#( open starter / a strawberry of death )

[deathssubstitute]

"I'm gonna pretend I didn't see that."

[ferg0s]

olgmomgomg soo since request are openn…??

May I request a part 2 with isagi and reader on the date? I love the freaky personality that u made

Freaky w feelings perhaps?

You wondered if you were weird. Off putting even. You tried to finds things to blame, your upbringing, your social life - or lack of sometimes - anything. But every time you came up short. There was nothing you could blame that wasn’t inflicted on yourself.

You wouldn’t miss the look that briefly flashed in people’s eyes when you opened your mouth, saying a joke you thought was funny only to get a confused look, or even some pity chuckles. Ever since you were a kid, you felt out of place - whether it was your explosive personality or the way you learned to keep quiet as you got older, there was always something that made you feel out of place. It made you distrusting of people, wondering if they were being nice out of pity.

Your defence mechanism? Doubling down on your explosive personality, and your nature talent for soccer added a bit of ego to that. Typical egotistical athlete - that’s the armour you used to hide the scared little girl inside you.

“Can you be any more slow?” You say as you look over your shoulder to the guy walking next to you. You werent always the best with guys - your body did most of the talking. You figured that’s all that guys gave a fuck about - considering that’s why they approached you. So you decided to add sex appeal to your persona. Though, you didn’t agree. You wondered what would happen when you got old… when you wouldn’t be a soccer prodigy or as young as you are now… what then?

“Sorry-“ Isagi said as he took a few steps towards you, matching your pace. He pulled the collar of his jacket up, shielding his neck from the wind. The ice cream stand wasn’t far. So your time in the cold wouldn’t be that long, but even then it felt like you’d freeze to death at that moment. The jacket you wore wasn’t ready for the temperature drop of the night.

You didn’t know why you approached him. You’d had crushes on guys before, but they all ended the same. They just wanted to use you. But you figured your heart hadn’t learned its lesson. “You played good-“ you said, glancing at him. He perked up at your remark, turning his attention to you. “Really? I was so nervous- I thought they had us beat-“ he replied with a chuckle. You smile, looking back ahead. “Your timing was off - and your footwork needs to be better-“ you say bluntly, not missing the look embarrassed on isagis face in your peripheral vision. You didn’t know why, you just gave him pointers. Good pointers at that.

“But-“ you sigh. “You did better than I expected.”

Isagis eyes lit up at that, smiling ear to ear. “Thank you-“ he said, his voice more cheerful than you had ever heard it. “I heard the girls won their match too-“

He was trying to start a conversation.

“Oh, yeah.” You reply. It wasn’t exciting for you, you didn’t know what defeat was. “I heard you were the starter - I don’t know how you handle the pressure, I mean - I was shaking in the position I was in I wouldn’t imagine being a starter-“

The sheer honesty in his words caught you off guard. “Thank you,” you reply quietly as you turn to your gaze to the ground, for the first time ever feeling a little flushed. Did you… like his praise? It wasn’t anything new. You’d heard it all your life. But something about this felt different.. it felt… genuine. Nothing like the robotic ‘good jobs’ you’d get after every game.

Approaching the ice cream stand, isgasi stopped you from taking out your wallet and paid for yours as well as his. “Strawberry?” You chuckle. “It’s a good flavour-“ he protested with a smile as he took a bite from the spoon. You look down at yours. You didn’t know why you decided to experiment with flavours rather than get your usual. You took a bite out of yours, the flavours immediately not meshing as the spoon entered your mouth. You were good at feeling a poker face - hoping you’d push through it because you hadn’t eaten anything in a while-

“Is it not good?”

You turn your head to Isagi. He was looking at you, waiting for an answer. “No no-“ you lie. “It’s good-“ you don’t know why you were lying. Usually you would have said yes and throw it out, gotten a new one. “You can try mine -“ he said as he offered you his, putting it out for you to take. “If you like it you can have it-“

You were confused by his suggestion. You hesitatingly reach out, taking his as he takes yours. You take a small bite, eyes lighting up when you realize how good it is. “You like it?” He asks. “It’s so good-“ you reply as you take another bite. He smiled, taking a bite out of yours.

To escape the cold, the two of you go to a corner away from the stalls. The secluded corner where the two of you discussed the match. And mostly you telling him what he did wrong. “You hesitate - don’t hesitate-“ you said as you ate the ice cream, not caring that you were chewing while talking. And he listened, hung onto your every word as if it were gospel. Usually people would tune you out, no one wanted to hear you talk about something you were so gifted in - what can luck teach talent? But not him. He was glued, mesmerized even.

“That’s my opinion anyways-“ you shrug. You always had to end your statements with that.

“You know the spin thing you do?”

You look at him confused. “What?”

“The spin thing- where you like-“ he moves his feet trying to mimic you, his movement janky. After a while you figure out what he’s talking about. “That? That’s easy-“ you scoff - to you maybe. “And you’re doing it wrong, it’s left foot then right-“ you say, recreating the movement with an imaginary ball. “Why left?” “Because you get more momentum-“ “like this?” He asks as he tries to copy you. You laugh, watching him stumble. “No no no- like this,” you say.

You didn’t know how long you two stood in the corner, playing with an imaginary ball as you tried to teach him what to do. But you found yourself laughing for the first time in a while. A jolly laugh from the gut. Laughing at him as he failed, and him laughing from seeing you laugh. “You have to teach me more-“ he panted. You were used to that line - it was a go to for guys to use that with you. Something to keep the conversation going - but not him. He seemed so eager to learn, his eyes filled with a determination that you sometimes saw in yourself.

Passion.

“I’d… like that.” You replied, quietly. The corners of your mouth turning up into a small smile. To which he smiled back.

And before you knew it, your ice cream run was coming to an end. In a way you were glad, it was freezing now. You were glad you got some movement in so your body didn’t freeze over, but the thin jacket did little to protect you from the wind. You stayed in the corner while he threw out the empty ice cream cups, reflecting on the whole situation. It went good, better than you had expected. But now came the part you dreaded, but what could you do? You can’t read the same book twice hoping for a different ending..

You saw him approach you, bracing yourself for what was about to come. You hated it - but a part of you knew that this was inevitable. You see him stand infront of you, leaning forward. You close your eyes, puckering your lips a little as you lean forward. It always ended like this. This is what men wanted out of you, some sort of intimacy.

“Ah-“ you yelp as you nearly fall forward. You feel him grab your shoulder, steadying you. “Are you okay? Are you dizzy?” Isagi asked panicked. You look at him, confused. “What are you-“

This wasn’t part of the script. He lean in to kiss you… but why was he so close. You suddenly feel something on your shoulders, your back instantly warming up. You look over and see his jacket.

“You were shivering-“ he said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. You look at him Again. He had given you his jacket. “But you were-“ you wanted to say that he was leaning in, coming closer to you… making you think.

“Are you okay? Do we need to go to the medical station?” He asked, now examining your face to see if you were okay.

You were in a state of shock. “No,” you reply quietly. “I’m fine.”

“Okay- the winds really picking up. Don’t want you to catch a cold-“ he smiled. You weakly nodded, the both of you leaving shortly after. You walked in silence, enjoying the warmth of his coat.

Enjoying how he felt a respectful distance. Enjoying how he replied despite your brazen remarks.

“You should try the cookie dough ice cream -“ he said.

You look over at him.

He looked down at the ground, looking nervous. “I mean I haven’t tried it Myself-“ he mumbled.

“You want me to go with you?”

He seemed taken back by your blunt response. He tried to formulate a sentence, but nothing came out.

“I’d like that. I’m free Thursday-“

“Thursday… works for me.” He smiled.

[selfmademythology]

starter for: @fclseconfidence | jeremiah & nadia. location: the train on the way to the capitol.

Nadia has spent the entirety of her life trying to blend in with the crowd, keep her head down and get her work done. It had done her well for the last six years -- She'd made it through the Reaping enough times to naively feel like she was safe. Even after her brother's death, and with the insurmountable pressure coming from her parents, Nadia couldn't help but feel as if fate was on her side. She should have known better. Really, it was stupid in hindsight. Her own brother died in the Games, and she still somehow thought it couldn't touch her. As if she could truly get through this unscathed, and live the rest of her life out on a fishing boat. Idiot.

The train ride is quiet, for the most part. At least, she is. The boy who was Reaped with her is talking up a storm, already trying to talk strategy and how to win. She knows him from the Academy -- Finn has a real shot at winning this. He's strong enough, practically twice Nadia's size and a foot taller than her. Part of her wonders if she should try and find a backdoor on the train, and jump out. Let herself get decapitated by a tree branch, and avoid the Games all together. At least then her death would be at her own hands, not by the Capitol or some blood-thirsty Tribute. Or maybe she'll become that blood-thirsty Tribute, the one who kills for sport and returns as another Capitol Darling. It's hard not to let herself drown in her own thoughts, give credence to every passing possibility. It's enough to make her head spin.

At some point in her spiraling, Finn's left and so has their Escort. Nadia's left to her own devices, continuing to push food around her plate as she avoids what's coming next. Jeremiah's sat across from her. Her mentor. The word is laughable, considering her family has slandered his name for the last three years, blaming him for her older brother's disgraceful ending. While her brother may be seen as a failure by her parents, Jeremiah might as well have pushed him into a coffin. Nadia doesn't have high hopes for any sort of mentoring -- She's already made her peace with the fact that she will probably be on her own the moment they arrive at the Capitol. She silently tries to go back through every bit of training she's received, call on any bit of knowledge she's got.

“I wouldn’t blame you if you let me die in there.” She’s not sure what possesses her to say that, but the words come out before she can stop them. Nadia holds eye contact with the strawberry she’s been stabbing with her fork for the last few minutes, not sure she has the mental bandwidth to do much more. “I mean, you know –” She finds herself adding, finally lifting her gaze to reluctantly meet her new mentor. “All things considered.” Might as well get it all out in the open now, than let it go unsaid. Especially if she may be beginning her death march.

[vanosslirious]

BBS Dialogue Prompts #206

BBS Dialogue Prompts & Sentence Starters: [ 9 ]

SMII7Y

Do you want me to read to you?

Shit, I can't read, can you read this?

I never had that card, I was lying about that.

I'm reading a story on the fire.

Why did I hear myself?

Yeah, I ate all the food, that's why we're starving.

You literally almost got us killed.

We're actually nuts!

We just didn't appreciate it.

This has to be it.

I think it's broken, guys, nothing's working.

That was really aggressive.

As I was saying, please cry on my face.

We don't do that here.

You've been rolling with it ever since.

I'll finish him, I guess.

What are y'all talking about, and how do I get involved?

What is this fucking riddle you're throwing at us?

Well, he should've been better with his aim.

You know what, I hope you fucking die after that noise you just made.

NOGLA

I'm hanging tight, and so are all my friends.

That's the first thing you thought of?

My UberEats got fucking robbed.

Don't forget my strawberry milkshake.

If I go, will you open up a Pokémon pack with me?

You call this catering, my friend died!

Who the hell did this?

I shouldn't be laughing so hard, I'm a Christian, this is definitely blasphemy.

I was tired when I typed this.

I was sober for one day!

H2ODELIRIOUS

I have a damn stalker.

Guys, I found a door!

Don't say that!

