#a little heavy handed w the symbolism i guess but the point of the dream was that the mc learned Various Lessons through

[anak1n]

even in my dreams where im trying to like save the world or whatever my brain tries to keep things on easy mode as much as possible. Beautiful

[some-dr-writings]

Gonta x Botanist Reader with a hobby of candy making One-shot: Gonta’s Gift

Gonta had awoken to a chill that morning as expected, it was still winter after all. It was still dark out as well. Gonta found himself on that particular morning unable to get up. He had work to do, yet he found himself instead hugging you tightly, nuzzling his face into the back of your neck as he interlaced your finders together. He adored the feeling of your hands within his, something about tracing the lines in your palms or seeing how perfectly the rings fit on those fingers of yours could always hypnotize him. Maybe it was the warmth of them, or the slight clamminess of them, perhaps it was what those rings symbolize, the lifelong commitment you two had taken for one another for many years now. He had seen those rings and his own on the pair of you for so long, one would think he’d just be used to it by now but at times, like that morning he just felt extra sentimental, visions of your wedding day together played in his mind sending his heart to pick up in pace. And then he was blushing, getting embarrassed recalling how when you danced with one another he accidentally took a misstep sending the pair of you to almost crash into a table, and how you simply laughed, told him he was doing great before taking a misstep yourself. Thankfully he was able to catch you and hold you closely as he was doing now, Miu and Kokichi saying something how you two should get a room and your old classmates immediately putting a stop to it. It was such an amazing day.

“Still sleepy I see.” “No, just admiring you.” Alright, it was time to get up. He flipped around, getting his glasses from the bedstand as you playfully patted Gonta’s unruly hair out of his face. “… I feel like being fancy, berries and pancakes and stuff, you want some?” “Yes, I’d love some!” You sleepily smiled before yawning and trotting out of the room.

“The pancakes smell so good, I could smell them all the way from the bedroom.” “That’s just your powerful wolf nose, then again I guess I could finally be going nose blind.” Gonta sidled up beside you, watching as you poured more batter onto the pan. “Ah, you made more jam?” Carefully he took one of the glass jars off the counter beside you, holding it up to the rays of light that had just began to peek through the window. “Yeah, once my raspberry research ended last month, I just decided to make some into jam. Still have a lot extra, but I don’t want to have nothing but raspberry jam for a year. Maybe I could make ice-cream, or… maybe turn it into a flavoring for lollipops?” “Could I give some to my ant friends?” “Sure, most of ‘em are still on the vine. Take the ones from greenhouse three, back left corner of the place, the others aren’t quite ripe yet.” “Third greenhouse, back left corner, thank you!” It would be nice to visit one of your greenhouses. He usually only did so when going to see you, or checking up on the insects you had allowed in there, maybe collect ingredients if you allowed it, but-

“Gonta Dear, you still have a mat in your hair.” “Huh!? I do!?” “Yeah, it’s towards the top… ish. No, I mean lower top? You know what, just bring me a comb I’ll get it for you.” “Thank you so much.” Quickly Gonta trotted back to the bathroom to get a comb, though he did feel a little guilty, he couldn’t even groom himself on his own, but he also could never decline help from you.

“Care to take over pancake duty so I could get to you now?” “I’d like that.” Admittedly Gonta also like this, it always felt so nice when you brushed through his hair, he’d get this pleasant tingling feeling on his head and down his back whenever you did so. “Oh, I just remembered. Oma might be stopping by today.” “Kokichi?” “Said something about coming today to collect the poisoned, exploding berries he had ordered or whatnot. I’m a botanist, not a plant breeder, besides I don’t have the time to experiment on that... although… maybe I could pencil it in next year?... Uh, anyway. Sounded like he also dragged Saihara and some others into his antics so we might see others as well.” “Do you know what time? It’d be ungentlemanly if we didn’t have snacks prepared! And we’re so far out in the countryside, do they have a place to stay at? I’ll go make sure the guest rooms are prepared later.” “I’m not sure, sorry Dear.” “… Perhaps we could make some extra pancakes for if they come in the morning?” “… And if they don’t come by soon enough, I guess we could just snack on the rest through the day.”

Gonta listened to the low hum rumble deep in your throat as you thought it over. He could sometimes puzzle out what you were thinking by the tone of your hum, or at least when your thoughts shifted from one topic to another, like it did just then, shifting to a slightly higher pitch before you spoke. “It’s sometimes weird to think back to our high school days. You always spoke differently back then, but it would be easier than proper Japanese, you hadn’t been back in human society for long. It had this charm to it that was nice. It was simple, not needlessly complicated. I wonder if back then I could have imagined you speaking with proper grammar.” “…” Gonta felt rather silly about it, the heat that arose on his cheeks. “Well… he would speak that way if you told Gonta you wanted him too.” “Oh, no, no, no! You don’t need to do that.” Placing your hands on one of his shoulders you jumped, pushing yourself up, planting a quick kiss on the cheek. “I appreciate the thought though.”

“Y/N, you should slow down, I don’t want you to choke on your food!” Gonta placed his hands on yours, getting you to stop shoveling the pancakes down our gullet. “Sorry Sweetie. I just have lots of work to get done and I don’t want to fall behind! You’re right though, I’ll slow down.” Gonta simply watched as you so excitedly smiled. You certainly were in a good mood, that was for sure, but who wouldn’t be when eating your cooking. He remembered how you always smiled like that on dates. Like your very first date when the pair of you went to a botanical garden together… It had been a while since you had gone on a date together, but you both had been rather busy. You still made time to just laze about in evenings, but you hadn’t gone on a real date and not for lack of trying. It seemed whenever you tried, something always got in the way whether it be the weather, scheduling conflicts, last minute delays and so on. These thoughts came to a halt through hearing the faucet turn on. “Y/N allow me. I’ll clean up so you may get to work.” “Thank you, Gonta.” As you passed by you gave him a kiss dashing away. He wished you had lingered just a little bit longer. You always were so hard working, but it would be hard not to do so when it was for something you loved, Gonta certainly knew what that was like, there had been more than one occasion where he was so absorbed in his research, he didn’t realize it was midnight till you came in, asking him to come to bed. You both really should take a day or two off and just have a date, it’d be a nice change of pace!

And so, another day at work ensued which was occasionally interrupted by daydreams of things to do together, Gonta notating every idea down; dancing under the moonlight, a picknick out in nature, doing some cooking together. True it was just three ideas, but he could come up with more ideas later and even ask for your input, you could probably come up with things he never could have.

As he was dreaming away about the pair of you working together in the kitchen, Gonta suddenly remembered something. He never got those raspberries; he had completely forgotten about that. Gonta had also noticed the time, it was really late in the afternoon, it would be evening soon. Gonta had never eaten lunch and he wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t either. Gonta raced through the house, past the kitchen, past your lab and to the many greenhouses. Gonta picked the raspberries you had told him of, and some strawberries from your designated personal food greenhouse. Gonta didn’t think himself as that great of a cook, but he at least he could make decent, filling meals that you loved! He’d make you some oatmeal, but if you did have lunch and were full, he’d eat it for you, and give you some strawberries as a snack instead.

Just as he was going back to the house, he spotted something in the corner of his eye. “Ah, Shuichi! You’re here!” Eagerly he raced up to the man… who was carrying a box? “You should have told me you were coming. That box looks heavy, I could carry it for you, it will be easy for me.” “G-Gonta! Well, I uh! I-I’m helping Y/N!” “Y/N needs help?” “Yeah! I’m just moving some equipment, nothing big! Just go back to your work, we can talk later.” “Really? You look off, are you coming down with a cold?” “I-” Before Shuichi could answer he was tackled to the ground, sending snow flying. “Shuichi, Kokichi! Are you alright!? You’re not hurt!?” The purple haired clown hopped off the poor detective, gaining a wince from him. “I-I’m fine Gonta.” “GONTA! WHAT ARE YOU DONING HERE!? YOU SHOULD BE WITH Y/N!” “W-what!? Did something happen to them?” Kokichi hopped onto Gonta, gripping the collar of Gonta’s lab coat in his fists, standing on Gonta’s stomach. Gonta kept leaning back as Kokich kept the ends of their noses presses together. “What happened to them!? WHAT HAPPENED TO THEM!? HOW COULD YOU NOT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR OWN SPOUSE!?” He leaped off, beginning to walk away. “Oh, Poor Gonta doesn’t know how they are or where they are!” “Wh-where are they!?” With his back turned, he simply pointed to the house and the entomologist immediately darted away for it. Slowly Shuichi sat back up. “Well… that was certainly one way to keep him away, but you didn’t have to scare him like that.” Kokichi simply shrugged, taking the box from Shuichi. “It’ll be fine, he’ll be happy to see they’re just fine. Maybe they’ll cuddle for a few hours and be hunky-dory. Besiiiiides, Y/N is the best distraction we could ever ask for. Anyway what else was I supposed to do, let you ruin the surprise!?” Tears formed in the corner of his eyes before he burst into tears. “Y-you don’t want Gonta to have a happy birthday surprise!? HOW CRU-” Suddenly a hand was slapped over his mouth. “Shhhsh! Gonta might hear you! Let’s just go!” “Nishishi! About time you kicked your butt into gear! If you did earlier Gonta wouldn’t have caught you!”

“Y/N!” It was not gentlemanly to go running through the house, but you needed to be safe! “Y/N!” “Gont- OH FUUUUUUUUUUUUDGE! FUDGE-FUDGE-FUDGE!” The kitchen! Gonta immediately raced to the kitchen! “WAIT! DON’T step on the clear liquid, or touch the pot, both are very, VERY hot!” You lightly trembled, holding your hand under the pouring faucet. Seeing how red your hand was Gonta took the first-aid kit from one of the lower kitchen cabinets and snapped off a piece of the aloe vera plant you kept on the windowsill for situations just like this. Effortlessly with one arm he lifted you up to sit on the counter, with his free hand he turned off the faucet. Even though Gonta patted your hand dry as gently as possible it still flinched. “I’m sorry!” “N-no, no, it’s okay.” Taking a knife from the knife block Gonta quickly peeled off the aloe vera skin revealing the clear gel and smeared it over all the burnt parts of your hand, and a little around them just in case before wrapping your hand firmly. “I always forget just how good you are at this.” “When I lived in the forest, I had to know how to heal any injuries, even little cuts can get you sick.” A small sigh had escaped him as he cupped your hand in both of his.

“Hey, what’s wrong? You look shaken.” The moment you placed your uninjured hand on his cheek he immediately leaned into the touch before placing one of his hands on yours, gently pressing you into him. He closed his and kissed your palm not caring at all about it knocking over his glasses. “I saw Kokichi, he said something happened to you and I got scared. He was acting like it was something really bad.” “Oh Sweetie.” You leaned in, giving him a kiss on the forehead. “I’m okay, well aside from the burn, but you’ve taken care of that already. I’m okay because of you.” “So, I was useful?” “Dear…” You sighed, lightly shaking you head. “You are more than useful, you’re amazing. Never forget that, please.” Gonta was confused as you took off his glasses, placing them beside you. Then a giddy laughter bubbled up from him as you peppered his face in kisses. Now all day you had been giving him kisses, it would be ungentlemanly to not give you some love back, so with a determined glint in his eye he peppered your face and neck in kisses earning laughter and squeals from you. Soon you both dissolved into giggling messes, so loving your moment together.

Gonta insisted you stay on the counter while he cleaned up the floor, not wanting to risk you getting another burn or dirtying your bandages. Since it was still hot and hadn’t hardened yet it was somewhat easy aside from the residue of stickiness which seemed to refuse to leave the flooring for a while. “What were you making? Could I help, it might be harder to make it now with a hurt hand.” “… Well… Alright. We’re going to be making some hard candy.” “Hmm?” “Yeah, my lollipop stash in my office has started running low and I thought about making something slightly different this time. You’ll see.” “… You had work, I thought?” “Shuichi and Kokichi are taking over set-up so I have some extra time.” “Ah, that’s good. I must thank them later! Maybe they’d like to have another insect meet-and-greet! I do have some new friends they haven’t met yet!” A smile tugged on your lips seeing how excited he was getting. How you even met such a perfect, sweet, gentleman, you would never know, but you were more than grateful he was a part of your life, let alone him being your own husband.

Thankfully for you, you hadn’t gotten far when you got hurt so getting back to where you left off was rather quick. “See the crystal-like stuff on the sides of the pot? That’s where the wet pastry brush comes in. You just gotta brush it, we don’t want that stuff in the candy.” Gonta nodded, following your instructions. “Oh, didn’t you say we do something at a hundred twenty-six Celsius?” “I can take care of this part; you keep washing the crystals.” It was almost exciting to watch as you dropped in some red dye into the mixture, the boiling bubbles on their own mixing in the color, getting it to swirl around. It felt somewhat strange the fiery heat from the stove and winter’s chill both surrounded him. He was both tempted to roll down his sleeves, despite cooking, to warm up even a little or to at least undo the top buttons of his shirt. Cooking in winter was always a bit odd when the kitchen hadn’t completely warmed up yet.

“Is it at a hundred forty-eight Celsius yet?” “Almost.” “I think I can set up the next batch, we’re going to make one for each base color of the rainbow; red, orange, yellow, green, you get the idea.” “It’s at one forty-eight.” “Take it off the heat! Take it off the heat!” Quickly Gonta did so, placing it on a turned off burner while you shutoff the first one. “Now we add the flavoring! Can you guess what it is?” “Uh… I don’t……” He paused for a moment, as if unsure of what to say. “raspberry?” “Yes! How did you guess?” “I try remembering all of your words. They are all important to me, and you told me this morning about having so many!” “… Damn it, Dear. You’re so sweet.” You passed him a tiny glass bottle. “Here, just dump this into the pot and stir. After that we just have to pour the stuff into the molds and wait for it to cool.”

And so you both repeated the process over and over, past dinner time and even beyond when night had fallen, the sky dark, the only light from those tiny twinkling lights far away in the sky. “Careful. Careful. Careful. Don’t drip now… slowly… and… WE’RE DONE! Almost It’s gotta cool… which will take a while.” The molds were cube in shape so none could see exactly what the shape inside was, and for each you placed a stick in. It seemed a little big for a lollipop unless it was a very big one. “The kitchen will cool down quickly so the candy will too after that.” “Yeah…” You quickly glanced to the clock.” “But it was fun making stuff with you, I don’t want to stop just yet.” “Well, we could make something else.” “… You picked strawberries for oatmeal, right?” “Yes, but… that is a few too many for oatmeal, isn’t it…” You both looked to the two large containers of the stuff. “… Wanna make strawberry ice-cream? We can save some for oatmeal breakfast tomorrow.” “I’ll get the ice cream maker!” “Get the large one!” You adored seeing the delight in your husband’s eyes. No matter the weather or time of year, sweet, sweet ice-cream was always in your freezer. It was one of the first ‘candies’ you had him help make with you. Cooking together like this wasn’t too common with your usually busy schedules, but at least once a month you’d come together to make the sweet treat. And every time you’d be like a pair of children let loose in a sweets shop, wide sparkling eyes, squealing with high pitched voices at every little stage of the process of making. It was always just so fun.

All too soon though your fun had come to an end. “Oh! Dear, we need to go outside. Then everything can cool down much quicker!” “Yes a- Oh Shuichi and Kokichi! I just left them out there!” “Hey, Dear, it’s alright. They actually might be asleep right now, and I know they had some things to snack on. They’re alright, I assure you.” “If you say so… I still feel bad though.” “We can be the perfect gentlemanly hosts tomorrow. They were working all day, so I’m sure they’d like to see us be the ideal party hosts of sorts. How does that sound.” He looked to you for a prolonged moment, then smiled. “I WILL BE THE PERFECT GENTLEMAN HOST!” Suddenly he instantly lost all of his bravado, shrinking down a little. “I should be quiet! It’d be very rude to wake them this late in the night.”

Sneakily, and quietly giggling to yourselves like naughty children you slinked out of the house with the candies and ice-cream in hand. You placed them down by the doors of one the many greenhouses. “Ah, I just love crisp, clear skies like tonight. Just perfect.” You spun around, kicking up some snow as you went. It was even a full moon out, illuminating the whole world in a soft light. Gonta noticed how you soon slowed your twirling, hugging yourself and shivering. “Huh?” “Is this alright?” You looked up to him in confusion, not expecting to suddenly be held so closely. You smiled, nuzzling into him. “More than alright.” “Then… may I have your hand?” Though you were reluctant to do so, you managed to rip one of your arms from him and placed you hand in his which he held up to about chest level. Then you began to sway about, slow dancing to no music but the wind rustling about. Gonta made sure to keep a gentle yet firm grip on you noticing how the snow beneath your feet with slightly slippery. “If we stay close and keep moving, we’ll keep warm.” And so you danced in the world where only the pair of you existed, nothing but your love for one another to keep warm by.

