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unclewaynemunson · 7 months

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'What's your favorite holiday?' Steve asked while they were looking at the fireworks, pressed against each other in the dark of the night. They had been dancing around each other for months, ever since Eddie woke up in the hospital with Steve already at his bedside. They had taken their time to get to know each other better, to let that something between them grow and to figure out what it all meant exactly. But around the time Eddie graduated, it had finally culminated into what it had been destined to be from the start.

Eddie could barely believe they had only been official for about a month and a half, that Steve had only been part of his life for a little over three months. But he knew, with a certainty that he couldn't really explain, that he and Steve belonged to be like this. No matter how scary it had been to fall for him, it had been the only available option.

'Sukkot,' Eddie answered his question with no hesitation.

Steve leaned away a little bit to be able to look at Eddie.

'Was that the one that was, like, three weeks ago?'

'No, that was Shavu'ot,' Eddie answered patiently. He knew that Steve was trying very hard to keep up, and that the Hebrew words didn't exactly make it easier on him. 'The boring one that Wayne's obsessed with.'

Steve chuckled. 'So what is Sukkot?'

'I thought you'd never ask, big boy,' said Eddie, a wide grin creeping over his face. 'It's the best fucking week of the year. We build those huts in our yards where we're supposed to live all week. It's really awesome, we get to be outside all the time and Wayne tells all the best stories about how our ancestors escaped from Egypt and wandered through the desert for years. Back in Virginia, on the farm, it also used to be this celebration that the harvest was done. The best moment of the year, man, like when the summer holiday starts, y'know.'

'Sounds pretty cool.'

'Pretty cool?' Eddie repeated in a mock-offended tone. 'Pretty cool?! Stevie, how dare you, it's fucking magical! It's the awesomest of holidays! You know what? You're gonna have to join us this October and get the whole experience!'

'Are you sure?' Steve looked weirdly hesitant about Eddie's proposal and Eddie felt the excitement in his chest deflate like a popped balloon.

'Yeah, I mean... If you want to,' he said, reigning himself in a little bit. Maybe Steve thought it was weird, maybe he would never quite understand it, maybe –

'Of course I want to,' Steve cut off his spiraling thoughts, like the mere suggestion was completely ridiculous. 'But would it be okay? You wouldn't mind? And your uncle?'

'Why the hell would we mind, Stevie?'

'Well, I'm not Jewish...'

Eddie chortled. 'Yeah, we know that, dude. But you're always welcome in our humble little home.'

And Steve's face lit up in a way that the fireworks in the sky above them could never compete with. 'Alright,' he said. 'Then I'd love to celebrate this awesomest of holidays with you.'

******

And so it happens that a little over three months later, Eddie runs out of the trailer with even more excitement than usual when Steve's way too fancy car shows up. He basically jumps into his boyfriend's arms as soon as Steve gets out of his car – and of course Steve catches him, stumbling only a little bit while huffing out an “oomph” as Eddie wraps all four of his limbs around his body.

'Hello to you, too,' he murmurs with a soft smile on his face. He can't exactly kiss Eddie here, in broad daylight with all of Eddie's neighbors to see, but he lets his hands linger around Eddie's shoulders when he gently puts him down on the ground.

'You're excited.'

'We're building the hut today!'

'The sukkot, right?'

And the proud smile around Steve's lips makes it almost impossible for Eddie to correct him.

'The sukkah, babe. It's one sukkah, multiple sukkot.'

'Sukkah,' Steve repeats, his voice still as unsure as ever when he tries the Hebrew words that are so familiar to Eddie and Wayne and still so foreign to him.

'C'mon, Wayne's already waiting for us.'

Eddie starts tugging Steve along with him towards the trailer. He wishes he could do that by taking his hand instead of the sleeve of his jacket, but he's too aware of how careful they have to be here, out in the open in the trailer park.

They go around the trailer, where Wayne is already surrounded by a bunch of corrugated sheets and some big pine branches.

'We're building it here?' Steve sounds surprised. 'Why not on the porch?'

Eddie sees his uncle's face fall, and his own excited smile fades away as well.

'It's too eye-catching, on the other side,' Wayne explains to Steve. 'Too many folks lookin' to trash stuff 'round here, ya know.'

Almost every year, they find some graffiti on the walls of their sukkah at some point of the week. It has become better since they moved the hut to the backside of their trailer, hidden away from Forest Hills' main roads. Before, when they still built it in front of their home, they'd regularly find the roof or the walls demolished. Nothing ever happened when one of them was home: both Wayne and Eddie were protected from any serious danger by their own scary looks. But unfortunately, the sukkah did not enjoy the same protection when the Munson men weren't present to keep an eye on it.

Wayne doesn't outright say it with that many words – that's not his style – but Eddie can see in the arch of Steve's eyebrows that he gets it. That he understands that Forest Hills is not the kind of place where Hebrew should be spoken loudly and that anything more than a menorah in front of a window can be considered offensive real quick. He sees that Steve understands it, because Steve knows what it feels like to not be able to take his boyfriend's hand when they're outside. It's not the same, but it's similar, in a way.

When Eddie came out to Wayne, his uncle told him that he was sorry Eddie got dealt the wrong cards twice. But that's not how Eddie sees it. Standing here, in the quiet world behind the trailer, with his uncle, his boyfriend and a pile of junk that will soon turn into a refuge, he gets the confirmation of what he already knew back then: that he wouldn't have it any other way. Even if it means having to hide away from prejudiced eyes, he'd choose this right here over anything easier in a heartbeat.

Wayne takes off his trucker hat to reveal the kippah he often wears hidden underneath it, then turns Eddie around by his shoulders so he can attach a kippah to his curls with some hairpins. Eddie usually never wears one: he doesn't like being told what to do in any way, and he proudly wears the pentagram of the Church of Satan on his denim vest. But for events like this, Wayne insists the kippah is important, and Eddie has long since he moved in with his uncle learned that there's no use digging his heels in the sand about it. If it's that important for Uncle Wayne, he'll doesn't mind complying.

'And one for you,' Wayne states after Eddie's kippah is properly secured to his head, turning towards Steve with a third one in his outstretched hand.

Steve's eyes widen in an almost cartoon-like way.

'For me?' he repeats, as if he's unsure if he understands Wayne correctly.

'U-huh,' Wayne confirms with a nod of his head.

Steve's eyes flash back and forth between Eddie and Wayne, still clearly confused, like he's trying to catch some lie or a prank between the two of them.

'That's – would that be okay?' he stammers.

'Neshama sheli,' Eddie says, his voice soft. 'Of course that'd be okay. It's the polite thing to do, actually, when you're in shul – or in other Jewish places – whether you're a Jew or not.'

'Okay, cool,' Steve says with a little shrug of his shoulders. He's slightly too obviously trying to play it cool, and that makes Eddie realize something he hadn't really considered before: that Steve is nervous about this. For Eddie, sukkot is nothing but a holiday of fun. But Steve doesn't know any of those traditions, he doesn't know any of the unwritten rules. For all he knows, what they're doing today is something sacred and solemn – it makes sense that he's afraid to do the wrong thing or mess it up somehow. It's written all over his face: he's afraid to be disrespectful, to be an intruder, to somehow offend Wayne and Eddie without meaning to...

Steve takes the kippah from Wayne and places it on his hair, where it lies dangerously close to sliding off.

'Here, lemme help you.' Eddie digs around in his own pockets to find some long forgotten hairpins and slides up behind Steve, attaching the kippah to some strands of his soft, shiny hair. When he's done, he slides his arms around Steve's waist and tugs him close to his chest.

'Hey,' he whispers in his ear, nuzzling his nose against the soft hair right above it because he simply can't resist the temptation of touching Steve's locks in any way, ever. 'You don't need to worry 'bout anything. We're just gonna build a hut, that's all. And we're trailer park Jews anyway, we don't care about etiquette and shit. Or, well, maybe Wayne does, a little bit, but he's used to me, so... You're good.'

Steve chuckles, then turns himself around in Eddie's arms until they're face-to-face.

'Thank you,' he whispers in the space between them.

Wayne emphatically clears his throat, no doubt worried that the boys are about to forget he's still with them.

'You lovebirds ready to get to work?'

Slightly unwilling, Eddie lets go of Steve and flashes Wayne an excited grin. 'Alright, my dearest uncle, tell us what to do.'

The next hour or so is spent hauling corrugated sheets around and assembling them into a decent-sized hut. While Eddie is drilling their metal walls together, Wayne tells Steve all about the meaning behind what they're doing. He gets like that with every holiday: he loves the big stories, and Eddie has always loved listening to Wayne telling them.

'All of this,' Wayne explains with a gesture towards the half-finished sukkah, 'Is to remind us of what happened to our people a long time ago. They were enslaved in Egypt, far away from their homes. When they got out, they wandered through the desert for forty years, tryin' to find their way back. They suffered drought, storms, heat, famine... But G-d's protection was with them every step of their way, until He safely delivered them back to their homeland. For forty years, they didn't have no place to call home. They slept in huts beneath the stars. That's why, for one week a year, we still live in huts. We don't sleep here, 's too cold for that in Indiana –'

'I do sometimes,' Eddie cuts in.

'Your boy is crazy,' Wayne dryly states. 'But we live here as much as possible. The most important thing is to have all our meals in here, as long as it ain't raining too hard. We're not supposed to make a solid roof, y'know, 'cause it's supposed to be a reminder of how our people used to sleep under the open sky. It's a symbol for how we should submit ourselves to G-d's protection.'

Steve listens attentively and keeps asking Wayne all kinds of questions while they continue working on the roof, which they assemble out of pine branches that Eddie and Wayne took from the woods around the trailer park earlier that day.

'This day's extra special,' Wayne tells Steve when they're almost done, 'Cause it's a Friday evening. Means our first meal in the sukkah is a Shabbat meal.'

Usually, Wayne isn't exactly world's most diligent cook, but for days like this, he always tries to go a little bit bigger than usual. Not that their kitchen is suited for fabricating any kind of fancy meals – let alone that they can afford anything like that – but that doesn't really matter. Not to Eddie, at least, and he's pretty sure the same thing applies to Steve. The most important thing is that Wayne tries his very best to make days like those feel special. So while Steve and Eddie get tasked with setting up the interior of the sukkah, Wayne heads back to the trailer to make sure the food will be all done before sunset.

Steve and Eddie haul a bunch of plastic lawn chairs and a trestle table inside. After the furniture, they add some pillows, a truly hideous tablecloth, and a bunch of random clutter from the trailer to make it feel more homely. Eddie always likes to put this one Jesus sculpture they once got from the old Mrs. Brooks from number 70 in one of the corners, for no other purpose than to get on Wayne's nerves. Steve, on the other hand, actually cares about making the sukkah look good, and he comes up with the idea to walk around the trailer park and go into the woods to find some flowers as a finishing touch. Most of the vegetation around Forest Hills is withered all year round, but Steve manages to find some branches with beautiful autumn colors and a bunch of shiny chestnuts among the decaying junk.

'You manage to make anything pretty, huh,' Eddie notes when they're all done, with leaves of dark orange and golden yellow miraculously brightening up every single corner of the hut.

Steve smiles and pulls Eddie in his arms. Now, shielded by the walls of their dwelling, they can do that without worrying about the watchful eyes of nosy neighbors.

'Nah,' he murmurs, his lips ghosting over Eddie's cheek. 'I don't make things pretty, I attract pretty things.' And the way in which Steve's lips find his, soft and full of promise, tells Eddie that he wasn't merely talking about pretty things. It makes his heartbeat stutter and his cheeks heat up.

Steve pulls back before the kiss can become anything more than a promise, with a sparkle in his eyes and a soft smile still tugging at his lips.

'C'mon, let's go help your uncle with the food.'

By the time they're ready to welcome Shabbat, the autumn sun has long disappeared behind the trees and it's rapidly cooling off outside. Wayne puts on his thick plaid jacket and Steve borrows one of Eddie's favorite black hoodies. During this time of the year – when it's not yet cold enough to waste money on heating – the trailer doesn't really stay much warmer than the sukkah, so they're used to the cold anyway. Steve, however, is shamelessly exploiting the chill of the evening as an excuse to cuddle up close to Eddie at the table – not that Eddie minds that at all.

But when Wayne lights the candle and recites the blessing at sundown, it feels like the sukkah is actually much warmer than any other place in the world. It's because what's happening in this place is special, Eddie thinks. For a week, this hut is their home. It's designed to house two people – just Wayne and him – but Steve fits in this cramped space with them like he was always supposed to be here. And when Steve turns to Eddie to wish him a good shabbos with a smile on his face, Eddie knows that he will never want to celebrate another holiday – Jewish or not – without him.

Some fun facts for those who are interested: Sukkot 1986 indeed started on a Friday (October 17th) The use of corrugated sheets for a sukkah is actually quite common, and I took the liberty to interpret the skillful way in which we see Eddie drilling them down in the Upside Down, as him having plenty experience with creating a refuge with those things. For those who don't speak Hebrew: when Eddie calls Steve neshama sheli, he uses a common Hebrew pet name which literally translates to "my soul." I imagine Eddie loves calling Steve all kinds of Hebrew pet names and this is a truly beautiful one imo. I hope I did right to this really cool holiday with my lil story!

#don't mind me rambling about stranger things #this was simultaneously very difficult and SO MUCH FUN to write tbh #i hope everyone who celebrates sukkot this week is having a blast <3 #jewish eddie munson #eddie munson #wayne munson #steve harrington #steddie #stranger things #sukkot #judaism #fanfic #fruity ficlet

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randxmthxughts · 11 months

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Chosen by Eywa - Crossing the Bridge - Chapter 4

← chapter 3 | chapter 5 →

contains: arranged marriage, mentions of war and grief, angst, one-sided enemies to lovers, slow burn

wc: 4.2k

chosen by eywa masterlist | general avatar masterlist

a/n: i know i haven't updated in two weeks, but it was only due to the circumstances. like i promised, i will have another chapter out during the week, bc i'm so happy that i got my visa and went to my concert, so stay stuned, babies. i hope you still like this series and will keep reading T.T

It was awkward. The way Neteyam stood in front of the tent, hesitating to walk in to avoid drawing the attention of the other healers. Awkward, how he had to shift his weight from one foot to the other every few minutes because everyone, except her, had caught sight of the future Olo'eyktan at some point. And it took Kiri to finally shove her so forcefully to look up from her task, that Y/N almost fell face first onto the ground.

The whole intention of spending time together away from the High Camp was to avoid the attention and the murmurs of the villagers about them. More importantly, to avoid running into Kaye and his new mate. But the moment their ikrans touched down in the forest, far away from the prying eyes, the pressure of performing got replaced with an uncomfortable tension. And neither Y/N nor Neteyam knew how to close that gap between them. How come weaving mats in a healing tent seemed to be easier and less stressful than taking a stroll in the lush forest of Pandora?

“Say something, show her the real Neteyam,” Neteyam muttered to himself, trailing awkwardly behind Y/N.

She, immersed in her own thoughts, walked ahead without a clear direction, fingers fidgeting with the hem of her loincloth. Neteyam desperately tried searching for an opening to deliver, and took a few larger strides not to fall behind too far.

“So… how was your day?” he finally mustered the courage to ask.

Y/N paused in her tracks, glancing back at him with a small frown, as if she couldn’t quite make out the words he said. Neteyam stopped walking too, waiting for a response.

“The usual. Lessons,” her voice lacked any enthusiasm that could have encouraged him to go on.

“Good,” Neteyam nodded, trying to offer something else in return, “I’ve had training today.”

“How was it?”

“The usual,” he repeated Y/N’s words with an ironic snicker, recalling his morning, “It’s either getting beaten up by your fake opponents, or by the actual bad guys. Today was the pretend one.”

He shrugged to complete his explanation, something that he had borrowed from his brother whenever he made a joke, as if to give his words a humorous meaning. And though they were quite ghastly, it coaxed a small chuckle out of Y/N. Neteyam’s ears twitched at the sound with a flicker of delightful surprise. He made her smile.

“Well, you look alright for someone who got beaten up,” Y/N gestured at his woundless body, her canines peeking out.

“I’d have to turn that compliment down, since I didn’t get beaten up today,” Neteyam smirked, “You should have seen the other guy.”

“Oh, is that so? That’s always the case with you?”

“No, I get beaten up too sometimes… though not as often,” he shrugged again, this time releasing the pressure of performing, as he admitted to a vulnerability that most warriors wouldn’t, “And even when I do, I don’t worry about that stuff.”

“Why not?” Y/N’s ears perked up in curiosity.

“Well, let’s see…” Neteyam bit back a smile, pretending to be thinking about his answer, “I have a grandmother for Tsahik, my mother used to be the tsakarem, now my sister is a tsakarem,” he paused, hesitating to add, “And my destined mate is training under the guidance of the Tsahik. So, I think I’m in good hands.”

“Right,” Y/N snorted at the comment, and for a moment Neteyam thought that he might have crossed the line his father kept telling him about, but once she turned away from him to continue walking, he noticed a ghost of a smile on her lips, and that was enough of a confirmation to send his heart into a rapid beat.

Neteyam wasn’t even sure why the reaction made him suddenly giddy but it felt like a small victory he could showcase, if his family expresses any interest in his progress with Y/N. And as he continued to trail behind her, though they mostly remained in silence, the atmosphere seemed to ease.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

“It’s okay, Y/N, let’s switch,” Kiri’s tight grip on Y/N’s arm brought her back into reality.

Y/N stood awkwardly a few steps away from the two warriors in front of her - one, who looked at her with guilt but still some lingering warmth in his eyes, and the other - who studied her earnestly, looking for any signs of discomfort, as if he could make them vanish. Kiri, who was only a moment ago treating her brother, was quick to read the situation and attempted her best to resolve it. Everything just unraveled so fast, the way the group of warriors stumbled into the tent for the first time in days, seemingly wounded after an encounter with the sky people.

Since they were practically regulars at the tent, each warrior was used to being treated by the same one or two healers, and everyone found their places right away. Kiri too, without a second thought, was immediately grabbing her older brother and getting to work. Which left Y/N standing in front of Kaye, according to the unspoken habit that had developed over the past months. Kaye had a gash across his chest that needed close inspection, but Y/N couldn’t really move, as if her feet were suddenly glued to the ground, weighed down.

Neteyam, of course, watched the scene unravel before him, but he couldn’t do much but just contain himself from making a bigger deal out of it for the whole tent to see. His eyes darted around the room, searching for his grandmother, who perhaps could help Kaye instead, but Mo’at was already busy with placing stitches on another warrior’s thigh, and it would take a while before she would be free.

“It’s alright, I can wait for somebody else to -” Kaye cleared his throat, raising his palms in the air, as if to prevent the switch up, but Kiri simply ignored him, already nudging Y/N to the side.

“That looks bad, you need to take care of it,” Neteyam gestured at Kaye’s chest with much discontent, as if acknowledging the truth made him cringe.

Defeated, Kaye stopped disagreeing, the sting of the wound was only getting more painful when he spoke, and to be quite honest, he couldn’t wait. Y/N’s expression remained stone cold, as she watched Kiri lead Kaye to the other side of the tent. Neteyam pressed his lips into a thin line, watching them two, his irritation finally starting to seep away, the farther they got. He was almost caught off guard, when he felt a pair of cold hands against his skin.

Y/N silently kneeled in front of him, starting to treat the small scraps over his arms and shoulders. Her expression was unwavering, as if nothing had happened, and he wondered what she was really thinking about. Was this the first time she saw Kaye after their fight?

“Stop staring,” Y/N mumbled, without looking up at him, while her hands still worked their healing magic.

Neteyam shook his head to deny her request, and continued to watch her every move intently. Irritated, she hooked a finger under his chin and forcefully turned his head to the side, so that he was met with the tent wall. He chuckled weakly at the gesture but kept the new position.

“You can take a breather, you know? I’m not dying, I can wait,” he suggested.

Y/N paused to stare at the side of his face for a moment, giving him a false sense of actually contemplating his offer. Of course, she was going to turn it down, there was no way she could’ve just walked out of the tent. The scolding she’d get from Mo’at wasn’t worth it.

“I can’t,” Y/N pretended to be unbothered, her hands continuing to work over his forearm, where a few smaller cuts were in need of a soothing balm.

“Why not? I won’t mind,” Neteyam turned his face again to look at her.