We cheated, guys.

Don't come in here, guys, don't do it.

What did you just break?

Ah, kiss me!

I’m gonna let it play out.

Don’t bleed all over me.

Yes, go clean.

TERRORISER

It’s always been…

Keep doing that.

I got clubbed to death.

This is not funny by the way.

Let's make this ghost our bitch.

This is where you found me.

I hate your whistling!

When in doubt, get the glow sticks out.

All we heard was screaming in the distance.

One makes me money, the other spends it.

KRYOZ

I think mine's solid, but who's going to know?

Honestly, I like the company.

I don't know if we're actually running out of time, but it feels like it.

You make it sound so easy.

I'm gonna stand right here.

I need this most…you went the wrong way.

Let's be honest, it isn't fun if it's only this thing.

I'm pure positive today.

You guys really fucked that up.

Is that what you meant?

WILDCAT

I don’t think you got me out of there.

I did more as a piece of shit than you can as a real human.

Planting explosions until you guys get here, please hurry.

We’ll save you, just press the button.

You’re lucky to even be alive, what are you talking about?

Hold me and put me in the pod.

You’re so fucking dumb.

I can barely hear myself think, fuck you!

He bled everywhere!

You broke my leg, ow!

BASICALLYIDOWRK

Just die, kid.

We’re just floating.

You didn’t make it.

Why would you bring that mask in your house?

Bro, why is the cat staring at the wall?

I have an irrational fear of bunny rabbits.

I just want you to know, I hate you all.

You better still be there, I swear to God.

What does that mean?

There’s so many things to craft, where’s the little book?

MOO

I didn’t get anything either.

Can we kill these guys?

Just throwing things against the wall.

I feel like I'm in a box of lego's right now.

Okay, we gotta go deeper.

You guys just have to open your big mouths, didn't you?

I didn't know we were starting.

We lived.

This is going to be a long session.

Does this mean you like me, cause you want me in the video?

VANOSSGAMING

Aw, damn, back to this shit.

You went flying.

This is just to get the fucking teleporter open.

Look at him, he’s meditating.

Yes, get him, get him!

That’s the joke?

Who the fuck is this?

We’ll save you!

I just want to see, I don’t have any fucking torches.

What did you find, what did you find, what did you find?

[wvtchy]

@forevermonsters​ sent in a 🌷- soft starter

how the ancient witch landed in his life, he wasn’t sure. a string of events, somewhat blurred together with the speed of life, and he somehow found her nestled comfortably in his life. of course, lucifer always tried to keep track of those that have served him, one way or another. despite not knowing how exactly the two came to be one, he knew parts of her story. one of his many followers, slaughtered in a hysteria from the so-called religious. death by rope, he knew. 

he remembers their first meeting well. the redhead was a housekeeper. for some reason or another, he was in the right place and the right time, saw a flash of strawberry color, and was bewitched, to say. she was, what he would call, a classic beauty. creamy skin contrasted against bright hair, soft eyes, full lips. like a painting come to life.

lucifer has had many lovers, none of which lasted very long. his worldly position made him a difficult partner, and nobody wanted to stay. he didn’t blame them. never harbored any anger to anyone. if he was in their shoes, he’d leave too. he’s always gone, roaming some part of the world, unable to be contacted. 

but for some reason, unknown to him, she stayed. even when he departed for a month with no warning, he’d find her at his doorstep, a soft smile on her lips, and whatever tension resided within his bones would evaporate at the sight. whether he was in the cold forests of canada or the scorching deserts of the sahara, she never left his mind. 

it was late in the night. he sat perched on the dining room chair, laptop open and glowing, tattooed fingers typing at a steady pace. his eyes burned from the constant blue light, but he couldn’t look away, not when he was so close to finishing his work. but his aching muscles begged him to rest, to lay down in bed for a moment. he’s been in this position since 5 am.

“hugh?” he calls, quiet enough to not wake anyone, but loud enough that she would hear, if she wasn’t asleep.

[apcthetics]

closed starter for INDIE ( @overwhlcmed​ ) location: indie’s apartment. the duality of man.

◦ 「 ☆ 」 ────────────   FIGHT, RINSE, REPEAT. these kinds of moments were starting to feel all too familiar nowadays, and brady didn’t like it. over and over, brady and indie would lock themselves in some kind of death match. indie would grow tired of his childishness and he would be frustrated with her projections, and one of them would storm out and leave the whole thing without closure. the regret would settle in shortly after. no matter what the fight was about, the things that were said would play on repeat in his mind, and he would find fault in his own words, and the accusations she threw at him. as easy as it would be to pin all of the blame onto indie, act as though he was simply a victim of her short fuse and irritable temperament, brady knew that wasn’t true. he had his own issues : he had so many expectations of what they could be, that he often forgot they weren’t there. indie didn’t belong to him. she didn’t owe him anything. he had no control over the choices she made ─ they weren’t kids anymore, and he couldn’t keep trying to protect her from herself, no matter how badly he wanted too.

          these were all things that he knew. he just always managed to forget them when she made him angry. when all of his unreciprocated, unhealthy feelings bubbled up to the surface, often drawn out by the way she touched him, held him, got close to him ─ it was hard to think through the situation logically when the metaphorical high he received from an ounce of her attention was severed so quickly. dragging his feet home with amari ( after drinking more than he probably should have ) was enough time to reconsider. it was enough time to formulate an apology, to wonder, yet again, if perhaps now was the time to move on. if finally he should be trying to let go of the little bit of hope he still held for the two of them and settle elsewhere. severe the connection and once again be comfortable with just being friends. food for thought that still swam in the back of his thoughts in the morning.

           he would always be the first to apologize. he was stubborn, but indigo rodriguez was a whole different breed. brady’s ego had stopped caring about that a long time ago. using the spare key he kept on his key chain to unlock the door to her apartment, he treaded carefully into the familiar space. he discarded his keys on the table in the same fashion he always did, kicking aside his sneakers in the same way he did at home. it was probably telling that brady didn’t question whether or not indie was with clementine, or if the small strawberry blonde would have issues with him being in the apartment at all, but he had returned to the safe, devilish reality that promised him they were the only two people in the world. he did one quick check in the kitchen ─ albeit brady knew she wasn’t in there ─ before he gently nudged open the door to indie’s bedroom with his foot.

     “ hey. “ his voice was softer than normal. usually, brady wouldn’t have thought twice before dropping the coffee he was holding on the table pressed snugly against her bed. he would’ve pulled back the blankets she was under and joined her there, using his cold hands as an excuse to touch her, laughing at the slew of spanish words she’d hurl towards him in response. but the air had yet to be cleared enough for that. instead, he leaned against the doorframe ; he didn’t want to invite himself into her space without her permission. but he did extend his arm out, dangling the takeout mug of coffee from his fingertips out towards her. “ i brought you an apology coffee from that cuban cafe down the street you like. . . and an actual apology, if you’ll hear me out. “ 

[littlelovelymemes]

*    𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐄  𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄  𝐋𝐘𝐑𝐈𝐂  𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 .

*  all  starters / lyrics  taken  from  the  harry  styles  album  fine  line .

GOLDEN .

‘  i  know  you  were  way  too  bright  for  me .  ’

‘  i’m  hopeless ,  broken .  ’

‘  you’re  so  golden .  ’

‘  i’m  out  of  my  head .  ’

‘  i  know  that  you’re  scared .  ’

‘  i  know  that  you’re  scared  because  hearts  get  broken .  ’

‘  i  don’t  want  to  be  alone .  ’

‘  i  can  feel  you  take  control  of  who  i  am .  ’

‘  loving  you  is  the  antidote .  ’

WATERMELON  SUGAR .

‘  tastes  like  strawberries .  ’

‘  it’s  so  wonderful  and  warm .  ’

‘  i  don’t  know  if  i  could  ever  go  without .  ’

‘  baby ,  you’re  the  end  of  june .  ’

‘  i  want  your  belly  and  that  summer  feeling .  ’

‘  breathe  me  in ,  breathe  me  out .  ’

‘  i  just  wanna  taste  it .  ’

ADORE  YOU .

‘  i  get  so  lost  inside  your  eyes .  ’

‘  you  don’t  have  to  say  you  love  me .  ’

‘  you  don’t  have  to  say  nothing .  ’

‘  you  don’t  have  to  say  you’re  mine .  ’

‘  i’d  walk  through  fire  for  you .  ’

‘  just  let  me  adore  you .  ’

‘  lately  you’ve  been  on  my  mind .  ’

‘  just  let  me  adore  you  like  it’s  the  only  thing  i’ll  ever  do .  ’

LIGHTS  UP .

‘  what  do  you  mean ?  ’

‘  i’m  sorry ,  by  the  way .  ’

‘  can’t  you  see ?  i  could ,  but  wouldn’t  stay .  ’

‘  it’d  be  so  sweet  if  things  just  stayed  the  same .  ’

‘  all  the  lights  couldn’t  put  out  the  dark  running  through  my  heart .  ’

‘  do  you  know  who  you  are ?  ’

‘  i’m  not  ever  going  back .  ’

CHERRY .

‘  don’t  you  call  him  ‘ baby ’ .  ’

‘  we’re  not  talking  lately .  ’

‘  don’t  you  call  him  what  you  used  to  call  me .  ’

‘  i  confess  i  can  tell  that  you  are  at  your  best .  i’m  so  selfish  for  hating  it .  ’

‘  i’m  so  selfish  for  hating  it .  ’

‘  i  noticed  that  there’s  a  piece  of  you  in  how  i  dress .  ’

‘  take  it  as  a  compliment .  ’

‘  i  just  miss  your  accent  and  your  friends .  do  you  know  i  still  talk  to  them ?  ’

FALLING .

‘  i’m  in  my  bed  and  you’re  not  here .  ’

‘  there’s  no  one  to  blame  but  the  drink  and  my  wandering  hands .  ’

‘  forget  what  i  said .  it’s  not  what  i  meant  and  i  can’t  take  it  back .  ’

‘  i  can’t  unpack  the  baggage  for  you .  ’

‘  what  am  i  now ?  ’

‘  what  if  i’m  someone  i  don’t  want  around ?  ’

‘  what  if  i’m  down ?  what  if  i’m  out ?  ’

‘  what  if  i’m  someone  you  won’t  talk  about ?  ’

‘  you  said  you  care ,  and  you  missed  me  too .  ’

‘  it  kills  me  because  i  know  we’ve  run  out  of  things  we  can  say .  ’

‘  i  get  the  feeling  that  you’ll  never  need  me  again .  ’

TO  BE  SO  LONELY .

‘  don’t  blame  me  for  falling .  ’

‘  i  was  just  a  little  boy .  ’

‘  don’t  blame  the  drunk  caller .  ’

‘  you  can’t  blame  me ,  darling .  not  even  a  little  bit .  ’

‘  i’m  just  an  arrogant  son  of  a  bitch  who  can’t  admit  when  he’s  sorry .  ’

‘  don’t  call  me  ‘ baby ’  again .  ’

‘  you  got  your  reasons .  ’

‘  i  know  that  you’re  trying  to  be  friends ,  i  know  you  mean  it .  ’

‘  it’s  hard  for  me  to  go  home .  ’

‘  i  just  hope  you  see  me  in  a  little  better  light .  ’

‘  do  you  think  it’s  easy  being  the  jealous  kind ?  ’

‘  i  miss  the  shape  of  your  lips .  ’

‘  you’ll  win .  it’s  just  a  trick .  ’

‘  this  is  it ,  so  i’m  sorry .  ’ 

SHE .

