#at this point we can all collectively agree that I need sleep

[chaostudee]

dancing with our hands tied, franco colapinto

summary : franco comes across y/n a small singer, songwriter online and it isn't long before the two strike up a friendship. little do they know their friendship will blossom into much more, and with a life in the public eye it is hard for the media not to catch on. fc : lexi jayde warnings : language, suggestive content. a/n : im so delulu that i acc think that franco will get the vcarb seat 😭 also rly long i apologize i always get so carried away i can'ttt

y/nusername just a girl and her guitar

like by alessirose, clairo, fangirltingz58 and 14,793 others.

user44 me core

username0 so fucking gorge

alessirose we don't give enough credit to our guitars

user99 this guitar doesn't know that you are a lyrical genuis

username my living legend 🙌🙌

user88 omggg lana reference i see you

francocolapinto austin 🇺🇲

liked by alexalbon, williamsracing, landonorris and 843,782 others.

user728 i love him sm already

username rly rly hope he's on the grid next year :)

f1fan what a cutie

username62 okay so we can all collectively agree that he is fine asfff

user00 yesssss

f1lover hopefully he can get points next week.

landonorris 🐐🐐

user89 lando knows what's up

messages between franco and lando

y/nusername

liked by alessirose, clairo, francocolapinto and 32,982 others.

clairo my gorgeous gorgeous girl

user728 i need her wardrobe so bad actually

username love her so bad

user62 my fav alwayssss

francocolapinto 😍😍

user738 SIR WHAT ARE U DOING HERE

username81 we need the hair routine because girl that volume is so insaneee

f1fan franco liking and commenting is so insane like whaaaaa

y/nusername felt pretty (btw my new song homesick comes out on friday)

liked by francocolapinto, lizzymcapline, alessirose and 27,201 others.

francocolapinto so beautiful

user HUH WHAT username82 francooo what are you doing here f1fan so the whole f1 community has just come here?? user99 yup pretty much 😭

user882 OMG NEW SONG WHAT

username91 FREAKING OUT

user00 ugh wish it was friday

user910 that bod 🔥🔥

messages between y/n and franco

y/nusername small show in ny next week !! tickets on sale now

》 OMG OMG I JUST BOUGHT THEM CAN'T WAIT

》 girl never sleeps (but we love it)

》 stopp they sold out in like 2 mins

》 crying in international fan

y/nusername had the best time 🫶

liked by alessirose, francocolapinto, laufey and 52,950 others.

user892 cryinggg because why are u acc the cutest

fangirl52 take me back 🫠

username the pcd is hitting hard rn

user22 love u smm !!

username55 you deserve this sm y/n you deserve all the love

y/nusername 💕💕

y/nusername i'm so glad you are all loving my new song 'homesick' love you all sm 💋💋

liked by francocolapinto, reneerapp, lizzymcalpine and 47,920 others.

username135 the famous lip pout we lovee

user52 i love homesick so bad i relate smm

username12 frrr like did y/n read my journal?!? y/nusername 😈

user89 love u too girl....BUT WHO'S THE BOY

f1fan franco i think user26 who?? f1fan he's an f1 driver he recently followed y/n and liked and commented on her posts and was at her show last week user26 omfggg

reneerapp girl whoo tfff is that

user92 off topic but those lillies are so gorge (the girls that get it get it)

williamsracing just a guy who loves mate

liked by francocolapinto, y/nusername, alexalbon and 253,821 others.

user727 TELL FRANCO I LOVE HIM

f1fan and this is why williams have the best admin 🤭

user882 me but with coffee

f1lover you're a real one

user23 the concentration on his face is killing me

francocolapinto tysm for all the love x

liked by williamsracing, lewishamilton, landonorris and 473,139 others.

lewishamilton well deserved you have a bright future ahead of you 💪

francocolapinto my goat

user45 we lysm franco

username yayyy he knows that we appreciate him

anon poor logan

user45 james vowles knew what was up when he signed franco

user13 bro is just living THAT life

messages between y/n and franco

y/nusername

liked by landonorris, francocolapinto, alessirose and 289,012 others.

alessirose pretty pretty girl ilysm i miss u !!

y/nusername stopp i miss u too <33

user62 OUR GIRL IS TAKEN

username90 omgg white roses so so cute

f1fan i would recognize those eyes anywhere

user12 girl release the album

fangirl45 she just gave us a song give her a second 😭

francocolapinto fav song atm ;)

liked by landonorris, y/nusername, lilymunihe and 478,561 others.

landonorris what a simp

user82 OMG THIS IS Y/N'S SONG

username72 omggg wait is franco soft launching y/n stop that is so adorbs

user45 real real real AND THOSE LINES SPECIFICALLY

fangirl67 yesss he's one of us

user00 thought daughter core

francocolapinto gq spain

liked by y/nusername, landonorris, yukitsunoda and 1,054,783 others.

y/nusername damn.

user my reaction exactly f1fan wait y/n is actually funny asf y/nusername why thank u

landonorris im shook

user72 driver by day model by night

username he lowkey cooked tho

user90 HIS STYLIST NEEDS A RAISE

f1lover don't look at me like that

user34 proof that all f1 drivers are fine asf

y/nusername

》 OMG

》 future f1 wag perhaps

》 did franco invite you?

》 WHAT IS GOING ON

》 oh they are soo dating

francocolapinto nice weekend 😉

liked by y/nusername, landonorris, maxverstappen and 924,419 others.

user82 FRANCO THE THIRD PIC

username boi whatttt

user71 it's so obvious that it's this y/n girl

username12 awww cuteee

f1fan if he's not on the grid next year i'll cry

user83 girl i hate to break it to you but....

user34 his smilee omg im melting

username1 ugh y/n is so lucky

y/nusername took a little break from the studio 🏎🏁

liked by francocolapinto, lilymunihe, reneerapp and 142,914 others.

user82 what !

username00 GUYS SHE'S LITERALLY A CERTIFIED WILLIAMS WAG LIKE SHE'S LITERALLY HANGING OUT WITH LILY TF

f1fan omgggg lily and y/n

username92 wait that pic of franco is so cute ☺️

f1lover aesthetic queen

username23 help not the 0.5 of lily 💀

francocolapinto forgot to mention 🔒❤️

liked by y/nusername, landonorris, charlesleclerc and 1,292,441 others.

landonorris mate you weren't even discreet about it 🤦‍♂️

user73 FINALLY

username cutiesss

f1fan we knewwww but thank god they made it official

username727 giggling and kicking my feet rn

y/nusername mwahh lysm baby 💋

francocolpinto come to my apartment and i'll show you how much i love u 😌 user72 i- landonorris we spoke about this NO WHORING ON THE MAIN username28 oh ! f1lover i'll just pretend i never saw this.....

alexalbon keeping this for a secret for so long was torture

user62 confirmed y/n is a princess

username56 if anyone hates on them I WILL FIGHT YOU

taglist⭑.ᐟ

@lottalove4evelyn

@mxryxmfooty

@sweetestgirlintown111

@hadidsworld

@llando4norris

@heavy-vettel

@nichmeddar

@love2readd

@seonghwaexile

@depressedriches

@janeh22

[carbonfiction]

A little suprise

Summary: After another cosy Christmas morning shared together, it’s time for the gifts. Little things thoughtfully bought, wrapped and passed over. This year however, theres something else. Something you've meticulously managed to keep hidden for a little while now.

Master list. Words: 1.2k

Warnings: tw mentions of pregnancy/pregnancy announcement. (Chosen to tw this simply bc im aware of how tough it can be for those struggling with conception/fertility ect, especially this time time of year. i want you to know my heart is with you, your time will come🫶) Lumberjack Logan is a sweetheart, mostly just a nice lil finding-out-he’s-gonna-be-a-dad Logan fluff with a smiiiiige of swearing. Lo calls reader “momma”

The parasites in me yearned for origins dad Logan, so I had to write origins dad Logan. Or in other words, its Christmas and I desperately can’t stop thinking about that large man with a teeeeny tiny baby.. Tadaaaaaa <33 merry Christmas loves!

Christmas morning was always peaceful in the howlett household. It would begin with sleep laced kisses, limbs tangled together as you hold each other close. It's hours before either of you actually leave the bed, too warm and content with eachothers presence to even consider it.

But when you do the first place you go, after the bathroom of course, is to the kitchen. Logan begins breakfast- or nearer brunch by then. While you make sure the coffee machine is switched on and freshly brewing the hot liquid into your usual cups- a cheesy wedding present from a friend, mugs that read 'Mr' and 'Mrs'.

Then, once dinner is roasting slowly in the oven for later, come the gifts. All soundtracked by a movie playing in the background. Little things wrapped and passed over- for you comes a cosy pair of pajamas with matching socks that you'd pointed out a while back, along with a little hamper full of your favorite treats; a perfect mix of sweet and savory to snack on when the mood takes you; or when wrapped up tighter watching a movie.

While you gift him a fresh collection of cigars and workboots that offer a little extra comfort to those long days he spends at the yard on his feet.

But.. Theres also something else. Something you've meticulously managed to keep hidden for a little while now.

You steady yourself with an anxious exhale before you tap logan on the knee. "Theres one last one.." you say with a smile, quickly retreating to the bedroom and coming back to stand infront of him with a neatly wrapped box in hand.

Logans brow rises, a crease then wedging between them as he looks over the gift and its carefully tied bow. "Thought we agreed on a couple things each?" he murmers.

Hes right, you had agreed that, both having felt like each others company was all you really needed..

"Well, its a Surprise..” you trail, urging him to open it as nuterally as you could. Anxiety festering deep in your chest, part of you unsure just how this would go down.

Its silent as his fingers pluck and pull at the ribbon, deftly untieing it until its left in a pile besides him on the couch. Next is the lid, decorative tissue paper also following as his eyes rake over the unveiled contense.

"Sweetheart?.." logan questions in a whisper, fingers gently lifting out a pair of tiny booties and a matching flannel shirt; Both purposely mirroring items he owned. "what.. what’s all this?”

Logan feels his heart hammer in his chest, mouth going dry. are you telling him what he thinks you are?

“What’s it look like Logan?" you giggle softly, a hint of nerves in your eyes as you look down at him. You grasp an ultrasound photo and the positive test from the pocket of your sweats then, placing them in his hands over the little shirt.

You watch as his eyes widen to the size of dinner plates, crease flying away from his brows as he takes in the words written on the test; illuminated by the soft glow of the tree lights. 'Positive'

“You-" he starts, words trembling dryly from his tongue. "you’re really pregnant?”

Tears begin to sting at your waterline as he looks up, your gazes meeting as you nod, bottom lip bitten tight between your teeth. "yeah, ‘m really pregnant.. gonna be a dad lo”

Sure, you'd had conversations in the past about this situation, had both agreed kids would be something you'd like to share one day, but you never actively began trying. Never fucked for the sake of conception. It had just.. happened.

A birthday celebration mixing with a slip up in taking your birth control- an accident you weren't sure you felt guilty for at this point, not with the look clouding over logans features.

Features soon shared by the little you or him growing inside you.

You wobble forward as Logans arms engulf your waist, pulling you toward him with the enthusiasm of a child receiving a toy they'd wanted forever.

Tears begin to stream down your cheeks, landing wetly on your fingers as they find home in the soft tufts of his hair.

“I’m gonna be a dad.." he murmers incredulous and full of wonder as his forehead presses into the fabric of your shirt. You dont know if hes talking to you or himself, but its just quiet enough for you to hear it through your now hiccuped sobs.

“Are you happy?” you sniffle, still slightly unsure. He feels you pull at his hair until his gaze meets you, chin resting gently on your ribs.

“shit sweetheart, yeah" he smiles and its bright on his face as he stands to hold you properly. Logans lips press against yours, the kiss filled with unspoken emotions as the addictive taste of him hits your tongue.

He holds you tightly at the waist for a few moments and its with trembling fingers he pulls back. His head dipping to look you in the eyes, touch twice as gentle when his hands come up from your sides to gently cup your cheeks. Calloused thumbs swiping at the tears that still fall "course I'm happy, are you?"

"Yeah. Yeah Im happy" you assure, teary eyes brightening. "beyond happy even"

A grin lights logans expression as he looks down, glittering as bright as the Christmas lights surrounding you.

"You know, I was.." he starts, clearing his throat as it crackles with emotion. "God i was just thinkin what a pretty momma you’ll make but.. you already are a momma huh.." one of his hands move again, deft fingers creeping under your shirt now until his large palm sits gently against the small swell of your stomach. Your heart skipping at the feel of the cool metal of his wedding band. "growing our kid in there..”

“Well, it’s technically sill early d-“ you go to say, but he cuts you off. “Your glowing already you know that sweetheart?"

His lips find yours again, fingers still cupping your jaw as his next words press against your mouth in a soft coo. "My beautiful girl.. Our baby's gorgeous momma"

Your arms wrap around his neck, swaying gently as love drunk grins adorn both your faces. The room filled with a new kind of excitement. A memory made you know both of you will remember forever. “i Love you Logan...” you affirm, hushed.

