#-that she grew up in is so so dear to me. emma is just so important to me like. in general <3

[goldiipond]

ray is genderfluid because imagine the euphoria of confining yourself to a box your whole life because you’re so afraid to discover things about yourself only to have it all taken away and then escaping and being allowed to explore those things and realizing you can just be anything you want at anytime, you’re finally free. emma is agender because ray’s hogging all the genders and he won’t share

[mrchiipchrome]

You Always Go To The Parties

W.C. - 5.7 k

okay so this is the project i've been working on for a little, hope y'all like it:) (also listen to American Wedding by Frank Ocean while y'all read this.)

To clarify, this is a lionesses x r series too, but this is literally just the chapter of introduction so that we can get to know the characters.

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“Do I really have to go? I can’t even drink legally here.” You groan, there was nothing stopping you from collecting your things and getting the hell out of that apartment in Boston, well except the manners instilled in you from an early age. There was nothing you’d like more than to crawl up in bed and sleep for the next few weeks.

No way Emma would let you do that. 

The sophomore defender had been one of the only people that had come back to college early, having been asked to show you around the campus and the facilities. She had quickly taken you under her wing, which meant that she wouldn’t let you sulk in bed the rest of August.

Brown cardboard boxes filled to the brim with different things, ranging from clothes to knick knacks, were stacked to the ceiling in the otherwise empty apartment. You didn’t mind, clearly, but it bothered Em.

You tuck your hands behind your head, staring up at the ceiling from your mattress that was placed directly on the floor. Your button up had the first few buttons undone, the top of your chest displayed for Em to see, you had even put your fancy trousers on for the stupid party you didn’t even want to attend.

“Yes, you really have to. How else do you expect to make friends, your cute British accent will only get you that far, you actually need to put in some effort okay?” Rolling your eyes at her words, you were quickly made to get up off the makeshift bed, getting pushed towards the door.

“But-” 

“No buts, you are going because I need someone to drive me home when I’m black out drunk tonight, you don’t want me to drink and drive right?” You can’t help but contemplate over her words, feeling the girl’s hand come down on your shoulder harshly. 

Clearly she didn’t like that.

“I mean you could just, I don't know…not drink?” She looks at you like she’s disgusted you’d even think about saying something like that, like she has to drink.

“Wow, it really is obvious your parents are rich.” You lock the door up as you look at her through the corner of your eye, a slightly judgemental look in your eyes.

Your parents were rich, but they didn’t spoil you so you weren’t one of those snobby rich kids, you were just like anyone else. Only you had access to more money than most.

“Shut up.” Emma puts her hands up in the air, like she’s surrendering to you, but you see the way she’s smiling slyly at you. Note to self; don’t get defensive when Em brings up your rich parents.

“You know, I could use a new Gucci bag if you want to contact daddy dear.” She looks up at you pleadingly as you make your way to her car, there was no way you’d use your car, it was far too expensive to be left outside a frat house. You really had to get a more beat up one.

Maybe you’d sell it, and donate the money you got for it to charity. 

“Aw, we’re taking my car?” Em whines, clearly she wanted to take your cool car.

“Aw, I’m not leaving my really expensive car outside of a frat house for hours.” You roll your eyes at her almost like she’s stupid, throwing her the keys so that she could drive, you didn’t even know where it was you were going.

“You know, you are really sassy for being a rich kid.” Em pulls out of the garage, the apartment complex you were living in was just off campus, so near that you walked there every day for pre-pre-season training (absolutely destroying Em every single time without fail).

“Yeah well, I grew up in the public education system in London, so that’s where I get it from.” You look on as the girl in the driver’s seat taps her fingers against the steering wheel, waiting for the red light to turn green.

“Really, I would’ve thought that they had you in private school from the second you popped out.” The green light stands out against the quickly darkening sky, starless and rather bleak, but that’s what you get for living in a big city.

“Nope, they wanted me to have a normal childhood, so here I am.” You motion to yourself, feeling the bumps and dips of the road beneath you, damn potholes.

“I mean fair enough right.” A certain quietness envelops the space between the two of you, it wasn’t uncomfortable, just present without any real purpose.

Your eyes slip shut, with Em turning the radio on, playing soft instrumental music like you weren’t in the middle of Boston where most people prefer hip hop and bubblegum pop. That was probably the biggest culture shock you'd been given so far, the music.

At home it was different, in a neutral way. It was neither better nor was it worse, but it was simply different.

You sink into your seat, the cool air blasting across your skin in that refreshing way, the summer’s heat canceled out by the air coming from the car. Slowly, sleep starts to take over your body in that calming sort of way that you’d wished for earlier.

It had only felt like moments since you’d fallen asleep as Em shakes your shoulders to get you to wake up, the pulsing music coming from the frat house a walking distance away already making your ears hurt. You look around at the surrounding nature, it wasn’t familiar to you, not the trees you’d found yourself memorizing nor the architecture present in Boston.

Even the people looked different, shirts with the printing of a dog on the front instead of the three books representing Harvard. Stupid of you to assume that Em would be rational for once.

“Where are we Em?” You ask, voice riddled with a sleepy kind of innocence that suggested that not everything had registered yet.

“We are in Connecticut, home of the huskies and what might be the best parties you’ll ever experience.” Your eyes shoot open wide, a more than flabbergasted look on your face at her naïve words.

“You kidnapped me and then drove me all the way to Connecticut for a party we could just as well have found in Boston?!” You ask her incredulously, like you couldn’t really believe her. And you couldn’t.

“Yeah, technically I did but you’ll also get to experience the party of your lifetime, so I think that it’s fine.” She tries to justify her actions by trying to reason with you, and whilst it doesn’t work in the way she wishes, Emma’s just happy you’re not totally freaking out.

“Come on grumpy, let’s go. Who knows, you might even have some fun.” Em pulls you along towards the house spewing flashing lights in a hundred different colors.

You let your eyes adjust to the blinking lights as you enter through the open front door, seeing the entire bottom floor of the mansion-like house covered with hundreds of students, packed together tightly like a sweaty sardine can.

The house reeks of bad body wash, moldy pits and strong cheap alcohol, and in a sense of the word Em really did tell the truth, you’d never seen anything like it before. It was almost like those frat boys couldn’t afford to buy deodorant.

If your arm wasn’t as firmly attached to your body as it was, you were sure that Emma would’ve torn it off by now, the resistance of the sweaty bodies pushing against your own as she leads you to the kitchen proving to be a difficult task for her weak arms.

Reaching the entrance of the large kitchen, the first thing you notice is that it’s not as tightly packed as the living room, only a few stragglers here and there with the stereotypical red solo cups can be found in every single person’s hand. Future alcoholists.

 “Okay, base rules since you’ve never been to a college party before, don’t take a drink from anyone you don’t know, don’t accept anyone’s request to go upstairs or somewhere private, you’ll most likely get robbed, don’t be too snarky, people don’t appreciate that and… I think that’s all. Have a nice night!” And with that she’s off to the living room, plucking a cup from a random man’s hand and taking a sip before leading him to the dance floor.

Yeah, base rules or whatever.

Standing alone in the kitchen, you suddenly feel so awkward. The only real parties you’d been to were the one’s your friends threw when your parents were away on their stupidly long business trips, just the chaotic friend group drinking together.

So this, college parties, was something that was totally out of your comfort zone and you’d never hated anyone as much as you hated Em right at that moment.

Spotting a boy out of the corner of your eye, you approach him with confident, yet still relatively hesitant steps, a question at the tip of your tongue. He looks up at you when you’re close enough to smell the odor of old spice deodorant and way too much sweat, his hat turned backwards on his head to hide the greasy hair still somehow poking its way through.

You almost feel bad for the poor thing, well that is until his mouth opens and you’re staring into the hell that is a frat boy’s gob. 

“‘Sup dude, what can I do for you?” His eyes run all along your body, from your ankles up to your face where he notices the annoyed expression.

“I was wondering if you had anything non alcoholic.” You smile staley, eyebrows furrowing together when his eyes light up like a kid on christmas. His laugh feels slightly insulting, especially when his hand comes up to point at you, but there’s really not a lot you could do.

“Dude totally, say the thing though.” You look at him confused, like you didn’t know what he meant. Spoiler alert; you did. “Y’know bo'ohw'o'wo'er.” 

He laughs again when you roll your eyes, and even if all you desire is to punch his stupid face in, you still say the phrase. Was it worth it for a coke? Eh, debatable.

He opens the fridge and throws you the can and laughs once more at your dirty look.

Sipping the drink slowly as you make your way around the house, the UConn students around you stare unashamedly at you, like they knew your face from somewhere, but you weren’t familiar per se. 

Your face scrunches up at the metallic taste of the American coke, much preferring the Mexican one they had in the canteen. You couldn’t complain too much though, you were the one who actually let yourself get dragged to the party.

It’s sudden, the way her eyes catch yours. Deep pools of endearing brown that capture your entire soul in a single second. The girl was mesmerizing as she stood leaning against the wall across from you, her long brown hair falling so effortlessly down her back.

Her gaze is just focussed on you for a second or two, her attention soon being stolen by the man standing in front of her, a sleazy smirk on his face as his eyes ran all along her body. It was clear that she was uncomfortable purely by the way her lips were turned downwards and the way her hands fiddled with the hem of her crop top.

There seems to be a lull in their one sided conversation as she looks to you almost pleadingly, getting the hint almost immediately, you walk over with confident steps, dropping the now empty can on the floor on the way.

The man is almost as tall as you, his burly shoulders disproportionate to the rest of his awkward body, his meaty hands gripping the red cup tightly like he was afraid someone would steal it from him. His hooded eyes do a once over when he spots you nearing them, almost turning a green pale at the sight of you.

You don’t understand why, there was no way you knew him and being recognised as Harvard’s newest addition would be unlikely. Especially in Connecticut.

“Everything alright here?” The girl seems startled by your accent, but she quickly schools her features so as to not show her surprise. Her hands wrap around your waist, and when you look down at her she looks back up at you with pleading eyes, asking you to just go along with it for the time being.

Your arm wraps around her shoulders and she leans into your body almost subconsciously, like you’ve known each other for much longer than you have.

“Yeah, everything’s going good.” He says, not backing down despite having been nervous at your mere presence only seconds before.

“Really? Because from where I stood it looked like you were flirting with my girlfriend.” You don’t even get the satisfaction of watching his gummy smile fade from his thin lips as he takes in your words, because he walks away from you before you can see it.

It makes you chuckle, especially since he walks up to another girl almost immediately, getting turned down in the same second.

“You okay?” You question the girl in your arms, her hand still resting on your waist as you take her in. You can feel her hair against your arm, her nails digging into your skin ever so slightly and the rest of her body pressed so tightly against your own.

“Yeah, he just wouldn’t leave me alone, thank you for the help.” She smiles at you sweetly, her brown eyes shining under the flashing lights. You smile back at her softly, noticing the way her grip loosens, you quickly let up on your grip of her shoulders.

Her unsure steps catch your attention as she takes your hand in her soft one, just like Em had done earlier in the evening.

“Where are you taking me?” You laugh through the sentence as she tries to pull you through the crowd of people, stumbling over her feet clumsily every so often.

“Do you like burgers?” She questions hastily, nearly having pulled you all the way to the front door already, she was a lot stronger than Em that’s for sure.

"Doesn't everyone?” You smile goofily when she looks back at you, her eyes narrowed playfully when you send her a wink. It’s only when you’re already out the door that you realize that Em is still in there, with people you don't know. Strangers.

You stop walking, the girl’s hand still in yours as she too stops, looking back at you confused.

“I’m sorry but my friend, Em, is still in there and I don’t want to leave her alone with strangers.” Her eyes light up again and you look at her weirdly, not understanding why she looked so happy that you had to leave.

“Em Whitmore?” She giggles at the shocked look on your face, clearly you didn’t know much about Em, the girl thinks to herself. You look at her suspiciously, how did she know Em?

“Yeah…how’d you know?” You ask her, still suspicious of her pretty intoxicated form. Her laugh carries all throughout the empty night, no one out and about except you and the mystery girl who’s soft hand is still in yours.

“I know her brother, she comes to a lot of parties here, because she knows she’ll be safe.” The brunette starts pulling you along again and you let yourself follow her, no longer worried about your Harvard counterpart. Her brother wouldn’t let anything bad happen to her.

By the time you reach the 50’s themed diner, you’ve already walked for ten minutes, side by side with the dark haired girl. You’re lucky that it wasn’t too far away, the half stumbling girl beside you probably wouldn’t have been able to walk that far without falling over.

The bell at the top of the door chimes when she pushes it open, the bored looking cashier perking up when he sees your companion. It was empty in the diner and you couldn’t imagine that keeping it open for this long wasn’t only for the drunk college students looking for a quick snack.

She drags you over to a booth in the corner, decorated in red and white stripes, a glass with straws standing in the middle of the table with a napkin holder beside it.

“Welcome to Donna’s Diner, what can I get for you?” The boy from the counter comes up to the booth after you’ve both settled, handing the two of you plastic menus. The dark haired girl smiles up at him, that fantastic glint in her eye once more.

“Come on now Alex, no need to be all professional.” You look up at him from where you’re sitting, his blonde hair curling around his ears, green eyes staring into yours kindly, thin fingers clasping the small notebook in his hands.

“Alex, this is my new friend, she knows Callum’s little sister, mystery friend, this is Alex and he’s in one of my classes.” You smile at him softly, sticking your hand out for him to shake, and he does take it in a confident grip, sending you a smile of his own.

“I’m Y/n.” Now the mystery girl looks up at you, finally a name attached to your face.

“Nika, I already know what you want, but how about you?” He looks to you when he speaks, obviously you wouldn’t know what to order, it being your first time there and all.

“I’ll just have whatever she’s having with a chocolate milkshake.” Alex disappears behind the counter again, your eyes following his retreating form. Looking away from the kitchen door, your eyes quickly meet the ones of the girl you now know as Nika.

One of her hands was tucked under her chin, keeping her head up in order to look at you. Relaxing into the cushions behind you, the small smile slowly taking over your face suddenly becomes full blown.

