Micaela's March Recs

— micaela's march recs

ty to all these amazing writers who have left me with butterflies in my stomach and/or tears rolling down my face, much appreciated <3

LOCKWOOD AND CO.

— anthony lockwood.

the language of longing by @fleetingvow

midnight talks by @websterss

↳ cuddle comfort

AVATAR

— neteyam.

tell me it's not true by @sullybby

MARVEL

— matt murdock.

paper rings by @sunflowerdjarin

i broke my heart for you by @atlaese

— bucky barnes.

little lion man by @wkemeup

↳ graveyard

— druig.

love me harder by @fireinmoonshot

GRISHAVERSE

— nikolai lantsov.

it looks better on you by @goldengoddess

pretty privateer by @magpiencrow

loving you is the antidote by @sumsebien

unbearable by @holden-caulfield

↳ a special occasion

speechless by @fishley

i'd choose you by @xsamsharons

↳ come here often?

↳ moi tsarevich

— kaz brekker.

inflicted desire by @meadowscarlet

DAISY JONES AND THE SIX

— warren rojas/rhodes.

rhythm of our love by @mlwriting5

pretty lady by @hellogeegee

HARRY POTTER

— fred weasley.

please don't touch the artwork by @writesowhatnext

— george weasley.

pretending is a gateway drug by @writesowhatnext

↳ it's so mysterious to me

↳ we're only getting older, baby

— theodore nott.

our secrets are burried shallow by @acosmis-t

MARAUDERS

— james potter.

saudade by @embrassemoi

a moment in the library by @heloisedaphnebrightmore

— sirius black.

the worst wingman by @theweasleysredhair

— remus lupin.

if it wasn't for you meddling kids by @writesowhatnext

the girl with the books by @solemnarration

BRIDGERTON

— benedict bridgerton.

spare me a moment? by @iliveiloveiwrite

— anthony bridgerton.

brilliant plan by @heloisedaphnebrightmore

OUTER BANKS

— rafe cameron.

plastic plants by @pogueszn

i need a favor by @magpiencrow

moi tsarevich - n. lantsov

pairing: nikolai lantsov x reader.

genre/warning: fluff!.

words: 2.1k.

summary: in which you are forced to share co-captaincy with nikolai and you really can't stand him, or can you?

The alliance had been a practical decision, really. Your ship had been destroyed by an enemy that had happened to be an enemy of Nikolai as well, so (against your better wishes) you’d decided that joining forces until the issue was taken care of and you could take the time to rebuild your ship was the smartest choice. However, now, having been living on the same ship for about two weeks, you were starting to think that maybe smart wasn’t exactly the word you would use. You’d never had anything against the privateer, but you also didn’t necessarily want to be sharing the co-captaincy of a crew with someone you only saw as an arrogant and entitled royal.

“Just because we agreed to join forces, it doesn’t mean you can enter my quarters whenever you please.” the prince’s voice rang through the room as he stood by the door, holding it open in hopes of getting you to leave.

“Well, I asked where the captain’s quarters were located and I was directed here.” you responded, spinning around in his desk chair, just to further aggravate him.

“Exactly, and as far as I'm concerned I'm the captain of this ship.” he continued, still holding the door open and standing next to it.

“So, which is it? Prince or captain?” you asked. At that, he shut the door and walked over to where you were sitting, placing both hands on the sides of the chair you were spinning on, effectively making it halt.

“Listen, lapushka,” he began, your faces centimetres away and your eyes locked on each other's. “I know you must be dying to spend time with me just like everyone, but you’re on my ship now. My ship, my rules.” he finished, a shit eating grin on his lips.

“Our agreement clearly stated co-captaincy.” you said, getting up and forcing him to detach himself from the chair he still had his arms on. “But if I threaten your authority that much, you can keep your quarters, moi tsarevich.”

✦

The next morning brought sunlight for the first time since you’d been aboard Nikolai’s ship, and with sunlight came sparring sessions on the main deck between the joined crews.

The sun was high in the sky, the water clear for miles and the sounds of swords clashing could be heard from any part of the ship.

“Good morning, lapushka.” you immediately rolled your eyes at the sound of the voice you didn’t even have to turn around to know who it belonged to. “How did your non-captain-quarters treat you last night?” he asked, coming to stand beside you while you leaned against the railing, facing off to sea.

“Same as they’ve been treating me for the past fortnight, your highness.” he rolled his eyes at the mention of his title, which brought a smirk out on your face. “Do you need anything else?”

“Never needed anything in the first place, I just wanted to make sure you weren’t missing my face too much.” he winked, you snorted.

“As if.”

“Admit it, that’s why you want the captain’s quarters, you want to have the chance to stare at me more.” he continued, moving closer to your side on the railing.

“‘More’? I don’t even even stare at you to begin with.” you lied.

“You know you do, darling.” he stated, and now you were the one rolling your eyes.

“What’s with the pet names? Treat every member of your crew like this?” you questioned, still not looking at him. “Pretty unprofessional if you ask me.”

“I’m pretty unprofessional?” he asked, making an emphasis on ‘pretty’. “I knew you thought I was pretty.” he finished, a smirk appearing on his face once again. You were starting to think he actually might have that stupid look tattooed on his face.

“You need my confirmation? Yesterday with your authority and today with your attractiveness?” you looked at him expecting for him to be offended, but instead being met with an even bigger smirk than before.

“So you’re not denying it?” he asked.

“Get lost, Nikolai.” you answered, and turned your head to stare at the ocean once again. As you did so, you heard his laugh echo while he did exactly what you told him to and began to walk away.

“I’m never letting that go.” he shouted over his shoulder at you, turning some heads while you tried to hide your smile. As if his ego needed any more boosting.

✦

As the sun started to set, the sounds of sailors drunk on rum and clashing swords started to go down as well. The ship had been anchored someplace near the south Ravkan coast, and everyone had started to turn in for the night as the orange of the sky started to turn black.

Once the sun had settled and the sound disappeared, you remained the only person on the main deck, enjoying the quiet as the light pull of the sea swayed the boat.

“I get you want my room, but that doesn’t mean you need to sleep out here if you don’t get it.” you heard his voice from behind you, and wondered if the talent for interrupting quiet moments ran in his family.

“I just don’t see the point of sleeping at all if it isn’t there.” your voice was dripping with sarcasm, and as you turned around to look at him, you found his ever present side smile planted on his lips, as well as two swords - one in each hand.

“I think you mean you don’t see the point of sleeping at all if it’s not beside me.” he responded, and you chose to ignore the comment in favor of asking about the two swords he was carrying with him.

“Are you trying to kill me? I know you are aware of the fact you can’t beat me in a fight but choosing the middle of the night to attack me is kind of a low blow.” you teased, knowing that wasn’t the case. “I’d expect better manners from a prince.”

“First of all,” he started, “if I wanted to kill you I wouldn't need to attack in the middle of the night when you were alone. Second, we are the only ones who didn’t spar today and I thought it’d be a great co-captain bonding exercise.” he finished and you laughed, grabbing the sword from the arm he extended for you.

“Co-captain bonding exercise?” you asked.

“I’m still working on the name, point still stands.” he answered.

“Fine.” you agreed, and took a high guard with your sword in one hand.

Nikolai offered a mock salute which you returned with a smile, and soon you were both circling each other waiting for the other to leap towards them. He lunged first, and you avoided your sword smoothly, smirking at him in the process.

“Did you pick the night because you didn’t want to embarrass yourself in front of your crew?” you asked with a smirk.

“I’d wait until I win to start sounding so confident.” he winked, and threw an overhand cut at you. You didn’t manage to evade it this time and instead blocked it quickly, reflexively.

“What do I get when I win?” you asked, as you both kept cutting at each other.

“If you win, you can sleep in my quarters for a week.” he answered and brushed the fake edge of his sword against your cheek softly.

As time passed, it started to become less about the fighting and more about the taunting - or flirting, you supposed was a more accurate word. The smooth words of the prince in front of you made you want to blush and lunge at him at the same time. Nikolai cut lazily at you, and as your swords clashed, you both raised your arms to move your swords high above your face, now with nothing in between you but a few inches.

“Now would be a good time to admit you like my handsome face and kiss me.” Nikolai smirked, with both your arms still raised above your head, the distance between you becoming smaller with each passing second.

“I bet you’d like that.” you answered, and instead of closing the distance between the both of you, you settled for disarming him and throwing his sword to the side, moving quickly to have his back pressed up against the railing and the edge of your sword against his neck.

“I wouldn’t be against this kissing position either.” he shrugged, “Might cut my throat if I move too quickly but i’m willing to take the risk.” he finished, and you snorted.

“Tell me I won and I can have your quarters for a week first.” you demanded, raising your eyebrows.

