Crossed Paths- Joseph Quinn

Crossed Paths- Joseph Quinn

Description: Joe's stressful day at LAX takes an unexpected turn when he reaches out to (Y/N), a flight attendant, but most importantly, the girl he has been in love with for so long.

Warnings: None, RPF Fic

Word Count: 2434 (A long one!)

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Joe was going through a particularly rough day. He had been at the Los Angeles airport for hours, desperately trying to find a flight to London. With cancellations, fully booked flights, and limited options, it was looking increasingly unlikely that he’d make it in time to be with his family for the birth of his godchild. His frustration was palpable, a gnawing sense of urgency mingling with helplessness.

In a moment of desperation, he pulled out his phone and hesitated before typing a message to (Y/N), the woman he’d been trying so hard to forget over the past month after their last interaction.

Joseph Q.

“Hey (Y/N),”

The message felt strange and awkward as he tapped away, but he pressed on.

“Sorry to text you out of the blue, but I think I might need your help.”

“Is there any way you can help me get a flight to London? Ashley’s labor started a bit earlier than expected, and I’ve been stuck at LAX for hours with no luck finding a flight.”

“I’m really sorry to bother you with this, but you’re my last resort.”

Meanwhile, (Y/N) was in the middle of a private flight to her next destination, fully absorbed in her responsibilities. It took nearly two hours before she could check her phone. Seeing Joe’s name pop up made her heart skip a beat, but she quickly set her emotions aside and decided to respond setting her feelings aside.

(Y/N) ✈️🖤

“Hey,”

“I’m on a flight right now, but once I land, I’ll see what I can do to help. I’ll let you know once I have news.”

Joe’s sigh of relief was almost audible as he read her reply. His fingers fumbled a bit as he typed his thanks.

Joseph Q.

“Thank you so much. We’ll be in touch.”

As soon as (Y/N) landed, she dove into the post-flight procedures with a sense of urgency. With only an hour before her next flight, she made her way to the airline’s ticketing desk. Despite her efforts to expedite the process, the options were grim; no flights available for several hours. Frustrated but undeterred, she moved to a VIP lounge and began making calls, hoping for a miracle.

After about fifteen minutes, her persistence paid off. An operator managed to secure a seat for Joe the following day at noon. As soon as she had the details, she shot Joe a message requesting his passport number and payment information. The minutes felt like hours as she awaited his response, but soon enough, Joe’s details arrived. Moments later, she was on the phone with him.

“I got you the flight,” she said, navigating her way to her next gate. “It’s private and at noon tomorrow, but at least you’ll get there.”

Joe’s smile was wide, the tension melting away from his shoulders.

“You’re literally the best. You don’t know how much this means to me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“No worries. I know how important it is for you to be there with your family. Listen, I have to go, but I’d suggest you go back to where you’re staying, take a shower, eat something, and get a bit of rest. There are quite a couple hours left before your flight. Make the most of them.”

“Yeah… Yeah, for sure, I’ll do that. I’m going to let you go now, okay? I know you’re still working. I’m sorry and once again, thank you so much.”

“Okay, Joe, I got it,” (Y/N) laughed softly, the warmth in her voice evident. “Take care.”

She hung up and quickly transitioned to boarding her own flight. Meanwhile, Joe grabbed his suitcase and backpack and called an Uber to head back to his apartment. Despite his exhaustion, his mind was a whirlwind of anxiety and lingering thoughts about these last months events.  That night, sleep came reluctantly, interrupted by worries about missing out such an important moment with the people he loved and the memory of that last conversation he had with (Y/N). Suddenly, his mind transported him all over again to that late afternoon of the 8th of January.

A warm sun cast glow stood over the park as Joe and (Y/N) settled onto a bench after Joe ditched an event he had been invited to. They’d both decided it was worth stealing a couple hours for them to spend time together before (Y/N) needed to leave for work again. The conversation flowed easily at first, punctuated by comfortable laughter and complicity. Yet, beneath the surface, there was an undercurrent of tension that neither of them could ignore after some of the last situations that had been occurring.

(Y/N) shifted nervously, her fingers tracing the patterns on her coffee cup. “Joe, there’s something I need to talk to you about,” she began, her voice tinged with hesitation.

