at Hogwarts. Professor Weasley had granted her the choice in who would accompany her, and the boy whom she’d met in the common room, as well as defeated in a duel never straying from her mind. 

Their playful banter as they walked, and how he had slipped off while she got her wand, leaving a slight longing to see his chocolate iris as she was handed the elegant dogwood she’d grown accustomed to carrying. As soon as she found him again in the square, they were quickly faced with a troll, similar to the one swinging its club at her now. 

She tried not to become distracted as she fought it, occasionally hearing spells muttered by the professors and Solomon as they all attempted to fight off the trolls and emerging goblins. Yet, she truly couldn’t help but see the way Sebastian had pushed himself between her and the danger, ready to protect her. 

The mind was such a wild thing, as she could almost feel his arm wrapping itself around her waist protectively as he pulled her to the side as that troll had barreled near her. Except this time when she blinked she saw it was not Sebastian at all. This time, it had been the much larger frame of Aesop Sharp as his eyes sternly looked to her for confirmation she was alright before he turned to continue the onslaught of spells. 

Soon the four of them reduced the enemies ahead to the ground, as it seemingly became aware that the path ahead was veiled. As she rounded a small outsticking section of the rock, a bluish glow of ancient magic allerted her. 

“This is the way forward,” she said, as the men looked perplexed at the normal stone wall. It wasn’t until she pushed a bright blue beam of magic towards it, did ice like shards spray around them, and a path was revealed. 

They all entered the darkened cave as suddenly four wands illuminated with the hushed combined voices speaking Lumos. While dust reigned down on them from the moment above she once again was reminded of how not long ago in a similar mine her and Sebastian had whispered the spell to get past some devil’s snare on their way to seek answers about Isadora. 

Finally coming out of the darkened section of cave she dropped her wand, rushing ahead and leaving the men behind. Adrenaline flooded her veins and she’d be damned if she wasted the universe’s way of keeping her safe by creating the sense of urgency around dispelling this Goblin threat. Reaching this level of goblins, she realized they had been under the school a while in this portion. Small wooden structures and supplies had been moved in, and there were many more enemies here. 

“Such Arrogance” a goblin close to her called out and she couldn’t help the frustrated grunt that escaped her as she lifted him into the air, using Accio to haul him through the space as she knocked him to the ground. 

As one came close to professor Fig’s back she recalled one of the spells that had become her favorite: Confringo. 

The way Sebastian had pressed his chest into her back the day he’d shown her the undercroft, instructing her through the spell’s movement before stepping back and allowing her to ignite the chandeliers. She’d never forget the way he smiled so brightly she saw his white teeth, noting the way their slightly large shape was both slightly awkward but so incredibly endearing. 

As the goblin ahead was sent back in a fiery blast that erupted from the end of her wand, she was brought back to reality. She wasn’t in the undercroft with Sebastian. And it would do her good to remember so as she faced this threat. But trying to retrain one’s mind to forgo a love so grand, so deep that it was as if he was ingrained in her very soul, even in the face of danger, was no easy task. 

Solomon sent the last of the goblins in their path to the ground with a spell she hadn’t truly heard, not that she cared. Looking around, once again she saw a wisp of magic, signaling the others as she shattered it and pressed forward. As they emerged this time on the other side of the cave, they came to a large open section.  

The path leading to a drop off was narrow, and in the process of rushing forward she nearly fell down, only being stopped by Solomon’s quick reaction of grabbing her arm, hoisting her back. She didn’t have a chance to react to it as her eye’s suddenly focused on what lay ahead. 

A whole army of goblins, several large armored trolls and even some spiders lay in their path to the repository. Bloody Hell. 

“Merlin be with us” Fig whispered as she suddenly felt the resolve which had carried her thus far beginning to crumble. She had dealt with much, but the vast majority of those times there had been a fraction of enemies in her path. This was simply the sort of battles detailed by muggle epic’s and she wondered how she was expected to traverse this alive to even be able to defend the ancient magic store. 

“I-” she muttered, backing away from the ledge in fear as the men turned towards her, knowing that they didn’t have a choice. Fig knew that at the end of the day they’d need to get her across this battle zone, even if they did so carrying her. She was the only one who could open the repository to protect it. 

Suddenly all she wished for was to be back in Sebastian’s arms the way she had a few days prior. When he saw her and Poppy off. When he held her so tightly, afraid to let go. Had he known the dangers ahead? Was it the universe trying to grant him a precious goodbye with her? Was she destined to die down in this cave without the opportunity to see him once more? 

“Hey -” she was so worried she hadn’t noticed the way the concerned former Auror had knelt down near her until Professor Sharp’s eye’s scanned her face. He had seen her apprehension a mile away. While the girl had done so well, he knew at some point she’d start to allow the situation to wilt her strength. Removing the only helpful potion he had on him at the time, he thrust the focus draught into her hands, removing the cork, and forcing her to down its contents. 

Her hyperventilating temporarily stopped and she nodded, ready to push on, but the pit was only growing harsher in her stomach.  As they stepped towards the walkway to the right suddenly the loud sound of people apperating filled the air. 

Looking to the left, the four already battle worn individuals saw their backup in the form of the other professors. Relief flooded her veins as she adjusted the grip on her wand. At least they would all have people protecting them from above as they ran through this battle. 

“The Goblins have somehow evaded the school’s defensive charms” she heard professor Ronen call out to the others as their group made their way down to where they could be seen by their assistance. 

“Lead them this way, we will make quick work of them!” she heard Natty’s mother shout as the professors began firing at the goblins ahead, clearing a path as they made their way down. 

“The others are clearing a path for us, let’s hurry” Professor Fig shouted as they all rushed forward, taking advantage of the empty battlefield. 

Coming across a small land bridge made of stone she saw Hecat standing atop an embankment, clearing the grounds for them as she shouted a thankful remark at the DADA instructor. “Couldn’t have had better timing Professor Hecat” she remarked playfully, knowing that under similar circumstances Sebastian often resorted to humor in order to calm himself. She found the strategy to be helpful as the older woman smiled down at her while knocking down a goblin and saying, “I couldn’t allow the school’s best duelist to face this alone now could I? Who else would be around to win at that illicit school club without you around?” the woman teased her back, knowing that the girl was attempting humor in this frightening situation to ground herself. 

“Thank you professor” Fig called out, signaling the lagging Sharp and Solomon to catch up. 

“You wouldn’t dare Sharp” Solomon grumbled as they caught up. 

“Don’t tempt me Sallow” the former Auror’s bickered as they continued firing curses.

“Now is not the time for this” she reminded them, despite the burning desire to see whatever pain Sharp was intended to inflict upon her love’s guardian.

This battle would not be easy but they could not resort to fighting each other at this moment. Just as the area ahead looked clear, the largest troll she’d seen to date came barreling ahead. 

“Especially not when we just got company….” she signed, raising her wand ready to fight alongside the others. 

With the lead of Imelda, the group of students finally set down at the base of the goblin-created cave. Inside Sebastian could hear shouting and spells being cast. 

Sebastian had asked to set down the brooms in order to pass out the gear he and Poppy retrieved from the Room of Requirement as he eagerly removed himself from behind Leander. 

Taking the leather bag from Poppy, he used magic to remove both Highwing and Calico, the two hippogriffs the girls had rescued from its contents. He would be damned if he let Pruitt fly him into battle. The boy was utterly dreadful on a broom. 

“Woah, easy now highwing” he found himself attempting to settle the hippogriff before turning to Poppy. From what he knew of the girl he knew she likely would be more comfortable with a beast. 

“Poppy, would you like to take-” he started to say as the hufflepuff girl quickly cut in, rushing towards the darker creature to gently stroke it’s feathers. 

“Oh yes!” she spoke as she turned towards Calico and continued praising him saying, “Oh what a handsome hippogriff you are indeed!” Despite the mortal danger looming, Sebastian still found it within him to chuckle at her childlike wonder regarding the creature. 

“Any last minute advice?” Natty asked as they readied themselves.

“These are ridiculous” Leander mentioned holding up a pair of glasses that had a single eye of newt. 

“Then don’t take them. I figured you prefer as much protection on that ugly mug of a fac-” he started as Poppy shoved past him, reaching for Calico. 

“Sebastian, focus” Natty told him and he grunted. 

“I haven’t exactly thought this far ahead. I usually just march in-” he started as the ginger grumbled, having pushed a pair of quidditch goggles onto his face reluctantly while wrapping the most hideous patchwork cloak known to man over his shoulders. 

“I don’t love the thought of going in unprepared Sallow. That’ll get us killed. So unless you have a plan, perhaps this wasn’t a great idea” Leander said. 

“Actually…. I have a plan…” Amit spoke out, disrupting the argument as everyone turned to him.  

“Go ahead Amit” Sebastian said, ready to simply get in there and help. 

“Well since you and Poppy have those… beasts… why don’t you both focus on finding y/n… as for the rest of us, we will make sure we are paired up. One person focuses on flying and keeping a safe distance while the other casts spells, uses potions or the plants we collected. The goblins, from what I've seen, have such a short range on the magic they can conjure, so if we fly above them we should be safe…” he explained as Sebastian nodded. 

“Sounds good enough to me. Poppy and I can take up the rear-” 

“I want to stay near the front with Imelda,” she said quickly. 

“Fine. But once I leave to find her, you will need to pull up the rear Poppy” he explained, hoping up on the back of Highwing. Luckily he’d spent enough time around the creature that it allowed him with ease. 

Poppy only nodded, looking at Imelda nervously, as the Slytherin gave the hufflepuff girl a nod of encouragement while she climbed on the back of Calico. 

“Last chance to turn back” he warned the others and when no one left he simply encouraged the creature she loved to lift off, flying into the cavern and hoping by some miracle he got down there before too much death and destruction was dished out. 

Pushing the beast to hasten Sebastian tried his best to focus so he could get to her safely. 

“Come on Highwing… let’s go get our girl” he whispered into her feathers as the animal seemingly responded accordingly to his words.

“Bombarda!” Sharp yelled at the troll, sending it flying backwards as the last of the trolls in their way was defeated. However, as the beast fell down, it knocked into a giant stone structure on its way over the cliff to their right. 

As the girl looked up all she saw was that large rock coming down to crush her and before she could react, she witnessed magic halting it midair.  Suddenly the rock was lifted into a makeshift bridge connecting to the repository. As she turned around Professor Weasley smiled and held it there for her as she rushed forward. Behind her Fig and Sharp were dispelling the few goblins around them as Solomon pushed past her to the repository. 

Following behind him, she hoped the others would soon follow and that someone would prevent the goblins hot on her trail from harming her as she ran quickly across the unstable structure. Just as she got close enough to see Solomon’s face, she saw it fall as Matilda was struck, dropping the land bridge as she reached out to the man. Solomon reached forward, grabbing her arms just in time and pulling her to solid ground as the rock fell, the goblins attop falling to the depths below with it. 

“Thank you-” she said and the man nodded looking down. It was impossible not to see Sebastian in his eyes, as they shared so many of the same features, but the darkened eyes with gold flecks being their main similarity. 

“Fig!” she shouted and the man turned briefly to see her trapped on the other side with Solomon. Seeing that there was no longer a way across, he quickly retrieved the wand, tossing it to her as she used magic to catch it. 

“Go! Defend the repository! We shall find another way around to help you when we can!” Fig shouted before returning to fight the goblins alongside the other professors. 

“But” she began to protest but Fig shook his head, shouting “Go!” before resuming his fight with the other professors and the goblins. 

“Well, I guess we are on our own” she said dejectedly, not wanting Solomon to be her only line of defense. She couldn’t trust him if he would endanger his own wards, but given the circumstances she didn’t have a choice. 

“About what happened-” he tried to speak and she merely held up her palm to stop him. 

“Some other time.” she said, encouraging him to follow as she pushed ahead, finding the opening to the repository guarded by two large pensive guards. At first they remained still, but she knew soon they would lift their weapons and likely attack them both. 

“Where are we?” Solomon huffed out, ignoring the splendor of the cavern. Oh how she wished Fig was here. She’d been on this journey all year, and it was finally leading here. To be with someone who didn’t understand the momentous moment this was - someone she truly wanted to harm given the circumstances - felt sickening in a way.  

Sighing, she responded, “The final repository”. Despite wishing she was far away from Solomon Sallow, she still had wonder and intrigue in her tone. 

In the time she’d known Sebastian’s uncle, she’d always wondered truly how bad the man could be. Given the revelations she’d had in the past twenty four hours, combined with the things Sebastian had told her, it shouldn't have been such a shock. The man frequently spoke down on his deceased brother. He treated Anne as if she was some wounded pet to look after, and not a young woman deserving of basic respect. He tormented his nephew from the day that boy stepped foot in Feldcroft, stripping him of a physical identifier and means to which the late Alice Sallow had shared with her son. Yet, the venom to which laced itself in the man's voice finally gave the girl a glimpse into what it really must’ve been like for Sebastian to grow up with this man - this dreadful, horrible, evil man - as a guardian. “You say that like it’s supposed to mean something girl”. 

