#But I don’t think Willow would lol she’s too nice

[mushroominaforest]

If I had a nickel for every time I was in a fandom where one of my favourite characters was some guy named Hunter with a scar on the right side of their face who’s a good fighter and was artificially created by someone who only ever saw them as a tool for the greater good i’d have two nickels but like… come on.

[goodgirlgonebard]

And I'm answering! (Your latest reblog, lol)

As of now I have only read "dealbreaker" (and I have finally caught up with it!), but I sincerely love the story. Willow and Astarion are kind of idiots, but I love the pining, the yearning and the mild angst as they're navigating their relationship post ascension and Netherbrain. Willow's internal back and forth between being madly in love, yet scared to commit to a life of "forever" with Astarion is wonderfully written – I really feel I understand her actions and where she's coming from.

Astarion remains a bit of a wild card for me, considering he is the Ascendant and I sense lingering manipulation tactics, even if he#s doing it because he doesn't want to loose Willow a second time. Nevertheless, I think he's interestingly written and I'm eager to find out his reaction after that cliffhanger 😤

I think my favourite two chapters are the date chapters - from the disastrous first date (which ended with them in jail - hilarious!) to Astarion spending so much money to dedicate a music hall to Willow. Cliche? Yes. Did I eat it up nonetheless? Also yes.

Some favourite moments, because I couldn't pick one:

To see her is to feel pain. Searing, burning pain straight into his heart, which squeezes and pounds now after 200 years of stone cold death. It feels horrible. To see her dance, play that instrument that can be equally shrill and gentle and beautiful, all at the command of her hands; all of it commands his heart, just the same. (Chapter 2)

“I’m quite sure I could extend Mephistopheles’ gifts to my most favorite spawn,” he says after a moment, slight indignation in his voice. “Allow you to see the sun, see yourself, almost all of it.” “You could’ve stopped at the word spawn,” she responds, her voice growing louder. “Or at Mephistopheles, I suppose.” (Chapter 9)

“-will be called Willow’s Hall, to honor his fellow savior of the city, who is also honored here tonight.” Willow’s eyes shoot back to the podium, seeing the man beaming at her just as he was before the show started, now with Fenian Farthana at his side. She can only smile back at them for a moment before she looks back to Astarion, who she catches giving her the biggest smile she has seen on him since the ritual, enough to spot one of his fangs as he watches her expectantly.  (Chapter 20)

“How many?” He says it with a chuckle, but his mouth clamps shut when he seems to realize that Willow is not joking. “You want more than one?” “Well, wouldn’t it be nice for them to have a friend who is also a baby vampire? Or a few?” Willow asks as she lifts her coffee back to her lips, allowing some amount of humor to creep into her voice. The suggestion of a few makes his eyes bulge nearly out of their sockets for a split second, and Willow finds it even more entertaining to make him lose his composure now than she used to, no matter how brief.  (Chapter 24)

“You like cats, then?” She asks, her eyes darting back toward Ansur, who is still purring away. “I like this cat,” he responds, his voice even. “So far, at least.” “How would you feel about… more animals?” “Gods,” Astarion scoffs, removing his hand from her neck as he says it, “you intend to turn my home into a circus, don’t you?” (Chapter 32)

I probably have quite a few more favourites that I've kept with me over the time its taken to read the story - but I fear this may be getting too long 😂

SCREAMING 🥹 CRYING 🥹 THROWING UP 🥹 ❤️

I never really know while writing if certain parts are going be as funny to the reader as they are in my head. Like that line from Ch 24 had me laughing out loud at my desk as I wrote it but then the rest of the chapter went into a very different direction so I definitely thought it got overshadowed — and most of the comments on my spicier chapters tend to be more emojis than words, which I understand, because I’m not even sure what to say sometimes!

I also can’t believe you chose the Mephistopheles line because that is still my favorite chapter title ever all these months later, and I cannot even put my finger on why. Just something about “Mephistopheles, I suppose!” idk but I’m so glad we are somehow on the same page!!! That bodes well for the upcoming choices to be made, probably.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this and share these with me ❤️ and thank you for seeing these two as the big dumb idiots they are 😌

[notsopersonalcharlie]

Hotshot Part 4 - Waffles

Aaron Hotchner x Fem!Army!OC - Fluff

tags: @rousethemouse @hotchgan​ @hotchnerxo​ @chaoticconnoisseurgiver​

Warnings: None that I can think of

Notes: Basically just meeting Jack, but also other stuff lol. Also a long one. The long awaited part 4, hoping to draft part 5 soon as well, which will more than likely be the last part in this series. Let me know what you think. Gif isn’t mine

Part 1 here - Part 2 here - Part 3 here

Aaron woke up to weight on his chest and opened his eyes to find Jack sitting there staring down at him. 

“Daddy, your alarm has been going off literally forever.” Literally forever had been his favorite thing to say recently.

“You know you staring at me is very creepy.” Jack grinned, holes where some of his teeth were still missing or growing in. 

“You said we have big plaaaaans,” he said, flopping to the side and starfishing out as Aaron reached to his bedside table to turn off his alarm. He had a text from Willow that had been sent an hour ago. 

“We do, why don’t  you go get dressed in jeans and a shirt and we’ll head out soon.” Jack nodded, bouncing up and down a few times before dashing off. 

“And don’t forget a sweatshirt, it’s cold out!” 

“Okaaaay.” Aaron looked at his phone again, reading the text. 

Willow Cutler: Back from the gym. Ready to go when you are. 

He shot back that they would be ready soon before getting out of bed and starting to get dressed. It had only been a few months now since they had met again, but the engagement ring he had kept for her was sitting on his dresser. He looked at it for a moment before picking up the challenge coin beside it and going to check on Jack. He had jeans on, but was rifling through his drawers for a shirt. 

“C’mon buddy, what color do you want to wear at least?” Aaron helped him pick out a shirt, but when Jack put it on he noticed a grass stain. 

“I can’t wear that one,” he said, hurriedly going back to try to find another.

“Why not? It’s ok if its a little dirty.” Aaron pointed out that he was wearing a t-shirt and a sweatshirt as well. 

“I want your friend to like me.” Aaron couldn’t help but smile. 

“I promise she’s going to like you anyway. But let’s find one you want to wear.” Jack finally settled on an orange and black Star Wars one that was the match to the shirt Aaron was wearing. He put on a hoodie over it from his soccer team before grabbing socks and following Aaron out to the car. Aaron texted Willow that they were on their way before starting the car. It wasn’t a long ride. 

“Where are we going? It’s not too far right? I still have to go to practice later, remember?” Aaron nodded, catching his eye in the review. 

“I know buddy, we’re just going to get breakfast.” 

“Oh YEAH!” Jack yelled, sticking his hand out the window. It was a little chilly out, getting closer to the fall, but the sun was shining and it really was a perfect day for his soccer practice. They arrived at the diner pretty quickly. Jack and him went there often when Aaron had time off and Jack hopped out of the car on his own and raced to the door. Willow was leaning against the front of her car and looking at her phone when the car pulled up, and had watched the boy bolt for the door. 

“Likes breakfast?” She asked, walking up to where Aaron had stopped to make sure the car was locked. 

“Loves it. Waffles though, not pancakes.” She grinned, and Aaron gave a small sigh of defeat. 

“Yes, I know. They’re better because of the-”

“Pockets of goodness!” Willow finished. 

“Jack, bud, this is my friend Willow. We’ve known each other for a long long time.” Jack looked up at her and stuck out his hand. 

“Nice to meet you.” She shook it and smiled. 

“Quite the gentleman. It’s nice to meet you, Jack. Your dad has said a lot about you the last couple weeks.” Aaron went to open the door and just barely caught the boy saying, “Dad has a picture of you on the wall in his room.” Aaron squeezed his eyes shut and pulled the door open, a blush taking over his face. Jack skipped in, going straight to the hostess. Willow gave him a smirk as she stepped by him. 

“A picture of me, huh?” 

“Yes, I do have a picture of you and me.” Aaron’s hand rested on her lower back as they walked, following Jack and the hostess to one of the booths. 

Breakfast was easy, and Jack took to Willow immediately, fascinated by the few stories she told about Aaron when they were younger and the fact that she had been in the Army with Aaron. He asked a million questions a minute until he got his waffles and then things quieted down, Aaron tapping his knee against Willow’s as they ate. 

“Do you want to come to my soccer practice?” Jack asked while he stole bacon off Aaron’s plate. Willow’s eyebrows went up and she looked to Aaron, who gave a small ‘its up to you’ shrug.

“You can practice with me too! We always get there early so dad and I can run around,” Jack continued, then in a poor stage whisper said, “He’s not very good.” Willow grinned. 

“He never was. And sure, I’ll come.” Jack clapped excitedly, and continued to talk about his soccer team and about all the people on the team. She drove her own car over to the apartment complex, and for the first time entered Aaron’s new home. As they walked up the stairs, Aaron could remember the first time he had gone to her house, later than he had hoped after over two years together. 

Aaron hopped out of the blue pickup, checking himself in the side mirror before going up to the door. He could hear barking inside, and he knocked twice before taking a step back. A burly man opened the door, surveying Aaron with careful eyes. 

“Hello, sir. Aaron Hotchner.” The man’s eyes narrowed, but he reached out and shook Aaron’s extended hand. 

“C’mon in.” They stepped into the house and Aaron was immediately accosted by two large German Shepards, which came to sniff every inch of him they could reach. 

“Willow, the boy’s here,” her father called up the stairs as he walked past. 

“A drink?” he asked him. 

“Uh, no sir, I’m not old enough yet.” The man nodded as he made his way into the kitchen that Aaron could see down the hall, leaving Aaron alone with the dogs. 

“Sadie, get off’im,” Willow’s voice came, and Aaron turned to see her coming down the stairs.  Her hair was down in loose waves, and she hopped off the last step into his arms. It was the first time they had been apart for any length of time since they met. Aaron squeezed her tight, face buried in her shoulder. 

“I missed you.” 

“I missed you too,” she said quietly. He set her down, careful of the dogs, and she led the way further back in the house.

Aaron unlocked the door, and Jack raced in, turning a corner and disappearing.

“Welcome to the Hotchner residence.” To Willow’s surprise, in the back corner on a shelf, the first thing that caught her eye, was a number of things from their army days, including a framed photo of their unit. The living room was cluttered with children’s things, but it looked lived in and clean.

“What?” Aaron asked, as she stood looking around the apartment, just inside the doorway. She looked at him, a smirk on her face. 

“What?” he asked again, stepping closer to her so he could press a kiss to her lips. It felt like he had so many more to make up for. 

“You don’t see it?” she asked, taking a step in and peeking into the kitchen as well. 

“No?” 

“So you didn’t intentionally set up your living room exactly like ours was?” Aaron looked around and froze after a moment of thinking back to what their living room had looked like. He didn’t think of himself as sentimental all that much, but apparently his subconscious was. The TV was across the les wide part of the room from the TV and along the back wall there was two bookshelves around the window, with a small bench under it littered with a number of Jack’s things on it. Still, it was exactly the same as their old house. 

“I guess... I d-” Willow cut him off with a kiss, arms wrapped around his neck. Aaron’s hands slipped to her waist, tugging her closer. When he pulled away from her lips, he pressed his face into her shoulder, arms wrapping all the way around her and pulling him flush against her. Willow’s eyes closed, fingers running through the hair at the back of his neck. It was still short like he kept it when he was in the Army. Aaron didn’t want to let go. He could feel the last time he hugged her, the last time he hugged Haley. Those last moments with both of them had destroyed him, but he told himself this time he wouldn’t he holding Willow’s body for the last time. He wouldn’t let her away from him ever again. 

Both of them pulled away with tears in their eyes, and Willow used her thumbs to swipe his off his cheeks, her mascara already running. He kissed her softly, then pressed his forehead to hers. 

“I love you.” 

“I love you too, Aaron.” Once they finally pulled away from each other, Aaron couldn’t take his hand from her side as they walked around the small apartment. 

“Alright, you gotta let go of me so I can use the bathroom and fix my face.” Aaron grabbed her waist, spinning her into his chest. 

“There’s nothing wrong with your face.” He kissed her, and let her go, peeking into Jack’s room to make sure he was almost ready. 

“Can you get me an extra water bottle today, dad? I ran out last time.” Aaron nodded and headed to the kitchen. One cold water bottle was in the fridge already, but Aaron put ice and water in another, tucking them into Jack’s soccer bag and checking that his cleats were in there as well. He went back to the kitchen to grab some snacks and water for him and Willow. 

Willow stepped out of the bathroom, watching Aaron head back into the small kitchen, and then took another step across the hall into Aaron’s bedroom. It wasn’t big. Jack had gotten the better end of the deal, and clearly Aaron had given him the master bedroom of the apartment. They had talked about Jack, about Aaron’s life with Haley, about all of his guilt. He was carrying so much, and doing it all alone. There was a picture of Aaron and herself in the room, one of the photos they’d taken after their engagement. The room itself was just as she expected. The bed was made neatly, with a few clothes tossed on top of the dresser. Aside from a single glass of water on the nightstand, the room was clean. 

“Whatcha doin?” Willow turned to see Jack standing in the door. 

“Just looking. Ready for practice?” The boy nodded. He was wearing what looked like a practice jersey, bright orange with a soccer ball on the front and a number on the back. He was holding a soccer ball, and she gestured for him to toss it to her. 

“Dad says no soccer in the house.” 

“He can’t tell me not to,” Willow said with a grin, taking the ball and dribbling it past Jack into the hall. He came up around her and managed to get the ball from her, and he burst into laughter, running up the hall while moving the ball between his feet. 