‘  he’s  thinking  of  you ,  like  all  of  us  do .  ’

‘  you  live  in  daydreams  with  me .  ’

‘  you’re  the  first  one  that  i  see  and  i  don’t  know  why .  ’

‘  i  don’t  know  who  she  is .  ’

‘  i  don’t  know  where  she  is .  ’

SUNFLOWER ,  VOL.  6 .

‘  my  eyes  want  you  more  than  a  melody .  ’

‘  let  me  inside .  ’

‘  wish  i  could  get  to  know  you .  ’

‘  i  was  just  tongue - tied .  ’

‘  i  don’t  wanna  make  you  feel  bad .  ’

‘  i’ve  been  trying  hard  not  to  talk  to  you .  ’

‘  i  don’t  wanna  make  you  feel  bad ,  but  i’ve  been  trying  hard  not  to  talk  to  you .  ’

‘  i  couldn’t  want  you  any  more .  ’

‘  tired  eyes  are  the  death  of  me .  ’

CANYON  MOON .

‘  so  hard  to  leave  it ,  that’s  what  i  always  do .  ’

‘  i’ll  be  gone  too  long  from  you .  ’

‘  two  weeks  and  i’ll  be  home .  ’

‘  i’m  going  home .  ’

TREAT  PEOPLE  WITH  KINDNESS .

‘  maybe  we  can  find  a  place  to  feel  good .  ’

‘  we  can  treat  people  with  kindness .  ’

‘  i’ve  got  a  good  feeling .  ’

‘  if  we’re  here  long  enough ,  they’ll  sing  a  song  for  us .  ’

‘  i  don’t  need  all  the  answers .  ’

‘  if  we’re  here  long  enough ,  we’ll  see  it’s  all  for  us .  ’

‘  it’s  just  another  day .  ’

‘  and  if  our  friends  all  pass  away ,  it’s  okay .  ’

FINE  LINE .

‘  put  a  price  on  emotion ,  i’m  looking  for  something  to  buy .  ’

‘  you’ve  got  my  devotion .  ’

‘  man ,  i  can  hate  you  sometimes .  ’

‘  you’ve  got  my  devotion ,  but  man ,  i  can  hate  you  sometimes .  ’

‘  i  don’t  want  to  fight  you .  ’

‘  i  don’t  want  to  sleep  in  the  dirt .  ’

‘  we’ll  all  be  a  fine  line .  ’

‘  there  are  things  that  we’ll  never  know .  ’

‘  you  sunshine ,  you  temptress ...  ’

‘  i’ll  try  to  shake  this  soon .  ’

‘  spreading  you  open  is  the  only  way  of  knowing  you .  ’

‘  we’ll  be  alright .  ’

[theslytherin-elite]

STRAWBERRIES & CIGARETTES | RAB & MARLIE

starter for @redemptioninterlude

Rabastan Lestrange, future death eater, future fuck up, future drunk. Yet; there was still a silver of hope. Or?

Stashing his books in his bag, he smirked to his fellow friends before tossing the schoolbag over his shoulder. It was the last class of today and he was eager to meet up with Marlie. Causing his friends to roll their eyes. Marlene McKinnon was bad news; she was spewing propaganda all day, talking about opening their eyes. Rabastan though, he couldn't care less.

w r o n g ; he cared deeply about what people would say but he cared too much to keep away from her. She was like a bloody magnet and the youngest Lestrange was drawn to her.

Walking down the thick castle walls, he proped a cigarette behind his ear, itching to get his fix of nicotine. Pesky muggle habits, his father would of said. While lighting his own cigar. Hail to the hypocrisy. Small details he never realized noticed until Marlene would casually point them out. Usually ending in bad fights, heated argues.

Leaving the castle, he headed for their current hide out. Changing them every now and then, for the thrill of it. Laying his eyes on her, he snuck up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, placing a kiss behind her ear. "Missed me, Marlie?" he smirked as he pulled away, and took the cigarette and lit it.

[deathssubstitute]

"Oh look all of my cares suddenly just flew out the window."

[voidstilesplease]

Fandom/s: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Heroes of Olympus

Pairing/s: Annabeth Chase/Percy Jackson, Rachel Elizabeth Dare/Percy Jackson

Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Tags: Alternate Universe - Mortal, Cheating, Friends to Lovers, Friends With Benefits, Jealousy, Angst, Bad Decisions, OOC Characters, a significant amount of Taylor Swift references

Chapter 3

But the possibility that Piper knows about it didn't cross her mind. Percy had mentioned being back in town for a few days now, but Piper could not have known that, right? If Piper did, she would have told Annabeth right away because if anybody knows about Annabeth's broken heart pining after Percy all these years, it's Piper. She would've said something.

III.

And soon enough, you're best friends.

Laughing at the other girls who think they're so cool.

/./

Annabeth jerks awake from disturbances originating in the general vicinity of her kitchen. In her half-asleep state, her usually sharp mind turns to a useless mush. So with what mentality she can grasp, she concludes that it's possibly just her cutlery deciding to worm their way out the drawer to skydive to the kitchen floor. Her dream-silly brain likes the image she conjures. After all, not everybody's cutlery would be as adventurous as hers if that should be the case.

Maybe they want to remind Annabeth that they still exist, and she can use them sometimes. Good point, she thinks, but between blueprints after blueprints shoved to her at work, she doesn't have the time to be guilty about using only one spoon for her morning mashed potatoes. Unless it can wash, wipe itself dry, and put itself back to the drawer, she's sticking to her one-spoon-morning routine, thank you very much - that's all she can spare the time to clean.

She squints one eye open and sighs in relief to find that her entire bedroom blanketed in the same comforting darkness that engulfed her to sleep the previous evening. Yesterday morning had been hell. The sun had glared at her accusingly like she had done something wrong by sleeping it through past her alarm after a murderous evening at work. Usually, Annabeth scares people away when she glares at them, so she tried to glare back at the sun, and if she didn't have a degree in architecture and a line of buildings credited to her name, she'd have doubted her own intellectual capacity. She had hauled her ass up from the bed and went about her routine like she'd swallowed an entire pack of Sour Patch in one go. That morning would have sucked completely if it weren't for Percy.

Percy. Who's back in town. For good.

Whom Annabeth is going to have dinner with this evening.

A smile automatically tugs at her lips. In her kitchen, something clatters again, and she sighs. She moves her head to peek up at the alarm clock on the table. It's only fifteen minutes past seven.

She groans.

Now she can hear the blender whirring to life and the unmistakable 'ding' of her toaster. Any sane person who is aware of not having a roommate should already be springing off their bed and grabbing the nearest weapon they can use to bonk the intruder's head.

But Annabeth is used to the intrusion - this is her life now. So, she calmly gets off the bed and folds her sheets. She opens the door to her room and walks the short distance to her kitchen. As the whirring continues, she remembers the first time she woke to the noises. Annabeth wishes she can say that she was calm then, but she wasn't.

She had jumped out of bed, heart drumming so fast in her chest, and took the only item she could find in her room that could bash anybody's brains out - a baseball bat. (She didn't like the sport. It was just a souvenir from a memorable day. Her heart belonged to swimming. Or, though it wasn't clear to her at the time, to a specific swimmer.) As stealthily as she could, she tiptoed on the cold floor to knock someone out who thought they could use her kitchen while robbing her blind.

As it turned out, she had almost bashed her friend Piper.

Piper, bless her, had been unfazed. Not even after seeing the raised baseball bat and Annabeth's wide, frantic eyes. Piper gave her an innocent smile and a chirpy good morning, then went back to chopping celery, ignoring Annabeth's confusion and gaping mouth.

Piper grins as soon as Annabeth appears in the kitchen. "Good morning, Annie!" she lowers the cup of coffee she's holding on the table in front of Annabeth, who immediately reaches for it.

"This smells amazing," Annabeth closes her eyes and inhales. It is why she loves having Piper around for breakfast. She doesn't remember when Piper decided to be her mother, but as long as it benefits Annabeth with cooked meals and non-Starbucks coffee, she's not complaining.

But she can't exactly complain about Starbucks coffee, though. Not when Starbucks brought Percy back to her life - sort of. She realized that if Piper had come yesterday, she'd have missed Percy. But the fates brought Piper to her apartment today so she could meet Percy yesterday. She smiles contentedly at her coffee.

Piper doesn't miss her dopey smile. She raises a brow, pouring the contents of the blender on a tall glass. "Is it that good?"

"No words," Annabeth answers with a silly grin.

Piper draws her eyebrows in suspicion, "Why do I feel like we're not talking about the coffee?"

Annabeth shrugs.

Piper narrows her eyes but lets it go. Knowing Annabeth, it's probably a work-related high. Piper sets her glass of smoothie on the table and sits beside her friend. "Hey, I remember," she says, taking her phone out and starts browsing. "Juniper asked me to show you these." Piper swipes image after image as Annabeth waits curiously. Finally, she passes the phone to Annabeth.

Annabeth takes it and promptly gasps. "Are these for the wedding?" She draws the phone closer to examine the picture. It's of a forest-painted canvas with a man and a woman in the center, holding each other's hands as they walk side-by-side in the middle of a flower-field surrounded by butterflies. Annabeth looks up to Piper for confirmation. When she nods, Annabeth shakes her head in amazement. "That is beautiful."

"I know!" Piper takes the phone from Annabeth, glancing at the picture again before putting it down on the table. "When Juniper sent the picture to me, my eyes goggled."

Annabeth chuckles, "Grover and Juniper commissioned the right artist."

Piper nods in agreement, "And they're even getting it for, like, half the usual price. I suddenly want to get married." She smiles dreamily, reaching for her smoothie.

Annabeth laughs. Jason and Piper have been together since they were in High School. To be fair, they are practically like a married couple - sharing an apartment, sharing bills, considering the possibility of sharing a dog. They've even met each other's parents and got one another's mother or father smitten with them. It's perfectly sensible if they decide to legalize it. With that in mind, Annabeth asks, "So why don't you?"

Piper stiffens, and she briefly averts her eyes before giving Annabeth a wan smile. "He hasn't asked me yet," she says softly, looking away from Annabeth, slurping half-heartedly at her vegetable smoothie.

Annabeth bites her lower lip, mentally reprimanding herself for her careless asking. She didn't mean to poke on touchy subjects. She didn't even know it was a touchy subject at all. "Well," she begins awkwardly. "I'm sure you'll get there anyway." Annabeth offers a smile, hoping to ease the sudden tension.

Piper shrugs, "I'm not in a hurry. Jason's it for me." she pauses, then adds with uncertainty, "I just hope I'm it for him."

Annabeth frowns at the statement. "Now that's ridiculous, Piper." She reaches to touch her friend's hand a bit forcefully. She looks her dead in the eyes and says in total assurance. "Jason's head over heels for you, okay, it's almost criminal that you think you're not it for him."

Piper lifts her eyes, a hint of smile ghosting in her pouting lips. "You think so?"