“You can have whatever you want, lapushka.” he whispered.

You lowered your sword down after his words, throwing it aside much like you’d done with his, and pulled him in by the collar of his shirt. Your lips moved against each other as his hands traveled from the railing to your back. “I think I'll make you sleep in my room while i sleep in yours tonight, just as payback for the last couple of nights.” you said against his mouth, your hands wrapped around his neck and his still placed on your back, an illusion of a distance between the two of you.

“If you recall my words, I said that if you won you could sleep in my room for a week.” he quoted himself - of course he did. “But I never said anything about me not sleeping there.” he finished and you smirked, looking up at him with your mouth agape.

“You knew this would happen.” you said, slightly slapping his chest.

“I was hoping it would.” he shrugged. “Been hoping for a while actually, don’t know what took you so long. I’m extremely irresistible.” he stated as a matter of fact, making you roll your eyes.

“I’ll make you pay for this, moi tsarevich” you warned.

“I’m counting on it.” he winked, and leaned down to kiss you again.

ravkan glossary: tsarevich - prince, son of tsar (direct address: moi tsarevich). lapushka - darling, honey, sweetie.

anything with a protective dodge mason please i beg

steal my girl - one shot

fluff

(panic — romantic! dodge mason x fem! reader)

while a select few participate in the wicked game of panic, the annual player's ball that comes with it is the highlight of the summer. however, for some, the party brings trouble when an alum of the game comes back to steal dodge mason's girl

cw / underage drinking, non-consensual touching, descriptions of an altercation/argument

a/n — i don't want to bore you with my love for dodge mason, so have this fic instead ! but i'm also letting you know now in case there’s any confusion that any panic content i write/create will take inspiration from the book and show. i really hope you enjoy, seeing as i’m v nervous, but i hope it reaches y'all mike faist stans (@mysticstarrysiren, @inkandpen22, @queen-ofbrooklyn, @ilovey0us0, etc.) in one way or another so we can all yell about panic. love you ! ps, bianca my beloved, thank you for your guidance throughout this fic, it wouldn't be here without you.

as alcohol sprinkled through the air and shitty music traveled through the dancing bodies in the backyard, the player’s ball seemed to be in full swing by the time you had arrived at la casa diggins with dodge and your friends. after hurriedly greeting the host, it took no time at all to blend in, bopping your heads to the beat and yelling to the very few lyrics you did know. letting nat and heather take the lead in favor of staying close to dodge, he gave your hand a squeeze, effectively keeping you grounded amidst the blur caused by the busy crowd. although that was short lived when the girls came to an abrupt stop, which ended up with you bumping into heather. muttering an apology, you moved beside her, tugging at dodge to follow along. you didn’t receive a response from heather, who seemed entranced by something, or rather, someone in their sight.

“oh, holy shit. luke hall is here.” the sheriff’s daughter pointed out. snapping your head up to see luke in his element, surrounded by an aura of smoke and girls dancing, tossing oblivious, flirtatious smiles their way. the mere sight made your stomach swirl uncomfortably.

“i thought he moved away. or like wasn’t he in jail or something?” heather questioned.

“yeah, for carjacking. i can’t believe he’s back.” you gulped. your words went unnoticed by the girls, who began to immerse themselves in a neighboring conversation concerning the eldest of the hall brothers, which you were quite grateful for. as much as you wanted to rip your eyes away from luke, you couldn’t bring yourself to do so. but almost like he could feel someone staring at him, luke threw a glance back. instinctively, you darted your eyes elsewhere, only to be met with dodge’s soft, concerned stare.

“hey, sweetheart. you okay? you’re holding my hand a little tight there.” you looked down to see dodge’s hand stuck in your deathly grip, nearing a ghostly white. had you not loosened up, you were afraid he’d end up turning blue. you attempted to let go of dodge entirely with apologies sputtering from your lips, but he insisted that he was okay. dodge had even joked that you needed his hand more than he did before asking if you were okay once more.

“uh yeah! i’m fine. are you?” you replied.

“of course. why wouldn’t i be?” dodge’s eyes flickered back to where you had last seen luke. you paid no mind, assuming he wanted to get in on the fun after standing still for so long.

“no reason.” you shrugged. he pressed a kiss to the back of your hand, then leaned in to capture you in a kiss. however, the moment was ruined when you were both pushed apart by nat with an almost cynical laugh.

“okay lovebirds, enough chatting. let’s have some fun. it’s time to get drunk!” she shook dodge with a cheer. meanwhile, heather looped her arm through yours, nudging you with her hip.

“and you…” the blonde girl booped your nose, giggling feverishly at your widened eyes and parted lips. you were surprised heather was stone cold sober, but nevertheless, she continued, “are coming with me. do you want shots? because i want shots. let’s go get shots!” and in the blink of an eye, you two were whisked away into the summer wind. before dodge could even get a foot in, nat managed to keep him in place by grabbing a fistful of his button up.

“ah ah ah! you’re staying here. i promise she’ll be fine with heather. just let y/n have fun! isn’t that why we’re here?” nat pointed at dodge as if she were scolding a little kid. dodge looked at nat, into the crowd, and back at nat, sighing in defeat. she hummed triumphantly, pulling him closer to the table where their fellow panic competitors currently played a game of cards.

“you know dodge, you’re making it real easy for luke to sweep y/n off her feet tonight.” summer calvo, who watched the entire exchange, teased.

“as if. you know it’s not like that between them!-” nat attempted to dismiss summer’s statement, but dodge was quick to react.

“what’s that supposed to mean?” he challenged.

“just that luke’s been into your girl since sophomore year.” shawna kenny scoffed as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. but, to most teenagers in carp, it was.

“hey, it’s not like y/n would ever go for him anyway!” nat mentioned, remembering the numerous rejections she’d witnessed.

“yeah, but i heard that just before luke got arrested, he asked y/n to run away with him.” summer gossipped with glee.

“i heard about that too! why didn’t she? he had the money and everything.” drew santiago piped up as he took a card from the deck next to dodge.

“easy. she met you.” summer smirked, nodding towards your boyfriend.

“see?! what’d i tell ya? there’s nothing there.” nat swatted his shoulder. out of the corner of his eye, dodge spotted luke shotgunning a can of beer. he nodded stiffly, taking a large swig of the nearest drink he could get his hands on. clearing his throat, he acknowledged nat’s numerous affirmations.

“thanks, but it’s not y/n i’m worried about.”

in any scenario, it was never a good idea to deny natalie williams. which was how she and dodge ended up in the hot tub, claiming he needed to destress from the mere mention of luke hall. shortly after, you joined them, party clothes and all, in the warm water with a sweet smile, carrying a handful of drinks that you figured nat would need to get through the rest of the night. as soon as dodge placed his arm around your shoulders, it was so easy to forget everything else that surrounded you three. you hadn’t even realized how much time had passed by until nat slammed down the last of her smirnoff smash. taking in the party scene that was still surprisingly active, you realized that the presence of your blonde beauty of a friend was nowhere to be found since you’d been with dodge and nat. with the duo caught up in a conversation, you made little ripples with the tips of your fingers, effectively cutting them off when they turned to you attentively.

“i think we should check on heather.” you mentioned.

“yeah, it’s been a while since we’ve seen her actually.” nat agreed. you nodded, pushing yourself up, grimacing as the summer air stuck to your soaked skin when dodge placed a hand on your shoulder. gently pushing you back down, he was out of the tub to take your place.

“i can go. i need to sober up anyway.” dodge offered.

“please, you had one sip of drew’s beer.” nat replied.

“better safe than sorry.” he shrugged. you turned around to face him (not so subtly checking him out in the process), placing your chin on the palm of your hand.

“want me to go with you?” you asked.

“nah, stay here. have fun or nat will probably execute us both.” the girl in question feigned offense, letting him take up the opportunity to make his exit, but not before plopping a quick kiss to the top of your head. watching him walk away until he became just another pretty face in the sea of people, all your focus was gravitated towards nat, who began to laugh obnoxiously at her own joke.

“he’s right. i have a guillotine waiting in the back of his car just waiting to be used.” it became blatantly obvious that nat’s tolerance to alcohol was being tested, but the energy she exuded was contagious. you couldn’t help but get in on it, interrupting her humor fest with a large wave to her face. she defended herself by covering her face with her arms, but it was no use. gaping, it was your turn to laugh as she let out a shorter laugh, wiping the ruined mascara trickling down her cheeks as though they were tears. but your laugh turned into a high pitched shriek as nat lunged towards you, vowing to get you for that. you were just about to dunk nat under to reveal the rest of her voluminous curls when one of the knots keeping your top up loosened and slipped off your shoulders. sliding off nat’s back to fix the minor mishap, upon tying the thread off, it was proven extremely difficult when you had limited mobility, resulting in it falling apart repeatedly.

