#One of my parents friends luggage was also lost there

[voormaligskischansspringer]

Praying that this time all of the equipment from the Germans will make it to Japan

[siriuslynettey]

See Previous Chapter Here!

PLATINUM

[The Lost Pater]

New Friends and New Fears

[Chapter 2]

“Who’s going first?” A woman turned to her family and asked. None of them had the chance to answer before the tallest one sprinted towards the brick pillar into the train station. Her and the cart she pushed full of her belongings disappeared in the blink of an eye, entering Platform 9 ¾ .

Ophelia and Remus approached closer to the platform entrance, other families stood next to them, saying their goodbyes. Ophelia stared at the brick pillar while Remus stared at her, knowing his daughter was scared, but also knowing she wouldn’t admit it.

“Something that I learned when going to Hogwarts,” Remus leaned on Ophelia's luggage trolley, lowering to her height. “Is that magic, at first, is very scary, because it’s so foreign to us. Most people have enough common sense to know you’re not supposed to run into a brick wall. But Magic allows you to do it. But it’s still scary of course, the first time you do it”

Ophelia kept taking deep breaths, his soft words, that he was always able to beautifully string together, calmed her down.

“The first time you enter this platform, the first class you take, every new spell you cast, is terrifying, but once you do it, it’s so much fun.” Ophelia turned to look at her father, who was already giving her a reassuring smile. “You are going to have the time of your life, it’s going to be so much fun, Ophelia. It just so happens that the first thing you need to do is run right into that brick pillar…but I know you can do it.” Ophelia took a deep breath and nodded.

“Can we do it together?” She asked, to which Remus immediately agreed. His daughter had just started getting to the age where she barely asked for her dad’s help. Although he respected her boundaries, he never minded when his support was needed.

So the two sprinted towards the platform entrance, luggage trolleys in hand. Ophelia tightly closed her eyes right before, reaching the brick pillar. She barely felt a thing before she opened her eyes and saw the new world around her.

“See? That was easy, right?” Ophelia nodded quickly, now a big smile on her face. “Okay, we’re running a little late, so we should find some seats quickly.”

The two entered the train and started weaving through the people, searching for an empty compartment. After not finding one, Ophelia stopped in front of a room with one girl, sitting alone.

“Uhm, dad…” Ophelia avoided eye contact with Remus, he immediately picked up that she wanted to sit with other kids by herself.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make my way to the professor's car, I wouldn’t want to embarrass you.” He chuckled.

“It’s not that you’d embarrass me…” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I’m just not sure if other kids want my dad sitting with them.”

“I understand, be good, I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Once Remus left, Ophelia knocked on the side of the doorway of the compartment with the girl who sat alone. She looked up with a smile on her face.

“Er, do you mind if I sit here?...I understand if you don’t want me to.” Because this was her first Hogwarts express ride, she wasn’t sure if it would be frowned upon by other kids to ask to sit in “their” compartment.

“Oh, yeah! For sure!” The girl excitedly replied. Ophelia felt her tense shoulders relax, and put her carry on in the overhead storage, and sat Salem in his cat carrier right next to her.

“Ooo, what’s your cat's name?’’ The girl excitedly asked.

“His name’s Salem, I just got him a month ago.” Ophelia slumped over to look at Salem, who had calmed down since the car ride.

“Lucky, my parents said I had to wait until my third year to get a pet.” Ophelia looked out the train window, watching the crowd of families become smaller. “My name’s Jas, by the way, well, Jasmine…but I prefer Jas.”

“I’m Ophelia. Are you a first year too?”

“Yeah, but I have two older brothers so I-” The two girls were interrupted by a boy yelling outside their compartment. They gave each other confused looks before standing up to look outside the door.

“So let me get this straight, you had the opportunity to take a cat or an owl, and you chose a rat?” A boy with a large group behind him hovered over another boy who was leaning up against the wall with a rat in his hand. Although Ophelia didn’t care for rats, and definitely wouldn’t ever have one as a pet, she felt bad for the boy…and his rat.

“Hey, don’t talk to him like that.” Ophelia abruptly yelled at the group. Everyone turned their heads to look at her. The boy and the girl who were the two main patronizers, both stepped toward her.

The girl's eyes wandered to Ophelia’s hair. She snickered at the sight of her platinum white hair, something Ophelia had been insecure with since she could remember. It wasn’t uncommon for strangers' eyes to go straight to the top of her head, then her eyebrows, then her eyelashes, that all dawned the same white strands, it also wasn’t uncommon for people to mention it, and she figured this group wasn’t the type to bite their tongue.

“That’s a lot of talk from someone who chooses to dye their hair...and eyebrows....and eyelashes, such an awful colour.” The girl smirked at her uncreative insult.

“Her’s is all natural, unlike whatever incoherent, unkempt mess you have going on.” Jas snapped back, referring to the girl's inharmonious array of colours in her hair.

“Be careful of who you make your enemies, you wouldn’t want to start the year off wrong.” The boy stepped forward himself, slightly towering over Ophelia and Jas.

Jas stepped forward, inserting herself between the boy and Ophelia. "Oh please, save your threats for someone who actually takes you seriously. I’d be more concerned about your fashion sense...they don’t allow entrance into Slytherin, which you so desperately seem to want, based on the way you dress.” She looked the group up and down, referring to their purposely tattered black coloured clothing. "You should focus on being less of a cliché and more of your own person.”

The boy clenched his jaw and looked back at his group. “C’mon, let’s go. These freaks aren't worth our time.” Jas outwardly laughed at his weak response, which made their sour faces turn even more scrunched, while Ophelia chose to hide her smile.

Jas and Ophelia watched them mope away, then both turned their heads to the boy with the rat, whose head still layed low.

“I think rats are cool by the way,” Jas spoke up. “At least it’s not a toad.” The boy looked up and smiled.

“Do you want to sit with us? I think the train is about to start moving. And we have room for another.” The boy happily agreed, and they all walked into the compartment, closing the door behind them.

“Your hair colour is natural, right?” Jas asked Ophelia, hoping her comeback was accurate.

Ophelia laughed and confirmed that her hair colour was, in fact, real.

“I’m Gallagher by the way.” The boy sat next to Jas and introduced himself. Salam, starting hissing loudly from the crate Ophelia held him in.

“Salem, calm down.” Ophelia turned the opening of the crate towards her face to quiet the cat down. “Sorry, maybe he’s just a little nervous to be on the train.”

They spent the majority of the train ride getting to know each other. Ophelia started, explaining to them how it was just her and her dad living in a quiet suburb right outside of Cardiff, which they had just moved to recently after living in England her whole life, and how her dad was going to be a professor.

“No way!”

“Is he teaching first year?” They both inquired

“Yeah, he’s the new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher, so we’ll all have him.” Ophelia answered.

“That’s cool…” Jas voice tattered off before continuing. “Is he cool…or..I mean…is he the type to give a lot of homework?” This made Ophelia giggle, which assured Jas her question wasn’t too rude.

“I’m not sure, this is his first time teaching ever…he didn’t even tell me he got the job until a month ago.” Ophelia shrugged. “But he’s a good dad so, I can’t see him being horrible.”

Jas had told them how she and her family lived in London, and that her parents were not wizards, but both her and her brothers were.

Gallagher explained that he was an only child and his parents lived in Hogsmeade, and went into depth about how his parents were quite upset that he had to ride the train to a school he lived a 15 minute walk from.

It was a very foggy, glum day, so Ophelia found herself almost drifting to sleep a lot.

“Look, you can see the dementors.” Jas pointed toward the window.

Large, shadowy figures flew through the air around the train, the windows frosting everytime they got too close.

“Is that normal? Why are they here?” Ophelia asked, continuing to watch the scary figures fly by.

“You didn’t see? A prisoner from Azkaban escaped, there are posters all over Kings Cross. Apparently he was the first to do it” Gallagher answered her questions while eating treats from the trolley. He noticed the terrified look that remained on her face, despite his casualness to the situation. “It’s nothing to worry about, they’ll catch him eventually.” He reassured her.

“It’s just..they look so..terrifying.” Ophelia commented.

“That’s why no one else has escaped Azkaban, they suck all the happiness out of you, it takes away the prisoners' motivation so they don’t even want to escape.”

“Who was it? What did he do?” Ophelia asked, her eyes still glued to the window.

“Sirius Black…the posters are all over Hogsmeade. I can’t remember what he did, but it had to have been bad to be sent to Azkaban for life without even having a trial.” Gallagher explained.

“If I were him I would go off the grid completely, live my best life in the middle of nowhere.” Jas added, consuming her own treats as she watched the window like it was a film.

“Unless he has unfinished business.” Gallagher shrugged. Both girls turned in his direction, both slightly chuckling while also being taken aback by his words. “Just saying…especially if he had been working with Vo-” He stopped himself, and looked a bit embarrassed. “You Know Who.”

“You Know Who is gone…he was defeated in the war.” Ophelia argued. Remus had explained very little to her about the war, despite her curiosity. But each time, he assured her that “He” was gone.

“Defeated, not dead. They make a point to not say dead, just in case he comes back, some sort of liability thing…at least that’s what my parents say.” Gallagher commented.

“How do you know so much about it?” Jas asked.

“My parents are doomsdayers, people who believe another wizarding war will break out any second. Sometimes I think they are hoping for another war, just to prove to themselves that they're ready.”

“They sound like fun…” Ophelia remarked, making the other two laugh.

The train came to a sudden stop, jolting the children's bodies in their seats. Ophelia grabbed hold of Salem's carrier and Gallgher tightened his grip on his rat. All three of the kids got close to the window, fear settling in them.

“Why have we stopped?” Ophelia whispered, wanting to keep quiet, but not knowing why. No one replied, because of their own fear, but also because they hadn’t had an answer.

The windows turned cold and froze over, the air became more dense and a breath of fog flew in the air with every breath. Every compartment door flew open, and screams could be heard throughout the train.

“Please remain in your seats. Please remain in your seats.” An intercom voice beckoned over the train speakers. “There is an undocumented passenger on the train, please remain in your seats.”

Everyone froze, feeling sick to their stomachs. Ophelia felt numb and unable to even blink, but she kept her eyes on the door of the compartment. Although she didn’t know what he looked like, she imagined Sirius Black bursting through the door with a knife in hand, screaming at the top of his lungs, like a cheesy horror movie.

While the image replayed in her head, a figure jumped into the compartment opening, causing Ophelia, Jas, and Gallagher to scream at the top of their lungs.

“Dad!” Ophelia yelled, after realising who it was. Remus rushed himself into the compartment, embracing his daughter who jumped into his arms. “What’s happening?”

Remus ignored her question and looked around the room. “Is it just you three? Has anyone else come in here?”

“No-no it’s just us.” Remus also ignored her reply and looked under the seats and in the overhead compartments.

A large, ghostly looking hand grasped the door frame behind him. Ophelia watched the hand with wide eyes, but her mouth refused to speak any words. Remus looked at his daughter's terrified expression and followed her line of vision to the door. Jas and Gllagher ran to the other side of the room where Ophelia sat behind Remus.

The hand was now a dementor standing in front of them. Remus sat down with the children, placing his left arm behind him to cover them and the pets they clutched onto.

“He’s not here.” Remus firmly stated. The dementor creepily turned its head toward Remus, before taking a last glance at the room and exiting, closing the door behind it.

Everyone let out the breath they had been holding, Jas and Gallagher went back to their respective seats. Ophelia's blank stare stayed on the door.

“Phie,” Remus turned towards her, trying to break her out of her lifeless trance. “It’s alright.”

“Is he here? On the train? Sirius Black?” She asked, just above a whisper, tears welling out of fear. Remus gave a similar blank stare to his daughter, his stomach dropping hearing her say his name.

“m-N-No. I don’t know. If he is, they'll find him.”

See Next Chapter Here!

[inglorionamy-ammy]

Of Home and Haven (Ch4/6)

Chapter snippet:

The time has come for you and Gale to gather before your friends and families. A wedding, a departure, and some revelation.

Summary: A tender tale between an outlander barbarian and a scholarly wizard, navigating life, love, and belonging (aka. What "being together" means for them) in Waterdeep and beyond.

Pairing: Half-orc Barbarian F!Tav X Gale Mature

Word count: 3.5k

@senualothbrok: As always, my wonderful beta.

AO3 link: Here

Chapter Three: Here

[This chapter's illustration hides at the end ;)]

You have a dream; no, you never recall those fleeting fabrications of the mind. This is a memory.

You remember standing at the edge of the misty forest. As the first ray of sunshine lit up the vast plains before you, you took your first step.

You felt Da’s gaze, steady and proud. You heard Ma’s voice.

“Go, my love, my savage daughter,” she whispered, so as not to break the tranquility of the moment. “Weave your tale with your steps, one at a time. Perhaps one day, you’ll find your path back here again. But if not, then you’ll go far and wide, and be the fiercest of them all.”

So, you march, unwavering, towards the breaking dawn.

--

You feel Gale stir, finally. You woke up three hours ago, and have already packed your luggage and eaten your breakfast. Now you are back in bed to cradle him.

He moans hoarsely. You can almost hear his wince. Smiling with closed eyes, you reach forward and press slow circles between his shoulder blades with your thumb, eliciting a sigh of relief.

“Morning, my love,” he yawns, “I appreciate the effort, but for it to be truly effective, you may have to massage a much wider area, namely, my whole body.” He barks a surprised laugh when you reach straight to his morning erection.

--

Instead of using the teleportation scroll that Gale painstakingly prepared for all the guests, your parents have opted to travel on foot to Waterdeep. Ma explains apologetically that they would love to be on the road again, for nostalgic reasons. Gale beams with adoration, and almost successfully hides his slight disappointment. Only you see through how much he longs to immediately return to his tower for your shared four-poster bed.

Still, ever the gentleman, he refuses Ma’s suggestion for you two to go ahead without them. You gratefully give his lower back a comforting little rub as a promise of later massages, cheering his spirit up a bit.

“An escort mission it is, then!” Ma’s eyes twinkle with excitement.

Da grunts his agreement, swiftly throwing her luggage on his back, together with his full-battle equipment and traveling pack. Being on the road again clearly delights him. Following suit, you also lift Gale’s luggage off the ground, and when he protests, you lift him up as well. Ma’s ringing chortle echoes in the forest. 

Da takes a final long look at the hut and everything else they have built over the past three decades, flooded in warm sunlight. One piece at a time, your parents had turned the desolate land into somewhere you could be birthed safely and called home. Ma quietly leans against his arm, listening to the sound of the waterwheel, lost in thoughts. You hold Gale’s hand a bit tighter than necessary. He frowns, puzzled, but he won’t be for long. You know his brilliant mind will soon connect the dots, just as you had silently found out the truth five days ago, when your Da dueled you under the moonlight.

“IT’S TIME,” Da decides.

With that, you turn and leave.

--

Your father has always been a silent man. He never really sits down and tells tales like Ma does, including his own. But he doesn’t need to. You can observe.

You saw how among all enemies he destroyed orcs with the most intense hatred. Every time, he would mark their bodies at the back of their neck, the same place where he has a scar.

You saw how hard he trained you to be self-reliant and dominant, so that you would never fall prey to any malicious intent, no matter who you might encounter. Never subservient, never a slave.

You saw how he hoarded gold and jewelries in the secret basement under the hut, things that were worth nothing in this forest but were worth a fortune in any nearby settlements, and pressed the keys into Ma’s hand, preparing for the inevitable.

You saw his eyes soften with affection, when you and Ma had laughed over some witty jokes Gale made, and he thought no one else was watching him. You saw his silver dreadlocks, once dark but now fully grayed, glowing under the moonlight. You saw him training, harder than ever, ready for the road again. You know he has made his choice.

--

One evening, you and Gale are sitting next to the campfire, alone at last. Earlier, your parents had retired for the night, saying that they would like to stargaze together at a nearby ruin.

At first, you had wanted to bear the secret alone for a little longer, to not overshadow his joy for the approaching wedding. Yet, you can recognize the look of hesitation and the urge to know on his face, so you prepare for his enquiry.

“There’s more to this trip, isn’t there,” he starts, carefully choosing his words. “There’s something…solemn, about it,” a nervous chuckle, “I certainly hope that it wasn’t inspired by our union.”

You immediately shake your head. Nothing is further from the truth. In fact, Da would not make this decision if he had found Gale unworthy. 

“No,” you pause, “Just that Da is about to leave.”

“Leave?” He raises an eyebrow, “What, you mean, alone? And at this age—”

He halts, realization hitting him. He has read every scattered piece of research he could find on half-orcs. Not much was written on culture, since many assumed your kind don’t have that. But a great deal on your physicality was available. He knows that half-orcs mature faster than humans, that at sixteen they are considered an adult, at fifty an elder, and most don’t live much longer than sixty. For a robust warrior like your Da, extra physical prowess came with the cost of quickened deterioration. In a few years’ time his health will sharply decline, and he will no longer be able to support his heavy, muscular physique, let alone wield it in a meaningful way. A weapon will turn into a burden.

You nod. With a pat you invite him to sit on your lap, a futile gesture of comfort. Still, you reach out to slowly apply soothing pressure to the muscle at the back of his neck, as you explain Da’s teachings.

“A half-orc does not die in bed with sickness and old age, immobile, mourned and pitied. They die in the battlefield, breathe their last breath as a warrior and are celebrated as one. It is in this way that those who cherish them will always remember them by their potency and glory, not by fragility and death.” His fights replay in your mind, always proud, always ready. “After the wedding, Ma and I will see him off.”

For a while Gale is quiet, and so is the world. The only sound you can hear is the fire crackling. You continue to knead into him, untangling the knots in his body. A moment later, he lets out a deep breath.

“Every time I think I have deciphered the truth of your heritage, I am always humbled by the limits of my understanding.”

He chuckles in resignation, then turns to you, his voice soft but burning with urgency.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way…but I might never be able to see the appeal in that. Back when I was afflicted, a lonely, brutal death had seemed to be my fate. I used to think I could embrace it, like some sort of martyr, and it was you, my love, who showed me otherwise.”

His palm moves to your hand on his shoulder and holds it, fingers intertwined.

“Now, without it, I’ve always hoped that my last moments would be spent in the arms of my beloved, surrounded by friends instead of foes.”

You think about that.

“That’s beautiful too,” you decide.

--

Five days before your wedding, Gale’s tower has turned into some kind of tavern. You watch him, in awe, as he uses scrolls combined with his own magic to remold the interior, stretching corridors, opening new rooms, and decorating them with a snap of his fingers. Ma claps with wonder, clearly enjoying the performance. Even Da nods his approval. Gale makes an exaggerated bow in gentlemanly fashion, barely hiding a smirk.

Halsin, the massive former archdruid, is the first to arrive. After a brief handshake, a big hug follows, and between the two of you Gale is thoroughly squeezed. Shadowheart arrives an hour later, silvery hair matched by a slivery gown. You only get to greet each other briefly before she is whisked away. Her elegant presence has attracted both the attention of Morena and your Ma, and as they chat away you sense Gale’s slight unease. Hidden childhood embarrassments are sure to be spilled. You politely fight the urge to listen in.

A day later, a sudden rush of sulphur fills the front yard, follows by a snap of the air. You and Da immediately spring into a battle stance, only to relax as Karlach and Wyll step out from the Hell’s portal, hand in hand. A warmth fills your heart.

“Wyll, my friend!” Gale shouts in excitement, pulling the man into a tight embrace.