Gonta noticed how you kept glancing to the watch on your wrist, even beginning to count down ever so softly to yourself. Though unsure as to why you were doing so, he joined in, counting down with you. “five.” “four.” “three.” “two.” “one.” “Happy Birthday Dear.” Oh, it must have been midnight already. “Hey, if it’s too cold out here we could go into the greenhouse for a bit.” “… Do you want to go?” “Yeah, but also no.” “If you want to keep dancing, let’s keep dancing. I just want to do what you want.” You playfully smacked him on the chest. “Excuse me! It’s your birthday, not mine. We do what you want.” Gonta fell silent, a bright blush dusting his cheeks. “Gonta… The only gift Gonta could want for his birthday is to make you happy. And Gonta wants to be the one to make you happy. You are the most precious to Gonta.” “… Gonta… you’re just precious, you know that?” His heart began to flutter seeing he had drawn a smile from you. “Though… I-uh! Gonta could want for one other thing. Could Gonta get a kiss from the absolute most precious, amazing love of his life, his only partner?” “Of course.” He lifted you up like it was but nothing, still holding you close. You looked down on him, chuckling to yourself as you draped your arms over his shoulders seeing his glasses starting to fog up. Ever so delicately you took them off, then while closing your eyes leaned your lips into his.

Suddenly Gonta began to panic realizing he was so caught up in the moment he forgot about the snow and slipped. He clutched you as closely as he could, placing a hand on the back of your head to shield it, and threw out his arm so he could brace himself and not crush you in the fall. “Y/N, Are you okay!?” “Y-yeah, just start-” Just as suddenly as the fall happened, several voices appeared. “Guess ice isn’t the only hard thing around here! Am I right boys!” “Oh my God-” “Oh my Atua!” “Miu, SHUT UP!” “Yeah MIU! The insect lollipops are as well, duh!” “Kokichi, you’re not helping.” “Did you expect him to help!?” “Quiet down, Gonta’s going to hear us!” “Kaede, I believe he already has. Shall I turn on the lights now?” “Yeah, just do it Kirumi, please.”

And just like that the lights to the greenhouse burst to life revealing the whole class inside, several of them peaking their heads out the open door, some taking in the molds and ice cream that was left by it. “I- what!?” “Uh, remember that work Shuichi and Kokichi were helping me with? Well, we were working on making a surprise birthday party for you!” Gonta simply stared at you, unmoving, shocked. “Gonta!?” Tears formed in those bright red eyes, but you only saw them for a moment, suddenly being hugged, Gonta burying his face into the crook of your neck. “T-thank you. I love you, so much. Y-you know that, right? Not just for this but everything else too! I love you!” “Hey, at least save this till you see the spread we got you!” “huh?” “Go into the greenhouse!” Slowly the man got up, and once he did, he carried you all the way there. Tables were spread out as far as the eye could see, filled to toppling over with sweets, treats, and wrapped gifts of all kinds. Gonta even spotted Kaito opening the molds revealing beautiful insect shaped lollipops, drops, leaves and other such things.

Even a picknick. Gonta wondered how he ended up with such a perfect person like you, a person who could freaking know him so well as to have this all done at around the same time, he began wanting all this. You truly were the greatest gift in his life.

[poorvioletdraws]

Tom vs. The Underworld

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10

8. Sound System

“Following our top story, the mystery behind the massive earthquake that rocked the Underworld a week ago has been linked to a merging of both the planet Earth and our planet Mewni. Representatives of Lucitor Castle state that our Lord and Lady have met with the new leadership of Earth-ni and are discussing plans to continue the same alliance we had with the former Butterfly Kingdom. They have also assured us that the merging of both worlds has presented no effect on the livelihood of the Underworld but are still working on ways to contact the universal mobile service provider of Pixtopia to restore interdimensional communications. All global communications within our planet have not been disrupted. 

In other news, there have been growing reports of resident demons and monsters going missing throughout the city. The Furies are urging citizens to remain calm as they investigate the situation further. More on this tonight at--”

“Mom, I’m leaving now.” I called to her in our den. She was watching the news and forging her latest weapons request for a client.

“Okay, my little cobblestone. Don’t be out too late.” She replied as she placed the sword in the quench tank.

“I should be back before dinner.” I told her as I was about to shut the door behind me.

Suddenly my older sisters Kivi and Shaila came down the hallway.

“Going out again? Weren’t you out with your friends all day yesterday?” Kivi questioned while pushing her glasses back up on her nose.

I shrugged my shoulders in annoyance. “Well today we are going over band stuff…” 

Kivi gave a disapproving sigh. “You know, Raya, you can’t keep putting off your duties to your family for music. Having a hobby is great and all but you can’t let that consume you. One day you may be taking over for Mom or Dad. When will you see how important that is?” 

“Yea, well this is important to me too, but thanks for your concern...” I said not meeting her gaze. My grip was tightening on the door handle as if for some form of security. 

“Are you sure that’s all it is, or are you really meeting up with your secret boyfriend.” Shaila teased while trying to cover her devious smirk with one of her hands.

I jumped at her accusation and could feel myself turning red. “N-no!”

“Ooooh you’re blushing! It’s true!” Shaila began to giggle mischievously as Kivi shook her head in irritation.

“Y-you’re silly, g-grow up.” I huffed under my breath.

She then began to call towards the den, “Mom, guess what--”

“Bye!” I quickly shouted as I ran out the front door. 

I felt like I could hear Shaila’s laughter all the way to the end of our property. She always makes fun of me like that… But she isn’t too far off the mark…

My friends and I were all going to meet at Tom’s place--THE Lucitor Castle. First of all, I was already nervous for that. I can’t believe he invited us there as if it weren’t a big deal. We might even meet the King and Queen of the Underworld! I felt myself get lightheaded just thinking about it.

Secondly, I was nervous because of what I started feeling yesterday at the arcade. It was a strange coincidence that Tom chose the same song I had listened to that morning, and even stranger still was that he appeared exactly how he did in my dream. But was this just mere happenstance? Or is there a reason behind it all and why I’m starting to develop a crush on him...

“Wait, what am I saying?! A crush?! I must be going crazy!” I babbled aloud while momentarily hiding my blushing face by pulling my hoodie over it.

Sure we had a lot of great memories in Yomi Town for that short time; he helped me shop for my friends, we watched all those setting suns in that beautiful dimension, and we made that necklace from the temple together that he still wears… He even came all the way to Lava Shores and helped me during all that horrible stuff with the Madame… We have been doing fun things together more frequently… He met my friends and somewhat became friends with them in the process… And he wants to be apart of our band … He has a wonderful voice and a kind heart… and a sincere smile…

I pushed the hood of my sweatshirt back in its previous position as my red bangs were free to poof up again. Now within the city, I stopped in front of a shop window and examined myself--more so my insecurities. My body is nowhere near as slender as Indigo, and I’m top-heavy so I try to hide behind layers or oversized clothes. Unlike everyone else, my horns are under-developed so I always wear something over my head to cover them up. And being a Stone Demon, the rough patches of rock on parts of my skin are hard to miss. How could anyone find such imperfections attractive…

Yet Tom still looks at me as if none of that matters. Others get annoyed with how clumsy or clueless I can be sometimes, but that doesn’t seem to bother him. And even though he is a prince, he treats me like I’m equal to him. I remember when I first met him, he had this happiness about him that seemed like he were invincible. I wanted to be apart of that happiness. But then, when we met again, when he must have been fighting with his girlfriend at the time, that happiness was waning. She must have been so important to him to cause such a change in him… Can I be that important for him? I can’t deny that when I see him he does make me happy, but could I really have the same affect on him? Could he one day find that invincible kind of happiness because of me?

I slowly started to walk away from the shop window as I folded my arms across my chest. I hung my head and remained deep in thought. 

Who am I kidding? Why would such a great caring guy like Tom want to be with a slacker like me? Instead of planning my future as a Belmonte, I’m consumed by music and games like my sister said. What use could I be to the future of the Underworld? I’m not adventurous or wild. I’m content with the simple pleasures in life and am comfortable doing things or going to places I’m familiar with or have been thousands of times. And I’ve never even had a boyfriend before, I have no experience in that department. But despite all of that, he’s still a prince and I’m just a city girl.

However, he’s more than just a prince to me now. He’s my friend. I care about him just as much as I care about all my other friends and my family. But is it wrong I’m starting to think of him more than just a friend? Unlike them, I get a different feeling around him. I love spending time with him. I love that he tolerates my unconventional family and that he gets along with my wild friends. I even dream about him. He is literally the first thought I wake up to most days. Is this what falling in love with someone is like? Maybe I should tell him how I’m starting to feel...

“And the last to arrive like always is…” Indigo announced.

Blair did a drum roll with zir hands on zir thigh and added energetically, “Ta-Da! Raya!” 

“Sorry, guys.” I apologized as Blair hopped over to me and wrapped zir arm around my shoulder. 

We were all gathered in Inferno Park which was situated at the heart of Chernabog City. It was a chasm filled area with lava deposits flowing sluggishly from its various orifices beneath long bridges built above. The urban park was often a place for more active demons to exercise being a hub for various forms of recreation such as Ultimate Ouija, molten rock climbing, and Casketball just to name a few. 

“Hey, you may be the last to arrive but at least you’re on time today.” Blair spoke positively but then grew a mischievous expression that rivaled Shaila as ze said, “You must be excited for where we are going.”

I felt myself beginning to blush again as I gasped, “W-what? Uhm--”

“I think we all are pretty excited, to say the least.” Tiras corrected/saved me. He had been sitting on a boulder with his arms folded while Kraven sat below on the ground munching away at some elote. George had his typical stance next to Indigo and was reading a book as Blair and I rejoined the formed circle.

Tiras jumped down from his seated position and approached me. Instead of his usual air of arrogance, he seemed to have a burning resolve within. He asked me, “You ready? This may be it. We finally might be able to reach your dream.”

Upon hearing Tiras’s words, he stirred a different emotion from within me. Although many dreams were becoming reality lately, this one was an aspiration of mine all of my friends knew too well. I had always envisioned being apart of a band. And the day I suggested we started are own, I was surprised how everyone agreed without hesitation. This was indeed very important to me not just because it was just some hobby. Music was something that brought all of us together. It was our escape from the stresses of our home life, our passion we created to share with all who dare listen, and our symbolism of our friendship. 

But no matter how good we become, our voices didn’t have the strength or uniqueness of that of a lead singer. I’m not one to fully believe in destiny, but it almost felt like fate for Tom and I to meet. He was the piece we were possibly missing all along. Maybe that is where my infatuation with him grew… Was it because of his singing that started all this? I’m not fully sure… 

I gazed at everyone--all of my friends. They stood encircling me and shared the same look as Tiras. I smiled contently and said, “Let's sail away then.”

Everyone agreed with a nod. 

I placed my hands to the ground below and pulsed my energy through it as it began to fissure around us instantly. Tiras brought his hands up, creating a mighty gust of wind that hurled down within the cracks. Suddenly, we began to rise as the ground that divided us was unearthed to create a floating platform. 

Tiras pointed his hands forward as his squall of wind moved us along. He valiantly announced, “Next stop, Lucitor Castle!”

“Reporting live from the Musty Mountain, there has been a recent influx of tourism to our nation of the Underworld. Behind me you can see that construction is underway for our new border patrol organization to properly vet out travellers to the area and maintain our homeland security. So far, businesses of Lava Lake Beach have reported a steady boost in consumerism and an increase in real estate property sales in the area. Furies have also been branched out to maintain the peace between current inhabitants and newcomers-- ”

I walked into my Dad’s study to see he was working on a few things at his desk with the news report broadcasting in the background on his overhead monitor. 

“Hey Dad, would I be able to use the cellar today? Some friends are coming over and I don’t want to disturb you while we practice some music.” I asked him.

My Dad glanced up from whatever he was writing and smiled as he said, “Friends? Coming over here? Well, that’s great to hear, son, it’s been a while since you brought friends--or anyone for that matter--over.” He stood up from his desk and approached me. While giving me a very fatherly stare, he rested his hands on my shoulders and questioned me, “And do any of these friends happen to be that special girl you mentioned before?”

“Daaaad.” I drew out the word with a groan.

“Heh, I know, I know, no overbearing-parent-stuff... ” He chuckled to himself and stepped away from me. He placed his hands behind his back as he gazed out the floor length window of his office. “I just want you to know that your Mother and I just worry about you, son. Especially after what happened…”

“Dad, I promised I wouldn’t use my life energy again--”

“Not that, son.” He interrupted while turning to face me with a very concerned look. “I mean your breakup with Star.”

I was a little taken aback by this topic he wanted to discuss. Usually these kinds of subjects are left to Mom. And I told him already that I was over it. But he is my Dad, and he often times presents a different perspective that I’ve never realized before, so maybe it was best to hear what he had to say. Therefore, I decided to sit down in the chair in front of his desk and give him my full attention.

He proceeded to sit back down in his own chair behind the desk and explained himself further. “Your Mother and I were away on business during all of this… change going on. It’s a brand new kind of world up above now. And it is still hard to grasp that you, Star, and--Marco was it-- played a huge part in this whole merging of dimensions. You must’ve been going through so much at the time to have that AND a fresh breakup on your plate…”

“Yea… It was rough at first…”  I began to say with a sullen expression but then gave my Dad a reassuring smile. “But I was able to find someone to help me along through the rough parts.”

He returned my smile with one of his own and leaned forward on his desk with his elbows. “I’m glad, son. And I’m sorry your Mother and I couldn’t be there for you. Heartbreak can be a very hard thing to fully overcome. Star was special to you, being your first girlfriend and all. Although, I’m glad you both worked it out and remained friends. I just hope that kind of pain doesn’t happen again for you because what if next time the closure isn’t so healthy. Just know, if it were to happen again, your Mother and I are here for you and want you to be safe. So whatever you plan to do, just really think it over and make sure it is something you’ve set your mind and your heart on.”

My Dad then reached over and placed one of his hands on one of mine lying on his desk. “You’re important to us. You are our legacy not because you are a prince, but because you are our son.”

Upon hearing his words, I smiled to myself as I gazed at his hand on mine. How could I be so lucky to have such loving parents? I understand where he is coming from and how much he cares about the choices I make. Star and I breaking up WAS painful. I loved her so much and for so long. I could’ve handled the situation in a way that could've been harmful for not only myself but for those around me too. However, I know now what all I can lose by letting my anger or depression take control of me. I didn’t want to let any of the ones I care about down ever again.

“Ahem, anyway…” He leaned back in his chair again and cleared his throat as our sentimental conversation came to a close. “Back to what you asked earlier. I’ll have the maids clean up the cellar for you and your friends, just give them time to do so. About an hour or two. So maybe have your friends hang out in your room for a bit.”

I gave him a toothy grin and replied, “Thanks, Dad!”  

“When are they coming?” He asked.

I glanced over at the sundial near the window and told him, “Any minute now.”

“And did you remember to bring in and feed Lord Fool-leroy?” 

I stared blankly at my dad and gasped, “Crap…”

The platform the arriving guests had been travelling on descended a few yards away from Lucitor Castle. It pounded down into the earth and became one with it so each passenger could dismount.

“This is wicked cool! It’s my first time seeing it so close!” gasped Blair.

“Well, if you had been invited to the Blood Moon Ball like I was, you could’ve seen it a long time ago and not be so easily impressed.” Indigo lightly goaded.

“Alas, you and I only grazed the surface of the many secrets held within. The ballroom was our only venture so speaking as if you attained some vast knowledge from our first encounter is nothing more than a mere untruth.” George corrected her.

Indigo folded her arms and rolled her eyes at the boy’s statement.

Tiras walked in between the two and brought their attention back to the situation at hand. “You both can argue later, let’s quit wasting time and head in!”

The pair nodded and began to walk toward the entrance with the others. However, they were soon stopped in their tracks as the ground began to tremble systematically in intervals around them.

“What’s going on!? Another earthquake!?” Blair blurted out.

Raya tried to say as she flopped into the air from the tremors, “Earthquake vibrations are irregular and constant, this is as if it were a--”

And as if on cue, a huge orange spotted beast came bounding from around the castle and was heading right for them.

“Uh, What is that!?” Indigo shouted.

“A guard dog maybe?” Raya answered.

The orange creature loomed over them and began to growl ferociously while showing his sharp teeth.

“He doesn’t look so happy to see us…” Blair commented while helping Raya up from the ground.

“What do we do?” Indigo cowered behind George.

“Fight or flight?” George asked, looking to Tiras.

Tiras had dropped into a fighting stance and was waiting for an opportunity to present itself.

But suddenly, Kraven stepped forward and approached the beast.

“What are you doing, are you crazy?!” Indigo screamed.

Kraven stared up at the beast with a very serious expression but then began to grin. He reached from behind him and presented a bag full of some type of jerky he had stashed for later. He slowly pulled out a thick chunk of it and waved it to the creature.

The beast was puzzled but began to sniff at the piece Kraven held up to it. Instead of a snarl, a joyous bark escaped the beast as his long tail wagged happily. It proceeded to gobble up the jerky and lick at the generous boy.

The others stood with their mouths agape. 

“Of course Kraven knows when another being is hungry.” Tiras remarked.

Raya smiled and added, “Food is the universal language after all.”

“Little Lord Fool-leroy!” Tom shouted in a very disciplinary tone. He levitated down from a balcony overhead and joined the group below. The creature leaped over to Tom and rubbed his head against his body in a cuddle. “Okay, okay, down boy.”

“That’s your pet?” Tiras asked him.

