My heart and soul were never mine to own.

derrick anthony coriander muggleborn // 26 years old // slytherin I BECAME GOOD AT PRETENDING. I BECAME SO GOOD THAT AFTER A WHILE THE LINES BLURRED BETWEEN MY TRUTH AND FICTION. AND SOMETIMES, WHEN I DID A REALLY GOOD JOB OF PRETENDING, I EVEN FOOLED MYSELF

[loganrosenrutt]

Paint by numbers // Logan & Derrick

[derrickcoriander]

loganrosenrutt‌:

Fresh, wet grass and faint cherry cedar. A hint of nutmeg and chocolate.

That was the smell permeating from Logan’s apartment. Harlowe had always said he had a different sort of taste, especially when it came to his personal space. It was also why he hadn’t asked Derrick to meet him there. Not that he didn’t want to show off his space, it was difficult to let someone that shined the way he did into it. In a way he didn’t feel he deserved it. Muggle or magician, there was something different about that man he wasn’t sure he was quite worthy of just yet. Derrick Corriander had been a whirlwind from the very moment they’d met. Of course it hadn’t exactly been his sort of scene or his kind of drink or his kind of night but perhaps that was what made meeting him all the more magical. 

“No, no Beau.” The golden retriever sounded a rather displeased bark, followed by a loud thud as his butt his the wooden floor. Logan couldn’t help but smile and he’d bent down on his knee to ruffle the dogs fluffy hair behind his ears. The multiple kisses and his body weight pressed into his chest and the brunette couldn’t help but laugh. He loved how excited his dog had always become when it came to going outside and being out. “I promise we’ll have an extra long walk tomorrow. Okay, boy?” The pup huffed and stared at Logan a little longer but bumped his head into the man’s shoulder and finally let him go get up.

With his dog curling up on his arm chair, Logan pulled his wand out and gathered up their project for the evening and food into a large canvas bag. Truth be told, Logan was actually quite proud of himself for coming up with this one all on his own. “Be good boy. I’ll be back tonight, okay?” The dog gave a long breathy sigh and Logan winked at him before apperating from the room.

The Pond, literal in it’s name, was probably one of Logan’s favorite places. It reminded him more of his home, in the muggle world. Adjusting to being back in the magical realm was still taking some time but this place was growing on him. The quiet also helped. It kept his mind from locking down and going rogue as Harlowe would say. Logan shrugged the bag off his shoulder and went to work setting up the two canvases, paint and utensils. He’d spelled the blanket and the small spread of different fruits and cheeses, and of course wine to pair with it. If nothing else had come from his childhood, at least this still stuck with him and with no thanks to his parents. 

Finally all set and happy with how everything looked, Logan grabbed one of the glass and the wine, taking a moment to step back and really picture this night. It was idiotic, he knew that. Picturing how a night could go with a man like Derrick. In all truth, he was scared. Though he knew the other man would say it was silly, that he had no reason to be nervous or think this wouldn’t work, Logan couldn’t help himself. Old habits die hard. He muttered a cork charm his sister had unknowingly stumbled across when they were both much younger and the faint, familiar pop set the cork flying onto the blanket. He pour just a little of the white nectar into the bottom of the glass and swirled it, taking a deep inhale to ensure it was just right for the evening. Quit being so nervous he wouldn’t have said yes if he didn’t like you. 

Logan took a small sip and took himself a seat on the edge of the blanket, watching for the Slytherin to come join him. It was still a bit early but Logan couldn’t have helped it even if he wanted to. The thought of seeing Derrick again was far too mouth watering. Hell he’d probably have agreed to another club night had it tickled the other’s fancy. He couldn’t like he was a bit relieved when it came down to him taking charge. And secretly, he wanted to impress Derrick with something that wasn’t quite so … flashy. Something that would remind him of Logan. You’re such an idiot sometime but here’s hoping. 

Derrick had woken up that morning feeling like he was on top of the world. The sun shining through his window. The birds were chirping away outside. There was a spring in his step all through the day. The reason? He had a date. He had a date with Logan freaking Rosenrutt and he was beyond excited that he could hardly sit still throughout the day. He was waiting, waiting, waiting for the clock to chime 6pm. He had to stop himself multiple times from texting Logan and asking to see him earlier. It was probably insane that he was so eager to see the other man again. They, after all, had only spent one night at a club together, but Derrick liked Logan’s energy. It was addicting and fun. The man was a breath of fresh air and he longed for more. He could feel Logan’s energy and knew he wanted more as well.

