#theo standing still instead of walking toward or walking away.

[iamgonnagetyouback]

𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐒

♡ ︎ꜱʜɪᴘ: Theodore Nott x Reader

Theodore Nott didn’t understand you. In fact, he was fairly certain that nobody understood you. Yet, as he leaned against the library’s stone archway, watching you float through the corridors like some ethereal, pastel dream, he couldn’t look away.

You were all bouncy curls and matching bows, a perpetual smile plastered on your face as if you were in a constant state of blissful daydreaming. You stopped abruptly to crouch down, whispering to a group of ducks that had waddled in from the Hogwarts lake. Yes, actual ducks. They quacked in reply, as if they were in on the conversation.

“Of course,” Theodore muttered under his breath, pushing himself off the wall and walking over, curiosity getting the better of him.

When he got close enough, he heard you giggling, a sound that, against his will, made the corner of his mouth twitch upward.

“And that’s why you shouldn’t fly too close to the Whomping Willow,” you were saying seriously to the ducks. “It doesn’t know how to make friends properly, but we should still be kind to it.”

Theodore raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “Are you giving life advice to ducks now?”

You looked up at him, eyes twinkling. “Theo!” you chirped, as if him showing up was the most delightful surprise you could��ve imagined. “I’m not giving advice. I’m just making sure they know the dangers around here! It’s very important.”

He sighed. Of course, it was.

“Do you ever stop smiling?” he asked, though the question was softer than he intended.

You grinned even wider—how that was possible, he didn’t know. “Why would I stop? There are so many things to be happy about!"

He glanced at you. “I don’t see the point in getting excited over things that happen every day.”

You stood up and clasped your hands together, staring at him with those impossibly bright eyes. “Oh, Theo, you poor, gloomy boy,” you said dramatically, putting a hand on your heart. “You must be starving for joy!”

“I’m not starving for anything,” he said, though he suddenly felt a little unsure about that.

“Oh, but you are!” you declared, twirling around him in a circle. “You need some color in your life, some adventure, some—”

“Flowers?” he interrupted, gesturing to the daisy chain you had managed to loop around his arm while he wasn’t paying attention.

“Exactly!” you said, your eyes twinkling. “Flowers make everything better. See? Now you look like a prince from one of those old fairy tales!”

Theodore glanced down at the delicate chain of daisies and sighed again. “This isn’t helping my reputation, you know.”

You just smiled innocently. “Who cares about reputation? Life is more fun when you don’t worry so much.”

“I’m not worried,” he said quickly. “I just—don’t understand you.”

“That’s okay,” you said softly, standing still now, your voice like a gentle breeze. “You don’t have to understand me, Theo. But you could try… enjoying things a little. It wouldn’t hurt, would it?”

Theodore opened his mouth to respond, but you weren’t waiting for an answer. Instead, you grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the courtyard.

“We’re going on an adventure!” she announced.

“We are?” Theodore asked, though he was already being tugged along.

“Yes! Look at all the flowers blooming today! I bet we can find the perfect ones to make a crown for you. Wouldn’t that be fun?”

Theodore groaned, but something warm flickered in his chest. “Darling, I am not wearing a flower crown.”

“We’ll see,” you sang, skipping ahead with him in tow.

As you reached the courtyard, you released his hand and flitted from one patch of wildflowers to the next, gathering blossoms and humming a tune. Theodore leaned against a pillar, watching you with an exasperated, almost fond expression. How could someone be so relentlessly joyful?

“Found it!” you called out, holding up a daffodil triumphantly. “This is the one. It’s your flower.”

“My—what?”

“Your flower,” you repeated with utmost seriousness. “Daffodils mean new beginnings. They’re perfect for you.”

Theodore raised an eyebrow. “I don’t need a new beginning.”

“Everyone needs new beginnings sometimes,” you said softly, tucking the daffodil behind his ear. “Even grumpy boys like you.”

He swallowed, suddenly very aware of how close you were. Your scent—something like wildflowers and sunshine—was intoxicating. For the briefest moment, Theodore wondered if maybe, just maybe, there was something to your endless optimism, your constant smiles.

“Do you always fall in love with everything?” he asked, his voice quieter than before.

You paused, your fingers lingering near his face. “I fall in love with the beauty in things,” you admitted, your gaze steady and sincere. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t notice the hard parts too. I just choose to love it all anyway.”

He stared at you for a long moment, something unfamiliar tugging at his chest.

“You’re impossible,” he muttered.

“And you’re adorable,” you replied, grinning again.

Theodore sighed, though this time, there was a hint of a smile on his face. “I still don’t want a flower crown.”

You giggled, plopping the half-finished daisy chain on his head. “Too late! You’re already the flower prince of Hogwarts.”

It was a little ridiculous how happy you were, and it drove Theo absolutely mad.

But not in the way he wanted.

“Good morning, Theo!” you chirped as you bounced into the common room, your shoes making soft tap tap sounds on the stone floor. You held a handful of daisies, which you promptly began to sprinkle over the Slytherin table, because, in your words, “Even dungeons need love!”

Theo looked up from his book, his brow furrowing. “What are you doing?”

“Making everything prettier, of course,” you replied with a giggle, twirling around to place a daisy behind your ear. “The dungeon’s so gloomy. Don’t you think flowers brighten the place up?”

He blinked at you, his eyes flicking from the daisies to you, then back to his book. “I don’t think flowers are going to solve the fact that we live underground.”

You gasped dramatically, clutching the flowers to your chest like he had just offended your entire soul. “Theo! How could you say that? Flowers solve everything!”

He grumbled something under his breath, flipping the page of his book with more force than necessary. “Whatever. Do what you want.”

And that was how it always went. You would always find some way to make Theo’s carefully crafted gloomy world a little brighter—much to his dismay. Yet, somehow, despite himself, he couldn’t help but let you.

Like that time you convinced him to walk with you through the Forbidden Forest, not for some grand adventure, but because, in your words, “The sunlight looked so pretty through the trees.” Theo had rolled his eyes so hard he thought they might fall out of his head, but still, there he was, trudging alongside you, hands stuffed deep in his pockets, grumbling all the while.

And then there was that one time during Potions class, where he sat quietly at his desk, scribbling notes, and you… well, you were busy tying tiny bows on the vials of ingredients. Professor Snape wasn’t impressed, but when he told you to stop, you just smiled and said, “But Professor, it’s just so much nicer this way!”

It was ridiculous. You were ridiculous.

And he was utterly and completely… charmed.

Not that he’d admit that, of course. Theo was far too grumpy, far too Theodore to ever say something like that aloud. But he didn’t mind that you sat next to him in every class, constantly filling the space with your endless chatter about how beautiful the stars looked last night or how you had named the toads in the courtyard after each of the Hogwarts founders. He didn’t mind how you always found a way to make him a little less… grumpy, even if he pretended otherwise.

One day, as you skipped down the hall beside him, your arms full of flowers you had picked from Merlin-knows-where, you suddenly stopped dead in your tracks, eyes wide as saucers.

“Theo! Look at the sky! It’s pink! And orange! Oh my gosh, isn’t it the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?”

He stopped too, glancing up at the sky, his expression flat. “It’s just a sunset.”

“Just a sunset?” you gasped, grabbing his arm and tugging him closer to the window. “No, no, it’s not just a sunset, it’s magical. Don’t you feel it? The colors, the warmth! It’s like the sky is telling a story!”

He looked at you then, really looked at you. The way your eyes sparkled with excitement, the way your lips curled into that bright, infectious smile. You were staring at the sky like it was the most wonderful thing you’d ever seen, and somehow, in that moment, he thought you looked more magical than any sunset could ever be.

“Theo?” You waved a hand in front of his face, snapping him out of his daze. “What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing,” he muttered, shaking his head as he tried to focus on something, anything that wasn’t how ridiculously soft and pretty you looked in the pinkish-orange glow of the sky. “You’re just… weird.”

You grinned up at him, undeterred. “Weird? That’s the best compliment you’ve given me all week!”

He rolled his eyes again, though his lips quirked up ever so slightly. “Yeah, well… don’t get used to it.”

But you saw right through him. “You like me, don’t you, Theo?” you teased, nudging him with your shoulder.

“Absolutely not,” he shot back, though the redness creeping up his neck betrayed him.

You giggled, that sweet, melodic sound that made his heart do stupid things in his chest. “It’s okay, I like you too.”

He groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Merlin help me…”

But as you linked your arm through his and started humming a happy little tune, skipping alongside him down the hall, he couldn’t help but smile just a little.

Maybe, just maybe, sunshine wasn’t so bad after all.

[moonpascal]

IN THE SHADOW OF MEMORY

CHAPTER ONE series masterlist

SUMMARY II WC: 3k

When a careless spell erases her memories of Theo, he’s left grappling with the pain of being forgotten. As she returns to seeing him as just another Slytherin, Theo must navigate a world where the love they shared no longer exists—at least, not in her mind. But Theo refuses to give up. He’ll do whatever it takes to remind her of the connection they once had.

WARNINGS: angst, fighting, not 100% canon compliant 

DEDICATION

thank you so much to @amiableness for helping me with chapter! i don’t know what i would do without you and giving me motivation to write this! i love you! 🤎

thank you to @mischievousmoony for helping my brain block i was having and helping me with ideas, you’re amazing and i love you! 🫶🏼

"Is the coast clear?" you whisper to Theo, your heart pounding in your chest. Sneaking into the Room of Requirement had always been nerve-wracking, but with the additional new rules Umbridge had enforced and the rising threat of Voldemort, it felt more dangerous than ever. Even more so because Theo was betraying his own house and friends to be here.

Theo takes another quick glance down the corridor, then nods. He reaches for your hand, his fingers lacing with yours as he pulls you out from your hiding spot.

You both move swiftly and silently toward the wall where the entrance to the Room of Requirement appears. You glance behind you, double-checking to make sure no one is following, before Theo tugs you inside.

Inside, the room is already alive with the sound of practicing defense spells. You and Theo head to the corner that has unofficially become your spot. Some of the others still cast wary glances at Theo, unsure if they can trust a Slytherin among them. Only the Golden Trio seems comfortable with his presence.

As you settle in, the adrenaline from sneaking around begins to subside, but your worry for Theo doesn’t. You can’t help but think about the risks he's taking—defying his father's beliefs, lying to his friends, putting himself in danger—all because he believes in making a change. You know how much he cares for them, and it breaks your heart that he's forced to choose between them and doing what’s right.

You shift closer to Theo, your hand resting lightly on his knee, a silent attempt to anchor him. He’s still tense, his eyes sweeping the room as if on constant alert. Instead of reaching for the textbook like usual, he closes it and sets it aside, surprising you.

“I think we both know enough for now,” he murmurs, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “Let’s practice today instead.”

You know the purpose of these meetings is to practice spells, but the thought of doing so in front of your peers makes your stomach twist with anxiety. The fear of messing up or accidentally hurting someone lingers in your mind, making the idea of participating overwhelming.

Theo, ever attuned to your emotions, senses your hesitation. He gently pulls you closer, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and rubbing your arm in a soothing gesture. “We’ll start simple,” he whispers reassuringly, his lips brushing against the side of your head in a tender kiss. “Just a quick Expelliarmus. You’ve got this.”

His warmth and steady presence begin to melt away your nerves, making the idea of practicing a little less daunting. With Theo by your side, you feel like you can handle whatever comes next.

Reluctantly, you pull away from his embrace, already missing the warmth. Moments like these—where you could be close to him without worrying about prying eyes—were rare. Even in the hallways, you could barely walk side by side without Umbridge or Filch barking at you to separate.

You stand, shrugging off your robe to give yourself more freedom of movement, and follow Theo to an open space.

“Alright, you know the movement, and you’ve seen it done. You’ve got this, amore,” Theo encourages, his words ringing with confidence.

Your muscles tense. If you mess up, the spell could do more than just disarm him; it could knock him out. But when Theo flashes that smile—the one that always makes your heart skip—you find yourself believing you can do it.

You take your stance, feeling the weight of the moment as Theo prepares himself, raising his wand as if ready to duel. With a deep breath, you steady yourself and shout, “Expelliarmus!” The spell shoots out from your wand, hitting its mark perfectly. Theo’s wand flies across the room, landing with a clatter as relief floods through you.

Theo’s grin widens as he claps and cheers, “I knew you could do it, tesoro!”

You watch him jog to retrieve his wand, a warmth spreading through your chest. How did you get so lucky to have him? He’s your anchor, the reason you keep pushing forward. He makes you want to be better, to reach higher.

When Theo returns, he places his hands on either side of your face, his eyes shining with pride. “See? You were amazing. Nothing to worry about,” he murmurs, his voice low and reassuring. He leans in, and you meet him halfway, your lips brushing softly against his.

The kiss is slow and tender, each movement gentle as if savoring the moment. You taste the faint remnants of cigarettes and the sweetness of his breakfast. It’s a kiss that speaks of quiet reassurance, of the bond you share, strong and unwavering.

But then you remember where you are, in front of everyone. You pull back, your lips lingering just a moment longer before you peck his lips one last time, a small smile playing on your face.

“I love you, Theo,” you whisper, your foreheads touching, the world around you fading away as you both savor the closeness of the moment.

But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

As you and Theo are lost in your own world, Harry is practicing a spell, the weight of the war and the responsibility of training others pressing heavily on him. The stress shows in his furrowed brow as he skims through spells in his textbook, landing on Obliviate, the charm to erase specific memories. Whatever memories Harry wants to erase is up for debate, but he doesn’t fully grasp the complexity of the spell.

With only a quick glance at the incantation, he swishes and flicks his wand, but nothing happens. Frustration builds as he tries again, more forcefully, but to no avail. Sweat slicks his palm, and with a sharp, aggressive flick, his wand slips from his grip.

Sparks fly out, ricocheting off the floor and walls. Harry tries to shout a warning, but it’s too late. The spell rebounds, hitting the back of your head and sending you flying into Theo.

Theo barely reacts in time, catching you as you collapse into his chest, limp and unresponsive. His arms instinctively wrap around you as he kneels, lowering you gently to the floor.

You look as if you’re merely asleep, but your breaths come slow and shallow. Panic seizes Theo as he brushes your hair out of your face, his voice trembling.

“Amore, come on, wake up. It’s okay, you’re okay,” he whispers, his mind racing for what to do.

A crowd of students gathers around you both, their whispers only fueling Theo’s panic. He snaps, his voice a sharp contrast to the desperation in his heart. “Who did this?!” he demands, his eyes wild as they scan the frightened faces.

“It was me, I’m sorry, I—” Harry begins, but Theo is on him in an instant, grabbing him by the shirt and pulling him close, his rage palpable.

“You’re dead, Potter!” Theo snarls, his grip tightening.

Fred and George are quick to intervene, pulling Theo off Harry, while Ron helps steady his shaken friend. “Let’s calm down, yeah?” Fred says, trying to reason with Theo. “We need to get her to Madam Pomfrey. She’ll be okay.”

“She better be,” Theo threatens, his voice low and dangerous. He shrugs off the twins and returns to your side, his heart hammering in his chest as he watches your shallow breaths. When someone offers to help, he waves them off, scooping you up in his arms and pushing past everyone, his focus solely on getting you to safety.

Adrenaline courses through him, fueling his every step as he rushes through the empty corridors—thank Merlin—for six floors until he finally bursts into the hospital wing.

He wastes no time, laying you gently on one of the beds. Madam Pomfrey turns to scold him, but the words die in her throat when she sees your unconscious form.

“What happened?” she asks, her tone sharp with concern.

“She was fine one second, then something hit her head, and she just… collapsed,” Theo says, trying to keep his explanation as vague as possible to avoid suspicion.

