#knut's day party

[ninhaoma-ya]

24 days of Christmas: Knut’s day

allthingsfinnish.tumlbr.com

"You really need to do something about your tree."

"But it's still Christmas!"

Law was not impressed by the navigator's insistence. They had started the… discussion a week ago, when she blankly refused to take down the Christmas tree and decorations. Each day had divested the tree of some of its pines and brought another coating of dust to rest gently on the decorations still hanging around.

Not that he demanded the same level of cleanliness on ships he visited as those he upheld on his own, but there was a line.

”We discussed this a week ago. Christmas ended with the twelve days of Christmas.”

Nami folded her arms, looking Law defiantly in the eye. “Where I come from, Christmas doesn’t end until Saint Knut’s Day and Knut’s Party. Twenty days after Christmas.”

“It’s a week more of Christmas,” Usopp and Chopper sang, spinning around each other with linked arms. “It’s a week more of joy! It’s a week more of Christmas–“

Law sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “What does this… Knut’s party entail?”

“Fufufu,” Robin laughed from her deck chair, finger marking her place in her latest book. “It’s just a way of ending the season. Franky usually does some fireworks and we take down the Christmas decorations. And have a party, of course. It’s quite lovely.”

“Except the time Zoro dressed up as Krampus.”

“Sorry,” Nami grimaced. “I didn’t know Chopper would be that upset.”

“Zoro-ya did what?” Law’s confusion was deepening with each sentence. He knew Krampus as something that turned up at the beginning of the season, not the end. “I hope he didn’t spank anyone.”

“He wasn’t Krampus as such. It's a related spirit. But no-one can pronounce the real name and ‘Krampus’ is as close as we get.” Robin shrugged at Law’s puzzled face. “I am good at languages, but this was beyond my skills.”

“It’s a tradition from one of the islands close to Cocoyashi,” Usopp explained. “According to legend, he comes on Knut’s day and demands food in general and alcohol in particular. And unless he receives something from the host, he commits evil deeds. Perfect for Zoro.”

“Oi!” The swordsman was apparently not as asleep as he looked, lounging against the mast with his hands folded behind his head and swords laying beside him.

Law’s bewilderment must have been evident from the way Usopp sighed and shook his head.

“Zoro was wearing quite a scary birch bark mask, made to look like some kind of forest spirit.” He paused, leaning closer towards Law. “And reindeer skins."

"I'm sorry," said Nami.

“As you should.” Usopp narrowed his eyes at her. “You should have seen Chopper," he said, turning to Law. "He was… distraught."

“I still feel bad for it!” Nami’s lower lip was wobbling and tears were gathering in her eyes. Law felt a stab of sympathy for the woman, although it warred with a greater wave for the miniature reindeer he had grown to respect.

"Just because reindeer skins is the traditional garb doesn’t mean we have to do it exactly that way here. And no-one believes your pity party, so stop with the theatrics.”

“Spoilsport.” Magically, the woman’s face was back to normal, no sign of distress evident.

Law grasped at something to get him back on track and understand what was happening. Luffy and Chopper were now circling the Christmas tree, a hungry look in their eyes.

“But what’s this Knut’s party then, if not Krampus coming to town?”

“The Christmas tree needs to be taken down. And the candy decorations eaten up,” Robin said with a light smile. “It starts when the sun goes down.”

Law looked at the sadly drooping branches of the previously splendid fir, tinsel hanging like limp noodles from bare branches and baubles no longer sparkling and jolly. Here and there, a candy cane hang like wilted flowers and the gingerbread decorations were starting to look a bit dodgy. He nodded gravely. “Yes, I can see the need.”

Chopper and Luffy were vibrating with excitement now. Usopp and Nami stood a bit back, although Law still saw a certain tension in the navigator’s shoulders. So she wasn’t as unaffected as she’d like people to think…

When the last rays of sunlight disappeared behind the horizon, a mighty thunderclap cut through the sky and a small cascade of fireworks exploded above.

“Let the Christmas tree plundering commence!”

And chaos descended.

~

AO3

ff.net

~

And the last bonus chapter! I hope you enjoyed these snippets of holiday cheer and the musings of when the season really ends :)

#24 days of christmas #holiday bonanza #my writing #lawna #law x nami #knut's day #tjugondag knut #knut's day party

[fruitcoops]

Kindling & Embers

O'Knutzy Week Day 5 (HA!!): Camping (B4) and Borrowed (D4)! Characters belong to @lumosinlove, and one last massive thank-you to @oknutzyweek2023 for the most fabulous of fests <3

For more of this AU, check out First Burn and Spark ;)

TW for mentioned alcohol

Deft hands plucked two bottles from the picnic table; they hung loose for a moment’s hesitation, then vanished in the shadows as a figure turned away from the bonfire and began heading Leo’s way with startling purpose.

Sweet mother of fuck, Leo thought, dragging his eyes along lambswool lapels and porcelain wrists. He even looks delicious in denim.

Footsteps came to a soft halt in the blanket of pine needles. “Hi.”

“Hi.” Leo winced at his own breathlessness. His small t-shirt—perhaps too small, but he could take a bit of ribbing from Remus if it meant he got to pick up tonight—suddenly felt too warm. “Uh, hi.”

“Leo, right?”

“Knut.” He caught himself, and shook his head. “I mean—yes, I’m Leo. Leo Knut. Station Twelve.”

“Right.” A smile cracked over rose-petal lips like a firework. The bottles clinked lightly as they were transferred to one hand, the other held out in offer. “Finn O’Hara. Seventeen.”

“I know who you are,” Leo said through a smile, though he shook Finn’s hand. It was cool and long-fingered; the touch lingered at his wrist for a split second. His stomach plummeted. His heart soared.

Finn’s eyebrow arched in curious mischief. “Oh, do you?”

“We’ve met.”

Finn’s smile dropped. “Fuck, have we?”

“Yeah,” Leo laughed. Christ, who was he, a middle schooler with a crush? “The Christmas party?”

He was gifted reprieve from earnest, sparkling eyes when Finn glanced to the side, one canine tooth poking out as he bit his lip. His thumbpad traced a dewy bottlecap. Leo kind of wanted to stick it in his mouth. “The Christmas—” Finn’s gaze snapped to him. “Oh my god.”

“It’s fine—”

“Oh my god,” Finn repeated, raking a hand through his hair. “Yes, no, I remember you. God. Fuck. Sorry. About this and—yeah. Christmas.”

“I told you, it’s fine!”

Merry Christmas!

…hi?

Hi! Can I sit on your lap?

Leo had been so distracted by the teasing press of tongue to a pointy tooth that he had utterly forgotten about his dumb, ‘I-lost-a-bet’ costume.

Huh?

Santa, right? I’m Finn. Can I sit on your lap?

Finn’s blush looked just as magical in firelight as it had under twinkling false snowflakes. This time, though, it was more mortified than bold. “I…am so sorry,” he said with a shake of his head.

“Hey, no apologies.” Leo pushed him gently on the shoulder and immediately regretted it. Under the soft denim, Finn was fucking firm. Sneaky little firefighter. He half-wondered what else was hidden under adorable layers. “You were not the only person to ask me that.”

“That, I can believe,” Finn huffed. The tips of his ears went red. “Oh—sorry, that was out loud.”

Another laugh bubbled out of Leo. He should just start kicking his feet and twirling his hair at this rate. He took a shaky breath and nodded to the beers. “Got something for me?”

“What?” Finn glanced down, then gave a bit of a start. “Yeah, I—yeah. You didn’t have anything, so I figured you might…you know. Want something.”

A door, opening just a crack. Leo dove for it. “I do,” he said carefully, ducking his head with a small smile. Finn’s pretty eyes flickered over his face. He cracked the caps off the bottles in two quick motions and held one out—Leo let his pinky brush the curve of Finn’s fingers when he took it. “Thanks, Finn.”

Finn’s throat bobbed. “You can call me Harzy, if you want to.”

“That what your friends call you?”

“Mhmm.”

Leo hummed. Condensation cooled his burning palms. His pulse hammered with concerning speed. “I like your jacket. Very REI-chic. Ready to go camping in the Adirondacks.”

“My brother gave it to me.” Finn held his arm out. “I used to borrow it, like, every day in high school. The elbows and the cuffs are kind of fucked, see?”

Leo reached out—past the threadbare cuffs, past the patched sleeves, until he could take the woolly lapel in his hand. It was unbearably soft under his thumb, creamier than Finn’s freckled skin. He was close enough to risk a touch like this. An inch up and he’d know what that razor-sharp collarbone felt like. “Nah,” he said instead, forcing back the tremor in his voice. “Suits you.”

Maybe it was his imagination, but he thought he felt Finn sway toward him. “Hey,” Finn began. “Do you wanna take a walk?”

A smile fought its way onto Leo’s face. “Sure.”

“Sick.” Finn stuffed his hand in his pocket, grinning into the rim of his beer. “I really love these get-togethers, but the smoke gets to be a little much, y’know?”

“It is kind of ironic. Guess that’s the point.” Something clicked in Leo’s memory as they headed for the perimeter. “Y’all do wildfires, right?”

Finn, halfway through a swig, shook his head and swallowed. “Yeah, but just the regular for me. Seventeen’s a combo unit, since we’re way the fuck out there.”

“I was chatting with one of your guys at New Year’s.” Among other things. That night had been interesting, and Logan, even moreso. His glossy lashes still haunted Leo’s best dreams. “Guess there aren’t a lot of houses to burn in the yeehaw sector.”

“Right,” Finn snorted. “We’ve got a tight squad, though. You should visit sometime. We could use another set of hands.”

“I don’t pull people out of buildings, Harzy. I just stick ‘em back together.”

“And I bet you do a mighty fine job of it.”

“Are you making fun of me?”

“Maybe.” Finn’s face seemed to dance in the distant light of the fire. Sir, please put your freckles away.

Leo brought his beer to his lips to cover his smile. His trachea and esophagus were wound around each other, screaming without end. “Hm.”

“Come on,” Finn teased, nudging their shoulders together. “I gotta get a couple in to make up for Christmas.”

“I told you, I’m really not bothered, or offended, or anything.”

“Makes one of us.” Finn paused, then tilted his face toward the sky. It was dark enough to pick out a few stars if Leo squinted, but…he didn’t really want to look away from Finn. “Seriously, that was dumb and rude of me.” Finn’s voice was quieter than before, more serious. “I shouldn’t have flirted with you, and especially not like that.”

Leo’s trachea-esophagus pretzel constricted and sent words popping from his mouth like a bottle rocket. “You can flirt with me if you want.”

…fuck.

Finn’s brows had disappeared under his thick, floppy hair. Leo could see his wide eyes even in the near-total darkness of the woods. “Do you want me to?”

Jesus, please strike me with a convenient case of lockjaw.

Leo tested his jaw. No such luck.

“I—” He wondered if Finn knew Logan. A tight squad, and all that. He wondered if Logan had told anyone about New Year’s. About rough red brick leaving stains on the back of Leo’s coat for days. About so many almosts and panting pleases and hands desperate for something before the clock ran out. About pressing hot and close in the frigid bite of December-January until they heard the party start up again inside. Logan had fit against Leo’s body like a puzzle piece finding home, and took something with him when he left.

The wildfires were bad this year, burning out of control. Finn was here, under the silent stars. Finn was here, and Logan was not. Flushed pink against his borrowed jean jacket and watching Leo with concern and—and a little bit of hope.

“Yes, please,” Leo said quietly.

This smile was newer. Softer. Finn’s chin dipped; his blush was strawberry-pink and warm when Leo reached out to run his knuckles over it. He felt and heard Finn’s breath stutter.

“Finn…”

Finn was nodding before he could even ask, sliding an electric hand along Leo’s hip.

“Harzy,” Leo sighed into the first press of lips to his own. Finn made a questioning noise; Leo bit his smile into Finn’s lower lip. “Can I sit in your lap?”

#leo knut #finn ohara #logan tremblay #cubs #oknutzy #sweater weather #coast to coast #lumosinlove #my fic #fanfic #firefighter/ emt au #oknutzy week 2023

[aestheticvoyage2024]

Day 31: Wednesday January 31, 2024 - "Presence from The Stage"

The whole day built up to some important time on stage where I got a chance to shout out my old friend Dave and the old gang from Alma. I wouldn't have been nervous at all, if I hadn't really wanted to get that part right; even after the CEO texted to make sure I didn't fumble the importance of sending people towards our booth, the personal anecdotes were the part that mattered most to me. And based on the response and all the fun people they told me they had with my opening remarks, it would seem that I nailed it. Id been thinking about it for the last week, since I knew Dave would be in the room - and I figured out a way to make it all work in fit together, so I was proud of that - but not near as proud as I was when Dave messaged me to say it had meant a lot to him from his back row seat. Reflecting how much that friendship meant to me early in my career, was the most important part of coming to the conference this year. Fun crossover of personal and professional that so rarely happens for me these days.

I closed my remarks with this: "In closing Ive got one last thing to leave you with. 3 years ago, I was about to become a first time Dad. Of ALLL the people in my life I could reach out to – you know who I called for advice? My old friend and mentor Dave Blandford. After he assured me that the wildest party duty weekend on campus did not at all prepare me for what was coming my way (in those diapers) he basically just reassured me that Id be fine. Just be yourself, he said, because you’ll always do whats right – just keep showing up and trust that its all adding up for good, even if they don’t know it or wont remember. The hard work is the good work. Just keep showing up. I Just reflected on that as I was coming up here tonight and thought as good as that was for first time dad advice – its even better for new conduct professionals and the work that we do here in the association. Again, its why we at Advocate are proud to sponsor and create a space for this community, and why we’ll all keep showing up for you."

Song: Chord Overstreet - Take Me Home

Quote: “What is progress? That we can drive faster on the roads? No, progress is the rest the body needs and the peace the soul requires. Progress is man’s well being.” ― Knut Hamsun

[cassandrasophiacat]

For young is the year …

Greetings from a soggy East Bay.  Hope you are staying warm and dry.

St. Knut’s Day (the 20th Day of Christmas, January 13th) has now danced out Christmas. My Mormor remembered this as a day for a children’s party with taking down the decorations and then relocating the tree outside with special treats for the birds.

I hope your Holiday Season was a gentle, blessed one.

