#V-day Gifts

[l337gamingapparel]

Level Up Love with Our New "Fall Damaged" Valentine's Day Collection

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and at L337 Apparel, we're thrilled to unveil our latest collection that's bound to level up your style game – introducing "Fall Damaged." This unique collection is a fusion of gaming vibes and heartfelt romance, where gaming controllers take center stage in a beautifully cracked, heart-shaped design.

A Gaming Love Affair

Our Fall Damaged collection is a nod to the love we share for gaming, combined with the universal language of romance. Picture this: a heart-shaped gaming controller, cracked in half, symbolizing the highs and lows of love – a perfect metaphor for the gamers and lovers in all of us.

Clothing that Speaks Gamer Love

From cozy hoodies to stylish tees, each piece in the Fall Damaged collection is crafted with both comfort and style in mind. The designs seamlessly blend gaming aesthetics with romantic undertones, making them perfect for both casual days and special date nights.

#ValentinesDayFashion #GamingLove #FallDamagedCollection #HeartShapedController #GamerStyle

Stand Out, Stay Comfortable

Our Fall Damaged accessories are crafted to help you stand out while keeping you comfortable. Imagine stepping out with a heart-shaped cracked controller beanie or sporting a gaming controller-themed scarf – it's the perfect way to showcase your love for gaming and your significant other.

A Palette of Love

The color palette of the Fall Damaged collection is carefully curated to evoke warmth and romance. Think deep reds, blacks, and grays – a combination that not only signifies passion but also complements various styles and outfits effortlessly.

#ValentinesDayStyle #GamingFashion #FashionForward #FallDamagedAccessories

Share the Love, Spread the Joy

Valentine's Day is all about sharing love and joy. Our Fall Damaged collection is not just about what you wear; it's a statement, a celebration of the love you have for gaming and the special moments you share with your player two.

Whether you're treating yourself or searching for the perfect gift for your gaming partner, the Fall Damaged collection at L337 Apparel is designed to make this Valentine's Day extra special.

#ValentinesGiftIdeas #GamerCouple #FallDamagedLove #ShareTheJoy

Grab Your Player Two and Shop Now

Ready to level up your Valentine's Day style? Dive into the Fall Damaged collection exclusively at L337 Apparel. Get ready to game on and spread the love with clothing and accessories that speak your language.

#ShopNow #FallDamagedLaunch #GamingFashionista #ValentinesDayShopping

Celebrate love, celebrate gaming – Fall Damaged is not just a collection; it's a statement of passion, style, and togetherness. Embrace the unique blend of romance and gaming culture this Valentine's Day with L337 Apparel. Happy gaming and happy loving!

[moeblob]

A lil guy !

[neapenning]

Gotta include the whole family

[ugh-my-back]

Gorgeous art by @pointdotiozao ♡♡

(Thank you again for murdering me 🫠)

[thegengarprincess]

🎂🐈

[sp0o0kylights]

“Oh god it’s covered in hearts.” Gareth says, staring horrified at the stage that’s been set up in the cafeteria. Grant and Jeff stand next to him, eyeing the abomination of glitter, paper, and tinsel that’s been shaped into pink and red hearts with a microphone standing proud in the middle.

Several of Hawkin’s jocks are standing to the side, talking amongst themselves, but worse is the crowd of students accumulating in front of the stage.

“You don’t think they’re gonna serenade us for Valentine's Day, do you?” Jeff asks in a similar tone of horror.

Grant makes a disgusted face at the very thought.

“It’s about time they gave me my own mic!” Eddie cackles, slamming his hands down on Gareth and Jeff’s shoulders for leverage, jumping up for a better look (Grant smartly ducked away before his friend can crawl all over him too), “I’ve only been going on about the capitalistic horrors of Valentine's Day since middle school!”

They groan in unison..

Eddie’s got a look on his face that says he’s about to vault up on stage and do this year's rant in style; Gareth will be damned if he lets Eddie get detention on a Hellfire campaign night.

“Eddie, no.” Gareth warns, as his best friend tries to worm his way past them.

“Eddie, yes.” He grins, bolting forward even as multiple hands reach out to yank him back.

“Whatever they’re doing we do not want to get in the middle!” Jeff hisses in his ear as Grant reaches for his middle (already once tricked by grabbing Eddie’s jacket, which he simply shrugged out of). Gareth does his part, holding firmly onto one of Eddie’s hands. Eddie bravely tries to stagger forward, despite the efforts of what looks like some kind of mutant tangle of human limbs.

