#Wolfgang says knock you out

[letbludcook]

warning. explicit sexual content.

i have a breeding kink just for fun okay i don't have the slightest desire to bear a child

but help dear god, the way he starts looking at you so lovingly—in utter reverence, even—as he slowly notices the changes in your body after you told him you're having his child? my word. he is beyond saying.

your hormones would sometimes have the ick on that very loving gaze, but oftentimes, especially when you're touching yourself at night to ease the stress of pregnancy, you couldn't help but make it your primary image of pleasure. it makes you close your eyes in a bliss, makes you arch your back, makes you moan until he hears you from the other room, until he walks to your queen-sized bed to offer a little help as your loving husband.

he knows your body could only take his fingers, but he'd be lying if he said he wasn't tempted to put himself inside just to feel how wet you are, how loud the squelching noises of his dick slamming in and his balls slapping your skin would be. he's physically aching to adore the changes he had induced in your body. you tell him your body changes are unpleasant because it doesn't fit the stereotypical standard of beauty—quite funny that you think he'd be able to see the point, though. this man is so down bad for you.

your nipples getting more swollen, brownish, and round? beautiful. your arms and hips plumper? oh god help him fight the urge to touch them at every chance he could get. and most especially, your tummy growing day by day as it bravely adjusts to the comfort of your child? he never thought he could feel even more love for you, more than he ever had when he married you. you are just so beautiful it makes him insane, even in places he's supposed to think about others. do you even know how many times people had caught him giggling at the corner of the room for no reason? pathetically down bad, that's what he is.

and as you're about to reach your peak with his fingers flicking faster and faster alongside yours to keep up, he cups your cheek and says;

"goodness, darling, look at that. look at you—"

he lands a chaste peck on your forehead the same moment you moan out loud;

"—look how my love has changed you."

his remark took you unexpectedly your hips stared shaking. love juices spurt out of you with a broken sob. he toppled that with a hungry kiss. he rides out your high with his tongue inside your mouth, decreasing the volume of your moans the same way he slows his fingers down.

you end up knocked out, mouth hang open, lips swollen and red, all that and he could only smile like a lovesick boy who kissed his crush for the first time.

oh, his lovely wife. you are so thoroughly loved.

ERWIN smith, WOLFGANG grimmer, KENZO tenma, KAGAYA ubuyashiki, UZUI tengen, GOJO satoru, JEAN kirstein

[momotorin]

make up — sana one shot

heyo! i'm back!!

sana x fem reader, fluff and smut, non idol! sana

with years of being married with your gorgeous wife, this is the first time you've seen her in such a light so alluring; bringing you in its vast warmth that it crawls to your skin as you feel, phantom in thought, her fingertips brushing on your cheek.

you had a long night— coming home from work, running into some problem with your car, the mechanic losing a part for the chassis; then the next thing you know? it's 3am, the lights are off and your wife is sound asleep as you made your way to bed. you feel guilty leaving her in such an uneasy state of worry on where you are, where you could've been, who you were with, even though she repeated many times on the phone that she understands that you just became very unlucky all of a sudden.you crawled your way to the bed, kicking off your leather red oxfords, still on your office clothes, and you pressed a kiss on your wife's crown.

she hummed as you pulled her close, shifted so she could see your face. she felt so guilty for letting you have this day on your own. and it's morning.

the daylight seeps into your closed eyelids in flesh red, and you open your eyes to see that you left yourself in such an uptight pajama, with your white dress shirt literally tucked out of your black slacks from all the moving. you noticed that your tie was gone, and sana is nowhere to be found.

so, you stood up, carried yourself to the bathroom sink and put a splash of water on your face to make yourself feel a little alive. the cold, crisp, clean water knocked your nerves to consciousness.

then, you went and opened your phone to see that it was a saturday. last night was a friday night, which you remember as you should've had dinner at wolfgang's with sana. well, fuck. you also see that it's already 11am, a little way past the half of it, so technically, it's almost noon.

"honey," you called out as you made way off your shared room. you found her, hogged up in a corner of your sofa, watching some variety show. "there you are."

"hey," she says as you filled the empty spot beside her. she removes the suede pillow in between you two, and she hogged up herself to you instead, slinking her arms around your shoulders as she lays her head on your shoulder. "i missed you. tough night, my love?"

"oh, you wouldn't hear the end of it if you listen." you chuckle. even just remembering the ridiculous circumstances of you being stuck in the osaka traffic made your head hurt.

she whispers, "we have the whole day to us."

"well, if you insist," you sigh, eyes closed as you removed her arms on your shoulders and put it on level as yours to make her much comfortable. you opened your eyes, starting to gather thoughts on how'd you tell her about your night. "but, you first. what did you do when i was away?"

she looked at you, obviously stunned that you found your way, yet again, of not answering her question first. "okay," she sighs. "if you wanna play that way."

"please?" you plead with your lower lip being out, tugging at her hand ever so lightly. she deeply sighs at defeat, "so, while you were away, i just answered your calls. i knew it was urgent, and found out that it's really one of those nights. of course, i missed you still, and i'm sad that we missed our date."

"i'm so s-"

"don't be," she chuckled. "you did your best to assure me where you are, and i'm really glad that you're the one who always calls to update me. i love that. i love you."

you place a peck on her lips, "i love you more."

"don't even get me started on that," she said. "okay, now, you shoot. what happened last night?"

"alright," you sighed, crossing your legs as you further melted to the sofa and to sana's touch. "you know how newspapers get published early morning?"

"yeah, you literally took me there to the printing," she said, pulling you closer to her and now you're fully leaning onto her. "but okay, go."

"there was this priority article we needed to make, it was about the ministry of finance, and i absolutely hate it when i'm the one assigned to it because they know that i suck at it," you chuckled, and sana just looks at you with concern as she passes her hands through your scalp.

"but i finished it, 10pm, before the printing of today's newspaper. so, i called you then, saying sorry that i missed our date and promised you that i'll be home before you sleep so we could sleep together. but that didn't happen because," you chuckled sarcastically, putting a hand on your forehead as your eyebrows come to a crease.

"it was fucking traffic. everywhere. i don't know why, i was just stuck in there on the way home and when i finally sped up when the road cleared, one of the oil pipes were slashed by a sharp object on the road. and the next mechanic stop was a kilometre away, so my oil was leaking everywhere when i got there."

you noticed that her hand made its way to your waist, then you interlocked it with yours and you brushed your thumb along her every knuckle. "and i called you again, 12am, telling you that. i was so tired, i slept at the benches when waiting for the car to be fixed. so i drove home, it was already 2:30am, and i didn't even have a soul. i'm just glad that i went home, you were already sleeping, and i almost cried because i was so guilty of missing a friday night with you."

"i told you, don't be," she assures. "that's so bad. i imagined it happening to me, and i realized that you'd understand what i've gone through too, so, it's not an afterthought that i'd be the same. but, i really did miss you, though."

you sigh, flipping on your stomach and now you're facing sana, your head now on her chest as you wrap your arms around her waist. "sorry, love," you said, closing your eyes and basking yourself in the warmth of sana. "i missed you a lot too," you looked up to her and meet her honey brown eyes. "how do i make it up to you?"

you trail your sight down to the crevices of her collarbones, realizing that she has your tie on. loose, pulled, and she's in her silk red pajama top.

you never thought that you'd be more stunned than you already are, but you shift, now sitting upright to observe the glory that's contained in the light of your wife.

"god," you say. "you know you're going to be the death of me one day, don't you?"

she hums, smiling, as she holds your hand to guide you into holding your black tie on her neck. "pull," she says, voice deep, commanding.

you do exactly how she wants, and you heard her slip a sweet moan. "maybe," she says, pushing you down the couch and now she has both of her thighs straddling yours. "do me?"

jesus fucking christ.

you pull her by the tie, sealing her lips with yours in fervor as you melt into the leather of the sofa. you trail your kisses to her neck, as her hands made her way to your shoulders and your scalp, brushing ever so lightly that it makes you want to have more.

she yields with a mantra of your name, sweet and full of breath, "baby," she moaned out, pulling you off from your trance. "do you really wanna do it? i mean you haven't had breakfast and i'm sure yo-"

you pulled her by the tie, again, kissing her, "shut up," you said, now lifting her up from the sofa and you made your way to your room. "you know you're my favorite meal, don't you?"

she giggles as you carefully put her down the bed, still looking at you with eyes hooded, filled with want. you observe her as you hovered above her, she was already rubbing her legs, relieving some tension in between her thighs.

her hands fiddled with your collar, and slowly removed each button until you could put your dress shirt out and on the floor. "you really want me, huh," you said, kissing her once again, a little longer as you also removed her silk top.

lace on her milky white skin makes you want to mark it up with purple from your lips, and as you do, her mantras of your name drip onto yours like honey.

you slithered your hands to the clasp of her bra, her chest being revealed to you on it's very bare form. you pull away, repositioning yourself below her, and now she's straddling you; half naked, on top of you with want. "you look beautiful, baby."

she moans once again, now kissing you, going to trail to your neck. she nips, she bites, and you just wanted her to do that forever. you want her to mark you up as she owns you. you let out a breath, "sana, honey," you said, and she stops to look at you. "i wanna do you."

"well," she said, flipping you two over again, now shes under you. "if you wish so."

you smiled, now moaning as you trailed kisses to her taut tummy, then to the waistband of her shorts. "may i?" you asked, hands on her hips, tickling her a little as she nodded.

you unwrapped the cloth carefully, sliding it off her legs, and you see black lace again, now between her thighs, covering the surface where she wants you most. she was leaking through it, "baby, you're so wet." she moans as you removed her panties, the string of her arousal coming out of it too as she really was leaking with need.

you teased, trailing sweet kisses to her thighs and she moans, later whimpers to a plead that wants you more. "love, please."

you look up at her, hands on your hair already as she pushed her hips to your face. without another word, you dove into her folds, the sweet and tangy taste you've known hits your mouth as she moans your name loud that you're afraid the walls can't keep it.

you continued on, licking lightly on her clit as she positioned her legs on both sides of your head, and you caress her thighs with your hands.

you alternate between licking her and putting your tongue in her hole to gather her sweetness.

you lightly opened her thighs, now removing yourself from her cunt, taking in the view of her blissed out state. "god, you're so beautiful like this," you teased, your index finger circling the wet hole to tease. she whines, holding your wrist. "do you want me go put it in?"

she hums, and you insert your digits in her velvety walls, feeling her in the most raw way you two could imagine.

she jolts up, pleasure getting into her as you curl your finger as you thrusted. she opened her legs wider, allowing access for a deeper spot she never knew until now. you pulled your finger out, gathered a couple of liquid to your hands as you circled her clit, and you insert two fingers in her, motion in and out, curling lightly upwards to hit her spot.

she moans, loud, wonton, as she breaths, "don't stop."

then you lean down, licking her engorged clit, swollen as your tongue makes contact. her hand immediately flew to your head as you made figure eights on it, and she's now grinding her hips on your face.

you feel her walls close up on you, wetness dripping more as you thrust in and out. "please," she moaned out. "i'm going to cum."

you just hummed and fastened your pace on her; your fingers moving in and out of her hole, and your tongue making kitten licks on her clit.

"fuck!" she screams out, gush coming out of her as you continued to lick on her clit. she gyrates her hips forward, letting you lap over the remaining cum off her cunt. "fuck," she breathed out, now caressing your cheeks as you made your way up to kiss her lips once more.

she loves it when she tastes her arousal on your mouth, something with a mix of sin and sincerity. "i love you."

you hummed, pulling her body to yours; putting your head on her still bare chest. "i love you too."

she puts away strands of your hair away from your face, kissing your forehead. "should i return the favor, love?"

"no, sana, i'm fine," you chuckled, slithering your arms around her waist, keeping her clasped around you. you two heard a shocking rumble from your stomach. "and i'm hungry."

"i told you i won't make you full!"

"no, no," you put a chaste kiss on her lips. "you're plenty already. i'm very full and i love it so much."

"don't be such a dick," she sits up, pulling you up with her hands as she stood up. "let's go shower so that we could actually make up for the date part," you said, trailing behind her as she went inside the shower. "and no funny business, please."

turns out that she broke her own rule as she ate you out before going out of the shower.

"so, should we order pizza instead?" she asks, phone already in her hand with the food delivery app open.

you chuckled as you dried your hair, "anything's fine."

"so, hawaiian?"

"no," you said, blankly staring at her. "absolutely not."

"i thought anything?"

"anything but hawaiian."

"okay," she takes a note of it. "so, broccoli then?"

"what?" you said. "really? on pizza? too?"

"what, like it's a bad idea that we'd tr-"

"sana, love," you said, now sitting with her as you're already pampered up and in your lounge clothes. "let's not fight over this. we know it's pepperoni that we want."

she hums, agreeing and feeling defeated as she was actually trying to prank you. "mozzarella sticks; 6 piece chicken, buffalo wings flavored; and iced tea."

you placed a kiss on her lips again, "yup, great," you giggled as sana puts you in a big hug as you melt into your sheets. you heard your stomach grumble once again. "oh, it's roaring."

sana lets you lay on her chest as you two laughed, "but i make you full, right?" she asked, rhetorically. "eat me out till the food comes?"

"sana!"

[cazzyf1]

A poem written by Wolfgang von Trips on Christmas Eve

The book I'm reading, it includes a picture of a typed-out poem written by Wolfgang von Trips. Due to him correcting errors and crossing things out I had to manually translate this using a translator so it probably isn't a perfect translation but pretty close.

Hemmersbach Castle 24/12/1948

Why I bought this of all things

A poem by me (freely adapted from all the ones I know)

The war was over

and the old car, damaged by grenades, stood under the rubble of a barn.

After a long struggle

and being stared at by the farmer's cows,

we started walking again

we drove down to the Rhine.

When she was deloused, grandma cried out "oh, I'm sorry,"

but he brought her to Hammersbach.

Here he stood

and had nothing to do for the time being,

because no one thought

that he would do a kilometer.

But times were bad

and there was nothing new.

So the count's family drove

nice and dirty with the Thunder Lily.

Then the time came when there were cars again,

people drove up the Rhine, they drove down the Rhine,

they tried very hard,

but they couldn't get a car.

And again and again they say:

tomorrow the right man will come,

and again and again it was and is a piece of cake

a piece of cake a... modest one.

You travel by train, you walk and push a bike through soot

and complain when you often have to wait.

The dream of owning and driving your own new car

He had almost given up

but now it is starting to live anew,

it is still in the stars,

but in the not too distant future,

so swears my noble father Eduart,

a car will come straight from the assembly line into our hands.