“Yea, he can get cranky when he hasn’t eaten by now--” Tom replied but then focused his attention back on his orange companion as he rubbed his belly and said in a playful tone, “--but really you’re just a little ole softie aren’t you, boy.” 

“Little is an understatement, don’t ya think?” Indigo questioned.

Raya giggled at the sight and walked over to both of them. She brought her hand to Little Lord Fool-leroy and he accepted her to pet him. “He’s so cute.” She said as she smiled sweetly over at Tom, causing him to blush slightly.

“Yea, when he doesn’t want to eat us.” Indigo mentioned with her hands on her hips. She was watching the exchange very closely. 

Tom decided to give his guests a tour of his castle home while they waited for the maids to finish cleaning the cellar. They had all been enthralled with everything he showed them since this was the first time any of them could get an exclusive look inside Lucitor Castle. This was also his first time showing anyone around his home as well so he was quite excited about that.

“There’s the great hall, and the theater, oh and that leads out to the boneyard.” Tom pointed out various highlights as they walked down the hallway with many paintings hanging on the walls of past Lucitor royalty.

“This is wicked cool!” Blair commented giddily. 

“And here we’ve reached the best part of the whole place… My room!” Tom announced while swinging the door to his chamber open.

Each one of the teenagers walked through and were now standing atop a flight of narrow stairs that led down to his inner sanctum. Tom’s room was bigger than any of theirs and fitting for the demon prince. The first thing to catch their eye was the glowing fire flowing down from the mouth of a huge skull display on his wall and into a small jacuzzi-like pit beside his bed. A pair of arcade machines aligned the wall and a casketball hoop hung on the wall by the entrance of his walk-in closet. There was a spinning torture wheel with a tub of water below it and a diabolical ping-pong table centered in the room. Skeletons of horned animals adorned parts of his walls and stalagmites protruded from several areas on the floor. If any of them weren’t impressed before with the other parts of the castle, they definitely would be now. 

“Whoa…” Blair and Raya gasped.

“Okay, now THIS is room.” Indigo exclaimed.

“Très cryptique.” George applauded.

“...” Kraven’s mouth hung open in awe.

“Is there anything you don’t have?” Tiras added completely mystified.

Tom’s guests wandered down the steps and began to look around his room. 

Blair picked up a trophy sitting on one of his night stands and read the plaque. “Oh! Raya look, he is a ping-pong champion.” Ze showed zir friend.

“You may have someone to give you a challenge then with such a title.” Tiras commented.

“Oh? You’re good at it too?” Tom asked her.

“Good? She rocks it!” Blair answered for her with a grin as ze placed zir arm around her shoulders. Raya blushed slightly embarrassed from the praise.

“You wanna play?” Tom asked her while picking up one of his paddles and blushing a little himself. Raya looked up at him still unsure but with a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

Suddenly, Indigo intervened. “Hey, we played games yesterday, let's talk about the band.”

“Oh that’s right.” Tom went along with the change of subject but then smiled at Raya. “Next time?”

Raya nodded in agreement and smiled back at him. “Sure.”

All of the teenagers proceeded to sit on the floor in a circle to converse further. 

“So, your band is called the Seven Undeadly Sins?” Tom remembered from towards the end of their time at the arcade.

“Yep! Seven members and we aren’t dead sooo yea! Hehe.” Blair answered.

“Great name and all...” Tom rubbed the back of his head, unsure how to go about his next comment. “But you guys don’t get a lot of flack for it being an acronym for... sus?”

“What’s sus?” Indigo asked.

“N-nevermind.” Tom brushed it off. ‘That’s right, they don’t do social media.’

“Still sounds cool to me.” Blair beamed. 

Raya piped up, “We haven’t really performed in front of an audience yet…”

“Oh, I see…” Tom replied.

It was Tiras’s turn to speak, “Well, we all decided on the name because it sounded cool AND fits all of our personalities...” 

“The sins do?” Tom blinked puzzled.

“Alas, the only true sin is that of mediocrity.” George theorized.

“O.. Kay…” Tom was still confused.

“Alright, bud. Check this out.” Tiras explained further by pointing at each one of his friends as he described them. 

“Blair is Pride.”

“Hehe!” Blair giggled.

“George is Greed.”

“More so for knowledge instead of monetary needs.” George theorized.

“Indigo is Envy, no surprise there.” 

Indigo stuck her tongue at Tiras playfully.

“Kraven is obviously Gluttony.”

Kraven didn’t respond as he munched on his jerky from earlier.

“Raya is Sloth.”

Raya shrugged with a smile, “Can’t deny that one I guess, heh.”

“I am Lust, of course.” Tiras announced full of haughtiness while pointing to himself.

Tom caught the group sarcastically roll their eyes. He chuckled to himself but stopped immediately once Tiras pointed to him.

“And you… You’re Wrath.”

“W-Wrath?” Tom repeated his position a bit hesitantly “… Oh but I can’t be—“

Tiras leaned over and patted Tom on the shoulder lightly as he spoke, “Tom, buddy! You are Prince of the Underworld. Wrath IS meant for you.”

Tom furrowed his eyebrows and rubbed the side of his sore arm where the other teenager attacked it.

Raya noticed Tom’s change in expression so she shared her opinion. “Tom… Our sins can sometimes be considered our strengths more than our weaknesses. You were probably taught how negative your wrath can be… But in some cases it may be what’s perfect for the situation.”

The demon prince focused on the Stone Demon girl’s words but he was still uncertain.

Indigo decided to also add, “Alone we may seem… insufficient. But when we are all together and form our bond, each one of our sins is what makes us strong. What one person lacks, the other picks up the slack.”

“Quite poetic.” George remarked.

“I’m not sure if you’re teasing but I’ll take that as a compliment.” Indigo replied.

Tom glanced down at his hands remembering what happened back in the Musty Mountain. Could such power really be considered his strength? 

“Do you kind of get where we are coming from?” Raya asked him concerned with his silence.

“I think I understand…” He looked up to Raya again and they both shared smiles of reassurance.

Indigo stared at their interaction with keen interest and meant to cut in when suddenly Petey knocked at Tom’s bedroom door and entered.

“Master Tom, your Mother has prepared refreshments for you and your guests.” He announced.

“Oh, awesome. Thanks.” Tom responded as he stood up.

The rest of the group joined him.

“Your Mother… as in the Queen?” Blair asked.

“Well, yea… That’s my Mom.”

“Eeeee!!” Blair shrieked with glee. “We’re going to meet THE Queen?”

“If you all want…” Tom said calmly.

“Yay! Let’s go, let’s go!” Blair cheered while holding on to Raya.

And with that, the group moved on towards the kitchen of Lucitor Castle to meet Tom’s mother. As the demon prince led the way, Indigo trailed behind pondering over a plan.

George slowed his pace to match hers as the rest of their friends moved on. He asked, “What do you dare do?”

“W-what do you mean?!” Indigo snapped out of her conscience.

George stepped in front of the girl and blocked her path. His monotone voice had a hint of caution peppered over it and his expression was much more gloomy than usual as he forewarned, “When Envy breeds unkind division: there comes the ruin, there begins confusion.”

“Are you reading my emotions again? I told you not to use your powers on me!” Indigo fumed with red cheeks as she pushed passed him.

But suddenly, George grabbed onto Indigo’s hand to keep her from fleeing. 

This was definitely out of the ordinary for him to do so she slowly looked back at him with an obedient carefulness. George wasn’t one to engage in confrontation, and he oftentimes watched events play out without any type of intervention. But, having known him the longest from when they were young, Indigo held her tongue because she knew he was being serious with what he had to say next.

George released his grip on her once he knew she understood his intentions. He did not break his gaze as he spoke, “Your rivalry, although silent and unknowing to her, needs to cease. These are souls you want to meddle with now, not a contest or a game. You dare birth pure suffering?”

“You’re talking as if I mean to purposefully get in the way of something, which doesn’t exist for all you know. It definitely isn’t because Raya likes him is why I’m after him either.” Indigo noticed George arch his eyebrow while giving her a look of disbelief. She began to laugh anxiously and continued, “You forget I’m a girl and have feelings too, it ain't my fault we ended up liking the same guy. And what’s wrong with a little competition anyway?”

Indigo began to walk away from the other teen with the discussion settled in her eyes.

“Even if the result is risking friendship on both ends?” George advised.

Indigo halted her pace and seemed troubled from what he had said. But instead of having a comeback, she surprisingly continued her departure down the hallway again without saying a word.

“How grateful I am to not be cursed with such dangerous sensations that are emotions…” George sighed as he followed after her.

“There you are. Did you two get lost?” Raya asked the pair that came walking up to the group from down a long hallway. They had been standing in front of these enormous double doors crevassed into the wall and didn’t notice until they reached their destination that they had some stragglers. 

“Or maybe you both wanted some alone time together.” Blair smirked impishly.

“Blair! Cut it out with your joking.” Indigo shouted rather flustered at the snickering teen’s comment.

“Lavatory.” George rused.

“Whoa, there’s a lab here too? Like the kind for a mad scientist?” Tiras asked bemused.

George slapped his hand to his forehead and groaned.

Tom chuckled at the exchange and told them, “Well, we waited for you both but here it is---” He placed his hands on the great doors and pushed them open, “--our kitchen!”

The group entered another breathtaking part of the castle. Stalactites pierced every inch of the ceiling with its central focal point being a huge flaming chandelier that made the stone of the counters glisten exquisitely from the light of the fire overhead. There were enough cutlery and pots and pans hanging on the walls to arm an army. It was humongous, bigger than his friends’ own homes even, and rightfully so. It had to accommodate the large red demon that was stationed at the counter. And from the looks of the golden crown atop her salmon-colored hair that matched Tom’s, the group knew this was in fact his mother. She was pouring a smoothie-like concoction from a pitcher into seven glasses waiting at a long island with stools for which Tom and his friends could sit upon. 

“Oh… my…” Indigo murmured enchanted.

“It’s…” Raya squeaked, equally enchanted.

“The Queen!” Blair announced in a cheer and was about to take off for her when Indigo grabbed zir by the shoulders to stop zir.

“Are you crazy, that is THE Queen of the Underworld! Where’s your manners?!” Indigo scolded.

“Hey it’s alright, my Mom is totally cool with it.” Tom told them.

“Oh! Sorry, I should’ve known, silly me! You ARE the prince after all and know best, hehe.” Indigo laughed in embarrassment and released her hold on the teen. And the minute ze was free, Blair popped over to the other side of the Queen in an instant and was asking her all sorts of questions amid zir gushing. Kraven hustled over to take his seat so he could start partaking in the spread of refreshments decorating the tabletop.

As the rest of the group headed over, Tiras quickly latched onto Tom and brought him in close. “Tom, buddy! Why didn’t you tell us how gorgeous your Mom is!”

“What?!” Tom gasped as he turned red. “Dude, that’s my Mom.”

“Just saying, bro, now I see where you get your looks from.” Tiras gazed at her completely enthralled.

“Her features are that of what many demons aspire to have actually.” George added.

“You too?” Tom whined.

They all were now hanging out at the counter and relishing in the atmosphere of being such welcomed guests in Lucitor Castle. Kraven was on one side of the counter to himself and wolfing down as much as he could of the plentiful portions demon servants were constantly bringing to him. George was keeping Indigo in close proximity as he stood beside her with Tiras on the other side of her--who was ranting to Tom next to him. And Raya was on the corner with Blair by the Queen. 

Although Blair had been delighting zirself in chattering away, Raya stood nervously with her hands to her chest just admiring being in the presence of such royalty. But she quickly darted her head away when she noticed the Queen look down toward her. “H-hello, erm, g-good afternoon, Your Majesty…” Raya stammered shyly with a blush.

The Queen had a very interested stare fixated on Raya.

“T-thank you for having us in your home.” the young girl bowed her head.

Tom’s mother smiled sweetly and brought her hand to Raya’s hooded head and patted it as she trilled. Raya’s heart practically skipped a beat from such a gesture.

Tom glanced over momentarily to see his Mom and Raya meeting each other and attempted to join them to give them a proper introduction but Indigo tugged on his arm.

“Oh, Tom! This is really good, have you tried it?.” Indigo stalled as she held the glass full of the smoothie up to the demon prince.

“Huh? Oh, yea, it’s demonade made from forbidden fruit.” He told her. Tiras peered over at Indigo suspiciously.

“It’s so delicious! I’ve never had it before, mmm, hehe!” Indigo praised rather excessively.

“What are you talking about, we’ve had that plenty of times at Tartarus. They make it practically everywhere.” Tiras contested. Indigo shot slits for eyes his way.

Indigo gave a shallow laugh and tried to gain Tom’s attention--which wasn’t really focused on their conversation anyway. “Oh silly me, how could I forget, well--”

“Excuse me for a second, Indigo, I’ll be right back.” Tom pardoned his way around her and headed toward his Mom and Raya. Indigo had a furious glare in her eyes as she slammed the glass down on the table. Tiras and George both shared glances with each other.

Tom came up to his Mom to introduce each other. He blushed as he said, “Raya, this is my Mom, Wrathmelior. Mom, this is… Raya.”

The Queen smiled sweetly at her son and cooed while giving his head a pat as well. She then reached down and pointed at a plate in front of the two teenagers.

“Ah, that’s rights. I remember when we went back to your sister’s shop you said you like eating the Ember Berries she didn’t sell that day and would mix them with lime and salt so…” Tom said eagerly as he reached for the plate and presented it to Raya. “I made sure to ask my Mom to make it for you.”

“Aww thank you!” Raya had that dreamlike expression fill her face, causing Tom’s cheeks to turn redder.

Blair and Kraven both seemed to smile in a way as if they knew all too well what was unfolding before their eyes. But not wanting to ruin the mood, Blair made sure to keep zir mouth shut this time.

The Queen began to chatter to Tom as if suggesting something to him.

Tom thought over what she said and then nervously looked back at Raya. He picked up one slice of the Ember Berry and asked her, “W-would you like to try it and see what you think?”

“Sure.” She said softly and, without thinking, opened her mouth and Tom went to feed it to her but then--

“Gyaggh!” Indigo yelped as she accidentally bumped into Tom’s back hard enough to make him drop the plate from his hand and spill it to the floor, shattering it instantly. The Queen gasped worriedly while Blair and the others rushed to their side.

Raya had caught Tom by the shoulder and helped him maintain his balance. “Are you alright, Tom?” She asked.

Tom straightened himself up again and replied, “I’m fine, I’m fine…” He saw the mess on the floor and became very upset, “Ugh, seriously. Look at this, they’re all ruined!”

“Oh my, I’m so sorry! I can’t believe that happened, and to one of Raya’s favorite snacks too! I’m so clumsy, I must’ve slipped on a wet spot on the floor.” Indigo rambled as she held her hands to her face in feigned horror. 

“Wet spot? I don’t see a wet spot?” Blair was crouched down on the floor and trying to look for the culprit.

The Queen and Raya booth kneeled down to begin cleaning up the litter of fruit and broken porcelain. But in her haste, Raya misguidedly grabbed for a sharp sliver and seemingly nicked her finger. 

Instinctively, an overly concerned Tom bent down and clasped his own hands around her injured one, “Are you alright, did you cut your hand!”

Indigo’s heart stopped at the very sight.

Raya took a second to respond as she admired his worry for her. She explained while gazing intently at their joined hands. “No harm done… I’m a Stone Demon after all, that type of material isn’t strong enough to cut my skin…”

Indigo was about to take it upon herself to intrude again but suddenly she felt a hand clamp over her mouth to quiet her.

“Oh look at that,” Tiras spoke his objective loudly, “Some of that food spilled on you too, Indigo! Let me help you clean that up in the laboratory.”

“Lavatory.” George corrected him.

“Yea that place!” He acknowledged as he dragged Indigo out of the kitchen and into the hallway.

Tiras let the double doors shut behind him before he finally released his hold on the girl.

“What are you doing?!” Indigo raged.

“Me?! What’s gotten into you?” Tiras pointed at her, angry himself.

“I think it is rather obvious.” Indigo snapped.

“George told me what you’ve been up to. What a coincidence you just so happened to bump into them.” He confronted her.

“It was an accident.” She lied.

“And every time they have a moment between each other, were those accidents too when you interrupted them?” Tiras questioned. 

“Ha! Like whatever. What are you even talking about, I don’t see how this involves you.” Indigo fumed but she soon changed her tone and asked him, “What’s with the sentiment anyway? That’s not like you…”

“You’d have to be blind if you don’t see what’s going on between those two…” Tiras glanced away from the girl’s gaze as he spoke with some dejection in his voice.

Indigo became interested in Tiras’s change in behavior and grew a mischievous smirk. “Are you the same Tiras? You of all people are giving up? I thought you had a crush on Raya for the longest time?”

Tiras blushed as he explained, “Y-yea, I may have liked her before… I mean, I still like her but now I realize it’s more of a protective brother-sister kind of like… Tom is pretty awesome… And if both of them can make each other happy, who are we to come in between that…”

Indigo’s eyes softened at the boy’s words. Knowing him for how long she has, this kind of mindset would never have been expected from him. It was almost endearing.

“Besides, I now have an eye for a new type of woman. One just like the Queen.” He proudly declared with an arrogant grin.

Never mind, this is definitely the same Tiras. Indigo sighed.

