sun-kissy

if i was empty space

and you were a formless shape, we'd fit

218 posts

If The Ride Gets Too Bumpy Feel Free To Hang Onto Me, Okay?

“If the ride gets too bumpy feel free to hang onto me, okay?”

HHDKDJDKD I LOVE THIS oh my goddd the moment he ducks his head😭😭 and when his eyes drop to her lips AND ALSO WHEN HE ASKS HER TO TRUST HIM!! i love everything about this mal you always feed us 🫶🫶

In Another Life Part 3

𝖲𝗎𝗆𝗆𝖺𝗋𝗒: 𝖨𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾, 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖯𝗂𝖾𝗍𝗋𝗈 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝗁𝖺𝗏𝖾 𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗂𝗅𝗒 𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗌 𝗍𝗈𝗀𝖾𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋. 𝖨𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾, 𝗁𝖾 𝖽𝗂𝖾𝖽 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗂𝗇 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗇𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎. 𝖠𝖽𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗈 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗇𝖾𝗐 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗇𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝗅𝗈𝗌𝗌 𝗐𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽𝗇’𝗍 𝖻𝖾 𝗌𝗈 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖽 𝗂𝖿 𝗂𝗍 𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖾𝗇’𝗍 𝖿𝗈𝗋 𝖩𝖺𝗆𝖾𝗌 𝖯𝗈𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋; 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖿𝗎𝗇𝗇𝗒, 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗋𝗆𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝖼𝖺𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝖺𝗇𝗇𝗈𝗒𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗅𝗒 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗂𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗆𝖺𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗅𝗈𝗈𝗄𝗌 𝗃𝗎𝗌𝗍 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗅𝗈𝗌𝗍.

A/N: this is where the fun begins! wc: 4.3k

“Here.” Sirius says, handing James a paper cup with a lid on it. “Got you your usual.”

“Thanks.” James nods in appreciation, taking a sip as Sirius hands out the rest of the drinks.

“Why do we have to be there so early today?” Peter asks, eyes still heavy with sleep.

“Mm-mm.” Sirius shrugs. “Moody said.”

“Yeah, but why?” Peter whines.

“Must be something important.” Remus says, eyes flitting back and forth as he tries to figure out what it could be.

“So important we have to be in the office before the sun comes up?” He continues to complain.

“You wanted to be an auror.” Sirius sings.

“Yeah and now I’m regretting it.” Peter grumbles.

Everyone laughs at that. Well, everyone except James.

“You alright, Prongs?” Remus asks, finding his silence odd.

“Prongs…” Sirius calls, elbowing his friend.

“Hm?” He finally hums, frowning when he sees his friends staring at him in concern. “What?”

“Are you okay?” Remus asks again.

“Yeah.” James breathes with a nod. “Brilliant. Why…why do you ask?”

Sirius, Peter, and Remus share a look, silently asking someone to say something. Finally, Remus sighs.

“Well, it’s just… you’ve been kind of off since yesterday…” He trails off cautiously.

“Since you had that run in with that bird.” Sirius adds, getting straight to the point.

“Yeah, well, you would be too if some woman you’ve never seen before throws herself into your arms one second, and then refuses to be touched by you the next.” James says with a frown.

“Aw, is that what it is?” Sirius asks teasingly. “Poor little Prongs can’t handle rejection?”

“What? No!” James argues. “I just- I don’t know! I’m just wondering if she’s okay, you know? She seemed very upset…”

“I’m sure she’s fine.” Sirius says, waving off his friends' worries.

“She was probably just having a bad day.” Peter pipes up, more awake now.

James nods his head at that, though it’s clear he isn’t convinced.

“Thought you wanted something weird to happen…” Sirius mimicked.

“Shut up, Pads.” James grumbles, taking a final sip of his coffee.

The group of four are on high alert as soon as they step into the atrium. Sure, the Ministry is usually busy, but never like this. There are double the amount of officers and aurors, if not triple. The marauders watch wide-eyed as they all hurry to and fro, as if they’re preparing for something, as if they’re preparing for battle.

“How ya feeling, Wormtail?” Sirius asks, watching as a group of Unspeakables walk by.