“Come here microphone, my beloved!” He pants, comically reaching his arms out towards the stage, before Grant promptly stops fooling around and hefts him into the air.

“Nooo--the people need to hear me!” Eddie wails, thrashing.

Gareth rolls his eyes and spots three familiar faces in doing so. Freezes so abruptly that the arm he was holding onto slips out of his grip, allowing Eddie to deploy a tickle attack.

The result is Grant almost throwing him to the floor, with Jeff forced to let go or fall.

Free to cause chaos, Eddie throws his hands in the air, grinning widely.

“Is that…the freshman, up there?” Gareth asks before his best friend can crow victory.

“I’m sure there’s many freshmen up there, buddy.” Grant says with false sincerity as he regains his breath.

“No, not--I mean our freshmen! Henderson, Wheeler, and Sinclair!” He points, and sure enough, on the side of the crowd opposite the jocks, there stood Hellfire’s youngest with their heads put together.

“Now just what are they up to, I wonder?” Eddie ponders aloud, before shrugging his jacket back in place and strutting forward.

Trading uneasy looks with each other, his friends follow.

xXx

“The auction isn’t kicking off until 6 pm.” Henderson says, as he carefully counts the individual bills in his hand. “We know that besides the basketball team and the cheerleading team, they’ve got like, the Mayor involved, and the fire department, which means--”

“A lot of people are going to be there.” Mike interrupts, arms crossed over his arms. “That’s what it means, Dustin. What’s the point if every girl there is going to be bidding on him?”

“Were you even listening, Mike? I just said there’s a bunch of other people they’re auctioning off!”

Wheeler Jr. pulls a face that nearly makes Eddie laugh (and thus give up the fact he was slowly sneaking up on them) before the kid shoots back, “We have five dollars total Dustin. I don’t think that’s going to be enough.”

“Not to buy a whole person.” Eddie says, voice dropping to imitate the current big bad in their D&D campaign, “But five dollars is a fair price for a body part I’d say…”

He trails off with a cackle as the three freshmen startle away from him like spooked horses. “Now what--or who--are you buying?”

“They’re gonna explain it here in a minute,” Dustin says after he recovers, waving at the girls in front of the stage with a hand. “But there’s some big charity fundraiser happening tonight. Right now they’re voting one guy from the basketball team and one girl from the cheerleading squad to represent the school, but they’re auctioning off a bunch of people.” Dustin explains, holding up his fistful of dollars with a wild grin.

“If you’re the highest bidder, you get to spend the day with the person you bid on.” Lucas adds, because Dustin skipped right over that part. “Since it’s Valentine's Day themed, they’re referring to them as “winning a date”.

Well that explained all the giggling cheerleaders.

Eddie raises an eyebrow, “I’d ask if this is Sinclair’s bail money, but as my last two years remind me, it’s only for juniors and seniors. Not--” He playfully slings an arm around Lucas’s shoulders, “--for the darkside’s newest recruits.”

The uncomfortable look Lucas gives him is almost enough to make Eddie feel bad, but it’s not his fault Lucas was tempted by the evils of highschool sportsball. He figures the kid will come to his senses soon enough, and considering how awful the jocks are, it won’t be too long before Sinclair is 100% a Hellfire club member again.

“Which begs the question.” Eddie continues, slinging an arm over Mike’s shoulder as well. “What are you scheming? I’d ask if you’re buying me a date, but,'' He gives an over-dramatic sigh,” alas, no one can survive the charms of Eddie the Banished.”

“Charm is one word for it.” Jeff says, as the rest of Hellfire finally catches up. Gareth and Grant roll their eyes as Mike and Lucas chuckle weakly at Eddie’s exaggerated pout.

He drops his arms from his little lamb’s shoulders, taking a step back and looking around at the growing crowd.

“Hush Jeff. Let’s see if ol’ Eddie can guess who our brethren here have their eyes on. I wonder if…” He trails off, dragging out the last word as he does so before a bright, teasing smile lights up his face. “Aha! I see one Miss Cunningham. Are we bidding on her for Sir Gareth?”

A sputtering noise erupts behind him, as Eddie turns with glee to watch Gareth practically choke on soda he’d just taken a sip of, Grant thumping him on the back.

“Eddie.” Gareth hisses, and somehow it sounds like a warning even if his voice has a slight wheeze to it.