“Hey you two!” Blair popped zir head from a shadow ze formed on the door. 

“Eeeghh!” Tiras and Indigo shrieked in unison from their friend’s sudden appearance.

“Haha, sooooo the servants are cleaning up that mess but that red flying demon from earlier just came to tell us the cellar is ready for us to practice in!” Blair announced excitedly.

Both Tiras and Indigo looked to each other and seemed to get their head back into why they were at Lucitor Castle in the first place. No more playing around. They both nodded and told Blair, “Well, what are we waiting for!”

The cellar of Lucitor Castle was just as big as its structure upstairs with an atmosphere that was dark, dank, and dreary. The lighting was minimal from the torches hanging from the walls and it had a spooky echo to accompany those who spoke. It was the perfect place for the budding band to let loose.

“‘Kay, I digs it.” Tiras remarked while scanning over the area.

“Ghastly prepossessing indeed.” George commented.

“Ohhh where does that hallway lead?” Blair wondered ready to venture off but Indigo grabbed on to zir to keep zir with the group.

Tom had his hands on his hips and looked proudly at the space that would become a place they would all hang out at a lot after today. But there was still one other problem…

“Um, Tom.” Raya piped up from his side. “We didn’t think we would practice today. We totally forgot our instruments.”

Tom grinned her way and seemed to already have a solution. “You aren’t the only ones that are into music, you know. Look over there.”

The demon prince pointed over to a wall to reveal every instrument imaginable hanging there! From the smallest drum kit to the largest Tuba, there was enough to outfit multiple marching bands if they wanted to. Everyone ran over to the wall completely thrilled.

“And, that’s not it.” Tom declared as he gathered their attention. He further revealed a spot set up like a makeshift stage with surround speakers, amps, and even lights. The group of teenagers were definitely blown away.

“Totally wicked!” Blair was fired up as ze chose an electric guitar from the wall.

Tiras was strumming away at different bass guitars to figure out which one felt the best for him to use. Indigo was blowing on a trombone while George fingered a trumpet. Kraven was coming back to the wall to attain another drum to combine with the set he was assembling nearby.

Tom was enjoying the scene. He couldn’t help but smile knowing that he had finally had friends of his own down here in the Underworld. But being so engrossed in the commotion he didn’t notice Raya had come to his side.

She looked up at the boy with such adoration while she placed the strap of a saxophone around her. “This is incredible, Tom…” She murmured softly. “You’re incredible… Everything I’ve ever dreamed about… You’re the one...”

Tom took a minute to register what she just said to him. Time stood still as the noise of their surroundings seemed to quiet for only the two of them to exist in this very moment. He slowly turned his stare toward her to see her smiling at him with half-lidded eyes and in a way he hadn’t seen before. Smiling in a way that someone who loves another deeply would smile longingly at them. A way he always wished Star would have smiled at him.

Envy was watchful but silent in this moment, caving to the realization that was not that of a defeated competitor, but that of an understanding friend.

[all-of-the-imagines-for-eve]

Forget About It ~ Sweet Pea (Part 3)

A/n: Let me know what you guys think of this! I may be getting back into the swing of things and pick up old series and finish things up or continue stuff again. I’m open for ideas or suggestions, new requests or next parts, or just a general "Please". Give me things to write lol. Not my gif!

Word Count: 4617

MASTERLIST

You, are a shining example of why I don't sleep at all. Too many sheep on the brain to make sense of the late night call, talkin' in circles and chasing the tail of a love drunk distant memory. Am I sure that she's the one?

When the word went out that Riverdale had to be well behaved for 48 short hours, I was sure we would make it. Then Jughead came to me with a huge dilemma and ruined that surety and hope.

"Come on, Y/n," he groaned. "There are very few people I can trust right now."

My eyes landed him in a dark glare. "Jones, 48 hours. We've been given 48 hours. That's it!"

Jughead ran a hand through his hair in agitation. "My dad might not have 48 hours!"

I shook my head. "Jug, are you sure you're seeing this right? Your dad is a big boy who can take care of himself and he would be SO mad at you for dealing drugs to get him out. What if she's lying? What if-"

Jughead had never looked so angry in the time that I had known him. And I'd known him for a very long time. "Forget it," he spat, turning his back on me. "I'll just call Archie. I was thinking of calling him anyway." He looked at me for a few second before spitting, "I should have know." My eyebrows came together and he took a step toward me, making me jump as he poked me aggressively in the chest with his finger. "You. You walk around here like you know what it's like to be us. Like you know what it's like to be a Serpent or even a South Sider. You live with us and dress like us and even act like us but when it comes down to it, you're not. You've CHOSEN this life. You have a father and a brother waiting for you on the North Side. A brother I'm running to help for despite how much more I trust you. You were supposed to have my back Andrews... but I guess-" He cut off and my heart throbbed.

My face hardened as I refused to cry in front of him. "Say it," I snarled. He looked at me, suddenly unsure and regretful. But I was mad too now. "Say it!"

Our eyes locked and we both mirrored the others' anger. "You're a North Sider. Stop acting like you're not."

My breaths got caught in my throat and I swallowed. "I guess Tall Boy was right," I mumbled darkly. "I'm not one of you guys. I never was and I never will be. I've known from the start. I'm just glad I didn't get the tattoo before I realized it for real." I moved away from him, grabbing my jacket off the counter - a regular jean jacket that had no emblem or insignia on it - and left the trailer, allowing him to have it to himself again. It obviously wasn't somewhere I was welcome anymore.

I walked for half an hour before I realized I had no idea where I was going. I couldn't go back to the North Side. Every weekend I went to visit my dad, I felt more and more foreign. My neighbors have started to turn their noses up at me and my so called brother won't even look at me anymore. My dad was as gentle and loving as always, saying he misses me and my presence in the house. My dad was the only North Sider I found any reason to be there for and sometimes I wish he would just move over here with me. I wish we could be South Siders and be together and stop all of... this.

But no. He would get along here just as much as Archie would, if for different reasons. He was too warm and caring and gentle and calm. Too soft. He was a North Sider.

I found myself in the middle of the road in some distant corner of the South Side, by myself. In the most danger. What was I? A person who was neither North nor South Side. A person who's father was lenient and willing and patient but who wouldn't wait forever. Maybe he secretly liked me out of the house. I was loud and hot headed and rebellious and got into arguments with Archie constantly. He had enough problems with one kid, but two?

Sinking into a crouch, I took a deep inhale in and tried to think, hands raising to cover my face. I froze, trying to make sense of what was happening; what I was feeling and thinking. Why was it on the one time we had a chance to be free of the Black Hood, FP was suddenly in dire need of assistance? What was the point of giving us 48 hours if he believed we were all sinners? To prove a point? To give himself rationalization? To recharge himself with reason by proving to himself once again why we deserved the punishments he found fitting for us? Was he just tired and wanted to see if we would let him stop? Give up?

Was he human and tired and remorseful? Or was he vengeful and smug, driving us to our limit to prove a point and make us see how right he was? If he was playing mind games, it was working. Or maybe I was just thinking too much.

"Hey there Little Lady."

Shit. I forced myself to my feet, looking toward the voice who was approaching me. I relaxed instantly when I recognized the Serpent jacket and the ratty hair. "Tall Boy," I greeted, smiling softly. "What are you... doing?" My light hearted questioned turned dark when I noticed the other Serpents with him, all thick and built. All angry, their faces twisted and bitter. I could't even dream of taking on ONE of these guys. A half of one. But all of them? I counted. Seven in total, including Tall Boy,  circling me like vultures going after dying prey. Like lions staring down their next meal.

Tall Boy tilted his head. "You know, me and my boys have been thinking. We don't want you around here. But you're stubborn on not leaving, and now you have these boys so attached and wrapped around your finger that the only way to get rid of you..." He cracked his knuckles by putting his fist in his other hand and squeezing. I swallowed.

He stepped forward and I went into fight mode, unable to run. "Speaking of said boys who are attached to me, you don't think Jughead and Sweet Pea will be on your ass like white on rice if it gets out that you hurt me?"

Tall Boy smirked. "You may stand up tall to a Serpent and not be scared, but you forget Serpent law. We can't hurt one of our own." I swallowed as he approached me but solidified my body, staring him down. "You're not gonna beg?" He asked mockingly.

My glare hardened. "I don't beg. If you're going to kill me, you're going to look in my eyes when you do it. You're going to see the light leave and the life drain away and you're going to know that you and six big boys found pleasure and power in ripping apart a fifteen year old girl while calling themselves men. You don't scare me, Tall Boy, because I know that even though I'm not stronger than you, I AM better than you. No matter what colors or symbols we wear or what side of Riverdale we come from. Not because I'm North Side," I added as he opened his mouth with confidence that made me seethe. "But because I wouldn't raise a hand to hurt a South Sider- even if I could take you on. Not even to save my life." Tall Boy, obviously shocked by my strength and unspoken accusation, paused. I saw his weak moment and stepped forward until we were maybe an inch apart. I had to look up at him but he had been stopped dead in his tracks. “Look in my eyes while you kill me, Coward,” I growled.

When I saw him refuse to move, I turned away from him. “Don’t turn your back to an enemy,” he grumbled.

I smiled, not turning back. “YOU decide if we’re enemies, Tall Boy. You don’t scare me. Do you have the guts to kill me? Are you such a coward you can’t even look me in the eyes when you do it? Do I have to be disarmed AND smaller than you AND have my back turned? And do you really need ALL THESE GUYS to help you do it?” I met each and every pair of eyes that belonged to my would-be attackers as I spoke and one by one, they all looked away. I laughed when I finished speaking. “If I didn’t know better I’d say you were scared of me.” I turned to face him now.

But, classic Andrews, I’d said the wrong thing. We locked eyes and he suddenly charged me, fingers wrapping around my throat. I felt my air pipe squeeze shut and I choked as I tried to get to air, my eyes watering and widening as I curled my fingers into claws, digging against Tall Boy’s hands to get to air. My feet swung and I finally landed a kick in his groin, but it wasn’t enough. The world was already full of black spots and he only grunted and squeezed me tighter. My eyes leveled on Tall Boy’s, who’s eyes were on me even as his lips quivered. I saw the hurt and the pain in his eyes and despite being in my last moments, I went limp and accepted my death. I saw a little boy fighting some pain he wouldn’t let go of, and I wasn’t afraid of him.

Death might not be so bad. I wouldn’t have to deal with the Black Hood anymore. I wouldn’t have to pick a side. Archie would have an actual reason to hate the Serpents. Oh poor Sweet Pea. Jughead and I’s last words had been hateful and malicious. I wondered if he would regret them. If Archie and my father would appreciate each other more. If... If...

My brain went fuzzy and I struggled to keep my eyes open as the world began to loose color, falling into different shades of gray as it fell away into nothing...

And then I really was falling. Air rushed back into my lungs just to have my body slam into the ground and have it knocked out of me again. I lay there, blinking slowly and mostly paralyzed as my brain screamed of nothing but air. My ears were ringing as I allowed my eyes to finally close. The world was still colored in gray and my body felt so heavy. My ears were more throbbing than ringing now and I could hear voices, but they were too far away to make out. Warm and distant and welcoming, like sunlight at the end of a cold, dark tunnel. Not yet reaching me but tantalizing in his promise If I would just... keep... going...

“Y/n! Keep breathing.” I was on my back, a pressure against my chest. Then a warmth on my mouth and air was surging into my lungs again. I hadn’t realized I still wasn’t breathing. “Come on, Y/n. Come on!”

“Oh my god...”

Suddenly something in my body clicked and I curled away from the person trying to revive me, turning on my stomach. Now I was breathing on my own. Sort of. I was gasping, curling in on myself with my face in the ground. It turned bad when all I was inhaling was dirt and ended up coughing with a raw throat that seared and burned in protest.

When it all finally faded and I rasped breath after breath, my body relaxed only to be scooped up again. Someone was crying. My hand rose to find them through touch as my vision found color and shape again. Hair. I was touching hair, soft and messy. A little dirty too, like the dirt that was now in my lungs. I rested my weak hand against the back of the person’s neck. “Sweet...” I rasped. I winced as the pain returned.

“It’s me. I’m right here.” He was holding me. I curled into him, taking comfort from his familiar warmth and smell and touch. His voice was wet and thick with emotion and it made me want to comfort him. He had to smile again. He wasn’t allowed to be sad. This world could taste my knuckles if it thought otherwise.

I smiled. “Guess I need to learn to fight,” I whispered, wincing again.

Sweet Pea laughed but it sounded broken up and messy, like maybe he was half crying too. “You’re insane.”

A new voice joined the conversation. “Let’s get her home, Sweet Pea. She needs water.” He must have agreed because he was suddenly scooping me up, holding me in his arms as he walked. “We’ll be right behind you.”

“Okay. I’m going to take her to my place.”

“Where else would you take her? I said home, right?”

There was a pause and then we were walking. He was walking, holding me. “Hold on, Princess,” he whispered. His lips pressed against my forehead and I relaxed, closing my eyes and allowing myself to just be still and quiet and listen to his heartbeat. “We’ll be home soon.”

-

When the pain and dreariness and headache went away, the world’s color and clarity came back but all I could feel was a strong need for alcohol. “Please,” I groaned as I looked at Sweet Pea.

“Your throat is all kinds of messed up, trust me, you want soda.” It wasn’t like I was an alcoholic, but I had drunk it once and the light easy going feeling was what I was craving right now. I glared at him and he glared right back. “I’ll get you alcohol when you let me go beat the shit out of Tall Boy.”

Immediately we switched placed. “Sweets, no.” He rose his eyebrows and I sighed. “Look, he didn’t kill me-“

“He tried to!” Toni accused from the entrance into the kitchen. Sweet Pea motioned to her, silently using her word as an enunciation to his own points.

I sighed. “Serpent law says you can’t hurt one of your own.”

“Well he broke the law first,” Fangs snapped. “Once you break Serpent law you’re not a Serpent anymore. That’s why we don’t break the laws.”

My eyes lowered to my hands. “But he didn’t break Serpent law.” My three friends looked at me, about to be offended before they saw the hurt on my face and realized this wasn’t about me rejecting them but about me feeling rejected by them. The air in the room changed to one of defense but I spoke before they could. “Cause I’m not a Serpent. I’m not. And even if I put on the jacket and get the tattoo and do the dance, I won’t be a Serpent. No one will look at me or treat me like a Serpent- I will ALWAYS be a North Sider.” Jughead's words came back to me. Even he thought so, deep down.

Sweet Pea sat next to me, taking my hands in his and drawing our eyes to meet. Mine were watery and he kissed my knuckles. “Y/n... What we saw today. You standing up to Tall Boy with the courage of a man three times your size. It was amazing. The way you stood up to him and called him on his bullshit. You’ve shown the heart of a Serpent. And when you stood against your brother when the chance came. When you turned to trust us that first night without reason or logic, refusing to go back home because you were horrified of what he’d done. When you spoke against him for us later, standing up for us and choosing up. You showed the loyalty of a Serpent. You look and sound and act like a Serpent and you’re... you’ve got family in the Serpents already. Toni.” She smiled at me as I looked over at her. “Fangs too.” He poked his head up as he paced behind Toni, in the next room. He nodded at me as we made eye contact. When I looked back at Sweet Pea, his smile softened. “Me.” I swallowed, finding myself blushing. “And Jones too.” My eyes fell again and he sighed. “Despite what he said, he sees you as family. That’s why he trusts you. Came to you and asked you for help. He didn’t come to any of us. He went to you and then he went to your dick of a brother.” That made me chuckle. “Unlike you. When Jughead screamed at you, you could have run home. But you didn’t. Because your home is here. When you brought other people to Tall Boy's attwntion, you could have threatened Archie, or your dad. Or the entire North Side- all which would have happened. He would have started a war with the North Side. Killing one of the few people they knew and at all trusted, who was also pro-South Side? They would have eaten that UP and we would have been totally screwed. It was perfect reasoning and even Tall Boy would have had to acknowledge it. But that’s not what you thought of in that moment. You thought of Jughead. You thought of me.” He went quiet and my eyes watered again. This time the tears fell and he pulled me into a hug. “You’re a Serpent, Y/n. You just need the jacket.”

I smiled. “I would like that. Yeah.”

He leaned away, suddenly a new light in his eyes and a smile on his face. “Wait really? You want to make it official?” Fangs pushed past Toni and they both entered the room more, equally as excited.

I laughed, a weight lifted off my chest finally. “Yeah. I want to make it official.”

Sweet Pea looked about ready to kiss me and I felt my heart explode in my chest as he leaned forward. But Toni got overexcited and rushed over to us, Fangs shooting into action as he followed right behind her. She tackled me in a behind hug, both of us breaking into loud laughter. “OH MY GOSH YES! We finally get to be real sisters.”

Fangs placed his hand on my head, ruffling my hair a bit since I was out of reach to hug. “It’s gonna be good to add you to the family.” After a second he added, “Don’t worry Sweet Pea she won’t be your sister. That would be weird.” He and Toni cracked up even harder as Sweet Pea and I both exploded with blushes, eyes wide and gazes avoiding each other’s.

This was going to be fun.

-

“Are you sure about this?” Toni asked, her face worried. My eyes peeled away from the pole and I smiled, nodding. She pulled me into a hug. “You’re going to be great. And Sweet Pea and Fangs are in the crowd ready to beat the hell out of any pervs. More than I had.”