"Love you more sweetheart, like you wouldnt believe." he honeys back softly, stroking his thumb over your belly again "Giving me the damn world here"

Its silent then for a while after, appart from the crackle of the fire. Post dinner you both rest full, wrapped up in each others arms on the couch. you lying curled onto his chest.

Your fingers alternate drawing shapes and drumming on his left pectoral, wide grins still adorning your faces as you peek over at the test, photo, boots and flannel still sitting on the coffee table.

You hum softly then, breaking the silence with a simple whisper of his name. "Logan?"

He responds just as quiet, hand still not having left its new home on your tummy. "Yeah sweet girl?"

"Once i get huge.." you start with a teasing glint making logan cock a brow as he listens. "Im reserving the right to be carried around the house.."

That makes Logan chuckle, the louder rumble shaking beneath where you lay as you too break into a fit of giggles.

He shakes his head, lips kissing your hair softly as he speaks, still deeply amused. “Whatever you want momma, whatever you want."

Is this my best work? Fuck no, fluff is my kryptonite. But Was it a sweet thought? Yeaaa..

[altruistichellhound]

Prey vs Predator

Louis x Fem!Hybrid reader

In this you are a grey wolf snow leopard. Angst to half way good ending.

Warnings include: Implied smut, mentions of sex, Louis being a dick…

I exhaled softly through my nose, watching the deer get out of the bed we had just shared. Per usual I laid there as he left without even looking back at me. Stop, I need to stop… This one was the last time. I’m a carnivore, an apex predator, he was nothing but a deer. A deer that had me in the palm of his clawless hands. This was never going to happen again.

That’s what I said last week. Tonight the room was heavy with a haunting need. One so deeply engraved it was as if it was carved into my very bones. His hands ran down from my blank stomach to my leopard spotted thighs. He traced the spots with his finger teasingly. As his hands roamed his grip went between light and thoughtful, to rough and demanding. I couldn’t help but let out a shaky breath. However, something was shaking my focus. I inhaled deeply, catching a sent different than his. It was not something, but someone that had caught my attention. The smell of a rabbit was barely prominent on his coat.

Leaving my body Louis fell to the bed, both of our heavy breaths filling up the room. We had rules, a lot of them, but the question was nagging at me. Who was this rabbit? These thoughts kept me silent and motionless, finally Louis spoke.

“Aren’t you going to leave?” He turned his head to look at me.

My heart skipped a beat when he looked at me, “Yeah,” I sat up in the bed, “actually… I was wondering, you smell like a rabbit?”

His eyes filling with anger he snapped at me, “That’s none of your business now is it?”

I rolled my eyes at him, “Whatever,” collecting my clothes I dressed swiftly and practically ran out of the room.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" I looked up to see who I had just ran into. Looking down on me on was deer with a large set of antlers. The sun cascaded over his more than slightly serious face. I quickly scrambled to my feet, brushing off my school uniform.

“It’s fine, be more careful next time,” he patted at his green jacket.

While both his tone and eyes were very simplistic there was a snobbish air about him.

“y/n,” I spoke as I looked into his eyes.

“Louis,” he extended his hand out to me which I accepted.

Shaking his hand he had a strong, firm grip. Suddenly it clicked in my head, “Aren’t you the main actor of the drama club?” Star of the show and whatever?”

“Yes that would be me.” It sounded like something that he was proud of, “Goodbye then,” he nodded to me as he walked away.

From that moment on I thought about him daily. When I showed up to drama club that same day it was not a shock to see him, though he seemed somewhat surprised to see me. What surprised him even more was that being able to look at me entirely he noticed my wolf face, but my spotted legs and wide bushy tail. Over weeks of watching him lead the club, the way he spoke, walked, carried himself… All reasons that led us up to this point. His strength and willfulness was admirable. Always being among the strongest animals in the room it was not often I felt weaker than someone. When we first slept together I’m not sure who was more shocked.

“Let’s set ground rules then,” Louie stood facing me with his arms crossed. “We both have reputations to uphold.”

I nodded in agreement, “Yes I think rules are a good idea.”

He hummed at my agreement, “First and foremost this is between you and me, no one else.”

I agreed to that before he continued to speak, “Second, no meddling in each others personal lives. There is no reason to know each other beyond this and the club.”

I narrowed my eyes at him, “You mean no small talk then? I’d prefer to know the person i’m sleeping with.”

He left out a sigh that sounded somewhat understanding, “I suppose that’s not unreasonable…” he thought for a moment, “We can get to know each other. However, you can know me; not my personal life or the things that surround it.”

I again nodded as that sounded more reasonable. He further explained some more rules such as no discussing our “situation” in public, acting as no more than acquaintances in drama club and a few other simple ones. I only had one more rule to add on.

“Either of us can call this off at any time, no questions asked,” I reached out my hand to shake on out agreement.

He thought about my rule only for a second before reaching out and firmly grabbing my clawed hand.

“Why are we going to the gardening club?” I looked at Legoshi whom looked back at me.

“Ah.. I wanted to visit a friend…” His tail swayed back and fourth seemingly excited but nervous.

“How come you didn’t go alone?” I questions him lightly.

“I think I want you to meet her?” He rubbed the back of his neck.

“You think?” I asked as we arrived at the club.

It was beautiful, the sun gleamed against the plants and its warmth swallowed up my fur. It smelled deliciously of flower and herbs. Another more delicious and mouth watering scent caught me by surprise. A very familiar scent of a red deer. Legoshis head dropped in concentration, obvious he had caught that same smell. I looked at him unsure of what to do, he looked back and walked over to a small building. I followed closely behind before he lifted his hand carefully to turn the knob. Before he could the door swung open causing him to yank his hand back.

There is the door way stood Louis, wide eyed, a shocked look covering his face. Behind him stood a small white rabbit.

“Legoshi?” He spoke before looking behind the wolf at me, “y/n?”

My jaw dropped and I spit words out, “Oh I uh, I forgot! Jack needed my help with..” I began backing up. “I’ll catch you later Legoshi!” I turned to leave, the second I was out of sight I sprinted away.

The rest of the day I avoided Louis the best I could. It was stupid really, it’s not like I was his girlfriend. We were just friends, hell not even friends. Then why? Why were my cheeks hot with anger? What was this wretched feeling in my stomach that made me want to hurt anyone that looked at him? A feeling of dread consumed me as I considered skipping drama club. I could run away to my dorm, but then Louie would know that I care.

Instead, I dragged myself to drama club. I would prove to not only him, but myself, that I in fact did not care who he was with! When I arrived at the club Louis was outside, with a rabbit. That same damn white little rabbit as before. She was as tiny and meek as they come. Louie brought his hand up to pat her head gently. I clenched my teeth together so hard I thought my canines would shatter, the rabbit walked away. I stood there in a towering stand of rage and jealousy. Suddenly, a hand was on my shoulder. I turned to look at whoever it was, a grey would stood towering behind me. Before he could say something I spoke up.

“Who is that rabbit from the gardening club?”

His face contorted into a mixture of shock and happiness, “That’s Haru!” He half shouted at me before slapping his hands over his mouth.

I raised an eyebrow at him, “Haru huh?”

We walked into the club together, Louis looked at me the same way he always does. I wasn’t sure if it was good that he was pretending nothing happened, or if it was the worst thing possible. Either way it’s what he was doing and I wasn’t going to contest that. Whilst the club proceeded like normal Bill was unusually flirty with. Every so often he would throw a harmless comment at me. Staring and offering more help than usual. It seemed that the others had noticed this, specifically Louie who almost looked jealous. It dawned on me that in more recent drama club news Bill had been dumped by his girlfriend not all that long ago. It was more than obvious to me that he wasn’t actually interested, he needed an ego boost. I wasn’t most inclined to be the person to help him, however it seemed as though it would benefit me. While I was never going to actually let him near me, it seemed enticing to flirt a little.

I could feel eyes burning into the back of my head. It made me nervously excited. After club had ended everyone began to back their bags and get ready to head home as the sun was setting. Just as I was about to leave Louis asked me to stay behind momentarily to discuss a few set displays with me. Without a word he locked the door after everyone was gone, he practically pounced on me. It was like I was the poor meek prey and he was like big scary predator ready to devour me whole. His hands were rough and full of greed, kisses hungry and ready to take my body as his own. After we were finished the night confirmed two things, one: I was in love with a deer, and two: I had to have him as my very own or not at all.

The choice in my mind was solidified, either Louis would commit to me or I would be leaving him forever. I could handle it if he rejected me. What I couldn’t handle is being in this position any longer. The air was cool today, clouds partially covered the sun. I had asked Louis to meet me outside behind the dorms, it was private and no one really came back here. I stood there, leaning against the brick with my heart beating out of my chest. In the distance I spotted a distinct set of antlers.

“Why did you call me here?” Louie stood right in front of me, his voice as cool as the air.

I sucked in air and my nerves along with it, “I’m… Well i’m not sure how to being this up.”

His face looked annoyed, “Would you spit it out?”

“I want to end this, our situation.” I put emphasis on situation.

He looked at me to see if I was serious, “Okay. I know it’s rule but seeing as you break them I can too. Why?”

Exactly what I had hoped for, “Because I fell in love with you.”

He thought about it for a second, “Okay.” He walked away.

While my face remained calm inside I was furious. Okay? What did he mean okay! I waited for him to walk away before I turned, punching the brick wall. It crumbled underneath my powerful hand, as well as my own bones.

“Fuck!” I shouted into the sky.

The next day my hand was wrapped and healing. My heart was still bleeding heavily and Legoshi had been nothing but questions.

“I still don’t understand why you hit that wall.” He looked at me with an empathetic look.

I sighed heavily, here’s to breaking our rules right? “I was sleeping with Louie, and when I told him I love him all he said was okay.”

Legoshi stared at me plain faced, zero expression and no word, “Legoshi?” I quipped.

He didn’t respond, still stuck in time. “Oh my god did I break you!” I grabbed his hand and yanked on it, “Wait I need someone to talk to!”

The large wolf snapped out of it, “You’ve been sleeping with Louie? WHAT.” He practically screamed at me while somehow falling out of his chair.

When he scrambled to his feet I explained everything, how we met, how we ended up sleeping together, our rules, and most importantly how I fell in love. It was then he also told me that he too had fallen in love with a herbivore.

“We’ll look at us,” I said, “Falling in love with our food.” I couldn’t help the cackling laughter that followed.

“Cosmic joke, I know.” He laughed with me.

“I guess I have to quit drama club…” I said sadly.

“What?” He asked me with a concerned tone, “You love drama club, you can’t quit because of him.”

I looked at him with defeated eyes and explained to him how I just couldn’t face Louis. He argued back, telling me I couldn’t let one person ruin my passion. I decided he was right, I couldn’t let someone ruin something I had worked so hard for. Legoshi walked with me that day, we walked in together and I put on a fake face of uncaring confidence. It was easy to ignore Louis as he had also decided to ignore me.

After drama club was over I walked out with Legoshi. He told me about how he was going to the gardening club to say hello to Haru and ask her to dinner. I watched him walk away, looking back at the door I wondered if I should go back in and face Louie alone. I had nothing more go lose so why wouldn’t I confront him? The least he could do is give me closure. I walked in together find Louie standing in the middle of the club, he looked at me before quickly looking away.

“Louis we need to talk,” I stepped closer but he didn’t move.

“Louis!” I yelled at him in a stern voice, yet again nothing.

“You are such a coward!” I turn to leave the room, it was a mistake to go back in.

A force ran up behind me, yanking my body towards him I collided with his chest

“What did you call me?” his voice was angry and his eyes looked almost on fire.

“I said you’re a coward! I told you that I loved you and you said nothing! You could’ve rejected me, gave me some sort of comfort.”

He left go of me, “Because I’m in love with you too and i’m scared!”

Both our faces dropped in shock. Louis grabbed me tightly, his hands moved to cup my cheeks as he brought me in for a passionate kiss.

When we pulled away, both breathless I was only able to utter out one sentence, “What do we do now?”

That question was answered by a series of quick pecks and my clothes being removed. Working it out physically was better than words.

[spookwriter-xo]

Coppélia

Chapter 11 - The Masquerader

Chapter Summary - ATZ hosts a party to celebrate Y/N's final performance, but an unwanted visitor drops by

warnings: mature descriptions, anxiety/panic attack, mc needs a break if I'm being honest

Series Masterlist

MINORS DO NOT GO BEYOND THIS POINT

The final show came around faster than I could have anticipated. I was told to arrive early, to ensure that there were no altercations or issues hours before the show started. I had a new sense of anxiety knowing that all 8 of the ATZ boys were going to be watching tonight's show.

"Y/N 5 minutes," Miles says from the other side of my dressing room door. I took a deep breath, one more show. No big deal. Hongjoong had organized a masquerade ball as a celebration of Coppelia's end.

I thought it was sweet that he'd put in the effort for me, I can still remember the feeling of the wide grin that spread across my face as he told me.