Joe looked at her with a mix of curiosity and concern. “What’s on your mind?”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about this.. I mean, us.” she said, struggling to find the right words. “I just don’t see how our lives can really be together in any way beyond what we have now. I mean, we’re in such different places, and it feels like we’re trying so hard to fit puzzle pieces together that are never going to be meant for each other…”

The words hung heavily in the air, and Joe’s heart sank. He had feared this moment but hearing it out loud made it feel more real than ever.

“You think we can’t make this work?” Joe asked, his voice barely masking the pain he felt. “I can’t accept that. Not after everything we’ve been through, not after all the time we’ve spent together. I don’t want to see you as just a friend. I can’t.”

Joe’s heart dropped at her words. He leaned forward, his voice cracking slightly. “I can’t accept that, (Y/N). We’ve built something real here, something worth fighting for. This can’t be over before we’ve even had a real chance…”

(Y/N) looked away, her own heart feeling like it was about to explode. “Joe, I care about you more than you know, but sometimes that just isn’t enough… You know I’ve tried. But our realities just seem too far apart. I don’t want us to get hurt. It’s just not real.”

The park grew quiet around them as the sun began to set, leaving the two of them in a silence heavy with unspoken words. Joe was mad. It wasn’t fair to him to be denied the one person he wanted most. He felt frustrated and helpless, knowing that even though she faced her own grueling work demands, he their own needs and desires were being overshadowed by the reality of his status in society and of the amount of pressure that came with that. The world seemed to stand still for a moment, and Joe’s voice broke through the quiet with a final, resolute statement.

“If we’re not willing to fight for this, then what’s the point of all the effort we’ve put in?” Joe’s voice trembled with conviction. “I’m not willing to just settle, (Y/N). I refuse to let everything we’ve shared be for nothing.”

But he did settle. He let it go, and the weight of that decision still felt like a crushing blow, one of the deepest regrets he’d ever harbored. The echo of his own words haunted him as he lay in bed, wrestling with the sting of lost possibilities and unspoken promises. Despite his restless mind, he managed only a few fitful hours of sleep before his alarm jolted him awake. He hurriedly prepared for the day, his movements automatic. Once he reached the airport, the check-in and security process went smoothly. He slumped into his designated area, waiting for his flight to depart in three hours. An hour into his wait, Joe’s phone buzzed with a new message, interrupting his music.

(Y/N) ✈️🖤

“Are you still at the gate?”

Joe paused the music and leaned forward, eager to respond.

Joseph Q.

“Yeah. Still got an hour of waiting left.”

(Y/N) ✈️🖤

“Have you eaten anything?”

Confused, he quickly replied with a no.

(Y/N) ✈️🖤

“Okay. Remind me of your gate number.”

Joe’s heart raced as he read the message. He sent his gate number and then scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of (Y/N). Just as he was about to give up, he saw her approaching, her suitcase in tow and a few items in hand, and he couldn’t help but smile. He stood up and waved, trying to make his presence known.

They met in the middle of the bustling terminal. (Y/N) greeted him with a warm smile, and Joe took some of her bags, their hands brushing briefly.

“What are you doing here?” he asked, though he was already half expecting the answer.

“I work here,” she said, raising an eyebrow, causing Joe to chuckle.

“I mean here as in literally here… Like right in front of me.”

“I don’t know,” she shrugged with a hint of playfulness. “I figured you hadn’t eaten with all the nerves, so I wanted to make sure you had something in your stomach. You have a long flight ahead of you.”

Joe shook his head, a smile spreading across his face.

“You making this so hard for me, you know? Doing all these things when you don’t have to… I don’t even know what to thank you.”

“You don’t have to say anything. It’s just how I am…” She glanced away, then looked back at him. “I’m supposed to be done for the day. I could stay a bit while you wait for your flight if you want some company.”

“Oh, hell yes. Come on,” he said, already pulling her suitcase. “Let’s find a spot to sit.”

They found a quieter corner of the terminal, a small oasis amidst the chaos. (Y/N) pulled out a coffee she’d picked up for herself and took a sip, her eyes softening as she watched Joe. He was hunched over a sandwich, his exhaustion evident but still somehow striking.

