⦂ boys' dorm

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：cassian faye。⁰³ ( H ) [ thread finished / canon discussed! fml malcass are cute af :happy_tears: ]

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：mint ainsworth。⁰² he melted into the other’s embrace, and his mind slipped for a while. in that garden that mint often bloomed, growing everywhere – because his roots multiply, move between fruit and herb and flower. and his scent is refreshing, like the first breath mal ever took. how did he breathe for eighteen years without him? almost two years proved to him that he was better than oxygen, the only food his lungs craved for. and perhaps mal blamed himself for not telling him sooner, for not speaking, for being afraid that he will wake up and find his bed empty. because sometimes mint felt like a dream, one that mal did not want to wake up from. magic could not do what mint was doing to him – and even tongue-tied, mal’s heart was pounding wildly against his chest.

so wild in fact, that he did not know how to take a breath. he did not know how to put his mind right back on track, and the pain that he felt with every gulp was unbearable. he wanted to scream, wanted to say it all. and then, he heard him speak. his words circled around his head, he knew they were true. mint never lied to him. and perhaps mal knew more, mal knew that mint too was keeping those words under his tongue despite his confidence. he looked at him, and brushed his hair away from his forehead. “je suis à toi aussi. je t'aime,” he whispered, as if it was a secret and maybe it was. it took mal a few seconds to realise what he just said, but he did not want to take it back. on the contrary, he would have enforced it – but he froze for a while, and wondered if mint understood.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：mint ainsworth。⁰² mal fell asleep quite early, perhaps the excitement that his birthday brought wore him down. he fell asleep waiting for mint, and was a little bit gone by the time he felt arms wrap around him. he did not know what time it was, and when he felt mint so close he did not question the date. but the other’s words were enough to wake him from his slumber. he turned around, a little bit sulky because he was woken up, but smiling nevertheless. “hi,” mal yawned a bit and wrapped his arms around mint, holding him lazily while closing his eyes, resting his forehead on mint’s shoulder. “so you are telling me I am that old? you are already calling me honey?” mal teased and hummed a bit before opening his eyes just a bit. “merci, mon petit jardin,” he touched the other’s cheek with the back of his fingers, still smiling like a fool because he was enjoying it that much. “you are so pretty,” he pinched mint’s cheek only briefly, then shifted to come closer. “you stayed out so late, are you tired?” mal looked at him a little concerned, realising that he probably fell asleep around nine, so it was very late now.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² Finch chuckled softly at the other’s perky attitude at the mention of food. He kind of wanted to distract the other from the topic, and it worked. Not that he didn’t like talking about his feelings, but it wasn’t something he did very often. He preferred to keep everything in, to not trouble anyone with his moods. But to be fair, he was also actually starting to get really hungry. And he definitely wouldn’t say no to grabbing a bite of food. He let out an actual laugh as the other was so excited that he jumped up, only to fall right back on the bed. He was really silly sometimes, but that was what he missed about him. His silliness, his little touches here and there. One would think that Finch was in love with him with how much he adored him, but that was not the case, he just really REALLY appreciated him, and he wanted the other to know just how much Finch appreciated him and everything he did.

Finch jolted slightly in surprise as the other grabbed onto his arm and shook it slightly. A small smile made it’s way on his face as he slowly stood up from his bed. “Kkami, huh? Yeah, I’d love to meet him. Maybe I’ll introduce my owl to him, but…only if they play nice. But I’m sure they will.” Finch slowly walked towards the door of their dorm, tugging Mal along. “Mr. Cassian Faye should get himself his own chocolate dessert, if he wants it so much…but I suppose we could get some and bring it to him. Or at least, you bring it to him. I’ll be relaxing in my bed then.” He chuckled and slipped his shoes on, glancing at Mal to see that he put his shoes on as well, before walking out of their dorm. “So, what are you in the mood for?”

((Oh, no problem! I hope you're doing okay as well, despite everything. And please, take you time to answer, okay? No rush here.))

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：finch goldhorn。⁰² he felt relieved perhaps for the first time in a while, his mind found peace quicker than usual. there were some people in his life who could calm the storm in his mind, finch was one of those people. he triggered memories of all the other people like him, and mal could not help but smile. he has always been a social butterfly, and even if the dementors’ presence took a toll on him, he was able to recover because he spoke up. he was grateful finch did the same – because those evil thoughts could drain one, mal knew from personal experience. he tightened the hug, but broke it when he heard finch’s cheerful preposition. mal could have skipped of joy, he jolted upwards so sudden he actually lost his balance and fell right back down. he chuckled at his own silliness, and looked at finch with a smile.

