#aLSO REMEMBER TO KISS YOUR HARVEY BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOUSE OR ELSE

[haeidys]

"Heard you like pickles"

[spectersgirl]

what if harvey specter’s wife worked from home and has a last minute work emergency, so harvey had to take their daughter to work? hope that made sense 😭.

I loved this prompt! I changed it eeeever so slightly but it doesn't affect the overall product. I'm working on making these longer which does mean that it'll take me longer between posts but I'm hoping length makes up for it?? Or maybe this is too long. Idk. I've been writing it for daysssss. I think I don't love the end quarter or so, but I wanted to get it out there. Also I decided to name the daughter, I'm not sure how I feel about doing that versus just using Y/D/N so let me know what you all think? I'd use a different name each time I wrote something with a daughter in it so that it doesn't feel like a series or the same character in different universes.

-----

Work with Dad

Harvey Specter x Reader (except you're barely in it lol)

You rolled over at the sound of your phone buzzing incessantly on the nightstand, fumbling for it and answering sleepily.

"Hello? Oh shit, okay I'm on my way." Immediately, you got up and began rushing around to get ready.

"Who's that?" Harvey mumbled, having woken up to your call.

"Work, there's an emergency and I have to go take care of it. I know you have to work but, I can't take Olivia with me to the restaurant and my parents work today... Do you think you could bring her with you?"

Harvey sighed, knowing you were right. It would be easier for him to bring the four-year-old with him to his office as opposed to the very high-end restaurant you ran. Normally on the days you worked away from the house Olivia was in preschool, but today wasn't a school day for her.

"Yeah, that's fine. I have a pretty easy day today, and it's been a while since she's seen everyone anyway." He said, getting out of bed himself and heading to take a shower.

You quickly yelled to him before you left, thanking him for taking one for the team.

Once Harvey finished his shower, he pulled a suit from the closet and put the dress shirt and pants on, opting to leave his suit jacket off for now, knowing he'd likely have to do some wrangling of a certain toddler. As he had this thought, tiny footsteps sounded down the hall toward the bedroom.

"Hi Daddy" Said the tiny voice of his daughter as she ran toward him, arms in the air.

"Good morning princess! How'd you sleep?" He asked, lifting her with ease and kissing her cheek.

"Good, where's Mama?" She asked, knowing the two of you normally got ready together each morning. She was pretty damn smart for her age, and Harvey knew this fact would get him into trouble someday.

"Mama had to go take care of something at work, but guess what? You get to spend the day with Daddy at the firm!" He told her excitedly, raising his eyebrows.

Olivia was hesitant at first, she didn't know exactly what it was that her dad did every day, but she saw him on his computer a lot, and that didn't seem very exciting to her. She was about to protest this, but then she remembered some of her most favorite people worked with her dad.

"Can we see Mike and Rachel?" She asked.

Harvey laughed, nodding.

"And Donna?"

"And Donna." He confirmed with a smile. "You wanna get dressed so we can go see them?"

Immediately, she began squirming to get down from his grasp. Harvey obliged, following the girl to her room to help her pick out an outfit. She eventually elected for her favorite pink dress with flowers, and Harvey approved, finding her a pair of shoes to match.

A short while later, Harvey and Olivia were headed up to the Pearson Specter offices. She couldn't stop talking about how excited she was to see everyone, and Harvey had to keep reminding her that they had work to do and that they might not be able to be with her as much as she had hoped. Harvey had packed a day's worth of activities in a backpack to keep the little girl occupied in his office, and hopefully out of everyone else's business.

The elevator doors opened, and Olivia nearly pulled Harvey's arm out of the socket trying to get to her favorite people as fast as she could. He scooped her up into his arms, foiling her plans. She adorably crossed her arms in frustration, making Harvey chuckle as he walked toward his office.

"We just have to drop our stuff off in Dad's office first, then we can go see your friends, okay baby?"

She agreed, understanding that the quicker she cooperated, the quicker she got what she wanted.

Harvey put all their stuff down in a small pile on the couch in his office, telling himself he'd deal with it later. He knew Donna wouldn't be in for a little longer as he was earlier today than he normally was, but Mike and Rachel were more than likely already hard at work.

"Alright princess, wanna go see Mike?"

Her eyes went so wide Harvey thought they'd pop out of her head. He laughed and opened his door, pointing down the hall and following as she ran ahead of him. She nearly missed his door she was going so fast, but stopped herself when she noticed him seated at his desk.

"Knock before you go in, Liv" Harvey reminded the girl, grinning when her tiny fist tapped the glass of Mike's office door.

He looked up, not seeing her at first and waving Harvey in and looking back down at his stack of papers.

"You're in early, something wrong?" "MIKE!!!" Olivia yelled, startling the junior partner before realizing what was going on.

"Livi! How's my favorite Specter?" He asked, getting out of his chair to lift her into a bear hug.

She giggled uncontrollably until he set her back down.

"Well, I'd be offended but she happens to be pretty cool, so I'll let you have that." Harvey said, grinning as he watched his daughter run in circles around Mike's office while he chased her. There wasn’t much space in the junior partner's office, so the chase didn’t last very long.

"Where's Rachel?" Olivia wondered out loud. Mike kneeled down to her level.

"Rachel has school in the mornings, so she won't be here for a little bit longer." Mike explained, but this only confused her further.

"But... isn't Rachel a grown-up?" She asked, making Harvey and Mike smile.

"She's in law school, baby. Some grown-ups go to extra school so they can do their special jobs. Daddy went to law school too, and Mama went to business school and cooking school." Harvey explained.

“Did Mike to go extra school?” Olivia asked

Harvey and Mike share a look before looking back at Olivia.

“Mike’s a long story.” Harvey said.

Olivia seemed to be satisfied, or she stopped caring about his answer. Either way, she nodded and continued laughing and playing with Mike while her dad stood off to the side, only a little offended that she hardly even remembered he was still standing there.

He looked down at his watch, noting the time and figuring Donna was probably at her desk by now.

"Liv, do you want to go see if we can find Donna?" Harvey asked, and the little girl screamed like she was at a Taylor Swift show, jumping up and down with pure glee.

"Did she get this excited to see me?" Mike asked. Harvey chuckled, shaking his head.

"Not even close, sorry Mike. C'mon kid, let's go" Harvey said, lifting Olivia high in the air and onto his shoulders, holding tightly as he walked.

"Oh Donna, I have a surprise for you," Harvey said over the sounds of his daughter's laughter.

"Well, I wonder what the surprise could be! Hmmm, is it a pony? Oh a pony wouldn’t fit in the elevator… Maybe you should give me a hint." She said facetiously, acting as if she had no idea Olivia was there.

"It's me!" Olivia yelled, unable to keep the ‘surprise’ of her presence in any longer.

"Oh it’s Olivia! Hi beautiful! That’s a way better surprise than a pony!" Donna exclaimed. "How'd you get so lucky to come to work with your dad?"

"Her mama had a work emergency so daddy got to take her in with him, huh Liv?" Harvey explained, and Donna nodded in understanding.

Olivia nodded, smiling down at both Donna and her dad, still up high on his shoulders. She reached her arms toward Donna, so Harvey lowered her to the floor. Donna quickly scooped her up and placed her on her hip, giving the girl hugs and exaggerated cheek kisses.

“It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, who let you get so big?”

Olivia pointed at Harvey, smiling happily.

“Umm no ma’am, I specifically told you to stop growing, if it were up to me you’d still be my tiny little baby.” Harvey said, poking her side playfully. She giggled, pushing his hands away with her tiny ones.

"Have you had fun so far Livi?" Donna asked, and Olivia smiled and nodded profusely.

"I ran down the hall soooo fast and Mike chased me in his office and then me and Daddy found you!"

"Wow Olivia! That sounds like a really cool morning!" A voice said from behind. Everyone turned to see none other than Jessica strutting down the hall.

Harvey knew Jessica wouldn’t particularly love the idea of his four year old daughter hanging around in his office all day, but he also knew there was nothing else he could do. He was a parent above anything else, so he was going to do what he had to do.

“Livi, do you remember Jessica?” Harvey asked.

Olivia nodded, a bright smile on her face.

“It’s great to see you again cutie” Jessica said with a smile of her own.

“Look I know you’re probably mad but-“

“Harvey relax, I’m not mad. Just as long as she doesn’t get into anything she shouldn’t, she's welcome here." Jessica stated, easing Harvey's mind. He nodded in understanding and watched as she walked back to her office.

"Alright Liv, I've got some work to do in my office and I brought you some fun stuff to do while I work. Maybe later we can come back out and see Donna if she's not too busy, alright?"

Olivia huffed in disappointment, but she knew better than to fight with her dad. He placed his hands out to grab her from Donna, who regrettably handed her over. She had known the little girl since before she was even born, and she loved her like she was her own blood.

Harvey was actually able to get some work done, and Olivia enjoyed her time coloring in her coloring books and playing with the toys her dad had packed for her. Soon enough, she was hungry for lunch and Harvey took her into the kitchen to retrieve the lunchable he had brought her. Eventually, she grew tired and ready for her nap. When Harvey looked over at his couch after a suspiciously long period of silence, he saw her fast asleep. He smiled, standing and taking his suit jacket off, draping it over her small frame. She napped this way for about an hour, and when she woke up, she was overjoyed to learn that Rachel had finally come to the office.

"Rachel!!!" Olivia yelled in the doorway of Rachel's office, and she was quick to run in for a hug.

"Livi! Hi cutie! I heard you were here today, I couldn't wait to get done with school so I could see you!" Rachel said as she scooped the little girl up for a big hug. Olivia wrapped her arms around Rachel's neck happily.

"Do you have fun at big girl school?" Olivia asked.

"Law school is very different from normal school, so it's a lot harder, but it's what I love doing so that makes it fun!" Rachel explained.

"Do you get to color there?"

"No, theres no coloring. There's lots of reading and talking to other students and learning though!"

"I think I like my school better, we get to color and play and sing!"

This made Rachel laugh, and nod her head.

"Keep it that way as long as you can girly." Rachel said.

"Liv, it's almost time to go home. You wanna come say goodbye to everyone?" Harvey interrupted from the doorway.

Olivia nodded sadly, crossing the room to take her father's outstretched hand.

"Bye Rachel, have fun in big girl school."

"I will, bye Livi"

Harvey led her back through the office, stopping at everyone's offices so she could say her goodbyes, stopping at Donna's desk last. She gave the red-haired woman the biggest hug she could, Donna was her most favorite person after all.

When Olivia got home, she was thrilled to find her mom was there waiting for her and Harvey with dinner in the oven. She couldn't resist telling her mother about every last detail of her thrilling day at her dad's job.

"Well that's exciting! It sounds like you were a good little employee for daddy" You mused, looking up at Harvey with a grin.

"She's the best damn paralegal I've ever had. Might just have to hire her" Harvey joked.

"Does that mean I have to go to big girl school? That sounds really not fun."

You and Harvey laughed.

"Baby, if you don't want to go to big girl school we can talk about that when you're older." You reassured.

"You think with that attitude she has she won't want to be a lawyer like her old man?" Harvey said, smirking.

"Oh, she'll want to be in debate before she hits high school."

[imkylotrash]

Black And White (2)

Pairing: Saul Silva x reader

Summary: Farah discloses an uncomfortable truth concerning the Burned Ones leading you to fear for Saul’s life. 

Tagging: @grey-girl @anreeixcobra @kingunder221b @lflores2008 @alexiapayne12 @quuenofblacks @quarterback-5 @bitchwhytho @estelmei @music-of-melody​

Series Masterlist

A/N I know this isn’t exactly what happens in the series but I have to change it a little to make it work with the plot. 

“Fuck.” You have no idea how to tell Saul without telling Dowling too but it’s clear that he hasn’t spotted it. 

“Thank you for seeing me this late. I want your perspective before I do anything,” Dowling says making you realise that this might just be something serious. For a second, you forget about the piece of evidence dangling off the chair instead listening in on the conversation. 

“Of course. What’s going on, Farah?” Saul asks concern evident in his voice. 

“The Burned Ones. Marco’s team found a whole group.” You furrow your brows wondering why this is so important to discuss with Saul right this instance. The Burned Ones have always been a concern and part of the reason why Saul insists on training the specialists so hard but when you think about it, you’ve never gotten that much information on the Burned Ones. 

“A group? How many?” Saul asks clearly as worried as Dowling. 

“Eight. Maybe more.” 

“They’ve never done that before. They never hunt together,” Saul says revealing the reason why they’re so worried. A change in behaviour like this definitely means something. When Dowling starts moving further into the room, you remember the bra hanging off the chair. It’s only a moment of time before they’ll head for the chairs. 

“Shit,” you whisper under your breath knowing that the only way to solve this is getting Saul’s attention but you’re too worried about what you just heard to think clearly. Very slowly you push the door to the closet slightly open cringing when you hear it creak. They both look towards the closet but Saul recovers quickly.

“Sorry about that. I’ve been meaning to get that door fixed.” He hurries over to close the door giving you the chance to whisper bra. He looks back spotting it immediately. You feel like you can finally breathe when he manages to grab the bra and throw it in the bin. But then Dowling sits down and starts talking. 

“We haven’t seen a Burned One for sixteen years. Not since Rosalind was here. And now they’re back seemingly stronger. I fear for what that means.” There aren’t many who can hunt Burned Ones. Specialists have been trained to do so but practicing is very different from being out there. You remember Saul telling you about his father one night and the story has haunted you ever since. 

“We’ll do a search party tomorrow,” Saul insures her in turn striking you with fear. You know he’s one of the best there is for haunting them but it’s also been almost two decades since he had to do it last. He’s a great fighter but he’s also not as young as he once was. You know he’ll never agree to you going with him but how are you meant to stay here when he’s out risking his life? 

“Marco is returning tonight with what’s left of his group,” Dowling sighs covering her face with her hands. Ever since you could remember, you’d been told just how dangerous the Burned Ones are and now Saul will lead to search for them. Just the thought of it chills you to the bones. It takes everything you have to not just burst out and forbid him from leaving but you know you can’t do that. Instead you wait patiently for her to leave for the night and Saul to open the door once it’s safe. 

“You can’t go out there tomorrow.” It’s the first thing you say when you’re finally alone with him and apparently, he expected it. 

“I have to! I can’t send my soldiers out there and stay behind the barrier. I wouldn’t be able to look at myself.” In any other situation, you’d commend him for his loyalty to the soldiers but right now you want to chain him to the bed and make sure no harm comes to him. 

“I know that! But what if you get hurt?” You didn’t mean for this to turn into a fight but you’re already on edge and the fact that he’s not meeting you with more of a reassurance just add fuel to the fire. 

“That’s a possibility every day. If anyone should understand that, it’s you!” It’s true. You’re a specialist yourself and you know that danger is present every single day with this job but it’s different when it’s Saul. Logically, you know you wouldn’t think twice about it if it were anyone else going out there tomorrow. You might even volunteer. 

“I understand the danger. It’s the reason I’m worried about you. I can’t lose you too.” You cover your mouth in shock from your own outburst. Your father never returned from the forest leaving you to fend for yourself and now you had to watch Saul head into the very forest that stole your father from you. 

“You won’t lose me. I’m coming back for you.” He reaches out to touch you and you let him. 

“You don’t know that,” you say choking back tears. He gently grabs you by the waist and pulls you towards him. 

“I promise you I’m coming back,” he whispers kissing your forehead. He gives you a minute to just breathe before gently placing two fingers under your chin to tilt your head up. 

“You can’t promise something like that, Saul. No one can.” Images of your father leaving the house that morning flashes before your eyes proving that even with the best intentions, it doesn’t always go the way you intended. 

“I can promise I’m coming back because I’ll need this back when I do.” He holds out his ring to you. It was his father’s ring and in the time you’ve known Saul he’s never taken it off. Carefully, he unlocks your necklace and adds the ring to the chain before closing the lock again. The metal feels cold against your chest even though he just took it off. 

“I will be coming back for this. And for you.” This time you don’t argue. Instead you kiss him trying to convey all your feelings for him through it. You don’t much sleep that night and as you get ready for the day, the feeling of his ring against your skin feels like a constant reminder of what’s about to happen. 

“It’s time,” he says giving your hand a gentle squeeze. 

“A kiss for good luck,” you say giving him several kisses before finally letting him go. By the door he stops to look at you a final time and even with his promise of returning, you can’t help but feel like this is a goodbye. 

“I’m coming back for that ring,” he says trying to convince you as much as himself. 

“I know.” You stand by the window in his room watching the group of specialists cross the barrier and head into the forest. In an attempt to clear your head, you make a beeline for the training rooms. There’s no one there giving you the chance to work off some steam without anyone asking questions. It’s several hours later before you finally collapse knowing you won’t be able to move tomorrow. You don’t even notice that your necklace has slipped out from under your shirt before Terra comments on it at dinner. You meant to just grab a plate with food and hide in your room but of course, it’s not that easy to remain anonymous. 

“Hello. My father told me to tell you to meet him in the greenhouse this weekend. He has some new mix of herbs to show you.” Expanding your knowledge of herbs and natural medicine has been a private project with Ben Harvey and a reason why you and Terra have gotten to know each other over the years despite her being a first year. 

“Right. I’ll stop by,” you reply not paying much attention. 

“That’s a pretty necklace. I feel like I’ve seen that ring before,” she comments and you freeze. At last, you realise that you can’t feel the metal against your skin. If Terra realises that the ring is Saul’s, you know the whole school will know tomorrow. As much as you hate lying to her, it’s necessary to keep your relationship with Saul hidden. You tell yourself that lying is okay when you’ll be able to tell her the truth in a couple of weeks. 

“My mother sent it to me. It was my fathers,” you reply hoping that the mentioning of your dead father will shut her up long enough for you to make your escape. 

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,” Terra quickly says properly feeling horrible about mentioning it but definitely not as horrible as you feel. Lying right to her face somehow seems worse than keeping you and Saul’s relationship hidden.

“It’s fine. I’m just really tired so I’ll get to bed.” You don’t wait for her reply as you hurry off to your room. It’s tiny but right now you’re happy that you have it to yourself rather than suites like the fairies. That night you try your best to fall asleep but nightmares of Saul and your father torments you. Clutching the ring in your hand you tell yourself over and over that Saul will return to you. This is not where your story ends.  

[thatdoctorharvey]

Flowers?

All I have to say is; I’m sorry.

Kudos to @soft-bois-make-me-simp for assisting with the idea. Don’t worry man, we can collab on another story!

Please listen to this while you read this!

There were only three times that Harvey would remember enjoying flowers. He usually wasn’t one for them, not because he was allergic or anything, he just didn’t find the reason to desire them.

Roses are red

The day he first knew he had feelings for you. He always said it was the best day of his life. He will never forget that day; the day you brought him wine on his birthday. You two had occasionally spoken from time to time, but it was really nothing super deep. You had opened up to him about a few things that you hadn’t told anyone else but not super personal. Mostly just little quirks you hated about yourself. He remembered blushing every time as everything you named seemed to be things he liked.

“So, how about a birthday dinner tonight Harv? I’m sure you can’t remember the last time you had a real meal.” You offered.

He was reluctant to answer at first, not wanting to be a bother, but he did hate his current diet and knew he needed to change it up a bit, even if his stomach might not agree with the sudden change from pre-packaged meals to home cooking.

“That...Sounds nice. Thank you.”

And boy was it nice. It was quite obvious you knew that he needed real food because you made more than enough for him just to make sure he had leftovers. He almost felt bad but you had insisted he needed it. You both knew it would be gone tomorrow. You secretly knew, he -- as a man -- had quite the appetite and had held back eating as much as he could with you around.

You left late that night, but left behind some flowers you had grown on the farm. They sat in a vase on the table, right next to his radio equipment.

“Feel free to get a hold of me if you need anything Harvey. Doctors deserve to be taken care of as well.”

Those words never left him. “Doctor’s deserve to be taken care of as well.” You cared about him and actually wanted to make sure he was doing okay. As suspected, you two grew closer after that. He started to become a lot more anxious but never made a move. 

What if you only wanted to be friends? That would be super awkward…

Violets are blue

The day you gave him the bouquet, he cried. Never had he felt so relieved and excited at the same time. You like him. No, you loved him. You. The precious farmer.

“A-are you sure? I’m so much older a-and there’s so many oth-”

“Harvey. I’ve made my choice.” You kissed his cheek. “I don’t want anyone else. They just aren’t my type.”

Fifty shades of red his face was. There was no denying that for sure. He was a tomato and a strawberry at the same time.

He’s never hugged you so tight either. Even when you brought the pendant to him (he was more gentle then). He just wished the flowers in the bouquet didn’t wilt. Joys of having live flowers though.

That and every month, you brought him a new bouquet. Not the exact same one, but you had started growing flowers specifically to make bouquets on your monthly anniversaries. 

My heart is dead 

The bouquets continued, even after marriage. Now, you just added an extra day and made sure the bouquets on your wedding anniversary were extra colorful. It was how you showed him how much you loved him.

He adored this. A lot. It always made his day, even if the day was actual garbage. Coming home to you was always enough to make him happy, but coming home to a bouquet on the table, dinner being cooked, and the sound of you humming...Oh it just made his heart melt. Even after almost five years of it.

They always reminded him of the wedding -- the last time he recalled loving flowers. You had made sure your bouquet was the brightest thing in existence, jokingly saying you wanted the attention to be on that instead of your face. He still scolds you for that. Playfully of course.

I'm such a fool

He couldn’t recall when things started to go downhill. Things had been okay for so long that he didn’t see it at first. He knew you were busy so he never thought much of it when you would come home late.

Until you started coming home drunk.

There were times he would wonder where you were or why you were drinking...But for a while, he didn’t think to ask who you were drinking with. When he found out you and Shane had been growing closer, he got jealous. He knew you wouldn’t leave him, but the anxiety started to build. You were starting to pass out drunk on the way home or you and Shane would fall asleep at the bar.

Of course, he had to confront you about it. Not in a mean way, at least he thought he didn’t.

“It’s not okay for you to be doing that? Do you know how bad that is for you and how bad of an influence he is?”

Wrong answer.

“You don’t even know him. You just cared about making ends meet and didn’t really listen to him.”

Why did I fall for you?

He was grateful you had started to listen to him after that. You came home at night sober, but you began to distance yourself. In fact, you had begun to hang out with everyone but him. You stopped making the bouquets. You stopped giving him gifts. It soon came to a point where he felt like you wanted nothing to do with him. He felt empty and felt he had to make it up to you.

He messed up right? He could fix this...He had to.

I gave it all for you

Dinner every night was a pain, but he did it. He always made sure yours was hot, even when you came home at 1 am. He would be there, taking it out of the microwave. Dishes were always done. The house was always clean and very tidy. Farm was always taken care of. He really worked his ass off to make sure you were happy.

But it wasn’t enough.

You kept pushing yourself further and further from him. It eventually got to the point where you slept on the couch just to avoid him.

It was when he found the letter on your nightstand that he knew there was no fixing this.

So, knowing he wasn’t welcome, he packed his stuff and went back to his apartment above the clinic. Maru, who Harvey had been talking to about everything when things started to go south, helped him get settled back into his old home. She was the one who held him when he cried that night and she was the one who made sure he ate something before bed. She even told him to let her know if she needed to work more at the clinic, not wanting him to be pushed too much.

He was appreciative, but knew his work would be the only thing that would take his mind off of you.

Love around my neck starting to feel like the noose

The words lingered in his head for days. Every sentence filled him with hurt. What had he done wrong? Was he really that boring and unattractive? Should he have just given up at the beginning? Did you ever really love him?

Why did this happen to him?

He lost weight from his loss of appetite. He knew it was unhealthy, especially when people began to notice, but he always said he had started to work a bit harder to get physically fit and the results were starting to show. He didn’t want anyone to know how hurt he really was. Maru knew, and if it weren’t for her, he wouldn’t have eaten.

He numbed himself to relationships of any kind. He once was very close with his patients, now he just saw them as his next visit. Even with Maru. He only saw her as an employee.

All of the lies starting to feel like the truth

He began to drink. He knew it would hurt him more, but his heart hurt all the time. He had no one to turn to when he really needed to talk, as everyone was asleep by then...But not you. You were always awake. He would hear you stumble out of the bar, laughing with at least one other person. You were drunk too, but you got to enjoy your time. He didn’t.

“Why me?”

At the end of the day, bitch, I'm not feeling you

After so long, he began to get used to the sound of you going home drunk. In fact, it worried him when you didn’t.

It started as just one night, no big deal. But then two...three...seven...twelve…

People began to look worried. No one had seen or heard from the town’s dear farmer in nearly two weeks.

The search parties started. Being himself, Harvey made sure to go. Yes, you hurt him, but by God what he would give for you to just run back into his arms and say how much you love him.

You playing with my heart, you made me look like a fool

He hated that he had been the one to find you. There was no doubt in his mind that you were gone; your skin a gray/blue color and flies around you. What killed you, he didn’t know. Only an autopsy would tell him.

At least until he further examined you.

A rather large wound on your abdomen. It was much too big to be treated on your own, but by the looks of it, you had tried to stitch it closed.

...You died because you refused to go to him for help and bled out...

This, a tragedy, it may end up on the news

The funeral was a sad one. It rained that day. Hard. Everyone in town was there too. Everyone. You had grown so close to everyone in your time away from Harvey. They all cared so much about you and our death hit hard.

It was also at the funeral where he realized how bad he had messed up. You hadn’t just been getting closer to Shane, you were getting closer to everyone. They all said a little bit of the stuff you did for them, mostly just helping out with tasks and small favors. You had started staying with Shane at the bar because he talked more when he was drunk and you had started getting drunk with him because it helped him open up. You were just trying to help him.

And Sam. You were helping him learn how to play cooler songs on the guitar and even showed him a couple cool tricks on the skateboard.

Abigail and Pierre had finally begun to form a bit of a stronger bond because you had been helping them talk through their differences.

You had been doing so much and he basically said you were cheating on him.

So, there he stood, watching the casket be lowered into the hole, and then buried. Many tears were shed. Many. Everyone knew the town wouldn’t be the same without you there. Especially Harvey.

At the end of the day, I don't wanna be with you

It rained today too.

“You still looked beautiful that day.” Harvey said softly, arranging the bouquet in his hand. All the flowers were brightly colored. Not as bright as you would have wished, but he was trying his best. “The flowers just enhanced your beauty.”

He stood in front of the tombstone, a large frown on his face. It had been even years since you had passed now, and he wasn’t doing any better. He still cried a lot, but now, it was more just a feeling. He couldn’t bring himself to get over you.

He slowly set the bouquet down against the silver tombstone, making sure you would be able to see it from the heavens.

“Happy Anniversary (y/n). I’m sorry I wasn’t a better husband to you and I’m sorry I wasn’t there to save you.” He slipped his glasses off his face and fell to his knees, letting the tears fall. “I-I’m sorry! I’m sorry I didn’t believe you! I’m sorry I let my feelings take over! I’m sorry I couldn’t trust you! I love you so much!”

Loud sobs left his mouth, his tears blending with the rain as they fell to the ground. His heart, for the millionth time, shattered before him.

“Harvey?” A soft voice asked.

The doctor wiped his eyes and turned his head slightly. At this point, everyone had seen him like this. He didn’t care anymore.

It was none other than Abigail behind him, an umbrella above her head and a spare one at her side.

“Hey, it’s okay. We all miss her.” She said and handed him her spare umbrella. “We’re all worried about you too. You aren’t the same.” She sat beside him. “We all arranged something to help you. Come to the saloon so we can tell you, please.”

Harvey looked to Abigail, and then back to the bouquet. You wouldn't want him to be sad. You hated seeing him cry. Maybe this was a sign from you.

“...O-okay...Thank you...Just, give me another moment. I-I’ll be there.” He mumbled, trying to hold back sobs.

Abigail nodded and stood, letting him have a moment while she told everyone what was going on. Harvey sat there a moment longer, wiping his eyes to rid them of the tears. He sniffed once more before saying the same thing he did every year. The poem you had written for him. Part of it at least. It was a reminder to the both of you that he knew he messed up.

“Roses are red...Violets are blue...My heart is...is dead...I...I’m such a fool…”

The tears came back.

“I’m such a fool.”

[ellewritesathing]

Faking It  -  VI

Summary: You’d done plenty of dumb things in your life, but the dumbest had to be picking Greendale’s latest bad-boy to pretend to be your boyfriend.

Masterlist Prev. | Part 6

Word-count: 2.6k+

A/N: truly cannot believe that this series is over!! thank you guys for all of the love and support that you’ve given it (and me) 💕💕 (also ps it’s my birthday!! so here’s a birthday gift from me to you)

Despite the numerous other times you’d gone out with him and the fact that he’d seen you in sweats more times than you could count, you were back to the age-old saga of trying on every outfit in your closet in preparation for your date with Caliban. The only difference between this time and the very first time was that this time you enlisted the advice of the most fashionable person you knew. But Roz was busy so now you were on the phone with Harvey. 

“I don’t get it. How is this one different from the last one?” Harvey asked for the billionth time. You rolled your eyes at the video of him sprawled out on his bed with his maths homework to keep him company. 

“The last one had stripes.” 

“Oh, well, I don’t really like stripes anyway so go with this one,” Harvey said with a shrug. “You look great. So stop freaking out about it.”

“I am not freaking out. He refused to tell me where we’re going, and how am I supposed to plan for that?” you asked, taking your phone off it’s careful perch to glare at the screen. “I’ve been on dates before. I’ve dated Caliban before.”

“I didn’t say you hadn’t, I just told you to stop freaking out.” 

“Whatever. Do you like my outfit or not?” 

“You look great,” Harvey repeated, closing his book and taking his phone in his hands. “You’re gonna have a fun night.” 

You looked away from your phone for a second as you thought of something witty to say that would change the subject. It was hard to come up with something when you were so preoccupied with your anxieties over what ‘something real’ with Caliban would be. “Yeah, well, whatever,” you said eventually. “Thanks for, you know, everything.” 

“Yeah, well,” Harvey said awkwardly. Clearly, he was just as bad at this emotional stuff as you were. “What are friends for, right?” 

“Right,” you repeated. Your phone buzzed and a notification scrolled across the top of the screen. 

 Ambercrombie: Let me know when you’re on your way x 

“I gotta go if I’m gonna make it there before this adrenaline wears off,” you said. “I love you, Harv.” 

“Love you too, slugger.” Harvey smiled and shifted on his side of the screen. “Oh, and tell the asshole ‘this is for the sixth grade.’” 

“Okay?” 

You didn’t have a lot of time to dwell on the weirdness of that last bit because soon enough you were driving over to Caliban’s and doing your best not to let your heartbeat out of your chest. It was disgusting. Though not any more disgusting than the nausea that came over as soon as you pulled into Caliban’s driveway.

The last time you were here, it didn’t end so well, and the pretty bay windows and happy plants couldn’t distract from that ... Though Isobel waving at you from the roses she was pruning did a good job of distracting you. 

After a few seconds of wondering if it was too late to reverse out of the driveway, you sucked it up and got out of the car. Isobel met you halfway but held up some dirty and gloved hands to stop you when you tried to hug her. 

“I’d love to, honestly,” she said with a small laugh. “But I don’t want to ruin your outfit.” 

Despite your reservations, you felt yourself smiling. “This old thing? I say we ruin it.” 

Isobel laughed and leaned in for a hug. She took the glove off one of her hands and squeezed yours as she pulled away. “We missed you around here.”

“Don’t tell anyone, but I missed being here,” you said. 

Before Isobel had the chance to say anything else, Caliban came out of the house with a small box in his hands. He shut the door and jogged over while Isobel joked about him not wanting her to tell you about the three weeks he spent moping and eating every piece of chocolate in the house. 

For probably the first time in his life, Caliban seemed nervous as he looked between you and his mom. Hesitantly, he put a hand on your back and smiled. “Hi.” 

“Hi yourself,” you said with a matching smile. 

“We should really be going if we’re going to make it there in time,” Caliban said. 