“So…” Joe ventured, his attempt at casual conversation tinged with nervous energy. “How have you been?”

(Y/N) flashed him a warm smile, her gaze lingering just a bit longer than usual. “I’m good. Just the usual grind. How about you?”

“I’ve been well,” Joe said, his tone casual but his fidgeting betraying him. “I’m wrapped up in a project for the next few months. Back in LA soon, though. You know how it is—work.” He hesitated, glancing at his coffee cup as if it might offer some solace. “It’s been a while, and I…”

(Y/N) couldn’t help but laugh softly, a sound filled with affection. “You’re really nervous, aren’t you?”

“Am I?” Joe asked, trying to sound nonchalant but clearly failing. “I guess I didn’t know how things would go after we hadn’t talked for a while.”

(Y/N) leaned in slightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Chill out, Joe. We’re just catching up. It’s not a performance.”

Joe chuckled, looking both relieved and sheepish. “I guess I’m a bit rusty at this whole ‘casual conversation’ thing.”

“Oh, come on,” (Y/N) teased, her grin widening. “You’re an actor! If you can handle dramatic monologues and intense scenes, surely you can handle a simple chat with me.”

Joe raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing. “True. But I’ve always had a weakness for certain people. I turn into a bit of a mess when I’m around you. You know that, right?”

(Y/N) playfully rolled her eyes, but her smile remained. “Well, that’s good to know. At least I can still make you nervous. It’s nice to have that kind of power, don’t you think?”

Joe’s smile softened, and for a moment, the weight of their complicated past seemed to lift, leaving behind a shared sense of ease and familiarity.

After chatting and sharing a few laughs, Joe glanced at the clock and realized it was almost time for him to head to his private flight area. 

“Well, I guess it’s time for me to go,” Joe said, looking a bit reluctant. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

(Y/N) stood up, smiling softly. “I’ll walk you to your gate. It’s the least I can do after all the trouble you’ve been through.”

Joe smiled gratefully. “I’d like that.”

They walked together through the bustling terminal, heading towards the private flight area. The conversation remained light, filled with easy laughter and casual comments about the absurdities of airport life.

As they reached the entrance to the private flight lounge, Joe stopped and turned to (Y/N), his expression a mix of gratitude and something else—something deeper.

“Well,” he said, his voice softening, “I guess this is where we part ways for now.”

(Y/N) nodded, her eyes meeting his. “Yeah. It’s been really nice catching up. And, uh, good luck with everything.”

Joe hesitated for a moment, then took a step closer, his gaze lingering on her lips. “You too. I hope everything goes smoothly for you.”

There was a brief silence as they both seemed to hesitate, unsure of the next move. Finally, Joe gently cupped (Y/N)’s face with his hands, his touch tender but uncertain. 

(Y/N) looked up at him, her heart racing. “Joe…”

He leaned in slowly, and (Y/N) met him halfway. Their lips brushed in a soft, lingering kiss—hesitant but filled with a quiet, shared longing. It was brief, but it held the weight of their unspoken feelings.

When they finally pulled away, both were a little breathless, their eyes still locked. 

“I should go,” Joe said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yeah,” (Y/N) replied, her voice equally soft. “I’ll see you around.”

Joe gave her one last, heartfelt smile before turning to enter the private flight area. (Y/N) watched him go, her heart aching with a mix of warmth and sadness. She took a deep breath, turning to walk away with a sense of bittersweet contentment.

As Joe disappeared into the private lounge, he glanced back one last time, catching (Y/N)’s gaze. He gave her a small, appreciative nod before disappearing behind the door. 

(Y/N) stood there for a moment longer, then turned and walked away, her heart full of a quiet hope and the lingering echo of their tender farewell.

things you can do at any stage in life:

love yourself

have a fresh start

go back to school

recover

make new friends

fall in love

go to therapy

learn a skill

discover your passion

repair relationships

change the world

find a new hobby

be happy

it isn’t too late for you. you’ll be okay. there’s no time limit on happiness.

