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forthehpfanboys · 4 years

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Unexpected But Accepted

Pair: George Weasley x Reader x Fred Weasley: he/him.

Summary: Fred and George have been driving you bonkers. You try to get away for five minutes but find out they’re arguing over you. You snap when you see it happen right in front of you and punish Fred for sass. Basically, you fuck George, then suck off Fred.

Warnings: SMUT (MDI), poly, dirty talk, bondage, probably took this too far, oops, swears, way too long and probably not good.

Notes: Requested! Hope you enjoy!

~DO NOT REPOST ANYWHERE~

Your back pressed against the wall, your chest heaving with quick breaths leaving your lips. The small room was quiet and dark, allowing you to hear the pair of rushing footsteps that’d been chasing you for the past 10 minutes come down the hall. You covered your mouth, trying to hide your panting breaths into the skin as the steps came closer and closed your eyes in hopes of not being found in the small broom closet. Suddenly, one of your chasers spoke up, causing you to go rigid against the wall.

“Do you see him?” One spoke up while a sigh was released from the other.

“No. How did he disappear?”

You tried to sink deeper into the darkness without making a peep. Godric, if they found you, you’d never hear the end of it. You just wanted some peace and quiet.

“I don’t understand! Is there a hidden room we haven’t discovered?”

“I highly doubt it, Georgie. Let’s be real.”

“So should we split up?”

“Probably best if we just head to class.” Heavy footsteps trailed down the hallway, voices fading more with each step.

“Since when do you care about grades?”

“I don’t. Come on. We might bump into him on the way.”

You didn’t step out of the broom closet until you were 10,000 percent sure they’d left, allowing you to let out the breath you didn’t know you were holding. Shutting the door behind you, you leaned against it, wincing to yourself when your head smacked against the wood alittle harder than you intended. You didn’t like hiding from them, but you didn’t have much choice.

The two redheads had been acting differently lately and it’s been taking a toll on your mental health lately. You couldn’t have five minutes alone without them almost tearing eachother apart for your attention and, honestly, you just needed a break. Or maybe food. You haven't been able to eat in peace because of the twins antics. Hermione and Harry would bring you food while Ron, the forever charming redhead, laughed at your demise.

You’ve tried talking to them about what’s going on, but they always brush you off and ask if you wanna go do something somewhere and drag you away anyway. It wasn’t that they were being creepy or anything, it was just overwhelming you and you needed some serious (Y/n) Time.

It almost felt like they knew something you didn’t and it was frustrating beyond comprehension. Sure, you and the twins were close but fuck, it was almost like they made a bet to torture or something along those lines. Maybe it was a prank?

What you didn’t know is that you were kinda right. A couple days before this specific one, the twins made a bet after learning two truths that changed a few things within their brotherly bond. Truth one was how George's feelings for you changed from friend to lover. The second truth was how Fred's feelings for you changed in the exact same manner. The bet resolved over you, of course, and how they’d win you. More specifically, whichever twin managed to win your feelings, won the bet and you were the prize.

You looked both ways, checking the hallway to make sure it was empty before abandoning the hiding spot with a feverous sprint. Your footsteps echoed down the empty halls, your robes flapping behind you. You proceeded to multitask. You ran down the intertwining halls while debating on going to class or hiding away in your dorm. In the end, your feet decided for you. Before you knew it, you were sprinting up the moving staircase up to the Fat Lady.

“Cherry top.” You spoke quickly before she even had the chance to open her mouth. You ignored her grumble on how kids used to care about her singing and focused on walking through the empty room. You plopped yourself down on the couch facing gently crackling fire. A quiet sigh left your lips, hands going through your hair. “What changed?” you whispered to yourself.

“You really have no clue?”

The voice made you jump and turn around seeing.. No one? You felt the couch sink further closer to the ground and you were met with another redhead, allowing you to relax back against the plush cushions.

“Godric, Gin, you scared me.” You let out a meek chuckle and ran a hand over your eyes. “What’re you doing here anyway? Shouldn’t you be with The Golden Trio or something?”

“Or something.” She cast a smile in your direction. “I heard what’s going on between you and the two idiots. Figured you could use some help sorting them out.” The youngest Weasley tucked her feet in and turned toward you fully, the smile turned into a grin.

“I’d adore help.”

“I thought so.” She let out a chuckle. “Rumor has it they have a bet going. Lee overheard them arguing over it and who was winning.” Ginny’s grin turned into the classic Weasley Side Smirk. The words rolled around in your head, your nose scrunching in confusion. Arguing? They never argue. You tried to come up with a time where they actually fought and only mock up arguments made themselves clear. “People are saying it’s over a specific absolutely oblivious Gryffindor Quidditch player, others say it’s over who can burn the school down first-” Ginny laughed, shaking her head a little as she spoke.

“Quidditch player? Oh- Angelina, right? Yea, it’s pretty obvious they’ve been pining after her for a while. “ You forced out with a very small and very fake smile across your lips. You knew how the two pranksters looked at her. It only made sense they’d be after her, she was smart, great at the game and a looker. You swallowed hard. You were just the Keeper for Gryffindor, not a chaser or a seeker, just kept to the goals. It didn’t feel as special as the others. “But I don’t see how this involves me.” You could’ve sworn you heard her mumble ‘oblivious’ again, but she spoke up before you could even question it.

“So, you really don’t know?”

“Don’t know what?”

“Oh my Godric, you really don’t know?”

“Know what, Gin?”

“I thought they would’ve told you!” She looked down at her fingers, playing with her nail. Her long hair fell around her face like a curtain, no doubt hiding the grin. She was ignoring you on purpose.

“Gin, so help me, I will shatter your knee caps. Tell. Me.” You threatened, giving her a strong glare. Your glares could kill. Students and teachers alike knew your temper was not something to trifle with and made up for 99 percent of your detentions. You’re not one to throw fists first, but you definitely don’t hold your tongue. While the castle got nervous around you and you ralmost famous temper, the Weasleys did not give one flying fuck. They’d tease you until you die because they all knew you had a sweet spot for them.

“I mean, you're their best friend and you don’t know. Damn, that’s so.. Bad, yet just like them, wow.” She moved the hair away from her eyes. “Ok. Listen, the twins don’t fancy Angie, (Y/n). I think you need to consider both sides of the spectrum.” She paused, giving you an expecting look before sighing and going on. “They’re bisexual. Came out last year.”

“Oh, haha. Really funny.” You stood up, moving away from the couch to one of the towering glass windows. Pressing your weight against the brick wall, you gazed out, watching students rush to classes and others just goofing off. Ginny knew of your crush on the two red-heads, but she didn’t have to joke about it like this. “Now isn’t the time for jokes, Gin. “

“I’m serious, (Y/n). Think about it. They’ve been all over you, everyone has noticed.” Ginny walked over to you, resting a hand on your shoulder. She could tell you were gonna be on the fence no matter what the words, so she just sighed and retracted her hand. “I’d never joke about this. It could very well be you the identical idiots are drooling over.”

“They're really bi?” You turned to her, your eyes sparkling with hope.

“Honestly, (Y/n). Would I lie to you?” She snickered patting your back before heading over to the portrait hole. “Really, think about it. It'll make sense with time, i'm sure.” With that, she popped through the hole in the wall. With a final creak of the portrait shutting, you were left alone in silence, rolling her words in your head.

Ok, maybe it did make a small, tiny, miniscule bit of sense, but why didn’t Fred and George tell you? You sighed, your hot breath fogging up the glass. Maybe they didn’t want you to know. Maybe they thought you’d call them freaks or weirdos, but you’d never. You remember when you came out to them as (s/p) and they didn’t judge you at all.

You wanted to scream when you heard the creak of the entrance opening again. For fucks fucking fuck, even without the twins there you couldn’t get alone time. You needed to think, especially with the new info Ginny told you.

“There ya are, (Y/n)! We’ve been looking for you everywhere!”

Your eyes focused on the reflection in the glass pain, a groan leaving your lips at the sight. Of course. Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

“Hey.” Your voice was stiff, revealing how you felt deep down. Frustration and irritation. You noted how the redheads both stepped closer to you. One gently pulling you by the hand to sit down in a chair not too far from the window while the other taking the seat across you, shooting you a soft smile.

“Ok. What’s wrong?” Fred spoke, his back slouching in the chair, his arms crossing over his chest. George was standing next to you with a cocked eyebrow, a soft smile on his face.

“Yeah, we know you (N/n). What’s going through that pretty head of yours?” George ran his hand through your hair before squatting next to your seated form. You could vaguely smell his cologne. You turned to George, missing the glare from Fred.

“I.. Just stressed, is all. Exams coming and not getting enough sleep.” It wasn’t fully a lie, so.

“Are you sure you’re not sick or something?” Fred stood up and walked over, the back of his hand reaching out to press against your forehead. It was halted when a matching pale hand grabbed his wrist.

“Fred, I think if he was sick, he would’ve said something along those lines. It’s just stress.” George’s voice held a barely noticeable amount of venom as his grip tightened ever so slightly on his older brothers wrist. The death glares they exchanged as Fred whipped his hand away from his younger twins grip had you raising an eyebrow in question.

“So you're a doctor now?”

“Can you stop with the attitude? I’m so sick of it!”

“You’re sick of it? I’m sick of you! I was just gonna check if he had a fever.”

“Don’t touch him, Fred.”

“I was just checking if he was ok!”

“Well, you don-!”

“Ok and I’m putting an end to this.” You stood up and shoved your way between them, pushing them away as you stepped forward. “What the hell has been going on with you two? This is- Godric- you guys are driving me nuts.” Before they knew what was happening you were ranting. “Seriously! I can’t even shower without you guys trying to be there! Like just- What is going on? This week feels like a year and I’m drowning in Wealsey cologne and fancy candy from Honeydukes-” Your hands were running through your hair sporadically, which the twins both thought was adorable, but knew now wasn’t the time.

Fred and George looked at each other as you went on.

“Please. Just- It hurts so much to see you too fight and it makes me want to punch something- literally anything- because you guys are my everything! Just fucking talk to me! Please.” Your chest was heaving when you finally finished, your entire body getting warm.

“Everything?” They turned to you, everything matching up insync.

“..What?” You felt even hotter than before. Wait, did you actually call them your everything?

“Aw, don’t playdumb now, (N/n)! You said we’re your everything.”

“You’re hearing things, Fred.”

“Hmm, no. I don’t think we are.” They stepped closer.

“Ah, well, I.. never said that, Georgie. Very simple.”

“Do we have to go back to fighting over you?” Fred joked as they separated and began to advance toward you. The twins trapped you between them, one on both sides. George rested his arm on your shoulder while Fred shot him a teasing smirk, his nose scrunching up. “Cause we’ll do it, princey, don’t tempt us.”

You don’t know what came over you, maybe it was your built up tension or your anger issues, but you grabbed them by the ties of their uniform and yanked them over to the staircase leading up to the dorms. You pressed them against the wall just before the stair cases and trapped them there with your body.

“Do it and fucking see what happens, Weasley.” One hand tangled their ties together, your other hand coming to press against the wall by George’s head. The boys’ faces erupted into a blush, causing you to smirk. “You two have been driving me absolutely nuts these past few days. I dare you to push one more button.” You tried not to act surprised by how your voice dropped. Fred’s tongue swiped across his suddenly dry lips and George turned even redder.

“Oh yea, (L/n)? What are you gonna do? Give us a stern talking too?” Fred smirked, his eyes trailing down your figure, then back up to your eyes. He was challenging you. You got closer to his face, your voice dripping even lower.

“I could tie you to the bed and fuck your brother right infront of you, make you watch him get what you oh so desperately crave.” Your head was cocked to the side, your eyes dark with something Fred had never seen before.

“Well, that was unexpected-” George all but whispered before he swallowed thickly, his hand coming up to cover his face.

“But damn, so accepted. Who knew he was so dirty?” Fred groaned out. His hand wrapped around the back of your neck to pull you into a kiss. You released the ties and favored running your fingers through his hair, grabbing onto a few locks and giving it a tug.

“Should we confess or should you guys just keep kissing?” George spoke up from the sidelines, fidgeting with his hands. Fred separated from you and got him the classic Weasley Side Smirk.

“I think he knows now, Georgie, come on!” Fred yanked his tie free and slipped free from you and proceeded to run up the steps, skipping 2 at a time. You took this time to appreciate his mile long legs. “Hope your good at keepin’ your promises, (L/n)!” He called from the top of the steps. With a laugh, you gave George a short kiss, grabbed his wrist and led the blushing redhead up the stairs.

By the time you and George came up the stairs, Fred was already trying to disrobe. I say trying because he’d given up on unbuttoning his white polo and is trying to pull the still buttoned collar over his head. Watching the older twin thrash around in the stuck shirt made George and you erupt in giggles.

“Should we help him?” George asked his laughs.

“Nah, he can figure it out himself. Besides, I wanna kiss you.” You cornered George against one of the bedposts, not caring whose bed was whose and immediately pressed your lips against his. He let out a needy moan and pulled you closer, his arms around your neck. Your hands landed on his waist as your teeth nibbled on his bottom lip. You pulled from the kiss when a second pair of arms wrapped around your waist, which you prompt slapped away. “What did I say? Get on the bed, Freddie.”

The groan that left the older twins lips was lewd, causing you to chuckle and shove him away from your back. He reluctantly laid on the bed, sprawled out like a starfish, his bulge prominent against his dark uniform. Damn, he must really want you. The idea of one of the twins drooling over you had you hardening in your pants.

“Not like that, Fred. Back against the headboard.” You spoke, gently leading George to the bed and pushing him to side down on the edge. You untied the younger twins tie and with a kiss to his nose moved to his counterpart, climbing onto the plush mattress one he obeyed. You smirked down at the redhead as you plopped yourself on his lap, causing him to groan.

“Having fun, doll?” Fred spoke as his hands instinctively moved to your hips, pulling you closer. You pulled his hands away from your waist, kissed each wrist before tying them to the headboard with his brother's tie.

“You know it, babe.” You casted him a wink. Climbing off his lap and prompt ignoring his whine, you brought your attention back to the younger twin and dragged him into a kiss. “And how are you feeling, Georgie?”

“Perfect.” His voice was soft and airy, causing you to giggle.

“Oi. Stop being cute without me.” Fred spoke up, nudging you in the side with his foot.

“Shut it. This is why you're tied up.” You smacked his foot away and pulled George onto your lap. You kissed along his neck, your fingers trailing through his hair. His hands slid from your shoulders, down your flat chest to your belt, promptly undoing it and pulling it free from the loopholes.

“Oh, please. You love my teasing.”

“I wish you gagged him with his tie.” George snickered out. He'd thrown the belt to the side and was now unbuttoning your white button up shirt.

“I’m debating on it, actually.” You laughed out. You sucked a mark on the side of George’s neck and shrugged off your shirt once it was fully undone and threw it to the side. Your hands came up to undo George's shirt, but ended up just ripping a few of the buttons free. “Fuck it, I’ll buy you new ones.” You pressed your lips to his again, your hands sliding across the bare skin. Fuck. His skin was so soft, but you could feel the muscles under it rippling with a soft moan.

“You know we have magic, right? You could’ve just spelled his clothes away.”

You let out a groan and pulled away from George's lips and glared at the older redhead. You shook your head in disapproval and tsked at him.

“You gag him, Georgie. I’m gonna finish stripping.” You stated, giving the tall redhead a slap on the bum before standing up. You watched Georgie snicker and slide Fred’s tie free.

“Wait, no. We can talk this through-” Fred was interrupted by the tie being shoved into his mouth. “I’d apologize, but I’m not sorry, Freddie. Should’ve shut your mouth. Had the chance.” Geogie patted his shoulder and scooted back. When he turned to you, he blushed a brighter red than his hair. You were lazily stroking yourself, your boxers hanging around your thighs. “Blimey-” George choked out, licking his lips.

“Like what you see?” You chuckled, stepping closer to him. He eagerly nodded his head. The boy was holding back the biggest urge to drop to his knees and suck the soul out of you. You flashed him a smirk. “Come on, then. Strip, baby,”

He rolled onto his back, lifted his legs and all but ripped himself free from his constricting jeans. The enthusiasm made you giggle. Your eyes followed along the pale skin and you wanted, oh so desperately to count the freckles sprinkled across his skin. God, he was so absolutely beautiful and it was safe to say Fred was just as beautiful.

“Merlin’s fucking beard. You’re so beautiful.” You stepped over, running your hands along his toned legs. “Godric, I should use your legs as earmuffs some time.” Your confidence grew when Fred and George both let out a whine. “Ok. Here’s what I want.” You sat him back up and leaned into his ear, your hands slowly sliding up his thighs. You licked your lips when you heard the younger redheads breath hitch. “I want Freddie to have a nice view, ok?” You whispered, your hands hiking higher up his thighs before you dragged your nails down the skin gently. “Go to the foot of the bed, spread your legs and lean over to put your hands on the mattress.”

George slipped out from beneath you and went to the foot of the bed. He was half bent over, legs spread and staring down at his hands on the mattress. Following him around the posts, you stood behind him and ran your hands down his toned back.

“Oh, fuck, you’re freckles go down your back-” Your voice came out breathy and light. Your eyes looked between Fred, who was whining against the tie and the twin slowly turning red.

“Is that good?” George asked, his ears tinting a bright red.

“Of course. You’re so beautiful. Does Freddie have the same patterns?” Your thumb ran over a patch of freckles.

“Yeah. He’s got these little patches of freckles everywhere.” George turned his head to look at you, a smile on his face. You couldn’t help but giggle, your hands rubbing over his globes.

“Godric, I can’t wait to see.” Your dark eyes turned to lock with Fred’s, as a dirty smirk came across your mouth. He let out a little whine, his legs shifting on the bed, trying to get some form of simulation.

“Don’t get your hopes up.” George laughed, pressing his forehead to the bed. You gave his asss a slap, causing him to whine.

“Be nice to him.” You snickered, leaning over to kiss the back of his neck whine your hand trailed down his abdomen. Your hand wrapped around his wood, his hips bucked in response. “You’re so hard.”

“Obviously.”

“Do I need to tie you up, too?”

“Oh, no sir.” His voice dripped sarcasm.

“Georgie.” You warned while pulling your hand away. You sucked on your pointer finger and brought it to his entrance, gently pushing it in. He was chewing on his bottom lip, trying to stay loose and relaxed. “Be nice.” You leaned off his back, standing up fully. Your other hand grabbed his cheek and spread it while your finger pulled back some. After spitting on your fingers,you gently slipped in a second finger. Godric, his moans were so perfect.

George was shivering. Sure, he’d played around in the shower, but damn was it better with a person, especially when that person was your crush. You prepped the bottom for what felt like hours and he was just about drooling into the sheets.

“Merlin, you really wanna be safe, don’t you.” George moaned out when you pressed your fingers against his prostate.

“Well, yeah. I don’t wanna hurt you.”

“My god, you two are so gooey it hurts.” You both turned to Fred. He had a smirk on his face. Fucker had literally pushed the tie out of his mouth. “Get to it, (L/n).”

“For fucks sake, Fred.” You chuckled out, pulling your fingers away from his entrance. You held your own dick by the base before pushing the head in gently. George pressed his cheek against the bed, a whine leaving his lips. His freckle covered hands grabbed the sheets. His knees pressed together once you pushed all the way in him. “You ok?”

Your hands hopped from his hips to wrap around his midsection once he nodded. You let out a sigh of relief and placed a few kisses on the freckles scattered across his broad shoulders.

“I wish I was getting some of that action.” Fred’s head hit the headboard. This felt like he was having a wet dream and seeing it from 3rd person.

“If you kept your mouth shut, you could’ve joined us.”

Your hips pulled back slowly, your chin resting on George’s shoulder. The gasp that left his lips when you pushed back in had you shivering. You kept up a steady pace, your bottom lip trapped between your teeth. Groans, whimpers, moans, gasps- every noise echoed in the nearly empty room. George’s hand had found his dick between his legs and was shamelessly jerking it to match your hips.

“Godric, Georgie,” your voice so close to his ear had him moaning your name, “you're so tight, baby.”

Watching you fuck into his brother had Fred licking his lips. The older redhead desperately wanted to be in George's position and he was gonna throw something if he didn’t get some attention soon. He bounced his legs in dismay. His dick was painfully hard and throbbing in his boxers.

“I’m still here-” Fred did jazz hands against the headboard.

“And I'm busy, shut it.” You spat out as you rocked into George faster, who only grew louder beneath you. Your hands gripped his hips, your nails digging into his skin as you moved. George’s hand moved faster between his legs, which were shaking harder than an earthquake.

With a gasp, George came into his fist without a warning. A cry left lips, his hips bucking between your actions and his fist as he pressed his forehead into the bed. You kept the pace up, your own orgasm just around the corner.

“Almost there, Georgie. You’re so perfect.” You cooed in his ear, your teeth gently biting the tip of the cartilage. You moaned against his neck when you finally reached your own orgasm inside him. You stayed against him for a good while, just holding his sweaty form against his body.

You slowly pulled out and chuckled as George just kinda plopped onto the bed and climbed on the plush mattress with him. You ran your fingers through his sweaty hair and kissed his head.

“You did good. Are.. Are you falling asleep?” You laughed gently, watching the man's eyelids flutter. “Adorable. Love you, Georgie.” You shook your head when he mumbled out a quick ‘love you yoo’ and almost immediately began snoring. Fred cleared his throat, getting your attention.

“Yeah, yeah, I got it.” You crawled over to him, undoing his tie. “Did you learn your lesson?” Your hand grazed over his bulge, your noses practically touching.

“You know I didn’t, baby boy.” Fred cupped your face, his calloused thumbs ran over your cheeks.

You let out a mock sigh of frustration before shaking your head back and forth. You watched his pale hands go to his belt and rip it off. He threw it off to the side before undoing his pants and simply pulling his dick out over the boxers.

“Wanna take care of this for me? I did sit and wait patiently.”

“You didn’t have much of a choice.”

“Just suck my dick, won’t you?”

The bluntness made you snort but you dropped your head down anyway.

“I guess you deserve it.” You held the base of his dick and licked across the head, looking up at him with false innocent eyes. Fred ran his hands through your hair.

“Oh, yeah. You’re amazing.”

“I haven’t done anything yet.” You said between laughs.

“So get to it, dove!”

You rolled your eyes and took the tip into your mouth, your hand moving up and down on the base. The fingers in your hair slowly tightened, grabbing as much as he could. A moan fell from his lips as his head fell back against the wooden headboard with a thud. You licked along the underside of the head. It was clear he wasn’t going to last long.

You took him down to the base, gagging on the head hitting the back of your throat and began to pull back. About half way up, Fred pushed you back down, a needy whine leaving his lips. He used the hand in your hair to control your head going up and down.

“Amazing, dolly. Absolutely perfect.” He was just mumbling under his breath while he listened to you gag and whine around his length. He licked his lips as his hand somehow tightened on your locks. “Gonna cum. Swallow it, oh please swallow it.”

Your eyes were watering by the time he came down your throat, leaving you sputtering and choking. He gently pulled you off. He reached for the closest piece of fabric, which ended up being George’s shirt, and gently wiped himself down.

“I knew there was a reason I loved you.” Fred teased as he threw the cloth and pecked your swollen lips.

“Wow. Only here for my bj skills?” You raised an eyebrow. “And here I thought we had something.” You planted a soft kiss on his lips. He suddenly reached up, holding your face as he stared into your eyes. His entire demeanor shifted to serious as he spoke. “(Y/n). I can tell you right now, me and my brother-”

“My brother and I-”

“Shut it. My brother and I,” his voice was filled with sass again, “have never, ever, ever, eevveerr felt this way about another person. We both love you, we have for a while. Granted this whole thing is super unorthodox, but we care about you.”

“It’s true.” mumbled a half asleep George as his arms snaked around your waist. You couldn’t stop the smile spreading across your lips. “I know, Ginny was right.”

“She’s always right.” They said in unison.

“Now come on, let’s snuggle.” With that, George tugged you down next to him and Fred joined you. The three of you got cozy under a blanket and slowly drifted off, enjoying the body heat of each other.

The next morning, Ginny said ‘I told you so’ more times than you could count, but that was expected, even if you didn’t want to accept it.

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#BlackExcellence365 Spotlight: Aundre Larrow

Hey Tumblr! Our first #BlackExcellence365 Spotlight of 2020 is Aundre Larrow (@aundrelarrow), a Brooklyn-based visual artist whose work has been featured on Adobe, Walmart, Verizon, and more. We got a chance to talk to him about his favorite projects, including his @teenvogue series showcasing the lives of formerly incarcerated women.

Tell us about yourself. When did your passion for photography start?

My name is Aundre Larrow and I’m a black artist based in Brooklyn, New York hailing from South Florida. I’m a Jamaican immigrant, an only child, and a Triscuit lover.

I started taking photos on borrowed film cameras from friends until I turned 15 and my theater teacher gave me his old Minolta SRT 101 as a gift. After that I would use my money from working at Old Navy and whatever I could talk my mom into donating to buy film and get it processed at the Walgreens a mile walk away. The passion started when I realized I could freeze moments I held dear and capture them. I loved getting my film back. I loved sharing it; Making little yearbooks and giving them to friends. I still have some of those prints in my childhood room.

Your work tells many stories, primarily of Black bodies which some photographers find it difficult to capture. What inspired you to make your series about shooting against darker skin tones?

Whew, I don’t know what it is about the phrase Black bodies, but it always hits me hard. I read an article on Mic. And it got me thinking.

