#until merlin picks him up and he chuckles and says “brought peace at last” like ?!?!?!?!?!?!?! are you FUCKING KIDDING me

[centurieslove]

finally had the guts to watch the finale again. takes me months to work up the nerve. the result? destroyed me again

[mitsukui]

late night experiences | g.w.

Pairing: George Weasley x female reader.

Summary:  learning new things is always better when it is done with someone else.

Word Count: 2,7k.

Warnings: smut! Masturbation, mentions of innocence kink.

Disclaimer: none of the pictures used in the edit below belong to me; I simply put them together.

A/N: please, leave me some feedback if you feel like it! My askbox is open for your opinions, thoughts and requests. Thank you so much for your time and attention ❤

Masterlist!

Your last year at Hogwarts rushed into your life without warning — and so did your sexual hormones. You swore to Merlin you could feel them tingling all over your body whenever you solely looked at George Weasley, your majestic boyfriend. And apparently, he felt the same way towards you. Wondering the reason behind it all, you were quick to blame the fact that the two of you had just turned 18.

You had been together for a little while now: around nine months or so. But nothing had ever happened, and you were not quite sure why. You two had, supposedly, everything needed: steamy make-out sessions, wandering hands, lustful thoughts, privacy, and all that jazz. Yet, there you were: ground zero.

However, things were about to change even though you still were unconscious about it.

“Psst!” Your favorite quill stopped scribbling your Herbology notes. “Oi!” Your eyes gazed at the direction from which came the voice only to realize it was one of your classmates, Angelina Johnson. “I’ve discovered something last night which I thought you might be interested in.” A mischievous smirk painted her lips as you leaned in closer, already feeling eager to listen to whatever she had to say. She was one of those people who made anyone pay attention to them whenever they said something.

Her hushed whispers filled the existing silence between you two in the Study Area once more. “The boys were talking in our common room last night, and rumor has it George can’t keep his hands off of his cock whenever he thinks of you.”

Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet giggled like little girls when she finally finished her speech. You could feel your cheeks getting embraced by a deep and violent warmness. Uh-oh.

Your mind suddenly produced images by itself: George’s chest going up and down quickly as he moaned under his breath. He had his long and slender fingers wrapped around his dick and, sweet Merlin, he was big. Big and thick and veiny. His eyelashes fluttered as his hand pumped up and down a few times, precum leaking from his tip.

Heaven probably looked like that. What a lovely sight. You would give anything to actually see the great George Weasley in such a position. But, again: ground zero.

Still, the possibility of him pleasuring himself at the thought of you seemed to awake something new inside your chest and offer you a novel tingling sensation. You felt a burning flame in your loins, and it was almost as if your entire body were on fire.

You wanted him to jerk off thinking of you. You wanted his hands to get dirty from his own seed because of you.

You gulped. Snapping fingers brought you back to reality. “Girl, it’s high time you gave that poor lad some love, you know.”

The next few days felt slow and eternal. George Weasley and George Weasley’s thick dick were the only things occupying your mind. Of course, you had fantasized about him before; but it had never been that vivid. Things are always better when they are real, after all.

And you wanted to do something about it. Your soul ached for him to share his hidden and erotic reality with you. Your flesh longed to be painfully close to his. Your body and your hands desired to tease him and give him something to be unbearably hard over. You obviously would not feel in peace until you got what you wanted.

That is why the suggestion of a late night meeting in the Prefect’s Bathroom came to life. It was discussed during another of your studying session with Angelina, Alicia and Katie, being first brought on by Angelina, of course. That girl had many wild cards up her sleeve.

“I happen to know the password. Got it from a Slytherin guy, after giving him a few galleons.”

“And a blowjob, too.” Alicia responded with her eyebrows raised and a mischievous grin hanging on her lips.

As the three other girls laughed carelessly, seeming to be extremely relaxed and confident to talk about such a topic, you chewed on your bottom lip. Jittery feelings bubbled up within your veins while concern clouded your mind. You had a severe lack of inexperience when it came down to anything sexual.

Your temporary anxiety was sharply noticed by Katie, who positioned her hand over yours in a comforting act. Her fingers soothed your skin, her next words slipping out of her lips as motherly advice.

“Don’t feel pressured to do anything, honestly. George is one of the most understanding people I have ever met. But I think a little bit of intimacy would work wonders on you, both of you.” Her grip on your hand became a bit tighter, and her warmth was incredibly pacifying. “You know, just suggest going to the Prefect’s Bathroom tomorrow night. He will surely accept, once he is heads over heels for you. Get in the warm, bubbly water. Kiss him, if you feel comfortable enough for that. And just see where it goes.”

Your other two friends nodded, assuring you everything was alright and that you could always count on them for support and advice. The conversation went on for a little longer, they sharing intimacy tips and encouraging you.

Luckily enough, the next morning was one that you had classes with George. You brought on the subject in the end of the lesson, while he gathered his material quietly.

His lips opened up in a bright smile in the moment you appeared in front of him, but his expression was soon destroyed by your visible tensed posture.

“Hey, gorgeous. Are you alright?”

You sighed shortly, trying to relieve some of your internalized insecurities. The suggestion came out of your lips in a mere murmur, but he was smart enough to grasp onto all of your words. His eyes noticed your dodging gaze and your fidgeting fingers, playing with the hem of your tie. You looked absolutely adorable to him.

“See you later tonight, then. Prefect’s Bathroom, 12AM sharp. I won’t be late.”

The rest of the day felt like an eternity. Perhaps, it was the uncertainty of it all, given that there was no way to predict how the scenario would take place later on. But the time for your meeting agonizingly came, and you were forced to leave your dormitory.

The weather was unpleasantly hot, and it was hard for you to tell whether it was due to the time of the year you were going through, or to the fact you were walking towards your own doom.

You had been curious and tempted to get to know his darker and more lustful façade but, at the same time, you were ashamed of how much you craved him despite being your first time feeling anything like that. Those same novel tingles from before returned to your loins as your made your way to the fifth floor.

Underneath your favorite carmine red pleated skirt and a muggle band T-shirt, you wore a set of lingerie that had not received much attention when previously picked out, which was a simple white bra paired with white panties, covered in tiny pink strawberries. When you were about to reach your destination, you came down to the realization of how childish your underwear looked. You inhaled sharply, concluding you had ruined everything.

Eventually, you and George met, and entered the bathroom hand in hand.

Although you had heard of its wonderful interiors, seeing everything with your own eyes for the first time made you gasp. Your gaze traveled through the place, and you wished to engrave every detail in your heart. The white marble grandness awoke a sense of greatness and admiration inside you, and you almost fell to your knees right then and there.

A tad of small talk was exchanged between you and your boyfriend, until he approached you at last. His big hands cupped your delicate face, and he leaned down to kiss you.

His lips were so terribly gentle that they sent butterflies to your stomach. He showed no shyness in the second his hands roamed down your body and found your back, giving your ass a light squeeze. Unable to control yourself, you moaned and pressed your body against his.

A steamy make out moment was held between the two of you until the moment for the truth hovered over your heads. He rested his forehead against yours, and looked at you with loving eyes as his thumb ran over your lips.

“Tell me why we are here, darling.”

“It’s just that…There had been this rumor, you know?” A shy chuckle escaped your lips, and you closed your eyes, trying to block out all the filthy images suddenly appearing in your mind. “People have been saying that you jerk off thinking about me. But I’m not sure if it’s true or not, because we have –“

“It is true.” The coolness in his voice caught you off guard, and you blinked at him in a mixture of shock and self-induced accomplishment: your boyfriend touched himself at the thought of you.

Your eyelashes fluttered until your eyes were shut, and a sigh escaped your lips. Your mind knew no restrains at that moment, and the images you had been blocking out came to life all at once, violently crashing against your insides, almost like agitated waves at a beach.

Silence embraced the two of you again, but neither of you felt bothered by it. You took your time to let the sinful images sink in, and he took his time to study your face. You had been clearly affected by the truth he had just spilled out, and he secretly enjoyed such thing. He could read you like the palm of his hand, and he knew you were thinking about him with his dick out.

As he breathed heavily, fearing air would forever leave his lungs after what he was about to do, he prepared himself for what was about to come. His thumb ran over your slightly swollen lips but, this time, he parted them with a gentle tug on your lower lip. George timidly shoved his thumb into your mouth, and you, with your eyes still closed, took all of it.

Your tongue swirl against his finger, the feeling of your saliva dancing against his skin sending electrical waves down his spine. You continued on sucking him until your cheeks finally hollowed, and he pulled his finger out with a low ‘pop’ noise.

You opened your eyes in a deep frustration, but he could no longer take it. His cock was hard inside his trousers and it battled for its freedom. He breathed unsteadily and with a bit of difficulty, his mind starting to wonder how your lips would feel wrapped around his tip.

The realization that you two had never done anything before hit him hard, and he felt himself twitching while precum started wetting the fabric of his underwear.

Would it be selfish of him to think he would probably be the first one ever to taste your cunt? The first one to penetrate you, the first one to end your innocence for eternity, the first one to feel your walls clenching around him, the first one to make you cum.

George was forced to step back and groan in bitterness. He really wanted to fuck you, but he would never disrespect you or your limits. Plus, on top of that, he really did not know how he could express his urges.

“S-Sorry, darling. I-I-I don’t know what’d gotten into me, I guess I just lo-“

“Can you show me how you touch yourself?”

The question hung on air for one or two moments. You could not believe what you had just said. You were drunk on a new dizzying and exciting sensation, one that left your panties secretly wet and your clit throbbing, and one which made you ask your boyfriend to masturbate right in front of you.

So he did it. Apparently, Katie was right: George Weasley would gladly accept anything you asked him.

After the enormous bathtub had been filled with water and bubbles, he undressed and you lost all of your senses for a bit.

His fair skin carried grand amounts of both freckles and small scars. His entire silhouette was outlined by groups of yet developing muscles, but each one of them caused more wetness to pool in your strawberries ridiculously covered panties. George was so tall, his shoulders were so broad, and his dick was indeed so big.

When all of his being finally became bare in front of you, you rubbed your thighs together, the need for friction creeping inside your body for the first time ever.

You stood still exactly where you were, but he made his way to the tub, sitting on the edge of the white porcelain. He lowered his dark eyes to his throbbing member and his touch caused a relieved sigh to leave his lips. His hand moved up and down a few times until he looked at you again.

There was something different on his face. His eyelids seemed to be a tad heavier, and the sounds slipping out of his slightly parted lips were the most delicious thing you had ever heard.

George Weasley was jerking off right in front of you. He was moaning only for you. And you hoped he would cum just for you, too.

As the minutes slowly went by the two of you, you watched him quietly. However, it was impossible for him to keep quiet. By now, his moans were loud and shameless. He whispered your name every now and then, the thought of you bouncing up and down his dick providing all the fuel he needed to orgasm only for you.

That was entirely new for you. You felt so dirty, so sinful, so misbehaved, but you were living for it. You wanted more of him, and you also wanted to give George more of you. And that was exactly the reason why you said your next sentence out loud.

“Can I touch myself?”

His ears convinced himself that he had heard it incorrectly, but the way your fingers tugged on your T-shirt, and your thighs rubbed together, he knew he was not mistaken. A new rush of pleasure ran through his veins and he pumped his hand faster. Unable to form coherent sentences, he mumbled something along the lines of ‘please’ and nodded vehemently.

In the blink of an eye, both of your bodies were unclothed and both of you played with your intimacies. George’s right hand applied all the pressure that could possibly resemble your tight cunt wrapped around his cock, and your fingers helped the squelching sounds coming from your wetness to echo in the bathroom. You had never thought that so many lustful sensations could occupy your body all at once and, yet, there you were: masturbating at the sight of your boyfriend doing the exact same.

By now, you also had problems breathing and the tight knot inside your body screamed for a break. You pulled your hand away from your dripping cunt, but you remained connect to your womanhood by a very thin and almost invisible string of your juices.

George obviously noticed that tiny detail and it was too much for him. He announced he was close and, soon enough, his skin was stained by the pleasure you had given him. His eyes were closed as he felt his heartbeat increasing and the images of you still haunting his mind.

The way he accepted and let his orgasm work on his body made you move your hand against your clit faster and you followed him in a matter of seconds. Your body trembled and you could not stop whining.

You had never experienced something so astonishingly sensational.

Your pants filled the bathroom for a little while before his body finally slipped into the still warm water. The comfort offered by the setting relaxed his existence and he weakly called and asked you to join him, which you happily agreed with.

He touched your hips and pulled you closer, placing your body against his chest. With his lips pressed against your temple, he whispered a series of ‘thank you’ and ‘you are the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen’.

However, his final words changed the mood completely and you hated him for it.

“That’s a nice pair of panties, by the way.”

Tag list! ❤️  @efyra​ @writingsomewrongs​ @kellsslut​ @pineapplesandpinas​ @fiction-is-the-new-reality​ @hufflepuff5972​ @amourtentiaa​ @emmaev​ @asthmax​ @anchoeritic​ @eunoia-kth​

[missdawnandherdusk]

Lost Boys

Reader X Draco

(Follow up one-shot to Beautifully Beastly) 

Summary: Now that Scorpius is older and in love with his best friend, he’s terrified to tell you and Draco

A/n: So, I recently finished reading the Cursed Child, and oh my lord I love Scorpius more than my own non existent children. And I know that coming out to your parents can be scary and it might not go the way you always wanted it to, but here’s some comfort in that fear. Something to hold onto. 

It was a late night and Draco was out on another case as I read in bed by lamp light. There was a knock on the door.

“Yes?” I called, seeing Scorpius’ pale face in the night light. “Everything alright sweetheart?” I sat up.

“You’re busy reading, it’s nothing, never mind,” He stammered and went to leave. 

“Scorpius,” I chided, setting my book down. “It’s alright darling,” I patted the bed beside me.

His eyes didn’t leave the floor as he shuffled over to the bed and curled up beside me, hiding his face in my shoulder. Worry began to bloom in my chest. I hadn’t seen Scorpius like this in a while—the last time being when Harry had changed Albus’ school schedule and told his son to avoid mine.

I stroked his hair softly and hummed. I knew Scorpius, he would open up when he felt safe and secure. Even as a teenager, he still had the habit of curling up with me at night when he was afraid. And I was glad that some things never changed.

“Mum?” He peaked up at me after a while and I could see his father reflected in his eyes.

“Yes dear?” I smiled.

“I... I’m bi.” He rushed out, growing very red and looking down, ashamed.

I stared at him a moment, letting it sink in. A smile spread across my face as I drew him close into an embrace.

“And you are loved, and complete,” I rubbed his back softly. Tears stung my eyes as I felt his frame shake with little sobs as he clung to me. “And I will always support you and demolish anyone who doesn’t.”

The tears did slip out as Scorpius continued to cry into my arms. I tugged the blanket up around him and continued to card through his hair. When he started to babble apologizes is when I pulled him away and cupped his face, wiping away his tears.

“You are my son, Scorpius. You are such a bright young wizard with a pure heart that has love to spare. Don’t apologize for that, ever.” I pressed a kiss to his forehead. “I’m so sorry that you’ve been so scared.”

He sniffled and wiped his eyes.

“Who you are, and how you feel, has, is, and always will be valid my dear,” I smiled and stroked his cheek softly. “And I love you. All of you.”

He nodded and threw his arms around me again, hugging me close.

“I love you, mum,” He whispered softly.

“As I love you,” I smiled, and we settled down under the covers.

Curled up on my chest, Scorpius seemed to calm down and his breathing evened out. My fingers still combed through his hair as I hummed one of his favorite lullabies.

“Mum?” He breathed out; his voice still small. 

“Yes darling?”

“Do... do you think dad will...” He didn’t seem to know how to finish the thought, but I had been thinking the same thing.

“I think your dad might surprise you,” I confessed. “But if you don’t feel safe, I can talk to him. Merlin knows he’s afraid of me,” I chuckled softly.

“You’d... you’d fight dad for me?” Blue eyes met mine.

“It’s not the first time I’ve done it,” A smile played at my lips.

“What do you mean?” Scorpius frowned. “You’ve fought dad over me before?”

“I suppose you were too young to remember... When you were little, and I first began to tutor you, you asked me where all of my lullabies came from. I told you they were muggle and I’d have to talk to dad about letting you know the movies or stories they came from...”

“Dad wasn’t always alright with muggle things?” Scorpius seemed shocked.

“You have to understand he grew up loathing muggles, darling. That your grandfather twisted him into...” I sighed softly and shook my head. “We fought. He didn’t want you to know muggle things... fairytales.” The memory flitted to the forefront of my mind. “I said that I wouldn’t keep secrets from you, so I resigned, but he was going out on a case for a week, so I was going to stay until he got back...”

“But you didn’t quit?” Scorpius frowned.

“No,” I smiled. “The case... your father almost died on that case, because they were using me against him. He went in alone to try and save me—it wasn’t me, don’t worry, just a bit of Polyjuice Potion... when he came back... he said he was sorry for the things he said to me... and that it was alright if I never wanted to speak to him again, but he begged me to stay because you needed me... because he needed me.” I looked at the rings on my hand: an engagement ring and a wedding band. “I was going to stay anyway, no matter what he ordered me to do because I wasn’t going to leave you... I couldn’t leave you.” Blinking out of the memory, I looked down at Scorpius, who looked mystified.

“You and dad... did that for me?” He squeaked. I nodded.

“We love you Scorpius, more than you’ll ever know.” I pressed a kiss to the top of his head. “And though I will love your father until the day I die...” A smile graced my lips. “I loved you first.”

Tears shined in Scorpius’ eyes as he dove back into my arms. The next morning, I woke to Draco pressing a kiss to my forehead. Scorpius was still fast asleep in my arms.

“Bad night?” He whispered softly, not to wake his son. 

“Could say that,” I mused. “But he’s better now I think,” Another pair of blue eyes blinked open.

“Good morning,” I greeted softly, letting Scorpius sit up.

“Dad?” Scorpius rubbed his eyes, looking to Draco who was sitting beside me on the bed. 

“Right here, son,” Draco encouraged with a soft smile.

Scorpius nodded and ran a hand through his hair—a nervous tick he picked up from Draco. He stood, making his way to the door without another word. I called to him before he could leave entirely.

“I love you,” I reminded him.

“Love you too, mum,”

Draco looked to me for answers and I pressed a kiss to his lips softly.

“He’ll tell you when he’s ready,” I rubbed his arm softly. “But he really is okay,”

“I don’t think I will ever understand you two,” Draco rubbed his face and nodded, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.

“I don’t think you’re meant to,” I chuckled, pulling him into my arms.

“And you’re sure he’s not in danger? Harry isn’t trying to make Albus go to Ilvermorny or something is he?” Draco looked up from his lounged position on my lap, drawing a laugh from me.

“No dear, Harry has nothing to do with it,” I affirmed, fanning out Draco’s hair so that it formed a silvery halo around his head, draped onto the comforter.

“Is it about Albus then? Did something happen?” Draco pressed and I laughed, seeing right through his attempt to get to me confess.

“He will tell you when he’s ready, and until he is you will respect him.” I narrowed my eyes playfully.

It took a few days, the weekend, in fact. I could tell that Draco was carefully hiding his curiosity and frustration under a mask I knew well. But, as I tidied the library, replacing books and shifting the order of a few, and sending a few cleaning spells towards the blanket of dust, I paused at the large French windows, seeing my two boys walking along the Manor grounds.

Scorpius had his head hung and I knew exactly what conversation was taking place. I lingered at the window and watched as Draco paused a moment as he gazed at our son and smiled. The tight embrace between the two brought tears to my eyes as I looked away, letting them have their moment.

That night the three of us curled up in the grand master bedroom bed. My fingers carded through Scorpius’ hair as he finally found a peaceful slumber.

“This is familiar,” Draco noted softly. I simply nodded. “Do... do you think we messed up?” He asked softly.

I raised my eyebrows, shocked at the question and ready to go off on him, not caring if Scorpius was there or not. Draco caught my glare and quickly mended his question.

“Because he was so scared to tell us,” He rushed out and I exhaled slowly, looking down at Scorpius.

“We might have...” I confessed. “But we’re going to do everything we can to make up for it,” 

“And how are we going to do that?” Draco chuckled softly.

“Well, I have a feeling that Albus might have something to do with it after all,”

I watched Draco’s eyes widen in realization as a smile spread across my face.

“Of course, it had to be a Potter,” Draco groaned, laying back on the silk pillows.

I laugh escaped my lips and Scorpius shifted in my arms, his eyes not opening as he nestled back down, mumbling incoherently.

Standing by Draco’s side, we waved as Scorpius and Albus headed out on their first date, both blushing and laughing while holding hands.

“He really is perfect for our son, isn’t he?” Draco sighed softly; a smile evident in his tone.

“He is,” I leaned against him.

“Still can’t believe he fell for a Potter,”

“You did,” I grinned, my eyes meeting his. “And just because you couldn’t shag a Potter doesn’t mean our son can’t,”

I burst out laughing at the look on Draco’s face.

.