Hongjoong and I had grown close, and I appreciated that bond. On the nights neither of us could sleep, I'd often be on his lap in his office just so we could talk. His touches were always soft, tracing patterns into my skin as we'd talk about absolute nonsense.

Sometimes, we'd have sex. He'd be rough some nights, his hand wrapped around my neck as he bent me over his desk. Other nights, he'd be gentle, letting me ride him or gently laying me down over his desk with his hands gently gropping my skin.

Remembering that feeling caused a pang to ripple in my stomach. I shake the feeling away before making my way out of my dressing room and towards the main stage. My heart was pounding. This was it. The final show.

"You were amazing, Princess." Hongjoong says as he, followed by the others, file into ky dressing room after the show. "You truly are a talent."

I grin as he takes my hand and presses his lips to my knuckles. "Don't flatter me. My ego is big enough." I laugh, squeezing his hand in response.

"So many of our friends came tonight, they agree that you were wonderful." Seonghwa says, holding a bouquet of Gardenias.

"Are those friends joining us tonight?" I ask, smiling up at Mingi as he leans down to kiss my cheek.

"Most of them." Yeosang answers, his hands tucked away in his pockets. "Others we aren't as close with."

"Anyone I know?"

"The girls from your brunch meetings should be there, and we've extended an invite to Mia." Jongho answers.

"Shall we?" Hongjoong asks, extending his arm for me to take.

The chatter and music downstairs travelled up the stairs to my bedroom. I stared at myself in the mirror. I wore a dark blue gown with black entrails. I had a matching mask that would rest over my eyes. A masquerade ball seemed odd considering they all knew each other, yet I couldn't help but admire the gracefulness of it all.

"Doll?" Seonghwas voice calls out from the doorway, using the knuckles of two of his fingers to push the door open the rest of the way. He wore a black mask with golden details dancing around his eyes like sparks.

"Hey..." I say softly, glancing at him through the reflection.

"You look..." He slowly approaches from behind, his body looming over my own as he gazes down at me. "Beautiful." He whispers.

I feel a light blush rush up my neck, and I break eye contact. He chuckles softly, gently moving my shoulders so that I was facing him.

"I mean it." He says, looking deep into my eyes with so much honesty despite the mask that covered them.

"Did you come to collect me?" I ask softly.

"If you don't mind, of course." He says, reaches up to fix my hair on the left side. "Everyone is wondering where the woman of the hour is."

"Is Mia here?" I ask, playing with the ring on my finger, the ring that matched all of theirs, yet I don't think any of them had noticed I was wearing it yet.

"Yes, she's chatting poor Asami's ear off." He chuckles. I chuckle along with him, sounds like Mia.

"I best go rescue her then." I giggle, moving to grab my mask from my dresser. I can feel his eyes on me as I do so, placing the porcelain over my eyes. He helps me tie it, but before I could put my hand down, he grabs it.

"You're wearing the ring." He says, his voice surprised as he clutches my hand firmly in his to gaze down at it.

"I figured it was about time I did." I say, smiling at the wide grin on his face.

"Thank you." He says, looking up at me again.

"For what?" I ask, tilting my head with a confused smile.

"For accepting us. Despite everything."

"I would be foolish not to." I say, not realising the truth to my words until after I said them. I didn't miss the look of affection that took over his face as he looked down at me.

"Let's go to your party." He says softly, the smile on his face never falling as he entwines our fingers together.

Time seemed to slow the closer we got, my heart thumping with a looming dread that I couldn't quite put my finger on.

A few people looked our way as we entered, the masks frustrating me to some degree since I couldn't recognise anyone. I did, however, spot Minji's dyed blonde hair rather quickly. The short girl was securely tucked into the side of a rather buff man with a full black suit.

I squeezed Seonghwa's hand to let him know I was going to wonder, to which he reluctantly let me.

I approached Minji first. After many brunches with the girls, I had come to enjoy Minji the most. Her bubbly personality brought out a good feeling and made most of my nerves disappear. I was thankful I found her quickly.

"Y/N!" She chirps as I approach, forcefully turning both her and her partner, though he seemed rather happy to obliged.

"You were amazing! I never really enjoyed ballet before, but that was something else." She says, her eyes bright and shining through her mask.

"Thank you." I chuckle, glancing at her partner.

"Oh! This is Changbin." She says, nudging the mans side. He clears his throat and nods. "He's a little shy.. I did say you could go find Wooyoung." She says, looking up at him.

"I'll spend some more time with you, then I'll find him." He says, his voice soft when he speaks to her. It made my heart warm at the sight.

"I'll be fine, go on." She says, ushering him away. He groans before hurrying off into the crowd.

"Are Changbin and Wooyoung close?" I ask her.

"They've been friends for years, same with this other guy, Yeonjun. He knows Jae." She explains, taking my arm now. "I'll take you to the others."

Before we could get much further, two men step in front of us. I recognised either of them, and by the look of confusion on Minji's face, neither did she. Then again this was a ball where everyone was literally masked.

"Are you the ballerina from tonights show?" One asks, his voice sounded familiar, but I couldn't figure out where I'd heard it.

I nod in response, praying that this interaction would be over quickly. No one seemed to come to our rescue, so it looked like it was just Minji and I.

"You were quite remarkable." The same man says. "My wife would have loved to see it if she was well tonight."

"I'm sorry to hear your wife is unwell." Minji finally speaks up, holding onto my arm tightly.

"Yes, well.. You young ones won't need to worry for a long time." He chuckles.

"Chariya." My blood runs cold. That voice, that name. "It's rude to not talk in conversation."

I stare at the second man, my face pale as I step back, my eyes never leaving him.

"Y/N?" Minji asks softly.

It's him. Why is he here? Did someone invite him? Everyone hates the CEO of Belluxe, everyone hates my father! Why is he here?

The words are stuck in my throat as I take another step back, hitting someone in the process. I can't even react, I don't hear what they say. My eyes are still on him.

My father.

I eventually pluck up the courage to turn, pushing through the crowd of people while trying not to trip over my own feet.

I manage to stumble outside, the cold night air doing nothing to calm my panicking heart. I clutched at my chest with one hand and ripped the mask off with the other, letting it clatter to the ground before I kept walking down the paved pathway.

"Y/N!" Another voice calls out as I keep walking. The further away I am, the further away I am from that man. "Y/N!" He calls out again, I recognise the voice as Yunho's, which surprised me.

I stop once I reach the poolhouse, letting myself gasp for some much needed breaths. I felt sick, like I was about to vomit at any second, yet nothing would come out.

"Jesus Christ, what happened?" Yunho says, seeming out of breath as he stops a little way behind me. "Hey..." He calls out, reaching out before stopping himself.

"It's okay, just take deep breaths." He says softly, realising my panicked look. He takes his own mask off, placing it down on one of the pool chairs before coming to stand in front of me. "4 seconds in and 4 seconds out." He says, taking my hands gently which makes me look up at him.

I was surprised by the concern, especially for someone who barely looked at me during my time here.

I did as he said, following his breathing while looking right at him, and eventually I calmed down. I let out a soft breath, relaxing my hold on him as I look down at the floor.

"Better?" He asks.

"Better." I say, letting go of his hands. "Thank you." I say softly.

"What happened in there?" He asks. "You bumped into me, then ran out.."

I grimace at his words. "Sorry about that..."

"Don't worry about it." He chuckles, I'd never heard his laugh before. I liked it.

"The CEO of Belluxe is here.. Did any of you invite him?" I ask, his expression turns to one of confusion.

"I certainly didn't. We all hate him. Why would he be here?" He moves a little to look back at the house. We were completely out of sight. However, the bright lights from the ballroom in the main house made the main party entirely viewable.

Yunho suddenly snaps his head to look at me. "He didn't do anything to you, did he?" He asks, his voice dangerous.

"No!" I say quickly, reaching out extinctively to take his hand.

"Then why'd you run off?"

"He's my dad, Yunho."

His eyes widen in surprise. The only person who actually knew who my father was was Hongjoong. I had a hunch Mingi knew, too, but regardless, Yunho's expression made me believe he had no clue.

"He shouldn't be here." He says roughly, taking a step towards the house before I stop him.

"Can we just stay here?" I say, my hand holding his hand tightly. He glances at my face, then down at our hands before looking back at my face. He nods slowly, his body relaxing as I lead us both towards a set of pool chairs. He sits down beside me, the both of us facing away from the house now.

"He really didn't do anything to you?" He asks, his voice gentler now.

"He recognised me... I just got freaked out." I say, looking up at the night sky, the stars shining brightly above us.

"Understandable." He says softly, looking down at his shoes.

"Why'd you follow me out?" I ask after a few moments silence. "I mean, you haven't given me the time of day since I got here."

"I may not be as social as the others, but that doesn't mean I don't care." He answers honestly. "Not everyone in this world is completely heartless, yknow?" I snort at his words.

"Says the gunman." I say, not missing the smirk that spreads across his face.

"Now how'd you know that?"

"Hongjoong told me what you all do in the underworld." I say with a shrug.

"Oh, so you're learning our secrets now?" He chuckles.

I shove him playfully, and his smile widens. I had completely forgotten about the party, Yunho and I sat out there for what felt like hours just talking. It was nice.

"Can I ask why you joined up with Hongjoong?" I ask.

"I was the second to join." He starts. "It was back in freshman year of college. I remember there was only one study table available in the library, and we both just so happened to need to study at the same time."

"So like a fate thing?" I ask.

"Honestly, I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't met him." He says. "I'd probably have a boring desk job or something."

"Well, there's still time for that." I say, causing him to roll his eyes. He glances back at the house, letting out a noise of surprise.

"Everyones gone." He says, causing me to turn around quickly.

He was right, not a single person in sight. The night had gone by so quickly that everyone had partied and left. It must have been fairly late now, which meant Yunho and I had to disappear back inside before the cold caught up to us.

I felt bad for not saying hello to the people I actually liked. However, the time I spent with Yunho made up for that absence.

I was getting closer to them. It took time, but it was starting to become worth it.

christmas special might come out a little late because I'm working christmas eve, but I promise it will be released before the 26th!

that being said; merry christmas from australia! i hope you enjoy your holidays!

taglist

@bellaptv @arilevenatz @my-atiny-kookie-rkive @hecateslittlewitchling @starhwacore @neuviloved @monstacheol @latisthegenderfluidwannabealone @vtyb23 @bigbabygremlin @professormingisglasses @nuggiesnuggetdog04 @pinuspot @astral-trashcan @ateezswonderland @joonhasjiminsjams @atzlordz @lightwxodd

[missesnott]

Study date | Theodore Nott x Fem. Reader

•Summary: You and Theodore chose a day to study together at your dorm. As soon as he walks in, he notices that you have a collection of stuffed toys. After he leaves, you realise that one is missing. On the next study date you both have, which is in his dorm, you find your stuffed toy in his bed.

•Requested by: @helendeath

You were sat on your bed, waiting for your friend, Theo. Tonight you were helping him with potions. Despite being very inteligent, Theo isn't very good at potions, and you help him how you can.

A knock on your door is heard. You get up and walk towards the door, opening it.

"Hey!" you greet the slytherin.

"Hey bella" he greets back, entering your dorm. "This is your bed?" he points to a bed with some stuffed toys.

"Yes, but I was about to take them out of here..."

"Leave them if you want." he says, not seeming to worried about it. "You also give names to them, like a child?" he plays.

"No... only to Willow..." you point to your favorite stuffed animal "Anyways, can we start or are you going to mock me about it?" you sat on your bed again, Theo following you with a small smile.

You both take your books out and you start teaching him all he needed to know. Hours pass by, but you don't seem to notice, neither does Theo.

"Is easy, isn't it?" you ask him with a soft smile.

"Now it is." he looks back to you.

You both took a gander at one another for a couple of moments until you saw the time.

"It's almost dinner time..." you say and break the eye contact. Grabbing your book, you get up to put it on his place. Theo sits on the bed and grabs his things, putting them back on his bag.

"See you at dinner?" he asks, on the door.

"I'll be there in 10." you smile and he nods, leaving.

[...]

Ten minutes pass by and you had now entered the Great Hall. You searched for your friends and sat next to them. The dinner was spent with you and your friends eating, gossiping and chatting about your up coming exams, and for your surprise you had a transfiguration exam.

You weren't very good at this subject, but you knew someone who was. You looked for him and eventually found him, laughing with his friends. You smiled and continued to chat with your friends.

"I think I'm spending the rest of the evening studying..." one of your friends said.

"Me too" a blonde girl agreeds.

"I'm free tomorrow, which means I have the whole day to study."

"And you better! McGonagall's exams are not easy..." the green eyed girl said, the blonde agreeing once again.

Since you three had finished eating, you get up and start to walk to your dorm. One of your friend was a Hufflepuff, so she turned to another corridor, saying goodbye to you and your other friend.

"So, you'll study tomorrow alone?"

"I guess... I'll ask Theo if he can help me. He's way better at transfiguration than I'll ever be."

