#watch remus be the next person to speak just to start a fist fight to live. things up

[arianaagreyy]

Pick me, please || S. Black, R. Lupin

Pairing: Sirius Black x Fem!Reader , Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader

Words: 1,396 words

Warnings: Idk angst maybe, emotional, a little bit of swearing, let me know if there are any more.

Lmao look at me. A new writer but trying to write emotional scenes. I know it's crappy and I'm open to constructive criticism.

_________________________

Betrayal hurts.

Hurts like hell.

Hurts even more when you witness it.

That's what was going through Sirius Black's mind when he heard his best friend with his girlfriend. The love of his life.

He had felt pain before. He had felt it in Grimmauld Place where he was abused by his parents, he had felt it when his own brother refused to acknowledge him but this...this pain was like no other.

It was like being stabbed by a thousand knives altogether. It was like being crushed by a mountain.

He ignored the first few times: The first time Remus offered you help when he wasn't there, the first time Remus held you while you cried on his shoulder which should've been his, the first time Remus saw you with a glint in his eyes, a glint he was so familiar with, a glint that showed love. The times Remus "nonchalantly" offered you help in classes. How he would randomly start looking for you when you weren't present at a place. How he started taking you out to Hogsmeade. And whenever Sirius asked him if something's wrong, he would always reply with a "I don't know what you're talking about. We're just friends".

But Sirius knew. He knew friends didn't look at each other the way Remus looked at you. He knew friends didn't sit as close to each other as Remus sat to you. He know friends didn't smile at each other other the way he smiled at you.

And that crushed him. It crushed him to see you look so happy with his best mate. It crushed him to see you look at him with such admiration in your eyes. It made him envious, jealous.

So he watched, he observed. He watched from the shadows how his best friend slowly fell in love with his girlfriend. His Y/N.

And right now, he heard it. He heard his best friend tell his girlfriend he loved her.

________________

"May I talk to you, Y/N?" Remus asked with a nervous edge to his voice. It didn't went unnoticed by Sirius, whose ears perked up by the mention of his girl's name.

"Sure Remmy what's up?", she asked while getting up from her place next to Sirius. She looked at her with a guilty smile and with a simple nod from Sirius, she walked towards the exit of the Great Hall with his best friend.

After waiting for a few minutes, Sirius also stood up and walked towards the direction Y/N and Remus went. He could hear the faint voice of someone shouting and it made him pick up his speed. His steps faltered as he recognised the voice as Y/N's voice.

"You're not supposed to drop a bomb like this and expect me to not be angry Remus Lupin", she was talking, but her voice was sad.

"I'm sorry Y/N but-", he was cut off with the sound of skin colliding with skin, a voice so loud it echoed in the entire corridor. A shiver ran through Sirius' body thinking what was the matter and was it so bad that made Y/N slap her friend.

"You're sick Lupin. You're sick to think I'll betray Sirius", her voice had venom.

"Pick me, Y/N. Pick me, I promise I'll be a better person for you. I'll keep you happy. I'll do everything in my power if it means seeing you happy. I'll give away my life just to see a smile on your face..." his voice trailed off when his eyes landed on Sirius standing in front of him with his fists clenched into balls, knuckles turning white.

"Sirius...", Remus opened his mouth to speak but a look from Sirius silenced him.

Sirius on the other hand was furious. He felt betrayed, jealous, stupid for letting his girlfriend spend time with his best friend when he knew Remus was in love with her.

"You...little...piece...of...shit", Sirius gritted out each word taking a step towards Remus, eyes locked with his. He wanted to punch him, hex him, harm him.

"Sirius stop, please", Remus pleaded taking one step back every time Sirius took one forward. Both of the boys forgetting that you were in the room as well.

"I trusted you. I let her spend time with you because I had faith in you", Sirius spat.

"You know how much I love her. She's my girlfriend for god's sake".

Remus stared at Sirius with eyes wide. He had never seen or heard such anger from his side, even when he talked about his parents.

Meanwhile Y/N had stopped crying. She was aware that if she didn't stop these boys right now, things would get out of hand.

"Sirius please", Y/N whispered with a rasped voice.

He looked in her direction to see her beautiful face all tear-stained and her mascara trailing lines across her cheeks. Her eyes were bloodshot red from crying and she looked so heart-broken, it only made Sirius more angry knowing that Remus was the reason.

"Sirius, love please", she pleaded and he stopped. He stopped hearing the nickname Y/N spoke for him. Love.

"Y/N he asked you to pick between him and me. Tell him who would you pick", Sirius spoke with a bragging tone, yet a sense of insecurity and fear bubbled inside him.

What if she picks him? "Pick me, please" his heart pleaded silently.

"I told him Sirius, I told him it will be you. Always", she spoke, wiping tears off her face. Both of their gazes, Sirius' and Y/N's fell on Remus simultaneously who looked as if his heart was crushed by a hammer.

But he should've known better than to fall in love with his best mate's girl.

"Remus, I respect you and I love you. But not in the way you want me to. My heart will always pick Sirius over anything, even myself. I'm so sorry", Y/N explained, her tone soft and soothing.

Remus was looking at the ground. When he looked up, he locked eyes with Sirius and for the first time, there was no glint in his eye. Remus had hurt Sirius in a bad way and he'll never be able to trust him again. He was sure of it.

He quickly wiped the few tears that had fallen from his eyes, looked at Y/N and Sirius and smiled and left the hallway.

And for the first time in the day, Y/N and Sirius were alone. He looked at her to see tears continously falling from her eyes. He quickly ran over to her and wiped away the tears, holding her close to him, not wanting to let go.

Her arms were wrapped around his chest and his hands were on her waist, pulling her close to eliminate all space between them. Y/N's soft sobs echoed through the silent hallway.

"I'msosorrySirius", she mumbled through her sobs. Sirius's heart ached to hear his beloved's voice so full of guiltiness and hurt. He pulled her away and used his hand to lift up her chin. She stopped crying and looked at him directly in the eye.

"You didn't do anything wrong my love. It isn't your fault, nothing is", he tried to calm her. "Do you understand?"

She slowly nodded her head and and Sirius used his free hand to wipe the tears off her face. Her face broke into a soft smile which made his heart flutter. She quickly wrapped her arms around his torso again and he pressed a chaste kiss on her forehead.

"I love you Sirius", she mumbled and put her head on his chest, right above his beating heart.

"And I love you too, Y/N", Sirius said, holding her as if to never let go. He closed his eyes and smiled at the ceiling, wanting the moment to never end.

They knew things will never be the same again. Remus will never be trusted around Y/N the way he was, she'll never look at him like she used to. Sirius will never talk to him about Y/N like he used to do but for now nothing mattered because they had each other. They'd fight for each other until their last breaths. They'd hold on to each other forever. They'd always love each other.

They'd always pick each other.

[joaquinwhorres]

hoax (Ch. 1) {Sirius Black x F!OC}

SUMMARY ››››› It started out as a simple bet: who could get the girl chosen for them first? After four years of half-hearted attempts, Sirius decides it’s time to make a concerted effort to win over the notoriously undateable Florence Saise.

WORD COUNT ››››› 4,100-ish

WARNINGS ››››› Pretty much every chapter is going to have mentions of sex. Including this one.

A/N ››››› I'm so thankful to every single person who responded to my incessant "does this line make sense?" or "can you read this to tell me what you think?" Without you guys this never would have been uploaded, and I'd never already have the start of a second chapter.

Series Masterlist | Read on ff.net | Read on AO3

Florence Saise was rather convinced that she was the only person not excited to find themselves back at Hogwarts. Everyone else seemed to be coping with the looming start of the school year just fine, if the laughter and shouts that greeted her as she flung open the carriage door was any indication. It was, by all accounts that mattered, (which is to say, hers) not fair.

The blonde haired girl jumped down from the horseless carriage, landing with a heavier thump than might have been expected from her small frame. Before her, masses of students cursed up the hill chattering to one another with smiles on their faces. Not one had the same little crease between their eyebrows that threatened to turn into a full-on scowl.

It was as if every single one of them had either forgotten the bullshit that came along with living amongst their peers or were still blissfully unaware of the curse that was adolescence. Even her friends, who hopped down out of the carriage behind her, seemed too entrenched in the debate that had stretched from the train compartment to the carriage, to fully register what being back at Hogwarts meant.

"You've been quiet, Lory, what do you think?" Marlene asked, throwing an arm around Florence's shoulder as the small group of girls joined the throng of students.

"If Sebastian doesn't know what to do with his tongue when kissing, there's not much hope for him using it elsewhere. You'd do better with Roger."

"Aha!" Marlene cried out triumphantly, pointing a finger at Mary. "That makes it two for Roger, one for Sebastian, and one for giving up on boys all together," she tallied as Florence shrugged out from under her arm. Lily appeared on Florence's other side, trapping Florence in the middle of the group.

"You can't just use physical stuff as the metric for whether or not a relationship will be any good," Lily asserted. "There's more to dating than snogging and sex."

"Says the person who's never properly snogged anyone," Marlene stage whispered to Mary.

"Exactly," Lily said, perhaps a little too passionately. "And look how fulfilled I am."

Marlene shot Florence a skeptical look, and Lily reached across her to smack at Marlene's arm. This started another round of fierce debating, Lily reminding Mary that Sebastian had written her once a week all summer whereas Roger had only written four times, Marlene reminding Mary that she didn't want to die a virgin, and Dorcas reminding Mary that she never had any of these problems with her girlfriends.

Florence felt a dull needling, like a knuckle digging into the side of her head. At this rate, she was going to have a headache before they even reached the castle.

The Gryffindor strode ahead of the group, near enough that she wouldn't catch any flack for abandoning them but far enough that she could more easily drown out their bickering. She would give anything for just a single moment of peace today. Between her father and brother waking her up with their argument to Lily and Marlene's stupid battle over who Mary should date, all Florence wanted was ten minutes where she didn't get roped into playing referee.

But as she looked up ahead on the path, her eyes landing on James Potter and his crew, it seemed like peace was not in the cards for her today.

The group of boys were laughing amongst each other as they subtly enchanted trees to tap students on the shoulder or grab an unsuspecting second year. It was, objectively speaking, rather funny to witness the reactions of their various victims. One boy let out a startled shriek so loud, Florence would have expected it to come from a banshee. Another girl was attempting to fight off a branch that kept pulling at her plait. The problem with Potter and them's joke was not so much the unrest it caused amongst the students ahead of Florence.

The problem was Lily.

"You have got to be kidding me," Lily sighed, cutting Marlene off mid sentence. "What's even the point in making Remus a prefect if he's going to let his friends get away with everything?"

Before any of the girls had a chance to talk Lily down, the prefect marched up the hill with impressive speed, her hair billowing behind her.

"I am not missing this," Marlene said eagerly, grabbing Mary by the hand and tugging her up the hill with her. Dorcas and Florence shared a look and a sigh, before following them after Lily.

"Potter!" Lily shouted, and the group of boys came to an abrupt stop, nearly causing the group of Ravenclaws behind them to collide with their backs.

"Ah the dulcet tones of Lily Evans," James Potter said as he turned around to face the fuming redhead, a smirk set firmly in place.

Lily pulled up right in front of him, chest heaving from her quick trip up the hill. "You are to stop using magic at once or else I'll be forced to give you detention."

"I'm not sure what you mean," Potter said, tilting his head and allowing confusion to overtake his features. Lily's scowl deepened, clearly not buying the act. "I think you and I are both aware that it's against the rules to use magic before term starts, and we're not even at the castle yet."

Behind him, Pettigrew and Black snickered. The sound seemed to bolster James Potter's already rampant egotism as the smirk returned once more to his face.

"Unless of course, you're saying that I've enchanted you. Do you find me bewitching, Evans?" Potter asked, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

"I think I've made it quite clear what I think of you, James Potter," Lily snapped, her hands balling into fists at her sides. "10 points from Gryffindor."

"Ah, Evans," Potter tsked, as if regretting the fact that he would have to share bad news with her. "Prefects can't take points until the start of term. Learned that fourth year," he added on, dropping the sympathetic act.

Marlene nudged Florence with her elbow and held out her hand expectantly. Florence's eyes moved from the open palm to her friend's gaze, raising an eyebrow.

"I believe you owe me a hundred galleons," Marlene informed her, a smile tugging at her lips even as she fought to remain serious. "As James Potter has just confirmed that he has, in fact, learned something in his past five years here."

"That doesn't count," Florence said dryly, slapping Marlene's palm down even as Marlene grinned at her winningly. The stare off between a seething Lily and smug James was looking very much like it was about to end in a murder. Remus Lupin must have also caught onto this because he shook his head and finally stepped forward.

"Come on, let's at least make it to the castle this year before you and Lily have a row," he appealed, making a half-decent attempt at Prefect-like behavior.

Potter turned to his friend with a magnanimous smile. "Since you asked so kindly, Moony," Potter paused, shooting Lily a look. "I'll make sure there is no more confusion about whether or not we might have been doing magic. Watch carefully, Evans. I'm putting my wand in my back pocket. Feel free to track its progress up the hill," he added with a wink.

Lily let out a disgusted noise as Marlene snorted, and Potter turned to continue back up the hill with his friends, Sirius Black playfully pushing him as he rejoined the group.

"What a wanker," Lily murmured, watching the boys go.

"Maybe, but he's looking well fit," Marlene noted, taking Potter up on his offer to make sure his wand stayed in his back pocket. "You could do a lot worse than James Potter."

Lily whirled on Marlene, emitting a scandalized,  " Marlene! "

The dark haired girl laughed and shook her head. "Oh come off it, Lils, he's smart, funny, attractive, all of which is important to you, and," she looked around before leaning forward conspiratorially. "I've heard his wandwork isn't the only magical thing he can do with his hands." Marlene wiggled her fingers at Lily, who pulled back looking so pale that for a moment, Florence thought she might actually be sick.

Which was far too hilarious not to laugh at. So she did, earning a dark look from Lily and a shiteating grin from Marlene.

Lily rounded back on Marlene before shaking her head and starting back up to the castle.  "He's not funny; he's cruel. And he's only half as smart as he thinks he is."

"So you agree he's attractive?" Marlene asked, raising an eyebrow, and Lily's face turned bright red before she managed to sputter out a:

"Looks don't mean anything!"

"She's right," Dorcas added. Contributing to the conversation for the first time with the decisiveness that the girls had come to expect from her.  "Looks don't mean anything. But being good with his hands, well…"

Lily emitted a strangled sound somewhere between disbelief and mild outrage as the rest of her friends laughed at her and moved past on their way to the castle. A small feeling in Florence's chest loosened as she walked with them, the conversation alternating between teasing Lily and debating between Roger and Sebastian. Maybe this year wouldn't be quite as bad as the past five.

Naturally, the hope of a better year was squashed the very next day.

This, of course, should have been expected. After all, the first day of classes was primarily meant for overloading students with work they weren't yet prepared for and reminding them that their very futures depended on the mastery of the material. However, those spiels were not the giveaway that this year would be more or less the same in terms of teenage bullshit as the years prior. What it really came down to was her Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

The death of her hope began the moment she walked into the classroom and was faced with an obscenely tall and lanky man, dressed in a smart tweed suit with his chin length hair tucked behind his ears. A name was written in halting cursive on the chalkboard behind him.

Oleander Fernsby.

It was a ridiculous name for what was, by all indicators, a ridiculous man.

Although, as Florence watched the way his eyes darted around the classroom, shooting away every time a student got too close to making eye contact, she began to think that perhaps ridiculous was the wrong word. It suggested a certain confidence that this man in front of her was severely lacking.

It was painful to watch really, seeing him hoist the corners of his mouth up just to seem to lose his grip and have the smile come crashing down again. Both of his hands were shoved into his pants pockets, the right one fiddling with something it found in there so that the pocket almost seemed to flutter with his nervous energy. Even as she sat down next to Marlene, Florence couldn't take her eyes off of this clear disaster waiting to happen.

"This is going to be interesting," Marlene noted with raised eyebrows as she tapped her quill tip on the desk. "Reckon he'll make it the whole year?"

"Reckon he'll make it to the end of the month?" Florence returned, and Marlene snorted.

The last of the students shuffled into the room, claiming desks next to their friends and casting skeptical looks up at the unusual choice for professor. Even Remus Lupin looked unsure about Dumbledore's choice as he sat with eyebrows raised and a slight frown on his face.

The professor cleared his throat, which was completely ineffective when it came to quelling the murmurings of students sizing him up.

"Excuse me," he said, his voice dipping down into a mumble on the last syllable. As could be expected, the class' attention remained on their own conversations.

" Merlin's beard," Dorcas muttered under her breath from behind Florence. The professor furrowed his brow, a look of resolve on his face before trying again.

"Good morning." He had added a bit of volume and force assertiveness to his voice, but it wasn't until Potter hit Black on the shoulder and gestured with his head to the professor that the talking in the room tapered off. Faced with a room of quiet students, he succeeded in finally managing a weak smile.

"Good morning," he repeated, his voice soft but steady at least. "I'm Professor Fernsby, and I'll be teaching you Defense Against the Dark Arts this year."

It was hard to imagine this particular wizard ever standing up against the dark arts. He looked like he could hardly manage a boggart let alone a hag or Lethifold. Even faced with a room full of bored teenagers, he was crumbling under the pressure. Across the room Peter Pettigrew snickered, and Fernsby's expression faltered.

"I know that I am a new face here, and you've had five other professors, but I hope that together we'll have a good year this year and learn a lot."

Florence snorted and either Lily or Dorcas (probably Lily) jabbed a finger into her back in scolding.

Fernsby's smile flickered, and he paused. "Erm, yes. I know that this is your second class of the day, and it's early. The first years were all practically asleep at their desks this morning, but this is an NEWT-level class, so we will be covering rather complicated and dark material--oh! Yes, you there," Fernsby said, gesturing towards a student in the back. Florence turned, watching as Cassius Avery lowered his hand, a self-satisfied smirk already twisting at his lips.

"Can you explain what you mean by 'dark,' professor?"

The classroom went so still even Fernsby seemed to notice, his pocket fluttering once more.

"Well, we'll learn about the Unforgivable Curses. How to battle Inferi--"

"Will we be learning more about the Dark Arts themselves?" Avery interrupted, tilting back his chair so that it leaned against Thaddeus Nott's desk.

Fernsby's eyes flicked around the classroom as if looking for help from one of the students, but everyone remained still and quiet, watching to see what would happen. Florence set her jaw as she looked back at Avery who was looking rather smug. Beside him there was a glint in Thomas Mulciber's eye as if he were watching an animal fall into a trap.  "I'm not sure that would be entirely appropriate--" Fernsby started.

"I was just thinking that we should know how the Dark Arts work and such so we can properly defend ourselves?" Avery clarified and beside him Mulciber smirked. Florence's hand curled into a fist on her desk. "I mean, you want us to be prepared, don't you, professor? We need to know--"

"Avery you smarmy little git, would you shut up?" Florence snapped, and the eyes of the class shot over to her. But she was just looking at Avery whose eyes flashed angrily. "Even he's not thick enough to teach you how to curse someone. Go ask your dad. Or is he too busy shagging his cousin--I'm sorry, your mum."

There was a beat of silence as the whole class seemed to collectively hold its breath before across the room, Sirius Black broke out into a loud barking laughter, muffling whatever Avery snarled at Florence.

"Pardon?" she asked, arching an eyebrow, and though he opened his mouth to say it again, it wasn't Avery's voice, but Fernsby's she heard next.

"That is--that is quite enough," the professor finally interjected, and Florence turned around, ready for her detention or points to be docked, but as Fernsby's eyes landed on her and she met them with a fierce unrepentance, he wet his lips and moved on.

"Merlin's beard," Marlene whispered to Florence. "Been holding onto that for a while, haven't you?"

"After what he and Mulciber did last year to Mary, he's lucky I haven't set him on fire," Florence mumbled. "Last thing we need is that lot learning about the Dark Arts so they can practice on muggleborns."

Marlene nodded her agreement, and the two focused back on Fernsby who was presently taking attendance.

Class continued and with it the growing feeling that someone was attempting to stare daggers into the back of her head. When she finally turned with a raised eyebrow, she found that not only was Avery glaring at her, but Mulciber and Nott had also joined in their friend's effort. She gave the three of them the most saccharine smile she could muster and lifted a middle finger towards them. When she turned back to Fernsby, he was in the middle of listing his credentials and previous places of employment..

He had just finished on how formative his time in the Azkaban processing unit was when James Potter began to loudly pack up his bag. "And erm..." Professor Fernsby stopped, watching as Potter corked his inkwell and dropped it into his bag. "Mr….Potter was it?"

Potter looked up, "Oh, I'm sorry, Professor," he said, his face genuinely apologetic. "I thought you were about done."

"Done?" Fernsby asked. While the word might have cracked like a whip from McGonagall or Kettleburn, instead it came out rather helpless as he looked appealingly to Potter for an explanation.

"It's just that usually professors keep class short the first. To get us acclimated to the school schedule again, you know."

Fernsby said nothing, looking out over the class to see nods of assent. Even Dorcas kept quiet.

"He's right," Marlene said from next to her, and Florence's attention whipped to her friend. "Although usually they make us stay at least half the block," she added with a reproachful look to James.

"Ah, well, I suppose here is as good a place to stop as any," Professor Fernsby said. "Come ready to learn, as I will be picking up the pace as the year progresses."

He seemed rather proud of himself, Florence thought as she along with her classmates scurried to pack up their books before anyone could possibly grow a guilty conscience. He probably thought the early dismissal was a sign of kindness and not what it really was: blood in the water.

Shouldering her bag, Florence headed out behind Lily and Dorcas into the hallway.

"We're not going to learn anything all year," Dorcas moaned, tossing her head back to stare miserably at the ceiling.

"It's going to be an easy O at least," Lily sighed. "And besides, next year it'll be someone new. Maybe they'll be able to catch us up."

Dorcas wilted a little, head coming back down to face forward with a pout tugging down her lips. "I suppose."

Marlene looked disbelievingly at the group. "Are we really not going to talk about Avery?"

"Do we have to?" Mary asked with a shudder. "He's so creepy. "

"That whole group is destined for Azkaban," Lily murmured, shaking her head.

"Not if Lory gets to them first," Marlene countered, smirking.

Florence shrugged, "I already told you I didn't think Fernsby had the backbone to tell him no."

"Right, but going after his dad like that?" Marlene pressed, raising her eyebrows at Florence as if to prompt an explanation.

"Everyone knows the Sacred Twenty-Eight's inbred," a voice drawled from behind the group. Lily rolled her eyes, letting out an annoyed sigh through her nose as Potter, Black, Remus, and Pettigrew interspersed themselves amongst the girls. "After all, you're looking at someone whose father shagged his cousin. Thankfully all of the negative effects of my parents' decision to procreate saved themselves for Regulus. Florence snorted at this, and Marlene barked out a laugh. Even Lily's lips quirked up into a reluctant half smile. "I have to say, Saise, that was a thing of sheer beauty in there. I think I might have even fallen in love with you a little," Black grinned.

Florence rolled her eyes and shook her head, even as the grin stayed on her lips. "I hope you're prepared for heartbreak then. Pettigrew, I'd start collecting chocolate frogs now, he's going to need them."

A quick confusion crossed Pettigrew's face as he darted a glance at Black, as if to ask if Florence was serious. But his friend was too busy throwing a hand over his heart and staggering back as if wounded.

"Should I get some chocolate frogs too, Evans? Or are you planning on sparing my heart this year?" Potter asked, grinning winsomely at Lily.

She gave him a tight lipped grin back, tilting her head towards him. "You should get as many as you can and stick them in your bag. That way, every time you have even the faintest impulse to ask me out, you can take one out and shove it in your mouth to save us both the trouble."

With that, Lily brushed her hair over her shoulder and moved forward to link arms with Florence, turning them both around to march down the hallway and away from their heartbroken boys.

"I think there was progress," James said, piling potatoes onto his plate once the boys had sat down for lunch. The past forty-five minutes that they should have spent in Defense Against the Dark Arts had been devoted instead to James' eternal pining over Lily Evans. "She didn't call me any names."

"Didn't need to, mate," Sirius said, snagging the serving spoon from James. "Her face and tone of voice largely did that for her."

"Yeah? What'd it say?" James asked, raising an eyebrow as he watched Sirius spoon potatoes next to his sausage.

Sirius straightened up in his seat, pointing the spoon at James. "It said, James Potter, you are a complete tosser," he said, mimicking Lily's high voice, much to the amusement of both Remus and Peter.

James looked down the table to where Lily tossed her head back laughing at something Mary Macdonald said. The lack of outright animosity had been progress, but she still didn't look at him with even a fraction of the warmth she gave to everyone else. Lily caught sight of him and the smile slid from her face, settling into a look of pure disdain before she turned back to her friends and said something that made Marlene McKinnon almost spit out her pumpkin juice.

"Well at least I can say I'm trying," James protested, turning back to face Sirius.

"Trying what? To get Lily Evans to hex your arse halfway 'cross the country?" Sirius asked. "Because that is about the only thing you're set to succeed at with her."

James scoffed before growing serious.  "I'm trying to win the bet."

Sirius raised his eyebrows at his best friend, and even Peter seemed to have checked back in to the conversation. Remus however let out a groan and set down the book he'd been reading so he didn't have to listen to James going on about Lily. "I thought you two had given that up."

"It was just on hiatus for a while," Sirius dismissed, picking up his fork to dig into his lunch. "Because unlike Prongs, I don't have to spend years just to get Saise to tolerate being in the same room as me."

"And yet," James said, picking up his own fork. "You still haven't won."

"Well, I've been a bit too busy with other matters to be worried much about the birds?"

"Like what?" Remus asked, picking his book back up.

"Largely, being the family disappointment," Sirius remarked with some finality as he bit into his sausage.

James just laughed at this. "Please, you have about as much interest in dating as Saise does. One of you is going to call it quotes before you can even go public--let alone last two weeks."

"All I'm saying is that at least Saise doesn't actively detest the very sight of me," Sirius shrugged, taking another bite of his food.

"I'm making progress."

"Of course you are, mate," Sirius nodded, navigating the words around the mouthful of food.

James shook his head at Sirius, "Padfoot, when it comes right down to it , I don't even think you could get Saise out of her knickers, let alone date you."

Sirius scoffed. "Everyone can get her out of her knickers. Everyone practically has gotten Saise out of her knickers."

Remus looked up from his book, a frown tugging at his features. "That's an ugly thing to say Sirius," he scolded, but Sirius looked completely unrepentant.

"It's not like it's a secret that practically our entire year has shagged Florence. Everyone knows what she's like," Peter shrugged.

"Exactly. Thank you, Wormtail," Sirius said. "But if you're so certain I can't do it, Prongs, then you'd have no problem making a little add on to our bet. Right?"

"No problem at all," James said, smugly.

"Great," Sirius said, leaning forward on his elbows. "Let's talk terms."

[omgrachwrites]

Falling Stars (Sequel to Tell A Tale of You and Me) Chapter Two

Pairing: Dean Thomas x Reader

Summary: In the midst of a brewing war you fall for one of your classmates, a boy that you used to know. When you have the chance to fight against evil, you fight for what you believe in.

Chapter Summary: Tensions rise between Umbridge and Harry, forcing Dean and Cass to be civil with one another. Meanwhile, competition arises on the Quidditch pitch.

Warnings: fluff, angst, mentions of death, swearing, sassy Harry

Words: 2645

Disclaimer: I haven’t read The Order of The Phoenix in so long so the timeline might be out of wack!

A/N: I hope you guys enjoy this part, please let me know what you think and if you would like to be tagged! I love you all! xxx

previous part   masterlist   prequel   next part

Chapter Two - The Pink Toad

Dean woke up, shivering slightly in the drafty dormitories – with all the magic in Hogwarts he thought someone would have taken the initiative to make the castle warmer. He was in a bad mood already and for a moment he couldn’t think why and then, it hit him like a ton of bricks. The 5th year Gryffindors and Slytherins were going to be having their first lesson with Umbridge in Defence Against the Dark Arts. To hear other people talk about it, it seemed like she didn’t know what she was doing, they said that she should have stayed at the Ministry.

He mulled over his thoughts as he walked over to the window and watched the quiet grounds begin to stir beneath the glow of the rising sun. Dean couldn’t deal with another shit Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor. Dumbledore should have brought Lupin back – even if he was a werewolf – he had been the best Professor they’d ever had.