“okay, just let me. at this point, it’s just painful watching you do it on your own.” nat stepped in, taking the strands of fabric into her nimble fingers. you thanked her, adjusting your top in order to appear decent. however, after nat finished up her handy work, your face felt hot despite the shudder that ran through your spine. seeing the sudden shift in attitude, she shot you a puzzled look, stepping in front of you completely with her hands on her hips to ask, “what’s wrong?” you avoided her gaze trying to cut deeper into you for an answer, which you finally gave with a falter in your voice.

“is it just me or does it feel like someone’s watching us?” nat scrunched her nose at the thought.

“maybe…it’s a judge?” she assumed. looking around in hopes of catching the culprit possibly captivated by a few of its players, she only found someone worse. nat went stiff as by the time they briefly made eye contact, it was too late to leave. letting a few snarky curses slip from under her breath, she groaned. “nevermind. shit, luke is coming over.” there had been no time to react to her words, as the aforementioned man stood before you with a cigarette rolling between his fingers and that mischievous smirk of his that could never seem to stay in your past.

“hey, y/n. long time no see.” he greeted.

“hi luke.” you deadpanned.

“how’ve ya been, sweetheart?” when luke received nothing but a frown from the nickname solely reserved by one mystery of a man you were lucky to call yours, he dragged on his words, “you know, i’m surprised you’re not chatting me up like you used to. but i guess that’s cause you’ve been talking to other guys now. and i gotta say, i’m wounded!”

“that’s cause dodge is my boyfriend. and he’s the only guy.” you scowled, crossing your arms to your chest. avoiding his eyes, you tried to search for dodge, heather, hell even diggins for a way out. but with no such luck, luke laughed heartily, which only increased your irritation.

“come on, don’t be like that! what’s so special about him anyway? i bet i could show you a better time-” his free hand that wasn’t holding his cigarette was used to push your hair out of your face before grazing your jawline. truth be told, you didn’t realize what was happening, only taking notice of cheap, strong spirits and nicotine that acted as cologne tickling your nose, along with calloused fingers going from your jawline and treading lower. it wasn’t until luke’s flirtations were cut off by nat, who slapped him so hard that the imprint of her small hand was tattooed red onto his alabaster skin.

“get off of her asshole! she was never interested. deal with it.” jumping at the volume her voice carried, you watched as the situation caught the attention of certain partygoers. as they began to whisper and point, you watched nat glare at luke as though it would land him six feet under. you knew word traveled fast in a small town, which meant putting a stop to it before things could get blown out of proportion. reaching for nat, you coaxed her into exiting the hot tub. you were ready to walk away when luke moved closer to the ladder of the small body of water, ready to pin you and nat into a corner. while nat acted as a barrier between you and the eldest hall brother, you debated going back into the hot tub and running off in the opposite direction. luckily, the logicless plan didn’t need to be executed when the love of your life intervened.

“leave them alone, luke.” your savior shoved luke’s shoulder. out of habit, you leaned into dodge’s familiar hold as he came up to you.

“and what if i don’t? the pretty lady and i were just about to have some fun.” luke asked.

“trust me when i say that having fun doesn’t mean harassing people.” dodge retorted, ready to get up in luke’s face when you stopped him.

“dodge,” you laid a hand on his chest, whispering, “let’s just find heather and go home. please.” upon noticing you trembling beneath him, his stoney exterior immediately crumbled. he nodded, standing down when luke began to push his buttons.

“you’re the mysterious dodge mason? you definitely don’t live up to the hype.” luke looked him up and down before speaking to you again, “come on, sweetheart. you and i know he’s not much. i could be better-” everything happened so fast that the sudden slam startled you and nat. next thing you knew, dodge had him by the collar of his shirt.

“listen to me very carefully, luke. you leave us alone, and i mean it. you even think about going near y/n like that again and this’ll be the last time you’re seen standing. you got that?” he threatened. you couldn’t hear what he said, but it was enough for you to step in. slipping away from nat, she wasn’t in the mindset to stop you from approaching them. a hand made its way onto dodge’s back, the other going to his clenching wrists.

“dodge, he’s not worth the trouble, and we shouldn’t give him the satisfaction, especially when he’s shit-faced.” you nodded towards luke. you were stuck in a wordless war with your stern stare while he furrowed his eyebrows in response. reluctantly, he let go. nat ran to your side, and the three began to walk away. but not before dodge pulled back, managing to get one punch in and ultimately knocking luke into the hot tub. you silently cringed at the impact while your raven haired friend cheered for him loudly. playing along with the act, he courteously bowed, a quirk appearing at the corner of his lips. wrapping his arms around you and nat, he began to walk you both towards the car when another round of whispers ripped through the air. except this time, it wasn’t your doing.

when people began pushing past you, it led you three to turn around, only for nat to gasp loudly at the sight of red paint dripping down diggins’ walls. you knew it could only mean one thing, but your feet were frozen to the ground, still processing the events that occurred moments before. with everyone caught up with the clue, you felt foolish for looking at the floor, all while dodge cautiously eyed you the entire time. from the corner of her eye, nat could see that you two needed time together, and as your best friend, she made sure to provide that for you. removing herself from dodge, she pointed to the people.

“i’m gonna see if heather’s in the crowd, check the clue out while i’m at it.” she left as quickly as she spoke. dodge didn’t miss a beat once he noticed the nod nat gave him. mentally reminding himself to thank her whenever possible, dodge took notice of you fidgeting under his arm and trying to hide yourself. the motion alone was enough for him to pull away, but not without watching you with a careful eye.

“how’re you feeling?” dodge thought he knew the answer, but thinking back to how unresponsive or monotonous you were during the altercation quickly made him realize he had absolutely no idea. with that, another wave of concern crashed over him, his fingers tapping against himself.

“i’m fine. we should be with nat, checking out the clue.” you shrugged, avoiding him by staring distantly. you could feel him draping his button up around your shoulders, and you were going to walk away from him in order to continue avoiding the repercussions of the situation, to deal with it on your own when dodge caught you by the wrist in a silent plea to stay. when you didn’t take a step further into the crowd, he walked up to you, his hands coming up to cup your cheeks.

“i don’t care about the clue right now. i care about you.” he assured you. that was all it took for you to tear up. pressing his forehead to yours, as soon as a sob ripped from your throat, he pulled you into him, ready to comfort you. his mere presence alone put you at ease because his warmth was like no other. dodge carried the feeling of being loved kindly, passionately, and wholly by and for someone who didn’t get enough love. it was different, but a good difference compared to the years you’d been tormented by luke. it felt like forever in his embrace, but you wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

“y/n!” you pulled your head up from dodge to hear heather’s voice carrying through the crowd. nat wasn’t too far behind, but you yelped loudly as her head fell limp onto your shoulder. heather was clearly intoxicated as she slurred out her question, “are you okay?” the sight was enough to elicit a chuckle.

“mhm. now, let’s get you home. i’m sure lily’s waiting for you.” you pat her head, actually putting on dodge’s button up before wrapping an arm around heather’s waist. taking your boyfriend’s hand, nat took heather’s and the four of you walked away from the chaos of the party to the silent song of the starry night. you smiled, ready to get out of there. and with a squeeze of your hand, courtesy of dodge to keep you grounded, it was enough to know that you would forever be his, and he’d be yours through anything.

A Special Occasion

main masterlist

REQUESTED: "Hey holden !! I hope you're having a great day. If you're still writing for the Grishaverse, do you mind writing a nikolai lantsov fic x royalty reader, rivals to lovers [more of the request can be seen by clicking the link]

SUMMARY: there is a thin line between love and hate and the reader and nikolai are forced to discover just how thin it is.

WARNINGS: pronouns used are she/her and there are two different povs: nikolai and the reader.

WORD COUNT: 3048

A/N: this request>>>>> oh my lord, it was amazing. the moment i read it i was like "woah." thank you very much for entrusting me with this, i hope i delivered :)

the princess −

The big day was sadly approaching. The happiest day of your life, or so they said.

You weren't exactly keen on meeting this new king your parents were so excited to marry you off to.

They said he was the most powerful man in all of Ravka but Ravka never sounded too appeasing to you. It was a country, just like another, just like yours, and it was never your top priority looking after it.

There might have been another reason as to why you weren't that interested in meeting king Nikolai Lantsov of Ravka, and that reason was that another certain redhead had been clouding your mind recently.

You didn't know his name, you knew nothing of him if not what you had seen from a distance: a handsome pirate with a dashing smile and a quick tongue.

You had seen him in the port, heard him talk to his crew; he was charming and was so different from all the people you knew. He was everything royals weren't, everything you had ever longed for, and the simple knowledge you could have never met him saddened you every day.

