Sorry this took so long to upload, but shout out to Jeremy, Ryan, and Michael for signing my art.
I can’t express just how wonderful it is to see their excitement, let alone how fantastic it is to hear them say that they not only love the artwork, but recognise/remember it. I couldnt believe it when Jeremy eagerly started telling Ryan about the stuff I’d shown him and Michael the day before. When one of your inspirations boasts about your skill to another inspiration - who agrees - your legs go numb and you start to shake. Brilliant!
Bonus: Jeremy adding a ‘x2’ to my program guide as a joke for us meeting twice.
Days passed, and the sky darkened as a storm blew in. The smarter crews pulled into harbor early and buckled down, taking advantage of the tavern just down the way of my tent. Their laughter, music, and fighting soured my mood as I watched the black clouds inch closer to the island.
“The waters will not be kind. Let’s hope the ships have all found a safe dock.”
I glanced in the direction of the tavern owner, who had taken a break from the rowdy gang. “Yes. Let us hope, and prepare for those that will be thrown ashore.”
The busty, broad- shouldered woman nodded. “They’ll be alright. ‘Tis a good crew they have. Brave and a tad stupid… but good.”
“The sea does not favor the good.” I muttered, narrowing my eyes in the direction that I so often stared in.
When the sky was black and I could no longer see the waves, I lit a lantern. The waves were massive and I could see sheets of rain pouring down in the distance. Thunder shook the earth as a flash of lightning illuminated the waters. In the brief light, I could see a ship that was coming to shore much too fast.
“We must prepare.” I whispered, knowing that there was no one to hear me as I reached for my cloak to shield me from the water as much as I could. The ship struck the rocks just as my feet hit the beach, and I flinched at the sounds of breaking wood and screaming.
“Help me!” A voice called out as I neared the wreckage. “The water’s too high!”
“Well, fucking get out then!”
I paused as the second voice rose over the roar of the storm before a head popped out of a large hole in the side of the ship. “Uhh… Cap’n? I don’t think this is supposed to be here.”
“We’ve done it again boys!” The Captain’s unusually cheery voice made me smirk as they all scrambled out of the ruined husk of their ship. When he saw that I was standing there, the Captain smiled wide and motioned to me as he looked back at his crew. “Look, mateys! We’re back at our favorite outpost even after Navigator Jack got us lost.”
A woman, with a somewhat large beard, spoke up. “It was Two Legs who kept falling off and making us go back! If I hadn’t gotten turned around-”
“Then we would still be out in the storm!” The Scottish- sounding man protested.
“And we would have a ship.” The first man added, clearing water from his large nose.
“Well… it all lead us back here. I trust the tavern is open?” The Captain asked as he turned back to me.
“Yes, but other crews have all but drank it dry. Come.” I turned and lead them back to my tent. When they were all in, I closed and tied the flaps against the storm before brushing past them to open the curtain in the back, which lead to my chambers. A short bed with pillows sat against one side, while larger pillows laid in a circle on the other. I motioned them to the pillows. “Sit.”
“Oooo. Look at this, Peg Peeker!”
“Don’t touch the vials. Or the box.” I warned as I reached for a bottle that I had kept in a cabinet. Turning to face the men, I saw that two of them were huddled close to the very things I had told them not to mess with. Their expressions were ones of shock and horror, and I chuckled. “Yes, I knew what you were doing.”
“But how? We could have been talking about anything in here.”
I shrugged, offering a sly glance in their direction as I sat down. “I have my ways.”
The men sat and drank for hours, talking of their adventures on the sea. I tried to keep my intrigue hidden, until they started to recall their battle with the Kraken.
“You actually fought it? And lived to tell the tale?” My eyes must have given away my curiosity, because they all exchanged looks and nodded.
“Aye, we fought the beast. And the beast sank back into the depths cryin’ for mercy!”
I narrowed my eyes in disbelief. “I have heard many tales of a Kraken that would break your ship in two without you even seeing it. One that will eat an entire crew in a blink of an eye. One that will leave none but a…” I caught myself, and stood to walk away from the group. The silver box was in front of me, and I picked it up. “Do you remember where you got this?”
They all looked confused at the shift in conversation. “No. We’ve been to many islands in the sea.”
“It’s important that I know exactly where you got this.” I insisted.
The captain stood and took a few steps forward. “It was a fort. An old fort guarded by skeletons.”
“Aye! The lot almost sent me to Davey Jones!” Peg Peeker recalled. “You nearly joined me, Sea Sniffer.”
“Aye, I did.” The one with the large nose nodded, staring at the box. “That trinket caused problems for our crew.”
I watched as his eyes darkened for a split second before he blinked and he refocused. Moving back to the group, I placed the box farthest away from him. “It would be best it you slept here. The pillows will suit you well.”
“Better than a hard tavern bench.” Two Legs agreed as they settled in.