“Wide awake.” Peter nods.

“Whatever’s going on, it must be bad.” Remus comments.

“Let’s hurry to Moody’s office.” James orders. “If anybody has answers, it’ll be him.”

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

“Moody?” James calls, knocking on his door as they all walk into his office.

He looks up at the intrusion, setting down some paperwork he was reading and standing from his desk.

“Come in,” He orders, waving his hand hurriedly. “And shut the door behind you.”

Remus, being the last one in, shuts the door and leans against it, crossing his arms as the others spread out.

“What’s going on?” Sirius asks, referring to everyone outside. “Are we running a drill of some sort?”

“I’m afraid it’s not a drill.” Moody informs them. “There’s a manhunt underway.”

“Manhunt?” James repeats, eyes widening in surprise.

“Has someone escaped from Azkaban?” Sirius asks.

“Or committed an unforgivable?” Peter adds.

“Neither.” Moody shakes his head. “A stranger’s arrived.”

“Okay?” Sirius asks, not getting the point.

“This one is using magic unlike anything we’ve ever seen before.” Moody explains grimly.

“How so?” Remus asks.

“I think it’s best if I show you.” Moody nods.

He grabs a glass vial, struggling with the lid before finally popping it off and pouring it into a basin. With a flick of his wand, the pulled memory starts projecting on the wall.

“A shop owner was on his way to work yesterday when he saw this.” Moody informs them.

It’s as if they’re seeing it through their own eyes. They can see the people passing by, and hear the tune the shop owner was whistling to himself. He groans when he steps on a piece of gum, grumbling to himself as he starts dragging his foot along the floor, trying to get it off. He looks to the side and does a double take when he sees a light coming from the alley.

The marauders watch in complete shock as a huge circle appears out of thin air; bright and sparkling. The moment you step out of the portal, Sirius, Peter, and Remus turn to look at James with wide eyes. He wordlessly puts a hand up, stopping them before they could even think of asking any questions.

“They didn’t even use a wand.” Moody says grimly, watching as Stephen steps back through the portal and disappears. “We have no idea where she is or what she’s capable of.”

“So what’s the plan?” Peter asks softly, looking nervously between Moody and James.

“Bring her in for questioning.” Moody says with a firm nod. “We’ll turn the city upside down, leaving no stone unturned. We’ll use excessive force if we have to.”

“No!” James shouts, standing from his seat.

Everyone in the room turns to look at him, and he awkwardly clears his throat.

“I mean, don’t you think that’s a bit much, sir?” James asks.

“She’s an outsider.” Moody tells him bluntly.

“She’s lost.” James argues with a shake of his head.

“She’s dangerous.” Moody continues.

“Dangerous? She’s scared! Look at her!” He exclaims, pointing to the projection. “Look at how tightly she’s holding that bag, how she’s shuffling her feet, look at…” James sighs softly, zeroing in on the tears threatening to fall. “Look at her eyes… She needs help…”

James and Moody stare each other down while Sirius, Peter, and Remus silently watch. Finally, Moody nods.

“You have a big heart, James.” He comments. “You always see the good in people, give them the benefit of the doubt. It’s very honorable.”

James nods his head in acknowledgement with a grin.

“But it’s not practical.”

“Sorry?” James asks, his smile dropping.

“You need to start thinking with your head, not your heart.” Moody tells him. “There’s no place in a war for a soft hearted person.”

“But we’re not in a war!” James says in exasperation. “Sir, trust me. Please. There’s no need for this. There’s no need to cause panic and mayhem. Especially when people are just starting to feel safe again. I’ll find her. We’ll find her.” He corrects, gesturing to his friends who nod, albeit confusedly. “We’ll bring her back here. She’ll come peacefully. I know she will.”

Moody stares at him in contemplation. For a moment, James thinks he might agree, that he might’ve gotten through to him. Then John Dawlish, another auror comes bursting into the room.

“Sir! Everybody’s ready.” He pants.

Nodding, Moody walks past James, heading towards the door.

“Tell them to start searching.” Moody says firmly. John nods his head and hurries back out.