After all the long back and forth,

waiting, hoping and running,

I have become very skeptical

and now I hardly believe anything anymore.

So I fear,

that even if I were actually sitting in the driver's seat of the new car,

a terrible thought like lightning

Could flash through my bones and make my voice cry out in horror.

I could believe, yes, you probably won't believe it,

that the whole new car was just a dream.

So I took out my last money with szolz

and bought this little piece of wood

to attach it to the driver's seat of the car,

so that when wild worries bother me

I always have a piece of wood like a bulge in my hand,

as is well known,

by knocking three times then

uninvitedly chase them away.

[gunthermunch]

[Transcript under the cut]

Mila: honey do you happen to know if Gunther proposed yet? Wolfgang: mom I’m sure he’d have told you? He didn’t. we- i mean Gunther’s busy Mila: busy? Wg: yeah with- the baby and stuff. Lucas: okay- how do i look? Wolfgang: so you asked for their jerkiest suit available or what? Lucas: not funny AND yes i did. Mila: Wolfgang! Mila: crouch down sweeite. You look so handsome! Lucas: and it was very cheap! Wolfgang: is Max going? Lucas: yup Wolfgang: i'd need pictures, for the laughs Mila: sigh Lucas: oh! did you know Morgan was here a couple days ago? Wolfgang: ago? fuck that was close Lucas: mom, where's Marcus Mila: in our room, make sure to knock the door. Mila: isn't he the cutest… Wolfgang: um i'm right here?

Marcus: hey Lukey, looking dapper Lucas: marcus i need advice Lucas: i know it sounds crazy. maybe it's just me? Marcus: hmm what kind of mixed signals are we talking about? Lucas: looks? and- words? i dunno Lucas: all this time I’ve been just waiting for my feelings to go away and get over Max. but now it feels like we're on the same wavelenght? i can't put it into words Marcus: are we completely sure he isn't- y'know? Lucas: …yes? Marcus: hey, who knows. let's wait and see what happens tonight, yeah? also, if things get too strange you can call me, i'll run to your rescue. Lucas: yeah…. Yeah! Thanks Marcus!

Max: change. Elsa: but i look awesome Max: yeah for a radioactive traffic light??? Elsa: you’re just jealous. oh! guess who got my makeup done? Max: i don’t know, your dog? Lucas: am i supposed to feel insulted? Pierce: hey. you got your ear pierced? Max: i- uhm. hi. Pierce: by the way, Billie wants pictures Elsa: HECK YEAH! Max: alright… sure… wait what? eugh no i don't even know her- DON'T TOUCH ME ELSA Elsa: c'mon Max, remember we still have to take more once we arrive- DON'T BITE?? Max: AAAHGHHH Elsa: there we go, say lesbians! Lucas: lesbians? Elsa: out loud, Lucas Pierce: look at the camera, Max Max punches Pierce in the guts (Pierce doesn't even flinch)

[mannylikessims]

The True Story of the Villareal Family [3.11]

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Luna was surprised how calm and quiet the Windenburg community pool suddenly was, considering a fight had just broken out in its basement.

When Luna got back upstairs, the Paragons were waiting for her.

Ugh. Ok. Time to deal with them.

Luna approached hesitantly,

but Siobhan pulled her into a tight hug. "It’s ok, Luna. It’s over now."

"Look, Siobhan,” said Luna, trying to pull away, but Siobhan was still hugging her. “I think we went too far and–"

Siobhan pushed her out to arm’s length and held her there. “Luna, listen. He’s a criminal Renegade and you don’t deserve to deal with him. He’s had this coming for a while now. Today was just the tipping point.”

Did Wolfgang deserve to get beaten up for something he didn't do? Luna thought this, but stayed silent.

Siobhan looked at her intently, then leaned in to add, “Luna, if he ever tries anything, call for us and we’ll come protect you. You are a Paragon and You. Don’t. Deal. With. Criminals. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Paragons were royalty. Paragons were perfect. Paragons were right. You didn’t disagree with Paragons.

“Yeah. Understood.” Luna nodded meekly.

“Good,” said Siobhan, letting her go. “That’s settled.”

"–didn’t stand a chance,” Sergio was saying. “I basically knocked him out with a single punch in seconds–"

And Luna tried to smile – the Paragons were victorious after all – but all she felt was a simmering desire to throw up those six chimichangas all over the Paragons.

────────✦───────

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[leon-classfirst]

Windenburg Stories: Melodies of Destiny

Who We Are

Leon had his own dreams to live, and pieces started to fall in as he started making his marks on the entertainment industry. Starting over as a more "independent" artist, he made another hit when he released four songs on four consecutive days, all on different instruments. They are all instrumental pieces, but it didn't stop him from receiving the attention.

Nearly two months had passed since his enrollment in Copperdale High.

One day, he attended an online Q&A with some talent agencies, so he had to leave school early.

When he was done, there was a knock on his door. It was Warren Hargreave. He came delivering homework papers Leonardus needed to do and lessons he had missed. It didn't stop there, these two became fast friends for some time now. They talked for some time until Warren told him he needed to go. "Well, as always, good to see-" They suddenly heard a laugh to their left.

"I think I needed sunglasses so I won't be blinded by your face!" Wolfgang laughed. From afar, Warren looked at the commotion and Leon, back and forth. "Oh no, now he's done it. Nice knowing you, Wolfgang." Warren murmured as Leon walked past him towards the the two. "This is gonna be fun."

The smile disappeared from Wolfgang's face as Leon appeared in front of him. Some would expect Leon to be the White Knight and pull off some knightly stuff. However, it was quite the opposite. He kept that stoic face he was known for in school, despite his rather expressive demeanor around those he knew.

"Is there a problem here?" He asked.

"No, Leon. I just merely wanted to help poor Fuuka here. The sun seems to hurt her right now, especially it's, um, it just rained just now... and now it's hot." His voice clearly showed nervousness. "I see."

Wolfgang looked to the right, clearly signaling "Help me" towards the onlooking Warren nearby. Lucky for him, Warren was a good friend and he wrapped his arms around Wolfgang playfully. "Hey, Wolfgang, we got to attend that thing... with Morgan, Miss Faust, and the others. We don't want to keep them waiting, right?" "Uhh, yeah! I just remembered that. Well, anyways, sorry if you get the wrong idea, Leon. I didn't do anything to her, I swear." Leon simply nodded.

As they disappeared into the horizon, Leon took Fuuka's hand. "Come on." She blushed a little, taken aback on how bold he just pulled her hand gently that way. He took her to his house. After a deep breath, Leon asked her what that was about. He promised, no matter what it was, Leon wouldn't do anything reckless about it. Seeing Fuuka hesitant to say anything, Leon said, "I'm sorry I couldn't be there to help you. These several weeks had been... hectic for me. As a good... friend... I should've been there more, knowing your circumstances."

Leon admitted that he'd heard of Fuuka's bullying from Kiyoshi and Kaori. Though, he was rarely present himself in school, so there was nothing he could do. Fuuka was in a bad spot since everyone steered clear from her, so no one bothered to intervene when she was bullied. Wolfgang, over the past few weeks, had stamped his position as one of the powerful figures in school, so no one dared to stand up to him.

Suddenly, Fuuka let it out. She cried, letting out all of the frustrations she had these few weeks past. In between, words came out of her mouth that all she wanted was a normal life in school. She wanted to be like the others, she wanted to make friends, she wanted to make contributions to school, but none of these were possible since she was under constant pressure.

When Fuuka was out of tears, Leon held her close.

"Fuuka. You are you. No matter what people say or how they try to define you, your worth isn’t determined by their words. The curse you bear? It doesn't make you any less beautiful, inside or out. You are the most pure-hearted soul I've ever met. You made my cold heart feel warmth again, ever since the first day we met."

Deep inside, Leon was embarrassed with those words. Gods... how did those words came out of my mouth so easily... I hope she doesn't feel uncomfortable. A-a-and did I just call her by her first name?

Meanwhile, Fuuka was struggling on her own to hold her nervousness. It was heartwarming, yet playfully innocent between them. Leon tried to act cool, but failed to do so as he held her even closer, saying even more encouragement in an attempt to recover.

Oh no, I’m practically hugging her! I didn’t even notice! L-l-leon... t-t-t-too close... Gods... h-h-how am I this bold? I didn’t think this would happen. Oh, great, now I’m overthinking it. Fuuka cleared her throat. "Thank you, Leon… -Leon's heart skipped a beat as he heard her referring him by his first name.- "I’ve never really heard anyone say that before. It’s been so hard, always feeling like people only see me through my appearance. But hearing you say that… it makes me feel like maybe I don’t have to hide anymore. I’ll try to believe in what you said. I really appreciate it, more than you know." "I'm glad to hear that, Fuuka." There was a brief silence. "A-anyway, you're not in a hurry, right?" he asked. "Yes, I suppose. What's up?" "Come with me upstairs. About time I show you who and what I am."

Leon's second floor could be described as a musical heaven. Instruments dominated the whole space of the rather cozy little room. Fuuka didn't really know music, but she knew instruments when she saw them. A DJ turntable, a music workstation, a violin, a grand piano, and even a guitar.

So many instruments...

"All of these aren't possible without the help of the Laurents. They said these are their thank you gift for the years of me being with them." He smiled. "This is more than what I deserved, really." "The Laurents... I remembered your story. I also heard about the flourish in the wedding industry. from the news You're always in the center of it, Leon." "I don't know, Fuuka," he said, rather warmly, "I was merely doing my duties." "Ah, Leon. Maybe I should tell you that you should not sell yourself short all the time. You are a great person, and I know it." Leon's cheeks flushed for a brief second, he looked around the room so that Fuuka couldn't see it. "So." He clapped his hands. "Wanna try the instruments? Your hands, Fuuka... I have a feeling they'd be good friends to the piano."

"I don't know, Leon... I-" He held her shoulders and pushed her gently to the piano. "Try it, or you'll never know."

He was right. Fuuka would've never known if she didn't try. She was a natural. It only took her a week to surpass the basics needed.

"Told you. Last week, you're hesitating. Now, you're drawn to music, aren't you?" "Y-yes... this feeling, Leon... I love the excitement every time I pressed the keys."

Leon was a prodigy at this point. He could feel a player's expression from their delicate touches, pressures, and actions. Even the key choices, he could tell what the person is feeling at the time. Fuuka was often heard playing rather somber tunes, clearly expressing her desire to be normal and her sadness on not being able to do so. "Rather haunting, but I like it."

"Careful, you will have nightmares from what I played."

After an agonizing silence as if the Grim himself was in the room, the two laughed. They couldn't hold it anymore.

"Now, then, I want to see the master at work. If you will." "Oh, you, I wouldn't call myself that yet. But, since you asked..."

It was magical. Leon was on his own level when he played his tunes. Fuuka recognized it as one of the greatest musical pieces written by the legendary pianist, Arnessa Thebe.

"People can learn this song. Everyone can. But, I guess I have the advantage since the best herself taught me personally" Leon referred to his time with Arnessa. "I suppose you're right on that."

A magical day, full of music. These two would remember this day for days, months, perhaps even years to come. The day where they finally could connect by heart, the day where Leon could see Fuuka smiling wholeheartedly, and the day where Fuuka saw Leon's truly warm heart and his love to music.

And when they played together as one, the echoes of their melodies reached even those further than them.

This tune feels familiar... "Anyways, Sofia... have you heard that our school will do a prom, even for the first graders?" She snapped back to reality. "Oh? That's unheard of. What's the catch?" "Well, it's a prom, Sofia! Think. You'll get to wear a dress to school! You'll get to dance with someone you like! I heard there used to be a couple who became sweethearts in school just from the prom itself!" "Ah! I know. Sidney and Savannah's parents!"

Luna clapped her hands in excitement. "Oh, and even better, they say we will do it in both of our semesters! Imagine, who knows if we can experience the same thing like their parents did?!" Sofia shook her head. "Luna, Luna, Luna... ever the romantic." "Well, you know me." She giggled.

CC Creds (those seen, and those yet to be seen.)

[peanut-tyrug]

DS Fanfic: Bonding Together

Wilson and Maxwell never really had a great relationship. A misfortunate accident in the caves however begins moving them in the right direction…

—

TRIGGER WARNING - This fic contains a call back to bad experiences/an experience that makes a character uncomfortable. If you aren’t comfortable with that, please don’t read this.

Wilson and Maxwell have been on thin ice since they had first paired up together.

Previous mishaps about each other float in their minds. For Wilson, Maxwell brought him here. Tricked him into making that stupid portal. For Maxwell, Wilson had always been a thorn in his side. He didn’t find him very pleasant to be around either.

Almost everyday, every minute, every second, the Survivors had to deal with their bickering.

“Oh, hush up, Higgsbury.” Maxwell would say.

“You’re one to talk, Mr. I-can’t-shut-up-and-stop sulking-around.” Wilson would retort.

“At least I don’t constantly boast about my non-existent achievements.” Maxwell would argue back.

Wilson would always scoff when a negative comment was made about his scientific prowess. “Excuse you!? I’ve achieved many things in my 33 years of life!”

“Like what?” Maxwell would ask. “Blowing up your university’s lab?”

Wilson’s eyes would wide and his mouth would go agape. He’d gasp. “Oh, why YOU—!!”

Their arguments always descended into a physical bout of some sort. Whether it be with dangerous weapons, or something as childish as a slap fight. By the end of their bout, they’d either be snarling at each other once Wickerbottom separated them, or knocked out cold on the ground after having tired each other out.

And the Survivors have dealt with it long enough.

Wickerbottom made the scientist and magician some Mandrake soup to help them fall asleep so they wouldn’t be around to hear their plans for how to help them bond. Wickerbottom knew that if they were to here talk of them trying get along, they would downright refuse to have any part of it.

Although they’d actually agree on something, their bouts would likely still be a prominent issue. They are relentless when it comes to their fights.

Wilson and Maxwell, with Wickerbottom’s help, get taken to their tents to sleep for the night. Wickerbottom calls her fellow campmates around the fire pit to come to a consensus on what they could do to improve Wilson and Maxwell’s relationship.

“Fellow campmates.” Wickerbottom begins. “I am certain we are all aware of the… relationship between Wilson and Maxwell… I’ve called us all here to discuss what we could do to assist in helping them get along. What are your suggestions?”

“Burn their clothes each time they argue.” Willow suggests.

“No, Willow.” Says Wickerbottom. “That fire could spread. It’s a waste of thread too.”