I thought back to this teachable moment I had after college. I was interning at the Gainesville Sun. The photo editor had tasked me with taking portraits of the high school athletes in the fall feature, but I didn’t use a hair light. When I came back with the images, he looked at me sideways like “what’re you doing?” We can’t tell where their hair stops. (To make matters worse, I had used a black backdrop.)

I later learned from trial and error, from assisting photographers like Coty Tarr, and from studying the work of folks like Michele Walker, Joshua Kissi. Street etiquette paved the way for me at bevel, TBH.

You recently did a story with Teen Vogue featuring formerly incarcerated women. How did that project impact you and the work you create?

Maaan. You don’t know yourself until you’re in a small room listening to women discuss how painful it is, not being able to see their kids for months and months. One woman explained to me that one parent had abused her, and the other was enraged that she reported it. These women built new identities for themselves while separated from everything they knew. These two quotes will always stick with me:

“When I got out, it wasn’t like a walk in the park or whatever. When you’re in penitentiary, there are certain hours of the morning that you have to stand up to be counted. So I would automatically wake up and stand up. Sometimes, I would get up and lock myself in the bathroom. I spent 18 years in a room with a toilet and a sink. This was the closest thing, you know, to feeling safe. Can’t nobody get to you. It wouldn’t be until my kids would start knocking like, ‘Hey, are you okay?’”

And:

“Our struggle has been from the beginning of time. Like I said, we’re a nurturing species. This doesn’t go for just the Black mother or person. Everybody, every racial background, has their own struggle. But, I think we’ve been beaten, raped, and downtrodden for so long that our will to survive and save the world has become like our bank.

You might not be my son, but if I see you in trouble, I am going to help. If I see the police run up on you, I’m going to throw myself in front of you. If I can save somebody’s son, I am going to do it because that’s how we’ve been built.

We, you know, from the slave ships, we were the ones singing them love songs, belly to belly and all the feces and stuff. We held on and kept everyone together and told them, ‘I love you and just hold on ’cause we gon’ make it.’”

How do you embody the mission of #BlackExcellence365 in your everyday work?

Existing is a form of resistance, no? No, but for real, excellence is something I can’t determine for myself. I simply try to embody the process of creation.

How has Tumblr allowed you to showcase your work and connect with other Black creatives?

Tumblr has brought so so many Black creatives together. Just to name a few, @skinnywashere, @stewyiscool, and Tutes; Tumblr OGs telling the New York story for so many of us to follow along. That community will last forever. Those connections are unbreakable.

When I interviewed @lawrenceagyei he spoke so fondly of finding the work of Joshua Kissi and how it inspired him. It brought a smile to my face

Tumblr gave me the ability to shoot Fashion Week and a platform to share the full story. It’s one of the best things about the platform. Photo stories pop because you decide the weight of each image. It’s easy to share, reshare and show BTS.

Thank you for sharing your story, Aundre!

Tumblr, do yourselves a favor and make sure to check out his photography and follow his journey. And, hey, we wanna hear from you. What other Black Tumblr artists or activists should we spotlight? Use the tag #BlackExcellence365 to let us know.

This interview has been condensed for clarity

#BlackExcellence365 #Black history month #aundre larrow

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uwu-babygorl · 3 years

Note

And also can 1 have #23 for Bokuto? This is my 2nd request hihi Thank youu 🤗

Word Count- 1522

23. “Is that my shirt?”

Letting out a sigh, you walk through the door to your house that you shared with your boyfriend Bokuto. It has been a long and tiring day from having to deal with annoying coworkers, complaining customers and a nasty boss, and all you want to do is get clean, eat something and cuddle with your boyfriend, Bokuto, but you couldn’t do the latter option since he was off to a tournament. You kick off your shoes at the front door before you made your way to your bedroom. You tossed your workbag to the corner of the room and grabbed some clothes before quickly going to the bathroom.

You take your clothes off as the water fills the tub. You put in your favorite bath bomb in the tub. Watching as the color spreads and the scent flows through the room. You look in the mirror, seeing your tired face. You had slight bags under your eyes and your eyes were slightly red from straining them all day. You rub your face before turning to the tub and turning off the water.

You lift your foot and step into the steaming water. You get in completely before relaxing into the water. All the tense muscles in your body calmed down as you lay in the hot water. You lean your head back and close your eyes. All the nerves and irritation that you experienced today just disappeared in an instant.

You wash your body and hair and stayed in for a while longer before your fingers got pruney. You drained the tub and got out. Wrapping the towel around your body and walk into the bedroom. You open your dresser drawer. You pull out a pair of underwear and sleeping shorts before you made your way to the closet and pulling out one of Bokuto’s t-shirts.

You cuddled into the shirt, the smell of his cologne still lingered on it to bring you at ease. You grab your phone and decide to order f/f. You call in your order, gave your address before thanking them and hanging up. Just as you did, your phones makes a ding noise.

Your phone flashes as it shows your lock screen, which was a portrait photo of you wearing Bokuto’s jersey and him lifting you up after a successful game and you two hugging (thanks Atsumu). You unlock it and see he has texted you.

LOML<3:

Hey babe, just wanted to see you and ask about your day!

I miss you like hell! <3

You smile at the message, missing him just as much and if not more than he missed you. You walked downstairs and sit on the couch, waiting for your food, as you reply back to Bokuto.

You:

Hey love, it was an ok day and I miss you badly as well.

But only 2 more weeks! How was your day?

LOML<3:

It was good, got a lot done during practice.

And from the way you talked from your day,

it doesn’t seem good. You wanna talk?

You smile at his sweetness. Even if he’s miles away, he still made your heart skip a beat.

You:

It was just a rough day, that’s all.

When you sent the message, your doorbell rang. You grabbed some money, open the door and pay for the food and giving the delivery guy a small tip. You thank him before closing and locking the door. You go upstairs to your room and lay on the bed. Turning on the tv and watching f/m.

Your phone then rings, showing your face as he was trying to facetime you. You fix your hair some as you press the accept button. Bokuto’s face then appears, he had a bright smile once he say your face. “Hey baby,” he said loudly. You giggle, “hey love. How are you?” You pick up your food and begin to eat as you look at him.

“I’m good babe, I just miss you is all,” he said and finishing with a small pout. “I miss you too but like I said, two weeks and we’ll see each other.” He nod his head, “so I heard you had a bad day. Wanna talk about it?” You just let out a small sigh as you gave a weak smile, “it was just one thing after another. Coming from every direction but I’m happy to be home.”

He nod his head understanding, “I’m sorry I can’t be there for you but hopefully this is helping.” You smile brightly at him, “it is babe. Thank you.” He went to go speak before loud knocks were heard at his door. He got up from his spot on the bed and walked to the door. You continued to eat and watch as he opened the door. “What’s up?” he asked as he spoke to someone. “We’re bored,” you heard Hinata whine from the other end. “Hi Shoyo,” you said excitedly. You saw a head of orange and yellow show on the screen. “Y/N-SAN!” you heard him and Atsumu holler.

The camera shook as you heard Bokuto complain from a distance and Atsumu’s face fully shown on the screen. “Hi,” he said with his usual smirk. You shook your head with a giggle, “hey.” You say Bokuto’s head behind him as you laugh and point, “you might wanna watch out Miya.” He furrowed his eyebrows and before he got the chance to ask, Bokuto launched on his back.

The phone shook before it went black, assuming he dropped it on the floor. You heard them playfully yelling at each other, mixtures of ‘get off’ and ‘you steal her every time we call!’ You laugh out at their child like behavior as the phone is picked up by Shoyo himself. “Hi y/n,” he said with a bright smile. You give a small wave, “hey Shoyo. How are you?”

“I’m great! We did a whole bunch of practice moves. The ball kept going WHOOSH and BLAM and KASHAM. It was great,” he said excitedly in one breath with the biggest smile on his face. You smile at his enthusiasm. That’s one of the main things that your admired about him is that he was always happy and had a bright smile on his face at the things he loved, and you knew that volleyball definitely came first on his mind.

“Well I’m glad things worked out for you Shoyo,” you say softly as he still heard the two boys in the background ‘fight.’ You say Hinata move and noticed the back of a couch, so you knew he sat down. He looked at the phone and flipped the camera where you could see Atsumu and Bokuto messing around. You giggled out, taking a few pictures of them as you continued to eat the rest of your food.

After a moment of them playing around, you say Bokuto kick Atsumu off the bed onto the ground. He jumped up to where he stood on the bed and threw his hands up in victory. “I WIN!” he yelled happily as you smiled at his excited state and took a photo of him. He turned towards the camera when he heard you laugh so he jumped from the bed to the phone. He flipped it back to him with a smug smile on his face, “did you see that babe?” You nodded your head with a giggle, “I did love. Good job.”

You heard Atsumu whine in the background and complaining but Bokuto didn’t acknowledge him. Instead he focused in on the shirt you were wearing. “Is that my shirt?” he asked with a cute smile on his face. You nod your head, “yeah. I just really missed you and… it still has your scent on it.”

You blushed and looked down as you heard them all ‘awe’ at you. “Aww babe I miss you too. So much,’ he said as the other the other two boys giggled out. You smile with a blush still on your face when a sudden yawn escaped your lips.

“You should get some sleep,” Bokuto said with a soft smile in a serious expression. You pout slightly but nod your head as well. “Ok, I’ll talk to you tomorrow love. Don’t stay up too late and good luck at your game tomorrow. I’ll be watching and cheering you guys on,” you say and finish you a smile and a thumbs up.

They all cheered with a nod to their head, “alright y/n. We’ll do our best and win.” Atsumu and Hinata waved you goodbye and left you and Bokuto together. “Good luck Ko. I love you and I’ll talk to you tomorrow,” you say as you blew him a kiss. “Love you too babe. Ill win,” he said with determination written all over his face.

You bid bye one last time before hanging up on him. You sigh softly, plugging up your phone and laying down on your bed. Closing your eyes with a tiny smile on your lips to end the day. It’s great that a horrible day and turn completely around from a simple conversation with someone you love.

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

A/n I’m so sorry I’m taking forever to respond to request. I honestly have no excuse I’ve just been doing them when I know I can actually finish them. Anyway I hope it was to your liking. Bye loves!!

#bokuto #bokuto koutarou #koutarou #bokuto x reader #koutarou x reader #bokuto koutarou x reader #x reader #x y/n #haikyu!!#haikyuu #haikyu!! x reader #haikyuu x reader #volleyball #fukurodani #anime #anime x reader #ace #writing prompt #fanfiction

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alwaysfeelingsaintlike · 3 years

Text

Heartbreak Warfare [G.W]

description: you’ve been summoned to Hogwarts to aid in the war efforts and you know that things will change forever.

warnings: war scenes, death, grief

word count: 5.8k

taglist: @p0gues4l (message me if you would like to be added)

“What’s wrong? What’s happening?” you asked. You had just apparated to the Burrow in response to the coyote patronus George had just sent.

“It’s happening,” he said.

“Right now?”

“Right now. Everyone’s preparing their things, we have to leave soon.” Okay, so it was really happening. You all knew it was going to happen at some point. You squeezed George’s hand, mentally preparing for the journey ahead.

“I’m going with you. I don’t care what you say. I’m contributing to this battle,” you said.

“I know darling. I couldn’t hold you back no matter how hard I tried. We need you. You’re the best healer there is.”

You nodded, knowing he was right and suddenly you felt scared. You began to worry that you might lose George forever. He’d already lost an ear, which in retrospect wasn’t a huge deal, but it could’ve been much worse.

“You okay love?” He said to you. The look of concern on your face must’ve been evident. He wrapped an arm around you and pulled you into him.

“I’m just scared, that’s all.” He rubbed your back and kissed your forehead.

“It’ll be okay, we’ll make it through this. I know we will.” You hoped he was right. You didn’t want to lose him, or anyone else for that matter.

“Come on kids, everyone together now!” Mrs. Weasley called. You circled around the portkey that would take you to Hogsmeade. You all grabbed a hold of the kettle and moments later you were airborne. George took a hold of your hand and everyone let go of the kettle together, floating down onto the familiar grounds. You weren’t sure what the plan was from that point on. You assumed the teachers of Hogwarts were casting protective charms to keep intruders off the grounds. You also didn’t know if the Death Eaters were nearby and about to attack. You landed safely and you knew there wasn’t much time. George seemed to know what to do. He grabbed your hand and you ran off down the deserted road, with Fred following closely behind. You knew better than to ask questions. You trusted them and you knew they had a plan. The three of you entered a run down pub, The Hog’s Head, which was completely abandoned. George approached the portrait of a young girl, with blonde curls and familiar blue eyes. He nodded at her and she gave a small smile before swinging open to reveal a passageway.

“You two always did know the ins and outs of the castle,” you whispered.

“We never had the chance to use this passageway very much. We had no need to,” George said. You walked primarily in silence. You didn’t think you’d ever seen the boys so serious before. George continued to make small gestures of affection toward you, squeezing your hand, gently rubbing your back and kissing your forehead. It was reassuring and contributed to your calm demeanor. You tried to return the favor the best you could, but you couldn’t tell what George was thinking. The silence was killing you. Everything just felt so intense and you weren’t sure you could handle it.

The end of the tunnel seemed to be in sight and you saw a door swing open in front of you. You were in a large room that featured decorations from three of the four Hogwarts houses. Your first instinct told you this was the Room of Requirement. It was the only logical answer.

Once you arrived inside, you were greeted by some familiar faces. Neville informed you that Harry, Hermione and Ron had recently arrived and were in the process of searching for one of the horcruxes. All the students were in the process of preparing for battle and those underage were being escorted to a safe place.

Fred left the room in search of Professor McGonagall. It was your understanding that you were sent in first to communicate with McGonagall so that she could temporarily take down the guards and let in the other Order of the Phoenix members. Some were on their way through various passageways currently, but a majority were waiting to apparate in.

Several of the students left the makeshift common room and you could feel the emotions welling up inside of you. George pulled your hand to move forward but you stood still. He turned around and his expression immediately turned to concern. You felt the tears steadily falling down your check and you felt pathetic. You weren’t normally emotional and it wasn’t often that you cried, but you couldn’t control the feeling taking over you.

“Hey, hey it’s okay dear. It’s okay…” he pulled you into a tight hug.

“I’m-I’m so scared George. What if I can’t do this? What if we’re in too deep? What if…what if I lose you?”

“Shh….shh….don’t speak like that. It’s okay,” he said, just trying to calm you down at this point. He pulled your face up towards his and you looked deep into his face. “Don’t start doubting your abilities now, love. You were born to do this. You always rise to the occasion and exceed everyone’s wildest expectations. This is your moment. And I am going to fight with all of my life to get through this for us. My biggest regret right now is that I didn’t get the chance to marry you when I knew I should have. And maybe this isn’t the best time to do this but I’m done waiting for the perfect moment,” he let go of you, except for your hands. He knelt down on one knee and pulled out a small, velvet jewelry box.

“When we were young, my mum always joked that one of the boys in our family would marry one of the girls in yours. And I always knew it would be you and me. We playfully flirted with each other when we were young, before we even knew what flirting was. We would play pranks on our siblings and relentlessly tease each other, but there was always something special between us. We had fun, but we had our serious moments too, where we could talk about life and our future. Standing here, in the castle where we fell in love, everything feels right. I can remember sneaking up to the astronomy tower to have impromptu make out sessions, cuddling by the fire in the common room, playing footsies at breakfast in the morning, and flying around the quidditch pitch together. Not to mention, the night I snuck in to visit and we spent the night together in this very room. If this is the end for us, at least we had an amazing time together, however short it might have been. But I know this isn’t the end. This is just another adventure. Please, make me the happiest man alive, and promise you’ll marry me?” He opened the box and inside was a brilliant square cut diamond mounted on a gold band.

You were speechless, but tears were flowing again; but this time, they were happy tears. You managed to nod your head and George took the ring out of the box and slid it on your left hand. Moments later his arms were around your waist and his forehead was pressed against yours. You placed your arms around his neck and kissed him passionately as he lifted you off the ground and spun you around. “I love you so much,” you managed to say.

“I love you too,” he said as he kissed you again. “I’m sorry the proposal wasn’t some extravagant event. I had all this stuff planned out for it but I don’t know, this just felt right.”

You had to admit you were certainly taken by surprise but you also appreciated the spontaneity. “No, no this is perfect,” you added before kissing him once again. Suddenly you heard applause and you looked behind you to find a crowd of friends and students smiling and cheering for you.

“It’s about time, mate. I’ve been waiting for you to pop the question for years now,” Fred spoke. He was the first to come over and congratulate you both. He wrapped you in a hug and welcomed you officially to the family, even though you’d been a part of it for years. Before anyone else could come over and make a big deal out of this you spoke.

“Not that we don’t appreciate all your support, but we should probably start preparing for this climactic battle.” For some reason this statement was slightly amusing to some. People had almost completely forgotten the severity of the situation for a brief moment. Before you walked down to the Great Hall, George took your left hand and kissed it, giving special attention to the beautiful ring on your delicate finger. You admired the way it looked and knew that this small trinket would get you through the terrible event that was about to take place. No matter how gruesome or difficult things got, you could look down at your hand and know a piece of George was with you and that alone could bring a smile to your face and provide you with the motivation you needed to keep going.

You scurried down the grand staircase hand-in-hand, careful to anticipate it’s changes. Now more than ever you were feeling like a power couple and you needed that feeling to stick with you for all intents and purposes.

The moment you had been dreading all day had finally come: the moment you had to leave George. You didn’t want to draw out the goodbye but it could be the last time you ever saw him. He looked down at you and you returned his gaze and no words needed to be said. You grabbed his face with your hands and pulled him down to your level as he wrapped his arms around you and squeezed you tight. You weren’t sure how long the kiss lasted but it wasn’t long enough. You pulled away and you tried to hold back the tears that were forming. You opened your mouth to bid him farewell and he put his finger on your lips to shush you.

“Don’t say it. Don’t say what I know you’re about to say. This is not goodbye, Y/N. This is see you in a bit.” You nodded your head at this as he kissed your forehead and you walked your separate ways. You looked down at the ring on your finger and regained your composure as you made your way towards the hospital wing. You had to focus; it was game time. Madame Pomfrey was grateful to see you and she immediately put you to work preparing different elixirs and potions that would combat certain wounds or injuries. You took inventory of the magical substances you had and organized them in a logical manner that allowed both of you easy access. Your last step was to put up a protection spell that specifically shielded the wing. The last thing you needed was duels pouring in and interrupting the healing process. You were already concerned with the space you had to work with. You brought in some extra beds and cots from the dormitories but as far as floor space was concerned, there wasn’t much. You weren’t trying to be pessimistic; you were trying to be realistic by being over prepared. Hopefully you wouldn’t need more space but it was all too likely.

A booming voice came out of nowhere startling you. Madam Pomfrey dropped one of the empty vials she was holding as the voice rang out, "I know that you are preparing to fight. Your efforts are futile. You cannot fight me. I do not want to kill you. I have great respect for the teachers of Hogwarts. I do not want to spill magical blood. Give me Harry Potter, and they shall not be harmed. Give me Harry Potter and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter and you will be rewarded. You have until midnight."

While the deadline was rapidly approaching, it was nice to know you still had a bit of time and death eaters weren’t storming the castle just yet. This could’ve been a ploy by Voldemort to catch everyone off guard but you highly doubted it. You all knew he wanted Harry and if he could attain him without losing any followers he would. He was clever. He knew Harry was just and wouldn’t let innocent people die for him. But there was no way anyone would let Harry leave. He would have to slip away if he planned to approach the Dark Lord. You tried to stop thinking through the situation so much and instead made the most of your time before the blood bath began.

Shelves and shelves of potions, elixirs and medicines filled the hospital wing. You weren’t quite sure what to expect but you kept your wand in hand and prepared for the worst. You were a damn good healer and you were confident in your abilities. Your mental pep talk was interrupted by a loud crashing noise and a series of booms. The battle had begun.

It turned out your preparation in the hospital wing was unnecessary. You wrongfully assumed that this battle would be like a war and that injured fighters would be escorted to the wing. In this situation, however, injuries were minimal; death was overwhelming. The dueling became so intense that wizards and witches were still firing spells while experiencing excruciating pain. You worked with Madame Pomfrey to quickly alter your strategy when you realized people wouldn’t cease fighting. You decided to stock your bags with the most important potions and take to the battlefield, searching for anyone on your side who might need some extra strength.

The scene was horrifying and absolutely chaotic. All of your senses were heightened as you realized you needed to remain alert because there was so much occurring. The worst part was all the bodies lying lifeless around the castle. You decided to transport them to the hospital wing to prevent any further damage to the departed. You also distributed healing potions and elixirs throughout the castle, realizing that two people couldn’t possibly be present for everyone in need.

You darted around, fending off jinxes that were sent your way without engaging in any duels. Across the way, you saw a blast of fire and felt like your help was needed. You ran over and found Percy hissing in pain as his arms, hands and neck were scorched. He quickly paralyzed his opponent and took a moment to relieve his burns with some cold water.

“Here, here. Let me help,” you spoke up, knowing water would only temporarily relieve the pain. You quickly grabbed a tube of burn-healing paste and lathered it over the affected areas. “This should only take a few minutes to work and then you’ll be good as new.”

“Thanks Y/N.”

“It’s good to see you again, Perce,” you smiled at him. You left him sitting and went to find others in need of help. But you made a grave mistake.

“Y/N, look out!” You heard someone call. Before you had time to react you heard a spell whiz past your ear. You turned around to find Dolohov with his wand raised fly backwards after being hit with the Stupefy spell. How could you have been so stupid? You didn’t check the surrounding area and almost found yourself dead. You were a little shaken up. You turned around to see who had saved you and saw Fred standing on a perch. He raised his eyebrows and gave you a head nod, his nonverbal way of saying you’re welcome. You took a few steps over to thank him and suddenly there was an explosion from the outside. Fred’s back was turned and he didn’t have time to move out of the way. The wall and ceiling came crashing in and landed a few feet shy of you. You looked over to see Fred was no longer visible, likely trapped under a pile of debris. The noise from the explosion blew out your eardrums, and all you could hear was a high-pitched ringing. You started to feel light headed but you still managed to make your way over to Fred as Percy followed close behind you. Percy took the liberty of magically removing the broken pieces of wood and brick so you could reach the twin.

You saw the crooked smile plastered on his face as the color slowly left his cheeks. You placed your hand on his cheek and felt his skin grow cold and you started sifting through your bag of potions, hoping there was something here that might save him. Then you felt Percy’s hand on your shoulder and you knew it was too late. He was gone. You felt your legs go weak and a moment later you were on the floor and tears were in your eyes. You weren’t sure if it was the aftermath of the explosion or the sudden onset depression but moments later everything went black.

“Y/N. Y/N, dear,” you heard. You opened your eyes and squinted at the figure above you. Madame Pomfrey. You took a deep breath in and slowly sat up as you were still seeing stars. You looked around and saw a few other students recovering in the beds of the hospital wing.

“What…what happened?”

“You passed out. There was an explosion and it shook you up a little bit. You’re all right now, you’ve been here resting for a bit. But the war is over. We emerged victorious.” A wave of relief rushed over you before the memories of the battle came to light. You just kept replaying the explosion and the expression on Fred’s face when you found him. It just made you feel numb. He didn’t deserve that. “Why don’t you go out to the Great Hall and let people know you’re okay.” You nodded and slowly walked out of the hospital wing to hopefully be reunited with friends and family. You just couldn’t stop picturing Fred’s face and you began to worry that George might have passed too. You wouldn’t be able to handle that so instead of thinking about it, you waited, hoping to see him soon enough.

You walked into the Great Hall and found people sitting in small groups scattered among the four long tables, huddled in blankets and covered in blood, sweat and tears. One of the tables was reserved for the bodies of those who didn’t make it through the war. People would walk around in search of loved ones, hoping they wouldn’t find a familiar face. You couldn’t be around any other people at the moment; it was too hard to see their pain. You sat by yourself and put your head in your lap, trying to take deep breaths to prepare yourself for what might happen next.

“Y/N,” you heard someone faintly call. You slowly lifted your head to see Hermione approaching. She threw her hands around your neck and squeezed you tight, as you tried to return the affection. “Thank God you made it. Are you alright?” she asked. You nodded wordlessly and she led you over to where a few of the Weasleys were congregated. Percy, Molly and Ron were there. Hermione informed you that they were waiting for the others to see who had made it. Percy and Ron were comforting Molly and you assumed that meant she knew about Fred. Your heart dropped to see her look so sad and shedding silent tears. They each hugged you and greeted you warmly, despite the somber mood.

“We, uh, we lost Fred,” Ron whispered to you, as he pointed out the ginger body resting on the table a few feet away. You nodded and whispered, “I’m sorry,” unsure of what else to say. Ron just rubbed your back and put an arm around you. “Who else has made it that we know of?”

“Dad and Bill are okay. They’re helping clean up around the castle and bringing in bodies with some of the others. Harry’s around here somewhere.”

You shifted your attention yet again to the table supporting the corpses when you spotted a few allies. You lightly gasped and said, “Tonks and Lupin?” The two bodies were lying side by side, almost as if they were holding hands.

“Yeah, they fought bravely but it wasn’t enough,” he replied. You nodded yet again before asking the question that was burning in your throat.

“Have you heard from George at all?”