“Question everyone, break down doors if you have to, I want her found by the end of the day!” He shouts after him.

“Sir-“ James tries again.

“You.” Moody says, turning around abruptly and pointing his finger at James. “You will follow orders or you will stay out of the way. Is that clear?”

James opens his mouth once more, wanting to argue one last time before sighing, dropping his shoulders in defeat.

“Yes, sir.” He nods solemnly.

“Good.” Moody nods in return, walking out of his office and leaving the four men behind.

The group of four all stand in the hallway, silently watching as chaos erupts in the ministry. Moody disappears, still shouting orders as hoards of aurors start running out.

“So…what are we gonna do?” Sirius asks, looking at James.

James doesn’t answer him. He doesn’t even look in his direction. Without a word, he makes a left and starts hurrying down the staircase, the marauders not far behind.

“James?” Peter calls, hastily grabbing onto the handrail when he skips a step and almost falls.

Still, James doesn’t pay them any mind. He pushes a side door open and slips out into the alley, his friends right behind him.

“Prongs!” Sirius finally shouts, grabbing James’ arm and yanking him back, stopping him from walking any further. “Bloody ‘ell! What’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing.” He says bluntly, trying to walk past him.

Sirius puts a hand on his chest and shoves him back. James scowls in annoyance.

“Don’t give me that look.” Sirius scolds. “The fuck is going on?”

James continues to stare him down, silently seething when yet again Sirius stops him from leaving.

“Prongs… It’s us, mate.” Sirius reminds him with a chuckle.

“Whatever it is, you can tell us.” Remus assures.

Finally reaching his breaking point, James turns around, kicking a trash bin out of sheer frustration.

“He didn’t fucking listen to me!” He shouts, bringing a hand up, gesturing towards the city. “Now he’s got everyone out there looking for her, thinking she’s dangerous and treating her as if she’s some threat when she’s not and-“

“How do you know?” Remus asks, cutting him off.

James sighs, shrugging his shoulders at his friends, his brothers.

“I just do, mate.” He says simply.

“Because she hugged you?” Sirius asks. There’s no teasing in his voice, only genuine curiosity.

“Yes. I mean, no.” James stammers, shaking his head. “I saw it in her eyes yesterday. Before she ran off. And I saw it again just now in that memory that Moody showed us. She’s scared.”

“She’s just scared. She’s not gonna hurt anyone.” James insists. “And I know Moody said not to listen to my heart but it’s not just that. My gut is telling me that she’s not a danger.”

Sirius, Remus, and Peter all silently stare at James.

“Never mind.” He mumbles, shaking his head. “Forget I-“

“So, what are we gonna do?” Sirius asks again.

“What?” James asks, looking up at his friend.

“As annoying as it is, your gut feeling has never been wrong before.” Sirius tells him, crossing his arms with a roll of his eyes. “So? What’s it gonna be?”

“Pads, no.” James argues. “I can’t bring you down with me.”

“Should’ve thought about that before you shared a train compartment with us.” Remus teases with a grin.

James smiles back gratefully at him, at all of them.

“We’d be going against direct orders. Interfering with a mission. And defying our superior officers… You do get that, right?” James asks, stressing the gravity of the situation.

Peter, Remus, and Sirius all grin mischievously.

“Well, that makes it all the more fun, doesn’t it?” Peter asks, looking to Sirius and Remus for support. When they nod their heads in agreement, Peter turns back to James with a smile.

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

“Where exactly are we going?” Sirius huffs, as they all run after James.

“Riiiiight here!” James answers, coming to an abrupt stop.

Peter looks around the plaza confused.

“Isn’t this where-“

“Where we saw that bird?” Sirius interrupts.

“Stop calling her that.” James groans with a frown. “But yes. We have the advantage here, guys. We were the last ones- if not the only ones- to interact with her. So while everyone else is aimlessly running around the city-“

“We have a better idea of where to look.” Remus finishes with a nod. “Prongs, you’re a genius.”

James shrugs bashfully as he turns around, scanning his surroundings.

“Alright, we know she went this way.” He says, as they turn a corner.