“I thought you already knew what effect food talks have on me. we should definitely grab a bite, I think the weather is nice today. we could eat outside! oh, we should get some chocolate desert, cassian was whining about wanting some so I could take it to him later,” mal smiled, and attempted to get up again. this time, he was careful enough not to jolt upwards and lose his balance once more. “oh, oh! by the way,” mal grabbed finch’s arm gently, and moved it a bit in excitement. “you should meet kkami! you left before mint found him. he is the sweetest dog! he likes spending time outside with or without mint and I, so sometimes we take him to Hagrid so he can keep an eye on him while we study and have classes,” mal’s smile grew brighter, he was definitely feeling better. “food first though. come on!”

[ I apologise for this very late reply, I am not feeling too well mentally so my speed is not the best : ( I hope you are doing well! ]

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² cassian looked at him as he was in a trance, his lips were subconsciously tilting upward into a happy grin in response to the delighted expression on Mal's face. His love. The person that had stars flickering to life in his eyes and flowers blooming on lips. He was so full of life, Cassian thought to himself, an energy source like the sun that gave life to all it shone upon. "I have a lot of cute stickers, I bought some quite a while ago with vintage themes, some are more retro and of course some are cute animal themed, nobody's surprised about that one, I know," he chuckled, "it's adorable when you mix french and english, show me these cadres later." he hummed in contently seeing the other enjoy the massage and brought his hand lower to rub at his nape, his thumb tracing a heart over and over again. "aw well then. no cute puppy, but that's ok! means I'll have my undivided attention on you!" the crown tiara suited him as Cassian had envisioned. Mal was ethereal and the accessory made him look like a fairy more than he already did. "someday? hm, I think I'm coming to accept that just a little more, every day. I don't think I'll wake up one day thinking I'm suddenly so pretty. gosh!" he laughed it off and got up, the chunky heels of his boots making a thudding sound as they made contact with the floor. Cassian reached out his hand to help Mal up. "we should, that sounds like a great idea. also, I made some really yummy sandwiches to fill your tummy. hmm I have a blanket... I mean if you have even a bigger one then sure." seeing him excited made him very happy. He would do anything to preserve that life and light in Mal.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² All Mint wanted was to hold Maël, give him the support he needed. And he would give it to him in any kind of form. He held the other close as he buried his hand in Maël's hair, pulling him a little closer. His heart was beating fast in his chest as he fell onto the mattress, kissing him back without hesitation. It was different than usual. It was more intense but not with how their bodies movied, that too, sure, but more when it came to emotions. For a moment Mint choked on it but in a way that it was still easy too breath. It was so much but not enough at once. He pulled gently on Maël's hair, this time not wanting to hurt him even though he knew the other might enjoy it quite a bit. But this time he wanted to be gentle with the person he loved most. He had been hurt enough with the worry for the creature he loved dearly and he needed to be treated well right now.