I moved to place the box by my bed before lighting a single candle. Once I could no longer hear them getting comfortable and the faint sounds of snoring filled the room, I stood to remove my heavy overdress.
“Pardon me.” I jumped as a whisper behind me broke the silence.
“You’re supposed to be asleep with your crew, Captain.” I whispered in reply, a hint of humor in my tone.
“I don’t mean you harm.”
I turned, standing in front of him in only my shift. “You? A pirate? Now that’s one that I haven’t heard before.”
He chuckled softly, trying to keep his voice low. “I only mean to thank you for your hospitality. And for helping us on the beach. But… how’d you know it was our boat?”
“I always know when it’s yours. Call it witch’s sense if you like.” I smirked before remembering the box. “One member of your crew… he seems affected by the box.”
“Affected how?” His voice rose and someone stirred.
“We will discuss more later. Sleep now… Jeremy.”
He turned away, then looked back. “Will I ever know your name?”
“If you truly defeat the Kraken… then you will earn my name.”
A thought: If the Fake AH Crew were accurate to GTA, everyone would be yelling at their own limbs and diving off buildings when all they meant to do was turn around.
Example:
Sirens scream through the night as Michael rushes across the building tops, Geoff close behind. Panting and weighed down with cash, he casts a frantic glance to Jack in her chopper, blades cutting the air above. “Need a little help here!”
The red head nods and affirms curtly, instructing Ryan to hang on tight while he fires rockets out the side, shrapnel exploding like firecrackers. With a swerve she’s lowering, hovering mere meters away. “Get your ass over here.”
“How’s the ground team doing?” pries Geoff, yelping and ducking away from a stray piece of flaming debris plummeting down to where he once stood. He shakes himself, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
“Already at the meetup point,” she replies, shooting out the window and downing the oncoming cops, “Gavin’s still alive.”
“I don’t fucking believe it,” grunts Michael, launching over the final gap and landing in a crouch, knees digging into the concrete before he’s up and running again.
“Hurry up and you can see it for yourself.”
Ryan hauls Michael up, steadying his entrance to the chopper before motioning frantically to Geoff.
The young man discards his loot into the back before adoring the opposite side of the helicopter, pulling out a gun and readying for a fight.
“C’mon, Geoff,” he yells, the boss tripping as bullets litter his path. The tattooed man hums in irritation, picking himself back up and facing the wrong direction. “Geoff, turn the fuck around, other way you idiot!”
He tries, legs refusing to reposition correctly as he grows increasingly angry. Finally managing to face Ryan after spinning countless times, he bolts forward to take on the final jump.
Then he’s gone, leaving nothing but dead space until his infuriated scream rips through the night. “GOD DAMN IT GEOFF, WHY’RE YOU SO STUPID? WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING? FUCK ME!”
Crawling back over, Michael stares with wide eyes at the space his teammate once was, Ryan and Jack cackling as they pull into the air and begin their escape. “Did... Did Geoff just swan dive off the building?”
“What a fucking idiot,” cries Ryan through his laughter, “just leave him. Ground extraction can peel his ass off the sidewalk in the morning.”
Pairing: Michael Jones x Reader
Day 23 of Fics Advent Calendar 2017. Read the others here
Prompt/Summary: MichaelxReader fluff? It’s that time of year again! Time to put up the tree and hang up the mistletoe! The reader is freaking out over which decorations go where and Michael is trying to catch her under the mistletoe. He finally does with the help of the Lads and Gents. I just recently found your blog and I love it to pieces. Your works are amazing!! Thank you for taking your time to read this!
wc: 2092
“I dunno,” shrugs Gavin, his chin buried in the red tinsel Trevor and Jeremy were encasing him in, “I haven’t seen her since lunch.”
Michael groans, bending his knees and rocking back in frustration. “I’ve been looking for her for hours!”
“Stop freaking out,” reassures Jeremy while peeking under Gavin’s arm, a wide, cheery grin plastered to his face, “she’ll turn up.”
“She better,” Michael grumbles, eyes drifting to the clock, “if she’s any later she’ll miss her own pre-party party.”
“She just likes to be organised,” dismisses Gavin, Trevor taking a step back and eyeing up his work; certain something is missing. “You know how she gets.”
“That’s what I’m worried about,” Michael sighs, his irritation simmering down into underlying concern. “She’s her own worst enemy. She’s probably at the store buying as many decoration options as possible.”
“Sounds about right, but since when’ve you cared?” The Brit eyes his friend suspiciously, the tops of Michael’s ears turning pink.
“Because I like her; asshole. I didn’t get this piece of shit for my health.” Michael holds up the small cluster of berries shrouded in leaves, Gavin’s squeaking tightening with the pressure of Trevor adding lights.
“Wait,” comes Ryan’s voice around the chocolates he was cramming into his mouth, “is that holly?”