All four men sigh when they see it’s a busy street, filled with all sorts of shops and restaurants. It’d take ages for them to interview every person on this street.

“Split up?” Peter suggests.

“Split up.” James nods, already making his way down the sidewalk. “Use flagrate if you find anything!”

The marauders make quick work, popping into every establishment asking if they’ve seen you. It would be easier if they had a picture of some sort, but even with the most detailed descriptions (from James of course) the only word they’re hearing is “no.”

It isn’t until Peter stops to tie his shoe in front of a flower stall that they make a break in the case. Using flagrate, he spells out a quick message to his friends, telling them where to meet and they all arrive shortly after.

“What’d you find?” James asks as soon as he joins them.

“She isn’t certain, but she thinks she saw someone matching that girl's description yesterday.” Peter answers, already making his way down the street.

“Brilliant!” James exclaims as he and the others follow. “Which way’d she go?”

“Said she saw her heading towards Victoria Street.”

“That’s it?” James asks with a frown.

“Afterwards she moved her cart to a different area.” He informs him.

“It’s something.” Remus shrugs.

James scans all the businesses and sighs, running a hand through his hair. It won’t be long until the others arrive. Then you’ll really be in trouble. They all will. He sees an inn up ahead and his eyes widen.

“Look!” He exclaims, pointing to the inn before jogging over.

“The Cob Web?” Remus says, taking in the faded sign hanging above the door.

“Oh yeah. I forgot about this place.” Peter comments. “What’s the name of that fancy hotel that opened up a few years ago?”

“Oh!! The golden crown?” Sirius suggests, eyes lighting up. “Love that place.”

“Me too!” Peter agrees. “Have you been?” He asks Remus.

Remus shakes his head and Peter gasps in excitement.

“You have to go!” He insists. “They put a little bed on your nightstand for your wand.”

“Aw.” Remus coos.

“Guys! Can we please talk about the cute, tiny beds later?” James asks in exasperation, pushing open the door and walking in.

“Good morning!” An elderly woman at the front desk greets. “Checking in?”

“Um, no, sorry.” James shakes his head. “We’re actually looking for someone, maybe you’ve seen her? She’s about this tall, has Y/H/C hair, Y/E/C eyes…”

“Yes, of course!” She nods, clasping her hands in joy. “You made it! I’m so glad.”

“Sorry?” Sirius asks.

“Aren’t you her friends?”

“No… We’re actually with the Ministry.” James clarifies, holding up his badge to show her. “We were just hoping to ask her a few questions…”

“Oh… I see… That’s too bad.”

“Why‘s that?” Remus asks curiously.

The woman looks around before leaning closer, voice dropping to a whisper.

“She’s been sitting out in the garden all night. Thought she might’ve been waiting for someone. Poor girl looked completely lost when she stumbled in here.” She tells them. “She had no idea what galleons were…her money wasn’t even in pounds.”

“What type was it?” Peter asks.

“I couldn’t tell you.” The woman frowns with a shake of her head. “Maybe American…”

“Weird.” Peter comments.

“Between you and me, I think she was left here.”

“Whaaaat? What makes you say that?” Sirius asks with wide eyes, always one for gossip.

James’ mind replays the video that Moody showed them. He remembers how that weirdly dressed man stepped back into the portal, and how your feet shuffled, almost as if you wanted to go after him. He remembers how when you turned around, your eyes were already beginning to water, and it looked as if you muttered some sort of curse word under your breath. Is that what happened? Did you really get left behind? All by yourself?

“Right. Well. Thank you.” He nods, tapping his hand on the counter before heading towards the door. “We’re gonna go around the side so we don’t spook her.”

The innkeeper nods her head as Peter, Remus, and Sirius file out. James grimaces when he hears other aurors shouting in the distance.

“If anyone else from the Ministry comes in, can you just say you already spoke to someone? And that they didn’t find anything?”

She looks perplexed by his request but finds herself nodding nonetheless.

“Great. Thanks.” James nods a final time. “We’ll be quick.”

︵‿︵‿୨♡୧‿︵‿︵

The marauders come to a stop in front of the iron gate.