“What is it?” She giggles under her breath at your inquisitive look, and despite not knowing much more than her name, you already felt like she knew your soul inside and out.

“Nothing…it’s just that this is the last place I would’ve thought that you would bring me to.” The furrow in her brow is frankly quite adorable, her head turning to the side just in time to catch Alex walking out the kitchen with your food. 

You see the way her eyes light up again, the platter of pure greasy goodness at the center of her attention right at that moment. All you could think about at that second was how thankful you were that the season hadn’t started yet, because everything there broke every single diet you could think of.

Looking to the brunette, the laugh bubbling up from the pit of your stomach is almost one of wonder, because the beautiful girl had already managed to get through half the burger that was in front of her. It seemed like her intoxicated brain only was focussed on one thing, satiating her hunger.

It isn’t long until you follow her lead, picking up the burger and just trying to get the most you could of it in your mouth. You can’t help the groan that escapes you when the exquisite flavours hit your taste buds all at once, having to lean back into the cushions of the booth to be able to take it all in, closing your eyes fully to enhance the experience even further.

It’s only when she laughs that you finally open your eyes again, only to see her looking right at you like you were made of glass, like she could read you like a book and then play you like a fiddle.

“I understand, I had the exact same reaction when I tried it.” She continues to giggle at you when you start to eat like a poor man starved. It was a funny sight to be fair, the way your fancy act completely disappears when in contact with amazing food.

“How’d you even find this place?” You question her when you’ve swallowed and wiped your mouth off with a napkin, you still had manners after all. She smiles at you, gesturing at your surroundings, at the tables and the booths, the chairs and the ketchup bottles, at everything.

“I was drunk after a party once in freshman year and I just stumbled across it.” You nod in response, completely understanding the randomness of how she’d found the place. When you’re drunk, all you want is some greasy food.

“So it’s a well guarded secret between the students then? I assume there’s usually more people here at this time of night.” You take a sip of the milkshake when the last word has fallen from your lips, heat spreading across your face at the intense look you’re getting from the brunette in front of you.

It’s probably just because she’s drunk, you think quietly to yourself, almost trying to convince your mind that the stupidly attractive smile on her face was just one of momentary value, that it was only because it was late and you were tired that it affected you in the way it did.

“Yeah, something like that.” She responds, a comfortable silence enveloping you two as you continue to eat.

The only thing that could be heard was the murmur of the fan across the room, the patting of the fingers of the boy, Alex, at the counter and the sound of shallow breathing. Well that was until her accented voice breaks it with a question.

“So, how’d you manage to befriend the girl with the scariest brother ever?” Nika asks you, her fingers playing with the napkin she’d taken only moments before. Her teeth capture her bottom lip softly as she looks at you tentatively, she’s positively driving you nuts with her pure unfiltered beauty.

“Well, for starters we both play football for Harvard, but she was the first one there to greet me, to help me pack up the necessities and all that. She never did mention a brother though.” You relish in the way she looks at you, all flustered and sweet despite you not having done anything in particular. It was adorable. Pause.

She nods absentmindedly, opening her mouth to speak before closing it and then opening it again, resembling a fish out of water more than anything.

“Were you going to say something love?” You ask the now blushing girl, and she hides her face in her hands at the embarrassment, clearly having zoned out for a little while there.

Reaching over, you pat her shoulder comfortingly before you ask her your next question.

“How about you? How do you know Em’s brother?” Nika reaches over the table to steal a few of your fries, laughing at the betrayed look on your face.

Maybe it was the drinks or maybe you were just funnier than you’d originally thought, either way the angelic sound of her laughing had graced your ears many times that evening. Not that you minded, you didn’t even mind a little bit.

“He plays basketball, I play basketball, and sometimes we train together.” You can’t help the feeling taking over you, the burning feeling that makes you question everything you’d ever known about yourself. Just the thought of your friend’s brother getting to enjoy her company makes the feeling inside you that much worse.

 It seems like she sees the way your expression changes just that little bit before it goes back to normal.

“So, you’re like…close?” You ask the basketball player timidly, rolling your eyes only seconds later when the brunette decides to take a sip of your milkshake.

“No, not especially close. I mean, we talk when we have to at the shared training sessions, but not outside of it. But realistically though, who in the world of college sports doesn’t know Callum Whitmore?” Looking at her cluelessly, you sarcastically shrug as if to say you, because you truly hadn’t known a single thing about the man before she had told you.

By the third time Nika reaches for your fries, you decide to just push them towards her and let her have them, you weren’t even hungry after the monster burger you’d just consumed. It wasn’t at all just because she was too pretty not to get whatever she wanted. Pause.

“You want to switch?” She gestures to your drinks, she’d gotten a strawberry milkshake that she didn’t seem to fancy all that much right at that moment. Sighing goodnaturedly, you give her a nod and allow her to take whatever was left of your shake, smiling softly as you sip absentmindedly at the pink shake she’d given you. 

Soon enough, the only thing that could be heard over the natural noise of the diner was the slight slurping every so often.

“I just got to go wash up, then I’ll walk you home, okay?” The brunette nods as she looks at you leaving, pulling out her phone to seemingly start to text someone not long after.

You walk up to Alex, who’s still standing at the counter and he smiles in your direction when you near, only seeing you out of the corner of his eye. Pulling out your wallet, you hold out your card to him.

“Could you do a to go order? God knows she’ll need that in the morning.” You nod your head in Nika’s direction, Alex smiling widely at you.

“You know, I’ve never seen her with you before…” His voice trails off, as if to tell you to fill in the blanks.

“Yeah, we only met tonight.” You smile at him staley, not understanding why the timeline of events was so important.

“You must be special then if she brought you here, it’s not often she brings anyone other than her friends here after a night out. Nico, drop me two burgers on the grill, one choc milkshake and a strawberry one.” As you walked towards the bathroom of the establishment, putting your card back in your wallet, you started to think about his words, wasn’t this place well known? What made it so special to Nika that the server had to point out how she never brought strangers there?

Wiping your hands off on your trousers, you go up to your table to collect Nika before swinging by the counter to pick up your to-go order, the brown paper bag looking out of place next to the two of you. It seems like she’s sobered up at least a little as she looks at you questioningly, her eyes soon falling to the bag in your hands and then back up at your face.

The bell chimes again when the two of you exit the diner, the cooling air of the late night a contrast to the warm atmosphere of the diner.

“What’s that for?” The furrow in her brow is so endearing that you almost feel the skip in your heartbeat, her eyes narrowing at you ever so slightly. Her arm threads through yours, one of your hands in the pocket of your trousers, creating the perfect space for her arm to go through.

You sneak a glance at her, flyaways being highlighted by the streetlights you were passing. Her head meets your shoulder as you start to walk back to the party, her apartment couldn’t be too far from it considering she hadn’t mentioned anything when you offered to walk her home.

“It’s for you, I just know that hungover Nika is going to crave Donna’s diner’s milkshakes to calm her raging headache.” You tease her softly, but there was definite truth there either way.

If there was one thing you knew about being hungover, then it was that good food usually helped at least a little (well, after the spells of throwing up everything from the previous night.) You give her a cheeky smile as you near the party once more, the booming music being heard from miles away. 

“Thank you, you didn’t have to do that.” She speaks sincerely, you just smile at her in response, did you have to do it? No, but she’d kept you company all night so you did it anyway.

“Hey, can I just stop by my friend’s car before I walk you home? I just have to get something.” You were so thankful that you’d stolen the keys from Em before you went into the party only hours before. Leading her to the beat up truck, unlocking it and opening the door, you place the bag on the ground before you look through the glove compartment.

Finding the cartridge of painkillers and the pen that you were searching for with a small ‘aha’. The post-it notes Em always kept in her car finally came to use when you stole one, writing a quick message on it before sticking it to the plastic of the painkillers and dropping it down the brown paper bag.

You lock the car up, despite it being a piece of shit that no one would ever steal, Em always insisted on you locking it. 

Walking up to her side once more, you open your mouth to speak.

“So, lead the way home love.” You gesture for her to take the lead, it was her apartment after all. Taking your free hand in hers, the girl starts to lead you towards her apartment building, walking calmly side by side with your hands swinging between your bodies.

After passing countless trees, and even more cars, you suddenly find yourselves at the bottom of the slanted hill leading up to where she lives, and when you actually start to walk up the long walkway, it’s slowly almost like you’re both resisting the natural order of events.

But you had to leave her, both Em and Harvard were waiting for you and no matter how much you tried to resist, you knew that’s ultimately where you had to go, it was your life even if the girl you’d just met seemed far more interesting than anything.

When you reach the top, just meters away from the door, you hand her the bag, smiling timidly when she reached out to hug you, her inviting perfume enveloping you in a blanket of warmth. When she pulls away, she thanks you one last time for your kindness.

“Really, it’s no problem.” You reassure her, smiling softly when she turns back towards you one last time before the distance between you becomes larger and larger, her fingers soon punching in the code to open the door.

“Wait!” You call out for her right as she’s about to enter the building, her head turning back to you questioningly. “Don’t forget to put it in the fridge when you get in.” She smiles and nods before disappearing behind the door.

You start your walk back to the party a few minutes after the door has closed, something just keeping you rooted to the ground. It wasn't until you heard your name get called by that familiar voice that you turned around, seeing Nika through her open window, waving at you as you walked away.

It almost felt like you were in some cheesy romance movie as you waved back, turning to walk away after she closed her window. 

Truth be told, the evening had felt like something straight out of a romcom and some part deep down loved it. It loved the cheesy moments of pure unbridled love, the ability to express yourself freely, to dance in the rain, be your true authentic self in front of someone else was something you didn’t even know you longed for before you met Nika.

You shove your hands into the pockets of your trousers, every step you take moving you closer and closer to the frat house, closer to Em and closer to getting back to Boston.

Seeing Em sitting out on the steps of the house has you confused, why was she out there?

“Em? What are you doing out here?” You ask the clearly incredibly intoxicated Emma, your loud voice not even startling her, her slow movements showing just how drunk she is. The squeal she lets out when she sees you has you covering your ears, the intrusive sound killing your tired head.

She tries to stand up, but it just looks like Bambi on ice, stumbling and falling at every second. You come up and sling her arm around your shoulder, bringing her over to her car and sitting her down in the passenger seat.

“I’m not cleaning up if you throw up in here, just so you know.” She nods drunkenly, clearly not understanding a word you were saying.

“The reason why I was sitting outside is a long story.” She leans her head against the window, and knowing Em, she was probably imagining herself in a music video right at that moment.

“You can tell me tomorrow.” The car starts with a rumble and you pull out of the parking space on the side of the road, quickly pulling out and starting to drive on the main road.

It’s quiet for a while and you almost believe that Emma’s asleep, well almost since her feet move back and forth against the floor every so often.

“Where were you huh? What were you doing?” Her words are incredibly slurred and you can barely make out what it is she’s trying to say.

“None of your business mate.” She snickers at you, reading way too much into your response than she should have.

“You got some.” The way your face turns red doesn’t help your case even in the slightest, especially when she herself points out your reddening cheeks.

“Shut up and go to sleep, Em.” Your voice cracks in the middle of the sentence, still embarrassed by her insinuation.

“Mhm, you totally got some pussy.” You sigh as she laughs again, she was clearly getting a lot more joy from the situation than you were.

“Go to sleep Em.”

“Mhm.”

Maybe she had been right after all, maybe you had fun and maybe, just maybe the decision to go to the party was a good one. Not that you’d ever let her know that.

[fallenlightsif]

do the speak now (tv) album ask for this blog too 👀 i have to know what songs my blorbos relate to

Ofc anon 🙏

Mine: MC/Marcella

"Do you remember, we were sittin' there by the water? You put your arm around me for the first time; you made a rebel of a careless man's careful daughter; you are the best thing, that's ever been mine"

Sparks Fly: MC/Florian

"I'm captivated by you, baby, like a fireworks show; drop everything now, meet me in the pouring rain; kiss me on the sidewalk, take away the pain; cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile"

Back to December: MC/E

"I'd go back in time and change it, but I can't; so if the chain is on your door, I understand"

Speak Now: Kira

"So don't say yes, run away now; I'll meet you when you're out of the church at the back door"

Dear John: Rowan

"But I took your matches before fire could catch me so don't look now; I'm shining like fireworks over your sad empty town"

Mean: MC @ their mom

"You, with your words like knives and swords and weapons that you use against me; you have knocked me off my feet again, got me feeling like I'm nothing"

The Story of Us: MC/E

"Oh, I'm scared to see the ending, why are we pretending this is nothing? I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how, I've never heard silence quite this loud"

Never Grow Up: Ezrah & MC

"To you, everything's funny, you got nothing to regret; I'd give all I have, honey, if you could stay like that"

Enchanted: MC/Florian

"There I was again tonight, forcing laughter, faking smiles, same old tired, lonely place; walls of insincerity, shifting eyes, and vacancy vanished when I saw your face"

Better Than Revenge: Ilaria

"Sophistication isn't what you wear, or who you know, or pushing people down to get you where you wanna go; they didn't teach you that in prep school, so it's up to me"

Innocent: Orion

"Did some things you can't speak of, but at night you live it all again; you wouldn't be shattered on the floor now if only you had seen what you know now then"

Haunted: Rowan

"It's getting dark and it's all too quiet and I can't trust anything now and it's coming over you like it's all a big mistake"

Last Kiss: MC/E

"I hope the sun shines, and it's a beautiful day, and something reminds you, you wish you had stayed; you can plan for a change in the weather and time but I never planned on you changing your mind"

Long Live: The Childhood Friends (Florian, MC, Marcella, and E)

"Hold on to spinning around, confetti falls to the ground, may these memories break our fall"

Ours: Orion/MC

"They'll judge it like they know about me and you; and the verdict comes from those with nothing else to do; the jury's out, but my choice is you"

Superman: MC/Cier

"He's not all bad like his reputation and I can't hear one single word they said; you leave, got places to be, and I'll be okay"

Electric Touch: MC/Julian

"I've got my money on things goin' badly, got a history of stories ending sadly; still hoping that the fire won't burn me just one time"

When Emma Falls in Love: Ari

"She won't walk away unless she knows she absolutely has to leave; and she's the kind of book that you can't put down, like if Cleopatra grew up in a small town"

I Can See You: MC/Cier

"I can see you waitin' down the hall from me, and I could see you up against the wall with me; and what would you do, baby, if you only knew?"

