#USE YOUR VOICE TO SHUT IT DOWN! | LADY SEVEN UK

[triptuckers]

Unexpected surprise - George Smith

Request: Yes: hey! I know you probably have quite a few nhc requests but you're amazing at writing angst so could you write a fight/argument one with George with the dialogue prompt of “I wish I’d never laid eyes on you.”?? thanks! Pairing: George Smith x reader Summary: You’re in a relationship with George and decide to surprise him, but things don’t go as expected. Warnings: Sad shit!!!!! For real like wow this does not have a happy ending. Word count: 1.9K A/N: Even though this is sad as hell I had fun writing it. Thank you so much for requesting this, I hope you like it!! By the way this is not proof read so sorry if there are any mistakes. Enjoy reading :)

Seven months. That’s how long it’s been since George had asked you to be his girlfriend. And of course, you said yes. You were in love with the man, how could you say no? It didn’t go as you had always imagined, though. Because George was at his parents’ place and you were at yours. George lived in the UK and you lived in US. Literally an ocean apart. You met him at a bar when you were visiting a friend of yours back in London. He caught your eye, you caught his. The two of you started to talk and at the end of the night you had exchanged numbers. You’ve been talking ever since.

You had seen him 3 times. Well, 4, if you count the one time you saw him at the airport for 30 minutes as well. Long distance relationships could be hard. Both you and George knew that. But seven months later, you still are very happy with each other.

The last time you saw George was about two months ago. Of course, you always text and facetime a lot, but you miss having him around. You miss hearing his voice in person, his arms around you, his loving forehead kisses and his giggles. That’s why you decided to surprise him while he was on tour. The band had a tour planned across the US and Canada. In between the shows, their schedule was packed with interviews and photoshoots. George had told you all that to show you he really wanted to visit you, but with the busy schedule it just wasn’t possible. You would have to wait for another few weeks.

But you couldn’t wait for another few weeks. You really, really needed so see him. Which is why you are currently sitting in a café near the venue of tonight’s show. You were going to make sure to stand in the crowd near the stage, on George’s side. You could already imagine the look on his face when he’d spot you. The minutes go by slow as you wait. Even though you hadn’t told the fans you were dating yet, you didn’t feel like being surrounded by teenage girls who were all claiming to be in love with your boyfriend. George, your boyfriend, who you were in love with. And who was in love with you.

A few hours have passed and you glance at the clock again. It’s still a bit early, but nevertheless you decide to head over to the venue. The doors would open in about 45 minutes. When you reach the venue, you see it’s just what you expected. A lot of girls waiting excitedly in a long queue. You walk all the way to the end of it and wait. After a while, the doors finally open and everyone begins to move toward them. The crowd takes you to the door and after a lot of pushing and pulling, you’re inside. You make your way over to George’s side and you fix your hair and outfit a bit. Those girls sure know how to fight their way all up to the front.

During the two support acts, you dance a bit and sing along to the choruses of the songs. They are talented, and actually really good, but they’re not why you’re squeezed in between a lot of girls. After the second support act ends, the pre-show playlist starts playing again. Some of the girls sing along to songs they recognize, others text their friends or update their social medias about the show.

Suddenly, the song fades away and the lights turn off. You’re glad you brought earbuds with you, because you have never heard a crowd scream and yell this loud. And the noise grows even louder when the band enters the stage. First there’s George. He’s wearing a white and blue shirt, one of your favorites. He’s followed by Blake and lastly by Reece. About halfway through their set, George notices you. But it’s not the reaction you expected. You expected him to be happy to see you. But instead, George’s widen for a second before turning his head the other way. And he doesn’t look happy at all. You frown and keep your eyes focused on George, but he doesn’t look at you for the rest of the show.

When it’s over, you quickly make your way outside. You know where the backstage door is, and you begin to maneuver through the crowd. Once you’ve finally made your way to the door, it’s obviously locked. You knock on it, thinking maybe Ben, their manager, or someone who works at the venue might open the door.

Luckily, the door opens, revealing someone who works at the venue. He looks at you and raises his eyebrows. ‘The Meet & Greet was hours ago, before the show.’ he says. ‘I know, I’m not here for a Meet & Greet. I’m here to see my boyfriend, George. He’s in the band that performed.’ you explain. The man chuckles and rolls his eyes. ‘Pretty sure every teenage girl who is here would say that to get in.’ he says. He tries to shut the door but a voice cuts him off. ‘Y/N?’ You can’t help but to smile when you hear his voice. Behind the man appears another man. He has familiar blue eyes and his blonde hair is messy and sweaty. ‘Hi George.’ you say.

After telling the security guy it’s okay, George takes your hand and walks through the halls of the venue. He’s walking fast, and you don’t know why. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact he didn’t look at you during the show. George suddenly stops in front of a door, opens it, and enters the room, pulling you with him. You look around the room. It’s a dressing room, probably George, Blake and Reece’s.