“I want you guys to keep your distance.” James tells them softly.

“Don’t wanna share your little girlfriend?” Sirius teases.

“I don’t wanna crowd her.” James corrects with a sigh, already knowing the teasing won’t come to an end anytime soon.

“Thought she wasn’t dangerous.” Peter comments.

“She isn’t. At least, I don’t think she is.” James assures. “But regardless, how would you feel if you found yourself cornered by a group of people you’ve never seen before?”

Seeing his point, they all nod their heads.

“We’ll hang back, Prongs.” Remus promises.

The back gate creaks open and the marauders shuffle in. James immediately spots you sitting on the steps. You’ve got your hands clasped together and tucked under your chin. You’re staring off to the side but it’s obvious that your mind is a million miles away. You didn’t even acknowledge them when they walked in. Thinking that you simply didn’t see them, James clears his throat, trying to get your attention, only for you to assume that he’s just wanting to go back inside.

“Sorry.” You apologize half heartedly, not even looking in his direction as you scoot over.

James turns to friends, unsure of what to do. Sirius shrugs his shoulders helplessly as Remus waves his hand, silently urging James to get closer.

Cautiously, James takes a step forward. Then another. And another, finally coming to a stop right in front of you. It’s only then that James finally captures your attention. With a sigh, you lift your head. Your eyes light up upon seeing James, but lose their sparkle a moment later as you continue to stare at him. Briefly, James wonders if you remember him at all; or if you mistook him for someone else again, same as you did yesterday, before shaking his head.

“Erm… Hi!” He greets awkwardly, bringing a hand up to wave at you.

You continue to silently stare at him before looking behind him, finally noticing his friends standing a few feet away.

Good thing I told them to keep their distance, he thinks to himself.

James smiles when you shift your piercing gaze back to him.

“Why are you here?” You ask instead of returning his greeting.

James’ smile drops and behind him, Sirius snorts in amusement. He quickly glares at him before turning to you once more.

“Can we talk?” He asks with what he hopes is a friendly grin.

Finding it difficult to look him in the eyes any longer, you turn your gaze away, choosing to stare at the ground instead.

“No.” You say softly, shaking your head just the tiniest bit.

“Sorry?” James asks.

Surely he heard you wrong.

“I said no.” You repeat, louder this time, still avoiding his eyes as you finally rise from the stairs. “I’m not in the mood for company.”

You open the screen door only for James to gently close it. You turn around, frowning at him and he at least has the decency to look sorry.

“I’m afraid I wasn’t asking, love.” He says with a sheepish grin. “We’re here on official business from the Ministry.”

He pulls out his badge and holds it up for you to see. After a few seconds of James awkwardly standing in front of you with his badge in your face, he goes to put it away, only for you to pull it out of his hands.

He watches curiously as you continue to inspect the badge; turning it this way and that, looking from his identification card to him, tracing the metal badge itself with your finger before finally turning your attention back to him, eyes full of confusion.

“You're from a church?” You ask, gazing up at him through your lashes.

James swallows harshly.

“No, love.” He shakes his head. “Ministry of Magic? You know, the-“

Suddenly a loud bang rings out, followed by the sound of someone shrieking.

“What was that?” You ask, head whipping around towards the noise.

“The Ministry.” James sighs.

“You said you were the Ministry.” You argue, frowning in confusion as you stare up at him.

“Part of it, yeah.” He nods as you hear another door be kicked open, this one sounding closer. You flinch at the loud noise and James steps closer to you. Whether you’re aware of what you’re doing or not, you reach out and grab his hand.

“The part that doesn’t kick down doors?” You try to joke, only to flinch when another loud bang rings out. “What are they doing?” You finally ask.

“Looking for you.” James says with a grimace.

“Me? Why me? I haven’t done anything!”

“I know,” He nods, “It’s a long story. We’ll explain everything. But we have to go.”

Seeing as you’re still holding hands, James tries to lead you down the stairs, only to come to an abrupt stop as you try to pull your hand away.

“What are you-“

“Let go.” You command feebly, still trying to free your hand from his grasp.