But the last thing he wanted was to come off as desperate.

So he thought back the eagerness. He fought the urge to text Logan and meet earlier than they had planned. He found small things to do around his apartment to distract himself and keep himself busy. He worked on an assignment. He cleaned the dishes. He scrubbed the shower until his fingers were raw and then spelled the soreness away. Then he took the hottest bath he possible could have and started to mentally and physically prepare for his date

4:00pm.

He stood in front of his closest, one hand on his hip and the other hand rubbing his chin. The cool air chilled his skin and goosebumps erupted down his arms and legs. A black, silk bathrobe hung loosely over his body. He tapped at his chin as he looked over every piece of clothing he owned. Nothing seemed impressive enough or good enough for his date. He wanted to dazzle but not too much that it was a lot to handle right off the bat. He needed something that complimented him and worked. Something that would make Logan take a second or third glance at him. 

He...needed…

“Ah-ha!” Derrick pulled the muted green striped turtle neck from his closet and laid it out on his bed for a second look. This would work. This would definitely work. It was his favorite turtleneck. Comfy yet practical. It hugged him all of the right places and even brought out the color of his eyes. It was cozy yet date worthy. And most importantly, it would wow Logan. Just what he wanted. 

5:45pm.

Derrick had arrived early. He couldn’t help himself. If being so eager made him desperate then he didn’t care. He watched from across the pond as Logan set up for their date. The only information the other had given him was where they were meeting and what time. No other details were provided but it seemed that Logan definitely had a creative plan for the evening and Derrick was excited for what was to come. He watched as Logan set up two canvases and spread out the food and wine for them. It was touching to see someone put so much thought and care into spending an evening with him. 

He basically skipped over to Logan with a wide smile. What could be better than a hot man, white wine, food, and painting? Nothing. This was everything. He was speechless at how well thought out this was. Speechless that Logan had taken the time to plan all of this for him. He was floored. Impressed. Wildly excited he could barely contain himself. “Hey handsome,” Derrick called out in greeting and reaching a hand out to catch Logan’s shoulder. He could feel the other’s energy and was happy to note that Logan felt the same way Derrick did. Maybe it was cheating but he couldn’t help but dive a little bit deeper into the other. “Looks like you have a whole ass evening planned…” He squeezed the other shoulder and then pulled him into a tight hug. “I have to say I’m impressed with what I see..”

[derrickcoriander]

easy boy

[derrickcoriander]

loganrosenrutt‌:

He’d had to admit that he’d could have been given a worse experience upon walking into this place. He got why his sister enjoyed places like this and if he were being honest, if it hadn’t been for Derrick, he would have mirrored the other’s first attempt into a club. Though he’d still felt quite exposed even if it was only to the man at his side now. One wouldn’t think that on first glance of him but then again what would someone think of Logan? Surely whatever it was, they’d be wrong. More than likely would but that was for Logan to know and the other’s just simply see as a smiling face and a helping hand. That was if he could will it out of himself. 

In the short amount of time Logan had to get to know this man at his side, one thing stuck out insanely well. Derrick was an interesting fellow. Someone Logan often wanted to be like, be around, experience in some capacity. He could never hold a candle to him but it was still just one of those things. Something Logan clung to with unhealthy abandon. Not that Derrick would ever know or even come close to it. Stop lingering. 

He wasn’t going to take the drink at first, at least that was until Derrick had helped himself to one of his cherries. To which a half smile pulled on as he slid the martini glass towards him. “I will do my very best not to.” He spoke swiftly. Though he hadn’t the slightest idea of what Derrick meant by that. It couldn’t be hard. It wasn’t as if Logan actually did much. He kept to himself, went to class and did his damnedest to keep Harlowe in line. Aside from that, minus the not so pretty episodes, he was your fairly standard guy. Or so he assumed he was. “I think you’ve got a little of an unfair advantage in that respect.” He lifted the glass and tipped a drink of the martini into his mouth. The liquid swirled and his cheeks drew in slightly. Slightly sour but he didn’t hate it. Logan nodded and set the drink back down, nodding as he swallowed. “That’s actually pretty good. I think I may have to cheat on my old stand by every now and again.” He brandished a some-what mischievous smile and brought his arm to prop his head up against the bar.