Or couldn't you?

the king −

He had finally agreed to a marriage. After the entire triumvirate's continuous allusions to a political marriage − mainly Zoya's since David and Genya didn't care much about it anyway − Nikolai had finally accepted to settle down.

Settle down. Nikolai didn't like that expression. He had been ready to marry Alina in order to secure his country, that's true, but he knew it wouldn't have been serious. He knew Alina had other things on her mind and he knew he could have been free if he wanted, free to roam the world, but now was different.

He had to marry someone, a stranger, and he had to make it convincing. He had to lead a country and a family; that meant no more time at sea.

It had always been a great part of his life, the sea. It was a safe place, away from the court that never seemed to fit him, away from the place he called home but treated him as nothing more than a wayward child who had been given a far too great responsibility.

He loved the sea and he hated the prospect of giving it all up for a marriage he didn't even want. But maybe he hated even more the prospect of having to give up the only thing that had sparked his interest during those lonely days at court, trying to organize an entire country; a certain captain of a certain ship that seemed to be visiting Ravka quite often.

A beautiful sight, maybe too much he thought, with a bright smile and a wicked sparkle in her eyes.

The moment he settled his eyes onto hers, he had decided he had to meet her. It wasn't a want, it was a need.

He couldn't possibly approach a captain as the king without a plausible reason, but a certain privateer surely could.

the captain −

You hated having to set port in Ravka once more, but it was necessary. You had begged your parents to let you travel the sea. And they had agreed, on one condition: the princess couldn't do such low things.

And the princess wouldn't have.

You had managed to convince the best healer of your country to tailor you, just enough to hide your identity. The healer couldn't do wonders, but you hoped you would have had the chance of meeting the great Genya Safin, the best tailor to ever live, and you had hoped she would have helped you.

So you put on your uniform once more, you picked your hat and headed to your trusted healer. It didn't take much, although it prickled your skin a little, and you were on the sea in no time.

Ravka was already in sight and with it, Genya Safin. You had no idea how you could have met her, but when you would have finally, sadly, been queen of Ravka, you could have had appointments with her with no problem.

You set foot on the port, as usual, and began your routinely tasks your parents had given you. Boring, but it was better than staying at court waiting for the inevitable moment of the wedding.

You turned back towards your ship, ready to set sail again.

"That is my spot, actually."

You turned around to meet the owner of the voice and almost stumbled back into the water. Luckily your ship was there to give your hands a handhold.

"I could think about lending it to you in exchange of a name though."

"I didn't know pirates had reserved spots in royal ports." you answered playfully.

The person in front of you was the charming pirate, the one that had stole your heart long ago and that threatened not to give it back anytime soon.

"Privateer."

"You don't look like a privateer."

"You don't look like a Ravkan, why are you here?" he asked again. His tone was playful, he didn't care about the answer. "In my spot, furthermore."

He added the last sentence with a smirk and you swore your whole body heated up. Never had a man had such an effect on you; you cursed yourself for it.

"Well, pirate, i have royal matters to attend."

"Are you royalty?"

"At the service of it." you quickly lied; you needed to if you wanted to live that life.

"Then that makes two of us." he said and he took a step further. "But you are still in my spot."

He glanced at the ship behind your back, then set his wonderful muddy green eyes back on you.

"And what are you gonna do about it?" you challenged. You prayed to every Saint you knew that he accepted your challenge.

"You are not paying attention, captain," he said, his voice so low and sweet you couldn't help but let yourself be lost in his words. "Your name and i'll simply forget about it."

He casually placed his arm on the hull of your ship, leaning against you a little more, his eyes the only thing you could see.

"Has this ever worked with someone?" you asked, a mischievous grin on your face.

A twin one appeared on his. "I'm hoping it works on you."

You slowly released yourself from his hypnotizing gaze, taking hold of one of the ship's ropes.

"Who knows..."

You started climbing back on the ship, ready to set sail again and leave your charming pirate − alas, privateer − on ground.

"You are not going to give me your name, are you?" he almost shouted, following your figure with his eyes as you found your place behind the helm.

"I'm saving it for a special occasion, pirate."

He glanced at you once more, "Privateer."

the king −

It was here, the day. Not big, not special, just the day in which he would have met his future partner for life.

The wedding would have been in a week and yet he couldn't find a single spark of excitement in himself.

He couldn't feel anything. Until he started talking to her.

The princess wasn't giddy, she wasn't haughty, she was... nothing. She didn't even spare a word for Nikolai, maybe it was better that way. Did he really want to talk to her? Not really.

He wanted to have nothing to do with her, but sadly he had to.

"I was thinking we could settle some rules." casually proposed Nikolai over a cup of tea.

She was sat in front of him, her gaze set on the wide variety of plants of the royal gardens. She didn't even look remotely interested and Nikolai didn't know whether he should have been glad or offended.

"Rules?" she asked, raising one eyebrow and finally looking at him.

She was pretty, gorgeous even, but she was nothing more than that. He didn't know her and had no interest in finding out.

"To make this arrangement go as well as we can." he said nonchalantly, placing his teacup back down on the table. "Unless you want to keep on ignoring me, then we can simply ignore each other forever. Although the people will probably think something is up if a husband and a wife don't even as much as glance in the other's direction once in a while."

"Oh i'm sorry, is my lack of eye contact bothering you? I'm sure you must not be used to people not watching you."

Nikolai fought the urge to roll his eyes. This marriage wouldn't have gone as easily as he wished it could have been.

He found himself thinking back of the mysterious captain: perhaps he found it difficult to accept the princess because he was stuck on her.

He knew he should have stopped, forgotten her, chosen what was best for his country. But Saints, he had no intention of doing so.

"You are right, people's eyes usually are on me. Rightfully so."

"I don't know about that last part, there's not much to look at."

She had chosen war and Nikolai was happy to bring it to her: it would have kept him busy.

"Unlike you. The problem is when you open your mouth."

He had a polite smile on his face. She had an expressionless face, a gaze so cold Nikolai felt shivers down his spine. Then a smirk, and he swore it reminded him of someone.

"Do you ever know when to shut yours?"

"Care to teach me? Or haven't you learned yourself yet?"

She bit her cheek and that seemed to cheer him up a bit.

She abruptly got up from her chair, her gaze still as cold. "If you'll excuse me, i have to go as far away from you as possible. If i have to murder you, it should be after our marriage."

And with that she stormed away. Nikolai couldn't believe her: out of the two, he should have been the one to leave. She was the one that had started it after all.

The time alone however gave him something to think about: whenever he would have been able to meet again with the intriguing captain.

the princess −

The next days in Ravka had been a calvary; you avoided the king as much as you could, but it seemed difficult to avoid him in his palace, despite its vastness.

At breakfast, he simply had to remark your 'peculiar morning appearance'. You would have loved to retort but he looked the same from early morning to deep night: always undoubtedly perfect. Not a hair out of place, not a wrinkle on his clothes and that was infuriating.

In the afternoon, you always seemed to cross his way and you couldn't restrain yourself from commenting. Something futile, something useless, but you had to comment. Just to annoy him, it always made you feel better; a little revenge for the morning.

The nights were the worst: you had managed to bargain a room alone, at least until the wedding, but you always found yourself thinking about him.

How insufferable he could be and how impossible it was to escape from him. The thoughts of the king were usually accompanied by the thoughts of the pirate and how you had no chance with him.

A princess marrying a pirate? Escaping with him? Silly and totally unacceptable.

This made your nights sleepless and in the morning you always suffered from it.

You didn't know how longer you could bear this situation and you couldn't help but think about how it could have only worsened after the wedding, in a few days. You couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, that wedding shouldn't have happened, that maybe your parents could manage well enough without you.

the privateer −

Nikolai had to meet her again. Well, Sturmhond had to.

He asked Genya to tailor him again. She didn't question him, but she threw him a look, one that said 'maybe you should stop this and start focusing on what really matters'. Good thing Nikolai liked ignoring hidden meanings behind gazes.

He hadn't discovered her name yet, despite having met her other times already, and every time he saw her he slowly fell deeper and deeper for the captain.

He didn't know how it was possible to fall for someone he didn't even know the name of, and yet every time he saw her, he felt his heartbeat quicken, his body growing warmer, his smile bigger.

She was a spell; stronger than the sea, she strayed him further and further away from shore, but maybe he didn't despise being a castaway, lost at sea. As long as he could be lost with her.

"Captain."

"Pirate." she said with a smile.

He sat next to her under the moonlight. Their usual place, their usual time, under the stars. He wouldn't have exchanged those moments for anything. The only thing that could have made it better would have been if she were the princess; it would have been easier.