"Seems like a plan," he mumbled to the answer Maël had not given to what they should do now. They were just them, between the pillows next to Kkami while kissing and holding. He wasn't expecting anything more than just them drowning in each other. It was not the first time that would happen but right now it seemed like Maël needed it more than anything else. He quietly thought of how much he loved the other and he just hoped that those words and feelings alone could make Maël feel a little bit better. "I'm all yours," he whispered between kisses and pulled Maël closer again. For as long as Maël wanted him.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² Just being with Maël was something that filled Mint with happiness. He was curled up to the other, holding him close to him while the blankets were all around them. Their pets were all cuddled up next to them as well, however right now he was not giving them attention, instead just looking at Maël. It was his day after all and he deserved all the attention he wanted. Mint had a few things planed, together with the others as well, he also had quite a few presents because he always had a hard time to choose what to get for Maël and eventually deciding to just get him whatever he found fitting. So now there was a bunch of presents right under their bed, neatly wrapped, as well as the cake he had sneaked into their bedroom that was waiting on the table. He was sure Maël had already seen it but that did not matter. It was the thought that counted. Glancing at the time he smiled and buried his face onto the other’s neck, kissing him gently. “Happy birthday,” he mumbled, holding him close and kissing him. He had the urge to mumble a ‘to the love of my life’ but he was sure Maël could already sense it. “It’s your birthday, honey,” he hummed, not letting the other go. Just holding him was more than okay right now, their skin touching while Mint had his legs all around the taller, clearly not ready to let him go. Not that he would ever let him go.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：cassian faye。⁰³ mal’s eyes widened when cassian mentioned the cute idea, and his excitement was definitely noticeable in the way he jolted a little upwards, wrapping his arms around cassian’s bare torso. “I love that so much,” he smiled and brought one of his hands up to touch cassian’s cheek. he had so much affection for him, he could explode. “we could decorate the pictures with cute stickers, or draw on them too! and I can buy some cute film for it, you know I saw some, uhm uhm cadres,” he took a sharp breath in, his french slipping out unconsciously. “frames for polaroid pictures, they had this cute leafs on. and you do not have to buy me anything, please. this is already a lot,” he leaned into cassian’s touch, closing his eyes at the massage. he let out a short sigh, then something akin to a purr, definitely lost in the moment. “that is so cute, bébé. let us do that! and kkami is out with mint for a while, mint said he will keep kkami until later. he is probably planning something,” mal chuckled a bit and looked at cassian, adoring every inch of his face with one gaze. “you are so pretty too, cassian. I hope one day you will accept that,” mal grinned, posing with the flower crown, then chuckling at his own silliness. “we should pluck some field flowers while we are at it! and, I am always here for food. I am quite hungry, actually. oh, do you want me to take a blanket or do you have one prepared?” he was so excited he actually sat up from the bed and opened the closet to look for a blanket.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² he nuzzled his face against Mal's, smiling when the other tried to lean forward for more kisses, which Cassian happily indulged. "mhm, I really like polaroid pictures and if you take many, I will keep some and hang them on a string in my room. I'm so excited now, they will look super cute" he brushed his hand through Mal's hair, knowing well he had suggested putting the crown on him, but that could wait a little longer until he has played with his hair and massaged his scalp gently. He loved playing with Mal's hair. "cutie, don't worry about that. I will buy you more films." he raised his eyebrows at the question, surprised that he was concerned over just a few flowers. This side of Mal was adorable. "I'm okay, my nose isn't that weak," he chuckled. "if there are too many strong smells around me for a long time, then I might get dizzy, but this is fine." he scooted towards the edge of the bed so he could sit by him. "I was thinking we could go to the lake today, the weather's nice and we can take many many pictures. oh if kkami's around, we can bring her along too, if you want." he smiled and reached for the floral crown, putting it on his lap. "and I made some food but we can grab it from the kitchen on our way out." he patted down Mal's messy hair and put the floral crown on his head. "oh wow, you look so pretty! I will make you more flower crowns, mhm!"

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：cassian faye。⁰³ he got lost into the other’s embrace, leaning closer, pliant, following everything he did and reacting appropriately. he closed his eyes at some point, because he enjoyed cassian’s affection so much. he tried to loosen his turtleneck, he was not sure why he chose to wear that. but, he knew that if he allowed cassian to go further they will end up in bed. and he really wanted the date that cassian planned for them first. he will have his fair share of fun with cassian in bed later. “toi aussi, doux amour,” he breathed out, reciprocating the kiss right after, even leaning forward for more. “I do not own a polaroid camera, so it was definitely a good choice. and of course you can, the flower crown is really cute. I bet it would look good on you as well,” he smiled, caressing cassian’s cheek softly. he was so unbelievably happy, he was lucky enough the medicine worked and he looked and felt a lot calmer. “we should take pictures with the polaroid camera today! oh no, cassian what did you do! I will finish a film up today,” he chuckled, pulling the other closer by his chin. “I want to take a lot of pictures today. and I really like the flowers too. are you alright though? they smell pretty strong,” he looked at cassian for a moment, a bit worried that the scent might be too much for him.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² "you think?" he raised an eyebrow teasingly, poking at Mal's cheek cutely. "I'm kidding. I know, babe." Cassian took the time it required for the younger to open the wrapping to look around the room. The other ravenclaw boys were not in the room which he just noticed and wondered briefly where they could be this early in the morning. His focus, however, could not stray from the one in his arms for any longer. He brushed the blonde long hair away from Mal's nape to place kisses there. The turtleneck he was wearing looked amazing on him but also made it harder for Cassian to trail the kisses down his neck or mark him up with hickies. 'the ones from before must have faded by now', he thought to himself wistfully. "you smell good. oh? mhm, I know you already have a camera but thought I'll get you a cute polaroid one." he pressed his lips against Mal's, pressing him back against his chest. "glad you love them! hm, can I put the flower crown on you?" he asked before pressing another kiss on the corner of his lips. The flower crown looked simple but elegant, he had thought about adding many more flowers but decided against it. No need for the flowers to distract anyone from the true beauty that is Mal's face.

