#'guys fuck all this big things just come to my house we'll hang out'

[saintcarrionn]

why do men

[reallyromealone]

Hi, could you make a reader baby, little brother of baji? please

I gotchu

🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐🪐

"ra!" (Name) made little noises as he played with his lion toy in the livingroom, dressed in a soft onsie and socks as Baji got ready to go hang out with his friends, their mom having to go help their grandmother and being the good big brother Baji was he decided to watch over little (name).

Baji was a good big brother, having his brothers diaper bag fully stocked with extra clothes just in case "alright brat! Time to get ya changed for the day" Baji lifted the tiny babe and played airplane as they went to the nursery "gonna dress you looking cool, get all the ladies!" Baji joked to the baby who chewed his hand, Baji quick to pop a pacifier in his mouth "you don't worry about dating though, we can talk about that when you figure out walking" he said putting together an outfit he knew (name) wouldn't be fussy with.

"Looking pretty fly!" Baji said putting on (name)s pants and fixing his hair "we'll get some ice cream in the way there" Baji promised the babe who raised his arms to be lifted, Baji complying with ease.

He was always (name)s favorite after all.

Diaper bag and (name) in arm, he walked out the house and to the diner, thankfully it was withing walking distance as (name) fiddled with his little sunglasses but kept them on regardless "the diner has ice cream and (fruit) so you can have a good snack" Baji said walking in and immediately seeing Toman at a booth and a few chairs, a high chair already brought out for (name) "there's the coolest guy...and Baji" Mitsuya teased and Baji gave him the finger before setting his brother in the little high chair, Mitsuya talking softly to the babe who smacked the table lightly, knowing high chairs meant food.

Everyone knew (name), Baji wouldn't shut up about him and surprisingly was a very good older brother, always taking care of the babe when he had a chance, thankfully their mom didn't put too much responsibility on Keisuke, knowing the teen had a life.

The teens spoke as they all ate, (name) clumsily shoving food in his mouth, blissfully unaware of the things his brother and friends were talking about.

"I gotta take a leak, watch Dingus here" Baji said getting up and walking to the washrooms, (name) glancing around confused and looked to where his brother went.

"Baji is not a person who I would expect to be such a good brother" Chifuyu spoke up as Mitsuya tried to calm down the baby who looked anxious at the lack of big brother, proof that Baji was an excellent big brother. (Name)s eyes watered as he looked around and even Mikey tried calming him but it was fruitless, little (name) letting out a hiccuped sob before all our crying.

It didn't take long for Baji to come running out looking /pissed/ "who made my fucking brother cry?!" He seethed and lifted his brother and glared around at the diner "oh calm down, he was just pissy you left" Draken said annoyed and (name) clung to his brother "Ani..." He mumbled tearily and Baji looked down happily "you said it!"

Toman left the diner after paying and Baji danced around with his baby brother "fuck yeah my brother is so smart!"

"Fuck!"

"Oh Mrs Baji is going to kill you"

[whysojiminimnida]

Remember When I Said Taehyung Might Not Be As Gay As We Thought?

Don't judge a man by his milfy wardrobe, he looks goooood.

It was... awhile ago. Maybe as far back as 2021 although I do not feel like link-searching it. It's in the archives if I didn't kill it.

Granted, there was a lot going on, then. There's still a lot going on and until now I had no desire to ever - EVER - return to this hellsite. Because Taekookers are fucking weird, yo. And some of y'all got a lil bit up in my shit too as I (fuzzily) recall. Which: it's whatever. I'm extremely unsocial, don't even answer my own DMs. And it's not personal, so I get it. I don't need or want to defend myself, but I will protect people I care about. With my absence, if necessary.

OT: I also totally kicked the big C while I've been out so that was nice. Yoongi the cat is pleased that his noms will continue uninterrupted. I will be in wigs for at least another year. It's all good. Oh LOOK at what we have here. Don't come at me for publishing this, I will explain.

I got it from actual media days ago, okay, and also: there was no expectation of real privacy. Keep reading. Or don't, I'm not telling you what to do.

ANYWAY. I had to come back, mainly to say TAENNIE IS REAL I TOLD Y'ALL IDK WHY NOBODY EVER BELIEVES ME BUT HERE WE ARE. I'm gloating. Honestly, it's so rude, I'd apologize if I cared. But I am rude and snorfling into my cheerios about this. Tae just made me so damn happy, is all.

LET THE MAN BE BI OR HETEROFLEXIBLE OR EVEN STRAIGHT IDC. Jennie clearly makes him happy. Look at his "I'm going to Paris to see my girlfriend" face!

And in that very specific jewelry look, no less. Foundrae. Again. Still. Hm.

Here's what I can tell you based on my limited third hand no sources no receipts this is probably utter bullshit usual disclaimer: It's a soft open, kids. This whole "oopsie we just so happened to get caught taking a lil walk in public with our managers in tow during which date at least one of us signed several autographs, what a surprise" is in fact a soft open for what will likely be a public confirmation PRETTY DAMN SOON. It might happen before I get this thing published, actually, depending on when I get it up. If it's before May 22 at noon my time, no idea. If after, well. Guess we'll see. Jennie's supposed to show up at the screening of HBO's The Idol that day, screening at the Grand Lumiere at 10:30 CEST. One wonders if she will arrive alone, or bring a plus one. It's a big ask, and if he does it they're probably getting married, that's how big a deal it would be. So I'm not holding my breath, but.

This seems like a reasonable prospect for a plus-one viewing. Might not be the only one but... Jennie's IN IT so.

I'M NOT SAYING THIS IS GONNA HAPPEN. I think it would be a fucking POWER move if it did, but I also do not necessarily expect that it will. It COULD. It... MIGHT. It might not. Either way they're a thing, I'm telling you. They are, have been, a thing. For awhile. And it is apparently quite serious - like up to and including talk of engagement serious.

Remember when a bunch of folk thought that one gummy bear dude was going to jail for "hacking" Jennie's phone only there's been no actual movement on any "investigation"? Yeah. Trickle truthing, they call it. Give 'em a little bit, let them deny it and yell and chew on it for awhile before you give 'em a little more. But c'mon, nobody's wearing half the love-themed couple pieces at Foundrae for no damn reason.

Seriously they got the whole collection almost and both have been seen wearing them almost exclusively. For a year.See airport pic above.

Look, I don't have inside info on Taehyung. I do not. I ain't hang with his friends and I don't know him personally. Never met the guy. But I know a PR move when I see one and this is exactly that.

We all know how toxic stan culture can be. Some ToadlicKKers (and a few of us house elves) are certifiably bonkers, if stan twitter is anything to go by. And the guys, the company, they expect a whole meltdown. They know this is not gonna make half their fans happy. I mean the tkkers have a point in that it looks like they wanted to be seen. BECAUSE IT'S A SOFT OPEN. What Taejen/Taennie/Jenhyung and the companies also know is that based on historic shipper behavior, this is gonna come back on Jimin, Jungkook, maybe Rose' and Lisa. And by extension, the other members. Maybe not as much due to their respective distance, but still. I bet by the time I finish this it will have already started.

Oh look there it is. Fuck those bitches, really.

Good LORDT. I'm not adding the audio, if y'all are that hungry for psycho hose beast Jimin hate hie thee to stan twt.

But, totally off-topic kinda...

... wouldn't it be cool if Jennie, who speaks great English, was hanging out with Troye Sivan and was like "so you know my boyfriend tells me that his bffs..." I'M JUST SAYING NETWORKING IS COOL AND FRIENDS OF FRIENDS GET THINGS DONE OKAY.

You know that girl has the scoop. If Tae knows it, she knows it. Oh heeeeyyy Troye.

Also OT: I love that Taekook have been hanging out a little more lately. It's refreshing. I genuinely think having Jennie in his life has been good for Tae in several ways. And you know, I'm kinda surprised Taennie has lasted this long. I didn't honestly think they would. It warms my decrepit, sad old heart a bit. Turns out I have a lot more to say so IDK IDK, if I feel okay about it I might be back. Right now I'm just waiting for the official Taennie nod and the continued total meltdown.

[ddejavvu]

Eddie and Steve planning a whole Valentine’s Day of stuff for your first Valentine’s together. Except you don’t turn up to Steve’s house where they’re both waiting. And then they get a call from your friend. And they have to find you getting stitches in the hospital before you can leave, because you accidentally got a little injured on your way over. But it’s all panic over and giggles when they can kiss you better and wait for you to get the all clear and continue your plans ❤️

"I'm calling it," Steve decides, gnawing on his lip, shoes wearing a track in the carpet.

"Sit down, Harrington," Eddie scoffs, and the teasing nickname comes out harsher than he means it to out of nerves, "Just- just be patient, okay? I'm sure she's just.. getting gas, or something."

"For forty-five minutes? No, Eddie, something's wrong." Steve sighs, and he rakes his hand through his hair again. Eddie's watched him do it 12 times in the past 5 minutes, if he's not careful he's gonna pull it right out.

"Listen, there's nothing we can do! She's on her way to meet us here, if we leave then she'll show up and have to go right back out again to look for us. And- and she'd probably freak out if we weren't here! The best thing we can do is just stay put, okay?"

"No, not okay! You- you stay here, then," Steve jams a hand in his pocket and pulls out his keys, "I'm gonna look for her."

"Dude-" Eddie scoffs, throwing a hand over his eyes and dragging it down his face, "Can you just-"

The phone rings.

Both men bolt for the receiver, Eddie knocking his foot into Steve's on accident. It sends the latter swerving to brace his shoulder against the wall so that he doesn't topple over, and Eddie shoots a hand out to brace against Steve's waist and steady him.

"Hello?" Eddie's hair is dangling off his shoulders, nearly tangling itself with the phone cord.

All Steve can hear is muffled speaking, a tinny sound through the speaker. But Eddie's face pales, and he know it can't be good.

"Jesus, yeah," Eddie huffs, reaching for his own keys, "Just- we'll be right there, okay? Tell her- tell her we're on our way."

Steve grabs Eddie's shoulder when the man rushes to hang up the receiver, "What was that?"

"She's in the hospital," Eddie mumbles, and Steve's stomach drops, "Just- stitches or something, I- I dunno. Let's go, Steve, she's waiting for us."

"Wait," Steve calls, brandishing his own keys towards Eddie, "My car."

"It doesn't fucking matter who's car we take!" Eddie scolds him, jamming his feet into his sneakers, "We just need to get there fast."

"If we take your van we might not get there at all," Steve snaps, forgoing shoes for slippers by the door, "That bag of ass is gonna quit on us when it really matters, I just know it. My car."

"Fine," Eddie grumbles, snatching a plush teddy bear keychain off of the table that they'd planned to give you when you got there, "Let's go."

--

It's not as bad as it looks. It does look bad, it was a big cut. But not a deep one, thankfully. You'd just scraped your hand along a jagged strip of plastic at the gas station, your tank full but your hand slowly leaking blood.

It had been a short but scary ambulance ride, to say the least. But now you're sitting in a hospital bed, hand in stitches and limbs antsy. You knew Steve and Eddie were going to be worried about you even if it wasn't a bad cut, and you hated to think of them waiting for you all that time without knowing where you were.

You should have known they'd come bursting through the doors, and a knot of anxiety in your chest loosens at the sight of them, panting, red-faced.

"Guys!" You gush, reaching out for them and forgetting the IV in your arm, "Oh- uh, come here, please."

"Baby," Eddie croons, possessing little to no decorum as he crawls up onto the bed despite Steve's protests, "We were so worried!"

Steve grabs Eddie by the hips, yanking his lower half off of your bed and into the chair by your bedside, "Yeah, are you- are you okay?"

"I'm fine," You showcase your stitches, and your cheeks heat up when Eddie leans over to press his lips to them.

Then his face wrinkles, and his lips rub together, "That felt weird."

"I'm sorry," You moan, letting Steve tug you forwards by the back of your neck to kiss you, "I ruined Valentine's Day!"

"I'm pretty sure you saved it," Eddie muses, "Would'a been shitty to plan your funeral tomorrow, so we're glad you got yourself to the hospital."

"You didn't ruin it," Steve promises, tugging the teddy bear out of Eddie's back pocket and pressing it into your hands, "We're just glad you're okay, honey."

Eddie bumps his nose against your temple and you lean against him, his lips pressing rapidfire pecks to your cheek. Steve's hand looks lonely on the bedspread so you grab it, squeezing as he smiles up at you like a lovesick puppy.

"Stevie," You coo, turning on the charm as high as it'll go with a few bats of your eyelashes, "I saw chocolate in the gift shop.. Can I have some?"

"We have chocolate at home-" He starts, but gnaws on his lower lip when you make your eyes extra sad and shiny, "-But.. But I guess if it would help you feel better."

"It will!" You cheer, leaning your cheek against Eddie's own, "I think Eddie needs some too, y'know. He seems pretty scared."

"I'm a bundle'a nerves," He nods, grinning up at Steve, "Dark chocolate for me, Stevie."

[faint-kitten]

FK infodumping about Tony Stark in Midnight Suns (spoilers)

Tony.

Tony.

TONY.

Tony stark cannot stop being Tony in this fucking game. ||I taught him magic and his first instinct is to patent it and fucking sell it, and nepo hire me in to run the R&D Division.

I love this run of Tony Stark, because it's very much: Yeah he's a billionaire, he's trying, I know you're trying tony, and you don't get it. Everyone tolerates/likes him because they know he's trying and thinks he means well.

But he's a fucking billionaire. He's like when rich people just want's to be a little guy, hey I'm just a little guy like you! And then he just moves in and he's the worst.

Robbie and Peter start Shop because they want a place where they can get creative together without Know it all perfectionists leaning over their shoulders (Strange and Tony) and tony invites himself in, and proceeds to just run the little guys out because HE feels anxious and HE needs to feel like he's doing something. When you call him out, when Robbie calls out how he bought up a steel mill in his home town and just ruined everyone's jobs there because he never broke ground: Tony reveals he was in a pissing match with Oscorp, he bought it to beat oscorp, then found out the company was going under anyway and decided to cut his losses, and turn it into a PR spin. He fucking didn't know because it made his numbers go up, and everyone cheered, then he had a drink, and fucked off and assumed it would all be okay. He then apologizes saying he's trying to make up for it. This is AFTER telling Robbie and Peter that he liked making things as a kid and no one understood him and that's why he wants to be there. After literally being like: "pfft I can do this better, how hard could it be."

He joins the Midnight Suns and IMMEDIATELY takes over operations and muscles out Blade and Nico and Magik and robbie for control of day to day operations.

He's a fucking big rich prick, who just comes in and fucks it up without thinking about the little guys. He's so up his fucking ass.

There's so many little moments where they charactarize him as a rich guy who's just out of touch with normal ass people. It's so perfect. He can't process the world like everyone else, he can't imagine how they feel because he's so fucking rich and out of it, he can't fucking stop himself from just DOING Billionare shit.

We taught him how to do a little mysticism and he's like: "new department! new products! It's gonna be big. We'll sell it and you're gonna run it." Like, that's not why the Hunter taught you Magic. We didn't teach you magic for capitalism, we taught you because it's what we're fighting, we taught you because you're scared in a spooky house and you said you just wanted to understand, we fucking taught you because you had a mind and wanted to expand it, and were too embarressed to ask Doctor Strange. We taught you because for a BRIEF second you were a human being, and we wanted to help you and be your friend.

