#and then they spent the next four hours doing tree research

[well-dressed-sewer-rat]

[xxkitty13]

Circus Freaks

LA Buggy x Fem Reader

Young reader (20’s), slight nsfw, dark themes (small mention of suicide)

Previous Chapters- Part 1, Part 3

Next Chapter- Part 5

Previously: In attempt to retrieve the lost necklace, y/n accidentally eavesdrops on the Buggy Pirates’ master plan. Not wanting to kill the woman, Buggy decides to use her in his scheme. He admits his attraction to y/n, but does not trust her. The misunderstanding causes a tension between the two.

Part 4: The Missing Details

A couple of days passed by after the "deal" with Buggy. Her family noticed a change in her behavior. Y/n was always reserved, but not like this. It's like she's hiding something. The last few days would consist of a new routine: waking up in the morning to eat a quick breakfast, leave the house to return at dusk, and spending the rest of the day enclosed in her room.

Every time her parents or sister asked where'd she go, she simply said something along the lines of "research."

They knew she's always been a strange girl. Since she was introduced into their family, death called out to her. The Ti's figured it had to do with her biological parents' passing. The young girl would often space out and asked if they could see the person in front of her. Of course, there was nothing there. Mr. and Mrs. Ti excused it as her imagination, but as she aged, it did not stop.

They tried to explain to her that it was all a part of her imagination. There's no person, ghost, or spirit— it does not exist. It was frustrating to the young girl. Her nightmares would consist of vivid images of her mother and father, with tormenting screams of the dead. People in her cohort would accuse her as an attention seeker, but that was not true. She hated that she could see and hear these dead souls, she wished it was all made up.

Shortly, her bullying at school made her distance herself from people, including her adoptive family. Lyla was the only one who tried to understand her, even so she failed. Y/n began to visit her parent's grave. That's when she found out that the spirits could be gentle— only wishing comfort from the living. It dawned her that this was not a curse, but a gift.

She kept this to herself, and this defiance of her gift allowed her to return as a “normal” member of her community. Still, she never forgets those nasty comments and the townspeople continued to avoid her. Depression hit her, the solitude caused her to reject color, seeking safety in the dark. She longed for a colorful world, but those vibrant colors died out a long time ago.

Despite her outcast status, she wished no one harm. The Ti’s treated her well and the pirates’ presence posed harm to the people who raised her. It’s imperative that she follows the captain’s orders. It’s a good thing she’s able to access records; after all, she’s a book worm.

The time she spent alone focused on literature. Books allowed her to escape reality. She would spend hours reading under an oak tree or in the town hall’s library. Each book opens a world of imagination, knowledge, and expression. She would read the vast information about the islands of the four seas. Each more unique than the last. Y/n wondered about the possibilities, could she explore the world? That thought was pushed away, her future is sealed on this island.

Page after page, she spent the last few days reading any piece of information about the island’s political figures. The time is ticking and she’s not able to find anything. The town’s records are kept in a back room of the library, the librarian has granted her a key to it. Criminal records, birth and death certificates are some archives stored in the locked room.

Y/n searched, but most of the documents contained information of past generations. In defeat, she returned back home empty handed. It’s later than usual, her parents have gone to bed already. She made her way through the dark kitchen and went straight to the bedroom. The bed awaits her as she plops face down on it.

“You’re back. Took you long enough.”

She quickly rolls over at the sound of the voice. A figure comes out of the bathroom, there’s no light to see it. The ominous person flicks the bathroom light on. It’s Buggy, he leaned on the doorframe, arms crossed. His gaze let a look of boredom.

She sat up at his unexpected arrival, gripping at her bedsheets. “How did you get in my house?”

A sly smirk accompanied with a light chuckle were let out. He walks away from the bathroom entrance and starts to look around her room. Frames of floral skeletons along with other gothic decor fill the room. The elegant bed frame adds a vampy look.

“Huh, are you a vampire?” he scoffs.

“No and you ignored my question.” It’s rare that someone mentions vampire, people are quick to call her a witch. Buggy’s eyes continue to observe the room, it’s very different to what he’s used to. “Hello, are you going to answer me?”

The pirate turns to look at the woman. His eyes landed at the only vibrant item in the room. Without giving it a second thought, he reached behind her and grabs the object.

“Hey! Give that back!”

He looked at the object in his hand, it’s almost a spitting image of himself.

“A clown. . .” he looks back at y/n, who’s clearly agitated.

She jumps at him, trying to snatch the rag doll away from. He raised his left arm up, keeping the doll at a distance she couldn’t reach. His eyebrows furrow at the sudden act of aggression.

“What are you doing with an old crappy doll?” he laughs at her.

“It’s not crappy. Now give it back!”

She managed to get a hold of the doll’s leg, it almost slipped from Buggy’s hand. The two commence in a game of tug of war, each pulling a limb. He grins, enjoying the little game and y/n pulls in desperation. A ripping sound came from the doll before y/n fell back with it. A good chunk of its side tore off, leaving its stuffing all over the floor.

Tears flow down her cheek as she held the rag doll in disbelief. It’s bemusing to the pirate, to see a young woman cry over a dusty doll. He holds the other portion of the torn clown and throws it at her.

“Why are you crying? It’s just a doll.”

It’s now two things he’s taken from her. Both sentimental gifts from her dead parents. She looks at the doll and back at Buggy. The real version is vastly different.

“I thought clowns were supposed to be fun. . .” she sobs, hugging what remained.

He walks up to her and crouched to her eye level. “I hate to break your fantasy, but I’m a pirate before I am a clown,”— he grips her jaw— “I am not your pathetic little doll.”

“I hate you,” she spat out with despise.

His grip becomes tighter on her face, tears drip down from his glove. He’s used to hearing those words, but it’s different this time. The woman who looked at him with adoration is gone. He hastily let's go of her jaw and stands over her.

“I don’t care if you hate me. You’re just a pawn in my plan,” he masked his true emotions. It bothered him that his visit did not work to his favor, but his treasure comes first.

“I gave you time to seek intel and I do hope you found something.”

She wipes the tears off her cheeks and began to pick up the stuffing off the floor. Buggy clenched his jaw in annoyance. He stomps on the remains to gain her attention. Out of spite she ignores him, not daring to look up. He absolutely hated being ignored, his hand grabs a fistful of her hair. She yelps at the pain.

He taunts her, pulling her hair with slight force, "Oh y/n, don't play me as a fool."

Buggy's gaze darkens, staring into her redden eyes. "Remember our terms, if you don't give me what I want, I will hurt those you love the most."

"You're a despicable mother fucker," she spits at him.

Fueled by rage, he takes out a blade, but the sound of footsteps approached the room. He grabs y/n and shoves her in the bathroom, closing the door.

"Y/n dear, are you alright?" Mrs. Ti asked, opening the bedroom door.

Buggy shows off his blade and tilts his head in amusement, waiting for her response. She sniffs and speaks, "I-I'm okay. . . I just knocked something over in the bathroom."

"Be careful dear, we don't want you drowning in the bathtub," she jokingly laughs.

"Ha ha. . . yeah I don't want to drown either. . ." she cringes at her statement.

"Well goodnight, if you want to talk about something, you know I'm here for you."

"Okay, goodnight."

The door closes and the woman leaves. Silence fills the room, Buggy leans on the sink. "Damn, even the bathroom is dark. Where are the colors in this shitty place?"

Y/n rolls her eyes. “I like darker colors. It’s comfy if it makes sense. . .”

“That’s depressing, but let’s get back to business,”— he holds her wrist with great force— “that was bold of you, I’ll let that sign of disrespect slide.”

“Ow, let go!” she tries to budge out his grip.

“Do you or do you not have information?”

She stayed silent.

“Answer me!”

“No!”

He lets go of her wrist. “You must know something. That Yasi kid clearly has eyes for you and to have someone that important after you is a detail I can’t ignore.”

“Look you stupid clown, I know nothing. Yasi just happens to like me.”

“Tsk, my men tell me you spent your days at the town hall. Clearly there’s a reason why you’re able to be there all day.”

Y/n pulls a key out her pocket and throws at him.

“This is the key to the town’s personal archives. I couldn’t find anything on these people. I don’t know what you’re looking for, so do it yourself.”

Buggy picked up the key and glanced at her. “Yeah right, you’re coming with me.”

“Huh? Why?”

He grabs her by the waist and forces her out the bathroom. She stumbles and falls to the floor. “Can you be gentler?” she groans.

“If you would oblige, maybe I would be.”

Y/n stays on the cold floor, throwing a tantrum like a toddler. She would not make it easy for him. He throws her body over his shoulder; her weight is nothing to him.

“I guess we’ll have to do this the hard way.”

She hits and punches his back. “Let me down!”

“I would stop if I were you, or do you want your mother to meet my blade?” he teased.

He felt her tense at the threat and chuckles at her defeat. He made his way to the window, the same entrance he used to get in. It surprised him that it wasn’t locked either way he would’ve smashed the glass.

The pirate is careful not to harm the woman any further. The drop out the window imposes no risk; he can easily step out. The cold breeze hits them, making y/n shiver.

“I would give you my coat, but you’ve been a bad girl tonight."

A small pat to y/n's thigh triggers another outburst.

"You can't treat me like this, I'm not a little girl!"

Buggy rolls his eyes. "You act like one, so you'll be treated as one." He proceeds his exit, pinching her thigh at every resistance.

It will be a long night for the two.

.°˖✧.°˖✧

The walk to the town hall is longer than anticipated, the pirate stayed close to the shadows. The cold wind made it unbearable, and he had no choice, but to give in. Buggy had switched y/n’s position. He held her with both arms as she wrapped herself around his neck. Y/n was hesitant at first, she wanted no contact with the man, but his warmth was tempting. In the end, she allowed herself to be swaddled in his coat.

Once they reached town hall, y/n guides him to the back entrance and enter their location. The library is dark, it’s an old building and the electricity is faulty. Lanterns illuminate the vicinity, giving an eerie atmosphere. Shadows of red light cover the never-ending bookshelves. The flames flicker with might, adding movement to the area.

“Why am I not surprised. This totally fits your theme.”

She ignores the comment and takes in the slight heat from the nearby lanterns. The sensation is blissful, her body pressed against Buggy’s. It made her drowsy, taking in the coziness of his embrace. The moment ended shortly, she snaps out of her trance, remembering what he did earlier.

“Let me down.”

He hesitates, he too enjoyed the sweet hold. Disregarding the tension, she nudges the pirate to the back of the library. The place smelled of dust, a small whiff would be enough to make one sneeze. The aroma of aged paper disguised it slightly. Buggy's eyes trail to the ceiling, stacks of books and the tall shelves were overwhelming.

He stops his tracks. "I'm starting to think that this is a trap." Y/n turns to look at him and scoffs at the accusation. "What makes you think that?"

Buggy glares at her, crossing his arms. "Are you telling me that you couldn't find a single piece of information on these bastards? Come on, this place is jacked with books."

"Wow, you really are a stupid clown."

A pair of hands gripped the collar of y/n's shirt, yanking her towards the pirate. His nose barely touched hers, she felt his hot breath blow down her neck. The anger is visible in his beaming eyes. "I'm done with the name-calling."

"You should know that libraries don't publicly display personal records of civilians," she remarked as she pushed his hands off her stretched shirt.

He stayed silent.

"The room is right in front us. . . you'll see that I'm not lying to you."

Obliging, he follows behind the woman. She pulls out the copper key from her pocket and unlocks the black door. The tiny room is the only area to have functional lights, she walks inside and turns on the switch. She points at one of the bookshelves. "That one carries recent records. Suit yourself to them, I had no luck finding anything."

Each collection he read contained nothing. Y/n watched him desperately flip through each book, making Buggy rage inside. He hated being wrong and having the woman next to him smile at this, made it embarrassing.

He slams his fists at the nearby desk, making y/n flinch. Buggy throws the books the ground. This was supposed to be the break in the mystery. His crew is stuck, the location of the treasure is nowhere to be found. All of his time on the worthless island would be for nothing.

“I didn’t want to mention this to you, but you have to know something.”

Perplexed by this, she furrowed her eyebrows. The sudden desperation in his voice intrigued her.

“I assume you must know about this island’s treasure.”

She nodded. “Of course, everyone does. The founder, Kisha Febe, hid a great item long ago. No one has a clue to where it might be, to us it’s a myth.”

“It’s not a myth,”— he pulled a scroll out his coat— “this map came from a reliable source of mine. I know for a fact it’s real.”

“If you have the map, why do you need me or anything on the Abask’s?”

He hands the worn-down map to her. “There’s no ‘X’ or marking on it.”

The map outlines the small island. It seems to contain the old geography based on the landmarks. Smudges and scribbles obscure potential hints. Words cover the margins of the paper; the incoherent phrases made it confusing. Her eyes skimmed to the corner of the map, in small faint letters, “Abask,” is written.

“Abask? How can that be?”

Her thoughts were paused as the lights flicker. The light bulb goes out, leaving them in complete darkness. Y/n goes to open the door to get a lantern, but her foot trips on a loosen board. Buggy catches her from her fall. She gets up and hurries to retrieve the light source.

The light illuminates the room once more and in the middle of the room, a hidden space is revealed.

“There’s something inside.”

She gets on her knees and takes the board off the floor. Inside the space laid a stack of documents and reports. She pulls them out and hands a stack to Buggy. A file catches her eye— a death report. Y/n examines it and to her disbelief, a familiar name is written on it.

It’s her father’s, Zimik.

Her hands tremble, clenching the sides of the paper. The shaking made it impossible to read, she recomposed herself and noticed something odd. His last name is scratched off. Her parents never married, and she kept her mother's name. She hoped to finally uncover his name as no seemed to mention it to her. Now it makes her question it.

Y/n continues to skim the report, more and more questions filled her mind. White outs and corrections cover the whole paper. Most importantly, his cause of death is the most peculiar. The line is covered in a cheap white paint and over it spells the word, suicide.

This information is not new to her, but something made her feel uneasy. Down at the authorization signature, signed Dr. Hans, the Abask’s personal physician.

Buggy could sense a change in her demeanor. Her skin turned pale as her breathing became unstable.

“Is something wrong?”

Y/n handed the paper to Buggy, who looked at it in confusion.

“It’s my father’s death report. . .”

His eyes widen at the revelation. “Why was it hidden? You can’t tell me that’s not suspicious.”

“The doctor. . . he works for the Abask family.”

The two did not utter another word. It's clear to them that they share a common interest. An idea popped in Buggy's head, y/n has knowledge about the island's lore, her research skills will come in handy.

"I might've been wrong about you." He sets the sheet on the desk and bends down to meet her gaze. Y/n, still in a state of dismay, avoids contact with the pirate. "Come on, let's work together." His gloved hand reaches out, she looks at it and back at him. Buggy has done an awful deed to her, his switch up is only for convenience.

"Whether you like it or not, the Abask is the root of our problems. I need you as much as you need me."

The man is convincing, she takes a deep breath weighing the options. Yasi's father is a powerful person, he's always scared her. After her parent's passing, Mr. Abask's eyes would pinpoint in her direction. Could it tie to this hidden report? Either way, it is near impossible to infiltrate in their manor. Man-muscle is necessary, and Buggy the solution.

Their hands meet, signaling a mutual agreement between them. There's a change in his face, it is softer.

"We're heading to my tent, there's more to discuss on the matter."

"What, now? It's late and I have to head back home."

He scoffs, "How old are you again? Don't tell me you still have a curfew."

"I don't want my parents to worry about me."

This detail confused him. Parents, with an 'S.'

"Is your father not dead?"

"Oh, I'm adopted. . . my biological parents are both dead."

The atmosphere turns awkward. "Well, the more you know," he breaks the silence.

"Please, what do I say to them?" she says, putting the board back in place.

"Just tell them geezers to mind their own damn business."

"Like you're not one," she mutters, taking the stack of documents with her.

Offended, he gasps, "I heard that puny prick!"

A small laughter comes out y/n's mouth, the first positive emotion towards the pirate. The sweet melody rings through his ears. Nothing brings him more delight than the sound of laughter. Being a clown has its perks and he plays the role well. His hand grips his scarf, thinking about the necklace. He's a fool indeed, to take a piece that belonged to her father. Buggy is about to mention it but decides not to. It's the only thing keeping her under his command.

There's an ill connection between them and he's willing to start from ground zero. He clutches the scarf one last time and continues to take lead out the run-down library. They step out to the chilly weather, the air freezing their exposed skin. Y/n feels his hand on her waist, this time she does not resist his touch. Buggy reels her in and uses his coat to shield the cool winds blowing their way.

.°˖✧.°˖✧

The large tent beholds their view. A sense of worry crosses y/n's mind, last visit to the circus grounds did not end well. She's afraid of Buggy. His character changes drastically, he’s a wild card to say the least. It's too late to leave and most importantly, she wants to investigate the odd report.

They enter inside, the warm moist air hits them. It's a pleasant relief to their skin, despite the humidity. The ring is dark and empty. She pleads to not encounter anyone from his crew, they attacked her the other night. That is quickly jinxed as the lights above were turned on.

"Captain, you're back!"

A furry muscular man appeared out from the backstage. His eyes smile, he's clearly appeased at the arrival of Buggy. That moment ends shortly after seeing y/n. His head turns sideways in confusion. Following behind him is another crewmember— the acrobat. His eyes darken at the sight. Buggy felt y/n tense as her hand gripped his side.

"What's she doing here?" the acrobat states, crossing his arms.

Buggy wraps his arm around her shoulder, slightly leaning against her body. "She will be our guest tonight, so treat her kindly," he voices with a stern tone.

"He's my chief of staff, Cabaji. I know you had a little tumble with him, but that's all in the past."

Cabaji scoffs and blows on his side bangs, looking away in annoyance.

"And this is Mohji, my first mate."

Mohji's attitude is nicer than the acrobat's, his face beams up and gives a little wave. Y/n shyly waves back at the man and avoids further interaction.

"Cabaji and Mohji meet y/n, it will be your duty to make her feel at home."

"Will do captain," Mohji replies and Cabaji only nods.

After the proper introduction, Buggy grabs y/n’s hand and takes her to his quarters. No one wonders the back; the dim lights show the empty space they trail.

He opens the door, allowing his guest to enter first. A bed is situated in the middle of the room. Candles lit the area; the red light beams everywhere it touches. The door closes and Buggy leans his back at the nearby wall.

“You can take a seat on the bed.”

Taking slow steps, she goes near it and sits on the edge. Her hands twine together on her lap. Unaware of what to do, she faces down at the awkwardness. She’s alone in a dim-lit space with a man. A dangerous man, who’s much older than her and knows nothing about. Y/n thinks to herself about the given situation, it does not look good— she’s an idiot.

“I-” Buggy takes a pause, his heart races at the sudden shut of confidence. He groans and palms his face. Taking in consideration that’s she’s not the enemy, a different viewpoint opens— a gushing feeling runs through his blood, the exact sensation when they first met.

The big bad wolf act is completely thrown at the window. He cannot let this advantage be drown by the male instinct inside of him. Sweat forms on his forehead as he tries to find a way to break the silence. He sticks to his objective and blocks the raging hormones running through his vessels.

“There’s a lot we have to consider. Where do we even start?” Uncrossing his arms, he raised them at the question. “Obviously our issues are connected by one thing. The only way to advance is getting inside their manor.”

“How will we do that? The place has a high-level security system guarding the perimeter 24/7.”

“I figured that. So, it occurred to me that you have a vital entryway.”

“No. I know what you’re going to say.”

“Hm, think about it. Do you know how easy it is to infiltrate if they invite you by the front doors?”

“I’m sorry, but I will not submit to Yasi.”

A smile plastered on his face, a little relieved at that comment. “Then what do you suggest we do?”

“Dr. Hans, I want to investigate his office before we plan any further.”

Buggy raises an eyebrow, confused at the proposal. “What’s your motive?”

“I want to rule out something before we get our hands dirty.”

He shrugs, not wanting to debate. “Hm, if you insist.”

“Okay,”—she yawns— “can we continue this another time?”

“Sleepy already?”

She gets up and rubs her eyes. “It’s past my bedtime and I’m ready to sleep in my bed. This night has been. . . exhausting. . .”

“I’m not letting you leave; you will stay here for the night.” He blocks the door and pushes her back to his bed.

“Why?”

“I don’t have much time and I rather get started on this investigation.”

“Alright I get it, but I want to go home.”

Buggy does not want to return y/n. He’s determined to make the woman his, whether she likes it or not.

“I’m not sending you back out there. Besides it’s best that we’re not seen together.”

She groans in defeat, but he’s right. It’s past midnight and lord knows what rumors would spark if they saw her with the pirate.

“Fine, I’ll stay.”

“Good girl.” He pats her head with a grin.

“I’m not a pet,” she mutters. “Say. . . are we sharing the bed? I-I’m not comfortable sleeping in the same room as you. . . no offense.”

Buggy takes a step back and huffs out, “I’m not a perv, geez. But no, I wasn’t planning to.” A little lie, he totally would love to. He then points to an opening at the other side of the room. “There’s a bathroom inside, I’m sure there’s everything you need to freshen up.”

Y/n looks at it, the lack of light made it hard to distinguish how it looked. “There’s no door?”

“There’s a curtain you’ll have to slide.”

“How did you guys manage to place a bathroom?”

“Okay, you’re starting to ask too many questions,” he sighs in annoyance.

“Just go in, I’ll be back to check on you later.” He turns to exit the room and looks back at her one more time. “My men will be keeping guard. I recommend you stay put,” he says turning to knob. The door shuts, leaving y/n alone.

A small huff leaves from her lips. She observes the room, it is filled with clothing and props. Piles of it sitting on a chair in the corner of the room. The only thing free of the mess is the bed, she inspects it closely. It’s a king size bed, extravagant, made fit for a true king. She lays down on the bedding. It’s quite comfortable, the sheets are of silk. A typical cream color, with a pearly shine. Countless pillows board across the frame of the bed. Definitely does not compare to her own.

“I wonder if he stole it,” she thinks to herself. “Of course he did. . .”

She rolls out of the bed and heads to the bathroom. There’s no light switch, she scampers around trying to find a source of light and found a small lamp on the sink’s counter. The place is one would expect of a temporary bathroom, specially built by pirates. She opens the curtain of the poorly constructed shower; the flooring is not dirty. It’s clean enough to use.

It pings her mind that the average pirate does not maintain their hygiene, yet Buggy has a variety of soaps and other essentials. It’s to her luck that the man cares about his image.

“Okay, what am I going to change to afterwards. . .”

Looking around, she opens a small cabinet and found folded clothes. It’s men sizing, but it will do. She grabs a white shirt and briefs, hoping they were clean.

The shower is quick, she did not want Buggy around before she finished. The towel she used is not rough on her skin, it’s fluffy and soft, unlike the one she owned. She understands they steal for a living, but to have luxurious household items, did not occur to her. It’s assumed they only care for precious metal, maybe they’re not so dirty.

After drying her body, curiosity followed, searching around the steamy bathroom. It is no surprise that the sink cabinet is full of cosmetics. Who would have thought Buggy cared so much about his appearance. She does not complain; after all, he has all the supplies she needs. Finishing her nighty routine, she puts on his clothes.

The shirt is rather large and baggy, it hides the briefs underneath. Fresh out the shower, the chill temperature of the room raises goosebumps on her skin. She heads straight to the bed, wrapping herself with the sheets. It’s cold as there’s no thick blanket. Y/n hides her face with the thin blanket, her nose engulfs the lingering scent. It smells like Buggy, it’s comforting. A hint of musk and cologne is enough to spark a lusting attraction towards it. The aromas drowse her, and her eyelids become heavy, slowly giving in to her slumber. It was not long before she lost the battle and peacefully laid in the cozy pillowing that surrounds her.

A couple of hours go by and Buggy returns. He cracks to the door open and peeks inside, she’s sound asleep. He carefully steps in, softly closing the door behind him. The sound of his boots closes in on the bed, creaking the floor below. Buggy sits at the edge, observing her up close.

From the moment he saw her, a new feeling emerged inside of him. Never has he seen someone look at him with such adoration. He reaches inside his coat and pulls out a small doll. It’s the clown rag doll, he snuck back in her room and retrieved the broken doll. It’s fixed now, one of his seamstresses patched the torn pieces.

He ruined her fascination about clowns and the guilt is immense. The pirate clutches the doll in his hand, the beady little eyes stare back at him. So small and pathetic— that’s what he called it earlier and he’s right. Even so, he smiles at it. He sits the doll next to her, hoping she’ll forgive him.

As he proceeds to leave, the creaks of the bed awaken y/n.

“Buggy? Is that you?” her groggy voice captures his attention.

She rubs her eyes and flutters them open. That’s when she noticed the doll beside her. Immediately, she comes out the blankets and grabs the doll.

“What?! It’s fixed?” She looked at it in amazement, hugging it dearly. “When did you have time to get it back?”

“I have my ways.”

“Thank you, for a moment I thought you were a terrible person, but I appreciate fixing what you’ve done.”

The pirate knows he is. He continues to be with his selfish acts, keeping her in this place. He could have taken her back, but out of his own greed, he will not. Instead, a created a note to her parents, hoping they’ll believe the message. He wrote that she’ll be at a friend’s house, helping them with a research project.

“It’s the least I could do.”

“I’m glad you got it. I-It helps me sleep. . .” Embarrassed, she hides her face with the doll.

“Ha, you still sleep with a doll? That’s adorable,” he coos.

Y/n face turns bright red. “It eases my nightmares,” she whispers, justifying the act.

“Nightmares?” Intrigued, he brings a chair next to the bed and sits.

“The dreams began after the death of my parents. Since then, I constantly have them.” She looks into the button eyes of the clown. “My mother gave this to me. It helps with the pain.”

Buggy could not describe how he felt at those words. If he did not feel horrible before, it's worse. A true vile monster.

“Do you see them in your sleep?”

She nods. “I rather not talk about the details.”

