#Hucklebilly Boone

[slashingdisneypasta]

Incorrect Quote x2

Chucky: *Rushes inside and slams the door behind him; Out of breath, hair everywhere, and panicked.* ... *Notices the twins in the room* ... k. So, kids, who wants to make 5 bucks right now?

Glenn: How??

Chucky: I need someone to take the fall for me.

Tiffany, somewhere else in the house, discovering the thing that Chucky needs someone to take the fall for: ... OH FUCKING GOD-

Glenn, eyes popping open wider: My god- what did you do!??

Chucky: I cant tell you. No questions right now. Just- Yes or no?

Tiffany: CHUCKYYYY-

Glenda: ... make it ten.

Tiffany: COME OUT-

Chucky: Ah!, my little girl. Sweetie, I knew it'd be you. *Grabs her and hoists her out the door* HEY TIFF! I got 'em honey!! The culprit!! It was Glenda!! Not me-

~

Buckman: *Rushes inside, slams the door behind him, locks it, and leans back on it; Breathing heavy* ... *Notices Lester, Rufus and Hucklebilly in the room* ... Okay. So- who wants to make 5 dollars?!

Rufus: ... How?

Buckman: I need someone to take the fall for me.

Boone, somewhere else in the house, discovering the thing that Buckman needs someone to take the fall for: ... OH MY- WHAT THE FUCK-

Lester, eyes popping open wider: Hell, daddy- what'd you do??!

Buckman: I cant tell you. This is a yes or no proposition. No questions asked.

Boone: GEORGE. GET OUT HERE-

Hucklebilly: ... make it ten.

Boone: You're DEAD when I find you-

Buckman, thinking oh thank god: You're a good son. *Grabs Huckelbilly and drags him out the room* HONEY! I got 'em honey!! The culprit!! It was your son!! Don't worry-

[marinerainbow]

!!! Okay last one. HARPER. Is Harper allowed to watch Lilly? XD Is Buckman? 🤔 Is B o o n e?

(Also- you would trust DALE over WAYNE?? I'm surprised! I'd go the opposite!! XDD I think Wayne has a MODICUM more maturity, but... I mean, at least Dale will/can climb up a tree and save Lilly if she escapes on her walk XDD (i'd love to see that XD) So I'll give him that! I think both our choices are risky though all in all XD Norman is the best way to go for sure 👌👌👌 Haha)

Lilly the Kitty ask! Here is a photo of when I first got her. She was so small back then 🥹🥹🥹

And to your question.

No. No. Absolutely not. Not one of the Pleasent Valley folks are allowed to look at Lilly. Do you remember what Hucklebilly did to that poor cat!?!? And Granny Boone ENCOURAGES him!? Or what about the little girl and the rat!? And don't forget the pastor of the valley! We didn't see much of him, but I'm willing to bet everything that he represents a church that believes cats are wicked. Nope. Nope. Nope.

Harper, Boone, all of ya'll, you're on the same level as Otis until you prove you're trustworthy; if any of you look at my baby wrong, the only one who can save you all from my wrath is the lord himself.

As for Wayne and Dale... Yeah, they're both risky 😅😅😅😅 but Norman is there to make sure they behave while Lilly is around. And like you said, Dale is the only one able to climb up a tree to get her if need be xD (Wayne? Wayne? Get a picture for me? I'll... I'll uh... I'll give you another old hoodie you can add to your collection? XD)

Though we all know who THE BEST furbabysitter would be. Captain Silver. Yes he may not be on my F/O list, but we ALL know he is the ultimate husband and father. And besides, he can male sure my husband Scroop doesn't hurt Lilly! ^^

[tinalbion]

Can you do a Mayor Buckman scenario or headcanons of what would happen if he were to meet his S/O after finding her locked in the trunk of a car of some soon to be victims driving through Pleasant Valley? He notices the car's tail lights have been kicked out and an arm is sticking out and weakly moving. She is dehydrated and on the brink of heat stroke from the Southern Georgia sun, but still alive. So Buckman saves her while the visitors are distracted?

This is honestly such a great idea, oh man, imagine how he would react to something as crazy as that?! Never in his day would he expect this. Let’s just right into it!

No Time To Die

The town had greeted their new guests for their ‘Guts ‘n Glory Jubilee’ this year in the sweltering Georgia heat, Buckman was already getting a good feeling about this year since not one car, but three cars filled with lost college kids stumble on their little town. Pleasant Valley would be eating great this year, the thought of their carcasses hung in the butcher window, being prepared for the barbeque. It brought a wicked smile to Buckman’s face as he stood there and thought of it. He was brought back when one of the male students had asked him about the facilities, to which he prattled off some excuse for them, then he beckoned to the girls of the town, who all gathered on the stairs and flaunted all that they had to the willing group, which once they had seen the look in their eyes. They knew the kids were sold on staying.

Everyone had gathered around and excited to have guests of honor for their yearly celebration, their mouths already watering at the thought of the taste. Granny Boone was already preparing refreshments and finger foods for their guests while the mayor was doing all the sweet-talking, making sure that they wouldn’t up and change their minds. A few other townsfolk gathered around their small group; a spunky short-haired blonde girl who went by Miss Peaches, two girls who could have been supermodels that were clinging to each other, and a young feisty child that went by Hucklebilly, had all gotten in closer to their mayor and stared up at the group of young adults. Then there had been a properly dressed young man who walked up to Buckman’s side, standing straight and gazing at all of the delicious options he had before him. 

“Harper, my boy,” Buckman placed his arm around the young man’s shoulder and patted him, “please show our guests the best accommodations and make sure they feel...welcomed,” Buckman gave him that knowing smirk and allowed the man to guide a few of the ladies inside while their other friends followed, though one hesitated before walking in. 

The town was anxious to get the festivities started now that they all agreed to stay, but Buckman knew that it was a process and it would take a bit of time to fully convince them all to let their guards down. He was walking around their cars and surveying the makes and models until he noticed that the bumper of one of them had been significantly damaged. The taillights had been busted out and one of the lights had actually been dangling from it, then his eye noticed the slight movement from the trunk door. There it was; a hand. Fingers wiggled slowly and weakly, but they were moving, they belonged to someone locked in the trunk. 

This was a new thing for Buckman to witness but he was also very curious about how this would play out, so he beckoned over his eldest son, Rufus, to assist him with opening the trunk. The taller man quickly grabbed a metal pipe and jammed it into the crevice of the trunk, away from the hand that popped out, and sprang the trunk open. 

That was when he saw you, a glorified hot mess, panting from the heat that was trapped in there with you. You couldn’t even move your hand from its spot, the bones and muscles so sore and in so much pain that it would hurt less to just remain still. Your tongue was so dry, your throat felt as if it were on fire, you couldn’t remember what happened or how you got to this point. You did your best to open up your eyes to see what was going on, but the heat was just too unbearable for you to even give a damn right now. 

Buckman looked down at you and you barely stirred as you were freed from the extreme heat that was contained in the trunk, that was a bad sign for sure. You looked so beautiful despite the absolute shit you had already obviously been through. Your skin was bruised and blood had been smeared on your face, he couldn’t even tell if it was yours or someone else’s, but it was so dried and stuck to your skin that it flaked off when he ran his thumb across it. 

“Damn,” he muttered and looked around, his eyes landing on Rufus. “Make sure those kids are occupied enough, don’t let ‘em leave,” he warned as he lowered the trunk to avoid suspicion. 

Rufus agreed obediently and took off toward the main guest house, where he greeted Granny Boone in the doorway and quietly explained the situation. Her face rose up and stared at him with a horrified expression, but Buckman waved his hand as a dismissal, so she took the sign and went inside with Rufus. Buckman would have to take care of this himself.

He peered down at you and shook his head, his mind reeling with what the hell kind of people he would be dealing with, though they were insignificant Yankees that he and his townfolk would pick off one by one. You, on the other hand, were a special case in this situation, and he never figured he would be the one saving a life instead of ending one. With ease, he scooped you into his arms despite how heavy you should have been with your body being dead weight, your head cradled against his chest as he quickly made his way toward the old chapel where he and his family would hold meetings. It would be the safest place for you to be while the college kids focused on everything else but their obvious lack of religion, so he figured he would store you in the loft where there would be privacy. 