Castles Crumbling: Ilaria

"Ones I loved tried to help, so I ran them off; and here I sit alone behind walls of regret, falling down like promises that I never kept"

Foolish One: Dimitri

"And the voices say, “you are not the exception, you will never learn your lesson”; foolish one, stop checkin' your mailbox for confessions of love that ain't never gonna come"

Timeless: Orion/MC

"That's when I came upon a book covered in cobwebs, story of a romance torn apart by fate; hundreds of years ago, they fell in love, like we did, and I'd die for you in the same way"

[disenchantedif]

SCREW IT ASSIGN EVERY SNTV SONG A CHARACTER OR SHIP

Say less. I absolutely love this ask.

Mine: MC/Avery

Braced myself for the goodbye, 'cause that's all I've ever known; then you took me by surprise, you said, "I'll never leave you alone"

Sparks Fly: MC/Cameron

Gimme something that'll haunt me when you're not around, 'cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile

Back to December: MC/Luci

You gave me all your love and all I gave you was goodbye; so this is me swallowing my pride, standing in front of you saying I'm sorry for that night

Speak Now: Mikhail/Taisiya (she left her fiancé for him)

So don't say yes, run away now; I'll meet you when you're out of the church at the back door

Dear John: ??? (The Wraith)

You are an expert at sorry and keeping the lines blurry, never impressed by me acing your tests

Mean: MC @ Francisca & Luis Rivera

You, with your switching sides and your wildfire lies and your humiliation

The Story of Us: MC/Luci

This is looking like a contest of who can act like they care less, but I liked it better when you were on my side

Never Grow Up: Avery

Remember the footsteps, remember the words said, and all your little brother's favorite songs; I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone

Enchanted: Charlie

Same old tired, lonely place; walls of insincerity, shifting eyes and vacancy, vanished when I saw your face

Better Than Revenge: Theo

Sophistication isn't what you wear, or who you know, or pushing people down to get you where you wanna go; they didn't teach you that in prep school, so it's up to me

Innocent: ??? (The Wraith)

Wasn't it beautiful runnin' wild 'til you fell asleep, before the monsters caught up to you?

Haunted: Harlow

Something's made your eyes go cold; come on, come on, don't leave me like this, I thought I had you figured out

Last Kiss: MC/Luci

So I'll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep, and I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe

Long Live: Bestie Squad (Vik, Theo, Charlie, & MC)

Long, long live the look on your face, and bring on all the pretenders; one day, we will be remembered

Ours: MC/Penny

Don't you worry your pretty little mind, people throw rocks at things that shine but they can't take what's ours

Superman: Mikhail/Taisiya

He's got his mothers eyes, his father's ambition, I wonder if he knows how much that I miss him

Electric Touch: MC/Avery

I've got my money on things goin' badly, got a history of stories ending sadly; still hoping that the fire won't burn me just one time

When Emma Falls in Love: Penny

She won't walk away unless she knows she absolutely has to leave; and she's the kind of book that you can't put down, like if Cleopatra grew up in a small town

I Can See You: MC/Amri

I can see you waitin' down the hall from me, and I could see you up against the wall with me; and what would you do, baby, if you only knew?

Castles Crumbling: Luci

Ones I loved tried to help, so I ran them off; and here I sit alone behind walls of regret, falling down like promises that I never kept

Foolish One: Charlie

And the voices say, “you are not the exception, you will never learn your lesson”; foolish one, stop checkin' your mailbox for confessions of love that ain't never gonna come

Timeless: MC/Viktor

I would've read your love letters every single night and run away and left it all behind, you still would've been mine, we would've been timeless

[jxncywarrior]

Stranger Things characters and ships as Taylor Swift albums

Part Three: Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

*Disclaimer: I’m tagging all the ships and characters featured. I’m gonna try not to be biased. MOST of these are strictly based on canon. No hate to ANY ships or shippers.*

Mine: Jancy (Nancy’s POV)

“I fell in love with a careless man’s careless daughter”

Sparks Fly: Byler (Mike’s POV)

“Drop everything now. Meet me in the pouring rain”

Back To December: Byler (Mike’s POV)

“When your birthday passed and I didn't call. Then I think about summer, all the beautiful times”

Speak Now: Jopper (Hopper’s POV)

“Horrified looks from everyone in the room but I'm only looking at you”

Dear John: Stancy (Nancy’s POV)

“And my mother accused me of losing my mind but I swore I was fine”

Mean: El

“You have pointed out my flaws again. As if I don't already see them”

The Story Of Us: Lumax (Lucas’ POV)

“I'd tell you I miss you but I don't know how. I've never heard silence quite this loud”

Enchanted: Ronance (Robin’s POV)

“The playful conversation starts. Counter all your quick remarks like passing notes in secrecy”

Better Than Revenge: Stancy (Steve’s POV)

“She came along, got him alone, and let's hear the applause. She took him faster than you could say sabotage”

Innocent: Mike

“Who you are is not what you did”

Haunted: Stancy (Steve’s POV)

“He will try to take away my pain and he just might make me smile but the whole time I'm wishing he was you instead”

Last Kiss: Lumax (Lucas’s POV)

“So I'll watch your life in pictures like I used to watch you sleep and I feel you forget me like I used to feel you breathe”

Long Live: The Entire Crew

“The cynics were outraged screaming this is absurd ‘cause for a moment a band of thieves in ripped up jeans got to rule the world…I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you”

Never Grow Up: Will

“Remember the footsteps, remember the words said and all your little brother's favorite songs. I just realized everything I have is someday gonna be gone”

Ours: Byler (Will’s POV)

“Don’t you worry your pretty little mind. People throw rocks at things that shine”

Superman: Mileven (Mike’s POV)

“He's not all bad like his reputation and I can't hear one single word they said”

Electric Touch: Jancy (Both POVs)

“I've gotten used to no one callin' my phone. I've grown accustomed to sleepin' alone”

When Emma Falls In Love: Nancy

“Cause she's the kind of book that you can't put down. Like if Cleopatra grew up in a small town and all the bad boys would be good boys if they only had a chance to love her”

I Can See You: Jancy (Nancy’s POV)

“That I could see you throw your jacket on the floor. I could see you make me want you even more”

Castles Crumbling: El

“Smoke billows from my ships in the harbor. People look at me like I'm a monster Now they're screaming at the palace front gates, used to chant my name. Now they're screaming that they hate me”

Foolish One: Will

“You give me just enough attention to keep my hopes too high. Wishful thoughts forget to mention when something's really not right”

Timeless: Lumax (Max’s POV)

“In a crowded room a few short years ago and sometimes there's no proof, you just know. You're always gonna be mine”

Links to the other parts: Debut, Fearless, Red, 1989, reputation, Lover, folklore, evermore

[drchenquill]