“What?” Eddie says, full of faux innocence. “We all know the lengths you’ve gone to get her attention recently.”

Gareth’s gone bright red, a testament to the fact that he’s been mooning over Chrissy Cunningham since the day she complimented one of his drawings.

His over-the-top moaning of how to woo her away from Jason is a prospect Eddie tolerates only because he himself has gone through great lengths to impress men that will never once look his way, let alone consider him as a romantic option.

(And also because Gareth, as Eddie’s best friend and confidant, was well aware of Eddie’s own crush on one Steve Harrington.

Apparently, Hellfire’s members were just cursed to fall for jocks.)

“They want to bet on Steve.” Mike says with an eye roll, apparently done with this entire charade.

For two seconds Eddie thinks that he’s somehow spoken the part about Steve aloud and that Mike is somehow echoing his deepest, innermost thoughts but is saved from panicking further by Dustin adding;

“We’re gonna make him play a campaign with us.”

The kid’s grin makes his eyes sparkle, which is completely at odds with the way Eddie’s stomach plummets.

“He played D&D with my sister, Eddie.” Lucas says, feigning a hurt look. “My kid sister, but not me?”

“Harrington played D&D?” Gareth’s voice implies he doesn’t believe it, and honestly? Had it not been for the freshmen, he wouldn’t have believed anything that was said about Harrington. He was on the verge of tears with laughter when they told him that the almighty King Steve was their chauffeur. They had to be lying about how often they hung out with Steve to begin with, right? Because there was just no way.

Except they weren’t. They really, really, weren’t.

It only took a handful of times of watching Steve pick them up from Hellfire, and then seeing the entire extended group (including Sinclair’s on-again-off-again girlfriend and Robin Buckley of all people) bouncing around Harrington like over excited puppies all over town.

The arcade. Downtown Hawkins. The local milkshake diner and the stupid movie theater.

Literally.

Everywhere.

“You guys are going to bid on Steve Harrington and make him play D&D.” Jeff clarifies, and Eddie doesn’t blame him for doing that either.

It’s the stupidest thing he’s heard all day, and he spent the last hour and a half listening to Mr. Rulf yawn on about parallelograms.

“Yeah! You guys wanna pitch in and help?”

“Absolutely not.” Eddie sneers. He can’t help himself--this is against everything he’s ever stood for.

Stupid thoughts of stupid Steve going on a stupid date with him, aside.

“Yeah guys, I think we’re gonna eat outside today. If you wanna listen to…whatever,” Jeff casts his eyes towards the cheerleader that’s bounding up the steps of the stage, ponytail bouncing, “ then go right ahead.”

“Oh we don’t need to listen to this.” Dustin dismisses the entire thing with a wave of his hand, making Mike roll his eyes again.

Somewhere in his campaign notes there’s a joke written about Wheeler Jr’s eyes getting stuck like that. Eddie hadn’t planned on bringing it out tonight, but a part of him really wants to.

Maybe if he can talk the freshman out of their idiotic idea, he’ll reward himself and do it tonight anyways.

….Or he could still steal that microphone.

xXx Steve xXx

Steve has no idea how he got talked into this.

Actually, that’s a lie, he knows how it started: a phone call, his mother, and a sudden way for her to be in the spotlight for her yearly fifteen minutes of Hawkins fame. He just can’t recall why he agreed to it.

“It's an opportunity, Steven." She says, heels clicking against the department store tile.

An embarrassment is what it was, but Steve knew better than to tell his mother that.

"You should be honored that Wendy--that’s the head chair of the charity board, you remember her don't you? She used to attend your piano recitals--she asked for you personally." His mother expertly plucked a shirt from the rack, holding it up to the light.

"Those were your parties mom, not my piano recitals." Steve reminds her as she holds the shirt out to him. He took it, adding it to the stack he had in his hands.

The parties were the exact same kind of shit this as this “Valentine's Day Fundraiser” a way for rich people to celebrate themselves by making others uncomfortable.

Only instead of being forced to play piano so his mothers friends could wine and dine with the famous Harrington's, he was being hauled up in front of the entire town (or whoever was attending this stupid event) and auctioned off as a “date” to the highest bidder.

(“It’s for one day, Steven, don’t be so dramatic. Why is your generation entirely incapable of taking a joke and having fun?” His mother had said, when he tried to tell her he wasn’t comfortable with the idea.