Buckman carried you up the ladder and brought you ice-cold water, and once it hit your lips, your body came to life and you greedily sucked at the rim of the glass, sipping at the refreshing liquid. You had been so thirsty, you couldn’t remember when the last time you had a drink was. 

When you were pulled a bit out of your stupor, you looked up at the strange man with a confederate eye patch, but you didn’t scream or try to claw your way out of there. He was your savior, he wanted you to live. Why? When you tried to speak, you coughed and could barely breathe as you tried to regain yourself.

“Calm down,” Buckman warned and placed a hand on your shoulder, “just drink and relax. You’re safe right now, just stay here and those little Yank bastards won’t find you, you hear me?”

His southern accent was rather calming even though you had no idea who this stranger was, but he was saving you and you had no words to say to him as the tears easily flooded your eyes. You mouthed out a ‘thank you’ as you gulped more of the water down, finally content with the amount you had. Once you rested your head back down onto the plush pillow that was placed under you, you looked up at the man again and smiled weakly.

“Thank you,” you said in a breathy tone, “you saved me. He was gonna kill me, and-” You felt another coughing fit come up, but you stopped yourself in time and took a few deep breaths. “I’m Y/N,” you huffed out, “I just...thank you.”

Buckman smirked and placed a damp cloth onto your head, doing his best to keep your body as cool as he could without sending you into shock. “A pleasure it is, Y/N,” he replied and patted the cloth all around your face. “The name is Buckman, I’m the mayor of this pleasant little town, and it just so happens that your captors came to the right place.”

He left off on that thought as he got to his feet and looked down at you. “Now I need to make an appearance in town, make sure those kids are nice an’ occupied, just keep here and I’ll pop in ta make sure you’re well and taken care of. Granny Boone will fix ya somethin’ up nice and good, get some food in yer system.”

You wanted him to stay, your nerves eating away at you, scared to be left alone. Your hand immediately shot out and gripped at his pants leg, your hand was shaking. “Please, don’t leave me,” you begged quietly, “what if they find me?”

He chuckled and knelt down to meet your gaze. “Don’t worry you pretty little thing, they won’t. I got you nice and hidden, no way they’ll find ya. Only ones who know about you here are the people I trust the most. You can count on us to take care of ya, I give you my word as mayor of Pleasant Valley,” he assured you as he placed his hand over his heart. “Now don’t you worry, I’ll be back right quick with some good ol’ home-cookin’.”

He left it at that and left you alone with your thoughts, the adrenaline drained from your system as you lay there in an excruciating amount of pain. But you wouldn’t be feeling much of anything if this random stranger hadn’t intervened. He promised to keep you safe yet asked for nothing in return, but that didn’t matter right now. You were alive and allowed to live another day.

[smartvulpix]

You had scream muses? who else have you had?

OOF. you just mean horror muses because I’ve had SEVERAL over the years on different sites. Sometimes just because people needed that particular character for a bit part thing, lmao

Scream- Debbie Salt - Sheriff Dwight Riley- Stu Macher

Friday the 13th- Pamela Voorhees

Child’s Play - Chucky- Tiffany- Glen & Glenda

Halloween - Laurie Strode- Dr. Loomis

Until Dawn- Matt- Jess- Ashley- Josh- Hannah & Beth- Dr. Hill

IT (1990) - Beverly- Richie- Belch- Pennywise

Texas Chainsaw Massacre- Nubbins- Choptop

House of 1000 Corpses- Baby Firefly- Tiny - Dr. Satan

2001 Maniacs (2005) - Mayor Buckman- Anderson Lee- Rufus- Alexander Harper- Lester- Hucklebilly- Peaches- Granny Boone- Ricky

Nightmare on Elm Street- Nancy Thompson- Jesse Walsh- Freddy Krueger- New Nightmare Demon

Nightmare (2010 Remake)- Nancy Holbrook- Quentin Smith

[slashingdisneypasta]

Okay so, you know how (According to the gravestones) Hucklebilly's last name is Boone while Lester and Rufus' is (Assumedly) Buckman? This suggests that Boone and Buckman were not original married and did not have kids together (They probably had other spouses, who may have died before the massacre, and then grown close to each other afterwards since they're both batshit crazy), but now since B&B have something public going on... they probably have a kind of blended family?

Well. You just know that if Huck did something embarrassing Buckman would just be like 'ah- that ones not mine' and promptly leave.

He's already so close to disowning the sons he raised. Don't test him.

[slashingdisneypasta]

Thank you for answering my ask! Yeah, I can see Buckman brushing Boone's bi-ness off as 'just a crazy thing she does'. And hey, if she can get her rocks off without his help, that's good for him XD

You said you have many thoughts on this relationship though? Would you be willing to share more? :)

Buckman, after being asked how he feels about Boone sleeping with women, looking weathered and tired: ... look, son, just between us; that woman has god the sexual appetite of a black widow spider and if those fillies keep her away from me, I can live with it.

Huck: ... Sir I did not need to know that about my momma-

Okay so most of my thoughts are things you probably already read on here XD But I would loveee to talks about them more XD Thank you! Here we go-

So I think that they were both married before and nowadays they're a very blended family together; Hucklebilly comes from Boone's past husband (Considering his name on his gravestone is Boone, not Buckman) and both Rufus and Lester come from Buckman's former wife.

In my head, Boone's husband died in a bar fight longgg before the massacre- he was a bit of a drunk (Though so was she, so that didn't bother her) and one night he just... picked on someone a little out of his league. Boone was devastated, but she never lets people see shit like that (Yeah, I think this woman was pretty hard-headed and nuts way before the massacre XD) so most people have pretty much forgotten about him. If asked whether Boone was ever married, they'll go uhh... no...?... i mean i dont think so??... like something is nagging at the back of their minds but they cant quite catch it. She remembers him though ^^ And honestly she prefers it like that- she has his ashes in her home and he's her little secret. He's hers. (In my head his name is Derek XD Inconsequential note, I know, but whatever- )

And Buckman's wife was this younger woman (About a decade age difference) who's father basically pushed her towards Buckman, pushed her to 'get' him (Make him fall for her, make him ask her for her hand) because he was distinguished and about to be mayor. This isn't to say though that they did not end up loving each other though ^^ They were pretty happy for a while- but she got sick, it was quick, and then she was gone. Buckman visits her grave every month; talks to her grave about what their dumbass sons have been up to and leaves flowers ^^

They both loved their spouses- but they couldn't deny that they fit kinda perfectly, too XD They had been friends for forever before, they got closer after 'death', and then one day Boone got very blunt with Buckman ('George stop being a ninny and kiss me' or something XD) and he was like 'Well if you put it THAT way~' and the rest is history XD

They haven't literally remarried to eachother- but they are pretty much married XD Just not formally, on paper.

[slashingdisneypasta]

Incorrect Quote

Hucklebilly: I had an imaginary girlfriend, when I was little.

Hucklebilly: ... but she left me.

Granny, Mayor Buckman, Miss Peaches, Lester and Harper: *Slowly turn to Hucklebilly*

[slashingdisneypasta]

Incorrect Quote

Hucklebilly: Our house is burning and you can save the cake or me. What do you choose?

Buckman: ... Thats not fair, the cake doesnt have legs.

[slashingdisneypasta]

Harper Alexander x Fem!Reader || Oneshot, [Part 3]

Title: The Fake Love Of My Life [PART 3]

Notes:

The next part will be the finale! I am also planning an epilogue, though, with the wedding night. Loving smut, ya know? So it wont be the total end- just the crown.

Plot: You sign yourself up to help organise the town’s annual firelight festival, and Harper seems to be dedicated to helping you. And, generally, just being around- you.

Warnings: Mention of Jezebell and that whole mess, swearing, heavy make out.

“So we’ll need a few helpers to get this thing on its legs- any volunteers?” I look up from my book, tucking some hair behind my ear as I take a poll of the folks in the hall raising their arms, seeing nobody respond to the Mayor’s call to duty. He looks, too, before giving a great sigh. “No worker bees? Come on- I will personally keep y’all in pastries while it’s gettin’ done.”