Wishing you peace, health and happiness throughout 2023 and the upcoming Year of the Rabbit

[brookston]

Holidays 1.7

Holidays

Charlie Hebdo Day (France)

Constitution Day (Ghana)

Distaff Day (Medieval Europe)

Festa del Tricolour (Tricolour Day; Italy)

Flash Gordon Day

Harlem Globetrotter’s Day

I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore Day

International Programmers' Day

International Silly Walk Day

Invisible Pain Day

Jupiter’s Moons Day

Nanakusa no Sekku (Festival of Seven Herbs; Japan)

National Alaskan Malamute Day

National Bobblehead Day

National Job Hunting Day

National Nicholas Cage Day

National Old Rock Day

National Pass Gas Day

National Plagiarism Day (Ghana)

National Run-For-Your-Life Day

Pioneer’s Day (Liberia)

Remembrance Day of the Dead (Armenia)

Rock Day (a..k.a. Roc Day)

Usokae (Bullfinch Exchange Day; Japan)

Victory from Genocide Day (Cambodia)

World Day of the Postage Stamp

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Tempura Day

1st Saturday in January

Great Fruitcake Toss (Manitou Springs, Colorado) [1st Saturday]

National Bacon Day [1st Saturday]

National Rib Day [1st Saturday]

National Play Outside Day [1st Saturday of Every Month]

Independence Days

Bascal (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

Empire of Agber (Declared; 1998) [unrecognized]

Kingdom of Matthew City (Declared; 2016) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

André Bessette (Canada)

Canute Lavard (Christian; Saint)

Charles of Sezze (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Sekhmet (Ancient Egypt)

Felix and Januarius (Christian; Saint)

Koshogatsu (Shinto Goddess Izanami)

Lucian of Antioch (Christian; Saint)

Nativity of Christ (Christian; Saint)

No Knitting Day (Pastafarian)

Numa (Positivist; Saint)

Orthodox Christmas (a.k.a. ...

Bozic (Serbia)

Christmas (Russia, Eastern Europe)

Christmas Remembrance Holiday (Armenia)

Coptic Christmas (Egypt)

Craciunul Pe Stil Vechi (Moldova)

Eastern Christmas (Sudan)

Genna (Ethiopia)

Krishtlindjet Ortodoske (Kosovo)

Leddet (Eritrea)

Raymond of Penyafort (Christian; Saint)

Rudder Rabbit (Muppetism)

Russ Meyer Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Say No To Knickers Day (Pastafarian)

Sekhmet (Ancient Egyptian New Year's)

Synaxis of John the Forerunner & Baptist (Julian Calendar)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Fatal Day (Pagan) [2 of 24]

Perilous Day (13th Century England) [5 of 32]

Prime Number Day: 7 [4 of 72]

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 1 of 60)

Premieres

Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2), by Pink Floyd (Song; 1980)

The Avengers (BBC TV Series; 1961)

Bad Day at Black Rock (Film; 1955)

The Birthday Party (Disney Cartoon; 1931)

Building a Building (Disney Cartoon; 1933)

Changes, by David Bowie (Song; 1972)

Crossroads of Twilight, by Robert Jordan (Novel; 2003) [Wheel of Time #10]

Empire (TV Series; 2015)

Fame (Film; 1982)

Fred Ott’s Sneeze (Early Short Film; 1894)

Henry V, by William Shakespeare (Play; 1605)

Hooch Coochie Man, recorded by Muddy Waters (Song; 1954)

Paranoid, by Black Sabbath (Album; 1971)

The Pelican and the Snipe (Disney Cartoon; 1944)

Pop Team Epic (a.k.a. Poptepipic, Anime TV Series; 2018)

Pretenders, by The Pretenders (Album; 1980)

The Spirit of ’43 (Disney Cartoon; 1943)

Start Mater, by Gioacchino Rossini (Opera; 1842)

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (TV Series; 2020)

Today’s Name Days

Raimund, Valentin (Austria)

Ioan, Ioana, Ivan, Ivanka, Ivayla, Ivaylo, Ivet, Kaloyan, Vanya, Vanyo, Yoan, Yoana, Zhan, Zhana (Bulgaria)

Lucijan, Rajmund, Zorislav (Croatia)

Vilma (Czech Republic)

Knud (Denmark)

Hirvo, Kanut, Nuut, Susi (Estonia)

Aku, August, Aukusti (Finland)

Aldric, Cédric, Raymond (France)

Reinhold, Valentin (Germany)

Gianna, Giannis, Ioanna, Ioannis, Jeannette, John, Prodromos, Yanna, Yannis (Greece)

Attila, Ramóna (Hungary)

Luciano, Raimondo (Italy)

Juliāns, Rota, Zigmārs (Latvia)

Julius, Liucijus, Raudvilė, Rūtenis (Lithuania)

Eldbjørg, Knut (Norway)

Chociesław, Izydor, Julian, Lucjan, Walenty (Poland)

Ioan (Romania)

Bohuslava (Slovakia)

Raimundo (Spain)

August, Augusta (Sweden)

Alda, Aldea, Alden, Aldo, Aldric, Canute, Knut, Knute, Millard, Miller (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 7 of 2023; 358 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of week 52 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Beth (Birch) [Day 14 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Dōngyuè), Day 16 (Yi-Chou)

Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)

Hebrew: 14 Teveth 5783

Islamic: 14 Jumada II 1444

J Cal: 7 Aer; Sunday [7 of 30]

Julian: 25 December 2022

Moon: 99%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 7 Moses (1st Month) [Numa]

Runic Half Month: Eihwaz (Yew) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 18 of 90)

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 17 of 30)

#calendar #Holidays

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 1.7

Holidays

Charlie Hebdo Day (France)

Constitution Day (Ghana)

Distaff Day (Medieval Europe)

Festa del Tricolour (Tricolour Day; Italy)

Flash Gordon Day

Harlem Globetrotter’s Day

I'm Not Going To Take It Anymore Day

International Programmers' Day

International Silly Walk Day

Invisible Pain Day

Jupiter’s Moons Day

Nanakusa no Sekku (Festival of Seven Herbs; Japan)

National Alaskan Malamute Day

National Bobblehead Day

National Job Hunting Day

National Nicholas Cage Day

National Old Rock Day

National Pass Gas Day

National Plagiarism Day (Ghana)

National Run-For-Your-Life Day

Pioneer’s Day (Liberia)

Remembrance Day of the Dead (Armenia)

Rock Day (a..k.a. Roc Day)

Usokae (Bullfinch Exchange Day; Japan)

Victory from Genocide Day (Cambodia)

World Day of the Postage Stamp

Food & Drink Celebrations

National Tempura Day

1st Saturday in January

Great Fruitcake Toss (Manitou Springs, Colorado) [1st Saturday]

National Bacon Day [1st Saturday]

National Rib Day [1st Saturday]

National Play Outside Day [1st Saturday of Every Month]

Independence Days

Bascal (Declared; 2009) [unrecognized]

Empire of Agber (Declared; 1998) [unrecognized]

Kingdom of Matthew City (Declared; 2016) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

André Bessette (Canada)

Canute Lavard (Christian; Saint)

Charles of Sezze (Christian; Saint)

Feast of Sekhmet (Ancient Egypt)

Felix and Januarius (Christian; Saint)

Koshogatsu (Shinto Goddess Izanami)

Lucian of Antioch (Christian; Saint)

Nativity of Christ (Christian; Saint)

No Knitting Day (Pastafarian)

Numa (Positivist; Saint)

Orthodox Christmas (a.k.a. ...

Bozic (Serbia)

Christmas (Russia, Eastern Europe)

Christmas Remembrance Holiday (Armenia)

Coptic Christmas (Egypt)

Craciunul Pe Stil Vechi (Moldova)

Eastern Christmas (Sudan)

Genna (Ethiopia)

Krishtlindjet Ortodoske (Kosovo)

Leddet (Eritrea)

Raymond of Penyafort (Christian; Saint)

Rudder Rabbit (Muppetism)

Russ Meyer Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Say No To Knickers Day (Pastafarian)

Sekhmet (Ancient Egyptian New Year's)

Synaxis of John the Forerunner & Baptist (Julian Calendar)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Fatal Day (Pagan) [2 of 24]

Perilous Day (13th Century England) [5 of 32]

Prime Number Day: 7 [4 of 72]

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 1 of 60)

Premieres

Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2), by Pink Floyd (Song; 1980)

The Avengers (BBC TV Series; 1961)

Bad Day at Black Rock (Film; 1955)

The Birthday Party (Disney Cartoon; 1931)

Building a Building (Disney Cartoon; 1933)

Changes, by David Bowie (Song; 1972)

Crossroads of Twilight, by Robert Jordan (Novel; 2003) [Wheel of Time #10]

Empire (TV Series; 2015)

Fame (Film; 1982)

Fred Ott’s Sneeze (Early Short Film; 1894)

Henry V, by William Shakespeare (Play; 1605)

Hooch Coochie Man, recorded by Muddy Waters (Song; 1954)

Paranoid, by Black Sabbath (Album; 1971)

The Pelican and the Snipe (Disney Cartoon; 1944)

Pop Team Epic (a.k.a. Poptepipic, Anime TV Series; 2018)

Pretenders, by The Pretenders (Album; 1980)

The Spirit of ’43 (Disney Cartoon; 1943)

Start Mater, by Gioacchino Rossini (Opera; 1842)

Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (TV Series; 2020)

Today’s Name Days

Raimund, Valentin (Austria)

Ioan, Ioana, Ivan, Ivanka, Ivayla, Ivaylo, Ivet, Kaloyan, Vanya, Vanyo, Yoan, Yoana, Zhan, Zhana (Bulgaria)

Lucijan, Rajmund, Zorislav (Croatia)

Vilma (Czech Republic)

Knud (Denmark)

Hirvo, Kanut, Nuut, Susi (Estonia)

Aku, August, Aukusti (Finland)

Aldric, Cédric, Raymond (France)

Reinhold, Valentin (Germany)

Gianna, Giannis, Ioanna, Ioannis, Jeannette, John, Prodromos, Yanna, Yannis (Greece)

Attila, Ramóna (Hungary)

Luciano, Raimondo (Italy)

Juliāns, Rota, Zigmārs (Latvia)

Julius, Liucijus, Raudvilė, Rūtenis (Lithuania)

Eldbjørg, Knut (Norway)

Chociesław, Izydor, Julian, Lucjan, Walenty (Poland)

Ioan (Romania)

Bohuslava (Slovakia)

Raimundo (Spain)

August, Augusta (Sweden)

Alda, Aldea, Alden, Aldo, Aldric, Canute, Knut, Knute, Millard, Miller (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 7 of 2023; 358 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of week 52 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Beth (Birch) [Day 14 of 28]

Chinese: Month 12 (Dōngyuè), Day 16 (Yi-Chou)

Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)

Hebrew: 14 Teveth 5783

Islamic: 14 Jumada II 1444

J Cal: 7 Aer; Sunday [7 of 30]

Julian: 25 December 2022

Moon: 99%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 7 Moses (1st Month) [Numa]

Runic Half Month: Eihwaz (Yew) [Day 14 of 15]

Season: Winter (Day 18 of 90)

Zodiac: Capricorn (Day 17 of 30)

#Holidays

[lumosinlove]

Between Fifth and You

(cw in tags)

~

chapter one

“Olives or twist?”

Sirius had to watch the barkeep’s mouth to make out the words beneath the pounding music, which meant Sirius caught the way his eyes skittered across his face almost fearfully. The sheer amount of obsidian in this place probably did nothing to lighten his features. Not to mention, few people knew how to look him in the eye.

“Twist,” he said.

The man nodded and flipped the bottle of gin until it dipped into a shot glass, the glass into the ice. Sirius watched until he was stirring the bitters in and a hand appeared on his shoulder, lips to his neck.

“Burn this,” Saint said, and plucked at Sirius’ shirt sleeve, rubbing the black material between his fingers. Sirius raised an eyebrow as he turned. Saint’s own shirt was unbuttoned half way down his hard chest, light brown skin warm in the flashing club lights. “You’ve worn it too many times.”

“Hello to you, too,” Sirius said. “I like this shirt.”

“I liked it two months ago,” Saint replied. “It’s September now, your highness.”

Sirius scoffed as the bartender slid him his drink.

“You gonna tell everyone the sun did that?” Sirius took a clean sip of gin with one hand and stroked his other through Saint’s gold curls, only suddenly some of the slightly course strands were almost white.

Saint’s grin turned coy. “Isn’t it nice to have a mystery to think about?”

“Oh, yeah, do blonds have more fun?”

“You wouldn’t know.”

The music kicked up a beat that Sirius felt through his spine.

“Why do we always come here?” he leaned a hip against the bar. “We have an entire city.”

“Yeah, fuck the rest of the world, we have one whole city.”

Sirius rolled his eyes. “You know what I mean.”

Saint shook his head. “Because that’s what we do. You see that guy over there? I’ve taken him out four times. Couldn’t tell you his name. They couldn’t tell you mine.”

“Everyone knows your name, Saint.”

Saint grinned. “Maybe. But why do we go back to each other? Because we’re creatures of fucking habit.” Saint cocked his head, stole Sirius’ drink. “And what is this city but a bad, bad habit?”

Sirius’ blood cooled and he looked away.

What am I, Sirius? said the familiar voice from his memory. Am I easy? Am I safe? Do you want me, or am I just familiar now?

He closed his eyes against the memory of his reply.

Bad habit indeed.

XOXO

Spotted—a familiar face from the past. What has this train brought in? Thanks to a tip from @magicinthemaking, I bring you this picture of none other than Remus Lupin (and a certain Southern bell we know and love) under Grand Central’s stars. We missed you, Re—how was England? Or was it Europe?

The rumors can never seem to decide, but why the sudden change in plans to take his Junior year abroad? Here we were thinking he wanted nothing more than to stay.

I wonder how another certain star will feel about this sudden homecoming. And just in time for senior year’s Fall semester, too.

XOXO.

Remus adjusted his suitcase, glad he’d mailed so many of his things home. He’d been on U.S. soil for all of three hours, and he already missed Rome. He wanted to walk down the tiny staircase from his billet family’s apartment and get a cappuccino. He wanted to stand on the drain of the Pantheon and soak up the sheer history in the air.

He already wanted a break.

But he also wanted to see Julian. Sometimes it felt like the only thing pulling him back home was seeing his baby brother’s grin in real life rather than across a Facetime call.

“All good?”

Remus looked up at Leo. His blond hair was still bleached a bright blond from the Roman sun. Their program had ended in May, but Remus was glad they had stayed together. He hadn’t been looking for Leo—for someone to kiss for the first time in the rose garden at the top of the Aventine Hill while Leo told him about its past as a cemetery.

It’s footpaths are laid out like a Minorah, see? Leo had pointed out. To remember. 300 different types of roses isn’t enough. But I like to come here.

Remus thought it had been Leo’s love for history, and his respect, too, that had drawn him in. They both came from a world where the biggest thing most people cared about was what they’d wear to the next party, and who was bringing their next drink.

Remus hadn’t been able to believe his luck, as fragile as his heart was still.

“Yeah,” Remus nodded. “All good.”

But he wasn’t sure. They hadn’t been friends here, in the city, or at Hogwarts. It had been Rome. Remus didn’t know what their old lives would do to them. But he took Leo’s hand and watched the way Leo fingered the star he wore around his neck, the way he shot Remus his dimpled smile.

“Come on,” Remus said. “I want you to meet Julian.”

XOXO

Good morning Upper East Siders—Gossip Girl here. All trends point to Fall’s Hogwartsers coming back in Black—in more ways than one. Sirius Black’s got a baby brother on campus now, and after another wild summer for the Hogwarts College elite, count me in with the rest of them on wondering what to expect. Rumor is he’s not much like our favorite star.

“You don’t have to talk to me, you know.”

Sirius kept his eyes on his eggs and toast. “Your missing your tie. Mom said—”

“What do you care?” Regulus replied. “I hear when she used to make you wear one it usually ended up around some other guy’s neck by ten in the morning.”