“Because I can’t leave my destined mate unattended, can I?” Y/N's voice dripped with irony, and she couldn't resist stealing a quick glance at him, searching for a reaction.

Neteyam's frown deepened, caught off guard by the repetition of his own words. Was that a bad slip? Maybe she took what he said in a way where Neteyam only valued Y/N for her skills, rather than her as a person. Disappointed with himself, he shook his head and then gently covered her hands with his own, halting their movements.

"Y/N, I didn't mean it that way," Neteyam's voice was low, and he waited patiently for her to meet his gaze before continuing, "This... it doesn't matter. I was just kidding. Go on, and take a breather if you need one."

“I know, Neteyam, I was only teasing,” the corners of her mouth twitched in amusement.

For a fleeting moment, Y/N allowed herself to forget that the love of her life was sitting and watching her from across the room. It felt exhilarating to indulge in the playful banter, teasing Neteyam and pretending that they were a blissful couple, free from the weight of their responsibilities.

“You’re teasing,” he breathed out with relief, “Oh… good.”

“Yes,” she rolled her eyes, “And obviously I can’t just take a break right now. Your grandmother will kill me.”

As Y/N returned to tending his scrapes and cuts, Neteyam bit his cheek, thinking for a moment. A sudden surge of courage coursed through him, and he made a decision, quickly standing up and pulling her gently to her feet. His hand found hers, and the movement surely caught the attention of those around them but Neteyam only shrugged, his eyes on Y/N. She was confused, and she couldn't help but glance nervously at Kaye, who had been watching the whole interaction with unease.

“Let’s go,” Neteyam’s thick-accented voice grabbed her attention once more, and without waiting for an answer, he was already walking out of the tent, leading her by the hand with him.

Y/N had little time to react, on the way out, her eyes caught a sight of Mo’at, who shook her head at the interruption and returned back to her task.

“Neteyam,” Y/N hissed embarrassed, but his grip on her, though gentle, remained unmoving.

“My grandmother won’t kill you, if I’m coming with you,” he explained, without even glancing back at her.

“You’re coming with me? Where?” Y/N’s nose scrunched up in confusion.

“Wherever you want.”

Neteyam was never one to protest the rules. Lo’ak liked to tease him about it and call him a “goody-two-shoes,” but Neteyam was too focused on excelling rather than getting offended by his brother’s weak insults. But he also never had enough motivation to disobey. Breaking the rules only brought trouble, and after careful consideration, Neteyam had never deemed it worthwhile. But here, now, as he led Y/N away from her responsibilities to offer her a moment of peace, he decided that it was for a good reason. That it wouldn’t matter if his grandmother got mad at them and he would take the blame anyway, since he initiated it. But if it meant that she didn’t have to keep working while her past lover gawked at her, then maybe it was worth it.

When they were finally away from the tent, Y/N stood right in front of him, their hands still intertwined. Despite trying to stare down at his much bigger frame with disapproval, there were traces of gratitude in her eyes. Her tail swished with excitement, thinking of how great it felt to abandon her day’s duties and just be left alone.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice carrying an earnest tone.

"No need to thank me," Neteyam squeezed her hand, "My mother always reminds me that those who care of others also deserve care in return. I tend to forget it at times, but she's right."

He tugged at her hand once more, his gaze already wandering off to somewhere else. Without hesitation, Y/N willingly trailed behind him along the narrow path that meandered through the Hallelujah Mountains. Neteyam's grasp on her hand remained firm all throughout, neither of them sure if it was to guide her safely or simply to reassure her with his presence.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Walks with Neteyam had shifted from being an obligation to somewhat of an entertainment. They still didn’t speak much, finding peace in the quiet companionship, as they wandered through the forest, away from the eyes of the clan. In those moments, Y/N stopped feeling the pressure of pretending to be happy about her impending union with the future chief, while Neteyam was happy to reconnect with the forest. Since the relocation of the clan to the Hallelujah Mountains, his time in the forest was limited to missions or overseeing his siblings, never to revisiting his past and his roots.

And while to Y/N, this relationship had evolved into a strong foundation for friendship, Neteyam struggled with his growing protectiveness over her. It felt like she might crumble if he wasn't there to watch over, and the mere mention of her past could be her breaking point. These thoughts consumed Neteyam's restless mind, keeping him awake at night. Alongside with them, his frustration towards Kaye and the lack of respect, fueled his anger, as he delivered another forceful hit to his pretend opponent. Was it genuine protectiveness he harbored for Y/N, or was it simply his frustration with Kaye's behavior? Neteyam felt like a hypocrite.

The future chief groaned in frustration, delivering another calculated strike, disarming his opponent, Kaye. But his anger and irritation were blinding, making Neteyam lose his focus, not necessarily in his movements but within the depths of his mind. He couldn’t stop the attacks.

Kaye fell into his parents’ trap and mated with a woman of their choosing. Yet, he seemed content with their decision and he had no trouble leaving Y/N behind. Did he ever even love her, or was he simply leading her on all that time? Either way, Kaye had moved on, and Neteyam had to be the one who watched Y/N try to deal with the fact.

Another powerful shove, and Neteyam swiftly toppled his opponent, sending him sprawling onto his back. His spear was aimed threateningly, directly at the vulnerable spot beneath Kaye's throat. Kaye’s eyes widened in fear, as for a fleeting moment, it seemed like Neteyam might not stop. He immediately lowered his ears in a gesture of submission to the future Olo’eyktan.

“Neteyam, that’s enough,” Jake's voice cut through, jolting Neteyam back to reality.

With an almost aggressive shake of a head, as if trying to force away the nagging thoughts, Neteyam took a step back and lowered his spear. The fight was clearly over and he was the winner, but it barely even felt like a victory.

Neteyam exchanged a look with his father, who was confused with his son’s behavior. To Jake, Neteyam was one of his best warriors, always in control of his emotions and precise with his movements, and it was rare that he got to witness him being overtaken with anger. With a loud sigh, Neteyam still complied with the unspoken rule within the camp and extended his hand to his opponent to pull him to his feet.

Oblivious to the fact that the fight was twice as violent because Neteyam had developed a personal vendetta against him, or perhaps he only chose to be ignorant of it, Kaye offered a small, appreciative smile in response to the extended hand, accepting the help. He dusted off his back and thighs, and before Neteyam could sign a goodbye and leave, Kaye quickly moved to stand in his way.

“I need to talk to Y/N,” he announced, forcing Neteyam to stop in his tracks, “You must see her, right?”

Neteyam clenched his jaw, struggling to contain the anger that still hasn’t died down from the fight. Just when he started to get the things moving for himself and Y/N, just when it seemed like Kaye wouldn’t hurt her anymore, he was suddenly wanting to talk to her? She wouldn’t hide if she wanted to see Kaye, would she?

“I think it’s safe to say that she doesn’t want to talk to you,” Neteyam’s voice trembled slightly, “If I were you, I would have kept my distance. Just like you've grown accustomed to doing over the years.”

“Ouch, I guess I deserved that,” Kaye winced at the comment, “Listen, I am truly sorry for the way things turned out but I never meant to hurt her. I just want to apologize.”

Neteyam simply shook his head, indicating that the explanation fell short of convincing him. If Kaye wanted to speak to Y/N, it would only be on her terms, Neteyam certainly wasn’t going to take part in helping him.

︵‿︵‿︵‿︵

Y/N sat in front of the healing tent in silence, the small wrinkle in between her eyebrows was turning deeper within each passing minute. She was annoyed with Neteyam, who didn’t show up, but mostly she was annoyed with herself for still being there and waiting for him. Her lesson had ended long ago, their usual routine of going for a walk right after was simply abandoned, and Neteyam was nowhere to be found. She knew that he came home a few hours ago, when she heard the shouts of the warriors, and some even came in for a check-up at the tent. So, if he was safe, it puzzled her why he hadn't come. Did he seize an opportunity and forget to warn her not to wait?

She shouldn’t be annoyed though. Wasn’t this exactly what she wished for? To spend less time with him, to be left alone. But it didn’t feel like a win at all, just a let-down. The times when Kaye would sometimes stand her up floated her mind with insecurity. Though it didn’t happen often, she got hurt deeply every time. No amount of apologies from Kaye could ever help her overcome the fear of him simply not showing up one day and giving up on her completely.

Shaking her head, disappointed with herself for wasting time, she stood up, ready to leave. To her surprise, just as she rose, Neteyam appeared right in front of her.

"You waited," he uttered softly, a mix of confusion and gratitude in his voice.

“You made me wait,” she retorted, her irritation impossible to hide as her eyes bore into his.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” Neteyam raised his palms in the air, offering a defeat.

And that’s when Y/N noticed it. Before she could unleash the angry words she had rehearsed in her mind for the past hour, or fully grasp the tinge of pain in his voice, her eyes caught sight of something. A streak of red smeared across Neteyam's forearms, clumsily wiped but not enough to be completely rid of. Almost as if he tried taking care of it himself and failed miserably. Her amber eyes swiftly traced the path of the color, trailing from his ribcage and vanishing around his body, and without a word she circled him, to find his back, covered in awkwardly arranged leaves. She guessed that Neteyam had placed them himself, since some of the wounds were only partially covered, and there was dried off blood all over his skin.

“Neteyam, what the hell happened to you?” Y/N asked, her eyes turning bigger in shock. How long has he been in pain? Why didn’t he come to the healing tent and get it treated? Her mind was flooded with questions.

“It’s nothing,” he mumbled, turning around to face her, though his expression was painted with guilt, “Just a few scratches.”

“These are not just scratches, they look horrible,” Y/N gestured at him once more, “Why didn’t you come to your grandmother? You came home hours ago, no?”

Neteyam flinched at her words. They held the truth, but he didn't want to admit it. There was something embarrassing about getting that many wounds on his back. It meant he hadn't noticed the enemy behind him, which also signified his lack of attentiveness. But how could he pay attention when his whole reality was shifting around him? Neteyam took a step away from her, trying to force a small smile.

“Since you had to wait for so long, let’s go on that walk now, hm? I’ll try to make it up to you,” he tried nonchalantly.

But Y/N was quick to close the distance between him. She grasped his hand and without a word pulled him into the healing tent. Once inside, she gestured for Neteyam to take a seat on one of the rarely used old wooden chairs, thinking that being on her feet would be more convenient when treating his back.

“Seriously, I am okay, we can still go on that walk,” Neteyam tried to reason, but she was already hissing at him in annoyance to stop talking.

His ears lowered in defeat, which he desperately didn’t want to accept, but also secretly had craved. Because even though Neteyam was used to being the one taking care of others, it felt like a sun on his skin, knowing that somebody else was there for him. And he could tell she was mad just by the way she treated him with silence, but the anger was coming from a place of caring.

The wounds he bore were throbbing with pain, located in a difficult-to-reach place. Neteyam hadn't intended to be late; it simply took him longer than expected to dress his injuries. Yet, his heart fluttered with a mixture of relief and gratitude when he spotted Y/N still seated in front of the healing tent, patiently waiting for him. She could have easily left hours ago, so why did she choose to stay?

“You have a whole family of healers, why didn’t you just ask them for help? Why didn’t you ask me?” Y/N sighed.

Neteyam's ears twitched at the touch, a subtle response to the gentleness of her fingers on his back. Soon, the leaf bandages he had grown weary of were being carefully removed, and as she worked, a wave of empathy flowed through her, her tone turning into a softer, more understanding one.

“I know that there is some kind of pride that comes with being the Olo’eyktan’s son, and also this pressure of being perfect and never showing your vulnerabilities. But when you get hurt, Neteyam, none of it should matter.”

“I know, you’re right,” Neteyam admitted guiltily, hanging his head, “I just…”

Y/N tsksed at the incomplete explanation with discontent, taking off the last bandage. Now, fully exposed, Neteyam’s back was covered in multiple gashes arranged at sharp angles around his spine. Fortunately, they hadn't pierced deep enough to cause nerve damage, which meant that Neteyam was quick to react. A damp cloth grazed his skin as Y/N gently wiped away the brown stains of the dried off blood.

“Whether we like it or not, we are a team now,” she continued after a pause, “So you can rely on me.”

He nodded, even though he couldn't see her face. There was a sincerity in her words, something different from before. It didn't feel like mere obligation; it felt like she genuinely meant it, like she truly wanted him to rely on her.

“Thank you, Y/N.”

His earpiece suddenly crackled to life, interrupting the moment, and Neteyam immediately tensed up at the sound of his father’s worried voice. He sat up, and pressed a finger to his wired necklace, speaking into it.

“I am safe, dad, what happened?” Neteyam questioned.

Worried, and unable to hear Jake’s voice on the other end, Y/N quickly came in front of Neteyam, searching his face for clues of what was happening. The future Olo’eyktan seemed to grow more concerned, as he remained quiet to hear his father.

“What is it?” Y/N whispered impatiently, and then she felt it.

Y/N's stomach plummeted as she observed the transformation of Neteyam's expression. What was initially concern now gave way to a haunting mix of guilt and remorse. It was as if he carried the weight of something deeply troubling, something that was unfixable, probably too difficult to say out loud.

“How many of them?” Neteyam spoke again, his eyes still glued to Y/N’s, “And who exactly got shot?”

It felt like the world around her came to a stop, as in these seconds of waiting, Y/N had imagined hundreds of scenarios running through her head. And it could be anything, but the way Neteyam rose to his feet in a hurry, she feared that the worst one was coming to life.

“Is it him?” Y/N’s voice cracked, and Neteyam nodded, pressing his lips into a thin line.

“It is Kaye.”

chapter 5 →

♡ taglist ♡ : @kiri-tuk @samiiistarss @afro-hispwriter @iwantjaketosullyme @thexplosivegirl @peachinsomniac @im-in-a-pansexual-panik @koala-wonderland @sakura-onesan @dimplesxx @i-live-in-a-fantasy-daydream @theycallmesia @crazy4books1 @empiricsad @summertimedepression @vihelm @cleverzonkwombatsludge @ducks118 @couragemydearheart @xstarsmvxz @jkeluv @qtkat @marsbars09 @buckysleftarm420 @soleilmoon @blueslxt-primary @kavyaas-world @books-for-summer @tojis-discord-kitten @nerdybouquetofkittens-blog @jackiehollanderr @totesnothere04

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pureblx0d · 4 months

Text

“IN THE BACK SEAT” Bada Lee x Reader.

Summary: Bada and reader are best friends who share everything, even fantasies.

W: Nsfw, oral sex, dom!bada x sub!reader, a light mention of alcohol and smoking, like porn with a pretty poor plot, Open ending maybe(?), no readproof

You and Bada have been best friends since high school, you two basically grew up together and knew everything about the other from your favorite color to your most dirty secrets.

It was something almost natural and without taboos in your friendship, that's why you weren't surprised when after she got her driver's license and bought her first car told you that she wanted to fuck someone in the back seat.

What did surprise you is that months later she still hasn't fulfilled her fantasy and even more so that those words had been engraved in your brain.

Now, you were drinking with your classmates celebrating that exam season was over when suddenly the conversation wasn't so entertaining anymore and the beer was starting to taste like "I want to go home."

And that's what you did, you said goodbye to your friends before assuring them that you were sober enough to take a taxi on your own.

A taxi equal Bada, who had also become your personal driver.

Who was outside the bar leaning on her car smoking a cigarette wearing her practice clothes already waiting for you, when she saw you she put out the cigarette against the floor opening the passenger door for you.

"You know, you could get your own license so I don't have to be looking for you at 2 in the morning." Bada spoke half jokingly, half seriously once you were both in the car. "or take a taxi, a real one"

"Please you know that you love being my driver." And she couldn't deny it, she really didn't mind looking for you at 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning. if that ensured that you were going to arrive safely at your destination.

Once the car began the journey to your house, both having casual conversations about how her day was and some college gossip, your head was resting on the seat as you watched her speak.

But you weren't really listening to her, you were too focused on the way her fingers were tapping on the steering wheel and the car was filling with her smell that consisted of in her usual perfume mixed with the smell of her menthol cigarettes while in your mind the "I want to fuck someone in the back seat" repeated itself over and over again.

"What's the matter?" Bada asked when she saw how you watched her in a suspicious silence stopping at a red light.

"I want you to fuck me in the back seat" you blurted out without mincing words, You didn't know if it was the alcohol speaking for you (even though you hadn't had enough to drink) or the fact that you really wanted it.

Bada looked at you surprised, she knew that you were always direct and sincere to talk about what you wanted but she never expected you to say something like that so easily.

It's not that she hadn't thought about it before, she never thought about you romantically or sexually (at least not seriously) but that didn't mean that sometimes her mind will play tricks on her imagining you on situation like that.

"don't talk nonsense" She scoffed try to lighten the situation as she turned her attention to the road when the light turned green. "you should stop drinking"

"I'm being serious." You adjusted yourself better to look at her. "What's wrong, don't you want to do it or don't you want to fuck me?"

The answer to both questions was no, She wanted to do it and especially with you but you were is best friends, she didn't want to ruin your friendship by fulfilling a silly fantasy.

The car was silent, you regretting your proposal and Bada having an internal debate which ended in her grunting and stopping the car a few blocks from your house, At that time the place was deserted.

"In the back seat now" was the only thing Bada said before moving herself behind, you wasted no time and quickly positioned yourself on her lap, joining your lips with hers in a desperate and messy kiss.

Without stopping kissing you and in one smooth movement you ended up against the seat beneath her, her hands roaming your body as if she had been wanting that for a long time.

Bada moved her hands up your legs acknowledging that you had chosen to wear a skirt that day giving her better access to what she planned to do, her lips moved down to your collarbones as her hands began to play underwear teasing you.

She wasn't planning on stripping you even though what she wanted most was to be able to rip off your clothes But on the contrary, she only left a few kisses on your stomach before finally removing your panties.

Leaving wet kisses on the inside of your thigh when her tongue connected with your clit a gasp of surprise for the sudden pleasure escape your mouth and unconsciously your legs closed "you wanted this, now don't run"

Bada murmured into your skin, her hands gripping your hips to prevent you from moving, before connecting her lips to your pussy again, licking every part of you.

Your hand settled into Bada's hair, burying her head even deeper into you, both of you wondering why you hadn't done this before.

Bada took her time on you, making you enjoy every second of it, leaving little praises about how well you taste and how she could become addicted to this.

And she wasn't lying, this was a situation that she was going to repeat over and over again, she had many things planned for you.

It didn't take long for Bada to feel how your grip became looser and your breathing faster announcing that your orgasm was near, so she inserted two fingers. hitting your sensitive spot making you see stars.

When you managed to pronounce "I'm close" Bada removed her lips from your clit and starting to kiss you, leaving only her fingers to do the work.

"It's okay, you did well." Bada put her hands on your back holding you while you tried to catch your breath. "Let's go home so we can finish this."

.end.

~Mich<3

#bada lee #bada lee imagine #bada lee smut #bada lee x reader #bada lee x y/n #street woman fighter 2 #swf2 x reader #team bebe #bada imagine #bada x reader #jofiels world21

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stilljuststardust · 6 days

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Hey my sister wants to shift, she’s 13, what is the most basic “here’s what you need to know and never listen to shifttok” song you’ve got for her?

∘₊✧Explanation✧₊∘

Thanks for the ask! I'm sorry this took me so long I've been having some health issues.

Disclaimer, please read:

There are SO many different perspectives on how it works. Mine is not the only one and though all perspectives are valid, I'm going to assume that you chose to ask me because you are familiar with my blog and how I personally view shifting.

I'm going to try to leave LOA out of it but that is how I personally view shifting.

What is shifting?

Shifting is when you become aware of the life you're living in another reality. The reality you shift into is just as real as the one you are currently in. It will feel real because it is.

How to shift

Strictly speaking, you don't have to do anything to shift. How people shift is so personal and customized and nothing is necessary to do it but I'll try my best to give "instructions" anyway.

You decide you're in your DR, you decide that it is true and it has worked, ignore anything outside of yourself that tells you otherwise, and know that it is true because you freaking said it was.

You decide you've shifted and ignore anything but that decision. That is IT. Don't worry about this reality, it doesn't matter. Don't worry about any aspects of this reality you can still hear see or feel, they won't stop you from shifting don't let them distract you.

ALL you have to do is become aware of your DR. I know that it can be hard to conceptualize that for a beginner so most people use methods.

Methods

To start off: It is not necessary to have a method. Many people just intend to shift and then they do. That's it. You don't have to do anything, however I recognize that for someone who isn't familiar with shifting "just intend to" is probably an unhelpful answer.