“Well, don’t let me keep you kids from your special date,” Isobel said as she took a few steps backward. “Have fun.” 

“But not too much fun?” Caliban asked. 

“Not so much fun that I have to take a trip to the police station.” Isobel adjusted her glove and shook her head. “That Officer Pike keeps trying to ask me out to dinner.”

You laughed at Caliban’s disgusted face before promising Isobel you’d do your best to keep him out of trouble. The two of you only managed to walk a few feet before arguing over who was going to drive, and it was only once you were in the safety of his dumb BMW before Caliban handed you the box he’d been safeguarding. 

He was quiet as you undid the little blue ribbon and lifted off the lid. Inside was a small, white corsage. The flower was beautiful but it was the last thing you were expecting, you know, because it wasn’t prom. 

“You hate it,” Caliban said, turning in his seat to face the steering wheel. 

“I don’t hate it. It’s really pretty.” 

“I knew I shouldn’t have listened to Harvey and his stupid first date etiquette-”

“Wait, Harvey told you to get me this?” you asked. Caliban shifted awkwardly and turned back to face you. “Uh, when we were talking earlier, he said to tell you ‘this is for the sixth grade.’ I assume this is this.”

Caliban laughed and all his anxieties over the corsage seemed to melt away as he relaxed back into his seat. “My dearest cousin had a date with Elizabeth Coolidge in the sixth grade. I may have gotten it into his head to be very attentive and chivalrous.” 

“You told him to baby her?” you asked, pulling a face. 

“Not in those words. Those words make it sound bad.” 

“That’s ‘cause it is bad, babe.” You laughed and reached a hand over to hold onto his wrist. “I love the corsage, and I still like you even though you’re a horrible cousin.” 

“I think it adds to my charm.” 

“I’m sure you do.” 

Caliban smiled and dropped his gaze to your hand on his wrist for a moment before looking back up and leaning over the armrest to kiss you. One small, soft kiss but it still made your stomach turn over and heart speed up. Other than some forehead kisses and quick cheek kisses, this was your first kiss since that day in the hallway. That kiss had been drawn out and surprised, though it still stopped your heart - the kiss of strangers - but this one was everything that one had lacked. It was sweet, the kind of kiss between two people who cared about each other. 

Your hand lifted to touch the side of his face lightly and you kissed him again. Caliban angled to get closer and accidentally pushed down on the horn in the process. After a very undignified yelp and jumping back to a straight-up sitting position, you started laughing. Caliban pressed down on the horn again, intentionally this time, and the two of you laughed a bit harder. Once you’d recovered, he interlaced his fingers with yours and brought them up to his lips for another quick kiss before reversing out of the garage and down the driveway. 

Isobel gave you a very amused smile as she watched the car maneuver into the street and you gave her one last wave before disappearing into the distance. 

---

Though Caliban refused to tell you where he was taking you, you caught on when you passed the third sign for the town carnival. It only happened once a year, and you’d only ever gone as a third wheel to Harvey and Sabrina. Cotton candy, fortune tellers, dumb games, and more food trucks than you thought possible for such a small town. You loved every part of it.

You started off with some popsicles and browsing through the different stalls before moving onto the bumper cars. For someone who was such a great driver, he couldn’t drive his bumper car for shit. Once Caliban got sick of the twelve-year-olds driving into him, he hopped out of his car and into yours. 

After being banned from bumper cars, Caliban sought to redeem himself by winning a prize for you at one of the baseball throw games. You chose the biggest, fluffiest teddy bear from the top shelf and - after being told he’d never win it from the guy behind the counter - Caliban started throwing. He knocked down bottle after bottle until the guy behind the counter told him he’d hit enough to win the stupid bear. Now would the two of you leave him alone? 

Scooping up your new child, you and Caliban made an exit for the Ferris wheel. Though you’d been on this thing at least once a year for as long as you could remember, riding it with Caliban was different - and not just because there was a giant teddy bear between you. As if you weren’t already in way over your head, he had the nerve to look pretty in the ugly fluorescent lights. 

“So what are you going to name it?” he asked when he caught you staring at him again. 

“Huh?” 

“What are you going to name the bear?” Caliban asked with an annoyingly smug smile on his face. “You know, the one that’s currently blocking my attempts to kiss you.” 

“Oh, right. That bear.” Moving to get a better look at the bear as you recovered from your embarrassment, you moved some fluff out of its eyes. “I don’t know. What do you think of Bearington?” 

“Bearington?” 

“Yeah, you know, like Barrington. It’s a people name,” you said. “But he’s not a people so it’s Bearington.” 

“Bearington.” 

“Stop saying his name like that! It’s cute.” 

“Is it?” 

You scoffed and pushed his hand that was draped over the back of the seat. “How dare you talk about our son like this? I want a divorce.” 

“Like hell. I put the best years of my life into this marriage,” Caliban said as he turned in his seat to look at you. “I gave up that promotion at the firm so that you could open your store for your ridiculous handcrafted jewelry.” 

“You said you loved my jewelry!” 

“I also said I loved your cooking. You married a liar.” 

“Well, you married a thief! That’s right, that priceless Faberge egg that ‘got lost in the move?’ I sold it on eBay to buy new shoes.” 

“That egg was a wedding gift from my mother!” 

Despite the abundance of jokes on the tip of your tongue, you couldn’t help laughing at the fake argument and how close the two of you had gotten as a result. You lifted your hand from the safety bar and grabbed some of Caliban’s shirt to pull him closer and kiss him. 

After being kicked off the Ferris wheel for not following safety regulations, you went to one of the photobooths to take your first photo as a family, among a few other - far sillier - photos. You put a copy of each in your purse and Caliban put the other in his wallet before the two of you went off looking for any other trouble you could find. 

Fortune teller? Check. Enough cotton candy to make you sick? Check. More carnival games for Caliban to be annoyingly perfect at? Check. 

It would have been the perfect date if, while you were trying to juggle Bearington and a drink (as well as trying to get something out of your purse), someone didn’t grab your purse and take off. Luckily for you, unluckily for them, Caliban raced after them and pinned them against the wall in less than a minute. 

When you caught up, the kid was sputtering an apology and begging Caliban to let go of him. Caliban handed you your purse and you checked to make sure everything was still there while the would-be thief asked if he’d let go now that you had your stuff back. 

“Come on, aren’t you gonna tell your boyfriend to let me go?” he whined. 

“No, I’m gonna tell him to knock your teeth out,” you said with a polite smile. You weren’t sure who looked more surprised about that; Caliban evened loosened his grip slightly in his shock. 

“Seriously?” the kid asked. 

“Really?” Caliban asked. 

“Yeah, you tried to steal from me,” you said. “If you want, he could break your hand instead. I hear they still do that to thieves somewhere.” 

“Seriously?” 

“Yeah, seriously. So you can choose: no teeth or a broken hand? I’d go for the hand because teeth don’t grow back but-” 

“You can’t listen to her,” the kid rushed out, holding onto Caliban’s hands and pleading. “Seriously, I learned my lesson. I’ll never steal again. Promise!” 

“I think he's being sincere, love,” Caliban said. “What do you think?” 

“I think …” The kid looked at you with terrified eyes and you figured it was time to stop messing with him. “I think you can let him go.” 

Caliban did so with a smile and the kid disappeared as quickly as he’d appeared, leaving you and Caliban alone to laugh and carry on with the rest of your date. 

You visited the few stalls that you hadn’t already seen and then, very slowly, made your way back to the car. Caliban buckled Bearington into the backseat and you defrosted in front of the air vents with his jacket around your shoulders. When he got into the car, Caliban took your hand in his to warm them up. 

Neither of you said anything. 

You soaked up the silence and did your best to commit this moment to memory. The way his hands, with their healing callouses, felt over your own. The way the street lights lit up his eyes. The sound of your racing heartbeat. His smile. You didn’t want to miss a detail, even though you knew you could never capture it again.

Maybe because you could never recapture it. 

“Thanks,” you said softly. 

“My pleasure,” Caliban said, equally quiet and soft. 

He drove much slower on the way home than he had going to the carnival, and you almost didn’t want to say anything to ruin this perfect, not-fake bubble that the two of you existed in as you went down the highway. So, instead, you picked some music that both of you liked and turned the volume as high as it could go, only turning it down when the two of you got close to his house again. 

The happy yellow house broke your heart when you saw it because that meant you’d have to burst the perfect bubble and go home. Caliban must have felt the same because he pulled into the driveway but didn’t switch the car off for a long time after that. When he did, you let out a breath that you didn’t know you were holding. 

“You know, if we kept driving, I’m sure we could make it to the beach by sunrise,” Caliban said, hand still resting over the ignition.

“I’m sure we could.”

“That’s more second date material though, isn’t it?” he asked quietly. 

“I don’t know,” you said. “Why don’t you ask me out and we’ll see?” 

Caliban smiled and turned his head to look at you. “Would you like to go out with me again?” 

“I thought you’d never ask.”

Tagged:  @t-a-i-l-o-r-m-a-d-e  @miss--moose​  @marrypuffsstuff​  @harryscarolinaa​  @igorsbby​​  @foji2000​​  @mschfavngz​​  @artaxerxesthegreat​​  @thxmagic​​  @strawberriesandknives​​  @xealia​​  @hotmessindisguise​  @acciomaximoff​  @reheated-coffee​​  @shelby-x​​  @perseny-blog​​  @millie-753​​  @luneerius​​  @shizzybarnaclee​​  @lettherebelovex​​  @throughparisallthroughrome​  @ietss​  @thebookwormlife​  @mechanicalanimalz​  @mariamermaid​  @nqbmf​  @caliban-is-my-girl  @lawlesshedgehog  @music-movies  @luquincy  @olivia-west-allen  @drrramaaaqweeen​  @roxytheimmortal​ (Struck through wouldn’t tag) 

[introvertguide]

High Noon (1952); AFI #27

Our next film up for review is the not-so-standard western, High Noon, starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly. The movie was nominated for seven Academy Awards and took home four trophies for Best Actor, Best Editing, Best Music, and Best Song. Westerns at the time were generally focused on the flawless hero who everybody loves and the citizens that band together to fight the bad guy. The good guys were all good and the bad guys were all bad. This is not the case with current film and it was one of the few Westerns nominated for Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Writing (although these were the awards that the movie did not win). It is a genre film that completely went against type. I really want to continue but I realize that now is the time to go through the plot, so let us first give the warning...

SPOILER ALERT!!! I AM GOING TO SPOIL THE WHOLE MOVIE AND IT IS WELL WORTH SEEING SO DON’T READ FURTHER UNTIL YOU WATCH ON YOUR OWN!!! IT IS ONLY 85 MINUTES LONG SO GIVE IT A CHANCE!!! IT IS VERY WORTH YOUR TIME TO SEE WITHOUT IT BEING SPOILED!!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Remember that the film has a run time of 85 minutes and this is the amount of time that passes in the movie. With this in mind, there will be no “meanwhile” or “while that was happening...” in this review. Everything is shown that matters and assume that time is passing for everyone in town whether or not they are on screen.

Three men meet outside Hadleyville, a small town in the New Mexico Territory, are gathered and ride over to the train station to wait for a train. The scene switches to the retirement and wedding of Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper), newly married to Amy Fowler (Grace Kelly), as he kisses his bride and turns in his badge and gun. The happy couple will soon depart for a new life to raise a family and run a store in another town. However, word arrives that Frank Miller, a vicious outlaw whom Kane sent to jail, has been released and will arrive on the noon train. Miller's gang—his younger brother Ben (Sheb Wooley), Jack Colby (Lee Van Cleef), and Jim Pierce (Robert Wilke)—are the three men awaiting his arrival at the train station. It is not directly stated by the three men, but it is clear that Miller intends to exact revenge since Kane put him in jail previously. A glance at the clock shows it is 10:45. This is especially a problem since the new marshal won’t arrive until the next day and Kane doesn’t want to leave the town with no protection.

Amy is a devout Quaker and pacifist so the solution is simple—leave town before Miller arrives. They actually start out in their buggy, but Kane turns around and takes them both back to the jailhouse because Kane insists on facing Miller and his men. "They're making me run", he tells her. "I've never run from anybody before." At this point, it is assumed that Kane will get his deputies and form a posse to face Miller. He is the beloved retiring lawman and the town had banded together before to put the man in jail in the first place. Amy gives Kane an ultimatum saying she is leaving on the noon train whether he joins her or not. Kane says he has to stay so they basically split up literally minutes after being married by the Justice of the Peace. 

Kane finds one man that immediately volunteers and then goes to the deputy Harvey Pell (Lloyd Bridges). Pell won’t help unless Kane puts in a good word and actually quits because he believes that Kane didn’t promote him to Marshall because of some old grudge over a woman. Kane denies even knowing about the relationship and Pell turns in his star and quits. Another person that Kane thought would help is Judge Percy Mettrick (Otto Kruger), who he finds packing up to get out of town because he doesn’t believe he will survive. The judge is the one who actually sentenced Miller, and believes the outlaw will want him dead.

Further dialogue reveals that Will Kane had stolen the lover of Frank Miller, a Mexican women named Helen Ramirez (Katy Jurado), and this was what prompted Miller to go wild and convinced the town to have him arrested. Kane is no longer with Ramirez and was not aware that she had been sleeping with the deputy. All together, it seems like Kane is not that great of a guy and that Miller has a legitimate grudge with him. The whole town knows this and some of them want Miller to kill Kane, so nobody will help him and he is again encouraged to leave. One friend named Sam Fuller hides in his house and has his wife cover for him. The old marshal is played by freaking Lon Chaney and he won’t help because he notes that members of law enforcement die and nobody really cares. Nobody at the church will help and even the one guy who volunteered backs out because he realizes it will be a slaughter. The only person who openly offers to help is a young boy, but Kane rejects that help and tells the boy to go home.

All this happens and is taking up the time before the noon train. Helen realizes that one of the men she loved will die and the lack of town support upsets her. Amy goes up to meet Helen and the two decide that they will go on the noon train together. Ramirez says she would stay with Kane and not abandon him, but Amy tells her own story of tragedy (she watched her father and brother die in a shoot out). 

Deputy Pell again expresses his anger at not being named the new marshal and so he corners Kane in the horse stables and demands that he be made made the marshal and Kane ride out of town. Their conversation becomes an argument, and then a fist fight. Kane finally knocks his former deputy senseless. Forlorn, Kane returns to his office to write out his will as the clock hits high noon.

Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald) arrives on the noon train and his group of men are waiting for him with a gun belt. Helen and Amy get on the train as the outlaws ride into town. There is a very famous overhead shot which shows Kane all alone in the streets with a genuine look of fear, assuming that all of his friends have deserted him and he is about to die. The gang walks into town and starts shooting at Kane, which Amy hears from the train and she decides to go back and help. Kane is able to gun down Ben Miller and Colby but is wounded and hides in the stable. He escapes by hanging on to a fleeing horse but is again cornered by the outlaws at the jailhouse. Amy runs into town and takes a gun from one of the bodies and hides. She is able to sneak up and shoot Pierce from behind. Frank Miller sees this and takes her hostage to call out Kane. The marshal comes out and Amy scratches at Miller to let her go and Kane gets the opportunity to gun down Frank Miller.

Kane helps his bride to her feet and they embrace. As the townspeople emerge and cluster around him, Kane throws his marshal's star in the dirt, glares at the crowd, and departs with Amy on their wagon.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

I keep harping on about how this was not like any standard western of the time and I should probably explain more clearly now that the plot is known. Movies at the time focused on the American marshal as a pseudo superhero. They were honest and always on the side of good, they could ride horses and outshoot any outlaw, everybody loved them except bad guys, and women swooned in their wake. They also tended to be ruggedly handsome, tough as nails, and fearless. The antagonist, on the other hand, was completely wrong and had bad moral character. These bad guys mistreated women, disobeyed the law on purpose, stole, robbed, cheated, and had ugly scars. They traveled in groups in an attempt to intimidate people, but they were no match for the single good guy. But this movie changed everything.

An old marshal who just retired to marry a much younger woman sticks around town to fight a man whom he convicted to die. This villain had an issue with the old marshal because the lawman had stolen his woman. The deputy won’t stand with the retired marshal after being passed over for the job opening and many of the town members won’t help because they think the marshal should leave and let the new marshal deal with the problem. The marshal is scared and alone when he takes on the villains and it is his young bride who actually comes to his aid while he cowers in the jailhouse. At the end, the marshal throws his star on the ground and leaves without saying anything else. 

All members of the cast need to be commend on acting against character type because the general sense of fear at what was coming explained the realistic choice of most of the town running away. It is almost comical when all of the villains are dead and the entire town comes pouring into the streets and it is obvious that there were more than enough men to make a posse and easily protect the town. But the only person that came to help when it counted was a female 20-year-old pacifist Quaker. 

It has been noted by directors and film critics that this was not a very strong performance by Grace Kelly, especially when next to veteran Mexican actress Katy Jurado. Alfred Hitchcock later noted that she played a very meek part for such a strong role, but saw something in her (likely her blond hair and good looks) and gave her a much more fitting part when he cast her for Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief. 

I could not find the film on any of the subscription services when I was looking to watch it so I had the DVD shipped through Netflix. This is a good way to go because I got to watch some DVD extras and learned that everybody and their dad was attached to the making of this film. The cinematographer was Floyd Crosby, the father of rock/folk singer David Crosby. The Deputy was played by Lloyd Bridges, who had two young children on set, Beau and Jeff Bridges. According to the extras, Beau was actually in the barn loft watching during the fight between Kane and his deputy. The singer of the theme song was country musician Tex Ritter, father of actor John Ritter. A very rich history of Hollywood royalty in this single movie.

Many of the actors and writers involved in the film were concerned that they were going to get black listed for being part of this production. It was the early 50s and the Red Scare was at its height in the United States. Many actors and screenwriters were being publicly prosecuted for committing acts against America, and any movie that did not actively promote patriotism was in danger of being accused of being communist. It was a bad time for Westerns that were innovative or went against the norm, which partially explains complaints that many films in the genre during the 50s were the same. This film that depicted a lawman sticking to what he believed in and finding all his friends shunning him was interpreted by some as promoting communism or attacking McCarthyism. Director Zinnemann did say he had all this on his mind during the filming and would consider it an allegory for the Hollywood blacklisting, but that was not necessarily the point from the start.

So should this movie be on the AFI 100? Absolutely! It is part of the most American of genres at a focal point in the country’s history, yet flies in the face of all the standards of that genre. Despite this, it still was nominated for a bunch of awards and highly acclaimed by liberal and conservative leaning viewers alike. The movie is full of Old Hollywood greatness as far as the stars and the crew. The AFI list was created for innovative Americana like this. Would I recommend it? Absolutely! Just the innovate shots and the use of real time alone makes for a great watch. The story is great and the acting is great. There are few movies on the AFI list with pacing this good and it is a very easy film to watch and enjoy. Highly recommend.

[stardust-22]

WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED (AU) CH.5/?

A/N: Writing this took a couple of writing sessions but it’s finally done! Without further ado, here’s the next chapter! As always, feedback is always appreciated xx 

Tagging @totalfictionprincess @elizaglad @turtlesandalpacas @kanakalala458 @justconfusedperiod @aesthetically-feisty @apocalypticdetention @scriberated @bluecandy91 @calibansprincessx @perfect-ginger-maniac @xxspacequeennxx @calibanswhore

cause y’all are squad lol

CHAPTER 1 | CHAPTER 2 | CHAPTER 3| CHAPTER 4| CHAPTER 6 PART 1 |

CHAPTER 6 PART 2|

SUMMARY: Pagans swarmed into Greendale. Sabrina & Caliban compete in the final regalia.

CHAPTER 5: THE CHALLENGE

SABRINA POV

I can’t believe that was our first kiss and it felt electrifying. After our kiss, I had to calm my heart rate from speeding up too fast. You shouldn’t be overreacting like this Sabrina, it’s just a kiss with your husband who you’re in a political marriage with.

I looked up towards Caliban and Ambrose, “Okay since our wedding is done. We need to make a quick stop here on earth to take care of the pagans before we can move forward with the third challenge. Does that sound good to you?”

“Sounds good to me, cousin. I’m going to head back to the academy to check on Aunt Zee, Prudence and Aunt Hilda. I’ll leave you and your loverboy here to plan but meet back at the academy please.”

On that note, Ambrose bid me and Caliban adieu.

I was so deep in thought, Caliban started to shake my shoulder trying to snap me out of my revoir.

“Princess, are you okay?” Caliban looked at me concerned but I blocked him out. Why does this kiss have a deeper effect on me? Thinking back to my kisses with Harvey’s and Nick’s, my kiss with Caliban felt more significantly different than theirs. Hmm is it because he knows what I’m going through trying to live up to everyone’s expectations? That he understands me on a level that no one can perceive but us. We’re both “competing” against each other for the throne. But maybe this marriage thing could work out. And he’s been more considerate now since he helped me and the gang saved Roz. But we’ll see where this goes. I didn’t notice in my reverie while I was thinking about Caliban, that I was staring at his lips the entire time.

Caliban saw the direction of my stare has changed and started to give me that cheeky grin of his.

“Care for another my Queen?”

I gave Caliban a slight shove and my blush began to give away my true feelings.

“My dear husband, focus on the plan here. We need to figure out how to defeat the pagans and also plan for the third challenge.”

“Hold on, one situation at a time my Queen. Maybe if we regroup with your aunties and cousin, we’ll be able to figure out everything together.”

“Fine Caliban. We’ll focus on the pagans then we can continue on with planning for the challenge.”

“As you wish, my Queen.”

“Wait before I forget, maybe we should change our wedding attire back into our regular clothes. Since we don’t want to show everyone that we’ve gotten married, right?” I felt a blush reddening on my cheeks, looking down away from him.

“That would be a good idea my Queen. And we’ll have to glamour our rings as well until we reveal to everyone that we’re married.”

We were walking back to the dressing rooms that Ambrose made up for us. While I was changing, I kept staring at my ring. It was a rose gold band encrusted with diamond and a moonstone shaped like a teardrop. Even the matching wedding band itself was beautiful as well. A rose gold band with a diamond arch to match with the engagement ring.

While I was gazing at my ring, I almost forgot to use a glamour to hide it.

“Abscondere annulum meum.” I murmured to myself and my ring was hidden away. But not for long, it’ll reappear again. I’m probably overthinking this but Caliban chose beautiful rings for me even though we barely know each other that well. Maybe Ambrose had a hand in this since he’s my cousin after all. At least I’m back wearing my regular clothes even though I did love the gown that Deumos made for me.

I heard a knock at the door.

“Princess, you’re taking your sweet time in there. Might you need assistance on changing because I will be happily obliged to do that.”

“That is definitely not necessary for you to do that. I was about to get out anyways.”

After I opened the door, I was met by Caliban’s face staring at me. He was rather pleased with himself in trying to make me blush. Luckily my embarrassment went away before I opened the door. We both left the dressing rooms and headed outside to the clearing.

“Let’s head back to the academy and regroup with everyone.”

As I felt Caliban’s flames start to ignite, I felt his arm wrapped around my shoulder as we began to teleport back to the academy. Caliban’s flames began to dispitate and his grip on my shoulder loosen down. We appeared in front of the entrance of the academy and started to walk through the doors to head inside. I stood in front of Caliban as I led us to the academy’s office. Due to the chaos with the pagans, the halls were empty with no one in sight. I walked into the office and saw Aunt Zee, Aunt Hilda, Ambrose and Prudence gathered around.

“Hi everyone! What’s going on here?”

“There you are Sabrina. We were wondering where you had gone off to and I’m not surprised you’re not putting much commitment to the family or the coven.” Aunt Zee said while she was smoking her cigarette. Oh classic Aunt Zee with her comebacks.

“School ran late but I made it just in time! I also brought a friend with me who might be able to help us. Everyone this is Caliban, Prince of Hell.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all.”

“Isn’t this the same Caliban that you’re going against the throne for?” Aunt Zee quipped up.

“Auntie Zee, defeating the pagans is our top priority and we need all the help we can get. Now what’s happened since I’ve been away?”

“Well cousin, since we captured Circe we need to figure how to defeat the pagans before they start to retaliate.” Ambrose interjected to dispel any tension simmering before it heated up.

“So how long do you think we have before they start to raid us?”

“About 2 to 3 days but not much any longer.”

“We’ve already killed 4 of their members and have Circe held captive. We need to reconvene and gather everyone together.” Prudence added into the conversation.

“Okay Aunt Zee and Aunt Hilda, you guys head back to the house to check if we have anything useful to bring to the fight. Ambrose and Prudence, you guys tell everyone to get themselves ready cause it’s all hands on deck from here. Me and Caliban will head back to hell’s library to see if there’s anything that could be of use to us. Then we can regroup back at the Spellman mortuary.”

“Sabrina don’t forget about dinner since I’ll be making my famous english supper. Maybe Caliban can tag along as well? If he doesn’t mind.” Aunt Hilda always likes to get the last word in.

“It would be a pleasure to join you all for dinner. I hope my presence doesn’t intrude on your plans.” Caliban said oozing out the charm there.

“Come on Caliban. We don’t want to keep everyone waiting on us. Bye aunties, Ambrose and Prudence. We’ll see all of you at the house!” As I motioned Caliban out of the office and made our way to the library. After we teleported to the library, I felt annoyed with Caliban for some reason.

“Princess, if you wanted to get me alone all you have to do is ask me.”

“Caliban you almost blew our cover. We can’t let the Aunties, Prudence or anyone else know that there’s something more between us.”

“My Queen, you’re overreacting. Your Aunt Hilda was just being nice and you did say that you needed all the help in order to defeat the pagans remember?”

Suddenly I felt him closing in the distance between us. His face was going in fairly close to mine and his arms were above me, holding me hostage that I couldn’t escape from.

He then whispered to my ear, “Besides my dear Queen, I can think of other ways to bide our time.”

I felt his left hand move down to my shoulder and had to close my eyes. I felt movement and as I opened my eyes, he was actually grabbing a book from behind me.

“This book might be of some use to us in defeating the pagans. I’m going to examine more of its contents and check back with you. Give me a yell if you find anything as well Princess.”

After that, Caliban cheekily smirked at me and walked back towards the table.

That cheeky jerk knew what he was doing. He just wanted to get a reaction out of me and my thoughts went straight to the gutter. Oh he is so gonna get some payback after this whole situation is done. Rustling away my plans that I have to get back at Caliban later, I need to focus on the task at hand.

Now, Robin said earlier that in order for the green man ritual to go through is that they need a virgin. But we can’t let them take any of my friends away so that’s not going to happen. Maybe if we had a decoy or something to use as bait then we’ll be able to foil their plans.

Caliban and I spent about an hour or so in the library, trying to absorb all the information that could be of help to them. Then suddenly, I was looking down at the time on my watch and told Caliban that we need to regroup back with everyone at the Spellman house. The flames were igniting around me and Caliban which then teleported us away back to my house. As Caliban and I were walking to the house, we saw Aunt Zelda burying something in the ground with a shovel.

I was walking up to Aunt Zee and asked her, “Aunt Zee what are you doing? Who is that?”

“Your Aunt Hilda here turned into a spider and ended up killing Dr. Cee and a random stranger who was visiting from out of town. She asked me to kill her but she’ll be able to resurrect back up again, don’t worry. Now let’s gather round back inside.”  

Both Caliban and I then followed Aunt Zee back inside the house after she was finishing burying up Aunt Hilda. After we got inside, Aunt Zee asked us if we had found anything useful to help with the fight. But before we could answer her, there was a knock at the door.

“Sabrina, see you were worrying for nothing. That must be your Aunt Hilda right now at the door. Let me get the door first then continue with your explanation afterwards.” After Aunt Zee said that, she rushed to the door and opened it. Suddenly a huge bang can be heard throughout the house.

Caliban murmured, “somno mulier recedemus.”

There at the door was Mary Wardwell, who then fell face flat on the floor. I was so busy looking to see who it was that I didn’t realize something happened to Aunt Zee. I ran over to where Aunt Zee was and placed her on my lap. I’m trying to stop the bleeding because there's too much going on.

“Ambrose! Come quickly! Aunt Zee just got shot by Mary Wardwell. Caliban, come over here to help me stop the bleeding.”

I felt Caliban right beside me and took over holding the cloth, trying to provide pressure in hopes of stopping the bleeding.

“Ambrose she barely has a pulse.”

“Stay with her! I’ll gather reinforcements.” After Ambrose left, I tried to gather my thoughts.

“Aunt Zee, I’m not done driving you crazy yet. Please stay with me, just hold on. Help is coming.” Trying to get her to stay awake still.

Ambrose came back hurrying down the stairs with Mambo Marie and Prudence in tow.

“Cousin! I’ve brought reinforcements.”

“The bleeding won’t stop even after I applied pressure to it. Caliban had to take over for me cause I couldn’t gather my wits together. And her heartbeat is so faint”

“It’s gonna be alright. Mambo Marie said she can help.” Prudence put her hand on my shoulder to reassure me.

“I can try cheries. Where in this house can I operate?” “The basement! We can bring her down there.” Ambrose stammered.

I tried to get up to help everyone bring Aunt Zee down to the basement but someone’s hand stopped me from moving. I looked up and saw Caliban there.

“Caliban what are you doing? We need to get down there to help Aunt Zee.”

“Princess, you need to calm down. I’m sure Mambo Marie knows what she’s doing but I need to get you to relax. You’ve just been dealt with some heavy trauma right now. We’ll reconvene with them later. Now where should I take us to gather up your thoughts?” Caliban grabbed my hand and I took us over by the dining room so we’ll be able to sit down properly.

“Wait what happened to Mrs. Wardwell, Caliban? Wasn’t she at the front door earlier?”

“I was able to cast a spell put her to sleep and managed to tie her up so she won’t be able to move. She’s actually sleeping on the couch in your living room right now.” He pointed to the direction of the woman in question sleeping on my couch.

“Wait how were you able to do that? I’m so confused since I thought you aren’t able to cast any spells.” I looked at him defiantly. But him doing this is helping me calm down just a bit and provide a good distraction.

“Being the Prince of Hell does have its perks. I was feigning about not being able to cast spells but my Queen, I do have to apologize. This was before our alignment when we were still fighting each other for the Holy Regalia. My powers are seeded from the pits of hell and you know how I am made of clay. I was born from the pits and was able to grow forth my powers even more.” Caliban explained.

“I might consider your apology but you’re threading very carefully. May, I ask how old are you though?” Suddenly curious about his age and makes me wonder if I want to learn more about him.

“I was in a deep slumber for a long time until you came about Princess. I may be a few months old chronologically, but biologically I am 20. Just don’t tease me about my age.”

“Whatever you say Caliban. I also wanted to thank you for comforting me about what happened with Aunt Zee. And also taking care of Mrs. Wardwell for me.” I was looking down at my hands while I said that since I didn’t want to see his reaction.

Suddenly, his hand was on my chin and made me look up back at him.

“Remember the vows, I’ve spoken to you earlier? I promise to be patient, and to remember that all things between us are rooted in each other. And to realize your interests, desires & needs are no less important than my own. I promised to uphold these vows to you and be there in your time of need. I’m here to reaffirm those affirmations that we said to each other.”

While Caliban said that, his grip on my chin loosen and his hand went towards mine and clasped together with his. My blush went exactly tenfold on my face. Woah there mister hot stuff, stop trying to distract me. But on the hand, this feels extremely calming and maybe different than what I was used to.

“I appreciate you for being here for me. And doing all of this, I’m not sure how I’ll be able to repay for everything that you’ve done for me. But I do know that I want to get to know you better. Maybe we should continue this conversation after defeating the pagans and the third challenge is finished?”

“Anything you asked for my Queen, it shall be done. I think you looked more level headed now so we should probably head down and check what happened.”

Both Caliban and I stood up from our seats and made our descent towards the basement. Walking side by side together, our hands neared each other. Fingers meeting but barely within touching distance. We arrived in front of the basement and walked right inside. Candles were lit, Aunt Zee was on the table while Ambrose, Prudence and Madam Mambo were surrounding her.