Ron looked at you with sad eyes and shook his head no. You accepted his answer and took a seat on the bench. Ron put his arm around you and rubbed your shoulder in a very brotherly manner. Hermione provided some comfort as well saying things like, “I’m sure he’s fine Y/N. He’ll turn up.” While you knew she meant well, it was only making things worse for you.

“I’m going to get some fresh air. I’ll be back.” You stood up and walked out to what was left of the Entrance Hall and made your way out to the Viaduct Courtyard. This was one of your favorite spots at Hogwarts and you had so many memories here. You would often hang out here in between classes or study when the weather was nice.

Once you and George started dating, he would prepare little scavenger hunts for you on special occasions with little gifts laid out that reminded him of you and the last spot was always here, where George would be waiting with another surprise. This just became your place, where you would meet before meals or in between classes. It was an unspoken place you shared that no one else knew about.

You walked a few steps further and sat on the ledge beneath one of the arches. This was the exact spot where George told you he would be leaving Hogwarts and he refused to let you come with him. And then a few hours later, you sat here and watched as he departed with the accompaniment of a fireworks display.

You weren’t sure if it was the trip down memory lane or if all the events of today were getting to you but you started to cry. The tears were silent, slowly slipping down your cheeks, as you were still too numb to emote properly. You sat there and toyed around with your wand casting little charms to keep your mind distracted. You had no idea how long you’d been sitting there but you were completely zoned out to the world. You didn’t hear the footsteps approaching or notice a shadow growing closer to you. It wasn’t until you heard the words, “Hey stranger,” that you were pulled from your daze.

You looked up and saw a tall figure with ginger hair standing in front of you. Your fiancée. You tried to stop crying and smile at him before you dropped your wand and threw yourself into his arms.

“You’re okay! I love you so much,” you said, as your tears rapidly increased. He stroked the back of your head and buried his head into your neck, taking in the scent of your hair.

“Come here,” he said, pulling your face up towards his. He gave you a sweet, passionate kiss, which confirmed that you weren’t dreaming and George was actually here with you. You put your hand on his cheek and soon you pulled away. You looked deep into his eyes and lightly stroked his cheek with your thumb. Suddenly the image of Fred’s face entered your mind and you felt a chill go down your spine. You quickly pulled your hand away from George’s cheek and held it close to your heart.

“What’s wrong, love?” he asked, noting your sudden movement, “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.” His choice of words couldn’t have been worse. You felt your eyes well up with tears and a second later you were sobbing. He pressed you close to his chest and rubbed your back and shoulders, “Shh…shh…it’s okay.”

“I’m sorry, George. I’m so, so sorry. It’s all my fault,” you kept repeating. He continued to try and calm you down but nothing was working. It was clear that he didn’t know. He hadn’t checked in with the rest of his family first. Instead he found you. How could you possibly break this news to him?

“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault and I understand if you hate me and you don’t want to marry me anymore.”

“Y/N, what are you talking about?” he asked, concerned. He attempted to pull your gaze up to meet his but you couldn’t look him in the eye. He slowly sat you back on the ledge and squatted to the ground to reach your eye level. Your crying had only gotten worse and no matter how many times he wiped the tears away, they always returned.

“Y/N, take a deep breath, okay?” you did as he said and inhaled deeply a few times. “Now please tell me what’s happened.”

You knew there was no way you could explain the situation to him but at the same time you knew he was growing anxious being left in the dark. “It’s Fred…” you whispered. You saw his face drop and you put your head down once again. You couldn’t see him cry. You couldn’t see him devastated. He took your hands and stood up, pulling you up from the ledge. He hugged you once again as you continued crying. Your sobbing eventually dulled to simple tears again, as you probably didn’t have much left in you. He put his arm around your shoulder and you made your way back to the Great Hall.

Things didn’t get much easier. George tried to stay strong but as soon as he saw Fred’s body, he broke down. He kneeled down at his side and started weeping, as you stood behind him wrapped in a blanket, struggling to keep your tears to a minimum. You wanted to comfort George but you didn’t know what you could say to make this any better. You bent over and wrapped your arms around his neck from behind and whispered, “I’m sorry.” You stepped back and slumped down at the neighboring table, cradling your face in your crooked elbow as you sobbed once again. Hermione took the seat next to you and held onto your hand, letting you know she was there if you needed her. Every so often, there was a hand that ran up and down your spine to comfort you. Soon you ended up tiring yourself out with all the crying and you fell into a light sleep, a small moment of peace for the day.

You awoke when you felt Hermione squeeze your hand and let go as she stood up from the bench. She whispered something to Ron, you assumed, and the light touch on your back ended as well. It was then you noticed things had gotten quiet. There was no longer a murmur of general chatter, the sighs of relief upon finding another living loved one, and there were no more tears being shed over the lost. You felt someone sit down next to you and an arm wrapped around your shoulder. No words were spoken but you found yourself waking up more as you leaned your head into your latest visitor. You took a deep breath in and smelled a familiar musk that you knew belonged to George.

“Hey,” he said as he saw your eyes flutter open.

“Hi,” you mumbled.

“You get all the tears out?” he asked you, half jokingly.

You gave him a very small smile and said, “Yeah, I think I’ve dried out.”

“Okay, good. Let’s go talk somewhere.” He took your hands and helped you up. You saw the Great Hall was nearly empty but a walk and a change of scenery was exactly what you needed. You walked in silence but George held your hand the whole time. You glanced down at your left hand and the glimmer of a diamond caught your eye. The ring was absolutely beautiful but after tonight you weren’t sure what would happen between you and George.

You reached the top of the Astronomy Tower and you assumed this was your destination. You looked up at the stars in the sky and found the view to be stunning. After all the destruction of the castle and the horrible events that occurred today, the stars in the sky were still beautiful and the world kept spinning.

“Promise me you won’t cry again?” he said as he sat down on the cold, stone floor. “I can’t watch you cry anymore. It makes me sad.”

You nodded your head and joined him on the ground, “I’ll try not to, but no promises.”

“Okay, now I know this might be hard for you but I need you to talk to me. What happened with Fred?”

You took a deep breath before you explained the situation to him. “During the battle, I found myself running around and helping to heal people who were injured. Percy was burned pretty badly so I stopped and gave him some cream. Once I finished, I departed without scanning my surroundings and Dolohov was right there, about to curse me. Fred spotted it and called out to warn me before hitting Dolohov with a stunning curse. I turned around to thank him and suddenly there was an explosion. The wall and ceiling caved in, trapping Fred. I went to help him but…it was too late. I’m sorry.”

There was a long moment of silence as George processed everything you had just said. You saw the pain in his face and you knew what was coming, so you made it easier on him. You took the delicate ring off your finger and placed it in his hand. He looked up at you and went to speak but you cut him off.

“I understand if you never want to see me again and we don’t have to get married. I know this is all my fault.”

“Y/N, stop. It’s not your fault that this happened.”

“It is my fault. I’m the reason he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. If I had just been more careful and paid attention, things would have been fine. Then you would still have your best friend and you wouldn’t be in so much pain right now.”

“Do you know what the last thing Fred said to me was?” you shook your head no so he would continue. “He said to me ‘You can make it through anything as long as you have her by your side. She’s special, so don’t screw it up.’ And I think he’s right. Fred risked his life to save yours, and in doing that he saved mine too. If I had lost you, I would have been majorly depressed; I would’ve become a different person; I would’ve stopped living. While Fred’s death is extremely painful for me, I know a part of Fred will always live within me. I know this isn’t easy for you either, but you have to stop blaming yourself for this. It isn’t your fault. The only way to accept what’s happened and to start healing is for you to recognize you are not to blame.”

You nodded at him as one silent tear slid down your cheek. He brought you close to him and kissed your temple. You felt better after hearing George and you knew you would have to work together to get through this. “How are we gonna tell Angelina?” you shyly asked, thinking of Fred’s pregnant wife. He insisted she stay safe at home. Surely this news would kill her.

He sighed, “We’ll find a way. She’s going to need us more than anything to help her get through this. Especially with the pregnancy. It’s going to be so much harder on her because she’s lost her other half.”

“What if she hates me…?” you whispered.

“Y/N, look at me,” he grabbed your shoulders and made direct eye contact with you, “This is not your fault. No one is blaming you. So please stop, okay?” you nodded as he spoke these words to you very clearly. While you still felt responsible for what had happened, you knew that George was being reasonable and that he was probably right. It just wasn’t something you could automatically accept. He gently took your left hand and slid the gorgeous ring back onto your finger.

“You still wanna get married, right?” he asked you.

You smiled and kissed him lightly on the lips, “Yes, but I think we should wait. Let all this madness pass and then we can focus on planning the best wedding there ever was.”

“That sounds like a wonderful plan. Now, are you ready to go home and get some rest?”

You nodded and you both stood up. He put his arm around you and you apparated back to your cozy apartment. It had indeed been a long day and you were physically and emotionally drained. George rinsed off in the shower quickly before letting you get in. Cleaning all the blood and grime off your skin genuinely made you feel better. It was like you were ridding yourself of all the bad feelings. You toweled off and put on one of George’s T-shirts before you joined him in bed. You curled up next to him and noticed that for the second time today, he was crying. He quickly wiped away his tears once he realized you had joined him, probably so you didn’t start crying again. But you felt stronger now and you knew you had to help George heal since this was quite a burden on him. You put your arm around his neck and turned him towards you, so that his head was resting on your chest.

“It’s your turn to be sad and my turn to be supportive,” you said as you kissed his forehead and ran your fingers through his hair. He turned his full body toward you and wrapped his arms around your torso, pulling you close. You continued to gently scratch his back and arm as his tears started up again. You whispered comforting words to him but you didn’t deter him from letting everything out. Soon his breathing turned steady and you assumed he was asleep. You took that as your cue to close your eyes and try to get some rest. Your lives had changed drastically in more than one way today, but you knew as long as you stuck together, everything would be okay.

#george weasley x reader #george weasley x y/n #george weasley fanfic #weasley twins fanfic #hp fanfic #battle of hogwarts

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be11atrixthestrange · 3 years

Text

Waking Up In Vegas Chapter 15

After a night of debauchery, Ron and Hermione wake up in Vegas... married.

Muggle!AU. Romcom!Romione. Slow burning, smutty, angst-fest.

Rated M.

Ao3 | FFN

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*Six Weeks Later*

[Ron]

The flat is small but well-arranged. Bookshelves line the walls from floor to ceiling, maximizing the vertical space that only one of its residents can fully use. The kitchen is sparkling clean, save for two empty red wine-stained glasses in the sink. Usually, the dishes would be washed and stacked away before the clock strikes bedtime, but last night other, more fun activities got in the way.

The apartment's decor is simple — it has to balance the strikingly orange accent wall behind the television. The only other thing commanding attention is the large painting of a cityscape hanging on the wall across from the entry. It's an artistic rendering of a well-known skyline, characterized by neon lights, a replica of the Eiffel Tower, and a series of flashy hotels. Although the portrait might be recognizable to many, it's meaningful to only a few.

As the morning light peeks through the windows, the bedroom's blinds give up on filtering it out. The sun casts a ray across the pillows, illuminating the two sleeping figures entangled together in bed. Gentle and mild, the light is easier to ignore than an intense desert beam, and it takes a few moments for the tall, red-haired man to open his eyes.

When he does, he turns onto his side to bury his face into his pillow. The bed is warm and comfortable — the satin sheets were a worthwhile investment. Same for the pillow, which somehow maintains the perfect combination of cold and cozy. Ever since they bought a new, albeit expensive mattress, his back problems have become a thing of the past.

He smiles at the mountain of fluffy blankets beside him, topped with spirals of bushy brown locks. There's so much goddamn hair. It looks like a plush volcano of cushions is erupting with curly brown hair. He can't decide what he loves more: the explosion of brunette, the bright orange Chudley Cannons t-shirt, the black mens' boxers that have a little too much fabric for a woman, or the person it all belongs to.

Well, technically, the Cannons t-shirt and boxers are his, or at least, were his. But marriage is about sharing.

"Morning, wifey."

Hermione groans and covers her face with a pillow. "Too early."

Ron slips an arm around his wife, encouraging her to turn toward him. She obliges and snuggles up into the crook of his arm, where she fits perfectly. He presses a kiss to her forehead and nuzzles his head into her hair.

It would be easy to stay like this forever, ignoring real-life responsibilities. In a way, their bed has become an escape from reality, an oasis built upon the lessons they learned in Las Vegas. Defined by frequent 'I love you's, reprieves from work, and late-night explorations fueled by a glass of wine and the need to destress, it's the place that keeps them anchored to the magic. Who wouldn't want to stay forever?

But alas, they can't, as they have Maid of Honor and Best Man duties to attend to. Today is Harry and Ginny's wedding, and within a few hours, they need to transition from the carefree vacationers they became in Vegas to the highly organized planners helping to orchestrate the festivities.

Ron groans. Although their friends know they're together — they put on quite a show back in Las Vegas, after all — they haven't revealed the extent of their relationship, and the worst part about being in public together is pretending that Hermione's just his girlfriend.

"We should just tell everyone," murmurs Ron into Hermione's hair.

She chuckles and snuggles closer. "After the wedding. Let's not steal their thunder."

Steal their thunder. To be honest, Ron has frequently fantasized about stealing Harry and Ginny's thunder. A small part of him is jealous of their hen and stag weekend in Las Vegas and their elaborate wedding. Ron wants everyone to celebrate him and Hermione, and as time passes, he grows more desperate for them all to know.

"I want to steal their thunder."

"I know." Hermione gently pushes him over on his back and slides on top of him. The movement is swift and natural, and as always, she fits like a glove.

"Hmmm, hi," he says right before their lips meet. The kiss lingers; Hermione's teeth lightly latch to his bottom lip, driving him wild. Without breaking their kiss, Hermione shifts some of her weight onto her hips. She knows exactly what she's doing, and if Ron doesn't stop this train, they'll be late.

"Er-my-nee," he groans, pulling away. She pouts at him with her wide chocolate brown eyes, and it's all he can do to resist tangling himself back up in her arms. "Can I ask you a question?"

"What?"

"Do you wish we had more thunder?"

Hermione brushes a tuft of hair from Ron's forehead. "Sometimes. But I still wouldn't change a thing."

Ron smiles as she leans down for another kiss. Her fingers thread into her wild curls, prompting him to flip her over and land on top. He groans when she wraps her legs around his waist.

"You know we don't have time for this," he says between kisses. "We should get rea—"

"Shhhhh." She pulls him into her embrace and tightens her leg lock around his hips. "There's always time."

"Hey!" he teases, then leaning down toward her ear to whisper, "I take offense to that."

Ron doesn't give her time to respond before connecting his mouth to hers for another kiss. He can smell his cologne from the night before on her skin, yet it still tastes like Hermione when his lips travel from her mouth to the nape of her neck. A soft moan escapes her lips and sends him into a tizzy that leaves nothing else to do but get lost in her.

Six weeks in, and he's still convinced he'll never get sick of snogging Hermione Granger.

Plus, she's right — there's always time.

Harry and Ginny's wedding is just as elaborate as their weekend of partying in Las Vegas, but of course, classy. The venue is a converted warehouse, which initially horrified Molly, Ron and Ginny's mum, but it's unrecognizable after a few hours of decorating. They tie the knot underneath a trellis of climbing vines and twinkling lights illuminating the exposed brick wall behind them. Cafe lights drape from the ceiling beams, filtering the room's color just enough that everyone appears to glow. Each row of seats is marked by a simple bouquet and a periwinkle ribbon that matches the color of the bridesmaids' dresses, and the aisle appears to have been assaulted by flower petals, courtesy of Victoire, Ron and Ginny's niece, who recently discovered the true strength of her throwing arm.

Ginny has insisted that she and Harry walk down the aisle together as equals. Although originally disgruntled at the pushback on tradition, their father, Arthur, chokes up when he watches the pair approach the altar. Ginny's eyes sparkle with rare tears, and Harry can't keep his gaze off her radiant smile.

They're a couple in love, and there's not a doubt in the room.

Ginny's dress is simple — Hermione had said something about satin, but Ron doesn't remember the details. It's one of those dresses that doesn't dare pull focus from the woman wearing it, not that any dress could. Ron's always resented the Weasleys' fiery red hair and the way it sticks out like a sore thumb, but Ginny makes him think that maybe it isn't so bad after all.

While everyone watches the couple, Ron chances a glance at Hermione across the altar. He can hardly stand seeing her in her periwinkle bridesmaid dress, and he hopes to heaven his gawking isn't too noticeable. When he shifts his eyes in her direction, she turns her head back toward the bride and groom.

She was checking him out, too.

He doesn't have to keep his eyes on her for his imagination to run wild. That periwinkle dress turns white, and suddenly it's Hermione walking down the aisle. Her hair is tucked up into a spiral on top of her head, a few wisps escaping to frame her face.

Since it's his sister's wedding, Ron forces the image out of his mind, but he can't stop a wistful smile from forming on his lips and staying there throughout the ceremony.

When Harry and Ginny arrive at the altar, the music slows to a stop, and the officiant steps out from behind a curtain.

"Well, hello, folks!" says the blonde-haired man in a thick, mumbling American accent.

The wedding guests stare in silence at the man, who's dressed in white from head to toe, a greasy black wig barely covering his blonde locks.

Harry and Ginny burst into laughter, which breaks the seal for everyone else to follow suit.

"Yes! You got an Elvis impersonator!" shouts Fred, Ron and Ginny's brother, from the front row. "Someone check Mum's pulse."

With that, Ron snaps his head toward his mum, whose face has collapsed into her hands. Her body is heaving with what can only be sobs, or…

Laughter. Ron grins when he realizes that his mother's laughing hysterically.

At Molly's outburst, the tension and stuffiness of a formal event dissipate, and the ceremony continues flawlessly, having now been marked by Harry and Ginny's personalities. Elvis speaks to their bond, and even though he doesn't know the couple, he manages to capture how they approach life, always wearing their hearts on their sleeves and marching to their own beat. They've written heartfelt but humorous vows, expertly eliciting laughs and tears from their guests while they read them with shaky hands. They share their first kiss as a married couple to a round of applause and a standing ovation. Emboldened by the support, Harry picks up Ginny and drapes her over his shoulder as he skips back down the aisle to a chorus of cheers and whistles.

The wedding party follows the happy couple back down the aisle, starting with Ron and Hermione. They link arms and lock eyes, sharing a small, knowing smile. Ron wonders if she's also imagining the roles reversed, everyone clapping and celebrating for them as they traipse down the aisle after tying the knot.

What would the pseudo-Elvis have said about them if this were their ceremony, not Harry and Ginny's? Would he have spoken to how they disliked each other when they first met, and the utter disbelief they felt when they woke up next to one another in bed? Maybe he'd have talked about their strong determination to get a divorce and straighten everything out, followed by the looming 'what ifs' that kept knocking. What if they gave it a chance? What if they opened their hearts and it worked out? What if it was meant to be?

Maybe Elvis would have told a white lie at their request, saving their families the heartache of learning that they missed the original wedding, even though Ron and Hermione kind of missed it too.

That would be best wouldn't it? They could hire an Elvis to spin a new love story for their family, so they could keep the real one to themselves—not due to shame, but the simple fact that it's theirs.

Ron can't help but wonder.

Rather than a formal sit-down dinner, the ceremony transitions straight into a party. The delicate set-up of chairs and flowers clears into a dance floor. The doors to the warehouse open to an outdoor deck complete with a buffet and a dessert table, and a crowd forms at the bar.

Tugged away by Ginny, Hermione disappears into the crowd, and Ron becomes absorbed by friends and relatives. He'd rather stick with Hermione, but before he can locate her again, he's trapped in a conversation with long-lost family members. Old cousin Barny, Auntie Muriel and her flavor of the week — a scruffy looking man who introduces himself as Argus, and a neighbor who used to babysit when he was a toddler — he smiles through it all.

"Anyone special in your life, Ron?"

"I noticed the way you were looking at the brunette."

"Is it serious?"

"Should we be marking our calendars for another wedding?"

He deflects the expected questions — the ones that could draw attention away from the happy couple — with suggestive 'maybes' and 'we'll sees' although the truth, or at least a version of the truth, is evident on his face.

Yes, there is someone special. Yes, he was probably gawking at the beautiful brunette. Yes, it's serious enough that they live together.

"You're living together before you're married?" Auntie Muriel chimes in her most dismissive, judgemental tone.

Ron gives her a guilty look, a 'we're already married, you just don't know,' but to her, it's an admission of living together in sin.

"Well, I hope for your sake, she's the one."

"She definitely is," he says, nodding in a way he hopes ends the conversation.

Ron eventually negotiates an escape from small talk and heads to the bar for a slight reprieve. He slides into a seat and accepts a generous glass of champagne from the bartender. One sip reveals just how thirsty he is, and he lets out a satisfied sigh of relief before indulging in the rest of his glass.

"Another?" asks the bartender once he finishes.

"Erm, sure. Thanks."

While the bartender refills his glass, Ron takes a quick scan of the room. He's looking for Hermione, but she's nowhere to be found. His search doesn't last long as a certain someone slides into the barstool next to him and interrupts.

"Thank you for being here," says the dark-haired man beside him. "It means a lot."

"Ugh, not you," groans Ron, but his tone is laden with a touch of sarcasm only his best friend can decipher. "Should I say congratulations?"

"Yes, please," grins Harry. "Even though you've said it a million times."

"Well, you should soak it up because tomorrow, I'm done congratulating you," he says. "So needy."

"Cheers to you too," says Harry, clanking his champagne glass against Ron's.

"I've been meaning to ask you," says Ron, remembering Harry and Ginny's elaborate ceremony. "Why Elvis?"

Harry laughs. "Oh, Ludo? We met him at one of the casinos in Vegas."

"And you just asked him to officiate your wedding?"

"Well, he offered, and we didn't have anyone else," shrugged Harry. "To be honest, we were kind of drunk when we agreed, but Ginny wanted to bring some of Las Vegas into the wedding, so it worked out."

"Well, I liked him. I thought it was brilliant."

"I agree," grinned Harry. "So, will I get to congratulate you anytime soon?"

"Congratulate me for what?"

Harry rolls his eyes, aware that Ron is playing dumb. "Do you think you and Hermione will ever get married?"

"What makes you ask that?" Ron looks over at his best friend, and his expression that's full of excitement. Part of Ron loves that he and Hermione are the only people who know about their marriage. Another part of Ron just wishes he could share it all with his best friend. It doesn't feel right keeping him in the dark.

"You live together and seem pretty happy," continues Harry, oblivious to Ron's internal debate. "I'll admit, at first, I thought you two were moving fast, but you seem well suited for each other."

"After Hermione, you'll be the second person to know," says Ron, grinning at his friend.

"I'll take it!" says Harry. "Can I give you one piece of advice?"

"Sure, mate." Ron can't help but smirk — Harry's been married for barely two hours and is already touting marriage advice. Typical.

"If you know she's the one, don't overthink it. You'll just waste time."

Ron laughs softly. "I don't think that will be an issue for me."

"Good. I'm going to find my wife," says Harry, emphasizing the word like he's trying it on for size. "And you should go dance with your girlfriend. She looks like she could use a hand."

Harry motions across the room to where Hermione and Luna are alone at a cocktail table. There she is. Hermione's stiff body language is a stark contrast to Luna's eccentric gestures, and it appears that Hermione has become an unwilling audience for one of Luna's wild conspiracy theories.

"Happily," mutters Ron as Harry saunters off to find Ginny.

Ron meanders across the room to rescue Hermione from Luna's verbal clutches. Since she doesn't see him approach, he decides to surprise her by sneaking up behind her and looping his arms around her waist.

"Hi, girlfriend," he whispers into her ear.

"Hmmm." She seems to melt into his touch ."Hi, boyfriend."

"Sorry, Luna," says Ron, as he slides a hand down Hermione's arm and interlaces his fingers with hers. "I'm going to steal Hermione away for a dance."

"Of course! Have fun, you two," Luna says before turning around toward the crowd and skipping away, presumably in search of another unsuspecting guest to engage with.

"She's a lot, isn't she?" asks Ron.

"She's not too bad, once you get to know her. She's just talkative, that's all."

Ron tugs Hermione toward the dance floor where a smattering of couples intertwine, swaying to one of the rare slow songs in the D.J.'s repertoire. She wraps her arms around his neck, and he tightens his embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head.

"It's a little weird to call you my girlfriend."

"It sounds wrong," she says, her voice muffled by his dress shirt. "I was never your girlfriend. It's probably how people feel when they first start saying 'wife' or 'husband.'"

"I reckon you're right."

Ron reflects on the first time he called Hermione "wifey." It didn't feel weird at all, probably because it was a joke. Eventually, the joke just turned real.

"Hubby suits you better, anyway," says Hermione. She always seems to know what he's thinking, but he doesn't mind one bit.

"I agree, love." Even now, Hermione can still make his cheeks tinge red with a simple statement. "Are you enjoying the wedding?"

He can feel her nodding against his chest. "Yeah," she mumbles. "Although, it was a lot of work. Are you?"

Ron shrugs. "Ours was better, I think."

Hermione laughs. "I'm sure it was. Too bad we can't remember it."

Out of the corner of his eye, Ron can see Harry and Ginny embracing on the dance floor, surrounded by his grinning family. A spotlight shines on them, and at the sound of clinking glasses, they lock eyes and share a kiss. When they make contact, the bystanders whoop and whistle. "Maybe they should have gotten hitched in Vegas like us. This is a lot of commotion."