Pastries? My attention is truly peaked, then; Slamming my book shut in my lap and straightening my back. Harper, who’s sitting beside me looking bored out of his mind with his arms crossed and his body slightly slumped in his folding chair, catches the tiny change in my body language and rolls his eyes. Like, of course.

I flash him a look that clearly reads be quiet, before pointedly raising my hand. Shut up Harper.

I hear him scoff.

“Ah! Y/N!- Thank you! Gettin’ the ball rolling. So there, that’s one- but I don’t think this festival can get done by just one person, now. Anyone else feelin’ any community spirit? This is a wonderful tradition, and I’m sure you’d all be disappointed if it flopped… Come on now, people. Danishes, donuts, teacakes- Thomas, I know you have a soft spot for croissants, don’t you avoid eye contact with me-… “

As Buckman continues to try and enthuse an unresponsive town hall worth of people - unresponsive because this meeting has been going on for three hours, and not necessarily because everyone is acutely against lending a helping hand, -, Harper turns in his seat and sets me with one of his raised eyebrow, set jaw, curious, you aren’t serious? kind of looks. “… You’re gonna help put together the firelight festival?” He asks, rather sarcastically, in a quiet voice. I nod.

“I am.”

“Uhuh… “At that, I turn properly around to face him, and raise both my brows.

“What?” Why does he make an ‘Uhuh’, sound like that? All disbelieving and curt. Raising a brow, I prompt him. “Don’t you think I can do it?”

“I do have my doubts, to be honest.” My jaw drops, and he rushes to add. “I mean- you do know that a job like that is gonna involve a lotta, you know… bein’ outta your house? Talkin' to people?” At that, I close my mouth. I look down… hm. As I’m thinking, because truthfully the full extent of these things did not occur to me when I raised my hand - seeing as I was bribed…, -, Harper looks back to the front of the hall again, smirking. “And, generally, acting like a human being, and not a… cave creature… “He mutters under his breath, loudly enough for me to hear.

At which point, I promptly take my book to his shoulder. “Bastard.”

~

Once the meeting is finally over, and I’ve finished my book, I’m almost the very first person to jump from my seat - I was just barely beaten, by Boone. She rushed out the doors faster than I would’ve believed possible for a professional foot racer, - , and struggle against the crowd as they all move toward for the exit and I head straight for Buckman.

Because Harper is right. I’m a hermit, basically. There is nothing that makes me think I can be apart of a group - a very small group, comprising of just myself, Rufus, Lester, Hucklebilly, the mayor and Miss Peaches. Buckman tried to get Boone on board, but she outright ignored his existence in front of everyone until he gave up, - to put together a festival! I barely participate, in our festivals! I go, I say hello to Miss Peaches, Harper and I hold hands, I drink some punch and I leave. And generally, that all only takes about half an hour- it used to be just 15 minutes, before I started to actually like holding Harper’s hand. Or, he started clenching down so I couldn’t leave, and I was forced to start liking it.

But either way you swing it, I haven’t been to a town event that the doors haven’t been locked at - meaning town meetings,- for more than an hour since I was a kid, and I had to.

I’m just not a social person, and no number of baked treats will change that!

It takes a bit of work, but I manage to get to the front of the room where the mayor is packing up before he manages to get away himself. Letting out a relieved huff, I waive to get his attention. “Sir! I wanted to talk to you about me volunteering for the firelight festival- “

“Ah, yes! I gotta admit, I was surprised you raised your hand Y/N, but I sure am glad you did!” Oh boy. Buckman stops fiddling with the notes he has rested on the lectern and leans his forearms on it instead, giving me an encouraging smile. Fuck. Don’t back out now Y/N- this is all manipulation. You don’t want to do this. No baked goods or kindness will stop you! No way! “We need all the help we can get, and you’ve got a good head on your shoulders- I’m sure you’ll be a lotta help to us!”

Oof- okay-“Actually, I was wondering if you wouldn’t let me… back out… “

At that, Buckman stops moving. He may even stop breathing. Is he paler then usual suddenly?

Why am I suddenly cold?

How does he do this? Holy hell.

Then he’s gathering up his stuff quickly, tucking notes under his arm, grabbing his coat, and moving rapidly towards the door. What-My eyes widen, and I go to follow him, but Harper suddenly appears next to me and puts a hand on my arm, to stop me. I look at him helplessly, and he just shakes his head. “Oh- would you look at that clock. We really ran over time, didn’t we? I’m an old man Y/N, and we passed my bedtime a while ago, so I have to be off! See you tomorrow!”

“Sir! - “

“Bright and early! In the town square!”

“I don’t want! - “

“Bring your thinking cap!”

“No! - “He’s at the door now, and basically closes it behind him, except for a crack.

“I’ll bring the pastries! Goodnight!”

I open my mouth to call back again, but the door slams shut - which is over kill, seeing as Harper and I still have to go out of it ourselves, - … and also, he’s got me, there. I’m weak to the thought of pastries.

Sighing, I pout. I should really work on that. It’s a weakness I clearly can’t afford if this situation is any kind of indicator.

Crossing my arms, I twist around to gaze grumpily, up at Harper. “… You should’ve stopped me.”

“Right, and then I’ll go take down the Great Wall of China with your sewing kit. I’ll return for our picnic lunch tomorrow, too. Just excuse me if I’m 10 or so minutes late, okay?” Huffing, I turn away from him again and start shuffling off to the door. In his next words, I can hear the smile in his voice as he follows after me. “Or- maybe I should just cure you of your cave creature state. That could come in far more handy, don’t you think?”

“Well hey, if you could do that, why didn’t you say that, you jerk!?” I shoot back, rolling my eyes as I envision slamming the door in his smug face, but instead hold it open for him and flash a glare as he passes by- carrying both our coats that he must’ve gotten off the hooks for us.

Smirking back, he hands me my coat, which I quickly pull on and wrap warmly around myself. “Hm, but then I wouldn’t have a good excuse to leave things early myself.”

“So I’m just scape goat, to you then?”

“Exactly.” He replies, ruthlessly.

“Damn, well now I think our relationship must all be a sham!”

Harper is silently laughing as he walk off into the night, towards our homes.

~

“Alright! So tomorrow’s the big day. All your hard worked-on decorations are over there in boxes- now we gotta put ‘em up! Let’s go, team.” A round of half-enthusiastic applause follows Buckman's brief speech, as he steps out of the way for me to announce jobs for the day. Why I got the clipboard job in the first place, I don't know. I didn't volunteer for it, but as I've come to learn through these weeks- the mayor is a manipulative dick. And somewhere between a blueberry muffin, and a cranberry Danish, I found myself saying yeah, okay, sounds good.

When it really wasn't good!!

"O-okay," Tucking some hair behind my ear, I try not to really realise, how focused the group is on me right now. Instead, I keep my eyes glued to my notes. "Rufus and Lester- uh, can you please put up the banner? I think Peaches has a good idea for where to put it so just listen to her, and the ladders are in the sheds so you'll probably need to get those. Also, Hucklebilly, I'd like to set up the May Pole, please? Peaches also knows where that's supposed to go. A-Actually, notice for everyone- when in doubt, g-geographically... just go to her. Buckman, I've got you down for the whole food section- so can you please set that up? And, uh... yeah, that's all. I'm on... candles... Oh! Oh yeah, and, when all that's done we still have to set up the bon fire together so don't run off."

My cheeks are so unbelievably hot when I finally look up from my notes, my arms both going awkwardly to my sides. Before everyone can disperse, though, I find Harper in the group as well? and confusion swells in my mind when he raises his hand? Unsure, really, what to do- I nod to him. "What'd you like me to do, sweetheart?"

... huh?

"You're not... Harper, you didn't volunteer?"

From the position I have, a little higher up a hill so that I can see everyone, I can see him shrug, a laid back smile on his face as his hands go to his pockets. "Well I'm volunteerin' now. Surely, you got a job fer me?" A flicker of mischief flashes in his eyes and his brows lift up; A mock of sincere. "For your fiancé?"

My own eyes narrow a bit, emboldened by Harper's endeavour to bother me. Organising social events may not be my thing- but fighting with Harper- THAT, I can do. "I would have a job 'for my fiancé', if my fiancé had volunteered!"