Like TONY we're trying to save the fucking world here. Magik invited me to limbo and I helped her with her trauma and she called me her friend. Robbie offered to let me crash on his couch, and meet his brother and hang out with him and Peter. Doctor Strange is learning to get over himself, and realize he's still worth something even if he isn't all knowing and all powerful. Blade and I discuss dealing with our darker halves and urges and made a pact to kill each other if we ever go bad, and he's trying to teach me there's more to life than "The hunt" the caretaker has drilled into my head.

Your idea of 'we're friends now' is making me head of a fucking department. Talking about taking what the Hunter taught you, and turning it into a project, a product, one of HUNDREDS of new ventures he can just piss money away on, get all excited about. One of hundreds of ventures he shits out a week in his excitement and like Peter fucking Molynuex you're pitching it and who fucking knows if it will actually go anywhere?

I love this game's approach to Tony even as it makes me hate him. Like what a way to sympathize with a human being, while also illustrating why rich people can't fundamentally be our friends. ||

The approach of: what if a Billionaire was sympathetic? He's just a little guy trying to do his best to undo his father's legacy, and he doesn't MEAN to hurt everyone's feelings step on the little guy and make billions. Can't you see he's trying soooo hard?

And the game's response is: "Great backstory, you're still a Billionaire."

Even if you turn him down and tell him that's not what magic is for he goes "Np I never take no for an answer :) " Like stop. You're the worst. (for the record, I am praising the game's take on tony, I think the writing, and acting, and themes they're working with are perfectly executed.)

[niniviir]

One of My Favourite Tickling Experiences :)

I've never had an actual tickle session in my life, mainly because I've always been afraid of being seen as weird for asking. So, any times I have been tickled, I had to get there through temptation. You know, stretching so that your top goes up revealing your belly, lying down with your arms above your head. Anyone who wanted to tickle would never pass up that opportunity. I sure as heck wouldn't.

I only really like being tickled by girls, and visa versa, so I've never really been interested in guys tickling me, nor have I ever really been interested in me tickling guys. However, there have been a few guys that have passed that lil mental filter.

So I used to have this friend. We'll call him Sam rather than his actual name. Me and Sam were pretty close for a good few years, so we spent a lot of time together with the rest of our friends. One day when me him and another friend were out at a park (we'll call the other friend Ethan), we were messing around in the empty play area, trying to use all the stuff there that we were to big for, we got into a pretty playful mood. Sam decided to playfight with me a bit, trying to push me down onto the grass behind me. I held onto him as he was trying to push me, and in the moment I just thought "what the hell, let's just do it" and I tickled him a lil bit on his belly with both hands.

Now you might think "what made you want to tickle him?" Well, Sam has always had this playful side to him that I always thought was pretty cute, and when it comes to tickling, I'm more of a fan of playful tickling than I am the whole torture side of it all. Another thing was, whenever he was in his house, he never wore a tshirt, so whenever me and my friends knocked on his door to ask if he wanted to come out, he'd come out with no top on. Now, let me tell you, he looked good. He had this nice toned belly, like this faint six-pack, and he was pretty skinny. For some reason, this just made me think "God I'd love to tickle him".

So after I tickled him a bit, he fell past me onto the grass, rolled from his side onto his back and looked up at me. I straight away thought "Fuck, he's gonna call me weird or something, I shouldn't have done that."

Imagine my shock when he said "Again".

He also liked being tickled! I couldn't believe it! So, of course, I took him up on his request and continued tickling him, but then Ethan joined in. Sam very quickly got up after Ethan joined in, and stormed off angry. Ethan went home after this, confused as to what had happened. But, I knew what had happened, because I've had a similar experience. I like being tickled, but not by everyone. If someone tickled me who I didn't want to tickle me, I'd have a similar reaction. Sam definitely wanted me to tickle him, but definitely didn't want Ethan to.

I ran after Sam, and managed to catch up with him. I mentioned that Ethan had gone home, and so he decided to stay out for a bit longer. I saw this big log ladder thingy that you're supposed to climb on, and I convinced him to "try this cool thing". The "cool thing" was just a way to get him to climb this log ladder to hook his legs through securely so that he could hang upside down by his legs. Obviously, by doing this, his t shirt was taken up his body by gravity, revealing his belly. I tickled his bare belly quickly, scribbling my fingers all over it. I then helped him down, where he proceeded to say "Alright, now you". Not only did he like tickling, he was a switch! So, I did the same thing, hanging upside down, belly completely exposed, and he tickled me for a good 10-15 seconds before helping me down. We went home not too long after that.

This story is already a lil bit long, but I have another couple of anecdotes I'd just like to add in with him, as they're the only other times I got to do this sort of thing with him.

So, one day he suggested the idea that we should go to either his house or my house, and play COD Black Ops on the Xbox 360, just to play a mode called combat training, so we could chill and just unlock all the perks that required certain challenges. We ended up doing this at his house, and if you remember from earlier, he never wears a t shirt in his house. So this whole time I'm sat there, on his bed, next to him like "Omg I could tickle him right now. But what if he's not in the mood? Ugh, idk." Then I came up with an idea.

When we got to the end up a match, we'd both customise our classes in game, so I always made sure I was first. Once I'd finished, I'd roll up the bottom of my t shirt a lil bit, and then I'd lie back on his bed, arms above my head, with the bottom of my t shirt sitting just above my belly button. It took a few matches, but eventually he took the hint and tickled me for a couple of seconds. We looked at each other dead in the eyes, then we both started tickling each other. I got my fingers onto his sides and started scribbling away, meanwhile he lay across my chest, tickling away on my belly. But sadly, pretty soon after that, my dad called saying food was ready, and I had to go. I tried to say to Sam that I didn't mind just staying, but he said I'd better go and eat.

Some months later, me and Sam where in the back room of my house just watching youtube on the tv. We were sat on an L shaped couch, and he was sat next to were the couch went forward. I'm not sure how I pulled this one off, but I managed to lay back onto his lap while I was sat on the forward part of the couch, handing my shoulders and my head off of the side of his lap, basically kinda hanging upside down. I let my arms fall to the floor, under my hanging head, belly of course exposed by my pulled up t shirt.

It got the the end of the video we were watched, and with nervousness in my chest, I forced myself to say "You know… I'm uhh… I'm supr (swallows).. Surprised you haven't tickled me consideri--", he suddenly cut me off and started tickling my belly. I instinctively rolled onto the floor, onto my back, arms above my head. He then proceeded to sit on my legs, locking me in place with nowhere to go, and started scribbling all over my belly.

This was everything to me. I never knew I needed that exact scenario so much until it happened. I never wanted him to stop. Him sitting on top of me, me being helpless, arms above my head giggling away, his fingertips softly swiping against my belly creating this amazing ticklish sensation, sometimes even reach a bit up my already raised t shirt to get his fingers on my ribs, him teasing me by saying things like "tickle tickle", "ticky ticky ticky", "goochie goo". Heaven.

When he stopped after a good 5 minutes of constant tickling, I wanted to ask him to do it again. But before I got the chance, he flipped me onto my front, sat on my legs and started tickling the hell out of my sides and lower back, and whenever I twisted my body to one side or the other, he'd tickle my belly to get me flat on my front again. When it comes to being tickled, the belly, sides, ribs and back are the S-tier areas for me, so getting another good 5 minutes out of this was golden. I've never been tickled so much in my life, and I loved every second of it! But before I got my revenge, he had to leave { lucky >: ) }.

We never tickled each other again after that day, and some years later, he just stopped talking to me out of nowhere. We never fell out or anything, he just kinda… stopped. It was sad because, even outside of the tickling, we were close, and I do miss him sometimes. I've still not had another friend like him that loved tickling like I do, but hopefully I will find someone soon.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed! This is my first tumblr post ever, I'm not really fully sure how the site works, but I've seen people make long posts detailing their tickling experiences on here before, so I figured why not share mine :)

[crystalninjaphoenix]

Learning New Things

Paranormal Preteens AU: Episode Twenty-Four

A JSE Fanfic

After the two-part romp of the gang exploring Caverns & Creatures, it's back to business. The kids have exams coming up before winter vacation, so they have to buckle down and study and try to ignore anything supernatural happening. But that proves impossible for JJ and Marvin, as they finally figure out what that strange doll does. And they're not fond of it. Hopefully next chapter we'll reach winter vacation so the kids will be a bit more free :) Big things are planned! We just gotta build up to get there ^-^

More of this AU | From the Start | Read on AO3 at CrystalNinjaPhoenix

++++++++++++++++++++

Even with all the supernatural battles they’d fought since summer, Chase thought that exams were the worst struggle he’d had this year. And this was only for the end of the fall term! He was dreading how much exams would suck  at the end of the school year. November and December flew by in a blur of assignments. He tried to put them off for as long as possible, but not only was Mom constantly asking him about homework, but so was Schneep. “I would be willing to help, if you need it,” he was constantly saying.

Chase turned him down every time. “I’m never gonna figure it out if I get help,” he said. “Besides, you’re also busy, aren’t you?”

“Yes, but I am always on the top of my class work,” Schneep would reply. “And we have some same classes, I could definitely help with those.”

The first time he said that, Chase said, “Great! Can I see your work, then?” And Schneep slapped his arm and said something about cheating that Chase couldn’t quite make out, since half of it was in German. So Chase learned to quietly accept the help Schneep provided. It felt a bit weird to get help from someone younger than him, but Schneep was really smart, so it wasn’t too weird. Still, there were some times when Schneep was at a loss for how to explain things. Especially with maths. Maths were Chase’s worst subject. The numbers just didn’t click in his brain.

Still, he struggled on. It was so hard to concentrate with the other big thing coming up. That being, only the greatest holiday of the year: Christmas. He couldn’t wait! The lights, the presents, the decorations, the songs! And he had to get presents for Schneep and the others! And maybe he could save up to get something for Mom, too? What did Mom like? Books and stuff, right?

Chase was sure that every single kid out there was as excited for this holiday as he was. But one day, at lunch—

“What do you mean you don’t like Christmas?!” Chase gasped.

Marvin shrugged. “At home, basically every day after our birthday is fucking soaked in Christmas. You saw the lights were up already, right? I’m pretty sure they put those up on November first.”

Usually, yes, but not this year, JJ said. Didn’t you notice? They waited until the day after you were home.

“Uh... not really,” Marvin said. “But that’s, uh, good.” He looked back at Chase. “Anyway, yeah, ‘cause of that I don’t really care about Christmas all that much.”

Me neither, JJ agreed. The best part of Christmas is that our grandma stays with us until New Year’s. Other than that? I’m not a fan.

Chase stared at them in disbelief. He looked at Stacy. “What about you?”

“Uhhhh... I-I don’t have any... strong feelings,” Stacy said awkwardly.

“How can you not have strong feelings?!” Chase turned to Schneep. “Come on, Schneep! Christmas is great! Like—you’ve gone to our family Christmas parties in America! I’ve seen you there!”

“Well, Mama and Papa would fly us over for the party, and then we would sleep in a hotel and leave the first thing the next morning,” Schneep said.

“Huh? Well... I guess I never really saw you guys hanging around...” Chase and his parents would always fly to his grandparents’ house a week before the actual party, doing stuff in town and spending time with the rest of the family who would gradually show up over the following days. He realized he never did see Schneep or his parents there outside of the party on Christmas Eve. It was one of the reasons he hadn’t been close with Schneep before Mom took him in. “You guys would fly back on Christmas morning? What about opening presents?”

Schneep looked down at the table. “Most of Christmas was Papa’s business things. If I was good during the time, I-I would... get my present at the end of the day...” He slowly trailed off.

Chase clenched his fists, angry, and then took a deep breath and nudged Schneep beside him. “Well I can show you how Mom and me do things this year, then! It’s so much better than that!” Schneep smiled softly.

“So, you guys are gonna fly to America for Christmas?” Stacy asked.

“Uh... I dunno,” Chase said. “We usually do, we leave right after exams are done. But, uh, a while ago Mom asked me how I’d feel about staying here this year. And I... said I’d be fine with that.” He shrugged, trying to look unbothered about it. He would really miss the Christmas party this year. But... it wouldn’t be the same without his dad there, too. And since the party was on Mom’s side of the family, he probably wasn’t going to be there.

“Aunt Jess asked me something similar,” Schneep said quietly.

“Winter holiday would fucking suck without you guys,” Marvin said.

Yes, I agree, JJ said.

Stacy frowned. “You should add, like, ‘no pressure’ to the end of that or something.”

No pressure, JJ added. Then he blinked, looking momentarily confused, but dismissed it.

“Well, ah, moving on from Christmas,” Schneep said. “Have you all figured out anything more about the strange doll?”

JJ glanced to the side—no doubt looking towards his locker. Apparently the doll would show up in his bag if he carried it around school with him, but if he left his bag in his locker it would stay there.

“Well, uh, last night we tried seeing if a knife did anything to it,” Marvin said.

“What?!” Stacy gasped.

“It didn’t, don’t worry,” Marvin said. “But then again, we didn’t do too much. We just kinda... pressed it against the doll. Didn’t cut through the cloth or anything. But! JJ couldn’t feel that.” JJ nodded. “So it’s probably fine. He also didn’t feel it when we dropped the doll out the window again. Or stacked books on top of it.”

“And... you two just did this on your own?” Schneep asked, worried.

We were careful! JJ said.

“What if something worked?! You would be hurt!”

“It’d be fiiiine, we were careful!” Marvin said. “Very slow about it. JJ was able to stop things if he started feeling weird.”

“You guys are crazy,” Stacy muttered.

“I mean... I guess if it worked?” Chase figured, gesturing vaguely. “Anyway. You guys notice any grown-ups who might be in the Circle watching you or anything?”

JJ shrugged. I think... the attention has started to fade, maybe.

“We’ll be able to go back to normal stuff once we reach winter holiday!” Marvin said cheerfully. “And once the fucking exams are over—fucking hell, I always forget how much I hhhate them.”

“If you are in trouble of failing, I could try to help you learn,” Schneep offered.

“Nah—you guys are a year below us, your shit is all different,” Marvin said. “Thanks, though. I don’t think I’ll fail anything, but... uh...” Marvin trailed off. For a moment, he looked... afraid. Not mortally afraid, but still. There was fear in his expression. Chase knew immediately what it meant. He was afraid that he actually would fail something.

“Well, uh, getting bad grades isn’t the end of the world,” Chase said awkwardly. “I did really bad on my exams last year. I, uh... couldn’t study.” Couldn’t bring himself to study. He ended up spending most of April and May lying in bed and feeling bad. Maybe he should’ve tried a bit harder? “B-but I ended up alright!” he hurriedly added, partly to push away his own doubtful thoughts.

I’m helping Marvin, don’t worry, JJ said. He smiled. He’s not going to get bad grades if I can help it.

Marvin laughed. “Yeah. And, uh... really thanks for that, JJ.”

Of course. You’re my brother.

“Do you think Jackie could tutor you guys?” Stacy asked.

“He’s probably busy,” Marvin said. “He’s in sixth form this year, right? That’s gotta be a lot of schoolwork. But I guess we can ask if things get really fucking bad.”