With her lover occupied, Karlach looks around and spots your Da. The pair’s gazes lock, and wild grins are shared. After that, there isn’t a day that the tower is free of the sound of sparring. You sometimes join in as an effective way to flirt with Gale.

In the evening before the union, Astarion knocks on the door, face hidden under a cloak. The rogue rolls his eyes in feigned annoyance when Gale jokes how surprised he is that the man is in fact capable of knocking. Astarion however immediately gets his comeback when he silences you all with a removal of his cloak, revealing a red and black doublet with the most intricately golden embroidery you have ever seen, his own proud work. The vampire spawn is gorgeous.

“Well, my dear wizard, I could still offer some fashion advice for the most special day in your life, if you ask very nicely,” he purrs, dragging out every syllable.

It is late, but none of you are preparing to sleep. The ceremony starts tomorrow night so you suppose you can steal a rest the coming morning. Except for Lae’zel, Jaheira, and Minsc and Boo, who will be attending the ceremony directly, the whole party has once again gathered. There are too many drinks to down, songs to sing, and gossips to share. Shadowheart and Astarion have retreated to a corner, making sarcastic remarks with wine twirling in their hands. Halsin and Da somehow find themselves in an arm-wrestling contest with Ma as the judge, and you are amused to find Morena right next to her watching with bated breath, the two mothers nearly inseparable for the past few days. At the corner of your eye, Wyll is reporting to Tara on the arrangements for tomorrow, the Blade of Avernus heeding command from the mighty Tressym. You feel at home, at ease, with your favorite wizard reclining in your embrace.

Karlach walks over, slightly drunk.

“Soldier!” She salutes.

You hum, smiling, signaling her to sit beside you. Over the past days you have learnt that her war in the Hells is almost over, and she has gained more allies than any of you would have expected. The House of Hope is now a rebellion camp. You are so proud of her.

“Awww, you two are so sweet!”

She throws an arm around you and leans on your shoulder, her mechanical heartbeat loud and hot. You tilt your head slightly to give her space without bumping into her horns.

“I could say the same about you and Wyll!” Gale replies with a chuckle. “I have always suspected a spark. All it takes is some hells fire to ignite it.” His eyes are dreamy as he asks, “when will we be attending your wedding?”

“Oi, you!” Karlach swats his arm, making him wince. “Another word from you and I may end up hijacking your big day!”

That gets a throaty laugh. “I am not sure I’m opposed to that.” Gale glances up at you with his bright brown eyes. “My love, I suppose we have room for a double wedding?” He adds cheekily, “Please?”

“Making plans without me, hm?” Wyll walks over, standing in front of you all with mock parental disapproval, hands on hips. “I’m sorry to be the one who ruins the fun, but Lady Tara has ordered that the bride and the groom must be separated for the night, not to meet until the ceremony.”

Gale whines unceremoniously and you hold him tighter. “Make me,” you challenge.

Karlach lands a tickle attack.

Instantly the room breaks into chaos. As you and Karlach end up on the floor wrestling in laugher, and Wyll tries to pry Gale away while avoiding the kicks and grabs, you see Da shaking his head with a toothy grin.

He is contented.

--

The time has come for you and Gale to gather before your friends and families.

The ceremony is held at the Heroes’ Garden. When the band starts to play, you step forward with your parents. Two gigantic half-orcs and a delicate human woman proves to be quite a sight. You hold your head up high, letting the moon rays light up the gold braided in your hair and adorning your body.

The aisles of chairs are filled with faces both familiar and unfamiliar. The Dekarios clan does take up a large portion of the seats, all of its members transfixed with curiosity, except for Morena, who looks at you with warm encouragement. Several wizards in formal attire, which you assume are Gale’s closer colleagues, quirk their heads as you walk past.

In comparison, your companions’ reaction are much more passionate. You are grateful to see all of them make it on time. Lae’zel has arrived in the form of a slightly flickering astral projection as promised, giving you an approving nod. Minsc and Boo almost jump up from their seats in excitement, barely held down by Jaheira. You are also greeted by some jolly tieflings, among them Alfira, who is wiping her joyful tears. Next to her a dragonborn stranger is clinging to her, somehow sobbing harder. Even Omeluum and Blurg grace you with their presence, and behind them is Elminster, who has closed his eyes as if enchanted by the melody.

Then you see Jina hugging her two sons, one on each side. You smile and give her a little wave. The boys squeal in excitement, shaking their mother.

Only then do you finally, finally, allow yourself to gaze upon Gale Dekarios, your husband-to-be, standing before the altar in his full glory. He looks back at you with the same fervor, his eyes wide with amazement, as if he cannot believe his sight, his luck. As he slowly exhales, you can tell that he is trying hard to control his expression. Wyll, who is standing next to him, gives him a supportive little bump.

He is so beautiful, and in a moment, he will be yours. You will away a primal urge to claim him right then and there, and instead nod to Halsin, signaling for him to start the ceremony.

--

“And now, standing among Nature and the beauty of Oak Father’s abundant creation, the bride and the groom shall exchange these rings to seal the vows.”

Wyll brings out a pair of earrings, two simple golden pieces adorned with blue sapphires. You have chosen the form of an earring instead of one worn on the finger to avoid the jewelry getting in the way of a throwing fist. Gale has chosen the style, opting for stones that speak of loyalty, of the joining of your souls.

His tender fingers reach out to you, quivering slightly as he lets out a shaking breath. They glaze past your cheek before reaching their destination, and gently fix the small adornment on your left ear lobe. You grin at him, and he mirrors you.

You then reach for him, your thumb wiping away his tears in a featherlight stroke, before slipping to his ear. There his silver earring confronts you, dangling. You slowly remove it, resisting the urge to dump it somewhere far, and drop it into his palm.

Because for him, keeping the symbol of Mystra is less about clinging to a lost love than a continuous process to navigate her inevitable role in his life, for the past, the present, and the future. You know that as a wizard, he will always be connected to her in one way or another, but in what ways, he will have to decide for himself. For so long you have waited, and now the time has come. In the meantime, you silently replace the empty space with your shared symbol of love, giving him a new anchor.

When you are finished, he lowers his gaze to his open hand.

He closes it, and with a deep breath throws the earring into the pond behind you. Someone in the crowd cheers.

With that, you crush your lips into his. You are now as much of a Dekarios as he is a Riversong, your dancing tongues celebrating your union. His scent of sandalwood embraces you fully, as much as your musk, a mixture of the warmth of the sun and the freshness of the soil, fills up his world. You cup his face, pulling him even closer. 

“Welcome home,” he mumbles against your lips.

--

Some parts deep inside you wish the morning light would never come. You wonder, when you were sixteen and ready to leave, did your parents feel the same?

Yet after all the singing and dancing and feasting, the dawn does break, and now you are standing at the city gates of Waterdeep, with your parents and your new husband by your side.

More have come. Your companions, having now made the acquaintance of your father, march together from the garden to the gate. Karlach has picked a weapon with him from the collection you have built up during your shared adventure. You are still in your wedding dress, your dreadlocks styled by your mother into a gilded braid, spiraled like a crown on your head. A simple golden necklace sits on your exposed collarbones, shiny against your purplish skin. Ma told you that it was something she had worn on the day she followed Da into the wild. You touch its chain softly, worshipping the memory it carries.

Your father seems joyful. He has told you, with spoken words more verbose than usual, how honored he is to be seen off by the Heroes of Baldur’s Gate. A sign of fortune, of victory.

He stands in front of Gale and greets him with a bow. Gale, though with turmoil in his eyes, returns the gesture. You remember how Gale struggles to see absence as an act of love, growing up with a father who disappeared without a word, leaving him and his mother to mend their broken hearts.

Da then walks to Ma and cups her face with his palm. Gently, their foreheads rest against each other.

“ELENA, MY LOVE,” he says. “BE WELL.”

And Ma simply nods with a smile, eyes shimmering. Everything that needs to be said has already been conveyed through decades of companionship.

Finally, he walks to you.

“MY GIRL, DO NOT GRIEVE MY DEPARTURE.” He holds your gaze, intense as forge flame. “IN SOLITUDE WE COME, IN SOLITUDE WE GO. SUCH IS OUR PRIDE, THE DESTINY OF A HALF-ORC.”

At the corner of your eye you see Gale turn away, the words too heavy for him to bear. He has just welcomed you into his embrace, far from ready for a foretelling of parting. Your heart aches for him, so you must ask—

“What about for a half-human?”

Gale’s eyes snap back to you, and for a while your father is startled. Then, a beam, the brightest you have ever seen, blossoms on his face. With his wrinkles softened by the morning sunlight, he suddenly looks young again. Perhaps that was what he looked like when Ma first met him, when he saved her from an orc raid all those years ago.

“THAT, MY GIRL, IS FOR YOU TO FIND OUT.”

You snort. What a cheeky answer from him, your lifelong coach on half-orc matters. You suddenly realize that perhaps what he has been teaching you was just his own experience, as a wandering lone ranger who fought his way out of servitude and into a noble’s heart. That perhaps there was never just one way to be a half-orc, a half-human, or anything between and beyond. So, you call to him, a resigned grin on your face.

“Go then, Da, my savage father. Walk far and wide, and be the fiercest of them all.”

With a roaring laugher, he marches, unwavering, towards the breaking dawn.

Chapter 5

The reason this chapter took forever was actually because of the illustration lol

My ambitious ass tries to capture all the key themes in this chapter in one drawing, so the complexity of it worsens my procrastinating tendency sigh

Anyway, it is here now! I have been looking forward to posting this. I see this chapter as an experiment to juxtapose the beginning and the end of a relationship.

Thank you for reading till the end. Would love to hear your thoughts :D

More of my works: Here

[sebastianswallows]

hi! could i request a little something unconventional? i was thinking something where ominisXmc (or any other pair) had a daughter and seb becomes infatuated with her (she’s of age and reciprocates) and he has to show her how to “love” so to speak. i’m a sucker for age difference

Hi, nonny! Oh my, but this is a naughty one 😅

As a little disclaimer, I don't really think Seb would do this, he'd feel too guilty doing it to Ominis' daughter, and he'd also feel like a bit of an uncle-figure (which complicates matters further haha).

But yeah, have a smutfic of Sebastian healing an emotionally neglected girl with orgasms 💕 Enjoy, my dear!! Mwah 😘

You better be careful what you wish for, btw, because I ship Ominis with Anne, so that would have given this fic a whole nother angle of kink 😂 But I paired him with MC <3

— PAIRING: Sebastian Sallow x F!Reader

— WARNINGS: smut, angst, age difference (39 vs 19), vaginal fingering, size difference, frottage

— WORDCOUNT: 12k (another long one 😭)

The first time Sebastian met her, she was only a few years old. It was in many ways a memorable day, yet for the longest time seemed so forgettable. Most of his time had been spent travelling either around the country or abroad, chasing relics for private collectors, breaking curses, and occasionally smuggling the odd forbidden artefact… Seeing the Gaunts had been relegated to a special treat, as he hardly had time to visit his friends and their new family.

He’d been to Ominis’ wedding — as best man, no less — when he wed their childhood friend. It was not long after their graduation, as was often the case with wealthy pureblood families. Sebastian was happy for them. He’d caused them so much trouble, after all, dragging them into his search for the cure that afflicted Anne, then making them accomplices, in a way, to his uncle's murder… He hadn’t thought much of it during 5th year when everything seemed urgent and risks didn’t matter. In retrospect, between what befell his family and the fight against Ranrock, that had been a year most mad for all involved.

Sebastian first met little Miss Gaunt a few years before she was due to attend Hogwarts. At around the age he and Anne had lost their parents, in fact… Ominis and his wife had a modest little mansion that they made the most of, his older brother having inherited the bulk of the family fortune.

They had lunch and dinner, and Sebastian stayed with them overnight, and they went out for a picnic the next day. Their daughter was a bit shy, but she loved running in the sunshine. They all enjoyed the picnic while keeping an eye on her, but she never got into trouble — nothing like he and Anne when they were children.

The next time he saw her, she was in her 5th year. He had just arrived from France and was yearning for some old-fashioned English hospitality. Ominis offered to host him for a few weeks and Sebastian was looking forward to spending time with his best friends again. Their house was more stern and sparsely decorated than he remembered, but it was blissfully cool inside.

He’d just been there one day when the Gaunt daughter arrived from school for summer break. He almost didn’t recognise her, although she seemed to recognise him.

“What do you say, dear?” Her mother wrapped an arm around her back and held her tightly to her side, looking down at the girl with a thin smile.

“Hello, Uncle Sebastian.”

“Good girl. Now go take your things upstairs.”

He smiled warmly at her and tipped his head in a polite salute before she went up to her room, carrying her luggage. She’d been sweet, there was no cause to mention to her that he hated being called Uncle, for personal reasons… He wondered if Ominis or his wife ever realised it.

“We try to encourage her to be more independent, not rely on house elves,” said Mrs Gaunt as they went into the tearoom where Ominis was. “We didn’t have anyone to wait on us hand and foot when we were growing up, did we? So it’s best she doesn’t get accustomed to how they do things in Ominis’ family.”

“A bit of pampering never hurt anyone though,” said Sebastian, who at her age would have cherished a little bit of luxury.

“She’s spoiled enough,” said her mother, waving her hand dismissively.

Lunches and dinners were quite formal, with rich but measured dishes. The house elves apparated the meals on the heavy wooden table, but Mrs Gaunt and her daughter took them away after the meal was over while Ominis and Sebastian talked.

They discussed Ominis’ side of things more often than not and tried not to talk about Sebastian’s work, but it was clear questions lingered in the air. Why was he away for so long? What did he do on the continent? Who was he working for? And why did he sound so, so tired… Still, Ominis learned very little about what Sebastian was doing. It was for the best.

Meanwhile, as the weeks progressed, Sebastian learned a great deal more about the Gaunts. Subtle as Ominis normally was, he never shied away from criticising his family, and he took particular delight in talking about them now. They weren’t fairing well, Sebastian found out, losing vast sums to gambling or debts or irrational expenses. Ominis and his wife kept their part of the family afloat through careful management, and they shared none of it with his estranged siblings.

“Is that why you’re so spartan about everything?” asked Sebastian with a smirk as they drank firewhisky at the empty dinner table.

“I’m only being reasonable,” said Ominis. “We both agreed on it.”

“You and your wife?”

“Yes.”

“I just hope you’re not pulling the belt a bit too tightly…”

“Oh, come now, do you live in the lap of luxury?”

“You know I don’t…”

“So?”

Sebastian smiled tightly and sipped his drink again. “It does not make for a particularly charming childhood, that is my one observation, if I may…”

“You don’t think we’re being too strict, do you?”

“I just hope you’re not trying to compensate for anything through her…”

“We’re not,” said Ominis firmly. “She has a more privileged childhood than I ever had…”

“Just because you’re not practising Crucio on her does not mean she’s—”

“Sebastian, please,” he frowned, “I never should have asked…”Ominis took another drink to calm his nerves and sighed. “She’s a little shy, maybe, but she’s always been like that. She has the very best —”

“She wasn’t like that the last time I visited.”

Sebastian wasn’t sure why he’d even broached this subject, why he was challenging Ominis. The Gaunt family were within their rights to conduct themselves as they saw fit, and he, a bachelor, hardly had a say in this.

“She was five years old then,” said Ominis sternly.

“So?”

“So children change as they grow up… Really, Sebastian, I’d have thought you of all people understand that. I certainly thought you’ve changed over the years… Perhaps I was wrong.”

Sebastian sighed and dropped the subject — as he always did whenever Ominis brought up what happened in his fifth year. It was like he constantly held it above his head, that and every other mistake he’d made, waiting to drop it on him whenever he stepped out of line.

He wondered if Ominis did the same with his daughter…

He saw her on rare occasions other than at lunch and dinner, sometimes throughout the house or when they were both out in the garden.

She wasn’t much for talking, although she liked it when Sebastian showed her new spells. They sat together on the little stone bench beneath an ageing chestnut tree, and Sebastian would make its falling white petals form shapes in mid-air, birds and foxes and wolves, and have them run after each other.

“Which one do you bet on?” he asked as he directed the chase with his wand.

“The wolf,” she said with a laugh. “He’s the fastest and the strongest.”

“Really? Well, let’s see…”

By the end of the slow, floating chase, the bird had won. It took refuge high in the branches and ruffled its petal feathers at its pursuers below.

“How about that?” smiled Sebastian, looking fondly down at her.

The girl laughed, her smile weak and awkward, as she looked up at the free flower-bird. But she was still so different from the carefree child he’d seen years ago…

Sebastian left a week after that and only kept in touch with Ominis through Owls. He learned about how their family’s prospects slowly improved, how they moved to a new house, the ill fate that befell other Gaunts, and then about their daughter’s graduation. She’d been decisively average in her N.E.W.T.s, to the disappointment of both her parents, but Ominis said that, aside from that, “she was doing well”. It sounded like make-believe.

Sebastian visited them two years later. He’d just finished a lengthy and rather harrowing job in southern Spain, one that had gone quite wrong. A few deaths occurred. All in all, Sebastian was keen to get away from it, to go back home in colder climes, and forget all about it.

The Gaunts, conveniently, were vacationing on the Isle of Arran and invited Sebastian to join. He gladly accepted. They were renting a house near Sannox by the sea and boasted of daily excursions.

“We’re going up Goatfell Mountain tomorrow,” said Mrs Gaunt after she showed him his room. “Do you wish to join?”

“Sure,” he smiled, “why not?”

The house was old but solid, with thick brick walls and smooth wooden floors, old furniture, and a lovely view. The sound of the waves never ceased.

Little Miss Gaunt was staying in the room next to his on the 1st floor. Before he saw her around the house, Sebastian had wondered whether she was even there, as they hardly mentioned her and she didn’t make a sound from her room. But she came down at dinnertime, and they all ate together in the living room on the ground floor.

She smiled at him the first time she saw him, and gave him another “Hello, Uncle Sebastian.”

She was a bit taller than last time and had lost some of the baby fat of her younger years. Her dress that first evening was a frilly thing with colours that didn’t suit her. It was clearly chosen for her by her mother, in the hope that it would feminise her a bit…

It became obvious during dinner that the girl would rather have been anywhere else. Sebastian had often felt that way with the sordid sorts of wizards he had to deal with in his work…

Mr and Mrs Gaunt chatted away, asking obliquely about the sort of things Sebastian had done in Spain. They veered very quickly to talking about how their former schoolmates were doing when it became obvious Sebastian’s dealings weren’t fit for dinner conversation. The girl picked at her food and drank a great deal of water and just kept quiet while her parents spoke incessantly about other people — who got married, who died, who went on to work where…

“We’d like for her to either find someone nice, or at least get some employment,” said Mrs Gaunt at one point, looking at her daughter pointedly, who ignored her. “But,” she sighed, “no such hope thus far.”

“It will be alright,” said Ominis. “Things will fall into place in due time.”

“You can’t keep speaking like that,” said his wife. “Especially not around her. She’ll grow complacent.” She then turned to Sebastian with an air of tired exasperation. “To get her to go out into society is like pulling teeth. Took tremendous effort to have her join us on this trip. But it will do her good to be out in nature, don’t you think?”

“Oh, of course,” said Sebastian, smiling awkwardly. “I remember she used to love being out in nature, isn’t that right?” he asked, leaning over a little to see the girl just past her mother. She didn’t look up from her plate.

“She used to frolic like a goat when she was little,” Mrs Gaunt laughed. “What a darling, she was… Oh, but those days are long gone, she’s no fun at all anymore.” The woman turned to her daughter and tucked her hair behind her ear, holding her heavy jewelled earring in her palm for a moment to assess it, as if it might’ve broken while the girl wore it. “Isn’t that right, dear?”