Willow folds her arms and pouts a bit.

“They’re practically children.” Says Winona. “Give 'em a spankin'” She chuckles.

“Winona, absolutely not.” Says Wickerbottom. “They may act like children, but they’re still grown men.”

“I was just playin' grams.” Says Winona.

Wes then flails his arms a bit to get the attention of his campmates. Wickerbottom looks over to the mime. She smiles, thinking he’ll have a good answer. “What do you have in mind, Wes?”

Wes puts his arms and positions them as if they’re sitting on two people’s shoulders. He then pulls his arms closer to his body. A group hug of some sort.

“Good suggestion, but I don’t think they will help much.” Says Wickerbottom.

“TERRIBLE IDEA AS USUAL, DISGUSTING MIME FLESHSACK.” Says WX. Wes frowns and averts his gaze.

“Hey!” Says Wolfgang. “What did Wolfgang say about being mean to clownman!?”

“Wolfgang, please.” Says Wickerbottom. “WX-78 should not have said that, but please do not start lighting a fuse.”

Wolfgang averts his, embarrassed. “Is sorry.” He says.

"I CAN SAY WHATEVER I WANT, MEATSACK." Says WX, looking to Wickerbottom.

Wickerbottom furrows her brows. "Well WX, what would you suggest?" She says in a bitter tone.

"I'D SUGGEST KILLING THEM. THAT WILL SHUT THEM UP." WX suggests.

"I resonate with the automaton." Says Wendy.

"Wendy, no!" Webber retorts. "We can't do that!"

Wickerbottom puts a hand to her head and sighs. "Oh, dear... would anyone else like to suggest anything?"

"We planned a trip to caves a bit ago, eh?" Says Woodie. “Why don’t we just bring them to the caves?”

Wickerbottom furrows her brows curiously. “What are you suggesting, Woodie?”

“Put 'em in a circumstance where they have to get along!” Says Woodie.

“Ah, a plöt well devised, fellow lumberjack!” Says Wigfrid.

Wickerbottom smiles. “Ah, I see.” She says. “We will start planning the trip out first thing tomorrow, yes?”

The group nods. They’ve finally come to a consensus. Wickerbottom can be at peace. The group separates and heads into their tents for the night.

—

It’s the next morning. The sun has just started to rise. Everyone is awake except Wilson and Maxwell. The Survivors are in front of a cartographer’s desk planning the aforementioned trip to the caves.

Willow and Winona stand next to each other as they plan. Winona looks back to Wilson and Maxwell’s tents.

“I wonder how to the two stooges are doing.” Winona says teasingly.

“Let us pray that soup didn’t knock 'em too hard.” Says Willow, a little sarcastically.

Just as Willow says that, Wilson pops out of his tent, groggy as hell. “Ugh… good morning.” He says as he rubs his head. “What are you all doing here?”

“We’re planning a trip to the caves, dear.” Says Wickerbottom.

“This early in the morning?” Says Wilson.

“It is a very important trip.” Says Wickerbottom.

In fact, it was an important trip.

“Can you people quiet down?” Says a nearby voice. The Survivors look back to see Maxwell popping out of his tent, just as groggy as Wilson. “Can a man get any sleep over here?”

Wilson furrows his brows. “Of course, you need your beauty sleep.” Wilson says teasingly.

“Oh, hush up, Higgsbury.” Says Maxwell, going back into his tent. He lays back down on his bed roll and closes his eyes.

It’s peaceful and quiet.

Until the peace is suddenly disturbed.

“RISE AND SHINE, MAGGOT!!”

Maxwell quickly lifts his body up and shouts. He looks forward to see Willow looking directly at him.

“What could you POSSIBLY want!?” Maxwell asks the pyromaniac.

“We’re heading to the caves later.” Says Willow. “So you’d best be up on your feet now. COME ON, GET UP SOLDIER!!” She says. She gets out of Maxwell’s tent and starts marching. “ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR!! COME ON, YOU RAPSCALLION!!” Says Willow. “I AIN’T GOT ALL DAY!!” She continues to march.

Maxwell gets out of his tent. He looks over to Willow furiously. “I’M UP! I AM UP!” He says. “JUST STOP SHOUTING!”

“THAT IS NO WAY TO TALK TO A COMMANDER!!” Says Willow.

“You can stop now, Willow.” Says Wickerbottom. “He’s awake.”

Willow folds her arms sassily. “Okay, fine.” She says. She looks over to Maxwell. “But I got my eyes on you, soldier. You hear me?” She says in a harsh whisper.

Maxwell looks into Willow’s eyes. He can sense a fiery aura coming off of her. A blazing desire burns within her.

Maxwell quivers. He commits to Willow’s game. “Yes ma'am.”

Willow nods. “Mm-hm. That’s how a solider’s meant to act!”

“This must be an extremely important cave trip if you’re waking Maxwell up early.” Says Wilson.

Willow looks over to Wilson. “Yep.” She says. “Extremely important!”

“I’m excited to discover why.” Says Wilson happily.

“Oh, it’ll knock your scientific SOCKS OFF!!” Says Willow.

Wilson smiles brightly. “Oh! I’m intrigued!”

“You’re just going to have to wait, Wilson.” Says Wickerbottom.

“Although I don’t want to, I have to, I suppose.” Wilson says, trying to hold in his impatience.

“Good, you’re learning patience, dear.” Says Wickerbottom.

“That’s magnificent.” Says Maxwell. “I don’t have to hear words spout out of his mouth.” Says Maxwell teasingly.

Wilson sharply turns his head to face Maxwell. “How dare you!?” He says.

“Hey!” Says Winona. “It’s way too damn early to be hearin' EITHER OF YOU holler half-assed insults at each other. Can y’all just shut your traps for five seconds?”

“I know Higgsbury can’t.” Says Maxwell.

“You’re one to talk.” Says Wilson.

The men glare at each other.

Suddenly, Wes steps in between the arguing men. He grabs Wilson’s shoulders and pushes him to another part of the camp. He goes to Maxwell and does the same. The two men glare at each other from their positions. They then walk away to attend to their own business. Wes, satisfied, wipes his hands like he just finished working on an engine. He puts his fists to his hips and smiles proudly.

“…Huh.” Says Winona. “How efficient of ya, Wes.”

Wes smiles and bows to Winona as a thank you.

“So, grams.” Winona begins, now looking at Wickerbottom. “What exactly are we gonna do about those goons?”

“Hmm… I believe I have an idea.” Says Wickerbottom. “Spread the word to the others, please.”

Willow, Wes, and Winona nod. They all walk up to Wickerbottom as she explains her plan to them.

—

It’s early dusk now. The Survivors are ready to execute the plan Winona had codenamed: Operation: Get-Along. The small group of five prepare themselves for their trip.

“Is everyone prepared?” Asks Wickerbottom.

“We’re ready, Ms. Wickerbottom!!” Says an excited Webber, who has a backpack on.

Wes brightly smiles and salutes.

“I am ready for a scientific experience!” Wilson says excitedly.

Maxwell rolls his eyes at Wilson’s comment. His eyes face Wickerbottom. “I am ready, Ms. Wickerbottom.” He says.

“Delightful.” She says. She looks back to her fellow Survivors gazing upon the five of them.

“Good luck out there!” Says Winona.

“Many blessings I give thee.” Says Wigfrid.

“Try not to die.” Says Wendy.

“I’D PREFER IT IF THEY DID DIE.” Says WX.

“What did I tell you about talking all that smack?” Winona says, glaring at WX.

WX grumbles. “UGH… IF I TALK SMACK, I CANNOT GO ON ORGANIC HUNTS ANYMORE…” They say, irritated.

“Uh-huh. Now stop with the smack talk.” Says Winona sternly.

Wickerbottom’s brows furrow, but she still smiles. “Take good care of the camp while we are gone!”

“Friends will protect camp for Ms. Wickerbottom!” Says Wolfgang, flexing his arms.

“We will be back by tonight!” Says Wickerbottom. “Stay safe!”

The five head off. The other Survivors watch as they leave.

“So… you guys think this plan will go well?” Asks Willow.

“I don’t know to be honest. If we’re lucky, it may work, but I just got a bad feeling.” Says Winona.

“What is wrong, strong-lady handy woman?” Asks Wolfgang.

Winona shrugs. “I dunno. Somethin' just doesn’t feel right…” She says.

“Is it the feeling that they could perish?” Asks Wendy.

“…Kinda, yeah.” Says Winona.

“Those fellas should be fine.” Says Woodie. “Wickerbottom said she didn’t expect any cave ins or quakes.”

“We can önly höpe they return with victöry in their eyes.” Says Wigfrid.

The group watched as the their fellow Survivors fade out into the distance.

—

The group of five tread through a large field toward the cave entrance they’re looking for. Wickerbottom is leading while the others follow behind.

“Ms. Wickerbottom? I have a question.” Wilson asks.

Wickerbottom looks back to face the scientist. “Hm? What is it?”

“How come you didn’t have anyone with physical strength come with us?” Wilson asks. “You said this trip was important. Wouldn’t have been optimal to bring Wolfgang or Wigfrid along?”

Wickerbottom doesn’t hesitate to answer. “Wigfrid had suggested Wes and Webber tag along.” She says. “They wanted to see how far they had come.”

They were actually only there to help push Wilson and Maxwell in the right direction. Lead them down the path they wanted them to go down. Wickerbottom thought they’d fit best, as they’re the sweetest out of the 12 of them.

“Yeah! We’ve been training hard!” Says Webber excitedly. “Right, Wes?”

Wes nods enthusiastically. He then flexes his lanky arms. Wilson chuckles.

“I wish you both well on your endeavors.” Says Wilson.

“I have a follow up question.” Maxwell suddenly buds in.

Wickerbottom looks back to face Maxwell. “Hm? What is it?”

“You haven’t brought both Wilson and I on a cave venture together in ages.” Says Maxwell. “Why has this changed? And so suddenly too?”

Again, Wickerbottom doesn’t hesitate. “I wanted to see if you both were capable enough to handle being together.” She says. “If you can’t handle this, then you won’t be paired up again.”

“What makes you think we’ll get along here?” Maxwell asks.

“Just don’t talk to each other.” Says Wickerbottom.

“Look! Over there!” Webber points. “The cave entrance!”

The group stops at a large hole in the ground.

“Prepare your ropes everyone.” Says Wickerbottom. “I’ll go down first.” She looks to Webber. “And I’ll help you get down.”

One by one, each Survivor climbs down into the dark depths. Webber being the last one down, with Wickerbottom’s help. The five take out their miner hats and tread forward. Just like before, Wickerbottom is leading.

“Where exactly are we headed?” Asks Wilson.

“The Ancient Ruins.” Says Wickerbottom.

“Are we fighting that beast again?” Wilson asks, referring to the Ancient Fuelweaver. “Are you sure it’s optimal for Wes and Webber to be here?”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Wilson!” Says Webber. “We’re prepared!”

Wes nods, agreeing with Webber.

Wilson accepted the argument, but the situation still felt peculiar. Wes was weaker than the others and Webber was just a kid. Because of these aspects, they weren’t normally brought on cave missions like this.

Something feels wrong, but Wilson is willing to trust his companions. Wickerbottom especially. She always seemed to know what to do and how to execute it.

…But what if she was messing with him?

“Oh, dear.” Says Wickerbottom. Wilson is whacked out of his world of thought. He looks up.

“A fork in the road.” Says Wickerbottom.

The tunnel their walking in has been separated into two paths.

Wickerbottom looks back to the other four Survivors. “I will take the left. Everyone else, you take the right.”

Wilson’s brows furrow. “Are you sure?” He asks.

“I’ll be fine, dear.” Says Wickerbottom. “I’ve memorized this cave’s layout.”

Wickerbottom was right, according to Wilson. She may be old, but she’s tough.

“If you insist, I suppose.” Says Wilson.

“How do we know this isn’t some trick?” Says Maxwell. “You’ve never made groups more uneven, Ms. Wickerbottom.”

Wickerbottom’s brows furrow. “I know what I’m doing, Maxwell.” She says.

“Do you?” Maxwell asks.

“Mr. Maxwell!” Says Webber. “Wouldn’t make sense to keep going forward?”

“He is right, Maxwell.” Says Wilson. “We can’t focus on arguing.”

“I’m surprised you think that, Higgsbury.” Says Maxwell.

“Oh, will you just shut up?” Says Wilson.

“See? There it is, right there.” Says Maxwell. “The blatant hypocrisy that lies deep within your soul, as usual.”

Before Wilson can quip back, Wes suddenly gets in between the men and pushes them into the path Wickerbottom assigned them. Webber quickly follows. Wickerbottom sighs as she enters her path.

—

The four Survivors walk through the straight tunnel. Wilson leads, looking at the map Wickerbottom put in his bag, while the others stay behind.

“This is a surprisingly long tunnel.” Says Wilson.

“We should meet Ms. Wickerbottom when we reach the end.” Says Webber.

“Good.” Says Wilson. “As much as my scientific brain pushes me toward our goal…” He looks back at Maxwell.

“What?” Maxwell asks.

“Why did you doubt Wickerbottom like that?” He asks, still walking. “You know she knows how to plan these things. Why doubt her?”

“I don’t have a good feeling about her.” He says, also still walking. “The same goes for our fellow cave dwellers.” He says, now looking over to Webber and Wes.

“How come?” Asks Webber.

“What Webber said, Maxwell.” Says Wilson. “How come?”

“I have a sixth sense.” Says Maxwell.

“Is that sixth sense just you thinking you’re better than her?” Wilson asks.

“No!” Says Maxwell. “There is something amiss, Higgsbury!”

Wilson sneers. “Admit it, you imbecile.” He says. “You just don’t trust a great mind when you see one.”

“Are you that distrustful of me?” Asks Maxwell.

“How can I not be?” Says Wilson. “You CONSTANTLY reminisce about the so-called 'good old days'! The days when you TORTURED US for entertainment! How can I trust you when you have shown barely an OUNCE of improvement since we partnered up!? You’ve acted the exact same since I met you!”

“Can you not bring that up?” Says Maxwell.

“Hey!” Says Webber. “We’re supposed to go this way!” He says, pointing toward a nearby tunnel.

“Why?” Says Wilson. “It happened! We all know it did!”

Maxwell pauses, unable to speak.

“See? That’s your problem!” Says Wilson. “You’re in denial!”

“So are you.” Says Maxwell.

“Hey!” Says Webber. “Look where you’re walking!”

Wilson and Maxwell look back to Wes and Webber.