"Well, you know Harry and Ginny," says Hermione as she loosens her embrace to glance over at the couple. "They like their parties."

"They do," he says, tugging Hermione back into his arms. "What would you have done if this was your wedding?"

Ron expects Hermione to take some time for her answer, but surprisingly, she has one at the ready. "It would have been smaller. Maybe a live band instead of a D.J. And red velvet cake."

Ron smiles into her hair as she continues.

"I probably wouldn't have had a huge wedding party. Probably just a maid of honor. Intimate rooftop ceremony. I'd write my own vows. I even have photos of my dream dress."

Ron chuckles. "You have it all planned out."

"I never really planned it, I just knew." She's smiling when she pulls away and meets his eye, but her smile fades into a frown. "But seriously, I wouldn't change a thing."

She must have interpreted his pensive look as disappointment. "Hermione?"

"Yes?"

"Let's plan it."

"Plan what?"

"Our rooftop wedding," he says as the color pink creeps up his neck.

"Ron, we're already married." Despite her deadpan tone, there's a twinkle in her eye and a soft smirk hiding behind her lips.

"Then let's get married again."

She narrows her eyes at him, and Ron can almost see the gears turning inside her head. "You don't think that would be a waste of time and money?"

"No. Not at all. Plus, I couldn't stop picturing you walking down the aisle today, and I'd love to see you in your dream dress."

She leans back and stares at him for a few moments, clearly running questions through her mind. When she finally speaks, her eyes are glassy with held-back tears, and a smile lifts her words. "You're serious?"

"Hermione Granger," he states in his most serious tone. "Will you marry me again?"

Their feet stop moving, and she bores her gaze into his. Her answer is swimming in her eyes, but he waits for her to verbalize it. "Of course I will. I'd marry you every day."

Ron barely has time to smile before she's pressing her lips against his. He responds so enthusiastically that it could very well be their first or thousandth kiss, lifting her gently off her feet. They're probably drawing attention to themselves, but Ron doesn't mind. It's like she's the only person in the room.

That seems to happen a lot.

Ron sets her back down and slides his hands down her arms, landing at her unadorned fingers. He rubs a thumb across her left hand, desperately wishing he had brought the ring. He didn't think to bring it to the wedding.

The ring — a modest emerald-cut solitaire in yellow gold, is still safely stashed in his bedside drawer, hidden by a few football magazines. He had a whole plan that didn't include a quiet proposal at someone else's wedding, but sometimes the best things in life are accidents.

"I have a ring, you know."

"You do?" she asks, her eyebrows raised. "You planned this?"

Ron laughs. "Well, sort of. But I wasn't planning on asking you tonight. Didn't want to steal anyone's thunder."

"When were you going to ask?"

He had it all planned out. A surprise candlelight dinner at their flat. A homemade cocktail — his best attempt at Liquid Luck. Slow-dancing in a dimly lit living room, furniture pushed against the wall to make room. Dropping to one knee in the middle of a dance. Strawberries and whipped cream. It would have been perfect.

But this is perfect too.

"I was going to propose six months in. Since that's when you can finally divorce me if you want to—"

"Right. Divorce," she scoffs. "When did you buy the ring?"

Ron averts his gaze when he answers. He hasn't planned on telling her this part. "In Las Vegas."

"That early?" she asks, her tone suspicious.

He nods.

"You knew you wanted to stay with me?"

"Of course, I did. Didn't you know, too?"

She smiles and answers him with another kiss. This time it's slow and loving, taking its time. Their bodies seem to melt together into one.

"That would have been so sweet," she says when they eventually break free.

"We can stick to the original plan if you'd prefer that—"

"No!" Her eyes widen as if she's afraid he'll take it back. "When have we ever followed plans?"

Ron grins. There it is — that spontaneous Hermione that only he gets to see. "And you were worried 'Vegas Hermione' would disappear completely," he says, tucking a hair behind her ear.

"I guess she's here to stay," says Hermione as she nestles her head into the crook of Ron's neck where it fits so perfectly. "I love you so much, Ron."

"I love you more, fiance."

Ron can't help but wince at her new title. 'Fiance' sounds just as odd as 'girlfriend,' and it'll only be true for a small fraction of their lives together — not enough time to get used to it.

"I still like 'wifey' better," she says as though reading his mind.

He does too. "Then I guess we have another wedding to plan."

"I guess we do," she says. "And what about our real wedding? Do you want to tell people?"

"Should we?"

"No," she says before securing her arms around his neck. "That wedding can stay ours."

Ron smiles as his lips meet hers. The desire for everyone to know is still there, but less so. They'll get to celebrate a 'real' wedding together, their guests blissfully ignorant of Ron and Hermione's little secret. It's a perfect plan, really.

Someday they might reveal the truth. They might let it slip in conversation, or accidentally admit it to Harry and Ginny after a few cocktails, or decide to tell their future children.

But until then, their original wedding can just be theirs.

*THE END*

#be11a_vegas #Ron Weasley #ronweasley #Hermione Granger #hermionegranger #Ron and Hermione #ron x hermione #ROMIONE #romione fanfic #romione fanfiction #romionecom #hpromione #muggle AU

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galli-writes · 3 years

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(Click here to read on Ao3!)

fandom: Teen Titans

pairing: BBRae

genre/warnings: AU - Canon Divergence; Implied/Referenced Abuse, Abusive Parents, Childhood Trauma, Graphic Depictions of Violence

additional tags: Angst, Family Issues, Friendship/Love, Protectiveness, Slow Burn, Romance, Hurt/Comfort, Love Confessions

summary:

There are a few things that Beast Boy knows for certain:

He’s 21….and a total lightweight. He’s a vegan (but not like…a pretentious vegan). He’s not going to be single forever.

And the Teen Titans are the only family he’ll ever need.

a/n: Hello everyone! I am finally back--though in a way I guess I never really left. I've been working on this fic on an off since I last posted, but things have been so busy that it's been rather slow going. I'm going to try REALLY hard to keep to a more consistent schedule going forward. The fic is entirely written, but needs some pretty heavy editing. I'm going to shoot for an upload every other Friday from here on out. Thank you all so much for being patient!

Chapter 5: A Helping Hand (words 6,264)

It wasn’t often that Beast Boy played hooky. At least, not when he thought there was a good chance Robin would catch him. Skipping practice was a serious no-go, outside of a few exceptions. Beast Boy knew he wasn’t a good enough actor to feign sickness. The ‘family emergency’ excuse existed strictly as a formality for obvious reasons. Reasons that were starting to seem less obvious now.

The letter in his drawer was already old news--at least to him. Beast Boy knew the contents of the note by heart. The memorization wasn’t intentional, but the words swam around in his head constantly nonetheless. A symptom of a much larger disease, as Raven might have put it. So he’d moved on to obsessively deconstructing and reconstructing the many packages that still littered their living room. Not that doing so had given him any more insight into who Nicholas Galtry was. Or why he had had possession of all of his parents’ things. Or why they were here now. Among the many disjointed thoughts that rattled in his brain, one consistently nudged its way to the top of the pool. That one was also tucked neatly away in a drawer in his room. Though he hadn’t dared to look at the picture since first putting it there.

Beast Boy glanced behind him at the clock in the kitchen. He’d been here an hour already--someone was probably already out looking for him, Robin’s orders. He quickly shut the box he was currently sorting through. It had been the same as all the boxes before it--filled with priceless, nameless items from another place and another time. He felt like a thief, searching his own belongings, not knowing what exactly he hoped to find among them. Each time carefully packing the boxes back as he’d found them. Like a thief, hoping to cover his tracks.

“There you are.”

Beast Boy flinched, instantly shrinking back from the box in front of him. He turned around to face Cyborg looming over him.

“Man, I’ve been lookin’ for you everywhere ,” Cyborg said, a twinge of frustration in his voice. “What the hell are you doin’ up here?”

“Nothing,” Beast Boy said, anxiously getting to his feet. “Just...hanging out.”

Cyborg frowned. “Well maybe you should come ‘hang out’ at training.”

“Training?” Beast Boy repeated automatically.

“Yeah, you know...the thing we have scheduled every single afternoon? At the exact same time? Every day?” Cyborg said, cocking an eyebrow at him. Now he seemed more confused than frustrated—a switch that was very typically Cyborg.

“Right. Training. I was wondering where everyone else was,” Beast Boy answered. It was a poor excuse, but it wasn’t actually a lie.

Cyborg sighed, but there was a hint of a joking smile on his face when he spoke next. “Let’s just get down there before Robin kicks both our asses, okay?”

Beast Boy nodded, and for a moment it was as if the boxes behind him ceased to exist. It currently felt like there were two worlds jammed under one roof, and now that he’d been pulled out of the one behind him, he saw just how much he preferred the one in front of him. Even if it meant getting his ass kicked.

The training field had come a long way from the public school playground it resembled when they’d first settled into the Tower. It was Robin’s ongoing project--adding another ropes course, integrating fully automated sparring dummies...there were even obstacles designed with each of their abilities in mind. Beast Boy was sure that Robin had a Pinterest board dedicated to the fiasco for all of the crazy things he was constantly adding to it.

Which is why Beast Boy was confused to find that none of it was being used.

“Oh no. Don’t tell me--”

“Yep,” Cyborg said, walking the opposite direction of Robin’s martial arts art display.

“Dude, I suck at hand to hand.”

“Probably why Robin thinks you ditched,” Cyborg shrugged.

In the distance, their three remaining teammates were gathered in a clearing at the opposite end of the field. Starfire stood leaning against a tree on the sidelines, water bottle in hand. In the center of a well-worn patch of grass, Robin and Raven circled each other in what seemed to be a never-ending dance.

“So when you said Robin was gonna kick my ass...you meant that literally, didn’t you?” Beast Boy said with a frown.

“Well it might not be Robin who kicks your ass,” Cyborg smiled. “It could be Star, or Raven, or yours truly.”

“Wow, thanks,” Beast Boy grumbled. He knew Cyborg was only teasing, and Beast Boy had been the first to admit that the skillset wasn’t exactly his strong suit. But the remark lingered in his mind a second longer than he knew it should have.

“Okay, so maybe it’s not really your thing, but hey,” Cyborg said, placing a hand on Beast Boy’s shoulder. “Practice makes perfect. You’ll get there.”

“Dude. I turn into animals for a living. Most of which don’t even have opposable thumbs,” Beast Boy said, flexing his own in front of his friend. “I don’t need to be good at something I’m never gonna use.”

Cyborg merely shook his head dismissively. “Never say never, man.”

“Okay, Robin ,” Beast Boy replied with a smirk.

As if on cue, Robin and Raven’s dance came to a halt as soon as the words left Beast Boy’s mouth. He had figured they were still out of earshot, but maybe he’d been wrong.

“There you two are,” Robin said as the two of them stepped into the loosely defined dirt ring. He glanced down at his watch and then directly at Beast Boy. “Beast Boy, you’re twenty minutes late. Practice starts at four. You know that.”

Any trace of teasing Cyborg had expressed instantly evaporated when Robin spoke.

“Uh...four-twenty blaze it?” Beast Boy said with a shrug and a terribly awkward smile. The one that always appeared on his face whenever he didn’t know what else to say--which was more often than he would have liked to admit.

Robin closed his eyes, raising a hand to his temples.

Raven’s facepalm was much less subtle.

“Starfire are you ready to go?” Robin asked, shaking his head slightly.

“Mmm hmm!” Starfire hummed in response.

“Great. Then I’m gonna have you and Beast Boy up next.”

“Uh…” Beast boy shot a glance at Starfire, who was practically the living portrait of an Instagram athlete. “Shouldn’t I warm up first or something?”

“In a real fight, you won’t always get the chance to ‘warm up’ beforehand,” Robin said, crossing his arms over his chest. Which was definitely his way of saying ‘that’s what you get for showing up late’.

“Don’t worry, Beast Boy,” Starfire smiled. “I will try not to injure you too terribly.”

Beast Boy certainly began to feel warm now, to the point where he was sure his face was turning red.

In his peripheral, he saw that Cyborg had cleared the training ring and was now standing beside Raven on the sidelines. She leaned in slightly to her left, whispering something into Cyborg’s ear with a devious smirk.

Beast Boy felt his stomach drop. He didn’t know what was worse. Starfire’s complete sincerity or Raven’s total lack thereof.

But he didn’t have much time to dwell on the thought before it was overtaken completely by a harrowing sense of panic. He had been posed for a fight, staring head on at his partner. But it was only now that his vision snapped back into focus, just in time to catch a whirling ball of green energy headed directly toward him.

He quickly swerved out of the way, trying to regain his balance. But before he could find his footing, another blaze shone at his feet, knocking him straight to the ground. He squinted, eyes beginning to water from the dust cloud that now surrounded him. He wanted to open his mouth to say something--make some complaint that he hadn’t been ready, that there had been no signal to start. But he knew that wouldn’t buy him any sympathy in Robin’s eyes.

Of course, vying for Robin’s attention was even less of a no-go once the sirens started blaring.

Without so much as a nod from the leader in question, everyone took off in the same direction. Everyone except Beast Boy, who was still on the ground.

He pushed himself to his feet, the palms of his hands stinging against the soil. He knew it wasn’t personal. None of this was personal. Kind of like how the sense of isolation and strangeness he’d felt around his friends since the reading that letter certainly wasn’t personal .

But as he watched them disappearing now--not one of them looking back to see if he had followed--it sure felt that way.

So what if calling shotgun was more important than helping him up? He shook his head, now unable to hold back a self-satisfied smirk. No matter how much of a head start they had, no one was going to outrun a cheetah.

Within seconds, the ground flew under his feet like a treadmill set on max speed. When the garage came into view, Beast Boy was relieved to find that it was already open--and more importantly empty. In a flash, he transformed back, and with the same proud smile lingering on his face sauntered over to crack open the passenger door.

His smile instantly disappeared when he saw who was behind it.

“ Raven ?”

Even at her name, she didn’t so much as shoot him a glance. Raven just sat there, comfortably nestled in the passenger seat with her feet kicked up on the dashboard. She scrolled through her phone with a bored expression--like she’d been there for hours.

“How the hell did you beat me?” Beast Boy blurted out, feeling irrationally annoyed as Raven continued to sit there, chewing a piece of gum in silence.

“Want a piece?” she said absentmindedly, materializing a pack of DoubleMint from the locked glove box. There were dozens of other flavors inside--so many packs that they filled almost half the compartment. “It’s Cyborg’s secret stash--but I won’t tell.”

Beast Boy ignored her. “There’s no way you could have beaten me here. I took a shortcut even you don’t know about,” he said curtly.

“Weird, huh?” she said, turning her attention back to her phone. “It’s almost like magic. ”

Beast Boy frowned. “That’s cheating.”

“And you turning into a cheetah clearly isn’t,” she said plainly. Then another sly smile crept onto her face. “Get it? A cheetah ?”

Beast Boy’s face scrunched up in even further annoyance. Without a word, he shut the passenger door, opening the one behind it. He already knew which seat he’d be directed to sit in. Though even calling it a seat was a bit generous. Nevertheless, he’d occupied it since day one because, of course, ‘he was the shortest and it just made sense for him to ride in the middle because if they were ever in a crash the height of the headrest wouldn’t do anyone else any good blah blah blah’. As if something as normal as a car crash would really be enough to injure a bunch of superheroes.

“Alright, let’s get this show on the road,” Cyborg said, swinging open the door to the driver’s seat and hopping inside.

As the doors on either side of him opened and closed in perfect sync, Beast Boy was struck with another harrowing consequence of his seating arrangement.

It was true that Robin and Starfire were relatively tame as far as couples went--at least in terms of explicit PDA. It was only once in a blue moon that you actually caught them exchanging so much as a kiss on the cheek. But there was no denying the magnetic force between them. And it was times like these that Beast Boy felt less like a person and more like a glitch jamming the radio signal.

“Okay,” Robin said, flicking open the communication device on his wrist. A small holographic map appeared above it, marking several heat signatures as they traversed the grid on the screen. In an instant, an identical image appeared on a screen in the center console of the car.

“Looks like they’ve already hit Gorman street,” Cyborg said, glancing at the center console.

“They’re moving fast,” Robin added, adjusting something on the device. “But only because they’ve sacrificed numbers for speed”.

“Well let’s just see if they can outrun this, ” Cyborg replied, revving the engine in response. Within moments, the Tower was far behind them.

Beast Boy leaned forward slightly to look out the window on his left. They hadn’t been driving long at all, but he had no idea where they were. Left and right, worn down warehouse buildings lined the streets as far as he could see. Overhead, a thick gray fog swallowed the entire sky.

“Starfire, I want you and Cy to go after the group of three heading west,” Robin continued, pointing to several figures on the map as he spoke. “I’ll go after the solo. Raven, Beast Boy—you two track the pair heading in the opposite direction.”

Raven didn’t outwardly protest, but her agitated sigh was enough to send its intended message.

After what seemed like only a second later, the car skidded to a halt at the edge of a narrow alley. And without missing a beat, everyone else took off in their respective directions at full speed. This time Beast Boy could confidently blame the middle seat for keeping him a step behind.

“I’ll race ya,” Beast Boy said, throwing a competitive smile at Raven, who had surprisingly seemed to be waiting for him.

“Just hurry up,” she said plainly, looking to the sky.

The streets seemed even more bleak from above.

Every other street light flickered as if choking out its dying breath. Cracks ran down the sidewalks like jagged scars, and chipped paint and graffiti adorned the walls of the decrepit buildings. Beast Boy found himself wondering where everyone was--there were barely even any cars on the streets.

“Ow!” Raven exclaimed suddenly.

Simultaneously, Beast Boy felt his wings crumple under him as he crashed into her from behind. He screeched involuntarily, trying to regain his balance.

“Why are we stopping?” he asked--or rather squawked--momentarily forgetting he was still very much a bird.

Luckily, Raven seemed to get the idea. Without a word, she pointed to two shadowy figures slipping around the corner of a nearby building. She started to open her mouth to say something then, but Beast Boy was already locking in on the figures below.

Without a second thought, he dove sharply down toward one of the shadows in his sight. Talons poised, he only managed to graze the top of his target’s head. Or at least what he could think of as being the thing’s head, as the action felt more like skimming a silhouette than an actual person.

At the very least, the surprise of his attack was enough to knock the figure off balance and trip on some debris below.

Beast Boy landed nearby, skidding onto the asphalt. Back on two legs, he whipped around and morphed once more. A rhino was always a solid play when you didn’t quite know what you were dealing with. He kicked up the rubble under his front foot and ducked his head, preparing for a running start. Then he let his momentum carry him forward--feeling the power of an entire stampede in his muscles--which turned out to be much more than he bargained for.

It was like the wall came out of nowhere. Or maybe he just hadn’t looked before leaping. Though his horn mdulled the impact slightly, Beast Boy felt every shard of cement as the crash sent a shocking ripple through his entire body. When he opened his eyes, he was back to his usual self again. But unlike a moment ago, his head was spinning, and he was on his back watching the dark clouds rolling above. His vision had doubled, even tripled, and he shook his head wearily in an attempt to focus on anything at all. Instead, he saw the shaking image of someone approaching him. And his gut told him it wasn’t one of the people they were after. It was something much worse.

“What the fuck was that?” Raven said, leaning over him with a disapproving pout on her face.

“Rhino,” was all Beast Boy could manage, his head still spinning.

Raven scowled, but extended a hand out to him regardless. When she yanked him to his feet in one swift motion, the gesture suddenly felt less sympathetic.

“We’re supposed to be working together , moron,” she said, her tone biting. “How the hell are we supposed to do that if you knock yourself out before we even catch up to the bad guys?”

Beast Boy didn’t have an answer for that. So he didn’t give one, which probably didn’t help his case any more.

“God, you’re useless,” Raven said, grabbing his wrist and dragging him behind him. “Come on.”

They continued down the natural path of the alleyway uneventfully. And that was what worried Beast Boy most. If he wasn’t going to die at the hands of their enemies, he was sure he’d die of embarrassment knowing he’d let them get away. Again.

Luckily for him, if Raven had any more thoughts on the matter she kept them to herself.

When they reached what seemed to be the end of the narrow street, Beast Boy was somewhat relieved to find that it wasn’t the dead end he had been expecting. Rather, the space before them now opened dramatically into something resembling a large courtyard. The entire perimeter was lined by walls of surrounding brick buildings--the only other entrances and exits to the pavilion being opposing alleyways much like the one they’d just emerged from.

But the courtyard’s strange location certainly wasn’t the most interesting thing about it.

In the very center, shrouded by a cloud of steam trickling through a nearby grate, two figures turned abruptly to meet their gaze. Even though Beast Boy could hardly make out the eyes looking back at them, he knew their stare was a threat.

“Don’t do anything stupid,” Raven said quietly, lingering in the shadows for a moment longer.

The words echoed in Beast Boy’s head, this time in his own voice. Then a wave of panic suddenly passed over him. He wasn’t actually sure he knew the difference between what was considered brave and what Raven would consider stupid. And he didn’t exactly have the time to mull it over.

Raven stood next to him, arms outstretched, as a flurry of flying rubble began to swirl around the two figures like a vicious tornado. Everything pulled toward them like scrap metal to a magnetic core--everything from the pebbles on the ground to full sized wooden beams and crates that littered the edges of the arena.

Beast Boy searched desperately through this mind for something to do--something to be. A mouse? Small enough to go unnoticed, but way too slow to bridge the gap between the opposing sides in such a short time. He thought to the opposite end of the spectrum. A gorilla or a bear could give him a boost of much needed strength if he cut back on speed. But maybe that was too on the nose. Just like the rhino.

He bit his lip nervously, catching Raven in his peripheral again. They were supposed to be working together after all--and she had clearly taken the lead. But he had no idea how she expected him to follow.

And suddenly, it occurred to Beast Boy that that was the secret to the riddle. The one way he could truly and certainly ‘not do something stupid’ was by not doing anything at all.

For a moment, he was almost proud of himself for finally cracking the code. But the false sense of pride evaporated as soon as he realized what it implied. Maybe his only use was...being completely useless? And just like that, he felt his stomach twist in a knot again as a familiar sense of embarrassment washed over him.

“Hellooo?” Raven’s voice rang out suddenly, snapping Beast Boy out of his daze.

He turned to look at her, finding her in the same position, teeth clenched and arms shaking ever so slightly as she held her pose.

“I said not to do anything stupid ,” she snarled. “Not ‘don’t do anything at all’!”

Beast Boy blinked hard, absorbing her words--the hint of need in her voice, however faint. And suddenly, miraculously, his feeling of uncertainty disappeared as quickly as it had come.

In a flash he was a mighty T-Rex, half as tall as the building behind him. Charging forward, he reached down and fished out one of the criminals from the fading cyclone. Grabbing the figure by the arm, he swung them into the adjacent wall with ease, a cloud of dust gathering upon the point of contact. A hit that would probably kill the average person; but Beast Boy knew that right now he was just buying time.

From the corner of his eye, he caught the second figure starting to pull out a small radio, shielding it from the winds as they spoke into the device.

But before they could utter more than a sentence or two, Beast Boy spun around, sweeping them off their feet completely with his enormous tail. The person went flying at a ninety degree angle from the last, and he watched as the body hit the crumbling wall with a ‘definitely unconscious’ crash.

Morphing back, Beast Boy stood tall, admiring his work.

Raven appeared beside him a moment later, surveying the scene.

“Not bad, huh?”

“I warmed them up for you,” Raven said matter-of-factly. But Beast Boy couldn’t stop himself from brandishing another self-satisfied smirk.

Raven automatically went over to the first fallen figure, pushing directly past him as she went. Beast Boy took the hint and headed the opposite direction, preparing to inspect the second wreckage site hound dog style.

Bombarded by a multitude of different scents, he realized that he wasn’t exactly sure what he was looking for. He hoped he would know it when he came across it. And he did--when something cold and metallic brushed up against his nose.

With an obnoxious sneeze that sent his floppy ears soaring, Beast Boy took a step back from the dust cloud he had created in front of him. He squinted, coming back up on the area after the dust had settled to find a small coin-like silver disc buried in the ground. But it looked incomplete somehow, like it was only one half of a whole, given several small divots on the surface of the disc. And there was something else mixed in with the scent of the cool metal. Something thick and tangy. He followed the scent further until he found its source.

“Uh...Raven?” He hesitated, instinctively pulling back from the spot it had led him to.

Directly at his feet, the second figure lay face down in the rubble. Their clothing made it difficult to tell what kind of injuries they sustained, but there was blood. Lots of blood.

At the top of the neck, just under their hairline, a perfect silver circle was embedded in the skin--a corresponding piece almost identical to the one on the ground a few yards away. Except this one was covered in miniature circuits and drenched in the dark red liquid oozing from underneath it.

Beast Boy quickly turned back to pick up the first piece and compare the two. He was certain they had once made a single whole. But the half he inspected in his hand seemed to be no more than the covering to the blood caked battery beneath. There was some writing on it though--and maybe that could tell him something .

In a moment, Raven was beside him again, abandoning her less interesting finds at the other end of the courtyard.

“What is it?” She asked, leaning over to try and get a better look at the item in Beast Boy’s hand.

“I don’t know,” he replied, squinting at the object as he tried to make out the markings engraved on its surface. “A...R...S…,” he read slowly. “It looks like there’s more but I can’t make it out.”

Raven extended her hand, and Beast Boy automatically dropped it into her palm for a second opinion.