You look at George. He’s standing a few feet away from you. One hand on his hip, the other raised to pinch his nose bridge. You watch him, waiting for him to start talking. George sighs deeply and finally looks at you. ‘What are you doing here, Y/N?’ he asks. You look him in the eye and frown. ‘Thought you’d be happy to see me.’ you say, sounding a bit sad. ‘Yeah, no I am, I am happy to see you it’s just, you surprised me, that’s all.’ says George with a quick smile. You narrow your eyes at him. ‘Is that so?’ you say. ‘Then why did you not look at me the entire show? I know you noticed me during the fifth song or so.’ ‘You just caught me off guard, that’s all.’ George assures you. ‘That still doesn’t explain why you didn’t look at me.’ you say.

George opens his mouth to answer you but is interrupted by the door of the dressing room opening. You turn around and see Blake and Reece. Bailee is there as well, along with Ben, Tanner and Joe. You shoot them a quick smile. Reece smiles at you before turning his attention to George. ‘Well, George, who is this lovely lady?’ he asks. You frown. Did Reece not know who you are? You’ve been with George for over seven months. He must have mentioned you, right? ‘This is Y/N.’ says George, avoiding eye contact with you. ‘Y/N, huh? And what are you doing here? Were you in the audience?’ asks Reece kindly. You look at George. ‘You didn’t tell them about me?’ you say. George looks at you but doesn’t say anything. You look in his eyes and feel your heart ache. You nod sadly. ‘Right. Got it. You’re ashamed of me? I think it would be best if I left, wouldn’t it?’ you say. ‘No, Y/N, come on, I’m glad you’re here, I really am.’ George says quickly. Tears start to form in your eyes. ‘George, I don’t believe you.’ you say and you leave the dressing room as fast as you can.

You hear George’s footsteps behind you but you keep making your way to the nearest exit. You’ve almost reached the doors when George grabs your arm and spins you around. ‘Y/N, come on, let me explain.’ he says. ‘Explain what? That you’re ashamed of me? That you didn’t even tell your friends about me? After seven months? What about your family, George? Your parents. Did you tell them about me? Do they know I exist?’ you say and tears begin to roll down your cheeks. George seems to struggle as he things of an answer. Your mouth falls open and you chuckle sadly and look away. ‘You didn’t even tell your mom about me?’ you say. ‘I didn’t tell her because I thought-‘ ‘We wouldn’t last.’ you interrupt him. ‘I know you had your doubts about this when we started it all. I knew you had doubts about us, about a long distance relationship. But you promised me it would work, George. You said that no matter what, we would work it out. How can we last when none of your friend and family know about me?’ George raises his hand to wipe your tears away but you push his hand away. ‘Don’t touch me.’ you say softly and your voice breaks. ‘Y/N, please, come on love we can work this out.’ says George. You shake your head. ‘I don’t want to.’ you say. You see there are tears in his eyes as well now. ‘No, no, Y/N, we can work this out, we’ll be okay.’ says George. ‘We’ve been together for over seven months, George. And after all this time, you have never told anyone about me. It hurts. Because I talk about you to my friends and family. About how much I care about you. About how in love I am. About how much I miss you when you’re not around. But I guess those feelings were never mutual, were they?’ you say. You take a deep breath and sigh. ‘I can’t do this anymore, George.’

You turn around and walk toward the exit. George stops you again. ‘Y/N will you give me a second chance?’ he says. And at those words, you snap. You’ve had enough. ‘No, George, I will not.’ you say and he looks at you shocked. ‘I am done with all of this, George. You didn’t even tell your best friends about me. You didn’t even tell your family about me. I’m done being your little secret. I start to wonder if you ever even loved me. Because I did love you, but not anymore. You hurt me, George. Go find some other girl who lives next door. Maybe you will introduce her to your friends.’ George looks sad but at this point, you don’t care anymore. You need to pour your heart out. ‘You know what?’ you say. ‘It all started at that bar. I wish I’d never laid eyes on you. We’re done.’ You can almost feel your heart break at the words. Nevertheless, you turn around and march to the doors. This time, George doesn’t stop you. You angrily wipe your tears away. You didn’t want to spend another minute being someone’s secret.

You slam the door shut and leave George behind. He stands in the hallway, silent tears streaming down his cheeks. He realizes that in a way, you are right. No one deserves to be with someone who would keep them a secret. But still, his heart aches as he looks at the closed door. Maybe it’s for the best. Then again, everyone’s heart breaks eventually. And everyone has a first love they lose.

A/N: If you want to request something, make sure to read my house rules Here’s the list of characters I write for. Everything that I have written can be found on my masterlist. Please don’t repost my work, as I spend much time and effort on it!! Thank you for reading! Much love, Jo

#carliehansonwya #new hope club #george smith #george smith x reader #george smith one shot #george smith imagines #george smith imagine #george smith fanfiction #george smith angst #george smith x reader angst #new hope george #nhc imagines #nhc imagine

[fiction-queen-blog]

TheAmazingUchihaBruhs: Naruto’s Birthday Special (part 2)

Case 18 part 2

read part 1

Tch look at him..Tch thinking he is fucking smart”

I was hiding behind a mailbox, watching my future husbando ran his hand down his hair as he walked up to a house.

“How did you convince me to go?”

I turned my head to Izuna and grabbed him by his collar.

“Hey, I need you to back me up here!” I hissed.