As they turn, they feel themselves falling.

Slipping off of a ledge.

They both fall.

The men can see glimpses of the mime and spider child as they quickly disappear from their view.

…

“AH!”

Wilson shoots upward. He looks around.

“M-MAXWELL!!” He shouts, panicked. “Where are you!?”

Wilson tries to get up, but quickly stumbles and falls. His body hurt. He had fallen hard.

Maxwell likely had as well.

“Maxwell! MAXWELL!!” Wilson calls out.

Nothing.

“Stop playing around!” Says Wilson. “I know you’re there!”

Suddenly, grunting can be heard. Wilson turns his head to the direction of the sound.

He sees a shaky pitch black hand grab a nearby stone.

It’s Maxwell’s.

He lifts himself up. His face his beaten and bruised. He lays his head against the stone. “…Stop… yelling, Higgsbury.” Says Maxwell, weakly.

Wilson crawls over to the rock Maxwell was laying his head on. He lays his back against it. He sighs weakly.

“Say pal, you don’t look so good.” Says Maxwell.

“Don’t say that.” Says Wilson. “You don’t look good either. If not worse.”

Maxwell crawls around the stone and sits next to Wilson. “I take bigger hits than you, pal.” Says Maxwell.

“I’m aware.” Says Wilson.

“…You’re not going to try and start anything?” Asks Maxwell.

“No.” Says Wilson. “I’m too tired to try and argue with you… we’ve done enough.”

Everything then goes silent. The only sound being the weak breathing from the two men.

Until…

“…Can I talk to you?” Maxwell asks in a peculiarly genuine tone.

Wilson looks over to the magician with his brows furrowed. “…What is it?”

“I believe we never exactly… payed attention to our relationship.” Says Maxwell.

Wilson thinks about Maxwell’s words. “…We really haven’t…” He says. “We’ve been at each other’s throats for ages… while everyone else gets along with you fine.”

“That’s because they can mostly move away from their grudges.” Says Maxwell. “You- We have yet to reach a consensus.” Says Maxwell.

“We each keep starting fights with each other…” Says Wilson.

“Getting absolutely nowhere…” Says Maxwell.

“…Nowhere but the bottom of a cave…” Says Wilson.

“Bruised and battered…” Says Maxwell.

The silence returns.

…Until it’s broken again.

“…Maybe we do have a problem…” Says Wilson. “But how do we fix it?”

Maxwell turns his head over face Wilson. “…We try.”

Wilson looks at the magician surprised. “You’re not throwing a quip at me?”

“Just like you said.” Says Maxwell. “I’m too tired to try…”

He pauses.

“…And I can’t keep this game up anymore. We can’t keep this up anymore.” Maxwell continues.

“…We really can’t… we will continue to get hurt otherwise…” Says Wilson. “…Let’s say we have a truce? An actual one.”

“It’s a deal, Wilson.” Says Maxwell.

Wilson’s eyes light up a bit. “You’re not calling me 'Higgsbury'?” Wilson asks. “Isn’t that your thing?”

“You’re going to think I’m lying to you if I do.” Says Maxwell.

“…I would’ve…” Says Wilson.

“See? Now we’re getting somewhere.” Says Maxwell. “Stop being in denial.”

“You do the same.” Says Wilson. “You can’t deny that the past happened. Do what you can with your second chance.”

“I will.” Says Maxwell, a smirk appearing at the edge of lips. “Learn to be more open minded as well, you hear?”

“I will.” Wilson responds.

Suddenly, clacking and quick footsteps are heard.

“Are you two alright!?” Cries an feminine elderly voice. Wickerbottom approaches from the shadows, Wes and Webber behind her.

“We’re… decent…” Says Maxwell.

“Oh, dear… you both look horrible…” Says Wickerbottom, dismayed. “We need to get you both back to camp.” She says sternly.

“Wouldn’t you need some heavy lifters?” Asks Wilson.

“The others are near the ledge waiting for us.” Says Wickerbottom. “Wes and I will bring you to the ropes.”

Before Wilson and Maxwell can react, Wickerbottom and Wes lift the men up and carry over to handmade harnesses to carry them up the ledge. They are borg attached to their harnesses and carried up to the top of the ledge. Once they reach the top, they see to pairs holding up the harnesses, Woodie and Wolfgang carrying Wilson, and Wigfrid and Winona carrying Maxwell.

Winona catches a glimpse of Maxwell’s beaten up face as he rises above the ledge. “Oof, dang, you look awful. You okay?” She asks.

“Better than I was before.” Says Maxwell.

“That’s a start.” Says Winona.

Wilson is eventually brought and taken off the harness. He is sat down against a wall. “Science man look terrible…” Says Wolfgang, looking at Wilson’s bruised face.

“You alright, buddy?” Asks Woodie.

“I’m decent.” Says Wilson. “I could be better.”

The pairs begin treating the men’s injuries. Eventually, Wickerbottom, Wes, and Webber rise up from below.

“I deeply apologize.” Says Wickerbottom to the injured men. “I did not intend for this happen.”

“Just tell 'em our plan, grams.” Says Winona. “There ain’t much of a point keeping it from them anymore.”

“Oh, you don’t need to explain.” Says Maxwell. “I was suspecting something during our trip. I knew I felt something was going on.”

“Dang!” Says Winona. “We really can’t keep anything from you.”

Wilson then looks at Maxwell wide eyed. “You were right!” He says. “Ms. Wickerbottom! I trusted you!” He says, now looking to Wickerbottom.

“We were only trying to help you both get along.” Says Wickerbottom. “But I suppose our efforts were fruitless.”

“Oh no, they weren’t.” Says Maxwell.

“Whaddya mean?” Webber asks.

“When we were stuck down there… we realized that our fighting only put ourselves in danger.” Says Wilson. “…We’ve come to a consensus. We made a deal.”

“You won’t have to hear us bicker anymore.” Says Maxwell.

The other Survivors stare at the men. They had not expected for the odds to be in their favor after their fall. They, surprisingly, had come to consensus.

They wouldn’t fight anymore.

“Oh, my God.” Says Winona.

“'Tis unheard öf!” Says Wigfrid.

“We likely would’ve killed each other by the time you came back.” Says Wilson. “If it is truly unheard of, as you say, then why are we still here? In one piece?”

“…Ah, I see” Says Wigfrid.

“So, we won’t have to hear you spout at each other, eh?” Woodie asks.

“We pray not.” Says Maxwell.

“I believe we’re already starting on a good note, too.” Says Wilson, a smile curving up on his face.

“Hah, can’t wait to see Willow’s eyes pop out their sockets when she hears this.” Says Winona.

—

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY JUST MADE UP!?” Says Willow.

“I WOULD’VE PREFERRED THE SCENARIO WHERE THEY KILLED EACH OTHER.” Says WX.

Winona glares at WX. They notice. They fold their arms and grumble a bit.

“Odd.” Says Wendy. “It felt so unforeseen…”

“Although it felt unlikely, I suppose that is the timeline we live in.” Says Wickerbottom, looking over to the duo. The two men sit in front of the fire pit.

The two sit next to each other, mostly healed and recovered from their recent injuries. They aren’t arguing, or bickering like they had before.

It looks as if, for the first time since they had met, and banded together, they’re actually getting along.

- END -

[dempseyregal]

Unexpected Surprise Part 1

A/N: This has been in my drafts for a while and I couldn't even finish it so enjoy the first part of this hot mess while I try to finish the other part

“Fabian, are you alright?” Marcel waved his hand in front of his face, but Fabian didn’t as much as blinked in response. “You’re leaving? But why Y/N? I though you loved it here!” His voice cracked with rage and hurt, but I couldn’t handle to tell him the truth.

I was pregnant, with Fabian’s baby, and couldn’t stay to wrestle until after the birth. I decided to go to Scotland and stay with my brothers’ wife until after the baby was born, I wanted to lay low. But all I told Imperium was that I quit because of personal problems within the family.

“Joe and Mark aren’t quitting?! Wolfgang is still creeping around, why don’t they quit too?!” “Because it doesn’t involve my brothers. Wolfgang isn’t even remotely related to me in anyway. My sister-in-law is expecting and there are complications with her health. I am leaving to take care of her.” I replied as I took my stuff and walked out of the dressing room while the three of them started debating and arguing with one another.

*8 and a half months later*

I was in the crowd at Takeover New York, flew in with Abigail to see the guys wrestle. They didn’t say who they were facing, just that my sister-in-law and I had to come watch them live. She was 5 months pregnant, and my little boy was fast asleep in my lap. It was the first time I stepped foot on WWE property since leaving.

Gallus made they way down to the ring and suddenly the lights went out and Imperium’s music hit. My heart dropped when I saw the three of them standing on the ramp, sadistic expressions on their faces. I looked at Fabian, his beard had grown, and his body had exploded to twice the size as when I saw him last. Marco started waking up in my arms and I panicked. “What if he sees him? He doesn’t know Marco’s his.” I whispered over to Abigail, and she looked over at my brothers, who also must have sensed my panic state as they went to work on distracting Imperium from walking around the ring.

The match was brutal to say the least.  Just when Wolfgang thought he had them pinned, Alexander Wolfe came from nowhere and caused a distraction, having Fabian pin him, winning the match for Imperium. I was frantically observing the ringside area for Joe and Mark when Abigail grabbed my arm. “He’s coming, let’s go!” She grabbed Marco’s bag but before I could follow pursuit, Fabian was at the barricade, grabbing onto my arm. “Y/N?! What are you doing here? I thought your sister in law had a baby alre-“He froze when he caught sight of Marco now fully awake, his big blue eyes staring back at Fabian with a toothless grin.

“I have to go.” I practically ran after Abigail to the backstage area, hoping and praying that their locker room was open so I could sneak in and hide there. TO my luck, it was and Abigail pushed me inside, closing the door behind her. I heard a commotion outside the door, German shouting and banging on the door. Joe and Mark burst through, pushing me into the bathroom. “Keep the lad in here until I tell you its safe to get out. These idiots want to see the baby.” I nodded and locked the door when he ran out, Abigail looking at Mark with wild eyes before he pursued our brother.

After a while, there came silence and a small knock from the door. “Y/N, come on out.” Mark’s voice sounded from the other side of the door. I opened it and saw the anger on his face. They were all seated in the locker room. All four members of Imperium and Wolfgang, Joe and Abigail were sitting around the table, Mark placing his huge hand on the small of my back.

Fabian jumped up but Wolfgang shot up to block his way. “Remember the deal Aichner. You get to see him but not too close.” I panicked once again and held Marco tighter to my chest. “You had a baby and didn’t tell us, Y/N? Why would you disappear like that?” Marcel spoke up while everyone just stared at the baby in my arms, smiling at all of them. “He looks just like you.” Walter pointed out to Fabian, who was focused on the giggling little human.

“He’s mine? Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve been there to help you during the pregnancy, I missed his birth! I missed the visits to the doctor!” I felt like bursting into tears. “I- I thought that you would want to take him away from me. I didn’t want you to know because I was scared.” I whispered and all eyes were on me in an instant. “Why would he do something like that Y/N?” Wolfe asked and Joe stood up, taking Marco from me and carefully putting him on the table in front of them to see.

I took a seat with them as Mark followed suit, sitting next to me, positioning himself in between me and his wife. “Our father tried to take us away from our mother when we were kids. So my mother tried to keep us a secret from the rest of the family afterwards scared that my father would come back for us.” Joe said as Fabian leaned froward, Marko grabbing his fingers and giggling as he pulled him close.

“I kept all of the ultra sounds and had videos made of my doctor’s appointments and the birth… SO when Y/N was ready, she could give them to you.” My sister-in-law spoke, Fabian looking over at her then at Marko. Marko had Fabian’s finger in his mouth, drool all over his hand. “Can I see it?” He asked and I obediently walked over to the little black case that I carried around with me. I handed it to him, and Marcel opened it, taking out the contents and handing them over to Fabian. Inside, photos of my scans, when Marko was born, Marko wearing an Italian supporter’s outfit that Mark bought him, a photo of Marko next to the Imperium flag I was gifted.

“I want the two of you to move in with me.” Fabian said while rocking Marko to sleep. I sucked in a breathe as I saw Joe tense up. “Its alright Joseph. He’s Marko dad, he has the right to have him around.” Wolfgang tried to calm him down while I held onto Joe’s hand. “You knew this was going to happen sooner or later Joe. We have to move.”

[miyamorana]

Miya’s 2023 Fanfic Recs Part 3

Here are all the cool, complete fics I’ve read this year. Separated into 5 posts because there’s nearly a hundred of them.

PART 3: TELEVISION (16)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2)

Julie and the Phantoms (1)

Merlin (5)

Sense8 (2)

Stranger Things (4)

Teen Wolf (2)

Part 1: Boku no Hero Academia (33) Part 2: Other Anime and Cartoons (20) Part 4: Video Games, Movies and Books (16) Part 5: Crossovers (11)

Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Title: Seeing Is His Superpower Author: Shadowscast Pairing: Xander Harris/Spike Rating: Teen Word Count: 8,185 Summary: A post-Chosen AU in which Xander finds Spike’s amulet in the wreckage of Sunnydale. When he picks it up, something interesting happens…

Fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer Title: Witch boy Author: applecrumbledore Pairing: Rupert Giles/Spike Rating: Mature Word Count: 12,730 Summary: Spike was an embarrassing memory tucked into the recesses of Giles’ brain along with other rare, sweet moments from his Ripper Era that he couldn’t leave behind, and instead pulled out of mental storage once in a while, dusted them off and luxuriated guiltily in the hedonistic days of his youth. Spike was a memory he hadn’t pulled out in so long that he’d forgotten it was him.

Fandom: Julie and the Phantoms Title: Ghost Story Author: breakaway71 Pairing: None Rating: General Audiences Word Count: 1603 Summary: Julie visits her mother’s grave on Halloween, and meets someone unexpected.

Fandom: Merlin Title: Theory / Practice Author: queerofthedagger Pairing: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon Rating: Teen Word Count: 1,000 Summary: He had known in the same way that he had looked at Merlin on that first day in the market square, his clever mouth and dusk-sky eyes, and somehow knew him.Familiarity. His magic feels like that, too.

Fandom: Merlin Title: Oh Noble Hearts Author: queerofthedagger Pairing: Gwaine/Arthur Pendragon Rating: Teen Word Count: 1,700 Summary: The thing is, Gwaine may be a bit of a bastard, but he knows that it’s bad form to go around kissing people—especially people who mean something—when they are missing some rather crucial bits of information about you. Gwaine has a confession; Arthur, as so often, manages to surprise him.