“Hey! What did I say about soccer in the house?” Aaron exclaimed, seeing them come up the hall. 

“Sorry, my fault,” Willow said, suppressing a smile. He tried to look angry at her, but he couldn’t manage it, especially not with the huge grin on Jack’s face. 

“Alright, no more though. Come on, we got to get out of here.” 

“I just need to grab a jacket from my car,” Willow said as they got outside. She jogged off while Aaron got Jack and his bag situated in the car. 

“Daddy?” 

“Yeah, what’s up buddy?” 

“Are you going to marry Willow?” Aaron turned to look at his son, spotting Willow running back to them with the jacket in hand. 

“If it’s alright with you Jack, I think I will.” 

[logicalbookthief]

For the ask game:

May I ask 4, 13 and 27 for the owl house?

4. Do you have a NoTP in your fandom? Are they a popular OTP?

Alador & Darius. I know it has the ex-childhood friends to enemies to lovers angle, but for me, Alador’s rushed “redemption” didn’t really hit for me, and I still he’s a big too much of a subpar dad / dude to be paired with Darius.

HOWEVER I love to view them as enemies turned reluctantly civil PTA rivals because they still can’t stand each other but their kids are friends so they have to play nice for their sake and they hate every minute of it. It is way funnier to me.

13. Unpopular opinion about XXX character?

Idk how unpopular it is, but I feel with the exception of episodes like Any Sport in a Storm and Labyrinth Runners, Willow was sidelined way too much this season :(

Obviously, they were pressed for time with the cancellation, but I feel as if we never exactly got a satisfactory conclusion to her arc? Her conflict with Amity in the aforementioned episode was fine, I guess, though it never really hit on the emotional beats I wanted it to? The conflict was centered around Amity treating Willow like she wasn’t capable due to her own misguided need to protect her-- the problem is, this was established long already, as early as Willow’s debut in I Was a Teenage Abomination, or at least by Wing It Like Witches.

However, I think the bones of a better conflict were there. When Willow said Amity just needed to get to know the new her and Gus immediately corrected her, “You mean, the real you?” That, I wanted more of that! Because Willow was always capable! Even when she struggled with her spells as a kid, that didn’t make her any less capable than her peers! And Amity’s instinct to compensate and overprotect her, while it was with good intentions, reminds you how witches without magic/struggle with magic/use an “inferior” type of magic aren’t taken seriously, which was the case with Eda & Hunter & Gus at other points in this season.

And I also think back to Follies at the Coven Day Parade, where Amity was braiding Willow’s hair and lamented how they missed this, and Willow looks down, kind of pensive, kind of sad? To me that expression was always hard to read, mostly because we don’t get too much of Willow’s pov to decipher. In this case, I would choose to interpret it as Willow not really missing how their relationship used to be, since although she treasures her memories of Amity when they were kids and super close, she maybe doesn’t miss the dynamic of her being the screw-up who Amity had to bail out and look out for? So if Labyrinth Runners had built on that more, or if we had gotten more of Willow’s pov in general, I’d be happier with her arc this season.

Okay, lol. This got too long, onto the next question!

27. Least shippable character?

Philip Wittebane. Not because he’s the villain, in fact I love him as a villain, his backstory is marinating in my brain at all times. However, he is a Puritan. Who canonically gets no bitches and murdered his brother over getting bitches. I rest my case.

[wickdcreatures]

@unpossession prayed:

Dear Lillie,

I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to write you! I’ve been going through a bit of personal trouble at the moment and it’s been hard to muster up the nerve to write anything at all — but I’m getting better now, and wanted to drop you a line to say that I found you completely charming when we met, and to encourage you to keep writing, even if sometimes it feels hopeless or embarrassing or strange. Better to have it all out on the page than festering inside, anyway.

I’d like to invite you and two guests of your choosing to an event my cousin is hosting this weekend at the Greek Theatre! He’s a film score composer and this event is sort of one big mixer-slash-showcase for him to network with people in the industry since he’s new in town, and I’d love for you to come! There’ll be music, and then an afterparty where I’ll introduce you to as many people as I know, I thought this would be a great opportunity to make come useful connections for when you want to send a script out!

Please, please, please say you’ll come! And bring whoever you like, just send me a text with details on who and I’ll make sure their names are on the list.

Lots of love,

Willow!!! Xx

          Initially, Lillie didn’t expect to get a response when they traded numbers in that cozy cafe booth. In no way had it gone forgotten, quite the contrary — Lillie had the little slip of napkin with Willow’s number pinned to the mirror in her bedroom, hoping one day she would work up the courage to take the first step — but everything has been so crazy since then. Tabby has clearly chosen Zero over her, and her boyfriend Joshua is too busy with his influencer gigs to come visit. It’s been so terribly lonely, so the notification on her phone sparks a certain anxious excitement. 

[ TO : willow ! ✍️📖        ✉️          lillie is typing . . . ]

[ txt ]     hey willow, it’s so good to hear from you! please don’t worry about it, i figured you were just busy and if i’m honest i was just a little too shy to take the first step. silly, i know! even though i met you and know you’re very nice, i still get all tongue tied because you’re just SO cool! [ txt ] as for the event — are you sure? that seems like such a big deal and i don’t want to be imposing or anything!! [ txt ] i guess i’m always a little worried i’m gonna mess those kinda things up lol [ txt ] actually! you know what! yeah! i’ll go! [ txt ] but i don’t think i have anyone to bring so it will just be me :’)

[nixie-writes]

Nixie and Husk, out on the town, bar hopping and being followed by their favourite, bored Deer man.

They're too intoxicated to fight off a whole bunch of Vox's guys who recognize Husk. They fall unconscious pretty quickly.

They wake up in Willows patient room. She tells them that they stumbled in pretty beat up, but in actuality it was Alastor that helped them. He just doesn't want Nixie to lose that good ol' scepticism about him and thinks her hating him is for everyone's best interest.

Willows thinks it's stupid but she does as he very politely asks.

(yes I just summarized an entire story but I like seeing how others would see it in their mind compared to mine)

I'll put this under the cut because three pages long. Thanks for the fic idea lol

I fluffed out the little puff of water atop my head and smoothed out the dress I wore only for these occasions. I did a little twirl in front of the mirror to make sure the dress fit my features and, satisfied with the dress, I finally left my room. Husk stood at his bar without a drink for once, waiting patiently for me - as patient as that man will ever be at least. Upon hearing my footsteps he turned in my direction and blinked slowly. “You look nice,” he grunted, trying to hide his pink face. I chose to not mention it this time, to save his pride. “I’m all ready, are you?” I inquired. Husk nodded; “yeah, let’s get out of here”. Taking one of his claws in my hand we slithered out of the hotel unseen and walked off to go bar hopping, as we usually did on anniversaries or special occasions. 

“They’re gone,” my shadow reported to me. I nodded my head slowly, setting down a cup of jasmine tea Willow had made for me earlier to calm my nerves. I closed my book, placed a bookmark to hold my page, and set it on my intable. Standing up I stretched, my tail quivering with the intensity of the stretch. Slipping into a shadow I decided to follow the two outside and see what they did on these days. And to make sure they don’t get hurt but, that’s my secret. Sliding outside, clinging to the shadows, I watched the two make their way out onto the streets, Nixie holding Husk’s claw tightly. Was she nervous or excited…? Regardless of that I watched as the two entered the first bar, a little dive nearby the hotel with cheap champagne. This should be interesting. 

The first bar we reached was a little alcove surrounded by moss and other living things. Maybe I could get some jasmine beer? It was worth a try I suppose. We entered the bar, my fingers still tight around Husk’s claw, and I looked around; the bar was tiny and filled with pictures of different flora. Maybe Willow would like the place for its decor? We chose a small spot to settle down in and I ordered two beers while Husk ordered a bottle of vodka. How that man stomached vodka was beyond my knowledge. We drank our drinks and stood up to leave. I was already tipsy but Husk seemed fine. He looped an arm over my shoulders to keep me steady and brought me outside to find another bar. I felt a chill run up my spine as I eyed an alleyway but shrugged it off. This area of Pentagram was creepy regardless of why. Stumbling alongside Husk we searched for another bar to hit up. 

‘So they’re already getting intoxicated,’ I thought. How fun. Perhaps I’ll keep following them and see what mischief they get into when they’re drunk.

The next bar we hit up was a flashy casino with a friendly barista. Husk spent his time pouring different drinks down the hatch and playing Poker. I sipped on a Baileys in coffee and stood behind him, counting the cards to tell him when to fold, go all in and win us some cash for the next bar. I tipped the barista generously for providing all the alcohol. At one point Husk and I were drinking from the same bottle, laughing when we won the jackpot. Math finally came in handy. Of course we were kicked out after we cashed out and the manager threatened us for winning the pot but we shrugged it off. To the next bar and to hoping it has a casino. 

I was walking alongside Husk, trying to not fall over and giggling like an impling. I was using my phone to try to find another nearby bar. There were a few in the area. The question was, which one first? I pointed out one on my phone to Husk, it was another flashy bar with a strip section, though I kept that part out of the conversation. Sinners are easy to sway with sex. The trip there would take a good 30 minutes following the roads but by cutting through an alleyway it would only take 10. We were terribly intoxicated and inhibitions were left at the casino so we took the alley. 

As we were stumbling along, I felt something hard crash into my cheek. Glancing down I noticed a rock. Who threw a rock at me? I dusted off my cheek and continued walking. It was as we were exiting the alleyway that we were surrounded. Sinners of every kind had us cornered, rushing behind us to block our only exit. Swallowing vomit I pulled my fists up in a defensive stance. “You wanna fight, bitch?” I slurred. A sinner tossed a handful of salt on my arm and I squealed, my arm burning as the salt absorbed my water. I hissed and used my good arm to toss a scalding hot bubble of water at his face. It landed on his face and he turned away, crying out at the pain of his boiling face. 

Husk was bushy fending off two sinners who were trying to get a hold of his wings. I ran water around their feet ensuring they slipped and lost grip. I turned my attention back to the sinners surrounding us. We were outmatched and outnumbered and we were both drunk as hell. I lifted another bubble in the air and began to swirl it in a little whirlpool to sweep them off their feet but one in my blindsight kicked me behind my knees and I buckled, landing ungracefully on my face. I rolled over, hissing, prepared to fend for myself but a hard blow to my temple rendered me almost blind. The world around me blurred until I could hardly make out shapes. A flash of red came into my vision and I felt darkness dragging me down. I fought to stay awake but I couldn’t bring myself to keep my eye open any longer. Dropping my head against the concrete I allowed myself to succumb to the darkness welling in my head. 

I kicked the door three times, a body slung over each shoulder. After a moment Angel Dust opened the door, stepping to the side in surprise. “Holy shit, what happened to those two?! They look like shit.” He commented as he followed me to Willow’s in-hotel clinic. I didn’t answer that, nor any more of Angel’s questions. I gently pushed the door to the clinic open with my knee and entered, clearing my throat to catch Willow’s attention. She was busy watering a Venus Flytrap when I entered. She didn’t turn, only replying with a tart “I’m busy, come see me later”. I sighed and set both Husker’s and Nixie’s bodies on gurneys. 

When Willow noticed Husker and Nixie unconscious on the beds she jumped a little, forgetting her plant and rushing over to examine Nixie first, then Husker. “What happened to them??” She asked me. I blinked sympathetically at her. “These two dumbasses are sloppy drunks who can’t fight after a few drinks and I had to assist them after they passed out surrounded by some of Vox’s lower demons.” I explained briefly, turning to leave. 

“Wait,” Willow called after me. I turned to look at her, those big brown eyes gazing into mine with so many questions. “Yes, dearest?” He inquired. “Does Nixie know you helped?” She asked boldly. I chuckled and shook my head. “No, and it’s best that way.” I answered. She sighed and popped a hand on her hip. “When are you two going to get along? She’s always at your neck! If she knows you brought her in for help maybe she’d be nicer to you,” she explained. I smiled sweetly. “My dear, it’s so much more entertaining to see her suspicions and her hatred for me. We go back further than you, you know that right? When I wreaked havoc on all of Pentagram City and the Pride ring, she stepped in and fought me in the name of Hellborns who were affected by my ‘reign of terror’ as she puts it. She hates my guts, and it’s best for everyone that she does, otherwise she may become too comfortable with me and I’ll lose the most entertaining part of this hotel assembly”. Willow released a long discontented sigh. “Fine, have it your way. Now leave so I can take care of these two,” she ordered. “As you wish, my love,” I winked as I exited the clinic, leaving behind me a blushing green plant woman. 

I awoke to a pounding headache and groaned. My temple felt like it was split open and my arm burned. My eye was sore and my stomach ached. I could taste blood in my mouth and I could smell bleach. When I opened my eye I could only see blurry shapes at first, though it swiftly changed to the familiar scene of Willow’s clinic. 

“You’re awake!” I heard Willow’s voice over the pounding of blood in my ears. I turned my head, despite the pain, and looked at her. “The fuck happened last night?” I asked her. She rolled her eyes. “You mean the other night? You’ve been asleep for a whole day.” She explained as she grabbed a needle of some fluid. “Husk has been awake for a little bit but he’s in about the same shape you are.” I turned my neck in the opposite direction and saw Husk, sitting up, face in his claws nursing his own hangover. His left wing was missing feathers and he had a few new, sore looking scars along his side. I felt genuinely terrible for him. Forcing myself to sit up I examined myself. There was bandaging wrapped around my arm where it burned and my body throbbed in pain. Willow approached me and aimed the needle at my arm. “Just a poke,” she assured as she prepared to stick it in. Liar, it hurt like a bitch. 