Though, it wasn’t all that bad, today Quidditch try outs were taking place tonight, he had wanted to try out for the team last year but all of the matches had been cancelled due to the Triwizard Tournament. He was itching to climb onto his broom and zip through the late summer air. Once Seamus was awake – he didn’t say a word to Dean, Seamus was the worst person ever in the morning – they both got dressed and made their way to The Great Hall. Dean’s insides were already aching with hunger.

Dean perked up even more when he smelled all the amazing breakfast food and he sat by Fred and George Weasley, piling toast and bacon onto his plate.

“You trying out for the team then, Thomas?” Fred asked – or it might have been George – the twins both had identical smirks on their faces. The Weasley twins had been on the Quidditch team since Dean’s first year, they were extraordinary beaters.

“Of course,” Dean grinned, feeling excitement course through his body, “tonight’s try outs are going to be a blast!”

“You guys haven’t heard?” Dean looked around at the sound of a voice and his heart dropped when he saw Harry nervously running his fingers through his hair, “the Slytherins must have gotten wind of our try outs tonight because they booked the pitch before Angelina had the chance. Our try outs have been pushed to Saturday,” he scowled.

“What?” the four boys gasped in horror and Dean looked over at the Slytherin table.

Cass was laughing with her friends as she raised a mug to her lips; her eyes flickered over to Dean for a moment before she looked back at her friends. She looked radiant and beautiful, like she didn’t have a care in the world and that pissed Dean off, he turned back to his friends with a frown.

“I bet that Cass had something to do with this, this is so like her,” he moodily stabbed at his food.

Seamus rolled his eyes as he shoved a piece of bacon into his mouth, “mate,” he started with his voice muffled, “you say that you don’t give a shit about her but, Merlin, I think you’re obsessed. Not everything that happens is her fault.”

In the back of Dean’s mind he knew himself that Seamus was right and it had probably had nothing to do with Cass. However, he was still so annoyed with her that he wouldn’t even entertain that idea.

On their way to class, Dean’s eyes impatiently searched through the sea of people in the corridor, “this isn’t a good idea mate,” Seamus scoffed.

“Please, just give us a second, yeah?” he offered his best mate a smile before going back to the task at hand and he spotted Cass as she was about to walk into class.

“Oi, Cass!” he called out to her, making her stop in her track and she gave him a surprised look as he caught up with her, “why would your team book the damn pitch for tonight? We were supposed to have our try outs.”

Cass rolled her eyes and Dean noticed the glimmer of disappointment in them and he almost felt guilty, “do I look like the team captain? Everything that goes wrong in your life isn’t my fault you know,” she hissed before storming into the classroom.

“Told ya,” Seamus snickered.

Umbridge hadn’t come down from her office yet so Dean contented himself with doodling a lion devouring a snake while Lavender and Parvati made a bird out of paper and had charmed it to soar through the air. As it flew over to Dean and Seamus, Dean laughed, “go on, Seamus. Hit it!” he goaded his best friend and Seamus landed a successful hit, blowing it off course. In the next second, it burst into flames making the class jump.

Dean scowled as a toad like woman stood at the front of the class wearing the ugliest shade of pink ever seen. He wrinkled his nose in disgust as a sickly sweet perfume smell wafted towards him. Umbridge started like all the other teaches had by explaining the importance of OWLS, before she handed out a beginners handbook.

“Your introduction to this subject has been uneven, probably due to the fact that you’ve had half breeds teaching you and whatnot,” there was mirth in her voice and it annoyed Dean massively.

“If you must know, Professor Lupin was the best teacher we’ve ever had. So what if he’s a werewolf?” most of the class murmured in agreement and Dean clenched his teeth in anger as Umbridge gave him a sweet smile.

“That will be five points from Gryffindor, Mr Thomas,” she let out a high pitched laugh that went right through Dean.

“Dean is right though! How is it Remus’ fault that he got bitten? He didn’t ask for that to happen! It shouldn’t make it impossible for him to get a job, he’s not dangerous,” Cass piped up.

Dean whirled around to look at her; her usually warm eyes were hard as she stared at Umbridge with a furious expression. Dean agreed with Cass though he hated to admit it and would never say it out loud. Cass made eye contact with Dean and her eyes softened as she smiled at him gratefully. Dean gulped and looked away.

Umbridge smirked as her nostrils flared but she didn’t tell Cass off. Instead, she smiled at a couple of people on the front row who had got their wands out, “oh, you can put those away, my dears.”

“We’re not going to be using magic?” Ron mumbled, his voice held all of the confusion that everyone else was feeling.

“Why on earth would you need to use magic dear?” she let out another annoying high pitched laugh.

“Oh, of course,” Harry gasped as he slapped a hand against his forehead, “because when Voldemort comes after all of us, the last thing we’ll need to know is defensive magic, dear me, the thought of it. Ron, how could you ask such a silly question?” sarcasm laced Harry’s voice, making Dean smirk to himself as everyone waited for Umbridge’s response with baited breath.

Umbridge barely flinched at the use of You-Know-Who’s real name and her sickly sweet smile almost faltered, “you and your tall tales, Mr Potter. The Ministry would be protecting everyone if the Dark Lord was back.”

Dean glanced over at Harry when he let out a scoff to see that Harry had his hands on the table, clenching his fists, “so, Cedric Diggory spontaneously combusted did he?” Harry’s tone was dry as he glared at Umbridge, “Voldemort killed him! And you’re an idiot for not admitting it!”

Someone near the back of the room gasped at Harry’s words and everyone got ready to watch Umbridge murder Harry. Umbridge’s face was drained of colour as she scrawled on a piece of parchment and simply said in a steady voice, “come here, Mr Potter,” when Harry stormed up to her desk, she gave him the parchment, “take this to Professor McGonagall, off you go dear,” Harry scoffed as he snatched it off her and stormed out of the room, not looking back.

The rest of the lesson continued in silence, nobody dared to speak to one another. At the end of the class, Cass caught up with Dean, “intense huh?”

Dean was still reeling from the shock of Harry’s words that he momentarily forgot the bitterness he had towards her, “yeah,” he laughed, scuffing his shoe against the floor.

“It was nice of you to speak up for Remus,” she smiled, leaning against the cold stone wall.

Dean shrugged nonchalantly as his cheeks grew hot and he tried to ignore the peaceful feeling in his chest, “thought it was only fair to defend the guy when he wasn’t there to defend himself,” he cleared his throat, “it was good of you to speak up for him too.”

“I would do anything and say anything for the people that I care about,” she looked up at him from beneath her eyelashes as she bit her lower lip and Dean swallowed nervously, “I thought you would know that by now,” she gave him a small smile and pushed off from the wall, “see you around,” she nodded at him and then she was off, walking down the corridor with Astoria.

“So, the both of you can have a civil conversation without biting each other’s head off,” Seamus smirked.

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

As you stood with your back against the Quidditch stands you shivered in the freezing evening air as you watched the try outs, waiting for your turn to try out for the position of Keeper. Your teeth chattered as you stuck your hands in the inside of your coat and pulled the letter from your dad out of the inside pocket. You smiled down at the piece of parchment as you read over the words again in the perfect script. He was wishing you luck at the try outs, he knew how important Quidditch was to you.

All you wanted to do was make him proud, you knew that Harry made him proud but Harry had that effect on the adults in his life who loved him. It seemed so easy for him, he was a hero. You just wanted to make Sirius proud of who you were. Your breath came out as smoke as you watched your housemates zip through the sky in all directions. All you wanted to do was zip through the sky with them; hopefully it would warm you up. It was strange that Draco wasn’t trying out this year; he loved a bit of attention.

You jumped slightly as you felt warmth against your elbow and you glanced to the side to see Astoria holding a steaming cup of something hot, “this is for you, you look freezing,” she laughed as she passed you the cup.

You grinned at her as you lifted the cup to your lips and swallowed down the hot chocolate, humming at the thickness of it, it burned your tongue slightly but you didn’t care all that much, you were just thankful for the heat, “thank you so much,” you licked your lips as the hot drink warmed your insides, “what are you doing here? You hate Quidditch,” you narrowed your eyes as you realised just why she was here, “Draco’s not playing this year, sorry to disappoint you,” you laughed as she rolled her eyes.

“I’m not here for him Cass, I’m here for you. I know that I hate Quidditch, just don’t see the point of it all but I know how much you love it and you’re my best friend, so I came here to support you.”

Astoria’s words were so sweet and kind that you threw your arms around her in a tight hug, “I love you, you’re amazing. You know that?”

“Of course I know that,” she laughed, winking at you as she linked your arm through yours and leaned her head on your shoulder, “uh oh, incoming.”

You bit your lip as Dean, Harry, Seamus and Ron were coming out of the castle heading for the stands behind you. It seemed as though Harry and Seamus had put aside their rivalry in the name of Quidditch, the thought made you roll your eyes. What were they doing here? Were they here to sabotage you?

“What the hell are you guys doing here?” you turned around to face the Gryffindor boys, shouting against the howling wind.

Dean smirked, just enough for his dimples to be on display and even from here you could see his eyes flash with an emotion that you didn’t recognise, “I’ve missed out on Quidditch for the past two years, I’m not waiting till Saturday to be able to watch some! It’s got nothing to do with you,” he raised an eyebrow at you as he slouched against his chair, making you scowl at him.

Harry laughed as he shot you a smile, “and we wanted to see what form your players were on!” he would never tell you outright but you knew he was here to offer you some support and you appreciated it. You shook your head at the boys before turning back to watch the try outs, painfully aware of their eyes on you.

Finally, the captain looked at you, “Cass? C’mon, let’s go!” Astoria gave you a supportive smile and a pat on your shoulder as you walked onto the pitch, mounting your broom as you soared through the air to guard the hoops.

The first couple of throws the captain directed at you were easy saves; there wasn’t much spin on the Quaffle so you could have saved it with your eyes closed. However, every time you made a mediocre save, you could hear Astoria screaming as if you had made an amazing save and it made you laugh, she really didn’t understand Quidditch. You didn’t feel the cold anymore; the adrenaline you felt made it all go away

“C’mon! Give me a challenge!” you shouted to the troll like boy who was hovering on his broom, holding the Quaffle, he smirked at you as he sent the ball hard and fast with a lot of spin on it.

You kicked, caught and booted the ball with the end of your broomstick, sending it back to him and every time he caught it with a taken aback look on his face. There was a save that you almost didn’t make, it was too far off to the side but you caught it between the tips of your fingers. You heard the small crowd below you gasp and you glanced down to see Dean looked impressed – though he would never admit it – it only made him more handsome.

By the end of try outs, it was no question that you had been the best Keeper, and you were looking forward to practise the following week. As you walked towards Astoria she grinned at you, throwing an arm around your shoulders, “that was amazing! I can’t believe that you’re my best friend.”

You rolled your eyes at her words but you couldn’t help but smile a little, as you walked back into the castle together, desperate to get out of the cold night air, “oi, Cass!” you whipped around as you heard Dean calling after you.

Astoria gasped a little in delight as Dean jogged towards you, a competitive glint in his eye, “Gryffindor are going to kick your arse in the first match,” you laughed and it felt like things were better between you and Dean.

However, as the rest of the boys ran up to you, Dean’s expression dropped and his eyes went hard and cold again. It was obvious that apart from the competitive banter, nothing had changed.

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

@approved-by-dentists @thefuturelawyer @a-miserable-hufflepunk @firelordmillie @seriouslysiriuss @sleep-i-ness @play-morezeppelin @pregnant-piggy @sleepingalaska @blisfvlll @rexorangecouny @findzelda @wangmangagavroche @hxrgreeves @ghostofstudentspast @they-write-once-in-a-blue-moon @my-unique-mind @im-an-angel-of-the-lord-you-ass @kashishwrites @fific7 @blackbirddaredevil23 @siriusblackspam @mads-bri​ @lilulo-12fanfiction​ @ihavenotthepleasure​ @tinymalscoffee​ @ur-riddikulus​ @obsssedwithjustaboutanything​ @ourloveisforthelovely​ @wheezyreads​ @artemis1orion​ @sushiims​ @aspiringsloth20​ @queenl04​ @smiithys​ @elayneblack​ @amelie-black​

[littlemessyjessi]

Torn: Remus Lupin Story: PS OC:Chapter Five: Fearless First Year

————————-

Remus Lupin Imagine Turned Story

Re-Written and Edit of an old story of mine I had on Mibba that deserved some more love and attention, lol.

Remus Lupin x Vega Black (OC, OFC, PLUS SIZE OC, PLUS SIZE OFC)

———————————————–

“You occasionally see one, and it’s the thrill of a lifetime. But mostly all you ever see is a cloud of dust after they are gone. It’s their stubborn ability to survive that makes them so remarkable.” — Velma “Wild Horse Annie” Johnston

----------

Chapter Song Inspiration: 

“Fearless” - Olivia Holt 

--------

Days turned to weeks and by now all of Hogwarts had come to know Rowan Black as the Feisty First Year. Much to her embarrassment. James wouldn't shut up. Sirius was no help. They'd made BUTTONS with her face on them surrounded charmed blue flames. "Here, get your Feisty First Year buttons! The Rebellious Ravenclaw!" Vega’s blood boiled as she watched the two of them walk around the courtyard passing out buttons like she was some kind of freak at the circus. "James!" she hissed at him and he whirled around to see the very angry little eleven year old. "Come here!" "Ah, here she is now, ladies and gents!" he grinned and nudged Sirius who winked at her mischievously. She deadpanned at the both of them before searching out the only person who she could reason with. A person who just so happen to be hiding his face in a book. "Remus." she said placing her hands down on the table in front of the shy Gryffindor. He cleared his throat and looked up at her sheepishly, "Vega..." She arched a brow at him. "I didn't have anything to do with it..." he lied. Those stormy grey orbs narrowed at him viciously, "I'm a fairly good lie detector, Remus John Lupin." His brows rose into his hair line, "How did you know my middle name?" "I'm also wildly observant." she seethed. "Now, make them stop." "I can't..." he mumbled not wanting to go against his only friends. Although, he'd be lying if he said he wasn't a little afraid of her. Eleven or not....Vega had the ability to be terrifying when she wanted to be. "Coward." she snapped and he sunk further down. She was angry now but maybe she'd forgive him when she saw what was coming. "Step right up! Take your chance! Who's brave enough to face off against the Feisty First Year?!" James boasted and she rounded on him. "James Potter!" she hissed. "I am NOT getting in a fight." "There she goes, boys! Wound up already! Who's brave enough to take her on?" Sirius added. "Sirius...Orion...Black..." she seethed at her older cousin. "Stop encouraging him!" "What's the matter bitty baby? Afraid of a rematch?" Vega knew that voice and she glowered over at her older cousin....who now had her wand back...and an entourage. "Bellatrix, dear cousin!" Sirius boasted with a grin and started towards her, "Have a button!" "Get that thing away from me!" Bella snapped and slapped his hand away from her. "Oh, come now!" Sirius smirked. "Say, you beat V in a rematch and we'll put YOUR face all over the buttons!" "Sirius!" Vega snapped at him in disbelief. "I will not-" "What's wrong?" Bella sneered. "Afraid of a little competition....frightful first year?" Vega glanced over at her older cousin, Andromeda with an arched brow. "You're encouraging this?" Vega pressed in irritation. "No." Andromeda said. "I'm not." "And if I were to accept?" Vega challenged....effectively causing a roar of applause at a possible dueling match making her sigh and pinch the bridge of her nose. 

"Hypothetically speaking," Andromeda began. "If you were to accept in my presence I'd be obligated to stop you but since I've just remembered my potions homework....I'll be going over there." Andromeda said with a knowing smirk. For a prefect...she was oddly cool about a lot of things. Vega narrowed her eyes and ground her teeth together. They were idiots. All of them. Absolute idiots. "Let's do this." The students around her roared to life and Bella smirked. "One on one." Vega said. "Wand to wand." "Afraid cousin?" Bella taunted. "No, but I'm not stupid." Vega snapped. "You've always been a cheater. People who lack talent tend to go that route." A round of laughter coursed through the students at Bella's expense. "You little!" Bella snapped drawing her wand but Vega had already cast the disarming charm....landing Bella's wand in her hand. Again. "It's your temper than blocks your vision, Bella." Vega sighed with a shake of her head...though never taking her eyes off her opponent. Vega tossed it back to her. "Again." she said. The fire in Bellatrix' eyes told her that she aimed to hurt her this time but Vega was prepared. She never wanted to hurt others but Bella had a way of pressing her buttons. What happened next was fast and rapid fire. Hexes, curses, deflections and disarming charms flew between the two girls like lightning. Beams of light and gusts of power. What started as a simple duel had quickly turned into something else and Andromeda had already joined the group again. "You little blood traitor!" Bella roared at her younger cousin. "No one is here to protect you now! I can show you how our family treats traitors!" "Bellatrix!" Andromeda snapped but the grin on her younger sister's face told her she wouldn't be stopping. "Bella, no!" Andromeda lunged forward. She recognized the wand movement of the Cruciatis curse. Bellatrix turned on Sirius because she knew that was the way to get to Vega anyway. However, Vega had cast a protective shield in front of him throwing her back. "Get. away. from. him." Vega growled visciously. "Struck a nerve have I?" Bella smirked. “Ready to give up, Bitty Baby?” 

“Not likely.” Vega said. 

“Scared little baby!” Bella cackled. “Shaking with fear!” 

Vega snapped her wand around her head like a whip and the students backed up as the protection shield in front of Sirius widened....and encased the two girls in a dome. Andromeda ran forward in a panic but smacked into a barrier between herself and the girls. Things had escalated far quicker than she had anticipated....and now she couldn't stop it. Her fist beat on the barrier and she was soon joined by Narcissa and Sirius. "Sirius, make her stop!" she pleaded. "I can't!" he said. "She's protecting me! You can't talk to her when she's like that!" "Vega!" Andromeda said. "Take it down! Bella, don't you dare!" But she was too late. Bellatrix had turned to her younger with a glare. She took in the younger girl's form. She was using magic that was a bit beyond her level...and it was taking a toll on her. Blood ran from her nose and her grey eyes took on a glossy appearance. "Look at you." Bella sneered. "You're not even worth the air. Perhaps, I should just rid us all of you now. You can join your dirty blood traitor parents! Dear old dead mummy and daddy!”  "Sirius..." Andromeda whispered in horror. "Someone get the headmaster! Go! Somebody get some help!" Several beams of light and red sparks were shot into the air to alert the staff while other students ran for help. "Bellatrix! No!" Andromeda stared at her sister. She knew that look. Bella thrived on power. She thrived on having something's life in the palm of her hands. She was the child who set ant hills on fire. She was the child who choked frogs until they stopped moving. She was dark...and she loved seeing the light leave things. She could see now that she planned to do the same to Vega. Bella raised her wand, "Good bye, cousin." Vega struggled to her feet but she stood as tall as she could. She'd be damned if she let Bella take her on her knees. She'd give it all she had....even if it killed her. "Avada Kedavr-" "Expecto Patronum!" A beam of silver exploded from Vega’s wand.

“You got it, love.” she heard her father’s voice in her ear causing tears to well up. 

“Show ‘em what we’re made of, babydoll.” her mother’s voice in her other ear. 

Vega pushed the last bit of magic she had into the spell and an enormous horse erupted from the tip of Vega’s wand and charged forward.  

 It reared up over Bella's stunned form that had been blown backwards onto her back. 

The magnificent creature let out a powerful sound as it stood over the shaking second year's form. "I'm sorry!" Bella cried. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please don't- please don't!" Vega struggled to stand as she concentrated on the magic she'd just performed. It was far too advanced for her to even attempt and yet somehow she'd managed to do it. But it had taken every last bit she had left. As she collapsed, the horse vanished, the barrier broke and a rush of feet surrounded both the girls. The last thing Vega heard before she lost consciousness was, "That's impossible. A first year has never been able to perform a barrier spell that solid." "Barrier? Are you blind? She just produced a full formed patronus! This is amazing! My sister is amazing!"

“Not your sister. Your cousin.” 

“Oh fuck off! That’s my baby sister! My fucking amazing, badass, queen of a baby sister! This is fucking wicked!”  "Mr. Potter take Mr. Black to the Gryffindor common room immediately!" It made her smile a bit Sirius’ ability to be an absolute dork at the worst possible moment. It was that thought that let her slip into the darkness peacefully while the whispers ignited around her. 

Vega Black. 

Not the Feisty First Year. 

The Fearless First Year. 

------

Chapter Four 

Chapter Six Coming Soon

------

—–

Hello my lovelies!

Woooo child!  We got some friction! How do we feel about Vega fiesty retaliation? I’d love to hear from you!

Here is another rewrite of a previous work of mine that I had on Mibba! I did a bit of reworking on the character, her name and her backstory because I just felt like she deserved more!  I would love to know what you think of little Vega!

So please comment, reblog with thoughts and/or smash the ask box!  I do so love hearing from you my loves!

Love,

Kenny

————————-

@frankie2902

@pleasantdreamqueen   @becrazy–beyou

@littledeadrottinghood @blackirisposts

@therealmrshale @woodworthti666@thegreatirene@fanfictionandjunk

@angelus320

@alanlizzingtonshore@buriednurbckyrd@disneymarina@tubbypeachwriting

@sullybot @georgiagrl1990 @whenallsaidanddone

@mischiefnevermanaged94 @inumorph

@congurl

@centerhabit

@bubblymusiclover13

@qtmeryr

@thisismysecrethappyplace

@tnupsweetpie

@alisoncdariel

@hannahloveslife

@wormyboi

@blackirisposts

@maggyme13

@amethyst09

@ibenkastberg

@fanfics1717 @mrscasnovak

@thickemadame @babygirl-barnes

@theladyofmasks @aengsty

@kalliravenne​

@witchygagirl​

@gruffle1​

@writtenbywolfie​

@kribbydahhufflepuff

@leah-halliwell92​

@thelastwildangel​

@silent-browser​

@simplymagical​@simplymagicalwritings​

@lilac​flicker

@malulucifer

@minxyvixen​

@moncheriemoony

@queenlexusloverofbts​

@criminalyetminimal​

@plus-size-reader​

@owenniasstars​  

@adventuresofnight

@tuutifruuti​

@ tb-ctn

Love, Kenny

[kieraswriting]

Coffin Chapter Twenty-Six

Masterpost

Emile pushed his cart along, buying groceries. It was mostly just necessities. Bread, milk, eggs, and then ingredients for a slightly more special dinner he intended to make.

It was a perfectly normal, average grocery trip, without even the possibility of bumping into one of his clients. Until he heard a strange sound, followed by someone speaking angrily.

“We just had to get like three things!” The angry voice hissed, and Emile turned the corner. “I don’t have time for you to do this again! ”

There was a man wearing one of those horrible hunter badges, and pulling on… something started rushing in Emile’s ears, and his stomach turned. The man was pulling on a leash, attached to a collar, around the neck of a vampire who was already muzzled, and trying to pull back.

Emile could not, he could not stand to have this happen in front of him and do nothing. The man saw him staring and rolled his eyes, faking a smile.

“Everything is under control, it can’t get away from me. Please do not be concerned.”

He yanked on the leash, and the vampire looked at Emile, trying to say something that just came out muffled, but sounded pained.

Emile stepped forward, smiling and holding his hand out to the hunter. “My name is Emile, do you how do?”

The man froze for a moment in confusion, tentatively shaking his hand. “It’s uh, nice to meet you, but I’m actually pretty busy…”

“I’m a therapist, and I couldn’t help but notice you seem to be having some anger issues,” Emile said, letting his voice go sickly sweet.

The man’s face twisted. “Look, I don’t need any—“

“See, there, it’s practically painted on your face,” Emile said, shaking his head.

The man only got more angry. “Look, man, piss off, I don’t need a therapist.”

Emile's face twisted to rather look embarrassed. "Well, it was worth a shot. I was hoping that you'd feel indebted to me, and would be more willing to help. I'm really trying to get that package of granola, but it's quite a bit higher than I can reach."

The man blinked. "You-- You'd just use your psychology on random people like that?"

Emile shoved down the nausea that rose within him. That this person would be offended at him for something like this when he was holding someone on a leash-- he was so disgusted it was hard to keep it off of his face. But he just shrugged with a slight smile. "I can, and most of the time people actually fall for it."

Emile could see the unspoken ending of the sentence, 'I guess you're smarter than most' hit the man, and he every so slightly puffed up, all signs of anger gone.

"I guess I don't mind getting your granola, but you can't just go around doing things like this."

Emile put on an innocent, embarrassed face. "Yeah, I guess it's not really very fair..."

He waited until the man was stretching up to get the granola off of the very top shelf. He yanked at the leash, pulling it right out of the man's free hand. He threw the end at the vampire. "Run!"

The vampire was frozen for half a second, wide-eyed and scared, and then bolted.

•^*^••

Dee was sick of the circles underneath Thomas's eyes. He was sick of how tired they were making him. He couldn't just tell him no, though. Thomas was trying so hard out of a desire to keep them safe, and Dee couldn't say that that was a bad desire, because it wasn't, and he couldn't say that it wasn't needed, because it was. But that didn't mean he had to like it.

Remus was right though, the thrall felt rather like a snake to him. Like he was sinking fangs into Thomas's mind and poisoning him. It was like there was a different poison in each fang, and he just had to figure out how to change how much he was releasing into Thomas when he bit down. But not this time.

"Don't fight this time," Dee said.

"But that's the whole point," Thomas protested.

"Just let me try it this way, ok?"

Thomas nodded.

Dee bit down, and almost immediately Thomas went limp, unresisting. Dee waited a minute to be sure he had a solid control before letting go of Thomas. Thomas swayed slightly, looking up at him plaintively.

“You haven’t done anything wrong,” Dee assured him. “It’s time for a long nap, ok?”

Thomas nodded eagerly.

“Come on, lay down.”

Thomas laid down so quickly he nearly slammed his head into the ground. But at least he was laying down now.

“Good. Now go to sleep.”

Thomas closed his eyes immediately, and shortly after he fell asleep.

Dee finally turned around to see Remus staring at him disapprovingly. He frowned. “I will not let him wear himself ragged over this.”

“So you’re willing to thrall him and force him to do what you want him to do, even when you know he wouldn’t want to?”

Somehow the words pierced him. That wasn’t… that wasn’t what he was doing. Was it?

Dee didn’t have an answer. He sat down near Thomas, shoving the question away. For the moment he’d focus on making sure nothing woke Thomas up.

•^*^••

Patton’s eyes popped open. “I remember!”

“What?” Roman exclaimed. Virgil just gaped.

“I mean, kind of. It’s fading away now.” Patton said, frowning in an attempt to hold on to the rapidly slipping memories. “I didn’t think it was possible to like you even more, Virgil,” he said, trying to make a joke.

Based on Virgil’s wry face, he didn’t find it very funny.

Patton’s frown deepened. “I think... “ he sighed. “I think it’s gone now. I kinda remember a little bit of feelings, but nothing else. Still, that’s a really good job, Virgil!”

Roman slung an arm over Virgil’s shoulders. “You’re getting it, shortstop!”

Virgil had a tiny smile. “You think?”

“Yeah! This is a big step, kiddo!” Patton said warmly.

“I vote bonfire!” Roman said loudly. “Tonight we feast on marshmallows!”

“Yeah!” Patton said, pumping his fist up in the air.

They both looked at Virgil. “That could be cool. I haven't really been to a bonfire before.”

Roman gasped as if it was a personal affront to his character. “Never? In all the eighteen years of your life you’ve never been to a bonfire?”

Virgil shook his head.

“We’ll have to build a really big one, then!” Patton said excitedly.

•^*^••

Remy was bored. Maybe he would go out. Probably once Emile got back. Maybe he’d hang around for dinner, but after that he was going out.

And then his phone rang. It was Emile. What, did he forget his wallet?

“Hey, babe, what’s--”

“Remy! I need you!” Emile was yelling, and sounded downright panicked.

Remy was running immediately. “Where are you?”

“The store still. Come quick!”

Remy raced to the store, shoving his phone into his pocket without bothering to hang up. He found Emile outside, with blood running from his nose. “Emile!”

Emile waved him away. “Not me, the hunter went and he’s chasing a vampire.”

Remy growled. He wanted to check on Emile, but he knew Emile would be mad at him for days, if not longer if he didn’t go save this other vampire.

The scent of the hunter was still strong in the air, and it didn’t take long to find him. Remy swung for the back of his head, knocking him out and continuing on to find the vampire. The vampire also was painfully obvious, running without any super speed, and still cuffed, muzzled, and even leashed. Remy caught him around the waist, and the vampire let out a terrified scream.

