our universe

FOUR       YEARS       LATER

august 14, 2022

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Hot water ran down Teddy's face, steam rising above the shower curtain in wispy spirals. He could hear the birds chirping over the rush of the water streaming out of the nozzle, bright and cheery. Fitting for the day, he thought.

He rinsed the soap from his sopping hair, closing his eyes as he tilted his head back. The door to the bathroom swung open with a bang, and Teddy frowned. "Junie?"

"I have a problem!"

Teddy groaned, "Go away, Rory!"

"I'm the bride!" Rory reminded him. "You have to be nice to me. And I need your help!"

The frazzled young woman paced around the bathroom, hair up in at least dozen rollers. She was dressed in a ratty shirt with holes and a pair of gym shorts Teddy knew belonged to James. Her lips were pursed. In short, she looked exactly like Teddy expected Rory Wood to look on her wedding day.

"Go away!" Teddy repeated, irritated at having his shower interrupted. The only person who got to interrupt his showers was Juniper. And psycho bride Rory was not an encounter he'd wanted to deal with. She was more than a little wigged out.

Rory was still pacing, ranting, "...and I don't know what to do, because I can't tell if James will—"

Teddy was doing his best to block her out.

"Are you even listening to me?!" Rory whipped the shower curtain open, arms crossed.

"Hey!" Teddy cried out in horror, scrambling to cover himself with the curtain..

Rory's brow furrowed in confusion, "What?"

"I'm in the fucking shower, Ror!" he exclaimed, failing to understand how she didn't understand.

"And?"

"I'm naked!"

Rory rolled her eyes, "For fuck's sake Lupin, I don't bloody care. It's not as if it's a big deal."

Teddy's mouth fell open in betrayal, "Erm- that's hurtful."

She rolled her eyes for a second time, "Sorry- your dick is spectacular, Junie's a very lucky girl." Rory tapped her foot impatiently, "Can we get back to me now?"

Teddy yanked the shower curtain closed in response.

"Lupin—!" Rory started but she was interrupted by another call.

"Teddy!" James barreled into the bathroom. "I need to talk to you!"

Teddy breathed out a sigh of relief. About time. James was here to save him. There was no way he would be cool with Rory in here while Teddy was undressed. "Thank god," Teddy muttered. "I'm so sorry, buddy. She just came in here I didn't—"

"Huh?" James's forehead wrinkled.

"I just— I assume you don't want your fiancé in here while I'm...you know," Teddy explained. Merlin they really were perfect for each other. Both of them were as thick as it gets. Did he have to spell it out? "Since you wouldn't want her to see me...aren't you worried or angry or—?"

James ignored him, "I don't know what you're on about mate, but I need your help." He reopened the curtain, in the same brisk manner as Rory.

"What is it with you people and the shower curtain?! It's there for a reason!" Teddy howled indignantly, having to cover himself yet again.