“Okay, that’ll take care of the pain for a little while,” Willow spoke as she threw away the used needle. “You two got into a drunk fight and passed out. A good samaritan brought you two in and I treated your injuries. Now you just need to heal.” She explained herself as she approached the door to the clinic. “You’ll have to stay here overnight so I can watch you, after that you’re back to your rooms with no alcohol.” She opened the door and left, closing it behind her. I turned to Husk. “Do you think we won?” I asked in a cheeky tone. He snorted. “I’ll bet if we weren’t shit faced we would have won.” I nodded my head. “My last memory is boiling a sinner’s face off, that was pretty cool,” I commented. Husk rolled his eyes. “At least I have these new scars, the women will be all over me!” He showed off his scars. I scoffed. “You’ve got a woman all over you already, that should be enough.”

[radfae]

plz give us your opinions on the new toh ep queen <3

okay i apologize in advance bc i’m like almost done writing this while i add this disclaimer and i’m realizing it’s VERY ramble-y and my adhd brain keeps rapidly switching topics but i hope this makes sense HAHA

IT WAS GOOD! it wasn’t nearly as gut-wrenching as the last one but i do appreciate some good ship action (raeda and huntlow tugging on my heartstrings fr). a lot happened this episode and i feel like a big theme was character development and personal exploration, we saw that a lot with hunter, but most of all luz and willow! it makes me really happy to see luz get her palismen (palisman??) finally and string bean is so adorable! i was team snake btw so i’m happy with this outcome. a lot of people say that boscha was really annoying this ep but honestly i didn’t think so? i mean, she was a bit, but she’s clearly not a villain here; she’s just a traumatized mean girl teenager handling things badly. she’s developed some pretty bad abandonment issues from losing her grudgby team to the collector, and ended up taking those out on amity, which isn’t…great, but people are treating her worse than belos this episode lmao?? but ANYWAY i’m very happy to see hunter again <3 and i’m happy that his development is moving in a positive way. not everyone is happy about him having magic from flapjack, but i think it’s nice; it reinforces that flapjack is still with him, even if he’s not physically present, which is a nice sentiment. and like i am sorry he is going thru it or whatever but i MISSED him being an annoying angry boy,, and OH MY GOD “you mean a lot to me too” “cool, happy to help” KILL ME NOW?!?! THEY’RE SO ADORABLE.,,,, and i’m glad they focused on willow here too because it made me like her a lot more than i did previously. and ok going back to raeda the “i just like to come out and see raine” i don’t remember if that’s exactly what she says but eda literally risking being caught by the collector who still thinks she’s the owl beast just to see raine,, AND RAINE’S LOOK IN THE BEGINNING WHEN SHE GOES INTO HARPY MODE…… omg they’re in love. and i’m choosing to say raine is a lesbian bc it makes my heart happy. switching gears completely to camila,, just,,, in general,, her being a mother figure to so many of the kids and her conversation with luz to amity saying “you and luz are a lot alike”,, i love her so much i cannot believe there was a point in which she was controversial in the fandom. i’ve always been a camila defender. OKAY BUT THE ACTUAL EPISODE ANYWAY the collector is obviously being set up for a redemption arc of sorts; they’re really pushing the idea that he’s just a kid and doesn’t want to really hurt people, and it’s clear that he really did care about king (defending him from the coven head i forgot her name sorry lol, respecting his boundaries with his rabbit and not touching it, calling him his best friend, immediately not trusting belos when he said king has it out for him) and that’s why he’s taking his ‘betrayal’ so hard. i did NOT expect him to team up with belos ngl, i thought that this episode would be them defeating the collector and next ep would be belos, as like a first and final boss type of thing, but this is like. so much better lol. AND SOMEONE ON TWITTER POINTED THIS OUT BUT belos is ALWAYS looking down on people, specifically at hunter; there’s always a specific camera angle to showcase it, but in this episode, in his weakened state belos finally looks up at someone: caleb. belos has always been in a position of power in every relationship we’ve seen with him so far, EXCEPT for caleb. caleb is the only situation in which he’s been the dependent. which is really being showcased here and i liked the imagery,, and i’m curious as to why belos chose raine in particular? like obviously this is going to be used for some raeda plotline which i personally don’t mind actually but like. obvious excuse for ship angst is obvious. but i hope there’s some other reason than just “let’s make eda upset hehehehe” u know what i mean. oh and raine mullet,, pretty. if i had a nickel for every time belos possessed someone and they got a mullet i would have two nickels which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice right.

i’m excited to see how things go with the collector next episode (new noceda sibling real?) and i’m excited to see king, eda and luz’s reunion! i really need eda and camila to meet like NOW. i also really hope that hunter is the one who gets the final blow on belos, like sorry to luz or whatever i know ur the protagonist and that’s your moment but he DESERVES it. and obviously luz isn’t going to stay in the human realm indefinitely but with her mom i’m wondering how they’ll work things out; maybe there will be a more stable portal and luz and camila will be able to pass through both worlds and visit as they please? or will camila just stay in the demon realm with luz? idk!!! i can’t wait for next episode but knowing we’re officially on our final hiatus and that the cast just finished recording for the last episode is also :’D a bit miserable. sad to see it go but excited at the same time

[lilith-clawthorne-appreciation]

I read your tags for ToH Spirit Tracks Au was nice. Luz as Link and Willow as Zelda was really nice. I can easily see Luz liking the Spirit Train. I am imagining Eda replacing Beedle. King declares Malladus an imposter. He is the King of Demons. Hope you don’t mind these added thoughts. Have a wonderful day.

OK ok ok hold on...

Quick synopsis of spirit tracks for my TOH followers who've never played any zelda games: You play as link, a train conductor who meets princess zelda and witnesses Byrne and Cole steal her body (Not her soul tho) to use as a vessel for Malladus, the evil demon king. Meeting with the old lokomo sage Anjean, link and zelda go on a quest to restore fading train tracks, and get zelda's body back

Link: Luz. Luz with a sword and a train? Hell to the yes. Luz would fit the funny scenes of spirit tracks, as well as the sad ones. she'd be the perfect fit for the game.

Zelda: Willow. Think about it, she feels like she's half a witch, and already can't do much, and now she's a ghost, what can she do? she can have similar experiences and learning moments like Zelda did in the game. Also not to push Willuz but im pushing Willuz. Also I feel the two have a similar chemistry to Link and Zelda in this game.

Anjean: Raine- The mentor figure, with a bit of a sassy side? Raine, minus the stage fright. also with hunter as byrne and Belos as malladus I Feel it makes sense. Also, the spirit flute was originally anjean's, bard magic for raine.

Byrne: Hunter. Trained in magic and prayed to the spirits but got nothing. seen as weak by people they look up to? follow the first person capable of giving them power and a purpose? oh yeah, they're perfect matches.

Cole: Kikimora. they both get screwed over. lol. also gremlin gang

Alfonzo: Lilith. Former swordsmaster, will protect the royalty with their life?? Gives up that life to do something they enjoy? (Trains and history) thats so Lilith. also lilith with a sword and a bandana. imagine.

Malladus: Belos, Two goopy. blue dudes who possess other people. Malladus is evil for the sake of being evil, but hey, fun.

Beedle: Eda, I love it. She can be on the move all the time cause she's trying to escape the cops. She can have King with her too, as a treat. they can be partners in scams (I have never, and may never, get the heart container from Beedle. i never buy his stuff that frequently)

Ferrus: Gus. The train obsessed loving guy? Same vibes as when Gus gets excited about Human stuff

The other Lokomos: The various Hexide students

Linebeck III: Tibbles. FUCK that guy (OG linebeck is cool tho)

[infiniteinoblivionn]

1- don’t worry darling, the chair, Hamilton

2- they’re white and hug my feet so nicely

3- I love smoothies

4- a dress. Which isn’t much different from what I usually wear but I’ll do my hair nice and put earrings on and maybe nicer shoes

5- scrambled. Very cooked. I’ll eat it…not scrambled (with a bagel or ramen), as long as the yolk is cooked.

6- I use anything around me as a bookmark

7- black. but I have lots of navy blue and army green too

8- nope

9- hmmm. rain came calm me down, but it also excites me. same with the smell

10- I’m a huge fan of lyrics

11- I wear contacts sadly (but only in one eye cuz my other eye is too far gone for contacts)

12- i love their loyalty and humor and bravery and fashion sense

13- write in pen, draw with pencil

14- hp world lol idk

15- no. I cant keep any plants alive

16- I wish I had a favorite hoodie. I run hot so I usually don’t wear long sleeves/jackets. But I do wish I had a really comfy oversized hoodie I could wear

17- fanx tickets

18- hmmmm. I can’t think of any rn that I’d like to experience but I do have many I’d like to observe as like a ghost lol

19- belle. easily.

20- good at no math

21- man idk the words exactly but I love 1800/1900s art. The paintings of people and landscapes. I love oil paintings

22- iced drinks always.

23- I don’t sing in the shower. But if I did it would be musicals probably

24- my eyesight isn’t great but I consider myself a timid, yet good driver.

25- I currently have 2 piercings!! (Or I guess 4 holes). I have tons of tattoos I wanna get when I have money, and I’d like to get a couple more piercings too.

26- I’ve just started actually cooking. I like it more than baking tbh. I wouldn’t say I’m good at anything specifically but I do make spaghetti a lot

27- I have lots. I have a keychain I bought in nyc, I have a Spotify keychain with the song “peace” by ts, I have foldable scissors, I have a “fuck the patriarchy” keychain, and I can’t remember anything else rn

28- I always thought I was a pretty strong swimmer but I don’t like swimming.

29- loved legos. I didn’t use the sets, I just used the regular blocks. I would build “houses” for my MLPs and I would build flowers and cars and whatever else my child brain thought up.

30- I currently don’t have a “closet”. I just have an armoire which isn’t the same imo😭 and it’s organized in the way that my shirts are hanging up

31- I usually don’t watch mvs so.. probably I Can See You by Taylor swift

32- maybe black or blue or strawberry blonde?

33- earbuds

34- duh, cant everyone 😭😭

35- I had this dolphin I got from my mom and I think her name was crystal and she had a specific place she’d sleep. But now it’s this winky emoji pillow that I “borrowed” from an old friend (his name is choji don’t judge me I don’t even like naruto)

36- uhhh air hockey maybe?

37- I prefer to be alone so I can sing and also I don’t like people watching me

38- I info dump on my friends all the time lol. So idk if they could recite anything but I’ve definitely told them lots about key points/dramatic moments

39- hanging out with my sisters

40- idk trees really but I like the white bark ones and weeping willows and pines

41- plain kind

42- lots of games. Rn my fav is Ludo Club

43- do people shower with the lights off?!?!?!

44- nerve use it unless it’s in my car and then I’ll use it for soda or smth

45- usually

46- uhhh bodycandy.Com if that counts

47- I hate walking. Much rather bike or scooter or anything

48- I like these one..floral? plates and the white bowls

49- listen to music and dramatically walk in the rain. or just watch it

50- very cold. lots of blankets.

50 Questions Just Because

What are three shows in your watchlist that you’ve been meaning to get to?

Describe your favorite pair of socks

Do you like smoothies?

What do you wear when you have to dress nicely?

How do you like your eggs?

What do you use to keep your place when you’re reading a book?

What color dominates your closet?

Do you collect anything? If so, what?

What sounds or scents calm you down?

What’s your favorite kind of uquiz question? (Lyric, color, aesthetic, etc)

Do you wear glasses or contacts?

What’s something about your best friend that you love?

Do you prefer to write in pen or pencil?

What are some places where you feel most at home?

Do you have any houseplants? Do any of them have names?

Describe your favorite hoodie. How long have you had it? What makes it unique?

What’s the last thing you ordered online?

What’s one historical event that you would have liked to have witnessed?

What’s your favorite Halloween costume from when you were a kid?

What kind of math are you best at?

What’s your favorite period in art history, your favorite famous work and/or your favorite style of art? If you don’t know any that’s ok!

Iced or hot drinks?

Which songs do you like to sing in the shower?

Are you a good driver?

Do you have any piercings or tattoos? Are there any that you want?

Can you cook or bake? If so, what are some of your specialties?

Do you have any keychains on your home or car keys? Describe them!

Can you swim very well? Do you like swimming?

Did you play with Legos as a kid? What was your favorite set?

Is your closet organized? If so, how?

What’s the last music video you watched?

If you could dye your hair any color, regardless of how you think it would look, what color would you choose?

Headphones or earbuds?

Can you read analog clocks?

Describe your favorite stuffed animal, either now or from when you were a kid.

What’s an arcade or table game (air hockey, ping pong, etc) that you’re really good at?

Do you mind if others are in the kitchen when you’re cooking or baking?

What’s one show you watch or musician you listen to that your friends know nothing about?

What was the best part of your day today?

What’s your favorite kind of tree?

What scent is your deodorant?

Do you have any games on your phone? If so, which one(s) is/are your favorite?

Do you shower with the lights on or off?

What do you do with spare change?

Do you have good handwriting?

What’s the last thing a friend recommended to you that you looked into and actually liked?

Do you like to go on walks?

Do you have a favorite plate or bowl?

What’s your favorite thing to do when it’s raining?

Describe your perfect sleeping conditions

[lets-talk-spirituality]

Hi may I also have a a channeled message from my counterpart? It’s okay if not :)

Sure! Let’s see what comes up.

