#and YES i believe that reggie has two brothers and i will defend it with my life

[rythmicjea]

Archie's Dream 5x04

Should I be finishing up my chapter for Narwals? Yes. Am I? No. Instead, I can't get Archie's dream out of my head. Season 5 is considered to be "the worst" season. That's because the majority of people don't understand it. There are so many layers to this season. It's like a 14 hour long episode of the X-Files. If you take episodes 1-3 to really be the end of season 4 (and we all should) it's the shortest season out of all of them.

The show needed to get everyone back together in Riverdale. That's how shows like this work. The impetus is Archie's dream. On the surface it's a warning that Riverdale is in trouble. The soul of Riverdale is on the verge of collapse. And yes, that is true. Get closer though, and you start to see the shadows underneath.

The dream opens in the boys locker room of Riverdale High. Archie Andrews is giving his team a pep talk before the game. His voice is darker, deeper, it's that of a drill sergeant. He prepares them saying it's not going to be easy. That they have never faced anything like it but they cannot be afraid. He barks, "Do you know why?" And they answer "Because we're Bulldogs!"

The camera lingers on Reggie. Why Reggie? Here's the thing most people don't recognize about Mantle the Magnificent. He may not like you, but if you go to Riverdale, you're a Bulldog. And he will defend any Bulldog for any reason. That's why he's so offended and incensed that Jughead wears his Serpent's jacket. Because to him, Jughead is spitting in Riverdale's face. Jughead is one of Riverdale's sons and that should mean more.

We see the General tell them that their mission is to save their fallen brother. The next shot is of a football field as No Man's Land (the stretch of land between two trenches in war). There are football players in the background running plays. There are bombs going off and artillery fire whizzing by. I am an avid football fan. I grew up on Ohio State football. A football game is often referred to as a "battle". You'll hear phrases like "Battle on the Grid Iron". Each game is life or death for the players and the fans. But this is more than just a football game. This is actual life or death.

Reggie goes down. Shot in the chest from enemy fire. This is representative of how Reggie is on the "wrong" side in the season. He's aligned himself with Hiram. He doesn't care for the town and the school that he once loved so deeply.

Archie is then flown into the air by a bomb. He doesn't want to go further. He doesn't think he can. You would think that he would look at his target. Instead, he sees Cheryl. She's in her Vixens uniform. And while you can hear the squad cheering, Cheryl isn't speaking. She smiles at him, with tears in her eyes, nodding at him to go forward. Why is she here? They weren't particularly close. Why would she care about his mission? Because Cheryl has lost a brother. She knows that pain of not being able to help and the guilt that comes with surviving. She can't let Archie go through that.

Then we see the fallen soldier. We don't know his identity until Archie gets to him. It's Jughead. A chest wound pouring out blood. His heart was broken by his first love and his best friend. Jughead only says one line and it is "I just need a little help". We come to learn in the season that Jughead has become an alcoholic. His line is one that many addicts say. It's so simple to believe that with just a little help they can overcome their affliction. A lot of times it's said to get a fix. Just a tiny one to help get through the withdrawal.

On the sidelines is everyone who loves Jughead. The Serpents, Betty, Veronica, and Pop. They're all cheering for Archie to do what needs to be done. And at the last moment we see Hiram standing with a gun pointed at Archie. In the first four seasons it was always about Archie vs Hiram. But everyone forgets that the actual thorn in Hiram's side was Jughead. It's Jughead that exposes him. It's Jughead that picks up the pieces of his parental duties for Veronica. It's Jughead who is willing to risk everything to see Hiram exposed for all of his corruption and evil deeds. And Hiram knows it. But Hiram can't do anything to Jughead without exposing himself. That's why he willingly lets Jughead take himself to the slaughter against the ghoulies. Hiram was behind riot night. And that gunshot wound in Jughead's chest? Who's to say it wasn't Hiram who pulled the trigger?

Archie's dream tells the story of season 5. There's many reasons for him to come home. He declares that Riverdale is "dying" and they need to save it. But it's not Riverdale that he has to save, it's Jughead. He hasn't spoken to Jughead in seven years. When he calls his three friends, Betty and Veronica drop what they are doing immediately to answer. Jughead is the only one who hesitates. We never see him answer. Jughead is the most reluctant to stay.

NO ONE on the show knows how to handle an addiction. Not even Jughead. He knows how to take care of his father but it was never his responsibility to save his father. And FP? FP gets sober cold turkey. He falls off the wagon at his retirement party. He is magically able to handle alcohol responsibly. That's not how addiction works.

Archie offers Jughead a place to stay and a teaching position at the school. Archie lets him go when he needs to go back to New York without any questions asked. Archie is the subliminal support system that was taken from Jughead at the end of high school. He doesn't know what to do exactly (and he has his own issues - PTSD) but he can do the passive things to help his brother.

After seven years of silence, Archie has a dream that tells him his best friend and brother is in danger and he's the only one who can help. And if that's being an invitation back to a safe place and a warm bed then he does it without hesitation. To many Archie IS Riverdale. He is the heart of the town. But, Jughead put Riverdale on the map. Jughead is the town's conscience. To Archie, Jughead is Riverdale.

[lemonade-baby]

So I spent all day writing a quick fic of the boys in the black room and it was originally really light hearted and was supposed to have some comedy, but then it got real sad as I tried to figure out how the fuck to describe... uh... nothing, so.... yeah. Here ya go.

You know that feeling you get in your stomach when something semi-bad happens and you know it’s gonna come back to haunt you, so you try to distract yourself to the point that you almost forget about, but you’re still unsettled deep down inside? That’s the feeling Alex got when he ate that hotdog.  

Sudden floatation had always been one of those things Reggie thought about at night while he laid in bed, staring up at the glow-in-the-dark stars Bobby stuck there in freshman year. It wasn’t as cool as he’d thought it would be, especially when he saw his own body on the gurney. It was not a sight he’d recommend to anyone.

Luke didn’t remember too much about dying, except that being the second one sucks major ass. He hadn’t been paying complete attention honestly, he’d pretty much zoned out when his eyes met the poster on the wall. Someone had already rushed to his friends aide, leaving him sickly and pale by himself in the middle of the alley.

“What the-” Reggie was holding his head when he woke up. All there was was black, and darkness, and loneliness.  

“Reg? Reggie? You’re awake?” Alex was sitting on the ground, or what felt like ground, holding his knees up to his chest. Alex scrambled to his knees and did one of those half crawls towards Reggie. Luke turned around, he’d been trying to find the end to this endless void, but both doubted he would be able to. No matter how far he walked, he didn’t move anywhere.  

“Where are we?” Reggie groaned, pushing himself up.  

“Let me paint you a picture...” Luke slung his arm around Reggie’s shoulder and put his hand out in front of them, before whispering, “dead.”

“Okay...” Alex mumbled. “How do you know we’re dead? Maybe... maybe this is just some type of weird collective dream.” Reggie pushed free and pointed towards Luke with both pointer fingers. This was followed by a smack on Reggie’s hand, and he pulled them back.

“Hey! Okay yeah, maybe we’re dead...” Reggie cleared his throat and looked around. Nothing but them and the endless nothing. It would've been peaceful if not for the knowledge of their deaths.

Oh man. Oh God. This sucks. Luke’s mind raced and he closed his eyes for a moment and took a breath, or what felt like a breath. Could ghosts breath? Probably not.

What about his parents? Or his friends? What about Bobby? What would happen to them?  

“Luke! Alex is crying!” Reggie called out, pulling Luke from his thought. “What?” He asked as he turned, sure enough to find Alex still on the ground, roughly wiping his face with his shirt. “You okay?” He murmured, and Alex show him a look that could've killed if they weren’t already dead. There was too much panicking going on his brain to allow him to stand up, so he stayed seated.

“No! Luke! I’m not okay... we’re dead!” Alex grumbled, and Reggie brought his head back in surprise. He’d never heard any of the boy's yell at one of the others like that. Eternal nothingness was gonna suck, he could already feel it.

“You guys think we’re in hell?” Reggie interrupted them, attempting to alleviate the situation. The one thing he’d learned in all the years of dealing with his parents was comedy, when he would entertain his little brother Quinn as the fights and the yelling scaled the walls and crept into Reggie's 2nd floor bedroom. But they’d hide under the covers, occasionally joined by his older brother, Karson, and laugh and tell stories and attempt to ease the 10-year-olds nerves.

“It’s definitely not hell Reg-” “Yeah, my parents always said Hell was like... fire and brimstone...” Alex’s lip trembled as he tried to hold back more tears.

“Well, your parents are a-” “Okay!” Reggie cut Luke off before he said something he’d later regret, “maybe it’s not hell. How long we been here anyway?” “Like a half hour dude, chill out.”

Reggie snapped his fingers, “Maybe it’s a waiting room! Like we’re not dead yet! Limbo!” Reggie spent a lot of time reading theories about what happened after death while they were alive, and Alex was sure they’d be hearing about it for however long they’d be together. He loved his boys but damn, they could be annoying. He was just trying to cry in peace.

“Reggie-” Luke turned abruptly. Deep down, he knew Reggie was just trying to help, but now really wasn’t a good time.

Deep down, they were all just scared teenagers. Luke had never wanted to go home so much. He wanted to run to his mom and hold her and apologize for running out on her. He wanted to grab ahold and not let go, like a child on the first day of kindergarten, clinging to his mom's ankles and begging to stay with him for a little while longer. God knows what would happen to them. How would they react? Their only son killed by a hot dog of everything.  

Reggie couldn’t stop thinking about his brothers, and how hard it would be for Quinn now. Mom and dad were on the brink of splitting, and whatever happened after this was certainly going to make or break their marriage. Karson was in his Sophomore year of college in New York, which left Quinn on his own. Secretly, Reggie had wished his parents spilt before Quinn was old enough to remember the fighting, then he’d be okay with two houses and being on his own sometimes. He’d never been without one of his brothers during a fight before, and he’d probably crawl under the covers and wait for Reggie to come save him from the screams. But Reggie wouldn’t be there to this time.

And Alex, who hadn’t said all that much since Reggie woke up, sniffled to himself and twisted the bracelet on his wrist around in circles. After everything went down at home when he came out, he’d stopped talking to his parents much. They’d put up with the incessant banging of drums, and him skipping out on church. Alex put up with the “Eleanor from church has a daughter you’d like” and the quiet yet deafening whispers he’d catch from his parents before he walked in the room. Even now, they were still his parents and the instinct to reach out for reassurance was overwhelming.

“I’m sorry you guys...” Luke turned, tears welled in his eyes, but he wouldn’t let his friends see them fall. “I- I fucked up.”

“It’s not your fault Luke-” Reggie brought in a shaky, “We’ve eaten there so many times. How were you supposed to know it’d kill us this time around.” Again, Reggie tried to lighten the mood, a stark irony while in this empty, dark void.

Alex broke down again, he was an ugly crier. Luke reached out and awkwardly patted his head, yet it did nothing to soothe him.  

Take Off

Last Stop

Count down ‘till we blast open the top

A familiar tune played faintly, drawing their attention. “Is that-” “Our song! Guys I told you we weren’t dead!” Reggie pumped his fists as Alex finally pushed himself to his feet.

“okay...”

Luke gripped at his chest. It felt like a vacuum had attached itself to him and was trying to suck out his spectral internal organs. “Dude? You okay?” Alex attempted to ask, but he soon found himself doubled over in the same pain. Reggie too.

Then, just like that, Luke was gone, and a very distant, and familiar, scream could be heard. Alex too, and then Reggie, all three sucked into, well, wherever. 

It took a moment for Luke’s eyes to readjust to light as he stared up at the ceiling and gripped his side.  

“Woah, how’d we get back here.”

[messers-moony]

Secret Boyfriend | R.B

Paring: Regulus Black X Lupin!Fem!Reader

Summary: Keeping secrets seem to run in the Lupin family but one of the two twins has a bigger secret than the other can imagine. 

Pitter-patter could be heard inside the Gryffindor Common room. The Scotland weather never really seemed to make up its mind during the period between winter and spring. Nevertheless, it brought a calming atmosphere to the red and gold common room. The five Marauders sat in front of the fireplace, speaking to one another. Remus, Y/n, and Sirius sitting together on a couch. James on an armchair, and Peter sitting on the ground in front of the sofa. 

“So, Little Lupin.“ James drawled, “When are you getting a boyfriend?” 

Remus chuckled, quickly putting an arm around his twin sister, “Hopefully, never.” 

“Maybe I already have a boyfriend, and you lot just don’t know.” Y/n snipped as she elbowed her brother in the ribs slightly, “Oh, come on, paws!” James exclaimed teasingly. 

Paws was Y/n’s Marauder name. Her animagus was a Siamese cat, which resembled her personality quite well if you asked Remus. Y/n was quick-witted, independent, intuitive, curious, and affectionate when comfortable. She and Sirius were known to flirt all the time but recently - meaning a couple of months - they hadn’t done it at all. Perhaps Y/n was actually avoiding his flirtatious remarks. Nevertheless, Y/n’s animagus was a direct correlation with her personality. 

“Yeah, paws, you’ve been neglecting me recently. I’m not too happy with it either.” Sirius added with a fake pout, “Oh hush it, you two. Leave my sister alone. She’s got no hidden boyfriend.” Remus defended, looking at his sister. 

“Right, Y/n?” Remus coughed, and she jumped out of her daydream, “Mhm! Of course.” 

Conversation went on as usual. They began discussing new pranks, but Y/n’s jumper pocket felt heavier than usual, knowing what’s inside. It was a cream-colored envelope with the Black family crest as a seal. Y/n knew more than anyone that Sirius wouldn’t be happy to see the familiar logo, but this wasn’t from his parents. It was from his little brother, and Y/n was anxious to give it to him. So when James, Remus, and Peter went upstairs, Y/n pulled him aside before he could leave. 

“Padfoot, wait.” Y/n called, and he turned back, “What's up, paws?” Sirius queried, turning to face her. 

She sighed and pulled the envelope from her pocket, “Please, read this. It isn’t what you think it is despite the seal.” Y/n stated, handing him the parchment. 

“Where did you get this?” Sirius asked as he opened the packaging, “Regulus.” Y/n’s answer was firmer than expected. 

Nonetheless, the letter inside seemed essential to his fellow Marauder, so he opened it. Inside he was met with his little brother's prominent handwriting. The black ink treaded so seamlessly across the brown paper. Y/n remembered watching him write it at his desk, desperately trying to collect his thoughts while his hand shook relentlessly. She couldn’t do anything but sit from his bed and watch. Regulus needed to do this alone. 

After reading, Sirius slid the letter back inside its packaging, “Well, it’s his fault.” 

“Actually, it isn’t.” Y/n quipped, “Listen, Sirius, Regulus is trying. He really is.” 

“You would know this how?”

“Because we’ve been friends for a long time.” 

“Oh really?” Sirius questioned sarcastically, crossing his arms, “Since when did you and Reggie become so close?” 

“He began tutoring me in third year for Potions.” Y/n answered, “You couldn’t have asked Remus?”

“No. “ Y/n shook her head, “Slughorn wanted Regulus specifically.” 

“Well then. Full moon tomorrow, hope you’re prepared.” Sirius chirped as he began walking up the steps to his dorm, “I’m always prepared.” Y/n replied to essentially no one. 

She sighed. It was apparent Sirius didn’t want to believe what Regulus had written. It would’ve been hard on anyone. But Regulus wanted it to come from him instead of Sirius finding out. Since Y/n’s third year - Regulus’ second year - she felt attracted to him. He always made time for her. It wasn’t until their fourth year when she realized it. In her fifth year, they made it official. Regulus Black and Y/n Lupin were a couple but hidden beneath an invisibility cloak. 

Seventh year wasn’t easy. The upcoming war, her brother's lycanthropy, N.E.W.T.S, and Regulus getting the dark mark. Nothing seemed to be working in her favor. Books didn’t even seem to please her anymore. Her eyes wandered while she began to daydream about anything rather than reality itself. People began to notice how lost the girl appeared. 

Especially her brother. 

Study sessions with her weren’t the same. Some days her eyes would appear glossier than usual as if someone put a coating of lip gloss over them. Maybe they were rimmed with a pastel pink seeming tired and unhappy. The tremors in her hands were hard to ignore as she wrote with her quill. If there’s one thing Remus Lupin was good at, it was being observant; however, there wasn’t time, and he didn’t have the patience to deal with this right now. The full moon approaching meant that Remus’ patience tolerance was down to about none. 

There was one thing that brought her clarity. Regulus Black. The Gryffindor common room was always a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In contrast, the Slytherin common room was cold and damp, but it brought her comfort because of the person inside. Y/n padded quietly inside of his prefect hallway, which was beside the Slytherin common. She walked into his bedroom, which was dark. 

No candles lit. Just dark. Regulus always felt comfort in the dark, but it wasn’t dark because of that. It was dark because he was absent. Y/n peered over to his desk, where letters sat from his mother and some cousins. Andromeda seemed to try and reach him, but the letter looked unopened. There was one that caught her eye. It was Remus’ handwriting, and it was from him. It was also opened. Y/n knew she couldn’t stay all night. The full moon was due to rise in just two hours. 

Picking up the parchment, she began to read:

“ To Regulus Black, 

You need to step up. I get it. Sirius has been disowned, but he tries to make an effort. Can’t you see that? Sirius really needs you, and I know that you miss him too. This whole stubborn game of not wanting to talk to each other has gone on long enough. 

I know what it’s like to argue with a sibling, and it isn’t pleasant. Suck it up, swallow your pride and talk to Sirius. You don’t have to ultimately make up, but please, he’s trying. 

From, Remus Lupin. “

Y/n swallowed down her anger. Who was Remus to get involved in their affairs? If Sirius and Regulus didn’t want to interact, that was their problem, not his. It infuriated her. But she didn’t have time to babble around. Y/n pointed her wand at her and became a cat. Perks of her animagus being allowed at Hogwarts, she could roam around freely without suspicion. Quickly she sprinted down to the Whomping Willow, where she was met with her three Marauders in human form. Y/n transformed back. 

“Where were you! I was worried sick!” Remus scolded, “Nowhere, but we need to talk later.” Y/n answered. 

They got Remus in the shack and changed into their animagus forms. A stag, a rat, a dog, and a cat. The dog and the cat had the most interaction with the werewolf. Sometimes the dog and werewolf would cuddle up beside each other, whereas the cat would sleep on its own along with the other two animals. The following day Y/n and Sirius lugged Remus up to the hospital wing. Y/n sat beside him the entire time while the other three went off. Sirius and James were off to Quidditch practice. Peter was off to see his girlfriend in Hufflepuff. 

Y/n tapped aimlessly on Remus’ hand, “M- Morning.”

“Morning, Moony.” Y/n greeted, “How are you feeling?” 

“Phenomenal.”

“Sorry.”

“What did we need to talk about?” Remus questioned, and Y/n tilted her head, “You said we needed to talk before going to the shack.”

“Yes, I did. Um- uh- did you send Regulus a letter by any chance?” Y/n stammered, “I did. Why?” 

“I saw it.” Y/n replied shortly, “You saw it?” Remus repeated incredulously. 

She nodded, “How did you see it?” 

“Regulus and I are friends. Sometimes we hang out in his dorm.” The words seemed like nothing as they rolled off her tongue, “You hang out in the Slytherin dorms? Is that why you always know the password so we can do pranks?” 

“Of course.” Y/n chuckled, “I use my privilege to its advantage.”

Remus began to get up but grimaced, causing Y/n to jump up to help him. Gently she eased him to a sitting position. A new scratch on his cheek and multiple on his arms. It’s evident that the cat and the dog had to stop him. The thin scratches on his arms were a cat's nails. The thicker scratch on his cheek was a dog's nails. Remus looked down at his arms. 

“I’m sorry.” Y/n muttered, “Not your fault, paws. Who was it this time?” Remus asked. 

“Prongs. Apparently, you wanted Prongs.” Y/n answered, and he kissed the top of her head, “Thank you for stopping me.” 

“Anything for my brother.” 

“Just like anything for our Moony?”

Y/n laughed, “Yeah.”

Paws began to tap on his hand again, until a voice echoed through the hospital wing, “Y/n?” 

“Y/n?” The voice called again, and Remus quirked his eyebrow at his sheepish sister, “Y/n!” 

Suddenly a black-haired, grey-eyed, pale figure was beside her. He didn’t realize what he was doing until he had already kissed the top of her head worriedly. Y/n turned pink at the affection and the embarrassment of it happening in front of her brother. Remus coughed, and the male stood straight. 

“Regulus, what a surprise.” Remus retorted, “Didn’t think you’d ever visit me in the infirmary.”

“Remus, please-“ 

“I wouldn’t.” Regulus snapped, “Then why are you here?” Remus inquired. 

Regulus’ hand was playing aimlessly with the ends of Y/n’s hair, “Moony….” Y/n began at a whisper, “Regulus is my boyfriend.”

“This-“ Remus pointed at them both with a laughing smile, “Is funny.”

“Nice prank, paws, but it isn’t going to work.”

Y/n sighed, “It isn’t a prank, Rem.” 

“We’ve been together for about two years now.” She confessed, and Regulus stiffened, “Friends, my ass.” Remus scoffed bitterly. 

“Remus, please-“ Y/n began, “No, please just leave. We can talk about this later when I’m in the right frame of mind. Because if you don’t leave, now I might throw a punch.” Remus replied. 

She sighed and reluctantly left with Regulus trailing behind her. Y/n didn’t want to cry. It was pitiful. Regulus never had a good relationship with Sirius since Hogwarts, yet he didn’t seem to care. Thankfully, after building the Marauders Map, she knew every little crevice and hiding spot. Pulling back a tapestry, she sat down on the cement floor. Regulus doing the same beside her. Hesitantly he pulled his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his chest. 

“This is pitiful.” Y/n chuckled bitterly, “I’m sorry, Reggie.”

“It isn’t pitiful. You and Remus have a close relationship. It’s okay to be sad about him telling you off.” Regulus replied, placing his chin on the top of her head, “Sirius and I are different. Don’t compare you and Remus with us.”

Y/n nuzzled into his chest, “I saw the letter Remus sent you.”

“I- I saw the way he spoke to you, and I’m sorry.” Y/n stated, “I hope he comes around.” 

“I do too, love.” Regulus kissed the top of her head, “ I do too.”

It was quiet for a moment until two figures pulled back the tapestry, “Oi! Get off, little Lupin!” James exclaimed, and Y/n sighed, “Sirius, James, please just leave.”

“What are you doing with my mate's little sister, Regulus?” Sirius interrogated, “Comforting her. She needs me.” Regulus retorted, tightening his grip on her shoulder. 

Y/n stood up and pulled Regulus with her, “Come on. We four need to talk.” 

The four of them walked into a broom closet. It was a quiet walk. Eerily quiet. It brought shivers down Y/n’s spine at how silent the walk was. The tension was so thick you couldn’t cut it with a knife. The pressure felt like sludge. It was thick and mush. But when Y/n opened the door, the lot of them walked inside. James and Sirius stared expectantly. 

“Regulus and I have been dating since my fifth year.” Y/n began, and Regulus intertwined their hands. 

“Little Lupin!” Sirius exclaimed, “You weren’t lying when you said you had a secret boyfriend!”

“You scandalous little thing!”

“I can’t believe this.” James stated after running his hand through his hair, “How did Remus take it?”

“Not very well.” Y/n replied, “He kicked me out of the hospital wing when Regulus showed up. “

“He’s- He’s not in the right mindset, though. He’ll come to. I know he will. He has to.”

Sirius’ eyes softened, “Moony will come around. It might just take him a minute.” 

“Regulus.” James called, and grey eyes stared at him, “Y/n is a Marauder.”

“I know that.” Regulus interrupted, “She is my little sister as much as she is Remus’” James continued. 

“And mine!” Sirius added, smiling brightly, “Y/n is our little sister. The lot of us depend on her. We can’t, and we won’t have her heartbroken.” James explained sternly, suddenly looking a lot like Mrs. Potter. 

Regulus’ cheeks flushed with pink, “I love her, I really do. I don’t plan on breaking her heart anytime soon.” 

“You’re gonna be my sister-in-law!” Sirius squealed, hugging Y/n forcefully, almost knocking her over, “Oh, little Lupin.” He cooed. 

“You’re all grown up!” 

They laughed, and Sirius kissed her forehead, “Take care of him, will you?” He whispered so only she could hear, “Of course.” Y/n smiled. 

“Alright, alright, I’d like my girlfriend back,” Regulus replied, taking her away from Sirius’ arms. 

Sirius gulped, “How’s mum going to take this, Reggie?” 

“I don’t care.” Regulus retorted, “Mums gonna have to deal with it.” 

The smile on Sirius’ face was brighter than the sun, “Oh, Reggie!” He wailed, pulling Regulus into a tight hug. 

The two brothers smiled as they hugged each other. Regulus sleeve slipped up, and James stepped back, pulling out his wand. The two Black brothers pulled apart, and that’s when Sirius saw it. The dark mark on his brother's sleeve. Y/n stiffened as Sirius lifted his sleeve up further to see it clearly. 

“Reggie…” 

“Sirius, please, I didn’t want it.” Regulus pleaded, “She- They- Please.”

James watched intently at them. Sirius’ eyes had filled with tears as he embraced his younger brother. For the first time in a long time, Regulus felt protected in his brother's arms. James walked closer and joined them. Hugging both Black brothers as close as he could. James Potter, the man who never stops giving. They pulled apart, and James took Reggie into his own arms. 

“You need anything, you come to me, okay?” James informed sternly, and Regulus nodded, “Ye- Yeah.”

“Remus and Y/n always come for the holidays. You won’t be alone.” James stated smiling, “My parents already have one Black; they won’t mind another.” 

The Black brother smiled, “Thank you….”

The days went on, and Regulus still avoided the Marauders altogether. Remus glared at him from the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall. Deep emerald green eyes were flashing at the grey ones that sat at the Slytherin table. Until Y/n jabbed him in the ribs, taking his attention away from the younger Black brother. 

“Remus.” Y/n scolded, “Stop it.”

“I think you’re too hard on him, Moony.” James began, “He loves your sister. Maybe talk to him.” 

“No.” Remus snapped, “You guys can accept this, but I can’t.” 

They didn’t push any further. Y/n and Remus had been distant from each other. It was weird to watch the twins who were typically attached at the hip to be so - abroad. Regulus didn’t like that he was now the cause of their fussing. After all, they were the reason Sirius and him were on speaking terms now. So Regulus and Sirius made a plan. It involved them being locked in a broom closet, and so it happened—one night after dinner. 

Remus was shoved into a cupboard, not by his own liking either, “Come on, Sirius! This isn’t funny. I have prefect duties to do!”

“Actually, someone else has taken them over.” Regulus informed, and Remus whipped around, “What are you two doing here?”

“Remus, explain it to me.” Regulus began, “Why you don’t approve of me with your sister.”

