#and my sister is debating a name for the black one

[nervocat]

Hey guys look at the silly little kittens I'm fostering rn aren't they cute :33 (also umm @h2llish ik you wanted to see them so yeah. Here they are!)

[sweetestcaptainhughes]

hello can I do a 17 ❤️‍🩹 and is it possible to do it w/ jamie drysdale? if not then with trevor zegras 🙏🙏

ooo so I only did leprechaun man as a joke because I wanted MK (@chukys-mouthguard) to show the world that she calls him a fucking sweet potato. 😂😂 Plus no one has requested Trevor at all during this celly, so Trevor it is. Sorry you had to sit in my inbox all day, apparently my body decided to sleep the entire day. I had no idea where this was going and I'm debating if I lost the plot half way through but it's cute I think.

200 Followers Celebration

Overcompensating by giving compliments and being extra nice, but feeling frustrated all the same when their crush doesn't seem to notice their efforts.

Trevor has been acting strange lately, you couldn't pin point what it was or when the turning point was but he definitely had a shift in his behavior. Trevor was one of those people in your life that you couldn't really tell anyone if they asked how long you have known him or when you guys first met. Both of your moms went to college together and you were destined to be cousins from that moment on. Except, Trevor and you never acted like cousins. Not in the same way you interacted with his little brother and sister. Not in the same way he interacted with your siblings.

Trevor and you, you both acted well like an old married couple most of the time. Two people that would do anything for each other, hell they would move the heaven if they needed but when it came to everyday life they bickered like they have been stuck with each other since the beginning of time. Jack and Cole constantly gave him shit for it back when they were all on the same development team. They both told him that he needed to make a move before someone stole his 'wife' from him. At the time, you remember Trevor telling you over FaceTime both of you laughing about it till their were tears in your eyes.

Now years later, you ended up in LA for work. Trevor was so happy he had someone with him, even though at the time he was already living in Orange County for years. He insisted on finding the perfect apartment in the middle of of your work and the rink. Which meant that both of your communites with traffic were a little over an hour. On the phone with him when he proposed the idea of a shared apartment you told him how insane he was being.

"Z no. It's insane for both of us to have such a wild commute. LA traffic is already insane and you know that. What happens if I accidentally sleep in one day and then I'm what 2 1/2 hours late for what." you try to reason as your folding your laundry, trying to deicde what to donate since you don't want to pay to lug so much across the country.

"fine then we will pick a place closer to your work. it's only fair anyway, you're there year round anyway." he decides, glancing at his phone for a second, while he continues to search on his mac for new apartments.

"No." you argue.

"yes Y/N I am not letting you live here by yourself okay. " Finally looking at you in the camera he seems your black dress your holding up, as if your debating if it's time to part ways with your 'slutty little black dress' that was your saving grace during college. But Trevor remembers it as the dress you wore with him to the go out to the bars, the dress you wore when he realized his friends were right he was madly and deeply in love with you.

"did you just put that in the donate pile?" he asks. Nodding your head yes, before you could speak he continues. "No you have to keep that one bee. " he begged.

bee a name only he could call you. a childhood name he started calling you because he said your words could sting anyone like a bee if you wanted to. what started as an insult became a name of endearment and one he only used when he really wanted something.

But now months later, as he's driving you home and your in that exact dress he begged you to keep all you want to do is for the ground to swoll you whole as you sit in his jeep. Glancing over at Trevor you see his eyes are clouded with anger, not sure if your mad at you or his teammate for flirting with you. As if he could read your mind, he brings his hand over to yours bringing it to his lips and lightly kisses it.

"I'm not mad at you bee okay." he says as he glances over at you as he comes to a stop. It's the first time he makes eye-contact with you since leaving the club almost 30 minutes ago, he sees that you're fighting back your own tears. "fuck bee don't cry." he whispers, deciding to pull over because the thought of continuing to drive while you're this upset physically pains him. As soon as the car is in park, he unbuckles his seatbelt, wiping your tears away with the rough pads of his thumbs. "I'm not mad" he keeps whispering like a promise until you finally shake your head okay.

"why did you punch him?" you finally ask.

"because he's a fuckboy and he doesn't deserve someone like you." the anger taking over in his voice again, you wince as if his tone of voice could physically hurt you, like his fist hurt his teammates.

"then who?" you whisper, suddenly feeling a boost of confidence you haven't in a long time.

"what?" he asks so quietly you can barely hear him over the hum of the music playing through the speakers.

"who do I deserve? because ever since I moved here you seem to have a lot of ideas of who I should date and shouldn't. I know we've known each other our entire life's but that doesn't give you the right to cock block me every chance you get Trevor!" by the end you are red in the face from your screaming confession.

"Y/N you deserve someone who will love you! Who knows you like the back of their hand. Someone who won't ever hurt you even if it's by accident. Someone who can give you everything you ever hoped for and more. Someone who will sit with you while you rant about the newest project at work or your new favorite obesession for the month. You deserve someone who will stay up late with you just to spend time with you because they missed you. You deserve someone who can give you the world. You deserve someone better than me and that little fucker isn't better than me." Trevor's face is one of pure shock . His eyes are wide, his mouth slightly ajar as he realizes what he just confessed.

"Trevor." Unbuckling your seatbelt so you can get closer to him, even thoguh you are already in a small space. "what if all I want is you?" you ask, leaning closer to him.

But he shakes his head pleading, "no you deserve better."

"no there isn't" you reason, taking your hands resting them on either side of his face, resting your forehead against you.

'what if I hurt you." he confesses

"you won't" leaning close enough that your lips are almost touching.

"you don't know that."

"I know that you doing nothing is hurting me more than you ever could hurt me by trying." His eyes snap open at your words. "please kiss me Z." That's all it takes for him to close to space between you both.

[skellymom]

"Cup Of Caf"

The Bad Batch CROSSHAIR One Shot

Crosshair x NON GENDERED Reader (PLEASE put YOURSELF into this story! <3)

Background: Crosshair makes it to Pabu with all of his brothers and sister. Will he open himself up to another? What's his future there?

Word Count: 2.1K

Warning: Really none. This is sweetness, some angsty fluff, and character growth. Purposely wrote this piece for ANY reader! You can take this tale as friendship or the start of a blossoming love relationship. And, I purposely wrote NO GENDER/NO SPECIFIC SEXUALITY/POSSIBLY EVEN AGENDER into this story. It's about healing, sharing, growing, and decisions at one of many crossroads in life. Sometimes it's painful, but growth can be.

This One Shot is dedicated to Crosshair Fans, those of you struggling with hard decisions in life, loneliness, and to the amazing @lightspringrain whose art was one of my inspirations for this story.

(Her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LightSpringRain Just placed my order for the holidays!

(Credit: Dividers by the talented @saradika)

The leaves of the Cascade Tree rippled lazily in the ocean breeze.  Its boughs lifted just enough to reveal a man with a scarred head sitting under its canopy at the picnic table. 

You were surprised to see someone sitting there at... “your” table.  Not really yours, but no one else ever came down this far from the cliffs to watch the surf foam and roil against the shores of Pabu.  Every morning walking down to enjoy your cup of caf before starting the day.  Today, you were testing out a new mug, fresh off the pottery wheel: Jet black clay with metallic silver phases of the moon depicted in striking detail across its surface.  Debated selling this piece, hardly ever keeping anything for yourself. 

The man’s back was facing you at quiet approach.  He side-eyed you suspiciously, scowling.  Immediately recognized him as the newcomer to the island that arrived with his brothers and one sister.  Phee Genoa gushed about the one named, “Tech”.  She called him “Brown Eyes”.  This was the “Grumpy Brother” and was already gaining a reputation as anti-social. 

“Uh...hi.” 

Silence and unchanging side-eye.  He didn’t move from the spot and clearly wanted to be left alone. 

“Ok, leaving.” 

No reply.  He turned back around to stare at the crashing surf. 

The next morning you arrived with your fully vetted new mug of caf to find...The Grumpy Man back in “your” spot. 

Kriff...what to do?  This was awkward.  While feeling rather put out and wanting to sit alone, you kind of felt for the guy.  The gossip around town was he had been through a lot before arriving in Pabu. 

Looking down at the untouched cup of caf:  How many people, yourself included, came to this planet looking for solace and safety?  How many of the residents of Pabu arrived with baggage before they healed and found community here?  How long did it take to be comfortable with others again? 

Your heart went out to the man all by himself sitting there.  It was an amazing view and perfect place to be alone. 

He turned, almost like he had heard your brain humming.  Again, scowling over his shoulder.  You stepped closer, but he didn’t budge and kept the suspicious side-eye.  You approached the table and set the steaming mug next to him. 

He seemed briefly surprised, with his features softening slightly. 

“Good morning, have a fresh cup on me.” 

You awkwardly walked away, leaving him alone with the caf.  Heart hammering in your chest.  

After closing the pottery studio, you decided to stop by “your” spot on the way home.  The Grumpy Man was gone, but the mug was in the same position you left it.  You assumed he thought it a weird gesture and refused to touch the mug.  But you realized the coffee was gone and there was something in the bottom of the mug.  Turning it upside down, a seashell fell out.  A very pretty one too. It brought a smile to your face. 

Next morning, you looked forward to engaging with Grumpy Man again.  The black and silver mug was washed and filled with hot caf for him.  Stopping at the local bakery you purchased a large cinnamon pastry on the way. 

Grumpy was there.  He didn’t turn when approached.  You set the mug with the pastry perched on top of it next to him. 

“Enjoy.” Walking away. 

“Did you like it?”  His voice was low, raspy, snakelike. 

“What?”  Stopping in your tracks and turning slightly to answer.  “Oh...yes.  Thank you.” 

“Hmmm...” 

That was all.  He said no more and kept his eyes on the crashing surf. 

You left and walked onward to the studio. 

After close, you walked back to retrieve the mug.  It was empty of coffee and now and contained freshly picked flowers. 

This carried on for several weeks.  Every morning you brought him fresh caf and something to eat.  After all, he was skin and bones.  Every day something different: a fat muffin, breakfast sandwich, fruit, grain-meal with honey, meats, cheeses, brunch cookies.  It was a culinary journey of Pabu, as you picked up things from local shops, or even threw together items from memory of family recipes.   

It was almost an obsession to keep this man guessing the food he would be eating.  Local shopkeepers noticed you out and about more, enquiring about your sudden social spree.  Tongues were starting to wag on the island.  You didn’t pay attention to gossip and could care less.   

Grumpy seemed to have a decent appetite.  You were quite sure he was indeed consuming the food. Of course, he could have thrown it down the ravine to the fish and sea birds, and you would be none the wiser.  It was obviously evident his man was thriving as he filled out, less bony, skin no longer a sickly pallor, and his hair was growing back.  Hair as silver as the moon. 

Every evening he would leave something in the mug as a gift.  An unspoken thanks for your kindness: 

The split egg of a sea bird, a marine fossil stone, polished sea glass, a cascade tree seed, feathers, bleached bones, a preserved Pabu Butterfly with striking iridescent wings.  He even left odd items that suggested a sense of humor.  The persnickety land crab attempting to fight you for the mug as its new home. The small octopus bobbing in the salt water filled cup...who inked you in the face. 

Every day was a welcome surprise.  

You sat the mug and Meiloorun next to Grumpy. There were two covered plates on the table. 

He turned around to look you square in the eye.  “Sit with me.”  It wasn’t a question, but not an order either.  “Please.” 

This was surprising and you settled in next to Grumpy on the bench. 

He slid over a plate and uncovered it: Two stacked grain cakes with a whipped dairy smile and two berry eyes.  They were doused in rainbow candy sprinkles, sitting in a huge amount of sugary syrup. 

“Wow...uh.  I didn’t take you for a happy face kinda guy.”  Suddenly regretting the remark and holding your breath. 

He rolled his eyes and exhaled. “My sister made them.  SOMEONE in town tipped her off that I’m not alone during my ‘Alone Time’.” 

You burst out laughing.  How could you not? 

“Gets better.”  He uncovered the second plate: Two cooked sea bird eggs sunny side up with strips of cooked meat centered below them.  The “food face” was doused in ketchup to resemble a bullet hole to the head hemorrhaging blood.  “I’m more on board with this design.” 

You howled with laughter.  Grumpy cracked a small smile. 

“YOUR sister did THIS???  THAT innocent child?” 

“Mhm...” He snickered.  “Never.  She breathes and farts rainbows.  This is my brother's masterpiece.” 

The rainbow remark had you roaring again.  Wiping away tears.  His delivery was so unexpected.   

He handed you a fork.  Now that ALL his face was visible, you noticed the tattoo. 

He produced his own fork.  “Let's stab out the eyes and feast upon their faces.” 

“Wait!”  You lifted the mug of caf.  “First, we must drink the blood of our enemies and share the names of the victors.”  You were feeling giddy now...never considered maybe taking this Imagined Breakfast Massacre too seriously. 

It didn’t seem to matter to Grumpy.  In fact, he was smiling.  

“Y/N” You took a healthy sip of the caf and passed the mug to him. 

“Crosshair” He gulped the caf, giving you a mischievous look. 

From that morning on you brought the cup of caf to share and HE brought the food.  His sister and brother would cook or bake for Crosshair and “his friend”.  According to him, they were overjoyed that he had not been spending his quiet days alone.  Then started incorporating his own ideas into the recipes.  Crosshair would regale you with “Tales of the Kitchen” interactions with him and his siblings as they cooked.  He shared secret ingredients, always asked your opinion on the recipes, and how they could be improved. 

However, after the food was eaten and the chatter died he would stare wistfully at the ocean.  Deep in thought, mulling over something.  You would ask and he would deflect with another topic.  Not wanting to push things, you let it go. 

This sharing of food and caf carried on for several months.  Sometimes you were able to get bits of information out of him:  He was a military man before coming to Pabu and was in a special highly trained squad.  You asked about his mother and father.  He shrugged and said his parentage didn’t matter and that only his sister and brothers were important.  You carefully asked about the scar on the right side of his head, now fully covered with thick, unruly silver hair.  He glossed over it as an injury and no big deal.  He deflected by asking you about yourself.  This man was perfectly happy to talk less and hear you speak more.  He listened intently and threw brief tidbits in and sometimes his signature “Mmhmm.” 

Still, he seemed haunted by something and absolutely refused to talk about it.  You sensed it never really left his mind and constantly grappled with something deep.  Something he regretted with all his being. 

You both sat at the table watching the surf, taking turns sipping from the mug of caf.  The breakfast platter was eaten and empty.  He was unusually quiet.   

Then he finally spoke. “I’m leaving Pabu.” 

“What?”  You, shocked. It seemed so sudden.  “Why???” 

“I...”  He sighed and looked down at the table.  “Need to make amends for certain...things.”  His expression was one of thinly veiled shame. 

“Don’t know what to say...” Struggling for words.  “How long will you be gone?” 

“I’m not coming back.”  His brows furrowed sadly.  There was a lot of emotion, and you could see the difficulty he had expressing it. 

Speechless, you stared ahead and watched the surf pull away from the shoreline.  There would be no more shared caf and breakfasts with this man.  The days of looking forward with anticipation to the mornings would end. 

You both sat for some time in silence, listening to the waves.  In...out...in...out...as if the island was breathing. 

Finally, you felt his gaze.  Turning to meet the saddest, deepest brown eyes.  Such a pitiful yet touching display that hit you even harder in the gut. 

“I’m...grateful to have shared the time we had together.  I don’t say that lightly.”  His hand slowly advanced palm up on the table begging to be joined with another. 

You slid your hand in his and squeezed.  “I’ll miss you.”  Tears forming in your eyes. 

He squeezed back, nodded, then let go.  Getting up from the table he whispered “Goodbye.”  

“Take this!  I made it for you...even if I hadn’t known it yet.”  You handed him the empty mug. 

He took it with a look of surprise.  Then he turned away before you could see the tears in his eyes. 

But you saw them.  You will never forget that.   

Then he was gone.   

You sat the rest of the day listening to the ocean breathe.  Watching the sun make its progression across the sky, finally dipping below the horizon.  You walked home under the stars of Pabu...one of them a low fast-moving light: A ship departing the planet. 

Sleep was fretful.  Finally frustrated with tossing and turning, you got up, dressed and walked to the studio.  Firing up the lights, set the holo on your favorite “create playlist”, and sitting down at the potter’s wheel.  Tonight, there would be a new design even if it meant staying up all night to mold, dry, glaze, and fire this creation.  You threw yourself into the task, singing, and occasionally wiping away a stray tear. 

The sun rose over Pabu.  You washed out the new creation: A mug of blazing crimson red, raised relief of the sun, with a magnificent metallic gold corona.  Fresh caf brewed in the studio.  You poured it steaming hot into the mug.  Then closed the studio for the day, leaving a message in the window when it would reopen, and proceeded down to “your” table. 

You expected to be alone once again...however...there was someone sitting under the Cascade Tree. 

She was blond, dark skinned and looked to be a young teenager.  You could tell she had been crying. 

“Hello?” 

“Sorry...Just wanted some privacy.  My brother would come here to sit and be alone.”  She moved to get up. 

“You don’t have to leave.  Please stay.” 

She spied the mug in your hand, and the pieces fell into place. 

“You’re Y/N!” Her eyes widened.  “He talked about you a LOT.  He’s never done that with anyone before.” 

Warm intense feelings welled up inside you.  They spilled out across your face in a smile. 

“What’s your name?” 

“Omega.” 

You set the mug of caf down in front of her. 

“Well Omega, looks like I made this for you...even though I hadn’t known it yet.” 

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[starhvney]

𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝟑 | 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟒: 𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐒

𝐂𝐖: bullying, fighting, slight mention of blood (bloody nose)

𝐀/𝐍: me after writing this in one day :3 sleep? nuh uh

𝐖𝐂: 5,100 +

𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐓 ☆ 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 | 𝐀𝐎𝟑 | 𝐅𝐈𝐂 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 | 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐒

the morning air felt perfect against your face as you resisted falling back asleep while standing in front of aphmau’s house. the red door that distantly stood in your vision reminded you of last evening, when you felt much less calm than now.

you hold your breath as you slowly turn to look behind you, scanning the quiet street. the black vehicle no longer stood out against your vision, your eyes only meeting vacant asphalt where it had been before. 

the early morning sun still felt cool as it reflected off the puddles on the ground, evidence of last night’s rainy storm. your lungs shakily deflate as you relax, focusing on the morning birdsong and distant cars passing on a main street nearby.

clearing your throat, you decide to just text aphmau to ask what was taking so long. your messages immediately pull up to last night’s conversation.

laurance: hey, i have to walk to school tomorrow cause my sister isn’t going

laurance: want to meet up and walk together tomorrow?

aphmau: yeah!

you: yeah for sure! meet in front of aph’s at 7:40.

laurance: cool, i’ll see you guys in the morning!

aphmau: goodnight!

you: goodnight guys :)

read yesterday, 9:20 pm

you hum to yourself, tapping your shoe against the sidewalk as you switch to your messages with aphmau.

you: i’m out front, you almost ready?

aphmau: yeah, so sorry! got distracted ><

aphmau: i’ll be outside in a sec

you: no prob!

it’s only a minute later that aphmau appears from her front door, hair bouncing as she quickly jogs down the steps and stops in front of you. her hair is down today, falling in light, natural-looking curls against her shoulder. 