Chase frowned. “I still don’t really understand what sixth form is... even though I’ve lived here for years now, I just don’t get it. Is it like... a different school? But it happens in the same building?”

“Yeah, I think it’s special stuff to help you prepare for like... going to uni and shit,” Marvin said, frowning. “Well, whatever. We don’t have to deal with that for a couple years. And Jackie’s smart. I’m sure he’s doing good even if it’s a lot.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Chase nodded. Jackie was really cool and smart. He was probably dealing with exams better than most of them.

++++++++++++++++++++

“I’m so fucking dumb,” Jackie said, slamming his head down on the open textbook.

“You’re not dumb,” Fengge said reassuringly. “You’re just not good at taking notes.”

“Because taking notes is booooriiiiing,” Jackie groaned.

He was with the rest of his friends, sitting around a table in Fengge’s house. His parents had a full-on library attached to the side of their house. Well... it was a single room with floor-to-ceiling bookcases surrounding it. But there were still a lot of books in here! And the bookcases lent the room a sort of soundproofing, so the friend group tended to gather here when it came time to study.

“I’m with you,” Missy said, idly doodling on a corner of her notebook. “Not fun. And not all that helpful.”

“Studies show that note-taking is very helpful, actually,” Rama muttered. “Otherwise I would not remember how to calculate the area of a... uh... an ellipses.”

“Pi times semimajor axis times semiminor axis,” Sylvester said.

“Whoa! You know that off the top of your head, Syl?” Missy said, eyes wide. “Impressive!”

“It’s, uh, really not.”

“Smart and good at Gym—you’re a rare breed, Sylvester Shepard!” Missy said, leaning close to him.

Sylvester frowned. “...I feel like all smart people should be offended by that.”

“Oh, uh.” Missy slowly leaned back “I didn’t mean it like that. I just... think you’re great.”

“Oh. Um, thanks.”

“You two need a room,” Celine muttered.

While his friends bantered, Jackie lifted his head and stared down at the textbook. Why did he need to take Biology again? He didn’t want to have a job that would need it... maybe. He thinks. What did he want his future job to be? The question stuck in his head for a while before it slowly fell out, a thick syrup like all the rest of his current thoughts. He could think about his future later. Right now, his present was full of homework. Come on, concentrate. What was something important about Biology that he remembered? The structure of an animal cell... “Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell,” he muttered.

“Maybe we take a break,” Fengge said, reaching over to close Jackie’s textbook for him. The pages gently slapped Jackie’s cheek, since his head was still pretty close to the book.

“I’m fine, I can keep going,” Jackie said, putting a hand in the book as he sat up so Fengge couldn’t fully close it.

“Yeah, no, clearly not,” Ram said. “Breaks are good for you, Jackie.”

“Welp. I’m all for it.” Missy closed her notebook. “Now what d’we do during the break?”

“We could... watch a movie?” Sylvester said.

“That break sounds a little too long,” Celine said. She put her books down and moved them into a little stack. “Let’s just chat. I actually wanted to tell you something, Jackie.”

“Hmm?” Jackie perked up. “What is it?”

“You’re still looking for that Jack guy, right?”

Jackie immediately sat up straight. “Yeah?”

“Well I talked to my brother, Mr. Student Body,” Celine said. “He said that when Jack’s parents had to pull him out they were required to give a moving address. To prove they’re moving out of range. I guess. He said it’s probably still in the records, so that the school can send them letters.”

“Why would the school want to send a former student letters?” Sylvester asked. “I know universities do that, but... our school?”

Celine shrugged. “It’s what he said.”

Jackie’s mind was racing. “Do you think you could...? Do you think I could ask your brother for...?”

Celine grinned. “He wouldn’t tell you, Jackie. But fortunately, I have myself some ways.” She wriggled her fingers mystically. “I can figure it out for you... for a price.” That last part was added in a spooky voice.

“I’m not giving you thirty pounds,” Jackie said, straight-faced.

“Twenty?”

“Fifteen.”

“I’ll take it.”

“Done.” Jackie reached into his pocket and dug around for his wallet. He opened it up, took out a few loose bills, and handed over seven. “The rest on completion.”

“Hehehe.” Celine grinned. “That’s fair.”

Sylvester watched this all happen. “You guys freak me out sometimes.”

“But you looove us,” Jackie said teasingly.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

“Why are you so curious about Jack McLoughlin, anyway, Jackie?” Ram asked. “Is it because of the name incident?”

“Uh... I just want to talk to him about some stuff,” Jackie said. “I... think he could help with it.”

“Hmm. That is fair.”

A moment passed in silence. “We could ask my mom for snacks,” Fengge said, looking towards the library door. “That would probably help with everything.”

“Oooo snacks!” Missy said. “Yeah, let’s do that.”

The group got up and headed out of the room towards Fengge’s kitchen. Jackie tried to keep his face neutral. If they could reach Jack, they could see if he really was connected to Anti. And if they could take care of Anti, they could stop these monsters for good. Or at least, stop Anti from getting them forcibly involved with the monsters. The rest? Well... he and the kids would figure it out eventually.

++++++++++++++++++++

Marvin stared at the worksheet sitting before him. He was sitting on the floor of his and Jameson’s shared bedroom, the worksheet sitting on a stack of books that formed a makeshift table. He really wished that they had a desk in their room. Honestly, he was surprised that Mam and Dad hadn’t already gotten one for JJ. But their room was pretty small; he wasn’t sure where a desk would fit, anyway.

A flush echoed down the hallway, and a few moments later, JJ appeared in the doorway. Sorry about that, he said.

“Literally don’t worry about it, it’s so normal,” Marvin said.

JJ sat down next to him. While I was gone, did you figure out the answer?

“Uhhh...” Marvin looked back down at the paper. “It’s... x = 12, right?”

Marvin, this is your World History homework, JJ signed gently.

“I know, I know. Just... thought I’d make a joke.” Marvin smiled weakly at JJ. When JJ didn’t smile back, he sighed, and put his head in his hands. “This fucking sucks, JJ. When am I ever gonna need to know this? I don’t think Chinese dynasties will come up a lot in my life.”

You could have taken English History instead, JJ pointed out.

“But I’ve taken English History every year! We never get any farther than, like, the fucking 1830s.”

Well, maybe this year would’ve been different if you took it, JJ said.

Marvin groaned. “Whatever. Just... help me out with this. It’s... Zhou, Shang, Qin—”

The first two are reversed, actually.

“Fuck.”

JJ smiled. Do you remember that little song I taught you to help with this?

“I do! I just... got the first two reversed.” Marvin groaned.

Let me see your textbook, JJ said.

Marvin pulled it out from the pile, opening it up. “I’m working on this chapter.” Some papers were sandwiched between the pages, covered in graphite writing. His notes. “And here’s what I got.”

JJ looked over the notes. The problem is that you’re being TOO detailed, I think. You’re never going to remember a long sentence like this. You have to jot down something shorter that reminds you of the longer fact. This is why people make acronyms and such.

“But... it all seems important,” Marvin said slowly.

JJ nodded. It does, but if you can remember a fact that’s linked to other facts, then the rest will come to you. Or at least, that’s how it’s always worked for me.

Marvin nodded back. “Alright. So... what should I focus on with this?”

The exam will probably ask you for a bunch of dates, so focus on those, JJ said. So you have to come up with ways to remember all those numbers. For me, I like to—

More footsteps came down the hallway. Dad peered into the open bedroom of their room. “What are you boys working on?” he asked.

“Uh... studying, Dad,” Marvin said.

“Oh really?” Dad smiled. “Working hard, huh? What’re you looking at now?”

“Um, World History,” Marvin said.

“Hmm?” Dad looked confused. “Jameson, I didn’t think you were taking World History.”

JJ blinked. I’m not... he said slowly. ...but I’m helping Marvin.

“Oh? So... you’ve already gotten all your own homework done, then?”

JJ hesitated. He nodded.

“Really?” Dad raised an eyebrow doubtfully. “So if I went down to check on your homework on the table downstairs, your essay would be done?”

Oh shit. The essay. Marvin glanced at JJ worriedly, knowing that he hadn’t even started it. It’s not due until next week, JJ said.

“It’s never good to procrastinate, Jameson. That only leads to sloppy work at the last minute. You need time to edit your writing and double-check that you’re doing the best work you can. You don’t often get second chances in life.” Dad smiled in a... well-meaning way. “Now. Go down and work on your homework and don’t stop until you’re done with that essay.”

JJ stood up right away, nodding, and headed out of the room. Marvin looked after him, surprised at how fast he got up and left. Usually when something like this happened, JJ at least took time to reassure Marvin that he’ll be back later. Or to remind Marvin about some important fact or studying method. Not this time. It was fine, but... confusing. And Marvin would be lying if he said he wasn’t a little hurt, wondering if he’d done something wrong. But it was too late to say anything. JJ was already gone, leaving Dad standing awkwardly in the bedroom doorway. “Well... good luck, Marvin,” Dad said, and went back down the hall towards his and Mam’s bedroom. 

Marvin sighed and looked back at his notes and worksheets.

Meanwhile, JJ was sitting at the kitchen table, pencil in hand, before he even realized what he was doing. He just—got up like that? How rude! He should go back upstairs to apologize to Marvin, at least. And finish what he was telling him. Maybe he could even take his books upstairs with him. Even though he usually left them at the kitchen table so he could do homework on a proper flat surface, it would be better to do homework together, wouldn’t it?

He started to get up.

Or, at least... he tried to.

He pushed the chair back from the table, but when he thought about standing up... his body just didn’t listen. He continued to sit there.

Okay, that was annoying. Come on, JJ. There would be no real consequence to delaying for a moment. Mam and Dad probably wouldn’t even notice if he popped back upstairs. Come on. Stand up.

But his legs wouldn’t move.

Jameson’s eyes widened in alarm. He looked down at the pencil in his hand, and told himself to let go of it. But the result was the same. His fingers stayed wrapped around the wood. He wasn’t gripping it tightly or anything. Just holding it casually. But he couldn’t... let... go.

He stared at his hand, utterly baffled for a moment. And while he did that, he found himself pulling the chair closer to the table. His other hand grabbed a piece of paper from the stack nearby and set it in front of him. And then... the pencil started to move. It pressed to the paper, and his eyes widened as he felt his hand write his name at the top without his intent.

What was this?! What was happening?!

The pencil wrote down his name, the class, and the professor’s name, and then stopped. Desperately, he tried to push back from the table again, but every time he thought about it his body stayed still. His eyes widened and his breathing started to speed up as panic crept up on him. Why?! Why couldn’t he stand up?! He looked around the kitchen, eyes darting, head turning. Was there something strange in here?! No, he couldn’t see anything. His eyes looked back down to the paper. Was he—was he being compelled to do his homework? Why?!

No no no, he didn’t want to do that. He wanted to go back upstairs and help Marvin. This wasn’t due for a while, but Marvin’s worksheet was due the day after tomorrow! He had to help him a bit more, at least!

Why couldn’t he stand up?!

A small whimper came from his throat. He continued to struggle against whatever force was keeping him here, against whatever was keeping him still. But he couldn’t fight it. He thought about crying out for help—Granmam was in the living room, she would hear him before Marvin or his parents did. But, as always, his throat closed up.

Maybe—maybe if he just got through the essay, this would go away? Maybe if he focused long enough to do it, he could get up afterwards? He wasn’t going to be stuck sitting here forever, he couldn’t be!

His vision was starting to blur with tears. Focus! Calm down! Just calm down! He didn’t have to write a good essay, he just had to write something.

Slowly, he took shaking breaths, and tried to concentrate on the words. He just... had to write about... what was he writing about? A book? Right, The Count of Monte Cristo. What prompt had he chosen, again? Something about... morality in the book?

Concentrate, concentrate. Everything would be okay if he could concentrate.

...

...

Time passed. He wrote slower than he usually did, counting the words until he was done, trying to write around wet spots on the paper. Finally, he finished it off with a weak conclusion paragraph. He leaned back, breathing slowly, blinking up at the ceiling. Then he tried to stand up.

It worked. Just as normal. It was so normal, in fact, that for a moment he doubted anything had happened. But no. He would never be able to forget that.

He walked out into the hallway, reaching the staircase—

“Jems!” Granmam was in the hallway already, walking towards the kitchen. Next to her feet, their kitten Sinney wound around her legs. But they both stopped as they saw Jameson, Granmam staring in shock. “Are you alrigh’, lad?”

Jameson was aware that his eyes were red and his face was red. But he couldn’t explain what just happened. He—he didn’t know how to. So he just hurried up the stairs, not looking at her as he climbed.

Marvin had given up on the worksheet and was now lying on Jameson’s bottom bunk, flipping through the instruction manual for his magic kit. He initially didn’t look up as he heard Jameson come in. “Hey, d’you think I could use my greenlight powers to do some of these for real?” he asked. And then he looked up. And he went white. “Wh-what happened?”

Jameson shook his head. I don’t know! I couldn’t move!

“What do you mean?” Marvin sat up straight.

I went down to the table and I couldn’t move I couldn’t stand up and the only way to fix it was to write the essay and I don’t know what it was but it must have been something weird and magic and scary— Jameson’s signs started to fall apart as the panic returned.

“Whoa, whoa, hey!” Marvin quickly scrambled to his feet and walked over to JJ. He put his hands on his shoulders. “Calm down. Breathe, JJ. Please.” His voice was soft. Gentle. A solid anchor to grab onto.

JJ took a few deep breaths and wiped his eyes. It must have been something related to Anti or the greenlight or something. That wasn’t normal.

Marvin shook his head. “No, it wasn’t. Hang on. I-I was thinking about this, and I might be able to sense the greenlight...”

JJ nodded slowly. He knew that Marvin had been practicing on that. So far, he’s been able to pick up on ‘vibes’ from the weird doll and some of the rocks in his collection.

While Marvin closed his eyes, concentrating, JJ heard footsteps come up the stairs. Granmam stopped in the doorway to their bedroom, holding Sinney in her arms. “I was wond’rin’ if you two wanted some playtime with the kitten.”

Marvin’s eyes immediately opened up again. “Sinney!” He went over to the corner, grabbing a cat toy that he’d left there. He dangled it in front of Sinney, and she immediately leapt out of Granmam’s arms and pounced on it.

“Is there anyt’ing else you lads need?” Granmam asked, looking directly at JJ as she said that.

Jameson shook his head. No. But thank you, Granmam.

Granmam smiled. “Any time.” And she headed back downstairs.

JJ waited until she was gone to close the doorway. Then he turned back to Marvin. Did you get any vibes?

“No more than the normal ones,” Marvin said. “From there—” He pointed at his box of rocks. “—and there.” He pointed at the corner where they’d thrown the doll earlier. It was sitting on the floor casually. Like it was relaxing and staring at them.

JJ shivered. He walked over to the doll and turned it around so it was facing the wall instead. And... that’s when he noticed it. Does the doll look... bigger to you?

“Huh?” Marvin looked away from Sinney and towards the doll. “I... guess.” He paused. “It’s not, like, taller, but it does look... bigger? Like there’s more stuffing inside.” His eyes widened. “Do you think the doll did that to you?”

JJ nodded slowly. We HAVE been wondering what it does... 