He respects her choice, but he wonders what grisly images the nightmares cause. “Well, you’ll be able to sleep in peace tonight.”

She hums in response. Not wanting to disturb her anymore, he gets up to leave.

Y/n bites her bottom lip. She did not want to tell him that she wants him to stay. His presence brought tranquility and she’s been craving a stronger whiff of his scent. She’s hesitant, earlier they were fighting and it’s irrational to change minds so quickly. Still, she cannot deny the crush she has on him. He’s shown he’s not a dick. He only did it to protect himself.

She jumps out from the bed and grabs his wrist. Taken aback at the motion, he turns to look at her. He blushes at the exposure of her legs. The thin shirt barely hiding the hard nipples underneath. His eyes avoid further contact at the tempting sight, restricting any thought about the semi-nude woman alone in his room. His body freezes at the sudden blood rush to his lower region. Imagination runs wild, thinking what shape and size hides behind the white cloth.

“I know I said I didn’t want you near me, but I feel safe having you here.”

Buggy does not say a single word.

“I hope you don’t mind.”

He gulps hard. Yes, he did not mind, but it’s too soon to be this intimate. He doesn’t know if he can resist going feral. The last time he was with a woman. . . well it’s been ages, to the point that there’s no memory on the matter. He lies about his status, but in reality, he’s a loser. He regains control and fights to maintain his composure.

“Why would I say no to my dear guest.”

She smiles, only worsening his situation. “You can lay back down. I need to clean myself.” He excused himself and rushed in the bathroom, hoping she did not see his large bulge.

In the shower, he stares at his harden member. He grits his teeth; it’s not going down. The last time he touched himself happened long ago. He did not waste time lusting after women, why bother? No one dared to pay him attention. Now that one did, he completely folded.

His hands wrap around it firmly, he hitched at the touch. He pumps it slow, his thumb adding pressure to the sensitive head. It’s been a while; he almost forgot the feeling. The process was quick, his hot cum splattered on the shower curtain and a wave of shame hit him hard. Such a vulgar deed with a lady waiting for him. He cleans the white mess and finishes his shower.

His long damp hair hangs over his face, he moves it out the way to expose his bare skin. His grease paint is gone, most of it at least. Pigment remains on his skin, it’s never easy to take out. His nose pops out the most, insecurities rush in. He hates how he looks without the makeup. It tied his clown persona together and now he’s just a man with an obnoxious nose.

A hard slap to the face ceases the self-loathing. He took one last look at himself before putting on his sleepwear and barged out the bathroom. Y/n sat on the bed, wrapped around the blankets once again. She glances over at Buggy confused at why he still wore the clown nose.

“It’s real,” he says before she's able to mention it.

The pores on the nose made sense now, it was obvious. She notices a dread look from the man. To be born with a red rounded structure, must be difficult. Y/n is not disgusted by it, but she understands the resentment of the facial feature.

An unprecedented statement comes out her mouth.

“I think it suits you.”

In shock, he furrowed his eyebrows. “You’re lying,” anger in his voice caught y/n off guard. Buggy covers his nose and turns his back at her.

“I mean it.”

"Tsk, you only say that out of pity," he grunts out.

"Your nose is unique. It's cute on you," she giggles, pinching the small red ball on her doll.

Removing his hands off his face, he snaps his head back. "Cute?" Buggy marches to the side of the bed and snatches the doll out of her hand. "How dare you call me cute. Don't compare me to your little toy."

"I'm sorry, I actually find you hot. . ." she mumbles, unaware she said it out loud.

Flustered by her words, a dark shade of red spreads across his face. Y/n covers her mouth, embarrassed at the confession. Buggy gently hands the doll back and sits next to her. "You're not toying with me, are you?"

She shakes her head as she played with her fingers. Buggy palms his face, his hair falling over his shoulders. He sighs and flips the hair out his face. The wet strands hit her. "I didn't know your hair was this long," she says wrapping her finger around a few strands.

"Hm?"

"It's pretty and the color is quite vibrant."

With the corner of his eye, he blushes at her soft smile. The two remain quiet and Buggy decides to lay down, closing his eyelids. Y/n captures his bare face, his appearance is drastically different. His wrinkles are visible, but that does not deduce his attractiveness. Despite the large nose, he looked normal and not the intimidating pirate from before.

She also lays down and looks up at the ceiling. Buggy peaks from one eye, watching her intently. The silence consumes the room. Bothered by it, he decided to speak.

“How old are you anyway?”

“I’m y/a.”

He calculates the age gap and gaps.

“This feels illegal. . ."

She laughs. “Is it that bad? What’s your age?”

“I’m 37.”

“Oh-”

Her heart sinks a little at the number. She scoots back from him; a sick feeling arises from her stomach. She’s sharing a bed with a man that could be her uncle or worse. But she longed for an intimate partner, someone who can take the pain away. Y/n recollects herself and brushes her fingers over his hand.

“I don’t mind. . .”

“What do you want with an old crusty clown like me? I’m hideous. I’m no man worth your time.”

She looked at him with daze. Y/n didn’t know what came hold of her. Lost in the building hormones inside of her, she gave a soft peck on the tip of his nose.

Buggy eyes widen, completely paralyzed at the sensation of her lips.

“Goodnight, Buggy.”

She turns over and hides her crimson face. Buggy appalled by the kiss, grabs his nose. He swallows his saliva and buries himself in the blanket they shared. The two maintained their distance, unsure on what to think about the situation. Buggy groans, hiding his throbbing boner. He tugs on his scalp and turns to sleep in the other direction. A heavy tension fills the atmosphere, lasting hours into the night. Y/n managed to fall asleep as Buggy stayed up, thinking about the loving kiss. Slumber eventually reached him, the sweet touch fading into in his dreams.

A/N: Sorry this took so long, but boom here it is. Enjoy! :)

On a side note. . . should I make it spicer????

[eowyntheavenger]

Do you guys want to hear about my trip to Pohnpei?

It’s been about a month since I came home, and I’ve told my friends and family about it, but I still have to scream about it more because IT WAS AMAZING.

First, a brief explanation of the geography. Pohnpei is one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia, a Pacific Island country north of the equator. The FSM is made up of more than 600 islands spanning 1,700 miles of ocean.

Not many tourists go there because it’s so remote, but it’s a fascinating country with wonderful people, amazing food and stunningly beautiful landscapes, and I loved it so much. I’ve spent YEARS reading and writing about this country, and this was my first time ever visiting. It was everything I had hoped it would be and more!

I went there for work—to do research. I learned so much and I made a lot of friends and it was amazing to just be there. We had four days of meetings, and then the weekend. That’s when I finally got to explore the island, and I had not one, not two, but THREE of the best experiences I think I’ve ever had in my life.

Visiting the ancient city of Nan Madol

Climbing a giant basalt rock at sunset

Hunting for World War II anti-aircraft guns in the jungle

This is a long post—with photos!—so it’s going under the cut.

The first was going to Nan Madol, which is a beautiful, ancient city built out of basalt about 800 years ago. It lies on the southwest side of the island, about an hour away from Kolonia, where we were staying. My coworker and I rented a car and drove there, and the whole way we saw beautiful views of cloud-wreathed mountains in the island’s interior. Fortunately, when we got close to Nan Madol we got directions from a very nice Micronesian couple, because there were no signs telling us where to go. We paid the landowners the fee to cross their land, as is customary, and then we walked on the path through the mangrove forests towards the city.

When I first saw it, I literally could not believe my eyes, it was so incredible. I didn’t know it would be so big! Some of the structures are crumbling into the sea, but many of them are intact, and stand as tall as 30 feet. The pieces of basalt that form the structures are also gigantic. The city is crisscrossed by canals, and at low tide you can wade in them to get from place to place. There are many trees and ferns among the ruins, but the city has clearly been well taken care of. It was completely quiet except for birdsong and the sound of the waves.

I felt like I had stepped through a window into the past. It was indescribable. My coworker and I were the only people there. We were there for two hours, and didn’t come close to seeing it all—there was too much to take in. It was amazing wading in the canals and walking around the giant structures and looking at the moss-covered stones. It was one of the most majestic things I have ever seen. When we were getting ready to leave, I got a photo of a gorgeous bright red honeyeater called a Micronesian myzomela.

Later that night my coworker flew back to the US, so I spent the next few days having solo adventures. And they were ADVENTURES.

The next day I went hiking on a peninsula across the water from Kolonia. It forms a tall ridge and ends with a giant basalt outcrop called Sokehs Rock. First I climbed the ridge from the southwest side to see the view from the top and the Japanese anti-aircraft guns that are still there in the jungle. It was stiflingly hot. The climb up the switchbacks was a 45 degree angle. The ridge is 600 feet above sea level, and the view was absolutely spectacular—I could see all of Kolonia below, and the mountains in the interior, and an expanse of bright blue ocean with Pohnpei’s northern islands scattered across it like little jewels.

At the top of the ridge I finally entered the jungle. There were towering trees, giant ferns, and bright purple orchids, and the air was full of birdcalls. I had a map, but I quickly realized that the path to the Japanese guns was gone: it hadn’t been used in years. So I struck off into the jungle looking for them, hoping that I wouldn’t get lost. I decided to walk where the trees appeared less thick and hope that was where the path used to be. It was very muddy, and I walked face-first into MANY spiderwebs, and it was so fun and exciting.

I started getting close to the western side of the ridge. Then I saw something unmistakable, but hard to believe it’s still there after almost 80 years: a bomb crater from World War II. It was at least 30 feet deep and 30 feet wide, and blanketed with leaves, but it was obvious what it was. I knew I was getting close to one of the guns, so I started going faster, and nearly tripped over it! The barrel was jutting out across the grass, the body of the gun hidden in a cave-like bunker cut into the side of the ridge, with long grass hanging down over the opening. It was incredible. I climbed down into the bunker to get a better look at the gun, and I took a lot of photos, but I was assailed by some very angry bats that did not like being awakened during the day, so I climbed out. (There is no rabies in Micronesia, thankfully.)

At this point, it was getting late in the day, and I still wanted to climb Sokehs Rock. I knew that the next few days it would rain, so I had to do it now. I went back down the ridge and caught a taxi to the end of the peninsula where the other trail was located. The driver told me that no one had climbed Sokehs Rock in at least ten years, but I didn’t believe him—I had heard it was the popular thing to do here, so how could that be? (I was soon to learn my error.)

I started up the trail, only to find that there was no trail. I thought it had been hard to find a path through the trees earlier—this was worse. The trees were all much too close together and covered in strangling vines. It was incredibly steep—five minutes after setting off I was already climbing on my hands and knees over boulders and under fallen trees. But I didn’t want to give up! I could see the basalt cliff above me through the canopy. I knew that I could (or rather I was stubbornly determined to) make it to the top of that cliff before sundown. I wanted to see the view! And I didn’t want to waste my efforts so far. So I pressed on.

It was NOT easy getting through those trees. I had a map of where the path USED to be, but the forest was so wild, it didn’t really matter. Finally I reached the bottom of a cliff that was about 35-40 feet tall. There was a rope attached to a tree high above me. I had read about this (on a hiking blog written ten years ago—a fact I suddenly remembered) so I knew I was in the right place.

Climbing the cliff was incredibly fun. There were some handholds and footholds, but I was grateful for the rope. I was very careful. I had not expected the hike to be so harrowing, and the last thing I wanted was to break my ankle (or my neck) alone in the middle of the jungle. I made it to the top of the cliff safely, and I was rewarded by an incredible view of the basalt cliffs rising on either side and Kolonia down below as the last rays of the sun pierced through the forest behind me. There was a terrifying drop off to my left, so I sat very still and took some photos.

I knew I had about fifteen minutes before sunset and total darkness. It was both exhilarating and peaceful, being up there alone. The wind was blowing in the branches, and the lights in Kolonia were twinkling on. The ocean was turning a dark blue in the fading light. I knew it was stupid to go hiking by myself, climb a cliff by myself, and then—yes—climb down the ridge in the dark. But sometimes you have to do foolish things. I put myself in this situation, and I accepted the consequences. At least I had enough common sense to climb down the vertical cliff part of it while there was still a little daylight left…

There was enough light for my eyes but not enough for my camera, so I used the flash. This is looking straight down the cliff, about a 35 foot drop onto jagged boulders! Yes, I know. Poor choices were made.

I reached the bottom of the cliff and maybe five minutes passed before it was pitch black. I turned on my flashlight. I had to be very careful about every step I took: I didn’t want to step on a stone that would give way, or a fallen tree that would give way, or get tripped by a vine, or fall in a ditch. If this forest was difficult to get through in the daylight, it was much worse in the dark. At one point I ended up waist-deep in vines and tangled tree branches, and I felt around for the ground and realized I had somehow wandered over a ravine and there WAS no ground beneath me—I was standing on branches, and I didn’t even know how far down it went. That was very disconcerting. I remembered that scene in the Hobbit when they’re in Mirkwood and I practically heard Gandalf’s voice scolding me: “Don’t leave the path!”

Not that there was a path, of course. But I did find my way back onto solid ground after that. I stood still and turned off my flashlight just to see what it was like, and I saw bioluminescent insects on the leaves of the trees. The forest was just as loud with birdcalls as it was during the day, and when I turned my flashlight back on it illuminated some bats swooping overhead. I started recognizing the same boulders and trees that had given me trouble on the way up, and now instead of being annoyed by them I was reassured. Still, it was very difficult getting out of that forest.

I finally saw the glow of a streetlamp through the trees, and I found myself wandering out of the forest onto the road. I was absolutely covered in mud except where sweat had washed it off. There was a cricket inside my shirt that I had somehow failed to notice. I was so tired. I felt so alive. I went back to my hotel, took a shower, and went straight to sleep. I was oddly unscathed: just a few scratches and cuts on my hands.

Here is a photo of Sokehs Rock that I took on a different day, with an arrow to the part that I climbed:

On Monday I was supposed to take a day of leave, but I had more meetings that spilled over from the week before—not that I minded! They were really interesting. And it was raining like hell. In the afternoon I went to see a waterfall.

But what I really want to recount is my final adventure.

On Tuesday, the day I was going to leave Pohnpei, my eyes snapped open at 5:30am and there was one thought in my mind: ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUNS. I had to go back to Sokehs Ridge to see the other two anti-aircraft guns—I had only found one of them before. I knew I would be disappointed if I didn’t try. It was raining, and my legs were sore from all the hiking I’d already done, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I went back to Sokehs Ridge. And I climbed it again. And the view was just as beautiful on a cloudy day. Now the orchids were covered in raindrops, and the light rain that was falling was so refreshing.

I got to the top of the ridge and struck off into the jungle again to find the other two anti-aircraft guns. I had the same map from the other day, but the paths on it were nowhere to be seen (at least I wasn’t surprised by this anymore). I just used my sense of direction and whatever supernatural abilities I possess to home in on World War II guns. It was even muddier than before, of course, and I was constantly being slapped by wet leaves and vines and branches. I walked into a wet spiderweb every yard or so. Far from detracting from the experience, it actually made it more fun, for some reason.

Besides, I had hiked out of a jungle thicker than this IN THE DARK, so this forest wasn’t going to stop me! I went in the general direction I assumed one of the guns was located, trying to find the path of least resistance. Eventually I saw the ground rising steeply on my right side and a more open grassy area to the left. The higher ground on the right ultimately formed a grassy wall about six feet high, and I couldn’t see what was behind it. I found an opening in the wall and waded through some ankle-deep mud, and I was looking down at my shoes trying to pull my feet free when I finally looked up—and there it was, a type 89 anti-aircraft naval gun. Why they put guns that were usually mounted on ships on a mountain, I’m not sure, but IT WAS SO COOL.

It was covered in rust and ferns and vines. It was massive. It was so surreal to see this giant gun just sitting in the middle of the jungle. I took photos of it from all angles. The gun was surrounded by a grassy embankment that I had seen from the other side—I couldn’t quite get far enough away from it to take the photos I wanted, so I climbed up on the wall to take them from a distance. Then I climbed back down to continue marveling at it.

This anti-aircraft gun is sitting in the exact same place it was during World War II. Back then, it could shoot down a plane at 48,000 feet. It took a year for laborers to push it up to the top of the ridge. I love museums, but this was about a billion times better than being in a World War II museum.

Then I went in search of the other anti-aircraft gun—the same type, but farther east. It was harder to find. I went in the direction I thought it was, but there was just a field. On the other side of the field, maybe 15 yards away, there was more jungle, and beyond I knew I would find the track that had gotten me up the ridge, and I would have gone too far. But there was clearly no anti-aircraft gun between me and the line of trees. I went into the field anyway—and quickly learned that fields are deceptive and not any easier than forests. The grass was up to my eyes. I couldn’t see where my feet were, and it turned out that the ground was treacherously uneven, rising and falling constantly, and by turns I was getting my feet stuck in mud or clambering on uneven stones or nearly slipping in the wet grass. I needed to find the gun!

I saw some higher ground to my right and I thought I should go that way, so I did, only to find the barrels of the gun pointed straight at me. It had been hidden by the ridges of the land and vines and foliage. When I had started into the field, it had been no less than 15 feet away, completely invisible! It was the coolest thing—to be completely alone in this gorgeous jungle, staring down the barrels of a 6,000 pound anti-aircraft gun from a war eight decades ago. But this one was even more covered in foliage—a tree had engulfed more than half of it.

I took so many photos. And it was so hard to pry myself away, but I finally did, feeling very satisfied. I thought about it on the way down the ridge: why was this SO MUCH FUN? And I think a big part of it had to do with the fact that there were no paths. I didn’t actually KNOW I was going to find the guns. I wasn’t guaranteed to find anything, except more trees. Finding each gun was a challenge. It was like going on a treasure hunt.

I went back to my hotel, took a shower, finished packing, and made it to the airport on time. That was my last day in the Federated States of Micronesia. I CANNOT WAIT TO GO BACK.

[ferrunough]

got a client i can talk about, full day client, an espthara. first time meeting one in the flesh, prolly the fourth time i’ve seen one in any context, first time having to spell it so please give me mercy. funky looking things ain’t they? and i get to say his name which i am so happy to know: Psiapatra. Psia for short. the person has good taste in names

so i did some research beforehand and his species can emit boatloads of psychic energy. like — pardon my kalosian here — metric fucktons. and it’s specifically to hinder parts of the brain that keep organs doing what they do. in most cases not so they fail completely, but to weaken targets’ response to further non-physical attacks. and, in a lot of species, the liver has a huge role in said responses. i’ll spare you my Hidden Power rant about it now. still never know how to put it concisely.

back to the point, i got an idea to try out with Psia. usually i wait until the base technique is down before introducing synergy energy but i needed to see how his psychic energy reacts with the synergy energy and the park was empty thanks to the recent storms an hour before so who would i be if i didn’t take advantage of that, now, hey? client was fine with it, person was fine with it, Pollut needs to run from Krullers, so outside we go! get everything set up, build up synergy, and burst — the psychic energy is now visible, like a pink fire billowing out the gaps in his feathers. scared Psia a bit so spent some time getting him used to it, waving his wings around so the energy made a little trail. gorgeous, i have to say

went back in to fetch Edm as an opponent at this point but finally tried out a vague idea. started building up the synergy again since it had worn off but this time told Psia to try send the fiery energy at Edm with a wing flap when he bursts. i was hoping he’d be able to surround her with it. failed the first four times but number five got it! practiced doing that until it was consistent then break for lunch. i’ll say here that, as always, Edm was thoroughly compensated for being a test dummy with extra food and check-ins. she does still like battling so this ain’t torture for her, she just can’t as much as she used to. just wanted to be clear and yeah. Pollut was also compensated for not painting the public trees.

lunch done! back to attacking Edm (i do love her). Psia proved he could still do the base technique so time to add the next step: adding to that energy continually. like stoking a fire, Psia gives a big flap and the psychic energy around Edm grows — as does the energy around Psia, now flying in the air above where he stood. he’s using more energy so why wouldn’t it! another flap and both’s pseudo-auras grow larger and brighter in tandem. and another flap. bear in mind here the energy being used against Edm lowers her resistance to non-physical attacks and is a non-physical attack in itself

flap

flap

Flap.

the energy around Edm curls in on itself and herself in a migraine-inducing display. i don’t even see Edm before she’s recalled into her heal ball. Psia lands where he started.

i mentioned before that the energy screws with the liver functioning so professional health check up is obviously next course of action. Edm’s fine, no lasting damage visible yet if there is any, will check every time after Psia has another slot. still going to limit the number of times he can stoke the energy just for extra safety. i am avoiding saying the onomatopoeic term for it because it looks weird now. i also regret that decision ‘cause i had to ask how to spell that ono- word and get confirmation multiple times. not a nice word, that

[readingforsanity]

Hidden Pictures | Jason Rekulak | Published 2022 | *SPOILERS*

A mystery about a woman working as a nanny for a young boy with strange and disturbing secrets. 

Fresh out of rehab, Mallory Quinn takes a job in the affluent suburb of Spring Brook, New Jersey as a babysitter for Ted and Caroline Maxwell. She is to look after their five-year-old son, Teddy. 

Mallory immediately loves this new job. She lives in the Maxwell’s pool house, goes out for nightly runs, and has the stability she craves. And she sincerely bonds with Teddy, a sweet, shy boy who is never without his sketchbook and pencil. His drawings are the usual fare: trees, rabbits, balloons. But one day, he draws something different: a man in a forest, dragging a woman’s lifeless body. 

As the days pass, Teddy’s artwork becomes more and more sinister, and his stick figures steadily evolve into more detailed, complex and lifelike sketches well beyond the ability of any five-year-old. Mallory begins to suspect these are glimpses of an unsolved murder from long ago, perhaps relayed by a supernatural force lingering in the forest behind the Maxwell’s house. 

With help from a handsome lanscaper and an eccentric neighbor, Mallory sets out to decipher the images and save Teddy - while coming to terms with a tragedy in her own past - before it’s too late. 

Mallory is a 20-something year old girl trying to make her way through the world. When she should have been enjoying college, she spent years abusing prescription painkillers and heroin, eventually going to rehab and is now celebrating nearly two years sober. With the help of her sponsor, Russell, she scores an interview for a family in an affluent neighborhood in New Jersey to nanny their 5-year-old son for the summer before he is meant to start Kindergarten. 

During the interview, Mallory meets Caroline, a 30-something year old psychiatrist who works for the VA hospital and her son, Teddy. Teddy immediately takes to Mallory, as does Caroline. Caroline’s husband isn’t as keen on hiring Mallory due to her history. But Mallory is offered the job. She begins a week later, moving into the Maxwell’s cottage in their backyard. 

She begins working for the Maxwell’s and immediately feels like she is a part of their family. She and Teddy do creative and imaginative things together while his parents are working, and Mallory continues her sober living by keeping up with running, her outlet. She keeps in touch with Russell as well. 

Things continue to go well until Mallory begins to feel like she is being watched. During her first encounter with the Maxwell’s, Teddy spoke of Anya, his imaginary friend. He drew her in drawings, and said that she spoke to him when he was in his bedroom during alonetime. Eventually, the drawings Teddy was making began to be more in depth, not just typical 5-year-old drawings. Mallory decides to learn what she could about Anya, and in her research, she learns of a woman named Annie Barrett, who lived in the cottage when it belonged to her cousin George, who lived in the mainhouse. This was in the 40s, after World War II when she came to the United States from Europe. One day, George found the cottage filled with blood, and Annie had disappeared and was never found or heard from again. 

Mallory believes that Anya is trying to communiate with Teddy about what happened to her. With the help of Adrian, the landscaper who has since befriended Mallory, Mallory with the assistance of the eccentric neighbor Mitzi, try to perform a seance of sorts in order to communicate with Anya. It doesn’t end well when Mitzi accuses Mallory of pushing the communicator with her own hand, but Mallory knows that it was Anya taking over her. They’re left with a series of jumbled words that they can’t decipher, and Mitzi leaves in a fit. 

The next day, Mallory accidentally falls asleep during Teddy’s quiet time and sleeps for over four hours, leaving him completely unattended in his room other than an iPad. When she awakes, her hands are covered in grime from pencils and the Maxwell’s house is covered in sketches from Anya herself. Having no way to hide it before they come home, Mallory has to be upfront about what happened and what she believes is happening in their home. The Maxwell’s are not happy, and therefore end her employment. 

It isn’t until a few days later that Mallory realizes the letters do mean something, and that likely Anya couldn’t speak English as she had been an immigrant from Europe. She and Adrian go to Mitzi’s to try to get the paper she had used to write the letters down while the Maxwell’s are away with Teddy for the day. With only two days until Russell returns to gather her and bring her home to his apartment, they want to figure out the mystery that is Anya. The Maxwell’s have planned a farewell for her the next day. 

When they arrive at Mitzi’s, her backdoor is left wide open and they enter, attempting to call her and figure out what happened to her. They locate the paper, and they are then confronted by the police. Unfortunately, Mitzi was found deceased in the woods behind her home, and no foul play is suspected. They give their statements to the police, and return to Mallory’s cottage. Adrian says that there is a missing piece to the puzzle, and why not allow Anya to communicate with her again. While she does, it doesn’t end up bringing anything. 

The following day, Adrian says he is going to Akron, Ohio, where supposedly Anya’s daughter is living in a care facility. They part ways, and Mallory enjoys her day with the Maxwell’s all the while awaiting to hear from Adrian. When Caroline and Ted go inside to clean up from dinner, Mallory and Teddy go swimming in the pool. During this time, Adrian does return her call and shows a picture of Annie’s daughter and grandson. She learns that Annie had met her husband Willie, who was a person of color, and in those days, their relationship was seen as taboo. When she became pregnant, George disguised her discretion by creating a crime scene and Annie ran away to Ohio, where she had another child, three grandchildren and a few great-grandchildren and passed away at the age of 81. 