Of course there was no answer that would please her; soon enough, Steve found himself dragged about town as his mother played dress up.)

"You'll be standing alongside the Mayor, the fire department, even that idiot, Mary Marie--"

She stops for a moment, eyeing a jacket with a critical eye.

Just as quickly she dismisses it with a hum, prowling on to the next section.

"--the point is that there will be plenty of candidates for the children to pick from, but you’ll be the only hero up there."

That same critical eye turns on him, appraising him like he was no more than a horse in her stable, adding up imperfections and dividing amongst his best qualities.

(Despite a lifetime of training, it still takes everything in him not to squirm.)

"Not to mention a Harrington.” She purrs, taking a step closer to run a manicured hand down the front of his shirt, smoothing away a stray crease. “Women will be throwing money to win a day with you."

Steve has to fight not to outright shudder.

"Which means you have to look your best. Now stop whining, we’re almost done.”

Steve doubts that, but it doesn’t matter; he never had a choice to begin with.

xXx

Four hours, one shower, and several rounds of his mother’s nagging and meticulous styling, ,Steve finds himself back in Hawkin’s High, staring at the gym.

His mother had long swept past him, having spotted some high school friends and gone over to lord her lifestyle and general wealth over them.

For a fundraiser, the charity board in charge had spared no expense in dressing the gym up. Red, pink and white balloons decorated the doorways and a large stage hauled to one end.

Tables with thick, white table cloth are artfully arranged about the floor, caterers swiftly moving between them.

This is probably the fanciest this gym has ever looked, and Steve wants to be anywhere but inside it.

“Oh--Steve.” A gentle voice says next to him, and Steve turns his head in surprise to see Chrissy Cunningham look nervously up at him. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Me neither honestly.” He tells her, watching the way that makes the younger woman smile. “But I’ve been volun-told to be auctioned off. What about yourself?”

Chrissy runs her hands down her dress, a modest if not beautiful blue halter dress , wincing as she snags a nail on it. “The school held a vote at lunch about who would represent the school tonight. All of the varsity cheerleaders and basketball players were involved.”

“I see.” Steve says, keeping his voice gentle and playful. There had always been a part of Chrissy that had reminded him of El. Someone who needed kind words in their life. “You got voted as tonight’s sacrifice, huh?”

Chrissy laughs at that, hand flying to cover her mouth. “I guess you could say that.” She says, and seems surprised at herself for it.

“Did Jason get picked too?” Steve asks. It would make sense if he was, the guy was the basketball Captain after all.

Chrissy nods, then chews on her lip. “Yes but--he’s not happy about it,”

Steve snorts and tries to cover it with a cough. “None of us are.”

“It’s more that I’m being auctioned off.”

Chrissy must catch the look on his face because she rushes to add; “You know, like any boyfriend would be! I know it’s just supposed to be a fun silly thing and they’re not really dates but…” She trails off, voice growing quieter at the end. “He worries.”

The word “worry” sounds like it means something else entirely.

Steve feels for her.

“Hey, if Jason’s an ass about it, let me know.” Steve says after a moment of shared silence. “You don’t deserve to deal with him being a kid about this shit.”

Chrissy blinks up at him at that, hand almost to her mouth as though she’d subconsciously raised them up to chew on her nails. “Thanks Steve. That’s nice of you.” She whispers it, and Steve nods and smiles at her.

“There you two are!” A woman says, rushing over with a clipboard. “Steve Harrington and Chrissy Cunningham, right? We’re gathering all the dates behind those doors.” She turns and points to the opposite end of the gym. “If you both would follow me please?”

Steve motions for Chrissy to go first, and moves to follow her when a flash of curls crushed down by a blur of white, blue and electric yellow catches his eye.

He turns automatically, seeking it out and sure enough, ducking down the hall is Henderson, Sinclair hot on his heels.

A familiar mixture of emotions lights up Steve’s spine, and he knows immediately he won’t be able to rest until he figures out what the gremlins are up to--because their Hellfire Club was supposedly canceled today on grounds that Munson had stolen a microphone, or some other crap.

“I’m really sorry, I’ll join you in a second!” Steve calls, before darting down the hall, after them.