“Holy shit. It... froze you in place?”

No, that wasn’t exactly what happened. He wasn’t just frozen. He was stuck there until he did his homework. JJ frowned. He had a crazy idea... He didn’t want it to be right, but there was one way to figure out if he was. Tell me to do something, he said.

Marvin blinked. “Huh?”

Tell me to do something, JJ repeated. Something I wouldn’t normally want to do.

“Okay, uh...” Marvin looked down at Sinney. “Meow like a cat.”

“Mew.” JJ’s eyes widened as the sound popped out of his mouth. 

Marvin glanced at him in surprise.

Now see what the vibes from the doll are, Jameson said.

Marvin narrowed his eyes at the doll in concentration. He gasped. “It—there was like, a spike in the vibes. A vibe spike.”

Tell me to do something else! Jameson insisted.

“Um, uh—do ten jumping jacks!”

JJ started jumping immediately. He tried to stop, but just like downstairs, his body didn’t listen to his brain. As he did this, panic on his face, Marvin looked over at the doll again. “Another vibe spike!” he gasped. “The—the doll—it’s—making you do stuff?”

JJ finally finished his jumping jacks, panting. It’s making me do stuff people are telling me to, I think.

“That’s so fucking fucked up!” Marvin gasped. “What the fuck?! And we’re pretty sure the Circle gave this to you, right?! What the fuck?! Why?!”

I don’t know, JJ said. But we need to message the others.

++++++++++++++++++++

“So you’ve never seen a Christmas movie?” Chase pushed. “Like, at all?”

Schneep shook his head. “No, and I am starting to get tired of you and everyone else talking about Christmas all the time.”

“Sorry. It’s just... such an important thing to me, you know?” Chase said. “It’s like... really big and happy and, uh... and good.” He shrugged. “Anyway, you gotta at least see one Christmas movie. Then I’ll leave you alone. Probably. I’ll try, I mean.” He was currently crouched on the floor in front of the TV, looking through their DVDs. Schneep sat on the sofa behind him. In his lap was a textbook and his small plushie bat, Mitternacht. “Uh... We can watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas. Or these stop motion things, I guess, they’re kinda boring. Nightmare Before Christmas is more of a Halloween one, I think, but we didn’t watch it in October so we could watch it now. Have you heard of any of these at all?”

Schneep shook his head. “No. I am sorry.”

Chase sighed. “Maybe you didn’t have any of these in Germany.”

“No, maybe we did. But my parents did not like me to watch television. Remember?”

“Yeah...” Chase frowned for a moment, then continued looking through the movies. “Oh! A Muppet Christmas Carol! That one’s fun. But my favorite is Home Alone. It’s funny. We can watch that.”

“Do you think I will like it?” Schneep asked.

“Yeah, sure! It’s about this kid who gets left home alone accidentally while his family goes to France for Christmas holiday. While the mom really tries to get back to him, he has to stop some burglars from getting into the house.”

“Ooo.” Schneep leaned closer. “Alright. I am... intrigued.”

Chase laughed. “Intrigued? Fancy word.”

“It means curious... I think. Or, ah... interested?”

“Can’t believe you know more English words than me sometimes,” Chase muttered, setting up the DVD.

Footsteps came down the stairs as Mom arrived in the living room. “What are you boys doing?” she asked. “Are you done with homework?”

“Yeah, Mom,” Chase said. “I’m showing Henrik Home Alone.”

Schneep nodded. He held out the textbook—apparently it was a habit of his to offer for Aunt Jess to check his work.

“Don’t worry about it, Henrik,” Mom said, knowing what he was asking. “Before you two get started, Chase, I wanted to talk to you.”

“Oh. Uh, yeah, sure.” Chase stood up and walked over.

“Both of you,” Mom continued. She looked back and forth between Chase and Schneep. “How would the two of you feel about... having the family Christmas party here this year?”

“Huh?” Chase blinked. “Like... in our house?”

“Well, obviously our house isn’t as big as Grandma and Grandpa’s,” Mom says. “So the family wouldn’t actually stay in the house. They’d stay in a hotel.”

“Ohhh. Uh...” Chase thought about it. He did really like traveling back to America every year for the party. His grandparents’ house was great, they had a big TV and a big yard with a playground and so many rooms! But... He looked at Schneep. “What d’you think?”

“Ah... wh-who will be coming to the party?” Schneep asked, looking nervous.

Mom looked at him seriously. “Albrecht and Maggie won’t be invited if you’re not comfortable with them being there,” she said softly.

Schneep looked down at his lap. He messed with Mitternacht’s wings. “I... I would be... fine with... h-having the party here. As for Mama and Papa... ahm... a-ask me again l-later.”

Mom nodded. “Alright. If you’re sure.” She looked at Chase. “What about you? You know, if we have the party here... I was... thinking about inviting some of your dad’s relatives.”

Chase perked up. “Will Dad be there?” He hadn’t been expecting Dad to go to the Christmas party, since it was on Mom’s side of the family.

“I don’t know, sweets. Maybe.”

Chase nodded. “Y-yeah, let’s have the party here!”

Mom smiled. “Great. I’ll start sending out invitations, then.” She headed back upstairs. “You have fun watching the movie!”

“We will, Mom!” Chase shouted up after her. He grinned, thinking about it. What if Dad really did come to the party? What if—what if he could talk to him? About video games and baseball and everything? That would be amazing! Though his chest kinda hurt thinking about it... Not because he was sad. Because he was feeling... something else. He didn’t know what, though. It was... good, maybe? Maybe... he could ask Mom about that later. For now, he looked at Schneep. “Are you, uh... okay?”

Schneep nodded slowly. He was hugging Mitternacht to his chest. “Ah, can we... watch the movie now? You said it was funny?”

“Yeah.” Chase walked back over to the sofa and sat down next to Schneep in his usual place. While they’d been talking, the previews included on the DVD had been playing. He quickly pressed the menu button. “The movie’s from, like, years ago so some things are different, but the funny is forever.”

Schneep laughed a little. “I am very intrigued now.”

Chase laughed as well. “Hope it lives up to the intrigued, then.”

He pressed play on the remote and the two of them settled in for the movie, leaning close against each other. The first half of the movie proceeded normally, but then—

Beep!

He heard the text tone of his phone go off. Chase scooted over to the end table to grab it, looking at the message. It was from JJ. Emergency meeting tomorrow at zellys PLEASE!!!!

“Is it one of the others?” Schneep asked.

“Yeah... JJ says we need to meet tomorrow.” Chase frowned. The capital letters and multiple exclamation marks really wasn’t like JJ’s usual way of typing. He hoped everything was okay.

...

It would be fine, wouldn’t it? After all, the meeting isn’t now, it couldn’t be that bad if JJ was asking them to wait until tomorrow.

Chase slowly set the phone down. “I’ll ask him about the time after we’re done,” he said. Though he felt a bit bad about it, he was sure everything would be okay.

[possibly-in-wonderland]

Boromir and his chaotic hobbit wife

(and some incorrect quotes ft her in general, maybe one day she'll have a name...but for now we refer to her as hobbitess)

~~~~

Boromir: *wakes up to find flowers woven in his hair*

~~~~

Boromir: .. .----. -- / … --- .-. .-. -.-- (translation: I'M SORRY) Hobbitess: What's that? Boromir: Remorse code. Hobbitess: I'm even angrier now.

~~~~

Boromir: Fight me! Hobbitess, standing behind him and holding a knife: *mouths* Do not.

~~~~

Boromir: Everyone has a toxic trait. Except Hobbitess, they’re perfect. Hobbitess: Wrong! My toxic trait is how badly I want to domesticate a warg.

~~~~

Boromir: You have Crayons? Hobbitess: Yes, I have— Boromir: You're— how old are you? Hobbitess: YES I AM AN ADULT AND I HAVE CRAYONS, I HAVE A BOX OF EMERGENCY CRAYONS IN THE CABINET UNDER THE SINK BECAUSE EVERYBODY NEEDS CRAYONS SOMETIMES, OKAY? EVERYBODY NEEDS CRAYONS.

~~~~

Hobbitess: Hey, what’s the name of the guy who lives down the hall? Boromir: His cats' names are Walter and Rose. Hobbitess: That's not what I asked. Boromir: That is all the information I have.

~~~~

Boromir: Okay, I’m going to get the wedding cake. Hobbitess: Perfect, while you do that I’ll check on the ring bear. Boromir: ... Boromir: You mean ring bearER, right? Hobbitess: ... Boromir: Look me in the eyes and tell me you are not going to bring a dangerous wild animal to our wedding.

~~~~

Hobbitess: Oh, fiddlesticks! That really ruffles my feathers! Boromir: Please, just say fuck.

~~~~

Hobbitess: You know what? Let’s give it a go. What’s the worst that could happen? Boromir: Humiliation, embarrassment, fire, explosions, collisions, tears, nudity and death.

~~~~

Hobbitess: Here’s a fun Christmas idea. We hang mistletoe, but instead of kissing, you have to FIGHT whoever else is under it. Boromir: Hobbitess no. Gimli: Mistlefoe. Boromir: Please stop encouraging her.

~~~~

Aragorn: We need a distraction. Boromir: Is anyone here good at jumping up and down and making weird noises? Hobbitess, whispering: My time has come

~~~~

Hobbitess, Pippin, and Merry are sitting on a bench Gandalf: Why do you guys look so sad? Hobbitess: Sit down with us so we can tell you. *Gandalf sits down* Pippin: The bench is freshly painted.

~~~~

Gandalf: I currently have 7 empty notebooks and I have no clue what to put in them. Suggestions? Pippin: Put spaghetti in it. Gandalf: I'm currently taking suggestions from literally anyone but you. Merry: Put spaghetti in it. Gandalf: I'm currently taking suggestions from anyone but you two. Hobbitess: Put spaghetti in it. Gandalf: I'm no longer taking suggestions.

~~~~

Hobbitess: *Screams* Pippin: *Screams louder to establish dominance* Aragorn: Should we do something? Merry: No, I want to see who wins.

~~~~

Hobbitess: Sometimes I drink milk straight out of the container. Pippin: The cow??? Hobbitess: What? Merry: Pippin, W H Y?

~~~~

Hobbitess: Would you stab your best friend in the leg for 10 million gold? Pippin: You stab me, and then when my leg gets better, we buy a big-ass house. Merry: You can stab me too, then we'll have 20 million. Pippin: Good thinking.

~~~~

Hobbitess: So uhhh... my question is: my friend keeps on going into the pantry and grabbing handfuls of fettuccine... uncooked... Sam: I would hope they're not grabbing handfuls of cooked fettuccine! Frodo: In your pantry! Hobbitess: Yeah... and eating them raw, and they keep calling them 'chips'. ... How do I make them stop? Sam: Is your friend here? Hobbitess, motioning to Pippin: Yeah. Sam, to Pippin: You're a monster! Words MEAN things! >:( Merry: Does anybody remember- I haven't been to Olive Garden in many moons- but they DO have a like- fettuccine bottle that you can just- grab em out of and chew- Merry: HOLD ON. WAS THIS A PRANK YOU GUYS PULLED ON ME WHEN WE WENT TO OLIVE GARDEN AS KIDS?! Merry: NO, STOP. EVERYBODY SHUT UP. DO THEY GIVE YOU RAW FETTUCCINE TO CHEW ON IN THE LOBBY OF THE OLIVE GARDEN Everyone else: No. Merry, to Sam and Frodo: YOU FUCKIN BASTARDS Sam: YAAAAAAAAY! Frodo: THE PRESTIGE!

~~~~ Hobbitess: Why isn’t the statue smirking at me? Gandalf: It isn’t smirking at anyone, they’re all just imagining it. Hobbitess: Four of us saw it, Gandalf. How do you explain that? Gandalf: *points at Merry & Pippin* Sleep deprivation. *points at Sam* Paranoia. *points at Frodo* Delusional personality disorder.

~~~~

*The squad right before Hobbitess' & Boromir's wedding* Pippin: Well I have to go, I have a wedding to attend. Merry: Wait... Oh! I have a wedding to attend too! Sam: Oh, I have a wedding to attend as well Frodo: I THINK WE ALL HAVE WEDDINGS TO ATTEND Aragorn, panicked: I THINK I HAVE A WEDDING TO OFFICIATE

~~~~

Frodo, walking into his house: Hello, people who do not live here. Pippin: Hey. Merry: Hi. Sam: Hello. Hobbitess: Hey! Frodo: I gave you the key to my place for emergencies only! Hobbitess: We were out of seed cakes.

~~~~

Frodo: If you bite it and you die, it’s poisonous. If it bites you and you die, it’s venomous. Pippin: What if it bites me and it dies!? Merry: Then you’re poisonous. Jesus Christ, Pippin, learn to listen. Sam: What if it bites itself and I die? Hobbitess: That’s voodoo. Boromir: What if it bites me and someone else dies? Sam: That’s correlation, not causation. Pippin: What if we bite each other, and neither of us die? Hobbitess: That’s kinky. Frodo: Oh my God.

~~~~

Hobbitess: Time for plan G. Pippin: Don’t you mean plan B? Hobbitess: No, we tried plan B a long time ago. I had to skip over plan C due to technical difficulties. Merry: What about plan D? Hobbitess: Plan D was that desperate disguise attempt half an hour ago. Sam: What about plan E? Hobbitess: I’m hoping not to use it. Pippin dies in plan E. Gandalf: I like plan E.

~~~~

Boromir: HELP! I TOLD HOBBITESS I’D COOK DINNER TONIGHT BUT I CAN’T COOK! Aragorn, pouring milk directly into the cereal bag: And you thought I could help?

~~~~

Hobbitess: Boromir and I don’t use pet names. Aragorn: I see. Hey, what do bees make? Hobbitess: Honey? Boromir: Yes, dear? Hobbitess: Aragorn: Don't ever lie to my face again.

~~~~

Hobbitess: What time is it? Pippin: I don’t know; pass me that saxophone and we’ll find out Pippin: *Plays sax loudly and extremely out of tune* Gandalf: WHO THE FUCK IS PLAYING THE SAXOPHONE AT TWO IN THE MORNING Pippin: It’s 2 am

~~~~

Boromir: I really like this whole ‘good guy, bad guy’ thing you guys have going on. Hobbitess: It’s not an act, it’s just that I’m mean and Pippin isn’t

~~~~

Hobbitess: Dandelions symbolize everything I want to be in life Merry: Fluffy and dead with a gust of wind? Hobbitess: Unapologetic. Hard to kill. Feral, filled with sunlight, bright, beautiful in a way that the conventional and controlling hate but cannot ever fully destroy. Stubborn. Happy. Bastardous. Friends with bees. Highly disapproving of lawns. Full of wishes that will be carried far after I die. Pippin: edible

~~~~

Hobbitess: I've already sent good vibes your way… they’re coming. There’s nothing you can do to stop them. Boromir: This is the most threatening way I’ve ever been cheered up.

~~~~

Hobbitess, pointing: May I sit there? Boromir: That's my lap Hobbitess: That doesn't answer my question, Boromir.