“It’s okay, Theodore,” Madam Pomfrey reassures him, her voice softening. “I’m sure it’s nothing serious. Let me examine her. Just breathe, grab a chair, alright?”

Theo nods, though he can hardly think straight. He watches anxiously as Madam Pomfrey performs a series of diagnostic spells, her brow furrowing as each result comes back normal.

“I’m not finding anything out of the ordinary, Nott,” she finally says, puzzled. “She seems perfectly fine, just asleep.”

But Theo isn’t looking at her. He’s holding your hand, his thumb gently stroking your skin as he wills you to wake up.

“We’ll wait until she comes around, okay? I’ll let you stay with her overnight to keep an eye on things,” Madam Pomfrey says, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder before drawing a partition around your bed to give you both some privacy.

As soon as she’s gone, Theo chokes back a sob, his worst fears clawing at him. He knows something is wrong—no one just falls unconscious like that from a spell. He pulls the thin blanket up to cover you and leans down to press a soft kiss against your temple.

“I love you too, amore. You’re gonna be okay, alright?” he whispers, his voice cracking as he desperately hopes for a response, his heart aching in the silence.

———

Theo stirred awake as he felt a sudden movement beneath him. His eyes opened groggily, his head lifting from where it had been resting on your stomach, his arm still wrapped around your waist. The scratchy hospital wing blanket was a far cry from the soft one you were used to, but Theo had barely noticed, too consumed by worry to care about his own discomfort.

As you rubbed your eyes harshly, Theo blinked a few times to clear the sleep from his own, running a hand through his tousled hair. He sat up straighter, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, when he heard your voice—sharp, confused.

“Nott? What are you doing here? And why am I in the hospital wing?”

Theo’s heart dropped. The way you said his name—Nott, not Theo, not love—sent a chill through him. He tensed, trying to keep his voice steady. “Tesoro, you were hit in the head, remember?” He reached out for your hand, desperate to offer some comfort, but you jerked it away before he could touch you.

“This isn’t funny, Nott! What prank are you and your friends pulling now?” Your glare was like a knife to his chest, cutting deep. Theo’s mind raced, trying to process what was happening. This wasn’t right—this wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay calm even as panic clawed at him. The way you looked at him, the suspicion and anger in your eyes, made everything clear that something was terribly wrong.

“Please, just listen to me—” he started, but the words felt hollow. His worst fears were playing out right in front of him, and he didn’t know how to make it stop.

Theo jumped to his feet and rushed toward Madam Pomfrey, who was just arriving at the entrance to the hospital wing.

“She’s awake, but she’s acting like she doesn’t know me—please, you have to help,” Theo pleaded, his voice cracking with desperation. He wasn’t one to beg, not unless it was to you, but now the words spilled out uncontrollably, fear gripping his heart.

Madam Pomfrey nodded, quickly following him back to your bedside. You were sitting up, fiddling with your hands, a deep scowl etched on your face. Theo’s stomach churned at the sight—he knew that scowl too well, but it had been a long time since it had been directed at him.

“Good morning, dear! How are you feeling?” Madam Pomfrey asked, her voice warm and calm as she began to check your vitals.

You shrugged, casting a wary glance at Theo, who hovered behind the nurse, his heart pounding in his chest. “I feel okay, just confused about how I ended up here.”

“Alright, I’m going to ask you a series of questions, and I want you to answer them to the best of your ability, alright?”

You nodded, and Madam Pomfrey proceeded with the standard questions—what year it was, who the Minister of Magic was, what you did yesterday. You answered each one correctly, with ease, but Theo’s dread only deepened with every word. Everything you said lined up, except for one glaring omission—there was no mention of him. Not in any of it.

Madam Pomfrey paused, her gaze flicking to Theo before she asked the question that made his blood run cold. “Do you know him?” she asked, pointing to Theo.

You rolled your eyes and huffed, your irritation clear. “Yeah, he’s Theodore Nott, Slytherin. Which I’m still confused about—why is he here?”

Theo felt like the air had been sucked out of the room. The way you looked at him, the casual indifference in your voice, transported him back to a time before everything had changed—before you had opened your heart to him. It was as if the last year and a half had been erased, and the weight of that realization hit him like a ton of bricks. He sucked in a deep breath, trying to keep it together, but the familiar coldness in your eyes made it nearly impossible to breathe.

Theo felt his world collapse around him. He couldn’t stay in that room, couldn’t bear to see you look at him like he was a stranger. As Madam Pomfrey explained to you that you’d been hit in the head and Theo had brought you in, he bolted from the hospital wing, stumbling into the hallway. He leaned against a cold stone column, clutching his chest as panic set in. His heart raced uncontrollably, his breaths shallow and ragged. It was another panic attack, but this time, you weren’t there to help him through it. You didn’t even remember him. All those memories—the ones he cherished most—were gone. And it was all because of Potter.

His vision tunneled, everything blurring except for one thought: Harry had done this. He was the reason Theo’s entire world had been ripped away. And Harry was going to pay.

Theo knew exactly where to find him. He’d memorized Harry’s schedule down to the minute, having spent so much time with you before breakfast as you walked with Hermione and Harry. If he timed it right, he’d catch Harry just before he entered the Great Hall.

As Theo rounded the corner, he spotted the trio ahead. They noticed him too, and he saw the tension rise in their shoulders. But Theo was too far gone to care about what they thought. All he saw was Harry—the cause of all this pain.

Without hesitation, Theo marched straight up to them. His usual calm, calculated demeanor was gone, replaced by a storm of raw, unfiltered anger. He shoved Harry hard, sending him stumbling back, barely managing to stay on his feet.

“Nott, let’s talk about this,” Harry started, his voice laced with caution.

“What was the spell, Potter?” Theo demanded, his voice rough with barely contained fury.

“It was an accident!” Harry insisted, his eyes wide with desperation. “It was Obliviate. I swear, I didn’t mean to hit her!”

Theo’s hand shot out, grabbing Harry by his robe, pulling him close enough to feel the heat of his breath. A twisted smile played on Theo’s lips as he tightened his grip. “Oh, but I’m going to mean to hit you.”

He drew back his fist, ready to make Harry pay for everything he’d taken from him. But just as he was about to strike, your voice cut through the chaos, stopping him cold.

“Nott, what the hell are you doing?!” you yelled, rushing toward them, your eyes flashing with anger.

Harry immediately tried to shield you from the truth. “Trouble, it’s fine, really—”

“No, it’s not fine!” you interrupted, glaring at Theo as you pushed him away from Harry. “I’m sick of Slytherins picking on you-us for no reason!”

Theo felt his heart shatter as he watched you fix Harry’s robe, your attention entirely on his supposed enemy. You had no idea what Harry had done, what he had stolen from both of you.

When you finally turned back to Theo, the disgust in your eyes was a knife to his heart. “You’re pathetic, Nott, and you’ll never change,” you spat, the venom in your words leaving him reeling.

The surrounding students watched in stunned silence, the full weight of what had just happened sinking in. They now understood why Theo had been so close to breaking Harry’s face.

As you turned your back on him and walked away with your friends, Theo stood there, frozen. The disappointment in your eyes, the harshness of your words—it was too much. He felt like he might collapse under the weight of it all. But instead, he just stood there, watching you disappear into the Great Hall, his world crumbling around him.

Your words echoed in his mind, each one cutting deeper than the last. His fists clenched at his sides, nails biting into his palms as he fought to keep from breaking apart. He wanted to scream, to lash out, but all he could do was stand there, helpless and shattered.

The hallway, once filled with tension, was now eerily silent, the students having scattered. Theo was left alone in the aftermath, cold and hollow, the life drained out of him in those few, terrible moments. You had been his anchor, his reason to believe in something beyond the darkness that had always surrounded him. And now you were gone, ripped away by a single, careless spell.

He didn’t know how long he stood there, but when he finally moved, it was like a switch had flipped inside him. He couldn’t let this be the end. He couldn’t lose you. There had to be a way to fix this, to bring you back to him. And if he had to tear the world apart to do it, he would.

first divider @saradika-graphics

[coryndoll]

lover of mine

drew starkey x actress!reader au

— in which drew and y/n, secretly exes, must fake date in order to keep the peace at a mutual friend’s wedding, but the forced proximity makes them question whether they ever truly moved on.

warnings: girl bye this whole part is just screaming n crying omg be prepared

prev next

authors note: wanted to make a little unexpected visit at the end given his character but yk 😋 let me know if u arent on the tag list yet !! interact w me thru replies, anons, or dms !! notifications are always on <3

long story short, the group collectively agree to postpone this dinner night because of what happened. just as you left the restroom, drew was gone and were instead met by leila who told you they were leaving to eat at the pearl some other time.

you feel terrible that they had to witness what they did, and you assume they must’ve seen you and drew talking in the hallway for them to make this decision. they know something’s wrong between you two, and you almost break on the spot. it’s like the whole plan is crashing down and you don’t know what to do, how to move forward.

you and drew travel in different cars on the way home but to end off the night, the group splits up. some dress down and head back to explore the town at night or there are others who choose to stay home, just keep a respectful distance.

you rid of your clothes and step into the shower to collect your thoughts, and it takes everything in you not to cry from frustration. the steam curls around you, the hot water beating down your back like it’s trying to wash the weight of everything away—but it doesn’t.

no amount of heat or scrubbing can erase the guilt, regret, and shame that engulf you.

when you finally step out, your skin is red from the heat, and you wipe a hand over the fogged mirror, catching a glimpse of your own tired reflection. your new clothes cling to your still-damp skin, and your hair hangs heavy and wet down your back.

when you step out of the bathroom, the cool air bites at your skin, but that’s not what makes you freeze. you see him—drew—walking toward your shared room. he’s freshly showered, his hair slightly wet, and you realize he must’ve used the bathroom across the hall that gia and roman share.

for a split second, your eyes meet, and you have to bite down on your emotions, hard, before you can speak. before you can let it all flood out.

you get to the door first, quietly letting yourself in, then leaving it open so he comes in too. the air between you feels heavy—like there are words unsaid. you can hear the faint sound of music downstairs, theo’s voice talking low, maybe to leila, but it’s distant. they must be trying to let you talk without feeling like you need to worry.

you step into the room, moving toward the dresser on your side of the room. your hand rests on top of it, gripping the edge for balance, as if the solid wood can keep you grounded. your back is to him, but you can hear him enter. he stands there for a moment, probably watching you, probably waiting for you to say something.

the silence is unbearable.

“why didn’t you just tell me?”

your voice comes out quietly, almost too low for him to hear. you don’t turn around, your eyes focused on the lamp in the corner of the room, as if looking anywhere but at him will keep you from falling apart. your hand tightens on the dresser as you wait for him to answer.

you hear him shuffle behind you, his breath catching like he didn’t expect you to speak first. “i . . . i don’t know,” he says, his voice just as quiet as yours. “i didn’t want to hurt you.”

you swallow hard, blinking rapidly as the familiar burn of tears threatens again. you know he’s trying to be honest, but that answer—it’s not enough. it doesn’t fix anything.

“you didn’t want to hurt me?” your voice wavers, and you finally turn, facing him. he’s sitting on the edge of the bed, looking at you like he doesn’t know how to fix the mess he’s made. “this wasn’t even just a few days either. this has been weeks—weeks of us talking, planning, pretending . . . and the whole time, you were lying.”

as you walk over to him, he opens his mouth to respond, but you can see the guilt weighing him down, making it impossible for him to speak right away.

“not only were you lying to them,” you gesture loosely, meaning the others, everyone, “but you were lying to me.” you point to your chest as your voice cracks, weak and filled with betrayal.

his face tilts slightly to the side, and though he’s staring at you, his eyes are glossing over. you can see the weight of what he’s done finally sinking in, and it’s tearing him apart. he swallows hard, his throat tight.

“i didn’t mean to,” he whispers, his voice trembling now. “i never wanted—”

but he stops, his words catching in his throat, and you can see the tears threatening to spill. his jaw tightens as he forces himself to keep looking at you, even though it’s breaking him inside.

“no, but you did,” you tell him. “you made this decision. you created this plan when you had mila back home, drew.”

he winces at her name. you can see it. but you don’t stop.

every day, every conversation, every moment you’ve spent together, he knew. and he said nothing.

your words slow down though, and the weight of them sinks in deeper. “i had finally gotten to a point after we broke up where i felt like i was free of us,” you say, voice quieter now, but raw. “i didn’t have to worry about things like this anymore. i was finally done with us.”

drew’s lips part like he’s about to say something, but he can’t, and you don’t give him the chance. “but here i am.” you let out a short, breathless laugh, as though even you can’t believe the mess you're in. “i mean, i didn’t think agreeing to this plan was going to work out perfectly, but—”

you stop, searching for the words, your throat tight with emotion. it takes everything in you to keep from crying. you look away from him, your voice going numb, the exhaustion seeping through. “but i didn’t think i’d end up feeling like this. like none of it ever really ended.”

you stand there for a moment, letting the weight of everything hang between you two. you wipe at the corner of your eye, then shake your head slightly, more in disbelief than anything else.

“so why?” you ask, “why didn’t you just tell me? why didn’t you say something from the beginning, when we started this whole thing?"

he looks at you, his jaw clenching, but his eyes are filled with guilt. he takes a deep breath, his face turned slightly to the side like he's trying to hold himself together.

“i fell in love with you,” he says, and you scoff. oh, he’s just now fallen in love? he realizes his mistake and gets up when you start to walk away, but he grabs you by the arms, “no, no, no, y/n please, i fell in love with this life—being with you again. i didn’t want to lose that. i’m still in love with you. i always have been. i just realized it too late.”

you can’t believe him. “but you did lose it, drew.” your voice is quieter now, but no less intense. “you lost it the moment you decided to lie. you didn’t just ruin this plan, this stupid fake relationship.”

you shrug him off of you.

“i thought,” your voice cracks, “i thought telling our friends the truth would make everything worse. i was so scared they’d feel like they had to walk on eggshells around us, like it’d be awkward if they knew what happened. but you know what? i wish i’d just told them. instead of this. instead of . . . all of this.”

“and it’s not just about mila,” you say, “even when you’re supposed to be my fake boyfriend, you’re still making decisions for me. you speak for me, like you always know better, like i can’t speak for myself.” you can feel your frustration bubbling to the surface, the heat rising in your chest as you push forward. “it’s like . . . no matter what happens, you still feel like you need to control everything.”

drew’s mouth opens slightly, like he’s about to respond, but you can’t stop now. the words tumble out, each one hitting you harder than the last.

“i mean, do you know how exhausting that is?” your voice rises, and you can feel your emotions slipping, coming out faster than you can stop them. “you made up the plan, you pulled back the moment i was getting comfortable again, even our breakup was your decision.”

his expression hardens, and you can see the conflict raging behind his eyes. “i thought we agreed there wasn’t any point in keeping up something that was barely there,” he says. “we were hardly talking or communicating, y/n. i mean, trying to keep up a relationship for us that wasn’t even really there? was it . . . do you think it would’ve been better if we didn’t break up? i mean—”

“yes! yes, it was worth it! i didn’t care if we weren’t always together!” you blink, caught off guard for just a second, but the fire inside you flares back to life. “and you said there wasn’t any point; not me. we’re busy people, drew, lives like ours don’t get spent every day how these two weeks are supposed to be. you have to know that. so i’m sorry that you felt enough was enough for us but you shouldn’t have had to decide what you thought was best for both of us and make that decision on your own without telling me!”

as you speak, you notice the way his face shifts, confusion and regret flickering in his eyes.

you exhale, shutting your eyes. “trust me, i spent nights worrying about us when we were together, replaying every moment, every doubt.” your voice lowers, becoming more vulnerable, almost a whisper. “and i told myself, ‘okay, that’s normal. that’s normal maybe. so you didn’t get a fairytale relationship; grow up.’”