There were a million things he wanted to ask Derrick. Actually that was a lie he didn’t want to ask anything at all but just get lost in whatever this man was going to tell him. He could have recited the entirity of Hogwarts: A History and he’d have been content. Perhaps it was the pleasantness of his voice or the subtlety of his manner of talking that he liked so much. Or this was Logan being too naive about the ways of this world, ways of someone outside of himself. But either way he’d dedicated himself to this moment and he’d not regretted it yet. “You said something about snakes?” He questioned, taking his own glass up to his lips and he’d taken a sip. One of the cherries rolling between his teeth and he’d looked back at Derrick as his teeth and tongue separated the stem from the fruit and he’d left it lay against his lips as he’d swallowed the liquid and enjoyed the cherry. “That’s definitely not something I’d imagine. For myself I mean but they are fascinating creatures. Misunderstood a lot I think. But when isn’t that a commonality.” Logan realized he was babbling and rolled the stem over his lower lip as he blushed and looked away a moment. “What … umm … what sort are they?”

His eyes lit up as Logan took the drink. Maybe it was cheating but he couldn’t help but focus in on the man sitting in front of him. It took a few moments but Logan’s aura licked around him in tiny streaks of red. Dark red. Derrick’s lips tugged into a smile and he nodded as the other complimented his drink of choice. Dark red meant that he was centered. Focused. Able to survive anything and everything that came his way. Figures that he was the older brother to a probably mischievous sister. Derrick could only imagine that Logan spent a lot of time soothing her troubles. “Finish it,” He spoke quickly, moving his fingers to edge the drink closer to the other. “You look like you need it.” 

“Snakes? Yes, I have quite a few,” Derrick replied after half a moment of silence. “Most are friendly and sociable but I do have a couple that are on the rarer side. I’ve always been fascinated by snakes since I was little. My grandfather gave me my first snake and it's been a hobby ever since.” He rested his elbow against the bar and tapped the underside of his chin. “Let’s see...I have a Brazilian rainbow boa named Frank. He has the most beautiful iridescent color to his scales. Took me forever to get him because the breed has been victim to the pet trade. Thankfully my grandfather knows someone that knows someone that knows someone who runs a conversation friendly program.” He waved down the bartender and ordered two glasses of pomegranate rum punch for him and his new friend. “Then there’s Mabel. She’s a corn snake and super docile. She’s my baby. She has a genetic mutation where she’s basically scaleless ‘cept for the ventral scales on her belly to help her move.”

He could go on and on about his pets. Glancing under his thick lashes at the other, Derrick was happy to note that Logan seemed entertained. So he happily continued to gush. “Then there’s Margaretha von Waldeck. She is a snow coastal rosy boa. She’s fifteen years old and I’m her fourth and last owner. I’m hoping she’ll live til 30. I can’t imagine life without her.” The bartender returned with their drinks and Derrick took a break to swallow half of it down. “Am I boring you yet? I swear I’m almost done. Then if you’re still wide awake maybe I’ll take you out for a spin on the dance floor.” His smile beamed as he finished off his drink, swallowing it thickly. “The last name is my most prized possession and my most recent one. Zippy came to me like a gift from the heavens. Cost me a fortune but he’s worth it. He’s a sunset ball python. The rarest kind of ball python. I’m fucking terrified of him but I love him. Anddd that sums up my collection thus far.” 