“Because! You’re a bloody death eater! You probably forced her to be with you.” Remus exclaimed. 

Y/n scoffed, “A pureblood forcing himself with a half-breed? Doesn’t seem likely.” 

Remus ran his hand through his hair, “Okay, he’s still a death eater!”

“I was forced!” Regulus exclaimed, “They strapped me to a chair and embedded the mark into my forearm. You don’t think I wasn’t thinking of her the entire time?! I was scared out of my mind!”

“The entire time, all I could think about was ‘How is Y/n gonna take this.’” Regulus admitted, “My heart aches for her. I didn’t want her to be scared.”

Remus’ green eyes turned soft, “Does she accept you? Does she love you? Do you love her?”

“Yes, Remus. I love him for who he is. James offered him a place to stay at the Potters.” Y/n replied, “And yes, I love her.” 

Tears filled her eyes, “Remus, please. I don’t want to lose either of you.”

Remus held out his arms, and she walked right into them. He placed one hand on the back of her head and one on the small of her waist. Holding her close to his heart, rubbing his thumb through her hair. Regulus’ grey eyes stared at the two siblings before him. Remus’ heart softened at his crying sister. He never wanted to hurt her, ever. 

“Paws.” Remus began as he pulled away slightly, “Does he make you happy?”

Y/n sniffled and nodded; Remus wiped her cheeks, “Okay.”

“Does he know you, for you?” 

“Mhm.”

Remus turned to Regulus as Y/n parted with him, “Where’s paws favorite place to be scratched?”

Regulus chuckled, “Behind her ears.”

“Take care of my little sister.” Remus pleaded, “Please, Regulus.” 

“Of course. I wouldn’t expect any different.” Regulus answered. 

Remus walked forward and put out his hand. Hesitantly Regulus shook his hand. Grey eyes met green ones. Remus couldn’t help the smile that placed itself on his face. Without hesitation, he pulled Regulus into a tight hug.

“Take care of my sister, and I’ll take care of you.”

“Always.”

[awanderingdeal]

Never too late - 4 - 5

A continuation of Leo and Regulus' attempts (antics) to give Regulus the childhood he never had.

CW: All content warnings relate to Part 5: piercings and food talk

Please message me if you feel I need to add any content warnings

Rating: T

Previous and future chapters can be found on my masterlist

Credit for the sweater universe and the characters within it go to @lumosinlove. What a hero.

4. Take photos! Candids, selfies and posed group shots. They’ll hold the best memories.

“Merde, what are you doing?” Logan asked, resting his head on Leo's shoulder as he peered at the laptop.

Leo grinned, tipping his head back slightly so he could press a kiss against Logan’s cheek, “I’m getting inspiration.”

“That cleared a grand total of nothing up,” Logan huffed, circling the sofa so that he could flop next to Leo. “Oh my God, no. I thought I had deleted everything from back then” he groaned, reaching to close the lid of the device.

Leo swatted his hand away with a scowl. “First of all, I am offended that you never told me that you used to have bangs,” he gestured to the image of a young Logan on the screen, laughter bubbling in chest. “Second, I think you may have caught most yours, but you failed to check your tagged photos.”

Logan sighed again, apparently resigning himself to the fact Leo was going to trawl through the photos no matter what. “Is there at least a reason that you are torturing me like this?” he asked, curling into Leo’s side.

“It started off as me finding inspiration for classic high school photos to take with Reg, but now I’m just looking at how adorable you were at 14.” Leo chuckled.

***

“I want to be on the top!” James yelled, earning a snigger from Finn.

“No, Logan needs to go on the top, he’s the smallest and I’m not breaking my back for you idiots,” Kasey said from where he was braced on all fours.

“He’s actually very heavy. Like a tiny ball of muscle,” Finn said. Logan seemed conflicted as to whether he should be thanking his boyfriend or reprimanding him, the confused frown making Leo smile, but he figured he should intervene before a full on argument broke out.

“Maybe we should ask Regulus where he wants to go? These are his photos after all,” Leo suggested, turning his gaze onto the man in question.

Regulus threw his hands up, shaking his head. “I was coerced into this madness,” he defended. “But if I must participate then I want to go on top. At least then I don’t get squashed when this goes wrong.”

“O, yee of little faith,” Thomas scoffed, making a dramatic show of stretching his limbs.

“I’m retiring after this season, I’m too old for this,” Dumo groaned as he joined Kasey on the floor.

“You say this every season,” Kuny laughed, taking the spot next to Pascal and nudging him in the shoulder.

“Alright, Cap. I think you better go on the base too,” Leo said, laughing at the scowl he earned. It appeared that Sirius had been trying to make himself blend into the cushions in the hopes he might get out of the photo, but Leo wasn’t about to let him off that easily. “For Reg?”

“Regulus doesn’t even…” Sirius began to argue, but he was interrupted by his brother’s low chuckle.

“I have suddenly changed my mind. Come on Sirius, don’t be a spoil sport,” Regulus teased.

Sirius opened his mouth to start a rebuttal, but all that came out was a resigned sigh, and the man heaved himself to his feet, getting a loud cheer from the rest of the team. Once he had taken his spot, the rest of the pyramid seemed to form easily. James, Remus, Leo, Logan and Finn all climbed on, until eventually it was Regulus’s turn. With a little help from Timmy and Olli, the man managed to take his place at the top of the pyramid.

“Okay, Sergei, take the photo,” Leo instructed, feeling parts of the pyramid begin to shake.

“Which button is -” Sergei asked, before a semblance of a smile crossed his face. “Oh, found it.” Just as the words left Sergei’s mouth, Leo found himself tumbling to the floor, several of his team mates on top of him, a chorus of grumbling in several different languages erupting as they clutched various body parts.

“If anybody has broken anything, I am not explaining this to Coach,” Sirius declared, from under James and Finn.

“Did you at least get the photo?” Dumo asked.

“No, we need to do again,” Sergei grinned, a groan reverberating around the room from the rest of the team.

***

Regulus wiped his hand across his cheek so subtly that he nearly missed it, but the redness in his eyes was obvious.

“Are you crying?” Leo asked quietly, feeling the muscles 0f his forehead tense into a concerned frown.

“I’m fine,” Regulus said, blinking rapidly, shutting the scrapbook perched on his lap with a little more force than necessary. Leo had spent hours compiling the photos taken over the last few months into it: the forming a pyramid, two dozen or so polaroids taken at various events, a fair few with peace signs; the transition of Regulus slowly becoming more comfortable with the action obvious with each one, another was a take on the classic shoe circle only with hockey skates. Somehow James had snuck several selfies of himself into the mix.

“No, Reggie, what’s the matter?” Leo pulled the book from Regulus’s hands and put it on the coffee table, turning so that he could face his friend more easily.

Regulus shrugged, playing with the sleeve of his shirt, a nervous habit Leo had picked up on over the past few months. “I...I just never really had any friends in high school. It’s kind of hard when you’re taught to see everybody as competition, you know? So, I don’t really have any photos that aren’t stuffy family portraits or media shots. I didn’t realise that bothered me until now.”

Leo bundled Regulus into a hug, his friend making a disgruntled sound as he found himself pressed against Leo’s chest. “Just accept it,” Leo huffed, wondering how he had managed to find himself saddled with so many emotionally constipated hockey (or ex-hockey) players.

5. Find your style - change your hair, get a new piercing, buy a new outfit. Go wild!

“Hey, Reg,” Finn waved, mumbling through a mouthful of cheese.

“Harzy! Do you know how much that cheese cost?” Logan scolded, his expression somewhat more horrified than Leo would deem reasonable, “Please respect it.”

Leo grabbed his jacket, patting the pocket to ensure his wallet was inside. He rarely used his physical cards anymore, but it gave him far too much anxiety to rely on just his phone. “We’re leaving now. Try not to kill each other while we’re gone. It would be tragic to lose both of my boyfriends in one day,” he said, dropping a kiss first on to Finn’s cheek and then Logan’s.

“Bye Reg,” Finn waved again.

***

“Thank you,” Leo smiled at the cashier as he took his purchases from them. He looked down, noting that between the two of them they had amassed nearly twenty bags. Leo wasn’t usually one to spend money frivolously, but he had found himself swept away by Reg’s enthusiasm. Apparently when he wasn’t being stuffed into tight button ups and tailored pants, Regulus really rather enjoyed fashion. Finn would have been proud of the multiple pairs of trainers they had acquired so far. Still, they probably had enough for today.

Before Leo had a chance to suggest a change of activities, Regulus beat him to it. “Do you want to get some food?” he asked, the grumble of Leo’s stomach answering the question with no need for any words. Regulus laughed, “I’ll take that as a yes. Are you good to get Thai?”

Somehow over the course of filling their stomachs with curry and Pad Thai, an innocent comment about how Regulus would look cute with a piercing resulted in them walking into the nearest studio that had decent reviews. Regulus had changed into one of his new outfits: a loose black and white striped shirt, a pair of black pants cuffed at the legs and chunky white sneakers because his old outfit was deemed unsuitable for getting a piercing in.

Leo had just finished up getting his lip done, pamphlet of aftercare instructions clutched in his hand, and was waiting for Regulus to come out of his room. The boy had refused to tell him what exactly he was going to get done, and the anticipation was killing him. A few minutes later, Regulus pushed out the door to the small room and Leo’s eye was immediately drawn to the light catching Regulus’ eyebrow.

“Oh my God!” Leo exclaimed, wincing as the movement sent a surge of pain through his lip. “You look so good,” he added, moving to inspect the barbell peeking through Regulus’ brow.

“Thanks,” Regulus blushed at the approval. “Yours is cool too. Logan and Finn are going to freak out.”

“They sure are,” Leo chuckled. “Alright, I’ll settle this and then I’ll drop you back home?”

***

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” Regulus scowled, reading the instructions on the back of the box of dye for what Leo was sure was the fiftieth time.

“I told you, you haven’t been a teenager unless you have made some questionable fashion choices,” Leo countered. “Except I’m going to look amazing with blue hair so it’s not really questionable.”

“Well, it can’t be worse than this anyway, right?” Regulus grimaced, gesturing to his bleached blond hair.

“Noughties boy band members would be jealous,” Leo laughed.

“It’s a shame it is neither the noughties anymore, nor am I a boy band member,” Regulus replied, shoving the box into Leo’s hands. “Just do it.”

A little over an hour later, Leo was nudging Reg in front of the mirror. “Okay, this was definitely not a mistake! We look amazing. I am taking up a career in hairdressing if I get injured,” Leo declared, holding his hand out for a high five. Whilst Regulus did return it, it was less enthusiastic than Leo had been going for. “You don’t like it?”

“No, I like it,” Regulus shook his head, dragging his fingers along the short sides. The cut wasn’t that different to what it had been before, other than a slightly more dramatic fade. “Just feels weird. My parents would die if they could see me.”

“Well, I think we look badass,” Leo said, running his hand through his own blue hair. He’d left the front long and floppy, deciding to go wild and undercut the back. “Come here, let me take a photo.”

Leo was glad that Regulus had finally learned that while he was not one to throw a tantrum, he did have his ways of getting what he wanted and it was easier for everyone if Regulus just compiled most of the time. The post had barely been up on their Instagram pages for more than 3 minutes when Leo’s phone began to vibrate, Logan’s flashing onto the screen.

“Regulus! Why did my little brother just call to tell me that he wants to dye his hair blue?” Remus yelled up the stairs as Leo picked the call up.

And if drug stores all over the country sold out of blue hair dye the next day? Well, Leo guessed there were worse trends to have started.

[rhys-writes-sometimes]

Music Worth Making Part 6: Finally Free

Requested: yes actually lol

Warnings: Luke’s birthday is in this chapter, so sadness, but I think that’s it (other than bad writing of course)

Series Summery: When the reader’s life is ripped away from them, they’re distraught. But with her two best friends and three certain ghosts, maybe the afterlife isn’t so bad after all. 

Chapter Summery: You and the band play at your first gig.

Word Count: 3,233

A/N: Aaaa I’m so sorry this took so long! I was in a bit of a writing slump, and then school started. Also, I was trying really hard not to cry writing Luke’s birthday scene, so I have no idea how I’m gonna get through Unsaid Emily. Anyway yeah I hope you enjoy!

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Masterlist

______________________________________________________

“How can we die if we’re already dead?” Luke asked, locking eyes with you.

After what happened in the gym last night, you decided you needed a little time alone, to process everything. Whatever it was had scared you, badly. 

You poofed into the Molina’s guest room, where Danny was staying. Wincing when you landed on your bad foot, you limped over to the window seat and sat, looking out at the street below. It was such a neighborhood. It was hard to believe that anything bad could happen here.

And yet, it had.

You gasped as the memory of the club came rushing back to you. Not the fun you had, but before that. Seeing the man who had killed you floating above the table. The Club had somehow made you forget that your host was a murderer. 

Sometime around 9 am, you decided to go check on the boys. They had been hit with the jolt too, after all.

“Y/N!” Reggie called out as you appeared in the studio.

“Where’d you go last night?” Luke asked from his chair. 

“I just needed some time to think.”

Luke nodded once, knowing from your tone not to pry.  “Uh, hey, we were gonna go to a cafe, you wanna come?”

“Oh! Yeah, yeah sure. Sounds fun.”

Luke narrowed his eyes slightly in confusion, but grabbed your hand and teleported to the cafe. 

-----

“Oh, great angle, yeah,” Reggie said as the lady snapped a picture of her food. For some reason, you, Alex, and Reggie were all sitting with this lady while Luke was standing at the counter. 

“Is this what we’re here for?” Alex asked, his voice showing that he was regretting all of his life decisions. “To watch people take pictures of food?”

“It’s fun!” Reggie defended himself. “Watch this, people never stop looking at their phones.” He began to move the woman’s food around the table. She looked around in confusion before leaving the cafe. The three of you chuckled. 

“Plus, Luke said something about this place being a hot spot for music industry people.”

“Boys!” Luke said, sitting down in the chair the lady had just left. He glanced at you before continuing: “and, uh, Y/N, being a ghost definitely has it’s privileges. I just wrote our names on the playlist for tonight.”

“I’m getting a little worried about him,” Alex said, speaking to you but loudly enough so that the others could hear him. “He keeps forgetting that Julie quit the band.”

“And that she’s gonna come back!” Luke protested. “Just as soon as she knows we have a great gig.”

You bit your lip. You knew how stubborn Julie was, and she was pretty mad at the boys.

“But if she doesn’t come back, let's not forget we do have somewhere else we can play,” Reggie said, noticing the look on your face. “And eat pizza.”

“Dude, I know, it was awesome to be seen by lifers at Caleb’s party-” you flinched. “-but we got this with Julie. We don’t need him.”

Pain flared through your body again, almost making you fall out of your seat. It was getting worse; it felt like being stabbed again.

“It’s that same thing again,” Alex said, rubbing his side.

“Just like yesterday!” Luke added. 

“It feels like that time I was fixing my amp in the rain,” Reggie said. You stared at him.

“You shouldn’t… okay,” Alex started, giving up. 

“Look, do you think something’s wrong with us?” you asked, to no one in particular. 

“Yeah, yeah, we ate 10 pounds of pizza yesterday without a stomach. I’m sure it’s just our bodies working through it,” Luke said, although there was a hint of worry in his voice. 

“So we’re just gonna forget about getting back at Trevor?” Reggie said, desperate to change the subject. “That jerk stole our music!”

“And he has to live with that guilt. It’s like what Julie said, we have a new band, a new sound, okay? That’s what we should be focusing on.” Luke leaned back in his chair, looking at the three of you. 

Alex suddenly sat up straighter. “Isn’t that Willie?” he said, walking out the door. 

Reggie smirked. “Well, someone’s not focusing on our music.” You gave a small laugh. 

“Hey, Y/N, are you okay?” Luke said, leaning over the table towards you. 

“Oh, oh yeah, I’ve just got a lot on my mind right now,” you said, giving him a small smile. 

He leaned back in his chair, chewing his lip. He knew you weren’t being completely honest, but he didn’t push it. 

-----

“We’re sorry

So sorry

We’re super-duper, crazy stupid

Sorry!”

The boys sang as Julie walked into the studio.

“In case you missed it, we’re all really sorry,” you said, walking over to her. 

“Yeah, I… I got that part.”

“We’ve been here for like, three hours,” Alex said, high-fiving Reggie.

“We almost sang to your little brother.”

“He comes in here a lot. Mainly to use the bathroom.”

“It’s not our favorite part of the day,” Alex whispered. 

“But, Julie, it wasn’t okay that we flaked on the dance last night,” Luke said, getting the group back on topic. 

“We know we let you down,” you said, moving to stand with the boys. 

“And none of us wanted to disappoint you,” Alex said quickly. “You’re the best thing that’s happened to us since we became ghosts.”

“So, in hopes that you’ll rejoin the band, we booked a new gig,” Luke said, nervously handing Julie the flyer.

“A mega important, life-changing gig,” Reggie smiled. 

“Oh, okay, check it out. Tons of managers go here to listen to new bands. All we gotta do is blow them all away, and we’re living the dream.”

“So, this means a lot to you, huh?” Julie said coldly. “Kind of like how playing in front of my entire school meant a lot to me.”

“Sounds like sarcasm… I’m starting to think our plan isn’t working,” Reggie muttered to you and Alex. 

“Look, we know we messed up,” Alex started. 

“But, we need you in the band,” Luke finished. 

“Of course you do. Because without me, no one can see you guys playing.” You looked at the ground in shame as Julie spoke. “You know, I thought that the music we were writing was special, but you’re too obsessed with your past to even care.”

“I do care!” Luke protested. “Our band has a real chance at greatness, and I’m not gonna let that get away from us again!”

“Uh-huh. Right. So then why did you bail on me to get back at Trevor? I’ll tell you why. ‘Cause there’s only one thing you care about, Luke Patterson, and that’s yourself.”

She turned and stormed out of the garage. “Y/N, are you coming?” she called out. You glanced at the boys apologetically before following your best friend. 

-----

Julie sat on the couch, quietly scribbling down answers to her math homework. You sat in the chair next to her, sketching on a piece of paper you had found. 

“You uh, you got a second?” Alex asked as the boys poofed in. Julie ignored them, turning on the couch so they wouldn’t be in front of her. You stared at the paper you were holding. 

“Oh my gosh, she can’t see us anymore!” Reggie exclaimed. Alex gave him a look; Reggie muttered “oh.”

Alex sat on the arm of the couch. “Julie, please.”

“I already told you, I’m done with the band,” she finally spoke. 

“Yeah, we know, alright? But before you decide that forever, we just… we wanted you to know that Luke isn’t as selfish as you think he is.”

“Yeah, you’ve got him all wrong,” Reggie spoke up. 

Julie scoffed and went back to her homework.

“You remember that song ‘Emily’? Can we at least show you who that’s about?”

-----

You never thought you would be spying on a ghost boy, but here you were. The four of you had walked to a house not too far away from Julie’s, and were peering through the front window from a distance. Luke was sitting on the counter, his eyes red from crying, watching an older couple move around the kitchen. It was Luke’s parents house.

“So, Emily’s his mom?” Julie asked, peering out from behind a tree. 

“Yeah. Yeah, Luke comes here a lot,” Alex said, crouching behind a chair. 

“He thinks we don’t know but, we’ve been following him,” Reggie admitted. “All he does is just, hang out like this and watch them. They never really do anything, though.”

“They’re having cake,” you noted. “That’s something.”

“It’s a… it’s a birthday cake. For Luke.” 

A tear slid down your cheek, matching the boy inside. 

“I never knew Luke was hurting this much,” Julie said.

“Yeah. It’s even worse because when he died, he… left on bad terms. You know, his parents didn’t want their 17-year-old to be in a rock band, so… he just left.” Alex said softly. “He never got the chance to make up with them.”

You watched as Luke blew out his birthday candle. His parents relit it and blew it out together.

“That’s why Luke was so angry,” you guessed, tears falling freely. “If Trevor had given Luke credit for writing all the songs, then…” you trailed off.

“His parents would have known his dreams were worth chasing,” Reggie sighed.

“They would have been so proud,” Julie said, her voice breaking a little. You looked over at her and saw that she was crying, too. 

Alex stood up. “We know how bad it hurts when someone that should’ve had your back… completely lets you down. We never meant to make you feel that way.”

“Julie, we love our band,” Reggie said, still crouching behind a plant. “And Luke does too. Please give us another chance.”

You looked back at Luke and his family one last time, noticing a bouquet of flowers on the island. You smiled to yourself. They were dahlia’s, Rose’s favorite.

-----

“Marching on proud

Turn it up loud

‘Cause now we know what we’re worth,” you and Julie harmonized.

Luke suddenly appeared in a chair. “Whoa,” he said as the music died out. Then he smiled. “Julie.”

She smiled back at him. “Grab a guitar. We got work to do.”

“What made you come back?”

“I realized how important music is to all of us. And we’ve lost so much already. We can’t lose this too.”

“Thanks,” Luke said quietly. Julie smiled at him. “Alright, boss, where we at?”

Julie smirked, taking pride in the name. “Oh, and by the way, happy birthday.”

Luke looked a little stunned, and he glanced at you. 

“Happy birthday,” you said quietly, smiling at him.

A slight blush creeped onto his cheeks. 

Julie laughed slightly. “Let’s go from the pre-chorus.”

Alex smiled. “One, two three four!”

-----

“Guys, are you sure? She’s probably just getting dressed or something,” you said as Luke, Alex, and Reggie stopped outside of Julie’s door.

Reggie smirked. “Which is why I’ll be doing this.” He stuck his arm through the door and knocked on this inside. 

You heard Julie chuckle as she called out: “What are you guys doing?”

Reggie stuck his head through the door. “We’re being classy,” you heard him say. You and Alex pulled him back. 

The four of you walked through the door.

“Why are you still here?” Luke asked. “We’re going in like, twenty minutes.”

Julie sighed. “I lied to my dad, so…  now I’m stuck in my room all night.”

“Yeah, but, we were just at the venue! I mean it’s packed, like, VIPs, managers…” Alex trailed off. “It’s kinda crazy.”

“What are we gonna do about my aunt?” Julie asked, sighing again. “She’s right downstairs.”

Luke walked over to her window, smirking as he opened it. “You’re not taking the stairs.”

Julie shook her head slightly. “Okay. Let me get dressed. I’ll meet you guys there.”

The guys all poofed out, but you stayed behind for a minute, admiring your best friend’s room. It was just so… her.

“Y/N?” Julie asked, making you jump slightly. 

“Oh, sorry, I’ll leave-” you started, but Julie cut you off. 

“No, it’s fine.” She walked over to the trunk of her mom’s clothes, pulling out a leather jacket and turquoise romper.

“So,” she started. “What’s the deal with Luke?”

You felt your face go red. “Huh?” you sputtered. “I don’t-”

“Oh come on, Y/N,” she said with a smirk. “Everyone can see the way you look at him. And the way he looks at you.”

You shook your head. “Even if I did like him, which I’m not saying I do, there’s no way he would like me back.”

Julie rolled her eyes. 

“Really Jules! I mean, look at me!” You gestured to yourself. “I’m a mess, inside and out.”

Julie walked over to you and let her hands hover over your shoulders. “Y/N, you are one of the most beautiful people I know. Inside and out,” she smiled. 

“You really think so?” you asked. 

She nodded. You smiled. “Thanks, Jules.”

“Anytime,” she said, smiling back before putting on her outfit for the night. 

-----

“Next up, Dirty Candi,” announced the MC. 

“Am I too late?” Julie said, rushing over to where you and Flynn were standing. 

“Too early,” Flynn said, staring at the stage where Carrie was standing.

“Hope you all came to have a great time!” she said in a peppy voice. 

You glanced back and forth between Carrie and Flynn a few times. 

“Dirty Candi? How’d she get on the list?” Julie asked.

Flynn scoffed. “Her daddy probably made a call.”

You saw the way Flynn was staring at Carrie, trying to hide behind disgust. You smirked to yourself, but didn’t say anything. 

“I like this!” Flynn said, examining Julie’s jacket. “Pretty flower.” 

“Thanks. It’s a dahlia. My mom’s favorite.”

The three of you fell silent as Carrie started to sing. 

“Whenever I walk in the room

All the focus on me

The way I talk the way I move

They all want on my team.”

You rolled your eyes; it was clear that Carrie was just bragging about herself. Although you had to admit, the song was catchy and the dance moves were pretty cool. 

The guys appeared behind you, smiling as they watched the routine.

“The party don’t start ‘till I walk in

I’m stealing all the attention

Don’t get me started on mentions, yeah”

Suddenly Alex was on the stage. You and Reggie looked at each other in confusion, but Alex looked just as confused as you did. 

He quickly got over his confusion however, and he started dancing along with Dirty Candi. You laughed at his antics, making Flynn look at you in confusion.

 “Oh, it’s the guys,” you explained. 

Alex poofed back off the stage. 

“You having fun out there?” Julie asked him, laughter in her voice.

“It’s not my fault it’s my… it’s my feet.”

Julie scoffed, smiling at him. “Yeah.”

Alex grinned. “Put me back in, coach,” he muttered before appearing on the stage again.

You were thoroughly enjoying watching him dance around on stage, walking through Carrie and obviously having the time of his life. 

When the song ended, he hopped around in a little circle. “You’re making me blush,” he said, pretending the audience was clapping for him. Four members were.

He poofed back to you guys. “I um, I was just doing that for you guys.”

“Mmhmm. You can stop smiling now,” Reggie said playfully. 

“I’m not gonna lie, that was… kinda good,” Julie said. 

“Yeah.” Flynn scrunched up her nose. “I forgot why I hate her so much.”

Carrie walked up to the six of you, although to her it only looked like Julie and Flynn. 

“Hi girls!” she said brightly. “Isn’t it past your bedtime?”

Flynn turned to Julie. “Now I remember.”

“If you’re looking for Nick, he didn’t come,” Carrie said coldly.

Julie stepped up to her. “That’s not why I’m here.”

“Okay, looks like we’re closing out the night with one more group,” the MC announced. “ ‘Julie and the Fat Ones’.”

You, Alex, Reggie, and Julie all looked at Luke as Dirty Candi laughed. 

“Really?” Alex asked him.

“Yeah man, my handwriting sucks.”

Julie walked past Carrie onto the stage, the four of you following her. 

“Uh, hi, it’s actually ‘Julie and the Phantoms’,” Julie said, her voice coming up at the end of the sentence, making it sound like a question. 

“Okay,” she muttered when no one answered, and started to play the piano.

“Hearts on fire

We’re no liars

So we say what we wanna say

I’m awakened 

No more fakin’

So we push all our fears away”

You joined her, appearing on stage and taking the harmony line. The crowd gasped.

“Don’t know if I’ll make it

‘Cause I’m falling under

Close my eyes and feel my chest

Beating like thunder

I wanna fly

Come alive

Watch me shine.”

Suddenly, the boys appeared too, making the crowd gasp again.