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：cassian faye。⁰³ he looked at him for a long while, not moving anywhere, not taking his eyes off of him. he loved tracing every little detail of cassian on his imaginary canvas, even if every time he did so, the painting changed. because he was that beautiful – it was impossible to capture his everything on a canvas. but in every painting, his essence was preserved. mal leaned in again, closing his eyes for a moment to engage in the exchange of feeling that was happening. but he did not let himself kiss cassian for too long, he knew that if he will he will not stop any time soon. he let himself be guided by cassian inside, following him rather obediently, far too happy not to be malleable. “I think I am more than just into you,” mal chuckled, commenting on cassian’s previous observation. he took the present in his hands after cassian requested him to open it. he was careful with the wrapping, because he wanted to keep it as a memory, perhaps he will add it to his diary. he opened the box and picked up the object. “whoa,” he took his sweet time. he turned the polaroid camera on every side, touching the small flowers and the delicate details he knew cassian added to it. after a while he looked at cassian with doe eyes. “this is so pretty. thank you so much, I love it.”

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² hearing Mal laugh cutely made Cassian even happier, he was glad that Mal was in a good mood. He had not spent the birthday with Mal last year, he had sent him a small gift with a congratulatory card he had drawn on himself but he had not seen him on that day. It dawned on him how things have changed since then. "or maybe you're just into me, I'll wear them more often for you." he flirted again though he could not keep a serious face and giggled far too much between every few words. He watched amused as Mal smiled looking at the packaging of the gift. It was rather a simple wrapping that he picked after comparing it to another one with blue silk ribbon and pressed pink flowers, that would have looked nice too but would not have gone with the cute polaroid camera inside. "the view is great up here, you-" he stared back at him and scrunched up his nose, a weak attempt to seem annoyed. Cassian noticed that they were still standing by the door and chuckled directed them to the bed, so he could backhug Mal tightly and put his chin on his shoulder "open it, love"

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：cassian faye。⁰³ he thought he was ready to take cassian’s expected flirtatious remarks in, but he was surprised at how he was reduced to a chuckling mess in a second. perhaps he was far too happy to contain himself. he raised an eyebrow at cassian, and gave him a rather suggestive look. “I see. well, I have to admit I never thought I was into heels as much as I am right now. I guess I just needed to see you wear them,” he smirked, then soon blinked at cassian’s request. he got a little lost, but he managed to process what was happening in due time. he took the present away from cassian, moving his fingers over the pretty wrapping and the beautiful flowers. his smile did not die, he loved it – he loved everything even if it took a while for him to react. he wrapped his arms around cassian once his hands were free and looked him in the eyes easily. “you know, I like it that you are shorter than me. but while you are up here, how is the view? any different?” he chuckled, touching cassian’s cheek softly. “it looks really pretty on you, mon doux amour. these colours suit you very well. oh, thank you for the present,” he leaned closer, already longing for him even if he was right there.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² As soon as the door opened Cassian smiled, his eyes forming crescent moon shapes showing how happy he was. If his hands were not full, he would have flung himself at Mal and hugged him tightly, that was still the plan as soon as he could put down the gifts on the table. "happy birthday, love" he said in a singing tone, repeating it a few times while snuggling the hands on his cheeks, placing a kiss on his palm. "have you seen yourself in the mirror? you look amazing, the star of the show." he giggled then hummed when his height was mentioned, tilting his foot to the side to show off the length of the heel. They were a new pair, admittedly higher than all his other platform shoes or heeled boots, he could see why the younger seemed surprised at cassian's height. "no longer a shortie I guess," he shook his head to dismiss Mal's worry, they took a while to get used to, but he has been wearing them for days to get comfortable. "they are staying on, babe, even if the rest of the clothes are coming off." he winked, slowly nudging Mal backward without breaking the embrace. "take these from my hands, so I can hug you properly."