Derrick extended his hand to Logan, his lips tugging up into a small smirk. “You ready to dance, handsome? Or do you need another drink first? I promise to lead and I won’t make you look bad out there.” Derrick had a funny feeling that Logan was either a really good dancer or a really poor one. Either way, he was eager to find out for himself. “C’monnnnn, I’ll only bite if you ask me to…”

[derrickcoriander]

easy boy

[derrickcoriander]

loganrosenrutt‌:

“That obvious?” He asked as he took a sip from his own glass. The perfect mixture of sweet and alcohol. He could have downed the entire thing right then and there. Had he not had company Logan more than likely would have. But instead he’d allowed one of those cherries to slid between his teeth before he’d placed the drink back down. The stem poked out from between his lips and he shook his head a bit. I make furniture. My anxiety is so awful that the sound of a saw is more comforting than silence? “I ususally keep off to myself. Live above the potions shop and work after hours. More or less just cleaning up after everyone but I like it.” Logan chewed the cherry, popping the stem out and he’d reached up to pluck it free. “I uhh … craft wood. Wooden furniture and a bit obsessed with buildings. You know the old ones. I mean really, really old ones.” 

The Puff took another long sip from his drink before he’d set it back against the bar top. He’d realized that between the two there wasn’t much in common but maybe that was okay. “That sounded weird.” He’d seemed nice enough and Logan gave mad respect to anyone that was willing to pull off glitter in any capacity. Mostly he was just afraid he’d never get it out of his beard should he ever attempt something similar. “But nothin’ too fancy. Certainly can’t pull off being right at home in one of the craziest looking bars I’ve ever seen.” Logan smiled softly and looked back out at the crowd a moment. “You must have quite a way to pull that off so effortlessly.” Which, in Logan’s book, was quite admirable. And even in fifteen seconds he could see the trouble rolling off this one. Much like his sister but this time he didn’t have to attempt to smoother it out under his boot heel. No this one he could see the full on sizzle to a blaze if he so choose it.

“May also be playing that roll of ridiculously over-protective big brother.” He couldn’t believe he’d admitted that. Though that was really a large part of the reason he was even in this place to begin with. Logan shrugged and quickly drank another cherry back. A few chews and the stem popped back between his teeth. His tongue shuffling it to the side as he’d turned a little more towards his new found company. “Some habits die hard.” He shrugged, swirling the contents of his glass around slowly. “But the company is a pretty nice bonus too.” It’d been a while since Logan had actually put himself out there in an capacity. For a while he was content it just being he and his sister. Family was it for him. His safe space. But as he was growing older, that became less and less true. Almost to the point that he couldn’t say for sure what it was. Except Harlowe, she’d always be the constant. Or if he’d ever really be able to give a truthful answer as to what it was he really wanted.

“And what else is it that you do, Derrick? Aside from sip a rather tempting looking drink that honestly has me contemplating cheating on my old stand by here in favor of it.”

“A little,” Derrick admitted with a smirk. He could only tell because he spent a lot of nights here and hadn’t ever recognized such a handsome face before. Logan had the kind of face that people remember. A face that Derrick would remember. He stood out in a crowd which was funny because he seemed to want to mold into the bar stool he was sitting on and become invisible. He seemed like someone who wanted experiences but was too scared to actually experience things. Listening to the words coming out of his mouth, Derrick was pleased that his initial assumptions about the man were correct. 

“Craft wood?” Derrick repeated with a raised brow. His gaze glanced down at Logan’s hands and he saw the working hands of a man. He imagined how calloused his fingers were from crafting. He imagined the tight muscles under his shirt from lifting planks of wood. Derrick didn’t understand the appeal. He understood a creative hobby, of course, but crafting wood? It might be a comfort for Logan but he didn’t understand it. Ahh, to each their own. Logan certainly didn’t understand why Derrick took comfort in a busy nightclub. Who was he to judge? “Years of practice, my friend,” Derrick replied smoothly. “The first time I ever stepped into a club I literally turned around and left. Ended up coming back and really giving it a good go and haven’t looked back since.” 

Ahh. Protective big brother. So Logan played with wood all day and was protective of his sibling. Could he get any sweeter? Derrick resisted the urge to fan himself. Logan was suddenly becoming too good to be true. He tried not to swoon when Logan made the comment about good company. Of course Derrick was good company. He was the best kind of company anyone could have. 

“What do I do?” Derrick clicked his tongue and shrugged. “I experience things. Anything and everything I can get my grabby hands on.” He laughed, bringing the martini glass up to his lips and taking a sip before he offered it to Logan. “Go on. Try it. I bet you’ll like it.” 