Mallory feels like all of her efforts to find out the truth was a waste of time, and decides to end the night by helping Teddy get ready for bed. The detective from the crime scene the day before erturns and speaks with Mallory while Teddy is in the shower, but until Teddy needs her help, Mallory notices something strange. Teddy goes inside to bed, and Mallory returns to pack but decides she is going to confront the Maxwell’s when she realizes what has been happening the entire time. 

Mallory tells Caroline and Ted the truth: that she knows that Teddy is actually a girl, as she had seen her in the shower, and when were they going to tell her. The Maxwell’s try to say that Teddy came out to them as transgender and prefers to be a boy, but this also strikes her as odd as Teddy prefers colors that are more feminine and girly. Mallory says that they stole Teddy, and that Anya actually means mommy in Hungarian, where Anya had hailed from. Caroline and Ted attack Mallory, and scheme to kill her and come up with a plan. Caroline confesses everything to Mallory as well: She would see Anya on the weekends with Flora, then only 2 years old. Caroline felt that Anya was neglecting the little girl, and when she saw Flora run off, she followed her with the intentions of returning her back to her mother. But this plan quickly turned sinister when Anya found Caroline with Flora. Caroline killed her, Ted buried the body and they took Flora in as their own, changing her appearance and renaming her Teddy. But, Anya’s spirit had found them, and they tried to pass her off as an imaginary friend. 

Mallory is able to save Teddy and herself, and Ted and Caroline were killed in self-defense. Teddy becomes Flora again, and returns to live with her father in upstate New York. Mallory lives with Russell and remains in contact with Adrian while he finishes his last year of school. On a vacation, they go to meet Flora, though she doesn’t want to remember Mallory and the bad memories of her time in New Jersey. So, Mallory creates a book for Flora of answers to the many questions that will likely arise as she gets older, and it will be there when she is ready. 

Discussion Questions 

1. Have you ever experienced such a significant cultural shift as Mallory did moving from city-streets Philly to suburban sidewalks? What was your experience like? I never lived deep in the city like Mallory did in Philly. But, I did live on the outskirts of Chicago and moved to the suburbs almost 10 years ago, although it is the second biggest city in my state by population. 

2. Would you have hired Mallory as your employee? Under what conditions? Absolutely. Mallory knows what she did was wrong, and was working on getting through it. I likely would have made mandatory drug tests being a stipulation for her employment, which she had obviously told the Maxwell’s she was more than happy to abide with. But other than that, much like myself, I would have let her have free reign of helping raise my children. She was very well rounded for a recovering addict. 

3. Did you agree with the Maxwell’s lists of nos for raising a child? Which ones yes and which ones no? How could I say yes or no? I may not agree with a lot of them, like no red meat as we’re meat eaters in my house. But, what one parent or set of parents chooses for their children isn’t any of my business, just like what I choose to do or not do with my own children isn’t theirs. 

4. What was your first indication that something was amiss in Mallory’s living/employment situation? The pictures that Teddy drew, in his own hand, depicting Anya with crosses on her eyes. While imaginary friends can manifest in a variety of forms, this in itself would have scared me to death if I were Mallory. 

5. Discuss Adrian. What was his role in the story? Adrian was meant to be the one person who would remain on Mallory’s side, no matter what happened. Other than Russell of course. While Adrian didn’t take well to her lies and learning the truth about her past, he did eventually move on from this. He was essentially her cheerleader and letting her know that what she was going through was likely not her imagination and was truly happening. 

6. As Mallory continued to share her experiences/suspicions with the Maxwells, did you feel she was on the right course? What could have/should have she done differently as she investigated the situation? I don’t think she was right to confront them about the photos, or to tell them what she suspected. Caroline was a psychiatrist, and she could have easily said that Mallory was losing her mind. However, without that, we never would have learned about what really happened, to either Anya or Annie Barrett. 

7. Mitzi was a fantastic character. What did she add/end to the story and/or the realization of the truth? Mitzi was the neighbor nobody really wants to have, but is a good person to have around. Although she herself was using drugs, and not good for Mallory to associate with, she was helpful up until the end. 

8. Discuss the symbolism of the Enchanted Forest for Mallory and Teddy. The Enchanted Forest was Teddy’s way of trying to communicate with Mallory about her past. While not directly related to the story, it was how Flora ended up with Caroline and Ted in the first place after having gotten lost in the woods in New York. 

9. Did you suspect any of the truth? Who Teddy was? Anya’s true identity? The Maxwell’s role? I did not. That one completely threw me for a loop. And Caroline and Ted’s roles were equally as shocking. This novel to me had the most perfect twist ending. 

10. Mallory had a gift for detecting the watchful eye of others. Do you feel like you can tell when others are watching you? Yes and no. I think we all get those moments where it feels like there are eyes on us no matter where we are. But, she seems to have a real knack for it. 

[thewasteland]

Our worst switch story was how we found out we’re a system.

It was a stormy night and we were in a bad relationship. (I do mean BAD, keep in mind before you judge me in this story that this ex had done some seriously *fucked* up shit to me.)

We were living out of our car and a spare bedroom at our grandma’s house, but this ex was constantly pushing for us to live together and hated when I spent the night anywhere else. If I did, she would have a mental breakdown and insist I come support her. So she pulled this shit one stormy night, and we drove over to her house through the rain and lightning, and I barely remember that drive just flashes. But somewhere along the way, Asmodeus switched in from years long dormancy.

Asmodeus was full of rage that our ex was doing this shit. She parked the car, punched a tree, and walked up to our ex’s door.

They had a conversation I don’t remember sitting in the driveway. Asmodeus was mostly quiet. Our ex kept asking what she was thinking and she kept replying “you don’t want to know.” Finally after she kept asking and asking Asmodeus just said “I wouldn’t care if you died.”

Our ex slumped over in the driveway in a catatonic state. At first Asmodeus thought she was faking it. Our host, who had been frantically trying to take front this entire time, started fighting even harder, but Asmodeus wasn’t giving up front. She finally called our ex’s mom, who drove over immediately, and got pulled over by the cops on the way. The cops called an ambulance.

Meanwhile Asmodeus and Ashley are there next to our catatonic ex girlfriend with Asmodeus just stone cold staring at her and Ashley freaking out and trying to bust through. Ashley finally managed to front by the time the EMTs got there, and she was obviously horrified. They took our ex to the hospital to run tests. It took her five hours to wake up again, and Ashley was a wreck the whole time.

But the experience of fighting for front with Asmodeus stuck with Ashley, and she started researching DID, talking with people who had it, etc. It didn’t take us long to discover the system and identify more of us.

That was four years ago, and it feels like a dream looking back. It’s such a horrible memory but also our origin story I guess. Forgive me if I don’t have much pity for our ex. I don’t wish anything bad on her, but I also have very little sympathy after the hell she put us through.

So yeah, that’s a uh…..thing that happened.

Tell us your worst switching stories!

Ours was when we were having a rough and intimate moment with one of our partners, only for an alter we haven’t met yet to fully front in the middle and ask "Um, this is probably a bad time to ask, but who are you, where am I, and what am I doing here?"

Only for our partner to sit back and say "Hi I'm <name>." As if that helped anything.

[kitashousewife]

learning new things

an: i thought of kita a lot today so i decided to write this hehe

pairings: timeskip!kita x fem!reader

warnings: husband kita, food mentions, kita is the sweetest ever, lots of pet names, mentions of knives and knife usage, lowercase intentional

-

kita would do anything for you.

which is why this spring, right after the two of you moved into the farmhouse, he spent weeks researching pumpkins and how to grow them. figuring out the perfect soil. how to space the seeds, how much water and sun they needed, and of course how many to get. he settled on four plants to be safe in case he lost a couple.

now it's october and the two of you are a little overwhelmed.

"74 exactly," kita says, more to himself as enters the house for dinner.

"74 what, shin?" you mumble as you set the final dishes on the table. dusting your hands off on your apron before you take it off, you move quickly to beat your husband to the sink.

"first again," he gloats, grinning ear to ear.

"you were closer to the sink!" you playfully slap his arm. "anyway, what did you count earlier?"

his hand reaches to the towel next to him, picking it up to dry his hands. he watches you wave your wet hands around in an attempt to dry them off. he smirks before using the towel to smack your butt as you walk to your seat.

"shin!"

"74 pumpkins, darlin'," he chuckles, sitting down for dinner. "we are swimming in ‘em out there," he tilts his drinking glass towards the back of the house.

"i can't believe we have that many! i only thought we would get a few. we should sell them out front!"

he shakes his head. "that's kinda silly, ain't it? we don't need any money for 'em."

you hum, moving the food around your plate with your fork. "what do you think we should do with them then? i only wanted a few to decorate the front, maybe a couple to carve, oooh and a couple for baking," you think aloud. kita smiles at your dreaming. one of his favorite things about you is how passionate you are about the little things.

"i could always message my friends. i'm sure they would want some, if that's okay with you."

"of course it is shin. i wouldn't mind at all," you hold his hand in his. with a soft squeeze, kita places a kiss to your knuckles.

"halloween is a couple weeks away, i can't believe it. are you excited?"

he chuckles as he glances at the calendar that hangs in the kitchen. "look at that. and sure! are you excited?"

you give him a puzzled look, which he returns. "do you not like halloween?"

he raises his hands up. "it's not that i don't like it, sweets. i just didn't do a whole lot for it growin' up, 'sall."

the sound of your hands hitting the table grabs his attention immediately. "then it's settled!"

"what's settled?"

"we are gonna do all things halloween so that you can experience it! making up for lost time, or something like that. how does that sound?"

kita can't say no to you.

"it sounds great, baby."

the next evening, before dinner, you walk out to the fields to find you probably very hungry husband. the walk is beautiful. the final hours of sunlight warm up the air, the trees are beautiful and vibrant, and most of the flowers you and kita planted this summer are shedding their final petals. as you step towards the garden, you spot him. hunched over some mounds of potatoes, digging through with his bare hands to grab the best ones.

"you know," you step through the gate and grab the pair of gardening gloves that hang on the fence. "you really should wear these."

kita turns around, absolutely elated. he is so happy to see you, even if it's been only a few minutes. "now why would i do that? my hands work just find, baby."

you look across the garden and let out a quick gasp. he really wasn't kidding about the pumpkins. reading your mind, he stands up with a hum.

"let me grab the wheelbarrow and i'll meetchya over by the pumpkins, pumpkin." he throws you a wink and blush, and blow him a kiss. as soon as you reach the sea of orange at your feet, you begin searching for the best ones.

"so how do we know what would be best, miss halloween expert?" he muses as he arrives at your side. you lift up some of the large leaves to get a better look.

"well, i want a bunch to decorate the front porch with, but i can get those a different day. for carving," you bend down and point to two quite rotund pumpkins resting right next to each other. "these two are great."

"whatever ya think is best, darlin'," kita bends down and with his small pocket knife, cuts the pumpkins free from their vines. after placing both of them in the wheelbarrow, he dusts his hands off on his pants.

"shall we walk back home? everything else is about finished, just need'a grab those potatoes i picked earlier and we can head back,"

you nod, pulling the pumpkins behind you. the two of you walk home in silence, listening to the breeze ruffle the leaves and the gravel crunching under your feet.

"hey, i love ya," kita smiles at you as the two of you reach the house. giving him a soft kiss on the lips, you return his smile.

"i love you too, farmer. come on, let's make some dinner. i'm starving,"

he laughs and pokes your side. "from all that harvesting, i'll bet."

after dinner, the two of you make quick work cleaning up the dishes and counters. while kita finishes drying the last couple plates, you dig through one of your closets for an old tablecloth. you cover the kitchen table with it and smile. the table is kita's granny's table, gifted to you when the two of you got married. you set the pumpkins down and wipe them off.

"shin, will you please grab a couple knives before you leave the kitchen?"

"of course, my love," he calls back. you scroll through your phone, trying to decide on what design to do on yours.

"boo!"

"shin!" you squeal, whipping around to see a very amused kita as he sets the knife on the table. "you scared me!"

"isn't that what halloween is all about? i'm just gettin' ya in the spirit," he laughs. "so, where do we start?"

you can't help but join his laughter. "well, before you came along i was looking at some designs to do for my pumpkin. do you know what you want to do?" he hums and walks behind you, wrapping his arms around you and places his head on your shoulder. he points at a photo on your screen.

"that one," he nods. you tap the photo, making it larger. the photo is a rather large pumpkin with an equally large heart carved out of the front.

"you want to do a heart on yours, shin?" he nods again, walking towards his pumpkin. "yeah, because i love ya so much."

after all this time, his comments and compliments still make you blush. every single time.

"i love you too. now," you grab your pumpkin and with your finger, trace a line around the stem. "we cut the top off and scoop out the insides. then we can start carving," kita raises a brow.

"what do we do with the inside?" you shrug and nod toward the trash bin you brought next to the table. "throw it away, i guess."

"seems like a waste, don'tchya think? i don't wanna waste it if we can use it," he thinks.

"we could always bake the seeds! i used to do that growing up. we would have them as a snack after we finished." kita smiles at that.

"i like that idea much more, my love. now, let's jump in!"

the two of you make quick work of cleaning out your pumpkins, setting the insides on the tablecloth for later. you grab a marker and begin to draw a design on the front of yours. as you draw, kita hums a familiar song to himself. after drawing your design, you grab the knife to start carving.

"a kitty? that's so cute babe," he says from behind his pumpkin. "don't look at mine! i want it to be a surprise!"

"okay shin, i won't look. i may need your help though at some points," too focused on his design, he gives you a thumbs up before continuing his work.

you finish quickly and grab one of the fake candles to place inside. turning it on, you clap as you see your design come to life.

"it looks so good! i can't wait to see how they look outside," you cheer, stepping back so you can snap a quick picture. "almost done, babe?"

kita steps back with the biggest and proudest smile on his face. "just finished! but wait, i don't want ya to see it until we put them outside," he chuckles as he turns you away from his pumpkin.

"fine, fine. i will put mine on the steps," you giggle and carry your pumpkin to the door.

you set it on the step outside and walk back a little to get a better view.

"okay, i'm coming! close yer eyes and i'll tell ya when ya can open," he calls from the doorway. you cover your eyes and hear him shuffle, before he stands at your side. "okay, take a look and tell me what ya think."

on the the other side of the step is kita's pumpkin. he carved a heart, and above it he carved your initials. you gasp.

"shin! it's so perfect. our initials? i love it! you did so great," you squeal. he picks you up and spins you around before carrying back towards the door.

"now everyone that drives by can see how much i love my amazing wife," he beams and pulls you in for a kiss. when you pull away, you give him a kiss on each cheek.

"i think it's perfect," you say over your shoulder as you lead the two of you back inside. kita locks up behind you before walking into the kitchen to fill up the tea kettle.

"what's next up on our halloween to-do list, sweetheart?"

"baking these pumpkin seeds, of course," you start and kita nods. "next, we should pick out our costumes!"

"i think that's a great idea. what do ya wanna dress me up as?"

you laugh. "how about peter pan? i think you would look perfect in some green tights, don't you?" you tease.

kita just laughs and gives you a kiss on the forehead.

"whatever makes ya happy, darlin'."

[pwilzfan73]

True story behind The Conjuring 3 – inside Arne Cheyenne Johnson’s “the devil made me do it” court case

The latest instalment in The Conjuring franchise once again has its roots in a real-life case.

By Patrick Cremona, Radio Times. UK.

Published: Friday, 21st May 2021 at 2:56 pm

The Conjuring 3 takes its title from a real-life court case that dates back to the 1980s. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It takes a look at the case and the Warrens’ involvement in the case that originated the phrase “the devil made me do it”.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren for the next instalment in The Conjuring horror franchise, with the new movie heading to UK cinemas on 28th May 2021.

As with the previous movies in the franchise, The Conjuring 3 is taken from a real case file with reported connections to the supernatural. Previously we’ve seen spin-off movies focused on the Annabelle doll, also inspired by the Warrens who keep it in their occult museum.

Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as Lorraine and Ed Warren. Warner Bros Pictures.

The case in question this time around is the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, a man who was convicted of manslaughter in Connecticut in 1981 – becoming the first person to have claimed a defence of demonic possession during a murder trial.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It true story

The Conjuring 3 is inspired by the trial of 19-year-old Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who was charged with murdering his landlord Alan Bono in February 1981. During the trial, the defendant gained infamy for becoming the first person to claim a defence of demonic possession in a United States court – although perhaps unsurprisingly this version of events was not accepted by the judge.

His defence rested on testimony given by the family of his fiancée, Debbie Glatzel. Debbie’s 11-year-old brother had reportedly been the subject of demonic possession in the months prior to the murder, with his parents having grown increasingly worried by a number of unexplained and ominous events.

The story really starts in July 1980, when the 11-year-old David Glatzel was helping Johnson clean up a Connecticut rental property he was prepping to move so he could move in.

While there David claimed to have come across a “burnt and black-looking” old man who he claims pushed him into a waterbed saying he would bring them harm if they moved into the house.

When David returned home he continued to see the old man. He described him as having a white beard, wearing jeans and a flannel shirt. David claimed the man’s skin was charred as if he’d been burnt too. The young boy experienced night terrors and woke up with bruises and scratches on his body. He’d wake screaming and tell his parents he’d seen the sunken features of the old man “like an animal”, with horns, pointy hears and jagged teeth (via People). (The Conjuring 3 demon appears to have gone a different route, with early photos showing a white masked man wearing a striped red long coat.)

The family said they also had heard unexplained noises coming from their attic.

In trying to get to the bottom of the issue they had called in Ed and Lorraine Warren – who by this point were already well-known paranormal experts – to diagnose and cure their son.

Ed Warren said he heard banging and growling sounds coming from their basement, and that he also say a rocking chair move on its own. Speaking to paranormal researcher Tony Spera, Ed claimed David’s toy dinosaur also walked on its own towards the family. He also said a deep voice spoke to them saying: “Beware, you’re all going to die.”

Lorraine also claimed she saw a black mist appear next to David while her husband interviewed him. “While Ed interviewed the boy, I saw a black, misty form next to him, which told me we were dealing with something of a negative nature. Soon the child was complaining that invisible hands were choking him—and there were red marks on him. He said that he had the feeling of being hit,” she told People magazine.

David’s mother Judy had previously claimed it was a ghost, but the Warrens rejected this idea saying it was an indicator of a demon.

Lorraine also claimed she saw David being choked by invisible hands and he told her “he had the feeling he was being hit”. She told People that she could see red marks afterwards and she heard him growl and hiss. Lorraine also claimed he spoke in unrecognisable voices, that he recited passages of the Bible as well as Paradise Lost. Debbie Glatzel also claimed he spit, bit, kicked and swore at her and he flopped around “head to toe like a ragdoll”.

She also told the Chippewa Herald Telegram that “he manifested. Just a face on the wall. High cheekbones. A narrow chin. A thin nose. Big black eyes hidden in dark holes. He showed his teeth.”

Ed Warren also told The Washington Post: “Right away, I knew there was something to this. I felt like a good fisherman when he knows there’s something on the line.” He added that he thought there were 43 demons inside the boy, and David named them all.

David Glatzel’s exorcism

In the movie, Father Gordon (Steve Coulter) blesses the home. The priest’s name was changed for the movie, but a Roman Catholic priest did visit the home to bless it.

After continued efforts from the Warrens, the Glatzels, and multiple priests (including Rev Francis E.Virgulak) a formal exorcism took place, with witnesses claiming that a demon fled the child’s body.

Ed Warren claimed Arne, who was present at the exorcism, shouted: “Take me on, leave my little buddy alone!”

Apparently, David showed signs of improving, but Arne started to deteriorate. TV series A Haunting covered the case in the episode Where Demons Dwell, claiming that the demon took control of Johnson’s car forcing it into a tree. While he was uninjured, he was shaken by the experience. The series also blamed a demon when Johnson fell from a tree while working.

Judy told The Washington Post she paid $75 an hour for a session with a local psychiatrist too, but it was up to church officials to set up and pay for further psychological testing (via Newsweek). David’s parents were told he was “normal” but had a “minimal learning disability”.

Alan Bono’s murder

Clearly not content with its newfound freedom, though, the story goes that the spirit then immediately took control of Johnson and it was under his control that the murder of the landlord took place several months later.

Johnson and Debbie Glatzel decided against renting the original home, and instead rented a small house near Debbie’s work. Debbie was working a dog groomer for the landlord, Alan Bono, 40, who was also the kennel manager.

Bono, who has been renamed in the movie as Bruno Sauls, lived in an apartment above the kennels.

On the day of the murder, Johnson had taken the day off work and spent the day with Debbie, 26, at the kennel. Along with some other companions, Debbie, Johnson and Bono had lunch at a local restaurant and enjoyed a few drinks, becoming drunk in the process, and when they later returned to the kennel a heated fight broke out with Bono becoming increasingly agitated.

During this argument, Bono seized Debbie’s nine-year-old cousin Mary, who had also been present, and refused to let her go – which then led Johnson to confront him and eventually stab him repeatedly with a five-inch pocket knife, all while growling like an animal. Bono suffered “four or five tremendous wounds” mainly to his chest area.

Bono died several hours later and Johnson was later arrested roughly two miles away from the murder. The murder is believed to be the first murder in Brookfield, Connecticut’s 193-year history, and the first in the 30 years since the town had police records.

The next day, Lorraine Warren immediately claimed that it was a case of demonic possession, which naturally led to much media coverage around the world.

Ed and Lorraine Warren

Ed and Lorraine Warren arrive at Danbury Superior Court - Getty

Arne Johnson’s Trial

Johnson’s trial began on 28th October 1981 at Connecticut’s Superior Court in Danbury.

Johnson’s lawyer Martin Minnella attempted to enter a plea of “not guilty” due to demonic possession stating Johnson “was possessed by a demon, and it was a demon who actually manipulated his body.” It was the first known court case in US history that had attempted this defence.

Minnella, speaking about the case and the fame that followed, said: “The courts have dealt with the existence of God. Now they’re going to have to deal with the existence of the Devil.” (via the New York Times).

However, the plea of not guilty due to demonic possession was immediately thrown out by presiding judge Robert Callahan who said that it would be “irrelative and unscientific” to allow testimony on these grounds, and so despite the ensuing media attention the jury was not legally allowed to consider demonic possession.

Johnson’s defence claimed that he hadn’t been the same after Glatzel’s exorcism, and witnesses were called upon saying they saw a demon transfer from Glatzel to Johnson. Debbie Glatzel also testified that Johnson behaved similarly to Glatzel. Ed Warren claimed Johnson had made a “fatal mistake” by taunting the alleged demon.

Debbie claimed Johnson had come to Bono’s apartment to repair a stereo for him, but that Bono had been drinking red wine and the pair got into an argument about payment for the repair. She also said Johnson was in a trance when he stabbed Bono.

According to reports, in the three months Debbie and Johnson had lived next to Bono they had been friends. The police believed that Bono and Debbie’s relationship was more than boss and employee, but Debbie denied this despite the police claiming the argument was over her rather than the stereo. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It does take this angle into the story, exploring the ‘jealous lover’ plot, which was also shown in the 1983 movie The Demon Murder Case (starring Kevin Bacon).

L-R Patrick Wilson (Ed Warren), Sarah Catherine Hook (Debbie Glatzel) and Vera Farmiga (Lorraine Warren) in New Line Cinema’s ‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It.

After the jury deliberated for more than three days, Johnson was convicted of first-degree manslaughter on 24th November 1981 and was sentenced to between 10 and 20 years in prison. He was released in 1986 having only served five years of his sentence.

Even though demonic possession was not actually allowed as a legitimate defence in the trial, the case became colloquially known as “the Devil made me do it case” – hence the subtitle of this film.

Where are the Glatzels and Johnson now?

Johnson married Debbie Glatzel while he was in prison. He also got his high school diploma while inside. The pair went on to have two children.

Lorraine Warren went on to write the book The Devil in Connecticut with Gerald Brittle detailing the case, and they shared the profits from the sales with the Glatzel family. David’s brother Carl Glatzel did speak out against the book when it was republished in 2006 saying it was a “complete lie” and that “the Warrens concocted a phoney story about demons in an attempt to get rich and famous at our expense.”

Carl claimed the Warrens told the family they’d be millionaires – it was later confirmed they were paid $2,000. Carl also says David was suffering with his mental health at the time, but he recovered. In 2007, David and Carl filed a lawsuit against Brittle and the Warrens for unspecified financial damages. They sued the authors and publishers for violating their privacy, libel and “intentional infliction of emotional distress.”

Brittle claims his book is based on fact and he interviewed the Glatzel family for more than 100 hours, which he has video of. Lorraine Warren also said the six priests who performed exorcisms on Glatzel agreed that he was possessed.

Debbie Glatzel and Arne Johnson have always backed the account of the possession, but David’s father denies his son was possessed.

How the movie tackles such a complicated case and how closely they stick to the real life events remains to be seen.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is released in cinemas on 4th June, 2021 on HBO Max and 28th May in the UK.

[willowbleedsonpaper]

Winter In The Shade I

Part I

Sirius Black x Ravenclaw Reader

W.C. : 2184

Requested by @amourtentiaa : It is Sirius' fifth year at Hogwarts, the same year he ran away from home and to the Potter's. Soon, he discovers the unfamiliar sight of his brother Regulus smiling and looking truly happy, next to him a Ravenclaw girl who immediately captures his interest. What will happen when the Black family gets involved in their sons lives and the ones they hold close to their hearts?

Warnings: None.

Want to know when I post the next part? Add yourself to my taglist!

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Regulus Black. The boy who was always by himself. He never seemed to smile, never laughed, he never had something funny to say. He looked the way a living statue would, walking around the castle with a monotonous look on his face, a perfect appearance, and the most flat sound of voice. Was he even alive? Many had asked themselves as they watched him walk past them.

You were about to find out he was indeed alive and, even if he wouldn’t admit it himself, in much need of a friend.

It was late at night, several hours after dinner, when you found yourself walking to the library for the fourth time that week. You had an herbology essay to write and were in need of a lot of research if you expected a decent grade, for some reason the exact book you were looking for was always taken, and there was only one copy of said book. Just your luck! At that point you didn’t even stop to ask for the book, just walking to the shelf where you already knew the book was supposed to be.