Tags: @coffee-addicti @msmcsmutt @ravn-87@artemismohr18 @whygz @crazywritingbug @fuzzy-panda @bitemebro522  @zombiesnips-blog @jillanaholland@shookyungsoo@savingdraco@welcometomyworldwithoutrules@akari180@slytherin-emerald@chaotic-good-gemini @memalfoy-spidey@theres-a-dog-outside-omg @queenfeatherwings@fanficflaneuse@go-whovian-universe@spicyshenanigans@darling-im-not-okay-i-promise @dietkiwi@katsukink@takemetothekingdom @strangerr-things @tmnt-queen@mccloudchloe @hxneybgb @justsomerandomgur @belcvayelena​ @moviesbooksandfandoms​ @howdycharlie @xtrashmouthxtozierx​ @cocochanelthepupper​ @ninacotte @braelynn-j @jiggllyy​ @honeymarvel​ @darcypottah​ @atomicpunkrock @thiccheerioss @lottie289 @boredashaeck@beautiful-pegasus @tceedlmao @deadlynyghtshayde​ @iconjuresnapeingrandmaclothes @anonymous034 @bi-andready-tocry @lunna-does-real-doodle @dragonsandbread​ @atomicwonderlandmentality @okaydraco @the���queen-of-hell @langdonzvoid @cmxreader@alienmotel @oh-itsnothing@tulippings @thestressedprincess@sunflowerxsadnessw@caps-wilsonn @fattycooter @angelotakunerd08​ @thisisahugemistake​ @fanficsigottaread @gweaslvy​ @okaydraco​ @strawberriesonsummer @ughjjloveme @honeymarvel @gaysludge @cleopatera @ray-of-sunrise @artist-bby @shadowsingeraxolotl​ @peters-legos​ @quillsareforwriting @ghostlytoadalmondhairdo​ @wollymalfoy​ @lilpieceoftoast @paper-cats @floweryjh @sdicapriox @slothgirl22 @peachesandpinks @monimillion @hufflautia @livize75 @annie-mcl​ @riathearora​ @live-like-luna​ @justathoughtfulangel​

[wlntrsldler]

hi love! i was wondering if you could do “false god” + cedric diggory? i hope you are having a great day ❤️

anon: omg can you do a cute little one about cedrics ghost watching over you during the battle of hogwarts (you’re part of Harry’s friend group) and then you die and reunite 🥺

A/N: i combined these two requests. i hope you guys don’t mind!

PROMPT: Cedric and Y/N finally reunite years after his death.

WARNINGS: mentions of death, major character death, angst

WC: 2K+ 

HP MASTERLIST

-

false god (c.d one shot)

When Cedric thought about the afterlife, he never once expected it to be like this. He thought that he would be calm and serene, surrounded by white clouds and sounds of harps softly playing in the background. But the afterlife that Cedric was exposed to, was nothing like that. 

Now, he spent his eternal days, with his heart crumbling in his chest as he watched you lose a part of yourself everyday since he died. He wanted nothing else but to yell and call out for you. He wanted to say, “My darling, you’re better than this. Don’t lose your life just because I’m gone.” It wasn’t fair of him to ask that of you, he knew that. Cedric knew that if the roles were switched— if you were the one in his shoes, he would be acting the same way as you. 

Sometimes he felt selfish because he was relieved that he didn’t have to go through the pain of living life without you. Cedric lived his entire life with you by his side. Since you were kids, you were beside Cedric as your parents were friends with his. You took your first steps together, rode your brooms with one another, entered Hogwarts together. Merlin, both of your first words were a variation of each other’s names. Cedric knew, deep down in his heart, that he wouldn’t know how to live without you. 

Cedric watched fondly as he saw Harry approach you. He was thankful that Harry looked after you after his death, no doubt knowing how close you and Cedric were when he was alive. You looked up at Harry, leaning against his chest as he wrapped a protective arm around you. Hermione and Ron stood off to the side, smiling sadly at you. The start of the year only reminded you more of Cedric’s death and in honor of it, you had a portrait of him hung in the Hufflepuff common room. You were made Head Girl this year and your first duty— which all of the Prefects and Head Boys and Girls agreed to— was to tell all the Hufflepuff first-years about Cedric. 

Now, three months into the start of term, you saw many Hufflepuff students, both first years and older students who had known Cedric when he was alive, talk to the portrait. They sat there for hours, not caring if the image never spoke back. You understood why. The mere sight of Cedric’s contagious smile, the crinkles by his eyes, was enough to put anyone at ease. And if you closed your eyes and focused hard enough, you could hear the sound of his glorious laughter ringing throughout the common room. 

“You ready?” Harry asked quietly, taking a quick glance at Cedric. 

You nodded, ready to enter the Room of Requirement to train for Dumbledore’s Army. You pulled away from Harry and smiled at Cedric, “We’ll talk later, Ced? I love you.” 

Cedric smiled to himself, wanting nothing else but to reach down and touch you. He replied, though you couldn’t hear him, “I love you.” 

As the years passed, Cedric continued to watch over you. He saw you fight and grow into an amazing witch. You learned curses and charms that would’ve thrown Cedric’s head in a frenzy. And all Cedric could do was grin from above and clap his hands happily when you perfected casting your Patronus— a beautiful, Black Swan. He of course had to look it up— who knew there were books available in the afterlife?— and knew that it was perfect for you. You were passionate, driven, and kind with a heart so full of love, Cedric sometimes thought he was undeserving of it. 

He watched you become a Healer St. Mungo’s, living off on your own in a humble flat, not too far from where the both of you grew up. He would listen intently as you talked to him before you went to bed, as if he was right there beside you the entire time. Cedric felt his heart flutter in his chest when he saw you putting up the Christmas ornaments that he made for you when he was 7 years old, too fond of muggle clay for his own good. The ornaments were wonky, and truth be told, they were ugly, but you put them up every year, without fail. 

Cedric watched you live your life but he saw something that most people never saw— he saw you were tired. You were tired of fighting, tired of walking into work to find beds filled with witches and wizards of all ages— some were children— trying to get better because they were attacked, tired of living a life where you were alone, all the time. Despite how tired you were, Cedric knew you were going to keep fighting as long as there was a fight to win. 

When the Battle of Hogwarts came around, there was this feeling in his stomach that told him everything he needed to know. He knew not everyone would make it out alive. For Merlin’s sake, look at him! He was killed like he was just a scrap of rubbish in the way of the Dark Lord, and perhaps, he was. Cedric watched as Sirius Black, Mad-Eye Moody, and even Professor Dumbledore, joined him in the afterlife. It was clear that the Dark Lord and his followers didn’t care who was hurt. 

Cedric watched you limp into the Great Hall, bloody and exhausted, as you pushed past students running around trying to get to their loved ones. He saw you nearly throw up, when you saw the sides of the hall lined with bodies— bodies of students you knew during your time at Hogwarts and some who looked too young to even be exposed to a war like this. You walked down silently, saying prayers for the ones you lost in the battle. 

To your left, you saw Professor Lupin and his wife, Tonks, on the floor, lifelessly, with their fingertips half an inch apart, as if they were trying to touch one last time before the end. You remembered how Professor Lupin teased you endlessly over your crush on Cedric. He was the first professor who noticed it, or maybe he was the first one to have the courage to say it out loud. You weren’t really discreet with your feelings and you were almost sure that Professor McGonagall was aware of it too, but Professor Lupin was the first one to tease you about it. He was the first one to hug you and welcome you into 12 Grimmauld Place when you joined the Order. You were the second person, after Harry, to find out that Tonks was pregnant with Teddy. 

Ahead, you saw the Weasley family gathered around a body. Walking into this war, you knew you were going to lose some people, but never once did you expect to lose a Weasley. You knew that no matter how many of them there were, not one of them could be replaced. As you walked closer, you recognized the body as Fred Weasley. Beside him was his twin, crying quietly into the shoulder of Ron. It was Fred Weasley on the floor— the same bloke who made it his mission to make you laugh once more after the life was sucked out of you when Cedric died. You stood off to the side, an arm wrapped around Hermione. 

Cedric remained silent, looking down at the casualties. Professor Lupin, Tonks, Fred Weasley, young, Colin Creevey with his camera still around his neck— they were all gone. Cedric hoped that he could promise them that the afterlife brought peace, but he knew he couldn’t do that, because ever since he arrived, he found no peace until he knew you were alright. 

A hand touched his shoulder, and he looked up to see a smiling Fred Weasley. The redhead spoke, “You alright there, mate?” 

“Yeah,” Cedric chuckled, pulling him in for a hug. “I appreciate you looking after Y/N.”

“No worries. It seems like you’ve been looking after her too,” he commented, peeking at the display in front of Cedric. “Godric, Georgie’s a bit of a sap, isn’t he?”

He laughed because only Fred Weasley would make a joke during a time like this. Fred gave a goofy smile and patted Cedric’s back before he walked away, leaving Cedric alone again. As the war picked up again, Cedric focused on you, making sure that you were safe— whatever safe meant in a war zone. When Harry leaped out of Hagrid’s arms, he saw the relief wash over every single person’s face. People fought harsher than before, knowing that the war would soon come to an end and it seemed that young Potter would rise as the victor. 

The Deatheaters knew it too. Many of them began to retreat as they saw the Dark Lord stumble under Harry’s magic. For a split moment, Cedric was entranced by the fight between the two wizards, before you caught his eye again. You were smiling sadly, happy that the war was almost done. Harry was going to win. The fight was won. 

And that’s Cedric saw it. You broke down your walls. 

“Avada Kedavra!”

You didn’t move or try to counter it. You let the curse hit you and you drifted away with the same smile on your face. You knew you weren’t needed down there anymore. The war was finished. Now, you needed to take care of yourself and join the others. You had to pick up the pieces of yourself that you lose over the years. 

When the display ceased to be nothing, Cedric frantically looked around, afraid that he had lost you. But it was the opposite, because not more than a second later, your soft touch landed on his back and there you were. He breathed out a sigh of sadness because you deserved to live, a long and happy and fruitful life. You didn’t deserve to be here so early. He shook his head in disbelief and pushed you away, refusing to look into your eyes. 

You were patient, of course, you always were. You kept your distance until Cedric had the courage to look at you. In your face, he saw you— the person that you were before his death. You were smiling with the smile that made Cedric fall in love with you in the first place. The burden of the war was no longer on your shoulders. You stood tall, finally breathing calmly instead of gasping for air to survive. Cedric understood then that your decision to not fight back was not because you wanted to die, but because you wanted to live. 

The life that you had on the ground was not a life you saw for yourself, but this afterlife, was everything you could wish for and more. He approached you, hesitantly, afraid that you might reject him and Merlin, if you rejected him in the afterlife he wouldn’t know what he’d do. You were here for eternity. You made no moves to get away, instead you melted into his touch when his hand cupped your cheek. 

“I should’ve said it when we were still alive,” Cedric confessed, whispering, hoping that if this was a dream, his quietness would cause it to last a bit longer. He continued, “I love you. And I’ve been in love with you since before I even knew what it meant to be in love. And I’ll continue to be in love with you until our life here comes to an end. I’ll love you even through this other lifetime— especially through this other lifetime.” 

“Cedric Diggory, I’m so in love with you,” you replied, your lips touching his. “I know heaven's a thing. I go there when you touch me and this is the feeling I’ve been yearning for, for years. I’m so glad to be here with you, finally.”

He closed his eyes, pushing his lips against yours. And for the first time in years, you and Cedric finally knew of peace. 

[booksforevermore13]

What she wants (is not what she truly needs)

Summary: After a potion accident, Ginny's left suffering its effects. Harry's there to help her through it, but he soon realizes that while thinking her wants were his to fulfill, he'd forgotten her needs.

Read it on Fanfiction if you prefer!

...

The pale, gibbous moon was striking against the dusky blue sky. It had untimely risen and though — as Harry looked up — it looked faded, clouded by the brilliance of the blue, it sat against the sky as if seated in a throne amongst the clouds.

Any other day and he'd not have cared. As long as the moon stayed in its place in the sky and didn't come hurtling down to the ground, he was perfectly fine with ignoring it.

No, what was important was the fact thatGinny was late.

Again.

It didn't help his case that he had been waiting for her for over an hour now.

Harry remembered the first time Ginny had been late. He'd done what he did best and that was rushing into the Harpies' stadium, convinced his girlfriend was in the clutches of some crazed genocidal maniac who'd use her as bait to lure him in. He'd quite nearly hexed the guards there when they'd pointed out the no outsiders warning taped on the door.

As if he didn't know that. He'd put up the sign himself.

Threatening to hex them had worked, though, and they'd let him in soon after that — it at least explained the nasty looks they sent his way every time he came to pick Gin up. Harry remembered rushing in that day and bombardingthe door leading to the grounds into fine splinters. It was only after he'd seen Ginny on her Firebolt Primus, hovering a few metres off the ground and staring at him with what was shock and concern, had he calmed down. Of course, she had been a vital factor in that, proceeding to tick him off after in true Molly Weasley fashion.

He'd not regretted it though.

As long as she was safe.

He'd not broken in again nevertheless — though he'd come very close once or twice — partly because he'd figured the guards were traumatised enough and partly because he was afraid of what Ginny'd do to him if it happened again.

So with no other viable option possible, he'd retreated so his back was pressed against the wall, his hands crossed over his chest. Every other second, he glanced at the Muggle watch Hermione had gifted to him on his birthday and then to the glass door to the stadium, hoping every time he looked, he'd see those beautiful brown eyes sparkling as they'd come out the door.

The next time he looked up though, instead of Ginny coming out with that dazzling smile of hers, he recognized one of her teammates.

Angila Macqueen.

He knew her as the reserve beater on the Harpies and Harry recognized her solely because he'd had Ginny point her out on multiple occasions, saying she deserved to be in the team but had been held back due to legalities. He'd talked to her before, shy girl she was, and they'd mostly just stood around until she'd admitted he was daunting.

He remembered Ginny laughing after she'd said that, and him being horrified.

"Angila, hey!" he called now as he stood up to his full height, not failing to take note of how worn the girl looked and how she didn't have her gear with her like Ginny normally did after practice. "Gin, is she done?"

"You need to come in, Harry," she said, skirting around his question but he could see the distinct worry in her eyes. Harry frowned at her, before taking off towards the door.

He didn't need her to say anything more; something had gone wrong.

He knew it.

"Where is she?" he yelled over his shoulder as Angie sped to catch up with him.

"Changing room," she yelled back. "Last door to the right."

And he sped, his mind clouded with fear as he ran where Angie had pointed.

Bludgers.

He'd heard about people getting hit with them and losing their memory. Completely blank about the life they'd lived.

But surely Angie would have said something if something like that had happened. Wouldn't she?

Or maybe she hadn't because she had wanted to break it to him slowly. People believed in rubbish like that, as if breaking it slowly or quickly would do anything to lessen the gravity of the situation.

Gwenog Jones was leaning against the door to the changing room and he came to a stop as he saw her. "Where is she?" he asked. "What happened?"

"Potion accident," Gwenog replied curtly. "Ginny's fine, though," she said as she saw the look on his face. "You," she sighed, "you should just—"

She stepped aside. "Go talk to her yourself."

He didn't have to be told twice. Harry pushed open the door, eyes immediately on a red blanket with the Harpies' logo emblazoned on it, Ginny's red hair peeking out from under it. Her eyes were closed and he could see the blanket rising at a steady pace.

She was breathing. Sleeping, but it did nothing to calm his frenzied brain.

Coma. He'd heard it happen to Quidditch players. Bludger in the head, person gone for the next two years.

No.

"Ginny?" Harry called, and he could sense the desperation in his voice as he crouched down beside her. "Gin, wake up," he begged, "wake up."

His voice cracked, and he didn't know if it was the panic or the anger playing as he gently brushed her hair back. "Gin," he tried again. "Ginevra."

"Don't call me that," she mumbled, and Harry nearly cried in relief upon hearing her voice. "Can't let a woman sleep in peace, can you?"

Her hand reached out from under her blanket and caught his, bringing him closer to her. He let her, for there was nothing else he'd have liked more.

"Potion gone wrong, if you were wondering," she explained softly. "We needed an extra edge to the game with Puddlemere this week, and Clarita suggested a limb-heightening potion. I was stupid enough to try it first, so here I am."

"What potion?" Harry frowned, before realising it was not the question he should have been asking. "Wait, what's it going to do now? Surely there's an antidote to this —"

"Nope," Ginny said, pursing her lips and Harry's heart skipped a beat as he saw her eyelids fluttering shut.

"Gin, don't sleep! Ginny!"

"Harry, stop panicking, I'm not going into a coma," Ginny chuckled, "the potion was supposed to increase my stamina. We must have done something wrong because it's doing the exact opposite. There's no other option but to wait for it to neutralize."

"Huh?"

"It's just going to make me sleepy," she explained.

He waited a second. "You're saying it's basically harmless then," he stated slowly, as if he was having trouble believing it himself.

"Basically. But I'll be fine."

"You'll be fine," Harry repeated again and then sighed in relief. "Thank Merlin, I thought something bad had happened, bloody nearly gave me a scare."

"This is bad, too, you know," Ginny said. "I'm sitting out the next match. And the one after that too if this doesn't get better by then."

He agreed with that, but couldn't help but grin. This was good, of course, not entirely, but he'd take this any day over anything he'd thought about.

"You know, I'd tell you to stop smiling," Ginny started, "but I know it'll make no difference."

"Rightly said, Miss Weasley," and he bent forward and picked her up, still grinning. Ginny yelped and he laughed as she brought her hands around his neck.

He looked at her and in a moment of impulse, leaned forward and kissed her, slightly dipping her down and Ginny shrieked again, laughing as Harry brought her back.

"What, you don't trust me?"

"A bit too much, in fact, Mr. Potter."

...

"What were you thinking?"

"You need it, Gin," Harry said, matter-of-factly. "I asked Hermione and she said this was the best option."

"Hermione told you to buy an entire shop's worth of energy bars?"

"No," he said, "but I figured it was for the best." He was being patient, unnaturally so, but this was the third time Ginny had yelled at him that day, and he was trying to be calm, to look at it from her eyes, but it was becoming increasingly hard to do so. But he could see that that was what she wanted of him, so he did it.

As long as she was okay.

He could see how frustrated she'd been for the past four days, dealing with her lack of energy, and he'd tried making it better for her but it hadn't worked, and now he was running out of options. "You'll need it," he said after Ginny didn't answer. "They're good for you."

"Oh, I know," she snarled, "hand me the bill, Harry."

"Ginny —"

"Give me the damn bill!"

Harry sighed and relented, handing over the scrap bit of paper he'd stuffed in his pocket. He watched as her eyes skimmed over the page and winced, damn well knowing what was to come. Sure he'd gone over a bit, maybe more than a bit, but it was for the greater good.

No, she'd yell if he told her that.

Maybe for her good.

No, that wouldn't do either.

"Two hundred pounds?" Ginny started quietly, and Harry, for a brief second, wished she'd yell instead of using that tone. "You spent two hundred pounds on this?"

"To be fair, there are a lot of flavours here," he defended and cringed.

Wrong answer.

"Flavours?"

"Don't yell, please," Harry sighed. "Yell at me later, Gin, but not now, it'll drain you out."

"Oh, so I'm supposed to ask for your permission now, huh?" she retorted and then paused for a second, whatever she wanted to say next, lost to the world. He watched her turn towards the stairs and shake her head once, twice.

"Gin?"

"You're right," she said finally, and he could sense a defined resignation in her voice. "I'm going up."

She was exhausted, he realized. More than she was letting on. She had been since the potion accident and the yelling had not helped.

For the past four days, all he had seen was her driving herself to exhaustion and he'd said nothing. Said nothing as he watched her struggle to a point where she could barely keep herself awake. He'd said nothing because he knew that was what she needed. He couldn't put it in words, but he'd kept his distance, helping when required.

Because that was what Ginny needed.

So he said nothing as she made her way up the stairs, their argument forgotten as he watched her climb the blocks, one at a time.

"Gin?"

She answered after a second and when she did so, she sounded out of breath."Yeah?"

"Can I help you?"

"No."

And Harry sighed, wondering if that was what she truly needed.

...

"Gin?" Harry called, knocking on the door thrice in succession before sighing. "Gin, can I come in?"

He'd never had to ask before, but Ginny'd never locked him out like this. Ever. Sometimes, she'd lock the door to their room out of habit but Harry understood that, seeing how she had lived with six boys before and needed her own privacy. But with him, she'd never hid.

Until now.

"I'm coming in," he stated when he got no response, taking out his wand to produce a quick unlocking spell.

"No, don't!"

He stepped back as he heard her voice, out of habit, searching for signs showing she might be hurt. He found none.

"Are you okay in there Gin?"

"I'm fine."

"Right," he replied, finding nothing else to say back. "Ginny?" he asked after a second. "Can I come in?"

"Please don't," he heard her say and he looked at the door, hoping he could see her through it. "Just," she sighed, "please just leave me alone, Harry."

No, he wanted to say. I won't. He wanted to go in and he wanted to hold her while she fell asleep, hoping that that would fade her problems away.

But he settled on saying, "okay," because that was what she wanted and that was what she needed, so he'd do that for her.

"I love you," he said as he rested his forehead against the door. He didn't know what else to say.

The past week had been rough, for her, and for him, but even through all of it, he needed her to know how much he loved her. Part of him thought she wouldn't say it back, the other part wishing she would.

"I love you too," she said finally and he nodded, very well knowing she couldn't see him. But nonetheless, he wanted her to know. And even though she couldn't see him, he knew she'd know. She always did.

So he turned to leave, because that was what she needed from him and he'd do whatever he could, if that meant she was okay.

He didn't make any noise as he turned towards the stairs, his footsteps silent against the floor.

"Harry?" he heard her call and immediately turned towards the door, wand at the ready to perform the slightest spell required.

"Yeah?"

"Tell Gwenog I'm out for the week."

...

The night was a special kind of blackness he noticed, the kind that wanted only to hold the stars and help them shine all the brighter.

He tried but Harry couldn't appreciate its beauty. With Ginny to point it out, it had come easily, looking for the tiny points of light hidden in the murky darkness. The one who could spot the most stars won.

She always did.

Perhaps, that is why, as he stepped into the training grounds, he wasn't bothered by the lack of stars in the sky.

She wasn't there with him this time.

He didn't know why he was there. Why he had come all the way to the Harpies' training grounds when he could have spent it with Ginny at home. He'd figured it was the fear playing, the dread he'd feel if she locked him out again. If he had to watch her push herself to exhaustion one more time. Or perhaps, it was simply because he wanted to understand the allure that had brought her here in the first place.

He couldn't get it.

He didn't understand.

Maybe she did, but he couldn't.