Masterlist

Updated: 9/14/2024

Danny Ramirez

A Proper Hello (RPF)

Getting the Falcon Role (RPF)

Chasing Sparks (RPF)

Joseph Quinn

Crossed Paths (RPF)

In Your Embrace (RPF)

Joe Keery

A Taste of Italy (RPF)

MET GALA (RPF)

Harry Potter Fandom

George Weasley

Unspoken Connection

Second Chance

Ron Weasley

My Good Luck Charm

Theodoro Nott

Under the stars

Regulus Black

By my side

Dean Thomas

The Space Between Us

Remus Lupin

Beneath the Surface

Draco Malfoy

The Weight of Expectations

Neville Longbottom

Wish I Didn't Love You

Draco Malfoy- The Weight of Expectations

Draco Malfoy

Sixth Year at Hogwarts

As the train rumbled along, a girl walked through the moving corridors—one whom many knew but few dared provoke. (Y/N) Athens was fierce, impenetrable, and self-sufficient. She needed nothing and no one to fulfill her own needs. Her movements were calculated yet subtle, with an impeccable elegance. Her gaze swept from compartment to compartment, searching for a young man with platinum-blonde hair whom she had spent the entire summer with. Draco Malfoy had grown up with the girl from as far back as they could remember—learning to walk together, celebrating holidays at each other's homes. They weren’t inseparable or soulmates, but they had each other nonetheless. They understood the aspects of a life based on appearances; a life complicated where perfection only masked hidden imperfection.

(Y/N) and Draco had started a relationship in their fifth year at Hogwarts. Not out of love or even attraction, but to shape a marriage that would occur once they completed their education at the school of magic. They seemed made for each other, complementing each other naturally. So, when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named made his grand return, both were swept up by the reckless decisions their parents had made. With his father imprisoned in Azkaban and a task to complete before the end of the academic year, Draco was forced to mature and make decisions that not only protected his family's reputation but also their lives. There was no room for error. And if anyone knew the strengths and weaknesses of the young man with gray eyes and pale skin, it was her. She was determined to help him even when she had no reason to get entangled in the mess Draco was in. Both were strong on their own, but together, they were unstoppable.

When she finally locates him, she approaches with her chin slightly raised and clears her throat to announce her presence. His Slytherin companions look up, but Draco keeps his eyes fixed on the window showing the path to Hogwarts. He didn’t need to turn his head to know it was her—he had memorized the scent of the lavender perfume she always wore.

— Parkinson, Zabini. — She nods in greeting, and they return the gesture. — I’m afraid it’s time for you to find another place to sit. Draco and I need to catch up. —

— Why should I find another seat? You’re the one who just arrived, — Pansy replies bitterly, shooting her a look of disapproval. (Y/N) smiles cynically and adjusts the sleeve of her shirt to make sure it’s perfectly in place.

— You know I don’t like repeating myself. Gather your things and leave now. — Pansy clenches her jaw at this and looks to the dark-haired boy for support, who is already in the process of gathering his belongings and getting up from his seat.

— Draco... —

— You heard her, Pansy. — The blonde interrupts before his companion can finish her sentence, and the people seated on the other side of the aisle laugh mockingly. — And the same goes for you, Crabbe and Goyle. Get out of here already. —

The laughter dies instantly, and the two boys leave with barely audible complaints. (Y/N) waves Pansy off with a hand and a smile still on her face, which fades as her companions disappear from view. For the first time, Draco meets her gaze and watches as she sits down across from him, her eyes never leaving his.

— I thought you’d be sick of seeing me after spending the whole summer together. I definitely need a break from you. Honestly, you’re starting to seem like my babysitter. — The girl laughs at this and rolls her eyes playfully.

— Is that how you talk to your girlfriend, Malfoy? Should I remind you of that last night we saw each other when you started to...—

— Shut up, (Y/N). — His jaw tightens as he recalls how he had turned to her with tears in his eyes and his breathing uncontrolled. Draco had been scared then, and he was still scared now. He feared becoming a killer, losing his family, and not being able to escape the reality that was closing in on him. And even though he hated to admit it, (Y/N) was the only person who truly understood him and made him feel better in moments when nothing seemed right.