Fandom: Merlin Title: Splitting the Road Author: queerofthedagger Pairing: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Word Count: 3,000 Summary:

“Emrys,” the woman says, impatient, and Merlin, well. Merlin reacts. Arthur wants to pretend so, so badly that there isn’t a pit opening in his stomach but— But. Merlin reacts, eyes snapping towards her, narrowing. Above Merlin’s head, the cold iron groans, a sound the way that Arthur’s heart feels.

Merlin and Arthur get kidnapped. Unfortunately for their captors, it really is a tremendously stupid idea to put magic itself into cold iron.

Fandom: Merlin Title: Detect Magic  Author: Jabber_Moose Pairing: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon Rating: General Audiences Word Count: 979 Summary: There’s a strange, shimmering blue orb above them, and the dark haired man’s eyes are glowing gold.

"Police say they arrived at the scene to find one of the muggers knocked out, the other dead on the scene,” Percy says. “The victim was being held by his companion, who was said to tell anyone who approached ‘You can cut me, bruise me, skin me alive, but you will not take him from me.’”

Fandom: Merlin Title: Long Enough (Forget Me Not) Author:Jabber_Moose Pairing: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon Rating: General Audiences Word Count: 1,595 Summary: Maybe the fates are telling him that it’s time to let go, that Arthur is not going to return to him. Maybe it is time to stop, for his own sake, before he has to deal with the fallout of forgetting.

Fandom: Sense8 Title: Worth It Author: FunkyinFishnet Pairing: Wolfgang Bogdanow/Kala Dandekar/Rajan Rasal Rating: Mature Word Count: 6,386 Summary: She visits Wolfgang, on his way back to the Paris apartment and concerned about Kala’s mood as she asks, “Have you heard from Rajan?” Wolfgang’s concern sharpens, “Nothing since the day before yesterday. He hasn’t called yet?” (The cluster mobilises to solve Rajan’s kidnapping, and Kala and Wolfgang think about him and their love.)

Fandom: Sense8 Title: I’ll settle for the ghosts of you Author: FunkyinFishnet Pairing: Wolfgang Bogdanow/Kala Dandekar/Rajan Rasal Rating: Mature Word Count: 8,894 Summary: When Rajan witnesses Wolfgang and Kala embrace, Wolfgang lifting her up off her feet while smiling more broadly than Rajan has seen so fat in the few hours that he has known the man and with Kala’s happiness seeming to make her face sparkle, he thinks, “Oh, I *see*.”

Rajan thinks Kala really doesn’t love him in the same way that he loves her, and there’s no way that Wolfgang can love him at all.

Fandom: Stranger Things Title: Deathbed Endearments Author: breakaway71 Pairing: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Rating: Teen Word Count: 2,074 Summary: Eddie and Steve have a heart-to-heart while trying to keep Steve from bleeding out all over the ground. Actually, Steve thinks it’s one of their better chats. He just hopes he lives long enough to remember it later.

Fandom: Stranger Things Title: More than They Make You Out to Be Author: breakaway71 Pairing: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Rating: Teen Word Count: 2,451 Summary: Eddie was never guilty of the things they accused him of, but that hasn’t stopped Hawkins from treating him like he was. Steve needs to make it better.

Fandom: Stranger Things Title: Color Correction Author: entanglednow Pairing: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Rating: Teen Word Count: 3,186 Summary: Steve can always be relied upon to help a friend out, and it makes a nice change to be the one with the answers.

Fandom: Stranger Things Title:  Never Look Back (A Breath Away from Heaven) Author:breakaway71 Pairing: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson Rating: Mature Word Count: 5,000 Summary: Eddie summons a traumatized demon to his bedroom. It was an accident, but it might also turn out to be the best thing he’s ever done.

Fandom: Teen Wolf Title: Next Thursday Author: wldnst Pairing: Danny Māhealani/Stiles Stilinski Rating: Teen Word Count: 18,210 Summary: In which Stiles Stilinski has a werewolf for a best friend, a support group for that, hot chocolate with Lydia Martin and Danny Mahealani every Thursday evening, and an extremely anticlimactic coming out experience.

Fandom: Teen Wolf Title: A Grimm Affair Author:oshjoshmgosh Pairing: Derek Hale/Stiles Stilinski Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Word Count: 2023 Summary: Derek brings Stiles to an alpha convention for established packs. Or rather, Stiles brings himself along as Derek’s mate, in spite of the fact he will be one of the only humans present. It should be full of sane alphas, so what could go wrong? So what if he has to remind some overreaching wolves that Disney’s fairy tales were originally a lot darker, and that no one messes with Little Red Riding Hood.

[dernarrleid]

⸻ TELEGRAM FROM @malefikant READS ‘ I know you think you're pretty clever with this plan to drink me under the table , but there's two problems ... you're not , .. & you can't . ’ (for Wolfgang)

A Russian and German walk into a bar; the German sits down, carrying the weight of the day's woes on his back knowing there isn't much time between then and his next excursion. His duffel bag, dusty and tattered toward the bottom from being dragged across more than a few concrete havens was overflowing with photocopies of journals from the local bookstore. He calls himself a freelance journalist half the time, since some of the job doesn't require him to lie completely to himself. The information gathering aspect is always nostalgic; the feeling ramps up when in a situation where the number of resources nearly outclass him as a human being. Of course technology provides an assist, but it's never the kind of accuracy Wolfgang needs, now is it?

Wolfgang taps the counter, sighing a request for two glasses of water and smooth scotch. He'd give anything for a nice wine and cheese pairing, a bed perhaps and a few recreational items that may ease the tension of laying awake knowing the moment he closes his eyes the nightmares will rope him in. It always happened when his body is a touch too overworked, the heaviness in his eyes hurts by then and the spiral doesn't stop until he hears a knock on the door or a barrage of noise from the young once school is out. The bartender slides the three glasses down the table— and Wolfgang catches them with ease despite every joint in his body fighting against it. At the third gulp of his second glass, the water sitting in his gut and his throat quenched enough to speak properly, he turns to the man beside him. Their build is the same, which... isn't strange but he's never met one that so obviously looks like his work doesn't lend to the normal working class.

Wolfgang had his fair share of private businesses, maintaining identities for the sake of other identities, it gets monotonous. Not necessarily dull; the primary skill that made him exceptional was the absolute, unwavering acceptance of the mundane. If a spy was bored he'd find something else to occupy his time which meant certain death if one reverted back to a quirk or habit at the wrong time. No, it was safer to pretend your past self didn't exist at all. Perhaps that carries over every life he tries to live. The old him didn't touch alcohol if not for the purpose of gaining trust and weakening the enemy; the current doesn't mind sharing a drink or two. Freelance work is never done, as they say.

[...]"I've been wrong before, of course. But you don't look like the kind of guy who'd indulge that much to have developed the tolerance... Unless it's the Russian in you?" Wolfgang's smiles wide in a gesture of good faith. He hopes the man isn't crazy enough to follow through. However in the event he is— "Now what kind of plan would that be? S'far as I'm concerned I see you and I, arm to arm with bottle of scotch and no where to be!" He looks from toe to forehead at his form, admiring how well put he seemed in comparison. The urge to chide himself bubbles at the realization he's done it so openly without even noting the man's name.

[hcttogo]

“Children need to be much more afraid of spontaneous combustion, frankly. Too much of their time is being spent worrying about quicksand,” Wolfgang said, looking over at him with amused. The conversation was definitely on the unhinged end of the spectrum but that was perfectly fine with the demon Prince. It would have been weirder if he didn’t have an odd conversation. It was a bit of a miracle that he hadn’t been caught before by someone based on the way that he spoke. No one really knew what to say to him most of the time, so he was enjoying that Daesun was so willing to banter with him. First discussions of saw traps and now fire. Although he did notice that Daesun seemed to brighten, pun intended, at the conversation of fire.

“I mean, I guess a ghost and living creature could work if they plan on killing the living,” he said, because that was the kind of drama that he could get behind. Thankfully, he was safe from having a ghost trying to romance him. Plus, not many of them were into demons. Turns out the threat of torment for all eternity was a turn off for a lot of those that just died. Well, most of the time.. “I am incredibly not a ghost, so you really have knocked it out of the park on ending up with someone and not a catfish,” he teased, nudging him back gently.

Daesuns gaze would wander over the males form and it made him smirk, actually, he had to pull himself out of his thinking that was putting them both in the nastiest positions. Not now, bad time and place to get horny, because sucking someone off in a public space was not something for everyone. "I mean, they do deserve a lesson, in a way, especially the kids because that can put a person in a lot of problems. I mean, imagine someone seeing you? Rumors are so deadly." He blew some air into his ramen to cool them down a bit before continuing to eat. "But I also can't just set kids on fire because what person would that make me?" He snorted a little, looking over at him. "I will send a fire-emoji your way the moment I found someone I want to burn." He winked at the other but overall, enjoyed their little lighthearted conversation about torment and torture and killing. Not that he was a maniac and loved killing but.. he did love fire.

Now he knew that he somehow had made this conversation this way, but loving a passed person, was it really so weird? Not that he had romantic feelings for a dead person, but deep love.. longing. Oh he missed her so much. "I really don't think it's weird to love someone even if they die, what is weird, forreal, is when they fall in love with a ghost they like, didn't even know in their life. Because, you can't even touch or kiss them, they disappear.. they complain. Yeah." He took a sip from his ice cream coffee situation. "That doesn't sound romantic at all. Love should be for the living, or well, maybe a ghost together with a ghost works but ghost and living creature? Nah, I don't think that is a good match." He gently bumped into the males shoulder, making sure to not have Wolfgang spill any of his food. "Glad you're not a ghost."

[fuckyeahvanhalen86-95]

As Wolfgang Van Halen discussed in a recent conversation with The Messenger, he has his sights firmly set on the present, specifically a new album and tour dates featuring his solo band Mammoth WVH.

But with the Van Halen name comes endless drama. The band's well-established dysfunction didn't cease with the 2020 death of Eddie, the iconic shredder and Wolfgang's father; ever since, there has been nonstop chatter and bickering around the idea of a tribute show or tour, which bubbled up again last month when Sammy Hagar said that Alex Van Halen won't return his calls and that there's "no way" David Lee Roth would work with him.

For his part, Wolfgang simply says, "I view me just being alive and being in the music business as a tribute to my father every day."

Elaborating, he gave his candid take on the tribute-show rumors and discussed how playing Van Halen songs at last year's shows honoring late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins gave him a chance to honor his father's legacy.

THE IDEA OF A TRIBUTE TO YOUR DAD KEEPS COMING UP. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHY IT REMAINS SUCH AN ACTIVE CONVERSATION?

It's out of love and how many people my father's writing and playing touched around the world. But life isn't written to have a happy ending — some things just suck. And if I have to figure out how to have a life without my father in it, I think people can figure out how to live without Van Halen, because it can't happen. Dad's not here, Van Halen doesn't exist anymore as far as I'm concerned. The music and the legacy are there, and I'll be here to push that forth, through things like dad's guitar and amp company, and help in every single way.

The unfortunate thing in comparison to what Dave Grohl was able to pull off with the Taylor Hawkins tribute, is that the Foo Fighters have a very friendly thing going on. There wasn't a lot of animosity between members to get it done and Van Halen is quite the opposite. I don't know, maybe it's just '80s bands — there's something about '80s bands where it was the cool thing to be dicks. But some things just don't work out and it seems like this is one of them.

DID PLAYING IN THOSE TAYLOR SHOWS CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE AT ALL ABOUT THE IDEA OF TRIBUTE EVENTS?

Luckily, I feel like I was able to get that feeling from the Taylor thing, which is why I played Van Halen songs and that's not something I take lightly. It felt like the right thing to do, knowing how impossible it would be to do it as a separate thing. I took that as my opportunity obviously to pay tribute to Taylor, but at the same time pay tribute to my father. And that was it for me and it's over — that was me having that moment and being able to do it myself, outside of all the bullshit that the Van Halen duff gets muddled in with. I think I was able to put that to rest and not say goodbye, because I hate to ever speak in absolutes, but for the foreseeable future, Van Halen is not what I'm focused on in any way.

IS IT FRUSTRATING THAT YOU HAVE TO KEEP DEALING WITH THE SQUABBLING?

Beyond that, it's emotionally difficult for me to hear about it every day. But that's the position I'm in unfortunately, and there's nothing I can do about it. I think Zelda Williams, Robin's daughter, put it in such a beautiful way — on one of the anniversaries of his passing, she said that even a truckload of roses weighs a ton.

I understand that it's all rooted in positivity, but it gets very jarring, and it wears you out. I can't go online or do anything without somebody reminding me "Hey, knock, knock, your dad's dead. Do you miss him?" I feel like unless you're in this position, nobody really understands it. You can empathize with it, but it's very tough to relate to.

[arjaandsimoni]

Bet Your Life

Smith family ranch, early evening

Now that things had calmed down, the extended Smith family had agreed on one thing. Insane circumstances or not, Nelen and the kids had saved their lives that night and as firm believers in southern hospitality they refused to let a good deed go unrewarded.

Two huge picnic tables were set up outside the ranch, laden with fresh roast beef, potato salad, green beans, and other southern traditions. In deference to Arja and Simoni’s dietary restrictions they had even baked some drumsticks and had pulled pork for sandwiches.

“Eat up ya’ll!” grinned Joseph, waving his cane. “Ya’ll done right by us, but we ain’t gonna be savin’ ya from the boogums. Best we can do is make sure yer tanks are full fer whatever lies ahead.”

Simoni chewed a bit on the chicken, then blinked, then started scarfing it down with much more gusto. She had been eyeing the red meat, but the drumsticks were spicy with a hint of lime and some other tastes she couldn’t identify. “Holy dang these are sooooo good!” she said through a mouthful of masticated meat, washing it down with some soda. “Tara did you make these?” she asked, looking across the table.

Tara smirked, “Nope, believe it or not that was my lil’ cowboy here.” she grinned, pointing to Tex as his face reddened.

Simoni turned to Tex, her eyebrows going up. “OH! Um… w-well, you did a really good job…” she blushed.

Tex shrugged it off, looking a bit flustered as Stephy giggled, “I helped, but yeah. Tex actually cooks a lot back home too. Honestly he does it more than Tara does. She mostly manages the garden out back.”

Tex’s face reddened deeper, “Jus’ a recipe I picked up as a kid…” he muttered sheepishly.

