#I have decided on ignoring the creeping charlie this year if it stays low and plays nice with the real plants than I can just

[muffinlance]

Next Dark Night in Ba Sing Se part! Is! Fully outlined!

...And so is the majority of series in lesser detail because oops my hand slipped.

[rvnclwrites]

Romania 1999 Pt 2 (Charlie Weasley x Female MC)

Summary: AU where MC is an American who attended the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry instead of Hogwarts. Set eight years post graduation (1999) when she finally gets the nerve to travel abroad and follow her dream to be a Dragonologist in Romania. Check out my master list for part 1.

Word Count: ~4000

"Watch out!" Dave shouted, giving (Y/N) and Charlie just enough time to duck behind the nearest boulder.

A burst of fire filled the air as Aro the Hungarian Horntail roared in disapproval at the swarm of people closing in on him. (Y/N) crouched closer to the dirt, shielding her face from the blaze. Once the heat and smoke died away, she peered over at Charlie who looked like he was having the time of his life.

"Having fun yet?" he asked over another booming roar from Aro.

She returned his grin. "Best time I've had in awhile."

(Y/N) had only been at the Sanctuary for two weeks and could already see why Charlie Weasley was considered the best Dragonologist there. He effortlessly maneuvered around the boulder, staying low to the ground to appear less threatening to Aro, and crawled toward the blazing flames ahead, determined and unafraid. It sparked a memory inside (Y/N) of stories her mom used to tell about (Y/N)'s no-maj grandpa who was a firefighter. (Y/N)'s young mind was mystified by what no-majs managed to do without the help of magic, but as her gaze followed Charlie with his outstretched wand, she couldn't help but think maybe wizards were just as crazy.

"Stupify!" Charlie, along with three other wizards shouted at once. The remaining four, including (Y/N), followed in suit, sending red sparks soaring toward the dragon. At last, the beast collapsed onto the platform, successfully stunned.

"Nice work!" Felix boasted, slapping Charlie on the back. "You too, (Y/N). Quick reaction time and impressive stunning spell."

(Y/N) nodded appreciatively, feeling the last of her adrenaline pulse through her as she helped Dave, Hank and Charlie finish boarding up the dragon so it could be transported to a different area of the Sanctuary. She caught a glimpse of Charlie petting the dragon's tail through the crate and smiled. The most distinguishing factor that separated Charlie from the rest of the team was that he didn't just do this for the thrill or the hard work. He genuinely cared for these creatures and wanted the best for them.

(Y/N) slid her wand into her jacket and turned to ask Charlie a question but reconsidered as the redhead strolled past her.

"Good work today," he said with a nod before continuing down the hill. Something about his long strides and demeanor prevented her from trying to catch up with him.

Despite how hard she tried to ignore it, (Y/N)'s heart sank. The other thing (Y/N) had noticed about Charlie was that he had some sort of indistinguishable pretense up most of the time. She had caught glimpses of what she assumed was the real Charlie- like his excitement moments ago when they were crouched behind that boulder, or his teasing grin on (Y/N)'s first day when he thought Norberta would roast her alive. But the rest of the time it was like he was holding back, keeping to himself and letting others do the talking.

"Don't take it personally," Hank muttered, snapping (Y/N) out of her reverie. "He's like that with everyone."

Not with you or Scott, (Y/N) wanted to point out, but she shrugged instead, not wanting Hank to know that she cared. Because she didn't. She didn't have to be best friends with her mentor. "So who's going to move Aro to the south wing?"

"The night crew takes care of that. Someone oversees on a broom and directs the other workers the safest route."

This peaked (Y/N)'s interest. She had seen a handful of wizards use brooms around the Sanctuary when rounding up or feeding dragons, but her team hadn't gotten the chance to yet. "Do you ever ride a broom here?"

"Lord no. I was never a good flyer. Charlie does the flying in our group."

(Y/N) felt an unexpected wave of annoyance hit her. "I bet I'd be better," she mumbled uncharacteristically, catching even herself off guard.

"Oh really?"

Despite the fact that she wasn't usually that competitive, (Y/N) didn't take it back. She was a good flyer. "Mhmm."

"Do you like Quidditch?"

"Who doesn't?"

Hank laughed. "Guess I should have asked if you play Quidditch."

A pang of nostalgia reverberated in (Y/N)'s chest. "Yeah, I played Beater for four years at Ilvermorny."

A concerning, lopsided grin tugged at the corner of Hank's mouth. "Charlie was the Gryffindor Seeker for five at Hogwarts."

(Y/N) shook her head, resisting an eye roll. "He wouldn't catch a thing if I was playing against him."

"Is that so?" They came to a stop at the bottom of the hill where the other Dragonologists were socializing. "Did you hear that, Scott? (L/N) here thinks she can beat our boy at Quidditch."

All three heads to Hank's left jerked up and stared at (Y/N) as if she had just sprouted multiple heads.

"Come off it, Weasley could have gone pro if he wanted to."

Not wanting to sound pretentious, (Y/N) decided not to mention the two offers she received to play professionally after she graduated. "Guess I'll just have to play him one day and see."

"Darlin', I'd buy you Butterbeer for a month if you won," Hank said, reaching for a drink before plopping down into a chair beside the other three. The men soon began bickering about which Quidditch team was the best this year, and (Y/N) took that as her chance to sneak back to her place and get some rest.

The one major con about her and Charlie not being close was the age gap between (Y/N) and the rest of the team. She got along great with Hank and Scott, but it was different than the dynamic she had with the Magizoologists back home. It would take some getting used to.

-

It was drizzling as (Y/N) began her trek back up the hill to meet Charlie the following morning. They had agreed to start with Ventus, a Welsh Green dragon, and (Y/N) wasn't surprised to find Charlie already at the landing as she approached. She was surprised, however, to find him swearing and clutching his left arm.