Most methods can be divided into two categories, awake and asleep methods.

Awake methods revolve around becoming aware that you are already in your DR.

Asleep methods revolve around becoming aware that you will wake up in your DR.

Common features in both kinds of methods:

Meditation

Visualization

Affirmations

Affirmations are pretty straightforward, you repeat a sentence that aligns with your goal over and over. "I have shifted. I am in my DR."

What I personally do

I robotically affirm all day "I am going to shift tonight" robotic affirmations are just repeated affirmations without feeling. So all day I just say it to myself again and again.

I then take some time to sit down and imagine my desired reality, my favorite street, pretty things I would see throughout the day, stuff that grounds me in the feeling of it.

Then I just lay down and tell myself I'm there no matter what. No matter what I feel hear or see I am there.

Doesn't matter I'm there.

Frequently asked questions

I am choosing to put these first because I feel like they really clarify what shifting is and how it works.

Will I have memories of my destination reality once I have shifted?

Yes, you have always existed in that reality and you have a life's worth of memories there. When you become aware of a reality and of the version of yourself that exists within it you also become aware of your memories there.

How does scripting work/ what is it?

It is a description of the reality you'd like to shift into, usually written. Think of it as an the address of the reality you'd like to shift to. You specify the details of the life you would like to become aware of. Having one is not necessary.

Can I script [insert anything here] ?

Yes. You can script anything, and I mean anything. If you can imagine it, it is possible. The realities we shift to do not have to follow the rules of this one and what is impossible here doesn't have to be impossible there. You want to script the sky is purple? Then it is. You want to have wings? Congratulations you can. I cannot stress this enough, ANYTHING you want can be scripted.

Relevant posts

Your desired reality already exists

An old post of my own shifting routines nothing listed is necessary, the list exists to give ideas not instructions

How to visualize

A good post on shiftok misinformation by my awesome mutual

#shiftblr #shifting antis dni #reality shifting #shifting community #shifting #shifting realities #shifting reality #desired reality #shifting blog #shiftinconsciousness #shift #shifters #shifter #anti shifters dni #reality shift #reality shifter #ask stardust

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sassykio4fun · 10 months

Text

Girls this, Girls that!

tom kaulitz x female!reader

You sunk deeper into the stiff cushion of your plane seat, turning the volume of your ipod up to its limit, attempting to drown out the familiar voice you loathed- Tom Kaulitz voice.

Tokio hotel and your band were currently on tour together, on the way towards your next destination.

Unfortunately for you, you got a seat right beside him, but you did get the window seat, so that makes the experience a bit better in your honest opinion.

It's not that he's a bad person, it's just that he's not that interesting to you. All he talks about is girls, girls, and more girls, it gets old, very fast.

Like right now, he's rambling to his brother-Bill, about how 'smoking' the flight attendant is and how he'd like to take her to the bathroom-and so on.

Taking out an earbud, you turned towards him. "Hey! You think you can lower your voice just a bit?" You questioned him, tensed hand lifting up, thumb and pointer-finger as close as possible, emphasizing 'just'.

The boy cleared his throat, "Yeah, sorry, I was just talking about that fli-" "I heard, that's why I asked you to lower your voice." You interrupted before he went on one of his tiring rants again.

You go to lift your earbud towards your ear when you hear his voice again. "Do you have something against me or something?" Tom questioned, eyebrows scrunched, a bothered expression on his usually smug face.

"I have absolutely no problem with you, Tom." You answered him, looking down at your ipod, not wanting to converse with him anymore than you already had.

He furrowed his eyebrows, teeth grazing his pirecing in thought. "You sure?" he question, narrowing dark eyes at you. "You seem to get along just fine with all of my bandmates, having full conversations and all."

"I don't think we would get along, our personalities just don't go together." You sighed out, shooting him a fake smile.

"How so? You haven't even attempted to get to know me, not one conversation." He responded, cocking his head to the side, body facing you now.

You take your reamining earbud out retorting, "I've heard what you talk about from afar, like I said, we would not get along." You turn, face to face with him now.

"What things have I said that would make you think we wouldn't get along?" he inquired, folding his hands together, leaning against your shared armrest.

Blowing air from your nose you explained, "Everytime you open your mouth, it's always about some girl, this girl, that girl, it's on repeat, Tom."

"Hey, if I see a hot girl, I'm gonna call it out, what's the problem with that." He remarked, a smirk on his face now.

"Right." You deadpanned, turning away, facing the seat infront of you, going to grab your earbuds again.

He placed his hands on you earbuds, stopping you from blocking him out. "I was just joking." he rushed out, "Kind of." he added after a second thought.

Your turned back toward him with a questioning look, "What now?" you grumbled, tugging your earbuds from his fingers.

"Look, we're gonna be together these next few of weeks, don't you think we should at least try and get along, you know fans are seeming to catch onto our supposed 'beef'?" he asked, tilting his head to the side, eyebrows raised.

Sucking your teeth, you took in his pleading expression. "That would be a good idea, BUT, only if you calm down with your girl talk, atleast around me, I do mean it when I say that it's annoying." you hold up your fore-finger, showing him that you're serious.

He tsked, "I mean I can try, but you know, seeing as that's the only thing I talk about, it'll be a little difficult." he coughed out, hiding a laugh.

"Haha, very funny." you rolled your eyes, lips twitching up as you go through song on you ipod, finally putting your earbuds back in.

"Sooo, what are you listening to?" Tom asked, face hovering over your eyepod, huffing, you handed him one of your earbuds, knowing this was gonna be a long flight- a good one or bad one you didn't know.

Hello! Hope you enjoyed this.🎀

#tokio hotel #tokio hotel imagine #tokio hotel x reader #tom kaulitz #tom kaulitz x reader #tokio hotel fanfic

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hexbees · 3 months

Text

Dread and Drunk | Draco Malfoy

pairing:: deatheater!draco x f!reader no use of y/n!

summary:: after leaving a party in the slytherin commons, the room of requirement allows you in.

word count:: 1,265

warnings:: consumption of alcohol; drunk actions/talking

You’d never been able to hold firewhiskey well, usually stumbling through the hidden entrance embedded in the dungeon walls to the slytherin common room at the end of the night. Keeping focus on the way your feet rise and fall, you keep a hand firmly planted along the wall. Lord forbid you repeat what happened last term and embarrass yourself again.

The memory of you being woken up by Cedric, having passed out from intoxication barely twenty feet from the door, instilled more motivation within yourself to keep it together. While you tried your hardest it was clear you shouldn't have taken those last two shots before leaving.

The first few minutes passed by you in a blur, having gone up a set of stairs you don't remember. You came to a halt in the middle of the corridor, swiveling your head, not knowing exactly where you were. It wasn't a hall that you recognized. Typically you didn't wander around the castle without a known destination in mind, having heard stories of classmates getting lost.

A door slowly appeared, catching your attention. You watched as it formed from a tiny hole, barely big enough for a mouse, into a door three times your size. Your mouth dropped open, head tilting, you pressed a shaky hand into it.

What the fuck?

When it creaked open and fell away from your hand, you stumbled. Taking the smallest peek inside, not wanting to enter a room you weren't sure you were allowed in, you remembered the tales Hermione had told you in the library.

The room of requirement. Of course! Gods, I'm a dumbass.

Without even second guessing after your realization, you droopily walked in. The room was filled with stale air and an unbelievable amount of dust. Surely the castle didn't think you needed a respiratory infection.

Your fingers glossed across countless piles of books, the covers having traces of the glide imprinted from sweeping the dust off. You wiped the pads off onto your jeans, not even caring about them appearing dirty as you’d be taking them off as soon as you’d make it to your dorm.

My dorm. I'm going to my dorm.

With a huff and a single pound in your head you decided to turn back around with the intention of leaving to make your way back to your inviting bed.

Just before you stepped over the threshold there was a faint knock, almost like something being closed. It was enough to have you jump slightly, being caught off guard and somewhat alarmed.

In your drunken state you didn't think there was any danger, maybe it had just been from the breeze of the door being open since it seemed like it hadn't been in a while.

“Hello?” The word came out slightly unsure and slurred.

When you didn't get an answer, not that you’d expected one, you huffed.

“Dumbass.”

You retreated again, this time truly stepping out and letting the door slowly come to a shut behind you. Before it fully did, a voice rang out, gruff and annoyed.

“The fuck did you call me?”

Your heart leaped to the bottom of your throat and settled there. Draco malfoy had emerged from the back of the room, barely being visible as his hand caught the door. He was irritated, suffering from a lack of sleep and a heavy heart.

“I-” you stuttered, “I- uh-” again, “I was actually referring to myself.”

He could smell the firewhiskey seeping off your breath, saw the way your eyes were being dragged down, how your feet were restless.

“Oh, you're pissed.” His brows rose, eyes glittering across the gryffindor pride t shirt you were wearing. The maroon of it was just slightly darker than your cheeks, he found it amusing.

“Mm” you hummed, swaying. When you nodded your head along your feet lost their balance, sending you stumbling to the side.

Before you could attempt to regain your footing from your delayed reflexes, one of his pale hands came down and out, grabbing ahold of your own hand. He steadied you back on your feet while suppressing his smile. You were shocked at his hand on yours, staring at it in a daze until your eyes climbed up his forearm where you could see the faintest outline of the dark mark peeking through his white button up.

“Gryffindor commons are quite a ways from here. I assume you were at the Slytherin party?”

You hummed again, not meeting his eyes or attempting to hold a real conversation. You were so tired, maybe sleeping in the hall again wasn't such a bad idea. You’d only need an hour or two before you'd be able to find your way back again.

He kept his head at an angle. He’d been angry at first, ready to throw insults and hexes at whoever was attempting to flee from interrupting his task. But with every sway and every sleepy flutter of your eyes he couldn't help the smile that tugged at how cute you were in that moment.

“Well,” he bent down, looking past the hair that was draped over your eyes to meet them, “I have one more thing to do in here, then I can escort you to your commons.” His hand was still engulfing yours in an attempt to help with your jitter, admittedly not doing much. He pulled on it gently, bidding you to follow him back into the room of requirement.

If you were even the smallest bit sober you yank your hand out of his, crush his foot with yours and bolt in the other direction. But the gentle hold, the minty fan of his breath and the sweet voice he was putting on only made you more willing. He was being nice, which was not unusual to you; to others of course, but not you. He’d bullied Harry and the Weasleys, called Hermione a Mudblood more times than you could count, but had never directed any insults at you. There was speculation against the trio as to why, having caught on fairly quickly in second year. The consensus was that his mother and yours, were friends, god forbid Draco ever upset his dear mother.

“Thank you, Malfoy.” You smiled at his back.

He didn't drop your hand until you were in front of a couch and laying back into it. The soft black velvet felt abnormally good under your fingertips as you pet at it.

Draco let out a laugh, almost being jealous of the inanimate object that got to feel your caress. You see, Draco had always craved it. None of his friends knew, not Blaise or Pansy or even Crabbe or Goyle. The only one who had caught on was his mother. Narcissa had watched him, watch you, at an annual Malfoy ball. She’d rubbed on his shoulder and told him to go for it. Encouraged him to seek you out, say you looked pretty, ask you to dance.

Draco was never one for romantics though, not at that time.

“Should be just a minute” He stood in front of you, smiling down as he swiped a strand of hair that had gotten stuck between your eyelashes.

As he went to finish packing up the vanishing cabinet you let words slip past your lips, meaning to promise it to yourself in your head.

“I won't tell anyone, Draco.”

He froze with his back to you, straightening out and holding his breath. He had seen you look; he just hoped you were too drunk to notice it.

“I know you won't, mon amour.”

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weirdmarioenemies · 10 months

Text

I am going to rank more of the Super Mario Galaxies and none of you can stop me

Some galaxies are destined for greatness. But not all of them. Some galaxies are destined for pretty goodness, and that's okay. It's unfair to hold everyone to such absurdly high standards.

Those are the galaxies we're gonna talk about today! We've reached the B-tiers on this Galaxy Tier List, and we're gonna talk about them all today!

In case you missed the first post (which you can read here!), I'm doing a tier list of all the Galaxies in the Super Mario Galaxy series, and releasing a new entry every Sunday until we've covered them all. Forget about Church. This is what Sundays were truly made for.

My opinions don't necessarily reflect every member of the blog (there's like seven of us!), and they may not reflect your own either. If you disagree, that's totally cool.

72. Wild Glide Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

Kicking off today's list, we have the Wild Glide Galaxy, another Motion Control Minigame, yippee! Gone are the days of ray surfing and bubble blowing (but not Star Ball rolling. that's still around), now we have a funny bird named Fluzzard, and even funnier birds named the Jibberjays!

The Wild Glide Galaxy is pretty alright. The motion control minigames are rarely really the highlight for me in the Mario Galaxy games, but for what it's worth, I think gliding with Fluzzard controls alright, and I really like the optional challenge of flying through the rings for the Comet Medal. There's not really anything wrong with Wild Glide Galaxy at all, it's just a little ho-hum, but that's okay. I mean, it's the tutorial for this type of gameplay, what are you supposed to expect?

That being said, there's a later Fluzzard gliding galaxy that's way cooler. Like, way cooler. We'll talk about that next week.

71. Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

Did you know? If you put enough flying boats in one place, that's legally a Galaxy. I don't make the rules, I only follow them.

Yeah, these games have a pretty loose definition about what constitutes a "Galaxy"...

Anyway, I don't have an awful lot to say about Bowser Jr.'s Airship Armada. It's solid! I definitely prefer the first half with the cannons more than the second half with the autoscroller, though because of Speedrun Strats, I usually end up skipping the first half anyway... Did you know that? You can just blast yourself to one of the later airships and it totally works! I wonder if skipping the more fun part of the level diminishes my opinion of it, though...

That being said, Galaxy 2 kinda went and gave Bowser Jr. both a better "Airship autoscroller" level, and a better "blast yourself places with cannons" level, so the Airship Armada kinda loses out on that regard. Combine that with a Decent boss fight, and the Spranglers that always mess me up on the autoscroller (which I will admit is a Skill Issue!) and we end up with a mission that's fine, but I'm a little lukewarm on.

70. Honeyhop Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

Is it just me, or is Honeyhop Galaxy the most forgettable galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy 2? I dunno, I think it's something about the repeated theme without really bringing anything new to the table, besides I guess one segment that brings back the Floaty Fluff from Gusty Garden Galaxy. It kinda just feels like a Honeyhive Galaxy retread, but a bit more condensed.

And that's not necessarily a bad thing to be, Honeyhive Galaxy is a really good one after all, it just makes all of Honeyhop Galaxy feel like something I've seen before. And I don't think the smaller scale really helps, since the large scale is part of what I love about the Honeyhive in the first place!

I feel like I'm being a bit too negative here, so I should probably re-iterate: while this galaxy feels like a bit of a retread, the stuff it's retreading is pretty fun, so I can't really hate it. I just wish they'd find more new things to do with the Bee Mushroom, that's all!

69 (nice). Bubble Breeze Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

And here's another Motion Control Minigame, this time taking advantage of the Wii's pointer! It is your job to blow Mario around in a bubble, but don't let the bubble pop! Because most of this galaxy is a poison swamp which is frankly, Not Healthy To Digest. Do you know why all the crayons you see are non-toxic? Because they melted all the toxic ones to make Bubble Breeze Galaxy, that's why.

Anyway, this galaxy summarizes my thoughts on the bubble minigame: I like it, I don't love it, I'm not too upset that it didn't return in Galaxy 2, but I wouldn't mind if it did. I question how much of this Galaxy ranking so low is the atmosphere, "poison swamp" can be just kind of a dreary thing to look at for too long, though maybe it's just that the minigame can feel a little sluggish since you need to be so precise. It's not too hard, even, just a little time consuming.

I feel if I liked this galaxy just a bit more, I probably wouldn't always take the Speedrun Strat of backflipping to reach an invisible platform behind the checkpoint, from which you can long jump to the Power Star and just completely skip the second half of the level.

68. Flash Black Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

I don't know what it says that the lowest-ranking Super Mario Galaxy 2 Hungry Luma galaxy got a higher spot than all but one of the first game's Hungry Luma galaxies. I mean, besides "the first game's Hungry Luma galaxies aren't very good".

Flash Black Galaxy is a galaxy built around a solid gimmick, where the level is too dark to see outside of brief flashes that appear in-time with the music. Stuff like objects and enemies can always be seen which can clue you in to where things are, but otherwise, it's testing your memory, which is cool. I don't think it's the best one-off gimmick, but for a single level, it's definitely a respectable one.

I don't know if I really have much more to say about Flash Black Galaxy. It's pretty much defined by its gimmick, which I consider "good but not great". Makes interesting use of your memory, but slows down the pacing a little, but ultimately the galaxy is short enough that it doesn't ever overstay its welcome. Respectable B-tier.

I originally had it way higher (at 54th place, if you can believe it!) but after writing about it, I found I didn't care about it as much as I thought I did. Sorry.

Don't confuse this with the Throwback Galaxy. We'll talk about that next week.

67. Rolling Green Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

And here's the last of the galaxies that introduces a motion control minigame! I honestly kinda like the Star Ball, it hits a nice balance where it can be a bit tricky to get the hang of, but never really feels like something you don't have control over, which I can't really say about the ray surfing. There's a really fun sense of momentum there, it does a really good job of capturing the feeling of balancing on a ball, not that I know what that feels like...

Makes sense this was the only of the three minigames that returns in the sequel, it's easier to control than the mantas, but never gives you so much control it can feel kinda boring, like the bubbles. As for Rolling Green Galaxy itself, it's kinda what you expect for a level that introduces a mechanic. It's a bit basic, but not necessarily bad, and I like that it offers a few optional challenges on the sides. It also escalates pretty nicely, first giving you areas with fences so you can get acclimated to the controls, then wide open areas without fences, and then having you navigate around holes and islands, I really like that.

I'm probably still gonna dock it a bit for being a bit basic, but as a tutorial, I think it's pretty well designed, and I definitely have to give it props for that. Still, there are definitely other galaxies that I feel have made better use of this mechanic...

66. Rolling Gizmo Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

That being said, I think the "challenge version" of Rolling Green Galaxy, Rolling Gizmo Galaxy, is only slightly better, if not basically equal to Rolling Green.

I think this is pretty well designed as a more challenging follow-up, making you navigate through tighter spaces, rotating platforms, and overall forcing the player into a bit more careful play. It definitely serves well as that "final test" of the Star Ball minigame, testing how well you're able to handle its control scheme.

That being said, I feel that by being more challenging, Rolling Gizmo loses some of what makes the Star Ball missions so fun, you have to take it at such a steady pace that you never really get a chance to build momentum, which is kind of a bummer. Rolling Gizmo Galaxy doesn't really give you the same level of freedom that Rolling Green Galaxy gives, even in terms of alternate routes, so I'm gonna dock some points for that. Still appreciate the added challenge, though!

65. Gateway Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

For what it's worth, if this was a list of galaxies ranked by the order you play them in, this would rank first.

Gateway Galaxy is your tutorial to Super Mario Galaxy, and I think it does a nice job at that. Chasing bunnies is probably never gonna be my favorite thing in the world, but it's a nice way to get the player accustomed to walking around a sphere, and unlike some galaxies, there's no strict time limit, and the bunnies will politely inform you where others might be hiding. It would be kinda unfair if they didn't. This is the tutorial.

And I really like that it eventually extends into a proper "mission," letting you travel between planets, and introducing you to some of the game's mechanics, like collecting Star Chips, spinning to defeat enemies, and activating (or de-activating?) flipswitches. I also really like how you can't return to this galaxy until much later in the game, I think it's a nice way to show you how far you've come, or something like that, I don't really know. I'm not the most graceful with my words!

That being said, I need to be upfront: the Red Star power-up and I have never gotten along. I always felt the flying controls with it were super weird, even if it gives you a lot of freedom! I may as well mention it here, since it never shows up anywhere else...

Anyway, I picked that picture because of this Jacob Geller video, which all of you should watch, by the way.

64. Bowser's Lava Lair

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

Bowser building a lava-themed Galaxy? How unexpected...! I wonder what tricks he'll bring next?

Bowser's Lava Lair is a pretty solid, if not slightly forgettable, boss stage. It has all the sorts of things you'd expect from a Bowser stage, really, stone buildings, lava, members of the -omp family, and of course, a boss fight against the Man Himself. It also marks the debut of Mattermouths, which catches me off guard a little even though I totally know they're in this galaxy. They seem like such a Haunty Halls debut to me!