“Hush.” Remy commanded. “You’ll get snatched up by every hunter in the area running around like this.”

The vampire was shaking and blubbering, but stopped fighting against him and quieted down. Remy got rid of the various restraints, and the vampire nearly dropped to the ground.

“Look, I get you’re tired, and I get you’re scared, but you’re practically asking to get picked up, gurl. Calm down. Don’t run when you see a hunter, and try to act like a human, yeah?”

The vampire nodded shakily.

“Great. I’ll drop these cuffs off somewhere away from here.” Remy turned to leave, but stopped and turned back. “You have a phone?”

“I--I had one. N-not anymore.”

Remy rolled his eyes. He didn’t have anything to write on either.

“Look, here’s my number,” he said, showing the vampire on his phone. “If you get desperate, call me.”

The vampire nodded.

“You got it?”

Another nod.

“Cool. See you around.”

Remy took the various hunter supplies and dropped them off behind the store. And then he finally got back to Emile, who was waiting in the car in the parking lot, holding a tissue to his nose.

“What happened, Em?”

Emile shrugged. “There was a hunter, and you know I can’t stand what they do, but it’s just getting worse and worse. I couldn’t do nothing.”

Remy scoffed. “You never could do nothing.”

Emile gave him a smile. That smile in particular never was fair, that ‘you know you love me’ smile.

Remy shook his head, grabbing Emile in a hug. “You’ve got to stop scaring me, Emile.”

Emile was silent a moment. Then he spoke, quietly, and very seriously. “I don’t know if I can. Everything keeps getting worse, and I won’t just sit and watch it happen in front of me.”

“I know. You just have to stay safe.”

Emile nodded. “Thanks for always rescuing me.”

Remy chuckled. “Someone’s gotta do it. It’d be a crime to leave someone as sweet as you unrescued.”

•^*^••

“He said he was a therapist, that his name was Emile.”

The doctor nodded, checking his head carefully.

“Hey, wait,” the next guy waiting said. “Wasn’t one of those wanted people called Emile?”

“The ones that took down Liam Hart? Nah, this guy couldn’t have done that if he tried. He was just one of those bleeding-heart types.”

“Eh, Imma check anyway.”

“Yeah, sure, knock yourself out.”

[katelynn-a-fan]

Sleepless Nights and Broken Promises (3)

First | Previous | Next

Word count: 3819!!!!!!!

Deceit caught Virgil as he slumped over, limp from the sword to the gut.

He looked into Virgil’s unconscious face with disbelief and shock. 

Virgil… saved him... saved… Deceit...

Everyone stood stock still in silence for a moment at the shock of what just happened. But then Righ-Moral-Patton broke the silence with a way too small sounding “Virgil?”

That seemed to break everyone out of their shock and a bunch of things happened at once, most of which Deceit couldn’t pay attention to as he searched for any sign of life in his form- no still his  best friend’s face. Though maybe more if Virgil was truly truthful in what he said.

Logan came over to where Deceit had Virgil, not caring about the relationship between them as Dark Side and Light Side, just coming over to help his friend. Patton too darted towards Virgil, cradling his head as he settled down beside  Deceit where he held Virgil.

Roman, however, pulled the sword from Virgil’s body, frozen for a moment of shock at what had just occurred. But after a fleeting moment of shock, his expression turned to utter and complete rage as he looked up to face Deceit, meeting him right in the eyes. Neither of the other two sides seemed to notice as they fretted over Virgil in Deceit’s arms.

“No! Virgil are you alright! Can you speak?” Logan asked, immediately starting to administer first-aid to Virgil’s unconscious body.

“My sweet Stormcloud, please wake up!” Patton pleaded with Virgil’s peaceful face, smoothing Virgil’s hair out of his face.

Deceit froze in fear as Roman stared daggers into his soul, he vaguely heard Logan telling him to “Put Virgil down please, Deceit.” His arms however, did the opposite as he pulled Virgil closer to himself, not heeding the other two sides protests.

“Deceit, please, we need to help him, he’s dying!” Patton pleaded with Deceit, not that he took any stock in Patton’s words, only knowing that Patton was being honest.

“Deceit, you need to let Virgil go or we can’t help him, please, be sensible!” Logan desperately asked Deceit, tugging at one of the arms encircling Virgil. Deceit didn’t pay him any mind as the fear of Roman drowned out any energy to even register their pleas.

Roman took this opportunity to declare, brandishing a blood soaked sword with Deceit best and first true  friend’s blood being the blood covering it, “Fiend! You’ve brainwashed our friend to protect you! You even made him think that he loves you! I don’t know how you’ve managed this, but rest assured it will not stand! I should kill you right now for even daring to touch him!”

“No, I- stop-” Deceit spluttered, failing to call back that cool facade he so easily conjured usually in the face of surprising situations. But in this situation, no one could really be that composed. Unless of course, you were Creativity, as he called upon his sickening persona within a moment’s notice. Deceit inwardly gagged, which was impressive as he lived with the living embodiment of inward gagging in the form of Remus on a daily basis.

Deceit realized he had become distracted by his thoughts and suddenly snapped back to reality, realizing at some point Virgil had been extracted from his arms. He saw Logan and Patton working on him a few feet away. Deceit scrambled towards them, finally getting back onto his feet.

But Roman stepped in front of them, coming nose to nose with Deceit. Deceit could see every pore on his face and felt the heat of Roman’s anger as well as it’s dishonesty. It was the one thing Roman could never change, Deceit always knew when he was putting on a show for the others. The air always tasted sour and Roman’s body language never matched what he was saying.

Deceit launched himself at Roman, not caring now about telling the truth to them as Roman was getting in Deceit’s way of keeping his promise to Virgil. He needed to get to Virgil, he needed to protect him, to make up for his failure to keep their first promise. Roman was now an obstacle between him and that goal. In fact he was the reason Virgil was dead now, so Deceit didn't care about holding back anymore as he launched himself fist first into Roman’s jaw.

I hate you, you’re a monster and everyone should know! Fuck you! Deceit screamed in his mind, not even knowing if he was just thinking it or speaking it.

“Gah!! Oh, you motherfu- fiend!” Roman shouts, drawing his sword with one hand as he cups the blow on his jaw with the other and glancing at Patton as he was about to swear. Deceit got into a defensive position and got ready for Roman’s retaliation. Out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of silver, but he was too slow to react in time.

Suddenly without warning, Deceit felt a sharp pain in his head, his hand coming up sluggishly to touch it in vague curiosity. Distantly, he felt his arms relax and his body slump forward as his world went black.

Ow...

Deceit’s last full thought was wondering how they thought Remus was so bad when they had someone so much worse constantly with them as his vision tunneled in. He swore he heard someone curse and gasp as his awareness fully faded.

-

Someone prodded his face. He swatted their hand away.

“Dee Dee! Wake up! It’s time to wake up!” A familiar and excited voice exclaims.

“Warm…” Deceit replies, bundling himself more in his thick comforter, trying to float back into that mind-numbing warmth and go back to sleep.

But as the comforter was yanked off of him and he got an overwhelming burst of cold cold cold cold COLD, he was forced to curl into himself as he immediately began to shiver at the cold that overwhelmed his senses.

“An-an-an-anxiety! I to-told you not to-to pull off the covers to wake me up! You know I’m cold-blooded! It’s very unpleasant to wake up cold like that!” Deceit reprimanded a bouncing Virgil on his bed, fistfuls of his comforter in his grasp.

The two Sides looked around 18, with Anxiety being particularly smaller in size, if just a few inches shorter right then, but still share the same resemblance in age.

“I know! I just really want to have some breakfast! I’ve been really anxious I’m gonna starve lately.” Anxiety replied with a slight pout.

Deceit snatched the comforter from Anxiety’s grasp and pressed it to himself, savoring the warmth it brings before sighing exasperatingly and groaning, “Ok, fine! I’m up!”

Deceit swung his legs over the edge of the bed, letting them fall naturally to rest on the floor before pushing himself up. First things first he slipped on his heavy outerwear for the day that served the function similar to the comforter during the night. Even the undergarments he wore every moment of the day and night would cause other Sides to sweat if they wore anything close to what he wore. Not to mention the heavy outfit and cape that insulated him to feel almost hot in the mindscape.

Anxiety had tried on Decet’s coat more than once before and the last time he had almost fainted from overheating within just 2 minutes. Deceit kept his coat far away from Anxiety’s curious hands after that, though Anxiety seemed wary of it anyway as he had been out of commision for 12 hours due to heat stroke, throwing up, being really fatigued among other symptoms. Namely, a hefty bit of disorientation.

Anxiety thought Deceit was a turtle for 3 hours because of his bulky clothes and actually tried to climb back into Deceit’s coat, thinking ‘the turtle's shell leads to salvation’, without a second thought of what had gotten him like he was, was the coat itself. Throughout the ordeal, however, Anxiety’s anxiety seemed to have increased tenfold, he spooked himself a number of times with his own breathing for instance. Deceit thought Anxiety would never stop shaking with how much he was trembling for so long as he recovered.

Despite his complete and utter cautiousness with the other Sides, Anxiety always seemed to put himself into situations that left him hurt or vulnerable enough for the other Sides to possibly hurt him.

That’s why he had cut them off, among other reasons, namely Creativity, from the other Sides, the Sides that Thomas embraced, however flawed they actually were.

Deceit had cut them off from the other Sides, embracing that Dark part of the Mindscape as he had seen when he had first met Anxiety, though vague early memories told him that every Side had emerged from the ‘Darkness’ of Thomas’s mind when they came to be.

That didn’t mean that other Sides couldn’t come there, that just meant that one had to willingly want to enter their part of the Mindscape by sinking down and rising up in their domain.

Deceit was never one to turn up a chance of shenanigans with the other Sides, though he was definitely more covert about his strategy. Deceit was one for social manipulation, to impersonate other Sides and begin a fight between them and watch as they squabbled. Anxiety however, was not secret at all about his influence and would hide in places where Deceit honestly would wonder how he had gotten there and then spook whatever Side happened upon him first, relishing the fear it sparked in them.

More than once Deceit had to force Anxiety to sink down as Creativity would never hesitate to brandish his sword if he was the unlucky target of Anxiety’s antics.

But Deceit wasn’t thinking about that as he ruffled Anxiety’s hair as he went by, eliciting an impassioned “Hey!” from Anxiety.

-

Deceit heard voices that sounded like they were far off in the distance, they sounded concerned, talking in hushed tones. Deceit felt so cold, had he taken off his coat? He didn’t remember. He felt a hand swiping over his knuckles, though that sensation too felt miles away. One of the voices started to sound really angry and Deceit groaned, trying to see what was happening, but his body felt like it was sinking down through the floor and he felt so tired….

-

Deceit rolled his eyes as he exited his room into the hallway to their personal common room, his and Anxiety that is.

But just as he felt a true smile alight his face, a sound that didn’t come from Anxiety back in Deceit’s room behind him  put him immediately on edge.

Anxiety was immediately by his side, clinging to his bulky sleeve, like all those years ago when they were together but alone with the others in those first days they’d know each other.

Anxiety started to shake in the way that Deceit knew his thoughts were racing uncontrollably like when he was building into a panic attack. “What’s that? You think its-”

Deceit put a gentle gloved hand over Anxiety’s mouth, silencing him, but immediately removed it as Anxiety knew panicking was not wise in this situation. Anxiety just couldn’t help it sometimes, and Deceit understood that.

Deceit had finally discovered that he could force Sides to stay quiet. He had been doing it subconsciously for years. The occasional speechlessness other Sides had experienced when they had had heated arguments with Deceit made sense now, he had been silencing them without realizing it or consciously meaning to.

He had a particularly heated argument with Morality about how he was making Thomas miserable worrying him sick about what other people and his teachers thought of him and how he had to have good grades. Morality had said that his parents wanted Thomas to get good grades and that he should care about his classmates because they were all part of the class.  Deceit argued that constantly focusing on others neglected Thomas and Thomas needs at least some time without focusing on others, even in school.

Morality had retaliated saying, “That’s wrong! Having Thomas just think about himself is wrong! It’s selfish!”

Deceit had roared back, saliva spraying towards his verbal opponent, “What’s selfish is that you think everyone needs Thomas when they have their own lives. Thomas is his own person and just like you might think it would be good for other people to indulge in a mental health day, Thomas needs that too!”

And when Deceit looked at Morality’s face to gage his reaction, it was suddenly too much, Deceit was furious and his anger boiled over. Morality opened his mouth to speak, face full of indignation and an anger or frustration all his own.

And Deceit just snapped.

“No! Be quiet! You’re wrong! You’re wrong! You never let me be! Just SHUT UP!” Deceit had erupted, pulling at his hair before pulling his hat off his head and squashing it with both hands before gesturing in a way that felt natural and foreign at once, feeling a new sensation through his connection to Thomas. He felt angry tears roll down his face as his anger-filled exclamation finished.

Suddenly, Morality’s hand had come up and covered his mouth, stunning Morality and stunning Deceit so much that he lost all his anger and forgot what his next point was.

Deceit, being the Side he was, had recovered his composure first, smirking as he remarked, “Hypo-allergenic cat got your tongue? Or have you finally realized that Thomas isn’t the goody two shoes you’re so stubborn to believe he is?”

But much to Deceit’s surprise, and Deceit was rarely so surprised, much less twice in thirty seconds, Morality didn’t even try to remove his hand from his mouth, he had just muffledly shouted something through his fingers.

“Um… Morality, just take your hand off your mouth and then speak.” Deceit had instructed Morality, dumbfounded as to why Morality wasn’t doing that to begin with.

Morality had then looked at Deceit incredulously, like there was some insult thrown by Deceit through that simple suggestion or something.

“What? What’s so hard about removing your hand? You just…” Deceit had mimed placing his hand over his mouth and then removing it, waiting for Morality to do the same.

Morality had a sudden expression of realization and then started rapid-fire gesturing with his other hand at the hand covering his mouth.

Deceit could barely keep up with the gestures Morality was making, but when he caught a gesture and a pointer finger at him and then to where Morality was covering his mouth with his hand, it clicked.

“Wait… I’m doing that? Fuck! Oh, shit sorry! I mean…” Deceit had spluttered as he naturally cursed in realization, forgetting Morality’s great dislike of swears. Even if they disagreed, Deceit had never been one to be outright rude to disregard some etiquette of mutual respect. Deceit had then gathered himself for the 3rd time in 2 minutes and then concentrated, trying to undo whatever he did to Morality, feeling out that foreign sensation.

For a moment as he had felt out the sensation, he feared he wouldn’t be able to reverse what he had caused, but Morality's surprisingly gentle voice pulled his eyelids back open.

“Deceit, it’s alright, you’ve stopped whatever happened, just breathe.” Morality had gently cooed.

When had he curled up on the floor, when had his breathing become so difficult, when had the darkness behind his eyes as well as the room itself gotten tinged a shade of red at the edges?

Oh, I’m having a panic attack. Fun.

Those had been the last words he thought before he woke up back in his room, that oh so familiar feeling of aching, no that was too tame a word, of agony all over every inch of his body. He had to use every inch of resolve in him to not scream out like Creativity relished hearing him do in his special room, in addition to warranting more of that pai from Creativity  if any of the other Sides discovered him like that. Creativity did not like to have to explain Deceit’s... ‘accidents’ too often. It made him… cranky. And cranky Creativity was not fun to be around.

Creativity had apparently found him with Morality, promising to Morality to return Deceit to his room to wake in a calmer environment that would feel safer. Creativity, however, apparently had other plans, learning Deceit was the one that silenced him, even without knowing, all those times Creativity had ‘needed’ his voice. And Deceit’s body was the receiver of Creativity’s frustrations, whether Deceit wanted it to be or not.

But Deceit would never subject Anxiety to his muting power, all Deceit needed was that tiny gesture to both soothe and quiet Anxiety.

“Sh…” Deceit shushed Anxiety, placing a single finger gently on his own lips.

Anxiety pulled back, eyes closing as he focused on his next action. Anxiety took in a few deep, slightly shuddering breaths before looking into Deceit’s eyes and nodding grimly.

Deceit went first, going past the kitchen he had originally intended to go to after exiting his room, fists out in a combination of an offensive and a defensive position. Deceit had to be ready for either, knowing the likely cause of the disturbance.

But as he repeated the same trek down the bend of their own personal mini-Mindscape hall, he stopped short when he saw what was there.

The memories of that day with Anxiety were flashing through his mind as he saw a Side curled up on the far wall, silently crying.

Fear coiled in his stomach as he took in their attire, though strangely it looked half formed, like the Side hadn’t consolidated fully yet. The Side had a green regal attire on, with lines across the chest Deceit knew to be Creativity’s staple of his outfit, though why he chose to change costume like this wasn’t important to Deceit.

What was important to Deceit was why he was here and why he was pretending to be upset. No doubt to trick them into a trap of some sort.

Deceit was both equal measures fearful and furious, the only thing holding him back was the tentative hand gripping his from behind him.

With much less care than all those years ago with Anxiety, Deceit approached this Side in front of him he knew to be Creativity.

“Why are you here? To mock us? To try to pull me into another one of your games? Well, it won’t work, you’re in our territory now.” Deceit accused the quivering Side, not surprised at how authentic his cries were. Creativity had had plenty of time to learn new ways to cry listening to Deceit as they ‘had fun together.’

But much to Deceit’s surprise, Creativity looked up, tears in his eyes, and Deceit was overwhelmed by the truth in his expression, in fact, Deceit didn’t even sense a way there could be a lie on the Sides lips. This... wasn't that Creativity, the Creativity that had the desire to manipulate him into silence while breaking him from the inside out. The beginnings of a full blown moustache clued him in to what was truly occuring, but before he could speak the Side panicked and started to yell and scream his pleas.

“No! I’m not! He left me! He’s the one that’s bad! The others hate me because of him! He lies so much! He told me… He told me…” Green Creativity trailed off as Deceit opened his arms, face full of pure understanding and dare he hasten to call it love. He hesitated only for a moment before slamming into Deceit in a hug. Anxiety exclaimed in indignation and yelled for Creativity not to hurt Deceit, but faltered when he realized what Green Creativity was doing.

“Whoa, it’s okay, I do understand. You’re alright now, I know you’re not him. That you could never do the things he wants to do, I see it in your eyes. And you know I see people’s true intentions, their truths they would want hidden and locked away.” Deceit soothed the sobbing Side, glancing at Anxiety and giving him a small smile to go ahead.

Anxiety tentatively placed his hand on Green Creativity’s Side, but that caused the Side to wail into the crook of Deceit’s neck. “He told me that I’m what was wrong with him, that I was the one who wanted to do those things to you and the other Sides. That I was getting in the way of him being the best Creativity he could be, but he’s wrong! I don’t want to do that to you or anyone else, even if the thought crosses my mind!”

Deceit sighed softly as he felt the truth in the Side’s words, lowering them both to sit on the ground, Anxiety still standing up nearby. Deceit slowly brought Green Creativity’s head up from the crook of his neck, looking him directly in the eye with purpose.

“You are not like that other Creativity. That Creativity is a manipulative asshole that lies even more than I do and that is my job to help Thomas lie. He isn’t here.” Deceit gently but firmly said, maintaining eye contact with the other Side, relieved when he saw him calming down.

Green Creativity mumbled while dropping his eyes to look at the floor, “Morality would have a conniption hearing those words.”

Deceit smiled and brought the Side’s chin up with his hand to look him in the eyes again.

“And Morality isn’t here either, so you can say all the shitty motherfucking goddamn curse words you damn well please here.”

And for the first time, Deceit heard real laughter come from the regal Side, though even if it was now a part of that original singular regal Side. But Anxiety’s hesitant voice spoke up before either of them could continue.

“Deceit?”

“Yes, Anxiety?”

“Is this Creativity good?” Anxiety asked, looking warily at the Green Creative Side.

“He won’t hurt us, my sweet shadow friend. He wasn’t lying.” Deceit reassured Anxiety, knowing and understanding his concerns.

“Okay.”

Deceit smiled at the suddenly shy Anxiety, as the fear from before in Anxiety was mostly gone. It was quite endearing to see Anxiety so shy. Deceit was silent for a moment, looking the newly split Side over before asking, “What would you like us to call you? I suppose Creativity might not be something you would want to be referred to due to... past memories.”

Green Creativity nodded solemnly, thinking for a long moment before speaking one word.

“Remus.”

-

A voice cut through Deceit’s sleepy haze as he became semi-conscious, not really knowing where the memory stopped and reality began. He vaguely registered the words as words, but he knew their meaning. His body was still so heavy.

“Wake up!”

And really, Deceit didn’t have much of a choice.

Deceit opened his eyes.

General Taglist:

@spooky-scary-virgil @hermitcreature

Snaep Taglist:

@sanders-sides-uncorrect-quotes @paranoidgurl @alexisrealgay @light-it-on-fire @love-support-and-cookies @blue-bis @cohesiveanxiety @solitarius-lupus14

[abused-sides]

Willingly Shackled [Whumptober 2020]

Note: I’m doing whumptober as a series. Check out the tag #whumptober 2020 v on my blog to read in order. Also on ao3.

Prompt: No. 4: Running Out Of Time [Caged] 

Synopsis: Styx works with Virgil. 

Trigger warnings: Cults, gaslighting/manipulation, restraints, kidnapped, lots of non-sexual but just as non-consensual touching, humiliation, treating people like property, blood, knives, violence/beatings, a person in a cage, let me know if I missed anything 

Word count: 1706 

A/N: This probably took twice as long to write as it needed to because I kept stopping to wince and procrastinate lmao 

October 2nd. 7:25 pm. 

Janus expected Virgil to lose his fight after Styx humiliated him, but if anything, that humiliation made him more fierce, more angry. He fought every order Styx gave him, defying him until he wasn’t able to anymore- whether that was due to physical or mental exhaustion -and the next time Styx visited, they started from the beginning. 

Styx, like his leader, began with manipulation to get Virgil to do what he wanted. 

He had crouched one day, beckoning Virgil over like a dog. “Are you really not tired of making things so hard for yourself? We’re not letting you out, so you might as well just accept it. Maybe you won’t be in those chains anymore. Just ask Janus— Up those stairs, life is much better. You’re lucky to have been chosen. If you just let yourself, you could be part of it.” 

Virgil covered his blistering ankles and pressed himself into the corner. “Janus left you for a reason, you psychotic fuck,” he snapped. “I’d rather die than be your pet.” 

He sighed. “Janus?” He looked at him tiredly. “Will you tell him?”

Janus swallowed and pursed his lips. “He’s not wrong, Virgil,” he said quietly. “It’s better if you listen.”

“It’s more than better. Don’t you want to go outside again? To walk around freely? To eat whenever you want? You can essentially have your life back, Virgil, if you just listen. You won’t have to work anymore. Doesn’t that sound better? No more gross motels.”

“What, in exchange for being your slave?” Virgil spat. “I’m fine right here.” 

When that didn’t work, he once again followed Bates’ lead and resorted to violence. 

Virgil screamed as Styx’s knife carved lines in his back. His binder, splattered with blood, was tossed to the side, his chest pressed to the stone floor. 

“Come on!” Styx shouted over Virgil’s cries, his blade a nonstop motion. “What do you say? I’ll stop when you admit it!” 

Virgil’s nails cracked and broke as he dragged them down the stone, his screams growing louder. Styx slid the knife around to his side and dug in deeper, twisting his wrist. 

“What do you say?” 

Virgil grit his teeth. Styx cut deeper, and Virgil’s eyes rolled back, his body falling limp. Janus hid a smile. 

“Fuck!” Styx used Virgil’s binder to wipe his knife clean and shoved it in his sheath, tossing the binder on one of the filing cabinets. “Remus!” 

The door creaked open and shut, Remus hurrying down the steps. Styx climbed off his seat on Virgil’s waist and stepped over him. 

“Make sure he doesn’t bleed out,” he grumbled as he shouldered past Remus. 

Remus flipped his backpack around and pulled out a Ziploc bag filled with latex gloves. He pulled on a pair and grabbed a cloth, grimacing as he pressed at various places on Virgil’s back. 

“So you’ve become the doctor.” Janus’ voice came out rough, raspy. “How’d that happen?”

Remus shrugged, eyes on Virgil’s cuts. “I’m the least squeamish. Bates has gotten… More enthusiastic, than he was when you left. A lot of our staff can’t handle it anymore. I come in for anything passed some bruising and broken bones.” 

Janus hesitated. “Are you happy?” 

Remus pulled a water bottle of his backpack and drizzled it all over Virgil’s back and side. He dabbed all over until the blood was gone and the cuts were cleaned. His eyebrows pinched as he sewed up the cut in Virgil’s side, and some of the deeper ones on his back. He scooped up antibiotic ointment and rubbed it carefully all over his back, then held him upright while he wrapped him in gauze with one hand. 

Remus slipped Virgil’s shirt back on and leaned him against the wall. The handcuffs clicked around the pipes, the padlocks on the chains that trapped Virgil’s legs. 

“I missed you,” Remus said quietly, not looking at Janus. “I’m sorry you’re back.” 

He started towards the stairs, but when he passed Janus, Janus called his name. He looked at him questioningly. “If I don’t get something to drink soon, I’m gonna fucking pass out. Can you tell Bates I’m complaining?” 

Remus’ eyes flicked to the door. He knelt in front of Janus and pulled another water bottle out. 

Janus’ eyes widened. “I don’t want to get you in trouble.” 

“That’s not something for you to worry about. Open.” 

Janus obeyed, and Remus took his chin between his fingers. He gave Janus water slowly, with breaks in between, until half the bottle was gone. 

“Just keep doing what you’re doing,” Remus said in a hushed voice. “He’s happy with you. Things are gonna get better soon.”

Janus grimaced. “Thank you, Remus.” 

Remus watched him for a moment, before hurrying out of the room. 

Styx tried the physical route a few more times, but when it was clear Virgil wouldn’t break, he snapped. 

Janus flinched as he dropped the whip. He grabbed Virgil by the back of his neck and forced him to the ground, forehead pressed to the stone. 

“You can keep denying it if that makes you feel better,” he hissed in Virgil’s ear. “But that doesn’t change anything. You’re mine. The second we picked you up from that shithole, you belonged to me. This?” Styx grabbed Virgil’s collar and yanked it back until Virgil gagged. “This marks you as mine. You fight that for the rest of our lives if you have to, but you better get used to being with me.” 

Janus watched it happen. 

He watched Virgil’s eyes cloud over, watched the sobs rip from his throat. His fists unclenched, and his glare faded. 

No. Janus’ eyes widened, his heart hammering. Please don’t. 

“And what do you say?” Styx clearly said it on autopilot, already standing without expecting a response. 

“Thank you, master.” 

Janus’ chest squeezed hard enough to hurt. 

Styx circled to Virgil’s front with a surprised chuckle. “If I knew all you needed was some proof, I would have saved a lot of time! Up!”

Janus blinked away tears as Virgil swayed and struggled to his knees, back straight. 

Styx curled his hands in Virgil’s hair and grinned. “And just like that, you’ve earned dinner. Was that so hard, pet? Speak.” 

“No,” Virgil mumbled. “I’m sorry.” 

“No, what?” 

Janus looked away. 

“No, master.” 

“Good boy! Looks like Janus is finally rubbing off on you. I knew bunking you two was the right decision.” 

Janus’ stomach lurched with the urge to throw up. You’re destroying him. You’re a coward and it’s hurting him. 

Styx chained Virgil back up and left. After a while, Janus cleared his throat. 

“How, um… How are you feeling?” 

Virgil looked at him incredulously. “I’m great. Was thinking of taking a nap.” 

“You should.” Janus stared at the ground. Fear squeezed his chest, it was getting hard to breathe. “You need to rest. It’ll help keep your strength up.” 

“I don’t know how much of that I have left,” he mumbled. 

You’re killing him. 

Janus wracked his mind for something to say that would change his mind, and came up with nothing. They didn’t speak again that day. 

October 7th. 3:02 am. 

Janus groaned and cracked his eyes open as a pair of footsteps descended down the stairs. Something creaked and scraped, occasionally thunking. 

“What now?” Virgil almost whimpered. 

Janus frantically blinked the sleep away. Styx waved at him cheerfully and continued into the room. Something crashed— Janus’ head whipped back to the stairs, where Remus braced himself against a large dog cage. 

Janus’ heart dropped. 

“Come on, Remus, hurry up. Fuck, be careful with that, it was expensive!”