“Ambrose what did we missed?” I questioned him as me and Caliban were within hearing distance from everyone.

“Mambo Marie was able to get the bullet out of her wound. But Aunt Zee still hasn’t awakened.”

“Is there anything more that we could do Mambo Marie?” Prudence asked.

“Zelda will need the greatest strength to be woken up. You three are not able to do that, possibly Caliban can but I’m not sure if he could. There is life here but she is lost between the land of the dead and the living. Her espirit has wandered down deep into the “in-between”, the Nether Realm of the Gede Lwa.” Mambo Marie explained to the young witches, warlock and demon prince.

“Wait so she’s basically in Limbo then?” I asked her.

“Different words but same meaning for the same place. And now we wait. We burn the violet candles. For that is the best way for Zelda to be leading back to us, here in this life.” Ambrose looked crushed and Prudence was silently comforting him. I felt Caliban’s hand near mine secretly, giving me comfort.

There was a loud screeching noise making the room alert. Mambo Marie shooed us away to go check what’s going on outside as she tended to Aunt Zelda.

Ambrose, Prudence, Caliban and I made our way up the stairs and headed straight to the front porch. There outside was a woman in a black outfit and wearing a black hat with a veil.

“What is that?” I wondered aloud staring at the figure in the distance.

“That dear Spellman, is a banshee. It’s a bad omen, meaning that someone will die soon in the Spellman family. Maybe more than one.” Prudence gravely announced to us.

“No, Prudence. I don’t care what she is. No one is dying in this house.” I nodded my head to Caliban to follow me back inside as we left Prudence and Ambrose outside.

Eventually everyone gathered towards the drawing room to come up with a plan. There was a sudden knock at the door and in came, Dorcas with Elsepth in tow. Prudence concerned about what happened with Dorcas moved feverently to her.

“Dorcas what happened? Why were you and Elsepth outside and why are you covered in blood?”

“It’s Faustaus and Agatha. Apparently, the Dark Lord and Faustaus were able to split apart from each other. But Faustaus was given the Mark of Cain and is with Agatha, plus a couple of pagans in search of an egg. They’re actually on their way to this house right now on the hunt for it. We don’t have much time before they get here.” Dorcas explained everything in a rush.

“Okay, everyone don’t panic. First we need to get everyone here into safety. Let’s head back downstairs to inform Mambo Marie and then teleport ourselves back to the academy.” I ordered everyone in a calm fashion.

We all rushed downstairs to Mambo Marie and Aunt Zee to explain the situation that was brought upon us. I told everyone to gather around and hold each other’s hands. Caliban’s hand gripped mine fiercely but in a determined way.

I heard the front door burst open from upstairs and heard Faustaus shouting,” kill every spellman, that you can find.”

“Lunuae Magicae!” I shouted as we teleported back to the academy. We arrived in the main corridor and everyone was still intact.

“Mambo Marie stay by Aunt Zee and make sure she’ll be safe. Now we need to gather everyone in the academy and put up protection spells around the perimeter.”

“Voce mea nunc.” I murmured.

“Attention warlocks and witches, now I need everyone to put up protection spells surrounding the academy. This is not a drill but please come back inside quickly and I’ll tell everyone the rest of the plan.”

I saw the rest of the students rushed outside and began to put up protection spells around the academy. I saw Caliban gave me his usual smirk impressed with my leadership. He had his arms folded in and leaned against the stairway. I walked over to his direction and my hands were placed on my hips.

“Now wonderboy. I have a question I’d like to ask you, how good are you at protection spells?”

“Princess, I admire your leadership. You know if you’d like to give me orders, I’d gladly follow them for something else.”

“Not now Caliban, now please answer my question.”

“I’m pretty good at making protection sigils. Would that please you my Queen?”

“Thank you. Now please let’s hurry before anything else starts to cause havoc around here.”

Everyone was finishing up casting the protection spells and heard someone shouted I got it. I looked over and saw Aunt Zelda was awake!

“Aunt Zee you’re finally awake! What happened?” I exclaimed to her.

“Sabrina dear, I finally have the answer that we’ve been waiting for. We’ll be able to get our powers back. Now where’s your Aunt Hilda? I was just with her a moment ago in the Nether Realm and I don’t see her here.”

Ambrose came in bursting to the hallway with Prudence right behind him. “Aunt Zee, you’re finally awake. Thank Satan for that and to answer your question, unfortunately Aunt Hilda did not make it.” Ambrose told her while Prudence wrapped her arm around him.

“What do you mean she did not make it? I was just with her a second ago and now she’s not here?!”

I placed my hand on top of Aunt Zee’s, “She didn’t rise back up from the Cain Pit Aunt Zee. She’s dead.”

“Nonsense. I’m gonna go bring her back alive myself if I have to. I’ll use what I’ve learned from the next life and dragged her back here.”

She continued on, “Now who’s with me on going back to the Spellman household to bring back our Sister Hilda from the dead!”

“Wait, Aunt Zee. Maybe one of us should astral project to see if the coast is clear back at home. Remember Faustaus, Agatha & their gang were on the hunt for us and that egg.” I told Aunt Zee, who was fiercely determined to bring back Aunt Hilda back. But we need to be cautious of everything.

“Sabrina, I volunteer. It shouldn’t take me that long but I’ll let you all know when everything is in the clear.” Prudence volunteered herself before I was able to say anything.

She does have a vendetta against her father and I know she has a bone or two to pick with him. So I’m pretty much okay with her taking this instead. Seeing as we have other pressing matters later.

While Ambrose and Prudence were busy checking out if our house is cleared. Everyone else was separated into small groups. Now that I think about it, I realised the fright club isn’t here or Nick. And Faustaus is probably on the hunt for them too. Before I decided to make my way over to them, I felt my hand being grabbed back. Low and behold, it’s Cal.

“Where are you running off to Princess? Might I, be of assistance in this quest you’ve partaken?”

“You’re never letting me out of your sight, are you?” I gave him a little smirk.

“If I said yes, I would be lying to myself. And you might need help on this little adventure, so I decided to tag along as well.”

“Oh alright Cal. Well, I’m very worried about my friends and I suspect that Faustaus and his gang are probably after them. Let’s just call it my gut intuition.”

“Then what are we waiting for, we should go. We should let everyone know that we have something to take care of and I like the nickname Princess.”

“Don’t get used to it. I’ll inform Ambrose and Prudence. I’ll ask Ambrose to let me know if the house is cleared then we’ll meet them over there. Let’s leave now before anything else happens.”

So both Caliban and I walked over to Prudence and Ambrose. I informed them about needing to check on the gang before they get fried from Faustaus and company. And Ambrose to text me if the house is cleared. Then Caliban’s flames ignited around us and we promptly arrived at Harvey’s garage.

“Sabrina, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be competing for the final regalia?” Nick questioned me with hidden anger in his voice.

“Wait what is Caliban doing here?” Harvey said behind Nick.

Before I could utter a word, Caliban interrupted me.

“We’re not competing yet for the final regalia due to some unexpected circumstances that appeared. Also we came to save your sorry asses since in a few minutes, Faustaus and his gang are out to hunt you guys. So thank us for being here.”

“As I was about to say that before Caliban here interrupted me. We all need to go now before they get here. I just got a text from Ambrose that the house is clear. So, we should head over there now before it’s too late.”  

Since everyone has agreed to the plan, we all gathered around in a circle. Caliban’s flames engulfed around us as we slowly teleported off to the Spellman house. Right in time because eventually, Faustaus and his gang arrived at the scene.

“Those mangey brats aren’t here.” Faustaus exclaimed in frustration.

_______________________________________________________________

Caliban’s flames disappeared quickly and we finally arrived back at the house. Everyone was gathered by the Cain Pit. The guys decided to stand by and sit at the side as Aunt Zee wanted all the women to gather around by her. The hedge witches, Roz, Prudence, Dorcas, Elsepth, and the rest of the Academy girls and I were all holding hands. While Aunt Zelda was by Aunt Hilda’s grave and began to chant her spell.

“It is said that whenever you call on The Triple Goddess, she comes to you. As much as I ignored her, put my faith in lesser gods, signed my name in other books, she still came to me when I needed her most. When I wandered, lost in the Nether Realm, it was she who led me back to the material world. We call you, Hecate. We call you on now, Maiden, in your unbounded potential. We call on you, Divine Mother, in all your divine power. We call on you, Crone, in your arcane wisdom. We are descended from all maidens, mothers, and crones. And so, when we call on the three-in-one, we call on all witches stretching back from the beginning of time to the end of days. We call on… ourselves, the powers that have been denied to us. Imbue us with them, Hecate, and we shall pray to you morning, noon and night. And we shall live to honor the thy three faces, thy three forms.”

Aunt Zee continued as she kneeled on the ground, “Dark Mother, the keeper of the key to the door between worlds, we… summon thee. Return our Sister Hilda, to the realm of the living, and we will never forget you again!”

I opened my eyes and felt the wind all around me. Thunder came bursting through the clouds, and we waited with bated breath to see if Hecate would answer our calling. Then the wind subsided.

“Hilda?” Aunt Zelda asked, wondering where she was.

“Hildy are you there?” Then Aunt Zee went down on her knees stumped. Ambrose was trembling in tears and I felt droplets filling up in my eyes. This should have worked so why wasn’t this working at all?

Then all of a sudden, Aunt Hilda’s hand popped out from the ground. Aunt Zee grabbed her hand and pulled her out from the ground.

“So, what have I missed?” Aunt Hilda asked everyone.

“A lot, Aunt Hilda. The pagans still need to be stopped.” I answered her.

“Bloody pagans. What trouble are they causing now?”

We told her that in order for the pagans to be stopped, we need to get rid of the green man ritual. How they’re planning to use the green man’s seed and put them inside the caramel apples to everyone in town. Aunt Hilda suggested a lullaby to sing so everyone in town will go to sleep and not go to the carnival.  

Aunt Hilda, Prudence, Aunt Zelda and Ambrose were casting the lullaby back at the house. Caliban and I decided to put glamours on ourselves to trick the pagans. I glamoured as Robin, while Caliban glamoured as Mrs. Wardwell since they needed a virgin for the ritual.

As I brought fake “Mrs. Wardwell” to the carnival, Caliban had to say something to me.

“Princess, easy on the manhandling. You have precious cargo here.”

“Stick with the plan Cal. We just need to get through them and then we can finally attack.” I shushed him as I presented Mrs. Wardwell to the pagans. The pagans were convinced that “Robin” didn’t betray them.

Now the pagans were gathered by the Green Man and started to worship and pray for him.

“Mrs. Wardwell” was trapped inside in the middle of the big plant man structure. Mrs. Wardwell was yelling at them to stop. The branches & vines around the Green Man began to wrap around the arms of “Mrs. Warwell” and the branches/vines started to break. The pagans thinking they had victory rejoiced until suddenly the Green Man started to deteriorate. Flames started to spread all over the structure and began to burn. And low and behold, revealed to be Caliban with a smirk on his face. The pagans were shocked by these turn of events.

“Who did you bring us Robin?” Nagaina exclaimed.

“That’s Caliban, Prince of Hell. He’s born from the pits and has pretty good flames. So your structure didn’t last that long.” As I revealed myself from this Robin glamour to the pagans.

“You and your devilment. What have you done?” Carcosa yelled in frustration.

* Remember earlier, Caliban was able to subdue Mrs. Wardwell and I made her forget that the Spellmans were witches.*

“I destroyed your lame little plant god. Now I think it’s time for you and your carnival to leave Greendale.” Everyone was gathered behind me, prepared for battle. The pagans began to run for their lives.

“Coven, do not stop until every last pagan is driven from our home.” Aunt Zelda commanded everyone.

*Everyone was defeated. Fight was finished.*

Back at the Spellman household all was well.

“And so Greendale was saved once again.” Ambrose said with a toast in hand.

“And tomorrow morning, the town will wake up nice and rested.” Aunt Hilda added.

“And none the wiser sister.” Aunt Zelda agreed with her.

“Thank you Sabrina. When the coven and your family needed you most, you were there.” Aunt Zee said to me.

“It was nothing, Aunt Zee. It was never a question.” I told her truthfully.

“I suppose you’ll be running back to Hell to finish the third and final challenge, Cousin?” Ambrose asked me with curiosity.

“Yes, I still need to go back down there to handle some unfinished business. Before I go, I need to have a chat with you Ambrose. Aunties, I’ll see you guys soon. Don’t worry I’ll be back for dinner tomorrow.” I gave a wave to both Aunt Zee and Aunt Hilda as I motioned my head for Ambrose to follow me back to the other room.

When we were finally out of hearing distance from the Aunties, Ambrose looked at me with concerned eyes.

“Cousin, is there something you’re not telling me?”

“Please keep my secret about me and Caliban until we finally tell everyone. Also I want you to bring the Aunties, Dr. Cee, the Fright Club, Nick, Prudence, Dorcas and Dorian for my coronation. Since I need all the support I can get after the challenge is done.” “Don’t worry cousin, your secret is safe with me and I’ll make sure to bring everyone to your coronation.”

“Thanks Ambrose! I’ll send you a text after everything has been dealt with. Surprisingly, they have Wifi down in Hell. Who would have thought that it would be there? But I got to run!” I gave Ambrose a hug then teleported down to Hell.

I appeared in a somewhat familiar room and when I opened my eyes, I saw Caliban on his bed reading a book. He glanced up from his book and gave me his cheeky jerk of a smile.

“Welcome back Princess. Shall we discuss the plan on how we should work together for the final challenge?”

I walked over to him and sat on the right side of his bed.

“Well, we should still keep up with pretenses and make everyone think that we still hate each other.”

Caliban added, “I’ll give you a tell which is me messing with my ring. That means we should meet up after we have met up with our respective teams.”

“Okay, but where should we meet?”

“We can meet back at the library and then proceed with getting Judas’ pieces of silver afterwards.”

“Sounds like a good plan. I should probably leave your room before anyone spots me.” As I was about to get out of his bed, he pulled my arm back down towards him. And suddenly Caliban’s right on top of me.  

“Caliban stop distracting me. I need to go before anyone else wants to head to your room.” I said as I was trying to get out of his grip.

“Before you leave, I wanted to give a token of my appreciation towards you. Until we reunite, later on again.” After he said that, his face slowly met mine. I closed my eyes since I was so nervous and wasn’t sure what he was planning. I felt his lips traced mine but eventually his mouth moved towards my forehead.

‘I honestly thought we were gonna have a makeout session over here. Bad Sabrina, get your mind out of the gutter.’ Slightly frustrated at myself and I finally opened my eyes while Caliban was smirking at me, probably knew what I was thinking about.

“Don’t worry my Queen, be patient. Now let’s get you out of here undetected before someone barges in on us.” Caliban said while he got off from the bed and helped me get down. We walked together towards his door and he gave a kiss on my hand.

Checking the hallway to see if the coast is clear, I silently left Caliban’s room.

_____________________________________________________________________

*A few hours later*

Everyone was gathered in the infernal court as Daddy dearest here, was announcing his speech.

“My lords and ladies of Disrule, rejoice. For I am returned. Kneel before me, and let’s get back to business.” The Dark Lord proclaimed.

“Kneel before you? Weren’t you dethroned and imprisoned by your own witches?” Purson challenged him back.

The Dark Lord snapped his neck and killed him. Everyone gasped in shock at what happened.

“Any more questions?” The Dark Lord asked everyone in the crowd.

Suddenly, Caliban stepped forward and said, “Lord Morningstar?”

Lilith rolled her eyes, “Oh this should be good.” “Yes, and you are?” Lucifer questioned the man in front of him.

“Caliban, Prince of Hell.”

“How can you be Prince of Hell when I, who am Hell itself, know nothing of you?”

Beezlebub piped into their conversation, “Respectfully, my lord Lucifer, we are in the middle of a quest for the three objects of the Unholy Regalia.”

“Yes, I am quite aware, Beezlebub.”

“Infernal protocol must be followed. The contest must be seen to the end. Caliban and Sabrina have each found one item. Whoever finds the third, Judas Iscariot’s 30 pieces of silver, will sit upon the throne of Hell. And not even you can interfere with that quest.”

“Where, then, is my daughter?”

“She’ll turn up. She usually does.” Lilith mentioned this to Lucifer.

________________________________________________________

“I am ready to start the last challenge of the Unholy Regalia.” I announced loudly for all to hear.

“Sabrina, you must secure Judas Iscariot’s 30 pieces of silver and reclaim victory for the House of Morningstar.” Lucifer said to me.

I saw Caliban conferring with the three kings as me, Lilith and Lucifer were also in our own little corner.

“That Prince of Clay will never find Judas’ silver.” He whispered to both Lilith and I. I gave a backwards glance at Caliban and saw he was giving his tell, which is fiddling with his ring. I gave him a look to let him know we’ll meet soon. Not letting Lucifer or Lilith raise them of suspicion, I continued on listening.

“What makes you so sure?” I questioned Lucifer.

“Because Judas himself was the only person who knows where it is. And I am the one person who can take you to Judas.”

“Careful, Dark Lord. Sabrina must complete this task on her own. Any help from you in front of the Kings of Hell, and the challenge could be deemed a forfeit.” Lilith warned Lucifer on if he helped me with the challenge.

Beezlebub walked towards the middle of the room and announced, “Let the final challenge for the coins of the great betrayer, Judas Iscariot, begin!”

I saw Caliban walked out of the room and was heading towards the library. But before I could leave, Lucifer sent me a telepathic message.

‘Go to the Ninth Circle, the hottest in Hell. There, in a volcanic cave, embedded in the walls, you will find the three worst betrayals in history, Cassius, Brutus and Judas Iscariot.’ I gave Lucifer a nod and left the main room of Pandemonium.

I continued walking far away from everyone until the hallways looked cleared and sneaked over towards the library. There I saw Caliban sitting at our table where we were researching for the Pygmalion Spell. Caliban looked up from the book he was reading and gave me a smile. Man, every time this guy smiles it makes me melt. But I don’t want to get ahead of ourselves with my feelings here.

“Well, hello there Princess. What took you so long?” Caliban said to me right off the bat.

“I was checking to see if anyone was in the hallways and making sure no one spotted me coming down over here. Take a chill pill, Caliban.” I told him as I rolled my eyes at him.

“Woah, easy there Princess. Let’s not argue please. Now we don’t have much time but what can you tell me about the location of where Judas Iscariot might be located.” Caliban crossed his arms and looked at me in a serious way.

“According to the Dark Lord, we have to go to the Ninth Circle, the hottest in Hell. There’s a volcanic cave and there we’ll find the three worst betrayers. From there we’ll be able to find Judas Iscariot.”

“That sounds pretty vague from him Princess. But I’m sure we’ll be able to find him.”

“Let’s go now before we get caught by anyone.” I said to him as I waited for him to get up from his seat. We then quickly teleported ourselves to the Ninth Circle. The cave was spooky and pretty dark. I produced a light of blue fire to guide us the way to where Judas Iscariot might be hiding.While Caliban and I were walking, apparently I wasn’t watching where I was going and I almost fell. Then I felt 2 strong arms reach for my waist and helped me back up. Caliban had his hands on my shoulders and looked at me to see if I had any minor injuries at all.

“Cal, I’m okay. I’m fine, I just wasn’t watching where I was going. I’m not hurt at all.” I grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze , letting him know that I was alright.

“You gave me a fright and luckily I was right behind you or something terrible would have happened. But I’m glad that you’re alright, my Queen. I’m not letting you out of my sight so we’re going to be holding hands for awhile.” As he said this, he immediately grabbed my hand and gave me his devilish grin again.

“Fine, whatever you say. Let’s continue on with the challenge please.” I gave him a huff but my heart was palpitating so fast on what just occurred. Every time Caliban does something for me, I feel something stirring inside me. But I need to focus if I want to win this.

Eventually me and Caliban finally reached the location on where Judas was located. I told Caliban to stay behind me since I’m thinking something might happened. I walked to where the stoned face of Judas was at.

“Judas Iscariot.” I announced it to him.

“Who is that?” He whispered slowly to me.

“I am Sabrina Morningstar, daughter of Lucifer Morningstar.”

[Judas coughs]

“He himself put me here.” Judas explained to us.

“I’ve come to ask you, Judas, where are the 30 pieces of silver you were paid to betray the Nazarene?”

“What will you give me to tell you the secret of their location?” Of course there would be a catch with this guy. Not making my job any easier at all.

I turned the flame into a circle of fresh water.

“Water. The taste of cold water on your lips. What say you, Judas? Tell me how to get the pieces of silver, and it’s yours.” Hopefully this will convince him to tell me their location.

“There is an easy way, in which the silver simply appears to you. And a harder way, in which you must seek it out.”

“For once, let’s go with what’s easy.”

“All you need to do is betray someone you love with a kiss, as I did.” Yeah not sure, if that’s gonna happen buddy.

I gave him a huge sigh. “Just one kiss and the silver appears to me?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be right back.” I told Judas.

I turned around and motioned for Caliban to follow me out of the cave section. Once we were out of hearing distance from Judas, I can finally take a breath of air. Caliban was in his usual stance and had his arms firmly crossed over his chest.

“I’m not sure if I want to go the easy way Cal. I think I should go the harder way, what do you think?”

“I think the harder way should work. And we’ll be in this together, it shouldn’t be that complicated right. The sooner we get the coins, the closer we are to the throne.”

“I like the way you think. Okay, we should go back before we lose any more time on this.” As we were walking back to the cave, I felt Caliban’s hand clasped into mine and he gave me a hand kiss. Ohhhhh Mr. Romantic over here. I stood back at my position in front of Judas’ headstone.

“Well, that didn’t work. So tell me, Judas.. What’s the hard way?” I questioned him.

“Are you familiar with the Field of Blood?”

“Just that it’s a burial ground.” I think.

“My silver is buried in a crypt with the first vampire, deep beneath the Field of Blood.” Judas explained.

“Okay, if you tell me I’m about to meet Dracula --” I heard Caliban snickering at me in the background.

Judas answered, “His name is Vlad the Impaler.”

“Vlad the Impaler? But he’s.. He’s dead right? ” I told him confused.

“Yes. The pieces are in a bag at his side. Count them to be sure that they’re all there.” “Copy. How do I get to his tomb?” Hopefully it won’t be that complicated to get there.

“You open a portal. I can tell you the words, but first.. Give me my water.”

I gave Judas’ his water and in turn he told me the directions on how to get to Vlad the Impaler’s crypt. After getting the directions, both me and Caliban went to the tomb to find Vlad. The tomb was abandoned and there were candles that were lit on top of it. Caliban told me, he was gonna check out the perimeter in case something happened. I told him we should meet back at the entrance after I got the bag of silver. I grabbed the bag of silver from the skeleton’s hands and put it away for safekeeping. I then walked away from the tomb and began to count the pieces of silver.

I was too busy counting the coins, that I did not realize that something was after me. Unbeknownst to me, Caliban was walking back to the main entrance and saw that Vlad the Impaler was about to attack me. Caliban set Vlad the Impaler on fire and gave a huge shout. I turned around and saw that Caliban took care of Vlad and was indisposed of.

“Next time, watch your surroundings here Princess.”

“At least I have you by my side. Thank you again for saving me and now we should head on back to the headstones.”

“As you wish, my Queen. Let’s hurry!”

Caliban and I both left the tomb and teleported our way back to where Judas & the betrayers headstones were at. Gave him the okay that we got the coins and immediately headed back to Pandemonium. Before we went through the doors, I told Caliban to put on a glamour so no one would recognize him. He went ahead first so he could blend into the crowd.

I opened the doors and walked to the main floor of Pandemonium.

“The challenge has been won. The final item of the Unholy Regalia is mine.” I announced loudly to everyone in the vicinity. The entire audience gasped in shock at what had occurred.

“And Prince Caliban is stone-cold dead.” Even though he’s hiding in a glamour, jk to everyone else.

“Congratulations, daughter. You bring honor to your house. It is time, once again, for your coronation. Are you at last ready?” The Dark Lord asked of me.

“I am ready, Father, to be married to Hell.” I gave him a fake smile.

[chloefranco]

You’re it

Nicholas Scratch x Reader

Requested by @cxxl-gall:”Idk if you do requests but you should do a reader x nick from season 2 sabrina where he gets jealous over Harvey constantly making a point on how they used to date because i was living for that “Harry” “It’s Harvey” shit lol” 

Based off season 2 but I changed a few things, I hope that’s okay. Don’t come for me lol

    You were all helping your cousin Sabrina with her problem with the Dark Lord. Word got out that the Dark Lord has returned in his angelic form. And that he wants Sabrina to be his Queen. Your stomach churned as you took in the news Ambrose told you all. Your Aunties were obviously against it and vowed to do everything it takes to protect Sabrina as well as you and Ambrose. Your boyfriend Nick offered to help and came to your house pretty quickly. 

“We’ll built a protection around the house.” Auntie Zee said holding her cigarette.”Chop chop. Nicholas, you can put those strapping shoulders of yours to good use and help.”

    Nick squeezed your hand before joining Ambrose at the front yard. You watched anxiously as they built a protection. “(Y/N), we need to find out where in Greendale the Dark Lord is.” Nick said, touching your shoulder. “The more we know, the more prepared we’ll be.”

“Okay, I’ll tell Sabrina.” You said.

“(Y/N)!” Harvey called out as he got out of his truck alongside Theo and Roz. 

“Harvey! Guys.”

“Harry.” Nick said with an unamused look.

“It’s Harvey.”

“You guys, what are you doing here? It’s not safe.” Sabrina said coming forward.

“Are you the real Sabrina?” Harvey said taking cautious steps forward.

“What do you mean?” 

“Or are you the Sabrina that tried to kill us and turn us into vegetables?” Roz said.

“Yeah, but don’t worry I killed her.” Theo said.

“Oh no, that was someone else, that was something else.” Sabrina assured them.

“What the hell is going on?” Harvey asked you.

“The Dark Lord is in Greendale and he wants to jumpstart the Apocalyspe by opening the gates of hell which are apparently also in Greendale.” You explained. You probably sound crazy but at least your friends believe you now.

“Shit.” Theo said in disbelief.

“I think it’s in the mines.”

“If it’s in the mines. then I think we can help.” Harvey said.

“No offense, farmboy. But you’re gonna wanna sit this one out.” Nick said annoyed at Harvey already.

“Yeah, i wasn’t really talking to you Nick, I was talking to (Y/N).” He said his comeback. “Let us help, let us find the gates of hell. At least.”

“(Y/N), they’re mortals.” Nick tried to make you change your mind.

“It’s okay, Nick. Harvey’s got this. And so does Roz and Theo.” You said.

“If you can find the gates, that would be great. If you can find a way to keep it from opening, that would be even better.” Sabrina said.

“Sabrina! (Y/N)! Get inside the house.” Auntie Zee yelled.

“Be careful and stay in touch.” You hugged Harvey, unknowingly Nick was glaring at Harvey. Then you hugged Roz and Theo. And Sabrina did the same before they all left in Harvey’s truck.

“What about me?” Nick turns to you and caressed the side of your face.

“You be careful too. Stick by the shadows. Please be careful.” You said before leaning up to kiss him.

“I will return to you, Spellman.” He said as he watched you leave.

    Two hours later, Nick returned to your house. He was at the kitchen table, reading up on some things from the Demonomicon that might be useful for later. You didn’t even know he was here. You just got out of the bath and put your robes on about to go get a glass of water when you saw your boyfriend. 

“Nick. When did you get here?” You said in surprise. 

“Not long ago.” He said quietly, still reading the book.

    You came up from behind him and wrapped your arms around his neck. You kissed his cheek and he leaned into your head on his shoulder. “What’s wrong? You’re sad.” You said as you can tell people’s emotions with your abilities.

“I just can’t believe you sent Harry to find the gates of Hell. Don’t you trust me to do it?” He said as he rubbed your hand.

“It’s Harvey. And of course I trust you. I just, thought that Harvey knew those mines better than anyone else.”

    When he didn’t say anything, you decided to tease him. “You don’t have to be jealous, Nick.” The moment you said that, he pulled you over so that you sat on his lap. Your arms, still wrapped around his neck. He had a tight grip around your waist as he looked into your eyes. You felt your heart race as he kissed your nose.

“It’s clear that he still loves you.” Nick said softly, pushing away a strand of hair from your face. “He used to always think about how he’s better for you than me. His head is full of thoughts of you whenever you’re around him. And it just makes me pissed. That farmboy doesn’t know his boundaries.” 

“Was he thinking of me earlier?”

“No.” Nick said, realizing Harvey hasn’t thought about you for days lately.

“That’s cause he likes Roz. Harvey and I, we’re done. There’s no reason he should think about me anymore. Oh and maybe stop reading his mind.” You said, stroking his cheek. “We’re over. I still have love for him but that’s only because I care for him. He’s my friend. Anyway, he’s with Roz now. He loves her and I love you. I love you so much. No one can ever make me change my mind about you.”

“I’m sorry. I’m such a dick. I love you more than anything else in this world, baby.” Nick leaned his head against yours.

“You’re it, Nick. You’ll always be it for me.” You said as you kissed his lips and he leaned into it. 

“God, I’m so in love with you, (Y/N) Spellman. I’m so lucky to love you and to have you.” He said kissing your face everywhere, making you laugh. 

“Okay, enough, enough. We need to go stop the gates of hell from opening, remember?” You laughed.

“Hell can wait.” He murmured against your lips.

    You weren’t sure about Nick in the beginning. But as time goes on, you noticed that he truly does love you. He’s protected you from harm many times and helped you when you were struggling, even got expelled for you and now he’s even helping your cousin Sabrina fight the Dark Lord. He’s it. You can’t see yourself with anybody else. Not even Harvey. Harvey will always be apart of your life but he’s the past. You didn’t think it was possible to love someone else but then Nick showed up in your life. And he opened up new doors in your life. He showed you what love is. And you are so lucky to love him too. 

omg...was this good? i’m not sure hahaha i did my best. Sorry if it’s not good haha I hope you like it.

[stardancerluv]

One Night, Ten Years

Part 2a

Summary: Curt rescues from your small town

Warning: Smut..oral female recieving, touch of male recieving, sex...and Fluff

He woke, a few hours later. He was used waking up at this time, not the ungodly hour he woke up to go and rescue you. Especially, after a night of preforming on stage.

Looking, down at you and a smiled curled his lips. One of your slender arms were was wrapped around his waist. Your eye lashes laid like butterfly wings on your cheeks.

You pulled at him. Sure at first, it was the way your face looked up at him, the sound he heard you make had made him hard. Hard like when he first discovered he had a cock between his legs.

There was just something about you. He couldn’t put a finger on it. You were not like most girls or guys for that matter. A quick blow job or hand job, and they’d skip off being happy they could add him as a notch it their belt of conquests.

Sure you were a virgin but fuck that you were real. Damn, isn’t that the way you meet someone fucking real and they are not in the world you live in. He held you a little closer, a soft sound came from your lips. His cock twitched looking at them, so soft...pink and still puffy from when you finally let a cock slid between them.

He decided looking at you, that he would make this time a time to remember because fuck when you said goodbye tomorrow your paths would probably never cross again. That pulled at him, there was something distinctly wrong about that. But that was life.

He also wanted you to find someone who could love you like he couldn’t. He didn’t want you to be another fucked up broad.

He was gonna use his name. He rarely, did that hit tonight he would. He’d take you some places, have some fun. Coming, to London had ended being a good thing. And this hotel, had a kind of charm, the man...Basil, he thinks that was his name was fun to watch. If when he’d come back, he’d have to remember this place.

He brushed some hair from your forehead. “Baby,” he placed a soft kiss there. “Wake up.”

Your arm, tightened around his middle. He gave you another kiss.

He looked down at you. “Hi baby.”

He watched as your lips curled into a smile. “Hi.” You said softly.

“We have some stuff to do.” He told you. “Can’t sleep more of this day away.”

You blinked a little, “Did you manage to sleep?”

“After what you did to me?” He smirked, watched your cheeks turn pink. “More soundly then I have in months.”