My heart grew heavy. “I hate this,” I whispered.

She leaned away, sighed. “Me too. One day we’ll get it changed. But, for now, if you want to be a Serpent...”

“I do the dance,” I finished, nodding. “Okay.” She pat me on the back and I took a breath, entering the stage. The music started and silence hit the crowd. Everyone knew my dance was tonight. Every single Serpent knew about what the bruises on my neck meant and how far I had come. Not a single Serpent didn’t know every detail of the story of me versus Archie and me versus Tall Boy. From what I heard, everyone was keen to the idea of me joining the group. But that was just from what I’d heard from people who were very willing and capable of hiding any negative talk.

I felt eyes on me and turned to look at Sweet Pea, finding him past the lights and in the crowd of people. Everyone else was faceless as I focused on him, taking a breath. He wasn’t looking at me and I was half grateful for him being a gentleman and half irritated because I wanted to see him. I wanted to see his reaction as much as I wanted his reassuring smile.

The moment passed and I grabbed the pole, beginning to move. This wasn’t the time to hold back. At first I tried to pretend no one was there but that didn’t work. I could smell them and hear them shuffling around - I KNEW they were there. It was when the chorus of Nick Jonas’ “Right Now” hit the chorus that I let go of my fear. In my mind I mad these people as threatening as Tall Boy and as arrogant as my brother. The two moments that I had claimed confidence I honed again. I managed a smirk, feeling the music and moving my body to it. It was so much easier than I thought it would be once I just stopped caring.

Right now, you know I want your body, so I won’t kiss nobody until you come back home.

And I swear, the next time that I hold you, I won’t let you go nowhere, you’ll never be alone.

I’ll never let you go.

Towards the end of the song is when Sweet Pea’s self control broke. He looked over and our eyes locked and I smirked wider, putting on a bit of a show at this point. I dropped my butt so I was sort of crouched down but lower, grabbing the pole and pulling myself up the pole again. My head tilted back, hair dangling. When I looked over, Sweet Pea swallowed, wide eyes ripping away from me as his face light up red.

I tried not to feel good about myself.

The song ended and I ran a hand through my hair, bending down to scoop up my shirt and skirt where I’d throw them when I’d stripped them off earlier. Then I made my way delicately off the stage. The second I was off the stage, the lights off and the music gone, I froze, eyes wide.

What had I just done?

Toni looked as shocked as I felt. “Holy crap girl, you have MOVES!” I blushed, raising my hand to rub the back of my neck. She nudged me and we both laughed.

I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly very self conscious in just my underwear. It was a relief when I felt a jacket go around my shoulders. “Here.” I looked over to see Sweet Pea. He’d given his Serpents jacket to me. I hadn’t worn it since that first night. This time it felt just as comfortable, but it also felt fitting. I couldn’t believe that... that I...

“Does this mean I’m... I’m official?”

“You just need the accessories,” Toni joked, wiggling her eyebrows.

I felt eyes on me and pulled the jacket tighter around me. Sweet Pea felt my discomfort and stepped up next to me, putting his arm around my shoulders. “Let’s get you home,” he declared. “We’ll worry about the rest tomorrow, yeah?” I nodded and Fangs and Toni waved to me as we left, Sweet Pea doing his best to block my body from everyone else. Once outside I paused to pull on my shirt and skirt again and he looked away as I took the few seconds. Once I was done he gave his jacket back to me and I grinned, thanking him. He smiled, nodding. We then moved to his bike, me clambering on the back after he started it.

My arms went around his waist and I pressed my cheek against his back. He breathed purposefully, relaxing more the further we got away from the Wyrm. When we got to his trailer, he lead me inside with a hand on my back. I got excited think things might finally change between us. Maybe he’d kiss me. Or... Or maybe he’d...

Despite where my brain was going, he immediately moved to the couch after giving me a kiss on the cheek. “Goodnight. You did well tonight.”

I stood there, frowning. After a second, he looked over at me, confused as to why I was there. “That’s it?” I asked. He stood to his full height, his hands moving to his waist. He looked like a mom scolding her child, eyebrow raised and head tilted.

He smiled a bit, letting me know he knew exactly what I was thinking. He moved to me slowly and I backed up against the wall but he just kept coming until our lips were millimeters apart, our breath mixing in the air. “Is this what you want?” Suddenly my heart was racing and I swallowed. I shuddered as his traced down my arm. He leaned away, chuckling. “Didn’t think so.”

I glared. “I just thought-“

He shot me a look. “That we were going to have sex? I have self control, Y/n, and you are not ready. I’m not ready for that, with you. We’re not there yet.”

I opened my lips to argue. “I-“ But then I stopped. “Yet?” He suddenly wouldn’t look at me. I chuckled, moving to his side. “I just want to kiss you, honestly. I was hoping I could at least do that.”

He met my eyes and suddenly pulled me close, his arms wrapping around my waist. I grinned, my hands moving to the back of his neck. “Do you know how badly I’ve wanted to kiss you?” My breath caught. His forehead rested on mine, my eyes fluttering shut when he leaned forward. I tilted my head back so that our noses brushed, lips ghosting. “I’ve wanted to kiss you so badly,” he mumbled and we were so close I could feel the movement.

I swallowed. “Then kiss me.” Every word was felt, our lips touching just enough. Then he closed the gap - as small as it was - and we were kissing. He pulled me tighter against him and I inhaled sharply through my nose, my hands slipping into his hair, tugging. He stepped forward, a little clumsy. He found the wall and pressed me against it. It felt so good to have him so close. We got lost in each other. We parted a second to catch our breaths just to dive right back into the kiss. We kissed again and again until the room seemed to grow much hotter than it had been. His hand moved to my waist, finger tips slipping under my shirt. I gasped.

He pulled away fully, blinking his eyes. “Sorry,” he grunted.

“It- it’s- you’re fine,” I stumbled to reassure.

He looked at me, chuckling as he shook his head. “No it’s not. I said we’re not ready because we’re not. You’re just...” He reached up, the side of his fingers tapping my chin. “So hard to resist.” I blushed and he kissed me again, this time short and sweet. He went to move away. “Goodnight Y/n.”

I caught his wrist. “Sleep with me.” He glared and I shook my head. “No I mean, JUST sleep.” I laughed and he relaxed, actually smiling. He sighed, pausing to think. I moved toward the bedroom, tugging him after me.

He laughed. “Okay, okay. The couch was giving me neck cramps anyway.”

That night I fell asleep wrapped in his arms, his kiss still warm in memory on my lips. So we failed the 48 hour dare and the Black Hood was waiting for us tomorrow. Tonight? Tonight I slept with not a single worry, warm and in the arms of the boy I was falling for. The boy that was falling for me. Everything else could wait for tomorrow.

-

Forever Tag: @bitchyseawitch @chipster-21 @alexa-playafricabytoto

Story Tag List: @reblogserpent

[hegemoneapple]

Basilisk Eyes: Chapter 43: Mont Blanc

Crossposted: Basilisk Eyes by Hegemone | Completed: Chapter 43 out of 157 | T | AO3 | FFN | WATT | HPFF

As Harry and Gemma were walking through the dining hall and then down the corridor toward the owlery, Harry was thinking about how dramatically things had changed for him in a month. He could have never anticipated being where he was now. Ever. He was thinking about Mei, her anger and how she had been hurting herself. He understood it in a way he couldn’t have understood it before.

They were at the door of the owlery—the odor bowled him over as they pushed open the door and crossed the threshold. Gemma stood still for a moment when they first walked in and he heard her take a sharp intake of breath.

“What is it?” he asked.

She took his hand and wrote on his palm, “V-I-E-W” space “B-R-E-A-T-H-T-A-K-I-N-G-!”

She walked over to a window. He followed her arm down to the windowsill she was leaning against, feeling the peeling paint under his fingertips. The warm summer air blowing in through the window lifted London’s unique aroma up—a mixture of petrol, bakeries, rubbish, and curry. Down below, horns honked, trains rattled, voices rose and fell. The afternoon sun felt good on his face and took in deep breaths and loosed some tension from his shoulders.

“Yeah, it is pretty spectacular, isn’t it,” he agreed.

She took up his palm and wrote, “S-U-N” space “G-L-I-M-M-E-R-S” space “O-F-F” space “B-U-I-L-D-I-N-G-S” space “D-A-Z-Z-L-I-N-G”.

“I can hear the cars honking their horns, the rattling of the train as it moves on the tracks, people’s voices, and some buskers’ songs along with the owls hooting and grumbling behind us,” he told her, the paper rattling next to his lips as he spoke. He heard her grabbing the paper and then stuff it into her pocket.

“Doesn’t the paper disappear?” he asked.

“C-A-T-C-H” space “I-T” space “S-T-A-Y” she explained.

“Nice.”

She went on to write, “I” space“F-E-E-L” space “P-U-L-S-I-N-G” space “C-I-T-Y” space “T-H-R-O-U-G-H” space “S-I-L-L.”

“I can feel it, too.”

“W-H-Y” space “Y-O-U” space “C-L-O-S-E” space “E-Y-E-S?”

“The sun is too bright. It hurts my eyes.”

She shook his hand gently, as if she were excited, “Y-O-U” space “S-E-E?”

“Just bright light, nothing else.”

Her hand stroked the back of his as if she were petting a cat, soothingly.

He shrugged. He realized he was getting used to not seeing.

“Can you hear anything?” He felt it was fair to ask.

She tapped his palm once and then again, twice. He pointed his nose at her and pulled his eyebrows together. 

She took his palm and wrote, “V-E-R-Y” space “L-O-U-D,” and then slammed her hand on the sill, making Harry jump at the sudden sound. 

She tapped once, “No,” and he understood that she couldn’t hear even that loud noise. He nodded in understanding. 

Harry heard the flutter of wings behind him and claws scratching on a wood post and Hedwig’s cooing call behind him.  He was amazed that he could pick out her voice from all the other owls. He turned, wanting to walk over to her, but not sure what was between them in the room. They had walked straight to the window from the doorway without going around anything, but Hedwig was in an area of the room he hadn’t been in before.

“Hedwig’s here,” he said to Gemma. He didn’t fancy running into a poo-smeared post.

She tapped the back of his hand and they walked over to Hedwig. Harry reached out his hand to find her downy warmth and smiled, wanting to bury his face in her feathers. Gemma hung back a little.

“It’s okay, Gemma. She’s gentle,” Harry said suspecting that she was nervous because of Hedwig’s size. He reached for Gemma’s hand and she met his and he guided her hand to Hedwig’s wing.

“Hedwig, this is Gemma. Gemma, this is Hedwig,” he smiled at them both. He remembered the bit of roll and biscuits in his pocket and fished them out to break into small bits for Hedwig. She pecked at his hand, picking them up with her beak. 

I should have saved some of the mincemeat for her, but … ew… that would have made a mess in my pocket. 

After a bit, Hedwig hooted and opened her wings wide. Harry and Gemma stepped back and she flew back to her perch.

“She must want to sleep,” Harry laughed. “We’ve been dismissed.”

Gemma led Harry to the window again and they stood side by side feeling the pulsing city through the reverberations of the window ledge. Harry heard a bell tolling and realized that it must be Big Ben sounding the quarter hour. 

“Can you see Big Ben?” he asked Gemma, wondering what direction they were facing.

She tapped twice on his hand.

“It is tolling now—the quarter hour. We should head back,” he said. She tapped, “yes,” on his hand and he took her arm.

“Bye, Hedwig,” Harry called up to her and heard her growling coo in response. 

They wiped their feet at the door. The door closed behind them, shutting off the sounds of London and the owls along with the pungent odor of the owlery and they were back in the Center with its fragrance of potions. He smelled the pepper-up potion and wondered why it was needed.

“I wonder where your mom is,” Harry asked Gemma, he caught the paper and handed it to her, certain she hadn’t seen it. He felt her shrug in response.

Then he heard Mrs. Boot’s voice coming from behind them, “Gemma! There you are!”

Harry squeezed Gemma’s arm, stopped, and said, “Your mom’s behind us.”

“Where have you been, dear? I’ve been looking for you!” Mrs. Boot closed the gap between them. Harry dropped Gemma’s arm so that she could sign more freely with her mom.

“Hi, Harry! So you took Gemma to visit your owl, Hedwig?” Mrs. Boot addressed him.

“Yes, Mrs. Boot,” Harry answered. “We were also looking for you.”

“Yes, well, Gemma said that. I just went to the ladies’ room. I guess I missed you. And now it is time for me to leave.” Mrs. Boot sounded forlorn.

“Gemma, I’ll let you say goodbye to your mum, and I’ll meet you back in the dining hall, okay?” Harry said as he reached in his pocket for his staff and shook it out.

“Thank you, dear, that’s very kind,” Mrs. Boot answered. “Oh, wait a sec. Gemma wonders why you want to meet in the dining hall. Don’t you need to go back to that classroom? What was it called, Gemma?” 

There was a pause while Gemma signed to her mom,  “Oh, yes. Mont Blanc.”

“Oh, that’s right! Thanks, Gemma!” Harry was glad she remembered.

“You’re sure you can make your way back all right?” Mrs. Boot asked skeptically.

“Yes, it’s not a problem Mrs. Boot.” Harry tried not to sound irritated.

Gemma made a swishing movement across the back of his hand, which he took for a wave.

“See you soon, Gemma, and it was nice to meet you, Mrs. Boot,” Harry said as he started walking away.

“Yes, nice to meet you, too!” 

Harry muttered, “Navigant Mont Blanc classroom,” and made his way down the corridor toward the now stale smell of lunch that hung on the air.

I really need to use the loo, Harry thought. 

He stopped and said “Navigant toilet,” and was relieved that it was close by and on his way to the classroom. It was actually a bit of a dream of a loo—just like the buffet, it was charmed to let him know what things were as his hand hovered near them. Also, as someone who had spent a lot of his childhood cleaning bathrooms, it smelled really clean in a wixen way which was much more pleasant than Aunt Petunia’s toxic chemicals.

His staff was taking him through the dining hall to get to the classroom. He wondered if there was another corridor that went around the dining hall.

When he reached the dining hall, he discovered that the doors were closed and his staff let him know that someone else was in the entrance.

“Hello?” he asked.

“Oh, hi,” said a tremulous female voice.

“Are you okay?” Harry asked.

“Oh, sure,” she hiccuped. “I just can’t figure out how to open these doors. They are super heavy and I think there must be a way to open them with magic.”

“Oh, yes, there’s a panel by the door on the right. Healer Jordan showed me how to use it.” 

“Oh, thank goodness. I pounded on the door earlier and no one seemed to hear me, I’m glad you came along.”

“See, here’s the panel,” Harry said, he had just located it with his hand and was running his fingers over the raised symbols for opening the doors.

“Are you standing away from the door? It will open toward us, I think,” Harry asked before pressing the open symbol.

“Oh, yes, I’ll get out of the way,” she said and that’s when he heard her using a staff and realized that she must also be blind.

“Here, if you come over here. I can show you the panel. He was tapping his staff on the ground so that she could hear his location, and accidentally collapsed it. “Oops,” he laughed at himself.

“What?” she asked.

“Oh, I just accidentally collapsed my staff—I was tapping it so you could find me,” he explained as he shook it out again.

“Oh, I did that the other day!” she said, her voice filling with mirth. “Except I was just nervously tapping it.”

She was near him now and he could hear her hand on the wall by the panel.

“I’m still not finding it,” she said.

“Try a little lower. It is at a height so that people who are sitting down can reach it.” 

“Found it. Thanks!” She seemed relieved.

“Why don’t you do the honors?” Harry suggested.

“I’m not sure which buttons open it, do you know? I don’t read braille yet,” she asked.

“Healer Jordan just explained it to me before lunch, but yeah, I don’t read braille yet either. I guess we’re going to learn here. I’m Harry Potter by the way.” 

“Oh, everyone’s been talk… Er. I guess I shouldn’t tell you that. Privacy and everything,” she mumbled, clearly embarrassed. “I’m Aminah Khan.” 

“Yeah. I know. So, Aminah, the button that opens the doors has two triangles pointing away from each other, their flat sides in the middle, to close the doors, press the button that has the triangle points pointing toward each other in the center.” Harry felt like Healer Jordan had explained it more clearly.

“That makes sense. Okay, I’m opening them,” Aminah said and they listened to the doors opening.

Harry heard Aminah walking through and followed a little behind her as she navigated through the dining hall to the doors that led to the classroom on the other side. Harry heard running footsteps behind him and wondered if the little kids were still here from the tour, then as a little hand rested on his arm, recognized Gemma by her scent… something faintly cinnamony.

“Hi, Gemma! That didn’t take long.” 

He called ahead to Aminah who had slowed down when Gemma was running toward them, “Aminah, have met Gemma Boot? She’s in our room, too.” 

“Hi, Gemma,” Aminah greeted.

“Um, Gemma can’t hear or speak, so I’m using a Scribunt loqui charm that writes out what I’m saying so she can read it—it writes it on slips of paper that flutter by your mouth and then disappear, unless you grab them—then you can keep them.”

“I was wondering what that paper sound was—I kept hearing it today,” Aminah said. “How does Gemma communicate with you, then?” 