“I’ve got a spark in me

Hands up if you can see

And you’re a part of me

Hands up if you’re with me

Now ‘till eternity

Hands up if you believe 

Been so long and now we’re finally free”

Julie smiled, letting you take the second verse. 

“We’re all bright now

What a sight now

Coming out like we’re fireworks

Marchin’ on proud

Turn it up loud

‘Cause now we know what we’re worth”

You smiled as Luke joined you.

“We know we can make it

We’re not fallin’ down under

Close my eyes and feel my chest

Beating like thunder

I wanna fly

Come alive

Watch me shine”

The five of you launched into the chorus again, Julie taking the melody. You dropped out, letting Julie and Luke sing the bridge.

���I got a spark in me

I got a spark in me

And you’re a part of me

And you’re a part of me

Now ‘till eternity

Now ‘till eternity

Been so long and now we’re finally free”

You smiled into your microphone as Julie nailed the high note, taking the melody of the chorus.

You grinned as the song came to an end, enjoying the adrenaline rush that came with singing in front of a crowd. You heard the crowd gasp again as the four of you disappeared, leaving Julie apparently alone on stage. 

“Thank you, we’re Julie and the Phantoms. Tell your friends,” she smiled before stepping off the stage. She immediately ran over to the bar area where you and Flynn were waiting.

You all squealed as they hugged each other.

“You were incredible! Both of you,” Flynn said, beaming at her two best friends.

“Yeah we were!” Reggie said as the boys appeared. 

You stood there in an excited silence for a minute more. 

“Hey, hey, whoever Carrie was trying to impress is coming this way,” Luke said suddenly. 

“Oh, it’s…” Julie trailed off as she turned around and saw the woman making her way over.

“She looks all business,” Alex said a little nervously.

“Wait, who should do the talking?” Reggie asked. Julie looked at him. “Oh, right.”

The woman stretched her hand out for Julie to shake. “Hi, I’m Andi Parker, and I’m-”

“Julie.” Andi Parker was cut off by Ray. 

“Dad!” Julie said in surprise. 

“It’s time to go.”

Tag List: @xplrreylo @ifilwtmfc @sunsetcurvej @yagorlemmalyn @caitsymichelle13 @phantompogues

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[manage-mischief]

Regulus Black and the Darkest Shadows: Chapter 1

Regulus attends Lucius and Narcissa’s wedding and receives a job offer—an offer he has no choice but to accept.

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Hope you all enjoy this chapter! I made up the date of the wedding to fit in with the timeline I have planned. Thank you all so far for your lovely likes and reviews! And thank you to my lovely editor @leah-ravenanne :)

Chapter 1: A Family Affair

December 28th, 1977

“I now pronounce you man and wife.”

Regulus stood off to the side with his Mum and Dad, watching the happy couple walk down the aisle. Applause rang throughout the large, ornate ballroom. Guests raised their wands, conjuring soaring doves and floating lilies to surround the newlyweds. Regulus’s mother wiped a tear from her cheek with a handkerchief.

Following his parents dutifully, Regulus entered the reception area where—so it seemed—the entirety of the living members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight had gathered to celebrate the union of the Houses Black and Malfoy.

“Oh Druella, you must be so proud.” His mother cried as her sister-in-law approached the small family. The two older women kissed cheeks in greeting. Regulus and his father lingered, not eager to engage in any more emotional conversation about dresses or flowers or food. Regulus’s Uncle Cygnus joined them.

“Orion.” He greeted Regulus’s father with a sturdy handshake.

“Congratulations, brother,” Regulus’s father responded. “Narcissa made herself quite the match. The Malfoys will be beneficial allies.”

“Very true, dear brother, very true,” Cygnus drawled, looking pompous. Regulus wanted to gag. How could two people be so dreadfully dull? Surely, talk of marriage alliances and family purity could only be so entertaining. If Sirius were here, he’d have snuck off with Regulus to find the cake by now. Before he could stop himself, Regulus pictured his brother grinning mischievously and joking; “C’mon Reg, Old Wally’ll never know!” The image pained him.  

The day Sirius had run away and abandoned him, more than a year ago, was the last day the pair had spoken properly. Their parents had been throwing a fit after having found the boys listening to some Muggle rock music in Sirius’s room. Regulus remembered the day well. It was one of those lazy days when he and Sirius had simply enjoyed being in each other’s company. When they acted like normal brothers from a normal family, setting aside any animosity or jealousy their parents tried to create between them. It was the type of day that Regulus had cherished.

Then, in an instant, his life was forever altered. His mother burst into the room, screaming, having been home early from tea. She had called Sirius an abomination, had said he was corrupting Regulus and would bring their family to ruin. She smacked his brother across the face so hard that he had tumbled onto the bedroom floor. Regulus was frozen in horror. By the time he regained his senses, Sirius was screaming back, throwing his clothes into his school trunk. Minutes later, he was gone, leaving Regulus behind.

---

“Regulus, I am so glad you came.” Narcissa embraced him, snapping him out of the painful memories. Regulus genuinely smiled for the first time that night. Of all of his extended family members, he liked Narcissa the most.

“Congratulations, Cissy. I hope you’re happy,” Regulus said. He noticed a shadow pass over her face for an instant, but it was gone before he could even be sure it had been there. Her beaming smile was back.

“It’s a great day for the family. And Lucius is…a good man,” she said. “Here, come on, let me introduce you properly. Lucius, darling,” Narcissa called, grabbing onto Regulus’s arm and guiding him through the droves of wedding guests. A tall, blonde-haired man turned around to face her. He smiled brightly as she approached. It was clear he thought the world of her. Regulus was glad, hoping that meant he’d treat his cousin right.

“Dear, this is my youngest cousin, Regulus.” Narcissa introduced the two men.

Lucius stuck out a hand in greeting. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Regulus. Your mother and father have told me you’re still in school? Slytherin, I presume?”

“Yes, Slytherin. I’m in my 6th year,” Regulus replied.

“Wonderful, wonderful,” Lucius drawled. “Well, Narcissa raves about you. Says you’re her favorite cousin. And, from what I hear, we may be working together very soon, so I’m glad to hear you’ve gotten stellar reviews.” He winked and chuckled heartily. Before Regulus could process what Malfoy had said, Lucius and Narcissa were being swept away by more wedding guests. Narcissa glanced behind her, throwing an apologetic look in Regulus’s direction as she hung off of Lucius’s arm. “Talk to you later,” she mouthed before she was swallowed up by the crowd.

“Look, darling!” Regulus was startled by a shrill voice squealing with glee, “it’s little baby Reggie!” Regulus’s oldest cousin Bellatrix dragged her husband towards him. “Well, don’t be daft, Rodolphus, say hello!” she scolded the large man beside her, slapping his arm playfully.

“Hello, Regulus,” Rodolphus said monotonously. Regulus—who had been quite certain that his cousin’s husband was only capable of speaking in one-syllable words—was surprised at the man’s talkativeness. Perhaps it was the joy of the occasion that made Rodolphus so positively chatty.

“Lovely to see you again, Rodolphus,” Regulus responded, boredly. He hoped his lack of interest in conversation would send Bellatrix on her way. Unfortunately, his coldness did not seem to deter her.

“Reggie, I’ve been talking with Goyle—you know Goyle, graduated last year—and he’s been saying that you’re quite the capable student!” Bellatrix praised him, smiling widely. Her deep brown eyes, which had always unnerved Regulus, looked like they were about to pop out of her head.

“I work hard,” Regulus said.

“Well, he also told me you hang around with some of his crew—Mulciber, Avery, Snape—but, you don’t seem to express as much interest in their…extracurricular activities as of late.” Bellatrix pouted her lips and looked disappointed. “And, I was shocked to hear about this! I mean, you want to make your Mummy and Daddy proud, don’t you? You want to be extraordinary? I know you don’t want to end up on the same path as your…old brother…oh what was his name?” she asked, pretending she had forgotten, “Sirius?”

Regulus glared.

---

In the days that had followed Sirius’s flight, Regulus had been distraught, fearing for his brother’s life. He searched his brother’s room for clues about where he had gone, sending countless owls to discover his whereabouts. He barely spoke to his parents—he lived in fear of another outburst if he mentioned his disgraced older sibling. His mother had looked manic, and frankly, more terrifying than ever (which was saying a lot) when she had burned Sirius off of the family tree.

About a month into that summer, he received word from a friend of a friend that his brother was living with the Potters. However, instead of feeling glad that his brother was safe, Regulus was overcome with resentment. His older brother was supposed to be his protector. Instead, Sirius had abandoned Regulus, finding himself a new brother in James Potter. He had left Regulus to deal with their parents, with their family pressures and expectations, and hadn’t even bothered to write! To apologize! To offer to take him along. Sirius had tossed Regulus aside, first chance.

Without his brother, Regulus had no escape from the constant barrage of Pureblood ideologies with which his family aligned. Sirius’s presence had been a beacon of hope for Regulus. Sirius was braver than Regulus felt he could ever be. When Regulus was afraid to speak his mind, Sirius was there to back him up. More than that, he was Regulus’s guardian when their parents screamed and shouted. He was the champion who had defended him from bullies. He was his best friend.

---

Bellatrix clicked her tongue in disappointment and shook her head. Regulus felt his parents approach him from behind. His mother’s hand rested upon his shoulder, possessively. “Bella, dear, you look marvelous, as always.” his mother doted on her niece. “Have you spoken to Regulus about the opportunity, yet?” she questioned the younger witch. Regulus curiously stared at his parents. Orion nodded his head, signaling for Bellatrix to speak.

“Not yet, Auntie Walburga,” she said sweetly, “But, I was just about to! Regulus, all of what I have been saying has had its purpose. I wanted to give you the good news, myself. The Dark Lord has heard of your potential—Rodolphus and I may have put in a good word—”

Regulus stifled the urge to crack a joke at his cousin-in-law’s expense. He hardly believed that Rodolphus was able to produce a “good word,” let alone say one to the Dark Lord on Regulus’s behalf.

“—and He wants to initiate you. Properly,” Bellatrix finished with a beaming smile. His parents grinned behind him. His mother choked back a joyful sob.

“I-I-What?” Regulus stammered. “I-what does the Dark Lord want with me? I’m not even of age yet!” Regulus had figured his family would encourage him to join the Dark Lord sooner or later. They had been priming him for Pureblood perfection ever since he could walk. But he hadn’t expected this offer to come so soon. And to be so definitive. He desperately wished that his brother was here. Sirius would have been able to call his family out, to say that Regulus could make his own decisions. However, Regulus now began to realize his reality; the people surrounding him were the only family he had. They welcomed him. They respected him. They made him feel wanted—something that Regulus had desperately craved ever since Sirius’s departure. This sense of devotion, of belonging, was the straw that broke the camel’s back. There was no sense in rebelling, as his brother had. He was the good son. The one his parents could parade in front of the rest of the world. Even as Bellatrix made her offer, Regulus could sense his parents’ pride. And their pressure. There was really no decision to be made. At least, no decision for Regulus to make.

Holding onto the thought of family, he forced a smile. He stuck out a hand for Bellatrix and Rodolphus to shake. “It would be my honor to represent the Noble House of Black at the Dark Lord’s table.”

[statticscribbles]

Relocation

Summary: Sweet Pea,/Archie- Family Bonding Request:  Sweet Pea and Archie become step brothers and learn to work out their differences as well as getting along with and defending each other against enemies. Tw: underage drinking

To Fred Andrews credit he doesn’t panic when FP and Jughead show up at one am rambling about Hiram’s plan to buy out the Southside. He waits, until they’d been fed, and are sleeping to call Mary at three thirty and panic to her. She assures him that it’ll sort itself out and that he should focus on not altering Hiram or anyone outside of the Serpent’s about what is happening. It takes her three hours to find a flight. It takes Sheriff Keller an hour to bring the Serpent kids in.

Toni’s let go within the first ten minutes, it takes them half an hour to release Fangs. Sweet Pea’s told he’ll be spending his night there. Sheriff Keller watches as Archie and Fred hang around slightly too long. “You two need to clear out and; hey Mary,  just telling Fred and Archie that y’all need to clear out so;“ “I’m Sweet Pea’s lawyer.” Sheriff Keller sighs and shakes his head. “Alright, follow me.” “I know you don’t want to do this Tom.” He nods shrugging. “It’s what I was told to do, the mayor, and Hiram-“ “I know. It’s not your fault.” ———————————————————————–

Archie’s not upset with his dad; he doesn’t care that much, Sweet Pea had slept over more days that he wasn’t and Fred has casually mentioned that since Sweet Pea was emancipated it really didn’t need to be anything official: of course Mary refused anything else when Sweet Pea mentioned it while she was visiting. “Come on it’ll be funny, you know those cute little family photos.” She tries to angle it like that and Sweet pea shrugs Archie however seems upset on his behalf. “That you do for kids when they get adopted?” “You’re seventeen, we’re doing it.” Sweet Pea doesn’t say anything against it; sitting holding the chalkboard sign Mary had written for him. Archie can’t help but laugh and it quickly turns to annoyance when she makes Archie join him. “Look at it this way, we could have gotten matching outfits.” Fred chimes in and they both look horrified.

———————————————————————————– Sweet Pea glares from over the beer he’d pulled from the fridge. “Here.” He shoves an open one into Archie’s hands before he can say anything. “Now you’re an accomplice. Can’t rat me out.” “I don’t give a shit about rattin’ you out, you know that right? All that does is put more stress on dad which I’d like to avoid.” “Well if you weren’t such a stuck up Northsider then-“

“I’m not. You’d know that if you actually hung out with me, or listened to Jughead.” Archie snaps. Sweet Pea doesn’t say anything taking anther drink from his beer. “I don’t like this anymore than you do-“ “So go back to the Southside, you know no one will give a shit. Go back to your trailer where you can exist however you want and not have to deal with me pissing you off for being a Northsider.” “I can’t.” “Yes you can; it’ll be-“

“Sheriff Keller said if he saw me back on the Southside he’d lock me up, considered it trespassing or some bullshit; so I’m stuck, on the Northside.” Archie stays quiet swallowing. “Yeah, so believe me; if I could I’d go back in a heartbeat; but I’d rather not get thrown in Hiram’s prison.” Archie nods. “Sorry; I didn’t realize-“ “No you didn’t ask. If you actually asked I would have said something.” “Would you? Really? I don’t exactly pin you as the most talkative of the group; you’re the big brooding silent type.” “And you’re the dumbass jock; see we can play the cliché game all you want; doesn’t change where we are now.” Sweet Pea finishes his beer nodding to Archie as he passes him to go to the garage. “Sweet Pea; listen, just; you can talk to me if you need.” Archie smiles and Sweet Pea smirks back. “I know; I just did.”

Things seem easier after that, despite both of them getting chewed out by Fred, Mary assuring them she’s just happy they drank at home instead of out where someone could have seen. They eat dinner together and seem content to argue mindlessly about movies and video games. Archie scream as Sweet Pea for eating pineapple on his pizza and Sweet Pea screams back how Archie wouldn’t know a good comic book if it was printed on his face. Overall they seem to reach a content middle; they wait at least a week before telling everyone outside of the Serpent that Sweet Pea moved. Betty pretends to be shocked, both Jughead and her window had given her a clear picture of where Sweet Pea was living. Veronica, Kevin and Cheryl have no reaction beyond a nod; even reggie doesn’t bother with saying anything. ——————————————————————————————

It’s been a week, nobody says anything to either Archie or Sweet Pea, assuming they ignore each other in order to avoid fighting and dragging any drama back home. Archie can tell that everyone is waiting for it to blow up; for one of them to snap at the other and for the precarious truce they formed from Sweet Pea living with Archie to dissolve. It takes two days an a misplaced English essay for them to blow up. It’s not anything noticeable; they both stay silent as usually, but during lunch they hiss and glare at each other anytime that they would usually converse. The Ghoulies that hover on the fringes almost audibly purr as Sweet Pea storms off. They wait for a moment, no one following him; letting him cool off, letting them attack.

Sweet Pea decides it’s just easier to leave, to avoid getting into a fight that’ll drag out all the way back to the house and risk Fred getting involved and giving him the eyebrow’s of dissappointment. He steps away from the lunch table nodding, Archie nods back he knows he’s not actually upset at him; as he walks away. Archie nudges Jughead when he sees a few other figure’s retreating  the direction Sweet Pea went. “Ghouls.” He hisses under his breath and Archie stands, running over. “Can Y’all fuckin’ not.” Archie hisses, Sweet Pea looking up from  where he leers over a ghoul, fist crashing into his cheek repeatedly.

“Sweet Pea get the fuck off him; that’s not fair and you know it.” Archie shoves him with his foot and the ghoul under him wiggles his fist free slamming it into Sweet Pea’s eye. “Fucking Christ.” Archie hisses hauling the ghoul up and slamming him into the wall. He can see the other ones retreating and he rolls his eyes, turning back to hit the one he’s hold cringing when he ducks slightly, Archie’s hand scraping against the brick. ———————————————————————

“It was my fault. I should’ve have been so bothered about it.” Sweet Pea shrugs at Archie’s grab for the blame. Fred just sighs, handing a bag of frozen corn to Sweet Pea to cover his swollen eye. He holds his hand out ad Archie places his bloodied knuckles onto the table. He pulls out disinfectant and bandages. “We were being stupid.” “I know. You don’t need to tell me that.It’s good you two aren’t at each other’s throats but if you two are supposed to be family now you at least need to act a bit more like it. The silent treatment doesn’t really work.” “Yeah, we’ll work on it.”

“Good, Sweet Pea like I’ve said before you’re welcome to the guest room, instead of the couch or  the garage. You know that right?” Sweet Pea nods. “You should take it, might be easier to be a family if you’re in the house.” Archie volunteers; Fred doesn’t say anything but they can both see some of the tension in his shoulders is gone. “Thanks Dad.” Sweet Pea means it as a joke, not something to be taken seriously. He’s about to apologise to Fred, with how he seems to be frozen. “No problem son.” He shrugs turning away from the towards the fridge. Neither Archie or Sweet Pea comment on the mistiness in his eyes.

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[narwhalnation17]

Could you talk more about your fic idea where Luther runs away from the academy and starts working on a flower shop? You mentionated on some tags and I am dying out of curiosity about it!Sorry, but it looks so great and so wholesome, I need to know more about it!

yes!!! omg im so glad you thought it sounded good i was worried nobody would even look at those tags lol

This is gonna be long so buckle up:

The original concept was: What if the accident that caused Reginald to give Luther the Monkey Serum to save his life…wasn’t actually an accident. And then I decided to make the second half insanely fluffy lol

So I was going to start chapter one out in Diego’s POV. He just got kicked out of the police academy because they found out he used a fake ID when he applied and forged a bunch of documents instead of using his real ID because he didn’t want people to know him as “Diego: The Kraken”. Him and Patch had just gone through a massive argument about it and it ended with Patch kicking her out of her apartment that he had been living in. He realizes that to get an apartment of his own he needs to get proof of ID like a birth certificate or social security card. He hates the idea of asking Reginald to meet with him and give him those things, so he decides to break into the academy at night and search through Reggie’s office for them. He gets there and starts looking, when he hears Reggie and Pogo talking and heading his way. He quickly hides in a closet. He overhears a conversation that is something like this:

“But Master Hargreeves, is this really necessary? Surely there must be some other way.”

“The boy wants to leave because he is starting to lose faith in me and in his missions. He is considering a life outside of The Academy. Should I save him from the brink of death, he will feel indebted to me. He will stay loyal and be ready to lead the others when The End comes.”

“But sir-”

“The accident at the chemical plant will bring him to the brink of death, and the serum will bring him back to life. We know the serum works so you have nothing to worry about. The boy will be fine but he will feel as though he owes me his life.”

And Diego is…obviously disturbed by this. So the next morning, he sneaks in again, but this time he seeks out Luther. He finds him, but Luther is immediately suspicious. He tries to explain what he overheard, but Luther thinks that sounds absurd. Dad wouldn’t do that. Dad wouldn’t sabotage a mission to hurt Luther.  Sure, he might not show his affection in obvious ways, but he still cares about Luther…right? But Diego is like, “Why would I make this up?” And Luther is like, “You just want me to leave The Academy because you’re jealous. I’m the only one that hasn’t let Dad down. You want me to be just like you.” This obviously pisses Diego off and the chapter ends with the two of them having a massive argument, rehashing old grudges and insecurities, and Diego being like, “Fuck you if you don’t believe me. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Chapter 2: Luther POV

It had been about a week since Diego’s visit and he couldn’t get it out of his mind. He knows Dad wouldn’t intentionally hurt him, that’s ridiculous, but why couldn’t he stop thinking about it? 

Whatever, whatever, whatever. He has to focus now because the alarm bells are ringing, signaling a mission. He goes in and Dad tells him he has to help evacuate people from…an explosion at a chemical plant. He freezes. Diego said the accident would happen at a chemical plant. That has to be a coincidence. It has to be. There’s no way his Dad would hurt him. There are people in danger and he has to save them. They are counting on him. Dad is counting on him. He has to he has to he has to-

pain-

pain-

all he feels is pain-

Diego was right-

something went wrong-

he screamed and screamed and screamed-

He wakes up. He’s alone and cold and everything feels wrong. He looks down at his body and everything is wrong. What happened to him? This must be a nightmare because now he’s a monster and Dad did this to him and-

All he can do is scream.

Chapter 3: Diego POV woooo

Guilt and worry had been eating Diego alive all week. Reginald was going to hurt Luther. He knew he was. He should have tried harder to get that idiot to listen. He should have dragged the guy out of The Academy. Instead he just stormed out and is sitting around waiting. Maybe he heard Reginald wrong. Maybe it will be fine.

He knew it wouldn’t.

He got the call at around 7 a.m. How Luther knew his new number, he had no idea. But he answered and Luther-

Luther was sobbing. He was nearly hyperventilating over the phone. Crying that he was a monster, that Dad hates him, that he should have listened to Diego. Diego desperately tries to calm Luther down. He eventually gets Luther to calm enough that he can tell Diego where he is. Diego tells him to stay there and rushes to his car and speeds out to pick him up. He finds Luther sitting on the side of the road next to a pay phone, head in his hands and looking massive. He holds off on commenting on his appearance and chooses to plop down next to him. Diego was never good at the whole ‘emotions’ thing and desperately tries to think of how he can help his brother. He tells Luther he can live with him, he can start a brand new life! Away from The Academy, away from Reginald, Luther can start to chase any dreams he has for his life. Luther just looks lost at the thought. “Who even am I without The Academy. I’m Number One. That’s all I am. I don’t know how to be anything else.” Diego looked at him sadly, “You aren’t ‘Number One’. You’re Luther Hargreeves, you just have to figure out who that is, but he’s someone. C’mon, you can live with me while you figure it out.”

Luther shook his head, “You don’t even like me. You all hate me. You all left me.”

“We don’t hate you, idiot.” he sighed and awkwardly said, “We love you, Luther. You gotta know that.”

He takes Luther back to his place. Luther is very underwhelmed at Diego’s new boiler room dwelling, much to Diego’s annoyance, but he still accepts Diego’s offer of sleeping on his couch and living here with him.

They talk and bond (with plenty of petty arguments along the way). Diego tells him about his troubles with his job and his relationship. Luther tells him about how he wants to start a life and get a job, but doesn’t know how to start. He has always loved learning about outer space and taking care of plants. Those had been his two hobbies in all his time alone. 

Diego decides to go out and get job applications for Luther to help him get started. Considering their questionable schooling, he figured rather than NASA, Luther could find a job at a tree nursery or flower shop. He goes around town collecting applications and when he returns home, Eudora is waiting for him. It turns out as Diego was out trying to get Luther a job, Luther was here trying to fix Diego’s love life. Luther had called Eudora and asked her to come to their place and to give the relationship another shot. She looked up as Diego entered and gave a sarcastic, “Nice cave, Batman.” 

They start to mend things between them and Diego moves back in with her, along with Luther who stays in a spare bedroom in her apartment. Luther lands a job at a quaint flower shop in town and things are finally starting to look good. Diego decides to start a self-defense class at the gym he used to live in. He loved helping people learn to defend themselves from harm and to feel safer. The classes grew so much that he eventually started teaching them on most evenings of the week. He was happy, had a job he loved and had the girl of his dreams. 

Chapter 4: Luther POV

Luther wasn’t great at talking to people. To be fair, he never really had to interact much with people outside of his family. So he might come across as awkward. Or socially inept. It didn’t help that he looked like a freak-

He shut down the thought. He carefully arranged the bouquet he was working on and placed it on display. Suddenly a familiar face came springing around the corner. 

“Dude! This looks awesome!” Owner Sam Katz announced in his frat-bro manner, “You always make the coolest bouquets, bro!”

Luther blushed. Sam always showers Luther in compliments and he never knows how to respond. 

“Dude! Your shirt looks dope as hell! Nice one!

“Bro you always look so freaking fit! You gotta show me your gym routine!”

“Man, your haircut is blowing my freaking mind right now! Amazing!”

Luther will always just blush and give a quiet, “thank you.” as he continued to tend to the flowers. Sam is always inviting him to go out to bars or go to a basketball game or go to the mall, but Luther always politely declines. Of course, he always wants to go. But he would make a fool out of himself  and he just couldn’t live with himself if he embarrassed himself in front of Sam.

Luther wakes up every morning and finds himself looking forward to getting up. He gets excited to go to work and see Sam. He finds himself dressing nicer than he usually does just so he can hear Sam proclaim, “Looking sharp, Luth!” as he walked in the door. 

He slowly starts to realize��maybe he likes Sam as a little More than a friend. Maybe he Like likes him. 

He doesn’t know what to do…Sam would never like him like that so he should just keep it to himself. Bury it deep. 

But he goes to work and Sam is telling him about how his brother Dave is an EMT and is hopelessly in love with a man he keeps having to rescue, but he’s too nervous to make a move. Sam says that he wishes- no, begs Dave to just tell the guy how he feels. And Luther is hit by a wave of courage with those words. He pours his heart out, telling Sam that he makes him feel good about himself in a way he can’t ever remember feeling before and that his favorite part of the day is seeing him and how he makes him happy and makes him laugh and-

Sam interrupts his profession with a kiss. A beautiful, sweet, tender kiss that quickly evolves into a fiery make-out. Luther feels passion and fire and love.

After that, they start dating. Sam brings him on a night out to a bar where he meets a group of Sam’s friends and his brother Dave. Luther takes Sam out another night to meet Diego and Patch and they all go to a carnival and it’s magical and he feels happy.

Sam invites Luther to Thanksgiving at the Katzes. Luther had never celebrated Thanksgiving before. He had never celebrated anything before. He frets and frets over making a pumpkin pie and making it perfect. It comes out looking a bit wonky, but still edible so it will have to do. Luther, Diego and Patch all saddle up to the Katzes where Sam answers the door with a smile. Luther meets Sam’s parents, who are kind and loving and nothing like Reginald, and Sam excitedly tells him that Dave had finally asked out the boy he was crushing on and they would be here any minute!