“No,” rejects Michael indignantly, the quirk of his eyebrow giving away his uncertainty. “It’s mistletoe.”
Ryan approaches with another handful of snacks, eyes narrowing as he assesses the piece Michael holds out for inspection. He plucks a red berry, glowering before tossing it at Gavin, lodging it in his nose. “Yup,” he confirms, munching, “that’s holly.”
“Awwwhh FUCK.” Michael’s knees hit the carpet, his face defeated.
Alfredo looks up momentarily from his place in the kitchen, hands still transferring poorly decorated cookies to their display plates. His face is apologetic until Ryan attempts to swipe one of creations, earning a slapped hand. “We could go to the store and find some? The white stuff’s everywhere.”
“Yeah,” agrees Jeremy while trying to steady Gavin, making sure all of his limbs were in functioning order before leaving the man to his own devices. “I’m sure there’s mistletoe, too.”
Alfredo glares, “boo, you suck.”
“Who’s sucking?” queries Geoff from his ball atop the couch; feet angled towards the roaring fire and face having been buried deep in a book. “And how do I get in on said sucking?”
“No one’s sucking but me,” groans Michael, wobbling to standing and accepting one of the sweets Ryan offers, hands tossing the holly aside and filling with foil wrapped chocolates.
Geoff considers this fully. “I can deal with that.”
Jack’s pulls out his phone, slipping past Alfredo in the kitchen and smiling comfortingly at Michael, ignoring the laughter. “We could post mate some?”
“Jack, you’re a genius!” he exclaims, hope blooming in his chest. “That’s perfect; we could have it delivered before she gets back!”
“I’ll sort it out so we don’t end up with holly again,” Jack suggests, Michael nodding eagerly. The bearded man glances about the room, eyes lingering on the mess they’ve created. “We should probably clean up. Y/N’s gonna flip her shit if she finds her house in this state. She’s already pulling her hair out.”
Michael’s eyes brighten, but no way near as much as Gavin does. With a chorus of chuckles Jeremy plugs the lad in, Christmas lights flashing happily from beneath his tinselled body. Both Jeremy and Trevor beam at their creation, Gavin equally thrilled with the state of his handmade ugly sweater.
It’s all hands on deck as soon as Gavin begins scooping up the incredibly long cable connecting him to the wall, realising that his outfit isn’t at all practical. Ryan quickly shovels all of his wrappers into his arms, dumping them in the trash as Geoff joins Alfredo on dish duty. Jeremy works on straightening the cushions, Jack tapping away in his phone. In a confusion of cords Trevor battles with the vacuum, harshly nudging feet as he cleans.
Gavin casts Michael a reassuringly cheeky grin, looking pleased. “Don’t worry, boy; she can’t escape.”
“Why do you always have to make it weird?”
“Make what weird?”
Michael whirls at the sound of your curiosity, eyes wide as he takes in your exhausted figure, bags lining up to your elbows. You watch him closely, the rest of your friends bolting into lounging positions; Trevor tripping over the vacuum cable in an attempt to abandon it in its respective home.
“Erm...” Michael panics, eyes darting to Gavin as he smashes out a pose, motioning to flashing lights. “Gavin makes everything weird. Just look at him. He’s just a freak.”
You do, taking in his clashing tinsel wrapping and throbbing colours, holding back a wince. Still, you sigh, a tired smile working across your face.
“Ray’s gonna have a field day,” you chuckle, entering your front room and unloading the bags into Ryan’s waiting arms, thankful for the relief.
Michael’s face screws in confusion, his “what?” cut off with the purple man bounding into the space, arms equally loaded up.
“The fuck are you wearing?”
“Always a pleasure, Ray.”
“You look like a Who from the Grinch.”
Gavin doesn’t seem at all offended, grinning at his friend. “You’re one to talk.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I- I don’t know.”
Ray chortles, following you into the room and beginning to unpack the decorations. “Good one, Gav.”
Michael comes up behind you, body noticeably close and warming your back while he peaks into the bags. Instead of commenting he sighs, hands diving into the closest bag, unpacking the tiny golden reindeer. You appreciate his silence, knowing your nerves can’t take criticism. If you were honest, every thought of Christmas brings you closer to tears, the idea of donning the halls anything but festively cheerful.
He’d been the one to suggest inviting your friends over for a pre-party party to help set up – Michael, that is. He’d pushed hard for it, actually, and you can’t deny the comfort you find in their smiling faces. Every year it was difficult, and though you desperately want to throw yourself into celebrations, each time would bring about debilitating stress.