“Sorry,” he mumbled. 

The cage grated horribly as Remus pushed it across the room. Styx pulled a key out of his pocket and unlocked Virgil’s ankles. 

He snickered and ducked as Virgil kicked wildly. “YOU’RE NOT FUCKING PUTTING ME IN THERE!” 

He hissed in pain as Styx gripped his blistered ankle, arching his back. “Down, boy,” Styx laughed. “This is appropriate, don’t you think? A nice little reminder that you belong to someone now. To me, in case you forgot.” 

This is sick. Janus’ mouth was full of cotton. This is too far. You have to stop. 

Styx unlocked Virgil’s wrists and grabbed him around the waist as Virgil broke for the door. Virgil thrashed and screamed while Styx dragged him out of the way. Remus pushed the cage into the corner and opened the door. 

“DON’T!” The cage rattled as Virgil kicked it, nearly knocking Styx off balance. “DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE! LET ME GO!” 

Janus shrunk in on himself and squeezed his eyes shut. 

“Remus, help me!” Styx snapped. 

Virgil’s protests dissolved into animalistic screams and wails. The next time Janus looked, the cage door was chained shut, Virgil crammed inside with not even space to turn around. 

Styx crouched in front of him. “This is only temporary, I promise. You can get your freedom back when you learn to be a good boy, like Janus.” He held his arms out, palms up. “Do I get a thank you?” 

Virgil glared at him, tears running down his face. Janus’ skin crawled, dread seeping through. Please don’t. 

“Thank you, master.” 

Styx’s lips curled into a grin. “Good boy.” 

He and Remus left, the door slamming behind them. Janus’ cuffs tugged as his wrists as he pressed himself against the wall. His eyes stared stubbornly out the dirt-crusted windows, refusing to look to his left, refusing to see the emptiness in Virgil’s eyes. 

After a long time, after Janus’ eyes had glazed over and Virgil’s sobbing had faded to sniffles and the occasional uncomfortable groan, he asked quietly, “Are you still there?” 

Virgil drew in a shaky breath. “I don’t know.” 

Janus’ bottom lip wobbled. 

“Why are you crying? You’re fine. You have it way better.” 

“You’re wrong,” he whispered. 

Go on. Lie to him. Tell him it’s better to fight, that it might work, that he might get out. Encourage him to put himself through more pain so you don’t lose hope. Tell him that being forced into a cage is better than being willingly shackled. 

“We’re getting out of here.” Janus leaned his head against the wall. “I promise.” 

Kofi and commissions, 1 coffee = 300 words of your prompt

[pattonsperfectfamily-asks]

Chapter 18- What’s in a Name

TW: forcing someone to throw up, lying, yelling, manipulation, 

Masterpost

1st day of vacation

“C'mon Virgil, hurry up!” Damien says anxiously, hurriedly pulling the fourteen-year-old behind him as he tried to run through the woods.

“Where are we going?” Virgil says worriedly, looking down at Sela, who kept pace at his side, occasionally snapping at the flowing fabric of the white sundress he was wearing. “Dad said the berry bushes we on the other fork in the trail.”

“We’re not going berry picking Virgil, now come on!” Damien rolls his eyes, beginning to sprint when he saw the unattended beach on the other side of the island. “Here, help me get some sticks!”

“What are you doing?” Virgil asks, tilting his head and stopping at the treeline as Damien began to rush around picking up sticks. Sela sat down next to him, licking his palm and letting out a small yap.

“We’re gonna spell Roman’s last name out with sticks. He’s famous.” Damien explains tiredly, grabbing another stick.

“Why are you gonna do that?”

“So that someone in a plane might see it and think ‘hey, that missing author’s last name is spelled on that beach down there’!”

“So?”

“So then they’d rescue us, Virgil!” The nineteen year old snaps, “Now help me!”

“Why would they want to rescue us? Nothing’s wrong. And since when is Uncle Roman famous?”

“God damn it, Virgil!” Damien groans, hiding his head in his hands.

Virgil pouts, moving to the sea and pulling off his shoes.

“What are you doing?” Damien asks tiredly.

“I’m going swimming!” Virgil says excitedly, seemingly forgetting the argument as he wades into the water. Sela follows him happily.

“I’m supposed to be watching you, get back over here!” Damien orders.

“You’re not that good of a babysitter. I wanna swim, not make some dumb sign.” Virgil whines, crossing his arms and staring back at his brother.

Damien throws up his arms, looking at the sky. “God? Anybody, for crying out loud!”

“Come swim with me!” Virgil whines. Damien sighs.

“First Patton takes my yarmulke, and now he takes everyone else’s sanity. Fine!” Yanking off his shoes, Damien angrily throws them down on the sand and runs into the water.

Virgil smiles at him, diving under the water and swimming a few feet away before surfacing. “There’s shells!”

“Just don’t get bit by a shark.” Damien sighs, before his eyes light up with an idea. “Do you want to do something fun?”

“What?” Virgil asks, giggling when Sela began to swim out towards him, her head bobbing in the water.

“Let’s make a raft!” Damien suggests. “We could paddle it around.”

Virgil pauses, looking unsure. “I don’t know. We’re supposed to be picking berries.”

Damien bites back a snarky reply and smiles as brightly as he can. “Dad and Papa are spending time together. They won’t even notice we’re gone. And with the way you eat, they won’t question any missing berries either.”

Virgil laughs, diving underwater again and disappearing.

Damien waits until Virgil resurfaces, beginning to play fetch in the water with Sela before he goes back to shore.

Without Virgil’s help, it takes Damien a lot longer to make the sign, but he eventually makes a sizeable Sanders in the sand with sticks and rocks.

“Come on Virgil, it’s getting late!” Damien calls. The younger boy looks over at him, then begins to swim for shore.

Virgil shivers once he catches up to Damien, obediently following him on the trail back to the summer house.

“Look at you two, you’re soaked to the bone and freezing!” Patton comes out when he sees the two approaching, holding two fluffy towels.

Virgil giggles as Patton aggressively begins to dry his hair off. “Dad, my purple is fading out again, can we dye my hair soon?”

“Ohh, but honey, you look so pretty with your dark hair.” Patton pouts, ruffling the still-wet hair. “Plus, we’re on an island right now. We can’t go to the store until vacation is over. Can we leave your hair black for a bit kiddo?”

Virgil’s bright smile falters slightly, before turning into an all out pout. “Okay…”

Patton smiles, kissing his son on the nose before looking down at the empty basket. “Did you eat all the berries already jelly bean?”

“We went swimming instead.” Damien cuts in truthfully, not giving Virgil any time to speak about the sign.

“That sounds fun!” Patton smiles, grabbing Virgil’s hand and straightening. “Let’s get you out of that dress and into a nice, dry nightgown. It’s getting late.”

2nd day of vacation

“Damien!”

A hard shove.

Damien grunts, rolling over and trying to pull the covers back over his head, only to be stopped by some force.

“Damien wake up!” That voice again!

“Remy stop it.” Damien mumbles.

“Dami stop it!” The voice whines. “Who’s Remy?”

Damien’s eyes shoot open.

Virgil.

Groaning he rolls over and stares at the god awful ocean-themed room.

“Damien dad’s yelling…” Virgil whimpers. “Please get up, I don’t want him to be more mad…”

Damien sits up, looking at Virgil wearily. “Why’s he mad? What did you do?”

“Nothing! He was mad at Uncle Remus, and then he and Uncle Roman started arguing…” Virgil crawls into the bed next to Damien, wrapping his arms around Damien’s waist and hiding his face in their chest. “I don’t like when they yell…”

Damien rolls his eyes, reluctantly wrapping his arms around Virgil and picking the smaller boy up, carrying him downstairs.

“-to have made it, it’s his name!”

“Look at him Patton, he can’t do anything because of you!”

“So you did it then?”

“No! I was here all day!”

Damien’s eyes widen, setting Virgil down as the two adults look over at them.

“Morning kiddos!” Patton greets peppily, forcing a smile onto his face. “Uncle Roman and I are just having a little disagreement, why don’t you go play outside?”

“Why are you fighting?” Damien asks, grabbing Virgil’s hand and squeezing it.

“Patton think I made a sign on the beach.” Roman glares. “Which I didn’t. I’m not an idiot.”

“Or Remus did it.” Patton retorts.

“He just sits around all day! How the hell could he make a sign?” Roman yells.

“How do you know it wasn’t Logan?” Damien asks, a wash of anger and guilt settling in his stomach.

“Because he was here with me. Are you saying that you did it?” Patton asks, grabbing Damien’s chin and forcing the teen to look him in the eyes.

“No.” Damien says, his voice steady. “I was with Virgil all day.”

“So it’s settled then?” Patton smiles sickly sweet. “It was either Roman or Remus, and if Remus can’t walk without someone telling him to…”

Patton cuts off, turning and moving to storm back over to Roman.

“I did it!”

Patton stops and turns, Roman looking at Virgil in shock.

“What?” Damien looks down at Virgil, trying to hide his panic.

“I…” Virgil sniffles, his eyes watering as Patton kneels down next to him. “I jus-just made it be-because I thought it would cheer Uncle Remus up…I didn’t know you’d be mad…”

“Really honey?” Patton asks, his voice scarily calm.

“Mhm…” Virgil nods, staring at the ground and shrinking into himself, trying to look meek.

“There!” Damien announces. “It was an accident.”

“Dami, my little baker, if a chef accidentally puts peanuts into an order of someone that was allergic to peanuts, would they still get sued for physical endangerment?”

“Uhm…” Damien shifts. “Yeah, but what does that have to do with-?”

“If the chef has to suffer the consequences of their mistake, and learn to be more careful when preparing food, then Virgil should too.” Patton harshly grabs Virgil’s arm and starts to pull them into the room he shared with Logan.

“Pl-Please, I’m sorry dad!” Virgil wailed as Patton’s nails dug into his skin.

“Patton stop!” Roman tries futilely.

“I did it!" 

Patton stops just outside the door to the bedroom, looks back at Damien and then grins. "Nice try, Spartacus.”

“Patton-!” Damien rushes forward, pounding his fists on the closed door. “Patton please, it really was me, don’t hurt him!”

There’s silence from inside the room, then a loud cry from Virgil. Damien hardly noticed his knuckles getting bloody until Roman grabbed him by the waist and pulled him away from the door.

Virgil sobbed as Patton leaned him forward again and he emptied his stomach into the toilet in front of him.

“There we go baby…” Patton gently cards his fingers through Virgil’s hair and dabs at the sweat on his face as he heaved. “You won’t be making that mistake again, will you?”

“N-No!” Virgil manages to get out before puking again, the gross taste embedding itself in his throat, and even his nose.

“It’ll only last a few more seconds Virgey.” Patton gently kisses the side of Virgil’s head. “Then I’ll make you a nice big breakfast. You’re staying inside with me and Papa all day today, m'kay? Maybe I’ll trust you on the beach in the morning.”

Virgil sniffled, his eyes watering, as his stomach finally settled. Sitting still, he allows Patton to clean off his face and help him rinse out his mouth, before collapsing into his arms with one last sob.

“It’s okay sweetie, I’ve got you.” Patton murmurs, gently rocking the boy.

Virgil let’s his eyes drift shut.

Words: 1,515

Taglist

@jasondeanstwin

@kai-the-person

@the-insanelycoolmylesoliver

@no-no-no-no-6

@samuel-the-gay

@ginnyfox617

@imliterallyvirgilandlogan

@supbitchss

@bat-boye

@avocados26

@anxietea-and-insanitea

@yay-gay-ships

@the-office-cat

@fluffyspirits--butclueless

@shadowboi678

@youthquake-in-the-making

@yerkesdodsoncurve

@trisyllabic-rhymes

@shade-romeo

@itsawitchesworld

@catathyst

@that-one-braincell

@ssuperfruitxvirgil

@robynyouofsanderssidescontent

@theoddkidnextdoor

@just-violet-flowers

[virgilsinferno]

meet me in the middle || logince 

chapter one — from the top, everyone!

summary: logan & roman are enemies. they get into a heated argument in the middle of the hallway and remus tries to put an end to the fight in a very remus way. no angst, just two boys bickering.

pairings: eventual logince (in a future chapter), dukeceit (if you squint)

tw: very brief mentions of alcohol, smoking, and violence (like all of that in one sentence)

word count: 2128

taglist: @dragonwithproblems

♡

The first time he saw Logan, Roman was working at his dad’s flower shop. Roman was busy trimming the newly-arrived flowers, and he wouldn’t have noticed Logan’s presence if it weren’t for Remus’s loud, boisterous laughter. If he were any other customer, he wouldn’t have cared and went back to trimming flowers. 

He observed their exchange from a distance, wondering why the hell this guy looked like he was going to a fancy dinner with visiting relatives. His whole getup screamed “rich stuck-up nerd” and yet he appeared to be getting along well with Remus—his twin brother who is by far the most chaotic person Roman has ever met.

The second time he saw Logan, Roman was on the brink of falling asleep in Chemistry. To be fair, it was his last class of the day and he was running on 3 hours of sleep. His phone started ringing, startling him and causing everyone in the room to look in his direction. He stammered out an apology to their Chemistry teacher then put his phone on silent. It was embarrassing. For a brief moment, he made eye contact with Logan. He recognized him as the guy that bought a single sunflower and dressed like a rich stuck-up nerd. 

The third time he saw Logan, Roman was at the cafeteria. He was sitting with Patton and Janus, his best friends since the first year of high school. Remus would sit with them once in a while, but more often than not, he wouldn’t even be caught dead in the cafeteria. 

It was quite a shock for both the twins when Remus was invited to sit at another table. A few tables away, Roman gave his brother a thumbs up. That was when he noticed who his brother was sitting with. It was the rich stuck-up nerd from Chemistry class and some guy in a hoodie who had his back turned to him. Maybe he was wrong about this guy. Maybe he wasn’t some stuck-up privileged kid. If he befriended his brother just like that, they’d probably get along well, too. 

The fourth time he saw Logan, Roman was at the library. He was studying for his finals and he figured that the library would have the least amount of distractions. He sat at the most secluded area he could find, which was somewhere near the Young Adult section. At some point, he had gotten bored and decided that he deserved a break, and what better way to relax than with a fun lighthearted story? 

As Roman looked through the variety of books available, he spotted a familiar figure. From across the aisle, he saw the rich stuck-up—probably not a stuck-up—nerd. It seemed that Logan had felt a pair of eyes on him, seeing as he looked in Roman’s direction. Roman immediately turned away and pretended to be interested in a random book he grabbed. How embarrassing would it be if he had been caught staring?

The fifth time he saw Logan, Roman was at Espresso Feelings, his favorite independent little coffee shop. Patton’s parents own the place and Roman loves their coffee. He was craving for their chocolate chip cookies and wanted to get his caffeine fix as well before he went to work, so he stopped by and bought breakfast for both him and Remus. He was slightly surprised to see Logan sitting by the window with his laptop in front of him. For once, he actually had casual clothing on. Not a lot of people from their school knew about the place, but he’d see a few familiar faces here and there. Logan appeared to be busy though, so he didn’t try to bother him. 

The first time he finally met Logan, Roman was running for student body president. It was during the campaign period. Roman felt awkward running against his brother’s best friend, but Remus assured him that Logan didn’t mind. He had been busy all week, making sure everything was going as planned. Remus helped with the posters. He was sure that he was going against someone equally as competent as he was, so Roman had to work extra hard. He wanted to win, but so did Logan.

It was at the main entrance of the school. Roman saw Logan speaking with someone on the phone, and he saw an opportunity. They hadn’t formally met or spoken to each other yet, despite Remus inviting him over often, and it has almost been a year. It must be because of how many plans Roman usually has on the weekends. 

“Hey, I’m Roman. You probably already know that, but just to be sure.” Roman says as he extends a hand for Logan to shake. He seemed like the professional type. Or maybe it’s how he naturally dressed, but Roman wasn’t going to criticize his fashion sense on their first proper meeting.

Logan shakes his hand hesitantly. “Yes, I do know that. I’m Logan, but you probably know that as well.” 

“Well, it was nice to officially meet you. I’d love to stay and chat, but unfortunately, I am quite busy. I’ll see you around, Logan.” 

He knew it was wrong to eavesdrop on people, but as soon as Roman walked away, Logan returned to his phone call, and Roman couldn’t help but hear it. 

“Ah sorry, I was speaking with Roman. Yes, him, the one that’s also running for student body president. What do you mean ‘have I done the math’? Of course I have. I don’t even have to gather statistical data to know that. There’s no way he’s winning, you know I’m only pretending to be civil.”

Bitch.

And that was how it all began.

No one had any idea how it all started. One moment the Drama Club was doing a scene study, the next they’re watching their club president have a shouting match with the Debate Club’s president. 

It happened often—the fighting. Most times, the other club officers of the two clubs would have to coordinate in order to make sure that their club meetings aren’t scheduled on the same day. It was bad enough that their rooms are literally across each other, even worse whenever Roman and Logan would catch a glimpse of each other in the hallway. They fought like two divorced parents who had to split custody among their many children. Or at least that’s how both clubs would describe it. 

Those two fought over everything. From last year’s student government elections to who was the better club president. It had gotten so bad that even the teachers refused to try and intervene. 

There was one time when Mr. Clements, one of the most feared teachers in the school, threatened to either give them detention or send them to the principal’s office. This was the only time anyone had ever seen Roman and Logan join forces. Logan destroyed him by pulling out a list that contained complaints from other students that could end his career. The list ranged from drinking alcoholic beverages in class, allowing students to buy their grades, to threatening students with violence. Roman, on the other hand, had voice recordings and video evidence to support the statements in Logan’s list. 

Only a few people had ever attempted to stop their quarrels and succeeded in doing so. 

“It’s your fault for starting this argument in the first place!” Logan shouts angrily at Roman. 

“Oh, so it’s my fault now? You were the one yelling at us from the hallway to keep it down! In the middle of our scene study! At least I didn’t barge in on your verbal duels to complain about how loud you all are yelling at each other!” Roman lashes out as he jabbed a finger into Logan’s chest. 

“In his defense, you’re both verbally dueling in the middle of the hallway when we should be having our club meeting,” Janus says from the side claimed by the Debate Club. The students from both clubs have poured out into the hallway to watch their club presidents fight.

Roman glared at his friend. “So you’re taking his side now?”

Janus put his hands up in defense. “I’m doing no such thing!”

News traveled fast, and soon enough, even the Creative Writing Club from down the hall was watching the two argue. 

“You know what? I’m done with this. Go do whatever it is you do in your club.” Logan says. 

“Boohoo, are you going to start crying in front of everyone?” Roman mocks. The audience gasps.

Logan clenches his fist. “So now you’re calling me a baby? I am trying to end this fight and be the bigger person and yet you are being immature!”

The audience oohs at the retort. 

Before any of the two could let out another insult, two frying pans were swung dangerously at their heads, which would’ve given them a severe concussion if it weren’t for Janus pulling them to the side just in time. The frying pans fell on the floor with a clang. Everyone was silent.

“That almost hit me!” Roman scolded his twin brother, who for some reason, managed to bring two frying pans to school. 

The sight of Remus alone intimidated most of the audience, which was enough to send them all scurrying back to their respective classrooms. This left Roman, Logan, Remus, and Janus in the hallway. 

“That whole…” Janus gestures vaguely at Remus’s outfit. “...punk look you’ve got going on is really something. You should wear leather jackets more often. Makes you look scary.” He left without another word. 

“What?” Remus said dumbly.

“I don’t know? I’ll have to ask him about that later.” Roman replied, furrowing his brows in confusion.

“Are you two serious? Janus simply complimented Remus’s outfit.” Logan said slowly as if he were talking to children. 

They stood in complete silence for a few seconds. Roman and Logan seem to have momentarily forgotten about what they were arguing about. 

“So, what’re my two favorite people up to?” Remus asked as he put an arm around their shoulders, pulling them close.

“You tried to kill me!” Roman screeched, pushing his brother away from him.

“Was it my fault?” Remus asked, dragging the vowels. “Y’all were fighting so loud, it was almost like being asked to be hit on the head with a frying pan.”

Logan hummed in agreement. “That is fair, I’ll give you that.”

“Now I see why you two are even friends,” Roman muttered. He picked up the two frying pans and handed them back to his brother. “Where’d you even get these?”

“I stole them!” Remus grinned.

“Yes, very good Remus, now if this is all settled, I have a club to return t-”

“You’re encouraging my brother to steal?!” 

“He was honest!”

Before another round of fighting could occur, their respective club vice presidents had to pull them back into their respective classrooms. Roman huffed but allowed himself to be dragged back into the room, glaring daggers at Logan, who was also being dragged away, before the door was shut. 

All eyes fell on Roman as he regained composure. With only 20 minutes left of their supposed “club meeting”, there was no way they were going to be able to finish their activity. Roman coughed awkwardly.

“So, ice cream anyone?” Roman suggested.

The room erupted with cheers. Roman happily led the group of 20+ theater kids, raising a middle finger to Logan, who opened the door to see what the commotion was all about. The Drama Club chanted “ice cream! ice cream!” as they marched through the halls, following the leader to the nearest ice cream parlor. 

Ice & Virtue was Roman’s favorite ice cream parlor. Objectively, What’s The Scoop? had better ice cream than they did, but this one had sentimental value. This was where he and Remus would go to after school every Friday and they would try to guess people’s life stories based on their mood and outfit. Sometime last year, after the student government elections, Janus and Patton joined the twins on their weekly ice cream ritual. 

It was a mess.

Janus caused a scene with Remus, then Logan walked in with some emo-looking guy. Janus immediately started attacking Logan, the emo guy walked out, and Remus stood there laughing at his best friend getting verbally attacked. They almost got banned from the establishment if it weren’t for Roman and Patton clearing up the situation. 

The Drama Club crammed into the tiny ice cream parlor, causing a ruckus as soon as they entered the parlor. As club president, Roman felt that it was necessary to treat the club members once in a while. Also, it made him better than Logan, therefore moving him up in the leaderboard. 

10 points to Roman for being cool.

[just-dreaming-about]

SHOW YOUR FEELINGS #2

I was just in the mood for a second round of these two.

WARNINGS: Smutty? Just a little in the end. THINGS GOT INTENSE WITH SEXUAL TENSION SORRY.

(NOT MY GIF)

It took Sirius three years and cancel their marriage to finally talk to Gadea like a real person although she continued to show her characteristic indifference to his jokes and attempts to flirt.

-Be careful, Padfoot -James had said- Or sooner than you think you'll be engaged again. 

Nah, marriage was not his thing. He was sure about it. But at the same time he stopped flirting with others girls... 

-I'm bored, that's all! -he replied while Remus was just smiling. 

But he was often up late at night thinking about her. How many times had he seen her today? Had he been the one to make her laugh in history class? How many classes did they share together tomorrow? He had to make sure to make her angry tomorrow again, he never tired of seeing her angry.And this is how they finished their sixth year: they were still arguing about everything yes, but now there was also some complicity between them or at least he felt that way. They were no longer strangers who had once been engaged but they also could not say they were friends. There was this little connection between them that neither of them dared to name it but both were comfortable with the dynamics of their new and much more relaxed relationship.  Of course she didn't show her feelings openly, it took him a long time to get to know her and she wasn't exactly making it easy for him. He had to watch for any signs, any small gestures that gave her away, like her eyes widening a thousandth of a second at the surprises before she regained her indifference and began to analyze the new situation or her hands playing with the edge of her sleeve she was thinking of say something and didn't know if it was a good time to say it or her lips only lifted a little when he flirted with her and then she looked away to change the subject... And suddenly, just after the final exams Sirius found a new emotion in her that left him completely captivated by her.  She blushed.  It wasn't planned, he was just casually hanging around with the marauders after their exams and saw her exists the exam class with her things under her arms and a proud expression on her face. Not caring about his friends' comments, he ran to her and jumped over the small wall that separated the courtyard from the hallway to walk beside her.

-So?  -So? -she repeated without looking at him and without stopping or slowing down just because he walked beside her.  -It’s written in your face, you passed right? -The exam has just ended, Black. They won't give us the results until next week.

But she had this proud smile that gives her away.  The voices of Gadea's friends, all Slytherins, called her at the end of the hall, and that's when they stopped. It was as if no one wanted their worlds to collide: the world of blood-purity and social status and their own where they could speak without restrictions. She would prefer stayed at their own world.

-You know, those idiots don't value the amazing and stunning witch you are. They should appreciate how incredibly smart you are. 

He was looking at those prats already, crossing his arms and frowning at the looks they gave him.  She couldn't control herself and flushed bright red in front of him. She pretended that she was angry and insulted him and ran out of there like a storm. He had seen her blush other times: from rage after being the victim of a joke, from excitement at a new challenge, embarrassed because she had caught him with some girl in the hallways -something he was not very proud of now- but that way of blushing for him... Because he had caused that reaction in her! He had said the compliment and he had made her blush. He was so proud of himself even if he didn't planned it.  He couldn't see the end of his friends' teasing after this. They just saw how quickly he managed to make her run away angry about something. Little they knew what had just begun in front of their eyes. During the last days of class Sirius found himself for the first time not wanting to finish the course. James thought he had a fever and Remus even offered him chocolate to bring him to his senses. On the express back to London, Sirius and Gadea collided in the middle of the hall. She just wanted to go to the bathroom, he was running away from another joke he had made with James.

-Have a nice summer, Sirius -she said a little awkward, almost like she was embarrassed. 

It was the first time she called him by his name. Usually she called him Black or idiot or other things like that. 

-You too, Gadea -he grinned broadly to her. 

That summer was one of the best in his life. The Potters were his new family, James was like his brother, even Remus came to stay over several times and they made Godryc's Hollow's nightmares reality while having fun around the city. For James the end of summer was the worst in the world, for Sirius it was an opportunity to see Gadea. They hadn't written to each other during the holidays, he hadn't heard from her since the last time he saw her saying goodbye to some Slytherins and dragging her suitcases out of the station. Alone. He hoped with all his heart that the marriage issue had settled and she was free at last. He wouldn't say it out loud to James or Remus. The three of them made it to the station willing to start their last year at Hogwarts. They had to take advantage of that last year and make it unforgettable.  Little does he knew how unforgettable would start their year.  There were many people at the station, that was not new, but as they dragged their suitcases they could see that many people were beginning to gather in the same place and from the center of that crowd there were screams. The three of them, together like always, made their way through the crowd until they only had a couple of people in front of them who had to look over their shoulders to see what was going on. And there she was. She was already wearing her perfectly flawless Slytherin uniform. Her hair had grown during the holidays. But something was wrong. Her blue-gray eyes staring at the ground, her lips pressed together in a fine line, her cheeks red in anger, her shoulders trembling and her fists closed.In front of her a couple, definitely her parents. The woman looked very much like her physically but with the man she only shared the color of her eyes. He was angry and was creaming as she tried to calm him down because they were making a scene in front of many people.

-You ungrateful girl! Your mother and I have tried very hard to give you the life that we didn't have and this is how you thank us? Your egoism has no limits? Think about your family, the legacy we have left you, you are throwing it to the ground betting on the wrong broom. Do you want to risk spending the best years of your life studying something that will ruin you instead of taking advantage of the path we have opened for you? Damn ungrateful, you should show more respect for your parents!

It was as if she had sensed Sirius's presence in the crowd and just as he stepped forward to take her out of there, she looked at him. Her eyes reflected a rage and pain so deep that he had never seen in anyone and hoped he would never see it in her eyes again. Her gaze was enough to stop him in his tracks and he thought that he wouldn't like to be in that man's place when the girl's eyes fixed on him.

-Show more respect? To the persons who treated me like I were less than an object? I am just one more chip on your perfect chessboard, dispensable if that means you will get what you want. Neither of you know me at all! Am I betting on the wrong broom for wanting to study? I am the best witch of my course, leader of the dueling club and you do not even know half of what I can do! -You insolent girl, take your words back!-Never! -I have to repeat to you why you should respect your father!?

To everyone's surprise, the man stepped toward her threateningly and raising his hand. To everyone's even greater surprise -except for Sirius- she didn't back down. In one swift movement she held the wand in her hand and an elegant twist of that wand was enough to hurl the man forcefully many meters away from her, over people and into the students' suitcases.

-Gadea! -her mother scolded her, looking at her between surprise and angry.She looked at her mother with the same swagger she showed in class when she won a duel without batting an eye. From the way the woman looked at her, Sirius thought it was the first time she had realized what her daughter was capable of.