“It means something to me” she returned, hoping that he would just shut his mouth and deal with the situation on hand but the man continued to plague her by asking, “What does it mean?” 

“It’s a long explanation that we certainly don’t have time for,” she grumbled, stepping forward. Finally close enough to trigger the guards from their sleep, they came to life, lifting their swords with a loud and ominous sound. Trying to warn the man, who seemingly had become distracted by the room itself she called, “Mr. Sallow” in order to alert him. 

“What?” he responded in annoyance so once again she called his name. Finally sensing the danger he turned to her in anger, shouting “What sort of dark magic is this?” Solomon raised his wand ready to strike. She simply pushed his arm down, hoping he wouldn’t engage the guardians. 

“Uncle Solomon, please!” She resorted to calling him by the name which her love used, hoping to appeal to the man's better nature, to no avail. 

“Stand back!” the man shouted, pushing her to the side as she grew annoyed.  Once again she called his name in warning and he kept going, shouting “What are these things?!” as the guards stalked closer. 

“They are guardians!” she spoke, hoping her knowledge would convince the man to listen to her warnings but he continued to ready his wand to strike. 

“Guardians of what?” In the man's voice she sensed his fear, but his stubbornness - a trait it seemed followed all the Sallow’s - was stronger. 

Finally annoyed with his inability to listen she told him, “Stop! You cannot fight them!” Deep down she knew that these guards were only taken down by ancient magic, and only partially slowed by ordinary magic. 

“The hell I can’t! I was an Auror!” he called back, nearing a spell as she desperately pulled his arm, the man shoving her off aggressively. 

“You are going to get yourself killed!” she told him but he still refused to listen to her. 

As if it all made sense the man turned to her angrily shouting, “But Sebastian will kill me regardless if you die!” 

Sebastian. Wait Sebastian!  She quickly drew the wand that he had collected for Fig on her behalf from Olivander, holding it out to the guardians shouting “STOP”. Suddenly the guards halted, turning their swords inward as they allowed them to pass without attacking.

“But - how?” he stuttered as he watched the young girl wallace ahead without fear between the now paralyzed statues. 

“I told you. There’s an explanation for this. For all of this” she told the man. Turning her head she saw him contemplating as she informed him, “come along” as finally Solomon began to trail behind her once more.

“What in Merlin’s name is that-” Solomon asked her as he got the first glance at the magic ahead. She could sense it's dark energy even from this far away. 

“It’s the magic I wield, ancient magic, but it's been corrupted by negative emotions and pain by a former wielder of the same magic. The house atop the hill where Anne was cursed… she lived there many years ago… Rookwood thought the magic was his birthright given his descendant Charles was also a keeper of this magic” she admitted to the man. 

“Thats- that’s what the goblins have been wielding isnt it?” he asked and she nodded. 

“It’s up to us to defend it” she told him with a sigh. She watched the older man’s eyes soften for a moment as he looked at her. 

“You’ve been doing this? The whole time? You are hardly of age and you are the sole thing holding wizard kind’s fate in your hands?” he asked her, his words void of anger. 

“Yes,” she told him honestly. 

“How much of this has Sebastian gotten himself involved in?” Solomon asked. 

“Enough to help me get answers but he’s never been close to this amount of danger. I don’t want him near this. This magic is what almost killed me once. Likely will be what kills me in the end…” she said quietly as she looked on at it. 

They didn’t speak for a moment as the weight of what she spoke hung in the air. She knew deep down that at the end of this long journey either Ranrok would kill her and take the magic, or she would have to kill the goblin to prevent a full uprising. 

“I had no idea Sebastian had gotten himself involved with something this complex. I am honestly surprised he hasn’t tried to prevent you from getting involved in danger given how much he has grown to care for you” the man spoke and she shook her head. 

“He only wished to help. He knew he couldn’t stop me. He knows this is too important to let childish whims prevent me from my legacy…” she said sadly, thankful he had supported her so well given the obsessive nature to which he initially had when she met him surrounding Anne’s curse. Over the year, his mind had cleared, his resolve and maturity finally seeing the light of day at the encouragement she provided. 

“But he loves you, so much so that-” Solomon was interrupted by a voice she had only heard a few times, and it made her blood run cold. 

“The arrogance of wizard kind. Goblins built this repository, it belongs to us.”

When Sebastian and the others finally made it to the base of the opening created by the drills all he saw was utter chaos.

Smoke, ash, debris, fallen goblins, fallen trolls, rubble and smashed wood all lay along the ground. As they flew overhead he tried to find the bulk of the firefight, tightening his thighs along the hippogriffs back as it sped ahead. Soon he flew above professor Garlic and Onai surrounded by Goblins as he yelled to the others.  

“Look down there! Professor Garlic needs help!” the ginger shouted as he continued to look down on the platform with worry. 

“Hold on a second, wait-” Sebastian tried to warn the boy that keeping the distance was the safer option. Having seen Leander in crossed wands he truly did worry the boy was going to get himself killed. 

“Unlikely Sallow!” he said, veering off from the group as Sebastian’s eyes grew large. 

“Leander! What are you doing? We had a plan!” he shouted over the noise, hoping the boy would listen to reason but the gryffindor only flew lower to the ground.

“To hell with the plan, this place is a madhouse. Just keep going!” He informed them all before he sped ahead, dismounting without a second thought and dropping next to the herbology professor. Sebastian watched in shock as the boy very bravely opened his robe pockets and began to toss several cabbages out, preventing the goblins from advancing. 

“Mr. Prewett!” Maribel shouted upon seeing the cabbages chase after the few remaining goblins 

“Thought you could use a hand professor!” he said, before reaching in and grabbing a venomous tentacular and throwing it to the ground as it began attacking the closest goblin nearby as Leander continued proving his point by saying “nasty little buggers aren’t they!”

“Wonderful thinking I suppose. Magical plants can be deadly after all” the herbology professor said. Well so much for their plan. Sebastian reasoned as he watched the only ounce of Gryffindor bravery Leander Prewett ever displayed  as he tossed a venous tentacular at their professor who simply smiled and began using the plants to protect themselves. 

“Well that plan lasted about a few seconds” came a voice beside him as Sebastian turned his head seeing Everette Cloptan with Natty still riding behind him. He could see the look in the Gryffindor’s eyes and knew that she too would likely disembark, and when Natty spoke it only confirmed what he figured. 

“Everett set me down there with my mother” was all she spoke as the broom dropped low,  and Natty hopped off to join her mother as Everret nodded, flying off to keep an eye out above. 

“Natty! What are you doing here?” her mother asked sternly. 

“Helping my friend” Natty responded without backing down as she quickly uncorked a potion she’d stolen from Sharp’s classroom and downing its contents. Sebastian watched as lightning finished off the rest of the enemies and he circled around once more. 

“This is too dangerous for you here” the professor spoke as she continued using charm work. 

“That is for me to decide. I will not stand by and let others die on my behalf this time” he heard the girl speak as he grew sullen. His love had told him once that Natty’s father died protecting them in Africa. 

“We shall discuss this later” he heard professor Onai speak as he flew ahead once more. He lingered nearby, worried about one of his more close friends from their year but when Everett returned with news he decided that Natty was more than capable of handling herself. 

“I'll scout ahead. Imelda you up for a bit of friendly competition?” he asked and Sebastian admired the boy's ability to look past the danger and still see the fun in the situation. It made him wonder why he hadn’t spent more time with Clopton during his time at Hogwarts beyond the occasion of shared detentions. If they made it out alive, perhaps he should make the effort to befriend the boy. 

“As if you could ever dream of being as fast as me clopton… lets go” his housemate shouted as the two rushed off on their brooms, racing ahead. 

“Natty, I am going to go ahead if you are alright here” he told her, as the girl looked up to his hovering hippogriff mount. 

“We’ve got this covered, go find out friend” she spoke with a nod as Leander also commented “we can cover the entrance, don’t worry about us Sallow” so he decided to take his leave before flying off further into the cavern.

Soon he stumbled upon Amit and Samantha flying near professors Ronen and Hecat.  Swooping down he sent a large spider near Professor Hecat flying with “confringo” as he hovered near her. The older woman scolded him despite her smile by saying “Mr. Sallow when I recommended honing your dueling skills this is not what I meant”.

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll serve the detentions later- Diffindo!” he paused mid sentence to slice through a goblin approaching highwing before once again turning towards the professors. 

“Where are the others?” he asked as the woman’s eyes widened in shock. Suffice to say none of the professor’s had anticipated students to join the battle, but their assistance seemed to be welcome as they helped disrupt the battle enough for the professors to get the upper hand. 

“She went with Fig, they are ahead with Weasley and Sharp” Ronen commented, pointing to a large area where he could see Eleazar off in the distance. 

“Thank you professor-” he began to say before losing his train of thought at the witnessing of the two ravenclaws circling around them on a broom. Samantha was shrieking as she repeatedly fired “accio” at goblins to hoist them into the air and then dropping the spell as they fell from the great height. The sight almost made him laugh at how she clung to Amit and didn’t pay attention to the goblins as they fell to their deaths from her actions. 

“Amit, don't fly too close to them!” she scolded the boy who seemingly only nodded before coming in closer to where they all were. 

“Hello there professors, I presume you could use a hand” he spoke calmly to the group as Samantha continued looking around them frantically. 

“Don’t mention it Mr. Sallow. Mrs. Dale that’s a very unique use of the spell I taught you in class, but I suppose an effective one” Ronen spoke as he geared up to leave once more, knowing that they likely had things covered in this area of the battle. Just as he was about to take off Hecat stopped him. 

“Mr. Sallow. Don’t forget that sometimes surprising an opponent is more effective than burning them to a crisp” she commented as he turned to face her. 

It reminded him of the first day he met his love. During that class Hecat taught them a simple levitation charm and his girl had bested him in a duel in front of their class. To this day its still the only one he’d ever lost. 

“Levioso. I know. I’ll be going now if you… and that unique use of accio has things covered here” he told the woman who simply smiled and said, “clever indeed. We shall watch your back. Go find her”. The woman gave him a reassuring glance before resuming the battle and with that he was off once more. 

Rushing ahead, he abandoned them as Imelda flew in with Everrett hot on her tails to start assisting the professors. 

“Sebastian!” Poppy shouted, catching up with him as they headed towards the main firefight. 

“Ronen said they were just ahead, come on” he shouted, abandoning the hufflepuff as he chased off in the direction he hoped she would be. 

When he arrived Fig, Weasley and Sharp were circled by a massive amount of goblins and he was thankful Highwing seemingly took charge, smashing into a large pile of them without warning and he rolled off the hippogriffs back in time for the beast to start absolutely ripping them to shreds. Using “diffindo” he landed with an abrupt start and jumped to the ground next to the professors.

“Mr. Sallow! What in Godric’s name are you doing here?” the man asked him in shock upon seeing the boy, whom he left petrified in the hall outside his class. 

“Ronen said she was with you. Where is she?” he asked out of breath. 

“We got-” Fig stopped to temporarily fire off a spell at the several closing in goblins, finally reducing the field to nothing as he turned to face the young man, “separated…” he said. 

Seeing a goblin with his back turned, Sebastian decided to heed Hecat’s suggestion as he used the levitation spell and turned towards Fig once more. “I see all the professors here. Tell me she’s not alone” he started to panic at the thought. 

“She’s not alone. She’s with your uncle” Aesop said as he immediately begun to panic. “But, that’s - and he-” he stuttered as the ground beneath their feet violently wrecked, throwing them all to the stone below. He heard Poppy and the others begin screaming as the earth around them shook so intensely and stones fell. He used non verbal magic to attempt to shield himself, but some of the rocks pushed through and he yelled, as his arm felt the full impact of falling debris.

As soon as it began, the shaking stopped and the dust settled. “Is everyone alright” he heard Professor Sharp ask and he shook his head some, attempting to lessen the throbbing in his shoulder. 

He vaguely heard Imelda telling the man everyone seemed alright as he finally stood to his feet and brushed himself off, his palms collecting blood from his shoulder as he did so. 

“We need to find a way across” Fig spoke to the group and he agreed wholeheartedly with the man. 

“I’ll go ahead” Sebastian said as he limped towards Highwing, hoping he could get there faster on the back of the creature. 

“But Sebastian… you’re hurt…” Poppy spoke out with a gasp and he shook his head. 

“I’m fine, I have to get-” he was cut off but a noise he never wanted to hear again in his life. A sound so wretched and disheartening that it made his chest hurt. It made the blood in his veins grow icey as his head swiveled in the direction it had come from. 

A loud, feminine scream was heard across the cliff separating the ruin door to the repository and where he stood. 

He knew that scream. It was her. 

To be continued…

[frightenedcricket]

DECAY. PT 2: Bring back the pieces.

Noah Sebastian x OC. Angst+fluff.