"I told you, it's privateer."

"I can never seem to get it in my head, you know?"

"Maybe a name would be easier to remember." he whispered. He wasn't sure he wanted to say it out loud, he was afraid he would have ruined the magic that reigned over them by revealing his name.

She would have said no, but what if she said yes? Would he have told her Sturmhond or would he have told her Nikolai?

"I told you i'm keeping it for a special occasion." she said, smiling broadly.

Nikolai loved her smile and yet he found himself thinking; it reminded him of something, of someone. It felt so close and so distant.

"And what is this special occasion?"

She gazed at the stars, reflecting on her eyes. She never looked more endearing.

"Run away with me."

He suddenly came back to reality. "What?"

"Run away with me. From all of this, from all responsibilities. It could be just us, at sea, we'd be pirates. Real ones."

She turned to look at him, a look so sweet and so naive. But he couldn't find a good reason not to say yes.

There were a lot of reasons, more than a lot. It was more difficult finding a good reason to leave everything and escape, and yet it seemed like the only option.

He could have her, he could have everything and he could leave the rest behind. The triumvirate would have managed without him, wouldn't it? Zoya could be a leader. He could have been a pirate, nothing more for once, and he could have been it with her captain.

"I know it sounds stupid but think about it. What do we really have here?"

He leaned in, just enough to brush his lips with hers. "Nothing, everything i need is with you."

He kissed her feverishly and yet passionately, he kissed her because he wanted to seal the promise he was going to make to her. He wouldn't have looked back.

"When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow, the king's wedding. I don't think they'll miss us."

She smiled, he got lost in her eyes again.

"I don't think so either."

the princess −

You had done it, and there was no turning back. You had asked your beloved privateer to run away with you. It was foolish but you didn't care.

You thought of your parents: yours was a powerful country, they wouldn't have been too destroyed by the missed arrangement. You could have met them some other time, they would have eventually understood.

You thought of Nikolai: he wouldn't have understood. His country needed that marriage, he needed an ally, but were you his only possibility? There were probably hundreds of princesses ready to throw themselves at his feet; he could manage.

You ran through the corridors, giddy as a child who had just kissed her crush. It felt like a dream and waking up wasn't in your plans.

You woke up the next morning with resolve written all over your face. After having quickly dressed up with the first thing you found, you ran down the corridors to meet Genya.

You should have been getting ready for the wedding: your dress had already been picked out, everyone was ready. Everyone but you.

You arrived breathlessly in front of Genya's room, but you weren't the only one.

"What are you doing here?"

"What are you doing here?" you replied, panting hard.

Nikolai looked at you confused. "I have to speak to Genya."

"Well, me too, and it's rather important."

"You'll have to wait then."

"You will have to wait then." you kept on retorting, trying to impose yourself.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

He remained silent, chest heaving, and you kept on staring at each other. No one dared to make a move, no one dared to speak.

"Listen," he began, his tone suddenly calmer. He took a step closer to you and lowered his voice, afraid someone could hear. "I know i haven't been exactly nice with you but-"

"You don't say."

"But," he repeated, more resolute. "I hope you can find happiness somehow."

You stared at him, mouth agape. You didn't recognize the words as his. He had never been kind to you and you felt suddenly uneasy.

"Now, i would love if you could move so that i can speak with Genya."

You steeled yourself in front the door, placing your hand firmly on the handle to prevent him from entering. "And what if i don't? What are you gonna do about it?"

His face went blank. His previous condescending attitude was gone, replaced by utter confusion. He glanced at the door to Genya's room then back at you.

You looked at him in confusion: he really was a puzzle. He had just argued with you, been nice to you and zoned out, all in the span of a minute.

A smile abruptly spread on his face. You furrowed your brows; it was weird, you had never seen him smile, and yet you felt as if you did. It awfully reminded you of a smile you had seen many times before, but it was impossible.

He casually leaned himself over you, one hand firmly placed on the door and then, the other found its place on the back of your neck just as his lips found purchase on your own.

Your first thought was to push him away but then the sparks erupted. You knew this kiss; you loved this kiss.

You both pulled away and, instead of green, you found hazel eyes looking down at you. The hair was not reddish anymore, it was that perfectly styled blond you hated but couldn't help but admire. The smile, however, was the same, and you asked yourself how it was possible you hadn't recognized it before.

"So that's why you didn't want to tell me your name, huh?"

You were still distraught after the revelation: it was so clear, how could you have not seen it? Was it the love you felt for the pirate that prevented you from seeing it? Was it the hate you so desperately wished to feel for the king that clouded your eyes?

"How?"

"How did i know it was you? It was my superior intellect of course." he said smugly and in his words you recognized both the prince's snarky attitude and the pirate's playful tone. And you loved it.

"How did you manage to be the most lovable person i've ever met and the most hateful at the same time?"

He chuckled lightly. "Duality, princess. Or should i call you captain?"

"You should call me by my name now that you know it." you said challengingly.

You wanted to be mad, you wanted to hate Nikolai because that's what you thought you should have done from the beginning. But as his hazel eyes gazed into yours, you saw the green ones you fell in love with and how could you hate such eyes?

"I want to hear you say it."

"I'm keeping it for a special occasion, or did you forget?"

He took your lips in for another kiss. You were kissing the king and you wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else. "Would our wedding be an occasion special enough?"

taglist - @henqtic @eunoniaa @wh0re4blaise @harmqnia @sanctimoniousslytherpuff @maybesandohnos @youreso-golden @beforeoursunsets @o-rion-sta-r @mollysolo @prettygirlkay @dlmmdl @chaoticgirl04 @badass-yn @peachybaes @dracomalfoys-wh0re @dreamcxtcherr @gwlvr @aleksanderwh0r3 @antideppresants @miraclesoflove @tartheanmaid @amourslover @i-love-scott-mccall @im-constantly-fangirling @s1xthirty

[if your name is crossed out, check your privacy settings! if you don't want to be tagged anymore, tell me!]

our secrets are buried shallow || t.n. x reader

Word Count: 5.6k

Warnings: fluff, a smidge of angst, a kiss or two but it’s all sweet, christmas tradition (mistletoe) but no religion specified, an innuendo or two but nothing bad

Request: theo nott x reader where they go on a double date with separate dates but they spend the whole time flirting with each other

a/n: it has been 6 months since i even considered it writing so things are a little rusty. i decided to just forgo the taglist because it's been so long, but i appreciate any and all interaction. this is for @draconisxcaput ‘s writing event and i loved participating! thank you for putting it all together babe and i can’t wait to see all the other fics. enjoy!

—————

It was a bad idea from the start.

You could accept that; you could acknowledge it. It wasn’t necessarily your fault, but you did fuck up. And, it seemed, once you started lying, it was awfully hard to stop.

“A date, you say?” Theo asked, curiosity quirking his lips.

You nodded, tense. “Yup.” (A lie. There was no date.)

Both his and Lavender’s brows raised, but a challenge glimmered in the former’s eyes. They waited for you to continue, expectant, but your throat was too dry to give anything more than another nod, promptly looking away from Theo.

It really was an accident. Lavender had managed to talk about Ron for an entire hour—though not for the first time—and when she finally finished the story about how they began dating, you had grown beyond tired. And so maybe, yes, it was your fault, but honestly who could blame you?

You may have blurted that you had a date of your own, but that was only to switch the topic. An entirely understandable action as your ears were ringing from the giggles and squeals and pet names that made you ill. And there was no way you could have known that Theo would swoop in right at the second, making your lie a little less escapable.

You were moments away from bringing up Ron, if only to get Lavender talking about herself again, when her name was called down the corridor, pulling her away. Once she was gone, you let out a heavy sigh, closed your eyes, and imagined a world where you kept your damn mouth shut. This had to be your worst idea yet.

“So,” Theo broke the silence, just as you considered begging Dumbledore for a Time-Turner (you were sure he could understand your distress), “this…date.”

He didn’t believe you. You could hear it in his voice. Of course he didn’t believe you. The stupid lilt to his stupid tone made you want to slap his stupid face. It was always Theo ruining your life, never anyone else.

“What about it?” You opened your eyes, fighting the urge to rub your temples. “Are you jealous?”

He scoffed. “I would never be jealous—”

“It’s alright, Theodore,” you soothed. “If you want some pointers, you only need to ask.” You spun away at that, beginning your trek to the library.

He fell into step right beside you. “I don’t need any pointers—not from you, at least. I’m just curious about the sad bloke who asked you out.”

You smiled sweetly, electing to ignore the insult. “I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”

“Humor me.”

You rolled your eyes. “Fine. If you’re really interested….”

Ever-so-slightly, Theo leaned down. Excitement lit up in your stomach at the opportunity you’ve been given. Silver-linings and all. He hummed, indicating for you to go on.