"Is she okay?" He heard a voice behind him, and he knew it was Gwenog. She was the only one here after hours, the only one crazy enough to do so, Ginny had said. Gwenog lived and breathed Quidditch, she'd told him. That, while it was a much loved career for her, it was an entire life for Gwenog.

For a second, he contemplated saying no, for it was the truth. Ginny wasn't okay and Harry didn't know what to do.

But he couldn't say that, and he took his time turning around, smiling wearily at the sight of the Harpies' captain. "I don't know," he decided at last, and Gwenog nodded as if she'd expected him to say that.

"She can't play in this week's match," he said plainly, holding back any expression that might give him away.

"She said that?"

"Yeah."

"No, you mean she told you she couldn't play or are you —"

"No, she told me to tell you."

Gwenog frowned, her eyes disbelieving and Harry glared at her.

"You can't possibly expect her to play in this state," he said angrily. "She can barely walk, goddamn it!"

"I didn't mean that," Gwenog frowned. "Ginny's….just never one for admitting things like this. I expected you to knock some sense into her. Not-not like this."

And that was true. He'd seen her play Quidditch with a fractured leg and a bludger to her ribs, goddamn it, and she'd done so brilliantly.

Gwenog was right. This was not the Ginny he knew. Not the Ginny he loved.

Had things become so bad that Gwenog had needed to step in to make him realize that things were not as it seemed? That Ginny was simply not okay? That maybe, just maybe, her struggling day in and out was her way of dealing with this?

"I have to go," he announced and Gwenog nodded, though her lips were still set in a frown.

But Harry knew she understood.

…

This time he didn't knock.

This time he knew well enough.

He found her on her bed as he walked in, curled up under her blanket. She wasn't sleeping, for the rise and fall of her figure was erratic. Not fast, but it wasn't constant either, like it did while she was sleeping.

"Harry?" Ginny turned and Harry could see her trying to hold her tears in. He didn't know how long she had been doing this, how long she'd been struggling with what he couldn't help with.

"I thought you might need me here," he said and he offered a shrug as Ginny looked at him.

"I don't need anything now, Harry."

"We don't always have to need each other, do we?" he asked as he laid down beside her on the bed, gently pulling her close to him. Ginny sighed, pausing before she gave in and rested her head on his shoulder.

"I suppose not," she said and he could hear her voice wavering ever so slightly.

The problem, he realised, was that the feeling of need was unknown to them both. Harry knew not to need from a very young age, but Ginny... Ginny knew how fast need could be turned into a trap. The need to be independent had been taught to her in the hardest way possible. Without it, he realized, she felt helpless. By thinking her wants were his to fulfill, he'd forgotten her needs.

For he realized, want and need were two very different things.

He needed Ginny, needed her more than he could ever comprehend.

And he knew Ginny felt the same.

...

[ashthewaterghoul]

The Ball - A Wolfstar One Shot

Tonight was the night. The night that the class of 1978 had been anxiously awaiting. The seventh year leavers’ ball. Every girl had meticulously perfected each element of their outfit and the lads had some help from their dates in finding the right dress robes, corsages and other accessories. Each couple was perfectly matching one another, and the Great Hall was decorated with magic aplenty. Confetti sprinkling down from the ceiling, banners that flashed different messages of good-luck and goodbyes, self-refilling plates and bowls of food and drinks and tables that grew depending on how many people were around it.

The couplings were just as anyone expected, Peter and Mary going as friends, James and Lily, Marlene and Dorcas, and who could forget, Sirius and Remus. Sirius had been fussing over each detail of their ensembles since Remus asked him out in a much less extravagant way then James did for Lily. Sirius was wondering how he could tie a tie and fold a pocket square without magic and trying to find spells so that his robes’ shade of black was exactly the same as Remus’.

The night was finally here, and Remus was on what he calls “the perfect day” of the lunar cycle, it’s the day when the moon has very little effect on him, his strength, his senses, anything. He could enjoy the time with his date like any regular lad going. Even though Sirius had started getting ready at 1 o’clock that afternoon, he still wasn’t done, and it was nearly 7 o’clock, the start of the ball. Remus was the only one left in the common room, he was nervously fidgeting with the positioning of his corsage, which Sirius has picked out to match the dress robes. He was about to go see if Sirius was okay, even though he was given strict orders to not see him until he was done.

Just as Remus started towards the stairs to the dorm, his date walked down. Remus’ breath escaped him completely. The wait was definitely worth it. Sirius’ long, silky curtain of hair was pulled into the signature bun with his wand going through it, small pieces of hair purposefully pulled out, perfectly framing his already perfect face. His makeup could be described as nothing less than gorgeous, blue shimmering eyeshadow accompanied by a large wing of eyeliner, the dash of blush brought even more warmth to his face and the bright red lipgloss was the cherry on top of the cake. The robes that Sirius was panicking so much about were just as perfect as the boy wearing them, the midnight blue tie and pocket square folded and tied perfectly, adorned with a dog paw print tie pin.

“You going to stand there gawking or are you going to take me to the ball?” Sirius said jokingly, a wide smile on his face. Remus found the ability to speak.

“Sirius, you look beautiful.” He said adoringly.

“You look very handsome.” Sirius replied.

“Thanks. Well, shall we?” He held an arm out.

“Yes, we shall.” Sirius replied, linking arms with his date.

They walked down to the hall, smiles gleaming and unchanging.

When they got down to the area before the hall, they instantly spotted their friends and walked over.

“Finally!” James said, spotting the two.

“We almost thought you weren’t coming.” Lily said.

“After all the effort that went into this?”he gestured to his entire body, “You’d have to be barking.”

“I reckon I look better though.” Marlene butted in, dramatically adjusting her robes and orange tie, which she favoured over a dress.

“Attention students!” McGonagall announced by the entrance to the hall, “If you get into your pairs, you may enter in a moment.”

Everyone instantly jumped into a line, joined tightly to their partners. The doors swung open, revealing the decorations that Lily and Dorcas were in charge of, every one walked in and sat at their allocated seats, ready for their meal which promptly arrived, well, appeared. Soon after, everyone was done eating and ready to dance.

The first dance was to a traditional wizard’s ball song, with a specific dance to accompany it, Sirius assumed what was usually the female’s part. The music started and everyone started dancing in synchronisation. As Remus and Sirius danced together, they felt strangely connected in a a strange way, each move, each lift, each second caused the connection to grow. The last lift at the very end of the song went well, but Remus lowered Sirius slowly and gently, not wanting the moment to end. Sirius looked deeply at Remus as he slowly descended. After a few moments of silence before the next song a million emotions flowed through each lad, and an equal amount of words were silently exchanged. The next song started playing, this one very slow and no specific dance, the two just held each other. Sirius wrapped his arms around Remus’ shoulders, and Remus held onto Sirius’ waist, their foreheads were pressed against each other’s, eyes shut as they gently swayed to the music.

Lily and James were holding each other in a similar fashion, her red hair in bouncy curls over one shoulder, James didn’t want to wear green, but after seeing Lily in her dress for the first time he could not resist. Dorcas and Marlene chose to wear orange, Dorcas in a light, flowing dress that actually managed to get Marlene at a loss for words and Peter and Mary in yellow to “symbolise the happiness of friendship” as they put it, Mary had a rather simple dress on, that worked surprisingly well with the dresses of her friends. The three couples all kept staring at Sirius and Remus, happy that they had finally found that bond that had always been lurking within since they met.

The volume of the song started to increase, Remus and Sirius separated their foreheads and nodded in unspoken understanding. As the music suddenly swelled, the two boys pulled each other into a kiss, a passionate kiss that cemented their bond with each other, forever, no matter what.

A few songs and a lot of dancing later, the two lads had snuck off outside to their little spot on the grounds that no one else knew about. Sat with not even a centimetre between them, silently smoking while enjoying the company of each other. Remus finished his cigarette and threw it to the ground, and turned to face his boyfriend. He just stared at how perfect he looked.

“You’re gawking again.” He said while casually taking another puff.

“I know.”

“Okay, then.” He said, shaking his head with a smirk.

“Merlin, you’re gorgeous.” Remus let out and caused a massive smile to grow on Sirius’ face.

“You are just,” Sirius said chuckling, not quite being able to find the right word.

“I’m just what?”

He placed a small kiss on Remus’ lips.

“That, you’re just that.”

Remus chuckled, but a thought crossed his mind and caused his face to drop.

“Are you sure you want us?” He asked, motioning between the two.

“What do you mean?” Sirius’ expression unchanged.

“I’m a werewolf and you’re a Black.”

“Yeah, no shit Sherlock.”

“We aren’t exactly going to have it easy.”

“Remus,” he said softly, throwing his cigarette away and moving to sit on his boyfriend’s lap, “I don’t care. I just want you, and you are a werewolf, and that’s amazing, and you are amazing.”

Remus started to tear up at those words.

“Padfoot, that was beautiful.” He said gently tucking one of the stray bits of Sirius’ hair behind his ear.

“No, Moony, you are beautiful, in whatever form.” His silver eyes twinkling in the starlight.

Remus gently pulled Sirius into another small kiss. Remus was staring at Sirius, something was clearly dancing around his mind.

“What is it, Rem?”

He took a deep breath before saying: “I love you. I always have, and I always will.”

It was Sirius’ turn to tear up now. He let of a happy sob and flung his arms around Remus, nuzzling into the crook of his neck. After a few moments of a bone crushing hug, Sirius looked at Remus fully.

“I love you, and I will never stop.”

Remus took another deep breath and said: “Pads, I never want to spend a day without you, never again, so would you consider spending this night with me? And tomorrow, and every day after that?”

Sirius was speechless. His happy crying replaced with a shocked expression that was fixed and impossible for Remus to read.

“I’m sorry, that was too much to quick wasn’t it? You can forget I said that, if you want. I-”

Remus was cut off by deep kiss.

“Of course I will.” Sirius said in a soft whisper.

The two went back into another tearful, bone crushing hug.

“We should tattoos as well.” Sirius said, finally looking at his boyfriend again.

“What of?”

Sirius looked around for ideas until his eyes landed on his tie pin.

“What about we get each other’s paw prints?”

“That sounds great, Pads.”

The two pressed their foreheads together again, just next with each other. They enjoyed a long few moments, until they were abruptly bombarding with their friends dog piling on top of them. All of them rolling on top of one another in an entanglement of limbs, laughing so much that most of them were losing their breath completely. When they were finally all free of each other, Dorcas piped up: “We were wondering where you got to!”

“Yeah, we thought you’d gone back to the dorm to-“

“NO, that was just you Mary!” Lily cut her off.

“How did you find us?” Remus asked.

“You forget that one of us can turn into a very small, somewhat undetectable animal.” Peter answered.

“Oh yeah, forgot about that.”

“Why’d you guys sneak out here anyways?” Marlene asked.

“We were trying to get some peace and quiet.” Sirius said.

“Yeah, probably so you could-“

“Mary MacDonald, I swear to God!” Lily shouted.

“Shall we go back in? It’s freezing out here.” Dorcas said, brushing the grass from her dress. All the girls made their way in as the boys stayed behind staring after some of their closest friends, Sirius and Remus clinging to each other’s side like there’s no tomorrow.

“They all look great tonight don’t they?” Remus said aloud.

“They always do, mate.” James said, clapping an arm around Remus’ back.

“You know what I mean, you were absolutely gawping at Lily, more than usual that is.” Remus joked.

“I could say the same about you with that one.” He gestured towards Sirius.

Remus let out a light chuckle.

“Can you blame me? He looks gorgeous.” He turned his head to look at Sirius, who was giggling and blushing.

James walked around to Sirius’ free side and put an arm around his back which was promptly returned, and Remus waved to Peter to join him. The four boys walked back to the castle, linked together like brothers, well two were closer than brothers. The special, unique bonds that each shared were ones that would last a lifetime. And Remus and Sirius? That bond would surpass a lifetime.

Hello there, sorry this one was so long, it’s ~1880 words so if you made it to the end then have a cookie 🍪. This was inspired by a part I put in ‘Take Me Back - A Wolfstar One Shot’. Thank you for reading! Any feedback would be greatly appreciated as well as other ideas for future fics!🥰

You can view my other one shots here

[wordsablaze]

Avalon Smiles

Merlin's immortal and no stranger to New Year's but this time, Avalon makes it special by giving him the only gift he's ever desired... Enjoy!

A.N: it’s my last fic of the year - the decade - and i just wanted to finally write about merlin being happy so here you go ^.^

-

New Year's.

Merlin was not a fan of New Year's.

Of course, he appreciated the way families and friends got together, travelling round the world to meet and celebrate and spend time together - it would be rude of him not to.

But it was always difficult for him to join in.

His best friends were dead.

And his family was long gone.

The acquaintances he made over the years never really knew the true him, and he always had to mysteriously disappear after a while or else they'd realise they were all growing older without him.

It was painful to leave them all behind, the people he grew to care about despite telling himself that he should stick to being alone, but he never knew how to tell them about his past and he knew he’d never be able to handle revealing the truth over and over and over again.

Natural ageing spells were far too tiring to maintain anyway.

So, when New Year's rolls around yet again, Merlin isn't particularly excited.

He couldn't care less, to be honest.

Instead of joining his co-workers in their plans for a night out they claim they’ll never forget, Merlin keeps his head down and makes plans for which country he should move to next.

He politely declines any invites he gets, laughs his way out of being persuaded to join everyone, and tries not to think about the disappointment on the faces of those who try to convince him to tag along.

He just thinks about how it's always exciting, moving somewhere different and finding a new place to stay, often giving himself a fresh identity just for the fun of it - he’d sometimes name himself after the Knights of The Round Table just because he could.

"Lin, you're coming too, aren't you?"

Merlin blinks, looking up from the beautiful watch he'd been mending. "Sorry?"

It sometimes took him a minute to remember the name he’d given himself but, thankfully, this was one of the easy ones because it was essentially the truth.

And if his fake birth certificate said Lincoln instead of Merlin, well, it didn't matter anyway because everyone called him ‘Lin’.

The manager, Nick, smiles at him, an almost sad look in his eyes. "New Year's. Are you coming?"

Sighing, Merlin slowly shakes his head. It'll be sad to leave 'Lin' and this job behind but there's no other choice: he’s been here far too long and they’ll get suspicious if he claims he’s still at university for much longer.

“I’m not surprised,” Nick says, but not unkindly. “I’ll miss you, you know?”

“Oh?” Merlin smiles a little, putting the watch down properly.

Nick chuckles. “You know I will, Lin, you have such a unique way of fixing time…” he gestures to the watch Merlin has impressively all but brought back to life.

“It’s my pleasure,” Merlin replies, and he means it. He’s grown to love the irony of watching time pass in a place surrounded by reminders of how far he’s come.

It definitely helps that the owner of a watch shop is called Nick, that makes it so much easier to deflect personal questions with puns and jokes. It’s the safest he’s felt in a long time and he knows this shop is a place he can never forget.

Nodding sincerely, Nick leans forward so their conversation is more hushed. “If you ever decide to come back…”

When Merlin opens his mouth to protest, Nick just holds up a hand. “I know you’re not planning on returning from New Year’s break but I want you to know, there’s always a place for you here.”

With that, he places a small, plastic card on the table, one with a little photo of Merlin in the corner and the words 'assistant manager’ printed in the centre.

Merlin exhales softly. “Nick, I…”

“It was going to be a surprise gift at the party but I don’t want to risk you never knowing because you’ve skipped town,” Nick admits, the sincerity in his voice making Merlin’s eyes prickle with regret.

“You don’t have to say anything but, you know, the offer’s on the table. For as long as it takes.”

“As long as it takes to what?” Merlin asks, clearing his throat because he’s definitely not about to cry at the thought of being so dearly appreciated.

Nick shakes his head with a smile. “As long as it takes for you to find what you’re looking for in life.”

It’s been a long time since anyone has understood him so well and Merlin has the strange urge to both cry and hide away so he can process it.

Thankfully, Nick claps Merlin on the shoulder before he can make a fool of himself and flee. After a moment, he squeezes Merlin’s arm slightly. “I hope to see you soon, Lin.”

Merlin has to brace himself on the counter as Nick leaves.

He catches sight of the card and sighs heavily, picking it up and slipping it in his pocket, just in case 'Lin' ever needs to resurface in future.

Then he gets back to the watch, adding a few finishing touches before placing it in the right case and signing out, throwing a glance at the cosy shop he’d found refuge in before closing the door behind him and starting to walk.

He walks until he reaches the end of the road, and then the end of the next road, and then the next, and the next and the next until he’s not on roads anymore and the sound of water softly hitting the shore replaces the dull hum of traffic.

“Hello again, dollophead,” Merlin breathes as he sits in front of the quiet lake.

“And that’s another year passing but who’s counting, right?” Merlin continues, pulling his knees up resting his arms on them, trying to get comfortable.

“I’m not sure I want to leave,” Merlin confesses quietly, pulling out the card Nick had given him and staring at what could have been his new job, “and I know I’ve said that before but it was really looking good this time.”

As usual, there’s no answer, only the perpetual rise and fall of the ocean waves.

Merlin curls his fingers around the card and lets his head fall onto his arms, his eyes falling shut even though it’s only early evening. He can feel the warm sunset light fall over him and the ghost of a smile flickers on his face, knowing how beautiful everything must look right now.

He’s seen the sun set over this lake thousands of times but it never gets any less impressive, any less beautiful, any less painful.

“I miss you,” Merlin whispers quietly before dozing off.

When he wakes, it’s to the feeling of something digging into his back.

“Ow,” he mumbles sleepily, yawning as he stretches his arms and pulls himself upright.

It’s a small mercy that it’s never cold at the lake, nor too warm. It’s always a comfortable temperature, as if the place itself knows to take care of its visitors. Of its Visitor.

“Good morning,” Merlin whispers, smiling at the sunlight reflecting off the water because it reminds him of his Prince, his King, that ridiculous but endearing smile.

“It’s the last day again,” Merlin points out for what feels like the millionth time as he pushes himself to his feet and brings the feeling back into his limbs so he can start walking to his usual spot.

The spot where a dragon had bid him farewell.

“Here we go again,” Merlin says to nobody in particular, settling against his favourite tree and leaning back so he can watch the water as he always does, surrounded by the closest to peace he’s ever able to feel.

Said peace flies by quickly, the sun rising and falling before he’s ready for it.

Merlin sits up as he feels the millions of people around the world start counting down, closing his eyes and letting the darkness of the sky envelop him entirely.

“Ten…”

It’s been a while since he’s had to count down to a new identity and the usual thrill of leaving almost feels wrong this time, out of place.

“Nine…”

Maybe he’ll go to France, he’s always wanted to try those lovely treats that anyone in Camelot would have fought tooth and nail for.

“Eight…”

Or maybe he can try Venice again, with less falling into the water this time around.

“Seven…”

It doesn’t matter in the end, because all he cares about is being able to get back here when he needs to, back to familiarity.

“Six…”

It’s hard, sometimes, to hide his magic, but it’s even worse when he finds himself forgetting that he can use it at all - that’s always when he knows he needs to relocate.

“Five…”

Although, Nick had never been suspicious of his magic and Merlin had never felt like he had to suppress it, disguising it under talent and a family history in clock-making.

“Four…”

In retrospect, that sounds like a hollow and unbelievable reason but he’s not complaining about the freedom it gave him.

“Three…”

He just wishes he could truly be free, truly go back to dealing with herbs and cloaks and horses that eagerly awaited his arrival at the stables.

“Two…”

He can’t remember the last time he felt loved - truly loved - and he can’t help missing his friends, his family, his people as yet another countdown comes to an end.

“One…”

And that’s it.

Merlin’s another year older and has nothing, nothing to show for it.

Small, warm tears escape his eyes as he exhales, blocking out the rest of the world and curling up, wishing he hadn’t been destined for a future that never seems to arrive.

“Merlin?”

No.

Impossible.

Merlin’s eyes snap open as he looks around wildly, unsure if he’d just wishfully imagined that voice. It wouldn’t be the first time.

“Merlin, I know you’re there.”

He’s never imagined that arrogance though.

Regardless, he finds himself frozen, unwilling to move and break the illusion.

“Come on, Merlin, I’m getting chills!”

A small noise slips past his lips, a mix of a gasp and a sob.

It can’t be.

But it must be.

“Arthur?”

Merlin knows he’s barely even whispering, his voice so quiet he can barely feel it forming, but he hears someone sigh in relief.

“Why is it so dark?”

Biting his lip to stop himself from laughing or crying, Merlin wobbles unsteadily to his feet, trying to steady his racing heart.

“There you are…”

And then someone’s running and Merlin can’t breathe because there are arms around him, arms pulling him close and keeping him close.

“Arthur…” Merlin breathes, returning the gesture and bringing his arms up to pull the other closer, hoping this is real.

It is real, it has to be real, because who else would be wearing armour and a soft, red cloak except the one and only Arthur Pendragon?

Arthur smiles and only tightens his grip in response. “Thank you, Merlin.”

“What?”

Apparently amused at Merlin’s confusion, Arthur chuckles. “Thank you for waiting all this time.”

Oh.

Merlin almost sobs, letting his drop onto Arthur’s shoulder as he shakes his head, wishing the lump in his throat would go away. “I didn’t exactly have a choice.”

At that, Arthur starts laughing but, before Merlin knows what’s happening, they’re both crying, shaking, deciding to sit down before Merlin’s knees give out or Arthur trips over himself because it’s too dark to see.

Once they’re settled against a tree, Merlin takes a deep breath and conjures a small orb of light that hovers beside them.

Arthur’s startled expression is the first thing Merlin sees and he panics, clenching his fingers into a fist so the light disappears.

He'd thought…

“Merlin, you idiot, now I can’t see you,” Arthur chides after a moment of silence.

He'd thought right. Thankfully.

Merlin coughs sheepishly, “I’m sorry, I-”

“I know. It’s okay, I… I know.” Arthur’s voice is quiet but sincere and Merlin almost starts crying again as relief floods through his blood.