“i woke up late and didn’t feel like styling my hair,” she explains, patting down her loose strands when she notices your gaze directed on her head.

“it’s pretty,” you simply return, reassuring her with a smile and a nod.

she relaxes, muttering a “thank you,” before rubbing her eyes with a yawn.

“did you stay up late or something?”

aphmau freezes, before slowly nodding her head.

“uh, yeah… there’s this online friend i have. i accidentally stayed up too late with him playing our favorite game together.”

you make a small “ooohh” sound in return.

“that’s fun. have y’all been friends for a long time?”

“yeah! like, two years.”

“aw, that’s nice. what does he look like, what’s his name?”

“uhhh…”

you blink, staring at her expectantly.

“well, we don’t know what each other looks like… and his online name is fc.” she admits, pressing her lips together and tugging on a strand of her hair. 

“…you’ve been friends for two years but you don’t even know each other's names? what if he’s some random old man?”

aphmau huffs, crossing her arms.

“well, i mean… i think it’s safer if we’re both anonymous. besides, we’re just friends.”

you hum, tilting your head in thought.

“yeah. i guess you’re right.”

aphmau bites her lip, eyebrows pinching together as she looks away in thought. she glances back at you hesitantly, like she was debating whether she should bring something up to you or not.

“what is it?”

“…i’m just nervous about the whole ivy situation.”

you sigh, biting your lip as you stare down at your feet in thought.

“she’s smart about how she’s doing it. no witnesses, holding the risk of our reputations over our heads. we need to find a way to get her caught without making it obvious.”

“morning!” laurance calls from behind you, his voice still a bit hoarse from sleep.

you turn to greet the boy, taking in his appearance. he seemed to have rushed this morning, the tie to his uniform slightly undone and hair still mussed from sleep.

“we’ll figure something out later,” you whisper to aphmau, to which she nods briskly.

“what’s up?” he asks, noticing your hushed voices and secretive formation.

“we’re having a secret girl meeting. without you.”

his eyebrows raise in surprise before he barks out a small laugh in amusement.

“fair enough.”

☆

you haven’t seen aphmau for most of the day since you parted from her at the school’s front doors—and it was something that was bothering you.

based on the smug tilt of ivy’s lips when she watched you walk into your homeroom this morning, you have a serious feeling she’s up to something, and you definitely prefer to be with aphmau when it happens.

does she genuinely not have anything better to do?

your stomach feels heavy as you enter the art classroom, especially when your eyes land on the kind-natured blonde who smiles and waves at your appearance. you feel bad at the tempting thought to ignore his welcoming face and sit on the other side of the classroom, just to avoid the wrath of the snake who now stays wrapped up in your thoughts.

your jaw sets in place, stubbornly throwing away the idea as soon as it enters your head. it’s not his fault, and you weren’t going to throw away your chance at a new friend group because of some girl’s crazy crush. 

“hey guys,” you greet your small friend group, sitting between laurance and aphmau and leaning over to smile at garroth.

your eyes stay trained on aphmau’s for an extra moment longer as you lean back. she merely blinks, smiling calmly at your silent questioning. she hasn’t had any run-ins, then. good.

“ok, class. today we’re going to practice by doing a figure-drawing exercise. would anyone like to be a model for the class?”

you blink in surprise as aphmau’s hand raises, volunteering with an, “i will!”

“not as shy as i thought,” laurance notes as aphmau strides her short legs to the center of the classroom, hoisting herself up onto the stool.

“anxious but extroverted. an interesting combo,” you conclude his thought with a laugh as garroth scoots closer to the two of you.

the three of you start your portraits, your chatter quieting as you focus on the drawings in front of you. occasionally, garroth glances at yours and laurance’s pages, his lips forming into a pout out of the corner of your eye. you turn to look at him, tilting your head forward to catch his eye as he glares down at his paper.

“what?” you question him simply, your smile light and teasing.

his eyes nervously dart to you, unable to escape as you lean into his vision.

“ugh,” he groans, scribbling his graphite harshly against the page. “i’m just not good at art.”

he hides his work from you with his arm as you lean forward, trying to get a glance at his page.

“i’m sure it’s not that bad,” you encourage, lightly tugging on his forearm.

his ears turn red, barely hidden by the medium-length sandy blonde strands that curled around them. he sighs in defeat, lifting his arm to reveal the crude drawing underneath. laurance immediately giggles in amusement from beside you, his hand muffling the noise as he glances over your shoulder. 

garroth turns to glare at him, and you deliver a light kick to the boy’s shin with a scolding look.

“no, yeah. it’s not that bad!” laurance says between laughs, before snorting as he looks down at the page again. “not bad at all.”

you pitifully glance back at garroth who was now blankly staring at his page, the corner of his lips turning down in an embarrassed smile.

“well… i see his potential. if he practiced-”

“aw, i think you’re too sweet on him,” laurance leans into you, ruffling your hair with a grin. “no need to lie.”

“don’t be rude! everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.”

laurance glances down at your page with a pointed look and raised eyebrows. 

“funny, coming from clearly the best artist out of the three of us. no need to be humble.”

you sigh, exasperated at laurance’s teasing nature.

“yeah, you’re way better than i could be, even if i practiced,” garroth glances over at your sketch.

“well, i practice art a lot as a hobby. if i went out and tried to play baseball or soccer i’d probably never be on either of your levels. it’s not a bad thing, i’ve just never played.”

garroth purses his lips, still staring down your and laurance’s pages.

“can you teach me?”

“huh?”

“can you give me some tips on how to draw better?”

you blink, before nodding with a smile. “yeah, sure. maybe you two can teach me to play your sports as payment.”

he smiles, and laurance ruffles your hair once more before leaning off of you.

“sure, sounds like a good deal to me. speaking of, laurance, how’s the soccer team looking this year?”

“you play soccer?” aphmau questions, returning back to her place as garroth makes room for her.

“yep! i’m the captain this year.”

“woah, awesome!”

“yeah, and i haven’t forgotten about the schedule. i’ll give one to both of you when it comes out.”

“like you don’t have fan girls lining up to watch you already,” garroth rolls his eyes. “looking to add to your collection.”

“hey! this is different,” laurance pouts. “and you’re one to talk about fangirls.”

you make eye contact with aphmau, who gives you a look that says, “no, seriously.”

“and to answer your question,” he sighs. “the team is a mess this year. all our good players graduated last year. we’ll be lucky to make it through the season in one piece. what about you?”

“meh, it’s fine so far. dante’s been coming to practice and he’s not half bad. we might have a decent lineup.”

that was that gene guy’s little brother, right? you haven’t met him yet.

the bell interrupts your conversation, signaling the beginning of the athletics period.

“ok, class! be sure to turn in your drawings at the front before leaving. you’re dismissed. oh, and miss salome, you can turn in any drawing next class period so i can evaluate your skill level.”

“oh, okay! thank you!”

“ooh, real quick! let’s take a selfie!” aphmau whips out her phone, pulling you in by the arm and waving at the two boys to get in frame.

“hm? what for?” garroth questions, though still leans down, perching his head close to yours.

“ummm… cause we’re art buddies!” she shrugs, making room for laurance as he squeezes his face in the shot between our shoulders.

the four of you smile, and she clicks in a few pictures before letting the three of you go.

“those were cute. send me them, please!” you ask, leaning over her shoulder and gazing at the photos on her screen.

“me too.” the boys say in unison, and she joyfully nods at all of your requests.

“oh, here’s my number so you can send that to me,” he says, pulling a loose sheet of paper from his bag and scribbling down on it, ripping it in half and handing one to each of you.

garroth and laurance wave as your group splits apart by the doorway, leaving you walking with aphmau down the hall.

“where are you going for athletics, aph?”

“i think the off season kids are running on the track today. are you going?”

“actually, i was gonna practice volleyball today. katelyn invited me.”

“ooh, that’s fun! maybe i can skip out and watch…?” she wonders aloud, stopping in front of one of the girls' bathrooms. “oh hey, i need to use the restroom, mind waiting for me?”

you shrug, following her in and leisurely stopping in front of the mirror to check yourself out while she steps into one of the stalls. you notice her go in with her backpack, and you curiously stare at the closed stall door.

“oh, are you changing in here?”

“…yeah. i don’t really like changing in front of people, and all of the bathroom and shower stalls kept getting taken before i could get to them last week. that’s how i ended up alone with ivy and her group on friday—cause i had to wait to change.”

you hum softly in understanding.

“that makes sense. i usually face the wall when i change,” you purse your lips in thought. “if you want, we can start changing in here and walking to the gym together.”

you hear a sigh of relief as you hear  her clothes shuffle some more and the stall door unlock. she comes out in the athletics uniform, tying up her hair in a ponytail and kicking her backpack out onto the floor in front of her. 

“that would be awesome, you’re the best.”

you smile with a shrug, turning to the bathroom door when you hear it swing open. the smile immediately drops when you see ivy step in, her nose wrinkling at you as if she had just smelled something foul. her shorter friend–who you still haven’t caught the name of–silently walks in behind her, face still and emotionless as she looks the two of you up and down.

“well if it isn’t the two tramps trying to steal my man from me.”

you can’t help but scoff at her, stepping closer to aphmau and picking her backpack up, singing it up for her to grab. you feel a strange burning sensation in your chest, hands beginning to shake from anger. 

“i’m not even going to entertain your petty jealousy. maybe if you weren’t so pathetic about your crush you’d actually be dating garroth, but instead you’re harassing his friends the first second he makes any,” you snatch aphmau’s wrist, dragging her past the two girls before they could block your way out and turning to the taller girl as she stares at you in disgusted shock.

“stop messing with us. unlike you, i don’t make empty threats.”

aphmau yelps as her hand slips from yours, her head snapping back as ivy’s polished fingers wrap around her ponytail.

you whip around, using the momentum to slide your bag off your shoulders and swing it around into the girl’s head. she lets go of her teary eyed victim, carmine hair flying out of place as she stumbles back.

her friend doesn’t seem too loyal about the situation, stepping back to the wall as she watches everything unfold with dispassionate eyes.

you don’t pay much mind to her, vision red as you focus in on the girl clutching her head as she turns her head back to you with an equally furious look on her face. you pull aphmau out of the way, practically sliding her across the tile before digging your fingers into ivy’s uniform shirt and using your leg to kick her knees out from under her, taking you both down to the ground.

“bitch.”

she lets out an irritated shriek, her hands flying up and catching you right in the nose. you groan in pain, eyes tearing up and giving her an opening to rip at the strands of your hair, her nails raking and scratching your cheek.

“stop!” aphmau calls your name, sounding worried and shaken.

you ignore her pleading voice, too focused on the strange burning and flooding sensation in your nose. gritting your teeth, you use one hand to hold her wrist from ripping a chunk of your hair out, sitting above her as you wind your other hand back and deliver a harsh slap against her face. her hand lets go of you, instead covering her face as you ball your fist, punching her head and pulling at her hands to try and get a better hit in.

“ladies!” a stern feminine voice pierces the hallway, causing you to freeze in place.

you turn with wide eyes to see mrs.hwit marching towards you all, her expression full of disbelief and disappointment.

“just what do you think you’re doing?!”

you immediately regret what you did, glancing down at the girl. her cheek was red from where you slapped her and her round bright blue eyes were filled with tears as she manipulatively blinked up in innocence at the teacher. 

“mrs.hwit,” she blabbers, her demeanor completely different from just before. “aphmau attacked me again and got her friend to join in!”

“silence, miss veleno.” the stern gray-haired lady snaps, hands firmly placed on her hips. 

you clamber back from where you sat on top of her, chest heavy when you realize what you just did sets in. you watch ivy flinch at the harsh tone mrs.hwit gave her, clearly unexpecting for this to not go her way.

“but—“

“this is the second fight you’ve been involved in, ivy, and from the looks of it you did a good amount of beating on this young lady as well. for goodness sake, her nose is bleeding. don’t play innocent.”

your eyebrows pinch as your hand gingerly comes up to your nose, a soft moan of pain leaving your lips at the dull pain. you retract your hand to see red smeared across it. now that the adrenaline has begun to leave your body, you also become aware of how the blood has begun to drip down into your mouth and chin, leaving a gross metal taste against your tongue. your cheek burns and pulses where ivy dug into it with her nails.

“i should give all four of you detention. this is unacceptable.”

you clamber up to your feet at this, holding your hand against your nose as it begins to feel strangely… tight? against your skin? what was happening?

“it was just me and ivy who fought each other, they didn’t do anything,” your words tumble quickly from your lips, guilt building in your chest as you finally glance back at aphmau.

she’s staring at the ground, bottom lip pinched between her teeth and eyes closed over with tears.

mrs.hwit sighs, going silent for a moment as her mouth twists in disappointment. 

“then you and miss veleno can spend your time in detention after school today apologizing to each other. if this happens one more time it’ll be an in school suspension for a whole week!”

your heart drops, and you fight off the tears pricking your eyes at the woman’s harsh tone.

“yes ma’am…”

“now i want ivy to come with me right now to explain herself, and i will be talking to you,” she looks at you pointedly. “before your detention starts.”

“now alex and aphmau get on to athletics right now. and you… go to the nurse for your nose if it’s bad enough. come along miss veleno.”

ivy clambers up in shock, holding her cheek and turning to send you one last glare before following after mrs. hyria who was now furiously marching her way down the hall. you groan again, wiping away your nose and turning to look at aphmau again.

at the other end of the hall you catch that delinquent boy from the park—gene—staring right at you with an impressed smirk on his face. he silently laughs to himself before disappearing around the corner.

“um… what?” she glances down at the empty hall before turning back to you. “are you okay?”

her voice is shaky and stuttered, and you sigh as you wipe the blood from your face, nodding with a groan.

“yeah… sorry, i don’t know why i reacted like that.”

she shakes her head, waving her hands in disbelief.

“no i—i mean—“ she stutters, before sighing. “thank you for defending me. maybe she’ll leave us alone now?”

you turn to where ivy’s friend was before, only to see she must’ve quietly left the scene when you weren’t looking.

“i hope so. hey, go on to gym class. i don’t want you to get in trouble for sticking around. i’ll talk to you later.”

aphmau hesitates. “are you sure you’re okay?”

you nod, hunching over your bag and slinging it back over your shoulders.

“yep.”

she nods, glancing at you one last time before running off, the little charms on her backpack clinking along with her. you sigh, rolling your neck as you slowly make your way to the girls’ locker room.

your eyes tear up as you process what just happened, holding back a sob as you finally make it to the door, rushing inside.

you didn’t want to go to the nurse. you didn’t want to see anyone right now.

you let your backpack fall down onto the tile floor, stepping in front of one of the many sinks and leaning forward into the mirror to assess the damage done to your face. your eyebrows pinch together when you look back at your reflection, nothing really amiss except for the blood still smeared across your nose and your hair tangled and mussed.

grabbing a paper towel, you run it under the water and use it to wipe the blood from your face. your nose only had a slightly dull pain as you pressed your fingers against it, and what should’ve been deep welts on your cheek was only a slight red irritation. ivy had dug her hand into you, you should’ve looked a lot worse for wear than you did right now.

“…the hell?”

“oh, there you are! what are you doing?” katelyn questions, appearing in the mirror behind you and taking in your ruffled hair. “did you fall asleep in class or something?”

“uh, yeah... sorry,” you nervously laugh, glancing back at your unmarked face one more time before turning to her. “i’ll change super quick and be out there.”

she stares at you for a moment, frowning at your reddened eyelids and the glossy look in your eyes. she shrugs her shoulders after you don’t say anything further, and turns to walk back out of the locker room.

“alright, me and the ladies will be waiting for you on the court.”

☆

“got it!” you call, running up to the net and jumping, slamming your hand down onto the ball.

katelyn whistles as it lands in bounds in the back end of the other side of the court, concluding the last exercise of practice. the light cheers of teony and nicole–who was a close friend of katelyn’s–follow. everyone crowds together at the center of the court, clapping and putting their hands together.

“lady phoenixes on three!” katelyn announces.

“one, two, three, lady phoenixes!” everyone chants, before tiredly retreating back to the locker room.

“you’re pretty good!” nicole comes up to you, her dark copper hair falling out of her high ponytail.

she stood shorter than the rest of the team and even just slightly under your height. she played the libero position, and was pretty impressive with her diving and saving skills from what you saw. her eyes were a brilliant shade of gray, outlined by thick black lashes. freckles dot along her face like constellations, gathering mostly along her nose and cheekbones. 

“thanks,” you smile, your mood feeling much lighter than it did at the beginning of the period.

teony and katelyn follow up behind her, the former coming to your side and wrapping her arms around your shoulders. despite her hard work all practice, she still managed to have her fruit-scented perfume stuck to her skin, the sweet smell invading your nose.

“seriously, it’s too bad the season has already started,” the chestnut skinned girl rested her cheek against your head, her chime-sounding voice.

katelyn nods, humming in thought as she rests her hand against her hip.

“yeah… do you want to come to practices during the athletics period? if you keep improving i bet you could get on varsity next year.”

“seriously?” you ask in surprise.

“yeah, you were seriously crazy with your spikes. you should think about it, we’d love you on the team,” nicole pipes in.

“for sure, sounds like fun!”

“cool,” katelyn nods, nudging your arm with a smile. “i am kinda glad we don’t have after school practice today, i’m tired.”

“seriously, i’m gonna go home and take a nap,” teony sighs lightly, releasing you from her embrace and stretching out her limbs.

the four of you gather your things in the locker room, but the girls turn to you in confusion when you turn to walk further into the school instead of going along with them to the exit.

“hey, where are you going?”

“oh, uh… i forgot something in one of the classrooms. i’ll catch you guys later.”

teony makes a small noise as if she has remembered something important, dashing back to you and pulling her phone out. she hands it to you, the sunflower charm attached to the pink phone dangling in the air.