@－ ❛ ʜ ❜：cassian faye。⁰³ mal wanted to have an early morning, but he ended up falling asleep for an additional half an hour. which meant he had to get ready quite quickly. he did not get to put everything he wanted on his face, but at least he managed to get a decent outfit on. he was so excited his heart might burst soon – he had to take additional pills today, he knew he would get overwhelmed otherwise. once cassian announced that he was outside, mal ran to the door, almost missing a step and falling flat on his face. he would have gotten up, and would have pushed through anyways, he was too happy! good thing he had some control over his legs. he opened the door, and was fully prepared to attack cassian with kisses but he stopped. he lost all of his air, and stared so hard at cassian his eyes might have rolled out of their sockets. he needed a moment to take in how beautiful cassian looked, it was an atypical outfit for him but it worked so well. “wow, wait,” he took a deep breath, then smiled from ear to ear, cupping cassian’s cheeks. “you are so gorgeous. what are you doing to me, cassian. you look so good. this suits you so well. and, you are my height now?” mal looked at his feet, and spotted the heels. “bébé, they look so good on you. but if your feet hurt, they are coming right off!” he raised an eyebrow, but he could not stay serious for too long. “I love my gift,” he leaned closer, and pulled cassian in a breath-taking act. yes, he overlooked the actual gift for now, because cassian looking like that and being there was enough of a gift for him.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² Cassian knocked on the door, bouncing on his heels out of excitement. He was holding a paper bag holding two baskets of hyacinths and a gift box in other hand-labeled to 'love of my love maël'. He had wakened up earlier than usual to help henri with some of the cake preparations and ask him in return to do his make-up, he would have to go see mal sooner than the others since his lover had plans later in the day.
Going through his closet so many times and stressing over what to wear, he settled on a simple white crop top and black pants and the focus of the outfit was mainly on the studded heels he was wearing. His eyelids were colored a soft, glittery pink and winged eyeliner, his blonde hair swept and braided on one side. He waited impatiently for someone to let him in. He had cast an invisibility charm on the contents inside the present box and could not wait to see mal's reaction when he opened the box to see nothing in it.

gifts:
hyacinths) https://i.imgur.com/nFrl0uX.jpg
the box) https://i.imgur.com/CeAvdtM.jpg
1) https://i.imgur.com/ZYszpFZ.jpg
2) https://i.imgur.com/sgqOdy8.jpg

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：mint ainsworth。⁰² ( SH ) it was not the first time mint offered him a compliment, yet it felt quite different. he was stuck, he clung onto every word he spoke. as if mesmerised by his voice, or maybe by the way he said those words. like he really meant it – mal knew that lying was not in mint’s nature. but perhaps he felt like mint meant it so much more than he let on. perhaps he was just too vulnerable – even so, he knew mint was the foundation that will never collapse. it was so deep under the earth, under mal’s skin, that nothing can shake it. and for a moment, he forgot his worries, he forgot that a few seconds earlier he was on the verge of tears. kkami was resting nearby, mint was holding him – all was well. the balance was restored, yet mal felt as though he could tip the scale just a little.

he leaned into mint’s touch, moving closer – as if he heard an echo calling him home. and it might have been his heartbeat – or maybe mint’s. sometimes they beat together, following the same rhythm – always skipping a beat when either one of them looked at the other. so, mal looked at him – and his heart skipped a beat, his breath was caught in his throat. he should say it, yet his tongue refused to let go. in a thousand words, he should tell him – but there was only one word in his mind. and it was not a word at all. mal cashed against him, successfully leaving himself breathless. he could not resist mint’s pull, and of course he could not resist his passion for him. he kissed him like his life depended on it – and maybe it did, it depended on everything that he was. he only stopped to take a deep breath, before crashing against him again, pushing him on the bed just slightly. no, he will not go further than touching him everywhere – he just wanted to kiss him, feel him, love him. he loves him. but the realisation came too slow – he forgot his mind, and in his passion he just kissed him in silence, hoping his lips will speak his feelings in the absence of words.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² Finch let out a soft sigh and ran his fingers through his hair after he stopped talking. It wasn't..really a difficult thing to talk about, since he already spoke about it with his mother, and then when he came back, he had to explain himself to all of the faculty as well. Yet, it was still a bit hard to explain it to his friends. To people that were around him every day and that loved him as well. However, as hard as it was, they all deserved an explanation, so Finch gave it to them. Finch glanced at Mal as his arms wrapped around his body to embrace him in a warm and tight hug. Finch wasn't as touchy as Mal, but...sometimes, sometimes he needed things like these to cheer him up. And somehow Mal always had the right timing. "Mhm, our minds can be our greatest companions, but also our worst enemies. But yes, I'm safe and sound. I know I don't trouble others with my problems, but you know..sometimes It's a tad bit hard to remember that. But that's why I have people around me, who help me remember it." He chuckled softly and chewed on his bottom lip, humming out softly. "You know, thank you, Mal. You're really a true friend, and I'm not sure I've told you before, and if I did..well, then you'll just continue to hear it, because that's how amazing you are."