“If you’re going to believe everything you read on Gossip Girl about me, then maybe I won’t talk to you.”

Regulus smirked. “So, you read it, too.” 

“Boys.”

Both brothers went back to their breakfasts.

“Good morning, mom,” Sirius said.

Walburga Black smiled with her painted lips, resting a hand on Sirius’ shoulder and bending to kiss his cheek.

“Don’t you both look handsome for your first day. Although that leather jacket has seen better days, Sirius. Do what you want for dinner, ask Chef, I don’t care. I’ll be at the House.”

The House. The House of Black, his mother’s million dollar fashion industry.

“Fine,” Regulus nodded, and rose. “I’ll take the first car.”

Sirius rolled his eyes again. “Really?”

Regulus just snatched up his backpack.

Saint, James, and Thomas were waiting for him on one of the courtyard tables when Sirius got out of the Escalade. It certainly felt like a first day of a semester. Saint’s neck dripped in gold necklaces—a story behind each one. Thomas, who had replaced his short braids with a closely shaved head, wore a white t-shirt and ripped up jean shorts, gold nose-ring glinting in the sun. James had evidently been helped out by Lily, as usual, a green, tight-fitting Henley shirt bunched up at his elbows. The two flanked Saint, who basked on top of the stone table, head tilted back to bare his throat in a way that made Sirius think of last night, in the back of the bar. He could see a purplish mark he had left there.

“You’re looking surprisingly chipper,” James said when Sirius reached Hogwarts’ courtyard.

Sirius raised an eyebrow, knowing he didn’t. “I’m not failing any classes yet, James.”

His friends went oddly silent. Sirius looked around at them, spreading his hands in confusion. Saint wouldn’t look at him, expression going oddly stoney. Thomas, finally, offered him his phone, biting his lip. Sirius took it.

His heart leapt to his throat. He didn’t even bother reading the Instagram caption. Remus loomed out at him from the phone screen.

“Leo Knut,” Saint said. “Who would have thought.”

Sirius cleared his throat and turned away from the picture—from Remus and Leo’s clasped hands.

“Why wouldn’t I be chipper?” he said again, and ignored their unconvinced expressions. “I’ve got class.”

Under his desk while he waited for the rest of the class to show, Sirius pulled out his phone and opened Instagram.

XOXO

Remus approached campus slowly. He felt like he didn’t know anyone anymore, even if he knew that wasn���t true. He thought he saw James from afar, but Lily and Kasey didn’t have class today.

Really, Remus didn’t know if he had many friends that weren’t…shared. That didn’t feel too close to home. Manhattan wasn’t that big of an island.

He looked down at his schedule he’d written out on his phone.

The 19th Century Novel - Hogsmeade R#302.

He made his way to the Hogsmeade building and climbed the spiral staircase quickly. It all felt too industrial, too metallic. At least he’d woken up with Leo, who still had the ancient air about him. He didn’t want that bubble to pop.

“Mr. Lupin,” Professor McGonagall beamed when he walked in, and Remus smiled, too at her familiar Scottish drawl. “It’s so very nice to have you back.”

“Hi, Professor. It’s good to be—”

But the words died on Remus’ tongue. He looked out at the small class—just twenty at this high level—and his heart, out of habit it seemed, had leapt at the sight of familiar dark hair.

Uh-oh. Looks like Pyramus and Thisbe are actually wishing for a wall between them this time.

Sirius’ hair was shorter than it had been at the end of sophomore year, the last time Remus had seen him. He wore a touch of a beard, too, just scruff, really, but it framed his silver eyes like darkness to the stars—two stars, which were zeroed in on Remus.

“Back,” Remus tried to recover, mouth dry. He sent McGonagall a shaky smile, and turned to find a seat, trying not to find those stars again.

He resisted the urge to close his eyes in defeat when he realized that there was only one left. He walked towards Sirius looking ahead and with his heart pounding. Leo. Leo making pancakes for him and Julian this morning. Leo making his little brother laugh. But he could smell the worn leather of Sirius’ jacket. He remembered the feel of it around his own shoulders. Are you cold, baby?

“All righty, then,” McGonagall stood from her chair and leaned against the front of her desk, looking down her spectacles at the attendance sheet. “Looks like we’re all here.”

XOXO

“Well?” Saint asked as Sirius took the joint from between his fingers.

“Sat down next to me,” Sirius said. “Didn’t say a fucking word.”

“Did you say a fucking word?” Saint raised his eyebrows.

Sirius blew out smoke. “No.”

“Well, all right, you fucking hypocrite.”

Sirius looked over at him from where they lay side by side, stretched out in the fading sunshine of Central Park. “I’m keeping this now.”

“No, you’re not. Did you pay for that? I don’t think so.”

Sirius scoffed. “Yeah, like this made a dent in the Montague treasuries.”

Saint laughed, tucking a palm behind his head. Sirius let his eyes linger on the strip of skin where his shirt rode up. He’d kissed that last night, too. It was nice with Saint. He’d been friends with him for longer than he could remember. Saint never looked for more. If Sirius snapped at him, he snapped back and then they laughed about it. Saint wandered through the world loving people freely. He kissed them, or he made them dinner, or he took them for long walks along the river. He showed them his favorite jazz club, or gave them the orgasm of their life, or read to them from his favorite books. He was New York in human form, accepting and inviting, living and breathing.

Sirius wished he was so trusting, even if trust seemed a funny word to apply to Saint.

No one ever got too close to either of them, except the other.

“What are you wearing to your mom’s fashion show?” Saint asked with his eyes closed. “It’s the event of the season.”

“Are you joking? The fittings started in July.”

“Mm, I love that,” Saint grinned, stretching. “Want to come help me decide what I’m wearing? We’re at the Plaza right now, you know that. You know my mother. If it’s not broken, break it. We’re renovating again. We can order champagne to the room.”

“Is that code for make out?”

“Partly. But I will be showing you my outfit choices.”

“Deal.”

XOXO

Remus made it back home seeing no one, but one of the butlers had an envelope with his name on it waiting for him.

“Thanks, Moody,” Remus murmured, but thought briefly about handing it right back to him.

He knew this invitation. He knew its black boarders and heavy stock. It came ever year.

It used to be something they had looked forward to.

The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black

invites you

TOUJOURS PUR

“Jesus,” Remus breathed, but took it up to his room, checking the time on the way. Julian would still be at school, his parents at work. This apartment was too big for the four of them, not to mention just Remus alone.

His suitcases still lay open and unpacked on his floor, and he kicked at one without looking up.

“So, did you just forget to mention that you were home?”

Remus spun towards his bed, only to find Lily sprawled across it and fiddling with an emerald on a chain.

“I had to find out from Gossip Girl?” Lily shook her head.

Remus slapped the invitation against his thigh. “Wow, wasn’t like that was a surprise present for you or anything.”

Lily smiled, red hair in a thick french braid. “I see green and I know it’s for me. What can I say?”

Remus huffed out a laugh, and she gave a small squeal and pushed off of the bed to wrap him in a hug.

“I’m so happy you’re home, Re.”

He let himself rest his chin in the crook of her neck for a moment. ‘Thanks, Lils.”

She pulled back, hands on his shoulders. “What, no, me too?”

“I am,” he said tentatively. “But I had fun in Rome.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Southern fun?”

“His name is Leo,” Remus said pointedly, then eyed the pile of garment bags piled high on the other side of his bed. “Are those…”

“Pour moi, et pour toi,” Lily patted his cheek. “We have a fashion show to go to, sweetheart.”

XOXO

What do we think, Courtiers? House of Black’s fashion show is the biggest event of the fall. But what on Earth does doe-eyed Remus Lupin have to do within that dark forest now?

Is he a Bambi, or still the wolf we knew?

You know you love me.

XOXO,

Gossip Girl

#between fifth and you lumosinlove #wolfstar #harry potter #gossip girl #Harry Potter x gossip girl #sirius black #remus lupin #cw: mention of sex #cw: drinking #cw: drugs #Harry Potter fic #the marauders #the marauders era #Harry Potter au #woflstar au

[awanderingdeal]

I vote leo meeting the harvard team! 💕

So this fic has been a bit of a mare to write, but we are here!

You can read the first part of this here

Rating: T

CW: Alcohol, academic superiority complex and coming out.

Logan, Finn, Leo, Percy, Will and the general Sweater Weather universe belongs to @lumosinlove. The other team members were made up by me for this fic.

“Okay, tell me their names again,” Leo said, tugging at the rolled neck of his sweater as he shut the car door.

“Nutty,” Finn laughed. “There’s not going to be a pop quiz. We’ll introduce you when we meet people.”

Leo scowled, letting Logan thread their fingers together. It was weird being able to do this in public still and Leo couldn’t help but glance around. “I just don’t want to make a fool of myself.” Logan squeezed his hand reassuringly, meeting Leo’s gaze with a soft smile.

“Nobody expects you to know anything. And everybody’s great.” Logan wrinkled his nose like he’d just smelt something bad. “Except Wesley, he’s an ass, but I’ll point him out.”

Like many of the others in Harvard square, the building was all exposed brick and white accents, blending in seamlessly with those around it. Inside was different, more modern. Leo didn’t get to see much of the first floor, the one dedicated to the restaurant Finn, Logan and the rest of the team had dined at previous evening, before he was ushered up a grand staircase, but he’d seen the photographs. The cherry blossom ceilings and walls of glass provided the perfect backdrop for the instagram feeds of the hoards of celebrities and influencers that flocked there. Hence his surprise when, after checking their invitations again, an employee pushed open a set of double doors to reveal a room that more resembled a 1920’s speakeasy than anything 21st century. A loud cheer went up as they crossed the threshold.

“Is this a team thing?” Leo mouthed at Logan.

He got his answer from Percy Marshall. Leo had met him a few times before when they’d played the Rangers. “You’re the last to arrive,” Percy chuckled. “I’d say I was surprised, but that would be a lie.” He slapped a hand playfully against Finn’s bicep. Is this outfit change number 52, Finn? Don’t worry, you didn’t disappoint. You look wonderful.”

“Fuck you, Marshy,” Finn laughed. “Tremz was on a call to his sisters actually.”

“Oh, I do apologise,” Percy clasped his hand to his chest. “We wouldn’t dare break up a Tremblay soiree.”

“You’re an ass,” Logan scoffed, plucking at Finn’s slacks. “I was only talking to them because Finn was taking so long. Did you know there are several shades of mustard and only one of them goes with this shirt?”

“Oh look, they argue like an old married couple too,” William Morgan, another of those Leo knew, and Percy’s teammate on the Rangers, teased. “Marshy, these hands are looking too empty. Get these men a drink.”

“Aye, aye, capt’n.” Leo set to follow as Percy led the way to the bar, stumbling slightly as he found Will’s firm grasp on his shoulder stopping his movement. Logan turned as his fingers slipped from his hand.

“Go ahead, Tremzy. I’m going to introduce Leo to some of the team. We want all the gossip without you two around to censor him.”

Logan frowned. “I’m not sure -”

“Relax, Logan. This isn’t a hazing. We’ll be right over there,” Will pointed towards a group perched on stools around two of the tables in the centre of the room, a mix of the old team and what Leo assumed were their partners. “Knut’s a big boy. He can object for himself if he really doesn’t want to come.”

“I’m sure I can hold my own,” Leo cocked his head slightly and smiled. “You better not leave Harzy with Percy for too long. They’ll be three shots down by now.”

The next few hours passed in a whirlwind of introductions. Leo had lost count of the number of hands he'd shaken and the new names he'd learned. It reminded him of those first few days in Gryffindor, being shuffled around from place to place and everybody telling him he'd get used to it.

The quiet of the bathroom was a welcome reprieve to the chaos. “Sweetheart,” Leo laughed, listening to Finn sing to himself in the stall. “Are you okay? You’ve been in there a while.”

“I’m coming, I’m coming.” A concerningly loud crash preceded the door being pushed open. “I’m here.”

“You’re drunk,” Leo chuckled.

Finn pulled his hands from under the stream of water, shaking droplets everywhere as he squeezed the tips of his thumb and forefinger together. “Maybe just the tiniest bit.”

Leo shook his head fondly. “Let’s go and find Lo.” Glancing back to check Finn was following him proved to be a mistake. “Shit, I’m sorry,” he apologised, rubbing at his forehead and stepping back from the wall of muscle he’d just crashed into. Of course, the tall man with his hair pulled back into a loose ponytail was the one person Leo hadn’t yet met.

“Leo, this is James. Call him Hunter,” Finn grinned with his hand resting in the small of Leo’s back. "Hunter, this is -"

"Leo Knut. I know. Everybody knows," Hunter said and Leo noted the familiar notes of his own accent in the words. He faltered with his hand thrust halfway in Leo's direction, letting it fall back by his side. "Oh fuck, sorry man. Did you want to introduce him as your boyfriend? Go ahead."

"It's cool, no worries." Finn shrugged, the rounds of his cheeks tinged with the slightest of blushes. "Aww, what the heck!" He squared his shoulders, standing a little taller, the corners of his mouth splitting with pride. "Hunter, this is Leo, my boyfriend."

Hunter extended his hand again for Leo to shake. “Nice to meet you. Please excuse me, I have to use the bathroom now, but we’ll talk later.”

***

"Boys." The call had come from behind them and Logan groaned low in his chest as they turned to acknowledge it.

"Wes! You made it," Finn smiled, the corners of his mouth tight. "We weren't sure you'd be able to. With all those big meetings you have to attend and such. Is your wife, Renee, wasn’t it, here? I'd love to meet her."

Something flickered in Wes' smug expression. "They stayed in California. Nate has a very busy schedule. Harvard is very important to me, as you know, so I came alone."

“Isn’t Nate three?” Logan blinked.

“You have to give them a good start if you want them to get them to get into a good college these days, I’m sure you understand. Where was it you went, Leo?"

Leo pursed his lips, letting the same calm wash over him that he channelled for interviews. “I didn’t go. I got drafted straight out of high school.”

“Oh, well, that’s a shame,” Wes said. “College isn’t for everybody though, is it?”

Logan bristled beside him, and Leo placed a placating hand on his shoulder. “Indeed,” he blinked. “I didn’t need my intelligence validated by a degree then, and I still don’t now. And I was hardly about to turn down an offer from The Gryffindor Lions now, was I?”

Wes grumbled something that sounded vaguely like an agreement before turning on his heel and walking off in a manner that Leo could only describe as petulant.

“You’re so hot,” Finn took Leo’s face between his hands and pressed a kiss to his lips. “I’m going to get a drink. Do you want another?”

“Please,” Leo nodded. Logan raised his still mostly full glass as a rejection of the offer.

“You should have let me punch him,” Logan huffed. “He would have deserved it.”

"And get blood on your shirt? Let’s leave that on the ice, shall we?” Leo tugged at the lapels of Logan’s jacket.

***

"So," Logan started as they claimed one of the low tables in the corner, a little tucked away from the rest of the room. "What do you think?"