"You're an idiot for even doubting,"

That seems to alleviate Piper's insecurity, at least for the moment, because she smirks at Annabeth. "Yeah, I guess I'm an idiot. Of course, Jason can't get enough of me. I mean, come on."

Annabeth rolls her eyes. Piper's weird sometimes.

She happily slurps at her smoothie now, humming a chipper tune. She reaches for the plate of toasts and passes it to Annabeth along with a jar of strawberry jam. Annabeth just watches her with amusement.

They eat in silence for a moment before Annabeth hears a clearing of a throat. She looks up to see Piper looking at her intently. Of course, Piper didn't come into her apartment early in the morning just to accompany her to a lovely, peaceful breakfast.

"…Yes?" Annabeth prompts with resignation. If this is happening -and it is- because it's Piper's business now to harass Annabeth, she wants to get it over with sooner than later. She mentally prepares for the onslaught of Piper's usual intros. But, instead of saying "There's this spa that we should check out," or "Do you remember Mark Castillo from 10th grade? Did you see his Facebook status change to Single last night?" or "We should shop new underwears for you, Annie. What you have are boring me to death", she said:

"How's work?"

That certainly catches Annabeth off-guard. Her eyebrows shot up to her hairline.

At Annabeth's incredulous expression, Piper says defensively. "What?" she reaches for another toast. "Am I not allowed to ask about your work?"

"You're not interested in my work." Annabeth deadpans.

"I'm asking, aren't I?" Annabeth detects the unspoken 'duh'. "And I know a little about architecture, mind you. I just want to know how you're doing at work."

Annabeth hums unconvincingly, taking another sip of her coffee. She decides to ride along with it. "Well, for starters, I'm up to my neck busy. As always."

Piper nods for her to go on.

"We've contracted a new project for downtown."

Piper hums.

"It's nothing major, but the area is swarming with water pipes -many of which are old ones- so we have to be extra careful with the planning."

Piper nods, "But you aren't the only one working on it, right?"

"No. I have a team." Annabeth confirms.

"So," Piper stretches the 'o', studying the toast in her hand a little too casually. "That means that even if you weren't around, say you went out or something, a whole team is still gonna work on it?"

Annabeth narrows her eyes skeptically, "…I suppose. I'm not the project head." Annabeth answers slowly.

"So…" Piper looks away again, picking at the toast. "There's no reason to cancel Friday night, right?"

Annabeth purses her lips. She sets her cup on the saucer and folds her arms together, "I already said I would go."

Piper blushes crimson and gives up the innocent, interested-in-friend's-work scheme, "I just want to make sure!"

"I'm going, okay?" Annabeth huffs in mild exasperation. "And, if I ever go back on my promise, you have the permission to drag my ass over to the club."

"Deal," Piper quickly agrees. "Do we seal this oath with blood?"

Annabeth shakes her head as Piper starts laughing.

Piper is weird but a wonder. Annabeth is ever so thankful for having Piper as a friend. They have been friends since the 10th grade when the Cherokee girl transferred to Goode. They didn't particularly become friends instantaneously because she came around the school as Drew's half-sister.

Drew wasn't exactly Annabeth's favorite person on campus. She was a cheerleader who penned herself as the queen of Goode High, dated around, and clung to different guys when her grade couldn't even hang on to a C minus. And her face, always caked in make-up, always smiled condescendingly at everybody as if they were lesser beings. She made Annabeth want to punch something. Anything. Drew's annoying face would have been good enough.

When rumors scattered about Drew having a half-sister on campus, Annabeth was sure she'd be a clone of Drew, and Goode High was doomed. Frankly, their school had had enough mini-skirt, crop-top, belly-button girls who thought the ground they stepped on was sacred. Another one to add to them and Goode would have crumbled. After all, what else could they expect from somebody blood-related to Drew? Annabeth loathed her guts.

As it turned out, though, her half-sister hated Drew's guts just as much if not more. Literally.

She proved that during P.E. class in a volleyball game when she purposely spiked the ball straight towards Drew's midsection hard enough that Annabeth was surprised why Drew hadn't spewed her entire digestive system all over their gym court. Drew doubled over, wheezing in pain and yelling about how Piper tried to murder her. The teacher had to give Piper detention since the girl didn't deny the accusation and refused to apologize. When they took out Drew, who glowered at her sister the whole way out, Piper smirked at her unapologetically and waved her goodbye by flicking her fingers and blowing her a kiss.

Annabeth wanted to slow clap and pat her in the back for a job well done. She didn't need to anyway because the matching gleam in their eyes spoke enough for both of them. Piper and Annabeth became good friends, bonding over a mutual hatred of Drew. Then Piper started hanging out with Annabeth's group of friends, and the rest is history.

"You've got to be honest, though, Annie. You love it when I come by." She sips from her smoothie. "Because then, you won't have to eat packed mashed potatoes again."

"I love mashed potatoes," Annabeth says defensively, reaching for a toast and slathering it with strawberry jam.

"No, you don't." Piper also eats her toast with avocadoes. She gestures at Annabeth's food. "I hope you like strawberry jam."

"It's okay," Annabeth chews. It's decent enough, she thinks. Strawberry had been her favorite jam when she was younger, but that has changed now.

"I just thought maybe you should try a different flavor. All I ever see you have is blueberry. I figured maybe you miss your old favorite."

"I don't. Blueberry is everything to me."

Piper probably doesn't mean to sting Annabeth when she mutters, "Took you long enough to realize it, though."

But Annabeth is stung. And Piper is correct.

Blueberry is Percy's favorite. She had never appreciated it until Percy was gone from her life. She just one day found herself picking blueberry jam instead of strawberry at the grocery. Because, somehow, it made her feel closer to him. It was a futile act, but it was all she could cling to.

They ate in relative silence for a while before Annabeth remembers the conversation over the phone the previous day. It's time to question Piper about it. "Hey," she waits until Piper is looking at her. "You wanted to tell me something."

Piper's brows scrunch up.

"Yesterday," Annabeth clarifies. "Over the phone?"

Piper draws a blank.

Annabeth elaborates, "We were talking about Friday night, and I said yes to going, and then it's like you hesitated over something?"

Annabeth can tell when the realization hits. Piper's eyes widen a fraction. "Oh,"

Annabeth stares expectantly.

Piper looks down, breaking their eye contact, "It was nothing," she says with a small voice.

"You're lying."

Piper doesn't deny the accusation, but her eyes remain downcast.

"Piper, what are you keeping from me?" Annabeth asks, feeling that the playful air around them has been replaced by tension yet again. Piper bites her lower lip, only spurring Annabeth's curiosity. "Piper,"

"Annie, I'm sorry." Piper whispers. She raises her head to look at Annabeth with wide, desperate eyes.

"I can't accept your apology if I don't know what it is for," Annabeth's gaze doesn't leave Piper's. They look at each other - Annabeth urging and Piper trembling.

Finally, Piper sighs in defeat and quietly utters. "It's Percy."

Silence immediately follows Piper's statement. Because for the first time in many years, Piper openly mentions Percy's name in her presence.

Annabeth answers, trying to keep her voice level, "What about Percy?"

Piper gnaws at her lower lip, "I've wanted to tell you, but…"

"But?"

Like a dam breaking, Piper begins barraging. "I don't know if I should be the one to tell you this. I mean, yes, of course, I'm your best friend, but I'm his friend too. And after that-that," she wrings her hands. "I mean, he's been gone for so long, and maybe if I tell you, he's just going to disappear again. He never said anything about not telling you, but I - or, or maybe you're going to disappear this time and I - we can't have any of that, you know? Especially not now. So I decided to wait for the right time, but I don't know if there's ever a right time for anything, really-and, and,"

Piper is talking so fast that Annabeth struggles to catch up. "Piper, you're rambling."

"I know!" Piper whines in frustration. "And I hate to be turned into a blubbering fool, but I… but I want you to know that I kept my mouth shut because I didn't want either of you running away in different directions when the wedding's in a week!"

Annabeth grabs Piper's swinging arms. "Piper," she snaps to get her friend's attention and stop her from ranting anymore. "If you would just tell me-"

"He's in New York!"

It makes Annabeth pause. Well, she knows that. But the possibility that Piper knows about it didn't cross her mind. Percy had mentioned being back in town for a few days now, but Piper could not have known that, right? If Piper did, she would have told Annabeth right away because if anybody knows about Annabeth's broken heart pining after Percy all these years, it's Piper. She would've said something.

But Piper is in her kitchen with a guilt-stricken face. "How long have you known?"

Piper blinks, confused. "You don't sound surprised. Do you know he's back?"

Annabeth nods, "Only yesterday. We saw each other at Starbucks."

"Oh,"

"Piper, how long have you known that he's here?" Annabeth repeats her question, impatient to hear that Piper only actually found out the same day Annabeth did.

But Piper grimaces, hunching in her seat to make herself small. "Since he told Jason that he was coming home," she finally admits. She draws a shaky breath, hanging her head in guilt.

Something inside Annabeth collapses. She leans back in her seat in disbelief, "You all knew?"

Piper quickly shakes her head, "No, not all of us. Only Jason, Grover, and I." Annabeth almost sag in relief to know that she isn't the only one left in the dark about this. "None of us has seen Percy yet, though. He's been busy with the transfer of work location and settling in again. That's also why Friday night is important. He'd be there. For the first time in a long while, we'd be complete."

Annabeth is silent for a period, then nods weakly.

"Do you hate me?" Piper's voice hitches, and when Annabeth turns to her, her eyes are already brimming with tears.

She hates when Piper cries. God, it isn't even her fault that she knows. It isn't her fault that Percy told Jason and Grover, his best friends, and it isn't her fault that Jason told her. Annabeth knows Piper would rather not know. But now that she does, it's not her fault she wants to protect both Annabeth and Percy from each other. Not after what happened years ago between them.

Annabeth stands up and walks over to her friend, who is just about ready to explode. As soon as she opens her arms for Piper, her friend immediately melts into soft sobs. "I'm sorry, Annabeth. I didn't want to lie, but…" her voice catches again, and Annabeth rubs her back to soothe her. Piper must have felt bad about keeping the secret from her, knowing how important it is for Annabeth.

"I don't hate you, Piper. I can never hate you."

Piper sniffles, "I lied to you,"

"You kept a secret." Annabeth corrects. "That's hardly lying. And you did it for a good reason."

Piper pulls away from the hug to look at Annabeth, her eyes still misty from crying. "Thank you, Annie."

Despite herself, Annabeth smirks. "But you owe me a week of coffee and breakfast for this."

Piper laughs, and the heavy atmosphere around them dissipates completely.

/./ curt /./

[snarkwrites]

six sexy words | reggie mantle; let me take care of you.

Notes:

Oh hello, hi. Guess whose inspiration has finally come back from the war? A while back, I was linked this really neat prompt list by a dear friend of mine and it.. Sparked a few things. So… I guess this is me, starting a new one shots collection?

All of these come from my own mind and I don’t take requests for one shots / prompts, btw.

This is the prelude to my Riverdale fic Gangsta. It kind of... explains how Alyssa wound up getting with Reggie in the first place. Events have been moved around / misplaced, etc.. Anyway.. yeah. I know nobody asked for this but here ya go.