[r0tt1ngr4bb1t]

It'z My Birthday 2day!!!! :D

[chimeowrical]

Happy Valentine’s day!! 💕

[strangekiitten]

Wanted 2 make a comic but I got lazy(unsurprisingly) maybe I’ll finish?? Idk. Enjoy this panel :P

[night-triumphantt]

It is @cashweasel’s bday today!!!! I don’t rlly have words I just wanna let u know ily and appreciate u bestie and I hope your day is amazing as u <3 also yea I thought the blorbos absolutely needed to be animated smooching I hope u like it fhdkfjdkdjdjd

[moeblob]

I'm sorry for the OC brain rot on main....

(the lines are from a post about "tag yourself: awkward/unflirty Sims edition" and honestly? all my OCs are awkward/unflirty so ... yeah...)

[wearedeadfancy]

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! 

Go vintage this year with our fantastic range of funny, flirty and f*cking inappropriate retro style Valentine’s day cards. 

Cute, old school artwork and modern, sassy and slightly rude slogans. 

Cards are left blank inside for declarations of love / apologies. 

Shop the whole collection here, individual links below: 

PLEASE TAKE OFF YOUR TOP

GAY FOR YOU

YOU’LL DO!

DON’T BE RUDE

FINGERING

I AM A DOG

BUTT STUFF?

THE BEST I’VE GOT

[sqlmn]

Unfortunately for everyone involved, Brent doesn't understand the concept of being bought a joke, like, why would someone SPEND MONEY on a joke? Since Karen's his friend and bought him a shirt, he's like. Legally obligated to wear it at least once... ? Probably?

So while he suffers over the idea of wearing it and not wanting to wear it at work he eventually would wear it and Karen would suffer the fact she needs to actually not try to joke too much in a teasing way if it's gonna be Treated Seriously. Right suffering from being gay because oh, Brent looks nice in color. (Chris would find out about it at work that he missed Brent in color and just stares at Karen because she is an absolute menace how did she manage that.)

[chairkind]

'cause all that really matters is that I love you, i really do

fun fact: it was elimike day on august 16! it's the midpoint between eli and mike's birthdays (june 1st + october 31st) :3c

[seagull-scribbles]

“Hold on tight, little Dudette”

A birthday gift for @naivesilver 🍊 once I realised these two had the same colour scheme it was over ahahaha!

He’s going to take her back to the lair because there's a certain brother who could help her down there…don’t overthink it!

[blackwolfstabs]

Parker's Secret Santa Gifts🎄for @samcscreams

BETTER THAN ONE

After an evening playing in the snow, werewolf Sam wants to give Tara an early birthday present.

fandom: Scream // Werewolf!Sam AU by @samcscreams // (parker's version) characters: Sam Carpenter & Tara Carpenter a/n: sorry if this is completely inaccurate to your au, bear!! i just loved your fic too much :)

“Alright, Sammy, last one!” Tara called over the stretch of snow separating her from frost-dusted, black fur. Her sister shook the pastel, tie-dyed monkey chew toy she held in her mouth like it was prey, her playful growls making the younger smile. “Come here!”

Sam stopped to look in her sibling’s direction. Her ears stood up, and her golden gaze glowed amongst their snowy surroundings.

“You want me to throw it or not?!”

She bounded over to her. 

The younger Carpenter jumped back to avoid being slammed into. Like anyone would expect from any other dog, her big sister was very frisky in her werewolf form, romping around in the snow like she was just a puppy.

She pointed to the ground. “Drop it.” And the stuffed toy was dropped at her feet. She picked it up and prepared to throw it. However, there was one thing missing. “You know the rules, Sam,” she smirked, “You gotta sit first.”

Sam’s ears retreated, and she licked her lips. Her back end lowered a little like she was going to follow the said-rules, but her excitement got the best of her. Her tail was wagging, spreading more frost into her fur as she watched her toy religiously.

“Sit, Sam.”

She whined.

“Sit!”

And she did, her golden gaze wide with anticipation as she huffed.

“Good,” Tara praised. But she had to test her with a few more tricks, just because it was the last round of Fetch for the day. “Now, shake.”

The black wolf raised her paw, nearly going to paw the hand that held what she wanted.

“Okay, now lay down.”

She hesitated, starting to whine again as she tried to get up out of her sitting position.

But her baby sister snapped, “No, Sammy!” She used her free hand to point to the ground, “Lie down.”

She obeyed this time. 

“Good girl!” Tara let her have the win and threw the monkey as hard as she could, “Go get it!”

And Sam raced away. She actually covered enough land before it hit the ground, so she jumped to catch it in her mouth. Her paws hit the snow in a breaking effort that led her skidding to turn around and face Tara, who praised her.