“here, put your number in and i’ll share it with kate and nicki, okay?”

“oh, sure!” you smile, quickly tapping in your contact into the cheery girl’s list.

after you finish she waves goodbye, walking off with the other two out the doors.

that’s if i still have a phone after i get back home today.

you find the doors to detention, thankfully not finding anyone you know in the hallways on the way like aphmau had just days before. you step inside, immediately landing your eyes on the girl you had taken down in the hall just about an hour earlier.

her eyes dart to yours, mouth curling up as she glares at you. any sorrow you might’ve felt for her earlier leaves at her ugly expression. you stare her down, tongue rolling against the inside of your teeth as you sit as far from her as possible. you’re not sure what face you’re making back, but she’s the first to break eye contact, face faltering into a peculiar look.

before you can take a seat, the clicking of mrs.hyria’s shoes makes her presence known in the room. you turn around, getting a ‘come hither’ finger wave from the woman instead of words.

great. 

you two quietly make it into the hall, even going as far as turning the next corner so you wouldn’t be eavesdropped on.

“now before you go explaining yourself,” she starts, taking a heavy breath. the maternal aura she gives off sends a lump straight into your throat, especially in this situation. “you know my daughter is lucinda.”

you look up at her with confused eyes, nodding slowly at her words.

“now, i’m not one to necessarily take sides in these situations. however, from what i’ve seen, and from what i’ve heard from lucinda and her friends, i can tell you’re a good girl,” her voice lowers to a whisper. “and i wasn’t born yesterday. i know when girls are being sneaky.”

she crosses her arms, lifting her reading glasses off her head and readjusting them in her hair.

“next time something like this happens… i can promise you telling an adult will end up much better for you than handling it yourself. do you understand what i’m saying?”

“yes ma’am…”

she opens her mouth to continue, but leans forward with a confused hum.

“did you go to the nurse earlier?”

“i—no ma’am.”

one of her hands gingerly touches your cheek, as well as brushing along your nose and under your eyes.

“strange… no swelling? not even a scratch mark? it looked like she broke your nose earlier.”

you blink. so it wasn’t just your imagination.

“i guess it looked worse than it was.”

“now, what’s happening?”

you gulp, looking nervously around at the hall for any eavesdroppers.

“um… just petty drama that aphmau and i were dragged into. it’s really ridiculous.”

“boys?”

you sigh.

“yeah. jealousy, and not on our part.”

she hums, rolling her eyes.

“but, mrs.hwit?”

“yes…?”

“i—“ you hesitate, stuttering in your words. “aphmau and i don’t want to be known for… you know, all of this in our first week. can you not get ivy in any more trouble for this?”

“what?”

“i mean… if she does anything else i will definitely say something. but if she knows i said something now i’m afraid words will get passed around school no matter how it plays out,” you clear your throat. “and i have a feeling she won’t pull something like that again.”

her lips flatten against each other, and she reaches up a finger to rub one of her arched, thin eyebrows with a deep exhale from her nose.

“alright, i understand where you’re coming from. i’ll sweep it under the rug this time, but if you get into another fight you will also be in very deep trouble.”

“yes ma’am, thank you.”

“alright, now go do your homework or something,” she dismisses you, exasperatedly waving her hands for you to move along. “i’ll see you tomorrow in class, dear.”

☆

“why on earth did i get a call from the school saying you were in a fight?” mom stands waiting for you in the doorway, eyebrows raised in disbelief.

you release a tense sigh, dropping your bag onto the floor of the entryway.

“because i got in a fight.”

“did you win?” your dad calls from the living room.

“yep.”

“good.”

your mom throws up her hands in utter disbelief, turning her head to glare at him through the doorway as he sits in the living room.

“what? you know she wouldn’t have done that if she didn’t have a good reason.”

she crosses her arms, turning to look back at you. a second passes before she makes a confused face, stepping closer to you and inspecting you with her hands on your shoulders.

“well the school made it sound bad, but you don’t look like she got a single hit on you.”

“yeah well, she did. it was the strangest thing, actually. my nose bled everywhere and she scratched me really badly on my cheek, but it almost immediately healed up… like nothing happened at all. isn’t that weird? even the teacher thought my nose was broken, but i’m fine.”

she freezes, back straightening as she looks down at you with a frighteningly strange look on her face. was it almost… horror? you realize that whatever your dad was tinkering with in the living room had also gone eerily quiet, as you look up at your mom with equally widened eyes.

“…what? why are you looking at me like that?”

she seemingly snaps out of it shaking her head.

“oh no, that is weird. it must’ve looked worse than it actually was. you’ve always had a… really great immune system.”

“yeah, i guess.” you mutter.

she suddenly clears her throat, retreating further back into the house.

“so what was the fight about?”

you sigh, repressing a groan as you prepare yourself to explain everything all over again. when you finish, your mom is staring at you dumbfoundedly.

“why didn’t you tell me this?”

“cause it’s so dumb that i didn’t think it would even get to this point. and by the second week, no less.”

she raises her eyebrows, nodding.

“yeah. this story makes this ivy girl sound really silly.”

“that’s what i’m saying,” you toss your arms up, before beginning to retreat upstairs for a much-needed shower.

“well next time—“

“tell an adult. i will.”

“or just beat them up worse than last time.” your dad hollers after you.

“do not do that!”

©starhvney, 2024. please do not steal or repost my works as your own

tag list: @orinlin @pain-in-the-ashe @youmake1mistake @thenyxsky (sry i forgot to tag you last time ><)

[romiantic]

SPIDER SIS !

→ READING: older sister!black!reader

→ GENRE + WARNINGS: fluff + the n word is said

→ A/N: not to be confused, 1610!miles will be in red and 42!miles/miles g will be in purple. also y/n will perceive to be around my age, so 17-19 years old at the time of this writing !

— being the eldest sibling/older sister is quite…chaotic. from the birth of your baby brothers to now, you’ve never known peace cause it’s always something with one of the two. miles g is arguing it’s you over the tv remote or miles is lost in his math homework

— cause of his smart mouth and pettiness, arguments with miles g would be a daily thing. from sun up to sun down this boy will find the most minuscule thing to argue with you about. one time he blamed you for missing his favorite show like it wasn’t 100% his fault….

— whenever you and miles g are arguing, miles would stay out of it and hang out with his parents. he never takes sides, since he loves you both equally, but he does try to hear both sides of the story. sometimes he’ll try to play peacemaker but it just….rarely works

— this nigga miles g is such a snitch omg. he wouldn’t snitch on miles often but you, he running to the nearest parent. majority of the time, you would have to bribe him to not saying nothing

— even through the chaos, it’s a loving essence with the two. through the fights and arguing, they both have deep love for their older sister, they wouldn’t trade you for the world. also, these two are veryyyy overprotective over you, sometimes too much

— anybody talk shit about any of you three is gonna get hit or flat out cussed out by you or miles g. especially miles g, he doesn’t play those games about his siblings and will buck at anybody, friend or foe, he don’t care

— if you have a crush on someone, please don’t tell either miles cause miles is gonna tell miles g and miles g will find their entire identity like he works for the CIA. don’t let it be a boy either cause miles g will watch that boy with daggers in his eyes

— the boys have put a lot of their trust in you! they feel like they can tell you anything and almost any secret, unless it’s too embarrassing

— when it’s not chaotic in the morales household, you guys are usually chillin in the living room either watching tv or doing your own thing. if anime is playing on the tv, all three of you subconsciously hop on the couch and watch it together

— watching anime together is one of the times you love hanging out with your brother the most. all three of you are huge anime nerds (the worst is miles g), so sitting around the couch to start a new anime or catch up on an old one is quite fun and peaceful. also, anime is a frequent conversation, a lot of debates happen and one too many spoilers from miles

— when you were younger, you used to help your mom wash the boys hair. if your dad was at work, which he more than likely was, your mom would ask to help wash and style one of the boys hair while she did the other. it was fun watching the toddler miles splashing water and throwing bath toys at each other

— miles g loves stealing your food and doesn’t give a single damn about it. if you doordash some food, don’t let miles g peep it or grab it for you cause he will steal something. you know what’s funny? he’ll steal your food and judge you for the food you bought like it was his money spent on it….

“why am I missing three tenders? there’s supposed to be eight”

“yeah n/n, that shit was dry as fuck. don’t order from that restaurant again”

“nigga- did YOU buy it?”

“I’m just sayin that I wouldn’t waste my money on no shit like that”

— all three of you have the most ridiculous nicknames for each other and it would be something that happened in y’all childhood. y’all even have code names if y’all talkin shit about each other

— the sibling group chat would go crazyyyy, but not all the time. usually it’s tiktoks, y’all talkin shit, or some fight video that happen in school. more than likely miles g was instigating the fight

— for miles + miles g 19th birthday, y’all got matching spider tattoos and miles g got a matching nose piercing with you !

— when the boys were first born, they had their ears pierced and y’all parents would try to get matching earrings for the three of you. but majority of the time it wouldn’t work cause miles g refused to wear small hoops or a pink earring, even if it was sorta boy-ish

— miles g was the first to learn cuss words in Spanish, so he would teach miles about it. miles was clueless and didn’t know about they were bad words until rio popped his hand and punished him about it. poor miles :(

— when it comes to relationships, the boys always run to you before running to your mom. they would describe the girl and ask if you know her. if not, you would find her info and become a wingman for your baby bros

⭑ another long set of hcs, sigh

⭑ was this me mostly projecting being the oldest/big sister ? maybe !

⭑ lemme know if y’all want a part 2 cause I have so much to say for big sister reader 🤭

𝐕𝐎𝐓𝐏 💗: Psalm 100:5

SPIDERMAN: ATSV MASTERLIST + MAIN MASTERLIST

© 𝟤𝟢𝟤𝟥 ��𝗇𝗄𝗐𝖾𝖻. 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗋𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌 𝗋𝖾𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗏𝖾𝖽

[ssa-neeks-prentiss]

Whumptober day 6!

Note : This is now a series! It'll be my first one :D

Word Count : 1k

Alexithymia : The inability to express your feelings

You were reading when Anderson rushed into the room.

"There's been another victim. With another note. It said 'Eleanor. You ran from me. And because of this, prepare for another trial.' It was signed this time with Vixen."

"Vixen is the name for a female fox."

Spencer explained. You paled. You knew who had done it. You looked around the room. How do you reveal you know it without revealing who you are?

You paused for a moment before sighing aloud, making every turn to you.

"Fuck it."

They were surprised and Derek joked.

"Didn't think ya had it in ya to swear N/N."

You glared at him.

"Now it's not the time for jokes.."

You took a deep breath in.

"I know who it is. And what family is being targeted."

They all stared at you in surprise until Spencer made the connection.

"Your family is what the murders are about."

You nodded.

"The trials were something my family had faced for centuries. It's why my family is so large. Each generation has to have at least 9 children before the next 30 years or.. The Vixen comes after them. It sounds like a fairytale. I know."

You thought back to the trials and you shivered. The agony you and your siblings had been put through.

"Let me guess, it's been 30 years?" Derek murmured. You nodded.

"And there's only been 2 kids."

They all grimaced and nodded.

"So what are we gonna do?"

You stared at them.

"You are gonna do nothing. This is between me and my family."

Derek snorted.

"Like hell we're not."

You were surprised. You through they were just going to agree.

"What?"

"You're not doing this alone." Spencer added. You were now double surprised. Normally, Spencer was timid and shy. But now he was determined. Determined to held you..

You smiled and looked down.

"Okay."

Spencer smiled.

"Okay." He repeated.

"Now. What in the supernatural bullshit are we dealing with."

Derek interrupted and you laughed before shaking your head and turning serious.

"There is a lot of things that exist that you wouldn't think did. Things that completely go against science and everything you know. But you've got to trust me. And trust that everything I say is real. Got it?"

You got murmurs of agreement and nods. This was really happening. They trusted you. You smiled again.

"Okay. Now, first things first, stuff like vampires, werewolves, ghosts? They exist, but not like how society depicts them in movies and TV series."

"What are the trials?"

Spencer asked and you paused. The trials. You flicked back to one certain memory.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

You heard your siblings calling your name. But you couldn't take it. You were so close.

"Y/N! C'mon!"

You couldn't do it. And your siblings realized too late why. You heard your sister, Maisie, cry out your name.

"Y/N!"

Then you heard your cousin, Celeste.

"Crap! She's injured! Someone come help me."

And that was all you heard before blacking out. It was an injury you had managed to hide for almost a week but then the blood loss had gotten to you.

When you were waking up after promptly fainting. You realized you were in your bed and safe. You didn't know how you had survived. Did the others come get you? You heard your name being called again.

"Y/N!"

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

"Y/N!"

You snapped out of your daze as Spencer clicked his fingers in your face. You frowned and shook your head.

"Yeah?"

"You spaced out. Are you okay?"

You smiled and nodded.

"As great as I can be when there's someone hunting down your family. But anyway, the trials. They're cruel, grotesque things."

You frowned and debated internally before giving up and lifting your trouser leg. They gasped as you revealed a long jagged scar that ran from the beginning of your ankle up to your hip.

"This was the best injury there's been in the trials for a while. To put it bluntly. Most don't escape. My generation was lucky that we all..."

You frowned. How could you forget.

"That only one of us didn't make it."

Your voice was cold again but they understood. Obviously someone had died in the trial. Someone you were close to. They decided among themselves to just let it go. It was a traumatic event for her if the that was the best thing that had happened in centuries.

You looked to the floor. You were revealing your entire life story. Something that you had hidden so very carefully for years. It's was all unravelling when you didn't want it to. You were just beginning to trust everyone. You had wanted to reveal it in your own time... Which was preferably never, but oh well. Life is harsh. You knew that much. Everyone in the BAU knew that much.

The team collectively frowned. They knew it was getting to you but it was weird seeing Y/N Y/L/N so.. Vulnerable.. Normally you were calm and collected, an asset in times of chaos. But now it was the greatest chaos and you were apart of it.

"Let's get going. I can show you my.. House.. And my family."

You spoke before grabbing your file and standing up. The others swiftly followed you, it was the end of what would've been a normal shift anyways, so they grabbed their stuff and followed Y/N to the car park.

You frowned. It was weird. Knowing you were introducing your team to your family. Kind of like introducing a blood family to a found family. They were both your family in some ways. You had gone through trauma with both and you had had most members of each family cry on your shoulder. You loved both families.

But you thought introducing them wasn't a great idea. Especially when you were coming unannounced. You didn't have time to go and warn them. You wanted to get to them as quickly as possible and make sure they were all safe. Even if you knew they were. Just to be sure, right?

[i-heart-yellowstone]

34 - Norris Meets Dutton’s

Part 35

Raised Fair Share of Hell

Please leave comments of your thoughts or any suggestions ❤️

Tag list @bvbwestfall @hcwthewestwaswcn @child-of-of-the-sunshine @elenavampire21 @keep-the-wolves-close @kmc1989 @tallrock35 @whatelsecouldgowrong @lover-of-books-and-tea

Alissa’s pov 

Standing in the kitchen I waited on the oven timer to go off to tell me the biscuits I was making would be done, which not surprisingly were my eldest daughter’s favorite thing in the world.  Just like me and Kayce. 

My phone rang from its spot laying on the kitchen countertop so I picked it up reading my daughter's name coming up on the screen.  “Hey baby.  Are you on your way here now?” 

“Yeah.  Cooper and I left early this morning.  We should be there by dinner at seven.” 

Hoisting myself up onto the kitchen island I kicked my legs slightly up and down.  “That’s good to know.  I’ll have Gator cook some of your favorites for dinner.  Does Cooper have any allergies I should know about?” 

“No ma’am.” Cooper responded through the phone. 

Biting my lip I made a silent note in my head hearing my daughter sigh through her end of the phone.  “Honey, are you okay?  What’s wrong because I can sense there’s something upsetting or worrying you.” 

“I’m worried what daddy will think of him.  I mean I’ve never had any boyfriends growing up until now.” 

Pausing for a moment I debated on what to say next to my daughter.  She knows her father loves her, but he's also super protective.  “Look sweetie, your father loves you.  He loves his family more than anything else in the world.  So I get why you're worried but as long as your boyfriend is himself and treats you right everything will work itself out in the end.” 

“Thanks, mama.  I appreciate the advice.  We'll be there in a few hours.” 

Hitting the end call button I hung up with them.  “See you then.” Sliding off the counter I went to help Gator make the dinner we would eat tonight.  My mom, sister, Rip and the rest of our ranch hands would be working to prepare for the branding that would be in the next two or three days.  

The spread that would be laid out would be steak, potatoes and biscuits for dessert. 

An hour later I heard someone walk behind me before familiar arms wrapped around my waist.  “Who got you to make biscuits hmm?” Kayce nuzzles his nose into my neck kissing the crook of it where my shoulder blade meets my neck. 

“Our daughter is coming home for the branding while she's on fall break.” I responded, eyeing his hand that reaches for one of the fresh biscuits until I slapped it away with a spoon. “Hey, no!  Those are for dinner later tonight.  You can't eat them.” 

“Ow! I just want one.  Plus you know Tate and Madeline will smell them any minute now.” He rubbed his hand I had previously smacked. 

Bending down I opened the oven lid pulling out another tray of biscuits already prepared for what he had mentioned.  “That’s why I made an extra batch.  Now please get out of the kitchen.” Sure enough two sets of smaller feet came barreling down the staircase the second the delightful smell filled the whole lodge. 

A few hours afterwards it was exactly seven o’clock. Changing into a simple light blue dress I curled the ends of my hair and slipped on some short black cowgirl boots.  Searching through the house for my husband I finally peaked my head outside the front door seeing him sitting on the front porch swing with a shotgun laying across his lap.  “Kayce John Dutton. What on earth do you think you’re doing with that shotgun?” 

“I don't like the wind chimes.  They're gonna go in a second.” He came up with the best lie he could. 

Putting my hands on my hips I scowled at him, noticing the particular chimes he referred to had been long gone.  “You mean the previous wind chimes that Beth blew up with that exact firearm over ten years ago.” 

“Damn it.” He quickly realized that they weren't gone just like i did.  He avoided my gaze afterwards.  “I don’t want to tell you what I'm really doing with this.” 

“Kayce  - tell me you're not thinking of shooting this boy off our porch.” Walking away from the door once I closed it, taking a seat beside him on the swing. He sent me a serious and silent look where I put a hand to my forehead.  “Why do I feel like I married my father nowadays?” 

Kayce got slightly offended by my comment.  “Hey!” 