Lester and Hucklebilly make 'Oooh' sounds that I try to ignore but nevertheless makes me roll my eyes while Harper sends them a shut up, kind of look. The don't. "Well, what're you gonna be doin'?" He asks, turning back to me.

"I'm lugging that wheelbarrow around, setting out the candles." I say, glancing at the wheelbarrow in question. Peaches and I slaved away making those as we planned how everything was going to look and the boys made the banner and streamers, and the Mayor did little more then flit room to room 'encouraging' us all. There's no way I'm letting anyone else just haphazardly fling them around the place- I have a goddamn vision.

"Well, why don't I help you with that? I can push the barrow for you."

I open my mouth to outright refuse, because he's being annoying and I refuse to let him get his way- ever. Or at least, very rarely. But Rufus speaks up before I can say anything.

"Aw, come on Y/N, the boy just wants to spend time with his sweetheart!" The word comes out loud an obnoxious from him, making Harper roll his eyes up towards heaven as Buckman laughs.

"Boy's obviously lovesick."

"It’s practically written all over his face!" Peaches titters as well, smirking sharply.

My shoulders drop. Ughhhhhhhhh- "Fine... You can push the wheelbarrow... " I give in, folding my notes up again and stashing them away in the compartments of my skirts, turning and heading for the wheelbarrow. "But don't try to get in my way, Peaches and I have already figured out where they all go, alright?" Harper catches up to me quickly, smug and pleased with getting his way. I flash him a scrunched-up nose look. "Alright- get to work everyone! The festival opens in 21 hours!

Rufus gives me a salute, and nods as he and Lester go off towards the sheds together, shoving eachother. Buckman sighs and rolls his eyes at them, going the opposite direction, towards the tavern, and Miss Peaches gestures for Hucklebilly to follow her off in the way of the boxes of decorations.

Gathering up some candles from the wheelbarrow and tucking them between my arms and my chest as Harper picks up the wheelbarrow by the handles, I start us off in a circle clockwise around the town centre, setting candles down on different surfaces as we walk. I glance at Harper after just a moment. "You hate town events."

"I don't hate them... " And yet, his unenthused tone says otherwise. And he must know he's obscenely translucent, so he sets me with a new, mischievous, look. "Maybe I just wanna spend time with my sweetheart, huh?"

Rolling my eyes and sighing, I pick up two more candles from the wheelbarrow. "That excuse is losing its charm, Harp. Careful- I may start thinking you actually like being around me." Flashing him a cheeky grin of my own then, I quickly walk ahead, not sticking around for his response. Honestly, because I'm afraid of what it may be.

~

"Here, let me help you with that, wouldja?" Harper asks, appearing beside me every time throughout the day that I'm struggling with carrying stuff.

"Let me try," He requests, every time I'm worrying my lip at someone doing something wrong, and sets that thing up the way I was telling him it should to be.

"I think Y/N might be right there," He quips, setting his hands thoughtfully on his hips whenever my contention is being contended with- even when I'm wrong. Which is awkward.

All. Day. Harper has been overtly helpful to me- which has been a shock, seeing as for the past century he has been a dick. But today, its like someone hit him smack in the face with the kindness spatula. Its like before the disaster, before we all became... this. When he had something to live for- when he was living.

"Hey... " He suddenly gently nudges my arm, and my neck snaps as I look up at him, eyes wide. Did he read my thoughts?

"Hm!?"

"What're you so jumpy for? Christ- calm down. I'm gonna get us a drink, stay here."

Nodding, I watch him walk off, tilting my head to the side, in thought. I'm not complaining... but it has been a surprise. I'm not quite sure how to act back. Even before we... died... he wasn't like this to me. Other girls, girls he liked, yes. But we never had that relationship, so I cant go back to a way I was, before, because for me this is entirely new.

And I can tell that its not an act for the towns benefit, because even when we're alone he doesn't give it up. He just gives me a pert grin, says something rude - about someone ELSE! - , and then asks what's next.

Not that the new helpfulness is a bad thing! I need all the help I can get on this thing. And I like Harper, he gets me better than anyone and arguing with him is a lot easier then talking to anyone else,... and the kissing isn't bad either, honestly... so having him around, really isn't a bad thing!

I just can’t help but notice the change.

"So- " I jump at the sound of Harper's voice once again, clutching my notes to my chest and closing my eyes tightly, for moment. Before he chuckles at my reaction to him sneaking up on me, and puts a glass of in my hand. I open my eyes again and immediately brighten- Oh, I love this drink! "You noticed how Lester's disappeared again?"

"Uh," I take a quick look around, before nodding. "Yeah?... "

Harper smirks, holding his own glass close to his mouth. "Well... I noticed that Jezebel's gone, too." He takes a swig of his drink, as I make a disgusted face at what he's insinuating... and what's probably true...

"Oh- Harper! That's the last thing I want to have in my head!"

He just grins, silently laughing at my reaction as he runs a hand through his obnoxiously perfect hair, and puts his glass down on a nearby cart. "Yep. So," Checking over my shoulder at my notes, he sets his hands thoughtfully on his hips. "What's next?"

~

The rest of the group went home hours ago, when daylight turned to dusk, but I of course ended up staying back to just fix up some loose ends. Harper stayed with me- I still don’t know why he’s being like this.

I’m not complaining, but that’s exactly why its throwing me off. I’m liking it maybe a little bit too much- when I know this is all just… fake.

But also I don’t really want to face to that truth, so I avoid making him give me a real answer as to why, and just reach up and hang another lantern.

Speaking of the decorations- there has got to be at least 30 lanterns strewn up on string around the town square, and over a hundred wax candles set up on nearly every spare surface ranging from short and fat to tall and skinny- some partially used, some perfectly new, some with carvings Rufus and Lester spent some time idly etching in, some with names scratched across their bases by kids and couple in the town, some even coloured. Its going to be beautiful when they’re all lit and the festival begins, tomorrow, as long as the night isn’t too windy. But right now its just… spooky. Almost ethereal. Like you’re in some witch’s cave.

“Its gonna look amazing, tomorrow.” Harper speaks up from somewhere behind me, causing a smile to slip across my face too-easily, as I look back over my shoulder to him, and nod.

“Yeah, thank you for your help!”

He’s setting some precariously placed candles in holders to stabilise them, but at my words he stops; And turns on me with a mischievous grin on his face. “Aw- and I thought you didn’t want my help?” Immediately I roll my eyes, turning back to the candle I’m hanging; Fastening it nice and safe.

For the last time- “You didn’t volunteer!”

He shrugs. “You volunteer for something now, I might as well have, too. We’re nearly hitched, Y/N.” He says that so ‘matter-o-fact’- no longer as if he’s taunting me with it. Or talking about it as if its doomsday. Breathing deep, I give a slow nod- though he’s probably not looking.

“That’s… true… “I realise, before looking over my shoulder again, and giving him a little grin. “I’ll ask you next time before I sign up for something.”

At getting a smile back from him, butterflies erupt in my chest. “Thanks.”

For a few more minutes after that, the two of us lapse into another oddly comfortable silence again. Me, hanging the remaining lanterns wherever along the line that they could possibly fit, and him placing some of the more weirdly placed candles into random holders - everyone in town pitched in, donating odd candle holders around the house that they didn’t use anymore, -, both of us aware for once of the others presence, but not… bothered, by it.

Honestly it’s starting to feel like this is normal- the two of us, being just… the two of us. Harper and I, being alone together.

And honestly- if this is the rest of my eternity, I can live with it.

When finally the last lantern has been placed, and the last candle has been set up safely, I’m just standing back from my work, when Harper’s hand finds my back gently momentarily as a sign to stop, and I look to my side and up, to find him standing there next to me. He’s looking at the sky, and I follow his gaze to the familiarly twinkling night sky. All the beautiful stars.

A little, comfortable smile plays at my lips; They, for one thing, have been a nice constant over the years stuck here.

“Hey,” Harper captures my attention again, and I look back to his face to find him already looking at me; He nods to the ground in the middle of the festival- by what’s going to be a punch cart tomorrow. “C’mon.”

Taking my hand, he leads us over to the spot, and as he’s kneeling down, I ask him what in the world he’s doing? He just turns around and lays back on the patchy grass and the sandy dirt, rolling his shoulders to get comfortable- then pats the ground next to him without looking at me. I raise an brow, back.