New wip~

Adelaide

It's a regency era Romance story, and I'm fully blaming Jane Austen for this (specifically Pride and Prejudice and Emma)

~~~

Marriage was a word that always meant the same thing to many young women. They were wooed by mostly older men who promised them the world, without mentioning that this new beautiful world was four walls in which they had to bear children and smile prettily so that the husband could brag about what a delightfully lovely wife he had got hold of. However, if the young woman did not find a husband by a certain age, the mother usually had to make sure that a, preferably, nobleman chose her own daughter by very charmingly and almost cunningly, first befriending his mother, then mentioning the daughter's unmarried status, then arranging a meeting and, whether it worked out or not, trying until the daughter bend. If the gentleman did not agree, the search continued. If the young woman did not consent, she was given a monologue.

"Adelaide, dear, you are twenty now, you must think of getting married. Think of yourself as a mature flower and your husband as a gardener. He will take good care of you, water you, weed you, and you must-” ‘Smile prettily and hope he doesn't uproot me because he wants to plant another flower,’ I replied pointedly. I was sick of this ridiculous monologue. Every time she hoped she had found a perfect partner, I got to hear it. I knew it by heart. "Now, now, Adelaide, don't be like that. This is for your own good." She said, patting my hand that was wrapped around her arm as we walked down the street.

My mother, Mrs. Blackmore, was a lady of high class who had given birth to four children. Aaron, heir to our late uncle, and he therefore took his name and was now known as Mr. Crampton. He lived with his wife Edith in Sagehollow with their now two children. Dudley, whom she had set up with the beautiful Lucy-Anne and who now enjoyed his life as the master of the house of his wife's late parents in Foxbury. Good old Ashton, who nearly gave our beloved mother a heart attack, decided to buy a farm with money borrowed from father and now lived a carriage ride away from us. He had never married, never wanted to marry and preferred the company of animals. And then I came along. The only girl, the only problem. Adelaide Blackmore, the gossip of all Povington. Growing up as the youngest of four children, with three grown and well-behaved sons, I was the worst thing that could have happened to my parents. Wild red hair, which the maid had to style every day in vain. My chemise dresses always had to be dark in color, as I didn't feel the need to avoid puddles or stay out of mud. The look in my dark eyes was penetrating, never receding. I grew up with three brothers, my whole childhood consisted of scuffles with the boys, so my noble mother couldn't expect me to grow up as a lady, not when I had to assert myself on a daily basis.

The sun shone down on us as we walked the streets of Povington, filled with strolling ladies. A few men could be seen too, mostly young men, single men hoping to catch the ladies' eyes so they could fluff themselves up like roosters. “Spring, dear, spring creates a lovely melody that invites everyone to dance the dance of love.” Those were the words my mother used to say whenever she saw a young gentleman woo a young lady, or a young lady drop her handkerchief near a man, and he, being a gentleman, would pick it up and then the dance of love would begin. I just rolled my eyes at the thought. I had nothing against respectful men, but I could see in their looks that they didn't want to impress the ladies, but their parents. When you buy a cow, you make friends with the farmers first.

[walviemort]

the clothes make the dad

Just a little thing that’s been floating around in my mind, thinking about how Killian might choose (or not) to dress his baby bump. Hope you like it!

rated T / 1k words

The button ups were the first to go, which was met with mild grumbling but not much more. 

His jeans were next to grow too tight, and he had a dubious stare for the elastic atop the new pair she presented him with, but wore them with no complaint. 

However, the day he could no longer wear a waistcoat was the first that Killian had to concede that pregnancy might get the best of him. 

He’d been able to manage the mood swings, the morning sickness, the aches and pains—it was all worth it to make sure their child grew safe and healthy. And while logically, he knew physical changes were coming, they’d been thus far slow so he’d apparently convinced himself they wouldn’t be that bad. 

But now his vests would no longer button, despite him letting them out as much as they’d go. As he struggled in vain to pull the fastener to its closure around his steadily growing midsection, he finally had to face the inevitable. 

As he perched on the edge of their bed, unbuttoned garment hanging off his shoulders, he looked down at his 26-week baby bump almost mocking him in the way it curved out from his stomach, stretching out under his tshirt. “Darling little one,” he said to his stomach before placing his hand atop it. “I love you earnestly, but you are definitely cramping my style.”

A snort from across the room drew his attention; Emma was giggling at him from the doorway. 

“I see you mock my suffering,” he said, melodramatically. 

She crossed the room and took a seat next to him. “You knew this was coming. Don’t act like you’ve never seen a pregnant woman before.”

“Aye,” he sighed. “May as well get over it and put me in a muumuu.”

“Like you’d be caught dead in a shapeless dress.”

“True; perhaps empire waist?”

She chuckled again. “While I have no doubt you could pull that off amazingly, I bet you’ll get by just fine in tshirts.”

He huffed. “Yeah, but they’re just so…so…”

“Comfortable? Easy? Basic?” Emma supplied. 

“Casual,” he said in disdain. 

Emma rolled her eyes. “Trust me; in a month or so, you’ll be all about comfort over couture.”

He arched an eyebrow at her in disbelief. “We’ll see. Captain Hook has a well-dressed reputation to maintain, you know.”

“Oh, I know. But Killian Jones is a bit softer around the edges, and it wouldn't hurt for him to dress like it every now and then.”

“Is that your way of saying I’ve gotten fat?”

“Of course not,” she quickly placated, but he was jesting; he knew he still looked sharp. “You just look more…I dunno, cuddly?”

“Love, that doesn’t help your argument.”

“I know, I know…” she trailed off, placing a hand on his upper arm. “Okay, well, have I ever mentioned just how great your biceps look in tshirts?”

He hummed. “No, I don’t believe you have, my dear. Perhaps you could show me?”

That, of course, quickly devolved into something involving no clothes at all. 

Eventually, though, they did get dressed again, and he felt a bit more confident when he pulled his shirt down over his bump. 

————-

Weeks passed, and their child continued to steadily grow. He hated to admit it, but Emma’s prediction came true—he was far more concerned with function than fashion. 

As his bump continued its outward expansion, he did need Emma’s help to make sure it stayed covered as much as he preferred—a traditional maternity top wouldn’t do, as he couldn’t quite fill out the top of it, but Emma managed to track down some shirts styled for men of a, ah, huskier build, along the likes of Mister Smee; normally, his vanity would have been wounded, but when he put on the garment and it actually covered his rounded belly, he was simply relieved. 

He thus managed the duration of his expectancy, though not without frequent eyeing of his waistcoats where they hung, untouched, in his closet. (Then he’d stare down at his ever-increasing waistline and wondered if he’d ever fit in them again. Although Emma only had to dry his tears at the prospect of having to wear tshirts forever once or twice.) But as his form grew more and more cumbersome, Emma’s comments on her adoration of his appearance in shirts seemed to continue, even if he was eventually sure she was placating him; he wasn’t about to protest, though.

Towards the end, he somehow managed to ignore the tent-like shape of his tops and just how much the elastic of his jeans had stretched, too preoccupied with the constant movements and shifting of the babe within. And he was grateful that both items of clothing were forgiving of his postpartum body after their darling daughter, Alice, made her arrival. (If he let her spit up on a few of them…well, that was his business.)

However, the day he was finally able to comfortably wear one of his preferred vests was more than welcome. Emma pouted a bit when he pulled it out of the closet, but seemed satisfied when he only put it on over one of his (old, soft, smaller) tshirts.

He fastened the last button and sidled up to his wife. “Well, how do I look?”

Her hands settled on his biceps, as they tended to. “You know you look good,” she smirked. “Just…maybe keep the tshirts in the rotation?”

“Aye, I think I can manage that,” he agreed. “Although, maybe later, you tell me how the vest looks…without anything under it?”

Her grin turned wicked. “You can probably persuade me.”

She liked that just as much, it seemed. But he didn’t miss the soft look in her eyes when Alice interrupted their evening and he grabbed a tshirt off the floor to slip on before going to tend to her. 

And when his daughter settled back down and snuggled into the soft cotton, he did have to admit—there were some advantages to these garments. 

————————————————–

thank you so much for reading! tagging a few: @sancocnutclub​ @wyntereyez​​​​​​ @jennjenn615​​​​​​ @superadam54​​​​​​ @ashley-knightingale​​​​​​ @justsomewhump​​​​​ @teamhook​​​​​​ @mathiaskejseren​​​​​​​ @88infinity88​​

[jedinightsister]

2 qs :) 1) what’s your favourite slow horses duo/team up? shirley/anyone is always prime entertainment but in the later books lech and louisa have been surprisingly competent together. Also shirley/river/jk coe “huddling” (“it’s not touching its survival!!!”) was hilarious

2) what do you think of the casting for the new characters? Obvs will reserve judgment for when I’ve seen their take on the characters but the actor they chose for whelan for example I think is maybe…. Too conventionally attractive lol. Like I remember him being described as balding. Ofc a good actor can serve us pathetic realness regardless of their looks! I mean we already we have Jack lowden as river

Tysm for the q's anon! My answers under the cut<3

QUESTION 1

That is so hard... I think I love that they always mix it up, so we can see all kinds of dynamics between the characters y'know. Like, they have a go-to pairing (ex. Min and Louisa, Shirley and Marcus), but they also switch things up to bring out a different kind of interaction. Whether it's supportive, deprecating, etc. it's just awesome.

For my personal faves tho, there's a lot and I will name them all from what I can remember.

1. Shirley and Marcus. Even after Marcus is gone, the ripple of this friendship in Shirley's life is just so strong, it is both amusing and heartbreaking. That despite how much antagonistic Shirley is toward him, she grew to genuinely care about him in her own way, to reciprocate how he cared about her. I'm scared af for season 4 because this is coming. Part of me doesn't want them to push through with it, but again, I love the effect of his loss on Shirley, for better or worse.

2. Louisa and Min. Bit of a similar sentiment here. Min's loss really takes its toll on Louisa and how she interacts with everyone else. But when they were still together, I also enjoy how they balance each other out. Min really wears his heart on his sleeve and tries to get Louisa out of her shell. And we see Louisa's struggles with that.

3. Louisa and River. The "competent" ones of Slough House hahaha. A duo I'm glad because we will see more of. I love the parallel of both of them dealing with loss (Min and Sid) and again, being the "competent" ones compared to everyone else. River being his hero complex, loser self, and Louisa not letting him off the hook so easily. Ah, there's the word I'm looking for-- accountable. They hold each other accountable, especially for this next pairing.

4. Shirley and JK. I don't even know what to say for these two 😆😆 They are the outsider crazies, Shirley being the super noisy cuz she high on drugs, and JK being absolutely silent but having the darkest intrusive thoughts. Both however seem to really share this dark, violent streak, and the fact that their team up resolved the conflict in London Rules instead of River and Louisa, it always cracks me up 😆

5. That said, River-JK and Louisa-Shirley team ups also one of my faves. Gotta put them together in one because the dynamic is somewhat similar. River and Louisa trying to "babysit" JK and Shirley while they do the "adult" work of investigating. JK's paint accident and Shirley's stint with a bat...oh dear. 😆

6. Louisa and Emma. I know Emma doesn't technically count as a Slow Horse, but she might as well be in Joe Country. Their friendship was so precious to me and I wish we got more. 🤧

7. Agree with you anon, Shirley/JK/River is also top of my list. The comedic trio we never knew we needed, so of course Mick Herron said " can't let my readers have nice things" and k-worded JK 🥲 his final moments with Shirley are so devastating like... Grrr.

8. Unfortunately I dont remember Louisa and Lech's dynamic specifically, but I am pretty sure I loved it as well??? I know I liked that a bit of an unhinged fella took JK's place a lil bit lol. I just love the more chaotic Slough House is with their different personalities.

QUESTION 2

I quite like the new castings!

Emma Flyte looks great. And her brief interactions with Lamb were already iconic haha.

We haven't seen JK Coe in the trailers or pics yet, but based on the actor himself, I can totally see him pulling off JK's isolative silence and eventual killer instinct madness lol.

I'm not sure how I feel about Frank Harkness. I know the actor from his other roles, but I'd like to see more of how his interactions with River go.

I have to agree that Claude Whelan casting feels off from the surface, but because of having seen him on Blood And Treasure, I actually think he's perfect given Claude's slimy personality haha.

[stormbreaker101]

pinned post!

I'm Leah, 21, he/him only.

not necessarily a fandom blog, but im here for fandoms and memes more than anything else. main fandoms at the moment are Wizard101, Dungeon Meshi, Epic the Musical, Undertale/Deltarune, will rb stuff from other franchises tho.

i am also obsessed with my own independent writing, Corrupted Spiral (a Wizard101 AU). A lot of posts I rb will be tagged #Corrupted Spiral and/or #CCSAU. Feel free to ask me about it. I love talking abt my work, even if i dont like publish it officially.

I have OCs! a few of them have actual bio posts but they may be outdated lol. Their names and little blurbs r below the cut. Prone to updates as I remember more of my silly little guys.

Undertale...ish, the Quotev era characters. (Most of these characters are retired from my writing and don't have active stories but are still dear to me.)

Chancery Hope Gaster - my first ever official OC, Soriel ship child. She's my first and the foundation so I love her. basically 50s.

Renee - an alternate timeline variant of Chancery who became a villain for the majority of her conscious life, "The Glitch". Now a has-been trying to find something to live for. 30.

Shadow Rouge - Chancery's childhood friend turned boyfriend turned husband. Dragon. basically 40s-50s

Flare Rouge - Chancery and Shadow's eldest son, a major protagonist in CCSAU. Balance wizard. 24

Flint Rouge - Flare's twin brother, younger by 3 minutes :P

Spark Rouge - Chancery & Shadow's eldest daughter. 18??

Wizard101

Steele Rouge - Spark's twin sister.

Poacher - A mercenary, big game hunter, and all around tough but cool guy. Also a dragon. 50s but I think this dude transcends time he just doesn't die lol. A very old oc, I don't remember much about him.

Coal - All of Poacher's LV distilled into a separate entity. Not that bad. In fact, he comes off as less threatening than ol' Poach. Anime boy twunk guy. I cannot picture him as anything older than 26 but surely he's older than that. Much to figure out and rebuild.

Nora Gem - my main Wizard, the Scion in Corrupted Spiral who went astray. Now some unholy mix of human, divine, bogeyman, and Lost. Storm wizard. 28. Probably dating Renee.

Sarah Dragontail - Nora's mom, a Wizard who's taken up freelance wandering traveler heroics. Formerly Life wizard, now a Music wizard. 56.

Iridian Fairytail - Nora's adoptive baby sister. Myth wizard, untrained. 10

Emma Titansong - Nora's cousin, Nordic Champion, mostly-retired Life wizard. 20.

Emmaline Stargem, better known as just Star - Emma's twin sister. Death wizard.

Savannah Prismage - Emma and Star's younger sister. Fire & Ice wizard, young pioneer in the study of "Thermancy" (thermo + mancy). 16.

Kiyom - the Nothing, gone on a path unlike Dasein did in canon and so became Something Else.

Para - the Divine Paradox separate from Nora, and the Dreamer given consciousness.

Mauria Kutscherzo - Maulwurf von Trap's mom. 60s.

Malkah Hadas - Queen of Mandoria (the one who had been on the throne before Mandar showed up) and Mandar's wife. Late 60s.

Dr. Clark Savage, Sr. - Duck Savage's father and creator. Dead at 65.