"Everything okay?" (Y/N) asked, jogging over to meet him. "Oh man."

A fresh gash stretched across Charlie’s freckled forearm. “I’m fine. Ventus' claw was lodged beneath that boulder and he lashed out once I got it free. I would have waited if it was any of the others, but he's always been so tame. He must have been in pain all night."

(Y/N) turned around to make sure Ventus had calmed down. Luckily, the Common Welsh Green was curled into a ball, seemingly able to rest now that his claw was free. Charlie was lucky this was the breed that had been in pain- any other would have most likely scorched his entire arm.

"I'll go down to Madam Rosetta to get this cleaned up," he said, wincing as he raised his arm to help stop the bleeding. "You can wait here if you want. Just don't approach him until I get back in case his claw still hurts."

"I can fix that for you," (Y/N) said automatically, instinctively reaching for Charlie's arm with one hand and withdrawing her wand with the other.

Charlie flinched as (Y/N)'s fingers closed around his wrist. Whether it was from anticipating pain or the mere physical contact, (Y/N) wasn't sure. Maybe both.

She looked up at him with concern, still holding onto his arm but loosening her grip in case he wanted to pull away. She didn't want to make him uncomfortable. "I mean, I can if you want me to." She attempted a smile. "Promise I won't make it any worse."

Charlie stared at her for a long moment, as if weighing options inside his head, and she felt his rigid posture ease the tiniest bit. "Okay."

(Y/N) cleared her throat and directed her ebony wand at the wound. “Episkey.” Within seconds, the open skin sealed itself shut, leaving but a faint trace of the injury. Charlie began to pull his arm away, but (Y/N) held it in place and muttered, “Ferula.” A white bandage sprang from the tip of her wand and coiled around Charlie's pale skin. "That will help with pain and prevent scarring."

(Y/N) could tell the spell worked because she saw the tension release in Charlie's shoulders as the bandage fastened around his arm. The redhead looked at her with curious brown eyes and she quickly released her grip on him now that the wound was taken care of.

"I didn't know you were a Healer."

"I'm not, I'm a Dragonologist," she corrected, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of her lips, and she was surprised when Charlie returned it. He raised an eyebrow at her, and (Y/N) shrugged her shoulders. "You never asked."

Charlie frowned and turned toward Ventus. "Can you heal creatures too?"

(Y/N) nodded. The process of healing creatures was remarkably different from healing wizards, but that encompassed the majority of her work back home. "Can't say I've worked on all of them, but I've helped a fair share." (Y/N) felt a sudden tightness creep into her throat at the thought of the Reserve back home and attempted to clear it. "You?"

Charlie shook his head. "I've tried but can never seem to get it right. Rosier and Dave’s buddy Logan do most of the healing around here. Must have been one of the reasons Felix was so excited to bring you on."

At first, (Y/N) was relieved to know there was finally something this man wasn’t good at, but then she felt a twinge sympathy at the look on Charlie's face. "You can't be good at everything you know."

He laughed a little. "When you have as many siblings as I do, competitiveness becomes almost innate."

(Y/N)'s attention sparked at Charlie's admission. Everything she had learned about the redhead so far, from his age to his house at Hogwarts to how many years he’d been at the Sanctuary, had been from Hank. That was the first time Charlie himself had told her something about his personal life. Maybe he would come around after all.

Unfortunately, the elation died away as fast as it came when (Y/N) realized she couldn't press him further. If she asked how many siblings he had, Charlie would likely ask if she had any and (Y/N) was hardly in the mood to address that question. So instead, she tried a different approach at friendship. "Want me to show you how to fix Ventus' claw?"

Charlie hesitated. "Aren't I supposed to be the mentor here?"

(Y/N) laughed. "I won't tell."

To her astonishment, he agreed. (Y/N) explained the process thoroughly; the best way to approach, how to distract, tips to ease the pain, the correct wand motion for the spell. Within an hour, Charlie had cast his first successful healing spell on Ventus.

"I can't believe that worked," he said, staring down at Ventus' unscathed hind leg resting comfortably on the grass.

(Y/N) nudged his shoulder with her elbow. "Told ya you could do it."

Charlie turned to look at her, and (Y/N) was horrified to feel a flutter in her stomach as their eyes met. She stepped away from the dragon and from Charlie, abruptly disregarding whatever fluke feeling that was.

"We should probably go feed Norberta before she gets too hungry."

Charlie nodded, and the two started down the path towards the Norwegian Ridgeback. "Thanks," he said after a moment. "I really appreciate the help back there."

"Anytime," (Y/N) said with a smile. She really hoped he would take her up on that offer sometime.

-

A couple weeks turned into a month faster than (Y/N) anticipated. The summer leaves were turning orange and the temperature was dropping to a comfortable breeze in the evening. Most importantly, she had succeeded at nearly every task Charlie or Felix handed her and was starting to feel more apart of the team everyday.

Her and Charlie's relationship had improved a little after that day with Ventus, but she still wouldn't go as far as to say they were friends. (Y/N) had continued giving him occasional lessons on healing and Charlie talked more when she was around, but there was still some sort of a barrier that (Y/N) couldn't figure out. She still tried to convince herself she didn't care, but as (Y/N) waited for her friends' responses to her letters, she couldn't help but feel the weight of loneliness creep up on her more and more.

"So, what's this I hear about you being better than me at Quidditch?" Charlie asked as he sat across from (Y/N) at the team's picnic table.

(Y/N) choked on her porridge, feeling heat crawl up her neck as everyone at the table turned to look at her. "I didn't necessarily say I was better," (Y/N) clarified after swallowing her food. "I just said you wouldn't catch the Snitch if I was playing against you."