“Sasuke, you are like a trained assassin. I am more in your way then I would be helping you?” Izuna slapped my hand away.

“Bitch, I don’t need you to fight for me...I need you to help me carry his body-” I saw Izuna’s face turn white before swallowing loudly.

I went back to observing this stupid son of a bitch.

“-And that of this bitch”

I bit down my lip.

I hid back behind the mailbox when I saw Naruto suddenly turn around. He jogged away. I shared a look with Izuna.

“You think he changed his mind?” I whispered.

“Depends...How good are you to him for him to not go for free booty?”

I gave Izuna a confused look before he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Oh no...Dude, I haven’t...No” I looked away.

“Never?” Izuna stopped whispering.

“No….I mean...We kissed...But..No sex”

I stared at the pavement. This was embarrassing.

“Not even?-”

I watched Izuna move his hand like he was jerking off the wind. I slapped his hand.  There was a small silence before I shook my head.

“Oh my God, you are a saint!”

“Sush!” I hissed, putting my hand over his mouth.

“We are in a very vague spot”  I didn’t know what else to say about it.

“Don’t tell Shisui” Izuna moved from squatting down to kneeling.

“Why?” I felt this lump in my throat. What the hell was he talking about.

“Because I owe him money and I spend all my money on these fabulous shoes” He said, showing them off.

“Dude, there is dog shit on them”

“Fuck!” He cursed.

“Sush!” I hissed.

“Come on, this is way worse! And this wouldn’t have happened if you just fucked that booty. Now we have no grounds to even murder him” Izuna seemed pissed.

“What do you mean I have no grounds?”

“It’s…” He sighed exhausted. The dirty shoes really made him angry.  “It’s like an unwritten law. Call it..Animal law. You don’t own that territory until you’ve made it yours”

I looked away before looking back at Izuna.

“You...want me to pee on his junk?” I narrowed my eyes slightly.

“Dude, I don’t know what you are into-”

I suddenly heard somebody clear his throat loudly and both Izuna and I jumped up seeing Naruto lean over the mailbox and looking right at us.

“I’m not really into... getting pee on my junk” He had this innocent face, but I knew better than that.

“How much did you hea-”

“No.No..I am not saying anything until I hear what is going on here”  He stopped leaning on the mailbox and folded his arms.

I looked at Izuna.

“We were…”  

I know for a fact that I have this telepathic connection with most of my brothers. Where we just shared a look and were directly on the same page.

“Jogging”

“Spying on you” .

I ..Did not have this connection with  Izuna.

At this point Naruto gave me the  “are you fucking kidding me” look, but then he took a deep breath.

“I was going to assume you were going a great length to get some perfect gift or some bullshit...Because that’s..Like..How you are”

He gave me this disappointed look and mostly I would give in. If it wasn’t for the fact his side-hoe is in that house.

“Oh shut up!” I snapped, giving him the sassy index finger. “You can’t possibly think you are on any moral high ground here. You lied to me and you were so sure you   could get away with it”

And there it was. I was hoping I was wrong.

Just...So wrong.

That he would come with some logical explanation which would leave me embarrassed. But instead...He looked away...Guilty

My heart dropped. I couldn’t even feel it beat anymore.

“I can explain-”  He looked up.

“Oh fuck no!” I felt Izuna drag me behind him. “I don’t give a fuck if we are friend, hang out ...And that I had one sex-dream about you-”

“What?” Naruto looked surprised in a not so amused way.

“But if you are playing with my little brother. I will make your life miserable. I will make you cry and kill yourself-”

“Wow. Wow hold-up” Naruto put his hands up in an innocent way. “Playing?”  He looked past Izuna to me.

“We hacked your computer, we know what you are up to and we even know the bitch’s name behind door number 37”

Naruto looked from Izuna to me and then back to Izuna...Before looking back at me.

“Wait..I thought you guys meant my birthday party...Why I invited Izuna on Friday and you on Sunday?”

“That was the big question..” I felt my throat go numb.

“Sasukeh! Do you really believe I am having some booty call here?”

“Yeah some bitch from chemistry class. Mitosis is her name” Izuna said. Still convinced.

“Mito”  I corrected Izuna.

“And Seven!?” Izuna added

“Nana” I corrected Izuna again.

“I hate to be this person...Did you see my browser history?” He asked a bit careful.

“Ravenhotti69 amateur porn channel can wait..” I said, folding my arms.

“Fuck…” He muttered. “You got it all wrong” He sighed.  “ frankly, I find it wrong of you to heck my computer instead of just...Talking to me”

“Don’t change the subject” I snapped. “You have not one..but two side-hoes!”  

“Do you honestly hear yourself when you talk?!” He raised his voice.

“Hey, don’t you-”

“Izuna!” Naruto interrupted him. “You are my friend and I respect you and all, but you are making this worse” He looked back at me.

“On you?” Izuna cocked his head.

“Can we just talk without this...Judas-”

“Bitch, you haven’t even read the Bible” Izuna interrupted Naruto.

“Mito is my grandmother. I call her Nana..As in Granny!” He snapped. I could see the frustration in his eyes.

I saw Izuna turn his face to me before looking back at Naruto.