"Theo? Theodore Nott?" she asks in disbelief.

"Yes, we help each other."

She opens her mouth to say something but she doesn't speak. You both continue the way to your dorm and say goodbye once again, since you did not shared the dorm.

You enter your dorm and check your messy bed. Taking a deep breath, you change your clothes and take your stuffed toys of the bed, so you could sleep but you notice one is missing, Willow.

You looked everywhere. Under the bed, on your bag, through the ground. Willow was nowhere to be found. Upset, you just decide to go to sleep, maybe in the morning you'd find her.

[...]

The sun's rays hit your face, waking you up. Groaning, you get up, walking to the bathroom taking a bath. You remember that Willow is missing, and decide to look for her afterwards.

You get out of the shower, dress and see the time. Theo had some classes now, and you hadn't ask him if he could help you.

Walking fast to the Great Hall, you spotted him speaking to his friends. He sees you, and you call him over with a gesture. He quickly gets up and walks to you.

"Hey bella, what do you need?"

"I was hoping that you could help me with Transfiguration...? I have an exam tomorrow and you know I suck at the subject..."

"Sure, today at 4PM? In my dorm this time?"

"Yes, thank you so much!" you smiled at him and he smiled back.

[...]

It was already 4PM and you were walking to Theo's dorm. You knock and a few seconds later he opens.

"Hey, come in."

You enter his dorm and he guides you to his bed. The first thing you see is nothing else then Willow, the stuffed toy you thought you had lost. You decide to not ask him about it.

"So, where do you wanna start from?" he asks staring at your eyes.

You broke the eye contact once more and take your book out.

"Here..." you lay in his bed next to him, belly down, pointing to the subject.

"Bella, that's the easiest thing I'll probably teach you today" he jokes again.

"Yes, well then please start. My exam is tomorrow and I stayed my whole morning studying."

He starts to explaining everything to you, detail by detail.

3rd post! A little to much [...]? maybe... sorry about that

[spacebaby1]

Thoughts on moving in with Rindou? Going furniture shopping, packing and unpacking, becoming roomies with Ran (brother package deal fr), etc. Now that you live with Rindou you have easy access to snatch his shirts to sleep in ╰(*´︶`*)╯♡

Rindou loved you more than anything and anyone in his life, which made him concerned about you living away from him. All he ever wanted was to wake up beside you and knowing that you both find it hard to meet up because you lived a bit further away from where he lived. Rindou had been thinking about this the whole morning; he was going to ask you to move in with him, it's been more than a year since you two got in a relationship and he thought it's more than enough to be able to move in. You put up with him more than any other partner ever did, and he was absolutely sure that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you.

Both of you had decided to meet at the small cafe before you got to work.

"Hey, Sweetie!" You greeted him with a soft smile going in for a hug and he kissed your cheek before hugging you tight. "Ah, I missed my beautiful girl so much, you look stunning." You giggled, "says you, handsome. So how you've been? I missed you so so much." You pouted and he smiled giving a small kiss, "I'm better when I'm with you, come on let's sit down."

Both of you ordered your coffee and catch up to what have happened in the time you were away while Rindou nervously tapped his feet mostly unable to focus on your words because he was nervous to ask you the question and he just blurted it out as he placed his hands on yours, "would you move in with me love?"

You both exchanging a silence look before you smiled at him, "that's a big commitment-"

"Yes! I know and I want you with me everyday, I don't want to go on more days without you in my arms whenever I get home or when I wake up in the morning. Would you?"

"You mean it?" The soft look on your face made his heart melt as he nodded taking your hand in his and giving it a small soft kiss, "Okay! I will move in with you, Baby." He got up and picked you up in a hug spinning you around. "Would Ran be okay with me moving in?" You asked when he put you down. Rindou nodded with a smile, "Ran would be happy! He won't mind at all."

The following day Rindou and Ran decided to help you pack your apartment and honestly you didn't need that much packing because you were just a simple girl with simple important things in your space. "Is that it?" Ran asked packing the last box of your books; the only things you find important in your apartment were your books, clothes, bed and few plants. "Wow, you should see the random things in my room it's more than the whole apartment of yours." You laughed at that because you knew how Ran liked to collect the most random things.

"Okay, wow! This room is bigger than my whole apartment." You gasped as you entered the room that was supposed to be yours, Both Rindou and Ran helped to put the boxes away, "we should go room furniture shopping later since we still have time." Rindou suggested to which you happily agreed because you sadly couldn't move the bed frame and your old bookshelf was broken. Ran decided to take a nap while You and Rindou went shopping.

"How about that one?" Rindou pointed at the silver bed frame. You nodded with a smile, "You said you don't like loud furniture, so we'll get you whatever you like." You pouted at how Rindou remembered the details about the things you liked and disliked.

The unpacking everything away right after getting home was too tiring that the three of you were exhausted by the time you were done unpacking and it was already midnight, Ran had already went to bed before the both of you and all of you were too tired to unpack the bed frame to which you sighed, "forgot the bed, I'll take the couch tonight." Rindou shook his head barley able to stay awake, "Nah, that couch is gonna break your neck, you can take my bed, I'll take the floor " you waved your hands at him, "we'll share the bed, not me taking your bed. It's not like we didn't share a bed before." Even at his tired self, Rindou blushed at your words while you just gave him a sleepy smile. You immediately fell asleep when you got in Rindou's bed; it was him struggling to sleep because you were just too cuddly and liked cuddling into him. He kept caressing your hair with a soft smile on his face as you slept, snoring softly on his chest.

Living with the haitani brothers was amazing and always fun. You loved cooking, and Ran loved eating, so every time you had a day off, he'd get home all excited because he knew that you'd be cooking a feast for him and Rindou. Rindou would show off his DJ skills, and both you and Ran would cheer him; sometimes, team up to laugh at his bad DJ songs. While Ran wouldn't go through a movie night before falling asleep in the first twenty minutes, Rindou and you would have a movie marathon one after another on weekends.

You'd often do their hair, especially Ran's pigtails, and massage Rindou's head because he'd easily get a random headache and would be a big baby about it, but you didn't mind. Ran would bake often because, surprisingly, he made the best cookies in the whole world. And when the laundry gets mixed up you'll sometimes end up wearing their Sweaters because it was in your clothes. Rindou would fight the blush everytime he'd find you wearing his shirts, or Sweaters.

[caledine]

Leader Whumpee Pt3

( sighhhh do i feel bad? maybe a little… Also heads up these are so short— im sorry I’m tryna cure writers block…consistency not length for now. Hope these get longer as time goes on)

The world had tilted sideways before he could summon the response in him. He lay there with his throbbing head leaning against a cabinet. He should probably do something; his body was too exhausted to care but he knew he had to do something. He heard the pan sizzling as the pasta water overflowed. He scowled, pushing himself up slowly and turning the stove off.” Leader for goodness sake you’ve made a mess.” Medic sighed from behind him. Pasta water dripped on. the floor and she frowned at him. “ You know weaponizing your incompetence is not a good way to get out of your work because I know you can cook. I know you are a hard worker— so if you slack off and pretend that’s all you have I'm going to know.” She pressed her lips into a thin line and disappointment laced her words. Leader didn’t look at her, he grabbed a cloth and pushed himself back on the floor ,haphazardly, to clean up the mess. His side seared. “ Dinner was meant to be ready, Leader. You know how people are— everyone’s tired. We agreed it would be done by 7, and I was feeling nice and gave you 30 more minutes.” Medic’s tone had started getting frustrated. He didn’t blame her but seriously? They were the ones tired?

“ Medic cut it out.” He mumbled, “ I’ll make sauce, it'll be fine.” He couldn’t find the energy to get back up from where he was crouched cleaning up the water. He cradled his side trying to find a little comfort in the waves of misfortune that had led to the unfortunate situation he’d found himself in. “ Leader, it's a crisp, we aren't eating this. What the hell?” she bit, “ Every week , everyone in this house makes an attempt to make dinner something special we can share— but this?” She held the steaming pan in front of his face. He blinked hazily at it. He wanted to be mad. Yell and scream and tell her how cruel they were being . Tell her he needed help and they were all making it worse. But being mad needed energy, energy he didn’t contain. He let it simmer in his chest but didn’t speak up. “ It’s lazy. That's what this is— you’ve had since you got home from patrol to finish this, and Second said you barely did much during patrol . Just wandering off and taking unnecessary breaks. Whatever mood you're in, no matter how mad, we are a collective and your slacking off affects us; All of us. Because lord you won’t even look at me” She was mad now. She spilled the steaming pot down the drain and kissed her teeth in frustration.

He leaned against the front of the oven, having given up cleaning. He knew it would piss her off but he couldn’t find it in him to care. There was a point a human could reach where necessity was watered down enough to neutrality. “ I’ll do better. Tomorrow. Or even in an hour. Please, I want some sleep.” He whispered. She didn’t seem to hear him.

He zoned out a bit and sat on the floor as the room swayed. He tried to force out words that just came out incoherently mumbled, not that any of them were paying attention to him. He thinks he remembered yelling of some sorts. Voices— since when has everyone else gotten here…? Then annoyance. Half towards him he thought, maybe all towards him actually, the burn of glares didn’t vanish from him as he sat frozen. He forced his cloudy vision up to see the team in the kitchen, their yelling falling on deaf ears. Was it to him or eachother? His hand fumbled with the handle of the oven and he used it to push himself onto trembling feet. Pain. Spinning.

He blinked trying to get everything to make sense. Pain. Spinning.

He wondered if he even managed a couple steps before he’d crashed into the ground and the darkness had swam over him.

Part 2, Part 4

[unhingedangstaddict]

It seems a lot of people are looking for a distraction right now so here's me trying to do my part. I don't have a name for this WIP yet but I have posted a few other scenes from this WIP already (this post and this post ).

Buck packed their bags while Tommy called the San Francisco Police Department's number on the business card that had been left. He learned that his sister, Cassandra and brother-in-law, Marcus were hit by a drunk driver who’d run a red light at a high speed. San Francisco PD explained they hadn’t been able to locate Avery (Tommy's niece) but that they’d sent officers to notify Dylan (Tommy's nephew), and Marcus’ best friend and secondary emergency contact after Cassandra.

Tommy and Buck took Tommy’s truck, yet Buck was driving. Tommy wasn’t in the right headspace for it and had calls to make anyway. He started with Dylan.

“Uncle Tommy,” Dylan sounded relieved as he answered the phone. “Did you hear-”

“Yeah, D, I- I heard.” Tommy confirmed.

“I haven’t been able to get a hold of Avery,” Dylan started.

“I did, sort of. She’s sleeping hard at a friend’s after a softball game. I spoke with the friend’s mom, they’ll keep her there until I can get to San Fran.” Tommy explained. “She doesn’t know yet, I figure it’ll be better coming from one of us.”

“I’m trying to find a flight but they’re freaking expensive, why are all these damn flights so freaking expensive?” Dylan huffed, he sounded like he was spiraling and on the verge of tears.

“Hey, hey- just take a breath.” Tommy instructed. Dylan had a lot to worry about right now, but not having money for a flight was not one of them. Tommy hadn't expected Dylan to have that kind of cash just laying around being a university student. “I’ll send you some money, just get the first flight you can, okay?”

“Okay.” Dylan let out a shaky breath. “You on your way to San Fran now?”

Tommy put the phone on speaker so he could send Dylan the money. “Yeah, yeah I am. I’m sending the money now. Send me your flight details as soon as you have them, okay?”

“Yeah, I will.”

Tommy didn’t talk with Dylan much longer, as Dylan needed to pack a bag and get to the airport.

“He’s probably so scared.” Buck frowned. He knew this was hard on Tommy but he had to imagine it was much, much harder for Dylan.

“No doubt.” Tommy agreed.

“Should- do you think someone’s contacted your father?” Buck asked as carefully as he could. He knew Thomas Kinard Sr was not a great father or grandfather to say the least, but he still should be made aware of what was happening.

“I’ll call him later. Him knowing now or later won't make any difference and he’s probably asleep right now and if someone wakes him up he’ll still be drunk and he’ll be pissed. Noon will probably be the best time to call, he’ll be awake and he’ll have a drink or two in him, but he won’t be shitfaced yet.”

Buck just nodded in understanding, and kept his focus on driving.

The timing worked out that it made the most sense to pick up Dylan from the airport before going to collect Avery. Buck and Tommy waited for him at his arrival gate, and soon he approached them. Dylan was about lanky, about 5’10, with short curly reddish brown hair, blue eyes, and freckles. He looked exhausted and lost as he silently approached his uncle and hugged him tightly.

“I got you.” Tommy told Dylan as he wrapped his arms around his nephew and held him close.

Eventually Dylan pulled away. “Hi Buck.” he said politely, then looked at Tommy. “Still gotta get Avery, right?” He guessed.

“Yeah.” Tommy confirmed. “We should get going.”

Tommy drove them from the airport to Avery’s friend’s house and soon they were parked in front of the house.