Charlie raised an eyebrow at an uncharacteristically bashful Hank, who added, "You did say you'd be a better flyer though."

(Y/N) smiled and continued eating her breakfast, feeling no regret or need to deny that accusation.

"Ha!" Hank shouted, slapping the table. "Look at that smirk. I have all the faith in the world that this gem right here will be your downfall, Weasley."

"Well, we can't find out who's the better Quidditch player on the grounds," Scott said, making a point to pause and glare at Hank. "Because someone has horrible aim. But we can easily find out who the best flyer is."

That caught (Y/N)'s attention. She wasn't able to bring her broom from home and would give just about anything to ride on one.

"They would have to ride the same broom so it's fair," Hank said.

"I'll ride any broom you give me," (Y/N) said, feeling excitement bubble up in her stomach. Even though it had been less than two months, it felt like it had been ages since (Y/N) and her friend Rowan had soared around the Khanna family's farm on (Y/N)'s last day in America. The nostalgic knot hurled it's way back into (Y/N)'s stomach at the thought of Rowan, and she prayed someone would get her a broom. Flying was definitely what she needed.

"I believe we've got a coupl'a Nimbus 2008s up in the storage shed by Aro."

"Well, what are we waiting for then," Scott said, seizing Hank by the arm and lifting him to his feet. "We'll find the brooms and meet you kids by the entrance gate."

As Scott and Hank raced up the hill, (Y/N) and Charlie got to their feet, starting toward the entrance to the Sanctuary.

"Sure you wanna do this?"

(Y/N) grinned. "I just hope you're better at flying than you are at healing Norberta's tail." After a half hour explanation, Charlie still somehow managed to shrink the poor beast's tail instead of mending the wound, which made resizing it without enlarging the injury incredibly difficult.

Charlie's mouth dropped open, but (Y/N) could tell he wasn't actually offended. In fact, that playful grin she had only managed to glimpse once so far made an unexpected return. "Oh, you're going to regret that."

"Whatever you say, dragon boy."

Charlie's fiery red brows raised, and (Y/N) didn’t exactly know where that nickname came from, but she decided she liked it.

Scott and Hank took longer than expected, and (Y/N) found out why when Scott began explaining the rules.

“No, they have to go under that tree branch first and then over the pine tree with the red marker on it. Then they’ll go into the extreme dive, pull up no sooner than this blue marker right here, which gives them a straight shot to the landing up there where they have to loop-the-loop before dismounting. First to touch down wins. Sound good?”

(Y/N) nodded, taking a moment to observe the area the way she would a Quidditch pitch. She knew Charlie would likely be better at the extreme dive and pull up since he was a Seeker, but she had the under-and-over and loop-the-loop mastered from years of chasing after Bludgers.

“Ready?” Charlie asked as they each mounted their broomstick.

(Y/N) gripped the handle, letting her eyes flutter shut for a moment and a slow exhale fall from her lips as she relaxed onto the broom. Boy was she ready. She glanced from the branch, to the pine tree, to the marker near the ground, to the landing and nodded. “Whenever you are.”

“On the count of three,” Scott announced, taking the job way more seriously than anyone else would have. “One… two… THREE!”

Charlie and (Y/N) kicked off the ground and shot into the air as cheers erupted behind them. Apparently Hank and Scott weren’t the only people wanting to see someone beat Charlie.

But (Y/N)’s mind was far from the crowd as fresh air filled her lungs and her hair whipped behind her. She felt like she was on cloud nine as she and Charlie swooped down to fly beneath the first branch, each switching off for the lead every second. One advantage (Y/N) had as a Beater was she was used to distractions. Seekers were primarily solo players, focused on catching the Snitch while the rest of the team watched their back. The two Beaters, on the other hand, not only protected their team but also created chaos for the other.

So (Y/N) attempted to fluster Charlie, mimicking every move he made within a mere foot of him. She could tell he wasn’t used to sharing his personal space on the broom when his eyes caught hers as they reached the top of the pine tree. Neither hesitated as they launched into the extreme dive, the only part (Y/N) felt less comfortable with. As she expected, Charlie executed the pull up flawlessly, showing off a little by how close to the ground he was willing to go. (Y/N)’s dive wasn’t as deep or graceful, but it was enough to hit the marker, sending her heart thudding in excitement as she began the loop-the-loop. While several wizards became dizzy and disoriented from the move, (Y/N) loved the drop in her stomach and the freeing effect it had. She had performed the tightest continuous loop of her Ilvermorny class and set out to do the same right now. She whipped passed Charlie on the final loop, flying out of it and dismounting on the landing effortlessly, touching down less than five seconds before Charlie did.

Once she was steady on her feet, (Y/N) exhaled again, smiling so hard her cheeks hurt as she stared down at the breathtaking scenery below.

“Bloody hell,” Charlie breathed, stepping beside her and brushing his ruffled hair from his face. “That was- I mean you were-”

(Y/N) laughed. Apparently flying could be added to the list of things that made Charlie’s guard slip. “You weren’t so bad yourself.”

The corner of Charlie's mouth twitched and he looked as if he was about to say something else, but unfortunately their moment was cut short by the thunderous shouts approaching from Hank and Scott in the background.

“That was incredible,” Hank howled, coming up to clap (Y/N) on the back. “We’re all going to the pub tonight.

"Yeah," Scott chimed in. "Anything you want is on me.”

(Y/N) laughed again, keeping a firm grip on the broomstick in her hands. “The only thing I want is this broom."

“Sweetheart, I’m sure Felix will let you fly that broom anytime you want after a ride like that,” Hank reassured her.