“Nice catch.”

The werewolf trotted over and lowered her head to place the toy into her sibling’s hand. Tara took it, then pet her between the ears. 

“Alright, are you ready to go inside? It’s getting dark.” While she didn’t receive a response that clarified she was in agreement, the younger Carpenter turned her back and took it upon herself to lead them both to the back door. 

Shaking the snow from her pelt, Sam followed her, but she took her time in doing so. The sky was hued pink in its setting state, while the birds flying overhead were only silhouettes. In fact, the winter skies were serene enough to let her spot the first star in the sky. It wasn’t Christmas just yet, but it was a few days before Tara’s birthday.

And Sam knew that there was something special she could show her.

As Tara approached the door, she glanced over her shoulder to make sure her follower was in pursuit. However, her older sister had stopped a few yards away, refusing to go any further. “What’s wrong, Sam?”

The canine blinked at her, staying where she was. Her ears twisted as she looked over a little, giving the illusion that she wasn’t sure she wanted to go inside. 

This made her tilt her head. “What is it?” She pointed with her thumb over her shoulder through the window and shook her head, “You don’t wanna go inside?” She watched Sam bow, like she did whenever she wanted to play. “No, I told you that was the last one. We’re not playing anymore,” she reminded.

She just wasn’t taking the hint. Well, if that was the case, the werewolf didn’t mind taking initiative herself. She broke out of her downward dog and rushed forward, slipping between her little sister and the door to keep her from going inside.

Tara barely had time to turn sound, before Sam’s muzzle nudged her away from the door. She jumped away from the cold, wet nose catching the warmth of her neck. “Sam, what are you doing?!” she squeaked, trying to raise her shoulder to shrug her off.

But Samantha just replied with an amused growl and continued to herd her back into the snow.

“Alright, alright!” the younger leapt away, “I’m not going inside.” She shook her bangs from her face and quizzed her again, “What do you want?”

The she-wolf dropped herself to the ground, low enough to where Tara could get on her back, and shuffled forward. When she met confused chocolate eyes, she gestured her head over her shoulder.

“You want me to get on your back?” Her tail wagged as a ‘yes’, so she grabbed a hold of her scruff and climbed on, like she was a horse.

Sam got to her paws, careful not to rock her rider around too much as she felt her scruff be gripped tightly. She bit back a whimper, but bowed her head to turn it and gently nudge Tara’s leg as in telling her, “hold on tight.”

Tara noticed this and moved one hand to pet her head. “I’m okay,” she assured. She rode a horse before and had been given many piggyback rides by Sam when she was little, but she had never rode on the back of a wolf before. “Don’t buck me off, Sam…”

Her big sister gave a huff and shook her pelt out as best she could with a swish of her tail. She felt Tara’s legs press against her flanks and her fingers curl into her skin, which told her she was ready. So, she broke away, only having to take a few long strides, before she met the fenceline. It wasn’t high of a jump for an 8-foot werewolf. In fact, it was actually not even a strenuous jump, more like she was just leaping over a small stream of water or a narrow ditch. 

After clearing the fence, all that stood between them and the rest of the world was wilderness, forestry that canopied above the earth and a maze of trunks that gave them a challenge.

But nothing in the world could stop the Carpenter sisters, no matter how complicated. They were only chained to each other, which meant they could go anywhere and do anything as long as they were together.

Like she had recalled from horseback riding all those years ago, Tara leaned forward, keeping a partial hold on her sister’s neck as she flew at nearly 80 miles an hour. Everything was a blur in her peripheral vision, and the sting of the winter air was numbing her face. She squinted through the snow flurries that fell from the coniferous trees, hearing Sam’s gruff panting over the wind.

Sam’s paws were in perfect rhythm with her sense of direction. Her eyes were open and alert among the white wild, while her little sister’s body kept the cold from slipping its frosty fingers against her spine. Her tongue lolled out of her mouth, but it felt so good to run without any fences or walls to keep her in. At first, she hadn’t been sure of her werewolf-shifting abilities. She thought they were dangerous and nothing more than a curse. However, she had learned that moving on four legs at unimaginable speeds and sustaining enough endurance for a lifetime was the most thrilling thing in the world. It thrilled her more than killing did. There was just something about running, something about beating the wind and lengthening her spine with every stride. It was like a dream, except it was real. 