-I will be the best witch you have ever seen, mother. Don't be shocked when your hist'ry book mentions me. You will swallow your words and come to beg me for mercy.

Without further ado and with a smooth wand movement, which at first her mother feared was a spell against her, her suitcases rose from the ground and followed her into the express but she stopped before entering.

-And don't expect me to come back this summer.

With that the fight was over and people began to dissolve, going back to their things and chatting about what had just happened. Sirius turned to look at his friends, the three of them still surprised at what had just happened.

-I have to go with her -he said frankly and his friends nodded to him.  -Go. We'll take care of your things -said Remus. 

With a grateful look he ran to the express and looked for her. In every compartment he looked in there were students from all houses and all ages, some even talking about what they had just heard about the Salaverts, others about what awaited them in this new course. But she was not in either and the train was already starting to move to Hogwarts and he was getting anxious. Finally, in the last compartment, just behind one that was completely empty, there was one with the window curtains drawn as if someone didn't want to be disturbed. She had to be here. So he tapped lightly on the door, leaning one hand on the window to prevent himself from the train moves and to gather strength on what might be found on the other side of the door. He have never been so nervous. He ran a hand through his hair to remove it from his face and called again.

-I don't want anything from the cart, thanks -her voice sounded calm which surprised him more than if he had caught her crying.  -It's me. Sirius -he said nervously and then added- Black. 

The door opened a few seconds later, revealing a quiet Gadea who was trying to untie her green tie.

-Are you aware that you are the only Sirius from Hogwarts? -she asked walking in the compartment to let him in. 

Still fighting with the tie. 

-I'm glad you find me unique and irreplaceable -he joked instinctively closing the door behind him.  -Stupid -she mumbled getting anger with the tie.  -Let me, you'll hang yourself -he said taking her by the shoulders to make her turn so he can undo his tie.

They were so close that he could smell the sweet fragrance she was giving off and his hands worked carefully so as not to touch anything other than her tie or hang her. He had to bend down a little because her head came to his chin.

-Why are you here, Sirius? -she whispered. -To be honest? -he was whispering too and she could smell chocolate for some reason- I was worried about you. But I should already know that you can get your own ass out of problems.

She smiled proudly and looked at the ceiling, letting him work. She didn't need to ask him how much he saw, he saw it all. She was worried that he thought she was fragile or that she needed protection but he didn't think that and that relaxed her. His hands worked fast and he quickly untied the knot in his tie, tugged on one end to finish taking it off completel, and set it on the seat to his right.

-That's it, it won't bother you anymore. You're welcome -he smiled and looked at her eyes.  -Thank you -she was still whispering- For the tie... and for coming. You didn't have to.

He was silent for a moment, looking at her as if determining her emotional state, but she wasn’t going to cry, she felt too free and rebellious and fulfilled right now to worry about crying.

-But I had to -a smirk started to form in his face- I had to take care of my fiancee.

She rolled her eyes, when would Sirius leave that stupid thing? They were no longer engaged! But she smiled too. 

-I don't need anyone to take care of me. 

He laughed because there was the cocky-bossy-proud Gadea that he had missed teasing all summer. 

-I know, but I want to be as close as possible to see how you become the best witch.

And she blushed again. She didn't know how he had this incredible skill to made her blush and look like he wasn't even trying. She knew for his smile he was just being sincere: he really thought she could become a great witch. It was like her heart was trembling for a moment too because she was feeling a lot of things at this moment. Embarrassment, nervous, excitemet, happyness, proud, she even had this feeling of not wanting to let him down. And of course the relief. Relief? No, it was something else but she didn't know how to name it. It was like all this time something was tide tight to her heart and suddenly he work with the knot like he did with her tie and her heart can beat freely now. He believe her. He believe her dream.  He really think she can do it.  And now she noticed how lonely she had been feeling all those years. She thought that she only needed herself, her hard work and nothing else. And now that she finally had someone in front of her who was as hopeful that she would achieve her dream -and without asking for anything in return- she didn't know why but that made her want to cry. But she didn't cry. She wanted but didn't. And then the train gave one of its shakes.  He was pushed back as she fell forward. The train continued its course without caring about the bump they just passed or that Gadea Salavert's life was about to change again. His back had hit the door, his head had found the glass in the most painful way. Then when he thought that nothing else could happen to him, Gadea managed to hit him so hard in the stomach that he twisted in pain. He squatted forward, holding himself and trying not to vomit in Gadea's shoes. The girl for her part began to apologize but he couldn’t speak or he would surely end up vomiting the chocolate he had stolen from Remus. When the pain subsided enough to take a deep breath, he let the girl's hands trespass the curtain of his hair looking for his face and let her soft hands lift him to be at eye level, looking at him worried and scared. Her stormy gray-blue eyes staring at his gray ones.  Damn. He was so fucked now.  He should have known. Confuse love with hate and interest with simply wanting to tease someone was too cliché even for him. But in his defense, she was the smart one. She should have known it too. When you spend your whole life without feeling anything especially pleasant and suddenly a person is responsible for making you feel a thousand things with just a look, a phrase or a smile... 

-You know -he whispered, licking his lips- I could kiss you right now. 

For her part, she said nothing, there was no hint on her face that could warn him of what she was about to do. But for some reason he wasn't surprised that she was the one taking the initiative. If it had been otherwise, she probably would have thrown him out of the compartment window with her best spell and he would have to end the journey to Hogwarts crawling. It was a fiery kiss. In fact, it was like they were fighting to lead the kiss. She cheated. Her hands tangled in his hair and she tugged on it inadvertently, causing his moan and her consequent victory. They stopped for air, taking a deep breath and looking each other in the eyes. She seemed to be challenging him to say something. He laughed loudly and as openly as he always did but this time she joined him in laughter. And he took advantage of the distraction. Now was she who was against the door and her surprise made it easy for him to lead this second kiss. He didn’t give her any truce. As soon as she recovered from the surprise and returned the kiss, deepening it and gaining ground, he made sure that his right hand slipped underhi her shirt -grasping her bare waist feeling her smooth skin shamelessly- regaining control of the kiss and of the situation.

-I could get used to this -he whispered and smirked against her lips gasping hard. 

-Don't screw it up, Black -she scolded him, gasping but frowning too. 

-Yes ma'am.  

[dragonsaphirareads]

The Power of Imagination

Day 16 of @tsshipmonth2020 Fluffuary

Ship: Dukeceit

AU: Kid/School

Word Count: 1883

Summary: Remus goes to school one day and meets the new kid in his class. A quiet, shy boy with scars running along half of his face. With a little imagination, he helps him come out of his shell.

(Like listening to podfics? You can listen to this oneshot on my YT channel here!)

Remus hated school. He hated riding the bus, he hated sitting at a desk for hours and hours, and he hated homework.

The only part of school that he liked was recess. The playground area at school was small, but it was bordered by a line of trees that made for the perfect area to play. Every day he would race to the same spot, waiting for his brother and friends to join him from the other class.

One day, Remus was walking down the hallway towards his classroom when he saw his teacher standing outside the door speaking to another woman. Beside her, there was a kid that had scars running across the entire left side of his face and neck.

He ducked behind the teacher to get into the classroom, and he overheard the kid’s mother mention something about “bullies” and “making friends” as he passed them. Was this kid new to their class? It was the middle of the school year though, why would he come now rather than at the beginning of the year?

Remus took a seat at his desk at the front of the class, trying to lean forward and peek around the doorframe as the rest of his classmates wandered around the classroom, talking to their friends.

Then the bell rang, and there was a mad rush as everyone ran to their chairs and sat down as their teacher walked into the classroom with the kid in tow. The students started to whisper before he hushed them, raising a hand to get their attention.

“Good morning everyone! We have a new student joining us today. This is Ernest, and I hope everyone will welcome him into our class with open arms and help him catch up with his schoolwork. Can we do that?”

“Yes Mr. Thomas!” chorused the class, and Ernest kept his eyes down the entire time. He shuffled to the only open desk in the class, which happened to be the one right next to Remus.

“Hi, I’m Remus!” he whispered loudly as Mr. Thomas started to hand out a worksheet. “I think your face looks really cool!”

Ernest ducked his head, staring at his hands. Remus opened his mouth to whisper again.

“Remus, we’re in class now.” Mr. Thomas scolded lightly as he came around, tapping his finger to his lips in a hush gesture, and Remus pouted. He kept his mouth shut though, especially since Ernest hadn’t even reacted to his whispers. Was he deaf, or just ignoring him?

He kept looking over at the new kid the entire morning, studying his face carefully. The scars on his face looked a lot like when Remus scraped his knees playing and healed over, but there was also a long, deep line that ran from the corner of his mouth to the edge of his jaw that looked like it was more of a cut. Remus wondered what happened to cause it. Was Ernest actually a secret spy and he’d gotten hurt on a mission? Or was he from another world and he’d been attacked by a vicious monster that he’d only barely escaped from?

His eyes were different as well. The one on the left was cloudy and unfocused, and not the same color as his right eye. Was that so he could see into another dimension? Or did it contain magical power that he could only use when he said the magic words?

By the time the bell rang for recess, Remus was practically bouncing in his seat from excitement. He couldn’t wait to tell the others about the new kid in his class, so when that bell rang he raced out of the classroom and to their spot under the biggest tree, waiting for Roman, Patton and Valentine to join him.

It took a couple minutes for the other class to come out into the yard, and every second was torture for the impatient kid.

“You guys are late!” He shouted at the three of them as they approached. “I’ve been waiting forever!”

Roman stuck his tongue out at him, shoving him back. “It’s not our fault, we were playing a game and we had to put everything away!”

Remus rolled his eyes, waving his hand. “Whatever, I don’t care. Something exciting happened today! There’s a new kid in my class and he’s super cool!”

“Really?” Valentine tilted his head, and Remus nodded.

“Yeah! He’s totally from another world, I just know it!”

Patton furrowed an eyebrow. “What do you mean, from another world?”

“I mean that he’s totally got magic! One of his eyes is different, and he’s got all kinds of marks on his face, and it just has to be because he’s a hero from a different world who was sent here on a mission!”

Roman looked excited, but Patton and Valentine didn’t seem to understand what Remus was talking about, because they both had worried looks on their faces.

“Remus... can you show us who you’re talking about?” Valentine asked, looking out over the playground. Remus raised an eyebrow but he turned and started searching for his new classmate.

“I don’t see him...” Remus mumbled, running over to the slides and climbing up one of them to get a better view of the yard. His friends followed him, though Patton and Valentine climbed up the ladder rather than scrambling up the slide. “Oh, wait, I found him!”

He pointed, and the other three piled on themselves to see where he was looking. Ernest was sitting up against the brick wall of the school, his head down as he read a book. Patton gasped and he grabbed Remus’s arm, yanking him back and down so they were crouching.

“Remus! You didn’t say any of those things to his face, did you?!”

“H-Huh? Well, I told him his face looked cool!” He told them, and Valentine facepalmed as Patton shook his head. “What? What’s wrong!?”

Remus felt a smack on the back of his head and he whined as he looked up at his brother. “What was that for!?”

“Because you’re dumb!” Roman told him, crouching down with the rest of them. “Remus, you’re so stupid sometimes!”

“What did I do?!”

“Remus... I don’t think he’s from a different world, like you said.” Valentine ventured slowly.

“Those scars are probably from an accident he was in. He probably thought that you were making fun of him when you said that!” Patton explained, and Remus blinked.

“But... I wasn’t! I really think it looks cool!”

Roman dragged a hand down his face, huffing in frustration. Valentine crawled forward, pushing him towards the slide. “You should go apologize to him.”

“But I didn’t--”

His brother rolled his eyes and forcefully pulled him down the slides and then to his feet when Remus landed awkwardly. “C’mon, let’s go tell him that you’re dumb and then see if he wants to play with us.”

Remus grumbled, but he followed his brother over to where Ernest was sitting. The kid didn’t look up when they approached, although he did notice that his shoulders seemed to tighten as Roman cast a shadow over him.

“Hi! You’re Ernest, right? My brother said something mean earlier to you and he wanted to apologize!”

Remus growled as Roman elbowed him in the ribs, then he looked down at his classmate and saw that he had curled up tightly, avoiding looking at either of them. Remus blinked, crouching down so he was more on level with him.

“I have a question... are you secretly from another world?”

“Remus!” Roman exclaimed, but Ernest actually raised his head and stared at Remus curiously.

“W-What?”

“I told my friends that you’re totally a hero sent to our world to save us ‘cause you’ve got a special eye and scars from fighting monsters, but they didn’t believe me! So you gotta tell them that I’m right!”

Roman was glowering down at his brother, reeling back to kick him in the side. How stupid was he, saying all those things to Ernest’s face? Why, he looked like he was about to cry!

Ernest’s face twisted, and he ducked his head to hide his face with his knees. He started shaking, and Roman reached down to pull his brother away and yell at him. Then Ernest raised his head again, and they both realized he wasn’t crying at all.

“Hahaha... You’ve-You’ve got me! I’m actually a... haha... a time traveler sent from the future! I... haha... I have to change the past so the world can be saved!”

“I knew it!” Remus cheered, pumping his fists in the air. Roman chewed his lip, watching his brother lean even further into Ernest’s personal space. “You’ve gotta show us your tricks!”

Ernest blinked for a moment, then he shook his head with the faintest grin. “Sorry, I can’t. I shouldn’t have even told you who I was, anything could fail my mission.”

Remus pouted, sitting back on his feet. “Aww...”

“Do you wanna come play with us?” Roman spoke up, and both Ernest and Remus glanced up at him. “It’s more fun than just sitting by yourself, right? Or you can just read your book under the tree, if you want!”

Ernest stared at him disbelieving, then he shrugged and closed his book, getting to his feet. “I guess so.”

“Yes!” Remus jumped up and ran back over to Patton and Valentine, who were watching them from their vantage point at the top of the slides.

“I’m sorry about him...” Roman mumbled to Ernest as they started walking over. “He’s kinda stupid sometimes.”

“It’s ok... It’s better than what most people say when they see me.” Ernest smiled slightly, tucking his book under his arm and following Roman to the line of trees. They spent the rest of the recess play pretending they were valiant knights fighting against dragons and witches while Ernest sat against the tree, watching them all with a curious look in his eye.

~

“Remus?”

“Yeah?”

“You know that I’m not really a spy from the future, right?”

Remus sighed, absently drawing circles in the dirt next to him. The other class had been held in for recess that day, so Remus had taken a seat next to Ernest and they’d just talked for their outside time.

“Yeah, I know.”

“But... you’re still friends with me? Even though I lied?”

Remus nodded. “Of course! Mom told me that I was being “in-sen-si-tive” by talking about your scars, and that I should have not said anything unless you said something first.”

Ernest hummed, watching the other kids playing on the playground. “Well, I probably wouldn’t have then. It’s not something I like to talk about. Kids at my last school made fun of me for how I looked.”

“They’re idiots!” Remus insisted.

“Maybe. But... I wanted to thank you, Remus.”

“Huh? Thank me for what?”

Ernest smiled, leaning over and pressing a quick kiss to Remus’s cheek. “Just... for being yourself.”

Then the bell rang and Ernest stood up to go back inside. Remus lagged behind, touching his cheek lightly with his fingertips and grinning like a maniac.

Maybe Ernest wasn’t from the future like he’d said. But as far as Remus was concerned, he was definitely an angel sent straight from heaven.

[boxed-n-bottled-arson]

Fanfic Game

This is a game the dorks played because they were bored. 

Here is how it works: We choose a prompt and write something in five minutes, but only say what the last sentence of what we wrote was. Then, this happens. 

Dork 2: This is extremely crack. We are both terrible. 

Janus goes to therapy

Warnings: Alcohol, depression, swearing 

D1 (Dork 1):

He watched helpless as the door closed behind her. Janus was pushed to put it simply. He decided to try therapy, yet it definitely was not what he expected. Now he sat in his therapists room after he had caused her to leave. This was fantastic. Sighing, he stood up from the somewhat comfortable couch, and walked out of the therapy office. He was glad he hadn't booked those extra appointments he thought about. He opened his car door and sat in the front seat. Taking a long sigh, he slammed his head into  the steering wheel, causing a large honk. He was the only person that would end up in this situation. He had ended arguing with his therapist. "Fuck my life" he murmured to himself. It was a solid four minutes before he ended up, actually starting his car. 

D2 (Dork 2):

The car started and he moved out of the mental asylum parking lot. The streets were empty and he could only hear his car on the road. He ended up seeing a liquor store and decided to get himself some nice fresh alcohol for the ride. His car, shitty as hell takes a few minutes for the car door to finally get open. Other people from the sidelines watch him like he is crazy trying to open his car door. He goes into the store and remembers he forgot his id and decides to just steal alcohol from the store. Glass bottles break and the cashier tries to stop him. Janus runs out of the store, getting back into the car. The car door flies away and Janus drives and drives. He doesn’t care anymore, and he can’t help but love being such a daredevil. He just wishes one day miss Crofter’s would love his sexy smile.

D1:

He just wishes one day Ms.Crofters would love his sexy smile. Maybe that would keep her from leaving his therapy appointment. Besides being extremely pissed, he was also sad. Sad that he, out of all people, caused his therapist, the person that was supposed to help him, leave. Maybe this proved that all his insecurities were correct, maybe putting on a facade was the right thing to do. Maybe acting stronger would be better than acting like he actually is under that shell. He wishes he could show the world that person. The person who just wants to make the world better and brighter for him and his friends. He laughed to himself, a small, hollow, sad laugh. It was ironic that he seemed to have two faces, just like his name. Wow he was pathetic, just like he thought. No one wants to be around him, not his friends, not his therapist, not himself.

D2:

He sits on the edge of the road, questioning his humanity. Was it really the right thing to do? Getting to please everyone around him isn’t helping him. He may be tough and strong, but it isn’t enough. He just wants someone to care for him but nothing ever works. He sips the last drop of his whisky and throws it to the road watching as glass shatters everywhere in the black night. He starts to wander around more, thinking about kites and kittens until he walks back up to miss crofters office. He doesn’t know why he is here, but he is. Janus sees her face again, and miss crofters can obviously tell he isn’t doing too good. Miss crofters can’t help but give him a hug to make the pain go away.

The server Virgil needs

Warnings: swearing, mentioned death, anxiety, food

D2:

It was just for one night. Virgil was not ready to go to this party, but Logan insisted since he needed his daily dose of socialization every once in a while, or all the time. He looks at the front door, preparing himself for what to come and opens the door. Music blasts in his ears, the floor literally vibrating. Virgil does his classic “put hood over head to avoid talking to people”. Then, he decided to go into the next room he saw, where there might not be too many people. The door creaks open to even more noise than before and to shock he actually sees people he knows. Roman, the big boy is hanging from the chandelier, acting like he is flying like a crazy person. He turns over to see Remus the crackhead, trying to shoot him like he is bird. What the fuck is going on???

D1:

Virgil just wanted to go to his friend's house, not have this. Staring at his friends house, Virgil felt his breathing hitch. Why was their loud music and speakers? Why the fuck were there decorations? And why the fuck did he honestly have to be here. Virgil thought about a few way to get out of this situation. He could leave, like honestly just walk back to his house, his mom would be confused but it would be a way out. He die, just curl right there in the grass and suffocate. He could stand in the road in wait for impeanding doom. Maybe find Patton and get hugged to death. Anything but go inside. Wasn't there a neighborhood lake, he could drown in. 

D2:

Wasn’t there a neighborhood lake he could drown in? He leans back in one of the folding chairs and looks up at the stars. Why did he have to be here right now? The smell of fire from the grill fills the outside, and Virgil really wants a taste but he doesn’t feel like talking to anyone else to get it. Logan appears before him and gives him a plate of an assortment of different barbecue type foods, burgers, hot dogs, etc. Virgil, forced to take the plate from Logan decides to start taking bites off his food. 

“I can’t let you sit here and starve Virgil,” Logan says, staring to eat off his own plate as well. Virgil thanks the heavens that Logan is able to be his server tonight. 

D1:

Virgil thanks the heavens Logan was able to be his server tonight. Logan sat next Virgil on the grass. The sun was just starting to set. The Ray's washing over both of them. Virgil really wasn't interested in the food. He was just enjoying the sunset, and his friends presence. It was a weird day, not normal really at all, but hey it ended alright. That's all that mattered, right? 

S’mores prank

Warnings: food, fire, briefly mentioned bugs, swearing

D1:

The fire was getting closer. Virgil hissed at the large orange flames in the fire pit, not enjoying how warm they made him while he was already wearing a hoodie. "Virge, that's not gonna make them go away," Patton said before shoving another marshmallow in his mouth. "Patton, we conquered those marshmallows for s'mores. If you eat all of them we won't be able to make s’mores." Logan said from his seat on a log next to Roman. "Come on Lo stop being a sorry sport, we can always conquer more!" Roman said, throwing a marshmallow into the flames. The sides had decided to go camping in the mind palace, well Roman decided he wanted to go camping and dragged them along. And Virgil was hating every second of it. He had to sleep on the ground, in a clostraphoic tent, and was surrounded by bugs. This was a shit situation for the emo side, and he was gonna make it hell for Roman.

D2:

Virgil started to work on his new deviant plan, ready to get at Roman. Roman has been pranking him for all these years and this time he is going to pay for it with good old sweet karma. He goes over and starts messing with the s’mores, putting his own ‘special’ ingredients to the mix. Some nice laxatives, and oh boy was this gonna be fun watching Roman suffer. Roman is laughing as the fire grew bigger, asking for a nice treat to have with the fire. Virgil couldn’t help but smile at what was about to happen next.

D1:

Virgil couldn't help but smile at what was about to happen next. Everything was about to fall in place, a perfect picture plan, Roman would never cross Virgil like this again. "Ahh, I'm gonna turn in for the night guys." Patton exclaimed with a yawn. "Padre, you're gonna go to sleep this early? Come on you should stay," Roman said. Logan stood up, "actually Patton is right, we can continue this 'bonding exercise' tomorrow, we should all go to sleep so Thomas can be in top conditions tomorrow." Logan and Patton then started walking to their tents. "Well Emo nightmare, we should go to sleep then, God knows you won't get it though," Roman said standing. "Wait!" Virgil yelled, the other sides turning to see why he just screamed. 

D2:

He didn’t want Patton or anyone else to get hurt, only Roman because Roman is a piece of shit. 

“Don’t eat those.” Virgil tells Logan and Patton. 

Patton looks gloomy, wanting a satisfying taste of s’mores. 

Patton looks back at Virgil, upset. “Why can’t we? Roman is shoving those into his face right now.” 

Virgil knows they won’t listen if he tells them what is really going on. 

“I may have... uh...” Virgil can’t help but feel guilty, but his plan has already worked. Roman is shoving the s’mores into his face right now. 

“I put laxatives into the s’mores...” 

Guns and sushi

Warnings: Guns, food, Remus, knives, dead bodies, people tied up, blood, fist fighting, theft

D2:

Under normal circumstances, he would speak his mind, but with a gun against his head. “Buttt whyyyy???? I just want to play with some of the dead bodies out in the back!!!” Remus says with a bratty tone. He seems really upset, and Patton can’t help but feel disgusted. How the heck did he get here, with Janus and Remus?! He tries to get his way through the ropes but nothing works. This is Janus’ and Remus’ specialty. He may know Janus a little bit more now, but this is really the only way to get Remus to stop acting like a lunatic. Remus breaks open from his own handcuffs after being at gunpoint from yours truly, Janus. Janus puts the gun down and turns over to look at Patton, and Remus can’t help but giggle from the sidelines.

D1:

"What are we gonna do now?" Patton sighed. "I honestly don't have a clue." Janus looked at Remus for a second before looking back at Patton, "we could leave him here and just leave, get some food, oh maybe Chinese?" Patton thought about it for a second, "fine, but make it Sushi. It could care less for Chinese right now." Janus nodded and the two walked out the door of the grimy warehouse. Just before they both got in the car though, Patton tugged open a window. "Come one we can't leave him locked in there!" Janus sighed, "fine, but get in, I'm hungry."

D2:

Remus slips a certain something from under his shoe and in such a way Janus would never notice. It was a pocket knife. Janus and Remus walk away from the large cage, leaving Patton alone, in complete darkness and he could barely see anything. Guess they weren’t going to stay after all. Patton gets the knife in his hands tied around his back and starts cutting. They are very thick ropes, but at this point he just wants to get home and see everyone again. He manages to cut and he is released. Patton is happy that Remus left the cage door open, but what are really his intentions? Remus doesn’t do these types of favors without any motive behind it. 

D1:

 Remus invaded the kitchen like a warrior on a battlefield. He was here to make sure Patton got the noodles he wanted, and Remus might treat himself as well. The chefs and servers were all confused, telling him to leave and get out of the kitchen. Remus smiled, Patton was gonna get his noodles. It's safe to say no one left that kitchen without a bloody nose. Remus had really taken a beating to everyone there. Once everyone was out cold though, Remus snooped around the kitchen before seeing it. On top of the stove, was a large pot of noodles, exactly what Patton wanted. Grabbing the pot, and something else Remus ran back to the main restaurant, and to the side of a disappointed Remus and Patton. "So you robbed the place of there noodles and ice cream?" Janus asked. "Yup!" Remus exclaimed, licking a popsicle. 

“Do you love me?”

Warnings: sexual intentions, kissing

D1:

The footsteps were moving away. Roman let out a heavy sigh. They couldn't be caught, not now. They had been doing this for weeks but still every sound made them pause, every foot step made them step away from each other, and every word that wasn't one of there’s ruined the mood. It was upsetting but the safest thing to do, if they were caught...it would never happen again. It was a strange idea, logic and creativity being together. Wanting each other. Not feeling complete without one another. But they did. So when the lights turned off, and the others went to sleep, Roman sneaked in,to Logan's room to feel complete. To have his other half. "We can't keep doing this," Logan said. Roman sighed, it was true. It was painful every time a kiss was broken by footsteps. "Than what do we do?" He asked. "Tell them," Logan said. "Lo, we can't, they won't" Logan brought up a hand to cup Roman's cheek. 

 D2:

“Ooh? Wow Logan I didn’t know you liked this type of thing.” Roman places his hands around Logan’s waist. 

“Well, passionate kissing can burn between 2 and 26 calories a minute, and also can reduce stress. This can be extremely beneficial to both of our health.” 

Roman looks at Logan almost like his face is trying to make a sigh but he can’t. 

“Ugh please don’t start Logan.” 

To get Logan to not talk anymore, he pushes him up against the wall, Roman presses his lips against Logan’s. Logan, wanting to talk more about health benefits finally decides to give in, letting the kisses get more passionate than before. Eventually, Roman decides to slip his hand between Logan’s thighs.

D1:

"Roman we can't-" "Logan you love me." Logan looked at Roman wide eyed. Logan wasn't good with emotions, but he knew love was strong. It wasn't a word you threw around, you had to be certain. And Logan didn't know how to Express what he had with Roman. It was strong, yet fragile. It made him feel confident. And he wanted more moments with Roman. Hell, he wanted every moment to be with Roman. Log a finally broke the silence, "do you love me?" Roman paused for the smallest of seconds, "yes." Logan pushed Roman away from him "Then tell them, about us. I can't handle keeping this a secret Roman, we need to tell them." 

D2:

Roman looks down at the ground, trying to find an excuse but can’t manage to make one. 

“Why do relationships need to be so hard???” Roman more upset than ever, holds Logan close. 

“All we need to do is tell them. I mean think about it, we all know Patton and Virgil are a thing.” Logan says. 

“Wait, what?! How couldn’t you tell me this info sooner?!” 

Logan, realizing his clothes are a lot more of a mess than before. 

“Roman, do you have some missing brain cells or are you just clueless?” Roman totally offended snaps back.

“I’m not oblivious! At least I’m not the one reciting lines from the last article you read about kissing! Don’t tell me that isn’t odd!” 

Logan can’t help but feel embarrassed. 

A soulmate AU?

Warnings: Food, condoms

D1:

He couldn't believe it. Was it really him? Roman stared across the small library at the man behind the counter. He was tall, with brown hair and glasses, along with wearing a tie and dress shirt. On his neck was a simple tattoo, taking the form of a dragon sitting atop a pile of books. The same tattoo that Roman had on his left hip. He couldn't believe, Roman was staring at his soulmate. All his life he had dreamed of meeting his soulmate. Someone who was perfect for him in every way, someone to love him every second. And now he was a few isles away from them. What was he supposed to do? Run up and randomly kiss them? No that would be weird. 