“She spells words on my palm and if you speak slowly she can read your lips, but I guess that’s pretty hard to do,” Harry explained as Gemma took his hand and started to write: “T-E-A-C-H” space “C-H-A-R-M.”

“Gemma wants me to teach you the charm.” 

“Do we have time? Isn’t it close to the time we’re supposed to be at Mont Blanc?” Aminah asked.

“Oh, right. Gemma, I’ll teach her when we get to the classroom, okay? So we’re not late,” he explained. Gemma tapped twice on his palm, then guided his hand to her elbow so she could guide him. Harry collapsed his staff.

The classroom wasn’t too far beyond the dining hall. Gemma pressed the button that opened the dining hall doors to the corridor.

Harry was feeling a bit nervous as they approached the classroom. He was wondering what their instructors would be like… would they be severe and exacting like Professor McGonagall? Deadly boring like Binns? Energetic and effusive like Professor Flitwick? Earthy and congenial like Professor Sprouts? Ditzy and self-absorbed like Professor Lockhart? Demanding and brooding like Professor Snape?

As they got closer to the classroom, Harry could hear people saying their goodbyes with their families in the corridor.

Gemma stopped and grabbed Harry’s hand and started quickly writing, “A-S-K” space “H-E-R”… There was an urgency in the way that she was spelling into his hand that he didn’t get until he realized that Aminah was getting confused ahead of them with all the people to navigate around. He called out to her: “Aminah, Gemma wants me to ask you if you’d like her to guide you into the classroom since there are a lot of people out here.” 

He turned his face to Gemma, “Is that what you wanted?” 

She tapped his hand twice.

Aminah sounded relieved when she answered, “Yes, that would be great. Thank you.”

“Gemma, she said yes, please,” Harry said to Gemma, and she let go of his hand and went to Aminah.

Harry took his staff out of his pocket and shook it out and tried to follow them, but there were too many people talking loudly in the corridor and he wasn’t able to track them. The little kids were running around, giggling gleefully and more than once ran into his staff (to which his staff exclaimed loudly, but it didn’t really help him avoid the collision because it happened too quickly). 

He muttered, “Navigant Mont Blanc classroom,” to his staff and found the door eventually.

“Hi Harry,” a voice greeted him from a seated level—Mei at the entrance.

“Hi, Mei. Are you ready for this?” 

“As ready as I’ll ever be, I imagine.” 

“What’s the room set-up? Can you describe it to me?” 

“It’s like it was before—outside in the mountains with a rocky terrain and benches set in a theater seating facing a lake.” 

“Thanks! Are you going to pull up the ramp?” 

“Fortunately, it’s already in place. You’re safe. Here comes your girlfriend.”

Harry felt his face heat up, but he was glad Gemma was back. She tapped his hand and he found her elbow.

“Do you want to sit with us, Mei?” 

“Sure, I’ll follow you.” Mei seemed pleased at the invitation.

Gemma led Harry down the ramp and then their feet were crunching over a sandy landscape that also had little tufts of grass and random rocks that Harry kept slipping on. He could hear Mei struggling behind them.

Gemma had grasped both his elbows and was gently pushing him backward. He was confused until the bench hit the backs of his knees, and he sat down.

“Harry?” Aminah asked from the bench next to him.

“Yes, it’s me.”

Gemma sat next to him and he could hear Mei putting the brakes on her wheelchair on the other side of Gemma. He wondered if Tony was nearby. He didn’t want to say it out loud or have it written by his lips, so he took Gemma’s hand and wrote: “T-O-N-Y?” into her hand. She tapped once, “No.”

“Harry, will you teach me that charm now? It would be really handy to be able to speak with Gemma,” Aminah asked.

“Sure,” Harry responded and they spent the next few minutes working on it while they waited for the next session to begin.

[therainroguefanfiction]

🔥 ℝise Ⱥbove I̾t ◈ Chapter 004 [Thieving Brunette]

📑 Table of Contents | ◂ Backward

Word Count: 1,542 ☁

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〈“Just the way you are. With the self that you’ve got. Shout out to the world.” B.A.P, “Do What I Feel”〉

⊱ ────── {⋅. 🔥 .⋅} ────── ⊰

I followed Blondie through the clothing store, my hands shoved into my pockets. I had changed into a pair of his clothes that were too small for him because I couldn’t stand the pants without pockets that I had been given at the school. Even though they were too small for his beefed-up form, they were baggy on me, but that’s how I preferred my clothes. Most of his clothes were huge, though, so be had no choice but to take me clothes shopping.

My eyes scanned the racks of clothes, looking for anything that caught my eye. I looked around for the t-shirts, finding them on shelves against the back wall. Let’s see… this black one has a tiger on it, that’s nice. Oh, god, is that a shirt with a taco?! I grabbed five taco shirts and one tiger shirt, all of them two sizes too big so they would be baggy on me. I handed them over to Blondie, who was standing nearby looking at the display dedicated to himself. Well, his powered up self, anyway.

I looked through the pants, choosing two pairs of basketball shorts, a blue and a black pair, a pair of jeans and a pair of dark green cargo pants. I glanced back at the display, but Blondie had already moved on. With a shrug, I threw the items over my left shoulder before heading toward the underwear section. My eyes scanned the rows of silk and lace. As I reached the end of the row, my eyes fell onto a grinning face.

I jumped back in surprise, “Fuck!”

The woman snickered, lips curling up into a wide grin. She was wearing one of those gray skirt suits, her platinum blonde hair pulled back into a tight bun that sat on top of her skull. Her serpentine eyes scanned my body. “You stand at five-foot-nine. Your bust is thirty-six inches, waist is twenty-two inches, and hips are thirty-five inches. Very nice proportions, dear.”

My face flushed as I crossed my arms over my chest. “How the fuck do you know that shit?!”

She snickered again, tapping the skin underneath her golden eye. “It’s my quirk. I can guess anyone’s measurements, both male and female, with one hundred percent accuracy!”

What kind of half-assed quirk is that?!

“One moment,” she held up a manicured finger before turning around and going back the way she came. She returned seconds later holding the thinnest piece of fabric I’ve ever seen in my life. Made of black lace, it was more string than anything. “You would look gorgeous in this!”

“Over my fucking dead body,” I deadpanned, pushing past her.

“W-Wait a minute!” She grabbed my shoulder, ignoring the glare I gave her. “I have never had a disappointed client in my life. Trust me, and all of your dreams will come true!”

Do people actually buy this shit? “My dreams, huh.”

She nodded enthusiastically with wide eyes and a grin stretched from ear to ear. She looked more like a serial killer. “Tell me what your heart desires most!”

This bitch is creepy as fuck. “My heart desires for you to get the fuck out of my face and leave me alone.” I yanked my shoulder free, leaving her standing there with her mouth gaping open. What an absolute tool bag. How many women has she taken advantage of?

I wasn’t into all this lace and frilly shit, it just didn’t interest me. I just want some simple boyshorts made of that comfortable, soft cotton.

I looked through the value packs, trying to find one with designs that weren’t ugly as hell. As I moved them aside to get a look at the ones in the back, something caught my eye. Shoved against the wall was a pack with the coolest designs I had seen so far – a cute blue pumpkin with a smile, a repeating cat pattern against an orange backdrop, and… are those tacos? Fuck yes they are!

With a grin, I started removing the packs from the hook so I could grab it. Why the hell couldn’t they make these things with actual hooks so you don’t have to go through a mountain of product to get the one you want? Whatever, it was worth having to put them all back one by one.

As I stood up, I noticed Blondie loitering around just outside the underwear section. If he was trying to look inconspicuous, he was failing miserably. Is this guy really the symbol of peace? I thought back to everything he had said yesterday. I guess he ain’t so bad. Seems kinda dorky so far, though.

Shaking my head, I headed toward the bra section. A sports bra would be best since it’s comfortable and made with movement in mind. Should I go with a plain one or try for a pattern? I doubt there’s a… I looked to my right, eyes widening. Sparkles surrounded the black bra, a beautiful taco printed in the center. The straps were striped with black and orange. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life and I wanted it. I reached out for it, but just as my fingers brushed the soft fabric, it was snatched away.

“I’m sorry, did you want this?”

My eyes snapped over, locking with violet. The girl was smirking as she held the hanger on her finger, shaking it back and forth. I bit back the insults that rost to my tongue. “Yes, I would like that, please.”

She hummed, puckering her glossy peach lips. “Nah,”

I watched in stunned silence as she turned, her brunette ponytail nearly slapping me in the face. “O-Oi!” I grabbed her shoulder with a snarl. “You saw me reaching for it, bitch!”

She scoffed, glaring back at me. “What’s your point? You should’ve been faster, grandma.”

Grandma?! “You little fu -”

Someone cleared their throat and I glanced over, catching Blondie’s eyes as he looked between us. “Is everything alright, young Jen?”

“Aww, did daddy come to save you?” She pouted, fighting back a grin. “How cute,”

This bitch is just like Skye and Heather. My eyes narrowed, but before I could grab her, Blondie stepped between us, shaking his head. My hands balled into fists at my side. I just wanted to punch her.

She laughed loudly as she headed for the front of the store.

I turned back to the wall of bras with a scoff. I really wanted that taco bra, it was so beautiful… man, this blows. Feeling defeated, I grabbed a plain black bra and headed for the checkout, Blondie following close behind. There were only two checkout lanes and he steered me toward the one that girl hadn’t chosen. She kept smirking over at me and waving the bra around like she had just won the fucking gold medal.

“Young Jen,”

“What,”

“I’ll be right back,” He carefully handed me the rest of my items before leaving the store.

Where the hell is he going? He has to pay! The line moved and I stepped up, meeting the eyes of the creepy measurement chick. Fuck’s sake, I think I’m cursed. She was still grinning widely, but it didn’t seem as enthusiastic as the first time we met.

“Did you find everything you were looking for, miss?”

I glanced behind her at the brunette who was handing the taco bra to her cashier. “Sure,” I muttered, handing her the items. Where did Blondie go? Did he really ditch me?

Suddenly the store erupted into gasps and squeals. I saw the thieving bitch’s eyes grow wide as her face flushed red. She looked like she was meeting her soul mate in a shoujo anime.

A heavy arm fell over my shoulders and I scowled, turning my head to chew out whoever was touching me, only to find Blondie in his hulked out form, smiling widely. “I apologize for being late!”

The women swooned at his first. Most of these chicks are pretty old, too…

I caught the gaze of the brunette, whose mouth was opening and closing like a fish out of water. Her wide eyes were darting between me and him. That’s when I noticed the All Might plush and keychain that the cashier was currently trying to hand back to her. So that’s it, then. This was his getting revenge for me in his own weird way. That’s nice and all, but… I fucking hate attention.

Blondie paid the bill and apologized to those asking for autographs and pictures before steering me out of the store, the bags in his hands. He made sure we weren’t being followed before leading me into an alleyway, waiting a moment before letting his muscled form slip away.

“Let’s go home,” he said, tiredly, stepping back onto the sidewalk.

I followed, falling in step beside him. “Thanks for that, Blondie. The look on her face was fucking priceless.”

He smiled, patting my shoulder. “You’re very welcome,”

I grabbed his wrist, giving him a sadistic smile. “But if you ever do that again, I’ll make your life a living hell~”

His eyes widened in surprise as he came to a stop. I kept walking, feeling his gaze on my back.

⊱ ────── {⋅. 🔥 .⋅} ────── ⊰

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[minijenn]

Universe Falls Preview 3

So ya’ll gettin lucky with this one I’m giving you an entire damn scene here just so I won’t have to give you a fourth preview (which I may still end up doing anyway idk it depends cause this chapter is going to be very long) but for reals I fucking love all of this and I’m so excited that I figured I”d share it so here you go!

Almost as soon as he had voiced this question, Dipper instantly noticed an abrupt breeze start to pick up, one that quickly turned into a full on, admittedly ominous gale as it whipped through the trees. Somewhat unsettled by this, he pulled his jacket tighter around his shoulders as he securely grabbed the laptop and braced himself against the sudden chill, only to realize that the light of the full moon in the skies ahead of him was starting to change as well. Slowly, a long, slitted line began to draw itself over the moon, splitting it cleanly in half as a series of initially transparent, glowing blocks began to gravitate towards it out of seemingly nowhere. Dipper gasped, alarmed by this bewildering phenomenon as he leapt to his feet, taking a nervous step back as he stared towards the moon with wide eyes, only for it to stare right back at him. The bright blocks continued stacking against the moon, forming a distinct triangular shape as the winds picked up to near hurricane levels. And then, as they finally all joined together in a bright, practically blinding flash of light, the world bled of color instantly, turning into a full, frozen greyscale scape as cause of all this strangeness finally made his appearance:

Bill Cipher.

“I THINK I KNOW A GUY!” he proclaimed boldly, his distinctively pitchy voice echoing harshly throughout the colorless woods. In light of this completely unexpected, unprecedented encounter, Dipper was effectively stunned into frozen silence as he stood in the dream demon’s massive triangular shadow. Still, Bill hardly seemed to notice or care as he drew in closer, his manner just as casual as ever as he circled the dumbfounded human before him. “Well, well, well. I gotta admit, you’re awfully persistent, Pine Tree. Hats off to you!” At this, Bill took his top hat off and tipped it, the entire world seeming to abruptly tilt along with it.

Dipper let out a startled gasp as he struggled to maintain his footing on the roof as it slipped sideways, though fortunately it leveled itself once more moments later. As it did, he was quick to regain his composure for the sake of putting on an air of brazen defiance to the crafty dream demon, remembering well how much trouble he had caused during his last appearance. “You again!” he exclaimed crossly, holding the laptop a bit tighter as Bill calmly glided past him. “What do you think you’re doing here?!”

“Oh, just checking in,” Bill shrugged coyly. “Did ya miss me? Admit it, you missed me.”

“Hardly,” Dipper scoffed, rolling his eyes. “You worked with Gideon! You tried to destroy my uncle’s mind! Oh, and not to mention that you constantly terrorized all of us while we were trying to save him, what with you stealing Steven’s gem and shooting a whole straight through my chest. Need I go on?”

“Geez, it was just a job, kid!” the dream demon countered defensively. “No hard feelings! Besides, since then, I’ve been keeping an EYE on you!” At this, Bill instantly shot up to a massive size, his voice ominously deepening and his eye turning pitch black as he peered at Dipper piercingly. “And even if you are a bit rough around the edges, I must say I’m impressed!”

“Y-you are?” Dipper asked, unsure of what to make of that. After all, he really didn’t see anything particularly good about garnishing the interest of a being like Bill Cipher, especially given the countless warnings the journal gave against him.

“Sure am!” Bill agreed brightly. “In fact, you deserve a prize! Here, have a head that’s always screaming!” With a mere snap of the dream demon’s fingers, a disembodied head appeared, one that, sure enough, was crying out in shrill, endless agony as it fell onto the roof. Dipper gasped in fearful disgust as he flinched away from it, only for the head to begin to peel itself away layer by layer, from skin, to muscle, to bone, before it disappeared entirely as Bill simply laughed in sadistic amusement all the while.

“Augh! What’s wrong with you?!” Dipper exclaimed at this, appalled by such a twisted, demented display.

“Ain’t that the question of the millennia!” Bill chuckled carelessly as he floated down to take a seat on the edge of the roof. “But the point is, I like you, kid! And I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve been having a hard time with that crusty old laptop there, so how’s about you let me give you a hint, huh? I only ask for a small FAVOR in return.” As the dream demon said this, both his hand and his eye lit up with an unnatural strain of blue fire, his manner still incredibly casual, even despite the immediately harsh rejection his offer received.

“Are you kidding me? I’d never do a favor for you!” Dipper exclaimed adamantly, unable to believe that the dream demon would even have the gall to propose something so outlandish. “Don’t forget who defeated you last time!”

“Right, you ‘defeated’ me,” Bill rolled his eye as he disappeared into the roof, only to come rising up out of it behind Dipper just a second later. “Still, seems to me like you’re passing up a great deal like this pretty quickly, Pine Tree. Kinda ironic when you think about how Water Wings didn’t hesitate to take up Stripes’ deal to save you…”

Dipper was completely caught off guard by this, especially as his picture of him and Lapis came flying out of his pocket to hover over the dream demon’s hand. “Hey! Give that back!” he protested, reaching for the photo only for Bill to teasingly pull it out of his reach.

“Whoa, hold your awkward, pre-pubescent horses for a sec, kid, and think about this,” the demon contested coolly. “Do you really think you’re getting anywhere by making all those shots in the dark about that password? You think you’re not just wasting your time out here while Water Wings has a non-stop, all-out brawl with Stripes at the bottom of that lake just so she can keep you ‘safe’?”

“S-stop,” Dipper muttered, his hands clenched tightly at his sides as he tried to block out what Bill was saying, even if he knew it was all true. But of course, the dream demon simply ignored him and kept going with his sly, almost cruel form of manipulation.

“Wouldn’t it just be so much easier to get just a little help, to get just a tiny bit closer?” Bill kept the photo positioned right above Dipper as he talked, deceptively close but still so far out of his reach, much like the blue Gem herself was at the moment. “Wouldn’t that make whatever small thing I want from you worth it just to bail her out?”

