After a bang of a start in September, rolling back up to Tommen, having glowed the hell up over summer, skirt that inch shorter, hair a little longer and makeup a little tidier. And Hugh was loving it.

Don’t get me wrong, Hugh would forever love the girl he fell in love with. The wild girl with a single ribbon in her tangled hair. The girl he chased through fields, or ran along the Irish Coast with during the summer evenings. But this year you pulled yourself together.

If you’re smoking, you’re not getting stoned. If you’re drinking you’re not getting wasted, if you’re flirting it’s to date - that kind of mindset.

And for some reason - I can’t explain the male brain to you - it started attracting more and more people. So on a normal Friday, just before lunch you were shoving some books into your locker in the sixth year common room, when you hear the locker behind you rattle. You turn, eyeing the deeply tanned boy beside it. Pierce O’Neill’s cousin - transferred two years ago.

He says your name. “Hm?” You quirk a brow. “I was just wondering if-“

Then that distinctly masculine and sexy scent invades your senses. Crawling over your skin you can’t suppress your shiver and your sight relaxation of your body as you feel his weight press into you.

“No she’s not interested. Yes she’s taken. Yes she’s dating me. No she will not call you if we were to break up. And yes, I am her boyfriend.” He drops a kiss on your hair; sliding an arm around your shoulders. “Did I miss anything?”

“I was just going to ask if she wanted to come to this party-“

“Nah. We’re busy tonight. Thanks for stopping by O’Neill.” He waves with the hand next to your head.

“Possessive much?” You turn to him, and smirk. “And what do you mean busy tonight?”

He meant, pool party at Johnny’s. His parents got a huge hot tub put in at the end of summer and so he decided to put it to good use. You, Johnny, Shan, Gibsie, Claire, Hugh, Patrick and Katie were all here.

Laughing and drinking Gibsie yelled. “Holas Chicas!” He throws his hands in the air, splashing Claire - and not to mention everyone else in the hot tub. Johnny and Patrick were on the barbecue and wave as you walk over, Hughie draped over you.

“Everything okay?” He kisses your temple, murmuring soft enough for only you to hear.