They are all helping finish up the last minute cooking in the kitchen when Dave arrives followed quickly by-

“Klaus?”

“Luther? Diego?! What the fu-”

Things get a bit chaotic after that. 

At the end of it all, Luther and Diego had become brothers again. They had regained love and regained purpose in their lives. They grew and realized the true meaning of family- helping each other through thick and thin. They extended a hand to Klaus and began growing closer to him once again. They then decided to see what Vanya was up to and started going to her shows. Luther would make her a personalized bouquet and she would smile. They would call Allison and congratulate her when she would land a big role. She started flying in on the holidays and they would all have a big family celebration. They all became a family again and all were finally happy.

[just-some-random-blogger]

Blooming Day

Chris Evans x Dancer!Reader Characters: James Corden, Chris Evans  Summary: You were half of the well-known dancing, coed duo ‘Sky Rocket’ that went viral for being able to pop and lock on top of pirouettes and waltzes. Tonight, you were a guest on The Late, Late Show with Chris Evans. Word Count: 2k+ Warnings: Fluff, sarcasm, lots of lols, screaming, sass, not so vivid dancing descriptions, really cheesy ending (nice), etc.

A/N: Don’t you just love AUs? And don’t you wish you would be the guest with Chris Evans if he goes on the late late show.  ALSO I CANT BELIEVE I WROTE AND FINISHED 3 FICS TODAY! ARENT YOU PROUD OF ME MOM!!!!! ANOTHER ALSO, blooming day is so bop yo

“Welcome to the Late, Late Show.” James said to no one in particular as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and turned from his cue card to the two of us on the couch. James was his normal preppy self wearing a signature blue suit.  “This is both your first time here. Congratulations, you’re no longer virgins.” the host spoke, turning to the audience that then broke into laughter just as the two of us did.

“Wow, I popped my cherry with Chris Evans.” I spoke, immediately regretting saying that, “OKAY COOL, I REALLY JUST SAID THAT. This is why I shouldn’t be allowed to be on TV next to attractive people.” I then turned to the host, overlooking the semi-bearded hunk in a dirty brown plaid suit I was literally brushing shoulders with. “Could you not be so darn cute?”

James turned to me, mouth dropping and curving into a soft smile. He then burst into a high pitched giggle, waving me off with occupied hand, “Stop it.”

I scrunched my face up and chuckled softly, “Sorry.”

After a few moments of giddiness, James wiped his forehead with both his left and right fingers and turned to the man beside me, “Hear that Chris. She said I was attractive.”

Chris chuckled, “I don’t doubt that.”

“Oh my gosh,” James said, biting his fist. “Chris Evans everyone,” he called, making the room burst into applause and the said man burst into laughter.

“Now,” James started, turning to the audience, “if you don’t know who she is, you’ve been living under a rock.” He then turned to me, calling my first name, “... is an amazing dancer in a sibling duo called Sky Rocket.”

I nodded and chuckled, placing my cheeks in my hands, as the crowd cheered loudly. “Aw, yeah, thank you.”

“And your partner couldn’t be here today.”

“Ah, yes, yes. He only sprained his ankle, but today was his check-up, so...”

James turned to me, “Only sprained his ankle.”

I gave an airy chuckle, “Yes, it’s a very minor thing when you’re a dancer, which is why you really need to properly warm-up and get the blood pumping. We sprain ourselves a lot, and usually it only takes hot and cold compress to get everything back to normal. His ankle however got twisted and really swelled, so he had to wear a soft cast.”

“In other words suck it up, bro.” James said, turning to the camera, making me break into a bubbly laugh. I slapped my lap, “Exactly, he has no right to get injured! He should’ve taken care of himself more.”

“Well said, well said.” James nodded in agreement. “Now, could you tell us a bit why out of all the words in the world, you decided you would like to call yourselves Sky and Rocket.” The two of us on the couch laughed at that.

“Because they can, James.” Chris said making me call out a prolonged “Ooh.”

I gave a big grin, “Yeah, well that,” I motioned to Chris and chuckled at James’ reaction, as did everyone else, “that is true. Uh, but we actually wanted to be called Mikado at first. It is both a Japanese term for emperor, and a really bright and pretty shade of yellow, and we wanted to be called something that represented something both great and bright. But we ended up going with Sky Rocket because it’s a very literal and figurative sense.

“My brother and I love space, and well sky can be the representation of the grace ballet requires, and rocket the quickness of hiphop.”

The two men to my side nodded at my answer.

James looked at his card, “You and your brother performed at so many award shows this year.”

“Oh my gosh, we did. It was amazing.” I gushed.

“What were the backstage secrets you found out along the way?“ James asked making me laugh. 

“Aww, sorry honey, that’s a secret.”

After making a face and laughing, at this point, James cued for a commercial break and I shifted slightly in my seat.

“You know I’ve seen your videos on youtube and I think you’re amazing.” Chris spoke, turning to me, making my jaw drop and my hands raise to my chest.

“Oh wow.” I said in a deeply surprised tone, “Thank you so much. That-” I nodded my head, “that means so much to me.”

“You couldn’t have said this a while ago, Chris?” James said turning to us as one of the producers on set motioned that we were going back live.

So as we shared a laugh and the audience applaud again, James reintroduced us for the viewers just tuning in.

“Now Chris, the internet is having a mental  breakdown, trying to figure out what the hell,” James spoke, breathing in sharply, giving himself a second before he continued. He then started fanning his face, as if he was at the brink of tears, only causing the two of us, Chris especially, to laugh, bemused.

“... what the hell is going to happen at Avenger’s: Endgame.”

The crowd went wild and Chris chuckled, tilting his head to the side.

“Well,” he said, straightening his posture, “after the devastation the Avenger’s faced after Thanos’ invasion, they regroup, try to pick up the pieces, and see who’s left of them, going on to,” he motioned, “to put and end to Thanos’ reign and bring back what he had destroyed.”

As James nodded, I gave a face and turned to the man beside me. Raising my hand, I spoke, “He literally said nothing, and I already hate it.” 

With that being said, everyone clenched their stomach laughing, Chris especially. Before he could defend himself, I chuckled out and raised my hands as I explained, “You were literally just like, ‘the bad guy hurt us and we’re going to try and hurt him back, hopefully enough so that we save the earth.’”

Chris couldn’t help but lean back and clutch his left breast at how much he was laughing.

James on the other hand nodded and pointed his cue cards at me, “That’s true.” He pursed his lips and allowed everyone to settle back down.

“I’m sorry!” Chris whined, “This is what Marvel does to you!”

“That,” I said, “or you just suck at explaining.”

“Wow,” his jaw slacked into a smile, “thanks.”

“Alright, now since we have a professional dancer with us tonight,” James said, placing his cue cards down on the table, “I thought it would be fun if we danced to see just who is really the dancer between us. Are you guys ready to get crushed?“ James asked us, making both Chris and I laugh.

“I’m trying not to get injured, but okay.” I said.

“Let’s go and play Dancing Machine.” James pointed to the camera, and the band did their segment. At this point, all three of us got down from the elevation and moved to the stage below. Once the band was done and the three of us were set, I really got to see just how large Chris was beside me. He towered over me with his broad shoulders and well formed pants over his obviously equally mannered legs. And as I was in between the two men, on my other side, James was shorter and softer. It was an adorable contrast.

“Before we start this though, I know Chris has a secret weapon up his sleeve.” James said, turning to the tall man, “Chris, you did tap dancing when you were younger, right?“

He chuckled, “Ah yeah.”

“Oh my goodness, really?“ I gasped in enthusiasm. “My brother and I did a year of tap dance, and well, he’s much better at it because he thrives off of meticulousness and all that complicated stuff, whereas I’m a more of a go with the flow kind of person.” I explained quickly, then circling on of my hands around, “can you show us something?”

The crowd cheered and James called, “Yeah, what she said.” making me chuckle and hide my face in my hands.

“Sorry! I just got excited because I didn’t know he could dance!”

Chris then rubbed his nape and turned to his feet, “Gosh, I haven’t done this properly in a while. I can’t believe I’m going to embarrass myself in front of a good dancer.”

“Suck it up, bro!” James called loudly making both Chris and I laugh. 

“Hey, no,” I said, turning to Chris, “It’s alright Chris, I’m sure you’ll do better than you expect.”

With that, everyone held their breath as Chris did a short routine. It was long enough to show what he could do and for the band to do a little background music, but quick enough that he didn’t have to go too technical.

“That was good!” I said clapping for Chris who then went back to us.

The audience thought so too, evident with their cheers. James butt in, “Yeah that was good,” he then placed a hand on my shoulder, “show ‘em how it’s really done though.”

I threw my head back in laughter as did Chris, while the rest cheered.

After the noise settled, I clarified, “I’m not a tap dancer, so I only know a few steps. Actually, I have this routine that has tap in it amongst other things. Can I just do that?”

James and Chris agreed in their own ways.

I smiled, “Okay,” I tied up my shirt dress, enough to make it look like a shirt, revealing the gold embellished black leggings I was wearing underneath. As I wiped my sneakers, I heard the shrill hiss of my manager from not too far. James burst out laughing then quickly straightened up, repeating what he heard from her. With his hands on his hips, he spoke in a high tone, “That’s Gucci, child.”

“It’ll be fine, mom,”  I teased my motherly manager, proceeding to disclaim that she wasn’t actually my mom. I then turned to the band, “It’ll kind weird to dance to nothing, so could I please get a 4 by 4 beat?“

With Reggie on the mic nodding, he lead the band into a 4/4 time signature and I counted and readied to dance with the music. In my head however, I was dancing to the chorus of Blooming Day by EXO.

And for four counts, I moved my hips, pop ‘n locked, twirled, and tapped to the beat.

Once I finished with a sharp and timely crash of a cymbal, the audience was left cheering.

“Amazing.” James said after I bowed and moved back to them. Chris turned to me and clapped, making my cheeks burn up at the sentiment.

“Okay, no pressure. Let’s move onto the game. Rules are simple, the band will play a popular dance song and we’re going to have to dance to it.” James raised his hands, finishing his explanation, “Winner has to buy the losers dinner.”

I burst into laughter at what James said. “Cool, I’ll just sit down then.”

“No,” James raised a finger, “Okay fine, loser has to-- winner doesn’t buy anyone dinner.”

“What about the loser?“ I asked.

“They lose! What else do you want?!” James yelled, making me recoil and chuckle.

“Gosh, alright, just checking.” I said moving away.

With that, the band started playing their own version of In My Feelings by Drake. We all started out simple, doing the windshield and I did a few sharp moves.

“You don’t know this song, do you?“ James called out as Chris coped what I was doing. Chris gave a look, “Gosh, no, sorry.”

“Well, then keep copying her then,” James said rolling his eyes exaggeratedly as he went down low and twerked.

The two of us laughed at that and I cheered for James.

I then joined in the craziness, and showed a few low-key sensual moves.

“Chris, you’re supposed to dance!” James burst out in laughter, stopping his ridiculousness, “Not oogle at the pretty dancer.”

Chris covered his face at that and I felt my face burn up at the comment, as well as my movements slower.

The next song was Havana by Camila Cabello, and so I bust out a few Latin dances I knew. As I did a basic cha-cha-cha, I then turned to James and asked, “You wanna dance with me?”

“We’re the same height, dance with him!” he pointed at Chris as I then argued back, “It’s actually better to dance if your partner-- “ “NO, I’M WINNING THIS THING BY MYSELF, DANCE WITH HIM!” he screamed, making me embrace myself and walk back.

“OKAY COOL!” I blurted out in panic. I then turned to Chris and asked, “Do you want to dance with me?“

“Sure,” he said softly, taking my outstretched hand, making the crowd go wild and James curl up all giddy.

I placed my hand in his, and the other on his shoulder, while his other hand was on my waist. I felt my stomach roll in butterflies. I kept to my toes, considering out height difference, and lead us with is a simple backward-backward forward-forward step. He looked down at out feet, and the inner dancer in me was fighting my reason to tell him to face his partner. I found myself compromising by complimenting him, which in turn meant he had to look at me.

When he did, he gave a bright smile. 

“Can we do a twirl?” I asked.

“Sure,” he replied.

So I counted, one two three and he twirled me around, just as the song ended.

The crowded cheered once more.

“That was good,” I said once again as the band started placing a random song with a quick beat.

The three of us then danced however we wanted and I whipped out my dancing shoes. I did one of my routines that was patterned to the same beat and did some spins and some sharp swaying movements, as I locked my arms at the right times.

After doing some more pre-rehearsed moves, I felt James and Chris move back to give me space. And up until I finished, the band played their tune and I gave it all I got. Right when I ended, I heard James and Chris react to my dance.

“Wow,” James said, introducing me one last time for tonight, along with Chris. The band played a fade off song as I hugged James and greeted everyone a goodnight.

“That was soooo much fun!” I huffed to my manager as I got backstage to change.

“You were amazing,” my stylist said as she handed me the clothes I would change into. “Chris was whip-POWED!” she added, doing a small kick in the air, making me laugh.

“Yeah, that boy could not stop looking your way.” my manager agreed as I laughed them off and changed.

“He said he thought I was a good dancer. What’s the big deal? So do a lot of other people.” I spoke after I changed into an slightly large shirt and denim shorts. I moved to get my makeup fixed by my stylist, who proceeded to squeal, “Yeah but all those other people aren’t Chris Evans.”

My manger laughed, “If you’re brother was here, he’d lose it.”

I rolled my eyes at them, holding back a smile

Once I was done touching up, we got ready to head out. By the time I was out, I saw an also dressed down Chris, on his phone, leaned against a wall.

He looked up from his phone and gave me a smile, “Hi.”

“Hi,” I said, hearing the door behind me shut though I didn’t close it.

“You forgot your copy,” he said, giving me a few pictures of myself, and him and I in the photo booth James has all his guests go to during the start of his show.

“Oh, thank you,” I said, getting the things from him.

“You were great out there. Seeing you dance in person was way better than behind my screen.”

I felt my cheeks burn at that, “Uh, thank you. Thank you so much.”

“So, I, uh, was wondering if... you’d want to go out dancing sometime?“

I bit my lower lip, trying to hold back a laugh, “Isn’t that a line in Captain America?”

He chuckled and turned away, “Maybe, but I’d like to actually go on this dance this time around.”

[stattic-writes]

Relocation

https://statticscribbles.tumblr.com/post/639099629845233664/masterlist

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[sweetdollfromhell]

Chilling tales of Riverdale, a crossover fic

Chapter 7 of a old fanfic but stil alive that is a mix of Riverdale, CAOS and Archie horror. Located in season 2 and will have differences with the canon for both shows.I'm more than happy to jump the whole fake love triangle between Betty, Jughead and Toni (because Bughead, Choni and the friendship between girl and boy exists). The same goes for the drama Betty and Veronica. But I give you friendship and sisterhood instead + Cameo surprise. Ps Don't worry, he won't have an Archie x Sabrina but I really liked the comparisons people made between Archie and Harvey, so I put him here. (I'm reserving another parring for Sabrina).Also because we have nothing of Toni's life except that she has a grandfather who is nice but who doesn't live with her and an uncle who is an asshole who locks her out sometimes, I hope the backstory that I will be okay for you. Warning: there is a cannibalism involvement in a scene but it's not graphic, very short and you're free to skip it if it bothers you (It's in Jughead's dream) and in my defense, it's canon in CAOS and a reference to one of Archie Horror's titles.)The creature for its is  a mix between different native American monsters and the real form of witches in the CAOS comic book. Sorry to make my warnings so long.

**********************************************************************************

The routine settled in with Jughead's new roommate; Sabrina kept the place clean, often cooked and was polite to everyone who showed up at the trailer. Jughead had to admit that his presence bothered him a little when Betty came, but Betty refused to do so when Sabrina had offered to spend the night outside for their privacy leashes. The rest of the day, Sabrina was usually away for most of the day, coming back exhausted in the late afternoon or evening and otherwise staying locked in her room even though she tried to be social with the guests. The cat, on the other hand, was a little more complicated: he and Hotdog hate each other or at least Salem didn't like him. If Jughead was honest, the dog would always growl in the presence of the cat, but rather than attempting the attack, the dog would show itself threatening, but back away as soon as the cat approached. If Hotdog had been a puppy or Salem a cat mastodon, he would have understood, but now... At least, like his mistress, Salem seemed to like to travel around the city and Jughead had been surprised to see him sometimes in incongruous places and often with human food in his mouth although he was probably as well fed as them. At least he had a necklace with his name on it, if not the rest of the information. He had also made progress in his Serpent initiation contrary to his investigation into the Blackhood. He had passed the test and was bitten by a snake from which his venom had previously been removed. He would not have a scar according to Toni (most of the others did not) and because Sabrina, despite having sworn many times not to know anything, had nevertheless prepared two bottles labelled respectively: antivenom and repairing cream.

 At one point, Jugh had ended up asking:

-Are you still looking for a job?

-Do you have one for me? Because I admit that things are not going well, everyone asks me questions like why I'm not in school or comments on the numbers because it's southside.

-The only place I had found to close then...

-Don't worry, I'm not going to impose more than I expected, and I still have some reserve.

-That's not the problem. I was just thinking you shouldn't have to wait like this. I don't know, maybe ask the snakes to say you're someone's cousin or whatever so you can at least go to school.

-Mmm, the same school where you got beat up, where the drugs are flowing and/or my friends the ghoulies are going? I'll pass through. Far be it from me not to finish high school, but I can recover when everything is settled. And I feel bad about asking your...clan for favors? Say Sabrina hesitant.

-Clan? Repeated Jughead vaguely amused.

-It's more than a gang, I noticed that. I wouldn't call it a family, but....

She had a funny laugh without joy before saying:

- Would you find me strange if you told you that your Serpent remind me of my congregation?

-Actually, yes. Because unless your priest rides a motorcycle....

Sabrina laughed again and Jughead thought he might have some new crumbs of information about the girl.

-It's until... I don't know, the united side against all? Being a weirdness by the other side of town? That even younger members are encouraged to participate? The fact that like you  I too have an important foot with this one?

Jughead understood that he would not have much chance of these questions not looking too sharp and just curious, but he tried anyway.

-I don't know that they had religious tensions in Greendales.

-Oh, that's so ridiculous. I shouldn't have compared myself to you, there are just two congregations: Protestants and we are a variant of Catholicism. It was bloody 300 years ago, but now nobody think about it except us unlike you, I recognize that it's to play the victim.

-What is your legacy in all this?

-My father was a priest before he defrocked to get me. And the rest of the family remained quite involved.

She smiled when she talked about her progenitor, before getting stuffed. As much as Jughead was skeptical as much as he was in comparison, he had a new path to explore.

-It's still a pretty thin link," said Jughead before asking:

-Is that who you want to find? Your father?

Sabrina seemed to realize that she had said too much and retorted:

-Is it that important to you? I would have thought you'd have handled worse right now.

-You live in my house," Jughead coldly recalled.

-I can leave, only on request. I was doing very well on my own.

-I'm trying to help and in case you haven't noticed, there's a killer who...

-I am clearly not his target and I know how to defend myself. In addition, I'm sure my safety is more questionable in a caravan without adult supervision, or members of gangs known for drug trafficking and the kidnapping of at least one teenager regularly come to hang out so LEAVE ME ALONE!

Jughead then heard a loud noise that brought them both back to reality. The young man rushed to the source of the noise, in the kitchen where plaster had begun to crack. Confused, Jughead had just enough time to hear you slam the door. Returning to the main room, he saw that Sabrina had taken off.

-Great, complains Jughead.

Betty didn't know what to do anymore. The black hood had promised her a clue if she cut off ties with her relatives, not to mention her threat on Polly. She probably thought she was protecting her unborn children, but because of Betty, she had a target drawn on her back, especially knowing that the serial killer had no problem getting out of town to find his prey. Not to mention the farm, which Betty didn't trust at all. A commune, my eye, a cult disguise yes! Archie and Kevin were already up to their necks in there, but she could at least protect Jughead and maybe Veronica. Yes, you had to see the threat of the black hood as a blessing in disguise. By pushing Ronnie away, she was keeping her safe, right?

Maybe if she repeats it enough, she'll believe it eventually.

Veronica couldn't be more excited; seeing her old friends in New York could only fill her with joy. She was still disappointed that the Cabots could not be there: according to the last email Alexandra sent, she and her brother had been detained by the university.

-You know us Ronnie darling, we'd come here with a snap of the fingers, but if Alex can finish 2 years before everyone else, he'll do it. And I must spend my classes or at least pretend to find me a young first in an Ivy league for Dad to let me go. But as soon as it's settled, we'll come: I have enough scandals and bottles worthy of the name for everyone (it will impress your country friends). Oh, and Alex says to send the demo of the three little kittens so he can see what he can do!

XOXO

Lexa

She will never change, Veronica thought as she read the message. Is that why she didn't tell him about Archie? Anyway, it was nice of Alex to be willing to help Josie, Valerie and Melody if he could.

At least Nick would be there, and she would die eager to introduce him to her Riverdale friends: Archie, Betty, Josie, Valerie, Melody, Kevin, Cheryl and Reggie. She had also invited Jughead who had refused to have anything planned already, Ethel who her mother would no longer let out because of the black hood (and even more if she knew it was to spend the evening at the Lodges') and the mysterious Sabrina who had politely declined to her frustration, really curious to know more about the girl. Looking back, maybe inviting her to a party full of people she didn't know wasn't the best idea, but she wouldn't give up. Her curiosity was piqued, and she wanted to know more.

 How was he going to do that? Archie thought so. Betty had asked him to offer Jughead a break, trying not to hurt him. Why had he even accepted?

(You know why!) His unconsciousness screaming at him. It wasn't just because Betty was a good friend or he was worried about Jugh too. Since that summer, everything had become so complicated: with Betty, with Jughead, with Veronica, with her parents and many others. He didn't want to hurt anyone, and yet he felt like he was hurting everyone unintentionally. And probably was going to do it again because his trackreccod was deeply horrible in there.

He saw Jughead and several young Serpents, he felt angry. He didn't trust them: Joaquim could shout his love from the rooftops for Kevin, he had when he was manipulating when he left, FP loved his son no doubt about it, but it didn't give him a pass for everything he had put on Jugh or his best friend's shoulders: alcoholism, theft, kidnapping, drug trafficking, etc... The situation with Jellybean was not easy for anyone, but it didn't give anyone a pass (including Jughead's mother if it was up to him). Until now their acts of kindness had been rare and often interested... And yet Jughead had thrown himself into their arms without a look back for these former friends. Archie may not have been able to understand what Jughead was going through, but he would be there to help no matter what.

Jugh saw him too and rushed to his friend.

-Archie, you're just in time! I need you! I need you!

Surprisingly, Archie forgot both his primary mission and his resentment at the worried look.

-Of course, what is that...

-Sabrina is missing and I have no idea where she went! I don't have time to look for her, but she left all her things, so she can't be far away.

-Jughead...

-Please, I really can't, but I don't want her to do something stupid! I know Riverdale's is a big town, but she'll come home at least to get her things. At worst, stay by the trailer and tell her it's okay if she doesn't want to talk about it when she gets home? Jughead asked, looking worried.

And Archie Andrew aka Pureheart the mighty gave in.  

-All right.

-Thank you again, Archie, I owe you one!

And he moved away to join the young Serpents to Archie's frustration.

Sabrina was lying on Pop's bench, occasionally sucking her milkshake for an hour before putting her head on the table. Focusing on these dark ideas, she did not see the person approaching her.

-What's going on?

-Huh? Says Sabrina surprised when she sees the owner, Pop approaching her. -Uh, yes, sorry, just... tired. I have enough to pay you, don't worry! She continued, searching through her pockets.

She had money in her pockets before she fled Jughead's house. We should go back at some point and choose what to do.

-I have no doubt about that. You can stay until closing if you need to. I'll refill your glass. More caramel?

-Yes, please," smiled Sabrina.

Pop comes back with his milkshake and when Sabrina still wanted to pay for the two milkshakes right away.

-The second one's on the house.

-What?

-It's a promotion, a second milkshake free for all those crazy enough to come back here after the incidents.

-Are you talking about the black hood attacks? Sabrina asked.

-One in the restaurant and another involving volunteer employers. It seems like this place is cursed," says Pop sadly.

Sabrina looked at him silently for a few seconds before answering:

-Or the opposite.

-Pardon?

-The opposite; they survived even if their injuries were extremely serious. No one is in a wheelchair or severely disabled. His other victim can't say the same. It's a chance to survive in such good conditions after such a close encounter with death.

Sabrina put her head on the bench before saying:

-So I don't think this place is cursed, I think it brings good luck, I feel it in my bones. Luck is powerful, but it can't make the bullets disappear. For example, it may result in serious injury rather than death.

Pop stared at the teenager with surprise before laughing and concluding:

-I think we'll have to find a better argument to encourage people to come back, but if someone orders a burger, the house could continue its promotion and offer him an extra ring onion in addition to the French fries.  

-I'll think about it, thank you," smiled Sabrina.

The people of this city were definitely welcoming.

Suddenly she heard a noise against the restaurant window and turned around. Salem, sitting on the hood of a car with an obvious mewing and trying it, caught his attention.  

(Not today) Sabrina decided, turning around and ignoring the cat. If she was honest, it was small and petty. Salem had it was her rock during her last weeks, but Sabrina was physically, mentally and especially emotionally exhausted. Now she wanted to be a normal teenager eating junk food and pretending everything was fine. Just like old times.

Salem meowed loudly as a sign of challenge before leaving.

Cheryl had continued to peel the box and more particularly the notebook. Written by a certain Narcisse Blossom (bravo for having succeeded in mixing the two favorite themes for first names in the Blossom clan: flowers and Greek mythology). The first Blossom arrived in America with his family and his servants straight from the old English nobility, nothing more than WASP. Understood the fact that he left his beloved England because of scandal.

Her notebook was not exactly a diary, but Cheryl found some interesting information in it. He seemed to have had a strong influence on the region even before the town of Riverdale was founded: an iron fist, charisma and an incredible business acumen. Once again, all the most common things he had about the Blossoms.

But that didn't prevent the misfortune of the strike and he almost lost control. It was at this point that two things began to come back more often: the village on the other side of the Sweet River that would become Greendale and the name Sara Spellman.

Spellman? Wasn't that the name on the wedding photo?

Before she could continue, Cheryl heard the sound of a door opening violently, making her jump.

Would it be paranoid of him to pass by and look for his bow before he saw who dared to disturb her?

Archie wondered what he was going to do: find another opportunity to carry Betty's message to Jughead, find Sabrina and find a way not to hit the first Serpent in the face that fell under his hand.

But one of his problems was going to be solved...

-MEOW!!!!!

Archie looked down at the black cat who was now at his feet.

-Hey, hello there," he said, bending over to confirm his suspicions.