You fill their hands with decorations and minds with tasks; Alfredo contently working in the kitchen with his taste tester Ryan – who happily sucks on the brownie batter spoon – while Jack and Geoff take on table setting. Jeremy follows them, each plate being adorned with an extravagant Christmas cracker and poorly folded napkin, the young man exercising an incredibly amount of restraint to avoid pulling them early. Ray joins Trevor, the pair generously scattering ornaments across the fireplace mantle and the overhangs, Gavin dictating positioning and aesthetics as their eyes roll.
The final task is saved for Michael and yourself, his eagerness to set up the tree warming your heart. Minding the bristles, you both sit in the corner of the room and unfold the tree’s numerous prickly parts, chattering about nothing. Assembly doesn’t take long, soon seeing the tree tower to the ceiling, filling the corner. Next come the decorations, the two of you jamming rich reds, golds, and an array of purples onto its branches; tossing strings of beads, tinsel and lights as the finishing touch.
You and Michael share a proud grin, his arm winding around your shoulder as he cheers. Instinctively you curl into him, palm resting against his chest, the other around his waist. You stay like this for a moment, too caught up in each other to notice the excited whispers rippling through the rest of your friends – until there’s a knock at the door.
With a jump start you pull away, blushing a deep pink that mirrors his cheeks. Jack rushes past with a yell, stopping your advances towards the visitor.
“NO! Err, I mean, you should really pack the underside of the tree,” he stumbles, back pressed to the door.
“What’s going on?” You needle, eyes narrowing in suspicion. Jack’s face flashes pleadingly, Geoff jumping to his aide.
“Calm down, Jack,” he instructs, storming past the man and throwing back a warning glace. “This’ll only take a minute.”
The door opens and slams far too quickly, Geoff’s loud yells rattling against the wood. You take a cautionary step back, looking to anyone for an explanation.
Ryan shrugs around Alfredo, looking unconcerned. “Drama.”
“Okay... I’ll- I’ll just, err,” you turn slowly, eyeing up the guilty group. “I’ll just head upstairs and get the bags of gifts.”
“Have fun,” waves Michael as you dip behind the wall into the next room with Ray, your footsteps resonating in creaks. Then he’s rushing to the door, yanking it open to see Geoff apologising profusely to a man, handing over money and taking the giant bag. Michael snatches it from tattooed hands, rushing inside and dropping to his knees to rip it open.
The content spills, mountains of mistletoe coating the carpet. “Why the fuck is there so many?!”
Jack shrugs, stealing a cookie and passing it back to Ryan, who munches happily. “They only sold them in bulk. You’re now the proud owner of a kilo of mistletoe.”
Michael lets out a resounding sigh, combing quickly through the pile and selecting his favourite, the white berries shining with a silver gleam. He quickly forces the rest back into the container at the sound of your returning footsteps, loud bangs emanating with each stair the sacks hit.
“Seriously Ray,” you groan, rounding the corner with a peel of laughter, the man accompanying you struggling with slippery parcels, juggling them as best he can. “Why do you have to do everything the hard way?”
“Because I’m not a pussy.”
“It’s 2017,” you grumble playfully, unaware of Jack snatching the mistletoe from Michael and nudging him forward, his hands reaching to relieve some of the load. “You can’t use that in a derogatory way.”
“It’s not derogatory,” Ray denies, collapsing beneath the presents and shoving them under the tree, “if anything it’s a shame. I wish I was a pussy.”
“Just stop,” jabs Michael with a smirk, accepting the gifts you hand over, drowning in the sight of your smile, “before you hurt yourself. Better yet, stop before Y/N hurts you.”
“I’ll do it,” you warn with lopsided grin that stops Michael’s heart, “don’t think I won’t.”
Ray panics theatrically, scampering away and bumping into Trevor as he balances on a chair, the two tangling in a mess of complaining limbs. You pay them no mind, tipping out your sack and kneeling beside the tree, Michael joining you and arranging the gifts into strategically tumbling piles. Your hands brush, his fingers squeezing yours and leaving tingles.
A commotion sounds above you, Jack making small noises of effort before yelling loudly. “I think it’s about time we ordered pizza. This place is good to go for tomorrow’s party.”
There are dramatic murmurs of agreement, the shuffling of feet accompanying the creak of your knees, standing to stare at the suspicious group. “Where are you going?”
“To order pizza,” says Geoff defensively, throwing his arms in the air.
“Can’t you order it in here?”
“Jesus Christ, Mom,” exclaims Ray, quickly catching on, “do we have to explain everything to you?”
You bristle, but only momentarily. A steady sigh sees you relaxing, a gentle squeeze warming your shoulder as Michael touches it. His face is perplexed, but manages to calm your confusion and mounting need for control.
“Okay, we’ll be weird and order pizza someplace else.”
“Alright, everybody out,” calls Gavin, ushering the group towards the back door, “you heard me, outside.”
You and Michael move to join, but Gavin’s eyes flick urgently up to the ceiling and back. Michael follows his gaze with a half muttered protest before a slightly frantic gasp escapes, his confusion colouring with anxiety.