Finch laughed softly and leaned back a little bit, supporting himself on his hands as he looked around their shared room, chewing on his bottom lip. He did miss this room. He loved all the space he had, back when he was home again, but still..this felt familiar as well, and this just felt like they made it their own little home. It was their home. "Enough being sad, hmm? How about we just go out and do something fun? Eat something, or I don't know..go shopping or something? Or just..I don't know. Hang somewhere? Unless you wanted to stay here, which is fine by me too, but let's get some food in here at least. I'm kind of getting hungry.." He mumbled softly and patted his own stomach before letting out a laugh as he heard his stomach making some noises after he patted it.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：finch goldhorn。⁰² mal looked at finch surprised, it was true that him and eleazar did not interact much, but there was no reason finch would be disliked by him. “of course! el does like you, he is just not always vocal about it. besides, he is often busy, I am surprised he can still smile if you ask me,” he sighed, it was hard to hide his worry for the younger. he has been missing a lot lately, and mal just worried that he was pushing himself a little too much. but he did not let his mind linger elsewhere for long, his attention was on finch. he listened, sometimes he was easy to fool – especially when he was in a vulnerable state. “very funny,” mal frowned a bit, he would have hit finch, but he decided against it. he turned serious when finch did, his gaze followed his movements, his eyes, his gestures. his worry grew with every word he spoke, but mal let him speak. he did not interrupt, even if his mind was already in every worst case scenario.

he leaned a bit closer, pulling finch towards him as subtly as he could, caressing his side as a gesture of affection. he wanted to let finch know he was there, even if he did not speak much or do much. mal felt bad for thinking finch’s departure had anything to do with him, he realised how selfish that was. but of course, the dementor attack affected him just as much as everyone else. mal’s gaze softened, he was almost reduced to a child – perhaps he regressed, he often did when emotions overwhelmed him too much. when finch stopped talking, mal let the silence set between them for a while. he touched finch’s cheek again, then wrapped his arms around him for a tight and long hug. no words, because physical affection was the only way mal could transmit his sentiments best. after a while, he looked at finch again and leaned in to give him a forehead kiss. “sometimes our minds create dementors,” he sighed and looked at finch, still worried. “I am glad you are safe though. thank you for fighting this hard. and, your problems do not trouble those who care about you. know that, alright?” there was a knot in his throat – he could not express himself better, his own thoughts were jumbled up. he hugged finch again, hoping it was enough.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² Having Maël in his arms somehow calmed Mint's fast heart down a bit. The entire way he had been thinking the worst case scenarios - he was familiar with them so of course they had been caught up in his head and he had hated every second of it. But the moment he had the taller in his arms made Mint calm down. He could also see Kkami, curled up but not particularly bad looking, luckily. However if he was honest he had been more worried about the taller one than about the animal. Hagrid knew how to take care of creatures, even the Muggle one's, but Maël had worried him. Maël rarely texted Mint when he was in the middle of his training as they both knew how clumsy Mint could get. It wouldn't be the first time one of the balls had taken him down just because he had been distracted. But he was glad Maël had made sure he would come.

"You are the most beautiful trouble ever," Mint said gently and brushed over Maël's cheek and then his hair. "It's okay. Kkami will be fine and you will be too," he said calmly and held the other close. Shortly he showed the dog a warm expression, knowing how jealous the creature could get. And he wasn't here to fight with Kkami for Hyunjin, however just having Hyunjin close and feeling his heartbeat under his warm skin made him feel a lot better. "How do we get you to feel a little better? Cuddle session with a show? Snacks? Anything you want, you'll get it."

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² "Oh, Eleazar too? Hmm, I figured he didn't like me much...then again, how can he not like me when we haven't even spoken a lot..anyway, I'll thank them sometime, if I don't forget." Finch muttered out softly and chuckled slightly, a very small, almost unnoticable smile on his face appearing quickly before he cleared his throat again and ran his fingers through his hair slowly. "Tell you everything..well, where do I start? Ah, I know..it all started when I was born.." Finch mumbled and his gaze went over to the other next to him, before letting out a chuckle. If he could joke about what happened in a serious moment like this, it meant he was doing much better than before. "Okay, let's be real now. Well, I'm sure you know that I'm..well, I'm pretty much depressed, you know. 9 out of 10 times I'm down in the dumps but I stay quiet and usually hide it with a smile. I don't usually tell anyone about it, because I don't really want pity or anything and I don't want to trouble people with MY problems."