(Y/N) suddenly wasn’t as fond of all the attention when she realized nearly every team had been watching her and Charlie- even the research team had decided to join them at the pub. (Y/N) felt overwhelmed from the excitement and chatter as everyone sat down and ordered drinks. She appreciated everyone’s compliments, but all she really wanted was to be back up on that landing, looking out at the Sanctuary.

Thinking of the landing sent (Y/N)’s gaze searching across the table for Charlie’s freckled face. He always sat across from her at the Sanctuary, so she was surprised to not find him there but rather in the seat right beside her. Her stomach did a loop-the-loop of its own as he smiled at her.

"Bet you didn’t thinking beating me would be this big of a deal," he said, leaning over to ensure (Y/N) could hear over the crowd.

A shiver trailed down (Y/N)’s neck, and she forced a laugh. “No, not quite.”

The redhead chuckled before taking a sip of his Butterbeer and clinking his glass against hers. “Well you deserve it. You were awesome out there.”

(Y/N) was grateful for the dim lighting as she felt her whole body grow hot. She took a final swig from her glass, giving her an excuse to get up for a minute. “I’m going to get another drink. Anyone need anything?”

(Y/N) was beyond surprised when Sydney stood up, a smile coating her smooth, tan face. “I’ll go with you. Dave and I need a refill too.”

Leaning against the bar, (Y/N) ordered another Butterbeer while Sydney ordered a shot of fire whiskey and some Pumpkin Juice.

“You were really amazing today,” Sydney said, picking up the tall glass of Pumpkin Juice the bartender set in front of her. “But can I give you some advice?”

(Y/N) stiffened, instantly uncomfortable by the tone of Sydney's voice. Confrontation was not one of (Y/N)’s strong suits. “Sure?”

The beautiful blond swirled her straw around the glass and looked down at the floor. She seemed nervous. “I just thought you should know you’re wasting your time.”

(Y/N) blinked at her, completely lost. “I’m sorry, I’m not sure I understand what you mean.”

Sydney frowned. “What I mean is we get it. I mean look at him. He’s attractive, successful. We’ve practically all had a crush on him at some point, but I just thought I should warn you before you get hurt. Charlie doesn’t date anyone. Like ever. Hell, at this point I think there would be more of a chance of finding him with a dragon than a woman.”

(Y/N) nearly knocked over the freshly filled glass of Butterbeer the bartender placed in front of her. "Excuse me?"

Sydney slid a tip across the table before turning back to (Y/N). "I just wanted to spare you some heartache because Charlie is obtuse and doesn't know when he's leading people on."

A spark of protectiveness for the redhead flared through (Y/N) so unexpectedly, she couldn't stop herself from saying, "I hardly think it's Charlie's fault if someone else can't take a hint."

The innocent glow in Sydney's blue eyes vanished faster than (Y/N) could say Nox. She straightened and grabbed the whiskey from the counter. “Suit yourself then. Don’t say I didn’t try to warn you.”

(Y/N) waited until Sydney walked away to return to her seat between Charlie and Hank. Her mind was attempting to organize a million thoughts at once and she suddenly felt exhausted.

What irked (Y/N) the most though was the gnawing thought at the back of her head asking why hadn't she just corrected Sydney? She should have brushed it off with a laugh and said she wasn't interested in anyone here like that.

“Everything alright?” Charlie asked, and as those brown eyes stared down at her, (Y/N) was not okay with the answer that voice in her head gave.

“Oh yeah,” (Y/N) said, rubbing a hand over her face. "Just ready to get some sleep soon."

"You're gonna need it because tomorrow we're getting three new rescues shipped in."

(Y/N) felt her thoughts untangle the slightest bit at this. Dragons. That's why she was here. And that was it.

[xxbluecullenwritingxx]

Binding of Beau || Chapter One

|| Index ||

Beau stepped outside carrying a suitcase full of her clothing and a backpack full of other things to bring along to her father's house. She rechecked her backpack to make sure she had everything. Notebook, phone charger, laptop, the books I haven’t read yet. After checking a few more times she knew she had everything she wanted to bring. She put her suitcase and backpack in the backside of her step-dad, Phil’s, car. Beau knew her mom was likely in the house checking and rechecking that she had everything. Shutting the trunk of the car sighing and putting her thumbs in her pocket.

“Beau!” A voice that she knew all too well called, a voice she would miss.

Beau turned around turned around and suddenly there were arms around her, almost crushing her spine. There was James, as emotional as he’d been when she first met him the first year of highschool. Trying to take my hands out of my pocket to hug back proved difficult with him pinning her arms down. Damn it, if he keeps this up I’m going to cry. Beau took her hands out of her pockets and awkwardly try and hug back, which proved hard since James as successfully succeeded in pinning her arms to her sides.

“Hey,” she said quietly, scared her voice would crack if she spoke up even a little.

James pulled back and smiled sadly at her, in his hands he held a small cactus. Before she could ask why he was holding a potted cactus pushed it toward her, expecting her to take it — she did.

“So you won’t forget about us back home yeah?” James said.

Beau smiled softly. James had been the only real friend she had here in Arizona, thought she had met a few people through James that she managed to get along with... but now that was all changing. She bit her tongue in an attempt to not tear up knowing that she was saying goodbye to her best friend... her only friend really.

“Hey... don’t look like that, I’ll come to visit during the summer. And hey, you can always come to stay with us if Charlie drives you up the wall too much.”

“Thanks, James” Beau said when she was confident that her voice wouldn’t crack, or waver.

“James, coming with us to the airport?” Beau’s mother asked from behind her, as she walked out of the house Phil by her.

“I thought about it, but I might cry if I do that so...” he trailed off before looking at his best friend.

Now it was Beau’s was turn to pull him into one last hug. James was the only one she could truly be herself around, and she wasn’t going to see him for a long time. It felt like it would be forever until the next time they saw one another... though she had his number as a speed dial contact on her phone, and she knew they would text constantly. Still, the thought of leaving him in Arizona and going to Forks, Washington to live with her father was making her miserable. James gently patted Beau’s head.