“Love, we don’t have time for this.” James stresses, both of you flinching when another door is kicked down. “We have to go.”

“Don’t call me love.” You glare at him, still trying to pull your arm free. “I’m not going anywhere with you. I don’t know you!”

“Alright, fine! Whatever your name is! I know it doesn’t seem like it right now, but we’re the nice guys, okay? The guys out there have orders to use excessive force to bring you down.”

You stop squirming for only a second before starting to pull yourself free again.

“I can manage.” You continue to argue.

“Oh really? You can manage?” James asks incredulously. “Are you sure? Aurors, unspeakables, dementors, do you have any idea what they’re authorized to do to you? Horrible things. Painful things. Things of nightmares.”

“Why do you even care what happens to me?!” You ask him.

You and James hold each other's gaze, noses practically touching, breaths mingling together. James’ gaze drops down to your lips for a fleeting moment before locking onto your eyes again.

“I don’t know.” He finally answers.

“You don’t know me.” You tell him softly, finally pulling your hand free and taking a step back.

“I don’t have to know you to know that this is wrong.” He answers. “This- this is all just a huge misunderstanding. They think you’re a threat.”

“To who?”

“Everyone.”

You let out a sigh as the gravity of what he’s just told you sets in. You’ve been here less than twenty four hours and already there’s a bounty on your head.

“Come with us.” James asks, gesturing towards his friends, still standing by the gate. “We’ll take you to the Ministry and get this whole thing sorted.”

Crossing your arms, you look over your shoulder to stare at his friends, smiling the tiniest bit when the blonde one waves enthusiastically at you.

“I won’t let anything happen to you.” James promises, coming to a stop right in front of you.

You both hear when a group of aurors enter the inn, questioning the elderly woman at the front desk.

One last time, James holds his hand out, mentally begging you to take it.

“You can trust me.” He whispers with a nod.

For some reason, maybe because he looks so much like Pietro, you find yourself believing him. Without another word you place your hand in his, letting him lead you down the stairs and towards his friends.

“Great. We got the girl.” Sirius nods. “What’s next?”

“Get the hell outta dodge?” Remus guesses.

“Precisely.” James nods. “Everyone apparate to my house.”

“Your house?!” Everyone asks.

“They won’t think to look there.” He hurries to explain. “We need the heat to die down a bit before we can take her to the Ministry. If we walk in now, they’ll swarm her.”

“Not to mention Moody would kill you himself.” Peter mumbles.

“Yes, Wormtail. Thanks so much for that.” James nods with a sarcastic smile.

Peter looks up with wide eyes, embarrassed at having been heard as Sirius and Remus snicker in amusement.

“You know how to apparate, right?” James asks, coming to a stop right in front of you.

Apparate? You think to yourself. What the hell does that mean?

“Um. I-“ You stutter, suddenly scared for some reason, worried that they’ll leave you behind if they find out you don’t know how to do that. Whatever that is.

“Hey.” James calls softly, head ducking down to catch your gaze. “It’s okay.” He assures you with a kind smile. When he smiles at you like that he looks so much like Pietro it’s scary.

You sneak a quick glance at his friends before leaning closer to James, feeling embarrassed as you whisper the situation to him.

“I-I don’t.” You start, only to shake your head and try again. “I’ve never-“

“You’ve never apparated before?” James asks with wide eyes. “Where exactly are you from?”

“Uhm…”

“That’s alright! You can just hitch a ride with me.” He nods with a wink.

You let out a sigh of relief, nodding in appreciation.

“Fair warning, you will get dizzy. Just- close your eyes. Trust me, it’ll help.”

“Okay.” You nod, watching in shock as his friends simply pop away.

You turn back to James and see that he’s holding his hand out to you. Cautiously, you place your hand in his, not missing the way he smiles when you do. You look at your clasped hands and wonder how something can feel so familiar yet so completely foreign. James gives your hand a comforting squeeze and when you gaze up at him, he smiles reassuringly at you once more.

“If the ride gets too bumpy feel free to hang onto me, okay?”

You nod your head and then close your eyes, bracing yourself for whatever’s about to happen next.