Plus, Tara never saw her any different from the way she had before she had been cursed. She was still her older sister and her best friend. She just had both a sibling and an incredible pet in the same token. How awesome was that? And now Sam was able to control it…

The black werewolf huffed as the air burned her lungs. She weaved through the trees like a snake through tall grass, leaping over unsteady ground and gaining speed on the straight paths. 

On her back, her baby sister ducked from branches and kept her face close to the bristling fur that granted some warmth to her wind-burned cheeks. Even though this was entirely different, she couldn’t help but be reminded of when they were little. Sam would crawl around on the floor and act like her personal steed, carrying her wherever she pleased.

“Okay, fine,” Sam sighed and got down on her hands and knees. “Get on.”

“Yay!” Tara hopped on her back and grabbed two strands of her long hair. “Giddyup!” she hollered, yanking on her makeshift reins.

But her sister just ducked away, “Ow!” She tried to turn her head to make her let go, “Don’t pull my hair, Tara! That hurts,” she told her. The pulling sensation left her scalp and was followed by an ashamed apology.

“I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay. Just use my shirt or something,” the older offered. She then felt the collar of her shirt be clutched by little hands.

“Okay!” The 4 year-old’s energy was restored as she tugged on the shirt and repeated herself. “Giddyup, horsey!”

And Sam did as she was told. Like a horse did, she jerked her head and pawed the carpet, before she set off. Tara was getting bigger now, so her weight kept her from being able to go too fast, however that didn’t stop her from encouraging it.

“Faster, Sammy! Go faster!”

Anything for her little sister. Samantha braced her back and picked up her pace as much as she could. It must have been enough for the younger, because an excited squeal answered her increased speed. 

Tara giggled, continuing to fidget with her big sister’s shirt as she ordered. “To the kitchen!”

And to the kitchen, they went.

“Sam, where are we going?!” Tara brought herself back to the present as she hollered over the wind. She had remembered always wanting Sam to go faster as a kid, but she never imagined she’d be going this fast without being in a car.

Her older sister kept on, eyes set on the break in trees up ahead. She unleashed a couple of barks to encourage her to find their destination. 

Tara followed her lead, but she wouldn't be sure until she actually saw that it was the end.

The sisters broke out of the forest’s coverage to meet the last bit of sun setting in the horizon. Tara hadn’t realized how much high ground they’d gained through the woods, and while she wasn’t comfortable with being up high, she knew that Sam wouldn’t let her fall. The moon was glowing and the stars looked like tiny fairy lights on an indigo stretch of sky. 

But that wasn’t what caught Tara’s attention.

Sam slowed her pace to a trot and then a walk, before she stopped to let her sister off. She put her muzzle out to keep her from getting too close to the edge of the cliff they were on and gently huffed when she was pet as a ‘thank you’. 

The younger Carpenter jumped off the werewolf’s back with her eyes glued to the assortment of arrayed colors along the northern horizon. They shimmered, like a mere reflection of Heaven on Earth, green, purple, and blue blending into one swivel of art across the world and crystallizing the snow.

Aurora Borealis.

“The Northern Lights,” Tara breathed in awe. She had never seen them in-person before, only in movies, paintings, and pictures on the internet. It wasn’t a dream of hers to see them, so-to-speak, but one thing was for sure… She never thought they would be this beautiful or seeing them for herself would feel so surreal.

Beside her, Sam stood with the cool-coded gradient softening the golden glow of her werewolf eyes. She felt the weight of her sister lean against her, and she gave a soft sigh.

Tara glanced up at her with a small smile on her face. “Is this what you wanted to show me?”

The canine’s ears went back and she gave a gentle whine as she leaned down and licked her cheek. She couldn’t actually speak to her, like she would a human, but if she were to, the words were so simple and pure.

“Happy Birthday, Tara. I love you forevermore.”

But the younger knew the words without them being said, and she closed her eyes to press her forehead against the side of her big sister’s warm face. “Thank you, Sammy,” she whispered into her fur, “I love you too.”

A loving noise that almost sounded like a growl rumbled in Sam’s throat as she nuzzled her, then drew away so her girl could continue to admire the aurora that shined for her.

Anything for her little sister.

merry christmas!!! you were my first big supporter on my Wolves of Woodsboro fanfiction, and ever since, you have had a special place in my heart. you have been awesome to talk to and be friends with. thank you for all of your love, support, and kindness. here's to you 🩶 stay safe, my love! happy holidays 🎄✨⛄

- parker (BWS)