“You’re telling me you don't see it in yourself right now.” Meeting his gaze I raised a brow at my husband, knowing he was smart enough to see it.  “We have three kids, one son, and two daughters.  Our oldest daughter has her first boyfriend and you're sitting out here waiting with a shotgun sitting on your lap.  And by my count you'll threaten to shoot him just like my daddy did you when he found out you got me pregnant.” 

“I do agree with some of your fathers choices now - he’s here.” Kayce rose from the swing nearly launching me onto the ground hearing a vehicle coming down the driveway.  

“Mmm!” I grumbled under my breath getting up from the swing watching someone get out of the driver's side and open the passenger side door revealing our daughter.  It was an old red and white pickup truck.  Kayce currently had the gun pointed up until I pushed my hand down on the long barrel, aiming the loaded weapon to the ground.  “Put the gun down Clyde.” 

Kayce rolled his eyes, hating to hear our former nicknames of this town.  “Don’t make me start calling you Bonnie.” 

“Thanks.  Mama!” Faith smiled at her boyfriend before noticing me coming down the porch steps.  Extending my arms outward for her she flung herself into my embrace with laughter and happy tears. 

Kissing her hair I broke the hug so happy she was home.  “Ooh  I’ve missed you baby.  Now introduce me to this boyfriend of yours.  I can’t believe you told Aunt Beth before me.” 

My daughter eyed her boots before tipping her cowgirl hat up slightly, walking us back over to the truck with Texas plates.  “I’m sorry, mama.  But anyhow this is Cooper.  Copper, this is my mother.” He had brown slightly curly hair stuffed underneath a red Texas ball cap, wearing a gray flannel shirt, dark blue jeans and dusty brown boots. 

“Nice to meet you, ma’am.” Cooper held out his hand and I shook it gently. “Cooper, Cooper Norris.” 

“I’m Alissa.  It’s nice to meet you.”

Cooper nodded lifting his gaze up to the porch with his entire body shivering a something.  “Is he really going to shoot me if I step up onto the porch?”

“Kayce!” 

Faith turned her head to seeing exactly what I saw.  “Daddy!” 

“Put the damn shotgun down before I come up there and kick your ass.  You’re gonna scare the boy shitless.” 

Kayce slowly lowered the firearm glaring at the Texans boy, walking into the house carrying the weapon in hand.  “Just giving him a good warning.” 

“So - um that’s my daddy, Kayce.” Faith nervously chuckled. 

Raising my hands up I waved the pair up and inside the house, reminding myself to talk with my husband later about this first impression he just gave.  “Don’t worry I’ll make sure there’s no firearms at the dinner table.  Her father really is nice once you get to know him.” The three of us made our way into the house, where the two got settled on the living room couch for a few minutes. 

The doorbell rang a few times with it getting thrown opened where I heard my sister in law make a lord entrance with her husband following behind her.  “Where is my biscuit lovin’ niece and this boyfriend of hers at!” 

“Aunt Beth.  Uncle Rip!” Faith spun around on her boots, hugging each of them tightly with a huge smile on her face. 

Footsteps came around the corner where we saw John and Gator coming out of the kitchen heading to the dining room.  “Dinner is ready and we're eating at the dining table tonight.  Oh so this is your boyfriend, Faithy Rae.  I’m John, her grandfather.” 

“Oh god.” Covering my face with my hands I prayed my sister in law wouldn’t run the poor boy off. 

Cooper shook John’s hand following my daughter into the dining room.  “Nice to meet you.  I’m Cooper.” 

“Is there - a - specific seating or-“  Rip eyed the long table unsure of where to sit. 

John took his seat at the head of the table, pointing to the front seat in front of his left arm.  “Wherever you want.  Faith, you and your boyfriend can sit right here.” 

“Um Mr. Dutton?” Cooper removed his red Texas Tech ball cap holding it up. 

His father in law responded watching Faith sit her tan cowgirl hat on the edge of the table.  “On the table is fine.  It looks formal, Cooper.  But it’s not.  It’s just supper.” 

“Rough day at the office again?” Beth asked, seeing the anger written on her brother’s face. 

Kayce answered with food in his mouth.  “Work isn’t what is bothering me.” 

“Is it because you currently want to throw the Norris boy off our property?” Beth kept firing another question at her younger brother. 

John placed his napkin in his lap.  “How about we don’t talk about threatening the boy at the dinner table.” 

“Do you have that shotgun hidden underneath the table?” Beth asked. 

Cooper stiffened his back up against the chair with his mouth full of food. “What?” 

John glared at his daughter.  “What’d I just say?” 

“What would you like to talk about, daddy?” Beth slammed her fork down on the table.  “Kayce is obviously uncomfortable about his daughter dating.  She’s his baby girl and his first born.” 

John simply said her name.  “Beth.” 

“Our house is filled with shotguns and other things.  Oh Cooper, did my niece mention to you that her father is a former Navy seal with advanced training?” 

Faith attempted to reassure him that we were a nice family.  “We're just very protective of our family is all.  Family is everything here.  But don't worry he's not going to kill you , right Auntie Beth?” 

John grumbled again.  “Beth.” 

“If we don’t talk about my brother’s uncomfortable feelings over this dinner we have nothing to talk about.  Are you suggesting that we eat in silence and make it more uncomfortable for Kayce and Cooper.  Is that really what you’re suggesting?” 

Rip finished his food quickly, getting to his feet grabbing his wife’s arm tugging her up from her seat.  “Thank you for dinner, sir.  Let’s go check on Carter sweetie.” 

“Baby, what are we doing-“ Beth asked before we heard the front door shut behind them letting the whole house fill with silence except for the sound of people eating their food. 

Awkward silence fell into the room with everyone staring at one another causing me to get up from my chair going towards the kitchen.  “Who wants biscuits, huh.  And while we eat those , Cooper you can tell us about yourself.” 

“That sounds great. Mrs. Dutton.” He responded with my daughter placing her hand over his so he wasn’t as nervous. 

This family dinner certainly wasn’t over yet. 

[candywife333]

Fish-wife or No Wife

Summary: Did Jungkook have a wife? The rumor mill had been churning for years, divided on this one topic. He was a successful worldwide pop star who was always seen with a different lady on his arm, as he flitted from country to country enjoying his prolific career. The reason for the lingering suspicion was a cryptic social media post showing a picture of 2 kids who shared the same exact eyes and smile as him. So in fact, if he truly did have a wife, who was she? And why had the public never seen her? Perhaps she didn't wish to be seen.

Description : famous pop-star/idol jungkook x chubby y/n , might be two-shot or trilogy

Disclaimer: The character of Jungkook shown in this fanfic does not accurately represent Jungkook's true personality or actions. Please treat this story as fiction.

Trigger warnings: mild voyeurism, dub-con (still debating on this), rough sex

Part 2- https://www.tumblr.com/candywife333/733312853462974464/fish-wife-or-no-wife

I looked out the window, joyously peering at the bevy of daisies and pink carnations crowding outside. As usual the entire mansion I lived in with my two kids, Iro and Mari, remained peacefully quiet except for their occasional tinkling laughter floating downstairs. My babies, aged 4 and 7 were having their tutoring sessions at home. The tutor, a sweet girl by the name of Lim Nara frequented our house to teach them math and science. They loved her as did I.

For the perhaps millionth time in the past 6 years, I patted myself on the back for the wise decision I had made. Marrying Jungkook was the smartest choice I had ever made. We had a marriage of convenience that the general public had no knowledge of. He had proposed marriage to me when he was left with Iro, still a baby at the time, after a one night stand with a foreign model.

I had always desperately wished for children, even as a I had worked a pretty rigorous career in PR for HYBE. Being 25 at the time, I wanted a life of leisure after working all throughout high school and college to support myself and my sister, Wei, when my parents had succumbed to loan sharks and eventual death at the hands of alcohol.

One night I had been getting ready to head home when Jungkook, the notorious play boy pop-star had stumbled into me as I was exiting the building. He had a baby in his hands, who could've been not more than 1 year of age. I didn't realize that I would meet the love of my life that night. I was arrested in place by the little chubby baby with fat rolls all over his little thighs and miniature arms, with soft curly black hair, a round face resembling that of the full moon, and big black eyes that sparkled with happiness and love.

I remember the day as if it were yesterday. Shocked at bumping into the pop star with a little baby I had jolted in surprise, "Are you alright Jungkook-ssi? Everything ok with you? Do you need any help?" The indefinitely reserved man had expressively opened his doe shaped eyes as far as he could and stuttered in a manner unlike his usual, "Could you please take care of this baby for the night? I will pay you. I have to be at a fashion event which goes on later this night. And even though I tried contacting the baby sitter, she is not picking her phone up right now".

I was shocked for a few seconds at this sudden plea for help. I didn't even know Jungkook that well, except for a few meetings in which PR employees were required to iron out some rules about social media engagement for him and the rest of the members of BTS. Partly still paralyzed in bewilderment and a sudden unworldly connection with this beautiful little bundle of fluffy giggles and flailing chubby limbs, I took the baby from him, "Sure Jungkook-ssi. I don't mind watching the baby for the night."

Jungkook know his request had been odd and rather rude as Y/N was an entire stranger. However, he couldn't decline this event. It was a prelude to a bigger calvin klein shoot that would take place later this year in Tokyo. And he had to be there. Anna , baby Iro's mother, had left him on his doorstep in the most callous way, jetting off to Madrid for a different photo shoot with her modeling agency.

He had made the stupid mistake of not using protection that night, and had wrought the consequences. Jungkook stared at Y/N briefly, assessing her. Even though he knew she was not in a relationship, she looked like a mother. She was the type of girl who you knew would take care of babies and nurture them. She was curvy , with luscious thick hair cascading down her back and a very warm face. The quintessential girl next door. Nothing dazzling or glamorous to look at, but sweet and friendly. Like a neighborhood librarian. Or the girl next door who you could ask sugar from.

All the members of BTS knew she was the fixer upper of the PR time, very skilled at her job and aware of what she had to do to avoid bad press. Extremely efficient but kind, human in a way that they had not seen in years, even since their debut. Jungkook was at a loss for what to do and he had been coming to the agency to look for his manager. Yet, to his great luck he had found Y/N.

The next morning he had popped up at Y/N's apartment to take Baby Iro. When the door opened, he noticed Baby Iro giggling and playing with pokemon stuffed plushies in a corner as Y/N made something that smelled like sweet rice congee. She was dressed in a pink satin robe that concealed yet hinted at her lush frame. Her hair was in a bun as she ladeled him a bowl with a plate of cooked salmon and seaweed soup.

"Please eat, you must be exhausted from the shoot". As she walked over to Baby Iro, placing him on her lap as she persuaded him to take a bite of congee, Jungkook had the brightest idea. "Y/N, would you marry me?" Y/N almost fell off the sofa shocked at his sudden abrupt proposal. She chuckled in disbelief, mouth frozen in confusion, "What do yo mean Jungkook -ssi? Is this some type of prank?"

Jungkook ran over to hold her soft hands in his. He rambled, eager to get out his explanation before she put him outside his door on his way, "I need someone to look after Iro. With my lifestyle and the way I want to live, a baby does not fit into my plans. But I do not want to abandon my flesh and blood. If we are married, I will gaurantee you a third of my wealth written in a pre-nuptial and whatever else you would like. We would keep your identity hidden. Please consider my proposal. We can have a marriage of convenience, written out in a contract. No feelings, just business."

I stared at him in shock at his boldness and audacity. As the request filtered through my brain, I realized it for the great opportunity it was. I wouldn't have to serve a man, but would have all the privileges that came with being married to such a prominent star. He would barely be in the house, jetting god knows where with god knows who. And I could have wealth, peace, baby Iro and a baby of my own. Everything I yearned to have since I was a little girl. Babies of my own and money. Money that would not trap me into a desolate life. I could pay for Wei's college and set myself up for a stable life.

Measuring my words carefully, I solemnly uttered, "If you want this to happen, I want complete anonymity and my name written into the pre-nuptial with the amount you suggested. My only other stipulations are that I have a separate house for me and Iro, away from you. I need to ensure Iro has a stable upbringing without having to see models and other stars come in and out of the house constantly. The last condition is that I would like to have your child. We can do this through artificial insemination in a clinic. I have always wanted a house with children and if you intend on asking something this big from me, I intend to do the same. You and I will never engage in sexual intercourse and will keep this strictly a marriage of convenience. You will visit the kids at least once a month. I have no other say in what you do with your life, and wish you follow the same boundaries with me".

He sat there shell shocked at my quick rejoinder to his preposterous proposition, chewing on his lip ring , bangs occluding his dark eyes, pondering my requests. His voice reverberated through the room with finality, " I agree. You have a deal. I will have my lawyers draw the papers and that is what we shall do." We had a civil ceremony the next day itself, taking less than 15 minutes for the signing of the papers. He had looked disinterested and barely spoke through the ceremony.

After this interaction, I didn't see him till 2 months later. I had shifted into a beautiful house resembling a gargantuan cottage placed in Jeju near the coast. It was exactly what I had been hoping for, a home, away from the pollution of the city. He had written a third of his wealth into the pre-nuptial, which would be used at my discretion. The first thing I did was to pay off Wei's tuition for university and any debt our parents had left us.

I took a decent sum of what he had written in my name and invested it in many other tiny resorts in Jeju, making sure that the money would multiply. My kids and I would be set for generations. That was the aim. Iro was growing day by day, from a chubby little baby who giggled and snorted at the swaying daffodils and baby turtles that washed up onto the beach near the house, to a healthy glowing kid, friendly and happy, intelligent with a beautiful voice reminiscent of his father.

Jungkook kept his promise and showed up for a fortnight once a month to visit Iro the first year. The year after, his visits decreased. And with each passing birthday of Iro, the visits dwindled even further. He had kept his promise of providing sperm for artificial insemination, and as Iro turned 4, I had Mari. Wei came to help me during that time and we both watched Iro. The nights together were beautiful. Wei would help me cook all my favorite dishes and desserts, as we relaxed with house staff in the evenings, setting up beach promenades and tiny little parties for Iro and baby Mari.

My life became exactly as I envisioned it. Born on Christmas, Mari showed up as a mischievious chubby little tot into the world, breaking the glasses of the doctor who had delivered her. She was ridiculously strong, turning over entire flower beds even at the age of 2, learning to walk ridiculously quickly. Breastfeeding her was a travesty. She would tug at my nipples impatiently with her teeth sometimes , forcing the milk to enter her mouth.

My babies and I were living the dream. Jungkook stopped showing up a month before my delivery. He never saw Mari or Iro. From tabloids and news, Wei and I gathered that he was too busy hanging out with his members, attending parties and fashion events, living the busy pop star life. The tabloids held sensational titles of his new paramours, a new one close to every month. The women were so beautiful, otherworldly compared to me. I stayed healthy but curvy, thick thighs and butt, with a plusher stomach. The only drastic change to my body were the big boobs that had been blessed from pregnancy, that grew to be 2 bigger cups.

I had loose skin, and cellulite, and slightly droopy breasts. But I was happy and peaceful. I had everything I could ask for, taking care of my babies, stacking our money continuously as I wrote novels under a pseudonym. My romance novels were popular, and I had a book signing lined up next month in Seoul I intended to take the kids to as well.

Just as I was booking tickets for Seoul, I received an invite from Jungkook's secretary, "Hello Ms. Y/N. Mr. Jeon Jungkook is requesting you attendance for a banquet that is happening in his main residence. His parents will be attending and he would like to introduce the kids to them. Please promptly be there in the next 2 weeks at 9 AM. Thank you."

Well I guess the kids and I would be going sooner than I expected.

[pet-genius]

Excerpt from a SSHG fic that mostly exists in my head

A while ago I wrote, and then abandoned, a SSHG fic called "Soulsavers". I still think about it a lot, and so today I wrote a scene that could fit in it. The premise of the fic is that Hermione travels in time to try to talk young!Snape out of becoming a Death Eater, and they gradually develop feelings for each other. In this scene, the Slytherins at the breakfast table debate an editorial on the Daily Prophet:

Hermione would have been almost perfect, if she had not been so fucking clueless, Severus ‎thought. He shoved aside her inexplicable strokes of near-omniscience, along with the ‎knowledge that, had she been at this school since the start, she'd probably want nothing to do ‎with him, like all the other girls. “Oh, can you believe this utter bollocks,” she said, slamming ‎the Daily Prophet on her half-eaten toast.‎

"Finally, she's getting some sense into that head of hers,” Black remarked. “It's absurd to ‎think our society isn't under threat, even if most of them are just shaved monkeys.”‎ But Severus suspected that Black was merely projecting. Hermione gave Black a cold look ‎and mumbled something about “see how you talk in five months”. Regulus was too busy ‎admiring his own voice to hear her, and Severus already knew he wouldn’t get a straight ‎answer. Hermione turned to him, and asked, “Are people really dumb enough to believe ‎atomic bombs are because Muggles steal magic?! And this is how they justify all this idiotic ‎purity stuff?!”‎

Severus asked himself again, for the thousandth time, what were they teaching them in Australia, and stared into his tea. He knew Muggles, and as far as he could tell, wanton destruction is exactly what they would do with magic.

“Well?!” She demanded.

“Doesn’t it make sense, though? Suddenly, they can do this, and even they don’t fully understand how it works, innit?”

“You can’t expect me to explain how atomic bombs work! They’re the ones claiming Muggles stole magic, they can prove it! How were they even supposed to do it?!”

Severus shrugged. However the Muggles had come by atomic weapons, they still had, so wasn't it only right for them to be contained?

“And look at what this… this… Oh, the writer of this editorial is a Malfoy, of course! So how does suggest enforcing his ideas? You kill all the Muggle-borns, new ones will keep turning up!”

Severus glanced at Lily, who was giving Potter the cow eyes as he read out of the same editorial. “Dumbledore wants us to learn from them. He wants us to let their children mix with ours with nary a thought for preserving our identity,” James orated, exaggerating even his own pomposity.

Preserving our identity… Funny, that. There seemed to be nothing left of the Lily he loved so much, who could see her sister and his father for what they were: resentful, obsessed with their own weakness, believing it entitled them to treat their magical kin like the dirt on their shoes.

“Our secrets and our powers corrupted in their unworthy hands, whilst the Ministry wrestles with the minutiae of the Dark Artifacts Regulation Act,” the older Black continued, and still Lily looked at Potter with naked admiration. Such courage, such chivalry, mocking Dumbledore’s critics in Dumbledore’s own school.

“That's easy, Granger,” Regulus interjected. “You know it was Godric Gryffindor who insisted that the admissions book include every magical child. We could, you know, just have someone alert us when a new name turns up, if they're not born to a proper family. That's what the Trace was originally for, you know.”