— That’s what I thought. — The girl smiles with satisfaction and casually checks her manicure. — Shouldn’t you be doing your prefect duties right now? —

— I don’t feel like it. — He shrugs nonchalantly and plays with his hands as a distraction.

— You don’t want to attract attention, Draco. — (Y/N)'s features harden slightly, showing seriousness on the matter. — If you want things to work, you can’t fail in the most basic aspects of a plan. You’ll have to act as if nothing is happening, otherwise, you’ll have too many eyes on you. We don’t need that, do you understand? —

— I don’t need you telling me what to do. — The blonde retorts disdainfully. — And don’t speak in the plural as if this is something we’re doing together. I’ve told you a thousand times I don’t want you involved in any of this. This is something I have to handle alone, so focus on your own problems and leave me alone.

A silence settles between them for a moment, and Draco opens his mouth, ready to apologize, but he can’t bring himself to do it. The corridor darkens suddenly, and all the students in the compartment begin to wonder what is happening. (Y/N) frowns and, hearing footsteps approaching, rises from her seat and takes a step towards Draco, bumping into someone she couldn’t see due to the darkness. The girl murmurs a small 'sorry,' but receives no response in return. Draco stretches out his hand to guide her towards him, and as she sits down, the corridor begins to return to its normal state, with everything back in its place. However, Draco’s gaze shifts to the luggage racks above them, noticing something wasn’t quite right. (Y/N) quickly notices this and tightens her grip on the table to snap him out of his trance. He licks his lips, shifting his attention from what was above to her.

— So, how much did you miss me over the holidays? — Draco drapes an arm over the girl’s shoulders, and she doesn’t protest, fully aware he was trying to divert the conversation due to an unexpected visitor.

— I won’t say what you want to hear, Malfoy. — She smiles, turning her gaze away, and he laughs, leaving a small kiss on her neck. — But you do seem to have missed me... a lot.

— You have no idea. — Draco whispers in her ear with a mischievous grin and nibbles on her earlobe, causing her to shiver, though she tries to maintain her composure and engage in normal conversation.

The next 30 minutes of the journey feel long and heavy for both young people, but they manage to keep their composure. As the train comes to a stop, night has fallen, and everyone is eager to reach the castle and fill their stomachs with the comforting, hot food awaiting them in the Great Hall. Students disembark from the carriages as quickly as their bodies allow, and when only Draco and (Y/N) are left to disembark, the girl heads to the exit and closes the door. She turns after drawing the curtains of the carriage with a flick of her wand and sees Draco holding his briefcase in one hand and his wand in the other.

— I think we have a visitor, love. — The boy comments with a serious expression, and (Y/N) nods, scanning the carriage casually.

— Didn’t your mother ever tell you it’s rude to eavesdrop on other people’s conversations, Potter? —

Draco raises his wand and quickly utters 'Petrificus Totalus,' and a body immediately falls to the ground. The blonde walks over and removes the blanket covering the body of his most prized enemy, his face contorting with the hatred and disdain he felt.

— Oh yes... She was dead before you could even wipe the drool off your chin. — He lifts his knee and strikes Harry Potter's nose with force, likely breaking it with the impact. — That’s for my father.

— Alright, Draco... That’s enough. — (Y/N) approaches him and extends her arm, which he intertwines with his. Draco hesitates for a moment but ends up doing what she wanted after covering the young Potter with the blanket again. — Enjoy your trip back to London, Potter.

The girl nods, signaling to the blonde that it’s time to leave, and they both exit the train with their heads held high and their expressions neutral. As they are about to board the carriages that will take them to the school entrance, (Y/N) stops and adjusts Draco’s tie in silence. The boy watches her closely as she does this, and when she feels his gaze, she looks at him in return.

— There you go, we don’t want you looking disheveled... — Draco nods and licks his lower lip, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

— Thanks. — He leaves a small kiss on (Y/N)’s lips, taking advantage of the closeness between them.

— We’re in this together... — Draco nods, listening to her words, and with a sigh, he separates from her and extends his hand, offering help to her as she climbs into the carriage. (Y/N) smiles at this and ignores the gesture, easily getting into the carriage on her own. — Draco raises an eyebrow when he notices this, and the girl mimics his action, looking at him.