Agnes Chastity-Crane - a crane in Night Forest who begins investigating the odd mana left in the wake of people questing through Lemuria's story. Also accidentally invented guns :D. 20s.

Mark Moonfisher - my interpretation of that one Schismist soldier in Karamelle, Novus, and the Test Realm raid. Because Arc 4 doesn't happen normally in my AU, his story ends up different. Sharkperson (specifically spiny dogfish) who was born to gamer but forced to minor/nonexistent npc.

Pirate101

Ruthless Dirk - my main Pirate, swashbuckler, Karamellian fae disguising emself as a human, grew up in Skull Island. 22.

'Fair' Sarah Paisley - my original Pirate, witchdoctor (with a LOT of creative liberty because KI didn't have sensitivity), grew up in Krokotopia but lived in Skull Island. 28.

Ieronim Masterson - I took an incredibly minor character (Jim Masterson) & gave him more attention than canon ever would. Living with his brother Barklementizov & the rest of the Magnificent Seven, slowly healing from his time in the army.

[martellspear]

𖤐֪ elia martell x taylor swift albums

— Speak Now (Taylor's Version)

— the lyrics picked were the ones that made me think of her/her relationships/her plot.

︵࣪⏜ꪻ𖡼̸֢֢࣪᭡࿔︵࣪

Mine: "And I remember that fight, 2:30AM // As everything was slippin' right out of our hands"

Sparks Fly: "The way you move is like a full on rainstorm // And I'm a house of cards";

Back to December: that's Rhaegar's song for her actually.

Speak Now: "This is surely not what you thought it would be";

Dear John: "Well, maybe it's me and my blind optimism to blame // Or maybe it's you and your sick need // To give love and take it away // And you'll add my name to your long list of traitors // Who don't understand";

Mean: "Someday, I'll be big enough // So you can't hit me";

The Story Of Us: "I used to know my place was a spot next to you // Now I'm searching the room for an empty seat // 'Cause lately I don't even know what page you're on";

Never Grow Up: "Take pictures in your mind of your childhood room // Memorize what it sounded like when your dad gets home // Remember the footsteps, remember the words said // And all your little brother's favorite songs // I just realized everything I have is // Someday, gonna be gone";

Enchanted: "This is me praying that // This was the very first page // Not where the storyline ends";

Better Than Revenge: "She looks at life like it's a party // And she's on the list // She looks at me like I'm a trend // And she's so over it" (what if I say Elia x Cersei?);

Innocent: "Time turns flames to embers";

Haunted: "You and I walk a fragile line // I have known it all this time // But I never thought I'd live to see it break";

Last Kiss: "The words that you whispered for just us to know // You told me you loved me, so why did you go away?";

Long Live: "But if, God forbid, fate should step in // And force us into a goodbye // If you have children some day // When they point to the pictures // Please, tell them my name" (elia x oberyn 🤏🏻)

Ours: "People throw rocks at things that shine";

Superman: "I watch superman fly away";

Electric Touch: "I've got my money on things going badly // Got a history of stories ending sadly";

When Emma Falls in Love: "'Cause she's the kind of book that you can't put down // Like if Cleopatra grew up in a small town // And all the bad boys would be good boys // If they only had a chance to love her";

I Can See You: "You won't believe half the things // I see inside my head";

Castles Crumbling: "And I feel like my castle's crumbling down // And I watch all my bridges burn to the ground" (i'm going to kms)

Foolish One: "My cards are on the table, yours are in your hands";

Timeless: "That's when I came upon // A book covered in cobwebs // Story of a romance torn apart by fate".

[tia-amorosa]

Caracan - Sparks Family (1)

It is shortly after midnight and the lights are still on in the mayor's house. It's like this almost every evening, because Michael wants to finish his day's tasks first.

​"Michael, it's getting late, come to bed"/ "in a minute, my dear, I just have to write a few lines. Mmh…hm, I've forgotten the name of our new resident again"/ "His name is Keon, Michael. You're getting a bit more forgetful as time goes by, I'm sure you realize that too. You'll have to give up your post at some point. I know you don't want that…".

"I'm still clinging to the idea that we'll leave this island one day. If possible, before I die, Vinetta. Until then, I just want to be who I am for as long as possible."/ "But at some point, you won't be able to do that anymore. You know some of the men here would like to take over your job". "hmm. I'm just not sure yet who I can hand over my position to with a clear conscience"…

"What about Mr. Weiss, or Luck-Neckar? Or Erik Verne? "/ "Oh no, not Erik, he would confuse so many things. No, I was thinking maybe Clayton. He's the closest to what I envision as my successor. He's very eloquent, can write very well, his handwriting is flawless. And he's very competent"/ "that's right. It would certainly be a good job for him."/"But I'm still here"…

"This year marks 15 years. I know it's not necessarily a day to celebrate. But it would still be nice if we could all gather around the table with a good roast. Dean should keep an eye out first and then bring us something that's enough for everyone"/ "if everyone wants to come at all."/ "You're right… Then the leftovers will be brought to them. I also wish we could do it differently. But it was lucky that there are wild animals here".

Michael finished his work for the day. He then went out into the hallway with his wife. This was already an evening ritual. Checking once again that the door was locked, taking another look through the window to make sure no one was out and about. "See, everything's fine"/"Where's our daughter today, she hasn't come home"/"She's staying with the Winchesters, she and Emma have become good friends".

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

There is a difference between what you tell your parents and what you do instead. The hunter's house is not far from the family home. Donna has been spending a lot of time with him recently. Lustful moans, rapid breathing and the rhythmic banging of wood against a wall are the sounds that flood his bedroom at this moment.

Donna and the hunter. It's not official yet. They spend most of their time together in their house and enjoy everything they've only ever dreamed of. The two have known each other since they were children. They actually grew up like siblings, but the older they got, the more they realized that they wanted more than just to be friends.

They let their feelings run free until well after midnight. "You really are incredible, Donna, but at some point even the strongest man needs a break. ". She raised an eyebrow and made a pouty face. "hnn, and I thought we could still until tomorrow morning…"/ "hahaha, oh no, really… Hey, I have to get up soon"/ "mmh. All right." He stroked her face tenderly, kissed her and then let himself fall to the side.

Exhausted and satisfied, they lay next to each other. "How much longer do you want to wait, Donna? Your parents should be allowed to know by now, shouldn't they?"/ "hnn, I actually find it quite appealing when we have a little secret"/ "Our relationship isn't a problem… Yes, I lived under the same roof as you and your parents for many years, but everything is different now and I get on with your parents"/ "Oh Dean…"

"What, huh? Your parents are allowed to know… We're not kids anymore, Donna"/ "I know. Hhh, okay, I'll talk to them, all right?"/

"We! I'll come with you, not that you're going to back out"/

"All right, then you're coming with me. I have to help my dad again tomorrow anyway. Man, this work is really boring, I'd rather be doing something else. And I also have to look after the three orphans".

"oh yes, the three who live up by the waterfall…"/ "i'm the dear aunt who looks after them. but Rupert is slowly turning into a man. He wants to be a craftsman now and is attending school again.". Dean raised an eyebrow with a confident look on his face and took a deep breath. "And I can hunt." She had to smile a little. "hnhn, yes, you're very good at that. And in a few days, it'll be Gratitude Day again. We should be grateful that we ended up here and not in the floods.". Dean got a different look on his face. Annoyed. "Yeah, and I'm only allowed to hunt on assignment again and not for fun, it's really boring."

Donna stroked his face and smiled sympathetically. "I know it's not very challenging for you. But you're the one who gets us the meat when we need it. You're the best hunter I know. And we've got everything under control so far, haven't we? I need to sleep now…"/ "O.k….". Donna lay down next to him under the comforter and closed her eyes. While he thought for a moment. "One day… One day I'll shoot a really big one!".

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

End of Part one

Credits: Thanks to Lover's Lab for the Passion mod, which my Sims always have a lot of fun with😊😆in (it's like the Kinky, only with fewer functions, but it's enough for me) Bed Pose by Skylar (?) I'm not sure right now. I'll check again next time.^^

[thenovelartist]

The Costco Calamity - Ikemen Prince

Dangnabbit, @scorchieart 's post did it again! I am inspired. And I realize I’ve been writing a lot of comedy lately? Three in a row; That feels almost off-brand for me, but apparently, I need it. XD

Premise: Modern AU; Adoptive Dad Sariel with Jin(18,) Chevalier(16), Clavis(15), Leon(14), Yves(12), Licht and Nokto(11), and Luke (7); Older Emma with Adopted son Rio(16, for the purposes of our story)

I also want to minorly apologize of characterization is off. I’ve only read Chevalier and Licht’s routes, so I’m working strictly off that.

...

Emma, by no means, thought she’d end up getting married in her thirties.

Emma, by no means, thought she’d end up getting married to a man with eight adopted sons.

And Emma, by no means, was excited at the prospect of dragging those eight adopted boys, along with her own adopted son, to Costco on a Saturday.

“I fell in love with the devil,” she murmured.

“Well, yes, that is my most common nickname.”

Beside her in the driver seat of their renovated RV, AKA the “9 Prince Bus”, Sariel smirked.

Thanks to the exhaustion, it was impossible to even fake a smile. Instead, she stared him down with a flat look. “And you’re the king of hell,” she continued.

At that, his smile fell. “Frankly, my dear, you may be as lovely and divine as Persephone, but the duties that come with being Hades leave much to be desired.”

Equal parts amused and exhausted, she huffed a laugh. She’d give him props for his flirting, but it didn’t make this lovely little excursion any easier to face.

When they pulled into the parking lot, Emma took a moment to take a deep breath before turning around to face the circus in the back. “Everyone out!” she hollered.

“Luke’s asleep again,” Leon called out.

Sariel sighed. “That’s what he gets for staying up all night, although I won’t complain if it means one less of you to deal with. Alright. Rio, Jin, go grab carts. We’ll put him in.”

“Got it!” With that, Rio leapt out of the bus, probably happy to escape for five seconds. To be fair, he was the outcast, having gone from living alone with Emma to being one of nine boys.

Tailing behind, Jin was the second off the bus. “Got it.”

“Why did I have to come again?” Chevalier muttered as he watched the others slide out of the bus.

Emma answered, “Because if you didn’t, Clavis would have wanted to stay at home, too.”

“And the fire department specifically asked us not to do that again,” Sariel finished.

“It’s more fun with you, big brother!” Clavis chirped, giving Chevalier a far-too-happy grin.

Which was met by a wholly unamused glare by Chevalier.

With a chuckle, Clavis hopped out of the van, leaving Chevalier to follow.

The clacking of worn cart wheels against rough asphalt grew louder as Rio came running back with a cart. Upon the sight, Sariel asked Leon to help him get Luke out of the car. Seven years old, and already he was huge. At this rate, he was going to outgrow Jin.

“Can I push the cart?” Clavis asked.

“Absolutely not.” Sariel answered, assisting Leon in putting Luke in the cart basket for now. He’d wake up soon, no doubt. He always did, but then he’d want to go meandering around the store, and he was just too young and, frankly, unresponsive to let go like the others.

Clavis let out a long whine, right in Chevalier’s ear. Chevalier sighed heavily, his patience quickly waning.

Emma reached out to pat Chevalier’s shoulder. “Don’t kill your brother, please,” she quietly asked.

“No promises.”

Behind them, ignorant to their conversation, Yves was glaring daggers at Clavis. “That’s what you get for running over a baker the last time.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Clavis countered, turning around and wagging a finger defensively. “He got in my way. It was his fault for not paying attention. I was aiming for the cookie cart.”

“I’d wanted a cookie, too.”

Emma looked down to see the quiet twins standing on each side of her. She pat Licht’s head. “I know; I’m sorry.”

“I had, too!” Nokto piped up from her other side, not wanting to be left out of getting attention.

“I’m sure you did,” Sariel spoke, sneaking up behind them to ruffle Nokto’s hair.

“That the list?” Emma asked, noticing the paper in his hand.

With a nod, he handed her the list they’d created together, one organized by aisle so as to move through the store as quickly as possible. After five years of doing this, they knew what to expect from this trip and knew it could go one of two ways: painful or excruciating. And so, they did everything in their power to prevent it from being the latter.

Although, even with all the pre-planning in the world, that wasn’t always in their control.

As she took the list, she pulled a pen out of a pocket in her skirt—a purse was out of the question; she needed both hands and all personal effects attached to her at all times during these trips—that she used to mark off the list as they went. While she gave the list one last look over, Sariel let out a sharp whistle.

On que, all the boys gave him their full attention.

“Everyone’s phone is on and loud, correct?” he asked.

“Yes,” came the chorus, though Rio, Yves, and Leon double-checked to make sure.

Of course, the ones who checked were the ones she wasn’t as worried about. Rio would be with them the whole time, as he always was. Likely because it was the one reprieve from his step-brothers he had. Yves was loud but non-destructive. He was bound to go meandering the bakery section before stalking the bakers in the back behind the counter. Though, Emma could do without the bakers calling them their “monthly little stalker,” it wasn’t too bad when compared to some of the boys. Then Leon…

Well, Leon could go either way after getting chased out of the food court a year back, laughing all the way.

“Alright.” Sariel heaved a breath, double-checking everything and slipping the bag of clipped coupons in his pocket. “Let’s go.”

And so, the almost dozen marched towards the store.

Please, let this be a decent trip. Emma thought.

Not that it would do any good, but it never hurt to hope it wouldn’t be total hell.

…

Once past the entrance, Chevalier disappeared almost instantly. He was another one Emma didn’t worry about. Worst he’d do is upset some kid who wanted to try out the chair he sat on in the gardening section.

“I want food,” Leon announced, already causing the dread to well up in Emma’s stomach and likely Sariel’s, too. “Orders, orders?”

“Whatever,” Jin commented with a grin, pulling out a couple dollar bills to hand over. “Extra for the kid. Don’t count on him being asleep long.”

With a grin, Leon took the bills. “Cool. Anyone else?”

“Hot dog; you know what I like on it,” Rio said, handing over a couple bills as well.

“Yup, I do,” Leon said. “Yves, want churros?”

Yves huffed, his nose wrinkling in disgust at the mere mention of the offending food item. Emma lost track of how many times he’d commented on it being gummy and artificially sweet. That kid had a palette for sweets that could only be rivaled by French pâtissier.

“Don’t get kicked out of the food court again,” Sariel warned before a chuckling Leon slipped away.

“That was one time!” he hollered before disappearing.

“One time too many,” Emma corrected.

“Are we sure I can’t push the cart, Jin?” Clavis asked, siding up next to his oldest brother.

Jin gave him a firm glare.

Which Clavis returned with a pout.

“Do not make me get a leash for you, Clavis,” Sariel warned.

“You told me I graduated from that when I was twelve.”

“That’s not something to be proud of,” Licht quietly commented, a sniggering Nokto at his side.

With a clap of her hands, Emma called everyone’s attention. “Alright. Shall we weave through the aisles then come up the center?”

“Please,” Sariel agreed. “I want to get this over with.”

…

“It’s loud.”

Emma looked down at Licht, who had been standing right at her side the last three aisles. “I know. I’m sorry—Clavis, don’t touch the cart.”

Clavis frowned, upset his opportunity to steal Rio’s cart was interrupted. Rio had only had his back turned for a second to grab the paper towels from the stack, but it had been one second too many.