“Damn it.” you grunted, running your hand over the spines of the books there as you reached the empty space where the book was supposed to be. You lowered your head in exasperation, starting to read over the rest of the titles there to see if one could be of any use. You tilted your head, reading the titles in low murmurs as you walked backwards. “Ouch!” you complained, your hand instantly shooting to the side of your head where the hard feeling of what you saw was a book hit you.

“Are you alright?” asked the boy with a slight furrow of his eyebrows, placing the book he held now on the table as he neared you.

You shook your head lightly, getting the pain out of your head as you gave the boy a soft smile “I’m just fine.” you sighed, running a hand through your face as your eyes landed on the table next to you “No way.” you muttered in surprise, grabbing the book by the table and holding it to his face “Did you just hit me with Flesh-Eating Trees of the World ?”

Baffled, the boy gave you a nod “I believe so.” he said, watching as a smile appeared on your face before he said “I’m… Sorry?”

“Don’t be.” you mused “You won’t be needing this anymore, would you?” you asked, the relieved look on your face as he shook his head making him even more confused but managing to bring the smallest of smiles over his features “Thanks Merlin, I've been looking for this book over four days now.”

“I just managed to get it this morning.” he told you, your mind finally snapping out of its thoughts and more on the boy next to you.

You tilted your head, looking up at him with a kind smile “Well thank you for hitting the side of my head, I really needed it.” you said “And the book, of course.” you chuckled “It’s Regulus, right? Regulus Black.”

He awaited for the inevitable Sirius’ younger brother or any kind or relation to his older brother, but when you said nothing and just stared at him waiting for his answer he limited himself to nod.

You offered your hand to him with a kind look “Y/N Y/L/N.” you introduced yourself, shaking his hand eagerly once he took hold of yours. “I should be going now, but it was really nice talking to you.” you said, grabbing your things and walking away from him. You took one last look at him, waving your hand with a smile as his head followed your movements until you were nowhere to be seen.

His hand felt tingly as if the energy from your person remained in his skin, leaving an almost warm feeling he couldn’t quite place but he found himself looking for even more. He wanted to know more about you.

*******

You spent day and night reading the book, your essay nowhere finished as you still struggled with some of the terms there. You furrowed your eyebrows, scratching the back of your head as you turn the page back “What in Merlin's name is that?” you muttered to yourself as you turned yet another page back, looking for the term you knew but didn’t remember the meaning of. Your eyes were focused over the pages, running your fingers along the lines as you took your quill and a stray piece of parchment, taking quick notes of all the information you needed to remember.

“Healing properties?” you read, writing it down as your face turned into one of disbelief “Don’t know about that one… Side effects, that’s more like it.” you mumbled, writing furiously, not even noticing the scrap of the chair against the floor as someone took the seat in front of you.

“Do you always comment on everything you're reading?”

You rolled your eyes, looking up to see who was disturbing you when your face fell and quickly turned into a surprised one “Regulus.” you breathed out with a smile “I didn’t see you there, How are you?” you asked genuinely, putting your quill down.

“I’m fine.” he said softly, motioning with his eyes to the little mess before you “Still writing the Herbology essay?”

You groaned, letting your head fall back “Sadly, yes.” you sighed “Don’t tell anyone but Herbology isn't my strong suit.”

“Then I won’t bother you any longer.” he said “Do you mind if I sit here?” he asked you and you shook your head, his eyes flashing with a glint you never thought you’d see in his eyes.

For hours, the two of you worked on silence. The ruffling of pages, quills clinking against the bottles of ink and your low murmurs as you read over and over the pages the only sounds that flowed in the air inside the small study bubble the two of you created. At times he would ask you questions, little things he didn’t quite understand and at last, you did the same.

“Regulus?” you called, the hum you got as a response making you continue “You already finished the essay, right?” you asked.

He lifted his eyes slowly, looking at you before he nodded “Yes.” he answered simply “Why?”

You took the book before you and slid it across the table, his eyebrows scrunched together as he followed your finger “Do you think you could explain this to me?” you asked, tapping the line in the book.

He broke into a small smile, nodding his head before he lifted his eyes and met yours “Only if you tell me one thing.” he said, making you curious.

“Alright.” you said doubtfully.

“How long have you been waiting to ask me that?” he asked and your jaw dropped before you could stop it.

“I-I…” you stuttered, the smile on his lips making you even more frustrated “Oh, shut it.” you grunted, fighting the smile that threatened to grow on your lips. But he raised an eyebrow as he returned to his own book, your smile finally breaking as you reached to take the book from him “Really?” you asked.

“You want your answers, I want mine.” he said calmly.

You playfully glared at him, squinting your eyes before you sighed “An hour.” you mumbled, crossing your arms over your chest.

He let out a breathy chuckle, taking the book from your hand “How Ravenclaw of you.” he said under his breath.

You smirked at the comment, leaning down on the table to get a better look of the book as you said “Your one to talk.” you said with an amused look on your face “The Slytherin that had to embarrass me first to help me.”

You both laughed at your attitudes, the smiles now permanent on your faces as the playful bickering never ended. Not that day or any other, it became a habit for the two of you to meet at the same table to study, get homework done and read the entire library out of fun.

There wasn’t a day you didn’t see him, and people started to notice.

“I’m going to the library.” you said, getting up from the spot in the grass you sat at with your friends.

“Going to see Black, again?” One of your friends asked you, the murmurs that rose from all of them making you stop.

“I am.” you said, turning to face them with a daring look “You have a problem with that?” you asked.

“Not at all.” she said, taking a look at the others surrounding her “It’s just… well, he is weird, don’t you think? Always by himself, never talks to anyone. Besides he’s a Black, nothing good can come out of that one, I’ve heard stories….”

“So you do have a problem.” you interrupted her, crossing your arms over your chest firmly “Well, you can keep your stories. And I don’t care if he is always by himself, I really don’t see the problem with that, maybe I’ll start following his example.” you spat, turning in your heel as you started to walk away.

“Y/N!” they called after you “You know we don’t mean it like that.”

“Why do you insist on spending time with him?” one of them asked.

“Because he is my friend!” you yelled, turning one last time to see them “He is my friend and I like spending time with him.” You awaited for their replies, squinting your eyes as they just stared at you with wide eyes, or what you thought it was you until you followed their gaze over your shoulder “What?” you snapped, turning sharply to find none other than Regulus standing behind you.

“Regulus.” you breathed out, letting your shoulders relax as he locked eyes with you.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

“Just fine.” you muttered, taking his arm and linking it with yours “I was just leaving.”

Arms linked together, you walked the halls of Hogwarts in silence, the tension in your body only rising as he stayed silent. “Wait.” you said, letting go of him as you literally let your body fall to the floor, sitting in the middle of the empty hallway “I need a moment.”

Regulus limited himself to stare at you, sitting on the floor with a furious hand running through your hair. Next thing he knew he was sitting next to you, playing with his hands.

“What are you doing?” you said suddenly, raising your head with a questioning look on your face.

He squinted his eyes “Waiting for you?” he said doubtfully.

You were supposed to be angry, not with him, but you were angry. Then why were you laughing, Regulus asking himself the same question. It didn’t take long for him to start laughing with you. It was a sight to be seen: Both of you sitting in the middle of the hall laughing.

“I’m sorry about what they said.” you said, after you both had calmed down and had spent a few minutes in silence “I really don’t know if you heard anything but… well, I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize.” he said “I don’t care what they say. It was what you answered that I cared about.” he admitted, reaching for your hand to give it a firm squeeze “You’re my only friend.”

You smiled at that, returning the squeeze with a chuckle “You’re my only friend too.” you said, thinking about all the things that you had done together, days spent only with the other, the small jokes and things only the two of you understood “Best friend, actually.”

“Best friend.” he repeated, with a smile.

*******

Sirius Black couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw it. One afternoon, running away from Professor Mcgonagall, he took a left turn that got him separated from his friends, the familiar laughter he thought belonged to them getting him to an empty hall.

He was about to call for James, running out of a hall only to duck his head and run back to where he couldn’t be seen, his back flat on the stone wall. He was too far away to hear the words coming out of their mouths, but that wasn’t what he was more shocked about. He listened carefully, not catching anything but the carefree sound of their voices.

He took a quick glance, watching as Regulus helped the girl to her feet, linking their arms together as they walked away, the blue scarf and Y/H/C the only thing he got from the girl next to him.

Sirius wandered the halls dumbfounded, his attention no longer on the present as a body collided against his chest, the only reason he wasn’t on the floor because James held onto his shoulders. “Pads!” James said cheerfully, his face falling as he got no response “Padfoot?” he asked “You alright?”

Sirius’ eyes met with the concerned look of his friend “I saw my brother.” he blurted out “He was smiling.”

TAGS

Skittles

@iwritesiriusly / @trinimalfoyyy /

Marauders

@destourtereaux

[moralesispunk]

When the last of the leaves fall

Marcus Pike x Female Reader

Summary: Marcus is scared to fall in love again but he can’t avoid his feelings for you any longer.

Warnings: none, just pure fluff

Word count: 1.2k

part of @autumnleaves1991-blog and @clydesducktape Writer Wednesday

Marcus had fallen into a strict routine since moving to D.C. He had been successfully avoiding, for the most part, falling into the work culture that brought with it after work drinks and invites to birthday nights out. Since his failed engagement, Marcus had decided to use D.C. as an opportunity to focus on himself and his work, avoiding any chance of another heartbreak.

So far, he had politely declined dinner offers from two women in the office, he had stopped wishfully watching couples who roamed the museums hand in hand while they whispered in each other's ears, he switched off any romantic film that popped up on TV. He was doing well evading love whenever it creeped up… until he met you.

You who had a mind that worked a mile a minute and a mouth that moved just as fast when you were excited, who worked in the research department and spoke about art in a way that flooded his chest with a warmth, who also happened to live in the building next to him and seemed to have Marcus figured out when he wasn’t even sure he had.

It quickly became part of his routine to walk with you to and from work every day. It started somewhere between late winter and early spring, he remembers because you told him that your allergies were already starting to act up with the new bloom of flowers.

This morning Marcus left his apartment at 8:03, a few minutes later than usual when he doubled back for a scarf after feeling the crisp autumn chill in the air. You were already waiting at the bottom of his apartment building steps when he opened the door, dramatically lifting your wrist and feigning shock as you looked at your watch, joking that you were just about to call a search party because Mr Pike never runs late. He forced down the real laugh that was swirling in his belly and instead put on a polite one, hoping that if his body faked normality his heart could soon follow.

You rolled your eyes as though you understood what he was doing before bumping your shoulder against his and turning to walk towards the Metro station. The walk was filled with quiet conversations of the weather and how much you were looking forward to examining the most recent piece of art Marcus’s team had seized, neutral topics you had quickly learned Marcus liked to stick to. Marcus chose the burnt orange leaves to focus on as you talked to him, avoiding your loving gaze as you spoke with such excitement that he felt as though he was going to melt onto the sidewalk there and then. 

You stood close together when walking into the station, trying not to get separated by the many bodies flooding in. Marcus pushed his hand deep in his pocket when you stepped onto the escalator, the other gripping tighter around his briefcase handle, anything to stop him from reaching out and letting his hand rest at the bottom of your back.

The platform was already packed by the time you got down and you teased him that you would have been at the front of the platform if he didn’t spend some extra time on his hair this morning. I need a haircut he huffed in response and was already planning to swing by the barbers tomorrow after work when it stayed open late but when you looked up at him with doe eyes and told him that he suited it longer the plan was thrown straight out the window.

The train was packed when you both stepped inside with Marcus’s back to the door. You were facing him as the train accelerated from the station and for just a moment you lost your balance, your hand flying up to his chest with a palm flat against his shirt as you steadied yourself, eyes looking up at him as you let out a whoops, sorry Boss before reaching for the pole he was also holding on to. He had gripped onto your elbow at some time during your trip, his hand falling to his side as you stood properly and he suddenly missed how you felt against him.

His hand slid further down the pole, a lot closer than he had ever dared let it go before. Your hands still weren’t touching, a good inch between them, but he could feel the heat radiating off of your small hands. He forced thought after thought away of how much smaller they would look entwined with his, holding one another tightly and swinging through the air as you walked to work together.

The station you got off at was right beside the FBI building, but you both b-lined for the cafe next to it first as per usual. It was your turn to buy and you ordered his coffee just how he liked it, remembering the extra shot because it was a Monday. When the cup reached his lips it already tasted better than when he ordered it for himself, which he knew wasn’t possible but somehow it did.

And then your morning together was brought to an end when you both went inside and he pressed the elevator buttons for floors seven and twelve. You hopped off at seven and turned to wave him off for the day before the doors closed again and he was trapped five floors away from you for the rest of the day.

It was better like this, he told himself, he couldn’t make excuses to visit you all day and didn’t have to fight off the bubbling feelings he had for you.

By the time Marcus took the elevator down at the end of the work day at 5:30 on the dot you were already waiting on the ground floor, your own briefcase swinging as you leaned against the wall. You pushed your body off to join him as he walked by, already gushing about the beautiful portrait you got to examine for four whole hours, Marcus! Four hours! You spent the whole Metro home looking up at him, your sweet voice filling the carriage as he listened to you talk about the colours, with the perfect mix of the yellows and oranges and light browns, just like the leaves, right Marcus? He couldn’t stop the genuine smile that took over his face as he listened, knowing his dimple on his cheek would be there to prove it. He also couldn’t stop the way he noticed how your smile changed in response, turning softer as you stopped talking for a moment before going on.

He nodded and let you continue as you walked out of the station, forgetting to look away from you and suddenly faced with your wide smile and crinkles at the side of your eyes as you moved onto the composition and how everything was just so perfectly placed while the golden light from the sunset was cast over you.

Marcus knew he was in trouble. He had known it from the moment he met you but he could finally feel himself admit it as you reached your apartment buildings. What didn’t help was that he could see in your eyes that you knew it too, how you let your hand reach up to give his arm a squeeze while saying goodbye before skipping up the steps to your building and waving goodbye. 

When the last of the leaves fall off the trees, that’s when I will tell her, he told himself. Marcus was done letting his past control his future any more.

//

Permanent tag// 

@phoenixhalliwell @asta-lily @hb8301 @princess76179 @sarahjkl82-blog @spideysimpossiblegirl @blackmarketmummy @bison-writes @dihra-vesa @queridopascal @sfr99 @rosiefridayrogersunday @tintinn16 @pilothusband @voteforpedro09  

[piscmione]

Sunday Brunch- Chapter One

pairing: dramione

coming back from hiatus for a long term dramione fic. i wrote a small drabble on tumblr that me and a lot of people ended up really liking! i’m uploading it here, on twitter, and ao3. i’ve got the same username on all three! enjoy.

warnings/summary: draco is a little angsty and a simp

word count: about 850?

masterlist

Draco had earned his respect back. He had endured a year in Askaban and another four climbing his way out of the hole he put himself in. He even got a job at the Ministry. He was set.

He had this grand plan and so far, he had performed it well. He spent time learning to talk without…negative infliction in his voice. He donated money to charities that he had hand picked and even cared about. He figured out what muggle coffee machines were. He found a way to stop depending on his fathers approval. He found a therapist. He apologized to quite a few people. He made friends. He certainly lived up to his name as head of the Dragon Research an Restraints Bureau at the ministry. All he had to do was work his way up the department ladder. All he had to do was find someone willing to marry him so that his mother would get off his ass. And then he was set.

Except for the atrocious, nagging, infuriating disturbance that was Hermione Granger.

He couldn’t escape her. She was everywhere all the time. She was always around Draco’s friends, but he couldn’t complain about that because they were hers first. She was always sitting next to him when they went out for drinks after work. She was always in his office asking questins for work. He supposed he counldn’t blame her for any of these things much. But he could blame her for being beautiful and distracting and making him laugh and believe that maybe he has some redeeming qualities left. She was holding him back from finding any woman that could live up to her and if he was honest, she was keeping him from climbing the corporate ladder. If he changed offices, would she visit him still? Would she stop by to clarify the wording in his letter if she had to walk all the way to the department offices? Would she still ask him for coffee breaks? He didn’t want to take the chance of losing what he already had and Draco wanted to entertain the hope of more for as long as possible.

She was ruining his plan.

-/-

“I just don’t understand why goblins running the bank is a fine idea but Merlin forbid any other creature decides to be a productive member of society,” Hermione stabbed a peice of her salad, “They say I’m too radical every time I bring up expanding voting rights.”

“Well it is,” Hermione shot him a glare, “Let me finish, Granger. It is radical to them, it’s the only way things have been done for the past few centuries. It’s going to be a slow process of overturning opinions.”

“I know, I just…” She didn’t finish her sentence, shoving salad into her mouth.

Draco glanced up to the clock near the door, deflating when he realized it’s been half an hour. Hermione followed his gaze and he cursed at himself for drawing her attention.

His eyes flickered to her as she ate one last tomato and then covered the to-go bowl with a plastic cover.

“Well,” She gave a small smile as she stood, “Time for work.”

“So it is, Granger.”

-/-

Draco’s days went by excruciatingly slow. It seemed like a single day lasted 70 hours. He used to be very energetic as a child. He had loved climbing the trees surrounding the manor and would put his energy into reading and studying during hogwarts. He felt like there was never enough time to learn and write essays and make potions. In his 6th year, he was so very parched for time. He was running from it constantly trying to fix that cabinet in time for…

But when she leaves after lunch every day, he is left in the silence of his office. He is left doing paperwork and debating if he should invite her out for drinks again. They went last week. Is it too much to go two weeks in a row? Or does it make it a thing and will they continue to go out every week? Should he ask for coffee tomorrow? Brunch on Sunday? What qualifies as a date? He shook his head, she was taking over his thoughts. She wouldn’t go on a date with him. He knew that. He repeated that inside of his mind, enforcing it again. Maybe he’d stop longing for her if he could force it into his brain that he would never get her.

Draco didn’t end up inviting Hermione to anything. No drinks, no brunch, no coffee. The next day she returned for lunch. She enthusiastically informed him on how to use a muggle coffee machine through bites of a club sandwich. He was happy with this. He could live with this. He was okay being friends. Just friends.

[immortalecstasy-blog]

The Man From Willow Creek - PART ONE Pairing: Mountain Man! Dean/Author! Reader

Y/N isn't in a good headspace, so her publisher sends her off to a remote cabin in the mountains in an attempt to rid her of all distractions and produce the highly anticipated first draft of her last book. But as she battles with snow, word counts, and surprise visitors, she learns that not every battle needs to be won, and that happy endings aren't always what we'd think.

WC ≈ 35,000 Total A/N: Thank you to@redweddingsandbowties for helping me to churn out over 25,000 words in a week and filtering out my typing fails. Warnings: Violence, Recreational Drug Use, 18+ Smut, Pet Death

Read on AO3 or...

“Miss, your total is $426.54. Miss?”

Y/N blinked and looked up at the cashier before taking her credit card out and handing it over.

“Are you stocking up for the end of the world?” The cashier asks as he runs her card. Y/N glances at the trolley loaded with a months’ worth of non-perishables and a dozen crates of beer.

“Something like that.” She tells him as she scribbles her signature on the store receipt.

The trolley is a bit on the heavy side as she heaves it across the car park towards her truck, but she manages it. When she’s got everything all loaded up beside the bags and bags of logs she’s worked up a sweat and has to unzip her coat as she climbs up into the driver’s seat. The truck feels empty without her little border terrier, and she finds herself wishing Harley could have been with her for this new adventure.

It had been her publisher’s idea to go on this little escapade, to get her out of the city, away from all the distractions. He cared more about the lack of pages than her deteriorating mental health, but for the sake of her sanity she had agreed that a month-long retreat into the mountains might do more for her writer’s block than being in her too quiet apartment. Her creative juices had bit the dust around the same time she’d had to make the heart-breaking decision to have Harley put to sleep.

His other idea had been to get a new dog. She’d used some extraordinarily strong language at that suggestion, so… mountains.

She feels fairly well prepared. Provisioned. Whatever. The cabin her publisher had found had been empty for a few years, and she had been warned that it may take a bit of work to get the generator working, and that there would be no mobile signal out there either. But she had been equipped with a satellite phone and the publisher had done some technological whizz-bang magic that meant she would be able to send and receive emails via satellite. She’d also done her own extensive research, which hopefully meant that once she arrived, she wouldn’t have to make the drive back to civilisation until her month was up and her first draft was on its way. She had churned out three books a year at some points, she could manage this.

She reaches over to the passenger seat to pick up one of her many notebooks, this one was her ‘survival plan’. “Snow tyres, check. Firewood, yes. Socks, hundreds…” She went down the whole list, covering everything from dry shampoo to copious amounts of candy and snacks. She’d even found a repair manual for the generator online, and had both printed and laminated it, just to be thorough.

“Okay, let’s do this.” She says aloud, still not used to Harley’s absence. The truck’s engine whines a little as it starts up, and she takes a moment to put the map (also laminated) on top of the paperwork piled up on the passenger seat. She still had a few hours until noon, plenty of time to get to the cabin while it was still light and make some sort of order out of it before dark.

The first two hours of her journey went as expected. She didn’t even miss the hairpin turn she had been dreading, but as the bare trees began to curl over the road and block the sun, she felt a prickle of unease. Wishing again for Harley. What was she thinking? A woman, on her own, hiding out in a run-down cabin in the middle of nowhere, all for a book she was contracted to write but had no heart for.

The last four years of her career had been dedicated to her high fantasy trilogy, the world, its characters, its mysteries. Mystery solved and arcs resolved, her baby was done. Before that she had spent years churning out a crappy serial romance saga before a well-earned break funded by selling the rights to turn them into a television series. That was until the inspiration for The Fallen had hit her. But of course, the publishers were keen to squeeze out more profit, and had coerced her into signing another book deal. They wanted a revival of the romance saga, but after over twelve years of being free from churning out two or three contentless books a year, it wasn’t something she wanted to revisit. Besides, it felt ridiculous to be in her early thirties, and turning back to something she started when she was only seventeen. Something different. She didn’t know how to write different. She had planned to save the existential breakdown until she’d arrived and at least got a fire going, but apparently her brain hadn’t got the memo, and she had to pull over to stumble from the truck and put her head between her knees. She focused on her breathing, in through the nose, out through the mouth, in through the nose… “C’mon, you can do this.” … out through the mouth.

As she climbed back into the truck sometime later, she heard an engine and slammed her door shut just in time to see beaten up chevy truck thundering past, black smoke sputtering from its exhaust. The driver beeped their horn at her, and her panic was replaced with annoyance. She’d picked a safe place to pull over, she wasn’t blocking the road. Hell, that dick didn’t even have to move positions from the centre of the road.

Apart from the short break at the side of the road, and a five-minute detour down the wrong lane, Y/N was making good time. The only problem came when the cabin was actually in sight. A tree was blocking the drive, and nowhere on the map could she pick out any way to go around. The cabin looked to be only a ten-minute walk away, but everything was blanketed in thick snow, and she had a months’ worth of wood, food, water…not to mention all her writing stuff, clothes, blankets… beers. It would take an insane number of trips and eat into her daylight. But the tree was huge, and even if she had a chain or ropes to try and pull it out of the way, she had no idea how she’d do so safely. That wasn’t something she had researched how to do.

She climbed out and her legs disappeared up to her knees in the thick snow. Not to be put off by the first hurdle, she found the keys for the cabin, gathered up the only valuable things in the truck (namely her laptop and the satellite phone), and locked the truck behind her. The tree had a tangle of roots, so it seemed to have fallen naturally. Not that she really knew what she was looking at. She skirted around the edge and stomped through the snow towards the cabin, which was bigger than she had imagined. The ‘ten minute’ walk took closer to fifteen minutes, hampered by the snow, and then there was the issue of trying to get the door open. The wood seemed to have swelled, and she had to throw her shoulder against it several times before it burst open in a cloud of dust.

It stank. It had that unlived in smell, like stagnant water, and she kept the door open – not just for the light – but for the fresh air.

It was much as she expected really, a small kitchenette (which really was just a log stove and a cobweb infested sink with a single section of worktop) with a small dining table and four chairs. A mismatched armchair and leather sofa tucked close to a log burner. Two doors stood off the one side, presumably to a bedroom and a bathroom. “Right.” She said, setting her laptop bag down and wondering what to do first.

The owners hadn’t been sure that the water supply would still work, which is why she had lugged her own plastic barrels up here, but if it was working, she wouldn’t have to carry so many.

The pumped the lever over the sink a few times, still flushed from the hard walk. After a few tries, the tap sputtered out a dead spider and rust coloured liquid, followed a moment later by clear, precious water. The initial horror at the colour of the stuff still had her deciding to get some water from the truck, however.

“Okay.” She said to herself, stepping back. “Water, oil, logs, clothes for the night, bedding, cleaning stuff. Food.” She ran through her list again and then nodded, satisfied. On her way out of the door she spotted a big old wooden sled propped up under the window. “Perfect.”

Her second trip took longer than the first, fighting the sled the entire way and almost losing the barrel of water. It slid off the sled and looked for a moment like it might roll clean of the mountain, but the packed snow stopped it in its tracks.

Catching her breath for the next trip, she checked the other side of the two doors. Discovering to her horror that both led to bedrooms, then – to her relief – that the master bedroom had a rather basic en suite. It contained one of those giant clawfoot baths you only ever saw in movies, though this one was an old-fashioned green colour and a bit rusty around the plug. She hoped she could get the generator running to enjoy a soak at some point.

She tested the double bed in the master bedroom, and then checked both the twin beds, testing which of the three was the most comfortable, and therefore the one she would be using. The other bedroom, she would use as storage for all her supplies. The big bed in the room with the en suite was fortunately the comfiest, which meant she could pile all her stuff into the room with the twin beds.