Sebastian wasn’t sure if he could call it tension, that which was between the daughter and her parents. She was sullen more than resentful or angry… But there was definitely resentment there as she was spoken of and pawed at like a doll while simultaneously criticised for being… herself.

Their trip to Goatfell Mountain the next day was a chance to relax. Mr and Mrs Gaunt were quite happy to undertake the trip, which was two hours away from where they stayed, while Sebastian and Miss Gaunt walked behind them — sometimes together, sometimes apart. They didn’t speak much aside from pleasantries, and coordinating with each other as they climbed the smooth, thick rocks that made the mountainside.

But Sebastian didn’t feel she was the same around him as she was around her parents. She was lost in thought and distant, sure, but the undercurrent of anxiety that seemed to normally grip her was abated.

“You must be relieved to be done with classes,” said Sebastian as he helped her up a slope.

“A bit, yes,” she said, still quite reserved. She clung to his hand, her grip reedy but strong.

“So what plans do you have now that you’re free?”

“Please, don’t you ask me that too,” she said, begging almost.

“Alright,” he chuckled. “Sorry. Sounded a bit too much like your mother there, didn’t I?”

She said nothing, but he knew it was the truth.

“At least you can practice magic out of school grounds now whenever you like,” he said. “What was your favourite subject?”

“I didn’t really have any,” she said, walking slow and cautious on the slippery rocks, holding her skirt up to watch the ground. “I liked the thing you did with the petals last time though…” she said after a short silence.

“You remember that?” grinned Sebastian. “That was just a bit of coordinated levitation… I could teach it to you, if you want.”

She looked briefly at him from the corner of her eyes and smiled in a tight, awkward way. “Father says you work with dark magic…”

“Well… That’s not the only magic I know.”

He felt uncomfortable, confessing this to her like that. He didn’t know what she thought of dark magic, but if it was anything like Ominis, it wasn’t good. Still, she didn’t seem to recoil from him after that, although she was so hard to read, always in her shell…

After a slow trek, all four of them reached the summit. It was a flat and grey expanse with a beautiful view of green hills behind them, and the sea ahead. The clouds were low and soft, mere vapours teasing a hint of blue sky between their folds.

Sebastian sat down to catch his breath, his hat resting on his knee, while Ominis and his wife did the same a few feet away. His wife was describing the scene to him, although Sebastian was sure his friend could feel the view, somehow, through the air, through the far sound of the sea, through the soft moss that grew on the granite and the lichen that spotted it. He smiled watching the two of them, nearly unchanged since childhood. Could he say the same? All he had to show for the passing years were a few grey hairs and new wrinkles.

Miss Gaunt joined him, sitting just an arm’s length away. His smile widened upon seeing her.

“Well?” asked Sebastian. “Was it worth the trouble to come all the way up here?”

“No,” she said, sounding quite bored. But then she broke into a little smile and looked down again. She was pretending to be more grumpy than she really was…

“Not very exciting, I suppose,” he shrugged, playing along with her. “Perhaps you’d have more fun in the city.”

“I think I would like that,” she said.

Sebastian looked at her, pleasantly surprised by this hint of her enthusiasm.

She wore a dark grey skirt today, with buttons on the side, and a white shirt embroidered with flowers which fluttered around her figure in the wind. The lace collar lapped against her neck. Her hair, though ruffled slightly from their journey, sat neatly pinned beneath her broad straw hat. She kept her hand on top of it so that the wind wouldn’t blow it away.

“I could take you, you know,” he offered. “When I go back to London.”

She looked at him with something like fear or surprise. “N-no, thank you,” said the girl, smiling awkwardly. “I don’t think mother would let me.”

“Why not?” said Sebastian. “I could ask her. I’m sure she —”

“No, no —”

“But you’re so unhappy with them...”

She stopped whatever she was about to say and could only give a tight, painful smile in response.

Sebastian felt sorry to have been so blunt, but as he looked into her eyes, he could tell they had finally reached a real, uncompromising understanding together, something other than the stilted, tepid pleasantries of family friends.

He leaned over and placed his hand on hers, and could feel the warmth of her hand through the gloves.

“I’m leaving for London at the end of the week,” said Sebastian. “I know an apothecary who lets a room above his shop on Diagon Alley, you’d be very comfortable there… I could show you around, show you the best bookstores and dressmakers. You can meet new people there, maybe meet a boy,” he smiled.

“No,” she said, suddenly looking down and blushing.

“Alright, no boys,” he chuckled. “But do you want to come? You don’t have to stay long…”

She didn’t say anything, but he could see her looking to the side, thinking about it. Sebastian gave her another encouraging squeeze of the hand and then released her.

“Why don’t you try being on your best behaviour today?” he suggested, fiddling with the rim of his hat. “Put your parents in a good mood, make them more amenable.”

“How could I be on my best behaviour?” she asked, frowning up at him slightly. She clearly resented his request.

Sebastian thought about it for a moment. What would parents like hers want to see? They clearly had no patience for her more childish inclinations, her savage and withdrawn demeanour… He’d heard her mother describe her daughter as a “wild creature” on more than one occasion — not as some untamed thing, because she was in many ways quite docile, but as someone completely apart from civilization. They wanted her to perform: in school, in society, and now in adult life. And their daughter had fallen short on all fronts.

In spite of her quietness and her poor grades, she wasn’t dumb. She could sense their disappointment and naturally resented them for it. Sebastian realised with a clench of his heart that the love she had received so far was always conditional.

“Walk with your back straight,” he said matter-of-factly, “and walk a bit more in front, rather than always behind them. Smile a little, if you can, and speak up a bit more when you have a thought.”

The girl shook her head. “They criticise me whatever I say. Whatever opinion I share is stupid. Whatever thing I like is in poor taste… And they do tell me to smile more, but when I do, they say how ugly I look doing it.”

Sebastian sighed. He’d met people like that before. In fact, his Uncle Solomon was such a character. Nothing his nephew ever did was good enough...

Sebastian didn’t wish to blame his childhood friends for ending up being such parents, but he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of resentment toward them too. He had to remind himself that he’d never had children, and he never knew what difficulty that entailed.

“Walk with me, then, when we return. We can pretend to be chatting.”

She nodded and smiled at him gratefully, with just a hint of embarrassment. It took a while for Sebastian to realise she wasn’t embarrassed to be in his company, but to be offered help…

Mr and Mrs Gaunt led the way as they descended Goatfell, the woman boasting of the sketches she’d made of the landscape. She’d drawn with particularly deep strokes so that Ominis could feel them too.

“But it doesn’t compare to the colours, does it?” she asked, turning her head to Sebastian and her daughter who walked a few steps behind. “So cold and yet so alive…”

“Bunch of grey rocks and grey water,” her daughter mumbled only loud enough for Sebastian to hear.

He hid his grin behind his fist.

But she made an effort to follow his advice somewhat and walked like a proper lady beside him rather than a morose teenager dragged along by her parents. And they didn’t have to pretend to chat, as conversation came easily to them.

“So what is there to do on Diagon Alley except shop for school supplies?”

“Well, that’s where most of the wizarding businesses are, these days. Bookstores, broomstores, potioneers, anything you could ever want. You’d be surprised at how much there is to see there, how much you haven’t seen when you were just getting your school books and a cauldron…”

“And Knockturn Alley?” she asked with a cautious tone.

“Now how do you know about that?”

She shrugged. No doubt Ominis had told her about it… Warned her about it.

“Well, it’s not something you should concern yourself with. That’s no place for a young lady.”

“Oh…” She sounded disappointed.

Sebastian didn’t talk to the Gaunts about taking her to London that evening, nor the next, but the day before he left he brought it up with Mrs Gaunt after dinner. She and the girl were in the kitchen, one using magic to wash the dishes, the other to dry them.

Mrs Gaunt seemed sceptical at first and gave her daughter an apprehensive look, but underneath that, Sebastian could tell she saw the potential benefits… It was easier, he knew from experience, for him to convince her of an idea, and for her to convince Ominis.

A few carefully placed words and two weeks later, and he Floo the girl into Diagon Alley.

“Let me carry that,” said Sebastian, leaning down to pick up her suitcases as she brushed the green dust off her skirt.

“Oh no, I can —” she immediately said.

“Nonsense. Let me be a gentleman for you.”

“Well, if you —”

“On one condition.”

“What?” she asked, a bit startled by his suddenly serious tone.

“Never call me ‘Uncle Sebastian’ again.”

“Oh, alright,” she laughed.

Sebastian had arranged for her to stay above the apothecary he’d mentioned before, on a street not far from where he lived.

“My flat is just around the corner, there,” he pointed out from the window. “Around there, and to the right, then a left, and it’s in a big redbrick building.”

“I’m not sure I’ll remember that,” she frowned, looking out the window with him. “But thank you… I’ll try to pay you back, you know.”

“Don’t even think about it,” said Sebastian as they turned their attention inside the room. “It’s my gift. To compensate for never bringing you anything from my trips,” he smiled.

“I don’t think father would’ve accepted them anyway,” she said with a timid smile. “He never seemed to like the places you went to.”

“Yes, I thought as much…”

“But they never seemed so bad. France, Spain, Switzerland… I never understood what was so bad about your trips. I wished I could go sometimes.”

“Well, maybe someday, you will,” he smiled down at her fondly. “Hopefully for pleasure though, not business.”

She bit her lip and looked up at him for a moment, then down again. Sebastian played with the rim of his hat and looked around. The room was furnished but was quite sternly decorated. It was yearning to be filled.

“I shall let you settle in, then,” he said after an awkward silence. “We can meet for lunch.”

They met for lunch every day after that, and for dinner too. In between that, if Sebastian had time to spare — and he made sure to have plenty for her — he’d show her his favourite shops, a different one each day. He led her through the streets that she visited before each school year, but he could tell she looked at them with different eyes now. She could go anywhere, buy anything — within her budget — and stay in any place for as little or as long as she liked. When they grew bored of Diagon Alley, they went through Muggle London. He showed her where all the nice lady shops were too, although he confessed to not knowing much of them.

Against her protestations, he bought her a few things, trinkets mostly and souvenirs, nothing so expensive that would make her feel indebted to him. She looked guilty to receive anything at all, and it broke his heart to see it.

He knew Ominis and his wife didn’t deprive her of anything growing up, but somehow they’d raised a child that felt unworthy of receiving positive attention… Whether they tried too hard to make her self-sufficient or Ominis complained too much about his wasteful family, something had gone wrong somewhere. Sebastian knew it wasn’t his place to fix it, but it was hard to hold himself back… He felt so at peace when he was around her, so at home, more than he ever remembered feeling in long, long years.

She had put his gifts away each time into her purse and sometimes didn’t even open them, choosing instead to look down morosely and change the subject to something else. He couldn’t help but feel unwanted by the time two weeks were over, and was surprised by how much it hurt. Somehow, the thought of not being good enough for her was devastating to him, although the implications were perverse — as were his dreams at night, increasingly, the longer they spent time together.

But then one evening he walked her to her flat after a day of walking around the furthest edges of Diagon Alley, close to where Knockturn Alley was. She’d been understandably apprehensive the whole time, although he reassured her they would not cross over into it. Still, there were tendrils of dark magic floating in the air that any witch could sense.

He didn’t know what possessed him to walk her all the way to the door, and further in. Perhaps he just wanted to make sure she felt safe — and besides, she didn’t stop him.

She seemed a bit shy about letting him in though, unable to meet his eyes or stand still. As he wished her good night, he realised why.

On the little vanity, lined up around the mirror, were all the gifts he’d given her. The thin silver bracelet hung around the neck of a wooden cat figurine like some long and fancy necklace, the enamel box stood open holding a jar of enchanted red ink and a fimble embossed with flowers, the journal he had monogrammed with her initials lay beneath a new pair of calfskin gloves, and the silk scarf with a flexing snake on it was coiled by its side.

He forgot whatever he was saying, lips parting in a smile, and after taking it all in, he looked at her again.

For her party, the girl felt quite stupid. She’d never blushed so fiercely, and although it was too late now, she took her hat off and moved to block Sebastian’s view of the vanity.

“So you did like the things I got you,” he said cheerfully.

“I never said I didn’t,” she muttered, going to hang the hat on the back of the chair.

“You let me think so, though,” he said, frowning at her but speaking with a playful tone.

“Well, I’m sorry…”

“But why don’t you wear any of them?” asked Sebastian, stepping quickly around her to look at them again.

She turned toward him, squeezing the fingers of one hand in the other. “I didn’t wish to ruin them…”

Sebastian looked at her. “How would you ruin them?”

She shrugged.

And he thought they made such progress while they were together… She spoke more, spoke openly, shared her opinions with him however harsh or strange — and he’d been surprised to find out she had really strong opinions about certain things, which made him wonder at the true depth of her internal life, her thoughts, her feelings, everything she kept hidden from the world.

He sighed, and went to pick up the silver bracelet. It was a chain of tightly interlocking links on the front side of which a marcasite-encrusted serpent coiled. He set his hat on the desk and placed his gloves there too, and unclasped the bracelet.

“Here,” he said, turning toward her. “Give me your hand.”

She extended her left hand to him, and Sebastian locked it around her little wrist. He held her hand in his and looked at it. Silver suited her complexion well…

“See? Not ruined,” he smiled, holding her gaze.

The girl smiled tensely and looked at the bracelet. It was too sad a smile for Sebastian to bear.

“What are you thinking?” he quietly asked.

“That if I use them, I’ll break them or stain them or lose them somewhere...”

“But if you just have them lying around, they’ll last longer?”

She nodded.

“Well, I’m flattered to know they mean so much to you,” he smiled. “But I’d rather you use them and ruin them than not use them at all. I bought them for you, for you to enjoy. And you can’t enjoy them when they’re just sitting there,” he chuckled.

She smiled a little wider, her eyes still aimed down. Sebastian’s grip went up from her fingers to close around her wrist, cupping it in his hand, gently pushing her sleeve away. He could almost hear her breath catch in her throat. When he looked at her face again, he found her looking back at him.

He didn’t know what he saw in her eyes, and couldn’t begin to guess what she was seeing in his. And before he could think of what to say, the girl stretched up on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around him. She pulled her body close to his, and by instinct, by sheer need, he held her to him. In the silence between them, he could sense so much, so many things she left unsaid but which he keenly felt.

“What’s wrong, my dear?” he asked, rubbing a hand up and down her back. “Hmm? Why are you so sad? Do you miss your parents?”

He could feel her shaking her head.

“Do you wish to go elsewhere? Are you tired of this place?” he chuckled. “I know these aren’t the most glamourous accommodations, but…”

She shook her head again.

Sebastian held her tightly to him and sighed. “Are you in love?” he asked.

She stayed still this time, frozen in his arms.

“You’re lovesick? Is that it?” He laughed and pulled her closer.

The girl didn’t answer, but Sebastian didn’t need her to. They held each other, basking in each other’s warmth, and he noticed he could feel her heartbeat against his chest.

Sebastian couldn’t help but wonder who this boy was that she loved, where she even met him. Maybe it was a handsome young clerk in one of the shops they visited, or someone she’d spotted at a restaurant when they were having lunch, or maybe — Merlin forbid — a muggle she saw when they were out in London… For some reason, all of those ideas made him feel strange, uncomfortable, and quite a bit angry.

“Who is it, then?” he asked, putting a smile on his face as he leaned away to look down at her face again.

The girl looked up at him and wouldn’t say a word, instead biting her lip to keep quiet. He’d seen such secretive moods from her before, but none that were so deep, that hung so heavily over their conversation.

“I promise I won’t tell your parents. It’s just an innocent crush, I suppose, right?”

It took some effort and courage on her part, but finally, she nodded.

Sebastian gave a deep sigh. “So, who is it?” he asked again, his broad hand coming up to cup her cheek. “You can tell me…”

“I don’t think I can.”

“Why? Don’t you know his name?”

“I do…”

“And?”

She kept looking at him with those large, sad eyes. He had hoped that by now she would’ve learned he was her friend…

“Is it someone you… shouldn’t like?” he tried.

She nodded.

“I see… Well, you’re a clever girl to realise it. In that case, perhaps it’s best you put him out of your mind.”

He suddenly remembered how long he’d been holding her, and although he wanted nothing more than to comfort the girl all night, he began to let her go.

“Uncle Seb— Sebastian,” she said quickly, “it’s… it’s not a boy.”

He froze and looked at her, wondering what she meant. “What is it then?” he asked. “It’s not a goblin, is it?” he asked, teasing her.

“No!” she laughed, looking down again. “It’s…”

But she couldn’t speak, couldn’t say it. Her hands left his shoulders and went down to his waist, pulling him close to her again, begging wordlessly for another hug. He couldn’t deny her. Sebastian sighed deeply with a smile as he held her to his chest.

He wished he could help her, make all her dreams come true, and give her the comfort and the love she’d never had enough of. His hand came up and pet the back of her head, trying not to ruffle her carefully pinned hair. The feeling of it sent shivers down his spine that he didn’t think he should experience. Her breath hitched at the sensation, and with a subtle step forward, she pressed herself more firmly to his front. Sebastian swallowed an embarrassing moan and tried to turn his hips away, but then she leaned back, pressing her head deeper in his hand, and looked up at him as if waiting for something.

“Who are you thinking of?” he asked in a low voice, hoping that she told him of someone, anyone, to drive away his unworthy desires. “Who is it?” he asked, his hand coming up to cup her cheek.

The girl swallowed the knot in her throat, terrified by the intensity of his gaze. Her face flushed red and her eyes teared up, but she worked up the courage to lean up, and wrap her arms around his neck, and kiss his cheek.

Sebastian could have died on the spot. His arms tightened around her as if he really would have died if he didn’t have her to cling to... Could she do that? Could she kiss him? When her lips parted from his skin, he turned his head and kissed her cheek as well. His hands began to tremble as he realised who she had meant…

“…Me?” he asked, clinging more tightly to her. “D-do you mean me?”

She nodded, her soft cheek brushing against his.

Sebastian sighed from the depth of his chest and moaned. “How could you do that?” he asked with a shaky laugh. “How could you mean me? I’m… I…”

He was nearly forty years old, and she wasn’t yet twenty. As if that wasn’t enough, she was the daughter of his two best friends. He couldn’t imagine doing that to Ominis — whatever that was, because he certainly had no intention of compromising her or… or…

Slowly, she pulled away from him, the hug relaxing in a loose holding of hands. “Oh,” she said, and she sounded so dejected. Whatever tension was on her face before faded, her eyes downcast, her mouth frowning.

“I don’t mean that… that you’re… I mean, that I don’t…” Sebastian cursed quietly. “I don’t mean that you’re not charming and beautiful and…” She looked up at him and took his breath away again. “And lovely,” he finished.

“So it’s just that you don’t like me,” she said, seeming to have decided for him that she wasn’t good enough.

“No,” he said, his hand cupping her cheek firmly, “that’s not it. What I meant was… that you shouldn’t like me.”

“I know that, but do you think I can help it?”

The sudden resolve in her surprised him. Sebastian chuckled softly, his thumb tracing circles on her cheek.

“No, I don’t imagine you can help it,” he replied, his voice low and soft. “And to be honest, I can’t either.”

The girl looked up at him quizzically, seemingly torn between hoping he said what she thought he did, and fearing that he didn’t. He wasn’t usually so hard to read, he was certainly more expressive and open than her, but right now, his gaze was thoroughly impenetrable.