Summary: Abby is trying to get back to her feet, but her lifestyle sometimes makes it difficult, even with Noah by her side. Part 1: The Fall.

Note: have you seen Normal People?! It altered my brain chemistry and I can't promise I didn't get inspiration from it. It's a long piece.

Warnings: talks about alcoholism; probably poorly written therapy sessions; talking about sex life and having problems with it, unhealthy habits, explicit; talking about S. A., IT DOESN'T HAPPEN, it's only reffered, nothing explicit.

Folio got up as soon as she appeared. Her eyes were puffy and her nose red.

"Hey"

"Hi"

Abby hugged him as soon as she reached him.

"Wow, are you okay?"

"It was hard"

She had been at her first A. A. meeting. Her therapist, had recommended to go to one as soon as she could. So Matt help her find one in the next cities.

Folio caressed her hair gently. "We have tacos for dinner" He said awkwardly.

"You are the best" Abby pulled back with a smile he quickly reciprocated. "Thank you for being here, Nick"

"Oh, we are besties"

She giggled. "We are"

One of the first things her therapist, Olivia, had told her was to find support. She had Noah, but Olivia had insisted. It wasn't just Noah. She couldn't put all her weight in just one person. Not when that person was the one she saw a future with. So she looked around and found that even when Noah was her biggest comfort, there was a bunch of idiots ready to help her when needed.

"Let's go. Dinner waits"

The worst part about recovery was having to do it on tour. Matt had insisted she could take time off. But in the end this was her life. This was what she had. She had tools and Olivia had told her what to do, how to start. So she tried to keep it all in mind.

"Guys" She said after an awkward silence. "You don't have to behave differently. Really. I'm fine"

"Are you sure? We are fine drinking just water." Bryan said. It was obvious they had talked about her. They all had the same responses and always talk in plurar.

"Really." She took a deep breath. "I want to live a normal life. I'm not some broken doll, okay. I'm not doing my best but... I'm working on it"

Noah moved his leg until it touched hers under the table. His warmth was so welcomed.

"I appreciate that you guys worry about me. I'm so happy to have you in my life. You are the best thing I have right now and... Yeah, I just want to go on with it"

"Okay, no special treatment" Noah said. He was proud of her. It hadn't been long, but for now she was doing so well.

"Oh so... Back on stage building duties then." Matt said smirking.

"Oh C'mon..." She groaned. "It's been years!"

They all laughed loudly.

"You were what? 19? And pretending to know what you were doing. OMG. You did that well, though"

"Remember when I hit the pedal and half drum set just boom! On the floor"

She was laughing and half hiding against Noah. It was years ago and they still love to bring that back.

It seemed to work. They slowly went back to normal. But as the days she started to find it more difficult.

"Here"

"Cookies"

Noah sat next to her in the sofa. "Yeah. Sweets. I have seen you"

Abby looked down and grabbed the bag. She really wanted a drink. It was a strange feeling. She wasn't thirsty or anything. But she kept thinking about it. She liked beer. She liked how it tasted and trying different kinds. But right now it wasn't about that. They were having the cheapest beers they found.

"It's weird" She muttered to Noah. "I just... Do you ever hate your brain?"

Noah put an arm around her shoulders.

"Kind of. I think I have that under bay now"

She sighed and nested into his side.

"I'm hating it so much right now. It's making me anxious."

Noah looked down at her. "Do you want to go somewhere or..."

"Uh no. It's fine. I would like one of those, that's all"

Noah grabbed her chin and made her look up.

"That's not gonna happen, Abby. Not if I'm here."

She bit her lip and moved his hand away. She couldn't look at him in the eyes. He was right and she knew it. Olivia had told her to avoid those situations in which she would usually drink. But she didn't want to.

"Let me walk you to the bus. You'll be better there. You can go to sleep or watch a show."

She gripped his clothes hard, as if he was going to push her away.

"No"

"Abby..."

"Listen, Noah. If I go there, I'll be alone. And I'll think. And I don't want to think because it... It's scary, Noah"

Noah nodded. "Okay, okay. I'm sorry" He muttered. But there was a weird taste on his mouth. It was that feeling again. If he wasn't there, would she be okay?

.......................................................................

"So, Abby. How is Noah?"

Abby felt the heat going up to her cheeks.

"Uh... Good. I think"

"How is it going? Your relationship"

"W-we are not together."

Abby was frowning, Olivia was full aware of this. Why was she asking?

"I know. But how do you feel about it?"

"Good"

"I need you to elaborate, Abby"

Oh god, I hate this.

"Hmm... I feel strange when I'm around him." She cleared his throat. "I love him... And we are closer than we were... But... I'm scared. It hasn't gone away. It's still there"

She felt the knot on her throat building. It was a common feeling recently.

"Okay... And what are you exactly scared of?"

"I'm not sure"

"Have you had any kind of intimacy with him?"

"No"

"Does it scare you?"

Abby looked down at the keyboard as his fingertip moved across the letters.

"Not sex. Sex doesn't scare me. It's more... The intimacy."

"Being alone with him?"

"Yeah"

"Have you been?"

"No"

"Why?"

"There is always someone around. It's difficult on tour"

"Okay. I understand." Olivia made a pause - quite dramatic if you asked Abby. "Does Noah know about anything we talk about?"

"A bit. Uh... I told them all about the meetings and how I would deal with the alcohol."

"We'll talk about the others in another moment, Abby. I need you to focus on Noah"

Abby pressed her lips together. She was getting tired.

"What do you want me to say? What should I tell him? That he was right? That I was treated like shit? Because of him?"

Olivia sighed.

"No, Abby. You are dealing with two issues right now..."

"I'm dealing with one and avoiding other"

Abby knew it wasn't right. She was just being a bitch. But she didn't want to talk about this. She wanted to be able to sit with her friends and not need a fucking drink.

"You are not avoiding anything. You have a problem with you sex life. You have unhealthy habits. Stopping having sex for a while is not avoiding it."

Abby ran her hands over her hair.

"You didn't have sex because you enjoyed. Right?"

"Right"

"Why did you?"

"Because... Because if I was with someone else I wasn't with Noah"

"And why didn't you want to be with Noah?"

She already knew why. She was only making her repeat it.

"Because if I never have him, I'll never loose him"

The first tear fell.

"But you have him now. Noah seems like a good guy. He understands the place you are in and he is willing to wait for you. He wants you to get better."

"How would help me sleeping with him?"

"It's not just sleeping with him. It's getting closer to him. You should start talking to him. You trust him. You rely on him."

Abby bit her lip. "If I tell him he may not want to be with me anymore. I did disgusting things"

Olivia smiled. There it was what she was looking for.

"How are you so sure?"

Abby went silent. She didn't have an answer for that.

"Abby, I want you to talk to Noah this week. Tell him something you feel comfortable enough. If you don't want to open up about your sex life just yet, wait. Start with something easy"

"There is nothing easy enough"

"I know. But some things are less difficult than others"

Abby dried her tears. "Okay. I'm sorry I snapped."

"It's fine. We are working on that"

"We are"

"Also... Try to not push help away. If anyone offers something you need, take it. Okay?"

"Okay"

"Have a nice week, Abby. And remember you can call me after the meeting"

"Yeah, thank you so much"

When Abby closed her laptop she thee herself forward and hid her face on her arms. She doesn't know for how long she stayed there but her throat was dry and her head hurt like shit. She had been crying.

How do I tell Noah?

Noah noticed a shift in her and it terrified him.

"Do you think Abby is behaving differently?" He asked Folio quietly one night. They were outside the bus waiting for the others to use the restroom.

"Um... No. Have you noticed something?"

Noah ran his fingers through his hair.

"She is different. But I don't know if it's only me. We-we talked and... We agreed to wait and all. I think we were doing fine and now she... I don't know. She has been been avoiding me."

"Avoiding you?"

Noah nodded.

"Maybe... I thought you may know something"

"No, man. I'm sorry. You know how she is..."

Noah hated that. He hated that Abby had to keep everything from them. She would never open up about any problem. She would aways say she was fine. If they wanted to start a relationship, she would need to stop that. Noah couldn't read minds.

"I thought we would get close but... It's almost the opposite"

"Noah... Maybe she needs time, she is going through a hard time"

"And she needs help. She can't just hide everything. It will only make everything worst, Nick"

"Just maybe..." Nick took a deep breath. "I'm horrible with this things, like the worst. But maybe you could try to do more couple things"

"We are not together"

"Yeah, but you swore eachother to wait until better times and confessed your undying love for each other"

"We- we did not, idiot" Noah pushed the drummer playfully. "We had a short conversation in a café."

"Well, same thing"

Noah saw movement from the corner of his eye. There she was. Abby always said she was lucky because whenever they stopped to use the bathroom and was their teeth, she was alone and didn't have to share with a bunch of guys. With her bag under her arm and dressed in a big hoodie she had probably stolen from the merch boxes, she walked to them. There was a smile on her face.

"Hey" She said softly. She had the hood on but her hair peeked out of it. She looked damn cute. "Why are you here? It's cold"

"I was telling Noah about a show"

"Is it horrible?" Abby asked Noah with a cheeky smile.

"No, no. He is right this time. Blue eye samurai"

"Oh! It has been on my list for months"

"Noah hasn't watch it either. I don't know what the hell you are waiting for"

Abby looked at Noah. He seemed tired. She knew he had been worried. She could see it in the way he always kept an eye on her. And she knew she had been avoiding him. It was on purpose. Again. But she was thinking. She was trying to come up with a way to tell him. Or to start telling him.

Abby didn't miss how Folio nudged Noah only a second before he spoke.

"Do you want to watch it?"

"I- uh... Now?"

"Well now or tomorrow. If you are tired..."

"I'd love to, Noah" Those words came from the bottom of her heart.

"Cool"

Twenty minutes later, Abby found herself bundled under a blanket and tucked comfortably next to Noah. They had one earplug each and the phone was on the table. The show was good, the graphics were insane. But any of them was thinking about that. Their mind were quite synchronised. It was all about how easy it fell, how comfortable was to lay together like that, how cute had that gasp being, how nice her hair smell, how soft his hand wast. It was quite difficult to concentrate. Even at some point, with a soft groan and not wanting to wake the others up, Noah moved.

"I'm going to lay" He whispered.

"Oh, are you tired. Let's go to-" She pouted, but the lights were off so he didn't catch it. She didn't want to go to her bunk just yet. The sofa wasn't the best place, but she was with Noah.

"Shh"

Noah maneuvered them around and Abby gasped. She felt she was falling, so she clinged into him the hardest she could.

"Noah!"

Long fingers covered her mouth and muffled the giggles. "You will wake them up" He whispered in her ear. "Trust me"

Soon, he had made both of them comfortable and Abby's heart was frantic. It was the first time they laid like this. It was a complete new feeling. Noah's body was completely pressed to her back, with his arms keeping her close and warm and hiding both bodies under the blanket. Her head had ended up on his arm, using it as a pillow until he would stop feeling his fingers. Abby couldn't breath properly for a few minutes. But Noah seemed to be okay. Perfectly okay. She had accepted his bold move hand was now holding his hand over her belly. What else could he ask for? It was more than enough now.

She fell asleep quicker than she thought and Noah pauses the episode and got rid of the earphones. Then he wrapped her in a tight and closed his eyes.

There were like a thousand pictures in the group chat next morning. The day had found them even closer. Abby was hidden on Noah's chest.

"Noah" She whispered. She was sweating, Noah felt like an oven. The blanket was thick and heavy. "Noah, sweetheart"

The singer opened his eyes slowly and moved his hand. "I can't feel it" His voice was so raspy... "Good morning"

"Good morning"

When his eyes finally focused, he looked down. She was so beautiful. Noah moved his hand to the side of her face, gently pushing the hair away.

"How are you?"

"Too hot"

"You are"

She blushed deeply, but couldn't contain the smile.

Noah leaned and pressed a soft kiss on her lips, gently trapping her lower lip with his and tilting her head back. It wasn't a deep kiss, but it was slow and passionate.

"No baby making in the couch"

The both jumped scared, Noah even had to grab Abby.

"Shit, Matt. Uh... Fuck"

Abby got up quickly, shoting the manager an embarrassed look before turning around to look at Noah.

"I... Uh... It was nice"

Noah chuckled. He was so amused.

"Thank you, a pleasure"

"I mean... Uh... Watching the show with you and all."

"Wow this is so awkward it hurts" Matt groaned. "We are leaving in twenty. We have a long day in the venue" Then, he left.

"Okay" She said and looked down embarrassed.

Noah reached to her and grabbed her hand.

"Abbs"

"Yeah"

"Listen... I liked it too. Maybe not here because it's really uncomfortable. But whenever you need me, I will spend the night with you. So you are not alone."

Abby nodded slowly.

"I'd like to talk to you, Noah"

"You can. We are talking now"

She felt that knot in her throat again.

"Not like this... More... Uh... My therapist said it was better if I started talking to you"

Noah's mouth fell open.