He conjures the light again and this time, Arthur is beaming at him, already reaching for him and pulling him close so they’re leaning on one another as if they’re just out hunting again.

“Merlin?”

He doesn’t think he’ll ever tire of hearing Arthur say his name.

“Arthur?” he mimics, a smile fixed on his face.

A few beats of silence pass before Arthur interlocks their fingers, squeezing his hand gently and whispering, “You need to stop running.”

Merlin frowns, torn between confusion and the warm feel of Arthur’s hand making his heart happy. He settles on shaking his head minutely. “I’m not… I’m not running.”

But Arthur’s not ready to accept that. He glances at Merlin with concern in his eyes. “I heard you, Merlin. Every year. You’re always running somewhere different every time.”

Swallowing audibly, Merlin just sighs. “It’s not that bad.”

“But even I can tell it’s not that good,” Arthur argues, turning so he’s staring directly into Merlin’s eyes, the gold from the orb reflecting the compassion in his eyes as he raises an eyebrow.

Merlin shrugs.

Arthur smiles at him again, taking his other hand too. “Stay here. Don’t run away this time.”

Thinking of the card still in his pocket, Merlin bites his lip. “I don’t know…”

His thumbs gently rubbing circles on Merlin’s hands, Arthur shifts again so Merlin has no choice but to look into his eyes, almost losing his breath at the hope and promise he finds in them.

“Would it help if I stayed here with you?”

Yes.

Yes

“Yes,” Merlin manages, his eyes watering again as he throws himself at Arthur, the two of them toppling and landing awkwardly but not caring because it’s been so long, too long, and all that matters is that they’re together again.

And that they can stay together because Merlin has an assistant manager’s position waiting for him and there are plenty of cosy flats that need new tenants and there’s nothing stopping the two of them from building a life for themselves.

They end up settling on their backs, staring up at the sky, their fingers entwined and matching smiles on their faces.

“Merlin?” Arthur asks yet again.

“Yeah?”

“Happy New Year.”

Merlin smiles, turning to Arthur. “Yeah. It is.”

Sharing a sideways smile, they curl around one another and barely notice when they drift into a peaceful sleep, content in one another’s arms.

Unbeknownst to them, for the first time in a very long time, Avalon is smiling.

-

Apologies for mistakes! I hope y'all have an absolutely magical New Year's, I'm sending my best wishes! xox See you in the next decade ;p

-

like/reblog but please don’t repost, thanks! masterlist 

[laceymorganwrites]

The story of the sad Chapter 5

Word Count: 1,741

Pairing: hinted Ban x reader

Warnings: cursing I guess

Meanwhile you were on a mission. On a mission to get your conscience clean and to get your sword back.

Your journey led you to where it all began, well not really, but your involuntary immortal life began there.

Somehow there was a rush of adrenaline going through you, making you run the whole way to the fairy king´s forest. You could´ve flied there, it would´ve been quicker, but you needed the exercise.

As you arrived, you were met with a bunch of confused, angry fairies that wanted to throw you out of the forest.

“I´ll be gone in a few moments, I just need to retrieve some things first. I´d appreciate it if you wouldn´t get in my way” you growled at them.

They were still eyeing you with suspicion, but sure enough they backed off.

This place sure changed while you were gone, you thought.

It took a while until you could make out what the forest looked like 3,000 years ago, but still, you couldn´t quite remember where exactly you left your sword.

“Excuse me? Did any of you see a big sword lying around here somewhere? It´s been here a really long time, like 3,000 years? I forged it myself and I kinda need it back. I gave it to Elaine to watch over it, but I haven´t been here in a thousand years so I don´t know where she put it. It´d be great if you could help me” you awkwardly tried to persuade the fairies into helping you.

“It´s you! It´s her guardian angel! Elaine told us you would come back eventually!” one fairy called out, making you raise an eyebrow.

“I´m not sure about the angel thing, but I really need to hurry things up, so it´d be great if you could just give me my sword back” you sighed.

You didn´t want to reunite with fairies you didn´t know and tell them about how you were there when Elaine was born and watched over her for a bit. It wasn´t that special really.

Finally the fairies led you to where their saint was buried.

“Damn, you really didn´t grow an inch, huh?” you smiled sadly, she looked so peaceful, lying there, your sword next to her. Your sword was bigger than her, making you smirk slightly.

“Anyway, I´m sorry I´m too late. I really wanted to come back to you sooner, I´m not even gonna make any excuses. I´m gonna bring you back now, okay?” you smiled at her, tearing up slightly.

She was like your little sister, well, more like your daughter but you didn´t want to feel that old.

You gathered all of your healing magic in your hands and gently placed them on Elaine´s dead body.

Nothing happened for a while, making you frustrated. You called out various curses and angry tears left your eyes, hitting Elaine who opened her eyes.

“Holy fuck, I did it! Shit, I can´t believe it worked! Welcome back, Elaine!” you embraced her in a tight hug, laughing and crying at the same time.

“I´m sorry I´m late...” you sobbed, but she just giggled.

“It´s nice to see you, but why did you bring me back?” she asked, confused.

“There´s someone who wants to see you” you smiled sadly.

Elaine tilted her head and then started laughing again.

“Are you talking about Ban?” she asked.

“Of course I am, don´t you want to see him?” you asked her, this wasn´t the reaction you expected.

“Of course I do, but why is that so important to you?” Elaine tried to get a confession out of you,    it´s not like she was mad at you, quite the opposite really. She didn´t get why you would bring her back, a possible threat to your happiness.

“I think he deserves the happiness he keeps denying himself. All I ever did was fight for fighting´s sake, because it´s what I was told, I think it´s time to do good deeds now. I want to make people happy, I want to protect my friends. And I want to apologize for you for not being there for you and preventing your death.” you whispered, feeling guilty.

“You´re a good person” Elaine told you, smiling up at you.

“We should go now” you picked up Elaine and flied back to the Boar Hat.

She giggled the whole way, holding onto you and making big eyes at the feeling of flying and stared at the view in awe.

“That was amazing!” she sighed when you let her down in front of the door.

“Wait here, I´ll get him” your heart started beating faster, was this really a good idea? It was so selfish of you, you just ignored Elaine´s peace, she was resting assured, so why did you have to rip her back to reality?

You stepped into the Boar Hat, seeing everyone getting ready for tonight´s ball.

“Where the hell have you been?” Merlin hugged you, she scolded you but you knew she was just worried about you.

“Oh, you know, just getting my sword back”  you smirked, showing off your weapon.

“I didn´t think you needed your sword to fight” Merlin inspected you closely.

“All of you have your sacred treasures, you don´t need them to fight either, but I think they´ll come in handy when our real enemies show themselves” you told her.

“If you say so…” Merlin mumbled, continuing getting ready.

You moved further into the Boar Hat, finally finding Ban in the corner, talking to Meliodas.

“Ban. There´s someone outside who wants to see you” you stated frankly.

He gave you a look you couldn´t read before he went outside.

“What the hell did you do, (Y/N)?” Meliodas asked you coldly, there was almost a tint of fury in his voice, but most of all it was worry.

“I don´t know what you´re talking about, like I said, I got my sword back” you said.

Suddenly you felt really weak, the Boar Hat was spinning and the last thing you saw was Meliodas worried face over you.

He carried you upstairs and laid you on the bed, Merlin rushed to your side to examine you, but the only comment she gave was that your body was in chaos and she didn´t know if you would ever recover. Merlin never saw anything like this, she couldn´t help you.

Meliodas started freaking out, Merlin started researching everything about the goddess race magic with the help of Escanor.

At the same time Ban and Elaine reunited.

Ban was confused when you told him someone was waiting for him, he didn´t have anyone left to do that.

When Elaine smiled up to him, he couldn´t believe it, he thought it was an illusion until Elaine explained what happened.

“They did what?” Ban voiced his confusion after listening to her.

Elaine giggled.

“I can´t believe you met (Y/N). You´re really lucky.” she sighed dreamily.

Ban looked down and chuckled.

“I guess I am… how do you know them?” he was curious, he couldn´t imagine the two of them meeting.

Elaine started laughing out loud, making Ban smile brightly, she really was back.

“It´s such a long story. I´ve known them ever since I was born. They were there when I was born actually, even though it was an accident. They come to the forest every few decades to mourn, be it their lost love or the innocents they killed. I think they mourn the person they could never be, but that´s a story for another time. I always called them my guardian angel, because they used to watch over me, make sure I slept soundly and they saved my life in the war. They were my company before you tried to steal the fountain. (Y/N) told me so many stories about life, about the war. I learned everything I know from them, they´re family to me. I told them I would watch over their sword until the day they´d come back to retrieve it. It was our promise that they´d return.” Elaine talked with such sentiment and respect about you, now Ban understood why she always had that dreamy look on her face.

“I watched over you from the other side, you know?” Elaine mentioned casually.

“Oh really? Must´ve been depressing...” Ban huffed.

“A bit. But then Meliodas broke you out of prison and introduced you to (Y/N). And I saw the way your face lit up with happiness. And in that moment I knew I could rest assured. Because all I ever wanted was you to be happy. And I don´t know why (Y/N) brought me back, but then again, I really have to scold you for not chasing them! All you ever preach about is not disappointing and disrespecting me but all you ever do is do that. I want you to be happy, so why won´t you let yourself be? I was dead, you should´ve moved on…” she pouted, crossing her arms. She looked like an angry mom, Ban had to laugh.

But then he looked into the distance again, thinking about (Y/N) and all the reasons chasing you would destroy everything. He was an asshole, you really should know better than to want him. And Ban knew you didn´t.

“You know I can´t. And it´s not because of you. You´re back now, so the topic´s off the table anyways. But even so, nobody should be with me, all I ever do is destroy the happiness in people, I make them miserable. Nobody should get close to me” he mumbled, making Elaine groan.

“Well it´s a good thing I´m back then! Because I got close to you and I didn´t regret it, I never will! I bet all of your friends will say the same.” she put her hands on her hips and glared at Ban.

“Well you died because of me so I don´t think that´s a good omen...” he commented bitterly.

“You´re not making this easy for me...” Elaine mumbled, you said the exact same thing to him and the smirk on her face after she saw his pained expression let him know she did too.

Before any other words could be exchanged, Meliodas came dashing out of the Boar Hat, his face full of worry.

“Everything alright, Cap´n?” Ban asked, raising an eyebrow.

Meliodas frowned as he saw Elaine.

“So this is what´s going on...” he crossed his arms, staring the two of them dead in the eyes.

[cyborgsquirrel]

Sanctuary: Chapter 11

Pairing: Wolfstar

Summary: The epic tale of Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, from their first meeting until their happily ever after.

Link to Prologue

Link to All Chapters

Tuesday, 7th September 1971

Sirius woke the next morning with a heavy head and scratchy, tender eyes after lying awake much of the night hating himself for his total fucking lack of impulse control. Why did he find thinking before speaking so difficult? Everyone else managed it without a problem. Remus had been talking to him, friendly, and he had to blurt out a stupid, fucking offensive question and piss him off. He was an idiot!

Granted, as fuck-ups went, it didn’t quite reach the heady heights of snubbing the very person he was waiting for because he didn’t recognise him, but it came a close second. His last thought before falling asleep had been a memory, the expression of sheer delight on Remus’ face when presented with chocolate cake. If anything could win him back, Sirius thought, it was chocolate.

In the Great Hall an hour and a half later, Sirius encountered a problem with his plan. Hogwarts didn’t provide much in the way of chocolate delicacies for breakfast. He eyed the table. Plenty of meat, cereals and fruit, but not a whole lot of cocoa-based delights. The chocolate croissants might be good enough, though. They were freshly baked, and when he reached over with a napkin-covered hand to take a couple, he discovered they were still warm.

‘I’ll see you in Charms,’ he told James and Peter as he got to his feet and pulled his bag onto his shoulder. ‘I want to speak to Remus before class.’

Sirius made his way to the Charms corridor, planning to wait around in the hope of catching Remus before he went to class, and luck was on his side. A few minutes after Sirius arrived, Remus rounded the corner.

‘Remus. Hi,’ he called to attract his attention. Remus stopped and gazed at him expectantly. ‘Look, I’m sorry about last night. Sometimes I say things without thinking. Well, a lot of the time. Okay, I basically never think.’ Sirius ran his hand through his hair. This wasn’t going well at all. What now? Right, chocolate. ‘I brought you some breakfast. Another peace offering? I’m afraid they don’t serve cake at breakfast, but these have chocolate.’ He held out the two croissants wrapped in napkins. Remus looked at them for a moment before his eyes flicked back up to Sirius’.

‘Thanks, but I’m not hungry.’

Sirius didn’t know what to say to that. How could he not be hungry? Where was he getting food if he never went to the hall? Looking at him closely in the bright sunlight shining in through the many windows, Sirius saw that he looked gaunt and tired, with pale skin and clearly defined bags under his eyes. His robes hung loosely on his body, and his hands had a slight tremor.

‘Did you already eat?’ he asked.

Remus nodded. ‘Yeah.’

Sirius stared at him for a moment. ‘How? I never see you in the Great Hall.’

Remus adjusted his bag on his shoulder and fiddled with the strap. ‘The headmaster lets me eat in the kitchen because of my phobia. He thought it was unfair to make me eat in the hall.’

‘Oh. We thought you had an eating disorder or something because you never seemed to eat anything.’

Remus’ eyes widened. ‘You talked about me?’

‘Erm. Yes? Just because we were worried about you. We weren’t being mean or anything.’ Sirius was nervous now. Had he put his foot in it again?

Remus sighed. ‘Look, I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t appreciate being studied and discussed like some interesting new creature that’s recently been discovered.’

Sirius was aghast. ‘Merlin, no! It wasn’t like that at all.’

‘I don’t really care, Sirius. Just leave me alone, okay? And stop watching me all the time.’

With that, Remus spun on his heels and hurried away towards the Charms classroom, leaving Sirius standing at the end of the corridor with his mouth hanging open, lost for words.

-o-o-o-o-

Utterly defeated. Remus could think of no better way to describe the complex mixture of emotions he was feeling as he took his seat in Charms. He must have been delirious the day before, thinking having friends would be safe. It would never be safe. Getting close to people was too risky. One person learning his secret would be all it took for him to be kicked out of school. And the opportunity Dumbledore had given him was a gift. He could not, would not, waste it.

Lily pulled out the chair next to him and sat down, drawing him from his thoughts. Remus smiled at her in greeting. He felt safe with her. She didn’t nose into his business or ask difficult questions that he couldn’t answer, and she respected his boundaries.

‘Hi, Remus, I noticed you weren’t in class yesterday, so I made copies of all my notes for you. Here.’ She slid a pile of parchment across the table to him. ‘I hope you’re okay?’

‘I’m fine, thank you,’ Remus said. He waited, wondering if further questions about his absence would come next and prove his thoughts wrong. Would he have to end this potential friendship too?

‘Good. You didn’t miss much in Herbology. We were planting dittany, but everything you need to know is in there.’ She pointed at the notes.

Remus picked up the pile of parchment and flicked through the pages as Lily continued to talk about the lessons he had missed.

‘I don’t know how you feel about spiders, but you might be glad you missed Defence yesterday. Emhio turned into an acromantula; it was awful,’ she said with a delicate shudder. Remus didn’t mind spiders and thought it sounded fascinating, but he stayed silent. ‘We learned reparifarge in Transfiguration, the spell to revert something to its original state?’

Remus nodded that he understood.

‘You might want to speak to Professor McGonagall and get an item to practise on. It seemed important that we can do it. Oh, and it’s a shame you missed Charms. We learned the wand lighting spell and then had to complete a maze to practise it. It was really fun, but I’m sure you’ll be able to manage that one with just the notes. It’s not hard,’ she said all in one breath before offering him a bright smile and tucking her hair behind her ear.

Remus felt a surge of pure joy. She had glossed right over the reason for his hospital stay and focused instead on helping him catch up on what he missed. It was exactly what he needed from a friend. ‘Thanks, Lily. This is amazing. I really appreciate it,’

‘It’s no problem, I hope you’d do the same for me if I had to miss class,’ she said, smirking at him.

‘Absolutely,’ he said, chuckling at the blatant hint.

‘Good morning, class,’ Professor Flitwick said over the noise of the chattering students. He paused while they all settled down and turned their attention to him. ‘Today’s lesson is the Flagrate charm. It’s a wonderful spell for perfecting one’s aim and wand control, and I think you’ll find it a lot of fun. It allows you to draw on surfaces with a non-damaging flame, like so.’

Professor Flitwick demonstrated the charm by drawing an impressively accurate picture of a dragon on the blackboard. The flames gave the image an ethereal quality that Remus thought beautiful.

The students enjoyed themselves drawing words and pictures all over the classroom. Professor Flitwick was quick to vanish anything rude but didn’t bother to punish the casters, instead complimenting them on their spell work. Lily was drawing flowers on everything with a cheerful smile on her face and Remus practised writing words after realising the spell would be a fantastic way of leaving a message to go with his little bit of mischief. By the end of the lesson, everyone was fairly competent at the charm, and Professor Flitwick gave the entire class five house points for their hard work.

-o-o-o-o-

Lounging on his bed, full and lethargic after lunch, Sirius’ mind returned to the problem of Remus. He had discussed their conversation that morning with James and Peter. They were both as surprised as him and agreed it was unfair to accuse Sirius of treating him like a fascinating new creature when they were just worried about him. But Peter pointed out that if that’s how Remus felt, then they should back off.

Sirius didn’t want to back off, he wanted Remus’ friendship. It had been hard watching him get along so well with that Evans girl in Charms. Then she and Remus worked together planting shrivelfigs in Herbology and sat together again in Defence while they studied Ashwinders. It was unbearable. What did she have that Sirius didn’t? He had to find out.

‘Sirius, will you stop sulking about Remus and get over here? We need your help,’ James called from where he and Peter were crouched on the floor with a box of soap and a bucket of frogspawn. James had written to his father to acquire the items, and his father had sent them immediately, along with a note telling him not to, under any circumstances, tell his mother. Sirius was not jealous of James because of his father, not at all.

‘I’m not sulking, I’m thinking, you git,’ Sirius said, launching himself off the bed to tackle James to the floor and tickle him mercilessly.

‘Get off,’ James cried in between bouts of uncontrollable laughter. ‘We don’t have time. Remus could come back at any moment.’

Sirius stopped and sat up, but remained on top of James, straddling his thighs and pinning him to the ground.  ‘Don’t you see? That’s why we need him to be our friend. Then we wouldn’t have to worry about him walking in when we’re planning stuff.’

‘I don’t know, mate. He doesn’t really seem like the mischief-making type to me,’ James said, straightening his glasses.

‘Maybe he wouldn’t join in, but at least he wouldn’t tell.’

‘He told you to leave him alone though. We can’t force him to be our friend,’ Peter said.

Sirius frowned. ‘No. We can’t. But we can make him want to be.’

James sighed. ‘You already tried that, it didn’t work.’

‘No, I just ruined it by not keeping my mouth shut. I just need to stop talking too much.’

‘Well, good luck with that,’ James said, rolling his eyes. ‘Now are you going to help or not?’

‘Sure. Show me what to do,’ Sirius said.

‘You’ll have to let me up first,’ James said, waving his hand to indicate his legs still trapped beneath Sirius’ ass.

-o-o-o-o-

Wednesday, 8th September 1971, 1:30pm

Standing outside in the middle of the training grounds next to a broom, Remus shivered. Not from the temperature—it was a fairly warm afternoon, and the sky was a brilliant clear blue—but from nerves.

‘Okay, everyone. Stand next to your brooms, hold your hand over them and say, “Up,”’ said Madam Hooch.

Remus did as instructed, and his broom twitched a little but otherwise didn’t move. Opposite him, Sirius and James’ brooms both shot into their hands on their first attempt, and they stood holding them and smirking round at the other students. Peter, however, didn’t seem to be having any more luck than Remus. Lily was to his left, and her broom bounced twice before changing its mind and staying put.

Trying again, Remus held his hand out and, using a firm voice, said, ‘Up!’ To his amazement, the broom leapt into his hand with so much force that he staggered backwards a little and Lily giggled.

Madam Hooch showed them how to mount their brooms and marched down the lines of students, correcting their holds and making sure they were seated properly, before telling them to push off gently, rise a few feet and then lean forward to land.

Remus’ heart rate sped up at the instruction. The one trait he and the wolf shared was a dislike for heights. Well, not heights exactly. More a dislike for the potential of falling and splattering on the ground. He considered this to be a sensible fear and couldn’t understand why more people didn’t share it.

Remus hesitated and glanced around at the other students. Lily had already risen into the air beside him, and the sound of her mad giggling floated down from above. Sirius and James were in the air and zooming around as if born to fly. Show-offs. Madam Hooch yelled at them to come down and blew her whistle. The high-pitched sound hurt Remus’ ears, and he winced.

After taking a deep-breath to steady his nerves, he gathered his courage and pushed off. Remus rose into the air slowly, hovered a few feet above the ground and leant forward to descend. Much to his relief, the broom brought him to a gentle stop at ground level, and he dismounted with a grateful sigh. It was to be short-lived, though, for the next task was to reach a height of ten feet, fly in a straight line to the other end of the training ring and then land. Remus gulped.

Lining up with everyone else, Remus manoeuvred himself to stand behind James and in front of Lily. Both knew of his “phobia,” and he trusted them to keep their distance. He watched as each student, in turn, took to the air and completed the run. Some were more competent than others. Unlike the other classes, in this one, it was easy to tell the muggle-born from the pure-blood. The pure-bloods acted confident and comfortable on the back of a broom, most likely having flown before. The muggle-borns behaved more cautiously, taking their time to get accustomed to the strangeness of riding a broom instead of sweeping the floor with it.