Sebastian fought against himself, against the last lingering denial of what he felt for her, but he knew it had reached its end.

“I only want what’s best for you. Do you know that?” he asked.

“Yes?” she quietly said.

“And this isn’t what’s best for you.”

“What is, then?” she frowned.

“You deserve to be loved,” he said tenderly. “To know what it’s like to be loved, to know that you… you deserve it.”

She bit her lip, and he could tell his words hurt her somehow, reminding her of what she lacked in life. His thumb caressed her cheek again.

“I can’t do that to you, though,” he chuckled nervously. “Your father would kill me.”

“I would never tell him,” she said, her hands fisting at the back of his coat.

“That isn’t the sort of thing you should say…”

“I don’t care what I should or shouldn’t say. What about what I want?”

He swallowed thickly and groaned, feeling himself crumble before her.

“You bought me all these things,” the girl continued, looking plaintively and angrily into his eyes, “but you won’t… won’t…”

“Won’t what?” he asked. “Can you even say it?”

She frowned again, her eyes tearing with frustration at her own shyness.

“You say I deserve to be l-loved,” she mumbled, peeking up at him for scant seconds. “But if you won’t do it, who will?”

Sebastian whimpered deep in his throat. He had nothing to say to that.

“Do you want me to find someone else?” she asked.

“No,” said Sebastian instantly, his grip around her waist tightening.

The girl, impish little thing, smiled victoriously.

“Then why won’t you show me?” she whispered, standing on her tiptoes again to reach closer to him, her head tilting dreamily, her eyes large and vulnerable and full of hope. “Just because I shouldn’t like you that way? Nobody else likes me but you, anyway” she said, sounding terribly sad where only a second ago she was flirtatious.

“That isn’t true,” said Sebastian, shaking his head.

“It feels that way to me.”

He shook his head again, but he had no way to contradict her because he felt as if he was the only one in the world who truly loved her — and what madness it was to admit it — who truly wanted her, top to bottom, the whole of her, for himself.

“Do you… have someone else?”

“No,” he admitted.

“Then, why not…”

“I told you, your father, both your parents in fact —”

“They don’t care about what I want,” she said, “so why should I care about what they want?”

He laughed. Her frown deepened thinking that he laughed at her.

“Never knew you were so headstrong,” he said, both hands coming up to cup her face.

She whimpered at the warm touch from him, so close to being caressed and yet still held so far from him, from the only man who ever made her feel anything.

He tilted his head and leaned in closer until she could feel his breath on her lips. “I can’t give you what you want,” he sighed, his eyes searching hers. “But I… I can show you how I feel.”

She looked up at him again, a thread of hope winding around her heart.

“And show you what… what you really feel too,” he added with a teasing smile.

The girl barely opened her mouth to ask what he meant when he dipped down to kiss her.

She winced in surprise at the touch of his lips and her whole body felt alight. She didn’t know when she closed her eyes, but within a few heartbeats she was lost to his embrace, knowing nothing else in the world but his touch — big, warm, rough hands around her jaws, tilting her head upward, plump, chapped lips surrounded by an evening stubble caressing her mouth, breath tickling her cheek...

When he pulled back to catch his breath, she nearly chased after him. It had been her first kiss, and she could hardly imagine anything more exhilarating. The feelings that were rushing through her made her dizzy, but looking into his eyes steadied her. Still, she keenly feared his rejection. She knew what she wanted from him was wrong, but was too hungry for his love to care.

“Why can’t you give me what I want?” she spoke with a hint of desperation.

“You know why, sweetheart,” he smiled, his eyes growing sad at the sight of her so needy. “But… I can still love you. Show you how much I love you,” he said. “Is that enough for now?”

The girl frowned but nodded eagerly, the longing of months and years finally spilling over. She leaned in for another kiss. Sebastian chuckled at her eagerness and gave her what she wanted, while they both tried not to think of how illicit, how wrong this was. They kissed in the centre of the room until they both were breathless, and he felt her finally calm down. Against his chest, he felt her heart beat steadily.

“Did I give you your first kiss, my lovely one?” he asked.

She nodded.

“And your second one?”

“Y-yes…”

Sebastian chuckled and leaned down to kiss her again. She moaned into his mouth.

“And your third?” he sighed against her lips.

She whimpered and clung to his cravat, pulling him down to kiss her again, and he smiled against her mouth. She seemed to like being kissed, so he put all his care into it. His lips nipped hers, then covered them for long, languid caresses, and his hands went up from her waist to the bottom of her ribs, squeezing her gently.

With a moan, he parted from her again and looked at her. He couldn’t help but give her another little peck on the lips before stepping away. The girl whined, her arms reaching for him. It made Sebastian grin at how greedy she’d become…

“May I?” he asked with his hands on the lapels of his jacket.

“Oh,” she whispered, “oh, erm, yes…” He was planning something, she could tell.

He smiled fondly at her and took his jacket off, hanging it on the back of the chair beside her vanity. “Why don’t you sit down, my lovely one?” he said.

She blushed fiercely but did as he said, and went to sit down on the bed, her body facing his.

“Take your boots off,” he said as he unbuttoned his vest. “And your drawers, too.”

Her heart skipped a beat when she heard his words. Without taking her eyes off him, she leaned down and unlaced her boots, putting them to the side. Her toes curled as she prepared herself for what came next. Sebastian’s eyes raked over her as he loosened his cravat. His brown eyes never left her, the edges crinkling as he smiled.

Rising her hips slightly, she rolled her long skirt to her knees and dipped her hands beneath it, tugging the drawers off her hips then off her legs, and let them rest on the floor. She looked away from Sebastian, her breathing frantic and her face all red at what she had just done. She looked as if she were still fully dressed, but now Sebastian knew there was nothing protecting her intimate parts from him.

Slowly, he took his boots off too and let them lay where they fell, and unbuttoned the top of his shirt. He licked his lips hungrily as he stepped closer to the bed, letting his fingers trail lightly over the silken sheets.

“You really are lovely, you know?” he breathed, his voice low with desire.

She bit her lip and tensed up again, moving up the bed the closer he got until she was next to the pillows. Sebastian stopped in front of her, his knees next to her own, and cupped his hand beneath her chin. She looked up at him so innocently that he felt like a bit of a monster, but he was determined to strike a balance between what she asked for, and what he was ready to give…

“Will you let me lay beside you?” he whispered.

She moaned and nodded, moving to the side to make room for him, inviting him on the bed next to her. Sebastian sat down, wearing just his shirt and trousers with the suspenders framing his chest, then moved so that his back was against the pillows.

“Come lay here,” he said, patting his chest.

The girl seemed a bit confused but quickly understood what he wanted when he lightly spread his legs. With an awkward little shuffle, she eased herself to the middle of the bed, between his thighs, and let her back lay against his front. Sebastian’s arms instantly encircled her, holding her warmly to his body, cradling her.

For a while, they stayed like that, with his lips at her temple and her hands clasping his arms. She worried he might be uncomfortable, with her back against him and the stiff corset digging into him, but Sebastian didn’t seem to mind. He felt warm, and firm, and steady, and gradually her heartbeat calmed.

“For how long have you felt this way?” Sebastian eventually asked.

Her knees bent slightly, as if she could hide away. “I don’t want to tell,” she muttered.

Sebastian chuckled and wrapped his arms more tightly around her. “Alright, you don’t have to say it,” he whispered against her cheek, “for now.”

His lips trailed down to her jaw, little suckling pecks that made her sight and tilt her head, then went down the column of her neck, stopping at the clavicle. He felt her stiffen in his arms again. Carefully, so as to not scare her more, his right hand uncurled itself from around her waist and travelled lower to her hip. Tug by tug, he raised her skirt a little higher.

“Shhh, it’s alright,” he whispered in her ear. “I want to do something… but tell me if you don’t want it.”

The girl winced and shook her head.

“No?” he asked.

“No, yes. Don’t stop,” she breathed.

Sebastian laughed lightly and kept pulling her skirt up, all the way until he could dip his hand beneath it. She gasped when she felt his fingers on her inner thigh.

“Is this good?” he asked.

She nodded, settling more firmly against him. He moaned deep in his chest when he felt her bottom rub against his bulge, but continued with the gentle motions of his hand across her skin.

“Very soft,” he praised in a close whisper. “And so, so warm… Are you always like this down there?” he teased.

“Y-yes?”

Sebastian smiled at her innocence and kissed her cheek again. “I believe it,” he said. “Especially with all that walking we’ve been doing lately… These darling thighs must be tense all day, rubbing against each other, no?”

The girl squirmed against his lap, a fire licking up and down her skin from that little point where three of his fingers touched her. She felt him caressing her thigh slightly inward, almost all the way to the back of her leg, his palm engulfing her for a few quiet moments, and then trailing upwards.

“Is this alright?” he asked, his voice sounding lower than before, rougher.

It reminded her that he was a man, big and rough and so much stronger than her — a man as old as her father, although that wasn’t the sort of thing she wanted to know just then. She closed her eyes tightly against the uncomfortable thought.

“H-higher,” she whispered. Her legs spread wider as far as his thighs allowed.

“Higher?” he teased as he drew circles on her skin. His left arm closed around her waist in a stronger grip. “What will I find there, hmm?”

The girl dipped her head and moaned low in her throat, knowing he was playing with her. Her hands fisted in her skirt.

“Is there some secret place there?” Sebastian chuckled. His fingers went up along her thigh, where she was even warmer, even softer, and he groaned.

He could feel the muscles in her thigh flex beneath the skin. With one heavy caress, he moved his left hand from around her waist and cupped her chest. With careful tugs and encouraging her to shift a little, he eased her corset lower down her torso until he could feel her breasts slide up from beneath its grasp. She gasped and nearly jumped, but then melted in his arms with a light mewl.

He kissed her cheek again. “Shhh it’s alright.”

The girl lay docile in his arms while he carefully caressed her breast, squeezing it the slightest bit, then resting the young globe in the palm of his hand. Underneath her skirt, he teased a path all the way up until he felt a soft wet tuft. The girl whimpered, squirming against his front again, but Sebastian just rested his hands on her.

“Is this good?” he asked, peppering kisses up and down the side of her face.

“Yes,” she whispered, “I think so…”

“You think so?” he chuckled. “Well, let’s make sure, then.”

Keeping his hand still at her breast, he trailed his fingers higher up between her legs, slow and patient and searching. When his index touched her slit, she moaned.

“Oh,” he breathed lustfully, “so you do have a special place here…”

The girl curled in his arms, and Sebastian let himself slip lower down the bed, spreading his legs wider to accommodate her while not moving his hands at all, letting her feel him there.

“So wet,” he whispered as his finger began to caress her, going up and down her swollen lips. “It isn’t normal to be this wet, is it, my darling? And so, so feverish… Are you sure you’re alright?” he chuckled. “You’re certain you’re not ill, my sweetest girl?”

“No, of course not,” she said, unsure why he was even asking. She had the feeling he was joking, but she could not imagine why. This was not the time to jest, in her opinion.

“Oh, I’m not so sure,” he breathed, letting his lips rest against her cheekbone. “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you?”

“N-no…”

“I guess I need to find out for myself, then.”

And then his fingers started moving. He teased her with both index and middle finger, going up and down her slit, making her more and more wet, feeling her moans right against his mouth as he rested his lips at her throat. He could feel her hole, tight and hot and flexing, and above it, her raw little nub peeking out, so hard and small... He paused there and swirled a digit around it with the lightest touch. She nearly jumped in his arms, wailing at the unfamiliar feeling.

“Is this good?” he asked against her neck, his breath frantic. “Is this good for you?”

She whined and squirmed in his arms, teasing his manhood with her bottom. It made him growl, but she probably didn’t realise what she was doing. Sebastian teased her tight bud more and then, after cupping it between three fingers, squeezed it lightly at the same time as he squeezed the tip of her breast through her shirt.

“Un— Sebastian!” she moaned.

“I told you not to call me ‘Uncle’,” he said with a hint of frustration. But he knew she didn’t mean it, probably didn’t know his fraught relationship with the word, so he sighed and kissed her cheek in apology.

“‘m sorry,” she whined, still twisting in his arms.

“It’s alright,” he whispered, kissing her cheek again. “It’s alright, just… just lay in my arms and let me take care of you.”

And as he spoke, his fingers kept teasing her between her legs and at her breast, slowly, deliberately squeezing those two sensitive points at the same time and pulling on them gently. The air was filled with her gasps and the shifting of clothes against clothes, the light squeaking of the bed, and Sebastian’s groans. He turned his head toward her, filling his lungs with the scent of her hair.

His hands on her relaxed, and he went back to holding her breast gently while sliding his fingers up and down her slit. He could feel her shivering in his arms at the change, and chuckled.

“Which do you like best?” he whispered in her ear. “Hard, or gentle?”

“Erm…”

“Tell me honestly,” he said without a hint of teasing.

“G-gentle?”

Sebastian smiled and kissed her cheek. “Gentle, then, for my girl.”

Another shiver ran through her, and if he didn’t know any better, he could’ve sworn she purred.

His thick middle finger slid slowly, carefully down her folds, then held there for a moment, went up again, and down, all in a steady, predictable motion. His left hand, meanwhile, warmed her breast, holding her to him.

“How do you feel?” he asked, rubbing his stubbled cheek against hers, so smooth and soft.

She felt completely overwhelmed, covered, supported, and utterly cherished. She couldn't even begin to put into words how he made her feel. “Nervous,” the girl chuckled, her voice strained, but happy.

“Just nervous?” he smiled.

“And…”

“And what?”

She wouldn’t say.

“Do you feel cared for?” he asked, the corner of his lips brushing against her skin.

She nodded.

“Do you feel wanted?”

Another little nod.

“And needed?” he sighed, taking another lung-full of her.

The girl whimpered and dipped her face down.

Between her legs, Sebastian began to brush against her faster. His finger felt her plush lips on either side, warm and wet and innocent. He pressed deeper and felt her gasp and jump when the tip of his finger touched her hole again.

“Do you?” he asked more warmly, almost a growl. “Do you feel how much I need you?”

“I… I don’t know…”

“Oh, my darling little girl,” he moaned, and his hand squeezed her breast a little tighter. Sebastian so badly wished that he could have her read his mind so that she could see how deeply his love for her ran.

His caress went further, dipping into her entrance gently, curiously, almost timidly. It coaxed a kittenish trill from her and she rubbed against his front again, his bulge slotted right between her cheeks.

“Don’t you feel that?” he moaned, pressing back against her with his stiff length. “Do you know what that is?”

“Is… is it your… male part?”

He laughed a little. “That’s quite the polite word for it. Yes, my little one.”

Sebastian rested his lips against her cheek while he pressed into her hole a bit more firmly. She gave a reedy cry when the tip of his finger pierced her.

“Oh, it burns,” she whined.

“Shhh, I won’t hurt you,” he whispered in between kisses. “You’ll see… you’ll see… I’ll show you that I care for you,” he promised.

His lips travelled her jaw, leaving wet trails down the side of it and along her neck. To distract her from the penetration, he began to flick her breast with his thumb through her shirt, and soon made that nub pucker again. Between her legs, he felt her growing wet.

“Do you trust me?” he growled. “Do you understand I want you?”

Silence.

“Not yet?” he grinned.

Sebastian slid his finger deeper. Instantly, she cried out and her back arched and he felt her squeeze around him. He felt the broken sound of her surprise shiver through her neck and into his waiting lips.

“How deep inside of you can I go?” he asked breathlessly. “How deep will you let me?”

It was a double-edged question, and they both could feel it. She knew by this point that his actions were less about giving her pleasure — even less about taking it for himself — and more about showing her that she was worthy of desire, of care and want and love.

“Deep,” she whispered, relaxing against his chest as her channel swallowed his probing finger.

“Deep, hmm?” he chuckled. “Deep and gentle, is that how my girl likes it?”

“Yes,” she moaned mindlessly.

Against his wrist, he could feel her thighs flexing. Sebastian groaned deep in his chest and slowly thrust into her, always upward, never retreating until he felt all the way to the end of her.

“So tight,” he whispered, peppering kisses on her neck again. “Tight and warm, that sickly sweet warmth of yours…”

He nibbled at her neck and squeezed her breast again, caressing it in slow but greedy motions. Inside her, his finger pressed all the way until he reached her cervix.

“Ow,” she winced, trying to move away.

“Stay still,” he said.

She did, allowing him to feel her, all of her. Her channel throbbed and pulsed around him, not knowing what to do with the intrusion. Sebastian paused in wonder at this marvellous part of her, this secret, deep, and tender place that nobody else had known before. When he felt her greedy channel relax, he began pulling out. Teasingly, he trailed his finger out and out and out of her, letting her feel it the whole way.

“It feels so cold,” he chuckled, “it’s so wet from you…”

She didn’t say anything, but he could tell that she was blushing, her cheek felt hot where it touched his temple.

“Are you ashamed of that, my sweetest one?” he asked, ending it with a lick of her neck. “Are you ashamed of how wet you are for me?”

“Don’t talk like that,” she whispered, turning her head away.

Sebastian distracted her by kneading her breast, bringing his finger back to her entrance, and circling her hot and twitching hole.

“You’re wet for me, because of me” he said again more firmly, determined to break through her shyness and shame. “You’re warm and feverish and plush in your most secret place because of me,” he hissed. “Isn’t that right?”

“Why do you want me to say it?” she groaned, twisting in his grasp.

“Because I want to know,” he said with a kiss to her clavicle, “that you know it,” and then he kissed up her neck, “and I want you to admit it to yourself,” and then he kissed her cheek, “and I want to feel how desperate you get when you say those naughty words, my darling.”

The girl bit her lip and turned her head away, her fingers digging into his arms, nails snagging against his sleeves, struggling against him — and, in a way, against herself.

He penetrated her again, this time with two fingers. To keep her from squirming away he kneaded at her breast harder, more punishingly, threatening her almost.

“Say it,” he ordered with a low murmur.

“Yes,” she gasped, her back twisted in a painful arch between his heavy paw at her breast and his thick, invading fingers. “Yes, I’m wet because of you…”

“And what else?”

She moaned, canting her hips distractedly into his thrust as his fingers opened her up.

“Are you all swollen because of me? Because of what I’m doing to you?”

“Yes…”

“Do you want me?”

“Yes…”

“You want me inside of you?” he whispered, his lips and tongue teasing the crook of her neck. “You want me here?” His fingers curled in her girlhood, pressing against that soft spot above her entrance.

She gasped and squirmed, her eyes and mouth opening in a shock of wonder.

“Here, in this tender little place?” Sebastian continued, and his fingers curled and pulled, then pressed in again slow and thick and deep. “This hidden spot? This weeping, lonely little hole?”

Her legs spread wider of their own accord and she hooked them over his knees, her arms going up and back, her fingers finding their way into his hair. She held on to him, completely dependent on him now, open and exposed and invaded.

“I want you,” he growled, pumping into her deeper, not pleasuring her spot anymore but feeling her whole channel again, forcing it to open wider, to accept him. “Do you believe me?”

“Yes,” she cried, although he wasn’t sure she was even listening anymore.

“Do you feel that? You feel me wanting you?” said Sebastian with a harder, fuller thrust that moved her body up his torso, before pulling her back with it. “You feel me needing you?” he asked, his length rubbing against her innocent backside.

“Sebastian —”

“Say it, I need you to say it, I need to know that you… you understand what I feel for you…”

The girl nodded, her lips parted in a breathless gasp. “Yes…”

“Yes what?”