"I have been thinking about it for a few days... I kind of prepared myself. And I think I'm ready"

Had the night changed something? Maybe. Maybe Abby really wanted that warmth and comfort in her life.

Noah nodded slowly. "Whenever you want, just come to me" He got up and walked to her. Abby got on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you"

The day passed slow. There wasn't a minute they could be alone. But it helped Noah to get his shit together.

"Hey" He found her after the show, when the guys were planning to go to a bar." I was thinking that maybe... Do you really feel like going to that bar?"

She took a deep breath. The idea of going out sounded truly awful today. It had been a long day and she knew how draining it would be. It had been particularly hard today and she wasn't sure way. The day had started so well...

"No" She said with a pout that made him smile.

"Do you wanna go down the street to that dinner we saw?"

Abby smiled so big Noah thought he would die. There was something so sweet and genuine in her reaction. He almost felt bad for believing she was avoiding him.

"Do I take that as a yes?"

She nodded and kissed his cheek.

They found themselves sitting in the corner of the bar, both on the same sofa only trying to be close enough. They were both reserved people and that place seemed the best. They were sharing pancakes and a waffle, having a light conversation. Until after a sip of her milkshake, Abby leaned back and took a deep breath.

"Noah"

"Mhm"

"Could we talk now?"

"Do you want to?"

"Yeah"

"Okay then"

She took a deep breath and turned her body to him. Then, she grabbed his hand and pulled it to her lap. He squeezed it.

"I don't know if you like what you are gonna hear, Noah"

He frowned.

"I have a stomach, Abby." Because life hadn't been nice to him either, he knew how fucked up things could get.

"I just... My therapist told me to take a step each time if I'm more comfortable that way. I just don't know what is better."

"You can be as slow as you want. Or if you are not ready..."

"I am. It's just not easy"

Noah leaned and kissed her cheek, making him look at her with a finger on her chin.

"I'm right here, okay?"

She nodded. She needed a minute to gather her thoughts and a napkin because she was already tearing a bit.

"Uh... This past months were truly awful. You already know. But... I did bad things"

Noah fixed his posture on the seat, suddenly getting uncomfortable.

"Bad things?"

"You can get angry. You really can. But just... Don't snap at me because I can't bear it. Be angry, stop talking to me, whatever. Just... Don't snap." How fair is to ask for this?

Noah swallowed. His hands were shaking now. He was starting to worry. All of those night she left...

"You were right" That's when her voice broke. Noah wanted to hug her, but the fear fo what he was about to hear was stronger. "That people... They hurt me"

Noah's blood drained from his face and his hand grabbed hers so hard.

"Abby"

"I-I was in a really bad place, Noah. I still am. I have this thoughts all the time. They eat me alive... I need you to understand that... It was my fault but... Not like entirely"

Noah was nauseous.

"Okay" He muttered. He hadn't even processed it all.

"When I left with that people... I was using it as a scape. I didn't want to think. I didn't want to be there. So the best thing I could do was leaving" She took a shaky breath. "And... I didn't want to be there either... So I drank. I drank to be numb. And I let them hurt me because I reached a point in which it stopped working and it was you there with me again and-"

"What? What are you saying?"

Noah straightened his back. Oh wow, he was dizzy now. He let go of her and put some distance between them.

"Abby, what does this... I don't understand" His voice sounded so desperate.

She whimpered and anxiously rubbed her hands on her trousers. This is why she didn't want to tell me.

"Noah, I'm in love with you. And I didn't want to be. I just couldn't stand being around you because of how I felt... And..."

"Why is it so bad?"

"It's not!" She snapped. "Fuck" She added in a whisper after realizing some people had turned to look at them.

Noah glared at them and soon they were all back to their business.

"It's not horrible" Abby ran her hands over her hair, pulling slightly in desperation. "I just... I made myself belive it was. Because... I love you, and the last times I loved someone they ended up leaving, I ended up hurt. And I thought that... I simply can't loose you because you are so much more than any of them were. You are my friend first, you are one of the closest friends I have. And I don't have too much, I can't loose one of the dearest ones. And... Being around you was... It was so suffocating because I could feel those feelings growing more and more"

"And that's the reason you drank yourself to oblivion and ended up in who knows who's bed?" It was kind of harsh and made her wince. It was so awful to hear it like that.

"Yes." She dried her tears but they kept falling. "I found that alcohol was a good way to... I don't know, shut down those thoughts. And then... It didn't work. And I started hooking up with people. But it was you again. I closed my eyes and it was you and not them. So... I needed a way to fully take my mind of and... Found people willing to do that..." She stopped for a second and looked down at her hands. "Pain helps. You just think of that... Of how that slap felt or how you can't breath and... I don't know... At the end I just wanted to feel like that... I felt numb"

Noah was leaning back on the couch. He felt weak and cold. It was as if all his worries had exploded on her face. They had hurt her.

"Abby..." He started, but his voice was shaky. "I need you to be a 100% sincere"

She looked into his eyes. His were glassy and her heart clenched. Was she hurting Noah by telling him this!

"Okay"

"You wanted that? Always? No one did anything you didn't ask for, right?" He didn't know how to word his thoughts because actually saying made it feel so real.

Her lips opened but words didn't come at first.

"I wasn't abused" She said. It was one of the things Olivia had ask first. "I wanted that. I asked for all of that. Because it was what I wanted to feel. But I ended up hurt in a different way. Marks disappeared in the end."

Noah let the breath he was keeping. "Oh fuck... I was so scared, Abby. I was always so scared something bad would happen to you... I... Fuck" He pulled her to his chest.

Abby gasped in surprise, not expecting this kind of reaction. Hadn't he heard everything else?

His hand moved to her cheek, cradling her closer to his chest and kissing her head.

"Noah... It doesn't end there" She muttered in tears, now sobbing on his chest.

"Just give me a minute. Give us a minute, Abby" He whispered. "I'll sit here and listen for hours if you want me to, just allow me this"

He needed a breath, he needed to keep her close. She nodded and moved her face to his neck, inhaling his perfume and closing her eyes. They stayed like that for more than a minute. Until, Noah pushed her softly and fixed her hair.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded. "Can I continue? I need this out of my chest as soon as possible"

"Yeah, go on" This time, he kept his arm around her shoulders and allowed her to draw the lines of his right hand and arm tattoo.

"I'm not having sex now. I think it's obvious." She muttered. Abby had been with them every single day for a while. "I have only been around you guys and if I had to have sex with someone it would be you so..."

"I'm flattered" He whispered to light the mood. It made her smile a bit.

"The thing is... It's simply not working for me. Olivia offered a few... Activities... They don't work. I'm trying but... Uh... I can't even touch myself right now. They come back to my mind. I went to that people to scape and now I need a scape from that so... Probably the worst decision I made" She laughed with a tint of irony. "Olivia said I need to work on the damage those encounters left in me, mind is a huge thing during sex so... If my mind doesn't work..."

Noah nodded slowly.

"But... I want this with you, Noah." She looked down at his hand and threaded their fingers. "I'm truly working on it because I want it. I ended up having sex not because of pleasure, but because it was a hard way to stop thinking about you and my feelings."

Every time he heard those words, hurt like daggers on his chest.

"I don't want sex from you, Abby. If we don't have sex it's fine; if we do is fine too. I want you because of how happy you make me, I love being your friend and having you around."

Abby nodded.

"I actually want sex with you, idiot" She chuckled. "Have you seen yourself?"

"Oh, you are making me blush"

"But seriously, Noah. Maybe it takes a bit, or maybe not. I just want you to know how things are and... I'm still trying to find the triggers."

"As I said... I'm here, it doesn't need to happen now"

"Thank you..."

"Just tell me when you are feeling bad, if I'm too much... Whatever. Don't be scared to stop me. I will get angry if you don't"

Abby nodded and leaned against him. He welcomed her with a kiss on the forehead and a side hug.

"You thought of me when you were with them?"

She nodded.

"But those... I don't know how to say it... The ones who hurt you"

"Yeah"

"Not with those?"

"No"

"Why?"

"I suppose they were too harsh. It was fine at first, you know. I'm actually into some of that shit. But... In the end I think things mixed up and I pushed too far for me."

"Oh" He didn't know what else to say.

"Um... And... Well... If ever asked you to do something like that... Would you?"

Noah felt cold.

"I'm not sure" He said in a sigh. "Maybe after a talk?"

She nodded. "Okay"

Noah kissed her head once more.

"You can always talk yo me. Don't push me away. Don't hide from me. Please. I want this to work but it won't if we don't talk."

Abby nodded as tears came back. "You too, okay?"

"Yeah"

"There is one more thing"

Noah moved to look down at her eyes with a big frown.

"Hey now, you will get wrinkles in that pretty face" She eased the tension with her thumb and Noah's eyes softened. "It's good"

"It better be because I'm gonna end up ripping my hair"

"We should work on intimacy"

"Oh?"

"I'd like going out sometime, having time alone... Cuddling on the sofa was quite nice"

Noah smiled. She loved it so much.

"Of course. Did Olivia tell you that?"

"Yeah"

"Well, Folio told me that too. So our Folio gives therapist level advice"

Abby giggled.

"Surprisingly"

They stayed in silence for a bit, letting it all sink. More on Noah's side. It was very difficult to digest that information.

"Are you still scared of feeling things for me?"

"No... I think. I'm still scared of loosing you"

"Well, I'm scared of that too"

Noah grabbed made her look up and kissed her lips. It was their second kiss today.

"I'm gonna get used to that" She muttered on his mouth.

"You better do." He pinched her cheek and she squeaked. "Should we go back and watch episode 2?"

"I'm not sure I'm gonna last long"

"Well, do you think we fit in a bunk?"

"We won't know if we don't try"

"I like how you think"

She sighed.

"I don't"

"Ow... No sad faces, please. Enough for today"

She nodded and cupped his face.

"One last thing"

"Okay"

"Get help too. Ask your therapist, please. I don't want you to carry all the weight of this alone."

Noah nodded. "Okay, I will"

"It's for us" She muttered.

"For us"

Abby grabbed him by the back of his head and crashed their lips. Slow, deep and warm, she gave him one of the best kisses he had ever received. When Noah pulled back, he was actually blushing. Not flustered or turned on because of the intensity of it, he was blushing like a teenager getting kissed for the first time.

"I'm in love with you too" He simply added.

Pt3. Rock Bottom?

[itsblasttothepast]

I love how Checo saw Franco and immediately went "my baby, my boy, my precious child" and is almost constantly near him and interacts with him and does everything to connect and make him feel good. It's heartbreaking that he does that mostly because he was alone in this sport for so long and wasn't really welcome in it.

I can't really believe how people can keep on saying that he is a bad person (I know it's mostly Daniel fans wanting their fave in Checo's seat but still) when most of the drivers like him (I stand by my opinion that if Sebastian Vettel liked you, you can't be a terrible person) and he just wants the younger drivers to never go through he had to in this sport. It's the same with Yuki, the drivers from F2, F3 and the Academy and now with Franco, even with Max earlier on. He's just adorable and wholesome and I can't wrap my head around all the hate when the loudest people claim 'not to be racist' but there is really no reason for them to hate him so much. Dislike? Sure that's your right but blatant hate?

Oh, I know anon. I don't get how people can hate him, and also waste their time and effort in making blogs, posts, edits and so much more just to show how much they hate him... I mean... what? this is borderline insane.

You are allowed to dislike someone; I don't like Lando Norris, for example (I have my petty reasons), but I don't spend my time making blogs to hate him or making posts about him, why would I do that? When I can be delusional with Chestappen and Chewis? Being happy with my fellow KitKat gang, or just finding Squirtle gifs? (new obsession).

The only person who welcomed Checo when he joined F1 was Fernando, which is why he's his bestie; Kamui also was kind, but the rest of the grid... oh well. I just love how much Checo puts the effort in welcoming the rookies, and with Franco has been extra nice, maybe because both are latin americans; he is a warm and kind person (also a little shit sometimes), so I don't get why people keep hating him so much.

Thank you for your message, it's so nice knowing that there are people out there who likes Checo and supports him.

Hugs to you anon, your message lifted my spirit 💖

[preet-01]

*in Oliver Twist voice* may I please have more of the maxiel political au?

You have me obsessed bestie

Of course you can bestie!!! Here is some married Maxiel discussing why Daniel agreed to the arranged marriage set in early 2026. This specific scene won't be in the fic because there's a different version of it with Daniel and Joe that explores their relationship and the weight of the family name.

First Meeting and Iowa Campaign Trail

Max doesn’t dare to say he fully understands Daniel. He understands bits and pieces of him, but not the entirety of him.

It is, of course, very annoying. He likes to know everything.

But he deals with it. Slowly learning about the new parts of Daniel and burrowing it deep in his mind where all of his Daniel facts live.

Like Daniel loves his career, lives for it, but yet he’s willing to give it up and marry Max just when talks of Daniel being a future Attorney General start.

