#she got those sticks and told me to open my mouth wide and i. could not do that. because my ear hurt so fucking bad

[emulation-0]

doctors are seriously the most insane people ever

[midwestprincesss]

okay since u asked for some nasty shit here’s smth i can’t get off my mind. idk how to decsribe it but i imagine patrick or art would have no problem sharing a girlfriend with each other. like cuckolding but just for the fun of it. i’m going crazy thinking of the things patrick would be saying while watching his gf and art fucking in front of him

YESSS!!!!!!! patrick watching art fuck you and not shutting tf up😵‍💫

all three of you are on the bed, you and art actually fucking and patrick is just watching, stroking his cock. and he's telling art what to do- but it's just for his own pleasure, 'cause patrick is fucking selfish.

"fuck- that's it- wait, take your dick out" patrick instructed his friend, and he listened and pulled out of you. "dip your fingers in her and show me how wet she is. wanna see 'em glisten"

and art did as he was told- both boys somehow ignoring the fact that you were actually in the room with them. art and patrick were gushing about your arousal coating art's fingers and you just stood there, bucking your hips into nothing.

"please guys- stop doing that, just fuck me. fuck me, art, please" you pleaded, but art just shushed you.

"just wait a little bit, sweetheart-" patrick cooed as he lovingly squeezed your thigh, still not touching you where you needed. "lemme clean them up" patrick continued, this time speaking to art, as he took his fingers into his mouth, tasting your pussy indirectly. "fuck, she tastes so good art- you gotta try it"

and art now took his fingers out of patrick's mouth, putting them into his- but patrick slapped his hand away. "no, art. i meant eat her out."

and art obliged, of course he did. he loved you and he loved patrick too- but his feelings towards his best friend were so repressed- the only way he could show his love to him without feeling guilty was through you. doing whatever patrick tells him to do to you.

and so there he was, head between your thighs, tongue lapping at your folds.

"fuuuuuck" patrick groaned, circling his wet tip with his thumb. "rub her clit, art. we want our girl to feel really good, don't we?" he asked, and art hummed at that, sending vibrations through your pussy. your thighs squeezed around his head.

"nuh uh, open up-" patrick said as tapped your thigh, and you spread your legs again. "atta girl" he praised you, and with that you were cumming.

you soon started pushing art's mouth away from you, getting overstimulated- but patrick didn't give a shit about that. "art, slap your dick on her pussy. wanna hear those sweet little whimpers of hers" and so art did what he was told, rubbing his tip at your entrance and slapping his dick onto your pussy, all while you were a whimpering mess.

"soo cute, baby. you sound adorable. keep those coming, i'm almost there" patrick praised you again, stroking his dick faster and faster until he finally came, his cum landing on him, and both you and art.

"man, be so fucking serious, you could've at least waited for me" art groaned, pointing to his dick which was still really fucking hard.

"don't worry, you can fuck her throat. she loves that shit. i'll show you how" patrick said, tapping your cheek as you got up on your knees.

"thaaat's it. good girl. now open wide-" he continued, holding your hair up in a ponytail as art's dick was resting on your cheek. "stick out your tongue, let him rub his tip on it-" and patrick took art's dick in his other hand, rubbing it on your tongue.

you were like two cute little dolls for him. there for him to play with you however he pleases.

[themilfsland]

Shut your mouth, Wanda.

Pairing(s): Natasha Romanoff x Wanda Maximoff

A/n: inspired by the best line from the movie "kill your darlings". - I hope y'all know what I'm talking about but if not just roll to the end of this post 😉. It's basically a dialogue.

Nat: why can't she just follow the plan??

Natasha irritated shouted entering the Avengers compound with Steve trying to follow her steps. Wanda and Bruce walking in silence behind them.

Steve: calm down, Nat. She's a kid and is still learning.

Nat: yeah? but it's time for her to know her place in the field, she can't keep putting other inoccent lives in dangerous.

Wanda: heeeey, instead of what you're accusing me, I saved those inoccent lives! - she says getting close to Natasha with a defiant look.

Nat: but still didn't follow the plan!!! Everything was under control there, Bruce was right behind and got the sign! Why didn't you stay on the ship as we told you?

Bruce: guys, that's alright. We did accomplished the mission and no injured. Wanda didn't stick with the plan, ok, but she did a great job after all.

Nat: are you defending her??? - she looked in disbelief.

Tony: What is the reason of all these shouting going on here? - he said leaving the elevator and analyzing the scene - oh these two again...

Steve: yeah and you lost the best act of this aggressive show - chucking a bit he continued - they literally argued during the entire time on the ship.

Tony: what Rhodey usually says? Hmm ohh this will end up as enemies to lovers, I guess..

Nat: not this bullshit again... besides I have some dignity, okay?

Wanda was furious. She just can't stan with this inoccent role Natasha always play in front of people. She was fucking tired of all this ignorant treating. It was unfair and she was done with that so all the anger came out.

Wanda: you talk like a hero, but you fuck me and still don't treat me well in from of the group. How does that work?

Nat: shut your mouth, Wanda!

Wanda: I thought you liked wide open.

Bruce and Steve: woow what is that?? - they said together in surprise.

Tony: oh my god, I KNEW IT!!!!

Nat: go to your room, Maximoff. - she just gave a cold glance to Wanda.

Bruce: guys...what's happening?

It was Natasha who was furious. Not closing her eye contact with the younger, She raised her eyebrow challenging Wanda's next choice.

Nat: now.

Her accent make the word even sharper.

Wanda huffed and turned heading towards the hallway. The tension could be felt by everyone there till Tony broke the silence.

Tony: It will be a long night...

Natasha rolled her eyes and decided to not wasted any more of her energy but she knew she had to put her ego aside and talk with Wanda. The best thing she could do now was, at least, pretend to follow the kid, so as she did.

Steve: come on, Bruce. Let's have some snack. - tapping on his shoulder. - Ohh, Nat, Take easy on her. - he mocked.

Natasha showed her middle finger and didn't look back.

--------

Yep, that's what I'm talking about 🫠

video credits: elizabettholsenfc on instagram.

[cozage]

The Daughter's Return: Part 5

Parting Ways

Part 1 | Part 6 | Table of Contents | Read this on A03

Characters: Ace x reader WordCount: 3.1k CW: alcohol, drunk reader, one quick drunken kiss

Whitey’s arm around you made it a little difficult to start the day. You had been awake for thirty minutes now, but you couldn’t bring yourself to move in fear of waking her up. She had been kind enough to let you sleep with her last night, the last thing you wanted to do was interrupt her rest even more. 

“Y/N?” Whitey’s groggy voice broke through the silence, and you felt her shift.

“Morning,” you replied. “Sleep well?”

“Surprisingly, yes.” Whitey laughed. “You’d think two people in this tiny bed would make it hard to sleep. But it wasn’t bad. But why’d you end up here anyway?”

“I spilled beer all over my bed.” You had been thinking of a lie since you woke up, and it came effortlessly now. 

Whitey gave a laugh at that and sat up in the bed. “Believe it or not, I’m actually really glad that happened.”

“Oh yeah?” you gave her a perplexed look. “Why’s that?”

She gave a nervous laugh and rubbed at her face. It was clear she had something to tell you, but she seemed to be working up the courage to do so. 

You sat up, concerned at alert. “Whitey? Everything okay?”

“I was going to tell you,” Whitey said. Her voice was thick, like she might start crying. “I swear I meant to tell you the moment you got back, but things started happening so fast.”

“Whitey, tell me,” you insisted. “What’s wrong?”

“Look, don’t be mad, okay?”

“Whitey. Tell me.”

“I’m getting my own ship,” she said. “Becoming a Subordinate Captain. A few of us are getting our own crews. I’ve got a group of about 20 people.”

Your mouth fell open in shock. You weren’t sure what you expected Whitey to tell you, but you it wasn’t this. The two of you had dreams when you were younger about having your own pirate crew, but you had grown out of those dreams. You had just assumed she had as well.

“When are you leaving?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. 

Tears welled in her eyes. “Three days. We’re supposed to land on an island with a shipyard, and pops is giving us ships to send us on our way.”

Three days. That was all you had left with her. Your chest ached at the thought of not seeing her every day again. You had missed her the most while you had been in Wano. 

“I really want this,” she said. “Need this, even. I’ve been talking with pops about it for a month or two, but I told him I wanted to wait until you got back before I left.”

“Where will you go?” you asked. You could feel a lump rising in your throat. 

“Pops assigned me to protect a few islands back in Paradise with Brew and Epoida, so we’ll-”

“Brew and Epoida are leaving too?” you asked. You couldn’t help it now, your eyes started to water. 

Whitey’s eyes got wide as she realized what she had just done. 

“So everyone is just leaving?” you asked, tears starting to spill out now. You wiped them away, angry at yourself for getting so emotional. 

“A lot has changed since you left,” Whitey said softly. Her hand reached out to comfort you, but you smacked it away. 

“But we swore to stick together!” you said. You could feel your face growing hot, the magma churning beneath your skin. 

“You can come with us,” Whitey offered. “You can join my crew.”

“I can’t,” you squeaked out. Even if your best friends were leaving, your family was still aboard the Moby Dick. You couldn’t abandon them. 

“Look, Y/N, I know you feel like you have an obligation to your dad, but loyalty-”

“You don’t know anything about loyalty, Whitey,” you hissed, jumping up from the bed and storming out of the room. 

You weren’t sure where your feet were taking you until you were at his door. Your fist slammed against the wooden door as tears fell from your eyes. The door opened a few moments later, and you didn’t even try to make yourself look presentable. 

What a poor sight you must’ve been to Portgas D. Ace. You were standing there, sniffling and sobbing. You were still in your pajamas and hadn’t even bothered to brush your hair. Tears were running down your cheeks, and your eyes had to be red and puffy at this point. 

And yet, when Ace saw you, he only looked at you with concern. He quickly scanned your body, looking for any signs of injury. 

“Are you okay?” he asked, scanning your face. “Did someone hurt you?”

“Did you know?” you choked out, wiping the tears from your cheeks. 

“Know about what?” he asked. 

“Whitey,” you sobbed.

Ace sighed, running his hand through his hair, and he shut the door behind you so you could cry in public. 

“The division commanders voted on the subordinate captains about a month ago. I knew her name was on the list.”

 “You knew she was leaving and you didn’t tell me.”

Ace’s face was full of pain. “It wasn’t my news to share.”

You punched his chest. You heard him gasp in surprise, but you didn’t care. You punched him again. You wanted him to fight back, to yell at you, to do something. But he just stood there and took it. So you punched him harder. 

“Stop it.” Ace flinched as your punches grew hotter. But you were so angry, you couldn’t stop. You punched him again. 

Ace grabbed your wrist. “Y/N, stop,” he said more firmly. 

You used your free hand and kept punching his chest until he grabbed that one too. You started squirming, trying to fight him, until he pulled you into his chest and wrapped his arms around you tightly, holding you in an embrace. 

You stopped fighting then, and he held you as you cried into his chest. His hand rubbed your back, trying to soothe you. 

“It’s not fair,” you cried.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “It’ll be okay, I promise.”

You weren’t sure how long you stayed there, but you didn’t pull away until you had stopped crying and your breath had steadied.

You wiped any remnants of tears from your cheeks. “That was embarrassing,” you sniffled, your voice still thick. 

“You’re allowed to be upset,” Ace said. He grabbed a tissue and held it out for you. 

“I just don’t want her to go.” Your vision started to blur again, and you blinked a few times to clear your eyes. 

“It’s been her dream for a long time.”

You sniffed and wiped your eyes with the tissue. Ace was right. Whitey had always wanted to be a captain, ever since she joined the Whitebeard Pirates 7 years ago. 

“It’s not like you’ll never see her again,” Ace continued. “Pops has always worked closely with his subordinate captains. I’m sure she’ll still be around. And you can still talk to her on the transponder snail.”

“We should have a going away party,” you said softly.

“Try to say that with a little more enthusiasm, maybe?”

His comment made you laugh, and he smiled in return. 

You sighed. “I need to apologize to her.”

“Probably.”

You turned to go find Whitey, already trying to think of what you’d say to her. As you opened the door, you realized you should say something else to Ace before you left. 

“Ace?” You turned back to him as you walked out. “Thanks for letting me beat you up.”

Ace gave a cheeky smile. “Anytime, love.”

Love. That’s what he had called you. Love. You had left before he had a chance to see your reaction, but you could feel your body steaming, and the air smelled of burnt hair. Your burnt hair. He was a smooth bastard, and you hated that you loved it. But now wasn’t the time to focus on your stupid commander. You had to apologize to Whitey. 

You found Whitey in your bunkhouse, packing up her things. When she realized it was you, she froze, trying to decide what she should say or do. 

You decided for her. You rushed to her, wrapping her in a hug. “I’m sorry,” you said, blinking away fresh tears. “I’m so happy that you get to live your dream.”

“No, I’m sorry!” Whitey cried. “That was a really shitty way to tell you.”

“It’s okay, I promise.” you pulled away from her and wiped at your eyes. “I was just being selfish. God, I’m going to miss you, Whitey.”

“I’m going to miss you!” She was wiping tears from her own face as well. “I wish this was easier.”

“We’re going to have a goodbye party,” you said. “For you and all the other new subordinate captains.”

Whitey laughed and returned to packing her suitcase. “One of your parties is the last thing we need,” she said.

“I have two days to plan it.” You smiled mischievously. “Prepare yourself.”

“Y/N!” Whitey called after you as you bolted out the room. “Don’t go over the top!”

The next two days went by in a whirlwind. You spent your days begging and bargaining crew members for booze, ordering the chefs to make the most decadent meals, and hanging decorations you had made. 

When a strategist plans a party, they think of everything. Which is why your parties were always so notorious for getting out of hand. You thought of drinking games, picked out the perfect musicians, and always had a backstock of alcohol. You hadn’t planned a party in years, but it’s clear that it’s reputation had lived on while you were gone. 

As the sun was setting, the deck was so crowded with people that it was hard to move around. You were always touching someone, and it became almost claustrophobic to stand. You chose to leave the main deck area and headed towards the bow of the ship, trying desperately to escape the crowds. You found a spot where you could stand without touching someone else, and leaned against the railing to watch the sunset, enjoying your drinking. 

“Hey!” Whitey called, stumbling over to you. She was already drunk, though that was partially your fault. One tankard of ale did a lot more to her than it did to you. “Come back to the party!”

“I will. Just enjoying the sunset for a moment.”

Whitey pouted. “You plan this whole big party and you’re not even enjoying yourself.”

You smirked, staring at the sea. If you looked at Whitey, you were fairly certian you would break out into tears. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Of course! But you should have fun too!”

It was kind of hard to enjoy yourself when your best friend was leaving. You had been diligent in pushing that fact out of your brain, but now as you watched the sunset, you realized this would be the last one you’d share with Whitey for a long time. 

“Can we just be sad while we watch the sunset?” you asked, tears starting to rise.

Whitey wrapped her arm around you and leaned her head on your shoulder. “I’m kind of scared to be a captain,” she admitted, her eyes watching the sun slowly sink behind the water. 

“New people, new horizons,” she said. “What if I make the wrong call? I won’t have Pops to back me up. It’s scary to think that I’m going to be alone.”

“You won’t be alone, though. You’ve got a lot of good, trustworthy people to back you up.”

“Yeah.” Whitey didn’t say anything more until the sun was almost gone from view. “You’ve got good people here too. Make sure you don’t isolate yourself. Do stuff with them. Have fun. Okay?”

“Alright.” You wiped the tears from your cheeks and finished off the rest of the ale in your tankard. “Let’s party.”

“Yeah!” Whitey cheered. She grabbed your hand and pulled you back to the party. People had seemed to spread out a bit more now, and it was easier to breathe and move around. 

Shots of liquor were your least favorite way to get drunk, but it was the fastest. Still, you found yourself questioning the choices that led you to this moment, where you were lined up facing five large shot glasses of rum. You had already won the game once, and you could feel the alcohol starting to flow through your veins.

“Whitey, are you trying to make me puke?”

Whitey stuck her tongue out at you. “Did your time abroad soften you?” she taunted. 

“Whitey-”

“Who will challenge her?!?” Whitey declared, holding up your arm as if you had just won a boxing match. 

You looked around the crowd and found Ace and Marco, watching your predicament with smirks. You shook your head and mouthed “Save me” to them, but they only laughed at your misfortune. 

“I’ll do it!” a voice called out, someone shuffling through the crowd. 

“A challenger has appeared!” Whitey yelled, dropping your arm and allowing your to return to your station. 

A young man appeared, one you didn’t recognize. If you had to guess, he was about your age, maybe a little older. He had red hair and piercing blue eyes that were full of rebellion and spunk. He was cocky too, because he looked at you and winked, and you almost looked away from him in embarrassment. 

He was handsome, you had to admit. You weren’t sure how you had missed his presence since you had gotten back. He seemed a bit too over the top for your liking, but he was the kind of guy who would make a good drinking buddy. 

“Uzzo,” he said, holding out his hand. 

You took it, giving it a firm shake. You opened your mouth to introduce yourself, but he cut you off. 

“Don’t worry, darling.” He brought your hand up to his lips and kissed your skin, shocking you into silence. “I know who you are.”

You quickly yanked your hand away, trying to push down the bubbling feeling you were getting in your stomach. 

“You know the rules folks, first to finish all five shots wins!”

“What do I get if I win?” Uzzo asked, looking at you mischievously. 

You rolled your eyes, tired of this long introduction. You wanted to get drunk already. “Bragging rights. Now get ready.”

Uzzo frowned, humming in disappointment. “How about a kiss instead?”

You laughed in his face. “Ask me again if you win.”

He smirked, satisfied with your response. You both readied yourself, and then looked to Whitey.

“Ready, Set, Go!” she cried, throwing her hand up in the air to start the race.

You were winning until the fourth cup. You heard Ace laugh from the crowd, and your concentration broke as your eyes searched for him. He was there, laughing with Marco. His arm was wrapped around a girl’s shoulder, and you could feel your stomach churning with envy at him being so close to someone else. 

You barely started your fifth cup by the time Uzzo finished. He watched you down the fifth cup as the crowd cheered for his victory. 

“So,” he said, watching you place down your last cup. “How about that-”

You didn’t wait for him to finish. You grabbed his shirt and pulled him across the table, your lips smashing into his. You could hear the crowd freeze mid applause, everyone surprised by your actions. But you made out with this stranger in front of a crowd, not caring who saw. A piece of you even hoped certain people would see you. 

Blame it on alcohol, blame it on jealousy, blame it on wanting to wipe that smug look off his face. It didn’t matter why you did it. You didn’t even like it all that much. You had kissed several boys before this one. He wasn’t anything special. 

You finally pulled away, and saw you had succeeded in your goal. His cocky grin was replaced with shocked, widened eyes. You could see the crowd watching you, and you resisted the urge to look over at Marco and Ace. 

“Congrats on your win,” you said. You gave him a quick wink and turned and walked away without another word.