“I’m going to miss you B” James whispered, knowing better than to call her ‘Beau’ in front of her family.

The girl cursed under her breath as she started tearing up. “I’m gonna miss you too” she admitted.

“You two are being very sweet, but we’re going to miss your flight Bella and ours, so let's get a move on,” Phil’s voice broke through the moment, making Beau flinch slightly.

James gave her a sympathetic look and kissed the top of her head before pulling away. Beau watch him start to walk back to his house. He turned back to look at Beau waved his hand.

“Call me when you get settled in!” he called.

Beau gave him a thumbs up before getting in the car. The ride to the airport felt too short for Beau’s liking and it made her stomach feel like it was doing flips. Her mom and Phil were in the front holding hands. It reminded her of why she was moving in with her father Charlie in the first place... for her mom. Phil was a minor league baseball player, so he traveled a lot for work, and because of Beau her mother always had to stay back whenever he left for a game, after talking it over with Beau one afternoon she decided she would rather her mother be happy spending some time with Phil, even if it meant she’d be miserable in Forks for the rest of high school.

Beau got out of the car and grabbed her suitcase and backpack, while her mother got out to walk her inside, with Phil walking a little behind them to give the two of them some privacy.

“Bella are you sure-”

“Yes mom...” she said softly “don’t worry about me, I’m excited to spend some good quality time with Ch- dad” Beau smiled, still holding the small cactus in her hand, wondering if they would let her take it on the plane with her, maybe she should shove it in her backpack and let it sit there until she landed in Forks.

He mother smiled at her and pulled her into a hug. “I’m going to miss you Bella,” her mother said softly. Beau inwardly cringed but hugged her mother back tightly.

“I’ll miss you too mom, I’ll call you as soon as I can after landing,” Beau said looking into her mother's eyes. She was worried about leaving the harebrained women alone a lot of the time.

“Okay,” her mother said.

After a few more minutes of goodbyes, Beau got on the plane, grabbing her iPod out of her backpack once electronics were allowed on and closed her eyes to let the music in her earbuds drift her to another reality. A reality where this wasn’t happening, where everything felt like it wasn’t falling apart... where she didn’t feel so confused.

Beau didn’t know when she had fallen asleep but the stewardess woke her up as the plane was landing. She was groggy as she got off the plane, finally able to take her little plant friend out of her backpack and let it get some real air. Her eyes landed on Charlie almost immediately and she walked to him, in his police uniform.

“Hey, Bell’s,” Charlie said softly, instead of hug he reached and took her suitcase, despite the fact she would rather carry it herself.

“Hey dad,” she said, internally begging for the awkwardness to die down.

“How was the flight?” he said as he started walking her out and lead her -- to her horror -- the police car.

“It was... okay,” she said after a pause, nodding a bit.

They got in and left the airport, Beau leaned back in her seat, the radio playing some old rock station on low, with bands probably from her dad’s teenage years. She couldn’t help but tap her foot along to some of the songs. Beau expected the ride there to be painfully silent, and she almost preferred the, but her father spoke up.

“so I know you wanted to get a car of some sort,”

“Um... yeah, having my own ride would be nice,” she said.

“Well uh... I found this truck for pretty cheap, it had just been fixed up and runs like a dream” Charlie said.

Beau felt herself sigh, the ‘cheap’ part worried her, she just expected to have to walk to school or suffer the embarrassment of having the ride the police chiefs car for a while before getting her own car.

“How cheap are we talking?” she asked.

“Well… actually I already got it off of Billy Black for free... do you remember him?” he asked.

Beau silently shook her head and sighed. Perfect. Beau hated that she might be driving a clunker that would draw unwanted attention to her way. But she tried to stay a little positive, at least no rides from the chief to school! Beau felt a small sigh leave her lips and she looked out the window, as both of them let that silence creep over the car again and this time it stayed that way.

Charlie finally pulled up to his house, the first thing Beau’s eyes landed on was the house, it looked like it had never changed, a small tire swing hung from one of the trees from, a small attempt her father made to give the house more appeal to come back to for Beau. Then her eyes went to the big red Chevy truck parked in her father's driveway, to Beau surprise, she loved it.

“Oh my god, Dad... that's mine?” she asked looking at Charlie.

Beau’s father seems pleased with his daughter reaction and smiled giving a sharp nod “yes mam’ all yours” he said. Beau ignored the dreadful feeling she got from those words, she didn’t know why she felt so... detached from them but she had gotten used to that feeling that it was almost normal for her heart to sink and stomach to lurch a little each time someone said something like that.

“Well get out go have a look at it!” her dad encouraged.

Beau nodded and quickly got out of Charlie's car slinging her backpack over her shoulder and quickly walked over to the truck. Charlie was left with the task of grabbing her suitcase out of the car before joining Beau by the truck. Beau’s eyes lit up looking at the truck. Big, sturdy, definitely old, but safe.

“It's perfect!” she said looking at Charlie.

“Well I’m glad you like it Bells” Charlie smiled placing his hand on her shoulder it was meant to be a loving gesture, no doubt, but it seemed to make both of them uncomfortable, he quickly retracted his hand.

Beau smiled softly and they walked inside together. Her dad lead her to her room, a dull pink, from when her father had first painted it, in the corner a rocking chair that has small bits of paint chipped off. The only thing he seems to have changed is the fact the bed was now a twin sized mattress, instead of a crib, and there was now a desk with a computer that looked like it belonged back in the 1980s hooked up to the phone line. Beau could only guess it would make that horrible dial-up sound each time she wanted to go on the internet, she would try to keep her internet usage limited to emailing and of course skype calls if the internet would even be able to handle that. May use that car money for a laptop.