Around the cat's neck, a red necklace with a medal or the name Salem was visible. If he was there, chances are Sabrina wasn't far away.

As Archie bent down to caress him, Salem moved a little further before reuniting him a little further.

-Hey, you don't have to be afraid.

These words were stupid because the cat must not have understood it and now that Archie was observing it, it didn't seem to scare him. More annoying and full of contempt...a normal cat look is enough. But Archie noticed that the cat stayed in sight and was waiting for him.

(He wants me to follow him?). A dog, Archie would have understood, but a cat? Maybe it was true that cats are as smart as dogs, they are just too proud to be trained.

Salem guided him to Pop's chocolate shop and started meowing again under one of the windows where he saw Sabrina. Of course, the cat couldn't come in. Archie bent over to flatter the cat who this time if he let it.

-Do you want her back outside? No problem, I must talk to her anyway.

It may have been a play of light, but Archie felt as if the cat rolled his eyes. He came home anyway, trying to silence the impression that he was running out of air. Remain calm, greeted Pop who was in no way responsible for the whole situation and suffers as much as he does before going to the table or eating blonde.

-Hi!

Sabrina jumped, almost choking.

-Archie? Oh, it's been a long time. I didn't think I'd see you here, but please sit down," she said, pushing her plate towards him.

-Thank you, I’m here because Jughead asked me for help to find you.

Sabrina then had an expression of discomfort that combed herself on her face:

-Ah. He is...

-Worried. I don't know what happened between you two....

-Nothing! Just... just a fight. I guess we both have our nerves on edge. I'm not going to act like I'm not a burden.

-The little I've seen, you don't seem to be a burden. Jughead wanted to look for you, but he couldn't have caused...

-From his initiation! Oh, that's right, it's today! Oh shit, I must get everyone ready! She said in a panic.

-Are you going to participate? ask shocked Archie.

-Unofficially, I have no idea what's going on in the past because it's only for members, but I'll just prepare a few things just in case. Never heard of an initiation genre that doesn't physically, mentally or emotionally destroy you, so I want to have a first aid kit, the complete series of twilight zone downloads and enough comfort food for an army.

Archie reprimanded himself, which made Sabrina feel obliged to ask:

-You don't have any plans, do you?

-What are you talking about?

-You and the red circle, you're not going to follow them or something like that?

-There is no more red circle, we had to dissolve.

-Oh, sorry.

-No problem. But I still can't believe Jughead decided to join them," Archie said with cold anger.

-He probably has his reasons. I'm not enthusiastic, but I don't trust any gang, brotherhood, commune, fraternity or anything that involves going through trials and following up on settlements.

-Are you including the American Scouts in this?

-Yes! 2nd organization with the most sexual assault on children reporter, laughs Sabrina. -Note that maybe I shouldn't be so judgmental; my decision making is far from being the best.

-Do you count the fact that you came to Riverdale?

-Only the period when I arrived, people are mostly nice here, I think.

-Including the Serpents?

-I didn't have a brunch with the whole gang. I saw maybe five, six if you count the dog and I didn't even interact with all of them. I tend to prefer to stay in the room when people come. In order: Hot dog, the dog is nice even if he and Salem hate each other. There's a kid who came 2 or 3 times to see a hot dog, I don't know his name anymore and I'm not sure he saw me. There's also a guy with a really original nickname, Tall Boy who was his father's right-hand man who didn't see me either. It's tense between him and Jughead, probably because as his right-hand man, he would have taken Mr. Jones' place, but many hope the son will be in charge until he returns. I'd be suspicious if I were him. And the three with whom I interacted....

Sabrina sighed before continuing:

-Toni is incredible and she really wants Jughead's good, I don't doubt it for a second, but I think we're too like get along ironically. And if she started, I am the one who burned any chance of progress when she tried to reconcile," she says with regret.

-Fang looks like a bully, but if you dig hard enough, there's something fluffy and pink that just wants to be loved and surprisingly cultivated. And finally, Sweet Peas, whose real name is Olivier, also looks like also looks like a shallow brute... but that's because he is, she said, smiling at Archie.

-Seriously, this guy is a mean fool! Admiring a serial killer and wanting to build a bomb? Oh don't worry, I doubt he can make a baking soda volcano without help, so a bomb, Sabrina mocked when she saw Archie's expression change.

-I'm starting to regret that I didn't give him more than one black eye. Gronda Archie

-So much was probably deserved in his case, didn't you have someone who claimed to have stabbed himself on your side? I'm not a pacifist, but I'm not sure this battle will help anyone. And then Jughead keeps an eye on things... I think that's one of Toni's motivations. Better a leader who can keep them on a leash, than a Caligula who will set the city on fire and to death. Or ghoulies. They seem to be more dangerous than expected.

-You have a lot of opinions about everyone for someone who doesn't want to get involved," Archie said.

-In my defense, what is happening in this city is more interesting than any TV show. It helps to relative.

-Relativize?

-I prefer the slightest hindrance to an imaginary happy ending.

-With help, maybe you can get your happy ending, Archie said with a smile. -Besides, your cat's outside Pop's door. I think he's worried too.

-Yeah, I saw it. But I had a moment without anyone including Salem.

-Do you still need it? Because if you're not ready yet, I can leave you alone or we can go somewhere else before we go home. At Betty's, at my house or even I don't know if you know, but my girlfriend Veronica is having a party at her house and she said you could come if you want tonight instead of waiting alone in the caravan.

Sabrina looked up at him and had a difficult expression explained giving him back his smile but having a look of someone ready to cry as she contemplated Archie.

-It's amazing how you remind me of my boy... my ex," she ends up saying.

-Did it end badly between you two?

-Yes, you could say that. He... he was great, and I miss him.

-If you're not together anymore, he probably wasn't that great.

-No, it's my fault. I wanted help, but.... hell is paved with good intentions and it exploded in my face.

At that moment all Archie was experiencing was Betty after her sister left, Jughead after her mother left and Jellybean, Veronica after learning the consequences of her father's actions, Kevin the manipulation of Joaquim and Cheryl that fateful day on the lake was freezing.

-We're going to pay and go for a walk, okay?

-Mommy? Nana Rose? Who is there? Who is there? Asked Cheryl suddenly regretting that she didn't have her bow with her.

-Hello, sweetheart," suddenly said a voice of an unknown woman.

Cheryl turned around to find a woman who must have been in her late thirties, small in stature with a round face and blond, curly hair. Everything about her feel like cookies from the oven and long hugs. Yet Cheryl still wanted her bow.

-Hello, person the police will arrest in ten minutes if they haven't left my house.

-Oh, am I scaring you? Sorry, your mommy brought me and my sister in. She's treating her, but we'll be able to see her soon if that's what you're worried about," replied the woman in the same tone as if Cheryl had been four years old rather than seventeen. -I'm Hilda and you're Cheryl, right?

-I don't care about...

-Cheryl, that's enough!

Penelope was standing there in much better shape...much too well. Only a few burns remain near his neck and one of his hands. She still seemed a little physically weak, which was the reason why the woman accompanying her seemed to support her. With the same expression as if Penelope were an open garbage bag, but still. Hilda's sister was much taller and had a pointed face, these hairs were Venetian blond and for her part, she released more of a schoolteacher expression ready to make you sink your exam.

-Zelda, you were quick!

-Of course, I was quick," replied this one in an icy tone. -It's not that difficult to fix.

Then his eyes crossed Cheryl's.

-Come here," said this one, as if Cheryl were a dog.

-Pardon? Who thought you were old-fashioned bi....

-CHERYL, you come here right now! Shouted his mother with a surprisingly nervous expression.

Cheryl hesitated before moving forward with no turtle to the point that Zelda called her moved forward to join her and without hesitation grabbed her face to force her to look at her.

Cheryl felt paralyzed, wanting to scream, but unable to do anything while the woman observed her pupils like two then bottomless wanting to swallow her soul.

-No," she said disappointed when she released her grip.

-Seriously, Zelda? How incompetent do you think I am? His sister got angry.

-Not incompetent, just naive. She must have had that from someone.

-Yes, from his mother! Hilda got angry.

Zelda had another expression of disgust before addressing Penelope.

-Don't forget the payment. You are on credit for the moment!

-You would have it, didn't worry.

Zelda had one last look of contempt as Hilda shakes her hand goodbye before leaving mother and daughter alone.

-Mommy, what is it...

-Listen to me, Cheryl! Your little crisis in the hospital was the last straw. One gesture, one gesture, and I send you to the sisters of quiet mercy, am I clear?

And Cheryl lost what little control she never had.  

The cat meowed his displeasure when he finally saw Sabrina go out with Archie. She took him in her arms and rubbed his forehead against hers.

-Sorry, I needed some time for myself. Do you forgive me? I have leftovers!

The cat sniffed the bag before jumping out of his arms and without moving too far away, he stayed at a distance by shaking his tail and following them.

-Does he sulk at you? Archie asked.

-Yes, not that it's not deserved. So, you have an idea where to go? Sabrina asked, changing the subject.

-Well, I'll think we could go to my place....

-You remind me of my boyfriend, but not this ...

-Oh no, Archie cut it off by understanding his misunderstanding. - I wanted to go see my father. I'm worried about him after what happened, so I was saying we could pass.

-Oh of course, sorry I thought the worst. I tend to see the devil's tail everywhere, Sabrina apologized.

-It's okay, everyone's been paranoid lately. And besides, I admit that maybe I do have a favor to ask.

-Well, ask," said Sabrina amused. -Worse, I'd say no.

-Betty said you have talents with plants. Do you have any ideas for something that might help my father? It comes at the end of the prescription period and even if he says otherwise, he is not getting better. So, if you have any idea of anything that might help.

-Oh of course! You can show me what he was taking, and I'll see what I can do. I can't promise something that strong, but maybe I can find something that can help it work.

-Thank you, said Archie.

As they arrived at the Andrews' residence, Salem began to run and passed them to go directly into the yard.

-Salem? Salem's come back! Cries Sabrina.

The cat returns, but comfortably seated in Fred Andrew's arms, purring.

-Hello Arch, are you coming home already? And you brought a friend? Fred asked more curious than anything else.

-Yes, it was faster than expected with Betty.

-What about Jugh?

-Also, Archie answered a little quickly. -This is Sabrina

-Hello Mr. Andrew," said Sabrina nervous.

-You can call me Fred," said Fred kindly, freeing his hand to shake Sabrina's hand.

-Sorry about Salem, he has a strong personality.

-Is it yours? Says Fred surprised. -It doesn't matter, he's quite friendly except maybe with Vega. He's just asking for table scraps.

-Are you sure you can hold him with your allergy? Worried Archie.

-He must be hypoallergenic because I've seen him dragged around the house for a week and no symptoms.

-Probably, he's a bastard so it's that or having one of the cats with special hair in his genes, Sabrina said quickly. -Sorry again, he considers that he needs these eight daily meals and I refuse to serve him more than three, so he has got into the habit of begging," Sabrina mocked.

-It's nothing and then he actually paid the last time. I thought he had a dead bird or smile in his mouth and imagine my surprise when I found a $50 bill in his mouth.

-Uh... yeah, he brought back stuff he thinks people like like candy or money sometimes, you're lucky it wasn't Monopoly tickets, Sabrina laughs nervously as she looks at her cat.

Archie noticed his discomfort and tried to change the conversation.

-We just stopped by to pick up a few things for tonight's party and for Sabrina to get some rest too.

-I will also punish my cat by giving affection to your dog, Sabrina joked.

-Make yourself at home, Fred answered.

 -There they are, said Archie once his father had left them alone to lie down.

If Fred tried to hide it, he was still weak from his attempted murder and as much as he tried to ration himself so much, Archie had understood that his father was more dependent on them than he wanted to show him.

-Oh dear," said Sabrina in shock. -This thing is strong, but the amount was ridiculous. Shit, the American health system sucks!

-Do you only believe in traditional medicine? Archie asked.

-No, I believe in modern medicine...in Canada and in the Scandinavian countries," she says with a little smile. -And a lot of traditional medicine is shit too. It's an in-between that would be necessary. But good for if I can reproduce what's in there, I doubt it... Not legally anyway. For example, maybe I can do something that would help you sleep and reduce your pain without causing you to become addicted. Does he drink herbal tea?

-He likes coffee more, but I've seen him take it before, Archie says.

-Perfect, give me three days and it'll be ready, Sabrina says with pleasure.

-Thank you again, said Archie.

-Nothing and I'm... I'm sorry about earlier with my ex. I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable and I'm not trying to hit on you....

-It's nothing, honestly. I'm just starting to think I have a very common face.

In front of Sabrina's questioning face, he explained:

- Mrs. Blossom saw her son through me. For a while, it even seemed like they were trying to get me to replace him.

Archie expected a sarcastic or disbelieving comment, but for a moment Sabrina's expression seemed a mixture of horror and disgust before answering:

-It's twisted and disgusting even for them.

- I must admit that thinking about what Mr. Blossom did...

-His wife too, turn you into their sons for what next? To get you married to their daughter? What kink of fuck up you must be to even think about that, Sabrina continued, as she seemed to have trouble keeping her cool.

-Hey, it's okay, I think you read too much in there.  And Cheryl has a good heart. If you change your mind, she'll be at the party, tried to calm her down Archie.

-Yeah, I'm not going to blame a child for their parents' crime. Thank you, but I'll pass. Maybe another one when he gets fewer people. I'd like to meet Veronica, Betty says a lot of good things. For the tea, like I said give me three days and it will be ready and... Thank you again for today.

-It made me happy. Are you ready to go home?

Betty felt like she was going to die. The black hood had ordered her to break off her relationship with Veronica at the risk of making Polly pay if she refused. He had also promised a clue to his identity, but sociopaths were not exactly known for respecting their words. She had already had to part with Jughead. And who knows who would follow: Archie?  Kevin? Everyone until she was all his? It holds back a shiver of disgust.

For now, she had to concentrate to give a convincing performance. And to her great misfortune, she had a good idea of what would push Veronica to the limit: throwing her past in her face and comparing it to her father. Would only remain accumulated the anger she should release. All you have to do is look around her: see the others consumed by the jingle jingle as idiots when they knew the effects, Nick who seemed to him a pretentious idiot and who didn't miss a chance to rub Archie in the wrong direction, the loss of Jughead, his parents, Polly, to have missed Kevin's distress and finally his future treason. Forgive me, Ronnie, I don't want to lose you.

While Veronica, who had noticed Betty's coldness and her withdrawal from others, rang her phone.

(No please, not yet) thought Betty as she retired to be able to answer.

Hello? -Hello?

-Betty! I'm so happy to talk to you! Polly wrote on the other end of the line.

-Me too, Betty says, shares between the desire to hear from her sister and the fear of not respecting her contract with the black hood. -Why are you calling me so late? Is there something wrong?

-Oh, it's not much, I just needed to talk to you a little bit. It's probably my hormones that are screwing up, trying to rationalize her sister.

-You call me at almost 10:00, it must be important," Betty said against her best judgment.

Polly sighed, but eventually gave in:

-I think I think I feel and see things.

-Go on.... say Betty confused and worried.

-It's just a kind of discomfort, like sometimes I feel like we're watching, or I think I see something from the corner of my eye.

-Do you have someone watching you? Cries Betty horrify when she hears her words and remembers the threats of the black hood.

-No... probably not. Look, I just don't feel well, and I just wanted to call you.

-But did you see anyone? Insisted Betty.

-I saw something! But I don't think it was a person... it had the right size, but nobody moves like that, Polly continued.

-What do you mean, what do you mean? Betty continued confused.

-Oh, shoot, I think I woke up the others. I'll call you back when I can.

-Wait, you can go back to the...

She hung up.

-Home, Betty concludes, looking sadly at the phone in her hand.

-Betty," Archie shouted. -As soon as you saw Veronica?

Toni was helping Jughead as best he could, and he got into the caravan in the poor state he was in. Damn, Sweet Peas hadn't gone soft for him. It was better if he didn't go to bed right away to avoid the risk of a concussion.

As she opened the door and supported Jughead, she heard footsteps rushing to open it. She was wearing pink pajamas and a worn apron unknown to Toni.

-Oh, there you are! Sabrina wrote as she opened the door wide. -Back home, I have plenty of good food for you.

If Jughead's condition shocked her, she didn't show it. Psycho or hardened? Couldn't help but wonder, Toni asked herself.  

-Glad to see you, whispered Jughead.

-Me too, even if I wish I had seen you in better shape. Sorry again about this morning and Toni? Good to see you too," Sabrina sincerely said.  -Do you want to stay and eat?

-Of course, Toni stays," continued Jughead.

-Awesome!

Toni had to give her this: this girl could cook. The meal was delicious and despite her best judgment, she reserved herself. After that, she and Sabrina took care of Jughead. This was not the first time Toni had taken care of someone in a bad state, she even remembered having to take care of Joaquim when he had spent his initiation with his mother six months ago. Sabrina also seemed to have experience and Toni had decided to give her a pass for her strange products.

-More ice? Toni asked as she headed to the fridge to wrap it in the damp cloth.

-Please, say Jughead.

-It's impressive, but you shouldn't have a scar," says Sabrina admiring. -So, Serpent prince, what would please his royalty?

-Don't overdo it, it's not a monarchy, Toni replied.

-It's cool as long as Jugh doesn't order me to give him a bath and make him macaroons, that's fine with me.

-What?" Jugh asked.

-Who would ask that? Continued Toni

-A girl I know. For a festival in Greendale, we had to elect a queen and I had to take care of all her whims. And that's not the worst part, she even tried to organize an orgy in my room.

-Liar, said Toni.

-I swear," continued Sabrina, who seemed amused as she told the story. -Six people, it counts as one orgy, doesn't it? I mean, if I'm honest, by digging under the layers of badness, he had a pretty cool person. Or maybe Stockholm syndrome has finally started, Sabrina says with a sincere smile on her face.

-It's your ex?" Toni continued.

-What? No! Just sister-nemi, I suppose? Tempted Sabrina clumsily. -Not that it would be wrong, I consider myself as a fluid, but it's her as an individual, not as a girl that I...

-Hey, a simple no would have been enough. But whatever you decided to come out of the closet, I like both too. Even if I may lean a little more towards the girls, recognized Toni. -Are you Jugh?

-Oh, I'm going through it too?

Sabrina and Toni would nod in unison.

-Well then I love Betty, but I don't think I have a desire for other girls or guys for what it's worth," Jughead admitted.

A little lie, Jughead had had feelings for another person, but the sex itself? He hadn't wanted to watch playboys at puberty or had the same questions from others. Nothing until I fall in love. And even then, it was more the connection with Betty than the act itself that attracted him.

-Demisexual? Toni asked.

-Probably, said Jughead.

-I think I would go in that direction for myself too, Sabrina continued. -Finally, I have all my life to be sure," said Sabrina, looking a little sad. -Did you choose the episode you want to watch?

-I hesitate between Time Enough at Last or A World of His Own," says Jughead.

-Maybe, look at both, since I'd like you to stay up late in case you have a concussion, said Toni worried. -Besides, I asked Hack if he could fix the hole in the kitchen. You really have no idea what caused this?

-None, we were both in the main room when it happened.

-A mini earthquake or someone who sent an object against the caravan tried Sabrina.

-No, the ground didn't move, and the sound didn't come from outside. It looked like someone hit the wall with all their strength from the inside.

-I don't see what it could be like in this case.

Liar thought Jughead then. But before he could try to dig into the question, he heard Toni say while looking at his phone:

-Oh, shit.

Betty and Archie found Veronica pale and trembling with anger.

-Ronnie, are you okay? Asked Betty right away.

-I'm sorry, but the party is over, can you warn the others," replied this one, trying to control an adjacent anger.

-Ron, you worry me, what are you...

-Archiekind, please.

Archie reluctantly obeys, leaving her with Betty.

-Ronnie, what's wrong?

-Later, please. I'll explain later....

The dreaded ringing of the phone then began to play, forcing him to obey. She withdrew separately to answer.

-Evening.

-You disobeyed me! You didn't come.

-I was held back...

-I don't care! You should have listened to me, someone will have to pay for it, maybe your dear sister!

Suddenly, anger flowed through Betty's veins.

-You're not as good as you thought you were. Three of your victims survived and Polly saw you running around ready. She notified the police, she says defiantly.

-What?

His reaction took Betty to class; he seemed...surprised? That his sister saw him? Or... Oh, of course.

-I'm really a poor excuse of detective. That's not the real Black hood talking, is it?

The person at the other end of the phone was passing the surprise tried to regain control of the conversation, but it was too late.

-Of course, I'm the real Black....

-Oh, that's right. Who is really calling? Chuck? A ghoulie? You know what? I'll tell you what. It doesn't matter! You played with my nerves and tried to separate me from my loved ones. If I were you, I would get down on my knees and pray that I wouldn't find it, BECAUSE I WILL BE MY PLEASURE TO DESTROY YOU!

And she hung up without him, giving him time to answer with a surprising sense of satisfaction.

Toni couldn't go home tonight. It wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last time it would happen until she was eighteen. Her parents had died when she was four years old: during a battle in a bar, a guy hit her father with a glass still in his hand, seriously injuring him in the throat. His mother panicked, had tried to go to the hospital with him rather than wait for an ambulance that only arrived once in three times in time. Drives too fast and not exactly sober, killing them both. The person in charge had gone to prison, sentenced to five for assault and making only two for good conduct and blaming Mister Topaz.  

After that, she had lived with her grandparents. It was perfect until Grandma got her fatal cancer and Grandpa became too sick to take care of her full time. Grandpa  have to send her to live with his uncle Timothy. He was okay when he was taking his meds, the problem was that it only happens once in a blue moon. He was unstable, and nothing could cause him mood swings that often-had explosive results. Refusing to let Toni in the house was for a more or less long period was usually her reaction to punish her for whatever she thought was wrong. In this case, forget to buy orange juice.

Impossible to go to Grandpa's tonight, Joaquim was absent and she could not see her knocking on his mother's door who still blamed them for her son's situation without his presence, Fang's parents were nice, but with the uncle, aunt and their children being recently settled in their homes in addition to their already large family, they didn't even have a closet or install Toni and going to Sweet Pea meant facing the mad drunk who was his mother. So yeah, she was screwed.

-You can stay here says Jughead. -You only have to share the bed with Sabrina.

- Thank you, Jugh," said Toni, hugging him.

-Or you can have the bed and I'll take my sleeping bag to sleep somewhere else, Sabrina continued.

-Okay, seriously, what's your problem? Are you afraid I'll strangle you in your sleep or what? Toni got angry.    

-It's not that! It's just... I have night terrors, okay? I thought you'd like to avoid it," said Sabrina embarrassed.

-So, what, you might kick him and whine in your sleep? Because I don't remember ever hearing you scream in your room," says Jughead.

-I'm not screaming, it's closer to paralyzing her from sleep. When I regain control of my body, yes I may kick and if I don't scream, I cry and mumble.

Toni sighed before saying:

-On the bench seat of a car into a metal scrap, under Sweet Pea's bed among her dirty socks and behind the Whyte Wym bar where I know for a fact that people have vomited, pissed, spat and fucked because I had to clean more than once. These are the three worst places I had to sleep and I had a lot of people with whom I had to share a bed or a room that snores, talks or moves in their sleep, I even shared a bed with Fang's little sister who regularly peed in bed while his other sister who slept in the room made her teeth for a month. I can survive to your worst trust me.

-Okay, fine then, but Salem is sleeping with us. He can sleep outside the bed....

-MEOW! Shouted the surprising cat Jugh and Toni, but not Sabrina.

-Okay, Salem has to sleep with us, but he won't move on my side," Sabrina said.

Everyone had left the party and Archie was taking Betty home.

-Veronica told you what happened? Asked the ginger.

-No, but she said she'd call me. Don't worry, I'm sure she just didn't want to talk to everyone around her.

-Her father's return stressed her out, Archie continued. -Maybe it's related to him.

-Maybe.

They continued walking in silence until Betty broke the silence again:

-I'm sorry for what I asked you. To break up with Jugh for me.

-Yeah, speaking of which... I couldn't do it, at the time I had the opportunity, an emergency arose and he was already gone.

Archie had expected a lot from Betty after telling her the truth, but certainly not that little nervous laugh.

-It's perfect, it's just perfect.

-What did I miss?

-Nothing. I think the guy who called me and said he was the Black hood was an impostor. Then it's just as well that you didn't say anything.

Jughead was dreaming. A dream without any real logic that seemed to place him in three places: running through the free and princely woods knowing that he was the master of the place, then sitting at a table eating a most exquisite buffet that never seemed to be finished and finally with Betty, beautiful and smiling, dressed in a white dress, flowers in his hair, he kissed her so happy. The fantasy changes every time he blinks until they start to mix: he runs into the woods with Betty, licks the sauce with his fingers and lips, stops in the woods to pick fresh fruit and eats the still warm flesh of a deer. He was free, he was strong, he was hungry, he was in love, he was controlled before he lost him. The images continued to melt and mix with each other. Until Jughead found himself in a forest above Betty lying in the grass with his hair spread like a halo around his head, his lips slightly ajar as if to sigh, these green eyes watching Jughead feast on the best meal of his life. Meal that found in Betty's abdomen.

Jughead woke up with horror and had just enough time to rush into the bathroom to vomit.

-What are you doing here? Says a voice in the woods.

-It's not your home, go home or the chance to be the meal of its real inhabitants," continued another.

Toni kept walking through the forest trying to ignore the voices that could have mixed with the sounds of nature yet seemed to scream in his ear. She continued to walk despite everything because backing away seems out of the question. Too close, too close, but to what?

The answer came quickly.

There's a... person in a clearing? So tall and thin with a skin too pale, almost off-white, but which seemed hard as a bark with hands where it was hard to know where the nails were finished, and fingers started giving him long black claws scraping something off the ground whose nature Toni has no desire to know. These fluorescent eyes shone behind her long grey hair and it has a mouth that stretched from ear to ear filled with sharp yellowish teeth that refuse to stay hidden. Finally, his legs seemed to be tucked in like those of a quadruped with a kind of long protuberance at the foot that held as much of a hoof as of a claw.

-What do you want? Asked the thing with a surprisingly feminine voice.

-I... I... I... I

-If you're here, it's because you want something, or can you be useful for free? I would be very happy to do so.

-Useful? Suddenly said Toni, whose word had finally brought her out of terror and brought her to anger.

The thing shook his head to confirm his words.

-This is not your land and you are not my race, I don't owe you anything. But maybe you want to change that?

She put her hand through her hair, cutting a handle with her claws: as she fell to the ground, they turned into snakes.

-Finally, be what you want to be: sure of your choices or why not be at the crossroads?

Immediately the snakes began to crawl towards Toni, she from disgust struck the nearest one so the sound of the shock woke her up!

Covering her eyes, another blow was heard, and Toni turned to the side of the bed that she discovered empty. Following the ground cover trail, she found Sabrina lying on the ground, her eyes wide open and a huge blue starting to appear on her forehead. Her cat rests against her trying her best to calm her down by rubbing against her.