Finch didn't really know if he was being selfless by not telling people about how severe his depression is, or just plain foolish. He just really didn't want to inconvenience anyone and what he absolutely did not want was to be treated differently, just because of his mental health. "And then..you know..the whole attack with the dementors..it didn't help at all. I just needed to..go. Just needed to be somewhere else, so I left. Well, more like..I panicked and fleed. I..don't know what I would've done, had I not left. And besides, it was really nice to see my family again. I'm also lucky that I didn't get kicked out of Hogwarts for doing what I did. I got a severe talking to, but..they were also somewhat understanding on why I left. Knowing you, you were probably worrying if it was something you did or said, huh?" He chuckled softly, although the situation wasn't really something to be laughed at. He knew how much his friend could worry about his actions. "It wasn't your fault. Not at all. It's just how I am, you know? Drawing takes a lot of my mind, it relaxes me. Soothes me. I should probably keep drawing and painting, so I don't end up drowning in my own thoughts. But anyway..that's it. That's the story. Not really all that spectacular.."

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：finch goldhorn。⁰² he surely did not want to let go. it was as if he was embracing a ghost, one that might vanish if he decided it was enough. maybe he was a little more emotional than he let on, he cared deeply about people and that might be his downfall. his glasses got crooked in the embrace, and he made an effort to lift them on his head to avoid breaking them. he caressed finch’s back in the embrace, he would have scolded him were he not this happy to have him back. mal was not even sure he wanted to hear an explanation, he was not sure he needed it. but when he broke the embrace and looked at him he knew he needed to hear it. he needed to hear him say he did not leave because of something mal did, he needed to hear him say he was alright.

mal caressed his face, brushing the hair that got in his eyes. he did not realise how much he missed him before, but now he definitely did. he took a deep breath and managed a smile, even if it was a bit lost in a memory or a thought. “I missed you too, finch,” he said, allowing the boy to pick his stuff even if mal wanted to continue hugging him. he felt comforted when finch took his hand, and he followed without interrupting him, sitting on the bed like he was non-verbally urged to. he draped an arm over finch’s shoulders, bringing him closer in one motion. “I believe you had your reasons. I was mad at you, I wanted to ask the staff to move you away because you hurt me. but luckily, eleazar and mint had something to say about that. make sure you thank them later,” he touched finch’s cheek, pinching it very briefly. “I am sure you will answer my questions with your story. so, tell me everything.”

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² Finch waited for a response, but as he didn't get any, he picked up his bag again and was ready to walk over his bed until he suddenly heard a voice and then footsteps running towards him. Before he knew it, he was engulfed in a tight hug. He didn't need to look to see who the person that was hugging him was. Mal. Mal was always the clingy one, but he didn't mind it at all. In fact, he..kind of missed it. Sure he got enough hugs and attention from his family when he was back home for a couple of weeks, but he missed that kind of intimacy when he was back at school. Before Mal came into his life, Finch didn't have anyone at Hogwarts who would hug him as much as Mal did, so it was nice, very nice to be back and get greeted like this. Finch dropped his bag and wrapped his arms around Mal as well, holding him against his body just as tight.

After a little while of hugging without any words being exchanged between the two of them, he slowly pulled away to look at him. He gently brushed his hair out of his eyes and smiled at him. "I missed you. I'm..sorry for leaving so abruptly and so sudden. But..I'm ready to explain why I left. I've..explained it a million times to faculty and stuff..but my friends, my close friends..deserve an explanation too." Finch muttered and bend down to pick up his bag again, slinging it over his shoulder before taking Mal's hand and lacing their fingers as he led the two of them towards his bed before plopping down, putting his bag down on the ground once more before his other hand rubbed his bed sheets, glancing at them for a bit before looking back at the male next to him. "I'm..sure you have a lot of questions. And knowing you, I'm sure you're mad and upset at me. It may sound dumb, but..I really did have my reasons."

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：mint ainsworth。⁰² there was a magnet inside mint that kept pulling mal closer, even when, and perhaps especially when, he did not want it to. he was not afraid to be vulnerable with his best friend, but he was afraid his heart was beating a little too fast sometimes. he was afraid it will get stuck in his throat and tie his tongue, maybe pull it so he can whisper, mumble or scream those words he has been dying to let out. it started with and I, but mal left the rest inside his busy brain, somewhere with a framed picture of mint smiling, or another one of him holding his hand. he wished he could explain it, but alas, he has never understood his feelings much. and as soon as one came, it would leave – as if it was a season, a short one the wind can whisk away.