“Stop,” Dipper said a bit firmer this time, sending the dream demon a fierce warning glare as he tried to remind himself that he wasn’t going to take this deal, he wasn’t going to give Bill what he wanted, whatever that was. Still, that didn’t mean his appeal wasn’t starting to become the least bit tantalizing.

“After all,” Bill continued callously, clearly taking pleasure in how uncomfortable his truthful words were making Dipper. “Water Wings sure thought it was worth it to bail you out, didn’t she?”

“Stop!” Dipper finally shouted, unable to take any more of this, lest he actually give in under the pressure. A beat of heavy silence passed as he stared the dream demon down, his heated anger cooling just a bit, even if it was still very much on the surface as he offered a firm, but surprisingly tranquil response. “I don’t need your help.”

“Oh, suuuuure you don’t!” Bill deadpanned, rolling his eye once more. “After all, you already have Shooting Star and Rosebud to help you out with this, so why would you need me? Oh, but wait! They’re busy with that little puppet show, aren’t they? Oh, well, you can always ask those Crystal Chumps for help, right? I’m sure Fuse Box, Half-Baked, and Bird Brain know all there is to know about that laptop, almost is if they didn’t mysteriously lose all their memories on that journal of yours!”

Dipper stilled at this, hating the fact that, once again, the dream demon was right on the mark with such claims. With Steven, Mabel, and even Connie still distracted by the play and the Gems as clueless about who the author could be as they were, he was really the only one who could put the time and effort into this mystery that it truly deserved. And, so far, trying to tackle it completely on his own had gotten him absolutely nowhere at all. Still, to accept help from Bill, of all sources, would definitely be asking for trouble, trouble that, after all of the disasters of the recent invasion and its brutal aftermath, Dipper certainly didn’t need right now. “I said,” he began again, squaring his shoulders as he glared at the demon unrelentingly. “I don’t need your help!”

“Eh, well, then have it your way,” Bill shrugged, seemingly unconcerned by this refusal. “But if you ever change your mind, I’ll be here for you, ready to make a deal!” To punctuate his point, a slot machine appeared on his flat surface, all three wheels stopping right on the pine tree symbol. “You know, now that I’ve brought it up, maybe I’ll go pay your pal Water Wings a visit down at the bottom of the lake and let her know all about how her precious little Pine Tree doesn’t care enough about her to lend her a hand! I bet that would a lot of fun!”

“W-wha—no!” Dipper exclaimed, his calm manner all but gone at the idea of the dream demon tormenting the blue Gem. As if she wasn’t being tormented enough by being fused with Jasper alone. “You leave Lapis alone!”

“Boy, you sure are easy to rile up, Pine Tree.” Bill laughed twistedly, finally letting the picture fall back into Dipper’s hands. “It’s hilarious, almost as funny as you thinking you can guess that password all on your own! Oh, speaking of which, wanna hear my impression of you in about three seconds?” At this, the demon let out a loud, fearful scream, one that Dipper ended up inadvertently echoing only seconds later as he found himself abruptly pulled back into reality. Bill was fortunately finally gone and color had returned to the world as the skies filled in with the breaking of dawn, a calming sight after the still, lifeless void he had just been in.

[illuminating-dragons]

Nesting (7/?): Hey Sister

Summary:  Destiel's having a baby! (No mpreg, promise) Ben wants to be happy. He really, really does.

Read it on AO3

           When Dad called him in to the library, Ben was sure he was in trouble.

           It wouldn’t be because of his not-so-great math test—Dad understood about that. But if Balthazar had told him about the books he was reading, and the nightmares he was having because of them…

           But Dad was smiling and holding hands with Cas, so it couldn’t be that bad.

           “Hey buddy.” Dad gestured for Ben to come over, and he sat next to Dad. “We’ve got some exciting news.”

           “What’s up?” Ben asked.

           Dad squeezed Cas’ hand. “We’re having a baby.”

           Ben stared at them. “Can angels—”

           “No!” Cas said quickly. “At least, not in male bodies. Neither of us our pregnant, Ben.”

           “Oh, you’re adopting?”

           “Not exactly,” Dad explained. “Your Uncle Gabriel’s been very kind and agreed to help create a child for us, one that has parts of Cas and parts of me. It’s a soul that…”

           “One that suffered in life,” Cas supplied. “They requested a second chance.”

           “Do you know who it was?” Ben asked, intrigued.

           “No, and we won’t. My Father has made sure of that.”

           “Okay. That’s…that’s cool, I guess.”  

           “Cool? That’s all you got to say about a new brother or sister?” Dad demanded.

           Ben brightened. “They’ll be my brother or sister?”

           “Of course, you’re my kid, aren’t you?”

           “Yeah, but we don’t have the same mom. I guess they’re half, but—”

           “Ben,” Cas interrupted him. “Do you consider your Uncle Adam only your half-uncle? Or any of my siblings less your family?”

           “No.” Ben fidgeted. “I just meant you could call the baby yours, but it doesn’t have to be mine.”

           Dad seemed to understand what he was trying to say, and he tugged him under his arm. “You’ll be a big brother in nine months if you want,” he told Ben gently. “You’ll be this baby’s family. Okay?”

           “Okay.” Ben swallowed hard. “That is awesome. Will you teach me, Dad?”

           Dad pressed a kiss to his head. “I’ll teach you everything I know.”

           The next few months went smoothly. Dad and Cas started planning out how to take care of a baby and help run the Men of Letters at the same time. It was Uncle Sam that told them not to be idiots and take time off so that they could both be there for the baby.

           (When Ben was born, his mom had to put him in daycare after he was three months old. That was as long as she could ask her parents to watch him.)

           Everyone in the Bunker helped make the baby’s room. Cas painted some Enochian symbols over the crib. When Ben asked him what they meant, he explained that it was a lullaby. “Our child is not a Nephilim precisely,” Cas told him, “but this is an important song. I want my child to remember that they come from Heaven.”

           (When Ben was five, he was given a worksheet with ‘Draw Your Family’ on it. He drew a man in a car far away from him and mom. He didn’t even know if his father drove a car. Maybe he drove a motorcycle.)

           Ben started asking Mom if he could stay home on his weekends with Dad. “I have too much homework,” in September. “My friend’s having a birthday party,” in October.

           He never said “I feel like I’m just in the way.” Never mentioned out loud that he felt like everyone was excited about this baby except for him.

           When he did go to the Bunker (and he still wanted to go, because he loved Dad and Cas and the rest of their family), he kept reading the same books he’d started. They were terrifying, and if Aunt Charlie or Uncle Sam or Grampy had noticed what he was reading they would have probably burned the books for being inaccurate and overly horrific. But Ben was in the library by himself a lot of the time, and no one noticed.

           The breaking point came about four months in. Dad and Cas were talking about names for the baby.

           “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” Meg asked.

           “Does that matter?”

           “There are names that are considered more ‘boy’ names than ‘girl’ names,” Hannah said wisely.

           Cas hid a smile. “We know, Hani. And of course our child could be born transgender, which we won’t know yet.”

           Gabriel nodded. “I offered to tell them the sex for a starting point, but they said no.”

           “We want it to be a surprise.” Dad looked at a list in front of him. “Why don’t we start with the boy names? I think that might take longer.”

           “Well, your son’s already got my name,” Uncle Adam joked. Ben looked up, his head feeling heavy. “What?” he asked.

           “My middle name’s Benjamin,” Uncle Adam explained.

           “Now you know it was for me, idiot,” Uncle Benny argued. “Makes way more sense that way.”

           Dad groaned. “This joke has never been funny. Literally ever.”

           No, it really wasn’t. Because Dad hadn’t had anything to do with Ben’s name. He didn’t even know it when Ben was born.

           Ben waited for the conversation to shift back to other names and slipped quietly out of the room. He laid down on his bed, trying to calm down.

           Don’t be jealous, he told himself firmly. They’re not doing it to insult you, or forget you. Don’t be dumb…

           He still didn’t feel like going out and joining the rest, even though it was Linda’s turn to do the cooking.

           Ben rolled over on his side. Maybe he’d read more of the scary books…but reaching for them was too tiring, and before he realized it he was asleep.

           He woke with a scream to someone shaking him.

           “Ben! C’mon kiddo, wake up!”

           Ben’s eyes flew open and he looked into his dad’s worried face. The monsters had felt so real…

           “Ben? Buddy, you okay?”

           “Yeah,” Ben said hoarsely, but it wasn’t true, and Dad knew it. He pulled Ben close and for a second Ben let himself lean against him, let Dad rub his back.

           “What’s going on, buddy?” Dad whispered.

           Ben tried to pull away, and Dad let him go after a second. “It’s nothing. I just had a nightmare.”

           “Do you want to talk about it?”

           Normally Ben would want that. He could talk to Dad, and Dad could tell him what parts were possible and which parts weren’t, and promise that he would never let any of it become real anyways because he loved Ben and he was here and would take care of him.

           Ben shook his head. “I’m okay. You need to rest.”

           Dad raised his eyebrows. “It’s ten o’clock, Ben. What do I need to rest for?”

           “The baby.”

           “Ben, the baby’s not coming for months.”

           “Yeah, but you need to start getting used to sleeping when you can,” Ben explained. “You’ll need to sleep well, and focus on you and Cas so your relationship doesn’t fall apart, and I’m fine and I’m old enough to deal with things by myself—”

           “Ben, stop!” Dad took him by his shoulders. “Son, what are you talking about?”

           Ben tried to talk, but he was shaking too badly. Dad hugged him tight again, and this time Ben couldn’t stop himself from crying.

           “Oh Ben,” Dad whispered. He started to rock back and forth. “It’s okay, it’s okay…”

           “It’s not okay,” Ben tried to say, but it came out in a garbled sob.

           Dad kissed the top of his head. “Ben, sweetheart, I didn’t realize you were having so much trouble with this. I’m sorry.”

           “Don’t w-worry about me.”

           “Of course I’m going to worry about you. It’s my job; I’m your Dad.”

           “You weren’t always.”

           Dad didn’t let go, but he stopped rocking.

           “And I know Mom didn’t tell you,” Ben said quickly. “But with this baby—it feels like you want to be a real dad, and have a real family. And I’m just a reminder that you weren’t. I don’t want to make you feel bad, and I don’t want to be in the way.”

           Dad didn’t say a word at first. He just hugged Ben so tight he could hardly breathe.

           “You are my son,” he promised finally. “My real son, and I love you so much it scares me some times. I never thought I could love someone so completely. I loved you before Cas, you know that? I met you first. And even then, when I didn’t know you were mine, I loved you. I was so proud of you.”

           Ben pressed his face into Dad’s shoulder.

           “I do wish I’d known about you,” Dad continued. “I wish I’d been in a place where your Mom would have trusted me. Where I would have been able to be in your life, and had the emotional maturity to do that. But that didn’t happen, and I’m just grateful that I have gotten to be in your life since. That you love me. That means everything to me, Ben.”

           “And yes, I’m having a baby with Cas. But I’m not doing it because I feel guilty about you. Cas wanted to have a child together because he loves you too, and wanted to have another child. You’re not in the way at all, buddy. And I wish that I could have given you what I will give this baby. But after the kind of life I’ve had…I want to be a good father for all my children. I have different chances with you and the baby, but I will take advantage of every last one, and if that means I go between playing video games with you and bottle feeding Little Bit, I will. Okay?”

           Ben cuddled closer, and Dad pulled him onto his lap. “I love you, Ben,” he repeated. “And I will always love you.”

           “Love you too,” Ben whispered.

           They sat there for a while.

           “Ben, what was your nightmare about?”

           Ben blushed, grateful that there wasn’t much light coming from the hall. “I…it was just a bad dream.”

           “Ben…”

           “I might have been reading some books before bed.”

           Without letting go of Ben, Dad leaned over and switched the light on. The book was sitting on Ben’s night table; he’d forgotten to hide it.

           “Ben!” Dean picked the book up. “Ben, this is one of the Renwick books!”

           “Yeah. I’m sorry!”

           “Ben, these aren’t accurate at all. I thought Sam got rid of them!”

           Ben brightened. “So…so witches can’t put marks on you for werewolves to find you?”

           “No!” Dad shook his head. “Ben, how many have you read?”

           “Maybe…maybe eight or ten?”

           Dad groaned.

           “Am I grounded?”

           “I think you’ve been punished enough,” Dad said, glaring darkly at the book. He switched the light back off, and Ben’s grip tightened around him.

           Dad rubbed his back. “Do you want to come lie down with me and Cas?”

           “I’m twelve, Dad.”

           “I know that.”

           “Um…yes please?”

           Dad picked him up and Ben clung to him. Cas was reading when they came in, a worried look in his eyes. Once Dad laid Ben down next to him, he passed Ben a plate with a sandwich and two cookies.                  

          “Do you want milk or water?”

          “Milk please,” Ben said, feeling unaccountably shy.

          Cas snapped and passed Ben the conjured glass. Ben ate quietly as Dad lay back, humming softly. When he finished, Cas took the plate from him.

          “Thanks Cas,” he said. Then—“you know you’re my dad too, right?”

          Cas smiled gently, and hugged Ben. “I do,” he promised, “and you are the son of my heart. That will never change.” He switched off the light and lay down.

          Ben lay between his dads. The room was dark, and for a second he felt a stab of fear. What if the books were real…

          Dad put an arm around him. “We’re right here, buddy. Nothing’s gonna hurt you.”

           Ben smiled. “Dad? Cas?”

           “Yes, Ben?”

           “I’m excited for the baby again.”

           “I am delighted,” Cas said. “Perhaps you would do us a favour and choose the name? We can’t settle on one.”

           “Sure!”

           And five months later, when the little baby girl was born, Ben was the third person to hold her, and he named her Mary Jo (he’d thought about Xena, but Cas said no).

           “Hi MJ,” he whispered (apparently nicknames were an important part of being a big brother). “I’m Ben, your big brother. I know you’re awesome already, and I love you. I won’t always be around, but I promise I’ll be there whenever you need me. And I’ll let you watch Predator. But you’re not reading the bad books.”

[mabelmadnessss-blog]

Impulse 10 - Rules

Impulse 9 - Regretful Violence

The Joker walked to his bedroom door and unlocked it slowly. Shutting the door behind himself, he walked over to her. His dear little Harlequin still looked exactly the same as when he left her. It had been 8 hours since he'd decided to saddle himself with this blonde burden and now it was now time for to wake up.

"Harley." He murmured, shaking her shoulders. "Harley?" J shook a little harder this time, causing the bed to bounce, but she still didn't respond. "HARLEY!? Wake up sleeping beauty." He said, continuing to shake her body a little more forcefully. Her head rolled from side to side with a distorted groan leaving her lips.

C'mon.

Loosing his temper slightly at her resistance to join the land of the living, he slapped her face lightly. But again, still nothing. Joker growled deeply, he sprung back away from her and marched towards the bathroom, with a cunning idea rattling around in his head. He grabbed a tall glass from the vanity and filled it full of water.

"Last chance Harls." J warned as he walked back to her and removed the towel from her body. Joker threw it across the room and hovered the full cup above her body, tilting it little by little, thus allowing droplets of icy cold water to land on her stomach. Harley squirmed and let out a hitched breath under the gentle sting of the liquid. Now moving the cup to her neck, J let it trickle over her. Harley gasped again but this time her face displayed her face a crease of enjoyment. The water seemed to have the opposite effect on her that the Joker desired, but he couldn't help but enjoy the sight of her squirming and writhing under him. "Harley?" He moved his lips to her ear, ghosting his breath across her skin. "Harley? wake up."

"M- Mistah J?" She mumbled, with her eyes still closed.

Joker smirked at her reply. "Dreaming about me Doll?"

Harley didn't reply, instead she ran her tongue over her plump bottom lip. J shuddered at the sight, but it soon turned to boiling rage when he noticed the affect that this Doctor was having on him. Unable to remain patient he cursed and chucked the rest of the water in the glass over her face. With a gasp, Harley shot up awake. Looking around confused, she focused on his face, trying to remember the night before. Harley began to crawl backward against the head of the bed, trying to get some distance from him. She looked down at her half naked body, covered in water. Her face changed from confused to shocked and scared. "Wha-what have you done to me? Why am I-I?"

J shuffled closer, but she held out her hands in defence. "Get away from me!" Harley shouted.

"Calm down," J eased. "I'm not going to hurt you." His words fell on deaf ears when all Harley could notice was his state of undress. Completely shirtless, wearing nothing but grey sweatpants. She clutched tightly to her half naked body, covering her figure from his fiery blue eyes. "What did you do to me?!"

Joker threw his head back and laughed at the undertone of her accusation. "Don't worry Princess, I didn't touch you."

"Liar!" She shouted, all fear gone now with it being replaced with pure anger. "Don't you dare call me a liar!" J snapped back, pointing one of his impossible long fingers at her. "I didn't touch you!"