“Well,” you started, turning the corner, letting your voice follow, “he’s got blond hair—not like Draco’s, more of a dirty blond. And it shines in the sun, almost like spun gold. It’s mesmerizing, you know?” (You didn’t even know.) You closed your eyes, pretending to be lost in thought.

“And?” If it were anyone else, you would say he was actually interested.

“And—and he’s shorter, but not too short. Just perfect for me, I think.” You passed the threshold, softening your voice to match the quiet room, which only made Theo move closer. “And he’s nice. Sweet. Thoughtful. He takes care of me. You know what?”

“What?” His voice was lower, smoother.

“I think I might’ve found the one, Theo. Like the one.”

He laughed, but some amount of resentment dripped from the sound. “I’m sure you did, sweetheart. Just remember to tell me how long it lasts.”

You bristled but continued, pasting on a renewed smile as you found your table of friends. Theo chose a seat slightly out of your peripheral, but you could feel his presence. Within minutes, you were focused on immersing yourself in the conversation, and more importantly, ignoring the gaze that was lasering itself into the side of your face.

Now that you had a chance to think about it, you had only worsened things for yourself. You still didn’t have a date, nor a potential suitor, and you had spoken about this made-up person like you were on track to fall in love with him. Hell, you couldn’t think of anyone who matched the description.

And what was it for? To make Theo feel bad? To make him jealous? It was a constant game between the two of you, but you wondered if you’d taken it too far this time.

Draco and Pansy got caught in another debate, and you were happy enough to see him engaging with the group that you let yourself zone out. Nobody was actually out there for you, not the one, like you taunted Theo with. There was no way out of this, and your only option was to pray to any and every listening god that Theo forgot about your ‘date’.

But luck was not on your side today, and all too soon, fingers were snapping in front of your face, bringing you out of your trance. You shoved whoever was responsible (Theo, of course), and turned your attention on the group.

“Yes?” Annoyance leaked into your question.

“I was just telling them about your date,” Theo said, putting an emphasis on the last word. His grin was back, and your stomach churned.

You had been friends with him since you were little—best friends, even—but that had changed after fourth year. There was a fight, one you could hardly recall, and you never bounced back. Not the same, at least. You tried not to think of the times before, when he had been the closest person in the world to you, but moments like this made you wonder if the only reason he still bothered with you was to make you hurt. And more than that, you wondered if you deserved it.

He always was too good to you.

“My date.” You swallowed. “Yep. Tomorrow, down in Hogsmeade.”

“Oh?” Blaise questioned, and for a second you were worried he could see right through you. His eyes narrowed, his lips quirked, but that was all. He turned his attention to Theo. “And you, Nott? Have you managed to charm a girl yet?”

You stifled your laugh. “Theo couldn’t get a date if his life depended on it.” (Another lie. A terrible one. But you certainly would never admit the truth.)

His jaw clenched for hardly a breath, then—as if the most brilliant idea filled his mind—he was smirking. “As a matter of fact,” he glanced towards you, “I have a date of my own tomorrow.”

Something sour filled your mouth. (Jealousy, perhaps. No, not that. Definitely not that.) You clenched your jaw and felt your hate grow, a dagger piercing your chest. You hated this competition, this game, the rules of which you didn’t even know. What were you doing?

Blaise’s face lit up more than you’d ever seen. Pansy and Draco also paused their hushed bickering to pay attention. “Is that right?”

You spared a glance toward Theo to find him already watching you. Some hesitance flickered in his eyes, but it was gone before you could name it as such. Now, he smiled. Nodded. Turned back and confirmed exactly what he had said.

“It’s a bit last minute,” Theo admitted, “but I think we’re going to have fun. Shopping. Walking. Who knows what else.” He let the innuendo hang in the air.

You bit your tongue.

Just like that, whatever hopes for rekindling friendship with Theo disappeared. He was always doing this. One-upping you, bringing his conquests around, making sure you saw. And you wish you could blame him for it, but in all honestly, you found yourself doing the exact same thing.

Maybe that’s why you immediately agreed to Blaise’s next suggestion, if only so you could show Theo that you didn’t, that you never needed him. You’d figure something out.

“Well if you two are both going tomorrow, you might as well go together. I hear Madam Puddifoot’s has a discounted price for large parties. A double date, if you will.”

And while Theo recoiled, you leaned forward. “That is a great idea. Right, Theo?”

He twisted in his seat, let his gaze flick toward the sunset outside, then looked at you. The challenge remained. “I think that sounds wonderful.”

—

You were fucked.

Yes, you established that before, but this time was different. You tried to figure out why you would ever put yourself in this situation, but the only answer you could think of was because you were stupid. Plain, simple. Stupid and fucked. (You winced when you paired those words together.)

And now here you were, scrambling to find a date that you didn’t even want to go on in the first place. Maybe it wasn’t your fault. Maybe it was Lavender’s. (You made a mental note to disperse some of the blame onto her later.) And Theo’s. (Definitely his fault.)

It would be easier if you hadn’t given a description of your imaginary suitor—Theo’s precise opposite, no less—but you just had to go and make him jealous. The holidays were designed for not stressing, but you were doing just that.

That evening, you scoured the corridors for someone even moderately close to what you had detailed. And you thanked Merlin himself when you finally found them.

Terry Boot. Ravenclaw. Not too tall, not too short. Light brown hair. It would work. You would make it work.

He was smiling as you walked up to him. You had an intention, letting your hips sway, pulling your hair back from your face. One shot.

“Hi, Terry,” you started. He was a bit taller than you, but not much. Perfect. “I have a question for you.”

Confusion flitted across his face, but it was all in good nature. “What’s up?”

You let out a silent breath. This was going to be easier than you thought. You had taken enough classes to resolve any awkwardness, and he seemed interested enough to keep talking to you. (You were taking what you could get.) “Well, tomorrow is the last Hogsmeade trip before break, and I have no one to go with, and I was just thinking….” You paused and called it dramatic effect.

“Thinking…what?” His lips tilted up, and you found him leaning closer. He was a foreign presence, especially so close, but you didn’t hate it. Not at all.

“We could go together? Maybe to Madam Puddifoot's? They have a discount and some of my other friends are going, and I’d hate to show up all alone.” You gingerly grazed his tie with your finger. “It could be fun.”

Terry hummed. “It could be. And I don’t technically have any plans….”

You perked up. “So—technically—you would want to go on a date with me tomorrow at noon at Madam Puddifoot's?” You were reaching, but you didn’t care.

You sighed in relief when he nodded, and then froze when he pressed a chaste kiss to your cheek before running into the Great Hall. Still foreign, still not entirely unwelcomed.

You considered following him in, then thought better of it. You just needed to breathe, but before you could manage that, Theo caught your eye. You gave him a smile, dazed for reasons you couldn’t identify, then walked in the opposite direction, not once looking back.

—

Honestly, you deserved more credit than you gave yourself. Not only did you make up an elaborate lie that landed you on a double date (minus the date), but you also saved yourself by finding a date within a handful of hours.

You were almost grateful for your bad decisions, which was another plus, because now you could see Hogsmeade during Christmastime. It was lovely—that was the only way to describe it. Snow glittered from rooftops, flakes landed on noses, and it was nature that brought the magic for once. Glittering lights, frost-covered branches, excitement you could feel in your lungs.

It was something shared between all those around you, and perhaps that’s what made it so remarkable.

“You ready?” Terry asked, a careful hand on your back. You appreciated that quality of him, the way he didn’t push any further, didn’t make any attempts.

In the walk from the castle, you had learned there was a lot to appreciate about Terry, actually. You always knew him as kind, but you were now learning each other on a different plane, testing waters you had never once considered. It was romantic, for sure, in all the ways young love was.

Still, the distinct pain, the damned dagger, that filled your chest whenever you saw Theo was present. And behind it, a trickle of surprise. You hadn’t truly thought he had a date, had even prepared to buy him something from Honeydukes to lift his spirits, yet there he was, his own hand holding Daphne’s.

Maybe you should have seen it coming, but even now you were hesitant to acknowledge it for reasons you were not quite ready to admit. Daphne was as good of a friend to you as she was to Theo. You shouldn’t have been surprised.

Yet….

“Ready as ever,” you murmured, nearly taken aback by how comfortable you already were with Terry. He was good for you.

Theo held the door open. Terry thanked him. You did not.

The shop was large, albeit busy, and you were lucky to get a seat in the back corner. The light was dim enough to be warm, even though the air outside was beyond frigid. The sweater you wore under your robes was too thin, you realized, but you told yourself to power through it.

Like a gentleman, Terry pulled out a chair for you, waiting for you to sit, then going as far as to push it in. You felt your cheeks heat, and you didn’t imagine a scoff that resounded from a certain individual.