-Sabrina, what happened? Says Toni while trying to get it up.

-I... I hit my head... and I fell, says this one flatly.

Toni then noticed with horror that she was bleeding from behind her head.

-Oh, shit. Come on, let's get you cleaned up.

As soon as they were out, Toni heard Jughead vomiting in the bathroom and left Sabrina on the couch to meet her.

-Jugh, what's going on? Do you need to go to the hospital?

Jughead turned around and tried to reassure her:

-It's nothing. I guess food too rich and blow to the head doesn't mix well. Did I wake you up?

-Han, miss albino did it. She managed to blow her head off in her sleep. Don't ask me how she did it. At three years old, I don't say, but at sixteen?

Jughead finished cleaning up and Toni took care of Sabrina's head. It was just a cut that, like all head injuries, had just bled a lot.

But after their respective nightmares, none of the Serpents wanted to go back to sleep right away and that also applied to Sabrina in case she had a concussion. Perhaps it was better to continue the twilight zone marathon.

-If you don't mind, I might do some laundry while I'm up.

-Are you sure that's a good idea? Asked Jughead. -Maybe it's worth sitting still.

-Oh, come on, just the towels. They're full of blood thanks to both of us and it's going to be awful to clean them if you wait too long. I will make a quick promise," she insisted.

-Just, if your head turns, you stop and come back.

Sabrina bought it and headed for the washing machine. She started to classify the different clothes and towels, throwing them in the machine before stopping at what she was looking for.

She checked that the other two were busy (more discussed the future of the snakes than looked at the screen) before turning her attention to the towel: it was the most stained of all and it had only Jughead's blood on her. In this state, claiming that it was too damaged to be washed and had to be thrown away might work. Discreetly, Sabrina took it and waited for Salem to approach. The cat knew exactly what to do and took the towel between his teeth to take him to the room to hide it while waiting for the right time. Hot dog wanted to follow the cat, but he emitted a rumble too low for the human ear, but cataphoric for the dog who immediately backed away. The cat seems to have an expression of satisfaction and Sabrina went to join the others.

[riverdalssweetpea]

I Will Always Choose You

Request:  Could you write an image with Sweet Pea based on episode 2x04? Where y/n (Archie's sister) defends the serpents? Also sweet gf?@rochyu

Hey everyone, especially Rochyu I gave the story more background then I think it needed to be but I still hope you enjoy it.  P.s. I only tag characters that are in my imagines

It all started when Jughead transferred schools. He was your and Archies best friends since you were kids. It broke your heart when Jug told you he was going to attend Southside High. But to make it up to you he said you and Archie could come over to have a movie night at his place. You made it to Jugheads trailer a bit early because Archie and Veronica were having alone time. And there was no way you were going to be in the same house as those two. Once you made it to Jugs trailer you used the key FP gave you a while back. Once you walked through the door you were meet with four new eyes on you.  

“Who the hell are you?” Said the handsome dark-haired guy sitting in the recliner.

“SP be nice that's one of Jugheads friends who are coming over.” the pink haired girl said to the very cute guy

“Who are you two? And yes I am one of Jugs friends.”

“My name is Toni and this is Sweet Pea. Jughead went to take a quick shower before his friends came over. But if I remember correctly he said it would be another 2 hours before you would come over.”

You walked over to Toni to shake her hand and then you went to shake Sweet Pea’s hand but he didn't budge. You just looked at him with a facial expression that said ‘really it's just a handshake’

“It’s nice to meet you both and yea I know its just that my brother and his girlfriend are at my house and I did not want to be in the house when they do it.”

“So you got a name northside princess?”

“My name is Y/N, not northside princess”

And that’s where it all started. Him calling you princess made you feel some sort of way. A way you previous boyfriends couldn't make you feel. So you decided to flirt with him a bit and make the most of it.

“I'll go warn Jughead that you're here.”

Once she went to get Jug you made yourself at home by going to the fridge and getting yourself a drink and getting comfortable on the couch.

“So how do you know Jones?” Sweet Pea’s eyes were always on you when you walked into the kitchen. There was something about you that caught his eye.

“Jug and I have been friends since we were kids. He’s like a brother to me. And how are you and Jug friends, Sweet Pie?”

“One it’s Sweet Pea and two we go to the same school and he’s a serpent and I’m a serpent. YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT? PRINCESS”

“Why would I have a problem with a good looking serpent,” You said to him with a wink

“Are you flirting with me, princess. Because if you are maybe we should kick it up a notch.” 

Sweet Pea got up from the recliner and sat on the couch very close to you. Close enough to feel his body heat radiating off of him.

“Well, maybe we should SP. Only if your game.” You moved closer to Sweet Pea teasing him seeing what he would do.

“Oh I’m game Princess” And with that Sweet Pea but his hand on your knee and moves it up to your thigh.

“Y/N you're here early and I see you have meet Sweet Pea and Toni.”

 “Yea I have.... um... what movie are we watching”

Jughead went to get the selecting of movies he had in his room while Toni went to the kitchen to make popcorn

“Listen, Pea, right now isn't the best time for what we were doing but if your still game here's my number and maybe we can continue what we were doing”

“Sounds good to me Princess”

------ 3 Months Later-------

You and Sweet Pea have been dating for 3 months now and you couldn't be happier. Archie has been getting on your case asking who you were seeing but you know he would flip if he found out you were dating a Southside Serpent. Especially since your dad got shot at Pop’s. You have been sneaking Sweet Pea through your window whenever he was out doing serpent business and his trailer was too far. Once Archie found out Jughead was a serpent he was pissed because he thought the Black Hood was a serpent. Then he started his stupid Red Circle. If only Archie could keep his mouth shut and if only he could think twice about his actions. It became harder for you to have Sweet Pea over because he called you to talk about how stupid this red-headed northsider was.

One night Archie and Veronica were talking about something when there was a knock on the door.

“I got it, Archie”

Once you got to the door you were greeted by Reggie and some of the Bulldogs that were part of the Red Circle.

“Umm, can I help you, Reggie?”

“Hey, Lil Andrew is Archie around we need to talk to him.”

“My name is Y/N and yea he’s here. Come on in guys”

Its been nearly an hour since the Bulldogs came over. They were talking about how they were getting the red circle back together. You told him it was a stupid idea because your just teasing the Black Hood making their family a target again. For a moment Reggie agreed with you but then a roar of several motorcycles came. Veronica went to check the window and looked at Archie.

“Archie trouble.”

You were confused what was going on and there was this feeling in the air that Archie was hiding something big from you. Archie ran towards the door to be faced with the serpent he pointed a gun at the other night.

“How stupid can you northsiders be. You think you can come to my house, stick a gun in my face in front of my boys and think there wouldn't be any payback.”

You recognized that voice it was your boyfriends' voice. And you couldn't believe what was coming out of his mouth. Your brother Archie pointed a gun at your boyfriends face. OMG why does Archie have a gun and why was he on the southside of Riverdale for. Before you could get up Reggie pushed you back down on the couch and when to the door with Archie.

“ You have crap timing bro, Bulldogs eat Serpents for lunch”

“Well see about that”

Sweet Pea said as he got closer to the door and tried to get in Archie and Reggie's face. You started to walk closer to the door and you stood next to Veronica. Sweet Pea pushed Reggie trying to start a fight but you pull him and Archie back. And that’s when Sweet Pea noticed you. His first thought was what were you doing at Archies house but then it all clicked. This is your house too he just never really paid attention to it when he would come over. Archie turned back to see you and Veronica behind him. 

“Y/ N, Ronnie stay here”

“What Archie”  “Archie are you being serious right now”

“Listen after my dad, I made a promise to protect him, Y/N and this house........Stay here both of you”

Sweet Pea kept his eyes on you the whole time. But something was different when you looked into his eyes. He looked like you betrayed him.

“Listen if you wanna fight well fight”

“What about your gun?” “What about your knife”

“How about no weapons” You step forward with Veronica hoping she would try to stop this but you interrupted her.

“I agree with Veronica on this one no weapons”

“Of course you would agree with her, Northside Princess.”

Archie pushed Veronica behind him and Reggie while they stood behind you.

“Hey leave my sister out of this serpent”

“You know I feel bad for her I mean she had to live with you her whole life. If only there was some way or someone who can take her away from YOU.”

“What the hell are you talking about”

“Oh, she didn't tell you?” Sweet Pea looked at you as if he was testing you.And as if he was teasing Archie. Archie looked at you then looked back at Sweet Pea.

“That she’s dating me. Who know’s maybe one day I'll be your brother-in-law.”

“WHAT!! Y/N your dating this southside scum. Really you could do so much better than him.”

“Archie if you could just please listen...” But he cut you off 

“I don't want to hear about it. Now are we doing this or not”

And with that, he slammed the door on the serpents as him and the Red Circle got ready for this fight. The whole time you tried to talk to Archie but he couldn't even look at you. You ran upstairs and locked yourself in your room.

“Archie don't you think you should talk to Y/N. She looks really hurt.”

“I have to focus on this I’ll talk to her later”

-------- To the point when Veronica shot the gun in the air----------------

You were soaking wet from the rain and by the time you made it to the bridge the serpents and the Bulldogs were running off into their own vehicle. You looked around trying to find Sweet Pea you wanted to see him, you wanted to talk to him. It was hard to tell where he was because of the rain but you saw him and he saw you.

“Princess what are you doing here? Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“Sweet’s I’m fine but you are not okay”

You raise your hand to cup his face trying to get a better look at his face.

“Y/N Andrews !!!  Get in this car so we can go home” Archie was helping Veronica into the car. You looked at him then to Sweet Pea.

“Let's go patch you up, Pea”

“Y/N!!! Come on you seriously can be going with him”

“Yes, I am Archie. You don't know Sweet Pea like I know him and I'm gonna be honest with you Sweet Pea is a better person then you are.”

“Are you choosing him over family”

“Not over family just over you Archie just till things calm down.”

-------- At Sweet Pea Trailer-------

It took you about an hour to make sure he was all patched up. He kept looking at how focused you were.

“Did you really choose me over your own brother”

“Umm well, twin brother and yea I did. Sweet’s I really care about you”

“You care about me that much that you would leave your twin brother for a no good Serpent.”

“Yes I care about you that much and what can I say I like bad boys. And Archie is an idiot and I  would choose you over him any day. I’m on your side”

“Hey listen I know we've been dating for only 3 months but it feels like the right time to say this.....I love you Y/N ...............even if you're related to Andrews.”

“Very funny Pea and I love you too”

SP Tag List: @jaaxsoadeaanspn  @southsidepea

[kindofchaoticgood]

Til the Storm Comes and the World is Quiet - Chapter 5

Ariel, Queen of Seaside, former princess of Atlantica, is curled up on a couch and reading a story to her children before she receives the call.

Callie and Storm are sandwiching her, their heads pillowed on her sides. Storm is trying valiantly not to fall asleep, but he keeps nodding off, and then awakening with a start. Callie is also fighting a losing battle with sleep; her sandy eyelashes are fluttering over her cheeks.

Melody is pretending not to listen, but Ariel can clearly see that her phone screen has long gone blank. Moana is making no such pretensions; the girl from Motunui is listening with an enraptured expression. She has never heard the mainland fairy tales, and treasures each story that she hears each night. Once, when Melody had tried to pull her away to go watch a movie, Moana had waved her off and insisted, “Melody, these stories are wonderful! I don't care if they're for little kids, I’m staying!”

Melody had protested, but Moana refused to budge, and Melody had at first gone off on her own, but eventually came back, setting herself down on a chair with a sulky scowl. Callie had flung herself into her older sister’s lap while Moana and Ariel exchanged amused glances.

Eric is usually there for story time as well, but tonight is his meeting with the leaders from Maldonia and Dunbroch. Technically, this is his night to read to the children, but she's happy to take over for him. King Fergus is notoriously heavy-handed with the ale, and Naveen and Eric get along like a house on fire, so it's going to be the early hours of dawn before her husband makes his way home.

The room is quiet, save for the sound of Flounder’s aquarium buzzing in the corner and Ariel's voice, until her phone starts playing the theme from Hamilton.

Storm mumbles a complaint against her side, and she pats him absently on the head as she reaches for her phone and checks the number on sees Jasmine’s name flit across the screen. She wouldn’t call this late unless it was important, Ariel thinks, sliding the Call button. “Hello?”

“Turn on the television,” Jasmine’s voice is tense. “And after you’re done, come to Agrabah. We’re convening an emergency meeting of the Council.”

“Jaz,” Ariel says, alarmed. “What’s going—”

“Watch first,” Jasmine orders, then hangs up.

“Mom?” Melody is standing now, and Moana has half-risen out of her chair as well, a worried look on her face. “What’s going on?”

“I’m not really sure,” Ariel confesses, reaching for the remote on the coffee table and switching the television on. Snow White’s face fills the screen for a moment right before a video starts to play.

As the video goes on, Melody flinches when the guards and the children start to fight, and Moana looks horror-stricken when the Auradonians point their guns at the two boys. Ariel only stares at the screen, but her hands are covering the eyes of her children, who are starting to squirm around in complaint.

When the video ends and the news feed comes back on, Moana blinks hard, and tears fall down her cheeks. “What was that—” she begins, but her voice breaks halfway through.

Ariel is already on her feet, and her mind is racing a thousand miles. Part of her wants nothing more than to bundle up all of her children and stash them away from the world forever, but the bigger part is telling her to keep it together, because she has two very young children in the room and one very traumatized girl to take care of. “Mel, I need you to take Callie and Storm to your room. Try to get them to sleep, but if they don’t, then just have Carlotta look after them. I need you and Moana to try and find Eric right now, he’s probably already heard about this, and we need to figure out what our statement is going to be. Take Sebastian with you, he’ll have some input in this as well—”

“Don’t I need to attend the Council meeting as well?” Moana asks thickly, wiping her eyes. “As the representative of the Islands—”

“No,” Ariel says firmly, walking over to her as Melody starts to lead Callie and Storm out of the room. “You need to have Carlotta make you a hot chocolate and cuddle with your pig for a while. I’m not going to let you go to the meeting when you’ve just seen - that.”

“I’m fine,” Moana protests. “I - I was just shocked, that's all. I'm fine now-”

“No, you're not,” Ariel counters. “You just saw a room full of children being threatened with guns. No one is fine.”

Moana’s eyes, usually so bright and full of life, look absolutely shattered, and Ariel hates that, hates how the girl’s worldview has just been shattered by that act of cruelty. She wraps her arms around her, and feels Moana's frame shake under her. It saddens her, but mostly enrages her, because how dare Adam and Belle let this happen in their kingdom?

“Listen to me,” Ariel says quietly, pulling back slightly to look Moana in the eye. “Your parents appointed me your guardian while you tour the Realms, and as your guardian, I’m telling you to stay here until we figure out what's going on in Auradon.”

I refuse to put her in danger.

Moana sighs shakily and disentangles herself from Ariel. “Do you think there's any chance that it could be a mistake?”

Once upon a time, Ariel would have said yes without hesitation. She would have defended Belle and insisted that she would never let something like this happen. But she hasn’t spoken to Belle in two years, and she is no longer the naive little mermaid who believed the best in people.

“Absolutely not.”

*****

When the car screeches to a halt, Uma is up and out of the car before Marya and Gonzo even have a chance to process that the car has stopped moving.

I cannot believe that I cried like a little dick in front of them. What the hell is wrong with me?

Her skin feels itchy and too hot for her body; she isn't entirely sure if those Auradon bastards poisoned her or not with that stupid milkshake, but she wouldn’t put it past them. She's sure Ben has had an entire team of lawyers interrogate him about the exact wording of his vow to find all the loopholes. After all, if she is poisoned, it wouldn't have been Ben harming her, it would have been Melendez.

Uma grits her teeth and storms through the doors to the Chip Shoppe, Marya and Gonzo lugging the limo’s entire supply of food behind her. (Note to self, she is a dick for not helping.)

As soon as she steps through the doors though, an eggplant-colored tentacle wraps around her throat and lifts her into the air, cutting off her air supply.

“Where the fuck have you been?” Ursula snarls from the floor, taking a swig out of her ever-present cough syrup bottle. Her other tentacles are writhing dangerously and her eyes promise absolute murder.

But Uma just rolls her eyes, and pries a few suckers from her throat so she can talk. “Hello, Mother.”

“Don’t fucking try to change the subject with me, you little slut,” Her mother slurs the last three words, so they come out more like yalitleschlut. “I asked you a fucking question. Where have you been?”

Instead of answering, Uma casts her eyes around the room. Her mother must have opened up anyways, despite the fact that she sent Cook home today and had the closed sign up. Luckily, there aren't many people, only a few people at the tables and one over at the bar/counter area.

Thankfully the kids seem to be gone; Desiree and Murph must have taken them outside once her mother made an appearance. Ursula isn't exactly above strangling a child who isn't quick enough to get out of her way, and she especially hates her nieces, who make up the bulk of the children that hang around the Chip Shoppe at any given time.

Her crew is scattered around the room; Ashe and Claudine are in the middle of serving customers, all of whom look terrified, which means that Ashe must have shouted them into submission. Jonas and Reggie - what the fuck is Reggie doing here? She told him to go home and look after his brothers - are behind the counter, pretending that they know how to cook. Sierra is casually covering the sword check with her body while Gil and Bonnie are sweeping up the floor. Bonnie is handling the broom while Gil tries to sweep up the dust, but he keeps on sneezing and scattering dust everywhere again. Marya and Gonzo are quietly edging along the wall, trying not to draw attention to them or the large amount of food that they're carrying. Everyone is studiously avoiding looking at her or her mother.

Except for Harry, who is outright glaring at Ursula, despite the purple-black bruises forming on the left side of his face. And from her current position in the air, she can clearly see bright red sucker marks around his throat.

Blood roars in Uma's ears, but she forces herself to remain calm, because losing her temper will just make things worse, and she really doesn't have the fucking time to get into a screaming match with her mother right now, she needs to turn on the television and see if her plan is working. At the same time though, part of her is screaming for her to grab the knife in her boot and fillet the bitch. (She's never claimed to be rational when it comes to Harry.)

“School,” Uma lies coolly, making sure not to move too much. Her mother's grip is tight, but Uma knows that Ursula doesn't give a damn about dropping her.

“School,” Ursula repeats, sarcasm dripping from her tone. “That's interesting, considering today is Sunday.”

Fuck, the one time she looks at a goddamn calendar!

“Is it?” Uma asks, trying to keep her tone bored. “Well then, I guess that's why it was closed.”

“Maddy Mim mentioned that she saw you over by Yen Sid’s house,” her mother accuses, cinching her tentacles tighter in an unspoken threat.

From the corner of her eye, Uma catches a glimpse of purple hair and sees Morwenna Mim curled under a table. She jerks her foot discreetly and the younger girl looks up at her, revealing a cut lip, which stretches out as she grimaces at Uma. Uma closes her eyes, irritated beyond all belief because fucking Maddy Mim just doesn't know when to stop, does she?

She’s let Maddy live for this long because her grandmother is still a scary motherfucker, despite being a thousand years old, but Maddy just keeps on coming back like a V.D. Claudine and Morwenna still haven't given her permission to kill Maddy yet, and while Uma respects Claudine's views and the fact that Maddy is Morwenna’s sister, she's just going to have to kill her at this point. Not just for Claudine's sake, but for Morwenna's. Every time the younger girl comes back with a new scrape or bruise, Uma has to restrain herself from telling Harry to bring her Maddy's head.

“Come on Mama,” she croaks out instead, letting a smirk drift across her face. “Are you seriously gonna listen to a Mim instead of your own daughter?”

There is dead silence in the Chip Shoppe as Ursula’s bloodshot eyes run over her, and Uma can practically see her mother weighing whether it’s worth it to press this further. Her mother doesn’t have a particularly long attention span, and she knows for a fact that that tent dress she’s wearing is new, so Ursula probably doesn’t want to wash blood out of it just yet. She meets her mother’s gaze evenly, willing her body to exude indifference.

After what seems like an age, Ursula unwinds her tentacles from around Uma’s body and unceremoniously dumps her on the floor. But Uma has had a lot of practice falling by now, so she mostly manages to take the brunt of the impact on her side before rolling up and drawling, “Thanks.”

“Get to work,” her mother commands, tone surly as she heads towards the door. “I don’t want to see your face again until morning. Do not even think about closing up, I will find out and I promise you, you will regret it.”

With that lovely parting remark, Ursula slithers outside and Uma lets out a heavy sigh, briefly putting her head down to try and control her expression before standing up and yelling.

“Alright, bitches, show’s over! Get out now, and I’ll let you keep your wallets.”

“But your mom said you couldn’t close!” Kellan Stabbington protests, his red-haired cohorts grunting in agreement.

Uma rolls her eyes and pulls her pistol out of her left boot, firing two shots into the wall behind Kellan’s head. “Do I look like I care?”

Luckily, the other customers quickly take the hint and exit quickly, but Kellan still looks like he wants to say something stupid. After a dark look from Harry, he realizes that he’s severely outnumbered and strides out of the Chip Shoppe huffily, not noticing Morwenna quietly snatch his wallet.

Uma stashes the pistol back in her boot. “I told you to stay home,” she snaps at Reggie, who has the gall to look unashamed.

“Jonas told me your plan,” he says, grin crinkling the freckles on his face. “Are we really going to Auradon, boss?”

“If we get our shit together, yeah,” Uma mutters, then says loudly. “Move your asses, people! Jonas, stop cooking and go get Desiree and the kids back. Reggie, Sierra, I need you to make a list of kids on the Isle including our crew.  Marya and Gonzo can split the food up among all of you. Gil, turn on television and start taking notes on what's happening. I want a full report by the time I get back.”

“Where’re you going?” Gil asks, already looking alarmed at the prospect of responsibility.

“To set myself on fire,” Uma growls. Now that her mother's gone, she can acutely feel where the sweat has dried on her clothes and she's either about to cry again or scream if she stays here any longer. “I smell like a do-gooder.” She starts to head up the stairs to the flat above the Chip Shoppe, then pauses to yell over her shoulder as she catches sight of Harry helping Morwenna up from under the table. “And can someone get those two some medical attention?!”

Harry makes a move to follow Uma as she storms away, but Marya blocks his path. “I wouldn't do that right now,” the fire-haired girl warns. “She's been in a mood since Auradon.”

“She's always in a mood,” Harry retorts, trying to push Marya aside, as Bonnie grabs his arm and forces him into a chair.

“This time it's different,” Marya replies uneasily. “She . . . Threw up on the way back.”

Harry's gaze snaps up to hers. “Was it on . . . ?”

“I don't think it was on purpose,” Marya says quickly, and Harry looks like a giant weight has been lifted off his shoulders. “She mentioned the other day that she was seven months without an incident and seemed really proud. I don't think if she was that happy about it she would you know . . . Fuck it up.”

Harry considers all of this as Bonnie shows up with an ice pack and presses it firmly to his face. “Motherfucker,” he finally mutters, glaring at the floor.

“Did she eat anything?” Bonnie asks, handing the ice pack to Harry and starting to examine Morwenna's face.

A look of panic came over Marya's face. “I can't actually remember,” she confesses sheepishly.

Harry groans and Morwenna rolls her eyes. “Some help you are,” the younger girl snipes.

“She may have had a fight with Evie or something,” Gonzo says, walking over and handing Morwenna a large bag of gummy worms, which she tears into instantly. “When I came in to get her, the windows were shattered.”

“What the fuck?” Bonnie twists her head to stare at Gonzo, still trying to force a struggling Morwenna to stay still.

“Yeah, but here's the thing: Uma's hands weren't bloody and neither were Evie's. So I have no idea what the fuck happened-”

“Gil, stop flirting with Claudine and turn on the goddamn TV when I tell you to!” Uma descends down the steps like a storm, already having changed into an oversized flannel shirt that clearly belongs to Harry and leggings. Her hair is pulled up, and there is a thunderous scowl on her face.

Claudine blushes furiously and starts playing with her hair, while Gil turns bright red and mumbles something about how he wasn't flirting, Uma, God, and goes over to the television to turn it on.

The dim clamor in the room slowly stops as an image of Jonas with his hands up fills the screen.

*****

Ariel manages to catch a last-minute portal to Agrabah after sending a series of quick texts to Eric to warn him about Melody and Co. 's impending arrival as well as an explanation about where she's going. As she steps through the portal door, her heart is hammering wildly in her chest and her skin feels feverish. Portal traveling is the absolute worst generally, but after what she's just seen? So much worse.

The Portal opens out to an ornately decorated hallway and Ariel has to blink a few times to adjust her eyes to the sheen of the gold surrounding her. Jasmine obviously sent a servant to go get her, because there is a young woman in front of her with an earpiece and a harried expression.

“Queen Ariel?” She asks desperately, fiddling with the stack of bracelets on her arm.

“That's me,” Ariel replies politely, trying not to make any sudden movements. The woman seems like she might burst into tears at any moment, and Ariel doesn't want to startle her.

“Right this way,” the woman takes off at a clip down the hallway, and Ariel hurries after her, silently cursing herself for not changing out of her heels earlier.

“They're in here,” the woman points at the door and Ariel walks in, bracing herself for anything.

There are several televisions clustered on one wall, all blaring at full volume but broadcasting different channels. Unlike the gold splendor of the hallway, the walls in here are painted a simple cucumber color, with comfortable armchairs and a sofa scattered on top of a creamy carpet. A white desk with two large computer monitors crouching on it and two matching cabinets next to it are facing the same wall as the televisions, along with a high-backed chair. There is a hallway leading out to a small kitchenette, and through it, Ariel can see Tiana furiously slamming dough on a board, flour sticking to her curls.

Jasmine is pacing around the room, her cerulean hijab whirling wildly. She's muttering angrily under her breath in Persian, arms gesturing wildly in a silent argument with an invisible foe. Ella is leaning against a wall, focusing intently in the centermost television, face drawn. Pocahontas is sitting next to Aurora, one hand resting protectively on her bump while the other holds Aurora close to her. There are tear tracks down Aurora’s face and her phone is clenched in a white-knuckle grip in her hands.

“Welcome to hell!” Jasmine exclaims once she catches sight of Ariel. “Don't linger in the doorway, come in and suffer with the rest of us!”

“What's going on?” Ariel asks cautiously, entering the room and sitting on an armchair.

“Adam and Belle arrived in Auradon just now, but my father still refuses to let me give a statement to the press until 'we have all the facts’. What the hell is that supposed to mean? There’s a video, we know what happened,” Jasmine’s voice is rising and she looks about ready to kill someone. “Al’s on the phone with the Prime Minister right now, they’re trying to convince my dad to let me give a statement. I had to leave the room, I was about to start throwing things if I heard Dad say ‘give them a chance to explain’ one more time.”

Ariel winces. “I’m sorry, Jaz.”