“Yes, you need me… you want me,” she said, and he could almost hear a tearfulness in her voice.

“Good girl,” he sighed. “And do you know what else?”

She moaned and shook her head as her body trembled, caught between his thick thrusting fingers and his hard manhood pleasuring herself on her.

“I love you,” said Sebastian. His eyes were closed and his lips were at her ear. It almost scared him to admit it, but she needed to know.

“I… I love you too,” she whispered, turning her face lazily toward him.

When Sebastian opened his eyes, he saw her there, with her half-lidded, dreamy gaze, her sweaty forehead, tear-stained cheeks, and those lovely, bitten lips… His hand left her breast to hold her still by the neck and he leaned down to kiss her.

The girl moaned into his lips. The only sounds now were their delicious moans and the wetness he pulled out of her as he pumped his fingers through her gushing channel.

Sebastian was breathless when he released her, and his whole body was alight. Although he was still mostly clothed, he felt nearly at the edge just from her in his arms, her body pressing down on him. The more he tended to her core, the more of her he could smell.

“I would lick your tenderest little parts,” he breathed as he looked into her eyes, “but that might be too much for you, wouldn’t it, pet?”

She stared at him quite shocked, not knowing what to say. She couldn’t even nod in agreement.

“So why don’t you just come for me? Release for me, let go…” he whispered, stretching out his tongue to lap at her lip. “Let me feel… this little hole… ” he continued, his fingers thrusting harder into her, shaking her whole body, “convulse in pleasure around me…”

Sebastian was certain she didn’t exactly know what he was talking about, and he actually wished she didn’t. He wanted her to be innocent, he wanted to be the first for her, to teach her and train her and show her pleasure. Show her how to surrender.

He groaned when she pressed in a certain way down on his lap, and instinctively he released her neck to grip her hip, holding her still for his use. His two fingers, thick and dripping wet with her, dug as deep inside her as he could and held there as he put all of his efforts into pressing up against her, rubbing himself against her bottom. He moaned shamelessly with each delicious thrust. His sounds were deep and lustful and embarrassingly revealing of how savagely he wished to take her, but the scared look in her eyes centred him.

Sebastian kissed her again then leaned back to look at her face as he used her, imagined himself taking her, feeling her wetness soak his shaft, feeling her weak little body parting for him, having no choice but to surrender and open and take him inside where he could spill —

“I… I love you,” he gasped, pleading with her almost, needing her to understand it and accept it. “I love you…”

“Seb—”

He frowned and closed her lips with a kiss, and then he felt his shaft twitch as it spilt its seed. It was a messy and distorted kiss, more of a moan and a cry and a crushing of lips, but for a moment it felt perfect. Her body relaxed above him, her fingers caressing his hair and his neck, her girlhood clenching around his fingers, suckling on them.

Sebastian breathed in deeply then released her mouth. He grinned lazily and leaned back to look at her. There was a sticky and disgusting feeling at his loins, but that didn’t matter now. Slowly, his fingers resumed their thrust.

She gasped and tensed in surprise, but soon eased and moaned more openly, her head tilted back exposing her neck, her chest arching against her shirt. Sebastian thrust deeper, those two thick fingers keeping her spread. He pulled the wetness out of her with each outward thrust and let it make her thighs and bottom slick.

“How long have you wanted me?” he asked in a teasing whisper at her ear. Now that he had warmed her up, he felt sure he would get the answer out of her.

“Wh-what?!”

He chuckled, pumping his fingers faster. “How long?”

“Since… since the fifth-year summer break,” she admitted, speaking in so small a voice he would not have heard if he were further away.

“So since you were fifteen!?”

Sebastian was a little scandalised. He pictured taking advantage of her at that age and recoiled inwardly. But at the same time, he didn't wish to make her feel ashamed. After all, she couldn't help her feelings, and he would be lying if he said he wasn't the slightest bit flattered. So he fought against how taboo it was, and chuckled.

“How naughty my little girl is,” he purred, nibbling at her ear.

“I’m sorry,” she groaned, turning her blushing face away from him.

“You should be,” he said, half-teasing. “I only ever wanted to take care of you, do you know that? I wished… I wished I could take you away sometimes. Just to have you for my own. To love you freely.”

She was nearly breathless with the revelation and turned to look up at him. His trusts between her legs gentled as he confessed his more innocent feelings to her, and she had no idea what to make of it.

“Did you really?” she asked in a whisper.

“Yes,” he smiled, “but not like this. Not as…”

“As lovers?”

“Yes, not like that. Just, as your friend or… anything.”

It was awkward for Sebastian to show this side of himself. It didn’t go well with what he was — an older man twice her age, slightly rough around the edges, involved with dark magic and seedy figures and things she shouldn’t know about. And she was so sweet and delicate, so fragile in his arms… But it was true, all he wanted was to love her, protect her, take care of her, in whatever capacity she allowed him.

Sebastian leaned down and kissed her forehead, his fingers stilling inside her for a moment. No sooner he parted from her skin that she leaned up and kissed his lips — clumsily, reaching mostly just the corner of his mouth.

“I want you,” she said as she looked into his eyes. “I… I wish you could take me away, forever.”

“But you know I can’t,” sighed Sebastian, and his fingers began to cant back and forth inside her, making her feel his despair and desire and longing to be with her as deeply as possible.

“I know… But I’ve dreamed of it,” she whispered. “So many nights… when I thought about you.”

Sebastian’s eyes darkened and he listened to her, his lips parted in a stilted gasp. He wasn’t sure he should know more, he was afraid of what he would hear, but a part of him was greedy to know everything that this darling girl thought about.

“Did you?” he asked lowly, and he started a deliberate, deep rhythm that trailed her channel up and down. Her plump folds kissed his knuckles when he thrust all the way inside.

“Yes,” she said in a high, weak voice.

He smiled. He loved the way she got so breathless when he pleasured her. “Did you touch yourself?”

“I did…”

“Did you touch yourself thinking of me?”

She closed her eyes and nodded.

“Like this?”

“Please,” she sobbed, her heart trembling in her chest as his fingers dragged themselves out of her. “Pleasepleaseplease…”

Sebastian licked his lips and looked down at her. Her arms were limp around his head and her eyes were closed. He drank in the sight of her weak and surrendered, and then he gave her what she wanted. He put his fingers back to her girlhood, trailing the slippery digits up and down her slit.

“You pleasured your special place?” he teased, grinning against her blushing cheek while his fingers dragged her slick up to her tender nub. “Alone, at night, while you thought of me…?”

She mewled and bowed her head, regretting somewhat that she had even admitted it to him, because now he used it to torture her — but his fingers felt so good, working her so precisely to feverish pleasure.

“Yes yes yes, please,” she mewled.

His chest purred beneath hers while his fingers strummed her pearl, tending to her most sensitive point relentlessly, diligently.

“Will you show me how you sounded when you reached your peak?” he whispered. “Will you spill for me here as you did around your pretty little fingers?”

“Please, Sebastian,” she cried, and her voice began to sound a little panicked. “It… it’s too much…”

In response, he held her down, his left arm stiff around her waist while with his right he abused her girlhood in short, aggressive rubs. He could feel her nub becoming stiffer, its raw head peeking out. With each downward thrust, he picked up a little bit more slick that leaked from her and brought it up to wet her pearl.

“It’s not too much, you can take it,” he whispered. “Doing so well for me, letting me love you like this… Letting me show how much I love you…”

“I can’t, I can’t,” she rambled.

Her legs started to tremble against his, her hips canting up and down, spreading the wetness that he’d spilt around himself in his soiled trousers. Sebastian groaned at the delicious, savage feeling of it all.

“I can feel you leaking out of your little hole,” he said with a dreamy voice. “Is that how you’d drip around me if I kissed you there? Is it? Is it how you’d gush around my manhood if I gave it to you?”

“Yes,” she mumbled, her head twisting back and forth, her hair a ruffled mess against his pillow, over his shoulder, sticking to his cheek. “Yes yes yes, I want, I want…”

“I’ll give you what you want, my girl,” he growled, holding her down and playing with her nub. “My good little girl, sweet, wet, dirty little girl…”

And her whole body began to tremble, starting with her legs, her stomach, her hands clasping desperately at the pillow. She let out a scream before she caught herself and bit it back. He reached down and kissed her mouth, swallowing it from her. Sebastian held her to him, barely letting her move while she squirmed with the shock of her powerful orgasm.

“Se— Sebastian! Aaah… Aaahh!”

Her core clenched and throbbed, hungry and empty and desperate for something that never came inside. Right above it, his fingers kept tending to her pearl, flicking it until it nearly drove her mad.

The girl mewled into his mouth, pleading with him to stop but in a thoroughly unconvincing manner.

“You like that?” Sebastian asked against her lips as his caresses slowed to steady, long, torturous strokes. “Hmm? Was that good?” he asked with a kiss.

“Mmm… yes,” she whispered, her voice trembling as her body relaxed, limp and sapless in his arms. Only faint twitches travelled up her legs anymore, but she spread them wider for him as he kept tenderly caressing her girlhood.

“Yes?” he grinned. “My naughty little girl liked it?”

“I did,” she said in the smallest, shyest whisper, her eyes cast down toward his lips.

He understood what she wanted, and leaned forward to kiss her again. The room around them fell silent now that her frantic breaths and moans abated. All that was left were the lewd, slopping sounds as he kept fingering her.

“Good little girl,” he sighed against her mouth. “Gone all soft now that you’ve been pleasured, haven’t you?”

She blushed and nodded, the tip of her nose brushing against his. Sebastian chuckled and leaned in to kiss her again, and again, and again. Slowly, he stilled his fingers, but kept them there, cupping her secret place, letting her seep lazily into his palm.

“How do you feel?” he asked with a warm smile.

“Good,” she murmured, a similar smile playing on her lips too. Her eyes were low and sleepy, but held his gaze.

Sebastian chuckled and disentangled his arm from around her waist, bringing it up to brush her messy hair away, caress her face, and pet her lovely cheek. Her legs dipped back from around his and closed around his wrist, hugging his hand to her centre.

“And did you like what I did to you?”

She bit back a wince and nodded again. Sebastian’s eyes crinkled with a smile and he dipped down to her mouth, tasting her in a long and languid caress.

“Give me your hand,” he said, “the left one,” and waited for her to comply.

She stretched out her left arm and watched curiously as he grinned and kissed the bracelet there. It was, in its own way, more like a mark of belonging, of his commitment to her — like an engagement ring.

“You were beautiful,” he said as her hand came down to brush against his face, “and sweet, and adorable, and the most enticing little witch I’ve ever seen.”

The girl squirmed in his lap, smiling awkwardly, but there was nowhere for her to go even if she had the strength to do it. He cupped her in his hands and held her to him.

“Well, I hope so,” she said with a small voice, looking between his lips and his eyes.

“You deserve to be loved. I hope you understand that now, at least a little bit better…”

Did she? She wasn’t sure. Held in Sebastian’s strong steady arms, against his broad chest, she knew she felt at home, and safe, and cared for, but love came with a little difficulty… How could he be satisfied with her?

“I know I am most inadequate —” she started.

“No,” he shook his head, “you are not. You deserve to be loved, and I wish to be the one to do it.”

She looked into his eyes again, quietly reading every emotion that flashed through there, every hint of vulnerability, of devotion, and found them all reflected in her too. Her hands finally found the strength to reach up again and tangle loosely in his hair.

“Alright,” she whispered, leaning up to breathe against his lips. “If you’ll love me, I’ll love you,” she said, kissing him gently on the mouth. “In fact, as you well know, I already do…”

Sebastian chuckled and held her closer, rocking her gently on his chest. Slowly, his hand slid away from her core, allowing her to close her legs, and his to close around her. Entangled in each other, they forgot about their messy clothes, their ruffled hair, and knew only of how much they liked each other’s closeness.

They spoke in sweet hushed whispers about what they planned to do, how they intended to live together, to accomplish it against all odds. Slowly, Sebastian forgot about his plan to only show her these safe, distant forms of love — with fingers and close embraces and perhaps eventually with his mouth, acts that left no lingering mark on her and had no chance of spoiling her honour. No, after this evening, could see himself taking her away, even marrying her, building a life with her… And as he gazed into her eyes throughout the evening, all the while until they fell asleep, he hoped she pictured the same future too.

[engie-ivy]

(Last day of August, just in time for a @wolfstarmicrofic August prompt!)

Bonus: S'mores

917 words

Happy Camper

“I’m sorry,” Dora says for about the hundredth time.

Remus just glares at her.

Dora tries to look guilty, but she has to bite her lip not to laugh.

Around them, hyperactive and overly excited children are running around, while a surprisingly cheery bus driver is trying to get a whole pile of backpacks into the bus’s luggage compartment.

Remus himself is carrying a bag of his own, rethinking the events that got him in this situation.

Dora and he were attending a meeting hosted by the Parents’ Committee at Teddy’s school, and Molly Weasley had been assigning tasks to all reluctantly volunteering parents. They had both managed not to get any tasks assigned to them, and Remus had been hopeful he was going to dodge the bullet, when they arrived at the last item.

The yearly camping trip.

They needed one more parent to supervise the children while out camping in the woods by the lake for a week. While everyone in the room was hoping that not making eye contact with Molly might prevent her from seeing you, Dora had loudly exclaimed “Remus, didn’t you tell me you used to be in the boy scouts?”

Remus did in fact tell her this, because he was telling her how he quit after two meetings because he had hated it so much, and how he detested the concept of ‘going back to basic’. But before he got a chance to say any of this, Molly had already smiled and said “Excellent”, while noting Remus’ name down on her clipboard. And everyone knows, once you’re on the clipboard, there’s no getting off anymore.

Some boys run past them, one carrying a pocket knife and one somehow already having lost his shoes.

“I can’t believe you did this to me,” Remus says.

Dora grimaces watching the boy run away with the knife. “I truly didn’t mean to,” she says. “I genuinely just remembered you once having said something about the boy scouts, and I spoke before I could think.”

Remus scoffs. “I’m not letting you off the hook that easy! Forcing me into this nightmare. It’ll take more than sorry for me to forgive you.”

Remus hasn’t decided yet how long he’ll wait before forgiving Dora. It’ll probably depend on how disastrous this week is going to be.

Dora is his... Well, she started out as his one night stand, then she got pregnant, and became the mother of his son. Gradually, she also became one of his closest friends. Neither of them ever had feelings for the other beyond friendship, though, save for that one night of blatant sexual attraction.

Dora rolls her eyes. “You’re being awfully dramatic, Remus. But alright. I guess I do owe you a bottle of wine, the good stuff, alright?”

Remus is about to reply, when a voice interrupts.

“Excuse me, are you Teddy’s dad?”

Remus looks up and his jaw drops. A man comes walking towards them.

And what a man.

He’s tall and lean. He has long, dark hair falling elegantly over his piercing silver-grey eyes and a bright smile on his handsome face. He has a duffle bag thrown over one, remarkably broad, shoulder.

“Uh..” Remus says eloquently.

Dora, who was also eyeing the man appreciatively, turns to look at Remus with a knowing smirk.

The man just smiles at Remus. “I believe we’ll be camp counsellors together!”

Remus blinks. “I thought I was paired with Harry’s dad?”

“Ah, yes.” The man runs a hand through his hair. “James has fallen ill, I’m afraid. He asked me to cover for him. I’m Harry’s godfather!” He holds out his hand. “I’m Sirius. The star.” He pauses for a moment, before quickly adding “I mean written as the star! God, can you imagine?” He chuckles. “One Calvin Klein photoshoot and I’d go around introducing myself as ‘the star’. No, I promise it hasn’t inflated my ego that much!”

“I’m Remus,” Remus replies, making a mental note to do a Google search for the most recent Calvin Klein add the moment he gets home.

“Nice to meet you, Remus!” Sirius replies. “James told me you were supposed to share a tent? I hope you won’t mind sharing with me?”

Remus swallows, his throat suddenly a little dry. “No, I don’t mind. Not at all.”

“Great!” Sirius beams at him. “Then we’ll be getting go know each other pretty well the coming week.” He gives Remus a wink, and it should probably be cheesy, but when Sirius does it, it’s just damn attractive.

“Oh!” Sirius exclaims. “And I hope you like S’mores!” He pats his bag. “This is almost completely filled with just chocolate and marshmallows. I hardly brought any clothes,” he admits. “So it’s a good thing I’m probably going to be walking around in my swimming trunks all week anyway!”

“Yeah,” Remus manages to say. “Good thing indeed.”

“Well, if you’ll excuse me,” Sirius says. “I promised James I’d embarrass Harry by loudly telling him his father sends him lots of love and kisses in front of all his friends. See you in the bus?”

“Uh-huh,” Remus says. He watches Sirius walk away, trying to wrap his head around the sudden appearance of a gorgeous Calvin Klein model who will be around him in only his swimming trunks all week and also share a tent with him, while bringing loads of chocolate.

“Well,” Dora says, pulling him from his thoughts. “On second thought, I’d say you owe me that bottle of wine!”

[tooti-fruiti]

THE BAD GUY [PROLOGUE]

You were so excited!

You were selected as a contestant on the Total Drama show!

You were driven to the island on a boat and you arrived you saw that four people were already there.

A nerdy girl, a goth girl, a tall party dude, and another tall dude.

You stepped off the boat and the host, Chris McClain, introduced.

"And this is (Y/n)!"

"Hey Chris! Are you sure we're on the right island?"

"I asked the same thing." One of the guys said.

You sighed and picked up your luggage.

"I'm DJ." The dude said.

You smiled and stood between him and the other dude. "I'm (Y/n)."

"Hey girl, I'm Geoff!" The party dude said.

You smiled and waved at him.

The goth girl just rolled her eyes.

"Everyone!" Chris said grabbing everyone's attention.

"This is Lindsay!"

She gestured towards a beautiful blonde girl who smiled at everyone.

"Hii!" She said, and then she looked at Chris.

"Okay, you look SO familiar!"

"I'm Chris McClain...the host, of the show." He said.

"Ohhh that's where I know you from!"

"Uh...yeah?" Chris said while you and DJ gave each other a look.

Behind her, another girl arrived.

She had long black hair, black eyes, and a mean glare.

She walked past Chris without saying a word to him.

"Heather..." He said.

The nerdy girl ran up to her and got in her face.

"Hi! Looks like we're your new friends for the next eight weeks!" She said, spitting into Heather's face and making her lean back.

Then you all heard Rock Music in the distance and you saw another boat approaching.

A dude with a green mohawk and piercings was driven up, he threw his bag onto the dock and glared at Chris.

He was kind of hot.

"Duncan! Dude!" Chris said, excitedly.

"I don't like...surprises." He said, holding up his fist.

He walked towards Chris and Chris gave him finger guns.

"Yeah, your parole officer warned me about that man. He also told me to give him a holler anytime and have you returned to juvie."

Duncan rolled his eyes. "Okay then."

He picked up his stuff and moved beside you, winking at you.

You blushed and turned away.

"I'm calling my parents!" Heather said. "You can NOT make me stay here."

Chris smiled at he held up a stack of papers.

Another boat approached and there was a guy wearing all red, water skiing behind it.

However, he lost his footing and flung himself over the dock and into the water, splashing Heather.

"UGH! MY SHOES!" She said as he climbed out of the water.

"Wicked Wipeout man!" Chris yelled.

Tyler smiled and gave him a thumbs up.

DJ and Geoff gave him a thumbs up back.