Not a lot to say about Bowser's Lava Lair really, it's solid, but a bit by-the-books, which is why it didn't score any higher. Maybe Bowser could take a few lessons from his son when it comes to designing memorable boss levels...

...That statement feels really weird given both "boss levels" we've covered thus far are from Bowser Jr., but I promise, he gets some really good ones in Galaxy 2.

63. Starshine Beach Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

Oh hey, it's that galaxy that sort of vaguely references Super Mario Sunshine! It has Beach, it has Chucksters... it has those lily pad rafts? I think Sunshine had those. Really, throw Piantas in any sort of tropical area and you can probably pass it off as a Sunshine reference.

Starshine Beach Galaxy I feel is one of those galaxies that suffers a little bit from Super Mario Galaxy 2's more compact level design. It's kinda big, kinda flat, and kinda empty. I wouldn't say it's a significantly worse galaxy than Beach Bowl, there are some fun missions here, but if you compare the two, Beach Bowl just feels a lot more Alive to me, you know? This galaxy has like, three towers, a Pianta statue, and a whole lot of tiny islands and shallow water between. The level design in Galaxy 2 is a bit more linear, and in a more open galaxy like this one, it shows.

Still, this place is still plenty fun. The Cloud Flower is always a delight to use, and it's nice to have more exploration-oriented missions in the sequel. I just wish there was more to see when exploring, that's all!

62. Bowser's Gravity Gauntlet

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

There are not a lot of good images of this galaxy on the Super Mario Wiki, huh?

Admittedly, originally I had this a good bit lower, where Bubble Breeze Galaxy is right now. Then I looked it over and was like "actually, this one's cooler than that" and moved it up like six places.

I think this suffers some of the same issues as Bowser's Lava Lair, where it feels a smidge generic -- I mean, making your lair Gravity Themed in the game where every level is Gravity Themed? Come on. But after looking back at it, they do some cool things with that gimmick, particularly in the 2D area, where the lack of changing perspective really helps emphasize the weird gravity in this place. I love details like Podoboos jumping out of a pool of lava on the wall and into one on the ceiling, that's really neat.

Still, I think they could've pushed the gimmick a little further, and with some of the entries later on this list (including a Bowser level that occupies the exact same position in the first game!), I feel like they have a lot more fun with 2D gravity shenanigans.

61. Gusty Garden Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

Man, this one hurts. You don't know how much it pains me to put Gusty Garden in B-tier. I mean, it's like, one of the Super Mario Galaxies! It has The Music! How can I hate it?!

Well, if you're taking a B-tier placement as me "hating" something, then your standards are way too high, because I like Gusty Garden Galaxy! That being said, this is a video game old enough to drive a car now, so I'm allowed to be honest about it, and if I'm being honest... the music does a lot of heavy lifting in this galaxy.

Not that the galaxy is bad by any stretch of the imagination, there's lots of fun moments here, like the weird question mark planets, the giant caterpillar that eats through the apple asteroids, and probably the best bunny chase across both games. That being said... Gusty Garden feels a bit small-scale, you know? I feel there's not a lot of room to explore in Gusty Garden, most of the planets are pretty small-scale, and the level structure is a bit more linear than a lot of other galaxies in the first game...

Of course, being linear isn't necessarily a bad thing, a lot of galaxies in the sequel are similarly linear, so why should I count that against Gusty Garden? Well, my issue with Gusty Garden is that a lot of the planetoids end up feeling pretty samey. You go to a small planetoid, kill some Piranha Plants and Monties, and then take a vine or a Floaty Fluff to the next planetoid, rinse and repeat. There's not really much of a sense of escalation here, you know what I mean?

Also there's the fact the third mission is so weirdly out-of-place. It's not a bad mission at all, I think it's a cool level with a cool gimmick, it just doesn't really quell my feeling that Gusty Garden feels like it was cobbled together from bits of other galaxies that were getting a little too big.

I don't want to badmouth Gusty Garden Galaxy too much, because I still have plenty of fun here, and honestly, I always look forwards to it in a Galaxy run! "The music does a lot of heavy lifting" might seem like a defamatory statement, and to some extent I guess it is, but I also think it shows just how much stuff like aesthetics and sound design really matter in the grand scheme of things. Without it, Gusty Garden Galaxy may have felt pretty forgettable, but because of it, it creates an experience that frankly feels like more than the sum of its parts.

60. Beach Bowl Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

Did you know? "B" is for Beach Bowl. I just thought you should know that. Beach Bowl Galaxy is a respectable underwater galaxy with a really cool setpiece. I just love the way this galaxy looks, the huge bowl with water pouring out is a really neat visual, and the Beach Vibes are just on point here. Not pictured is the underwater section, which is decently detailed all things considered. I'd probably visit the Beach Bowl Galaxy if it was a vacation spot in real life.

As a gameplay experience? Beach Bowl is alright. As I've mentioned before, the underwater controls can feel a bit jank to me, which I think drags it down a bit, but I also feel like it's a very nice galaxy to just Explore, which admittedly is something I think the second game is a bit lacking in. Obviously the Galaxy games are a bit more linear than the 3D games that came before, but I feel the first Galaxy hits a nice middle ground for me, giving enough room to goof off while still giving a clear objective to move towards, and Beach Bowl is great in that regard.

The main thing holding Beach Bowl down a bit, besides the controls, is a couple of the missions. The second main mission here, where you grab the Golden Shell from a penguin and take it to the penguin coach, is one of the most pointless in the game, and this galaxy also possibly has my least favorite purple coin mission. I'm not even the biggest detractor of the Spring Mushroom out there, but making it mandatory to grab Purple Coins placed right next to the edge feels cruel. And while I complain about the underwater controls sometimes, you surely could've placed more than five coins underwater, right?

The rest of the missions are alright, though. I think the one where you look for Star Chips takes nice advantage of letting you explore a bit, and I generally enjoy this iteration of the Stone Cyclone, and even the 2x faster version! Still don't like the 4x faster version from the second game, sorry.

I think it's funny that the penguins are associated largely with tropical galaxies in these games. Why is that?

59. Supermassive Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

"We grow 'em big here! Watch out!"

Supermassive Galaxy feels like a fun "novelty galaxy" to me, if that makes any sort of sense. What if Mario... but Big? Well, not Mario himself. You're one of the only things in this Galaxy that isn't big. Sorry! This leads to a lot of fun details, though, like the giant Lumas that speak in Big Letters and have a low-pitched voice, or the coin that's so big, you can wall jump off of it.

I wonder if they could've taken it further. Like, there are no oversized Star Bits here! That is a STAPLE of Super Mario Galaxy Level Design. The funniest thing they could do would make the Power Stars in this galaxy into Grand Stars, but I get those are reserved for boss missions.

It's also clever to use this as a place that properly introduces long jumps as a mechanic. Did any galaxy in the first game do that? I'm not sure if any of them did. But the framing of "Mario needs to do BIG JUMPS to make it past gaps in this oversized galaxy" is really fun.

Really, and this is a goofy nitpick, but I think what brings down this galaxy for me is the aesthetics, which kind of end up being a double-edged sword. I think the "generic Mario objects, but Big" is the best way to emphasize this galaxy's theme, but it also feels well... generic. After the Big gimmick, this galaxy isn't really all that interesting to look at. Might also have something to do with how linear it is. Despite everything in this galaxy being huge, there's not an awful lot of room to just goof off and have fun, which I feel is a bit of a missed opportunity.

58. Bowser Jr.'s Robot Reactor

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

Megaleg I think is one of the coolest bosses across both games, and such a clever usage of these games' gravity mechanics. Megaleg is also pretty much all there is in this galaxy, and I'm not sure if I should count that for or against this one.

It's like, Megaleg doesn't have a lot of buildup. You have one small planet that serves as a tutorial for using Bullet Bills to break glass, and that's really it. I generally prefer galaxies that are a bit bigger in scope, so I definitely feel like I'm gonna dock some points for that. I feel like a boss this cool could benefit from a bit more buildup, you know?

On the other hand, I think that's kinda unfair. This is the first boss level in the game, it doesn't need to be overly complex, showing how the boss works and then doing the boss itself is really all you need, and again, I really like Megaleg as a boss, even if after once you reach the top there's not that much going on anymore.

I guess the takeaway is... these rankings are mostly based on my personal enjoyment, and less so of how Objectively Well-Designed I think the mission is. The difference between "the best" of a group and "my favorite" of a group can be an important one!

57. Bowser Jr.'s Fiery Flotilla

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

Another case of "this Galaxy is basically in the exact same position as the one before it, and it does some things better, and some things worse". For starters, I don't think Gobblegut is quite as cool as Megaleg. Don't get me wrong, Gobblegut is still cool, and arguably more mechanically interesting, I like how there's an incentive to destroy the later bulges earlier on so the boss is easier in the later phases when Gobblegut speeds up, in exchange for a more difficult earlygame. Still, I don't know if it's as cool as climbing up a giant robot.

The Fiery Flotilla also has a bit more buildup than the Robot Reactor, which I really appreciate. You know I enjoy a little bit of platforming before I take on the Big Boss! Still, the platforming is on the basic side (again, first Boss Level) and unlike Megaleg, the buildup doesn't really tie into the boss at all, you know? Like, "spin the big red orbs" isn't a really tough thing to figure out, especially when they're highlighted in Bowser Jr.'s dialogue, but it does create a situation where the game tells you what to do instead of priming you for it.

Does some things a little better, some things a little worse, so I think it's about equal. Gonna give it the edge because I like having the platforming at the beginning, and also because Galaxy 2 gives each galaxy more than one mission. There's a Gobblegut Daredevil Run! Wish we could've gotten one of those for Megaleg.

56. Sweet Sweet Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

What's that? A good Hungry Luma galaxy from the first game? I never thought I'd see the day...! It's also uh, the only good one in my opinion, given we covered all the rest in the previous post. It's also the first Hungry Luma galaxy in the game, so it's all downhill from here.

But yeah, I like Sweet Sweet Galaxy! I don't know if I'd say I love it, or else I'd probably put it a bit higher, but I enjoy it. I think it has a really nice sense of iterative level design, you know? It takes one idea (moving conveyors with holes in the floor) and riffs on it in different ways up until the very end. First you have a conveyor moving towards the goal, then you have the ones moving left and right, then you have the rotating floor, and then you have the one moving away from the goal. Sweet Sweet Galaxy has a pretty nice sense of escalation.

I also remember finding it weirdly challenging as a kid, for how early in the game it is. It's not brutal or anything, we're not looking at the Dark Souls of Mario Galaxies here, but especially in that rotating floor segment it can be hard to tell where the holes are gonna be.

It's still a little short and linear, but for a small "bonus mission", I think that's ultimately fine, especially for the first Hungry Luma galaxy in the game. Congratulations, Sweet Sweet Galaxy! You might have what it takes to hang out with the Super Mario Galaxy 2 Hungry Luma galaxies!

55. Bubble Blast Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

Did you know? "B" is for Bubble Blast. I just thought you should know that.

Congratulations to Bubble Blast Galaxy, which I personally consider the best of the three Trial Galaxies. As I stated, I can sort of take or leave the bubble minigame, which is why this isn't gonna rank any higher, but as far as it goes, I think this galaxy makes really good usage of it. The obstacles presented feel decently varied, and often require a nice blend of precision with quick reaction timing due to all the moving parts. It's really nifty, both on its own, and as an escalation of what we saw in Bubble Breeze.

Especially great is the bit towards the end, where you have to make your way down a tight corridor of electric fences while being chased by Bullet Bills, forcing you to act quick in a minigame that usually requires a lot of precision. Is it a little unfair? Maybe just a little, but it makes for an exciting sequence that works really well as a final test of your bubble-blowing skills.

Up next, we're going to be testing your jellyfishing and patty-flipping skills, so watch out!

54. Dusty Dune Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

Dusty Dune Galaxy is a weird one to me. It's like, whenever I reach it in the game, I don't really feel like playing it, but once I get around to playing it, it's actually pretty fun! I'm not really sure if there's a mission here I don't like playing, I like the Bone Twisters, I like the sand slides, I like the rush for the star in the sinking tower. Even the untimed purple coin mission is one of the better ones! This galaxy is honestly pretty consistently solid.

So like, why am I not Feeling It? Why is it that when I get to this galaxy in a playthrough, I'm always overcome by this feeling of "yeah, alright"?

I think Dusty Dune might have a reverse Gusty Garden Situation going on, where it has great ideas held back a little bit by so-so music and theming. And make no mistake: it's not that "desert" can't be an interesting theme, because it really can be! (We'll see the sequel's desert galaxy in a couple weeks!) But it's generic desert, you know? Where they kinda slap any vague "desert stuff" together and call it a day. This is a desert with both Egyptian pyramids and cacti! Despite what Mr. Video Game might tell you, those don't appear in the same deserts in the Real World.

I feel like if they leaned hard in one particular direction, Dusty Dune Galaxy could be really cool, but as it stands it sort of suffers "Generic Video Game Desert Syndrome" where it lacks a clear sense of identity to make it stand out more.

53. Sweet Mystery Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

The Bulb Berry is a neat power-up, the more I think about it, it feels like a new spin of the Matter Splatter Galaxy from the first game, where what you see is all that's there, but with a bit more player control. I honestly think the lack of control makes Matter Splatter a bit more interesting to me, but I can see why someone else would like this take more.

If you couldn't tell already, Sweet Mystery Galaxy is largely built around this power-up, making for the second sweets-themed Hungry Luma Galaxy, though that's pretty much all the two have in common, because the gimmicks are completely different. Honestly I think the Bulb Berry is a little under-utilized, the only other galaxy I remember using it is Haunty Halls, which is its introduction.

A benefit Sweet Mystery has for being the second level with this power-up is they can play around with it a bit more, using it with stuff like moving platforms, and having optional challenges which can be rewarding, but run out your timer a bit, limiting both your field of view, which also corresponds with limiting knowing where you can stand! It's nifty.

The main weakness of this galaxy I think is once again an aesthetic one. There's not an awful lot of background details, and since it's built around the Bulb Berry, you can't see much of it at once. There's not a lot to see here, besides that giant present with the cake in it at the end. It's another galaxy that sort of shows the sequel's weakness when it comes to making more detailed environments.

52. Gold Leaf Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy Tier: B

As I've stated before, I'm gonna dock some points for reused content. Like, if you're gonna repeat any galaxy, then Honeyhive is a good one, but it can always be a little bit of a letdown to go to a new galaxy and realize it's a place I've already seen before, but with a fresh coat of paint. Especially given it's in the same game as its counterpart! But in this case, I'll mostly let it slide. I like getting to see Honeyhive in gorgeous autumn colors, and for what it's worth, the missions here are all pretty unique.

The Star Bunny mission is kinda whatever, given I've made my stance on bunny chases pretty clear at this point, and the rest of the mission is kinda just exploring a place we've already seen, but the rest of the missions fare a bit better. What can I say! I like Cataquacks and I like that obstacle course. I think building the Cosmic Mario and Purple Coin missions around the obstacle course was a smart idea too, since it helps make the galaxy feel more distinctive.

Being Honeyhive 2 ends up being a double-edged sword, since it kinda takes away from Gold Leaf Galaxy having a more distinct identity, but it does enough of its own that I'll let it slide, and it's also not like I'm gonna complain about getting more missions in a top-10 galaxy.

I guess that's a spoiler for a future review. Look forward to seeing where in the top 10 I put it!

51. Freezy Flake Galaxy

Game: Super Mario Galaxy 2 Tier: B

Autumn turns to winter as we talk about our final galaxy of the day! Freezy Flake Galaxy is a delightful little snowscape that lets you indulge in all the fun of a snowy winter day without any of the icy roads or dismal temperatures of actual snowy winter days. Unless you're playing Super Mario Galaxy 2 in a car sliding down an icy road with all the windows rolled down. Why are you doing that?

Anyway, I think that above all else, Freezy Flake Galaxy feels charming to me, you know? You get to run around in the snow and roll snowballs and incinerate snow statues of Bowser with the Fire Flower! All the things you'd do on your typical winter day. I especially love in the second mission where you get the Rock Mushroom, and get to watch snow build up in your boulder form, it's such a cute touch! I wish we got to do more with the Rock Mushroom, it's kinda ditched past the first planet in favor of the Sorbetti boss fight. I wonder if this galaxy would benefit from the three-mission format of the first game?

My only real complaint about Freezy Flake is that I think it's a smidge on the generic side. I mean, by the time we got this game, we already had the Freezeflame Galaxy, which is a generally cooler take on an ice galaxy (and also a hotter one). Freezy Flake, in comparison, is a bit tame, a bit less exciting, but whatever, it's cute. It's hard to listen to the music and not feel those warm winter fuzzies that I feel until winter actually comes and my hands are dry and I can't go outside without bundling up first and even once I do the ground is going to be slippery so I can't run around as much without fear of falling over except for the days where it is warm where then everything is mushy and gross, and it's dark outside at 5PM and when it is bright outside the sky is usually gray anyway and there's no leaves on the trees so everything looks dull and lifeless

...I hate winters.

And that wraps up today's post! Do you agree with my opinions? Do you don't agree with my opinions? It's okay if you don't. Even the ones about winter! If you enjoy all those things I was complaining about, then more power to you, I'm glad someone can find joy where I couldn't! And if you don't like something I do like, then that's fine too, I guess.

Next week, we'll begin covering the A-tiers! There's a lot of 'em, so I'm gonna be splitting them into two posts, with fifteen galaxies each! Look forward to it! I'll link it here when it goes live!

#mod hooligon #super mario galaxy #super mario galaxy 2

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castieldelamancha · 6 months

Text

Castiel approaches Dean quietly, his gaze lingering in his profile, focusing on the way his brow is furrowed up in concentration, the tip of his tongue slightly peaking out through his lips, Castiel smiles as he sits down beside him, resting both his arms on the table.

"Hello, Dean."

"Hey sweetheart." He sounds distracted but not any less fond.

Dean moves the arm he has closest to Castiel's and bumps their forearms together, still looking down at the papers in front of him, he brushes his knuckles against Castiel's and, when Castiel turns his arm, offering his open palm to Dean, he takes his hand, interlacing their fingers together.

"Had a good walk?"

"Yes, I didn't wake you up, did I?" Dean shakes his head lightly.

"Would have like to go with you, as usual, but," he trails off.

"You needed to sleep, Dean, It's fine." Neither of them mention the reason why out loud, they both know Dean's nightmares kept them both awake, "whenever you are ready to talk about it, I will gladly listen."

Dean finally looks at him, smiling, nothing of the defensiveness a statement like that would have gotten Cas not that long ago present in his expression. He actually, to Castiel's confusion, laughs lightly as he takes Cas in, he reaches out and gingerly takes something out of Castiel's hair, showing it to him. It's a leave, its green color fighting a battle it was destined to lose against the arrival of an autumn's yellow. He leaves it on the table and goes back to staring at Cas, his eyes finding Castiel's.

"Later?" He says at last, Castiel nods.

"Of course." He looks down at their joined hands, and noticing the papers he asks, "What were you working on?"

Dean stares down at the table too, taking a deep breath, he sobers up, his smile gone, "I am done, Cas." Castiel tilts his head, waiting for him to elaborate, "I wrote a resume," his voice quiet, small,"there is an auto shop not that far away from here, I wanna ask for a job there." Dean points at the papers, "got to get a bit creative with my background, though." He shrugs lightly.

"That's amazing, Dean."

"Really?" He asks with a hint of hope in his voice, it's gone too soon, replaced by a guarded thing Castiel's doesn't particularly like."You ain't gonna tell me this is a silly idea? That we have lives to save? Monsters to hunt?" Those things, Castiel thinks to himself, don't sound like things Castiel would say, Dean's own inner voice seems the most likely source of such thoughts.

"You have done enough, Dean." He puts simply.

Dean huffs, "I don't think-"

"You have done enough." He repeats firmly, he cradles the side of Dean's face with his free hand, gently getting him to look at him, "and I believe, deep down, you know that too, you wouldn't have put a resume together if you didn't believe you could have this."

"But is retirement what you want too?"

"I'm exhausted, beloved." He says, and he means it, "I don't want to have to worry anymore if the kiss we share before we go on hunts is the last one we will get." He doesn't have a grace to fix it all anymore. They are playing with fire, expecting it to be kind enough not to burn them. Whatever Dean sees in his eyes seems to relieve the tension on his shoulders.