~~~~

Boromir: Three words. Say them and I'm yours. Hobbitess: Three words. Boromir:

~~~~

Boromir: Welcome, fellow idiots Hobbitess: Hello, Boromir Boromir: No, no, not you, you're not an idiot Hobbitess: You underestimate me

[perceivedregret]

can't believe there's more lore

here's pt 3 of so it goes, my steddie focused (we'll get there, i stg) supernatural creatures au that, as of right now, features vampire!steve, werewolf!nancy, witch!robin, and last but not least, werewolf!max. can be found on my ao3, user is the same over there. [tumblr links for part 1 & part 2]

murder will out

If this were a cartoon, Steve probably would have worn the rug down to the wood floors with all his pacing. Robin says as much under her breath and he waves her off, his focus on Hopper. 

"I don’t understand, why can’t we just go back to my place? We were doing fine before, just let us go back.”

Hopper sighs, sinking as far into the couch as it allows, eyes trained on the fan whirling overhead. “I’ve already explained this– you guys were seen . I wouldn't call that doing just fine . Ms Driscoll called the station nearly in tears. The poor woman thought she was losing her mind to early dementia because she saw some dead kids hanging out by the pool of the Harrington house.”

Steve scoffs, runs his fingers through his hair, hand settling on the back of his neck. “ So ? We fixed it aleady, I did the mind compulsive–"

" Compulsion ," Dustin coughs in correction.

"– that , and she, like, forgot that she saw us. We’ll be more careful this time around! We won’t step out of the house, we don’t have to flee the state over this. I don’t, fuck, I don’t get what the big deal is.”

“The big deal?” Hopper’s head snaps forward. “Harrington, for one, you can’t scramble the entire town with your mind thing, it’s not practical. You're damn lucky I was the one to respond to the call last week. We also don’t know the true extent of your power. Other than Carver and Holloway who've gone AWOL with Henry and the rest of them, you're the first vampire this town has come across. If it's a common thing amongst your kind, the Suits aren't sharing that information with us. We're lucky they even shared how to somewhat keep this town safe after their own screw up that allowed all of this to happen in the first place."

'You mean the reason it's been almost impossible to feed the last few months? There’s only so many blood bags they supply at the hospital and I feel like a dick having to steal it. What if they run out and someone needs it?”

Dustin hums, brows pulling tightly together. “Wait. Steve, have you been going without feeding?" When Steve rolls his eyes Dustin tosses a half eaten pringle at him, but it clatters against the wall. "Don't be an idiot, you know you can always get a drink from–”

“Shut up, no, I wouldn’t ever do that to you Henderson, for one. I know you and Miss America like to say the four of us have bled together or whatever, and thanks for the offer, but no, absolutely not. Robs isn't even allowed to think it. Besides, even if I wanted to, that shit’s already in your system. Do you have any idea how hard it’s been for some of us to even shower ?”

“It’s a protective measure. It’s no different than when we added fluoride to the water,” Hopper sighs.

Max scoffs. “Right well, do us all a favor, yea, and tell them to shove their Hawthorne and Wolfbanes up their–"

“ That’s the weird taste in water? I thought I was going crazy,” Dustin mutters, falling into the couch between Hopper and Max. His eyes glaze over for a moment, turning to face her, sniffing the air. “Wait, you guys can’t shower?” Max huffs, hiding behind her comic.

Hopper groans in annoyance, shuffling to the side to provide space between them, but it isn't much. "I know you didn’t ask for this life, but we have to keep this town safe from the supernatural. Unfortunately, that included keeping them safe from you. All of you.”

A breeze whips through, nipping at the end of Nancy’s skirt, flowing across the room and brushing through Steve’s hair. “ Seriously ,” Robin hisses, having reached out instinctively. Hopper’s gaze bounces between the two. Nancy doesn’t respond to his comment, the grip on her knees turning her knuckles white. Steve only pinches the bridge of his nose, the rug still in danger of being worn down.

“I’m not judging any of you for your past, no one’s perfect, but let’s be honest with ourselves here. Your kind, both kinds, can be… well you guys already know. Besides all that, what if someone catches one of you and they call the station and it's not me responding to it? Hm, what if it gets out that this town is infested with vampires and werewolves? Or witches? And on top of that, we still don't know why Heather turned you or why Carol bit Nancy. Billy biting Max, we can only guess. We don’t know anything that really goddamn matters here."

"I fucking know why Billy did this to me,” Max grumbles, the red only Steve and Nancy have the ability to catch flashing across her eyes once again. She flips the page of her comic, a tear of a page ringing throughout the room, making Dustin wince.

“Regardless. I know this shit has been your life for only the last couple of years, but try twelve years of it. El had already been bounced around between four other families before she got to me. Five years old and so full of power she had no control over. All those other families chalked it up to bad behavior but after reading up on her file with Joyce, we could see around it, around the bullshit. Speaking of–

“ You .” He points to Robin and she shrinks in on herself, uncomfortable with the sudden attention. “You made yourself into a witch. You weren’t born into it the way my girl was. I know you think you’re capable of anything, but saying a few words in Latin in the correct order every once in a while isn’t enough. You were able to make those fancy rings and bracelets for everyone here to survive out in the sun or curb some of the effects of the full moon but that's child's play compared to what you tried to do."

"That shit was so not easy. I had to fill in my eyebrows and stack layers of mascara for weeks," Robin mutters, fingers brushing faintly over the faded electrical burn scars that trace along the back of her hands towards her wrist, branching away from where they originate from her nail beds. “Surprised I only lost two nails.”

" Regardless . You needed way more time, more practice. You don’t know what you’re capable of, not yet, but those four months that you had before the attack wasn’t enough time to learn what you needed to break Henry's sire control. And you were all –” he waves his finger at everyone, “–stupid for thinking you could. Especially alone.”

Robin rolls her eyes. “Six months later, now he wants to lecture us? Sure, bucko.”

Hopper shakes his head, eyes falling closed before he continues. “Harrington, as for the house, your father is in the process of selling the property. Alright, he apparently listed it a week after that night and he finally has a buyer ready to negotiate. Considering what a fuckin’ shit show this towns become ever since Henry and the rest of them blew through town, I don’t think he’s gonna get a very good deal."

At that Steve finally stops his pacing. He shuffles over to the recliner Robin occupies and falls heavily on the floor in the space in front of her, head falling back against her knees. "I knew this was coming, I don't even know why I'm surprised. He said I was as good as dead since I turned. Being officially dead gives him no reason to stay in Hawkins… he’s got no one." Hopper gives Steve’s sneaker a tap with his own boot, the sorry kid translating well enough.

The blows keep coming.

"Then there’s the goddamn Suits. After this whole thing with Ms Driscoll they’ve decided it’s best to get you all out of town. And, quite frankly, especially after today's news? I agree. Agent Stinson has stated they have no intentions of helping supply you three with new identities or a place to stay unless you guys leave.”

“New identities?” Robin scoffs, fingers freezing in Steve's hair. "They could have left us with ours! If they didn’t declare us dead there wouldn’t be a need for new identities, did those dipshits ever think of that?” Robin crosses her arms, hands balling into fists. A bulb from above bursts, but barely anyone flinches except for Dustin. 

Hopper only exhales forcefully from his nose, already used to outbursts turning into broken objects. Over so many talks , El’s broken her fair share of bulbs, plates– even the living room’s coffee table. There's a reason this cabin is so unfurnished.

He lifts his hand, like a reluctant student in class. “I'm the one who suggested we pronounce you all dead, Buckley. Not them."

"Why?"

Everyone's eyes fall on Nancy as she utters the first words since Hopper arrived. If their full undivided attention bothers her, she doesn't show it. Hopper meets her gaze, and suddenly he's years older. Exhausted.

"The Byers kid had a vision."

"Wait, he has powers? Since when? Was it big Byers or little Byers?" Steve interrupts, brows low. Hopper's eyes narrow, but he doesn’t continue, just keeps his focus on Nancy. Steve turns his attention to her, eyebrows shooting up. “You knew about this?”

"It wasn't for any of us to tell," Nancy says between her teeth. She mirrors Hop, gaze unwavering and her lips form a tight line. He only raises a brow.

 "Jon can’t see into the future,” she finally supplies, arms crossing over her chest. “He can only catch glimpses from the past. He says they’re like snapshots. Moments in time that he can see, and sometimes he can step into it and explore, but it gets blurry after a while. He can't look into someone's past without a personal belonging or picture of the person he's trying to see.

"Will is the one who can see into the future, except it’s never clear. Jonathan explained it’s like looking through a kaleidoscope for him. If he tries to look too long he ends up with a migraine. It’s why he’s always painting– it’s his way of trying to decipher his visions.”

“It’s the reason Joyce was so helpful when El came into my life. Eventually our lives.” Hopper's face softens for the first time since he sat down and started delivering bad news. It’s short lived because he’s looking around the room with his signature death stare, finger raised in warning. “Stinson and the rest of them don’t know anything about our kids and we’d like to keep it that way. What was just shared about them, that doesn't leave this room.”

"Am I really the only one without powers now that Max has chompers? What the hell man, that's so unfair," Dustin groans, throwing his head back with an annoyed grumble that sounds gargled in his position. "Mike has his empathy thing–"

"Little Wheeler's got what? " Steve and Robin say in unison. It feels like he just got slapped in the face because how the hell have they not said anything these last few months, no, years ? Nancy buries her face in her hand.

“Mike can sense emotions and sometimes change them, it's been a thing. Except– he can't feel love, or something. He can feel it in himself, he just can't sense it from others or force it on them. Keep up, Steve." He turns to Max. "Lucas still hasn't shown symptoms from the bite, has he?”

“My boyfriend is still nice and human, just a scar, thanks for asking.” Her smile immediately melts. “But if I ever see Billy again, I'm going to run him over with his own stupid car for what he tried to do to him, I swear to god." 

“Just us then,” Dustin beems, shoving two stacks of pringles into his mouth, the pieces flipped onto each other so it forms an open beak.

Max tilts her head, considering him. "I don’t know… I think being super annoying could be your thing. I just don't know if we can count it." She pats his shoulder, lips pouting in mock sorrow. "Hate to break it to you, but I think you’re just going to have to settle for being a lame dork."

"Would you two please ," Robin mutters, flicking a finger out into the open air in her lap, forcing Max and Dustin into a seated upright position. The sudden movement sends the can of chips rolling across the floor, their hands clasped in their laps and suddenly stiff as boards. "I don't know who's worse together; you and him, or him and Erica."

"Everybody, shut. The hell . Up." Nancy's voice is nearly a growl. "Because our beloved Sheriff Jim Hopper here has yet to tell us–" She leans forward, elbows on her knees,  "–what the hell Will saw. Because, quite honestly, I can’t think of a single thing that he could have possibly seen for you to think it was a good idea to declare us dead.”

Hopper takes a deep breath, steeling himself. Then he finally says it.

“Will saw you three die.”

A beat.

And then they're all speaking over each other.

-------

there's more to this part, so catch the rest of it on my ao3

[butterflyintochains]

Schism

Another week in Whistler might just be the thing that finally does Joanna Blackwood in, her boyfriend is in Michigan with Quinn and his family. She loves her family, she really does, but good God they've been insufferable. Her parents have been their usual lovely selves, her niblings are just the best, but her three older siblings are annoying her. To make matters worse, Elias' new contract is still up in the air, and she has to hear about it from her siblings who don't know what the fuck they're talking about. Currently, Joanna is in her room in Blackwood Lodge, her brothers are out biking, her sisters are swimming at the lake. Bored senseless, she grabs her climbing stuff from her days out with the gang, and heads down to the climbing centre. She spends some time on some boulders, before tackling a lead wall, then heads home for some dinner. ''If you ask me, Benning is an idiot, letting these two dictate the discussion like this.'' Edward says.

Nicholas, ever the eldest Blackwood's lieutenant, nods. ''I know, he should just say; 'here's the offer, don't like it, tough shit'. It's what I'd do.''

Joanna feels the fire Elias stoked in her rising, but tries to freeze it back down, she's not called 'Ice Queen' for nothing. She scrolls through her instagram to keep herself busy. ''How do we know it's not just Elias and Quinn being greedy? Wanting more than they're due? It's not like either had a good season last year, is it?'' Her brother-in-law Matthew poses. Which is... simply untrue. Quinn led the team in assists. Elias was injured. And, the team got sick with covid. ''Besides, it's just business, right?'' Lucinda adds. Joanna fiddles with her ring, a topaz and emerald on yellow gold, Elias' most recent birthday gift to her. His ring, their stones, his love. ''You guys know I'm right here, don't you? The girlfriend of one Canuck and best friend of another?'' Edward laughs. ''Anna, you've been with him for two years.''

Joanna furrows her brows. ''And? We live together, I've met his family, we already know we're forever. So, what do you think gives you the right to speak about him like that? I'm going through this stress too, you know?''

Matthew asks, in disbelief. ''Really? How?'' Joanna simply states, because they made each other a promise. ''If he leaves, so do I.'' Nicholas scoffs. ''Oh, come on, sis. This city is your home.'' Lucinda says. ''There will be other guys, Anna.''

With this, Joanna rises, and books an early morning flight to Michigan. ''He's my home, my family, the love of my life. If the three of you can't understand that, I'm out. Mike, Kate, I'll text you tomorrow.'' She goes to pack up for the flight. In silence, she packs her car, and drives back into the city. Staying the night at home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Joanna books in for her flight to Detroit the next morning, goes through security. After a quick breakfast, Joanna gets on her flight, bound for her boyfriend. Perhaps she should've taken this holiday with him all along. She can't understand how her married older siblings can be so... dismissive of them.

She lands in Detroit late that afternoon, and orders an Uber to take her to Ann Arbor. The driver is called Peter, and he's really nice. ''What brings a BC girl to Michigan?'' He asks in the car.

Joanna says. ''My boyfriend is with friends here, I had a fallout with my family, so, here I am.'' After some time of driving, Peter asks her. ''Do you know where he is, Joanna?'' Joanna mentally kicks herself for the oversight. ''No, hang on.'' She texts Quinn.

Joanna Rose: Hey, Q, I'm in Ann Arbor, where are you guys rn? Huggy Bear: Really? We're at my parents' place. 45 Franklin Street, on the lake. Should I tell my mom to get a room ready? Joanna Rose: I already sleep with Elias, Q, we'll be okay.

She tells Peter the address, and he drops her off. She pays and tips him, thanking God for her trust fund. The house is lovely, a nice big lakehouse. All the hallmarks of a hockey family in the frontyard. She's dead tired, and knocks the door. Quinn lets her into the house, it's very cozy in here. ''This place is amazing, Q.'' She hugs him. He leads her through to the back patio, here she's finally reunited with her Elias. ''Hjartat, what... how...'' She leaps into his arms, he holds her tight. ''I've missed you so much.''

Elias kisses her neck. ''I've missed you too, alskling.'' Before the trio are joined, she tells them everything her siblings were saying over dinner last night. ''It just... hurt me so much... they were just insulting you as if I wasn't even there.''

Quinn is shocked. ''And 'there will be other guys'? Has Lucinda met you two? Hell, even Brock and I know you'll be married one day.'' Elias stares a hole in the oak planks beneath them. ''But, Anna, they're your family.''