Hiya darlin’,

How’re ya doin’ (I get southern American accent vibes, cowboy). Not much going on around these parts, just wake up every day and go about my life, living, laughing, loving, all that stuff. Have a nice cold beer. It’s the simple things that bring the most joy. I love sitting outside, sometimes for hours, just in silence. Sometimes it’s fishing and sometimes I’m just under a big tree, admiring the view (there is some lake they like to go to, open with a big like weeping willow or oak, I’m seeing browning grass, wearing flannel and jeans and boots, chillier there). I’m a simple man with a plan, but I know there’s more. But where I’m from, they just don’t encourage independence and uniqueness. Conformity and congeniality are king. I don’t like to stir no drama so I sort of keep to myself, play nice, be polite like mama raised me. But I see so deeply how it holds people back. I hope you don’t feel held back in life. Sometimes I do. But I remind myself I chose this. But sometimes I wonder if I should take the risk. I’ve always wanted to go west, get some land, start a ranch, do the cowboy thing forreal. But it’s a helluva time commitment and money, but there’s this thing in me that yearns to roam. But I don’t wanna leave my mama. She’s aging and daddy’s not always so good to her. He yells and isn’t patient like he should be. I gotta protect her. But I also want to live my life. That’s why I get away from it all and sip a beer by the water and relax, I’m trapping myself and I know it. How’re you trapping yourself? Maybe the more you free yourself the more you can help me get the balls to pursue what’s been calling to me. Shoot maybe I bring mama too. She’ll never leave daddy. I need to go spread my wings (wide open spaces by The Chicks coming up) I gotta work through the guilt. It’s just my brother died and there’s only me now. It falls on me now. Sorry to unload, I just, I’m a man, I don’t really talk about this stuff, sometimes with my buddies but nothing deep like the conversations I see us having. Envisioning you and a future of freedom together, well that fantasy gets me through a lot of days when I need more than this small day to day to feel something. Nothing makes me feel like nature does. It’s peaceful. I hope you have a spot you like. If you ever came here, I’d show you my lake. I grew up around it, it’s treasured place for me. My own slice of heaven. I love you and you know it but well, life ya know. Who knows what the future holds (looks off to the distance and takes a sip of beer, closed back off and in thought again).

What goddess does your person see you as/encourages you to embody?

This card immediately came out and I’ve never had it come out before!

Sulis— body of water “spend time near water, such as a lake, river, or the ocean, to recharge your batteries”

Lol. Well if that’s not confirmation. And so cute! Go find a lake nonnie and talk to your person while you enjoy nature. They want to connect with you and lakes seem to be important for them. It may be easier to connect to them there. Maybe send them some strength and healing.

You can envision sending them power. Think of a rock and send the energy of the rock to them, you can even hold rocks in your hands while you do this.

Channeled Song:

Maybe listen to some country music when you wanna feel closer to them.

Would love to know if this resonates, and hope it helps! Mwah 😘

[avatarmerida]

Just A Jacket

A silly little Huntlow fic, set between Sport in a Storm and Labyrinth Runners. I’m on mobile so forgive any spelling or format issues lol ✌️

- - -

“How are you cold right now?” Willow laughed as she wiped the rest of the green paint off her face. Hunter sat beside her on the bench shivering, waiting to walk her home.

“Well, I’m not used to wearing civilian clothing,” he chattered with a blush, she assumed because she had noticed the shivering. “I’m used to wearing more layers. You probably don’t realize how cold it actually is because you were so focused on the game. It’ll hit you any second.”

“Sure it will,” she smiled, digging through her bag. “Here, put this on.”

She tossed a green lump of fabric at Hunter who was too busy complaining to catch it. “Oof,” he groaned as the bundle covered his face. “What is it?”

“We got them when we got the new uniforms,” Willow explained. “It’s my jacket, isn’t it nice?”

“It feels nice,” Hunter said, removing it from his head to properly see it. It was a typical letterman jacket, the white sleeves were long and thick and the body was the team’s signature green. The back had ‘Park’ written in bold white letters on the back. It truly was a fine jacket. “Good quality. Impressive.”

“We’ve got a tournament coming up so I wanted to make sure we looked our best,” said Willow proudly. “Check out the front.”

Hunter turned it over and saw a patch that read ‘Captain,’ written in gold, a title she justly deserved. Something about it being written in gold the way it was made his heart flip. Below it, two Es were placed beside each other to represent the team’s name.

“It’s excellent, Captain,” said Hunter with a smile. “A jacket worthy of your abilities.”

“It’s heavy, put it on,” she said. “It’ll keep you warm.”

“But it’s yours, I couldn’t-,”

“Captain’s orders,” she insisted playfully. “I have an idea about a new strategy and I need your opinion and I don’t want your chattering teeth to distract me.”

Hunter did not protest further, carefully putting his arm through the sleeves as though it was made of glass rather than wool.

“How do I look?” He asked with a nervous laugh. Why he was nervous, he did not know.

“Cute!” Willow beamed, as she finished gathering her things. Hunter buried his hands in the pockets and looked down to the ground hoping the setting sun would disguise the blush he felt overcoming his face. “Ready?” Willow asked, giving no indication she noticed.

Hunter nodded and the pair set off. This was their after game tradition. Darius had helped Hunter sneak away to watch his friend’s matches and then he would walk Willow home as she shared her thoughts and strategies from the game. She liked to do it while it was still fresh in her head she said, and Hunter’s observations as a bystander helped her see the whole picture. It was the next best thing to actually playing, but since he wasn’t technically a Hexside student there was little to be done. Plus, there was no way he could ask Darius to cover for him during practices and games.

He was grateful for this time with the Captain. They messaged every day, yes, but she was so much quicker at it he felt embarrassed when he took too long responding. He liked seeing her in person, it was easier.

Well, some parts were easier.

“So, how’s the new guy doing?” Hunter asked.

“Ugh, you noticed didn’t you?” Willow groaned, throwing her head back.

“Hey, I didn’t say anything, I was just asking,” laughed Hunter. “But yes now that you mention it I did notice he didn’t do... great.”

“He’s still on a trial basis,”

“So I’m guessing he didn’t get a cool jacket?”

“Not yet,” sighed Willow. “He’s in a lot of my plant track classes but I think he’s more focused on decorating the field than actually playing. He wouldn’t stop growing blossoms!”

“Interesting tactic, but I’m guessing not what you had planned?”

“No,” she smiled. “But, hey, it’s not his fault. You’re a tough act to follow. I guess there’s just no replacing you.”

He was blushing again, he knew it. He couldn’t help it. “Yeah well, you guys still won tonight though, right?” He chucked nervously again. What was he nervous about. “Just proves what a great captain you are, I guess.”

“Thanks,” she said, tucking rough strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes darting to the ground. “And thanks for coming, you know you don’t have to right? I mean, I’m glad that you do but if you’re ever busy I understand-.”

“Nonsense, I always look forward to seeing you,” he said, then quickly tried to changed directions. “Seeing you kick butt that is! All of you, the team. You and the team, you on the team. Hmm.” He pretended to cough. “The human said she would message me live updates if ever I couldn’t make it but she’s not as familiar with the terms so it was less than helpful. Besides, it’s more fun being there in person.”

“That’s true, you are our lucky charm,” said Willow. “We’ve won every match you’ve gone to.”

“That’s because of your abilities as captain, not my spectatorship,” insisted Hunter.

“Hmm, well unless you miss a match I guess we’ll never know for sure,” mused Willow, hoping to never know for sure as they approached her house. “See you tomorrow?”

This was one of the parts that wasn’t easier, Hunter never knew how to say goodbye. It was much easier in text form, words were enough then but something about seeing her walk away made him want to talk longer. But he had nothing else to say about today’s match and he was sure she didn’t either. He just wanted to listen to her talk more.

“Yes, of course,” he said. He was already out later that he had told Darius he would be, he knew he and Flapjack would have to fly home faster than usual but still he could not drag himself away. “Um, same time?”

He didn’t need to ask that. The time was always the same. He knew that. He just needed an excuse to talk to her longer.

“Yes,” replied Willow. “We’re playing last years undefeated team, so we’ll definitely need our good luck charm. I’ll make sure you have the best seat.”

“You always do,” he said, mostly to himself. “Well, uh goodnight.”

“Goodnight,”

“Oh, wait your jacket!” exclaimed Hunter, remembering why he felt so warm and content. He started to take it off but Willow stopped him.

“Oh, that’s okay,” said Willow. “You can give it back to me tomorrow.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, you’ll need it for the chilly flight home,” she said with a giggle. “Consider it a bribe to ensure you’ll be at the match tomorrow.”

“Well, uh, consider me bribed,” he laughed, hoping it was the right thing to say. She laughed as well. It was.

-

Hunter had the hardest time taking off Willow’s jacket. It was so pristine, which meant either she hadn’t worn it or she was extremely careful when she did. And she trusted him with it, a symbol of her leadership, to wear because simply he was cold. That’s all he had to do, he didn’t earn it. But now he held a piece of her long after they parted ways, delicately tracing the letters of her last name with the tip of his finger.

He knew she had worn it because it smelled like her; like dirt and bark and flowers, so many flowers. Willow smelled like a wild garden, all the plants came together in the air around her. Just when he thought he could pinpoint it to a single flower, she’d surprise him. He’d often be out on patrol, and sneak a sniff of a flower absentmindedly thinking of her when he’d realize how many things she was at once. She was a tornado in a green house, a gentle breeze in an open field, fresh cut grass meeting morning dew.

When he put his hands in the pockets he found they were full of seeds, which made him laugh because of course they were. Something about his hands being where he knew hers had been made him feel safe. Wearing it reminded him of her embrace, and being close to her. He felt warm. He hoped the Captain wasn’t too cold without her jacket and made sure he’d bring an extra jacket to the match tomorrow, already loathing the idea of having to wear something else.

During the day when he could not wear it he made sure it was safely and delicately folded and was excited to wear it again. He was excited to have Willow see him in it again. Maybe she’d call him cute again, but he didn’t linger too long on that thought.

-

“Hunter! Over here Hunter!” Luz called from the stands when she spotted him. “We saved you a seat!”

“You didn’t save anything this is always my seat,” Hunter replied. “Why do you have an engorged finger?”

Luz looked confusingly at her homemade green foam finger as though the idea wasn’t obvious. “Because we’re number one?”

“It’s a human thing,” Amity explained as Hunter sat down. “It’s dorky, but it’s cute.”

“That’s debatable,”

“Speaking of cuuuuute,” Luz began dramatically. “Are you wearing Willow’s flyer derby jacket?!”

“Huh? Well, not that it’s any of your business but yes,” he said smugly. “And I didn’t steal it if that’s what you’re thinking. The Captain insisted I wear it.”

As though on cue, Willow called out to Hunter from the field where the team was warming up and waved to him. Hunter eagerly waved back, before the eyes of those around him told him to dial it back a tad. Luz practically fell out of her seat.

“That’s so cuuuuute!” She squealed.

“You already said that,” he murmured, annoyed.

“I know! But it is! How did she ask you?”

“Ask me what?”

“To wear her jacket!”

“You mean how did she ask if I was cold?”

“Ugh! No! I mean what the jacket represents!”

“What are you babbling about human?”

“When someone on a sports team asks you to wear their jacket it means they like you,” said Luz, then realizing Hunter may not get the intended point she added for emphasis. “Like, like-like you. Ya know? That’s like classic rom com 101.”

Hunter tried to avoid getting flustered. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, that’s just a silly human thing.”

“No, it’s a thing here too,” said Amity, matter-of-factly.

“But maybe it’s not as common as you think,” said Hunter. “Maybe the Captain doesn’t know that!”

“Her dads used to wear each other’s flyer derby jackets so I’m pretty sure she knows,” said Amity nonchalantly before seeing the panicked look on Hunter’s face. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine! W-why wouldn’t I be? I’m just wearing the Captain’s jacket and that means everyone will think.. she gave me... I gotta go!”

In a flash, Hunter teleported away from the pair who looked at each other confused.

The entire game, Hunter paced frantically beneath the bleachers. Flapjack did his best to calm him down, but Hunter could not be reasoned with. He watched in awe as Willow soared and shouted out strategies to her team as he was trying to find the right words to say what he was dreading to say. She was so strong and kind and beautiful... she didn’t even realize the mistake she had made. How was he supposed to tell her?

He waited until he was certain everyone had left. Her friend came up to say their congratulations and Hunter was hoping he could sneak the jacket back into her bag without being noticed but then he worried she might not see it at first and he couldn’t just leave it somewhere lest it fell on the ground. But he didn’t want to embarrass her by giving it back to her in front of people, he was already worried he’d had embarrassed her by wearing it.

Mid thought, he felt a familiar something wrap around his ankles and force him to the ground before dragging him away. He clung to the jacket for dear life, worried it would get stained. He opens his eyes and standing above him was no surprise, he’d know those vines anywhere.

“H-hey captain,” he chuckled nervously.

“What are you doing under there?” She asked with a grin. “I looked for you during the game and didn’t see you. I knew you didn’t leave though because we won. Told you you were our lucky charm.”

“Yeah sorry about that,”

��Did you not wanna sit with Luz and Amity? Luz explained that giant finger thing to me, if that’s what was bothering you...”

“No, no it’s not that it’s...” he held his breath. “Captain, I need to return your jacket!”

“Oh yeah!” She said as though she had forgotten she had entrusted him with such an important item. “Ya know, I’m not gonna need it tonight so you can hold onto it if you want, I know it’s still kinda-.”