“But to answer your question, I do a lot of things. I come here and dance til the sun comes up. I study Aurology and Potions at the University though it is a miracle if I make it to my classes. Heh. I have a collection of snakes that I tend to in my free time. But yeah...that’s me in a nutshell. I love doing new things. There is quite honestly nothing I won’t try at least once and very little I don’t like in life. Clearly I am a people person and I try to make it a point to meet new people all of the time. You’re my lucky new friend today.” He paused, sucking in a deep breath before leaning across the bar and plucking a cherry from Logan’s drink. “I have a knack for sensing things about people. I can tell you’re a really good guy to know and I’ve never been wrong before so don’t let me down.”

[derrickcoriander]

easy boy

[derrickcoriander]

loganrosenrutt‌:

He’d often questioned his own choice to live off campus many times. But it was on nights like this when he understood why. And if for no other reason than his own peace of mind. Not to mention the sound of a hammer hitting the nail head around quarter of three in the morning wasn’t all too pleasant for most. It was methodic. Or maybe it was Logan that had taken on that characterization. It was hard to deny it even if he wanted to. Coming to the club tonight had been an attempt at leaving his poor hands to rest for a night. He wasn’t quite sure his knuckles could stand another splinter in them. At least not for the night but a distraction was needed. Something where he could disappear for a while and not have to worry. 

The young man found himself wondering in through the front doors of the club and just as quickly into a seat near the end of the bar. His left arm propped up on the bar, fingers rubbing over his chin as the lights and music pulsed through that room like it was no one business. Had he not been so keen on attempting something new, Logan would have turned right around and left. But instead he’d ordered himself a drink. A small attempt at trying to salvage the night. He couldn’t say whether or not this was for him or not. It was something different and he’d graciously accepted the drink from a rather frantic bartender. 

Small sips back, a look around and forward again. He could see why people would like this place. He was even starting to a little. Not enough to get up and dance but he could appreciate the rest of them out there. It looks fun. Logan turned back to his drink and drew in a deep breath as he watched the cherries slide down into the bottom of the glass as he’d set it back down. Maybe another wouldn’t hurt. He was struggling to really find a reason to stay longer. He didn’t want to look out of place. Too late. But was it as enticing as he thought? He didn’t have the time to properly digest that thought though. No there was a question and a rather peculiar one at that. At least for Logan it was. Not something he was asked very often if at all. Not a sign but why the hell not? What was it going to hurt?

“Manhattan.” Logan answered, still giving a curious look to the rather exhilarated man. He couldn’t tell if it were natural or if it was induced. More than likely not. He’d had his fair share of witnessing things of that nature. Then again he didn’t know this one from Adam. But a drink was a drink and he seemed pretty damned determined. “Extra cherries.” He’d added quickly before it escaped him. Awful little habit he’d picked up from his sister. It was a hard way to break, having everything be so damn sweet. 

The Puff thought a moment more, watching the poor bartender struggle behind the line. He almost offered to make it himself, save the poor soul but he doubted he’d be much help at all. Instead he’d decided his attention should probably be with the one that had actually offered to buy the drink in the first place. “Sorry.” He chimed as he drew his left hand out and held it out for the other. “Logan.” He still wasn’t entirely sure what he was meant to think of all this. The club was never really his scene and it wasn’t all that common for him to linger around long enough for more than one drink. Perhaps he ought to pull a page from the younger Rosenrutt’s book tonight and just … go with the flow. Whatever the hell that meant.

“This uhh …” He smiled nervously, gaze drifting slightly to keep from staring too hard. “Never been out here before. Seems different. In a nice way though.” What the fuck are you babbling on about? Logan smiled forced that nervous smile and rubbed over his face as if that would get rid of the last five seconds. “Kind of an idiot when I’m in a new place.” Well at least that was honest.

A manhattan? His brow quirked and Derrick nodded his approval. You could tell a lot about someone from the sort of drink they ordered. A manhattan was classic and deep. But Derrick didn’t need a drink to assume that the man sitting on the stool to his right was an interesting fellow. He had a knack for reading people. The vibe he was getting off of the other was intriguing to say the least. A sharp whistle left between his lips and the bartender looked up and nodded. It was busy tonight. The poor man behind the bar looked as if he needed four more arms just to keep his head above the water but he held up a finger to let Derrick know he was coming eventually. 