Remus gaped in awe as first Sirius shot across the sky, followed closely by James, who attempted to over-take him and almost managed it. And then it was his turn. He took a deep, steadying breath, mounted his broom and pushed off. As he rose into the sky, he kept his eyes focused on the horizon, chanting to himself not to look down.

The problem started when he reached the specified height and needed to accelerate. In the process of leaning forward, he caught sight of the ground and realised just how far away it was. His head spun and black specks appeared at the corner of his eyes. He leant further forward in an attempt to stay on the broom. It was most unfortunate that the broom took this as a signal to speed up. The ground rushing past at such a great speed finished the job and Remus fell.

He hit the ground with a loud thump and a sickening crack. Familiar pain shot through his wrist, and he knew it was broken. He wasn’t too concerned about it; it would be fine in half an hour. That was the problem. Everyone saw him fall. They would expect injuries. To make matters worse, the watching students were running towards him to see if he was okay.

‘Hey back off! Don’t touch him!’

The voice belonged to Sirius. Thank Merlin, he was keeping the others away.

Sirius crouched down next to him, positioning himself in Remus’ line of sight but at a comfortable distance.

‘Hey. Are you alright, mate?’ he asked, his face creased with concern.

‘Yeah, I think so.’

‘Can you stand? I think you should go to the hospital wing. You fell a long way.’

‘Alright, everyone. Give him some room,’ Madam Hooch said, huffing for breath after hurrying across the grass. ‘Are you injured, Mister Lupin?’

‘Just my wrist, I think, Professor.’

‘Well, that’s not so bad. Madam Pomfrey will have you fixed up in no time. Mister Black, help him to the hospital wing. The rest of you, back to flying.’

Sirius nodded at Madam Hooch but made no move towards Remus, who was trying to haul himself to his feet.

‘Well, help him up then, boy.’

‘No, Ma’am,’ Sirius said, turning his head to the professor with a serious expression on his face. ‘Remus doesn’t like to be touched. He’ll say if he wants me to help.’

Remus nodded. ‘He’s right, professor. I’d rather do it myself.’

Sirius beamed at the confirmation.

When he was finally upright, they started towards the school.

‘You don’t have to come, you know? I can manage,’ Remus said, thinking it would be easier to hide the healing if Sirius left now.

‘I better had. You might have a head injury and pass out on the way there or something.’

Remus thought that unlikely, given his lycanthropy, but didn’t argue.

They walked in silence for a few minutes before Sirius cleared his throat and said, ‘Just in case. If you did pass out, would you want me to catch you or just let you fall?’

Remus turned his head sharply, thinking Sirius was taking the piss, but his face was sincere.

‘Just let me fall,’ Remus said.

‘Right,’ Sirius said, and he nodded. ‘While I’ve got you here, captive so to speak.’ Sirius smirked at him before turning his head down to gaze at his feet while they walked. ‘I wanted to say, I’m really sorry for making you feel like an interesting creature being studied. I feel like a complete dick, and I promise to back off and leave you alone.’

The words came out in a garbled rush, but Remus understood.

‘Thank you, Sirius. I appreciate that.’

Sirius looked up. Remus smiled at him and Sirius grinned like a buffoon. They were almost at the hospital wing, which was good because Remus could already feel his wrist healing and Sirius was now staring at it with a confused expression. When Remus glanced down, he could see that it was visibly less bent than it had been. Shit.

‘We’re almost there. You can get back to flying class now if you want. It looked like you were enjoying yourself, and we only get the one this year.’

Sirius looked torn. ‘Are you sure you’ll be okay? I don’t mind,’ he said, but he clearly did, it was written all over his face.

‘Yeah, go on. I feel fine. I don’t want to keep you from the air.’

‘Alright then, see you later,’ he said. And he was gone. Remus breathed a sigh of relief, crisis averted, and entered the hospital wing.

‘Hello, Remus. Everything alright?’ Madam Pomfrey asked when she saw the identity of her patient.

‘Fell off my broom and broke my wrist. It’ll be fine in a few minutes, though.’

‘Well, let me have a look, anyway.’

Remus held out the damaged arm, and Madam Pomfrey waved her wand over it before checking the results.

‘It’s a clean break. I can fix it for you now if you don’t want to wait through the healing process.’

‘Might as well,’ Remus said, nodding.

Madam Pomfrey cast Episkey, and Remus yelped as his bones knit back together much quicker than he was used to.

‘Good as new,’ she said.

Remus rubbed his newly healed wrist. ‘Thank you.’

‘You can go back to your dorm if you like. I believe you have astronomy tonight? A nap might be a good idea.’

Remus nodded, thanked her again and left. A nap sounded delightful.

-o-o-o-o-

Astronomy class turned out to be boring as hell. They spent the majority of the lesson learning how to use a telescope. Sirius already knew how to use a telescope. He’d been forced into observing the stars from the age of three, and to be brutally honest, he was sick to bloody death of the things. Zoning out of the lecture on how to correctly focus the lens, Sirius glanced over towards Remus and was pleased to note that he had a fully functioning hand again. Watching him fall out of the sky like a stone had been terrifying. It was remarkable that he came out of it with nothing but a broken wrist.

After noting that Remus was fine, Sirius remembered his promise and turned away. Giving his attention to James and Peter, who were fooling around with the telescope while the teacher’s back was turned helping someone else.

Once everyone understood how to manipulate the telescope’s various settings, Professor Sinastra made them practise by finding the moon and noting its position and phase on a chart. Sirius gazed at the moon for a few minutes, remembering how he used to look at it and think about the boy who stood up for him that one time. It was close to full tonight, just beginning to wane. It would have been at its most beautiful just a few nights ago. Sirius silently promised himself to make a point of looking at the moon the next time it was full. He missed doing that.The stars might be boring but the moon was fascinating.

After class, the three friends lagged at the back of the crowd as the two houses headed back to their respective towers. When the students parted ways, they attempted to join the back of the Ravenclaw group, planning to slip away into a concealed passage they knew of on the way to Ravenclaw tower. They were thwarted in their efforts by the bloody Evans girl that Remus liked so much.

‘Where are you three going exactly?’ she said, her high, clear voice ringing out above the quiet chatter of the students. ‘Off to lose us even more points? Haven’t you lost enough yet? Or maybe you have some innocent victim lined up to attack somewhere?’

‘What the hell are you on about?’ Sirius barked. ‘What innocent victim have we attacked exactly?’

Everyone stopped to watch the exchange, forming a rough circle around Evans and the three boys. Sirius spotted Remus watching from a distance through a gap between two Gryffindors.

‘You know very well who. Severus spent hours in the hospital wing after you blew up his cauldron. Those scratches on his arms could have left permanent scarring.’

‘Ha! I had good reason for doing that,’ Sirius said, tossing his hair and puffing out his chest.

Evans crossed her arms. ‘Really? Please do explain.’

Sirius hesitated. He couldn’t announce in front of all these people what Snape had done to Remus. Even if he wasn’t already on thin ice with him, he knew someone like Remus would be mortified by that kind of attention. ‘Well, he’s a greasy git, isn’t he? Bloody deserved it,’ he said instead, knowing full well it made him sound like a dick.

‘Ugh. You’re horrid, Black. Absolutely horrid,’ Lily said, spinning around and causing her long, red hair to swing in a perfect arc before marching away up the corridor.

The rest of the students dispersed, many shooting Sirius dirty looks as they left, Sirius didn’t care though. For once in his life, he didn’t act impulsively. He’d thought before he spoke, and made the right choice. This was a total win for self-control.

‘She is so beautiful,’ James mumbled from beside him.

‘What?’ Sirius said, turning to find James staring after the Evans girl with a dream-like expression on his face.

‘Did you see the way her hair caught the light when she spun around and stormed away?’ James sighed. ‘And her eyes. They’re so green.’

‘Green is Slytherin’s colour. We don’t like green,’ Sirius said, trying very hard to be patient. What the hell had gotten into him? Whatever it was, Sirius didn’t like it at all.

James looked stricken for a moment, then his expression cleared. ‘Her hair’s red though, and that’s Gryffindor’s colour. And there’s more hair than eyes, so it’s fine.’ He nodded, as if reassuring himself. ‘Don’t you think she’s beautiful?’

‘Not really, mate. Can’t see the appeal.’

‘Girls are icky,’ Peter said.

Sirius pointed at him, ‘Yes, exactly. What’s wrong with you, mate?’

‘You just wait. She’ll be Lily Potter one day,’ James said, nodding emphatically before marching off up the corridor towards Gryffindor tower.

Sirius and Peter glanced at each other with confusion. Somehow, Sirius didn’t think James meant his declaration of impending marriage in quite the same way he had when talking about McGonagall. And he was going the wrong way.

‘James! What about the frog-spawn soap?’ Sirius hissed after him.

‘We’ll do it another time. If we do it now, they’ll know it was us,’ James called back over his shoulder.

‘So?’ Sirius said to Peter. ‘Since when did James care about being caught?’

Peter just shrugged.

They chased after James down the corridor and caught up with him just outside of the portrait hole where the bottle-neck had caused a pile-up. Remus sidled over to them and leaned close enough to Sirius to speak quietly.

‘Can I ask you something?’

Sirius nodded and walked a few meters away from the crowd waiting to enter the common room.

When they stopped, Remus turned to face him. He glanced into his eyes before looking down and fiddling with the end of his tie. ‘Why did you really attack Snape?’ he asked.

Fuck, Sirius thought, how was he supposed to answer that? The truth would mean admitting to even more of the very behaviour Remus had complained about. But he didn’t want to lie to him. He shuffled his feet. Truth or lie, truth or lie? His thoughts were frantic.

Finally, staring at the top of Remus’ head, he spoke in a whisper. ‘I did it for you.’

Remus jerked his head up and looked Sirius in the eyes. ‘What do you mean?’

‘He did something to you in the owlery, right? You came back to the dorm covered in shit and feathers, and he’s got injuries from an owl he didn’t get treatment for. Doesn’t take a genius to work it out.’

Remus’ eyes glistened. ‘Thank you,’ he said.

Chapter 12

[evien-stark]

✧I Need You✧ Chapter 24 [53%]

Maybe Tony was right.

You were thinking this as you watched the clouds go by, sitting comfortably on the private jet. Maybe Tony was right. Because he was trying to tell you something. He was trying to tell you something important. And the only thing that you were arriving at, with no help from him otherwise, is that the company needed help, and he thought you were capable. That he also needed help. And that maybe business and personal should no longer be mixing.

That had to be it, right?

Right?

You couldn’t date a man whose company you were also supposed to be running. Whose company was now half yours. Rather that you shouldn’t be dating that man. Maybe that was why he’d been trying to get out? And you’d told him no. No because it had been unfair to load it all on you. And if that was the case, why not just say that so the two of you could work it out?

Or maybe it was Iron Man. Maybe he was worried about that, although things had been quiet ever since he had cut back on taking the suit out for missions, you still didn’t want to think about. At least he had stuck to his word on that one.

Natalie Rushman was already in Monaco, making sure all the arrangements were set. At this point you had no idea who was running your life anymore. Much like you had no idea who Natalie was really working for. It had been good while it had lasted, but at the end of the day, if Tony wanted her, he could have her. There was no way to stop him, and nice as she was, if Tony Stark said I need you to be my personal assistant most people would be fool to turn it down.

Once upon a time you had been in much the same position…

And you were trying valiantly to not let that blind you. Tony was a good man. He had made so many changes. And you didn’t doubt his love for you.

Even if in these past few months…

It felt like the two of you were merely existing next to one another. So when something like this happened… it made you feel weak. Helpless. Frightened of the next day. What might come of it.

He sat down across from you and finally you couldn’t help yourself, “Did I do something wrong?” Such a childish thing to ask. But there you were.

A look of quiet confusion took him. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. I feel like I must have- for you to be acting the way that you are.” Though you’d thought about having this conversation only a few times, it had not started like this in your head. Much like all your plans, not far off the ground before something different happened.

“Acting how?” He brought one leg up over the other, arms crossed as he leaned back in his seat.

You shook your head, breath of annoyed yet amused air escaping with a bitter smile. “I swear, it’s like I’m living in a time loop. We’re just doing the same thing over and over again.”

“...are you mad about Natalie? I’m doing you a favor.”

The raise of your brows and the inhale shocked even you. When had you become so volatile? Maybe dramatic was more the word. There was a shake of an angry chuckle in the first word. “Me? What the hell are you talking about?”

“She was gonna blow our cover.”

“No thanks to you!”

“So I’m fixing it!”

There were only so many interns you could fire or stories you could kill. This couldn’t be a secret forever, that was true. “By- by ogling her every chance you get and hiring her for yourself behind my back?”

“To make it look like I don’t care what you think.”

“It sure as hell feels that way.”

“Then I’m doing it right.” Said so stiffly that for a moment you imagined it was true. Was he mad at you? Impossible. Unbelievable. Your head whipped to the side, lips pressed together. Unable to look at him anymore. The silence was tense until you felt the touch of his hand on your knee. Still, you didn’t look. “I’m trying to protect you.” But this nearly threatened to break you with how gentle he spoke it. “I know you’re in the middle of-” A sigh of self realization. “...a lot of shit I’m putting you through. So I’m trying to clean it up.”

Another dismissive shake of your head. “You can’t do that anymore, Tony. Not like that. You have to talk to me- otherwise what was- what’s the point of this? Of us?” Steeling yourself for what you’d find there, you turned to look at him again.

He looked crushed. Yet determined somehow. “I know I keep saying I’ll get better at this- and then I...”

“You don’t?”

A small swallow, eyes going downcast. “I… I’m...”

 Panic-

No… resignation…

 You waited. He was trying to tell you something.

“...I’m sorry.”

Was that what you were waiting for? “How many times are you going to tell me that until it becomes true?”

Looking back up again he seemed a little more put together than just seconds ago. “It’s true every time.”

“If it was true you wouldn’t have to keep saying it.”

A long, long sigh began to leave him as he sat back again until he eventually started nodding. “You’re right. ...we really are doing a Groundhog’s Day thing here aren’t we?”

A resigned smile came to your lips. “Five steps forward, ten steps back.”

Things felt a little more right. As they usually did when you had the big reset. The question of if you wanted to keep doing this was there. Barely. You tried to ignore it. Tony was trying. He was always trying. But when was it going to be clear that it was not enough? Was it alright to live second best in his life? Could you handle that? It seemed like that was the path you were headed down.

“Are your headaches getting any better?”

A flash of tears caught you completely by surprise. Your voice was small. “...you know about that?” You couldn’t remember ever mentioning it to him. Not once. Determined to deal with it alone because he was off in a different world half the time. And they were just headaches, after all. Not a big deal. Not worth bothering him over.

He gave you a look. “You can barely sit down most days without looking like you’re in pain or putting a hand on your head. Or excusing yourself.” Of course I know. Because I love you. How could I not see you suffering?

And there you were, yet again. Hot off an argument that had resolved moderately, only to be struck by him. “They’re tolerable, most days. I think they’re getting better.”

“JARVIS has a list of specialists for you, when you have the time.”

Which meant Tony had pulled them for you. At least given the request. The glance you gave him was much softer this time around. “You ever consider they might be stress headaches?”

A tired twitch of a grin in return. “Briefly.”

Finally feeling a little better- and look at that, headache free- you moved over to lift the arm rest between the long plush seats so you could sit next to him. His arm went around you, and you rested your head against him, hand raising to that spot, just half over the Arc, half over his heart.

If only you could stay like that.

                          -----------------------------------------------------------

 The drive from the airstrip to the promenade near the start of the track was quick and uninterrupted. Though there was a shiny red suitcase sitting firm on the front seat. You chose to ignore it. Security measures, you supposed. He must have figured out what the bug was on the delivery system after all. You’d stopped asking while drowning in other paperwork.

Did it make you feel safer to know he’d brought Iron Man here?

Not really.

Because in order to even think about why that would make you feel safe, that meant you had to entertain thoughts that would justify it being here anyway. And so…

Tony flashed a peace sign to the surrounding crowd as security escorted you through the front doors of the resort. The cool air was nice. “Mr. Stark.”

“Natalie.” It killed you a lot less than it had previously, the look of happy-to-see-you on his face.

“Ms.-”

“Natalie.” Your smile by comparison was tired as you cut her off. Not trying to be rude. Just… just very tired. It would be nice to sit and sip some cocktails and watch the race. Take a few soft questions about the Stark Industries driver. Let Tony talk about the specs on the car.

Just as you’d taken a drink, Natalie took it right away, putting it back on the tray it came from. “We have one photographer from the ACM if you don’t mind.”

“Of course.”

Tony put his arm around you. “Liven up, will you? People are gonna think I dragged you here.”

“Didn’t you?” Asking through a toothy overexertion of a smile as a few flashes went off in your face. The two of you fake laughed your way through three more bulb flashes and then he was stepping into line with Natalie.

“You look fantastic.” To be fair, she did. Red hair just perfect in styled waves and a gorgeous pink dress that was… well… “But that’s unprofessional. What’s on the docket?”

Gratefully you picked your drink back up from the server who had come around with it as they continued talking. Courtesy of Tony’s new PA, you assumed. No one would dare try to drug you underhandedly here among all the boozy rich people bumping elbows-

“Is this us?” Tony asked her as he pointed at a corner table.

“Uh… it can be.”

“Great. Make it us.” Demanding very quickly and then leaving her behind to do the dirty work.

You took his cue to follow. Down the length of the room and over to the bar where you contemplated very strongly already ordering another drink. It was like you’d turned into him. A gentleman all in white stood to catch your attention, hand outstretched with a sweet call of your name. You returned the favor. “Mr. Musk. Nice to see you.”

“Congratulations on your promotion. It’s all anyone can talk about.”

“I’ll bet.” Coming here was a mistake so soon once the information had finally been released after the finalization. Everyone was going to be up your butt trying to cull favor. Less than ideal.

Tony took the heat off you by reaching in for a shake next, “Hey, how’s it going- you know, those Merlin Engines are fantastic.”

Elon had the good sense to blush. “Thank you very much, Mr. Stark. You know… I have an idea for an electric jet...”

“Really? That’s great. We’ll make it work.” Nudging you briefly to the next destination as soon as he was in the hot seat. The bar was getting closer. “How much stock we got in SpaceX?”

You batted your eyelashes at him as you took a seat. “How much would you like?”

“That’s why I love you.” A benign statement amongst all the ears listening, to be sure. One you very much wanted to read into. So you did.

But your smile evaporated into dust all in the next moment. “Anthony…is that you?”

Tony’s expression looked about on par with what you were feeling, “My least favorite person on earth is approaching.”

“You and me both.” Turning half away to set your drink down and call the bartender over. How long had it been? One minute? You needed a refresher.

Justin Hammer just let himself right on in between the two of you as Tony let out the weakest hello you think you’d ever heard in your life. “You’re not the only rich guy here with a fancy car.”

“Wouldn’t be much of an event if he was, would it?” Looking up you smiled at him, really putting the disdain on heavy.

Tony held a finger up. “I’d like to disagree.”

Pleased, mildly, when Justin inched back. “Ah- didn’t see you there… no uh- no hard feelings about what happened on Capitol Hill right?” As if he’d been the one in control of that situation and embarrassed you. “Uh- hey look!” Quickly sidestepping, “I think- I think you know Christine Everhart from Vanity Fair? You guys know each other?”

You needed to leave. This was getting out of hand. Next thing you knew, Justin was going to pull Senator Stern out of his pocket for good measure. Christine came over at his behest, wearing the same overly polite but telling smile as you were. “Yes, we do.”

“Roughly.” Tony seemed like he also needed a means of escape.

Justin pointed a finger at you, “B-T-W, huge story. This little lady’s made quite a name for herself assuming half of the control of Stark Industries. Congratulations.”

“CEO- uh, is her official title.” It was warming that Tony was stepping up for you. Not that you needed it. But still nice.

“I know, I know.” Christine was going on. “And my editor will just kill me if I don’t grab a quote for our Powerful Women issue.”

Much as you didn’t really want to, it was good free marketing. So long as she didn’t take you out of context. You’d have to be careful. No more booze. Damn it. “Sure, that sounds great.”

“She’s- she’s actually doing a big spread on me for Vanity Fair, aren’t you?” Justin contesting to keep in the spotlight and keep control like the little child he was.

“I am. I am.” Even she sounded tired. That seemed normal. You wouldn’t wish Justin Hammer on your worst enemies.

Tony’s eyes rolled up and then closed, just shaking his head and then directing a thousand yard stare to the left. Bored with this. You could tell. You could feel it. Also maybe slightly embarrassed for Justin, if that were possible. You couldn’t let him zone out and leave you here to fend for yourself. “I remember she did that huge spread on Tony last year for the New Year’s piece-”

“She did a story, as well.” Ah. There he was. Back on cue.

Even if you wanted to elbow him in the ribs, the look of discomfort on both their faces was somewhat amusing. Maybe worth it. “Yes- I did...” Justin’s head whipped to look at her.

“It was a very good piece. I loved it.” At least trying to help the poor girl out.

“Thank you...”

Deciding very quickly you couldn’t stand this anymore, “I’m going to go splash some water on my face before the race starts.” Photographers would be everywhere near the boxes. It was better to not look like a ghoul.

He half grabbed your arm, voice low. “Don’t leave me.”

“You’re a big boy.”

Christine’s recorder was out of her purse and that was absolutely your exit sign so you just gave him a light pat on the shoulder and turned to go. Immediately she was hounding him with questions. You felt slightly bad, you probably shouldn’t have just walked away. But standing there with the two of them any longer and you were liable to give them a real story to talk about.

The bathroom seemed so far away but it was blissfully empty as you walked inside. An overdecorated sham, probably like a lot of these people’s houses. It almost threatened a brand new headache on you. Despite using it as an excuse to run, you really did take a moment to actually splash some cool water on your face and retouch your makeup.

The last thing you needed as new co-CEO of Stark Industries was to be made a fool out of on your first outing. You were here as a representative of your company. What little delight you had in that. You wouldn’t make a fool of Tony. Because if you did a poor job, it would still fall on him for putting you in that position in the first place.