She found an old oil lamp in the kitchen cupboards and a little paraffin heater in the cupboard under the sink. It was the ancient kind with no warning labels. Though common sense filled in the unwritten ‘use in a well-ventilated space or you will suffocate’. She set it up, just to take the edge of until she could get a fire going and put the lamp on the dining table next to her laptop, deciding there and then that this evening would be electricity free. She didn’t want to have to deal with the frustrations of the generator, and it seemed encompassing of her new mountain persona to forgo some of the basic necessities.

Two trips later and her hands are blistered from the friction of the sled rope, even through her gloves. Her legs are screaming at her, and despite the three thick pairs of socks, she would put all her royalties betting on frost bite setting in. There’s one last trip to make sure she has everything she’ll need for the night and most of the next day, and then she covers the flatbed of her truck with its waterproof cover and makes sure it’s stupidly tight. None of her things will enjoy a night in the freezing cold, but as long as nothing gets too damp, everything will be fine.

The door had been open all this time, so the cabin is now just as chilled as outside, but at least it smells fresher now. Her phone – devoid of all signal – becomes a glorified sound system. The oil heater starts to inject a little warmth, and as soon as it’s warm enough to abandon her coat and gloves, she gets to work on making the place fit for habitation.

“…As long as my heart's beating, and these old lungs keep breathing, the highs and the lows, yes and the no’s…” She sings loudly as she sweeps out the log stove of half burnt longs and powdery grey ash.

By the time the sun is setting, the whole cabin is as dust free as it can be without a hoover, the log fire is roaring, the bed is made, and the only lingering issue is the draft from the front door, which – having been forced to open – is now refusing to close properly. Having decided that the back and forth from the truck was enough work for one day, Y/N simply snacks instead of making a dinner and then sits by the fire with her notebook and pen. The flannel patterned throw she’d bought from home depot thrown over her legs.

Nothing comes. Not even a silly doodle in the margin. True, she usually wrote on her laptop. But the charge wouldn’t last long, and she’d been prepared to write this book by hand.

Even with the fire and the blanket there seems to be a wickedly cool draft, and she makes a note to put a makeshift draft excluder together in the morning. Finished with her bag of chips, she stands to select another snack and grab a beer, missing Harley weaving between her legs. She twists the cap of the beer bottle and walks back to the sofa and freezes in surprise.

On the sofa, is a pleased looking black Labrador.

The beer bottle slips from her fingers and shatters on the floor. The dilemma of broken glass and soft paws snapping her out of her shock.

“Hello…” She says slowly, answered by a thumping tail on brown leather. “You stay there. Okay?”

thump thump thump

“Okay, good boy… girl… good dog. Stay.”

Fortunately all the cleaning supplies are in easy reach. Y/N focuses on sweeping up the broken glass as a priority, ignoring the beer sloshing around the stone floor and seeping into the rope rug. Glass sorted; she gets a cloth to wipe the beer up. The front door in ajar, which explains how the dog got in. But it doesn’t explain what they’re doing out here in the middle of nowhere. They seem happy enough, well fed, shiny coat, wet nose. So they’re obviously being cared for by someone.

“Okay, it’s safe.” She tells the Labrador from the floor once she’s sure all the glass is up. They seem to be a pro at broken bottles, because with the all-clear, they jump from the sofa and come greet her properly.

“Oh, yes, hello. Nice to meet you too.” She tells them, trying to shove their face away as their tongue makes a beeline for her mouth. She giggles, giving their neck a good scratch. There’s a chain collar, but no tags. “Where are you from, huh?” She asks, attempting to stand, her knees protesting against the stone floor.

There’s a tremendous bang and the front door flies open. Halfway to her feet, Y/N loses her balance and topples onto her back, staring up into the doorway.

Where a bearded man in a Stetson and a heavy coat is pointing a shotgun at her.

PART TWO

[just-some-random-blogger]

Curse Of The Tiger King

NCT King!Jung Jaehyun x Zoologist!Reader Characters: Jung Jaehyun, Lee Donghyuck (Haechan), Kim Dongyoung (Doyoung), some tigers n stuff. Summary: Jung Jaehyun was known as the Tiger King of the Joseon Era because of how many men he fearlessly killed on the battlefield that matches how many tigers he said to have killed with his bare hands. Because of this, he was cursed into a eternal life as a tiger spirit with only one way to break it. Word Count: 6k+ Warnings: Graphic depictions of violence, animal abuse, war, curses, suicidal thoughts, angst, fluff, etc.

A/N: Idek my mom said the plot is weird but i dig it also listen to tiger inside by superm prolly okie thx. I honestly could have done more research on tigers but like let me live with my inaccuracies okay. Also i may do a pt2 idek

Donghyuck was thankful that it started to storm tonight. Even to the roars of thunder he was indebted to, for it meant his king would not go out and hunt at this hour.

The sycophant adviser Moon Taeil argued with Donghyuck constantly that he was trying to constrain the King of their nation his rights to a glorious hunt of tigers. Why must he dissuade the hunts of the King when he was doing the people a favor and destroying the monsters that could come into their towns and each their children?

It took a lot for Donghyuck not to roll his eyes at the blatant excuse that old minister Taeil had to get the king’s favor. Never in his life had he even heard of a tiger willingly coming out of the wilderness close to human territory had it not been forced out.

It was not that Donghyuck felt sympathy towards tigers either. I mean, who did in this era? It was just that Donghyuck worried the king would strain himself if he immediately goes hunting after just defeating a fleet of usurpers with his army.

He knew how frenzied the king got after drawing blood.

Donghyuck, as the king's right hand man, had a responsibility to keep the nation's sole rule sane.

"Stop worrying," the king said to Donghyuck who was stood not too far behind him.

"I always worry about you, Jaehyun hyung."

Behind closed doors, Donghyuck and Jaehyun were brothers forged by time and not blood. If anyone could help Jaehyun keep his sense, it would be Donghyuck.

Jaehyun was in a dim lit room, kneeled in the middle in front of a slab of stone which he slid his sword back and forth from to sharpen it. Truth be told, it was a habit of his to do this every time he used his sword. But that wasn't what Donghyuck was anxious about. It was the fact Jaehyun didn't wipe the blood on his skin nor did he properly wear his royal robe that keeps goose bumps on his arms.

"It's almost your birthday, Hyuck-ah. Would you like one of my tiger pelts- ah-- should I hunt a tiger for you?" Jaehyun stops sharpening his sword and turns to Donghyuck.

The younger of the two shakes his head and replies, "I couldn't possibly ask for something from my king."

Jaehyun scoffs, "ya you bastard, tell that to all the times you made me buy you noodles when we snuck out the palace as kids."

Donghyuck cleared his throat, "that's on you though for agreeing."

The king chuckles and stands, "there's some rumors going around that there's a white tiger roaming the mountains. They say it is mightier than any ordinary tiger. What do you think? Would you like a white tiger cape?"

"You'd give me something so rare?"

Jaehyun scoffs again and rolls his eyes. He points his sword to Donghyuck, to which he the latter thinks nothing of, "why? Do you think your king is so selfish and keeps everything to himself."

Donghyuck is touched.

But he regrets how pleased Jaehyun's smile was that night. He regrets how he said they should bathe in the royal bath house together and should hunt the white tiger at the break of dawn. He knew in his bones something somehow was going to go wrong with the king.

And even with all his efforts to stay close to him, with all his looney athleticism and determination to catch that white tiger in the mountains, Donghyuck's foot got stuck and twisted upon a tree root.

Of course Jaehyun and he at this point had caught sight of the beast and had scared it off with their numbers. You couldn't possibly believe that the king would be left to hunt alone, would you? But Jaehyun had always been gifted with such immeasurable agility, and well Donghyuck spent most of his life trying to measure up to that. He could not match him however, but much less could the soldiers.

That was why Jaehyun stopped and turned to Donghyuck. He was worried for him like anyone would their younger brother since he deemed Donghyuck as such.

I suppose it was Donghyuck's mistake of trying to talk the king out of catching the white tiger. He knew out of everyone that Jaehyu didn't believe in supernatural or superstitious beliefs simply because they historically worked against his favor. Jaehyun had a knack of proving people wrong with his sheer will, and up to now, he had done nothing but that

Donghyuck had triggered that in him when he muttered to the king, "I have a bad feeling about this hunt. We should turn back, lest you get hurt."

Jaehyun's face ignited at the posing challenge. "Nonsense, I won't let your injury heed nothing. I should definitely catch that tiger no matter what."

So Jaehyun tread off by himself. Donghyuck tried to force himself to go after him. He watched as the king got far enough that he looked like a dot. Still, Donghyuck pushed on. He propped himself up and limped as fast as he could. He thought of simply turning back, but he didn't have much of a choice when he heard the king scream and a tiger roar.

Suddenly, it was silent.

Donghyuk felt like he choked on his heart, "the king is dead."

Jaehyun doesn't remember what he saw, but he remembers what he felt. He felt excruciating pain, like his inside were being pulled from inside out. Then he felt cold. Then there was darkness.

Then he blinked his eyes open and saw the face of a white tiger. His heart dropped and he felt the need to flee. But he was unable to do nothing but wiggle like a worm. He could no longer feel his hands.

The realized then... he had no hands.

The white tiger at this point was above him. It began to lick Jaehyun's body. There was an aroma in the air he recognized as blood. Dear lord, did this tiger devour his body?

But Jaehyun felt no more pain. He tried to scream, but he was only able to make a small sound.

He heard a similar sound next to him, and soon he was kicked in the face by paws. Instinctively, he was annoyed and felt the need to fight back, but he could barely muster the strength to stand on his four feet.

Wait... he had four feet?

The white tiger who had assaulted him with its tongue, laid before him and rolled her belly, revealing pert nipples. It seemed a litter of kittens waddled towards the invitingly plush belly and began suckling. Jaehyun disagreed as it slowly sank in what was happening. He felt his belly rumble in hunger.

Somehow, this large tiger felt Jaehyun's reluctance and clumsily but softly shoved Jaehyun close to its belly. The white tiger was a mother to four cubs, and Jaehyun was one of them.

The mother tiger laid down and yawned, blinking slowly until she shut her eyes. He saw there was an available area where he could suckle in between the two cubs on the left and the one on the right.

Jaehyun screamed, but again, there was only a pathetically small sound that left his throat. After minutes of waiting, he grew weaker and found it was futile. This baby tiger body he was in much strongly disagreed with the emptiness of its stomach.

So he nursed on warm milk and he began to dream he was a white tiger cub.

Except it wasn't a dream, and he remained trapped in this body up he slowly grew stronger and stronger.

Jaehyun began to recall the voice of his mother, his real mother, in his sleep. She warned him of spirits in the rivers, in the trees, in the mountains, and how it was the king's duty to protect the people from it.

It made him think that the white tiger he was following in the mountain may have been a spirit, and this was the punishment for wanting to hunt it. That white tiger spirit made Jaehyun the cub of a real white tiger. He knew this tiger he now trusted like a mother was not the one he had been following in the forest by the mountains, simply because this forest they roamed where not by those mountains.

He knew that place like the back of his hand since he both grew up there and hunted there frequently. Jaehyun found no familiarity in the landscape here. It smelled very similar, but even in that he could tell a difference. There was a repulsive bitterness in the air he could not distinguish. It was unlike any smoke he had breathed in. He began to doubt he was even still in his Joseon borders.

What he was certain of, after moons and suns passed, was there was no way he was getting out of this body. He thought of killing the cubs, but it seems the cub-body he was in was the weakest of the four. And of course, killing the mother came into mind, but he could barely fend himself from the cubs, how could he defeat the largest of them all?

Jaehyun vowed to learn their ways and use it against them once he was large enough. One may think it despicable, especially when Jaehyun trusted the tiger mother would not harm him, but it was his only chance as he could see it.

That was until a storm struck the forest, and it awakened a vivid memory of Jaehyun. It was like his last night with Donghyuck. He had just told him he would catch a white tiger for him. They had bathed in the royal bathing house. Jaehyun shivered under his fur at the memory of the warm water Donghyuck farted it.

Donghyuck.

He could help him.

Why hadn’t he thought of looking for his friend before?

So from the dry safety of this cave they stayed in, Jaehyun ran past the licking cubs and ran into the storm. He didn't know how he could find Donghyuck, but Jaehyun thought he would probably at least find his palace... Right?

It was funny that he heard chuffing from behind. He initially thought it was the rain beating down on him or the water that got into his furry ear, but he realized it was the mother tiger calling out to him. She ran after him and snatched him by the nape to drag him back into the cave.

Jaehyun knew there was no way out of this, since this tiger had done it to him multiple times. He had to wait until she put him down before he could run again.

And she did, gently on the other cubs. Jaehyun made sure to paw the largest of the other three in the face. He was satisfied when he shook his head at the action.

The mother tiger then shook off the water on her coat just as Jaehyun did. She then thought to lie in front of the opening of the cave to block further passage, as if she knew Jaehyun would try it again.

He had to admit, this mother was intuitive, not unlike Jaehyun's own mother. Part of him couldn't help but feel pity of the dumb creature because she genuinely believed Jaehyun was her cub. If she only knew what he did to tigers in his life. She surely would not hesitate to let Jaehyun leave.

Jaehyun suddenly got his head bashed into the mother tiger's arm.

WHO DID THAT?

He turned and saw it was one of the other cubs in the litter that then made one of those playing sounds and began to batter at Jaehyun's face with its paw.

Jaehyun scoffed, you don't know I've been practicing my pouncing.

He then put his front legs down and hind legs up and aimed for the annoying cub. He then jumped to its face and began gnawing at him. Haha, serves him right.

But suddenly the fat cub joined in and went at Jaehyun and the other cub. At this point they were really going at it. Jaehyun screeched for help, knowing it would alert the mother, to which the mother tiger did then sound back a warning to the cubs which made then pull back instantly.

Serves them right.

Jaehyun decided he was too tired to run away today, and wasn't even sure how to catch prey yet, nor was he big enough to kill something larger than sparrows, so he should probably stay and learn that first.

He turned and saw that one of the other cubs were being licked, to that Jaehyun felt vexed because as far as he remembered, he was the one that got wet and needed excess water off his coat.

So he then shoved his cub brother to the side and took all the warm licks from his mother tiger.

It dawned on him why this tiger went after him. Jaehyun had been left to nothing but thinking. Mother tiger wouldn't have been upset that she only three cubs left, she would be upset because she lost one. This tiger, after all, was still a mother, aside from being a beast.

Through time, Jaehyun grew fond of her. Jaehyun realized she was very patient and her favorite food was deer. He even grew fond of the annoying cubs enough that he gave them their own names. The big oaf he named Youngho, the daintier one, Jungwoo, and the more refined one, Taeyong.

He didn't have to name his tiger mother since she was set apart, but Jaehyun decided to call her Aerum, which meant beautiful.

There was a roar of thunder in the sky one day, only it wasn't raining and there were no dark clouds. It was the first time Jaehyun felt palpable fear in this form. It was so intense he ran to his mother.

He saw something moving in the sky. Jaehyun's tiger eyes widened as he decided it was most probably a dragon. His mother did not seem to fear it, and so he thought the five of them could probably kill that dragon if it came near enough. In the clear sky, Jaehyun could not believe what he saw. He began to doubt it was a dragon all together since it looked nothing like one. It had no scales and was silvery smooth, it neither had a head to breathe fire from, nor did it have impressive flapping wings. In fact it wings didn't beat like a bird's at all, which made Jaehyun wonder how it was flying anyway.

He soon forgot about the encounter with that wannabe dragon. Jaehyun knew he had nothing to worry about anyway since he was with his mother.

That is until there was a slipping sound from not too far and it alerted everyone of them.

Jaehyun breathed in deeply and smelled something different in the air. He heard what he could never mistake, the hushed arguments of humans.

He turned to mother tiger and saw her defences were up. They were being hunted.

It somehow made Jaehyun both relieved and concerned that mother tiger knew exactly what was happening.

There was suddenly crack in the air and it made Jaehyun's hair raise. He could not distinguish the sound. It sounded something like a canon, but it was not as loud. He knew arrows would not sound as such, so it frightened him that he did not know what it was.

It all happened so quickly, so quick in fact that it made Jaehyun realize how terrifying it is to be hunted.

They were upon then. There were three hunters with blood shot eyes. Jaehyun wondered what county these people came from that they dressed so awkwardly and held black sticks wherever they went.

But then they aimed at Youngho and head was cracked open. He fell instantly without a sound, and all they could do was run.

Jaehyun heard them laugh for joy, but I knew they would not stop until they got all of us.

The cracking sounds, Jaehyun realized, came from the weapons he thought to be sticks. It smelled hot and malicious. He loathed them.

They were bought to a mountainous area. Surely they could not keep up with them if they climbed high enough. Jaehyun was perturbed when they saw the men in some sort of machine with wheels. It had to be the most terrible thing he had seen.

They thundered towards them. Jaehyun knew they were aiming for their mother. Still, they ran and ran. Jaehyun wondered if he could try and lead them astray if he separated from them. So he did and breathed heavily as he ran with all his legs.

Crack.

Crack.

Jaehyun was scared they were shooting for him but he dared to turn back and jar his teeth out. It was then he saw Jungwoo fell flat and so did Taeyong from behind. His mother was now running towards him.

Their mistake was to stop and gather Jungwoo and Taeyong's bodies. As much as it enraged Jaehyun to see them, it made mother tiger furious. She began to charge towards them, and so did Jaehyun.

The fools somehow did not know it was coming, and the three that had been on their tail were scared for their lives that they had not time to act.

She came for their throats and ripped them off with her mighty power. I came for the leg of the other that tried to flee and when he fell on his face, when for his neck as well.

Crack.

The man shot at mother but only got her leg. She tried to come for him next, but he tried again and then shot at her head. Once she was down, he shot at her again, and again, and again, and again, until he could no longer make a cracking sound with his weapon.

This was his mistake. He realized this when he and Jaehyun caught each other's eye. Jaehyun was pleased he looked terrified beyond compare.

Donghyuck always said he got into a frenzy whenever he's just gotten his sword slick with blood after he's gotten off of the battlefield or done with a hunt. But in truth it was the chase that excited him, and not what he has slain. But Jaehyun knew for certain that he was going to enjoy killing him.

Jaehyun knew he deserved to die a miserable death when he ran like a coward and didn't think to raise up one of the weapons his friends had. He was upon him, but then out came more people. They were in the same machines the three came in, and there were much more of them. Jaehyun would be a fool if he thought he could take them. He had no sword, no army. He barely had fangs and claws.

Jaehyun decided to slow down. He came to a halt when he saw these people were seemingly not on his side. They apprehended his mother’s kill. They shoved him against a tree and bound his wrists behind him. He was half pleased, he would be fully if he could rip his throat out.

But then there was you.

You came out of the same contraptions the ones who killed the tiger brothers did but you came out slowly.

You wore the same thing they did, but you held a different expression.

There was a man next to you that raised a similar weapon the other men had, but you told them to stand down.

You brought out meat. It smelled old, but it made Jaehyun realize he was so hungry. So hungry, and scared.

He knew you were trying to win him over. But he knew better than to easily trust a stranger. Then he thought of how the people on your team apprehended his mother's killer, and how you told off the man who was going to aim at him. Jaehyun decided he could take the meat you had and run.

You slowly crouched down and tossed the meat to him. Jaehyun thought it smelled unlike the meat he had eaten before but decided to eat it.

Jaehyun decided to bolt, but there was a sound of a fired arrow in the air, and he so suddenly he couldn't feel his legs.

When Jaehyun woke up, he was in a cage. It wasn't made of wood, but metal. There was food and water in a metal bowl in front of him, but he knew better than fall for that again.

He looked around the room with white lights that had no flame. There were dried plant stalk on the ground, much like a prison cell but it was only Jaehyun.

"Hi there," you spoke when you came into view. You smiled at Jaehyun’s tiger form and stuck your finger into the cage to point at the food.

Jaehyun thought if he wanted, he could bite it off.

"I'm sorry Dongyoung had to tranquilize you. I'm sure you must feel horrible."

Oh, don't try to sympathize with terms I don't understand.

"You should eat. I promise no one will shoot at you."

Jaehyun and you stare at each other. He decides he would rather get shot and join his tiger mother and brothers that live the rest of his life in this cage with you as his captor

You expected no less than the reaction you were getting. Still, you continued with what yow wanted to say, "You must feel so angered and lonely."

Jaehyun watches as you sit on the floor you stood on. He paces around the cage as you continue, "I saw what you did to the man. You tore his calf and punctured airway, suffocating him with his blood. Impressive for your size, honestly."

I would've killed his friend too had you not taken him.

"And you should know, the poacher who killed your mother is going to spend the rest his life in prison for hunting the last snow tigers in the country."

Jaehyun freezes. Hunting? Jaehyun begins to wonder then who has made the act illegal.

Could it be Donghyuk? Does that mean he ascended to the throne. That seems unprobable, when his cousin Sungchan has been eyeing the throne since he was born and Donghyuk had no desire for power. And why would Donghyuk make it illegal anyway? Could he possibly know his king was turned into a tiger?

A thousand questions ran into Jaehyun’s head.

"Don't worry, I'm fighting to pass a law that can protect you and your kin with the U.N.," you say suddenly, which further baffles Jaehyun.

Who is the world are you to have such a power? And who was this Yooen?

"Now come and eat, tiger cub. The sooner you get big and strong, the sooner we can release you back into the wild."

Based on that, Jaehyun didn't believe you at all at this point. He knew you had to at least be blantantly aware he was not a cub. Sure he was not nearly as large as his mother yet, but he was neither a defenseless suckling baby. You said it yourself, he killed a man.

You watched as the caged tiger continued to pace inside. You knew animals could feel and mourn, but somehow you felt this tiger was scheming. You knew this white tiger was still leaning into maturity, since it took a long time for him to kill the poacher. It excited you that you’d be able to spend a few months with such a rare and majestic creature.

Jaehyun decided to pretend he was going to try and trust you. He might learn a lot about his predicament from you since you shamelessly talked to the him as if he were still human.

His days began like this for a while, there would be food given everyday in what he observed to be the exact same time, and you would randomly come and talk and talk and talk and talk.

Jaehyun supposes he got on your good side when you drew him into a cage and let him into a grander setting. It was in a vast cage outside, not like the stuffy one he was originally in. Prison was still prison, but at least he couldn't see all four walls on one side.

There was initially a drawback with that. In this enclosure, as you called, you were much more present, and became more bolder. You began to touch Jaehyun, which made him shudder. How dare you touch the king of Joseon?

"You're such a drama queen," you would quip everytime Jaehyun jumped at your touch from behind the thin rodded cage.

"Maybe I should name you that, huh, drama queen," you jested. Jaehyun rolled his eyes and finished his chicken. You were bold no matter what. You were making fun of not only a white tiger, but the Tiger King. What's more, he found it annoying you gave him old chicken all the time.

"Wang," you said suddenly, which made Jaehyun stop his feeding. King, he hadn't been called that in so long.

You made a sound, "you seem to like that, huh. I guess that can be your name then, Wang."

It felt so sudden to you that Wang grew in to that what you proudly stated a fine tiger specimen. Jaehyun felt proud of himself whenever you would bring what he grew to learn were doctors who studies animals as their profession.

You and Jaehyun at this point had grown comfortable enough that Jaehyun let you sit next to him and stroke his head while he slept. It was only you though. He hated it when that Dongyoung tried to touch him, or when he tried to touch you, especially when you'd let him.

On this breezy afternoon, he was saddened as he put his chin on your thighs. He had never been so vulnerable like so with a woman. Sure he had bedded gisaengs in his time, but he wouldn't let them touch him, much less stroke his head.

It saddened him more when he realized the reason why you and the rest of the people here wore such strange things and had such strange objects was because you no longer lived in the time of Joseon. After all the stories you've told about your day to Jaehyun, he has learned hundreds of years has passed between the time he was king and now.

You now were born into the country of Korea, a nation split in two; you were in its Southern part. You cared deeply for who you called Wang because Jaehyun lived in the body of the last white tiger in the country, the few left in the world. You were a doctor and an officer that protects the welfare of wild animals.

You were going to set him free in a few days.

That is, until this tiger was put in the enclosure next to Jaehyun's. He smelled afraid. He jumped at everything and had lash and burn marks on his body. It was clear to anyone humans inflicted these marks on him.

"Wang, this is Yuta. Be kind to him because all he's ever known is abuse from his captors."

Yuta, beyond smelling like fear, smelled like he was dying. He was clearly unwell. Jaehyun had to make sure you knew this somehow.

Jaehyun was unsure what you thought would happen, but Yuta barely came near him even though Jaehyun chuffed his way. He barely acted like a tiger, if you asked Jaehyun. Trust him, he knew.

You began to focus your time on Yuta more. For once, Jaehyun didn't mind, because he knew the battered tiger needed it. He didn't seem that much older than Jaehyun, which somehow made you think you would be instant friends. For your sake, Jaehyun tried to show him what could be done as a tiger. He flaunted his prowess in running, tree climbing, even in roaring.

Yuta didn't seem to care and stayed in his side of the enclosure.

Strangely enough, Jaehyun still tried to chuff at Yuta, and to his surprise, Yuta chuffed back.

You jumped into Dongyoung's arms upon seeing Jaehyun's victory, to which Jaehyun nearly lashed out for.

It was then, Yuta and Jaehyun slowly became to form a bond. They would meet each other in the middle of the enclosure and would pace around together. You began to suggest bringing each other into the same enclosure, to which Dongyoung strongly disagreed with. Jaehyun wanted a chance to prove that man wrong, and it was eventually given to him.

Everyone was apprehensive with the idea of putting two male tigers into the room, which was why Dongyoung held tightly onto that weapon of his, but you reason you were both not fully adults yet, so there is a chance Yuta and Jaehyun to bond.

And a bond was surely created.

Jaehyun felt his heart swell at the sense of companionship he had with Yuta. It was neither that of what he felt with Youngho, Taeyong, or Jungwoo, but he somehow felt an undefinable closeness with this tiger.