“but i understood that . . . no matter what, i wouldn’t have left you because i loved you,” you cry, “i stayed because that’s what you do when you love someone.”

drew’s face crumbles at your words, and his gaze drops to the floor. you take a deep breath, steadying yourself as you meet his gaze again. “look, i’m not going to say anything to anyone about mila,” you say. “but you need to figure this out, how we move on from here, and whether you’re going to tell her about this plan because i’m not gonna keep doing it if she’s not comfortable with it.”

drew nods slowly. he’s quiet, visibly processing everything. “i’ll do it,” he says, almost to himself, but you nod anyway. he takes a shuddering breath, his voice barely above a whisper as he finally speaks. “i didn’t mean to lose you,” he says, staring at the ground. “but i did. i know that now.”

you watch him for a moment, the weight of his confession hanging between you, before you turn away. your hand reaches for the door, and this time, you don’t hesitate.

“yeah, you did,” you whisper, voice broken as you open the door and hurry through, leave him standing there alone. “you did.”

drew stands there, frozen in place as the silence settles around him. he watches when you walk away until the laughter from outside fades into a distant echo, and he sinks down onto the edge of the bed, his body heavy with regret.

“—fucking—” he mutters under his breath, his voice barely audible. he leans forward, elbows digging into his thighs, and cradles his head in his hands while tears spill from his eyes. in that moment, he’s completely alone, engulfed by the realization that he pushed away the one person who mattered most.

“i’m gonna be back, okay?” libby tells you. you’re sitting in her bed, her and leila feeling like it’s only reasonable for her to step up, and she would’ve no matter what.

“hey,” you say before she goes, your fingers reaching her arm. she halts, looking at you again as she settles back down on the edge of the bed. “thank you for letting me sleep here tonight.”

she gives you a knowing look. “there’s no need y/n. my job is to make sure you’re comfortable and okay. your job is to get under my covers and drool on my pillows ‘til morning.”

“shut up,” you murmur and consider whacking her in the face with one of said pillows, but she leans forward to give you a hug. it’s gentle at first, and you’re relieved to feel a warmth from someone at a time like this. you feel like you can stay there forever, but she pulls away to leave the room.

there’s a knock at the door that startles you a bit, and you wait anxiously for who’s behind it. they open it quietly and peek their head in—roman?

he lets himself inside with cautious steps, and before you can speak he shushes you.

“keep it down, stupid,” he says, and you furrow your eyebrows at him. he takes maybe two steps forward and then stops there. “i just wanted to say sorry for not saying anything before at the peel.”

“the pearl.” you nod, your lips pursed. “thanks.”

he deadpans at you. “i don’t do this very often so i’d appreciate more than just a thanks, you kn—” he pauses to rephrase his words, and you can see the gears shift in his head. he sighs. “i fully saw that you were upset and i didn’t do anything. part of it was because i didn’t know if i should’ve but the other was that the food was just really good—”

“roman,” you try to tell him to get out, but he persists.

“no,” he tells you. he tries to search for the right words before continuing, “i’m just sorry. i don’t want to make it seem like i don’t care or that you don’t have anybody to talk to. and i’m not gonna jump the gun or be all enthusiastic the next time this happens but . . . i just won’t be quiet anymore.”

you’re taken aback by roman’s unexpected display of concern. you can’t tell if you’re imagining this. this has to be the first time you’ve probably ever known him that he’s being like this. but you nod slowly, absorbing his words. “thank you, roman,” you say softly, appreciating the effort he’s making. “it means a lot that you care.”

he shifts on his feet, clearly uncomfortable with the emotional territory but pressing on anyway. “good,” he replies, his voice a little firmer. “because i might not always show it, but i do care. just . . . don’t think you have to go through stuff alone, alright? we’re friends, i guess, even if i don’t always act like it.”

you smile faintly, still surprised that he’s even still standing there. “i get it. i appreciate you saying something.”

“goodnight, y/n,” he says. just as he’s about to leave, he glances back, a knowing look in his eyes. “and just so you know, i get that things are complicated with starkey, but it’s pretty obvious you two aren’t really together. you don’t have to pretend around me.”

your heart skips a beat, and you feel a rush of vulnerability. how much does he really know? but before you can question him further, he’s already slipping out the door.

at the same time, libby slides past him with mugs of hot cocoa, “ew, what are you doing here?” she says to roman, avoiding him like he’s her brother. “get out of here.”

she kicks the door closed behind her, and her mood switches to a smile. “what was all that about? oh my god— did he hurt you? did he infect you?” she asks, feigning concern as she plops down next to you and handing you a mug. you take the mug and just shake your head with a grin.

@rubixgsworld @itgirlbrina @thepopcultureaddict @icaqttt @samsmelodrama @kissfinalgirl @itsamegazaddysworld @willowpains @toterry @wearemadeofstardust0 @cl4uus @maybankslover @itneverendshere @httpsdrewstarkey @ilyrafe @sunny1616 @pillowprincess4him @yootvi @matthewswifeeee @uwuemlwlrld @l4venderia @chenslucy @darkreymbow @congratsloserr @skyslowalking @behindviolettwrites @allthoughtsmindfull

[bunny-1111]

One step ahead - TN, enemies to lovers + academic rivals

Description: You and Theodore hate each other. Amidst exam season, was the tension and the teasing because of your rivalry or something else?

Word count: 1.2k

Authors Note: I'm backkkkkkkk, sorry for not being as active been so flat out, but this story came into my head, and I just couldn't resist

...

You glared at Theodore across your charms class, his gaze already haunting you before you could find his eye line.

It was always a competition; who would break away first, but he always won.

Regardless of being in the same friendship group, it did not affect your rivalry.

Since children, you hated everything about each other.

You hated how he strutted. You hated how he'd be so sure he was right about everything. You hated the way he flirted with every girl in Hogwarts, you hated how he'd always find a way out of trouble, regardless of always breaking the rules, You hated the way he sounded so sophisticated, even, if not, especially when he cussed.

He hated the way you'd smile, and get your every which way bewitching anyone with that stupid perfect mouth of yours. He hated how guys would kneel down to you, he hated how you always managed to hold such composure even when you were slaughtered drunk, how you fluttered your eyes up, and more than anything, he hated how he couldn't get rid of you, you lived in his mind, you danced in his head like a memory he couldn't shake.

As he made his way towards your desk, his face didn't budge, his expression curious, like he had planned what he was going to say before he even got to you.

he leaned over and inspected your grade, his arm leading awfully close to your hand, "One point behind me" he almost laughed

Your brows threatening to furrow, his lips threatening to smirk.

"Well, next quiz, you'll be two points behind me" you insisted

"Shame that's not true", he shrugged, "I'll always be one point and step in front of you." he practically gritted through his teeth

With that, the bell rang, he turned and made his exit. Not that easily, you thought, shoving into his shoulder, overtaking his place in the corridor. You didn't look back, you didn't need to, you already knew his eyes were watching you, you felt them.

With exams coming up, the pressure was on, more than ever, to outdo each other's intelligence.

Sitting around a large round table at the table were Matteo, Enzo, Theo, Pansy, Draco and yourself, most eyes glued to books, except Theo's. His eyes found themselves studying your face instead of his charms book. When you caught him staring, you rolled your eyes and took a deep breath, concentrating back on your notes; you thought he's just trying to distract me. Do not let him win, you reminded yourself, fighting the urge to look back up.

When your exams finally finished, you dropped your pencil and followed everyone out of the hall, Theodore found himself beside you, "Stand still for a second, Nott" you say. He listened and waited for what you were about to say; you took one big step in front of him "see that, one step ahead" you smiled as you continued to walk backwards, he laughed, actually laughed, shaking his head. You couldn't help but smile yourself.

"Did you see that?" Pansy says, nudging into Draco's shoulder, "See what?" he questions. "I think they're... getting along... in their own fucked up way," she concluded, her head tilted to make sure what she was seeing wasn't in her own mind. "Maybe hell has frozen over", he said, watching, equally as shocked as Pansy.

Sitting patiently in your chair, waiting for you exam results.

When you flip your page over, you smile, confident you have beaten Theodore, "98" you mouth to him from across the room, his lips turn into an exaggerated frown lifting his paper up for you to see. 98.5 written at the top of his page.

You have to be fucking kidding me! You wanted to scream, point five, point motherfucking five, are you kidding me?!

Throwing your page back onto your desk, you were pissed, as Theodore had never been more pleased.

You didn't wait around for his snarky comments, you walk straight out of class, you were in no mood to be trifled with.

Spending the rest of the day in your room, not showing up for dinner, you had no appetite for food, or Theodore's reminders of beating you, just.

Just after 11pm, you couldn't sleep. Being a weekend with no curfew, you grabbed your packet and stormed outside, desperately fighting the wind, trying to light your cigarette.

"need a hand?" Theodore said covering your smoke from the wind, you said nothing back, instead leaning slightly on the wall behind you.

"What are you doing here?" you finally replied

"I could ask you the same question," he retorts

You couldn't look at him, so mad, you were scared you would cry or hit him, which would encrypt guilt or satisfaction?

"Look at me when I speak to you," he demanded. Had he been talking? We were so caught up in your thoughts that you couldn't hear anything he had said.

Clocking your head towards him, "Don't tell me what to do", you huff, exhaling. He snatched the smoke out of your lips, stomping on it

"Sorry?" He gritted, spineless

Rolling your eyes, he took hold of your face, more specifically, your chin, "Don't fucking roll your eyes at me again, understand?" he instructed "I always roll my eyes at you" You reply, eyes squinting in anger

"Not anymore," he said calmly

Now you were confused, "I don't un-" you start

"Understand, yeah, I know" he finishes

"But that's a lie, I do understand, and so do you, all too well" He continues as he stalks closer to you, to the point your back is now completely pressed against the wall

Your heart rate picked up, "You hate me. I hate you too," You had to say out loud, trying to remind each other about your feelings

"Tsk, tsk, tsk," he says, pressing his chest onto you

"Don't do this" you begged. He didn't listen. He just kept getting impossibly closer.

You huffed out a deep and heavy sigh. "What's wrong" he practically whispers

"I'm frustrated because I hate you, you frustrate me" you hiss out

"No," he said, as his mouth rested at the top of your neck. "You're not frustrated because you hate me; you're frustrated because you want me." He breathed onto you without thinking you pulled his face upright, crashing your lips with his for what felt like too long.

"Theodore" you rushed, catching your breath

"Don't pull away from me" he pleaded, kissing you harder.

Finally, leaning off him, you turned away, "Why did we do that" you ask, were you asking him or yourself?

"We can't help it" He soothes, turning you back over to face him again

"I have a bad habit of breaking everything I touch, y'know," he admits, his hand gripping the back of your neck, the other firm on your waist.

"go on then," you say above a whisper, hands linking behind his neck.

"Break me. Touch me." You purr.

[smuttyworks]

Why does wrong feel so good - Mattheo Riddle Smut

I like how this one turned out :) 3k words, no Y/n

warnings: hefty smut, idk im still not good at warnings

summary: Reader is in a relationship with Theodore but is lacking excitement. Mattheo picks up on this and applies the right amount of pressure to get what he wants and show reader what she is missing.

-

You smiled back at Theodore, “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He pressed his lips to your cheek softly and made his way down to the boys’ dorms, leaving you alone in the common room. 

You breathed out and shook your head, wishing you felt different about the situation. Theodore was so amazing to you; he was gentle and kind… so you wondered why you felt the way you did.

“Trouble in paradise?” you snapped up to see Mattheo leaning against the bookshelf. You rolled your eyes and leaned over to grab your books, ignoring the ignorant boy. When you stood back up you could feel him lean his body against your back.

“Mattheo, get off me.” You rolled your eyes, about to step away, but you felt his arm snake around your torso and hold you in place, his hot breath running down your neck.

“It doesn’t have to be so boring.” He smirked against your neck.

As much as you tried to ignore his words and brush them off, he seemed to know what you were feeling. You elbowed him in his stomach and when his arm dropped you pushed away and ran up the stairs towards the girls’ dorms, wanting to get away from him.

He was the opposite of Theodore, he was rude and demanding, he seemed to think he could get whatever he wanted but you weren’t going to give him the satisfaction. When you reached your empty dorm room, grateful you were an odd number and had a room all to yourself, you sat down on the edge of your bed and turned to the window, trying to smile at the thought of Theo.

He was perfect, he was handsome, kind, and caring, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t enough.

-

“Brought you something.” Theodore smiled, sitting across from you at the long Slytherin table in the great hall. You giggled when he placed the book you had been trying to find all over Hogwarts.

“Where did you find it!” you beamed, opening the book and feeling the excitement of finally getting to read it.

“Had to pull some strings, but I’d do anything for my girl.” He chuckled, leaning over the table and pressing a short kiss to your forehead, “But I’m meeting up with the boys, I’ll see you later.” 

You gave him a small smile and looked down at the book, guilt filling your body as you wished you could feel the way he deserves to be felt about, but something was missing from your relationship, something you didn’t think he would ever be able to give, despite not even knowing what it was that was missing, you felt awful.

Snapping you from your thoughts, you felt a cold hand run down your back and you turned to see Mattheo once again. You sighed and went to stand up from the table, but his strong arm held you in place.

“What are you doing?” you asked, annoyed at his ignorant presence.

But instead of responding, he placed his other hand over your bare thigh, caressing your skin softly. You couldn’t help but close your eyes at the soft feeling, Theodore didn’t touch you like this, he was more conservative with the intimacy of your relationship.

“Lay off, Riddle.” You groaned, about to stand up again, but his fingers crept closer to your core.

“I don’t think you want me to stop.” He breathed into your ear. Your eyes snapped up to see if anyone else was noticing this, but they weren’t, no one who was left in the great hall even looked up once.

His fingertips brushed against your clothed folds and your eyes fluttered at the sensation. But you quickly shook yourself out of your daze and pushed his hand away and stood up, grabbing your things, and scurrying out of the great hall and back towards the Slytherin common room.

Your breathing hitched when you finally reaching the Slytherin entrance, walking through you hurried towards your dorm room, wanting to hide away from your terrible thoughts.

When you reached your room, you shut the door behind you and dropped your things on one of the spare beds, then retrieved your shower bag that held your shampoo and body wash along with your towel and made your way to the girls’ lavatory where you could wash yourself from your wicked thoughts.

-

Returning to your room, you took one last look down the halls as you had felt as if someone was watching you during your shower, then shut the door quietly and changed into your boy short panties and your large Slytherin t-shirt you had stolen from one of the boys a while ago.

You slipped under the covers and sighed, feeling terrible about how far you let things go with Mattheo. Theodore didn’t deserve this, his girlfriend unsatisfied with their relationship and his best friend edging her in secret… as well as her getting turned on by his best friend.

You slapped your forehead and groaned. “Things are fine.” You assured yourself. “I’m happy.” 

Your mind traveled to Theodore, he was so attractive, you were lucky to have such a hot boyfriend.

You pictured Theodore’s fingers trailing up your legs and touching you softly over your panties, you imagined his dick hardening under your touch. And with that image in your mind, you slipped your hand beneath the blankets and under the hem of your panties.

You moaned as your finger dipped into your folds, your juices coating your fingers as you pictured him.

His dangerous eyes staring into yours as his fingers plunged deep inside of you, preparing you for his hard dick. His dark smile burning into your head as you moaned out, your fingers rubbing circles over your clit.