You let yourself hang back for a few moments more, enjoying the bliss that was the only quiet you were going to have. Once you went back out it was vulture city. Fighting off handshakes and photo ops aplenty.

When it came to an end, you went to the corner table Tony had procured, noticing immediately he was nowhere in sight. Maybe he’d taken off too? Would have been smart. And even as strong as he was, he wouldn’t have been able to survive the dynamic duo of Justin and Christine for very long. A waiter came around to set a drink in front of you, something you sipped at mindlessly.

As she passed by, doing who knew what, “Natalie, where is Tony?”

She gave you a blank look. “Oh- ...I don’t know. Let me see if I can find him for you.”

The cars zoomed by on the racetrack closest to the hotel, only feeling their presence in the rattle of the windows. Looking at your drink you pushed it away. No time to get sloppy, and if you were already feeling this foggy, it didn’t bode well. However, the feeling that something was terribly wrong was creeping up. You tried to bite it back, chalking it up to anxiety, but a sudden stunned gasp from the crowd drew your attention to the TV at the top of the bar. They were beginning to huddle.

You found yourself standing quickly, purse on the table, clutching your hands as you looked up at the horror. Someone had stepped out onto the track- a pit crew member? Why would they do that? He threw his helmet off, hard to see his face on the TV camera. Cars whizzed by. He seemed unbothered.

Ripping his track jacket open you felt yourself gasp for air.

No.

The fabric burned away as he extracted what looked like two long whips- electrified.

And powered by-

No, no, no.

Tony- you had to- where was Tony?

Somebody was waving in your peripheral and you half turned to see Happy, Mark V armor suitcase in hand. Happy knew where to go? Happy knew where to go. Wordlessly and quickly you followed him, head down as the people inside screamed and you heard the shred of metal.

“Where is he?” Trying to even out. Tony- Iron Man would fix this. How could Tony have known?

“Tony’s on the track!!”

As if today wasn’t already terrible enough. “Why is he on the track!?” Who let him do that? ...because you’d left? Why wouldn’t he tell you he was- after just hours before… “Why is he on the track!” Directing your anger because you had nowhere else to put it.

“I don’t know! They were talking about him- entering the race-” Happy was driving like a wild person, slamming past a fence barrier headed the wrong way on the track. “I thought you knew!”

“Why would I know about that?!” Did that sound like something you’d sanction? Unbelievable. Unbelievable- but if Tony was in a car- “You have to hurry-”

“I’M HURRYING!”

Cars were racing by you, Happy swerving to avoid them. People were screaming. The announcers were yelling. Chaos. Complete and utter chaos. How had this happened? Why?

There was a burst of an explosion just up ahead- Happy curved around the track so hard you slammed into the door, briefcase heavy in your lap. It was hard to see anything- so much smoke- but you saw the man with weapons. Whatever he was harnessed into- that rig-

“I’m gonna hit him- I’m gonna hit him-!” “Happy!”

Tony was standing right there- not five feet in the path of this lunatic- but the deed was already done. You slammed forward as the car plowed into the guy, unable to help a scream from escaping. When you looked up, Tony was jumping down from the track fence. There was a body on the hood.

“Are you okay?!” Happy was shouting.

“Were you heading for him or me?! Because I can’t tell!” Tony was yelling back.

Why not add your own voice, unable to help it as he came to your door. “What the fuck is the matter with you?!”

“We need better security-!”

“WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?!” Your emotions were running wild- influenced by just about every other person there. A storm was brewing. You were out of control.

“I WAS ATTACKED!” It became a shouting match.

Happy was next. “Will you please GET IN THE CAR!” Everyone was getting in on it.

Tony came around the other side, opening the door, but you saw the creep of the man on the hood sitting up, and then covered yourself, arms up, as he lashed that whip, slicing half the door off. All at once you were moving again as Happy backed the car up only a couple of feet and rammed him again.

“Hit him again- give me the case!” Tony seemed not to know what to make of things-

Happy kept moving back and forth back and forth doing almost nothing at this distance, this speed- the whip came down again. Helpless. You were absolutely helpless-

“I need you to give me the case!”

 Electricity crackled as that line came down again, taking a quarter of the car with it this time, leaving glass shattered on the seats- on your skin- and hot metal coming down. Another lash, sparks were everywhere. Tony was shouting for your attention. Finally you came to. “Here- here-!” Finding some sense and some feeling in your arms again, getting them to move as you threw the case as hard as you could to him.

It was quick- the step on the open lever and then reaching down to pull the handles, activating the locks on the suit to fold up and out, covering him entirely. An impressive thing- if you weren’t currently about to die. The helmet slid on and he moved to push the car several feet away with no problem.

Even then you couldn’t catch your breath-

Tony raised a hand to shoot but was whipped immediately to the side. One more time- and another- hearing the shots charge and fire only to be smacked away by those electric whips.

A final raise of his hand and the deranged man reared back, snapping the cable forward to catch hold of Tony’s arm- then the other cable around his neck and yanked him off his feet forward and then slammed him into the ground. Then threw him around again like a little ragdoll, sending him down against the hood of the car and to the ground once more.

 Your heart seized.

 And then you moved.

“Hey- hey hey hey- HEY!”

 You had no idea what you were doing but you were out of the car. A snap of a whip away. Close to death. Hands outstretched.

 “HEY!!” Shaking from head to toe as you screamed at him. “Look at me- listen to me!! You- you don’t wanna do this!” Briefly, very briefly, the man’s head tilted sideways to look at you, a laugh was not far behind. Fair, considering you were way out of your element here. “Listen-” And then you urged it forward. Everything you had. Everything you could give. “This isn’t what you wanna do- don’t you- hear people screaming? Don’t you feel guilty? Don’t you feel wrong?”

In him there was but a bare moment of thought. A twitch of his eye. A tilt of his head. Consideration.

Confusion.

One second, maybe two.

About as long as you held out-

 It was Tony gathering up the slack of the whips despite the discharge, wrapping his arms around them and jerking the man off his feet, launching him into the air and then down hard on his back. With that a breath escaped you and you felt your knees give out, reaching back to the car to keep from falling on shattered glass and broken roadway. You heard the cut of electricity and looked up to see Tony pulling the power source off his chest. Examining it…

“Hey- hey sit down, will you? Sit for a minute- You don’t look well- just breathe-” Happy was saying a million things to you.

You saw it there as Tony turned to look at you. The police were hauling the crazy man away as he laughed. “You lose! You lose…!”

The world went dark around the edges. You kept watching Tony.

In his hand he crushed an Arc Reactor.

[prissyhalliwell]

FairyGardener!verse- (pure fluff) Jefferson meets Belle and starts to bring her little trinkets whenever he stops by to see Rumple. Rumple doesn't like this at all (which of course makes it all the more fun for our favorite hatter).

Author’s Note: IT’S BACK, BABY! The Fairy Gardener is finished and I will be posting a new chapter every Wednesday until it’s done. If anyone is still reading at this point, thank you so much for sticking in there!You can also find this chapter on AO3.

CHAPTER NINE

If Rumplestiltskin had regretted inviting Jefferson that first day, it was nothing compared to how much he regretted it the next time the Hatter came to tea. Or the time after that.  

It was the second time in two weeks that Jefferson had come to tea unannounced and Rumplestiltskin was ready to strangle the man. While it hadn’t been uncommon for his friend to pop in unexpectedly from time to time in the past, he’d never come this often in such a short period of time. It was obviously due to Belle’s presence in the castle, and Rumplestiltskin thought it very rude of her to be encouraging such behavior. It was his home after all, even if she did technically live there.

He’d hoped that Jefferson’s habit of being forgetful would decrease his visits to the Dark Castle, but the Hatter disappointed him by suddenly having a great memory. Rumplestiltskin wasn’t quite desperate enough to magically block Jefferson from visiting yet, mostly because he wasn’t sure if it would work. For someone who jumped back and forth between realms on a regular basis, magical wards probably wouldn’t be much of a challenge.

The only upside of the visits had been the improvement in Belle’s mood. She had stopped moping around the castle and was more talkative during their meals, even if she seemed a bit more reserved with him than she had prior to Blue’s visit. With Jefferson though, she showed none of this restraint, leaving Rumplestiltskin to believe she still harbored some resentment towards him.

To make things easier for her, he left Belle alone most of the time. He checked on the Jekylls every few days, but spent the majority of his time in his lab researching, emerging only for meals. The castle would still feed Belle if he wasn’t there, but he’d grown used to taking meals with her.

Besides, how was he supposed to learn anything about her if they never spoke? He rather missed their late nights by the fire, reading and trading stories, but he doubted Belle would be interested in that anymore. Maybe if things thawed a little more between them, he would ask. Until then, it seemed best not to broach the subject.

Like they had during the past two visits, Jefferson and Belle were laughing over some ridiculous story he hadn’t been paying attention to. Since they all revolved around Jefferson getting himself shrunk or nearly losing his head, Rumplestiltskin didn’t have much of an interest.

The three of them were sitting at the dining table in the Great Hall with both Belle and Jefferson doing a bang up job of forgetting Rumplestiltskin was even there. In return, he ignored them as well, though he did take note when Jefferson withdrew a small item out of his pocket and held it out to Belle with a grin. He’d brought her something during his last two visits as well.

Rumplestiltskin let out a low growl, unaware that he was digging his fingernails into the arms of his chair.

The pleased expression on Belle’s face was impossible to miss. “Jefferson, you shouldn’t! You’ve given me so much already.”

Rumplestiltskin bit back a comment about how he had given her the roof over her head and sanctuary from the Blue Fairy. Or how he had yet to toss her out on her fairy ass for keeping secrets from him.

“Ungrateful pixie,” he mumbled under his breath.

Belle flashed him an annoyed look from down the table and he flinched. Did garden fairies have super hearing? He’d have to look into it.

“It’s just a little souvenir from my last trip to Oz,” Jefferson said good naturedly. He ignored the current glaring contest going on between his two companions and lay the package of seeds on the table. “I thought poppies would look nice in your garden.”

“Thank you, Jefferson. I’m sure they’ll be beautiful,” Belle said, smiling widely. “Do you plant them in your garden at the cottage?”

Jefferson sighed. “Not anymore. I had to stop.”

“Why?”

“I kept forgetting where I’d planted them! I’d end up falling asleep mid-weeding.” He shuddered. “It was awful. I missed several tea parties.”

Belle chuckled. “Maybe I’ll use it on Rumple when he’s brooding.”

Rumplestiltskin frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don’t brood.”

When the two looked at him with twin looks of disbelief, his frown turned into a scowl.

“Fine!” he said, throwing his hands up in the air. “Since the two of you are bound and determined to gang up on me – ”

Their peals of laughter interrupted him, annoying him further.

“Merlin, but you’re self-centered,” Belle managed to gasp out between chuckles. “Has he always been this temperamental?”

Jefferson rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Definitely not.”

“Thank you, Jefferson.” Rumplestiltskin preened, pleased his friend had defended him. Perhaps he was being too harsh on –

“He’s usually worse,” Jefferson continued, matter-of-factly. “But it’s not his fault. Some people are just bad communicators.”

“That’s it,” Rumplestiltskin said, standing up. “I’m leaving!”

Belle held up her hand to stop him, hiccuping as she tried to control her laughter. “No, we’ll behave. I promise.” She flew off of her cushion and grabbed the package of seeds. “I’m going to plant these now before it rains later tonight.”

Both men looked out the window at a bright blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds. Jefferson opened his mouth to ask, but Rumplestiltskin beat him to it.

“Fairy magic,” he said with a sniff. He called out to her as she flew through the open window. “Not that you ever think to share that information with me!”

Belle ignored his taunting and disappeared into the garden. Rumplestiltskin collapsed into his chair with a huff.

“Ah, I think I know what’s going on here.”

Rumplestiltskin raised an eyebrow at the other man. “That would be a first.”

As usual, the insult bounced right off Jefferson. “It’s clear as day what’s bothering you,” he said, smiling inanely.

“Let me guess,” Rumplestiltskin said dryly, “my aura is off. Or perhaps my phlegm is unbalanced.”

Jefferson stared at him like he was simple. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m sure your phlegm is wonderful.” He shifted in his seat to get comfortable and then swung his legs up on the table, ignoring the withering glare Rumplestiltskin sent his direction. “It’s quite simple really. You’re jealous.”

“Why that’s – ” Rumplestiltskin blinked. “That’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Why in all the realms would I be jealous of you?!”

Jefferson preened a bit, running a hand through his hair. “It’s not uncommon, you know. I do possess a certain je ne sais quoi.” His smile faltered. “I haven’t quite narrowed down what it is yet, but the ladies seem to love it.”

Rumplestiltskin made an impatient gesture with his hand. “I’m hoping there’s a point in here somewhere.”

Leaning forward in his chair, Jefferson looked him straight in the eye, his expression serious. “Belle is a woman.”

“She’s a mosquito.”

Jefferson laughed. “I think you’ll find she’s much more attractive than most mosquitos.”

The use of the word ‘most’ worried Rumplestiltskin, but he stopped himself from asking. There were certain things he just didn’t want to know.

“Regardless, I am not jealous of Belle’s affection for you.”

“No?”

“No.”

“Hmm.” Jefferson seemed to mull this over. “So…you’re jealous of my affection for her?”

“What? No!”

Jefferson let out a rumbling chuckle, rising from his seat and walking over to clap Rumplestiltskin on the back. “I only jest, my friend.” A wistful look passed over his face. “That ship sailed long ago.”

Rolling his eyes, Rumplestiltskin stood as well. Putting his arm around the other man, he began to steer him in the direction of the door. “I think that’s enough tea for today. Off you go.”

The Hatter nodded begrudgingly. “I suppose you’re right. I have to pick up some pickled herring for a customer anyway.”

Rumplestiltskin nodded along though he was only half-listening, already planning what he would do next. He had a potion to brew and some royal family trees to study in order to deal with some local monarchs. “Have fun with that. Make sure you check up on the Jekylls for me, like we discussed.”

Jefferson turned back to face him, a pout on his face. They had almost reached the front door, and Rumplestiltskin wondered how long it would take the Hatter to forgive him if he pushed him through it.

“Do I have to?” Jefferson asked, a hint of a whine in his voice. “They creep me out. Couldn’t I check on someone else for you?” His eyes lit up. “How about Regina? She’s a riot, provided she’s not busy causing one.”

With a shake of his head, Rumplestiltskin waved open the front door and gently ushered Jefferson through. “Goodbye, Jefferson. Come back if you have anything useful to share.” As Jefferson opened his mouth to speak, Rumplestiltskin clarified. “That I would find useful, I mean.” With a twitch of his hand, the door swung shut.

Letting out a deep sigh, he walked back to his spinning wheel, sinking onto the stool wearily. For someone who enjoyed peace and quiet, he certainly didn’t get much of it these days.

No sooner had the thought entered his mind, then Belle flew back into the room. She glanced around before stopping next to his spinning wheel, hovering in the air beside him. “Did Jefferson leave?”

Rumplestiltskin made a big show of looking around, even lifting his boot to look under it. “If he hasn’t, he’s certainly picked a damn good hiding spot. ”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “It wouldn’t kill you to answer a question simply one of these days.”

He flashed her a crocodile smile. “How do you know? Perhaps it’s the way I’ve stayed alive for so many centuries.”

“No, I think that’s due to pure spite.” She gave him a cheeky grin before turning to fly away, most likely back to her garden.

“Running away so soon, dearie?  I suppose the castle’s too boring without your dashing friend here.”

She paused, a strange expression crossing her face. “Jefferson?” She gave an incredulous laugh. “He’s certainly many things, but I don’t know if I’d call him dashing.”

Rumplestiltskin scoffed and Belle rolled her eyes.

“Think what you like,” she said, “but I was just going over to the table to get our book. You promised you’d read more of it to me sometime, remember?”

He did remember. Reading in the evenings had become a regular pastime for them, up until Blue’s visit and the resulting awkwardness between them. As strained as things had been the last two weeks, he hadn’t thought Belle would want to return to their nightly ritual.  

“You’ve been…distracted lately,” he said softly. “I thought perhaps you’d enjoy a break.”

Belle gave him a sad smile. “I just needed time to come to terms with some things.”

“And have you?” he asked, unable to keep the hope out of his voice.

“I think so,” Belle said, her tone only halfway convincing. “But I’ll be even happier if you read me the next chapter of our book!”

As if he could deny her such a tiny request. The book appeared in his hands a second later and he opened it to where they’d left off, Belle perching on his shoulder so she could follow along as he read.  

“In the deepest, darkest part of the forest, where the trees are old and their memories long, where humans have never tread and only the wolves can roam, there came a babe.”

Rumplestiltskin turned his head slightly, catching Belle’s gaze with his own. This time the smile she gave him held no trace of sadness. He returned it with one of his own, feeling lighter than he had in days. His annoyance with Jefferson faded and he began to read the story with a renewed energy, reveling in the contented sighs that left Belle’s lips as he read.

Even the Dark Castle itself seemed at peace for once, raising a fire in the hearth as the storm clouds began to form outside and the rain fell down around them.

Inside, Rumplestiltskin and Belle were warm and comfortable, too busy exploring new worlds to worry much about their own.

Author’s Note: Big thanks to @b-does-the-write-thing​ for letting me borrow the lines Rumple reads to Belle from her fic, The Story Teller. If you like twisted fairy tales and a darker take on the Rumbelle story, check it out! 

[marauders--mischief]

Summer Revelations

Request:  Haii could you write for Sirius x reader where she invites him to her house over the holidays and all of the sudden (like watching her sleep, laughing, a hug idk) he realises he’s so in love with her??

Pairing: Sirius x Reader

Word Count: 2,823

Warnings: None really, just fluff. Oh, there’s like one nightmare mentioned but it’s not detailed or anything.

A/N: My first ever request! I finished this sooner than I thought I would (mainly because I was procrastinating studying for my Chemistry - whoops. I should probably do that now). Anyway… feedback is appreciated, and I hope you like it :)

Part 2

****

Sunlight shone on the Black Lake, highlighting the waves and ripples. In the distance, you could hear the faint sound of all the students laughing and chattering. It was the last day at Hogwarts before the Summer holidays, and whilst you were waiting for the Hogwarts Express to arrive, you were with Sirius, sitting in the shade beneath a tree. You had been friends with Sirius since your first year in Hogwarts, always assisting him with his various pranks. It hadn’t taken you long to find out about his home life and when you confronted him about it, he confessed how much he hated it there. That’s why you had invited him to stay at your house over the holidays until the Potter’s allowed him to stay at theirs.  

Sirius was currently ripping out chunks of grass from the ground and throwing them into the water. You shook your head at him, quietly laughing to yourself at his bizarre actions. “I can’t wait for you to finally meet my parents,” you say. “Properly, I mean,” already predicting his response that he’d already seen them on the platform.  

“I’ll have you know I get owls from your parents at least once a week. We’re already best friends.” He claimed.

“Suuuree, Pads. Whatever you need to tell yourself,” you teased. “Besides, I thought I was your best friend.”

“Hey! They’ll love me!” He exclaims cockily. You knew he was only joking, but you could also see past the façade. He was anxious that your parents would hate him (though that was virtually impossible, they already loved Sirius just based on the stories you had told them). So, you reassure him.

“I’m sure they will.”

Eventually, a loud whistle echoes throughout the grounds, alerting you both that the train had arrived. As you had both already taken your trunks down to the platform this morning, you didn’t need to carry anything there. Sirius gets up first and holds his hand out to you, silently offering to help you up. Once you were on your feet, you brush of the dirt off of your clothes and smirk mischievously at him. “Race you!” And you sprint off, Sirius close behind you.  

Somehow, Sirius had managed to find an empty compartment and you were now discussing all the things you wanted to do when you arrived.  

“Oh! We have to go strawberry picking!” Your enthusiasm causing him to smile. “Dad always used to take me but I haven’t done it in ages.”

He was just about to reply when your conversation was interrupted by James, Remus, Peter and Lily.

James smiles at you both before sitting down next to Sirius. “Hiya, Padfoot. Hi, Y/N/N.”

You returned the smile and greeted the rest of them. Obviously, now the compartment was no longer empty, you and Sirius silently agreed to continue your conversation later. “We’ve been searching the whole bloody train for you two.” James continues. “Thought you’d stayed at Hogwarts.”

Lily speaks up. “They were one of the first ones on, James. Me and Remus saw them running dow-”

“Running!?” James interjects. “Merlin, what were you running for?”

“We were racing,” said Sirius, shrugging.  

“You won then I take it?” Remus asks.

“How’d you know that?”

Remus points towards you, a bitter look on your face, though you were trying not to show it. Unsuccessfully, apparently. “That doesn’t look like the face of someone who won, if I’m honest.”

You scowl at Remus. “He only won because he tricked me into thinking he’d fallen.”  

Sirius chuckles. “Such a sweetheart, Y/N/N.”

In an instant, your attitude changes. No longer angry, but instead flustered. Your cheeks heat up and you turn to face the window to hide your blush. Okay… maybe you were harbouring a bit of a crush on your best friend, but he didn’t need to know that. Not when he clearly didn’t feel the same way as you. Sometimes, you would over exaggerate his behaviour towards you and convince yourself he returned your feelings before you saw him drag a different girl into a broom closet to kiss, reminding you he only acted like that because he was your best friend.  

For the remaining hours of the train ride, you and the others play Exploding Snap whilst eating the various sweets you had bought from the trolley until finally, you arrived at Platform 9 and ¾.  

When you get off the train, you all say goodbye to each other before you leave with Sirius, trying to locate your parents. It was only when the crowd on the platform thinned a little that you found them. They were waving, huge smiles on their faces, and when you got close enough, they ran towards you to give you a hug. After they let you go, they turned towards Sirius, who was messing around with his hands nervously.  