“Ha..Ha...We got you! Oh we got so under your skin! Haha there are camera’s everywhere! We got you good!” Izuna was  backing slowly away.

“Haha..What a day for a prank, right? We should go..See ya~” He ran..

He ran as fast as the wind.

“Izuna!” I shouted.

“EVERY MAN ON THEIR OWN!” He screamed as he ran to the car.

“You….were my ride…” I shook my head. Just when I thought my brother was actually a good one….He betrayed me.  I felt a hand on my shoulder and I stiffened.

“You know….We will send you a copy of the tape…” I said, but he didn’t buy it and I couldn’t blame him.

“I can’t believe you think so little of me” He shook his head.

I wished I was relieved knowing this chick was just some 80 years old grandma...But I was not feeling relieved...I felt like a complete moron.

“I should go…” I stared at the ground...Too ashamed to look at him.

“Hey…” He gently grabbed my chin and lifted it so I would look him in the eye .

“I am sorry. I was...I was “investigating”. I wanted to get you a very good birthday gift...But then Izuna said your party was on Friday and you invited me on Sunday...And I just got..So.So..Crazy. I directly assumed there was some bitch in your life..” I lowered my eyes.

“Izuna kinda encouraged my suspicion...So..I hacked your computer and went crazy on you...I mean...Your mom said “be safe” and it all made so much sense. I totally get you don’t want to see me. I should..Just..disappear”  

There was a silence and I didn’t dare to even look at him. But then he started laughing. He let go of my chin, holding his stomach from the laughter.

“I have to admit you are crazy, dattebayo!” He said. I felt some sort of imaginary brick fall on my head.

“But..”He wiped away a tear from all the laughter. “They say jealousy means you care...right?”  

“Who the fuck says that?” I frowned,  “it makes no sense. It’s like psycho advice”

“I can forgive you...But I will make lots of fun of you for this” he said. He took a step closer to me, cupping my cheek.

“I have seen your browser history. You don’t wanna do that” I threatened.

“Oh fuck...How did you even-”

“I’m a man of many secrets” I  said. I wrapped my arms around his middle and leaned my chin on his shoulder.  “I’m sorry, Naruto.I don’t see you that much anymore, and I just...Assumed ..”

I couldn’t even finish my sentence without sounding pathetic.

“It is not all your fault-”

I squeezed his middle.

“Don’t do that. I feel bad as it is” I said. I know he meant well.

“I should have been straight with you about why I invited you on Sunday and Izuna on Friday”

“Now  that you mentioned it  …” I broke the hug.

“It is a logical reason...I think..” He rubbed the back of his neck. “My cousin is organising a party in his house...down South...And there is going to be a lot of people, a lot of alcohol and loud music”

“And you knew I wasn’t into that and  you didn’t want me to feel obligated to go for your sake ...So you didn’t tell me about it-”

He was quiet for a moment before nodding his head.

“Yes, totally that” He said.  

An awkward silence emerged...Something told me he was not telling the truth.

“You...Wanna meet my grandma?” He asked and pointed at the house.

“I don’t think-”

“I think you owe me, dattebayo. She is going to love you” He wrapped an arm around my middle. I wondered if he just did that to drag me with him.

“I’m not so sure...What if she hates me. Am I even dressed well enough?”

“You look good” He placed a kiss on my cheek and I felt my face heat up. My heart was beating like crazy.

“Naru, how nice of you to visit your grandma again”

I looked at some young guy opening the door. I turned my head to Naruto and then back at the guy.

“Oh is this your classmate? Nice to meet you I am his grandmother’s nurse. I am usually here around this time a day”

“What a coincidence”  I turned my head at Naruto and I swear I saw him smirk.

“Come in you two”  

We took off our shoes before entering the living room where I saw an old lady with red hair sitting on a rocking chair, knitting something. She looked up and put her knitting work on her lap before opening her arms.

“Naruto” She seemed excited. Naruto hugged her.

“I want you to meet my friend. Sasuke”  

“What? Sas-Uke?! Terrible name”

Naruto laughed before turning his head to me.

“Sasuke!” He repeated a bit louder.

“Ooh, come here,Sasuke. Give nana a hug”

I felt a little joy at this moment. It seemed she liked me enough to hug me already. I leaned in to hug her, but then I felt her sharp nails dig in my back as she whispered in my ear :”Stay away from my grandson, you bitch”

I broke the hug and gave her a shocked expression….Did I imagine this?

“You must want some orange juice. Iwabee, could you be so kind” Mito indicated to the nurse, who nodded. “Oh grab some pastries for my grandson. He so skinny” She shook her head.

“That dipshit’s genes” She muttered and I couldn’t believe nobody heard it except me.

“Oh, I have to go to the restroom. I will be back in a second” Naruto stood up and walked out of the room, leaving me alone with his grandmother.

She turned her head to me.

“You are just like him” She shook her head. “You are just as weak as that dipshit of a Minato.No backbone”

“So...I used to be in the police force-”

“Hiding behind your weapons, scaring kids who are just playing around” she snorted at me.  “You people disgust me. My grandson deserves better”  

“I busted big drug operations...I put murderers behind bars. I fought off people twice my size”

“And you are still full of shit” Mito said. I crossed my legs and leaned in.