“Oh, right, okay.”
He turns to you before you can protest, your friends disappearing as Michael touches the tops of your arms. All you can see is him, caught in his caramel eyes and the warm comfort of his nervous smile. He’s holding you close, the fibres of your sweaters brushing together as his hands remain gentle on your shoulders. He glances up, urging you to do the same, your lips parting in surprise at the mistletoe hanging above your heads.
“Michael, what’s going on –”
When you return to him he’s smiling, eyes caressing the features of the most beautiful woman in the world.
“Gotcha.”
“It’s about bloody time.”
And then his lips press against yours, arms winding to hold you close as the soft kiss lingers.
Pairing: Geoff Ramsey x Reader
Day 17 of Fics Advent Calendar 2017. Read the others here
For the lovely Anon that requested some Geoff love <3
Summary: Abandoned in a bar, you’re alone until someone buys you a drink.
WC: 558
You fiddle with the small umbrella adorning the far too sweet drink you’d bought, displeasure furrowing your brows at the sight of the excited bubbles. Noise explodes around you, boisterous yells and painfully drunken slurs emanating from the booths as you sit alone in the small enclave, lost in your thoughts.
Long since abandoned by your best friend, you were stuck in limbo – not wanting to stay in the far too warm bar, but unwilling to go anywhere else. You can’t blame her for leaving, the guy had eyes like diamonds and a jaw line stone, but you’ll allow yourself to be bitter if only for a moment.
And that moment has stretched into an hour, dragging past as the crowd grows steadily louder and brave. You’d turned so many away, refused the number of drinks the waiter had tried to deliver, redirecting them to whoever you could see without a beverage. You didn’t want the empty sugar, but that doesn’t mean it should go to waste.
You don’t even look up when the waiter returns, the refusal already loaded on your tongue – only to stop once the cup of tea is placed before you.
“Courtesy of the tattoos,” smiles the server, motioning to the unassuming man curled over a coffee and book at the bar. He senses your gaze, glancing over and smiling sheepishly, throwing a small wave in your direction.
You pick up the drink and his face falls, lips whispering as he scolds himself into the pages of his book, illustrated fingers rubbing worry into his closed eyes. He peeks through his scrunched expression at the sound of the stool scraping out, the teacup clinking pleasantly as you settle in beside him.
Up close you can see the freckles dusting his cheeks and splattering across his crooked nose, blue eyes waiting for the rejection he feels to be surely coming.
You smile, pouring in a tube of sugar and splash of milk. “True crime or fiction?”
He doesn’t hesitate. “True crime.”
“Charles Manson or JFK conspiracies?”
Another speedy response as the cup presses against your lips, liquid filling you with warmth and relief.
“Oh god, where would I even begin?”
A smile forms as you hold out a hand, his eyes darting from your fingers and back up to your face before taking it in bewilderment. “Y/N.”
“Geoff,” he chuckles nervously, callous fingers incredibly gentle, “thanks for not yelling at me.”
“Thanks for the tea.”
“You looked like you needed it,” he teases, placing his book down and burying his hands between his knees, legs bouncing.
“You have no idea how right you are,” you laugh, his soft nature surprisingly comforting.
“Are you alright?”
The question catches you off guard, the concern unexpected and incredibly genuine. Rather than replying immediately, you sip deeply on your tea. “I’m alright as I can be, just kinda stuck existing you know?”
He sighs, relatability rattling inside, “yeah, I know all too well. That’s why I try and exist in different places, keep things interesting.”
“Does it work?”
“Kind of?”
You laugh into your tea. “I should be existing back home, I just haven’t found the motivation to get up and leave.”
“Well, can I walk you home then?”
You smile, finishing your tea as it cools in the china. “As long as I can make you a coffee.”
A fire blazed nearby, keeping the room warm as I read. Salem was curled up on my feet and gave a soft purr every so often to let me know that she was still there, as if her weight alone was not enough of a clue. Hushed voices on the other side of the room and the sound of a quill scratching frantically on parchment was the only inclination that life existed outside of the little bubble the common room provided, and that finals were coming up.
“Hey, I got you some toffee from Honeydukes.”
I glanced up from my book to see Matt standing in front of me, a small box in his hand. His expression was one of guilt, and I sighed as I sat up slightly, allowing him to sit.
“Thanks, Matt. You know that you didn’t have to do that, though. Christmas is just around the corner.”
He shrugged. “I know how you like to suck on something while you study.” My eyebrows shot up. “That’s not- I didn’t mean- Oh fuck!”
I laughed and shook my head. “I know, Matt. Thank you for the toffee. How was the village?”
“It was… awkward. I mean, it was fun and all, but I think we all kind of missed having you there.”
I opened my mouth to respond, but was interrupted by Salem jumping onto my lap and meowing at me. “I think she’s mad that we woke her up.”