“Captain, I-I hate to embarrass you but the huma-Luz informed me that it’s customary for athletes to allow another to wear aspects or extensions of their uniforms to signify that they’re... romantically involved.”

“Um... yeah? Sometimes, I guess.”

“And when you gave me your jacket, I accepted it not knowing it’s extra symbolic importance.”

“Oh.”

“I didn’t realize what I was taking from you,” he went on. “I should’ve returned it immediately in case you had plans for it.”

“Oh?”

“I don’t know much about this school or school in general, but I know that whoever you select to wear this jacket will be worthy,” he said. “You were kind to lend it to me in my time of need, but I’d hate to keep it from someone more deserving.”

“Hunter, I... it’s just a jacket...”

“But it says your name on it! It’s your jacket!” He rambled. “You worked hard for it! If anyone but you is going to wear it they have to be important! And worthy! And special! And-“

“Hunter,” she placed her hand on his shoulders to cut him off and looked directly into his eyes. “You are all of those things, I promise.”

“But, what if people think-?”

“They’ll think you’re cold,” she laughed. “Or they’ll think you look nice in it. Or they won’t care at all. If you’re uncomfortable wearing it, that’s okay. But I like seeing you in it; it feels like you’re still on the team. I-I’ve really missed getting to play with you.”

“Oh,” he said, embarrassed but he couldn’t pick just one reason. “I-I’ve missed playing with you too.”

“Ya know, I say you’re our lucky charm but I really mean you’re my lucky charm,” she admitted sheepishly, a tiny blush creeping on her face now. “That dodge and weave technique you thought of? It worked great! They never saw it coming!”

“You looked great,” said Hunter fondly. “Did great! I mean you did great, you played great! You always do.”

“Thanks,” she said and the two stood in silence for a moment before Willow zapped herself back to the moment. “So... you were worried about wearing my jacket because you thought I might want someone else to wear it?”

“Uh yeah,” he admitted, feeling as though he has overreacted. “But... I did like it. I do like it. I mean I really like... this jacket. It’s soft. And green. And nice. Like you. I mean, I-.”

“Well I’m glad you like it becaaaause,” she dramatically dug through her bag before pulling out another green jacket.

“Is that-?”

“I hadn’t sewn on all the patches yet so it wasn’t ready otherwise I would’ve given it to you yesterday, but ta-da! Your very own Emerald Entrails jacket!”

He took it cautiously in his hands as though it might crumble and marveled at it. It was the same as Willow’s, but the back had his name on it instead and where hers said Captain, his said-

“‘Lucky Charm,’” he read aloud, his voice wavering.

“Do you like it?” Willow asked excitedly.

“I love it,” he breathed, running his hand over the stitching. He could tell she did it by hand, she had worked so hard on this for him and he didn’t do anything to deserve it. “It’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever given me.”

“Well, it’s maybe not as nice as your Golden Guard cape but I wanted to thank you,” she said. “You’re a big reason this team is even here, so I wanted to make sure you had a part of it.”

“Thank you, it’s-.” The wind blew and sent a small shiver down Hunter’s spine and out of the corner of his eyes he saw that it had affected Willow as well. It was colder than last night, and seeing Willow slightly shiver made him react without thinking. Instinctively, he put the jacket he held over her shoulders before the reality of what he did caught up with him. Her eyes widened at their closeness and her face quickly went from stunned to smug.

“Is this your way of asking me to wear your jacket?” she asked mischievously.

“What? No! I mean, not ‘no’ but it was because uh,” he sputtered. “I mean, that’s stupid because you already have a jacket. I mean not stupid! I just don’t want you to think I don’t wanna wear it, because I do! But I thought that since you looked cold-.”

“Because I’d love to,” she cut him off, then gently squeezed his hand. He exhaled, his breathing still shaky. “I think it’s only fair, since you got to wear mine.”

He nodded. “Deal,” he said, and followed her lead and he was always happy to do. He didn’t need to tell her what people might think because he didn’t care. He liked having something of Willow’s and he liked the idea that she had something of his.

“So, how do I look?” She said, twirling around in his jacket leaving it draped around her shoulders like a cape.

“Cute,” he said without thinking because it was true and they both blushed. They were both so focused on concealing their own face they didn’t notice the other’s. It was getting darker, usually they had left by now. But with double overtime and the exchanging of jackets, timekeeping just wasn’t a priority. “But uh, we should get going before your dads get too worried.” He was always so focused on what her dads thought when he was involved.

“Right,” she said as she began walk. She picked up her bag and struggled to sling it over her shoulder as she usually did, wanting to keep the aesthetic of the jacket on her shoulders. Hunter reached out to take the bag from her to carry it for her but she misunderstood his intention and transferred the bag into her other hand and slipped her free one into his and they continued to walk. He didn’t correct her, he tried not to react lest she misunderstand and decide to take her hand back. Be he imagined the sight of them: walking hand in hand in one another’s matching jackets and he held her hand more firmly. It felt so natural but so scary at the same time.

He hoped this part was a permanent addition to their after game routine.

Gilbert and Harvey watched fondly from the window as their daughter strolled down the path hand in hand with her escort.

“He’s wearing her jacket,” sang Harvey as he sipped his cup of tea.

“Seems she took a page from your book,” responded Gilbert with a light chuckle, sipping his.

“They look cute together,” his husband whispered endearingly and then looked closer. “Oh my titan, I think they’re-.”

“-holding hands,” Harvey finished, taking in the sight with fondness. “That’s a page from your book.”

“I’m gonna turn on the porch lights on when they get to the door,” said Gilbert mischievously, running to the front door.

“Oh please, Gilbert don’t embarrass the poor girl!” His husband called after, secretly loving the thrill.

“She’s wearing his jacket too,” he responded peeking through the curtains.

“Let’s open the door when the walk up,” decided Harvey, remembering a similar situation back when they were that age. They rushed to the door utterly giddy, trying to keep their voices hushed. They had been looking forward to this day for so long.

“We should ask him to stay for dinner and wear our old flyer derby jackets.”

“Let’s pace ourselves dear,” laughed Harvey. “I think we’ll have plenty of opportunities to scare the poor boy.”

[speedystarshine]

💋 Anon, so sorry but I accidentally posted instead of edited so Ur ask is gone, but luckily I took a screenshot jakwnfna-

Thank you so much for the ask! I'm in brainrot hours rn so this was a good outlet :D and I'm glad you liked the last one! I chose season one, to go down memory lane, hope that was okay! :)

Characters: Joey Graceffa, Eva Gutotowski, Oli White, Lele Pons, Timothy DeLaGhetto, Matt Haag, Sierra Furtado, GloZell Green, Justine Ezarik, Andrea Brooks, Shane Dawson

-So, I think for some reason the season one cast would be more protective of reader?

-They don’t know what happens or what is going to happen, since Joey too has no idea and can’t warn anybody.

-The minute Shane starts choking, everybody’s confused but catch on pretty quickly.

-Y'all start looking for clues, and split off into groups (scooby doo looking goofy ahh-)

-I'll leave which group reader is in to resder interpretation, but whichever you're is more likely to fall first.

-As the night progresses, you'll notice some of your time members becoming more protective of you, flanking you from each side

-You won't have a moment of peace the whole goddamn time. Someone will constantly be near you, watching you, etc.

-And then the deaths start coming :)

-Even though a lot of them are really competitive, and want to go home (with you ofc), a few of them realize that "Oh shit, I want to win but I also might actually die here" so work on protecting you instead.

-Joey would be on of the most protective ones, and nothing is too off with him other than a few offhand comments that might suggest you weaker and in need of protection. (Kinda like Amity and Willow in Labyrinth Runners tee hee)

He also won't stop following you around, never leaving your side once whereas the others sometimes go off to do something else.

-Eva would be noticeably different, acting fun and bouncy as ever but it seems strained, like kinda the way if you were to embarrass your mom in public and she can't kill you yet but like-

-Oli our beloved would be so freaking nice to you, although he can seem a bit more lost in thought and conflicted which is perfect if you wanna slip away for a second.

-Lele would.... Just kinda give you the chills ngl. Yk that scene were Eva and Lele were thirsting over one of the house owners? (I think his name was Colin or smth idek-) yeaahh that. But yandere.

-Timothy is a slimy little rat man who tries to get into your pants every second/j. But seriously, he would be one of the touchier yandere's and he definitely flirts a lot which can cause conflict in the group, so look out for that.

-Matt. Absolute simp, fool of a man. He may be the professor but Jesus Christ he forgets how to speak the second you come into his general vicinity. He'd sit in the simp pile with Eva and Lele.

-Shane is fucking dead lmao

-Sierra would be like.... A softer version of Lele. Definitely calculating and good at hiding how she feels, but a lot less sadistic and cold with reader. Probably gives a lil goofy smile every time she catches your eye.

-GloZell would be all over you, like Timothy, but whereas with Tim it was sly touches you better believe you are straight into her arms. Very touchy with you but in a more open way, so a few of the others are definitely planning against her.

-Justine (ily so much-) would be much like Matt, but actually goes up to more often instead of waiting for you to come to her. She just constantly has heart eyes around you and it shows

-Andrea would be like Timothy and GloZell, except it's always little hints instead of outright physical affection, and she's way smoother and pulling it off than those two. Probably pulls a blush out of reader once or twice (depending on how easy reader is to fluster) and the group is split between "she's next" and "teach me Ur ways" lol. It would be funny bc I imaging Matt going up to her most in a "teach me your ways" thing despite him never having the confidence to actually do it.

-All in all very chaotic. They split off into mini groups, everyone secretly plotting against the other, and a lot of squabbling. All the goddamn time. Joey and Eva are the only ones to have the sense of "THEY'RE RIGHT THERE SHUT THE FUCK UP" since the others are either too hotheaded or riled up to back down.

-lol just the mental image of Joey and Eva trying to calm people down, a whole ass bar fight happening in the middle of the room, reader, Oli, and the servants/maids of the house standing to the side like "for fucks sake-"

I'm sorry it took so long my dumbass pressed post instead of edit TWICE-

Taglist:

@112-writes

@shuble

@orangussy

[somethingpoetichere]

lovebug- caliban imagine

sup. fic inspired by my favorite song in THE world. not as soft mushy as it may sound I promise caliban is a nice lil sarcastic SHIT with a big ole crush. mild sabrina bashing but its funny in context and I think it’s the way family behaves. reader is a Spellman, not a witch but DOES know about the supernatural/is part of the supernatural world. here with my once in a blue moon post lol. feedback would be appreciated!

called her for the first time yesterday

finally found the missing part of me

felt so close but you were far away

left me without anything to say

Caliban was not an idiot- he knew not to underestimate the Spellman half-witch that had gone and declared herself queen of hell. So he’d taken the liberty of learning everything he could about her, noting her habits and schedule and the people she surrounded herself with.

And then he found you.

You weren’t a witch- at least, he hadn’t found your name in his diligent searching through the Book of the Beast- but you were something. That he was sure of. There was something slightly off about your presence, tinged a little glittery, though not altogether unpleasant.

No, not unpleasant at all, he mused as he watched you make your way towards your car. Tucked into a little yellow sundress, you stood out like a ray of sunshine in the wave of doom-and-gloom that hallmarked high school. The school bell rang out behind you, and Caliban felt his knees go disgustingly weak as you smiled brilliantly at Sabrina through the crowd.

It was a stupid, stupid decision that Caliban would never have made in the right state of mind, but he reasoned that pissing off Sabrina was validation enough to get your attention. He ducked into your path on purpose, taking advantage of your momentary distraction as he gently bumped into you. oops.

You collided with a solid wall, books tumbling out of your hands as strong arms reached out to steady you. You let out a surprised yelp at the collision, peeking up curiously as the wall you’d hit laughed.

Oh, well that was a sight for sore eyes.

The golden haired stranger holding you was, well, gorgeous. Bright blue eyes peered down at you as he grinned, and you felt the whole world shutter around you. You’d definitely been watching too many soap operas with your auntie, but goddamn it if you weren't positively putty.

“Hi there, stranger.” You giggled nervously, and Caliban suddenly remembered he’d had his arms around you for far too long to be acceptable. He reluctantly retreated, feeling something claw a little uncomfortably in his chest.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going.” He apologized, moving to pick up your books as you bent down to retrieve them. He ran a hand through his hair in barely concealed bashfulness, unsure of why he felt so... unsettled, all of a sudden. 

“It’s alright, my head was in the clouds.” You waved off his apology, accepting the books he offered you with a grateful smile. “Are you new here? I don’t think we’ve met.”

“He’s new here!” Sabrina’s shrill voice interrupted, training her icy glare on Caliban, who fought back a smirk. “This is Caliban- he’s from... Australia! Yeah, down under!”

“Oh, I can show you around tomorrow! I know how scary it can be to be new here.” You patted his arm sympathetically, ignoring Sabrina’s stream of indignant protests. “I was with student council all day. If you’re a senior, we probably have most of the same classes.”

Caliban had shit to do. Caliban had trials to plan and souls to torture. But you were looking at him- all warmth and sunshine, and Sabrina’s look of pure horror only sweetened the deal.

“I’ll see you in class tomorrow then, sunshine.”

so worth it.

now i'm speechless, over the edge

i'm just breathless

i never thought that i'd catch this love bug again

hopeless, head over heels in the moment

i never thought that i'd get hit by this love bug again

Caliban didn't understand why the mortals all bemoaned high school as hell on earth. It certainly wasn't so bad once you got past the wave of body spray and the questionable cafeteria food. In fact, darting to class with a pretty girl beside him was pretty enjoyable, all things considered. 