“Mattheo…” you breathed, not realizing the name that had escaped your lips, but the image of him perfectly clear in your mind as you wondered what his dick would feel like as he teased your entrance, how amazing it felt as he stretched you out more than you had ever felt before.

You felt yourself get closer and closer, picturing the dangerously hot curly haired boy who had been teasing you for days. “F-fuck.” You cried, trying to keep your voice down so no one in the hall could hear.

Your orgasm came in and the pleasure washed over your body as you pictured Mattheo Riddle, and his skillful hands as they fucked you deeply.

Your cries soon got quiet as you came down, and the annoying feeling you were starting to get use to known as guilt crept back into your body as you realized you had gotten yourself off to Mattheo Riddle.

You groaned and flipped over to lay on your stomach, hoping your orgasm would help put you to sleep faster.

-

Your eyes shot open at the most intense feeling you had ever felt in your life, moans escaping you before you could even realize what was happening. Your fingers reaching down and tangling in soft curls as you tried to focus on what was going on.

“Fuck!” you cried out as you felt the heat build-up inside of you. You looked down to be met with the dark sinister eyes of Mattheo Riddle with the little light in the room from the moon coming in through the open window. “Mattheo-oh my god!” you whimpered, holding onto his hair tightly pulling him closer to your body.

What the fuck was going on?! Was this a vivid dream? Was your imagination so strong that you were imagining him between your legs, his wicked tongue working wonders between your sensitive folds.

His hard gaze watching your every expression as he licked your pussy, his fingers slipping past your soaking entrance as he pushed two digits inside of you, fucking you with his fingers as he licked your clit.

You moaned out and squeezed your eyes shut as you felt the most strong and intense orgasm building up inside of you, nothing that you’d ever experienced before, but something you don’t think you’d be able to live without after getting this taste as Mattheo tasted you.

“Cum all over my face, angel.” He moaned into your drenched core.

“Mattheo- please don’t stop” you cried, your orgasm coming at you full strength, and he reached up and covered your mouth as you came harder than you’ve ever come before. Mattheo enjoying every second of eating you out as he had been wanting to do for a long time.

Your whimpers and moans were muffled into his hand as he licked up every bit of your cum, then sitting up, using his shirt to wipe his soaking face before giving you that wicked smile and leaving your dorm room, leaving you in total shock as you came down from your high.

You sat up on the bed and grasped the hem of your shirt as you tried to process what had just happened. Your fingers ghosting over where his hand only just resided over your lips, wondering why you felt so empty now that he was gone.

You were completely baffled at what had happened and ultimately feeling more guilty as you thought of Theodore… you tried to brush away your thoughts as you reached for a spare t shirt to clean yourself up so you could attempt to get more sleep.

-

You lunged out and pinned Mattheo to the wall, covering his mouth as you waited for the others to leave the common room, hoping no one noticed you.

You turned to look up at him and could feel his smirk beneath your hand as he looked down at you with amusement. Once you were sure everybody was headed to class you dropped your hand, then brought it up quickly as you slapped him across the face.

His smirk never left his face as he chuckled, “You tasted delicious last night, babe.” He stepped closer to you, making you feel small under his amused gaze.

“That was wrong, Mattheo,” you pointed your finger into his chest, “I’m with Theodore!”

He rolled his eyes, “And he doesn’t fuck you the way you deserve to be fucked.” He stated, catching you off guard instantly, you mumbled as you tried to figure out what to say back to him, but you were speechless, “And a beautiful girl like you deserves to get fucked, hard.” 

You spun around and slapped your forehead, “Mattheo, he’s your best friend.” You sighed, your head spinning at his words.

“Yeah? And you’re the girl I’ve wanted since before you two even started dating.” He tilted his head, snaking his arms around your waist. “I came the second I was called, by the way.” He whispered in your ear tenderly. “The way you touched yourself while you moaned my name, I couldn’t hold myself back any longer…”

Your eyes widened, “You were watching me?!” you turned around in his hold to face him.

“I’ve been watching you, angel.” He smirked, softly caressing your cheek.

Your eyes searched his, wondering what it was about him that had such a strong hold on you, but before you could think, you pressed your lips to his. Mattheo’s hands held you close to his body as yours tangled in his soft locks.

You moaned into his mouth as his hand slipped down past the hem of your pleated skirt, now grabbing your bum as he slipped his tongue past your lips. 

“You ready to get treated the way you deserve?” he whispered, his dark eyes staring down into yours.

You nodded, watching him as he pulled you to follow him, leading you down to the boys’ dorms. You followed quietly, your mind racing millions of miles a minute as you tried to anticipate what was going to happen.

You and Theo had been intimate a few times, it wasn’t what you expected it to be like as you wondered what was so special about it that made everyone want to be having sex. It felt fine, but didn’t really last long and you almost always ended up slipping your fingers between your legs when you arrived back to your dorm room.

But you knew after last night and how amazing Mattheo made you feel that it just had to be different with him… 

He opened his dorm room door and pulled you inside. You watched him intensely as he shut the door behind the two of you and pushed you back until the back of your legs hit the bed and you sat down, his eyes never leaving yours.

Mattheo cupped either side of your face tenderly, “You’re so beautiful.” You swallowed nervously but placed your hand over his, rubbing light circles on his skin. 

“What are you doing to me, Mattheo Riddle.” You breathed out, thinking about the grip he has had on you lately.

“Only what you need.” He smiled his dangerous smile before dropping to his knees between your legs and connecting his lips to your neck. You moaned out as you wrapped your arms around his neck, holding him close to your body as he placed sloppy wet kisses down your skin.

Your legs tightened around his hips as your arousal soaked your panties. His fingers reached down and undid the buttons of your blouse, freeing you from the fabric as you were left in your bra.

His eyes traveled over your bare skin hungrily as he hooked his fingers in your bra strap and unclasped it, letting your bra fall down your arms and leave your top half completely bare to the curly brunette boy.

“Fuck…” he groaned, cupping both your breasts and lightly toying with your hard nipples as he watched your reactions to his touch. 

“I want to feel you.” You whimpered, looking desperately into his brown eyes, “Please.” You begged

And that was enough for him to hook his fingers onto the hem of your skirt and helping you pull it down your legs along with your soaking green panties, leaving you completely naked in front of him, something he had been wishing to see for a long time.

“All mine.” He groaned, watching as you reached to his belt and fumbled to undo it. He placed his hands on yours to calm your shaky hands and helped you undo his belt. “Don’t be nervous, I’m going to take care of you.” He breathed.

You nodded and took a deep breath, then undid the button of his jeans and zipped them down, looking at him as you pulled them down along with his boxers, freeing his hard erection. 

Mattheo’s breath hitched as you wrapped your hand around his hard dick, his impressive size taking you by surprise. You began to stroke him, watching his eyes close in pleasure. He stood up from his knees and slipped his shoes off along with his pants and boxers that now bunched at his ankles.

As he kicked off his jeans you lifted his shirt by the hem and over his shoulders as you stood from the bed, you both now standing in front of one another completely naked.

You gave him a small smile and he instantly wrapped his arms around you and pushed you down on the bed, his body on top of yours as your lips connected roughly, his hands traveling the soft skin of your body. “Mattheo,” you whined, feeling his erection poking the inside of your thigh. 

He reached down and lined himself up with your soaking entrance, searching your eyes for permission, to which you nodded.

That was enough for him who slowly pushed himself inside of you, a burning ache sensation as he stretched you out completely, your cries were music to his ears as he pumped himself fully inside of you.

“You’re so tight, f-fuck.” He whimpered.

You dug your nails into his back as he quickened his pace, his dick hitting something inside of you and bringing an immense amount of pleasure, you weren’t used to it. The repetition of Mattheo hitting that spot had you crying out his name.

“Feel good, baby?” he groaned, lifting your leg to wrap around his hips, now letting him hit deeper inside of you.

You couldn’t form proper words as you felt that familiar feeling build up in your tummy, you had never felt so much pleasure in your life before Mattheo.

His fingers dug into your skin as he held you close to his body, your chests pressed against each other, “Oh my god, you feel s-so good!” you cried out, now finally understanding the hype when it came to sex.

“That’s it, my angel… cum all over my dick,” he cooed, his fingers rubbing lightly against your cheek as he pounded into your pussy, the sound of his soft voice mixed with slapping of skin was enough to bring you to the edge of your orgasm, but his comforting eyes are what pushed you over, arching your back as you screamed his name, your orgasm so intense that you throbbed around his hard dick, pulling him into his strong orgasm as well.

Mattheo’s whimpers and moans mixed with your cries filled the room as you both desperately grabbed one another.

Once you both had come down from your highs, Mattheo crashed his lips to yours, your lips moving in sync with each other. 

“That was… incredible.” You breathed, taking in his beautiful features.

He chuckled and rested his forehead on yours, “What did I tell you.” He smirked. You rolled your eyes and let out a sigh, his eyes searched yours, “You know what you have to do right.” 

You nodded, “I know.” You whispered, caressing his cheek softly. You had to break up with Theodore, you couldn’t do this to him anymore, he deserved better and so did you, he clearly wasn’t the right person for you.

He pressed his lips to yours gently, “I know what you need,” he gave you a small smile, “I am what you need.” Mattheo then trailed his lips down your neck, leaving love bites behind. And you started to realize what you were getting yourself into.

[dearggntlereader]

Picture does not represent the reader's looks!!!

Warnings: mention of alcohol

jealousy . :☆｡ﾟ. ───

Mattheo doesn’t know why he cares. Why the little prickly feeling in his stomach keeps getting harder to ignore as he stares at you. You’re leaning against the bar, waiting for drinks for the group and the bloke next to you is standing a little too close.

Mattheo feels the urgent need to direct your attention away from the bloke with fucked up hair, way too much gel, and to him instead. To him and his friends, of course. Because you’re all going out and you should be with them instead of laughing at gel-head’s jokes.

And that would be a perfectly good excuse if it wasn’t for the fact that no one around him seemed bothered, you were getting drinks for them after all.

You’d probably stop talking to him once the drinks arrived anyway.

He shifts his eyes to Blaise telling Theo about his current Situationship.

“She’s just so bad at communicating, you know.” he complains with a casual whisk of his hand.

Mattheo snorts, “You don’t exactly have the clearest communication either. How many girls have you ghosted, again?”

“Well, they should learn to take a hint.”

“Exactly,” Theo agreed with a drunken laugh.

“If this conversation doesn’t show the sheer amount of boyfriend material in this group, I don’t know what does.” Pansy cuts in with a sarcastic remark.

A slight pain forms in his chest as Theo and Blaise complain about Pansy’s arrogance. She’s not much better, after all. He looks back to you, now paying the bartender. You never liked to keep a tab.

Mattheo stands up, mumbling something about helping you carry your drinks and starts his way through the crowd. His eyes are locked on you while your eyes keep flitting from gel-head’s face to your drinks.

The crowd luckily recognizes him and makes way for him, ensuring that he doesn’t bump into anyone. Even the sloppy drunk girls get pulled a bit closer by their friends to make space.

He gets to you fast and the sound of your laugh pushes away the pain in his chest and instead gives space for that soft, mushy feeling to hug him tight. 

You’re looking at the drinks in front of you. Mike, the guy that’s been chatting to you, is going to have to help you. Just as you're about to ask him, you feel a familiar arm around your shoulder.

Mike’s a nice guy, amazing Friend material and you share some classes. Still, having Mattheo, a guy you know for certain is safe, feels a lot better. Not that Mike’s had any chance to slip anything in any drink but you never know.

“Need help there, Cariño?” Mattheo asks, whispering into your ear. You subconsciously lean into his arm and let a lazy smile take over your face. 

Mike frowns but quickly recovers. “All good, I think we’ve got it.” He grabs most of the drinks leaving only two for you.

Mattheo leans over you, pressing you close, to grab the two last drinks and smiles at you, “Let’s get back then.” His smile is a bit tense but he leaves a soft kiss on your forehead, signaling you to start walking. 

You let the giggle fall freely from your mouth as you make your way back towards the couches. Mattheo right behind you and Mike behind him.

Is it wrong to hate a guy Mattho hasn’t shared more than two sentences with? Probably.

Mattheo doesn’t think he cares as he watches you sitting next to Max or whatever his Name is. You’re laughing and talking about your shared interest in Art. 

Does he know Mattheo has drawn you more times than he could count? It might not be the time to bring that up.

Maybe he should bring up hair-care. Max sure could you use some pointers.

Mattheo feels protective of you in a way he’s never known. He’s felt protective of you when a guy’s made you uncomfortable but not like this.

Maybe it's not protectiveness. Whatever it is, it’s eating him alive, swallowing him whole.

He can’t tear his eyes off you and his Friends have long stopped trying to involve him in conversation, aware that he won’t engage.

The way your hair is falling into your face and you're letting Milo lay his Hand on your waist.

You catch his eye and for a short, lovely second, the ugliness of whatever’s eating him goes away. You cock your eyebrow, teasing. 

You’re teasing him.

You’re letting a guy feel you up and make you laugh and hold you close and you’re teasing him.

Mattheo smirks.

Then, your eyes return to the guy and Mattheo chuckles.

He doesn’t know what he’s feeling or what you’re doing but the fact that you looked at him with that look in your eye, that look only he gets, is enough for him.

I really liked this idea but it took me a while to write for some reason. @dustie-faerie

[myfeetrcolddd]

Say Please

The word 'Please' was foreign to Theodore Nott, he never needed to say it because he always got what he wanted, and with all things said he was never rejected.

When Theo had set his sights on the girl of the week his friends hadn't been surprised, they only figured it was a matter of time before he noticed the girl, she was beautiful, stunning, like she was blessed by the gods themselves, and she seemed oh so innocent. And they all knew Theo liked the idea of ruining seemingly innocent things.

What none of them, all but Pansy it seemed, had expected, was for her to reject Theo. Not that she wasn't capable of it, Theo had technically been rejected plenty of times, but it was all by girls who were trying to play hard to get, and at first Theo had told himself it was just that, her playing hard to get.

But a week passed and she was still rejecting him, rolling her eyes and scoffing at the sight of him, and Theodore was becoming effectively obsessed with her, and everyone saw it, everyone but her it seemed.

"Get lost, Nott." She scowled at him as she tried to walk around him.

"Can't, I'm drawn to you like a moth to a flame." He said and she rolled her eyes.

"I'm sure there are plenty of things you can't do, like take no for an answer. Now, get out of my way." She shoved past him and shook her head, "Bloody prick." She mumbled to herself, and despite herself she glanced back to see if he had walked away, but instead she found him staring after her he faraway look on his face.

She looked straight ahead and tried not to think much of it.

It'd been a week of this, of him following her around the school like a dog on a leash begging her to even talk to him and her trying her best to ignore him.

She hadn't expected him to be like this, to be so persistent, everyone knew about Theodore Nott and his habit of going from girl to girl without a second thought. She had always disliked the way girls were always falling at his feet, how he never had to ask for it, for the girl to even look his way let alone consider do things with him.

If he wasn't such a man whore Y/N was sure she would have already done things with him, because she'd be dumb not to admit he was hot.

She was in one of the farther corners of the library, hiding from the messy haired Slytherin boy. And she was thinking about how, throughout the past two weeks, Theo hadn't even actually said the magic word, he never said please.

She smirked to herself, and decided that she would finally put both herself and Theo out of their misery.

🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖🦖

"So you've finally decided to talk to me?" Theo smirked at the girl who stood in his door frame.

"Can I come in?" She asked, and he nodded. So she walked in and closed the door behind her. "You know, Theo," She said lowly, her voice filled with lust as she walked slowly around around him like a vulture circling its prey. "I always thought you were quite nice looking."