"I will drive to the shop on Monday."

"I will go with you."

#destiel #ficlet #f u spn 🖕🏼#vanessa writes ✨#post s15

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wannaeatramyeon · 1 year

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mooooom! i got a request for youuu~ 💌

-young reader learned taekwondo from hansu, but never got to meet his son. so, she only knew taehoon from hansu's stories and cute photos of him aaand that's how she developed a crush on taehoon. years later, she finally meets him... but her "cute" image of him immediately shattered the moment he opened his mouth; chaos ensues 💀

this scenario has been on my mind for a while now and it makes me giggle to an unhealthy degree that i want an entire fic of it 😭 also if it wasn't obvious, i thirst for hansu content 🥺🫶 tysm in advance 🤧

p.s. i really REALLY love your fics and your writing aaaaaa 🫠 ik i already told you before and but im saying it again hehe hope you have a great day! ilyy~~ 💖💖

My dear lovely baby Rie! I saw this and thought yes, let's drop everything INCLUDING Tears of The Kingdom and write this.

But... I'm sorry, there really isn't much Hansu in this, it's very very Taehoon centric.

One of the best things about fandom is bringing people together and I'm so happy to have met you!

Seong Taehoon x Reader: Strangers to... a Not-Crush

Follow up with Hansu and Taehoon here

You're pretty sure you're in love with this Taehoon.

The first time you heard his name was during your very first Taekwondo lessons, many many years ago

Schedules, circumstances, situtations; all the usual life happenings has stopped you both from actually meeting.

But Hansu waxes lyrical about his son. You must have heard for the hundredth time how he is a spinning prodigy, how he has surpassed Hansu at a similar age, how he will be one of the best. His name destined to be written in the history books.

As Hansu talks about his son with stars in his eyes, you can't help the shine rubbing off on you too.

"Y/N, this is Taehoon."

Your jaw drops. Sure, Hansu has shown you countless pictures. Compared to the real living thing though, the gap is so vast you might as well say he's the least photogenic person alive. That's really saying something, because Taehoon photographs well.

He's one of the prettiest boys you've ever seen.

With his lips and eyes and even his goddamn hair. Are those lashes even for real? And then you notice his stature and his muscles, his rock-solid chest and abs peeking through.

Maybe he's not pretty at all. He's fucking hot.

You jaw drops even further.

Why on earth hasn't Hansu ever shown you a full body picture, he could have at least prepared you. Like a cliche, you feel weak at the knees. You feel light-headed-

Then Taehoon opens his mouth and the illusion shatters. Splinters into a hundred million little pieces. With his next words, you've never felt more pissed off in your life.

"Keep looking pervert, and I'll pluck your eyes out,"

What the fuck is this guy's problem.

For once, the stars align, and you see each other constantly.

You curse the damn stars. You curse Hansu for passing your tutelage to Taehoon. Most of all, you curse Hansu for creating this.

The idea of Taehoon is much better than this... this fucking menace you have to see day in day out.

Taehoon makes you address him as Master. He hits you on the head for stepping out of line (you bite your tongue every goddamn time), he takes no prisoners during your spars together, makes you repeat exercises over and over until you're on all fours and trying not to throw up.

And infuriatingly, he touches you.

Little corrections with his hands, his elbows, his knees, his legs, his foot. "Your stance is shit," he tells you, "your technique is still off," as he taps the offending body parts, mere millimetres out of place. Your cheeks burn every time and your skin is on fire even hours later.

What's worse is your head swims every night with Taekwondo and Taehoon.

Lying in bed, all you can see is him. That antagonising smug smile on his lips. You want to wipe it off his stupidly handsome face.

See if he has any cutting words left when, not if, you beat him in a spar, and you gloat over him, straddling his hips, trapping him between your thighs and you can feel how aroused he is-

Oh.

Shit.

You hug your pillow tighter to your body.

This relevation is a fucking nightmare.

Taehoon reckons your skills are average at best. What he's most impressed with is your dedication and tenacity.

No matter how many times he kicks your ass, you still get back up for more. Regardless of all his nitpicking and corrections with your form, you take onboard his words and listen.

He hasn't missed that it's all through gritted teeth. Still.

He also hasn't missed you blushing and your breath catching in your throat when he touches you.

Nothing not out of necessity, all completely above board. But it's still funny. Messing with you.

Taehoon tells himself he is completely unaffected. People fawn over him all the time, you looking at him with hearts in your eyes is nothing new.

It's just amusing, that's all.

You don't know whether this is heaven or hell.

Taehoon piggybacks you all the way from the studio to the emergency room. You're so close you can almost taste him, see all his faint freckles, the vein in his temple from the exertion and concern.

All this proximity is doing nothing for your crush. Which you are determined to get over, by the way. Because this guy is a goddamn asshole and nothing else.

It was a silly accident, really. You went for an opening when there was none, causing Taehoon to mistime his kick. You collapsed like a sack of shit.

Worried hands check up on you even as his mouth runs.

"It's fine," you say, waving off his concern. When you tried to stand up, your ankle is in no mood to bear any weight.

You go down for a second time.

Taehoon's patience is unexpected. He waits with you until you are seen to.

Conversation is strained, and he doesn't talk much, just giving you wary glances every now and then.

But you fill the silence, telling him little anecdotes from your life and your day. Bridging the gap between Taekwondo and the little pieces that make up the rest of your life.

His lips quirk as you speak. The smiles aren't condescending.

Eventually, when the nurse tells you it's just a simple strain and will heal if you keep off it, Taehoon is the one that nods and asks follow up questions.

At the end of the day, after another piggyback this time to your home, you thank him for his time and he is surprised at your sincerity.

Taehoon doesn't miss you. Definitely not.

The only reason he is at your door with stew and kimchi is because his old man told him to check up on you.

You're not able to attend any lessons while you recover, and Hansu wanted to make sure you're ok. Not Taehoon. Taehoon could not care less. He also did not jump at the chance of seeing you again, so much so that even Hansu gives him a questioning look. Ridiculous.

Why is his palm sweaty? Must just be the heat. Taehoon wipes it on his jeans before knocking twice on your door.

"Come in," you call out, and Taehoon hasn't missed your voice. And he hasn't missed the sight of your face neither.

He doesn't greedily take in the colours of your bedroom, the pictures on your wall, the books on your shelf.

He doesn't memorise your handwriting when he walks past your desk, something that is so uniquely you, like a fingerprint.

And when you give him a shy smile and apologise for the mess, it doesn't affect him.

Nor when you take the proffered food and have a mouthful, Taehoon doesn't soften at this.

The ensuing silence is not comfortable. He doesn't want to stay longer. His fingers don't twitch in your presence, having grown used to casual touches with you.

This song and dance is continued for the next few weeks only because Taehoon is a good son, and an even better teacher.

He needs to check up on the welfare of his student.

And then finally, after too long, when you show up at the studio again, Taehoon's heart absolutely does not soar.

#taehoon seong #taehoon x reader #viral hit #viral hit manhwa #viral hit x reader #viral hit webtoon #viral hit headcanons #how to fight #how to fight manhwa #how to fight webtoon #how to fight headcanons #seong taehoon x reader #seong taehoon #seong taehun #seong taehun x reader #taehun seong #taehun seong x reader #wannaeatramyeon

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bionicle-ramblings · 7 months

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Sooooo

I just learned about a character named Nixie, and now I want to just ramble about this character

For starters, she's a Ga-Matoran and her job on Mata Nui is as an Astrologer

As we all know, most if not all of the Matoran in the MU were in Metru Nui before the Great Cataclysm and they moved to Mata Nui. Despite having their memories of Metru Nui wiped, the Matoran still maintained who they were; Takua still wandered around, Jaller was still by the book, et cetera

My train of thought here is that Nixie was very much an unofficial astrologer, or at least someone who studied astrology, doing so more than other studies. Like, her studying astrology wasn't a bad thing, but it wasn’t smiled upon because she was already studying something else, like history or something

I imagine Nixie was sort of "Ga-Metru's Takua," but instead of wandering around from place to place, her mind wandered instead, to the point where her destination was the stars above, and was often possibly either late to lectures because she was in Ko-Metru to borrow a telescope or frighteningly early and would remind the teachers of things they might have missed as they taught, as if she'd somehow found out what they would be teaching

And I imagine that she was a good, but infuriating student because despite being late or ealy to classes, she would know what the teachers were teaching, even if no one told her. Eventually, enough teachers got fed up and threw her to Nokama, who was a multi-award winning student

At first, Nokama was expecting someone to be a slacker, someone who wouldn't even show up, wouldn't engage, maybe even have to be threatened by Vahki to go to a class and stay for its entirety. What she found instead was a new Matoran in her class that was the first to be there and greeted her by name and asked if they were learning about purifying protodermis, which surprised Nokama because she usually keeps her notes on her lectures under lock and key. Nixie, to calm her teacher, assured her that her notes are safe, but advised she find a better hiding spot for them; under a sleeping pallet is cliche and that's the first place anyone will look

Nokama was, rightfully, shocked and made a mental note to keep an eye out for Nixie. That unease did not go away when Nixie kept staring up at the sky rather than paying attention, yet knew what Nokama was teaching, to the point she could repeat it back to her with no problem. Or when, after class, Nixie warned Nokama to be careful near the protodermis canal, something that one of Nokama's friends told her not to worry about

She started worrying when she almost drowned after falling into the very canal, and more when Nixie arrived late to a class, racing in from Ko-Metru, and told Nokama that she's about to have great honor bestowed on her, as well as tragedy that would take centuries to heal

And that tragedy came in the form of Lhikan giving Nokama the Toa stone and Nokama becoming a Toa

Just imagine Nokama seeing Nixie again with the other Toa Metru around, and Nixie, who has only ever met Nuju and Nokama, greets Whenua, Onewa, Matau, and Vakama by name and their previous occupations. It freaks out everyone, even when Nixie's disappointed that Vakama didn't see her in his visions, though she chalks that up to her role not being THAT big to be a vision. Nuju slows her down, telling everyone that he knows Nixie because she traded trinkets for using a Ko-Metru telescope, and then she got too good at seeing ahead. Nixie calls him a slow-poke, and Nuju tells Nokama she has a smart student

And, to go back to something I was saying before, I imagine that with her foresight, Nokama is worried because there's that occasional, "I'm being watched," feeling she gets, and later sees Vhisola GLARING at Nixie as Nixie stares up at the sky and tries to see the stars, even when it's broad daylight. Nixie does mean well, proven when she shows Nokama bits of an artifact she found and had to fist fight another Matoran for(don't ask), I just love the image of Vhisloa glaring at Nixie, seething at how a star staring know-it-all can both take Nokama's attention amd also be a source of Nokama's fear, when really Nixie is trying to read the stars and see which way home is the best trying to see how long it takes for stars to be hidden when the twin suns rise

Back to Toa stuff, imagine Nixie seeing Nokama leave Ga-Metru and, when asked to elaborate on the "tragedy" she foresaw, she only tells Nokama that a shadow is growing in Metru Nui and if she told Nokama what she saw, Nokama would hesitate and she's not in a position to do that anymore. With very ounce of respect she has, Nixie wishes Nokama luck on her journey and thanks her for being such a wonderful teacher and an amazing Toa. Nokama points out how Nixie makes it sound like they'll never see each other again, and Nixie admits she'd rather not elaborate on that

And Nokama only understands why when she becomes a Turaga and finds Nixie again, only now Nixie is staring up at a new night sky and is speechless at both how beautiful it is and how exciting it is to have something new to learn

#bionicle #ramblings #toa metru #long post #headcanon #nixie #nokama #Vhisola #a very ga-metru themed post ngl

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runnning-outof-time · 1 year

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Birmingham | Tommy Shelby x Reader (Part 14)

Previous Part

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader

Summary: Tommy holds a meeting with two IRA men; that (Y/N) ends in a similar way to their very first time meeting each other. An onlooker of this meeting shares the last bit of information they have up their sleeve, which may change the course of things completely.

Warnings: language, mentions of drinking, violence (typical to series), weapons, character death

Word Count: 3725

A/N: it was a bunch of fun putting my own twist on one of my favorite scenes from s1 (I’m sure you can tell which one by the gif)…I’m really happy with how this one turned out and I can’t wait to share how the rest of the story will unfold with you! Enjoy! :)

A/N 2: Italicized words are taken directly from the show.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Comment/Message me if you’d like to be tagged!

...I'm getting worried about his actions, (Y/N). Your father's usually able to level him out, but he's even been going against him now. I worry about what will happen next... These three sentences kept repeating through (Y/N)'s mind as she made her way to the Garrison. The letter from her mother was unexpected, and now the contents of it were making her stomach turn nonstop with worry.

The Garrison soon came into view, and she took a deep breath to try and steady herself so that she could focus on the job she'd have to do. Harry greeted her with a friendly smile and immediately put her onto tasks that needed to get finished. She was happy for this, because she wanted the happenings in Sheffield to be the furthest thing from her mind.

—

The day had gone surprisingly fast. (Y/N) was thankful that she was busy. She hadn't thought about the ending of her mother's letter since she'd arrived at the tavern. Her shift had a few more hours left to it, and she was trying to think of what to do afterwards to ensure that the letter's contents still stayed out of her thoughts. Maybe she'd go to Ada's.

"(Y/N), are you in here?" Tommy's hurried words came from the hallway that led to the stockroom, breaking (Y/N) from her planning and making her turn to face the door.

"Yeah, I am," she answered as his figure became visible in the doorway. She noticed his frantic temperament, and immediately became worried by it. "What's wrong?" she was almost afraid to ask.

"Good. I need you to leave," he told her, his words coming out as quick as his first statement did.

(Y/N) furrowed her brows at him. "What do you mean? My shift's not finished for another few hours," she pointed out.

Tommy stepped inside the room then, moving closer to her so that he could talk in a lower voice. "I have two men coming to meet me later. They're interested in some guns that I have in my possession. It'd be better if you'd just leave," he told her, his eyes wide as he explained what was happening.

"I..." she was unable to say anything else before he cut her off.

"Please, (Y/N)," he looked at her with serious eyes, "please don't fight me on this."

She looked at him for a moment, studying his face as she let his pleads sink in. "O...ok. Do you want me to leave now?" she asked hesitantly, the intensity he was exuding at the moment making her shrink into herself slightly.

"Yes," his answer was quick, and he was almost out the door the second he finished speaking. He stopped and turned back to her before leaving completely, "thank you," he added, a slight bit of relief present in his words now. (Y/N) smiled and nodded at him before he exited the stockroom and made his way down the hall.

She waited a few moments to exit the room, listening until the sound of his footsteps faded out, meaning that he was far enough away. There weren't many people in the main area of the bar as she walked through it to the doors. I guess I'm going to Ada's now, she thought to herself as she began walking down the street with that destination in mind.

——

"This is a surprise," Ada remarked when she opened the door to see (Y/N) standing on the other side of it, "what are you doing here in the middle of the day?" she asked, eyeing the woman standing across from her suspiciously.

"I can't just come and visit my friend?" (Y/N) answered with a question of her own. Ada's look still remained, which made (Y/N) sigh. "Don't worry...your brother hasn't sent me here or anything," she assured the other woman, which made her quizzical look dissipate.

The slightest smile formed on Ada's face as she opened the door wider for (Y/N) to enter the apartment. "Karl's sleeping at the moment," she informed her friend, motioning to the bassinet in the corner of the room.

"How have things been?" (Y/N) asked as the two women sat down on the couch, a smile on her face as she craned her neck to take a peek at the sleeping baby.

"They've been fine," Ada answered, a slight sigh escaping her lips, "it's been tough not having Freddie around, but I'm managing."

(Y/N) nodded knowingly, a sympathetic smile on her face. She looked down at her clasped hands then, wondering if she should wait a bit or rip off the bandaid. "Tommy wasn't the one who gave Freddie away," she blurted out then. I guess we're ripping off the bandaid.

Ada's eyebrows furrowed in response before she spoke, "what do you mean?"

"I went with Polly to the Garrison that night. She blamed Tommy for getting Freddie taken away. I wanted to tell you that it wasn't him who did it," (Y/N) explained.

"Who was it then?" was Ada's next question.

"Grace," (Y/N) answered almost as soon as Ada was done speaking. She let it sink in for a moment before continuing, "she was the one who told Campbell your address. She got it when she came with me; when I extended the invite to the wedding."

"Fucking hell," Ada mumbled, looking up at the ceiling as she exhaled a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Ada," (Y/N) felt the need to apologize, "had I known her intentions, I never would have..."

"Don't apologize, (Y/N). This isn't in any way your fault," Ada put a pin in the other woman's apology before she could even finish it. "Does Tommy know this?" she asked then, her eyebrows raised.

"No," (Y/N) shook her head, "I didn't get the chance to tell him yet. I would have today, but he rushed me out of the Garrison before my shift was finished. I told Polly though...she said she'd think of a way to handle it."

"Telling Pol was the right move," Ada agreed with the choice, nodding her head to show her approval. "Tommy rushed you out of the Garrison?" she asked then, a mixture of surprise and confusion present in her voice.

"Yeah. He said he had a meeting with two men later today...that they were interested in some guns that he has," (Y/N) recounted the brief conversation, "he seemed rather frantic about it," she included, mentioning the detail that stuck out to her.

"Bloody hell, Tommy," Ada breathed, sighing as she hung her head, "he's going to get himself killed."

"What do you mean?" (Y/N) was confused by Ada's response.

"Polly's told me that those guns are stolen...and that's the reason why Campbell is here. He's trying to get them back. Pol told him to dump them in the Cut, but he obviously hasn't listened."

"You're joking," (Y/N) gasped, her eyes wide at Ada's admission.

"I'm not," Ada shook her head, her tone serious.

"He is going to get himself killed," (Y/N) agreed with the previously made statement. "What can I do to stop him?" she asked then, a mixture of anxiousness and determination present in her words. She stood from the couch before anything else was said, a sense of urgency in her movements.

"You're not going to be able to stop him, (Y/N)," Ada told her before she could take a step.

"I can at least tell him how stupid he is for arranging this meeting," (Y/N) didn't let the comment deter her, and she made her way to the door before anything else could be said.

The ladies said a quick goodbye to each other before (Y/N) exited the apartment and started off for the Garrison. She probably got some looks from passersby as she hurried her way to the tavern, but she couldn't care. She had to give Tommy a piece of her mind.

—

"Are you out of your mind, Tommy?!" she exclaimed the second she walked through the Garrison's doors. Tommy was the only person in the tavern, and he was standing behind the bar with a bottle of whiskey in front of him.

"I told you to go home, (Y/N)," he responded, keeping his voice level as he moved around the bar to stand in front of her.

"You can't let this meeting happen," she ignored his statement, staying focused on her own.

"It's happening. You need to leave," he diverted her again.

"I'm not letting you do it alone then," she insisted, crossing her arms over her chest as she stood her ground.

Tommy sighed as he heard her answer. He couldn't have this happening right now...the men were set to arrive at any moment. "(Y/N), no. I'll be fine," he tried again to get her to leave. Of course he couldn't promise that he'd be fine. These men were notorious for going to any length to ensure they got what they wanted.

"I'll stay here to see it through then," she still held her ground.

"Fuck," Tommy breathed, unhappy that she hadn't listened to him. He was fine with the potential of things going sideways for him, but her sticking around had thrown a wrench into his stoic plans. "Ok..." he started, looking at her again, "you're going to stay in the back..." he paused again, retrieving the revolver from the holster under his jacket, "take this and wait for me to come back to you. You don't come out at all, understand?" he spoke seriously to her, wanting her to realize the severity of the situation.

"Ok," she nodded her head, swallowing as she processed her directions. She took the weapon and held it to her chest, immediately feeling the heaviness of it.

"Go," he nodded to the archway then, and she nodded before wordlessly turning and going to where he'd told her to.

The sound of the main door opening was heard not long after she'd gotten into the hallway, and it was followed by Tommy greeting two men, who sounded to be Irish. (Y/N) wondered for a moment if maybe they secretly worked for Campbell. She kept the gun clutched to her chest as she strained to listen in on the conversation, her heart hammering in her ears.

Time passed by agonizingly slowly, or at least it felt like it with the pauses that came between each abrupt statement. Then, two statements came that made (Y/N)'s hair stand on end:

"Did you think we'd let you live?"