You’d spent the day introducing him to the other students, passing him silly notes in class, and had even tugged him from the lunch room to hang out with your friends in the library. He learned that you pretty much did it all- student council, cheerleader, top of your class- all while managing to somehow know the name of everyone you passed with a smile in the halls. You were silly and sweet— smart as all hell with a wit that certainly kept the clay prince on his toes.

and he was smitten.

The groan that escaped your painted lips was delightfully sinful as you slumped in the seat beside him in english class. “I hate Romeo and Juliet. How do two people fall in love in a few days anyhow? And Mrs. Willows always makes us reenact the scenes, and it’s so corny.” The blush that colored your cheeks as he looked at you in concern was something he did his best to commit to memory- cheesiness be damned, Caliban was enjoying himself far too much.

Caliban smirked, skimming through the booklet he’d been passed as the teacher droned. The prince of hell had a certain flare for the dramatics, and Sabrina’s glare burning into the back of his head only fueled his antics. He had one scene in mind, and it was the scene that was certain to kill four birds with one stone- totally make you fall in love with him, he would somehow manage to kiss you (that part was a work in progress), piss off Sabrina, and also- piss off Sabrina.

And kiss you. So maybe five parts. Damn it, Caliban was going to have to make a list.

“Partners?” He whispered softly, gently tugging at your hand as the teacher sat back down. Caliban’s eyes were alight with a tinge of mischief that you either failed to notice or were simply amused by- and your answering nod was more than a little bashful. “We can do my favorite scene.”

“If you say the first kiss scene, I’m punching the daylights out of you.” You warned, playfully nudging his knee with your own. “It will be unkind and I will not feel bad.”

“My lady wounds me.” He dramatically rested his hand above his heart. “And we absolutely have to do this scene-” He raised his hand to silence your half-hearted protests- “because Billy told the guys in calculus that he was specifically going to be pissed if we did this scene.”

Okay, so maybe he’d stretched the truth a little bit. But Caliban knew that the mention of your seedy ex-boyfriend (who you’d enlightened him about during lunch) would absolutely get you to agree to the scene. And it wasn't like he’d lied— Billy Marlin’s glare was nearly as icy as Sabrina’s. And, it wasn't like the way Billy looked at you- with something akin to possession in his eyes- totally made Caliban want to fast track the kid to damnation right then and there. Nope.

“We can meet up later today to practice? I have cheerleading practice after school, but I’m free after that!” You grinned at him, and he felt the tension ease out of his shoulders as you rested your hand on his arm. The gesture was so effortless- but to Caliban, who’d never really experienced connection like this- you reduced him to all but clay again.

“I can drive you home after practice?” Caliban offered, enjoying the yelp that Sabrina let out from the back of the classroom. He shouldered your bag as the bell sounded, noting the way your eyes softened even further at the gesture. “We don't really have cheerleaders down under, you know.”

“You’re welcome to stay and watch.” You shrugged, ignoring the way your heart thudded erratically as he walked you to the locker room. “It won’t be too long today, and Sabrina has a date with Nick after, anyways.”

it was really just too easy.

i can't get your smile out of my mind

i think about your eyes all the time

you're beautiful but you don't even try

(you don't even, don't even try)

modesty is just so hard to find

Caliban wasn’t sure if he regretted his earlier offer. Sure, the sight of you tucked into the tight cheerleading uniform (did they make them that short on purpose?) was pretty much the pinnacle of male fantasy, and the smiles and winks you’d thrown his way whenever he caught your eye during your routines were something else altogether.

But getting the sight out of his brain as you rambled aimlessly in the car about today’s chapters of Dante’s Inferno, while he simultaneously tried to focus on the road and definitely not the way your skirt hitched on the leather seat...

Yeah, Caliban was pretty sure he was in love.

You weren’t too far off, in all honesty. Caliban’s large hands had a firm grip on the steering wheel, and you took the time to admire further up his toned arms as he drove. His hair fell in loose, windswept waves, and his side profile looked like it was sculpted by the freaking gods. Every so often he would glance your way, his perfect lips parting to reveal his perfect teeth and perfect smile and gods-

Yeah, you had the lovebug bad.

“So how did you meet Sabrina?” You questioned innocently enough, and Caliban had to restrain the urge to spill all of the hell-related gossip to you. How Sabrina had managed to keep all of her throne-seeking from you was beyond him, but it certainly added a thrill to his pursuit of you.

“I had some administrative issues the other day and ran into her. She doesn’t like me too much, I’ve gathered.” Caliban was careful not to lie- his entanglement with you had the added perk of pissing off your dearest cousin, but it was genuine on Caliban’s end. He found he didn’t really want to lie about things.

“Sabrina is... touchy.” You offered carefully, shifting in your seat as you pointed out directions to your home. “I don’t really understand why she doesn't like you, to be honest. I was actually going to have a word with her about being nice- you’ve been so sweet, and I was the new kid too a few years back. It's hard to find your place in the established dynamic of a small town.”

Caliban doubted you’d had too much of an issue, with the way the halls seemed to light up around you, but the accompanying smile you gave him was bright enough to soothe his imagined woes. “It’s alright, I reckon she’ll get used to having me around.”

“Used to you?” You mused with a giggle, leaning on the console in a gesture that brought your face much, much closer to his own. He was overwhelmed with your floral scent- something soft and summery and altogether you.

“I plan on being around you a lot, sunshine. If you don’t mind.” He grinned, turning to face you momentarily at the stop sign. Your eyes were wide with hardly concealed surprise at his words, and he watched the realization of the close proximity of his face flicker through them.

It happened so fast that Caliban was almost certain he imagined it- but your eyes had definitely glanced at his lips. The blush that tinged your cheeks as you pulled back confirmed it, and in a moment of calculated risk, Caliban moved to rest his hand on your exposed thigh. 

“No, I wouldn’t mind at all.” 

If Caliban squinted, he could almost picture that he was a normal teenage boy, driving a beautiful, normal girl home from school. The sinking sun was peeking through the windows, bathing you in an ethereal glow, and - at least for right now- everything was perfect.

you were perfect.

now i'm speechless, over the edge

i'm just breathless

i never thought that i'd catch this love bug again

hopeless, head over heels in the moment

i never thought that i'd get hit by this love bug again

Caliban draped himself across your bed, a languid smirk on his lips as you kicked haphazardly placed piles of clothes into your closet.

“I promise I’m not usually this messy,” you apologized with a sheepish smile, shoving a mass of shoes under your bed, “okay, that's a lie. I’m always this messy, I just didn’t expect company.”

Caliban hardly minded. It was adorable how embarrassed you were, and he took the time to take in your bedroom (drawn from his reverie only by the occasional delighted shout when you found a shirt you’d thought had been sacrificed to the laundry gods, or worse, Sabrina’s room).

The first thing Caliban noticed was the books. While your clothes lay in scattered piles, all of your books were meticulously organized and lovingly tucked into shelves that took up an entire wall of the room. Sabrina may have answered that Caliban’s only hobby was torturing babies (or her, which was the same thing, really— and also, what the hell? Caliban may have enjoyed the occasional soul flaying, but only when it was well deserved!)— but Caliban loved to read.

What was one lifetime in one world, when he could learn of a thousand others in just as many universes? Immortality could grow dull, and eternity had to be spent somehow. Caliban tried not to smile as you precariously placed the book that had found its way onto your nightstand back into its place, and supposed that it might be far more enjoyable with someone else.

You seemed satisfied with your damage control, and slumped onto the bed dramatically with a groan. It was then that Caliban’s hand found a stray victim of your clothing massacre.

“Nice.” He grinned, and you peeked up from your playbook to find him dangling a pink lace bra.

Shit.

“Give me that!” You lunged, but Caliban was too fast. He quickly moved them from your reach, laughing wildly as you wrestled him desperately for the bra. 

“You are the worst.” A groan escaped you, and you huffed in fake-defeat as Caliban smirked victoriously at your retreat. You leaped at the chance, tackling Caliban with all your might. While momentarily surprised, he reacted quickly and shifted so that he was now pinning you to the bed, his hair dangling wildly in your face as you both laughed.

Caliban’s face was so close that you could see the flecks of green in his eyes. For a moment, his eyes seemed to flicker to your lips, but in the seconds it took for you to find your voice again, you’d lost your nerve. 

“We should get back to the scene.”

The moment was broken, and Caliban retreated with a bashful look on his face. He ran a hand through his hair and moved to sit across from you, his cheeks tinted a little red as he politely handed you back your intimates and pretended to shield his eyes when you tossed it somewhere. You’d never been so freaking embarrassed in your life, but Caliban was smiling so softly at you, like you were—

“If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.” He motioned around with his hands dramatically, tone playful and light.

You were so dead. Caliban was freaking made for this romantic swooning nonsense that you’d tried to protest nearly the whole ride home, Billy Marlin be damned.

Giggling nervously in what you hoped seemed scene-appropriate, you tried your best to forget being a horny teenager to instead play a horny teenager. “Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, which mannerly devotion shows in this, for saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, and palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.”

Caliban’s voice lowered, a smile still tugging at his lips as he took your hands in his own. “Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too?”

“Ay, pilgrim.” Your own voice softened in turn as Caliban began to trace mindless patterns on the backs of your hands with his thumbs, “lips that they must use in prayer.”

“O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do. They pray; grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.” Caliban’s eyes were soft, and you imagined that Shakespeare had pictured the man in front of you when putting the words to paper. The words fell so naturally from his lips and he seemed engrossed in the scene— he was, for lack of a better word, enchanting.

“Saints do not move, though grant for prayers' sake.” Your voice was hardly more than a breathless whisper, the proximity of your faces and the intimacy (however imagined) stealing the air from your lungs.

Caliban paused, his eyes meeting yours intently as if searching for something. Whatever it was, he seemed to find it as he took your face in both of his hands.

“Then move not, while my prayer’s effect I take.” 

It was all too much. You could hardly be blamed for kissing him as fiercely as you did.

It was like fireworks, like every cheesy romance novel and play (cough, Romeo and Juliet) claimed it would be. You’d had plenty of kisses before, but never one that melted your brain like this. You forgot all about the scene, about how not real this was supposed to be as your hands tangled in his windswept hair and he pulled you onto his lap.

It was Caliban who first pulled away, only just so that your noses were touching. He was breathing heavily, eyes blown wide— and you felt your whole face turn red as reality consumed you again. “I am so sorry, I’ll just—”

“Where do you think you’re going, Juliet?” Caliban’s hands firmly gripped your hips, preventing you from moving away. His fingers thumbed the band of your skirt, and his next words were a whisper against your lips. 

“Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged.”

kissed her for the first time yesterday

everything i wished that it would be

suddenly i forgot how to speak

hopeless, breathless, baby can't you see?

Caliban was in love. He’d spent the next three weeks with you reciting Romeo and Juliet, sharing shakes at Dr. Cerberus, and tugging you into empty classroom and closets at every opportunity to kiss you senseless.  Every moment not spent with you was at least somewhat occupied by the thought of you, and Caliban found he wasn’t the least bit upset about it.

And Sabrina was pissed.

If she’d hated him before, she positively loathed him now. It was the latest point of contention between yourself and your darling cousin, who’d you taken to threatening with various kitchen utensils and promises to tell the aunties she’d been sneaking out to make her behave. And Caliban, for his part, was perfectly polite— even though he still had every intention of taking the throne from the inexperienced witch who promised to destroy the balance of heaven and hell.

Which presented Caliban’s own latest dilemma. He was going to have to tell you eventually— and in a way that didn't make you totally hate him. He had a plan. Okay, maybe a skeletal plan. Or no plan. Yeah, Caliban was going to wing it. 

After today. He just had to make it through your reenactment of Romeo and Juliet with no demonic catastrophes or maiming Blly, and then he would tell you everything.

But even that was too much to ask.

Sabrina burst through the english classroom doors, yelling in barely concealed panic that there was a BIG problem and the principal needed Caliban now.

Caliban moved to leave with an apologetic smile in your direction, which you were absolutely not having. Despite your current frustration with Sabrina, she looked downright terrified, and you were both concerned for your cousin and overwhelmed with a gut feeling that something was up.

After a few moments, you excused yourself to use the restroom.

You hauled ass to the gym, where the screaming sounded to be coming from. When you entered, you were met with the strangest sight.

The gym was filled with winged... rats? And at the center of the chaos was Sabrina and Caliban, back to back and armed with what appeared to be lacrosse sticks. Caliban’s shirt was tattered from the rats, and you took a fraction of a second to banish the completely innappropriate and untimely thoughts from your head.

“And no one thought to call me?” You shouted angrily through the swarm, snagging a baseball bat from the rack and smacking it around with reckless abandon. Caliban hooted, laughing loudly as you took your place beside them. Rats tore at your clothes, but you were more frustrated that Sabrina had called your boyfriend (or whatever he was) over you.

“Why did you get Caliban! I was right there! Is there something wrong with you? Were you dropped on the head as a child? He’s not even from here Sabrina, he has no idea what-”

“For hell’s sake, he’s not the new kid! He’s not even from Australia! He’s a stupid clay prince from hell who is trying to take my throne and raze humanity, and his stupid plague king sent these after me, and now he’s dating you!” Sabrina spat out the word dating as if it was even more disgusting than the winged vermin tearing at your clothes. 

“Will someone please explain what the hell is going on here?” 

You were no less frustrated when Sabrina revealed her trek to hell and the all ensuing madness she’d partaken in, but you remained calm enough to not turn the bat on her clearly empty skull. 