the moment he felt his arms around him, he felt safe. there was no other word for it. even if his heart stopped beating for one moment when he crashed against his chest, his breath short of a strangle – it was safe. and for a second he was the vulnerable puppy, suffering of indigestion – clinging onto life, onto him. he realised he was pulling mint’s shirt, and he stopped, but he hugged him back silently. it hurt him, and maybe the scattered feelings he never expressed were struggling to resurface. and he heard a small yelp from kkami, it was what made him break the hug that made him feel so warm. the dog turned around just to shift his position, and mal sighed in relief. he turned at mint and placed one of his hands on his pretty cheek. “I think we both know that regardless of distractions, I am still trouble,” he smiled, it was a melancholic smile but a sincere one. he stared at mint, but he did not kiss him. not yet anyways.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：finch goldhorn。⁰² it has been a while since he has seen finch. unfortunately, mal did not take his departure well when it happened. it was around the time he was dealing with the atrocity that was the dementor attack, finch leaving felt incredibly personal. but he moved on from that in time, he realised that finch must have had a good reason to go. and he understood it, even if he wished he did not. he wanted to stay mad at him for leaving and only dropping a meaningless note. he wanted to scold him for that, he wished he could. but his mood was far better now, there was no reason he should be dwelling on past regrets.

mal was on his and mint’s bed with his eyeglasses on (just some simple blue light glasses), because his eyes were hurting far too much. he was analysing some print, taking notes about the details he found in it. it was a short assignment he received for his extracurricular: muggle art. when the door opened, he thought that mint returned from quidditch practice, or that eleazar came back to pick something he forgot. he did not look at the door, he simply continued his assignment. “just in time. I was craving a k-,” he stopped in the middle of the word when he heard finch’s voice, his heart nearly stopped. it started pounding in his chest instead, and for a few seconds he could not react. but once he realised what was happening, he dropped his things and jolted right up, charging at finch to hug him. he did not say anything, he did not really know what to say. instead, he just hugged him.

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² Finch let out a sigh as he stood in front of the door to his dorm again. It had been a little bit since he was last here. Last time was...well, when he left the dorm with his stuff, leaving behind only a note that said "he had to leave for personal reasons, but that he'd return someday." and apparently someday was actually..today. Well, not like he DIDN'T want to come back. He did miss his friends and the people he regularly spoke to at Hogwarts, but then again..while he was gone, he did manage to go back home for a little bit and spend time with his family, before eventually returning. Finch did often wonder as he was making his way back to Hogwarts if his friends and roommates have missed him as much as he missed them.

He nodded his head and chewed on the inside of his cheeks, closing his eyes before reopening them once again, his hand already finding the doorknob, pushing the door open slowly as he walked in, humming out slowly as he kicked off his shoes, putting them away neatly before dropping the bag containing his stuff as he stuffed his hands into his pockets. "Well..I'm back home!"

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：maël clair。⁰² The moment Mal had texted him, Mint had been up in the air, however Mal had a certain sound in his phone so immediately knew it was him. He had checked it quickly and the next moment he had been back on the ground, rushing towards the dorms. How could he be out practicing when the other needed him? He was good in Quidditch, they did not need him there, but Mal did need him. So here he was, rushing through the hallways and stairs. He was worried too, not only for Kkami but also for his friend, knowing how important the little animal was to them. He took a deep breath, rushing into their common room and then up to their dorm.

"I'm here," he said gently and took some air into his lungs before he brushed over Mal's back, showing him a gentle expression. He could see Kkami curled up, however he was more worried about Mal the moment he saw him. "I am sure he will be okay," he then said gently and pulled Mal into a tight hug, pecking his cheek for a moment. "He will be fine. He cannot leave you alone anyways. You'd end up causing too much trouble if Kkami does not distract you."

@－ ❛ ʀ ❜：mint ainsworth。⁰² he was on the bed with his (their) dog, breathing heavily. he got scared, it was not every day that he got to worry about a pet’s health. he knew from the moment they took the dog in that he might not be the youngest bud, but mal did not believe he was that old either. it was not really age that bothered him, it was the fact that the little dog got to be so close to them that losing him would mean a lot. when he started coughing, and stopped eating mal did not hesitate to take him to the only expert he knew at Hogwarts. he was relieved that hagrid said it was not a big deal, and that kkami will be able to recover in due time. still, he could not shake the worry away – and he felt incredibly lonely taking care of the dog alone. he had to contact one of his (boy)friends, and the first that came to mind was mint, because he has been taking care of kkami as well.

mal put his chin on the mattress, looking at kkami as he breathed slowly. he touched the dog’s head just slightly, texting mint once in a while. he really felt down, on the verge of tears – but he will not cry, he could not really do it. he waited for mint’s arrival, he needed a hug or two, and perhaps a thousand kisses. that would probably cut it, or at least keep him distracted for longer. “you will be alright, little one,” he told kkami, the dog looked at him shortly, then closed his eyes. he needed rest, that was what hagrid said. mal will let him rest.