"It's always nice seeing where you two started," Leo hummed, threading his fingers through the thin curls on the nape of Logan's neck. "I just don't know how you used to do this everyday. Live amongst all this energy. The guys all seem great, but it's a lot even now and I'm assuming you've all mellowed somewhat with age."

"I am not old," Logan scoffed. "Mais non, I agree. Wasn't always like this though. There's more than one graduating class here and we've been apart a long time. A lot of excitement."

"Sorry, sorry, I got caught up with Biscuit. He has triplets now, isn't that crazy?" Finn said, pressing a glass into Logan’s hand and setting Leo’s in front of him before flopping onto the couch opposite. "One Margarita for the fine sir."

"Thanks, Harzy," Leo laughed lightly.

"I can't believe him and Vanessa are still together," Logan hummed, taking a long sip of his drink. He leaned back, crossing his left leg over his right thigh and snaked his arm across the dark leather, brushing his fingers against Leo's shoulder. "I only introduced them because she was flirting with you at that party, the one just after we got back from winter break my junior year, and I wanted to distract her."

"Oh, so that's why you got all moody," Finn said. "She wasn't flirting, she needed help with an essay, idiot."

"The fact you remember Logan's mood on a night seven years ago says more about you than him," Leo snorted.

"First of all, Tremzy being grumpy? That's just a good guess. Second, some of us were still stupid at 20, Knutty." Finn sighed wistfully. "Hey, at least it doesn't feel like I'm being stabbed in the chest these days when I think about it. Progress, right?"

Logan tipped his glass in Finn's direction, nodding his head briefly. "I'll cheers to that."

"To -" Leo started, letting the toast die off as another of Finn and Logan's old team mates approached. He hoped the disappointment he felt wasn't written across his face; whilst he hadn't really expected to be left alone for too long, he had hoped for the brief respite to have lasted longer.

"Hey." The newcomer had his hand shoved into his pockets and his shoulders stooped, almost as if he was trying to hide himself. "I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"

"Ken!" Finn patted the empty seat next to him. "Of course not. Come, sit."

Leo extended his arm, offering his hand. "Nice to meet you. Ken was it? I'm Leo."

"Ken's what the team always called me. Don't really hear it much these days." Leo thought he saw something sad in the smile sent his way. "My real name is Obi."

"That's because you went off the radar," Logan gave a pointed look.

"About that -" Obi swiped Finn's drink, ignoring his disgruntled protest. He drained what was left of it, pulling at an non-existent loose thread on his sweater. "I wanted to say thank you, you know. For having the guts to come out. I know Black and Lupin were first, but that was forced wasn’t it. You made a choice. I know that must have been hard. It was one hell of a ballsy move."

Leo looked between Finn and Logan, expecting them to answer, but neither of them spoke. "We didn't have much of a choice, not if we didn't want to be watching our back every second of every day."

"It was still brave," Obi muttered. "I couldn't have done it."

"Ken, what are you saying?" Logan never did have much patience for others taking their time to get to the point, even though he was a fan of the scenic route himself.

"They gave you a whole Harvard degree and you need to ask that question?" Obi huffed a laugh. "I'm gay. I met Marco, my now husband at the end of senior year, and freaked out. I didn't know how to make these two worlds work, so I didn't. I moved to DC with him, and started a new life. I'm an accountant, he works in marketing. We have four rats, and a Vizsla called Poppy. It's all very domestic. I love it, but I was a coward.”

"You're not a coward. You don't owe that information to anybody, Ken. Not the others, not the media, not the NHL and not us. Not now, not then, not ever.” Finn took a breath, holding up his finger to signal he wasn’t finished. “Besides, it's not as if Lo and I planned this. We went into this with every intention of stuffing this deep, deep into the depths of denial, never for anybody to find out. Including ourselves. And then Nutty came along.”

Obi smiled at Leo, turning his attention back to Finn. "When did you become Gay Yoda?"

"I spend way too much time in our psych's office. Just spreading the wisdom. Heather would be proud."

"Do the others know?" Logan asked.

"Not yet, I think I'd like them to though."

Logan shifted, leaning forward in his seat. "There's no rush, Ken. We've got your back, whatever you decide."

"So, do you have photos?" Leo cocked his head. "We got to show off. Now it's your turn. Even if it's only for us."

"Of Marco?"

"I'm sure he's wonderful, but I was actually talking about Poppy. And the rats," Leo teased.

There were moments when Leo wondered whether they had made the right decision. When he was playing in front of hostile crowds, or fending off stupid media questions, or blocking bigots on twitter. And then there were moments when he knew the decision they had made was 100% perfect. Right now, that was one of those moments.

#leo knut #finn o'hara #logan tremblay #rating:t #cw:alcohol #cw: academic superiority complex #cw: coming out #sweater weather #lumosinlove

[dandelioncrownns]

random grishaverse facts/trivia (mostly tgt/kos, tbh), because i love useless details. Also, attempted organisation, because i like order too. + ft. my unwanted commentary

the darkling

has a sweet tooth

loves animals and nature in general

for those of you who have read demon in the woods, he got to meet the white tigers :)

his bedchamber walls are carved into trees bc he loves the woods

his favourite trees in particular are pine trees (or just evergreen trees in general)

he used to be afraid of the dark (many possibly worrying? interesting? implications to this; i won’t get into it here tho)

he likes bright colours, but wears black all the time basically for the aesthetic

he met his younger half-sister, Ulla, when he was a seer’s apprentice in Fjerda 

the darkling is a musician! He plays the fiddle, and growing up, he played the balalaika and oud (i wonder if he can read tablature,,) 

His father was a very powerful heartrender (maybe this is why the corporalki are valued so highly by him?)

genya

she got an amplifier between the end of R+R and the start of KoS (kestrel bones)

Genya used Dekora Nevich, the Ornamental Blade, to poison the King

It smells like cinnamon and is a warm golden colour

the royal family / nikolai’s bio family 

the King once cut himself on his own sword

genya named the queen’s dog 

until she was like 11, Genya was like the daughter the queen never had (omg i really wonder how Nikolai and Vasily felt about that? ik it’s not really mentioned, and Nik kinda acts like he just met Genya is S+S, but they must have been a lot closer, right?? I mean genya was almost always at the grand palace with Queen Tatiana, and nikolai just really wanted his parents’ attention, there must have been some kind of maybe one-sided jealousy/sibling rivalry thing, right?? I digress- for now)

also the queen in a dog person

p. sure Nikolai is a mommy’s boy

(possible explanation:) he looks exactly like his real father (except for his eyes). Nikolai even has the same laugh as Magnus

the queen was also fed up with Vasily and his horses

Vasily rides a white gelding horse and Nikolai rides a speckled grey horse (called Punchline)

speaking of, vasily is definitely a horse girl, but like... just the worst (darkling 🤝vasily)

Queen Tatiana’s letters to Magnus Opjer were “very racy” 

 She doesn’t approve of women in trousers

Linnea is ~1 year younger than Nikolai

she is good at math + studies engineering at ketterdam (I wonder if maybe she and Nikolai crossed paths when he was at uni- they’re around the same age, so maybe?)

The King and Queen hired a clown for nikolai’s 10th birthday (the worst birthday party he’d been to, inclusive of the night Vasily died, according to Nikolai)

Nikolai is afraid of spiders (and also clowns???)

nikolai:

he can juggle

Nikolai sucks at learning languages 

he once spoke Fjerdan so badly a man named Knut offered him a ruby to stop

his Kerch seems pretty good tho

Nikolai met The Darkling when he was 14

Nikolai is a baritone (as is Jesper!)

In his free time, Nikolai writes bad poetry (remember that time he got stabbed w/ a letter opener bc his poetry sucked?)

he went through an emo phase/ existential crisis before becoming sturmhond.

during said emo phase, he wrote rhyming poetry pretty much exclusively

He also took philosophy classes at uni (PPE?)

alina:

alina tried on the same rose dress that the Queen watched vasily die in

Nikolai gifted Alina a VERY low-cut cobalt lace gown (In the words of Nadia, “The bodice might as well be cut to the navel.” )

Alina hates herring, but Zoya and Nikolai love it

She is VERY sarcastic and snarky!! I feel like this gets glossed over so much in the fandom, and just why?? (she’s so gloomy and over everything 90% of the time, i love it so much)

So this isn’t technically a fact-fact, but there is no way Alina wasn’t at least a little bit into women. Did you read how she talked abt genya? Zoya? there’s no way she wasn’t into them

Alina doesn’t really like hard cheese

zoya + zoyalai:

Zoya’s horse is called Serebrine

Zoya can use her lightning as a defibrillator (I’m sure other squallers can do this too with the right training)

Zoya likes Nikolai’s hands (and Nikolai likes Zoya’s feet lmao)

she has ‘weird (long?) incisors’  

she definitely had a crush on Nikolai since Ruin and Rising

kaz:

Kaz grew up on a farm in Southern Kerch, in Lij

Kaz is a both a cat and a dog person  (he just likes strays)

Matthias is a dog person, obviously

All the other crows are cat people 

He likes hot chocolate

both he and nikolai like brandy

hates cereal

Kaz is obsessed with magic + likes puzzles

actually very funny if he wasn’t terrifying (honestly?? at leat 70% of his dialogue is just witty quips/jokes)

Kaz’s right leg is the one he broke, and the dregs usually get their tattoo on their right forearm

the other crows:

Jesper has been known to go line-dancing (and would like country music) 

Mal and Jesper were friends in S+S!! (Probably) Jesper has a not-really-secret crush on sturmhond. 

He also had a VERY not secret crush on Kaz before wylan, ofc

Matthias’ middle name is Benedik

Nina would win in an arm wrestling contest against Jesper

Inej has a thing for Kaz’s eyes

Nina was at the orphanage with the other grisha kids in R+R

In the opening scene of CK, Jesper was wearing a navy waistcoat with little gold stars (his fashion is just top tier honestly)

grisha- powers, etc.:

A solar eclipse would have no effect on the Darkling’s powers, but it would make it harder for Alina to summon.

Fabrikators can make flowers bloom

The twins have shark teeth amplifiers

Adrik and Leoni are saints

general world stuff:

Gay marriage is legal in Kerch!

there was a landbridge connecting Shu Han and Kerch but the council of tides covered it

Antimony is used as mascara

kruge is pale purple paper currency

ravkan currency has Nikolai’s face on it (ig not anymore tho?)

Hringkälla is celebrated on March 20th

the distance between Ivets and Os Alta is only about 100 miles? (i’m just going to willfully ignore this, because thats,, so small?)

Mermaids and dragons exist(ed) in the grishaverse

misc:

the daughter of the duke of ivets has a daughter who can play the harp

there is not fourth tale of krigi

The baroness Natasha Beritrova is fifty (as of KoS) and has lands near caryeva

Elke Marie Smit is from one of the most powerful Kerch families and is just 16 in KoS

Oncat is an orange tabby

Anya liked Joost a lot :( (I got way too attached to them at the start of SoC and was so sad + confused when they died lol)

david eats hard boiled eggs for his working days in the shops

‘Malyen’ is the Ravkan version of ‘Malcolm’ (very fitting)

Nikolai brought the kids at Keramzin toy boats + frequently sends Alina and Mal gifts 

The triumvirate would also visit them every feast of Sankt Nikolai too :)

star signs / birthdays (ik the gv constellations aren’t the same as ours, but idc):

Inej: Cancer (june 21st - july 22nd)

Kaz: Capricorn (december 22nd - january 19th)

Nina: Leo (july 23rd - august 22nd)

Jesper: Gemini (may 21st - june 20th)

Matthias: Taurus (april 20th - may 20th)

Wylan: virgo (august 23rd - september 22nd)

Kuwei: aries (march 21st - april 19th)

Darkling: aries

Nikolai is most likely either a gemini or cancer (but he could also be a Leo or Taurus). Whatever it is, he is a summer baby.

Alina and Mal have the same birthday (they were given the Duke’s birthday when they came to the orphanage)

heights:

Jesper is 6’2” - 6’3”

Kaz is 6′

Matthias is 6’4

Nina is 5’9”-5’10”

Inej is 5’3” - 5’4”

Alina is ’short’ (5’3”?)

Mal and the Darkling are ‘tall’ (tbf, like all the characters are tall >:( I want my short people rights)

Nikolai  (well, stumhond, but i think they’re the same height) is described by Jesper as tall (so 6’2”+?? why is everyone so tall??? I-)

Zoya is several inches shorter than nina (zoyalai height difference lets go)

Kuwei is slightly shorter than Wylan (who is about 5’8”?)

there’s definitely more, so if you made it this far and have any more, pls add to the list!

#grishaverse #six of crows #the grisha trilogy #the darkling #nikolai lantsov #alina starkov #king of scars #rule of wolves #<< mild spoilers #zoyalai #kanej #etc. lol #brain dump

[lemonmeringuecry]

The Cubs at Disneyland

Hi, so I've been trying to do this for awhile (ever since I drew Lo in a Mickey Mouse hoodie) but when the queen herself, miss Hazel, said she needs them to go to Disney... well I wrote this. And drew it. Because I'm me.

So anyway, here's the drawing and below is the fic

Tw for a couple mentions of food but I think that's it

Credit for everything @lumosinlove

Leo bounced a bit on the balls of his feet, goofy smile at full force while he waited to board the plane. He had grown up going to Disney World with his family. Living in Louisiana, Florida wasn’t too far away, and Eloise and Wyatt Knut didn’t let being adults stop them from enjoying the magic of Disney. When Leo was born, his parents were beyond excited about the prospect of going as a family, getting mickey ears, collecting pins, and making memories.

The first time he went, Leo was five, his favorite Disney movie was the lion king, and an expression of pure joy was permanent in his pale, blue eyes. Over the four days they were in the parks he got to go on rides, eat themed sweets, and meet his favorite characters.

After that first trip, Eloise started a scrap book. The book, titled ‘Disney World 2006’, was soon filled with pictures of Leo at the entrance gate, Leo with pineapple dole whip halfway to his mouth, and countless of all three of them taken by the photographers.

A favorite picture of Eloise’s was near the back, this one of her son with Simba. When Leo had spotted the cast member dressed as his favorite character, he all but threw himself at the lion costume clad employee. Leo’s mama had taken many pictures of the two lion cubs together and they were beyond adorable.

There are more scrap books from 2008, 2011, 2014, and 2017. Throughout the years of pictures Leo never looks less than ecstatic. Even though New Orleans will forever remain his favorite place in the world, Disney is a close second to home, which is why this trip with his boys is such a big deal for him.

The Lions are currently on a short break in the season after their game against the Coyotes and the cubs are going to spend a few days at Disneyland in Anaheim.

Finn reaches forward to grab Leo’s hand who is standing in line in front of him.

“Sunshine, are you excited?” He asks. Leo tilts his head around to look at his boyfriend and nods eagerly.

“We’ll take that as a yes,” logan chuckles sleepily from behind Finn where he is standing with his head resting on the red head’s back. Evidently waking up at 6:00 in the morning to drive to the airport wasn’t ideal for him.

Leo lets out a low, impatient groan, still bouncing, “I need to be there like right now. Can’t we get on the plane already?”.

“We haven’t even been waiting that long. I think they’re about to call our section though, Peanut,” Finn answers him, trying not to let his amusement show too much.