“Whatever, I’m over it,” Jasmine strides over to the desk and presses a side button, making a vanity mirror rise up from the middle, along with a selection of makeup. She unscrews a bottle of eyeliner and continues. “I’m going to give the statement even if Al and the PM can’t convince him. It’s just a matter of how angry he’ll be at this point.” Her hand moves the brush steadily across her eyelids, movements precise even though she is clearly agitated.

Ella sighs. “At least you can do something. My father-in-law and Rory’s parents are refusing to do anything.”

“What?” Ariel turns, horror stricken, towards Aurora, who lets out a sob against Pocahontas’s shoulder. “Why?”

“Because he’s an awful human being who cares more about keeping the trade agreement between Montcavrel and Auradon alive than about children almost getting shot,” Ella snaps out, fingers fiddling with the large diamond solitaire on her ring finger. “Kit got into a shouting match with him, and they were still arguing when I left. Meanwhile, Rory’s parents are insisting that everything is fine and that this is all propaganda.”

“That doesn’t even make any sense!” Pocahontas calls out grumpily, still stroking Rory’s hair.

“Believe me, I know,” Ella sighs, sharing a commiserating look with Ariel.

Rory looks up, eyes full of tears. “Those kids are so young, and they look so scared . . . and I know it’s stupid, but every time I see them, I just think that it could have been Audrey being shot at . . .”

“No one would dare lay a finger on Audrey, Rory,” Jasmine says quietly, turning around in her chair to face the room. “She’s royalty.”

“I know, Jaz, but I’ve been calling her nonstop and she isn’t picking up her phone. Her phone is practically attached to her hand, why isn’t she answering?” Rory asks, tears starting to slip into her voice again.

Jasmine has nothing to say to that and an uneasy silence falls over the room for a few minutes until Tiana appears from the kitchenette, two plates of beignets in her hands.

“You know,” she says quietly, eyes fixed on the screen. “I can't help thinking that this is our fault,”

“We couldn't have known that this was going to happen,” Ella protests, but her tone is half-hearted.

“Didn’t we though?” Tiana asks, her voice distant. “After what happened with Ursula, we knew that they were capable of sentencing innocent children to die.”

She looks away from the televisions, tears falling down her face.

“Face it,” Tiana murmurs bitterly. “We knew that this was coming, but instead of doing anything about it, we just sat by and pretended that nothing was wrong.” Her voice is breaking, but her tone is freezing. “And now, because we did nothing, children are getting shot at.”

Abruptly, she places the plates on a coffee table and heads back to the kitchenette, the door slamming shut behind her.

*****

In a rare stroke of luck, Uma's mother hasn't come back and fucked up all of her schemes, so she and the rest of the crew are able to work, undisturbed. Reggie, Gonzo, and Murph are talking in low voices in a corner, drawing a crude map of the Isle in preparation to leave once Claudine finishes the list of people to come to Auradon.

“Damn Auradonians,” Ashe grumbles, scowling as she examines the smears of ink across her left hand. “We’re doing their job and they don't even give a damn about us.”

“I can't believe they didn't know that the kids were dead,” Sierra whispers, glancing around to make sure that her sister and Uma's cousins aren't paying attention to her. “I knew they didn't care about us but - goddamn.”

Uma shrugs, shifting Lala (one of the aforementioned cousins, currently playing with a tattered stuffed animal) in her lap. “When she told me she didn't know, I honestly didn't know if it was better or worse.”

“Worse,” Ashe and Harry say in unison, Jonas nodding in agreement.

“There's no use in cursing them out now,” Claudine studies the list on top of the table, absently doodling on a corner. “We just need to focus on getting as many people out as possible.”

There is a murmur of agreement about the table, but Harry still looks like he wants to argue with someone, so Uma quickly yells over to Gil, “What's happening in Auradon?”

“They aren't letting the press in,” he calls back, stuffing his face with fried rice and eggs. “Also, they mentioned something about the King not giving a statement yet,”

“Fu- I mean, figures,” Uma manages to catch herself after Lala looks up at her curiously. “They're probably still trying to figure out a way to play this off.”

“Bitches,” Ashe mutters, then lets out a startled yell when Jonas jabs an elbow into her side. “What fucking gives?”

“Ashe said a swear word! She owes us candy!” Lala announces to her two-year old sister, Talea, who glances up for a moment, before continuing to play with the buttons on Harry’s jacket.

“What have I told you about swearing in front of my sisters?” Jonas hisses at Ashe, who scowls at him unrepentantly.

“By that age, kids have seen orgies—”

“Screw you—”

“Can we please focus?” Sierra cuts in, but then Desiree appears at the table, holding a wailing baby and looking harried beyond all belief.

“It's your turn to take Poppy,” she shoves the baby unceremoniously into Jonas's arms as he lets out a noise of protest.

“I'm busy!”

“I don't care! We agreed this morning, I would take her during the day, and you take her at night. And wow, look at that, IT'S NIGHT. So you will take your baby sister Jonas, because I am going to make up for all the sleep I wasn't able to get last night.” With that, Desiree storms upstairs, the stairs creaking in displeasure.

“So who has suggestions for names to add to the list?” Claudine asks, raising her voice to be heard over Poppy's crying.

“Rick Ratcliffe,” Jonas suggests, standing up from the table and starting to walk around, pillowing Poppy's head on his shoulder.

Uma wrinkles her nose. “Isn't his dad a racist?”

“Yeah, but I don't think he's about that ‘whiter than thou’ stuff that his dad's always going on about. I mean, he looked embarrassed when his dad accused me of being a drug-selling negro trying to corrupt his son,” Jonas says nonchalantly, whispering something soothing to Poppy.

“Jesus,” Harry says disgustedly.

“To be fair though, I was in the middle of selling him some weed, so I see where he was coming from.”

Claudine carefully pens in Rick Ratcliffe's name. “Anyone else?”

“That we don't hate and isn't already either related to us or in the crew already?” Sierra asks sardonically, then turns serious. “I think we got everyone. I mean, we even asked the kids for names, and they listed out everyone they had ever met.”

At that moment, Jia, Sierra's little sister, chose that moment to wander up to the table and pout at her sister. “Si-Si, I’m hungry.”

“Go ask Bonnie or Marya for more food.”

“They already gave it to people.”

“Then that's tough, little sister,”

“You can have my food,” Uma offers, pushing her bowl of broth towards Jia.

“No,” Harry says instantly while Ashe shoves Uma's bowl back towards her and Claudine shoots her a quelling look.

“That won't be necessary,” Sierra says quickly. “Jia, we don't have any food. Just go steal Talon’s food or something.”

As soon as Jia heads over to her brother, Harry rounds on Uma. “Stop doing that,” he accuses, somehow managing to look intimidating, even with a two year old on his lap.

Uma looks immensely frustrated. “Come on, there is no way that I am going to be able to eat all of this—”

“I don't care,” Harry cuts her off. “Stop trying to get rid of your food.”

“And stop trying to pawn it off on the kids,” Sierra adds, scowling at Uma.

“Are you saying that they don't need to eat?”

“I'm saying that you need to eat, because we need you alive, Uma Triskelion, so pick up the damn spoon and eat your broth.”

There's a dark look on Uma's face, the one she gets right before she verbally destroys someone, so Claudine intervenes. “Just a few more spoonfuls, that's all we’re asking.”

For a few seconds it seems like Uma isn't going to do anything, but then she reluctantly sips a spoonful of broth, making a face at all of them. “Happy?”

“Ecstatic,” Ashe says dryly. “Girl, you can't be mad at us for wanting you to eat—”

“Holy shit - Uma!” Gil vaults over the table and starts frantically turning up the volume on the television. “The press just broke through the gates!”

****

The text messages from her mother and father say basically the same thing. Stay put. Comply with everything they tell you to do. We're handling this.

Lonnie has never been one for just sitting down and letting things just happen without her say. When Ben had been kidnapped, she had insisted on going with Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos to rescue him, and when it seemed like Agrabah and China were about to come to blows over their trading outposts, she had been the one to initiate diplomacy.

But she has no idea how to even begin handling this.

King Adam and Queen Belle - sorry, former King and Queen - had showed up, stone faced, to Auradon an hour ago. Fairy Godmother had rushed up and the three of them had had a hushed discussion before Adam had thrown up his hands and yelled, “I don't care, Verity! Just handle it!” He had then stormed off in the direction of the Royal Offices, but not before curtly ordering Lumiere that nobody was to disturb them. When Evie had tried to follow them, Belle had gently told her to go stay with the students, before following her husband, skirt swishing on the floor.

Fairy Godmother had stared after them for a few minutes, before visibly gaining her composure and announcing gravely that all students were to go inside the common rooms and wait inside until further notice. She suggested that they all text their parents that they were safe, but that they wouldn't be able to contact them anytime soon because effective immediately, Auradon Prep was on lockdown.

This had drawn gasps and people had started demanding answers, but they received none. Instead, all of the students had been ushered into common rooms by grade, and the doors had been locked securely behind them.

After the doors had been closed behind them, Jay instantly tried to open them again, and then cursed when they didn't budge. He had been dragged over to a couch to sit down by Carlos and the two of them and Evie had entered into a hissed conversation, occasionally gesturing at the doors. Jane sat by them, listening and occasionally whispering something as well.

Strangely enough, only a few other people seemed to find the lockdown odd. In a corner, Audrey, Jordan, Ally, and a group of other girls were painting their nails and gossiping about the new coach of the swim team - “He’s so dreamy!” “I know!” - while Chad was telling anyone who would listen that this way, they were guaranteed a night off from homework. All around Lonnie, people were pulling out decks of cards or just leaning against the walls and chatting. No one seemed the least bit concerned.

But all of that had changed once Mal walked through the doors, looking absolutely shell-shocked.

“M?” Evie stood up and rushed towards her best friend. “What’s going on?”

The purple-haired girl seemed to be in a bit of a trance though. It took Evie repeating her name three times for Mal’s eyes to focus on the room, and Lonnie noticed that there was nervous, prickly energy all around her.

“I - it’s bad, E,” Mal said haltingly, eyes darting around at everyone. “It’s really bad, and I don’t think anyone knows what to do—”

“What’s bad?” Jay was standing now, and Carlos was half-risen from his seat as well. “What’s going on, Mal?”

“Turn on the TV,” Mal said faintly, sinking into a chair. “It doesn’t matter what channel - the video is everywhere at this point.”

Carlos had switched on the television, and nothing had been the same after that.

No one is playing cards anymore; the cards are lying abandoned on the floor, while the participants, stare at the TV, their faces pale. Chad is no longer laughing; he had actually snapped at someone to shut up when they had dared to suggest that they turn the television off and do something else. Carlos looks sick to his stomach, and Jay looks queasy as well. Evie and Mal are having a whisper-fight in the corner of the couch, and Mal is shaking her head obstinately at what Evie is saying. Ally and Jordan are having a hushed conversation that Lonnie can only hear snatches of, (she heard the words ‘highly illegal’ and ‘racial profiling’ being used by Jordan though,) and Doug is furiously scribbling notes on what the news reporters were saying. Audrey is staring at a wall, her face utterly blank. When she had tried to answer her mother’s calls, her cell signal had failed, and that was when they had all realized that all communications in and out of the castle were blocked until the lockdown was over.

“We can see what’s happening, but we can’t send or do anything,” Doug muses grimly, flinching when the camera zooms in on the children being backed to the wall by guns.

“They can’t just keep us in here,” Lonnie declares, because, well, they can’t, right?

Doug looks unconvinced. “I have a feeling that they would disagree.”

“My mom’s not answering any of my texts,” Jane says worriedly, holding up her phone. “I have no idea when we’re going to be let out of lockdown.”

“That’s just—” Jay begins, but they don’t get to find out what it is, because someone says, “Hey Lonnie, isn’t that your mom up there?”

Lonnie whips her head so fast towards the television that her neck cracks uncomfortably, but sure enough, it’s her mother onscreen, looking utterly cool and collected in her black suit and her jet-colored hair in a high ponytail.

“When did they let the press in?” Chad demands, looking furious. “They’re keeping us prisoner in here while the paparazzi fawns over them?”

“I wouldn’t say they’re fawning over them, Chad,” Jane says slowly as reporters rush up to Mulan, who is currently walking down a hallway.

“Fa Mulan! Fa Mulan! Can we get a comment on the shocking video that was just released?” One lady asks, thrusting her microphone into Mulan’s face and nearly smearing her red lipstick everywhere.

“Some people are calling this a racial matter. Do you think that’s true, or does this purely have to do with them being villains?”

“What do the king have to say about this, and as Consul General, how does that affect your point of view on the matter?”

Lonnie watches, as her mother leans into the microphone, her voice calm and reasonable. “I think the video was appalling. No child deserves to have a gun pointed at them, whether or not their parents are villains.”

“People are saying that the children refused to comply—?”

“Even if the children didn’t comply, those guards still had a choice of whether or not to use violence to deal with the situation. The guards are adults, and they should have known better than to ever point a loaded firearm at children who can barely walk. I think that the bigger picture is that we have guards that have no qualms about shooting children due to who their parents are, but at the same time, I do think that race has a factor in all of this, and that is a very troubling thought for me, especially since I have two kids of my own.”

Lonnie feels her mouth quirk up, and her mother continues. “As for how the king’s opinion on the matter and how that affects my opinion as Consul General . . . well, as of five minutes ago, I just resigned from my position, and therefore, the king’s opinion has no bearing on my own.”

Mulan gives the press a tight smile and says, “No further comment,” before continuing to walk down the hallway, the reporters chasing after her and demanding for clarifications on her resignation.

Evie's mouth is in a perfect 'O’, Jay is staring between her and the TV,between her and the TV, dark hair whipping back and forth, and Jane’s eyes are the size of dinner plates. Audrey has stopped staring at the wall, Chad is gaping at her, and Mal looks frustrated beyond all possible belief.

Lonnie smiles uncomfortably at all of them, not used to being the least surprised person in the room. “Does anyone want to play poker?”

*****

“Oh my God,” Claudine whispers. “Did that really just . . .?”

“It did,” Gonzo confirms, though he looks like he can’t quite believe it.

“What an icon,” Ashe says, her eyes wide.

“Sierra? Are you okay?”

Uma glances over. Sierra is staring at the television, hazel eyes unfocused. She’s muttering something under her breath and her face is unreadable.

“Sierra?” Bonnie repeats, her tone starting to get concerned.

Sierra lets out a long groan. “How the fuck am I supposed to live up to that?”

“ . . . What?”

“Come on! Fa Mulan just gave up her job for us! All of my life, my father has told me; ‘Remember, Shaoyen, it is no use being like me. I was defeated. Instead, be like the girl who outsmarted me. If you can be like her, then I can die a happy man’. Well, I can’t be like Fa Mulan, because she is too much of a damn legend. Do you see my problem?”

“No, not really.”

“Sierra, none of us speak to our parents anymore,” Harry reminds her, rolling his eyes.

“Shut the fuck up, my life is over,” Sierra moans, collapsing on a chair and burying her head in her hands.

Gil and Ashe shrug at each other, bewildered, but go back to paying attention to the television.

Uma leans back in her throne and surveys the room. The Chip Shoppe is filled to the brim with people now, some of them sitting at tables, some leaning against the wall, and the little kids are running around gleefully. Gonzo is teaching Morwenna how to clean her blade properly, while Murph is chasing his son around, trying to convince him to go to bed. Her cousin Piper is comparing knife sizes with Sierra's brother Talon, (ha, that's gay) and Bonnie and Desiree are fussing over Jonas's hair. Meanwhile, Harry has his makeshift tattoo parlor set up on the longest table, and is carefully tattooing anchors on their brand-new crew members. Rick Ratcliffe has challenged Nia to an armwrestling contest, but judging by Nia’s sneer and the amount of sweat pouring off his face, he’s regretting this decision. However, Nia’s sister Allegra is eyeing Rick with great interest, so maybe the night won't turn out so bad for Rick after all.

She herself is on Poppy duty; the baby is finally asleep, no thanks to Jonas, who kept yelling at his other sisters and waking up an increasingly cranky Poppy. Finally, Jonas had passed Poppy onto her, and after a few minutes on her shoulder and no yelling, the baby had fallen asleep.

Harry finishes up a tattoo on La Foux Deux, and the smaller boy thanks him before scampering off to try and flirt with an uninterested Ashe.

Uma carefully makes her way over to him, careful not to jostle Poppy too much. The bruising on his face has gone down, but his face is an interesting mix of purple and green. His jacket is off, revealing bandages on his right arm. When she had demanded to know what had happened, he simply told her that he had gotten a tattoo sleeve, nothing to freak out about. She believes him, but she knows exactly what happened to his face.

“You have to stop doing this,” she orders, sitting down across from him.

Harry gives her an innocent look. “I don't know what you mean, darling.”

“I thought I told you to stay out of my mother's way. She already hates your guts, and seeing you just makes her even more pissed off.”

He gives her an unimpressed look. “I'm not staying away from you just because your mum has anger issues.”

Uma scowls at him. “It also doesn't help that you keep on antagonizing her every time you see her,” she gestures to his face.

“Alright, this time it wasn't my fault. She was the one who threw me into a wall first.”

“I don't care,” Uma snaps. “I can't worry about you getting hurt by my mother. There's too much at stake here for me to get distracted.”

A slow grin plays across his face. “If I didn't know any better, I would say that you cared what happened to me,”

“I'm serious.” The lack of mirth in her tone makes the smile tilt off his face. “We have a real shot at getting into Auradon. For the first time, the cards are in our favor. And I need all hands on deck, especially you. I can't always be here, so I need you to look after them.”

Harry nods, eyes fixed on her. “I know, love. I won't let you down.” The conviction in his voice is real, and she feels calmer as she reaches across the table to take his hand.

“Good.”

*****

“I do not care if they are villain children, they have rights, same as every other citizen of Auradon,” Jasmine hisses at King Hubert, fighting to keep her voice level. On his other side, Snow White is fighting a smile and the Auradon News Network anchors are exchanging baffled glances, wondering how the conversation got so off the rails.

“Go off, Jasmine,” Pocahontas beams at the television, taking a delicate bite of her beignet. Next to her, Tiana just smiles and shakes her head. Her eyes are still red, but after composing a succinct, but brutal condemnation of Auradon that Maldonia had released as its official stance on the video, she seems to be less furious. Mulan’s public resignation had helped to improve the mood of the room as well, and they are all getting a lot of joy out of watching Jasmine debate King Hubert, who has absolutely no idea what he’s talking about. Ariel catches Tiana’s eye, and they both grin at each other before turning their attention back to the television, where the aforementioned King’s face is growing steadily redder.

“Now see here young lady-” King Hubert blusters, but Jasmine corrects him, tone icy.

“Sultana.”

“What?”

“Oh, you poor fool,” Rory sighs, watching her father-in-law resignedly.

“I am the Sultana of Agrabah, your Majesty, and you would do well to address me by my proper title.”

“I’m sure his Majesty didn't mean to give offense, Sultana,” one of the news anchors interjects, and Ariel can clearly hear Ella wince from the other side of the room, and she wants to bang her head against the wall, because that is not how you pronounce 'Sultana’. “Besides, can we really claim that the villain children are entitled to the same rights as us? After all, that girl did initiate the fighting.”

“Yes, because the guard refused to take his hands off of her, even when she asked,” Snow retorts, then claps a hand over her mouth, blushing crimson as everyone stares at her in disbelief.

“You know you're a bad person when you get Snow White, the nicest person in the Realms, to tell you you're wrong,” Pocahontas declares, fingers flying across her phone.

“What are you doing?” Ariel asks, eyeing her phone suspiciously.

“Posting that to my StoryTime followers,” Pocahontas replies breezily, just as a swoosh noise echoes through the room, signalling that the upload has been successful.

“To add on to what Snow said,” Jasmine says on-screen, casting a smile at her friend, whose face is still bright red, “I don't know about all of you, but I’ve told my children many times that they are never to go anywhere with someone they don't know. It doesn't surprise me that the girl punched him in the nose, I’m rather surprised she didn't punch him earlier.”

“Are you seriously trying to play this off as a case of Stranger Danger? I think that shows a severe oversimplification of what happened-”

“Of course it's not Stranger Danger, but still, her actions are understandable for someone in her position-”

“There they go again,” Rory says wearily as King Hubert starts arguing with Jasmine again, with the two news anchors desperately trying to stop them. Next to her, her phone is vibrating so violently that it's threatening to fall off the table, but she ignores it.

“Aren't you going to get that?” Tiana asks, casting a wary glance at the phone.

“Absolutely not,” Rory scowls at the phone, which looks strange on her normally cheerful face. “It's my mother again. I'm not picking up until Audrey calls me.”

Ariel frowns. “She still hasn't called you back?”

“No, and logically, I know she's okay, but I cannot keep listening to my mother insist that everything is fine, when clearly, it isn't!” Rory's tone is bordering on hysterical, and inwardly, Ariel thanks the gods that she and Eric refused to let Melody attend Auradon Prep.

“It’ll be okay, Rory,” she says outwardly, trying to inject a soothing tone into her voice. “Whatever I may think of Auradon, they’d never lay a finger on Audrey. Like Jaz said, she's royalty. She has nothing to do with this. As for your mother-” she pauses because Queen Leah is a menace at best, and at her worst – well, that's too scary to think about. “Actually, I can’t really give you any advice on that front—”

“Oh, I know,” Rory sighs miserably, wiping her eyes. “I was just about to tell her about my conversion to Buddhism before I got the call, and the first thing she said when she saw me was; ‘where’s that lovely diamond cross your father and I gave you’?”

“Rory!” Ariel stares at her friend in horror, who winces and cringes back. “You’ve been a Buddhist for six months now! Are you seriously telling me that you haven’t told your mother yet?”

“I know!” Rory wails. “I’m a schmuck, I admit it, but you know my mother Ariel! She’s insane!”

“True story,” Pocahontas calls over, balancing the plate of beignets precariously on top of her bump. “No offense, Rory.”

“None taken,” Rory says sadly as Ella gives her a sympathetic smile.

“Chad isn't texting me back either,” she says quietly, then groans. “Dear God - now I'm saying it too.”

“It's a very catchy nickname,” Tiana suggests tactfully.

“Oh, don't give me that! He has a perfectly lovely name, why would he want to be called a name associated with a drunken frat boy?”

“You're asking the wrong people,” Pocahontas shrugs. “Personally, I like the name Chance. It's poetic!”

“Exactly! And he used to think so as well!” Ella's face hardens. “This is my father-in-law's doing, I just know it. He’s always hated Chance’s name, something about it not being 'masculine’ enough. And now, thanks to him, my son sounds like a drunken jackass you avoid at parties!”

“Wasn't he the one who suggested that you send him to Auradon Prep?” Ariel asks.

Ella rolls her eyes. “Yes. And now because of 'diplomacy’ and 'strengthening the bond between our kingdoms’; I can't speak to my son!” She leans back in her chair, looking exhausted. “Thank God we sent Adele, Dexter, and Lainey to different schools.”

“Agreed,” Ariel and Tiana murmur.

Pocahontas strokes her belly. “All of this has just confirmed my initial inclination not to send little Minnow to Auradon Prep, no matter how much King James pesters me.”

Tiana side-eyes her in horror. “Are you seriously naming the baby Minnow?!”

“No! Give me some credit, T, I don't want the kid to grow up to be some sad emo child in a corner-”

They're all laughing when the news anchor announces, “This just in - we are about to go live to Auradon, where King Ben will be making an official statement on the video-”

That brings their laughter to an immediate halt. Ella straightens up, Rory and Tiana already have their eyes glued to the screen, and Pocahontas is already switching off her phone, in order to have no distractions. Ariel just turns her phone on silent though, because she has a feeling that even with the insurmountable evidence, Auradon will never admit anything they did was wrong.

For them, those children are just collateral damage.

[sage-nebula]

pokemon (games and anime) and yu-gi-oh

Pokémon:

Games: 

There are so many Pokémon characters that it’s honestly hard to pick one . . . though I’d have to say that it’s probably a weird sort of tie between Trevor and Wicke.

As far as Trevor is concerned, honestly, I can’t stand any of the XY rivals. Three out of the four of them (Shauna, Trevor, and Tierno) are pathetic in terms of having a good opponent to battle against, and likewise, three out of the four of them (Calem, Trevor, and Tierno) have awful personalities. Like, Shauna is at least okay in terms of personality. I didn’t mind her as much as I minded the other three. But Calem came off as a fuckboy, Tierno was nothing but his gimmick, and Trevor’s dialogue was painful to sit through due to how redundant he was. “I like trees. In other words, trees are a thing I like.” No fucking shit, Trevor. Can you please piss off and let me get back to my journey now? Christ. 

In all honesty, the “rival” squad (can we even really call them rivals when they never have more than half of a team and can’t put up more than a three second fight?) wouldn’t have been so bad if they didn’t show up so often---and even then, I think if you probably pieced the game apart, it’s not that they all show up all the time, but rather that there are so many of them that it feels like you’re being stopped every five seconds so that characters you have no reason to feel attached to can squeal “BFF!1!!!1!! 8D” and impede your journey with dialogue you don’t care about. Because after all, they didn’t all travel together all the time. I think there are only a couple times when they all show up together. Otherwise you were just stopped by one or two of them, but given that there are four, it really dragged things down and aggravated me to the point where I just wanted to push them all off a bridge somewhere and have done with it. They’re absolutely my least favorite rivals in the entire series, hands down. But with that said, as much as I dislike all of them (with the caveat that, again, Shauna is okay, she’s just a pitiful excuse for a rival since she never gets a full team and can’t even begin to pretend to put up a fight), Trevor is hands down the worst, imo. I can’t stand his dialogue. Repetition makes me want to carve out my brain with an ice pick and there is no character more redundant than Trevor. So yeah, there’s a special place of hate in my heart reserved just for him.

As far as Wicke is concerned, my dislike for her primarily comes from how terribly written and bland she was. In canon, she’s nothing more than your standard Sweet Motherly™ stereotype, meant to contrast with Lusamine being an abusive mother. There’s nothing standout about her dialogue; if you read it without a dialogue tag attached, it would read as completely generic. She has virtually no personality aside from “somewhat timid and motherly,” and that’s incredibly disappointing considering the fact that she’s one of the few Aether Foundation members with an actually unique character design, and a somewhat important role in the plot. (Of course, the female characters in general were treated rather horribly in Gen VII imo, and this is part of that, but that’s another discussion for another time.) 