“And you’re the clay prince of hell... challenging her throne?” You questioned with a sharp glance at Caliban, who nodded reluctantly as he swatted a rat hurtling towards you. 

“Do you even have a driver’s license!” You screamed, waving your baseball bat around wildly.

“I’m a demon prince of hell made out of clay, and you’re worried about if I can legally drive?” Caliban shouted back in astonishment through the wave of shrieking rats. The lacrosse stick he’d snagged was surprisingly effective.

“I was getting to that part, thank you for reminding me!” You hissed, debating whether to smash his face in with the bat. “How about we start with how you completely lied to me, and how our whole relationship or whatever it is a lie! Were you ever going to tell me? Or was this all part of some throne grab?” 

“It wasn’t a lie!” Caliban demanded hotly. “You were not a lie!”

“Really!” You whirled on him, eyes alight with anger. “Because I sure feel like one!”

The rats numbers were dwindling rapidly, and you smacked the last one heading towards you directly at Caliban’s face. It collided with a satisfying shriek, and you threw your bat down as you stormed out of the gym.

Sabrina and Caliban rushed after you, but you’d disappeared in the hall.

now i'm, yeah, oh!

now i'm speechless, over the edge

i'm just breathless

i never thought that i'd catch this love bug again

now i'm hopeless, head over heels in the moment

i never thought that i'd get hit by this love bug again, (oh)

love bug again

You’d remained collected until you’d transported into the middle of the living room, collapsing into auntie Hilda’s arms in a puddle of tears as you told her everything. She’d muttered a stream of ancient curses about Sabrina, but beyond that merely smoothed your hair and told you that all boys were awful— especially demonic princes of hell.

“I hate him.” You glared half-heartedly into your cup of steaming peppermint tea. You couldn’t believe you’d been so stupid. Falling blindly in love with a stranger who had only sought you out for some elaborate game with Sabrina. Screw Caliban and his perfect hair, his perfect smile, his perfect— “I want to bash his face in.”

“No you don't, love.” Hilda smiled knowingly. “You’re angry, yes— and hurt. But you care for the boy. I’ve never seen you so happy as you’ve been these last few days. I think you ought to cool down and hear what he has to say.”

“I never want to talk to him again.” You groaned, burying your face in a pillow. “I’d rather die.”

And because the universe was truly conspiring against you, a knock sounded at the door.

“Well, best get over that quick.” Hilda warned, ignoring your stream of indignant protests as she hustled to the door. 

“Caliban! Yes, do come in love. Oh, yes, we will be having a little chat later, but for now I think it’s my niece you must be speaking to.” Hilda’s cheerful voice trailed in from the foyer, and you jumped up to make a break for it. 

You were halted by a familiar pair of strong arms tugging you back by the waist.

“Get off of me!” You shouted, pushing Caliban away harshly and ignoring the warmth that lingered where he’d touched you. “I want my baseball bat. Somebody get me my baseball bat! I’m going to bash your stupid pretty face in you asshole—”

“Five minutes.” Caliban pleaded desperately, “just give me a five minutes to explain, and then I’ll give you back the baseball bat to bash my face in, okay?”

You considered his offer for a moment, swallowing the sob crawling its way up your throat as you nodded reluctantly. If it made him leave faster, you’d do anything. 

His shoulder sagged in barely concealed relief. “Okay. I am Caliban, Prince of Hell. I am not from Australia, clearly, and am not a transfer student. I am trying to take your cousin’s throne. She does not understand the realm of the damned— she thinks it needs to be generous, rather than a fair judgment of life. I am not her father, and I do not believe in reckless or cruel damnation. I do not wish any harm on Sabrina, and I’ve managed to keep the worst of the plague kings from her. Even if you were to reject me now, I would continue to try to protect her— you have my word.” Caliban paused as you released a breath you did not know you were holding. Your eyes finally dared to meet his, and you nodded for him to continue.

“I agreed to attend Greendale because yes, it did piss off Sabrina, but you were there.” He raised his hand to halt your protest. “You intrigued me, and I wanted to know you better. I will be fully honest that it had the added bonus of irritating your cousin, who I so delight in irritating, but my primary focus was you. You... enchanted me. I had never found myself so invested in anything before as I was in spending mundane days at high school— of all things— with you. Truthfully, it confused even me at first. And while the past you knew is false, I am real— and my feelings for you are true.”

“That is such bullshit, and you know it!” You exploded furiously, smacking his chest with untamed rage. “You knew exactly what you were doing. Who agrees to go to high school because they like a girl? Are you unhinged? Who doesn't just ask someone out if they were so interested, huh? No, you came here with your stupidly perfect little ‘oh I’m Caliban, and I’m so dreamy’ act, knowing full well that it would make me completely abandon all rationality. Well guess what, I did! I fell stupid head over heels for you, and it was all one big lie.”

Your voice broke on the last few words, anger shifting to broken sadness as you continued to pound relentlessly on his chest. “I was a lie.”

He caught your hands, holding them against his chest as he pressed you against the wall. “You weren't a lie, Spellman.” 

His words were breathless whisper, his beautiful eyes pained and desperate as he gripped your hands harder. “I fell for you the moment I saw you. I enrolled in high school because you smiled at me. I learned every line of Romeo and Juliet to recite them to you. When we first met, you wondered how Romeo and Juliet could possibly fall in love after a mere few days, but I understand it now. I have never been driven so completely insane by anything or anyone like this before. The power you have over me is unmatched. I am completely and wholly yours. If you were to ask me right now to leave, to never bother you again, I would leave my heart with you and spend my eternity in endless sorrow. I would think forever of the way you smiled at me, the way you kissed me, how soft your hair felt in my hands, and how my heart raced every time you laughed. I would never forgive myself for the pain I had caused you, and you would haunt me every day, every waking moment, every dream.”

Caliban moved your hands to his lips, nearly kissing them as he pleaded to you with tears in his beautiful eyes. You were motionless, turned to stone by his heavy gaze.

“So please, don’t become my specter. If I am a stranger to you now, let me make you fall for me all over again. I would do it a thousand times, if you'd let me. I could think of no sweeter way to spend my eternity.”

When you’d thought that Shakespeare had been imagining Caliban when he wrote, you’d been wrong. There was no poetry, no book, no lyric that could possibly compare to the way he spoke to you— the way his eyes so desperately tried to convey his anguish.

You removed your hands from his, and his whole face seemed to shatter.

“You’re not a stranger,” you muttered softly, moving to take his face your hands. His face remained guarded, but he leaned instinctively into your touch. “You’re Caliban.”

When you kissed him, it was like falling in love all over again.

And you supposed you did.

“But we are having a long, long talk about everything.” You warned as you pulled back, poking his chest sharply as he nodded profusely. “And if you ever, ever lie to me again, I’ll set something worse than flying rats on you. I’ll let Sabrina have you.”

Caliban laughed wildly, picking you up and spinning you around as he kissed you over and over again in sheer relief and joy. “I love you, Spellman. Anything you want, it’s yours.”

“I just want you, clay boy.”

[the-lone-witch-and-secret-room]

Would you agree that Boscha and her friends got off WAY too easily in "Wing It Like Witches"?

Going through some of my old asks now and finally answering them! Sorry it took so long 😅

So, to answer your question, sort of? I honestly wasn’t that upset about Wing It Like Witches, mainly because the assumption after was that Skara and Amelia and Cat (but not Boscha lol) now had some basic respect for Willow, but hadn’t changed as people. Under that assumption, you can go by saying they‘re not forgiven, and they’re not even good people. But they assume Willow is on their level now and won’t bother her anymore. Which honestly isn’t so bad and can be an interesting view into how people like that think about school in two groups, in the “worthy” and the ones you look down on.

Would have been nice to see Willow get a bit more closure and maybe tell them off properly, sure, but at least she wouldn’t get bullied anymore. I could be content with that. They didn’t apologize, but at least they didn’t bother her again.

What really bugged me, however, was how they handled Skara in Any Sport in a Storm. I’ve talked about her here before but she was not innocent in Willow’s bullying, she actively took part in it and enabled Boscha and laughed. She was never a nice person being forced to do anything, she was just a mean girl. Which is fine.

I’m also fine with her potential to change. They’re all kids.

But she never even apologized to Willow, at least not on-screen. And then Willow not only accepts one of her former bullies into her team, but talks about how under-appreciated Skara is!

And Gus is suspicious of Hunter, but not of her, despite the fact that she���s actively hurt Willow on the past.

Add to that the fact that Amity is really trying and has apologized and Willow still hasn’t wholly forgiven her (which is well within her right, of course, and which I liked a lot)… that really did bugs me, and makes no sense for Willow’s character either.

I’m assuming it’s an effect of the third season getting cut and would have made more sense if they’d had the time to actually go into that, but as is it has the effect of downplaying Skara’s role in the bullying and not giving Willow any space to come to terms with them being friends now.

I think Skara’s character is interesting, but due to the cut episode count she really has little to no character consistency between season 1 and season 2. It’s to the point that you could almost assume they’re entirely different characters. And since they didn’t have the time to do even a small reconciliation scene, I’d honestly have preferred if Willow had just found a different, unknown witch to recruit.

Saying this as someone who was bullied and is not on friendly terms with any of my former bullies and isn’t sure if I’d be even if they’d made an effort, never mind without one, or without even an apology.

So, in summary, I don’t think WILW would’ve been that bad if the bully girls stayed minor characters that don’t really appear anymore aside from group scenes, but because Skara showed up and was on friendly terms with willow in ASiaS I agree that at least she was let off way too easy.

[hazelcephalopod]

The Eye of the World Ch 48-49

Enter the Blight; horror, poetry, and romance? Also run. Run for flaming your life!

Well, this is the third to last one of these. We’re reaching… the end now. Pretty fun ride so far, curious to see exactly how it wraps up.

Disclaimer: this is my first read thru but I’ve watched all of the show this far and been spoiled on some book things. So… I’m going to lean into that. Enjoy figuring out what I know, and what I think I know, and what I just don’t. Also s/x I add commentary when I edit.

Spoilers for the first book and up to the most recent episode under the cut. Potential spoilers for latter books.

Ch 48: The Blight

Like, a messed up willow tree this time (Editor me I’m callin it Blight Tree)

RJ really knew how to name chapters.

Ingtar is the Gray Owl. Cool

There are so many towers! Just so many.

Oh watch and comms towers? Ok makes sense

Changing it to Sedai as the last name instead of Aes Sedai was a good idea imo for the show

Yea bye. But… honestly too bad Ingtar seems cool

Oh yea ‘I thirst for battle and now imma be late :(‘ —Ingtar (probably)

“He can have my place.” Mat. Lol. Do hi want his?

That’s nice

“Joined into a greater serpent, they would turn north to Tarwin’s Gap.” -eotw. Serpent? Describing how the forces of Shienar march to battle at the Gap.

Oh so it’s like, a whole kingdoms problem. Not just Fal Dara. Ok. Cool. Got it

Isn’t the Blight warm?

We have been robbed…

What the fuck?! The Blight is fucked!

I… I am not going to describe that creature

Yea. This time. Srsly. Don’t fucking touch!

I will never get over “Mountains of Dhoom”

Ya no… actually I’m fine I— the show doesn’t want to uh, *this*. Just turn that down a bit. Yup.

I’d honestly be Mat here. Probably worse

Loial has the right idea. Mask up!

I can not believe in the show Rand and Moiraine went in alone. Truly no brain cells

Of course not

Good for him! How tho?

Fetor: a strong, foul smell. I have never seen this word. & understand that is saying something. I don’t like to brag but wow. Really dug deep for that one

So… another cursed place they have to sleep.

Was it part of Malkier or something?

Wait is it news that the Eye moves?

Well it is to Egwene and I suppose that’s all that matters

The hell you mean “truly in the Blight Lan” this is still the transition zone? *frowning horrified face of wtf*

Again I’m with Rand. “If this isn’t truly the Blight, what is?” -Rand thinking to himself

“Not hills. The broken remnants of seven towers.” -teotw. The group prepares to rest in -shadow of- the ruins of Malkier.

… as suspected. Sry Lan

Don’t think you want to do that Nynaeve. For sure no Mat. Don’t touch the cursed water either

Yup. The water has a monster in it. That’s just full cosmic horror right there. And kaiju I guess?

How did it get worse?! Ohhh. Nooo

That’s also cronenburg body horror shit.

“‘On second thought,’ Mat said faintly, ‘I like it right here just fine.’”

Oh. Alarm! Yaayyy heheh. This is fine /s

Your denial game is truly next level Rand.

… oh nvm. Maybe

What just happened? Everyone disappeared from Rand’s perspective?

Ok. So Moiraine did some magic?

I guess let’s talk about our future plans. Sure. Why not?

Rand just wants to go back home to his fucking farm. And I can not fault him rn.

I’m sure that will totally work out. Ok tbh moving this conversation to Fal Dara makes too much sense. It is jarring here! Like ‘we’re in one of the three scariest places ever. Let’s talk about life plans’. Egwene are… you are also in some place. Idk what. And respect, keeping your eyes on the prize, but wow is it weird rn.

Uh. You put a blanket under you tho right?

I mean I imagine it’s also the stress keeping you up. Like heat insomnia is real but also, stress insomnia

Uhh ok. Is …

Soo. So. She… they -Nynaeve and Lan- really just discussed marriage. Marriage. And Rand is like just >.> ‘wut?’