“She’s gonna know something is wrong the moment she sees either one of us.” Dylan pointed out. “I should be in Intro to Algorithms right now and you should be, doing whatever you’d be going at eleven in the morning on a Tuesday.”

“I know.” Tommy sighed. “I’m gonna go up to the door and get her, then once she’s in the truck we- we’ll break the news.” He told Dylan, then got out and went up to the house. He rang the bell and patiently waited.

Soon the door was answered by a middle aged woman who must’ve been Madison’s mom. “You must be Avery’s uncle.”

“Yes.” Tommy nodded.

The woman nodded. “I’ll grab her, she’s ready to go.” She promised and disappeared further into the house.

After a moment Avery came into view. Avery was 5’6 with an athletic build, and the same reddish brown colored hair as her brother, though her hair didn’t have the same curl her brother’s did. She had the same blue eyes as him though, and more freckles than Dylan. “Uncle Tommy?” She frowned. “What are you doing here?”

“I’ll explain in a moment. We should get going, there’s some people waiting in the car.”

“Okay.” Avery said slowly. She turned to her friend and said goodbye, grabbed her bag, and followed Tommy out to his truck. She opened the back passenger side door and saw her brother. “Dylan?”

“Hey Aves.” Dylan tried to sound upbeat but didn’t quite hit the mark.

“You look like shit.” Avery told her brother as she handed him her bag and climbed into the truck.

“Thanks.” Dylan said sarcastically as he shoved her bag on the floor between their feet.

“Okay, now will someone tell me what is going on? Where’s mum and dad?”

“Avery, they um,” Dylan started, but was having a hard time continuing.

“There was an accident last night. They were hit by a drunk driver.” Tommy continued.

“No. No you’re lying.” Avery shook her head.

“They’re gone, Avery. They didn’t make it.” Dylan explained.

“And you guys kept it from me?” Avery seemed upset by this.

“Was I supposed to send a text, hey Aves we’re orphans now?” Dylan asked incredulously.

“You should’ve told me! You kept it from me for- well long enough for the two of you to get here.” Avery argued.

“We wanted to be with you, when you found out.” Tommy explained calmly.

“This isn’t happening.” Avery muttered and put her head in her hands.

Tommy looked helplessly at Dylan, then at Evan.

All Buck could do was take Tommy’s hand and try to offer some silent comfort. He had a feeling he’d be doing that a lot the next little while.

If anyone wants to read more lmk I've got a bunch of this story written and I'm happy to share if someone needs something to take their mind off other things for a little bit

[katieaki]

My ✨ post-apocalyptic Lesbian Cowgirl Mailman choose-your-own adventure✨ has just updated! Read it here for free on my Patreon and vote in the poll! Here is a guide to get you started, the summaries of each part of the story thus far, the complete collected text, and FAQ, all in one place. They have everything you need to know about Lou, her requited-but-complicated love, the religious assassin who just beat the tar out of her, the worst person she's ever met, and the ill-advised journey she is on! There is also a discord where Pony Express readers from all across god's green internet can gather, here!

Read the update for free on my patreon & vote on what happens next! Excerpt below the cut.

“Please don’t go to sleep yet,” Artie said. She sat halfway up and looked at Lou, really looked at her, for the first time that night. She looked haunted. She had been still for a while except for that tremor that she didn’t seem to be able to kick, but she looked fragile. There was a mark across her cheek from resting on Lou’s jeans for so long.

“I’m beat, Artie. My head is killing me. My arm,” Lou said. She could barely keep her eyes open. “I’m out of stuff to say. You look alright now.”

“It’s not that,” Artie said. She buried her face in Lou’s lap again.

“Then what?��� Lou said.

Artie said something, but her voice was so quiet and muffled, Lou couldn’t hear her.

“What?” she said, leaning in close.

“I’m not ready for you to hate me again,” Artie said, a little louder that time. She winced at the admission.

Lou nodded. “I ain’t apologizing,” she said.

“You shouldn’t,” Artie said into Lou’s thigh.

“I ain’t. And I am still mad, don’t go around thinking I ain’t mad,” Lou said.

“I don’t,” Artie said.

“But I think, since we’re gonna die and all we have is each other anymore, I think maybe I’m finished hollering at you,” Lou said. Artie looked up at her from the ground, her dark eyes glossy in the low light. “I do have two stipulations. Don’t fucking slip me nothing else.”

“I won’t— I swear to the gods I won’t. That was a mistake— you– you have no idea how much I regret–“

“Nothing. No matter your intention,” Lou said.

“Nothing,” Artie agreed, eagerly.

“And,” Lou said, “you gotta be nice to Holliday again.”

Artie grimaced like she’d been given something extremely bitter to eat.

“She’s deluded and mean and this is all her fault, but there ain’t no point in being mean back, now. She lied to us but she didn’t know she was taking us on a wild goose chase. She believes something’s out there for her. Really believes,” Lou said. “If I can be tolerant of you and her, you can tolerate her. Let’s spend these last days in peace.”

“These aren’t our last days,” Artie said. She sat up. Even in her pale and drawn face, her eyes had an intensity and determination behind them that Lou felt she hadn’t seen from her in a while.

“Weeks, then,” Lou said. She didn’t know how fast someone could starve to death. The prospect of starving slowly for months chilled her.

“I’m gonna keep us alive,” Artie said. “I’m bringing you home. I’m bringing you home alive. Leave it to me.”

“Okay,” Lou said. She nodded and Artie nodded back, determined. Lou didn’t believe it, but, like with Holliday, there was no need to argue about it anymore. Let them all think what they needed to think to die peacefully.

[mcsm-confessions]

Okay, I was going to take a nap, so, while I was trying to sleep the topic of "How could people forget about Ivor being a member of the orden of the stone so easily?" came to my mind. (This is going to be a long one, sorry for the long text)

Someone a weeks ago talked about this strange thing, because the og orden look like they're in their 50s maybe almost 60s. There are not enought time to people forget about Ivor to the point that they just don't recognize him at all (literally in S1EP1 when Ivor ruin the event, Jesse's gang are just "who tf is this guy?" and "why Gabriel knows him?"). The og order were celebrities when they were still a team, so people knew Ivor and he was also treated as a heroe, so, how did the people forget?

The original anon came up with two possibilities: 1. MCSM characters just don't grow up, they just spawn and they look like that forever. I don't believe this (I think the anon didn't agree also). We have a portrait of Harper looking younger with black hair instead of her grey hair that she has now. So people can grow up. So the next thing was

2. MCSM characters grow up but they do it slower than humans in real life. This sounds more posible because in this case we may have the enought time to people forget about him. But it doesn't still fit to me. You just don't forget something like that, it's like if in irl society just forget about Paul McCartney being a Beatle because it had passed 40 years or more. It still odd for a celebrity just being forgotten like that, even more if Ivor still alive.

So, here is my take about the topic: The main characters, when they find out the truth in the book of the temple in EP1, describe it as "he was erased from history", so, how if we take this more literal?

It seems like no records remain to show that Ivor was a member of the order, except the book in the temple. There are for sure books about the other members, we know that because the narrator read us the same version of the book but without Ivor at the beginning. Then, there is, as I said before, the fact that the people don't recognize Ivor at all, like some type of collective amnesia. But how are these two things possible?

The command block. Hear me out on this. When Ivor has this argument with the order and they all agree to keep the secret, even Ivor promise it, what if they also decided to literally erased Ivor from their history with the command block. Why? The other members during EP1 to EP4 don't see Ivor as someone you can trust. Even if he promised to keep the secret, what if he just change his mind one day? Ivor as a member of the order has the authority to people believe in him, but Ivor as a nobody the situation change. No one would believe a random saying that their heroes are a fraud.

You might be wondering why then Ivor didn't change this at some point with the command block instead of the whole wither thing, and this is my answer: Ivor promised, he really has no intention of breaking his promise (he said it himself in EP4), so probably he also agree with this because he won't tell people anyway, not with his words. Ivor in the game is resentful because of the order lying to people about they being the greatest heroes of all times, he's not that much resentful about the order earesing him. In EP4 finale if you choose to tell the truth, you just mention that they were cheaters, but you don't tell about Ivor being a member, and he's is happy with that. He doesn't need to being remember as an order member because of the command block he never was a real heroe, so what's the point? He's just happy with the fact that people know the truth.