Your mother turned towards him. “You must be Sirius.” Her words were soft and gently spoken, and when Sirius nodded, she beamed down at him. “Y/N’s told us all about you, dear. And you have no reason to be scared; we trust Y/N’s judgement, so if she thinks you’re okay, then we do too.”

Thankfully, Sirius seemed to calm down at this and returned to his usual confident and energetic self.  

Once you were ready to leave, you all returned to Kings Cross Station and set off towards your home.

Sirius had always tried to imagine what your house looked like, and now he was finally seeing it, he couldn’t imagine you living anywhere else. There was a large garden and the pathway leading up to the front door was accentuated with a mix of different coloured flowers. The actual house looked about 3 stories high, and looked like an odd combination of traditional and modern, though it suited the house perfectly.  

Inside the house held the same character as the outside and though he was amazed by it all, it was your room that he loved the most. Two house banners hung on the Y/F/C wall on either side of your double bed. There were several paintings, both still and moving ones and beneath your bedroom window, was a large sofa. Most noticeable, was the large shelf which was full of books. Curious, he walked over to them, fingers tracing along the spines. He could tell which ones you read more by the appearance of them, some were more worn than others. There were muggle stories of which he had never heard before, school books and wizard books, such as ‘Quidditch Through the Ages’ and 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard’, along with many others.

Whilst Sirius was admiring your room, you had gone downstairs to fetch food for the two of you. When you came back up to your room, you slammed the door shut behind you slightly louder than you intended to, causing Sirius to jump. “Merlin, Y/N!”  

You laugh at his reaction, but it only makes him grumpy. “Hmph.”  

“Oh, don’t pout, Pads.”  

He crosses his arms and turns away from you, though you’re sure you can see a slight hint of a smirk. You’re just about to tell him that he can’t possibly be mad at you, (even though you really knew he was only messing around), when you get an idea. You shake the food you brought up, showing it him. As you expected, the noise intrigued him and when he saw what you were carrying, his eyes light up and he rushes over to your side. “Okay, you know my weakness. You’re forgiven. Now gimmie.”

“Thought so,” you giggle.

You pass him the food and you sit on the couch, Sirius joining you once he had finally opened the bag. A small smile spreads across your face as he rests his head on your shoulder, quickly falling asleep. You lift him off of you carefully as to not disturb him and summon a blanket to cover him. Slowly, you feel your eyelids growing heavier and the exact second you collapse onto your bed, you enter a peaceful state of unconsciousness.  

On the first day, it starts raining unexpectedly, so whilst you both debated on what to do, you made pancakes. In hindsight, you should’ve known that cooking with Sirius wasn’t a good idea, especially as you were doing it the Muggle way. Despite pancakes being a simple recipe, he still managed to create a mess of both you and your kitchen.  

You shake with laughter as Sirius roughly stirs the flour in the bowl. “Sirius, what’s the flour ever done to you?”

“Exist,” he frowns. “Honestly, Y/N, we could just wave our wands and not have to do any of this.”  

“Yeah, but that’s no fun. Gotta enjoy the little things, Pads.”

Sirius was about to complain some more when flour spilt from the glass bowl and landed on your face and in your hair. While you stand there, shocked, Sirius begins to laugh. “You know, I think I’m starting to see the appeal of this now.”

You glare at him before going to crack the eggs.

By some miracle, you make the pancakes without burning the house down and as the weather looked as though it was clearing up, you had agreed to go to Diagon Alley. At least there would be something to do no matter what the weather turned out to be.

After you ate your pancakes and cleaned up, you say a quick goodbye to your mother and head over to the fireplace; the Floo Network was the most convenient way to travel. You tell Sirius to meet you outside Gringotts, before stepping into the fireplace and shouting your desired destination, green flames surrounding you.  

You didn’t have to wait long for Sirius to join you. You both had money meaning there was no need for a trip to Gringotts, so, you walked around entering any shop that sparked your interest.  

You had just come out of Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop, from which Sirius bought many new items for pranks and tricks he had planned for the next year.  

“So, where to next, oh Great Trickster?” You snickered. Since he began boasting about how good he was at pranking people in third year, you had given him a nickname to tease him. It used to annoy him, but now, after several years of hearing it, he had gotten used to it.  

“Wherever you want.”

“Bad move, Black. You’ll regret saying that.” You vowed.

“Try me.”

You were right. Sirius regretted it. So far, you had dragged him into Eeylops Owl Emporium to look at 'cute’ pets, all the bookstores in Diagon Alley, (he had to admit he didn’t mind this as much as he thought he would. Watching you read was one of the most interesting things he had ever witnessed), Sugarplum’s Sweets Shop and now, you were heading to Quality Quidditch Supplies.  

You knew what you were doing. All you wanted was Sirius to admit that you were right, and you guessed you were pretty close to achieving your goal. When you left the Quidditch shop, you looked up at Sirius, giving your best innocent smile. “You had enough yet, Pads?”

“Ugh, yes. My feet are killing me.”

Oh no. You weren’t letting him get off that easy. “Aaannndd…?”

He huffs, but finally admits defeat. “And… I regretted saying it. I was wrong.”

You jump into the air, parading around the cobbled street. “Ha! I did it. Sirius Black admitted he was wrong!”

Eventually, Sirius had to pull you in close to him and put his hand over your mouth to stop you from shouting it to the whole world.“

"Sshh. You’ll damage my reputation, Y/N.” Sirius gives a small laugh to let you know he’s joking and smirks at you. However, when you don’t smile back, he gets confused. It only takes him two seconds to realise why. You were in such a close proximity to each other, which usually wouldn’t bother any of you. But this was so unexpected and it felt different. He promptly released you from his grip, coughing and scratching the back of his neck anxiously.  

“So… erm, I- I just…” Sirius stumbled over his words, and if you didn’t know him any better, you would’ve said he was shy.  

In an attempt to make the situation less awkward, you try and think of something to do. The sky had cleared and the sun was out so you made a suggestion. “Ice cream?”

“Yeah, okay.”

Luckily, getting ice cream seemed to be the right idea, as Sirius no longer seemed embarrassed by the previous event. Unfortunately, it didn’t stop you from replaying the scene over and over in your head. You were mere centimeters from his face, so close that if you had leaned forward just a little more, you would’ve been kissing him. You shake the thought from your mind; you didn’t want to set yourself up for heartbreak.

Though he didn’t show it, Sirius was also still thinking about what had happened. He felt weird, it almost felt like he was with another girl, locked away in a broom cupboard. He dismisses the thought as quickly as he thinks it and ends up blaming it on the heat.

When the sky began to turn pretty shades of oranges and pinks, you both took it as an indication to go back home. Overall, you had enjoyed the day out, and you were looking forward to the rest of the week with him.  

Exhausted, when you get back, you both went to your bedroom. Sirius crashed on the sofa, though this time, you fell asleep before him. The soothing sound of your breathing soon sent him to sleep.

The next day was just as exciting as the last. As promised, you took Sirius strawberry picking, something that, to your genuine surprise, he seemed to enjoy. For the rest of the day, you ate the fruit salads you made with the strawberries whilst educating him on your favourite movies.

But the good times had to stop at some point.  

In the middle of the night, Sirius jolted up, awoken by his nightmare. He was sweating and shaking, trying to get a grasp on reality again. He looked over to where you lay, not wanting to disturb you as well, but you had told him before that if he needed you, you would prefer him to do whatever he needed so you could help him.  

The shift of weight on the bed immediately woke you up and you could feel Sirius freeze as he noticed. “Can I sleep in your bed tonight?”

“Mhm,” you nod slowly, still half-asleep.

He climbed into the bed with you, pulling the covers over himself but making sure you still had enough. His arm snaked around your waist and you snuggled in closer to him.  

“Bad dream?” You whispered. He nodded.  

“I’ll tell you in the morning.”

You wished you could’ve stayed awake. As guilty as you would have felt in the morning, you wanted to remember this. But, you were too tired and soon enough, you were back asleep.

Whenever Sirius was on his own, he would always struggle to forget a nightmare. However, with you laid beside him, your Y/C/H hair like a halo around your head, sometimes tickling his face and your soft features that looked so calm when you were asleep, he found it difficult to focus on anything else.  

That’s when it hit him.  

Throughout the week, it had happened gradually, though he had remained blissfully unaware of it. Now it seemed to crash over him all at once, the realisation was so painfully obvious that he didn’t know how he hadn’t seen it before.

He was in love with you.  

It was bound to happen eventually. You knew everything about him and always offered to be there whenever he needed you, whatever he needed you for. Be it a friend, or someone he relied on for support, sometimes just a partner in crime. Subconsciously, he pulled you closer, never wanting this night to end.  

When Sirius woke up, you were smiling warmly at him. He couldn’t help the corners of his mouth curling upwards at the sight.

“Mmm, mornin,’” he yawned.

You giggle softly. He looked adorable after he had just woken up. “Hiya.”

You make a move to leave the bed but his arm that was wrapped around you just held you tighter. You furrow your eyebrows. Even from Sirius, the person who loved nothing more than a cuddle, this was odd behaviour.

“Let me go, Pads.”

“No,” he objected.

“Why?”

“I love you.”  

His eyes widen as he realises what he said. He becomes a lot more alert and starts apologising repeatedly.  

“No, I’m sorry, Y/N, I-”

“Sirius?” Your voice was quiet.  

“Yeah?” He mumbles.

“I love you too, you idiot.”

Part 2

[potter-scamander-black-imgines]

Panic ~ James Potter

Request: Hi can I have a one word drabble (no 47) with James Potter I or II? Thanks💕 

Trigger Warnings: Well first of all, I am not proud of this but I worked very hard and I hope you like it!!! There is some

You were beyond terrified. Still you were very good at hiding it. Nobody knew, except probably the baby inside you only a week from getting out. Not even the father, though to be fair, it had been two weeks since you had seen James, you, Sirius and Remus in hiding while James, Alice, and Frank were out in the field. James had naturally left you in the company of his two best friends for both your entertainment and protection, trusting no one else. Currently, you were reading a book in your room, or trying to anyways, with hope to distract you. 

It wasn’t working however.

“Stop it!” You muttered angrily, putting your book down, “Ah Merlin’s Beard! Mother-”

Remus put the book down and ran to you, placing a hand on your shoulder, “Are you okay? What’s wrong? Is the baby coming?”

You smiled at Remus, trying to calm him and you and grabbed his hand and placed it on your bump, “It’s fine, see, he just won’t stop kicking.”

“Ah so it is a he?” You heard Sirius from the kitchen as you watched Remus smile in joy, “So you reckon James is wrong then?”

You chuckled weakly, though it was forced and fairly obvious, causing Remus to look back up at you, “James is always wrong.” Noticing your distress Remus went back to consoling you as Sirius brought bowls into the room for everybody. “I am fine guys.”

“You most certainly are not.” Sirius scoffed teasingly, placing a spoon in the bowl of soup and waiting for you to open your mouth to feed it to you, “Come now Miss Potter. Let me take care of you. Open your mouth or Remmy with open it for you.” Rolling your eyes, you opened your mouth and allowed the tomato soup to completely overcome your senses. “Now tell us dearest Y/N... What has you so panicked?” He smirked, “Or I will spoon feed you more-”

You rolled your eyes, “I am just a little scared I am sorry.. I don’t know I don’t think I can-” You stopped, feeling the tears overwhelm your system. “Merlin I am sorry.”

“Well you and Prong’s could have picked a better time-”

“Sirius!”

He chuckled, playfully hitting his ‘brother’ and setting the soup bowl down, clearing his throat, “What I was going to say is that we all got you, and not only me and Remus. The whole order.”

“I know I just.... I just- What if I am not a good mother.”

Remus laughed, “You will be. It’s not you we are worried about. It’s James.”

You chuckled, reaching out for the bowl of soup, Sirius protesting by grabbing it, clearly insisting on helping, “C’mon. If you wanna help rub my back. I can feed myself.”

“I insist.” He smirked, swirling the spoon in the bowl, “Just a little more... But Moony gives THE ULTIMATE back rubs.” Remus shrugged, moving to the girls back as he kneaded and Sirius feed her until she fell asleep and the two boys both dragged her to her room so she could sleep as the two made small talk about any news they had seen or word but the last they had heard was that the Longbottoms and their friend had been stranded and surrounded due to an ambush from traitors.

Remus shook his head, “So they are heading to the nearest safe house. Merlin though... I don’t think they are going to make it. They don’t either.”

“Don’t say that Moony.” Sirius sighed, rubbing his friends back, “He will be fine. We will be fine. Both her and the baby will be fine too. So long as James brings more food, that is.” He smirked, “I don’t know how much longer I can go on eating spinach soup. Though speaking of, we should check on her. ”

Moony smiled, standing up and making his way to the small room, smiling at the peaceful looking girl.

But something was off...

She was hardly moving and he could feel something was off.

“S-Sirius.. Come quick..” It took less than a moment for his friend to run into the room and notice what he was, though he had a lantern and moved it to see blood on the grey sheet. “Merlin’s beard.”

“I am getting James.” Sirius responded, morphing into a dog and leaving a panicked Remus to attempt to shake the girl awake, only getting pained sighs.

“Alight. Remus don’t panic.” He sighed, pulling the blankets off you, “I’ve got this.”

Remus paced the small lodge as Frank and Alice helped Y/N deliver. With no word from Sirius nor sign that he would return with James, Remus had lost hope as it had been two days, the baby out as of yesterday and yet you were still unconscious.

Days passed and now, he had the baby in his arms as Alice and Frank took shifts watching Y/N, Remus though, could not sleep and because of that, he sat beside the unconscious girl while the Longbottom’s took their well deserved rest. 

“Hi little one.” He cooed to the child, rocking him slightly as the child looked up to him, not responding, only blinking, “You have your mothers eyes, but you look like your father.” At the words Remus stilled, his mind going dark as the baby did nothing but stare at him, the truth of the situation hitting him though he tried to ignore it, “You will love them.” He turned his face to the girl whose breathing was so slow and sighed, grabbing her hand. “And it will all be-”

He jumped into the air at the secret knock, almost dropping the babe in his arms, still he held tight as he ran to the door, only to be greeted by James and Sirius drenched in snow, James seeing the babe ran straight to Remus, taking him from his hands, “Without me.. No.. But still... He’s so... Handsome.” James chuckled, looking at Remus then back at the baby, “Does he have a name?”

“She was uh... Waiting for you.” Remus spoke awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck trying to find the words, “She-”

“Where is she?” James asked, looking away from his child, his face suddenly dropping, “Where is she Moony?” Remus bit his lip and looked at Sirius, who had sudden realized what was going on, and ran to the other room, “Rem just tell me. Please.”

Remus began to tear up and open his mouth to explain when they heard Sirius gasp and everyone ran,  “Sirius what’s-”

There she was, still pale but sitting up, her hand near her mouth as though she had just coughed but seeing James holding the infant cause her to stand and even if she turned and spun dizzy she ran to him, James catching her as she used up the last bit of her energy.

“Harry.“ She spoke, leaning her forehead against James’ as the pair stared down bellow at the young life, “Harry James Potter. How do you like that?”

James smiled brightly, pecking her cheek before returning to the position. “Harry... Perfect..”

Harry smiled at the photo, thinking on the moments he would never hear but yet always see that he was gifted from the photographs. 

“You both look so happy here.” He smiled, “All because of me? Truly?” He chuckled sadly, casting a wreath upon the grave, “Is this what it is like to have a child?”

“I guess we will find out soon enough.” A small voice called him, casting a second wreath on the grave. “We will see my wife, we will see.”

[magicalmischel]

Falling for You CH1

CHAPTER 1 - It’s Not Stalking Okay

Merlin loved the Garden of Eden. The enormous Garden in heaven - his home. He loved every tree, every leaf and every blade of grass beneath his feet. And he loved to breathe in the sweet air as he walked through it, watching the butterflies.

But there was always something missing. A tiny thing, always present at the back of his mind, never reachable.

Merlin didn't know what that thing was.

But as he reached the edge of the Garden and looked down over it, seeing the far fields as squares of green and yellow and brown, he wished for one thing. That he could go down there and see it for himself, see the forests and animals, breathe the air that humans breathe. It was forbidden though. No angel but the archangels went down on the Earth. They never interfered.

And Merlin? Oh, Merlin was a very young angel. So young that he didn't even have his own human to protect. His cheeks turned pink as he was thinking about it and his smile disappeared. He longed to have a human to look after. He wanted to know what it felt like to be the big angel on somebody else's shoulders, to be entangled in the life of one human being and be allowed to watch them and watch over them.

He sighed and turned back to the Garden, walking to the middle of it. He looked around at the flowers in bloom and he felt content again. Content with only one thing missing, the thing he couldn't quite put his finger on.

And when he reached the pond in the middle of the beautiful mess of all kinds of trees and bushes, he knelt down and let his fingers brush the water's surface. It felt a little cold. Pure.

It was the only thing in heaven that allowed angels to look down on the Earth as if through a huge magnifying glass. Every angel was connected to their humans mentally (even though the humans didn't usually know that) and they had their own ways to see them (ways that Merlin wasn't allowed to understand quite yet because of his age), but this pond? It was the only thing allowing him to see the trees down on the Earth.

And so he put both his hands into the water and closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, he was staring at a forest with a view of the setting sun in between the trees. It took his breath away. And he didn't even have to say anything to make the image appear! He wasn't quite experienced in using his angelic powers, but he knew usually there was some kind of an incantation.

He watched flies and saw a rabbit hiding in the bushes. Merlin smiled at the size of it. It looked so little, but it was quite big compared to the rabbits Will had described to him. Will was an older angel and Merlin's best friend. He was always patient with Merlin no matter how many stupid questions he asked.

Suddenly, Merlin heard a swift sound pierce through the wind, and as soon as he saw blood on the previously clean brown fur of the rabbit, he knew what happened. Someone put an arrow through the little creature's chest and it made Merlin's eyes prickle with tears.

"Rest in peace, little guy," Merlin whispered as the rabbit stopped breathing and its tiny black eyes closed.

Then the human that was responsible for the rabbit's death came into view. Merlin frowned, only seeing the back of his head. His hair was blonde. And his clothes were red and he had a brown jacket. That was all Merlin noticed until the human turned around and Merlin stopped frowning.

His hair was falling slightly over his blue eyes and forehead, and his face looked... satisfied. Was he so happy because he killed an animal? What kind of human did that?

"That's enough for today, we're heading back. Leon, take the last rabbit. We'll take them to the royal kitchen." The young man said, still managing to keep Merlin's interest.

So they killed the animal for food? Merlin wondered if he could ever do that. Angels didn't need to eat... or sleep.

He kept watching the boy until he arrived with his group of men at a big white castle, and only then Merlin realized that the boy was a prince. He smiled at him and leaned closer to the water, completely forgetting he was still in heaven and no there with the humans. He's never felt this... connected. For a moment, he almost forgot about the missing thing in his heart and he felt... content. As if he didn't need to have a human to protect, as if whether he became a good angel didn't even matter as long as he could stay by the pond and keep watching the prince.

Then suddenly someone laughed, and it took Merlin a minute to realize the sound didn't come from the water. He jumped slightly and looked up, seeing that it was Will. His cheeks turned pink again, but he didn't make the image in the water disappear. Will was his friend after all.

"I thought I'd find you here." Will told him, which made Merlin frown.

"How? I've never been here before."

"That is exactly why." Will sat down next to him. "You're always so curious, Merlin. I knew one day you'd try to use the pond." When Merlin smiled and looked down into the water again, Will followed his gaze. "Ah, Arthur Pendragon."

"Do you know him?" Merlin's smile widened and he sat closer to Will. "He's a prince, isn't he?"

Will nodded. "Yes, he's a prince of one of the kingdoms down there. Camelot. This human will one day become the king as many before him, and he will lead his kingdom to better days."

Merlin grinned, but then his smile wavered a little. He looked down and started playing with his fingers. He didn't know how to approach the subject he wanted to talk about...

"How do..." He started and then closed his mouth again. When he looked up and saw that Will was nodding and patiently waiting for him to continue, it gave Merlin more courage. "How do angels pick their humans? Or are they assigned? Do I get to pick or are there some rules or... how does it all work?"

Will chuckled. "Angels can pick any human to protect unless the human already has their angel." Will explained to him, glancing down at the prince, who was now walking up the stairs inside the castle. "Some angels pick at random, others like to watch humans and then pick one that they feel they should keep an eye on."

Merlin nodded, processing the new information. Then he looked down at the human, Arthur Pendragon, and pursed his lips.

"Does..." he cleared his throat. "Does... he have an angel yet?"

"The prince?" Will smiled. "No, I believe he doesn't." Then he leaned over the edge of the pond and watched Arthur together with Merlin. Merlin could feel that Will was looking at him. "Do you want to become his angel?" Will asked finally, asking the question for Merlin.

The young angel looked up at him and smiled. "I've never felt like this, Will. It's... it's... it's like I just know it's him, you know?" Merlin struggled to explain and laughed a little. "It's just... it's... I don't know what it is. But I feel this sort of connection, as if I..." Merlin stopped talking and frowned. It was as if he wanted to go down there and talk to Arthur and experience what it was like to live like a human being, to be able to sleep and eat and work. It was as if... as if he was supposed to be born down there and instead, by some mistake, ended up in heaven.

He didn't tell this to Will though. "As if I already was his protective angel." He smiled up at his friend.

"I understand." Will patted him on the shoulder. When he stood up, Merlin made the image in the water disappear with his fingers, just as a beautiful dark haired young lady in a green dress came into Arthur's room, and he followed Will into the Garden.

"Believe me, I understand." Will smiled.

And together they walked through the Garden, talking and laughing like always. Merlin couldn't stop thinking about Arthur though because the strange feeling of something quite not right returned.

xoXÖXox

"As a symbol of our goodwill, and of our newfound friendship," king Bayard said to the room full of people, "I present these ceremonial goblets to you, Uther, to your son, Arthur, and to your ward, Morgana, in the hope that our friendship may last."

