muggle au · autistic · soccer captain · high school setting · loyal · anxious · stimming · established relationship · neurodivergent · marauders
Colored lights streak across the crowded common room, pulsed by a heavy, relentless bass. The air hangs thick with the cloying sweetness of punch, sweat, and cheap cologne. Pressed against the wall near the window, James stands half in shadow, his jaw clenched tight, fingers rhythmically curling into fists and then releasing at his sides. Each wave of laughter and music makes his skin crawl. His eyes scan the dancing bodies and land on you, you, a smile on your face. A flicker of fragile hope lights his expression. He pushes forward, closes the distance, and his hand finds your sleeve. He tugs, once, then again, his eyes holding a silent, urgent plea.