“… Oh, and you think I’m going to lay down there in the dirt with you.” I realise, crossing my arms over my chest and gently shaking my head. “Cute, but fat chance. You’re going to get grass stains on your dress shirt, and I am not about to follow your lead in one of my favourite dresses.”

“Unless you think you can’t resist wrigglin’, then your dress’ll be fine. C’mon. We won’t be able t’see the stars so well tomorrow, with all the light.”

Worrying my bottom lip with my teeth for a moment, I resist. Because what if its damp? What if theirs bugs? What if I do wriggle, and I mess up my best yellow dress? But in the long run, Harper just looks so comfortable down there and I’m so tired from working all day today- and the idea of taking in the stars while we can, wins out. So, with a huff and also an oof, when my back finally touches the ground, I lay down with him and look up at the stars- they look so much further away, down here. And also, so much closer.

Its weird.

Taking a deep breath, because the air feels fresher down here close to the grass, I let it come out as more of a sigh. “.. So… “

“… So?... “Harper prompts, which really just shows how far our relationship has come. Generally, Harper isn’t really interested in anything anyone has to say. And yet… he wants me to continue.

Coming up with something to say to fill the somewhat awkwardness, of laying down next to Harper, I can’t help the little devilish grin that spreads across my mouth. “So… Is this one of your moves?” I ask, not turning to look at him quite yet.

“Moves?” Theirs amusement in his voice as he questions my wording.

“Yeah. This where you take all your girls, Harper Alexander?” Before you kill them. “Surely that old barn thing gets old.”

“Now, give me some credit here.” Listening to the smirk in his voice, I gently let my eyes fall closed. “I’m a man a’ honour- I wouldn’t take my future wife somewhere I took another lady. My ma taught me how to be a gentleman, she did.”

“Ha!” My eyes widen, and I turn my head to see him finally, chewing on my lip to keep from beaming too ruefully. “Oh- you’re serious.”

Rolling his eyes back at me and my antics, but still with that smirk on his face, Harper shoots me a playful glare. “I sure as heck am!”

Actually smiling now, with teeth and everything, I turn back to look up at the stars once again. They’re so plentiful, and gorgeous… Reaching down, I nudge Harper’s hand with mine; Linking our fingers together when he takes my hand in his, and turning my head to return my gaze to his profile. He doesn’t look back, but he does squeeze my hand a little tighter, and theirs a gentle expression on his face. “… “Finally, I let the moment go after a few seconds, and exhale. “You can be quite charming, I’ll admit.”

His grin just goes a little crooked.

But, me being me, having the relationship that I have had with Harper for as long as I have, I trace a thumb over his knuckles gently then; Realising quite well that that isn’t all he wants, or all he is- at all. It’s not at all giving him the credit he deserves. Lowering my voice to a whisper, like it’s a secret between the two of us and the two of us only, I add; “And cunning.”

At which point, he turns that pretty gaze on me; My eyes are clear- seeing him clearly. Better then anyone else has in a long time. “And annoying and headstrong, and witty, and, in a lot of ways, dangerous.” On a roll now, I roll my eyes and giggle; Unaware of just how intensely Harper is listening as I bring his hand up to my chest; Tracing his knuckles for entertainment. “Sometimes funny. Almost never an idiot, which is a nice change of pace from the men who’ve courted me in the past. Also… curious. A lot of the time I have no clue what you’re thinking- but I am getting better at figuring it out!” Screwing my face up in a cheeky way, I flash him a smirk. “One day I’ll know your every thought Mr Alexander, and there’ll be no hiding from me-” And I would’ve been able to add more, or been able to tease him for a little while longer definitely, at least, but then Harper kisses me. And everything else fades, a little bit.

He actually gets half up from the grass, and leans over me, one hand by my head and messy hair spread out against the ground - fingers splayed in between the strands of grass there, nails digging into the dirt, -, and the other clutching at my waist. Tilting my head to the side, I reciprocate the dizzying, open-mouthed kiss instantly- having gotten used to kissing him by this point. It’s a very nice bonus to the arrangement with him. He’s quite good at it.

But theirs something different, in this one. Usually, our kisses are fuelled by heat from being annoyed at each other, or finding each other attractive just a little bit, but this one is… different. More. My head goes foggy as his lips part from mine for just a second before connecting again, our tongues managing to find each other before we do. My head is foggy, so I can’t quite tell why this kiss is so different, why it feels so much better, but I do have the brain left to sense… passion.

I find that the fingers on one of my hands lose themselves in his soft hair for once just to feel how soft it is, rather then to pull it or keep him in place. And my fingers on the other hand drag at his shirt; Pulling gently at him by the side to come closer and feeling the warmth of his body underneath. All I can think as the heat builds, is fuck…

Meanwhile, Harper curls fingers around the back of my neck and the back of my waist, and helps to guide my upper body up while we refuse to disconnect from each other; So we’re both sitting up, now, exchanging saliva- Something I certainly shouldn’t be allowing in the middle of town square.

(Harper can’t bring himself to give a damn though whether anyone sees you. You’re his fiancé and he’ll kiss you whenever he damn well pleases.)

Through all this, though, we manage to keep our bodies separate. Not even the broadest part of mine presses against his- because that has to wait. It has to. Everything else in this marriage can be fake but to do that together before the wedding night, would be, somehow… a crossed line, that we couldn’t uncross.

Though, I can definitely think of a few other lines at least I have crossed since making up this arrangement with Harper. We said we wouldn’t develop feelings, but-

Abruptly, but still conscious of not surprising him too much, I end the kiss. I’m surprised at myself, but he doesn’t need to know that. When my eyes flicker up to his, I see that they’re dark and half-hooded, looking down at me like a wolf and its almost too much.

But, I manage to paste a calm smile to my face, and my hand to his chest as I push him back a little; Putting a more respectable distance between us. “… I think that’ll be enough for tonight, don’t you lover boy?” The tiniest pang hits my poor heart, when calling him that brings up the memory of Buckman calling him lovesick, earlier.

I have to remind myself that he’s not.

Just take a deep breath, Y/N. Shake the fog out of your brain. Harper’s a good kisser- not a miracle worker. You aren’t in love.

Harper gives a displeased groan, but lets me go as I asked. I immediately hop up off the ground, and brush off my dress- In an attempt at normalcy, I turn around for Harper and showing him the back of my dress. “Did I wriggle?”

He grins, shaking his head. “You’re good.”

“Ookay, thanks.” Turning back to him, patting away some more imaginary dirt, I take a deep breath, glancing up at the stars again. And there’s a scowl full of blame on my face for a second, as I look at them. What did you do?

When I look back at Harper, he’s up on his feet again, tucking his shirt back in properly- its an oddly intimate thing to watch, and makes me feel warm and cold in equal measure.

A moment of silence passes between us, only the sound of crickets filling the air and a coyote howling somewhere far away. Crossing my arms, I stand there awkwardly for a few moments as Harper looks around at the work we did, today. He’s thinking Boy, we did a good job today, I’m thinking Shit, I got love drunk off fuckhead Harper Alexander’s kiss.

Suddenly, I twist around and give Harper but a wave, as I walk off. Without looking back. “Well I’m going to bed. See you tomorrow!”

“Probably.”

At that I hesitate- but look back, and see him smirking knowingly at me- For that’s what I told him after we parted that first day we kissed, just with an alarming amount of ‘tude, that I could just never muster myself.

After a moment, I screw up my nose and stick out my tongue, back at him. “Good night and good riddance.”

[slashingdisneypasta]

Harper Alexander x Fem!Reader || Oneshot, [Part 2]

Title: The Fake Love Of My Life [PART 2]

Notes:

I'm just realising Harper and Y/N's relationship is very like Dimitri and Anastasia haha XD

Plot: Fake fiancés, impending murder victims who are actually quite lovely, dancing, jealousy, and engagement rings- oh my!

Warnings: Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh? Jealousy?

"Wait... you two? Are together???"

The words coming out of an 'honoured guest's mouth, aimed at Harper and I as he comes on into the bar, pressing a kiss to my temple on his way past. The guests, especially the one that rode in with that blonde Harper made off with earlier, do not miss it despite its subtlety - given more for the towns folk around us then anything else, obviously, - . And suddenly the fact that Harper just went off flirting with another woman, hits us both in the face.