Matt reached over and petted her under her chin, making her eyes close as she started to purr. “I’m sorry. Do you forgive me?”
“Keep doing that and she’ll be your best friend.” I chuckled. We sat there in silence for a little while, letting Salem absorb all the attention.
“You want to join us all for dinner?” Matt muttered finally, breaking the slight trance I was in.
“Uh… yeah. Sure. I mean, if it’s okay with everyone. I don’t want to intrude.”
Matt scowled. “Did you not hear me earlier when I said that we all missed you today? Come on.”
He wrapped his long fingers around my wrist and pulled me off the couch. Salem protested, but we were headed out the door before I could say a word. After a few twists and turns, we were standing in front of the doors to the Great Hall.
I froze, pulling Matt to a stop alongside me. “Matt!” He glanced at me quizzically. “What if he’s with them? I can’t… What if I see him again and remember?”
Matt turned towards the door, then reached back to hold my hands. “If anything happens, I’m here. And so are the others. You know that we won’t let anything happen to you.”
I took a deep breath before nodding and walking through the doors. Our group was seated together like usual, but this time there was an empty spot beside Jeremy instead of by Ryan, who was on the far end of the table. I took my seat and Jeremy smiled at me.
“Hey! I missed you today. But it gave me a chance to get your Christmas gift.”
Lindsay and Meg grinned too. “So did we. Maybe we should make people stay in the castle more often.”
I smiled at their attempts to make me feel better before our attention was drawn to the front of the hall. McGonagall was standing at the podium, and we all quieted down as she prepared to speak. “Now, we all know that winter has arrived and with that comes final examinations and the Christmas feast before we depart for the holiday. If there are any of you who wish to remain here for the holiday, please inform your Head of House as soon as possible. And please do not wait until the last possible moment to begin studying for the final examinations, as they require a great deal of work.” She shot a pointed glance at Michael, Gavin, and Alfredo. “Enjoy the meal.”
We started to eat, and everyone started to joke and laugh about what they had seen in the village while I sat in silence.
“And when that rouge broom knocked that board over and hit the old bitch in the head! I thought for sure she was going to jinx Gavin!” Michael cackled in glee, his eyes disappearing.
Gavin squawked. “She came at me! And I was just standing there!”
They all laughed, and I felt Jeremy chuckle beside me before elbowing me. “What did you do today? Did you piss off Ray again?”
“No. I stayed in the common room and read by the fire with Salem.”
“The entire time?” Neal piped in.
I nodded. “The entire time. Can you pass the potatoes?”
The table fell silent, as if they didn’t know what to say. Finally, Trevor broke the silence. “I was thinking about staying here for break.”
“You usually go home.” Jeremy replied curtly.
“I know. But with it being the end of our group as we know it-”
“Way to be a downer.” Larry muttered. I chuckled and Larry smirked, pleased that he had gotten me to laugh.
“I just thought it would be cool to hang around here.”
We all grew silent again before I sighed. “I doubt that McG would let me.”
“She’s not the Head of Hufflepuff.” Geoff replied with a glimmer of mischief in his eye.
Suddenly, Ray was hovering in the center of the table. “What are you fuckers bitching about now?”
I rolled my eyes. “We were talking about the right way to get rid of a ghost.”
Jack smirked, catching onto my plan. “I want to exorcise you.”
“I say burn the bones.” Ryan added as he stared at his plate. I turned and met his half-lidded eyes as he glanced my way before looking back down.
“You guys suck ass.” Ray muttered before he floated away.
Michael and Gavin started to laugh. “That has to be the fastest he has ever left!”
“Nah. I’ve made him leave just by saying ‘hi’ before.” Matt replied, earning another laugh.
“Oh man. Not even the ghost wants to be near you!” Andy sneered. I glared at him and he ducked his head.
After dinner, I went back to the common room. It was much quieter and I sighed as I settled into the couch I was in before. Salem appeared again and curled up in my lap as I grabbed my book. Geoff had followed me, and he sat down on the other end of the couch. We read in silence for a long while before I noticed that he was watching me.
“I’m not a book, Geoffrey.”
He jumped, as though he wasn’t expecting me to speak. “Huh?”
I glanced up at him, looking over my book. “I’m not a book. Stop trying to read me.”
“Oh. I uh…” He slumped down, defeated. “I’m worried about you. All this shit… it’s not good for you. And locking yourself away in here all day isn’t good either.”
I smirked and went back to my book. “If you haven’t noticed, Geoffrey, I like locking myself away in here.”
“It’s not good for you. And stop calling me that.” He sat forward and gently placed his hands on my knees. “I’m worried about you. You’re like a little sister to me and I want to protect you, but I can’t do that if you won’t let me.”
I closed my book and scooped Salem up. “You especially can’t do that if you’re not here.” He flinched at my sharp tone, but didn’t respond. “Goodnight, Geoffrey.”