(If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! Sorry for the long text but I'm bad at summarizing my theories. I may have missed some information in my final conclusion, so if there are any mistakes let me know.)

~~~

[bloopitynoot]

Reading SVSSS: Bonus- Chapter 32

For those who don't know, I am reading SVSSS for the first time and sharing my thoughts!

If you have not read it, there will be spoilers! Consider this a warning.

Also- if you want to follow along, I am aiming to post updates daily. You can find all the posts in the tag bloopitynoot reads SVSSS. You can also check out the intro post for context on my read.

Yes it is 8 am and yes I am eating chicken gnocchi soup for breakfast. I stand that soup is and always will be a breakfast food.

No hot drinks today! This wedding required a feast :'3

I can't believe this is it! The series finale if you will.

I have been waiting 32 chapters for this moment. at last!!!

This man (SQQ) has been sleeping with this other man for what- months(?) years(?) at this point and he is STILL over here totally bewildered at the fact that LBH does not want to marry a woman. p355

This is kind of sweet though. I'm so glad Cang Qiong Mountain sect has embraced these two absolute weirdos. I love that they can visit now! It warms my romantic heart that they can travel for a while and then come "home" for a time. p355

omg these two are so embarrassing. The way in which LBH is asking him to marry him is so awkward. p359

oh no, now I feel like an asshole because LBH was SO NERVOUS the days leading up to him asking. (granted totally fair with how SQQ acts towards him/about their relationship- I too would not know if he wanted to actually marry me or not in this situation). I just want to pinch LBH's cheeks though, why is he so cute. p360

aaaaaah- this is so cute. SQQ being actually happy about him asking instead of trying to gaslight himself and side step his feelings or "reluctantly" agreeing to marry LBH pp360-361

my heaaaaaaaart LBH's confession pp362-363

The fact that LBH had wedding outfits ready. I need to know two things; 1. where/how did he get them and 2. how long has he had them and had this planned. p363

I truly don't know if MXTX has written a tender sex scene. Why does it always have to be a little traumatic? Granted I have only read SVSSS and MDZS BUT both of these series have either uncomfortable (SVSSS) or just have freak4freak energy (MDZS-but I will take this over crying and bleeding) there's never something soft and lubed. I hope that TGCH has something (no spoilers pls) but my bar is so low. (okay but wangxian was fine for the most part- they just were also dry and mutually unhinged). pp366-367

NO LOL the wife-ing of SQQ. p370

Okay okay- the ending was so sweet. The little shy embarrassed SQQ calling Binghe husband and him pretending not to hear. My headcanon is that eventually over time SQQ feels less and less embarrassed, works through his internalized homophobia, and learns to say what he actually feels more often. Even without my hopes and dreams, I still think this ending was such good character growth for SQQ.

Holy shit we did it!

Thank you to everyone who joined me on this reading journey. It has been so fun getting to read the books along with you and talk about the experience.

I am a little bit sad that it is over :'3

I do however, now have a pile of fanfic to start working through and am so stoked to continue this journey via fan works. Thank you, thank you to everyone who sent me fics to read!!

In terms of what is next- I will likely spend some time reading SVSSS fanfic- if I get to a point where like Wangxian, I have hundreds of fics in my collection, I may start recing Bingqiu!

BUT in terms of danmei, I am hoping to read TGCF next and round out my MXTX collection (likely end of December start)!

This has been such an amazing experience that I will continue to live blog future danmei series :)

Thank you thank you again!

[jongbross]

hi again and sorry for more request 😭 suddenly it came to my mind. could you write a married couple, baekhyun is 7-8 years older than her (if it's okay for you- and of course legal) and she wants a baby so bad but, baek is not ready or not want because of his wife. his wife has already graduated and he worries about her. but two of them have a big fight because of misunderstanding. some sad tears and hugs please! (You can write one of them for two request) thank you so much! 💓

pairing: byun baekhyun x reader word count: 1086 genre: angst with a happy ending warnings: arguing, mentions of pregnancy, tears, baekhyun trying to be a good husband but failing (depends on your point of view though) a/n: the angst we wanted to badly!!!!! thanks for requesting <3

it was breaking his heart to see you like that. baekhyun could see your tears falling from your eyes, arms protectively wrapped around your body, hugging your stomach.

it's not that he didn't want a baby - he wanted it, so badly. just... not now.

baekhyun already had to live with that tiny little feeling of guilt, as he always thought he had stolen your youth. he was much older than you when you two started to date and, even though it was legal, he knew that part of him was wrong for wanting you.

you were young, in the glory of your 20 years; he was an adult already, turning 28 and thinking about what he wanted for the future. you had so much to live yet, people to kiss, drinks to try, places to go; he already had a good career, had already collected some heartbreaks, and knew exactly how he liked his whiskey.

it was kind of selfish of him, baekhyun always thought. how he loved you so much and wanted you to grow and live and experience things, but how he still couldn't let you go, because he needed you and craved for you like he never did with anyone else.

when you got into college, baekhyun promised himself that he would be the best husband - he would support you, but also give you enough space to live that part of your life. and he did, you know? from taking you to bed at 2am because you were still trying to finish that project, to getting up at 3am because you got drunk at a college party. he did his best, stayed beside you through it all, and was there to applaud you when you graduated, years after.

he wanted a baby with you. god only knows how many nights he went to sleep picturing both of you having a family together, living happily ever after. but gosh, he was doing fine in allowing you to live, how could he agree to having a baby when you just started the career you wanted so much?

"is it...", you tried to speak, but had to take a moment. "is it because my body will change?"

"what?"

"because, you know... i'm not a little girl anymore. my body has already changed so much from when we started dating, but if this is the problem, then..."

"y/n, please", baekhyun's soft voice stopped you. "it has nothing to do with you. believe me when i say that it's not about you."

"then it's about who? us? you don't love me anymore?"

baekhyun sighed, heart breaking just at the mere mention of those words.

"it hurts me that you could even consider that..."

"then tell me the reason!", you said, this time a bit louder, emotion getting the best of you and tears still filling your eyes. "because i've dedicated my whole life to you, and i truly want to keep doing that and making both of our dreams of becoming parents come true. so why won't you let me?"

"exactly because of that", he said, defeated. "because you already did way too much for me. you took care of me, you loved me, held me when i was sick, when i was sad... you did everything when you should be out, living your life while you're young, not here with me. and i'm so grateful for that, please don't ever get me wrong - i love you so, so much it hurts, and i wish i could give you the world in return for all you did. and i feel like i can finally give you at least half of it now, as you're finally working where you've always wanted and being happy. i can't ask you to put that aside now just because i wanna be a dad... i-i just can't."

when baekhyun finally took a deep breath, his tears also started to fall. he had told you before, about the guilt he carried all these years, and you knew it would never pass - no matter how much you tried to reassure him.

"you get so blind trying to protect me sometimes, that you forget to ask me what i want", you mumbled just loud enough for him to hear.

getting up from the couch, you walked over to where he was, sitting down on the floor in front of him. baekhyun tried his best not to look at you, as he knew he would lose everything the moment he did - all his composure, all the feelings he was still trying to hold back.

you knew your husband, so you just went as far as laying your head on his knee, eyes focused on his face even though he was probably counting how many books you two had on the shelf as a way to not burst into tears.

"i chose to live with you. i was young, yeah, but i knew what i was doing", you began. "and i've never, ever regretted that choice, not even once. because the love you have for me is exactly like the love i have for you, baek. we're what, 8 years into our relationship now? and i'll never get tired of reminding you that. i love you, i always will. i appreciate the way you try to take care of me, but even though i'm younger than you, i know what i'm doing. so if i say i can have a baby now, then it's because i truly do."

baekhyun closed his eyes for a second, and through his beautiful lashes, more tears fell.

"but what about..."

"don't worry about my job", it was your time to stop him. "i have everything figured out, and i know it's the perfect time for us to try. you were the one who taught me how to be organized and how to make plans. have some faith in me, love..."

"i do", he opened his eyes to look at yours. "i trust you with my life."

"then let's try. let's become parents, put a little baby into this world as a way to tell everyone how much we love each other."

like a baby himself, baekhyun pouted and, suddenly, he crumbled in front of you, crying and sobbing. you quickly got up, sitting on his lap and pulling him in for a hug.

"i love you", baekhyun whispered to you.

"i love you so much", you whispered back. "there's no one in this world i would rather make my dreams come true with."

[treason-and-plot]

REPLIES TO ROY'S SULKING

@thickness1988

Anya I think it time to leave if you don’t want to deal with this for the rest of your life

Yes, but she should take the trip to Paris first!😁

@wannabecatwriter

Never thought Anya would be the first woman to properly call this guy out like this.

She has her tipping point, and Roy just activated it! I think the situation with her father has also made her a lot more intolerant of men's erm, disappointing behaviour.

@justanothersimsblog

Anya, I like you, but I kinda want to suggest you go and enjoy Paris regardless

I couldn't agree more! Although the fact that she doesn't care that she might be risking her trip does show that she has very strong principles. If it was me I'd be waiting until I got on the plane to rip him a new one!😄

@kscriba

I second this lol Also so she and Mia can have a crossover ;)

@gittessimsadventuresog

ooh yes just a solo girls trip

That would be so tempting, but she really does love him despite his flaws and was so looking forward to going to the concert with him and holidaying together in the romance capital of the world. He just pushed her that little bit too far when they were in the VIP lounge and she lost her temper. I don't think Roy even realised she had a temper prior to this!

@pixeldistractions

I think Anya is answering all of her own questions already.

Yeah, Roy can continue to sulk, it's unlikely he'd have anything of value to contribute to the conversation any way!😄

@batsheba

And he handles it like any manchild would, LOL, by sulking and passive aggression.... seriously Roy!

Sulking and passive aggression would tip me over the edge...I'd much prefer confrontation and active aggression, lol!

@parystrange

Girl, just collect your luggage and leave! Got to paris yourself or go home. Don't pander to his bullshit.

@zosa95

Manbaby, indeed! I’d get on the plane with or without him lol

@parystrange and @zosa95 I know that would be the most sensible thing to do but tragically I think she'd feel too guilty to fly to Paris without him. She'd feel as if she was taking advantage of him, or that she was acting like a gold digger. And despite his infuriating behaviour, she still loves him. She doesn't want to go to Paris by herself.

@muses-circle

Roy is already good at making a fool of himself in public, Anya. No need to make it worse. Might want to consider walking away if he refuses to talk, though.

@gittessimsadventuresog

manbaby alert

@sweetnovember77

"Can we discuss ways to resolve this?” should have been the initial proposal instead of launching insults. You can't speak to people in that manner in real life and anticipate their cooperation. I hope Roy’s pride isn’t too damaged, but everything occurs for a purpose. Perhaps Anya should confront her disappointment in her father. I believe that concern is causing her patience to dwindle.

That's a very perspicacious comment regarding Anya's father. Her tolerance of BS and problematic behaviour is at an all-time low thanks to the recent revelations, and she would not have been getting much sleep lately either which would have further eroded her patience. However I think she was totally fair to criticise Roy for missing the plane and for being so blase about the whole situation even if her delivery may have been a little...harsh. But on the other hand, there are many who have applauded her for her take no prisoners approach!

@greywardenconsort

Isn't this Roy's vacation too? Was he being a dunderhead? Yes but he was having a laugh & a drink with a friend and Anya's traveled before, she knows how to see when the plane is boarding or go ask anyway. Is she HIS partner in this adventure just a passenger princess? How about an "oh hey honey we need to get to the gate or we'll miss our flight. Johno so nice to meet you I hope to see you again when we aren't so pressed for time. Let's get a move on honey" Like an adult.

Until recently poor Anya was labouring under the misapprehension that a successful, wealthy professional who was twelve years her senior would also be someone who was responsible, mature, and level-headed. Roy can definitely be all those things in the boardroom, but in his personal life he all too often lets his party animal trait rule, particularly when he is in holiday mode as he is here! Interestingly Anya doesn't seem to mind too much about his immaturity or lack of responsibility when he's sharing drugs with her and nightclubbing till 9 in the morning, so I think her judgment of Roy at the airport could definitely be viewed as being a little bit hypocritical. Yes, it's true she could also have taken on the full responsibility of ensuring they didn't miss their flight, but that is not a sexy power dynamic and I don't blame her for wanting to avoid being the 'take charge' person in the relationship, although it's becoming more and more apparent that in many situations she's going to have to take on that role. Anyway, when she asked Roy whether they should be making their way to the gate but he brushed off her concerns and told her that the plane wouldn't leave without them and that an announcement would be made on the VIP Lounge's PA system. It was her first time visiting a VIP lounge, and she made the fatal error of trusting Roy's word. I don't blame her for being angry with him for telling her fibs.

@sweetnovember77

THIS! Anya's behavior was entirely unacceptable. Roy deserves an apology.

@coreene-simblr

She told him that they should be going to the Gate. Roy insisted they were going to announce it in the lounge...

Absolutely! And she had never been inside a VIP lounge before, whereas Roy was a seasoned visitor. She believed him when he said the plane wouldn't leave without them and that an announcement would be made. Why shouldn't she? And when it turned out that he was fibbing/ talking out his arse, she was understandably angry.

@greywardenconsort

@coreene-simblr Airlines have apps that will update you on the flight status. I would expect someone travel savvy like Anya (She & Roy reconnected in an airport) would know that. I know if I was traveling with a partner I would have that and know our flight number and gate and departure time. So I don't think that Roy not knowing gets her off the hook for her part in this kerfuffle.

Good points, but again she trusted Roy when he said that the plane wouldn't leave without them etc and as mentioned previously she also thought she could trust him to be responsible and take the lead. Obviously she made an error of judgement, and this is probably one of the reasons it's often said that you never really know someone until you travel with them!

@nectar-cellar

i love all the extras you cast for these crowded public scenes

Thank you! I have a lot of fun dressing them and posing them. It's time-consuming but rewarding. And the fact that you love them makes it even more so!

@coreene-simblr

Sulking and not talking is definitely something an adult would do Roy xD can't be too mad at Anya for not leaving as someone who gives idiots way too many chances, so I get it.

And she still loves him, even if the scales are slowly falling from her eyes! This is the first fight real they've had, and while it's unfortunate it had to happen on the way to what should have been the most romantic trip of their lives, maybe it could signal a promising new chapter in their relationship...one that's more honest, empathetic, and not burdened with unrealistic expectations.

[nebulablakemurphy]

Moves & Countermoves (Part 11)

Prologue | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | Nine | Ten

Eight weeks.

It’s been eight weeks since the tour. Y/N grows more anxious with each passing day, waking from terrible nightmares alone. She finds Haymitch sitting on the couch, with a bottle in hand.

“You need to sleep,” he says after a long moment.

“I can’t,” she argues.

“Come here.” Haymitch waits until she is settled, with her head in his lap, before throwing the blanket over her. “Close your eyes.”

She nuzzles against his thigh, utterly exhausted but unwilling to return to the horror of her dreams.

In truth, that’s why he’s forsaken the warmth of their bed for the couch. They’re coming up on a Quarter Quell…and anything can happen in a Quarter Quell. He knows that better than anyone, after being reaped with double the tributes.

He peeks down. Her eyes are closed; breathing too fast, her muscles rigid. “You’re safe.” Haymitch murmurs, “it’s just you and me.” These whispers continue until she snores lightly.

He wakes with a hand still twined in hers and a kink in his neck, from sleeping upright.

Y/N doesn’t stir as he stretches and yawns to the patter of little feet on the second floor. Haymitch stumbles into the kitchen, flipping on the burner to start breakfast.

“Honk.”

He turns with the spatula in hand. Surely he is dreaming, or perhaps the years have slowly driven him insane. But he knows for certain that damn goose is not in his house, again. And if it were, it sure as hell wouldn’t have the audacity to honk at him.