That was fine. Derrick Coriander was a patient, patient man. 

With a wild grin, Derrick slid his hand into Logan’s and gripped it tightly. “Derrick,” He replied, shaking the other’s hand. “May I?” Derrick asked. He slipped his hand out of Logan’s grip and motioned to the empty stool next to the other. He plopped himself down. “Fuck, feels good to sit,” He commented, running a hand through his sweaty hair. His body immediately relaxed as he placed his arms on the bar, turning to look at the other. “Once you get out on the dance floor they don’t let you go. I’m gonna be sore as fuck tomorrow.” 

Derrick tossed his head back and laughed effortlessly. “Aren’t we all idiots when we’re in a new place? I know I sure am.” He liked to stand out and be one of a kind. He liked people to remember him. If acting like an idiot made that happen...well, Derrick wasn’t really above that. “I’ve known you for…” He pretended to look down at his watch before glancing back up at Logan. “What? Fifteen seconds now and you’re doing really well in this kind of environment.” Because really...who was Derrick to judge? Derrick who two silver glitter lines painted beneath his eyes. Derrick who had come to the club dressed outrageously and flamboyantly as possible. That was the beautiful thing about Deja Vu. It brought all different sorts of people into one place. And rarely anyone judged. “You’re doing just fine.” 

 “What can I get you guys?” Derrick turned his head to see the very flustered bartender standing in front of them. 

“A manhattan with extra cherries and an appletini on my tab.” The bartender nodded in agreement and went to work on their drinks. It wasn’t more than a couple minutes before he was sliding a glass filled with amber liquid to Logan, Derrick eyed the cherries hungrily and regretted not ordering the same thing. Then a light green martini was placed in front of him and Derrick’s mouth watered. His fingers wrapped around the stem of the glass and he brought it to his lips, taking a long slow sip. Then he turned his full attention back onto Logan. 

“So...is it safe to assume you don’t come here often?” He didn’t think Logan did. Mostly because Derrick spent an unhealthy amount of time here dancing and drinking the night away. It always made things better for a little while at least. “And if you don’t come here often, what do you do?”

[derrickcoriander]

easy boy

“WOOO!” The music flowed through him and the lights warmed his skin. The crowd thrashing around him was a comfort that Derrick constantly yearned for. He hollered and jumped in time to the beat, his arms flinging wildly above his head. His hair was slick with sweat and his legs felt like jelly but he didn’t stop moving and he didn’t care. He didn’t have one care in the world once he slipped through the doors of Deja Vu. How could he? This was paradise.

Hands slid across his body as the song continued. He was pulled to the left and then to the right. He felt someone’s hair brushed across his face and he lazily opened his eyes to see a petite girl dancing in front of him. Someone was behind him, screaming the lyrics to the song into his ear. Derrick continued on feeling out the beat and letting the club music take over his body. By the time the song ended, he felt dead tired and his throat screamed for some kind of lubrication. He peeled himself away from his new friends and made his way off of the dance floor and to the bar.

Squeezing himself in between two occupied bar stools, Derrick waved down the bartender and ordered a dirty Shirley with extra cherries and iced water. The bartender looked busy so he didn’t expect his drink that quickly. With a soft sigh, the Slytherin turned and leaned his back against the bar and looked out into the crowd of people. He studied the people sitting at the bar on either side of him and he looked at the people moving together on the dance floor. It was beautiful and exactly the kind of escape he needed. Except for…

The person sitting on a bar stool to his left. Derrick wouldn’t describe them as sad looking. How could he? They were a complete stranger to him. But they were giving off vibes that weren’t suitable for club life and a situation like this was something he couldn’t ignore. So he turned towards them, tapping his finger next to their empty glass. “Want another?” Derrick questioned while tugging his lower lip between his teeth and smirking at the other. “On my tab?” He didn’t want for an answer and instead flagged the bartender down again, who was already on their way over with Derrick’s drink. It was placed in front of him and he grinned his pearly whites at the bartender “And another for my new friend here..” He turned and rested his hand comfortably on their shoulder. “What was it you were drinking…?”

[mindhunter-netflix]

Holden stares.