He gestured with his hand to his servants, who brought the goblets to the three most important people of Camelot. Arthur was quite impressed to see how beautiful the goblets looked as he took his into his hand and quickly looked it over before the servant poured some wine into it.

"The wounds we received in battle... Tonight we toast a new beginning for our peoples. We look towards a future free from the toils of war." Bayard continued.

Arthur forced a smile and raised his goblet into the air, praying that it wouldn't take long until they were allowed to take a sip so his arm wouldn't hurt too much. He hated these ceremonials, but he was the son of the king and there was nothing he could do about it. The only thing he could do to feel better was go hunting. Not for the pleasure of killing animals, he didn't kill them unless he needed to, but at least he wasn't stuck in the enormous castle and felt a little bit free. You know, if he didn't have to have an entire group of knights surrounding him on every step.

"And may the differences from our past remain there. To your health, Uther. " Bayard smiled as everyone stood up to get ready to make a toast. "Arthur," Bayard added and Arthur nodded and brought the goblet to his lips, only to stop as Bayard continued, "The Lady Morgana."

Morgana nodded and Arthur smiled again, this time waiting until Bayard was done with the toast.

"The people of Camelot." Bayard finished. Arthur smiled and put the goblet closer to his mouth and almost spilled it when he had to stop his hand because his father wanted to add something to the toast as well.

"And to fallen warriors on both sides." Uther smiled and raised the cup again, finally, finally taking a sip and Arthur with Morgana followed his example.

Everyone smiled as they sat down again.

Arthur briefly closed his eyes and prayed that this party was soon over so he could go back to his training with his knights. Morgana cleared her throat and Arthur opened his eyes, sighing quietly.

Morgana cleared her throat again, louder, and this time Arthur frowned and looked at her. She was sitting next to Uther, who was sitting between him and her. She clutched her throat and frowned.

"Morgana?" Uther scowled in worry and turned to her, glancing at Bayard. Arthur stood up to see better what was going on, but it was too late. Morgana gasped for air but couldn't. She looked at both Uther and him with panic in her eyes and held her neck with both her arms before she stood up and supported herself with a hand on the table.

"Morgana!" Uther yelled and then turned to the knights, pointing at Bayard. "It's poisoned! Guards, seize him!"

Arthur immediately stood up and ran to Morgana's side, catching her just in time as she fell down, unconscious. Her eyes were moving under her eyelids and she was paler than ever, and Arthur had no idea what to do. Guards were already drawing their swords and pointing them at Bayard and his men, and Uther was looking down at his ward and then with hatred at the other king.

Arthur searched Gaius with his eyes in the room, and thankfully the old physician was already rushing towards him together with Morgana's maidservant.

"Morgana!" Gaius called her name and took her wrist in between his two fingers. Then he placed the back of his hand above her mouth and nodded. "She's alive, but she's struggling to breathe. Arthur, take her to her chambers, Gwen fetch me some water and fresh bandages, they're in my chambers by the window."

The young girl nodded and ran away, just as Uther turned back to Arthur who was already carrying Morgana in his arms. "I'm taking her to her chambers, father." He told Uther, who nodded and looked almost as pale as Morgana.

"Gaius?" Uther looked at his old friend with fear in eyes, and Gaius put his hand on his shoulder.

"I will see what I can do, sire. First, we need to identify the poison and make sure she stays alive."

Uther nodded. "Do your best." Then he turned back to Bayard, but Arthur couldn't hear what he was saying. He was already leaving the room in a hurry, heading towards Morgana's chambers.

When they arrived there, he laid her down on her bed and stepped aside, letting Gaius take a look. Gaius leaned over her and started examining what was wrong, and Arthur turned away in frustration. When he turned back, the young maidservant was just rushing into the room.

"I have the water and bandages." She said as she neared the bed. Gaius nodded and took the bandages, wetting them in the water and then putting them on Morgana's forehead.

"Is she going to be alright?" Arthur asked. Uther walked into the room just in time to hear Gaius' reply.

"She's burning up." Gaius said with a frown.

"You can cure her, can't you Gaius?" Arthur continued as he crossed his arms on his chest.

"I need to identify the poison first, then we'll see." Gaius turned to Gwen and then he looked at Arthur and Uther, who had knelt down next to Morgana's bed and taken her hand into his. "Do you have the goblet?"

Arthur nodded and ran to the door. "Guards! Get Morgana's goblet from the throne room, quickly!" They nodded and ran away, but Arthur still didn't feel better.

He didn't feel better even when the goblet was in Gaius' hands. The old man was examining it until he noticed a petal Bayard left behind as he was lacing the goblet with poison. It was stuck on the inside of the goblet.

"I need to get to my quarters." Gaius said as he was looking at the petal inside the goblet. He didn't dare touch it. "And see if I can identify the flower."

"What about her?" Uther asked immediately, looking up at Gaius.

"There is nothing more I can do until I know what kind of poison this is, my lord." He told him as he bowed. Uther nodded and Gaius left the room, together with Arthur.

They hurried together into the courtyard and then up the tower into Gaius' chambers again. The physician immediately went to his library while Arthur couldn't do anything but wait. Luckily, Gaius knew exactly what book to look for, and soon he laid it open on the table and bowed over it, showing Arthur what flower the petal was from.

"Here," he told him, pointing to the picture of the flower. "The petal comes from the Mortaeus flower. It says here that someone poisoned by the Mortaeus can only be saved by a potion made from the leaf of the very same flower. It can only be found in the caves deep beneath the Forest of Balor. The flower grows on the roots of the Mortaeus tree."

"That's not particularly friendly." Arthur commented, looking at the next picture – a strange creature. He knew there was only one way to save Morgana though and that was to go to the cave and find the flower.

"A Cockatrice." Gaius continued as he pointed at the picture of the monster. "It guards the forest. Its venom is potent. A single drop would mean certain death. Few who have crossed the Mountains of Isgaard in search of the Mortaeus flower have made it back alive."

Arthur only shrugged. "Sounds like fun."

Gaius immediately looked up at him and raised his eyebrow in a frown. "Arthur, it's too dangerous. Uther would never allow it."

"Uther wants to save Morgana." Arthur told him. "What happens to her if I don't get the antidote?"

Gaius pursed his lips. "The Mortaeus induces a slow and painful death. She may hold out for four, maybe five days, but not for much longer. Eventually, she will die."

"Then it's decided." Arthur nodded. When Gaius didn't know what to answer to make him stop, Arthur turned around and started walking towards the door. "I'll be back, hopefully before she dies. I need to be."

"Arthur, this is foolishness!" Gaius called after him. "Go to your father and take your knights with you!"

"There's no time, Gaius!" Arthur said as he closed the door and ran down the stairs until he reached the stables just outside the courtyard. He knew he was acting spontaneously and that he should have talked to his father first just like Gaius had advised him to do, but he knew exactly what his father would say.

That Arthur couldn't go even with a group of knights because the journey was too dangerous and he was the crown prince of Camelot and blah blah blah something about him being too young. Well, how was Arthur supposed to learn how to be a good king if he couldn't even find a simple flower? He needed to grow up and start preparing for what was coming – him being the king and Uther being gone. He couldn't let his father do everything, so he couldn't let a bunch of knights go after the flower without him either. He had to make sure he found it and that he was back in Camelot in time. He couldn't just stay in Camelot and do nothing.

And so he took his horse and within the next ten minutes, he was out of the gates, galloping away into the forest, heading south to the mountains of Isgaard.

It wasn't long until he was surprised by a strange crying girl, sitting all alone on a log. And then by the beast guarding the forest of Balor...

xoXÖXox

Merlin was walking through the Garden again, but it's been a long time since he paid proper attention to the flowers. Lately, his mind was filled with images of the prince, and with theories of how to become his protective angel. Merlin walked around the bushes and under the apple trees with a light smile on his face.

He was heading to the pond again, as he did many, many times before. He already knew the prince was supposed to meet with another king today, he happened to overhear that conversation with the prince's father.

He wouldn't call it stalking. No. He wasn't watching the prince's every move (although he wished he could). More like... an interested observation? Studying humanity?

The young angel sighed as he rounded the last corner before he was supposed to find the pond without any other angels. To his discomfort though, he found at least five of them. They were older, and they were all watching a young dark haired lady with a blue dress who was lying in bed and looked very ill. Merlin saw this because he used his wings to fly over them and look at the surface of the water.

With a silent gasp, he realized it was the king's ward, lady Morgana. He saw her talking to his pri- to the prince a few times before. And the king was sitting next to her, clutching her hand and kissing it with tears in his eyes.

"She's strong, but I still need to help her." He heard one of the older angels say. It was probably Morgana's protective angel Merlin assumed as he saw that the angel closed her eyes and held her hand out towards the image in the water. She started saying something in Latin, using her powers to help Morgana stay alive, but that was all she could do. Merlin knew she couldn't actually use her powers to change things down on the Earth, angels weren't supposed to interfere with humans. Humans weren't even supposed to see them! But angels could help out in little ways, here and there, and hope that humans took care of the rest.

Merlin watched with fascination as the older angel opened her eyes again and looked down at Morgana.

"She seems a little better." Another angel commented, but the first angel was still frowning.

"Barely. Someone must have used magic with the poison." She said with a sigh. "Nimueh." She added.

"Well, for lady Morgana's sake, I sure hope the prince is back with the antidote very soon." Another angel said.

Merlin's eyes widened as he heard that. "The prince?" He asked without thinking and all the angels except for the first one looked up at him.

"What are you doing up there, boy?" One of them asked and Merlin's cheeks turned pink.

"I was curious." He shrugged as he flew back on the ground. They were much taller now... "What happened to her?" He pointed to Morgana in the pond.

Morgana's angel turned to him to answer. "She drank from a poisoned chalice planted there by a witch called Nimueh, instead of the harmless chalice that was supposed to be given to her by one of the kings. And now she's dying."

"And the prince?" Merlin asked, trying to look not at all worried about the young blonde man that he grew to care about so much. "You said he was looking for an antidote?"

"That he is." The second angel said. It was only now that Merlin recognised her as Will's friend Shildre. "He's searching for a flower, but the journey is dangerous. Surely he'll lose his life."

"He's strong too." Merlin defended the young prince and hated that he blushed again when two of the angels raised their eyebrows. Before they could say anything, Merlin added, "he's the prince, he must be."

"Sure." One of them said and then they all looked back into the pond.

Merlin decided not to talk to them again and embarrass himself even more, and so he pretended to walk away but instead hid behind a tree. He wanted to wait until they all left so he could check on Arthur, but they were still not leaving. It was so frustrating! Knowing that the prince was in danger, but all they cared about was the lady Morgana. And Merlin didn't dare go there and demand to see the prince as well.

It took a few hours, but eventually they all left, seeing that Morgana was not getting better, but was not getting worse either. Merlin quickly ran to the pond and immediately touched the water.

An image of the prince soon emerged and Merlin gasped. The prince was in a very dark place. He was hanging off a wall inside a cave, trying very hard to fight off enormous spiders that were coming to hurt him, all while trying to reach a tiny yellow flower.

Merlin gasped as he saw this. He stood up and his heart was beating faster than before. He felt helpless. He wasn't Arthur's protective angel and Arthur wasn't his human. He wasn't supposed to interfere... but perhaps... perhaps he could try to help him? He needed to learn what it was like to have a human to protect, right? And he knew Arthur would be his human anyway, so it didn't matter that he made sure Arthur didn't die before Merlin could actually become his protective angel.

He closed his eyes like he saw the other angel do, and he raised his hand above the water, keeping it also above Arthur's face. He took a deep breath.

"Vires volo ut iam, Uti vires volo bonum. Adiuvare. Volo autem... ehm... Contemnere volumus in spelunca? Facere in gradibus spelunca!" Merlin held his breath for a few seconds so he could concentrate better, but when he looked back at the prince, he was in the same situation as before. Alone.

Merlin really wasn't good with all these incantations. He never knew how to use his powers, but when he did, they always surprised him with their intensity.

"Damn it, Non possum veniat Helias liberans eum!"

Suddenly as if he heard a thunder in the distance, he jumped in surprise and then frowned. Everything was dark and he was cold. The Garden looked... different. And the pond was gone.

Merlin hugged himself and looked around. It must have been because of the forbidden word he used! "No," he eyes widened when he realized he was not in the Garden at all. Where the hell was he?! (He mentally slapped himself for using another bad word, but he was in a kind of a situation here.)

Then he quickly looked up and saw the stars and a few dark clouds flying across the sky. "No. No!" He panicked and turned around, finding no one. He was alone. Just like the prince in the cave.

And judging by the cold and the strange trees all around him and different air... he was on the Earth.

Just as he was about to take his panicking to a higher level, he heard something just from behind a large tree. He heard a sword! As he slowly rounded the tree and frowned, he noticed a big hole in the ground and recognised it as the cave Arthur was trapped in.

A smile replaced the frown on his face. Maybe he could help the prince after all...

Translation

- "Vires volo ut iam, Uti vires volo bonum. Adiuvare. Volo autem... ehm... Contemnere volumus in spelunca? Facere in gradibus spelunca!" - I wish to use my powers now, I wish to use my powers for good. To help. I wish to... to... ehm... to make light in the cave? To make a staircase in the cave! - "Non possum veniat Helias liberans eum!" - I can't leave him alone!

CH2

[whomping-weasleys]

How Would You Feel? -Ed Sheeran

REQUEST: Anon: Hon, I’m all out of Fred Weasley fanfic, not sure if you write them but if you do one based on Ed Sheeran’s How Would You Feel? Maybe reader is spending the summer at the Burrow with the Weasleys?

PAIRING: Fred Weasley x reader

WARNINGS: Little, tiny, itsy bitsy, teeny weeny bit of angst, maybe? Idk. Tell me if I missed anything.

A/N: This is such a great request! I’ve never done a lyric based fanfic so I hope this is at least kinda close to what you were asking for. I, personally, am super proud of this one. I hope it’s not too long. Thanks for reading! <3 (oh and I’m on mobile so it won’t italicize so sorry about that)

A/N2: Characters and pretty much everything else do not belong to me. Please inform me of any typos or just ways I can improve. Also, plEASE REQUEST THINGS I LOVE REQUESTS AND WILL ACCEPT ANY AND ALL OF THEM.

———

The Burrow was bustling with redheads and company as the weather outside remained dreary. The Weasleys always had company. No matter the size of their home nor paycheck there was always room for one more.

You were currently sinking into the seemingly never-ending armchair by the fireside, enthralled in the flames and your own thoughts. The twins were busying themselves with different plans and formulas across the room, and the rest of the Weasleys were wandering in and out of each room. You didn’t truly know anybody very well in the Burrow, but when Mrs. Weasley caught wind of a student without a home for the summer, well, she practically packed your things for you.

“Hey,” One of the twins snuck up behind you, you couldn’t quite tell them apart yet but you thought it was Fred, smiling widely at how surprised you seemed to be that someone would speak to you.

•

“You are the one girl And you know that it’s true I’m feeling younger Every time that I’m alone with you”

•

You were flustered, you’d heard of the infamous Weasley twins but had never thought they would bother talking to you. Your fear must’ve shown because, “don’t worry, I don’t bite,” Fred paused, “most of the time.” He winked and your lips formed a small smile.

“Though, he does tend to pry,” George called from across the room. You almost thought you saw Fred blush from the corner of your eye.

“And tease,” Ginny said as she walked in and out as quickly as she came.

“And scare the living hell out of you,” Ron did the same.

“Really? My own family, how could you?” Fred paused, holding his heart dramatically, “how could you forget prank?” You laughed, and continued to do so with Fred and George until you were called for dinner.

Though Molly Weasley was possibly the best hostess one could have, you’d been worried how you’d get on with the others. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.

You spent the majority of the next few weeks with Fred and George, though mostly Fred. You hadn’t had this much fun since you could remember. You could’ve mutually said you’d become best friends in these few weeks.

•

“We were sitting in a parked car Stealing kisses in the front yard We got questions we should not ask”

•

One night at the dinner table Mrs. Weasley began commenting on the amount of time the two of you had been. Your face heated up as Ron began hinting that more was happening than all you’d been telling them. You glanced up at Fred and, shockingly, he seemed just as embarrassed as you.

You had to admit to yourself, if no one else, you did have more feelings for the tall joker than you let on.

After cleaning up dinner, Ron’s conversation continued with some of his siblings, but in more detail, for lack of a better word.

“Sorry,” Fred mouthed to you, you’d never seen him so embarrassed. You laughed and shrugged in response. The two continued listening, amused,though also because you thought they might assume things if they noticed you two leaving together.

All eyes were now on Ron and it was your chance to leave. Fred gestured to the kitchen door and you followed him out.

“Sorry about Ron, this is the only time he’s been around an non-ginger girl, other than Granger, since… Well, I don’t think he’s really been around a lot of girls. He’s just trying to impress you,” he chuckled as he began making the two of you hot cocoa.

“Impress me? Why the hell would he want to do that?” You asked, genuinely surprised.

“Well why the hell not? You’re practically perfect,” he said it so casually you almost spat out your hot chocolate.

•

“In the summer, as the lilacs bloom Love flows deeper than the river Every moment that I spend with you We were sat upon our best friend’s roof I had both of my arms round you Watching the sunrise replace the moon”

•

“Hey, Y/N, I have something I wanna show you tonight, if you’re up for it,” Fred asked you as you walked into the kitchen for breakfast. Ron had begun laughing, what brains he had left out, at this statement (you’d become quite annoyed with his ongoing theories).

“What is it?” You asked cautiously, ignoring the giggling Ron.

“Well you’ll have to find out, won’t you,” he smirked. Still cautious, you agreed and waited anxiously until the set time.

You were waiting by the front door when Fred came running down the stairs, grabbed your hand, and continued on. His backpack grasping onto his shoulder, he dragged you to the broom shed, you both picking a considerably large amount of daisies along the way, and took both of your brooms. Through the fooling around and poking fun of each other, somehow, you’d made it up onto the roof of the Burrow.

“Well, this is our stop,” he said, looking up.

You hadn’t noticed how beautiful the stars were until now. Each star sparkled with a different light from the others. It was marvelous. When you looked back over at Fred he’d been staring at you but quickly looked away. You must’ve gotten something in your hair on the way here, you thought.

Fred began unpacking his bag. Four jumpers, sweets, a blanket, a sleeping bag, sweets, a thermos (presumably hot cocoa), water, more sweets, and a camera. He was always prepared. You laughed at the amount of sweets he’d brought, he looked at you like he was unaware one wouldn’t bring three bags of sweets on a trip to their rooftop.

The two of you sat down on the cold roof and starred up at the stars in peaceful silence. You looked over at him and he seemed just as entranced as you were, the wonder in his face made him even more handsome and fascinating than before.

When you both started talking it didn’t seem like you could stop. He asked the questions he’d been dying to ask for the month and a bit you’d been there. You found he was a man of more depth than he let on. His eyes would light up when talked about things he was particularly passionate about and would scowl when he heard of someone being rude to you, saying they’d “regret it later.” You made a daisy chain for each of your heads, he wasn’t very enthusiastic about it but he wore it anyways, and you both took more pictures than you could count. It was, quite possibly, the best night of your life up to this point.

After several hours of talking and laughing, you’d moved back to mostly to watching the sky, exchanging words and thoughts every once in a while, whilst each wearing three jumpers and sharing both the sleeping bag and blanket. You were having a competition of who could find the most constellations and shooting stars for the last bit of cocoa, you were winning.

“Oh I see one! Another point for me!” You bragged and he begrudgingly scraped another tally under your initial on the roof with a rock you’d found under your back.

“I don’t even think you’re seeing them anymore, you just want to win!” He accused you playfully.

“You’re just mad because I’m up by ten points.”

“Of course I’m mad; I’m down by ten points!”

“It’s not my fault I took astrology!” He rolled his eyes and looked back up. You both fell asleep soon after you won the cocoa.

You were startled awake by an excited Fred, who laughed at your scared reaction. You simply rolled your eyes at him.

“You’re ridiculous, you know that right?“ you stated, he just rolled his and pointed out at the sky impatiently.

You were in awe. It was just as beautiful as the night before but in a completely different way. The sun was climbing up over the treetops, shedding an orange light on anything in it’s path. You knew Fred was looking at you but you just smiled and continued watching; this was too wonderful to miss.

•

“How would you feel, if I told you I loved you? It’s just something that I want to do I’ll be taking my time, spending my life Falling deeper in love with you So tell me that you love me too”

•

Ron was on a roll again; telling his many “stories” about the two of you to his siblings. You had to step out to the front yard to cool down from all the blushing.

You stepped further out into the night, staring up at the stars. You were thinking about, to be completely honest, Fred. Possible love was always a difficult subject to, even temporarily, erase from ones mind. For Merlin’s sake, you’d only known him for two months, though you were leaving for hogwarts soon so this may have been your best chance. You were mental, but he often seemed to be equally so.

“There you are, Y/N, ‘was wondering where you’d gone,” Fred stated walking towards you from behind, making you jump. “Sorry about Ron, by the way, he can be a complete g–”

As he reached you, you turned, with a great jolt of courage and spontaneity, placing your hands on his neck, you brought his lips down onto yours. You were genuinely shocked when he kissed back. He moved his hands to your waist and held you close, deepening the kiss. You broke the kiss for air, earning a groan from Fred. All you could do was laugh, and the best part was; he laughed with you. You’d done it. Still holding each other, he placed a small kiss on your nose, you giggled. He kissed you again.

“How would you feel, if I told you I loved you?” He asked between kisses as he tried holding you impossibly closer.

“Ecstatic.”

“Well then; I love you,” he smiled his adorably childish smile as you kissed just bellow his lips.

“Well, I love you too.”

———

A/N: pretty sure this is the fastest I’ve ever written a decent fanfic so yippee! Thanks to all you babes who read this! :>