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The spring afternoon was perfect for a mild adventure in the highlands…or perhaps a nap in the common room. This past week had been overflowing with essays, assignments, and even an unexpected astronomy exam. It has also been demanding socially. The daylight hours felt to pass by quickly with mingling with your eclectic network of friends, a few odd run-ins with some acquaintances, and a few tense moments with your academic rivals.
Oh, and of course, fervently seeking out, but also trying to be subtle, with your affections towards a certain friend. Well, a reserved yet sardonic friend who seems to tolerate your presence. And on occasion, enjoys your company. That being the enchantingly stoic Ominis Gaunt.
So naturally, your first choice to spend this unclouded afternoon would be in the presence of Ominis. That is as long as his attitude would also be considered unclouded with your company. You were worried he was catching onto your small-but-not-so-small fondness of him, which could be mortifying if he was aware of it but too polite to reject you. You shake your head and tap your nose a few times to banish the negativity. You are friends with Ominis, and friends spend time together. Closely. And frequently.
You had forgone your robes and were casually dressed in a linen shirt with the sleeves rolled up and tucked into your perfectly soft windowpane plaid trousers. You were grateful to have a clean pair of stockings, which contrasted nicely with your honey-hued leather boots. Which truthfully were looking a bit worn and should be oiled soon. However, that sounds like a project for avoiding studying ancient runes later next week, not a cozy afternoon you currently have free. This afternoon you feel moderately confident in yourself and what you have accomplished these past few days. And hopeful the universe will reward you through quality time with one of your favorite people.
As you make your way to scope out the common room, you smile like a Cheshire cat at the scene of Ominis sitting alone on one of the midnight-black Chesterfield couches. He appears to be fairly serene, his eyes closed with sunlight streaking across him through the stained glass windows.
Your smile remains as you take in his features. He is so handsome – you cannot decide what feature is his best, truthfully, it is unfair how he has been graced with such looks. You consider the beauty marks dotted across his face, his sharp jawline, and the swoop of his blond hair. Or perhaps the overall strength and refinement he exudes with his body, in both the subtle and the grand movements he makes. No, right now, it is definitely his elegant hands, which you can see how he grasps the armrest of the couch in a way that almost makes you jealous.
You hesitate to move closer to Ominis and potentially disrupt his calming aura. As you glance around, the common room is surprisingly sparse with other students. But it is a springtime afternoon. Perhaps the allure of the fresh air will keep the common room quiet. You're jolted out of your musings by Ominis calling out your name.
He continues sarcastically, "I can practically hear you overthinking from across the room. Please come join me. The sunshine feels phenomenal. Maybe it will burn your superfluous thoughts away. Merlin knows your brain needs a rest."
Your face flushes, considering your overthinking most recently was what physical feature of his was most alluring. You hadn’t even had the time to move onto the better bits of him – such as his wit and integrity. Or his ability to know its you by the sound of your steps, or perhaps rhythm of your breaths. Of course, he was breathtaking to look at, but your heart was captured by who he was more so. You scoff loudly back in retaliation but happily approach Ominis.
He turns his face towards your general direction, cracking his stormy eyes open with a smirk. He pats the space beside him, "Come on now, you have to sit close to get the full effect."
You have an eruption of butterflies that flurry in your gut but comply, sitting close to Ominis, where the sun shines most intensely. You jokingly reply, "Oh, Ominis, is that why you struggle in potions, all your naps in the sunshine before that class are destroying your thoughts?"
The look of irritated happiness he has is flawless. “You scoundrel, you know exactly why potions is not my strength. Too many smells, too many echoes in that enclosed room, and the ever-looming threat of an explosion I LITERALLY cannot see. And not to mention, I detest the textures of some of the ingredients. And are frequently irritated by some of the people that sit nearby us too – friends included” he huffs out.
You laugh in response and scoot a bit more into the patch of sunlight and closer to him. "Oh, Ominis, it has been such a long week. I think a rest in the sunshine, despite the risk of thoughtlessness, seems perfect. A nap sounds so good right now……. How are you doing?”
Before Ominis can reply to your inquiry, a rattling groan startles you both from your bubble. Sebastian stalks into the room, and stretches his arms towards the sky before claiming the remaining space on the couch with another deep groan. The source should have been no surprise, given his proclivity for dramatics.
Sebastian raises an eyebrow at you, taking note of how close you are sitting to Ominis. He smirks and asks in a nauseatingly sweet tone, "Now, what are you two moonminds up to this lovely afternoon…. hmmm.”
Your mind blanks as you open and close your mouth, trying to formulate a response. Luckily you are saved from explaining yourself by Ominis responding to Sebastian, “This moonmind wanted to take a nap, however, you came and mucked up that option by crowding the couch.”