“Good.”

“So let’s get dressed and head out, there is some places I always have to hit when I’m here in London.”

“You don’t mind me tagging along?”

He saw your worry and immediately would squash that. “Baby, I want you on my fucking arm.”

You smiled. “I’d like to be on your arm.”

****

He was slipping on his leather jacket when be heard the door to the bathroom open. He had found it endearing that you had wanted to change and come out in your words, ready for London. Turning, to see how you looked and his stomach tightened as came out of the bathroom.

You didn’t disappoint. The dress stopped half way to your knees, showing off the legs he had the pleasure of knowing what they felt like wrapped around him. He gave a low whistle.

“Look at you baby. Fucking fabulous.” Our ride is waiting for us downstairs.”

“I could say the same thing about you.”

“Thank you, baby.”

As you drew close, he took your hand and twirled you till you were against him, your giggle was nice as it filled the room. Almost as nice as the smile you gave him. Loving how both your hands came to rest on his chest. He squeezed your hands, “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

*****

“Harvey Nichols, please.” He told the driver once the two of you slid into the back seat.

“Curt, really?” He nodded. “Yeah, there’s a few things I need.”

Your heart thudded heavily. That was one of the most exclusive stores in London, you never stepped foot inside or even knew anybody that could.

Soon, the car came to a halt outside the colorful facade. The driver came around and held the door around for the two of them. “I will be right here sir.”

Curt nodded. “Thank you.” “He’s waiting?”

“Yup, hired him for us.” “Oh!” Your lips formed an O, you were not used to any of this.

He offered his arm and you happily took it. Walking in, he didn’t like to meander when it came to shopping. He went right over to the woman’s department.

“Are scarves the things that ladies like here in London?” He asked you.

You shrugged, “I guess so. Mother says I should have one to wear to church or to wrap around my head when it rains.”

“Good to know.” He smiled.

You figured he was trying to find something for Chloe.

There was a rainbow of scarves and so many sizes, how could a lady make sense of them. Leaving his arm for a moment, you saw one that drew your attention. The soft delicate shade of orange and the flowers.

You caught yourself! “I’m sorry.”

He smiled. “Hold your hair up, baby.”

Confusion, filled you. “Why?”

“Just do it.” He urged.

You did then, you watched as he picked up the scarf. Gently, he wrapped it around your throat and you sighed, it was aa soft as a breath.

“Drop those lovely strands.” He smiled. “Beautiful.”

A stern looking woman, came up behind Curt. “Sir, the scarves are not for playing house and trying on.”

You, immediately took it off as Curt turned to the woman. Her face almost immediately softened and she looked like someone’s grandmother.

“Mr. Wild, I mean Curt. I should have known that was you. My favorite rock and roller.” She laughed behind a wrinkled hand.

“Hello, Eliane.” He smiled broadly at the older woman. “You only like me, because I sang you happy birthday.”

She flushed. “I am a sucker for your New York accent.” Then she smiled at you. “Put that back on sweetheart.”

“Thank you,” you whispered.”

“Do you need a box?” She looked back at Curt.

“Yes, so she can keep it safe in her room.” He smiled at you. “Send it back to the hotel. And did you find the other item we discussed on the phone?”

“Yes. Did you want, me show you it. Have Clarice model it for you or is this?” She tilted her head towards you. You looked between them. He nodded. “Its her.” “Oh!” She put a hand over her mouth, her eyes were large. “She ‘s a Brit love.” “Curt, shrugged. “Yeah.” “Oh sweetheart.” She shook her head. “I know.” He said flatly. You were even more confused. She looked at you. “Are you a Londoner sweetheart?” “No, I’m from Camberly.” “That explains everything.” The woman, looked Curt. “That’s a nice place honey.” “Umm..thank you.” “Elaine, we have got to go, remember the box and the other package can be sent to the hotel.” The old woman smiled. “Will you visit us again?” Curt, shrugged if we get another tour, maybe.”

“I hope so. At least you came in this trip.” He nodded. Eliane to you and snipped the tag before you even realized she did it. She smiled at you. “If you come to London, you come see me here alright dolly?” You shrugged. “I can try.” “Good.”

******

“Hungry, baby?” You nodded.

“Perfect. Take us to, L’Adventure.”

“She seemed sweet.” You remarked sometime later. “I have a bit of a reputation.”

He could tell you were trying not to laugh.

“Its true. I can be a handful. That’s why I am a fucking rock star.” At that you laughed, he liked that. “She was the only one who would give me the time of day.”

“Well, that is nice.” You took off the scarf and gently folded it and handed it to him.

He held up his hands. “What are you doing? It looks amazing on you?”

“Yes, but I’m sure Chloe doesn’t want a scarf smelling like me. Especially after probably last night.”

He smirked. “Who said, it was for my cousin.”

“Well, who else would it be for?”

He pointed at you.

“What? I can’t I think this cost more that I made at the animal shelter in the two years I’ve been working there.”

“That’s why I got it.” Took it, and gently wrapped back around your throat. “And what do you mean, especially after last night?” He pushed a button then a partition raised up with a soft hiss.

“Well, I’m sure she wasn’t too happy to discover, me naked in bed with you.“

He pulled you close holding the scarf, something, he couldn’t resist. “I did not hire her to judge anyone I choose to fuck.” He let the words linger on his lips. A flush filled your cheeks. “Yes, baby” He met your eyes. “I am glad I walked out to that balcony.” Placing a hand on your thigh, he squeezed. “Aren’t you?” He let his hand drift higher. You bit your bottom lip. “I am.” “I want some dessert before we have dinner.” “Oh?” “Yes. Kiss me baby.”

You kissed him, as you did he let his hand drift up your thigh. He felt himself harden as you opened your legs.

“Curt...” You whimpered.

“Yes?” He broke the kiss, just pulling back enough to watch you as he slid his fingers down the front of your panties.

He moved his fingers, pulling a soft sound from you. Grabbing your hand, he placed it on his growing hard on. A sound, deep from within you broke your lips as your hand felt him. Whimpering, you squeezed him. “Curt, please....”

“What baby?” He moved closer you. “We’re right about to have dinner.” You continued to whimper. “And...” “I need you.” He moved his hand up, then under your panties, you trembled as his bare hand rested against your mound.

“How much do you need me baby?” Your eyes, pleaded with him. “Please?” “You have to tell me or I won’t know what to do.” It took all his restraint, to not slip a finger into you wetness. “Make me cum, Curt.” He smiled. “That’s all you needed to say baby.” He slipped two his fingers against you clit. Causing you to moan but then he moved them on till they entered you. “Should I make you cum fast since we’re almost at the restaurant?”

You move and twisted, your hand never letting go of him. It was a delicious agony. “Yes, please make me cum fast.” He dragged his fingers back to her clit. As he began to rub, you he muffled your moans with a kiss. Your tongue and his explored each other, very much like how he wanted to be once you were back in bed. You melted and collapsed against him as you came hard. “That’s my baby.”

He held you close as you regained your breath. Gently, he drew your face up, “Perhaps, after dinner if you let me, my tongue will lick where my fingers have been.” He smirked watching your eye from wide. “Yes,” He nodded. “I’d like that.” Licked his fingers then. “Because baby, you taste divine.” He whisper to her later, and let her know this would be a first they both would share. Never had he cared too or wanted to, but after merely licking his fingers he craved more.

*****

Dinner went by in a blur. The two of you sat in a darkened corner. Conversation, easily flowed once again. He was so fond of your sweet accent. Not the usual harsh English accent. You sounded as delicate as a flower, his flower he mused.

Easily, he took your hand, entwining your fingers as the two of you walked back into the hotel.

The obscenely tall man with a mustache that was much too straight beckoned to the two of them. Looking at you, he shrugged. “Let’s see what he wants.” He whispered into your ear.

“Yes lets.” You giggled. A light pink had sprinkled its across your nose and cheeks. The drinks you had over dinner had gone to your head in a delightfully sweet way.

“Mr. and Mrs. Wildwin, if you will permit us here. In celebration, of your marriage...your honeymoon...we would love to offer the two of you a drink in our bar as a thank you for choosing our hotel as a stop over in what sounds like a long trip.”

You nodded and so he nodded too, “We would love that, wouldn’t we Mr. Wildwin?”

“Yes, we most certainly would.”

He clapped rather loudly. “Fantastic.” He came around from behind the desk. He reached out with one of his long arms. “Right this way.”

Quickly he ushered you in a whirlwind of movements to a table for two you.

“I will be right back with those drinks.” With that he practically ran away.

You shared a look. “Mr. Wildwin, should I go over and tell him what we’d like?”

“Yes! I want to see you move.” You kissed his cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

He turned sharply on his heal, made you look even smaller then you were. There was something, he rather enjoyed about the sight.

“Mr....umm actually..we didn’t catch your name.” He extended a hand, “Basil Fawlty.” “Nice to meet you, Mr. Fawlty.” He smiled. “So, I was going to tell you. We didn’t get to tell you the drinks, we’d love to have.”

“Oh...right!” He practically screamed in a panicked voice. “Sorry! Excuse me.”

“Quite alright.” Curt assured him.

Soon, after those drinks arrived they were hastily swallowed down. You shared one so as to not be rude. Rather, dramatically and vocally the two of you retired for the evening.

*****

“Baby, go and sit on the edge of the bed for me.” Knots coiled and uncoiled in the pit his stomach.

Locking door, he shed his leather coat and pulled off his boots. He went over to you, as he knelt down on front of you he slipped off your shoes. His hands then drift up your legs. Grasping your panties and with your help, he pulled them down and off of you. He laid them beside you two. Gently, he pulled he scarf from your throat. “Will, you open yourself to me?”

“Yes.” You breathed, kneeling between your legs he drew you close. Nuzzling, your cheek he finally made his admission. “Baby?” he whispered, he met your eyes. “Yes.” “You have created in me, a new desire, a new craving.” “What is that?” He let two fingers caress at your opening. Your gasp turned into a moan. “I want my tongue there. I want to explore you with my mouth like my hand, my fingers have. Will you allow me to?” “Yes, please. I want to feel you there.”

He smiled as he met your eyes. Moving into a more comfortable position, he placed kisses on your thighs as he worked his way up. He placed a kiss on you. Remembering, how he liked your tongue on him. He could hear as your breathing quickened. Glancing up at you he e saw that you had laid down and were writhing on your back.

If he wasn’t already hard, he grew harder. Dragged his tongue up. He let his tongue delve deeper, thats when he was able to taste even more of your wetness, the moan that bubbled up he could not hold back. His mingled with your moan. He dared then to enter your soft warmth, thats when he felt your fingers entwine with his hair. Easily he moved, his tongue in and out of you. He did, this as he felt just how fast your heart was beating. He wanted you to cum, unabashedly you pushed yourself against him. Licking at you so easily was almost too much. Shortly, after increasing his pace with his tongue, he felt you still then his name was ripped from you lips. He licked and sucked was left of you from his lips as he saw you melt and glow.

“I want to see you, take that dress off.” He whispered. As he watched, he could no longer wait. From the car to this, he desperately needed to cum. “Baby,” he breathed, freeing himself from the confines of his jeans. “My cock has been aching for you.”

You, shed and threw your dress somewhere into the room. You sat up then and scooter forward then. “May I?” You asked. “Yes.” His voice cracked with a mixture of his desire and self restraint. Gently, your soft hands took a hold of him. He instantly groaned. He truly, wasn’t sure how long he’d last. He shuddered as your tongue traveled up his base to his tip which you let your lips slid over. He arched moaning as you sucked and used your tongue. “Baby, please.” He gently, pulled back as best he could. “I will cum.”

“Good, I want to taste you again.” Those words coming from your sweet mouth, alone almost made him cum. “We, have time for that. But right now, I want....I need to be inside of you.” His voice grew even hoarser. Reaching, into the nightstand, with fingers he thought would surely fail him, he managed to slip the condom on. He needed calm his rushing blood or ir would be over in moments.

Looking at you there, your hips that eased into the soft curve of your legs which were open, he could feel the weight of breasts. Move back a little baby. He tugged and pulled off his tshirt.

He went over to you, bracing himself as he laid between your legs, he brought his cock to your opening. He met your eyes, with a simple move gasping and moaning he entered you.

“Baby, Oh...oh Y/N you feel so good.” He didn’t stop till felt he filled you completely. Sighing, he stilled himself. “You’ve taken all of me baby.”

You moaned, arching. “You feel so good.”

He began, moving then. Your sounds met and mingled. Your lips were hungry and biting as your tongues moved as passionately as your bodies moved. He had no idea how managed to last this long bur aa you shivered, it drew him closer. “Yes baby, cum for me.” Moving, in and out of you, he nibbled and kissed at your shoulders. Shaking and arching against him, you came.

It was not long after he knew he was finally able to cum himself. His moan was practically a scream. Waiting the long, really had pulled at him. He came hard into the tight warm depth of you. Barely able to breath, with whatever he had left he gently pulled himself as much as he wanted to stay in you. He put the condom into the bin. He managed the lay on his back still spasming from the force of how hard he came. Tiny gasps came from his mouth. He smiled weakly as you came up along side him. Kissing his cheek, his mouth which was open and slack with the passion he had felt. “I want to clean you off.” He heard you whisper and he moaned at the first feel of your tongue on him.

@rosionis @theblackmaskclub @brookisbi @johallzy

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #278

“they will seduce you, get through the door; then they bite you in the neck, leave you bleeding on the floor.”

Do you believe in dream symbolism? If so, do you ever look up what certain things in your dreams may mean? Some, yes, others, no. A lot just seem way too random to have stories behind them, but just as well, some dreams are obviously stemmed from our experiences, fears, desires, etc. Who was the last person who exploded on you? What was the reason? I have no idea, but probably Mom. Is there a certain name that keeps popping up in your life, like a name that many people you know have? No. What is something you have a "love/hate relationship" with? What do you hate about it, and what do you love about it? The first thing that comes to mind is technology. I grew up way too dependent on in despite my mom being a good mother that really tried to limit my time of it. It just never worked. Almost everything I do involves a computer. Through the Internet though, I’ve made spectacular friends, discovered great things (coughcoughmark), it helps me through depression and stuff… but I nevertheless hate how attached I am to it. Sometimes I feel like I’m so disconnected from the “real” world, “real” experiences, but then again, I also believe tech is a part of the “real” world. Idk how to really explain it; I have such mixed feelings. Do you like things that are cliché or not? What kinds of things that are regarded as "cliché" do you like? Sure, especially romantic cliches. I’m just such a sucker for that kind of stuff. What was the last quote you read somewhere, and who said it? “Speak your mind even if your voice shakes,” Ruth Ginsburg. We truly lost a hero. Have you heard any song mash-ups (when they put two or more different songs together) that you like? If so, which? Oh, quite a lot, I love those! The first one that comes to mind is “Centuries” by Fall Out Boy and “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons. How many boyfriends/girlfriends have you had in 2014? Well, this is old. But anyway, I had one. How often do you say ‘lol’ in a computer or text conversation? Quite a bit. Idk, it just changes the tone of what you’re speaking. Whose hoodie did you wear last? My own. Have you ever listened to music you hated just to fit in? Ha ha… not devoutly, but I’d explore “cool” metal bands to try to get into. I didn’t make myself listen to them if I didn’t like ‘em, though. What’s an interesting fact about you that not many people know? Hm. Well, I don’t consider it “interesting,” but very few people (besides the Internet lmao) know that I essentially stole my then-best friend’s boyfriend by mutual flirting to the point he broke up with her and wanted me instead. I cut that shit the fuck out once he told me he loved me. It’s one of the things I’m most ashamed of. What do you want to do after high school? I’m long past high school, and let’s just say things are NOT going as planned lmao. At all. I had such, such a different vision. Do you do anything embarrassing when no one is home? No. If you had the chance to move to a completely different state/country, would you? I deadass want to move to Canada but am unwilling to move so far from my family. How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa? I don’t know age; it’s funny, I tend to remember things by school grades versus my age. Even in this situation, though, I’m not positive. Towards the end of elementary school, maybe? Do you have any saved texts? Yes, from Sara and Ashley. Do you ever play online games with your friends? Which one(s)? Once upon a time, my friend/”big brother” Sam and I would play WoW together every day and just chill out over Skype. He helped keep me company during my worst depression. We haven’t played together in quite a long time, though. I should message him. Which emoji did you use most recently? The upside-down smiley face on Facebook. Who was the last person to cry in your presence? Mom, probably. Or one of my nieces or nephew. Do any of your friends have small children? Yes. One of my closest friends had her son not even two weeks ago. Do you ever wear accessories in your hair? Which ones? No. What kind of fruit do you like? A good chunk of it. Strawberries, apples, grapes, pineapple, bananas, peaches… Is there anything you've always wanted to do that you've never told anyone? *shrugs* Maybe. Do you flush the toilet with your hand or your foot? ”I use my hand at home and in other people’s bathrooms, but I use my foot in public washrooms.” <<<< Same. What is your Myers-Briggs Type Indicator? (Ex: ENTP): INFP. Do you read any blogs? If so, which ones? No. Would you rather have curvy legs or skinny legs? I’d prefer to have an in-between. What is your favorite game show? Family Feud with Steve Harvey. How many times a day do you use the restroom? Hm. Depends on how much I drink. What was the last thing that made you cringe? Idr. What is your favorite ‘80s movie? I’m not sure, given how I don’t tend to recognize movies by decades. Do you have your own car? No. I don’t drive. Who was the last person who drew you a picture? I commissioned someone on deviantART to draw My Child Jaw and it is so FUCKING beautiful. Would you rather hold a scorpion or a snake? I love snakes, so guess. How do you usually get your exercise? I don’t, but that’s going to change when we FINALLY fuckin move. I’m going to walk as much as I possibly can because we have a sidewalk. Who are your godparents? Idk if I even have any. Are any of your siblings married? Three are and one is engaged. What does your phone case look like, if you have one? It came with a plain purple one. What is something you can draw really well? I think I’m pretty good at meerkats. Best field trip experience? The zoo in the 5th grade. One and only time I’ve seen meerkats irl. What is the most amount of money you’ve spent on a meal before? Idr. It’s very rare I can pay for anything because I don’t have an income, but with gifted money and stuff, it was probably when I paid for my mom and I to eat at Olive Garden. I don’t recall how much it was, but OG isn’t cheap, so. Who was (or is) the teacher that gave you the hardest time in school? Idk. I had good teachers. What is the strangest thing you’ve ever seen outside of your house? I don’t know. Nothing exciting. Do you ever feel self-conscious when you eat around other people? Not really, no. There are cases where I do, like if I take too big a bite or something, but generally I don’t. Everyone has to eat. What is the worst thunderstorm you’ve experienced? I recall one in particular during my era of being terrified of them when we were on the way home from a friend’s house and there was INSANE lightning. I was crying so much in the back seat. I think I have experienced worse ones, that’s just the one I remember because of how much it terrified me. How quickly can you write an essay? Pretty damn quickly once I get into the groove of it. Have you ever had problems falling asleep in class? No. What bug frightens you most? Oh yikes, idk. A lot of bugs scare me, honestly, particularly if they surprise me. Probably rhinoceros beetles. Are your parents supportive of you? Very. Have you ever participated in a mock trial, or a real trial? No. Have you ever had sex in someone else’s bed/bedroom? lol oops Have you ever had sex on your bedroom floor? How about your living room floor? YIKES this survey getting frisky but anyway idk. When you kiss someone, do you like to play with their hair? Yeah. Do you regret sleeping with anyone? No. Do you ever brush your hair before you go to bed? No…? Your hair is just gonna get messy while sleeping. Have you ever asked anyone out? Do you prefer to do the asking out, or wait to see if the other person will ask? Yes. I don’t really have a preference. Have your parents ever disapproved of anyone you had a relationship with? Not to my knowledge. When’s the last time you ran? HUNNY Brittany doesn’t RUN. Have you ever stayed online for a long time waiting for someone? Oh yes, I did that A LOT with Mini back when we were younger and RPed together like every day. Who or what sleeps with you? Roman, my cat. Would you wear a boy/girlfriend’s clothes? I somehow wound up with quite a few of Jason’s pj pants?????? But anyway yeah sure, I would. If it fit, anyway. Do you return your cart? I am a lazy person. But not that lazy. Do it. What noise do you hear? I’m currently listening to NateWantsToBattle’s cover of “Feel Good Inc.” Would you survive in prison? No. No. I know I’d try to commit suicide. Do you remember the last movie you saw while on a date? The IT remake with Girt. Have you ever cheated on someone? No sir. Do you kiss on the first date? I never have, but not saying I wouldn’t. BUT I most likely would not just because I reserve kisses for someone I really, really like. Usually by the first date I wouldn’t know that yet. Are you into sports? Nope. Have you ever used your bra to hold things like you would a pocket? HAHA I don’t think so. Who knows a secret about you that no one else does? My ex-therapist. What is your longest relationship to date? 3 ½ years. Who ended the last relationship you were in? It was brought up by her, but it came to be a mutual decision. Have you ever gotten back with an ex? No. Who was your first prom date? Jason. Have you ever dated someone more than three years older than you? For less than a day. Have you ever been used? I don’t think so. Do you like when I guy takes you by surprise and kisses you? This is making quite a few assumptions, but anyway, if we’re in a stable relationship, generally yes. It’s cute. Would you be more likely to date a redneck or a goth? My dream partner would be a goth, hnnnnnnnnGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG. Has anyone ever sung to you? Yes. Do you like massages? EW don’t touch me like that unless you’re my s/o. Have you ever been skinny dipping? No. When was the last time you spent the night at someone else's house? The last time I was at Sara’s. What scares you more, spiders or snakes? Spiders. Does it matter if a guy has a sense of humor? If he’s a romantic interest, yeah. Would you ever get implants? No. Have you ever had a crush on a sibling's friend? No. Have you ever dated someone with a child? No. I’m quite sure I wouldn’t. Have you ever dated someone of another race? For less than a day. Have you kissed anyone today? No. What was the last topic you read about? I beliiieeeve… Metallica’s new album. Have you ever participated in a fundraising campaign? I think? Again, I don’t have an income though so I’m unsure. Do you know how to knit? No. What’s your go-to order from KFC? I don’t go there. What was the last album you listened to in full? Oh man, there’s no telling. I generally don’t do that. Do you use pepper to season your food? Sure, that’s a common enhancement. Do you know anyone who has an unusual pet? Probably somebody. Have you ever known anyone who was homeless? My mother, Nicole, and I technically were at one point, we just had spectacular people let us live with them until we got a new place. Did you have a treehouse when you were younger? No. One does not simply build a treehouse in pine trees. Have you ever played Magic: The Gathering? Guys. Guys. For many many months now I’ve been dying to and idk why. That game was one of Jason’s favorite things in the world and so he taught me it how to play, though I never fully got it because there are a LOT of rules. When I had my PS3, I had one of the Duels of the Planeswalkers games, and I miss that shit. What are your thoughts on role playing games? Fun fun. What is a band you can't stop listening to right now? I’ve been seriously into 3TEETH lately, as well as Solence. Have you ever had a panic attack? LOTS!!!!!!!! Have you ever entered a talent competition? Naw, I don’t have an exceptional talent. Are you indecisive? Ridiculously so. Are you smiling in your Facebook profile picture? It’s actually one of my brightest smiles I’ve ever taken a selfie with. I look way happier than I am lmaooo. Describe your hometown. What's it like there? Small, notoriously dangerous. Do you have any expensive hobbies? You could say photography given the various lenses and other materials available, plus editing software subscriptions. What is the oldest online account that you still use? My email, probably. What was the last video game you beat? I wanna say it was the last time I replayed Silent Hill 2. Long time ago. What's your favorite Studio Ghibli film? I actually haven’t seen any. Have you ever been really passionate about something but then lost interest? If so, what was it? Yeah, sure, like various entertainers/bands/musicians, TV shows…

[justjessame]

Dr. Tali Sullivan Chapter 28

Harvey, after we said goodbye to our guests, tried to talk to me about my decision to give Rowena the proof that there was a man called John Winchester. He worried that I was letting myself be overruled by emotion, not logic, but I didn't want to even think about what type of upset letting this man into our lives might cause.

"Honey, he's Abi's-" he tilted his head at the glare I shot him before he could finish. "Ignoring the truth doesn't make it go away, Tali."

I shook my head. He had no idea how terrified I really was about the entire situation. "I'm not really ignoring anything, Harvey," it was his turn to give me a glance that clearly disagreed with my assessment. "I'm NOT." I took his hand and curled back into his body. "We always knew that Abi had a father out there somewhere, babe, but if we invite him in, if we introduce her to this stranger, what else are we opening ourselves up to? He could ask to be granted custody, or God knows what else." I put his hand on the barely noticeable bump that had a mini Russell underneath and whispered the one argument to the situation that I felt no one could disagree with, "I kept him away from us for a reason, Harvey, and it must have been a pretty damn good one."

I woke up in Harvey's arms, with Abi's crib next to the bed and felt a sliver of confusion as to why it was there. He felt me stir and offered me a groggy 'morning' while pulling me back against him.

"Why is Abi sleeping in our room?" Whispering since she was still asleep and dawn hadn't crested yet.

I listened as he rubbed his face with his free hand and tried to wake up. "You wanted her in here after-" he stopped and his body went completely rigid. "You had a bad dream, moving her in here calmed you down." I tried to remember having a nightmare, but nothing came to me. "I'll move it back later, but let's get some rest, honey."

Trying to settle back into bed with him, I felt like he was keeping something from me, but that wasn't Harvey. He was always honest. Shaking the feeling off, I snuggled back into his warmth and fell back to sleep in his arms.

Harvey and I shared my office when he was home. We both had laptops, but we also had a desktop and a partners desk that we found during one weekend shopping trip to a few second hand stores. It wasn't unusual for him to be on one side, reading emails and typing up reports, while I was on the other grading or working out a new take on one of my lectures. Abi had a stash of toys in our office, and she could happily play with her blocks or wooden puzzles while we worked.

After breakfast, with a few days before the new semester was supposed to start, I took Abi to visit my parents. Harvey mentioned he had to do a little digging on a new case and I thought giving him a little space to work in quiet might be nice. Kissing him goodbye at the front door, while Abi told him 'bye-bye, da-da', I was smiling by the time I got Abi buckled into her seat in the car. Waving at Harvey watching out the door, we drove the short distance to Mom and Dad's.

Visiting for a few hours, watching the flurries of snow kick up again out their bay kitchen window, Mom asked me if Abi could spend the night.

"You and Harvey haven't had a whole night to yourselves in ages, Tali," she offered with a smile. "And it won't be too long before you have two little ones to keep your attention away from one another."

I agreed, thinking about how wonderful it had been the first time I woke in his arms. Hugging Abi and promising to tell her daddy that she said night night, I kissed her and put back on my winter weather wear. Mom held her up in the window so she could wave at me as I drove away. And while leaving her behind gave me a worried twist that I couldn't place, I had butterflies thinking about Harvey and I all alone in our house.

I pulled into our driveway carefully and slowly. The flurries could be deceptive in their fluffy wonder, and crashing the car into our porch wouldn't make anyone warm and fuzzy. Beeping the doors locked from habit more than fear of thieves, I was getting ready to take the first step up when I heard a deep voice saying my name.

I turned and saw Harvey coming toward me from a strange truck that must have pulled in behind me. I was confused until he got closer and then I could tell that this man wasn't Harvey, he was nearly the same, but the differences were there. More rugged, less southern, and far more dangerous looking which was absurd. He must be one of Harvey's distant relations.

"I'm sorry," I offered, getting cold from standing in the chilly afternoon air. "You must be here to see Harvey." Moving my foot onto the first step, the man touched my arm and I could swear I felt his warmth through my heavy coat.

"Tali, you didn't call," I felt my mouth drop open and didn't know what to say. "The letter, didn't you get my letter?"

I didn't have to answer because the front door opened and Harvey rushed forward to help me up the steps and away from his- cousin? "John," he greeted, and I tried to smile, so he did know the stranger. "I don't think you were invited."

"Who the hell are you?" The stranger asked, and I felt like the entire world had gone insane. How did Harvey's cousin NOT know Harvey? "And why the fuck do you look like me?"

[dragon-kazansky]

The hypnotist - Jervis Tetch x reader

Summary: Jervis has lost his sister and is bitter towards Jim, blaming him for her death. He comes to you. You’re the only one left he can trust, but you don’t know how to feel about that.

This chapter is a long one, strap in folks. 

I also apologise that’s it’s so linear to the episode again, but I’m building up the connection between you and Jervis.

Chapter 3 - Choices

Several days passed since the tragic event of Alice's death. Her scream as she fell haunted you ever so slightly, but you can't imagine the pain Jervis is going through. His whole reason for coming to Gotham was gone and there was nothing anyone could do to change it.

You put Jervis to the back of your mind. You assumed he would have skipped out of town and have gone far away. He had no reason to be in the city any more.

You busied yourself with work from Barbara, who scolded you slightly for the not getting her errand done the other day. You made it up to her by being on top of your game from now on. Barbara didn't have all that many jobs for you and at one point pointed you towards Cobblepot, saying the Mayor would most definitely have more work for you.

It kept you busy at least.

On the tenth day after her death, you were home alone, taking some time to rest and not over work yourself. You needed some time to yourself for once. Things were starting to go back to normal, well, as normal as Gotham was.

The knocking on your door startled you. You weren't expecting anyone and you didn't know anyone who made house visits to you, you had very connections in the city.

You got up cautiously, inching your way over to the door. You pondered not answering for a moment, maybe they would think no one was home and they would leave.

That didn't seem to be the case. The second round of knocking sounded a little more urgent than the first, so you swung open the door.

You were not expecting Tetch to be standing there.

"Jervis?"

"Y/N, my dear!" He looked so pleased to see you, almost as of he hadn't seen you in quite some time. It was almost enough to make your heart race, but everything that happened came rushing back.

"What are you doing here? I thought you would have left the city." You let Jervis into your apartment.

"I cannot leave with serving James Gordon his punishment for what he did to my dear Alice." Jervis removed his top hat and turned to look at you with big brown eyes. It made your heart ache to see him like that.

"You're going to get revenge?"

"Quite, but first I had to see you. You're all I have left here in Gotham. You're the only one I can trust." He spoke softly, as if he was treading on dangerous ground. He didn't sound so convinced by his words, and frankly you weren't either.

"I see."

"Please, my dear, I hope you don't think bad of me. I can see it in your eyes that you were not, and still not, pleased with what I did to Gordon. I cannot let him get away with taking Alice from me." His gaze shifted to the ground.

You licked your lips nervously and stepped a little closer, not wanting the distance to give him the idea you didn't want him here.

Mentioning the possibility that Alice would have preferred death over leaving with him was a bad idea, so you remained far away from that thought.

"I understand you're hurt about what happened. I can't even pretend to imagine what you are going through, but must you retaliate? Jim won't let you get away with it." You returned his sorrowful gaze, though his expression did seem to light up with your words.

The idea that you were worried for him lit up something within him.

"I won't let Jim know you dropped by, but I need time to think. I've become quite fond of you after the time I spent with you, but I'm not sure I'm OK with the hypnotising yet. Give me time to think?" You stood there awkwardly, hoping he would grant you your request.

Jervis gave a small smile as he placed his hat back onto his head.

"Very well, I don't want Jim to take you from me too. Take all the time you need, I'll be only a phone call away." He held out a small piece of paper with a number on it.

"Thank you, Jervis."

You walked with back towards the door, both of stopping just as you reached it. He turned to you and with a smile, lifted your hand to his lips pressing a gentle kiss there.

"Please don't let James Gordon turn you against me too." He said, just loud enough for you to hear. There was so much emotion in those words.

You didn't say anything to that and opened the door for him, watching him leave.

Once he was gone you turned around and let out a long drawn out sigh. Your mind was once again conflicted with him. You felt awful about what happened to Alice and you could see it in his gaze that he was suffering from her loss. There was something sinister about him that night, the way he was using his sister's blood as leverage over her. The way he almost had Jim shoot himself. He was evil, but you couldn't hate him.