“Not according to Hogwarts: A History,” Hermione rebutted. Another issue of hers, she could never help correcting people. Sadly, Black had deep roots in their society, and he reminded her in no uncertain terms that he had a headmaster's portrait in his living room and that she would do well not to correct her betters.

What an ass, he could hear her think, and quietly assented. Even an ass, though, was better than an inveterate criminal.

“Not everyone are as psychotic about it as the Blacks, mate,” Avery said. “Don’t scare our half-blood friend here, you know we want him to join. We don't need to kill their babies, we don't have to stoop to their level.

Severus could feel Hermione tense up, but he could not understand why. Nothing Avery’d just said was false. “We could just... have a separate school for them, to teach them respect for our ways. Then if they prove themselves, their children could study here.”

“Or we do nothing and let them blow themselves up,” a more practical minded younger Slytherin suggested. “Or take their babies and raise them like useful servants, without access to wands, of course,” Matilda chimed in.

The conversation turned to the many ways the Muggle-born question could be dealt with, and Hermione grew pale beside him.

“You can't possibly want to join them, Severus! Listen to them!”

Didn't he? He was wiser, now, than he was at 11. His desperate attempt to cling to Lily had failed long ago, not before costing him years of isolation from the other Slytherins. Of course he would have wanted for it all to be different, for the world to be simple. But it couldn't be. And Severus loved magic too much, and knew the muggles too well, to be that much of an idealist.

“It's rule or be ruled, Hermione,” he said with a shrug. “What makes you think the muggles or their children would rush to help you?”

Hermione had a peculiar (and aggravating) tendency to be very certain of herself, as regards what was right or wrong, and what Severus could or could not possibly want, and then crumble at the first sign of resistance. For all her fiery opposition, he expected her to have a better counter-argument than “But if you believe that, how is the world ever going to change?”

Who said he wanted to change the world? What if he had just–finally–understood it, and how he could thrive in it? And why did Hermione seem so convinced it was down to him how the world would turn out?

There was no use denying it, though. He liked that she made him feel important. He buttered his own toast and smiled at her, and she smiled wanly back. She was almost perfect, and it was far more than he had hoped for not so long ago.

[lunareclipse39]

The Princes' Whore

Finally, Aemond and Daemon agree on one thing: their desire and obsession to conquer Princess Sameria Martell, the Dornish beauty with rumored Valyrian descent, and a unique gift.

Warning: Smut, violence, swearing and graphic descriptions

Aemond

This is single-handedly the worst day of my life. I am to marry, not to my beautiful little sister Alyonna, but to a Dornish princess by the name of Sameria. She is the niece of Prince Qoran Martell, and daughter of Aran Martell, younger brother of Prince Qoran. I have never seen this princess, though they say Dornish women are renowned for their beauty, and their promiscuity.

"The Princess Sameria is almost here, Aemond. Be kind, be courteous, and attentive." My mother spoke, as we stood in the courtyard of the Red Keep, waiting for this Dornish girl to arrive.

I sighed. "Why am I even to marry her, anyway? Dorne has declared neutrality, so I do not see why this marriage is necessary."

"This marriage is not to secure an alliance, but rather to maintain the Martells' neutrality, to keep them from changing their minds and joining the war, and joining Rhaenyra's side." My mother explained.

I rolled my eyes. A guard screamed, "Princess Sameria of Dorne has arrived! Open the gates!"

The large, iron gates creaked open, as an elaborate carriage carried by the famous Dornish sand steeds marched through, more sand steeds riding behind. My poor sister Alyonna would have wanted to see this, but she is busy with her history lessons with her septa, and I am glad she is. I do not want her to see me court this princess.

The carriage came to a stop, the sand steeds, in all their bright white splendor, neighing at the sudden halt. A knight of House Martell opened the carriage's door, and held out his hand for the princess I presume. A golden tan hand grasped the hand of the knight, and a young woman carefully stepped out, dressed in a dark red gown embroidered in copper, and as her gaze lifted I nearly gasped. Princess Sameria was indeed an exotic beauty, her dark chocolate curls framing her heart-shaped face and bringing out her sapphire eyes.

"Princess Sameria of House Martell, it is a pleasure to finally meet you." My mother smiled.

"My Dowager Queen, I thank you and King Aegon for your welcome." The princess spoke, her voice velvety, and curtsied.

"This is my son, your betrothed, Prince Aemond Targaryen." My mother introduced.

"My Prince." The princess curtsied.

I offered her a smile. "My Princess. The rumors of your beauty do not do you justice." I flattered her, not an ounce of sincerity in my words, but hopefully she'd be foolish enough to believe them.

The princess turned pink, and smiled. "Thank you, my Prince."

I offered her my arm, her orange fragrance reaching my nostrils. Yes, Dorne, especially Sunspear, is quite known for producing blood oranges. I led her inside the Keep, her eyes admiring her surroundings.

Sameria

I am to marry Prince Aemond Targaryen, second son of the late King Viserys I Targaryen, brother to King Aegon II, although who truly rules the Seven Kingdoms is being debated, or more like warred, between two factions of House Targaryen, known as the Greens, King Aegon's faction, and the Blacks, Queen Rhaenyra's faction. It is all so stupid. Personally I do not care for this war, as does the rest of Dorne, so you may be wondering why I am marrying Prince Aemond.

My father insists we have the blood of Old Valyria in our veins, that we are descended from the extinct House Belaerys of the Valyrian Freehold, and that I must marry into our ancestry through the Targaryens, and perhaps even claim a dragon of my own. My father is crazy, but so am I for agreeing to this. I believe my father, strangely enough, and both of us speak High Valyrian fluently, as well as Dothraki, due to our many travels to Essos, where both languages are spoken in just about every city, but especially the Free Cities: Myr, Volantis, and Lys. Volantis is my favorite.

I was on my way to King's Landing to meet my betrothed, and we were almost there. I was accompanied by my cousin, Aliandra, whom I like to call the little fireball, my older sister Nerissa, and my brother, Ardan.

"I hear Prince Aemond caused the war." Aliandra spoke.

"How so?" I raised my eyebrow.

"They say he killed his nephew, the Prince Lucerys Velaryon." Aliandra gushed.

I snorted. "Please."

"No, she's right." Nerissa chimed in. "I heard the same rumors. Aemond chased Lucerys on his dragon through the skies of Storm's End, trying to get him to pay for taking his eye out."

"What a gruesome tale." I said, horrified.

"But no less true, or so they say. Honestly I do not blame Aemond." Aliandra shrugged.

"Killing Prince Lucerys was excessive, don't you think?" Nerissa gulped.

"Maybe, but I also did hear he never got punished, so Aemond's anger is understandable." Aliandra shrugged again.

We suddenly stopped, and I heard someone announce our arrival, followed by the sound of gates creaking open.

"We're here!" Aliandra squealed.

The carriage moved again, then stopped, and the horses neighed. One of our guards opened the door, beckoning me to step out. I grasped onto his hand and carefully stepped out of the carriage onto the courtyard of the famous Red Keep. I looked around, then my eyes met those of Prince Aemond, my would-be husband. He is terrifyingly handsome, the eye patch covering his wound making him look all the more intimidating.

Dowager Queen Alicent greeted me warmly, and introduced me to Aemond, who was rather cold but polite. He complimented my beauty, and I thanked him. I took his arm as he led me inside the Keep, while Dowager Queen Alicent introduced herself to my party, and welcomed them. They'd be staying with me for tonight, but would leave tomorrow afternoon.

"Is this your first time in King's Landing, my Lady?" Aemond asked.

"No, but it is in the Keep." I nodded.

"Do you like King's Landing?"

"I do, actually. Not more than Sunspear, but I do like it. It has its charm." I shrugged.

"And what is its charm?" Aemond wondered.

"It's lively, the people are kind, and there's a fair amount of entertainment." I said.

"Yes, and it's also filthy, especially Flea Bottom, and a lot of the people are dirty." Aemond scrunched his nose in disgust.

I gulped. "Well, you can't really blame the poor for not having access to cleanliness."

Aemond scoffed, about to retort, but that is when his demeanor changed suddenly. His face brightened, a wide grin stretching across his lips. I followed his gaze to a beautiful young girl, no older than thirteen, with wispy silvery white hair, round, bright violet eyes, her royal blue and gold-embroidered gown billowing with her as she ran towards Aemond, enveloping him in a hug.

"Aly!" Aemond purred, as Aly pulled away, turning to me.

"This is my betrothed." Aemond tightened, and swallowed. "Sameria Martell, a princess of Dorne. My Lady, this is Alyonna, or Aly, my little sister." Aemond introduced.

"It is so nice to finally make your acquaintance, princess. Word of you has gone around and no one can shut up." Alyonna gushed, beaming.

I grinned. "It is nice to meet you too, my Lady."

"Princess." Aemond corrected.

"It's alright. I am a lady, dear brother." Alyonna giggled.

"Apologies, princess." I blushed.

"No need to apologize. My brother is simply uptight." Alyonna teased.

"Am I?" Aemond frowned.

"Yes." Alyonna mocked. "Are you showing her around the Keep?"

"Indeed, sweet sister. She is to be my wife so she must know her new home. Where's Aerys, anyway?" Aemond asked.

"Training with Ser Criston." Alyonna shrugged.

"I see." Aemond turned to me. "Aerys is the youngest brother, and twin to Aly here."

"I look forward to meeting the rest of your family, my Prince." I nodded.

"Right. Aly, I will finish showing the Red Keep to Lady Sameria here. I shall see you at the banquet."

Aly smiled and nodded, running off. "She is lovely." I spoke.

"Yes, she is." Aemond nodded.

I was shown the dining hall, the banquet hall, the library, the armory, and of course, the throne room. The Iron Throne loomed menacingly in the distance, making me gulp. I dislike the sight of it. Such thing is the source of many tragedies and suffering, like right now.

Aemond proceeded to showing me his late father's chambers, where a model of clay about the Valyrian Freehold stood on a mahogany desk, making me beam.

"This is amazing! Who made this?" I wondered.

"My father, before he got sick and died." Aemond said bitterly.

"Oh. I am sorry." I looked down.

"Don't be." Aemond shook his head.

I see Aemond disliked his father, and thought it best not to ask questions. Not now anyway. I nodded. "Your father was quite a skilled potter. These figurines are very detailed."

"Yes. If only his skill at pottery had transcended into his reign, then perhaps we wouldn't be in this mess." Aemond spat.

"I take it you do not like your father." I mumbled.

"You're wrong. I hated him." Aemond shrugged.

This is getting uncomfortable. "I am sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. It is a good thing he is dead. He preferred to be shut inside here tending to his figurines and obsessing over Old Valyria than to his duties to the realm." Aemond said bitterly.

"He would have gotten along with my father then." I shrugged. "My father is also obsessed with Old Valyria, even claims our line is descended of Valyrian blood, the reason he agreed to our marriage in the first place. Right now though, his obsession has transpired to the Empire of the Dawn."

"And do you believe it? That you have the blood of Old Valyria?" Aemond mused.

"Not really, no." I admitted.

"And why did you agree to the marriage?" Aemond asked.

"Well, I am a highborn lady. I was bound to marry sooner or later." I said simply.

"You could have married a Dornish lord, or any lord." Aemond crossed his arms.

"Yes, but why have a lord when you can have a prince?" I winked.

Aemond did not return my grin, but his eyes did shine with amusement.

"Shall we? I will show you my chambers, then yours." Aemond extended his hand.

I nodded. Aemond's chambers were dimly lit, the decor quite dark and solemn, but he did have a beautiful view of the capital. We then stopped in front of a jade green door.

"These used to be Rhaenyra's chambers, but now they are yours. I do think you'll find them spacious and accommodating enough." Aemond said, pushing the door open to reveal a most spacious room indeed, furnished with a bed big enough for two people, the covers and decorative pillows emerald green in color with gold embroidery. The headrest and bedposts were made of dark oak, and I did have a large, arched window overlooking the gardens and the sea in the distance. My trunks had already been brought inside, making me smile. This was the room planned for me all along.

"Well, this marks the end of our tour. Do get ready for your welcome banquet, my Lady." Aemond kissed my hand and dismissed himself.

I blushed, and smiled. Perhaps marriage will not be so bad. Aemond may be cold and stern, but I believe a softer, more caring side of him lies beneath, shown towards his sister earlier. In time he shall show me the same side.

I opened my trunks, which were overflowing with my belongings. I will miss Dorne, and Sunspear, but I understand I am a highborn lady with noble duties, one of those duties being marriage, and later, heirs. I gulped. I am not sure I want children yet. I brought many dresses and gowns with me, as well as shoes, undergarments, and jewelry. A knock on the door startled me, and I yelled "come in!".

Nerissa stepped inside, marveling at the room. "You were given quite the room, sister."

"I know." I shrugged, choosing a gown for the banquet tonight.

"I shall help you get ready." Nerissa offered.

I smiled. "Of course."

I wore a cobalt blue gown, held by a copper necklace as the rest of the fabric flowed down, reaching my ankles. Nerissa slid two copper, snake-like bracelets up into each one of my arms, and then I slid my feet into copper sandals. She led me to the vanity, as I sat down and she brushed my hair, letting it down and adorning it with a wreath of sun roses, a flower unique to Dorne, but specifically Sunspear. Sun roses are gold, dark pink, and orange-hued, creating a dance of sunset colors in them. They are beautiful, and smell so nice.

Nerissa bathed me in blood orange mist, and I was ready.

"You look beautiful." Nerissa smiled.

"Thank you, sister."

Aemond

The banquet was ready, as all of us gathered in the dining hall, waiting for the princess Sameria to arrive. She did after a little while, wearing a most revealing dress that complimented her sapphire gaze. I see Dornish fashions are of a... never mind. Sameria will have to start dressing more modestly, and more like a princess and not a whore from the bowels of the capital.

My brother greeted Sameria, a brazen smile on his lips and lust shining in his eyes. Of course my brother will lust after the Dornish princess. He better keep his hands to himself and not humiliate me in public.

"Tonight we welcome the Princess Sameria Martell, as she will join our family soon by marrying my brother, Prince Aemond. May your union be one of love and laughter, and bring forth many heirs." My brother joked, making the others laugh.

"Let us toast to their union, and of course, to the princess." My brother raised his cup.

We all followed suit, drinking and setting our cups down.

"I thank you, King Aegon, for your most warm welcome. I am counting the days I pledge my love for Prince Aemond in sight of the gods, and that I finally join your beautiful family." Sameria smiled, turning to me.

I smiled back, not looking forward to our wedding day at all, and glanced at Alyonna. My beautiful, darling, sweet sister, whom my heart beats for. I have protected her since she was small, she has been my constant companion, she is meant for me, and I for her, and I would sooner burn every last bit of this world than see her marry another man. I will never forgive my mother for forcing me into this marriage. She knows of my feelings towards Alyonna, but dismissed me and insisted two sibling marriages cannot happen at once, due to fear of the gods. Fuck the gods I say.

The feast commenced, and I watched Sameria, who sat in front of me, chat with her cousin animatedly. Mother blames me for starting this war, and it is the true reason she is punishing me by forcing me to marry the Dornish girl. Her excuse of not wanting to anger the Seven is nothing but a farce. I still say fuck the gods. Nobody has ever been punished by them for misbehaving. They certainly didn't punish Lucerys for taking out my eye. No, I had to do the punishing myself.

Musicians came in, carrying lutes and a harp with them. My brother stood up as soon as music started playing, and he held his hand out to Helaena, who gleefully accepted. My mother and grandsire Otto watched them with amusement, and knowing how much Aly loves to dance, I stood up from my seat and offered her my hand.

"Care to dance, sweet sister?" I asked.

"Absolutely." She grinned, taking my hand as I led her near Aegon and Helaena.

We danced, slowly at first, then increased our speed a little. The music came to an end, and we all cheered.

"My sister here is an exceptional dancer. Sameria, show them. Go on." Nerissa beckoned at her sister, who blushed deeply and shook her head.

"Don't get all shy now. You dance very well and you know it." Nerissa nudged her sister, who sighed and nodded, standing up.

Alyonna went back to her seat as I hesitantly offered my hand to Sameria. The music resumed and we started dancing. Sameria was in fact a great dancer, moving along the music as though she could feel it, leaving me to look stupid alongside her. I am just not a dancer, only with Aly am I one.

The music stopped again, and everyone cheered for us. "Any other talents we might know in your possession, my Lady?" My brother wondered.

"Yes, your Grace. I am an accomplished cook, even more so than dancing." Sameria replied.

Impressed eyes went about, but mine were more curious. A noblewoman who cooks is certainly unusual. Helaena stood up from her seat, turning to Aly.

"Aly, dearest, you should bless us with your singing tonight. The princess Sameria and her companions would love to listen to you sing."

I smiled. Alyonna has the most beautiful, ethereal voice there is, and radiates the purest, most goddess-like energy when she sings. Aly stood up, and whispered something to the musicians, who nodded. 'Maiden, Mother, Crone' started playing from the stringed instruments of the musicians, soon joined by my sister's sweet, melodic voice. I closed my eyes, smiling. I could listen to her sing all day.

Aly finished singing, as all of us broke into applause. I stood up and hugged her, kissing her cheek.

"That was beautiful." Mother smiled.

"Your voice is a gift from the Seven themselves, darling." Grandsire complimented.

"Indeed it is." I agreed.

Sameria

After the feast, or banquet, was over, we all headed to our respective chambers for bedtime. As I walked towards mine, I heard the muffled voices of King Aegon and Aemond in the throne room. With my curiosity peaked, I hid behind a pillar, spotting King Aegon lounging on the Iron Throne, with Aemond sitting next to him in the seat of the Hand.

"Why are you even complaining? She's beautiful, and exotic." Aegon slurred, clearly drunk.

"I know she's beautiful, and exotic, but no woman compares to my Aly. She is a goddess personified, and meant to be mine." Aemond said, playing with the tips of his hair.

My eyes widened in horror, and a strange feeling bubbled up inside me. I had heard of the Targaryens' incestous practices, but to hear it firsthand... disgust welled up inside me.

Aegon laughed. "Brother, please. Marrying sisters is boring and devoid of life. Just look at me and Helaena."

"That is because you never make an effort to bond with our sister, your Grace." Aemond said sarcastically. "I bet if you did your marriage would be much different, and enjoyable. The bond Aly and I have is different, indescribable, but feels like home."

"You're being stupid, and ungrateful. What I'd give to have such an exotic woman as my wife." Aegon scoffed.