Yuta was not a white tiger like Jaehyun, but an orange tiger. You reasoned that could be a reason why you had a bond with each other, you were different to each other and there was no females present for competition.

Jaehyun began to think of you and Dongyoung, and how he could eat him without getting caught.

Again, the day of the new joint release of Jaehyun and Yuta came close.

You cried on what Jaehyun knew to be your last visit.

You led the two tigers into cages and shipped them into protected forest land.

Yuta waited for Jaehyun before coming out of the cage they were shipped in. Jaehyun felt something indescribable in his paws when he walked out. Recognition came into his senses. He gave out a roar and began running.

He found that he was being followed by Yuta as he wove through the forest. The breeze was not exactly that of his childhood, but there he saw the same mountain he tread upon when he was hunting a white tiger. Suddenly, he began to see a figure of a man running towards him. He held a sword and a determined look. It took a moment to realize that it was him.

He screams and jolts up. It seems he was lying on a leafy ground and sat up.

Donghyuck shouts, "the king is dead. Oh, lord let him not be dead."

Jaehyun snaps his head to the limping figure from afar who was struggling to stalk towards him. He quickly stands from his the ground he was sat on.

"Donghyuck-ah!" Jaehyun calls, running towards him and sealing him into a tight hug.

Donghyuck is nearly taken aback but pats the king's back, thinking the relief he felt was from his brush with death.

"Let's go home," Jaehyun mutters.

Donghyuck is flabbergasted that the king decreed the next day he would make hunting for sport illegal. Everyone is appalled by the sudden decree, but the law is quickly passed.

Donghyuck does not believe the story Jaehyun said, how he saw the white tiger he was following had four cubs and it made him realize that the tiger he was trying to hunt was a mother more than a beast. Still, he couldn't possibly dare try and argue with the king, no one did for that matter.

Since he had no white tiger pelt to offer, Jaehyun instead bought him a house just outside the palace as a birthday gift. On Donghyuck's day, the king even organized a house warming.

The birthday boy was not enjoying it however.

"Hyung, are you sure you're okay? You haven't been the same since we got home from the hunt."

Jaehyun turned to Donghyuck, who scowled at him. The older of the two placed a hand the younger’s shoulder, "It's already been four days since that incident. Drink some alcohol, relax."

Donghyuck sighs, "Why did you even buy me a house when I live in the palace?"

"Consider it your approval for freedom."

"What?"

Jaehyun pours Donghyuck a drink. "I know you find only burden in the throne. You were sent to the palace by your scheming father so he could get his hand in power. But your father is dead, and you are the head of your household." He turns to his own drink and sighs, "I know what it feels to be imprisoned. Follow your own path. You don't have to live the rest of your days worrying for me anymore."

Donghyuck watches as Jaehyun drinks.

"You are my king," Donghyuck says, "but before that, you were my brother and my best friend. I will gladly live my life close to you if you let me."

Jaehyun feels his lips curve and he scoffs out a chuckle, "ya, it's like you want me to marry you."

"Nope. I already have someone in mind to marry."

Jaehyun looks at Donghyuk with a baffled expression. The latter drinks his drink and mutters lowly "you don't possibly believe I don't get around, hyung?"

The king slaps Donghyuk's shoulder, which nearly makes him spit out his drink, "bring the lucky fool to the palace tomorrow."

Jaehyun has never regretted a decision before, but as Donghyuck knelt there with that person he said he wanted to marry beside, he began to regret something wholeheartedly.

Donghyuck wanted to marry... this? This person that had your face.

How... how could he... how could your face exist in this time.

Donghyuck and this person were knelt before him in his throne room. Jaehyun was stiff on his throne and he quite frankly didn’t know what to do. He left the room in a thick silence. His throat was caught in anxiety. Donghyuck noticed his lover was beginning to get uncomfortable, so he snuck a look at the king and found his face was pale.

“Your majesty,” Donghyuck spoke in concern.

Jaehyun snaps out of it, “how long have you been seeing each other?”

“Two years, your highness.”

He hisses, “you have been going behind hiding this from me for two years?!”

Donghyuck knits his brows and his lover squeaks in fear.

“SURE!” Jaehyun shouts and he stands, “you traitors should get married and get out of my sight!”

Jaehyun got drunk that night and wandered out into the mountains. He bought a bottle of alcohol with him and threatened to kill anyone who dared stop or accompany him.

Of course the servants alerted Donghyuck about this, which was why he ran after the king with a torch.

“WHAT KIND OF CURSE IS THIS?” Jaehyun screamed as he slung his alcohol bottle around, “you want my best friend to marry someone with that face?” Jaehyun began to laugh, “I made hunting illegal! What more do you want from me?!”

“MY KING!” Donghyuck shouted when he caught sight of Jaehyun.

When he got close enough, Donghyuck took reached out to Jaehyun with his free hand. Jaehyun splashed alcohol on him, “I don’t to live like this.”

“Like what, hyung? Do you hate Aerum that much?”

“Aerum?” Jaehyun felt sober again.

“My woman, Aerum.”

“That woman’s name is Aerum?”

Jaehyun began to laugh again. Donghyuck grew uneasy. Jaehyun fell to his knees, his friend dashed over to him in concern. Jaehyun shook his head as Donghyuck talked to him like a gong being sounded. Jaehyun whispers, “I don’t want to live like this.”

But he had no choice.

Jaehyun and Donghyuck went back home. Donghyuck threw Aerum away for Jaehyun’s sake, but he began to slip into depression. It was then Jaehyun began to notice things he was blind to, like how Donghyuck always went out of the palace at a certain time, which he no longer did, and how he always smelled like oranges and had messy hair. No longer did his brother suddenly smile for no reason, nor did he ever ask for mooncakes anymore during lunch. It was then Jaehyun realized he had not hidden anything, but that he was blind to Donghyuck’s sentiments.

So Jaehyun told Donghyuck to marry her, to which he firmly declined. Jaehyun reasoned with lies on how he loved a woman with a similiar face when they were younger, but Donghyuck knew nothing of a woman like that. If he had, he wouldn’t have dared liked Aerum in the first place.

“Do you love her?” Donghyuck asked Jaehyun.

Jaehyun saw the desperation in Donghyuck’s eyes as he asked him this. He was praying he’d say no. Jaehyun spoke firmly, “I don’t.”

Donghyuck believed him, but he wasn’t satisfied.

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you,” Jaehyun said. He chuckled bitterly to himself, “I don’t even believe myself.”

“The truth can be hard to believe, but it’s still the truth,” Donghyuck said.

Jaehyun looked at his dear friend and licked his lips, “alright.”

Donghyuck believed every word, to Jaehyun’s astonishment. Jaehyun told him that Areum was not you. Donghyuck was still reluctant when Jaehyun gave him a hairpin to offer Areum, but when the lovers met again, it was easy to fall back in love.

They got married a week later, and it wasn’t long until they welcomed a son into the world. The couple allowed the king to name the boy, and so Jaehyun called Haechan, which meant to shine bright uprightly.

Jaehyun watched as the boy grew stonger, taller, and better in archery than he was at this age. He too watched as Donghyuck began to get slower, and he slowly realized that the world was changing and yet he wasn’t.

It was when Donghyuck had a daughter that both Jaehyun and Donghyuck came to terms with the fact the former was not ageing. At this point, Heachan was eight and brave enough to ride a horse. Donghyuck and Jaehyun looked like they were the same age, or how Areum joked, Donghyuck looked older than the king.

Jaehyun at a point realized if he was not aging, he could meet you again.

So when a time of war came, Jaehyun saw it as a chance to disappear. Donghyuck decided greatly against it. Since Jaehyun took no bride, it meant his cousin Sungchan would succeed the throne. He told him not to worry, and that he would keep a close on eye everything once he was gone.

And so he did.

The line of succession shifted. The colors of the sky changed. Haechan had a son, and his son had a son, and his son had a son, but Jaehyun roamed on his own.

“That’s basically the story of the Tiger King,” Jaehyun smiled his dimpley smile that made all the lined up teenager sound out, impressed with the story.

“So, basically, the Tiger King is still alive, Mr. Jung,” one of the students asked as they moved to the next painting in the museum. Jaehyun looked at the child and thought her eyes reminded him of yours.

“Yes. I think so,” Jaehyun spoke.

“Are you the Tiger King?” another voice spoke, pointing at the ancient drawing behind glass, “you look like him?”

Jaehyun hummed and adjusted the glasses he wore for show, “I get told a lot that I look like him. Would you believe me if I said yes?”

The class cheered, “yes!”

Jaehyun chuckled, “okay then. I am the tiger king.” He said, curling his fingers and pretend growling. The teenagers laugh, fully pleased that he was in on what they believed to be a joke.

By the end of the tour, Jaehyun escorted the students to their bus, where their teacher was waiting for them. And for the first time in years, Jaehyun felt his heart pound at the sight before him.

A group of girls ran up to their teacher and muttered to her how cute the tour guide was. They got a chuckle in response.

“Thank you Mr. Jung for taking care of my kids,” you spoke as you made your way towards him from the bus. Jaehyun looked at you for a prolonged moment, which made you raise your brows slightly.

“So you’re their pretty teacher?” Jaehyun spoke.

You froze for a moment, which made Jaehyun feel smug. He placed his hands in his grey pants’ pockets and clarified, “I mean, the kids described you as ‘their pretty teacher’, that must be you.”

You looked at him for a moment and nodded slowly. Jaehyun smiled, “are you teaching science perhaps?”

You again nod slowly.

“I love science, anthropology and biology especially."

You nod and chuckle nervously, unsure of what to say.

Jaehyun decides to clarify again, "are you teaching part time?"

"Uh, I'm actually going to be a full time faculty soon."

He grows a little confused, "I see. I don't know for some reason you pegged me as a zoologist. Maybe it's because your kids kept singing 'In the jungle the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight'."

You blush, "yeah, sorry, I actually studied zoology which is why I am so passionate about teaching animals to my kids. I unironically play that song a lot in class."

Jaehyun smiles, "well, you know. I think you're interesting and I do agree with your students that you're pretty. Could I possibly get your number?"

"SAY YES, MISS!"

You and Jaehyun turn to the kids sticking their head out in the window. Jaehyun snickers lowly. You begin to burn from head to toe, you feel like. You turn to Jaehyun and turn away, "I'm sorry. I-" Jaehyun watches as you fumble for words and he has honestly never seen you in this light before. You've always been so confident around him as a tiger, and yet you were so timid in front of him as a man. "I'm on the job right now."

Jaehyun nods with a soft smile as you turn around and walk away. No hard feelings. It's not like he's been waiting his whole life for you or anything. He calls out, "visit me sometime, okay?" 

The teens squeal.

He watches as the bus drives off and takes note of the school name.

[biggest-stupidhead]

Bad Timing (Levi x reader) Part 11

Summary: How do you tell your friends that you’re falling for your big brother’s best friend? 

Word Count: 8.2K (longest one yet) 

__

The next few days flew by in a snowy blur. Most of your time was spent wrapping gifts and packaging baked goods to deliver to family friends. You grunted as you leaned heavily on top of the Tupperware container as you shoved in more sugar cookies. This particular batch was going to Erwin's coach and his family. The sound of wrapping paper tearing made you cringe, turning around you saw Hange holding up the two uneven lengths of paper. She smiled sheepishly at you before shrugging and taping the pieces together once more. Your mom and Erwin were currently out shopping at the mall, which was a good hour away from the hick town you lived in.

You and Hange had already been out shopping the other day. It had been very stressful shopping for all your friends and family. You were glad to have gotten the ordeal over with. Although it was stressful, you had enjoyed picking out the perfect gift for your loved ones. Some highlights included: a camera lense for Armin, a set of chain necklaces for Mikasa, a turkey hat for Sasha, a safari hat for Connie, and your personal favorite was a set of fancy tea cups for Levi.

You really had outdone yourself this year, even going as far as buying Erwin supplies that he would need for College. For Hange you had purchased her a fresh set of glassware for her experiments, since she was majoring in Chemistry and enjoyed doing work outside of the classroom you thought it was a fitting gift. Hange held up her finished product proudly, judging by the size of the box you guessed it was a pair of shoes.

"I can't wait to give these to him!" she gushed as she set the box to the side and began folding a sweater that the two of you had purchased for your mom.

"Yeah I'm sure he'll love them." you agreed. You weren't the only one who had splurged this year. Hange had bought Erwin a fresh pair of cleats for his freshman season at college.

"I hope so!" she chuckled as she boxed the sweater and the pair of earrings for your mom.

"What did you ask for this year?" you asked as you set the stuffed container of cookies to the side.

"Oh nothing special." Hange waved her hand dismissively. You weren't surprised, she wasn't exactly interested in possessions. She valued knowledge above most things, so the closest you could get to filling that need was to give her books or items that helped her learn and shit. You had learned that the hard way, a few years ago you had given her a nice bracelet, which was currently collecting dust on her dresser.

"Well what about your parents, are they doing something special this year?" you inquired, you knew that she had learned to appreciate knowledge from them. They used to go on trips and spend Christmas soaking up the culture of wherever they went. One of their most notable trips was to South America, Hange's favorite trip to date. They hiked in the jungle and learned about the environment and shit.

"Aw sadly no, they wanted to take a break and focus on their research here." She shrugged as she wrapped the box in snowman wrapping paper.

"Really?" you mused, although Hange's family was unconventional you admired their free spirit.

"Yeah, I'm particularly interested in my mom's project, she's studying these penguins in South America right now-" she continued to ramble on about her mother's studies and her father's work. Both of her parents were very active in the zoology community. Hange's rant was cut short by the sound of her phone ringing, she apologized before answering the call, walking out of the room for some privacy. Which you thought was odd, she usually wasn't so private with her phone calls, which at times could be annoying. You brushed it off as most likely being a conversation about gifts. You picked up your phone, taking the opportunity to answer the text that Mikasa had sent you earlier that morning.

"We'll be over around 7." her text made you feel giddy with excitement. Although this year would be a bit different you were still excited to see all your friends.

"See you soon!" you responded, you realized that it was probably a good idea to start dinner for your mom. She should be home any minute but still you set about preheating the oven for the casserole and the ham. Thankfully the Jeagers brought dishes as well, Carla made a mean pumpkin pie. You weren't expecting Kenny to bring anything other than booze. You fell into an easy rhythm as you prepared the vegetable casserole. It couldn't have been more than an hour later that your mom and Erwin stumbled in the door and dropped the bags down by the card table where we had been wrapping gifts. Your mom was quick to wash her hands and start the mashed potatoes as you checked the ham. Hange had began to set the table with Erwin, a christmas playlist had been playing to set the mood.

The Jeagers arrived right at 7, just in time. Grisha's arms were full with gifts, Carla toted two pies, Eren held a board game, and Mikasa had two bottles of red wine with ribbons around the necks of the bottles. Hugs and formalities were exchanged as they entered and put their gifts under the tree. Carla joined your mom in the kitchen to finish carving the ham. You and the other teens finished setting the table as everyone trickled into the dining room.

Just as the ham was placed on the table and glasses of wine were poured, the doorbell rang once more. Kenny had arrived, surprisingly only thirty minutes late. He had a huge bottle of vodka and another sizable bottle of whiskey. Your mom greeted him, taking the liquor from him and pointing him to his seat. Now that all guests were accounted for you began to dish out food and recount the past holidays that your families spent together. It didn't go unnoticed that Kenny was a tad uncomfortable, but thanks to Grisha's easy going nature and Carla's friendliness, he slowly eased up. Of course you and the other teens had your own conversation separate from the adults.

"-Do you remember that one year that I creamed you guys in Just Dance?" Hange gloated as she waved a forkful of ham in Eren's face.

"Ugh yes, but only because that was the year that Mikasa's ankle was sprained." Eren deflected, lifting his own fork to push hers from his face. Mikasa blushed and shoved a spoonful of mashed potatoes into her mouth.

"Well I guess we'll just have to see if that was the real reason after a rematch!" Hange teased before biting into the hunk of meat.

"I guess we will." Eren narrowed his eyes as he watched Hange chew the meat.

"We should play Mario Kart first, I want to redeem myself." Armin was quick to change the subject. Always quick to avoid possible conflict.

"Yeah I totally creamed you last time!" you gloated a cocky smile on your lips.

"W-What! No I had the most wins!" Eren's eyes were alight with anger. He was too easy to piss off.

"Wrong!" you said in a sing song voice.

"Knock it off you two." Erwin scolded from across the table, Eren's cheeks flushed when Erwin scolded him but you simply rolled your eyes. In the last few months Erwin had taken to hovering over you and your friends. It was strange, he had never shown so much interest in your social life until recently. At first you had been eager to tell him what was going on in your friend group, but now it was becoming annoying.

"Lay off Erwin, it's all talk." you scoffed with a roll of your eyes. Erwin's eyes hardened at your snarky tone, your guests eyes flickered between the two of you as you glared at one another. Until finally you snorted and looked away with a shake of your head.

"Uh...so who wants pie!" Armin, ever true to his anti confrontation nature filled the thick silence between the teens. Meanwhile the adults had continued to yammer on about all the hot hospital gossip.

"I-I would." Eren played into Armin's excuse to change the subject.

"Yeah sounds good." you sighed, defeated. Armin scrambled out of his seat and ducked into the kitchen, returning a few moments later with the pies. He dished out three pieces onto you and Eren's plates before serving himself. By the time he had returned, Hange had already changed the topic to the party the following day. You sat in silence as she rambled about the logistics for the party at your house.

"I think that Nanaba is bringing mac and cheese, Mike is probably going to bring those snicker doodles that he always makes-" You tuned her out, not interested in her current rant. Tomorrow's party wasn't the party you were really excited for. So you instead turned to Mikasa, hoping to talk about your plans for the 26th.

"So what time are you going to Annie's? Would you like to ride together?" you asked as you angled yourself to face her to better tune out Hange.

"We are heading over around 9, and sure I'm driving." Mikasa responded as she stretched to serve herself a piece of pie.

"Perfect, are you spending the night there?" you quizzed, unsure if you also wanted to spend the night there.

"No, we were going to go back to Armin's but I can drop you off here if you want." Mikasa answered as she took a bite of pie.

"Alright that sounds good!" you agreed, knowing that Mikasa was always a reliable designated driver.

__

Dinner had gone relatively smooth, despite the tension that now hung in the atmosphere between you and Erwin. The rest of the evening was spent in the living room opening gifts with a Christmas movie marathon playing in the background. The Jeagers left around eleven, which was later than they usually stayed. Kenny took the guest bedroom in the basement, since he was spending Christmas day with your family anyway. You checked your phone with a heavy sigh, already it was twelve am. You contemplated texting Levi to tell him happy birthday, but you weren't sure he would be awake. It was already six in the morning in France, and usually he got his three hours of sleep between four and seven in the morning. But you decided that if he didn't answer you could leave him a voicemail or shoot him a text. So after you changed into your pajamas and had snuggled beneath your covers, you pulled up Levi's contact, your thumb hovering over the small phone icon. Finally you just said 'fuck it' and pressed the button, the phone rang three times before he answered.

"Hey." his voice was thick and gravely as he spoke, immediately you felt bad. You knew that you must have woken him up and you cringed internally.

"Hey happy birthday!" you greeted, making sure to keep your voice low so you wouldn't disturb Erwin and Hange.

"Tch thanks." Levi mumbled, you pictured him running a hand down his face as he tried to wake up.

"you're welcome birthday boy." you teased as you fell back onto your pillows.

"shut up." Levi scoffed, you could hear his footsteps as he walked through the apartment, presumably to get his morning cup of black tea.

"you know you love it." you sighed.

"keep telling yourself that." Levi's voice was becoming clearer now that he was more awake.

"I think that I will." you answered with a light laugh.

"you still going to that party tomorrow?" Levi interrogated, you groaned. You had almost forgotten how he liked to stick his nose in your business, even when he was across the fucking ocean.

"Yeah what about it?" you huffed, feeling a bit defensive.

"Shouldn't you stay with your family or some shit." Levi sounded frustrated.

"My mom said I could go." you pouted childishly.

"Whatever." Levi grunted, and you frowned, unsure of where his frustration was coming form.

"Aw come on no need to be jealous, I'm sure you can find some rager in Paris. Not like you'll be missing much here." you chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"Hmph." Levi scoffed, you could hear the tinkling of his spoon as he stirred his tea.

"So....when are you due to be home?" you asked, deciding it was best to change the subject.

"Next week." Levi's tone was clipped.

"I'm so jealous." you sighed dreamily.

"Yeah Paris is way better than Shiganshina." Levi responded nonchalantly, you weren't sure if he was being serious or sarcastic. Either way he was telling the truth.

"No need to rub it in my face." you chuckled.

"Tch." He scoffed, you liked to imagine him smiling as he did so, even if he wasn't.

"Well I hope that this next week goes by fast, as much as I hate to admit it I've... missed you." you confessed, the tips of your ears scorching hot with embarrassment. The silence was deafening as you waited for him to say something, hell anything even if it was making fun of you.

"Whatever." he huffed, the butterflies in your stomach fluttered at the sound of his baritone voice.

"Just don't stay out late tomorrow." he quipped and you frowned, why did he care how late you stayed out?

"No need to worry about me, I'll probably just stay sober with Mikasa." You told him, only half honest.

"Never said I was worried about you." Levi sighed.

"Hmph fine be like that." you scoffed and rolled your eyes, not surprised with his response.

"Be like what?" He asked, genuinely curious what you meant.

"Like an ass." you quipped.

"Tch I'll quite being an ass when you stop being such a brat." Levi snapped, clearly you were approaching dangerous territory.

"Okay okay chill." you muttered, backing down before things got too heated.

"You're the one that brought it up.." Levi pointed out.

"Yeah and now I'm regretting that" you sighed, wishing he wouldn't be so stubborn for once. He sighed as well and you heard a small clatter on his end of the line, you figured he was starting the dishes.

"Look I've got some shit to do, I'll call you later okay?" Levi's voice was a tad strained and in the moment of silence you heard the sound of Isabel and Farlan bickering in hushed tones.

"Y-Yeah sure of course." you couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.

"Happy birthday Levi." you wished him once more.

"Thanks, talk to you later brat." and with that he hung up, leaving you totally alone in your dark room. You plugged your phone in and rolled over onto your side, he could be so annoying. You inhaled sharply and decided that you would enjoy the party tomorrow to it's fullest. What he didn't know wouldn't kill him.

___

"Hey can I borrow your lip gloss?" you asked Mikasa as you leaned forward to apply another coat of mascara to your lashes.

"Sure which one?" she asked as she pulled her hair into high pigtails on top of her head.

"The cherry one." you answered after a moment of contemplation. She finished her hair before reaching into her makeup bag and pulled out the tube of clear gloss.

"Thanks." you said as you took the make up from her. You didn't usually put this much effort into your appearance when you went to parties but you figured since it was the first time you would be going to Annie's that this was a special occasion. Also you had a sneaking suspicion that two of your exes would be there and you at least wanted to look hot if you were going to get black out.

Plus Mikasa was also dressed up, she wore a tight fitting black top with long sleeves and a low cut neck line that showed off her pale collarbones and neck. She had chosen to wear a choker that had metallic studs surrounding the black leather along with some other layered necklaces. To match her top she had selected a red plaid skirt and some torn tights. You weren't dressed nearly as edgy as she was, but you too had gone for a grungier look. You'd opted to wear a tattered pair of mom jeans along with a black cropped tank and an oversized flannel to cover your shoulders.

You sighed as you finished applying the gloss and frowned, Eren and Armin were in the next room over blasting Post Malone. You assumed that Eren was on aux since Armin usually listened to Surfaces or Khalid.

"You ready?" Mikasa asked as she pulled on her Doc Martens and double checked her earrings.

"Yeah." you assured her as you stood up to grab your small backpack with an extra change of comfy clothes in case you ended up staying the night. The two of you left the room and knocked on Eren's door that was down the hall.

"Just a minute!" Armin's shrill voice sounded a bit panicked but Mikasa simply shrugged and headed towards the kitchen. The Jeager's house was a ranch style house with one main floor and a nice basement. The two of you waited patiently in the kitchen for the boys, it was already well past nine. You scrolled through your snapchat, most of the stories were the regular group picture of friends having a sleepover, the druggie kids showing off their weed, and of course Sasha and Connie posted a video showcasing the house party at Annie's. From what the short video showed, her house was dark except for some LED lights that flashed through multiple different colors. The music was deafening, and the kids that you could see seemed to be swaying to the pulsing music.Sasha spun the camera around as she knocked back a shot with her arm around Connie who blew a puff of vapor at the camera.

"Looks fun." Mikasa scoffed, you knew that she preferred more low-key parties.

"If you end up not liking it we can always dip." You shrugged, knowing that this wasn't exactly your speed either. Mikasa hummed in agreement and turned to look down the hallway as Eren's door opened. The boys emerged from Eren's room, Eren wore a pair of black jeans and a dark forrest green long sleeved shirt. Armin wore a baby blue knit sweater with a collared shirt underneath and black jeans as well.

"All set?" Mikasa asked as she turned to pull out a bottle of titos with a cute little sweater over it. You smiled at the cute accessory and nodded.

"Yep!" you said popping the p as the four of you all made your way out to Eren's car. You slid into the back seat next to Armin who was fiddling with the hem of his sweater nervously. Eren resumed his hype music as Mikasa backed out of the drive way. Eren pulled out his puff bar as soon as the car was out of the drive and took a long drag. Mikasa scoffed and cracked the window for him. He blew the billow of smoke out the window and reached to turn the music up. He reached back and dangled the puff for you to take, after a brief moment of hesitation you accepted it and cracked your window before taking a hit. Armin watched with wide eyes as you inhaled and blew the vapor out the crack.

"Since when did you vape?" Armin asked, his mouth agape in awe.

"I don't...at least not regularly." You admitted sheepishly.

"That's what they all say." Eren chuckled, smoke curling out from his lips as he smirked.