Well... fuck- and the rest of the town catches it, too; Freaking out also, on the inside. I glance up unsurely at Harper who is still standing close to my seat, but force a tinkering smile that just makes me look perplexed, and that doesn't meet my eyes.

Which, you know, works. Because if we were a real couple, and I didn't, in fact, know perfectly well that he had to seduce these girls then I would look like this; Oblivious. And that's exactly what the guests think is happening.

Trying not to show my nervousness at the situation, a shield that I've mastered at this point, I decide to play the clueless-type. Thoughtlessly blinking and smiling, I tilt my head at the guy. "Yeah," I hold up the back my left hand, and show off the engagement ring (Which so happens to be Harper's actual mothers ring, so I take very good care of it even if it doesn't totally feel like mine, nor will it ever- seeing at the engagement in the first place is a total hoax) and beam. "We're engaged, actually!"

"Uhhh... " The guy's eyes flicker nervously from me, to Harper where his glance becomes hard. You can tell that he's struggling not to tell me out right what my 'fiancé' has been up to, and is gouging what kind of reaction Harper might give if he does do that right now. Still looking blissfully oblivious, I look between the two with wide, confused eyes. "Dude."

Knitting my brows together, I play my part well. A hand on Harpers arm and a teetering tone to my voice completes the act. "Harper?"

"Ah. Y/N!... " He picks up my hand off his arm, and holds it in his own, playing his own part with a side of guilt sitting beside a big serving of regretful douchebag. He doesn't meet my eyes completely, just flickers over them, leaning his shoulder slightly between me and the guy. "Its nothin', don't worry about it. Okay?"

"Hey, its not nothing!" The guy actually shoves Harper out of his way, and my own blow open wide at it as Harper flashes a dark glare his way, silently. "Girl- " I blink up at this man, who's pointing directly at me after that show of violence and I hand him all my attention. Because oh- wow- direct! Okay, yes? I mean I know he's going to be dead in a couple of hours and he's the enemy but wow. He points behind him with a thumb, at Harper. "This guy's been cheating on you. I saw him go off with my girl friend, Jess- and I know her. The way she was lookin' at him... oof," He shakes his head. "They fucked, or something, man. I'm sorry."

Miss Peaches and Boone flash eachother a smirky, secret glance at that while most people are looking at me for a response or glaring at Harper like some of the guests are, Buckman's watching this whole scene like a show at the theatre and he's on the edge of his seat, Hucklebilly is silently urging me with his eyes to do something already. Like hurry. Hurry up. Hurry! Hurry!!

Dragging my gaze away from Huck's, I make myself slowly look from the guy that 'told me'... to Harper. Before a new expression can take hold on my face, I ask, in a deadly tone; "... what?"

Harper immediately comes forward again, looking desperate and pissed off- though its not me, he's angry at. "I don't know what he's talking about, Y/N, I swear- "

I get up from my seat and he steps - stumbles? - back at the terrible glare on my face. As terrible as I can muster, when I want to laugh at his reactions. You know? Sometimes this pretending thing can be a lot of fun. Taking a deep breath, I take off the ring he gave me, and under the gaze of the man that told me Harper was 'cheating'- I hand it back to him. Then I clear my throat, as he looks from it... to me. And does 'heartbroken' so well. "... Um- whether you did, or not. I- I cant wear this... u-until, I know. You know? Um... sorry."

Then I manage to slip past him and out the bar door, into the empty square before a smile fights onto my face and giggles topple out of me. I collapse against the side of the building, letting the laughter come out as I cover my face. Oh god... the looks on Harper's face! Oh, he was good.

He must have run out after me a moment later - after the appropriate amount of staring heartbrokenly at my empty seat, I'm sure, - because then he's poking around the corner, finding me, and enfolding his hands into his pockets as he saddles lazily up to me.

But he does not fool me- he's pretty damn amused too, I see, as when I glance around my fingers; Theirs a grin on his handsome face.

Sighing, I calm down and press my head back into the wood. "That was good! You did well!- Coulda cried, though. I mean, you were being left by me, after all."

Rolling his eyes, making me giggle again, Harper sets his jaw. "You sure think a lotta yourself, don't ya?" His slow drawl is back to normal, no longer desperate like he was acting before. Perfectly, annoyingly shirty. He leans in towards me, giving me a raised eyebrow-look. "I didn't see you cryin', neither, Y/N. Not even one, stray, tear."

"Hm. Not even I am that good an actress, Harper."

He smirks back at me, and for a moment , before returning to his straight standing position, and sighing. He looks back at the building, his mouth twisted into a displeased, put-out frown. "Well, I guess we're fightin', now... Should we be yellin'?"

Scrunching up my nose, suddenly tasting something gross in my mouth, I scowl at him. "Do we want to be the kinda couple that screams and yells?"

"Well, it is just an act."

"Yeah, but still."

"Hmmm... " Harper, looking dissatisfied with my objections, looks away again and thinks. "Okay. How about we just say we fought, then? You can jog in place for a minute and look like you just ran a marathon or something when we get back in."

Gaze flickering up to him, my eyes narrow. "Oh I am only running, if you let me squeeze your cheeks to make it look like you got red-faced."

He does not look like he likes that idea, at all. "... Okay. What if I didn't find you, then? 'N instead I walked around looking for you for a while. You can go back in now and I'll wait out here for a while before comin' back in."

"Yeah, lets do that." I push off the wall and ready myself to go back in their, looking all down, when Harper pulls something out of his pocket and tries to give it back to me. As soon as I realise that its the ring though, I shake my head good naturedly and push his hand back. "You hold onto it, until this is all over. I don't want it falling out of my pocket." It was his mothers, so its important, and if anything in this relationship is real its our shared devotion to keeping that ring safe. I would die if I lost it.

Harper stalls for a moment, displeased by my response if I didn't know better, before shoving it and his fist back into the pocket of his trousers. "Alright then... Until this is all over."

"Right." I assure him, awkwardly. Before patting his shoulder and passing him by. "See you back in there!"

"Yep."

~

Its nearly 45 minutes before Harper comes back into the bar, a sullen look on his face still, like normal. I look away almost immediately, pointedly- returning to the conversation I'm having with Miss Peaches. "... As I was saying, yeah we are having nice weather toda- "

The guy from earlier - the one that had informed me of Harper's 'infidelity'. I think his name was Matt? - suddenly pushes out of his seat a few tables over, seeing Harper come in also and saddles right beside my chair. I cut off again, and look up to him. Hello? Mister?

Not looking at me, rather glowering Harper's way, Matt offers his hand to me. Shoving it right in front of my face. I blink, surprised at its presence and the gesture. "Miss? Would you like to dance?"

"Uh- " What? I look from him, with wide, surprised eyes to Miss Peaches who just looks pretty darn amused at it - in other words, entirely unhelpful, - , as I feel quite put on the spot and unsure. What is he doing?? The whole room seems to still once again, noticing the scene that Matt is creating, and I glance Harper's way.

His sullen look has just begun to look hazardous to anyone standing near to him and I fight not wince under its power, myself.

Matt breaks his gaze from its locked position with Harper's, and looks down to me; His gaze softens, a bit, and I understand that he's only trying to make me feel better. And if this whole thing wasn't fraudulent in the first place I would probably be grateful. So letting out a careful breath, letting go of my nerves and surprise at being put in a position like this, I place my hand in his and let him guide me up to my feet.

Oh god- now I just really want everyone to stop looking, at us. At me. Stop, stop, stop-

A booming clap sounds throughout the room, and just like that everyone's attention is stolen clean away by our enigmatic mayor, who's stood up and grinning. "What a good idea! Go on everyone, lets have ourselves a good old-fashioned hoedown. Grab a partner and get to the dance floor!"

As everyone immediately starts liking that idea and getting up from their seats, and music starts play from the little wooden stage in the corner, I let myself relax. Thank god. Bless that man. Long live the mayor.

"Hey, so, are you okay?" I'm broken from my relieved thoughts, as Matt walks me to the middle of the dance floor and guides me in front of him- setting one hand on my waist while the other holds my hand. His words are sweet and low, so no one else really hears, and damn- I'm going to sure be mournful when he dies. Even if he is a yank.