“Whoever these people are, they must have something to do with that break in,” she said, flipping the silver piece over in her hand. “I guess Robin was right.”

Beast Boy looked down at the body again with a frown.

“Okay, but we still don’t have any more of an idea what they’re after.”

Raven didn’t say anything. She just stood over the body, staring at it intently--in a way that suggested more than just superficial intrigue.

Suddenly, the small metal badge embedded in the figure’s skin was enveloped in a purple haze, and Beast Boy watched in horror as it began to peel away from the flesh underneath like a perfect silver scab. Leaving behind a gruesome red ring of skin, it slowly floated up and over into Raven’s open pocket.

Beast Boy swallowed hard at the sight, a bitter taste in the back of his mouth. For a split second, he was worried he was about to revisit breakfast in the worst way.

“Dude...what the fuck ?” he said, eyes darting between the site of the impromptu surgery and Raven’s slightly blood stained pocket. “That’s nasty.”

Raven didn’t even blink. “Yeah, well so are you and Robin still keeps you around so...”

Beast Boy took a step back from the scene, the scent still of blood still lingering a little too strongly for his liking. And after watching Raven pull off something like that without so much as a moan or a grunt from the disc’s owner, he wasn’t so certain the victims were just napping anymore. He tried not to think too much about the potential fate of the person at his feet. He hated the possibility of pushing that boundary--even if they were ‘the bad guys’.

“You know, that actually wasn’t too bad,” Beast Boy said suddenly. His laugh was stifled and unconvincing, but he knew Raven wouldn’t likely acknowledge his discomfort, which was a bit of a relief in its own right. Regardless, he turned on his heel and made a purposeful decision to start walking away from the scene in hopes that she would naturally follow. Luckily, she did.

“The fight? Or having to be alone with you for more than five minutes?” She said, overtaking him by a step or two. “Because if you’re referring to the latter I’m gonna have to disagree.”

“I mean, but it works. We work. Sometimes,” Beast Boy said, though he was unsure why he was still talking. “It’s like...you know,” he droned on as they walked. “Like oil and vinegar.”

Raven noticeably began to slow her pace. “Like what ?”

“Oil and vinegar. You know. It’s like our flavor ,” Beast Boy said, making some attempt to clarify with a hand gesture.

It was here Raven stopped completely, turning to face him.

“ This ,” she said gesturing between them in return, “is not a flavor .”

Beast Boy shrugged, crossing his arms over his chest. “Well I still think it’s a good metaphor.”

“Why? Raven replied, mimicking his pose. “Because we can’t stand being together and naturally repel each other?”

“Buuuuut,” Beast Boy added pointedly, “sometimes when you put us together you get an affordable and delicious salad dressing.”

Raven paused. She closed her eyes, raising her hand to her temple in a deep, meditative stillness before opening her mouth to speak. “You know, sometimes I really wonder how I haven’t killed you by now. Even accidentally.”

Beast Boy frowned. “Just to be clear, you’re the vinegar in this situation.”

The two began to walk again, but Beast Boy only made it a few steps before Raven thrust a hand out in front of him, stopping him mid-stride. And this time it didn’t seem to be because of anything he’d said.

“What?” he blurted out stupidly. At least this time Raven would be able to understand him.

Raven was completely still for a moment longer, her eyes slowly scanning the area around them. “You didn’t hear that?” she said quietly.

“Hear what?” Beast Boy said, again the words feeling stupid and redundant the moment he uttered them.

“Something other than the sound of your own voice,” Raven said under her breath.

Beast Boy looked all around them, just as Raven had. But he didn’t see anything. Let alone hear anything out of the ordinary.

“You’re just being paranoid,” he said, lightly pushing her arm back down to her side. “There were only two of them. You saw on Robin’s map.”

Raven didn’t seem too comforted by the reminder.

Beast Boy moved slightly to meet her gaze, which was focused somewhere far off in the distance. “I’m tellin’ ya. Oil and vinegar.”

Then, with a little more force than he expected, Raven pushed pushed past him and began to walk again.

“Where are you going?” Beast Boy said, somewhat startled.

“Home.”

“Didn’t you wanna sweep the area first?”

“Not if it means twenty more minutes of this,” Raven said, waving her hand dismissively. “Besides, I’m just being ‘paranoid’.”

“Okay, well so much for working together then I guess,” Beast Boy said, rolling his eyes.

Raven shot him a look over her shoulder. Then, in an instant, she froze, eyes growing wide as she opened her mouth to say something.

But Beast Boy beat her to it.

He wasn’t sure the noise he made was completely human, even if the small blade twirling in the dirt just past him hadn’t completely hit its mark. He bit his lip to keep himself from another outburst. It had only grazed the side of his calf, but that was enough to bring him to one knee. He knew that if it had hit him the way it had been intended, he’d be on the ground.

Suddenly, everything around him was engulfed in shadow--and Beast Boy wondered if this was what people meant when they talked about ‘blacking out’. He really hoped that wasn’t what was happening. Not in front of Raven of all people. And not over a glorified paper cut .

A moment later, finding he was still very much conscious, Beast Boy was relieved to find that Raven was the source of the shadowy dome that now surrounded them on all sides. But the relief didn’t last long.

Beyond the opaque screen of darkness, there was a ceaseless blur of motion. Hundreds of tiny silver sparks rebounded off the outer edge, like hail raining down in a terrible storm.

Beast Boy glanced up at Raven from where he knelt on the ground. She was gritting her teeth, brow furrowed and eyes aglow. She didn’t so much as blink when he looked at her, which wasn’t a good sign.

He looked around frantically. Every direction depicted the same terrible scene. Every direction—except for one. It was only now that he noticed how soft the earth was underneath him. How the asphalt of the alleyways seemed to melt away as they worked their way toward the center of the courtyard. And that gave him an idea. An idea Beast Boy didn’t allow himself to think through.

There was something reassuring about being so close to the ground. But the transformation into a badger probably hadn’t been the best for his wound. His leg was starting to ache even more now, and he realized that would probably make digging all the more difficult.

But before he could test his hypothesis, a voice rang out over the crackling of bullets, clear and strong and demanding to be heard.

“Do you have a death wish?,” Raven yelled, her voice cutting above the static.

“What do you think?” Beast Boy said, instantly morphing back. The words came out as sharp as the blades whirling around them.

“Well I guess it’s a good thing gophers are bulletproof ,” Raven said with a laugh dripping with anything but humor.

“ Badgers . It’s a badger .” Beast Boy could feel the adrenaline pulsing in his veins like wildfire--even though he knew the reaction was unwarranted, especially given the more concerning matters at hand.

“Really bad time for an argument, Beast Boy. Really bad time,” Raven bit back.

For a split second, Beast Boy thought of going ahead with his plan anyway. Then it occurred to him that he’d probably already used up what little luck he had for the day.

“Okay, so what’s your bright idea?” he said, struggling to hide the growing annoyance in his voice. But all things considered, he really hoped she had one.

“Not dying. That’s my plan,” she said, shutting her eyes tightly.

Beast Boy looked around nervously--though he wasn’t sure what he was looking for.

“Can’t you just...teleport us out or something?” he said, biting his lip.

“Teleportation or force field. You get one .”

The second Raven spoke though, she was interrupted by a noise that overtook even the hammering of the bullets around them. The short metallic pings were swapped for one firework-like explosion, the ground beneath them trembling just enough to make Beast Boy second guess his balance. From the looks of it, their attackers hadn’t been so lucky.

The bullets raining down on them slowed to a drizzle--then seemed to stop completely after a few stray shots. But not because the remaining gunmen had ceased fire. Rather, the firing now seemed to be directed somewhere else entirely.

Before Beast Boy could figure out where everyone else had turned their attention, his own focus was redirected again as he felt something cold on his wrist. A hand, gripping onto him with what felt like an unnecessary amount of force.

Beast Boy felt the ground sway beneath him again uneasily until it disappeared completely, the hard dirt and asphalt replaced by rough gray concrete. When the scene before him came into a clear focus, his stomach lurched. With a primal desperation, he reached out, searching for the hand that had just let go of him. Now he was the one holding on like his life depended on it.

In front of him now was a perfect aerial snapshot of the pavilion. They had to be at least ten stories up, given the size of the figures below them.

“Um…”

Beast Boy looked up, heart still pounding, though he wasn’t sure the vertigo was responsible for the anxiety he felt now.

Raven was staring at him--or rather their hands intertwined--with a clear level of discomfort. What kind, Beast Boy couldn’t tell.

“You can let go of my hand now,” she said slowly.

Beast Boy flinched, releasing her hand from his own as quickly as he had grabbed it. His knuckles were stiff, flushed by the strain of his grip.

An awkward beat of silence passed between them, broken only when Raven turned to grab something from her pocket.

“What are you doing?” Beast Boy asked, terribly conscious of the slight crack in his voice.

“Calling Robin,” Raven replied, an audible ring echoing from the blood-spotted comms device now resting in her hand.

The two waited for another excruciatingly long moment until the ringing came to an abrupt, unanswered halt.

“I guess he’s busy,” Beast Boy shrugged. But something snagged in his stomach at the thought. Robin probably was very busy. But Beast Boy wasn’t sure he really believed that was why he hadn’t picked up. He took out his own pager anxiously, already flipping through the contacts on the main screen. “Lemme try Cyborg.”

The dial tone cut off after the first ring.

Raven paused for a moment then looked up at him. “I don’t even have a signal.”

Beast Boy looked down at the device in his own hand. Neither did he. “Huh. Well that’s...weird.”

“Yeah,” Raven said, a definitive frown forming on her lips. “And that’s not the only thing that’s a little weird.”

As she spoke, Raven stared down at the pavilion below them, unblinking. She seemed intently focused on...something. But Beast Boy wasn’t entirely sure that it was the fight happening on the ground. A fight that was becoming increasingly hard to follow, even for someone who was trying to keep up with it.

Beast Boy scanned the turf once, then again through the eyes of a hawk, hoping for a better view. Squinting beyond the cloud of dust, he finally was able to hone in on the action--and more importantly, their attackers’ new target.

The man stood out like a current rolling on a still sea. Rather than trying to dodge the attacks of his pursuers, he danced through the waves with an impossible accuracy, almost as if he were intentionally trying to attract their shots. And he did--like hungry flies to a show horse. Only he never seemed to get bitten. The flies bit themselves. They bit each other. Falling one after the other around him as they continued to follow him further and further away from the center of the pavilion.

Just before the man disappeared into the shadows of the opposite alleyway, Beast Boy finally caught a glimpse of his face amongst the swarming insects--his shiny black hair and toothless grin glistening in the artificial night.

#bbrae #bbrae fanfiction #beast boy teen titans #raven teen titans #dc #i still don't know how to properly use tags lol

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rons-hermiones · 3 years

Text

Come Find Me

by rons-hermiones

Summary: Unplanned, Hermione is forced to spend Christmas at the Burrow due to her grandmother falling very ill. After being ignored by Hermione for weeks, Ron is determined to show her how much she means to him. Just before he gets the chance to tell her, Bellatrix Lestrange shows up with other plans for Hermione. Can Ron get to her before it's too late? (Ron/Hermione Half-Blood Prince AU)

Rating: M for language & dark themes in later chapters.

Chapter Six

“Oh Bill, wonderful to have you, you as well dear!” Molly exclaimed embracing Fleur.

Nearby, Ginny scowled to herself.

“Bill we’re surprised you came so early.” Fred commented.

“What?” The eldest Weasley asked, confused.

“Well, we thought you only came out when the moon did!” George laughed.

“Boys!” Missus Weasley scolded, making a move to lunge at her two sons. However, a loud crack sounded, indicating they had left for work.

“Those two, I swear.” Molly rolled her eyes.

“It’s okay, you got a better welcome from them then I did!” Charlie’s voice sounded from the steps.

Bill’s face brightened instantly as he unashamedly went to embrace his younger brother. They’d written each other any chance they got. They remained close, but it wasn’t the same as being with one another.

“Charlie, I’ve missed you!”

“Not as much as I missed you big brother.” He breathed pulling away, “I haven’t seen you in what a year? And you up and get yourself engaged. It’s like you're a new man.” He teases. Charlie knew about the engagement from their correspondences, but had yet to see the ring on Fleur’s finger in person.

“And you are one brave woman, agreeing to marry a Weasley.” He said turning to the blonde.

“Oui!” She teased back, making the room erupt with laughs, even eliciting a chuckle from Ginny.

“Gin, why don’t you show Fleur around while I talk to Harry?” He asked hopefully. It was his goal to get his fiancé closer with his little sister before the wedding.

With a small grunt, Ginny obliged as she ushered Fleur outside.

“Not that I’m not happy to see you Bill, but what is it you wanted to speak with me about? Things okay with the order?” Harry asked in a whisper once the girls had vanished.

Quickly, he nodded, “everything’s as good as it can be these days, I just was wondering how Ron’s been. He’s written me quite a bit.”

“Oh,” Harry said relieved, “well, he was in a funk for a while there, I reckon he still is, but now he’s realized he’s in a funk, which sort of makes things better, you know?” He tries, never been the best with feelings.

Bill chuckled, “alright I think I know what you mean. He wrote me yesterday, something about he had sort of broken up with Lavender, but made things worse with her.” He didn’t wanna say Hermione’s name in fear she was around somewhere.

“Okay let me fill you in some. It all started two days ago in our dorms...”

After twenty minutes Harry had thoroughly filled in the details Ron left out in his letter. He had also recalled some of the conversation Ron had told Harry he and Ginny had, something the youngest Weasley brother failed to mention to Charlie.

When the chosen one finished, Bill let out a low whistle. He had known Ron’s situation was messed up from the letters, but damn, his little brother, the heartbreaker. Who would’ve thought?

“Speaking of, where is Hermione? I haven’t seen her since we arrived.” Bill asked next.

The dark haired boy nodded solemnly, “I’m afraid she won’t leave Ginny’s room unless your Mum makes her. She’s pretty bummed out about her Gran, but she also agreed to ‘stay out of Ron’s way,’ whatever that means.” Harry finished with air quotes.

At this, Charlie clicked his tongue, “Ron is hopeless. This isn’t exactly potions with Snape! It’s an easy fix.” He tutted.

“Where is Ron? Surely he’d want to greet his favorite brother.” Bill says next.

“Hey!” Charlie retorts, making Harry laugh.

The oldest rolls his eyes, “all in good fun, but seriously.”

“He’s been working on something all night. I could hear him.” Harry commented.

Charlie nodded, “he had some sort of epiphany last night. He’s doing something for Hermione, all I know is that it involves Hogwarts, A History. He’s mental.”

“Ron wouldn’t pick up that book for anything!” Harry soon points out.

“Well maybe not for anything, but for someone...” Charlie trails off.

Suddenly, Ginny bursts through the door, alone.

“Where’s Fleur?” Bill questioned.

“She’s discussing something about the wedding with Mum, I had to get away,” she shakes her head, “anyone fancy a game of quidditch?”

At this both Charlie and Harry jump at the chance.

“Coming Bill?” Ginny asks as the other two boys disappear to gather their brooms.

He shakes his head, “no, I think I’ll go say hi to Ronnie. Maybe when you're done you should check up on Hermione, yeah?”

At this, his younger sister nods as he treks up to the attic.

Once reaching the door decorated with Chudley Cannon posters and gold and red emblems, he knocks.

“I’m awake Mum!” Ron promises through the door.

“Not Mum.” Bill says opening the door.

“Bill!” He exclaims excitedly, dropping the book to the ground and clambering off the bed, “how are you? How do you feel, wow, the scars have healed some. You look wicked! Like some bloke from those stories Mum reads.”

At this, he laughs, “I feel great actually. Sometimes the full moon drives me a bit mad, but it’s not like I turn or anything like that. Plus, Fleur has done wonders taking care of me, making sure I take my potions and all that.” He assures, circling to sit on the edge of Ron’s bed.

“Yeah I wouldn’t mind if she took care of me either.” He joked.

At this Bill jabbed him in the ribs with his elbow.

“Hey, kidding!” Ron laughed, “plus, I’m rather done with blondes. Forever.” He shivers remembering Lavender Brown.

“Ah,” his brother breathes, “your love life has become quite the topic from what I hear.”

At this Ron groans, “well I’m not to sure how many times ‘Ron is fucking moron,’ can be told but, glad your up to date.”

Knowing Ron’s probably had his fair share of feeling bad, Bill holds off on making him re live anything, for now, “well, rumor is you’re working on something to fix your troubles.”

The youngest Weasley boy blushes madly, “it’s a bit stupid really.”

“Come on just tell me.” Bill encourages.

Ron breathes in defeat, wanting to tell someone, “alright well, Charlie said a gift might do then suddenly, I was reminded of this conversation from back in fifth year...”

Ron sauntered into the common room with a moody Harry by his side. This behavior from the chosen one had become typical since the start of term, he was always so worked up over You-Know-Who and the ministry these days.

And Ron could feel for him, he really did, he just wished Harry would drop the act around him and Hermione, who believed him completely.

“Hermione.” Harry greeted too gruffly for Ron’s liking.

In response, the bushy haired witch just hummed in acknowledgement. Hermione had been engrossed in her favorite book, so Ron knew better then to bother her and simply sat to her right.

It was odd, but he rather liked to see her like this. It was almost adorable to see how invested she could get into something like a book. He admired her for it.

Harry had fallen to her left and rolled his eyes, “are you good for anything but reading Hermione?” He asked viciously.

At this, Hermione’s eyes finally left the pages of Hogwarts, A History and stared at her best friend in shock. Ron had passed shocked and moved entirely to anger. Harry looked as if he regretted what he said right after it left his mouth.

“You say you’re sorry right now!” Ron roared, jumping to his feet.

“Ron, it’s alright,” she began meekly from the velvet sofa.

“Like hell it isn’t Hermione. Just cause stupid blokes like Seamus call you a liar doesn’t mean you get to start on her!” He pointed out.

The dark haired boy sighed sadly, “I know, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it, really Hermione”,

“It’s alright Harry.” She amended stiffly, “I think I’ll go for a walk.” The brunette quickly scrambled, grabbing her book before scampering out of the portrait hole.

As soon as she was out of sight, Harry turned apologetically to Ron, “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“You shouldn’t have.” The ginger replied softly, “and I know everything that happened with Cedric was really hard, but it’s hard for Hermione too. She thinks she could’ve done more,”

“She couldn’t have.” Harry tells him sadly.

He nods, “I know, but she doesn’t, so when you sound off telling her stuff like that, it just makes her feel bad.”

The Boy-Who-Lived sighed, “I really didn’t mean it. You were right, I was just so done with people like Umbridge and Seamus calling me liars, sometimes I forget not everyone feels that way.” He admitted.

At this, Ron stood as he clapped him on the shoulder, “it’s already done mate, just try to remember that from now on, alright?” He didn’t sound angry anymore, much to Harry’s relief.

Harry nodded as he watched Ron venture out of the common room, no doubt to find Hermione.

“Hey Ron, wait.” He called out, standing and walking to him.

“Yeah?” He asked.

“I know I was upset about you two spending summer at Grimmauld Place together,” Ron opened his mouth to argue, but Harry stopped him, “and I know why you had to do it, I just wanted you to know, I’m happy you had each other. Well, I just, I reckon you two need each other as much as I need the pair of you, does that make sense?” He rambled.

“I think so Harry, you sound a little mental though.” He joked.

“It’s just, I know how you feel about her.” He blurted out.

“Come again?” Ron had gone pale.

Harry’s voice dropped to a whisper, “well I’ve always had some suspicions Ron. We do share a room you know, you mumble her name like every other night.” At this Weasley turned a deep shade of red that rivaled his hair.

Soon after, the green eyed boy pointed to his face, “see that! You blushed like mad whenever she came around first year, just like you are now. I know you were taking my invisibility cloak to go down to the infirmary second year. I heard you tell Neville back in third about how much you enjoyed Hogsmede and you were painfully obvious when she agreed to go to the ball with Viktor Krum, I reckon that’s when I really knew.”

For a few moments Ron opened and closed his mouth like a fish, but in the end, he shockingly, didn’t deny it, “why didn’t you say anything?”

Harry shrugged and thought about it, “well, I suppose I was waiting for you to figure it out as well. It seems to me you have.” He smiles slightly.

Ron nods, “yeah, for a while there I just thought blokes felt like that around their mates who were girls. Probably around third year I realized it was a little different with her then it was with you. Definitely sorted it all out during that ruddy Ball.” He paused, “you’re not, well, you’re not angry?” One of the reasons Ron decided not to confide in Harry was because he didn’t want him to think there was any sort of divide.

“Of course not. If anything I’m relieved I can stop pretending not to notice.” He laughed.

At this, Ron let out an embarrassed chuckle, “well just don’t tell her alright?”

Harry nodded, “will you ever? Tell her I mean.” He asks.

At this the redhead shrugs, “I dunno, I just, it’s hard. I’d rather live my whole life watching her with other blokes then lose her as a friend.”

Potter lets out a whistle, “I can see The Prophet headlines now, ‘Weasley has Feelings!’” He laughs.

They lapse into a brief silence, “you go after her.”

Ron doesn’t need to be told twice and simply nods to his friend.

“If it means anything, I think she feels the same Ron.” Harry says rather vaguely before going to a dark corner of the common room.

For a moment, he considers staying and asking more about this theory, but instead decides to check on Hermione. Harry could wait.

After wandering the dark corridors for a few minutes, he soon feels the urge to slap himself for not thinking sooner. He hadn’t checked the library.

Set out on a new mission, he stalks his way to his new destination. However, halfway to the library he suddenly remembers that it’s probably closing soon, if not already. Inwardly groaning on not setting after her soon, he quickened his pace.

And just as he’s about to reach the proper corridor something catches his eye. In between one of the many narrow hallways leading to nothing but a window, is someone sitting against it, book in hand.

And not just anyone, Hermione.

Breathing a sigh of relief, he slowly makes his way to her, “Mione.” He begins as to not startle her, she hasn’t seemed to notice his presence.

Her brown eyes look up from her book, in the moonlight he can see them slightly glossed over as red rings appear around them.

“Oh hi.” Her voice is croaked and throaty, it makes his heart break.

“I’ve been looking all over for you.” He says softly, sliding down next to her.

“Oh I’m sorry Ron.” She apologizes sincerely, “it’s silly though isn’t it, I’ve run off to read again. Maybe Harry was right.” Her voice cracks.

“It’s not true, you know it isn’t.” Ron fiercely assured.

“If he didn’t mean it why did he say it?” The brunette asked.

He sighs sadly, “Hermione you know what he’s been like lately. As soon as you left he told me how sorry he was.”

“But it’s true isn’t it?” She asks after a beat, leaving no room for him to even protest, “all I do is sit here and read while Harry and you are off actually doing something.”

“Hermione what?” He asks genuinely confused.

“Think Ron, who got rid of that troll first year?”

“Well you were only in the bathroom because of me and you were the one who got me through the spell-”

“Alright and who won the chess game the same year? Who got the philosopher's stone?”

“Hermione we would’ve never even found the-”

She cuts him off again, “and who was lying useless petrified while you were in the chamber of secrets?”

He groans, “again if you hadn’t had the note then Harry and I-”

She leaves no room for him to speak, “and third year you were the one who even spotted Sirius.”

“I was also the one with a broken leg when the two of you-”

“Fourth year as well, you knew about the dragons.”

“Only because Charlie told me, are you done?” He asks.

“Or even this summer. You were the one who knew about the Order, even knew to handle Harry.” She’s now close to tears.

Ron let’s a moment pass before speaking, “are you finally finished?” He whispered hoarsely.

Next to him, she nodded, but didn’t dare meet her eyes with his.

“You’re mental Hermione. Mental. Don’t you know we’d be dead without you? You’re the one who figured out the Nicholas Flamel business. You realized how the Basilisk had been getting around. And who had the time turner that saved Sirius, Lupin, and Buckbeak third year?” He reminded, “not to mention that without you, Harry would’ve never gotten through any of those tasks. Not to mention, him and I wouldn’t even be friends if you hadn’t convinced me to talk to him. And this summer? You’re the one who kept me sane when I was ready to hex everyone there.”

He took a second to catch his breath after the long rant, “sure you read a lot of books, but that’s not why you’re brilliant. You’re brilliant because you know exactly what to say to help your friends. You know exactly how to save the rest of us.” At this, she completely broke down.

Hermione’s head soon found a place atop Ron’s shoulder as she burrowed into it and cried silently. If this had happened a few years back, Ron would probably stiffly pat her head, but now, he knew better.

Instead, he gently laid an arm across her shoulder and pushed her into him with a squeeze. His other hand made its way through her soft hair, letting his finger gently massage her scalp.

“Thank you Ron,” she managed soon after, “I’ve just been feeling so useless, hearing Harry,”

“Sh, Hermione,” he assured soundly, “I know how it feels too, but being here, even making you feel the tiniest bit better, well, it makes me feel not so useless.” He admitted, thankful she couldn’t see his now red cheeks.

At this, Ron felt the witch nod into him, “you do make me feel better Ron. And you’re not useless, if I hadn’t made it clear, I think you’re rather brilliant.”

A small smile grazed his lips as he continued to stroke the expanse of her hair. Her cries had now slowed, but he still felt she was tense.

“You know Mione,” he began, making her hum softly, an indication to continue, “I understand you wanna read all the time, but this old book, again? You’ve been picking it up since first year.” He teased.

Thankfully, a small chuckle bubbles past her lips, making him feel warm.