Beau looked over toward her father and smiled, her father set down her suitcase before clapping his hands.

“Right... I’ll leave you to get settled then,” he said.

Beau nodded and watched as he left the room, that was the best thing about Charlie, he didn’t hover. She could cry if she wanted to, now that there was no one around to see her, so she let out a few tears as she unpacked everything from her suitcase. Dinner with Charlie went smoother than expected, and after a shower, she turned in early. Beau didn’t sleep very well, considering the rain outside felt too loud hitting against the roof, and the occasional scraping of the tree against her window. Only after throwing on her headphones and pulling the blankets over her head did she manage to actually get some rest.

The next morning she still felt tired but got dressed and tried not to spend to long looking in the mirror and obsessing over the way her clothes hugged her body. She grabbed her basically empty backpack and ran down the stairs to see her father was already gone, most days would probably be like this, but she didn’t mind that, she even found herself planning try and wake up a little earlier so she could have the house to herself and maybe even cook some breakfast. Beau walked over to the pantry and looked through her father's food her eyes finally settling on a box of blueberry pop tarts, she grabbed one of the packets and put them into the toaster glancing back and forth between the toaster and clock while waiting for them to warm up. When they popped up she grabbed the hot pop tarts out of the toaster hissing slightly as she put them on a napkin and running to her car throwing the hood of her oversized sweater over her head, she got into her truck as quickly as possible and put the pop tarts on her cup holder breaking off pieces as she drove her car to the small collection of buildings that made up the Forks High School. Multiple  small square buildings, Beau assumed that each building probably held one or two classes at most.

   Beau drove around the parking lot for awhile before eventually finding a parking spot for her truck. She parked, getting out and walking to what looked like the main building. She went in pausing a moment before walking up the front desk and were an overly cheery, plump women with tight curls in her hair sat.

“Hello dear,” the women said cheerfully, her smile almost hurt Beau’s cheeks.

“Hi... I’m Bea- Isabella Swan” Beau said forcing herself not the flinch at the name.

“Oh! Isabella, my you have grown, Charlie hasn’t stopped talking about you since he heard you were coming up to live with him!” she said excitedly “oh I’ll get you your schedule and a map, your teachers will give you your books, but I also have a slip that you need your teachers to sign” she rambled as she got to work grabbing stuff from her desk.

Beau sat there and nodded politely as the women, which by the name tag was named Mrs.Mongo, over explained everything, eventually though Beau was able to mumble a quick goodbye and make her escape. She walked to her truck burying her nose into the map trying to burn it into her memory so she wouldn’t have to look at it later while walking around the school. Beau just wanted to blend in and if she was lucky to go unnoticed the whole day, and if she was even luckier go the whole year without any unwanted attention. Once Beau was sure she knew the lay out of the school, she shoved the map, along with her schedule into the pocket of her hoodie and walked toward her first class building. English.

Almost right away as she entered the building, Beau felt eyes on her, getting a look at the ‘new girl’, it made her hair stand on end to know so many people were looking at her. Just breath. she walked up the teacher and gave her the slip.

“Ah, Isabella Swan,” the teacher said.

Beau couldn’t stop herself from flinching this time “Bella” she corrected, she would rather be called Bella if she had to choose between the two. The teacher just nodded and signed the sheet, before handing her a book from the desk they were by.

“You can sit wherever if free, we don’t have any seating arrangements in this classroom” the women smiled.

Beau nodded and walked to a desk at the back of the room and sat down, hugging herself slightly as she got comfortable and tried to blend in with the seat.

“Like vultures aren’t they?” a girls voice caught her attention and Beau looked to see a black hair girl with glasses and a slightly shy smile had been the one to speak to her first.

“Sorry?” Beau said.

“Everyone staring... like vultures looking at prey,” she said her confidence seeming to waver now.

Beau glanced around at the people making quick glances at her, while others full on staring at her and not bothering to hid it “Yeah... like vultures” she agreed to make the girl smile.

“I’m Angela, your Isabella right?” she asked.

“Just Bella” Beau corrected.

“Okay well, Just Bella, what's your next class?” she asked.

Beau grabbed the crumpled up piece of paper from her hoodie pocket and uncrumpled it staring at the schedule “um... history?” she said after a small bit.

“cool I can walk you there, that right next to the biology building,” Angela said before going quiet as the teacher started the lesson.

Angela did walk her to her class, chatting idly as they walked. Angela was a friendly shy type, apologizing every now and then for saying something, hugging her books to her chest as they walked, going on about the school paper she worked for. Beau didn’t mind, it was endearing in a way. During history, she met another boy named Eric, who knew Angela and also worked for the paper, and Beau ended up having another person walk her to her next class. Pretty much up until lunch she had people willing to walk with her to classes, so she never had to look at the map again. It was a lot of correcting people about her name ‘its Bella’ she would say, sounding dead, probably looking unemotional as she could, blocking out her feelings about it. It made her miss James and her friends back home even more, they knew her name was Beau, and they didn’t question why she wanted to be called it. She didn’t even know why she preferred it, but she did.

As a child she had innocently asked her mother what her name would have been if she was born a boy, he mother had said ‘Beaufort’ even as a kid she thought that was a little much, she would tell people that was her name, including James when she first met him, it ended up getting shortened to just ‘Beau’ later on. However, her mother found out and scolded her for lying to people. Since then, Beau would only tell people she trusted her name. One of those people was James, and most of James’ friends.

Beau went to lunch being walked by another boy she had met during math named Mike Newton, he was an overly friendly, overly cheery type of guy, he insisted on walking her to other classes and lunch. He was sweet though, and Beau didn’t have the heart to tell him to ease off a little or leave her alone. She took out her phone and took a tray to grab her food. She saw a message from James and smiled.