D2:

Logan walked over to one of the bookshelves and grabbed a book. Roman couldn’t get the courage to do it. On his way to one of the tables to get a close look at Logan, he sees something under the table. 

“What the...” Roman mumbles. 

A lady behind him notices as well, and screeches.

“IS THAT A USED CONDOM?!” The lady runs away and Roman looks at it in horror. Logan turns over and walks over to Roman, startled when he looks under the table like everyone else in the room. People start discussing what to do with it while Roman and Logan stare intensely at the used condom. 

“Disgusting... in a public library...” Logan says. 

D1:

 "That's… gross," Roman said, before his eyes trailed back to Logan. "Um, I actually came over here to ask you something." Logan looked at Roman curious, "and what would that be?" Roman took a second to try to form a response, just screaming out 'I'm your soulmate' would probably confuse him, and he honestly wanted this first meeting to go well. "Here, showing you would be better," with that Roman took his shirt off, turning so that Logan could see his left side. Logan, who at first was very confused, stared at the large dragon tattoo on Roman's side. Roman turned back around to look at Logan. "Seems we might be soulmates."

D2:

“Roman. Let’s go somewhere together.” Logan takes Romans’ hand and leaves the library. Roman can’t help but blush when Logan holds his hand like this. Then, Logan stops suddenly. They both look up to see the most beautiful thing in the world, the greatest ice cream shop that sells beans with ice cream and other things. Logan and Roman run towards the ice cream shop, skipping along the way there. 

“Let’s get some ice cream with beans,” Logan says, “they help oxygen flow through your body.” Logan keeps pulling Roman towards the ice cream shop and they enter. 

“You look like two happy donkays if I do say so myself,” the cashier says. “What would you donkays like to get today?” 

“Oooh oooh can I get some BEANS?!” Roman yells. 

“Sure thing donkay! All the donkays get bean ice cream today!” 

The donkays scream yay at getting the taste of some nice bean ice cream.

Patton’s secret

Warnings: Alcohol, implied sexual content, swearing, Remus, first fighting, injuries

D2:

He sat him down and held him close before telling him the horrible news.

“Patton, I—“ Virgil is shushed. 

“Shh, I’m enjoying this moment between us together.” Patton holds Virgil tighter.

“I feel like there is something I don’t know about...” Virgil stops looking at Patton, extremely angstily. “Patton, please tell me what is going on, I need to know.” 

“I don’t know if I should tell you, it is really bad...” Patton whispers. 

“It’s okay, I’ll help you in any way I can.” Virgil shows a smile, and the only smile he has given all night. 

“I—“ Patton stops himself from speaking, he can’t bring himself to say it. 

“Please, I love you so much Patton and I care about you.” 

Patton sighs. “I’m pregnant.”

“W-what?! How the heck are you pregnant?” Virgil yells. 

D1:

"Wha- what how the heck are you pregnant?" Virgil yells. Patton winced at the sound, no this isn't what he wanted he really didn't want Virgil angry. "I-I'm sorry Virge, I was drunk and not thinking, please I love you I promise!" Virgil was shocked how the fuck was he suppose to deal with this?! He was very aware Patton was trans, but they weren't at a comfortable point in their relationship to do anything. They had only been together for a month or two. "Pat, I-I…" Virgil didn't know what to say. Was he ready to be a father? We Patton ready to be a father? He could feel his breathing quicken, the world seemed to blur. "Virge? Virge, breathe for me please." "Y-you cheated on me and got pregnant?!" 

D2:

“How could you just have a one night stand with some random person?! Do you even care?!” Virgil stands his ground, flaming with rage. 

“I’m done and we are OVER. There is no excuse!” Virgil leaves the room to find a way to release the steam. Why did Patton do this to him? He runs outside and sits against the wall, and he can’t help but cry.

He hears footsteps expecting Patton, but it turns out to be a familiar face. 

“Remus...” 

Virgil gets up and backs slightly away. 

“Hey there Vergy! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Must say that was quite a show in there.” Remus giggles at the drama and entertainment. 

“You have something to do with this, don’t you Remus?” Virgil says.

D1:

"You have something to do with, don't you Remus." Virgil said. Remus looked offended "Virgil, drawing random conclusions-" "BULLSHIT!" Virgil yelled. "You can fucking stop the act, you fucked Patton, without protection and this kid is yours!" Remus smirked, sickly sweet, "you say it like he didn't consent." Virgil stared at him, pissed. "You fucking knew me and Patton were in a relationship you sick fuck!" With that the first punch was thrown. Remus looked startled, holding his now very bruised jaw. "It's not all my fucking fault!" Remus said hitting back. 

The fight didn't last long, though it ended with both of them majorly bruised. Remus had left, bruised and hurt, leaving a very confused Virgil standing alone on the sidewalk.

[sanderssidesfanfiction]

Often Forgotten

A/N: Okay, I know we’ve been posting frequently lately, and all I can say is...don’t expect this every week? We happen to be inspired because we’re procrastinating our Big Bang project and screaming while doing it what? Ah, never mind. This story was primarily written by Mod Delta, and I (Mod Tim) was the one who wrote the ending. We hope you enjoy this, it took a lot of work last night to finish this!

Warnings: Sympathetic Deceit, Villain!Patton, Religious Metaphors, Toxic Purity

"Thomas doesn't need him! He doesn't need Deceit! He's not a part of Thomas that deserves to be here!"

The vehement tone of voice and the use of Deceit's name made him pause in his way to the kitchen to grab some tea. No matter what the other sides said, tea was far superior to coffee, and made him look more sophisticated to boot. And the others would never know this, but Deceit lived for coming off as sophisticated. However, all thoughts of tea left his head as he heard the hushed conversation.

Logan was the next to speak. "I know you don't like him, Patton, but--"

"But nothing!" Patton interjected. "He's only hurting Thomas! Not helping him!"

Deceit's hands balled into fists. How dare Patton suggest such a thing! He was the one who explained that Deceit was there to help with self-preservation in the videos! But that didn't mean that Patton approved of his methods, or his presence...he flattened himself against the wall and inched closer to hear better.

"Look, Pat, as much as I hate Deceit, he does have a purpose..." Virgil said. "We would be wrong to try and get rid of him. I hate the guy, but we do need him."

Ah, Virgil. Deceit didn't quite know what happened to cause Virgil to turn against him and the others, but Virgil wasn't going to tell. Virgil would rather die than admit that he hated being what Roman considered a "Dark Side" and that he wanted to be seen as good so desperately that he started appearing in Thomas' videos. And Deceit wasn't keen on torturing Virgil, so a secret that fact would remain.

Patton stood up and started to pace in his anger, sputtering. He turned in a circle around the light sides. "Don't you see?! He has you all believing that, but it's a lie! He doesn't need to be here! He has you all convinced, but I won't be fooled! He's not going to talk to Thomas ever again!"

Deceit forcibly relaxed his hands only when he realized they were shaking in their pent-up fury as fists. Who gave Patton the right to say that?! How did he know what was best for Thomas? Just because he represented Thomas' morality (or at least the moral high road), he thought that what he said was law. And he would not be deterred.

That was something Deceit knew he couldn't go up against. If he got into a fight against Patton, Deceit would lose and alienate what little trust he had built in the others. But he couldn't build more of a rapport if Patton was going to refuse to allow him into any of their conversations, or shared living spaces. Deceit's mind was racing as the silence in the Commons prolonged. He couldn't win in any situation his mind played out, so why even try? He spun on his heel and moved back to his room. He shut the door forcefully and locked it, before sitting on his bed and meditating. He needed to move his room to the subconscious. That way, he'd never have to deal with Patton or the others ever again. And they all won. Maybe Thomas would even be glad Deceit was gone.

As Deceit successfully moved his room into the subconscious, the other sides felt a certain shift in the atmosphere of the Mind Palace. It didn't feel strained, but it certainly wasn't more relaxed, either. There was a subtle shift that none of the others could place. It set all of them on edge, though, including Patton. But Patton resolved if Deceit was up to something, he would show his face soon enough.

Days passed. Logan thought it odd that he hadn't seen Deceit at all, and his tea bags hadn't been touched. Roman would walk past where his room used to be and scratch his head. He knew that there was a door there before, but he couldn't remember whose it was. Maybe it was Remus. The side was always moving his room around, just to mess with everyone.

Soon, though, Thomas had a moral dilemma and all the sides were summoned to the living room. Logan popped up, then Roman, then Patton. Virgil appeared and they all looked to Thomas, who was shifting uneasily. "So, you guys might have noticed that Cheryl, Aunt Patty's friend, isn't doing so well..." he said. "And Aunt Patty kind of wants me to send Cheryl some well wishes."

"But Cheryl is a homophobe, isn't she? She's the one who tried to set you up with a couple girls in college," Virgil said.

Thomas winced. "Yeah. I really don't want to deal with her again, but Aunt Patty only wants something as small as a card. Still, if Cheryl sees it, she'll take it as an invitation to try and 'help' me again."

"Ah, but it would not be optimal to explain this to Aunt Patty?" Logan said. "After all, Cheryl is her best friend, and she never suggested you date girls to Aunt Patty's face."

"Who says we have to tell Aunt Patty what her best friend did? Why can't we just send Cheryl a card and ignore her attempts to set us up again?" Patton proposed.

"Why deal with that at all when we could say that Cheryl didn't like us much and she wouldn't appreciate our card?" Roman proposed. Immediately after the words left his mouth, a piece of his cheek started to smoke and he bent over, yelping in pain.

Now, none of the sides had to deal with what happened when they proposed to lie before. Deceit would be the one influencing them to say it, and would field all the punishment that Thomas' mind gave to the proposed lie. But with Deceit disappeared into the subconscious, no one was there to take the hit for the other sides. Roman's skin burned like fire, and he clawed at his cheek desperately, before a small piece of skin fluttered to the ground, and a single scale took place on Roman's face. Everyone stared at him.

"Deceit...?" Logan asked, but his voice wasn't as sure as it usually was.

"What? No, it's me, guys, it's Roman! Why are you..." his voice trailed off as his fingers brushed against the scale. "Is that...? What I think it is?"

"Apparently so," Logan said, tweaking his glasses. "I have no idea how that developed, though."

Virgil's jaw was open wide, and he made a croaking noise. "I know...I know that...that Deceit used to...used to have scales form when he lied, years ago...but...but how would you be growing scales?"

"Perhaps it's from the suggestion that we lie?" Logan asked. "Although why this would appear on Roman and not Deceit puzzles me."

"Well, Roman was the one who suggested lying! That's probably why!" Patton exclaimed. "If you lie, or suggest you lie, you grow scales? Maybe that's what happens?"

"I mean I guess?" Roman said, scratching at the scale. "It's not coming off, and it hurts!"

"Stop scratching at it then," Logan said. "That will only make matters worse!"

Virgil was silent, and Thomas didn't fail to notice this. "You okay, Virgil?"

"I'm fine," Virgil said, before clamping a hand over his mouth, a muffled scream coming out before a scale appeared just below his lips.

The others watched with horror, realizing that they could no longer lie, even about their feelings, without scales growing all over them. Logan was trying to figure out how to navigate this, while Roman simply prayed no one would ask about his insecurities, and Patton watched impassively. Out of all their reactions, Patton's was the most alarming, because the emotive side just...did nothing. He stared with a neutral, calculating gaze, as if weighing the merits of the sides' very continued existence. As if he were deciding if they would help Thomas or not.

"Maybe...maybe I should tell Aunt Patty that I can't send a card right now because I've got a lot on my hands," Thomas said uncertainly. "That's...definitely not a lie."

"Do so," Logan advised. "And then we should figure out how to fix this."

Thomas nodded and the sides sunk out, back to the Commons. Patton still looked impassive, but internally he was glaring at the scales on his two friends. Why was this suddenly something that was happening? Where was Deceit in all of this? What was he hoping to achieve in making the others lie? Nothing good, Patton was sure, and he wanted to teach Deceit a lesson. Teach him that Thomas didn't need him, that lies were evil, that Thomas was a good person and good people didn't lie.

"Where's Deceit?" Roman asked. "I would have thought that he would be waiting here to gloat about whatever his evil scheme is."

Logan looked around and frowned. He was genuinely perturbed at the lack of Deceit. "He doesn't appear to be here. Perhaps he is in his room?"

Virgil shrugged. "We can check. Isn't his door right by yours, Patton?"

"Oh. Oh no," Roman said. "That was his room?"

"What do you mean 'was'?" Virgil asked, voice rising in panic.

"There was a door there, but it recently disappeared. I thought it was Remus messing around again," Roman said, worry coloring his voice.

"How recently did it disappear?" Logan pressed.

"I'm not sure. A couple of days?" Roman said.

"That's when the teabags stopped being used," Logan muttered. His eyes widened. "You don't think that he's trying to go dormant, do you?"

Virgil's eyes widened. "Like when I ducked out?! But...but wouldn't that mean that we couldn't lie?"

"Unless..." Roman chewed his lip. "Unless the lies we tell are replacing Deceit."

Patton's face showed brief rage before it became completely impassive and stony. "That can't be what's happening," he said with certainty. "No one here will be replacing Deceit."

Virgil worried his hands and said, "Patton, I don't think you get to decide this. Thomas' brain is going to do something if Deceit has gone dormant."

"Yeah? Well, it's not going to get a replacement! We're better off with Deceit gone!" Patton exclaimed. Smoke appeared on his forehead as skin peeled back revealing not one, but two scales.

Logan's brows furrowed. He was concerned that if Patton developed two scales when the others only developed one, that Patton was more susceptible to lies. But, he reasoned, Patton might have told two lies. That they were better off without Deceit and that the brain wouldn't get a replacement, so he kept quiet. After all, it would do no good to make everyone worry senselessly.

"I'm going to look and see if maybe Deceit just moved his room to worry us," Virgil said, quickly leaving the Commons.

"I'm going to see if these scales can come off," Roman said, retreating to his room.

Patton's face was still impassive. "Patton," Logan said softly. "Aren't you a tiny bit worried about what this means?"

"No," Patton said with certainty. "Deceit being gone is a good thing for us."

And the scariest part to Logan was that Patton believed that so whole-heartedly that not a single scale formed on his skin.

As days passed and Deceit still didn't show his face, everyone became increasingly worried. Well...almost everyone. Virgil was the most obvious about it, constantly looking around like Deceit might jump out of the shadows at any moment and lecture them on this was why they needed him, and they should be glad that he decided to return. But he never did.

Roman was next obvious. Whenever he suggested anything that resembled a lie, he would have a scale grow on his face. But being half of Thomas' imagination, there was a very fine line between fact and fiction for Roman. He would claw at the scales, try and get them to go away, but nothing worked. The scales he gained always stuck. He'd sometimes mutter that if only Deceit was here, this wouldn't be a problem.

Logan, while not outwardly worried, was quite possibly the most anxious of them all. For Deceit being gone meant the mind would try and compensate somehow. And all of them were gaining scales here and there--Virgil about his feelings, Roman about his ideas and insecurities, and Logan about his self-care habits, but Patton. Patton was gaining scales left and right.

It didn't even hurt Patton anymore when his human skin faded away to form another scale. He often was found snarling around the halls or in the Commons, his tongue bringing sharper words, and his eyes shooting menacing glares. Often, he would snap at the others that they were doing something wrong, or that he didn't want to talk to them, he didn't need help, that the others were being useless and was he the only one who could see the big picture here?!

Logan didn't dare bring it up with Patton, but he had been searching through the subconscious, trying to find where Deceit put his room. Maybe, if he could return, this would stop. Maybe Patton would lighten up, Virgil would calm down, and Roman would feel free to share his ideas again. He was never successful, but he held out hope. After all, with Patton getting harsher and harsher standards for all of them, something had to be done.

Things came to a head two months after Deceit had disappeared. Thomas was trying to figure out how to tell Terrence that he couldn't come visit, because he didn't have it in him to say goodbye to his friend again just yet, but he didn't want to say that to hurt Terrence's feelings.

Patton went ballistic. He said that lying would only lead them into danger, that Thomas would be a terrible person if he even told a half-truth, that he had to be completely honest. He could sugarcoat it, but only if that was by telling the truth. Logan had a smattering of scales across his forehead and around his left eye at that point, Virgil had quite a few around the nose and mouth, and the bottom left quarter of Roman's face was completely covered, but Patton had stopped forming new scales. It wasn't a matter of not hurting him, they just weren't showing up anymore.

Everyone in the room felt horror creep up their spine as Patton's left eye flashed golden and turned into that of a snake's, and his jawline bore the same shadows that Deceit's once had. Logan quickly sunk out of the room, dashing from the Commons to the subconscious, his only thoughts finding Deceit. Because if he didn't act fast, Patton was going to hurt Thomas, possibly permanently.

When Logan ran smack-dab into a wall, he nearly sobbed in relief when he opened the door attached to it and found Deceit. Or at least...he thought it was Deceit. His outfit was the same, with the same snake logo, but he was completely free of scales. He startled and looked over at Logan. "Logan, what--"

"No time!" Logan exclaimed. "Living room, now, Patton's hurting Thomas!"

That was all it took. The two sides sank out of the subconscious and shot up in the living room. Everyone turned to them in surprise. Even Patton stopped his tirade. Deceit stared at all of them in shock. Each of them had scales somewhere on their person, in clumps around specific areas, mostly, but he recognized the scales as his own. So that's where they had been disappearing to. He had wondered.

Deceit winced as he saw the state of Roman and Virgil. Logan had a few scales, but those two seemed to get quite a few from his left side, if he wasn't mistaken. Then he turned to Patton and gasped. Patton looked...like Deceit did, before. He was covered in scales, his left eye that of a snake, his left jaw no doubt having the ability to unhinge like Deceit's did before he had slowly gained his human features back.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is," Patton spat. "The other three have been worried about you, Deceit. They thought that you being gone was a bad thing. I disagree. You should have stayed dormant."

Deceit stood there, taking Patton in. He had scales not only covering his face, but going down his neck and all along his left arm and hand. He had no doubt the same was true for his leg. Patton had taken on what Deceit's duties had been. He became the one who lied, and it corrupted Patton completely. There was no way Deceit could save him, not if Patton didn't accept his help. And considering the way Patton was looking at him right now, Patton definitely wouldn't be accepting Deceit's help any time soon.

"Why did you come back? Huh? Did Logan bring you here? I ought to thank him for that. Really. It just proves to everyone what I've been saying all along. Deceit has no place at the table."

Deceit squared his shoulders, and stared down Patton. "No, it doesn't. But it appears that I am not the one who is lying right now, Patton."

Patton cackled, a truly evil sound that Deceit recognized from him doing it enough times when he had to instigate the others into considering his view, or get them to dismiss his ideas so he could nudge them in the right direction without them realizing he approved. "That's rich. I'm Morality, Deceit! What I say, goes!"

"You're not Morality," Deceit said with a thousand-yard stare. "Not anymore."

Patton took in a deep breath to yell, but Deceit grabbed his voice with a flick of his wrist. "That is quite enough, Purity. Your viewpoints are toxic, and damaging Thomas. No one is a perfect person, and as Morality you should have seen that the world isn't simply black and white. I helped Thomas in my own way by telling him to lie. What are you achieving when you yell and exclaim he's a terrible person, hm? You're simply hurting him! You're the embodiment of purity culture, not Morality. Not anymore. And since Purity cannot be attained, at least not in this life, it should not be what Thomas strides for. You're hurting him, Patton. You are no longer welcome here."

When Deceit let Patton speak again, he simply snarled, "You haven't seen the last of me. You'll see that I was right all along!" as he sunk out.

Deceit watched the spot where Patton stood with disdain. "No, I do believe that is the last time I allow you around Thomas," he said. "After all, I'm the other half of Morality. I control when the Dark Sides can and cannot show up."

"Deceit," Thomas breathed. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's so good to have you back."

Logan cleared his throat. "Actually, I believe that Deceit has become a misnomer," he said. "As he had stated, he is what remains of your morality. That means he sees the good, and the bad. His sole purpose is not to make you lie, Thomas, but to see both sides of the equation."

Deceit stared at Logan in surprise. The few scales that had been there before were fading away, and Roman and Virgil's skin was clearing as well.

"I believe Patton...Purity has stolen the last of the scales we had obtained," Logan said, feeling his skin. "Just as well. We couldn't gather scales every time we lied for the rest of our lives. And if he has accepted that he is no longer...no longer a Light Side, then he may be embracing what defines him now, including those scales."

"Purity is a toxic standard," Deceit said. "It's as slippery as a snake, and tempts you like the old story in Genesis, telling you you can be perfect, if only you can do this or that. But morality is not, and never has been, black and white."

"I'm glad you see that...Morality," Logan said.

Deceit blinked. He pointed at himself wordlessly.

"Yeah, you," Virgil said from the stairs. "You were always a form of Morality, and now we know you're fighting for us and with us, not against us. You earn the title."

"Often, we forget that the world isn't black and white," Roman said. "We often forget that living in the gray is good for us. That it means we don't have to hold ourselves to that pure, perfect standard."

"Go on, you can take Morality's spot," Thomas said, gesturing to where Patton once stood.

Deceit...Morality slowly walked across the room, taking off his hat and playing with the brim of it. "Is there something we can call you beyond Morality?" Logan asked. "It's all right if you don't wish to share..."

"No, it's okay," Morality said. "I had a name before, but I'm not so sure it fits me anymore."

"You can choose a new one, if that's what you wish," Logan said.

Roman grinned. "I, for one, would love to hear your new name."

They all waited with baited breath. Morality took a deep breath, flipped his hat in his hands and put it on his head with confidence. His shoulders were squared and his chin tilted upwards as he said, "You can call me Ethan."

"All right, Ethan," Thomas said with a grin. "It's nice to finally meet you properly. Do you think...Patton will ever recover?"

Ethan's confidence slipped. "I don't know," he said. "That sort of corruption is very hard to recover from, and near impossible if you don't accept help. Even if he accepted, the scales would return to me. I would still be Morality...Ethan, but if Patton were to return, and try to kick me out from the group again...I would push back, by any means necessary. And that might again start up the struggle that caused this to happen in the first place."

The room in the mood sobered up some. "Oh," Virgil said softly. "I'm...gonna miss him. Not who he became, but who he once was."

Logan and Roman murmured their agreement. Ethan bowed his head. "I shouldn't have tried to make myself dormant," he said. "Maybe this would never have happened."

"I think...this was doomed to happen one way or another, Ethan," Thomas said. "Purely by the way Patton acted around you. Don't think I didn't notice how he would fight with you in the Mind Palace whenever he could. Don't beat yourself up over it. You saved us. All of us. From him."

Ethan looked around, and everyone was smiling gratefully at him. Nervously, hesitantly, he started to smile back.

"All right, then," Thomas said. "Ethan, what do you think I should say to Terrence?"

Ethan considered. "Well, obviously being brutally honest would hurt his feelings, but I'm sure there's a way we can say this that wouldn't be a lie and spare us an awkward moment..."

Tag List: @loganpatton @lilbeanblr @kittyboof8 @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch @sanders-trash-4ever @hamilspntrash @swords-and-kittens @phantomfander @narniasfinestavengingsociopath @demonvirgil

[oh-theatre]

Objection!: Chapter 8

Chapter title: It's Not So Bad

A/n:  Yay! New chapter! I love this book! I'm not going to lie, it's one of the favorites that I have ever written. I hope you guys are enjoying it too. Also Toddler!Remus and Logan OWN me, they're so cute?? Also, Remy and Virgil as partners is something that I love, I love writing their dynamic.  Make sure to leave me some comments, I really appreciate them!!

First | Previous | Next

words: 4481

summary: Though the case starts out bad, Patton finds the night gets better

pairings: Eventual logicality, eventual prinxiety, platonic demus, romantic remile

warnings: Murder mention, child murder, Law and Courtroom, swearing, choking, choking mention, Blood mention

Ao3 Link  

“What” Virgil shrugs, “I was being honest”

“I will hold you in contempt of court Detective Tormine” Joan eyes him, Virgil smirks at them folding his hands maliciously in his lap.

“Ok, you can't reall- What am I doing I don't care” Patton sighs exasperated sitting down. Roman tries his best to stop laughing. He gasps a little more before banging his gavel and waving it around.

“Order! Order in the court” he yells, both lawyers share a look they were both familiar with. Virgil shakes his head. Joan grunts before returning to Romans side, he smiles affectionately at them, and they return the gesture. Virgil's rolls his eyes, how is everyone in love with this man? “Virge, we can't really start unless you say yes” Roman reminds gently, Virgil sighs.

“Fine yes whatever” Roman nods, banging his gavel once more. It's unnecessary really, Logan presumes he just enjoys it. Logan makes his way to the stand, he holds his papers in one hand.

“Would you please state your first and last name for the record” Logan requests, Virgil trills his lips but sits forward. It isn't that he hates this exactly, it's just he’s been through this so many times. It never gets easier, the constant eyes watching him, the pressure, the stakes.

“Virgil Tormine” He wrings his hands trying his hardest to dismiss the incessant noise of the reporter typing on their computer. The smashing of the keys echo throughout the room, Virgil swears someone was talking but he can't hear them.

“Mister Tormine?” Virgil returns his focus to Logan, the court watches him expectantly.

“What was the question?”

“I asked what your occupation was” Logan repeats, Virgil glances around, the jury hasn't budged since he arrived. He itches the tips of his fingers, his stomach tightens, he struggles to get the words out.

“Uh...I'm a detective” He mumbles, Logan nods. There's the typing again, the irregular pattern of the clacking, the air conditioner whirring, the occasional shuffle of someone. He needs someone to speak, something to focus on.

“Thank you,” Logan says as if reading his mind. It's simple and short but it's enough to ground Virgil. “Detective, you, alongside detective Nyx,” He looks to Remy who waves jokingly. Virgil smirks at his partner, the calm manner that Remy holds has always eased Virgil. “Are the leading detectives of this case, correct?” Virgil nods “Wouldn't you say you were pretty familiar with the case?”

“Objection, leading the witness!” Patton calls out, there are two things that Virgil will never get tired of. The look upon Logan's face, and the pride on Pattons. He remembers the first time he witnessed Patton against Logan. No one thought he would win, it's not that he wasn't smart or good but he was Patton, and Logan was...well Logan. But when the jury reached their verdict finding the defendant not guilty, Virgil learned there was more than meets the eye. For the past ten years, Patton had been Logans number one competitor. And it was glorious. Logan purses his lips, it really was too early.

“Sustained” Roman decides. Virgil smirks at the judge, something about the way he says it.

“Let me rephrase, how familiar are you with the case?” Logan tries. Virgil spins in his chair, landing on the stand. Logan rolls his eyes at the dramatics.

“Very familiar”

“Would you please describe the crime scene?” Virgil raises an eyebrow. He glances to Patton.

“Which one?” He doesn't know where he stands on this case, to be frank. (But you're not Frank, you're Virgil, as Patton would joke). He sees and understands Patton's perspective because it doesn't make sense. Evidence doesn't just appear after the fact.

“Let's start with the first murder,” Logan turns to the jury “Because as far as the detective's reports go and police reports there were multiple” He informs, they know this but Logan wants to remind them. Patton furrows his brows, pinching the tips of his fingers.

“Ok...uh..” Virgil tries to recall the first murder. “It was…” He purses his lips looking to Remy, he mouths something “David Floss I think…” Logan shoots him a glare “I know, sorry, it was on the night of September thirteenth, happened in his apartment” Virgil continues, Patton scribbles this down “Uh...no evidence or traces of anyone besides the victim and a letter-”

“What letter, detective?” Logan interjects, Virgil presses his lips together. “Apologies, continue”

“It was...uh the letter ‘E’” Virgil snaps remembering, that was the first letter they had found.

“Was this the only letter found?” Logan continues, Roman leans forward now, tapping his foot below the desk.

“At this scene? Yeah” Virgil tells “But not the only one for the other murders, we found an ‘a’, ‘L’, ‘I’, ‘T’ and some others” Logan nods skimming down his paper some more. Roman thinks about the letters, obviously, he was aware of the other letters and for weeks had been trying to figure out what they spelled.

“What do you think the letters were spelling detective?” Logan queries, preparing his pencil for the notes. Patton stands.

“Objection, calls for speculation” He claims. Virgil didn't mind, the less he had to talk, the better. Logan looks to Roman, his eyes pleading the judge. Roman pinches his nose glancing between the lawyers. Patton waits expectantly, he didn't mind if it had gotten overruled but throwing Logan off his rhythm was important. Street smarts, he smirks.