A crinkly noise cuts off Leo’s response, “Now boarding rows 1-10,” a voice says from over the loudspeaker. Leo stands up straighter and turns to his boyfriends, “that’s us!”

“I know Nutter-Butter, go on, let’s get you to Disney!” Finn says as he pats Leo’s butt lightly, moving him forward, onto the jet bridge.

The boys get settled into their seats, Finn by the window, Logan in the middle for maximum cuddles, and Leo on the aisle for the leg room. For the first half of the flight Logan sleeps while Finn and Leo share a movie, but all three boys are wide awake by the time the flight attendants come around with drinks for the second time. The rest of the flight is spent chatting about practices coming up after the break, things they need for the apartment, and what they are going to do first upon arriving.

Once getting off the plane in California, they take the shuttle from John Wayne Airport to the Disneyland hotels. They are staying in the Adventure Land tower, closest to the park. By this point all three boys are buzzing with the infectious happiness of Disney. After unpacking and getting settled into their hotel room, the cubs proceed with their plans of shopping and getting dinner in Downtown Disney. First thing on the agenda is to procure mouse ears. Logan, Finn, and Leo make their way to World of Disney in order to find the widest selection of ears. Leo has a collection of his own ears at home, including his favorite pride Minnie ears, but for this trip he wants to get new ones along with Logan and Finn. Leo and Finn decide on classic Mickey ear hats, while Logan picks out Minnie ears with a lavender bow. They all get sweatshirts too, as is custom.

After a pleasant evening of enjoying the atmosphere and getting dinner at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen (Leo’s offense towards their attempt at Cajun cuisine is only partially a joke), they call it night. They head back to the hotel, brush their teeth, put on pajamas, and cuddle up in bed. After a busy day the three boys quickly fall asleep, full of anticipation for the day ahead.

Something you should know about Leo is that when it comes to Disney, he is hard core. Their first morning there is an early entry in Disneyland park.

“Rise and shine, party people!” Leo calls as he entera the main part of the hotel room from the bathroom. Logan and Finn are just now waking up, but they aren’t remotely tired. The pure excitement radiating off their boyfriend is contagious as well as the promise of a day of fun.

“Butter baby, how long have you been up?” Finn’s question is alarmed yet distinctly amused.

“Since 5:30,” Leo responds off-handedly. Logan and Finn share a look, then turn it on Leo. Undeterred, Leo spins slowly in a circle in order to show off his carefully constructed outfit. He is wearing his favorite light wash Levi’s, paired with the crewneck he bought yesterday (light gray with vintage looking Mickey & friends). Underneath his sweatshirt he is wearing his Pizza Planet t-shirt, ready for when it gets hot later. Leo’s outfit is accessorized with his new Mickey ear hat, white air Jordan 1’s, and his Tinker Bell lanyard filled with pins from over the years.

“These things take time! Now y’all go get dressed, we have to be in line by 6:45,” Leo says. With that both Finn and Logan get out of bed and into their clothes in record time. On their way out of the room, they pick up their ears and backpacks from the desk by the TV.

After a brief stop at the Starbucks in Downtown Disney, the boys make it into the que of people lining up at the entrance gate. Once 7:00 hits, the lines start to move into the park. As Logan, Finn, and Leo enter, they gaze around in awe. At the end of Mainstreet sits Sleeping Beauty’s castle, tall and glorious. They walk hand in hand down the lane of colorful, old fashioned buildings, chatting excitedly about what to do first.

“Alright babes, what’s up on the agenda?” Finn asks.

“I don’t even know the options, what do you say Le?” Logan continues.

They end up heading over to Tomorrow Land first. They go on Star Tours and Space Mountain while the lines are short, then bounce around Fantasy land as they make their way across the park. Around 8:30 all three boys start to get hungry so they grab a bag or two of beignets from New Orleans Square. After breakfast, they hit their favorites in Adventure land (Finn fucking loves Indiana Jones), Frontier Land (Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is a fan favorite), and New Orleans Square (Logan might not stop singing ‘Yo Ho a Pirate’s Life for Me’ for weeks).

Around noon the cubs exit Disneyland Park and walk across to California Adventure. After lunch at Wine Country Trattoria the boys bop around Cars Land, Hollywood Land, Pacific Warf and Grizzly Peak. The lines are a lot longer now that it’s afternoon, so they take it in stride and spend their waiting time talking, cuddling, and playing games. They end up going on almost every ride as well as hitting the extra good ones twice like Incredicoaster and Guardians of the Galaxy (still a fan-fucking-tastic ride but Leo misses the Twilight Zone theme).

By the time they finish up in California Adventure for the day, it’s almost time for Fantasmic, and Leo has yet to tell his boys that he got them reserved seats. The cubs meander back to Disneyland but when they start to near Frontier Land Finn picks up the pace.

“Sweetheart, what’s the hurry?” Leo asks with a knowing smile.

“I wanna get good seats for Fantasmic, I haven’t seen it since I was little!” Finn replies.

“Orgasmic? I like the sound of that,” Logan slides in with a smirk.

“Baby, no!” His boyfriends exclaim at the same time. Logan giggles which gets Leo and Finn laughing as well.

“And Finn, I got us seat reservations for the show so no need to rush,” Leo tells him. Finn’s response is to jump on Leo with a fierce hug and a drawn out “Yay,”.

The cubs enjoy the water show immensely, all snuggled up and bundled in sweatshirts once again to fend off the cool evening air. They point out little details to each other with intertwined hands and gasp aloud at the pretty fireworks. Once Fantasmic is over they do a few more rides, then head back to the hotel, sleepy after a full day. The boys fall asleep quickly again, ready to do it all again the next day.

#my art #writing #lumosinlove #o'knutzy #leo knut #finn o'hara #logan tremblay #disneyland #coast to coast #sweater weather #harry potter fanart #lumosinlove fanart #fanart

[fruitcoops]

Hi! I don’t know if you’re still doing requests but my anxiety has been super bad recently and was wondering if you could write something about either coops or the cubs I don’t mind where one of them is having a bad anxiety day? Like constantly being distracted and overthinking, picking their nails or biting their lips and just struggling and their s/o helps them out? Thank you :) xx

Fic O'Ween Day 1: Superstition! Character credit goes to @lumosinlove <3

TW for anxiety attack, mentioned medication

“It’s okay.”

It’s not okay.

“Baby, it’s okay.”

I’m not—

“Just hold onto me. You can do this.”

Sirius gasped for breath, his chest aching and vision sputtering. His neck burned with an itch he needed to scratch, but one hand was still locked tight around cold fingers and the other was paralyzed next to him. The itch spread to his collarbones, his ears, his chest, his knuckles hurt from the tension he was going to break, shatter right into a million pieces if he couldn’t get one more fucking breath.

“One more deep breath.” Some strangled noise tried and failed to escape him. The gentle hold at the nape of his neck pulsed. “For me, baby. Try one more for me.”

That wasn’t fair—it wasn’t fair to ask that of him, Remus you know better— “Non,” Sirius choked out around his leaden tongue. The shivering wouldn’t stop, his body frozen as the air from the open window cooled the sweat drenching him. Blackness crept in.

“One more.” Remus shifted, pressing their foreheads together harder. “I know it’s hard, but you’ve gotta try one more.”

Left skate, right skate, tap-tap-tap-check, tap-nametag-stall, water, jersey, walk, bumps, out.

Left skate, right skate, taptaptapcheck, tapnametagstall, water, jersey, walk, bumps, out.

Leftskaterightskatetaptaptapchecktapnametagstall, water, jersey, walk, bumps, out.

His stomach flipped and he clenched his eyes shut, his jaw, his fists, anything to stop the jerk of his body. Remus made a soothing noise; there was a hand between his shoulder blades. Do not throw up. Do not throw up. A forced inhale through his nose would have to be enough.

Fucking pharmacy, closing early. Fucking doctors, inputting the wrong pill count. Leo fucking Knut, putting everything off schedule because he needed an extra run that damn bad.

Sirius’ own horrible, useless brain, unable to function without a perfect routine. Heather had promised he was getting better. She promised.

“I’m so proud of you.”

Remus Lupin, lying to his face because nobody in the world could be proud of a shaking wreck.

“Non.” His voice broke. He didn’t loosen his grip on Remus’ threadbare sleeves.

Remus’ thumb pressed into the divot at the base of his skull and another tremor rocked through him. “I am,” he said into the space between them. “I’m so proud of you, baby. You’re doing great. You’re almost done.”

A sob became a wheeze halfway out of his throbbing lungs and Sirius clung to him, moving to push his face into the folds of his hoodie. There was one hand clasped between them. The other pressed tight to Sirius’ neck, firm and reassuring. There were no guesses with Remus. No surprises to fear.

Left skate, right skate, three taps check, tap nametag stall, water, jersey, walk, bumps, knock, out.

All of this, the trembling and the crying and the nausea, for a knock on the doorframe. A single superstition in the sea of nonsense his hockey brain convinced him was necessary.

His ears rang as the world shuddered into focus again, blurry even as he blinked. There was the floor. The rug they had picked out together. Remus’ knee, red from kneeling and knobbly. His own skewed legs, denim-clad and stretching out to his ankles, then his socks, those stupid pufferfish-covered things from last year’s Christmas party.

Sirius exhaled.

“Great job,” Remus breathed. “That was so good, baby.”

Inhale. His torso hurt like he had a stitch in it.

Exhale.

“Hey, there you go,” came the half-laugh, dripping with relief as Sirius stared at one of the colorful fish by his heel. Six spines. Two fins. One eye. Remus rubbed between his shoulders and gave the back of his neck another squeeze.

He gulped down another breath. His knuckles were rusted over, a lost cause, but he could wiggle his toes again. Progress.

Sirius made a disgruntled noise when he tried to move and pain shot up one hip. “Am I holding you too tight?” Remus asked. He shook his head. “Do you want me to move?”

Oh, no, Sirius wasn’t sure he would remain a solid person if Remus budged an inch. He pushed his face deeper into the bend of his neck in a silent request and felt Remus relax, his fingertips sliding along the curve of Sirius’ spine.

Remus inhaled like he was about to speak, then let it out long and slow. Sirius didn’t know what he was going to ask. He wasn’t sure he wanted to. There was too much rawness that he wished could stay in the dark.

“How long has it been?”

Sirius’ shoulders slumped. “Deux jours.”

“Oh, Pads.” It sounded like his heart was breaking.

“I can get them tomorrow. A refill. I called.” His thoughts felt too fragmented in his head, but hopefully Remus would be able to put it together. Sirius had been so grateful that the phone call hadn’t sent him spiraling before practice. It felt like forever since he hung up with clammy hands. “They—they didn’t give me the right number. The one on la bouteille.”

“Really?” There was an edge to Remus’ voice and Sirius’ stomach sank; he pulled him in closer by the fistfuls of hoodie he couldn’t bear to release, nuzzling into the worn edge where it smelled most like Remus, soapy and minty and something sharp like arnica.

“I should have checked,” he croaked, clearing his throat. “Desolé.”

“What? Oh, no, I’m—" Remus gathered him closer, one knee sliding out of Sirius’ view to bracket him. “I’m not mad at you. God, no. I’m mad that your doctors can’t fucking count.”

“I should have checked.” It all wound up being Sirius’ fault, at the end of the day.

Remus slowly rested his weight on his heels; Sirius mourned the loss until lips brushed his stubbled cheek. “It’s not your job to check,” Remus said. He tucked a strand of Sirius’ hair behind his ear and cupped one side of his face, drawing him gently from his hiding place. From the little Sirius could see in his peripheral vision, Remus’ expression was nothing but kind. “They need to make sure you have the right medication. That��s what they get paid to do. This is not your fault.”

Sirius swallowed hard. He pulled his aching legs to his chest and rested his chin on top, then let himself ease into Remus’ chest. Instantly, Remus’ arms came up around him. “I…” He closed his eyes and sighed. “I feel awful.”

“Cuddle?”

“Ouais.” He slid a hand under Remus’ shirt, just for some contact. “And a shower?”

The answering kiss to his temple almost made him smile. “I’ll wash your hair.”

#sirius black #remus lupin #coops #sweater weather #vaincre #lumosinlove #anxiety attack #superstitions #noot fest #fic o'ween 2022

[justtryingtodiffusethetension]

party ettiqute

fred always poured doubleshots of firewhiskey, and never charged anyone ('cept first years) a single knut

george was always on the dance floor, and if you held eye contact with him for more than a moment, he'd pull you to dance, even if you'd been with your significant other

ron would always smoke you out. it'd be polite to throw him a sickle or two, to help cover costs, but he'd never ask for anything

harry would always be willing to listen to whatever drama you'd been going through. he might be too drunk to process anything you say, but if you hate them, he hates them, and he'll have a word with them later if you'd like

hermione will always hold your hair and rub your back when you get sick. she'd go to the kitchens before parties and get loaf after loaf of bread to give you something absorbent. she'd even check on you at breakfast the next day, without any judgement

luna was always prepped to sell, and would offer pre-rolls laced with lavender or mugwort, and would always find a discount to give you (if you got 5 points in the last week, if you got an O on a homework, if you complimented her earrings, etc.)

ginny would always be on a table, and would quickly (without thinking) pull you up there with her. she'd sing in your face and hold your waist and whip you with her hair and you'd say thank you

#harry potter #harry potter headcannon #headcannon #fred weasley #george weasley #ron weasley #luna lovegood #ginny weasley #hermione granger

[lovemeleo]

Asher goes to practice

Finally, an actual update! I sorta combined the two of these, hope you guys don’t mind! Here’s Asher’s first time at the rink for practice! Hope you all enjoy :)

If you haven’t read the rest of the series, here is the Asher masterlist!

Edit: Coops and the SW world belongs to the always amazing @lumosinlove ✨

________________________________

It was an exciting day in the Black-Lupin household. Everyone had been awake for at least two hours, and it was only 6am. 

Normally, they’d be heading to the Potters’ to drop off Asher while they were at practice. Lily kept an eye on him during their time at the rink, and Harry and Asher had become quick friends.

But today. Today, Asher got to go to the rink with his dads. They had gotten permission from Coach Weasley beforehand, and he was going to watch them from the bench. He had started walking recently, not steady steps but he was definitely on the move.

“Asher, c’mere! We gotta get your jacket on.” Remus yelled from the front door, grabbing the small jacket from the hook.

A small figure peeked through the railing at him, gripping onto the bannister. Sirius had gotten him dressed, so of course he was wearing one of his little Lion jerseys that the team had gotten him.

Glancing up the stairs, Remus watched as Asher sat on the top of the steps, slow butt-scooting his way down. As he got to the bottom, he stood carefully and looked up at his dad, “No.” 

Remus sighed, holding up the jacket, “Yes.” That was another thing. Asher was starting to talk. Not full sentences, just a couple words here and there. Dad. Daddy. Okay. Please. Juice. And his favorite.

“No.” He said, even though he held out his arms for Remus. Before he could resist again, the jacket was on and zipped. 

Picking Asher up, Remus rested him on his hip with his hockey bag on the other before glancing back up the stairs, “Pads, c’mon. We’re gonna be late. Don’t tell me I’ve gotta help you get zipped up too.”