Nelen took up a piece of ribs and tore the meat off with his teeth, then gestured with the now empty bone, “Hey. Don’t knock it. It’s a damn useful skill to have. Would’ve saved me and Dawn a ton of money over the years… though almost none of the places we stayed at had the tools anyways.” he shrugged as Dawn pulled the crispy skin off a drumstick, then ripped the meat apart with her fangs, purring loudly.

Tex grinned a bit, “I mean, jus’ a hobby. Not like cookin’ is, yanno, inherently girly…” he coughed, blushing.

Dawn chewed, swallowed, then counted off on her fingers, “… Emeril Lagasse, Paul Prudhomme, Wolfgang Puck, Gordon Ramsey.” she said, glancing up.

They all turned to look at her, she sighed, “Food. Network. I grew up watching cable TV. In hotels. Seriously guys I’m starting to get sick of this gag!” she mrowled in annoyance, then lapped some water out of her glass, “Point is, plenty of guy chefs out there. Besides, no cat is gonna gripe at any human knowing how to make food.” she grinned widely.

The only one in absentia was Natasha, who had remained at the bed & breakfast in the nearby town. The sun was still up after all, and it wasn’t like she could sample the goods anyways. Vampirism came with many drawbacks and one of the bigger ones was that it wasn’t just that she had to drink blood, its that it was all she could eat or drink. Vampires were hemovores and ingesting anything except blood would result in a rather violent case of indigestion. Not on the level of Merihim’s wrath, but someone would still have to clean that up.

Arja grinned, chowing down on a pulled pork sandwich with eagerness, “Still, gotta love American food. Not as spicy as the stuff back home for my taste, but you can’t beat it for good comfort stuff.”

Nearby Sammi idly picked at his green beans and mashed potatoes, “So you say Arja… pity that its far too spicy for the likes of me…” he sighed.

Tex frowned a bit at that, patting Stephy’s hand, “Wish ya’ll’d warned us about that lil’ filly. We’d have made sure to make some plain ones fer ya.” he grinned apologetically.

“Its okay Tex!” he smiled back, “I mean heck, you know how I used to live. ANY food is good food as far as I’m concerned.” he nodded.

Nearby Lupe dug into a plate of torn up beef and pork, her tail kicking up a proverbial dust storm behind her as the feral werewolf had the feast of her life so far. Natasha took good care of her, but no vampires would ever be good chefs. She sat up after licking the bowl clean, licking her chops with a big doggy grin, then her head perked up and she sniffed at the air. “Rrf?” she grunted, looking around, then got to her feet and padded off, sniffing at the ground as she followed her nose.

Simoni looked up from her plate, watching her go, “Hey, where’s Lupe going?” she asked.

Dawn grinned, “Probably gonna go mark her territory.” she grinned as Elizabeth frowned, but both Tim and Jessie laughed.

Lupe’s mind wasn’t on making room for seconds as it were however. She smelled something… unusual… she followed it to a seemingly random patch of dirt near the fence surrounding the farm, then started to dig. A moment later a loud pained YELP echoed across the field.

Stephy and Tex jumped up along with Arja and Simoni, the four racing off in the direction the werewolf had gone, only to find her whining and licking at her forepaws which now sported nasty looking blisters! “Ho dang… what the heck coulda done this to ‘er? Thought werewolves were supposed ta be super tough or somethin!” he said, examining her burns.

Stephy however looked at the hole she had dug up, seeing something shiny in the dirt. “… Silver…” he whispered, reaching down and scooping out the loose earth, “She burned herself on it. There’s something in here..." he murmured, pulling out a small solid silver box inscribed with a crucifix and the names of several saints.

“Blessed silver…” murmured Simoni, “Someone really went out of their way to protect whatever is in there…”

Stephy froze the lock with a quick whisper, then smacked it with a rock to shatter it, the soft metal made brittle enough that even he could break it, then popped it open.

Inside was a small leather-bound journal, the faerie opened it and read the first page, his eyes going huge. “Tex… you need to see this…” he said, handing it over.

Tex took it from him, “This journal belongs to Edward Smith…” he read, then stared, “T-that was my uncle! He disappeared ages ago, we all thought he’d run off to another state or somethin’!”

The Texan boy flipped through the pages, all the way to the back, then paused at the last one, “… oh shit…” he murmured, reading aloud, “… ‘I’ve finally found it, th’ secret of that bastard McCall’s power. He ain’t th’ great grandson of th’ founder o’ McCall Amusements, he IS th’ founder! He’s been keepin’ himself alive fer years by lurin’ in people with gamblin’ debt ‘n gettin’ ‘em ta bet their lives, then winnin’ ‘em!’” he said, his eyes darting along the page.

Stephy gasped as Simoni frowned, “That’s why he’s so eager to get his hands on the ranch. This journal exposes his secret!” she nodded.

Stephy shook his head, “Exposes it to people like us, but no mundane is gonna believe that. They’ll just think Tex’s uncle was crazy.”

Tex read on however, “… ‘Whats more, I know how ‘e does it. The bastard sold his soul ta a demon from Hell itself, and I know which one! I daren’t write his name ‘ere, but I’ve drawn his sigil below… Knowin’ it lets ya’ll demand a poker game with McCall. I’m gonna try ta put an end ta this tonight… but if I fail, I beg whoever finds this, finish what I started! Monsters like him shouldn’t walk th’ earth…’”

He lowered the journal. On the page was a drawing of a sigil. Even though it was drawn in pencil the lines seemed to glow a baleful crimson:

As he looked it over a shadow fell over the group. Nelen stood there, “Whats up guys? Lupe okay?” he asked, then saw the journal and what was on the page, his eyes going wide as his arm suddenly spasmed violently! “AGH! SHIT!” he snarled, grabbing it and pinning it down.

“Nelen! We found out why those vampires came to the ranch! The one who sent them, Henry McCall the Casino Owner, he’s a warlock!” said Stephy, pointing to the symbol on the page, “That’s his patron, but the book says if we know who it is we can demand a poker match and all we have to do is beat him to get rid of him.”

Nelen looked at it again, shaking his head, “No. No way. I know who that one is, don’t even think about it.” he frowned.

“Don’t even…” started Tex, “That son of a bitch tried ta kill my family!” he shouted, standing up.

“Yeah! I know, and he’s a compete bastard for doing so, but you do NOT want to go up against that!” he snapped back, pointing at the sigil.

Tex glared, “Why. Gimme one good reason.” he frowned at him.

“That is the sigil of one of the seven archdukes of Hell, the personifications of the Seven Deadly Sins.” he warned, “He’s out of your league, my league, all our leagues. My best suggestion is send that journal to him anonymously and hope he goes the hell away.” he nodded firmly.

Tex glared back, then slowly nodded, “… okaaaay, that’s a pretty good reason… but would that even stop ‘im? He’d know we’d seen it then! He might just send some other nasties ta silence us permanently!” he shouted.

Nelen frowned, then after a long moment he sighed, “I don’t have a good answer to that, but take it from me Tex. You do not wanna tangle with Hell. I’m not going to give you the bullshit feel good stuff the preachers do. Faith is no more your shield than a garbage can lid there. If a demon gets his hands on you, there’s not enough prayer in the world to save you then.”

He nodded curtly, then walked back to the picnic tables as the four of them stood up slowly, “Damn… dammit he’s really scared. That guy fuckin’ drove over a vampire last night ‘n let another bite ‘im and he’s scared…” frowned Tex.

Simoni nodded, “He’s got good reason to be.” she replied. “If McCall has one of the seven on his side then he really is too powerful for us Tex…” she warned, glancing at him.

Tex just grumbled, sticking the journal in his back pocket and going over to the tables as well. After a minute the other four joined him.

Later that night

Azure wings soared out over the desert as Stephy flew towards the lights of Houston, aiming towards one huge building in particular. McCall Amusements, a casino built right along the gulf coast near a very profitable stretch of beach, right near all the best restaurants, a glittering tower to all the money that could be made with a throw of the dice or a turn of the card. Riding on his back, holding on as tight as he could, was Tex.

Stephy landed out of sight, letting Tex slide off him, and changed back, taking his sandals back from Tex and sliding them on. “We’re really doing this huh?” he asked.

“Look, I get wut yer cousin’ said… but I know I’m right too. Even if we turned th’ journal over ta McCall that’d just tell ‘im that we know now, ‘n he’d prolly just have his boys torch the ranch or somethin’.” he sighed.

Stephy nodded, “Yeah, but if the journal is right he’s been doing this for years and years… I mean this place was founded during the old days of the Wild West wasn’t it? He’s gotta be an incredibly good poker play-…” he started as a bus hissed to a stop nearby, the doors opening as a pair of heels beat out an angry rhythm towards them.

“What. Bloody part. Of ‘I must stay near you and your’s’ do you not GET?!”  snapped Sammi. “The YOU part is the important one!” he huffed, folding his arms over his torso. He was dressed in the same silken shirt, slacks, and dress shoes he’d worn to dinner, but his hair looked a lot more messy than usual and his shirt was rumpled. Sitting on his shoulder with a huge grin was Dawn in her cat form.

Stephy stared at his faerie sibling, looking him up and down as if unable to believe he was actually there. “How…” he started…

Sammi sighed, looking up, “Freak minor earthquake made me take a tumble out the bedroom window onto a cow who bolted in panic at the sudden shaking and ran all the way to the nearest town before bucking me into a truck which then drove all the way here to Houston with me hanging onto the rear bumper for dear life. From there it made sense why and I just needed a bus schedule.” he huffed in an annoyed way.

Stephy blinked slowly, “That’s how Fate conspires to keep us together huh?” he asked.

Sammi frowned, “You flew off to Houston, sometimes Fate won’t be subtle about it.” he nodded firmly, glaring at his adoptive sibling.

Stephy nodded, “Okay fair enough, but why is DAWN here?” he asked, gesturing to the feline sitting astride Sammi’s shoulder like a grinning furry parrot.

Two hours earlier

Dawn looked up at Nelen as he got his shirt off for bed, “You know they’re going to go.” she smirked at him.

Nelen sighed, “Yeah, I know. So what I want YOU to do is go with them. If shit hits the fan teleport them to safety and initiate plan fifty-three and a half.” he replied.

Dawn grinned, “Run like hell from Hell, right. Knowing how this goes Sammi should be showing up right aboooooout…”

From outside the window came a distant voice, “BLOODY BEAST STOP RUNNING! STOP! AUGH! OH NO NO NO NO NO!”

Dawn cackled, “There’s my ride, gotta go!” she grinned widely, then vanished with a poof.

Houston, Outside of McCall Amusements

Dawn just smirked and licked at her paw, “Oh, you know cats. We always turn up when there’s fun to be had.” she giggled, her tail swishing as she teleported from Sammi’s shoulder to Stephy’s, stretching out across his shoulders like a mink stole and yawning widely.

The four of them looked up at the Casino, then began to walk up towards the entryway. The doorman however stopped them. “Sorry kids, nobody under twenty-one years of age in the Casino without a parent or guardian. Feel free to come back in a few years.”

Dawn grinned widely, her eyes flashing at him, then the group walked in as the doorman broke into an impressive soft-shoe routine of ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head.’

Sammi chuckled at that, “I could have just used some glamour to make us look like adults you know…”

Dawn shrugged, “My way is funner.”

Eventually however they got to the front desk, the attendant looking down at them. “Yes? Can I help you? Did you kids get separated from your parents?” she asked.

Tex shook his head, “We got somethin’ fer yer boss. Found a journal he’d be interested in. Tell him it says somethin’ about a ‘business partner’ o’ his.” he grinned.

The woman frowned, but picked up a phone and dialed a number, “Hi, Peggy? I got some weird kids down here who said that Mr. McCall might want to see them about… a journal? Something about a business partner?” she stated. “Should I just call the… oh? Oh really? Um… o-okay, sure, I’ll do that.” she nodded, then took a name badge on a lanyard with the letters ‘VIP’ on it, handing it over. “Go right there to the elevator and insert it into the card reader. It’ll take you to Mr. McCall’s office.” she instructed, looking very confused.

Tex nodded to her, “Thank ya’ll kindly.” he smiled, the group walking away towards the elevators.

As they did Sammi nodded, “Mm… it stinks in here, can you smell it Stephy?” he asked.

Stephy nodded back, “Yeah… its like… hot melted metal and sweat and…” he murmured.

“Greed.” nodded the fae prince, “Fresh, hot greed.” he grinned, “Didn’t need a silly journal to tell you who his patron was. Anyone touched by the fae who walked in here would know.”

Tex said nothing, just giving a curt nod as they entered the elevator, then rode it up to the penthouse.

When they got there a woman, presumably ‘Peggy,’ buzzed them through. The interior room had low lighting over a small poker table set up in the middle and seated at it was a man in an expensive suit with an honest to gods waxed mustache and beard. “So, you’re Trixie Smith I believe?” he asked. He had dark hair and wore a black hat with a silver buckle on the front, a picture of a shiny gold coin in the center of it.

Tex’s face colored, “That’s John thank ya’ll kindly, Tex’ll do.” he replied as Stephy gave his hand a squeeze, glaring at McCall. He was able to sense emotions, he could tell the man did that on purpose.

The man looked at his smartphone, then shrugged and pursed his lips, “Beggin’ yer pardon Sir… appears my information is a touch outta date.” he smirked. “So, ya’ll found out mah dirty little secret ‘n now ya’ll wanna try to beat the house huh?” he asked, his voice carrying the drawl of an old western man. It’d be easy to imagine him as a card shark or a snake oil salesman in some movie. “Well, fine. Them’s the rules, ‘n besides… young man like you oughta have a lotta years ta bank.” he nodded, gesturing to the chair.

Stephy and Sammi stepped forward, but McCall held out a hand, “Nuh uh. Sorry you two, but humans only. Faerie years are like faerie gold, disappear in the mornin’ like mist. Besides, never play cards with someone who can fuck with fate.” he nodded.

The two frowned, then took a step back. Stephy held Tex’s hand tighter, but the boy nodded, “I gotta do this darlin’…” he said, taking a seat at the table.

As he did there was a scent of brimstone, and a dealer appeared standing next to it. Tex couldn’t see his face in the gloom, but his eyes burned like coals in the darkness.

"The game is five card draw, Jokers wild. Play will continue until either Henry McCall or John ‘Tex’ Smith is rendered bankrupt." it intoned.