"Make your peace, Mr. Shelby."

(Y/N) didn't wait around for Tommy to say anything in response. She knew what sound would follow next. So she rushed out from the hall with the gun held steady in her hands. It took her only a moment to locate the other weapon, and she made quick work at cocking the hammer and firing, striking the target she'd been locked on with ease.

Tommy's hands flew up in the air upon hearing the shot ring out. It took him a moment to realize that it'd come from behind him, and when he did, he spun back to the other man and flipped the table out of the way so that he could lunge at him. In the chaos, the other man had pulled out a gun, and he was fully intending on using it.

(Y/N) saw this as well, and she cocked the hammer of her revolver back with the intent on firing again. She waited for Tommy to swing the man to the side so that she'd have a clear shot, but when he did, the gun misfired. "Shit," she breathed, panic starting to rush over her. She looked down at the weapon and fumbled with it for a few moments before looking back up at the scuffle that was happening a few feet away from her.

Tommy and the man were still fighting over the gun, and it seemed as though neither were letting up. She continued to fumble with her weapon, looking down at it again. She felt a sharp pain emanate from her temple the second she glanced down at her weapon, and she was knocked over from the force of whatever hit her. It took a few moments for her to focus again, but when she did, she saw that Tommy was now on top of the man and that he was repeatedly striking his head with a bucket. She flinched each time that he struck the man. It was obvious to her that he was stuck in some sort of loop.

"Tommy!" she was able to muster out, hoping that her calling his name would break him out of it. Things were getting more gruesome by the second.

Thankfully her voice worked in breaking him out of his focus and thereby stopped his actions. He dropped the bucket to the ground and began taking deep breaths as he tried to level himself out again. After a few moments, he turned to look at (Y/N), who was still sitting on the floor; propped up against the bar.

He slowly rose to his feet, his eyes not leaving (Y/N)'s. As he stood, (Y/N) did the same, using the bar to steady herself as she felt another rush of pain on the side of her head. Tommy was still breathing heavily as he made his way over to her. She was stuck in her spot, still trying to process everything that had happened.

"Why'd you come out here?" Tommy asked once he stopped in front of her, still almost breathless, "why'd you shoot?"

"They were going to kill you, Tommy. I wasn't going to let that happen," she answered, her voice shaky, "and I would have killed the second man but the gun misfired and I tried but I couldn't get it to go, and...I..." her words began to waver with each one she said, and Tommy didn't wait for her to finish her statement before he pulled her into him, hugging her tight against his body.

"It's ok now, love...I've got you," he said to her, his voice right next to her ear as he held her for as long as she needed him to. Their embrace lasted for a few moments before he pulled away and rested his one hand against the back of her neck. He searched her eyes for a moment before exhaling a shaky breath, "now you've seen me," he said to her.

This statement was vague, but she knew exactly what he meant. "You've already seen me," she answered him, calling back to the very similar situation they'd been in months ago when she'd first arrived in Small Heath. "There can't be another time like this, Tommy," she breathed then, tears stinging her eyes as she kept them locked on his.

"There won't be," he told her, an assured tone laced into his words. He couldn't quite promise that to her though...not with the nature of the families that they both belonged to. She was safe now though, and that was all that mattered. He pulled her back into his arms, holding her tight against his chest as he felt her breathing slow back down to normal.

"I...I need to tell you something, Tommy," she whispered to him, several different things swirling through her mind just as the sound of the doors opening was heard.

Tommy pulled away from her and turned to see the three coppers that were standing by the door. "You were supposed to come on the sixth chime...you were supposed to come on the sixth fucking chime!" he yelled at the men, who seemed to be completely unfazed by the scene that was laid out in front of them. He then leaned back against the bar as he looked up at the ceiling, retelling his version of what had gone down. He couldn't bear to look at what had been done...never did he think he'd go back to a place like that again in his mind.

One of the coppers then made a comment about the condition of the scene before telling Tommy that it'd be swept under the rug.

"Get the bodies out of here," Tommy spoke in a monotone voice as he stared at the far wall.

"Alright...are they making the lady uncomfortable?" the copper questioned, cracking a grin as he looked in (Y/N)'s direction. He looked at her for a moment before focusing on Tommy again, "I'll leave you two love birds to it then, eh?" he got one last comment in before turning and giving orders to the two men standing behind him.

Tommy dropped his head and sighed once the conversation finished. He kept his head hung for a few moments, squeezing his eyes shut tight as he tried to compose himself. After taking a few leveling breaths, he looked at (Y/N) again. "Let me walk you home," he said to her, and she responded with a nod before finally taking a step from the spot she was standing in so that she could fall in beside him.

—

Grace Burgess 'just so happened' to have let herself in through the side door of the Garrison earlier that afternoon. She had Arthur to thank for the access to the door...he'd given her the keys when she'd agreed to take on looking his books over. She managed to get into the back office undetected and overheard Tommy and (Y/N)'s initial conversation about the meeting that was happening that night. Of course she was going to stick around and find out what the meeting was about; she was still searching for information about the guns after all.

She somehow managed to stay under the shroud of darkness that the office provided as - surprisingly to her - (Y/N) came back into the hallway after a brief conversation with Tommy. She listened into the meeting that was being held in the main room while keeping a close eye on the actions of the other woman standing in the hallway. It would have been over for her if she'd get found out. She hid when the gunshots rang out, and stayed in place until things were quiet again.

It was then that she decided to creep her way to the end of the hallway to see what had happened. The sight she was greeted with shocked her: Tommy and (Y/N) were embracing; holding onto each other like their lives depended on it. A pang of emotion rushed through her as she saw this. Maybe this was why she had come and confronted her the other day. Either way, she knew exactly what she had to do now.

She waited until the two were cleared out before she also exited the tavern, making her way to the place she told Campbell that she'd meet him that evening.

It was no surprise that he was already sitting on a bench when she arrived at the park. "What do you have for me?" he asked, standing up as she approached.

"The location of the guns," she didn't even try to dance around it, "I believe that they're being kept in the graveyard; beneath the headstone of a man who is not dead."

"And you're sure?" Campbell raised his eyebrows.

"I am," Grace nodded definitively, swallowing harshly before continuing, "I only ask that you don't go after Tommy for this once you find them," she added to her initial statement, her words making Campbell's eyes widen.

"Why not?" he was quick to ask her.

The image of Tommy and (Y/N) embracing at the Garrison flashed in her mind before she spoke again, "he's not the one who's decided to keep the guns," she explained her reasoning, blinking rapidly as she looked away from the man in front of her. She just couldn't meet his eyes as she said this for the fear that he'd see right through her.

"If the Shelby's aren't to blame, then who is?" Campbell was quick with another question, a demanding tone laced his voice, "are you telling me we've been on the wrong trail this entire time?"

Grace looked at him momentarily as she contemplated taking this lie further. His expectant gaze practically sealed it for her; there was no way she could get out of it now. "A woman named (Y/N) (Y/L/N) is holding them. She has family in Sheffield...they've been keeping the guns here," she blurted out as many details of (Y/N)'s backstory as she could in hopes that it would add more credibility to the situation, "she's the one you need to go after," she finished by looking at him again, hoping that her straight faced expression would seal the deal.

Campbell pursed his lips as he mulled over this new information. He hadn't heard of this woman before, but his desire to close this case and find the missing guns certainly kept him open to the possibility. Grace hadn't led him astray before.

——

"The name my informant gave me was (Y/N) (Y/L/N). This person said that she lives in a rented apartment here in Small Heath and has been in town for roughly around the same time as these guns have been missing. She's got connections in Sheffield; they could be needing these guns for leverage there," Campbell rattled off this newfound news to one of his subordinates the following day.

He made sure to leave Grace as anonymous, but happily dished out the information that he had gathered about (Y/N) in hopes that it would help as they got themselves ready to take on this new target. There was a sense of delight within him now as this was going to be way easier than he expected it'd be. How hard could it be to take down a woman?

Unbeknownst to him, as he continuing with his rattling, was that Sargent Moss had been listening in to the entire conversation. The senior police officer's interest had been struck when the guns were brought up, but he really started listening when (Y/N)'s name was brought into the conversation.

He even started writing notes down, knowing that they'd prove useful to Polly Gray, who he'd be meeting up with later to share all of this information with. She came to him wanting concrete proof, and now she was going to get it.

Next Part

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itstheghostofmypast · 2 years

Text

🌻Imperfections🌻

Draco malfoy x (f)Reader (Hufflepuff)

Summary: Perfection is what defined those who were above the rest- yet, she could not be part of the perfection that defined him. Defined his society and very presence- defined her own family but not her. She was the imperfection within his world of perfection, the bright sun in his cool, pale blue sky. For even if she was the warm sun, he was nothing more than the silver moon- both destined to live in the same sky but never together.

Genre: Fluff, Angst

AU: NO VOLDEMORT - Plus Cedric is vibing, I'm sorry he's too precious.

Warnings: None

Part- 1/?

Masterlist/ Next

A/N: Legit told @ryugujitr about this a week ago- and ended up turning a drabble into a series, please excuse any spelling errors- I'm about to dip from life. But, I hope you (the reader) like it. Also, I have yet to make a TAGLIST for this, so if you're interested, feel free to msg me 🌼

Draco Malfoy, the definition of a being blessed by the heavens. Born with a golden spoon in his grasp, the lad had the wealth, looks, and the brains to put many to shame. As such, he had been bred and raised with the ideology of perfection and beauty. Elegance was what would define the pure blood, perfection was their motto and beauty was their existence. The upper cream of the society, the best. And like any other pompous rich daddy's boy, he had let this get to his head- at least till he hit his teens.

As he got older, he became more irritable. Any and everything would aggravate him, years of listening to his father had gotten him nothing but hate from most of the people in his school and as usual minimal recognition from his father. The golden trio being part of the many things that would tick him off, his own 'friends' could easily trigger the 6th year, leading him to throw a sissy fit for a good 30 minutes. He could hear them whisper and murmur in every corner, the professors, the students, and even the paintings. The older he grew the louder the voices became, increasing in numbers. He was lucky enough to have a solo room, which was possible due to his influential status.

In the calm of the night, he would lay in bed, staring at the stoned ceiling, wondering why perfection was something he felt that he needed but could not attain. He'd wonder why he was still alone, he had done everything his parents had asked and was excelling in his studies, so what exactly had he done wrong? Potter? Was Potter really that important? Potter didn't have anything he had, but he had that one thing the blue-eyed boy had been craving for a long time, friends. Perhaps he didn't deserve friends, real ones, part of being him was being alone- perfection often tends to exist solo. Or so he thought.

Quidditch, the only thing that made him feel alive, made him feel like a normal 16-year-old, one who had a purpose. A game that was perfect- at least according to him. He had made captain too- yes, he had bought his way into the team initially, but he was a pretty good player (according to Slytherin standards), which is why as the new captain he had made sure to change up the laid-back training schedule of the team. Unfortunately, he had forgotten to check things, the pre-existing schedule of the other teams and the weather for the next day.

Hence, the drenched team in green stood by the bleachers, as their 'new captain' was busy arguing with the captain of the Hufflepuffs.

"Listen Malfoy, we gave our schedule a week before yours, the field is ours for the day-"

"THE DAY? Bloody hell Diggory, you pastry puffs really got some nerve, huh?"

"Mind repeating that Malfoy?" The brunette took a step forward, glaring at the blonde, neither wanting to back down. Perhaps if the blonde had asked politely, the older one would've given him the field but not if he thought it was HIS BIRTH RIGHT.

"Cedric."

The two turned to look at the person who had dared to interfere as the two were trying to "alpha" the other out.

"Lovely to see how hormonal boys get when they don't get their way, but the storm's getting worse and we're leaving. Can't see a thing." Y/N stood there, holding her broom, uniform clinging to her body as she pushed back her wet hair that was bothering her vision.

"And who might you be" he snapped at her, trying not to drink in her image, something was off about her, he couldn't tell what it was but he felt this thing.

"The keeper. Anyway, we're leaving now, Cedric." She cut him off before motioning for the brunette, walking away with the rest of her team, not giving either of the captains the chance to speak up.

"She's uh- vice-captain by the way," Cedric muttered, as a matter of fact, he didn't just let anyone tell him what to do, so technically, she was allowed to since she was vice-captain, not just anyone on the team.

Draco stood there, with his team behind him, the sound of the rain growing angrier echoing behind them as he mumbled to himself, "Is she new?" Only to be heard by Zabini who responded, "Not really, I think she just made vice-captain this season...a looker ain't she." He looked at his captain who gave him a certain look of disgust- to anyone else it was the usual grimace he would express at the mention of any and everyone, but right now, unknown to everyone on his team, his expressions expressed not his disgust but possessiveness. He had no idea why, but as the words slipped past Zabini's smug face he wanted to sock him in the face, punishment for disrespecting her- what in merlin's name? Shrugging him off the blonde stormed off, everyone else exchanging a look, Boyle sending Zabini a look, 'Really man?" Who let out a chuckle, "It's true though...too bad she's a puff."

That night he couldn't sleep, he didn't know what it was, perhaps the fact that he had never noticed her before was bothering him. The notion of that thought bothering him was bothering him even more because why in Merlin's name would he care about noticing a Hufflepuff, even if she was on the quidditch team, why would he notice her? He barely ever noticed anyone anyway. Huffing in frustration he pushed away the soft comforter, jumping off his bed as he groaned, perhaps a walk around the halls would do good, the cold weather is always a good way to clear one's mind. Putting on his robes he walked out into the dimly lit common room, glad no one else was awake at this hour. Grabbing a green apple on his way out he made sure to keep the noise to the minimum so no one could catch him roaming around past curfew hours.

Hopping up the last step he took a deep breath, exhaling to watch the white puff come to life. The wind howled around the corridors as he reached the base of the giant door, it was usually locked, but perhaps the Slytherin prince had found a way to undo the spells that kept it locked. Opening the door he entered the astronomy tower, and that's when he saw the reason for tonight's insomnia, sitting there at the edge of the window, legs dangling out, eyes closed, looking all peaceful- and here he was somewhat annoyed.

"You'll fall at this rate." He spat, well, it came out ruder than he intended it to. It was supposed to be laced with concern but his usual mood and inability to control his temper had gotten the best of him, again. And now, she'd probably insult him or -

"Well, I wouldn't worry about that." She shrugged, scooching back a bit, "wouldn't be missed much." Turning her head to him she cocked a brow, "The real question is, why are you here?"

"Fresh air."

"Ah, I see." With that she turned back around, choosing silence over the conversation. He thought he'd appreciate it but instead he pestered her further;

"Shouldn't you be in bed, Hufflepuff?"

"Shouldn't you?"

"I asked you first."

"Well, then I couldn't sleep so I came up here."

"I've never seen you up here before."

"Well, let's just say something happened today and I needed to be alone." She spat back, only to sigh at his raised brows, "sorry...I was about to leave anyway." She lied, but she was in no mood to start an argument with him. She'd seen how he got when he'd be in full Slytherin mode and right now she was too tired to handle it-

"You can stay." Mumbling he closed the door behind him, locking it as he walked over to the other end, another window, "Get off the window though, don't want to be blamed if you fall and become a scrambled egg."

Her laugh bounced across the walls, ringing like bells in his ears, eyes darting to her form that was now seated right under the giant window, back pressed against the stone wall, facing the room. Clearing his throat - he didn't mean it as a joke- he looked away, peering out at the view, the dark lake reflecting the moon, the mist settling in across the fields, covering like a bride's veil.

The land was silent, other than the occasional howl that would echo across the valley, but that was it, it was at this exact hour of the night when he felt at ease, free from all and everything that had him all riled up. However, he had never expected to share that moment with anyone, let alone the Hufflepuff keeper- one who had been playing as long as him but he had never noticed. Possibly because they had beat the brightly colored house in numerous matches. Bringing his cold hands to his lips, he blew out a puff, hoping to warm them up, and it hit him, she was sitting in nothing but her uniform- quidditch uniform. Frowning at the thought he turned to take a look at her again, only for their eyes to meet.

Quickly averting her gaze she pretended to look elsewhere, the wall across the room becoming too interesting all of a sudden. Yes, she had been looking at him because she liked him, no, it wasn't because of that she had been avoiding him since day one. She had been looking at him simply because he was beautiful- she had seen many like him, like her, beings that belonged to prominent families, but none looked like him, radiating a glow like him. It was...intimidating. Though she could not judge, for she had never conversed with him before, usually she'd avoid everyone during class, especially when the Golden Trio was involved, the usual banter was quite irritating, why couldn't everyone just get along? Perhaps this was why she was sorted in Hufflepuff, a lot of things didn't matter to her; family names, intellect, race- who cares? As long as one is within the boundaries of a decent person, why must there be an issue?

"So, why are you here?" He asked, placing the skeleton of the eaten apple beside him, "In uniform?" Once again, his tone of choice was harsher than anticipated, which led him to expect a flinch or a retort, and once again, he received neither but a simple answer.

"Had a lot on my mind today...and uh" she looked down to realize she hadn't changed from her gear anyway- well she did come here directly from the field. The rain had just added to the flare of angsty thoughts, which is why she had spent almost all day after practice, in the astronomy tower.

"What is it?"

"Well, aren't you a nosy hen?" Snorting at him, her gaze met his for a split second, crystal orbs wide, as if he had realized how he was prying.

"Sorry." He mumbled, turning back to the view, ignoring her, brows knitted together, cheeks flushed- from the chilly wind mind you.

"Are you...brooding?" She gasped before letting out a sweet chuckle, "And here I thought you were ready to fight Cedric in the morning-"

"Please, I'd beat him to a pulp."

"Very mature." She smirked, knowing she was able to get a reaction out of him, "Though I'm glad you didn't..." Whispering she looked at her hands, she didn't eat anything after practice, was she starving? Probably but-

"Here." She heard from beside her, squeaking and jumping a foot away, when had he moved closer to her? Noticing his extended hand, she saw the contents that lay in his palm, wrapped in shiny foil were a dozen Fizzing Whizbees, "Bet you didn't eat if you've been here all day."

Clearing her throat to cover up her reaction she nodded, slowly reaching out to grab one, fingertips brushing against the skin of his palm, which was surprisingly soft and warm. Sitting back down beside him she popped it in her mouth, savoring the sweetness as she closed her eyes in contentment.

He watched her silently, not knowing why he was being like this, confused as to why she hit didn't think this was out of character for him. Then it hit him like a mad witch on a broom, he wasn't bothered because she was the reason he couldn't sleep in the first place- why he was roaming around the halls like a ghost, all because she was stuck in his mind. He had been thinking of looking her up, thinking of ways he could, if not talk then, learn about her a bit more, enough to satisfy his curiosity and remind himself of how mundane and boring she truly was.

"Yeah, I didn't" she peeked at his hand, to see if she could take another, only for him to place the rest between them, glancing at her and then looking ahead, "So, why are you here?"

"Well, since you were oh so kind to bribe me with sweets, I'll tell you."

"I'm not bribing you-" he frowned only for her to giggle, "It's a joke, Malfoy, haven't heard one before?"

"O-oh."

"Anyway, I came here to clear my head...family stuff, y'know."

"Yeah, I know." He sighed, not like he had the best relationship with his father, the man he would listen to at all costs. Feeling her sigh in return he muttered, "What's your name puff?"

"Well, it's definitely not Puff. I'd also appreciate it if you don't call me that." She snapped back, glaring at him. He frowned in return, not really sure if he should argue back, being polite was never his strong suit, especially to anyone else but, for some reason, he muttered an apology to her. That earned him a ....smile.

"Apology accepted. It's Y/N L/N"

"WAIT"

Flinching at the loudness of his voice she groaned, she knew where this was going, "L/N- you're the...oh..." he paused for a second then continued, a bit calmer this time, choosing his words wisely, "The last child of the L/N family....the one that..."

"Yes, yes, you can say it, stained the family name. I am aware- apparently being sorted into Hufflepuff was a real issue for my parents."

"I'm-"

"You say you're sorry and I swear I'll hex you."

"Yeah..." and then there was silence, for a good time too, neither exchanged a word. To be honest, she thought he would make fun of her or walk away as soon as she told him her family name. Her family made fun of her and walked out on her too, she was no longer invited to family dinners- rather was not allowed to attend any, no galas or birthdays or parties of any kind, hell, not even funerals. To make it all easier, she was a resident of the school, a deal signed by her parents and submitted to Dumbledore, requesting she stay there till her school years are complete. After that, she was sure they'd either ship her away or cut off all ties with her permanently. Yet, here he was, the lad of one of the most prestigious families, sitting there, feeling sorry for her.