Prompts:

taken from either [ HERE ] or [ HERE ] give or take. It could be one or the other or a mix of both at my own choosing.

catching his gaze lingering on you, i still remember everything about you, let me take care of you were the prompts used here.

Fandom / Character:

Riverdale | Reggie Mantle x Andrews!Sibling OFC, Alyssa

Fic Alyssa Appears In:

[ here ] - read at your own risk. looose af canon compliance and some kind of dark themes are present (kind of an older guy manipulating a younger girl then stalking her sitch so be warned) and are hinted at here.

Warnings:

This one is kind of.. angsty. And there are some dark hints that people reading the fic linked above will pick up on. They're only vaguely hinted at here, btw, so... yeah.

A backstory literally no one asked for, lmaoooo.

Tagging:

@BRITHEDEMONSPAWN is the only one currently on my Riverdale tag list, so…

** if you want to be tagged in my Riverdale stuff, lmk!!**

Other Stuff:

[ ABOUT MY WRITING | TAG LIST DOC - IF YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED, THAT IS. | FANDOMS I WRITE FOR]

I looked up just as Reggie looked down. I could feel the weight of his stare every single time he shifted his gaze towards where I sat in the back booth of the diner.

A strawberry milkshake sat in front of me, untouched. I wasn’t even sure why I was at Pop’s. It’s pretty much the only place for all the lovey-dovey couples of Riverdale to come out on a Friday night anymore and I had to be a glutton for punishment because I knew that this meant the odds of me having a Valentine’s solo date in public, where people would look at me and judge or feel sorry for me for whatever reason, were high.

Not that it bothered me, but when you can feel everyone around you watching you like you’re a landmine or something, it gets old real quick.

A chair scraping loudly against the tiled floor of the diner as it was dragged over drew me out of my own thoughts and I braced myself. Preparing myself to look up from my phone and Snapchats that I had open to find Cheryl or Veronica or Betty sitting there, a sympathetic look in their eyes.

Instead, I looked up from a Snap my friend back in Chicago had sent me and my mouth opened in surprise a little because Reggie sat there, the backwards facing chair pressing into his chest.

“Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“It’s just another Friday.” I muttered, shrugging as I took a few noisy slurps of my milkshake and eyed him. “No hot female company tonight?” I gave him a mocked look of shock as I said it, laughing softly when his response was to pout right back at me.

“I mean, if you count the red-head I’m currently lookin at and I’ve been tryin to talk to all night, then yeah.” Reggie answered.

His answer caught me off guard and as a result, some of the strawberry milkshake went down the wrong way and I choked a little. Reggie chuckled, reaching over to lightly pop me between the shoulder a few times as he gazed at me in concern and amusement. “You good, princess?”

“Super. That would’ve been one hell of an obit though. Girl dies on Valentine’s Day while drinking a milkshake alone and nearly choking to death on strawberry bits.” I laughed and Reggie raised a brow.

“Guess dark humor isn’t your forte, huh?” I teased gently and Reggie gave a quiet chuckle.

“So… How are you feeling about being back in Riverdale?”

“It is what it is.” I answered, shrugging as my eyes wandered around the diner, taking in all the happy couples of Riverdale High.

My gaze settled on Reggie again and I struggled to come up with something even halfway passing as a conversation starter. Maybe that wouldn’t have been such a struggle for me if I’d stop getting lost in the depths of dark brown eyes… Or the way his tongue trailed ever so slowly over the outline of his mouth.

I found myself wondering why he was even over here talking to me to begin with. There was a booth full of River Vixens further towards the back, all laughing and whispering, and yes, occasionally calling his name.

I locked eyes with one of them and the sour look she gave me had me rolling my eyes.

“Hey, it’s gettin late. I doubt Andrews would want his sister walkin home alone…” Reggie trailed off under my amused gaze. I gave a soft laugh, finishing the last of my milkshake.

“Are you asking permission to walk me home, Reggie?”

“What if I am, baby girl?”

“First of all, it’s Alyssa…” I reminded him knowing fully well that it’d go in one ear and out the other, because it always has with him. Reggie’s been a nickname kind of guy for as long as I’ve known him and been friends with him. It’s nice to see that some things haven’t changed, even if at times that can be a little bit grating.

Baby girl just… has negative ties to it for me at the moment.

I winced at the thought and Reggie chuckled. “Okay, princess. Gotcha.” he muttered, leaning in a little. Reaching out and swiping his thumb over my bottom lip. I tried so hard not to tense up or flinch and I found myself hoping against hope that the little bit I did tense up went unnoticed.

I didn’t feel like answering questions and I didn’t want Reggie thinking I was weird or he’d offended me or something because honestly, he hadn’t. The whole thing was a me problem and it was one I was trying not to think about because I just wanted it all completely behind me. Forgotten about.

“You okay?” he asked, a brow raised as he eyed me in concern.

Crap. He noticed.

Apparently, the fact that he’s observant as hell hasn’t changed either.

I gave a soft laugh and nodded. “I just wasn’t expecting that. But it’s okay.” I quickly offered.

Deeper down, I have to admit… If so much hadn’t happened to me in Chicago, I’d definitely be falling hard and fast for Reggie Mantle all over again right now.

I did feel something. A sliver of a spark.

,, Don’t even think about it. The last time you felt sparks, you wound up getting in way over your head. Look where that got you, Alyssa…” that nagging little voice in the back of my mind spoke up, drowning out any and all other thoughts.

He’s my friend. Walking home with a friend isn’t a bad thing.

,, as long as it stops at friendship. Do you really think he’s just going to settle for you? He’s one of the big men on campus. Every girl wants him. Why would he choose you with all your current issues and that big nasty past of yours hanging over your head, threatening to ruin everything?” - and with that thought acknowledged, I smiled and cleared my throat. Breaking through his thoughtful daze with a soft laugh. “Earth to Mantle… You in there?”

“Yeah, yeah. I was just thinkin.”

“About?” I asked the question before I could stop myself.

“About how nice it is havin you back in Riverdale, Alyssa. You were always one of my favorite people.”

I smiled fondly.

Sitting down the styrofoam cup I’d drained of it’s contents, I rose up from my spot on the booth and held out my hand. “C’mon, lug.. If you insist on walking me home, we should probably get going… Stupid town curfew.”

“It is kind of dumb, huh? I mean, it’s not like we actually have a serial killer here.”

“It’s not like we don’t either. Sorry. I watch too many true crime documentaries.”

“No, you just lived in that big city too long. You forgot how safe and isolated it really is here.” Reggie chuckled. He slipped an arm around me and I tensed a little before I could stop myself.

I know he noticed it again, but he lowered his arm. Gave me an apologetic smile.

“Hey… do they still have those swings out behind the elementary?” I asked as we stepped out of the diner. He eyed me and smiled. “Yeah, why?”

“Well, since we do have a little bit of time left before I absolutely must be walking in my father’s door, I thought maybe we could go sit on them and talk? Like we used to? For old times sake?”

Reggie gave a soft grin. “I’d like that.”

“Just don’t try to send me into orbit like the last time I let you push me, okay?”

Reggie chuckled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully as he stared down at me.

I snapped my fingers in his face. “Hey…”

“Yeah, yeah. Look, I make no promises.” Reggie teased. I pouted up at him and we started to walk across the parking lot.

“You’re a lot quieter now, Alyssa. Skittish.. Are you sure you’re okay? I still remember everything about you and you weren’t skittish at all… If you wanna talk about it, you know you can talk to me, right?” Reggie asked as we walked towards the playground down the block. I sighed quietly.

“I’m not!” I spoke up, glancing up at him. Hoping he’d buy it and not keep pushing. Because I’m just not ready to talk about what I managed to get myself caught up in. And you just don’t want to see the disgusted look in his eyes when you do talk about it and he realizes just how stupid and pathetic you really are, the thought came but I shoved it out quickly. For the next minute or two, that heavy silence settled between us. I didn’t address the fact that he said I could talk to him. I know I could but… I just can’t right now. I need time. I need to get my head around everything.

And I don’t want to deal with the disgust I know he’ll probably feel. I know he will because I feel it, every single time I look at myself in the mirror. My parents and Archie keep insisting it’s not my fault, but all I can see is that I was the one who willingly got involved with the people I got involved with in the first place. I’m not stupid. I had to know that Dave didn’t really give a shit. That he was probably using me to stroke his own massive ego. That he purposely picked me when he sensed some deep hidden vulnerability. But I’m the one who let it happen. And I’m the one who let it go on for as long as it did and I allowed it to get to the scary point that it got to…

So yeah.. Pretty sure I don’t want to dump all this on Reggie Mantle and then see him look at me differently. I just… can’t.

I want to, but I can’t.

I hugged myself when the wind picked up, wishing I’d had the common sense to grab a thicker jacket before I left my dad’s house earlier. Reggie stopped our walk and slipped off his letterman’s jacket, holding it out. I eyed it and then him.

“Oh no. No. I’m not about to get my ass kicked by your fanclub.” I teased gently.

In reality, I knew that having the scent of his cologne so close to me would probably stick with me. It’d be too much temptation. Taking his jacket was a slippery slope.

“C’mon. Stop being so stubborn, woman. Look at you, shivering right now… You always took care of me back then. Let me take care of you, okay?”

He stepped closer. Not too close. Close enough that I knew if things were different, I’d totally be pouting right now because I’d want him closer. Before I could answer him, he slipped the jacket around my shoulders and I gave a soft and amused laugh. “Better, Reggie?”

“Yeah.” he answered. I tried not to notice it, but I couldn’t help myself. His eyes darted down and settled on my lips. His gaze lingered.

My heart hammered just a little harder against my chest.

I swallowed hard and cleared my throat, trying not to think about the way he was looking at me currently and the way it made me feel. Because someone’s made me feel that way before but they turned out to be the most toxic person I’ve ever known.

I just.. I don’t know if I can trust myself or anyone else right now.

But I want to. God, I want to.

[thaonos]

clear the slate and start over

book: foreign affairs

part: 1 of ?

word count: 3372

As the jet flew above the renown Vancross Institute, Joey couldn't help but contemplate the implications of her arrival. Her brain racked over the countless possibilities her new life could bring. Until now, all she had ever known was certainty. As the First Daughter of Rutherland, Joey's days were meticulously planned out from the second the sun rose to the moment whatever photo op she was to attend that night concluded. Every day was micromanaged by her mother, to say the least.

She wasn't ungrateful. She wasn't. There are worse ways to live. It wasn't as if she didn't enjoy the opulence and riches that came with being the president's daughter and a generally well-known public figure. She's had two terms to grow accustomed to her new life in the public eye. Joey would say she's done well for herself thus far.

Are there nights where she lays in bed, replaying lost memories with her friends back in the city? Does it hurt not remembering the person she was before a world full of flashing lights and cameras? Haven't two terms of presidency weathered down whatever relationship she and her mom might have had after her father passed away? Joey tries not to dwell on it.

"Josephine, we'll be landing soon." Winston, her mother's advisor and close friend, strolled down the aisle. He had momentarily cut off his conversation with someone over the phone to address the blonde. "Melissa won't be able to make it, regrettably. She had to schedule a last-minute meeting with an ambassador."