"If you like her so much you marry her." Aemond retorted.

"I would if I wasn't married to Helaena." Aegon shrugged.

"Besides, Dornish women are known to, you know, have sexual adventures before marriage." Aemond crossed his arms.

Aegon grinned. "Even better! You get a woman with experience. I bet the princess Sameria is a wild cat in bed." He winked.

I nearly gagged, and clenched my fists. I was listening to the king, or king presumptive, and his brother, my betrothed, say disgusting things about me. Even worse, my would-be husband was in love with his sister.

[irenesweirdpinkstaff]

Goth Songs for the Ghouls :)

Phantom: Mi Amour, Mi Vampira by DECIETS

Rain: Cascade by Siouxie and the Banshees

Swiss: Floorshow by Sisters of Mercy

Aurora: Cassandra by The Naked and The Dead

Mountain: The Hanging Garden by The Cure

Dew: 92 Degrees by Siouxie and the Banshees

Cumulus: This Corrosion by Sisters of Mercy

Cirrus: I’m the Woman that Killed Jack The Ripper by Scary Bitches

Aether: Scopes by Bauhaus

Several of these are just because i think they would like them, and others are because of how i see them personally. Not all of these are great or super accurate to what the song is about, but more what i feel it is about. (and how i’ve been able to interpret them)

Mi Amour, Mi Vampira is just a song Phantom would constantly have on repeat sorry guys.

Cascade is one of my favorite Siouxie and the Banshees songs. It is a sad song. Rain strikes me as a sad song person. The lyrics are also kind of off putting: “My chest was full of eels/Pushing through my usual skin.” i feel that Rain’s whole vibe just screams this song.

Floorshow is a fun song, with very interesting vocals. the song mostly describes a group of people dressed in black with makeup who are dancing. Swiss is known for his shimmy so… Floorshow. Coincidentally, also one of my favorite Sisters of Mercy songs.

Cassandra is a song about a religious girl, but it is the darker side of religion. it is a song about religious trauma. I mostly just see Aurora vibing with the song, not necessarily relating to it. *this song does describe abuse at least the way i see it

The Hanging Garden is one of my favorite The Cure songs. the lyrics describe monsters in the garden. The song itself seems to be describing a nightmare. overall, fun song.

Dew’s is kind of obvious, 92 Degrees starts off with a monologue saying most murders are committed at 92 Degrees (really bad summary). The song describes sort of heat stroke, and maybe a mirage sort of thing. it’s a good song. I was also debating choosing Souvenirs of Surgery by Specimen for him, i think it’s again obvious why. however, i think the song isn’t particularly right, but still a good song :)

Cumulus’ is a song with very beautiful vocals, and she has very beautiful vocals. also, it’s just a very fun and dynamic song in my opinion.

I’m the Woman that Killed Jack The Ripper is a really good song where the person described by the singer is a vampire who kills Jack The Ripper. Cirrus is a badass and she would totally love this song as well as every Scary Bitches songs. you might know their most popular song Lesbian Vampyres from Outer Space.

Aether's is a goofy song because Aether is goofy. Scopes just names a bunch of words that include scope, including: telescope and microscope. i think he would generally enjoy Bauhaus cause their music is so fun but also unique.

i could probably do a whole list of songs for some of them, but here’s what i came up with, as a goth who happens to like ghost as well

[thearcanecat]

Hey Arc! If you dont mind, would you share some of your head canons for Miss Holloway or maybe Hatchetfield in general? /nf

Also just wanna say that I really love when you add on to my random idea posts, its really fun! 💜/p

Oh dear I have so many and they are not well organized. Let's start with the timeline. All of this is subject to change as well but I've actually been pretty consistent within my fics. Dates and names from her past and such should line up between them.

1776: The United States of America was founded.

October 31st, 1795: Holly-May Logan (Holy, holly berry, bitterness, month of May: hollow, lowland) is born.

1795-1810: Lives somewhere in the south because of the accent. Born Holly-May Logan. (land by the road, courageous fighter) She is feared because her red hair marks her as a witch/unlucky/cursed somehow. The Waylon family her mother is from has a history of magic although they do not know about the Lords. After her father’s death (probably due to something magical, maybe accident spell from Holly gone wrong?), they move to Nantucket, Michigan at the request of her Aunt. Holly's mother is resistant to this but widowed woman with a daughter being called a witch she really needs the support.

1810-1825: Holly-May Waylon gets adopted by her Aunt, who kept her maiden name even after marrying the mayor. (Magic runs through the female lineage). Holly’s mother doesn’t like magic as it has caused her much pain. Holly learns about magic from her Aunt against her mother’s wishes. She meets Willabella who is experimenting with lightning and keeps lots of journals. Willabella had emerged from the Woods many years before and was adopted by the Waylons. She emerged covered in mud, gaining her last name Muckwab. (Kinda Adam/first one created from mud/clay general folkloric motif.) She is disliked by the people who suspect her of magic. Willabella often debates religion with people and interrupts church, not helping her public perception in a very Christian town. Only the Waylon’s power keeps her safe. Her experiments succeed one night and 5 lightning bolts strike simultaneously, tearing into the fabric of the world. This allows Willabella to enter Nightmare Time and meet the Lords in Black. She devotes herself to them as they promise her respect and power. She experiments more, murdering children as their blood gives her writings power and are necessary for some of the spells. She creates the map and learns more about the Lords.

1812: Willabella has a child out of wedlock, further distancing her from the town. Father is a Hatchetmen with the last name Forrester, this eventual turns into Foster. (Potentially closer to her execution. She got pregnant specifically to delay her hanging. I was doing math with her children to get the Foster sister to be the proper amount of greats but I don't remember what my conclusion was so I'm not going to mess with it right now.)

1824: Willabella drafted a spell for immortality, which she is halfway through performing in the middle of the smaller island (what will become Waylon Hall), but it is unfinished before she is caught and executed by the Hatchetmen. The spell required blood which the hanging did not provide. The Waylon’s manage to escape by blaming Willabella as a witch. In her capture, large portions of the Woods were burned to the ground. The Men rename the island to Hatchetfield, after the new land. The judge plants three of the Villagers who showed signs of the Gift next to Willabella’s grave. They grow supernaturally fast to become the first of the Witchwoods. The Judge is a distant relative of the Metzgers.

1825: The remainders of Willabella’s cult join together to survive the Hatchetmen’s scourge. They ask the Lords for help and sacrifice Holly-May, their prodigy witch, to Nibbly in order for their safety. She is killed with the Black Blade. However, this is performed over Willabella’s incomplete spell in the Nibbly altar. Holly dies and the sacrifice is complete, saving the Church. A bit of blood drips in just the right place, completing the spell. The page in the Black Book changes from Willabella to Holly. (Could also be blood somehow perfectly landing on the hair to color it? But I like the idea of the Book having a life of its own. Like Willabella could write on it and only certain things would stay.) Lords offer Holly immortality in excahnge for what she cherishes most, her legacy. The Hatchetmen plant Gifted souls including Holly’s mom.

1837: Michigan state is founded.

1825-1840: Miss Huckleberry (sweetberry) Holly-May wakes up permanently 30, alone in the Nibbly altar. She is alive but some things are fuzzy. She wanders the Witchwoods for a few years, slowly going crazy. She hangs out with Chumby. This is the first true unexplainable event. (Referenced in KT) She likes the Huckleberry plants but feels they aren't quite right. She also likes the Hickory trees. (I have so many H*y names and I will shove all of them in here.) She wanders and meets a Stockworth son. They are a rich family who supported the Waylons in exchange for their magical knowledge. Duke is distantly related to them, he doesn't know this, but his name is a call back to the Stockworths being Dukes/Duchesses. The Stockworth son convinces her to rejoin society where she immediately gets swept up by the surviving members of the Church again.

1840-1855: Miss Hickory (tree) Going by Hickory as the records are muddled along with her memory, she quickly rises through the ranks to become a leader of the Church. The Church recognizes her as a reincarnation/gift to return for the first sacrifice to Nibbly. Most of the other members like her Aunt have died. She rebuilds it and secrecy becomes less key with members returning to high positions of power. This attracts the attention of the Hatchetmen who attack several of the members. Throughout this she realizes the extent of her memory curse.

Next few decades are basically just her learning more magic.

1855-1870: Miss Holleday. Pokey focus. Continues trying to build relationships despite memory deal. Learns her hypnosis and mind control magic.

1870-1885: Miss Hollisey. Blinky focus. Perfects more rituals in the Book and ends up leaving it in the hands of Willabella's grandaughter who manages a variant of the immortality spell with Webby's help. (Something with my Foster math again.) She has a more passive role in this identity, watching from afar and departs from the church for a while.

1885-1900: Miss Holloday. Tinky focus. She's a news reporter and investigates various goings on around Hatchetfield. Has a vision of the future where the world in overtaken by the Lords with her help. Starting to have doubt about everything.

1900-1915: Miss Hollowey. Nibbly focus. Agatha and Matthias marry and come to power within the church. Matthias becomes the mayor. Hollowey helps out and provides him with information that will be passed down to future mayors, along with information on how to contact her. This is what allows Solomon to reach her later. She reveals the map and the Black Book. The Waylons build Waylon Hall, the old schoolhouse, a mill, the Hatchetfield Gazzette and the Starlight Theatre at the locations marked by the map. Holly panics as they approach Waylon Hall, associating it with her first death. She leaves the Church with the goal to learn more about Webby and why she is so different from her brothers.

1915-1930: Miss Hollyday (holy day) Wiggly focus. Hollyday tries to enter the Black and White to reach Webby, however she is intercepted by Wiggly. He says that she has promise and takes her under his wing, the first true disciple since Willabella. He tries to turn Hollyday against Webby but that just makes her more curious. The Youngs are married and Mr. Young becomes the new leader and holder of the Black Book. Seeing the negative side effects of Willabella’s granddaughter's immortality they opt for stealing life instead. Webby finally reaches out to Holly and hides her from Wiggly.

1930-1945: Miss Hollaway. Webby focus. Webby brings Hollaway to Clivesdale, which she hates but it is out of the Lord's center of power. She explains that her mother the Spider Goddess used to rule to Black and White before being overthrown by the Lords who took her in. They claimed Webby as a sister but she began to see their flaws. Webby no longer trusts them and transfers her Gifts to Pamela’s Aunt, rather than Willabella’s granddaughter who has become corrupted. Holly is gifted a fraction of Webby’s power in a spiderweb in a jar. (one of the artifacts she has in KT). Webby teaches Hollaway the Witch in the Web song, reinvigorating her love of music.

1945-1960: Miss Honey. Return to Hatchetfield, avoiding but watching the Church. The First Honey Queen Pageant occurs and she realizes people are still being sacrificed to Nibbly. She mentors Pamela’s Aunt into her powers with Webby as a guide. Another girl, Rosemel Waylon who is very similar to Holly, becomes jealous and competes against her for Honey Queen against Honey’s wishes. She is chosen and killed before Honey can help, becoming the first of the 3-girl creature. Honey’s Nightmare Time becomes the Starlight Theatre, where the sacrifice took place.

1960-1979: Miss Holleway/Miss Honesty. Continue to mentor Pamela’s Aunt (Selina) and Mother, both growing into their powers. As Miss Honesty, she feeds information to the Hatchetmen like Bob Metzger and Emma’s Great Grandfather. One of the Hatchetmen is shown the Black Book and driven insane. He makes some of the marks within the Book (mostly the mad scribblings) and records some of the spells like the Ritual of Soul Transference, eventually becomeing Tape Voice. Pamela’s Aunt is overridden by her power despite Holly and Webby’s attempts to save her. She becomes the 2nd girl. Pamela’s Mother becomes afraid of her power and is traumatized.

1979: Pamela Foster is born. The Hatchetmen attack the Church of the Starry Children at Waylon Hall. They murder them all but the immortality spell is triggered. Holleway is able to destroy most of them but some escape, like Sheila Young. As the year turns to 1980, Holly is finally free of the Church. She steals the Black Book.

1980-1990(?): Miss Heavenly. Finally free of Hatchetfield she ventures out through the world as a touring musician. Some song ideas are from Webby. She finds a passion for the 80s and writes Run Away With Me. Throughout her travels she meets Wilbur Cross and learns of PEIP.

1987: Professor Henry Hidgens is struck by lightning and foresees the events of the split timeline. He carves a version of Pokey and the Lords which Harmony keeps. (strange carving in KT) While in the throws of Pokey's power he persuades Holly to do one last show in Hatchetfield.

Casey is a fan and while performing at the Starlight, Pokey tries to initiate the apotheosis. Holly manages to escape and resuce Casey too, but they are caught and killed by Hatchtmen afeter. Holly comes back, Casey doesn't. 3rd girl.

1990-2005: Miss Holliway. Back stuck in Hatchetfield she decides to help PEIP as an informant before climbing the ranks to General, despite being young (or is denied a title?). She avoids revealing too much information, warry that they will be influenced by the Lords, but this makes some others suspicious of her. When she learns that they are building a portal she is initially wary but comes to see it as an opportunity to free Webby/destroy the Lords. She volunteers to go in but is dismissed as she is known to lie/hide information and Wilbur is trusted more. (I think PEIP and Wilbur specifically hid this info from her because they knew she would be mad) Wilbur enters and returns as Uncle Wiley, the next true disciple of Wiggly since Holyday. He is freed from the curse and knows Holly-May’s history. Holliway tries to keep the timelines together, even as black and White energy rips it apart. Holliway leaves PEIP to John MacNamara, Wilbur’s mentee. Leaving her identity behind also wipes PEIP from the memories of the President and his cabinet as the government had been pushing them to create weapons. John’s views on the universal truth of love and the strength of the human heart are secured. A lot of his quotes are from Holly such as “time is a pressure thread in the fabric of the universe” and “I can show you the path but only you can walk it” His reliance on it helped Holliway forgive herself and work to move forward. It is troubled by Wiley but eventually John pushes through to become the leader PEIP needed.

1998: Holliway helps Pamela Fosters, whose Gifts are beginning to overtake her. She is able to help her suppress them but not before Pamela is addicted to several drugs and generally very mean.

October 17th, 2004: Holliway helps Ted Spankoffski, now the Homeless Man. She gets the timeline back in order and prevents it from breaking although the strain will make it weaker. He gives her the Bastard’s Box. (KT artifact)

October 5th, 2005: Hannah Foster is born, the most powerful psychic mind in history. The seams holding together the universe are broken and the timelines split. This is actually Webby's doing, not Tinky or the Lords. She is the one who always had control of the multiverse. By splitting it apart she hopes that she can win in just one universe, and then make that the main one. The Lords attention is split, allowing her to get away with more things, but the veil between worlds is also loosened allowing them to make worse apocalypses.

Apotheosis 2005-October 2018: Miss Holloway. Owns Miss Retro’s and is killed by Wiley.

Black Friday 2005-2015: Miss Holloway. (sunken road: leader) Owns Miss Retro’s and helps a young Ethan Green escape Wiley as he prepares for Black Friday. Lex is involved as her power peaks in 2015. While applying for a job they stumble across protype Wiggly dolls and in the ensuring scuffle Ethan is banned from Lakeside Mall. Holly gives him the Magic Hat before she is killed in the duel with Wiley by the Black Blade. The Black Blade, being made by the Lords, is able to kill her. Lex and Ethan forget most of the event because of the memory thing.

Nightmare Time 1 2005-2020: Miss Holloway and Duke, owns Miss Retro’s and helps Duke, now a social worker. She kills Wiley in the Starlight with the Black Blade. She enters Hannah Foster’s Nightmare Time in order to exorcize Willabella Muckwab, destroying her for good.

Honey Festival NMT2 2005-2020: Miss Holloway. Owns Miss Retro’s and helps Duke with Rose. She was initially nervous about helping kids since the last three died but Duke convinced her that she’s a good witch. After dying to the Killer Track and returning, Duke demands answers but forgets their conversation. After destroying the Killer Track, Duke's memories are wiped once again.

Nerdy Prudes Must Die 2005-???: Miss Holloway. Gets killed by Wiley and Solomon inherits the book, sacrificing his wife to gain power.

Honey Festival NMT2 2020-2035: Miss Holiday (holy day) is a guidance counselor at Hatchetfield High. She meets Duke again.

PEIP Character interactions

Holliway & John A teasing and joking relationship built on trust. They poke fun at each other all the time and function more like peers even though Holly’s a higher rank than he is. She teaches him a few things, especially if Wilbur got something wrong about the B&W that she can correct John’s knowledge of, but isn’t his main mentor. Holly encourages him to ask out Xander and John in turn teases her about Wilbur and is the person to point out he has a crush on her. Holliway respects him, and knows he’ll be a better leader than the General, and is sure to leave rememberable documents recommending him for promotion after she leaves.

Holliway & Xander An academic mentor relationship. Holliway is Xander’s mentor and teaches him all about the B&W. Together they create the foundation of knowledge that the entirety of PEIP is built on. They nerd out together, finishing each other's sentences when they’re on the same brainwave and filling up blackboards with theories and equations. They go through chalk so quickly they got called out at a budgeting meeting for it. Xander learns about magic, and has a small touch of the Gift. The first day they met to talk about the B&W, Holliway told him that magic isn’t always logical and breaks its own rules and Xander was like that’s just how theoretical physics works. Xander admires Holloway’s knowledge and listens to all her advice, perhaps a little too strictly. The General dislikes him for his closeness with her.

Holliway & Cross Rivals to lovers. Holliway disliked Cross when they first met, because he came off as trying to help a damsel in distress. Will liked her immediately and her dismissal of him just intrigued him more. The General told him to keep an eye on her, purposefully seating them next to each other and assigning them on missions. Will kept annoying her, asking her questions about her past and pointing out when she was lying, though whenever he hit a real boundary he backed off. After Holliway realized he had on crush on her, she told him to stop it, which he didn’t. He started flirting more openly until she finally gave it. He’s good at breaking through the walls she’s built over the years. Of not trusting or caring because everyone will just forget and it will hurt again. It’s not the most functional relationship. Holliway is so lonely and desperate for a connection that she puts up with a lot once she admits to herself that she likes him. And Will is more enamored with the idea of her, as well as being pretty flighty and disloyal. Like he definitely still looks and flirts at other women, though he wouldn’t actively cheat on Holloway while they’re in a relationship. He’s one of the few people to make her laugh and they jokingly steal stuff from each other all the time (the jacket.) He doesn’t listen to Holly’s advice though, which gets him in trouble numerous times, most vitally with the portal. He has a million different nicknames for her, and she calls him Will sometimes.