Joanna takes his hands. ''So are you, and Quinn, and Brock, and Thatcher. You are my family, I choose you.'' Elias kisses her hands, and says. ''I choose you too.''

In time, Quinn's younger brothers - Jack and Luke join them. ''You must be Joanna, Petey loves gushing about you.'' Jack says. Joanna laughs, and relaxes into his arms. ''I can imagine.''

To her surprise, both Tkachuk brothers and their sister join them too. The group hang out, until Ellen Hughes sends them to bed. Joanna climbs into bed with Elias.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Over the coming days, the group hang out as young people should. Quinn's family are super nice and welcoming. During breakfast on her fourth morning, she says to Jim and Ellen. ''Sorry for dropping in on you, Mr and Mrs Hughes, I've just missed Elias so much.'' Jim assures her. ''Don't apologize, dear, our door is always open to Quinn's friends. Quinn told us why you're here, I can't believe how insensitive your family have been.''

Ellen adds, backing her husband up. ''You and Elias live together, that sounds pretty permanent to me.'' Luke puts his plate in the dishwasher. ''I think they're jealous, Joanna, they all have normal spouses, you have a Canuck.''

Brady tips his juice glass to the youngest Hughes brother. ''Hear hear, Lukey.''

Joanna laughs, she finds that she rather likes Luke's honesty, reminds her of her younger sister. ''You'd get on so well with my little sister, Kate. She's seventeen, and does not hold back.''

Later that day, Elias and Quinn's new contracts arrive in the mail, and are signed before the group go down to the lake. Joanna has Taryn snap a picture of herself and Elias. Which goes onto her instagram.

@Joanna_Rose: Take this sinking ship, and point it home. We've still got time - Glen and Marketa. With my favourite person on Earth, I love you, Elias!

liked by: @_eliaspettersson, @_quinnhughes, @bboeser, and 250 others.

Replies:

@_eliaspettersson: Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice, you've made it now. My love, my light. I love you, Joanna.

@TessaKnight: Glad to see my bestie is happy with you, Elias! @NucksForever: Love looks good on you guys! @Canucks: Can't wait to have you guys home soon!

@bboeser: My two best friends, can't wait to see you two again.

@Elianna4Ever: Our beloveds! And the Once lyrics are everything, Glen and Marketa are iconic for that song.

@Joanna_Rose: Yeah, we watched Once ages ago, and Falling Slowly is just... the most impactful song I've heard in my life. Glad you stan us, because we certainly do.

@BelieveInBlue: Wait, Joanna is in Michigan with the boys?? Holy shit!

@Joanna_Rose: Yeah, had some family drama, and Elias is my safe space, so... here I am! The Hughes fam are awesome, the Tkachuks are chaotic, but that's fine.

The holiday is healing for her, after the fallout with her family, which will probably not be resolved this side of all star break, she savours this precious time off with the love of her life.

[bisluthq]

Another weird friendship is with Brittany Mahomes? Like wtf do they bond over? She’s got a young family and is obsessed with fitness and soccer? That’s very baffling to me. No hate on the woman but it’s weird.

Eh, I mean in hetty (or hetty presenting lol like any relationship that's girl/boy) relationships, hanging out with your partner's guy friends' girlfriends/wives is pretty common idk unless you legit dislike each other and they have no real reason to LEGIT dislike each other. Patrick and Travis are legit very close, like beyond teammates and friendly colleagues levels of close - they're proper good friends. It'd be kinda rude of Tay/Britt to not make an effort with the other woman. Just like... socially.

Like idk of my bf's best male friends one's gf is mutual friends with us and set us up kinda, one's currently single but he was with the technophobe girl when *I* met them and she and I became friends through that and are now really super close (semi mildly awkward bc idk who'll we invite to parties or if they can both come or what we'll do but we're unlikely to be hosting parties for a while lol what with my mental health and his back thing), and one's with this girl who I don't really like and who doesn't much like me because we just have fuck all in common idk we just don't really vibe because she's very focused on the kids and she's an aesthetician and keeps trying to like get me to go to her for treatments in ways that sound like subtle insults of my appearance to me (and lol I asked if there's a friends discount bc I would just to get her to shut up but there isn't and she is SO SO SO expensive - good, by all accounts, but fuck expensive) and she's reaaaally into their dogs (who freak me out because they're pretty big pitbulls but again I've tried like one time we were round at their place for a barbecue and they made ribs and I tried to give one of these freaky ass dogs a rib and she lost her shit because she said the pitbull might choke on it and I apologised but in my head I was like "LADY THESE DOGS EAT PEOPLE I THINK THEY CAN HANDLE A FUCKING BEEF RIB!!!") and she also makes a lot of like snide remarks and comments about my like housekeeping idk like she's made comments about how often I use pre-made stuff to cook with when round for dinner and sorta judged how often we go out for food and like said things like "oh I see you haven't gotten round to that" about stuff in my house and like urgh I just don't really like her lmao and I get the sense she doesn't like me lol. Fwiw she was trying to set my bf up with a friend of hers around the same time we got together so maybe that's why, I really dunno. BUT EVEN THOUGH I DON'T LIKE HER AND SHE DOES NOT LIKE ME I still do invite her to stuff like to be polite and she invites me. If I'm having a girls' brunch I do pop her an invite (and hope she doesn't come but she has come before and brought her kids and dogs) and she's invited me on like a girls' walk idk man I think it's just societal conventions?? It'd be rude to our partners if we were like actively rude to one another.

[under1roof36]

Day 2: Drunken First Impressions

GOOD MORNING! We just got back from the club, Ravyn and I came back home eaely because were both drunk as hell since it was her idea to drink since 2:00 this afternoon LOL! I'm surprised I even lasted this long! but since we are the only two here rght now and I saw that the computer was free, I decided I would come and write my first blog of the season! I thought it would be fun to give short drunk and HONEST first impressions of each of my housemates so far so here we go:

Ravyn: Obviously going to be my best friend in the house. We hit it off right away, I feel like I've known her for years! She loves fashion, food, booze, and gossip..instant soulmate! Not to mention she's fucking gorgeous.

Cody: so fucking hot omg. Out of all the guys, Cody is the most like my usual type plus he's British..that accent makes me want to die every time he opens his mouth. Plus he's fun and can hang with the girls without complaining. The only pause with him is that he has a girl back home but I know him and I are going to hook up regardless, I hate that for her.

Alyssa: Alyssa is pretty and seems cool but also kind of vacant. I dont know, maybe i'm wrong but I barely said more than 3 words to her tonight anyways. her and Aaron were off together doing their own thing for most of the night so again I don't really have much to say about her other than she's a pretty girl.

Wale: Big brother vibes, I like him a lot! I think its so cool that he lives in Dublin and another one whos accent I'm obsessed with! I love his energy, he's such a fucking vibe.

Shawn: It’s very exciting for me to meet her, because I don’t know anything about Detroit other than it being some inner city scary area; and I’m kind of shocked that someone so sweet and outgoing could come from there. I know that probably sounds so awful and close minded but I said above Honest! lol..I've neevr been to Detroit so Im not saying that my opinions are true, I'm just basing them off of what I've seen in the media. But I like Shawn, she's the life of the party.

Mo: Instantly gave me bitch boy vibes and there's nothing I hate more than a guy who gives attitude and cattiness like a bitch. As soon as we all met up he instantly had a sour look on his face and was cold af. He was mad that we didnt wait for them, then made them wait for us, but nobody told them they had to wait for us so he should be mad at himself. But yea I already dont like him lol.

Aaron: similiar to my first impression for Alyssa, I dont know much about him because like I said, those 2 were more invested in each other than they were trying to get to know the rest of us. But Aaron is hot, the second hottest guy behind Cody lol, but they low key look like twins.

But aside from one or two, everyone seems fun and chill for the most part. I think we'll have a lot of fun this season...Hopefully!!

Morgan

[foone]

Look, we're vampires. We don't eat. If we're doordashing to a vampire club meeting, it's so we can feed on the delivery guy.

And that's a terrible idea, which is one of the reasons we have to have regular vampire club meetings. You can't just eat delivery drivers, especially not ones you ordered to your own house, damn it!

There's way too much of a paper trail. These drivers are GPS tracked and everything. You're basically telling the police exactly when and where your snack went missing. You don't think they'll figure out you're involved and start asking questions?

This is an important thing to teach old vampires because so many of us have been hanging out since the 1750s and don't really understand this newfangled tech. And while it's relatively easy to teach an old dog a new trick (like ordering stuff on a smartphone), the problem is that they don't fully understand how it works. It's basically magic to them. So they'll just get themselves in trouble. Thus the whole "don't DoorDash a victim to your house!" talk I give at all these vampire groups (ideally each vampire community should have their own tech guy, but wouldn't you know it, a bunch of immortals are vaguely conservative in their ways and haven't gotten with the program and turned some IT tech at the local call center... So I have to travel a lot)

And no, Orlop*, for the last time: using dating apps is not the Modern Vampire Lifehack you think it is either. There's a paper trail again. Your virgin meal's roommate is just gonna call the cops and go "my roommate went on a date and hadn't been back in a week" and they'll get grindr to give them the records and it'll lead them right to LestatDaddy69.

Besides, your bewitching aura doesn't work over an app, so you can't exactly mesmerize them into coming home with you. Plus you can't fill your profile with sexy selfies if YOU DON'T SHOW UP ON CAMERAS.

Anyway the current times are tough on vampires. They're used to having a lot of their meals basically fall into their open mouths, but situations have changed. If some poor soul has their car break down outside your creepy mansion, they're not gonna come inside and ask to stay the night or use your phone, they're gonna call AAA or use an app to summon an Uber.

And no one is doing door to door salesman shit anymore, they'll just spam your Hotmail address.

So vamps are getting desperate, and this is leading many of them to get sloppy and do foolish things. Which is exactly the opposites of how vampires need to act: we are immortals and need to look at the long game. Let humans do short-sighted things, we gotta think about what we'll be doing in 200 years. And from that perspective, the absolute last thing we need to do is get a bunch of vamps caught by the cops and end up triggering another big anti-vampire crusade. Do you want another Svalbard Incident? Because I sure as fuck don't!

The average batfuck can't even imagine how bad it would be if we got the government on our asses. Do you know how easy it would be to figure out half the vamps in the country if they started doing metadata analysis specifically to look for us? Hell, census records alone would give you a bunch of vamps just because of how lazy ya'll have been with hiding the fact that you've owned the same moldy mansion since before the revolutionary war.

This is the kind of shit I have to deal with all the time. These bloodsuckers who are so arrogant because they've been living large for a couple hundred years and don't seem to realize what I'm telling them: the hemotypicals have them outnumbered a million to one and they have computers now. You can't keep acting like this is still the depression era when you could grab some worker off the street and have no one notice or care that they went missing. You are going to get your undead ass killed, and more importantly, get the rest of us killed too.

Gah. At least I don't have to teach them how to us windows 98 anymore. Thank fuck for the user friendliness of iPhones.

* editors note: the Orlop deck is part of wooden sailing ships. Vamp!Foone probably meant (Count) Orlok, the antagonist of the 1922 German expressionist film Nosferatu – Eine Symphonie des Grauens)

People keep showing up uninvited to our Vampire Club and we immediately know they don't belong, for obvious reasons

[one-sad-human]

•Pinky Promises• Steven Adler

Pairing: Steven Adler x Reader, Axl Rose x Sibling! Reader

Requested? Yup! By an anon

Theme: Angst(?) to fluff

Warnings: Language, sexual references but nothing explicit

Word Count: 1.8k

A/N: Fic 1 of 2! Hope you enjoy! Also, the makeout near the end gets sorta hot and it was pretty fun to write? Like I’m considering exploring into writing smutter pieces. I didn’t want to originally because I thought I’d cringe all the way through and hate the result but I might try it out in the near future. Nothing too crazy but it’s something for me to think about.

     You step off of the large bus, your combat boots hitting the ground as you adjust the bag slung over your shoulder. It's stuffed to the brim with whatever you threw in, you're surprised the zipper did burst.

     You take a deep breath of the LA air. It's hot and humid and despite the thick air pollution, you can breath easier than you did in Indiana.

     You grew up in Lafayette, Indiana with your older half-brother William. You were raised in the hellish house with your shared father, which you finally managed to escape.

     William left right at eighteen. He tried taking you with him, but you didn't want him to be charged with kidnapping and have the cops on his ass. Now, two years and your father's stolen wallet later, you're finally in the city of dreams.

     "Will!" You yell out, spotting your redheaded other half.

     "Y/N!" He mocks, catching your figure in a crushing hug. He's taller than you, so you have to stand on your tippy toes during the embrace. "Thank God you're alright."

     "I'm fine, I'm happy to finally see you again," you say, a huge grin on your face. "How's the band? Everything going well?"

     "Well enough," he says with a shrug, grabbing your heavy bag and slinging it around his shoulder. "Come on, I'll introduce you to the guys. You already know Izzy of course, but the rest of them."

     The walk to the 'hell house' as Will had called it is filled with catching up. He made sure to keep in contact with you, but the phone calls were always short. It felt nice to have a full length conversation in person with your brother again.

     "Welcome home," Will says, leading you into the house. You grimace when you catch a whiff of stale beer and weed.

     "You seriously live here? This place should be condemned," you say with disgust.

     "And then where would we live?" The oh-so familiar voice of Will's best friend meets your ears. You whip around and fly into his arms.

     "Jeffery! I missed you so much! You really should've tried calling, you ass!" You exclaim. Izzy rolls his eyes but smiles nonetheless, patting your back during the hug.

     "Who's this?" Another man enters the living room— if that's what it should even be called. He's blonde, taller than you but shorter than the other two men in the room. He has kind eyes and the smile he has on his handsome face leaves you speechless.

     "U-uh, hi. I'm Y/N," you say after a moment of shameless gawking. If he noticed, he doesn't mention it.

     "Oh that's right! Axl talks a lot about you! I'm Steven," he says and bounds up to you, catching your hand in a shake. You don't question who the hell 'Axl' is, but you smile stupidly at him and bite your lip with a blush staining your face.

     "No," Will says, glaring at the cute blonde you've taking an immediate liking to. "Absolutely not."

     "William!" You squeak out, pinching his shoulder harsher. He yelps and swats your hand away. Will glares further at you as he ushers you up the creaky stairs to your room. "Nothing happened! And who the fuck is 'Axl'?"

     "I saw how you were looking at him! I'm not naive, Y/N. You were giving him the 'fuck me' eyes! And me, everyone calls me Axl here." You give him a look. "Except you, of course. You can call me Will."

     You don't give him another word as he leads you to your bedroom. He was the one who didn't have a roommate before, and he'd have to share with Slash now but he was determined to give you your privacy.

     "This is the only room with a working lock, use it. Especially when your changing! Three horny men in a house with one you isn't a good combo." You make a face and shake your head, but you can't really tell if he's being overprotective or if his band mates really are pigs.