"I don't feel sorry for you though."

"What." turning a whole 90 degrees she looked at him with eyes as big as saucers, trying to stare right into his soul as she squinted, "Excuse me?"

He knew she was looking at him, but he did not dare look back, he knew the moment he locked his eyes with hers, he'd lose the newly formed confidence. Clearing his throat, pulling his robes closer to himself, "I mean, I don't, I - you don't seem like your father...or your mother, you're different." Simply put, the Malfoy heir had met the L/N family, naturally, they were one of the few families his father would invite to their annual dinner- yet he had never met her, even when he was younger, he has no memory of it. He knew she had an older sister and an older brother, the sister sorted into Ravenclaw, much like her mother while the brother was a resident Slytherin, both graduated when he was a wee lad.

"Why have I...never seen you though? Even at dinners- prior to Hogwarts?"

"Oh, funny story actually," she sat facing him, knees pressed to her chest, conversing casually like they had known each other for centuries, "So like, I was 5, right, and we were in Paris, family vacation and stuff. And there was, playing in the park with the rest of my siblings when out of the blue this weird lady pops up and grabs my hands!`` She reached forward and grabbed him, too engrossed in the story, to be honest, she considered him a friend now anyway, her hands gripping his wrists. He flinched but didn't pull away, wanting no more, "She was bald and had no teeth, dressed in all black- her eyes were sunken in and she smiled at me with those gums wide." He made a disgusted expression at this oh-so-vivid description, nodding as if signaling her to continue, "And she said with glee 'You, the youngest of the L/N, will bear a curse like no other, one that would shatter the family name~' and then everybody was panicking okay and before anyone could get a hold of the weird sorcerer lady, she vanished" gasped, amused by how his expressions were changing as the story reached its climax, "Thus, I was taken to another fortune teller, one who advised my parents to keep me locked up to protect me, hide my existence till I could come to Hogwarts." she finished, letting go of his wrists, as she clapped her hands together, "the end."

The dent between his eyebrows increased, first of all, that story made no sense, and secondly, the lack of contact made him realize how warm her hands were, the cold air on his skin burnt as if her touch had engraved into his soul.

"Your bloody wankers." He scoffed, "No wonder they locked you up-"

"It's true! Turns out the dishonor part came when I was sorted into Hufflepuff." she argued, somewhat enjoying this conversation, "After that they barely kept any contact with me, I am to stay at school until my education is finished, and I was upset today because I had sent an owl with news about becoming Vice-captain- though my father said it would have only mattered if it wasn't the house I was in and he'd appreciate if I only sent an owl out if it was an emergency. Like how do I do that? What if I'm dying? Won't really have time to write then, would I?" she whined, reaching for another sweet.

"Well..." he muttered, not really knowing what to say next. Honestly, he didn't want the conversation to go in so deep, he just wanted her to give her a pathetic story, so he could insult her and move on but now, he felt as if he owed her something, not sure why.

"So, why are you here?" she finally asked, neatly folding the wrapper of the sweet, and stuffing it in her pocket.

'You' he thought to himself-

"For fresh air."

"Doesn't seem like an actual reason."

"It is."

"Well, I mean now you know my secret and I don't know yours."

"You do know my secret." He muttered, standing up, dusting himself as he looked around.

"I do?" she looked up at him through her lashes, eyes wide.

"Yes, you know I come here sometimes."

"That's not a secret, that just makes me an accomplice to your crime."

Letting out an uncharacteristic chuckle, he looked away, so she couldn't see his face, slowly walking towards the door, in a few hours they'd have class and he didn't want to be late in the morning. At the door he turned to look at her, "Aren't you going to bed...Y/N?" he asked, holding onto the door, choosing not to call her Puff anymore, or by her last name since it would bring up bad memories for her- WHY DID HE CARE?

"Nope." she responded, "I will in a while."

"You'll be late for class."

"Please, I need two hours of sleep max."

"You know...I can't really tell if you're a good liar or just all talk no bite."

"Bit of both Mr.Malfoy."

Raising his eyebrows he scoffed at the name he was given, she had some nerve, he'd give her that. Part of him wanted to converse with her, the more logical part knew the two probably would not interact after this, she'd live on with her life and him with his, and perhaps they wouldn't even interact in class- usually Potter would keep him busy anyway.

"Goodnight Y/N" with that he walked out, feeling that all too familiar feeling settle in his bones once more, back to being Malfoy, the Slytherin Prince. He did wonder if she would actually be on time tomorrow- wait, did they even have class together?

They did, in fact, for the next morning, Draco Malfoy had stepped into Potions class early morning, a bit tired, but not enough to sneer at the golden trio that was sitting on the opposite end. Crystal orbs looked around the class, scanning for a particular person, perhaps she was not in his class anyway. He turned back to the board when Snape walked past him, tapping on his desk to gain his attention, "Eyes front Mr.Malfoy."

Almost twenty minutes in, Snape stops to talk only to glare at someone, though half the class freezes, Draco is one of the few that turn to look at the poor person, and there he sees her, standing there, staring at her professor sheepishly, wearing a few extra layers- of course, she probably caught a cold.

"Miss L/N, where have you been?"

"I um...overslept Sir."

"And how is that my problem?" he snapped back at her, only for her to flinch, mumbling an apology. Exhaling through his nose the man waved his hand, "Sit down. And 10 points from Hufflepuff."

She scurried to the empty seat in the back corner, sitting down to look up and lock eyes with shiny blue hues, smiling at him meekly as she looked back down at her desk, though he was still staring at her. She looked different in her usual uniform, strange, not to mention he had told her to go to sleep and-

"Mr.Malfoy, if you're done staring at Miss L/N, look in front." he flinched when the professor gripped his head and moved him to look forward. To say the Prince of Slytherin was embarrassed was an understatement, he was blushing mad, especially when he heard a few students giggle- including WEASLEY. Oh, how he wanted to punch him in the face. The rest of the Slytherins were confused though, mostly Draco's group, why had he been staring at the Puff in the first place?

The class was over and he was glad, he was pissed and right now his hungry eyes were looking for someone to destroy, to bully enough to make them feel worthless. That's when his eyes landed on her sleeping form. For heaven's sake, had she fallen asleep too? How, just how did Snape not see that???? Walking over to her sleeping form he stood there, wondering if he should wake her up and yell at her for embarrassing him in front of everyone- but technically, she had nothing to do with that, he was staring at her by choice. He was alone, she was asleep and no one else was there. Frantically, his eyes scanned the books that lay beside her, what other classes did they have together? a few- wait, they've had almost every class together?

"You comin' mate?" His head whipped to the door to find Zabini standing there at the doorway, arms crossed over his chest.

"Yeah," he muttered as he walked towards the exit.

She felt someone poke her, groaning at the disturbance. She opened her eyes, only to spot Luna smiling at her, "You look like a little pixie when you're asleep."

"OH MY GOD." She sat up, staring at the people around her, this wasn't her class, wait, how long had she been asleep? Turning to look at Luna she whispered, "What time is it?"

"Well, it's half past noon."

"I'M LATE FOR PRACTICE!" she gasped, slamming her hands on the table, gathering her stuff, and almost out the door when Luna called for her, "Wait, Y/N, you forgot this!" She turned to look at the blonde, spotting a familiar shiny object in her hand, a Fizzing Whizbee. had he put it there for her? Clearing her throat she thanked her and took it from her hand a bit too abruptly then dashed out.

"Pretty pixie didn't realize she missed half the school day too." the blonde giggled before going to her seat, glad she had woken up before the next professor had come in.

As soon as she reached the field she bumped into someone, "Oh sorry- Cedric hey." she smiled up at him, praying to any and everything he wouldn't make her do laps.

"You're late."

"I may have overslept."

"How?"

"In class....been asleep since the first one-"

"You've been sneaking out again?"

"Not sneaking out if I never came in, don't go all Prefect on me now."

Sighing in defeat he moved so she could get her gear only to grab her wrist, "Did you say you've been asleep since the FIRST CLASS?"

"...Perhaps."

It was this conversation that had led her to run laps around the field, while everyone else was up in the skies, even the benched keeper was there- replacing her. 30 rounds- Cedric was mad, nothing else- she wasn't even much of a runner. On her 25th round of running - walking out of breath- she fell to her knees, panting as she looked up at the sky, squinting to see the people that looked like ants, "Bloody Diggory."

"Oh, would ya look at that, a Puff with broken wings," she turned her head to look at whoever thought that was a clever insult. Goyle, who else, ah yes, the rest of the Slytherin team behind him. Standing up she dusted her clothes and looked at them, "Field's taken, as you can see."

"Well, we want the skies, not the field, you can continue with your running though." Zabini stepped forth, a smirk adorning his face as he leaned closer to look at her, "Got Malfoy in trouble today didn't ya?"

"Your boy got himself in trouble- now get out of my face or-"

"Get out of her face Zabini, the hell's wrong with you." He spat, pulling him back with his robes, "Now, act like a good vice-captain and get your captain." He looked at her, slightly annoyed by the morning's events.

"Okay, 2 things." She raised her hand to show two fingers, "1)I'm the vice-captain, not a messenger, 2)I can't, he took my broom."

"Sorry?"

"Apology accepted."

Zabini snickered, looking away when Draco turned to glare at him, then back at her, "What do you mean he took your broom?" Why was he angry- wait, was he angry for her?

"He's the captain, captains can do that- please tell me you've read the handbook?"

"There's a handbook?"

"Yes?" She answered, utterly confused as to how he even made captain. At this point, the rest of the team was growing restless, wondering why their captain was even conversing with her.

"Come on Malfoy, show her the damn paper so we can kick'em out!" Zabini cut her off, kind of tired at this point.

"What- oh yeah. We have a signed-HAVE YOU NO MANNERS?"

She snatched it from his hand, reading his very clean and pretty writing, a new schedule, approved by Professor Snape. Of course.

"PFFT" she looked up at him, "You.. realize you have to get this signed by all house masters and the team captains?"

"SAYS WHO?", He yelled, gone was the patient Malfoy, because no she was testing him and he was done.

"The Handbook. Would've known it existed if you didn't buy your way in the team." She snapped back, shutting him up. Two could play that game. She didn't want to pick a fight with him, but he just wasn't listening.

"What did you say to him?" Another player in green stepped forth only to be stopped by the captain, his hand in front of him as he peered down at her, "Watch yourself, L/N. Let's go."

"What?" Goyle spat, "We don't have to play by the rules Draco-"

"When I say let's go, " he turned to the boy, walking closer as he glared at him, all his anger now addressed to him, "You shut up and listen, like a good little boy, do I make myself clear?" He seethed through gritted teeth, ever ready to knock some sense into him.

Gulping the pale boy nodded, quickly turning around and following the rest of the team, none waiting for their captain to follow. Turning around he frowned at her, "I didn't buy my way into captaincy."

"I know." She shrugged, handing him the paper that he snatched back, "Then act like you didn't." With that she jogged away.

The loud crunch of the paper could be heard as he walked away, back to his dorm to change, for lunch. He did not expect to be confronted by Zabini, sitting on the couch, staring at the blonde who had entered but chose to ignore him.

"Mind telling me what was that about?"

"What was what?" He asked, stopping by a table to peer through the snacks and sweets. He was glad the common room was almost empty at this hour, unfortunately he had not anticipated being confronted by an idiot.

"You didn't say anything to her- no wait, you let a Puff talk back to you, it was almost like you two know each other." He suggested getting up to go to Draco, who had grabbed a fistful of Fizzing Wizbees and stuffing them in his pocket.

"I saw no reason to, also, don't get up in her face- wait, don't get up in any woman's face, that's weird." He spat back, and stomped away, assuming he had offended him. Unfortunately, the other male just snorted in response muttering an 'interesting.'

Seated for lunch he poured himself some juice and began to eat. Act like a captain, what did that even mean? Scoffing, he smashed the potatoes, even more, wondering where he could get himself that book, the old captain had never told him about it- then again, the old captain didn't care much about the rules either. They were Slytherins, they never did. But the way she had said it, like he had to prove something to everyone, prove something to her. Who was she anyway? Hell even her own family didn't want her- but it's not like she chose which house to be sorted in. Shaking his head he groaned, staring at the plate of now cold food. She wasn't like her family anyway, she was cunning or a cheater and wasn't the brightest out there too- he had met the family, the siblings, but neither reminded him of her. They were elegant beings, one that looked at most with a glint of disgust in their eyes, yet, there was her, she had nothing, but it didn't bother her. Isn't perfection having everything? Her father had practically told her off just yesterday, highlighting her insignificance and here she was, joking around and sleeping in the class- why was he thinking about her anyway-

"Draco you haven't eaten a thing! Are you alright", Pansy's shrill pushed his train off its tracks, instantly igniting a fire within him- he was triggered, once again.

He got up abruptly, the group around him quieting down, he glared at the person who dared interrupt his thoughts. "I'm not hungry." He spat and walked away, shoving any and every kid that got in his way. Harry being one of those poor souls, earning a, "Watch it, POTTER."

Scoffing in response the brunette went to sit at his table, "What's his deal." He said as he put himself some food. His friends in response shrugged, Hermoine pitching in, "He's been weird all morning, I think he's embarrassed about being called out by Snape."

"He did that to himself though." Ron mumbled with a mouthful, only for Ginny to grimace then, "I heard he fought with Cedric yesterday and Y/N called it off." They heard another Weasley, of course, the twins would have all the hot gossip.

Fred shoved Ron aside to sit next to Harry and smirked, "Apparently they had a little argument today too." He said as he picked up a berry and popped it in his mouth. Harry just shrugged and snorted, "How is that any different?"

"Oh, dear boy." George gasped, standing behind Hermione, "She won the argument and from what we've heard, he even told off one of his goons- you don't just stare at someone in Snape's class, mate. That's just dumb."

"Shouldn't we not presume stuff?" Ginny asked as she placed her empty dish aside, sighing at her brother's antics.

"It's not presuming," Fred announced, only for George to continue, "It's an observation."

Draco had spent almost all day in the library and he could find no such handbook. What the hell was that woman about? Was she lying to him? She wasn't like that, right? Or was she just messing with him, trying to mock him, some sort of stupid prank to satisfy her pathetic self. Angered, he marched up the stairs to the tower, he wasn't even sure if she would be there, though he prayed that she wasn't. A part of him wanted to yell at her, insult her and make her feel as worthless as everyone had deemed her to be, but the more compassionate side of the boy, the one that was often asleep, had been urging him to remain patient, to see how things unfold before jumping to any conclusion.

Slamming open the door he looked around the empty space, shoulders slouching as he let out a shaky breath, muttering something under his breath. She wasn't there, it was half past 8, he had skipped dinner to come up here, not for her though, or so he was telling himself as he entered, closing the door behind him.

Choosing to sit by the window she had yesterday he sighed, he was used to feeling angry, this temperament had become a part of who he was, a feeling that would bubble up at the thought of any and everyone, but right now, at the thought of her, what he felt was not anger but...disappointment. What was the purpose of last night's events? He was sitting there like a fool, with a pocket full of sweets, why? Not to mention Zabini had been trying to gain some form of entertainment from this situation, first the class' events, then he caught him staring at her asleep, then he was up in her face at the field- exhaling he closed his eyes, head tilting back against the stoned cold wall. His hand reached for his pocket, feeling the rustling sweets, as he opened his eyes and looked at the door, then getting up in defeat and disappointment-

"BLOODY STAIRS"

Flinching at the loud slam of the door he hissed, "Quiet down!" Eyes landed on her hunched-over frame, heaving, and panting.

"Shh- " she waved her hand, holding onto the door as she tried to stand up properly, stretching her back. Closing the door, making sure no one was there she turned around to smile at him, only to shiver under his icy cold glare. "N-no one followed me, don't worry" she cleared her throat, averting her gaze.

"Better not have." He scoffed, staring at her, she had her bag with her. He wanted to ask her why she was late, but since he was "mad" at her, he didn't.

"Umm...I'm sorry about today's class...you got called out because of me." She muttered, staring at her feet.

"And the field?" Crossing his arms over his chest he stared at her.

"You did that to yourself."

"What?" He gasped, shocked, utterly shocked at the audacity of this being-

"Well what else!" She exclaimed walking over to him as she reached in her bag, which hung on her shoulder, "what kind of captain doesn't know basic rules?? What good is it to be one of the best players in the school and not know basic rules?" She took out a small battered book, showing it to him, "Don't lose it, okay? I borrowed it from Cedric for a week."

He was...touched. She had gotten him the book and explicitly stated how he was one of the best players? He reached out for it, fingers gripping onto the opposite end of it, only to stop and frown at the last moment, "You sure talk a lot about Diggory."

"He's my friend." She muttered, pulling away once he took the book, "Anyway, I'll be off now! My legs hurt and I had to get you this-"

"Wait." Grabbing her wrist he stared at her, frowning, as if he was angry at her. Well, it seemed like that to her, he kinda looked constipated. "Yes?" She asked, staring up at him, the world around them slowing down, nothing existing but them.

"I - You- here." She felt him place something in her palm, glancing down at the sweets then up at him, biting her lip to stifle a laugh, failing horribly.

"HAHhahah-" she covered her mouth with her free hand, stuffing the sweets in her bag as she looked away, trying not go embarrass him anymore. "S-sorry hah..." Turning to look at him, she burst into another fit of laughter, his face growing redder by the minute.

"Are you done?" He spat, ears as pink as his cheeks at the moment. Yes, he was embarrassed, but he dared not avert his gaze, he took his sweet time drinking in the scene before him. The way she was laughing, the way her nose would crinkle, face flushing as her melodic laugh filled the world around him.

Gasping she shook her head, "Man....I'm sorry, I'm- you looked so serious and...I...its like you pay me with these."

"I don't pa-"

"Again, it's a joke...but thank you." She smiled up at him, "I'll consider moving you up from 'acquaintance' to 'close acquaintance' ."

Pausing at the responde he looked away, hoping she didn't notice the way his lips had slightly curled upwards, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

"Anyway, I'm going to go now, I'm exhausted and I don't want Snape to throw me out tomorrow".

"Goodnight...Y/N."

Only waving at him in response, she noticed how majestic he looked, standing there under the moonlight, shimmering hair being caressed by the wind- a being made with perfection to the dot.

The Malfoy heir woke up next morning before the birds could begin their usual tune. He was ready before everyone and was out of the common room, heading straight to class, passing by professors, muttering quick good mornings to them, while they were still trying to blink away the sleep.

Opening the classroom door he entered the cold room, shivering at how Snape would keep his class covered from anything warm- may it be sunlight or anything else. He was early, good, no one would be there and he could sit and brood in silence for a while, he had sent out a letter to his father in regards to his studies a while back, though his father's response was more of a lecture on how to be better. Hence, after tearing it up he had decided to come for class.

"You're up early."

"Shit." Almost jumping out of his skin he turned to look at her sitting in her usual spot at the back, head resting on her palm, fingers of her other hand drumming against the wooden desk.

"What are you doing here?" He frowned, choosing to sit close to her yet at a distance, sitting at the opposite edge of the same bench. It would be easier for him to pretend he had just entered and was going to his desk.

"Woke up early, apparently if you sleep on time you can wake up early." She stated like it was a newly discovered fact, then sat properly and reached for her bag, "May I interest you in some candy? A young fellow has been giving them away recently, I feel like he has shares in the business." She said, taking out a shiny wrapped sweet and showing it to him, "Breakfast is very important."

"Chocolate is breakfast?"

"Anything is breakfast if you believe in it." She exclaimed, sliding it over to him as he caught it in one swift movement. A small smile gracing his lips as he stared at the dark desk, the way she had just commented on his way of thanking her was somewhat...comical.

"So," clicking her tongue she glanced at him, his side profile, "You seem...upset."

"How can you tell?" He asked, eying the toffee wrapper he was now nervously playing with, fingers trying to smooth over the creases of the foil.

"Stop that." He was unsure of when she had moved next to him, he never even felt her body heat, unt she gently took the wrapper away from him, fingers brushing against his colder ones. Just like that she was gone, back in her place again, keeping her distance like he was initially.