“Why marry me?” Max asks one night. It’s much too late to change anything, they’ve been married for over a year now and everything is gearing up for his presidential run announcement. But Max remains curious about Daniel tying himself to Max and not continuing down the career path that his mother had expected of him.

Grace Ricciardo had been utterly shocked, but still supportive when Daniel introduced Max to them as his fiancé. Joe Ricciardo hadn’t been shocked, no the former governor had almost seemed apologetic to Daniel. So Max really did not understand the Ricciardos as a whole. At least Daniel's sister had just been very straightforward in her threats. Michelle Ricciardo, Max thinks, is the scariest of the four Ricciardos he'd met.

“A little late for that now, Maxy,” Daniel says. His brown eyes are focused on some case file that he’ll probably argue in front of the Supreme Court. Max doesn't understand why Daniel would be willing to leave something he loves so much to be the First Man. He doesn't understand how Daniel would be willing to leave behind arguing constitutional rights and wording at the highest court to just pick china patterns or Christmas decorations. He doesn't understand why Daniel would want to leave a challenging career where he can make a mark on history to just be a footnote in Max's career, a pretty bauble that the American public will look at.

Max’s own work is long forgotten as he takes in Daniel. So focused on what he needs to do despite it being the first day of a long weekend.

"You could be Attorney General," Max continues on. He'd read Sebastian's file on Daniel and done his own research. Daniel was more than qualified, certainly more qualified than the previous five Attorney Generals.

"You're a Senator, Max. Don't be so naive," Daniel retorts.

"How does my job-"

"Have you ever wondered why Seb manages campaigns instead of running his own?" Daniel cuts him off. The file is on the table and forgotten as Daniel turns to look at Max. "Or why Fernando Alonso-Webber has never become President despite his many, many attempts and strong qualifications?"

Max hadn't ever thought of that. He didn't need to...

"The Senate will never approve me for the Attorney General position. Doesn't matter how many cases I argue in front of the Supreme Court or how widely renowned I become as a lawyer," Daniel sighs. "We're not as progressive in this country as you may want. The Senate is not going to elect a male carrier as the Attorney General. And the majority of the country is not going to elect a carrier as President. Hell, only three carriers, male and female, have gotten the party nom. Just because I can birth a baby, they'll say that I'm not competent enough. That I won't be able to focus on the job, that I won't be tough when needed."

"Things aren't like they used to be," Max tries to argue, but he knows the numbers of carriers are low in both chambers of Congress, even fewer in the Cabinet despite President Hamilton's many attempts at changing it.

"I came to terms with it a long time ago, Maxy, just like Seb did. And there's more to being the First Man than just china patterns and looking pretty. Though I will excel at those," Daniel tells him.

"It shouldn't be like that," he states. It's wrong how in the past the country remains. His chances of winning were low due to being unmarried, and Daniel's chances of going further in his career were even lower due to being a carrier. His ability to birth children shouldn't impact his career.

"It won't be like this forever, eventually things will change. And I hope that it happens during your presidency," Daniel says. There's a sparkle in his brown eyes that hadn't been there before.

"I'm not elected yet, and might not ever be." Max knows that so far they've gone about things with the assumption that come November 2028, Max would be President-Elect. But things don't always pan out and there is a good chance that Max won't win.

"I wouldn't have married you, Maxy, if I had any doubts about your chances at the Presidency."

He doesn't understand all of Daniel, but he does understand bits and pieces and he's willing to learn every little idiosyncrasy that makes up Daniel.

___

I am loving all the discussion about this au and writing this has been so much fun!!!!

[blue--ingenue]

"Evasive Maneuvers" - Part 6

Read the next part

Summary: You've been in love with Sebastian since the moment you knocked him on his arse on your first day. Entering your sixth year, you finally begin working up the courage to confess your feelings when he suddenly becomes the best Beater Hogwarts has seen in decades - and subsequently becomes the school's most eligible bachelor.

Author's Notes: *shakes this chapter like a jar of dog biscuits* besties, i'm so sorry for the little hiatus, but as usually summer college classes were kicking my ass 🫠 my last finals are tomorrow, and then i need to speedrun packing for my dorm etc.... i also really wanted to do this chapter justice, so it was written and rewritten at least five times before i decided on the final draft. anyway, back to our (ir)regularly scheduled Slytherin himbo

The second he loses sight of her in the swarm of students he really starts to panic. He starts pushing his way through the crowd toward the last spot he saw her, but it’s by far easier said than done. Imelda calls out for him to come back for the usual post-game debrief, but he shouts an excuse over his shoulder about going to the hospital wing. She could be anywhere, and he’s wasting precious time. Sebastian doesn’t think he was nearly this panicked when he plummeted toward the ground mere minutes ago. He stops, exasperated, and surveys the crowd. 

Fuck it. 

He hastily mounts his broom and yanks the handle upward. Hard. It’s possibly the fastest he’s ever taken off and the crowd beneath him cheers as he shoots upward and forward. As soon as he clears the quidditch pitch he’s scanning the grounds for a trace of her homemade quidditch jersey. The thought of her putting so much time and effort into the garment, all in support of him, forces a fresh stab of guilt between his ribs. His broom seems to sense his urgency and accelerates on its own. God, he’s such an ass. She’s never been anything short of kind to him, far kinder than he probably deserves, and he’s spent the last few days thinking nothing but the worst of her. No, he realizes with a jolt, not even the worst. 

He’s been seething over the thought of her enjoying Weasley’s company. Merely being happy in his presence. Nothing malicious or untoward or even anything to do with him. Every new realization pricks him with equal measures of mortification and hope. How was he going to explain his recent actions without revealing his true feelings to her? He had no idea. At this point his one-track mind was focussed purely on finding her. He’d figure out the rest once he was sure no more tears adorned her face. Is this the type of bloke he was? So jealous that he’d rather cause pain than face it? He considers asking Anne for advice on the whole situation, but he already knows what his better half would say: “Just tell her how you feel.”

He shakes the thought from his head. Impossible. He couldn’t face the possibility of losing her if she felt the same way. And if she did? What if he wasn’t good enough for her? After all the pain he’d caused her in fifth year, and now this, what if she was better off with someone like Weasley? She deserves someone who will treat her heart with care. Someone who won’t coerce her into risking her life for dark magic. Although Sebastian had been true to his word about relinquishing dark magic, the guilt of his actions remained. Sometimes, on particularly dark nights, he’d wake to the sound of her wails and pleas as her body convulsed next to the remains of Noctua Gaunt, his hand would shake as he channeled the pain directly into her veins. Other nights he’d grip the sheets in a cold sweat, his body safe in bed, but his mind bound to the darkest parts of him he’d worked to repress. He could still feel the phantom rush of power as he held the relic. His blood sang with power as the resurrected dead moved to his every whim. And there, at the center of it all, her. 

Terrified, resolute, courageous. Even as inferi clawed at her arms and Solomon appeared at the mouth of the cave, red with rage, she was still trying to save him. In his darkest of moments he wonders if he’d ever deserved saving at all. If she hadn’t knocked him unconscious, and if Anne’s curse hadn’t lifted as soon as Rookwood was destroyed, Sebastian knew he could’ve done a lot more damage. He knew he didn’t deserve her, but that didn’t stop him from wanting her. And oh, did he want her. She was radiant, inside and out. Even if she wasn’t the most beautiful witch he’d ever beheld, her heart and mind would enchant him all the same. She was always so quick to help others, so fearless in her every endeavor, it was a wonder she had any love left to give. She never failed to surprise him. She made him want to be a better man. She saw every flaw in his character, ran a gentle hand along every faultline in his heart and mended it with a selflessness rarer than the ancient magic gracing her person. 

Sometimes he wanted to grab hold of her, tender yet so very sincere, and remind her that she needed to save herself, too. He wouldn’t insult her intelligence by suggesting that she was ignorant of her own needs. But one time, just one time, he wished she would put her well being above others’. 

There was one question still nagging at the bag of his mind, a thread he had neither the time nor heart to unravel at the time. Why had she been so upset by his kissing Amelia? Was she perhaps still angry at him for ignoring her this morning? Why else would she - 

Oh, hell. 

It was impossible, no more than a pipe dream, but did she share his feelings? Why else would she have run away? He wanted more than anything to believe it, but what if he was wrong? He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. If he confessed his feelings and she didn’t feel the same, he could lose her. But if she did, she could lose herself. He knew from experience that she’d go to hell and back just to fetch him, but she shouldn’t have to. Despite his best efforts he’d found numerous ways to hurt her in the past year. She didn’t deserve him. She deserved better. And if she wouldn’t make that choice herself, well, he’d just have to make it for her. 

Sebastian was so lost in his thoughts he nearly missed the flash of green beneath him. Cursing himself, he circled back to her and flew lower. It was unmistakably her. His last name billowed as she walked quickly toward the castle. He descended rapidly, calling out her name and begging her to wait. She turned and their gazes connected. Even if she was angry with him he felt a glimmer of hope that at least he had a chance to fix things. He was so focussed on her, he didn’t realize he was about to fly right into a tree until she shouted a warning, but it was too late to stop. Branches whipped at his face, stinging as he plowed through the tree before his broom lodged between two trunks and he was thrown forward. He managed to latch onto the branch, narrowly avoiding a swift trip to the ground twenty feet below. For the second time that day the air was forced from his bruised lungs and he fought the urge to vomit. Despite the pain and mortification, Sebastian couldn’t help but feel that this was at least partially deserved. He heard creaking as the branches to his left shifted and he watched his broom plummet to the ground. Well, the handle landed first, and the brush followed a moment later. Great, he thought. Imelda was sure to give him an earful about this. 

A brighter spot of green obscured the remains of his broom, and she looked up at him. He could almost hear a crack shooting through his heart as he took in her appearance. Her tears had smeared the green and silver paint almost completely off her cheeks. Her eyes were red-rimmed and every sniffle sent her shoulders trembling. At this moment he would have let go and fallen to the ground immediately if it meant he could wipe the tears from her face. Did he even deserve to? What right did he have to cause her grief and then swoop in like some undeserving savior?

She wordlessly raised her hands and reached out as though to pluck him from the branches. Blue light arced from her hands as she channeled her ancient magic. Sebastian felt himself being gently extricated from the twigs and leaves before those same gentle blue tendrils lowered him to the grass before her. 

The pair stood still. The intensity of her gaze rivaled his, but neither took a step forward. The air felt heavy with implications, things still left unsaid. Say something! A voice screamed in his head. You made this whole bloody mess, so say something!

He took two steps toward her, and said, “I’m sorry.”

She made no move toward him, and if not for the near-imperceptible softening of her brow he might’ve thought she hadn’t heard him. “For what?”

The determined search of her gaze told him everything. They both knew what she was really asking. She was waiting for him to voice his feelings. To lay claim to every bit of stolen affection threaded through the moments they shared. He had to tell her. He needed to tell her, she deserved that much. He opened his mouth to speak and - 

“I like you!” he shouted. She startled at his panicked outburst and he ran a frustrated hand through his hair. She looked at him, calculating and wary, before taking a step back. “Sebastian, you don’t have to say that simply because you feel guilty about-” he gave a frustrated groan and closed the distance between them in two determined strides. He frantically took her hands in his, held them gently, and whispered the truth he’d been so desperate to hide from. 

“That isn’t why. Please, you must know that isn’t why,” he pleaded. A stray tear remained on the apple of her cheek and he brushed it away with a tender swipe of his hand. He let his touch linger for a moment before drifting back to clasp her hands. “You occupy my every waking moment. Even in sleep I cannot escape the thought of you. Nor would I ever want to,” he declared. Her eyes searched for any hint of insincerity, but she didn’t pull away from him. Sebastian took that as a sign of encouragement and continued.  

“You are unlike any witch or wizard I have ever met. Kinder and braver than any soul I’ll ever meet, and my heart is irrevocably yours. You needn’t say anything, but know that it belongs to you. I’ve been a prick to you. I was selfish and scared and jealous, and I’m sorry for kissing Amelia. I won’t insult you by asking for forgiveness I know I don’t deserve, but you must know that I am yours, even if you want nothing to do with me.“

He finishes, breathless, and watches her. His brain is on fire and he’s pretty sure he’s run through the entire spectrum of human emotion in the last thirty seconds, but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t give her time to process everything he’s just thrown at her. He waits, and waits, and his palms begin to sweat. Shit. Was this the wrong time? Had he just royally fucked up whatever remained of their friendship? His gaze flicked up to her face, which had remained stoic beneath her runny makeup and the volley of emotion he had just flung at her. An agonizingly slow moment later she looked at him, really looked, as though for the first time, and she was livid.

There was fire in her eyes and blue magic arced from her fingertips. He took an instinctive step back as she leveled him with a stare rivaling the intensity of his own jackrabbiting heart. She swallowed thickly, and spoke.

“And how long,” she started, cocking her head. “How long have you felt this way?” He gulped. Was she going to hex him? Sebastian was sure he deserved it six ways to Sunday, but he would’ve at least liked more of a reaction to his confession before she blasted him to hell. 