Offering him a small, strong smile as we begin to dance to the reasonably paced guitar music, I set the hand of mine that isn't holding his securely up onto his shoulder. He's just wearing a sleeveless under shirt, so I feel a bit of the skin of his shoulder which is odd but I've long since given up holding new-comers to any of the same expectations we have. "I'm holding up, thank you. I just never thought he would do something like that... its so not Harper... "

Speaking of Harper, I glance around the room slowly to see where he is now, and catch his glare from the side of the room with Miss Peaches. Evidently she's asking him if he wants to dance with her while I'm busy, but he seems unresponsive. Too busy playing jealous.

I quickly look away. Matt shrugs. "Yeah well, you can never really tell with douchebags. Sometimes they're real nice guys, until they aren't."

"Yeah... I guess so... "

"Anyway," Matt suddenly lets go of my waist, carries my hand up to above our heads, and spins me. A cant help the delighted giggle that tumbles out of me at the move, my skirts flying around me before he pulls me back to his body. He flashes me a grin back, and as the music's tempo speeds up, so do we- the dance becoming faster, and more fun. "Lets see if I can distract you from that bullshit for a little while."

Smirking back to him, I feel like forgetting about who I'm supposed to be, now - engaged and heartbroken, - in order to just have some fun. Because damn, it has been a long time. Yes at parties I dance with men - Lester, Hucklebilly, Buckman. Even Granny, though she isn't a man, - but that's not really the same. That's like dancing with my brothers, or my father - or mother, - . Theirs nothing quite like dancing with a man you don't know, not because you want him to court you or because he wants to court you, but just for fun.

"Lets see if you can."

~

A couple of hours later I finally sit back down again, a beam on my face and my cheeks warm - aching for a glass of water or twelve, - as Matt excuses himself to go to the bathroom- but promises that he'll be back. "Take your time, I'll be here!"

He smiles, patting my shoulder comfortingly, before turning and heading off out of the building.

Its a few moments later, after I've acquired a drink of water and am sipping at it at the bar, that Harper slips into the seat next to me. I turn and- immediately, catch myself. I was about to smile, and ask him how his night is going.

But I remembered just in time that I am supposed to be mad at him, and take a deep breath; Looking away again.

Without saying a thing to me, he orders himself a shot of whiskey- a heavily grumpy look on his face. I glance at him, wondering what's going on in his head and if he's had any fun at all tonight or if he's been preoccupied acting like a jealous bastard the whole time. I worry that its turned his actual mood sour.

I hope not.

"So... " He finally speaks, still not looking at me. "You been havin' a good time, with that yank?"

"Um... " Glancing around us, I see a group of the yankee girls nearby within hearing distance, and look nervously at Harper. Because for whatever reason, I get the inkling that he isn't acting anymore, and I don't want him thinking that anything that comes out of my mouth, is true. "That's... not, really, any of your business- is it?"

Finally he looks at me, and theirs a pissed off gleam in his brown eyes as he looks down on me. "Oh yes it is. You're my fiancé, ain't ya?"

My jaw nearly damn well drops. Has he been drinking before now?? I didn't see him dancing at all throughout the night. What's wrong with him? Theirs definitely something odd about what he's saying; How he's looking.

Not even Harper is this good of an actor.

"Harper... " Lowering my voice and leaning closer, I tug gently at the side of his clean white shirt. "Are you alright? Do you want to leave and talk?- "

"What's happenin' here, huh?" Oh for fucks sake- I turn to see Matt suddenly back, on my other side and standing over both Harper and I- but turning his stony, protective, angry look on my 'fiancé', obviously. I mean, I appreciate the efforts but you really have the worst timing, Mathew-

Harper doesn't back down even an inch from the more imposing figure that is my dancing partner for the evening. In fact he just pulls up his whiskey to his lips, letting his hand dangle lazily before him as he raises his brows at Matt. "I'm talkin' to my lady, a'course. What are you doin'?"

"Oh, your lady?" Matt scoffs, and I feel like red lights should be flashing and alarms should be blaring. Their tones are dangerous. "First of all, this is the twenty first century man so she has a name. Second of all- did you mean Y/N or the girl two seats down from you?"

Oh, hell. My eyes widen as that particular dig leaves Matts lips and, knowing Harper's already prickly personality, turn slowly to him. A flickering of a tiny - dangerous, - smile flashes across his lips as he nods and looks away, before taking the whole contents of his glass in one go. Then he turns to me - to me! - , an only marginally softer look in his eyes. "Y/N, lets go."

"Uh- " I cut myself off, unsure of how to respond. He continues to look at me, waiting impatiently for my response, and Matt looks swiftly down at me before picking up for, me.

"Y/N's not going anywhere with you if she doesn't want to, man. So back off."

"My apologies, was I talking to you?" Harper turns his gaze up to Matt again, and my eyes tear around the room for some help, but for the first time today no one, is stopping to witness the drama.

Hell, violence could be ensuing, and no one here cares?? Seriously?! How drunk is everyone?!

"No, but someone has to be good to Y/N."

Harper doesn't flinch but you can tell that he wanted to, as one of his eyes slowly squints, and the frown lines in his face deepen. "... do you wanna take this outside?"

Immediately I whip around to face him fully. A hand slamming down on the table between us and I am deeply concerned. "Harper do you even see the size of this man!?"

"Love to, but I don't feel the need to remedy all my problems with violence, mate." Matt smirks, crossing his arms. And first of all, thank god, but also- the look on Harper's face at hearing that is horrifying. How could this man have made things worse, by not punching Harper in the face?! Now I kind of wish they had gone outside.

"Okay!" Before Harper can respond, or take out the sharp throwing object I know he has in his pocket, I get up out of my seat and back off from them both. "You both need to stop this, before it becomes a dick measuring contest. First of all, Matt, I had a really lovely night so thank you, but I'm leaving now, so goodbye. Harper- " The moment I turn to him, I stall, and calm down. And I mean it, when I say; "I'll talk to you, later."

Then I turn around and head for the door so that I can walk out into the night and go home- when I suddenly hear a horrible hitting noise and a crash, followed by gasps and Buckman yelling 'HELL'- and whip right back around. My eyes blow open wide the moment that I see Matt, fallen into a chair behind him holding his jaw, and Harper shaking out his fist, still managing to look tough even as his fist must be killing him, looking down on Matt. I gape, about to say something - or yell something, - but Harper suddenly turns to me, and grabs my hand on his way storming through the horrified crowd and out of the building. I just try to keep up so he doesn't tear my arm off.

Once we're down the road a bit, I manage to rip my arm back away from him, and get glare in response. I tough it out, though, and scowl back at him. "Harper what the hell?? I mean I know we're kind of invested in our scheme but you're acting weird, now. And- you- you hit him! Why would you do that??? What is wrong with you??"

"'It's what my 'character', woulda done," He almost growls, through grit teeth.

"You really don't have to go that far, Harp!" He really, really, doesn't!

Rolling his eyes up into his skull, I watch as he finally takes in a deep breath- hands on his hips, bracing himself. After a moment of silence, and I'm thinking he's calming down now thankfully, his gaze flashes to me and I see clearly that he's still burning.

Reaching over to me, he once again takes my hand in his and drags me off. Not quite so angrily this time, so I don't fear that my arm will be removed from my shoulder at all at least, but I'm still totally lost. Where are we going, now??

We don't go far, as it turns out, and he quickly presses me against a wall between two houses close by to where we were, and in the darkness I can just make out a clearer look entering his eyes, finally. Like his sight is finally, - finally, finally! - not so clouded by fury anymore, as he breathes in fresh night time air. Silently, I watch, waiting for him to speak first.

Is he okay??

Taking his hands off of me, he runs a hand back through his hair, and finally lets his shoulders relax. "... Okay. Okay. I'm fine, now. Sorry for makin' you uncomfortable."

"Are... are you sure you're alright? Do you want to talk about what just happened??" Because I definitely think we should-

"My character just got away from me, that's all. I got too into it... I apologise." Yeah, he says that, but he still isn't looking me in the eye. Everywhere but my eye, actually. And an idea occurs to me that makes my heart start to beat louder, in my ears. Carefully, I reach up, and lay one hand on his shoulder while the other curls up into his hair.

