you're my sunflower

“No no no,” she lifted her hands, refusing her brother’s offer despite her teeth beginning to chatter. “I can’t, it’ll mess up the aesthetic.” Evie let out a small laugh as she folded her arms across her chest for warmth. “I don’t remember it being this cold last year, was it?”

Orion hummed, but he wasn’t satisfied with his sister’s answer. “What if you just... put it over you shoulders like this? Would that ruin the aesthetic? I think it looks really cool.” He shook his head, “No, I don’t think it was.”

“I’m fine. I’m like a werewolf from Twilight.” Dylan looked back at him, “Careful or I’ll think you’re hitting on me, though.”

Orion rolled his eyes but smiled, shrugging the coat back on. “If I didn’t know you as well as I do I would be having a panic attack, Jacob Black.” 

“Eh, I suppose you’re forgiven–” Yvette waved a dismissing hand at her brother and stood on her toes (when did he get this tall?) to pull him in for a hug, “this time, at least,” she teased in an attempt to keep their conversation light, and took the open seat next to him. “You know how I hate being late anyway, so we can be the worst together.” She smiled. “It’s good to see you though. How’ve things been in Orionland lately?”

He smiled, “Well thank you, I appreciate it.” He leaned down awkwardly for a hug, “I guess I will have to watch myself then. Though people will be less likely to comment on our lateness if we’re together.” He nodded, “It’s really good to see you too, Orionland has been... quiet lately. Too quiet. I need to get out more, really.”

She looked at her best friend, knowing him well enough to know that the gears in his head were probably turning. “I can only imagine what you’ve heard,” she said, before raising a hand in honest defense. She shook her head, “From what I’ve heard, their relationship wasn’t good, so I don’t blame him for anything he told you. Alpheus has definitely had his moments.”  She walked over to sit beside him. “I know. But aside from my brother, you’re one of the only people I one hundred percent trust and have never doubted, so if there’s every anything you’re worried about or something and you don’t want to tell me because you think I’ll get mad - I won’t, Ri. Because you’re my best friend.” She looked at him for a moment, before leaning over to hug him. “I love you too,” Cassie said as she pulled back with a smirk, in response to the obvious unspoken one he gave her. “But you sold me. I’m going.”

He nodded, but Orion had already had an image in his mind of what kind of person Alpheus was, at least in school. He sighed, “Yeah, honestly what I heard was... not a lot of good.” He winced at how inarticulate that sounded, “I do trust Dylan was telling the truth, though, even if it was especially his own truth. Still...” Orion trailed off, having some difficulty navigating the subject. He was glad Cassie had redirected the conversation slightly and nodded, “Good, I’m glad. And I haven’t actually spoken with the guy, so maybe I could start by at least meeting him, and trying to give him the benefit of the doubt.” Orion had to admit that he was intimidated by the guy - his dark and cold attitude didn’t mesh quite well with his sunny but fragile world. “Just, you know, be careful. I would say this with any guy obviously.:”

“Precious,” she agreed with a smile. “But perfect. Just tell me whenever you’re free and we’ll get you started on bein’ the second best baker ever,” Lottie smirked. “Obviously I’m first. But if you learn my ways, I’ll give you runner-up title.”

“I’ll keep you posted, I get bored when the quidditch season closes, “Orion smiled, “Well I do admire your enthusiasm, I only hope not to embarrass myself in the kitchen. I’m okay, but I’m afraid I’ll get so nervous and royally screw something up.”

“Orion Longbottom - are you guilt tripping me?” Cassie looked at him, eyebrow raised, but broke the act and smiled. “Okay, that might have sold me. But only because I love you.” She leaned up, tugging him down a little to her level so she could kiss his cheek. She gave him another smile when she stepped back, laughing at the suggestion. “Actually? I love it. I can go. Support my family, be with you - and make a statement all in black. You sold me.”

She paused for a moment, turning back to look at him, “Can I ask you something and you promise not to get mad? We’ve never talked about it. I just - “ She sighed, “I think Alpheus is coming and I know Dylan probably didn’t paint him in the best light.” Cassie shrugged, “I mean, I know I made my opinions made about your relationships because you’re my best friend, so I can imagine you’re not too….thrilled? If that’s the word.”