You flicked your eyes to Theo, who deigned to sit right across from you, then moved to Daphne, giving her a friendly smile.

Before you could take even a moment to take in your surroundings, Theo was speaking to Terry. “So you’re the hot date.” He winked, and you fought the urge to strangle him with his own scarf.

Terry took it lightly, even attempted a laugh, but the unease was there. And you could hardly blame him, what with the way Theo was staring him down like a shark.

It took half a mind to send him a swift kick under the table, hard enough that a wince made it to his face. Theo grunted, and you smiled.

“I suppose so,” Terry recovered. “Didn’t know I was discussed, though.”

You bit your cheek, trying not to kick Theo again. “Theo’s exaggerating. I only mentioned you were coming, I promise.” You offered Terry an apologetic smile. “Some people just can’t help themselves.”

This time, your shin was the victim, and you held back any signs of pain.

Conversation continued on, thankfully less painful than Theo had first attempted. But an amount of stilting did remain, and more often than not, you felt like you were taking a test rather than going on a date.

When the queue at the counter had shrunk, you decided to order the drinks yourself. You gave Terry a pitying glance as you left, but were glad to be out of that atmosphere. The line, while sizeable, was shorter than you expected, and you were reciting your orders before you knew it.

You might have thought you were free while you waited, but you would be wrong. As you stood at the counter, your drinks being placed in front of you, Theo decided he was not done with this form of torture yet.

“Need help?” he asked, steadying the cup you nearly dropped as a result.

“I’m fine, actually.”

“You don’t look fine.”

“Thanks, Theo.” You rolled your eyes, reaching for a second cup just as Theo did. Your fingers met, and you held back a jolt, retracting immediately.

He grabbed the cup as you reached for a different one, walking back to your table before he could pick up the last. You cursed his long legs, however, as they brought him to your side immediately.

“Having fun?” He stepped in front of you, leading the way through the tables with his hands full. Like it was easy.

“That’s a word for it,” you muttered.

“Oh, don’t be so upset. You and Boot have the whole break to spend time with each other. Quality time,” he suggested, and you almost threw both cups at his face.

“I don’t like you.”

“Sure.”

You all but collapsed back into your chair, haphazardly dropping the tea along the way. This stress was killing you, you swore it. “Peppermint, elderberry, and two green.” You gave one of the green teas to Theo, then kept the other for yourself, silently cursing the fact that you had the same order.

Even unknowingly, he was testing you.

Things picked back up quickly enough, and you made it a goal to relax. You wouldn’t let these circumstances stop you from enjoying your date, even if it was all just a ruse. They didn’t know that. Besides, neither Terry nor Daphne was terrible company, and Theo did have his good times, few as they were.

And you would say by the end of your cup that you accomplished that mission; you were smiling, laughing, and the tension moved down to a simmer. What accompanied that ceasefire, however, was more concerning than you liked to admit.

It was the chatter, or the warmth, or maybe the fact that Theo and you drinking green tea under dim light was not an entirely unfamiliar occurrence. Then, you had to remind yourself that there were other, more important parties present, and memories were just that.

But even so, when Daphne made a crack at Snape and the unimaginable amount of grease sitting in his hair, your first reaction was to look towards Theo, checking if he was laughing before anything else.

Moments like those, the shared glances, made that metaphorical dagger dig deep, the tip finding your heart and pressing relentlessly into it.

When you were finished, the pain had grown to a constant, dull ache and you were more than happy to make it out of the shop, the cold air a welcomed respite. You and Theo exited first, and in the minute delay between your party, he rounded on you.

“A Ravenclaw? Seriously?” he sneered, and it was enough of a shock that you flinched back. There was a dichotomy here, between the boy who drank green tea and knocked knees with you under the table, and the one who stood in front of you now.

“Do you ever quit, Theodore?” you snapped.

“We’re back to ‘Theodore’ now?”

“Evidently.”

His mouth shut, and you blamed your eyes watering on the brisk wind that cut through you. You expected a fight, but instead, he shook his head, unwrapping the scarf from around his neck and shoving it into your chest, then stalked away to meet Daphne.

You sighed, guilt building in the base of your throat, though you knew you hadn’t done anything wrong. Giving Theo one last glance, you wrapped the scarf around your neck. You truly were freezing.

Terry appeared in front of you, a smile still etched on his face. You did your best to return it, but you feared your attempt was a little more than lacking.

“Alright?” he asked.

You nodded, taking him in. He was cute, just as you had described. Attractive in all the right ways, but something still felt off. But before you could put your finger on it, Terry was pointing up, and you followed his gaze to find the mistletoe hanging above you.

You could have laughed at the sheer irony of the situation. Of course this would be happening right now.

“What do you say?” you offered, because you didn’t have much else to lose. Daphne and Theo were sharing their own conversation of whispers. The stage was practically set for you.

Terry dipped his chin. “Happy Christmas, I guess.” His hand found your side, still painfully careful, and you didn’t need to move far to meet his lips.

Somehow, kissing Terry was entirely like you expected it to be. He moved at your pace, you liked that about him, but there was no urge to deepen it, no temptation. You felt like actors, playing parts that you didn’t quite fit into it.

Terry places one hand on your waist.

You place one hand on his shoulder.

Your eyes close, your lips meet, it is perfect.

But the butterflies, the ones that are supposed to fly around in your stomach, were missing. The adrenaline, the pull that draws you in and in and in, was missing. Instead, when you broke apart, you stayed apart, small smiles your final act.

You took a step back, catching Theo’s eye and wondering just how much he witnessed. You remembered now that this had all been a mistake, and you were naive to ever think otherwise. You lied, this is your punishment.

You averted your gaze quickly, but you knew his remained long after.

—

Thankfully, Terry did the honors of ending the arrangement. It was mutual, but it was still much easier than having to tell him yourself.

You weren’t interested. You probably never were, if you were being honest.

He departed quickly enough, as did Daphne, catching up with her own friends in Hogsmeade. It left just you and Theo, as well as the insurmountable distance between you.

Your hands went to loosen the scarf, but he beat you to it, keeping it in place. You hated that he did that, that he wouldn’t let you save one inch of your pride.

“I’ll walk you back,” he offered, something like regret coloring his voice.

You shook your head. “I’m not going back yet. I might as well do some shopping while I’m here.” You worked at the scarf again, and he stopped you again. “Go back to the castle, Theo. You don’t have to come with me.”

He was different now, his shoulders relaxed, something shifted in his nature. “Idiot. Of course I’m coming with you.”

You almost fought him on it, but thought better of it. You knew what he was worried about, who he was worried about, and you could hardly blame him. It was a collective agreement between your friends that you wouldn’t leave anyone behind or alone. This was just that.

“Alright,” you ceded as you began to walk, “but we’re going to Gladrags.”

Theo groaned, a layer of ice breaking. “I will never understand your fascination with that place. All they’re good for is socks, and those can hardly be called ‘good’.”

You gasped, faux-hurt. “Can hardly be called ‘good’? Are you insane? Gladrags Wizardwear is the peak of magic. You can’t find quality socks like that anywhere these days.”

“You’re an idiot.”

“Shut up.”

Despite his initial reluctance, Theo did follow you into Gladrags, past the screaming socks and all. He also followed you to the Magic Neep, Tomes and Scrolls, and every other shop you elected to enter along the way. As promised, he stayed by your side, not willing to leave you alone with the current crowds that filled Hogsmeade.

While the conversation may have gone well in Madam Puddifoot's, it flowed tenfold better now that it was just you. Once you got past the tension that immediately followed the date (disaster, you thought fit better), you and Theo clicked, just like you always did. Always used to.

The walking, the mindless chatter, the hidden smiles—they broke down walls you didn’t know existed, until verity was the only thing shared between the two of you.

It was while you were pondering this that you nearly ended up getting lost in the bustle. You were exiting Honeydukes, thinking about how you were going to surprise Theo with the Fudge Flies you had just bought him, when you were all but trampled by the oncoming crowd. You were knocked farther into what felt like a sea of people.

“Shit.” You were unmoving in the flow, and it was not looking good for you. You all but screamed when a hand latched onto your wrist, effectively pulling you out of the fray, but you relaxed when you realized it was just Theo.

He was shaking his head. “Idi—”

“Don’t even say it,” you cut him off. He almost retaliated, until you pulled out the box of treats, giving him the brightest smile you could muster. “I bought you something.”

He paused, waited a few moments, had your heart beating in your throat because maybe this was a mistake. But then he smiled back, a tilt more genuine than you were used to seeing on his face. He carefully held the chocolate, then pocketed them safely, murmuring (so low only you would ever hear), “Thank you.”