“Goodnight, Renee.” He muttered to my back, his tone making me ache as I walked away from him.
A few days later after classes were over, I went to the library. The room was filled with groups studying and I wove my way through the rows of books until I neared the table that Neal and I had claimed years ago.
I stopped around the corner from it however, because I heard voices. One of which I did not recognize.
“It seems like she’s having a hard time too.”
The voice was female, and carried a warm accent that I couldn’t place.
“Oh, so now you’re on her side? Thanks a lot.”
The response was from Ryan, and my breath caught when I realized that they were talking about me. I debated on what to do, and in my unresponsiveness, I stood frozen and heard more of the conversation.
“What I’m saying is that you guys were so close, and maybe she wants to be close again. But she doesn’t want to get hurt. Try to start over.”
Ryan sighed. “But how do I do that when I still feel how I do?”
Footsteps behind me made me turn and I saw Neal coming towards me. He met my eyes, then glanced at the table before giving me a slight shove. Ryan’s head shot up at the sudden motion, and his eyes flicked over to the girl. She was sitting with her back to me, but I could see her bright blue hair that framed her face. Neal silently sat down and nodded an acknowledgement to the girl before Ryan cleared his throat.
“Uh.. Renee. This is Elise. She’s a Ravenclaw third year.”
She turned and offered a kind smile, and I waved before walking around the table to sit across from her. “Hi. I didn’t know that you guys used this table too. I thought it was only Neal, Larry, and I.”
Elise and Ryan exchanged glances, and Neal leaned forward. “Ryan has always studied here with us, Renee. Elise is a new addition, though.” Neal turned towards her. “Why are you here?”
“I offered to help her study. For her exams.” Ryan’s tone was dark and dared Neal to challenge him, and a fire was lit within me.
“Oh really?” I smirked, looking directly at Elise. “What are you studying with your closed books?” She stared at the table, then glanced at Ryan, who cleared his throat again. I ignored him. “I heard you two talking about me. It’s like you’ve been talking about me before today.”
“Renee. Drop it.” Ryan growled.
I finally directed my aim towards him. “Why, when this is so fun?” I grinned. “You know… I’m starting to remember exactly why I enjoyed being around you.” I stood, still maintaining eye contact. “Because it’s so fun to piss you off, you ass.”
With that, I grabbed my bag and left the table. Footsteps followed and as I turned a corner, I saw blue hair. I stopped just outside of the library and waited until Elise rounded the corner. “You’re quick!” She exclaimed with a smile.
“Yeah, well… Raven-dick pissed me off.” I muttered. She nodded and ducked her head slightly.
“He told me everything that’s happened between you two, and I just want to say that I’m sorry. And for what it’s worth…” She glanced behind her. “He is an ass.”
I laughed, then quieted. “Would you mind telling me what happened? Everyone else knows and acts differently because of it… but…”
“Say no more. I know that perfect place.” She smiled.
Soon enough we were sitting in an alcove in Ravenclaw tower. Elise had made tea and was recounting the entire tale, laughing at the good parts and calming me at the bad. Towards the end, she sighed.
“And then he asked if I wanted to study with him and I thought that we would come here like we always do, but he brought me there instead, and then…”
I nodded. “The rest is history.”
“In a way, I’m glad that he did what he did.”
I scowled. “Why is that?”
“Cause now I have a new friend.” She rose her tea cup. “To new beginnings.”
“To new beginnings.” I grinned as I clinked my cup with hers before taking a sip.
We sat and talked for a while more before it was time for me to head back to my dorm. On my way back out of the tower, I ran into Larry and Neal. They were sitting on a couch together and looked embarrassed before Neal scowled.
“Wait… what are you even doing here?”
Larry’s eyes went wide. “You were with Ryan, weren’t you?!?”
“No, I wasn’t.” I replied quickly. “I was talking to my new friend Elise.”
Neal smiled and Larry looked very confused. “Wait, the third year? How’d you even meet her?”
I smiled and waved goodbye as I headed towards the door. The last thing I heard was Neal’s chuckle. “I’ll explain everything later.”
Salem was on Jack’s lap when I entered the common room, and didn’t bother to move when I sat beside them. Jack was reading something, but set it down when he noticed the look on my face.
“What’s up?”
I blinked. “Nothing. This is just my face.” I replied too quickly, making him stare at me over his glasses until I sighed. “I met someone today who’s been a confidente to Ryan through all this, and she told me everything. And now…”
“Now you don’t know what to think?”
“No. Now I don’t know if what I did then was the right thing to do.”
Jack shrugged. “You did it. No changing that. It was raw emotion and action. Cause and effect, and the consequences of that. What you do now is more important.”
“Well, I know for sure that whatever I felt for him is gone.”