"You flatter me, princess." He said, breathlessly, waiting for her to initiate something.

"I know." She smirked at him, coming to stand right in front of him, "But i realized something earlier," She stepped closer to him, "You've never, not once, in the past two week, said please." Soon she was so close that if he really wanted he could just lean down and kiss her.

Theo found himself leaning in, and he was only a breath away from her lips when she pressed a finger against his lips, keeping him from kissing her. "Nuh uh" She tutted and pushed him back towards his bed, forcing him to sit down so she could look down at him.

She let her fingers trace the outlines of his face. She leaned down and started to kiss his neck, sucking and licking and going lower. The reached to grab her hips, but she stopped him and stopped all together. "No touching, only if you say please."

Theos eyes darkened and he growled slightly, she grinned. "C'mon Theo. Say it." She teased him, rubbing his bulge and kissing his neck. She could see him making fists with his hands, stopping himself from touching her. "Just one simple word and we'll both get what we want." I whispered, nipping at his ear.

"God," He groaned, and his hands were on her and soon she was flipped onto her back on Theos bed with him above her, "Please." He said, his voice raspy and dripping with lust, she grinned at him before she pulled his head down and smashed his lips onto hers.

She could feel his hands feeling everything, anything, and soon his mouth wasn't on her lips, but they were on her neck, the soft spot behind her ear, her collar bone, her breast, and down, down, down.

[zaceouiswriting]

Under the Alpha's gaze

Characters: Theo Raeken x Liam Dunbar, Male Reader (Theo's older Alpha brother) x Liam Dunbar, Male reader (Theo's older Alpha brother)x Theo Raeken

Universe: Somewhere in Teen Wolf

Warnings: Smuttish, Incestuous

You woke up groggy. Pissed off that your sleep was disturbed, you rolled onto your side and slammed your hand down on the offending alarm clock, breaking it into pieces - like it deserved. A groan of annoyance passed your lips when you realized what you had just done and heard the pieces flying everywhere. You had no intention of getting up, but now you were forced to.

As you rolled toward the edge, your feet landed on the cold floor as you sat up in the same motion. Your eyes were still almost closed, as the room was so bright since you had forgotten to close the shutters. Exhausted, you mumbled incomprehensible words, as you forced yourself to stand. Walking towards a specific cabinet, you opened it and pulled out another clock - one of dozens.

But instead of putting it on your nightstand like any sensible person would, you had no choice but to throw it on your bed because the urge to pee became too great.

You wiped your face with your hand as you walked to your bedroom door, you opened it. Outside the room, after just a few steps to the bathroom, you trip over your feet. Without thinking, you opened the bathroom door. Inside, you saw some of your fraternity brothers doing it. Nothing new or strange. So you just went in, excused yourself, and mostly ignored them. You dropped your sweatpants to the floor, flipped up the toilet seat, and groaned in satisfaction when you finally managed to empty yourself. You felt like you were constantly being watched, which was nothing new either.

When you were done, you put yourself away again, pulling up your pants, and as you walked past the two boys, you slapped the top's ass like you normally would, complementing his firm cheek. Right next to them, you apologized as you reached for the water beneath the bottom. After washing your hands, you looked in the mirror for a second and noticed that the couple had stopped moving.

After taking a step back, you knew why. You took the bottom guy's left leg and carefully lifted it, not knowing how flexible he was. But to your surprise, it was easy for you to get his leg onto the counter. Although you didn't want to seem too curious, you still applied light pressure to the guy's back and neck, forcing him down.

Looking at your masterpiece, you smiled and wished them a lot of fun, as the top could now penetrate much deeper. Before you could embarrass yourself, you quickly left the bathroom and closed the door behind you. Outside, you stood at the door for a moment, chuckling and rearranging yourself, as the sight had made you horny. With half a mind, you wanted to go back inside and asked if you could jump in. But you quickly shrugged the thought and went downstairs instead.

As you wandered into the kitchen and made yourself a cup of coffee, a feeling of dread slowly filled your veins as you looked around. You noticed pictures of your family everywhere, including your mostly absent parents and your brother, Theo. 

You were in a daze, and before you knew it, you found yourself standing in front of the bathroom door again. As you opened it, you peered inside the room without stepping in, staring at the people inside in amazement.

“(Y/N)?” Theo asked, audibly uncomfortable.

“Theo,” you replied, smiling smugly, just staring at them. You watched with great interest how your brother's boy toy's ass squirmed and Theo's grip on his waist tightened.

"Can you... you know, leave us alone?"

“Nope, can’t do, little brother.” With an even more smug smile than before, you looked at him, taking a sip of your coffee as if nothing strange was happening.

You saw Theo throw his head back and groan in annoyance. It made you smile as you realized that you could tease him in different ways, this time worse than any before. Because no one liked being interrupted while fucking.

“But I have to admit I’m surprised,” you said casually. It piqued Theo's interest, causing him to turn his head in your direction while still thrown back. "I didn't think you'd... you know, stick it in?"

Stunned, your brother stared at you for a second longer before his head snapped back into place. “You thought I was the bottom?”

“I mean... I wouldn't have said it like that, more like... you know... a little bit of both? Maybe more to the joys of your bottom?”

“So, a bottom?”

“Yeah, pretty much.” As you take another sip of coffee, you just stand there as if you were the annoyance reincarnated, just like you as the older brother had to be. You let your gaze wander to the naked boy that your brother was obviously still inside. "And who are you? Just a booty call, his boy toy or his boyfriend? Maybe a little of all three?"

“Dude!” Theo tried to interrupt, but you just put your finger before your lips.

“Theo, mind your manners. Can't you see that I'm holding a conversation here?” Shaking your head, you looked back at your brother's visibly uncomfortable fuck buddy. "Can you believe this? I swear Theo has never been this rude. Okay, he is rude a lot, but not to this extent. Please don't leave him because of this! I'm sure it would break his little heart."

Something in Theo must have snapped at your condescending tone as he suddenly pulled out of his boy toy rather roughly and turned toward you. "His name is Liam Dunbar and he's my boyfriend, is that all, can we go back to what we were doing before you interrupted us?" His fists were clenched at his sides, you clearly angered him.

But the last name rang bells in your head. It took a moment, but you remembered. “Is this the Dunbar?” you asked, surprised but still smug. "The one you haven't kept your mouth shut about since you were twelve?" you asked Theo, but he just started to blush, giving you another angle from which to tease him. You turned to Liam again with a mischievous grin. “Did you know he has a book about you in his bedroom? He wrote down every single interaction you two had and even pasted pictures in it when-"

Theo suddenly jumped forward, only to put his hands over your mouth to silence you. He closed his eyes and clearly felt the embarrassment rising, as you could see the top of his back turning red, followed by his ears and cheeks. Even though you found the sight cute, you still had to reprimand him for acting so boldly, not only towards his older brother but towards Alpha as well.

So when Theo opened his eyes again, you weren't standing before him. You could sense his shock as his scent changed drastically. Certainly afraid you'll get the book. But you were in the same room instead. He went to close the door and sighed in relief, only to yelp when he saw you behind Liam.

“I have to say, he’s a real catch, Theo,” you whispered softly in Liam’s ear, knowing your brother could hear you. "A firm body, a nice ass, maybe a little flat, but nothing that a little training couldn't change." As you feel his body, you never break eye contact with Theo and grin widely. Just to give Liam a feel for your cock by pressing it against his spread ass cheeks. The moan you elicited from his lips was nothing short of intoxicating, but you were immune to it since he wasn't the first.

You stepped back from Liam and gave him a nice slap, eliciting another moan from him and leaving a red mark behind.

As you were about to pass Theo, you stopped and stared straight into his eyes. His body was still facing the door while only his head was facing you. But even from there, towering over him, you could see something interesting. Your still-present grin turned malicious. Without him seeing it, your hand wrapped around Theo's still-hard cock. You stroke it gently.

“What are you-“

“I wonder what’s keeping you hard,” you interrupted in an authoritative voice that stopped him from saying anything. “Is it an exhibitionist streak or your infatuation with me?” In a panic, Theo tried to deny it, but you stopped him with your other hand. “I know what you did three years ago,” you continued to whisper, “how you jerked me off when I was sound asleep. How shameful for a Raeken to be so needy and desperate for his older Alpha brother.“

You could see air being pushed out of his lungs as if he had been punched in the gut. Suddenly your eyes softened as you saw tears welling up in the corners of his hazel orbs. Carefully, you pulled his chin closer, bent his head down, and kissed his forehead.

“Never forget that I love you, little brother. Maybe not as much as you love me, but I value you above all else. My door is always open for you.”

You could see Theo shedding tears, something you had never seen before. He's usually a proud young man. You knew you had to take him down a peck or two. But the smell of the pure arousal he radiated from just standing near you made you believe he would do it all on his own.

However, before you could leave the couple alone, there was still something you had to do. You place your hand on your brother's chest and slowly slide it over his meaty abs.

“You can keep your precum to yourself, you horny little brat,” you whispered as you walked past Theo. But you stopped at the door for the last time after you opened it. “Hey, Dunbar!” When you called, the boy, still partially on the counter, looked at you in a daze. “If you ever get tired of that sarcastic smartass, you know where to find me.” You saw him blush as you winked at him. You then turned to your brother. “And if you want to know where you belong in our pack, you also know where to find me.”

When you left them alone, you didn't close the door, you left it wide open, knowing full well that nobody else would come there as Theo was in your care since you usurped the pack, humiliated your parents and threw them out. For the terrible parents, they had always been. Walking whistling back to your room you heard moans before you could even reach your door. Smiling and shaking your head, all you could think about was what a horny brat your sweet little brother had become. 

As you entered your bedroom, you could still clearly hear their moans. As you sat down at your desk to do some work for your pack and the pack's company, you suddenly realized you had left your coffee in the occupied bathroom. Groaning, you got up again to get another coffee, as you didn't want any special ingredients inside it.

***

A few days after the confrontation with you, Theo was sitting in his room with his boyfriend snuggled against his chest, seated on his lap. He was reading to him while simultaneously stroking his back. Since that day, Liam has been acting strangely and seemed more distant. Although it wasn't overly negative, he appeared to be deeper in thought than usual.

The scene was serene until Liam opened his mouth. “Do you ever think about your brother?” he asked suddenly.

But to Theo, it seemed like a normal question. “Of course,” he replied casually, “he’s my brother. He played with me when we were younger, didn’t go to parties because he wanted to be with me, and even babysat me a lot, why?”

Liam fell silent again, obviously nervously playing with his fingers. “I didn’t– That’s not–" He sighed heavily, "Just forget it.”

Theo quickly caught on to Liam's train of thought. He closed his back with a heavy look. “Yes,” he replied again. "When you have a brother like mine, all you think about is having rough sex with him. He's a great guy, handsome, and all-around perfect. Growing up with him was hard. I was hard all the time. When he walked around naked after showering or waking up in tight briefs and, worst case scenario, tight swimming trunks, completely covered in glistening water, I jerked off to that image for years!”

“I want to have sex with your brother,” Liam suddenly blurted out. But contrary to what he thought, Theo just chuckled.

“I think I can do something about it,” he murmured into Liam’s hair, groping his ass vigorously. "But remember, you're mine!" He flashed his ice-blue Beta eyes, which reacted with Liam's own, which glowed a dark blue, showing the slight difference in their hierarchy status.

As Theo hungrily went in for a kiss, all he could think about was your reaction to his suggestion. He hoped you were willing to do that since he would do anything to have sex with you, even if it meant giving up his own boyfriend to you in return.

[Masterlist]

[suugarbabe]

This is not at all me projecting my own thoughts or feelings earlier today

Warnings: body image issues; major fluff; NOT proofread and written at work 💀; I think it reads pretty general neutral despite using an image that says sweet girl at the top but let me know otherwise??

It always seems to happen randomly, but at the same time you notice a pattern. You’ll be confident for days, really, truly feeling yourself. Thinking you look great in everything, noticing your confidence start to rise. And then it shifts. Usually a glimpse in a mirror or other reflective surface at an awkward angle sparks it, and tonight at the party it was the windows in the Slytherin common room. The usual view of the black lake is still there, but sans sunlight the murky view becomes black, creatures only visible if they’re nearly against the windows surface. A seemingly perfect scenario for classmates who want to party; a horrific scenario for you in this state of mind.

You had felt semi-confident earlier tonight, especially when you first entered the party with your friends and Enzo’s large hands that seems to cover the expanse of your back as he pulled you closer, chest flush to his as he kissed your forehead, “Stunning, per usual, baby.”

In your reflection now was all of your fears, all of your mistakes. Do my hips really have no shape from the front? One on your hands slid down your side as you took a long drink from your glass, your stomach dropping when you convinced yourself there was no real shape. Does my neck really look like that from the side? Oh god, what does he even see in me. Your thoughts kept you spiraling further and further.

Standing in front of the window seemed to be the only thing you could do, distracted from the party around you, not even glimmeringly aware of Enzo’s head popping above the crowd and the furrowed brow he acquired noticing you staring off into the distance of abyss that was the lake. He shoved through the crowd, easily ignoring complaints and protests to get closer to you. His hands on your hips, or lack there of in your current opinion, are what finally pulled you from your trance. You jumped slightly at the action, pushing his hands off your body quickly.

“Baby,” the sentiment left Enzo’s lips in a breathy laugh, “what’s goin on? You playing a game with me, sweet thing?” He took a step toward you, hands reaching out for you once more. When he was able to grasp hold, there was no hiding the way your body tensed. Your free hand grasped at the front of your neck, holding tight and pushing under your chin. Enzo’s face immediately turned serious, letting go of your waist and setting your cup down before lacing his fingers with yours.

Enzo guided you through the crowd, keeping you close and pushing people away as to make sure barely anyone touched you. “Oi, where you going, Berk?” Theo stopped his friend, a hand clasped on his shoulder. “I’m over the party. I’m taking them with me,” Enzo nodded towards you as he kept walking despite Theo’s protests for him to continue to party. There was no point in resisting, you knew that Enzo was determined to talk to you about what was bothering you and there was no avoiding it. You followed silently, the music of the party slowly fading as you went further up the stairs towards the dorm.

Once inside his room he let go of your hand, going to his trunk and pulling out a pair of pyjama bottoms and a tshirt, “Here, put these on.” You oblige, shedding your party clothes that you were starting to hate anyway. Enzo changed as well before climbing his lanky figure onto his bed, arms open wide and beckoning you to do the same. You walked over slowly, climbing into bed at a sloth pace, Enzo not even teasing to rush you. You settled near him, but not against him, which didn’t go unnoticed but he didn’t push immediately, instead just asking you once more, “What happened just now. By the window.” You shrugged, “I was just noticing some things is all.”

Enzo pushed slightly, “Noticing what? Your beauty?” His tone was slightly teasing, but you knew it didn’t reach him fully with the concern he was having. “More like the lack of it,” you mumbled before a small gasp left you as Enzo pulled you underneath him, his knees now straddling your hips with ease as his hands caged you in on either side of your head. You stared up at him, noticing the sad look in his amber eyes, “Why would you say that? Did someone tell you that? Am I getting in a fight tomorrow?” You smiled slightly, shaking your head. You wrapped your hands around his forearms, “You’d have to fight me then, cause I’m the only one telling myself the negative, or the truth. I haven’t quite determined yet.” Enzo frowned at this, “Baby, what are you telling yourself?”