“Holy shit,” Uzzo murmured behind you, and the entire crowd erupted into cheers once more. At least you looked confident, even if you didn’t feel that way.

You went to find a keg of beer, needing to wash down all the rum you had just consumed. The ten double-shots you had just taken were starting to catch up. Fast. 

“You are quite the graceful loser,” Marco said, taking your cup from your hand and filling it up at the keg. 

“Marco! I haven’t seen you in forever!”

“It’s only been two days.”

You clutched your chest overdramatically. “So long. It’s been so painful.”

Marco chuckled. “You’re very drunk.”

You took your drink back from him, nodding enthusiastically. “Blame Whitey.”

“Looks like she’s having a good time at least,” Marco said, his eyes watching your friend. “You threw a good party.”

“Hey Marco, I couldn’t find-” Ace stopped talking when he realized you were standing with his fellow commander. 

“Ace,” you said, your lip pouting out at his name. 

“You take over keg duty, I’ll go look,” Marco said, quickly passing the spout to Ace and bolting away. 

“Hey! Marco!” Ace called after him, but Marco was already gone. 

There was an awkward silence that hung in the air. If you were sober, you would’ve let it hang there. But drunk you was a lot more chatty.

“Are you enjoying the party?” you asked, looking at Ace. 

“It’s fine.”

“Just fine?! Rude!” you scoffed. “I worked hard on this party!”

“Then you should go enjoy it,” Ace snapped. “Don’t you have a boyfriend to entertain?”

“I don’t have a boyfriend.” You rubbed your tankard against your cheek, giggling. “Just booze.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Ace mumbled, grabbing a guy's drink and refilling it for him. 

Your eye twitched. “What’s your problem?” 

“Nothing.” He was managing to look everywhere else on the ship but at you.

You scowled and stepped in front of him to block his view. You could feel your skin growing hot with your anger. “If you have a problem with-”

“Hey!” Marco cheered, and you turned to see him. “Come on! We're playing Commanders and Strategists up on the roof of the Captain’s Quarters!”

You squealed in excitement, already forgetting your squabble with Ace. Whitey’s reminder rang in your ears. You refused to isolate yourself. You had always loved Commanders and Strategists, so you took off towards the roof of the Captain’s Quarters, eager to see what kind of trouble you could get into next. 

tags! @taeyoge @teiza @tojislawyer @trafalgardnami @bloopbopsblog @dancingnewcat @dxestyi @flooofity (if you'd like to be included in the tag list, just comment or send me a message!)

[elfven-blog]

What if ... Leon was dating a tarot reader? And he always makes jokes like "if she reads this on the cards I'm screwed" And he pretends he doesn't care (but he's actually scared to death when the reader reads the cards to him)

Hi anon! I hope you enjoy!! 💕

The past, the present and the future

Leon Kennedy X Reader Word count:787

You rolled your eyes, shuffling the deck in your hand as you listened to Leon make yet another quip “Should I be worried? Don’t use them to check up on me” His brows were raised but the grin on his face was enough to let you know he was only messing. But the shake of his leg told another story, his knee bouncing up and down as he cracked another joke, this one about the devil card. You only shook your head.

After finishing the deck shuffle, you placed the cards down on the table. In a three-card spread, Leon had finally agreed to have you give him a reading. Something simple he said, no weird questions or anything like that. So, he decided to go with what he knows best. Bioterrorism.

“You ready, honey?” You didn’t want to push him into something he didn’t want to do but it could be a fun little moment, and it’s not like he had to listen to them. It’s not like he really believed what the cards said, and this was perfect practice for you anyway. You were sick of asking yourself questions, it was nice to do a reading for someone else. Leon nodded, you could have sworn you heard the man gulp and watched as his tongue darted out to wet his lips.

As you turned the first card over, the past, you watched Leons brow furrow as he looked at the card. His voice tilted with confusion “A building?” His head leant to the side as he moved his attention back to your face.

“The tower. Upright like this means disaster, broken pride” Leon nodded slowly, he felt his mouth go dry and his mind wondered back to that dark night so many years ago. He could almost feel the rain soaking through his uniform, the bandages sticking to the blood on his skin…the stench of rotting bodies all over again. Your soft voice pulls him out of those thoughts “Hey, its okay, we can stop” your hand is gentle on his as you lean across the table. His moves to cover yours before he presses a kiss to your fingers.

“No no, I’m kind of excited…Wanna see what my future holds according the spooky forces beyond” you can tell the way his voice has lowered and the non-existent spark that’s been wiped from his eyes that he’s a little worried. He wasn’t expecting it to be so accurate. Definitely wasn’t expecting a Raccoon City Incident cameo from the cards.

But with his go ahead you moved on to the ‘present’ card, flipping it over to show the word reversed” This time you tilted your own head, this made sense. Even know after so many years, and with Leon having moved on to start a relationship with you, there was still part of him that felt like some things weren’t resolved. “World reversed, incompletion and no closure”.

Leon felt his body tense, the cards were getting too close for comfort for his liking. He didn’t understand how they could be so accurate. The jokes and quips dying on his tongue as his mind raced. “Well, if this is how its going, I think I’ve got a bleak future” the joke was weak and you could tell he was starting to panic. He shifted in his seat, hands wiping the sweat onto his jeans as he watched you flip the last card over.

“Oh my god, am I gonna die?” You couldn’t help yourself, a short laugh left your mouth and Leon looked at you with wide eyes, his mouth gaping open. You shook your head trying to collect your composure as Leon stared at you in shock.

When you finally stopped laughing and could get more than a few words out you explained to him “No, the card of death doesn’t mean that you’re gonna die. It’s good actually, in the upright position it stands for new beginnings and changes” Your hand squeezed his own, and you leant forward to press a kiss to his cheek.

 Leon let a breath of relief, his forehead falling onto your shoulder. His arms moved around your waist, and he hoisted you over the table and settled you into his lap. His face still buried into your neck as he pressed a few kisses to the pulse point there. “I like that one…a new beginning with my sweet tarot partner” You could feel the heat of his breath against your skin “But never do a reading for me again”.

Another laugh left you, your hands running through his hair “Okay, my love, no more readings for the big strong government agent” This time it was your turn to tease him.

[steddieas-shegoes]

this one just popped out of my head for the requests.

what about established steddie and eddie finding out that will, mike, and max all have those tiny, cute crushes on steve while steve has absolutely no idea?

Ah this one was refreshing. Just a cute, fun thing to get me back into the swing of things after my little trip to DC! Hope you love the little thing I added with Max and El, it's not often I would choose to go that route, but it just seemed fitting here. - Mickala ❤️

---------------------------------------------------------

“See you tonight?” Eddie leaned down into the car window to kiss Steve goodbye again.

“Yeah, want me to pick you up?” Steve smirked as he leaned in for a fourth (fifth?) kiss since he announced he had to leave for his shift.

“Only if you promise not to bring me back tonight.”

Steve laughed, his excitement at the idea of Eddie spending the night with him winning over the more logical side of his brain.

“I promise.”

“Good,” Eddie said as he pulled away from the car.

“Love you,” Steve yelled through the window as he backed out of the yard.

“Love you, too!” Eddie yelled back, blowing a kiss and dramatically falling to his knees. He clutched his chest as he pretended to cry. “I don’t know how I’ll go on with my love off to war!”

Steve kept driving, but Eddie knew he was laughing.

That’s why he did what he did: to keep Steve laughing.

He got up when he could no longer see Steve’s car, brushing off his jeans as his smile started to slowly fade.

He looked up to see Max standing on her porch, watching him.

“Hey Maximus! You bored?”

Her eyes got wide when she realized he caught her watching, but she didn’t look away or run inside.

He walked across the road to her trailer with a smile. He hadn’t seen her in a few days, mostly spending time with Steve at his house lately.

“Max? I asked if you were bored.”

Max was blushing, but he knew better than to think it was because of him.

What could Max possibly be blushing about?

“Nope. Just waiting for Mrs. Byers to drop El off so we can have a sleepover.”

“Uh huh. And that’s why you were watching me and Steve?”

“I wasn’t watching you and Steve.”

He gave her a look that said he knew she was lying, but Joyce pulled in right as he opened his mouth to speak.

Max ran off the porch and to the car, and Eddie didn’t really need to stick around, so he went to say a quick hi to El before heading back to his home.

“Eddie!” El yelled as she sprinted up to meet him halfway.

El and Eddie got pretty close while he was in the hospital, while Max was still in a coma and no one understood what it did to El.

When Mike and El broke up shortly after, El explained to him that sometimes she loved Max the way she thought she’d loved Mike. Eddie, of course, told her about how he loved a man (he couldn’t out Steve, but a part of him thought maybe El caught onto it quickly), and how it was okay to feel how she felt about anyone.

She hugged him and then looked at Max.

Max was still bright red, like she’d been caught by El the same way Eddie had caught her.

“Was Steve here?” El asked him with an unreadable look.

“He was at my house, but not here. Why?”

El looked over at Max again, who was rolling her eyes and crossing her arms.

“Because Max gets funny when Steve is around. Dustin said it is because she likes him.”

Eddie snorted, but Max wasn’t amused. Joyce was shaking her head at them all and waving goodbye, probably trying to get out before it turned into an argument or a conversation with El that she didn’t have time for.

“I don’t like him,” Max huffed.

“You think he is cute,” El suggested instead.

“I-”

“It’s fine, Red. He is cute. You think I don’t know that?”

Max was turning away and mumbling under her breath, clearly trying to be done with this conversation.

“What?” El yelled, trying to catch up as she walked back up to her porch.

“I said, at least I’m not like Will who told Mike that if he was Steve’s age, he would have pined over him instead of Mike and Mike agreed.”

Eddie let out such a loud laugh, it made Max stop in her tracks and turn.

“Why are you laughing?”

“It’s hilarious,” Eddie got out between laughs, breathing in large gasps of air. “If he knew how many of you kids had crushes on him, he would be distraught. He would need to hide for months before he could show his face again.”

“But it is just a crush. I have had many crushes. Only one of them turned into love. You said it is okay to feel love for anyone. Is it not okay to have crushes on anyone?”

Eddie sobered quickly. El had a way of saying things that really made him pause and think before he spoke, which wasn’t something he did often.

“No, El, that isn’t why I’m laughing or why Steve would be, um, upset? I guess not, upset, just kind of shocked. I guess anytime you hear that someone finds you attractive, and has a crush on you, you feel a little weird about it.”

“Why is it weird?”

Bless El. Truly, Eddie was not ready for this. Steve would handle this so much better. Well, maybe not this specific topic, but most difficult conversations with the kids.

“It’s weird because Steve is like our babysitter, right? So the fact that half of us have a crush on him would make him feel like he can’t be around us until the crush fades or whatever,” Max explained patiently, always so patient with El where she would snap at anyone else.

“But it is okay for me to have a crush on you?” El asked Max, who was somehow looking even more red.

Really earning the nickname right now, actually.

“Yeah, it’s. It’s good.”

“It is?” El asked.

Eddie started to back away slowly, torn between wanting to see what happened and needing to not intrude on this moment.

“You really have a crush on me? You’re not using it as an example to understand or something?” Max asked hesitantly.

“Yes, I do. I told Eddie about it months ago if you do not believe me. But friends do not lie,” El said nervously, suddenly seeming to realize what was happening.

“El.” Max was smiling now. Eddie couldn’t look away even though he was barely in her yard anymore. “I like you. A lot. Like a crush, but more than that. Is that okay?”

“Oh.” El suddenly turned to Eddie. “If Max has a crush on me too, does that mean it is not a crush anymore?”

“I think that means you two can go on a date,” Eddie said as he finally turned back to his house.

He looked back when he reached his front door and saw Max and El hugging, a smile spreading across his face.

—--------------------------------

When Max and El were caught holding hands at movie night, Steve told everyone to stop teasing them or they’d get sent home.

“It is okay, Steve. And we talked about Max’s crush on you and it will not hurt my feelings that she still has a little one,” El patted his shoulder before turning her attention back to the movie.

Everyone else was staring at Steve though, mouths open.

Steve looked…well, he didn’t look like he was taking this news well.

Eddie patted his cheek and smiled softly at him.

“It’s alright, love. Mike and Will have crushes on you, too, and you didn’t even realize! Nothing has to be different.”

Oh. Oops. He shouldn’t have said that.

Steve’s eyes widened further as Mike and Will started yelling from their spot on the armchair.

“Hey, who told you that?”

“We do not!”

Steve stood up from the couch and walked out of the room, in the direction of the stairs, probably to hide in his bedroom and attempt to process this.

Eddie quickly apologized to Mike and Will before running after Steve, not wanting him to sit with anything alone.

When he got into Steve’s bedroom, he was laying flat out on his bed, starfished across it on his back, staring at the ceiling.

Eddie sat in the available space at his side, placing a hand on his thigh and smiling down at him.

“Is this really surprising for you?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“I mean, everyone always had crushes on you in school. You have to be used to it by now.”

“That was different.”

“I guess, but it’s still gotta be a little flattering.”

“I’m practically their mother! How is that flattering?”

Eddie couldn’t help it, he had to laugh.

“Sweetheart, they’re teenagers. You’re hot. You’re shirtless around them pretty often. You’re older, but in a ‘my friend’s older brother way’ not a ‘you could be my dad’ way. I’m pretty sure the only reason Dustin doesn’t have a crush on you is because he actually does consider you his dad.”

“Ew.”

Eddie moved so he was straddling Steve’s hips, Steve’s hands automatically coming to rest on his sides.

“Listen. I know it’s maybe a little weird. But it’s harmless. Mike and Will are in love and probably barely ever even think about their crush on you. And Max has El now, so her crush will fade soon enough. My crush is what you should be worried about.”

“Oh?” Steve was smirking up at him.

“Mhm. It’s getting out of hand. I might actually never get over it.”

“It’s a good thing I won’t get over the crush I have on you, then.”

Eddie leaned down to kiss him slowly, lips moving against his with practiced ease.

“So you gonna be able to look at them or should I say you went to bed?”

“Nah, I’ll go back out. But we aren’t having any more pool parties until I’m sure they’re over it. My chest is for your eyes only for the next year as far as I’m concerned.”

“You won’t hear any complaints from me,” Eddie said as he leaned down to place a kiss on Steve's chest. “But you may hear some from them.”

He did hear complaints from them.

But by next summer, Mike and Will barely had eyes for anyone other than each other, and Max had realized that she was actually only into Steve because she thought that’s what she should like and got over the crush completely.

Eddie turned to him while they sat shirtless by the pool and smiled.

“You miss being everyone’s crush?”

“As long as I’m yours, I don’t need anyone else.”

“Sap.”

“You’re the one with the crush on me,” Steve smirked at him as he closed his eyes and sunbathed next to the crush of his life.

[ladykailitha]

Oh For a Muse of Fire! Part 13

Steve’s turn to come to the rescue? Hell yeah!!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6  Part 7  Part 8  Part 9 Part 10  Part 11 Part 12

Steve’s painting was coming along really well. He was trying to get the expression on Eros’s face right. It was becoming a problem. There was just something about the eyes being closed that didn’t work.

But he was supposed to be asleep when Psyche came in, but when Steve tried to paint the eyes closed, he looked dead and not asleep.

Steve sighed and decided to talk to Joyce about it after class. He told Eddie go ahead to the parking lot and he’d meet him there.

“Hey, Mrs Byers,” Steve greeted. “I wanted to talk to you about my final.”

Joyce looked up at him and smiled. “Sure, Steve. What’s up?”

“I’m having a hard time getting the face right, can you help me?” he said and handed over the canvas.

She took it gingerly to avoid smearing the wet paint. “It looks as though the face is giving trouble.”

Steve nodded. “Especially the eyes. I want them closed for the Eros theme but with the pose he comes off looking like a corpse.”

“Which,” she said with a huff of laughter, “not the look you’re going for?”

“Absolutely not,” he agreed.

“Steve...” Joyce said gently. “You do know that the myths and stories idea is just a guideline? You don’t have to stick to a theme if you don’t want to.”

Steve’s eyes went wide. “Oh. Um...really?”

Joyce laughed. “Yes, Steve. Try it with his eyes open and I think you’ll find it will be fine.”

He let out a sigh of relief. “Yeah. Okay. Thanks, Mrs Byers.” He gathered up his painting and walked to the door.

“Hey Steve?” Joyce called out. “Why do you call me Mrs Byers? Almost everyone else calls me Joyce, except the really young students.”

Steve flashed her a bright smile. “It’s what I called you when I was babysitting Will. It’s a hard habit to break.”

She tilted her head to the side and then nodded. “Fair enough. Bye, Steve.”

“Bye, Mrs Byers.” He winked at her and walked off.

*

Eddie was waiting by his van having a cigarette when he spotted someone coming his direction.

“Shit!” he looked to see if he could just hop in the van and get away, but the other guy was too quick.

“Eddie? Is that you?” the far too cheerful voice cried.

Eddie closed his eyes and flicked his cigarette to the ground, grinding it beneath his boot. He opened his eyes and sneered. “Well, well if it isn’t Nick Mantrell. Did you get arrested?”

Nick was a tall man with light brown hair and deep blue eyes. His smile was as crooked as his personality.

“Daddy got me off,” Nick said with a smile that was supposed to be winning but Eddie had long since found to be smarmy.

Eddie rolled his eyes. “Of course he did. But then, Martin Mantrell always did have more money than sense.”

Nick’s mask dropped and his face became a dark and sinister thing. “You keep my daddy’s name out of your dirty mouth.”

Eddie huffed out a chuckle. “Man, I thought you liked my dirty mouth.”

And suddenly the mask was back up. “You know I do, baby.”

Eddie rolled his eyes. “What do you want, Nick?”

Nike grinned. “I just wanted to catch up. See what you were up to these days. It been so long since I saw you, baby.” He got close to Eddie and ran his hand down his arm.

“I’m doing fine,” Eddie said through gritted teeth. “The band’s got an agent now and we just finished recording a demo that they’re going to shop around.”

Nick looked pityingly at him. “Oh that so sweet. And you’re sure he’s a real agent?”

Eddie frowned. He knew that’s how Nick would get under his skin. He hated how it almost worked again. “Pretty damn sure. His other clients include The Kestrels and Lonnie Hunter.”

Nick’s eyes went wide. “Those are some pretty big names, baby. I’m sure it’ll all work out.”

Eddie shoulders slumped. “Why are you here man? At the school I mean.”

Nick smiled smugly. “I’m here getting my degree in business. Daddy’s going make me VP once I graduate.” He batted his eyelashes at him. “What are you doing here? I thought higher education was against the Munson doctrine.”

Eddie shifted uncomfortably under Nick’s gaze. “I’m doing a favor for a family friend. I’m the live model for her art class this year.”

Nick licked his lips suggestively. “Too bad it’s too late to take the class. Maybe I can convince Daddy to let me audit it for the last few weeks. You always did look your best right before I fucked you.”

Eddie began to squirm. “I don’t think you can do that.”

Nick leaned further into Eddie’s space. “I think you’ll find I can do a lot of things with a little bit of persuasion and a lot of money.”