Dumping the paper products in the cart, Rio simply smiled at Clavis. “Nah, it’s okay. He can push my cart.”

“Rio,” Emma growled, watching the unspoken threat. For all his sweetness, Rio had… a secret side to him that could set the other boys on edge. Clavis once made the mistake of not taking Rio’s threat seriously, only to be tackled by Rio in the middle of the store. It was embarrassing, to say the least, to be a bystander in a mortal combat match between two pre-teen boys in the middle of Costco. Sariel had to ultimately step in to rip the screaming boys off each other.

And Jin, unhelpful big brother he was, had the whole thing video-taped on his phone. Four years later, and he still would not let either of them live it down.

“No, really. He can. Why not?” Rio pushed, looking at Clavis with that worrying smile.

After a moment of silent debate, Clavis touched the cart handle.

Only for Sariel to grab the front of the cart firmly enough to rattle both it and the boys.

“Because,” he growled out in warning, staring down both the boys. “It is wholly impolite to throw fisticuffs in the middle of Costco. That is ‘why not’. Now, shall we continue?”

…

“Free samples,” Nokto murmured, looking longingly at the station across the way.

“You may go,” Sariel commented. “Take Licht with you.”

“Licht!”

With a sigh, the older twin acquiesced. “Okay.”

“Stay together,” Emma warned. “Keep your phones on.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Licht said before following his slightly more reckless brother towards the sample stand.

That just left Clavis, Rio, and Jin, with Luke still sleeping in Jin’s cart. Yves had disappeared two aisles ago after Sariel’s dire warning to Clavis and Rio so he could go watch the bakers make cakes. No surprise there.

However, what was a surprise was Clavis was still with them. Behaving, somewhat. Besides having to take out the little trinkets or small boxes of whatnot that Clavis attempted to hide in the cart, he was walking along quietly. Too quietly. The last time he’d been this un-destructive was when Chevalier locked him in a gardening shed display.

Which meant he was plotting something. There was no way in hell Clavis would just calmly walk through this trip.

But at the same point, Emma did not want to jinx it. And from the looks Sariel had snuck her, he didn’t either.

…

“We made it halfway through our list,” Emma commented, tapping the paper list with her pen.

Sariel quirked an eyebrow at her. “Really?”

He didn’t have to clarify why he was surprised. They were halfway done with no emergency as of yet, nor had there been any obnoxious items thrown into the cart, like a shelving unit or television. The loud speaker had also not gone off informing of an incident or asking for a parent to come collect a boy from the front where the manager was yelling at him.

“I see food!” Jin called out, alerting the two adults to Leon’s presence.

“Nice!” Rio piped up.

“Dog for you, Rio,” Leon said, handing over the square paper bowl containing a loaded hot dog to Rio. In his other hand were two pieces of pizza, and napkins bulged from one of his jean pockets.

“It just came out of the oven,” Leon said, handing one of the plates over to Jin.

“Nice.” Jin happily took the plate and immediately took a bite.

“Food?” a groggy Luke asked, rubbing his eyes and looking at the plates. He’d only just woken up a moment ago, and if he was going to spend the rest of the trip a little tired or otherwise occupied with pizza, then Emma would count it a massive success.

“Yup,” Leon said, handing over the last plate. “And this one’s for you.”

“Sorry, no honey buns this time,” Jin said, taking the offered napkins from Leon.

“Awww.” Yet, he took the pizza without complaint.

“Manners, Luke,” Sariel gently scolded.

“Thank you.”

Jin ruffled his hair. “No prob, Kid. When you’re finished, we need you out of the cart.”

“I can walk and eat,” he said.

“Last time, you dropped that on your shirt,” Jin corrected, handing two of the napkins to Luke. “So, no. You finish, then you can be let out of the cart.”

Although he sighed, Luke didn’t make any more of a fuss as he bit into his pizza.

“I saw the twins making sample rounds,” Leon said. “Know where Chev is, and I’m guessing Yves is stalking the bakers again. Clavis make himself scarce?”

In unison, Emma and Sariel looked up from their list. Doing a quick headcount, Emma realized Clavis, in the three seconds she’d had her back turned, had disappeared.

“Well, shit,” Sariel murmured. “So much for hoping he’d behave himself.”

“There’s a good chance he went to bug Chevalier,” Leon commented. “Want me to go check?”

Sariel paused. “Sure… if you’re feeling particularly inclined.”

“Yup, sure am!”

But before Leon could scamper off, Sariel caught him by the collar. “What’d you do?”

Leon chuckled, carefully removing Sariel’s hand from his shirt. “Nothing, nothing. Just… had to get out of there before they realized I broke the soda machine.”

And with that, he disappeared.

Emma felt a headache coming on. No Clavis, and Leon food court damage. This was turning into… well, a regular Costco run.

“I’m going to assume it was broken and that Leon was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Sariel commented, turning back to Rio and Jin, who were downing their food with the speed of your average teenage boy. That is to say, they were halfway done.

“Boys, you can slow down,” Emma spoke. She then turned to Sariel. “I’ll push this cart if you get the other. Give the boys a minute to finish their food.”

“Sorry,” Rio said, looking a little sheepish.

“Rio, just enjoy the food. You don’t have to wolf it down. It’s fine.”

That got him to slow his chewing. But with his mouth full, all he could do was give her a thumbs up in response.

…

“Chevalier, you seen Clavis?”

Chevalier spared Leon a glance before returning to his book. “I’m not his babysitter.”

“Welp… that’s not good.”

Turning a page, Chevalier just shrugged.

“I’d ask where you think he went, but I doubt you’d have an answer.”

“He hasn’t been here. I’d have known.”

“True. You have a weird Clavis radar.”

“If I didn’t, my life would be hell.”

Leon couldn’t even come up with a response to that. Instead, he just nodded in agreement as he walked to the next section.

…

“Are your parents around?” the lady handing out samples of frozen dumplings asked.

Nokto shook his head, but Licht nodded.

Which… did not help the poor lady.

“This where you snuck off to?”

Licht turned around, seeing Leon walk up to them.

“Hey, Leon.” Nokto piped up. “Try these!”

“Ohh, those look good.”

Oh dear, the woman running the sample stand thought, forcing a smile as she handed out a sample dish, another unsupervised kid.

Leon took it with a smile. “Thanks. Hey, you seen Clavis?” he asked the twins.

Licht did not look amused. “You lost Clavis?”

Nokto, on the other hand, did. “You lost Clavis?”

“I’ll take that as a no.” Leon threw the sample dish away. “I’ll ask Yves. And if he doesn’t know, no one does.”

Licht frowned. “Nokto, It’s gonna get loud.”

Nokto pouted. He wasn’t Licht’s twin for nothing; he knew that was code for “I want to hide in the freezer because it’s quiet there”.

“Aww,” Nokto pouted. “But it’s gonna get loud.”

“That’s not a good thing.”

At that, Nokto sighed, resigned. “Fine. Let’s go see Yves first. Maybe Clavis hasn’t wrecked the cookie cart yet.”

The mention of cookies was all Licht needed to brighten up like a sunrise. “Let’s go. Maybe Sariel will let us get some this time.”

Nokto was suddenly all smiles, too. “Okay.”

And with that, the three boys took off.

Leaving a very confused and moderately worried sample lady standing in their wake.

…

“Kid, how old are you again?”

“Twelve,” Yves answered the baker behind the counter.

“Come back in a few years, and we’ll have a job for you.”

Yves’ eyes widened at the prospect of getting to bake all day long.

“He’d love it.”

Yves jumped at the unexpected voice behind him. He whipped around to glower at Leon. “What are you doing here?”

“You seen Clavis?”

At the mention of that name, Yves inwardly shuddered. “Clavis? Is he loose again?”

“Unfortunately.” Leon looked around at the bakers bustling about. “Hey, aren’t you the baker he ran over last time?”

At this, one of the men behind the counter scowled. “You know that kid?”

The bite in the man’s voice caused Leon and Yves both to duck in shame. “Sorry. He’s our brother.”

“Half-brother,” Yves corrected, his nose crinkled. “I already don’t want to be related to him, so don’t say he’s my full brother.”

“Honestly, same,” Leon muttered in agreement.

“We won’t hold it against you,” the head baker spoke up, cutting off the other baker who looked ready to go on a rant. “I’ve met your dad. For as scary as he is, seems even he can’t control that kid.”

“Adopted dad,” Yves corrected once again. “Our real dad was worse.”

At that, the bakery went silent.

“Um…” A soft voice spoke up to break the silence. Yves looked over to see the twins had appeared without him realizing it. “Are there any cookies?” Licht asked.

“Yeah, cause Clavis ran over the guy last time and we couldn’t get any,” Nokto added before spotting said guy in the back. “Sorry. He’s an ass.”

Leon dropped a warning fist on Nokto’s head. Not that that did anything but make the younger twin chuckle.

“He’s not allowed to drive the cart for that reason,” Licht added. “Sorry.”

The head baker hummed. “At least you kids have manners. Your half-brother’s something else.”

“Tell us about it,” came the chorus from the boys.

“Anyway,” Yves spoke up, aware of the twin’s presence and why they were here. “The cookies? I saw you put some in the oven.”

“Uh.” The baker turned around towards the ovens. “Three minutes left, then five to cool.”

“We can wait,” Licht said, his eyes wide at the prospect of fresh cookies.

“Hey, there’s one more sample lady. Let’s go try it while we wait.”

Before he could answer, Nokto dragged Licht off and away.

“Welp,” Leon said, patting the front counter. “I’m gonna head back, too. I have to report to Sariel that Clavis is nowhere.”

Yves heaved a sigh. Couldn’t they have one nice day? “’Kay.”

…

Clavis was most certainly somewhere. He was looking for trouble that could be started.

The produce section was always a decent place to start, but it was also open to where he could be found. Henceforth, after quickly turning all the food misters outwards for one section, he slipped away elsewhere.

Ducking and dodging around a worker restocking a large display of cheese puffs—oh, there was a sale on snack barrels; no wonder they were all being set out—he slipped away.

Only to hear a scream behind him.

Well, that was quick.

He turned around to see the misters had gone off already. Problem was, one of them was clearly broken because a steady stream came out of it instead of a fine mist, making a lovely little puddle on the floor. A puddle some older lady had slipped in that landed her on her backside.

Her cart rolling, rolling, rolling…

Not that anyone noticed. The worker who had been setting up the cheese puff barrels had ran over to assist the lady and turn the food misters back towards the food.

All while the cart picked up steam.

Huh, so the floor was not level here. Good to know.

And curved right there. Also good to know.

Or was that just the front wheel? Clavis stared at the moving cart but couldn’t quite tell. Those shopping carts… garbage, all of them. You could never count on them going straight.

Ask him how he knew.

Just as it curved around, trying to find a place to stop, the runaway cart no one was paying attention to demanded attention by taking out a cheese puff barrel.

And Clavis had the honor of watching his chaos come to fruition all too early as over seventy snack barrels came tumbling to the floor, some cracking open and sending toxic orange cheese-flavored balls rolling everywhere.

Well… he supposed that was a decent start.

…

“Found him,” Leon said.

Well, considering his report, it wasn’t that he’d found him, but it was impossible to miss the tumbling cheese puff tower.

“Oh, he’s long gone by now,” Sariel grumbled. “So I think it’s safer to say we know where he’s not.”

Emma sighed. “True. Unfortunately, very true.”

“You want me to see if I can catch him?” Leon asked.

“Or I could go?” Jin offered.

“If you—Luke, stay close,” Emma warned, catching Luke by the hand before he wandered off for the fourth time. “If you want to, you can, but I’m not holding out hope.”

“What even is hope when it comes to Clavis?” Sariel asked, dry smile on his face.

“Is there such a thing?” Rio answered.

“No, but we can hurry up and finish this trip, hoping we don’t give him any more time to cause more trouble,” Sariel said, looking down at his list. “We’ve got a third of the store left.”

“Alright.” Emma clapped her hands, looking over the carts once more. Only to spy an object that shouldn’t be there.

Grabbing the bag of candy and liter of soda, she looked in between the two possible culprits. “Would you like to replace these?”

With a grin, Jin pulled out a few more bills. “I’ll pay.”

“Jin.”

“Please?”

With a sigh, Emma decided this wasn’t worth arguing over. “Ask Sariel.”

“Sariel!” Jin called out, taking the candy bag from Emma’s hand while flashing the bills in his other.

“And popcorn, too,” Leon added, pulling out his own wallet and holding it up.

Sariel glanced over, pausing in thought for a moment. “Fine. This once.”

“Sweet,” Jin said, dropping the candy back in the cart and handing the bills over to Emma. Though reluctant, she put the liter soda back in the cart, taking the bills from Jin, who was currently getting a fist bump from Leon. Maybe they were planning a movie night in their room, AKA, the basement. Made sense to her.

And she’d allow any non-destructive activity that allowed her a moment’s peace.

…

Nokto’s smile couldn’t get any bigger. “Whatcha doin’ here, Clav?”

Clavis turned around with a grin. “Nothing."

“Doesn’t look like nothing.”

Which, was valid. Clavis was standing in front of the ice cream, the large freezer door swung wide open.

“Don’t ruin the ice cream,” Licht flatly warned. “They were really mad when you broke the door last time.”

“I’m not gonna do anything,” he said, letting go of the door and holding his hands up as though in surrender.

Only for them to hear a crack when the door shut. Followed a crash.

And another. And another.

And another.

The trio watched as an entire shelf collapsed along the whole row of the freezer. Which took out the shelf below it.

And the shelf below that.

Licht just sighed as Nokto and Clavis were struggling and failing to withhold their sniggering.

“I’m leaving,” Licht said, quickly slinking away. “I don’t want to get in trouble.”

Unfortunately, Clavis fell into step beside him, smile on his face as he strutted away. “Yeah, me neither.”

“Hey, Licht.” Nokto hopped up to his other side. “Bet the cookies are ready.”

“Cookies?” Clavis asked.

“Don’t ruin it again!” Licht firmly warned, glaring at his older brother with blazing red eyes.

“Yeah, even I won’t be happy if you do,” Nokto chimed in, giving Clavis a glare from his other side.

This time, Clavis decided not to test his brothers. Instead, he made a cross over his heart. “I won’t; I promise. The baker is still mad at me anyway, and it’s not good to press him twice.”

For being eleven, Licht and Nokto knew Clavis well enough to know Clavis wasn’t done causing trouble for the baker. Meaning, they better go get their cookies and run while they can.

…

They were almost done.

“Just the freezer section last,” Emma muttered. “Then we collect everyone and run.”

Sariel nodded his head tiredly. After all, they were not happy with the cheese puff incident and were going to have to yell at Clavis when they found him.

As they wove through the freezer section, Luke wasn’t able to keep his hands to himself, opening and shutting the doors, amused when they fogged up.

“Luke, stop that,” Sariel warned.

With a whine, Luke walked away from the door he held open. “Are we almost done?”

“Almost,” Emma promised, putting several boxes of frozen pizza rolls into the half-full cart Leon had offered to grab. With nine boys either close to or in their teenage years, they blew through food, and sometimes, it was easy to underestimate how much cart space they needed, particularly when they bought in bulk for a month like this.

“A few more rows, Buddy,” Jin encouraged. “Then we’ll be done.”

“… Fine.”

“You’ll live,” Leon teased. “Probably.”

“Ughhh,” Luke whined, deciding to ignore Sariel’s warning and open the next freezer door.

Only to scream when food came falling out on him.

“Luke!” Emma was the first on the scene, pulling him up off the floor, boxes rolling off him.

“You okay, Sport?” Jin asked, brushing off his clothes from the bits of ice.

Silently Luke nodded.

“This is why I asked you not to do that,” Sariel calmly instructed, walking over to inspect what had happened.

Only after he heaved a sigh did Emma look up from inspecting Luke for injuries and notice the shelves were broken.

“Clavis.”

“Seriously?” Rio muttered, beginning to help Jin shove the food back in the freezer. “How does he do this?”

“Rio, I know you’re the ‘newer brother’,” Jin started. “But even after fifteen years, I still haven’t worked out that answer.”

“Doubt any of us ever will,” Leon agreed, holding the boxes in place to prevent them from tumbling out again. “Chevalier might be the closest, but he ain’t talkin’.”