Next to Tex and McCall, a pile of poker chips appeared. They seemed to have an ephemeral quality to them, as if they weren’t entirely there, each one stamped with a clock face with the hands slowly turning in a circle and the words ‘one year’ along the rim. Tex noticed McCall’s pile was a LOT bigger than his…

The dealer delt out five cards apiece, and the game began.

Five hands in and McCall seemed to be on the defensive, Tex having bet heavy and folded on bad hands enough to actually enlarge his pile somewhat, but he had a good way to go. “Gotta admit son, ya’ll did bettern’ your uncle did. Had him down in’ five hands.” commented McCall, “Man did NOT have a poker face…” he tutted.

Tex’s cheeks reddened, but he forced himself to calm down. Keeping his face blank and empty of emotion was the only way he could hope to win this. Let McCall wonder what his hand held.

The cards came out again, Tex wound up winning with three of a kind to McCall’s two pair. Then McCall beat his measly Ace High with a Full House. On and on the cards were flipped, until the chips were almost even… and then Tex saw something behind McCall…

… a pair of yellow eyes shining in the darkness.

He looked at his hand, a full house. Not a guaranteed win… but… he reached out, then shoved all his chips forward. “All in.” nodded Tex.

Henry looked him over, the man noticing a faint flash in the darkness behind Tex, then smirked, “All in eh? Well, suppose we gotta end it sometime.” he smirked, “Right, stand then.” he nodded as they showed their hands.

Tex had two Queens, three Eights.

McCall had a Jack, Ten, Nine, Eight, and… a Four…

McCall smirked at him, then glanced down, and his face fell as he saw what was there. “Wait… no… that’s not right, that was a seven not a four!” he shouted, standing up.

Stephy smirked, “Oh? You sure?” he asked with a knowing grin.

Sammi giggled, “The game has been going on a long time Henry… are you sure your eyes are not playing tricks on you?” he teased.

Then a voice echoed, “You sure you weren’t just…” and then with a pop Dawn appeared next to Tex, grinning widely, “… seeing things?” she asked.

McCall stared, “… a Cheshire… a fucking CHESHIRE!” he stood up quickly, “SON OF A BITCH! YOU MADE ME SEE THE SEVEN!” he snarled, pointing an accusing finger at her.

Dawn cackled, “HA! Hey, he knew about it!” she smirked, then hissed as her tail floofed as McCall reached into his coat and pulled out a handgun, leveling it at them.

“You little shits! I’ll…” he started, then gasped as his hand suddenly spasmed. He dropped the gun to the table, gripping his wrist in pain as his hand began to shrivel in on itself, liver spots appearing on his flesh as his veins began to stand out against paper-thin skin, his hair going whispy and white on the back of his hand. “N-no…” he gasped in horror.

"Henry McCall is bankrupt." spoke the dealer. "The game goes to John ‘Tex’ Smith."

McCall glared at them, his face a mask of rage as his eyes began to sink into his skull, his cheeks turning sallow as his beard and mustache grew rapidly, going from jet black to stark white. “NO! IT DOESN’T END LIKE THIS!” he snarled, reaching across the table… then clutching at his chest as he grimaced in pain, “No… I don’t…” he gasped out, “I don’t wanna… go to… Hell…" his voice creaked out at the last, and slowly he fell forward onto the table with a thud, nothing left but a mummified corpse in an expensive suit.

“… well I coulda fuckin’ lived without seeing that…” whistled Tex as he stood up. “So… now what?”

As he did however the elevator dinged in the next room, and a moment later the door opened.

Mr. Maroon strolled in, wearing his purple suit and his bifocal glasses, his hair slicked back in a combover. He looked at the corpse on the table and shook his head, “Damn it all, I warned him…” he sighed as if looking at a schoolboy who despite constant tutoring simply didn’t get the lesson.

Tex stood up, looking over at Maroon. “You… warned him?” he asked, “Wait, you knew he was a warlock?!” he shouted.

Maroon looked at him, then smirked, “Well yes, of course I did. How could I not?” he asked.

Sammi snapped his fingers, “Ah… I thought something about you felt strange… it was staring us in the face the whole time!” he nodded. “You’re his partner. The names even sound similar! Maroon…” he began.

Mr. Maroon smirked, then took off his glasses and tucked them into his breast pocket, closing his eyes. There was a faint ca-ching sound, and when he opened them again they were solid gold orbs, the man smiling widely. “… Mammon. Very good.” replied the Archduke of Hell.

Tex glared at him, “So… now what. Ya’ll wanna get revenge?” he glared at the demon.

Mammon looked at him, cocking his head, “… why, no. Why would I? Henry performed his duties exactly as requested for several lifetimes. He just got careless in the end is all.” he shrugged. “It was foolishness to waste so much time and effort on finding a journal that nobody else knew even existed…” he sighed, “But… well, that’s just so very human of him.” he smirked, walking over to the window and looking out over the casino. “I have everything I want right here. Henry is no longer necessary.”

Tex frowned, then the group walked over and looked out the window at the massive casino floor where slot machines beeped, cards were dealt, roulette wheels spinned, and more money changed hands in a single night than entire towns might see in a year. “Tell me children, what do you see when you look out this window?” asked Mammon.

Tex shrugged, “A casino, a gamblin’ hall.” he replied.

Mammon smiled, “I see… a prayer wheel. People come here every day and spend money chasing that dream, chasing the desire to gain something for nothing, the hope that they can become rich in a single night! Their greed permeates the building, turning it into a superconductor for my court back below.” he chuckled, “Henry got it all started, and I ensured that his business rivals and other obstacles went under, or were bought out, or… well… encountered accidents…”

Tex frowned at him, “Accidents like vampire attacks…” he glared, making sure to stay between Mammon and Stephy.

Mammon sighed, “I told the man not to… its not my fault he didn’t listen. Even had you not stopped Coyote and his men the police would certainly have investigated a family getting slaughtered like that.” he walked over to the mummified corpse of Henry McCall, “Henry you damned fool… Immortality made you careless.” he tutted, then waved a hand.

Henry McCall sat slumped in his chair, eyes rolled back and mouth hanging slack, clearly dead but looking otherwise perfectly normal. “There, the coroner’s report will show that he died of a weak blood vessel in his brain bursting. Very tragic, family history and all that.” he shook his head, “And then the board will appoint a new CEO of McCall Amusements and life will go on.” he chuckled, “Perhaps a nice statue of him, in bronze, in the floor of the casino. A little memorial to the last of the McCall family.”

Tex frowned, “And what about the people he killed then?” he demanded, stepping towards Mammon. “Yer just gonna ignore all that?” he asked.

Mammon turned to him, golden orbs meeting Tex’s blue eyes… and for a moment, Tex saw the man behind the curtain.

He stood before a giant of a man, his entire body gleaming gold with gemstones for teeth and on his finger and toenails, sitting atop a mountain of gold, jewels, and other treasures. His body shimmered with heat, and his chest split open to reveal he was totally empty inside. The manifestation of the hollow wealth that all men and women chase until their dying day, and how destructive that chase can truly be.

At his right was a goblet full of steaming blood, spilled by every mugger, every burglar, everyone who’d ever knifed another for their wallet. At his left was another goblet full of tears to the point he could smell the saltiness, the tears of those who died unable to afford their medicines because drug companies were allowed to overcharge for them, of those who worked themselves to death in mines or plantations for people who treated them as slaves, of those who suffered with barely enough to live because some rich CEO wanted more for themselves and to hell with anyone else.

Tex also realized that to a creature like Mammon, crushing him would be no different than stepping on an ant.

“Why yes. I am. What are you going to do about that young man?” asked Mammon’s voice, echoing in his skull, and suddenly he was back in the guise of Mr. Maroon. “I have no claim on your soul John ‘Tex’ Smith, unless you give it to me, and your companions are beyond Hell’s reach…” he glanced at the two fae, “… for now.” he smirked. “Go home. My casino will continue to generate power for my court, the new CEO will just be another faceless human in a suit. Your little ranch is safe from us. We have no reason to care now. Do give Merihim my regards however, we’re all watching his current job with great interest.” he nodded, waving his hand dismissively.

Stephy took hold of Tex’s shoulder, “We should go Tex… c’mon…” he said, nodding to the door as Mammon grinned at them, Sammi already retreating back to the elevator.

Tex glared back one last time, his hand going to the pocket that held the Very Useful Deck… then he thought better of it and turned on his heel. “He ain’t worth it…” he grumbled.

As the elevator went down Stephy blinked, looking at Sammi, “Wait, I flew Tex here, how are we gonna get back?” he asked.

Dawn just grinned, “That’s how.” she said, pointing a paw.

Parked outside was an SUV that the police were probably still looking for, a disgruntled warlock leaning against it.

The following day

If Joshua was able to, he’d be jumping for joy at the morning news. As it was he did a sort of little old man hobble dance around the kitchen as the newscaster announced local businessman Henry McCall was found dead in his penthouse.

“It is with deepest sadness that I announce the passing of our CEO.” said Mr. Maroon into a microphone on the TV, “Rest assured, there is no evidence of foul play. Henry McCall had a family history of medical complications and tragically one of them claimed his life last night. The board of directors will meet this Friday to name a new CEO to take his place, and we are beginning plans to divest his will. I myself will be helping to finance a memorial for the lobby for the man whose vision created such a successful business and so many jobs for the city of Houston.” he said.

Joshua cackled, “Maroon ya stuffed shirt ya’ll can SUCK IT! He’s dead! He’s dead ‘n gone ta Hell where he belongs! WHOOPIE!” cheered the old man, waving his cane.

Sammi shook his head, “Oh you have no idea…” he murmured, watching him dance and soaking up the emotions, tasting of fresh warm chocolate to the faerie’s senses.

Tara sighed, “Well, if that’s all sorted then we should prolly consider headin’ back north. It’ll be Fall soon ‘n I gotta worry ‘bout gettin’ Tex ‘n Stephy enrolled for school.”

At this Stephy sat up, “HUH? Wait, but…” he stammered.

Tara raised her eyebrow, “Sweetie, didja think you wouldn’t? Faerie or not, th’ rest o’ th’ world still thinks yer a young…” she looked him over, “… kid.”

Stephy pouted, “But Tara! I… I mean…” he gestured to himself.

Tex smirked, patting his hand, “It’ll be alright lil’ filly. Ya’ll be spendin’ th’ past few weeks like that ‘n nobody been th’ wiser about whats under them skirts. Besides, we live together remember? Where ya’ll go, I’ll go. Ya think I ain’t gonna watch out fer ya?” he grinned, kissing his cheek.

Stephy blushed brightly, then smiled and squirmed in his chair, “Fiiiine, I just… mmmph…” he giggled a bit, kicking his legs.

Sammi hissed a little, fanning himself, “Turn it down you two! That’s like sitting next to a bonfire for me! How do you not feel that?” he asked Stephy.

Stephy blinked, “… huh, that’s… a really good question.” he replied, “Maybe its because my title is different? Everfalling Snow?” he tried.

Sammi huffed, “Still fits the theme darling.” he sighed, “Oh well, it will be nice to get back to a part of the world that has proper seasons again at least.”

Tex smirked, “Ya’ll got us there Prince.” he chuckled, “Texas’ got ‘hot,’ ‘hotter,’ ‘hot ‘n wet,’ ‘n ‘maybe I could use a jacket.’” he nodded, grinning at Sammi’s annoyance.

After saying their goodbyes and a hug between the two Smith sisters, Tara’s truck pulled out of the drive, heading back towards the interstate north.

“Dang… just… is our life just gonna be crazy like that now?” asked Tex. “I mean, I knew comin’ back to see th’ family might be a little weird with th’ two of you in tow… but… that got kinda nuts…” he muttered.

Sammi chuckled, “Indeed… vampires, a train to the underworld, thwarting the Everblooming Rose, and facing down an Archduke himself…” he smirked, shaking his head, then threw it back and laughed, “I haven’t had so much fun in DECADES!” he grinned at them.

Stephy rolled his eyes, “Yeah, and all you had to do was chain me up and drag me off to Arcadia… how nice for you…” he huffed.

At that Sammi paused, “… if it does help, I do genuinely feel bad about that…” he admitted, “I was desperate to escape, you were there… I didn’t give any thought to who I was grabbing, just that it meant someone else would be there instead of me…” he murmured, glancing away out the back window.

Tex and Tara huffed, the former looking pointedly out the window as Tara pursed her lips and focused on the road, but Stephy nodded slowly. “Yeah… I get it, I saw how terrified that changeling back in Houston was that Isolde would catch her and I remember what Lady Sera did to me… but… I wanna believe that I can actually show her what it really means to be a mother.”

Sammi shrugged, “Well, why not? After this week I’d almost believe you could pull it off.” he smirked.

Tex smiled, patting Stephy’s hand, “Hey, he helped me out in all sorts of ways.” he grinned, knocking his fist into his chest to show what wasn’t there anymore. “Maybe mah lil’ filly can do it.” he smiled.

Stephy smiled back at him, then leaned into Tex, “Still. I hope we’re back north soon… the air conditioner is going full blast and I still feel like I can barely breathe in here." he pouted.

Sammi smirked, “Oh I can fix thaaaaaaat.” he smiled, then raised his hand… a moment later Tara and Tex yelped as a localized snowstorm materialized INSIDE the truck!

“SON OF A BITCH!” shouted Tara as the truck swerved on the thankfully empty dirt road back towards Houston.

“SAM YA FREAKIN’ IDIOT!” growled Tex.

Stephy eeped and held on as the truck swerved, “I-I appreciate it Sammi, but can’t you just make it cooler instead?”

Sammi chuckled, catching some snow, then licking it out of his hand. “Oh? But its so pleasant in here now! Besides, aren’t you the princess of ‘Everfalling Snow?’” he teased.

Stephy giggled at that, he couldn’t help it, even as Tara and Tex cursed, brushing snow off their laps and arms. He was sarcastic, annoying, and hard to deal with… but dammit, sometimes brothers just were. The windows rolled down and snow was shoved out onto the road to melt into nothingness in the Texas heat as the Smith Family, plus one, returned home.

Next Story

Previous Story

[squadron-of-damned]

pspspspspsps how do the von karmas hold their alcohol? also do they have a favorite drink?

I do believe that all the von Karmas have a solid stamina in their genes and they have been taught to be wine snobs early on. Nevertheless, the actual competency in drinking varies depending on training/exposure, and also size. Minors are not included in this list.

Frieda: Actually couldn't drink that much. Pleasantly relaxed after a glass of heavily watered down absinthe (no sugar)

Bernard: This is where the alcohol resilience came from. A beer guy to the extent that water was just what beer was made from, not something he'd drink.