A huff came from the second floor before Sirius came around the corner, “I am coming, no I don’t need help with my zipper. I can’t find my practice jersey, I thought I left it in the closet.” He muttered as he came down the stairs, grabbing his jacket. 

“Didn’t you put it in your bag last night? So you wouldn’t forget it?” Remus asked as Sirius looked in his own bag. 

Sirius dug through his bag before pulling the jersey out, “Got it, I got it. Knew it was there, didn’t I, mon chou?” He said, leaning in to tickle Asher under his chin. Pushing his daddy’s hands away, Asher squealed, “Daddy, no!” He shouted happily, hiding his face in Remus’s neck. 

Remus couldn’t help the fond smile that spread as he watched SIrius with their son. For all the worrying Sirius had done before Asher was born, he couldn’t be a better dad. Just seeing them together made Remus’s heart swell.

“Alright let’s get moving. Coach might be okay with Asher being late, but not us.” Remus said as he led the way to the car. He got Asher buckled in his seat, and then they were off.

Sirius drove to the rink, his free hand resting on Remus’s knee, “So… you think we could get him in a pair of skates?” He asked.

Letting out a laugh, Remus shook his head, “Baby. No. He’s just starting to walk, we are not putting literal blades on his feet! Right, Ash?” He asked, glancing at Asher through the rearview mirror.

“Yes!” Asher shouted, kicking his tiny legs against the seat as they pulled into the rink. 

Sirius smiled as he got out, “I’ll grab bags if you wanna grab him and his bag.” He said as he opened the trunk. Remus grabbed Asher’s bag before pulling him out of his carrier.

Asher babbled happily in Remus’s arms, as they made their way into the rink. “You ready to see all your uncles? And your grandpa?” Remus asked and his small little face lit up. The boys had all come to visit them so often and honestly they were all so incredible with him. There was nothing cuter than a bunch of big tough hockey guys playing dolls with a child.

The little family made their way to the locker room, Asher wiggling in Remus’s arms as he heard the team’s voices echoing. Sirius pushed the door open, letting them Remus and Asher go past him into the room. 

Shouts of “Little Loops!” echoed across the locker room as the guys saw them come in. 

Asher grinned, his cheeks flushing at all the attention, “Hi.” He drawled out in his tiny voice. He was quickly stolen from Remus’s arms by James, who spun him happily.

“Hi, little man!” James said, resting him on his hip. 

Asher rested his head on James’ shoulder, “Jam.” He said with a small smile. Most words were still hard for him to say, so James became Jam. Small eyes looked around the room happily as he watched everyone get ready before his eyes fell on his favorite person.

“Le! Le Le Le!” Asher quickly reached out, making grabby hands as soon as he saw Leo. He loved all the boys on the team, but had completely latched onto Leo. The others teased him a bit, saying it was because they were so close in age.

Leo couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face as he heard the shouts for him, taking him carefully from James who gave him an indignant look, “Stealing my godson, Nutty?” 

As soon as Leo had him in his arms, Asher nuzzled into his chest happily, “Le.” He hummed happily, tiny fingers gripping onto the taller boy’s practice jersey. Leo may have said he wasn’t ready for a kid but Asher really had him catching baby fever. They definitely weren’t ready though. He’d just have to steal Asher more. Maybe they could babysit?

Nodding along as Asher babbled to him, Leo carried him over to his stall, “I know, bub. It’s all so exciting.” He murmured, setting him on his lap as he waited for the rest of the team to be ready.

Finn knew that he looked smitten. He was. How could he not when one of his boys was sitting there, being all cute with a baby? 

“Harzy, dude, you’re literally looking like the human embodiment of heart eyes right now. Take a breath.” Talker said with a laugh, clapping him on the shoulder as he walked past.

An offended noise came from Finn but he was cut off as Coach made his way into the locker room, “C’mon boys, it’s scrimmage day. Let’s get a move on. Knut, gimme my assistant coach.” 

They all made their way out the door, Sirius holding the door as the team made their way to the ice.

Remus smiled, watching as Asher was passed to Arthur, “Coach, put him down a sec, yeah? Let him show you his new party trick. Pads, be ready just in case.” 

Arthur raised an eyebrow, setting Asher down. He wobbled on unsteady legs before he saw his daddy waiting for him, and then he was off. 

“Look at him go!” Arthur said with a laugh, following Asher as he toddled out, following after Sirius and the rest of the team. Remus grinned, quickly snapping a picture of Asher grabbing his dad’s hand before tucking his phone into his bag.

When they got to the bench, Arthur lifted Asher next to him as the Lions all made their way onto the ice. Asher stood carefully next to the coach as the team picked their groups for the scrimmage. His eyes were wide as he watched the team practice. He had watched his dads play in their basement many times, but nothing beat them with a whole team. 

As the game went on, Arthur explained to Asher what was happening, pointing out plays as well as pointing out where his dads were, because that was a frequent question as well. 

Just as they skated past the bench, Nado hit Remus into the boards and they both slid onto the ice. Asher was quickly trying to peer over the side of the boards, “Daddy? Daddy, okay? You ‘kay?” He yelled, green eyes filled with concern.

Nado chuckled softly, pulling Remus up with him, “He’s alright, Little Loops.” 

Pointing a finger at him, Asher gave him a serious look, “Careful, you careful.” Sirius couldn’t help but laugh as he skated over.

“You tell him, mon chou.” He said, pressing a kiss to Asher’s head before he skated back. 

They finished their scrimmage, messing around on the ice when Sirius lifted Asher over the boards, “We’ll get you some skates soon, Ash. Just gotta convince your daddy.” 

Humming happily as he held onto his dad, Asher nodded, “I skate too.” He said seriously, watching Sirius’s feet as they glided across the ice. “Down. Daddy, down.” 

Sirius set him down but held onto his hands, wary of the other guys on the ice as Asher wobbled onto the ice. He was trying to glide across the ice, giggling to himself, “I skate.” He whispered quietly.

Unbeknownst to them, Marlene was taking pictures from the stands. She sent them all to Remus afterwards, who posted them to his Instagram along with the picture he took earlier.

“A Lion in the making.”

#Asher Pascal #coops #sirius black #remus lupin #coops being dads #sweater weather #lumosinlove #leo knut #logan tremblay #finn o'hara #o'knutzy #jackson nadeau #arthur weasley #wolfstar #wolfstar dads #fic writing #ask box #prompts #ask prompts #prompt fic

[heyitssmiller]

How funny! I was just thinking about it too........pt 3 🍰✨ [characters belong to @lumosinlove]

Leo had Bad Suns blasting from his phone as he frosted the latest cupcakes - a Devil's food cake batch he was making for an engagement party. He bopped his head to the tune with a smile as the sound filled the small space. The kitchen window was open to let in a breeze, and he could hear Marlene’s motorcycle pull up.

She came in from the back door, placing her helmet upside down on the equipment shelves. “Your music’s too loud.”

“You call me poison but you won’t stop comin’ around,” he sang to her, grabbing her arm and twirling her haphazardly.

“You’re singing off-key!” She laughed.

“No, you won’t stop comin’ arounddddd,” he ignored her, dipping her backward in his arms. Marlene rolled her eyes with a grin, clinging tight to him so she wouldn’t fall over.

He spun her once more for good measure before swiftly loading the cupcakes into a box and tying it up with yellow twine. “Remember to secure it,” he warned.

“Have I ever had an order fall off my bike?”

“Ah, let’s see. Sunday, November second-”

“That should not count. It was my first week, it was years ago, and spice cakes are inherently accident-prone.”

“Oh, are you gonna make me up a statistic?” Leo leaned back on the counter with his arms crossed, raising a playful eyebrow.

Marlene socked him in the shoulder. “I’ll secure this one, don’t worry.” She glanced at the time on her phone and turned off his music. “Now, I’ve got seven minutes before I really need to get going. Why don’t you tell me who it is you’re crushing on?”

“What?” Leo blurted, caught off guard by her question.

“Come on, Frank told me you were all blush when he came in for his shift Saturday afternoon, but you’d left before I came back to see for myself.”

“I-”

“Don’t lie to me, Leo Knut,” Marlene stuck a finger in his face.

He sighed, defeated, and told her an abridged version of what went down at the bakery on his solo shift. Marlene chewed her lip thoughtfully before pulling out her phone.

“What’re you doing?”

“Looking these guys up. They’re hockey players, right?”

He nodded as she typed ‘Gryffindor Lions’ into the search bar. Her eyes scanned the player’s photos before lighting up. “Here we go, Finn O’Hara and Logan Tremblay, right wingers.”

He leaned closer to get a better look.

Finn was smiling wide, red hair just a shade brighter than the burgundy jersey he was wearing. Leo decided his freckles looked just as cute on camera.

Next to Finn’s picture was Logan’s. The brunette’s eyebrows were slightly raised, his full lips just barely parted, giving him a faintly confused look that Leo found insanely adorable.

Marlene let out a squeal. “Oooooooooh, you do like them!”

“No, shut up.” Leo felt the blood rushing to his cheeks as he glared down at her.

“I mean, good choices. They are really hot.”

“No! Not good choices! Did you forget that they’re dating each other already?”

“And did you forget that they both flirted with you?”

He grumbled a reply as he turned to wipe down the counter.

“Leo, you said you put your number in their wallet, yeah?”

He nodded.

“So if they felt what you felt, they’ll call you.” She rubbed his arm soothingly. “Worst case scenario, you forget about them and move on. But you’re honestly a catch, Mr. Tall, light, and handsome. I wouldn’t worry.”

He smiled at her. “Thanks, Marley. You should get going with the cupcakes, though.”

“Crap, yes, I should.” She grabbed the box from the counter and her helmet from the shelves. “I will be back later!”

Leo pressed play on his music, turning it up again as he heard her motorcycle pull away. Then he started on the next order - a two-layer pistachio cake he’d already gotten half done. Three more Bad Sun’s songs and Leo was finally starting to loosen up to the music. He needed to put those hockey players out of his mind, or he would never be able to get anything done. “He’s a moth drawn, to a flame, he’s going in, he’s going all or nothin’,”

The customer’s door opened and Leo fumbled to pause the song. He was fine with Marlene hearing him sing, but he really did know that he had an awful voice.

“I’ll be right with you!” Leo called. He wiped his hands on his apron and stopped the mixer before walking out of the kitchen with a smile that promptly grew. “Hey!” He greeted the two men.

“Hi,” Finn said, sticking his hands in his pockets as Logan smiled back.

“What can I do for y’all today?” Leo placed his palms flat on the counter, suddenly painfully aware of the way his tank top showed off his arms. “I’m assuming y’all want some cake?”

Secretly, he was hoping they would say no, that’s not what they wanted. That they wanted him. That they came back for him.

Logan slipped his arm into Finn’s. “Well, we, uh, we wanted to tell you something.”

“Yeah?” Leo’s skin felt magnetic, pulling him towards the pair.

“Yeah,” Logan said. “We’re engaged.”

His heart, which had been beating out of his chest a minute ago, screeched to a halt and shattered in his chest. “You are? I-I-I mean, congratulations! Yeah, congrats, y’all, you’re engaged!” He ran a hand through his hair. “Wow! When’s, uh, when’s the wedding?”

Finn looked between Logan and Leo. “We’re not exactly sure yet. But we knew we wanted to come back and see you. For the cake.”

“For the cake,” Leo echoed.

“Oui, do you have time for us to sit down now?”

Leo looked around desperately for his appointment book, not trusting himself to meet either of the other two in the eye without dropping the act that he was happy for them. “I can, uh, I can make you an appointment, if you want, um.” He fumbled the pages to turn to a blank line. “Yeah, but I can’t meet right now, sorry. We can put you on the calendar, though? If-if you want.”

“Sure,” Finn nodded. “We’d love to.”

“Our next free day is Sunday, does that work?” Logan asked, leaning in to try and read Leo’s handwriting upside down.

“Yup, yup yup yup. Mhm. I can squeeze you right in. How’s noon work? Noon sound good?” Leo was smiling too widely, and rambling, he knew, but he had no idea to respond to this. The two guys he’d been non-stop thinking about, who he’d given his number to, had just come in to ask if he could bake their wedding cake.

For their wedding.

To each other.

And of course, Leo would.

“Noon sounds great,” Finn confirmed for him, and the blonde’s smile got tighter.

“Swell,” he gritted out. “Well, if that’s all...”

Logan and Finn looked at each other, and he couldn’t read the expression in their eyes.

“That’s all,” Logan said. “Merci Leo. We’ll see you Sunday, then? Noon?”

“Uh-huh,” Leo could tell his voice was too chipper. “Congratulations to y’all again!”

They offered him smiles before Finn held the door open for Logan.

His fiancé.

Leo went back into the kitchen and washed his hands before starting the mixer back up. Far too heartbroken by what just happened, he pressed play on the music and tried desperately not to cry.

They look so pretty from afar

Like the gates of heaven are open now

And my one true love has just waltzed right out, yeah

My brain reading this:

BADSUNSBADSUNSBADSUNSBADSUNS

LEO BABY

JUST FLIRT WITH HIM ALREADY FINNLO GOOD GRIEF GIVE HIM A HINT PLEASE

LEO BABY 😭

Ohhhh I love this story so so much!! Thank you for gifting us with this 💕

#lumosinlove #coast to coast #wedding cake au #o’knutzy

[harryissuchalittleshit]

Potters + Cigarettes + Rehearsal Dinners = Shenanigans

Happy Training Prompt Tuesday!! Instead of writing about one ship I wrote about three!! @petalstosarah

1. James and Lily, 1978, Petunia and Vernon’s Rehearsal Dinner

Lily did everything she could to hold in her temper as she felt Vernon’s beady little eyes on her. The only thing keeping her from cursing him was the large amount of Muggles around her, and James’ warm hand on her waist. It was all ridiculous anyways, Petunia didn’t want her here, and Lily honestly hadn’t wanted to spend her Easter holidays as a member of the wedding crowd.

Petunia had been treating her like a slave since the moment she and had come home. She had been nothing but rude and demanding, had ignored James from the moment he introduced himself, and had called Lily a number of rude things within ear shot. But Lily had been the good sister, she had smiled through the pain and kept her emotions in check.

The rope though was starting to come undone.

“You okay?” whispered James, his lips at her ear, his breath tickling her neck.

“I think I need some air.”

This was the best thing about James, he was observant enough to know when she needed her space, when she was holding in too much. It had been years since she had done accidental magic, had a temper tantrum, had an outburst. Petunia was about to break that streak though.

“C’mon.”

She didn’t know how James got so good at sneaking through a crowd, appearing in one place and then in another in the blink of an eye. But it was comforting holding his hand and sneaking through the crowd and out of the banquet hall.

Out in the dimly lit parking lot, Lily pulled her hair out of the stupid twist her sister made her wear and accepted the cigarette James handed her. The smoke was comforting in her lungs, the burn familiar and warm.

“Sorry about all of this,” said Lily after a few more puffs. “I should’ve known t-“

“Don’t worry about it,” said James, taking off his jacket and wrapping it around Lily’s shoulders. She hadn’t realized she was cold until the moment his warmth wrapped around her. “You’re sure that there’s an open bar tomorrow, right?”