“It’s rather pleasurable Ron, I’d love it if you read it. You have such an interesting point of view having grown up with this stuff, and well just being you, I’m sure your notes on it would be fascinating.”

“Sorry to disappoint you Mione, as much as I love y,” he pauses, “as much as I love reading,” he amends sarcastically, “I’d need a bloody good reason to pick this thing up. And I mean important, life or death maybe.” He tells her.

Again, a small laugh escapes from where she's nuzzled into his side.

“One day Ron. One day.”

They stayed like that until she fell asleep.

“I thought maybe if I read this damn thing and made notes on what I thought and gave it to her, then it would show her how much she means to me.” He explained after briefly prefacing the significance behind it.

To this, Bill smiled brightly, “I think it’s a wonderful idea Ron. Very thoughtful and personal to the pair of you, plus she’ll go nuts when she’s learned you picked up a book!” He teased, “what section are you on?”

“I’ve gotten past the four founders. Right now I’m in the middle of all the troll business. I mean, sure it sort of feels like a textbook, but part of it reminds me of her, then it’s not so bad, is that mental?” He asks a little flustered.

His older brother shakes his head, “no Ronnie, not mental. It’s almost romantic.” He jokes lightly.

At this Ron rolls his eyes, but blushes nonetheless, “thanks.”

A deep laugh escapes Bill as he stands from the bed, “I’ll be on my way now. You have a lot of reading to do in just three days little brother.”

“Oi! And don’t I know it.” Ron yells as he leaves the room.

#rons-hermiones come find me #ron and hermione #ron weasley #ron x hermione #hermione granger #sixth year #romione fanfic #romione #hp #hp fanfic

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heloflor · 3 years

Text

They’re gay, Orton

AO3 Link

“Hey ! Don’t do that ! I don’t have a time machine to go back and un-die you.”

“And if you get hurt, I don’t have one either !”

“Aww. That was touching.”

Note : Just a little drabble I wanted to make because, when I think of the crossover, it never fails to make me laugh to see Orton comment on how cute Cavendish and Dakota are with each other, only to make Doctor Zone and Time Ape brothers in his show. Orton is a guy from the 60s with no gaydar whatsoever and I find this hilarious. On that same note, I also went back to see how Time Ape is described in “The Doctor Zone Files” and it’s pretty interesting how he’s a “transchronological being” who chose his current form. So this fic is a very short thing that covers both these ideas.

Despite what the title and summary may indicate, this fic takes place when the group of adults just got stuck into the timestream and is more focused on Cavendish and Dakota than Orton (making titles and summaries is hard, alright).

(And regarding something in the fic, yes I know Dakota knows the word “peculiar”, as we see in “School Dance” for example; but I wanted to make a “Dakota doesn’t know complicated words” moment for once.)

This fic also goes into the direction of what I wrote last time, with Cavendish and Dakota being married but hiding their relationship due to homophobia from the past.

Enjoy !

Vinnie was bored.

He didn’t know how long they’ve been stuck in the time-stream, he didn’t know if there even was a point of wondering it. But what he knew is that he wasn’t going to be able to just sit there in silence for much longer. He needed some form of stimulation. Something, anything that could busy his mind.

He looked at the man facing him. Balth was messing with their intercommunicator, surely in an attempt to get them out of here.

“Hey.”, Vinnie tried to get his attention.

“One moment. I’m trying something.”, the taller man grumbled, getting more and more frustrated with the device.

Vinnie sighed. “Maybe I should just sing the zoo song.”, he murmured.

“Please don’t.”

“Why not ?”

“I don’t want to spend all eternity listening to the same two verses.”, his husband explained, putting the communicator away.

“Aw come on ! It’s a good song !”, Vinnie playfully replied. Balth didn’t budge and only looked more annoyed. “Besides, it makes me happy. Unlike the way a certain someone just keeps complaining.”, he continued playfully.

“Hmph.”, Vinnie immediately regretted his words as he noticed the hurt in Balth’s eyes along with the anger he was conveying.

“Hey, I’m sorry.”, he took Balth’s hand in his. “Y-you know I didn’t mean it like that. I don’t hate it when you complain. Well, it’s a tad annoying…but you get the point.”, he shrugged.

His husband nodded, making it clear that he understood. His eyes, however, kept looking between their joined hands and the man sitting next to Vinnie. Orton was scribbling again, stopping for a second to give the pair a glance before going back to his writing, only to freeze and look at the two again.

“Something on your mind ?”, Vinnie couldn’t help but ask the man.

“Oh. I’m sorry.”, Orton replied, almost looking like a child who was caught eavesdropping. “It’s just that the two of you have such a peculiar relationship.”

“Pecu-what ?”, the shorter man asked.

“Peculiar.”, Balth explained with an eye-roll. “It means strange but fascinating.”, the taller man turned his attention to the future TV star. “What makes you say such a thing ?”

“It’s the way you two act.”, Orton explained. “Since I’ve met you earlier, you kept arguing about anything and everything. But you always manage to keep working with each other and get along, as if all those arguments never happened at all.”

“Huh. I guess we do argue a lot.”, Vinnie commented while glancing at his husband with a smile. The taller man, however, was still focused on the other man. And was it just Vinnie, or did Balth looked tense, almost afraid ?

“It’s funny to see such a friendship.”, Orton continued. “It’s like the two of you were brothers.”

“B-brothers ?!”, Balth spluttered.

Vinnie couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea, not helped by Balthazar’s reaction. In all his years of time-travel, he and Balth had been called a lot of things. But acting like brothers ? As in biological brothers and not brothers in arms ? From someone less than two centuries away from their time-period ? That was new. Vinnie had to admit, he would never stop being surprised by how oblivious people could be in the past, no matter how close to his present they were.

“Actually,”, Vinnie decided to correct. “we’re marr-“

“Yes, just like brothers !”, Balth interrupted, laughing awkwardly. Vinnie could only frown as the taller man silenced him with his hand. “After everything we’ve been through so much together, it’s like we always knew each other !”

“Yeah.”, the shorter man grumpily continued after removing Balth’s hand from his face. “And you should really tell your wife how great of a brother in-law she has.”, Vinnie tried to keep a relaxed tone, though he couldn’t help but glare at the man.

Balth returned his glare but stayed silent. From the corner of his eye, Vinnie could see his husband playing with his ring, his fingers slowly rubbing the metal.

“Can any of you help me with this ?”, Professor Time suddenly interrupted. He and his platypus friend were trying to push one of the cabinets of the time-machine.

“I can help !”, Orton replied as he stood up.

Once the other men were all out of earshot, the remaining pair had the same thought. Balth grabbed Vinnie’s arm and their face came closer.

“This man is from the 60s.”, Balth half-shouted half-whispered. “We can’t just go around telling him about our relationship !”

“He’s a nice guy !”, Vinnie argued.

“Just because he’s helping us now doesn’t mean he will be fine with two men liking each other !”

“But what if he does ? And if he doesn’t, so what ? He sees us as his friends. If he cares for us, he can realize that there’s nothing wrong with it and that we’re just normal people ! And what if he doesn’t think about it because it’s not a thing for him ? Because that doesn’t mean he’s against it !”

“Dakota.”, Balth took a deep breath, seemingly deflating. “Listen. The world is in grave danger. We might be the only people left who aren’t plants. If we tell Orton about us, we might cause a divide in the group. And we can’t afford that right now !”, after a quick look at the taco stand, he took Vinnie’s hand in his, gently rubbing it with his thumb. “We need to keep our relationship a secret from everyone. This is the safest thing we can do, especially with what’s happening right now. We simply cannot risk it.”

“…”, Vinnie sighed. “I hate it when you’re right about this.”, he pulled away, crossing his arms. “Alright, I won’t tell him. But that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.”

“I don’t expect you to be.”, his husband replied with a more compassionate tone.

When Orton came back to the table, he looked at the pair curiously but didn’t make any comment. He simply sat back, his head on the table. And that was the end of it.

Vinnie was still feeling a bit angry. If there was one thing he couldn’t stand about his marriage, it was the need to hide it just because of what some people might do to him. To Balth. But at least he learnt to live with this lie. And Balth was much more affectionate when they were in the present, making the whole thing bearable.

…And now that this entire talk was done, and with the two men at the table having the same idea to try sleeping, he yet again found himself with nothing to do but be bored.

-----

After what felt like forever, they finally got their hands on some time juice. Thanks to the strange way the time-stream worked, the group somehow found the moment Vinnie got the clocks into it. Now they were almost on their way to 1965, waiting for Professor Time to fuel his time-machine.

“We are finally going to have a chance to get rid of those pistachios once and for all.”, Balth said not without relief, echoing Vinnie’s thoughts.

“Yeah.”, the shorter man replied. “And it’s about time too. If we’d have stayed stuck here several days, I would’ve started running out of those.”, forgetting about the time-period of the people around him, he took his testosterone doses out of his pocket.

“Since when do you carry those with you ?”, Balth commented.

“For a while now, in case it runs out.”, Vinnie elbowed his husband. “Looks like you’re starting to rub off on me.”

“It’s about time.”, the taller man replied with a small smile.

“Wait.”, Professor Time suddenly interrupted, the time-juice container in hand. “Why do you need to take hormones ?”, the professor gasped. “Does that mean you’re-! Wow, the future must have great surgeons, I never would’ve guessed !”

“Thanks.”, Vinnie couldn’t help but chuckle. While the man with the annoying voice definitely wasn’t the portrait he made of the great hero who invented time-travel, there was still some pride in seeing the great Professor Time compliment him.

“They sure do.”, Balth replied as well, putting a hand on Vinnie’s shoulder. Whether it was in jealousy from seeing his hero compliment someone else or in protection due to what the professor may have grown up to believe about men like him, Vinnie couldn’t tell.

“Wait. What are you referring to ?”, Orton asked.

“Oh. Uhhh.”, Vinnie and Balth shared a look, and the shorter man didn’t miss how his husband immediately tensed. But now that the TV star heard, it would be rude not to answer him. “H-how to explain it simply…”

“Just do it like you were telling it to a child.”, Balth suggested in a lower voice. “You like children, right ?”

“Yeah. Yeah ok. Alright.”, Vinnie cleared his throat, his attention back on Orton, a man who was definitely not like a child. He felt Balth let go of him. Not helping, he mentally grumbled. “You see…when-when I was a kid…let’s just say I didn’t look like I do know. I mean, of course I grew up and changed but, ahem. Look, let’s just say that, when I was born, I wasn’t born a boy. I-I looked like a girl.”

“You were born a girl ?!”, despite his tone, Orton looked more fascinated than repulsed.

“Noooot exactly. I always was a boy. But when I was a kid, I, well I guess it was like I was trapped in a girl’s body. Everyone thought I was a girl, and for a while, I thought I did too. But I always wanted to look more like my brother. I often tried to wear his clothes and do things like him.”, Vinnie found himself smile at the memory. It was such a long time ago…”Eventually, I realized that I was a boy. So when I became a teenager, my oldest brother made sure I grew up like one. And here I am now.”

“So you were born with a different body, like a woman’s body, but chose to become a man ?”

“I wouldn’t say I chose but, yeah I guess that’s the main idea.”, Vinnie shrugged.

“Fascinating. I’m not sure I understand everything about it but…”, the TV star started writing in his notepad again. Vinnie hoped it didn’t mean bad news for him.

“You don’t have to understand it.”, Balth interrupted, his hand back on his husband’s shoulder. “The only thing to understand is that Dakota is a man, in both mind and body.”

“Oh you sure would know that.~”, the shorter man couldn’t help but joke, earning a glare from the taller man.

“Alright gang !”, Professor Time interjected as he got back to the counter. “The time-juice is in. And this time, we’ll have enough to go in and out. 1965, here we come !”

Note : For those curious about my headcanons : Dakota has three siblings, two brothers and one sister. Also the brother mentioned for the clothes is two years older than Vinnie, which is mostly why Vinnie went to him to get some clothes since it wouldn’t be that big on him. Also also, Vinnie is the youngest of the siblings (he’s the baby bro and he sometimes “hates” it, mostly because he has no-one to tease/coddle like the other three do, especially the two oldest).

This is the first time I not only write about a trans character but also made the fact that they’re trans be a subject of discussion; so I hope I did ok on that front.

And speaking of which, for those wondering about that too : I don’t see Heinz as a trans man. He’s definitely a crossdresser, and I completely understand why people see him as trans, but personally, I don’t really see it. So him being completely fine with Vinnie is less about him being able to relate and more about him being a decent person.

And one last thing : yes, Vinnie “””“”fully””””” transitioned. Hence the “both in mind and body” part (and my god does this sound transphobic when said like that…and that’s coming from someone who’s enby and wants to transition to male). So while I doubt that I’ll ever mention what Dakota has in his pants, don’t expect me to write something in which he falls pregnant or is able to.

Thanks for reading !

#Milo Murphy's Law #mml #Vinnie Dakota #Balthazar Cavendish #Dakavendish #Heinz Doofenshmirtz #Orton Mahlson #trans Vinnie Dakota #my fanfics #mml spoilers ???#not really #but who knows #if I did something wrong in the representation #please don't kill me #tell me I messed up #but spare my life

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starkerforlife6969 · 4 years

Text

Starker, Winterspider, To be a Widow

A continuation of @wandering-night19 ‘s iconic au. Peter’s past three husbands have all died under suspicious circumstances. Detective Stark was convinced that pretty Peter had something to do with it, but more and more lately, Peter’s dangerously loyal butler Bucky has become his prime suspect..read the OG post here thank you for letting me play with the masterpiece world you created.

part two here

TW: mentions of death, murder, obsessive love

Tony can’t get it out of his head.

The piercing blue of Barnes’ eyes, the tight coil of his muscles and the silent way he swept into every room. Trailing behind Peter, an ominous shadow, an attack dog.

But not an attack dog. Because attack dogs had masters, and Tony wasn’t sure that Peter was in control. Wasn’t sure that Barnes had a leash.

“Come on,” Tony hisses to Steve, as the two of them trudge down the large gravel drive back down to their car. The air is bitter and cold and the sky an ugly grey hanging low over them. “You know something’s going on here.”

Steve shakes his head. “His alibi checks out, Tony.”

“You’re telling me that Barnes didn’t strike you as at all off? He seemed perfectly normal to you. Three husbands, Steve. Parker’s not even twenty-five.”

They get to their car, and Steve pauses with his hand on the door. “I like facts, Tony. Innocent until proven guilty, isn’t that the law?”

“Then lets prove him guilty. A background check on Barnes, is that too much?” Tony resists the urge to grin at Steve’s look of consideration. He reigns it in. “Just to double check. Just to make sure.”

Steve is nothing if not thorough. He hums, but shakes his head. “Nat determined the cause of death as cardiac arrest.”

“Hey,” Tony quips, sliding in on the passenger side. “We all make mistakes.”

***

“I don’t make mistakes.” Natasha says calmly, and Tony sighs.

“You’re telling me that there isn’t even a one percent chance you could be wrong?”

“No.”

“Nat-”

“I think you’ll have to give it up. Barnes didn’t have a record, did he? Commended soldier. Respected.”

“Three. Dead. Husbands. Why does no one seem to hear that part?” Tony groans into his hands.

She gets up and shrugs. “Some people have lives that really are that tragic. Maybe instead of tormenting Mr Parker, you should be giving him some sympathy.”

“Or,” Tony murmurs, mind whirring as he thinks, “I just need to get a better look at the house.”

***

He tries to be ready for the sight of Peter. Tries to prepare himself so he won’t be blindsided like he was last time. And the time before. He tries to make his pacing look nervous, instead of investigatory, as he glances surreptitiously over the decor of the dining room. The huge mahogany table, the impressive candle centrepiece, the numerous portraits all over the walls.

Tony drags his hands over the wallpaper. Hidden doors? Maybe.

It feels like the portraits are watching him. Is it possible that-

“Detective Stark,” comes a lovely sigh, gentle and musical.

Tony turns, and there he is. Peter Parker. A vision in bleeding crimson and garnet slippers. “Mr Parker.” He says, trying to inject as much warmth into his voice as he can. It’s a relief, that Barnes doesn’t slink in behind Peter. Tony had received enough of a death glare as the butler had shown him in.

“You’ll have to forgive me,” Peter murmurs, sitting down at the table near where a silver tray is laid out. “I wasn’t inspecting visitors. I’m not in my mourning attire.”

Tony takes his cue and sits adjacent to Peter at the head of the table, watching as he arranges two delicate tea-cups. “Mourning attire?” He mutters, still feeling the paintings watching him, “people still do that?”

Honey eyes meet his, earnest and sad. “I do. I’ve had a lot of practice with grief in my time, Detective. Something you were keen to mention the last time you came into my home.”

Tony winces.

Peter deflates. “I’m sorry, it’s been- trying. Would you like some peppermint tea? It’s been calming my nerves.”

Tony politely declines, but looks over Peter anew. Translucent skin, dark smudges under his eyes. “Are you doing okay?”

“Feeling frayed, that’s all.” The boy admits, putting on a brave face. “But enough about me. Was there something you wanted, Detective?”

“We don’t think Mr Osbourne’s death was an accident, Mr Parker. We believe foul play was involved.”

Peter’s plush pink lips part in surprise, and a tiny hand comes up to his chest. “Oh,” he whispers, looking like a Victorian poster for fainting couches, “I suppose I should have guessed you were considering that option given last time, but...the coroner said it was-”

“New evidence has come to light.” Tony lies smoothly. Peter’s tea-cup trembles, the peppermint tea sloshing dangerously towards the lisp. “We want to assign you one of our best detectives.” Here, he smiles winningly. “Me, of course. To look out for you.”

“Oh, oh, there’s- there’s no need for that.” Peter murmurs, “I have-”

Right on cue, silent as a panther, probably as deadly as one, Barnes steps into the room.

His face almost looks as blank and stoic as usual, but Tony can read people better than that. There’s something there, in the thinly pressed line of his lips. Something angry.

“Bucky,” Peter beams, all the tension leaving his body, beckoning Bucky in easily. “I was just- Detective Stark, thank you for thinking of me, but Bucky here has always been marvellous at keeping me safe.”

Bucky comes to stand behind Peter’s chair, hands clasped tight in front of him. He says nothing, but his eyes are boring into Tony so hard it almost hurts.

The detective goes for charming. “I’m sure your old butler was enough before, Peter, but we really insist on you having one of us with you at all times, if possible. As a precautionary measure. Your past three husbands have all been targeted, it’s possible that the real target has been you.”

Peter looks stunned, before his expression turns to dismayed. “They wanted me? So, it’s my fault that-” his teacup shakes in his hand, and Barnes reaches down smoothly to lift it out of Peter’s grasp and onto the tray. Tony watches, gleaning as much as he can as Barnes stills Peter’s shaking fingers, squeezes once: reassuring.

Barnes’ eyes look distressed, concerned, lov-

No. Tony thinks, stomach dropping, ice seeping into his veins. He looks between the two of them, as Peter sniffles and dabs at his big, haunting eyes with the edge of a handkerchief, a frail, beautiful thing with such a tragic romantic history. And Barnes behind him, tall, silent, deadly, woven with such power, protective and providing and- jealous.

This case, for all its intrigue is no different from the most common. Love, obsession, jealousy.

“That’s awful,” Peter hiccups, unaware to Tony’s colossal realisation. “I’d feel just- just awful if that was the case, Detective. Of course. Of course, whatever you think is best. I have- I have many spare bedrooms. Bucky, you could make one of them up for Detective Stark, couldn’t you?”

“With pleasure.” Bucky hums, but his jaw is locked.

Tony waits until Bucky has gone, before swallowing hard and looking at Peter. “Is there somewhere we could talk?” He murmurs, “privately?”

Peter looks surprised, eyes still shiny with tears. “We’re alone, Detective.”

“Your butler-”

“I have no secrets from Bucky,” Peter says firmly, “but he’s gone upstairs to make up one of the bedrooms for you.”

“No offence, Peter, but I don’t believe that for a second.” Tony stands up and offers his hand. “Please.”

Peter looks up at him, breath tinged with awe, before slipping his delicate fingers into Tony’s grasp.

***

The library has a solid door with a gold latch, no paintings hanging, and the walls are all brick.

Tony checks the door once more as Peter drifts over to the fire. The flames lick heat along his crimson form. His pale skin, the deep red, Tony’s not sure what to make of him. It’s an arresting sight.

He wants to feel that skin. It looks smooth and soft. Wants to hear that lovely voice sigh his name, he wants-

He wants all of the boy. Completely. And he thinks that most men who meet him do. There’s something about him. It drives men to madness. It’s driven Barnes to madness.

Stephen Strange, Justin Hammer, Norman Osbourne, they’ve all just fallen in love. And now Tony thinks- he thinks maybe Peter loved them too. And that’s the part Barnes couldn’t take.

Tony thinks if he looks into those honey eyes too long, if he let himself give into temptation to press just one kiss-

He thinks he might go a little mad too.

“When did you meet Mr Barnes?”

“Oh, James and I have known each other forever,” Peter hums, wrapping his arms around himself, silk robe fluttering from the heat of the flames. “Since I was a boy. Before he went off to fight. He’s highly decorated, you know.”

Tony frowns, scanning over the book titles on the shelves: The Miracle of Al-Zahrawi catches his eye for a reason he can’t place. “So, childhood sweethearts kind of deal?”

Peter frowns, tumbling hickory curls spilling into his milky face. “We’re like family. He’s the only family I have left now.”

“And you never...”

“Detective,” Peter turns to face him, framed by firelight, “I think you’re beginning to insinuate and assume again. You were wrong last time and you deeply hurt me. I’d like not to be hurt again.”

Tony nods, affected by Peter’s voice and eyes and being. “Sure.” He mutters. “Tread real gentle, I get it.” There’s another book that snags in his peripheral. Understanding IDEF Statistics. Tony points to it, cocking his head. “Eclectic reading list.”

Peter’s voice is confused. “Most of them were passed down.”

“Back to Barnes- you don’t suspect him, then? The only person always with you, your only family, your only friend. First husband, Stephen Strange: gone. Hammer, gone. Now Osbourne.” Tony turns back to face Peter, who’s eyes are wide and expressive and confused. “Car accident, helicopter accident, heart attack. You don’t think there’s any possible way Barnes had something to do with it?”

“These are- are tragedies!” Peter exclaims, backing away. “Horrible tragedies and-and James has helped me through every single one. You don’t know him. I know him. He would never-”

“He loves you.” Tony says, matter-of-fact, “do you know that?”

Peter falters. He looks weak and small and delicate. Like a strong breeze wouldn’t just put out the fire. “He’s...we’re...family.”

Tony softens. He gentles his voice. “It’s not your fault, Peter. He...he loves you. Probably thought they weren’t good enough for you. Thought he was looking out for you.”

The boy screws his eyes shut and shakes his head. His beautiful curls toss this way and that. “Stop it, Detective. I don’t- I don’t like this. I don’t think I want you here- I want you to leave.”

Tony feels frustration well up inside him. “Peter, this will keep happening! You’ll never be happy, he’ll never let-”

He doesn’t realise he’s striding over until Peter topples backwards, grabbing a book off the shelf and using it to shield himself, like he’s preparing to be hit.

Tony stops. The gleaming cover with the title: The Tragedy of Mendell Stromm.

“I’m not...” he gets to his knees, and realises he’s shaking. Peter blinks up at him, long lashes framing eyes of sunlight and amber. “I would never hurt you, Peter.” He whispers. His voice feels all choked up. “There’s something...you’re...something precious.”

Peter makes a little noise from his throat, like an endangered, trusting animal. He lowers the book, and edges across the floor towards Tony.

“I look at you...” Tony whispers, fisting his hands, “it’s like a kind of madness, Peter. I know other people must have felt it when looking at you. I know- I know Barnes is crazy on you. He’s dangerous. I can see it. I can see things, I can read people, I’ve always been able to read people. I can-”

He stutters to a stop. Peter’s soft hands, god they’re just as soft as he imagined, cup his face. Smooth over his goatee. So close, he can smell the scented lotion on Peter’s skin, can see flecks of diamond in Peter’s eyes. Absolutely precious. “It’s okay, Anthony,” he soothes, so giving, even in his grief. “It’s okay, it’s okay.” And he wraps his arms around him.

Tony buries his face into Peter’s chest, soothing fingers running through his hair. Peter massages his scalp, and hums a melody Tony can’t place. But it’s beautiful, enchanting, just like Peter. “I’m sorry,” Tony hisses, shaking his head, tears staining Peter’s silk clothes. “I-it’s not- it was just a heart attack. I don’t- Barnes’ record is clean, I’m just- maybe I’m mad.”

“No,” Peter promises, kissing the top of Tony’s head. “You’re just trying to do your job. Keep people safe. Uphold the law.” Peter pulls back, a tiny smile on his face. “I respect that. I appreciate that.”

This close, he’d barely have to lean- he feels crazy, driven almost to insanity with this craving, to feel those lips-

Peter blinks, breath hitching, and he leans forward, just for a second, and presses a quick kiss to Tony’s lips before pulling away like a butterfly, barely landed on a flower.

It’s heaven. Tony captures those lips again, kisses him, and Peter opens up, and it’s so damn addictive and heady and-

The door of the library rattles.

The two pull away from each other with a start. Peter immediately gets up, brushing himself down and Tony follows suit. He looks at Peter (a lovely, lovely pink) who nods at him, and Tony heads to the door.

Peter slots the book back into it’s place on the shelf, and Tony slides open the gold latch to let Bucky in.