Chris started laughing at how miserable Heather looked, but he didn't realize there was already someone else behind him.

"Welcome to camp, Harold." Chris said.

He started looking around, confused.

"What's he looking at?" The nerdy girl asked.

"So you mean this show is at a gross summer camp and not on some big stage or something?" He asked, sounding like Napoleon Dynamite.

"You got it." Chris said.

"Yes! That is so much more favorable to my skills!" Harold said, as he picked up his stuff and walked away.

Chris winced as Harold approached everyone.

You turned away from Harold as Duncan flipped him off.

"The next contestant is Trent!" Chris said.

"Hey, good to meet you man. I saw you on that figure skating show, nice work." He said.

Chris gave him a hand shake and smiled. "Thanks man, I knew I rocked that show!"

"I saw that!" The nerdy girl said. "One of the guys dropped his partner on her head, so they got immunity that week."

"Lucky!" Harold said. "I hope I get dropped on my head."

"Me too!" Lindsay said as you rolled your eyes.

"So, this is it?" Trent asked.

Heather started drying her hair and Harold started picking his nose, making a few people move away from him.

"...alrighty then." He said as he moved to stand beside the goth girl.

Another girl walked onto the dock carrying a giant surfboard.

"Hey, what's up?" She said.

"Alright! Our surfer chick, Bridgette, is here!"

Duncan scoffed. "Nice board, this ain't Malibu, honey."

"I thought we were going to be on a beach?"

"We are!" Chris said, gesturing to the trash covered beach.

Bridgette sighed. "Great."

"Alright! That's our first 12-" Christ stopped when Bridgette accidentally smacked him with her board when she reached down to grab her suitcase.

"Ow! Damn it! That hurt!"

"Hey guys." She said as she stood beside Geoff.

"Heyyy, I'm Geoff!" He said.

"What's up?"

"Hi! I'm Beth!" The nerdy girl said.

"Hey!"

"Okay, we've all met surfer girl, can we got on with show please?" Heather complained.

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of bed." You smirked.

"Drop dead." She said.

You rolled your eyes as Duncan chuckled quietly.

"Our next camper..." Chris said, rubbing his head. "...is Noah."

"You got my memo about my life threatening allergies?"

"I'm sure someone did!" Chris smiled.

"Good. Is this where we're staying?

"No, it's your mom's house." Duncan said sarcastically.

"Whatever. Cute piercings." Noah said.

"You want one?" Duncan asked, grabbing a needle from his pocket.

"No, no thanks."

After Noah, another girl arrived to the island.

"Wassup y'all! Leshawna's in the house!"

Harold gasped when she stepped onto the dock.

"Yo baby! Ay how you doin'? How's it going?" She said giving Chris a high five.

"Feel free to quit now and save yourselves the trouble cause, I came to win!"

She walked up to you and DJ.

"Yo girl, you got some style going on!"

You smiled and crossed your arms. "So do you."

Then she smiled at DJ and gave him a high five. "Oh what's up my brother? Gimme some sugar baby!"

"I've never seen a girl like you in real life before." Harold said from behind her.

"Excuse me?" She asked.

"You're real big. And loud."

"What the FUCK did you say to me?!" She yelled. "Oh no you didn't! I'll show you big stringbean!"

She was about to jump and attack Harold, but Bridgette and DJ rushed to stop her.

"Alright campers, settle down!" Chris said.

Leshawna adjusted her shirt and glared at Harold, who gave her a little smile.

Two girls appeared together, matching each other in almost every way.

"Ladies! Katie, Sadie, welcome to your new home for the next eight weeks!"

Katie gasped. "Oh my gosh, Sadie look! It's a summer camp!"

"Okay, I always wanted to go to summer camp!"

They both squealed and ran to the other end of the dock.

After they did, another guy came onto the dock.

"Ezekiel! What's up man?"

Ezekiel looked up and pointed at the sky.

"I think I see a bird." He said, making some people giggle.

Chris put his hand on his shoulder and gave him a little pep talk, then shoved him onto the dock.

"That's just...wow." The goth girl said.

Another boy came on after she said that.

"Cody!" Chris said. "The code-ster! The code-meister!"

He gave Cody a high five as he walked towards everyone confidently.

"Dude, psyched to be here man. I see the ladies have already arrived! Alright!"

He was about to say something to Leshawna but she stopped him due to what happened with Harold.

Next, a muscular girl came onto the dock and she completely blew off Chris.

"Eva. Nice. Glad you could make it!"

She dropped her bag on Cody's foot and he held it in pain.

"Ow! What's in there?! Dumbells?!"

"Yes." Eva replied dryly.

"She's all yours man." Duncan said to DJ.

A loud cheer came from the other end of the docks and you all saw a big dude cheering.

"Chris! What's happening?!" He yelled as he laughed. "This is awesome! Woooohooo!"

"Owen! Welcome!" Chris said as Owen picked him up into a bone crushing bear hug.

"Awesome to be here man! Yeah! Man, this is just so..."

"Awesome?" The goth girl asked.

"Yes! Awesome! Wooooooooo! Are you gonna be on my team?" He asked her.

"Oh I sure hope so." She said sarcastically.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-"

"Are you about finished?" Chris asked, annoyed.

Owen put him down and smiled. "Sorry dude, I'm just so psyched!"

"Cool." Chris said. "And here comes Courtney."

A girl with short brown hair amwas driven up to the dock and Chris helped her down as she thanked him.

"Hi! You must be the other contestants, it's really nice to meet you all!" She said.

Owen started shaking her hand quickly. "Hi! I'm Owen!"

"Nice to meet you O...wow...." She said, looking at something in the distance.

In the distance was a muscular guy with long black hair and a chiseled face.

Most of the girls swooned when they saw him.

"This, is Justin." Chris said as he walked onto the dock.

"Welcome to Total Drama Island." He said as he gave Justin a fistbump.

"Thanks Chris, this is great."

"Just so you know, we picked up based entirely on your looks!"

"I can live with that." He shrugged and walked to the other end of the dock.

"I like your pants!" Owen said.

"Thanks man."

"Cause they look like they're all worn out! Did you buy them like that?"

"No just, had them for a while."

"Oh! Cool!" Owen said before he hit his forehead.

You and Duncan gave each other a look at his behavior.

"Hey everyone! It's Izzy!" Chris said.

"Hi Chris! Hi! Hi! H-WOAH!" She said as he accidentally ran off the ship and hit her chin on the deck.

"Oooh that was bad." Tyler said as he giggled.

"Guys! She could be seriously hurt!" Courtney said, as she helped Izzy out of the water.

Izzy started shaking like a dog which confused the shit out of Courtney.

"That felt...so.. GOOD! Except for hitting my chin. This is summer camp? That is so cool! Do you have paper mache here? Are we having lunch soon?!"

"That! Is a good call!" Owen said.

"Hold your horses Izzy." Chris said. "We still have one more camper to introduce!"

One last camper got onto the deck and your heart dropped when you saw them.

It was your ex.

"This is-" Chris started.

"(Y/n)?" They asked and you averted your eyes.

"Oh, do you two know each other?" Chris asked.

"Yeah, we dated for a few years."

"Oooh! How awesome is this?! We have an ex couple on the island! The drama is starting off great!" Chris said.

"So tell me, why did you break up?"

"They cheated." You said and most of the other campers glared at them.

"Oh come on babe, I was drunk! I wasn't-"

"Anyway!" Chris said cutting them off. "This is (Ex/n). Time for pictures! Move to the other end of the dock!"

As Chris got up somewhere high to take the picture, you made sure (Ex/n) stayed away from you.

"Okay!" Chris said. "One, Two, Thr- Oops, I'm holding it backwards!"

"Okay, hold that pose! One, two- Oh wait, forgot the lens cap!"

"Come on man, my face is starting to freeze." Leshawna complained.

"Got it! Okay! Everyone say: 'Wawanakwa!'"

You all said what he told you too, but before the picture could be taken, the dock broke under the weight and you all ended up in the water.

"Okay campers, dry off and meet me at the campfire pit in ten!"

(Hope you enjoyed. Stay tuned for more and have a good day)

Chapter One->

[deariemaybank]

Concealed Hearts

Summary: Angela goes back to the outerbanks after many years to visit family but this time she actually plans on making her holiday worth it.

Pairing: eventually JJ Maybank x oc mid size reader

Pls note: this will also be posted on my Wattpad if you prefer to read it on there. This is my first ever time writing something, I’ve recently had an obsession with outerbanks and JJ Maybank that I had the biggest urge to write up a story thats been playing over in my head for a while. Sorry if this is not written well and as you can probably guess I’m from Australia so I will do my best to avoid any Aussie slang but can’t make any promises. This is a eventual JJ Maybank x original character story, it will not follow the show completely but most parts will be put in and adjusted to match up with the whole story. I don’t own any of the OBX characters, only the ones I added to the story. The prologue is the only thing that’s going to be written second person, the rest will be written in first person.

Warnings: swearing (which I have done my best to keep minimal at the moment), talk of body sizes

(Pls comment what you think and where I can improve and if you would like me to continue the story - which I probably will anyway 😂)

Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.

Prologue:

“Flight 181 is now boarding…” you over heard on the airport speaker. You picked up your carry on bag, holding onto your current book that you were reading and followed your family to board the plane.

“Are you excited?” Your little sister asked you trying to make small talk to calm both of your nerves. You both loved flying but there was always a small amount of nerves lurking around. This was technically your sisters second but first time as she claims heading to the outer banks, you had been once before when you were about 6 years old just after your Aunty had moved, your sister came but she was still a bit too young to remember anything even though you two are only one and half years apart. You remembered small details here and there like the few people you got to meet but mainly remembered and tried to stay friends with a girl you met on one of your last days, her name was Kiara. Unfortunately you guys lost touch over the years as you both moved on with your lives, you in Australia and Kiara in the outerbanks.

“Yeah, you?” You replied, your sister nodded. You found your seat on the plane next to your sister, loaded your bag in the overhead compartment, made sure to grab your book and buckle yourself in because as everyone knows Australia to America is about a 15hr flight so you had no choice but to get comfy and wait for the plane to take off.

Once you landed in Charleston, you caught the ferry over to the outerbanks where you spot your Aunty waiting for you, you ran up to her with the biggest smile on your face, you haven’t seen her in a few years the last time being when she came to Australia about two years ago. “Angela!!” “Aunty Jessica!!” You both shouted at the same time running up to each other, your sister joining in not long after followed by your parents.

You drove to where your Aunty was currently residing with your uncle Matthew, who she met while on holiday and moved to the Outerbanks to be with. Your Aunty lived in what the outerbanks people called the cut which was for the working class/poor people. The rich people lived on figure 8 which was the other side of the island and were called the kooks, your Aunty and Uncle made enough to get by comfortably but just weren’t rich enough to live in figure 8, they were kind of in the middle. Your uncle had a garage working as a mechanic and your Aunty was currently working at a place called the wreck which is how you met Kiara after running into her at her parents shop last time you were here as you waited for your Aunty to finish up her shift on that day. Once you unloaded your luggages and found your room for the next 6 weeks, you decided to take a nap as it was night time in Australia and you could feel your body needing a good rest.

Chapter 1:

I could hear my sister coming into my room before I could even open my eyes fully, pulling me out of my peaceful slumber. We had landed in the outerbanks about three days ago and have just spent the last few days sleeping, settling in and catching up with our Aunty, Uncle and cousins who we weren’t very close to due to the age gaps between us all but I still cared to know how they have been going.

“Ange?” My sister called my nickname from the door before entering my room like she didn’t already disturb my sleep, I prefer to be called Ange, Angela was just a tad too formal sometimes and Angel just didn’t sit right with me “Can we please go to the beach today? The sun is out and I wanna go see some hot surfer dudes!!” I looked at her for a moment then decided why the fuck not, we are on holiday anyway. “Sure, sounds like a plan” I told her, I honestly had no interest in surfer dudes or any romance at the moment (especially not after getting my heartbroken like 3 weeks ago back home by a guy I had a crush on who was just playing with my heart strings because he thought it was funny in front of his friends, luckily I didn’t end up doing anything with him, thankful to my stubborn self for once for not falling for his trap fully and losing my virginity to him) but my sister was what I considered boy crazy, everything she did in life always revolved around them but as long as she was happy, that’s all that mattered to me. I just wanted to sit back in the sand and continue my book, perhaps go for a swim as well because the ocean is where my mind finds solace and swimming is just something I always found naturally easy and calming.

I put on my swimsuit and cover up on top, packed my sunscreen,towel,book and sunnies and headed out to the beach with my sister. We found a spot and placed our umbrella above us mainly above me because I am known to burn pretty easily, placed our towels down and got comfy, me with my book and my sister tanning while scrolling on her phone.

“Angela? Is that you?” I heard someone say, slowly looking away from my book,I turned to see a familiar face walking towards me, I swore I couldn’t put my finger on who it was, as the person got closer, I started to notice her brown eyes first, my mind knowing I knew those eyes from somewhere.

“Oh my god, Kiara is that you?” I shouted out as my brain finally caught up with what was going on. I ran up to meet her half way pulling her into a hug both of us squealing with excitement of seeing each after soo long. “ what are you doing here?” Kiara asked me “came to visit Aunt Jessica and uncle Matthew” I replied

“Girl it’s been too long and we have so much to catch up on, you look really good.” Kiara mentioned and I agreed with her “yeah it’s been way too long and what are you talking about? Have you looked in the mirror?You have grown up to look like an absolute goddess girl” I replied to which Kiara laughed at, thanking me for the compliment.

My sister came up behind me, eager to meet my friend “Oh Kiara, this is my sister, Isabella but we all call her, Bella. Bella this is my friend, Kiara. The one I met last time we came here.” I introduced them allowing Bella and Kiara to officially meet, they hugged and started going on about how it was so nice to finally meet each other in person and Kiara mentioning she is glad she got to finally meet my ‘famous’ sister.

“What are you doing tonight, Ange?” Kiara asked me “Nothing I think, why do you ask?” I replied. “My friends and I are having a bonfire tonight and I would love for you to come, Bella can come too.” Kiara asked me “Ah, thanks for the invite Kiara but I’m not a huge party girl.” I replied

“Angelllaaa” Kiara said dragging out my full name in a pleading tone “First of all, please call me Kie and second, I really want you to come please even for just a little bit so we can catch up and you can meet my friends, I know they want to meet you as I’ve told them all about you.” Kie said

I thought it over for a minute and then referred back to my previous mindset in the morning, I am on holiday, might as well have some fun. “Okay Kie, I will come for a little bit but can’t promise I will stay long.”

Bella decided to chime in then asking me “can I please come with you, Ange?” I replied “yeah sure but pls no drinking as you are way too under age and our parents will kill me.” Bella was so excited and hugged me and then went up to hug Kie then got back to her tanning session and staring at the boys surfing. After exchanging phone numbers and socials with Kie so I didn’t lose contact with her this time, Kie then had to leave so she could go help her parents at their shop.

“So I’ll see you tonight?” Kie asked. “Yeah see you tonight.” I replied. As I finally got comfortable again with my book, Bella started hitting me on the arm with such urgency that I almost lost my place in your book. “What is it, Bell?” I asked her, sending her a glare because I was certain it was about a boy to which I was correct.

“Ange, you see the blonde one surfing out there? He is so hot!!” Bella said. I looked over and spotted the blonde boy coming in with his surfboard, he was cute I couldn’t say she was wrong but I just didn’t have the same mindset as her especially after he who shall not be named fucked me over, I honestly was really here to just enjoy my holiday, I replied “oh yeah, he seems kinda cute” not fully interested in taking it further but not wanting to ruin Bella’s mood and went back to my book because fictional men are better then real men at the moment and they are always end up being perfect to their partners and thats because they are usually written by woman, which is a fact I will always stand by.

“Angela, make sure you look after Bella and stay safe.” My mum reminded me for the fifth time tonight before we left to go to the bonfire.I was wearing a simple black crop top and light blue pair of ripped jeans which always did wonders for my body shape, highlighting all my favourite curves and some comfy shoes because I mean who doesn’t want to be comfortable, with my hair left down in it’s natural style with slight waves, while my sister who has a slightly different wardrobe style to me was wearing black bike shorts and a white crop top which suited her body shape. My sister has always been skinner than me, she was just blessed with a faster metabolism like my father and I unfortunately was not as I took after my mother but I never let that get me down, even though people at school and some distant relatives always tried making me feel like I had to change my body which don’t get me wrong I have tried, it’s just never worked and I found that the less I try and I just focus on being happy mentally is when I actually see better results. My family and true friends never saw me any different which is why I was proud of the body I had, always doing my best to be grateful about small things in life I had where I can be. “Yes mum, I will.” I replied, Bella also voicing out a promise to our parents that she will be good, we headed out towards the beach where the bonfire had already started.

A/n: sorry there is only so little mention of JJ in this chapter, i always feel like backstory is important when starting something so you can fully understand the story. Anyway, I’ll put up chapter 2 soon and hopefully we can get a good start on this story. Thank you so much for reading :)

[wytfut]

Love lost?

To get going on this entry, I need to explain where I came from.

Not being derogatory toward girls, but I'm not sure that what they read here will be understood. Isn't this a guy thing?

Growing up middle income Nebraskan, with God fearing Methodists.

My parents came from what now would be perceived as extreme conservatism. No card playing. No dancing. No alcohol. Go to church twice a week. All of these "rules" were broken one way or the other occasionally by my parents, but it was their guide to being good people.

Pop, although I do show him here sometimes more negative than what makes a lot of folks comfortable.... Was a real life hero in my eyes. An invincible law enforcement officer with wide respect all over this end of the state.... even more.

Mom who I also tell tales that can be interpreted wrong, are also written here. She in her own rights created a world wide reputation within the blood bank, as a RN, and an active extrovert within the community.

They were good hard working folks, with a staunch background from Mid Nebraska, with lofty goals I tend to believe were accomplished.

The best I would ever hear out of their mouths was usually third person, and when they'd want to talk serious. As in "you know we love you very much..... right?".

Never the less... I loved them both very much .... as it should be.

,,,,,

I never saw or heard my folks say in public in person say they love each other. Never saw them hold hands. And growing up with this was the norm for me.

My interpretation I believe why this was so, was because of their up bringing. No public affection ..... There is no doubt they loved each other.

And I followed thru this mode with my growing up, includeding other luggage..... namely saying you love someone is extremely personal, plus with my young age, if said, could be an huge embarrassment within my peers, that no doubt touched trust to a point. It was HUGE to hold hands with any girl I'd be courting, let alone say "I love you".... it would take everything I could muster, to hold hands. I'd want to, but didn't know how, as silly as this seems.

Maintaining this line of thinking has made my life likely more difficult than needed, or even worth me writing it down. But so it goes, it is huge in my understanding of how things work.

.....

Patti (Toots), the love of my life, has heard me say "I love you", but most likely not near enough. And I regret it.

Growing up the way I did, I had to fit the proper appearance.... that's the way I saw it. "be a manly man" "do manly things" "don't cry" "is this how you want people to remember you".... these all have gotten me to this point in life, right or wrong, here I am.

Around 50 years old.... My oldest, in an emotional moment told me he loved me. I teared up immediately.... I had never been approached that way before, let alone by a family member. I tried to reply, but it just came out all garbled and choked. Still though it felt good....

It wore on me, and anytime my mind would go idle, I'd relive it. Sometimes like a punch in the gut, sometimes tears of exhilaration, and moments of confusion.