Harley opened her mouth to retort but instead she couldn't help but examine his body. A skull jester tattoo was situated on the top right hand side of his shoulder, big enough to cover that half of his chest, on the opposite side was 'HAHAHAHA' Written repeatedly, with a deck of cards above it. On his left arm the 'HAHA's' continued. It was insane, but so was he. She realised in that moment that he really meant it when he said that his tattoos represented him. His left hand had his trademark grin inked onto it, and the same picture appeared again on his right bicep also had some sort or bird tattoo with an arrow piercing it's body and on the left sat the Bat symbol with a dagger penetrating the center. Harley squinted to get a better look. She'd heard the rumors about why he wore a grill, she was told that Batman had kicked his face in after he killed his sidekick Robin, as if the grill wasn't enough of a reminder, the maniac got a bloody tattoo as well.

"See something you like toots?" Joker purred, seeing her eyes wonder. Harley rolled her eyes and ignored him. "Why am I here? Why am I-I half n-naked?" She stuttered, bringing her knees to her chest to cover her body more.

Joker sat on the edge of the bed with a large Cheshire grin. "I told you not to provoke me. Getting in the way of my escape was foolish." He snapped. "But never the less, I'm still willing to help you."

"Help me?" A tear slipped out of Harley's eyes. "You almost killed me, twice! You've looked through my personal belongings, stolen my bike, bash me over the head with my own helmet, kept me hostage, stripped me and done God knows what else! And you think that's helpful?"

Joker growled. "Don't you dare talk back to me! I can kill you anytime I want!" "I already told you to kill me, but it seems your bark is clearly worse than your bite." She spat. Angry tears now rolling instead of scared ones.

"You're really pushing it sweets." With that he crawled over to her, she backed against the headboard further with no way of escaping. His eyes clouded again, and that's when he gave her a sharp backhand to her face. J lent over to the bedside table revealing a small blade in his hand, grabbing her chin he pushed it upwards, pressing the knife to her throat.

"Now you're gonna shut you pretty little mouth and listen kay?" He snarled. Harley nodded, allowing small beaded tears to splash onto the reflective blade, Her eyes never left his.

"Good. Now listen and listen good. I'm only going to say this once. You and me ain't equals sweetheart, you're mine now. I own you. You will do everything I tell you to do, with now resistance." Joker said firmly. "Now a few rules before we begin... 1. NO backchat, or you'll get a backhand. 2. You'll do what I tell you without question. 3. When you're with me and the boys, speak when you're spoken to, not a moment before. 4. Dinner is your job now, you have to earn your keep. 5. DO NOT under any circumstances enter my office. You better be dying if you do, or you'll wish that you were. 6. No going out. Not unless you have my permission and escorted by me or my men. 7. Keep your opinions to yourself. 8. I better see a smile on your face at all times, or I'll carve one into it. Heath Ledger style. 9. Lateness will not be tolerated, I need you punctual at all times. 10. Your training will be intense, refuse or upset me and I'll kill you, slowly and intimately until you beg for death." He warned with a heavy glint behind his eyes. "You better remember these because I don't give second chances. Understand me Princess?"

"Y-yes." Harley stuttered, feeling the cold blade still against her neck.

"Good, any questions?" J released the blade from the throat and sat back on his knees.

"Why-why me?" She asked, now rubbing her neck.

"I see potential in you toots, you and me are cut from the same cloth. I see the woman behind your eyes trying to break free, aching to break loose. With my help, I can release you, make you see the world as it should be seen. I can set your mind free, you'll experience things people only dream about, your deepest and darkest desires will become reality." Moving closer, Joker placed a hand on her shoulder. "You won't want for anything in this world now you're with me."

"Okay." Harley gulped, not agreeing but not wanting to antagonize him further.

"Okay? That's all you have to say?" He asked, raising a brow.

In fear of upsetting him, she swallowed the lump in her throat and whispered. "I dunno what to say... Thanks I guess?"

What you're thanking him? He's going to destroy you, physically and mentally! He'll break you, and your thanking him? Wake up Harls! This ain't a game, he's a criminal a dangerous, violent, and damn right insane one. Get out! Get outta there! Better to die trying than become him.

"Good Girl." J said, patting her on the head like a dog. He then moved off the bed and walked over to his wardrobe. "I'll go shopping tomorrow but for now this should fit." He tossed one of his old shirts at her, letting it land in a heap on the middle of the bed. "Don't just stare at it! Get dressed."

She bit her tongue, holding back the unsavory words that she wanted to throw at him. Picking up the soft red cotton shirt, she pulled it over her body. The fabric swallowed her whole. Despite it being way too big, it was soft and gentle on her bruised skin. Shaking her hair with her fingers, it fell into calming waves down past her shoulders.

Joker stared at her, with a slightly parted mouth. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her off the bed and out the door.

"Where are we going?" She asked, trying to keep up.

"Training." J snapped, dragging her out to the corridor and towards the stairs.

"This place is- I wasn't expecting-" Harley said, easing to a halt.

"Yeah, its pretty cool huh? I don't do the whole warehouse gig anymore." He laughed.

"Umm... Mr Joker? W-where do I sleep?" Harley asked, turning towards him. Unsure if this was an appropriate question after his list of rules.

"With me of course, where else?" Joker spoke as if the answer were obvious. But it wasn't, not to her. A hotel which was full of countless rooms, she had hoped for her own... Away from him. To plan an escape.

"Well, I kinda assumed I'd get my own room, living in a hotel and all." Harley muttered.

"Rule 11. Don't assume." Joker retorted.

"Ok." She whispered, feeling deflated at his answer.

"There's no room at the Inn toots, so your bunking with me."

She nodded, wondering how and if she could ever escape him. Leading her down the stairs, he gave her a quick tour of the hotel. Again making it quite clear to never, ever, enter his study.

"Time for the boys to met ya!" He beamed, clearly excited to show of his new toy to his henchmen.

"What?" Harley gasped, clutching the shirt around her body. "The boys? My employees? Henchmen? I ain't stupid enough to do all my crazy on my own." He chuckled. J pulled her into the lounge where the boys sat watching T.V, playing cards and throwing darts at a picture of Batman pinned up on the wall.

"Hello boys!" He greeted with a wide grin. "This is Harley, say hello Harley." J encouraged, nudging her in her side. All the men suddenly stopped what they where doing and stared at her. One man even let out a wolf whistle, leaving Harley feeling exposed, venerable, and unable to speak.

"H-Hello." Harley stuttered.

"Ain't she a peach?" Joker beamed, he pulled her close and wrapped an arm around her waist. Harley was shocked by his touch, but it wasn't unpleasant. The men all grunted in agreement, accept one.

"Harls these fine gentlemen are.." Gesturing the men from left to right. "Will, Tony, Beni, Adam, Cameron, Mikey... And this is my main man, Hutch." This man was the one who was giving her the death glare. He obviously had some influence over the Joker.

"Harley will be staying with us for a while, not sure exactly how long... it really all depends." He dug his nails into her side, just a small reminder to watch her step. "If any of you touch her I'll cut you up into tiny little pieces and mail them to your mothers. Get me?"

"Yes boss." They all spoke in unison.

"Hutch, where's Jerry?" Joker asked, changing the subject.

"He's being questioned by the GCPD about your escape." Hutch's eyes darted to Harley "And the disappearance of some Doctor."

"Ah that's a bummer. No matter I'll catch up with him later." J dismissed. He turned back to Harley and gave her a smirk, which held a hint of violence behind it.

[mabelmadnessss-blog]

Impulse. Chapter 10

Impulse. Chapter 9.

The Joker walked to his bedroom door and unlocked it slowly. Shutting the door behind himself, he walked over to her. His dear little Harlequin still looked exactly the same as when he left her. It had been 8 hours since he'd decided to saddle himself with this blonde burden and now it was now time for to wake up.

"Harley." He murmured, shaking her shoulders. "Harley?" J shook a little harder this time, causing the bed to bounce, but she still didn't respond. "HARLEY!? Wake up sleeping beauty." He said, continuing to shake her body a little more forcefully. Her head rolled from side to side with a distorted groan leaving her lips.

C'mon.

Loosing his temper slightly at her resistance to join the land of the living, he slapped her face lightly. But again, still nothing. Joker growled deeply, he sprung back away from her and marched towards the bathroom, with a cunning idea rattling around in his head. He grabbed a tall glass from the vanity and filled it full of water.

"Last chance Harls." J warned as he walked back to her and removed the towel from her body. Joker threw it across the room and hovered the full cup above her body, tilting it little by little, thus allowing droplets of icy cold water to land on her stomach. Harley squirmed and let out a hitched breath under the gentle sting of the liquid. Now moving the cup to her neck, J let it trickle over her. Harley gasped again but this time her face displayed her face a crease of enjoyment. The water seemed to have the opposite effect on her that the Joker desired, but he couldn't help but enjoy the sight of her squirming and writhing under him.

"Harley?" He moved his lips to her ear, ghosting his breath across her skin. "Harley? wake up."

"M- Mistah J?" She mumbled, with her eyes still closed.

Joker smirked at her reply. "Dreaming about me Doll?"

Harley didn't reply, instead she ran her tongue over her plump bottom lip. J shuddered at the sight, but it soon turned to boiling rage when he noticed the affect that this Doctor was having on him. Unable to remain patient he cursed and chucked the rest of the water in the glass over her face.

With a gasp, Harley shot up awake. Looking around confused, she focused on his face, trying to remember the night before. Harley began to crawl backward against the head of the bed, trying to get some distance from him. She looked down at her half naked body, covered in water. Her face changed from confused to shocked and scared. "Wha-what have you done to me? Why am I-I?" J shuffled closer, but she held out her hands in defence. "Get away from me!" Harley shouted.

"Calm down," J eased. "I'm not going to hurt you."

His words fell on deaf ears when all Harley could notice was his state of undress. Completely shirtless, wearing nothing but grey sweatpants. She clutched tightly to her half naked body, covering her figure from his fiery blue eyes. "What did you do to me?!"

Joker threw his head back and laughed at the undertone of her accusation. "Don't worry Princess, I didn't touch you."

"Liar!" She shouted, all fear gone now with it being replaced with pure anger.

"Don't you dare call me a liar!" J snapped back, pointing one of his impossible long fingers at her. "I didn't touch you!"

Harley opened her mouth to retort but instead she couldn't help but examine his body. A skull jester tattoo was situated on the top right hand side of his shoulder, big enough to cover that half of his chest, on the opposite side was 'HAHAHAHA' Written repeatedly, with a deck of cards above it. On his left arm the 'HAHA's' continued. It was insane, but so was he. She realised in that moment that he really meant it when he said that his tattoos represented him. His left hand had his trademark grin inked onto it, and the same picture appeared again on his right bicep also had some sort or bird tattoo with an arrow piercing it's body and on the left sat the Bat symbol with a dagger penetrating the centre. Harley squinted to get a better look. She'd heard the rumors about why he wore a grill, she was told that Batman had kicked his face in after he killed his sidekick Robin, as if the grill wasn't enough of a reminder, the maniac got a bloody tattoo as well.

"See something you like toots?" Joker purred, seeing her eyes wonder.

Harley rolled her eyes and ignored him. "Why am I here? Why am I-I half n-naked?" She stuttered, bringing her knees to her chest to cover her body more.

Joker sat on the edge of the bed with a large Cheshire grin. "I told you not to provoke me. Getting in the way of my escape was foolish." He snapped. "But never the less, I'm still willing to help you."

"Help me?" A tear slipped out of Harley's eyes. "You almost killed me, twice! You've looked through my personal belongings, stolen my bike, bash me over the head with my own helmet, kept me hostage, stripped me and done God knows what else! And you think that's helpful?"

Joker growled. "Don't you dare talk back to me! I can kill you anytime I want!" "I already told you to kill me, but it seems your bark is clearly worse than your bite." She spat. Angry tears now rolling instead of scared ones.

"You're really pushing it sweets." With that he crawled over to her, she backed against the headboard further with no way of escaping. His eyes clouded again, and that's when he gave her a sharp backhand to her face. J leant over to the bedside table revealing a small blade in his hand, grabbing her chin he pushed it upwards, pressing the knife to her throat.

"Now you're gunna shut you pretty little mouth and listen kay?" He snarled. Harley nodded, allowing small beaded tears to splash onto the reflective blade, Her eyes never left his.

"Good. Now listen and listen good. I'm only going to say this once. You and me ain't equals sweetheart, you're mine now. I own you. You will do everything I tell you to do, with now resistance." Joker said firmly. "Now a few rules before we begin... 1. NO backchat, or you'll get a backhand. 2. You'll do what I tell you without question. 3. When you're with me and the boys, speak when you're spoken to, not a moment before. 4. Dinner is your job now, you have to earn your keep. 5. DO NOT under any circumstances enter my office. You better be dying if you do, or you'll wish that you were. 6. No going out. Not unless you have my permission and escorted by me or my men. 7. Keep your opinions to yourself. 8. I better see a smile on your face at all times, or I'll carve one into it. Heath Ledger style. 9. Lateness will not be tolerated, I need you punctual at all times. 10. Your training will be intense, refuse or upset me and I'll kill you, slowly and intimately until you beg for death." He warned with a heavy glint behind his eyes. "You better remember these because I don't give second chances. Understand me Princess?"

"Y-yes." Harley stuttered, feeling the cold blade still against her neck.

"Good, any questions?" J released the blade from the throat and sat back on his knees.

"Why-why me?" She asked, now rubbing her neck.

"I see potential in you toots, you and me are cut from the same cloth. I see the woman behind your eyes trying to break free, aching to break loose. With my help, I can release you, make you see the world as it should be seen. I can set your mind free, you'll experience things people only dream about, your deepest and darkest desires will become reality." Moving closer, Joker placed a hand on her shoulder. "You won't want for anything in this world now you're with me."

"Okay." Harley gulped, not agreeing but not wanting to antagonise him further.

"Okay? That's all you have to say?" He asked, raising a brow

In fear of upsetting him, she swallowed the lump in her throat and whispered. "I dunno what to say... Thanks I guess?"

What you're thanking him? He's going to destroy you, physically and mentally! He'll break you, and your thanking him? Wake up Harls! This ain't a game, he's a criminal a dangerous, violent, and damn right insane one. Get out! Get outta there! Better to die trying than become him.

"Good Girl." J said, patting her on the head like a dog. He then moved off the bed and walked over to his wardrobe. "I'll go shopping tomorrow but for now this should fit." He tossed one of his old shirts at her, letting it land in a heap on the middle of the bed. "Don't just stare at it! Get dressed."

She bit her tongue, holding back the unsavoury words that she wanted to throw at him. Picking up the soft red cotton shirt, she pulled it over her body. The fabric swallowed her whole. Despite it being way too big, it was soft and gentle on her bruised skin. Shaking her hair with her fingers, it fell into calming waves down past her shoulders.

Joker stared at her, with a slightly parted mouth. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her off the bed and out the door.

"Where are we going?" She asked, trying to keep up.

"Training." J snapped, dragging her out to the corridor and towards the stairs.

"This place is- I wasn't expecting-" Harley said, easing to a halt.

"Yeah, its pretty cool huh? I don't do the whole warehouse gig anymore." He laughed.

"Umm... Mr Joker? W-where do I sleep?" Harley asked, turning towards him. Unsure if this was an appropriate question after his list of rules.

"With me of course, where else?" Joker spoke as if the answer were obvious. But it wasn't, not to her. A hotel which was full of countless rooms, she had hoped for her own... Away from him. To plan an escape.

"Well, I kinda assumed I'd get my own room, living in a hotel and all." Harley muttered.

"Rule 11. Don't assume." Joker retorted.

"Ok." She whispered, feeling deflated at his answer.

"There's no room at the Inn toots, so your bunking with me."

She nodded, wondering how and if she could ever escape him. Leading her down the stairs, he gave her a quick tour of the hotel. Again making it quite clear to never, ever, enter his study.

"Time for the boys to met ya!" He beamed, clearly excited to show of his new toy to his henchmen.

"What?" Harley gasped, clutching the shirt around her body.

"The boys? My employees? Henchmen? I ain't stupid enough to do all my crazy on my own." He chuckled. J pulled her into the lounge where the boys sat watching T.V, playing cards and throwing darts at a picture of Batman pinned up on the wall.

"Hello boys!" He greeted with a wide grin. "This is Harley, say hello Harley." J encouraged, nudging her in her side. All the men suddenly stopped what they where doing and stared at her. One man even let out a wolf whistle, leaving Harley feeling exposed, venerable, and unable to speak.

"H-Hello." Harley stuttered.

"Ain't she a peach?" Joker beamed, he pulled her close and wrapped an arm around her waist. Harley was shocked by his touch, but it wasn't unpleasant. The men all grunted in agreement, accept one.

"Harls these fine gentlemen are.." Gesturing the men from left to right. "Will, Tony, Beni, Adam, Cameron, Mikey... And this is my main man, Hutch." This man was the one who was giving her the death glare. He obviously had some influence over the Joker.

"Harley will be staying with us for a while, not sure exactly how long... it really all depends." He dug his nails into her side, just a small reminder to watch her step. "If any of you touch her I'll cut you up into tiny little pieces and mail them to your mothers. Get me?"

"Yes boss." They all spoke in unison.

"Hutch, where's Jerry?" Joker asked, changing the subject.

"He's being questioned by the GCPD about your escape." Hutch's eyes darted to Harley "And the disappearance of some Doctor."

"Ah that's a bummer. No matter I'll catch up with him later." J dismissed. He turned back to Harley and gave her a smirk, which held a hint of violence behind it.