“You’re on, old witch” I hissed.

“What?” She asked, leaning in.

“I said, you’re on, old witch” I raised my voice slightly.

“Speak up, pussy!”

“I SAID YOU'RE ON, OLD WITCH!”I shouted.

I fell right in her trap.

“Sasuke!”

I looked at the door, seeing Naruto stand there...Shit...This woman was smart.

“We were quoting...Wicked!” I faked a big smile before looking at Mito who shook her head.

“We were not” She said.

Naruto gave me a disproved look and I couldn’t believe I was put in such a situation.

Oxoxoxox

“What was up with you? I swear at some point I was worried you were crying in the bathroom” Naruto said, putting his hand in his pockets as he walked next to me on the pavement, away from the witch’s house.

“Oh I was..Mentally crying” I commented.

“What  is your problem with her. I swear you are just like my father”

I looked at Naruto from the corner of my eye.

“You are acting weird just like my dad does every time we visit my grandma” He sighed.

“The truth-”

“She was a single mom. She raised my mom all alone. She did everything for her and for me” Naruto interrupted me

I am starting to understand why Minato never spoke up about it.

“I was acting weird...You are right. I just wanted...Her to like me so much..I went overboard” I said. “I am weird”

“That’s exactly what my dad always says...Ha..What a coincidence” Naruto wrapped an arm around me.

“Wanna ride home?” He asked.

“Ride?” I asked.

He held up car keys and it took me a second to understand what he was saying.

“Why didn’t you tell me you passed your driving test?” I asked, holding the keys.  “Your mom’s car?”

“Because I wanted to surprise you-”

“By running me over?” I interrupted him.

“By taking you to a drive in” He said with a small smile. I stopped walking.

“I told you about my dad and the drive-in ...Three years ago”

His smile widened. He started walking again.

“I know...I remember” he said, opening the door of the car.

“So sweet” I said, sitting down.

“Everything for my main-hoe” He joked and I rolled my eyes. I deserved that. He closed the door before sitting down on the driver’s seat.

“But I promised myself not to take you there too often” he said.

“Because it is unhealthy?” I asked, fastening my seatbelt.

“No..Because I will have to get a mortgage to afford that. You eat so much”

“You are so romantic. Maybe after that we can just have sex in the back of the car”

“Are you serious?” His eyes had a sparkle in them.

“Yeah because I want my first time in the back of your mother’s car” I shook my head. “...It will be quite the story” he said, “but I did promise my mom not to get any cum on the interior..From my side-hoes”

I punched him in his shoulder.

“Speaking of side-hoes….The nurse”

“What? No..No!” He looked away.

“Uhu” I raised an eyebrow.

“I am there to visit my grandma..That there is a rather handsome guy, wearing shorts and bending over tables..Is just...Extra”

“You are such an asshole sometimes” I said, looking away.

“I am kidding, Sas-”

“You shouldn’t even be looking at that sloppy ass. Mine is like so much better. On a scale of one to ten. That ass is a four, but mine is a twelve..at least..Soooo~”

Naruto remained quiet as he looked at me.

“I legit thought for a second you were mad at me!”

I laughed.

I have no idea what I did to deserve him, but it must have been pretty damn good.

#narusasu #naruto #sasuke #18th birthday #I am also going to write about the actual party #but that and more in the next chapter

[jamesyng]

An American Wizard at Hogwarts - Test Chapter

No, that wasn’t a joke about me writing Harry Potter fan fiction. Glob help me…

This is a proof of concept chapter for the story I’m planning on writing. The story itself will cover all seven books but this is an excerpt taken from their fourth year (Goblet of Fire).

The overall story is an alternate universe version of the books where there is a fourth character, while he does contribute to Harry’s storyline he has his own arc separate from Harry’s. I wanted to start the character out at a disadvantage so I thought what would happen if a shy, smart American 10 year old who was bullied in school is forced to move to the UK leaving what few friends he had. He has to start over in a new country and just as he’s starting to gain some normalcy an owl drops off a letter on his front door. I think this is an interesting, albeit slightly sadistic, idea. Think about it, what would that do to someone? How could a kid handle all that? Throw in the fact that someone is trying to kill one of his best friends every year, that’s got to leave a mark on your psyche. I also want to explore the muggle-born subculture at Hogwarts. You know it exists, you’ve all read the Tumblr posts talking about it.

The following excerpt is probably going to be changed, if it appears at all, in the final story. Right now I’m just trying out ideas. Please keep in mind two things before you read this:

1.      This is a raw first draft. I’m literally just writing it down as I think of it with only minimal revision.

2.      I’m not a writer. I’m probably going to butcher the grammar and syntax.

Please strap yourselves in and shield your eyes before viewing.

 Let me know if this is interesting enough for me to keep going with this.

