our universe

- I' L L M I S S Y O U -

"What are you gawping at?" Juniper head lay on the pillow, early morning light washing her skin in a soft glow. Dawn had just begun to break, sun cresting atop the mountains, just barely skimming the fluffy white clouds. The sky was clear, watercolor paint spilled across its wide expanse, the only trace of the stormy night was the dew sparkling on the grass.

"You." Teddy whispered, scooting closer to her, even though they were already lying face to face. Their noses were almost touching.

Juniper blushed as Teddy trailed his fingers along her bare shoulder. "You have a freckle," he noted, drawing her closer.

Juniper rolled her eyes, "What a brilliant observation, Captain Obvious."

"I thought so," Teddy said, "can I kiss it?"

Juniper did her best to hide her smile, "Can I stop you?"

Teddy had already bent forward, pressing his lips to her skin. His mouth traveled up her shoulder daringly, Juniper delighting in his touch.

He dragged his tongue along her lower lip, kissing his way back down to the curve of her neck.

"I don't think I have any freckles there," Juniper pointed out between kisses.

"Oh really?" Teddy arched a mischievous eyebrow, flipping to his hands and knees so he was hovering above her on the mattress. "Because I could've sworn there was one right here." He bent to kiss her again, but Juniper rolled out of his reach, eyes sparkling.

Teddy dove on top of her as he began to tickle her mercilessly. Juniper giggled, doing her best to escape his wrath. Soon, however, she was pinned to the mattress by her wrists, Teddy smirking triumphantly above her.

"Teddy!" She exclaimed, out of breath. "Let me up, you arsehole!"

"I'm going to need something in return."

"Yeah? And what would that be?" Juniper tapped a finger to her chin, feigning confusion.

Teddy's lips met hers, firm and soft all at once. "Stubborn girl," he said, shaking his head and taking Juniper in his arms. He kissed the top of her head and Juniper's heart soared. This might be the happiest she'd ever been, wrapped in Teddy's arms, nestled deliberately into his chest. She felt safe and loved and her stomach wasn't twisting in knots trying to figure out why he didn't love her.

Because he did.

Teddy Lupin was in love with her. And she was in love with him.

Juniper sighed contentedly, snuggling deeper into the warmth of his body. He laced his fingers through hers, resting his chin on her shoulder. "You need to shave," she remarked teasingly, batting him away.

He made a bite for her playfully, and Juniper scrunched her nose in response. The girl stretched, disentangling herself from Teddy's grasp. (with much difficulty mind you, as someone was reluctant to let go) She rose from the bed, padding across the rug to pick up her discarded clothing. Unhooking her bra from the bedpost and bending down to get her crumpled skirt, from the bed Teddy watched with a huge smile on his face, leaning back on his elbows against the pillows.

"Stop staring at me like that!" Juniper commanded, putting her hands on her hips.

"Can't I admire the view?" Teddy's eyes widened in false innocence, the devilish quirk of his mouth causing Juniper's pulse to race.

Juniper forced herself not to flush, chucking a balled up pair of stockings at his face in retaliation. "Behave!" she reprimanded, shrugging on one of his jumpers and one of the pairs of leggings she kept in the boys' dorm.