“Overruled” Roman decides, Logan shuts his eyes relaxing his shoulders. Patton shrugs sitting back down. He feels the table shake a bit, looking over to George he notices the man tapping his foot. He has tried his hardest to dismiss these feelings but as the case went on he did grow more uncomfortable around George.

“Mr.Hoff? Are you alright?” Patton whispers leaning over, he can hear Logan continue his questioning in the background. George turns to him suddenly becoming very still, Patton swallows putting on his best smile. Remy notices the interaction he leans forward. “Mr.Hoff?” Patton tries again. George stares before smiling, not a smile that reassures Patton in any way. His eyes remain so still as if nothing lived behind them. His lips twisted in a way like it was the first time he had ever smiled and didn't know how to do it.

Remy was the first to see it happen, jumping out of his chair, calling attention to it. Multiple gasps are heard from the jury box. Virgil was next, his eyes widening as he scrambles out of the witness stand, jumping over it. Logan's confusion quickly turns to frozen horror as he watches Remy and Virgil pull George Hoff off of Patton. His hands are clasped around Patton's neck, tears begin running down his cheek. His face resembling that of a tomato, Logan finds the ability to move once more as Joan rushes past. Finally, the detectives are able to pull him off, restraining the fighting man. Patton clutches his neck gasping for air, his coughing is deep and dark. Logan works quickly, kneeling next to Patton. While Remy works on the client, Virgil joins Logan at Patton's side. Roman does the same finally being able to get out of his stand. Patton coughs, the red hand marks on his throat pulse. Logan waits, he waits for it to calm down, but he doesn't. Logan finally grasps why.

“He’s not getting any air!” He shouts, no one moves. Virgil watches alert.

“What...what do we do?” Virgil asks, Patton's coughing only gets more sporadic. Logan shakes his head as if everything he once knew had fallen out. There wasn't any time to respond, Pattons coughing silenced as he went limp in his chair, giving Logan only a few seconds to catch him.

~~~

“Feeling better?” Virgil asks softly, Patton swallows nodding, his throat searing with pain as he does so, pressing his lips together. He doesn't want to alert them. Roman takes a seat next to him on Emile's couch. Emile sits on Patton's other side, holding water. Logan, Remy and Virgil stand, watching Patton intently. “Pat...we have a confession, we ha-”

“He didn't do it” Patton croaks, Logan sighs exasperated. “He didn't Lo!” He argues as if Logan is the only person he wants to convince, to believe him. Emile puts a comforting arm on his shoulder. Patton sits back pouting, the way his little face chubs when he does so is enough to make Logan's knees weak. Who am I?

“Patton he just choked you!” Virgil blurts, the groups turns to him, silent shock runs through “He put his hands on your neck, and squeezed” He explains, Patton shrinks back, his hands tracing the marks on his neck. Remy moves towards the angered detective. Virgil bounces angrily in place, his fists clenched so hard they’re turning red.

“He knows dude, he knows” Remy assures, Virgil huffs rubbing his head, a normal color returning to his fingers. Patton watches the pair, twisting a ring placed on his own finger. Logan can't pull his eyes away from the smaller lawyer, an overwhelming pit forms in his stomach. “Whether or not you want to continue, he can't be present anymore” Remy informs, Patton glances up, he strokes the nape of his neck. Usually a cause for distress or concern, Logan thinks, Although in Patton's case it's probably just pain. Remy examines him, folding his arms almost instantly “Patton no-”

“He has to be there Rem!” Patton sits forward, his hands clutch the couch. “He has to deliver his testimony, he has to show that he is not this...person” Patton gestures, his eyes stay fixated on Remy, he wasn't glaring but his stare was icy. There is a lot to say about Patton but Logan will never not admire his...passion, the way he believes and trusts so strongly. But he also fears this for the lawyer. The phone rings on Emile's desk, he stands making his way to it. Everyone falls silent.

“Hello, Dr.Picani speaking” He greets, small mumbling can be heard in return “Great! Thank you for letting me know” He listens for a quick moment before hanging up. “Patton?” Patton breaks his eye contact, turning to Emile. “The twins are here” He notifies, Patton instantly softens. He stands prematurely, practically collapsing once more had it not been for Romans brisk catch. Having the air practically squeezed out of him made him feel so shaky and weak .“I'll go get them” Emile smiles warmly before leaving. Patton sits back down, supported by Roman.

“You gotta take it easy Padre” Roman advises, Patton takes a shallow breath struggling for air. Virgil shoves his hands in his pockets huffing, Roman turns to him raising an eyebrow. “Something to add mister brooding?” Romans face scrunches. Virgil scoffs, Remy closes his eyes.

“I have to go,” Virgil announces, Remy rolls his eyes. Patton and Virgil share a look before he leaves promptly followed by an apologetic Remy. Patton groans burying his head in his arms, Roman rubs his back comfortingly. He looks to Logan, the one person who hasn't spoken thus far. He might have been silent but his mind was so loud. Unfamiliar feelings and impulses are flooding him, he wants...to be there. He wants to…..it's a foolish and inappropriate thought. Thankfully, Logan didn't have much time to reprimand himself, the door swings open. Patton looks up, Emile stands in the doorway holding the two tiny hands of Remus and Valerie. The twins face light up at the sight of their father wriggling out of Emile's grip running right at the lawyer. Patton embraces them, swallowing his pain as they jump in his arms, smothering them with kisses. Logan moves forward seeing Patton wincing in pain as Valerie wraps her small around his neck. As if recalling the events of early, Patton tries to smile. Once they have calmed, they plop to his side.

“Remember what I told you” Emile chimes, the twins look up at him “Careful with your father, he’s a little delicate at the moment” Patton shoots him a grateful glance, smiling down as the kids. “Alright, I will be right back, I have to go check in on some things” Emile announces, Logan and Patton nod, waving him farewell. Roman feels his phone buzz and excuses himself. The twins bounce excitedly, clearly oblivious to the energy of the room.

“Dada! Can Mister Logan come over?” Remus requests, Logan turns towards him, his eyebrows raised. It was sudden, and not something he was expecting. However, now two pairs of eyes were planted on him, watching expectantly. Patton looks up at him giving him a lopsided smile, his eyes apologetic. Logan's chest grows, heat rising through him. He wishes it would stop, the unexplainable disappointment when Patton looks away is something Logan can’t go through every day. Because Pattons going to look away, he’s going to focus on something else, he’s going to be somewhere else, with someone else-

“Logan is very busy, and so am I” Patton informs gently, his hands wrapped carefully around the twins. “Maybe another night” They groan, clearly they've heard that phrase before. Logan smiles, it's small and barely noticeable but even he's not immune to this. The sweet pouting on the children's faces, the loving look radiating from Patton. It's complete, and just a little part of him...wants to be a part of it.

“I'm not busy,” He says suddenly, suddenly because he's taken off guard. He scrunches his eyebrows almost instantly as the words register. Patton recognizes it, he sighs, maybe a tad disappointed. He may have wished Logan had meant those words. Logan doesn't necessarily wish he could take the words back, but the way Remus bounces in his seat does diminish the option.

“Yay! See Dada? Mister Logan is coming!” Remus exclaims jumping off the couch, Patton purses his lips nodding. Valerie frowns but is quickly pulled into Remus’s dance causing her to smile. Patton wants to stand but fears his own strength, it isn't that he’s hurt anywhere else but he just feels so weak, Logan notices. He watches the twins before making his way around them, stopping by Patton. Patton looks up at him, tilting his head. Logan gives a coy smile before offering his arm.

“Here, let me” He assures as Patton takes his arm. He stands struggling, Logan grasps his other arm cautiously. It was soft, Patton was careful not to press down so hard but still get enough support. Neither of them expected the connection to cause their hearts to race. They share a quick look, unsure of what it holds. Patton bites his lips trying to suppress the incoming blush as he stares at Logan. He always loved the way Logan's face looked, not that he stared at it...but just the way his features worked so perfectly. Now, Patton always said there was no such thing as perfect, but as he stares into Logan's face (Not to be dramatic) but there were a few exceptions.

“Papa and Logan sitting in a tree!” Another exception would be his kids. Patton faces them still clutching to Logan. Valerie dances around them, singing enthusiastically. Logan swallows, the heat on his face increasing. Patton giggles shakily at the song, he’s heard them do it before but this time it feels different. “K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” Now Remus joins in, the two creating their own tune. Patton smiles at them, Logan avoids eye contact, Patton's hold on him feeling more prominent than ever. (Literal hold and possibly something more). The pair of lawyers share a glance and smile as they shake their heads turning back to the kids, letting them finish their song.

~~~

“He’s going to get himself killed! Or worse hurt!” Virgil knew what went wrong with his concern as soon as it fell out of his mouth, but he was too upset to care. Remy decides that calming Virgil down was more important than laughing at his comment.

“Dude, we are going to be there” Remy assures, Virgil shakes his head slamming a fist on the table. The rest of the precinct eyes him but know this is Remy’s job and frankly he’s the only one allowed to. They’ve been partners for years, one slight twitch and they know exactly what's going through their partners head. “Patton will be ok” He tries again, Virgil turns to face him. His face is red, save for the growing dark bags under his eyes. Remy approaches, lifting his hands to Virgil's face, Virgil raises an eyebrow but ultimately lets it happen. “You need to sleep” He quips, tracing the under bags, Virgil scoffs.

“Tell me something I don't know” He retorts finally swatting Remy’s hand away. Remy bites his lips, subtly trying to examine his partner. Trying being the operative word, Virgil knows his partner too well by now. “Don't do that, I already have Emile and Patton on my case” He scolds, Remy holds up his hands defensively. “Speaking of Emile” Virgil eyes something behind Remy. He turns as Emile joins them, smiling at the two detectives.

“Hey, hows Patton?” Remy inquires. Emile turns to him pursing his lips. He interlocks his fingers with Remys much to the detective's delight.

“He’s alright, I left him with the twins and Roman and Logan are still in there” Emile informs, Remy nods. As if on cue, Roman appears tucking something away in his robe, joining the group. “Oh! Nevermind, here’s Roman” Emiles greets him. Remy furrows his brows.

“So you left the happiest person alive, and his spawn with Logan?” Remy repeats, he shakes his head. “Oh boy…” Virgil bites down a knowing smile.

“I don't know Rem, I think Logan will be just fine” Virgil smiles, Roman eyes him. He can't help but stare at the way the detective smiles, the smallest light in his eyes as he does so. Emile giggles, Remy feels as though he’s missed something.

“Alright, well I should get going” Emile disrupts, Remy tilts his head. “I've got to go do another psych analysis on George” Remy's heart sinks, he really doesn't want Emile near that...thing. He knows the doctor has to, and he does it every day but it still worries him. And in turn, watching Remy rush out of the precinct every day towards danger worried Emile. They sometimes wondered whether working at the same place was good for their health. Remy scans the precinct setting his eyes on a young police officer.

“Dylan!” He shouts, the man looks up weary. Remy gestures for him to come over, he does so afraid of what might happen did he not. The group watches Remy curious. Remy turns to Emile “Here take Dylan with you” Emile lets out a small laugh, he shakes his head. “What?” Remy shrugs “You can never be too safe” Dylan shuffles awkwardly, knowing he didn't have a say in this.

“You are impossible” Emile sighs, he kisses Remy quickly on the cheek before leaving followed by a very nervous Dylan. Remy glares at the officer, he and Dylan are friends but he likes Emile a whole lot more. Virgil rolls his eyes.

“You know if something happens to Emile, you're not allowed to kill Dylan” Virgil teases, Roman chuckles. Virgil’s not sure why his chest tightened when Roman did so.

“Yeah, we’ll see about that” Remy responds. Virgil goes to protest but is quickly cut off by ear-piercing shrieks. Valerie and Remus race towards them, unfortunately right into Roman who snatches them up. They laugh in his arms, hugging him. Virgil's fixed gaze on the man becoming almost impossible to tear away. “Well if it isn't thing one and thing two” Remy jokes, the twins smile at him giggling.

“Oh Ro! I'm so sorry” Patton apologizes appearing from the office, Virgil stands up now. He swallows his smirk as he witnesses Logan supporting Patton as they approach. A hand on his waist, and an arm holding his own. Unbeknownst to both lawyers, the detectives can definitely tell that they're both blushing. They are detectives after all. It's not exactly something they can just turn off.

“Hey don't worry Padre” Roman assures smothering the twins with kisses. Roman looks up smirking as soon as he sees the position the lawyers are in. “Where are you off to?” He asks coyly, Logan glares at him while Patton gives an awkward chuckle.

“Home-” Virgil turns his attention back to the conversation, peeling his eyes away from Roman.

“Are you sure that's a good idea to drive home?” Virgil intercepts, Patton smiles sweetly at him.

“I will be driving Patton home” Logan announces, Virgil and Remy share a glance, looking down to the ground trying not to laugh. “I do not understand why this concept is of any joy to you two” Logan scolds, Patton rolls his eyes playfully. “Its reasonable, and feasible” Logan argues. Patton uses his other hand to comfort the be-speckled lawyer.

“They're just being silly Lo” He assures, Logan's gaze softens and he nods. As if anything Patton says Logan would agree with no matter what. And to be honest, the vice versa was true. “Roman, I hate to ask but I was wondering if you could help me get the kids to the ca-”

“Say no more!” Roman declares, hoisting the twins a little more securely. Patton giggles waving farewell to the two detectives as Logan helps him follow Roman out of the precinct. Remy waves a little finger goodbye at Valerie who sticks out her tongue. He laughs turning back to Virgil who watches them go wearily. He goes to say something but his focus is drawn into shouting coming from down the hall. Virgil and Remy go alert heading towards the noise, as scurrying people run past them, Remy's heart sinking as soon as he realizes where the source is. Virgil turns to him but it's too late, he’s rushing down the hall with one thought in mind.