‘Hey Beau, hope Forks rain didn’t melt you ~ any cute boys? Oh! by the way, I’m going to email you a link to an article I think you need to read. I really want you to be comfortable in that new school, and it might help you’

‘I’m not completely a witch, so I didn’t melt... yet. No cute boys yet but I promise to sneak pictures for you if  I do see any. Though I think one of the guys that have been showing me around you would totally fall for, he’s the dork type, I think he plays some sort of sport here because he has a letterman jacket... you’re still into those types, right? I’ll check my email later and read the article. Better not be anything weird or I’ll take a flight out just to punch you. I’ll call you after I call mom tonight ~ miss you so fucking much xoxo’

Beau sighed as she sent it and put her phone back in her pocket before getting dragged away by Mike over to a table where Eric, Angela, Mike and another girl she had briefly met named Jessica sat. Beau couldn’t help but think about James trying to flirt with Mike and getting shot down, or maybe not... It's had only been a say since she left and she was already thinking about how much she just wanted to be at lunch with James poking fun at some of the people in her school. She sighed and grabbed a carrot stick as the people around her talking, and tried to ask her questions. Beau did her best to answer and not seem rude, they were all being so nice and she hated to just throw their kindness away. Her eyes flickered around the cafeteria taking in the type of people sitting together, they eventually landed on a group of pale, slightly older looking people, some of them looked like they would be more college-age then high school age.

   “Hey... who are they?” she asked, making the group she was sitting with follow her gaze.

   “those are the Cullens” Mike scowled a bit... Beau's eyes met Mikes for a moment before looking back to the Cullens.

   “They all live together and their all dating, it’s like... totally weird but... the black hair pixie looking one is Alice” Jessica started explaining “and the one that looks like he’s in pain is Jasper, their an item the really buff, tall one is Emmett, and the blond one is Rosalie, they’re together” she said quietly.

Beau looked at all of them as she pointed them out, she tried not to make it obvious but that was kind of hard when they all looked breathtakingly beautiful, she had to stop herself from staring to long.

   “Oh and that one coming in,” Jessica said her tone turning slightly sour “Is Edward Cullen, totally gorgeous, but don’t get your hopes up of asking him out... apparently, he’s too good for anyone in this school” she said.

Beau could guess that Jessica probably asked him out and got shot down, her eyes went to the male and she sucked in a breath. He had auburn hair, a chiseled jaw, everything about him -- like his sibling -- seemed absolutely perfect. She could have sworn she saw Edward laughing at the comment Jessica made, but she wasn’t sure. Beau quickly looked away and back to her ‘friends’.

“They all live with Dr.Cullen and his wife,” Angela said with a small smile.

“Dr.Cullen, by the way, is totally dreamy too, I wouldn’t mind if he adopted me,” Jessica said.

Angela giggled and Beau saw Mike roll his eyes out of the corner of her eye, she gave him a small smile, it was obvious Mike didn’t like the Cullen’s, though Beau couldn’t care enough to ask why. The conversation went back to asking Beau questions and giving half-assed answers in a return. Today was going to be long.

[thestateofardadreaming]

“it’s just a cut, really.” + Charlie centric [last one, promise]

Sorry for taking more time for this one... I couldn’t decide on what to write. I wanted to best for Charlie! I really enjoyed writing this one, hope you like it.

“It’s just a cut, really.“ Charlie heard herself say the words out loud. Connor nodded and walked away to check on his dad. She could feel the blood seeping out and sticking to her jacket, but she didn’t make a move to take it off.

Those words were still ringing in her ears. They were her own words, she had repeated them countless time. The first time she did was after her father died.

It’s just a cut, really. Cuts always heal and they don’t leave a scar. Maggie used to say something like that. Who would have thought losing her would cut through her skin?

Danny died in front of her. Another cut, A deep one, the deepest perhaps.

Nora was so good, so strong… The scar was fading away. A sliver only. Nora was a trail blazer, role model. And she was gone. Another slash, longer this time. Just a cut, Charlie, just a cut. Mom might help, mom is just a mother who doesn’t give a damn about her own daughter. Will this cut ever heal? Will her skin ever become iron platted?

Killing off what destroyed her in the first time would help. Charlie shook her head when she thought about her hunt to find Monroe.. .Bass. She saw him standing in the distance, talking to Connor. The scar was thin, fine. Just a cut, a long long time ago. She was all patched up now, stronger for it.

She saw something in the shadows, a face she thought she knew and she was gasping for air. Jason! Died in her arms. So much blood, so much pain. It couldn’t be just a cut… Could it? The blade had stuck into her skin, breaking off from the handle. It was just a cut, a constant pain that could never leave. Shards that would forever stay under her skin, in her bloodstream, forever creeping closer to her heart.

She sat down by the campfire. She didn’t know half of the faces around her. She could hear Miles barking an order. Was it Bass contradicting him? Didn’t really matter. They were all back from another successful raid against the Patriots. Victory was good enough for tonight.

She gritted her teeth as she took off her jacket. Sometimes she wished that they never won. What would happen once the patriots were gone? What would fill the darkness… The emptiness. What would keep the cuts out of her mind? What would cover her scars? What would she do? All she knew was how to fight.

She peered at her arm in the dim flickering light. Yeah. Just a cut. Well.. A deep cut that needed to be cleaned up. There were no infirmary on the field. They were their own doctors. One of the recruits had some medical training, something about his dad being a doctor before the blackout. But he was busy with the people who were truly injured. Charlie took out her knife and dipped the blade into the fire. She was used to it. She was used to tending her own injuries, cuts and bruises.