It’s as he’s pulling open the door -

The Tragedy of Mendell Stromm

Understanding IDEF Statistics

The Miracle of Al-Zahrawi

They all spark suddenly, hard, in his head. Obsession cleared only for a moment. Mendell Stromm- Norman Osbourne’s first wife. IDEF, the International Defence Industry Fair that Hammer made an appearance at each year, Al-Zahrawi, one of the world’s first neurosurgeons.

It’s not Barnes at all, it’s-

The door opens, and Bucky stands there. He takes one look at Tony’s face and grabs his arms before Tony can run.

Suddenly, there’s a sharp poke to his back, a knife, or, knowing Peter, some ornate dagger, pressing warningly into his flesh.

“Oh, Tony,” Peter’s lovely voice sighs, “so clever. Isn’t he clever, James?” Peter noses along Tony’s neck, cool breath fanning into his ear.

Bucky grins, teeth sharp but not feral. Tony sees. Barnes does have a master. And now, Tony does too.

part 2 here

Tagging: @clevermuffinalmondpeach @professional-benaddict @thisgirlisastarker @literallyjustdrawingrefsandideas @avengerscollection @myloshinobu @starker-stories @sweeter-than-starker @starkerislife @goldenmogar @starker-prompt-dump @itsrachael @2moonsandsaphael @firefandoming @prettyboiistarker @sofia1926 @silkystark @mauvalencia @plueschpop @starkerbby

#starker #winterspider #winterironspider #dark #murder mystery vibes #mentions of murder #death #au #widow peter #butler bucky #detective tony #soldier bucky #peter x tony #peter x bucky #obsessive love

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themadauthorshatter · 3 years

Text

YO!

Hi! 😊

I don't know about you guys, but I think it's time to catch up with our dear friends in the Toppat!Charles AU.

Part 7 was SOOO long, and I will try to pack in as much as I can without excluding an outro.

LAST TIME ON THE TOPPAT!CHARLES SHOW: (Old timey 1920's reporter voice) Terrence Suave escaped the CCC in order to find Henry and convince him to help break Reginald Copperbottom out of The Wall. Although their attempt was successful, Dmitri attacked and almost killed Henry, who was saved by his father at the last minute. Meanwhile, Charles is getting used to his place as leader, even if the reception is a little frosty.

(Back to normal) Of course, if you want the FULL background, here are the previous parts:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

With all that out of the wag, LET'S GET BACK INTO IT!!!!

CRAZY JUMPCUT WARNING, IT'S ABOUT TO GET CRAZY!!!

We open on the Toppat orbital station as Charles and Right get an emergency call from Burt: there's a broadcast coming from Earth that's just for them.

On Earth, Henry holds Reginald by his arm, tight enough to keep a hold on him yet loose enough to not bruise. So far, all they have is white noise, but a thumbs up from the general in the next room tells them that this is working.

On the orbital station, Charles and Right watch the white noise as well, but do hear a voice, wven though it's extremely garbled.

"-Arles? ...Righ- ...Man? -You hear m-?"

Back in Earth, Henry clears his throat and tries again.

"Charles? Right Hand Man? It's Henry Stickmin. Can you hear me?"

It takes a minute or so that feels like forever, but the feed becomes clear and shows Charles and Right standing side by side, Charles annoyed as all hell and Right being smug. Neither see Reginald yet because Henry is holding him just out of the camera's sight.

"'Ello again. Miss us already?"

Henry glares into the camera and signs with one hand.

Already knowing sign Charles translates, "Barely. I have a present for you, though."

Henry nods and pulls Reg into the fame, and Right's smug face drops INSTANTLY.

Reginald's time in The Wall has inded taken its toll. His hair, despite regular washing, is still insanely greasy and messy. His moustache is messy too from no time being given to care for it. He's thin, too, thinner than Terrence Suave is, thinner than CHARLES. (For context, Terrence has only lost fifteen pounds, though the augmentations make him tremendously heavy, Charles has lost about twenty-seven pounds, and Reginald has lost nearly forty pounds since his imprisonment.)

Reg gasps at seeing Right, especially the augmentations that follow Right's emotions as he leans forward and closer to the screen.

He pulls out of Henry's grip to try to get closer, even though there's a screen and millions of miles between them.

"Reg!"

"Right Hand Man!? You're alive! How!?"

Right's smile of relief turns to a snarl as he turns his attention back to Henry.

"You son of a BITCH, Stickmin!"

Henry pulls Reginald away from the screen and signs again, Charles translating for him.

"'Eye for an eye. If you want him back...'"

Charles is silent as Henry keeps signing for a little bit, giving a location to meet him.

He only glares at Henry, extremely offended.

"He wants to meet in the desert. The one close to the CCC headquarters. Where we arrested the previous leader."

Henry nods.

Right is about to speak, but Charles steps in front of him and pushes him back.

"And if we don't agree?"

Henry points a finger gun at Reginald, though the threat is pretty reluctant in his eyes. 'Execution.'

Right a mini panic and Charles smirks, especially when Right cuts in.

"Fine! Deal! We'll meet you there tomorrow! Just don't hurt him!"

Henry nods and signs, 'Tomorrow.'

With that, and a few moments of tense staring with Charles, the transmission ends.

Henry sighs and signs to the general and Ellie from behind a window, 'Now we wait.'

"What's your plan now?" Galeforce asks. "What're you going to do?"

Henry makes a rectangle with his hands and then a sort of "opening-closing" gesture.

'Box.'

ON THE TOPPAT ORBITAL STATION!!!!

Charles is roaming the halls, examining portraits of past clan leaders. He hasn't gotten his own yet, but neither has Right. He's mostly looking at Randy Radman.

"That one was one of the best leaders," Right muses from Charles's side. "Got it worse, though. 'Ad a fist fight with gold gun right there." He points to Terrence's portrait. "Knocked 'im out where he stood and made 'im fall into a propeller, back when we used the airship. I remember 'ow 'e laughed afterward. Thought 'e lost 'is marbles. Reg and I 'ad to clean 'im out a few days later."

Charles is silent when Right finishes, only coughing a little bit. After about a minute, he speaks up.

"Guess you're done with me?"

Right shrugs. "As much as I like you, I like Reg a little more."

Charles clenches a fist as Right continues.

"I'm getting 'im back and no one's stopping me. Sorry, kid, but I'm givin' you back. You've been 'ere long enough."

Charles fights the rage boiling inside of him and forces a smile. "I thought you'd kill me when I overstayed my welcome."

Right smirks back. "I like Reg even more alive. Thought crossed my mind from time to time, though."

Charles nods and leaves, claiming he's going to say goodbye to the room and cell he was in, finding some closure there.

Right looks over to Reginald's portrait and gets a sorrowful look on his face as he places a non-cybernetic hand on the painting.

"Soon. Sorry it took so long, Reg."

Back with Charles, though, he storms into his room and has an Aaron Burr "Your obedient servant" brooding moment.

He's been kidnapped, starved, beaten, tortured, and forced to join the Toppat Clan, he has pneumonia and needs to use eye drops, and now he's just being tossed around like a hot potato?

You can see why something like this would piss him off.

Unlike Henry's leadership, however, there's no one to back up Charles.

He gets to his room and throws his hat at the window and trashes his room.

After he's done and has worn himself out, he spots a gun on his desk and smiles, the greatest plan forming in his broken mind

If that's how you want to play, let's do this.

BACK ON EARTH!!!!!!

Henry is chilling in a box that can hold him comfortably, thinking out a plan of escape should the meeting go wrong.

The execution threat on Reginald seemed to work wonders, but there could be a chance Right backs out on this deal and holds on to Charles, just one of the possibilities that could happen. Ellie and Terrence will be joining them for the hostage swap, another precaution in case shit hits the fan.

Speaking if Terrence, Henry gets a knock from the outside of the box and he pops out to see his father giving him weird eyes.

"Guess... THIS is your plan?"

'It might be, if all goes wrong.'

Terrence shakes his head. "Knowing that poodle, he's not giving you any trouble, not with his master on the line."

Henry looks away from him and shakily nods.

"How're you feeling, by the way? Your hand getting better?"

Henry checks his hand, which is in a cast, and nods. 'Yeah. Just needs a little bit to heal.'

"Good." Terrence lightly smacks Heney on the head. "Smart thinking, by the way. Taking on the warrant on his own turf."

Henry winces and signs, 'It gave you guys a chance to get away.'

"And almost got YOU killed. Try saving your friend after that."

Henry nods. 'Thanks.'

"Can't let the warrant kill you before me or Bill."

The two share a smile and prepare for the meet at night.

With Reginald, he tries to make himself presentable for when he sees Right and the clan again, pinching color into his cheeks, trying to fix his hair and style his mustache by hand, and trying to dewrinkle his clothes; he has standards.

When Henry and Galeforce walk in, the general saying grouchily, "Once we get Charlie back and get you back to the clan, don't expect us to keep letting you all off the hook."

"I need time to rest myself after being locked up twice. Don't go flattering yourself."

They get some handcuffs on Reginald and get situated in a helicopter or carrier of some kind and fly off to the desert.

TIME JUMP BROUGHT TO YOU BY EIGHT HAND MAN BEING SOFT FOR REGINALD!!!!!

Charles and Right are already waiting when they see the government, Terrence, and Henry arrive with Reginald.

Ellie, Galeforce, Terrence, and Henry approach, Reg trying to hold back a smile when he sees Right in the flesh. Galeforce feels an emotional gut punch when he sees Charles, but business first.

"Evening, gentlemen."

"General." Charles says with a tip of his head; he is not wearing his top hat. "Good to see you're doing well."

Right grimaces at Terrence Suave, who gives a smirk to his fellow cyborg.

"Mr. Suave."

"Right Hand Man, old friend. How've you been? You look good. Get any new updates?"

Henry clears his throat as Ellie chides, "Focus."

Charles's gaze softens on Ellie, apologetic. "Hey, Ellie."

Ellie is quiet for a second before replying, "Um... Hey, Charles. We're here to take you home."

He hardens again, his face a mix of stoicism and anger. "After he wanted me gone, he suddenly wants me back?" He asks as he gestured to Henry.

Henry looks at the ground and shrinks under Charles's gaze, his sign barely seen. 'I'm sorry.'

Charles scoffs. "All you criminals are the same: When things don't go your way, you'll use anything and anyone you can to make it go your way."

Henry shakes his head. 'I never wanted this to happen. I made a deal with the CCC to be here, just please come back.'

Charles's angry dace breaks into shock.

'I'm sorry I didn't take the shot. I'm sorry for everything you went through, and I'm sorry I couldn't save you earlier. Please just come home.'

Right hides a smirk, Reginald gives Right, 'Really? Overboard, much?' eyes, Ellie and Terrence fight tears, and Galeforce clears his throat.

"Come on, Charlie. Let's get you home."

Charles doesn't respond for a second and remains still before gesturing to Reginald. "Let him say 'hi' to his right hand man first, then we can go."

Reg and Right are both surprised by this, but Galeforce complies, taking off Reginald's handcuffs.

Reg and Right run toward each other and meet in a very warm, tearful embrace, one with crying and one running his fingers through the other's hair, one that makes Henry and even Terrence smile; say what you will, these two make a cute couple.

In this moment, Henry notices a slight movement from Charles.

The former pilot smiles widely, teeth bare, eyes bloodshot and wide, and tears streaming down his face as he pulls a gun out from his coat and takes aim.

With a lurch, Galeforce, acting purely on instinct, goes for his own gun in his belt, Ellie backs away(Charles is one hell of a shot and she doesn't want to learn that again), Terrence reaches for Henry, and Henry darts toward Charles.

"NO!"

BANG!

MAN! Don't you just love cliff hangers? Leaves you right on the tips of your toes and gets you askimg the serious question: "WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED!?"

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoyed this post and I'm so sorry this took so long to post; I won't get too personal, but where I am right now isn't exactly the best for a creative mind. Hopefully that changes soon, but time will tell.

Any way, I hope you all enjoyed this part. I'm so glad I can do an outro thing for this one!!😂😅

#toppat!charles #copperright #slight gore tw #guns tw #stickvin #henry stickmin #henry stickmim collection #right hand man #Reginald Copperbottom #Charles Calvin

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rpmemesbyarat · 3 years

Conversation

RP Meme Lines from "AHS: Coven" Episode 12: "Go To Hell"

Your highest honor comes at the greatest price.

Death is not uncommon. And danger inescapable.

I don't even need to read your mind to know what you're doing.

Poor, sweet, dumb, paranoid girl.

The awful truth is I am tired.

I want to know what happened.

She's probably off in some unholy nether realm.

He's a deity. Show some respect.

Respect is something that is definitely lacking around here.

You will show me respect!

You look like shit.

I can't believe you did that to yourself.

Whoa! That was cool!

I did transmutation.

I didn't even have to think about it. It just happened.

Our powers always spike in times of crisis. This is one of those times.

You into girls now?

What are you afraid I might see?

Nothing stays a secret for very long in this house

It will come to light whether you want it to or not.

I don't have any secrets.

I'm the queen-- I will rise again!

My people gonna come for you. Rip you apart.

Give me the box of chicken. Today, please.

I'm going on break, okay?

This was the worst time of your life. Waiting on people who treated you like the piece of trash you thought you were. No power. No respect. And no future that you could see.

Your hell's on Earth.

Don't make me put you in the fryer.

Everybody got to pay in the end.

Wait! I'm not done with you!

Unless you want to stay here forever, you better hurry and get back.

Time moves differently in here.

I'm talking to you, bitch!

You made it back. I'm impressed.

Now that I've proven my power, you're gonna give me some answers.

You remember how you told me you were gonna cut me up in little pieces and plant me all over the place? I thought that was a honey of an idea.

There's got to be a way to kill her.

More marshmallows.

Well, she's not gonna be doing anything while she's chopped into 50 pieces and those pieces are scattered all over the city.

You are one crafty witch.

When do we get to see the attic torture chamber?

These wild tales of barbarity you've heard are nothing more than lies invented by her many enemies.

What a total rip-off.

How did you find me?

A dog returns to its vomit.

I see you finally got that makeover.

I'm here to set the record straight.

She even looks like a monster.

Many times while there were extravagant parties going on just below, the sounds of music and revelry drowning out the cries of torment.

You don't believe it?

It beggars all belief.

The information you've been feeding these people? It's inaccurate.

I want my money back.

Do not touch the display items!

You will never be able to pay for your crimes.

It's your only chance for redemption.

Agree to be publicly humiliated-- all is forgiven.

All anybody has to do nowadays is shed some tears, say some words

It's called repentance.

Oh, repentance my ass.

You think a man jack among them was well and truly sorry? Not a one. Sorry they got caught is all.

Y'all nothing but a pack of sniveling hypocrites, as far as I can see.

I won't profess to be sorry, 'cause I'm not.

I was getting to you before. I know it.

You made me weep.

I wept for the state of this world.

A world of lies. A world that makes promise it cannot keep.

I don't want to die.

I want my portrait hung just there.

What are you doing back there?

Do you need a break?

I probably have two weeks left on Earth.

Maybe we could be kind to one another for a change, huh?

Did you really think self-mutilation would restore your power?

You cannot lose your power. You never will. It's inside of you.

As much as I'd like to, I cannot take credit for that. It's all you.

You're saying good-bye?

A man shouldn't be disturbed when he's playing with his instrument.

You don't have your mother's features.

Oh, you know who I am?

We spent quite an evening together.

She can't love anyone but herself.

I saw everything. Everything.

Unzip me.

Whatever fantasy you have about who she is and what you are to her, it's all bullshit.

She used you. All she does is use people.

I don't suspect you have a passport ready.

You feel that? That empty heartbroken feeling?

When the rest of the world sees a wall, we see a window.

Is she alive?

She's not breathing.

That's deadly nightshade you're about to ingest through your nostrils. I wouldn't sniff around unless you're looking for a bout of delirium.

Where is everybody?

Who would have been cruel enough to commit such an atrocity?

I heard people die after three days without water.

Please tell me this is a hallucination driven by my bouquet of Atropa belladonna.

You were supposed to spend your days in romantic splendor with your true love.

You're just like Halston when he sold his brand to J.C. Penney. You've forsaken your destiny.

You bit it off.

Hey, you're in my spot!

I want to sleep!

We're leaving.

You, don't talk to me!

Is that why you came back, because you can't handle him?

You bitch.

You thought I was some dumb swamp rat you could leave behind to die?

Stop these vulgar fisticuffs at once.

It's beneath us.

I don't want to waste my magic on you.

You hit like a girl!

This is awesome!

You! You must pay for what you've done!

Wow, did you walk into the wrong house.

Who the hell is this guy?

I thought you banished his soul to the appropriate nether realms?

I'll kill all of you!

Is that blood?

How could you do this to me?

I don't remember the last time I was here when there wasn't music playing.

You pack your wader boots?

I don't like catfish. I loathe all bottom-feeders.

She's pretty, but she doesn't have your cheekbones.

I imagine she wanted me to do her dirty work for her.

We had a deal. It wasn't on paper, it wasn't stamped by a notary, but we had a deal!

You have been the most delightful distraction. A life preserver. But I'm gonna be on dry land soon.

Can't you at least pretend? Just, just humor me for a while?

I guess I loved you.

Although I really don't know anything about love, if I'm gonna be honest. But you were the sweetest of lovers. The best I've ever had. And I'll miss that.

Let go of me!

I know you love me!

Christ, I was sick!

I just needed to feel something.

I made you die those little deaths for the first time in your sorry life. I made you sing when you had no tunes left in you.

What you're doing is a crime against humanity.

Well, I've never been one for love, true or otherwise.

Does anyone feel any different?

Where's the body?

Somebody's got to kill this creep.

Is that really necessary?

I'll kill him.

We really don't need a man to protect us.

I know I mistreated you in the past but there's no greater pain than being this close and not, not being able to reach you. And to comfort you.

Oh, I'm consumed with regret.

Why are they doing this to us?

Please, I'm so thirsty.

Please have mercy.

Are you hungry, too?

I'll slice off one of your mama's fingers and feed it to you!

Yes, I have sinned.

I gave no quarter.

Have mercy on my soul!

I don't want to do this!

You will do as you are tasked.

Who is this man?

What is this place?

You have been granted your sweet release from the world of the mortal.

Welcome to hell.

I can't die!

We have a contract!

No one gets away with sin.

Everybody suffers.

#rp meme #rp memes #rp starters #roleplay memes #roleplay meme #roleplay starters #ahs #ahs coven

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unfortunate-arrow · 3 years

Text

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

[This is my secret santa gift for @raymondhope-writer for the @hphmsecretsanta2020! Hope you like it and that Daniel isn’t out of character! Have a great holiday!]

“Ninguid,” Daniel Carter said, his nose still buried in the book as the portrait swung open once he had given the password.

He glanced up at the common room for a moment. It was empty, as was to be expected considering that it was the Christmas holidays. He returned his attention to his book. Unfortunately, the common room seemed to have a different idea. There must have been something in his way because the next thing Daniel knew he was sprawled on the floor.

He stood up, brushing the legs of his robes instinctively. He bent down and picked up his book, setting it on a nearby table. He turned around and focused on the object he had tripped over. It was a pair of beaten up red converse sneakers. Daniel frowned.

“Oh, jeez, I’m sorry.” The voice had a thick accent that Daniel couldn’t quite place and belonged to a rather familiar looking boy. Daniel was pretty sure that he had seen the boy on the quidditch team and around Hogwarts, but couldn’t remember his name.

“Oh, it’s fine,” Daniel said.

“No, really. My brother’s right. Although, don’t tell him that. But, I need to be more careful. I wasn’t aware of anyone else who chose to stay for the holidays,” the boy said, awkwardly scratching the back of his head.

“Oh, really, it’s fine, mate.” He paused for a moment, watching the boy. “By any chance, are you on the quidditch team?”

“What? Oh, yeah. A chaser,” the boy answered.

“I thought that’s where I recognized you from.”

“Well, I’m Ryan. Ryan O’Donnell. The Gryffindor O’Donnell, as half the school calls me.”

The Gryffindor O’Donnell? Daniel frowned slightly at that. Why does that sound so familiar?

“I’m a quadruplet. That’s why. My brother, Conor’s in Ravenclaw, my sister, Cara’s in Slytherin and my other sister, Sara is in Hufflepuff,” Ryan said, shrugging as he bent down to pick up the sneakers.

Daniel’s eyes went wide. Oops, I must have said that out loud. But quadruplets? Holy hell! “I’m Daniel Carter, by the way. So, uh, why are you spending the Christmas holidays at Hogwarts?” He hoped it sounded casual enough.

Ryan’s cheeks flared red, and Daniel winced inwardly. He hadn’t meant to make the other boy uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable,” Daniel said.

“Oh, it’s no problem. Our family’s not spending Christmas at home, so the four of us decided to stay here,” Ryan answered, but it didn’t sound like he was telling the truth. At least, it didn’t to Daniel.

“My mother went to visit family in the United States.”

“Ah. We’ve been in Donegal since forever. Apparently, a however-many-great grandfather was the only survivor of the An Gorta Mór in our family.”

Daniel frowned. “An Gor… whatever?”

“The Great Hunger or the great famine. The 1840s potato blight in which millions of Irish either starved or emigrated.”

“Oh. I know what the famine was. I just didn’t know it was called that.”

“That’s the Irish name for it.”

“You know Irish?”

“Yeah. All four of us are fluent in Irish Gaelic. The damn Brits can try and stamp it out but we’ll rise up!” Ryan shook his fist and Daniel blinked. “Sorry. Us Irish don’t have a great relationship with the English.”

The two boys fell into a lapse of silence and Daniel took the moment to study the other boy. The boy was a few inches shorter than Daniel and had messy dark brown hair. Ryan looked fidgety as he was swinging one of the sneakers around. He wore a black bomber jacket and a pair of jeans.

“Anyways, since no one else is here, want to sit with me and my siblings at dinner?” Ryan asked, offering Daniel a smile.

“Sure. There’s four of you, what’s that like? You know being a quadruplet?” Daniel replied.

“What’s it like not being a quadruplet?”

“Touché.”

~~~~

Daniel tucked his hands into pockets of his pants as he made his way to the Great Hall. There were only about twenty students that had decided to stay behind for the Christmas holidays, so the professors had pushed the tables together to create one big table. There were also no longer the house restrictions. Although, those restrictions had never really stopped people from sitting with friends from other houses. Of course, Gryffindors were rarely found sitting at the Slytherin table and vice versa. Any other combination was bound to happen, but Slytherins and Gryffindors rarely fraternized in the Great Hall, especially not during dinner.

Daniel found Ryan easily. His fellow Gryffindor was sitting at a corner of the table, talking animatedly to a red haired girl and two other dark haired students. The boy had lighter hair than the other girl and both wore glasses.

“Oh, hey, Daniel! Over here!” Ryan called loudly and Daniel got the distinct impression that the Irish boy was rarely quiet.

“Guys, this is Daniel Carter. He’s in Gryffindor with me. Daniel, these are my siblings,” Ryan announced to the other three.

“Hi, I’m Cara,” the red haired girl said, smiling. She stuck her hand out to him.

“Hi. You’re in Slytherin, right?” Daniel asked.

“Yep. Slytherin. I’m not a jerk like half of us are, though.” She smirked, slightly at him.

Daniel laughed awkwardly.

“I’m Sara,” the dark haired girl said. She wore a sweater that was too big for her and Daniel was fairly certain that the sweater didn’t belong to either Ryan or his other two siblings.

“Hey. You’re in Hufflepuff?”

“Yeah. It’s nice to meet you, Daniel.”

“C-C-C… shit. Conor. I’m C-Conor,” the lighter haired boy said, his cheeks reddening. He looked somewhat familiar, like Daniel had seen him around in more than just the hall.

“Hi. Ravenclaw, right?”

Conor nodded. Daniel was fairly certain that he’d rumors about Conor O’Donnell. He had to be the student that was known as “that dumbass Ravenclaw who can’t even speak properly.” Of course, there’s no way in hell that Daniel was going to ask him that. He wasn’t going to bring up the stutter. Who’s to judge someone on something so uncontrollable?

He watched the siblings start talking and could barely follow the conversation. One big issue was how thick their accents were. It had been fairly easy to follow just Ryan in their previous conversation, but with all four of them it felt almost impossible to follow with the accents.

“That dragon is pretty cool,” Cara said.

“Thank you. It’s from my mum’s side of the family,” Daniel said.

“This ring was our mother’s. Our father bought it for her,” Sara said, holding her right hand out.

The ring was silver and had a braided band with a pair of hands holding a heart. The point of the heart was pointing towards her.

“What is it?” he asked.

“It’s a claddagh ring. They’re originally from Galway,” Sara explained.

“And when the heart’s point is pointed towards its wearer, that means they’re dating someone,” Cara said with a smirk across her face.

“Oh, shut up.”

The sisters grinned at one another. Daniel’s heart ached for a moment at the sight. He missed when he and Jacob had had moments like that. Jacob may have been a hell-raiser and they might have never been all that close, but Daniel still loved his older brother.

“Hey, Conor, are you taking Arithmancy?” Daniel asked suddenly, after pausing a moment or two to watch the other O’Donnell boy.

Conor nodded.

“I thought you looked somewhat familiar,” Daniel said.

“Ah,” Conor muttered.