“What the hell did I just walk in on?!?” Geoff muttered as he sat on the chair on the other side of me.
“Deciding my next steps, Geoff. So good timing.” I beamed before continuing. “Step one… no more emotions first, think later.”
Geoff laughed. “Yeah, like that’ll work!”
“That’s why I have you guys!” Jack nodded but Geoff made a face. “Step two... “ I paused, thinking for far too long.
“Well that’s promising.” Jack muttered, earning a light slap.
“I’m working on it, alright! This place wasn’t rebuilt in a day, and neither will I.”
“Gettin’ real deep.” A monotone voice interjected. “Can’t see the bottom of that one.”
I turned and glared at the ghost in the corner. “Ray, if you’re not going to help, then fucking… go die somewhere.”
“Tell a fucking ghost to go die. Real original.” He deadpanned as he stayed put.
I rolled my eyes and went back to the conversation at hand. “As I was saying… I’m getting there. I just know that I need to change things. I that I’ll need help.”
“Well, good thing we have a lot of friends cause you’ll need all the help you can get.” Geoff muttered. Even Ray laughed as a well-aimed pillow smacked him in the face, making him fall back into the chair.
Pairing: Miles Luna x Reader
Day 22 of Fics Advent Calendar 2017. Read the others here
PROMPT FOR: @minigranger, who has been such a lovely and supportive person! I really hope you like it, lovely. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Summary: A game of Werewolves during the Extra Life Stream reveals more information about your relationship with Miles than you’d anticipated.
wc: 620
“As the villagers fall asleep a werewolf walks amongst them. Who shall be their victim?”
You nod, motioning to Miles while he pretends to snore into the bean bag, the onlookers giggling. Kyle smiles, avoiding you’re expression while waking up the others, yawns and lip smacking signalling the morning.
The wide shot pans to show the survivors of your rampage, Cole, Miles and Jeremy the only ones left. Jeremy casts you a suspicious look, and you sink in your seat to hide the smile.
“In the night one of you was attacked,” states Kyle, gasps and giggles following his words. “And did not survive.”
“If it’s me, I just want everyone to know that Y/N did it,” calls Miles, sweeping his arms while the Extra Life set laughs.
Kyle flashes a vicious grin. “Dead men can’t throw accusations around.”
“NO.” Miles’ mouth falls open, staring at you while you try your best to keep a straight face. He stands as Blaine’s hand comes down on his shoulder, the executioner beckoning his victim. Rather than complying he points an accusatory finger at the ball of laughter you’ve made, Jeremy kicking his feet and giggling along with a grinning Cole.
"No, there’s no way Y/N isn’t the werewolf! You fucking fuck.” He tries to break free of Blaine’s hold, Miles lifted in his arms while he struggles. He throws out more frantic accusations, his threat making your stomach flip. “When we get home you’re in the dog house, you werewolf scum!"
"Wait." Kyle holds up a hand to stop Blaine from dragging the man outside, glancing between a theatrical Miles and your shocked expression, body sinking further into to bean bag in an attempt to escape. “’When we get home?’ What?"
Miles’ eyes bug, face growing red as he tries to cover his ass. Blaine places him back down, his knees bending while his hands wring. “What I meant is that when we both get back to our respective houses – that I assure you neither of us have been too – Y/N will have to find a dog house to sleep in BECAUSE SHE'S THE WEREWOLF AND NO OME IS LISTENING. That’s her sneaky face, that’s a face that says ‘I had the last chocolate and left the wrapper in the box because I enjoy the tears of a failed midnight snack and broken dreams’.”
"Miles!" you exclaim, attempting to roll from the bag and failing miserably, Ellie grabbing you hand and tugging. “Stop talking!”
“Oh you’d like that, wouldn’t you werewolf? Once I’m dead you can eat Jeremy, and he’s probably delicious!”
Jeremy shrugs. “I eat a lot of barbeque.”
"Err, I think she wants you to stop incriminating yourself," assesses Cole, eyes narrowing while you grow flustered.
Another good tug sees you ripped to your feet, body rocketing so fast that the floor rushes to greet you before Miles’ arms stunt your descent. His face is incredibly close and filled with momentary concern when you look up, all cameras and eyes on you while you smile awkwardly.
“This... This isn’t what it looks like.” Miles’ urges his hands to release you, but he can’t; the feeling of your body against his bringing a sense of comfort.
“Looks like you guys are fuckin',” hollers Blaine, the room bursting into laughter.
Miles frowns. “Hey, not right now we aren’t!”
“Miles!”
“Jeez, sorry Y/N, I just, I can fix this... I can’t fix this.”
You sigh as the total rolls over, screams erupting while you regain your balance. Sliming into his sheepish expression you lean forward, pressing a kiss to his lips as the room goes crazy, camera raving on your figures. “The internet is gonna make this hurt.”