A Joke Too Far

Adam left the Great Hall after lunch. He had a free period and wanted to put it to use looking through the old books he found in the trunk he bought this summer at The Circus. He was overjoyed when Mrs. Weasley told him about what was essentially a giant wizard’s car boot sale and swap meet. He had managed to drag Hermione along with him, Mrs. Weasley, Fred and George, Ron and Ginny. He was going to try to get Harry to come along but Hermione said that his uncle wouldn’t be pleased to have “Their Sort” coming by his house so he decided against it for Harry’s sake. Hermione liked The Circus but she kept getting annoyed with Adam, who was actively seeking out the more esoteric items. Adam called it treasure. Hermine just called it junk. Even she was surprised when the old, magically locked trunk he bought for five sickles contained a few dozen old books and other odd wizarding paraphernalia. Some useful, some of which seemed to have unknown purposes that no one could figure out. Adam was climbing the last flight of stairs when a voice called out to him.

“Adam!” Hermione called out, “I’ll walk with you.” She quickly moved in step beside him.

“You’re going to be late for class. What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I left my report in the common room this morning when I was checking Ron and Harry’s homework.” She said trying to catch her breath.

“Geez Em Em, you guys like to make fun of me for exercising and jogging but which one of us isn’t dying from running up the stairs?”

Hermione smiled, “Oh shut up Hercules.”

He stopped in front of the Fat Lady’s painting. “Hercules? That’s the best you can come up with?”

“I’m pressed for time” she shot back.

“God you’re such a girl” he said with a smile as he readied himself for the punch in the arm he was about to get. Instead Hermione raised her book bag like she was about to throttle him with it, her face twisted in mock rage. Adam put up his hands in surrender, “Hey, nothing heavier than a pillow! Those are the rules, remember?” In that instant Hermione’s bag shot out of her hands and floated strait up in the air. Adam’s bag immediately joined it.

“What on Earth?” Hermione said in shock. She gave a sideways glare at Adam.

“Don’t look at me, I’m not doing it.” That’s when they heard a muffled cackle coming from behind a suit of armor.

“Peeves!” they groaned in unison.

“Will you drop the bags, Hermione going to be late enough as it is,” Adam shouted at the air.

“Now, now Mister Carter, mustn’t get all flustered!” Peeves replied tauntingly.

“Drop them!” Adam shouted.

“As you wish Mister Carter.” Hermione’s bag dropped between her and the railing, Adam’s landed squarely on his head and the impact knocked him back into Hermione.

“Peeves, if you weren’t already dead…” and that was when he heard Hermione’s shriek. He looked up in time to see her topple over the railing. Without a second thought, or even a first one, Adam jumped after her as the echoing sound of footfalls disappeared down a corridor.

With one arm he managed to grab Hermione while his other hand brought out his wand. Fifteen feet from death he was able to shout “wingardium leviosa!” They both floated gently the last five feet to the floor.

Adam gave a relieved chuckle. “Damn Em Em, that’s the second time that spell’s saved our hides.”

Hermione was shaking, repeating over and over in barely a whisper, “Don’t let go. Don’t let go.  Don’t let go.”

He held her tighter as a crowd started to gather around them. “Don’t worry Em Em, I’ve got you. Now and forever, that’s out motto, right?” He began to shake as the reality of what just happened began to sink in. Adam stood up and started to help Hermione up when she yelped in pain.

“My ankle, I think it may be broken” she said trying to hold back the tears.

“Alright then, one express ride to Madam Pomfrey coming up.” He said as he swept her up to carry her across the castle.

Professor McGonagall pushed her way through the ever enlarging crowd of students. “What on Earth happened?” was all she managed to gasp in shock.

“Peeves,” spat Adam, “That damn poltergeist nearly killed Hermione.”

“Mister Carter, I’m sure it wasn’t intentional” the professor started to say before Adam cut her off.

“I don’t care,” he said in controlled rage, “if I ever catch Peeves he’s going to wish he’d crossed the veil.” He turned back around and started carrying Hermione’s to the hospital wing. Adam could feel himself start to shake but was able to stop. He had to; he had to make sure that Hermione got to Madam Pomfrey safely. Once she was safe in a hospital bed then he could fall apart.

Hermione’s arms were wrapped tightly around Adam’s neck, her head resting on his shoulder. Of course she, Harry and Ron did poke fun at him for his sudden interest in physical fitness this term. They thought it was a bit silly. Who ever heard of a wizard working out? But ever since the events at the end of the term their second year; the Chamber of Secrets and what happened to her and Harry and Ron, Adam began to act a little more peculiar than usual. He had started to study more, but not at his subjects. Different studies of magic, some he wouldn’t be taking until at least fifth term. He also started keeping a notebook that he wouldn’t even let Hermione look at and she had carte blanche with everything. It was a Best Friend privilege that she may have exploited once or twice.  All that didn’t matter right now, she was grateful for his interest in fitness. She couldn’t believe he picked her up so easily. Of course, he was a little bigger now than he was when they first met in primary school five years ago. She remembered how timid he was when they first met. “You’d never know it looking at him now,” she thought. “He’s so much more confident now, taller or course. He even smells nice…” Normally when a thought like that popped into her head about her best friend she’d stamp it out. Not this time. She was still scared, in pain and the thought was somehow comforting. She’d let the idea linger, but only until they got to the hospital wing. After that she’d put it out of her mind. She was starting to get used to doing it now.

A pair of footsteps ran up behind them. “Oi, what the bloody hell happened?” exclaimed Ron as he and Harry caught up to them.