Herman: Slow to get tipsy, but once tipsy very quick to get absolutely shitfaced. Not recommended, he was a violent type of drunk. Rum was his poison of choice.

Siegfried: Quick to get tipsy, had never toppled under the table so to say. That type of drunk who thought himself to be incredibly funny. Scottish whisky only.

Friedrich: I wager a guess that he gravitates towards brandy, but as long as it's liquid and has some class, he probably doesn't care much what precisely it is. Talkative when tipsy, crying over the unfairness of life when really drunk.

Manfred: Actually quick to get drunk, but then can stay drunk for very, very long without any change. Particular to white wine. He very much does not have problems with alcohol, he just needs a regular intake to make himself a little dumber, because if he was at peak operating capacity, he'd strangle the first idiot to cross him.

Griselda: Is bravely upholding absinthe class and decorum in spite of absolutely hating the taste of absinthe. Actually enjoys sweet wines of all colour.

Wolfgang: Nobody's ever actually seen him drunk-drunk. Was raised on whisky, but actually more of a mead person.

Markov: Doesn't drink much, but when he does, it's to knock himself unconscious, which takes a bottle and half of vodka (40%), and a lot of water come morning. He likes vodka for the honesty.

Helena: Lowest alcohol tolerance of the family, as she found out at her wedding. Likes ciders.

Leonore: I mean, you tell me, Ly, but if it was up to me, I'd say she is a gin gal. That type of a person who downs three gins with tonic and then says "huh, have my knuckles always felt like that?"

Franziska: Possibly the only person who'd be able to outdrink Wolfgang. Fond of funny colourful cocktails, but hates to be seen with funny colourful cocktails. It's a tough life to be Franziska von Karma...

Gandulf: Does not like the taste of alcohol, so he has been abstaining his whole life

[mariasymphony]

Maria is starting to wind down for the day, watching something mindless on TV while being surrounded by Wolfgang and Amadeus. But she's missing one key figure, and Gods does she miss him. She has it in her mind not to be too clingy, knowing he's probably tired and worn out from his busy schedule as well. So even though she aches for his voice, she tells herself she will call tomorrow.

Her phone pings, and her smile is happy when she sees not only who the message is from but what it says.

[il mio cuore ❤️]: of course, darling. See you then. 😘

Nearly an hour on the dot goes by when she's pulling up to his place, smoothing out her clothes when she gets to his door before knocking.

(Because it's been awhile and I adore these cuties)

Things have been so busy for both of them lately. Practices for another recital have Maria running nearly ragged, plus she accidently double booked another commitment to help a friend. She loves it, absolutely. But it's left little in the means of free time, and she finds herself missing her beloved Donovan.

Texts are alright, but she's become fond of leaving him little handwritten notes that he can find in his car or jacket pocket. The latter is where she's put the latest one:

I find myself starting to miss you the second we part ways. No matter how busy we are or what comes our way, one thought of you is enough to have me smiling and ready to face the day.

I love you, Donovan.

Maria 💋

@mariasymphony

Had it really been so long since they’d slowed down? Dragged through concerts and competitions that nearly never ended. Barely making it out of the studio to stop by his mothers before passing out in his own home. Donovan continually flicking through his phone to text her is ok for the start, but the continued absence leaves nothing to satisfy him.

How Maria manages to slip the notes in without him noticing is a mystery, but he finds it again before leaving the house. Studio shut for the day and mother visited, but he has a different purpose for leaving the house. One he’ll definitely need her help with. [Sweetheart 💜]: Can you meet me at mine in an hour? I have a surprise.

[leon-classfirst]

Windenburg Stories: Melodies of Destiny

Vladislaus Straud

A place you would only see on TV, or history books, or even folklore. A place that wasn't on any maps exist in the world.

Forgotten Hollow.

"You didn't see?" Leonardus asked, "It's on the entrance." "Probably too spooked to notice, Leon." They continued their walk, and starting to notice the way up was longer than expected. They slowed their pace, caught their breaths, and returned to normal speed. "Hey, Leon?" "Yeah?" "That girl Fuuka Isuka. What's her deal?"

Leon sighed. He knew she'd ask this sooner or later. "What about her? Her being my neighbor, or the fact that I know her better than her 'own classmates', or her face?" "All of them. And this, I can sense she's no normal sim. What is she?" "Well, her being my neighbor... how do I explain it? It is what it is. The second matter might be because of the first one. The last one... she's a spellcaster, you say you can sense her, but you don't know what she is, right?" "Yes. And... her face?"

Leon didn't really like sharing personal things Fuuka said. Though, she would be okay with it nevertheless, the grim fact that he'd have to say to Sofia had his guts build up. He already shared many things about Fuuka, so the words came out of his mouth rather easily about the last thing Sofia wondered. "Curse?" "Curse." "I see. No wonder the wounds on her face don't seem to heal at all. Those scratch marks, Leon... but, get this, why she didn't conceal them, or anything? I don't mean offense to her, but, you know what I mean. You've seen Wolfgang's face earlier when he saw her, don't you?"

For what it's worth, she might be Wolfgang's next target. "She tried, Sofia. She tried bandaging her wounds, but every damn time she did... poor her... the bandages burned her wounds even more, hurting her." "And, the Wolfgang thing?" "If he does something to her... I'll-" he trailed off. "What, Leon?" In an instant, Sofia was in front of him. She got no answer as he just sidestepped and walked past her.

Gods... he's interested in her, isn't he?

"Let's talk about that later. We're here. Better yet, why don't you talk to Isuka yourself? You should know that she has a good heart." "Y-yeah, I'll do it." Leon turned around, looking at her sternly. "You won't." "Sorry, Leon... there's something about that girl that makes me want to avoid her. The others too... you noticed, don't you?"

Her curse... poor Isuka.

"Look at that house, or... mansion..." Leon said. "Bigger than what we have around Windenburg." Sofia looked up. "Even bigger than Luna's house. Gods. So, what do we do?" "Uh, knock at the door and come in." She narrowed her eyes. "That's the last thing on my mind." "Then what are we here for?" Leon shook his head and walked forward towards the door. "Leon! Gods." She looked around anxiously.

The moment he was about to knock, the door automatically opened on its own. "Well, you only live once, I guess," Sofia said, as she sighed while walking towards the door.

"Look at this place." Sofia's amazement was visible on her face. "Like the town itself, it's truly living in its own world." "Hello, anyone home?" Leon dared himself to speak. A faint voice was heard from afar, alongside a pipe organ's tune. "Come in, Children. Just walk straight and a little to the left." As they walked, they could see the source of the voice, and a man playing it. "I was wondering when you would show up. Then, when I sensed presences outside the town, I knew you would finally come." Sofia whispered, "Leon, that's..."

Leon hushed, telling her it's impolite.

"Yes, Sofia Bjergsen." The man turned around, finishing the song with a sharp tone that had shivers running down Leon and Sofia's nerves. "I am the man you see on the town center, and the man who turned you and dear boy Leon here into what you are now. Vladislaus Straud, at your service."

Straud pointed to the sofas next to him, saying nothing, motioning them to take a seat. Several paintings of several individuals came across Sofia and Leon as they walked by. They looked grand, as if they were those of importance.

Leon stopped at one of the paintings. A lady in yellow dress. He couldn't help but feel familiarity, even just from the portrait itself. Straud materialized in one of the sofas. "That would be Lady Inna Cents. She is rather young. Such a shame she cannot be with us for the time being." "Is she...?" Sofia murmured. "I can hear you, young lady. I cannot answer that question for the time being."

"So, as I have said before, my name is Vladislaus Straud. I am the oldest living Vampire of this world, and the Grand Master of the Vampiric world." Leon and Sofia suddenly tensed. They could sense an intimidating aura wrapping the Grand Master Vampire in front of them. Straud told them they shouldn't feel so, and did something otherworldly as the two suddenly felt at ease. "You must have many questions to ask."

Too many, perhaps. The two already knew they became Vampires, but still couldn't place the reason why.

"Sofia Bjergsen. You belong to an ancient Vampiric lineage, dating back to my advent as Vampire. We have a pact with the Bjergsens nearly a century ago to cease the Vampiric lineage in you. So, if you have further questions on that, no, your parents, your grandparents, your great-grandparents, are no vampires." "A pact. So you broke the pact?" "As much as I hate to admit it, yes. For the greater good." "That so? How can we trust you for not doing it for 'your own greater good'?"

Straud smiled sinisterly. "Young lady, if I wanted to do terrible things to either of you, I would have done it already." He then teleported right before Leon, his cold hands touched Leon's shoulders, tensing him. Then, he did it again, and this time, he cupped Sofia's chin. Before she could react, he teleported again and went back on the sofa. "Okay, so what about me? Why me, in particular?" "That, my dear boy Leon... I do not know myself. The ancient ones... my ancestors... I kept hearing their voices. Your name, Leon, was what they whispered to me. Day-in, day-out."

Wake him up. Our kind needs him.

"I can sense you are thirsty. Come, follow me to the dining room."

"Tea, or blood?" Their eyes narrowed as they said in unison, "Blood?!" "Yes. Human blood. 'Willing' humans, if that makes you feel better." "Did you...?" "I did not." Straud interrupted immediately. "They are doing fine. I am not a murderer, Sofia. I merely persuaded them to... donate." "In that case, just tea then." Leon nodded in agreement with Sofia. Tea it is for the day. "Now, back unto our matters at hand..." Straud explained the background of his story. How he came to be, how he had lived for hundreds of years already, and how he lived his days for those hundreds of years, and whatnot.

Though, the main catch was when he went back on track to Sofia and Leon. The Vampires were dying, or rather waning. They grew weaker by day for reasons they couldn't tell. The ancients believed Leon and Sofia were one of the last cards they could deal. Vampires, awaiting do be awakened, despite the two not knowing what's ahead of them.

Vladislaus Straud... he felt it was his calling to guide them.

He theorized that the two had to follow their destiny as Vampires; embracing their macabre nature, embracing their coldness, and last but not least, admit the existence of inferior beings next to them in order to save the Vampiric world from being extinct entirely.

Werewolves.

"Werewolves? They exist?" Leon asked. "Well, my dear boy, all this talk and you still doubt there are stranger things in this world?" He nodded. "What would one look like?" "Your Vampiric senses should feel a... how do you explain it... 'feral' presence when one's nearby. They can blend in, like us."

Sofia remained quiet. For some reason, she was intrigued with the Werewolves talk.

"Volkov family. They are one of the oldest Werewolf lineage." Straud's expression looked grim. "They have been our sworn enemies ever since the old days." Volkov. Leon and Sofia's mind clicked. "Jacob Volkov... could it be... that's it! The feral presence I felt..." "The most recent descendant of the Volkovs is none other than Kristopher Volkov. I do not know if he had any heirs or the sort. Boy, I still remembered that bitter battle I had with him fifty years ago."

The battle that he lost. "You lost? You?" Leon narrowed his eyes. "So, is this all revenge thing in the end?" "Have you been listening to me, Leon? The Werewolves are the least of our problems. There's something out there... something out of my senses' reach. We have to know for sure." "You want us... to... make enemies with the Werewolves, and if they turned out to be not the case of the Vampiric world weakening... you want us to find it?" "Yes and no. I did not say I want you to make enemies with those... feral beings... or something like that. Come with me outside. Go on ahead."

The two had no choice but to follow his instructions. When the two got outside, they realized it was dark already. Hours had passed since the two walking in the front door. The grim figure emerged, once more, as a mist, ahead from the two who could only walk normally.

"Now. Fight." "What do you mean, 'fight'?" Straud let out an echoed voice, "FIGHT!" Suddenly, the two could feel an urge inside them. Something otherworldly. A bloodlust. A will to fight. "Sofia..." Leon shook his head. "Leon..." Sofia started stepping forward, her skin turning pale like when the two met on the Crumbling Isles. Leon stepped back, he too started turning pale. "Sofia, don't..." "I have to... I can't stop this feeling..." Straud was smiling from ear-to-ear when he saw Sofia. Leon, on the other hand, Straud looked rather puzzled. He can... fight the will? But, the confusion subsided. Leon's eyes turned dark and his Vampiric fangs emerged. He jumped almost inhumanly and charged towards Sofia, who smiled. She too, charged towards him.

Looks like I have no choice now.

The two was locked in a supernatural smackdown. Straud could feel hatred running through Sofia's cold heart, likely fueling this rage in her. As for Leon, Straud felt a familiar rage he sensed before. Something recent...

No... it cannot be. Gods forbid...

Leon couldn't get pass Sofia's guard at this point. She seemed to have learned from her mistakes. As the battle went on, and on, and on, Leon pulled a cheeky move, through words... of all things. "Sofia, your parents... they knew of your talent... they love you." "NO! T-t-they... would... never..." Sofia's dark aura dissipated and Leon took this opportunity to deliver a finishing blow to her. Once more.

Sofia was defeated, once more.

She looked upset at first, but when Leon offered his hand... "Sofia... I didn't mean to say that... I'm sorry." "All good, Leon. I knew it was a trick, but I still fell for it. Had you not known me this much... I would have slapped your for that." Straud clapped his hands in excitement. "Fabulous. Your strength and willpower, both of you... I never sensed anything this strong... at a very young age such as you two." The two were unsure what to say. "There. That's my answer. Can you feel it? The hatred, the willpower in you...? This is who you are now, and you shall embrace it." Sofia smiled. "You know what? I think you're right. I love this feeling. I feel like I can take on the whole world right now." "Sofia..." Leon murmured.

He decided to play along, though he would admit that it felt good for some reason. "Y-yeah. I never felt this powerful. What is this feeling?" "Like I said, my dear boy Leon. This is who you are." He clapped his hands one time, once more. "Now then, it is getting very late. I do not want people getting wrong ideas on where you're going. Especially you, Sofia." "R-right." "We can be in touch with phones. I shall let you have my number."

Straud sensed the puzzled look between the two. "By any means, I am no technophobe, so bear that in mind."

They exchanged numbers. Straud walked forward first, showing them the way. Before the two departed, he told them to wear something proper for their next visit. He admitted that the other Vampires felt uneasy when they got here, judging by the way they looked. Apparently, not all Vampires were born with advantages like the two had. Some lesser Vampires cannot sense whether someone is in fact a Vampire or not.

Then, just like that, he dissipated into thin air, like before.

"I suppose... this is who we are now, Sofia." "It is what it is." "Come on, I'll walk you home." Windenburg and Forgotten Hollow were interestingly close to one another, so it was only several minutes of long walk for them.

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