You had no idea what it was he had in store for Jim, but something told you it was for the better that you didn't know.

You decided it was probably best to busy yourself, so you began to tidy your apartment while you thought about what Jervis had said.

Jervis left your apartment feeling like a slight weight had been lifted from his shoulders, but he wasn't quite in the clear yet. He couldn't forgive Jim for what happened to Alice, but the rage he would feel I'd you were turned against him too, that was something he didn't want to even think about.

Pulling out his watch, he checked the time.

“I must change.”

Jervis was going to put his plan into action and the time was now.

A newly wedded couple leave the chapel holding hands. The bride is smiling as she approached her father. She thanks him for her special day as they hug, she returns to the groom’s side and they wave at their family and friends. The chauffeur opens the door to the car and waits till they have climbed in before closing the door and turning around. 

Jervis Tetch smiles as he tips his cap to the father and makes his ways to the drivers seat. This was step two. Step one was the young boy sitting in the passengers seat.

Despite the fear in the couple, Jervis told them their fate was on James Gordon’s hands. He did what he does best and drove off, hypnotising them along the way.

Jim had just left the diner where he had met Valerie, a reporter seeking answers to Gotham’s secrets, one such secret being Alice Tetch’s blood. He was following an odd fellow dressed all in white. The odd man had come to Gordon with a riddle from Tetch, so naturally Jim had to go with him.

He was to an underpass, a public phone on dull display. It wasn’t until he reached the street corner that the phone began to ring.

Gordon walked over and answered it.

“This is Gordon.”

“Hello James.”

“Jervis. Never should have left that hole you were hiding in.”

“Oh, I wasn’t just hiding, I put the time to good use. Made a thorough study of you.” Jervis listed what he had learned of Gotham’s James Gordon. Jim looked around trying to see if Tetch was near by. There was no sign of him.

“And here I didn’t think about you once.” Jim refrained from rolling his eyes as Jervis droned on.

“Oh James,” Jervis chuckled as he let the couple out of the car, “I’ve been inside that head of yours. I’ve seen the web of lies you tell yourself,” The couple began to walk away from the car, “strung together to keep that fragile psyche of yours in tact.”

“Well, it’s been nice catching up with you.” Jim made a move to put the phone back, but Jervis’ voice could still be heard, so Gordon put the phone back to his ear as he listened to the mad man drone on.

“I’m going to force you to confront who you really are and I’m going to drive you mad doing it.”

Jim furrowed his brow.

“Now, please, direct your eyes to the overpass.” Jim looked up. “Meet Dave and Amy Walters. Married just this morning, lovely ceremony. In thirty seconds they are going to jump to their deaths. Take the stairs and you can save them. However, down the street is a little boy. His name is Shane and he’s going to be hit by a truck driven by my highly esteemed associate.”

A truck pulled up further down the street.

Jim knew what was happening right away.

“The choice is yours James. You can’t save both. So, who’s it going to be?”

Jervis hung up and climbed back into the car, leaving the choice to James Gordon. This was his punishment for what happened to Alice. Jim would have to live with the fact he let someone day today to save the other.

As Jervis drove away his mind went back to you.

He wondered for a moment what you would have thought of him if you had known what he was doing. It’s not as if you and James Gordon were friends anyway, you had a mutual friend in Barbara. Though it would be the fact he was using Gordon the way he was that might upset you. He wouldn’t forgive himself he caused your hate.

If Jim thought this choice was bad, wait till he saw what else Tetch had planned.

Jim ran for the boy, pulling him right out of the way of the truck. The couple fell with a splat, Gordon could only watch. He had made his choice.

Gordon moved the boy from the street and looked down at the couple. Tetch’s words lingered in his head, ‘You can’t save both,’ over and over in his mind.

The phone began to ring again. Jim ran over and answered it.

“You son of a bitch!”

“Good.” Of course it was Jervis again. “Now I have your attention.”

“They were innocent Jervis, you didn’t have to kill them.” Jim was angry.

“It was your choice, James. You practically pushed them off the ledge. Stay with me, James.” Gordon wasn’t answering. “James!”

“What?” Gordon spat the word out, grinding his teeth.

Jervis gave him an address and time, telling him not to be late. Any police and more people would die.

The GCPD received word of the dead couple and were on the scene quickly. Harvey questioned the little boy, Shane when he arrived. The boy couldn’t remember much, but Harvey thanked him for what he did remember and let another officer take him away from the scene. He joined Barnes’ side.

“You’re not going to believe this, he said Jim Gordon saved his life, pulled him out of the way of a truck.”

“Get him on the phone. Now.”

“I already tried him. No answer.” Harvey took note of Barnes without his cane, but his only answer was that the captain didn’t need it any more. That’s when he saw the odd man in white.

“Hey, does that guy look strange to you? I mean more strange than the usual wack job.”

Both men approached him, the captain calling out to him. The man turned in their direction slowly as if he was acknowledging them, but he wasn’t really. He was repeating the same line over and over again.

“James Gordon, I have a message for you.”

“James Gordon I have a message for you.”

“James Gordon I have a message for you.”

He said nothing else. Just stood there on repeat. It was clear they weren’t going to get any answers from him, verbally anyway. Harvey knew exactly what was up.

“He’s hypnotised.”

“Tetch.” Barnes caught on.

It was now clear what was happening. In slight worry, Harvey pulled away from the two men and pulled out his phone. He had been so focused on Jim, he forgot about you. If this really is Tetch then there was a possibility he would go to you. After all, you did say you were friends with him.

The phone rang three times before you picked up.

“Hello?”

“Y/N, thank God you’re there.” Harvey let out a sigh of relief.

“I’m fine, why? Something happen? How did you even get this number?” You were stood in the middle of your apartment having just finished cleaning it. “Dis Barbara tell you I’d do you a favour? I’m already on the Mayor’s list.”

“No, that’s not it and don’t worry about it. Have you seen Tetch?”

“Jervis Tetch?” You felt your heart drop, but you were a pretty decent liar when  you needed to be.

“Yeah, have you seen him?”

“Not since that night. I figured he would have left town.” You sat down on your sofa. “Why? What happened?” You were more than a little concerned about what Harvey was going to say next.

“I think Tetch is messing with Jim again. A couple have fallen to their death and there’s this hypnotises dude here saying his has a message for Gordon. I figured he would come to you since you two seem to be friends.” Harvey hated thinking you might be involved in all of this some how. He didn’t really know you, but seemed like a decent enough person.

“I haven’t seen him. Like I said, I thought he had left town.”

Silence fell over the phone and you found yourself silently praying that Harvey bought the lie.

“Good, if he calls you, let me know.”

“Sure.”

“At least let me send some police protection.”

“No thanks Harvey, I don’t need police hanging around my place.”

“Right, well, stay safe.”

You hung up.

You sat there in silence wondering what was going on. Had Jervis used Jim to kill someone? Why weren’t you more surprised? Perhaps you have just grown used to the ways of Gotham and the crazy people who lived there. You bit your lip anxiously.

Then the phone rang again.

You picked it up.

“Hello?”

“Y/N, my dear!”

“Jervis! Are you alright? What’s happening? Harvey Bullock just called me. I didn’t tell him you came by earlier.”

“I’m fine, dear. James Gordon and I are having a little chat. Everything that happens is on his shoulders.” He sounded so calm. “I hope you’re not worrying too much about me. I’d hate to cause you distress.”

“I’m fine, I just... what’s going on? I’m not here to lynch on you, I just want to know what you’re doing to those people?” He could hear the worry in your voice and it made his frown.

��Don’t worry, please don’t worry. Everything is Jim’s choice. He is the one to blame. I can’t talk for much longer, I must make another call, I want you to come and see what Jim will do.” Jervis gave you an address and a time. “I want you to see the real James Gordon.”

“Alright. I’ll be there.”

Jervis smiled, of course you couldn’t see it, but he hoped you could tell from his words.

“See you soon, my dear.”

He hung up.

Jervis was standing in the middle of the street, dressed in usual attire. He was looking up at the building in front of him with his phone in hand.

Jim Gordon was inside, he picked up the ringing phone after looking at the information Jervis had collected on him.

“Jervis.”

“Cutting it close, James.”

“Like what you did with the place.”

“Everyone needs a hobby.” Jervis sounded rather cheerful. “Take a peak though the lens, let’s chat face to face.”

Gordon moved over  to the telescope.

Jervis smiled and waved.

“I wonder, what is you have against married couples? Bad memories perhaps. Understandable, given the last time you saw a woman in a wedding dress, she had a shotgun pointed at you.”

Jim was caught off guard with just how much Jervis knew about him.

“Hey Jervis?”

“Yes, James?”

Jim hung up.

Jervis glared up at the window and instantly dialled the number again, angry with Jim’s behaviour.

“Don’t you ever do that again!”

James hung up again.

Jervis called him straight back.

“This is about your sister isn’t it? In your adult brain you blame me for what happened to her.” 

“Don’t you talk about her!” Jervis was fuming.

“I got to know her Jervis, she was a good person, that’s why she hated you,” Jim was also seething with anger, “why she died trying to get away from you. You want revenge? Kill yourself.”

“Dismissive. Rude. I don’t like your attitude!”

“I also have to wonder what you did to make Y/N so fond of you. You’re sick, Tetch. She called you her friend when I saw her last.”

“Don’t talk about her either.”

“She’s not involved in any of this is she?”

“I know Y/N wouldn’t be too happy to know the details, but she’s the only friend I have here in Gotham. I won’t pretend with her. I’m going to show her who you really are, then maybe she’ll understand. Now, are you quite finished?” Jervis didn’t want to talk about you any further to Jim.

“Tell you what, I’ll come down and we can talk in person.” Jim offered.

“Hang up again and she dies.”

“What are you talking about?” Jim pondered for a moment if he was referring to you, but he had spoken so fondly of you. Who else could he be talking about?

Jervis looked smug. “Surprising really, given that every relationship you’ve been ended with such misery, and yet, you make the choice to date again. Poor girl, she had no idea who she was getting into bed with. She will soon. See for yourself!”

Jim angled the telescope further up the street. Valerie, the girl he was seeing, was being dragged away by one of the brothers who were still under Tetch’s influence.

“Great thing about reporters, tell them you have a story and they’ll meet you anywhere.” Jervis grinned.

Jim hung up and ran out of the building.

The van had driven off already.

While Jim followed Tetch’s instructions, you were at home making yourself look presentable for whatever it was Jervis had planned. You found yourself rolling your eyes at the idea of trying to look nice for someone you didn’t know all that well. Yet, his impression of you mattered to you.

You kept yourself occupied until the time you had been given, and set off to the address, unaware the afternoon Gordon was having. Jervis had given him another choice, but it didn’t quite work out in Jim’s favour. 

The house wasn’t familiar to you, but it was very nice. Clearly whoever lived here had plenty of money. The door was unlocked, a note left behind telling you to come in.

You entered.

Music could be heard from the dining room. You walked in slowly, not sure what to expect. What you did see, however, was far from what you had thought.

A tea party.

Valerie Vale and Lee Thompkins were  facing each other on either side of the table. Jim Gordon sat at one end, Jervis Tetch as the other.

Jervis stood from the table with a bright smile on his face, he was so pleased to see you. You couldn’t help smiling back at him as you walked over to him, ignoring the looming figures behind him with guns in their hands.

“Jervis, what is this?”

“This, my dear, is Jim’s final choice of the day. Please, sit.” Jervis pulled out a chair next to his, leaving space between you and Lee. You sat down and watched him take his seat again.

“I don’t understand.” You turned to him confused.

“Jim took away someone I loved, so I will take away someone he loves.” You turned slowly to Jim.

“So, this is what you’ve been doing. I see.”

“Y/N, don’t listen to him! Tetch is insane.” Jim called out, but Jervis glared at him and hit the table once with his fist.

“Don’t tell her such things!”

You sat there quietly unsure what else to do. Jervis relaxed his hand and turned to smile at you again. He was trying to comfort you, not that you needed it much. You couldn’t deny that you weren’t scared of him. Honestly, you weren’t shocked at all with what was happening.

“Ah yes, your gun. Place it on the platter.” Jervis had been so caught up in waiting for you to join them, he needed to focus back on the main guest.

“Really?”

“Now you have to think about it? Not everyone here has to die, James.”

You cast your gaze between to the other two women at the table. He was going to make Jim pick one. You really weren’t sure what to feel now. Was he going to make you watch?

He did say he was going to show you who Gordon really was...

Jervis began to pour tea for everyone.

Jim looked between the two ladies. “It’s going to be OK.”

Jervis looked up and gave James a disappointed look, just as he was about to fill your tea cup. “Don’t lie to them James.” He turned back to you and smiled as he filled your cup. You gave a small smile and picked the cup up, watching as he filled the next cup and asked Lee to pass it down the table.

She did as she was told.

“I must apologise for the hideous china.” Jervis chuckled softly. “Frankly, I expected more from Don Falcone’s son.” Tetch filled his own cup last. “Guess I know what I’m getting you for your wedding.” He gave Lee a smile.

You sipped your tea quietly.

This would have been lovely if not for the eerie atmosphere and the fact Jervis was going to have someone in the room killed. His hospitality was otherwise quite sweet.

“To good health!” He lifted his cup.

Lee and Valerie opted out, causing the hatter to frown. So far you were the only own being considerate enough to drink what he had prepared. With how he had been with you so far, there was no reason to think he had done anything. Why poison the tea if he was going to force Jim’s hand anyway?

“You know what,” Jim lifted his cup, “I’ll have some.”

“Bravo James.”

The two men simultaneously drank from their cups, you took a slow sip of yours right after. Everything was still too weird right now.

“Now, I’d like to begin by telling a story of a brother and a sister, separated for years, but whose love never waned. Fair warning though, it has a sad ending.” Jervis glanced down.

Here we go. You knew your heart would yearn to comfort him. The events didn’t happen so long ago and everything was still fresh. You wondered how long it would take for his heart to heal.

“But I couldn’t find my sister alone, so I turned to this man, James Gordon. Whom everyone said was a good man, an honourable man, and what did this good man do? Why, he found my sister,” Jervis banged the table with his fist again. “and he turned her against me! Poisoning her mind and then he killed her!” He hit the table again, only with more force this time. You jumped slightly in your seat.

Jervis lowered his voice as he eyed James across the table. “Does that sound about right, James?”

You looked to Gordon, wondering what he would say or do.

“Sure, why not.” He said nonchalantly.

“Now James, i get the sense you’re not being honest.” Jervis pointed at him. “Though that’s not surprising, considering you’ve run from your true self every day of your life, but you can’t run from this choice. The woman you love, is going to die.”

You knew it.

“I just need to figure out which one it is. So, let’s review our options! shall we?”

Jervis looked between the two ladies.

You really weren’t sure how comfortable you were anymore. You sat with your hands in your lap and you bottom lip between your teeth, your eyes flickering between each of their faces.

You weren’t even sure why you were there. Not really. You didn’t have any personal connection to Jim, or the other two. Perhaps Jervis wanted to show you exactly what he was capable of.

“On the one hand, we have Lee Thompkins.” Jervis moved to stand beside her, giving your shoulder a light squeeze as he passed behind you. Intelligent. Kind. She thought she could save you from your darkness, drag you into the light. What did she get for her efforts? Hm? Pain and sadness.”

“Don’t listen to him Lee.”

“Look in her eyes. She still has love for you James.”

The silence was awkward.

“And then there’s Valerie Vale.” Jervis moved over to Valerie. “The entrapped reporter from a blur collar family. She still has hope for you. What will happen when she learns who you really are?”

Jervis returns to the end of table, standing beside you. He gazes at you as he explains that those are the choices Jim has. Tetch reaches for Gordon’s gun and holds it out.

“Now it’s up to you.”

You looked at Jim wondering what is going on inside his head.

“Which,” Jervis points the gun at Valerie, “lady,” then at Lee, “has your heart? Who do you love?”

“You want me to choose? Tell these idiots to lower their guns. I don’t trust them not to shoot me by accident.”

“You’re right. They are stupid.” He chuckles. “Down boys.”

The two goons lowers their guns.

“Now you drop your gun.” He looks Jervis in the eye.

“Jim.” You sigh. “Really?”

“No, no, it’s alright, my dear.” Jervis chuckles. “Though she is right, why would I do that?”

“Because I’ll shoot you.” Mario Calvi comes into the room from behind you all, you only knew of him because he’s a Falcone, plus his engagement to Lee was in the paper.

“Brilliant.” You mutter to yourself.

“Well well,” Jervis gazes over his shoulder, the gun still pointed at Jim, “this was your grand plan, James? Play along until the doctor could sneak in and shoot me dead?”

You glanced back at Mario.

“But there’s only one small problem.” Jervis wasn’t the least bit concerned about the extra person in the room. “Before you arrived I went down to the basement and switched the magazine in that gun with an empty one.”

You couldn’t you were impressed. Tetch really thought this out apparently.

Mario tried to fire the gun, but Jervis spoke the truth as the gun only made a small clicking sound. You let out a small chuckle, instantly covering you mouth. This really wasn't funny, you were just impressed.

Jervis glanced down at you having heard you and smiled at you. He made you laugh! Oh how happy he was. He turned his gaze back to Mario.

“My apologises, I only set the table for five. Dumfree, will you please escort doctor Calvi to the bathroom?” They left. “Now, I’m out of patience!” He was raising his voice again and waving the gun around slightly. “Who do you love?” He pointed the gun back at Jim.

Your attention was back on the ex-cop.

“You want to talk about love, fine. Let’s talk about who you love.” Jim glanced your way and you furrowed your brows at him. No way! You’ve known Jervis a number of days. “Or loved.” Jim looked back at Tetch.

That was more like it.

“Don’t.”

“Your sister knew you were crazy.”

“Just stop it!”

Jervis hated Jim talking bad about him when you were in the room. He wanted to show you who Jim really was and perhaps impress you, but right now it was looking bad for him. He didn’t want to look at you and see your disappointment in him.

You were more confused than anything. You couldn’t say you were disappointed in Jervis because from the beginning you knew there was more to him than he let on.

“She was terrified of you.” Jim continued. “She hated you.”

“Enough!”

“She told me. What you did to her, when you were kids.”

You glanced up at Jervis, you remember what she said. 

“The thought of you disgusted her.”

“Lies! Deceit! The sorry you tell is incomplete!”

“Jervis...” You want to reach out, but he’s still holding that gun. The last thing you want is to accidentally shoot someone. “She loved me!”

“She loved you? She killed herself rather than be with you.”

“She didn’t... no.” Jervis didn’t believe those words for a second.

“She impaled herself on a spike and died in agony because even that was better than having you touch her.” Jim didn’t stop. 

“No, no, no, no ,no, no.” Jervis shook his head, he couldn’t even look at Jim. You were sure Jim was somewhat telling the truth, whether or not the fall was on purpose or accident, Alice didn’t want anything to do with her brother, but you didn’t like this sight. Jervis was becoming confused, sidetracked. Jim was spewing words at him and it was hurting him.

“I saw her when she was dying, her face when she knew she was finally safe from you, she was smiling.”

“Jim!” You hissed.

“Because despite the pain, she was happy.” He ignored you.

“LIAR! She was the only thing I ever loved!” Jervis stomped over to where Jim was sitting and pointing the gun right at his face. You stood from your chair concerned about what was going to happen. “And you! YOU, sent her soul to heaven above!”

Jim grabbed Tetch’s wrist.

“That’s right.  Me. I’m the one you want, so let Lee and Vale go, keep me, but let them go.”

Jervis was so close to shooting him, but he took a deep sigh and lowered the gun. You let out a sigh of your own.

“Oh James, you’re trying to confuse me, but I won’t let you. No, I’m determined that you’ll live on and suffer without your love as I have. Choose.”

“No, I won’t choose.”

“You will. You will!”

Jervis returned to where you where standing at the end of the table, you looked awfully nervous. Tetch sighed as he gathered himself once again.

“I’ll make it easy for you, one the count of three, instead of telling me who you love, tell me who to kill.” The gun was being pointed again between the ladies. 

You began to shift in the spot. At this point you just wanted this whole thing to be over. You didn’t think your heart could take much more of this.

“Or I shoot both of them which would be such a thrill.”

“One.”

You could feel your heart racing in your chest.

“Two.”

Jim kept looking between them both.

“Three.”

“Kill Lee.” Jim replied instantly.

Lee gasped.

Jervis pointed his gun at her. “Oh, finally!”

You took a step back as he looked at her.

“The truth is revealed. You chose Lee because you love Vale. Very well!” Jervis turned to gun to Valerie and shot her in the stomach. You covered your mouth in shock as you stared wide eyed at her.

You should have guessed Jim would play this game.

“I knew you had it in you, James. All this time, you made everyone believe you were the hero, but deep down you always knew the truth. You’re a villain!” Jervis opened up his arm with a smile.

Jervis turned to you, his business was done here.

“Come, my dear. Let’s go.” He held out his hand to you. You looked at Jim and the girls once more before taking his hand and leaving with him. You just wanted out of that room. Jim had made his choice.

You weren’t sure what was going to happen now.

Jim Gordon would never let Tetch get away with that. Tetch still won in the end and it was defiantly going to eat away at Gordon.

Now you wondered what was going to happen to you.

Jervis held you hand do gently as you both climbed into the car and drove off, far away from that house. You knew now what this man was capable of, yet here you were, willingly going with him.

Perhaps a part of you was mad too.

Tags:

@mistressoftorture @fandombeehive @awyr

[lfthinkerwrites]

The Day Arrives

Title: Tales from Gotham Academy

Previous chapters: 1/2/3

Summary: The day of the field trip arrives. Pray for these poor, damned souls.

Friday, May 5th, 2019

The Day of the Field Trip

The Day of Infamy

It was a bright, sunny morning at Gotham Academy. In the parking lot in front of the school, two long buses were pulled up, with a crowd of freshmen students and their parents milling about, preparing to board. As usual, Jonathan and Jervis were among the first of the faculty to arrive, standing in front of a bus and waiting for the others to show.

"Well, here we are, old friend," Jervis said, shuffling a bit. "Another year, another horrifying trip. How bad do you suppose it's going to be this time?"

Jonathan shrugged his bony shoulders. "Well, Kerr ain't here. That's a plus."

"I'm more worried about Dormouse," Jervis muttered. "He's been in such a mood about this trip the whole week. I'm half expecting he won't show up."

"Well, you'd be wrong," Jonathan said, pointing behind them. "Here he comes now."

Indeed, Edward and Ellen walked through the growing mob of people, Ellen wearing her knapsack on her back and shaking her head. "Do you have to wear socks with your sandals, Dad? You look like a dork!"

Edward sniffed. "Well, you know how I feel about bare feet!" The father and daughter came to a stop in front of Jonathan and Jervis, and Edward gave them a nod. "Gentlemen."

Jervis politely greeted him, while Jonathan took a critical look at the tacky Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts his friend was wearing. "Which way to Margaritaville?"

"Oh, har har," Edward bit out. He pointed at Jonathan's own chicken legs, exposed as they were thanks to his own shorts. "When was the last time those saw sunlight? The Reagan administration?"

Almost on cue, the Dent family showed up next to the Nashtons, Harvey, Gilda, and Duela. Duela made a beeline to Ellen and the girls started whispering to each other. "Jesus Christ," Harvey growled. "We're not even on the bus yet and you're already starting a fight Nashton?"

"Oh, who asked you, Harv?" Edward asked, rolling his eyes.

Harvey growled again, but Gilda put a hand on his shoulder. "Sweetheart," she said. "Mind your blood pressure."

Harvey's face softened as it only did around his wife. "I'm fine, honey."

Edward turned his attention back to his daughter. "Ellen, did you put sunscreen on before we left the house?"

Ellen looked away from her best friend to look at her father. "You saw me put some on!"

"Well, you need to put on more! You're already turning pink!" Edward pulled a bottle of sunscreen out of his pocket and squeezed some onto his hand. "Come here!"

Ellen groaned but came forward. "I hate my ginger genes," she complained. She moved to take the bottle from her father, only for him to slather it on her face himself. "Dad!" Ellen wailed. "Do you have to do this here!?"

"Oh, how horrible! A father doing his best to make sure his only child doesn't get skin cancer! Someone call the media!"

Ellen looked beseechingly at Jonathan. "Uncle Jon! Make Dad leave me alone!"

"Edward, leave the child be," Jonathan chided. "You're embarrassin' her."

Edward finished and Ellen scurried off back to Duela, who was trying and failing to stifle a laugh.

"Duela," Gilda called out. "You be sure to wear sunscreen too."

"But Mom, I tan!" Duela protested.

"Doesn't matter," Harvey said. "Put it on when we get on the bus."

"When are we getting on the buses?" Jervis asked, taking a look at the ever-growing mob. Tim Drake and Stephanie Brown appeared by Ellen and Duela and became involved in whatever conversation the girls were having. "I think all of the freshmen are just about here."

"Just waiting on Gordon to show," Jonathan said. By the other bus, he saw Victor Fries and Miguel trying to get the kids lined up. "It's damn near nine now. Aren't we supposed to leave at 9:30?"

"Jim's going over the plans for the day with the teachers who are staying at the school," Harvey explained. "He's also probably telling Bolton to go easy on the discipline."

Edward snorted. "That'll be a first!

You might as well ask Goodman to stop being over-dramatic, or Karlo to stop being pretentious-"

"Or you to stop being such an obnoxious pain in the ass!" Harvey interrupted.

Edward's face darkened, but immediately lit up when he caught sight of someone approaching. "Darling!" Penelope came up to the small group, her usual serious expression only just softening as she approached her boyfriend. "Did you come to see me off?" Edward asked.

"Yes," she admitted. "Actually, I also wanted to ask you to-"

"'Try to have a good time'? That's not happening and we know it," Edward glowered.

Penelope rolled her eyes. "Actually, I was going to ask you to try not to get into any trouble today."

"Me? Get into trouble? I am a paragon of virtue! A role model for the children to aspire to!"

"You threw a big hissy tantrum the other day when the vending machine in the teacher's lounge ran out of orange soda," Jonathan drawled.

"After it already ate my money, Jonathan!"

Penelope shook her head, then grabbed gently onto Edward's hand, drawing him away from the group a few feet. "If you're right and this Mockridge is at the park," she said in a low tone. "Than he's probably going to try to bait you into a fight. Just for today, ignore it. Be the bigger man."

Edward huffed. "Fine. For you and Ellen, I'll try."

Penelope smiled softly at him then. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you? I'm sure Jonathan or Jervis would be more than happy to trade places."

"No," Edward said, kissing her hand. "One of us deserves to get through this day with their sanity intact. Just promise me that you won't get involved in whatever mischief the Sirens have planned for the day."

"Have I ever?" she asked with a bemused expression on her face.

"No, but they'll try."

While the two had their conversation, Ellen watched them with an intent expression on her face. Duela gently elbowed her. "You think she might become your stepmom?"

Ellen shrugged. "Maybe."

"Where are you on the little brother or sister front?"

"I asked Dad again on Christmas if I could have one for my Birthday and he turned really pink and wouldn't talk about it." Ellen pouted. "I'm probably not gonna get one until college at this rate."

Tim scoffed. "Ellen, trust me. Siblings are overrated."

"Nashton!" Harvey called. "Jim's coming! Get back here!"

Edward's face darkened, but he and Penelope came to rejoin the group just as Gordon, trailed as always by Kristen, made his way through the crowd. As soon as got to the front of the bus, he cleared his throat and began to speak. "Good morning everybody! In just a few minutes, we'll be taking off, so we need all students to line up single file in front of one of these buses."

"Speaking of," Jervis pointed out, turning to his friends and colleagues. "We're all getting on this bus, right?"

"As long as Neil isn't on it we are," Jonathan replied.

"Where is Neil?" Jervis asked, taking a quick look around. "I haven't seen him or Basil yet."

"Maybe we got lucky and they called out," Harvey muttered. "Or they murdered each other."

"Harvey," Gilda lightly scolded.

Penelope shook her head. "Neil and Karlo on the trip together? What was Gordon thinking allowing that to happen?"

A loud whistle blew, interrupting Gordon while he was still addressing the crowd of students and their parents. The crowd turned as one and saw Neil at the school's entrance, in front of a portion of the school's marching band, dressed in a spiffy summer outfit and waving a baton around. He led out the band to an instrumental rendition of 76 Trombones, a wide smile on his face the whole time.

Jonathan pinched the bridge of his nose. "Jesus. Tap-dancing. Christ."

"Well," Edward said. "If nothing else, Neil certainly knows how to make an entrance."

Neil continued up to the second bus, the children falling into a single-file line behind him. As soon as he was at the front, he turned and bowed to the marching band. "Thank you, boys and girls! Enjoy your day today!" The band dispersed and the assembled crowd broke out into loud applause.

Basil Karlo chose that moment to make his appearance. He walked up next to Neil, looked at his outfit and sniffed. "Not bad. For a rank amateur."

Neil's face turned bright red. He looked like he was about to say something when Gordon spoke up again. "Anyway. We'll be arriving back on campus at 5 pm. Parents, please be here to pick up your kids. That being said, it's time to board." The students by the first bus finally began to line up after saying their goodbyes to their parents and guardians.

Ellen and Duela, by virtue of being daughters of faculty members, were the first to board. "Save me a window seat, Duela!" Ellen called after her friend as they scrambled aboard.

"Ellen, don't run!" Edward called after her. Tim and Stephanie followed their friends onto the bus. Soon, the last students had boarded and it was time for the staff to go. Jonathan and Jervis climbed aboard, while Edward and Harvey both turned to their significant others for their final goodbyes.

"Great. A day at a theme park with these nuts," Harvey grumbled.

Gilda leaned up on her tiptoes to give him a kiss. "Don't let it get too you too much, Harvey. Try to have fun with Duela today."

Harvey smiled at his wife, then got aboard.

"Remember what we talked about, Edward," Penelope said, lightly squeezing his hand. "Try not to get into trouble."

"Well, I can't speak for my illustrious colleagues, but I promise that I won't start anything," he said. He leaned in a bit closer. "In the meantime, I had a few more ideas of what you could do to reward me."

Penelope fondly rolled her eyes. "Reward you for behaving like you're supposed to? Really?"

Edward mock-pouted, only to catch someone approaching from the corner of his eye. "Oh no."

Penelope was about to ask him what was wrong, only for Harley's voice to interrupt. "Hiya, Eddie!" She bounded up to give him a hug. Selina and Pamela showed up as well, both of them looking at the bus with a smirk.

Edward groaned. "What are you three doing here? Come to rub it in one last time?"

"Actually, I needed to speak to them," Gordon said. He turned to address Selina. "So we're all clear on the schedule for the day?"

"Half-day classes, final bell at 12:30, kids in detention out by 2:30, clubs and activities out by 3:00, stay on campus until you get back and help with pickup," Selina rattled off. "Crystal clear."

Gordon nodded. "Good. Remember, Strange will be leaving campus at 12:30 for a meeting with members of the school board. Kristen, of course, will help out with anything you might need." His look turned grave. "Keep an eye on Bolton, but don't start anything with him. Understand?"

Pamela scoffed. "You should be telling him not to start anything with us."

"I did, as a matter of fact," Gordon said. "Alright, I think that's everything. Kristen, give me status updates every hour until school's out. Ladies, try not to have too much fun." He turned and walked towards the second bus to help them with boarding, leaving Edward with the Sirens.

"This is gonna be great!" Harley said, throwing her arms around Kristen and Penelope's shoulders. "After Strange leaves, we're gonna have a girl's day in the chem lab!"

Edward grimaced. "And just what nonsense does that entail?"

Pamela let out a cold laugh. "Wouldn't you like to know."

Edward's face fell, and Penelope shook off Harley's grip to reassure him. "I'm sure it'll be fine," she said.

"Relax Eddie, we'll take care of your girl," Selina teased.

"That's what I'm afraid of," Edward ground out.

Penelope rolled her eyes. "You're all ridiculous."