But honestly… that, they were some fucking good lines. “I will never shame you. I will hate the man you chose because he is not me, and love him if he makes you smile. No women deserves the sure knowledge of widow’s black as her brideprice, least of all you.” -Lan. Sir your are a poet and that is all just melodramatic tragic romance. Ok.

“Nynaeve remained there, kneeling, after he had gone.” & “Sleep or no, Rand closed his eyes. He did not think the Wisdom would like it if he watched her cry.”

Chapter end!

That… that was a lot.

Ch 49: The Dark One Stirs

5 chapters left!

Imma call it the Blight tree (yes that’s when I decided that)

Not an ominous title at all /s

Rand POV. Do I need to keep going this? I really strongly suspect it gonna be just him the rest of the book

Well that’s a relief actually. At least the sky is still blue

Oof

“LAN’s face was harder than ever, as if he had resumed a mask and did not intend to let it slip again.” -eotw. Poor guy.

Lol. They do not.

What the hell is a ‘saddle girth’?

Lol. Ok sorry. But Rand’s perspective on Lan being unbothered when more likely he is just stewing in feelings and pushing them down. The tragedy of Malkier and rejecting Nynaeve even tho he wants to be with her are basically equal in his mind right now. Imo

Can’t wait to find out what that exchange was about (editor me: we do find out right?)

Tbh I forgot Loial was here for a good minute

I’m glad he is!

Moiraine is so confident

Back to the flaming cursed thing that is the Blight

When do the trees grow leaves? How… how does any of this work? This is more creepy, because it doesn’t make sense! Will it makes sense?

Oh no. Gross. No!

No, no I think Mat is right. Everything here is designed to and desires to kill you

Nynaeve is just afraid of her fear

Yup. See Moiraine agrees with Mat! No not a joke dude. You’re right!

… also glad you have some sort of defense to be here alone. Magic!

Yup. Trees are hunting. Fucking hunting

I feel like gloves for everyone might have been a good investment despite the heat

Lan! No!

Well he back. But uh. Acid blood? Nnnnnn. Mm-mm. No

Horrid cyclops. Bad. Go Mat tho. “Mat’s arrow flashed, piercing the one eye…”

Nvm worse than a cyclops. Horrid cyclops many limbed giant thing. Bad. No.

Oh shit. It just gets worse. Gotta run. Again

‘An adventure story’ they said ‘like lotr’ they said. Yea if lotr was on a real bad acid trip and leaned heavily towards ‘oh fuck run. Run!’ For most of the adventure part of the story. Which… I’m not going to say I dislike. I’m having a great and horrifying time!

Still don’t see most of this happening on screen and again I get it. Fair. Also plz no in some cases. But also… could be an award winning episode at some point on this material alone

Mat was flaming right! The trees are now trying to grab them!

Now the trees may be screaming.

This is great! Swung back to epic fantasy. Fireball! Pretty well actually too

What with the pipes? What’s that? Is that good? Bad? (I shortly learn it’s bad. But now why it sounds like that ever. Dot. Like that)

What the hell is a Worm? Cuz that sounds more like Wyrm worm than earth worm. Or like… tremors or dune. Why does it have flute sound? Don’t like that either

Oh plz let something good be in the high passes. We learn a Worm can kill a Fade but is “afraid of what lives in the high passes.” ???

How else would we know to be afraid? Details are vital

I don’t like all the squishing! Bad noise.

Also “Wormpack” maybe start with that. This is no!

Oh thank the light it’s a good thing. Haha. Worms don’t like healthy land! Way! It’s fine now. Right?

The Green Man!

Flaming cryptic hermit words.

He is literally a Green Man… literally a green giant. Because he’s made of greenery. (I’m so sry)

…Is it weird the tim kinda hungry?

“Strange clothes you wear, Child off the Dragon. Has the Wheel turned so far? Do the People of the Dragon return to the first Covenant? But you wear a sword. That is neither now nor then.” -The Green Man to Rand. It’s… it’s the first book.

???

Amnesiac Green Man??

And now they will go to the Eye! Cool.

[prose-for-hire]

C-C-Cold Hearted

Pairing: Spike x reader [platonic]

Request: So glad your requests are open again!!! I have an idea for a platonic spike x reader, where reader's kind of a goody-two shoes with the Scoobies, but is actually punk in her personal life? I imagine Spike finding out after she drives everyone off home after a long fight and she swaps the music, forgetting Spike's still in the back (because he actually shut up for once, lol) but do it however the inspiration takes you. Thanks kindly! (Also no pressure if you don't wanna do it, it was just an idea I thought you'd be really good at.)Spik

Requested by: @cameo-greaves​

A/N: I haven’t written a platonic Spike fic in a long time !! He’s protective like a big brother kind of relationship with the reader. So this was nice (I hope this was okay love) 💖💖

You and your friends had all been driving around looking for a demon. You had decided since Sunnydale had decided to completely freeze over it was better to take the car. You were driving Buffy, Willow, Xander and Spike around. Spike had insisted he came and Buffy eventually gave in. This demon was supposed to be hard to defeat. 

Willow had cast a spell on your car so you wouldn’t slide around on the roads and you were all wearing coats in the car because no matter how much you tried you couldn’t warm up. The cold got everywhere.

The demon was named Jacque. He was large and ogre-like. With power that nobody knew the full extent of. He was somewhat of a myth, even according to Giles’ books. He had stretched light blue skin and he thrived in this weather.  He was ice cold, his heart was literally a block of ice, one that never thawed. He had an icicle constantly hanging from his nose.

He had appeared one summers evening, turning the entirety of Sunnydale into Lapland. Nobody had seen this much snow before and it was only continuing through the weeks. Buffy and the rest of your friend group had been stuck in researching rather than having snowball fights like you all wanted.

There was a demon freezing people to death and you needed to figure out what you were looking for and quickly. Which is what you had been doing this evening. But you had been driving everyone around for hours now and there had been no sightings.

The radio was on, some tinny song you didn’t recognise. You didn’t get to hear much of it anyway as everyone was talking and laughing around you. You grinned as Xander cracked another joke with Spike just rolling his eyes and slouching in his seat.

Spike had shut up while the others in your car had gotten louder. He was just staring out of the window, he had offered to drive but you and your friends had said no. He took a lot of risks and in the snow the Scoobies could all see him managing to wipe the entire group out and managing to walk away unscathed. He had wanted to make sure you were back home before he got in. You had forgotten that he was still in the back of the car with everyone else chatting.

He kind of positioned himself in his own head as your big brother. He was weirdly protective of you but he didn’t let it show very often. You were too kind, a total goody-two shoes. Everyone thought so anyway. He was convinced that you wouldn’t last a second if you were left on your own.

You dropped each off one by one. It took a while people walking to their houses, scared of sliding around. You paused, making sure everyone got to their doors safely – not that you would have been particularly much help if anyone had been attacked by a demon waiting in the snowy shadows.

When you thought your car was empty, you exhaled slightly and turned to root through the glovebox for your music. You didn’t realise that there was a vampire still slouched on your backseat. You leaned in putting a cassette tape in and playing the first track. The music started, pounding through the speakers. You couldn’t help a smile spreading on your face.

You slammed the steering wheel in time, ready to launch into song alongside your favourite punk song. You hit the first note before you were interrupted suddenly.

An arm reached from the backseat to turn the dial up. He happened to like this song too. You screamed (and not in time with the tune) near drowning out the music that was playing. You had forgotten he was there and almost skidded into a snow drift on the side of the road.

You slammed on the brake and turned back to look at him, horrified to see Spike still there. You had been caught out. You weren’t too embarrassed or anything, you were just shocked he was there. He had actually managed to stay quiet for once.

You kept this part of your life away from the others. Especially Spike, you didn’t want him to look at you and think you were a poser. On the weekends you would often frequent local punk venues, soaking up the music and meeting people with a shared interest. You even dressed slightly differently (your look was a lot more toned down usually).

You needed a hobby that you could separate from the reality you lived in. You and your friends saving the world all the time, it was kind of heavy. You needed this escape. And what better than the embracing arms of the punk genre?

The lyricality of it you felt within. The heavy music and the powerful voices just spoke to you. In a way that nothing else had.

It made you feel alive. It woke you up from the dreary hopelessness that could consume you in Sunnydale. You could just get lost, it lifted the spirits when you were just shouting along to the words.

You and Spike didn’t speak much, other than squabbling over petty stuff. He just sort of turned up when you ended up stumbling into trouble the way you usually would. He often grumbled at you that you would happily plant your neck into a vampire’s jaw given half the chance.

You knew he looked out for you but you didn’t realise why. You were the same age as the others but he had a soft spot for you. You reminded him of his sibling. From when he was human. Now he realised you were slightly more similar to him than he thought in music taste at least. You were still as sweet and unassuming as you always appeared to be despite this revelation.

“Spike!? I could have crashed!”

“Didn’t though, did you?” he maintained, “Since when did you get any taste anyway?”

“I have always been cool, thanks very much” You insisted, turning your nose up at him and he scoffed.

“Wouldn’t say so, platelet. Unless you mean ‘cause of the weather that is” He teased which made you roll your eyes at him. Though you ended up smiling at him, you couldn’t help it.

He was always good natured with you. Made sure you felt safe around him despite him always insisting he was oh so evil. The others would tease him for it. They had thought he had fallen for you at first but he had made it clear he felt a duty of care to you. Couldn’t explain it, decided he didn’t owe it to them anyway.

“Well, now you know I guess… don’t tell the others?” You asked and he nodded. You appeared relieved. He wouldn’t want the others discouraging your interest. Your hobbies. He knew how that could be.

“You go to any shows?” He asked after a moment of silence, looking outside as he asked. The snow had began to slowly fall again. It was unending at the moment. Bleak.

But he’d rather look outside than watch you pull faces at his interest in your life. You would pretend you found it lame. He cared and you made it difficult sometimes despite it being in your nature to be kind.

“I go to the Fishtank sometimes to see the local bands play” You answered matter-of-factly. This was another reason you didn’t tell the others – they’d try to make you stop going. That place had a bad reputation.

He thought on this for a moment and then looked at you in the reflection of the rearview mirror as you anticipated his reply being one of disdain for the bar. Even he only risked that place if he was desperate.

“Well, if you ever need someone to take you there and back…” he offered, his brow furrowed at the idea of you out on your own in the middle of the night on that side of town.

“You want to be my chaperone? That’s so punk, thanks Spike” Your reply dripping with sarcasm.

“Offer’s there” he shrugged. You were about to open your mouth, maybe thank him or something. He really didn’t have to offer and it was him appearing to be genuinely kind without ulterior motive which was wholly unlike spike. But you chose to see the good in him. You were one of the only ones that did.

Just as you were about to speak there was a massive thud on the roof of your car. The roof dipped in slightly under the weight of whatever had jumped on there. You shouted in surprise as the demon jumped onto the bonnet before turning and landing on the ground and turning to face you, squinting into your car.

It was Jacque. The frost demon. You had finally located him. Complete with the sharp icicle on the end of his nose. But now you had found him, were completely slayerless.

Your brain caught up with you and you rushed into action. You reversed the car, manoeuvring the best you could to turn around while the demon set its sights on you.

“Bloody step on it!” He shouted, slamming his hands on the headrest of the drivers side as if it would make you drive faster. You would have said something snide about backseat driving but you were too panicked.

As you started to drive at a much faster pace, Spike threw himself into the front passenger seat with some struggle. His goal, not only to help you, but to turn the music right up. You were blasting the punk song for all of Sunnydale to hear as you drove recklessly through the streets and away from the demon blasting shards of ice at your poor car.

You took your eye off the road for a split second and really did drive into a snow drift this time. You couldn’t get the car started again. You would have to try and run. In what felt like six feet of snow.

The demon was more than double Spike’s height. Still, he ran at it with full force. Landing offensive blows where he could. The large demon swiped at Spike and sent him flying into your car leaving another large dent in the side.

While Spike was recovering, you tried to step up but you knew straight away it was going to be no use. He stared at you hard, using your body heat against you. Turning your body entirely cold. Frozen solid. Blue ice began to slowly create a layer on the outside of your skin.

“You c-c-cold hearted son of a-” Your teeth chattered as you tried to finish your sentence, but it was too hard to speak. You were so cold. You were becoming a statue. An ice sculpture. It was slowly creeping up your neck onto your face.

“Bitch!” Spike finished for you, spinning into a kick that knocked the demon backwards from where he was walking towards you.

“You do not have a heart either, friend… let me take this one” He gestured at you as you shivered in the icy prison you were encapsulated in.

“Not on your life”

“Okay” He shrugged, running at Spike again. They fought hard against each other, but Spike managed to gain the upper hand.

You began to thaw now his attention wasn’t on you although you were still very cold. Shivering violently. You could only watch as you started to be able to feel your fingers again although they felt as if they were cramped up. They were still numb.

Spike landed several successive blows, blocking the shards of ice that the demon threw his way. His ice powers wouldn’t work on a vampire. Spike knocked his feet from under him and

He took out his stake, piercing the large demon’s heart and shattering the shard of ice where his heart lay. The demon just lay there before eventually turning to snow like its surroundings.

He nodded once, looking at where the demon had once lay. Before turning back to you and gesturing with his head for you to walk back with him.

Spike took you home, teasing you lightly as you walked about how punk you looked when you were stood like a cold fool while he was fighting the bad guy. You shoved him and he rolled his eyes having to catch you as you overbalanced on the ice. He should have let you fall and taught you a lesson but it was instinct.

Hopefully now the demon was taken care of, all of the ice and snow would thaw sooner than later.