Eddie’s face burned with humiliation and shame. He just wanted to go home.

A warm arm slid around his waist and soft chuckle breathed in his ear.

“Hey, Sunshine!” Steve greeted cheerfully. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting. I hope you weren’t waiting to long.”

Nick reared back as if he’d been stung. “Who’s this then, baby?”

Eddie leaned into Steve’s side.

Steve cocked his head to the side and gave Nick his best mean girl smile. “Your worst nightmare unless you toddle off like a good boy.”

Nick sneered. “You always were a slut, Eddie. You would spread your legs for anyone with a good body and a playful smile.”

Steve eyed Nick up. “Honey, you aren’t my type and what Sunshine and I do is none of your business. Now shoo, before I get mad. And honey, the hulk’s a pussy cat in comparison.”

Nick turned on his heel and stormed off.

Steve sighed in relief. “Thank god that worked. I’m really bad at fighting and I would so fucking lose if we got in a fist fight.”

Eddie started giggling. And Steve flashed him a smile.

“You okay, now?”

Eddie nodded. “Yeah, thanks for that. That slimy piece of worm-ridden filth is my ex-boyfriend. Met him when I was still young and stupid. It wasn’t until after the third time he cheated on me that I walked away.”

Steve bumped their shoulders together. “I’m sorry he was harassing you. Guys like that are what give gay men a bad name.”

“Yeah,” Eddie agreed. “How did you manage to insinuate that we were together without out right lying?”

Steve frowned for a second. “Oh, the double talk?” Eddie nodded. “I learned it at the bar. It’s a customer service thing. Make them think that I promised them something when I really didn’t.”

Eddie laughed. “That’s amazing.”

“You still up for that coffee or do you want to go home?” Steve asked.

He leaned into Steve’s embrace further. “I just want to go home.”

“I’ll follow you to make sure you get home okay,” Steve said, gently removing his arm from Eddie’s waist. “Do you want me to keep up company until I have to go to work or would you rather be alone?”

Eddie immediately mourned the lost of Steve’s warmth. “Would you stay?”

Steve nodded. “Of course. I’ll meet you there okay?”

Eddie nodded back. Steve gave his arm a squeeze and then walked away.

Eddie watched him go, the warmth from Steve’s body making itself home in his chest.

Yup, he was so fucked.

*

Eddie led Steve up to his apartment feeling a tad nervous. It had been awhile since he brought anyone back to his place. And yes he knew it wasn’t like that, but his heart and his libido were screaming at him to change that in their favor.

He unlocked the door and let Steve go in first, fearing his reaction.

“Oh, wow,” Steve murmured. “This place is amazing. I have the same fucking floor plan you do and yet yours looks more homey and lived in then mine.”

Eddie cocked his head to the side. “Yeah, how’s that?”

He closed the door behind them.

“Robin and I both had parents that decorated our rooms for us,” Steve explained, “so when we went off on our own we didn’t have any real idea of how to make it ours. So it looks like a catelogue.”

Eddie pursed his lips and looked up. “Yeah, no. I can totally see that.”

Steve laughed.

“You want something to drink?” Eddie called from the kitchen.

“Just water is fine,” he replied. “But aren’t I here to take care of you?”

Eddie’s cheeks were red when he came out with a glass of water for Steve and a beer for him. “If you wanted to take care of me, big boy, we should have gone to your place.”

Steve grinned. “It’s not to late. I live two seconds away.”

Eddie grinned back. “Nah, it’s cool. I’m more comfortable here.”

Steve raised his glass, “Here’s to shitty exes coming back in our lives when we least expect it!”

Eddie chuckled. “Here’s that!” He raised his can and took a long drink.

“So how are things going on the finding fame and fortune front?” Steve asked after a moment or two of silence.

Eddie just shook his head. “I mean we finished the demo and our agent is going around to all the major labels starting with the ones closest to home and branching out. But it still feels like a pipe dream, you know?”

Steve cocked his head to the side thoughtfully. “Is that what the slimy ex said? That it was just a pipe dream?”

Eddie huffed out a bitter laugh. “Yes, but he just pegged an old insecurity that I’ve had for awhile.”

“Nothing quite like having someone opening old wounds for fun,” Steve said.

Eddie nodded. “Yeah. I had just heard of bands getting record deals right out of the gate by preforming at the Queen’s Crown...and I–”

Steve set his water down and scooted closer to him, to place his hand on his knee. “You guys should have gotten the deal. I don’t know why the agent was the only one that saw your potential...but seriously, Eds, you killed it that night.”

Eddie looked up at him through his eyelashes. “You really think so?”

“Yeah,” Steve agreed. “And not just because the new song was about me.” He winked at him.

Eddie burst out laughing. “So is the Jester and the King, you egomaniac.”

Steve winced. “Ouch! I’m assuming you wrote that one after I hit you?”

“Sure did, baby doll,” Eddie said with a grin. “And then after we talked I couldn’t leave it like that, so I wrote Thorns and Thistles.”

“It was beautiful,” Steve said, his expression soft and fond.

“I’ve been writing other songs for if they decided to give us the record deal,” Eddie said. “You want to hear some of them?”

Steve lit up. He looked at his watch and crumpled. “Shit. It’s almost time for me to go to work.”

Eddie deflated too. “Oh. That’s okay. Some other time.”

Steve got a wicked gleam in his eye. “You know...the new bartender hasn’t had an opportunity to tend with Opal yet...”

Eddie’s head shot up in shock. “Just what are you saying there, Stevie?”

“Well...” Steve continued. “Diamond has been saying I’ve been working too hard lately and that I should take more time to myself...”

Eddie’s eyes got the same wicked gleam, “Is Steve Harrington suggesting playing hooky for little ol’ me?”

Steve just grinned and pulled out his phone. He shot off two quick text messages. The replies came just as fast as he sent them. Both Robin and Diamond applauding his decision.

“Now, I’m all yours,” he said setting his phone aside and giving Eddie his undivided attention.

“How? Why?” Eddie stammered.

Steve’s face softened. “Look, I’ve earned some good will with Diamond after the incident with Nancy and I don’t mind using it to spend more time with you.” He put his hand back on Eddie’s knee. “Plus Crystal, the new bartender has to get use to running the whole night, he’s been there two weeks with me he needs to get used to working with Opal, because that’s who he’s going to be working with.”

“Chrissy,” Eddie corrected. “Call her Chrissy.”

Steve’s face brightened. “Chrissy then.”

Eddie hurried up to grab his electric guitar and sat back down. “This is one is called Flying Higher.”

Steve settled back into the cushions of Eddie’s sofa to listen.

Part 14  Part 15  Part 16  Part 17 Epilogue

Tag List: @artiststarme @allbymyselfexceptformycactus @spectrum-spectre @estrellami-1 @swimmingbirdrunningrock @gregre369 @itsall-taken @m-owo-n @zerokrox-blog @runyousillydetective @grimmfitzz @wonderland-girl143-blog @sapphirecobalt-1 @scheodingers-muppet @victor-thee-corvid @apricottree @bookbinderbitch @sleepyboosstuff @biatcgh @pixiefallingupthestairs @grtwdsmwhr @thepainisspicy @carlyv @eboyawstenn @bisexualdisastersworld @bidisastersworld @abstractnaturaldisaster @evix-syne666 @nerdsconquerall @lololol-1234 @goodolefashionedloverboi @chaoticlovingdreamer @a-little-unsteddie @val-from-lawrence @i-must-potato @elluminis @tailsfromthecrypt @danili666 @plyerice27 @alittlegreyfish  @n0-1-important @no-upper-limit-to-stupidity @maya-custodios-dionach @cinnamon-mushroomabomination @heaven428 @thedragonsaunt @ceaselessly-watching @imfinereallyy

[smolgloves]

Midnight Snack

Summary: A sequel to The Blood and The Heart, where Freya learns just how much Tav trusts Astarion.

Trigger warning: fearplay, vore mention, mentions of murder/death, dehumanizing language, mentions of blood drinking, and Alcohol.

The Night grew quiet once Tav fell asleep, leaving Freya alone to her thoughts. It's strange, this was the perfect opportunity to slip away yet Freya felt no desire to do such a thing. Tav was an interesting person who seemed to put her at ease, maybe it was only because they were a halfling and thus were less intimidating to talk to despite being a larger being or maybe Freya is just starstruck by them after they saved her from that vampire. Whatever the case, Freya was not going to make an attempt at escaping. 

She'd much rather sift through the stuff Tav had given her, which was quite an abundance for her! They had all sorts of cloth and trinkets that didn't provide them with much use for their group, but Freya could take this stuff back to their cousin and they could get lost in their tinkering projects for hours! However there was one thing that caught her eye, a rope-like substance that seemed to stretch further than Freya could fathom, yet it would snap back into its original form. Tav mentioned they snagged it from a mad alchemist's lair, said it was called elastic. Freya gave the rope a tug as ideas swirled in her head. This may be the perfect thing to help her make the weapon she and her cousin were trying to come up with. Inspiration hit her and she got up to scavenge around the edge of the woods that was near the campsite, scanning the ground for sticks until she found the perfect one; it was Y-shaped and somewhat sturdy. Although some of the ends were a little jagged, but this was just a prototype, if this works, Freya can go home and show her cousin this and they can really improve it. She began with tying the elastic around the tip of the Y part of the stick, then tugged on the rope a few times before determining it wouldn't break from the tension. Now she just needed some ammo, fortunately the ground has an abundance of tiny pebbles that Freya could use on the new device. 

Freya looked over the prototype, she had just made a handheld catapult- or a peashooter as her cousin had coined. A sense of pride filled the borrower. “Kes is gonna love this!” She smiled and aimed the peashooter in random directions as she headed back to camp. She just needed a target to practice on and she could confidently call this project a success!

Freya went to return to where Tav was sleeping when she laid her eyes upon a horrific sight. She froze as she spotted Astarion prowling towards Tav. He knelt down by their face, hunger flickered in those crimson eyes as he caressed Tav's cheek, his hand gently traced down their neck. He drew closer to them with a sinister smile, he opened his mouth wide, letting his fangs come closer to his next meal. 

“No!” In a fluid motion, Freya scooped up a pebble off the ground, and catapulted it towards the vampire with the peashooter. It whistled in the air and hit the ground near where his hand rested, a tiny dust cloud stirred in the air. 

“What?!” Astarion broke away from Tav and snapped his gaze over to Freya. “You again?!” A mixture of shock and anger laced his voice. 

Freya didn't have time to think about a plan before she swiped another pebble from the ground and aimed her weapon at Astarion. “Stay back.” 

Astarion let out a cold chuckle. “What do you possibly think you can do with that miniscule weapon?” 

“Take one bite out of Tav, and you'll find out!” 

Astarion let out a mocking gasp. “Oh no, the little mouse is going to throw a pebble at me.” He dramatically draped his arm over his head, then immediately dropped the mockery to shoot a deathly glare at the borrower. “In case you've forgotten darling, I can bite your head off with no effort, which I might do if you deprive me from my meal!” 

Instinct told her to run, to not risk her life for a halfling she just met. It would be ease to just say this was Tav's own fault for letting a vampire run around the camp, but when she looked at their sleeping form, she couldn't let them get hurt. Freya steeled her nerves, refusing to break eye contact with him. “I won't ask again!”

A groan came from Tav. “What's going on?” 

“Oh now you've done it.” Astarion said, rolling his eyes.

“Tav get up!” Freya shouted. “You're in danger!” 

“What?!” Tav shot up and rolled away from their bedroll, pushing themselves on their feet and holding out their fists in defense. “What's going on?!” 

“Your vampire friend was about to drain you of your blood.” Freya exclaimed. 

Tav let their guard down, looking down at the borrower with sympathy. “Oh Freya…” 

“Did you not hear what I said?” 

Astarion's face lit up with a smirk. “Aww, did Tav forget to mention that they let me drink their blood?” 

“You're lying!” Freya snapped. “Only a bloody idiot would do that!” 

The vampire stifled a laugh. “Then I guess you don't know Tav very well. I have probably had more blood than you have if you were double your height.”

Freya stared back at Tav, hoping this was a joke but they just gave a sheepish smile. She lowered the peashooter and broke eye contact from Tav. “You've gotta be kidding me…” 

“What's with all the racket?”

Freya snapped her attention to the new voice that approached. A tiefling woman that towered above Tav and Astarion walked up to them, she had shorter black hair with horns curling above her head yet one horn was broken off. Interestingly, her dark red skin seemed to burn like embers in the night. Before anyone could answer the Tiefling, more people showed up with confusing murmurs and annoyance over the commotion the three had made. Freya counted five new faces approaching the campfire, five new larger folks that were now circled around Freya. There was no way to slip away without at least one of them noticing her.

“What is that?” Said a feminine voice belonging to a half elf with dark braided hair as she stared down at the borrower, soon more eyes followed the woman's gaze and locked on to Freya, making her feel smaller than she truly was. 

“I believe that is a borrower.” Said a bearded man with shoulder length brown hair. “They usually live in your walls to survive.” 

“Aww, she's adorable!” shouted the tiefling.

Freya swore her heart could be heard pounding against her chest by everyone around the campfire, she wanted to scream but her throat closed up; all she could do was freeze up. 

Pale fingers quickly wrapped around Freya's waist and plucked her from the ground, forcing a yelp out of her. She twisted herself to see her captor and saw Astarion wearing a cheeky smile on his lips. “Everyone, meet Freya, the newest stray that wandered into camp!” His voice dripped with a sickly sweet mockery. 

“Astarion, knock it off.” Tav hissed through their teeth.

“Don't worry, Tav. I'm just making formal introductions.” The vampire brushed a slender finger through her blonde curls, sending shivers down Freya's spine. “We don't wanna be rude.”

“Come now, Astarion, put the borrower down.” Said a man with horns protruding out of his forehead. “She looks absolutely terrified.” 

“Yes,” Tav urged, the patience in their voice was waning thin. “Let's put her down.”

“Chk, I've heard of these tiny istiks.” The Githyanki woman said, narrowing her eyes. “Whenever the githyanki found them, they always crushed them for trying to steal from us.”

Freya sucked in a gasp, it felt as though lead had formed in the pit of her stomach trying to weigh her down. She tried to keep her head cool under the spotlight, but her heart threatened to explode! But what made everything worse was when she felt a muscle in Astarion's hand twitch, Freya didn't dare glance over to him, she didn't need to when she could feel the sneer that radiated from him.

“Oh do tell, Lae'zel.” He inched closer to the gith. “And don't leave out any gorey details.”

“That's enough!” Tav snapped.

“I will not partake in your petty mockery.” Lae'zel glared up at Astarion. “Either kill the creature or let it go, I do not care.” 

Panic settled into Freya, causing her breathing to grow shaky. Her eyes darted from each person, some watched with pity, others disgust, but they were watching her terror like it was a play. What happened to that fearless borrower from earlier?

“Oh come now, I'm only trying to bond with our guest by telling some ghost stories around the campfire.” The vampire brought Freya closer to his face, giving her a hungry stare; he was enjoying the fear he was putting her through. “I could always tell her about the things Cazador used to do to borrowers….” 

“ASTARION!” Tav's voice bellowed like a crack of thunder, breaking Astarion away from Freya. That was all she needed to aim her peashooter at the vampire, in a second the pebble she still held in her hand was already flung out of the elastic and lobbing towards his eye. 

“ACK!” Astarion flinched back, his grip on Freya loosened and she easily slipped through his fingers. There was only a moment where she could lock eyes with a horrified Tav as she began her descent to the ground. Freya had no choice but to accept her fate, she closed her eyes one last time to give a silent prayer to the gods that her death would be swift.

A male voice shouted out something in a language Freya was not familiar with. A cold rush of wind brushed under her and she suddenly wasn't falling anymore. Her eyes flew open to see a disembodied blue hand had broken her fall. The feeling was even more surreal than being in an actual person's hands, there was a chilling breeze that flowed around her, yet the translucent limb was solid to the touch. 

The bearded man stepped forward and knelt down to be more eye level with the borrower. Upon closer inspection, Freya could see the man had brown eyes that looked at her softly. She also noticed these strange faded markings sat under his left eye and snaked their way down to his neck and chest, if there was more to those markings, they were hidden away by the purple velvet tunic he wore. “Are you alright?” He asked with a warm smile. 

Is she alright? She had just had her fears exploited by a vampire and almost fell to her death in front of seven larger beings before the sun even rose, of course she's not alright! Tears threatened to fall from her face but Freya did her best to push those overwhelming feelings aside; the last thing she needed was to cry in front of that vampire bastard.

“Put me down, please…” Her voice trembled along with the rest of her body. 

The bearded man never said a word, he just nodded and motioned the ghastly hand to descend to the ground, letting her gently slide off. Freya's legs felt like jelly on solid ground, she dropped to her knees, her heavy breaths being the only thing that kept the night from being silent; eyes were like arrows shooting through the cowering borrower. The only thing Freya could do was silently hope for this night to end quickly. 

“I need everyone to leave!” Tav's voice carried around the camp. “Go back to your tents and give her some space!” 

The adventurers began to shuffle away, curiosity still written on their faces. The one tiefling woman passes by Freya, giving her a thumbs up. “Nice shot, back there.” She said before walking away. As the crowd dispersed, Freya found the nerve to look around, only Tav and Astarion remained, his left eye was squeezed shut.

“When I say everyone, I mean everyone.” Tav ordered. 

“Oh come now, Darling. I was just having a bit of fun.” He said nonchalantly.

“A bit of fun?” Tav blurted out. “You nearly killed her!” 

“After she shot my eye!” Astarion scoffed. “I think we're even now.” 

“Leave now.” Tav's voice was quiet and firm, yet anger boiled at the edge. It drove a chill down Freya's spine, Astarion must have felt the same way because she watched him back away from the halfling. There was a flicker of bitterness in his eyes as he glanced over at the borrower but then the vampire mostly seemed hurt when he looked back over to Tav. He didn't breathe a word as he wandered back to his tent.

Once the vampire stalked off, Freya could no longer hold back tears, they streamed down her cheeks. 

“Gods Freya, I'm so sorry.” Tav knelt down to the borrower and slowly reached out for her. 

Freya flinched. “Please don't…. I've had enough of giant hands for one night.” 

“I understand.” They pulled their hand back and shifted to sit in a more criss-cross position, giving Freya the space she needed. It took a minute for her to compose herself and finally look up at the halfling. 

“Do you actually let him bite you?” Freya asked, wiping her tears away. 

“Yeah, I do sometimes.” Tav's face grew red. “I kind of forgot that I agreed to let him do it for tonight. Sorry, I would have warned you otherwise.”

Freya's jaw went slack. “Why would you agree to something like that?” 

They gave a soft smile. “It's a rather long story, but I trust him quite a lot… despite his more abrasive tendencies.” 

“That's insane…” Was all Freya could say, she tried to rack her brain with any logical reason someone would do such a thing. Was she just biased or did everyone in this camp let the vampire drink their blood?