“Meaning we’ll never know,” Sariel said with a sigh, Luke clinging onto his hand. “And what a damn shame that is.”

…

“Clavis.”

“Chev!”

Chevalier looked up from his book to see his smirking brother. “Why are you here?”

Clavis plopped down on the porch swing next to Chevalier. “Because, can’t I sit and relax with my big brother?”

“No.”

“I’m not allowed to?” Clavis asked with a pout.

“Whether you are allowed to versus whether you’re going to are two different things,” Chevalier answered, turning back to his book.

“So I am allowed?” Clavis kicked back, rocking the swing a little too severely for Chevalier’s liking.

He planted his feet on the ground, forcing it to stop. “What did you do this time?”

“What do you mean?”

Chevalier glared at his brother. “You’re hiding. From what, is the question.”

“Aww, Chev. Do you want to know?”

“No, actually, I don’t. But since Sariel and Emma will be asking, I will ask you so I either know the answer or I won’t.”

Clavis gave him a strong pout. “You’re gonna throw me under the bus like that?”

Chevalier’s sharp glare narrowed.

“Ouch.”

“Maybe if you didn’t make a mess of things, you wouldn’t end up in such hot water.”

“But what fun would that be?”

“When is getting into trouble fun?”

“But Sariel’s face gets so red! It’s really funny.”

Unable to stand this worthless conversation any longer, Chevalier turned back to his book.

Clavis pouted. “You’re no fun.”

Chevalier refused to answer.

“Well, I guess I’ll leave.”

“Don’t do anything stupid.”

“Stupid? I never do.” And with that, he was gone.

And that, Chevalier thought as he turned a page, is what worries me.

…

“Are the cookies done, yet?”

Yves turned to see Licht and Nokto slide up to the counter. “They’re packing them up now.”

“Sweet,” Nokto said, excitedly drumming on the counter. Licht, for his part, just smiled like the sun.

“Here you go, kiddos,” the baker said, handing over a bag of cookies to them. “Your brother told me which ones you want.”

“Thank you.” Licht happily accepted the cookies before turning to Yves. “Thanks.”

Yves smiled, feeling warm at his little brother's attention. “You’re welcome.”

“Where do you think Sariel is?” Nokto asked.

“Text and ask,” Licht said.

“Done wondering around?” Yves asked.

“Well, we saw Clavis.”

That name had Yves’ hair standing on end. “What he do?”

“You don’t wanna know what he did,” Licht said. “But…”

Nokto looked up at the baker. “You guys have more freezer shelves, right?”

The baker’s brow furrowed, looking confused. “What do you mean?”

Yves sighed. So much for a nice trip.

…

They were finished. Now, they just had to wait in line at the checkout. Emma sent out a message to the five boys who weren’t with her that they were almost done and just waiting in line.

Chevalier was kind enough to give her a thumbs up on the text. Yves responded that he’d be right over, and Nokto replied he and Licht were on their way.

Clavis, though, was silent.

It was not a surprise. Clavis typically didn't answer that message. But for some reason, Emma had a very bad feeling about today.

“Sariel.”

Emma looked over just as the twins appeared, Licht holding a small bag of cookies. “Can we?”

“Pleeeeease!” Nokto added. “We didn’t get any last time.”

Emma looked over to Sariel, who somehow had the biggest soft spot for these boys. With a gentle expression, he took the cookie bag. “Okay.”

“Yes.” Licht’s smile nearly split his face in two while Nokto gave a fist pump.

… Okay, maybe they were just too cute and that’s why Sariel was weak for them.

Yves showed up shortly afterwards, looking huffy. Which wasn’t a good sign. “What happened?” Emma asked.

He glanced over at the twins, who seemed to shrink under his stare. “You want to tell them what you caught Clavis doing?”

Licht’s sunny smile was gone now, replaced with a rain cloud that Emma wanted to shoo away. Nokto was sniggering, though his head was bowed in preparation for chastisement.

In a flash, Sariel’s soft expression turned stormy. “What did he do?”

They were quiet for a moment before they quietly answered. “He broke the freezer.”

“The shelves.” Licht corrected.

“Yeah, those.”

Oh…

Emma sighed. “Yes, we know that.”

“Unfortunately,” Sariel muttered. “And he’s still loose in the store.”

“Want us to give one more look around?” Jin asked, Leon nodding beside him.

Emma pursed her lips as she inhaled a sharp breath. “Yeah, go. Rio, you got unloading the carts?”

“Yes, ma’am!” he chirped up with a salute. “You can count on me.”

She knew she could. That boy could unload and reload the carts as well as any veteran employee here. And the fact he could do it alone was wildly impressive.

Knowing that would be under control, she turned back to Jin and Leon. “Go. Don’t come back with anything other than Clavis.”

They gave her sheepish looks. “We’ve been caught,” Leon said with a smirk.

“Bummer,” Jin agreed.

She narrowed her eyes. She knew these boys so well. “Understood?”

“Understood,” they acquiesced before heading out.

Geez, these boys were going to send her to an early grave.

…

Employees Only

That’s what the sign read.

Now, that sign had always kept Clavis out, but today, after finding the badge and vest of an employee just laying around, wouldn’t it be kind to return it?

Clavis liked to think so.

…

“Chevalier, we’re almost ready to leave.”

With a sigh, Chevalier shut his book. This one was halfway decent yet not decent enough to waste money on. Emma’s text had warned him he best skip ahead if he wanted to know how this book ended, and the last chapter had proved this book would not be worth rereading.

“You haven’t seen Clavis, have you?”

Chevalier turned his attention towards his oldest brother. “Seen, yes, but I’m assuming you’re asking where he is now?”

Jin frowned. “And I’m guessing your answer is a no.”

“Correct.”

Despite the sigh, neither Jin nor Leon looked surprised.

“Sariel will have to call him,” Chevalier said, standing up from the swing. “You all know how this works by now.”

“Unfortunately,” Leon muttered.

With Chevalier leading the charge, they all headed up towards the checkout, making a detour so Chevalier could return the book.

Only, when he was there, he stepped on something crunchy.

Looking down, he saw he’d missed a bright orange… well, dust pile now.

“Ahh, they hadn’t cleaned up the cheese puffs yet,” Leon grumbled.

Chevalier was almost tempted to ask. Almost. But one looked at Jin’s grimace told him everything he needed to know.

Clavis had caused a scene again.

Placing the book back in the correct stack, under a few books of the same title so the weight would press the book back into resting shape, Chevalier decided it was best to head straight up to the front.

Only for a faint shout to stop him.

And Jin and Leon, too.

Leon was the first to open his mouth, yet it took a few seconds for words to fall out. “You don’t think…”

“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” Chevalier said.

“And when there’s screaming, there’s Clavis,” Jin finished.

As reluctant as Chevalier was—he was not Clavis’ keeper, for heaven’s sake, but on the other hand, Clavis was most likely to listen to him, and if he could get Clavis to behave for three seconds, he’d score points with Sariel, which in turn would allow him various luxuries—he decided to follow his two brothers towards where the shout happened.

But halfway there, there was an odd roar. Followed by people running and screaming.

Yes, that was definitely Clavis.

Picking up their pace, they ran towards the commotion. Only to see…

Well…

Chevalier’s lips pursed.

They should have left Clavis at home today.

…

There was shouting and chaos.

A worrying amount.

“What in the hell did that hellcat do?”

At his growled words, Emma turned to her husband. Ahhh, there was his devil smile. And contrary to what every fairytale and garbage romance novel would have you believe, it was not sexy. No, it was downright terrifying. She felt ice drip down her spine, and she was certain the other boys felt it, too. The twins had ducked slightly, putting a cart between them and Sariel. Yves had turned away, not daring to look at his guardian, and Luke was now hiding behind Emma.

Rio, for his part, was still assisting in bagging items, but Emma noted the way he had slowed his pace, fully alert to Sariel even though it was unlikely he’d heard Sariel’s mutter. Rio, along with all the boys, had developed a sixth sense in that way.

“He’s grounded for life, right?” Emma asked, daring to step into hell to break Sariel from his trance.

“Life?”

Oh, that wasn’t good. A new shiver of ice shot down her spine like lightning, and even she felt like ducking away.

“No.” Sariel sucked in a breath. “No, no, no. He’s grounded even when he dies.”

…

Everyone was outside, now. Jin, Leon, and Chevalier had brought back Clavis who, to his credit, had the decency to look properly ashamed about what he’d done.

But considering the fire department had pulled up after he’d lit a bag of flour on fire in the bakery, that look was not nearly enough to escape consequences.

Currently, Emma was back at the bus, watching as Rio, Jin, and Leon loaded up the back while the rest of the boys sat calmly inside. Sariel and Clavis, however, were apologizing to the fire chief, with whom they were on a first name basis.

Considering even she felt the need to reach for asprin for the Clavis-induced headache, she couldn’t imagine what the poor firemen were thinking upon seeing their worst enemy. Emma would ask Yves to help her bake sweets again in an attempt to smooth things over later.

“That’s it,” Rio chirped.

“Thanks, boys,” Emma called behind them as Rio and Jin took the carts back, Rio pushing the three stacked carts while Jin helped guide them from the side.

Sliding into the passenger seat, Emma heaved a sigh as she shut the door.

“Mom’s mad,” Luke whispered.

Someone shushed him, not that she knew who. Maybe Nokto; maybe Yves.

She felt someone pat her shoulder, only to see Leon giving her a sympathetic look when she turned to look. She pat the top of his hand in return.

“Maybe next time, we leave Clavis with the fire department,” Licht murmured.

That got even Chevalier to snigger. “Police department would be safer.”

“One of these days, he’s gonna end up there,” Leon agreed.

When Rio and Jin returned, Clavis and Sariel happened to be right behind.

“What did the fire chief tell you this time?” Chevalier inquired as Clavis slid into the bus.

The boy looked far, far too happy considering the situation. “He wants to know if I want to meet the police chief next.”

“Called it,” Leon chuckled.

“How’d you even start the back on fire?” Jin asked, grabbing Clavis’ shoulder tightly before Clavis could take a seat.

Plopping down beside Jin, Clavis just chuckled. “It’s a long story.”

“And it’s a long car ride home!” Yves shouted. “So start talking!”

As commotion erupted from the back, Sariel leaned over towards Emma. “For heaven’s sake,” he whispered in her ear. “Please tell me you don’t want children of your own.”

With a dark chuckle, she turned towards him, whispering in his ear in return, “We have every form of birth control under the sun, and if you want to make that permanent, be my guest.”

[summersnow82]

Sins of the Past - Part 3

Fanfiction _ Once Upon a Time

Fictober 2022/ Prompt #10: “It’s my name on the line.”

Summary: Regina’s plans are moving right along. Our Storybrooke heroes race to help Archie.

Author’s Note: I really loved Archie and Regina’s relationship in the series. Did I entertain the Regal Cricket fandom? Absolutely. But if we’re going with canon characters, Red is a healthier, happier option, in my opinion. Humor me as I dabble.

…….

Regina was practically giddy; her plan was working just as she knew it would. All of Storybrooke’s heroes were twisted with concern over their dear, sweet cricket. From what she’d heard Dr. Hopper had made quite the spectacle in front of the lovely Belle. The good mayor knew Gold would be hearing all about it later on. Perhaps he’d be at war with his decision, but Regina couldn’t be bothered with his waffling morality. She had bigger plans in place.

She carefully descended the steps into her crypt, heading straight for the back wall. She’d spent so much time down here she could locate each item with her eyes closed. She gathered each item, lining them up on a ornate table in the center of the room. As she worked, her mind drifted to the good doctor, and the time they spent together before Emma Swan came to Storybrooke.

In the Enchanted Forest, Archie Hopper was a cricket, a conscious, a nuisance, something she could easily swat away or crush with her foot. Here in Storybrooke, though, he was a friendly face, a willing ear, and, with enough liquor and encouragement, a very attentive lover.

In the beginning, Regina thought she’d received everything she ever wanted, but after enough time had passed she soon grew bored. Long before her desire for a child she opted to test boundaries and relationships – just to see what she could get away with in this new world.

Dr. Archibald Hopper had been an intriguing character she soon found herself wanting to deconstruct. Handsome in a buttoned-up sort of way, Regina found the college professor look oddly appealing. He frequented the Rabbit Hole enough for her to notice, typically drinking alone while casting nervous glances in Ruby’s direction.

It hadn’t been hard to get him tipsy; he’d welcomed the company and the conversation, and of course, Regina was no novice when it came to seduction. A brush of the hand here, a hand on the knee there, and dear Dr. Hopper was flushed with arousal. She’d smothered his morality with smoldering kisses and trailing hands until he was trembling beneath her from want.

She’d lured him back to his office each time, making sure the blinds were open just enough where they could be seen. A drunk Leroy saw them once, starting the rumor, and putting a stain on sweet Archie’s reputation. Most of the town didn’t believe it, but the rumor was there as Regina intended.

“It’s my name on the line,” he’d stressed to her the next day in her office. The look of betrayal Archie gave her had done little to Regina’s mood, and the doctor, seeing she wasn’t concerned with his name or reputation, had slunk away with his tail between his legs. Regina grinned at the memory.

Poor Dr. Hopper. He was so lonely, so desperate for affection and respect, and she’d used him for her own enjoyment. It had been a delightful surprise to know the walking conscious knew exactly what to do with her, and unlike some of the men she’d tempted in Storybrooke, Dr. Hopper liked to take his time. In hindsight, perhaps Regina could have utilized his… abilities more often. But his damned moral code was draining.

“There we are,” she murmured, placing the last item on the table. “Now, let’s see how the savior handles this little disaster.”

……………..

“Archie! Archie!” Emma pounded on the doctor’s front door, Ruby and Mary Margaret flanking her. David, Marco, and Leroy were at the back trying to find a way in.

“Archie, please, open the door,” Mary Margaret called.

Ruby sniffed the air. “We’ve got to get inside now,” she said, tone urgent. “Can you get us in?”

Emma cast an insulted look over her shoulder before dropping to her knees. “Of course I can get us in,” she replied, starting to pick the lock. She didn’t voice her concern about what they might find when they were inside.

The door swung open, revealing a darkened house. The smell of alcohol was overwhelming, and as Emma took a tentative step inside she heard glass crunch under her boots. “Archie?” She called, hesitating before she flicked the hall light on. Mary Margaret gasped as the light displayed the full destruction of the house. Furniture was tipped over, books torn and scattered, and glass covered most of floor. “Archie?” Emma called again, moving further into the house with Mary Margaret and Ruby close by.

She heard a crunch in front of her and looked up to see David coming through a back window. “Anything?” He asked, and Emma shook her head. He went to unlock the back door for Marco and Leroy, while Emma continued through the house. Archie’s house wasn’t large – a three bedroom, two bath with a front room serving as a library, a kitchen, and a small laundry room. The space was utilized well, and between the six of them they were able to rule out every room but one: Archie’s bedroom.

The house was now bathed in light, and the trail of disaster had gone from room to room. “Do you think he did this?” Leroy asked softly, lifting his eyes under darkened brows.

“I smell alcohol, and blood, and…,” Ruby trailed off, a look of panic crossing her face as she moved to Archie’s bedroom door. “Archie? Archie, it’s Ruby. I’m coming in, okay? Don’t shoot.” David and Mary Margaret shot each other a concerned look while Marco ran a trembling hand over his face. Ruby slowly turned the door knob, surprised it wasn’t locked, and let the door swing open gently. “Archie,” she called into the darkened bedroom, reaching her hand inside to turn on the light.

“Don’t.” His strangled voice made her freeze. “I don’t want you to see me like this. Please.”

“Archie, it’s Emma.” Emma slid past Ruby, ignoring the crunch of broken glass as she stepped into the dark bedroom. “We came to make sure you were all right.”

A broken laugh from the corner of the room. Archie’s typical raspy voice sounded raw and drained as he began to speak. “Ironic, isn’t it?”