“Professor McGonagall told us Hermione fell of the balcony in front of the Fat Lady’s painting!” Harry added, slightly panting from the run.

“It’s OK guys,” Hermione said, not even lifting her head from Adam’s shoulder. “Adam caught me.”

“Yeah, we heard!” Ron said, “Mate, you’re either the bravest guy alive or barking mad to have jumped off the balcony like that.”

Adam didn’t say anything. He couldn’t. He knew if he stopped or tried to speak about what just happened he would lose what little control he had left. It was almost over now; the doors to the hospital wing were in sight. Harry and Ron talked to him and Hermione along the way but he couldn’t focus on what they were saying. Adam reached the doors and kicked them open. “Excuse me Madam Pomfrey, you have a patient” he called.

“What the devil is going on?” Shouted Madam Pomfrey as Adam gently laid Hermione down on the nearest bed.

“She has a severely sprained or broken ankle and she may be in shock. She fell from the balcony leading into the Gryffindor common room.” Adam said, his will quickly draining away.

“My lord!” she exclaimed as she went to check on Hermione. Adam now saw his opportunity. The bed next to Hermione was empty and there was a screen between them.  While everyone was focused on Hermione, Adam quietly stepped behind the screen and sat on the bed.

Madam Pomfrey examined Hermione’s ankle, “Don’t worry dear,” she said, “it’s not broken, just a bad sprain. You’ll be fine in the morning.” Madam Pomfrey left to get a few things for her patient. Ron sat beside the bed chatting away with Hermione about what happened. Harry noticed Adam’s absence. He peered around the screen and saw him sitting on the bed, his face ashen. He was shaking and slowly rocking back and forth. Harry walked over and, in his best American accent said, “Hey buddy, how’s it going?” Adam didn’t react at all. “Hey, that’s usually worth grin at least,” he said as he sat down next to Adam. Harry put his hand on Adam’s shoulder, “Look, mate, Hermione’s going to be fine. She just has a bad sprain. Madam Pompfrey says she’ll be right as rain in the morning.” The fog was beginning to clear from Adam’s mind and was able to slowly nod his head in acknowledgement.

Madame Pomfrey appeared at the foot of the bed holding two bottles. “Mister Carter,” she said gently but firmly, “The next time you bring me a patient I would kindly ask you not to kick the doors in.”

This snapped Adam back. “Sorry, won’t happen again Ma’am,” he said weakly. He noticed the two bottles of calming draught. “I know Hermione is shaken up but does she really need two of those?”

“Of course not,” she said handing him one. “This one is for you. Mister Weasley told me what you did. I’m sure you need that just as much as she does.” She then made her way to Hermoine’s bed.

Adam opened the bottle, raised it to Harry and said, “Cheers mate” in his best British accent and downed the bottle.

Harry smiled, “Tell me, how could you have lived in England for five years now and still have such a terrible British accent?”

“It’s no worse than your American accent,” he replied, the calming drought beginning to take effect.

“Yeah, but I don’t live in America.” Harry chuckled.

“And I’m sure America is grateful for it,” Adam shot back with a weak grin.

“So,” Harry said after a long pause. “Are you going to ask her or not?”

Adam’s face went from weak amusement to slight indignation. “Are you seriously brining this up now?”

“Well, as you like to say, no time like the present.”

“She, hell, we almost died fifteen minutes ago!” he said, trying to keep from shouting. “And you’re sitting there wanting to know if I’m going to ask her to the Yule Ball. Two of your best friends almost wind up dead and this is what you’re concerned with?”

Harry simply smiled. “Well, are you?”

“God I hate you,” was all Adam could muster.

“Look,” Harry explained, “You didn’t want to ask her because you thought her saying no was the worst thing in the world. Now you know it isn’t.”

“Harry, I’ve known her for too long. I’ve known her longer than you and Ron have. I can’t just ask her on a date. That would be weird.” Adam sighed, running his hands through his hair. “I can’t believe we’re having this conversation now.”

Harry gave Adam a friendly pat on the knee. He had been listening to both Adam and Hermione both going around and around like this. He just couldn’t understand it. It was obvious to everyone who knew them that they had feelings for each other. Well, everyone, of course, except for them. They both seemed mind-bendingly oblivious to what was in plain sight. “Look, you had better ask her before someone else does. And that’s the last I’m saying on the subject”

Adam stood up, smoothed his robes and took a deep breath. “It’s like a bandage right? You just have to rip that sucker off and get it over with.”

“Not exactly the way I would have put it but, yes, best to get it over with.” Harry was glad Adam’s back was to him now because he just couldn’t hide his chuckling anymore. Harry stood up and walked around the screen. “Hey, Ron, we should get back to class.”

“Yeah,” said Ron glumly, “I suppose we have to.” Ron got up, they both said goodbye to Hermione and Adam and left the infirmary. Adam sat in the chair Ron had vacated. He reached over and took Hermione’s hand and sat for a few moments trying to gather his thoughts.

A sly, slightly embarrassed smile crept across Hermione’s face. “Adam,” she said softly, what are you doing?”

“I’m just holding your hand. It’s not like I’ve never done that before,” he said a little embarrassed.