Joey stiffened. Although her mother wasn't winning any Mother of the Year awards any time soon, it always stung whenever she brushed her off. "This master's program was her idea. She couldn't find the time to see her own daughter off?"

For a moment the air between them consisted only of the animated babbling from Winston's phone. The poor assistant—she's assuming, it wasn't in Winston's nature to ignore important calls—hadn't even realized Winston's attentions were elsewhere.

"I could have helped her with the campaign, you know. Prove to her that I'd be a valuable asset outside of just parading around pretending to be some trophy child. She never even considered that," she finished.

The sympathetic look that she was so familiar with now adorned the advisor's features. "Josephine, she'll find a way to repay you. I'm positive she is as unhappy about this as you are. She's your mother, she loves you."

"Correction. She's the president first, my mother second. Maybe not even second."

"It's not that simple, Josephine."

"I never said it was." Joey deadpanned.

With that, she turned away from her mother's advisor and stared back out the window. Always the observant type, Winston took the hint and walked away to attend to his call. Hearing the footsteps fade into silence as he walked towards the cockpit, Joey cast her eyes down towards the school again. Only now were they about to pass by the school completely. Joey had to admit Vancross was impressive. The institute bested every Rutherlandian university in size, no doubt. Its alumni boasted some of the most influential people and leaders in the world. Vancross offered the best education money could afford. Not to mention, its stellar reputation spoke volumes. Her mother had been overjoyed during the phone call the previous night. Supposedly, Joey's rumored enrollment at Vancross boosted her approval rating by a respectable margin.

Joey flinched at the intrusive memory. The campaign and her mother was dead last on the list of things she wanted to think about. She forced her thoughts away from politics and focused on her observations earlier. She had seen many students in the beautiful pavilion outside a large, contemporary structure. There were people playing frisbee, students scattered around making use of the many benches and tables around campus, residents walking to their dorms. There were friends laughing at stupid joke one of them had said. There were couples sitting next to each other, each lost in their own world studying. Grandeur aside, the sight reminded Joey of any other university she had visited. It was hard to believe that half of them were the sons and daughters of some of the most powerful people alive. They were proof that, if she tried hard enough, maybe she could pretend to be normal too.

A wistful glaze overtook Joey's eyes as a ding signaling the plane's landing rang out through the cabin. Vancross was an opportunity to start fresh, away from the prying eyes of the media. She could find or reinvent herself again. Everything was about to change; she could feel it. Her mind strayed back to the conversation she had with Winston.

Well, not everything.

Moments later, the plane touched down. Winston appeared by her side the instant it came to a stop. He wasted no time, already spouting out today's agenda. "Josephine, the car will arrive any second now. Your new head of security is running a bit late, so we've arranged for him to meet us at Vancross instead. Fair warning, the gates are already swarming with paparazzi. Your arrival may be the only thing our people talk about for the next week or so."

That caught Joey's attention. "Why's that? Vancross has no shortage of politicians and monarchs. I heard the Prince of Ulmeria attended only a few years ago. How am I any different from the other students?"

Winston narrowed his eyes. "Josephine, it would do you some good to be more aware sometimes. All eyes are on you right now. The Peace Summit will be here in the blink of an eye, and it doesn't take a genius to piece together why your mother wanted to send you to Vancross in the first place. These are your metaphorical baby steps in the world of politics. Not to mention, your actions at Vancross could make or break the reelection campaign. Before this, only one other president has served more than two terms. Your mother is about to be the first woman to do so." He made a show of mulling over something internally. "Also, there are two princes of Ulmeria."

"No pressure at all. You're really killing it in the motivational speech department, Winston." Joey deadpanned, rolling her blazer on. "I don't understand what me attending Vancross has anything to do with my mother, though. It's not like me failing my World History exam is symbolic of my mother's inability to deliver tax cuts."

The sound of a car horn could be heard from outside. Winston shouldered Joey's backpack, stepping aside so she could move into the aisle. "That may be so, but politics are tricky. People see you as a reflection of your mother. Not to mention, I wouldn't be so hasty to dismiss the notion. You could follow your mother's footsteps one day."

Joey started down the aisle, closely followed by Winston. "That'll be the day, Winston. That'll be the day."

As they reached the steps and walked towards the car waiting outside, Joey let her curiosity get the better of her. "Winston." The gray-haired man hummed, reaching the vehicle first and opening the door for her. Once she and Winston settled into the limousine, she continued. "You mentioned my mother meets with an ambassador today. Do you happen to know which country sent him?"

Confusion etched onto Winston's face from her sudden interest in Rutherland's diplomatic affairs. He quickly schooled his expression. "Truth be told, I'm not too sure. She mentioned the border skirmishes, so my best guess would be an Ardonian representative." Winston nodded affirmatively to himself. "Yes, that sounds about right. She would have been here if she could."

The strawberry blonde shrugged, picking at the hem of her navy-blue skirt. Truth be told, she hated wearing skirts or short dresses. She felt exposed enough in public. "Don't get my hopes up, Winston." Although she had meant it as a joke, this earned another decisive nod from the older man.

Eager to change the subject, Winston whipped out a notepad and flipped to his notes without even fumbling for the correct page. "I strongly advise you brush up on your knowledge of foreign affairs. Several other countries are sending their own delegates this year. We have it on good authority that Drivosa, Esherstein, Ithanstan, Naporvie, Pavadena, and Ulmeria are sending representatives. Your head of security should have more information on each of them."

The younger woman's brows furrowed. "That's every country in western Europe minus Ardona—not that there are any complaints there, of course. That would be a public relations disaster."

"The task may appear daunting, but this does work in our favor. You're already aware that this is a purely diplomatic move. Their support is essential in moving forward with the Ardonian Accords. Most of Western European Alliance—such as Esherstein and Ithanstan—seem to support your mother in welcoming Ardona and their allies into WEA, but there are people out there who would stop at nothing to prevent Ardona and the rest of the Eastern Powers from joining the union," he hesitated, unsure whether or not he should continue. "Especially after..."

"The war?" Joey finished.

"No." The advisor spared a hasty glance up at the partition. His voice dropped slightly. "The nature surrounding your father's death."

A flicker of emotion briefly passed over Joey's features before she adopted a blank expression. "I see. Which countries are not in support of the Ardonian Accords?" She trained her eyes forward, trying to focus on the conversation at hand. After all, it had been years. She had a duty to fulfill right now.

If Winston had noticed her behavior, he didn't let on.

"For starters, Ardona is only begrudgingly entertaining the idea. They're not happy about being practically forced into a peace treaty. This shouldn't be a problem, though. The prime minister knows what's best for Ardona. Drivosa is still upset about the humiliating loss they suffered in the Battle of Trinket Hill. You may have heard that Pavadena isn't a fan of the Ardonian Accords either. King Serrano was fond of Bleu." At the sound of her father's name. Joey's right hand clenched into a fist around the fabric of her skirt. "Luckily, Ulmeria seems to be cooperative. Prince Philip is eager to forge ahead."

The conversation died as the car lurched onto campus grounds. Joey took a glance at the flashing lights outside of the window and exhaled slowly, preparing herself. Her right hand slowly relaxed its grip. Next to her, Winston threw his notepad into his briefcase and shoved outside into the eager crowd. This routine was one of secondhand nature to the both of them at this point. Joey fixed her hair and adjusted her clothing in the few seconds she had before the door opened. She blindly grabs the strap of her backpack and turns towards the door in the same moment Winston pulls it open. Agents Demarco and Pierre are already keeping the photographers at bay.

"Josephine!" An obnoxious reporter jammed a microphone into her face. "Mike Williams with Stalker Media. Any comments on the Peace Summit looming over us? What does the Rutherland presidency think of the Ardona-Esherstein border clashes?"

Josephine rolled her eyes. Stalker Media might be one of the trashiest news outlets out there. At least the piece about Esherstein's First Son drunkenly crashing that gala the other night was interesting to read about. She was in attendance that night and had nearly choked on her drink when Alexei Vukoja drunkenly strolled in, a horde of cows trailing behind him. She'd have to ask Alexei where he found them.

Demarco pushed the microphone away and the two guards started paving the way towards the gates for Josephine. Seconds passed, and the voices began to blend as she tried to focus on the different media outlets vying for her attention.

"Josephine, over here! Smile, honey." Josephine gave the reporter forced grin as a flash went off. She turned away.

"Miss Fils-Aime! Did you see Lewis Wright's new campaign video? It's good stuff, he might just give your mother a run for her money." She shrugged innocently.

"Josephine! Josephine! Does your enrollment have anything to do with your mom's worsening approval ratings?" She avoided eye contact with that particular paparazzo.

She could see the gates by now. A few more steps separated her and freedom. Just as relief began to flood her system, another question rang out.

"Josephine, we were interrupted earlier! Do you have a moment to discuss the implications of the Ardonian Accords? Why is your mother trying to push for an alliance with Ardona given your father's assassination?"

At that, she couldn't help but whirl around, jaw clenched. She found herself face to face with the first reporter. Mark, if she recalled correctly. He had a smug smirk on his face, knowing she had taken his bait. "Why is she welcoming your rival, who your people believe is responsible for her husband's death, with open arms?"

Josephine opened her mouth to respond. Before she could make a fool of herself in front of the cameras, Winston gently turned her around and guided her towards the gates. "Really? Nothing to say, even about Ardona sending a representative this year as well?"

Joey frowned. Still walking, she looked to Winston for answers. "You didn't mention an Ardonian delegate," she whispered.

"Our intelligence indicated they wouldn't be sending anyone this year. Hopefully your new head of security will be more on top of things," He murmured in a clipped tone.

As the group crossed the gates, Joey was taken back by the contrast in atmosphere. Outside, it was suffocating. Between the cameras being shoved into your face and excessive badgering by the press, it was difficult to even hear your own thoughts. Inside, there was none of that. The tranquility made her teary-eyed. She thinks she may even hear birds. Winston quietly excused himself from the group as they reached the quad, leaving Demarco and Pierre to escort her to her room. Shortly after, the three of them reached the doorstep of her new living space for the next few years.

As the door swung open, Joey let out a small whistle. The dorm was spacious. The homey furniture made the room vibrant yet intimate. Vancross was treating her nicely. She walked in, nearly bumping into the luggage her team had dropped off a few minutes prior to her arrival. Joey slowly took in the sight of the dorm, the corner of her mouth quirking up.

With a toothy grin on her face, she triumphantly turned towards her guards. "This place makes the State Manor look quaint! Jealous, are you?"

The agents cracked a smile at her teasing. They'd worked for her family long enough to recognize that Joey struggled to enjoy herself, even in private. The First Daughter of Rutherland could afford many luxuries but being able to have fun wasn't one of them. They've learned to appreciate the young woman's refreshing personality on the rare occasion she permitted herself to be authentic and carefree.

Demarco's mouth moved to retort back, but a silvery voice rang out instead. "Almost makes you feel like royalty, huh?"

All heads turned towards the bedrooms. A young brunette stepped out from one of the rooms, planked by a burly man. "Of course, I actually am royalty, but all the dorms are this nice. I'm trying not to take it as an insult. You must be the roommate." She extended a hand. "Princess Dionne Mariana Regina Dorada de Rothschild Serrano of the Kingdom of Pavadena. This walking protein shake ad is my bodyguard Murphy."