"Edward!" Jonathan called out. "Are you getting on board or do Dent and I have to drag your ass on?"

"I'm coming!" Edward snapped. He took one last look at his girlfriend and the Sirens and shuddered. "Remember me fondly."

Harley just gave him a cheeky wave. "Bye, Eddie! See you in the funny papers!"

Edward waved back, then took a deep breath and boarded. Gordon came back to the bus and gave the women a wave before he climbed on. The bus door closed and the remaining crowd of people took a step back as the buses started. The first bus pulled out of the parking lot, followed by the second bus. In a matter of moments, the buses had passed the main gate and were on their way to Mt. Olympus theme park.

God help them all.

[iknewiwouldregretthis]

okay here’s a bunch of information i know on dudes in the wild west for melissa @cwtchpup so it doesn’t clog up the chat and also for anyone else i guess. it is Long because it’s basically everything i could come up with off the top of my head

so doc holliday is some dude who got a degree in dentistry in the 1860s or so and then about immediately found out that he had tuberculosis so he moved to the southwest where the air was dry and was like “wow i’m good at cards” so he became a gambler which was an actual profession and he was very good at it. i’m sure he probably did some dentsiting on the side still because it was a lot less “see you in six months for your next cleaning” and a lot more “tooth hurts? drink this whiskey and i’ll go get my pliers.” then in maybe texas? he met the earps (virgil, morgan, wyatt) who were lawmen and became like an assistant deputy lawman? i think you pretty much just had to be assigned the role of deputy or lawman and didn’t need any qualifications BUT doc was really good at shooting so he had that going for him and if i remember right one of the earps was a sheriff or marshal or something and did the deputizing. he was with wyatt earp at the ok corral which is a very famous shootout but all i remember is that either virgil or morgan died and so wyatt and doc and the remaining earp brother went rogue and hunted down and killed the dudes who did it and then had a price on their heads. wyatt and doc got a divorce because wyatt went back to being the law and doc went back to having a severe disease and then he went to glenwood springs colorado where he died in his hotel and was buried in linwood pioneer cemetery because he died a pauper. he was in like his early to mid 30s. about 50 years later, there was some break in and some of the cemetery records were stolen and so now, we don’t know exactly where doc is buried in the cemetery (there wasn’t a marker because he was already buried at taxpayer expense and they sure weren’t gonna cough up the 30 cents or however much it took to make a headstone). there is a memorial where they’ve fenced off a grave-sized area and put a marker, and people have left playing cards and empty shot-sized alcohol bottles and small amounts of money like dollar bills and coins and a few casino chips in kind of the same vein as people kissing oscar wilde’s grave which i think is super cool.

a fun side note here is that glenwood springs was a frontier town originally made up of brothels, gambling halls, and mining supply shops (just like every other frontier town) called Defiance which was a crazy cool name except that one of the town founders was like “hmmmm my sweet gentle wife from iowa is having trouble adjusting to the harsh realities of frontier life what if we changed the name of our town defiance to glenwood springs, after her hometown of glenwood iowa?” and apparently everyone else at the town founders meeting was like “hey jimmy nobody cares about your kind gentle iowan wife but if it’ll shut you up we will name this town glenwood springs”

anyway, also buried in the linwood cemetery is kid curry (not to be confused with kid cudi, the sundance kid, anyone else with kid or curry in their name including george flat nose curry who kid got his name from). kid curry was part of the wild bunch but was like kind of a disaster compared to his more gentleman thief-esque colleagues. he was a that-guy-who-wrote-les-mis-whose-name-i-forgot of the old west to the point that when prostitutes had kids and they didn’t know who the dad was or didn’t want to say, they’d call them curry kids. anyway he got shot trying to pull a train robbery outside of parachute with some guys (they might’ve been from black jack ketchum’s gang? which kid curry ran with before he joined the wild bunch) after the wild bunch broke up. he was still a badass though because he told the other dudes to leave him behind and then shot himself rather than let the cops take him alive. the cops found the dead criminal and then presumably went “uhhh i guess we bury him now” and stuck him in the pauper’s cemetery. not too long after, a pinkerton detective who was an expert in the wild bunch was like “hey i think that dude you guys buried is kid curry based on the description do you mind digging him up so i can see?” and the super chill town cops were like “hell yeah let’s go” and they dug up harvey and the pinkerton was like “that’s sure him” and the cops went “oh sweet let’s give him a marker” and then put him back.  that’s mostly all i know about kid curry except his name is harvey logan which i don’t think i mentioned earlier.

the wild bunch was super late in the wild west, hitting the height of their outlawing around 1899. butch cassidy, aka robert leroy parker, who looks kind of like matt damon, was the leader and was a brilliant tactical mind. the wild bunch robbed tons of banks and trains and always escaped basically unscathed thanks to butch’s planning. they also bragged a lot about not killing people every but kid curry was super gun happy and killed like 9 people on record so kid curry lets everyone down as usual. (it’s not just his fault, i’m pretty sure the sundance kid aka harry longabaugh something also killed some people that we know of also). anyway, the gang would do a robbery and then lay low for a while. most of the laying low happened in an area that was called brown’s hole but is now mostly called brown’s park (a park is a geographical area that’s like a valley but like in the mountains? i don’t totally remember the definition but it’s a big flat that’s high up.) brown’s hole is in the unita mountains, a range in the rockies that runs east/west instead of north/south. it’s in that bit of utah right where it borders both colorado and wyoming. the wild bunch worked there as ranch hands and would give money to the local community and so the community loved and sheltered them. they also went out of their way to not commit crimes in utah or colorado because they didn’t want the law in those states after them. they spent a lot of time and brothels and would take their favorite ladies on huge lavish vacations and buy them all kinds of fancy things. basically the whole life was do a big robbery, live a glamorous dramatic lavish life until the money runs out, repeat.

when they hung out in brown’s hole, a bunch of the gang fell in love with locals, which were all good morman girls because that’s who lived on the ranches in brown’s hole at the turn of the century. it was kind of a disaster love story for all of them because it’s hard to be a good morman girl and marry a dude who only knows how to be an outlaw but they tried and some of them made a good go of it, before the former wild bunch men went back to outlawing and/or got themselves killed. elza ley, who doesn’t have a cool nickname as far as i remember, is one of the dudes who got married to a local girl, and i think the first one who did. i think the tall texan (ben kilpatrick or ben kirkpatrick or ben something-patrick) did also. as far as i can remember right now, none of the marriages ended after a long and happy life, usually because the dude got himself killed. they were just too used to their lavish lifestyle circle to actually settle down and be ranch boys. also it didn’t help that the whole lot of them thought it’d be a fun time to get a group photo taken in texas at a studio several years back and all the pinkerton detectives started carrying it around with them to show people.

butch and sundance went down to i think peru? and tried to do some robberies down there because the whole rest of the gang was getting married and getting shot. the two of them were killed by the local militia in a robbery gone wrong. (as seen in the movie butch cassidy and the sundance kid with robert redford and some other man). interestingly, a lady named etta place was there with them. etta was the sundance kid’s girl (tbh historians are kind of iffy about it because there’s letters saying she’s butch’s girl, stuff saying they shared her, and stuff that says she’s butch’s cousin and stuff saying she and butch grew up and were childhood sweethearts but as adults she only dated the sundance kid which is one of the more accepted theories) and the interesting thing about etta is that she pretty much shows up in history when she starts hanging around the wild bunch and then disappears almost immediately before butch and sundance get themselves killed. i think they picked etta up because she worked at fanny porter’s brothel in texas and the boys went there a lot, and there’s some sources saying she caught a boat from peru to nyc but like there’s no confirmation? she just shows up, does some robbing, gets treated to the good life, and then disappears. anyway there’s a famous picture of her and sundance where she’s wearing a pocket watch from tiffany’s that cost like $50 which was A Lot.

there were also a bunch of ladies who were not necessarily IN the wild bunch, but were safe havens or hangers-on (i think etta and queen ann basset were the only two who did crimes with them but they don’t get to be included in most accounts because they were 1. not in the famous photo and 2. women). however, there was one family that the boys sheltered with a bunch to the point that elizabeth basset, the matriarch, was basically also their mom? she adopted them and it’s very sweet. one of her daughters, josie, apparently was butch’s girl for a little bit when she was younger and i think also elza’s? josie eventually married (5 times if i remember right, none of which were to the wild bunch. there was at least one husband she was accused of poisoning) and built herself a ranch using some box canyons as corrals, and built the entire 5 room ranch house herself by hand. it had one fireplace, the walls were papered in newsprint, and there was no electricity (even after it got invented). the only running water was from underground streams, because of complicated water rights. josie hunted deer, raised cattle, farmed, made her own whiskey, sewed her own clothes, lasted through prohibition and the great depression and eventually slipped on ice and broke her hip, forcing her to go to a hospital. she died there, at age 90, in 1963. her ranch is currently in the bounds of dinosaur national monument (the utah part) and is open to visitors.

that’s all i can think of at present. also i know it’s weird and possessive to refer to women as “dude’s girl” but there’s not quite any other way to get across what i mean? like saying they were going steady is too 1950s and nothing else really describes the relationship. it wasn’t dating. that’s just what you called it? anyway here’s some pictures of josie’s house

[necrokittytales]

Necrokitty Tales: Trouble in Inkwell Isle (Chapter 18)

Authors’ note: Necrida’s writing will be in italics and SPKC’s writing with be regular font.If you have no idea what this roleplaying thing is, you can start from the beginning here.

——- The carnival was soon upon the residents of the Inkwell Isles.

Hopus made sure to have Harvey practice over and over again. When it was finally time to go, Harvey managed to make a tea cup disappear, only for it to reappear an inch away, usually falling off the table and cracking, much to his mother’s chagrin. But Hopus was proud nevertheless. Mrs. Hare finished putting a sweater on Hanna. “Now, Hanna, I want you to stay with Harvey and not to leave his side,” the rabbit mother ordered, messing with her fur, making the rabbit squeal as the overbearing mother readjusted her daughter’s red bow tie. “What if he has to poop?” Hanna asked. “You’ll wait outside for him,” her mother insisted. “Wait if I have to poop?” “Then he’ll wait for you.”

Harvey tucked the small wand into his jacket as Hopus finished explaining to the young rabbit. “And lastly, don’t use it on anyone unless you’re sure you can bring them back safely,” Hopus advised, “no making someone appear on the edge of the cliff or on top of the ferris wheel or nuthin.” “Got it, thanks dad,” Harvey thanked. “Great! You might see a couple of your sisters there,” Mrs. Hare mentioned, “But no dumping your little sister on them, got it?” “I won’t!” Harvey insisted as Hanna walked over and hugged him. “Alright be safe! Your father will pick you up tonight.” Harvey raised an eyebrow. “Really?” His father did not go to the carnival or really much of anywhere when he came to visit. “Yes, I figure I’ll need to stretch my legs after your mother and I…catch up on some things.” The two adults shared a wink, making Harvey confused but he didn’t question it. “Oh, okay. Well, good bye. We love you,” the two children said before bolting out the door and down the path toward the second Inkwell Isle, looking forward to what would be a night of carnival games and excitement. – Goopy Le Grande hopped up to Isabella’s home and knocked on the door. “Hello, it’s Le Grande,” he called, remembering the woman was still vision limited so the extra audio cue might be nice.

Upon hearing the arrival of the visitor, Mina grew very excited. “Finally!” Mina jumped from her chair and opened the door. “Let’s go, lets go, lets go!” She shouted at the grinning goop. “Mina…” Her mother called. “But I really have to go! They’re waiting for me!” The b-cat insisted. “It doesn’t mean you have to lose all your manners.” The little girl knew her mother was right. She lowered her ears and extended an inviting hand towards her home. “Hello, Mr Le Grande. Would you like something to drink before we go?” She said in a much more calmed tone.

Goopy smiled at the politeness. “No, but thank you. It sounds like we are very eager to go.” He looked toward Isabella. “Is there anything else you remembered you want to tell me before we head out?”

Isabella took a moment to think. “Yes! Whatever you do, under ANY circumstances, don’t let her have cotton candy.” Mina rolled her eyes and crossed her arms as her mother continued. “Also, here are a copy of the house keys,” the mother remembered, leaving a set of keys on the table. "I should be back from work around 3 or 4 in the morning, so make yourself at home.”

“No cotton candy, got it,” Goopy repeated. He looked at the little bat. “Ready to go?”

The little girl smiled at Goopy and nodded “Yeap!” She wiggled her little kitten tail happily and hugged her mother “Break a leg, mama!” Isabella smiled and hugged her back. “Thank you, my little fur ball.” She tenderly kissed her forehead. “Have fun, and listen to Monsieur Le Grande!” “Yes, mama…” the b-cat answered, tired of her mother repeating herself, and walked outside of the house. “Te iubesc foarte mult” She heard her mother call from the house. “I love you too, mama!” Mina called back before following Goopy down the path.

–

Harvey was surprised to see Spike already waiting at the entrance of the carnival when he and his sister arrived. He didn’t think the pup would actually show up, or rather, he was really hoping he wasn’t going to show up. Spike spotted him and gave a curt nod in his direction. “Surprised you decided to show up, dummy,” Spike huffed. He spotted Hanna and raised an eyebrow. “Who’s the shrimp?” Hanna puffed out her chest. “I am a rabbit not a shrimp and my name is Hanna and I am 6 years old and I make quilts and even though you are mean, I will make you a quilt so you better be nice to my brother because he knows magic now too!” Spike rubbed his ears. “I didn’t get any of that. Was that even English?” Harvey sighed. “She says she’s gonna make you a quilt.” “I don’t want a dumb quilt,” Spike grumbled. “She wasn’t asking. She was telling you,” Harvey explained. Spike grumbled and looked away. “So where’s the vampire? She decide to be a chicken and stay home?”

Just as he finished speaking, Mina and Goopy arrived at the carnival. Mina spotted her friend Harvey accompanied by little Hanna and… Spike. “That’s Spike, the little dog,” she whispered to Goopy, “and the bunnies are Harvey and one of his sisters, Hanna.” On their way to the carnival, Mina had taken the chance to explain her brilliant plan to turn Spike from a bully to a buddy.

Goopy rubbed his chin thoughtfully upon seeing the pup that Mina had been talking about. “Well, I think that’s a very noble attempt at keeping the peace. I’m quite the peace mediator myself, but I suppose you kids have got to figure it out. Although nothing settles a disagreement like a good brawl, in my opinion,” Goopy added as they approached the children. Harvey waved at Mina and Goopy. “Hello, Mr. Le Grande,” he greeted pleasantly. “Well, hello Harvey. Is this your little sister? I don’t think I’ve seen her since she was a bunny,” Goopy greeted, tipping his top at the little rabbit. She smiled and curtsied politely. Spike scoffed. “Really? You brought an adult? You guys must be more scared than I thought.” Goopy eyed him. “Hello there, Spike, I’ve been sent to accompany Ms Mina, but by no means am I going to be following her around all the time.” Goopy gave her a nod. “If you run ahead, just make sure to eventually come back, got it?”

Mina smiled and nodded at Goopy. She then turned to Spike, crossing her arms. “So what would you like to start with?” She asked defiantly, grinning at the pup.

“Why don’t you ride the roller coaster ride first?” Goopy suggested when the puppy didn’t speak.

Hanna pouted. “I don’t think I’m big enough for that. How about the merry go round?”

Spike shook his head. “That stuff is for babies.” Harvey bristled at that.

Goopy scoped the park so more. “Did you want to do carnival games?”

Harvey did but he wanted a chance to do it without Hanna in case he could win her something. “Not now, maybe later?”

Spike crossed his arms and pointed at Mina. “If you’re really serious about having this scare off, we should started with the least scary places and keep going to scarier stuff until you give up.”

“You’re right, Spike. Perhaps you’re not as dumb as you look!” Mina smiled at him and looked around. “We can go on the wheel, unless you’re afraid of heights?”  The little bat suggested. She figured they could enjoy a bit of calm with Hanna before they screaming really started.

Spike crossed his arms even tighter. “I’m not scared of heights. Let’s do it!” The dog ran off before any of the kids knew what was up, forcing them to run after him toward the ferris wheel, leaving Goopy to slowly hop from behind.

–

The Baroness’ eyes couldn’t help but pop at all the lights of the carnival. “Goodness, Beppi really has put in a lot of effort to make things look good this time,” the woman noted to Grim. The two had walked from her castle to the carnival entrance and just paid the fare to enter.

“Yes… he d-did a great job…” the dragon agreed, admiring Baroness Von Bon Bon’s outfit. She looked absolutely ravishing tonight.

Bon Bon looked over at the dragon, unaware of the dragon’s interest in her outfit. “Do you see any rides you’d like to try first?” She asked.

The dragon couldn’t stop thinking about how much he enjoyed her company, her sweet smell, her delightful voice…But at the sound of her question, he snapped out of his thoughts.

“Uh… how about the ferris wheel? Or the b-bumper cars?” he considered.

“Let’s do the bumper cars,” Baroness decided, a malicious grin alighting on her face at the suggestion. “I think the cars have Beppi’s face on them and nothing would be more satisfying than to smash them into each other,” she added.

Grim chuckled and followed her to the bumper cars. When it was their turn to ride, the dragon realised he was slightly too big for just one car. But he was determined to ride anyway. Ignoring the technician, he took two cars and used them as if they were roller skates.

“I’m r-ready!” He smiled at the Baroness and give her a daring stare.

The Baroness laughed at the bravado. “Better clench your claws, Grim, I don’t hold back!” At the sound of the buzzer, all the bumper cars started to jerk and move around, fueling Bon Bon’s somewhat macabre desire to hurt things as she gleefully rammed and collided with other cars.

Grim skated towards Bon Bon, but a car bumped him, making him lose his balance and fall. He growled angrily and tried to look who it was but there were so many people he couldn’t be sure who did it.

He was standing up when another car ran over his tail, making him roar in pain. This time he stood up quickly and recognised Cuphead smiling victorious before he got bumped by another car who nearly made him get out of his own.

Grim smiled, showing his fangs as he slipped back into his roller cars. This was going to be fun!

The Baroness was having so much fun, especially crashing into Cuphead that she didn’t notice  a certain clown approaching the controls of the bumper cars.

Beppi eyed Bon Bon and Grim having a wonderful time. “Let’s make this ride a lot more interesting,” he chuckled, pressing a few buttons and raising the speed of the bumper cars.

Bon Bon didn’t realize the speed increase at first. It was only when she was T-boned and actually jostled a bit more did she realize the cars were hitting with more force. Not enough to hurt, but definitely enough to rattle someone. Especially someone balanced on two cars.

Cuphead took advantage of the increasing speed and kept bumping against Grim, laughing out loud as he did. The dragon kept losing his balance and ridiculously wiggled his limbs to keep himself from falling, only to end up falling anyway with a heavy thud.

It was annoying for Grim (and a little painful) but he was still having fun. He loved the crazy look of the Baroness when she fiercely succeeded in bumping someone. Especially when that someone was the little annoying cup.

And speaking of the cup… Grim was near BonBon now, he looked at her with a grin and wanted to bumped her softly. Before he could do this, Cuphead gave a particularly hard charge to one of his feet. The unexpected impact made Grim lose his balance again and sent him spiraling down once more. Only this time, it was toward the Baroness.

The woman saw the shadow over her and realized she was in imminent danger of being squashed. She jumped out of the moving bumper car quickly and rolled to safely just as poor Grim landed right where she had been moments before.

The bumper cars were quickly halted as she stood up and dusted herself off. She swore she could someone loudly giggling, “TIMBER!” and she looked around for the source. That almost sounded like Beppi. She scowled but softened when she saw Grim lying on the ground with a groan. She walked over to him carefully. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?” She asked carefully, placing a hand on his shoulder.

‘You almost crushed her…’ Grim thought to himself, 'You almost CRUSHED her!’ He felt terrible. He could have hurt Bon Bon so badly. He looked at her full of guilt and sadness, thinking about the horrible thing it could have happened.

Cuphead got out of his car alarmed “Grim! You ok?!” The little cup immediately stepped back when the dragon blew warm smoke at him with an angry growl.

“I could have KILLED her!” he roared standing threarning on all fours.

“I-I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to… ” Cuphead slowly backed up.

The Baroness recognized an angry dragon when she saw one. “Grim Matchstick!” She yelled sharply, hopefully getting the dragon’s attention.

Grim’s ears backed down and he slowly looked at Von Bon Bon. The little cup took the chance to run away from the dragon.

Grim was so ashamed, not only did he almost crush her but he just lost his temper towards a kid. This night was going to be memorable alright, but not the way he hoped it would.

The Baroness saw how distraught the dragon looked and sighed. “Oh, Grim,” she coaxed, taking the dragon’s claw and leading him off the bumper car track, “you can’t just go burning people all willy nilly,” She explained, picking up a wrench and looking toward the individual by the controls. “You got to disable your target first,” she added darkly and fiercely chucked the wrench in that direction.

She smiled sweetly at Grim before leading him toward the ferris wheel. “Do you understand?”

The dragon allowed BonBon to lead him away from the bumper cars but was rather confused by her throwing that tool. He didn’t really understand what she meant by all of this, but he was just glad she didn’t leave him.

“I-I-I’m sorry, baroness… ” he said embarrassed and unaware of the cluster gathered around the control box.

–

A couple of carnival attendees stood over a fallen clown, with a wrench shaped dent in his head. Beppi was rubbing his head. “Ow…clearly I need to up my game a bit,” he groaned.

–

While Grim and Baroness left the bumper cars, another couple was just entering the park.

Amber walked toward the entrance of the carnival apprehensively and was concerned when Sullivan was already there, waiting for her. Her eyes narrowed. Had the salamander already scoped the place out? Did he know all the secret places a girl could get dragged to? Would he try anything? She shifted, feeling the small concealed weapon under her clothes rub against her soft fur and smiled. He would very quickly learn a painful lesson if he tried.

She plastered on an enthusiastic smile and waved at him. "Hello, Sully!” She greeted cheerfully.

Sullivan’s eyes brightened at the sight of Amber. “H-hi! ” he waved,“How have you been?” He smiled shyly, hiding an arm behind his back.

Amber did not like the fact that she could not see Sully’s other arm. Still, she managed to keep a playful smile on. “I’m good. It’s so nice to see you. What happened with your arm? Did you get hurt?” She asked, attempting to peek behind him to see what type of weapon he could have.

'Hurt with Cupid’s love arrows,’ the salamander told himself.

“Hehe… No.. it’s… ” he showed his arm holding a small black box. “I got you a little something…” he blushed and opened the box in front of her. It was a thin silver bracelet with delicate flower and leaves carvings. He looked at her to see her reaction.

Amber’s eyes open wide at the gift. 'Ooh, a shiny,’ her mind thought automatically. She liked shinies. She took it carefully and placed it on her own wrist. “Sully, this is beautiful! Thank you!” She thanked, planting a tiny peck on his cheek.

Psycho killer or not, the salamander had taste. Amber had to make sure she stole something extra nice for him tonight. Or at least stole enough cash to win him something.

Sullivan blushed and caressed the kissed cheek. “I’m so glad you like it!” It took him so long to decide what to get her… He knew Amber was a more sophisticated woman, and that only showing off physical strength wouldn’t suffice to conquer her heart.

He offered his arm to her like a gentleman. “Ready to have some fun, m'lady?” He said, smiling at the feline.

Amber took his arm. “Of course!” Her ears perked up at the sound of an announcer declaring the bumper cars were starting up again after a temporary pause and she grinned.

“Let’s do the bumper cars!!” She squealed, “I wanna hit something!” And with that, she dragged Sullivan into the park with a purr.

Sullivan let her drag him still smiling. The evening looked promising!

There was a lot of people starting to wait in line but thanks to Amber they were one of the firsts.

On the side of the tracks they saw one.of the cars all smashed. “Wow! Somebody had an extrabumpy ride…” the salamander said starting to worry for Amber.

Amber blanched. “Huh. That’s uh… different,” she admitted. Still, she did just pick pocket about 3 people in this line. It would look suspicious if she just left after coming all the way here. “Well I know which car we’re not taking,” she joked.

—

“You call that scary? I was falling asleep on that ride!” Spike laughed, as the children walked away from one of the rides.

The scare contest was still on amongst Mina and Spike. It took them a while to see which ride they would start with, mostly because they needed to find a ride that Hanna could also ride since she was so short. They had finally found a scary ride and although Harvey was a bit spooked, it looked like it hadn’t left much of an impression on Spike.

“That was kind of scary,” Harvey admitted.

Hanna patted his paw. “Don’t worry, the monsters in that one were all fake. They’re not real.”

Spike continue to laugh at poor Harvey who pouted. He turned toward Mina. “You’re going to find a real scary ride now or what?”

Mina was with Spike. So far the rides didn’t made them scream so much but she didn’t want make Harvey feel bad.

“Well, at least they were fun,” she smiled. “And that face you made when we were up high in the air? That was priceless, Spike” She chuckled.

She looked around and saw the perfect ride to go on next.

“I guess it’s time for the real scary stuff.” She pointed at the haunted house, grinning maliciously.

Harvey didn’t like that ride one bit. “That’s the really spooky one,” he mumbled.

Goopy patted him on the back. “Now, now, kiddo, just remember it’s just all smoke and mirrors. No actual monsters and spooks.”

They started to walk over to the ride only for Harvey to catch sight of one of the carnival games. He wondered if he could find sewing needles for Hanna in there. Maybe he could check after the ride if he didn’t run out screaming.

The carnival attraction looked harmless enough at first glance. Just a large dark looking mansion. Yet the closer the children got to it, the more menancing it became. The windows open and shut on their own. The sounds of groans and chains rattling grew louder with each step. And by the time Mina and her friends had reached a certain point in the line, they could hear the screams of the attendees who had gone before them.

Harvey was seriously spooked despite the fact that Hanna was still giggling about the whole thing. “I wonder if I can make the ghosts some quilts.”

“Hanna, there’s no such things as ghosts. Skeletal horses, yes, but not ghosts.”

“Ooh! Actually, there are!” Goopy prompted. “They run a train on the third isle.”

Spike gaped at the blob. “Nu uh. No way.”

“Mmhmm.”

They were waiting in line for a while. It seemed there were a lot of people waiting in line for the attraction. It looked like they were having patrons go in as small groups, rather than by themselves. Mina was disappointed with this information. It probably wouldn’t be as fun if they had to go with some other folks. Especially if these folks weren’t scared easily. So she looked around to check if there were people who looked easily spooked…or someone who looked like a spook.

She spotted a salamander who didn’t look very brave next to… the freelancer! It would be fun to ride with them!

–

Sullivan was delighted they were going to the Haunted Manor. He was tired trying to win prizes for Amber testing his very little strength. But this, didn’t took any skill to walk around holding  and reassuring his beloved lady.

“I was a little kid since the last time I went in there.  I wonder if they changed the ghost sheets,” he chuckled.

Amber had no interest in a spooky haunted mansion. Initially. She hadn’t been too impressed with Sully’s attempts to win her stuff and she had to resist the urge to win her own prizes. So when he suggested the spooky mansion walk, she was about to shoot it down. But when she read the little pamphlet on it claiming that the ghostly spectres haunting the mansion came from a solid gold artifact, she was much more on board.

Even if the gold thing wasn’t true, there were still plenty of incentive to walk through a dark mansion. The darkness could provide cover for her to frisk a few patrons, especially if they were traveling with a group. Sully had been rather talkative up until this point, talking about how this mansion had been up for ages, ever since he was a boy.

Amber was fairly sure by his nonchalance that he didn’t believe in the spooks, especially by the way he almost put his arm around her a couple times. Even if he might be a psycho killer, she did admit it was kind of cute watching him try so hard.

She for sure thought they were going to be part of the group in front of them going in, only to be stopped just before they could step in by a bedraggled looking clown. “That’s it for now, gonna have to wait for the other group to leave before you guys can go in,” he explained.

She felt something approaching her and glanced up to see…holy shit, a dragon. Her eyes widened at his appearance. It was a dragon…in an oversized coat. Huh. That’s new. Probably shouldn’t try to take anything from him. Fur was flammable.

Sullivan noticed Amber getting nervous at the dragon. “Oh, him? Don’t worry! He’s a very nice dragon, his name is Grim Matchstick, he lives in that big tower over there.” He pointed to the silhouette of the old white structure illuminated by the dim lights of the night, giving it a mysterious look.

He also noticed the person next to him. “Oh gosh! The Baroness Von Bon Bon… now THAT one you can fear….”

Amber observed the Baroness and scratched herself dismissively. “I don’t see why she’s scary. She’s just a princess, isn’t she?”

“She’s the Baroness of Sugarland. She had a bit of a temper… you should stay on her good side or she will take your head. Literally!” Sullivan explained to his lovely companion.

–

Mina made a motion to approach the freelancer and the salamander only to stop in her tracks when a giant green lizard stepped between them. She poked at Goopy excitedly.

“Is that what I think it is?” She smiled, not believing her own eyes.

Goopy turned to see what Mina was was pointing at and grinned instead. “Oh, Grim! Why hello there!” He greeted, tipping his tip at the dragon.

–

Grim was a bit nervous. After the fiasco at the bumper cars he didn’t have the courage to get on another ride… but he still had to make the Baroness scared so she would ask him to stay in her castle.

He looked up at the scary facade of the Haunted Manor and gulped. He was probably more scared than Bon Bon. He looked down to her. “T-t-hey say it’s really scary… A-are you going to be ok?”

The Baroness smiled at Grim’s sincere question. “There are very few things that scare me, Grim. But I’d like to see what Beppi has in store for the average patron. Who knows, maybe he’ll get lucky and make me laugh,” she chuckled, gently tapping the dragon on his arm.

Why did she tap him? The Baroness glanced away so he didn’t see the faint trace of red on her cheeks. She didn’t know why, but she really wanted to keep touching Grim tonight. Maybe it was because he was wearing a darling coat? Or had actually worked up the courage to ask her out? She knew deep down he was a very nervous dragon so the fact that he was willing to go to a haunted ride just for her sake was endearing.

Grim blushed at the touch of the Baroness and smiled shyly. He was about to talk when he recognised a voice behind him.

“Oh! G-g-goopy! How have you b-been?” He noticed the bunch of kids around him and smiled, showing a little too much teeth. “W-well you are in good company.”

Mina couldn’t help but stare at the dragon with wide, admiring eyes. That made Grim feel a bit uncomfortable.

“I am doing well, old sport! How about yourself?” Goopy greeted. He spotted the Baroness and his smile widened. He gently nudged the dragon with his elbow. “And I see you have the most lovely Baroness as your companion for the night?”

The Baroness smiled disarmingly at the goop. “Good evening, Le Grande…Flattery will not make me forget that you spilled punch on me the last time we were all out,” she spoke cooly.

Goopy chortled. “Yes, yes, I remember. No need to lose your head about it.”

“And more importantly, yours,” she dangerously reminded him, still smiling, unaware of the cat behind her now watching her much more warily than she had just a few seconds ago. She looked at the small bat like creature next to him. “You have a child?”

Goopy gestured to Mina. “Oh, this here is Mina. She and her mother recently moved to the first isle and she’s working tonight, so I offered to accompany the little rascal and her friends to the carnival,” Goopy explained. He gave Mina a little push toward the couple. “Mina, this is Grim Matchstick and Baroness Von Bon Bon. I believe they are on a date.”

If the woman was phased, she did not show it. She knelt down and extended a hand to the little girl. “Hello, Mina. How are you?”

The dragon blushed even more at the blue goop’s remark but cooled down when Bon Bon talked, full of confidence. She was so lovely when she threatened people. He shyly waved at Mina who kept staring at him weirdly. Kids made him nervous. He couldn’t predict when they were about to start crying, or yelling, or laughing in volumes that would burst anyone’s ear drums.

The little b-cat stopped staring at the dragon and now looked at the woman kneeling in front of her. She smelled like sweet delicious candy! And she was a Baroness? Looked more like a princess to her.