— Come on, Malfoy, what are you waiting for? — The boy rolls his eyes and gets into the carriage, heading towards a place that no longer felt like a second home and that would change his life completely in a few months. Hogwarts would never be the same.

Wish I Didn't Love You- Neville Longbottom

Neville Longbottom

Seventh Year at Hogwarts

I have never run as fast and desperately in my life as I am doing right now. Even with the pain spreading throughout my body, the only thing I can think about is not being caught. My feet directed me on their own, knowing perfectly well the path they should take. Alecto Carrow had stopped hot on my heels thanks to the Locomotor Mortis I had recently thrown at him. However, that wouldn't last for long. I take the last curve towards my final destination and my mind repeats over and over again what I needed to appear at this moment. Just when I reach the wall for which I had run so much, a door appears in front of my eyes and without thinking twice I enter it. Instantly, I feel all eyes on me and even when I try to get the words out of my mouth, it is almost impossible due to uncontrolled breathing.

– What are you doing standing there? Help her! — Seamus moves through the mass of students, hurriedly approaching me while he takes a quick look at me. 

— Have they followed you here? Did anyone see you enter? —

—No—I manage to say between breaths—I gott rid of Alecto on the way. He won't make it this far. —

—Good. — Seamus' frown deepened as he took in my appearance. I could still feel the intense pounding on my bleeding nose, but nothing compared to the pain in my left arm. — Wake Neville up , he needs to know what happened. —

Padma Patil instantly darts toward one of the hammocks seeking out Neville, while Seamus holds me firmly by the waist and with Colin's help we head towards one of the available chairs. Colin wastes no time and begins to examine me more exhaustively, noticing the multiple blows spread across my body and the arm that made it impossible for me to move. 

—We'll need a bone-growing potion for this...— He hurriedly walks to the other side of the Room of Requirement, being swiftly replaced with a familiar face. —

— (Y/N) — Neville kneels before me, cupping my face in his hands and his expression etched with concern. —What the hell happened? —

—Alecto.— I limit my words to that as Colin had returned with a bottle in his hand. —

—Her arm is broken— He comments to Neville as he sits next to me.—This is what we have left of the Skele-Gro.—It may not be enough to completely repair the damage, but it will help at least. We can heal the nose easily. (Y/N), I know this will hurt but it's necessary, okay? —

—Do what you have to do...— I responded, my voice trembling due to the pain. Neville, sensing my distress, settles beside me, clasping my hand gently, offering a reassuring squeeze. He signals Colin to continue, who seconds after whispers 'Episkey', causing my nose to return to its original state with a small 'crack'. I let out a painful moan when I feel that sensation and I squeeze Neville's hand harder. He begins to gently rub my back while he rests his chin on my head. —

— Here you go — Seamus hands me the Skele-Gro. — it will take some time to do its effect so once you drink it you should lie down. Maybe it will help you with the pain. —

I nod listening to his words and without thinking too much I down the liquid in a single movement. The disgusting taste takes over all my senses and I grimace, handing the bottle to Colin before leaning back against Neville, closing my eyes. The boys leave giving me space and a few minutes later the pain I felt in my arm multiplies four times more, causing me to make multiple complaints of pain and some rebellious tears to escape from my eyes. Neville doesn't leave my side for a second and whispers in my ear that the pain would pass soon and I would be fine. A few minutes later I start to feel a little better and he gets up looking for a piece of cloth that he tears and ties to his liking to put around my arm so that I have some kind of support. The next few minutes were spent in silence allowing my body to get a little used to the pain to the point where I could breathe somewhat normally again.