You let out a sigh, “Just that I’m shapeless, my neck is gross, and I have no idea why you’re with me.” Enzo’s frown lines seemed to deepen with every word you spoke. You closed your eyes, wanting to avoid whatever it was he looked like he was about to say, maybe lessen the blow of the scolding he was about to give you. Instead you felt his soft lips connect with the exposed skin of your neck. “I love your neck. You know why, hmm?” His words are mumbled slightly against your skin. “Because you’re delusional?” You chide.

He laughs slightly, the notion vibrating against your jugular as he nuzzles deeper into you, “Because it holds up that big beautiful brain, what makes you, you gorgeous.” You groan with a slight smile, “Enzie…you’re being cheesy.” The smile he then adorns is sickeningly sweet, “Get ready for a platter because it’s only going to get worse.” He scoots his body down lower, nestling himself between your legs, “And I love your legs, not just burying my face between them,” he bit the inside of your thigh through the pajama pants, making you pull his hair and lift his head up, “my love, these legs brought you to me, they show how strong you are; trust me when I say I’ve had to threaten a few guys and girls for staring too long for my liking.”

A playful squeeze to your hips is next, your smile returning more naturally and encouraging him further, “And these hips, this stomach,” he pressed a kiss over the tshirt, “my favorite place to rest my head after a long day.” And just as said he laid his head on top of you, instinctively you start to play with his hair, running your nails lightly against his scalp. He hummed happily, “I can hear your heart beat like this, can hear when it slows and levels out, that’s how I know you’ve fallen asleep during movies.”

He wrapped his arms under and around you now, “now if you don’t mind, I think I’ll fall asleep like tonight.” He nuzzled his face against your stomach, really making himself comfortable. You closed your eyes, just relishing in Enzo’s affection. “Thank you,” it left your lips in almost a whisper. Enzo gave you another squeeze, “Always, Angel.”

[sunflowerseob]

Under the Stars | Choi Jiung

Your night takes a turn for the worst when you run into your ex at a party. You decide to seek solace out in the garden, but you're in for a surprise when someone else has the same idea as you...

💫 Pairing: Choi Jiung x reader

💫 Word Count: 2.9k

💫 Rating: 16+

💫 Genre: Fluff, some angst and hurt comfort

💫 Warnings: Reader is distraught after seeing ex with another girl, explicit language, crying, elements of angst, good ole hurt comfort 🥹

A/N: Hi everyone! My name is Saturn and this is my first time posting a Piwon fic but not my first time writing. I also will be writing for the Kinktober event for Theo Day 17 and Jongseob Day 28 so please look forward to that 👻 After that interview where Jiung said he would be out in the garden looking at the stars at a party I couldn't get this idea out of my head. Thank you for reading if you do, I hope you enjoy it 🥰 Excited to be a part of this wonderful little writing community and can't wait to write more in the future 🩵

Masterlist

Your vision was blurred by the tears gathering in your eyes as you did your best to navigate through the sea of bodies. The walls, which were pulsing from the booming bass, felt like they were closing in around you. You frantically scanned your crowded surroundings for a door. Preferably an exit to get the hell away from here. 

You finally spotted it at the back of the kitchen, quickening your steps as you made your way towards the door to the backyard. Your tunnel vision was so focused on escape that you didn’t notice you were about to bump into someone before it was too late. The clearly tipsy girl scoffed at you in disgust. Even though you were the one now standing there with your top covered in whatever had been in her cup. You mumbled a quick “sorry” as you swallowed down the sob creeping up your throat. You forced yourself to drown out the chaos around you, reaching for the door and slipping out into the cool night air. 

The relief was instantaneous, the calm and quiet settling over you like a blanket. The racing of your heart and head slowed as you took in the expansive backyard surrounding you. It almost felt like you had stepped into another world, your eyes drinking in the path before you that was overflowing with flowers on both sides. You walked along and found that it led to a beautiful and lush garden, complete with twinkling lights, benches, and even a little gazebo. And yet, it seemed you were the only one out here enjoying this little fairy escape. 

You took a seat on one of the benches as you tried to process the events of the night that had led you here. You already weren’t a party person, you never had been. So coming tonight at all had probably been your first mistake. But your friend, Keeho, had been so excited about being asked to dj that you had decided to come and support him. Luckily, he at least had been having the time of his life and enjoying every minute. You had been fine just quietly vibing and watching him until a certain someone had entered your field of view. That someone being your ex, along with the giggling girl hanging all over him. 

You honestly hadn’t even considered the possibility of him being at this party, and certainly not with a new girl. Not when your break up was still fairly fresh. Seeing him with someone else so soon had hit you like a gut punch. You had glanced at Keeho, but he’d been completely lost in the music with a huge grin on his face. You had only hesitated for a second before deciding that you didn’t have the heart to ruin his moment at your expense. Choosing instead to just flee the party entirely as fast as possible.

Now that you were alone and able to catch your breath you could feel tears pricking at your eyes once again. This time you let them trail down your cheeks, your little sniffles permeating the otherwise silent night air as you hugged your arms around yourself. 

“God. So fucking stupid.” you muttered, letting out a humorless laugh.

You looked up and took notice of the sky above you for the first time. It was vast and open and endlessly littered with stars. The unobstructed view had you completely awestruck, momentarily distracting from the emotional crisis at hand. 

“Wow…” you whispered, mesmerized by the twinkling cosmos overhead.

Maybe the party hadn’t been a complete waste after all. Just as the thought crossed your mind a soft voice sounded from your right, “Quite the view, isn’t it?”

You jumped a little as you whipped your head to the side. You’d been so sure it was just you out here, but somehow in your frantic state you had missed the other person leaning against the gazebo nearby. God. You hoped he hadn’t been standing there long enough to witness you on the verge of an emotional breakdown. You blinked and stared at the stranger, slightly dumbfounded.

“W-What?” you managed to stutter out.

“The view,” he clarified with a small laugh, and you noticed how his eyes crinkled at the edges, “it’s beautiful, don’t you think?”

You looked back and forth between him and the stars above, your brain forming a response that never quite reached your mouth.  A flush washed over the stranger’s face as he seemed to finally realize the awkwardness of the situation. 

“Ah, sorry if I scared you. I just didn’t think anyone else would be out here.” he said, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. 

This guy was really cute and endearing, and also kinda hot if you were being honest. He was tall and lean, and his bleach blonde hair was styled short and messy. He was wearing a green leather jacket over a white graphic tee with matching pants and black boots. Noticing how attractive he was really wasn’t helping the whole speechless idiot vibe you were currently giving. Tonight had already been humiliating enough. It was time to try and redeem yourself and get your shit together. Starting with giving a coherent response to the hot stranger standing less than fifteen feet away from you.

“Guess we both had the same idea. I thought I was alone too.” you told him, not being able to stop yourself from nervously fidgeting on the bench. 

He took a couple uncertain steps toward you, cutely stuffing his hands into his pockets like he didn’t know what else to do with them.

“Sorry again for startling you. I’ll let you enjoy the rest of your night.” he voiced before turning to walk away.

“Wait!” you found yourself calling after him as if it were a reflex. 

He immediately halted and curiously raised his eyebrows at you.

“Please, you don’t have to leave because of me.” you finished, voice going quiet at the end.

The stranger blinked at you in surprise at first, but then the smallest of shy smiles broke out across his features. God he was cute.

“I guess we could be alone together?” he started as he came over to stand next to the bench, “If you're sure you don't mind?” 

You gestured to the empty space next to you, “Be my guest.” 

He sat down, but made sure to still leave some distance between the two of you. Now that he was closer you noticed the fading black and purple streaks coloring his blonde locks. You watched as he raked a hand through them, sending his hair into further disarray. He suddenly turned to you, and you felt your face warm at the realization that you’d just been openly staring at him.

“I'm Jiung.” 

He smiled sweetly and held out a hand to you. Your smaller hand was completely enveloped by his when you went to shake it. You were surprised to find that there was something oddly comforting about his touch though. 

“Y/N.” you said back, the corners of your own mouth tugging upwards to mirror his own. 

“Guessing you’re not a party person, Y/N?” he queried after dropping your hand, his tone just slightly teasing.

You laughed and shook your head.

“Not at all. I’m only here because my friend is the dj, and I came to support him.” 

“My friend is the one throwing the party, so I kinda came for the same reason.” Jiung explained without you even needing to ask.

He lounged back against the bench and propped his arms up on either side of him, looking up to take another glance at the sky.

“You must be friends with Intak then?” you asked, directing his attention back to you.

“Yeah, he’s my best friend actually. And I'm guessing you're Keeho’s friend right?”

“Guilty.” you confirmed, letting yourself relax beside him.

“You know, how weird is it that we know each other's best friends, but we’ve never met before?” you went on, giving a voice to your thoughts.

Jiung hummed, “Maybe we’ve just never been in the right garden at the right time.”

He flashed you a shy grin, and you felt your heart stutter slightly in your chest. 

“Maybe you're right.” you agreed softly as your gaze sought out the stars once more. 

“If you don't mind my asking, why were you hiding out here all alone?” 

His tone was nothing but gentle, but the question threw you off all the same. Your face felt warm as you turned back to face Jiung. 

“Oh…uh …” you trailed off, growing flustered again.

The man next to you blushed even deeper than he had earlier, and you immediately felt bad for the return of the awkwardness.

“Shit…sorry. You don't have to tell me.” Jiung quickly assured you, talking with his hands as he continued rambling, “I know it's not my place, you just… You seemed kind of upset when I first saw you…”

He looked mortified at this point, and you felt your chest squeeze at his genuine concern for you, a complete stranger. And you suddenly found yourself wanting to just be honest with him for some reason.

“Jiung, breathe.” you interjected,  immediately silencing his embarrassed babbling.

He let out a groan as his face dropped into his hands, and you couldn't help the giggle that slipped out as you observed him. Everything he did was just so damn endearing. It was driving you a little crazy. 

He slowly lifted his head to look at you, “I am so sorry about that. I swear I’m not always like this.” 

“Jiung, it's okay, I promise. You're sweet to worry when you don't even know me.” you voiced, trying to reassure him further with a small smile. 

His cheeks tinted pink once more.

“I just, um, wanted to make sure that you were okay.”

If you could've melted right there on the bench, then you absolutely would have. Instead, you sighed and bent forward to match how he was sitting.

“I, uh, bolted after seeing my ex with some girl hanging all over him. I just wasn't expecting it considering how recent our break up was, and yeah… I freaked out and got the hell out of there. So all things considered, okay probably wouldn't be the word I would use.”

Everything kind of came out in a jumbled rush, and you nervously glanced at Jiung for his reaction. His dark eyes were wide in surprise. A moment later they narrowed slightly in what seemed like anger, and then finally softened as his expression settled on sympathy.

“Fuck, Y/N. I’m really sorry that happened. That must’ve been awful.”

This guy you had just met was looking at you with so much sincerity, and you could feel the tears building behind your eyes once more.

“Sorry,” you said, turning away and trying to laugh it off, “you’re just really nice and I’m a mess.”

Jiung leaned closer to you, his voice soft as ever, “Hey, if you want, I can go back inside and just let Keeho know you’re ready to leave.”

God. If you started sobbing in front of him you would really never forgive yourself. You cleared your throat before shaking your head.

“He was so excited for tonight. I don’t wanna ruin it for him.” 

“I may not know Keeho as well as you do, but I do know that you’re way more important to him. He wouldn’t want you to force yourself to be here when you’re in pain. He would wanna make sure you were okay, I know he would.” 

He talked to you as you would to a crying child, but nothing about it felt condescending or like he was mocking you in any way. He also was so close now that his clasped hands briefly brushed one of your own. You finally met his eyes, your lip quivering and fresh tears betraying you as they slid down your cheeks. Next thing you knew, Jiung had raised the sleeve of his jacket to swipe it across your face.

“I’ll stay here with you as long as you need, okay?” he promised, his thumb very briefly stroking your cheek before he let it drop back down to his side. 

An impulse suddenly thrummed through you. To kiss him. But now was hardly the time or the place, and it definitely wouldn’t be for the right reasons. So you buried the urge and instead just thanked him for his kindness.

“I’m sorry that this is how we met, but, still, I’m glad we did.” you whispered, not able to stop the tiny smile from taking over your lips.

Jiung beamed shyly back at you, “I’m glad too. But, I’m not sorry. Sitting under the stars with you was the highlight of my night.”

Every part of you felt warm. You wanted nothing more than to be able to bottle this moment and this feeling and hold onto it for a while.

“Mine too.” you agreed, feeling your smile grow even wider. 

Jiung had just started to open his mouth to say something, when your phone vibrated in quick succession in your pocket. Frowning, you pulled it out to see your screen lit up with several texts from Keeho. 

The man next to you chuckled before releasing a soft sigh.

“Keeho?” he guessed before you even had a chance to tell him.

You nodded, slowly, but reluctantly getting to your feet.

“He sounds pretty worried. You were right, I really should have told him something before I ran off.” you admitted, a wave of guilt washing over you. 

Jiung stood up beside you, and you noticed for the first time the way he slightly towered over you in height.

“He’s gonna understand, Y/N.” he assured you gently.

You didn’t have a chance to respond because your phone started going off in your hand. Keeho again. Calling this time.

“Hey Kee. Sorry for worrying you. I promise I’m okay, just needed to get some air.” you explained before he could start bombarding you with questions.

“Y/N, thank god! No, I’m sorry I didn’t connect the dots sooner. By the time I realized he was here, you had already disappeared. Fuck, I’m so sorry…” your best friend trailed off, and you could hear him trying to catch his breath on the other end.

“Kee, it’s really okay. I think I am ready to go though if you don’t mind still taking me home?”

“Of course I don’t mind. Meet me out front in like two minutes okay? And don’t go disappearing on me again.”

You were happy to hear that his tone had returned to being more light and teasing like it usually was. 

“Okay, see you in a minute.” you said before hanging up.

Jiung was still standing next to you, and you felt almost sad to be putting an end to the night.

“You gonna be okay to go back in there?” he queried, nodding his head towards the house.

You laughed, earning yet another smile from him, “Yeah, I think so. Probably just gonna book it for the front door and hope for the best.”

Jiung actually giggled at that, and it was the cutest fucking sound you had ever heard. 

“So…” he started, tucking his hands back into his pockets again as he rocked on his feet, “maybe I’ll see you in another garden sometime.”

You had to bite your lip to keep from grinning like an idiot.

“Yeah, maybe you will.”

You were pleased to see him also trying to fight back a smile, his cheeks flushing in the garden lights.

“It was really nice to meet you, Y/N.”

“You too, Jiung.”

He turned to start walking away first, and the slight chill of the late night air became startlingly apparent. You crossed your arms and shivered slightly, and that’s when you remembered-

“Shit.” you swore under your breath as you looked down at your stained top.

“What’s wrong?” Jiung asked before starting to make his way back over to you.

“Nothing, I just, someone spilled their drink all over me when I ran out of the house earlier. And I had completely forgotten about it until now. God, I hate parties.” you groaned, crossing your arms tighter over your chest.

You waited for Jiung to say something, and instead were surprised when you felt something being draped over your bare shoulders. You looked up just in time to see Jiung stepping back from you, now missing his green leather jacket. 

“Jiung wha…” your words dropped off as you gaped at him.

“Better not keep Keeho waiting. Goodnight, Y/N.” 

You continued to stare at him as he strolled away, gripping his jacket so that it wouldn’t slide off your shoulders. He was right about one thing. You really couldn’t keep Keeho waiting without sending him into a panic again. 

You barely registered the people around you as you made your way back through the crowded house. You were steps away from the front door, when you suddenly found yourself locking eyes with your ex. He took in the jacket hanging from your shoulders, and the look on his face was a mix of confusion and hurt. You glared back at him before slipping out the door. You pulled Jiung’s jacket tighter against your body, the garment feeling like a layer of armor that you hadn’t known you’d needed. You smiled to yourself. Jiung. The boy you’d met under the stars. And he was just as beautiful and mysterious.