“Funny, I think we all said the same thing.” A feminine voice caused Freya to jolt out of her thoughts. She locked onto the source and saw the half-elf with the dark hair a few feet away. “Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.” 

“I thought I told everyone to back off.” Tav sighed. 

“You did, but I couldn't help myself.” The woman smiled and sat down on her knees, she had a bottle of wine and a silver goblet in hand. “I was most curious about our new guest.” 

Freya took a moment to analyze the woman. Her dark hair was long and braided in a high ponytail, with bangs that fit nicely around the frame of her face; she had a scar that ran across her right cheek, she offered a warm smile but her forest green eyes seemed to calculate Freya's every move. Maybe it was the nerves, but she felt an ominous presence around the woman.

“Don't worry, I'm not going to grab you like Astarion did.” The woman chuckled softly. “If anything, I could actually help if he hurt you at all.” 

“Shadowheart is our cleric.” Tav explained. “You can trust her, if you feel comfortable enough.”

“I…I'm alright… thank you.” Freya took a shaky breath. “I'm just not used to… being the center of attention.” 

“I'm sure.” Shadowheart took a sip of her wine before glancing back at Freya. “You look like you could use a drink.” 

There was no holding back the smile that spread across the borrower's face. “I definitely could use one.” 

“Do you have a preference?”

The borrower sighed. “At this point, I'll take whatever you got.” 

“Well, I didn't take you for a drinker, Freya.” Tav teased.

“There's a lot you don't know about me.” She retorted. “Much like I don't know much about you.” 

“Fair point.” Tav chuckled and rubbed the back of their neck, before glancing over at the wine bottle. “I guess we should find something small enough to drink out of.” 

“A thimble will work well enough.” Freya said. 

“I think I have one back at my tent.” Shadowheart smiled. “If you want, we can drink there. It would offer you more privacy.” 

“I appreciate it.” 

Shadowheart stood up and started to walk away.“Perfect, follow me.” 

Tav locked eyes with Freya and moved their hand next to her, awaiting for her response. It was a simple gesture but one that Freya greatly appreciated. She gave Tav a nod and they carefully scooped her up into their hands. It was still odd to just let a larger being pick her up so easily, but Freya found a sense of comfort when Tav held her, they were so gentle with her. If Freya wasn't too careful, she could find herself getting used to be handled by this charming halfling.

[msookyspooky]

Fours a Franchise

Part 9

Wordcount: 8,831

"This the place?" You mumbled as you and Randy drove down an old back road near Woodsboro you never even heard of. You weren't at Woodsboro long but you still couldn't believe you had never even heard this old road existed. Especially on all those rides or hangouts years ago!...Well...That is, before Billy and Stu went crazy on everyone. It was definitely off the beaten path with tree lines on either side of the road and no houses.

"Looks like it." Randy replied as he pulled up to an old but long gravel driveway where cars as far as the eye could see lined the yard and a big barn with a few smaller barns surrounding it. Teens coming and going. A 'Stab-a-Thon' banner on the biggest barn with lights and Stab props all over the place.

"Holy shit." You mouthed out as he pulled up and parked in an open area where you couldn't be blocked in. Every teen in Woodsboro had to be here right now!

He shut the car off and told you with a slight smirk. "Yeah, too bad the owners were alive and lived here when we were teens or else parties would've definitely been happening here in the 90's." He lost the smirk and sighed. "Sure, we're gonna do this?"

You huffed, smacking your hands in your lap. "I didn't want to! You're the one that insisted we come here!-"

"Okay, okay!" He exclaimed with a huff. "Alright, we stick together. We find Kirby. We get out...Seems simple enough, right?"

"...And what if Kirby IS the killer? Then what?"

Randy cringed with a shrug. "Well...Wouldn't be the first time someone close to us was the killer. Regardless, we gotta try. Besides I have the feeling we'd be dead at the house if we stayed and this was our only real option anyway."

"Yeah, what was that noise anyways? Could've been a racoon but...Still...I really think we just need to go to the police station and wait it out or say fuck it and drive endlessly tonight!...Something is off about tonight.... It's the final act..."

Randy looked at you with wide eyes and mumbled. "You feel it too? That impending doom feeling?"

"Yeah, I do which is even more of a reason to not fuck around. This shit ends tonight." You checked the bullets in Dewey's revolver he gifted you, making sure it was fully loaded.

Randy whistled. "Okay, glad you're on my team... Time to kick some ass." He gave with a wag of his brows.

You didn't feel good about that but nodded in agreement before you both got out of the car. Looking to hear the music, the dark woods surrounding the lot, the creepy abandoned barns turned Stab fan-mania, the isolation of all the scattered vehicles. You sucked in a shaky breath, gun loaded on your leg and knife in your pocket. It felt like the perfect storm for disaster.

You heard a pop rock type of song blaring and a big bloody photo backdrop as well as red lights inside and Ghostface masks galore.

Randy came up beside you. "Jesus, these kids really went all out. Like fucking Christmas for Horror nerds...Kind of jealous I never thought of this." You slowly turned, giving him a disbelieving look as he huffed out. "What?...This is awesome! You gotta admit it."

You sighed, shaking your head and started moving. A few kids whispered as they saw you but other than that they were too involved in their red cups and the party to give a shit. You and Randy walked around the barn before going in.

"See her?" You whispered.

Randy tsked with a deadpan expression your way. "If I saw her, YN, I'd say it...No, she's inside."

"Oh fine, well let's just go-" You turned and jumped with a yelp, grabbing for the knife in your pocket as another person gasped and stepped back. You groaned and put your knife away when you saw it was Gale.

"Goddamn, what the hell is wrong with you?" Gale huffed out, flipping her hair behind her shoulder.

"What the hell is wrong with me- What is wrong with you?! Sneaking up on us like that!"

Gale scoffed. "Hey, I was going my way and you're in my way. Move it-" She shoved past you both.

"So you're gonna do this alone, huh?" You threw out your arms. "Just stalking around, planting cameras and trying to get your next big gig?"

Gale stopped and turned back to you, shoulders square. "Listen here, YN. I am...I was..." She struggled to get it out. "I miscalculated in my first book, okay?! And I should have pulled out of the court deal, okay, I'll admit it! I was wrong." She leaned forward, whispering harshly to you. "...But I am making sure I get it right this time."

You scowled and shook your head. "Gale...This isn't the way to do it. This is a bad idea and you know it...You're gonna get yourself killed over fame." She turned and you yelled after her. "You're not invincible, Gale! IN FACT, you're being stupid!"

She flipped you both off, putting on a mask and going in.

Randy rolled his eyes. "Forget her. We'll just have to drag her out dead or alive; cavalry to the fucking rescue."

You sighed but nodded. Gale was out of your control now. "Okay...But you better keep that attitude with Kirby too. If she doesn't come with us; we leave regardless. Like, 10 minutes from now max; we get in that car and we drive either out of town. Laws be damned or go to the police station and stay there till sunrise."

He nodded as you both finally walked inside. The music was loud and kids were dancing or talking. It wasn't long before you were spotted by none other than Charlie and Robbie as they handed you both red cups.

Charlie smiled. "YN! Randy!...I see you found our little shindig. Whaddya think?"

Robbie put an arm around Randy with that geadset on blinking in Randy's face."Isn't it perfect?"

Randy glared at him and moved away from Robbie. "Great, kid. It's a pretty decent party for an old timer like me."

Robbie tilted his head with a chuckle. "Oh come on, we were just joking!...How uh...How did you find this anyways? Just curious."

"We're looking for Kirby. Have you seen her?" You cut him off.

They shook their heads with goofy looks on their faces and you knew they were lying. Just not wanting Kirby to leave for whatever reason.

You grabbed Randy, shoving your cup on the table and leaving. "Come on, Randy."

"Yeah, let's go. Wouldn't wanna cramp you kids' style or anything!" Randy jeered over his shoulder before mumbling. "Little assholes."

He went to drink and you smacked the cup outta his hand. "DON'T. I don't trust them one bit not to drug us or something."

His eyes widened in realization. "Holy shit...You actually knew a horror rule before I did! I feel like you need a golden star sticker on your forehead or something." He joked with a smirk.

"...Let's just try and spot Kirby." You huffed, both of you reaching the corner of the barn as you felt anxiety hitting. The noise, crowd, everyone in a Ghostface mask. You felt like a caged animal and wanted OUT. "Ray, can't you call her or something?!"

"I don't have her number."

"Look her up on facebook or something! Message her."

Randy looked at you with wide eyes. "Damn smarty pants, got it!" He went to get his phone and furiously felt his pockets. "Fuck."

"What?"

"My phone's missing!"

"Did you leave it in the car??"

"No, negative. I definitely had it when we walked in. Shit."

You nodded and got your phone out. "Alright, let's not panic. I'll just call it. If you got it on silent, I swear to God-" You dialed Randy's number, seeing if you could hear it but couldn't over everyone talking and the music.

Randy ran a hand over his hair. "YN, we gotta find it! I don't have a password or anything and my wife is on there! What if the killer gets it and-"

You put a hand on his shoulder. "Okay, okay, breathe. It'll be alright...We'll find it."

"Find what?"

You both turn to see Kirby. A red cup in hand as she smiled. "About time you guys made it here. I was beginning to think you all were gonna stay home."

You breathed a sigh of relief. "Kirby, we came here to get you."

She came closer with an odd look. "Me? Why?"

Randy huffed. "Why? Kid, because this is act 3. The killers are gonna strike at this party and you need to get out of here."

She rolled her lips but you chimed in as you told her. "I'm so serious, Kirby. We've been through this 3 times now...Multiple people in your circle or ours are dying tonight especially at this party. Just please, let's go. We can all go back home, you can stay with Jill or go to the police station with us but we need to get the fuck out of here."

She stared a moment, seeing how serious you both were before nodding. You smiled in relief as she nodded. "Okay...Okay, whatever. This party is lame anyways and the movie hasn't even started. Besides, fucking Trevor won't leave me alone. He keeps hounding me for info on Jill."

"Stay away from him." Randy warned. "He is my number one suspect other than either someone on Dewey's police force or Charlie and Robbie."

Kirby smirked. "So, four contenders then?" You all went to walk.

"Looks like it. One problem." You told her. "Randy dropped his phone somewhere in the barn...I say he just leaves it and gets it shut off by the phone company or something." You grumbled.

Randy huffed with an eyeroll. "I will IF I can't find it. 5 minutes of searching and then we'll go."

Kirby nodded. "I can help with that."

They walked ahead of you and you gasped when someone's shoulder clipped yours. You both locked eyes on each other, time slowing down as you saw those impossibly dark eyes widen in surprise as he saw you. He had on a leather jacket and his hair back a bit like what he had in High School. He instantly grabbed you and dragged you close to him, back facing Randy as he hissed out. "You dumbass, what the fuck are you doing here?!"

You spat out low with the same outrage on your face as well. "Firstly dickhead, what the fuck are you doing here?! Is Stu-"

"Shh! Yes, now get out! We have a suspect and we're watching him and we don't need you getting in the goddamn way."

"Who?"

Billy exhaled through his nostril, lips in a thin line. "...Not here. I don't want to say it here where he's probably got a rat listening in."

"I can't leave Randy!"

"It'll only take a moment! As long as Meek Geek stays in the center of the barn with that girl there; he's fine."

You looked back to see him and Kirby talking while looking. In the lights where a killer would have to be stupid to attack him. Billy turned so a barn pillar obscured him as you shouted to Randy. "I gotta go find Gale real quick!"

Randy exclaimed. "What?! I'll go-"

"No, stay with Kirby! I'm the most armed, I'll be fine! Be back in 5."

You hated lying but you needed to know this new killer so you could end this before they ended you or someone you cared about. To your surprise, Billy grabbed your jacket sleeve near your wrist to lead you out of the crowd.

Randy threw up his arms in exasperation as you left...His brows furrowed as he caught a glimpse of the man you were with. Realization dawned on him as not only a bit of anger over you lying seeped in but that deep anxious thought that Dewey shoved into his brain earlier...Who was this man you were clearly seeing? Why was it a secret?

✦

Billy took you outside where Stu stood near a barn in the dark, a surprised look on his face as he exclaimed. "Sweetcheeks! Whaddya doing here?!"

Billy finally let go of your sleeve as you told them. "Kirby Reed. Me and Randy came here to get Kirby and get out...We heard something at Randy's house and had to come here."

Stu scoffed with a comical look on his face. "You risked your life for some teenage girl that's probably dead meat anyways?"

You glared. "You don't know that and she's like a little sister to Randy, okay!? Now we're just looking for Randy's phone that somehow fell out of his pocket."

Billy shook his head, arms folded. "Killer did it. Can guarantee it. It's a trap and you idiots are falling for it."

You nod before you swore you saw Gale and ducked, shoving them both to the nearby smaller barn. "I get that but first; We can't talk in the open like this!"

They agreed as you went to a smaller barn where you all were greeted by a teen couple doing it on a hay bale. You blinked in surprise and Stu chuckled.

Billy rolled his eyes and ordered them. "Alright, get out. Go fuck in the car or something."

The teen guy got off the girl. "Or what, asshole? You gonna do something?"

Billy got that deadly smirk on his face and you instantly grabbed the girl and shoved her out as she yelped and tried putting her pants back on. "Get the hell out of here! Now." You demanded, trying to save these stupid kids lives from two serial killers.

The guy still stood tall glaring at Billy like he had a death wish. "Or what? You can't hit me, I'm 17! I'm a minor! I can hit you though-" He reeled his arm back.

The hit never came as he gasped from Stu picked him up by the shirt collar and dragging him with a smirk. Walking him like a dog out the barn as the guy was struggling to keep up.

"Nah, that's just a minor offense, bitch." Before tossing the kid out and seeing him roll a few feet on the grass before shutting the door. You gave him a look, trying not to smirk as he threw his hands up. "What? We're alone now, aren't we?" He shoved a heavy metal container at the door so it would take a harsh shove to open it.

Billy smirked a bit before getting serious again. Looking at your face. His brows furrowed as he pointed at your cheek. "...That from an attack by this new killer?"

You touched the bruise on your face as Stu whistled. "Yeah, babe. Did the killer give you that shiner or do I gotta kick Randy's ass?"

You huffed with an eye roll.. "Please, Ray would never...No, someone's Mom did this; believe it or not. An angry mob of parents formed outside the school today wanting to attack me because where I go, the killer goes. Everyone would be fine if I was dead at this point because to them that means no more kills. No more Final Girl; no more Ghostface. "

Billy huffed. "That's...Damn." He didn't seem to know what to say.

You lightly glared at him. "You should be elated, Billy. Isn't this what you wanted? If I don't die then I have my life ruined. Can't even go outside without someone threatening me."

He faltered, eyes narrowed as he frowned but said nothing. You shook his head and told you. "Let's get to the fucking point. Some kid named Trevor Sheldon is definitely Ghostface. He's been stalking around here, stalking near Randy's house. It's obviously him...Kill him, we'll be home free."

You rolled your eyes. "Not saying he ISN'T the killer but he's not stalking Randy's house. He's stalking the Neighbors; Jill Roberts."

He raised a brow and Stu leaned against a pillar with a perplexed look on his face as he asked. "Jill? Who the hell is that?"

"A teen girl that's friends with Kirby, Charlie, Robbie and that Olivia who got killed. She's apart of this new group that we think might be the targets. Trevor is her ex."

Stu mumbled. "Still Suspicious. It's always the boyfriends." He gave with a smirk.

You hummed a bit. "... Something feels deeper than that. If it is Trevor, he has help...Randy thinks it's Charlie and Robbie; the film nerds that hosted this party. Anyone who hosts a party during the final act is suspicious." You pointed at Stu who grinned.

Stu chuckled. "Guilty. It was a real Scream too, huh baby?"

You lightly glared at him before turning to Billy. "I think we're dealing with a Franchise like Randy says-"

Billy rolled his eyes and interrupted. "Who cares? Just tell us the suspects already."

You huffed but listed on your finger tips. "Trevor Sheldon...Charlie Walker and Robbie Mercer...Judy Hicks."

Stu raised a brow." Judy?...Judy Hicks?...She sounds familiar."

"She apparently went to school with us and now she's a deputy here in Woodsboro. "

Billy huffed in mild amusement. "A cop as the killer? That's a first. But if she knew us in school, she's definitely a suspect. That actress in Hollywood all over again."

"Yeah well, it's 2011. The most outrageous ideas don't seem too crazy anymore and you're right; she has the motivation."

Billy shook his head, going to say something when the barn door opened. You all jumped as you heard someone shove the metal container away with force. Clearly determined to get inside...They went to hide in the barn till whoever kicked it. They knew you were in there and determined to get in. You all got on alert, thinking the killer was ballsy enough to do it. Billy and Stu hid in opposite direction.

...

Time slowed, your heart thumping in your ears as you felt your face twist in horror. The voice made your heart drop to your stomach and a chill ran down your spine...

"Okay, YN. I found my phone so let's go!" Randy scowled as he stood in the doorway. Throwing his arms up with a bewildered look. "What the hell are you doing out here for?"

You swallowed hard, trying to look calm. "Looking for Gale, she's not here...So we can go."

You went to go to the door before asking him with an odd look. "Why the fuck are you practically kicking the door down to get in for anyways? I could've shot you thinking you were the killer!"

Randy gave you an annoyed look before sighing heavily and closing the door behind him as you raised a brow.

You asked. "...What are you doing? We need to leave."

"No, first we need to talk. This place seems safe enough I guess..." He was struggling more than Stu but still putting that metal container in front of the door. Ge stood back up fully and frowned. "I barged in because I'm irked right now, YN...I'm disappointed and pissed and a little hurt, honestly. You're lying to me...Gale's not here and you knew that...You're not looking for Gale, are you?" He folded his arms with a raised brow.

You stared trying so hard to keep your nerves in check. "W-What?" You forced yourself not to look at Billy behind the hay bale and Stu behind the pillar. "Lying?"

"Yeah, lying!...YN..." He sighed again, seeming to dread it himself before gesturing to you with a glare. "Look...I didn't want to bring it up but I'm kind of bothered by it more than I thought. Especially with you lying to me AGAIN at a time like thid!"

"Again?!...What are you talking about, Randy?"

"...Dewey showed me the photo... I know."

"Ph-Photo?" You drew out, genuinely confused but getting a bit nervous.

"Yeah...There's no easy way to say it but apparently, you lied to us a decade ago and you're lying to us now." You felt a sweat break out on your palms and a chill down your back as he continued. "Dewey found a picture of you with two men in your motel room at the crime scene where Neil was staying. Now I told him it's none of our business and it's not! But now he has evidence you went and saw these same men last night...You snuck out while I was gone and lied to me about it."

You barely heard him, your ears were ringing and your body was frozen in place.

"Now, why lie? Especially for a whole decade! Look, if these guys are booty calls or you're in some brother husband poly type of thing or they deal you drugs or something; you don't need to hide it! You could've gotten hurt! I just can't imagine you hiding these guys from us unless they're bad news or you're that scared of how we'd react which kind of sucks. Just...Just tell me the truth."