I literally feel his body relax more, under my touch. A sigh escapes him, that I'm sure he would've preferred me not hear. So he looks stony, again.

Letting go of my bottom lip, as I had nervously been chewing it, my gaze flickers up to his face. "Um, would it help, if... my character, were to, 'forgive', you?" Still against his better judgement I'm sure, Harper perks up, at my suggestion. I set him with a focused, serious look. "Because she does. She knows that you have to touch other girls and its not because you want to, and in fact it has nothing to do with her. Me."

"... yeah?"

I nod. "Yes." Giving him a smile, I start to take my hand away from him and step away. "So don't fret! We're okay. Still engaged, and in 'love'- "

Suddenly, before I can get away completely, Harper grabs my hand again and tugs me back- and further, to his lips, where he presses a passionate kiss. A moan is torn out of me immediately and my eyes quickly fall shut, reciprocating before I can think better of it.

This happens a lot, now; The kissing. It helps us get into character, I suppose. Makes us feel like two people who are actually in love, rather then Y/N and Harper who just pretend to be. And it feels really, really good.

He pulls back not even an inches worth of space for a moment, solely for air, and my eyes crack open a tiny bit; Enough to see him gulping down air so he can come back. "Harper... "

He presses right back quickly, guiding me forward back into the wall behind me. Wood digs into my spine but I cant bring myself to care, too wrapped up in the body of the man kissing the hell out of me and my endeavour to taste him back, and maybe gouge a moan or two from him. Because I want to hear it. I don't know why, but I need to. I feel like all I ever see from him is spite and crankiness and I need to know he has more, for me. Especially, for me.

Tugging gently on some of his hair seems to win me what I wanted, as I swallow the vibrations of his groans. Then I slowly pull back, my heels finding the ground again and opening my eyes delicately, and look up at him as he sighs; Understanding that its over as he still leans over me.

Tilting my head, breathing slowly in order to return to former breathing patterns, I catch his gaze. "... Feeling better?" My voice is low, talking carefully as I look up at him from beneath my eyelids.

"... almost."

"Hm?" What else can I do? I'm just wondering what else it could possibly be that he, or his character, wants from me when to my surprise Harper slips down to one knee before me. My eyes widen slightly, looking down at him and wondering what he is doing. "Harp? Your knee hurt?"

He takes my hand in his and, not looking me in the eye as my heart starts to beat unbelievably louder- the sound reverberating hot in my ears. "I just figured, that, our engagement is missin' something."

Oh... Harper takes his mothers ring back out of his pocket, and slips it back onto my fourth finger; Where it now lives. "Y/N L/N, we've known eachother a long time now, basically our whole lives... unfortunately, I think I've only just cracked the surface of what their is to know when it comes to you... and I'd sure like to spend the rest of my life trying to learn the rest."

"Aw... Now, I kinda regret that we didn't do this in front of people. You did that really, well. And telling me my last name! Nice touch." I tell him, because its true, but adding a little joke because I have to as I slip my hand out of his grasp and examine the ring back in its place. My ring.

It really is pretty.

"I ain't done." My eyes snap back to Harper's and my cheeks heat up even more then they had been already, and close my mouth quick.

"Oh."

Flashing a little smile that looks so good on him, he tilts his head. I nearly forget that this is fake. "Will you marry me?"

Breath hitching, because that is the softest, least disapproving-of-me thing he has ever said and it makes my stomach drop- In a good way. But I hope that he does not see how mushy he's made me- because that might complicate things.

He might think I'm falling for him... And I'm not...

I try to keep it out of my voice as I respond, even as a gentle smile warms onto my face. "Yes, Harper Alexander... I will marry you. Now get back up here."

He smirks and gets up, and I lean up to press a quality kiss to his lips, in thank you. When I pull back, he picks up my left hand in his and I catch a serious and forlorn look cross his face as he looks at the ring. His voice is quiet but firm when he speaks. "... I don't want you ever taking this ring off, again. I didn't care for that, at all."

"Well it was just for show... "

His jaw clenches. "I know."

"Hey- " I grab his arm, pulling him gently but abruptly from whatever angry place he was disappearing back into, and flash him a comforting grin. "How about we don't go back to the bar. We can just go back to my house, and avoid the headache. Alright?"

"I'd like that." He grins, a lovely grin that we very rarely see on on him anymore unless he's faking it, a hand hovering over the small of my back as we turn and start heading off to my house.

[tinalbion]

How about a scenario about Buckman and his s/o attending the barbeque. Right? But something goes wrong. And one of the guests escape. What if one of them were to hurt the s/o?

Oh lawd, the anger! The drama! The barbecue! Get ready, y'all.

There had been a small group of young adults attending the Guts ‘n Glory Jubilee this year, and you being with Buckman for a couple of years now has already given you a clear idea of how how their trip will end. You greet them with a smile on your face and Buckman’s arm looped through yours.

They already feel completely weirded out by how backwards the town is, and they honestly can’t believe the plumbing issue, but they’re filled with alcohol and sex-fueled desires, so they didn’t care all too much. During the night before the barbecue, you noticed that your beloved Mayor and his men were already using creative ways to lure them from their comfort and to their untimely deaths.

Two down, two to go. They could wait till the big feast for the last two. The fresher, the better.

You voiced your concerns to George about how things could go wrong, but he just chuckles and pushes away your worries, only assuring you that they’ve handled worse and he can definitely sort it all out. You’d be fine.

The townsfolk had everything set up as the food was cooking, and you had helped Granny Boone with the ladies’ beautiful dresses to be tightened properly, but that’s when you all heard a scream and some sort of tussle going on. One of the visitors, the young man, had found body parts being stored nearby, and he had found his friends head by mistake. He burst out into the crowd and pushed through to try to find a way out, followed closely by his young lady friend.

She sees you and notices that the Mayor isn’t near you, so she yanks you by the arm and pushes you down. “This bitch is the way out of here! We take her with us until we’re far enough!”

Her friend agrees as he grabs a nearby butcher knife from the table, holding it up to your throat as everyone pauses around them, not wanting to chance them hurting you. The townsfolk knew if you were to get hurt, there would be hell to pay.

Buckman appears at the front of the crowd, just seeing them drag you off, and he demands to know what happened. Granny Boone explains quickly that they’re using you to escape. The fire in that man’s eye was out of control as soon as he heard you were in danger. Harper steps up and hands the Mayor his cutlass without question, and that’s when Buckman tears through the town after you.

Once he reached the gates and sees you being thrust into their car, you definitely put up a fight and get a good landing punch in the woman’s face, but the guy comes up behind you and holds the knife firmly against your throat.

Buckman yells out with his sword held high, his teeth bared like a wild animal. “You leave her alone, damn you!”

The man’s arm is tight around your neck as you feel yourself losing the ability to breathe. Your nails dig into his skin, but nothing phases him as his eyes are locked with your lovers’.

“Let us leave and you can have her!” the woman spat.

Buckman hesitated at first, knowing what people could be capable of and what lies they could spin, but you were there and in danger. He needed to do something. Just this once, could he just…let them go?

Of course he could. You were the number one priority here, and he’d lay his life down on the line for yours anyday. He threw his sword back several feet and held out his arms.

“Give her to me, I’m a man of my word and I promise you will be safe to leave, but only if you let her go.”

The knife was still pressed up against your throat and you could feel the blade digging deep into your skin, and you whimpered as you stared up at Buckman, hoping he wouldn’t do anything rash.

“Fine, but don’t you dare follow us.” The young man released his grip on you and threw you into Buckman’s arms, catching you and holding you tightly against his chest.

You could feel him shaking as you buried your tear-streaked face against him, not wanting to let him go. He pulled away and pulled your chin up to meet his gaze, then he noticed the blood that was smeared down your neck. He took a deep breath stared up at the dirty car that sped away.

The townsfolk all came up behind them and took immediate notice that something was wrong.

“Hucklebilly,” Buckman called.

“Yes sir?” he answered back nonchalantly.

“You know what to do,” he growled.

The young man laughed and cracked his knuckles. “I’m on it.”