[sheeple]

Miracles don't exist | 22: Protection

Genre(s): Riddle!reader / Slytherin!reader / kinda slowburn / little happy moments Fandom(s): Harry Potter Pairing(s): Theodore Nott x Reader / Harry Potter x Riddle!reader Summary: Being the Dark Lord's daughter and raised under the strict supervision of the Malfoy's is no easy life. Especially if you start crushing on your father's arch-nemesis, Harry Potter. And that while being engaged to one of his follower’s sons. Warning(s): Nothing [Masterlist] [Mini masterlist] [Playlist]

As your aunt is seated in the living room in one of the leather armchairs that gives a beautiful overview of the garden, Theo and you are in the kitchen making tea. 

"What is she doing here? And why now? We've been here for weeks", you whisper while putting tea cups and crumpets you made yesterday on a tray.

Theo stands next to the stove watching the water boil. "My biggest concern is how she managed to find us. I've told nobody that we would be here." When the kettle whistles, he takes it off the stove and pours the water into a teapot.

You hold the door open for Theo as he walks with the tray towards the living room, setting it on the coffee table. The two of you take place on the couch.

Her posture is rigid and her eyes flick around the room. She looks at Theo wearily while she brings the teacup to her lips.

You clear your throat. "How- how are you? And Draco? After Uncle Lucius..." You trail off, not wanting to hurt her.

She swallows, her eyes downcast. "I would wish I could say we are fine. But... with the Dark Lord residing in our home."

You nod understanding. It's no doubt that he finds the Malfoy's a failure after your uncle was unable to secure whatever the glass orb was back at the Ministry.

She puts down her cup and turns towards you with a serious expression on her face. She reaches out and takes one of your hands. Her eyes fall on the faded but still visible scar of Umbridge's detention, and frowns. She opts to say nothing about it but squeezes your hand instead.

"Tha Dark Lord he... requests your presence at home. The both of you." She glances at Theo, who raises his eyebrows suspiciously. What for could he possibly want the both of you there?

"You were so young when you received the mark, and I've seen what it has done to you. I shudder at what it will do to my son." Her eyes grow watery and she quickly pulls away. "Please, protect him. I'm not asking this because you are the daughter of the Dark Lord. I am asking this because we are family. Draco he- will crack under the pressure."

A mixture of emotions flashes through you. You feel dread for your cousin. You know he feels pressured to take the Mark if he wants or not. The Dark Lord will likely kill him and his mother if he doesn't agree to it. But you feel also enraged. Where was this... protection when you were forced to take on the Dark Mark? You weren't given the luxury of knowing beforehand.

You want to say that and much more. But instead, "I don't suppose we have a say in whether we can come or not, do we?", is what you say. 

Your aunt shakes her hand sadly. And with that, it is decided that you have to go. 

Having said what she needed to say, Narcissa stands up and walks towards the door. You give Theo a look and walk after her. She hugs you as the two of you stand at the door opening. "He's been watching you", she whisper in your ear. 

A hot flash runs through your body. So that's how your aunt knew how to find you. And you guess you're lucky that the fireplace inside isn't connected to the Floo network. Otherwise, they would have been standing in your living room.

Once you've closed the door, you lean forwards and rest your forehead against the wood. You squeeze your eyes shut. Of course. It was all too good to be true. 

A pair of arms wrap around your middle and you feel Theo's chin rest on your shoulder. Nobody says anything and you stay like that until your back starts to hurt. You push yourself off the door and turn around. 

"I'm gonna take a bath", you say deflated. 

Theo nods and lets you go. He watches you walk up the stairs and his chest aches. He hates that he can't do anything. He knows that he can't protect you from your family. They have a way of finding you, as proven by today. 

You slide into the tub and let it fill up until it's just below your eyes. You soak until the water is cold and the bubbles have disappeared and even then you stay in the water, having no energy to climb out. A knock on the door makes your head snap towards it.

"Darling?", Theo calls out through the door, "I've something to eat. Do you want to join me or have your dinner in the bath?"

You glance at the window and see that it has been close to dusk. Have you been zoning out that long? You sit up and run a hand over your face. "No, I'm joining you. Give me a moment to get dressed."

There is a moment of silence on Theo's part before you hear his footsteps go down the creaky stairs. With a sigh, you pull the plug out of the bathtub and let the water seep into the drain. 

You stare up at the ceiling. You haven't slept a wink in the many hours you've tried. The pitter-patter of the heavy rainfall on the roof lulls you into a relaxed state while the next lightning keeps you entertained. There is this certain beauty in lightning.

Knowing you won't go to sleep anytime soon, you decide to go make yourself a mug of hot milk. Or you can look if there is a sleep potion around here somewhere. 

As you pull open the door, you don't expect Theo to stand in front of it with his hand raised in a fist, ready to knock. Under his arm is his pillow. He looks like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"Are you okay?" Your eyes give him a worried once-over.

He anxiously tugs at his bottom lip, eyes darting around. "Sorry. I- I couldn't sleep..." He mumbles something and you cock your head to the side. With a sigh, he drops his hand and looks into your eyes. "I couldn't sleep because of the thunder... may I sleep with you?"

You bite your lip while trying to suppress a big smile. You hold open the door so Theo can slip into your room. He goes to sit on your bed, his fingers drum on his legs as his eyes follow you across the room.

With a small smile, you round the bed and crawl under the covers. You hold them up for Theo to do the same. At first, he lays on his back, his posture rigid and his arms next to him.

"You don't have to be so tense", you smile, facing him as you tug your hands under your pillow. He wiggles around until he's also on his side, facing you. His eyes trace over your face, taking in every detail. And you do the same.

He has two freckles on his cheek; one on his cheekbone, under his eye, and the other sideways under the other. You've taken notice of them before, but never really looked. You haven't been this close to him before.

"What?", asks Theo in a whisper as he sees you smile.

You shake your head and lean closer. "I've just noticed you've got a butt-chin." You reach out and feathery trace the dimple on his chin.

Theo rolls his eyes as a big smile creeps on his face. He wants to roll away but you pull him back by the front of his sleep shirt. "Hey! Don't go hiding now. A butt-chin is otherwise very cute!"

"What am I to do with you?" Theo lays an arm over your middle so he can pull you closer to his chest.

You shrug. You close your eyes and press your face against his chest, breathing in this natural cologne that always hangs around him. "I can think of a few things", comes out in a sleepy mumble, your heartbeat slowing down and lulling into a comfortable and peaceful slumber.

Taglist (bold means I couldn't tag you): @the0doreslover @lqndkxlmqma @st4rrry  @choppedpartymuffinwinner @ledtassoo @literallyobessed @lestat-whore​ @vanishingcherry @harrysnovia @pietrobae @ireallywannasleep127 @yeolsbubbles @fruityfrog505 @fluffybunnyu @theroyalmanatee @shinrjj @hegdus @kermits-bitch @m1kasawps @noah-uhhh-what @mypolicemanharryyy @fals3-g0d @decapitated-coffee @thatgirljas13 @slytherinambitious @mythicalamphitrite @mastermindmiko @timmytime17

[cat-who-naps]

It's Sunday

Theodore woke up slowly, even with his natural laziness telling him to go back to sleep. He supports himself on his arm and gets up, noticing that he was next to his roommate, he pulls the blanket to cover him and notices the claws on his hands, he gets scared for a second and looks at his reflection in the window, with his black eyes and extra fur, he could now see the fangs and the black coloring on the ears and tail.

He stands up completely and goes close to the window, looking at his reflection. He runs to the bathroom, taking off his shirt and looking in the mirror, realizing that it hadn't been a nightmare. He really looked like a different person, analyzing his new appearance, until his roommate woke up and went to the bathroom with the door open, the two looked at each other.

"I... I didn't mean to wake you up... I'm sorry...." the voice caused discomfort due to the strangeness in his roommate, who quickly tried to lift the cat's spirits

"you didn't wake me up, don't worry, I'll come find something for you to wear, big guy" Y/N says leaving the bathroom and returning to the bedroom. Y/N starts looking through their clothes and picks up an old tank top that is too loose due to age, returning to the bathroom and handing it to the cat, who quickly puts on the shirt and keeps his ears down, still visibly sad.

They then hold the cat's hand using both hands "hey... It's okay, I don't know what happened, but I'm not leaving your side for that..." Y/N says with a smile on their face. Theo then tears up, drying his face quickly, smiling back hiding his fangs, he then walks and hits his head on the door frame, he was tall enough for that, which made Y/N let out a light laugh and Theodore did a cat sound, Placing his hands on his forehead and bending down, heading towards the kitchen, being quickly followed by Y/N.

Y/N continues trying to think of some way to cheer up her friend, as they walks and tries to reach the cabinet, Theo sees the scene and approaches, opening the closet and taking the items for Y/N

"See? It's not so It's bad to be this tall now, isn't it?"

"You're loving this, aren't you?..."

"Come on, you have to admit this could be really useful"

"It's not at all useful when going through doors"

Theo turn to them, looking at them and handing over the items from the cabinet.

Y/N takes the items and places them on the kitchen counter, using what she needed to prepare coffee, Theo bends down next to them and rests his head on them, watching what they were doing.

After a while, the two were having breakfast, Theo was drinking tea, holding the mug with one hand instead of two like he usually did.

Theo finish his tea and get up, going to sit on the couch, putting his hands on his face and thinking how he would explain his growth spurt in college, How would your classmates react? Would they be scared like the person in the alley? Were they going to run away? Wouldn't they want more contact with him since he changed so suddenly? The cat's head was overwhelmed by so many thoughts, so Y/N got up and came close, sitting next to the cat and hugging him. The cat is surprised and hugs Y/N in return, trying to calm down and not think about so many things at once.

[mattyriddlegf]

The Stupid Closet (25)

Happy release day Sunday! This is where the story kinda gets crazy, I hope you all buckle up and enjoy the ride ;)

Thank you for all of the support!!

-----------

Two weeks later, it’s finally the beginning of December and the semester is starting to rev up for finals. After this weekend, there are two full weeks left of school before the holiday officially starts.

You were trying to convince Mattheo to join your family at the Malfoy Manor for holiday instead of staying at Hogwarts…he never went home for the holidays. You had always felt bad but this year you were simply not going to let it happen. Even Draco liked the idea.

You walk down to the common room before class and instantly run into Theo, “Oh hey!”

You two had been acting normal with each other and occasionally studying together. Mattheo had been…skeptical at first but he knew what your relationship was before you were bed buddies.

“Hey” He responds, “wanna walk to class together?”

“Uh, sure” you smile. You didn’t have any classes with Mattheo today and Draco is preoccupied with Pansy at the moment so you walk out of the Slytherin house together.

You didn’t have the same class but your classrooms were next to each other.

“We’re still on to study for a bit tonight? That mythical creatures quiz is tomorrow and I’m not ready at all” he mentions as you walk through the castle.

“Yeah, wanna meet in the common room at 4? That gives me enough time to meet up with Mattheo after classes”

He glances to the side for a second, “right”

You reach your classrooms and turn towards each other, “see you later” you smile.

“See you later” He smiles lightly back before walking in.

Class goes by quickly, nothing really interesting happening. After you’re dismissed, you grab your books and start walking out. When you reach the hallway, you hear Cormac McLaggen call your name.

“I hope Mattheo can step up, I know being a father isn’t exactly he who shall not be named’s strong suit”

You turn around to face him, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Are you not pregnant? I thought you had gained a few in the past couple weeks so I just figured” He says cockily.

You stand there, your blood already boiling, “Cormac last time I remembered, you were still a virgin so I would focus on that if I were you”

“So defensive…I don’t hear you saying no”

You step forward, only inches away from him now, “Not that it’s your business but I’m not pregnant, asshole.”

“Better be careful, I’m sure Riddle will dip if it does happen” he says quietly. At this point, a couple of people are watching and Theo is walking out of his classroom. When he sees you, he stops and watches closely, ready to break the entire thing up.

“Don’t forget that Riddle can also beat your ass if he wants. You don’t want to see him live up to his family name, do you?” You practically spit.

Cormac stares at you for a second before smirking and walking off without another word. You watch him walk away, shaking your head as you scoff. Theo comes up and asks, “What was that about? Are you ok?”

“It’s about Mclaggen still being salty that I broke up with him in fourth year” you say emotionless, “I’m fine”

You smile softly before walking off in the other direction towards your next class. That jerk was so annoying. He always liked to get under your skin but to claim you’re pregnant? That was beyond childish of him. You didn’t want to tell Mattheo but you know that you should…you’ll tell him after class.

You go through the rest of the day, annoyed before your final class is finally dismissed, letting you go for the day. It was 3 o’clock, giving you an hour before your study session with Theo.

You walk back to the Slytherin house, finding Mattheo already in his room reading.

“Hi handsome” you say as you put down your books and get on his bed, sitting next to him.

“Hi baby, how was your day?” He asks, turning his attention to you.

“Uh, weird actually” You sigh, pulling your hands into your sleeves. Mattheo and Theo always kept their room cold and you were nervous to tell Mattheo about Cormac’s accusation.

“Really? What happened?” He sets his book down on his nightstand as he furrows his eyebrows.

You look at him for a second, contemplating before you speak up, “Ok, I’ll tell you but you have to promise to be normal about it. I’m serious, it’s already been handled, ok?”

He clenches his jaw a bit, skeptical about what you were going to tell him.

“Matty, I’m serious. Please?” You beg.

He takes a deep breath, “Ok fine.” You tilt your head not believing him, “I promise! I’ll even pinky promise” he adds as he holds out his pinky.

You interlock your pinky with his before you continue, “Cormac had a bit of a meltdown today and said some things…”

“Cormac? As in McLaggen? Didn’t you date him a while ago?”

You roll your eyes, “Ugh don’t remind me”

“What did he say?”

You stare into his eyes for a minute before finally admitting, “Well he said…” you pause for a moment, “ he claimed I was pregnant.”

“What the fuck?” Mattheo says, already pissed off.

“Oh that’s not it” You scoff before continuing, “he said that you won’t be there when or if it does happen because you’re a Riddle…” you trail off.

“That bastard is gonna wish-” he starts.

“Mattheo, you promised.” You say flatly, placing your hand on his arm.

He looks at you, jaw clenched, the gears obviously turning in his head.

“Matty. I swear I took care of it. He won’t be making comments like that again, alright? It’s ok. I promise.” you calmly explain.

Mattheo’s expression softens as he looks in your eyes. The look lingers for a minute before he speaks up, “alright, fine. I believe you.”

“Thank you” You smile before you lean in and kiss him.

He leans back on his bed so you can lay with your head on his chest. He holds his book up and reads out loud for a bit before you have to get up.

“Alright I have to go study with Theo” you mention as you scoot off the bed and slip your shoes back on.

“Funny how he suddenly cares about his grades.” Mattheo retorts quietly but just loud enough for you to hear it as he scoots, sitting at the edge of the bed.

You turn back and look at him, “Stop it. I picked you and I’m sticking with my decision. He can miss me all he wants but you are the one I love.” 

Mattheo stands up and adjusts his pants waistband, “I know and you’re so sexy for that”

You smirk as you walk up to him, looking up into his eyes as he looks down, “I have to go…but when I get back I’m all yours”

“Don’t tempt me.” He leans down and kisses you before you back away. You grab your books and head down to the common room to meet with Theo.

You find him sitting in the armchair by the fire, practicing spells with his wand quietly. 

“Hey” You smile as you walk up.

“Hey” he smiles back as he stands up, “Shall we?”