You swallowed, brain still stuck on the factor that could ruin everything as you mumble, "Dewey...Has evidence?"

"Yeah, he does. No more lying, okay? Just be real with me right now."

"T-T-Theyre my...The ones a mechanic and the other is um a friend-"

Randy gave you a disappointed look. "And you're lying again...I thought it was crazy but...That guy is Dennis Rafkin, isn't he? You hooked up with that actor on Stab 3. He's uncanny in the picture and it would explain why you acted weird watching Scooby Doo the other night."

You couldn't keep a pokerface at that and you knew Stu was probably sweating bullets too...Randy knew too much. What do you do? What do you say?

Randy pouted a bit. "And the other guy? Is he really your mechanic that you keep calling?...Or is that a lie too?" His eyes widen in realization. "...He's hiding in here, isn't he? HEY! HEY, COME OUT! I'M SERIOUS! WE CAN MEET AND GET THIS OVER WITH AND MOVE ON WITH MORE IMPORTANT SHIT AT HAND HERE!" He yelled out so the 'mystery man' could hear.

You shhed him, panicking now. Because Billy and Stu WERE nuts enough to pop out just to kill him. You couldn't contain the panic. "RANDY! What I do is none of anyone's fucking business and...Even though I DIDN'T do that; what if I decided to met a fling out here for some quick bang?!"

"Uuh...BECAUSE THE RULES, STUPID! I have nothing against comfort sex but not right fucking now when a killer is on the loose! My God, what if he's the killer? Ever think of that? You making us worry by getting some in the barn with a potential suspect?...I DON'T CARE IF YOU HEAR IT BY THE WAY, BUDDY! You're a SUSPECT!!" He yelled out with a sneer.

"Randy, just...Stop! Okay, you have your life here in Woodsboro and I have mine. I'm sorry for lying and I'll tell you one day but not right now...But no one is here! I didn't meet a guy here, damn it!" You couldn't help getting angry out of blind panic taking over you. You wanted him out of this barn..NOW. "Goddamn it, let's just go, okay?! We can argue in the safety of the car."

Randy glared before giving a condescending smirk. "Okay, FINE! Even though you're lying again and I SAW you walk out here with him! God, do you think I'm dumb or-" He turned before he tripped over a pitchfork on the ground. You saw it was near Stu who tried to move away but hit a lantern hanging off the pillar. Randy saw him, huffing in anger, clearly thinking he was just some guy or Dennis till his eyes traveled up with Stu having nowhere to go.

You froze...You saw it on Randy's face. 'Dennis' with the Shaggy voice and long hair or wig or whatever could be dismissed...But...Stu's hair, clothing style, his looks...Up close...Randy knew. He knew that wasn't 'Dennis' or just some guy and you felt like your heart was just gonna stop beating.

You all just stood there. Wide eyed, staring at each other. Everyone held their breath as the worst possible thing other than death could happen...You finally all got caught. Billy and Stu tried to hide but it was too late. You all were so careful for so long but you were finally caught. Not only that, but you were caught by an original survivor to Woodsboro. A guy that knew Stu and Billy from childhood practically ... Your mind was racing.

"Oh fuck...fuck...No fucking way-" He mumbled in shock.

You tried stammering out. "I-I-It's Dennis that actor, okay?! You were right, Randy! You were right! I'm sorry!-" You were babbling now, trying to find a way to fix this.

Randy's eyes were saucer plates. Stu just HAD to be Stu. Giving a cringe of a grin. His mannerisms very very Stu Macher. His smile, his teeth, his facial expression...Even without talking; Randy knew.

Stu spoke in that cheesy fake Australian accent, moving forward to try and defuse the situation. "Hey there, mate. Just wait a-" His knee hit the pillar as he moved and hissed out in his normal voice. "Ow, shit man!"

Randy's face widened in horror as he yelled, "OH FUCK!!" Going to run to the door when Stu grabbed him by the collar and dragged him back. Shoving him against the pillar he hid at.

Stu had a sadistic smirk on his face as he told him. "Hold on there, Ray! Let's chat, for old times sakes, pal! It's been 15 years, man." While shoving Randy against the pillar while Billy came out of hiding with a dark look in his eyes.

You instantly whipped your gun out, pointing at Stu as your hand shook with adrenaline. "Let him go! NOW!"

Randy looked white as a ghost when he heard the other voice behind Stu. "He saw our faces, he knows we're alive, I say we have no choice now but to kill him." Billy leered before smirking. "This was a long time coming, Randy. You got lucky with the first shot I gave you...My mistake, kid." As he got his knife out of his jean pocket, twirling the hunting knife in his hand like an expert at this point.

You aimed your gun at Billy as he looked offended before a dark look crossed his face. "You got one pass at Windsor, you aren't getting that pass ever again YN!"

"Yeah? And you're not making threats on our lives, Billy!" You spat out his name accidentally. Cursing under your breath realizing it was all far too late to hide now. You glared right back at him and yelled in a more urgent voice at Stu. "Goddamn it, I said drop him! NOW, Stu!! DROP HIM OR ELSE I SHOOT AND DRAW A LOT OF ATTENTION TO US!"

Stu let him go with a grin, literally dropping Randy like a sack of potatoes and stepping away. Stu and Billy begrudgingly stood back.

Randy stood up, fear and shock on his face as you got closer to him. "Ray...Randy, listen to me." You went to touch his shoulder and he jerked away from you in outrage...Hurt, anger, betrayal, shock all written on his face.

"You..." He shook his head still trying to process all this.

"Ray...Randy, come on. They won't hurt you if I'm here, let's just talk, okay? It's okay!" You tried reasoning. Whether to yourself or him was debatable.

"You...You fucking lied. All these years...All these years you've been fucking lying to everyone!" He growled out with a heavy voice as he backed away, grabbing the nearby pitchfork on the ground as a weapon. "All this time, you were hiding them! All this fucking time!"

Billy and Stu seemed amused by this. Their sadism to this made you grit your teeth as you told Randy, your voice heavy as well. "Randy, I didn't! I swear!"

"Then what the fuck is this?!...Oh my God...Oh my fucking God-" He looked faint, sick, like the worst news he could ever hear was told to him and punched him in the gut with the hurt of it all. That his closest friend was what everyone said she was, that she lied.

"...All this time. All this fucking time." He mumbled, covering his mouth with wide eyes while looking away.

"Randy-"

"And...At Hollywood...The photo was them! The other night was them!...Windsor? Oh Jesus Christ...Jesus Chrriisstt!" He looked ready to have a breakdown as he yelled it out.

You felt burning in your throat as you softly told him. "Randy...No. Not Windsor."

He shook his head with a pained look and wide eyes. "And when we dated...A-And I thought your feelings were occupied with Derek and that's why you seemed distant and I wanted to just be friends when really...I was right and your feelings were for....Oh, God I think I'm gonna be sick." He clutched his stomach supporting his weight on the pitchfork. Utter shock and devastation on his face.

"Ray, just calm down a second-"

He jerked around to yell at you. "Don't tell me to be calm about this, YN! You've been lying for 15 fucking years! Our whole 'friendship' you hid this from me and you want me to be calm?! You've been lying since the beginning!"

"It has NOT been 15 years!" You desperately yelled back.

"The hell it hasn't!" His voice was deeper than normal, so distraught over the information bombarding him...He looked up at you with a devastated glare. "...You were in on it, weren't you? Gale was right...You helped them. You..You helped kill our friends." I growled out, teeth geitted and pain on his face.

"No, no listen!" You held up a hand with wide eyes and a deep frown on your face. Feeling like you might cry with your eyes burning. "I did not lie at Woodsboro, okay? I swear to God! I swear on my life, on anything, I did not lie to you about Woodsboro! I didn't kill our friends! I didn't help them!...Randy, you know me. Please, you know me." You felt your voice cracking, tears in your eyes over how one of the few people you had in life was looking at you now.

He huffed and shook his head, putting a hand over his mouth before narrowing his eyes. "Oh, okay...The liar claims she didn't help them. So when EXACTLY did you start hiding the fact YOUR FRIENDS MURDERERS ARE ALIVE?!" He shouted.

Stu huffed. "So dramatic-"

"STOP!" You screamed at him behind your shoulder, gun still in hand as he and Billy looked a bit shocked at that. "Can't you give me the most basic human decency of letting me talk to him without your smartass remarks?! Just this once?!" You felt the tears starting to form in your eyes as you felt backed in a corner.

They both stared in surprise but said nothing. Faces souring as you turned back to Randy.

Randy gritted his teeth and forced it out again. "How...Long?"

You stared at Randy, cringing inwardly at the number you had to say. "...10 years."

"...10 freaking years." He repeated in disbelief huffing with his brows up and a bitter smirk on his face.

You looked down with a hard swallow and a frown. "...Technically, 13...If...We're counting how long I knew they were alive..."

He threw up his arm and walked away from you with the pitchfork in one hand and a hand over his head. Close to breaking down. "Wowww...Fucking wow."

"I tried telling you at Windsor but you didn't believe me! I tried to fucking tell you all!"

Randy shook his head. "Oh, so I didn't believe you one time and you just decide to never mention it again?!...And they're here, and you're meeting up with them, and talking to them!"

You rushed over to him to talk to him closer, keeping a foot of distance no matter how much you wanted to hug him and beg him for forgiveness as your best friend. "Listen to me Randy. When you confessed to me at Windsor behind the building, you know, before you were attacked? I wasn't lying! I was attacked by them and I wanted them caught!...But...After that night, Stu helped me and Billy left and things just...Changed."

He shook his head with scrunched brows. "W-What? That doesn't even make any-" His face fell in realization as he pointed at you. "...It was them, wasn't it? Tim and James were fucking Billy Loomis and Stu Macher; you were fighting them on that stage and they killed Derek and-"

"No!...No. " You held up a hand trying so hard to tell the truth while keeping him from exploding. "Mickey and Halie and Billy's Mom killed that couple at the theater and Cici and Derek, Mrs. Loomis attacked you and me, Halie killed Louis and Murphy. Billy and Stu killed no one that time-"

Randy's face contorted in an outraged smile that faded as soon as it came. "OH! Oh, so they got a pass then, huh? He was probably helping his fucking Mom!"

"Randy." Billy growled out his name in warning as Randy stiffened and you could see the fear he had for Billy and Stu clear as day. Billy continued, taking a few steps forward with a menacing glare. "...I wasn't involved with helping my Mom. She didn't even know I was alive. Just so we don't have a damn blood bath here to rival Texas Chainsaw Massacre; keep my Mom's name out of your fucking mouth."

You quickly ignored Billy, urgently telling Randy. "They didn't kill anyone at Windsor and they let us go. I couldn't call the cops after that!"

Randy glared back at you. "No, you let them go and called Gale a liar! All because they didn't kill anyone THAT time?...Is that what you're telling me right now?"

"Because Gale was a liar! I didn't help them, okay?! I NEVER helped them kill! I had to let them go. Ray, you know how dangerous they are!"

Billy and Stu nodded with smirks, not seeming too empathetic of this situation. Taking your comment as a compliment while watching.

You continued. "So, why would I risk getting killed to get them caught? They were long gone, Police would have never found them, they already almost assaulted me behind stage and Gale was itching to get leverage to put me away-"

"So, you did this for yourself? Is that it? Just so you won't get caught up in a scandal?" He had disgust and anger on his face.

"No!" You shook your head and felt your heart shatter. "How can you fucking say that? Do you have any idea what I did after I saw you getting wheeled away in that ambulance?... Do you know I took a knife and hunted them down and tried to kill them because I thought they were the ones to do that to you? I did this for us, Ray! You were in a coma on life support in the hospital. I wasn't risking getting the police involved so they could get revenge by sneaking into the hospital and taking you from me! I'd never forgive myself!" You felt tears pricking your eyes and slowly rolling down your face as he stared at you.

Randy seemed hurt by that, faltering with a frown before shaking his head with a glare once more. "Okay...So, you lied and acted like they didn't exist. You let me and Dewey believe that too...You hid their existence from us since Windsor."

"...Yes." You shook your head, voice heavy. "Okay, yes! I did!...I'm so sorry. I thought I was doing the right thing, I'm sorry!"

You caught a glimpse of their expression by accident as Randy kept pacing and you turned your head to follow him...Seeing you cry made Stu look..Surprised and even Billy seemed to have a poker face but his brows furrowed.

"So, how long have you been in contact, huh? Because you LOOK like you're in a fucking relationship with them like everyone said you were-"

"STOP." You snapped, voice cracking. "I am NOT with them, okay?! Do you think I'd do that?! What Gale said was a lie! I was not in a relationship with them behind Sid or Tatum's back at Woodsboro and I was trying to get them caught at Windsor when I realized they were alive."

Randy threw up his hands. Both of you were so heated its like Billy and Stu weren't there as Randy demanded. "So what is it? Why? Why are you talking to two guys that killed your best friends and tried to kill you?"

"I...Stu was persistent after not wanting to kill me after Windsor and...I...I needed the company, okay? Is that what you want to hear?. After Gale did what she did, I only saw you and Dewey here and there with this GIANT secret I hid to protect you both! Stu saw the worst parts of me and didn't care...I needed that after the fucking Court case and he forced his way into my life anyways! I didn't have much of a choice so might as well make the best of it. And Billy? He didn't come after me anymore after Windsor so we said fuck it and called a truce. That's all! I haven't seen either one in over a decade, Randy! Not until the last night or two!"

"Hold on! 10 years?...Windsor wasn't 10 years ago...But that photo sure was." He pointed an accusing finger your way and you deflated.

You sniffed and drew out. "...We all...They stayed with me in Hollywood and we helped take down Roman and Neil."

"Are you fucking kidding me?...Listen here, YN. Maybe you see some bullshit 'my hero' crap towards them for killing James who was abusing you and that probably was the only semi decent thing they ever did or maybe Stu just whispered the right bullshit in your ear and Billy lied through his teeth to you but they are MURDERERS. They killed your best friends! Sidney...They killed her in front of you. They tried to sexually assault you in the theater, at least, that's what you told me. They tried to kill you AGAIN. They made me hate you for 2 years till I saw you at Windsor but we still won't get our senior year back we could have had together because I couldn't rationalize how you could save Billy fucking Loomis over her... They took Dewey's little sister away, dangled her in the garage like a bloody piece of meat on a hook. They ruined our FUCKING LIVES, YN!!" He screeched, voice cracking as he hung his head again and leaned against the pillar.

You frowned, lip quivering. "Randy, I-I know that. I swear not a day goes by that I don't think it but it was better to let them go and let them get caught on their own. Okay, there were no attacks from them after that because of what I did! I haven't talked to them in a decade till I came back here and these new murders happened...They're not involved."

"That's what you think-"

"No, I know. I know for a fact because..."

He jerked and glared up at you with tears still in his eyes. "...WHAT?"

You sucked in a shaky breath. "...Because...At Hollywood...The reason Neil targeted us was because he knew. He knew I let them go at Windsor and he wanted revenge. That was the entire reason he attacked us...It's why they were staying in my motel. They had ample opportunity to kill me but didn't and vice versa...We made a pact to kill any new Ghostface killers if they showed up since then for our own safety so the secret doesn't get out."

"...And how did he know?" Randy demanded, still not looking at you.

"What?" You asked with a confused face.

"Where was his evidence? HOW did he know that they were alive and you were hiding them, YN?"

"I-I don't-"

"Don't lie to me." He growled out before you heard the tremor in his voice. "Don't...Lie."

You almost lied but the more you lied, the more you dug a hole. You wanted to tell him everything and pray one day he'd understand...So you were. There was no going back now.

"...Because he tracked down Stu through Roman...And then me through Stu because...Because Stu was staying at my house and he saw it." You gave, forcing it out. "He found me through following Stu. That's how he found out where I lived."

Randy slammed his hand against the pillar with enough force to break his wrist or hand. He quickly tried rushing away to the door and you chased after him. "Ray, please!"

"DON'T!" He yelled, shoulders stiff. "Don't fucking call me that."

You felt your heart sink so low as you shook. Terrified at what he was about to say before a voice ran out behind you.

"Or what, RAY?" Stu jeered finally after probably struggling to stay quiet. Jead tilted with his brows raised. Randy slowly looked over his shoulder and clenched his fist as Stu continued with a smirk. "It's true. I was at her house."

You looked at Stu with you knew were tears streaming down your face, silently begging him not to lie and build up something that wasn't there just to get a reaction.

Stu stared back at you before sighing and saying. "...And nothing happened. YN was beyond generous and probably because she was scared to death of me hurting her or killing you and Dewey. I kind of threatened her if she didn't let me crash once in a while...You don't know the full story, man. She wasn't helping us. She was trying to keep you and herself from getting killed." Randy glared at him as he continued. "Man, just...Don't take this out on her. I twisted her arm behind her back, okay? She didn't have a choice. She didn't have choice in Ohio, she didn't have a choice in between that and Hollywood...The only choice she had was after Hollywood and she didn't call me for 10 freaking years."

Randy sneered at him. "Yeah?...She still lied. She hid this for years, doesn't matter the years, it was years..." He looked at you. Blue eyes were boring into you even in the dim lighting of the barn. "...I trusted you all these years. We all did! I defended you for years just to find out there was truth to it. Even if Gale wasn't completely accurate, she had it right...You lied about everything..." He looked away with a pained expression. "We're done."

You stared, feeling something in you break. "...What?"

"We're done. I don't want you in my life after this...I don't want you near my kids...If you can hide this, I just...I don't know who you are anymore. I can't trust you. I can't even trust that what your saying is true...You're selfish YN. You did this to save yourself. "

You stared in shock, he went to leave and to your even greater shock, you heard Billy scoff loudly.

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

Randy looked back with his shoulders squared as Billy stepped forward. If anything, he was more intimidating now then as a teen as he berated Randy on your behalf which had you...Lost for words. Stu was surprising but this was shocking to say the least.

"This...Woman has saved your cowardly ass and Doofus and Reporter Barbie's lives more times than any of you fucking dunderheads could've ever done! You all think you'd be alive if it wasn't for her?!" He stood beside you, jaw clenched as he pointed at you. "This crazy bitch threatened me with a knife when she thought I had attacked you. Okay, she hunted us down to threaten us. US and she didn't care. THAT is the type of girl she is...All for you. She would defend any of you! She's only risking her life at this fucking barn party for you, you dipshit! She would probably jump in front of a train if it meant saving you or your kids, she has risked her life so many times to save yours and your gonna throw her aside because she lied trying to save your ass?"

You were shocked...Completely shocked of all the people, Billy was defending you...He was actually defending you.

Randy turned around fully. Rage on his face as his jaw ticked and his lips formed a thin line.