“H-hi! Eh…” she tried to remember the correct way to greet  nobility. She decided to go the 'knight’ way and put a fist on her chest, lowered her head, and bowed as far as she could go. “It’s an honor to meet you, your highness!.” She looked up at her with an eyebrow raised and spoke softly so only Bon Bon could hear. “Are you made out of candy?”

The Barones smirked at Mina. “My dress is,” she explained to the small child. Mina looked at the dress with a mix of admiration and hunger. Bon Bon looked behind her at Harvey, Hanna and Spike. “Are these your friends?”

“Oh! Yes! These are my friends, Harvey, his little sister Hanna and Spike” she introduced them to the odd couple.

“Nice t-t-to meet you all” Grim waved at the children.

“Are you kidding? It’s nice to meet YOU! I mean, you’re a dragon! There is nothing in this world more awesome than a dragon!” She turned to Harvey all excited “Man I love this place!”

Grim couldn’t help but feel a bit proud and chuckled. “Oh, wow. I guess I’m t-the first dragon you’ve ever seen, uh?”

“THERE ARE MORE?” Mina yelled eyes wide open.

–

The salamander noticed Goopy talking to Grim and BonBon. He didn’t wanted to interrupt , so he waited for Goopy to glance at his direction and waved hello at him.

Amber continued to observe her surroundings, unaware that Sullivan was actively trying to draw attention to them. She checked out behind the Baroness to see a large blue slime and some familiar looking kids. Oh, she knew those two. Hopefully…they wouldn’t notice her. Or at the very least, wouldn’t out her to the rest of the group.

Eventually Sullivan was successful at waving at the blue slime ball and the ball took that as an invitation to approach. “Hello, Sullivan! I almost didn’t recognize you out here!” He greeted. He turned to Amber. “And who is your companion?”

“I’m Amber,” Amber greeted, shaking the hand that sprouted from the goop.

“Hello, Amber, I’m Goopy Le Grande. Is Sullivan behaving himself with you? He’s not getting too handsy, is he?” He teased, elbowing Sullivan now.

Amber smiled and almost said, ‘that he wouldn’t last too long if he did,’ but decided against it. Instead, she giggled. “No, he’s been quite the gentleman, actually.”

Sullivan blushed, embarrassed, but kept his smile. He would love to get handsy with Amber, but not before proving his worth and winning her heart.

“W-what about you? What you doing with a bunch of kids?“ He asked curiously, getting a better view of the children in front of the dragon and the Baroness. "You don’t fight today?”

Goopy shook his head. “Not tonight. Later next week. Should be an exciting one if I don’t say so myself. I could score you an extra ticket if this evening goes well?” He offered with a wink. “And as for the children, I’m watching them for the night. Mina and her mother recently moved to the Isle and she’s working tonight at the bar.”

Sulivan laughed nervously “ Eeh… y-yeah, we’ll see about that ticket.” He looked at Amber. “It might not spook us but I’m sure those kids will create the ambiance for us,” he chuckled. “After this we can go have a drink or something… i-if you like.”

Amber perked up at Sullivan’s words. “A drink, eh? Now that would be a great way to end the night. Well, almost the best way to end the night,” she purred, letting herself rub up against him suggestively when he got a bit closer to the dragon.

Goopy chuckled to Amber. “Well, we gotta let the kiddies have their fun first. The kids have a little wager going right now, a scare competition. Whoever is the last one to get scared wins. I really hope they updated the spooks in here otherwise these tykes are going to be a bit disappointed.”

Amber sighed. “Yeah, Sully was mentioning the “spooks”. Do you think we should even bother with going in?” She asked, jutting a thumb at the exit.

–

The Baroness smiled at the enthusiasm the children showed. It was nice to meet young ones who weren’t afraid of Grim. She often felt a mix of rage and sadness when Grim met with fear from the various island inhabitants. He had been here for years and he was still always worried that someone might start screaming when he would go to get groceries.

She gently waited for the dragon to answer the excited little girl.

Grim got startled by the child’s sudden yelling and chuckled when he realised she wasn’t yelling of fear. “Well yeah, there’s a whole Island full of them.”

Mina pulled at her ears “Oh.My.God. Mr Matchstc- Mutchstruc, Mr. Dragon, can we please meet tomorrow after my flying lessons? I want to note EVERYTHING in my adventure journal!.”

A silly smile got stuck in the dragon’s face.  "F-f-flying lessons uh? That s-sounds fun. How about we meet then? I c-c-could show you a trick or two….“ He spread his wings, almost hitting people around him, including Amber, Sullivan and Goopy.

"Hey! Careful, Matchstick,” Sullivan said, protecting Amber with his body.

“Oh! Sorry! I g-g-got a bit carried away…” his confidence fell to the ground and he tried to make himself small retracting his wings.

Mina noticed the change of humor in the dragon and cocked her head wondering why he didn’t eat their heads. She got closer to Grim. “Sir, it would be great to see you tomorrow!” Grim smiled at her and nodded. “Oh and you’re also welcome to join, your majesty,” Mina bowed again to Bon Bon. Grim looked at the baroness with puppy eyes, hoping she would agree to come.

The Baroness nodded. That would be quite amusing to see Grim teaching someone to fly. “I would actually look forward to that very much,” she agreed, trying to mask her excitement at watching Grim flap around like a dragonling again.

—

“Harvey, do you really not wanna go?” Hanna asked her brother as the adults talked, “You can stay outside if you like?”

Harvey shook his head. “No, mom and dad said I’ve got to stay with you. I’ll be fine.”

“Don’t be such a baby,” Spike teased, “If some girly princess can go in there, you can go in there,” he pointed to the Baroness.

Harvey wasn’t feeling like a very brave bunny and his sister gave him a quick hug. “Don’t worry! If any ghosts come by to scare you, I’ll scare them so hard, they will disappear!”

Harvey was about to ask why ghosts would be scared by a baby bunny when he felt something hard press into his ribs during the hug. His sister pulled away to look eagerly ahead and he reached into his jacket. His paws touched a stick and he realized he still had the training wand. His eyes widened and he looked around, but no one spotted him. He smiled a little and took his paw out. If a fake ghost really did spook him, maybe Harvey could make it disappear after all.

Harvey spotted Amber and his ears perked up. “Hi, Amber!” He greeted cheerfully. Seeing the “freelancer” did make him feel a little bit better. He wasn’t sure how much of a fighter she was, but between her, his wand, the baroness and a big dragon, he felt a bit safer going into the spooky mansion.

The cat looked worriedly at who was calling her name and relaxed when she realized it was Harvey and not some disgruntled victim. “Hey, long ears,” she greeted, “You going in here too?”

“Yeah, with Mina, Spike and my sister,” he explained. At the mention of herself, Hanna edged closer to look at the cat. Harvey looked at her. “This is my sister, Hanna.”

Amber extended a paw to shake Hanna’s. “Are you a goody two shoe like your brother?”

“I make quilts,” Hanna proudly exclaimed. She oohed at the feeling of her paw. “Your fur is so soft!!!”

The cat puffed out her chest with pride. “I take a bath everyday,” she winked.

“Can I brush you sometime?”

“…I like you, kid. You ever think about being a freelancer?” She suggested with a wink. Harvey crossed his arms and she laughed. “Kidding, kidding…although-” She was interrupted by a bull dog pup pushing past them and stomping up to the carnival employee managing the line.

“I’m tired of waiting for this dumb ride!” Spike barked at the employee, “everyone has to be gone by now!”

The carnival employee shrugged. “Unexpected delay. One of the guests passed out so we’re having to carry them out the back. Hopefully shouldn’t be too much longer.”

Amber blinked in surprise and glanced at Sullivan. “I didn’t realize sheets were THAT scary.”

Spike growled. “I wanna go on now!”

“Eager little puppy, ain’t cha?” A giggling voice called out. The pup turned to see a red and white bouncy clown skipping toward them. The clown patted the employee on the back. “I think I’ll take over from here, thank you.”

Spike raised his ears. “You’re that weird clown, Beppi, huh?”

Beppi nodded and smiled at the group. “Oh yes, I’m Beppi! Owner of the circus! And what a ride I have in store for all of you! Especially you, Baroness,” he winked, enjoying the scowl on her face and the nervous expression on the dragon. He leaned forward. “Who here wants to get scared?” he chuckled.

There was an uneasy response from the group. Beppi was smiling but there was a weird vibe about his whole introduction. The clown looked even more pleased. “Wonderful, just WONDERFUL!” He cheered, “Very well! Please, go on ahead. And enjoy yourselves! And remember, the last one who screams wins!” He chortled before opening the door and stepping back.

Spike started to walk toward the door, before glancing at the clown. “How ya know about our competition?” He asked.

Beppi cackled. “I know EVERYTHING that goes on in my park! Now, get along now, little doggies!” He waited for everyone to move forward.

Mina was intrigued by the clown and she marched out in front of the group. Following closely after her was Spike, also eager to see what all the fuss was about..but more importantly, to win the challenge.

Right behind them followed Harvey with Hanna, holding hands to make sure she wouldn’t run off and try to make quilts for spooks. Goopy, Sullivan and Amber were next. Bon Bon and Grim finally followed. Grim was fairly nervous already. Beppi seemed to be very happy they were here. A little too happy.

They all stepped into the manor, and the doors slammed behind them, leaving them in a room with dim light. And maniacal laughter.

–

Another individual was also going through his own sense of foreboding and despair. And although this one wasn’t related to spooks in the slightest, it was still rather terrifying.

It was date night with Hilda.

Cagney looked at the setting sun as he walked toward the club. It was still early but he wanted to make sure he showed up early, especially if he could scope out the spots and escape routes if necessary. Tonight, this was practically terrifying on its own, without the possibility of death by sky witch. And to try to get her to let him spend the night? A week ago, he would have had a chance even as a friendly sleepover, but now, after everything, he thought it was a snowball’s chance in hell.

He finally reached the club doors as the sun finally finished setting and gave a rap on the wood. The doors parted to reveal a tiny mole man. “Good evening, sir, do you have a reservation?” “Yeah, uh, for Cagney,” he explained. “I see. The reservation says it’s for two,” the mole read off his list. “Yeah, she’s not here yet?” “No, sir.” “Good, good. Okay, yeah, her name is Hilda. I guess she’ll be here soon,” he added hopefully, walking past the mole. “Very good, sir. I’ll go ahead and take you to your table.” The carnation was instantly hit with the loud music and chatter of bar patrons. He followed the mole to a table. “Might I suggest a drink sir from the bar?” The mole inquired. Cagney eyed him warily. “What? Why?” “You look very nervous, sir. And you’re tearing a hole in the tablecloth.” He looked down to see that he had actually ripped part of the tablecloth from pulling too hard. “Ah, uh, yeah, maybe,” he admitted. “Excellent, I’ll send over your waiter and he’ll get you started on something.” The waiter stepped up as if right on cue and suggested something that Cagney had no idea what it was, but it sounded harmless enough so he ordered that. As the waiter left, Cagney couldn’t help but eye the front door worriedly. He was all worried about what she would do to him when she showed up, but what would he do if she didn’t show at all. That would truly mean the end of the relationship as he knew it. He found himself tearing another hole in the tablecloth, only stopping when the drink came to him. He tapped his foot anxiously instead, continuing to eye the door.

—

Even though she was ready way before the time, Hilda thought it would be fun to make the flower break a sweat and arrived a few minutes late at the Night Owl club.

The mole greeted her and started to lead her to Cagney’s table, but she froze before she could take another step inside.

'C'mon! You can’t bail now!’ Sagittarius tried to encourage her. 'You already made him wait… he must be in a worst state than you.’ Hilda mentally agreed, the flower wasn’t very good at stress managing.

“Problem, mis? ” the mole asked interrupting her thoughts.

Hilda shook her head “No! I’m good.. I just… thought I forgot something…” she made sure her dress was perfect and followed him inside.

It was crowded tonight but there was a good ambiance. Jazzy tunes filling the air as people relaxed, chatted and danced. Hilda could feel her shoulders untense at the scene. She was glad they both agreed on coming here.

Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Cagney at the table. She was so happy to see him, and he was all dressed and everything. Scorpio’s note had a stronger effect than what she thought.

As they closed in, she tried to stop herself from smiling at her friend and focused on showing a hard look.

—

Cagney was panicking. He kept an eye on the clock behind the bar and when it was a minute after 7, he really did start freaking out. Holy shit she wasn’t coming after all. Had she faked a story about buying a dress and bribed the saleslady into convincing him she was going? How would she have known what store they were going to if she did that? Oh man, was Grim on it too?!

No, that was just him being paranoid, right? No, there’s no way Hilda would do something that cruel…then again he did nearly kill her so maybe this was a possibility after all. He grabbed the tablecloth subconsciously.

It was 3 minutes after. Shit, she wasn’t coming. Maybe she was outside looking in through a window, laughing at him. He looked around quickly. There were no windows in this place. He spotted Hilda briefly, looked away and then realized that that actually was Hilda and holy shit she was absolutely stunning. And she looked pissed.

His arms dropped but too late he forgot to let go of the table cloth. The force of his arms dropping led to him accidentally yanking off the entire table setting with a clatter to the ground. He was absolutely mortified.

Hilda had to cover her mouth to prevent herself from roaring in laughter, her chest hurting when she did. People stared at the flower for a moment, chuckling and whispering, before they returned to their business. A few waiters came quickly to clean the mess.

Hilda got to the table without any trace of that hard look. “Gee Cags, you really now how to get a girl’s attention,” she smirked.

When Hilda’s first words were not a swear at him, Cagney froze and his mind went blank. And then his brain screamed at him to say something because she just said words and that probably warranted a response of some kind.

He swallowed hard and then gave a weak smile. “Well, you’re here, so I guess it worked?” That was the dumbest line he could have said. He tried not to glare at the people around him who were still chuckling at him.

'Yes. Yes it did.’ Gemini intruded, giggling and admiring the carnation’s effort to dress elegantly

Hilda noticed the awkwardness in her friend and realized she had the upper hand. It was lovely to see her giant, intimidating, grumpy friend shivering at her presence.

After the staff set the table again she took a seat like she practiced at the joint, sensually crossing her legs, only this time her shoe stayed in place. She wasn’t sure what to say so she decided to torture him a bit more by remaining silent and just looking at him.

Why wasn’t she yelling at him? Was she messing with him? Should he call her out on it? What if she wasn’t messing with him and she just got madder. Maybe, he could just start with asking how she was doing?

“Soooo….crazy weather huh?”

He could have slapped himself. That was not what he meant to say at all. Holy crap. He just called her crazy.

'Did he just called us crazy?!’ Tauros demanded, making Hilda’s eye twitch.

“Yeah,” she said, her tone angry but still calm,  "Glad to see it didn’t drown you.“

"Yeah, glad about that….I think.” If he had been drowned, he wouldn’t have had this conversation right now. But still, he had to say something.

“You look nice,” he finally managed. She still looked pissed. If he wanted any shot of staying the night, he was gonna have to start by apologizing. “Listen, about the other night…I just wanna say I didn’t mean to break your dome.”

Hilda’s stare softened a little. Finally! A chance to clear things up. “I know… ” she said softly. “And.. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you….” She cleared her throat and hardened her voice again. “Anything ELSE you would like to apologize from that night?” The sky witch asked, crossing her arms roughly against her chest and releasing a soft painful groan.

Cagney heard the groan and remembered that Hilda had been stuck like a pin cushion when he accidentally attempted to crush her.

“I’m sorry I nearly killed you,” he finally managed, “and I’m sorry I couldn’t get all the thorns out,” he added turning a bit red.

“Yeah… ” Hilda couldn’t help but blush as well. “Next time, please wait for me to be conscious.” She showed a small smile.  

“Cags… ” she took a deep breath and leaned in over the table. “I apologize too… I should learn to better manage my anger. But…what happened? I mean, the things you said? The way you looked at me?” she hold her arms and looked at her friend worried. “It sounded like you meant it.”

Cagney buried his head in his leaves. “Ugh, Hilda, no I didn’t mean it. I was just so tired and angry and hurt and when I turn into…well, THAT, I just say a lot of things. A lot of dumb hurtful things.”

The second drink had loosened his tongue significantly and he groaned. “This is so hard for me right now to try to explain but I missed you. Like a bunch.”

Those last words melted the woman’s heart. She looked at him with a sad mile. She wanted to jump up and hug him tight, but she remained in control and stayed in her seat.

'What are you waiting for? Go for it!  For the love of God! Hug him, you crazy witch!’ Gemini was tried to convince Hilda.

'Hell no! You should kick him under the table! And then drag him outside and kick him some more!’ Tauros spoke.

'No! Let him talk! Look at him, he feels terrible… ’ It was starting to get crowded.

The woman shook her head to try to focus. “I don’t know If I want to hug or beat the life out of you.”

"You can do both if you want. I think it would be worth it and I might deserve it.” Cagney helpfully offered. He looked at how beautiful Hilda looked and his mind was starting to swim. She was even more beautiful than she was earlier this week when she showed up at his field, drunk and with…a different guy.

He cleared his throat. “Uh, before you do either, can you tell me something? Who is Carl?”

'CaAAarl’ she couldn’t help repeat in her mind. She had a choice to make here: be childish and pretend this guy was going to be her best friend, OR, be mature about it and tell him that it was just somebody she met with the sole purpose of making Cagney jealous.

“Oh, Carl…He’s a … He’s a friend. We met at the Joint and uh… sorry we woke you up.” She hid her face behind her drink, hoping there wouldn’t be more follow up questions.

The fact that she got fidgety with the question made Cagney’s stomach twist. “Didn’t realize you frequented the Joint.” He managed, trying to keep any spite out of his voice/

He had been on his third drink now and his mind swam with thoughts that hurt his chest. She met a guy at a bar and what, was she planning on bringing him back to her place? Technically, Cagney’s field was on the way if you were walking and with Hilda being unable to fly, it was feasible.

He tried not to pull at the tablecloth. Had there been other guys and he just managed to sleep through her bringing them back? That thought hurt a lot. Had she been living a double life and lovesick Cagney had been too dumb to see it until now?

“A friend, huh? What type of friend?” He asked, keeping his voice calm.

'Of course there was going to be follow up questions! What did you expect!’ Sagittarius scowled.

“Well, I have a life, Cags. You probably hang out with other people I don’t know about… Don’t you?” She asked really curious and kept drinking.

Cagney really didn’t have anyone. At least not anyone that Hilda didn’t already know. Admitting that would have just made him sound more a stupid loser. He tried to think what to say but only could manage a “Not really…” before the he was interrupted.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” A well dressed rooster announced from the stage. “Put your hands together and give a round for our newest, lovely siren, Miss Bella Bechstein!”

Hilda’s eyes widened and choked on her drink and coughed.

At the sound of the familiar name, he turned to see Isabella on stage. She was quite breathtaking to be sure and you could hardly tell she was blind by the way she handled that microphone. “Huh,” he observed, “I didn’t know Isabella worked here.”

Hilda glared at Cagney. “You know her?” She asked, already knowing the answer.

The crowd applauded as Isabella entered the stage, accompanied by one of the lizard musicians, and got to the microphone. “Good evening everybody! I sincerely hope your night is going well,” she charmingly spoke as the rooster and lizard left the stage.

Cagney nodded. “Yeah, I accid-” he stopped mid-speech. He was about to admit to Hilda that he attacked a small child in a drugged stupor. That would probably not go over very well. It’s not like Hilda had strong maternal instincts, but at the same time, kids were kids and attacking them (Cuphead and Mugman being the exception) made you look like a monster.

So he bent the truth. “I acc-actually ran into her and her kid by my field. She’s new to the isle, did you meet her?”

“I-I met her too… she and Goopy helped me clean up the dome mess…”

"They did? Dammit.” Now he really felt bad. He should have been the one helping her clean up. Now if only he knew how to fix it. “She’s got quite the mouth on her,“ Cagney remembered with a chuckle, thinking about she swore him out just a few days ago

'Quite the mouth on her?!’ Gemini bursted in jealousy. 'I knew it! They have something!’. Hilda looked at him alarmed.

“W-wh-what do you mean about the mouth thing?” the sky witch mumbled scared of the answer, trying to sound as if she didn’t really cared.

The music started playing and Isabella talked in her sweet tone.

“You know folks, I like games. And there’s one in particular that used to play with a that special friend…”. And at her cue she started singing “I double dare you’.

Hilda’s next question made him pause. Cagney didn’t have a lot of insight into the female mind but he suddenly had the inkling that maybe he should choose his next words carefully. He pointed a thumb at the bat on stage. "Well, I mean, she’s a pretty good singer, right? She’s keeping with the band pretty well. It’s probably something that could be danced to, ya know, if you felt like dancing at all…” He felt like a kid asking a girl to a school dance.

'OH MY GOD! Forget what I said! Go dance with him!’ Gemini yelled with excitement.

'Yaah! Dance with him!’

'And step on his feet!’

The constellations in her head all yelled, encouraging her to go have some fun with her friend. She wasn’t very good at dancing, but Cagney was. She just had to let him lead and not step on his leaves.  Plus dancing was really fun and she really enjoy it.

She smiled shyly “Sure. I’ll try to step on you as much as I can,” she chuckled, standing up from her seat.

“Fair enough,” and with that, he led her to the dance floor.

Isabella finished her song and people clapped. “Thank you.” She kept smiling sweetly. “And after all this playing, I used to go dancing. I loove dancing, folks, but the music has to be… zazzie”  she shook her shoulders “You know what I mean? It’s gotta have that special thing that makes you want to shake it.” And so, she started singing. 

Cagney had danced since he was a sprout. Actual dancing did not spook him. Dancing in front of a crowd could give him the jitterbugs but that was okay because the jitterbug was still an acceptable dance style. But with Hilda, they had done some casual swing goofing around but this definitely had a different feel to it. Maybe it was because they were in nice clothes. At least that’s what he was telling himself.

There were other couples already on the floor and he blended in as best as a large plant could. Then again, he wasn’t the only non human so it wasn’t that off. He led her into dance as best as he could, and although yes, she did step on his leaves every now and then, for the most part she followed pretty well.

He was starting to feel more confident and soon they were both snorting and breaking out into quiet snorts and laughter.

Being so close to Cagney without the intention of smacking him made Hilda feel a bit awkward. But the more they danced, the more fun she had, and the more she realised this felt really nice, just her and him, shaking their bodies together. She almost forgot why they fought and felt sorry when she accidentally (most of the times) stepped on him.

“I can’t believe how bad you are at walking and how good you are at this.” She said, laughing and trying to keep up with his rhythm and this time avoiding his feet.

Cagney held Hilda tightly and was relieved when she stopped stepping on him. Heels beat stems any day, no matter how thorny the stem was. He was actually surprised his thorns hadn’t popped out already but realized that he wasn’t freaking out anymore. This was his zone, his expertise. Well other than extreme pollination and total domination.

He felt himself heat up at that thought. Shoot, wasn’t he thinking a few days ago that he and Hilda might actually head in that direction? And now he was here, with her slender body rubbing up against his, that dress flattering not just for her sharp personality but her rather attractive body. He swallowed. He still couldn’t believe he wrote that stupid letter.

But if he was telling the truth, it had been something he had daydreamed for a while now. And now he was trying to see if he could spend the night. He wasn’t sure if this made him a bad flower because he was trying to do this, or a good flower to save his friend from seeing the stuff he wrote about her. Or did that make him bad too?

A few minutes later as the song reached its end with an applause from the public, Hilda couldn’t help but feel really sad. She didn’t wanted to go back to talking! She wanted to be near him, laugh with him…maybe step on his toes again.

“Thank you! Thank you again!” Isabella started talking. “And at the end of the night, after all day laughing and having fun with my dear special friend…” she sighed “….there was always this moment where another gal came in and took him away from me,” she said angrily, a sad smile on her lips. She placed a hand on her hips. “And I never could tell him how I really felt…”. And with that, she began to sing a slow song.

Hilda looked at Cagney with a shy smile hoping they would keep dancing.

The song changed to a slow one and he realized he couldn’t keep just salsing to it. No, this one required…focus. Maybe he should sit this one out. He glanced down at Hilda and noticed she was smiling at him shyly. Was she feeling as awkward as he was? Somehow that made him feel better and he slowed his tempo down, trying to enjoy the moment, despite the sad undertones of the song playing.

Hilda danced close to him, appreciating the change in tone. She had been holding on to him tightly without realising it and leaned her head against his chest. The bat lady may rub the woman the wrong way, but Hilda had to admit her music was delightful (and strangely appropriate). It was setting a romantic mood between them, making her remember how she felt a few nights ago, under the stars.

He looked at Hilda. “Listen, Hilda, I want to apologize, ya know, for all the stupid shit I’ve done, that I’ve been doing and will probably do in the the future.”

She chuckled at Cagney. “Well, I will accept your apologies for what have you done, I’m not sure if I accept whatever you have been doing, aaand… I’m keeping my options open for what you may do in the future. Dancing on your leaves is kinda fun.”

He winced “Yeah, I’ve noticed. Think you could not use the heel so much when you stomp on them?” He chided, glad the woman was in a better mood.

He wondered how Hilda was doing. He had been drinking before she showed up and was starting to feel a bit light-headed from the latent effects of those alcoholic beverages. Part of him wanted to sleep, ideally at Hilda’s place.

Shoot, he still had to see about spending the night before the alcohol really hit. But another quick observation of Hilda made him hesitate. She looked like she was having fun. He decided to enjoy the closeness for now. He could ask after this song.

“You know, I only wear high heels when I know I might end up dancing with you,” Hilda smirked, interrupting the flower’s thoughts. They kept dancing, bodies pressing together, moving softly to the rhythm. Hilda’s bruises hurt a little with the closeness, but she felt the pain was worth it. Or maybe the alcohol was starting to numb her a little.

She faced Cagney. looking him straight in his eyes, full of alcoholic confidence. She was about to lean towards his lips, but the sound of applause brought her back from her thoughts.

“Thanks, everybody! We’re going to take a break to freshen up a little, but we’ll be back with more jazzy tunes to accompany your memorable evening!” Isabella called from the stage, blowing a kiss, and the rooster from before accompanied her offstage.

Hilda looked around to hide the fact she was as red as a tomato and cleared her throat. “W-we should go back.”

Hilda’s discomfort immediately jarred him from the spell of the singing and he nodded. “Yeah, I could use the break from being trampled,” he attempted to joke, trying not to show that he was starting to get nervous without the music before heading back to the table.

–

During her time on stage, Isabella caught the memorable scent of the carnation but she wasn’t certain. When the rooster helped her down, she decided ask to be sure.

“Say, is there a giant flower among the public tonight? A carnation?” She asked in her notorious sweet tone.

The rooster took a quick look and it didn’t took him long to spot Cagney. It was rare to see any flowers at the club this time of the evening.

“Well, yes there is. Doesn’t look much of a carnation, but it’s the only flower I see,” the rooster answered. “Want me to take you to him?”.

“Oh, that’s very sweet of you, darling. But I can find my way,” she smiled and walked slowly, avoiding any obstacles as she followed the smell of the giant flower.

–

As the two sat down, Cagney remembered the plan. Right. He had to retrieve that letter. “Hey, Hilda, I was thinking, about the other night…do you think you’d want to still do that, you know, have a sleepover or something?” He tried to suggest. He paused, “Ya know, with like sleeping bags or something,” he added quickly, not wanting her to think he was directly asking to sleep with her…not that he would be totally averse to that, mind you.

The constellation’s inside Hilda’s head were still going wild from the dance!

'Why didn’t you kiss him?’

'It’s alright! Just take your time, we don’t want to rush this!’

'You barely stepped on him!’

'It was perfect!’

'Not quite… it’s full of people in her~ ’

But at the question, all the voices stopped before screeching in unison: 'He wants to stay over?!’

Hilda took a looong sip from her glass and the voices grew silent. That felt good. She really needed to think this through. He made it sound like an innocent sleepover among friends, but after their slow dance, she wasn’t so sure.  She had to ask him and clear the air once and for all.

“Cagney~?”

“Well, hello there, Mr. Flower,” a familiar sweet voice interrupted her. “Didn’t know hippies like to swing,” Isabella chuckled. Hilda glared at the bat and gulped down the rest of her half full glass, turning her cheeks a bit more red.

His petals flared instinctively at the voice. There was only one person who called him a hippie. He turned around to see Isabella standing, looking even better up close. How did someone blind know how to dress up so well? Or maybe she was just good looking in general and everything looked good on her?

He was starting to think it was the latter. He recovered and smirked. “That was some good singing, Isabella. I didn’t know you were working here.”

“Aw! thank you, darling,” the bat blushed. “I started yesterday, actually. Your friend Goopy helped me get the job!” Isabella gushed.

Hilda stared at both of them, trying to hide the fact she was really pissed for being interrupted AND ignored.

“Cool. Cool. Looks like that pompous ball has some talent after all.” Cagney was aware of Hilda being strangely quiet. “Hilda, you’ve met Isabella, right?” He prompted.

“Yeah, we have…” Hilda forced a smile and gestured to a waiter to bring her another drink.

“Dumnezeule! I’m so sorry, I didn’t hear you there!” Isabella said, wiggling her ears towards Hilda. “Am I interrupting?” She asked innocently, assuming from what she talked with Goopy that they were talking about the dome incident.

“We’re just hanging out,” Cagney attempted to explain, still not 100% sure they were on a date. “We might be going soon though?” His statement came out more as question, looking toward Hilda for any affirmation of this.

Hilda looked at Cagney a bit surprised, she was hoping to dance a few more songs, but then again,they were here to talk about their friendship. This wasn’t a date. It might look like one. It certainly felt like one. But it wasn’t.

Was it?

She though it might be better to talk about it on their way to… her place, maybe. “Eh…yeah, I guess we should be go~.”

“Oh no! I was hoping to get to dance with Cagney.” Isabella regrettably admitted. She didn’t get close just to get some juice for her gossip, but also wanted to test her tour guide’s dancing skills.

“Just one! Please?” She begged, using her enticing voice. Even Hilda looked at her a bit saddened for a moment, until she remember why she made a storm the other day and decided to focus on her new drink.

An evil smirked appeared on her face. The bat was blind, that wasn’t a problem for singing, but dancing? She could already see Isabella making a fool of herself, stepping clumsily on Cagney’s already sensitive leaves.

“I know exactly what we can dance to, I just have to tell the band real quick! Please?” The singer insisted, getting closer to him. Hilda didn’t like that gesture, but decided to encourage Cagney anyway.

“Aww… c'mon Cags! Show her what you got!” She couldn’t contain her devilish smile.

Cagney was definitely surprised by Hilda’s change in tone. He could have sworn she was a bit reserved about the bat but by the way she was goading them on, he must have been mistaken. Maybe after this, then they could talk a bit more about where they saw this going.

Now with Hilda’s insistence, he smiled craftily. “Alright, I better hope your dancing is as good as your singing cause I’m not gonna hold back on you.” He offered a bat a leaf to go to the floor so she could tell them her song selection

Seeing Cagney all confident made Hilda grin even more. This was going to be fun to watch!

Isabella held on to the flower’s arm and told the band she wanted to dance to ’Tom Tom Swing Combo’.The musicians waited for the dancers to get in place before they started playing.

Isabella decided to let Cagney lead so she could measure his level.

Cagney heard the boom and bang on the instruments and his eyes lit up. He bumped and grooved to the beat, maneuvering Isabella through sways and turns, expecting any second for the bat to step on his feet like Hilda had.

Hilda kept smiling and enjoyed seeing the giant flower shaking it to the rhythm of the beat. He sure knew what he was doing… and apparently so did the bat!

At first, Isabella was letting herself get dragged by the carnation but soon enough she picked up the pace and started to accompany and accentuate Cagney’s movements to the point where it actually looked like a rehearsed dance.

Isabella was having so much fun. Every time Cagney made her do something, she managed to embellish the pose: if he made her turn, she would do extra turns positioning her free wing in diagonal so it would look like a spiral going up her body; if he toss her on a side, still holding her hand, she would spread her wing at the right moment to make it look more impressive.