"Shut up I'm serious!" you snapped a playful smile on your face. Thankfully Annie's house wasn't far away, about a twenty minute drive. You pulled up to the house, it was huge. Standing at least three stories tall, with a long winding driveway. Mikasa pulled up behind one of the many cars in the drive way and parked the car. Mikasa led the way around to the side door, which was unlocked, piled of shoes littered the hallway. The sound of loud music greeted you as you walked into the kitchen on the main floor to set the alcohol you'd brought down. The real party was in the basement.

The lights were off, leaving the only source of light to be the flickering LED lights, you couldn't even tell who was who. The air was heavy with the mingling aromas of cologne, vapes, and weed. Armin practically clung to you as the four of you waded through the crowd to get to the seating area in the center of the room. As you got closer the overpowering scent of weed assaulted your nose. There on the large L shaped couch was Annie, she held a large bong to her lips as Bertolt held the lighter under the weed, she inhaled deeply and the bong bubbled. She pulled back and blew a puff of smoke right in Reiner's face, the blonde's face scrunched up in disgust as he turned away to cough.

"Yo." Annie greeted Mikasa who leaned down to dap her up. Once Annie had greeted Mikasa she turned her attention to Eren who was eyeing the bong.

"You want a drag?" Annie offered, patting the sofa next to her. Eren nodded and dropped down between her and Bertolt, who once again struck the lighter for Eren. Mikasa rolled her eyes and waited patiently for Eren to finish his drag. Once the bong was out of the way she lowered herself down onto his lap and pulled her puff bar out to take a long drag. Armin shifted awkwardly behind you and tugged on your sleeve.

"Want to go get something to drink?" he yelled over the booming music, you glanced at the bong longingly but decided that Armin needed you right now so you nodded in agreement.

"Sure." the two of you pushed through the crowd to the minibar where an impressive amount of liquor was waiting. You poured some Bacardi into a glass of and added some pineapple and orange concentrates before handing the cup to Armin. He thanked you and quickly got to work on finishing the mixed drink. You poured yourself a rum and coke and then two shots of Malibu for you and Armin to take. The two of you knocked back the shots before wandering back over towards the couch. The crowd had thinned out a bit, something about watching a movie in Annie's in home movie theater.

"-No that's bullshit, I know for a fact that you pissed your pants in the second grade Eren!" your eyebrows shot into your hairline at the words leaving Annie's mouth.

"Just because I'm quiet doesn't mean I don't notice shit." She huffed as she lifted the juul in her hand to her lips and took a long drag.

"I-"

"Just take the L Eren we all remember." Bertolt shook his head and chuckled at Eren's flushed cheeks. You glanced at Mikasa, usually she would defend Eren but she seemed content to let him struggle through this one on his own, still perched on his lap.

"We've all had accidents before." Armin said with an awkward chuckle as he sat down beside Annie, who looked at him with a blank expression.

"Like that time you tripped down the stairs and broke both your legs in fourth grade?" Annie quipped, a small smirk curling onto her lips. You choked on your drink at Annie's remark, she was an absolute savage.

"Exactly..." Armin flushed, lifting his own cup to his lips. Your phone buzzed in your pocket, but you were too invested in the conversation to be bothered to pick it up.

"Want a hit?" Annie offered the bong to you, you nodded. Although you'd never had weed before, you'd tried asking Levi for some of his but he always denied you. Annie held her hand out to Bertolt who placed the lighter in his open palm. She packed some more weed into the bowl before handing you the bong.

"You ever done this before?" She asked as she kneeled in front of you. You shook your head,

"Okay so I'll tell you when to inhale, and you've got to take a huge breath so you can get the smoke in your system. But then you'll have to take another breath to get it in your lungs." she instructed as she pressed the weed deeper into the bowl.

"Okay." you agreed, she nodded and struck the lighter, holding the flame over the weed in the bowl. You pressed your lips to the mouth piece and waited for her instructions.

"Inhale." she said once the weed was lit. You sucked in a big breath and the water in the bong bubbled. The smoke burned the insides of your throat as you inhaled it, you pulled the bong off your mouth and sucked in once more to get the smoke into your lungs. She nodded in approval as you coughed, smoke curling out of your mouth.

"Not bad for your first time." she commented as she took the bong from you and passed it to Mikasa who took a long drag before passing it to Bertolt.

"Thanks, that stuff burns." you coughed, Annie sat down next to you on the couch and draped her arm over the back. You felt the buzz from the weed and the shots you'd taken earlier, making your head spin a bit. Annie's thigh brushed against your own, you tried to focus on what she was wearing, a pair of grey sweats and a cute cropped peachy colored tank top with spaghetti straps.

"I like your top." you complimented, her hand fell from the back of the couch to your shoulders.

"Thanks." she said, turning to gauge your reaction to her touch. You swallowed a bit nervously, you'd known Annie since kindergarten, but you'd never really been friends before, she was always so quiet.

"I always thought you were a good kid." Annie smirked, her eyes a bit playful.

"What made you think that?" You giggled, shuffling closer to her.

"Your brother is like the school's golden boy, and you are always in all the honors classes." she shrugged, you frowned. You were used to people coming up with these assumptions. She was right though, you did take honor classes, but that didn't mean you couldn't party!

"I guess...But that doesn't mean that I don't enjoy partying." you countered.

"I suppose." she chuckled, taking a hit from her juul and blowing the smoke away from your face. Your phone rang in your pocket and you frowned, as you dug it out of your pocket. Your frown deepened at the sight of Hange's contact lighting up your screen.

"Hang on I should take this." you apologized, moving to stand up to find a quiet place to answer the phone. Annie snatched your wrist and pulled you back down on the sofa, the room spun as you fell back down and slumped against her shoulder.

"Slow down there sweetheart." Annie chuckled as you leaned against her.

"I got to go answer my-"

"Nah just stay here, enjoy yourself." Annie pulled you closer, but your head was too foggy to protest, thoughts of your phone already fading into the back of your mind as Annie held the bong to your lips once more.

__

"She's still not answering." Hange chewed on her knuckle as she glanced at Erwin who was gripping the steering wheel. His brows were knit tightly together with worry, Levi shifted in the back seat, tapping his fingers impatiently.

"This is stupid, she can wait until tomorrow to see me." Levi huffed, trying his best to sound indifferent.

"Oh don't say that Levi." Hange frowned as she looked back at Levi, her eyes deep with worry.

"Don't worry about it." Levi grunted, turning his attention back to his phone. He opened snapchat, and scrolled through the stories. His eyes widened slightly when he stopped on Sasha's story, the video of the party played, he found himself looking for your silhouette among the swaying bodies. He tapped on his screen, expecting to move on to the next story, only to find a new video, added to her story less than ten minutes ago. A video of you with a red solo cup in one hand, and a juul in the other. You were leaned up against a blonde girl who was pushing a bottle of Pink Whitney against you, the pink alcohol sloshing in the glass.

"Come on (Y/n) finish it off!" Sasha encouraged as the other kids on the couch picked up on her chant.

"Finish it, Finish it." the crowd cheered as you sat down the cup and took the bottle from the blonde. You looked at the camera as Sasha shuffled closer.

"No pa-paparazzi please." you giggled, hiccuping half way through your sentence. You lifted the bottle to your lips and tilted your head back, the liquid spilled down your front, making your skin glisten in the colorful lights as you chugged the alcohol you managed to get in your mouth.

"Fuck yeah!!!" Sasha jeered, spinning the camera around to her face. The video ended and Levi felt his blood boil. He'd never seen you so out of it before and he hated it. He hated how easily you had given into doing something so stupid, he hated the sight of the juul in your fist, he hated the way the girl's arm was tightly wrapped around your waist, but most of all he hated that he wasn't there.

"Wait, I think Sasha's snap map is on." Hange mumbled, her phone screen casting a pale glow over her glasses as she zoomed in on Sasha's bitmoji. Sure enough Sasha's bitmoji was on the map, surrounded by at least twenty other bitmojis gathered in one location.

"Okay let's head that way then." Erwin sighed as he started the car and backed out of his parking spot in the airport parking lot. Erwin pulled out of the small airport that was about thirty minutes away from your town and set off towards Annie's house. Thankfully Annie lived on the outskirts of town so it wasn't as far of a drive. It wasn't long before Erwin was pulling up a long winding drive that was full of cars. He parked at the back of the line of cars and got out of the car with a heavy slam of his door. Levi slammed the back door of the minivan as hard as he could, the two of them marched up the driveway silently with Hange following nervously.

"You guys please slow down it's icy out here." Hange begged as she slipped on one of the steps to the side door. The three of them piled into the house, Hange knew it was bad when Levi didn't bother to kick his shoes off before continuing towards the basement steps. Erwin stormed down the steps, the music getting louder as they descended. Erwin paused at the bottom of the steps to take in the scene, cups littered the floor, the room was hazy with smoke from juuls and the scent of weed clung to the air. A group of partygoers was crowded onto the couch, Levi's eyes narrowed onto the back of your head.

"Yoooo that's ice cold." Eren's loud voice could be heard over the music as the teens passed the bong between one another.

"No it's the truth." you slurred, the empty bottle of alcohol still in your fist.

"Well sorryyy that I forgot that I had gum in my mouth." Connie said, waving his hands in front of his face.

"You're an idiot." Sasha laughed boisterously as she shoved a handful of pretzels into her mouth.

"damn straight." Annie agreed, taking the empty bottle from you and setting it on the coffee table. Erwin stalked across the room and stood behind Bertolt, who was now on the floor. The conversation came to a halt at the sight of the uninvited guests.

"Woah I think I'm seeing things." you said, tilting your head downwards as you tried to understand why you were seeing your brother.

"Me too." Reiner agreed, his own distant gaze honing in on his team captain.

"Get up we're going home." Erwin's voice was cold and commanding as he glowered at you.

"I don't wanna leave." your eyes hardened with denial. Erwin stepped over Bertolt, once he had moved your eyes landed on Levi, who was glaring at you with those dark eyes.

"I'm definitely seeing things." you grunted as Erwin pulled you off the couch and away from Annie's warmth.

"Hey man she said she didn't want to go." Annie snarled, jumping to her feet, her icy blue eyes sharp.

"Yeah well she's drunk as shit and doesn't know what she's saying." Levi snapped back at Annie, who had a hand clamped down around your arm. Hange shifted nervously behind the couch as she watched the scene unfold.

"You need to leave." Annie growled, pointing a finger at the stairs.

"That's what we're trying to do dumb ass." Levi growled, taking a step closer to the circle of teens.

"Leave her alone she can make her own decisions." Reiner quipped, rising to his own feet.

"Stay out of this Braun." Erwin ordered, releasing you so he could turn and face Reiner.

"I'm just saying, she chose to come here on her own and she's enjoying herself so let her be." Reiner shrugged.

"She's had enough tonight." Erwin countered, shifting his gaze back to you as you swayed on your feet.

"No I haven't" you frowned up at Erwin.

"Yes you have. We're leaving end of discussion." he said with finality, once more reaching for your wrist.

"I'm not leaving Erwin." you protested, pulling yourself free from his grasp. He snatched your wrist once more and tugged you away from the circle. You gasped and stumbled after him, the protests of your friends echoing loudly in your head. Erwin hauled you up the stairs and out the side door, Levi and Hange close on your heels. He only slowed once you were walking down the driveway. You wrenched yourself free once more with a strangled cry.

"I said I don't want to leave!" you screamed, a few tears sliding down your cheeks.

"You always embarrass me in front of my friends just give me this one night!" you cried, the cold air making your face beet red.

"You'll thank me later." He said simply before turning to continue down the driveway.

"No I won't I'm going back inside." you turned on your heel and marched back towards the door, only for Levi to catch your wrist.

"You've had enough for one night." He scolded as you struggled against his hold. Hange chewed on her bottom lip with worry at the sight, this was not how she planned your reunion.

"Levi let me go." you said with finality as you met his eyes.

"No, you're going home." Levi's voice was tense.

"No I'm not."

"(Y/n) you're going home and that's final." Erwin sighed, running a hand down the side of his face. You spun around and glared at him.

"You're not my fucking dad Erwin so quit acting like it! Jesus it's so annoying I'm tired of it!" you screamed, your chest heaving with frustration, your breath coming out with puffs of vapor. Hange and Levi stood deathly still, knowing that the topic of your father was a sensitive one.

"Fine be that way." Erwin snarled and marched to the van and climbed in with a slam of his door. Hange rushed to get in the car without a second glance over her shoulder. Levi remained firmly rooted to the ground, his hand still wrapped firmly around your wrist as you cried.

"Get out of here Levi." you sobbed, shaking your arm to throw his hand off. He finally let you go, his head tilted down to the ground. You huffed, wrapping your arms around your chest before turning on your heel and stalking back towards the house. Levi stood there a moment longer just listening to the sound of your receding footsteps before he padded back to Erwin's car and slid into the backseat.

__

Your head was spinning as you pressed your back against the bathroom door, your lip quivering as you tried to contain your tears. You knew that you'd hurt both Erwin's and Levi's feelings, you also knew that they were only trying to help you. But there was only so much help you could except from them without them toeing the line between helpful and overbearing. You slid down the door with a whimper, you hugged you knees to your chest and rested your chin on top of them. A knock startled you out of your moping,

"(Y/n)? You in there?" You groaned when you recognize Jean's voice.

"Open the door please." He said softly and you felt more tears fall down your cheeks as you reached up for the knob to unlock the door. The lock clicked and you shuffled to lean agains the wall so he could open the door.

"Hey" he said as he stuck his head in, his amber eyes soft with worry.

"Hey" you sniffled, turning your head up to meet his gaze.

"What's wrong?" He asked, slipping into the small bathroom and closing the door behind him. He crouched down in front of you, his elbows propped on his own knees as he got onto your level.

"Well for starters, you kissed someone else when we were talking." you said a bit venomously. He cringed and plopped down to sit criss cross applesauce instead.

"I'm sorry I know that I shouldn't have done that but, I've been really confused....like sexually I guess." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and your frowned.

"I know, but it still hurt my feelings." you mumbled, a few fresh tears falling from your watery eyes.

"I shouldn't have led you on like that, it was a real jerk move." Jean agreed, his eyes still soft and comforting. You'd missed being his friend you realized as you sat on the cold tile.

"I've missed talking to you." you spoke your mind, managing a small smile.

"Me too, let's be friends again?" he proposed, offering his hand to you. Your smile grew wider as you extended your own hand to grasp his. You shook hands briefly.

"So are you and Marco a couple now?" you asked.

"Sort of.." Jean chuckled.

"You want to go back to the party now?" He asked, jutting a thumb towards the door. You nodded, although now you were beginning to sober up. He stood and offered his hands to help you to your feet. You accepted his hands and he pulled you to your feet. The two of you walked slowly down the steps to rejoin the circle of teens in the living room. Jean stopped at the bottom of the stairs his hand held loosely in your own. He squeezed your hand, asking for your attention. You turned and faced him, a questioning look on your face.

"You've got some-" He chuckled, lifting his thumb to his mouth and licking it before wiping away some rogue mascara off your cheeks. You gasped in mock offense as he wiped away the makeup.

"You're not my mom." you teased, pulling your face free as you turned to head back into the fray, trusting that Jean got all the black marks off your face.

"Nobody could replace Angie." Jean agreed as he followed you into the basement. The group of previously rowdy teens was now subdued due to your brother and his meddling party crasher friends.

"Hey look who's back!" Reiner greeted, causing all the heads to turn back to you. You smiled sheepishly and dropped back into your seat next to Annie.

"You alright?" She asked, her eyes scanning you meticulously for any signs of injury.

"Yeah I'm- I'll be alright." you stumbled over your words as the group watched you carefully.

"You want a uh beer or something?" Connie asked, lifting up an unopened can.

"No she doesn't you idiot!" Sasha snapped, elbowing Connie harshly.

"Ow well I was just trying to make her feel better!" Connie cried, turning to tackle Sasha. The two began to tussle, rolling around on the floor grunting as they struggled. You smiled, the pair never failed to make you happy. Annie draped her arm over you again as the boys began to place bets on who would come out victorious.

"If Sasha wins you've got to drink one of Connie's mixed drinks!" Eren said, leaning over to Bertolt who scoffed, his boyish features contorting with disgust. Connie was known for making the worst mixed drinks.

"You're on Jeager." he reached over Reiner and the two shook in agreement before turning their attention to the scuffle.

"Come on Sasha!" Eren jeered as Sasha bit down hard on Connie's hand. The boy yelped and tried to desperately pry her locked jaws off his hand. He gave up quickly and resorted to hitting her head with his closed fist, his face wild with panic.

"Tickle her neck" Mikasa suggested as she lifted a red solo cup to her lips. Your eyes widened in surprise, Mikasa usually kept quiet during these scuffles, unless of course it was Eren being thrown around. Connie's free hand flew down to Sasha's armpit and immediately Sasha released his other hand to roll away from him. Connie regained the upper hand, pinning Sasha beneath him as he tickled her ruthlessly. Jean groaned and slapped a wad of bills into Reiner's open palm as Sasha slapped the ground in defeat. Connie threw his hands into the air and rolled off Sasha who was fighting for breath.

"Traitor" she moaned, her brown eyes glaring at Mikasa who shrugged indifferently. Eren groaned and frowned at Mikasa.

"Why'd you do that?" He asked as Bertolt looked relieved. Mikasa shrugged once more a sly smile on her face as Eren pushed her off his lap.

"So" Connie jumped to his feet and clapped his hands together.

"About that drink." he turned and strutted over to the mini bar, followed by a sulking Eren and a smug Bertolt. You turned to Sasha who was now straddling Mikasa her hands around Mikasa's shoulders as she jostled the girl.

"Come on Mikasa why'd you sell me out like that?" she whined as she shook the girl, Mikasa's drink sloshing in her cup. Mikasa smiled as her eyes drifted to the group of boys, Connie had a large bottle of Tito's and a two liter of Mt. Dew in his hands as he inspected the two, his face scrunched up with concentration.

"Come on Sasha it's not like you wouldn't do the same if it were me." Mikasa scoffed with a roll of her eyes. You snorted at Mikasa's response, knowing that she was indeed correct. Sasha gasped and shook Mikasa harder.

"I would never do that to you! Besides you would win in any fight you fought." Sasha objected, leaning back on Mikasa's lap her arms extended.

"Psh whatever." Annie scoffed, a playful smirk on her lips.

"Not all of us are masters at kickboxing." Sasha pouted as she climbed off Mikasa's lap and dropped onto the empty space next to her. You knew that Mikasa had participated in the sport for the past few years, but you were confused when Sasha looked between Annie and Mikasa.

"What you didn't know?" Annie asked with a smirk. You shook your head,

"No I guess I don't know." you laughed as Annie licked her lips and she threw her arm back over your shoulders.

"Mikasa and I are on the same kickboxing club." She shrugged as you settled back into her side. Your mouth opened into an 'o' shape in realization as Annie dug her juul out of her pocket and took a hit. Mikasa nodded in agreement, her eyes shifting back over to the boys, who were laughing loudly as Eren chugged a cup of mystery liquid.

"Really? I had no idea." you said as you followed Mikasa's gaze. Eren was now leaned over gagging as Armin patted his back with a worried expression.

"-You dodged a bullet there!" Reiner quipped as he patted Bertolt's back as the tall boy watched with a disgusted face.

"Hey where did Ymir and Krista run off to?" Sasha asked, whipping her head around to look for the pair.

"Probably making out in some corner." Reiner scoffed as he dropped back onto the sofa, the rest of the boys rejoining the group as well. You nodded in agreement, it was no secret that the pair had been seeing each other recently.

"Guess so." Sasha sighed, slumping back into the sofa, throwing a glare at Connie who was now seated next to her with an arm over the back of the couch. Eren and Armin were the only once unaccounted for, you assumed that they had fled to the bathroom given the state Eren had been in after drinking Connie's concoction. Jean had managed to slip away with all the commotion, probably to return to Marco. Annie sighed, glancing at her phone with a frown, it was well past three at this point and you were starting to feel the fatigue.

"Well I think that I'm heading off to bed." Annie yawned, the others seemed to be mellowing out as well.

"You guys can crash here or my brother's room is open as well as my sisters rooms." She said as she stood up. You immediately missed her warmth as she lingered by the couch.

"I call Eric's room!" Sasha perked up, also standing up to run towards Annie's younger brother's room.

"No fair!" Connie yelled, giving chase. Mikasa sighed and stood up as well.

"I'd better go check on Eren and Armin." She mumbled as she stalked off towards the bathroom.

"Are you staying the night then?" Annie asked you as you also stood up, not sure if you should go after Mikasa.

"I'm not sure, Mikasa was going to take me back to her place..."

"You can sleep in my room with me." She offered, tilting her head towards the stairs. You bit your lip as you weighed your options. Mikasa had been drinking and smoking and you knew that she wasn't stupid enough to drive so you figured that you weren't leaving any more.

"We'll sleep in Sarah's room." Reiner said as he and Bertolt began to retreat up the stairs. Leaving just you and Annie in the basement living room, she raised a brow as she waited for your answer.

"No pressure." She said as she began to walk towards the stairs.

"Yeah I'll sleep with you." you blurted as you jogged to catch up to Annie. She smirked at your wording and you flushed.

"Not like that!" you slapped her arm as she led the way up to the top floor which was a maze of closed doors. She slipped into one of the closed doors, into a large bedroom with a queen sized bed in the center of the room. She emptied her pockets before climbing into bed, pulling the covers back for the both of you. You slid into the open side and sat your phone on the bedside table. Annie sighed with relief as she nestled into the covers, scrolling through her phone as you closed your eyes in an attempt to sleep. After a few minutes Annie put her phone down and rolled over, now her front was facing your back.

"You awake?" She whispered, you rolled over to face her as well.

"Yeah" you answered, resting your head on your arm as you focused on her features as best as you could in the dim lighting.

"You wanna make out?" she asked, your eyes widened in shock. You weren't sure if she was being serious or not.

"For real?" you blinked rapidly as Annie shuffled closer and pushed a lock of hair out of your face.

"I mean yeah." she huffed a shy smile on her face. You pursed your lips in thought, you had never kissed a girl before, and it wasn't like the thought of doing so had never crossed your mind. You shrugged and leaned slightly into her touch.

"Yes or no." She said as she propped herself up on her elbow so she was looking down on you.

"Sure." you agreed, she leaned down as soon as the words left your lips. Her lips were so soft compared to the boys that you'd kissed in the past. Her hand that had been in your hair now traced over your cheek bones as she licked your bottom lip. You opened your mouth for her to slip her tongue in, the taste of weed and pink whitney mingling on her breath. You met her tongue a bit timidly as she licked your bottom teeth. She pulled back after a moment to readjust herself so that she was now laying down on top of you, caging you in her arms as she leaned down to kiss your chin.

"You're so cute." she mused, her lips pressed against the corner of your mouth.

"You're really pretty" you breathed as her lips hovered over your own once more before connecting her lips with yours once more.

[ginwhitlock]

Fanon jasper and bella. What does jasper and bella have in common? How would they spend their day together? (about maria, I don't think Peter keeps in contact with Maria. It would be a little odd if he did seeing as he went against her orders to kill all the newborns and he wanted her dead too, Jasper barely left on good terms cause she wanted him dead and they weren’t romantically involved) for those who read the books. Not the movie version.

firstly, there is not doubt in my mind that Peter and Maria are not on good terms. Peter, one, doesnt come off as the type of person to forgive and forget, thats not really how vampire life gets to work, as everyone you seem to meet somehow wants you dead. and two, yes! he did actively defy her direct orders to save the woman he loved, im sure he wouldnt like the woman that wanted his wife killed and disposed of like common garbage. plus maria wouldnt ever forgive him for that, or even like him because of that.

second, Bella and Jasper are both... comment dites-vous... independent. While Bella is no social butterfly and has no wish to be, Jasper, according to his gift, would do quite well in social situations if he could just bound over wanting to drain everyone dry AND his deep paranoia for absolutely everything (that came from being a soldier for a century) 2 as well as his need to strategize every second of life (due to the paranoia of being a soldier for a century, again). This means, in short, their days are best spent with each other, mostly alone. yes, both of them love the shit out of their family, but all of them at once and the two of them just... doesnt spark romantic joy.

So heres how i think they spend their days (and... nights since the whole no sleep thing (worst fucking thing abt being immortal in twilight world btw. id kill someone if i could be able to quiet my brain for at least eight hours every twenty- four but i digress)): frequent afternoons spent in his study (thats a made up thing but this is fanon suck it). Bella is an avid reader and Jasper is a avid collector. I think this man would collect rocks if he thought moving them from house to house wouldnt break a human back. He stocks the shelves with first editions, which she gets to peruse, and he asks questions about them while he sketches or researches. She'll keep a pad of sticky notes right next to her to jot down the little things she might forget just so she can tell him in detail. The fire will be going and the curtains drawn. The world is quiet, save for a pen gliding on paper or her small breaths or even his catch of flint to light up a cigarette (yes he smokes its my rules).

I also think nature is something that draws them both in. They're the type of couple that need no words, the lift of a hand to help bella over a falled tree stump of a pat on Jasper's hip to lean down to kiss her. Summer time is full of laying half clothed, sprawled out like starfish in a clearing, the sun catching of Jasper's skin, Bella's eyes asking a million questions about the scars that break up the crystals. He answers her in touches, fingers drawing shapes on her bare stomach as his lips press against her brow. Their world is best quiet. And together.

[halcyonstorm]

The Girl at the Library Chapter 1

Short Fic - Levihan

Themes: College AU, Library, Fluff, Slow Burn, Falling in Love, Female Hange Zoe, Student!Levi

Word Count: 5730

Chapter: 1/3

Warning: Mild Language

Read on Ao3 - The Girl at the Library

Summary: Levi is a college student who needs help on his research paper. Luckily, Hange is a book worm and works at the library. 