     "Are you not including Izzy?"

     "Please, he's the only smart one besides me. He knows I'll rip him a new one." You laugh and give Will another hug.

     "I've really missed hanging out with you like this, and thank you for letting me stay here." He nods and rubs your back.

     "No problem, we have each other's backs, always." You nod and release your bother from the hug. "One rule though: no hooking up with the guys. One time thing or not, you don't know them like I do, I won't let you get hurt. So don't even try anything with Steven!"

     "Even if it's nothing sex?" Will levels you with a look that would make you sweat if you were anyone else. You sigh and roll your eyes. "Fine! I promise."

     "Pinky promise?" He asks, holding out his pinky finger. You shake your head but comply anyway, hooking your pinky on his.

     "Wow, bringing out the big guns, pinky promises," you tease.

     "Bitch," he mumbles. You gasp sarcastically.

     "Asshole!" You reply. William takes his leave with another slew of insults under his breath but none to be taken seriously and all with a smile. You shut your door after him and lay on your bed, content with how things are finally beginning to look up.

If you knew where you would be in just a few months of living with your brother and his band, you never would've agreed to the naive promise Will had forced on you. You think back to the day with a frown.

"Whatcha thinkin' about?" Steven asks, pecking your bare shoulder as he lays behind you on your bed. You both lay naked and damp with sweat, glowing from the moonlight streaming in the room.

"William," you say with a sigh.

"We just had sex and your thinking of your brother? Should I be worried about you?" Steven asks teasingly. You fight the smile growing on your face and lightly pinch the his arm tightly wrapped around you. He never fails to make you laugh.

"I just feel bad keeping this a secret from him." You turn around to be face to face with Steven. "It's been months of sneaking around. I'm always nervous we'll get caught together or I'll blurt it out to him."

"Then why don't we just tell him?"

"Do you want to die! Steven, honestly, do you have a death wish?"

"No, but—"

"Then we can't tell my brother we're together. He'll murder you, and then probably me one he finds out how long I've been lying to him," you say and move your head in the crook of Steven's neck.

"Then we can be together in the afterlife!" Steven folds his arms around you even tighter. "Seriously though, we can't lie to him forever. We've been together for six months already, surely he'll see how much we care about each other and not want to kill us."

"Yeah, maybe," you say halfheartedly and close your eyes, finally letting yourself fall asleep.

The next night, Guns has a gig at the Whiskey A-Go Go. The ritual goes like it has been, they play the gig, you wait for Will to get drunk, and you and Steven sneak out to the back of the club to make out and maybe get felt up a bit before returning like nothing happened.

It isn't different this time. Steven's hands leave your skin ablaze as he lets them wander down your sides and up your thighs. His lips don't leave yours, even as he squeezes your ass and you let out a moan. He grins on your mouth and presses his pelvis up to your stomach.

His mouth leaves yours to press feather light kisses to your cheek before trailing down your jaw and onto your neck, where he sucks nips at. You have to press a hand to your mouth to stay quiet.

"Don't leave marks," you remind him through batted breath.

"I won't," he reassures and silences you with a chaste kiss to your swollen lips before returning his attack on your neck.

You hear footsteps fast approaching, but as quickly as you hear them, Steven is ripped away from you. He's slammed into the brick wall next to you harshly and groans. You jump away and gasp.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" William asks, his voice lower than usual. His green eyes dark and downright scary.

"Will! Let him go, come on. Stop fucking around, you didn't have to slam him into a wall," you say, but your shaky voice falls on deaf ears as Will doesn't move. Your hands grasp at his arm and try to yank him away from Steven, but he's stronger and taller than you and doesn't budge, he just keeps his eyes focused on Steven.

"Nothing!" He squeaks out. Even in the dark, his kiss bruised lips and flushed red face is obvious.

"'Nothing?' That's why you were ten seconds away from fucking Y/N?" Will asks.

"William stop it! You're scaring me! Leave him alone!" You push him again and this time, he relents. Will paces and runs his hand through his red locks while you rush to make sure Steven is ok.

"I'm fine, I'm fine," Steven mutters and presses a kiss to your brow to comfort you, sending you a smile when he pulls away. He keeps his hands on your arms and rubs circles with his thumbs.

"How long has this been going on?" Will asks, crossing his arms as he finally stops his pacing.

"Six months..." Steven says nervously. William scoffs and shakes his head. "But it isn't just fucking around! I love them, Ax. Really."

You smile bashfully, biting your lip to try and contain it. You knew you felt strongly for Steven and that he returned the feelings, but you haven't outright said you loved each other— until know of course.

Will stays silent for a few beats, staring contemplative at Steven. He finally sighs, bring a hand up to rub his temples like he has a building headache.

"Yeah? And you love him, Y/N?" He asks. You nod, reaching out to grab Steven's hand. Steven lets a grin creep on to his face. "Then I guess I can't stop you. But if you ever break their heart, I'll fucking gut you, Adler."

If Will makes Steven nervous, he doesn't show it. He gives him a salute with his puppy dog like smile before sticking out his pinky.

"I promise I'll never hurt Y/N purposely, ever." Will rolls his eyes, the irony makes him nearly groan aloud. He sucks it up anyway when he sees your hopeful expression, hooking his pinky onto Steven's.

"Don't make me regret this, Steven," Will grumbles before leaving and walking back into the crowded club. Steven lets out an exhilarated laugh and kisses you, hard.

"Told you he wouldn't kill me!" Steven exclaims, making you laugh out of surprise.

"And we don't have to sneak around anymore!" Steven kisses you again, and again and again until you're breathless.

"I'm so in love with you," he mumbles between his attack on your lips. You smile, tangling your hands in his aqua-net filled hair.

"As I am with you."

[levihan-drabbles]

LEVIHANWEEN - The Levihan Drabble Week pt. 2 (Halloween Special)

Hello, Levihan stans! The admins are back with another installment of the Levihan drabble week (the first event we ever held ;)) this time, we are going with the Halloween theme and are excited to celebrate Levihanween with the fandom!

Starting right off, I want to mention that the drabble week is open to all kinds of content creators and not just writers. We just stick with the name of drabble week because that was what we started with.

The Levihanween will run from October 25th to 31st 2021. This time, we'll give the prompts beforehand and introduce two new features, that is the prompt path and paired-up projects. Read on to know more about how we make the drabble week unique!

⊕ prompt paths

One of our main goals for the drabble week is to make it as customizable as we can! and that is why we give an option of two types of prompts the participants can receive. we have Levi's list and Hange's notebook, and you can use any of the above two depending on the kind of writer, or artist you are!

We'll also give an option to receive NSFW prompts for each day. Just make sure you tag your work properly!

In addition, you can also alternate between Levi's list and Hange's notebook for different days. For example, you can use the specified prompt from Levi's list for Monday while you use something from Hange's notebook for Tuesday!

Now, we are very excited to reveal the prompts we chose for this drabble week. We had a lot of fun choosing them and we hope you will like them too!

LEVIHANWEEN PROMPTS - Levi's list

Levi's list is a collection of very vague, one-word prompts for creators who prefer more freedom on what they would like to create. here's our list for the second drabble week, the Levihanween version 2021 October!

Monday 25th October - Candy/sweet - tooth

Tuesday 26th October - Disguise/Costume

Wednesday 27th October - Spell/Witchcraft

Thursday 28th October - Hunt/Run

Friday 29th October - Morbid/Shiver

Saturday 30th October - Bite/Teeth

Sunday 31st October - free spot or paired-up project (will be explained at the end)

LEVIHANWEEN PROMPTS - Hange's Notebook

Hange's notebook is a collection of more specific, detailed, and challenging prompts! Go with these if you find them fun/interesting and don't want to think too hard about coming up with a plot! We have 6 for each day (3 of them are NSFW) you are to choose any 1 out of the 6!

(Note: we use they/them for Hange in these prompts just to stay universal but you can use any pronouns you prefer!)

Monday 25th October - Candy/sweet-tooth

1. "You look too grumpy to be the owner of such a bright candy shop," Hange leaned, a teasing smile at their lips. "Shut it, four eyes." Levi drawled, eyes narrowing into annoyed slits.

2. "Maybe it wasn't a good idea to eat that many sweets.." Hange groaned from the toilet. "That's the smartest thing you've said all night," Levi called out from the doorway.

3. "Let's take the bikes. If we start early, we can reach the houses with the big candy bars before it gets too dark."

NSFW

4. "Someone is stealing my candy." "I thought you didn't like sweet things." "Shut up, let me smell your breath."

5. "Levi, I challenge you to a candy collecting competition. Whoever collects most candies wins...

Tuesday 26th October - Disguise/Costume

1. "That's a great grim reaper costume." "It isn't a costume." "Today is Halloween, right?"

"No," Levi narrows his eyes, "You are dying."

2. "Levi, please you gotta help me with this. Miche bailed out at the last moment and I need a partner or I'm screwed." Levi glared at the pink bunny suit that Hange was trying to hand over to him. "Like hell, four-eyes."

3 ."Hey guys, welcome back to my channel where today I'll be trying on sexy Halloween costumes in front of my partner." Hange proceeds to walk out into the living room, vlog camera in hand, wearing a sexy Bigfoot costume. "Four eyes, what the fuck?"

NSFW

4. "Stop moving and let me take your measurements." Levi griped, nudging Hange's thighs apart.

"It tickles-" Hange snickered.

5. Levi had a temporary lapse of judgment when agreeing to participate in that stupid bet Hange came up with. Now here he was, squeezed into a sexy nurse outfit. "This is stupid.." "I don't know Levi...I think I may be coming down with something." Hange teased while fanning their face.

6. There's a monster hiding under Hange's bed.... but it's not as bad as you think.

Wednesday 27th October - Spell/Witchcraft

1. "Turn me back, shitty four-eyes!" Levi hissed, fur sticking up on end as he glared murderously up at them. Hange tried their best to keep a straight face, "Oh Levi... you make such a cute cat!"

2. "I am going to put an end to that spell." "Don't be stupid, you could die!" "If I don't, you will. And I sure as hell am not having that."

3. There is a mouse chewing at Levi's shoes. It's Hange.

NSFW

4. Hange accidentally drank the love portion she was trying to experiment on and now Levi has to deal with her for the whole night

5. "There's-There's something wrong with the Captain," Moblit panted as he approached Erwin and Hange. "He has been acting very odd."

"Since when did this happen?" Erwin asked.

"Since the morning tea time."

"Wait, did he drink some of the concoction of herbs brewing in the kitchen?"

"...Wasn't that tea?"

"Erwin, Moblit... I think I know what's happening here."

6. "Magic." "Magic?" Levi questioned, breath hitching as Hange dragged a hand up his bare arm. "Yes, magic." They replied, lips dragging up into a sultry smirk. "Let me change your life, short stuff."

Thursday 28th October - Hunt/Run

1. Levi’s a werewolf with a bounty on his head and Hange’s a charming supernatural bounty hunter on a mission to catch him.

2. Hange walked ahead of him, taking time with each step while waving the flashlight around the dark space around them. Something creaked behind them and Hange turned the light over Levi’s shoulder.“Levi…” Hange mumbled, eyes widening.

“What?”

“Run.”

3. Hange is a scientist who wants to research centaurs and captures Levi (who is a centaur) but her rival scientist Zeke has something up his sleeve.

4. Levi angled the blade closer to Hange's neck. "I've spent years trying to hunt you down, and do you think I'll let you go so easily?"

NSFW

5. Levi and Hange panted in the dark, trying to catch their breath. Now that they were safe, Levi couldn't help but notice their close proximity, and the fact that he could feel the heat radiating from her skin.

6. Hange hid in Levi's bathroom, a place where he would never expect her to be. Because if Levi found her, she was so screwed.

Friday 29th October - Morbid/Shiver

1. Strange things usually did happen during the night of hallows eve, what Hange didn’t expect was there to be a killer in the loose. The only thing they worried about was finding Levi and getting somewhere safe.

2. When he wakes, it’s cold. White puffs condensed in the air around him with every breath. He was wet too, and vaguely remembered the ache in his lungs when he drowned.

“Are you dead too?”

Levi whirled around to meet the gaze of another child around his age, doe brown eyes twinkling slightly at the prospect of making a new friend.

“I’m Hange.”

3. Our goddess/God was kind, benevolent, and perfect in every way. They protected us.” The priest looks to Levi who stands before him, holding a weapon stained with divine blood. Then he asks, “Why did you kill them?”

NSFW

4. When Hange dies, they wake up in a fiery place. It is hell. It doesn’t make sense, they have been good their whole life. When they ask the demon why, he sounds annoyed, “You are not being punished, four eyes.”

“You are the punishment.”

5. “Ack! Levi no, that’s gross!” Hange shrieked, kicking the heel of their foot against his shoulder. Levi leaned back a bit and continued to lick his fingers clean. “You’re the one in bed with a corpse.” He taunted in return.

6. Levi was positive that he was the only one in the room. So why did he feel a finger stroke his spine?

Saturday 30th October - Bite/Teeth

1. As Levi and Hange stood near the railing of the port, looking at the ships entering Marley, Hange extended their ice cream to him. "Wanna take a bite?"

2. Levi’s throat visibly worked at the sight of Hange’s exposed neck. Their skin held a tanned, olive complexion, taunting him. His dry, cracked lips parted, tongue swiping over one of his pointed fangs.

Then Hange turned their head to blink at him with oblivious eyes and flashed him a grin.

3. “Ow! It bit me.” Hange cried out, pulling their hand back with a pout.

“I told you, four eyes.” Levi scolded as he to their hand to observe the blood that began to bead on their finger.

Without thinking, he stuck their finger into his mouth and sucked on it. Hange jumped, gaping at him.

When he noticed their expression, he quickly pulled their finger out with an audible pop, leaving Hange a flushed, stammering mess.

NSFW

1. Hange loses a dare and now they have to convince the Levi Ackerman to give them a hickey.

2. Hange fixed their piercing brown eyes on him. "Do you ever find something so impossibly cute that you just want to... I don't know, bite it?"

3. Hange takes a bite of the wrong dessert.

---

FAQ

1. Do I have to stick to either Levi's list or Hange's notebook for the entire week?

Ans. No, you don't! You can alternate between the two, choosing prompts from each section for different days, depending on your mood. If you feel like writing something spicy, go for nsfw! It all depends on you!

2. Is there any word limit? Do I have to write only drabbles for this week?

Ans. Nope! There is no word limit! Everything from a 200-word drabble to a 15k one-shot is welcome!

3. Do I have to tag your account when I post my work?

Ans. Yes, please do so! When you post your work, please mention the prompt you have chosen and tag our account (@levihan-drabbles) or use the hashtag #levihanween2021 so we can find it and reblog it! We also have a year-end project where we compile all the works we ever received in the drabble weeks in a portfolio!

4. What if I can't post something each day?

Ans. That's completely fine! We want you to have fun, not feel pressured. You can post your work at your own pace, and take more days if you wish to. Just make sure to mention the prompt in your work so we can organize it accordingly!

If you have any other questions, please feel free to send them in our ask box or message us privately! We will reach you asap!

⊕ Sunday - free spot/paired up project

On 31st October, Sunday, we give a free spot, so write whatever speaks to you! However, we also have another project planned for the day and I am very excited to talk about it!

On our discord, we started a program called 'creative partners' and it received a lot of positive feedback and therefore, we will be implementing a part of it in the drabble week. Note that this is completely optional and you will have to fill out a form to participate in this.