Billy stared him down, continuing after releasing a huff. "Ya know what?...She deserves better than you, better than Sheriff Riley as scary as that title is, definitely better than that twat Gale...She deserves better. I couldn't be so goddamn lucky to have someone like her in my ballpark like she is for you...What?" Billy gave a disbelieving smirk. "Was Sidney that worth it? Huh? She didn't even know you existed, Geek! You were a lost puppy following her around. The loser she didn't even pay attention to! She talked to you because she felt sorry for you. Do you think she'd hang onto your death like you have her's? HUH?!" Billy demanded. "Tossing a friendship with this one that for whatever reason actually interacts with you for some dead chick that didn't know you existed?! Sidney wasn't your best friend, she was the girl you were never gonna have and you fucking know it! Trust me...I had that. Wasn't that special."

Stu chimed in.."No shit, Sid was hot but she wasn't all that...Dumping YN? Now, you need your head examined for that one." 

"Shut the fuck up...Shut the fuck up, Loomis. Both of you. You don't get to talk about what happened. You ruined our lives, you sick fucks." Randy hissed out in both rage and fear.

You were still shocked, trying to process all this. You should be snapping at Billy and Stu but you were too shocked to do so.

Stu grinned darkly as Billy snickered and told him. "Make me, Geek. Aww...Boo hoo. She's dead and I gave you a bullet wound which is the only interesting thing about you. Get over it. Because I'm here...And she's not. And it's staying that way."

Randy sneered at Billy. "I have a wife I adore, okay? This has nothing to do with Sidney or Highschool drama bullshit. This has everything to do with you being an annoying thorn in my side and ruining Dewey and YN's lives! She can't even live life because of you and Dewey lost his baby sister!"

Billy huffed. "Tough. Because ya know what? I don't care...You all deserved it." Billy had that dark, challenging look in his eyes and you knew he was baiting Randy.

You jumped. Randy charged at Billy. All those years of rage and hurt building up as he raised the pitchfork that Billy easily swatted aside and shoved Randy against the pillar. Knife at his throat as Stu quickly cornered him as well. You snapped out of it, cocking the hammer back and pressing the gun at Billy. "Let him go! He didn't mean it!"

Billy raised his brows at Randy who jerked and struggled against him in rage. "Deja vu, huh? You're a lot stronger than you were at the lockers that day." He gritted out as he shoved Randy harder. Making him hit his head and falter a moment.

Stu laughed a bit. "Well shit...Look who's balls finally dropped."

Billy chuckled as well, a dark look in his eyes. "Yeah...Too bad it was at the wrong time."

"LET HIM GO OR I SHOOT!"

Billy gave you an annoyed glare. "You're gonna shoot me over him? The guy that's tossing you aside?"

"He's my best friend, Billy! You don't need to like me, I know you don't. But if you respect me, even as an enemy...You'll let him go...Please...Please...If you have any respect for me at all." You felt your resolve finally crack after all these years. Finally admitting it. "I don't want to kill you...I don't want you dead, Billy. But I can't let you hurt my friend."

Billy slowly looked at you...Finally, some shock on his own face at the realization. Randy used the opportunity to shove away and bolt for the door. They went to run after him and you intercepted the gun in their faces. "DON'T! Just because I don't want you dead doesn't mean I won't shoot if I have to!"

They glared at you. Stu yelling. "He's gonna rat us out!"

"And I'll deal with it, now back off!" You yelled back.

Stu relenting first with an eye roll as Billy huffed and backed down for now. You ran after Randy and so did Billy and Stu.

"Ray!" You called out desperately.

"Stop! Don't follow me...Just don't. I can't even look at you right now." Randy didn't even spare you a glance as he stalked to the main barn. His voice cold and his shoulders square.

You faltered, standing outside the barn with nothing but utter devastation. What do you do?...What can you do?" You sucked in a breath, pain on your face as you saw your best friend leave knowing...Nothing would be the same ever again. He went to the main barn and you could do nothing about it. His friendship, your friendship with Karla, your relationship with your God kids...It was all gone just like that.

You felt a hand on your shoulder, turning to see Stu looking down at you...He looked genuinely remorseful as he tsked and gave you a thin lip frown. He pulled you into a hug before you could think, sighing heavily against you. "Damn...I'm sorry, girl...I really am."

Despite yourself...You gripped onto him. Feeling your face screw up into a quiet sob. He gripped you tightly...It was the first true hug like this you had in entirely too long as he held you close...It was like at the cemetery all those years ago only this time you were the one that needed that embrace.

You allowed it for a moment before hearing Billy clear his throat. A frown on his face with his arms crossed. "...We gotta go. Randy is gonna inform Dewey..."

You nodded and gently pushed Stu. "Go on. Both of you get out of here."

They looked at you in confusion as Stu mumbled. "And you-"

"No, Stu. It's my word against Randy's. Just...Get out. Escape. I'll deal with whatever happens."

Billy stared at you with some newfound respect in his eyes. "You'd take the fall for us?...Don't be stupid. People will hate you, Gale is gonna have a field day, you'll lose your house...You might even lose your life."

"Just go! Damn it, go." You screwed your eyes shut and ran a hand over your face at how bad this was. How awful this was.

Stu protested. "We can't leave you here alone with the killer! Are you freaking loco or something?!"

"Stu!...Go. I'll be okay...If not...Well, at least you both got away. You are two terrible, horrible, low down monsters. Randy's right, you ruined so many lives but...I don't know your lives now but...Go home. The killer doesn't seem to even know you're here so go home and forget me and Woodsboro exist...If I go, they'll find me and it'll lead me back to both of you. Just get out of here...And...Thanks for defending me..." You almost whispered that last part with a hopeless sad smile.b

Stu shook his head, panic and outrage on his face. "No, fuck that! I'm not letting you get killed or sent to prison after everything all because you didn't let us kill Randy! Fuck that!"

Billy tugged at his sleeve. "Come on, Stu-"

He jerked his arm away. "No! She has no one now, you heartless prick! She needs us!"

Your heart broke at his words as you closed your eyes.

Billy had more emotional understanding and maturity than Stu but Stu tried. He frowned but tugged at Stu. "We can't help her in prison...We gotta get out before cops come and we'll figure this out afterwards. " He looked at you with a firm nod. "Good luck...Just don't do something stupid because I'm gonna be pissed if someone kills you before me." He offered a slight smirk and you nodded in return.

Billy dragged Stu as Stu reluctantly went. Watching you the whole time as you stood there near the barn. Leaning your head back to look at the night sky with tears streaming down your face and a choked sob trying to come out...You quickly wiped your tears. Knowing now wasn't the time. You needed to think. You needed to make it look like Randy was confused. You needed to get away and find Randy and hopefully he'd at least try to hear you out again...Tonight was the Final Act and someone was dying.

[chicharooooon]

Grocery store continued

In that moment i don't know what came over me but i grabbed her arm and held it there, where she wanted it, and kissed her, tongue immediately finding hers, her eyes wide with surprise right before a smile creeped onto her face, i pushed her up against the stacked shelves of food and reached my hand up her skirt and felt her panties soaked, it was my turn to laugh as she let out a small moan...

"youre so fucking wet" "how are you so fucking wet? i didnt realize you were a little slut" feeling her pussy through soaked panties made my dick ache, she got under my skin, fucking brat. she couldnt say anything now, her head was tilted back and her mouth open, breathless. all she could do was groan and whimper, and she was dripping down her leg, what is with this fucking girl? i cant resist it..

i held her against the shelf by her neck and kissed her hard, then i pulled her down to her knees by her hair and didnt hesitate, my dick was out in seconds and i slowly shoved it into the back of her throat. My hands were against the wall now and i was fucking the back of her head into a bag of rice, she took it so well, but this is when i noticed that people were turning into the aisle. what the fuck am i doing?? this is a fucking stop n shop?! but when i looked back her to pull out her fingers were in her pussy, and her eyebrows tilted in desperation, furiously sucking my cock. there was nothing i could do.

The people quickly noticed and did not stick around. i didn't care, so i told her how fucking good she looked with my cock in her mouth, and she came, so i told her what a good little slut she was and picked her up, bent her over and ripped her panties down. her vagina was beautiful, and she looked so pretty with her head shoved into the shelves, desperate and shameless because she knew what she wanted. i stuffed my dick inside her and fucked her as hard as i could, until she squirted, and then came, shaking and moaning and dripping. i fucked her that way until i couldnt hold it in, i turned her around and told her she deserves to taste it. shoving her to her knees once more and sliding my dick on her tongue into the back of her mouth, three thrusts and i was cumming down her throat.

"those people must not have told on us, how fucking lucky?" i said, breathless, as she was swallowing my cum, some was on her cheek, we laughed.

[greg-montgomery]

Okay… condescending Greg, but he starts out with his sweet little smile and it doesn’t fade no matter what he’s doing or saying. Just that encouraging smile of ‘I know what I’m doing and you can do this and I’ll prove it if I have to’

His words are so so mocking but he’s got a big grin on his face the whole time almost like he’s not saying it to be hot he’s just trying to inform you

Pushing into you slowly after several rounds when you’re too tired to move, nice and slow and kissing your cheek before he goes “see, baby? That’s how you take it for me, just like that. You’ve done it before, you know that, so you’d better be good for me like that again” and he’s got a smile on his face like he’s teaching you how to golf or something and not talking you halfway to an orgasm

Speaking of teaching….. as per your post where you mention blowjobs, imagine getting too excited and accidentally gagging/using teeth more than once an evening so eventually he makes you stop. He gets to his feet and makes you kneel and somehow he’s giving you those puppy dog eyes. “Okay, princess, can you open your mouth?” He would sigh out like it actually ails him to discuss this, but he doesn’t tell you what’s going on until he’s got a grip on your hair and he’s sweetly instructing you, “Just lick it, just like that, exactly. Now you stick your tongue out, that’s it, you can taste but you can’t get too excited yet, got that? You can hold it there for a second,” and you’re just nodding cause absolutely you fucking can when he’s got his cock two inches from your face and he’s talking to you like you’ve never blown a single soul before and reminding you to ‘treat that cock nice, honey’ with his puppy dog eyes resembling some mix of “proud” and “I can’t believe you’re making me do this” but it’s more pathetic than angry with you because he could never be angry but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t need to remind his girl of her place with a smile beaming like the fucking sun on his face every time he plows you into the mattress. He guides you through every part of blowing him, and when you start to actually move and suck he taps your cheek and croons, “aww, she’s a natural”

Last one🤗🤗

Greg finding it genuinely amusing when he overstimulates you. He lets out an actual laugh the first time he sees the way you can’t control how badly your legs are shaking when he doesn’t let up from your clit at all even after several orgasms. You cry out, writhing under him and your thighs tightening around his shoulders while he alternated tongue and thumb on your clit. When he finally pops up, his chin is wet and his eyes are wide and he’s smiling like a kid that was given $50 and sent to a candy store. “What’s that, princess?” He’d ask, still smiling wide he rubs you and keeps dropping kisses and marks all over your inner thighs as well as he can. “Is it too much? Is my girl having some trouble? I thought you liked when I did this” and you barely have time to register the flicker of faux concern on his face before he dives back in and sucks your clit into his mouth and holds you down with both hands while you jackhammer under him. He comes up again, a proud smile on his face and he goes “see, I knew my good girl could keep going. You came so hard, princess, if you didn’t want to stop yet you should have just told me. But it’s okay, we can do it again if you really want.” And before you can protest at all he’s surging up to kiss you and palm your breast in one large hand while the other keeps playing with your clit to build you back up again. When you whine, absolutely too tired to move a single muscle voluntarily, he chuckles like it’s genuinely funny and moves back down, still trying to get your shaking legs to stop. “I didn’t realize my princess was this needy,” he’d joke in between lapping at you, now holding down each quivering leg. “We need to do this a little more often; I obviously need to be taking better care of my girl if you can’t even handle this, good girl. You understand, right? You just taste so good, I can’t resist. Too fucked out to complain, baby, aren’t you?” At this point when he raises his head and you catch a glimpse of his face, he’s still got that innocent smile ‘sorry-not-sorry’ on his face like the one he wore when you walked into the kitchen two weeks ago to find him eating the last of the cookies you made for your coworker. “Yeah, you can take it. My dumb girl is just so good at coming for me, Mhm, I know. Give it to me again, princess. Let me taste, let go, come on” and even if you whine something about how you can’t he’d just tsk and speak in a voice absolutely dripping in apology to say, “you know we won’t stop until you can. You can be good, I know you can do it, but I want to make you come again and again and that means you’re going to take it, doesn’t it?” And when you finally do come, almost crying from the overstimulation of his mouth on your clit he doesn’t move at all. even when you get an iron-tight drip on his hair he just smiles and keeps licking at you, and when his eyes flick up and you make eye contact he winks and holds up two fingers. Two more

i never wanted to suck a dick so bad in my entire life never i swear 😣

T……….I’M SCREAMING AT THIS 🫢🫢🫢🫢🫢

first of all…him having that same sweet little smile of his, while saying and doing the dirtiest things to you 🫠🫠 he’s acting all casual meanwhile you’re sobbing from being overstimulated :(

“he’s just trying to inform you” this did things to me…he’s so fucking confident and cocky help. he knows he’s big and he knows you’re struggling :( but he also knows you’re his good girl who would do anything to pleasure him and make him happy…so he knows you will take it like a good girl <3

he really has that same smile he had that day he was teaching you how to golf bc you were getting bored standing there watching him play :/ and he keeps that very same tone, explaining you the things you need to do as if you have no idea what you’re doing :( giving you step by step instructions on how to suck his cock properly bc you just can’t seem to get it right 😞 his hand behind your head, pushing you so gently towards him, running his fingers through your hair or tucking your hair behind your ear as he talks to you so patiently…“no teeth, baby. just your tongue and your pretty lips, alright?” “just the tip first, honey. that’s it. see? not so hard now, is it?” “soon you won’t even need me to explain it to you, baby. look how fast you’re learning!”

the princess pet name - you know my weakness he somehow is so sweet calling you his princess and his baby and sweet girl but at that same time so mean calling you a dumb slut for being too horny to think and act properly :(

he laughs at you for how crazy you are about him :( he chuckles like “my angel, are you really drooling over just the thought of my cock in your mouth? you can take me out if you want, but i want you to be careful. we’ll do it slowly, okay? no teeth this time…” and you get frustrated bc he talks to you like you’re stupid and don’t know what you’re doing >:( but at the same time you wanna make him proud so you get on your knees and take him into your hands, listening to his instructions carefully, doing everything he says…you’re so so obedient, eager to hear him proudly call you his perfect girl when you finally get it right and he cums all over your pretty face 🥹🥰

sometimes he still mocks you after he cums :/ acting as if you did the hardest thing in the world by giving him a simple blowjob :/ he’s grinning so big, staring at you like “awwww, look at my baby’s face painted white with my cum. see, sweetheart? i knew you could do it. all you needed to do was open your pretty mouth and listen to my instructions.”

and the overstimulation 😞 he gets so mean about it :( acting like he doesn’t know what he’s doing to you.

he knows how many you can take before the corners of your eyes start filling with tears and your mouth forms a pathetic little pout :( so when he gets to that point, that’s when all the fun begins for him. he gets to mock you without you being able to even reply…all you can do is whine and squirm in his arms.

he loooooves making you shake and cry and he also loves acting confused as to why this happened. he says with his most innocent smile, “my princess was begging for my mouth earlier, and now she wants me to stop? you’re confusing me, baby. i though you liked it when i make your clit feel nice.”

when you try to complain it’s just incoherent sounds :( and he shushes you like “what was that, sweetheart? i can’t understand what you’re saying…is this too much for you? does your pussy feel too good for you to speak? it’s okay, angel. don’t push your dumb little brain to think too much. just stay quiet and take what i give you till i decide we’re done, okay?”

and when he winks at you and holds up two fingers and mouths at you “two more” you think you’re going to pass way from pleasure :( but you’re his dumb baby and he is smart and knows better than you :( he knows how much you can take better than you do, that’s what he always says :( so you close your eyes and take it…for him <3 bc nothing beats the smile he gives you at the end. when he says how proud you made him. when he takes you in his arms and covers your face with soft kisses and calls you his perfect angel who is the most special thing in the world to him and never lets him down <333

[maria021015]

SPOILERS FOR CHAPTER 17 AHEAD!

Immediately after the school bell rang Allison and Zaida hightailed it to Beacon Hills Preserve, following the location pin that Stiles had sent. They knew they had managed to find the spot when they saw the transport van. Zaida decided to sneak up on the boy, and ducked, keeping towards the side of the van as she crept forward until she was right beneath the driver’s side window. She jumped up and slammed her hands against the glass and Stiles jerked away, screaming and flailing his arms and legs until he realised it was her when he heard her laughter.

“Not funny, Zaida!” Stiles hissed. “I thought you were the Kanima coming to kill me!”

“On the contrary, it was hilarious. For us, that is.” She pointed to Allison behind her who was also chuckling. “Where’s Scott? I thought he was going to meet us here.”

“Yeah, he’s on his way. He went to visit Danny at the hospital and asked him what Jackson might have been mad at him for. Turns out, Danny was fixing some video for him. So Scott promised to get Danny’s fake ID back - which I will be stealing from my Dad - in exchange for information on that video.” Stiles relayed what Scott told him. “Jackson taped himself sleeping on the night of the full moon, and someone edited out two hours of the footage. Scott went to Danny’s car to get the tablet that the footage was on but someone already broke in and took it.”

“And he’s right on time,” Zaida commented, hearing the familiar squeaky breaks of the Jeep as the powder blue car rolled to a stop in the clearing. Allison ran to the boy as he got out of the car and enveloped him in a hug.

“Maybe we should start hugging like that.” Stiles suggested to Zaida as he dropped out of the truck cabin and closed the door behind him. “Or at least we should have our own handshake or something. We’re kind of a dynamic duo, you and me.”

“If by ‘dynamic duo’, you mean I keep you from making the stupidest decisions known to man, then yeah, I guess you’re right.” She shot back, sweeping her arms wide to gesture to the van he’d stolen from the police to kidnap Jackson.

“Yeah well, we weren’t left with many great choices.” Stiles defended his actions once more.

“You could have taken him to the Argents’ bunker beneath the Hale house! Those chains held Derek, they could have held Jackson - better than that van, at least. That way you wouldn’t be pissing off the cops and committing unnecessary crimes.” Zaida instantly came up with a far better idea, leaving Stiles’ mouth gaping open. “And no one would know where to find you guys.”

“Well, maybe you should have come with us instead of going with the girls.” Stiles nodded in acknowledgment.

“And who’s idea was it that I go with them?” Zaida asked rhetorically. “That’s right, yours. Maybe we should stop letting you come up with the plans.”

“Uh oh, Mom and Dad are fighting again.” Allison teased as she approached, clutching Scott’s hand.

“This is payback for making fun of you guys, isn’t it.” Stiles narrowed his eyes at the taller brunette.

“So, Jackson wasn’t trying to kill Danny? He just wanted the missing footage?” Zaida clarified once Scott and Allison joined them. “But then, where is it now? Because whilst you two knuckleheads aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed, I think you would have noticed a tablet sticking out of his bare ass. Or wouldn’t you?”

“I don’t think we’re going to be able to find it. If Jackson doesn't remember being the Kanima, he's definitely not gonna remember stealing Danny's tablet.” Scott reasoned.