Lily giggled and kissed his cheek, tucking her head into his shoulder. “From what I understand, yes, but knowing the arse Vernon is, it’ll only last for a little while.”

James sighed and Lily took another pull from her cigarette, before dropping it on the ground and putting it out with the heel of her shoe. There was no way they would be allowed back inside if Petunia smelled them. Not that Lily really minded, she was still hungry from dinner, nothing had been appetizing and they had been one of the last tables to go through the buffet line.

“Are you still hungry?” Lily asked him, turning to look up boyfriend. “Because I’m starving and the diner should still be open.”

James smiled down at her and Lily felt herself return the gesture. She grabbed his hand and pulled him into the darkest corner of the parking lot, she had no plans to let go of him anytime soon.

2. Harry and Ginny, 2003, Ron and Hermione’s Rehearsal Dinner

“Let’s sneak out, before she corners us again.” Ginny pushed Harry towards the restaurant door, “I don’t think I can handle another lecture from mum sober.”

“Thank Merlin there’s an open bar tomorrow at the wedding,” Harry replied as they snuck through the door unnoticed, “or I would’ve bailed on you the second I met your family.”

Ginny nodded, “I would’ve bailed on me too, honestly.”

Out in the parking lot, it was marginally quieter and Ginny could feel herself think again. It was one thing to trap a large amount of Weasley’s in one room, but add in Hermione’s extended family, and a language barrier, it was means for disaster.

Even if it was nice to have everyone around, the last time they had all been together had been for George and Angelina’s wedding a few years ago. That day had been fun, but it had also been heavy, they were missing Fred and Angelina’s mother and sister. Ginny had been a bridesmaid then too, she had been paired up with Angelina’s little brother David, who was laugh and who she had a lot of fun with.

But this felt different.

“Knut for your thought?”

Ginny smiled and accepted the cigarette that Harry handed her, she had to admit that she didn’t take him for a smoker. But he was getting increasing good at stealing them from Hermione when she wasn’t looking.

“Do you think it’s time that we set a date?” asked Ginny, passing the cigarette back to him and blowing a steam of smoke pass his face. “It’s been what? Almost four years since you proposed?”

Harry shrugged and Ginny wished that he would make a decision on the matter at hand. Even though she had been the one who wanted a long engagement and had given him shit about making her a child bride. But now that George was married and Ron was getting married and Percy was ready to propose to Audrey at any moment from what Angelina had told George who told Ginny. At this rate, she was going to be the last one married even though she had been the first one engaged after the war.

Everyone had given up on Charlie, well, except for their mum, but that was expected.

“Do you want to get married?” asked Harry, leaning against one of the many cars in the parking lot around them. “I thought you wanted to wait.”

“I did,” offered Ginny, because honestly she had wanted to wait. But not she felt like the youngest all over again, like the baby of the family she was born into. “But at this rate Percy’s going to be married with three kids before we settle on a date.”

“August sixteenth.”

“What?”

“August sixteenth,” repeated Harry and Ginny stared at him. It wasn’t that Harry didn’t make decisions, it was just that more often than not he didn’t care about these sort of things. “It’s the day I proposed, the day I knew I couldn’t ever live without you.”

Ginny bit her bottom lip and looked at him, taking in his smile and his dancing green eyes. Maybe he cared more than Ginny thought, more than he would ever admit to anyone except for her.

“Okay,” agreed Ginny, stepping into his arms and wrapping her own around his neck. She felt herself relax into his kiss, her whole body turning into jelly. “I’ll be the one in white.”

“Just meet me at the altar.”

3. James and Marci, 2037, James and Marci’s Rehearsal Dinner

“Why did we bring the kids again?”

Marci stared at her soon-to-be husband and rolled her eyes. She had to admit that they may of made a mistake, but she also knew that this was more about James’ family than their children. They were getting married tomorrow, bringing their families together into one.

There would no longer be Potter children and Abraham children, instead they would all be Potters. James’ three kids and her three kids and their daughter Liliana would finally all had the same last name, and would all finally be of one identity.

“James,” said Marci, wrapping her arms around his neck and tucking her head under his chin as she heard the familiar click of a lighter. A moment later she reached up and took the cigarette out of his mouth, taking a pull before putting it back between his lips.

“Sorry,” grumbled James a few moments and another cigarette later. “I just didn’t do this last time, Lily was the only one of us who had a real wedding.”

Marci smiled and pulled away from him, this was new for her too, she got married at eighteen in a quick ceremony at a Muggle courthouse. She knew that marriage was doomed from the start, how she had allowed herself to be forced into that kind of situation she didn’t know.

She knew that a big fancy ceremony wouldn’t change anything, but she wanted to have it. She didn’t want to feel ashamed to marry James, she just wanted to marry him.

Their wedding party was made up of their children, their nieces and nephews, and their siblings. It was in a dingy courthouse late at night or at the Ministry in the early morning, this was everything that they wanted for themselves, for each other.

“This is all new to me too.”

James nodded and Marci reached for his hand, twisting their fingers together and letting him kiss the ring he had given her the day their daughter was born. They really weren’t doing anything too crazy, too many children would be in attendance, and they weren’t stupid kids anymore.

“By this time tomorrow, we’ll be married.”

Marci felt her heart flutter as James stepped forward and held her cheek. His hand was warm, his brown eyes bright and almost golden, everything about him was warm and soft and home to her. Had been from the moment they had met, from their first smile, first words, first kiss. James was the home that she had been searching for when she came to England with a bag and her three children, Josey, Hallie, and Mike Anthony.

Back then she hadn’t expected to meet James, she hadn’t expected to fall in love with Jason, Kerrie, and Hazel. She definitely hadn’t expected to get pregnant within months of her arrival to the country, but it had all been for the better, for the best of all of them.

“Mrs. Marci Olivia Potter,” whispered James and Marci leaned forward, kissing him softly.

“Just promise me that you won’t forget the condoms this time.”

James smiled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her back towards the doors of the restaurant they had rented out for their rehearsal dinner. In less than twenty-four hours she would be Mrs. James Sirius Potter.

And she couldn’t be happier.

#head canons #harry potter #james potter #lily evans potter #jily fanfic #jily #james and lily #ginny weasley #hinny #hinny fanfic #james sirius potter #marci abraham #weddings #three generations #my fics #training prompt tuesday

[lumosinlove]

Between Fifth And You

AO3

chapter two

~

It’s Saturday night for Manhattan’s elite, and we know what that means. The Noble House of Black beckons, and one particularly family seems to be a little behind on preparations—at least, their youngest son is.

Spotted—Logan Tremblay, looking hot in nothing but basketball shorts. Better soak up that fading blue August heat while you can, Lo. Or are you more interested in something a little more…fiery? But in the LES? Why so far from home, Dorothy? Eye color isn’t the only thing green about the Tremblay family. And they have a bad habit of sorting everything out with a little help from Ben Franklin.

“Shoot, shoot!”

Logan pivoted on his heel and was able to toss the ball around his opponent’s shoulder. He only caught a glimpse of red hair as Finn caught it with ease and jumped it up to the rim.

Finn O’Hara. One of these days Logan was going to step on his own shoes watching Finn O’Hara. His pale chest looked like sugar dusting, his exertion-red cheeks the goddamn cherry.

“Point moo-oi!” Finn shouted, slapping Will Morgan and Percy Marshall on their bare backs. “That’s how you say it, right, Tremblay?”

Logan feigned a shudder. “Non.”

“Shorty’s got game,” Will laughed, sweat dripping down his dark brown skin, darkening the leather bracelets he wore.

Percy shook his head, swallowing over a caught-breath, his silver Star of David swinging at his throat. “Shorty must be cheating with his Upper Side shoes.”

Logan just narrowed his eyes and laughed, pushing his hair out of his eyes. “You’re just tall. Doesn’t mean you’re good.”

“Yeah, yeah, Mazel tov, you fucker.”

“I’m finally winning,” Finn grinned. “And now I gotta get back to the shop. I said be back in five…pretty sure it’s been fifty-five.”

Logan swallowed. “I’ll—I’ll walk you.”

Percy slapped him on the back as they left, and Finn held the cage door of the basketball court open for him.

“So, you’re back at school?” Finn asked as he pulled his shirt on. Logan nodded, following suit, picking at the neck where it stuck to his sweaty skin.

“Yeah,” Logan nodded. “I’m supposed to be getting fitted for a suit right now.”

Finn snorted. “What does that have to do with school?”

“Oh,” the corner of Logan’s mouth raised as he realized. “Nothing, I…well, you know. The social scene. It sort of all feels like one thing, up there.”

Finn pouted at him. “Poor baby. Too many parties.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Logan laughed.

“Hey, feel like lunch?”

“I thought you had to be back.”

Finn shrugged. “I’m hungry.”

Logan bit his lip, wondering how many different ways his older sisters could actually kill him. Honestly, he thought he’d just die on the spot of he passed up the change to be squeezed into one of the small restaurants that Finn frequented. Screw the grand tables of his life. Logan wanted cracked leather booths small enough to let their ankles brush. Not that he’d ever say that out loud.

Finn didn’t disappoint. They walked down the shade of Mott street, then turned at a bakeshop on the corner. Finn pointed at it.

“You’ve been here, haven’t you?”

Logan raised a shoulder. “I don’t get down here much.”

Finn snorted. “Listen to you. Down here. You’re down here enough to pop into my bookstore all the time.”

Logan studied the cakes in the windows, biting his lip when he realized Finn’s eyes were still on him in the reflection. “I…yeah.”

Finn flicked the bill of Logan’s hat which shaded the back of his neck. “How’s that latest book you bought?”

Logan turned away from the window to get them walking again, not sure where they were going but trusting Finn to lead. “I’m starting school, man, I don’t have all the time in the world.”

Finn just laughed. “Come on, let’s catch the 6.”

Logan found himself squeezed into a tiny French restaurant in the West Village that served them even tinier croissants.

“I know the chef,” Finn said popping one he had spread jam and butter on into his mouth. “Dumo. Don’t pay a cent. I fucking love these things.”

Logan would have bought Finn a thousand of the tiny pastries without a blink just to see him lick a bit of jam from his thumb again.

“Dumo doesn’t sound very French…” Logan began cutting up his waffle.

Finn laughed. “Pascal Dumais does.”

“Oh. Yeah, that’s more like it.”

Logan glanced at a woman and her baby, who had started crying. He tried to think of something to say. For someone who’s job seemed to be making small talk at various parties and charming people with his accent—or so his mother sometimes said—he sure was horrible at it.

“So, what’s the suit for?” Finn asked, taking a sip of his black coffee.

“A fashion show,” Logan sighed, hiding his surprise—and maybe delight—at Finn’s unknowing shrug. “It’s…sort of a lot. Lots of people and cameras. And I always have to wear something green.”

Finn hummed in understanding. “It’s the eyes, yeah?”

Logan nodded. “A lot of fast English, too.”

Finn tilted his head. “I didn’t know that was hard for you. You’re perfect.”

Logan tried not to flush and covered it with a shrug. “I lived in France until I was fifteen before we finally moved to my dad. It’s still nice to be able to read lips sometimes. With the flashes and they make it super dark…I don’t know.”

“No, that makes sense,” Finn said, brown eyes soft. He smiled. “Hey, well, if you don’t want to go to the fitting, come man the shop with me. I’d love the company.”

Logan looked at him and ached, but saw his older sister Noelle’s pleading, excited expression in his mind. He might not love the scene, but he loved his sisters. “I wish I could. Really.”

They finished up their food and Logan had to admit that he lingered over his coffee until Finn said he absolutely had to leave.

“Hey, Tremblay,” Finn called from down the sidewalk, and Logan turned in the full knowledge that seeing the smile Finn sent him would only make him want to stay more.

The dutiful son wants the bookshop boy…I don’t know, Lo. How will their royal highnesses feel about that?

“Come buy more books you don’t read soon, okay?”

Logan couldn’t help but smile back. “D’accord.”

Finn walked backwards a few steps, yelling, “And bring me something green!” before turning and jogging down the subway stairs.

Logan laughed as he called his driver to him, escaping the heat for air conditioned leather.

XOXO

Pearls or diamonds, Upper Siders? Armani or Ralph? What, like you have other questions tonight?

Well, I have one for you. A tip from a friendly scroller gave me a peak at tonight’s guest list. Do you think we’re in for more than just a showdown on the runway? Cat fights over cat walks is what I always say.

XOXO.

[Image description: Two name cards reading, from left to right, Leo Knut and Remus Lupin, Sirius Black and Sebastian Montague]

Remus found Julian already dressed and tapping at a game on his phone when he descended the winding staircase of their penthouse.

“You waiting for mom and dad?” Remus said, dropping a kiss to the top of his head.

“And you,” Julian said.

“Right, right,” Remus smoothed his black tuxedo, trying to ignore the subtle glint of blue-silver embroidered into the black velvet. His mother was a planner—which Remus liked usually—but this design had not aged well. This suit had a twin that it no longer belonged with. Remus clenched his jaw as he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He’d hoped wearing it would feel like defiance.

But it only felt like he was lonely. He gave his head a hard shake. He had Leo. He couldn’t let New York throw him.

“Gossip Girl’s going crazy. Of course,” Julian said.

“Jules, you shouldn’t read that stuff,” Remus sighed. “It’s just gossip—”

“Just posted about Sirius,” Julian murmured.

Remus huffed, pushing his hair out of its too neat style in the mirror. “So?”

Julian shrugged, but pointedly looked away when Remus took out his own phone.

The photo looked like one from the paparazzi, but the sight of Sirius on the red carpet made Remus’ throat close up.

I spy a statement piece. Or maybe it’s just a statement. Sirius Black arrives on the red carpet—or should I say black carpet—with none other than New York’s favorite icon, in worship and fashion alike. The Saint of these streets is looking particularly dashing tonight, hand in hand with the heir of this city. Ouch, Re. Looks like you’ve been dethroned.

Remus stared down at the screen, neck hot. Sirius’ suit sleeves had the barely there leather half moon cut-outs that Remus remembered tracing onto his skin.

Sirius had smiled into their kiss. Think anyone will notice?

Remus had just laughed. Everyone will notice.

But there was Saint, a crown of moonstones in his golden hair.

Remus looked down at his own suit. Of course Saint had thought of a way they’d match, that was all it was, but it still felt like a snub.

“I sort of miss him,” Julian said quietly.

Remus’ heart pulled. He swallowed and clicked his phone off. He looked at Julian, who looked almost sheepish.

“Do you?” Julian asked even more quietly.

“Don’t you like Leo?” Remus asked.

“Of course,” Julian nodded quickly. “But…”

“Remus,” Hope smiled, coming down the stairs arm-in-arm with their father. “Jules. Ready, boys?”

Remus didn’t think saying no was an option. He cleared his throat, pushed his hair back.

“Almost,” he said, backtracking towards the stairs. “Just a second. Gotta call Leo, make sure he hasn’t left yet.”

XOXO

“We can watch a livestream of the red carpet and the show,” Natalie said. “Sit.”