“Since fifth year?” he squeaked. He actually squeaked. Good gods, this was mortifying. He thanked whoever was listening that at the very least Ominis wasn’t here to witness the whole ordeal. He answered like it was a question, when really this one of the only truths he knew in the core of his being to be true.

She took a step toward him, her mouth agape and eyes narrowed in confusion. Hysterically, he thought it was the same look she adopted when Professor Binns roused her from her nap to answer a question during lecture. He gulped. 

“Why on earth haven’t you said anything?!” she shrieked. He furrowed his brows and took a step closer to her. If she was going to immolate him, fine. For her he’d burn a thousand times. 

“Because I know you don’t feel the same!” He shouted frantically. “You don’t! You can’t, and you shouldn’t! I’ve been awful to you, and you deserve better!”

She held her face in her hands, exasperated and inhaling deeply, before throwing her hands up and shouting to the heavens, “Of course I feel the same!” She cried. “Merlin’s bloody balls, how thick can you get?!”

He stilled. He’s pretty sure his heart had stopped beating around the same time the air in his lungs froze over. “What?”

At his single syllable all the anger seemed to seep from her figure. She crossed her arms, the blue lightning dissipating as her chest heaved. When she spoke she was gentle, careful.

“Sebastian, did you truly not know?” Her eyes were pleading, searching his for answers he wasn’t sure he could provide.

He spluttered. She couldn’t feel the same. She didn’t…”You’ve never given any inclination. And I didn’t want to do anything untoward or unwanted…” he trailed off.

She laughed. Not a cruel, mocking sound like he probably deserved, but chiding. It wasn’t unlike the chuckles he heard from her when one of her puffskeins tried licking her when she wasn’t looking. 

“Sebastian bloody Sallow, I’ve been in love with you from the start. I don’t know how you could possibly think I don’t care for you, but please, banish the thought.” She declared softly. He suddenly realized how close they’d drifted. The red thread connecting his heart to hers always had a way of drawing them together. He looked down and she was nearly flush against his chest. Instinctively he drew his arms around her. Something sharp poked his chest and he brushed it aside. It was the necklace he’d given her. Within the gilded confines the stone glowed a deep, confident blue. A memory sparked somewhere in the back of his mind as he recalled the parchment the vendor had given him. Blue - truth.

He dropped the pendant as though it had burned him. She was telling the truth. She loved him, truly and completely, and he loved her the same. Everything he wanted was within his grasp, if only…If only he were someone more deserving. If only he were someone who could keep her safe and care for her in the ways she deserved. He looked down and her eyes were drifting closed. Just before they fluttered shut her gaze flickered to his lips. That’s funny, when had he started dipping his head toward her? His composure faltered - and good gods, no man could be strong enough for such temptation-

But he needed to be. Sebastian Sallow might not be the man she deserves, but he would be a man strong enough to keep her from making the mistake of choosing him. His eyes shot open and he pressed a gently finger to her lips. “Wait,” he whispered. She stilled and stopped. Gods, her lips were soft beneath his touch. And the way she was looking at him, with such open vulnerability, twisted the dagger he held to his own heart. She was confused, waiting for him to say something.

He released her and took a step back. And then another, and another. “We can’t. You can’t feel this way for me. I’ll only hurt you again, and you deserve better.” He broke her gaze hung his head. “So much better…”

When he looked up at her again, he almost wished he hadn’t. The tears were back, and this time her lip was trembling. He strode toward her, holding out his arms in comfort, but she held up a hand. It was trembling, and blue lightning crackled across her palm, but her voice was steady as she spoke. 

“Nobody makes my decisions for me. Nobody. You can tell me that you love me, or hate me, or anything in between. But you don’t get to stand there and tell me how I am meant to feel. If you don’t want me, then just say so. I deserve that much.”

Sebastian was truly and utterly speechless. He did want her, more than anything, but he couldn’t trust himself to keep her from harm on his behalf. He couldn’t draw her back into his arms knowing that he didn’t deserve her, but telling her that he didn’t want her? That would surely kill him. So he stood, silent, and said nothing at all.

As the seconds drew on, she seemed to take his lack of response as an answer all the same. She nodded her head once before stalking past him back to the castle, and he got one good look at the pendant as her shoulders shook with sobs. Black - anguish.

.

.

.

.

.

Bonus Author's Note: besties, no matter how much you love someone, never let anyone make your decisions for you or tell you how you feel. you are irreplacable and nobody has the right to save you for later <3

Taglist: @snickette, @findingtruenorth23, @plooloo, @paganicher, @smilesworldsposts, @snoozebun, @crazyllamasurfer, @pixie-dustss, @margottheviking, @lollife1617, @milk-barrs-blog, @somethingiswrongwithme, @bleh-stupid, @stay-gray, @mrsbrookesallow, @lostgirl-28, @kateisnotheree, @doigettokeepyou, @dreamqueenkala, @uwuitzerimpact, @neoqueen306

[smicksstuff]

"you can't change what happened. But you can still change what will happen." Sebastian Vettel.

The PitBox Crew Series

masterlist

Ferrari Charm

(lance stroll x yngasly) (f1 drivers x yngasly)

warnings: a little swearing.

yngasly

Monaco

liked by lancestroll, alexandrasaintmleux, sebastianvettel and 892, 672 others

yngasly MONACO BABY !! 🇲🇨👑 plus its arty’s first race !! ✨🏎️

view 738 comments

arthur_leclerc ❤️❤️❤️❤️

liked by yngasly and 799 others

charles_leclerc what about me its my home race too ☹️

yngasly YESS little monaco prince completed his first full monaco race 🥳🤩😍 charles_leclerc was not expecting that shoutout 😳 yngasly we celebrate all achievements 🤭 antonio_fuoco1 so proud of you CHARLIE !!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

estebanocon 💙💙💙

liked by yngasly and 892 others

yngaslyfans SHE MET SEBB !!!!

yngaslyfc OMG I WANNA TRADE LIFE WITH HER

lancestroll my girl ❤️ lose the ferrari hat tho

yngasly NEVER !! Ferrari is life ❤️ lancestroll ASTON MARTIN!!! pierregasly ALPINE !!! carlossainz55 FERRARI !!!! 🤩 charles_leclerc FERRARI !! 😍 lancestroll 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ yngaslyfans not the boys fighting for her support !!! landonorris MCLAREN !!! 🧡🧡🧡 arthur_leclerc DAMS!! maxverstappen1 RED BULL !! 💙❤️ olliebearman PREMA!!!! yngasly you kids need to chill! bros about to start a whole f1 team war in my comments !!! yngaslyfc THIS IS TOO GOOD !! even max joined the fight !

noahschnapp YN !!! we need to meet again!! my paddock bestie 😍

yngasly YESS !!! text me when you come to the next race strangerwill im sorry since when did this happen ?? strangerf1 HELL YESS !!!! i was praying that these two meet !! f1bros she really be doing gods work here !! someone get her a job in f1!!

tomholland2013 lovely pictures! 💯

yngasly omg thankyou !!! 😍 gaslyfc this girl i swear!! i love how everyone loves her!

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yngasly

Monaco

liked by charles_leclerc, landonorris, noahschnapp and 1,849,929 others

yngasly monaco at night ft my favourite drivers 🍁🐶🌶️👑🍼🍣🏆🐈📚💐🍾🥦 🏄🏼‍♂️ 🦡

(there is no particular order 😉🍁🌶️)

view 792 comments

yngaslyfans so if im right … lance, pierre?, carlos, charles, lando, yuki, max, alex?, ?????????

yngaslyfans someone help decipher the code !! 😂😂😂 yngaslyfans i wanna who the last few are lancearmy the flowers could be fernando 💐 f1fans champagne ?? landoo ?? lancearmy thats not possible the milk bottle is definitely him yngaslyfans damnn this girl making me use my brain more than i use it in school 😳

lilymhe the code: lancelot, pedro, chilli, perceval, little lando, yukisan, max the champ, alexalabono, georgie, fernando, estie bestie, sir, mickey and danny 😉

scuderiagasly not the dog for pierre !! 😂 username9 lily giving us another code by presenting thier nicknames HAHAHA sirlewis sir - lewis - 🥦 this girl is wild carmenmmundt how did you get this from that ? i was stuck at the books 😂 lilymhe i was on ft with her when she wrote this 🤭 carmenmmundt you definitely helped with some lilymhe heyyy its not me only !! alex was on the call too !! albonounite not alex helping with this 🧍🏻 lilymhe definitely not the alex you are thinking about. this requires too much thinking albonounite ALEXANDRA??? girl was in it too

alexandrasaintmleux work of art 🖼️

yngasly hang it in the louvre !! pierregasly GO BACK TO SLEEP KIDDO !! yngasly AWWW MY BIG BRO LOVES ME SO SO MUCH ❤️ I LOVE YOU PEDRO pierregasly love you too kiddo but go to sleep now !! get off here !! someone take her phone mickschumacher i have it yngaslyfc PLS we just got a glimpse to what their text chain is like !! love it 😍

username3 she says there is no order but lance and carlos emojis appear as well

gaslyfc her priorities 💯

louispartridge_ ❤️ till next time gasgas

liked by yngasly and 2,890 others

yngasly till next time loulou 🔥

f1fanclub NO WAY HIM TOOO !!!

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lancestroll & estebanocon just added to their story

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yngasly

Barcelona

liked by pierregasly, lancestroll, carlossainz55 and 990, 552 others

yngasly TEAM 55 !!! ❤️🌶️✨

view 927 comments

carlossainz55 mi chiquita 😍💯

lancestroll cant believe i got ditched for carlos this whole week 🥺

yngasly im sorry baby im all yours next race ❤️ lancestroll ngl its also carlos im not mad 🙃 yngasly ‼️‼️‼️ carlossainz55 @lancestroll 😘

pierregasly WOW all this for carlos !! Ese hombre español es demasiado guapo para pelear (translation: That Spanish man is too handsome to fight)

yngasly for once we agree 💯 charles_leclerc i wanna be mad that i didnt get the same for monaco but its carlos ….. landonorris cant wait for my post in silverstone 😙 georgerussell63 hey what about me then carlossainz55 i love all the love here 😍 charles & pierre 😘

lewishamilton its the damn bucket hat !!

carlossainz55 cmon mate you love it lewishamilton maybe

sainzforlife has this become a carlos sainz fanpage ?? im here for it !!

scuderialeclerc not pierre and charles calling carlos handsome 😏 verstappenfc max is coming for charles now 😠 sirlancelot nobody forget how lance is okay with yn fangirling over carlos strollies carlos is a mutual understanding sainzfc sainz girlies thriving todayyy

neymarjr Prazer em conhecê-lo 😁 (translation: Nice to meet you)

yngasly 😁💯

masonmount the chels hat looks gooood !!!

yngasly the chels hat was a lost bet! this is the last time you will see it 👍🏽 benchillwell 😳😵 masonmount 💀

gaslyfans girl has got neymar, mason mount and ben chillwell in her comments !!! man i love her so much!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

yngaslyfc ill give anything to hang with her at a grand prix weekend!!!

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yngasly & lilymhe just added to their story

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yngasly

Ibiza

liked by isahernaez, lilymhe, lancestroll and 489,929 others

yngasly spanish getaway with my girl ❤️ + lance

isahernaez te quiero mi amor ❤️

yngasly ❤️❤️❤️

gaslyfans thank you !! i thought with all happening we gonna lose them too 🫠

gaslyfc girl switched from carlos to isa in 24 hours

lancestroll never thought i would be a thirdwheel in my girlfriends relationship 😭😭😭

liked by isahernaez, yngasly and 982 others

yngasly dont worry i got lots of love for you too 😘❤️

lilymhe cuties !! 🔥

liked by isahernaez, yngasly and 728 others

charlottesine you guys are too cute !! 😍

liked by yngasly, isahernaez and 451 others

isahernaezfc cha commenting 😍 she is still following yn too 😍

francisca.cgomes 🔥💯

comments have been limited in this post

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lando.jpg

New York

liked by danielriccardo, yngasly, lancestroll and 799, 692 others

lando.jpg Lando and Yn travel the world pt 1

view 902 comments

yngasly ✈️🗽

yngasly where to next ?!

lando.jpg MONTREAL 🍁🥞 yngasly after ? lando.jpg girl you only asking cause you know ill pay yngasly got to respect the hustle mate pierregasly raised you right !! so proud!! lando.jpg @lancestroll she is all yours mate

lancestroll my my the girl is so hot 😍

yngasly really? didnt think that was your type lancestroll definitely my type ❤️ yngasly you should take her out on a date then lancestroll oh definitely 💯 landonorris ew go away

danielriccardo did yall go to the pizza place i told yall about ?!!!!

lando.jpg yes we did !! yngasly best pizza ever !!! 🍕❤️ yngasly danny next time i come to NY you have to bring me around !! lando.jpg hey i wasnt that bad !! martingarrix mate we got lost so many times ! yngasly we got lost in central park !! ended up at the zoo ? when we just wanted to go to the records store 😐 lando.jpg 🤐🤐🤐 danielriccardo IM WAITING IN CANADA FOR THE TEA !!! COME FASTER logansargeant central park ? zoo? records store ? HOW? yngasly EXACTLY ! ill tell you in the paddock ! oscarpiastri can i join too !!!

f1bros besties in NY !

gaslyfc guys my friends and i saw them in new york and we went to ask for pictures and she also asked for directions after !!

yngasly lifesavers !! gaslyfc anytime bestie !!

teamlance can i just say how i love that lance is okay with her going off with lando or anyone anytime

strollies i mean yn literally knew these guys since she was a kid so they kinda like family already username8 i wouldnt let my partner do this username7 mate their pictures literally look like a soft launch strollies have you not seen that all of the drivers post pics with yn like this? username7 exactly my point. she is literally using them for clout username8 she can be pierre's sister but does she have to have the same friends as him?? teamlance yea she can. she literally grew up with them. they are her friends too. username8 attention-seeking behaviour strollies says the one

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bonus:

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taglist: @fangirlika @threedalla @sticksdoesart @ophcelia @gothicwidowsworld @nmw-am @h0e-xoxo @inthestars-underthesun @tyna-19 @champomiel @pitconfirmbutton @clcspeonies @67-angelofthelordme-67 @xcharlottemikaelsonx @fulla02 @mehrmonga @myescapefromthislife @deviltsunoda @lithiscool @bat-shark-repellant @harrysdimple05 @majx00 @noncannonships @rd14 @inejghafawifesblog @baw-sixteen

credits: all pictures found on pinterest and instagram.

a/n: thank you for reading this far!! if you have any suggestions send them to me! i would love to include them in the next chapter!!

if you would liked to be tagged in new chapters, comment your username below 👇😗

[clean-bands-dirty-stories]

XX ~ S.S.