"What if someone else took it?” Allison chewed on her lip, frowning in deep thought.

“Then somebody else knows what he is.” Stiles started to put the puzzle pieces together.

“Uh, which could mean someone's protecting him.” Scott continued and Zaida concentrated hard.

“Like the Bestiary says, ‘The Kanima seeks a friend’, right?” Allison nodded, agreeing with Scott’s idea.

“Okay, hold on - so, somebody watches Jackson make a video of himself turning into the Kanima, and then just erases part of it so he wouldn't know? I mean, who would do that?” Stiles tried to find the sense in this mystery ‘friend’s’ actions.

“Somebody who wanted to protect him?” Allison suggested.

“Protect him from knowing the truth about himself? Then wouldn’t they also be trying to stop him from killing people, like we are? I think we’d have run into them by now.” Zaida shook her head, not quite finding the sense in that theory.

“There's something else.” Scott turned to Stiles. “You said the only thing you found online about the Kanima is that it goes after murderers. What if that's actually true?”

“No, it can't be. It tried to kill all of us, remember? I don't know about you three, but I haven't murdered anybody lately.” Stiles pointed out sarcastically.

“But, I... I don't think that it was actually trying to kill us.” The wolf thought back to all their run-ins with the creature, and Zaida did as well, realising he was right. “Remember when we were at Isaac's the first time, it just went right by us, didn't it?”

“You're right - it just ran off.” Allison’s eyes widened as she came to the same realisation.

“And it didn't kill you in the mechanic's garage.” Scott pointed at Stiles and Zaida.

“Well, yeah, but it tried to kill me and Derek in the pool.” Stiles found what he thought was the flaw in the speculation.

“Did it...?” Scott prompted the boy to think harder about what had actually happened.

“It would've. It was waiting for us to come out.” Stiles nodded.

“What if it was trying to keep you in?” The wolf’s words caused a chill to run down Stiles’ spine and he shuddered.

“It ran after me too, but when it caught me…it had the chance to kill me but it hesitated. It just stared at me and hissed.” Zaida recalled back to that night when she had slipped and found herself staring right into the Kanima’s face before Scott hauled it off her.

“Why do I feel so violated all of a sudden?” Stiles groaned, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

“Because there's something else going on. We don't know what it is. We don't know anything about what's going on with Jackson, or why someone's protecting him…” Scott started listing off all the things they had yet to solve.

"Know thy enemy," Allison muttered, and her boyfriend looked at her with curiosity. “Just something my grandfather said…”

“All right, I got it - kill Jackson! Problem solved.” Stiles threw out the idea.

“He risked his life for us, against Peter. You remember that?” Scott’s brows furrowed in disapproval.

“Yes, but what did we just find out? He got the bite from Derek. It's funny how he just got exactly what he wanted by supposedly risking his life for us. It's funny.” Stiles shrugged.

“Yeah. It doesn't mean he's not still worth saving.” Scott defended the boy.

“Usually, I’d be with Stiles on this one, but…Jackson doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s not murdering people…the Kanima is.” Zaida agreed with the wolf.

“I didn't know what I was doing either when I first turned. You remember when I almost killed you and Jackson?” He looked at Allison with regret in his brown eyes. “I had someone to stop me. He has nobody.”

“That's his own fault.” Stiles scoffed with a scowl.

“Now that, I do agree with.” Zaida backed up the boy. Jackson had no one to blame but himself for pushing everyone away by being a raging dickhead.

“Doesn't matter. If we can save him, we should try.” Scott insisted.

“What do we do now?” Zaida asked. “What’s our plan?”

“For now, we keep him here to stop him from killing anyone else. It seems like he only turns at night.” Scott instructed and the rest of them nodded in understanding.

“My parents think I’m studying at Lydia’s tonight for mid-terms,” Allison stated by way of indicating that she was in.

“My dad’s on the search for Jackson,” Stiles added.

“My Mom’s working a double at the hospital.” Scott contributed, and reached out to take Allison’s hand, leading her over to her car.

“I’ll tell Xander I’m staying at Lydia’s to study too.” Zaida pulled out her phone to do just that, taking a few steps backwards to lean on the hood of the Jeep.

“You guys still aren’t on speaking terms?” Stiles questioned, joining her whilst the other two walked off.

“Nope,” She popped the ‘p’ exaggeratively. “I actually haven’t even seen him in days. Both of us are mad and when we get mad, we get stubborn. It’s more of a competition about who can make the other break first, and it’s definitely not going to be me after what he did.”

“Still no ideas about where to next?” He asked with a heavy sigh, hopping up to sit on the bonnet of his car.

“Lydia suggested we take another look at the photos.” Zaida shrugged and at Stiles’ confused expression, she explained, “I told her about it, minus the supernatural. She wants to help.”

“Okay, well maybe she’s right. We can go over them again and see if anything jumps out at us.” Stiles nodded. The conversation fell silent for a moment, leaving both of them staring out at the swaying trees and the stars. There was something calming about it until Stiles interrupted the silence once more. “How’s your head?”

“Completely fine. It’s like every time I get hurt, it heals faster.” She absent-mindedly brought her fingers up to feel beneath her hair at the spot where there should be a bump and scab, but there was nothing but a smooth scalp.

“Have you noticed anything else…?” He spoke to her gently, but from the way he was looking at her expectantly, Zaida clued in that he had seen something himself that had prompted him to ask.

“What is it that you noticed?” She turned the inquiry back onto him and he tilted his head at her with analytical eyes.

“Well, for starters, your hands were shaking that day when Erica had her seizure.” Stiles began and Zaida frowned at him.

“Yeah, I shake when I’m anxious. You know that.” she suddenly became sceptical of his apparent observations.

“Yeah, but Scott was shaking too. That’s how he knew something was wrong with her.” The boy continued and now he had captured her attention. “It wasn’t just that. You were terrified of climbing that wall. You were so adamant that you wouldn’t do it, but once Erica left, you changed your mind and you scaled it like it was nothing.”

“I decided to do it because you and Allison wouldn’t leave me alone about it.” She retorted.

“Did you? Or did it not feel as scary anymore?” He pushed her to really think about it, and when she did, she realised he was right. She had thought her fears were alleviated somewhat after watching Danny and Greenberg have a go…but maybe it hadn’t had anything to do with that so much as the fact that Erica was far away enough. “I think you can sense people’s emotions…even feel them.”

“But I’m not a werewolf or I would have turned already. I felt nothing on the full moon.” She reasoned.

“I don’t think you’re a wolf. Scott can’t do what you do. He can sense people’s emotions - smell the chemosignals - but he can’t feel what they feel. You felt it as if it were your own fear.” Stiles shook his head and continued. “That night at the pool…how did you know where to go?”

“I…” she thought back on it for a moment, struggling to find the words to explain. “I just felt that something was wrong and I followed that feeling. My lungs were burning, I felt tired, my pulse was racing, and there was this twisting fear in my stomach. The closer I got to the pool the stronger it was.”

“I think you could feel what I was feeling. I don’t know if it only happens when someone’s in danger like some kind of spidey-sense, or if the person has to be physically close to you, or if you can just feel what people feel every day and haven’t noticed.” He explained his theory. “Have there been any other times when you think you might have felt something that wasn’t your own?”

“I guess that day when we opened Xander’s box. I could just feel this overwhelming sense of grief that I hadn’t felt in a long time. It surprised me because I already mourned for my parents. I might be stuck there mentally, trying to find out what happened…but I processed my emotions towards it a long time ago.” The memory hit her like a tonne of bricks. “It wasn’t my grief. It was Xander’s.”

“It’s probably happened a lot and you just never picked up on it, because who would ever think that the things they’re feeling aren’t really their own?” Stiles went quiet once more, his expression darkening when he seemed to remember something else of consequence. “Hey, Zaida…the night of the winter formal…how did you know to look for Lydia on the field?”

Her eyes shot up to meet his and her lips parted slightly. “I felt her panic,” she confirmed Stiles’ guess and realised exactly what that meant. From the look of complete and utter shock on Stiles’ face, he did too.

“That was before Peter bit you,” he stated what they were both thinking, putting together the clues to come to the same conclusion Zaida had, though she had arrived there in an entirely different way - courtesy of Derek. “Whatever you are…you didn’t turn into it after the bite. The bite didn’t affect you because you were already something. You’re not a shape-shifter like the others, you’re a completely different supernatural creature, which must have made you immune to the bite…but you already knew that, didn’t you?”

Zaida sighed at being caught out, and she tilted her head down slightly into a nod. “After it happened and I didn’t turn, I went to Derek to ask him if he knew anything about what was going on. He told me that I smelled the same then as I did before the bite, and that whatever I was…I’d probably been born that way.” She admitted reluctantly.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Stiles looked marginally hurt by the fact that she’d kept it from him.

“Because…I wasn’t sure if it was true, and I was afraid of what it meant.” She exclaimed, her frustration towards the situation causing her to lash out at him. “That my parents probably were murdered by a werewolf, and that they must have been like me, or at least knew about it running in our bloodline. That they kept it from me, and that I would never know the truth because they’re gone. That maybe…I never really knew them at all. I guess I thought that maybe saying it out loud - telling you - would have made it all a bit too real for me to handle.”

“Zaida,” She could see from the sympathy in his amber eyes and heard from the softening in his voice that he instantly forgave her. “We’re going to find out what happened to them, and we’re going to find out what you are.”

She gazed up at him with a grateful smile. How did she get so lucky as to have friends that would support her no matter what? “There’s one more thing…” Stiles’ serious tone caused her smile to fade as she listened. “You remember how you sprayed Isaac with boiling water to get him away from you in Scott’s kitchen?”

“Yeah, how could I forget.” She snorted. “I got lucky, he probably would have killed me if I didn’t.”

“Do you know how the water turned on?” He asked her, staring at her intently.

“Yeah, Isaac knocked the knob when he threw me onto the bench. Why?” She frowned at the strangeness of his questioning.

“When I walked in, I saw the water turn on, and Isaac didn’t touch the knob.” Stiles shook his head.

“So what, are you saying I telepathically moved the knob?” Her brows furrowed impossibly closer together as her confusion grew.

“No, the knob wasn’t open at all.” He told her plainly. “I’m saying you made the water flow all on your own.”

Zaida stared at him, taken aback by his revelation, but they didn’t have time to dwell on it when they heard a heavy thumping and then a loud bang of metal hitting metal. “What the hell was that?” Zaida straightened up, hurrying to the transport van with Stiles not far behind her only to see that the back door had been busted completely open and Jackson's handcuffs were lying in a broken heap on the floor.

[rosie-b]

Shelltering Others

Okay, so I haven't been posting updates for this on tumblr because this fic is, well, it's almost an experiment for me, but I like what I have so far, so I decided to share it! It's a Nino-centric fic stemming from the events of Season 5 so far and ending with an identity reveal. I do not have any spoilers from Gloob or the Bible in my work! I watch according to the English, and occasionally French, dub schedule.

Here's Chapter 1: A Hollowed Shell. In this chapter, Ladybug visits Nino to confront him about his actions in Illusion, namely revealing his and Alya's secret identities to people he knows to be civilians.

This chapter is the weirdest by far; if you stick around for more I think the fic gets more satisfying. Or you could jump to the next chapter, if you don't like this one! It might be a bit jarring, but eh, this is just the setup. Full chapter under the cut!

The first thing Nino heard each day was his alarm, a remixed tune he’d made that woke him up in a good mood. Usually, at least, that was the first thing he heard.  

This morning (though you could hardly call it that), it was a series of pounding knocks on his window that woke Nino, each knock louder than the one before until they were forceful enough to shake the wall.  

“Unh? Hwa—What is it? Who’s there?” Nino sat up in bed, blurred vision refusing to clear as he stared at the large red blob against his window. Maybe it was an akuma. This was Paris, after all.  

Nino was quick to grab his glasses, blinking as he put them on and Ladybug’s scowling face came into view. She held on to her yo-yo, hanging from the chimney on the roof, as she glared at Nino through the window.  

Nino squinted, reaching up behind his glasses to carefully rub his eyes. Certainly, he must be dreaming. Ladybug rolled her eyes and made a “come here” gesture with her free hand, angrily beckoning Nino to open the window and let her in.  

“Ladybug? What are you doing here?” Nino asked as he pulled up the sash. The window squeaked as he pushed it open. “Is it about the, uhm, the magic lightning? Did you figure out how Monar—” Nino broke off his question to yawn, not remembering to cover his mouth with a hand.  

Ladybug’s frown deepened as she slipped into the room, a cool night wind creeping in with her.  

“Unfortunately, I’m not here to offer any more thanks, though your idea was impressive. I’m here because you told two civilians your secret identity,” she said with a huff. “What made you think that was okay to do?”  

Suddenly, Nino was wide awake.   

“How did you find out about that?” he asked. “Did Alya tell you? Wait, she doesn’t know who you are, and I don’t think she would have had time to speak with you after those last akumas.” Nino shrugged, giving up this line of thought. “Anyway, dude— I mean Ladybug! Ladybug, I don’t have the Turtle Miraculous anymore, do I? So it’s not like anything bad is gonna happen because I told a couple people about being Carapace.”  

Rather than look assured, Ladybug’s scowl only deepened. “But you didn’t wait to tell Adrien until after we lost the Miraculous, did you, Nino?” she asked, her eyes blazing with righteous fire.  

Nino gulped. “In my defense,” he stuttered out, “it happened right before I got akumatized. I wasn’t really thinking clearly,” he said, rubbing his neck anxiously, the way Adrien often did.  

Ladybug crossed her arms and glowered. “That doesn’t give you an excuse,” she said. “Not to reveal your identity, not to reveal Alya’s identity, then or now, especially not to civilians without a Miraculous to defend themselves with!” Ladybug broke off suddenly, whirling around and throwing her hands in the air as she muttered to herself.  

Nino reached out hesitantly, his hand hovering over Ladybug’s shoulder. “Du-Ladybug?” he asked tentatively.  

Ladybug whirled around, her pigtails swinging with the sudden motion. “You say you’re working for Monarch’s defeat,” she said, eyes darting back and forth as she looked up at Nino’s face. “You want to help us retrieve the Miraculous. Didn’t you stop to think for one moment about what would happen if we’re successful in that?”  

Nino stared at Ladybug with a blank face, confused and wondering what he’d missed. “You would have all the Miraculous again?” he tried, raising his arms in a shrug.  

“Yes!” Ladybug crowed. “Yes, which would mean we could give you your Miraculous back. If you could keep your identity secret,” she said, and Nino’s face paled.  

Ladybug smiled grimly, and she nodded at Nino’s horrified expression. “You might not need a secret identity now , but you might have later,” she said. “Though, if you’re going to be so untrustworthy with secrets, why should I give you the turtle again when we get it back?”  

Nino reached behind himself for the bedpost, desperately clutching it for support as his legs threatened to give out under him.   

“I don’t know,” Nino whispered. The floor under him blurred, lines and colors swirling around. “I didn’t think, Ladybug. I’m so sorry,” he whimpered, looking up with an earnest, if unfocused, expression.  

“Obviously, you didn’t think,” Ladybug spat, massaging her temple with one hand. “You’re lucky that both Marinette and Adrien were temporary heroes for a while, until better fits for the Snake and Mouse could be found. They already know how to keep your secret. But you didn’t know that when you told it to them.”   

Nino could feel his head growing lighter, the floor slipping out from under him as the gravity of what he’d done began to hit him. It was very lucky, indeed, that Adrien and Marinette were keeping his secret; otherwise, this conversation could be going very differently.  

Ladybug sighed. “You’re making my job very difficult, Nino. I don't know if I messed up more by trusting you not to reveal your secret identity, or if you did by breaking that trust.”  

Nino looked down at the floor, blinking his eyes furiously to stop himself from crying. “You didn’t need to do anything differently, dude,” he said sadly. “This was my mistake. I’m sorry you can’t trust me anymore.” Nino’s voice threatened to crack in the middle of his sentence.  

Ladybug groaned. “It’s not that I can never trust you again,” she said. “It’s just that — do you understand why we can’t tell even the people closest to us about our secret identities?”  

“Because they’re secret?” Nino guessed, letting out a forced laugh.  

At Ladybug’s glare, he sighed and rubbed his arm in embarrassment, wishing he was wearing a cap to hide more of his face with.  

“Monarch is willing to target our friends and families to get to us,” Ladybug said in a dark, serious tone. “He’s targeted Alya. He’s targeted Marinette. He used you to fool Alya with the Sentibubbler. He’s tricked us, spied on us, threatened us countless times, and he’s willing to do it all and more again. This secrecy is about more than just keeping our identities safe; it’s about keeping them safe, Nino! Our partners, our parents, our siblings and friends, these people we’re fighting to protect; we’re not doing our job if we make them targets for Monarch! It’s scary and dangerous to keep someone else’s secret,” Ladybug said.  

To say Nino felt horrible would be grossly understating things. His stomach churned at the thought of Adrien and Marinette at the mercy of Monarch, kidnapped by an akuma or harmed outright.   

Nino should have thought of the consequences. He knew about all this, somewhere in the back of his head, but he’d forgotten, and now his best friends might end up paying the price for Nino’s incompetence.  

“I’m sorry,” he said. That phrase could never capture just how awful he felt, Nino thought. He felt like a hollowed-out husk. An empty shell with nothing left to protect.  

Ladybug had her arms crossed as she frowned at Nino, but her expression softened. “I know,” she said. “And I understand why you did it. I did something similar, myself,” she admitted, her gaze suddenly everywhere but on Nino as her cheeks slowly turned pink.  

Nino gaped at her. “You— what ?”   

Shifting her posture, Ladybug uncrossed her arms and began to twist her fingers together nervously. “I was having a hard time as the new Guardian,” she said. “My friends almost found out about me, and I had to push myself away from them. It was too much pressure, and I was all alone,” she said helplessly. “I had a breakdown, and Alya was there to catch me. She helped me in a way that no one else could.”  

Nino frowned, squinting at Ladybug once more as he questioned, “Please tell me that you’re not saying you and—”  

Ladybug seemed to catch his train of thought, and her face flushed redder as she waved both her arms wildly. “No! Not like that, she didn’t help me like that ,” she hissed, glaring at Nino and crossing her arms again. “I told her my secret identity. You know Rena Rouge and Ladybug were pretty close,” she said, blushing scarlet.  

Nino relaxed. “Oh,” he said, shoulders drooping with relief. “Good. But then, why didn’t you tell Chat Noir?”  

Ladybug waved a hand dismissively. “It would cause the apocalypse,” she said. “Let’s not think too much about it.”   

Nino would absolutely be thinking about it. What could possibly go wrong if Ladybug and Chat Noir revealed their identities to each other?  

“Anyway, my point is that it gets lonely, being one of Paris’ top two superheroes. Chat Noir and I can’t do this alone,” Ladybug continued. “And we can only support each other on one side of the mask. If we need someone to cover for us when we leave to fight an akuma, that someone needs to be in our civilian life, or close to it. If we need to vent about the struggles of being in love and not being able to date, we need someone who knows about both sides of our life to understand. You know,” she said.  