“Get,” Haymitch warns, shooing the beast out through the back door. It wails at him all the while, rousing Y/N.

She rubs her eyes, trying to make sense of the scene. “Louie?”

“Honk.”

“Don’t say his name.” Haymitch grunts, closing the door harshly behind the animal.

Y/N laughs, “how’d he get in here?”

“I had the sliding door open for some fresh air.”

“Smells good,” she takes another whiff.

“I made breakfast.”

“Thank you,” she forces herself from the cushions. Brushing past her husband toward the bathroom.

Haymitch is in a better mood when she returns. Everest and Arista are seated at the island, scarfing down pancakes as Haymitch fills them in on the goose fiasco.

“I turn around and he’s standing there.” Haymitch points to the exact spot.

Arista gasps, resorting to his full name, “Louis.”

“Had to chase him out with the spatula.”

Everest chuckles, around a forkful of eggs.

“You didn’t hit him, right Daddy?” Arista looks up with those big eyes, the same color as Y/N’s.

“No,” Haymitch sighs, “I didn’t hit him.”

Y/N comes to collect her plate, standing beside Haymitch, opposite the kids.

“You can sit down.” He smirks, watching her take the first bite.

“I’m ok,” she bumps his hip with her own. They are fuller now, at seven months pregnant. “I’ll just hang out here with you.”

“Don’t threaten me with a good time.” Stay with me forever.

“Hey mom,” Everest calls her attention.

“Hmm?”

“Do you think we can plant some of the seeds Peeta gave me?”

The geese have done a number on their garden.

“Yeah, we can do that.” Y/N agrees, wanting to soak up as much time with them as she can before the baby.

They haven’t talked much about names. Even the crib resides in one of the spare rooms, untouched, unprepared.

————————————————————————

“Oh, Katniss.” Octavia, of her prep team, has tears in her eyes at the sight. “You look beautiful.”

The Capitol has chosen this dress; the dress. The one she’ll be married in, though it needs quite a bit of alteration.

“Is that my dress?” Y/N chokes out. She thought it might be strung up in a museum somewhere, immortalized as one of Snow’s trophies, or sold to the highest bidder. She thought she’d never see it again; not now. Not on Katniss.

Katniss opens her mouth to speak. Though it isn’t her choice, she feels sick.

“She can’t wear this dress.”

“It’s what the people chose, dear. Because you’re a family,” Flavius explains. “Don’t you want Katniss to feel the way you did on your special day? We can always alter it again to fit your daughter, when the time comes.”

“No,” Y/N breathes, this can’t be happening, “no, where’s Cinna?”

“I’m here.” He emerges from the hall, scraps of ivory fabric draped over one shoulder.

“I need to talk to you, please.” Y/N is visibly shaking as Cinna follows her to the sitting room, closing the glass door so Katniss has no chance of overhearing. But she can still see them.

Her mentor’s frantic explanation, Cinna’s steadying hand at her shoulder as he listens. Gaze changing quickly from sadness to anger, mirroring Y/N’s. Cinna nods, one final time before Y/N squeezes his upper arm in parting.

“We’re going to make some changes.” The stylist says upon his return.

“Y/N,” Katniss calls from the pedestal, unable to go after her. “Wait.”

“I’ll be back.”

“I’m sorry.” Katniss apologies, for whatever she’s done.

“No, don’t be. It’s-” Y/N breaks off, “nothing. I just need to see Haymitch.” She rushes out before Katniss can get a word in.

Cinna begins sketching out a few new additions, taking away the old, making it new.

“Is there something wrong with this dress?” She asks, itching to remove it.

Cinna shakes his head, even he has trouble looking at her in it now that he knows. “Nothing we can’t fix.”

Katniss recounts the events to Peeta later that night, he doesn’t fully understand either.

“It’s like she was afraid of the dress…or what would happen to me while I was in it.” Katniss looks down at her hands. “Maybe something happened to her.”

Peeta swallows hard, the more they learn about the Capitol, the more reason he has to believe… “I think a lot of things happened to her.”

————————————————————————

Commander Thread arrives within the week. Tearing through the hob, taking away what little they have and screwing down a big metal whipping post in the square.

The chaos is not missed by the inhabitants of victor’s village, Katniss least of all. Pushing her way through the crowd to find the source of the tortured screams echoing out into the streets.

Interrupting Gale’s punishment earns her a black eye, with a gash underneath and one lash to the outside of her thigh, on the eve of the big wedding. When she stands again, she is faced with the barrel of Thread’s gun.

The first person to rise to her aid is the last person who should be standing between Katniss and a bullet. Shoving Katniss behind her with one arm, the other held protective over her growing child. Explaining who she is and talking him down. Thread recognizes her, Katniss too after a moment; if he kills them it will be his head on the chopping block.

Haymitch is fuming when he finds them there. Furious with both Y/N and Katniss for putting themselves in harm’s way. Peeta arrives on scene, another person for Haymitch to shove behind him without a second thought.

“You sure Snow wants four dead victors? Because that’s what we’re looking at here.” Haymitch reasons, holding both hands in the air. “It’s bad enough that you marked up Katniss’ face on the eve of the big wedding. My wife is carrying the most eagerly anticipated baby in Panem, all this stress isn’t good. Let it go…and we will too.”

“Fine,” the commander licks his lips, “but next time it’s the firing squad.”

“Excellent idea.”

The flogging is broadcast to the nation on a five second delay, cutting out just after Katniss jumps in.

No one sees past that point except the president. Again, the victors of district twelve have proven themselves to be a united front. A family of agitators beyond reason, who consider themselves above the law. Snow knows exactly what he must do and Plutarch already has a plan.

“It’s what we gamemakers like to call a wrinkle.”

————————————————————————

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is the seventy-fifth year of the Hunger Games.”

Everest and Arista are off playing with Madge and Y/N’s parents, leaving the eldest victors of district twelve to sit silently in front of the projector.

“It was written in the charter of the games, that every twenty-five years there would be a Quarter Quell, to keep fresh for each new generation the memory of those who died in the uprising against the Capitol. Each Quarter Quell is marked by games of a special significance.”

Y/N skates her thumb over Haymitch’s knuckles hoping to comfort him.

“On this the seventy-fifth anniversary of our defeat of the rebellion, we celebrate the third Quarter Quell.” Snow pulls the card free from its envelope. “As a reminder that even the strongest cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes are to be reaped from the existing pool of victors in each district.”

“What?” Y/N leans forward, surely she misunderstood.

Haymitch grips his glass with enough force to shatter it, broken shards falling to the floor. He is bleeding, but he can’t feel it. The anger, the fear, the rage swallows the initial bite of pain.

“The victors will present themselves on reaping day; regardless of age, situation, or state of health.”

Y/N examines his wounds, scarlet pooling across his palm and fingers.

“Leave it, angel.” Haymitch warns, needing it to tether him to reality. Proof that this is more than a nightmare.

“I need to check on Peeta and Katniss.” Y/N remembers, pushing past the clouded lens of her own mind. “Let me take care of you before I go.”

“I need you to leave it.” He says a second time.

“Ok- I,” there are no words. Not as she stands, or presses her lips to the crown of his head and leaves. Instead she focuses on her steps, one foot in front of the other.

Haymitch stays there, unmoving, allowing his blood to stain the pristine fabric of the couch’s armrest. The front door creaks open, enough to startle him to action, he doesn’t want his children to see. Instead he tosses the throw blanket over the evidence.

“Where’s Y/N?” Katniss demands, identifying herself as the intruder.

“Ah, it’s just you.” Haymitch whips the fabric off, using it to gather the broken glass. “Take a seat.”

“We have to save them.”

“Finally done the math, have you?” Haymitch muses.

Promises are easier to make than keep. Asking for Peeta and Y/N to live is essentially asking each other to die. That’s not something that Haymitch can bring himself to do. But he does agree to volunteer for Peeta; with a sneaking suspicion that Katniss will do the same when it comes down to it.

Y/N is good, kind and selfless. Katniss has known it from the day they trained together, on the mat of the tribute center, what feels like a lifetime ago. The same way Peeta is good, willing to stand by her, comfort and protect her, at his own expense.

“Haymitch!” The sound of it is awful, wretched from Y/N’s throat.

“What’s the matter?” Haymitch stands immediately, as does Katniss, rushing toward the entryway.

“I went to check on Peeta,” Y/N flies into his arms, closed eyes shining with tears.

“You’re ok,” Haymitch murmurs, smoothing down her hair.

“But I couldn’t find,” Y/N opens her eyes to find the very person she’s been losing her mind over. “Katniss.”

Haymitch releases her. Relieved that the cause of her anguish is nothing more than a misunderstanding.

“Katniss.”

Katniss embraces her, holding fast, like it might save her, like it might change anything. In Katniss’ mind there was always some understanding, that Peeta is to Y/N as she is to Haymitch.

They fit together crudely, like an ill crafted puzzle. Even still, Katniss can no longer deny that Y/N loves her just as fiercely. No different than her own child. “Sorry I scared you. I just had to get out of there.” My mom’s screams…Prim’s questions.

“It’s ok,” Y/N pulls back to look at her. Stroking her thumbs over the blotchy apples of her victor’s cheeks. “We don’t know who they’re gonna pick.”

Katniss nods, allowing Y/N to fuss about her. Needing it just as badly, though she would never ask.

“But we know all of the victors and depending upon the reaping, I have some ideas for potential strategies and alliances-”

“You know it’s me.” Katniss says finally, voice breaking over the last word. “If the only choice is you or me in that arena, I’m the one Snow wants dead.”

“We don’t know that, sweetheart.” Haymitch scrubs his unmarred hand over his face.

“And he’d prefer you dead over Peeta.” Katniss points out, not in the mood to sugarcoat.

“You’re right,” Haymitch admits. “We know the bowls are rigged, but we don’t know how. If they want entertainment and shock value, it’s gonna be us together.” He flicks a finger between himself and Y/N. “Or you and Peeta together. We’re all star crossed lovers now and I promise you, we won’t be the only ones. It’ll be lovers, siblings, friends. If Snow’s doing it to punish us.” Now the finger is pointed at Katniss. “He’s sending in Y/N and Peeta. If it’s simply to eliminate their problems, that’d be you and me, kid. And we won’t have any idea what their angle is until reaping day.”

Part 12

Series Taglist: @praline357 @flowercrowns-goodvibes @justheretoparty420 @avocadotoastwithegg @treehouse-mouse @emo-markie @spilled-mi1k @magical-spit @greaser9902 @jessicamellarky @yourebuckingkiddingme @smuha2004 @sendhelplease @ninimackbrews @wittiestrain184 @r1dd1kulus @erenluvr69 @helpimhyperfixating

[respectthepetty]

Pride Petty Watch - LiTA (Sky/Prapai) 2/3

It took me much longer than expected to make it through the first two episodes of Sky x Prapai's arc in Love in the Air, but Prapai called Sky his boyfriend out of nowhere, so now I understand that he is Manifest Destiny-ing his way to love, and for the non-Americans, that's bad. Like real bad.

Let me be like Prapai and keep marching forward even though all the signs are telling me to stop.

In my first year of teaching, I was told I couldn't want the grade more the student did. I was reminded that some students don't want A's. Some students just want to pass the course, and that's fine. I need to take that approach with Prapai because he held Sky while he clung to him and cried for the nightmares to leave him in peace, yet in the morning, Prapai slings it back in Sky's face and makes it callously sexual. Clearly, Prapai doesn't want points for Slytherin. He does not want an A in decency. He does not want to pass "Go" on the board. Whatever he wants is between him and the demons he is fighting because obviously this ho does not want to be saved.

"Let me help you" - Look at that! As soon as you let men go, they wanna come back correct. Asking to help instead of forcibly inserting himself. Wow! So you are capable of not making everything aggressively sexual?

I'm watching you like a fucking hawk, Slytherin, which if you want to pass this course, you will note that hawks eat snakes, so basically I'm telling you I will devour you whole if you make another wrong move.

"That's all I ask," he says as he asks for EVERYTHING. "I will not restrain myself next time." "You cannot escape me." "Has he blocked this number?" Sky, babe, hon, bestie, rob this fucking man in his sleep. Take the watch off his wrist, the money from his wallet, and the audacity out of his mouth. These are the queer wrongs I'm trying to support this month.

"You should be spanked" - So 🙃 . . . IGNORING THAT! As a lifelong member and advisor of Greek life (fraternities and sororities are different for BIPOC), every time I see these university rituals, I always wonder what is the equivalent of a compliance officer in other countries because This. Is. Hazing.

And now Payu and Prapai are just hanging out at university activities like THEY DON'T GOT JOBS! Payu has a room in a garage, a room at his house with a toy car collection, and a terrified mechanic hiding under cars, so the man has got bills. Prapai has companies (plural) to run, and an overworked and rightfully annoyed (always in red) secretary holding down the fort, yet he is on a little vacay. Women in GLs - big bosses and screwing at work on company time. Men in BLs - FORGETTING THEY HAVE JOBS!

*Regina George has entered the chat* So you agree? You think you're a bad guy to Sky?

Every time Payu or Prapai mentions getting a reward (for not assaulting the boy they are chasing after especially when that boy is in a vulnerable position), I think of the conversation between Uea and King in episode five (part one) of Bed Friend when King asked for a reward and Uea said "The fuck you just say? Get outta here with that noise" then he left. Uea would eat these men alive.

The thinnest of ice, Prapai. I can see the freezing water rushing underneath. That's how thin the ice is that you are on, sir.

Because Prapai is confessing to sleeping with three other people since he began stalking Sky (no shame, as one slut to another, I'm actually very proud he admitted to it), can we get a STI test? We got condoms, so miracles can happen.

*squints* Is that a heart on your chest, Sky? No, I'm not angry. No, you're not in trouble. No, you're perfect. I'm just working through my own stuff, so I'm gonna need a minute to process this.

If you wanna live that chismosa life, you gotta be aware of your surroundings. Amateur.

Yeah yeah yeah, the wind needs the windmill or whatever dumb shit Dangerous Romance said. Now go make the lapel pin of it, and GET BACK TO WORK! This reeks of nepotism because there is no other way you would still have a job.

Prapai calls Sky by his name, no honorifics. Prapai sleeps on the floor. Prapai asks his mom for advice on how to care for someone. *squints* This is sus af.

And now he is swerving advances and doing his job. *squints even harder* Are you actually trying to pass this course now?

I, too, would be sad if rope was spewing out of my shirt like that.

Prapai just swindled a key to Sky's apartment without asking Sky for it. WHY DON'T YOU WANT TO FUCKING PASS THIS COURSE?! I DO NOT WANT TO SEE YOUR ASS AGAIN NEXT SEMESTER!

I play with my ears when I get tired, so now I feel even more connected to you Sky, and PRAPAI IS KISSING YOU?! NOOOOO! STOP!!!!! HE'S TIRED! LEAVE MY BOY ALONE!

"I can't guarantee your safety if I stay" - It was a fake out, and I have lost years off my life because of this show. YEARS!

The first step is admitting you have a problem are the problem. *growth*

I'm not going to question the aerodynamics of riding with that project on a bike, but I will state that Prapai is the prefect example of the MAME Extremes I wrote about in the previous post because when he is good, he is really fucking good, but when he is bad, he is The Worst™ so can't we just find an in-between?

Don't you go pointing your scrawny finger at my boy like that! You're lucky he even still speaks to you. Shut up, five! A ten is thinking!

Prapai spending all his money on Sky. Prapai deleting all the numbers from his phone. Prapai getting the lapel pin. Prapai cleaning Sky's apartment. Prapai being honest about wanting Sky without being aggressive or crass. *squints so hard my head hurts* This is how Joe must feel with Ming in My Stand-In because I want to trust your ass, but my God, do you make it so fucking hard. I'm begging you to not screw up after this. PLEASE!

I've seen this scene eighty different ways from my dash, but hearing Sky tell Prapai to get bored with him quickly so he can move on while internally begging for Prapai not to get bored knowing what I know about his ex . . . it is salt in the wounds, poison in the wells, and the phone call from within the house. It is painful, deadly, and terrifying.

Prapai listening tentatively as Sky finally tells him what he actually likes to eat. Prapai responding with little tidbits he has learned about Sky along the way. Prapai giving shoulder kisses. Prapai asking about the ex. To quote RuPaul, "don't fuck it up"

Sig is the realest of all these boys, and I would give him the softest ear bites, the best thigh kisses, and the most amazing blowjob because that's what he deserves!

Prapai - Claim me. Own me. Mark me!

Sky - Gross.

While all of Payu's after scenes only made him look worse as he embraced the Manipulate-Mansplain-Malewife way into Rain's heart, all of Prapai's scenes make him seem like the biggest simp, and I am, once again, pleading for balance!

So now on to the next episo - - -

Wait a minute . . . I know this scene

This is where Sky gets in his head and distances himself, so Prapai breaks in and reads the journal. Oh no. Oh no no no.

*lays face first in a field of lavender*

I need liquor, ice, and a blender. They are all needed for different reasons. No, I will not elaborate.

[thescarletnargacuga]

Maybe something spooky for September?

Like... Genuine fear.

Caine makes a new adventure for the gang, but it ends up taking in things that are... Just too real...

P.s: Showtime?

-that one paper bird

A/N: spooky season is upon us! Special thanks to @13piecebucket for helping me brainstorm this!!

NIGHTMARE'S END

A DIGITAL CIRCUS ONESHOT

WARNING: body horror, swearing,