Part Four: Rush (Final)

A/n: This is a separate request but I combined them (This prompt list). This has been sitting in my drafts for AGES so very close to completion and I got a final boost from @mmmalakai so this one’s for you bestie <3

Request: “22 for Seb? 👀”

Word Count: 3800+

MASTERLIST

~ Kiss in a rush of adrenaline ~

The Warblers ran into a problem when competition season rolled around. They had essentially been cut in half, and that meant they were working with significantly less people than normal. Adding on top of that the rivalry he was brewing with New Directions and... well, it wasn't ideal.

Y/n got an earful every evening after glee rehearsals. Blaine was apparently up Sebastian's ass, playing some form of protective older brother for Y/n. He had made it clear time and time again that he didn't approve of Sebastian, and his boyfriend Kurt was only too happy to support this endeavor. Predictably, Kurt had been most on board for it when Blaine had told him of Sebastian's initial flirting and move making. It made Y/n wonder if Kurt was in it to protect Y/n like Blaine was, or if he was in it for his own personal revenge.

Unfortunately, that didn't seem to be where the struggles ended. They had enough people to compete and so did Noteworthies - but only one team could compete from one school. Which meant that on top of push back from Blaine and Kurt, and the dance they'd been having with all of New Directions, there needed to be a pre-competition face off to see which Dalton Glee club was going to compete.

Which was strange to talk about, when they were technically opposed team captains, but also had been spending as much time as they could together again. They'd wanted to perform together again and neither could come up with a reason to. They were busy practicing for all the face offs and performances they had coming up, which meant they didn't have much free time. With the stress increasing, the need for peace and quiet got worse until their routine became shit talking everyone else in the car and then going back to Sebastian's, cleaning up and changing, and then just doing homework in absolute silence for hours and hours, cuddled up until dinner. Dinner was the best part of the day because they would be recharged from everything else and would put the homework away and just talk. Or watch something. They didn't talk about school during dinner, or Glee. They'd talk about music or the thing they watched or anything else. Sometimes Blaine and Kurt, but never New Directions.

It was so strange to find themselves on opposing sides when school came around at the beginning of every new day, especially when their mornings were spent getting coffee where Y/n and Blaine used to and tormenting the New Directions people who were there if they happened to run into each other.

Y/n didn't even feel bad about it. He had tried to stop Sebastian at first, but then Blaine had ruined that.

The day had started cool, which was nice because the Dalton blazers were always a little warm on the body. Adding coffee to that usually meant feeling a little warmer than one was usually comfortable with. But not that morning. Instead, Y/n and Sebastian were in line to get their coffees, Sebastian going on and on about a wild encounter he'd had in Paris when he was still living there. Y/n had been sent into a fit of laughter, face turning red and wrapping his arms around his stomach. "You did not get that drunk at 11 years old," Y/n accused.

Sebastian was grinning. "I absolutely did. My parents were mad, but it wasn't as big of a deal as you'd think. The problem was that I had stolen all the cream puffs. There were three heaping plates made for everyone at that party and I had eaten them all by myself. I was sick for two whole days, and still couldn't eat chocolate without feeling sick for another week." Y/n peeled into giggles again and the room seemed to get brighter, warmer. Sebastian watched him with so much adoration on his face that the people around them all smiled.

Well, almost everyone.

"If it isn't my favorite Dalton boy." An arm looped around Y/n's shoulder, and he looked over to see Blaine. Immediately, the joy started to seep out of him and Sebastian watched in irritation as he put on the mask that he always did. The calm and the patient and the gentle. Not that Y/n wasn't all of those things, but more that he only ever allowed himself to be those things specifically when certain people - like Blaine - were around. The more time he spent around Sebastian, the more he allowed himself to express all of the different sides of him, but it was slow coming. It was easier with the Warblers and most of the Noteworthies, but harder with Lyran and anyone from McKinley. It bothered Sebastian immensely.

"Hey," Y/n greeted with a soft smile.

Blaine positioned himself to cut Sebastian off from the conversation and immediately Sebastian's jaw locked. He tried to play as nice as possible with Blaine - he meant a lot to Y/n. And even if Sebastian didn't get the appeal (he had flirted with the man once before actually getting to know Y/n, and now he just about laughed out loud at the thought. How could be have gone for stick-in-the-mud, goody two shoes Blaine when Y/n was right there?) it wasn't about him, so. Whatever. The move from Blaine was an affront though, and he barely managed.

"I haven't seen you in a while. How have you been?"

Kurt shot him a look and Sebastian purposefully ignored it. His eyes were on Y/n, who suddenly seemed uncomfortable. It seemed he has picked up on Blaine's actions - and Sebastian's reaction to it as well.

"Fine," the boy eased, sliding fluidly from Blaine's hold to pick up something off of a nearby shelf, tilting it as if considering if he was going to get it. He put it down and turned back to the other three. It was a well masked attempt to include Sebastian again, and a well appreciated one. Well, appreciated by Sebastian. Blaine's smile got a little tighter.

"I heard you started a new acapella group at Dalton," Blaine picked up again. There was something very awkward about him trying to start small talk, and Y/n shutting it down with one word responses instead of expanding in the least. An awkwardness that was showing in Blaine's tone.

"Yeah," Y/n nodded, and the tension grew.

Sebastian swallowed a smile when he saw a hint of his Y/n. The hidden shade he was masking so well with innocence and softness. It wasn't cruel, more unsure. Y/n didn't know how to show Blaine that finally, he had changed too. In the way that Blaine had become more a team player, flourishing with a bunch of people who challenged him and treated him like a normal person instead of some music sex god, that Y/n had bloomed in the same way.

Under Sebastian's pressure and fire, he had grown to something infinitely more beautiful: Himself. Not filtered to be more palpable, or fit the vibe someone else was setting. He was himself - both soft and hot to the touch. Soothing at one point, and agitating the next, depending on what he had to rise to the top to meet. And there was a whole new side to him too - one that didn't just react, but set expectations and then kept them going. Who established a mood and then continued it. One who knew control and patience and could balance firm grips and gentle nudges.

Blaine missed it all. He hummed in such false amusement that it was so obviously just irritation.

"Seems you're spending a lot of time with Mr. Competition over here then." It was light and airy, easily dismissed unless you already knew he was trying to shove a wedge between Y/n and Sebastian. Which they all did know.

Y/n seemed to consider that. "Competition drama and interpersonal relationships are different things. At Dalton we try to keep it clean - nothing personal, no dirty play." He shot a pointed look at Sebastian. "These days at the very least."

Sebastian felt himself warm, flaring under Y/n's attention. "The whole point of a game is there are always rules. I set some, you set some. They must all be followed or people stop playing."

Y/n snorted. "Very good job Bas, you're learning so well."

Blaine seemed uncomfortable with the easy banter between the two, and he tended when Y/n used a nickname. "Y/n-"

"Listen," Y/n cut off. "I've tried to tell you before but you refuse to listen so I'll be very blunt with you. I'm a different person now - a better person. This is a good thing, and if you can't see that and accept that people change I don't want to be friends with you anymore. I know you have beef with Sebastian. It's a good thing you're not the one who has a relationship with him." He turned without another word and made his order, filling in Sebastian's as well without thinking. He had been correct to the T so Sebastian let it slide. He relished Y/n stepping in to stop Blaine, and he especially loved that Y/n was so easily showing how well they knew each other and how much they meant to each other. It was delicious.

Blaine stumbled over his words for a moment at the display from the boy who used to be so close to him. "What happened to you?"

Y/n's irritation slipped. "What happened to me is that I finally got a life outside of you. I'm in a glee club that isn't revolving around you. I have other friends. I developed a personality based on myself and not you and your standards and expectations, and found people who like what I have to offer. If the only way you want me is folded nicely so that you can have me at your disposable for you and your irritating ass boyfriend then you don't want me." He slapped money on the counter and grabbed the two drinks before walking away. "See you around Blaine."

As they left, Sebastian's face twisted with a smirk. Not the teasing or biting one he usually donned, but one filled with admiration and adoration.

Something bubbled under the surface of his skin and he shivered. Then decided to ignore it for now. Y/n started a conversation about how bagels sounded good for breakfast and that was the end of it.

For now.

-

It was decided that a face off would be held to decide who was going to competition of the Dalton glee clubs.

It wasn't a shocking conclusion, but still needed an official announcement.

When the day came, Sebastian thought the Warblers had it in the bag.

Then the Noteworthies went.

Whatever the group had accomplished in the past, they had surpassed themselves several times. They were completely in sync, switching out and weaving through each other like it was second nature. They kept a certain energy between them that truly was contagious, like before, but also tangible. An energy that flowed through the air. Not a performance, or a show of any specific person. No call to attention or vie for spotlight, but a conversation between them that became increasingly interesting to follow.

They sang songs and it seemed like words. Banter between friends, or inside jokes. Stories that weren't all the way told yet. Secrets on the cusp of being spoken into the world. It was a sleep over or a camp out, telling stories in the dark and trying to scare each other. It was a safety net that if anyone crosses a line, you could stop and it would be okay. It was a breath of relief, or the first day of Summer vacation. Full of possibilities and mischief and energy and wonderment with all the stability of not having quite lost your sense of time. Youthful. Bright. Fun. But also accepting and gentle and understanding.

Of course the Warblers lost.

Y/n had been right - a group that worked as a unit far surpassed a ring leader surrounded by people to make them look better. And after the challenge, Sebastian lost even more Warblers.

He was losing the game, and he realized he had been for a long time.

Fascinating.

He swallowed his smile when Y/n met him at the car. Y/n rose an eyebrow. "What is it? You're not mad we won are you? And I swear I'm not trying to steal anymore of your Warblers-"

Sebastian shook his head. "Please. It's like you said - we've far surpassed taking things personally and lashing out."

Y/n rose an eyebrow. "So you're not going to be petty?" Sebastian was surprised to realize Y/n was being sarcastic when he asked the question.

Y/n knew him so well...

Sebastian's smile finally made it through as they got into the car. "Perhaps just a little." Y/n laughed and suddenly Sebastian didn't feel bad at all anymore.

-

"Oh I love this song!" Y/n shot to his feet, pushing homework aside for a moment to grab Sebastian's hand and force him to follow. They were dancing together before Sebastian could even complain.

He did it while they were up instead, despite the fact that he didn't sit back down even when Y/n let go of his hands. "You promised you wouldn't get distracted if we played music today. We need to study."

Y/n rolled his eyes. "We do homework all the time - my grades are better than they've been in ages. It can wait for a single song." Y/n stepped close, something mischievous in his eyes. "Or two."

Something bubbled in Sebastian's stomach, worming it's way up to his chest. Words were on the tip of his tongue but he couldn't quite pull them out or place what they were so for now he let them be.

And the two danced.

The second song was slower, and Y/n tried to do a funny bit by using choreography slowed to half speed, his facial expressions even changing at a snail's pace, which did get Sebastian to laugh. But then he reached out and pulled Y/n against him, chest to chest, and grabbed his hand and waist. "Slow dance properly or skip the song," he chided.

Y/n snorted but didn't pull away. "Of course the rich boy is particular about slow dancing," he teased. "You know how to waltz I assume?"