Holliway & Scahffer They don’t interact much, but find solidarity as the only two girls. Schaffer has been at this much longer, and knows how to subvert the General, important knowledge she passes on to Holly. Schaffer can come off as unemotional or uncaring, something Holly respects in her but Schaffer dislikes. Schaffer corners her one day to tell Holly she can care for people, even in this line of work. Holly refutes this and Schaffer tells her about her partner who died in the line of duty, but that she never regretted it. They trauma bond a bit. Holly starts to open up more.

Holliway & General Oc to be an oppositional force to Holly. They hate each other. The General is very distrusting and fearful of magic. He sees it as an evil to be rid of, not a tool that depends on the will of the user. He is rude and dismissive of Holly, withholding promotions and ignoring her ideas, even when they are prove to be very right. Holly hates him because he hates her, although he words hit closer to home than she likes to admit, paralleling her own concerns over her morality and past. The General purposefully subverts her when it comes to the portal. After the portal, while everyone is still reeling, Holly seeks him out hiding away in his command room. She has a chance to kill him, but chooses not to, instead pointing out how his actions endangered the whole company before making him resign.

Holliway & Douglas Sr. Holly met Doug first out of the group. In her new life she wanted to help people, and had a few run-ins with the Sheriff. Douglas had been given a very vague talk about how if he saw anything strange or unusual he should call this number (connects him to PEIP). He figured out what they actually were pretty quickly because Hatchetfield is such a hot spot for magic. Holly mainly worked at base, but kept in contact with Doug, helping set up sensors and giving him advice. He in turn shows her what a good cop could be, again paralleling witches. (Still acab we’ll get into it at Duke’s backstory) Duke doesn’t factor in much, besides the sense that Doug cares very much for him. They spend a lot of time together, which Will jokes about, though this doesn’t actually become jealousy until Wiggly turns him insane. Doug and Holly save a kid together, maybe Pamela?

John & Xander They love each other. John is pretty outgoing and reckless, which Xander helps to reign him back in. Xander is more quiet and needs John to tell him to take breaks or get him out of his shell. They both can talk for hours about the subjects they care about. Xander can be pretty anxious about his position and place in PEIP, and John helps reassure him that he belongs. Xander in turn reassures John about his decisions and helps take so much guilt off his shoulders. They both know they could lose each other in the line of duty, which puts a damper on their relationship, but they would rather have each other than not.

John & Cross Mentor-mentee relationship. Cross mentors John and teaches him everything he knows. This goes beyond PEIP things, although Wilbur’s advice on dating and such is unreliable at best. John looks up to Wilbur, but can also admit his flaws. Cross can be harsh when John messes up, but always forgives him, though not before John understands consequences that could result from poor decision making. Cross is pretty casual with John, joking with him, though it is always clear he has the higher rank.

John & Schafer John heavily respects Schafer. She usually runs in different circles from him but is well trained in combat and Cross pulls her in to help train every once in a while. Schafer offers him advice about dating within the agency, and is up front about the risks he is taking. She is straightforward and to the point, which John prefers. After the portal and John starts rising the ranks, Schafer becomes his new mentor until he outpaces her, at which point she becomes his second most loyal supporter (behind Xander of course.)

John & General John admires the General and looks up to him. He sees him as the epitome of what a PEIP agent should be. He’s a little blind to his flaws, or is quick to make excuses for him. The General likes John the most out of the new recruits, giving him preference in training and mission choice. The General sees himself in John and marks him out for promotion. The General does his best to turn John against Holly, but never really succeeds. John thinks too highly of everyone the whole “strength of the human heart.”

John & Douglas Sr. Don’t interact much. A few check ins, where they get along well. Both struggling to do good in an institution that doesn’t always support that. When John does become General, he is very inspired by Douglas and takes a lot of his leadership to heart. John learns about holding his values even in hardship, when to fight and when to spare, how to deal with bad coworkers. Douglas helps point him in the right direction and tells John that he hopes he never had to kill a single person.

Xander & Cross Xander is a little awkward around Cross. Like meeting the parents. He doesn’t quite get Wlbur’s teasing as a love language. He recognizes it's in good fun, but doesn’t feel it. Cross thinks Xander is cute, and a good fit for John, but doesn’t see him as an equal. Cross sees Xander as the bookworm, a scientist that will never see active duty, and underestimates his combat capabilities. Xander tends to avoid Cross and when they do talk be very professional.

Xander & Schaffer Introvert buddies. They get along surprisingly well. Schaffer understands all Xander’s technical stuff and can give good input. She’s usually in charge of checking his numbers. Xander respects Schaffer and she teaches him his combat skills. They are usually very quiet together, communicating through body language or their own code language they accidently developed. They are frequently partnered on projects and are both relieved when that happens so they don’t have to talk to someone they don’t know.

Xander & General Xander can see through the General’s bullshit but isn’t in a position to do much about it. Whenever possible he subverts the rules and keeps Holloway afloat with what’s going on, but he can’t ignore a direct order. Xander illuminates some of this to John, who recognizes and accepts it, though he still idolizes the General to a degree. Xander advocates for magic and has done several powerpoints on its benefits, none of which changed the General’s mind. The General dislikes Xander because of this, but has to admit he’s the best theoretical physic he’s ever had. He disapproves of Xander’s ideals, but doesn’t see him as a threat.

Xander & Douglas Sr. Xander interacts with Douglas the most out of the PEIP agents. He helps set up sensors round town and is responsible for the briefing about who to report weird happenings from. Douglas was like who the hell is this when he had his briefing but after his first encounter with the supernatural came to respect Xander. Xander likes Douglas. They listen and communicate well. Xander met the young Duke a few times.

Cross & Schaffer They both know of eachother but don’t work together that often. Schaffer dislikes Wilbur’s casual attitude and can see that he’s susceptible to bribery and corruption. Cross knows Schaffer could beat him up so he stays away. It’s a little bit of fear, but also she kinda freaks him out. Like he knows she knows something about him that even he doesn’t know.

Cross & General Cross and the General get along well. Wilbur is good at sucking up to authority and got on his good side early on. The General gives Wilbur the most important jobs (portal) which he does with pride. Wilbur doesn’t mind the General’s morals. He definitely subscribed to them until he met Holloway, at which point he ditched them at the drop of a hat. When the General tells him something confidential, Cross listens and keeps it secret. One of his jobs was spying on Holloway, and the General is convinced Wilbur is just really committed to the bit.

Cross & Douglas Sr. Cross and Doug don’t interact too much. He mostly gets reports and hears that Holloway likes him. He teases Holloway about a crush, which she shuts down real fast. He’s not really jealous of them until Wiggly makes him. There’s a mutual respect for the other’s position, but after they talked for the first time, Douglas disliked him. After the portal, he is Cross’s first mark. It’s a trial by Wiggly to see if he will kill someone on the same side. And Douglas knows a lot about Hatchetfield and was working with Holloway to strengthen the Web.

Schaffer & General They don’t like each other. Schaffer used to be the agent he trusted to get the job done until Wilbur came along. Then he dropped her. Schaffer knew him from before he grew fearful of magic (insert tragic backstory here. Maybe Schaffer’s partner died here?) but that’s no excuse for his actions and she tells him that a lot. The General knows she’s a good combatant, and often sends her on long and dangerous missions. Schaffer does these to protect the country, not for him.

Schaffer & Douglas Sr. They have never met. Schaffer’s heard of him because she’s heard of everyone. She knows he’s got a good heart and asks Holloway about him on occasion. Douglas does not know she exists but occasionally he gets a message from PEIP that Schaffer wrote where she usually rewards him for doing a good job.

General & Douglas Sr. Also a weak connection. The General knows Douglas as one of many names of informants. Douglas knows vaguely of the top dog at PEIP but doesn’t like him based on the stories he gets from Xander and Holloway. He thinks it’s a disgrace of the job but understand how one could come to those assumptions.

Holliway & Carlo (this is the name I decided Charles Coven is going by when he works with PEIP) They don’t get along. Carlo sides with the General, sucking up to power. He sees magic only as a tool and Holliway as a loaded gun to be treated with caution. Holliway can tell Carlo is thirsty for power and an easy target for the Lords. She makes an effort to keep him out of things, but he always worms his way in regardless.

John & Carlo John tries to get along with Carlo but they don’t know each other well. John tries to give a little smile and wave, but is usually ignored or treated as lesser. Carlo sees John as a little brother and rides his coattails when it’s helpful and ditches him when it’s not. Carlo doesn’t respect him much and John is kind of confused by his demeanor and eventually starts ignoring him.

Xander & Carlo They interact the most out of the main cast & Carlo. Carlo tries to befriend Xander, who sees through him immediately and calls him out on it. Carlo tries to play it cool, but Xander still dismisses him. Carlo sees Xander as a weak link and an easy target to get information out of. Xander proves a more difficult target than he expected, but Carlo is still able to sneak a few materials out, which he uses to create the bottle imps.

Wilbur & Carlo Wilbur and Carlo recognize each other as schemers and have an unspoken agreement to stay out of each other's way. Wilbur inadvertently keeps Holliway and co safe by claiming them as his. Carlo respects this, though asks Wilbur for some clearance to hidden areas. They have a mutual respect but are always trying to screw each other over when possible withholding information and making deals.

Schaffer & Carlo Schaffer also sees through Carlo. She warns the General about him and is dismissed. They don’t cross paths often, but when they do, Schaffer points out any inconsistencies in his stories and is ruthless about it. Carlo dislikes her because of this and often shit talks her behind her back, which she is well aware of.

General & Carlo The General respects Carlo and brings him on board for the portal project. Carlo thinks the General is a coward and that magic is a tool, not something to dismiss entirely, but sucks up to him because he knows the General is the only one preventing him from getting kicked out. The General thinks Carlo is like minded, and generally praises and rewards him even when he doesn’t deserve it.

Douglas Sr. & Carlo They have never interacted. Carlo was an informant but from a different city. He respects the position but would think Douglas is easy to exploit. Douglas would see through him and ignore him.

ID Numbers - based on the Stith Thompson - Motif Index of Folklore

Wilbur: D1310.10.1. Magic apple gives supernatural knowledge. Holly: G220.0.1. "Black" and "white" witches. Malevolent and benevolent. John: B147.2.1.2. Eagle as omen of victory. Xander: J1291.2. Theological questions answered by propounding simple questions in science. Douglas Sr.: A1101.1.1. A1101.1.1. Reign of peace and justice (under certain king). Schaffer: J674.1. J674.1. Wild-boar sharpens tusks when no enemy is in sight. Tells fox that when enemy comes there are other things to do. General: K1088. K1088. Dissension aroused in army by casting suspicion on general. A general destroys everything except what belongs to the general of the enemy. Thus he brings about suspicion that the two leaders are in league. Carlo: G514.0.1. G514.0.1. Demon must bring treasure to those who have released him.

Duke's Backstory: After his father died he got disillusioned to the police force, realized that no matter how much good his father tried to do it was overshadowed by his support of a corrupt system + the murders on his hand. He went on an apology tour to victims families that was not well received. (Teenage boy randomly knocking on your door to remind you that his dad killed your love one.) He started volunteering at charity events and got involved with Bill's church. (before it went all chastity and abstinence) Bill was a helpful mentor to him as Duke started to have more questions about what makes people turn to crime in the first place. Seeing and helping people in rough times increased his compassion and wish for everyone to be treated with human dignity. He has a degree in sociology and master's in social work. (There's more of this in my Holloweane 36 Questions AU whenever I have time to finish that. Winter break, hopefully?)

The Blade of Truth: Webby showed Holly how to make them and each require a secret to be sacrificed for its construction, something that the maker can never say again or else the blade shatters. This is perfect for Holloway. It can also be helpful in combat where you stab someone and then say the secret while it’s still in them, sending shrapnel deeper into them. When Holly worked at PEIP she left them a few blades. My design for them is all in contrast to the Black Blade: guard facing down, vines rather than thorns, a moon instead of a star.

Willabella's tree: Gnarled roots extend from a bulbous center. No leaves hang from its crown of branches. It is not natural. Nothing grows near it, except the apples that grow for its branches, never ripe and always rotten. A hollow in the center is swarming with spiders whose web spans across it. Several scars are evident from where the Hatchetmen, once they realized their mistake, tried to cut it down. From its branches hand charms of protection and containment that replace old ones of worship. It grows behind the old Waylon Hall, over the sight of Willabella’s execution. Like the Hall, many rumors swirl around it and foolish children often dare each other to touch the bark.

Lords as sets of 2

Wiggly & Pokey: Most powerful and have their own dedicated musicals, playful Blinky & Nibbly: physical forms, Watcher World and sacrifice, sensory mouth and eyes, Sniggle gets a song (so does Wiggy’s) Tinky & Webby: animal based, time and space/universe

Random Headcanons

John majored in Philosophy.

Gary Goldstein is the most corrupt lawyer in Hatchetfield. He helps Roman Murray cover up the riches he received from Nibbly, which is how Linda found him. He also helps Sheila cover up her age which is how Sherman knows him.

The Hatchetmen founded Sycamore High so as to avoid the Church at Hatchetfield High. Timberwolves are a sign of the Hatchetmen and symbolize guardianship while Nighthawks symbolize the church in the darkness and camouflage.

The Obnoxious Teen is actually different versions of Pete after an encounter with the Bastard Box.

Apples. Wilbur has an apple representing the Tree of Knowledge (one Adam and Eve were told not to touch). Holloway took the one from the Tree of Life (got her immortality). Just a fun visual for when both make their deal with the Lords.

Wilbur has stolen every part of his denim outfit. He shoplifts, steals from the lost and found, borrows and then never gives something back etc.

A bunch of retro games from Pizza Pete's have an unbeatable high score by an HLY.

There is a rival Italian restaurant to Pasqualli's that all the teens hate on principle. It's been vandalized several times.

Liz Cunningham and her husband have a Romeo and Juliet love story of learning to love across the town rivalries.

Hatchetfield has a higher crime rate than most major cities in the US.

[zentriii]

Kiyoomi scrunches her nose. She’ll never get Motoya’s obsession with plants. It was fine when it was just succulents, those are easy enough to take care of, but flowers fucking reek.

It’s not a bad smell per say, but it’s stupidly strong in this shop, even with her mask up. They’re pretty at least, she’ll give them that.

She’s debating between the pretty blue flowers and the silly, warm yellow ones. Motoya should have never trusted her judgment, how’s she supposed to resist the urge to tease her for always being in a yellow coloured team? At least Kiyoomi can say she’s escaped it in the Black Jackals cause gold isn’t yellow.

“Is there anythin’ I can help you with?” A pretty blonde girl in a red apron asks. Kiyoomi nearly jumps out of her skin, where’d she come from?

“Um, can I get these?” Kiyoomi points at the two, ready to bolt out of here because Employee Girl is way too gorgeous for her to not make a fool out of herself. Her palms are sweaty and she’s so grateful her mask is covering half her face.

The girl leans in way too close to Kiyoomi’s space and reads the labels, “Cornflower and fressia? I can put them together for you but d’you wanna check out the white freesia’s instead? They’d be real pretty together.”

“Yeah, sure.” Kiyoomi could be asked for her credit card information right now and she’d hand it over no questions asked. What did she ask her for again?

“Great, they’re over this way.” Employee Girl walks away and what else is Kiyoomi supposed to do but follow?

The flowers they stop at all look the same to Kiyoomi but she holds her breath as the girl talks about a few different ones, pointing them out and saying stuff about how pretty things look prettier together. Her name tag reads “Miya O.” A pretty name for a pretty girl. She wonders what the O stands for.

“That sound good?”

Kiyoomi nods, Miya’s voice sounds great in fact.

“Well you’re in luck! We finished our orders for today so I can put it together for ya right now but please submit a request a few days in advance next time. We’re pretty busy during the afternoon so ya picked a decent time to come in.”

Miya picks a few different flowers and the blue ones from before – the cornflowers – and heads to the back. Kiyoomi wants to protest but she’s just a customer and Miya’s an employee doing her job.

Miya peeps her head out after closing the door. She bites her lip before calling out, “Can I ask ya for a favour?”

“Uh, sure.”

“If ya see a girl with my face try an’ clock in, tell her she’s s’pposed to be in bed right now. My sister’s a bit of a workaholic, I stole her name tag this mornin’ for her own good.”

She assumes Miya means that she’s a twin but that’s not fair to her at all. She’s just a girl. Kiyoomi only hopes she won’t have to see the two of them together. One pretty girl’s bad enough for her heart as is.

The time passes by in a blur. At one point she’s keeping a vague eye out for Miya’s clone to walk in while looking at the different flowers; the next she’s being given her bouquet, paying for it, and waving bye to the prettiest girl in the world.

Oh well, it’s not like she’s the main character in a yuri manga.

Kiyoomi drops off the flowers at Motoya’s. She’s supposedly too busy taking care of her sick girlfriends to make the trip herself. Kiyoomi wonders if that excuse is just bullshit since it’s been months and she’s still not met Osamu and Rin yet. Unfortunately, Motoya’s apartment’s stuffy and reeks of sickness so maybe there’s some truth to Motoya’s words.

Maybe.

“You got the flowers?” Motoya closes her room door behind her, thankfully right before a loud sneeze is released by one of her definitely real girlfriends. Well there goes that bet Kiyoomi had going with Yachi.

“Yeah, I still don’t get why you can’t have a normal hobby. These things die in like, a week.”

Motoya fusses over the flowers for a bit, making them nice and pretty in a clean vase that held her last bouquet. “One, Samu gets all blushy when I give her flowers and two, I just like them. It’s low stakes responsibility that forces me to have my shit together.”

Kiyoomi snorts. Motoya’s always had her shit together, even if it looks like a mess on the outside. Her cousin is one of the most ruthlessly competent people she knows.

“Hey Kiyo, where’d you get these by the way?” Motoya asks cutting the store tag off a stem.

“Doesn’t it say there?” Kiyoomi asks. “Miya’s Boutique I think.”

“Well whichever employee rang you up left you a little something.” Motoya tosses the label to her with a smug little smirk.

Kiyoomi wants to shove her hand into her face to wipe it off, but Motoya would lick her first and she doesn’t want to think about where her tongue’s been, sick partners or not.

She takes a look at the what Motoya meant and pretends like the name and numbers aren’t sending a rush of blood straight to her face. She carefully tucks it into a pocket while maintaining eye contact with her menace of a cousin. Motoya can smell the smallest twinge of embarrassment in a crowd and she is not to be trusted to mind her own business.