Joey took her newfound acquaintance's hand, her easygoing smile softening into something less genuine. "Josephine Fils-Aime of the... country of Rutherland? I'm afraid those are all the names I have. I prefer Joey, though. Not sure that helps my case."

Dionne gave a dismissive wave. "Names are overrated, anyways. Luckily for you, I only go by Princess Dionne. For my new best friend, I'll accept just Dionne."

Dionne plopped down onto the couch, gesturing for Joey to join her. "Since we'll be spending an insufferable amount of time together, I thought we could get to know each other. Any dirty family secrets? Long lost half-siblings? Oh, I know! Did your first pet goldfish die as a direct consequence of your neglect and you have never been able to love anyone since?"

"As if any family secret could be kept out of the public eye for this long. Don't think I have any half-siblings, but you'll be the first to know if I find out otherwise. His name was Hugo and I took great care of him, thank you very much," Joey smiled as she received rolling eyes in response. "My mom thought it would be a great idea for me to enroll in the master's program here. She hopes I'll have some epiphany and realize I've always wanted to follow in her footsteps one day. At least I have some time away from the public. It's been a while since that was the case."

Dionne gave her a quizzical look. "I'd figure. You really sell the whole 'perfect First Daughter' image, you know. My parents always gush about how great you are with handling your image and reputation. I'd go insane if I attended the number of galas, conferences, or state dinners you do."

"I try," Joey shrugged, sudden insecurity clouding her features. She glanced around, noticing her agents' disappearance. She briefly wondered when they had slipped out without her knowing.

Dionne took note of the shift in the First Daughter's tone, rushing to amend her statement. "Not that it's a bad thing! It's admirable you're so supportive of your mom and her presidency. You hold your own against the press well, too."

Judging by the lack of change in Joey's expression, Dionne was unsuccessful. Seeing as Joey didn't seem like she was going to respond, the princess pursed her lips and continued.

"Have you taken a tour around campus?"

The Rutherlandian shook her head.

Her roommate clapped her hands together and jumped up. "It's decided, then. I'll show you around! Let me go get dressed."

"You weren't already...?" Joey trailed off as Dionne jogged to her bedroom, locking the door behind her. "...Dressed?"

Silence filled the dorm as Joey awkwardly sat there, awaiting the return of her eccentric princess roommate. Then she heard shouting outside. From the volume, she figured it was distant. Near the gates. If she was a betting woman, she'd guess another high-profile student just arrived. Curiosity peaked, she walked towards the window. She had to strain her neck a little to find the entrance, but as soon as she did, a brown-haired girl strutted through the gates.

Without turning back, the newcomer raised a middle finger towards the paparazzi as she walked away. Joey's eyebrows rose as her gaze traveled down to her ripped jeans and solid maroon blouse. As if her behavior wasn't scandalous enough, her casual attire was a bold statement in itself. Something in Joey lurched forward, drawn towards the woman with an attitude.

As the woman drew closer, Joey's breath hitched. From afar, it was easy to mistake her for anyone else. Although it had been a while since she had seen Blaine Hayes, there was no mistaking those striking green eyes up close. The last she's seen a picture of her counterpart was when Blaine was in grade school sporting a dorky haircut and neon pink braces. Time had treated her well, and, Joey had to hand it to her, those braces definitely worked. The woman she was openly gaping at now was refined, beautiful even. As Blaine and her security detail made their way towards a different building, Joey's eyes trailed the group across campus in disbelief. She must be seeing things.

"There's no way that's..." She began, mumbling to herself. She trailed off as the waving of a flag caught her eye. A fleeting glance at the top of the black vehicle pulling out of the lot confirmed her suspicions.

There was no universe in which Joey wouldn't recognize that sea green and gold striped Ardonian flag, floating mockingly around in the air.

[stardustprompts]

the great  episode five - war and vomit  sentence starters change tenses/pronouns as needed !!  some lines have been edited for clarity / length / ease of roleplaying tw : nsfw , language , violence , death , sexism 

‘I enjoy your company. you laugh at my jokes.’ 

‘that changes the nature of many of your stories.’

‘you are an inspiration to us all.’

‘it’s not a place for women,’

‘they need hope.’

‘I’ll just pop it in your mouth.’

‘a strawberry macaroon would be a wonder to me.’

‘I need to scream. but not into the air, but at the world for allowing this to happen.’

‘war is inevitable, since cavemen smashed each other’s faces in for control of the fire stick.’

‘things that are built into our nature are not choices.’

‘fuck!’

‘there you go, let it out.’

‘I’ve seen worse.’

‘I admire your heart and fire.’

‘I am scorched by that, certainly, and will not forget it.’

‘I’d rather die.’

‘I am fine. do not talk of it.’

‘you have been missed.’

‘apologies I don’t feel quite myself.’

‘it’s not enough. I am ashamed.’

‘you felt like a foolish princess.’

‘and you will tell me to forget it. sleep soundly.’

‘I cannot bear the inaction. heartlessness.’

‘you felt like a foolish princess because you are.’

‘spare me the precious, self - righteous loathing.’

‘you are cruel.’

‘you are a fop who does care for anything.’

‘you are a fop who does care for anything but wine and love and fucking poetry.’

‘I don’t like you much right now.’

‘so be it. truth is truth.’

‘I will not live a powerless life.’

‘he is very ill.’

‘where would he have come across a possessed badger?’

‘I want to be there for my friend.’

‘am I dying?’

‘I feel a bit ... dizzy.’

‘destiny has kicked the door open earlier than expected, but we shall run through it.’

‘you looked at me and the look said ‘be a man’.’

‘you poisoned him?’

‘honestly, as a woman it’s far more important what you wear.’

‘this was my destiny.’

‘you saved me that day, and I thank you.’

‘it’s a great day for me!’

‘and in doing so perhaps win our argument.’

‘it did taste bitter. and made me want to punch you.’

‘I will tell you the truth always. I accept the danger of it.’

‘no one yells at me so well. perhaps I need that.’

‘we need each other.’

‘there will be no more war. huzzah!’

‘if he dies, we’re all fucked.’ 

‘we are perhaps all doomed so let’s enjoy it while we can.’ 

‘how terrible I asked you that. slap me if you like. I deserve it.’

‘must be a mistake. everyone loves me.’ 

‘are you pregnant?’

‘and women love me because of my massive cock.’

‘I have regrets.’

‘I wanted to rename july after myself.’

‘you need to kill the fucker.’

‘I love bloodshed.’

‘you seem tired and grumpy, darling.’

‘I will be kind, I promise.’

‘you are this close to power, and this close to death.’

‘I had a horrible dream.’

‘please live, I’m not ready.’

‘life of one to improve life for everyone else.’ 

‘we are just ... upset and hysterical ... as women often are.’

[mieczlw-a]

HARRY  STYLES  FINE  LINE  SENTENCE  STARTERS. 

GOLDEN. 

“   hold  it ,  focus.   “ 

“   take  me  back  to  the  light.   “ 

“   i  know  you  were  way  too  bright  for  me.   “ 

“   i’m  hopeless ,  broken.   “

“   you’re  so  golden.    “

“   i’m  out  of  my  head.   “

 “  i  know  that  you’re  scared.   “ 

“   because  hearts  get  broken.   “ 

“   i  don’t  wanna  be  alone.   “ 

“   i  don’t  wanna  be  alone  when  it  ends.   “ 

“   i  can  feel  you  take  control.    “

“   loving  you’s  the  antidote.   “ 

“   i  know  you’re  scared  becasue  i’m  so  open.   “ 

WATERMELON  SUGAR.  

“   tastes  like  strawberries  on  a  summer  evenin’   “ 

“   it  sounds  just  like  a  song.   “ 

“   it’s  so  wonderful  and  warm.   “ 

“   breathe  me  in.   “ 

“   i’m  just  thinking  out  loud.   “ 

“   getting  washed  away  in  you.   “ 

“   i  just  wanna  taste  it.   “ 

ADORE  YOU. 

“   i  get  lost  inside  your  eyes.   “ 

“   would  you  believe  it   ?   “ 

“   you  don’t  have  to  say  you  love  me.   “ 

“   you  don’t  have  to  say  nothing.   “ 

“   you  don’t  have  to  say  you’re  mine.   “ 

“   honey.   “ 

“   i’d  walk  through  fire  for  you.   “

“   just  let  me  adore  you.   “ 

“   i  just  want  to  tell  you  something.   “ 

“   lately ,  you’ve  been  on  my  mind.   “ 

LIGHTS  UP. 

“   what  do  you  mean   ?   “ 

“   i’m  sorry  by  the  way.   “ 

“   wouldn’t  put  it  like  that.   “ 

“   all  the  lights  could  put  out  the  dark.   “ 

“   do  you  know  who  you  are   ?   “ 

CHERRY. 

“   don’t  you  call  him  baby.   “ 

“   we’re  not  talking ,  lately.   “ 

“   don’t  you  call  him  what  you  used  to  call  me.   “ 

“   i  confess.   “  

“   i  can  tell  that  you  are  at  your  best.   “ 

“   i’m  selfish  so  i’m  hating  it.   “ 

“   i  noticed  that  there’s  a  piece  of  you  in  how  i  dress.   “ 

“   take  it  as  a  compliment.   “ 

“   i  just  miss  your  accent  and  your  friends.   “ 

“   did  you  know  i  still  talk  to  them   ?   “ 

“   does  he  take  you  walking  ‘round  his  parents  gallery   ?   “ 

FALLING. 

“   i’m  in  my  bed  and  you’re  not  here.   “ 

“   there’s  no  one  to  blame  but  the  drink.   “ 

“   forget  what  i  said.   “ 

“   it’s  not  what  i  meant.   “ 

“   i  can’t  take  it  back.   “

“   what  am  i  now  ?   “ 

“   what  if  i’m  someone  i  don’t  want  around   ?   “ 

“   what  if  i’m  down   ?  “ 

“   what  if  i’m  out   ?   “ 

“   what  if  i’m  someone  you  won’t  talk  about   ?   “ 

“   i’m  falling  again.   “ 

“   you  said  you  care  and  you  missed  me  too.   “ 

“   i’m  well  aware.   “

 “   i  write  too  many  songs  about  you.   “ 

“   it  kills  me  ‘cause  i  know  we’ve  ran  out  of  things  to  say.   “ 

“   and  i  get  the  feeling  that  you’ll  never  need  me  again.   “ 

“   what  if  you’re  someone  i  just  want  around  ?   “ 

TO  BE  SO  LONELY. 

“   don’t  blame  me  for  falling.   “ 

“   i  was  just  a  little  boy.   “ 

“   don’t  blame  the  drunk  caller.  “ 

“   wasn’t  ready  for  it  all.   “ 

“   you  can’t  blame  me,  darling.  “ 

“   not  even  a  little  bit.   “

“   and  i’m  just  an  arrogant  son  of  a  bitch.  “ 

“   who  can’t  admit  when  he’s  sorry.   “ 

“   don’t  call  me  baby  again.   “

“   you  got  your  reasons.    “

“   i  know  you  mean  it.   “ 

“   it’s  hard  for  me  to  go  home.   “ 

“   do  you  think  it’s  easy  being  of  the  jealous  kind  ?   “ 

“   ‘cause  i  miss  the  shape  of  your  lips.   “ 

“   and  this  is  it ,  i’m  so  sorry.   “

“   to  be  so  lonely.   “ 

SHE. 