Sebastian's eyes shone. "Would you like me to teach you?"

Y/n grinned. "Fuck yes." So Sebastian did. It was the first time they'd danced that it wasn't competitive or teasing. There was fire here too but it was quieter, calmer - familiar. Sebastian grabbed his hand, then his waist, and stepped closer. He spoke softly, giving directions and telling him when and where he was stepping and the directions he was going.

It was easy to follow him. Sebastian was excellent at leading, both with his steps and his words. At one point he spun Y/n, slowly to allow for him learning, and Y/n giggled. When they were face to face again they were both grinning.

"This is fun," Sebastian noted. He didn't speak as loudly as he usually did, keeping that soft directional tone he'd been using up to this point.

Y/n felt his face warm up. "It is. Maybe we should make this a regular thing. You can teach me everything you know."

Sebastian's smile grew a little teasing, and seeing that peek out now only made Y/n blush worse. "Je crois que je t'aime."

Y/n's eyebrows came together when Sebastian spoke in French. "No fair! I don't know French."

"If I teach you everything I know," Sebastian reasoned. "You will one day."

Y/n narrowed his eyes. "Okay," he eased slowly. "What did you say though?"

The deviousness crescendo'd as Sebastian chuckled. "I'll tell you one day." He slowed them to a stop, spinning Y/n outward and catching his wrist. He brought the back of Y/n's hands to his lips, leaving a kiss. "You're a wonderful dance partner."

Y/n raised an eyebrow. "You need to be dubbed an official Disney Prince with all this charm you're using on me."

There seemed to be something Sebastian wanted to say, but he chose not to.

A new side to him.

Instead he cleared his throat, covering up a laugh. "Let's get back to homework." Unsure of how to get him to divulge information when he was so often readily offering it and not hiding it away as he was now, Y/n was forced to let the interaction go.

For now.

-

Noteworthies killed it at competition, putting Dalton in first place for the first time since Sebastian had started coming to school here. When they were announced as first, Sebastian's eyes went wide and he couldn't stop smiling. He was in the audience, but he was quickly out of his seat and rushing backstage. When Y/n was off of that stage, he was quick to close the distance. Y/n was surprised, but laughed as they met in the middle, getting caught up in the kiss immediately.

It was the first time they'd been explicitly affectionate in public, and it was wonderful. Especially as Lyran smiled to themself, watching the two.

"Finally, am I right?" they whispered to one of the other boys who laughed, all of them heading to the changing room to leave the pair alone.

When the two boys separated from their embrace, Y/n was blushing. "What was that?" he asked.

Sebastian shrugged. "Probably... adrenaline." He chuckled, finding himself a little breathless. No one had ever made him this soft before, taken him so completely. He felt a little silly and completely ridiculous and stripped entirely of his power-

And he loved it.

-

“Hey I have a question.” Things had changed since the kiss back stage. They weren’t playing this maybe-friends-maybe-not thing, they were definitely more than friends. Things had gotten as casual as Y/n ending up in Sebastian’s bed for no other reason than better cuddling positions as they watched Netflix all day. That was their Saturday routine. They only got out of bed to make food, and then they’d play music and dance together or tease or kiss…

It was domestic.

But they’d never made anything official.

Sebastian had waited for Y/n to give him that staple look people always did when things got a little too serious. Usually that was when he’d run away, but with Y/n he was sure he’d have drifted into a relationship blissfully. No one could keep up with him and change the game like Y/n could - who could ever even keep his attention after this boy?

But Y/n had never asked. It had never come up. And once again the rules were different than Sebastian had expected. It wasn’t Y/n asking about their relationship that day. It was Sebastian. His hair was soft, dried post shower, and he had only bothered with the bare minimum necessary to be comfortable. Y/n had lost his shirt at some point, stealing one of Sebastian’s even though there were clothes just here that were Y/n’s at this point. It felt intimate in a weird way. Different than sex, but maybe on the same level as it.

Y/n looked at the boy, smiling. “Ask away.”

“Are we together?” Sebastian asked. “Like, boyfriends.”

Y/n’s face light up. “I thought you didn’t do labels, Hot Shot.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes. “If you don’t want to-“

Even if Y/n could throw him off, Sebastian was good at catching up. The dynamic shifted as Y/n gently caressed his cheek, leaning in to kiss him to get him to stop. “No, it’s okay. I’d love to be your boyfriend. And to have yours as mine. Please.”

Sebastian grew warm. “Okay.” There was that thing… that thing just under the surface…. But he let it go.

Not yet. He couldn’t handle two huge leaps in character in one day. Something told him that Y/n wouldn’t want him to anyway.

-

It happened, ironically, after they decided to hang out because Y/n’s parents were getting a divorce. Maybe that was actually what made it perfect timing. They were tangled together on the couch, Sebastian soothingly running his hands up and down Y/n’s back. They hadn’t spoken in a while but Y/n’s mood seemed to slowly, steadily, improving. Sebastian could feel that feeling that was growing more and more impossible to ignore. The words that were getting closer and closer to slipping between his lips. They were getting less and less scary - easier to say. Easier to accept. He knew that they would escape any second now.

“I love you.” It was Y/n who’d spoken.

Immediately Sebastian sighed. “Of course you managed it before I did.” He sounded only amused.

Y/n laughed. “To be fair, you were the one who made the relationship official. You started all of this. I think I can get one thing on you. If that’s okay.”

“No. It’s not. Take it back.” At Sebastian’s words, Y/n laughed again. Sebastian left a kiss on his boyfriend’s forehead. Lingering. Then his lips parted and-

“Don’t say it just because I did,” Y/n interrupted.

Sebastian sighed. “I wouldn’t say anything I didn’t mean. If I didn’t love you, I’d run. I always do.” He scoffed. “But… I do love you. And I can even say that foul word. You’ve completely ruined me. I’m so young how could you do this to me?”

Y/n shrugged, and his smugness was so gorgeous Sebastian had to kiss him. When they parted, Y/n whispered, “Can we be different than everyone else? Can we just… not deal with all the bullshit? And work together and communicate and not fall apart? Or even worse - stay together forever even though the relationship is cannabilizing itself. Can you promise me we’ll never stop talking?”

Sebastian hummed, sighing. “I can promise I’ll always try.”

Y/n nodded. “That’s enough.” And it was. Everything else could fall apart. Their family, their relationship with Blaine. School could end. The Warblers could get usurped. It was all temporary. And maybe this was too, but it was also worth it in a way. Especially because it was temporary. Even if all they had was this week, or if it was for the rest of their lives… they had each other. What more could one person ask for than that?

-

Story tag list: @romanthesleepylizardking @taintedmaroon @shydinosaurcandy @clawzzz

Male readers tag: @ravenpuff-oli @sortzz @fadedver

[subastian-swallows]

HLC ROMANCE — WHAT WE DESERVED

Sebastian Sallow — Head Empty, Thoughts

Hello, my fine friends. I had a thought and I desperately wish to relay it. SIMPLY because — adding romance into this game, would have been so freaking easy and I am mad. So here it is, my interpretation of Hogwarts Legacy if they had the BALLS to add romance. I have a great stand on this, because my two favourite games in the world are Dragon Age and Mass Effect and BOY DO THEY UNDERSTAND ROMANCE. ( ˘͈ ᵕ ˘͈♡)

So let us begin at the very beginning:

If you decide to be in Slytherin, you meet Sebastian in the Common Room. Already he shows clear indication that he is interested in you, albeit, because of your entrance into Hogwarts. Surviving a Dragon? Hello? Points already. If not, you meet him in DADA (officially), if you decide to do Charms first, well no interactions — apart from glances and amusement. WITH THIS: I will go from the DADA stand point, it's already pretty perfect. Sets up Sebastian, at first glance as a cocky, flirty guy. Easy. Having added conversational dialogue here, to tease him or flirt back, would have been easy to add. Such as: teasing his title of being a great duellist etc.

Now you have Hogsmeade. You choose Sebastian, obviously. Now I also believe this was pretty well done — it terms of setting up a friendship and more with Sebastian. HOWEVER, needed more. This is where we needed to see more from the cutscenes, the moment with the troll, flirty banter, PERFECT MOMENT FOR SEBASTIAN TO FLIRT HIS BUTT OFF. "So, you're not just a pretty face." Then with the Three Broomsticks and with Rookwood, it's already pretty good, I wish that the little moments of him looking at you were more obvious. He could have said more, which is the whole point of this post, SEBASTIAN COULD HAVE EASILY SAID MORE.

Pause of the quests to bring up gifts. It has been shown, that it was coded to have been a thing. SAD, that they got rid of it. This is a big thing in Dragon Age, especially in Origins. I think this would have been such a fun thing to do, to have, not only raise friendships — thus making friendships seem more real, rather than just, "hey we are besties now." Example: for Sebastian, it could be gifts you find on your journeys around the outskirts of Hogwarts. Books being a main factor, especially those that you find in Ashwinder camps.

Normal books: x10 romance points

Curse books: x30 romance points

Other small things could be used too. I also think shrivel figs could be something you could often give him, to slightly gain points. It being important to his quest with Anne.

Restricted Section. Hello, I hated how this couldn't have been more flirty LMAO. But I do think it did enough. Especially the ending, with him taking the fall for you. I would have loved to see more moments of him supporting you. Say a cutscene when you enter the restricted section and he holds you back from walking around the corner, before a ghost appears. Other than more flirty dialogue, this quest was pretty good. I still think that although Sebastian is flirty, it's not like he's head over heels for you....yet.

Undercroft, was also good, but like everything it could have been better. I like the idea of him telling you and risking Ominis being pissed, but I think it would have been better IF Ominis caught you both inside. More intense and fun. Before that, I think flirty dialogue could have fitted in so easily here, Sebastian complimenting your quick ability to learn spells, etc. He could also step in and take the heat for you from Ominis.

Meeting the family. Already a big step for a stranger, thus the gifting thing could have really come into play. Perhaps, you couldn't get this until he had a high enough romance level, would also make it seem more "real." This would have been a great place to add more dialogue to support Sebastian, if you wished. Stepping in or not being a complete observer. I understand it's the first time meeting his family, but I think being able to at least step in, would add points to Sebastian's romance. Talking to Anne also, getting insight on Sebastian, bringing it up later in other moments.

Scriptorium. HELLO, this whole quest screamed perfect opportunity for flirty banter. It had some and did well enough, but I would have loved to see more, seeing as at the point, your romance should have improved, point wise. More dialogue. When it's time to curse you, MORE EMOTION. This would have been interesting, if you could manage to get enough relationship points, I like the idea of making it a thing, that you could miss. If you have enough points, he would be more worried, support you to your feet, check you over. If you didn't, it would be like it is now in the game. The ending would be interesting too, if you had the points and maybe he could say something to you, or hug you.

Relic moment. Now I would love to say that having enough romance points would support this not happening, but it needed to happen for the plot, so we shall keep it. I would like to think the lead up to this was already pretty neat, flirty and such. BUT, we needed more, like literally everything else LMAO. When you get to the relic, I'd like to believe, with enough relationship points, you could make him hesitate, and although he takes it. HE, hesitated, meaning he considered what you thought. Being able to get Ominis to let you leave without using a spell, would give you huge relationship points. THIS I THINK WOULD HAVE BEEN NEAT, if you had to make sure at this point, Ominis and your relationship points were high enough, if not....RIP, and you lose points with Sebastian.

The Mine. RIP. I think it was pretty good. Should have been more intense, especially if your relationship was huge by this point. More relationship style dialogue. Making the moment he calls you ignorant, hurt more.

A BETTER APOLOGY BITCH WTF. I think the way he apologised was dumb, I hated it LMAO. If your relationship points were high enough, I think he should have apologised to you in person and more nicer than he did. BUT I do like the angsty, the relic is affecting him thing. The mountain quest was pretty neat, I like that he was a grumpy boy. This could have worked better with romance dialogue, and showing that you were hurt.

Solomon LOL. This would have been SO GREAT IF YOU COULD HAVE ROMANCE POINTS BECAUSE WHAT IF YOU COULD STOP HIM BEFORE IT ALL. Like look, I get killing Solomon, I get that it had to happen. But I like the idea of having romance points high enough to change people minds. In Dragon Age, if you have high enough points you can persuade people, THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THIS GAME UGH. I would have loved to be able to see Sebastian first and persuading him against this. THUS, not killing anyone and Sebastian not becoming a killer.

THE ENDING BITCH: Regardless of everything, when you meet Sebastian in the Undercroft, IT WAS THE PERFECT MOMENT AND OPPORTUNITY FOR A KISS OR HUG MOMENT. LIKE IT WAS THERE, I WAS WAITING FOR IT LMAO. SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDED.

Bonus: A winter ball scene for shits and gigs, if you had enough romance points, you could ask him. If not he goes with someone else. RIP LMAO.

Alright my guys, this was random and I might have missed stuff, but overall, WE NEEDED ROMANCE AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN EASY.