Nino nodded, though he wasn’t sure if he ought to.  

“So, I have someone like that now. And I made sure you and Alya wouldn’t need someone like that by handing you the Miraculous at the same time. But.” Ladybug raised one finger and jabbed it in the air. “Chat Noir doesn’t have someone like that,” Ladybug said. “Nobody knows the full picture of what’s going on in his life but him.”  

“Oh,” Nino said, beginning to understand. “That’s awful!”  

“It is,” Ladybug agreed. “So, after we had a conversation last night on patrol, I suggested that he find someone to tell his identity to,” she said, looking closely at Nino.  

“T-that’s good,” he stammered, the palms of his hands growing sweaty. “He’ll get to tell his best friend then, right? Someone he can trust?”  

Ladybug leaned forward, a dangerous glint in her eye. “Someone he can trust,” she said. “Someone who’s had a Miraculous before, who understands the danger. You do know, Nino, the person who holds Chat Noir’s secret identity would be more in danger than anyone else trusted with a superhero’s identity? They would be Monarch’s only lead to finding out who his most dangerous enemy is. Alya is safer than Chat Noir’s confidant will be, because Monarch has the kwamis to pester when he tries to find out who I am. Adrien is safer than that, because you and Rena don’t have the two Miraculous that he actually needs. Marinette is safe for the same reason. But—”  

Ladybug reached for her yo-yo and slid it open, pulling out a keychain, a piece of paper with something written on it dangling from the pawprint-shaped charm. Nino’s eyes unfocused and focused as the charm swung in front of his eyes.  

“Whoever knows Chat Noir’s identity will have to learn a lot about secrecy, and being in danger, and respecting my orders.” Ladybug’s voice sounded calmer than it had all morning.  

Nino’s jaw hung loose as he stared at the keychain in fear. “That’s not— you don’t mean that’s for me, right?” he squeaked out.  

Ladybug smirked. “You would not believe how long it took to convince Chat Noir not to tell Marinette who he was,” she said. “I had to remind him that Monarch has already targeted her twice recently before he stopped begging me to let him tell her. He really doesn’t want her to get hurt, so he moved on,” she said, a fond smile on her face.  

“Marinette’s been targeted?” Nino asked, his face twisting in worry.  

“Yes,” Ladybug said. “Once Monarch burst into her room as part of a wild goose chase the kwamis sent him on while searching for me, and once he tried to akumatize her with the power to unmask Chat Noir, specifically because he knows they’re close. Marinette knowing Chat Noir’s identity would be too dangerous,” Ladybug said.  

She lowered the keychain, the pawprint and paper swaying to and fro as they fell. “But you ,” Ladybug said, “You haven’t been targeted since before Monarch stole the Miraculous. He thinks you aren’t a threat anymore. And you’re in the perfect position for this. You’ve been a temporary hero; you know the stakes better than a normal civilian would. And what’s more, finding out and then working to guard Chat Noir’s identity would be a lesson in the importance of secrets, which is something you need, and it would be a good way for you two to rebond after that whole deal with Rocketear. You’re the ideal choice,” Ladybug said.  

Nino swallowed, eyes flickering around the room as another breeze swept in from the city, making him shiver. “Doesn’t Chat Noir get to pick who he wants?” he asked in a whisper.  

Ladybug nodded. “Of course he does,” she said. “All I did was suggest you. He wasn’t too sure about it,” she shrugged, “but he said that he wouldn’t mind having Carapace know, even if you do think he’s a slut.”  

Nino sputtered out, “I do not!”  

Ladybug raised an eyebrow. “Sure, you don’t. Well, Chat Noir said he wants someone who can really understand him, so you’re going to have to pass a little test first, before you find out who he is anyway.”  

“A test?” Nino asked, wondering if Ladybug would mind him failing it on purpose. No offense to Chat Noir, but Nino really would rather not be responsible for such a vital secret as this.  

“A test,” Ladybug agreed, nodding her head. “And you have to at least try to pass it,” she warned. “Don’t think I won’t notice if you refuse to even try. Chat Noir is taking a chance on you. You can at least do the same for him.”  

Nino scratched his head. “Alright, dude. I mean Ladybug,” he sighed. “What’s the first question?”  

Ladybug’s lips curved into a smile. “It’s not that kind of test,” she said. “It’s more of a puzzle. A bit like the goose chase I sent Monarch on, but this one is real. This is your first hint,” she said, holding out the keychain.  

Gulping, Nino reached out to take to charm, twisting the paper around to read it.  

“FDP Room 117,” he read. Then Nino gasped indignantly, a blush staining his cheeks. “This—this is the key to the janitor’s closet where Alya and I— gah !” Nino stalked around the room, gripping the keychain like it was Monarch’s neck he was squishing.  

Stopping in front of an amused Ladybug, Nino scowled. “I don’t think I like this game,” he said. “I want out.”  

Ladybug smirked. “Not until you return the key to the poor janitor,” she said. “You’ll have to do it first thing in the morning at school. After that, you can decide if you want to quit or keep going.” Smirking, she offered a saucy salute goodbye. “Have fun at school,” Ladybug said.   

Then she crept through the window, flung her yo-yo out, and vanished into the city night. Nino gaped at the fluttering curtains and streetlights for a minute, listening to the cars drive by. Then he shook himself out of his stupor.  

“She didn’t even close the window,” Nino grumbled. And, shaking himself, he went over and pushed the sash down.  

[ualseyoung10]

How Iconic Movie Monster “The Pale Man” Was CreatedBehind the Scenes of Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s LabyrinthBy David MartíSeptember 21, 2022

With every character I’ve created with Guillermo del Toro, he’s never said, “Right, so, this is exactly what I want.”

He’ll come with an idea and usually some drawings, and from there, it’s up to you to develop the concept. It’s a process.

The earliest take on the Pale Man, from Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), was of a wooden man with drawers in his chest. Inside one of them is a dagger that Ofelia has to find, but if she opens the wrong drawer, there’s a thin, long, slimy tongue that licks her face.

Guillermo was like, “No, no, no. We need something else.”

Next, we came up with a fat, old man, sitting at the banquet table, who suddenly becomes very thin.

Again, Guillermo was like, “No, no, no. Let’s change it.”

He wanted the Pale Man to be stick-thin with hanging skin, and for reference he gave us that Salvador Dali painting of melting clocks.

But he’s like, “I still don’t like it . . . Remove his eyes.”

I was like, “Remove his eyes? What the hell? But OK.”

We removed his eyes. Then Guillermo tells us to remove his nose as well. I’m like, “How is he going to breathe?”

So Guillermo says, “Do a manta ray sort of thing.”

As a director, he’s the most creative person I’ve ever worked with. But as a producer, his first and only priority is the film itself.

So we did those little, round holes. And we were getting pretty close to what we ended up with in the movie. But then Guillermo’s like, “It’s not right. Let’s do this: When Ofelia eats the grape, he’ll transform. He’ll open his mouth, his lips will recede, the screaming skull of a horse will come out, and he’ll turn into a four-legged creature that chases her.”

We were in the middle of pre-production, we had no money left, and suddenly Guillermo came up with something that not only required a make-up, but also a mechanical thing, and then a puppet. I told him he’d have to find someone else to do it and he got mad at me.

The thing is, whenever I talk about Guillermo, I always say the same. As a friend, he’s the best you could ever have. As a director, he’s the most creative person I’ve ever worked with. But as a producer, his first and only priority is the film itself.

We took some time to cool down and met a while later in Madrid. Guillermo backed down from the screaming horse concept, but the make-up was still not quite there. As he has no eyes, I asked, “How is he going to find Ofelia?”

Guillermo said to me, “Close your eyes and try to find me.”

I thought maybe he’d slap my face, but OK, I closed my eyes. First, I felt around on the table on front of me, then I reached out as far as I could, with my hands wide open. Guillermo yells, “Stop there!”

And he comes up to me and draws eyes on my palms. I was like, “That makes no sense! He grabs the fairy with his eyes?”

But he says, “Stop thinking about practical stuff and think about magic.”

I was like, “You’re right! OK. Let’s do this.”

The first make-up test we did was with just the face and the hands. Guillermo said maybe we should add some tattoos or something, but I convinced him we didn’t need more detail. That the simpler the design, the better.

So Doug Jones is sitting in the chair, playing with the make-up, trying things out. He holds his hands up to his face, like he’s staring at us, then he closes his hands, and opens them again, like he’s blinking. It was just the most amazing moment.

We painted his pointy fingers black, so they’d look like eyelashes. And finally, we agreed: we had our Pale Man!

He didn’t come from Guillermo’s mind, though, or mine. More, a mix of accidents, financial limitations and great ideas from many different artists. Plus Doug, of course, flapping his fingers!

And that’s how we somehow created what very quickly became an iconic movie monster.

[ntlazer]

“To perform this exorcism, I’ll need to have absolute privacy.” You usher the family out of the room before turning back to your patient with arms folded.

The child on the table began writhing in the bed they were strapped to, inching their way away from me. I watched him for a few moments, arms crossed as I scanned the boy for telltale signs of personality.

“Bylthzegard?” I hazarded. 

“N… no,” the boy replied with a voice far too deep for his nature, his eyes looking everywhere around the room avoiding my face. I scoffed. It was certainly Bylthzegard.

“I thought we had an agreement,” I said, uncrossing my arms and rummaging through my pockets for supplies.

“We do! I’m following it!” Bylthzegard stared at me with the child’s wide eyes as I pulled out a twig, pressing himself as hard as he could against the headboard and beginning to turn away in fear. 

“Following it?” I repeated, lowering the twig to his relief. “What happened to discreet?”

“It was!”

“And to limit yourself to those that live alone?” I ventured. 

“He did!” “He’s not even a teenager! How could he live alone?” I said, raising the twig threateningly. He squealed in a way that sounded natural coming from the child.

“I don’t know but he did! I thought I hit the jackpot with this one! His parents just happened to come by in the evening,” Bylthzegard explained frantically. 

“You mean they came home from going for a hunt?” I clarified. 

“You gotta believe me,” Bylthzegard pleaded.

“I will if you can explain to me why this… ten-year-old—”

“He’s nine,” Bylthzegard corrected.

“Why is this nine-year-old living alone in the woods that you were intending to occupy? Somehow with all his own amenities and food without the need for parents?” I asked.

Bylthzegard stared at me, his eyes narrowing as he desperately tried to think of something to say to explain it all away. He opened his mouth a few times, but nothing came out. After about a minute, he simply grimaced.

“Can you at least not use the twig?” he asked. 

“Maybe next time if you uphold your side of the deal, we can talk about not using the twig,” I replied, taking two steps to the bed as Bylthzegard cowered away. I slapped the child in the face, then slapped the twig, quickly transferring the being Bylthzegard into the stick. A single leaf sprouted from the twig, indicating the success of my spell. 

The child looked up at me, a hand on his cheek. 

“Who are you?” he asked, fearfully. 

“Someone who needs to get paid,” I said, rubbing my temples and opening the door to the room. “We’re done in here!” I called outside. The family quickly scrambled to make their way back inside the room. 

“Oh, Joey, you’re okay?” the mother asked, kneeling down to her son and gently touching the defined, red slap mark on his face. 

“What’d you do with the demon?” the father asked, shaking my hand. 

“I took care of it,” I replied indignantly, lowering the twig. The leaf of the twig twitched in disgust at my reply. 

“That, you did,” the mother came with my payment in hand which she offered gratefully. “And it’s a good thing we came by today, or else this could have gone much worse.”

“Sure,” I nodded without listening, taking the money and counting it.

“Can you stay over tonight?” the son asked hopefully. 

“Ummm, no,” I replied simply, turning to leave as I pocketed the money. 

“Not you,” the boy replied with a small voice. 

I turned back to look at him in confusion. His parents were making a face at one another. 

“Not tonight, sweetie, maybe some other time,” his mother replied sincerely. 

“Don’t worry, champ, the doctor here got all the demons out,” his father assured.

I stared between them, a hint of horror in my heart. 

“What did he mean when he asked that?” I ventured. 

“Oh, nothing,” the mother waved her hand. 

“The boy just wants us to stick around. But not this week. We have a busy schedule to keep up,” the father explained as the son buried himself in his blankets. 

“Who ummm… watches over him in the meantime?” I asked. 

“He’s a big boy,” the father said confidently. “He handles himself fine.”

The leaf of the twig in my hand twitched in a way that could only be translated as ‘I told you so.’ I stared between the three of them and left hastily without another word. Once I was outside, I raised the twig to my eye level. 

“Look, Bylthzegard, you gotta accept that it was an honest mistake on both of our parts,” I apologized. “I mean, we were both a little right here, right?”

The leaf dropped, not accepting the apology.

“Fine, I’ll help you find the next one. Would that make us even?” I asked, annoyed. 

The leaf stood tall in excitement. I rolled my eyes. 

“All right, let’s go,” I grumbled, holding the twig in front of me so it could get a good view as I went searching for Bylthzegard’s next victim in the woods.

[cjsinkythoughts]

His Only Contact

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Avenger!Reader

Word Count: 1014

Warnings: Falcon and the Winter Soldier Spoilers!!!! A little angst, a little fluff, no cursing (I think)

A/N: This is a quick thing I wrote because I can’t sleep after watching that episode. I have so many ideas. I might continue this, too (just like everything else I write because I’m incapable of writing one-shots), but I’ll probably just write a few drabbles here and there when new episodes come out. I also added HBC’s Lucky in Love prompt for Day 19 in here, which is Odds.

FATWS SERIES MASTERLIST

Find my Day 14 Prompt here - Spring Forwards - and my Day 18 Prompt here - Ocean Eyes, Cherry Lips, Ivory Keys

AGAIN: SPOILERS UNDER CUT!

Shooting up. Greedily sucking in air. Sweat sliding down skin. Adrenaline rushing through veins. Wide eyes darting around the room.

Another night. Another nightmare. He was starting to think he’d never get another restful sleep.

The floor was hard beneath him, far better than the soft, malleable mattress he had in his practically empty room. The TV was on, as it always was, the soft glow making his eyes squint. The apartment was silent except for his pants, empty except for his shuddering form. He’s shirt was off - he didn’t like it sticking to him, it was too constricting, and he always ran hot anyways - his sheets tangled with his legs.

Reaching over to the small couch besides him, his hand slid over the cushions until he found what he was looking for.

He flipped open the small phone, going straight to the Contact page. He only had one in this phone. This phone no one knew about except them two. Not Sam, not his therapist. No one.

He quickly dialed the number, leaning back against the couch and letting out a puff of air. Finally, after a few rings, an exhausted voice came through, hoarse with sleep.

“Hello?”

“Hey…it’s me.”

“Oh. Hey. Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, no. Everything’s…I’m…we just haven’t talked in a while.”

“I know. I’ve been meaning to call, but-”

“No, no. I get it. What you’re doing is important.”

“You’re important, too, Buck.”

Bucky took a breath, a small nod moving his head. “Uh, so, how’s the search? Found anything yet?”

“No. I’m in Edinburgh right now. They met here right before the whole thing in Wakanda…I thought she might come back.”

“No such luck?”

“No…you know what she did. What she’s capable of. The odds of finding her…” He heard her sigh and a frown etched onto his features. She sounded tired, but she spoke before he could bring it up. “What about you? How’re you doing?”

“I dunno, honestly.”

“Yeah. Okay, that’s fair. How’s therapy going with what’s-her-face?”

He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. “It’s basically the same every session. ‘Are you having nightmares?’ ‘Are you making amends?’ ‘Are you following the three rules?’ ‘This is part of your pardon.’ Yadda yadda yadda.”

“Is it helping at all, at least?”

“I guess. The amends thing gives me something to do if nothing else.”

“Are you following the rules, though?”

“No one will know if I don’t.” The giggle she gives makes him brighten up. “I got lunch with Yori again on Wednesday.”

“Oh? How was that?”

“Fine. Good, even. I guess. I dunno. He set me up on a date with the girl who works behind the counter at Izzy.”

“OOooo! Fun! Is she pretty?”

“As a picture.”

“What did you do?”

“Played Battleship and drank. A lot in my case. Not that it did much...”

“James-”

“No, no! Not like that! She made it into a drinking game! I was losing.”

“You?”

“I’m a super soldier assassin. I don’t have x-ray vision.”

“Okay, okay. What went down after Battleship?”

“I, uh…I ran out on her.”

“Oh no. Why? What happened?”

“She, uh…she started talking about how nice it is for me to spend time with Yori and his son…I went to tell him, you know. I looked him in the eye and opened my mouth…but I saw a picture. Of his son.”

“It wasn’t your fault, Buck. You know that. It wasn’t you.”

He didn’t feel like arguing with her, so he just agreed. “Yeah. I guess.”

He could feel her suspicion through the phone, but luckily she decided not to pursue the topic. She always seemed to know what to say and when. “Did you have a good time at least? While you were there I mean?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I guess. I was - I was really awkward, I think. I dunno. It’s been a while.”

“But it’s better than online dating. I told you that was a bad idea.”

“You were also the one who told me to jump in head first.”

“Not on the internet. You psycho. There’s really whack jobs out there.”

“Takes one to know one.”

“Hey!” He chuckled at her faux-offended tone, picturing her hand over her heart mockingly. “That hurt!”

“Kidding. You know I love you.”

“As long as you know I love you back…have you talked to Sam lately?”

“Uh…no. Not…not recently. How is he?”

“He’s fine. We just talked earlier. He’s in Louisiana right now with his sister. He’s got some family dilemma he’s trying to fix. He, uh, he gave the shield up earlier this week. Apparently the new Smithsonian exhibit is pretty good. Maybe we’ll check it out sometime…what do think?”

“Yeah. Maybe. Sometime. Are-are you coming back soon?”

“I was planning to. I really don’t think I’ve got any chance of finding Wanda at the moment. Or Vision for that matter. I still can’t believe SWORD didn’t contact us. I’m so pissed.”

“I know. Maybe it’s good you didn’t get informed, though. We all know how you get when it comes to the team.”

“The Avengers are my family, Bucky. I’m loyal to a fault, you know that.”

“Yeah. I do. I think Steve rubbed off on you after all those years.”

“You think?”

“Definitely.”

They fell into a comfortable, contemplative silence, Bucky’s eyes watching the screen of the TV still glowing from across the room. “What if I dropped by tomorrow? Is that too soon?”

“Tomorrow as in today? It’s one o’clock here.”

“It’s five here. So tomorrow as in tomorrow. I’m tired.”

“Either one would be fine, but yeah. Get some rest. Call me when you have your flight information.”

“Okay. You get some rest, too. Or, at least, try to. You sound tired.”

“You know I don’t sleep well without you.”

“I’ll be there tomorrow. Promise. Then we can stay in all day and you can catch up on sleep.”

“How long will you be here?”

“As long as you need me, James. Good night.”

“Y/N?”

“Yes?”

Bucky hesitated, before shaking his head. “G’night, doll. Sleep well.”

“Good night, Buckaroo.”