Orion put his hands up in defense, “Of course I’m not, I just want you to go so that I will have someone to hang out with.” He shrugged, “It’s not the same.” He leaned down, “I think that settles it, and I think you’ll look great.” 

Orion stopped for a moment and furrowed his eyes at the statement ‘promise not to get mad’. He nodded slowly,  “Yes, of course, but what would there be to get mad at..?” He trailed off, the question sounding a little silly once he said it. He listened to what she said and paused for a minute. He hadn’t ever really talked about Alpheus very well to her, but since he loved Cassie and trusted her judgment, he didn’t say much about it. “I did hear things about him that concern me from people I trusted... yes, that’s true...” He bit his lip, “I mean above all I want you to be happy, you know?”

“School sweethearts, though.” Lottie pursed her lips into a pout at the thought. “They’re adorable.” She laughed and looked at him, shaking her head. “I’m sorry - you felt dumb in Herbolology? Please. You were always so good at it. I was jealous. It came so natural.”

She smiled and sat beside him. “Mm, come by one day and I’ll give the recipe, but I gotta show you and teach it to you, or it won’t be the same.”

He nodded, “Yeah, they are pretty adorable.” Orion shrugged, “I guess it’s biased coming from the professor’s son. Some things I knew about almost as soon as I could talk. Other things were new to me, though.”

He nodded, “I totally agree. I think a personal tutorial would be wonderful. I promise I won’t tell anyone your secret to success either, which I hope is obvious.” 

She pouted. “I love your parents.Total mom and dad goals.” Lottie nodded, “Sounds like my dream, though. Your dad’s overly extensive knowledge of plants always impressed me in class.” She laughed at his reaction, gently tapping him on the nose. “You’re excused and adorable, Orion Longbottom. You know that? But I can’t tell you, or it wouldn’t be a secret now would it?” Lottie smiled and gave him a wink. “I’m glad I got your seal of approval, though. I wanted to make sure I had a good variety of vegan choices at the bakery.”

He nodded, “Yeah they are. It’s nice that they always have each other’s back. Gives me hope for the future, you know? Luck they found it right away though, huh?” He smiled at Lottie, “Yeah, it impressed me too. And it was always so matter-of-fact. I tell you what, he never made me feel like I was dumb, even  if I asked dumb questions.”

“You know I would have skipped the party to look after pets with you right?” Morgan answered. “Well… I don’t remember much of what happened because I’m terribly egocentric and barely noticed what was going on around me. Unless I was involved, who knows. It seemed like it was a successful night and people had fun without any big dramas. But again, I may have just missed everything who knows.”

He smiled, “I know you would have, but I wanted you to have fun so I didn’t mention it.” He raised an eyebrow, “So... did you have any fun?” 

She laughed and sat with him. “I’m jealous. Your house sounds like my dream.” Lottie sat the box down. “New donut flavors - all vegan, before you ask. I’m testing them out,” she smirked and nudged his shoulder. “You should come with me to work one day when you aren’t practicing and see all the new baby animals we got in at the sanctuary. You’d die.”

He smiled, “You would have loved my childhood home too. Always the odd plant or creature, most of the time you’d swear you hadn’t seen it before.” He smiled and thanked her silently. “You’re too good to me. I have been dying to try a new vegan donut!” He smiled, “I would like that, I’ll let you know when that happens.” 

—- “Oh we’re in complete agreement, Oreo,” Rose hummed, “bad dancing is the best.” She shrugged, “The Malfoy shindig isn’t exactly the same kind of party but it’s a party nonetheless. Are you going to go?”

“It is definitely.” 

“It wasn’t anything great unless you like that sort of thing,” Lottie said with a wrinkle of her nose, looking up at Orion. “Here - you’re my taste tester today,” she  said as she walked over with a box of different desserts. Lottie smirked teasingly, “Also maybe my future pet babysitter.”

“I typically do like that sort of thing is the thing.” He laughed. Orion’s face lit up when she started walking towards a box of desserts and held out a hand, “Oh, gladly! To both things, actually. I have a lot of practice with animals and plants through osmosis. Perks of living in the Longbottom household!”

“Tell me what kind of pet it was and I might forgive you.”

“My owl was sick. Did you know they can get sick? Apparently, he had a cold. Unrelated, owl sneezes are the most adorable thing.”