Finn groaned, squished beside Natalie on her tiny sofa. “That feels like I’m stalking him.”

“We’re allowed to stalk the boys we like.”

“You’re dating my brother, Nat. Does this mean you stalked him?”

“It really does,” Alex said, coming in from the kitchen with their margaritas and dropping a kiss to Natalie’s temple.

“Hm,” Natalie smiled up at him, accepting a kiss to her lips. “Scruffy.”

Finn sighed and pulled a knee up to his chest, watching the loading video Natalie had pulled up.

“Your wifi sucks,” he mumbled.

“It’ll load,” Natalie scooted over for Alex and passed Finn his drink.

“Salsa, too,” Finn said, waving it over.

Finally, the video popped up to a view of the red carpet.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” Alex said.

“Be nice,” Natalie laughed. “It’s fashion!”

“Look,” Alex sighed. “I know they’re wealthy and it’s suppose to be all, I don’t know sandy beaches and wristwatches, but not a single one of these people look remotely happy. Like take a look at this guy—“

Finn looked over the sandy-haired man posing in front of the cameras—well, not posing, really. Kasey Winter, the commentators were saying.

“Nice hair,” Natalie crunched on a chip. “And listen to that, his mother’s one of the biggest producers at Weird Sisters Records.”

“Fine, but he looks like he’s ready to kill someone. I mean, anyone else think its kind of fucked up that the New York families go to a New York university where New York businesses draw from New York’s elite?”

“Yes,” Finn and Natalie said in unison.

And then there was Logan.

Finn let out an embarrassing sound and set his drink down, leaning forward.

Logan walked out in front of the cameras with three girls—his sisters, Finn remembered. Not to mention he followed all of them on Instagram. They had a lot of shoes, sure, but they seemed all right.

“I saw this thing on Gossip Girl about one of the sisters,” Natalie said. “She—”

“Nat, why the hell do you read that?”

Natalie shot him a look. “Like you don’t.”

Finn ignored them, too focused on the dark, nearly black, velvety green cape—or was it cloak?—that covered Logan’s shoulders down to above his elbows, falling to an elegant point at the small of his back over his black suit. The sisters had a similar get-up in one way or another—a green train, a shawl, a corset. Logan’s clasp was a silver fleur-de-lis.

“Green,” Finn breathed.

“What?” Alex asked.

Finn bit the inside of his cheek at Logan’s expression. It was meant to be blank, Finn thought, at-ease and untouchable, but it came off almost enticing. His dark eyelashes swept against his cheeks. Finn watched his throat bob around a swallow, his adored eyes shifting from flash to flash.

“Nothing,” Finn answered his brother.

“How’d you meet this kid anyway, Fish?” his brother asked.

“I was closing up shop about a month ago,” Finn said. “And he stopped at one of our windows. Looked like he’d run the entire island, he was breathing so hard. Not to mention it was pouring like nothing else. Thought he was gonna pass out, so I unlocked the door and let him in to get dry. I don’t know, he was kind of shy at first. Listened to me talk for about an hour before he started giving anything back.” Finn shrugged, watching Logan walk off screen. “I invite him to play basketball with me, Morg, and Percy now. We get lunch after sometimes.”

Natalie sighed. “He looked like one unhappy camper.”

“I think his family puts a lot of pressure on him. He’s the baby. Only son. All that bullshit.”

“I kind of want that cape,” Natalie said.

Alex sighed. “That’s the idea.”

Natalie slapped his chest, then kissed his cheek, and Finn watched Logan walk off-screen.

XOXO

“What say you, Capulet?”

Sirius looked down at Saint at his shoulder. “They’re out of crab puffs.”

“Boo,” Saint said. “You still closing the show?”

“Yep.”

“Shouldn’t you be in hair and makeup?”

“Yep.”

Saint stepped in front of him, the gold band of moonstones nestled in his curls glinting in the dark stage lights. “Looking for someone?”

Sirius just reached out and ran a gentle thumbnail beneath where Saint’s golden eyeliner had smudged against his brown skin, striking it back to a point. “Nope. See you after the show.”

Saint clucked his tongue. “I’m unimpressed.”

“What else is new?” Sirius said.

Saint went to smile, when his eyes flickered behind Sirius and he raised his eyebrows. “That.”

Sirius turned around, and quickly schooled his expression. The cameras were going wild, and in front of all the flashing lights was Remus, hand-in-hand with Leo Knut.

“They make a sunshine pair,” Saint said from beside him. “How’re you feeling?”

Sirius touched two fingers to one of the black-leather moons on his jacket sleeve. They were meant to go with Remus’ stars. He remembered planning for them. He’d thought…part of him had thought if he’d worn them tonight—

“Cloudy sky,” he replied to Saint.

“I was gonna say dappled sunlight in…” Saint glanced around. “A dark forest.”

Remus and Leo were wearing dress shirts, collars rumpled and unbuttoned at their throats, each in a smooth shade of cream. Their hands, decked out in golden rings, were laced together, and they both wore pale gray slacks, slim cut, and laceless nikes.

My mistress’ eyes are nothing like the sun…hmm, but don’t I spy some burning jealous?

“What are we going for here,” Saint raised an eyebrow. “Left in a hurry and didn’t get the dress code?”

“We’re going against me,” Sirius replied, slipping his hands into his pockets and trying to stand straight. “That’s all.”

“Sunlight in a dark forest, indeed.”

Sirius watched them looking out over the flashes, and tried not to look surprised when golden eyes met his own. Remus’ expression didn’t change either. Instead, he simply blinked, then looked away. Leo, tall and lean, leaned into his ear, and Remus smiled. The cameras popped like champagne.

I love right here, Sirius remembered his own voice, the feeling of the soft skin by Remus’ eye beneath his thumb. I love right here when you smile.

“I need to get backstage,” Sirius said shortly, and turned on his heel.

“I’ll be watching.”

“Don’t I know,” Sirius called as he weaved his way through the crowd, heading backstage. The woman with a radio in her ear looked annoyed and nervous when he slipped past her, and radioed that he had arrived to whoever it was that needed to know.

“Sirius!” Alice called, hands full of makeup brushes and up in the air. “Jesus Christ, do you think I have all fucking night?”

Sirius shrugged out of his red carpet jacket—which someone took—and slid into her chair. “Sorry, Al.”

She twirled a protective cape around his shoulders, snapping it at the base of his neck. “It’s a good thing you’re pretty. But then again, I think everyone’s pretty.”

Sirius closed his eyes, letting her begin. “People are.”

Alice had just finished contour when Sirius all but felt his mother’s presence. A shift in the air. A cooler wind. People standing up straighter and shivering.  

���Sirius,” his mother’s face appeared in the mirror. Her red lipstick was the brightest thing about her, and even that was almost mauve. Her dress was tight around her breasts, but cascaded in thick waves of velvet behind her, and she wore tall leather boots. It almost looked like armor. “You’re very late, darling.”

“Sorry,” Sirius said. “Saint and I got caught up in the crowd, I guess.”

She hummed. “You two looked fetching out there. He’s much more pleasing than that other boy ever was. His family is important, too.”

It was true, that his mother had never liked Remus much. Though, Sirius couldn’t compare him and Saint. They were two different oceans.

“Get dressed,” his mother breathed, and was already snapping her fingers at one of the other models before Sirius could say another word.

“All right?” Alice asked him quietly.

Sirius looked at himself in the mirror. Her contour made his face look almost gaunt, as was the general makeup for all of the models, and he knew he’d be given dark eye makeup next, his hair fluffed into perfect curls.

“Fine,” Sirius said, and closed his eyes to let her work.

Sirius was shrugging into his given outfit—a billowing longcoat, 20th century in fashion, and a longer tunic made almost entirely of the thinnest black silk. It would shimmer when he walked, he knew, and his tall, lace-up boots, the flat sole so thin and delicate that he almost felt barefoot, would disappear beneath the shimmer. His mother was cold, stubborn, and cruel sometimes, an unfeeling, yawning sort of dark, but she was talented.

“Lord Vader,” came a voice from behind him, and Sirius laughed even before he turned to face Thomas Walker.

“Sounds about right,” Sirius said, and they clasped hands, pulling them into a one-armed hug. “You look fantastic, though.”

Thomas spun slowly on his heel, letting the long, loose fitting white linen of his button-down—which went out in two, tuxedo-like tails at his back—flare out above his slim, black trousers. He wore a thin scarf of distressed wool.

“Like a fallen gentleman, no?” Thomas grinned. “I might try and steal these pants. And maybe the shirt for Noelle.”

“Oh, yeah,” Sirius smiled, spying Noelle’s green eyes behind his shoulder. “She’ll love that.”

Noelle wrapped her arms, which were draped in a transparent green cloth, around Thomas’ waist. “Thanks for thinking of me, T baby.”

Thomas laughed in surprise. “Who let you back stage?”

“I’m a Tremblay, they’ll let us in anywhere.”

Thomas turned his head to capture Noelle in a soft kiss.

“See you after, hm?” Noelle said. “I’m gonna go say hi to my friend, she’s walking tonight, too.”

“Yeah, we’ll ride to Honeyduke’s together.”

Noelle raised an eyebrow at him. “You coming, Black?”

“Saint all but owns the place,” Sirius said. “Of course I am.”

Sirius walked. He didn’t look down, or hear the cameras. It wasn’t his favorite thing in the world, to be up here, not able to see past the lights—but something tonight was different. It felt as it had the night of his and Remus’ first kiss.

In that show, he had had one, thin line of black lipstick traced over the center of his bottom lip. It had marked Remus’ throat and cheeks like soot by the end of it all.

Remus had been waiting for him back stage.

“Come here,” Remus had whispered, and laced their fingers together.

“Where?” Sirius had answered, surprised by their palms pressing together.

But it hadn’t been a place. Remus had pressed them back in between clothing racks, and crashed their mouths together.

Here, Remus had whispered, and kissed him again.

Sirius felt the absence of the stage lights like a wash of cold air, and he stretched out his back, letting his stony face drop a little. He glanced around, but there was no one to be found. His cheeks were warm just thinking about it.

“Good,” his mother said as he passed her by to take off the makeup, and that was all.

XOXO

Saint looked across Honeyduke’s and felt like it was his. Logan was laughing with Thomas and Noelle, and he had Kasey Winter beside him, securing tickets to one of their favorite bands to see together.

“Done,” Kasey said, and flashed one of his rare smiles.

“I knew you were my favorite,” Saint took a sip of his drink, and Kasey scoffed.

“Me or my mom?”

“Maybe a little of both. Oh, and we’re going to sushi beforehand.”

Kasey’s smile was larger now. “Wouldn’t have it any other way. You gonna leave with that drummer again? What’s her name?”

Saint smiled. “Oh, Sally. And I make it a habit to always leave with the drummer.”

Kasey just shook his head. “Yeah, yeah. I’m getting a drink and leaving you to your one-liners.”

Saint watched him go, feeling settled, and set about scanning the room for Sirius. He was sure he’d know if he was there—people tended to swarm to Sirius, even if he didn’t ask for it. It was part of the reason they were so close. People flocked to Saint, too. So, they asked for each other’s company. A more intimate, calm part of life. Sirius was quiet. Saint wasn’t, but he let Saint , for a moment, be that way, too. Saint was loud. Sirius wasn’t, but Saint had his ways to fire him up.

“Another drink, sir?”

Saint looked over his shoulder, only to turn all the way around, interest peaked. The bartender had sandy hair, and a strong jaw, his cheeks textured by acne scars in some places. He had brown eyes—save for a sliver of green in one.

“Only if you have one with me,” Saint said, and glanced down at his name-tag. “Luke.”

Luke arched an eyebrow, pressing the heels of his palms onto the bar between them, revealing rolled up sleeves and some type of vine tattoo, wrapping all around both of his forearms.

“I’m working, sir.”

“Is that a later?” he nodded at the tattoo. “Nice.”

“I don’t think so,” Luke said.

“Oh, no?”

Luke scowled—how did he look so handsome doing that?

“Do you make it a habit to go home with all the waiters, too?”

Saint didn’t let his expression flicker, just smiled nice and slow.

“Hillrock,” Saint said. “Neat.”

The barkeep turned away.

Ouch. Looks like not everyone worships at your alter, Saint.

XOXO

The elevator doors opened, revealing the party to Sirius one outfit after the next. He had changed for the afterparty—the first of three. He wore a tight, thin black t-shirt and dark jeans. He hadn’t bothered to wash off the dark, smudged eyeliner from the show. His combat boots went up to just below his knee, and had the same nearly naked feeling sole. It made him feel soundless, like a shadow.

Maybe that’s why it was easy to find Remus and stand beside him without him stirring.

“You’re a little underdressed,” Sirius said without looking at him.

“Says the boy wearing a t-shirt,” Remus replied evenly.

Sirius scowled. “I meant at the show.”

“People like to be surprised,” Remus replied evenly.

“Who’s Leo?”

“My boyfriend.”

Sirius turned towards him. “You didn’t tell me you were coming home.”

Remus matched him. They were nearly chest to chest. “You didn’t say a word to me in class.”

“You didn’t—“

“I had the last word,” Remus snapped. “I figured maybe you’d finally have something to say back.”

Sirius stared at him, heart pounding in his ears. For a moment, he let himself look. At the golden eyes, hair more blond than ever from the summer’s sun. Sirius couldn’t stand that mouth set in a frown.

“Guess not,” Remus said softly, lips dropping open in the way they used to before they kissed.

Sirius all but felt him vanish into the writhing crowd.

XOXO

Finn looked up when a flash of color on the morning-silent street outside caught his eye. He set the books he was holding down, took the pen out from between his teeth.

Green.

“What the hell?” Finn laughed as he pulled open the door to his bookshop to find Logan standing there. “It’s five in the fucking morning, what are you doing here? Couldn’t sleep?”

“Never did,” Logan said, and that’s when Finn saw that Logan was still in his suit from the livestream.

“Ah, I see,” Finn said, eyes flicking up and down his broad form. He swallowed dryly. “The nature of afterparties, I suppose. Well, you—you look good. For someone who’s been up all night, I mean.”

Logan just smiled, one of his small, secretive ones. Finn watched as he stepped forward so they were almost toe to toe in the doorway.

“Wh…” Finn’s voice dropped off with a breathless laugh. He couldn’t help but look at Logan’s mouth. His full lips that could speak a language Finn couldn’t even begin to describe.

Logan just reached up to the base of his own throat and unclipped the fleur-de-lis clasp there. In one smooth swoop, he drew his short cloak from his shoulders and around Finn’s, right over his worn gray t-shirt, clicking it in place. The fabric brought a gentle scent, and he figured it must be Logan’s cologne.

“Something green,” Logan said softly. A warm, early morning breeze ruffled his hair, pushing the curls forward. Finn couldn’t move. “What are you doing here?”

“Inventory,” Finn whispered, then cleared his throat. “Inventory.”

“Okay,” Logan said. “I’ll help.”

#between fifth and you lumosinlove #lumosinlove #gossipgirl!au #wolfstar #wolfstar au #o'knutzy #hazelverse #harry potter #Harry Potter au