—How... How did he do this to you? — Neville whispers after a while, causing me to come out of my little trance. —

—I was leaving the library when Alecto saw me. — I sigh, brushing the hair away from my face with the hand that was still healthy — He stopped me and began to question me about where you were hiding. I told him I knew absolutely nothing and he stressed to me over and over again how close you and I were... He couldn't get any information out of me so he decided it was time to take me to the dungeons. Anyway, I escaped before he could do anything else. That's when he started following me and along the way he managed to attack me a couple of times. On one of those times I fell down the stairs and ended up with this.— I point to my nose and arm vaguely. — I knew that if that woman ended up capturing me I would end up dead so I got up and continued my way here. —

—Then you're not going back out there.— He whispers with a thick voice and tense muscles as he observes me carefully. His features were strong and somewhat wrinkled, giving me the impression that he was angry. — I knew that it was a mistake for you to return after the Easter holidays. You should have listened to me (Y/N). —

—And what did you want? That I would sit at home with my hands folded when the school is falling apart and you're basically shouldering the burden alone? What kind of person would I be if I did something like that Neville? —

—Someone who wants to live (Y/N)!— He raises his voice a little, causing my body to tense and the anger to increase.—

—That is the most stupid and selfish thought I have ever heard you say. —

—Selfish?— He laughs sarcastically, shaking his head— Don't you realize? Ginny and Luna are gone. Who knows if they are still alive after all this time. Dean is on the run because his life is in danger and no one is safe here, no one (Y/N). And I’m selfish for wanting to protect you? Look how you are right now! Do you think it's worth it? —

—Why wouldn't it be worth it? Neville, we're in this together. I can't be far from my friends, from you, knowing the type of people we are facing. You and I made a promise and I won't be the one to break it. So forgive me if you don't agree with my way of thinking, but it is what it is and that's the end of the matter. —He snorts, shaking his head and crosses his arms, remaining silent for a few minutes.—

—Sometimes, I wish I hadn't fallen for you…— Neville's words pull my gaze to him, and as he sighs, I see the weight of his feelings mirrored in his eyes. — Not in this reality we're trapped in. I wish I didn't have to fear losing you, seeing you hurt, or wondering if each kiss might be the last. But that's not the hand we've been dealt. I can't stop loving you, can't shake off these fears, can't help being selfish when it comes to you, because, (Y/N), you're everything to me. Just try to see it from my side, even for a moment, please.—

His voice wavers, and my heart clenches, a lump forming in my throat. Shifting on the couch, I lean against his chest, feeling his arms envelop me in a cocoon of warmth.

—That's what I do every single day.— I murmur, hiding my face in the curve of his neck.— I've seen you hurt so often, I've feared your life slipping away in my arms. I've watched you champion others, devise plans to protect them, and take risks just to show us reasons to keep fighting. I hate that you constantly put yourself in danger, yet I can't help but believe you're the person we all need in these times. Let me support you. Don't push me away, asking me to see things your way because I can't, not when I'm here to care for you and others just as you do.—

Neville sighs and pulls me a little tighter in his arms, careful not to touch my injured arm. We remain silent for a couple of minutes until he separates himself a little from me so he can look me in the eyes.

—Let's clean you up a little so you can rest. I'll be back, stay here. - I move away from him so he could go get some things and he returns with a cloth and some water. He sits down next to me and begins to wipe the blood off of my face with such gentleness that it seems as if he were afraid of breaking.

My gaze traces his face, lingering on his pink lips and the newly grown beard, a testament to the weeks spent confined in the Room of Requirement. Stress had etched maturity onto his features, evident in the shadows beneath his eyes—common to all of us—but he retained the same handsome allure from last summer, perhaps even more so. As he finishes tending to me, a tender kiss graces my cheek, eliciting a half-hearted smile that cherishes every display of affection from him.

Resting my forehead against his, I toy with his hand before our lips brush fleetingly, fulfilling the longing that had brewed within me for days. Our mouths meet in a soft, unhurried kiss, an expression of emotions unspoken. When we separate, Neville's faint smile lingers, punctuating the moment with a final kiss placed gently upon my forehead.

—It's better that you rest for a while. I have to go get more food. When I get back I'll wake you up, okay? — I nod and he gets up from the couch so he can lie me down on it. — I'll see you later, try not to scare me anymore today, okay? —

—Only if you try not to give me headaches either. — Neville laughs lowly, rolling his eyes and nods. —

— I can try, I don't promise anything. —I smile and Neville waves goodbye, while I close my eyes trying to fall asleep.—

Problems only writers understand

Having very chaotic notes on your phone

Having secret files that you will NEVER let anyone ever see

WHAT THAT WORD THAT MEANS THAT THING????

Why cant I think of a name?

Writing 10k words in a day then never again