~~~~

Dinner came and went. It was loud and cheery. The professors pulled a lot of antics, which was not something Daniel had expected. Then again, this was the first Christmas that Daniel had spent at Hogwarts with so few students. It had been enjoyable and the O’Donnell siblings were quite interesting, but he still enjoyed spending some time alone.

The halls of Hogwarts were decorated cheerily. There were little twinkling lights around all of the windows and twinkled against the snow. Snow swirled around the windows as a blizzard raged outside. The halls were slightly drafty, but the bite of the cold was perfect to Daniel. It made him slightly cold to temper the warmth of a full stomach and an enjoyable time.

“Daniel!” a familiar voice called, and as he turned around, a smile spread across his face.

“Penny, hi,” he said, his stomach flipping.

Penny’s blonde hair was not in her usual braids, and it was down. She wore a dark green sweater with bright red stripes that had a badger wearing a Santa hat in the center. Daniel couldn’t stop the smile as it spread even wider across his face.

“Did I see you eating with the O’Donnell quadruplets?” Penny asked.

“Yeah. I met Ryan O’Donnell earlier today after I tripped over his sneakers,” Daniel admitted.

“Ah. They’re good guys. Sara’s prefect for our year and she’s dating Barnaby Lee. They’ve been together since November, but rumor has it they started dating after OWLs last year. Conor’s fodder for a lot of gossip. He’s quiet and mysterious, which makes half the girls want to date him. I suppose he’s handsome in a way as well. His stutter also makes him a subject for a lot of nasty gossip as well.”

“Penny…”

“I’m rambling again, aren’t I?”

Daniel laughed and grinned. “A little.”

“Happy Christmas. I wanted to give you this.”

Penny pressed an incredibly elegantly wrapped gift into his hands. He swallowed.

“Penny. You didn’t have to get me anything,” he said, his voice soft.

“Daniel, I wanted to. I wanted to get a gift for someone who’s incredibly important to me,” Penny answered.

“Thank you. I… I don’t have anything for you.”

“That’s okay.” She paused, catching the look on his face. “Daniel, I don’t care. If you really want to get me something, I won’t care if it’s late.”

“Jeez, Penny. I’ll get you something later. I promise.”

“Okay. Just open it please!”

“Okay.”

Daniel grinned and gently opened the ornately wrapped gift. It was an old Defense Against the Dark Arts book, one that he had never seen before. His eyes went wide and he gently ran a finger down the spine and traced the ornately designed cover. He swallowed again and brought his eyes to Penny’s, blue meeting blue.

“Do you like it?” Penny asked, shyly. It was a look Daniel rarely saw on her.

Daniel opened his mouth and shut it again. He thought for a moment.

“Wow. I love it, Penny,” he said.

“Really?”

“Penny, this is amazing. Where’d you find it?”

“I found it at a shop in Hogsmeade. The one for used books.”

“Oh! I haven’t been in that shop too much. But seriously, Penny, I really like it.”

“You’re welcome. I’m really glad that you like it. I know that you’re working so hard to learn new skills and stuff, so I thought of you when I found the book.”

“What were you doing in the used book store, though?”

“Oh, I was looking for something for Beatrice. I thought that maybe she’d like a nice book or something. I just really didn’t know what to get her. I stumbled across it and thought of you.”

“Well, thank you again. I really appreciate it.”

Penny grinned widely at him and took one of his hands in her own. He swallowed and tucked the book under his arm in order to wipe his sweaty hand on his pants. They walked quietly through the halls of Hogwarts, towards the Hufflepuff common room. Daniel smiled. This was amazing. Penny’s hand felt right in his.

He glanced at her through his peripheral vision and his smile widened. She was beautiful and kind and grounding. He felt normal around her. He wasn’t the kid with the missing brother and the dead father. He wasn’t Carter or any other nickname he had been given. He was just Daniel, a sixteen-year-old boy, with a girl that he really liked and that was the most important thing about everything he felt around her. He felt normal, like he was more than just a name and a figure.

“Thank you for walking me back, Daniel. Happy Christmas,” Penny said, standing on her tip-toes and pressed her lips carefully to his cheek.

“Happy Christmas, Penny,” he whispered, his free hand coming to rest against the spot where her lips had touched as he watched her walk to the barrels that marked the Hufflepuff common room. He smiled to himself and turned away once Penny had entered the Hufflepuff common room.

Later that night, Daniel carefully laid the book onto his nightstand and smiled to himself as he climbed into bed. He drifted off to sleep with his mind swirling around thoughts of what to get Penny for a belated Christmas.

#hphm #hogwarts mystery #hphmsecretsanta2020 #daniel carter #ryan o'donnell #cara o'donnell #sara o'donnell #conor o'donnell #penny haywood #mc x penny haywood #daniel x penny #my writing #sorry if there are any mistakes #combined meeting other mcs (my o'donnell quads) with a canon character (penny)#hppe you like it!!!!#merry christmas #happy holidays #the title is from the carol 'have yourself a merry little christmas'#and i couldn't think of a better one

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doomedandstoned · 3 years

Text

Iron Man Cement 30-Year Career with Monumental Double Album (+ new song!)

~Doomed & Stoned Debuts~

Review by Billy Goate

This is more than an album. It is more, even, than a portrait of quintessential New England doom metal. It is a testament to the enduring power of music and friendship to bring a collective dream to life and to sustain it to the bitter end.

The new double album 'Hail To The Riff' (2021) showcases 14 anthems by Maryland doom legends IRON MAN. With the exception of one previously unreleased studio song, the bulk of the material was performed live at Castle of Doom Festival in Pagazzano, Italy on Saturday, July 5th, 2014. It was the band's one and only trip to Italy, now being released for the first time (appropriately enough) by Italian label Argonauta Records.

Many of you know the Iron Man story. Founded back in '88 as a Black Sabbath cover band, the guys gradually started playing their own compositions and were ecstatic by the positive reception the original material received. Iron Man released their first album in '93 and over the course of many decades, went on to tour the world with the likes of Cathedral and Pentagram, composing many a doom standard along the way ("Hail To The Haze" will forever be my fav).

"In the beginning, Iron Man had two jobs," guitarist Al Morris told Doomed & Stoned some years back. "First, we were a Sabbath tribute. We were able to headline shows and get people talking about the band. Second, we were writing original music for a demo to shop. Everything went as planned! By May of 1992, we got signed to Hellhound Records in Germany. That kind of history, coupled with the internet, gave us worldwide exposure. The fans did not let us get frustrated! We are totally motivated by our fans. We have them in mind at all times." (Read the classic Doomed & Stoned interview with Iron Man.)

It should surprise no one that Hail To The Riff is dedicated straight up to Alfred Morris III, who sadly died in 2018. As he was the longest-standing member of Iron Man and its most consistent face, it made sense when the group disbanded after the passing of its founding member.

"The Type of person my father was," Al's daughter reflects, "he never expected anything huge. He just enjoyed doing what he loved. Music was in his blood; part of his DNA and he wasn’t complete without it...As long as I can remember, Iron Man was a large part of my dad’s life, and mine. My first rock show? My dad’s band. The first live show I ever saw was Iron Man. Watching my dad perform, I saw him transform. He had this amazing stage presence. An effortless grace when he played guitar that was mesmerizing. Even though I had seen him play a thousand times, I was always impressed!"

I spoke with Screaming Mad Dee Calhoun in 2018, near the 30th anniversary of Iron man and just a few months following Al's death. "Just on a personal note, I don't think anything I'm doing now," Dee reflected, in reference to his burgeoning solo career, "would have been possible without being a part of Al and Iron Man. Al was very supportive of my efforts outside of Iron Man, be it music or writing or what not. I can never thank him enough for just tapping me on the shoulder and saying, 'Hey I want you to join my band?'" Dee continued, "No one I ever knew who knew Al ever had a bad word to say about him. He was just one of those guys who was a positive influence on people. Once he touched a project, it was better than before he touched it. We certainly miss him.

As a follow-up I asked hnw people could get better acquainted with Al's contribution and really hear his spirit. Dee replied, "Just start with Black Night and work forward. He would want to be remembered by his music. Just sit back and enjoy what he had to bring to the world." That album's title track is no. 13 on the playlist below us, and Al shines just as bright on it here as he did on their cardinal opus. What band could hope for a better life than Iron Man had, with their unlikely success leading them to record five LPs and three EPs, crossing some of the world's greatest record labels?

Hail To The Riff begins with a cheering throng and the grungy downtuned riffing of Al Morris, to be joined in short order by Louis Strachan on bass and Jason "Mot" Waldmann on drums. At last, Screaming Mad Dee belts out hellfire and brimstone in his scratchy quasi-operatic style (who, it must said, has one of the most intimidating voices in all of metal). "Make some goddamn noise!" The crowd eats it up, of course.

At this point, I'd advise you to make any room corrections you need to, as live recordings tend to be a unique beast all their own. They always sound a little "thin" and "boxy" to me. I found simply turning the volume up a few notches more than for casual listening brought this live recording alive for me. I did not, however, tempt fate by listening with earphones (I'm already dealing with enough tinnitus from my many years of filming live shows).

"The time is here to strike fear. We are Iron Man, bringing you 25 years of Maryland doom!" That really fires up the festival for what would become the band's third and final live albums. If this had been your first time hearing Iron Man, you would encounter a group in top form with accessible songs like "Run From The Light" that capture so powerfully the spirit of metal, itself a kind of freak born of the age of electricity.

Since I don't have perfect pitch, I would be hard pressed to determine just where Al's axe is tuned for this set. Judging from tracks like "The Worst and Longest Day'' and "South of the Earth," let's just say it's low enough to confuse the guitar sometimes for the bass (and when you listen a second time, the bass is often hitting a similar if not lower range). Remind me to ask the guys next time I get a chance and I'll add a note to this article with their answer. I'll be there were a lot of fans that day who were really feeling that Iron Man vibe on a raw, gut level as the sound reverberated through from their internal organs, ultimately grabbing hold of their spine with a mighty grip of doom, and shaking their bones like a rattle.

I've always said the acid test of any band is their ability to pull their songs off convincingly in a live setting. So many things can go wrong, but the way a band bounces through the hurdles of that 30-60 minute set tells you everything. You know right away whether you're dealing with confident musicians who believe it to the core, or wannabes who are fronting a hype machine. To hear Dee make "South of the Earth" work without the cool vocal layering from the recording and still give you chills says everything you need to know about the integrity of Iron Man as a band.

Time for the bottom line. Hail To The Riff is nothing less than a celebration of metal-making, friendship, and the mysterious power of the riff to compel us -- no matter who we are, what language we speak, or what our differences may be -- to assemble together as a sweaty mass under a hot Italian sun in the middle of summer and revel in the pure love of heavy music. If you close your eyes, you can almost picture yourself there.

Of course, the real treat for Iron Man acolytes is going to be the solemn 14th and final track, "Black Morning." The band recorded it in late-September of 2013, just days before South of the Earth saw its release on Rise Above Records (later on Metal Blade Records, too). Hearing the words and the instruments meet in such perfect execution and conviction brought a single thought to my mind: "These guys really get doom." Long live the ferocity and might of Iron Man!

The album is officially out this Friday on digital outlets, with a special gold vinyl 2XLP available via Argonauta Records. Right now, Doomed & Stoned is letting you revel in it all! So sit back, turn those speakers up, and...

...give ear.

youtube

Iron Man - Hail The Riff

Tracklist

The Fury

Run From the Light

The Worst and Longest Day

Ruler of Ruin

South of the Earth

Grown

As the Gods Have Spoken

Hail to the Haze

Sodden With Sin

A Whore in Confession

On the Mountain

Fallen Angel

Black Night

Black Morning

Follow The Band

Get Their Music

#D&S Debuts #Iron Man #Gaithersburg #Maryland #doom metal #heavy metal #doom #metal #Argonauta Records #Doomed and Stoned

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locktobre · 3 years

Note

Ok one more thing about PCS that will FOREVER make my brain hurt from thinking about it too much is HOW was Sophia like,, not in the accident? In fact, if the crash was even investigated, how did they see that oh, hey, the baby isn't the car! Like?? Why did they assume she was dead if she wasn't in the crash? It hurts my brain I can't even explain it. BARBIE EXPLAIN PLEASE.

Oh, believe you me I’ve thought about THAT a lot! It’s probably the thing in barbie I’ve analyzed the MOST. So let’s dive in!

It’s going to get morbid, but I mean, there’s no way it won’t given the situation we’re talking about. Also, length again, sorry.

I actually believe that baby Sophia was in the car. I think it’s the only thing that makes sense. I go back and forth on what her body not being there meant--it could be that the car was too burnt up for anyone to be recognizable, so they thought maybe they just missed her in the wreckage. (She was only 1 after all, she’d be quite small.) Or they knew her body wasn’t there, but they might have thought she got thrown from the car, or otherwise got out somehow... and then, being a small baby out in the wilderness, she died of exposure. I picture the crash happening somewhere rather remote, not in the city proper, so they were basically out in the woods. It would be reasonable to assume that she died if she was not at the crash site, even without her body being there, bc again, she was just a baby. I have her as 14 months old, which means she’d probably barely be able to walk at that point.

Of course, there is a conspiracy theory around the crash. They say vaguely in the beginning that maybe the whole family didn’t die in the accident, without really namedropping Sophia specifically until they see her portrait... so it’s possible (even probable) that there are multiple theories about it. But Sophia’s body being missing or otherwise unaccounted for would probably do a lot to keep that one circulating.

On that note, the novelization has this to say:

According to another rumor in the kingdom, some of Queen Isabella’s family members were still alive. Some thought these family members were kept as prisoners in the palace dungeons.

It’s vague again, but it has the added detail of thinking they’re in the dungeon. It also says “some of,” again not singling out Sophia specifically, which is interesting. That could have some basis in the reality of the crash, or it could just be 18 years of conspiracy theories. That’s something I try to keep very much in mind--even though it’s basically true, in that Sophia is obviously still alive, it’s not the actual truth. So her missing body could have easily spurred the initial theory that she survived, and that became a theory that multiple ppl involved didn’t actually die, and so on.

This is where it comes back to Miss Martha Willows, for me. Bc if Sophia’s body was obviously missing from the crash (and not unrecognizably burnt, as per my other theory)... they would have been looking for her. They would have searched the woods, any nearby houses, any place that a baby could conceivably be. They would talk to anyone around, there would probably be some kind of reward set up, they would want any and all information about where the lost princess could be. So.. why, exactly, wouldn’t Martha come forward and say “Hey, I found this baby on my doorstep, I live close by, this is probably the baby you’re looking for.” Like, is that even the real story?

Also in the novelization, after Hadley speculates that maybe baby Sophia was found and left on a doorstep, Delancy thinks:

Could someone have really left a baby on a stranger’s doorstep? And could i have been my very own mother?

And I don’t believe that at all, not for one second, as I said in a post last year. If Dame Devin (Regina) went through all the trouble of killing her own brother, I don’t think she’d spare a baby. If only bc doing so means that events like the movie could happen--having Sophia out there would mean a loose end. It would mean that Sophia could figure out who she was and come back at any time. Which is... exactly what happened.

Now, since Regina was left as Delancy’s regent after the crash, I presume she had some influence over the investigation. It’s entirely possible that she would want it shut quickly, so there would be less of a chance that anyone could find evidence of her involvement... But Sophia’s missing body would still be a loose end. She could easily play up being the grieving aunt hoping to find her baby niece still alive, while in actuality she was just trying to make sure that nothing was going to come back to haunt her. I think that fits her personality the best.

Regina and Martha working together in some capacity, with Martha perhaps being paid off to adopt Sophia... might explain how Sophia came to Martha in the first place, but I just don’t think it makes sense. Regina’s too meticulous. She got away with murder for 18 years, and she would have kept getting away with it if she hadn’t literally confessed on live tv. At no point does anyone point a finger at her; everyone always refers to it as an accident. Even when Hadley is pushing the theory that Blair is baby Sophia, Isla only thinks that Delancy and Regina know who Blair is and that’s why they mistreat her. And she’s half right about that, since that is what’s happening on Regina’s side. (I’ve pointed it out before, but singling Blair out like she did was SO stupid of her, since it’s literally one of the things that points them to the theory of Blair being Sophia!)

Also, I’ll say it again: Regina literally murdered her own brother--her twin brother, in my headcanon. (Hence the similar names. It’s also funny bc it means ‘queen.’ But I really needed them to be twins for their ages to work out correctly.) And the only reason we’re given for any sort of conflict between them (really, between her and Isabella) is that Regina was passed over for a lady royal position. I’ve headcanoned a little more depth to it than that, but the woman is clearly crazy. Like. She’s nuts. If her own brother meant nothing to her--at least, not enough to not murder him--then she is capable of anything. Including murdering a little baby. (Or, trying to.) There’s no way around that.

Anyway, that’s a whole tangent, but back on topic: Yes, I think Sophia was in the car. How she got out of the car and into Martha’s care is a matter of considerable debate, but she had to be in there, otherwise nothing else makes sense. And it makes sense to me that she would be considered dead after long enough passed with no one finding her body and no one coming forward to say they had her safe. She was a tiny, helpless baby, so it’s the only logical conclusion. Ppl would want her to be alive, of course, and enough of a fuss was made that a conspiracy theory sprung up about her survival... But without any evidence to support it, they’d really have no choice but to close the book on it and move on.

#mel irl #barbie babbles #brilliant echo: princess charm school #lucie don't look #anonymous #thanks for asking

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smoulderingocean · 5 years

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Nick Blaine Appreciation Week Day 1: Nick + favourite scenes

Season 1:

When Nick learns that June is pregnant- 1x10 (Night)

Nick’s reaction of pure love just gets me every single time. In that moment June needed his love and devotion to be able to see this baby as a good thing and he gives that to her. He no longer keeps his distance like he tried to after they “broke up”. Instead he completely bares his soul to her. I love that he sees their baby as the beautiful miracle she is and that he gets June to see that too through his reaction of love. In a world where good things are so far and few between, it’s beautiful seeing two people embrace that moment together.

And then there’s just something I love so much about how Nick let his walls down. He was completely open and vulnerable with her here and that is what brings June comfort. I really love how he stared at their hands on top of her belly followed by him nuzzling his face into her arm and clenching his jaw. He was clearly completely overwhelmed by the knowledge they were going to have a baby. It’s just too good.

Also, I really do love so much that Nick was the first person to touch her belly, especially knowing how little of a chance he got to in the future. We might not have gotten to see Nick feel the baby move, but knowing he got this one moment is comforting because they both deserve that so much.

This was one of the first moments where we really got to see love winning and that’s just beautiful. Love is beautiful and it’s worth living for and this scene is a clear reminder of that.

Bonus- When June goes to Nick- 1x05 (Faithful)

This is probably one of the hottest love scenes ever because of how empowering it is. Nick is just so completely in tune with June, knowing exactly what she needs based on something she mentioned earlier (”please don’t tell me what to do”) and by paying attention to her actions. He just intuitively knows what she needs from him and gives it to her completely. He lets her undress him and then herself without ever touching her, waiting to give her the control over the situation. Their nudity is beautiful too in that it signifies openness and complete vulnerability.

Throughout the whole scene, Nick is completely focused on June’s pleasure and her agency; reverently touching her body with his hands and mouth and gladly letting her be on top without being asked. Nick giving her pleasure is an act of resistance in a society so afraid of female pleasure. He wants her to feel good and he does his damnedest to do that, paying attention to bodily cues and adjusting to what she wants and needs, like changing how their hands are positioned.

I love that he scoffs in disbelief when he first sees her at the door, knowing how risky of a situation it is and being impressed and attracted to her bravery and boldness.

Additionally, this is also a moment for both of them to take back their tainted first time. Nick was a rape victim in that situation too and so getting to see him have an emotional and pleasurable encounter with June when she comes to him, the kind of encounter he dreamed of since falling in love with her, is also empowering and beautiful.

Seeing June and Nick both take control of the situation in different ways is simply the best. Seeing a female-focused sex scene was amazing and empowering. There’s not enough good I can say about this scene. (Except the lamp situation- Nick needs to stock up!)

Season 2:

When Nick tells June about Luke and Moira- 2x09 (Smart Power)

This is probably my top Nick moment as a whole as it’s truly indicative of his goodness. Here Nick is, having fallen even more in love with June after meeting Luke, telling her everything that Luke needed and wanted him to tell her even though it was painful for him. He was open and honest, and it was so beautiful.

Nick didn’t take credit for the letters getting out even though he was instrumental in doing so and his actions could get him killed. Instead, he simply told June the things she deserved and needed to know. Nick did the right thing in this situation even though it caused him great pain; even though in his mind, telling June these things meant the probable end of their relationship and his dreams for them. Nick could have kept those things to himself and taken credit for the letters and taken full control of the situation with June, including giving in to her affections, but he didn’t. He pulled away from her hug and told her everything. He gave her the control she deserves, something he tries to do as often as possible. He had to tell her these things even though it broke his heart and even though he worried about how she’d react because he knew that she deserved to know these things and also because Luke deserved to be able to tell June these things.

After telling her these things and seeing June’s joyful reaction, Nick distances himself because the situation is so complicated for them and he wants to give June the space to process what she has learned while also heartbrokenly feeling like he no longer had a spot in her world. He loves her so much, but he also lets her go in that moment because he loves her so much. He wants her to be happy and he’ll sacrifice his own happiness for that.

But before leaving, Nick has to let her know that; he has to makes sure that June knows he loves her. Nick tells June that he loves her as a way to remind her that no matter what, he’ll always be there for her because he loves her but that he also doesn’t expect anything from her because he loves her- he just needed for her to know how much she truly means to him.

This is the scene that cements Nick’s goodness; his compassion for others, his respect for both June and Luke, and his deep love for June were on full display. This scene shows who he truly is. He could have chosen the easiest way and not have told June anything- there’s no way she would have known that he’d withheld things from her. But instead, Nick chose the most painful and difficult thing because it was the right thing to do and that matters more than his own happiness and comfort. It is when people have choices like this -choices to use their power for good or for bad in a difficult time- that we see who they really are, and Nick chose to use his power for good even though it hurt him. That shows the kind of person who he truly is, which is a good man.

This scene is total and complete pure and selfless love and that’s one of the reasons I love Nick so much- he represents the goodness left in the world.

Bonus- When Nick holds Holly- 2x13 (The Word)

The beaming smile. The sniffles. The nervousness as he cradled Holly carefully for the first time. His sweet whispers to her. The clear feeling of being overwhelmed and awed. June declaring her love to him. These are all reasons why this is one of my favourite Nick moments.

It is an empowering moment and a pure and tender victory; a true family portrait in a place that tried everything to prevent this from happening. This is possibly one of the most earned moments I have ever seen on television. They all deserved this moment so much.

Nick, who hadn’t been able or allowed to be involved with June during her pregnancy or with Holly after she was born, finally got his moment where he truly got to be a dad and a real family with June. The love poured out of him.

And then him being stuck speechless when June declares her love for him- too good. It really shows that he never expected anything from her no matter how much he wanted it and that’s just perfect and encapsulates who he truly is.

This is the best moment of Nick’s life and he realizes that it is occurring in Gilead and that that these two people, who are his entire world, can’t stay there. So he lives in his love for them while also letting go of his dreams because them getting out is more important to him. He is saying hello to his family in this moment while at the same time saying goodbye.

This whole scene was just so beautiful. It was the perfect balance of heartbreaking and happy. I’ll be forever glad that they got to experience this one moment of being a true family together and I hope we get more.

Season 3:

The Snow Kiss- 3x06 (Household)

This might be the most aesthetically beautiful kiss I’ve ever seen. It’s simply gorgeous and romantic.

Nick’s small sigh as June runs to him and they begin to kiss perfectly encapsulates his deep love for her and the intensity of his feelings. She takes his breath away, constantly, and it’s just so good.

And then Nick kisses her with all the passion in the world, showing just how badly he needs her after their time apart. He’s very intently living in that moment as he deepens their kiss because in that moment, she’s all the matters in the world. He’s giving in to his needs for her and is sinking into their embrace. He is pouring all his love into that, not knowing if he’ll ever get another chance to express those feelings again.

And, my favourite part, he leans back in for just one more kiss because he can’t quite bear stopping or being apart from her- he just needs to kiss her and love her. And then he starts kissing her neck and shoulder, fully intent on giving her pleasure and holding onto what could be their last moment together, which I just found very sweet- he just wants her and he wants her badly.

Add in Nick’s signature “hey” and this kiss was just perfect. The scene looked like the wedding they deserve to have. It was just gorgeous.

Bonus- When June tells Luke about Nick- 3x05 (Unknown Caller)

So while season 3 had little in the way of Nick scenes and Nick wasn’t directly involved in this moment, it’s one of my favourite Nick moments from this season as Nick’s fatherhood was acknowledged and June admitted her love for Nick to someone other than herself and Nick.

June’s honesty towards Luke about Holly’s paternity and how she came to be was truly moving and lovely and was indicative of her love for Nick. This moment is key to showing Nick’s importance to June as telling Luke these things -that Holly was born out of love with Nick and that June built a life in Gilead with Nick- is painful for June and Luke both, but were also things she couldn’t let stay unknown. This is extremely significant for Nick’s place in June’s life and for the legitimacy of their relationship.

June was choosing to love Nick and to let that love out in this moment and that’s just beautiful for them both.

#nick x june #nick blaine #nick blaine appreciation week #the handmaid's tale #max minghella #long post #my edits #meta #these stills all look better on desktop #also editing 306 was a total pain- it was so dark!#i rambled a lot but i just love nick so much

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