If he noticed that he was still holding fast to your wrist, he didn’t comment on it. He had grabbed you there before, but only for split seconds, just to ensure you didn’t get separated. Now, however, it felt like more of an indulgence than anything else.

You didn’t mention it, and began pulling him along to the next shop, twisting so you could hold his hand more comfortably. (It was out of necessity.) (You ignored the accompanying flutter in your stomach.)

—

When it was nearing time to return to Hogwarts, the two of you took the longer route back. You almost felt a little bad, having dragged Theo around practically the entirety of Hogsmeade and now refusing any secret passages, but he didn’t seem to mind in the slightest.

What he did seem to mind, or so you thought, was his scarf wrapped around your neck. He wouldn’t stop staring at it. Did he want it back? You couldn’t tell. Hesitance defined your actions, as if one wrong move could bring everything crashing down.

You gingerly pulled at the ends, then came to the conclusion that he must want it back.

“Would you stop that?”

You turned to him, confusion decorating your face. This man was so hard to read sometimes. “Stop what?”

Theo sighed, stopping only to tighten the fabric for what felt like the hundredth time. “Taking the scarf off. You’re cold. Wear it.”

“But what if you get cold?”

“I’m not going to get cold.”

“But what if you do?”

“I haven’t yet, have I?”

“How am I supposed to know that?”

He sighed heavily, but amusement played across his eyes. “You’re going to be the death of me, I swear.”

You tried not to think about the feeling that brought you. (And the notable lightness in your chest.) Instead, you simply smiled and held the scarf tighter.

—

You couldn’t lie, there was some amount of disappointment when you arrived at the castle. You had been preparing yourself along the way, preparing to say goodbye to this side of him, and not for the first time.

Theo watched you carefully, you knew he did, and as snow turned to cobblestone (you hated the hidden meaning you found in that), he spoke.

“I’m sorry, by the way. I never did say that.” His tone was gentle, but it held no falseness.

You laughed, if only to take away this seriousness. It was not your favorite look on him. “It was just a joke, Theo. I don’t know why I chose a Ravenclaw either.”

He shook his head. “That’s not—” He paused then, contemplating something else. “Does he make you happy at least?”

The pain, this time, was something akin to heaviness, weighing you down. As if it were Theo resigning himself, not you, and it felt unnatural. “I’m happy, Theo. But not with Terry. We decided we’re better off as friends.”

You stopped just outside the corridor, still feeling the cool wind on your cheeks. Theo wrung his hands, a show of nervousness, and you resisted the urge to grab them, to lend him your stability. When he didn’t speak, you continued, “And you and Daphne? Does she make you happy?”

He smiled. Shook his head. Something was amiss, his grief misplaced. “It’s funny, really.”

“Hmm?”

“How we got here,” he supplied. His eyes were locked on your scarf. “I’m sorry for everything.” He didn’t specify what everything truly encompassed, but you could tell.

“You don’t have to apologize. It is what it is.” You tried to stand strong, to believe it yourself. (It didn’t work.)

It had been years since you appreciated just how tall he was. He got it from his dad, not his mom. You could remember that. Her coffin had been small, petite, and the first thought you had when you saw it was that Theo would never come close to fitting in there. Then you had cursed yourself because that was a picture that went past unforgivable.

There were lots of things to remember about Theo, beyond his tea and beyond his height. And suddenly, warmed by his scarf, his presence, you had the urge to rememorize every one of them.

Slowly, you reached for his hands, letting your wishes get the best of you. You didn’t want him hurting, and his fingers were already freezing. “I miss you,” you said quietly, maybe even hoping he wouldn’t hear.

“I’m right here.”

“No, you’re not,” you said. Because it was the truth. You ached for the friend you lost, for the rivalry that struck up in the absence. You hated that, never him.

The two of you stood there a while, listening as all the echoes dimmed, as it grew too late to stay out any longer. And, only because you were curious, you asked, “Were you jealous? Of Terry?”

Theo smiled, letting the act brighten the space between you. You relaxed. “Maybe. Were you jealous of Daphne?”

“Maybe.” (Yes.)

“She said something, you know. While you and Terry were sticking your tongues—”

“Theo,” you hissed.

He composed himself. “Sorry. While you and Terry were having your moment.” (You couldn’t tell if that was better or worse.) “She said that that was one of the worst dates she’d ever gone on, only because we were too busy with each other to even acknowledge her and Terry.” He laughed, and you found yourself doing the same.

“That’s insane.”

“But not wrong.”

You didn’t deny it.

Comfortable silence encircled you, honed your focus on one person (the boy, of course. The one who drank green tea, and loved chocolates, and who could be a bit of an asshole but only because he couldn’t help himself. Not when it came to you.) It was more than a ceasefire, you thought. It signaled something greater.

When you looked up, you took a moment to appreciate your luck. “A mistletoe,” you pointed out.

Theo tilted his head, disbelieving. “It’s getting cold, you know.”

“It is.”

“But,” he said, “rules are rules.”

You grinned. “Rules are rules.”

The roles, this time, were nonexistent. You were you, Theo was Theo. As it should have been. Both of your hands found his neck, reaching up to him, and he met you halfway. His lips were sweet, not sarcastic, no silver-tongue in sight. He guided you, but let you pick the game.

He tasted like chocolate and tea, and you supposed you tasted the same. His fingers curled into the fabric at your back, pulling you closer and closer (and still not close enough). There was some amount of communication in his actions.

Lean in, break for a breath, but only enough to keep going.

Hold on to what you can. Clothing, hair, skin. Let your nails search for purchase, otherwise you might just float away.

The game is over when you say it’s over, but please don’t call it short.

When you did break away, you didn’t move far, and decided you wanted to share his oxygen for just a little longer.

Theo smiled, all soft angles and warm lips. “You’re brilliant,” he breathed.

You flushed, flat on your feet, wondering what new territory you just discovered. Dimly, you remembered the cold, and pulled Theo inside with you, leaving the ground you just inhabited still prickling with your own sort of magic.

You searched for the nearest fireplace, letting out a sound of relief to finally feel the heat. You unwrapped the scarf, but (like every other time) Theo stopped you.

“Keep it,” he said.

“I have my own.”

“Keep it.” He let you hang the fabric loose, but still around your neck. A piece of him staying close.

There was something else he was hiding, words lingering in the back of his throat, his eyes a calculated prayer, begging for confession. “What?” you asked, gentle.

He weighed his options, took a deep breath, let it out. “To tell you the truth,” he said, smiling when your eyes widened, “I had to beg Daphne to come with me. It was all just to get on your nerves.”

Breathless, you calmed, realizing you were more similar than you thought. “You’re crazy, Theo.” (You still kissed his cheek when they warmed, though.) And then, almost in an exchange: “Can I tell you a secret?”

He leaned in, the action familiar. “Anything.”

You wondered if this was another bad idea, but pushed your doubt away. “There was never a date. Not at first. I only asked Terry out because Blaise set it all up. I barely knew him.”

“So you’re a liar?”

You bit your tongue at the hypocrisy. “Like you’re not. But I wanted to make you jealous, and he fit the description.”

Theo shook his head, chuckling. Mirth glimmered in his eyes. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“Anything,” you whispered.

“It worked.”

—————

Appreciation Tags: i literally would not have finished this fic without @thotbutpurple @anywherebuthere @quindolyn and @kirascottage . thank you guys sm ily you saved this mess

Tag List: @o-rion-sta-r @elysian-bxg @parkerwitha4 @roonilwazlibswhore @rcbinlogy @pogueslandia @jrj2 @bellatrixscurls @kat-girl9 @ameliasbitvh

late night stroll

pairing/s; fred weasley x fem!reader

warning/s; none

word count; 5.2k

summary; a late night stroll ends up with fred weasley discovering a rather rebellious little hufflepuff that promptly turns his world upside down. 

a/n; they call each other miss heartbreaker and mister loverboy affectionally no don’t touch me,,, anw this was supposed to be my fred fanfic’s first chapter but i changed the flow of the story now so it’s an imagine instead. a portion of this was inspired by that one fred imagine where they also bump into each other in the kitchens (i looked everywhere but can’t find it gah)

the painting swung open soundlessly and a certain flash of yellow darted past, keeping high alert for any noise or movement that wasn’t yours. even in your night things, the hufflepuff still sported an immense amount of house pride; bearing a yellow wool sweater and bee striped pajamas.

it had just chimed half past one in the morning at hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry and the castle was well put under a deep sleep. if a teacher were to catch you roaming about well after hours and sneaking out of the kitchens, it was inevitable that you’d be in detention for what could possibly be months.

probably even more if filch and that bloody cat of his were the ones to find you. everyone knew just how much he blew things out of proportion.

Keep reading