Levi was stressed and annoyed, mainly because he was in college. Of course with college comes infinite amounts of homework assignments, 100-question exams with astronomical amounts of topics on them, unnecessary research papers, and staying in a dorm room with a kid that happens to have no problem inviting his friends over every night to hang out and party with no regards to his sullen roommate.

Levi had a paper coming up. He had to come up with a topic, find sources, and finish his paper by the end of the semester. With three weeks left to go, he decided he’d rather get it over with. He began his brainstorming in the study lounge at the center of his dormitory floor. He was starting to stress. He sat on the big yellow leather couch in the way-too-bright study lounge with his laptop in his lap. He tapped his pen against his head as he tried to think of an idea. 

“You have to write about a topic related to your major,” The professor explained. “This is the one and only paper you will have assigned this semester. I suggest you get it done as early as possible.”

If only it were that easy. He had the rubric pulled up in one tab, and a ton of “How to pick a research topic” websites in others. His major was pharmaceuticals, a field he was inspired to take on because of his mother. She was very ill when he was very young, so they were in and out of hospitals. He was sitting on the edge of his mother’s hospital bed when a nurse came in the room to administer her medications. 

“This is…” His memory was blurry. “This medication will help… and make you feel better.” And it did. 9 year old Levi was fascinated. This one little pill or bag of what looked like water helped his mother feel better. Within hours, his mother’s skin went from pallor to beige. Her hands were warmer. She looked more awake, more alive. She didn’t wince at Levi’s touch. She was in less pain. She got better, like the nurse predicted.

Since then, Levi always asked questions whenever they visited the hospitals again and again. “What kind of drug is that?” “What does it do?” “How long does it take to take effect?”

Levi recalled the memory with a deep sigh. He missed his mother. She was at home, not too far away. Levi never had the time to travel the hour through the big city to visit her. When he did have free time, he spent it studying or sleeping. He felt his heart twinge at this. She had sacrificed everything to help him attend college and to give him a good life.

Now with his head cloudy, he went to reach his water bottle in his backpack. He opened the lid and took a sip. At that moment, he could hear some obnoxiously loud students throwing tennis balls back and forth to each other. He recognized these kids too, they were some (of many) of the lovely visitors his roommate had over most nights. Suddenly in the blink of an eye, Levi’s water bottle spilled all over his laptop, a tennis ball on the floor next to him, and some worried voices approaching him. Within seconds, the laptop started to steam and the screen went black.

His laptop was fried, he determined. He felt heat start to rise inside of him. 

“Oh my god, man. I am so sorry,” One of the kids said, trying to hold back a laugh. 

“Yeah, man. We didn’t mean to.”

Levi took a deep breath and stood up. These kids… were gonna pay.

He closed his broken laptop and stood up. These kids were much taller than him, but looked to be easily intimidated by Levi’s presence. 

“Do you have the money to pay for this?” He sneered, getting very close to their faces. 

“Eh… no, but we have jobs! We can pay you back over time,” One of the kids trailed off. They seemed to be intimidated by the short man. “You live in 112 right?”

Levi nodded, his face heating up with anger. “This laptop cost me a lot of money.”

“We get it, man! We said we’re sorry,” the other kid explained. “We’ll pay you back or whatever.”

“Tch,” Levi clicked. He was extremely pissed. These kids should not be throwing balls at each other in the hallway. Also, they spilled his water which made a mess. “Which room are you both in?” They responded with 118. The one kid explained they get paid on the 15th and 30th of each month. Luckily, their pay day was 4 days away.

“I’ll stop by Tuesday, the 16th,” Levi decided, before gathering his things and heading to the stairs. He began to walk through the campus. Fuck, now where was he gonna go? How was he gonna find his topics? His computer was fucked. Putting it in rice wouldn’t have helped. He was so occupied having a debate with himself about where to research, he almost missed it. If he looked the other way or even blinked in that moment, he wouldn’t have seen it. It was the campus library. No, not the campus library, but a campus library. It blended into the surroundings, hidden from the passerbyers. There was a sign in the window “We’re Open!”. 

The library was small, to say the least. It was old fashioned, which contrasted the modern aesthetic of the university. It was a small, dark brown, wooden building with four-pane windows. The door was a lighter shade of brown. He decided it was easier to check out this little library instead of walking another 10 minutes to get to the main library. He didn’t have time to waste. He had to get started with his paper right away. He walked up to the door and opened it. When he did, a little bell rang at the doorway. 

“Just a minute!” A woman’s voice called from the back. Levi decided to wander around. There were many books crammed on the shelves. There were two computers on each side when he walked in. They looked out of place, considering they were very modern compared to the architecture of the library itself. The books were all shades of bright, vibrant colors. It was strange. From the outside, it seemed creepy and gloomy. Once he walked in, it was very cozy. The dark walls of the library contrasted the beautiful colors of the books.

Then, he saw the woman come out. She came up to the desk. He expected an elderly lady with her glasses on a chain, but he assumed this woman was a student. She was a young woman who wore thin oval glasses and her brown hair thrown up in a messy half-up-half-down ponytail. 

“Hi!” The woman said. “How can I help you?”

“I want to use a computer, please,” He announced. He glanced at her nametag which hung like a necklace around her neck. “Hange” was the name on the tag. It was strange and unordinary, but it had a nice ring to it. The name seemed to suit her.

“Sure! You are allowed up to two hours a day,” Hange explains. “You can choose whichever computer you’d like.”

The computers were unoccupied. In fact, the entire library seemed vacant except for him and the employee. 

“Does anyone actually come here?” Levi asked, setting his stuff down next to a desk, and looking her way. She looked like someone who would work at a library. 

The brunette chuckled. “You are my third visitor today!” She exclaimed proudly. It was already about 3pm. He remembered the sign in the front says “12pm-6pm weekdays”. 

Levi chuckled silently, air huffed out his nose. “How do you stay in business?”

“Well, the university thinks it’s good to have a small library in the outskirts of the campus so students have access to books and computers because the main campus library is in the center of the plaza. Sometimes we get about ten people a day, and sometimes they don’t even take anything out. Sometimes I wonder how…” She began to ramble now. She definitely has not had anyone else visit her today.

She was starting to get on his nerves. It’s been 20 minutes since he arrived, and she was still talking. He zoned out until she caught his attention.

“Hey,” She said. “What’s your name? I have to track whoever comes in to use the computers.” 

Why? No one else comes in. He noticed her clipboard with the sign-ins was blank.

“Levi Ackerman,” He announced. She scribbled his name down. “Okay, it’s 3:30 now, so you have till 5:30 if needed.” She pointed to the clock with her pen as she explained. He nodded and proceeded to walk towards the table with the computer he claimed. He sat down and began working.

-

He was an hour into his research when he finally threw his hands up in the air in frustration. He still couldn’t think of a topic. He groaned aloud.

Hange was leaning against the main desk, her nose stuck in a book. “How Trees Communicate” was the title. When she heard the young man groan, she looked up. 

“Is everything okay?” She asked, peering over her book at him.

“Yeah, yeah,” He mumbled. “Fine…”

Hange raised an eyebrow. She placed her bookmark at her spot, then strolled around the desk and walked over to him.

“What are you working on?” She asked, sitting in the seat next to him and put her hands on her knees, looking at him curiously. He scoffs. It was none of her business, he thought to himself. And it’s an invasion of privacy.

He was frustrated and desperate. Hoping for a miracle, he managed to tell her anyways.

 “I need a topic for my paper and I can’t think of any…” Levi began. “It needs to be based on pharmaceuticals, my major. It also needs scientific evidence to back up my research…”

She was fully absorbed in what he had to say. She was bored, so helping Levi would’ve been something to do at least. Besides, Levi was in luck. She was an avid reader, always reading about anything and everything. She was studying plants and botanicals, but she found herself frequently taking out books about cooking; religion; war; animals; and medical topics including surgery, pathophysiology, anatomy, and pharmaceuticals.

“What about how diuretics affect blood pressure?” Hange suggested. Levi was taken aback. His eyebrows furrowed, and he shook his head in confusion. “Or if anti-alzheimer drugs actually help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s? Why do you take different medications during certain stages of Alzheimer’s disease? Or how do anti-seizure medications work? That is something I ask myself all the time. You take this little pill and BOOM! You’ll be fine, no seizure! Oh, oh, oh! Or, how certain medications cause certain adverse effects? How come so many medications cause anxiety?” Her eyes started to light up as she talked. They were a dark brown, but when she started to talk, they seemed to morph to a captivating hazel. He felt he could see every color in her eyes. He saw brown and green and the little lines of her iris. Hange’s hands would move as she talked, and her smile grew wide. She couldn’t keep still. She was getting excited by coming up with all these ideas. She seemed so passionate and so willing to help; he was overwhelmed by her.

Levi was in shock. His day started off horrible. Now, he was almost glad his laptop was fucked. This woman was making his mind race with ideas. 

“Are you okay?” Hange asked for the second time within his visit there. Levi nodded slowly. “I am just… How do you know all that? Are you a med student?”

Hange chuckled and waved her hand at him. “No… I am a bookworm! Also, my mom is a nurse, so she used to teach me about nursing stuff all the time. Oh! You could write about the pathophysiology of anticholinergics! Or beta blockers! Or how the body reacts to the use of long-term steroids?”

Levi took a deep breath. He felt euphoric. He had been casually trying to think of topics since last week. All of a sudden, this woman can just ramble off hundreds of ideas? Levi smiled visibly.

“Actually… I really like the final topic you suggested. About steroids.” Levi admitted.

Hange smiled back at him. “Great! I can try to help you find some sources or books.” She directed him to open a new tab and to go to a certain database. “This is where you can find reliable sources. Over here,” She pointed to his screen at the left side. “You can add filters. You can change how old or new you’d like the sources to be, filter out certain words or phrases, et cetera.” She had been closer to him now; she scooted her chair closer so she could explain the database to him. It was hard not to look at her as she explained. She was captivating.

Levi began to type in words for his topic.

“Steroids”, “Long-term use”, “Cushing’s Disease”, “Addison’s Disease”, “Addisonian Crisis”, “Pathophysiology”.

He felt like he was finally getting somewhere. He was finally making progress.

-

As Levi was walking home, he couldn’t get his mind off that girl. He decided to brainstorm about his topic in his room once he got there. The thing was, though, he couldn’t think of any more ideas. He found it funny. Of course he was full of ideas and inspiration when he visited that library, but now he’s void of any.

-

Levi’s weekends were no different than the weekdays. He made it appoint to visit the library again the next day, Saturday. It was a sunny, cool Saturday morning. Levi had inspiration to write. He needed a computer and Hange’s ideas. When he arrived, it seemed busy. There were three other patrons at the library.  He recognized Hange right away, helping a tall blonde man with a big nose. He wondered if she was the only employee there. The man she was helping was taller than her, so she had to reach up on her toes to point to items. She was an average height, but this action made her seem shorter than she actually was.

Hange looked his way and greeted him with a toothy smile. Levi waved at her and started to head down one of the aisles of books. He was in the nonfiction section, but was lost. For now, he just casually browsed the section, but quickly got impatient. He needed Hange’s help to find books for this paper. He heard her laugh with the patron. Maybe he’s a friend, he thought to himself. Her laugh was airy and full of heart. It seemed genuine and passionate. Levi felt an urge to make her laugh, too.

She finally made her way over to him. Levi was looking down at a book when she caught his eye. “Hey, stranger!” She greeted him with a wave. “Whatcha looking for?” She placed her hands on her hips.

“I’m trying to find some sources for my paper. Steroids is the topic,” Levi explained.

“Oh, right. I remember! After you left last night, I tried to look for some books for your topic,” She said. She was trying to help me? Levi thought to himself.

She curled her finger in a “follow me” gesture and he did. She brought him to another aisle or two over from where they were. “These are the 600’s, where you’ll most likely find what you’re looking for. I found a book or two about Addison’s disease, but it’s more of a memoir. You can look around though if you’d like. Anything in the 610’s should be right up your alley.” She explained as if she was going to leave, but she didn’t. Hange looked for books with him. 

After a moment, she made a noise. “Look at this!” She exclaimed. She reached next to him to reach for a book. She was on her toes again. “Mmmm,” She moaned as she tried to reach. “Actually, I’m gonna get the step stool. I don’t think I can reach it.” Quickly, she left and came back with the stool. It looked unreliable, but Levi was sure he’d be able to prevent any accident from occurring. Hange placed it on the ground and stepped up on it, grabbing the book with ease. She stepped down with the book in her hand. This book had a white cover with a blue label and was titled “Coping with Prednisone”. Levi was surprised she even knew what prednisone was. 

“Here!” She reached it out for him to grab. He took it and looked at her face. She had that same look in her eyes. “Did you want to use the computer?” He nodded and she led him towards the front of the library. The library was small from the outside, but very deep inside. It reminded him of a forest. 

“I got your name, don’t worry,” She said, clicking her pen and writing his name down on the sheet. 

“Oops!” Hange made a quick grimace. “I added an ‘e’ at the end. I’ll just cross it out.” The statement sounded like it was addressed to herself rather than to anyone else. She crossed out the extra letter.

“Ackermane”. Levi was gonna attempt to make her laugh.

“If you thought I looked like a horse you could’ve just said so.” 

Mane, horse mane. Get it?

It felt like forever before Hange responded. She looked up at him, starting to laugh. It was a short but audible laugh. Her head nodded back and she smiled. Her cheeks turned pink and her eyes lit up for a moment. It made his heart skip a beat. It was a bad joke yet she still laughed. She chuckled. Giggled? No. Laughed lightly. Chortled? Maybe that’s the right word. Whatever it was, he wanted to do it more, maybe even more than that.

He followed her to the computers. The blonde guy she was helping earlier was on one computer. She led him to the two computers across from the other ones and sat down in the chair next to him.

“What are you doing?” Levi asked, placing the book she found for him on the table.

Her eyebrows raised, and after a moment she reacted. She waved her hands in front of her.

“I’m sorry! I thought you may have needed help. I should get back to work anyway. I gotta go through a new box of books that just came in.”

Levi looked up at her. Is she blushing? he asked himself.

“I’ll let you know if I need help.” Levi responded. She smiled at him before quickly walking away.

-

He started to find some evidence-based practice articles about how steroids can cause long-term side effects, especially if stopped abruptly. He made sure to keep the tabs available. He’d have to cite them later. Levi’s mind was racing with words and sentences and ideas. He had to get them down on paper. He opened Documents on the computer and started typing away.

The clicking of the keyboard soothed him. He was a pretty fast typer, he didn’t make many mistakes either. The library around him began to become quiet as his typing got louder and he got deeper in thought. Before he knew it, his two hours were up. He felt someone approach him from his right.

“Hey,” Hange said, gently tapping the table next to him. “It’s 2pm. I gotta close up.”

Levi snapped out of his focused trance with a quick head shake. “Right. Sorry.” He pulled out a flash drive from his backpack and plugged it into the computer. He transferred his document. “I got the first page done.”

Levi asked himself for a brief moment why he was sharing this information with someone he just met. Maybe since she helped him, he felt she should know.

“That’s great! It seemed like you were really focused,” Hange said, walking away to shut off some lights. Only then did he notice the white noise of the overhead lights quickly dissipate. The room buzzed with silence now. Levi and Hange were alone in the library. Suddenly, Levi felt nervous. He watched Hange walk around the room frantically, making sure to shut off all the lights and computers. She grabbed a bag. The bag was a fabric material with a patchwork design that had a long strap that hung on on her shoulder. Maybe she made it herself. She grabbed her big mess of keys and walked towards him.

“Ready?” She said. He nodded and walked outside, holding the door for her. She thanked him, locking the door behind her. They began to walk down the street slowly. 

“Want to grab lunch?” Hange asked, looking at him. Levi looked back at her. She looked pretty.

“Sure, I can eat.” Hange chuckled at that. He didn’t try, but it made her happy for a brief moment. He seemed nervous but she was too.

They decided to eat at a cute restaurant on campus called “Life in Paradis”. It was a small, dainty place with a green and yellow checkered awning. The building was made of yellow brick, and the door was bright green. There were flower pots outside on the windowsill. Again, this place seemed totally out of place in the modern aesthetic of the university. 

“This place is adorable!” Hange exclaimed. “I love the food here. You’ll love it too. They have all kinds of food here.” Levi felt a smile grow on his face. The way she talked made his heart flutter. She was always so passionate. They entered and got a table for two. This is not a date, Levi kept telling himself. Then why were his cheeks red?

They sat down and looked through a menu. Levi wasn’t extremely hungry even though he hadn’t had anything but tea this morning. He peered over his menu to look at the girl. Her hair was different today, he determined. Today all her hair was in a ponytail, and it was higher on her head. She wore a light yellow button-down with a long, light blue cardigan. Hange caught him staring at her and blushed.

“What would you two like to order?” The waitress asked him first.

“I’m gonna get a sandwich, I think,” He said, crossing his arms across his chest. “Turkey sub.” “I think I’m gonna get a chicken caesar salad,” Hange said. He nodded, grabbed the menus, and walked away.

Hange began to talk about how beautiful the flowers outside the restaurant were. They were all variants of pink, purple, yellow, and red. She described the petals and the leaves, the flowers’ origins, and all the meanings of the flowers. Levi wasn’t annoyed by her tangent this time. He actively listened to this girl talk about what fascinated her so much. He found it soothing. It made him wonder how her brain can contain all the information she was spewing at him. He enjoyed watching the way her eyes lit up when she talked. The beautiful green that blossomed at the bottom of her irises when the light hit her eyes at the right angle. The way her lips curled into a big smile when she talked to him. Her cheeks flush to a light pink when she describes the petals of the flowers or how flowers were used to express feelings when words cannot. It made his heart race. 

“Levi,” Hange said. Her affect was the opposite of earlier when she was rambling. She wore a frown on her face, feeling guilty.“I’ve been rambling… sorry. It’s such a bad habit of mine. I can talk for hours and hours.”

“Don’t apologize, four-eyes,” Levi replied, leaning his elbows and forearms on the table in a crossed position. Hange smiled at him. Levi meant it. She shouldn’t apologize for talking, especially if it’s about something she loves. The food had arrived at the table. They ate. Levi felt the need to open up to her about something. He already learned so much about her, and her presence made him feel like he can open up. 

“I like to run,” Levi said abruptly. Hange looked at him intently, chewing on a forkful of salad. “I don’t do it competitively or anything, but I enjoy running. I try to run once or twice a day.” Hange’s eyebrows raised and she nodded in agreement.

“That’s awesome!” She smiled again at him. “I like to run too. I’m really slow and get tired easily, but I enjoy feeling the wind in my hair and feeling my heart pound.” She took a bite of her meal again. Levi nodded and began to eat too. This sandwich was really good.

-

After talking some more about hobbies and school, they both finished their meal. The waiter brought over the check. Hange reached into her pocket for her wallet.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Levi asked. Hange furrowed her brows.

“I invited you out to lunch. I will pay,” Hange determined, her wallet now in her hands.

“No,” Levi said too quickly. “I will pay. It’s the least I can do. You helped me with my paper after all.”

The bickering lasted a very long minute. Before she got to think of the idea, Levi grabbed the checkbook and shoved his card inside before handing it to the waiter. Hange looked surprised. She sighed, putting her wallet away.

“Thank you, Levi. But you really didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to.”

In all honesty, Hange didn’t have much money. She worked at that library four times a week, but the money she made went towards paying off her tuition. She really wanted to treat this man, her new friend. She wasn’t sure if he thought the same way about her. Did he consider her his friend? She felt slightly embarrassed. She did most of the talking and felt like she was annoying him. Maybe he just wanted to pay so she would lay off. 

But the truth is, Levi felt the opposite way of how she was thinking. He was interested to hear more from her. He was addicted to the way his heart raced when he saw her. 

-

Over the next couple of days, Levi would go to that library whenever he was available. He knew it was closed on Sunday, so he went Monday and Tuesday to the library. Fortunately, he got his first batch of money from the brats that fried his computer. He received $100. Of course it was not enough, but it was a start. Wednesday the 17th came around. This specific day was a wild card. The weather was unpredictable. Levi entered the library just in time; it had started to downpour. The little bell rang as he entered the library. To his surprise, Hange was not working that day. There was a boy behind the counter who was tall and had a brown bowl cut hairstyle.  He almost thought about turning around and leaving when he realized she wasn’t there. The rain charged towards the earth viciously, so he decided to seek shelter in the small library. It almost looked like a hurricane. He felt his mood change into a bad one. He didn’t remember to ask how often she worked. 

“Hi there!” The man said. His name tag read “Moblit”. That’s a dumb name.

“I wanna use a computer,” Levi muttered, walking up to the main desk.

“Okay. Name?” Moblit grabbed the clipboard and a pen.

“Levi Ackerman.”

“Oh, I see you’ve been here before. A lot, actually.” Levi scoffed and rolled his eyes at his comment. He turned around, picked a computer, and sat down. He felt really stupid to not ask her about her schedule.

The two hours he spent working on his paper was incredibly slow. He didn’t get much done that day. He had writer’s block. He was almost done, so he didn’t worry about it too much. He didn’t know Hange’s schedule. He knew she worked Friday, the day they met; Saturday; Monday, and Tuesday. Maybe she only worked four times a week? Before he knew it, he asked Moblit aloud. It was almost an accident.

“Uh, she’ll be in on Friday,” Moblit replied. He probably couldn’t give out that information to some creep who began visiting daily with an attitude. He muttered a “thanks” before finishing up and heading out. The weather was holding up for now, so he decided to make a run for it. He didn’t say goodbye to Moblit.

He didn’t have an umbrella. The sun was trying to shine through the dark, eerie clouds. It wasn’t trying hard enough. He heard thunder rumbling in the distance.

Levi realized that this girl was all he thought about the past few days. Something about her enticed him. Something about her eyes and her presence drew him towards her. His heart skipped a beat whenever she’d graze his hand on accident, or even when she just talked to him. She made him happy. He hadn’t had too many friends in college. Although they just met last week, he felt a deep connection with her. 

Suddenly, the sun poked through the clouds for a brief moment. The world lit up. It was at that moment he recognized a familiar face. Hange. She was walking towards him. She grinned when she saw him. She wore a fitted black t-shirt and baggy, light blue jeans. 

“Levi!” She exclaimed. “I forgot my jacket in the library, so I came down to get it.” 

“You didn’t tell me you weren’t working today.” Is all Levi said. Once he said it, he realized how creepy it must’ve sounded. A man she just met happens to go to this library to work on his project every day, who happens to come up with multiple reasons to interact with her. Maybe she thought he was a perv.

“Ehh!” She sighed. “I’m sorry! I thought I told you I was off today.” Levi shook his head. The comment itself may have sounded rude, but it wasn’t. She genuinely felt bad. “Walk with me.” Levi followed. Guess not.

“I don’t work Wednesday’s and Thursday’s. Well I’m not supposed to be,” Hange explained. “Mobilt, one of my co-workers, is always calling out sick. So I basically run the place.” They walked towards the library again and entered. 

“Hey, Moblit. How’s it going?” Hange said in a normal tone, heading towards the back of the library. Moblit responded briefly, following Hange. Levi decided to hang back, he figured it was a secure area. He looked around awkwardly.

“Hange, you didn’t tell me you had a boyfriend,” Moblit said, following her towards the back. 

Hange chuckled nervously. “He’s not my boyfriend,” she said bluntly. “He’s just a friend.” Moblit scoffed, rolling his eyes. “If he’s not your boyfriend, how come his mood entirely changed once he saw you?”

Hange found her jacket, folding it over her forearm. “Huh?”

“He was, like, in a bad mood when he came in. He used the computer but he seemed to be pissed or something. Now that he’s with you, he seems… tolerable.”

Hange laughed, feeling her cheeks blush. “It’s nothing like that. People have bad days, you know.”

Hange rolled her eyes and smirked, then headed towards the front of the library. “Ready?” Levi nodded and turned around.

“See you Friday,” Moblit called out. “See ya.” Hange replied.

The two started walking down the street. The air smelt of rain, and the ground was wet from the rain earlier. “Which building is your dorm in?” Hange asked. He was a bit surprised she asked him that, and she was so direct about it.

“Saint Maria,” He replied. She smiled. “Me too! I can’t believe I haven’t seen you around!” The wind picked up and the sky turned darker than before. They both looked up. “If you can’t make it to the library, you can use my desktop in my dorm room,” Hange offered. Levi’s cheeks turned bright red. 

“Thanks, maybe tomorrow I can stop by,” Levi said. It was more of him thinking aloud than a statement. It was too late though, Hange already heard him. He could’ve sworn he didn’t say it aloud.

“That’s fine! I only have a class early tomorrow morning. Come by around 11, okay? My room number is 506.” Levi nodded. Thunder rolled and sounded closer now. They were almost at the dormitory building when it started to downpour. The rain was forcefully coming down on the two. Levi groaned in annoyance. He hated being in the rain. He hated being wet; he hated the wet socks and how gross he felt when it rained. He would’ve started to run to the building to seek cover, but he was taken aback by his new friend.

She was soaked and embracing it. She lifted her head up to face the sky and she laughed. It was loud, happy, genuine, and it took Levi’s breath away. Hange reached her hands out wide and spun around. He saw a strike of lightning light up the sky. He stared at her in awe. His heart swelled. Levi smiled big. After laughing, Hange looked at Levi and shared the look that he wore just a few moments ago. She loved his smile. She wished to make him smile more. She was also determined to make him laugh, too.

She grabbed his hand. “Let’s take cover!” And she pulled him into the dormitory hall. Saint Maria’s hall was beautiful. It had ceiling-to-floor glass pane windows that were always crystal clear. There was a big black modern chandelier that hung from the ceiling. It contained visible light bulbs. Hange secretly loved it. There were the same big, yellow, leather couches in the living room as there were in the study area on his floor. They both wiped their feet off on the big rug in the entryway. 

“I love the rain,” Hange deduced, turning her head to look at him. As if Levi couldn’t tell. Her hand was still holding his. Levi looked up at her. “I like it, too.”