A few years later, I was writing an email to a long time high school buddy.... and finished off with a "I love you man". It was a good thing he knew me VERY WELL, otherwise it could have been one of those embarrassing moments. I'm still amazed to this day, that I blurted that out on a long distant email. I realize now, it made our friendship much more binding..... REAL...

As time marched on, I was still very apprehensive about saying such a thing to anyone, but on rare occasion I could get it spit out with my family. It is a long road.....

Sometimes via text, and rarely but it was done in person.... Did I really say that?

Its still very difficult for me to say. Its extremely real in my opinion, reserved for exceptional moments.

..........

I feel I have a huge network of close friends. Not sure if they feel that way also, but believe it is so. It would be very difficult to rate them to, "who is my best friend". I can't do it. It'd be like trying to say which is your favorite child. I can't do that either. I'd guess I have in reality about 10 best friends (actually maybe a much bigger number). All of these people I can count on, even if I don't see/communicate with them for great lengths of time, and me vice versa.

People who I can depend on. The old quote from me to my boys: "a best friend is the guy that will get out of bed at 2 in the morning, because you are stuck in the snow,". A person can change this to apply to many things many ways.

..........

From my life experiences, it seems we all hide behind some sort of imposing public image. Some folks can let it down easily, some cannot. Knowing my close friends, it seems easy to understand who can, who cannot. But its all understood, with no regrets towards any of them. Hey folks we are just people trying to get along...

...........

A clever man last night threw out a "I love you" last night on the phone, but said in a reflective way, that guys do, but with underlying other meanings. My radar popped.

It wasn't because I don't love this guy (I truly do), but he threw this out there, and laughed, and I too nervously laughed.

By nature, in normal conversation.... well I saw it as breaking the guy code. In reality, it didn't. We are very close.... almost cosmic brothers. But it was unexpected. And it affected me enough that I had to write this.

..........

And there it is... I'm a bit neurotic. Think too much about petty things.

Gotta admit, I love a lot of people....

[occult-roommates]

Who’s your daddy?

After sending her luggage, Akva sat down waiting for her flight to be called. That’s when she saw in the corner of her eyes an old friend, she hadn’t seen him in a while, but had been thinking of him a lot lately. He’s the reason she decided to turn her life around after all. 

Ralf: Oh, Akva, it’s been so long.  Akva: Hello! Wait, what are you doing here? You’re in uniform but it’s the passengers area? Ralf: I’m flying back to Windenburg as a passenger, but I still wear my uniform so the other passengers will know I work for the airline. Akva: And is there any other people with you? Ralf: Nah, I’m a wolf...By which I mean a lone wolf, which is why you rarely see me with my colleagues...I’m a human obviously...In that context just saying I’m a wolf would make no sense. Anyway, where are you going? Akva: To California to see my...the baby I gave for adoption. Ralf: That’s nice of you and also of the adoptive parents. I mean, you already know my bio mom drowned shortly after I was adopted, but even if she didn’t I don’t think my parents would have let me meet her.  Akva: You did told me your real mom is dead, but not that she drowned...Well, that exclude the possibility of you being half mermaid. Ralf: I mean, I don’t know who my bio dad is and likely never will, so it’s not out of the possibility, but it’s unlikely. I am fully human, a boring old human...I did used to hope I was a spellcaster cause my best friend was and I wanted to relate to him more, but at my age I think I’d knew if I was.

He remembers when he tried finding his biological mother. He did have a few clues from his original birth certificate and from what his adoptive parents had told him. First of all, his birth name was Rafayl Borysenko, his mother was named Olena, she was only 17 at the time, and he was born in Lviv, then one of the westernmost city in the Soviet Union and now a part of Ukraine. Also, he knew she was Jewish, cause according to his parents, she wanted him to be adopted by another Jewish family. 

So in 2001, he showed up to Lviv, in hope of finding her again. It wasn’t going to be easy, as both Olena and Borysenko are fairly common name, but since he knew she was 17 in 1973 and Jewish, it narrowed it down by a lot. There wasn’t much of a Jewish community in the city back then, but finding a rabbi did help. Well, there was a language barrier, both Ralf and the rabbi were trilingual, and somehow none of them spoke a common language, but with the help of a translator and a dictionnary, Ralf eventually found out what happened: Olena was herself orphaned as a teenager thanks to a car crash, she fell into the wrong crowd because of this and got pregnant, thought the best option was putting the baby up for adoption since she knew she couldn’t give him a good life. Then a few months after Ralf was adopted, she fell down a river while partying with her friends, and since she and everyone involved was drunk she drowned. Just a horribly tragic story all around. 

Ralf: The “funny” thing here is that like, I didn’t really had that good of a childhood anyway, you already know it. But like...somehow being raised by shitty parents who stopped caring about me as soon as they had bio kids and I no longer was a cute little baby was the best scenario. At least they still managed to provide for my basic needs. Akva: Damn, this...feels like a family curse almost. Thankfully, unlike your mom you did manage to make it out of it as a normal well-adjusted adult. I mean, it sucks you lost your son but you still have your wife and your other two kids. And you have a good job and you seem happy and you have friends...Even if let’s be real they’re way younger than you, but it’s still nice that you have them! Ralf: Haha, yeah. I’m sometime in awe that I managed to pull myself out of the awful mess that was my early life.  Akva: That might sound mean but uh...Are you sure actually that your adoptive parents didn’t like you? I mean, you clearly were depressed as a teenager so maybe your reality got wrapped a bit. Ralf: When my mom got pregnant with my little sisters I heard her say while on the phone with a friend that had she knew she wasn’t fully infertile, she would have never bothered with adoption. I was fucking seven. It definitely wasn’t just me being a moody teenager, especially since I officially stopped talking to them in my late 30s...Though I tried stopping for years before that. Akva: Oh...Oh my god that’s awful I’m so sorry. Ralf: If you wanna hear something happier, I can tell you why I became a pilot, which is also pretty much the story on how I turned my life around. Akva: Yes please, tell me. You know...I’m trying to have a better life too by going to college and stuff, but my grades are...terrible. I failed all of my classes this semester. I refuse to give up yet, but my patience is running thin.

You know, that spellcaster friend Ralf had mentionned. His name was Konrad. The two actually dated at some point, and while it did end up like all of Ralf’s relationship before his wife, the two remained best friends. Which funnily enough, while his parents were objectively terrible, at least they did not care that their son was not straight or in love with a spellcaster. They were more concerned with the fact he was dating people left and right at a very young age, which in this case is very fair that they were concerned.

Ralf had no plan for the future, all his dreams felt like they would never come to fruition and anyway, he was not even expecting to live past 25. Konrad on the other hand, wanted to become a pilot.

Ralf: A lot of people told him to join the air force, but spellcasters don’t really like messing with human wars as they feel like it is not their business. In fact, at the time there was a mandatory military service in both East and West Germany, but for this reason spellcasters could be made exempt. I also was exempt, there was an agreement between Jewish community leaders and the government that Jews could be exempt, and frankly I did not feel like joining out of my own free will anyway, it was very taboo in the community at the time. Akva: Wait why were Jewish people exempt? Ralf: ...Do I really need to explain to you why Jewish people would not be super comfortable with being forced to join the German army?

When they were 16, the Berlin Wall fell, and when they turned 18, the two young men were curious to see what was formerly West Germany looks like. And so they went on vacation in the city of Windenburg, located near Düsseldorf, which they picked since it had a very famous flight school and Konrad wanted to visit it. Ralf also fell in love with aviation that day, and together they decided to leave their life in Leipzig behind and join the Windenburg’s flight school.

However, if he wanted to become a pilot, Ralf had to get his shit together, physically he was doing ok, but mentally...Thankfully, now that he lived far away from his parents, it did started to improve significantly. Finally having the happy family he always wanted a few years later is what cemented it, but this is the point where he began to win the fight.

Ralf: I remember, Konrad was always a bit jealous because you know, he was the one who worked his entire life towards that goal while I used to be his loser fucked up friend with no future, and I quickly became a much better student pilot than him. Like, I was just a natural. When it did became our career, mine advanced much faster than his and I became a captain before him. But it was all in good fun you know, just a little friendly competition, not full blown bitterness. Akva: Could you teach me how to fly?  Ralf: What? Akva: Well, maybe it is also the miracle I’m looking for! And it would allow me to spend some time with you. Please Ralf! Ralf: I-I’m not a flight instructor you know... Akva: Then just bring me to a flight one day, you know in those small recreational aircraft, show me the 101.  Ralf: I’m not sure if I can make time in my schedule for that. And you know I don’t personally own a Cessna or anything like that. Akva: If you can make time to get drunk with Dan and Dav at a gay bar why can’t you make time for me then?

She stood up and started becoming even more insistant. This threw a real curveball at Ralf, he was not expecting this is where she was going. The sky is his domain, hers is the sea...Ok, that sounded kinda mean, his own flight instructor was actually a merman and makes it sound like pilot is his species instead of human, and considering how often he reminds people he’s a human, as if he’s afraid of forgetting it himself. 

That’s when a question crossed his mind, which might be a bit inappropriate, but would explain why a young woman would be so obsessed with hanging out with a man more than half her age.

Ralf: Akva...Do you have a dad?

Prev - Next

[of-twilight-and-moonshadow]

One In a Million Chapter 1: Hello New Friend

TW: bad family life (mention of being disowned)

Chapt 2 here

"Hello, New Friend. Where have you been all my life?"

Also: If you've read my Dark Angel of the Bullet Club series, please note that the Emery in THIS fic is a completely different person and is in no way connected to Dark Angel. TY.

(divider)

May 23, 2019 – Paradise, Nevada – 2 Days Before Double or Nothing

Emery stared dejectedly through the glass, as if her sad eyes would make the candy fall from its stuck position. She had already tried shaking the heavy machine, and hitting the glass but to no avail.

“Go effin figure,” she sighed, turning around and walking to the opposite wall 6 feet away. She spun around slowly and slid down the wall, sitting in a heap on the floor with her knees tucked against her chest.

“I get disowned for following my dream… then the airport loses my luggage… a taxi splashes me with street water… the hotel loses my reservation… and now this,” she thought, tears pricking at the corners of her brown eyes. Emery stared unseeingly at the package of MSMs, swallowing the lump in her throat. She wouldn’t cry. She couldn’t.

Emery had no idea how long she sat there, staring at the vending machine. Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see people passing by down the halls. She could hear people both inside the hotel and outside in the hot Las Vegas sun. The shower of rain that transpired only two hours ago long since dried up.

“Was this a mistake?” Emery began to wonder,” Ever since I was little… watching people like Jeff and Matt Hardy, Lita… Eddie Guerrero… Rey Mysterio… wrestling was all I ever wanted to do. I saved up money to put myself in classes… to learn… I’ve been on independents… I’ve improved… But my parents… they don’t care… They want me to be like my brother… my sister… A lawyer, doctor or a teacher. Something that is important… but this is important… to me…”

She was so lost in her train of thought, she didn’t notice the man walking down the hall, slow down and come to a stop as he stared at the vending machine for a second. He looked across the hall from the machine to her, and back again.

“Need a hand?” he asked, slightly timidly.

“Hmm?” She questioned, coming out of her trance, noticing his presence,” Oh… No. Don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” Emery sighed,” I’ve tried. I think fate is trying to tell me I’m making a huge mistake because my luck has been total shit today.”

The young-looking man seemed to take in her appearance, glancing at the candy bar stuck between the glass and the pushers, before giving a determined huff.

“Then you definitely need this.”

Without hesitation, he slammed his whole entire body against the machine, causing Emery to look at him, wide-eyed.

“No—really! It’s okay—”

Again, he slammed his smaller frame against the machine, almost like he didn’t hear her.

“Really- I don’t want you to hurt yourself—"

“C’mon you stupid machine! Drop the fucking candy!” he growled, completely ignoring Emery as he slammed himself against the glass pane one more time. A small thud came from the machine as the brown bag of MNMs finally fell to the bottom. Emery watched as he bent down and retrieved them, then walked over and held them out for her to take, a shy smile on his face.

“Here.”

“Thank you,” she smiled back, truly grateful,” Do you like MNMs? I’ll share them with you, as thanks.”

“Don’t worry about—”

“No, really. Please?”

“Uh… okay. Sure. Thanks,” he nodded, sitting down beside her as she tore open the package and dumped some into his hand,” I’m Marko, by the way.”

“Hmm? Oh! Right—sorry. I’m Emery.”

“Really pretty name,” Marko said, before ducking his head with a blush, chewing the chocolate bits.

“Thanks,” she replied, a soft smile on her face. Maybe something was finally going good? Maybe her luck wasn’t as shit as she thought.

“Are you from around here?” Emery asked him, causing him to look back up at her.

“Nah, I’m from Mississippi. You?”

“Tennessee.”

“Get out! What part?”

“Union City, on the north border. You?”

“Olive Branch, on the north border. Just before you reach Tennessee, actually.”

“I think I’ve heard the name before, actually. What brings you to Nevada? If—if you don’t mind my asking.”

“Nah, you’re cool. I’m here for work, actually. I was asked by this wrestling company to do a match for their show—”

“Wait--! Do you mean All Elite?”

“Yeah!” Marko nodded, surprise and excitement radiating off of him,” Are you here to watch the show?”

“Kind of, like… I’m here for it too. I got a call asking if I wanted to do a match on their pre-show before the Live one.”

“Woah—wait. You wrestle?!” The excitement building between the two of them was growing. They now sat facing each other instead of side by side. Emery’s shit luck is long forgotten. Marko’s worry about his foot injury, and not being ready to wrestle tonight has long been forgotten.

“Yeah! You too?”

Emery gave a nod,” Yeah. I… I tried out for WWE last year but they turned me down, which is okay… but now…”

Now I have no family…

“What’s wrong?” Marko asked, noticing her instant mood change.

“It’s… it’s nothing…” An awkward silence broke out between the two, until Marko suddenly stood up, extending her his hand.

“Come on!”

“W-where are we going?” Emery asked, sliding her hand into his as he effortlessly pulled her up to her feet and began leading her down the hall.

“To the casino floor!”

“C-can you legally gamble?”

Marko stopped short and turned around to face her.

“I’m 22 years old.”

“R-really?”

“Yes,” Marko frowned.

“You get that a lot, don’t you? Because of the baby-face thing?”

“More because of my height, actually.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I’m so short, so I must be a kid.”

“I’m sorry,” Emery apologized, causing Marko to look at her curiously.

“Why?”

“It sounds like it gets annoying… tiring… having people constantly pick at you because of that.”

“I mean… yeah. It can be… I try not to let it, but…”

They stood there, hands still locked together, silence falling between them again.

“So… what were we gonna do then?” She attempted to change the subject.

“Oh! Right!” Marko smiled, as he picked back up by leading her through the halls, through the casino. Eventually, they stopped and Marko looked over at her.

“I’ve found that almost all of these casinos have game rooms! Come on! I bet you I’ll beat you at every game here!”

At least my card still works.

“You’re on!” Emery accepted, scrunching her nose playfully.

This… this was going to be a beautiful friendship.

[altairtalisman]

"If you need help with fiddly stuff, be it physical or digital, just count on me!"

Name: Alyna "Allie" Min-Locken (née Locken)

Age: 30

Height: 162 cm

Birthday: 13 March 1992 (Pisces)

Pronouns: She/Her

Likes: Seafood, iced fruit tea, locks, cats, horror games

Dislikes: Coffee, Hawaiian pizza, spicy food

Hobbies: Lockpicking, cooking, watching the In My Element web series

Clothing Style: Dresses that comfortable and easy to move in

Orientation: Cisgender Lesbian

Personality: Forthcoming and willing to take risks, never shies away from challenges, even if they're dangerous. Also very friendly and can be a huge flirt at times

Background: Growing up in a family of locksmiths, Allie found herself interested in lockpicking and attempted to pick the lock to the school rooftop when she was Primary 5. She was caught by Greta Kingsley, her future best friend, but the latter agreed to not report Allie to the teachers if she was allowed to access the rooftop

Allie agreed, and successfully unlocked the door to the school rooftop. Now that they were accomplices, they spent the next few years hanging out on the rooftop until Greta had to move to the USA due to her parents' jobs

They exchanged contacts, and continued to communicate over the years. When Allie was 24, she received an invitation to visit her best friend in Manhattan. As she had just broken up with her girlfriend of three years, she ironed out the details and sought permission from her maternal aunt, who stayed in Manhattan, to stay with her until it was time for her to leave

Upon arrival in the USA, she encountered Vin, who looked lost. She started a conversation with him and learnt that he had no place to stay. After getting approval from her aunt to let him stay with them, she brought the agent back to her aunt's place where dinner awaited them

After dinner, she was unpacking her luggage but accidentally knocked over the contents in Vin's bag. While picking up his 'passport', she accidentally spilt water on it which broke the booklet's cloaking technology

When Vin discovered that Allie knew about it, he decided to come clean about who he really was. What Allie didn't know at the time was that she would be helping the agent in a series of murder mysteries, one of which her best friend was a suspect in and another involving Liz, her future wife

As she tagged along with Vin in his search, she bonded with Liz over their breakups and helped to bridge the tensions the latter faced with her parents. They both entered a relationship after Vin solved his final mystery in the USA, and after getting the reluctant approval of Liz's family (mainly her parents) two years later, they discussed on whether to live in the USA or the UK

After making their decision, Liz moved to the UK to be with Allie and married in 2020, soon adopting Ross a year after. In 2022, Allie won four tickets to a transatlantic cruise trip and decided to invite Vin along... not knowing that she would soon work together with her friend once more to solve a chilling mystery that was sure to shock the world...

[umichenginabroad]

Week 8: The One Where the Parents Visit!

Hi everyone! This week my parents came to visit and I was so excited to show them around Sorrento. The first day we went to visit Salerno. This is the southernmost city on the Amalfi coast. It was nice to explore this town with them, as I had never been there. Salerno seems to have more commercial stores and restaurants compared to Sorrento. Surprisingly, the town was definitely calmer than Sorrento as we walked down its main avenue. My parents' luggage was lost on the flight over to Italy, so we did some shopping and had some lunch. It was relaxing to be in a quiet town as it is peak tourist season in Sorrento. 

On our way back from Salerno, we stopped at Piano di Sorrento for dinner. This town is right next to Sorrento and is where most locals live. We sat in a restaurant in a plaza and it was nice to see Italian families around us. We even saw some little kids playing soccer around the square! 

This weekend we planned a trip to Rome. To get to Rome, we used the high speed train from Naples which takes around 1.5 hrs. From there we took the metro to go to our hotel. A 48 hour pass for the metro and bus costs around 13 euro. If you are planning to use the metro in Rome, be careful of pickpockets as my parents were almost pocketed three times when using the metro. I would recommend taking the bus around Rome instead! 

The next day we had our tour of the Vatican. If you are planning to go see the Vatican, I would absolutely recommend booking a couple weeks in advance as the line to get tickets was extremely long even at 9 am. Our first stop was around the Vatican’s galleries. It was crazy how every gallery is covered in art from the floor to the ceiling. My favorite has to be Raphael’s Rooms. I learned about his art in my AP European History class and I loved seeing all of his pieces up close. Vatican city was pretty packed but I was surprised to actually see one of my friends on the tour!

After visiting the Sistine Chapel, we went to Saint Peter's Basilica. There is a direct path from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica, so if you have a tour you do not need to wait in a long line to enter. The basilica is massive and breathtaking. We walked around and even got to see the beginning of a daily mass as we were leaving. 