"Why did you-"

"Let it be, the wrinkles and folds, they're a part of it. Let things be, you don't have to fix everything, nor must everything be perfect." Smiling softly she glanced at him, "Accept the imperfections, with the perfection. The sooner you accept it...the better you'll feel " she whispered, no longer looking at him but looking ahead at the empty class. He wasn't sure if she had said the last part to him or herself. Sighing he looked in the same direction as her, "I am not a perfectionist, but you won't understand- it's easier for you".

His only response was a scoff, "You got that right. No longer existing for my family is super easy."

"At least no one expects anything from you-" he countered, turning around to glare at her, he did not want her to lecture him about any bullshit. He had it hard, his father's expectations, the burden of carrying the family name, trying not to break down everytime his mother asked him if he was okay. He stopped though, he had turned to find her staring dead ahead, yet her quivering lip twisted his heart. Had he made her cry?

"I- I didn't mean it like that-"

"It"s fine." Letting out a shaky breath she looked away, wiping her eyes. He wanted to reach out to her, he never meant to hurt her- he had never even seen her frown let alone cry-

"It is easier." She let out a sad chuckle, turning to look at him with glassy eyes, "But it's also a constant reminder of how useless you are. I'm not saying you have it any better, but at least you have parents who know you're there." Sighing, she reached for her bag again and took out her books and quill, "You should go sit in the front now, it's almost time and I- its best if no one sees you here."

"Y/N I-" he stopped at the approaching sound of students and had him stand up abruptly by reflex. Hissing he marched to his usual spot, turning to look at her, he wished she was upset with him- he deserved it but the way she gave him a small smile and went back to reading had his brain working in overdrive. That was it, the moment was gone, and he let it slip past his fingers once more. He knew she'd pretend as if nothing had happened like there had been no argument, no hurt feelings, nothing. He didn't get it, how, just how could she do that? In one swift motion, she'd normalise everything around her.

To make it worse the students that they had heard were not in their class, so now the two were sitting in silence, at opposite ends of the class and he had made a fool out of himself- again. He wanted to start a conversation with her, fix the thing he had broken, but how? As his brain pondered upon the current matters, something hit him smack in the head. Wincing he reached up to touch the aching spot, turning to glare at her as she stifled a laugh, "I thought you'd catch it." He looked at the Fizzing Whizbee that had bounced off his head and landed on the bench beside him, "Did it occur to you that you didn't give heads up?" He snapped back, reaching it and stuffing it in his robe's pocket.

"Well, at least now we know you have a thick skull."

"I am aware of that- diD YOu just insult me??" He gasped as she laughed at him, however, both froze as the door slammed open. A man in black robes and an eerie flare walked in, looked at both of them, and exhaled in defeat.

"May I inquire as to why both of you are here?" The professor mumbled, eying the girl then the blonde who cleared his throat, "For class professor."

"I had announced yesterday that there will be no class today. Seeing as to how Miss L/N was asleep yesterday and you were busy watching her, it is no surprise you two...missed the announcement." He spat, staring at Draco until they heard her snort, quickly ducking her head when both of them looked at her.

"Is something funny?"

"N-no Sir. Sorry Sir"

"Miss L/N, let me add more to your amusement, you've failed your recent test."

"Oh"

"Oh?" Draco reacted before their professor could, only to realize his mistake when Snape turned to him with a cocked brow, "Well, as Mr.Malfoy seems to be distracted by you these days, he'll be tutoring you."

"But Professor-"

"Think of it as a punishment for both, for Miss L/N's horrid grades and...for your lack of knowledge about the Quidditch Handbook".

Before Draco could ask him something about how he knew the professor walked out, leaving the two in the class. A minute of silence passed until she chuckled.

The two walked out of class, though he could tell she was keeping her distance, looking around as they passed the halls with filled classes. She had slowed down, in hopes that he'd get the message of walking away, but clearly, he was as slow as a sloth. Neither had any real destination to go to right now, which is why he turned to look at her, "Library?"

"Is that a...question or a ?"

"We could start on your ...potions stuff." He shrugged, slowing down, letting her catch up, though he did look around to make sure there were no other students there.

She paused for a moment, as if trying to think about it, then nodded, "Very well, lead the way, professor." With that she marched ahead, leaving him standing there, a blushing mess.

Choosing to sit in an empty corner he motioned for her to sit quietly, "I'll be back with the books. Don't do anything stupid." With that he walked off, he needed time to think. How did Snape know about the book? Moreover, he saw her asleep in class but didn't call her out? Why? And what was he going to do when his housemates would ask him about tutoring a puff? Zabini had been up in his arse lately. Sighing in frustration, he grabbed another book, he didn't even know how bad she was in the subject, considering she had failed one of the easiest tests he had given. He was glad the library was almost empty though, he was in no mood of conversation or rather, no mood of arguing with anyone right now. It was also bothering him how she was all normal again. He had offended her, she had failed a test and now she was being tutored by someone whose friends would insult her at every given moment.

Coming back to the desk he placed them on the table, she was scribbling something only to stop when he had come. Closing the small booklet and stuffing it back in her bag, "Those are...a lot of books." She muttered before glancing at him, who in return shrugged and sat down next to her, shoulder brushing against hers as he pulled his own books out of his bag.

The smell of fresh mint and aftershave engulfed her senses when he moved closer, making her dizzy. Side-eying him she made sure to take in the view, his uniform had not a single crease, the way everything was tucked in properly- it was at that moment she noticed that he had taken off his robes before sitting down and rolled up his sleeves too. Clearing her throat she looked up at his face, eyes focused on the things before him, there was a spark within them, one she had never seen before, is this what he usually looked like while studying? Trailing down they landed on his hands, that ring, she knew the purpose of such family hand-me-downs- they were symbols of status. Each of her siblings had one, you receive it once you come of age, but she was not to get any anyway, naturally, she never expected one either. It was the first thing she noticed when his father had given it to him, he would constantly fiddle with it, especially when he was nervous, like the time he had to present in Herbology.

"Y/N?"

"Hmm?"

"If you're done staring into space, shall we begin?" He scoffed, he had noticed her staring at him, he didn't stop her though or say anything, he liked the attention, which was weird because obtaining attention from any woman had never been an issue for him. Though he had never expected to feel like this under her gaze, at least she wasn't talking about Cedric anymore. It took him an extreme amount of self-control when Zabini was getting too close to her in the field. So, yes, even though he was aware he was being inspected by her, he chose to use different wording, to not embarrass her and for he had been relishing the attention. That and he had been helping himself with her image, from the way her tie hung loose, she hadn't even buttoned up completely, she looked so imperfect, yet so ...perfect? Sleeves rolled up, no sweater west, a skirt that ended above her knees, and the choice of wearing black tights. He had noticed in the morning how she wasn't wearing her robes, but never commented on it.

"Y-yes." She cleared her throat taking out her books and stuff, turning to him, "please proceed, professor."

Biting his lip he looked at the notes, "Well um...how about you write down the answers you wrote in the last test." He said, retracting his hands to his lap, under the desk, his fingers going to his other hand, fiddling with the cold ring, waiting for her to begin.

A moment or two later of staring at the blank pages he cleared his throat, was he making her nervous?

"Do you...want me to look away or-"

"I just realized I failed because I left my paper blank."

"...WHAT?" His voice echoed around the shelves, instantly earning him a "Shh!"

"I fell asleep yesterday...and that's when he took the test..." she trailed off before shrugging, "So, like if you remember the questions-"

"Y/N. I...I mean- how, just how did you get away with that? Snape never saw you??" he snapped, flipping through his own notes, where he had jotted down the questions, so he could work on them in his free time as well.

"Oh, I think he did, but a day before class, the day before I kinda got caught taking potions from the storage area, and Snape caught me and;

"Miss L/N, what are you...doing here?" her professor glared at her, though she had assumed she had hidden successfully, "I can see you behind the shelf."

"I umm.." Clearing her throat she came out from behind the shelf, "I was looking for ingredients..."

"For?"

"Sleeping Draught Sir."

"Why is that? and have you any permission."

"N-no Sir." she clutched the letter behind her, yes, she had read the letter in the morning, but it was almost midnight and her thoughts were getting too loud for her to sleep. Part of her thought of going to the astronomy tower, but the sight of the potions storage room was more tempting, and honestly, easier. So she had snuck out to get a few ingredients, she had the herbs anyway, so all she had to do was take a few other potions, and boom perfect brew. But fate was not with her tonight.

"Give me that." He snatched the paper from her hand, quickly reading it and for a split second, the headmaster's stern eyes softened, only to revert back when he looked at her. "We do not use potions to deal with such petty emotions Miss L/N."

"Yes Professor." she stared at her boots, she was still in her quidditch uniform.

Neatly folding the paper he handed it back to her, clearing his throat, "When the mind is hazy and filthy, one takes to nature, not magic."

She didn't really understand what he meant by that, but she was grateful he wasn't going to give her detention or take away house points. She was about to take the paper for him only for him to pull it away further, "Burdens must be dealt with as soon as possible." He said as he brought his wand to the paper, pressing against the skin of the paper, as it slowly started to disintegrate, evaporating into nothing, "Once they disintegrate, they bother you no more."

"With all due respect professor, I have no idea what you meant by that."

"Get out."

"And that's probs why he didn't wake me up since it is his fault I dozed asleep" she stated as a matter of fact, before stretching her arms over her head, leaning back against her chair, only to slump afterward.

Draco had never been more confused in his life, six years in this school and Snape had not once gone soft on anyone- why on Earth did he- "Wait, the hell did he even mean by that?"

"Oh- so I didn't get it, and after he kicked me out, I came to the astronomy tower right? After practice yesterday, I went to Professor Sprout because my legs hurt and ended up asking her if she knew what Snape meant. Turns out the two are actually friends- or at least, she claims to be, I mean, I know she's super friendly but-"

"You're derailing."

"Huh? Oh- sorry, she told me that Snape had once told her to write down her feelings and then burn the paper, some kind of therapy to make herself feel lighter. So, I guess he was trying to tell me to do that."

"And he'd help you because? You aren't even a Slytherin?" she frowned at his statement, only for him to quickly cover it up with a, "I mean...he's not the friendliest person out there, and we're in his house yet he barely talks to us in a decent manner."

"Good save," she chuckled, resting her chin on her palm as she looked at him, "It's probably because he was the professor my father contacted after I was sorted into Hufflepuff, demanding it was some kind of mistake- then they made arrangements and you know the rest~"

"So, the small diary-"

"Yes, I'll burn the pages soon, see if it works out. Didn't know Snape could actually pity someone," she shrugged, reaching for his notes, reading through them, the neat cursive, not a splotch of ink- what a freak.

"I don't think it's pity though," he muttered, reaching for another book and opening it to a specific page. "Oh~ Then what is it?" she asked excitedly.

"Start reading from here, I've marked it, we got questions from this chapter and the next five."

"FIVE?"

"Yes, now off to it."

They had been sitting there for an hour, while she was reading through the notes occasionally muttering a "This is so stupid." He had been silently reading a book beside her, not bothered- which was amusing, for anyone whining would make him want to smack them, the only one allowed to whine was him. Yet, he didn't mind her, he found it amusing how she had put herself in this situation.

"Been looking all over for you," the two looked up to find Zabini standing there leaning against the shelf, "Neat corner, what's going on here?"

"Clearly, a tutor session- why were you looking for me anyway?" Malfoy slammed his book shut, an irritated huff leaving his lips. The moment was gone, thanks to this idiot.

"Well, I woke up and couldn't find you anywhere, plus Pansy's been bothering everyone about you not feeling well."

"I was feeling spectacular, that is before you showed up." He spat, radiating completely different energy, she had just been watching the two, she could tell Zabini was just enjoying himself, while Draco was slowly losing his temper with the passing minute.

"Oh? Spectacular with Puff- oof" he clutched his nose, glaring at the girl behind Draco. It was only at that moment that the blonde realized what had happened, somewhat horrified by the speed of her reflexes. She had thrown a book at him, right in the face.

"You filthy-" he took out his wand only to realize that Draco was pointing his at him, "Stand down, Zabini"

"Malfoy, are you blind!? She threw a-"

"It slipped!"

"NO, IT DIDN'T-"

"THE THREE OF YOU OUT OF THE TO THE HEADMASTER'S OFFICE"

Hence, the three were standing in front of Snape, who was staring at this with the most annoyed look he could muster. "Mr.Zabini...I suggest you go to the infirmary after this."

The three were standing in a row, Draco in between the two as Zabini was pressing the robes against his nose. They were waiting for Professor Sprout, the librarian had thrown them out and Zabini had marched into Snape's office without announcing, which their headmaster had found extremely bothersome. Draco looked conflicted, somewhat confused, yet amused by the turn of events, he never thought a Hufflepuff had it in them to hit someone, let alone talk back- he learned his lesson though, if he were to ever call her a Puff again, his nose would be next. Y/N on the other hand was not even bothered, she had two plans, though plan A required Malfoy to take her side, if he did not, plan B was simple, accept your fate and hope it's not suspension.

There were three knocks against the door and it opened to reveal a worried Sprout, "Y/N, dear are you okay?" she asked, eying the girl who seemed perfectly alright and then Malfoy who was okay too, but when her eyes landed on the bleeding boy, she gasped, "What happened to you!?"

"Your little goblin! That's what" he snapped back only for Snape to slam his hand on the desk, "Enough. Narrate the incident."

"Yes professor," Y/N began but stopped when he raised his hand, "Not you. Or Mr.Zabini, Mr.Malfoy, what happened?"

Never had Draco felt so conflicted in his life, on one hand, it was a housemate, on the other, it was well... her. The only person with whom he had not once lost his temper, the only person who had gotten him in trouble two days in a row, the only person who had dared to throw something at him- the only person who had not triggered him once for these past three days. On the other hand, there was Zabini, his loyal....housemate, someone who had been with Draco through thick and thin, one who had helped him with obtaining notes from the Ravenclaws and had helped him with the useless schedule change notice. So, what was he going to do? Remain loyal to his house, or side with a Hufflepuff- one that had possibly claimed his heart...not that he would say that out loud, or accept it, he didn't like her, he was possibly just, amused by her, to say the least. He had been staring at his shoes when Professor Sprout cleared her throat, "Well, what happened, dear?"

"It slipped out of her hand."

"WHAT?" Zabini snapped, glaring at Draco who shrugged, "He had his wand out too, I think L/N was probably scared, and seeing how clumsy she is, she got up to run with her books and one must have hit him in the face-"

"That's NOT what happened!" he growled, only for Y/N to cover and hide behind Draco, muttering, "yes, I was so scared professors." as she gripped onto Draco's arm, peeking from behind him.

"You took your wand out?" Professor Sprout huffed, before Snape could comment, "Dear boy, whatever had happened, why would you take out your wand-"

"But Professor! That's not how it even happened, she threw it first-"

"That's enough. Mr.Malfoy, Ms.L/N, you may leave, make sure I do not see you here for a long time. Professor Sprout and I'd like to have a word with this hooligan."

The two had never run faster in their lives, they were running down the halls, and at some point, he had grabbed her hand and led them outside to the courtyard. They had passed by many students, not that either cared at the moment, their first priority was reaching a safe zone. Coming to a halt near the big tree in the square, the two leaned against the tree, panting, still holding hands. He looked down at her, meeting her gaze, earning a cheeky smile in return. Her face was flushed, cheeks a bright pink, much like his own. He could feel the blood pumping through his veins- he had never felt like this before, this excitement, this thrill.

"You're insane." He breathed out.

"Me?" She gasped, using her other hand to point at him, "I didn't even have time to tell you my plan and you had one that was even better."

The two glared at each other for a moment, before bursting into laughter. This was a moment he would remember for a lifetime.

"Oye what do we have here?" The two instantly looked ahead to find the two ginger prefects standing across the field, their badges shimmering in the sunlight

"Well, Fred, I see a little naughty badger and a slithering snake skipping class."

"You're right George, so what do you suggest we do?" The other seventh year asked, then looked at Y/N, "Whaddaya think Y/N?"

"None of your business, tweedle dee and tweedle dum-" Draco snarled back only to stop when he felt her tug his hand, almost falling on her, "What?' he hissed at her who mouthed "Shut up."

She looked at the twins and smiled, "Sorry, we are just on our way to class."

With that the two walked in the opposite directions, only to stop when their held hands pulled each backward.

"O-oh." She cleared her throat letting go of his hand as he quickly moved his hand away too, "S-sorry." The two stood there, a blushing mess, looking around until George cleared his throat, "Are we gonna stand here all day?"

"Shut up Weasley." He finally snapped back and marched away, she chuckled and waved to the twins before skipping in the opposite direction.

Both of them had different classes at this time, which wasn't an issue, but what he wasn't prepared for was lunch. He had walked only halfway down the corridor to stop before turning the corner, Pansy's shrill echoing across the hall, unleashing her wrath on some poor soul. Was Draco Malfoy ready to face all of this once again?

Nope.

Y/N entered the dining hall, eyes scanning for a specific platinum blonde head until she bumped into someone, "Oh sorry". She looked at the person, fixing her bag over her shoulder, "Sorry Harry."

"Who are you looking for?" He asked, only to receive no response as she continued to walk away, towards her house's table. Maybe he wasn't hungry? She sat down at her usual spot, pouring herself something to drink, stopping when she felt eyes on her. Glancing up she saw Cedric sitting across her, arms crossed over his chest.

"Mr.Diggory?"

"Three days in a row is a new record, isn't it?"

"Well, I thought Hufflepuff needed to freshen up its image."

"Y/N"

"Hey, it wasn't my fault! I was busy being tutored."

"So I've heard."

"Then why am I being interrogated-"

"I wanted to ask if you're okay?"

Slamming her cup down she glared at him, as the people around her silenced, staring at the two before continuing with eating.

"I'm fine."

He let out a sigh in defeat, standing up as he looked around, "Just...don't invest in someone who'll hurt you ...okay? I've done that before and it's... It leaves a mark." With that he walked away, leaving her alone with her thoughts before one of her housemates nudged her, smiling at her as she offered her a bun.

Draco had decided to go to his room, he wanted to be alone right now, and there were many things to think about. Sure, in the heat of the moment he had elaborated a lie to save her, had gotten his closest housemate of a friend in trouble- granted he did start the fight but it's not like the other Slytherins would care about that. To some extent, he had betrayed his own house, his own reputation, and his own family. He lay in bed, it had been hours since he had come here, just thinking about what to do- what could he do? He knew what he had to do, but he didn't want to do it. It had been only a few days, but they had been days that he would remember in bright, warm colours. Though he'd have to go back to the greys now, honestly, he was no longer sure whether he could put up for any longer. Sighing in defeat he turned to his side, closing his eyes as he almost let slumber take over him, but a knock on his door interrupted the sandman's task.

Hesitant he walked over to the dark oak, pondering over it, should he open the door or not? The person at the other end was persistent, however, for a series of knocks erupted, triggering him to slam open the door with a loud, "WHAT!" Only to come face to face with Zabini, a giant band-aid plastered on the bridge of his nose.

"Mind explaining yourself?"

"How is your nose?"

"It's been better. How is your feral friend?"

"No longer my friend."

"Wait, what?" he asked, shoving past the blonde, so the two could talk without the others hearing them. No need to get common folk all riled up. Turning to look at Draco he frowned, "First, you break my nose, then you get me in trouble with Snape- BLOODY SPROUT WAS YELLING AT ME, CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT??"

Chuckling Draco leaned against the closed door, "Well, I've met Y/N, I can imagine it-"

"And now you tell me it's over?" raising an eyebrow at his friend, he clicked his tongue, "What is this about Draco- what is going on? You've been weird as f*** since the start of the year and honestly Pansy was annoying enough, if you plan on turning into her-"

"I'm not turning into her, Zabini, I- look, my time with her was short but sweet and as much as I regret to admit it, I have to end it, for the sake of my house and my - wait, you're not upset with what I've done?" he asked, utterly confused.

"No. I mean I was initially, I wanted to hex her and punch you in the face but then when I was in the infirmary I got to thinking- you've been as a** all year round, and suddenly this feral thing-"

"Her name is Y/N."

"Yes, Y/N L/N, the girl rejected by her own family, turned into a ghost."

"Wait, you know that?"

"You should really listen to school gossip-"

"I'll pass." He spat, "You were saying."

"After you met her, you seemed well...less of an a**."

"Thanks. But, you and I both know how creative our housemates can be...I'd rather have her hate me than...hurt."

"You sure you can handle that, mate?"

"She literally broke your nose."

"Yeah, break her heart. I agree."

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