“What is, Archie?” Emma held up a hand to keep the others at bay while she slowly crept closer.

“I’m the town psychiatrist, and you’ve come to see if I’m all right.” His laugh turned to a sob, and Emma froze. In all the time she’d known Archie she’d never heard him sound so… hopeless. “Please leave. Please. I’m begging you.”

“I can’t do that, Archie, and I think you know that. How could I look Henry in the eye again?”

“I wasn’t talking to you.” His voice was so soft Emma almost didn’t hear him.

“Emma, get out of there now,” Ruby said so firmly Emma actually took a step back.

“Please, don’t hurt her,” Archie cried, his voice breaking with tears.

“Archie?”

“Emma, now!” Ruby cried, reaching out for the blonde. Emma whirled on her heel, a rush of panic racing through her as she felt what Ruby had been trying to warn her about.

“Emma!”

Emma Swan was glued to the spot, paralyzed with fear as she watched in horror as the bedroom door swung shut, and the darkness swallowed her whole.

[kayssweetdreams]

Maestro Hiccups Nightmares Unleashed Part 12

Emma felt a sense of weightlessness as she fell through a dark blue void. Small stars flew by her as she gently fell. She wanted to be scared, but she didn't feel scared, in fact, she felt...calm, and at peace. She was falling down for a very long time, until a small plaza, surrounded by a forest came into view. The blonde haired girl gently landed on the ground, as she looked around her new surroundings.

"Is this really a dream? It feels so real..." she said, her hand grazing a nearby bush. However, one thing did get Emma's mind did remember one thing: Where were the others? "Leo? Mei? Yuri? Anyone?!" She asked, but her voice went unheard, as she was alone at the small plaza. Emma let out a little sniffle, This was probably worse than being tormented by the whispers behind her back...

"Hoo? What's wrong dear visitor?" A elderly, but kind voice asked. Emma looked up, and saw a large owl flying towards her. However, this particular owl had on a waistcoat, and glasses...and was much bigger than normal owls. Emma looked at him for a moment, still processing everything "Did...Did you just talk?" She asked.

"Hoo Hoo! Yes I did! My name is Owl. It's a pleasure to meet you Visitor." He said. Emma tilted her head at the odd bird "Visitor?" She asked. "Yes! That's who all that fall asleep and visit the Night Dimension are." He said. Emma's eyes widened "Um, then, you wouldn't happen to know about something called Dream Berries would you?" She asked.

Owl tilted his head "Yes, but how dear Visitor do you know about them?" He asked. "Well, my friend Balan, he told me that his cousin, NiGHTS could help me and my friends find it." The blonde girl said, when another voice made itself known above them "You know Balan?" It asked.

Emma looked up and saw, a humanoid being, much like Balan, but unlike him, this being looked more like a court jester than a theater maestro. The being then dove down to the two of them, before gracefully stopping in front of Emma, bumping Owl out of the way. "I'm NiGHTS! It's a pleasure to meet you!!" They said with the joy of a hyperactive child, gracefully bowing in front of her.

Emma's face grew a small smile at the jester. "It's a pleasure to meet you too!" She said curtseying in front of the jester. "I do know where the Dream Berries are actually! I've tried some before!" They said. Emma's face smiled even wider "Really! This is great! Me and my friends need the Berries for Lance, he has the hiccups and they're causing people's worst Nightmares to become reality, and the Berries are the only thing to cure him." She explained.

NiGHTS looked curiously at her "Your friends?" They asked. Emma's smile then suddenly began to fade "Yeah. We had all gone to sleep together, but I'm the only one here..." she said. "Well, sometimes it takes longer for other people to reach the Night Dimension, Maybe they're on their way!" NiGHTS said.

As if on cue, the rest of the group had landed at the entrance of the Plaza "EMMA!" Leo yelled, before running towards her and hugging her tightly "Thank Goodness!! You're alright!!" He said. After a moment, he realized what he was doing, and he had let her go, a small blush appearing on his face, and he looked everywhere except Emma.

Jose stepped up to her "We were worried when we couldn't find you, and it was even worse when those things attacked us." He said. Emma tensed up. "What things?" She asked

Meanwhile, Back in the Waking World...

Aria watched the group as they snoozed away to find the cure, when Lance had walked into the room, a curious look on his face "Hello there, I don't think we have met, And why are they all asleep, it isn't midnight yet." He said. "I'm Aria, Balan made me the lifeline to the inhabitants, while they went to go and find something called "Dream Berries"." She said.

Lance gave a small smile "It's nice to know that they care, but I'm a bit worried about the nightmare." He said. "What do you mean?" Aria asked. "Well, to all light, there is darkness and fear, and of which, the Nightmaren are near. I have a special job for you, a great task you see. I'm going to help them, and if anything happens, Get Balan, IMMEDIATELY. " He said.

Aria nodded before Lance grabbed the Lucid Liquid, and made 3 drops float into the air, before he stuck out his tongue, and let them fall on his tongue before retreating to his private quarters, and softly falling asleep...

Too bad he didn't know that he was the main target of the Nightmaren...

Mei belongs to @sundove88

Aria belongs to @shadowqueen402

[fumikomiyasaki]

~.~ with Peko x Pluck ❀ with Carol x James or ☾ with Melanie x Kumo

Summer Starters

~.~ for our muses to go down a giant waterslide

The school made a trip to a summer resort and as many students settled for different Locations Pluck looked to Peko who pointed excited at a nearby water parc that was open that day and offered to go with her... even if he wanted to be alone with her, Emma, Gregory and Sean also came with to have an eye on him...Eventually he was lucky and missed them cause the other two were too busy taking care of Greg and Peko pulled him along one of the waterslides.

"You really sure you wanna go for the biggest one?"

"It will be so much fun, Plucky. Or are you scared?"

"N-not at all, I will join you."

The higher the stairs went, the more he was worried, but feeling Peko suddenly grab his hand felt like a peace of heaven to him... she was so cute in that swimsuit... this was the most he seen of her... suddenly the fear vanished replaced by daydreams of her untill he realized how high up they were.

"I will go in front, you hold onto me, right Plucky?"

He nodded... its like the Luck was with him today... he had an excuse to pull his arms around his favourite idol, just to hold on tight while they got ready on the slide... yet his fear vanished and he was focused taking in the nice smell of her hair and the skin but sliding down it came back as he clinged tighter onto her trying to hold on... hearing her laugh loudly before him.

"Isn't this fun?~"

"AHHHHHHHHHH!"

Eventually both reached the end and dived into the water, Peko holding onto his shoulders to have a grip and still laughing.

"I want some morrreeeee Plucky, can you join me?"

"Can't we do a tire slide instead..."

"Oh great idea, lets do that."

He tried to trick her into less action slides just to keep his sanity but how he enjoyed the excuses to be close to her... it truely was a watery heaven here. Eventually Greg and Emma came back to spoil the fun but thanks to other students he had pictures to keep from this day of him and Peko.

At the end of the day he squeeled to himself about the day keeping the pictures dear to his heart before he fell asleep.

❀ for our muses wearing glo-stick bracelets and necklaces outside on a warm summer night

The sun was slowly setting, the interschool party had many students walking around in bikinis and swim trunks enjoying drinks, food and just a bit of music... the beachs waves crashed against the shores as many just find a way to enjoy the atmosphere as the temperature went colder yet was still warm enough as the night drew near.

Carol spotted something she remembered from her world... some neon glowsticks you could use as accesoires for parties and put some on her arms, feet, neck and also made some more she gave other, arriving to James and surprised him with a necklace from behind.

"Thought this color might look good on you. And I was right."

"You look great like this too... good to see you enjoy yourself."

He pulled an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, settling down his cup on one of the makeshift tables.

"This is a managable party also I think to be able to swim again put me in a very good mood."

She leaned moreso closer into an embrace, pressing her body a little against him while looking up at him... his face grew red looking down at her. Trying hard to not stare at her body too hard but given the bikini it was a challenge for him.

"S-sorry just... your body feels so warm, I wanna steal a bit of its heat... may I?"

"Of course, I would be happy if you do just... I'd be hard for me to hold back."

"Hmm maybe some dancing gets me warmed up too, how about it?"

Seeing her smile at him like that he took her hand and nodded, both of them enjoying a bit of dancing to the music, chatting with others, and running around untill they later settled down near the waves, Carol resting her feet in the water.

"Even if I usually hate the heat... I just love the beach at night... all the stars, the soothing feeling of the water, the sounds... its stunning to look at."

He entertwined his fingers with hers and nodded.

"It is almost as pretty as looking at you at this moment."

"James..." She blushed brightly.

"Guess I got you red instead as revenge for before."

She leaned closer feeling him pull her head gently to kiss him... leaning fully into it... they got so lost in this moment that they forgot the party was still going on and she layed down on top of him in the sand... enjoying the closeness while the kisses got more heated. He could almost feel the salt water of her lips given how much she did swim that day... Both withdrew redfaced as they noticed how passionate they got.

"Um... maybe we should get away from the party and continue?"

"Good idea, lets."

__________________________________________________________

☾ for our muses falling asleep together on a blanket at a summer concert

It was a very unusual atmosphere for him... usually he used any excuse to skip such school trips but this time he joined for Melanies sake cause he wanted to be close to her... to his luck for one of the beach concerts she got him a place in the backrow on one of the more comfy basket seats with blankets and cushions... both still had beachwear on so the fluffyness of the blanket felt nice on this skin and after a while of listening he felt Melanie lean somewhat against him, resting his hand on her hips.

"Are you feeling good?"

"Yes... just a bit tired from the day is all..."

"Hm... rest all you like, in doubt I carry you back to the hotel."

"You are really sweet,Kumo..."

"Just don't say that too loud... I only do this for you."

She giggled and pulled her arms around him... he was telling the truth... usually he prefers silence of her concerts but... being close to her... he would be fine with settling for such situations... soon he noticed himself also feeling drowsy... he wanted to keep her awake to care for her but even he was exhausted, by the sounds, by the walking before... he drifted into sleep but enjoyed a nice dream of them both... thanks to the smell of her resting before his nose...

After some hours both slowly woke up and Melanie noticed she was resting on his chest the whole time... growing bright red...

"Ahh s-sorry-"

Before she could get up, he rested both of his arms around her and pulled her close, holding her head in place.

"Stay... I am glad if you hear my heartbeat... it feels... somewhat warm."

"A-alright."

Her face still stayed as red as a tomato as Kumo played with her hair and gave her some affectionate touches untill the concert was done, hodling hands with her on the way back to hotel... Sometimes it wasn't bad to go out of a comfort zone.

_________________________________________________________

[reignmaefall]

hi dear moot. i would love it if you told me more about amelia and pandora being roommates and selling together. what house are they in? is there anyone else in the dorm? who are their regular clients? is xenophilius involved? are they close friends or just friendly because of the circumstances? how does amelia feel about pandora's friendship with the slytherins? idk i'm just really fascinated by the idea of them two interacting i never thought of it before

Okay admittedly i didn't think too hard abt it originally but I feel like it'd be something like this

Pandora wasn't really friends with her roommates, choosing to just stay to herself most of the time, until like 5th year. She and Amelia had a few classes together (herbology lmao) and often got paired together because they were both "intelligent and respectful young ravenclaws!" (wrong so very wrong), and they started to talk more and realized they had more in common than they originally thought. They both had an odd sense of humor and often joked about how herbology would be "so much more interesting and silly" if they grew weed (once the professor heard one of them say that and knocked off a few house points but it was worth it for the joke). Somewhere along the way, Amelia figured out how to grow Marijuana and one thing led to another, and then, somehow, they were testing to see if they could actually grow it in the ror.. and well..

Anyway turns out they grew a bit too much and didn't know what to do with it so they did the only logical thing they could (there were definitely more logical options), sell it. Eventually they ran out, but they counted their money and realized they had made a shit ton of profit and actually had a lot of fun doing it, so they started growing more and expanding their business. Amelia was the brains of the operation, coordinating meet-ups, running background checks on clients to make sure they aren't rats, making back-up plans and strategies for how when the teachers eventually caught on. Pandora was the saleswoman and spokesperson, she sought out potential clients, psychoanalyzed them to the point they maybe got a bit scared of her, she did all of the dirty work that kept the ring going. And they didn't, under any circumstances, smoke their own supply (wrong so, so very wrong).

Since Pandora was naturally giggly and spacey, professors didn't think anything was out of the ordinary when Pandora was actually high. Amelia, however, definitely had quite a few professors raise an eyebrow when she giggled at nothing or zoned out or acted sleepy in general. But Pandora having Pandora as both a friend and roommate was a good crutch, Pandora would always just hum a little, giggle, and say "sorry professor, we talked a lot last night so she's a little sleepy, I think im wearing off on her too, we'll try not to do it again tonight though" when teachers would ask.

As for their clients, they sold to a lot of people, experimenting 4th year Gryffindors, most of the people in Hufflepuff, stressed out Ravenclaws, depressed slytherins, although their clients were a variety of ages, they did have one main rule, no selling to 3rd years and below, and only give 4th years a very small amount. Their biggest clients were the Marauders, often they'd send Peter because it was less questionable for him to be seen talking with Amelia or Pandora than it would be for Sirius or Remus or even James. Sometimes Marlene or Mary would buy some for parties or just because. Even though Lucinda, Emma, and Hestia were Amelias friends and Hestia was their roommate, they still had to pay when they bought lmao, Amelia didn't give friend discounts. If Pandora sold it for more than the actual price when Emmeline bought from them, that was nobodies business but her own ("she's just so obnoxious! Acting like she's so smart and perfect and pretty and kind and sweet and.. whatever, payback and all that" "..if you say so" "really I hate her" "..uh huh...")

Xeno was a huge client, Pandora didnt really know if he was buying all of it for himself or for his friends too, but he definitely was a major client. That's probably how they met/got close (in this au at least), drug dealer x stoner yk the deal. Eventually, Pandora and Amelia gave xeno a special discount and he probably ended up working with them for a bit too.

Amelia was a bit wary of Pandora at first because of her friendship with the slytherins, but eventually, she realized that the slytherins are just people, and Pandoras connections were actually better for potential clients.

Anyway yeah, Amelia and Pandora being very strategic, and very successful drug dealers and being those friends that know a lot about each other and talk a lot, but also don't really talk much outside of the classes and business they have together. Like work/class friends that get along real well but probably wouldn't hang out outside of class and work

This got a lot longer than i expected lmao, anyway tysm for the ask lovely moot, I get so happy on the rare occasion I get them