Cagney’s cautious attitude had turned to one of bemusement as the bat managed to keep rhythm and time. As the dance continued, he couldn’t help but feel legitimately surprised when she even added her own flair to each move he threw at her.

When they were close, Cagney could hear a very soft chirping coming from his partner. She was using her echolocation to measure the distance between them and, therefore, avoid crashing into him.

Hilda couldn’t believe her eyes. At some point they were so coordinated they even managed a tandem charleston. There was no trace of that evil grin anymore. This plan really backfired.

With they finally finished what was probably one of Cagney’s more demanding performances, the club broke into thunderous applause. He couldn’t help but grin a bit goofily, the alcohol making him somewhat impervious to any weird giddiness from performing in front of an audience of unknowns.

Hilda decided she needed some air and stepped outside the club before the dancers returned to the table.

“Alright, you did good, kid,” he admitted to Isabella, “And that chirping thing you were doing, that was like echolocation or something? That was pretty cool.” Hilda was a fan of science shit and that would probably be pretty cool. “Man, Hilda would get a kick out of that. Let me just…just…” He looked toward the table and froze when he saw it was an empty.

“I haven’t danced like that in years!” Isabella said, recovering her breath.

Hilda was gone. When had she left? Had he done something wrong? Was this whole night a bust? Maybe she had gone to the restroom? No, all her stuff was gone. Why did she leave? He couldn’t figure it out even as he continued holding Isabella’s claws.

Wait.

His eyes apprehensively widened. Here he was, holding another woman’s hand in a bar. Hilda hadn’t thought he was into the bat, did she? Isabella was really pretty and sassy, sure, but Hilda was the ultimate woman he really wanted to put his leaves around.

“Shit,” he quickly swore, giving Isabella’s claw a hurried pat before letting go, “I’ll be right back.” He dropped some coins on the table before darting outside.

Suddenly her partner patted her hand and left in a rush. “Wha~ wait!” She called but it was too late, Cagney had rushed out of the club.

The singer’s ears drooped in disappointment, hoping that he would return to explain. Although, she suspected it might have something to do with her….

Outside, Hilda was sitting on a big branch of a nearby tree. She had her arms crossed and was looking at her stars. She noticed some mistakes in her star placement which only made her feel worse about herself.

Cagney glanced around outside but didn’t see her. “Hilda?” He called.

Cagney’s voice interrupted her thoughts and she looked down. Man, he looked good in that outfit. She cleared her throat (and mind) and waved at him.

“Hey! Up here, Romeo. What happened with Juliet?” The woman said, annoyed by how badly this night was turning.

Shit. It WAS related to Isabella. Which he was probably gonna have to go explain things to after this. But hadn’t Hilda pushed him to go dance with her in the first place?

He crossed his arms, slightly irritated. “We finished our dance and then you took off. Why’d you tell me to go dance with her if you weren’t going to stick around?”

He bristled slightly at a new thought but kept it to himself for now. He waited to hear Hilda’s response

“I saw your dance, you pea brain…. it was pretty impressive,” She hated to admit, “I just needed some air.” She turned to look at the stars again, hiding her guilt. It was her fault they danced and that was eating her up.

Cagney huffed, “Alright, well I gotta go back and explain why I just left Isabella in the middle of the dance floor. Are you gonna disappear or are you going to stay here?”

He watched her carefully, the thought really eating at him now to see how she’d answer. He had a feeling she wasn’t telling the truth but he wasn’t sure about what. His initial thought of it being jealousy had been pushed aside when he remembered she had told him to do it in the first place. Jealous people didn’t do things like that, right? No, they didn’t. He thought.

He was getting deceived in some way though. Had she told Cagney to go dance so she could leave and meet up with someone else, hoping he would remain distracted. Was it Carl? She answered quite evasively about him before.

“Yeah sure, I’ll wait here,” Hilda sighed. “Oh! Shit! I forgot to pay~ no, you know what? You pay. Least you can do for breaking my dome”.

She would have punched herself right in the mouth if she could. She was just mad at herself but, somehow, she wanted to release it all on Cagney. Maybe she wanted Cagney to be mad at her so she had a reason to be mad at him, and therefore justify her being angry at herself?

She had to take a few minutes to understand what she just thought.

“Fine!” Cagney agreed and walked back inside.

—

Isabella decided to wait at the bar and refresh herself with a lemonade when Cagney reentered the club.

He flagged the waiter and paid the rest of the tab. He caught sight of Isabella at the bar. He groaned, and approached her, taking a seat next to her. “Hey, it’s me, Cagney. Sorry about vanishing on you. Hilda up and disappeared, and I, well, she’s doing okay, just cooling off. I guess it’s too warm in here or something. Can I get you something?” He offered

Isabella smiled tenderly and raised her glass “I’m good.” She took a sip “I… I apologize for interrupting your date,” she said sweetly.

At the mention of the date, Cagney rolled his eyes. He looked to the bartender, “Hey, bartender, can you get me a whiskey shooter or something?”

As the bartender made up the drink, the flower sighed. “Yeah, I’m not sure if that is what it is at the moment…”

“Oh, c'mon.” She softly punched his arm “The small fights just makes the making up sweeter,” she smiled, not understanding that they weren’t officially dating. “As Annette Hanshaw used to sing 'happiness comes double, after a little pain… ” Isabella sang sweetly the verses “…If you want the rainbow, you must have the rain”.

“I broke her observatory. So it’s not just the rain, it might as well hail.” He pulled his petals. “That dome cost a fortune to replace. And I definitely don’t have anywhere close to fixing it.”

“Sorry, all we got is honey whiskey, is that gonna work for you?” The bartender asked, setting a glass down.

“Yeah, that’s fine.” Cagney chuckled picking up the glass. “I didn’t know Rumor was branching out into the liquor business. Then again, she got the resources for it. Probably the only one on the Isles who’d have the cash to fix the dome too,” he mused, thinking more about this than he normally would.

He chugged the liquor and coughed, his thoughts interrupted by the fact that this was a lot more powerful than he thought.

Isabella listened to Cagney choke, a bit surprised to hear him being so open to her. The alcohol must have loosened his tongue. She’d have to remember to ask more about that Rumor character…

So much gossip! But no! This wasn’t the time to think about that. This looked more than just a simple fight. “If you can’t afford to pay for it, at least assist her into getting one. You have any contacts? Somebody who might know somebody?”

“Maybe,” he admitted, “Djimmi and Rumor might…” He blinked. “Wait, shit, Hilda’s still outside,” he realized. Oh crap he probably should get going to her before she thought he was ditching her and not the other way around. He got up unsteadily. “It was nice seeing you again,” he said, holding out an unsteady hand.

The bat noticed the flower standing up with some trouble as she heard his stool scrape along the floor. “You need help getting to the door?” She chuckled, not realising he extended his hand to her.

Cagney remembered that Isabella was blind. “I think I’m good, just gotta not lose my feet…” He mumbled, pulling his hand back and pointing down at his feet.

Isabella listened to the carnation walk away, taking his flowery scent with him. She turn to her drink and sighed. Last time she danced like that was with Mina’s father, long time ago. “Waiter, put some of that honey liquor in here, please…”

–

Carl was not having any luck this evening. He was really hoping there’d be one lonely lady here in the club tonight but so far no such luck. He had been hanging near the sides, away from the dance floor, feeling a bit sorry for himself before he finally decided to try the bar again.

This time he was in luck. It was the singer from earlier this evening! Sitting alone and looking rather melancholy. Carl puffed up his chest. That’s because she had never met Carl before. Every lady felt better when they met Carl. He sauntered over to the empty seat next to the bat. “Miss,” he greeted, “I’m sorry to bother you, but I wanted to tell you that you have the voice of an angel!”

The bat turned her head towards his direction. “Aw, thank you, darling. You’re enjoying your evening so far?” She said sweetly taking a sip of her drink.

Carl blushed at being called darling. “I most certainly am now that you’ve shown up. I was worried it was going to be a regular night but you’ve brought some life into this place with your charm,” he sweet talked, motioning the bartender to bring him something.

Isabella chuckled, still sitting at the bar, “Well aren’t you the sweet talker. Your companion must be so happy with you”.

“Oh! You flatter me so! I’m afraid I don’t have a companion with me this evening. I realize that might be quite the shocker for a bug of my type,” he 'humbly’ explained, taking advantage of the fact that she was blind by glancing at her legs.

–

Hilda hopped down from the branch with the help of her cloud and was now leaning against the tree with her arms crossed, waiting for him to return. She managed to calm herself down, only to get pissed again thinking of the reasons why Cagney was taking so long.

–

Cagney got to the door before he stopped. Shit, had he paid the bartender? Last thing he needed was to get banned from a place because he didn’t remember to pay. He started walking back, having to touch the wall to balance himself every now and then.

Cagney approached the bar and blinked. Huh, Isabella was still there. Maybe she was getting another drink? He glanced to the side and did a double take. “What the hell?” He muttered.

It was Carl. The stupid caterpillar he should have beaten the pulp out of a few days ago. His eyes widened. Oh man, those thoughts earlier of Hilda distracting him…were those true?! She must have planned on meeting up with this idiot when he was on the floor with Isabella.

He watched the bug check out the bat lewdly and his eyes narrowed. Yeah, no, this was not going to work for him. He walked toward them, realizing he was about to cause a problem.

Carl was unaware of the danger. He looked up from his incredibly long look. “A lovely woman such as yourself, surely you’re not alone here?”

Isabella realised she was dealing with a narcissistic Casanova, it wasn’t the first and would probably not be the last.

She got the scent of the carnation again and wiggled her ears to try to identify where was he coming from. She smiled at the caterpillar. “I’m not anymore.” And she turned toward Cagney’s direction. “Forgot something, partner?”

Carl blinked in surprise as she looked away. He could have sworn she was blind. He turned to greet her friend only to pale. “Oh…nut berries,” he managed before Cagney slammed a hand down next to the caterpillar.

“Hope you got a good look, Carl, because that might be the last thing you see when I’m through with you,” Cagney snarled, holding back the urge in him to drive his hands through the floor and transform.

“I, oh, just this is all just a misunderstanding,” Carl babbled.

Cagney loomed dangerously over the caterpillar. “So, you and Hilda planning on meeting up here together to make an idiot out of me, is that the misunderstanding?” He growled, slamming his hand next to the bug again.

The bat got startled by the noise and decided it was better to move away from it, so she slid to the seat next to her. Cagney sounded really angry, she thought would be best not to say anything and hear how this plays out.

Oh man! She had so much to tell Goopy tomorrow.

Carl had no idea what the carnation was talking about. “Hilda? Who’s Hilda? You mean the woman from the Clip Joint?”

“Hey!” The rooster approached them. “You got a problem, take it outside,” he pointed toward the door with his feathery thumb.

Isabella wasn’t sure what to do, but she did have similar experiences in the past so she kept her distance. “ Eh.. Cagney, maybe you should go 'talk’ outside…”

–

Hilda was livid “How long does it take to pay a tab! Is he washing the dishes or something?” She yelled and walked towards the club.

–

Cagney stared down at the insect, ignoring the bat. “Really? Cause she said you two were good friends!” He argued.

Carl shook his head. “No, no! I hardly know her!”

Cagney blinked. “What? Why were you with her then?”

“She was just some drunk, dumb girl!”

Cagney leered. “She’s not dumb, say that again and I’ll turn you into fertilizer.”

“She wanted me to come back to her place to make her friend jealous!” He confessed, doing his best to look small.

Cagney snorted. “What friend? All you did was come by my…field…” He stopped. Wait a second. Things were starting to click into place. Had Hilda tried to make him jealous? Why the hell would she be trying to make him jealous unless…she liked him.

Carl took advantage of the hesitation to discreetly use one of his many hands to reach behind him to grab a glass to chuck at the very confused carnation. “Yes, all her idea! Not mine at all! I was just planning on walking her back to her place! I definitely wasn’t going to spend the night!” He stalled, his fingers wrapping around the glass. He would claim self defense even though Cagney hadn’t actually touched him yet.

--

Hilda entered the club and looked around for the giant flower. She frowned to see him at the bar with Isabella and… was that Carl? Looked like Cagney was threatening him, and everybody was starting to stare at them. She rushed towards them. “Cagney!”

Cagney turned at the sound of Hilda’s voice and was about to ask her what the hell was going on between her and Carl when something hard broke against the back of his head and he fell to his knees.

Carl stood behind him triumphantly, dropping the broken bottle at his feet. “Ha! Who’s the idiot now?!” He yelled.

The bartender glanced over the counter. “You…just broke a bottle of 30 year old Scotch,” he mentioned.

The mole owner, who had been watching from the sidelines anxiously, nearly passed out in horror.

Carl froze. “Uh…”

The bat covered her mouth in surprise, not daring to move. Hilda’s jaw dropped and looked at Cagney on the floor starting to bleed, or… the equivalent of bleeding for a plant.

Her eyes lit up and she glared angrily at Carl. “You son of a bitch,” she said softly, covering herself in thick mist and letting Taurus take over. “YOU’RE DEAD!” Her voice sounded like thunder all over the club.

The rooster got to Isabella and quickly guided her to the exit. “No! Wait! I want to know how it ends!” The singer said trying to remain where she was, but the rooster saw the bull was thrusting towards the bar and pulled Isabella away with him.

Carl didn’t think this was how his day was going to go. He woke up this morning, did his morning routine of stretches and yoga with the girls, then went for a stroll around the meadows. He had planned on cocooning soon and wanted to come out to celebrate, and possibly bring back a lucky lady he could boast to. He thought for sure his news would just draw women to him.

Having Hilda charge him as a bull was not what he had in mind and he jumped over the bar with a scream.

Cagney was seeing stars on the ground and could feel something trickling off of him. Was that his blood? Or was that the Scotch? He had no idea but was too dizzy to check. He could hear Hilda yelling and he was really really hoping she wasn’t going for him because there’s not much he could have done about it.

Taurus destroyed half of the bar with one powerful thrust, sending shards of wood and glass everywhere. People screamed and ran towards the exits. “Stop hiding, you worm!” The constellation yelled, “This is how you go! I’ve seen it in the stars! Hahaha!” The bull said with a manic laugh.

Carl was not a fighter. He felt like one when he knocked the flower down but now this was definitely out of hand. He made a dash for the door as Cagney finally recovered, pulling himself back up with a groan and a swear.

Hilda, well, Taurus noticed the caterpillar making a run for the door and saw Cagney standing up. He was afraid he would trample over his friend if he tried to charge again.

“Hey, giant dandelion! He’s getting away!” He said, hoping the flower was still aware of what was going on.

Cagney looked toward Tauros very confusedly. “What?” His words sunk in and the carnation looked to see Carl bolting. He tried to plant his arms but they hit the wood floor and he hissed in pain. “Ow, ow!” He groaned.

Guess he was running it then. He chased after Carl and managed to snag the bug outside of the club, right next to the tree Hilda had been on before.

Carl squeaked. “Wait, wait, don’t hurt me!”

The carnation huffed angrily. “Think just cuz someone can’t see, you can pull those stunts?”

Perfect! They were outside the club. Taurus followed them making the clouds that formed him more dense until it covered his entire body. Once outside, the cloud revealed a handsome centaur already pointing his arrow at the caterpillar. “Goodbye, CaaAAaarl!” he mocked, and with another terrifying laugh, he shot his arrow.

Unfortunately, Hilda was a bit intoxicated, so his arrow missed the target and pinned the caterpillar to the tree by his clothes.

“Oh, shucks… I was aiming for the head!” Sagittarius lamented, not realizing that both men froze at the thudding of the arrow by their heads.

Carl freaked out. “No! My mom is gonna kill me if I wreck this suit!” He lamented.

Cagney, leaned against the tree next to the caterpillar, trying to look both cool and to keep himself standing despite the fact that Sagittarius’ arrow nearly scared the sap out of him too. “You’re worried about your MOM killing you? I’d worry more about your friend here murdering you with arrows,” Cagney spat.

Carl shook his head. “Definitely not my friend! I hardly know her!”

Cagney blinked. Oh yeah. Carl was blabbering about this in the bar. He turned on Sagittarius with a hard look. “So, Carl and I were having a friendly chat in the club-”

“Friendly?! You were slamming the-” Carl protested but a glance at the arrow pinning his suit to the tree kept him quiet.

Cagney continued. “And he says you’re not his friend and that night you guys went by my field was del-delib- on purpose!” He stuttered, alcohol making his word choice difficult.

He pointed to the caterpillar. “But maybe he’s lying. Why don’t you prove me wrong and tell me what his favorite color is? Or how about his last name?”

The centaur rolled his eyes. “Oh! Enough with the charades! Hilda is in loaaAAAh ..” Sagittarius held his head in pain and white smoke started to cover his body again. When the cloud dispersed, Hilda was standing there with her hands on her head, breathing heavily.

“Cagney! He broke a God damn bottle on your head! Why isn’t he dead already?!” She yelled, hoping the carnation would focus on hurting the caterpillar instead of interrogating him.

Cagney pointed at the caterpillar still. “What’s his last name, Hilda?”

Hilda cringed feeling how her cheeks turned redder than usual. “It’s… hmmrrrssss…. Smith. He’s Carl Smith,” she decided to go with what she thought was a very common last name.

Carl gaped at her. “What? Smith?! What type of name is Smith?! You don’t even know my last name and you invited me over to sleep with you?!”

Cagney slammed the tree and the caterpillar squeaked into silence. Shit, he was really hoping the caterpillar was lying. But judging by how red Hilda’s face was, he didn’t think so. His chest ached at the thought. “You were going to sleep with him?” He asked, looking more hurt than upset.

“WHAT?!” She was livid now and got closer until she was facing Carl “The fuck are you saying?!” She yelled angrily “I never said I was going to sleep with you! You filthy worm!”

She poked him hard on his chest. “I just wanted THIS idiot to be jealous!” She pointed at Cagney with her thumb and turned to him still blushing. “There! I said it! I wanted to make YOU jealous! Happy now?! Can we go back being friends again?!” Her eyes were starting to get wet. “Please…” she said softly. This sentimental stuff really wasn’t her thing.

Cagney was taken aback by Hilda’s outburst. Carl might have been talking but he wasn’t listening. So it was true. Hilda was trying to make him jealous. Because maybe she liked him as much as he liked her?

But that last line, that emotional one from the normally smart mouthed woman really nailed him in the chest and his plant heart hurt. “Can I do one thing first before we go back to being friends?” He asked.

“Wha~… yeah?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Okay, thanks,” he mumbled, walking over to her. He swallowed hard and before Hilda could say anything more, he grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her into a rough kiss.

The woman didn’t dare move. Her eyes went wide open and her heart skipped a beat. The constellations in her head were as shocked as her and remained silent.

Cagney finally broke from the kiss and looked deep into her eyes. He opened his mouth to say something only to stop and hold up a finger. “Gimme a sec,” he managed. He stumbled away from her and threw up behind the tree.

Hilda was still paralyzed and just stood there, looking at the carnation emptying his stomach. A shy silly smile drew on her face and she completely forgot about Carl, Isabella, and the whole mess which made them get angry to begin with.

“I’m- I’m not throwing up cause of the kiss!” Cagney protested, climbing back to his feet unsteadily, gesturing to the club. “Alcohol doesn’t go well with being a plant.”

Carl just stared at the scene in front of him. This was how he was going to die, watching a murderous flower getting rejected by a murderous sky witch. There was no way any girl was gonna come back from that (he knows, he tried it before many times with women he just met)

Hilda’s smile grew bigger. She was about to make witty comment but was interrupted by the sound of police sirens getting closer. Reality brought back the woman from her happy cloud and made her realise they had to get out of there if they didn’t want to get in more trouble.

“Shit!” She cast a cloud big enough for the both of them. “Cagney, we gotta go! Hop on!” She extended her hand to help him get up.

“Aw man, not the cloud,” Cagney groaned, but he knew the last thing he needed was to spend a night in jail so he grabbed her hand and climbed onto the cloud.

She got closer to the caterpillar. “And YOU better keep your mouth SHUT!” She grabbed the arrow and waved it in front of him “Or next time I WON’T miss,” her bracelet glowed and the arrow disappeared in a puff.

Carl nodded hurriedly.

“Hold on tight!” Hilda waved her hands and the cloud flew towards the observatory.

Carl waited for the police to come. He glanced at the time. “Ah gee, my mom is gonna be so mad I missed curfew…”

———–

CHAPTER 01,  CHAPTER 02,  CHAPTER 03,  CHAPTER 04,  CHAPTER 05, CHAPTER 06,  CHAPTER 07,  CHAPTER 08,  CHAPTER 09,  CHAPTER 10; CHAPTER 11; CHAPTER 12 ; CHAPTER 13 ; CHAPTER 14  ; CHAPTER 15; CHAPTER 16 ; CHAPTER 17 ; CHAPTER 18 (You are here)

[darveyfics]

office party, before the kiss so they don't know about each other's feelings, he's with paula? idc just lots of angst plz

Office Christmas parties at Pearson Hardman were known for being lavish, grand affairs. But with the renaming, downsizing and restructure of the firm still so fresh, this year’s office party was humble in its location; a warmly-lit library with an elegantly decorated Christmas tree. 

As satisfying as it may have been to flash money around on an expensive party, Donna had deterred both Harvey and Louis from engaging in the extravagant display of years past. Instead they had shown their renewed success to their most loyal clients with personalised (and yes, expensive) gifts but kept the party an intimate, in house affair. The free-flowing champagne also did wonders for everybody’s temperament.

Whilst Christmas with her relatives was often a tense, stressful affair, holidays with her Pearson Specter family was something Donna had always treasured. This year felt different though. For one, their matriarch was notably absent. Any minute Donna kept expecting Jessica to swoop into the room, commanding the attention of every single person present. Louis had kept mostly to himself since the party started, sipping eggnog in a far off corner, throwing her the occasional limp smile when she caught his eye. Then there was Harvey.During their first few years at the firm, it wasn’t entirely uncommon for Donna to bring a date to the staff Christmas party. Although she didn’t have a shortage of offers, the holidays had always brought out a certain lightness in her, an ease that mean seemed to respond to. Back then she had always found herself dating in some form or another during that time of year. Harvey was the opposite. Christmas did nothing except remind him that his happiest holidays were behind him. It only worsened after Gordon died. Although they worked together right up until Christmas and almost immediately after, Donna had never spent Christmas with Harvey. The annual office party was the one chance they had to share the holiday together. After a few years it felt wrong to include somebody else in that.Unfortunately Harvey didn’t feel the need to show her the same courtesy this year. She might have liked a few hours to mentally prepare herself for the image of Paula on Harvey’s arm as her paraded her around the office (their home). Paula was clearly charmed by him, glancing up at him in a way that could only be described as adoringly while his hand rested delicately on the small of her back. He looked more relaxed than she’d seen him in months. No, he looked happy, she realised. Donna drained the contents of her glass and tore eyes away from the couple, reminding herself that jealousy was not an attractive look on her, even if she did look fabulous in the green dress she was wearing. Suddenly her empty glass was snatched out of her hand and replaced with a fresh one. She offered the culprit a grateful smile. “Thanks Rach.”“No one would blame you, you know.”“If I got hammered at the Christmas party? It wouldn’t be the first time.”Rachel gave her a knowing look. “If you left early.”“Why would I leave early?”“Donna, you don’t have to pretend with me. I know this must be hard for you.”Donna shook her head, smiling tightly. “Leaving will only make it worse.” She took a large swig of her champagne, wincing at the taste. She’d always hated the stuff. “Getting drunk might do the same,” Rachel said gently.“Didn’t you just put a drink in my hand?”“Sweetie, I just hate to see you hurting.”Donna softened at her friend’s concern. She moved her mouth to speak but promptly shut it closed when Mike sidled up to Rachel. “Great party, Donna,” he praised her, kissing her chastely on the cheek. “You look beautiful.”Donna gave him a playful shove. “Stop sucking up.”“I’m serious. I’m the luckiest guy here to be standing next to the both of you.” At the roll of both Donna and Rachel’s eyes, Mike smirked. “See, that was sucking up.” Donna noticed the precise moment that Mike noticed Harvey and Paula because his face warped into a look of confusion. “Harvey brought Paula Agard?”“She is his girlfriend, Mike,” Donna said primly. “Have you met her?”Donna thought back to the awkward moment in Harvey’s office just a few weeks prior and then to the woman’s own office a year before that.“A couple of times.”“How did that go?”“Mike.”“Fine, Mike,” Donna answered. “She’s good for Harvey.”“In what way?” 

“She understands him.”“Yeah but not like-”

“Mike,” Rachel admonished her fiancé for the second time.Donna finished her champagne in one elegant gulp. “I’ll be right back.”She left for the bar, leaving Mike and Rachel to their own devices. God, she was being so transparent tonight. Having to plaster a smile on her face had never felt so exhausting. Only when she had another drink in her hand did she feel the tension drain from her shoulders. “I thought you hated champagne.”She whirled around to face Harvey. “Not as much as I hate being sober at parties.”Harvey smirked, tipping his own glass toward her. “Touché.”Without thinking, Donna reached out and adjusted Harvey’s shiny red tie. She pulled her hand back just as quickly, brushing off the oddly placed gesture with a faint chuckle. “I see you’ve finally decided to get into the holiday spirit.”Harvey gestured to her dress. “I see you have too.”“I was never the Grinch of the two of us, Harvey.”She watched as Harvey casually glanced around the busy library. “No date tonight?”The comment riled her, so naturally she went on the defense. “I wouldn’t waste a date on this party.”Harvey furrowed his brow. “You have before.”Donna sipped at her champagne. “I’m surprised you remember that far back.”“Are you mad at me?”“Why would I be mad at you, Harvey?”She waited, wondering if he would actually have the guts to say it. Because I’m here with Paula. She knew he wouldn’t though, because it would only result in a conversation that Harvey still wasn’t ready to have with her. Paula chose that exact moment to re-attach herself to Harvey’s side. “There you are.” Harvey jerked his head toward her. “Paula, I don’t think you two have been properly introduced.”Donna smiled widely, careful to maintain her poise even though the champagne was beginning to make her feel lightheaded. Paula returned the smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “Paula, good to see you again.”“Again?” Harvey asked.“We’ve met before.”“In your office, no less,” Paula clarified. Donna eyed her curiously, but Harvey missed the look entirely. “It’s good to see you again too, Donna.” She glanced at Harvey then back at Donna. “If you’ll excuse us, I was hoping I might steal Harvey for a dance.”Harvey forced a laugh. “I don’t dance.”“Not well, anyway.”Harvey pretended to glare at her, but his smirk gave him away. It gave Donna just the tiniest bit of satisfaction when she noticed that Paula looked somewhat annoyed at the exchange. In the end she was still the bigger person.“I’m sure you can convince him, Paula. I’ll leave you to it.”Paula immediately took the cue, waving a quick goodbye to Donna and leading Harvey away to the makeshift dance floor. Harvey looked back at her, befuddled by her exchange with Paula. Donna didn’t take the bait. Instead she discreetly made her exit, eager to go to her office and decompress for a few minutes.She kicked off her heels the minute she stepped into her office and sunk into her chair. She longed for something stronger than champagne to wash away the bile in her throat. For all her talk about wanting to be happy for Harvey, she couldn’t stand to see it in person. She wasn’t alone for more than five minutes before she heard a light knock on her door.“It’s not like you to run from a party,” Harvey said as he entered her office.“I came in for the harder stuff,” she said with a vague wave of her hand.Harvey glanced at the untouched bottle of whiskey by her desk. Donna shrugged. “I haven’t gotten that far yet.”He rolled his eyes and plucked the bottle from her drink cart along with two glasses. He poured her glass first, sliding it across her desk while he took the seat opposite hers, then poured himself a generous helping. “Merry Christmas, Donna,” he said in that soft voice her only used with her. Donna tried to ignore how it made her feel and clinked her glass with his.“Merry Christmas, Harvey.”After he took a swig, Harvey blanched, “What is this?”“It’s not Macallan.”“You like Macallan.”“No, you like Macallan. I just…endured it.”She noticed the brief look of hurt cross his features before he could mask it. “It tastes fruity.”“Your office is literally next door, Harvey,” she said pointedly, with a touch of frustration.“No it’s fine. I’m sure I can – what’s the word you used? – oh yeah, endure it.”Donna polished off her glass. “Shouldn’t you be downstairs?”“Are you trying to get rid of me?”“With Paula.”Harvey clenched his jaw, then finished off his own glass. “You’re doing a shitty job of pretending you’re not pissed off with me.”Donna leaned back in her chair, surveying him. “Speaking of pretending, let’s not pretend that you came up here to bring me back to the party when you really want to know why I didn’t tell you I’d already met your girlfriend before tonight.”“Fine. I do want to know why you didn’t share that information.”Donna poured herself another glass and topped up Harvey’s – a polite, automatic gesture that she didn’t notice until she’d already done it. “It didn’t seem pertinent. She was in your office one day, I walked past and put two and two together.”“That was the only time?” he asked, evidently seeing right through her bullshit. “Why would you ask that?”“Because there was…I don’t know, tension or something.”Because Harvey doesn’t know what he’s missing…“That was the only time.”She had no desire to ever tell Harvey about the conversation she’d had with his new girlfriend, not when she’d put her trust in a woman who was only ever supposed to be Harvey’s therapist. “Donna, don’t lie to me.”Her eyes widened at the forcefulness of his words. “I’m not, Harvey.”“Then what was that back there?”“I just…didn’t expect to see her, that’s all.”It wasn’t a complete fabrication and it was enough to put a stop to Harvey’s line of inquiry. He stared into the bottom of his glass, then looked up at her with apologetic eyes. “You’re upset that I brought her.”“Harvey, she’s your girlfriend, it would be strange if she wasn’t here.”“I know but…we usually don’t bring dates to these things.”Donna was more than a little taken aback. “You haven’t for years,” he continued.“Maybe I just haven’t had any offers.”He scoffed. “You? Yeah right.”Donna smiled a little. “It didn’t feel right anymore.”Harvey sighed, guilt evident on his face. “You stopped because of me.”“Well you didn’t exactly roll out the welcome wagon when I brought a date along.”“Well, they weren’t good enough for you.”Donna quirked an eyebrow at him and Harvey damn near flushed, covering it with a sip of his drink. He never would have said that to her sober. “Harvey, how many times are we going to have this conversation?”“What conversation?”“The one where we tell each other that we’re both bothered when we date other people but we pretend that it’s normal for friends to feel that way.”Harvey shifted in his seat. “We’re different, though.”“Yeah, that’s the problem.” Donna pushed herself up from her desk and walked past Harvey. She slipped her heels back on, not daring to look back at him.“Donna…”She held out the door for him. “Your girlfriend will be looking for you, Harvey.”Harvey made no effort to move. She rolled her eyes, storming out of her office anyway, leaving him there. He caught up with her just as she stepped into the elevator. Figures this moment would be their only example of good timing.  “I didn’t mean to rub your face in it,” he said as the doors closed. “I know it’s a shitty feeling.”Donna sighed, savoring the moment. That would probably be as close as Harvey would ever get to admitting he got jealous when it came to her.“I want you to be happy, Harvey,” she said for the umpteenth time, doing her best to convince herself that it was okay if it wasn’t with her.“I am.”“Then we’re good,” she assured him. He still seemed uneasy so she leaned over and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. He turned his head to her before she had completely pulled away, leaving only a fraction of space between their lips. It had been years since they had been so close to one another.The elevator chimed and Donna reared back. Harvey stepped out of the elevator the minute it opened, unable to meet her eyes. Donna stayed put, pressing the button for the ground floor. Only at the last second did Harvey turned around, realising she hadn’t followed him.Their eyes met just as the door closed; a scene she was intimately familiar with. She slumped back against the wall of the elevator. When she titled her head and noticed the mistletoe hanging above her head she let out a mirthless laugh. It was the one Christmas tradition that she loathed and she had rebuffed all requests to hang it anywhere near the library. She wouldn’t to read into the omen. Those plants were known for being poisonous.