Basically, writers, artists, and all participants get randomly paired up and have to collaborate with their partners to produce something together! It's all about teamwork and making new friends!

You can be partnered with a writer or an artist, and have to work with them together on any topic you both choose!

To participate in this event, (and if you don't want to, that's okay!) please fill this form. Take note that this form closes on the 22nd and your partner will be announced on the same day the form closes so you can reach out to them before.

And that's all! We are super excited about this event and we hope you have fun with it too 😄

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask! we will be looking forward to your participation! Much love.

Happy Levihanween! Poster by @jumpinguptothesky Organizers of Levihanween- Levihan drabble week #2 - @glassesandswords @dontatmethanks and @pinkweirdsunsets

[tinyboxxtink]

"...So I Married A Monster" *Chapter 2*

Chapter 1

Chapter 3

Man we just skipped the happy fun times here and went straight into the fire, didn't we? Zero to hundred REAL quick.

What can I say guys, writing is therapy. And I have a lot of demons.

Eventually we'll get some fluff....eventually. Maybe.

Tag List

@madamsnape921

@lolliepopsicle

@chasingeverybreakingwave

@milkshqke

@wanniiieeee

@gibbs274

@sassyada

@aprildecker-blog

@bookishfanfic

@stars-in-the-skies-world

@stars-trash-18

@omgsuperstarg

@objection-argumentative

@thatesqcrush

@shittanyy

@mrsrafaelbarba

@word-scribbless

@storiesofsvu

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

Rafael went to his car and began to think. He had to trust you would listen to what you said, if you loved him like he loved you, you would. But the thought that terrified him more than losing you right now was that William Lewis was back, and on the loose. He dialed Liv’s number as he sped back towards New York City.

“Liv,” He said very seriously as soon as she answered. “He’s back. Lewis is back,”

Meanwhile

You started to pull yourself together when you heard a small noise from the corner of the room. You saw Maggie standing there with her mouth open.

“Oh baby--” You stood up and walked over to her.

“Why was he saying that, mom?” She had lost her sassy demeanor, and was now just a scared little girl.

“I…” You put a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t know, baby girl,”

“I bet it’s because he’s jealous,” She scoffed, now resuming her angry flippant self. “He’s jealous dad is a better dude than him. I don’t know why--”

“We are not getting into this again, Margaret,” You used her full name, letting her know you meant business.

“You don’t…” Maggie paused. “You don’t believe him, do you mom?”

“What?” You blinked, trying to decide whether or not to answer honestly. Her big doe eyes looked at you, begging you to confirm that her dad was the man she thought he was.

“...No, of course not sweetie,” You shook your head and pulled her into a huge hug.

But you weren’t entirely sure at all.

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

The Next Day In The SVU Office

Rafael and the squad had been working all night since he had made the call to Olivia. The squad room was now full of a corkboard full of all of William’s aliases, past transgressions, etc. Except now your name along with Maggie and Kylie’s names were added on a side stem, with “Billy Loomis?” written above it.

“So, you’re sure this chick hasn’t been helping William this whole time? Helping him hideout?” Fin asked Barba.

“What?” Rafael gasped. “No, not at all. No way,” He shook his head violently. “She didn’t even know who he was,”

“....Mmmhmm,” Fin gave the others a look.

“Look Fin I didn’t come here to here you insult my girlfriend--”

“Your girlfriend?” Nick asked. “Didn’t you say she kicked you out?”

“I don’t care, when she realizes--”

“And what if she doesn’t?” Olivia chimed in. “What if she does try to help him now?”

“Olivia!” He looked at her in betrayal. “Come on, you don’t think--”

“You said that he already convinced her to kick you out by just a few words on the phone,” Olivia pointed out. “Now that he knows you two are involved he is gonna try like hell to drive that wedge further and further,”

“But he won’t be able to if she finds out who he is,” Rafael rebutted.

“But if she won’t look, she won’t know,” Olivia stood her ground.

“She’ll look,” Rafael reiterated. “I know she will,”

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

Back at your house

It was late at night, the girls were asleep and you were on your phone in your bed with a bottle of wine. You had brought a glass to bed with you, but you were drinking straight out of the bottle.

What Rafael said yesterday was eating at you. But what was eating at you more was the fact that you were starting to believe him over the man you had shared your life with for almost a decade, a man who you had two children with.

You looked at your phone which had your text thread with Rafael pulled up on it. You went through all the texts you had ever sent. The late night conversations, the little texts in the middle of the day just to say he missed you. He was so good to you, he always had been. He would never lie to you...would he?

You closed the text thread and opened up GOOGLE. You looked to the sky and asked God to forgive you for betraying the father of your children like this; but it had to be done. You typed in the name “WILLIAM LEWIS” and hit “SEARCH”.

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

At Rafael’s Home

Rafael was staring at the text thread between you from his own phone, rubbing the screen with his thumb. He wanted so badly to call you, but he knew he needed to trust you to do this on your own. Plus, he was sure you wouldn’t answer if he called anyway. While he was staring longingly at his phone, it lit up:

UNKNOWN NUMBER CALLING

He had a pit of dread forming in his stomach, but he answered the phone anyway.

“Hello?”

“Hello there, counselor,”

“How did you get this number?”

“My lovely wife gave it to me, obviously,”

“You’re lying,”

“Am I?”

“Yes, she wouldn’t do that,”

“Oh really?” He chuckled darkly. “You really think she cares about you that much?”

“I know she does,”

“Well, you know that’s really unfortunate for you, because you won’t see her or my kids again,”

“Why are you doing this?” Rafael asked. “Why do you even have a family? What are you going to do with them?!”

“What?” He laughed. “Nothing, counselor. I assure you,”

“Bullshit,”

“No actually, it’s not,” William explained. “Y’know after I had my little...adventure, in New York. I went off the grid. Wanted to live a normal life for a little while. And then I met Y/N,”

“Uh huh..” Rafael listened impatiently.

“And then I fell in love with her, and we had two beautiful girls. And I love those girls more than anything in this world, Barba,” He explained.

“You’re a fucking liar,” Rafael spit. “You don’t know how to love,”

“Believe it or not I do,” William smirked. “I just...don’t show it in a normal way,”

“Right,” Rafael rolled his eyes.

“Hey, look,” William defended. “I was in love with Y/N for a while, I really was. And then--”

“Then what?”

“Then, she got a little naggy,” William shrugged. “She got on my nerves, and I got that itch again,”

“That itch?”

“Y’know, that...itch,”

“You wanted to kill her,”

“I did,” William admitted. “But I figured killing mommy wouldn’t be something I could get past the kiddos, so I scratched that itch in other places,”

“She did say you travelled a lot…’for work’,” Rafael recalled a conversation he had about him before with you one time, in passing. If only he knew what he knew now.

“Yeah,” William chuckled to himself.

His ‘work’ was quite extensive. And it was exhausting trying to lead a double life, but he was being honest when he said he loved his girls. He really did. He loved them more than anything or anyone he had before, maybe ever. He’d never let anyone hurt them...or turn them against him.

“Anyhow,” He continued. “Y’know I may not be in love with Y/N anymore, but you know what I hate?”

“What?”

“People touching my things,” Lewis growled.

“She is not a THING, Lewis. She’s not even yours anymore,” Rafael yelled.

“See I know you’ve never been married Barba, so maybe you don’t understand this,” Lewis lowered his voice to an eerily calm manner. “But when you marry someone, in front of God and everyone you love, it creates a bond. An everlasting bond,”

“Oh give me a break--”

“And that bond, cannot be broken. ‘Till death do us part,”

“...Are you threatening her?” Rafael was vibrating with rage.

“No, of course not counselor,” William replied innocently. “However, if you were to help her break those vows….I might be forced to,”

“Excuse me?”

“Until death do us part, Barba,” William repeated. “That means either she stays faithful to me, or I’ll have to kill her,”

“Don’t you DARE touch her Lewis, do you hear me?!” Rafael’s blood was boiling.

“Well I won’t have to, as long as you leave her be,” William replied calmly.

“....You won’t get away with this,” Rafael growled.

“Oh I think I will,” William smirked. “Because if you send anyone after me, she will die,”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Rafael growled. “You just said your kids would--”

“So maybe mommy gets in a car wreck on the way home, or God forbid robbed in a parking lot!” Lewis taunted Rafael with an evil laugh.

“You’re the fucking devil, you know that?”

“Maybe, but I know I’m a man who gets what he wants,” Lewis chuckled. “I’ll let you go Barba, I know you’re a busy man. And remember, I’ll be watching!”

And with that he hung up on Rafael.

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

Almost immediately after hanging up with Lewis, Rafael’s phone lit up again.

Y/N CALLING

“Holy shit…” He blinked in disbelief at the phone. How did you know?

“...Y/N?”

“Rafa,” You tried to keep yourself from crying, you couldn’t wake up the girls. “Rafa I...I saw William Lewis,”

“Oh god,” Rafael put a hand over his head. “Baby, I am so, so--”

“No, I’m sorry,” You cut him off. “I should have listened to you, I should have googled him, not kicked you out,”

“You didn’t know…”

“No but you did, and I should have trusted you. That’s what you do when you--” You paused, never having had said it out loud before.

“....When you what?” He waited with bated breath.

“When you love someone,” You bit your lip, hoping it wasn’t too late to say.

“I knew it,” He smiled to himself. “I knew you loved me. I knew he was full of shit,”

“What do you mean he?” Your eyes quirked.

“Shit,” Rafael realized he misspoke. “Um, well--”

“He called you, didn’t he?” You asked.

“...He said you gave him my number,” Rafael confessed.

“I didn’t, I swear to God Rafa I didn’t,” Tears stung your eyes. “I-I don’t know how he--”

“It’s fine, carino,” He assured you. “He has his ways, I know that,”

“Okay…” You said softly, not really sure he believed you. Damn Billy. Damn him to hell.

“Speaking of ‘his ways’--,” Rafael added with an uncomfortable clearing of his throat.

Oh God. What was he going to say?

“He...we…” Rafael tried to get the words out, he really didn’t want to say them out loud.

“He what, Rafael?” You pressed him.

“He said that I can’t see you again,” He closed his eyes as the words fell out of his mouth.

“What?” You nearly dropped the wine bottle all over your sheets.

“I can’t--” He started to repeat himself.

“No,” You cut him off. “No that is not--” There was no way in hell Billy was going to keep you from Rafael, not now.

“He said he would kill you, Y/N,” Rafael said very pensively.

“Well why hasn’t he done it already?!” You raised your voice, quickly looking to the door to make sure the girls hadn’t heard you. They hadn’t.

“He said your kids wouldn’t forgive him, and he really does love them,” He relayed what Lewis had told him.

“Ugh,” You gagged. “I can’t believe that son of a--”

“Y/N I believe him,” Rafael interjected.

“About what?”

“All of it,” He sighed. “I...I think he really does love your daughters,”

“...Really?”

“Yeah, he said that’s why he left. He wanted to scratch his...itch, somewhere else,”

“Oh my god…” You wanted to vomit thinking about all the “business trips” Billy used to take. If you only knew what kind of “business” he was in.

“...And I also think he’ll be good on his word of having you killed,”

“Having me killed?” You snorted. “By who?”

“Guys like him, they know plenty of...dark people,” He rubbed his eyes, he was getting a headache from all of this worrying. “He probably has people watching your house right now,”

“No, there’s no--” You looked out your window and down the street. Nothing looked out of place, but now you were paranoid. “...There’s no way, I would notice. I’m pretty sure,”

“Look we may be worried about nothing,” The idea just occurred to Rafael’s mind.

“Nothing? Really?” You laughed sarcastically.

“Well look, if Lewis thinks that you believed him over me, just...just keep him thinking that,” He hated the idea of you pretending to still...like, Lewis but he needed you safe.

“You want me to just go about my life like I don’t know my ex-husband is a psychopath?!” You hissed, really attempting to keep your voice down. The girls definitely could not hear any of this. Ever.

“Just for now,” Rafael assured you.

“Do you really think he’ll think I chose to believe him over you?” You twirled your hair nervously.

“Well, I mean you didn’t--” He paused. “You’ve never mentioned me before, maybe he’ll just think we were a...a fling or something,”

“I was introducing you to my kids!” You cried. “I think that’s a little more than a fling,”

“Okay fair point,” Rafael shook his head. “But, it would make perfect sense that you would just believe him at his word that I was the bad guy, right? He’s the father of your children, I’m just some guy you were having sex with for a few months,”

“No you aren’t,” You bit back tears hearing him drag your relationship like that. “You know you’re more than that,”

“I mean for the sake of the lie, amor,” He said with a somewhat endearing tone. He liked the fact that you made sure he knew that was a bunch of shit.

“I guess,” You shrugged, still not liking the idea of having to shit on what you and Rafael had. Even if it was just acting. But you had to, for your life. And for your children’s lives.

“Rafael, what if he suspects something? What if he kidnaps the girls?” Your mind was racing with worst case scenarios.

“Y/N I’m telling you, if you just play it cool, he’ll never think anything else about this,” Rafael tried to comfort you through the phone, but he knew it was somewhat fruitless without him being able to touch and hold you.

“....And I’m just supposed to live like this?” You felt tears in your voice. “Just...just never see you again? After I just told you I--”

“Just for now, mi vida,” He tried not to to start crying himself. He had to be the strong one here. “Just until I can-- figure something else out,”

“...I just want you here,” You whimpered.

Your whimpers pierced his heart like a million knives. All he wanted in that moment was to be next to you, holding you while you cried. Protecting you with his life. But he knew in reality, this was how he had to protect you. And your girls.

“I know…” He nodded his head, a few tears dropping down his face. “I just want to be there,”

“...I-I need to go, it’s late. The girls will be getting up for school soon,” You wiped tears from your own face, putting the wine bottle back in your side table.

“Alright, mi amor,” He said softly, not really wanting to hang up. He didn’t know when the next time he’d be able to hear your voice was going to be, and he wanted every second he had left with you.

“Don’t…” He bit back the sobs in his tone. “Don’t call me, or text me. Wait for me to contact you, okay?”

“What?” Your voice went up a register higher. Now you didn’t want to hang up with him, if he was going to ghost you like this. “No, Raf please, we haven’t--”

“I know,” He rubbed his eyes. “I know we’ve never not talked for even a day, I know. And it’s going to kill me, just know that. You’re my best friend, Y/N,”

“Really?” You blinked in surprise. “Even over Olivia?”

“...Don’t tell her,” He cry-laughed. He knew that would be the last time he laughed for a while.

“You’re my best friend too, Rafael,” You were really crying now. “Ever since I met you, you’ve made my life better. And now I’ve gone and fucked it--"

“Hey,” He stopped you with a stern tone. “No. You didn’t do anything wrong here, you understand me? That’s-- that’s not why I’m cutting you off, okay? I’m not punishing you, please know that,”

“...I know,” You replied in a soft voice, almost like a little girl scared of the dark.

“Okay, good,” He breathed in relief. He couldn’t live with himself if you blamed yourself for this mess.

“I promise-- I swear to you, as soon as I think it’s safe I will come straight to you,” He promised. “The very second,”

“Okay,” You nodded in a more controlled, mature tone. You had to be strong now, you didn’t want him to think you were a blubbering idiot without him. You had survived three long years on your own, you could do it again. You hoped.

“I love you, Y/N,” Rafael repeated it for the third time that day. You wished you could record it and play it over and over again, falling asleep to it.

“I love you too Rafael,” You sniffled.

“...Talk soon,” He said softly, then hung up before he could change his mind about the whole thing.

You both cried yourself to sleep that night.