“Not like this you haven’t,” she said as she looked down at his thumb tracing circles on the back of her hand. “Are you ok?”

He couldn’t think of any elegant words, no poetry, he just spoke. “No. I’m not ok. I just watched the most important person in my life almost die and somehow doing this,” he said as he intertwined his fingers with her’s, “isn’t the scariest thing in the world anymore.”

“Are you trying to tell me something?” Hermione asked smiling. Adam didn’t see it as he was now focused down at the floor trying to get through this.

Adam just couldn’t keep it in anymore. “Oh come on,” he chuckled, “there is no way this is a surprise. You’ve watched me be in love with you since we were ten.”

“I see,” she replied, erasing the smile from her face. “Then you know the direction this conversation is going, don’t you?” she asked mustering as much seriousness as she could while trying to keep a straight face.

“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry. I’m not going to make things weirder than they already are,” he said finely meeting her gaze.

“Good,” she said softly. “We should be mature about this.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, his heart plummeting through the floor. “I’ll be all kinds of mature. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Good,” She said. “Now there’s only one thing left to do. Ask me to the Yule Ball.” Hermione couldn’t keep her laughter in anymore. The expression on Adam’s face completely broke down her façade.

“I, um, WHAT!” he blurted out. Hermione couldn’t answer because she was laughing too hard. “Wait, wait just a minute,” he stammered. “You let me think, and, I, um, no! You want to be my date?” All she could do was vigorously nod her head. She was laughing so hard tears were streaming down her cheeks. “Wait, no! What about,” he said now putting on his best Hermione impression, “If a girl likes a boy she should just tell him. All that fluttering about is just silly. Or, girls can do anything boys can do. Is this conversation ringing a bell? I didn’t imagine that, did I?”

“Oh I remember,” she finely managed to squeak. “The funny thing is that girls can do anything boys can and, unfortunately, that means we can get just as scared to ask someone on a date.” She said as she finished wiping the tears from her eyes.

“God you are evil,” he said smiling, still holding her hand.

“Well, in all fairness I did have to get you back for Halloween,” she admonished.

“Fair point,” he sighed.

“You had better ask me. I already turned down Viktor Krum. If you don’t ask I’ll feel very foolish,” she giggled.

“Wait, you turned down Viktor Krum? What did you tell him?” he asked.

“The truth,” she replied matter-of-factly, “I said I was going with my boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend? When did I get this promotion and shouldn’t have I had a say in it” he replied with in confusion.

“Fine,” she said playfully. “We will conduct your interview tomorrow morning, after I get out of here.” She finished with a laugh.

“So, in the mean time I guess I do have to make this official” he said moving closer to her “Hermione Granger, would you be my date for the Yule Ball?”

“I would be honored Master Carter” she replied, moving closer to him.

“Don’t call me that.” he said, inching closer to her.

“Well, I think a girl should have a pet name for her boyfriend.” Hermione moved closer, inches from his face. Adam slowly started to close the distance between them.

“Ah, there you are,” said Professor Dumbledor as he made his way in. “Minerva told me what happened and I must say I find this quite disturbing.”

Adam whispered just loud enough for Hermione to hear, “That’s it, proof the universe hates me.” Hermione stifled a giggle. He turned his attention to Dumbledor. “You really have to do something about Peeves. I can’t believe this hasn’t happened before. Seriously, with everything else that’s happened since I’ve been here this should be the easiest to control.”

“Peeves insists he was on the other side of the castle when this happened. His jokes are usually mischievous but ultimately benign. This really has never happened before Mister Carter.”

“Wait a minute,” Adam said turning back to Hermione, “Peeves called me Mister Carter, didn’t he?”

A look of recognition came over her face, “Yes, yes he did!”

“I take it that isn’t normal?” inquired Dumbledor.

“No, it isn’t. Peeves never calls me Mister Carter, he always calls me Master Carter.” Seeing the puzzled look on the professor’s face Adam explained. “It’s a stupid story about my first day here but that’s not important. Peeves never calls me Mister. Something else, we never saw him”

“Not unusual for a ghost,” Dumbledor said.

“Yeah, but what is unusual is ghosts don’t run. I distinctly remember hearing someone running off when I, well, went over the railing.” Adam said.

“Adam!” Hermione gasped as she grabbed Adam’s arm. “We went over the railing!”

“The protection spells were gone!” Adam finished. “We shouldn’t have been able to go over the railing and even if we did the room was charmed to prevent anyone from falling.” Adam’s face turned white. “Em Em, someone tried to kill me.”

“What do you mean you? I went over first.” Hermione pointed out. “You jumped after me remember?”

“Yes, but you supposed to be on your way to class. You weren’t supposed to be there.” He said.

“You’re right,” Hermione gulped. They both turned to Professor Dumbledor.

“The protection spells were removed sometime this morning. We don’t know who did it yet.” Dumbledor confirmed grimly.

“Adam,” Hermione said. “Who on Earth would want to kill you?”

“I have no idea,” he replied. “I guess Harry isn’t the only one who gets to have all the fun around here after all.”

-End-

Author’s Note: I really didn’t see the romantic subplot until it happened. Glob my brain is weird. Also this was WAY longer than I thought it would be.