But that’s only part of it. In truth, while I really hate how generic she was, and while I feel that it’s a complete waste to not have her be evil as well (though again, with how Lusamine was handled . . . god there’s so much to complain about with the Gen VII plot istg), I also feel that there’s something insidious about her that’s just never touched on or actually brought up. Like, for instance, Wicke knew about how abusive Lusamine was to the twins. Supposedly, she “helped” Lillie somehow. Yet, Lusamine was still able to abuse Lillie (and Gladion, while he was there), and Wicke did nothing. She didn’t actively defend them, and even seemed (in a couple lines) to disparage Gladion a bit for leaving. In fact, she straight up calls him “sheltered” later on, which is complete fucking nonsense considering he was abused and then was homeless for two years. Yet she’s going to sit there and mock him for being “sheltered?” What the fuck, Wicke? We’re supposed to believe she’s this nurturing, kind woman, that she has nothing malevolent in her personality at all, yet she seems to know an awful lot about Ultra Beasts, and seems to have quite a bit of interest in them herself. She didn’t help the twins when they were being abused. Gladion is technically president of Aether Foundation now, but she’s right there running things behind the scenes . . .

Of course, I don’t think she’s actually meant to be evil or malicious. She’s too bland, too much of an afterthought for that. But I do think that while she’s a terribly written character for being so boring, she’s also terrible in what little we get of her. She didn’t help the twins, and she flat out belittles Gladion and calls him “sheltered” despite what he’s been through. Wicke can go fuck herself, tbqh.

Anime: 

That fucker Damien from the OS. I’ve ranted about him at length before, so I won’t go into it again, but he can go get fucked. He’s the actual worst for how abusive he was to Charmander (and others, I’m sure). I hope a wild pokémon ate him at some point. He’d deserve it.

If Characters of the Day don’t count, then probably Paul. Yeah, yeah, I know, “but he was such a good rival for Ash!” and “but he learned to thank his pokémon!!1″ Well, one, I honestly wonder if people would think he was ~zomg the best rival~ had Ash lost to him at the Sinnoh League (or if they would instead be salty against him 5ever), and two, I don’t care that he learned to do the absolute bare minimum when it comes to being a decent human being. The fact remains that he was still an abusive fuck to Chimchar at the least, and didn’t treat his other pokémon much better, instead viewing them as tools he needed to win battles. (Which, yes, was the point considering he was supposed to be a foil to Ash, but that doesn’t mean I have to personally like it.) Animal abuse (which pokémon abuse is, in my eyes) is one of my biggest triggers. I have it blacklisted every which way I can in Tumblr Savior and hate when I’m surprised by it on Facebook, et cetera. It’s easier to digest in a show like Pokémon since it’s all animated, but nonetheless, it’s one of the absolute worst things in my eyes. It’s one of the most heinous acts a human can perform in my view. And so the fact that Paul is a pokémon abuser---the fact that he was shown to have “developed” by just thanking his pokémon and that we were supposed to be proud of him for this---is disgusting to me, and something I can’t forgive. I especially can’t forgive it since, again, him thanking Electivire was supposed to be seen as ~zomg development~ when, again, that’s the bare minimum you should expect out of a trainer. The absolute bare minimum. That’s not love, or even care; that’s being halfway decent. I also hate that Paul’s “style” of “training” was supposed to be seen as just “one way to do things,” because no. No. It’s cruel and unacceptable. It goes completely against what the franchise has always been about, and hell, we never even saw the Johto Rival dismiss one of the pokémon he said he was going to, and yet he still wasn’t allowed to succeed until he openly started showing love and acceptance toward his team. Yet Paul is able to make it all the way to the League despite being an abusive prick on-screen? Get out of here. It’s especially ludicrous when you consider that the Johto Rival has an understandable reason for his attitude (i.e. he was raised in Team Rocket where this kind of abusive behavior was normalized---though again, despite his constant threats of getting rid of his team, he never actually does), whereas Paul does not (“wah wah my brother Reggie gave up training to be a breeder instead---” get the fuck over it, that’s not an excuse for abusing innocent creatures). Seriously, it’s beyond ridiculous.

So yeah, either Damien or Paul. I usually hold stronger feelings of hatred toward Damien, particularly openly since I know that Paul is a Fandom Darling™ (and seriously, I don’t want to argue with anyone over Paul, please don’t try to start The Discourse™ with me, I’m not interested), but in truth I don’t like either of them. They can both go get fucked, imho.

(And the fact that people ship Dawn with Paul, like . . . why would you play her like that . . . Dawn, sweetie, I’m sorry they treat you this way, you deserve so much better . . .)

Yu-Gi-Oh!:

“Bandit” Keith Howard. I used to answer Haga for this question, but upon reflection, even though Haga is terrible, he’s only fourteen. He’s a kid. He still has room to grow and become less of a shitty person.

Keith, on the other hand, is twenty-six. He’s the oldest person present at Duelist Kingdom, outside of Pegasus’ employees (since I don’t think we’re given ages for them). I’m not exaggerating, here: Keith is older than both Pegasus and Mai, both of whom are twenty-four. Sure, he only has two years on them, but he’s still older than them both. He should, theoretically, be at least a little more mature than them.

He’s not. Keith is awful. Not only is he a filthy cheater when it comes to games, but he’s willing to assault children (well, teenagers, but teenagers are kids to me and I’m only a year older than Keith at this point) and commit murder over a card game. I understand that Keith wanted to win money from Duel Monsters, but goddamn. He’s selfish, violent, and doesn’t really have any redeeming qualities whatsoever. Keith is, in many ways, written like a school arc villain, albeit with the caveat that he actually has a much longer stay in the plot due to being an antagonist throughout all of Duelist Kingdom (which in turn makes him even worse than a school arc villain, since none of them* really had the opportunity to show any good qualities, whereas Keith did and he still didn’t). Either way, I don’t find anything redeemable in Keith’s character. He is trash from start to finish, and in the end is a grown man who assaults children and tries to murder people over a card game. He’s definitely my least fave, particularly since he’s not even a very creative, compelling, or effective villain.

(*Hirutani has two appearances, and thus he also had some extra time to showcase good qualities, and he still didn’t. This is because Hirutani Kimio does not really have positive character qualities, at least not when it comes to being a decent human being. He is not decent by most people’s standards. He is aware of this. He does not care. However, unlike Keith, Hirutani is an effective and compelling villain, and his second appearance really served to drive this point home with how much clearer his obsession with Jounouchi---which, tbh, was even evident in his first appearance---became. Hirutani has a lot of worth and value as a character, in my eyes. Keith does not. So therefore, while Hirutani is also a bastard, he’s an effective one, and thus I love him for the effective bastard he is. Keith is not effective, or useful. He’s just trash. I have no use for him. Back in the dumpster he goes.)

(Send me a fandom and I’ll tell you my least favorite character in it.)

[neopuff]

riverdale ep 1-3

these twins always make me >___>

oh yeah i knew jason was gonna die

this is very artsy

i thought he was murdered

oh

tragedy

oh......a mom for veronica

what is a...chocolate shoppe? and why? does it sell? burgers?

is veronica the new kid

OH KEVIN

the gay kid gweiopubgoewgnew

the acting in this is terrible

the archie actor is clearly not a real ginger so i approve of this casting lmao

“to pass time i started composing poems in my head” shut up archie

archie: says anything betty: amazing!

lmao

betty: ive been thinking about us- archie: is that a hot bitch i see

“we do, both of us, together”

omg

GNOIWPEGWE BETTY’S FACE IS KILLING ME

awkward

oh....archies dad

thats not archies dad

archies dad got that fat gut

“im a sophomore’ BITCH NO UR NOT

SHES GOTTA BE LIKE 25 LMAAAOO whaaatt

im still dying theyre supposed to be 15 gwenpiubgewo;gwe

“gay, thank god, lets be best friends” im gonna piss and die

wow

love these pussycats

“ive had every flavor of boy except orange” its better that

waywiongubwepogn;wegew

ARCHIE AND GRUNDY IM DYING!!!!

IM GONNA FUCKINGGG DIIEEEE

GRUNDYINOGEW;EWL

im pissing im

DYING

shes the music teacher

why wouldnt they just make up a new teacherniogwepng;ew WHY IS SHE MS GRUNDY!!!

oh

archies dad/veronicas mom have a....history

“chose the rich kid”

wow

so many divorced parents

outdoor cafeteria

when will i see a high school that has one of these forreal

i assume its a west coast or south us thing

kevin: refers to cheryl as a widow me: i called the JOKES

“is cheerleading still a thing?” “is being the gay best friend still a thing”

the dialogue in this show is terrible its so funny

im glad betty/ronnie is a good ship

grundy is all turned on by archies music

this is so gross and im DYING

“i dont think thats a good idea” cuz u fucked a 15 year old bitch

oh

theyre not talking about the fucking

did cheryl murder her brother

why doesnt just one of them say it and not mention the other

bitch ur the only one who’d get in trouble ur an ADULT

that was so lackluster

wow

GNIWEUPGEW;OGWE

CHERYL’S FACEGNIEW;GEW

like yeah....not the kind of heat i meant :\

oh

im glad cheryls the villain i always hated her

wow

veronica: i know who u are [has known her for 2 minutes]

this dialogue is so unnatural and bad its cracking me tf up

get WRECKED cheryl

veronica: betty and i come as a matching set

i bet u do

time for football

“what you got something better to do” dont be rude

awww

“why did you defend me” just accept the kindness u fool

man

i like mr lodge

this is very awkward

was polly a character in the comics i dont remember her

WOW

“both of us” gewinouogbewgew

im DYING

in the headspace

“archiekins” gweinouobgweo;ngew

wow

“cheryl blossoms cheerleading squad.......”

bettys mom is so annoying

she sounds familiar

oh

mr lodge just sent a lotta money their way

why did the coach call his dad

he said hed give him a day

impatient ass

archies dad is just like :\

:/

:\

:/

these actors dont look related at all

which is funny to me

oh good its the pill in ibiza song

omg

i love that veronica is the speech giver in this show

moose/kevin gwiuebogiwgew

where is REGGIE

my SON

wow

openly talking about the illegal secrets at a big party

i just realized reggie is the asian guy

i didnt hear his name and couldnt figure out who tf that was gweopiubgwe;ngwe

im a fool

whered ronnie go

dancing with the gay guy, god

“i have this fantasy of us as a power couple” who asks someone out like that

STOP STARING AT GRUNDY

this is super awkward

cheryl is gonna murder...everyone

they could just

chill

“cheryl blossom truly is...the antichrist” just all her a bitch like a normal person

“we’re not just friends we’re best friends” shut up archie

wOW

hes NEVER FELT for betty

if these two make out i s2g

once they kiss cheryls gonna open the door

foolish children

ronnie dont DO IT

foolish

sighs

boring

what how tf would she know they made out

did they not come out at exactly 7 minutes

ok but wheres betty

oh hey jughead

i like jugheads not-crown

oh

now shes goin straight for love

“of course i love you” hes being so...obtuse

annoying

oh

ok now its about not being good enough

sure

did they find jayjay

and look at that

he got shot in the head

probably by his sister

ok

its obvious cheryl did it

im sure theyll switch it up like somehow it was secretly jughead

but it was cheryl

ok ep 2

fgewgw

why were they even fuckin at 6 am

cant believe they made moose gay

i forgot his gf’s name in the comicsniguwebgew

god

the actor that played jason was so uggo

GEWNIOG;EW SHARING A SHAKE WITH HIS TWIN SISTER!!!

maybe someone shot him for being so openly incestuous with his creepy sister

i know its like plagueing archie now but i feel like this should help him

“are you up?” “no” “youre killing your mother”

he went to grundys house

weird

and hes shirtless

“you could be expelled” “we could go to jail” NEITHER OF THOSE THINGS WOULD HAPPEN TO HIM!!!

pedophilia is not a two way street

oh

bettys mom is...the worst

betty plz dont talk to your bitch mother about your life

i love archies eyebrows

i hope this is the end of archie/betty forever

wow

“sardonic humor”

oh

bye jughead

oh

is kevin not out to his dad

“the yellows for friendship” sure

veronica is so aggressively into this friendship

YAYYY

the otp stays together

wow

betty u are a fool

that is your future WIFE

oh

hi mr weatherbee

cheryl is wearing a spider pin gewoinubgewlngkew

CHERYL

archie and mr weatherbee just gonna

make eyes

jughead: archie you KILLED him

fewijohuog

HE THINKS ARCHIE DID IT

no jughead i was just fucking the hot prof

jughead: ew

fewiougobewgno;ewlgew

kevin moose is your new bf

“fate throws us together” ok

wow

why is he rejecting moose

because hes in the closet???

hes clearly trying to come out cmon

oh

everyones terrified of cheryl now so thats good

oh

bettys mom

“i ship it” why

“moose has an official girlfriend...mitch” i feel like i heard this line wrong

oh, betty

dont cry sweetums

“im supposed to say yes” THE DIALOGUE

ronnie is trying so hard with these dramatic white ppl

really

they couldnt even keep weatherbee fat

is this channel afraid of fat ppl

wow

does this bitch just sit in her empty ass music room all day

is she not really even a teacher

DONT TALK ABOUT FEELINGS

YALL ARE GROSS!!!!

disgusting

bitch get a dog and leave teenagers alone

WOW

WOW LMAAAAOOOOOOOO

AAAAAAA

JUGHEAD: WHAT!! GROSS!!! WTF!!!

this is not high school cheerleading

one of the girls here actually looks like a high schooler

cheryl just called herself exoticgewiongewiogew; CUZ YOURE A GINGER? BITCH

i die

oh

betty why

wOW

betty dont do this

cheryls a crazy ho

i know theyll make up by the end of the ep but still

“like we were meant to be best friends” gweniguebwg

2nd grade tutor

gewinogubwegw

“oh, little archie-” little archiewgn;klew I DIE

references are what i live for

i cant believe betty let cheryl into her house

wheres her mom to scream and chase her out

welp

there goes that

betty dont let her into ur HOME

oh

whats betty doing

“BEFORE I KILL YOU” BETTY

terrible thing to say

are they not friends because archie stood him up

cougarngiewgew

SHES A PEDOPHILE

awkward

i guess bettys mom coulda killed jason

“sometimes a friend is better than a boyfriend” actually, always, not sometimes

oh reggies finally doin something

gonna keep up the reggie/jughead rivalry

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT

ok

“you wanna d the right thing” the way archie said that made it sound like he wants to fuck her and she doesnt want to

but whatever

so does jughead and bettys friendship not exist in this universe

nod like douches and mutually suppress our emotions

wow

this dialogue is still awful its so funny

i hope it never improves purely for my amusement

out door pep rally...

[dances]

fewiulgbew

AHH HONEY HONEY

YOU ARE MY

CAAAANDY GIIIIIIRL

good shit

oh

cheryls having a Time

god the kid that plays jason is so uggo

oh

bye cheryl

finally getting a genuine emotional response from her

were they gonna fake his death for attention but then he was actually dead

yayyy

make up

veronica is over here like “betty and i were destined to be friends” and betty is like “im sure we wont know each other in a week”

aww archie and jughead back 2gedda

does jughead know betty or not

wheres the jughead/betty brotp of my past

veronica and jughead: interact me: yes...

im glad that, unlike in the comics, archie is not dating both girls at once and then also every other girl he meets

where ya goin weatherbee

wha

A CHALKBOARD LOL

i doubt a school like this would have a chalkboard instead of a smartboard

oh

did she do it

gasp

im sticking with my fake death for the attention theory

OK LAST EP

im enjoying this show

but i dont think i could take multiple Dramatic Teen Shows

how could cheryl be wearing that skirt in public school

“the plan was bananas”

oh

jason just wanted.....to leave

thats fine

oh

who got shot

gwneio;glkwe

in my neighborhood it wouldve just been the hunters

is archie gonna have a shiner for the rest of the show

oh

is betty not poor as shit in this universe?

i shouldve guessed from her moms outfits

“a lois lane type like you” nice and ronnie can be clark kent

omg leave grundy alone so she can die in hell

wha

why didnt you just say that you were alone

oh

dog

ok

a date....

oh

hes hot

good call, ronnie

CHUCK CLAYTON

“hes kind of a player” dont be racist, betty

he is hot as hell tho

awww “juggie”

finally jughead and betty are 2gedda

jughead you need shit for your college applications

oh right, dilton

what

“im not ten years old” but you are 15 which is not very different

so if chuck is in the show is nancy gonna be around too

ronnie/chuck is a good ship

“to OUR relationship” shut the fuck you youre a pedophile

wow

the sticky maple....

wow

chuck was cute

ronnie is gonna tear him apart

man

why does chuck have to be a dick!!! chuck was always a nice guy

fewionpgnew

betty: [COVERS FACE]

destroy him

PUNCH HIM

why is chuck a villain im bothered but also hes the worst destroy him

this terrible au version of chuck is terrible

“nothing is off the table...except for my body” weiugblewnkg

i love the pussycats

is this every other girl chuck did this to

oh

its ethel

hi cheryl

go away

lmao

whose this kid

wow

ok jughead

dont steal his ice cream

oh

dilton shot a gun gwoinegbpweo;nglwe

survivalist?!?! DILTON

IM DYING

HES A TECHNOLOGY OBSESSED NERD

why do the pussycats roll their eyes at josie

“a bnd with b&v”

did they find...ze book

so the football players dont even fuck the girls its just about getting a date and a selfie???

oh

cheryl, doubting her brother

what

just take the book

why not...just take the book

powerful

bettys rly lucky her mom isnt violent

(for now)

oh

she looks super awkward in that

omg

the sound of bettys lil demons in her head

“and a hot tub....”

this is such an awkward conversation

just imagining this with real 15 year olds is ridiculous

oh hey ronnie

chuck youre so fucking stupid

shes wearing a swimsuit and heels this is CLEARLY A TRAP

GWENOIGO;NEW

BETTY

black is not a good hair color

ronnie: im so turned on

GEWNIOG;EWG

SLAP!!!!

i just realized why archies dad is so familiar

he was on generator rex AND clone high

love it

part of me always liked archie/josie

15 is not late wtf

“slut shaming...its what they call it when sluts get shamed” wow

when does bettys mom get murdered

um

are they gonna burn him

UM

um

betty

LMAO

shes fine shes just pissed

awww

dads gonna support u now

must be NICE

gweoniugbweo;gew bettys face when ronnie said she called chuck “jason” was so funny

are they gonna do some she went off her meDS OO---OOOHHHA AAAHHH TERRIBLE BEAST

#burn it

cheryl tryin to make up for ze past

i still hate her idc

omg when does grundy get murdered too im done with this pedophilia subplot

STAY AWAY

FROM THE CHILD!!!

-___-

dilton you fool

im happy juggie and betty are hanging out

oh

dont mention ms grundys car

NO

YOU

FOOL!!!!

im tired of this pedophile plz shoot her next

ok im all caught up

whens the next episode

[buddyrabrahams]

12 most improved players in the NBA this season

The calendar has flipped to November, Daylight Savings Time is no more, and most teams have played their first ten games or so, leaving roughly 72 contests remaining on the schedule. Of course, that can only mean one thing: [sounds airhorn] it’s Overreaction Season. And perhaps the most sacred of all the Overreaction Season traditions is fangirling over those who have successfully turned those 3 a.m. Instagram workouts and that reported 15 pounds of extra muscle into greater productivity on the court. Standing high above the rest of the field, here are the 12 most improved players of the 2017-18 season so far:

Kristaps Porzingis, PF, New York Knicks

Carmelo Anthony’s departure was all that was needed for our Latvian messiah to reveal himself fully. Porzingis has mutated into a nightly 30-point scoring threat now that he is the focal point of the Knickerbockers’ offense (sometimes even 40 as he proved on Sunday night in a comeback win over the Indiana Pacers), and he has been stunningly efficient despite the massive increase in volume (a career-high 48.3 percent shooting). One of Porzingis’ teammates thinks his scorching start should place him squarely in the MVP conversation. I might even take it a step further and call for beatification if he continues to flex with end-to-end displays of power like this:

@kporzee http://pic.twitter.com/L2AwGbKDFX

— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 4, 2017

Steven Adams, C, Oklahoma City Thunder

Spacing saves. With Carmelo Anthony starting at power forward instead of Taj Gibson, and Paul George stretching out opposing defenses instead of Victor Oladipo, Adams can finally rumble down the lane to his heart’s content for the Thunder. He has responded to the opportunity in kind with his best season both scoring (13.5 points per game) and rebounding (8.9 boards). Toss in his intimidating interior defense, and this mustachioed maestro looks like he’s worth every penny of the $100 million that Oklahoma City invested in him last season. What else is there to say? Funaki is a force.

Aaron Gordon, PF, Orlando Magic

Gordon suddenly becoming a lights-out long-range shooter this season may very well be the greatest surprise party that anyone has ever thrown. The high-flying forward has somehow more than doubled both his three-point makes (from 1.0 last season to 2.6 this season) AND his three-point percentage (from 28.8 to a flat-out absurd 58.1) through seven games. Yes, sample size, yada, yada, yada. But there’s reason to believe this might not be a total fluke.

The Magic have moved Gordon back to his natural power forward spot (praise be), and there he has a quickness advantage on opposing 4s off the dribble. That means the threat of his drive needs to be taken more seriously and thus he can get his shot off easier. That kind of versatility has really opened up Orlando’s offense and unleashed Gordon’s own potential as a human cheat code, so expect his career year (19.3 points, 8.4 rebounds per game) to continue.

Victor Oladipo, SG, Indiana Pacers

Oladipo is currently in the top ten in the NBA in scoring because basketball is weird and unpredictable. I suppose some uptick in production from the fifth-year guard was expected after he moved out of the house of overbearing big brother Russell Westbrook. But Oladipo has already turned as many 25-plus point performances (four) as he did during all of 2016-17. And despite being a notoriously poor finisher as well as an inconsistent long-range shooter, he is hitting on 50.0 percent of his overall shot attempts and 49.0 percent of his three-pointers. Yes, Victor is free, and he is loving every minute of it.

Jaylen Brown, SG/SF, Boston Celtics

Hope is exactly what Boston needed after the catastrophic injury to Gordon Hayward on opening night. That much Brown has provided despite it only being his second season in the league. He ranks second on the C’s in points (15.6), rebounds (6.6), and threes (1.9) per game and plays with that Philly cheese confidence every time he steps onto the floor. Brad Stevens can also trust him to put multiple positions in a straitjacket on the defensive end, as it seems Brown is doing whatever the exact opposite of a sophomore slump is.

D’Angelo Russell, PG/SG, Brooklyn Nets

Russell hasn’t quite been the torrent of wrath many expected him to be in his first year of post-Lakers exile, but he has still been pretty darn good. Jeremy Lin’s season-ending patellar tear in the opener meant more responsibility and more usage for D’Lo right off the bat in Brooklyn, but he has stepped up to the plate with team-leading tallies in points (21.1) and assists (5.3) per game (making him one of only nine players in the entire NBA to reach both of those marks so far this season). Russell’s fluidity as a scorer and his ability to create for his teammates in the halfcourt are well known. Now he is adding even more ways to make his defenders act a fool, and we just can’t stop watching.

D'Angelo Russell with the quick crossover! #WeGoHard#NBALeaguePass FREE TRIAL https://t.co/lO5nOgR7bh http://pic.twitter.com/QyIj5b9fVz

— NBA UK (@NBAUK) October 21, 2017

Jeremy Lamb, SG, Charlotte Hornets

The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist. The greatest trick Jeremy Lamb ever pulled however was convincing the NBA he actually did exist. That’s exactly what the little-known guard has finally been doing this season with 18.1 points per game (more than twice his career average of 8.3) and 1.7 triples at a 45.5 percent clip (10th among all qualified shooting guards). Lamb’s lightning bolt production has largely been a function of the injury to Nicolas Batum, who has missed the entire season so far with an elbow injury. But Lamb is showing out as a quality No. 2 option behind Kemba Walker, which is a sentence I never thought I would be typing.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF, Milwaukee Bucks

Let the records show that 2017-18 was the season that The Greek Freak let go of his earthly tether fully and entirely in order to soar amongst the clouds. Where to begin with Giannis? The league-leading 31 points per game? The immaculate 58.3 percent from the field? The nearly ten rebounds a contest? The mean mugs when he yams on a dude after taking two dribbles from the locker room? Suffice it to say, Antetokounmpo affects the game in so many different ways that it’s tough to keep track, and his talent has finally caught up with his preposterous physical gifts. Halloween may be over, but Giannis will stay terrorizing the National Basketball Association for a long time to come.

Ricky Rubio, PG, Utah Jazz

Maybe it’s the fully grizzly beard, but what on earth has gotten into Ricky this season? A player whose offensive limitations are basically a meme and which appeared to factor heavily into Minnesota’s yearly determination to trade him, Rubio is getting buckets like a man possessed now that he finally has a new team. He has improved his scoring average by nearly six points to 17.0 a game in Utah and has never gotten to the line at a higher rate (4.9 attempts a night) or shot as prolifically from deep (1.8 threes per game). Rubio’s assist averages have dipped to an uncharacteristic 6.1 though, but that may be a byproduct of playing beside other quality playmakers like Joe Ingles and Donovan Mitchell, which in turn is allowing the Spaniard to focus more on getting his own buckets.

Andre Drummond, C, Detroit Pistons

Fact: Andre Drummond is a career 38.9 percent free throw shooter. Also fact: Andre Drummond has never shot better than 41.8 percent from the line in a single season before. Also also fact: Andre Drummond has made 30 of his 40 free throws attempts (75.0 percent) to start this season. Checkmate, atheists.

Seriously though, the UConn product’s quantum leap from the charity stripe should have major implications on his net effectiveness, allowing him to be more aggressive attacking the basket now that he no longer seems to be afraid of shooting foul shots. Meanwhile, the extra freebies should directly aid him in the points department as well. Elsewhere, Drummond’s spread pick-and-roll with Reggie Jackson is potent again thanks to the arrival of Avery Bradley and an energized Tobias Harris. And with a 3.1 combined steals and blocks per game (the highest such mark of his career), Drummond is starting to snatch some souls on defense too. Can I get a hallelujah?

Otto Porter, SF/PF, Washington Wizards

Perhaps the least-heralded member of Washington’s core group of players, Porter has been nothing short of Ottomatic this season (I’ll see myself out now). With 2.6 threes and 2.3 steals per game, the former No. 3 pick is essentially what you would get if you took a 3-and-D forward and tossed him in a blender with a bunch of steroids. Porter has also kicked up his scoring to a personal best 18.1 points a night, giving the Wizards a third lethal option on the perimeter. Many had their doubts that he was worth the $104 million max deal Washington coughed up to retain him this summer. Maintaining this level of production over the next five months could prove tricky, but so far, so good for Junior.

TJ Warren, SF, Phoenix Suns

Credit Warren as a driving force behind Phoenix’s semi-amazing turnaround after their flaming garbage pail start to the season. He has already posted games of 20, 24, 27, and 40 points in the opening weeks of the season, and he is doing so almost exclusively from inside the three-point arc. Warren is also seventh among small forwards in rebounding and continues to show excellent intuition cutting to the basket as Devin Booker, Tyler Ulis, or another guard initiates the offense. The type of positional flexibility he possesses is highly valuable to the modern game as well, so here’s hoping for more love from the greater basketball community for The Warren Commission.

from Larry Brown Sports http://ift.tt/2iAmPtz