Emile

~~~

“You really don't have to stay for dinner Lo” Patton whispers as they enter the house. The twins race ahead of them as they say goodbye to Roman. Logan shakes his head softly.

“I don't mind Patton, I do enjoy spending time with you” He admits, Patton bites his lips hiding a smile. Logan leads him to the couch setting him down gently. “I will start dinner if that is ideal” Logan informs, Patton looks up at him nodding. The twins return bouncing around the taller lawyer, Pattons bottom lip quivers.

“Guys...stop” Something catches his throat, he coughs. Logan glances towards him and turns his attention to the twins. He kneels in front of the energetic kids, they stop facing him expectantly. Patton eyes them curiously, he swallows a giggle, Logans following his example.

“Would you two like to help me with dinner?” He asks the twins, they share a look before turning back to Logan, a sudden twinkle in their eyes. They jump into his arms, smiling widely. Logan takes this as an invitation to lift them, so he does making their way to the kitchen. Patton turns, adjusting his posture on the couch. As he carries the two twins, Patton can't help but think of the muscle it must take...

Logan sets the twins down on the counter carefully, telling them not to squirm too much. He worries they might fall off but they listen. Patton watches as he reaches for something higher up, Logans shirt tugs almost falling out of his pants. Patton reprimands himself, blushing. He grabs a cookbook flipping through, landing on a recipe. The twins get antsy trying to peek what he’s looking at. They start cooking and it goes by quickly, Valerie helps with the more strategic things while Remus does the things that are more fun. At one point Patton stands to make his way to the kitchen arch, he leans watching the trio cooking.

“Remus, careful” Logan warns, he lifts the tiny boy showing him what he’s cooking. He guides Remus’s hand to the spoon, showing him how to mix it. “See? Careful and slow” Logan teaches Remus giggles following his example. Patton folds his arms, trying his hardest not to smile. He can’t help but think of Liam, he should be doing this, he...said he wanted to. But instead, Logan stands...smiling? Guiding his kids, teaching them, showing them...and he loves it. Patton doesn't mind that he prefers Logan doing it, he’s not sure where the thought had come from but he likes it. Patton could watch Logan forever. “Good job Remus, that's perfect” Logan commends, he moves back a bit “Careful with the smoke” Remus takes the spoon dripping on the floor, the twins squeal in delight Logan sighs shaking his head. He sets the little boy down. He turns to clean up spotting Patton. His face falls, concern overwhelming him, he moves forward. “Patton, you should be sitting” The twins pay no mind to Logan, playing their own game now.

“I got choked Logan, not beaten” He chirps back, Logan's eyebrows raise. “Sorry, I just...I wanted to watch you-” He stops his eyes growing wide, he coughs “I wanted to watch the cooking” He corrects, a tight smile on his lips. Logan has trouble maintaining eye contact, another blush rising on his face. He’s starting to really hate this occurrence. “Whatcha making Lo?” Patton inquires trying to sneak a peek.

“I believe a simple potato soup” Logan informs, Patton smiles. He loves potato soup, it was the perfect meal when you needed comfort, or a cuddle night with the kids. And apparently, dinner with his competition. His very cute competition. He shakes his head, he doesn't have time to think about this. He has two toddlers, a 24/7 job and a murder case. But Logan...he understands. He works the same. “Patton?”

“Sorry, what?” Patton looks up realizing he missed a question. Logan wrinkles his nose but waves it off.

“It's complete, the food I mean” Logan announces, Patton nods. While Logan serves the food, cleaning up in the process, the twins help Patton set the table. Once the food is served, they sit, well in the twin's case, bounce. The table shakes as they bob in their high chairs. Patton sighs at them lovingly, Logan hopes he doesn't feel embarrassed. Little does he know, Patton could never. The twins come first, and no matter how energetic, how loud, how grumpy they might be, they are perfect in Patton's eyes. And in Logan's eyes...they aren't so bad. In fact, he likes them a lot. Logan can't remember the last time he sat down for dinner, with other people and had a pleasant conversation. He doesn’t think he would choose anyone else to do so with, however, the night was...more than ideal. In Logan's professional opinion.

[nobodyzhuman]

Don’t Trust Dumbledore ch. 43

The courtroom was smaller than the one he had been in before. It felt more personal somehow, the way they were all closer together, maybe. Harry and Remus had been asked to sit in the sitting area, behind Sirius but they had refused and Miss Bones had two more chairs placed next to Harry’s godfather for them to sit. 

Across a small walk away was another table, Remus had whispered in his ear that it was for the Dusleys or Dumbledore, should they show and try to fight Sirius’ claim. In the front of the room was a large bench area. Three seats where Amelia Bones and two men were seated. Harry figured they were the judges and was grateful, he knew Bones was on his side Harry just hoped the other two were as well. There were a few others in the room, including Lucius Malfoy, Arthur Weasley, and Rufus Scrimgeour the current Ministry of Magic, Harry was sure he recognized a few Aurors and Order members. None of them mattered at the moment. He looked away to see Remus had cast a tempus. It was counting down, showing the hour was almost up. He wondered if it was too early to be grateful that no one else had shown yet. 

Of course it was his luck that just as the hour was about up, Dumbledore walked in. Harry’s world spun when the Dusley’s and Snape followed behind him. Panic filled him and he suddenly couldn’t breathe, he felt someone pulling him against them, he recognized Sirius's scent and closed his eyes and hugged his godfather. 

“The bastard.” He heard Sirius curse next to him. His godfather’s anger helped him calm down a little, and he slowly started to be able to breathe again. 

“They can’t…” Harry muttered against the man’s chest. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to say they couldn’t be here or that they couldn’t take him away but it seemed his godfathers understood because Remus growled low and whispered,  “We won't let them.” 

A second later he heard the door open again.  He figured since all the people he didn’t want were already here,  he pulled away from Sirius and looked up. He felt relieved when he saw four redheads moving to sit behind him and his godfathers. He gave each of them a grateful smile and tried not to look at the other side of the room. Where he knew his aunt and uncle would be seated. Even without looking he knew Dumbledore was sitting behind them, fake smile, fake twinkle in his eyes. He wanted to hurt the man. 

“It seems,’’  male voice said from the front of the room, “that we are all here.” 

“Today we will preside over and determine the custody of one Harry James Potter. Overseeing this matter is myself,  Michael Moore, Mister Ephram Wells and Miss Amelia Bones. As Sirius Black has been cleared of any and all charges against him and was named Harry Potter’s godfather by Lily and James Potter, custody rightfully belongs to him. Hopefully this should be a simple matter of recognizing Lord Black’s rights and allowing him and Mister Potter to go about their lives. Now as with the law, I have to ask, is there any,” The man looked at the Dursleys, “that wish to fight this matter.” 

Dumbledore of course stood up.“Mister Potter has spent 15 years being raised by his muggle relatives, they have cared for and looked after him, uprooting him now would be cruel and unnecessary.”  Sirius and Remus growled in sync and Harry heard one or more curses from behind them.

“Cared for him?” Remus growled standing up, the wolf glared at Dumbledore. “They neglected him, refused him food, hit him, and called him a freak until he was the age to start muggle primary school.” Harry saw several people wince and even a couple paled at Remus’ words.  

“Remus, my friend, those are exaggerations, all children complain of their families. I assure you Harry has been well cared for.” Harry was sure Sirius was going to lunge across the aisle and strangle the old man.

“Is that so Mister Dumbledore?” Amelia asked. Of course the old man nodded, he didn’t know that Harry had given her proof about the Dursley’s treatment. 

“Then can you explain this to us?” She asked with a smile as she handing a piece of parchment to Mister Wells, who gasped and handed it to Moore. After both men saw it, the parchment was floated across the room to Dumbledore who paled slightly at it before glaring at Harry. Harry wanted to smirk and let the man know he hated him, but he couldn’t, not yet. So he dropped his head. 

“What is it?” Sirius asked, and the paper was ripped from Dumbledore’s hands and into Sirius. The man shook and started to growl, Harry looked at the envelope in his godfather’s hands. 

Mr. H. Potter, 

The Cupboard under the Stairs, 

4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey

Harry watched as Dumbledore tried to think of an excuse or reason for the address. 

“I am not sure. Amerlia, my dear, the letters are sent out by magic at the start of every year. An error perhaps?” Harry silently cheered when all three judges glared at the headmaster. 

Dumbledore must have seen it too because he frowned and took a step back. “I stand by my beliefs that the Dursely’s are Harry’s best choice.” The bastard sent Sirius an apologetic look, “I know Mister Black cares for Harry and wants to take him in, but he spent 12 years in Azkaban and 3 more on the run. He needs to look after himself. Now that he is free, he should see a mediwitch and mind healer.” Sirius growled and Harry grabbed his arm and squeezed. 

Sirius really had to keep himself calm, he didn’t need to prove Dumbledore’s point. 

“Sirius has already seen both a healer and a mind healer,” Remus said, looking at the judges. “While no wizards would look at a criminal or man on the run, the Goblins had no such problems. As no official papers were filed about Sirius, the goblins didn’t see him as a felon. They have looked him over and supplied him with a supply of potions to help him gain weight, clear his mind and help with any lingering depression.” Harry had to look at Dumbledore. The man was fuming, even if he wasn’t showing it. Harry could see the way his hands held in tight fist shock at his side and the dark look he sent the Dursleys and Remus. 

The headmaster put on a fake grin. “That is wonderful, however that means he still needs time to heal, and I question his ability to look after Harry in the meantime.” 

This time it was a pair of Weasley’s growled. 

“It’s not for you to question,” Amelia snapped, “you are a headmaster Dumbledore, you are not responsible for Harry Potter’s wellbeing outside of school.” 

Harry grinned. 

“While I agree with you Amelia, I have to wonder about Mister Black’s mental state,” Wells said. “He did spend 12 years in Azkaban, and we are here to make sure Mister Potter is placed in the best home for him.” Harry wanted to be angry at the man, but he understood that man really was trying to look after him. 

“He wouldn’t be alone,” Remus said. “We have already discussed it and I will be moving in with Harry and Sirius to help them out.” Harry wondered if it was possible for Dumbledore’s head to explode from how red his face turned, Harry was sure if it was possible the man was close. 

The three judges looked at Dumbledore as if waiting for his argument. 

The man didn’t disappoint. 

“I’m sure Remus would be a caring guardian for Harry, if Sirius can’t care for Harry as his godfather, alone, then it falls to Harry’s blood relatives to look after him. As they have been doing for the last 15 years.” Harry gritted his teeth for a second before he saw Bones smile. It was a twin like smile, one they wore when they were about to do something...troublesome.  Harry moved to the edge of his seat as he waited for her to speak. 

“That would be true, Albus, if the Potter’s hadn’t left a clear list of guardianship for their son in their wills.”  Wills? Harry hadn’t given her his parents wills. He hadn't been sure he wanted others reading his parents personal words. He looked at Remus who smiled, “I only gave her enough to see who your parents wanted to take care of you, if Pads couldn’t.”

He didn’t get to reply because the Headmaster gasped, “W...ills?” The man stuttered, “I--was unaware the Potter wills were unsealed.” 

Amelia smirked, “They have been unsealed on the Ministry's order.”

“Surely Lily wanted Harry to be raised by her sister?” He said, and Harry was sure the man knew she hadn’t. 

“No,” Amerlia said, pulling out a piece of parchment, “In fact, she made it quite clear that she didn’t want Petunia Dursley anywhere near her son. Both Lily and James Potter listed several people and as Remus Lupin is on that list, I see no problem with him and Lord Black receiving custody of Mister Potter.” 

The way the room fell silent, Harry was sure it was over. That he would finally be allowed to go home with Sirius. He reached over and took his godfather’s hand. The man was shaking, hopefully from excitement, and seemed happy to squeeze Harry’s hand until it turned white. Not that Harry complained. 

“Unfortunately,” Dumbledore said, and the whole room groaned, “Lupin is a werewolf and isn’t allowed to have custody of a child. That is Ministry law.” Harry actually jumped out of his seat, ready to yell at the man. That was what he was going with, the man who had allowed Remus to teach at Hogwarts was going to try and use that to keep Harry locked up with the Dursleys.

Hands on both his shoulders shoved him back into his seat, he knew the whole room was watching him as Remus and Sirius both tried to calm him down. 

“That’s not true,” one of the twins said, standing behind him. All three judges looked at him, Wells even had his eyebrow raised when Harry looked at him. “Werewolf laws are strict and completely messed up, but there is no law against a werewolf being giving custody through a will nor one against a werewolf being named as a godparent.” Harry turned to see Fred smirk at Dumbledore before sitting down. 

The judges looked unsure and Dumbledore looked pleased. Harry was furious. 

“Does it matter, “ Bill said, not bothering to stand up, “Black has made it clear he is seeking help for the after effects of his time wrongfully imprisoned and Lupin is willing to stay with them both. I’m sure between the two of them they can look after and take care of Harry. Besides the Dursleys aren’t listed as guardians and I know there is another name on that list, so have that guardian check up on them from time to time, if you are so inclined, but let Harry go home with his godfathers, it is where he wants to be after all.”  Harry stared stunned at the redhead’s words, and noticed he wasn’t the only one. 

His attention was ripped away when someone cleared their throat. 

He turned to see Amelia standing, parchment in her hand, “This hearing is over. As Mister Weasley just stated, Mister Potter should be allowed to go home with the people he feels that care for and love him. Mister Black never should have been locked away. He never should have lost custody and Mister Potter should never have been placed with the Dursleys. We see no reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to go home with his Godfather,” she coughed, “Godfathers. If there is any other objections they can be filed and looked into at another time. Congratulations Mister Black, Lupin and Potter.” 

Sirius was out of his seat before she finished saying their names, he had Harry up and in a tight hug a second later. Remus quickly joined them. They were so busy hugging and smiling they didn’t notice the Dursleys leaving, nor the judges exit their bench and start walking over toward them, only to be cut off by the headmaster. 

Harry only noticed when he heard Bones snapped, “I can not tell you that.” her voice was stern and she was frowning at Dumbledore. 

“Tell him what?” The twins asked together coming to stand next to Harry. Their father and brothers right behind them. 

“I was just wondering who else was named in the Potter’s will.” Dumbledore said with a bullshit smile, “I’m sure they would like to know, maybe even help look after Harry.” Harry snorted, he couldn’t help it. The man was so fucking full of it. 

“Let’s go,” he said reaching around to grab Sirius hand, he didn’t give his godfather a chance to say anything before he tugged and dragged him away. Sirius was free and Harry wasn’t going to waste anymore time standing in this room listening to Dumbledore trying to find another way to control him. Besides, Snape was the other name listed, and Harry wanted to talk to the man about it and other things, alone.

[cyborgsquirrel]

Sanctuary: Chapter 26

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

Link to story on AO3

Friday, 31st December 1971

When the day of the full moon arrived, Sirius tried his best to be as unobtrusive as possible. Remus was pretty quiet all day, but he seemed to want to be near him, so he stayed close. They spent most of the day reading in front of the fire, and at quarter to two, he saw Remus check his watch out of the corner of his eye before announcing he wasn't feeling well and was going to go to the hospital wing.

Remus declined his offer to go with him, and Sirius waited until he'd grabbed his pre-packed bag—that he'd pretended not to notice him packing—and left through the portrait hole before he dashed up to the dorm to get James' cloak. This was his one chance to find out where Remus went for the full moon. With James and Peter away, there was no one there to question him.

He waited a few minutes before hurrying to the east wing and locating the statue of a dancing child. He patted her on the head, and the statue moved to the side, revealing a slide hidden behind it. Wasting no time, Sirius climbed on and slid down to the ground floor. He got to his feet and hurried to the Entrance Hall. If they didn't leave that way he was screwed, but the only alternative was that Remus was kept somewhere inside the castle, and that seemed far too dangerous to be likely.

He was right. Five minutes later, Madam Pomfrey came down the stairs apparently alone, but as Sirius stared from underneath the cloak, he caught a slight shimmer in the air behind her. A disillusionment charm? He followed Madam Pomfrey and an invisible Remus out of the castle at a distance, being careful to stay downwind of them. He knew werewolf senses were heightened around the full moon, and the last thing he wanted was for Remus to smell him.

She crossed the grounds, heading for the Whomping Willow. The very tree Dumbledore had warned them to stay away from. Sirius snuck around the outskirts of the grounds to get a good vantage point and watched as Pomfrey levitated a stick and prodded at something near the base of the tree, causing it to freeze. Suddenly, Remus appeared next to her. They spoke for a moment before Remus walked closer to the tree and disappeared. What the hell?

Sirius waited ten minutes for Pomfrey to leave and Remus to get a good distance ahead before he walked over to the tree, getting as close as he could without being in danger from the flailing branches. He squinted at the base of the tree. There was an odd-looking knot. Was that it? He cast wingardium leviosa on a stick and poked at the knot with it. The tree froze. Yes! He ran forward, and it wasn't until he was right next to the trunk that he could see the opening Remus had disappeared down. He took a deep breath and descended, hoping there would be more between him and Remus that night than just that passage.

Sirius travelled down the low-ceilinged passageway for ten minutes before reaching a dead end. Above his head was a trapdoor which it was probably best not to open. He checked his watch: quarter to three. Fifteen minutes until moonrise. He sat down and leant back against the earthen wall of the passage to wait.

As Sirius watched the time tick by, his breathing sped up. The closer it got to three o'clock the more anxious he became. Would that trapdoor hold up against the wolf? Would he be able to smell Sirius on the other side?

When it came, it came out of nowhere. One second there was silence, nothing but the sound of his own heartbeat and breathing. The next, an ear-piercing, soul-searing, blood-freezing scream of pure agony. Sirius had thought the sound Remus made at the Quidditch match was bad, but it was nothing compared to this. He couldn't believe a person could make such a sound. That Remus was making such a sound.

He stood and stared up at the trapdoor, helpless. There was nothing he could do. If he opened it, he'd be turned or killed. The noise seemed to go on for hours as Sirius stood there in the underground passage with his hands curled into fists and his muscles taut for a fight, but it could only have been minutes in reality. When the screaming turned to pained howls, he checked his watch. Ten. It took ten minutes of blood-curdling pain for Remus to complete his transformation. How did he endure it month after month?

The howling stopped, and he heard heavy footsteps crossing the floor above him. Sirius held his breath. The wolf stopped; Sirius could hear it panting directly above him. It snuffled against the trapdoor. Could it smell him? The wolf howled again. The sound was mournful this time, sad and full of longing. It made Sirius want to go to him and soothe away the pain. Was the wolf lonely? Was that why he hurt himself? Hurt Remus?

The wolf scratched at the trapdoor, trying to get through. Trying to get to him. Sirius prepared himself to run but held his ground. He trusted that Dumbledore had made sure it was secure. After nearly an hour, the wolf finally let out another howl. This time it rang with despair, and he stopped. There was a loud thump and then silence. It sounded like the wolf had collapsed onto the ground right above where Sirius stood. He relaxed.

He should probably go, but he didn't want to leave Remus. It was stupid. Remus didn't even know he was there, would probably be utterly horrified if he did. But still, he wanted to stay. If he was there, he knew what was happening. The wolf was quiet, and that meant Remus was okay. If he went back to the dorm, he wouldn't know anything. It would be another sleepless full-moon either way. Staying was the better choice.

Sirius sat down on the dry earth of the tunnel floor and leant back against the corner. It was actually fairly comfortable for dirt. He shook out the invisibility cloak and laid it over himself, for warmth as well as to hide, and closed his eyes.

He must have fallen asleep because when he next opened his eyes and checked the time he found it was nearly four in the morning, and he was freezing. He jumped up and started jogging on the spot to try to warm himself up. His body tingled as his heart rate picked up and his blood flowed faster. Falling asleep out there had been a bloody stupid thing to do.

Sirius froze when he heard a movement above him. The wolf was getting up and snuffling at the trapdoor again. Then he heard a long whine.

He hesitated, staring up at the trapdoor. Should he speak? Or stay silent. After a moment, his impulsivity won out. 'Hello, Wolf-Remus,' he said.

The wolf whined again.

'I'm Sirius.'

The wolf barked.

'I came to keep you company,' Sirius said. It was stupid, talking to the wolf-like it could understand him. But if it kept him from hurting himself—from hurting Remus—then he'd talk forever.

'What should I call you?' he asked.

The wolf howled and snuffled at the trapdoor again.

Sirius thought about it. 'Howler?' He shook his head. 'No, that's stupid. What about… Moony?'

The wolf barked again.

'Yeah? You like that? Okay, Moony. It's nice to meet you.'

There was the sound of pacing and then a loud thump. The wolf had settled down again. Sirius prattled on for hours, talking incessantly about anything he could think of. Until the moon set at nine-thirty, releasing Remus from the wolf. Madam Pomfrey would probably be there soon to fetch him; he needed to hide. Covering himself with the cloak, he hunkered back against the wall so she wouldn't brush against him and waited.

She arrived a few minutes later, head bent in the low passage, muttering to herself.

'I hope he's not too bad this month, poor little lad.'

She unlocked the trapdoor with a wave of her wand and pushed it open, before climbing the short distance up the ladder. A few minutes passed before she returned, floating Remus ahead of her on a stretcher.

Sirius had to cover his mouth to stop his gasp. Remus was bone white and his hands were a bloody mess. He followed behind Pomfrey, not worrying about keeping his distance anymore, Remus was unconscious and wouldn't smell him now. Pomfrey cast a disillusionment charm over Remus before they exited the Whomping Willow passage. A fresh covering of snow had fallen during the night, and as they made their way slowly back to the school, Sirius took care to step in the footprints left by Pomfrey in case she turned around. It wouldn't do for her to see two sets of footprints in the snow when there should only be one.

When they reached the Hospital wing, Sirius stayed close behind the medi-witch, not wanting to be kept out by a door closing too swiftly, and he followed her and Remus through her office and into a hidden room behind a bookcase. So that was where they'd been keeping him. Sirius hurried to the far corner to get out of the way. He made a point of closing his eyes when she removed the blanket covering him to examine his injuries. Remus would hate for him to see his scars.

He kept his eyes closed until he heard Pomfrey leave, and then he crouched down next to the bed. Remus was sleeping peacefully. His hands were bandaged and resting on his stomach, and his skin had a little more colour in it. But he looked so tiny in the hospital bed. Sirius dared not speak in case he woke him up. Remus could not find him there. Instead, he just sat next to him on the floor with his back against the wall. And enjoyed the knowledge that he was okay. He would wake up soon and return to the dorm.

Around lunchtime, Remus began to stir, so he said a mental goodbye and snuck out. The ward was empty apart from Pomfrey bustling about changing some bedsheets. So he waited by the doors until she went into her office and then he left, pulling the cloak off and stuffing it into his pocket. He planned to take a long shower and then sleep until Remus returned to the dorm, or James and Peter got back. Whatever happened first.

-o-o-o-o-

Friday, 31st December 1971

Remus checked his watch as surreptitiously as he could. Quarter to two. He had to go; moonrise was at three.

'Sirius, I'm not feeling good. I think I'm going to go to the hospital wing.'

Sirius glanced up from his book. 'You want me to come with you?'

Remus wanted that more than anything. It was going to be tough to wrench himself away from the comfort of Sirius' ludicrously enticing scent. Being immersed in the smell seemed to make his bones ache a little less. But it was better if he got some fresh air before he saw Madam Pomfrey.

'No, thanks, I'll be okay.'

'Alright, I hope you feel better soon.' Sirius returned his attention to his book, so Remus grabbed the bag he'd managed to pack earlier when Sirius was busy with something and hurried out of the common room and down the stairs.

He trudged through the snow after Madam Pomfrey and bade her goodbye at the Whomping Willow. As they were crossing the grounds, he kept thinking he caught Sirius' scent in the air but put it down to the smell being caught in his clothes. They had spent the entire day together as close as possible without actually touching, so it wasn't all that surprising.

He let himself into the little house and locked the trapdoor behind him, checking it twice to make sure it was secure. There were still twenty minutes until moonrise, so he removed his clothes and put them in his bag with his wand. He put the bag behind the wards protecting the fireplace from the wolf and sat cross-legged on the floor in front of the fire to meditate.

Remus was wrenched from his mind by the first jolts of pain through his body, and he screamed. He no longer tried to suppress his reactions to the pain. There was no one around to hear, and it helped to let it out, even if only a little. The transformation was as torturous as always, and his screams rang out into the room for what felt like hours before his mind fled into the darkness.

-o-o-o-o-

The wolf awoke from his sleep and stretched his sore muscles before he got to his feet and looked around. Something was different today. He padded over to the shape on the floor and listened. There was something there. On the other side. Was it a friend? The wolf lowered his head and sniffed at the floor. He couldn't smell anything, but there was definitely something there. It was a feeling, a sensation of comfort and belonging, like Pack. Maybe if he called it would answer? The wolf tipped his head back and howled the call of a wolf that's lost. A wolf looking for his pack.

The other didn't respond. Maybe it was hurt and needed help. The wolf scratched at the shape on the floor, trying to get through. He had tried before and always failed, but he had to try again. If there was Pack on the other side that needed help, he had to try. The wolf scratched at the floor until his paws were ripped to shreds and dripping with blood. It was no use, he couldn't get through. He howled again, this time in apology, letting his pack-mate know he had failed, and then he slumped to the floor, right on top of the shape. As close as he could get to the friend on the other side.

The pack-mate was quiet, but the wolf could still feel their comforting presence. They were still there, on the other side. He lay there for hours. Waiting. And then there was movement below. He got to his feet and sniffed at the shape again. Still no smell. He whined.

Pack-mate answered.

He whined again.

Pack-mate made a noise back.

The wolf barked in excitement and wagged his tail.

Pack-mate made a long series of odd noises.

The wolf sounded his howl of greeting and sniffed around the shape. Why couldn't he smell pack mate?

Pack-mate made more noises on the other side, and the wolf barked again. It wasn't as good as that one day of freedom, but it was better than any other day since. If it was all he could have, he would take it. He paced around in a circle, trying to find a good spot, and lay back down next to the shape as close to his pack-mate as he could get before lowering his head onto his paws.

Pack-mate was making a lot of noise. Long streams of strange sounds with short pauses in between. The wolf closed his eyes and listened to the sound of the first living thing he'd heard in such a long time, feeling content.

-o-o-o-o-

Remus woke up in the little room off the hospital wing, opened his eyes and looked out of the window. The sun was high in the sky. That was a good sign. He took a deep breath to assess the damage to his body. The breath came easily, but with it came something more terrifying than any injury. The scent of wood-smoke, soap and a hint of vanilla.

Sirius.

Had he been in there while Remus was sleeping? What had he seen? Was he still there under the cloak?

'Sirius?' he whispered.

There was no answer. He inhaled through his nose. The scent was faint, as if he'd left some time ago. Maybe it was just residual scent on his belongings from spending so much time with him during the holidays while the school was so empty. Nothing to worry about.

But what if it wasn't?

Madam Pomfrey poked her head around the door a short time later and smiled when she saw he was awake.

'Good afternoon, Mister Lupin. How are you feeling?'

Always the same question. He fought the urge to roll his eyes. 'Not too bad actually.'

'It was a good month. Just your hands were torn up. The wolf seemed to be concentrating on escape. I found you right next to the trapdoor this morning.'

Remus frowned. 'I won't be able to get out, will I?'

'Oh no. The trapdoor has enough protections on it. Not even smells can get through.'

Remus let out a relieved breath before remembering what he'd been worrying about when he first woke up. 'Madam Pomfrey? No one's been in here while I was sleeping, have they?'

She shook her head. 'No, of course not. No one could slip past me.'

That's what she thought, but she didn't know that four first-years had access to an invisibility cloak. It wasn't particularly reassuring, but it was the best he was going to get. 'Okay, I was just checking.'

'As soon as your hands are healed, you can go,' she said. 'I'll just fetch your nutrition potion.'

Remus grinned as she bustled out of the room. He loved that nutrition potion. While he waited for her to return, he grabbed his bag and pulled out his Marauders crest to put it back on. He fingered the silver pendant and struggled to suppress the smile that pulled at the corners of his mouth. It was nice to belong.

It was four in the afternoon before Pomfrey was satisfied that his hands were healed well enough for him to leave, and he hurried up to Gryffindor tower as fast as he could, which wasn't particularly fast. He really wanted to be there when James and Peter got back, and he knew the train would be arriving around four.

Remus burst into the dorm to find James and Peter already there, just taking off their cloaks. It seemed like they'd just arrived themselves.

'And here's Remus. Everyone's back at the same time,' Sirius said, grinning at him. He was holding Cosmo in his arms. 'You feeling better now, mate?'

He was being completely normal, no sign of wariness about him at all. Remus must have been mistaken. There was no way Sirius had seen him in the hospital bed with bandaged hands that morning.

'Hi, Remus. Great to see you,' James said. 'Now for the love of Godric Gryffindor, tell us what the thing is that happened on Christmas day. It's driving me mad.'

Remus met Sirius' eyes, and they both snorted. Their plan to drive James crazy had worked like a charm.

'Hi, Peter, did you have a good holiday?' Remus asked, ignoring James entirely.

'Remus!' James yelled, making him crack up laughing.

'I'm sorry, James. It's just too easy to wind you up. Tell him, Sirius.'

Sirius stepped forward and put his arm around James' shoulders. 'We have been head-hunted by the Hogwarts' Chiefs of Raucous Revelry to inherit their legacy and take over from them when they leave Hogwarts at the end of the year.'

James' eyes went huge. 'What?' he shouted, shoving Sirius' arm off and whirling around to stare at him. 'How? When? Why? What?'

Sirius smirked at Remus. 'I think I broke him.'

'Give him a minute,' Remus said. 'He just needs to process.'

James' mouth gaped like a fish. Several seconds passed with him stood in stunned incomprehension before he finally blinked and looked at Sirius. 'Show me.'

Sirius took the letter from his trunk and handed it to James, who read it in silence before sitting on the end of his bed and reading it again. He then handed it to Peter and looked up.

'I can't believe it,' he said. 'This is like a dream come true.'

'We have to actually complete the challenge first,' Remus said.

James waved his words away like they were a mere trifle. 'Easy-peasy.'

Sirius nodded. 'We're the Marauders. Together we can do anything.'

Remus liked their optimism, but he was dubious.

'Have you done anything yet?' James asked. 'Like looked for this thing on the third floor that's supposed to help?'

Remus shook his head. 'No, we wanted to wait for you two to get back. We're a team.'

James grinned. 'Good, I want us to do this together.'

James and Peter were too tired from travelling to do anything that evening, much to Remus' relief. He was still exhausted from the moon and hadn't been looking forward to trudging the corridors of the third-floor. They stayed in the dorm, exchanging stories about the holidays. James and Peter admired Sirius' paintings, and when they tried to get into bed for the night, they found their blankets refused to budge until they sang "I'm a little teapot," complete with actions. A task James completed with great enthusiasm. Peter was a little less happy about Remus' and Sirius' hysterical laughter.

The next morning, they went downstairs and found a crowd of people around the noticeboard.

'What's going on?' Sirius asked Frank Longbottom as he passed them.

'The Chiefs of Raucous Revelry have organised a sand-war tournament in the beach room you guys found. There's a sign-up sheet on the noticeboard.'

'Awesome!' Sirius said, turning to the others. 'We have to enter.'

James grinned. 'Obviously.'

Remus and Peter both nodded.

They waited for the crowd to clear so they could get to the noticeboard.

With thanks to four determined and resourceful first-years, the Hogwarts Chiefs of Raucous Revelry are delighted to announce a new event this year.

The Hogwarts Sand-Wars House Championship

The tournament will consist of three parts:

1. House Heats: Teams will compete against members of their own house in four-team battles until only two teams remain for each house.

Scoring system: sudden death. If you lose, you're out.

The dates for Gryffindor's heats are:

Saturday, 15th Jan.

Saturday, 12th Feb.

Saturday, 11th March

Matches will be held between the hours of 9 am and 4 pm

2. Semi-finals: The final two teams from each House will battle against the teams from all the other Houses until only one team remains for each house.

Scoring system: points; first team eliminated = 1 point. Last team standing = 4 points.

The dates for the semi-finals are:

Gryffindor vs Slytherin - Saturday 22nd April

Hufflepuff vs Ravenclaw - Saturday 29th April

Gryffindor vs Hufflepuff - Saturday 6th May

Slytherin vs Ravenclaw - Saturday 13th May

Gryffindor vs Ravenclaw - Saturday 2oth May

Slytherin vs Hufflepuff - Saturday 27th May

3. Final: The four remaining teams will battle in a Grand Final for the honour of the title "Sand-War Champions."

Scoring system: Sudden death.

The final will be held on:

Saturday 3rd June

All teams must have four members.

All matches begin at 9 am

Scores will be posted every Saturday evening.

Sign up below to represent Gryffindor

They signed up under the name Magical Mischief-Makers again. As much as they wanted to sign up as the Marauders, they wanted to keep their identity secret even more. Remus was a little nervous, but he could wear his gloves and hood for the matches so it should be fine. He hoped.

He watched Sirius closely for the next two days as they searched the third floor of the main building and the east-wing, but he didn't appear to be behaving any differently towards him. By Tuesday morning, he was convinced the scent in the hospital wing must have been coming from his belongings. Sirius hadn't seen anything suspicious, he was sure. On Tuesday afternoon, straight after lunch, they hit the third-floor west wing. Their searching consisted of tapping anything and everything with their wands and saying dissendium.

It was Remus that found it. Halfway down a corridor, he tapped the top of a statue of Gunhilda of Gorsemoor—a hump-backed, one-eyed witch who was famous for developing the cure for dragon pox—with his wand while muttering the password, and the hump on her back opened wide enough to admit a child, maybe a thin adult.

'Guys, I've found it,' Remus called down the corridor.

The other Marauders converged on him.

'Where do you think it goes?' James asked, peering into the hole.

Remus shrugged. 'How should I know?'

With his usual level of reckless spontaneity, Sirius bounded forward saying, 'One way to find out,' and launched himself headfirst into the hole.

There was a few seconds pause followed by a soft thump before Sirius called up, 'It's okay, come on down.'

'After you,' Remus said, waving James and Peter ahead of him.

James went first, followed by Peter, both of them taking the far more sensible feet-first option. Remus waited and heard the same soft thump.

'Alright, Remus. We've moved out of the way. Get that gorgeous ass of yours down here,' Sirius shouted up from below.

Remus shook his head. Gorgeous indeed, Sirius was such an idiot. He hoisted himself up and entered the hole feet-first, slid down a stone slide and landed next to his friends in a dark and narrow, low-ceilinged earth passageway. It looked a lot like the one under the Whomping Willow, which he found a little unnerving.

He turned his head to look at the steep slope he had slid down. It was a smooth polished stone. 'It's going to be fun trying to get back up there,' he said.

'We'll worry about that later,' James said. 'Come on, get up. Let's see where this leads.'

They all took their wands out and cast Lumos to light up the passage before they started down it. The route twisted and turned for what felt like an hour, gently sloping upwards the entire time.

'This is ridiculous. Are we even still in the school?' Remus asked after a while.

'Wouldn't it be cool if we weren't?' Sirius said.

'Well, that really depends where we end up, doesn't it?' Remus said, raising an eyebrow when Sirius turned to look at him.

'As long as it's not my house, I don't really care,' Sirius said with a shrug.

'I think we're about to find out,' James said, coming to a stop at the bottom of a flight of worn stone steps.

Remus eyed the stairs with horror. He couldn't even see the top. 'Oh gods, are you serious? I'm already knackered.'

'I am Sirius, but I have no idea what that has to do with your energy levels,' Sirius said. 'It wasn't me that wore you out, although I can if you like?' He raised his eyebrows suggestively, and Remus felt his face warming. Damn, he thought he was getting past that. Sirius was upping his game.

'I think I'll pass on that less than tempting offer,' Remus said, trying not to show how flustered he was.

'Alright, you two. Stop flirting,' James said. 'We're on an important mission here.'

The steps went on for ages. He and Peter both sat down in protest after five minutes, forcing the others to stop for a break. Their climb eventually ended in a trapdoor. Remus wasn't overly fond of trapdoors, but he was sure there wouldn't be a slathering beast behind this one so he held his tongue.

'Let's find out where we are, shall we?' James said, looking over his shoulder with a grin before pushing it open and climbing up.

They followed him through and found themselves in a dark room full of crates. Remus shone his wandlight onto one of the boxes.

Honeydukes Pepper Imps

'Guys?' he said. 'I think we're in Hogsmeade. Look.'

They all turned to look at the box he was lighting up.

'No way!' James said, already pulling the invisibility cloak out of his bag. 'Gods, this is awesome. Let's go look around Hogsmeade.'

Remus eyed the cloak in James' hand, his stomach twisting into a knot. 'I can't come under that with all of you,' he said. 'I'll just go wait in the passageway.'

James looked at him like he'd suddenly developed bright blue spots all over his face. 'Nonsense, we never leave a man behind. We'll sneak out, and then Sirius can come back for you.'

Remus' stomach unravelled and warmth blossomed in his chest. He was never going to get used to how willing they were to make allowances for him. His friends crowded together and Sirius shot him a wink as he flung the cloak around them, causing them to vanish. The stairs creaked, and then the door at the top opened a little before swinging wide and closing again. Remus moved back into a shadowy corner behind a crate in case anyone came down.

A few minutes passed before the door opened and closed again, and the stairs creaked.

'Remus?' Sirius' voice came out of thin air.

He stepped out from behind the crate. 'I'm here. Where are you?'

Sirius' head appeared first, followed by the rest of his body as he pulled the cloak off. 'You ready?'

'Yeah,' Remus said, stepping up next to him. Sirius flung the cloak over them both, and they linked arms. They'd shared the cloak many times by that point, and Remus wasn't too worried about it anymore, but his heart still raced as they snuck up the steps and out of the shop. James and Peter were waiting for them in a nearby alley.

'Where do you want to go first?' James asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet with excitement.

Remus shrugged. 'I kind of want to go back into Honeydukes, but I don't have any money to spend, so there's not really any point.'

'Let's go to Zonko's and stock up on supplies first,' Sirius said.

Peter looked a little worried. 'Don't you think they'll notice we're first years and tell the school? We're wearing our school robes and everything.'

James frowned and then shrugged. 'It's only detention if they do.'

'That's true,' Peter said. He didn't look entirely convinced but would defer to the group and he was outnumbered. 'If we get away with Zonko's, I want to go to The Three Broomsticks. I heard some older kids talking about it. Apparently the butterbeer is amazing.'

'We have a plan,' James said, clapping his hands together. He marched out into the street with confidence, and they all followed. They found Zonko's joke shop quickly and walked inside. James' eyes went wide at the displays.

'I am so glad I got my allowance yesterday,' he said, making a beeline for the wet-start fireworks.

Remus chuckled and followed him. The shop-keeper was eyeing them with suspicion but didn't seem to be making any move to send a message to the school. And his face soon changed to one of excitement when he saw how many items James was putting into his basket. Dungbombs, stink pellets, whizzing worms and colour changing hair potion soon joined the fireworks.

When James was satisfied with his haul, he went to the counter to pay—12 galleons, 4 sickles, 9 knuts—and they exited the shop back onto the icy street. They trudged through the snow, following their noses to find The Three Broomsticks. It didn't take long, and when they pushed the door open, they were hit in the face with heavenly warmth and the smell of food intensified, making Remus' stomach growl. It wasn't very busy since it was mid-afternoon and the young barmaid behind the counter frowned at them.

'Why don't you guys go sit down while I get us some drinks,' Sirius said.

They all agreed. Sirius looked the oldest out of all of them.

'Can you get some chips too?' Remus asked. 'They smell amazing.'

'No problem,' Sirius said with a grin.

They left Sirius and found themselves a secluded booth in the corner. A minute later, Sirius joined them, carrying a tray loaded with four glass mugs containing a foaming golden liquid that looked delicious and a large bowl of fat chips.

'Here we go, lads. We should add Charmer of Barmaids to my job description. She knew we'd snuck out, but promised not to tell if we behave ourselves,' he said, placing the tray on the table.

'Behave?' James asked, acting like he didn't recognise the word, never mind understand its meaning.

They all laughed.

'I know. I wasn't sure what she meant either. But maybe we'll get lucky and do it by accident,' Sirius said, sliding into the booth next to James.

Remus picked up a mug and took a sip. It was hot and sweet and like nothing he'd ever tasted before. Chocolate was better, but butterbeer came a close second.

'Mmm, delicious,' Peter said after trying his own drink.

James nodded in agreement, putting his mug back on the table. 'We should buy some bottles to take back with us.'

'Great idea,' Sirius said. He took a big swig from his mug and jumped up to return to the bar. He came back a minute later with two bulging bags that clinked when he moved.

'I bought twenty should last us a few days,' he said with a chuckle.

'Merlin knows how we're going to get those back to the dorm without getting caught,' Remus said laughing. 'Why did you buy so many?'

Sirius winked at him. 'It'll be easy with my snitch-o-scope.'

By the time they finished their drinks and devoured the chips between them, it was almost four, and they all agreed it was time to get back to the school.

Sirius took Remus down to the basement with the bags first before returning upstairs for James and Peter. When they emerged from under the cloak, James was clutching a bulging Honeydukes bag.

'Merlin, James, do you have any of your allowance left?' Remus asked.

'Yeah, loads. Don't worry,' James said with a shrug. 'Come on, we need to figure out how we're going to get all this back up that stone slide.'

They travelled back down the stairs, followed by the narrow passage, taking it in turns to carry the heavy bags of butterbeer or the lighter snacks and Zonko's products. When they reached the bottom of the stone slide, they put the bags down and considered the problem before them.

Sirius took the lead, taking a long run-up, he bounded up the stone slide and grabbed onto the back of the witch's hump at the top. 'Okay, James, can you run up about two-thirds of the way and wedge yourself there?'

James nodded and did what Sirius suggested, leaning back against the earth wall and sticking a leg out against the other side to stay in place.

'Great, now Pete, you do the same but one-third of the way up.'

It took Peter three attempts, but he managed it in the end.

'Remus, pass the bag of snacks up to Pete,'

They passed the bag of Honeydukes treats up the chain to Sirius and once he had it in hand; he opened the hump and poked his head out. It must have been all clear because he shoved the bag through.

'Right, quick, we need to do this fast in case someone comes,'

Remus had anticipated that and had already started passing the bags up, James had the Zonko's bag already and Pete was hanging onto one of the bags of butterbeer. They passed the bags up to Sirius as fast as possible and as soon as he'd dropped the fourth one through the hole he clambered through after them.

James easily made it up the last bit of the slope and disappeared after Sirius. Peter unwedged himself and slid back down to Remus.

It took Peter four attempts to make it all the way to the top and as soon as he disappeared Remus ran up after him, making it in one try.

'That was fun,' Sirius said with a grin. 'Now for the easy part.'

With each of them carrying a bag and Sirius holding his snitch-o-scope in his free hand, they made their way back to Gryffindor tower. They had to hide several times and wait for the light to go out, but they reached the dorm without getting caught.

And they now had a way into Hogsmeade whenever they wanted.

Chapter 27