“Sure, let’s go” You head off to the library together. You were anticipating running into Draco and possibly Pansy but to your surprise, neither of them were seen.

“Alright let's get started” You say as you sit down at a desk and open your book. 

taglist: @helendeath @mayamonroem @princessluvssleep @hatakemrs @feistyfox47 @malydiavsss @schaebickel @swamp-box @iamdnb @cindyss @anime-tomicfox @gillybear17

[alwaysurvalentine]

if you're hungry, they are too - st fic

yes the title is a play on the "If they're cold, you're cold." I promise it makes sense...maybe.

Written for Day 5 "Did you hear that?" and Day 18 "Candy" for the @steddie-spooktober event! - wc: 1.6k - cw: n/a - things to note: this is a kid fic! Steve and Eddie are parents to Theo and Eve who are 4! Chrissy and Robin also have a baby girl, Hannah.

enjoy! 💛

Eddie’s standing in front of Steve, tongue poking between his lips in concentration. He’s got a gentle hand cradling the back of Steve’s head to keep him still, and the other is tracing delicate lines along Steve’s nose and mouth with a gray eyeliner pencil. They’d decided on a Wizard of Oz theme this year and Eddie’s taken his role as the family’s ‘make-up artist’ seriously – right now he’s adding the finishing touches to make Steve a believable tin man. There’s already drawn on patches covering Eddie’s nose and cheeks from where he got ready while Steve got the twins ready. 

“Papa? Are you almost done?” Eve’s voice carries from the bathroom doorway, a soft whine accompanying her words. She’d woken up that morning ready to go trick-or-treating; Steve made Eddie be the one to explain they had to wait until it got later. The only thing that saved them from a meltdown was to let her wear the blue and white checkered dress Dorothy is famous for all day. Her favorite stuffed animal, Spot the Dog, is dangling from her hand and Eddie turns to her with a grin. 

“Yeah, sweet-pea. Is your brother ready? We can leave soon, Daddy just has to put the candy out so that other people can get a treat if they come by.” Eve nods, brown curls bobbing with the movement before she darts away again yelling for Theo. 

~

Steve clicks the front porch light on, illuminating the witch decoration they’ve placed on the porch. It’s hunched over a cauldron that they’ve filled with all the candy the neighborhood kids could possibly want. Last year they’d just dressed up and passed out their own candy because Theo and Eve were still too small to make any rounds through the neighborhood. This year they’re old enough to stumble up to houses on their own, but Eddie still wanted to do a family costume. Robin mentioned that the houses in her neighborhood always have crazy decorations, apparently someone’s set up a maze to get to their front door? Doesn’t matter, any reason to see Robin is a good one. He’ll also get to see his new niece, Hannah. Robin wasn’t going to worry with a costume for her, but Chrissy convinced her to dress up as a flower so that Hannah could be the cutest little flower. She’s only a month old but she’s already got everyone wrapped around her tiny fingers. 

~

Robin’s house is at the beginning of the neighborhood and it’s covered in massive webbing across the yard. There’s two massive spiders on their front porch, seemingly guarding the bowls of candy they’ve placed in front of their door. A poster with Chrissy’s handwriting reminds kids to ‘take one and have fun!’ with a couple cartoon ghosts drawn to the side. Steve can already see the other houses are similarly covered; a family down the street seems to be setting up a projector to play against their garage and another has turned on their inflatables to make sure they’re ready when kids start walking. He pulls into their driveway just as the garage door rises, showing Robin’s grin as the face of a hot pink flower. She waves excitedly and turns to punch the code in so their garage shuts behind them. Chrissy’s turned towards Hannah who’s curled up in their stroller, blonde hair pulled back behind her blue flower face.

“Auntie!!” Eve’s yelling with excitement in the backseat, feet kicking at Steve’s back. He know if he looks behind him the twins will be unbuckled so he chooses to glance at Eddie instead. A grin’s stretched across his face making his ‘patches’ crinkle and there’s fake straw poking out from the rim of his hat – he looks just as handsome as he did when they met. 

“Let’s go follow our yellow brick road.”

~

It’s late when they get back, Theo and Eve fell asleep as soon as they were buckled in. They’re holding onto the handles of their candy bags as they sleep like they’ll disappear in a moment’s notice. Eddie’s driving back, tapping along to whatever song is playing on the radio. 

“Think they had fun?” Eddie glances at Steve and smiles at his question. The moon lights up Eddie’s grin and Steve sleepily smiles back.

“Are you kidding? This was the best night of their lives! Eve’s got a backbone of steel.” Eddie puffs up his chest as he talks about their daughter’s bravery. And he’s not wrong. While some of the houses had been so scary that didn’t dare approach their porch, Eve had just stomped right up and asked for extra candy for her brother. Steve’s glad they have each other, even if part of him worries about what they’ll be like when they’re older. He figures if he and Eddie could get through two kids in their terrible two’s at the same time, puberty should be a breeze. (Future Steve will remember this thought and scoff while he waits for his daughter to cool off after slamming a door. But that’s a story for another time.) A hand on his leg brings his attention back to Eddie, who squeezes his thigh gently while turning. “We’ve got a couple of good ones.” 

“They take after you.” Another sideways glance and Eddie’s grin fades into a soft smile. 

“I love you.” Steve takes Eddie’s hand off his leg and presses a gentle kiss to his palm. 

“I love you too.”

~

Parking the car does nothing to wake the twins and Steve resigns himself to carrying at least one of the twins inside. Seeing Eddie yawn and stretch long enough to make his back pop changes Steve’s mind to carrying both kids inside.

“Think you can unlock the door and turn off the porch light while I get these two to bed?” Steve whispers even though he knows nothing but breakfast would stop the snores in the backseat.

“Already on it, sweetheart.” Eddie leans over the console and presses a quick kiss to Steve’s cheek before getting out of the car and heading to unlock the door through the garage. 

“Alright, you two.” At some point in the drive, it looks like Theo let go of his candy bag in favor of taking his sister’s hand, so Steve disconnects them slowly before picking Theo up out of his seat. His little boy curls into his neck, left hand clutching onto the front of Steve’s sweater in his sleep. It’s only with lots of practice that Steve’s able to get Eve onto his other hip. She grumbles more than Theo before resting her head on his shoulder, asleep again before he even steps inside. 

Eddie’s waiting for him in the hallway, arms open to take one of them from Steve. He eases Eve from his shoulder and she goes easy into Eddie’s arms, wrapping her own around his neck. 

“Night Daddy. Love you.” 

“Goodnight, baby, love you too.” 

~

Washing their faces takes longer than Steve would like, but he finally feels more like himself when he brushes his teeth. “How early do you think they’ll have us up tomorrow?” He punctuate his sentence with a yawn and turns to click off the lamp on his side when Eddie climbs into bed.

“Knowing them? Probably as soon as the sun comes up. Especially since we left their candy in the car.” Eddie’s words are mumbled into Steve’s neck, curling his arms around Steve to pull him back towards his chest. Steve knows his husband is right and sighs, turning his neck enough to press a kiss to Eddie’s cheek before nuzzling into the coolness of his pillow.

“Mm. Yeah. Goodnight, Ed.” He’s asleep even before Eddie can return the sentiment.

~

A loud crashing noise jolts Steve awake. It sounds like someone at the front door and panic fills his viens when the noises don’t stop. Eddie’s rolled over to his side of the bed at this point, arm danging off the side of the bed and a line of drool trailing from the corner of his mouth.

“Ed...Eddie!” The brunette wakes with a small gasp, eyebrows scrunched in confusion when he noticed Steve reaching under the bed for the bat he knows is hiding there. 

“Steve?”

“Do you hear that?” Steve can see the moment the noise registers for Eddie, moonlight dancing in their room enough to see his brown eyes widen. Finally, his hand makes contact with the wooden handle of his bat. This one doesn’t have any nails in it, but it’ll do the job if he needs to protect his family. He stands up and raises the bat to his shoulder as Eddie shoves the blankets off of him. As quietly as he can, Steve edges the bedroom door open and edges into the hall. There’s no noise coming from Eve or Theo’s room so he’s hoping that they’re still asleep – and the noises from the front door have quieted down. He can feel Eddie’s presence trailing behind him, both of their socked feet cushioning any noise their steps might make. 

When he turns into the living room, Steve swings the bat as a precaution. But nothing looks wrong in here; no shattered glass or mess left behind from someone being in the house. Another sound from the front door and he darts forward. The door is still locked from earlier but someone or something is outside. He goes to one side as Eddie goes to the other, and he nods for the door to be opened so he can take a swing. 

Eddie nods and holds up three fingers, then two, then one. The door swings open and a moment later the light is flicked on too. Except there is no one there, no person or creature threatening to break down their door. 

“Is that-?” Eddie’s question is cut off by a laugh and he points down towards the witches cauldron they set up earlier. Three little raccoons look up at them for a moment before darting away, each of them with some kind of candy in their mouths. 

[papercranepoets]

Lights streamed out of Hermione’s wand and started to form two figures. A flowing dress and cascading hair and a tailored tux began to appear. The figures came together, crashing into one another like water.

Hermione sighed, pressing her back into the cold stone. She continued to manipulate the figures, bringing them together and apart, twirling about the air as if on a dance floor. They spun about intricately.

Hermione’s heart twinged as she looked up. She felt very lonely, and the loneliness swirled with something much stronger, awe at magic. While she had gotten used to being around magic, every so often she was hit with waves of gratitude and pride at her gift. If she believed in God, this would be the closest thing to heaven.

She added more dancing figures, sparkling gold and moving about so beautifully she could almost cry.

This cove in the castle was always empty, a little hideaway from rambunctious Gryffindor parties. She was happy Ron was such a star lately in matches, but the thought of looking at him latched onto Lavender turned her stomach.

Hermione heard a soft step and whipped her head around. When she saw who was behind her the figures burst like fire works and fell slowly to the ground. Surprised and icy eyes met hers. Hermione’s defences slammed up, and her wand shifted towards Malfoy.

“What…” Hermione started, acidic words waiting on her tongue.

Malfoy interrupted quickly, “That was an impressive display of magic.” His words were soft. He seemed genuine, eyes wide and posture open. Hermione could see that he was apprehensive, though, and he slightly pitched backwards when she didn’t answer.

“Er…” Malfoy brought his hand to the back of his neck, messing with his collar that was already perfectly folded down. Hermione held her breath, waiting for the insults to start.

Malfoy didn’t insult her and instead started to back away, “Uh, okay, well then…”

Hermione realised she was still pointing her wand at him and shook herself out of it while lowering the wand down.

Malfoy was already turned when she yelped, “Wait!”

He stopped in his tracks, slowly turning on his heel with a raised brow. Malfoy looked so gaunt. Sickly, with bags under his eyes. “Yes?”

Hermione stitched her brows together.

“Okay, well if you’re going to just look at me like I’ve sprouted another head…” Malfoy drawled, a familiar sneer forming on his face.

Before he could shout mudblood or insult her looks, Hermione spurted out, “are you okay?”

His usual mean features were making their way back in full force. He didn’t say anything mean, though.

“Erm… no… I didn’t mean that,” Hermione sputtered. Her face and neck started reddening in embarrassment. What the hell is happening? “I meant, what are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same,” he replied sharply.

“Ha, no you can’t. You’re up by the Gryffindor common room? What are you even doing out of the dungeons?” She scoffed at the idea that she was somehow the intruder.

Malfoy rolled his eyes so hard she feared his eyes would detach, “I’m not confined to the dungeons. Brightest witch of our age, my ass.”

Alright, here is where the insults will start.

“This has been fun,” she laughed standing up. She began to walk up the half staircase back towards her dorm, eager to be away from the awkwardness.

“I’ve been lonely. I can’t sleep. I just walk until I’m exhausted enough to pass out,” Malfoy blurted. Now it was her turn to about face.

“Oh,” she whispered, guarded. “I’m lonely, too.”

The two stared at each other, seemingly holding their breath. In tandem both started, Draco with “would you like to join me?” Hermione asking, “Why are you lonely?”

This was bizarre. Nothing could explain this. Hermione was shocked at his offer, but found herself being drawn towards his vulnerability.

“Blaise and Theo and the crew aren’t really speaking with me right now. Crabbe and Goyle have nothing to speak of,” Malfoy said staring past Hermione into the courtyard.

“Ron is finding every chance he gets to eat Lavender’s face off. I can’t stand being in the common room… or really anywhere near him.” Hermione was open, but she knew enough not to mention Harry.

Malfoy met her eyes and smirked, “Let’s walk.”

Hermione had been expecting an insult, again. When she stepped to join him, she swore she could hear him sigh.

———

xx papercranepoets

a/n: to be continued???

[theodoranowak]

x. status -> closed for @momentspassd (samuel) x. location -> carnal knowledge

Theodora supposes that, if she was going to rank the advantages of living in Blue Harbor versus New York, the ability to shop at places like Carnal Knowledge without having to look over her shoulder for paparazzi would be, indisputably, one of the top three.

Not that she makes it a habit to shop here, mind you. It’s not like she’s had much of a love life to shop for, anyway. Even self-pleasure had taken a backseat these past couple of years, what with the stress of being ghosted by the man she thought was the love of her life and being passed for partner again and again and again at the Nowak firm and there was also the whole ‘starting a business’ thing that had her losing more hair than not in the shower. No, she hasn’t made pleasure a priority, and even now, surrounded by — wands and lube and lingerie, oh my! — she’s not really thinking about herself.

Genie, a friend of hers back in New York, is hosting a bachelorette party for herself (because she doesn’t trust anyone else to do it for her, which is fair) and, considering most of the clientele is rich up to their necks, she’s requesting gifts be in the form of the ‘kinkiest, weirdest sex shit she’s ever seen.’ Theo knows Genie, and she can’t imagine she’s going to be able to find anything weirder than what she’s already been into, but she supposes that’s the challenge.

She’s holding a set of edible lingerie in her hands, frowning down at it contemplatively (how does one digest such a thing?) when she feels a presence at the end of the aisle. Despite her best efforts to not make eye contact, it’s almost instinctive to look up to make sure she’s not being stalked or harassed, and when she meets the other’s gaze it turns out to be — well, worse.

There’s something to be said for a sentient universe. Moreover, there’s something to be said for when said universe sets you up for humiliation, failure, and heartbreak all at once. Theodora doesn’t know what kind of cosmos she’s pissed off, but doesn’t really have time to figure it out as her heart breaks in two all over again at the sight of Samuel Harrison, standing at the end of the aisle, looking straight at her. Several thoughts happen in quick succession — has he always looked this tired, is he shopping for the woman he probably left me for, why is he here, why am I here — and before she can say anything to him (like the tens and thousands of things she’s dreamt she would say to him if she ever saw him again) her feet are already working their way past Sam, hurriedly towards the exit.

The beating of her heart is so loud she almost misses the cashier insist that she pay for the fucking lingerie she’s still fucking holding before exiting the store with it. She feels her face redden as she walks to the register and hands the outfit to the cashier, shaking her head. “I don’t—” she doesn’t finish the sentence, instead just turns on her heel and exits the store in a flurry of heartbreak and desolation, furious tears accumulating in her eyes, some strays already falling down her cheeks.

She can’t be here. She can’t be anywhere near him, she thinks as she freezes outside the store, unsure which way she’d parked. The bile that forms at her throat (the feeling of his thumb wiping away her tears as her parents missed another birthday), the prickling sensations that’s started in her hands making their way up her arms (her head on his lap as he read to her), and the ringing in her ears (his laugh on a Sunday morning) all don’t help her case — so she starts walking, unsure of where she’s going, so long as it’s nowhere near where she’d been.