Sebastian's grin is terrifying, but you have zero time to reflect on why you feel this way before he grabs your legs and places them on his lap. This causes you to lose balance, with your upper body landing on Ominis. You and Ominis both freeze – you in terror and Ominis in surprise. But before you can maneuver out of this situation, Sebastian is quicker. He firmly holds you hostage and kindly repositions you in a manner that has your head resting on Ominis' lap with your legs more comfortably remaining across him.
"Well, now I've provided a solution. Our dear friend can have a nap without having to move, and we can bask in the presence of one another," Sebastian enthusiastically declares.
You begin to wiggle out of this wonderful yet awkward position, but are then astonished as Ominis begins running his fingers through your hair and timidly says, "Fine, Sebastian, your solution is sufficient. I will note that this sunshine is perfection right now, so why shouldn't we all enjoy it. And a rare quiet calmness in the common room if you can contain yourself for once.”
Your eyes feel as big as a mooncalf's as you glance back and forth from Ominis to Sebastian, as they both retain their hold upon you. The look Sebastian has is utterly astute as he gently taps his fingers to some random beat on your shins. You cannot see Ominis' face but are heartened by the comfortable posture he seems to display and his continuous movements on your scalp. The last thing you'd want was for him to be uncomfortable with any of this.
But both guys remain seated on the couch, keeping you secure. You are practically stupefied but feeling all sorts of good feelings. Honesty this afternoon is better than you could imagine.
The warmth of the sunshine and the closeness and attention from the two other Slytherins lulls you to close your eyes and more fully relax, your breathing slowing. Your face tilts away from Ominis and towards the sunshine as you get comfier in the moment. You nearly jolt upright as you fully realize where your head is in relation to the person who holds your affections but are too cozy to ruin the moment. And you want to enjoy this cuddle of sorts while it lasts. Your heart hurts to think this is only happenstance. Or due to Sebastian's manipulations.
You hover on the edge of consciousness when you hear Sebastian softly say, "They look so stunning right now, Ominis, the way the sun lights up their features, shines on their hair, and how relaxed they seem. I wish you could see it…"
“Oh, but I do know how stunning they are, Sebastian…but not just in this moment. Do they appear to be asleep?” Ominis quietly asks.
Your knees get shaken, but you are able to maintain a relaxed composure. Sebastian responds, “It would appear so, my old friend. Our dear friend seems to now be in dreamland.”
You feel Ominis take a deep breath, then softly says, "It's always splendid to hear their voice, to feel their warmth and patience towards so many people. I so appreciate their perspective on the world, the ethics they have, and the kindness they exude. But especially to me and my troubles and for my.....limitations. I want to care for them, to always be there for them in any capacity. But deep in my heart, I hope to be someone special to them too.”
You struggle to keep your face neutral, and your breathing even as you process Ominis' words, while he continues to lightly stroke your hair, gently scratching your scalp. With your head still tilted away from his core, his fingers rub smoothly across your hairline. He gently focuses his caresses on the base of your neck; the tender motions send tingles down your spine and seemingly to the edge of your soul. You cannot bear to interrupt the magic of this moment, so you continue to rest on his lap and enjoy the attention. And his confession.
Sebastian soothingly retorts, “Have hope Ominis. Happiness and love are meant for you, you don’t have to earn it or limit yourself. You are worthy without changing a damned thing about yourself. Just consider being honest with yourself…and with others.”
Ominis replies with a meek “Mmmmm, thanks for listening. I cannot risk scaring them away with my honest feelings and hopes. I value the relationship I have now with them too much. So I will treasure what moments they give me fondly. And I will support them as I can, as they continue to grow and succeed.”
You feel a heaviness of melancholy settle around the couch. Nevertheless, your heart is so full of delight by the continued closeness of friends you hold dear and hope to continue to have in your life. But also full of hope to have new dimensions with, especially with the wonderful Ominis Gaunt.
You feel the warmth and weight of Sebastian’s hands on your legs, grateful he created this moment with Ominis. You do not know if Sebastian knows you’re aware, but this has been an exposé that he has helped finagle like no other. So it could be on purpose, but you imagine the intent is because he cares about you and Ominis both.
Ominis continues with his alluring motions, and you consider how much you could get used to caresses and touches from Ominis and his splendid hands. As well as touches in a variety of ways and in a plethora of places. And of course, you would be more than happy to reciprocate. This unintentional confession from Ominis has given you the courage to confess your honest truths and feelings to him soon. These thoughts lead you to dreamland, but a firm resolve is planted in your heart.