She laughs at nothing, like the airhead Kiyoomi’s always known her to be, but there’s something unsettling in the knowing glint in her eyes. Kiyoomi firmly ignores it: if it isn’t acknowledged, it isn’t real.

“Oh this is killing me, Kiyo you’ve gotta come over next week. Please I think I’ll die.” Motoya abandons her flowers in favour of hanging off of her arm and giving her stupid puppy eyes. “You can bring whoever left you their number. Actually, please bring them, you’ve gotta.”

Fuck, how’s Kiyoomi supposed to say no to her puppy eyes.

“Fine, but fat chance I bring her over.”

Motoya sniffs hautily, like Kiyoomi’s doing her a great disservice. “You’ll regret it.”

“Doubt it,” Kiyoomi sighs, hoping future-her doesn’t give in to Motoya’s ridiculous demands.

She leaves with a halfhearted wave, feeling preemptive disappointment in herself because she knows Motoya’s not going to let her go so easily. Whatever. She’s got better things to spend her energy on.

How many i's in a “hi” is too desperate to send?

[laylawatermelon]

I didn't like the dinner scene... Or the progression of Buck's relationship.

Let's talk about it!

I've been lurking and waiting to form my full opinion (away from my buddie mind) and I will compare the two.

I came in the fandom rather late and before season 7 aired. Buddie had been the consensus ship let's say.

I want to talk about these things

Bi buck

Bi buck episode

The aftermath

The rise of tommy

The fall of tommy

Buddie and BuckTommy relationship

The wheel

As a fan and a writer I recently started doing in depth analysis for my favorite TV shows to challenge myself and learn the trade I'm eventually going to work with.

I'll start with my problem/observation with the hamsterwheel --> bucktommy relationship --> separation of Buddie --> differences between the relationship.

First the hamster wheel I truly believed that when he mentioned having to work hard and it being new and different I really expected something special.

Now as a Buddie before this happened I was like OMG its happening. All the way up until the last part of 7x04 (where i promptly blacked all the way out) and that Buck was going to work for Eddie.

In the case of the preview and marketing they did in fact put a beautiful buddie shaped blanket over the whole thing and pulled it away for a new ship.

Now it would make sense some fans would be mad. Most people have an otp. That doesn't change with anything.

Buddie was still very prominent with all the female love intrests so it became confusing to me with the response but I'll get back to that in a minute.

The kiss (which he didn't ask before and it was really sudden / can argue Buck was okay with it cause hot guy duh but still a lil mehh) was quick. It felt very hamster wheel like he's jumping into something new.

Then subsequently in the other episode called you don't know me aka the BUCK!! date where a closeted joke was made (funny in tv but not in real life).

Granted Buck could've handled it better but he literally brain melted. Your straight (?) friend catches you on your literal first date with a man in secluded past of town. Yeah I'm taking myself outside for a sec.

The Evan thing also applies. On screen we haven't gotten a denounc

ement of the name Buck and what it means. I don't know it feels like two separate lives if I think about it.

He's Evan with him but Buck with everyone else (this is very convoluted).

That name thing has been and will continue to be debated. 🤷🏾‍♀️

The hamster wheel sped up expeditiously when he invited him to his sister's wedding. Right after Eddie stated he is rushing too fast.

(Which Buck also does due to ✨abandonment issues✨)

Then the bachelor party where he didn't dress up.

I know people made real life excuses but the things is I'm a canon more than a fanon person.

(yes buddie isn't canon hypocrisy ik but WAIT)

What I mean by that is that I take what characters say and do at face value. That information forms my opinions of them.

Unfortunately there's been about 7 years and all couple parallels with Buddie so my brain was like yep, that's canon.

When Tommy was being discussed at first (and now) I'm still saying as that he's a blank sheet that the fans who've wanted Buck to be in a loving reciprocal relationship so that's being projected on him.

So that equates to him being a let's say "out of character" personality in the online space.

I said in an episode analysis that Tommy's interested and not invested and I stand by that until the show proves other wise or writes their relationship on a deeper level.

Fanon Tommy's character would've worn a costume, hell they might've been the ones matching.

Because he's that dedicated and invested.

In canon, he didn't even come up with a simple enough reason and just brished it aside.

Now once again the you don't know me and writing wise it's significant that Buck's not acknowledged as Buck, and his lover isn't allowed to call him that. They're cooking something.

Idk what it is or if it's burning or not. But it's cooking regardless.

Deep conversations. Honesty with Eddie.

Tommy. Redirection and minimization. (and a smidgen of jealousy)

I also had some qualms about the sexualization of Buck's character or the minimization or common theme of Buck being used/useful.

They make it a poetic irony that the man who failed to be useful in saving/being savior baby then be used throughout his adult life.

Whether that be a substitute/donor for his older brother, a fantasy or story for some, or a quick fling/easy relationship the writers haven't fully gotten him out of the hamster wheel.

(but they're cooking ik it. Im praying. Im hoping. Please be cooking!!)

The writing of the relationship is failing it. Unless it should be like that.

For the rest of the topics I was talking about the bi buck episode and how much it meant to TV.

As we still know, Hollywood/American TV is a global thermometer let's say and tends to be discussed/acknowledged/distributed worldwide. As a result when certain things are done in the shows it can be a milestone.

I can admit I overlooked some things (as I am an avid hunter of media especially HAPPY! queer stories being told of POC and otherwise) so I can sometimes forget how impactful/important certain things are for the American/world audience to see.

Like henren, a black lesbian couple with a kid! Married! Both incredibly successful in their respective jobs.

Like that alone could be a TV show honestly.

That's why when Bi Buck happened I was happy. (I legitimately blacked out because I didn't see or hear the preview right after 🤣🤣 I was distressed when I came to)

But honestly I am still happy and proud that it happened.

I didn't get the significant of the extent of visibility of having a male (later in life is important!) come out or be acknowledged as bisexual.

Granted in cannon the word hasn't been uttered or expanded on but they head a rough 10 episodes so I'll give em some slack.

But as a viewer and a writer I see how important it is to have it happen and the significance of it through real life stories and anecdotes and for that I am happy for that party of the relationship. 🥺

I won't take that moment away from them. Was it perfect (including all the other stuff afterwards?) No.

But was it necessary and messy and awkward like real life? Absolutely yes and I love it.

This is peak TV I tell you. (I've never blacked out like that to TV before so that was a first🤣)

But on a real note I was excited (and neutral towards Buck and Tommy being together).

I still ride the Buddie ship all start for to the context clues (slutty dangerous barbell scene anyone??) that it may be confusion on his part or at least leaving the door partly open for Buddie.

(it really could be just gauging the audience reaction)

I won't really talk about the second half of Buddie sexual identity because that either deserves it own post and has to be expanded on.

(Eddie i beg. The women of the world DON'T need you right now. Be a beautiful centerpiece. Do not traumatize the women of la no more. Take care of your son. Don't go through treacherous roads. Take the journey elsewhere. I beg!!!)

But on a serious note I noticed the quick turn I would say on the characterization/head canon of Buck's love interest.

I find it interesting that for female counterparts there hasn't been such a response. (I have heard about Buck Taylor riders though)

(this is my inner thoughts. Very hot. 10/10. My soul was pleased. Couple? Awful. Friends? Brilliant. Taylor motives? Nah you can't be round me with all that sneaky stuff)

But her character was the most expanded on.

But with Tommy, most of what's stated about the relationship at the beginning was headcanon.

I think where the shows heading is to show the incompatibility between them.

Tommy's scenes so far have been casual, smooth and easy.

He doesn't mind a quick date. He doesn't want to dress up for the theme. He'll be there but it's not too important to fuss about it.

The deleted scene is avoidant (which may become a character trait about emotions) to deeper conversations. We see this reflected as well when they're at the dinner after Bobby's finally pulled through (and Buck lost his son😭😭 I'm not even on no shipper shit that's his baby😭😭) and he starts to be vulnerable.

I expected it to lean more towards a heartwarming or honest conversation but one again he shuts it down.

What I think they're going to do with his character/have been doing is show that he's avoidant to confrontation.

(i could argue that for his friend he might do more because the Eddie flying things still throws me for a loop in comparison to how they're portraying their relationship)

But I stick by the interested not invested point.

With the little screen time they've had to develop his character they've shown that it's not really endgame they're just incompatible. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Comparing the Buddie and Tommy relationship the investment/support becomes a bit evident.

Not matching with Tommy. Incompatible.

Matching with Eddie. Compatible.

Deep conversations. Honesty with Eddie.

Tommy. Redirection and minimization. (and a smidgen of jealousy)

Now you can argue (as a writer in gritting my teeth as I type this) if they do go down the route of his love "changed" me, it it's a possibility to write him becoming a better partner through love or sum.

As Buck is very emotional and he can get him to open up be more serious as he sees him taking it seriously.

As a buddie that killed me!!!!! but as a writer i had to speak up.

Anyways... If it goes that route I'll hate it a little. Hare it and like it seesaw kind of (look ik potential when i see it)

The hate part is that once again it'll be uaed/hamster wheel/i have to prove or gain your love or show that you appreciate me.

Like it cause who doesn't like a good you changed me by being yourself?

I'm a hater through and through. 😤

Tommy as a character I was neutral on at first. I'm still lukewarm about the relationship itself but the character is falling into the same old box all love interests get.

Not enough character but more than enough sex.

Regarding Buck's relationship they're always a give and take, Buck ending up being more of a giver (I'm not defending no white man for his mistakes though he do be doing some things side eye worthy).

But because the love interests are just that and not fleshed out characters, they end up not being able to stand on their own and be interesting enough outside of the one off appearances.

With the exception of Karen my love, my sweetness.

But most of Buck and Eddie's love interests can sometimes be reduced to props to move plot along/give character development.

(which as a writer i didn't hate as it's a multi lead drama series but..... If they want a long term partner to be introduced they can write it like Karen)

I can think of many scenarios and ways to actually make the character less off-putting to some.

Examples: more enthusiasm/effort actually being put in (or maybe that's where the statement Buck had to work for it applies? That Buck had to work for his love ??? I'm speculating now), being more straightforward, the jealously not being brought up like twice now.

Sirens are blasting with that one 🚨🚨

(The characters actions being vetoed off screen doesn't help either. It also applies to a lot of problematic things that sweep under the rug. Only the queer characters cheating? Violence against each other? Goading into drinks? Kissing/cheating? Manipulation?.... Eh it's drama but the cheating storylines and the characters it happens to makes me a lil 👀...)

All in all me and my homegirls not pleased.

I ain't been swayed anywhere and the way the wind in this writing ain't blowing nowhere.

[thatonebirdwrites]

"Promise" WIP Fics

Oh hey, an ask game, sort of! Thanks for the tag @luthordamnvers

I have too many WIPs. I'll do around 3 or 4 Supercorp and 2 Original fiction. Enjoy!

Link to Original Post.

Near the end of Act 3 for Unraveling Realities:

A sonic boom echoes in the air and the trees whip back and forth at the passage of a human-like bullet. A figure in black hovers in the air above her, the violet energy crackles around her form, and the sun dims from the grey fog.

“Lena.” The voice doesn’t even sound like Kara. The accent thick and not quite like Red Daughter’s. Lena isn’t entirely sure who came — Power? Red Daughter? Some other personality that Kara has hidden away?

“Hi.” Lena attempts a smile. “Will you come down to talk?”

“Who do you call, Lena?” The Kara-like person drifts closer. Her eyes glow a deep violet. “Kara? Do you truly think she exists still?”

Lena raises an eyebrow. “Interesting choice of words. To whom am I speaking then?”

Violet lightning sparks in her hands, but she floats closer, her feet nearly touching the ground. “Who I am is not important. My deeds speak for me.”

She’s almost close enough. “Everyone has a name,” Lena says with a hint of flirtation in her voice. That tone always got Kara to blush in the past. “If you’re so shy, I can promise not to tell anyone.” She leans closer and holds out a hand.

A faint pulse of her magic tickles her palm from deep within Kara’s body.

________________

Floor is Lava (writing it with @nottawriter)

“So you know Kelly Olsen? I’m buddies with her through work contacts. She is the fiance of Alex Danvers. I’ve only met Alex a few times, but I think she might have a sister. I don’t recall her name though."

“Huh. If they’re related, then dang, what a small world we live in.” Lena chose the dark violet thread for the shirt. If she was going to mend it, she might as well stitch fun patterns for Lori. She loved the designs Lena came up with. It was a fun hobby that kept her hands busy. Especially as she promised her therapist she’d not work on her days off. That wasn’t an easy task. Already her mind was drifting back toward some of the architect projects she was working on with colleagues.

“It’d be awesome if so! So when is this date? What’re you going to wear? Where’re you going?”

Lena laughed at Sam’s eagerness. “Sam! We haven’t decided on that. Kara suggested it, but she had to head out to her next client I presume. She said she’d call.” Part of her was worried that Kara wouldn’t call her. That maybe it was too much of a dream come true. A beautiful woman who was good with Lori? Who seemed kind and generous?

________________

Where Do We Go From Here? (Worldkiller Kara, still debating how to end this one, but it'll eventually go onto AO3):

"I need to be locked up." A hopelessness coats her voice. She turns and winces at the shattered table and microscope. Zips forward, and before Lena can say a word, she stands in the center of the room with the power dampening handcuffs. "Please, put this on me."

Lena winces as she pushes herself off the floor. Each step feels like a mile, her body aching from the attack prior. She doesn't want to do this, but what she just experienced has made it clear Kara isn't safe right now.

She takes the cuffs and looks at Kara. "I promise you I’ll fix this," she says, firmly. "You and Sam are going to get through this alive, okay?" She clips the dampeners over Kara's wrists and adjusts the settings to its max. "I won't stop until you're both cured."

Kara smiles, sadly. "I know. I trust you."

_________________

Anamchara (I posted the start of this on Tumblr in response to an ask by someone, but am still working on it off and on. Full story will eventually go on AO3):

"Yes," Lena replied, which Kara dimly noted answered none of her questions. Turning toward the bar again, Lena tapped the counter three times.

The bartender walked over with a smile, their blue skin glistened with sweat, and in their six-fingered hand, they cleaned a glass. "We'd like the Anamchara please."

The bartender narrowed their eyes. "You sure about that? Pretty permanent stuff."

Lena waved her hand. "I've heard the rumors that it’s magic to find one’s soulmate. I promise you I’ve researched this thoroughly." She gently touched Kara's arm. "Companion here agreed, right darling?"

Kara nodded. "Sure thing. Let's do the Anamchara." She downed the rest of her rum, her brain even foggier.

And that was the last thing Kara remembered.

_________________

Original Fiction: Telemores (set in Elivera world; note that Mǔmoshǔ's pronouns are vi/vir/vis):

“Must say this case boggled my mind,” Visikar admitted. “Never heard of stealing energy to ‘ascend,’ which still makes no sense to me. Were they trying to be immortal?”

“Perhaps.” Vi thought through past cases. Ability abuse was one of their specialties and often why vi got transferred to a new city or town to assist local justice councils. Most cases were never this dire. “Must review Anata’s notes to see her definition. Let us hope there is not more like her.”

Visikar frowned and took a swig of her alcoholic drink. “We’ll find them if there are.”

Mǔmoshǔ listened to the quiet hum of muffled conversation from the other stalls, the wooden walls between each table not quite thick enough to muffle all sound waves. “Visikar, ready to honor your promise? Tale of the statue in garden?” Mǔmoshǔ took a sip of the Niaz tea.

Visikar smiled. “Sure can.”

__________________

Original Fiction: Dragios Twins: The Lost Ones (from Chapter 1):

She pressed her forehead against my shoulder. Her silence made me more and more scared. She was thinking about death again. I was sure of it.

"Kia, please."

She lifted her head. "Promise me that no matter what happens, you will find the truth." Anxiety clutched my stomach at her words. "Just… I want to help. Because so much don't add up. Your Mom. Her sister. All those secrets they got. And that specialist. Oh, gosh, this weird music and our synced dreams. We're gonna need a list for it all." Kia shook her head. "I'm not saying this well."

"Don't." I protested. "You're better. Remember no negative self-talk?"

Kia smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes this time. "My biggest supporter. I'm in remission, sure. But I didn't wanna say, but my check-up Friday was odd. Sure, doctor said it was possibly nothing, but something has 'em rankled. Secrets again." She laughed, but there was a bitter edge to it.

________________________

And that's it for now. I have a few other original fiction works I'm working on, but funnily enough they didn't have the word promise in them. Huh.

I'm not sure who to tag that hasn't already been tagged. I guess no-pressure tags for: @nottawriter, @kj-yikes @s-nebul0sa @sssammich and anyone else who'd like to play.

[st4rsinheaven]

been thinking about that one tiktok (@doubleshotgnt) talking abt the problem with lily evans being overlooked in the fandom and how it's more bc of her being treated as an extension of james potter instead of it being solely because of the jily/jegulus debate-

and YESSSS oml ive been waiting to talk on that. I could yap for hours about how lily has such an interesting backstory and complex dynamics with other characters which could be considered as equally interesting as the main 4 marauders - watching her former best friend become a death eater, living as a muggleborn student at hogwarts during voldemort's rise to power in the wizarding world, her friendship with remus, her complex relationship with petunia WHY DOES IT NOT GET TALKED ABOUT like why do I literally see so much content for black brothers angst but barely any for the evans sisters??? when they are quite literally parallels?? cmon now.

(not to mention how she's so powerful that she singlehandedly ended the 1st wizarding war. how slughorn thought she was too gifted at potions to possibly be a muggleborn (not how it works but anyway) like girlie had some insane asf magical abilities n everytime i see her getting dismissed in those 'marauders characters with the most aura' ranking videos i feel like hitting something)

and sure, while sometimes lily being overlooked and hated on is due to the shipping arguments, i think it's more likely that she gets overshadowed because of how she gets heavily grouped in with james and harry in the hp books, and we get way more focus on james' life and his friendships and as a result lily gets pushed to the side. and guys look i love jily sm theyre my babies but GIVE ME LILY EVANS AS AN INDEPENDENT CHARACTER TOO GODDAMIT because it honestly feels as if she's only really brought up when james is involved, whether its a shipping debate or js in general. and her ao3 tag has her last name as potter when she literally spent longer being lily evans than james' wife. unironically maybe this why I like some jegulus fics for the reason that lily's character feels more well-written because she isn't just written to be james' love interest and it allows writers to explore her nuances more idk. also sapphic lily has my entire heart

so yeah <3 soz this is such a ramble guys but i genuinely js want more lily and marauders era girls representation and appreciation in general bc they deserve it