“   and  he’s  thinking  of  you.   “ 

“   she  lives  in  daydreams  with  me.   “ 

“   she’s  the  first  one  that  i  see.   “

“   i  don’t  know  who  she  is.   “

“   and  she  sleeps  in  his  bed.  “ 

“   i  don’t  know  where  she  is.   “ 

SUNFLOWER  VOL  6. 

“   my  eyes  want  you  more  than  a  melody.   “ 

“   let  me  inside.   “

“   wish  i  could  get  to  know  you.   “ 

“   i  was  just  tongue  tied.   “ 

“   i  couldn’t  want  you  any  more.   “ 

“   kiss  in  the  kitchen.   “ 

“   tired  eyes  are  the  death  of  me.  “ 

“   i’ve  got  your  face  hung  up  high  in  the  gallery.   “ 

“   your  flowers  just  died.  “ 

“   i  don’t  wanna  make  you  feel  bad.   “ 

“   i’ve  been  trying  hard  not  to  act  a  fool.   “ 

CANYON  MOON. 

“   gotta  see  it  to  believe  it.   “ 

“   sky  never  looked  so  blue.   “ 

“   that’s  what  i  always  do.   “ 

“   go  get  the  kids  from  school.   “ 

“   i’ll  be  gone  too  long  from  you.   “ 

“   two  weeks  and  i’ll  be  home.   “ 

TREAT  PEOPLE  WITH  KINDNESS.  

“   maybe  we  can  find  a  place  to  feel  good.  “ 

“   and  we  can  treat  people  with  kindness.   “ 

“   i’ve  got  a  good  feeling.   “ 

“   i’m  just  taking  it  in.  “ 

“   and  if  we’re  here  long  enough ,  they’ll  sing  a  song  for  us.   “ 

“   and  we’ll  belong.   “ 

“   giving  second  chances.   “ 

“   i  don’t  need  all  the  answers.   “ 

“   i  just  keep  on  dancing.   “

“   and  it’s  just  another  day.   “ 

“   it’s  okay.   “ 

FINE  LINE. 

“   i’m  looking  for  something  to  buy.   “ 

“   you’ve  got  my  devotion.   “ 

“   man ,  i  can  hate  you  sometimes.   “ 

“   i  don’t  want  to  fight  you.   “

“   i  don’t  want  to  sleep  in  the  dirt.   “ 

“   we’ll  get  the  drinks  in.   “ 

“   we’ll  be  a  fine  line.   “ 

“   there’s  things  that  we’ll  never  know.   “ 

“   you  sunshine ,  you  temptress.   “ 

“   my  hand’s  at  risk ,  i  fold.   “ 

“   i’ll  try  to  shake  this  soon.   “ 

“   spreading  you  open.   “ 

“   it’s  the  only  way  of  knowing  you.   “ 

“   we’ll  be  alright.   “ 

[unsaintedfox-a]

@brokenxbeautyxx liked for an underground fighter starter.

Deshi still didn't understand how he got into underground fighting in the supernatural scene. Someone had heard about his abilities and offered him a one time cash fight. Just out of boredom he tried it and now it had stuck. It was rare for him to lose but that didn't mean it didn't happen. Just like any other fighting, there were rules and for the supernatural they weren't allowed to use their abilities that weren't strength or speed unless it was a full ability fight. Though, those were usually to the death and he wasn't about to try his hand at some of the guys he knew he would go against.

He was in the ring with a very frustrated werewolf who looked seconds away from ripping him apart with his claws when he noticed a very familiar strawberry blonde walk in. Unfortunately that gave the wolf his opening, knocking the Kitsune to the floor before lunging with a snarl to try and finish the job. It took a second to get his bearings back but he easily flipped them, landing an elbow right between the werewolf's eyes and knocking him out cold. Once the fight was called with both cheers and boos, he left the ring and spit out his mouth guard as he stalked toward the bane of his existence. "What decided to drag you in here tonight, Liz? Toy shopping?"

[edenvhs]

So I decided to send the first chapter of my fanfiction here, since i dont really get that much criticism over on my discord servers, so... Here ya go! I hope you enjoy. Also if you have any names for the fanfic please give me ideas, it will help greatly, thank you!

Strong language ahead, also i tend to write a lot so beware for a good read!

Chapter 1: New Kid [Susie’s Perspective.]

The bell rang in the girls ears, a sound she heard every single day at the exact same time every single day, but yet she ignored that bell on purpose. Being on time was something Susie never did, and never got in trouble for. She’d just look at old Alphys and she’d start sweating. How cowardly. See, Susie wasn’t the type of girl to be messing with. Her height, for starters, was stupidly tall, towering over most teachers at the damned school, and sometimes she has to bend down to get in classes, which would have been embarrassing if she were someone else. But of course, Susie was the bully of the place. No one dared to even step foot anywhere near her. Not even if she was doing something bad, like what she was doing now, which was stealing chalk from the cabinet of another empty classroom. She wasn’t stealing it to write with, oh no, chalk was in fact her favourite snack to have. Especially the strawberry ones. So she took one, and bit it in half, concealing the box in her front trouser pocket. She sighed, “Suppose it's time to pay that Alphys and her dumb class a visit.” she grumbled, closing the door and trudging along to class. Closer and closer the door came, closer the noise was. “Huh, looks like Alphys here cant keep her classroom quiet. Better teach those twerps a lesson or two about being quiet for ya teacher huh.” she laughed to herself before swinging the door open, and what greeted her was silence, scared staring classmates…

And a new kid.

Huh. “Psssht. Looks like an absolute nerd to me.” she thought, before shooting the new kid a look, before sitting in her seat at the back of the class. The small teacher, standing behind her desk, looked as if she were sweating. “W-well… as I-I was eerr, saying- Um, welcome our new classmate, Noelle Holiday!” Alphys stuttered, clearly still shocked by Susie’s grand entrance. The girl who’s name apparently was Noelle, didn’t seem so shocked, just nervous, looking down at her feet, extremely red in the face. Susie leaned back in her chair, one foot on the desk, raising an eyebrow. “This kid aint gonna survive a day if she even tries talking to me.” Susie muttered to herself, chuckling quietly. “H...Hey everyone..” Noelle squeaked, “Erm, M-my name is Noelle a-and i um, i really like writing. Hope w-we can a-all be friends.” she waved rather awkwardly, as the class, of course other than Susie, said hello back. She just rolled her eyes, averting her eyes elsewhere. Well, there wasn’t much to look at, just poorly plastered walls and white plain ceiling. There were windows but today wasn’t as nice as the last, it was all grey and dreary outside, clouds looming over the city like a blanket. Sounds like it will most likely rain soon.

“Erm, w-why don’t you take the umm e-empty seat next to Susie? I-I heard y-you are great at helping people with their work, so um… perhaps Susie could need some help in the f-future?” Alphys anxiously looked between Noelle and Susie, laughing a little nervously too, gesturing Noelle to walk to her seat. The class quietly muttered between each other, watching Noelle walk towards the desk rather sheepishly, as if she were walking towards literal death itself, though Susie was sometimes compared like that, compared to others. It was something she got used to, something that never really bothered her. Though what did bother her was the fact that Alphys likes to think that Susie wants the kid’s help. She didn’t get a say at all. But she just stared at the girl walk towards the seat, before looking back to the front of the classroom.

And there was the second bell, meaning class had officially started. Another dumb wasted day full of pointless shitty lessons, which obviously, Susie was gonna—as always—do absolutely nothing in. Waiting for the bell for lunchtime. Until then, she would lean against the wall on her chair and wait, listening to rain which began to gradually patter softly against the window.

…

And there it was, eventually it came around, and everyone walked out of their seats and into the cafeteria to eat, except Susie of course. She stomped along to the empty classroom again, as she usually did. It was peaceful there, oddly enough. Even brutes like her liked the peace and quiet sometimes. She shut the door, and walked to the old teacher's seat. She always found it weird that teachers got better seats than the students, even though students would do all the work. Surely the students were better than them? Susie liked to think that, that she was better than everyone else, because she is in her mind. Everyone was just pebbles beneath her feet. No one gave a shit and/or was scared shitless of her, so why should she care about those fools? She sighed again, sitting on the windowsill, watching the rain. It was nice, to be honest. Soothing. Rain was her favourite weather, besides thunderstorms. Just sitting there, listening to something for once. She was never angry during those times, she was calmed by the soft pitter patter against the windows and on the concrete roads. Sometimes, she’d sneak outside to sit in the rain at night. She’d gain attention just sitting there, with no hood on in the rain, but did she care? No, of course not. So she sat, looking rather bored watching the grey clouds slowly move across the skyline.

That is until the door opened, and the petite figure of the new kid, Noelle stepped in the classroom, shyly shuffling on her feet.

Susie exhaled heavily in annoyance, standing up, looking at the girl. “So. You’re the new kid, huh.” Walking over to a desk near Noelle, leaning against it. “A-are you supposed to be here..?” Noelle mumbled, still looking down. Susie angrily replied with, “No. Why does it matter, twerp?” folding her arms. “What, ya gonna run to old Alphys and tell of me, squirt? Now listen here, she ain’t gonna do shit, and you. YOU ain’t gonna do shit either, capiche?” she walked over, standing directly in front of her, looking down at her in annoyance and anger. “Got anything to say, huh?” she tilted her head, watching Noelle’s cheeks flare, her body scrunch up and shake in fear. Suddenly, Susie got closer, muttering, “I know you don’t know me, and trust me, you should be glad ya don’t but…” her hand grabbed Noelle by her checkered jumper and slammed her against the door. Susie’s piercing yellow eyes looked down at Noelle, full of vexation, growling:

“Quiet People PISS me off.”

“And do you know what..” she chuckled, “You are really pushin’ your luck here. Not even a yelp, huh? I give ya a week kid, and you’re outta this place.” Susie noticed Noelle’s teary eyes, shaky body and very red and embarrassed face and loosened up a little, letting go of the girl. “You’re lucky that I actually do have a heart and didn’t bite your face off.” she backed away, turning around and opening a box of chalk and picking out a blue piece of chalk, biting it in half. “Just get outta my sight squirt. Don’t even try coming in here ever again, ya got that?” she grunted. After a few seconds, she heard the door shut, and no Noelle in sight. Susie sighed. sitting on the desk, staring at her hands. Even though she was an emotionless brute of a girl, she did feel bad for the new kids. They were fresh meat, easy to pick on, needing to be taught lessons. But that kid didn’t even fight back. Didn’t even yelp in fear, just bottled her feelings inside. What, did she think she was better than her? Psht. There was no way in hell. But for a few moments Susie felt confused, the kid seemed odd, seemed different. She didn’t know what it was. Just… A gut feeling. Perhaps she shouldn’t have done that—No. She should have. She disturbed her, right? Ghn..

Jolting her back to reality was the bell, indicating the last lessons of the day would begin, then it was time to head back home, the same thing she did everyday. Great. She snarled at the ringing sound, banging the empty classroom door open, disturbing some younger kids who were making their way across the opposite way Susie was heading. Back to class.

END OF CHAPTER 1.