She barely hissed as the hot blade cauterized the injury. She bit into the sleeved of her jacket, she had shoved in her mouth. It hurt but soon it would feel better. 

“Captain?“ It was one of the younger recruits. She could see that both Generals were surrounded by people, as usual, probably too busy for the less assertive ones.

“Yeah?“ She croaked out. She needed a drink desperately but her dizziness was increasing. It wasn’t just a cut, Charlie, she reprimanded her self. She stood up shakily and gestured to the man to continue.

“My brother.. He.. I think he was left behind. I have to get him back.“

No, no tears. Her eyes were dry as she nodded. She took the bottle of moonshine from his hand and finished it off.

“But General Matheson said it was too dangerous to go back.“

“I’ll deal with him.“ She squeezed his shoulder as she made her way to Miles.  It was better to deal with this right away, better than think about Danny... Better than think about the time when she used to have that same stubborn hope in her eyes. Cuts, wounds, they eventually heal. You even forget about the scars carved into your skin, until you see someone who’s about to go under the knife… Just like you. Charlie swallowed back her feeling as she reached Miles and Bass.

“How you’re doing kid?“

“Connor said it was only a cut?“ Bass voice echoed her uncle’s concern. Lucky Charlie, she might not know what it was to have an average family, but at least, she did have a pair of Generals, and a Captain who cared. Killing machines with feelings. Strange strange world. She had to take a deep breath, the dizziness was growing.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Hendrickson said his brother was left behind.“

“Unfortunate. Can’t risk more men.“ Miles sounded unconcerned. Perhaps it was the only way one could survive in this endless war. One couldn’t go on feeling. Feelings got you killed. Feeling go you gutted.

“We have to go back.“ She hated how her voice was breaking as she spoke.

“Come on Charlotte.“  Bass was of course in agreement with Miles. They were men of war. Their armor was thick. Did they even still get nipped like she did?  Slashed? Pared into pieces? Dissected into mush?

Of course not. They were Monroe & Matheson. All the Patriots’ children knew their names by heart and had nightmares of these heartless monsters.

“Please.“ Both men shared a look. Miles was shaking his head and looking away. Bass was clenching his jaw, also keeping his gaze away from her face. Were her eyes watering? Damn it. She couldn’t embarrass herself. It had taken years for them to learn to respect her as a fighter.

“At least talk to him.“ She tried again, keeping her voice from shaking.

“Ok.. Alright. Just this once,“ conceded Miles as took a few steps towards the campfire. They all knew it wasn’t just this once. Bass didn’t move an inch, he didn’t look please at all. She knew it by the way he was crinkling his forehead. He finally looked at her and she aimed her gaze into his, hoping he wouldn’t see that she was thinking about Danny.

Miles knew, of course. He had known her when she was desperately trying to save her little brother, still dewy and bright. But Bass? He had truly started to know her as Charlotte Matheson, the girl who wasn’t afraid of anything. The girl who wouldn’t stop fighting. Even if any animosity had been watered down, she still didn’t like the idea of him knowing that side of her : The Charlie Matheson that had been crushed by his Republic.

“Between you and your… Rachel, you’ve really got Miles walking the line.“ Rachel was just a specter, long gone before the fight really began. 

She shrugged, “well why don’t you stop him?“

He shook his head, his hand finding his way to her shoulder. “Nah.“ She was no longer feeling dizzy. “Because you’re right.“ He spoke in such a low voice that she wasn’t even sure she heard him. He looked away.

Most of the times, she forgot there had been a man everyone called Bass before General Monroe rose. But tonight, in the wavering light, she could see him as plain as day. Underneath all the blood and gore, young Bass was still there.  She could even see a hint of concern in his eyes but he had walked away before she could react.

Connor was standing at her elbow. He must have been a witness to her taking down both generals. He was looking amused.

“You’ve really got these two under your thumb.“

“Not you too…“ She rolled her eyes.She needed food in her system before she collapsed. She made her way back to the campfire. Someone was mixing up some kind of broth. It smelled foul. But she wanted to be alert enough to help getting back the other Hendrickson boy.

Her arm was still throbbing but she was good at ignoring pain. She knew it would recede. Having warm food in her belly was doing wonder to her body and mind.

Beyond the fire, she could see both Generals talking to Hendrickson. It looked like they were gathering intel and preparing a rescue mission of some sort. It was too dark to see their faces clearly… but she knew they must at least be as tired and beaten as she was. Miles looked a bit bent and Bass was putting all his weight on his right leg. They were also good at ignoring their own pain. After all, she had learned from the best. They were known as the worst monsters the United States had ever seen, but she knew better.

They were no killing machines. They were her family.

Of course they knew what it was too be sliced into pieces…  How else would they understand that she refused to see anyone suffer the same pain on her watch?

[esmeralda-anistasia]

#this is the Oops My Hand Slipped Series#so that's only appropriate#it's not the Cabbage Man and Toph part I was wrong that comes later#this is the Rookie With A Li Is Prince Zuko Conspiracy Board Gets Partnered With Li (Who Is Prince Zuko Oh God He's Going To Die) buddy fic#just some wholesome fear of death for everyone#going to let the outline percolate a little to make sure I didn't miss any plot threads#maybe writing later in the month? we'll see#going to go putz in my garden now the weather is beautiful and I need to kill the horrible creeping grass before I can plant#I have decided on ignoring the creeping charlie this year if it stays low and plays nice with the real plants than I can just#not stress about it for every after#I'VE GOT MY EYES ON YOU CREEPING CHARLIE#BEHAVE YOURSELF#the grass does NOT behave itself it gets tall and gives me PAPERCUTS and TICKS#DIE GRASS DIE

Next Dark Night in Ba Sing Se part! Is! Fully outlined!

...And so is the majority of series in lesser detail because oops my hand slipped.