~~~

"Welcome back, adventurers!" Caine hovered over the Circus cast. "Hope you had fun today!"

The group looked amongst themselves with collective disinterest. Pomni spoke up. "Actually, Caine, this one was a bit...meh."

Caine was visibly taken aback.

"Yeah, we got bored more than half way through." Jax agreed. "The cartoon physics and faceless NPCs are a bit old hat at this point."

"What he means is we think more realism would suit the adventures better." Pomni corrected. "The immersion still isn't that immersive."

"Doesn't help that we all look like cartoon characters." Gangle quietly added.

Caine rapped his fingers against the shaft of his cane. "Very well. If realism is what you want, then realism is what you'll get. At least, to the best of my ability. Rest up! Tomorrow will be a big one!" He blips away.

"You three should be ashamed of yourselves." Ragatha scolded. "I'm sure he's already doing all he can."

"I don't really care, I was just going along with Pomni." Jax put his hands in his pockets and walked away.

"Hey!" Pomni stomped her foot. "It was ZOOBLE'S idea we say something!"

"Don't drag me into this. I just said the adventure was stupid. All of them are." Zooble said as they walked away.

Pomni groaned. "Whatever. Guess we'll have a real adventure tomorrow. See how that turns out." She went to bed almost immediately, sleep called to her like never before. Her one escape from this digital nightmare.

~

Pomni woke to the smell of smoke. She winced as she sat up on a hard, uncomfortable surface. She blinked, finding herself in a small, dark room that has no familiar shapes. "Huh...? Why am I not in my-!!" She gaped at the sight of a smoldering computer atop a desk next to her.

Pomni stood to get a closer look. The electronic remains glowed faintly in the only light source in the room, a street lamp coming through a half shaded window. She jumped when she heard shuffling behind her.

Five figures of varying size stand up from the floor, the voices familiar. "Ugh, my head." "Where are we?" "Why is it so dark?"

"Guys?" Pomni asked. "What's happening? OH MY GOSH!" She pointed at a tall man with blond hair, staring right at her. The man turned to see what Pomni was pointing at.

"What? What is it?"

"Kinger?" Pomni couldn't believe it. She looked at the other people in the room. Humans. All of them. She looked at her own hands. Human hands with five fingers splayed out in front of her. "We're...we- no, this isn't possible. I'm dreaming! I have to be. I fell asleep and woke up here! I-"

Pomni froze when an androgenous person with pink hair slapped her across the face. "Did that feel real?"

Pomni felt her face. "OW! That was uncalled for! I really felt that. Oh my god." She looked back at the destroyed computer. "Caine...he must of blown all the hardware trying to make the game more real. I didn't think he'd... oh no."

"WHO CARES! WE'RE OUT!!" Celebrate a young man with a huge grin.

"Are we really sure? Really really?" A woman with red curls asked.

"Fuck if I know." The person with pink hair stopped and seemed stunned by they're own ability to curse. "Holy shit." They gasped, a huge smile growing on their face. "ASS! TITS! DICK! CUNT! SHIT! MOTHERFUCKER!"

"Do you really need to shout?" A timid woman asked, covering her ears.

"YES, I DO! WE'RE OUT!!"

~

The six made their way out of the empty office building. Cool night air grazed their faces as they took in their surroundings. They were in a town. A real town with streetlights and parked cars and a distant blinking traffic light. The street was lined with closed businesses. Not another soul in sight.

"What time do you think it is?" The timid woman asked.

"There!" The woman with red curls pointed at a scrolling LED sign in front of a bank. "3:00 am. No wonder things are so quiet. What do we do now? It's been so long... I don't even remember where we are."

"I guess we walk until we find somebody." Pomni shrugged. "There's gotta be at least a cop or something out at this hour."

"Oh yeah, and what do we tell them? Help, police! We've been kidnapped by a sentient AI and we just got away! Yeah, I bet that'll go over real well." The young man with the wide grin snarked.

"They could at least help us get out bearings." Pomni said.

They walked past quiet buildings, feeling a bit out of place on the empty street. Eventually, finding a sign that said Welcome to Brook Haven, the loveliest place in Maine.

"Well, that's a start." Said the woman with the curls. "Do you remember much about Maine, Pomni?"

"I don't think so, but I'm sure if we keep looking, we'll find someone who does. And, you don't have to keep calling me Pomni. My name is...my name..."

Everyone stopped.

Pomni's eyes widened as she searched her head. "I don't remember...I should remember. Right? Do any of you remember??"

"Oh no! You don't think the mind wipe was permanent, do you??" Panicked the timid woman.

"I don't know!" Pomni clutched her head and started to pace. She faced a store window and her blood went cold. Before her wasn't the reflection of a human woman, but of a cartoonish jester staring wide eyed at her. Pomni could feel the air in her lungs cease. "We're still in the game."

The shrill scream of a siren tore through the night. Everyone covered their ears, but they could still feel the siren vibrating their very beings. A billowing thick grey fog rolled into the streets. It cloaked everything from sight, the town being swallowed whole.

The group backed up against one another, being surrounded by the intense fog. Pomni was back to back with the tall blonde man, but she nearly fell backwards when he was violently pulled into the mist. "Kinger!"

Next was Ragatha. Something in the mist grabbed her leg and she was dragged off screaming. Then Gangle. Then Zooble.

"Screw this!" Jax ran off in a random direction, but didn't get far before he too screamed bloody murder.

Pomni was left alone in the quickly shrinking pocket of visibility. Her heart pounded. The only place left to go was the store behind her. She tried the door. Locked. She banged on the window. It held firm.

Clicking and skittering came from the fog. Creatures beyond her sight and comprehension were moving about, taunting her. A thorned tentacle whipped out at Pomni, but she ducked and it smashed through the store window.

Thinking quickly, Pomni vaulted through the broken window and made a run for it. Creatures screeching and crashing through the building behind her as fog poured in.

As she ran through a back door and down an alley, she saw a leas pipe sticking out of a dumpster. She grabbed it and kept running.

A clawed hand dug into the ground next to her and a black creature with colorful eyes lunged at Pomni. She batted at the creature as hard as she could, bursting it's bright pink eye. It screamed and backed away.

Pomni kept running, zig zagging down semi clear streets. Something with wings swooped down at her and she tuck and rolled. The flying abstraction crash landed where she had been. She didn't give it a chance to strike again, she beat it over the head with her pipe until it stopped thrashing.

"What the FUCK is all of this!?" Pomni growled and kept moving as more moving shadows in the mist closed in on her. She needed to get indoors. She ran until a large brick building was in sight. The sign out front read: Town Hall.

Pomni threw herself through the double front doors and slammed them shut behind her. She leaned back against the doors, panting and gasping for air. She was sweating, her legs shook with fatigue. She still felt real, even if she knew the truth.

"You're still alive. Good." Caine's voice echoed through the building.

"CAINE!? CAINE, YOU BASTARD! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THE OTHERS!!"

"Such language. And you all wonder why the censor is so necessary. You can't control your tongues."

"WHERE ARE THE OTHERS??" Pomni screamed as she marched down the hall, following the source of Caine's voice down one hall and then the next.

"Let's not worry about them. You're the only one who made it this far. The rest have failed."

"Failed? YOU DON'T FAIL AN ADVENTURE!"

"In a realistic one, you do. In real life, there are clear cut winners and losers. Tell me, which one are you?"

Pomni could hear the grin in his condescending tone. "Whichever gets this over with." She gripped her pipe harder.

Caine's laughter filled the halls. "A winner, then? That remains to be seen."

Pomni followed the voice to a set of grand wood doors. A Mayor's Office plague on the wall. She kicked open the doors, ready to swing. There were no monsters, no mist. Caine was at the end of the large room by the desk. His back was to her, looking out the large windows. "Beautiful, isn't it? Dare I say, this town has been my greatest creation."

"You lied! You made us believe we were out! I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!" Pomni shouted as she marched forward.

"Lied?" Caine turned towards Pomni. "I gave you exactly what you wanted. Realism. I made it so real, I even found a purpose for the old exit." He chuckled. "It was amusing seeing all of you celebrate. Shame the fun had to be spoiled." His body jerked as he stepped forward.

Pomni stopped, holding her pipe in front of her. She watched in horror as Caine's chest started to split apart, black teeth folding out at her. His arms lengthened and bent at unnatural angles. "What- what's happening?"

"The most realistic part..." His voice deepened and garbled. "Fear." His eyes split apart and changed colors. His suit tore and his spin jutted out with spikes. Her grew and grew in height, his teeth growing sharp and his jaw extended to the ceiling. Multiple arms broke the floor apart as he approached. "Are...you...afraid?"

Pomni brought the pipe back like a bat. "Terrified. But I'm still going to kick your ass." She charged without hesitation, war in her eyes. Caine's monstrous form bared down on her. She struck out at the eye in the center of his gaping jaw.

The pipe's collision creates a spark bright enough to blind Pomni. The whole room goes white. She feels weightless, like she was in the void again. Then, in a near instant, she fell on her back. When the light fades, she's back in the Circus. The obnoxiously saturated bright colors sting her eyes.

Around are the cast members, all in varying states of shock. Zooble stays on the ground, staring at the vaulted ceiling and trembling. Gangle is in hysterics, muttering and whimpering to herself while crying uncontrollably. Kinger is pale and sitting in the fetal position, his eyes wider and more bloodshot than normal. Ragatha is stone cold silent and unmoving, holding her head in her hands.

Jax Is the only one other than Pomni to get to his feet. "That wasn't so- bleeeeegh!" He doubles over and vomits.

Pomni stares at her gloved hands, already missing her realistic skin. A slow clap gets her attention. She turns to see Caine hovering, lowering himself to her level.

"Well done, Pomni. Well done, indeed. You are today's winner. Being the only one to successfully find and defeat me. You faced fear and conquered it. How's that for realism?"

"Wait... If at least one of us had to find and defeat you... What if none of us did?" Pomni asked.

Caine smiled and shrugged. "Guess we'll never know. So, 1-10?"

The cast stayed where they were, unresponsive. Pomni smiled at Caine. "Ten. Solid ten. That was the biggest thrill I've had yet."

"Yet." Caine's grin widened.

~~~

HAPPY SPOOKY SEASON, EVERYONE! 🎃💀🔮🕷️🦇