We had lunch at a local pizzeria and headed over to see the Pantheon. We did not go inside, but it still was cool to see its size from the outside. The next stop was the Spanish steps, and we stayed in this area for dinner. The Trevi Fountain was just a 20 minute walk away from the restaurant so we went to go see it. It was still packed with people, but it was cool to see how different the monument looks at night. 

The next day we woke up early to see the Colosseum. We didn't buy tickets beforehand so we got up early to wait in line. We got there around 9 am and it took around 40 minutes to get our tickets. Our tickets were for 11:30 am so we took the chance to see the Roman Forum before going into the Colosseum. We got an audio guide for the Colosseum for 6 euros, but there is also an audio tour on Rick Steves Audio Guide App. The Colosseum has to be my favorite monument in Rome. It is incredible to think of the technology the Romans had and see its remains. 

That night we went to a restaurant called Contrario. This was one of the best dinners I have had during my time in Italy! The staff was so friendly and the food was delicious! 

We also visited the neighborhood of Monti near the Colosseum. We saw more locals in this area and they had many cute bars and restaurants. Overall, Rome was a great experience and I was glad to show my parents around. Only two weeks left!

Josefia Frydenborg

Environmental Engineering

Engineering in Sorrento

[hisprophetsagain]

2, 20, 30

2. 3 movies you have rewatched many times oh so many. going with ones that are on my current watch-often list are: Ocean's Eleven, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, and Green Room :)

20. 3 adjectives that you’d use to describe yourself okay, i'll try to limit it to nice adjectives :p inquisitive, articulate, reserved

30. 3 moments you could never forget -okay so the first one is a bad example but fun lol: my senior year of college i did a spring break trip with two friends and we went to napa/san francisco. the plan was for the last night (st patrick's day!) to be a big drunken blow-out BUT my friends wore themselves out during the week. beautiful trip, i loved it, but that last day i went IN. drank all day, then went out and abandoned my friends because they wanted to stay at the hotel. i went out to a couple of bars and met some nice folks at this one bar who invited me to hang out with them. i spent the night drinking with them, totally blacked out, and missed my flight home lol. i called my girlfriend at the time (who was in new york) to help me get a taxi and i went straight to the airport, thinking my friends who've grabbed my luggage for me. nope! lost that luggage but made it home safe somehow :) i did also get a ride back to my apartment (in our college town three hours away) with one of the friends i had gone on the vacation with :)

-second is my first memory i think (or the one i've decided is :p)! i remember a sunny day, my mom and i were in the kitchen and the light was shining through the curtains and she made me a pb&j. it feels like she was making it with the intention of teaching me how to do it and i was in the chair excitedly watching. it also feels like one of those moments that i think parents have where all the stress of having a kid is gone and they just get to enjoy being with their little person? idk, i've probably embellished it in my mind but it's a nice little memory of knowing my mom loved me (i think she still does, i'll have to ask :p)

-third is one of the nicest like youth moments i have? there was this girl in high school i was SUPER into and it felt kinda taboo because she was my sister's friend and i used to drive them home after school and we bickerflirted with my sister in the car and i was a young awkward kid. BUT one night we were hanging out and we got invited to go hang out with a couple of other friends and we were in the car in the dark waiting to hear where to go and i had on hot hot heat's album elevator. the song jingle jangle came on and i had my eyes closed in my chair and our hands were close and the energy was SO "who's gonna kiss whom first???" BUT we got the text and started driving. we ended up dating later but that's maybe the most romantic moment of my life and it still makes me smile :p

[tooti-fruiti]

THE GENTLE GIANT [PROLOGUE]

You were so excited!

You were selected as a contestant on the Total Drama show!

You were driven to the island on a boat and you arrived you saw that four people were already there.

A nerdy girl, a goth girl, a tall party dude, another tall dude, and a blonde girl.

You stepped off the boat and the host, Chris McClain, introduced you.

"And this is (Y/n)!"

"Hey Chris! Are you sure we're on the right island?"

"I asked the same thing." One of the guys said.

You sighed and picked up your luggage.

"I'm DJ." The dude said.

You smiled and stood between him and the other dude. "I'm (Y/n)."

"Hey girl, I'm Geoff!" The party dude said.

You smiled and waved at him.

The goth girl just rolled her eyes as the blonde girl waved.

Then another girl appeared.

She had long black hair, black eyes, and a mean glare.

She walked past Chris without saying a word to him.

"Heather..." He said.

The nerd girl ran up to her and got in her face.

"Hi! Looks like we're your new friends for the next eight weeks!" She said, spitting into Heather's face and making her lean back.

Then you all heard Rock Music in the distance and you saw another boat approaching.

A dude with green hair and piercings was driven up and he threw his bag onto the dock and glared at Chris.

"Duncan! Dude!" Chris said, excitedly.

"I don't like...surprises." He said, holding up his fist.

He walked towards Chris and he gave him finger guns.

"Yeah, your parole officer warned me about that man. He also told me to give him a holler anytime and have you returned to juvie."

Duncan rolled his eyes. "Okay then."

He picked up his stuff and walked past Heather.

"Meet you by the campfire, gorgeous."

"Drop dead you pervert." She said.

Then he moved beside you, winking at you.

You turned away.

"I'm calling my parents!" Heather said. "You can NOT make me stay here."

Chris smiled at he held up a stack of papers.

Another boat approached and there was a guy wearing all red, water skiing behind it.

However, he lost his footing and flung himself over the dock and into the water, splashing Heather.

"UGH! MY SHOES!" She said as he climbed out of the water.

"Wicked Wipeout man!" Chris yelled.

Tyler smiled and gave him a thumbs up.

DJ and Geoff gave him a thumbs up back.

Chris started laughing at how miserable Heather looked, but he didn't realize there was already someone else behind him.

"Welcome to camp Harold." Chris said.

He started looking around confused.

"What's he looking at?" The nerdy girl asked.

"So you mean this show is at a gross summer camp and not on some big stage or something?" He asked, sounding like Napoleon Dynamite.

"You got it." Chris said.

"Yes! That is so much more favorable to my skills!" Harold said, as he picked up his stuff and walked away.

Chris winced as he approached everyone.

You and DJ gave each other a look as he started picking his nose.

"The next contestant is Trent!" Chris said.

"Hey, good to meet you man. I saw you on that figure skating show, nice work." He said.

Chris gave him a hand shake and smiled. "Thanks man, I knew I rocked that show!"

"I saw that!" The nerdy girl said. "One of the guys dropped his partner on her head, so they got immunity that week."

"Lucky!" Harold said. "I hope I get dropped on my head."

"Me too!" Lindsay said.

"So, this is it?" Trent asked.

Heather started drying her hair and Harold started picking his nose.

Making a few people move away from him.

"...alrighty then." He said as he moved to stand beside the goth girl.

And the two started making goo-goo eyes at each other.

Another girl walked onto the dock carrying a giant surfboard.

"Hey, what's up?" She said.

"Alright! Our surfer chick, Bridgette, is here!"

Duncan scoffed. "Nice board, this ain't Malibu, honey."

"I thought we were going to be on a beach?"

"We are!" Chris said, gesturing to the trash covered beach.

Bridgette sighed. "Great."

"Alright! That's our first 12-" Christ stopped when Bridgette accidentally smacked him with her board when she reached down to grab her suitcase.

"Ow! Damn it! That hurt!"

"Hey guys." She said as she stood beside Geoff.

"Heyyy, I'm Geoff!" He said.

"What's up?"

"Hi! I'm Beth!" The nerdy girl said.

"Hey!"

"Okay, we've all met surfer girl, can we got on with show please?" Heather complained.

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed" Duncan smirked.

"Get bent." She said.

"Our next camper..." Chris said, rubbing his head. "...is Noah."

"You got my memo about my life threatening allergies?"

"I'm sure someone did!" Chris smiled.

"Good. Is this where we're staying?

"No, it's your mom's house." Duncan said sarcastically.

"Whatever. Cute piercings." Noah said.

"You want one?" Duncan asked, grabbing a needle from his pocket.

"No, no thanks."

After Noah, another girl arrived to the island.

"Wassup y'all! Leshawna's in the house!"

Harold gasped when she stepped onto the dock.

"Yo baby! Ay how you doin'? How's it going?" She said giving Chris a high five.

"Feel free to quit now and save yourselves the trouble cause, I came to win!"

She walked up to you and DJ.

"Yo girl, you got some style going on!"

You smiled. "So do you."

Then she smiled at DJ and gave him a high five. "Oh what's up my brother? Gimme some sugar baby!"

"I've never seen a girl like you in real life before." Harold said from behind her.

"Excuse me?" She asked.

"You're real big. And loud."

"What the FUCK did you just say to me?!" She yelled. "Oh no you didn't! I'll show you big stringbean!"

She was about to jump and attack Harold, but DJ rushed to stop her.

"Alright campers settle down!" Chris said.

Leshawna adjusted her shirt and glared at Harold, who gave her a little smile.

Two girls appeared together, matching each other in almost every way.

"Ladies! Katie, Sadie, welcome to your new home for the next eight weeks!"

Katie gasped. "Oh my gosh, Sadie look! It's a summer camp!"

"Okay, I always wanted to go to summer camp!"

They both squealed and ran to the other end of the dock.

After they did, another guy came onto the dock.

"Ezekiel! What's up man?"

Ezekiel looked up and pointed at the sky.

"I think I see a bird." He said, making some people giggle.

Chris put his hand on his shoulder and gave him a little pep talk, then shoved him onto the dock.

"That's just...wow." The goth girl said.

Another boy came on after she said that.

"Cody!" Chris said. "The code-ster! The code-meister!"

He gave Cody a high five and he walked towards everyone confidently.

"Dude, psyched to be here man. I see the ladies have already arrived! Alright!"

He was about to say something to Leshawna but she stopped him due to what happened with Harold.

Next, a muscular girl came onto the dock and she completely blew off Chris.

"Eva. Nice. Glad you could make it!"

She dropped her bag on Cody's foot and he held it in pain.

"Ow! What's in there?! Dumbells?!"

"Yes." Eva replied dryly.

"She's all yours man." Duncan said to DJ.

A loud cheer came from the other end of the docks and you all saw a big dude cheering.

"Chris! What's happening?!" He yelled as he laughed. "This is awesome! Woooohooo!"

"Owen! Welcome!" Chris said as Owen picked him up into a bone crushing bear hug.

"Awesome to be here man! Yeah! Man, this is just so..."

"Awesome?" The goth girl asked.

"Yes! Awesome! Wooooooooo! Are you gonna be on my team?" He asked her.

"Oh I sure hope so." She said sarcastically.

"WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-"

"Are you about finished?" Chris asked, annoyed.

Owen put him down and smiled. "Sorry dude, I'm just so psyched!"

"Cool." Chris said. "And here comes Courtney."

A girl with short brown hair amwas driven up to the dock and Chris helped her down as she thanked him.

"Hi! You must be the other contestants, it's really nice to meet you all!" She said.

Owen started shaking her hand quickly. "Hi! I'm Owen!"

"Nice to meet you O...wow...." She said, looking at something in the distance.

In the distance was a muscular guy with long black hair and a chiseled face.

Most of the girls swooned when they saw him.

"This, is Justin." Chris said as he walked onto the dock.

"Welcome to Total Drama Island." He said as he gave Justin a fistbump.

"Thanks Chris, this is great."

"Just so you know, we picked up based entirely on your looks!"

"I can live with that." He shrugged and walked to the other end of the dock.

"I like your pants!" Owen said.

"Thanks man."

"Cause they look like they're all worn out! Did you buy them like that?"

"No just, had them for a while."

"Oh! Cool!" Owen said before he hit his forehead.

"Hey everyone! It's Izzy!" Chris said.

"Hi Chris! Hi! Hi! H-WOAH!" She said as he accidentally ran off the ship and hit her chin on the deck.

"Oooh that was bad." Tyler said as he giggled.

"Guys! She could be seriously hurt!" Courtney said, as she helped Izzy out of the water.

Izzy started shaking like a dog which confused the shit out of Courtney.

"That felt...so...GOOD! Except for hitting my chin. This is summer camp? That is so cool! Do you have paper mache here? Are we having lunch soon?!"

"That! Is a good call!" Owen said.

"Hold your horses Izzy." Chris said. "We still have one more camper to introduce!"

One last camper got onto the deck and your heart dropped when you saw them.

It was your ex.

"This is-" Chris started.

"(Y/n)?" They asked and you averted your eyes.

"Oh, do you two know each other?" Chris asked.

"Yeah, we dated for a few years."

"Oooh! How awesome is this?! We have an ex couple on the island! The drama is starting off great!" Chris said.

"So tell me, why did you break up?"

"They cheated." You said and most of the other campers glared at them.

"Oh come on babe, I was drunk! I wasn't-"

"Anyway!" Chris said cutting them off. "This is (Ex/n). Time for pictures! Move to the other end of the dock!"

As Chris got up somewhere high to take the picture, you made sure (Ex/n) stayed away from you.

"Okay!" Chris said. "One, Two, Thr- Oops, I'm holding it backwards!"

"Okay, hold that pose! One, two- Oh wait, forgot the lens cap!"

"Come on man, my face is starting to freeze." Leshawna complained.

"Got it! Okay! Everyone say: 'Wawanakwa!'"

You all said what he told you too, but before the picture could be taken, the dock broke under the weight and you all ended up in the water.

"Okay campers, dry off and meet me at the campfire pit in ten!"

(Hope you enjoyed. Stay tuned for more and have a good day)

->Chapter One

[shannonsearson]

Champagne Celebrations

Ireland was just too expensive and overwhelming to plan with friends. I procrastinated doing my research and saving money. To be fair, I’ve only ever travelled to either visit a friend or to all-inclusive resorts, my longest flight being 5 hours. So planning Ireland felt like too big of a bite to chew. I thought about Nashville or Mexico instead, but I wasn’t all that excited to be honest. I started to feel just over the whole trip idea until a light bulb went off in my head.

I was trying to think, what sounds like me? Where is a place that’s calling my name and feels exciting in my heart? I thought, I want to go to a Broadway show in New York City with Mom! & all of a sudden, that felt super inspiring and actually do-able. I texted her and she was all in, no questions asked. That same weekend, the very first thing we booked for our trip wasn’t the hotel or the airplane ride - it was Broadway tickets to see Wicked LOL ... It felt too good to be true because my Mom’ favorite movie (besides Titanic) has always been the Wizard of Oz. There are so many things to do in our little 4 day girls get away and we’ve got lots of things booked - So I was curious to add everything up and see just how much we’ve spent planning the trip so far;

Broadway tickets - $260.20 Empire State Building - $88 Statue of Liberty - $49 9/11 Museum - $66 Hotel - $747.21 Airplane - $691.94 (Paid for with Airline Credit)

=$1210.41 (Excluding airline tickets) Converted to Canadian = $1650.88

Honestly, that was better than I thought. That’s also for the 2 of us so like $825 each! Let me explain that airplane ticket though...

Back when I booked my flight to Texas out of Pearson, the whole airport and my airline was full of chaos all over the news about stranded passengers and lost luggage, cancelled flights etc. So I got real nervous and booked another flight for the same day, out of Detroit (which turned out that a lot of cancelled flights were happening there as well). So I kept both tickets until the same day as my flight just to be safe, in case one or the other cancelled last minute. At the end of the day, I boarded my flight in Detroit, cancelling my other ticket (no refunds allowed) and received a credit for that $1154 to use anytime, for anywhere. I didn’t dare tell my parents I couldn’t get a refund for this insanely over priced flight. But Mom and I were pretty dang happy about it when it made our flight to New York feel free!

I have $1600 USD saved and plan on taking about $800 of that out in cash. Which I thought sounded like a lot for a 4 day trip but when you break it down I think it’s a safe bet; if we average $20 for breakfast, $25 for lunch and $50 for dinner, that’s over $100 with tips just for food in one day. 800/4 = $200/day. I’ve also got my credit card which can hopefully be paid off by the rest of what I have saved for the trip :) Because that’s the worst feeling - coming home to a huge credit card bill racked up after all the fun’s been had.

I’m really excited about our trip - just 4 days away! Here’s to turning 26th on the 26th and popping some champagne <3

[iolaussharpe-24]

Monster High is my friend. (Mostly Draculaura.) I found a few helpful playsets, and I don't have ANY of them.

First up is this G3 Draculaura set (I forgot what it's called.) I like this bench (I'm currently using one from the Scaris Cafe set outside the house, and it's super cute but it's blue.) Also I love the little table. I can probably use that one inside the house. I just put a couch from the G1 Coffin Bean set into the living room (again, it's blue, but it's still cute. it's got a spider theme I like.) and this would be a really nice side table for it since I have an empty space. The pretzel with eyes kind of disturbs me though.

Next up up is this G2 set. The Vampire Family Kitchen. (I'd never seen a Monster High doll of one of the parents before this. Or after. And no, I'm not counting the Skullector dolls as the parents.) There's a lot of cute pieces here that I'd like. I do think that the colors are a little extreme, but I think it could work. (The kitchen in my house is the G1 Home Ick class set.)

The Die-ner set from... I don't actually know. Looks like G1. I don't remember this set. I just found it while browsing for ideas. This is one I could leave alone and have in a separate location to do more pictures. Like the diner Tyler worked at in Wednesday. Ooh, and if you fuse it with parts from either the Coffin Bean sets or the Scaris Cafe it would be really neat.

I'm not at all familiar with G3 monster high. I didn't like G2 and kind of lost interest in the ghouls because of it and I'm still on the fence about how they are now. Some of them I think are cute, some I flip flop my opinions on, others I think have been horribly butchered (going off the looks of the dolls alone). Draculaura has grown on me. Anyway, her accessories are cute. I'm thinking that bouquet would look very good in a black and white picture. (Or, like I said earlier in this thread, as a gift to Wednesday from Enid.)

The Eekend Getaway set from G3 is very cute. I want to use this car because I love the shape and design for it, but the pink isn't helping me! (I have the G1 Sweet 1600 Roadster, and the same applies to that.) I like the luggage for both of them (including Draculaura's backpack) and I like the food and drinks, the little coffin purse is adorable, and I love the little camera.

The G2 school bus makes me think of the RV from the second animated Addams Family movie. Which I still haven't seen. I don't have a picture for it, but the side of this vehicle opens up to get to the seats, and I think they lay down (?) and there's like a vanity that pops up on the side. Please don't quote me on that seat bit.

G3 Clawdeen's vanity set is cute enough. I personally think it's a little lackluster, (Cleo and Frankie's G1 vanities were so cool and this doesn't quite match up to those, but it's better than G3 Cleo's which is very disappointing to me.) but I think I could use a couple of parts. If I do go through with making an Enid, G3 Clawdeen is where I'd go for bedroom furniture. But since I haven't yet, we'll focus on what I can use for the family I do have. The little clothing rack. Maybe the vanity itself. But mostly the rack.

A project I really want to do.

My Froggy Stuff on YouTube made a Wednesday Addams inspired Barbie doll, and I am obsessed with it. (Yes; I am currently rewatching Wednesday as I am writing this.)

She used a curvy fashionista's head (number 188, in fact) for this project, and my only gripe is that she has a regular Made to Move body and not a petite one. (To be fair, I'm bad with timelines, so the appropriate petite Barbie Looks dolls might not have been out.) Honestly, I think it only bugs me because I know that Jenna Ortega is a small person.

If I could make my own doll, I'd use these (try to use them is more accurate, I'm not entirely sure if the colors match or not.)

As far as outfits go, there are options, even if they on the cheap side.

So... yea.