#but to toss other movies under the bus: for a movie about fashion was anything REALLY that new in cruella????? it was nice and i'm sure

[enbycupcake]

which disney live action had the WORST fashion?

[thewritewolf]

Losing Their Marbles

Summary: With Alya and Marinette out of town, it is up to Carapace and Mister Bug to watch over Paris! But the greatest enemy they face isn't an akuma but loneliness. :(

Entry three of four of my Adrien Augreste one shots! This one had Mister Bug as the week prompt, and Bugaboy, No Girls Allowed, and Plagg as my selection of daily prompts. 

@adrienaugust​

Enjoy!

Read on Ao3

Patrol was quiet.

Maybe it was because Chat Noir and Carapace rarely patrolled together - especially since it wasn’t exactly Chat Noir on patrol tonight. Sure, it was still Adrien under the mask, but with Marinette out of town for a couple weeks, someone had to wear the spots. And who better than her partner and boyfriend?

Thinking about the fashion event again, that was probably the real reason the two of them were in a funk. After all, it’s not like Adrien was a stranger to hanging out with his best bro Nino, masks or no. But neither of them had gotten to see their respective girlfriends for the past two weeks since both of them had made that trip to London together - Marinette to participate and Alya to report for the news outlet she was working for these days.

It also helped that Hawkmoth had been surprisingly quiet for the past couple weeks. There really wasn’t anything to distract them while they patrolled and the city was oddly quiet. And not just in the masks too - most of their friends seemed to be out of town.

Luka had gone on tour with Jagged Stone, leaving his Snake miraculous behind. Kagami had gone back to Japan because of some family emergency. With Marinette and Alya in London, almost the entire hero squad was out of action.

“Ugh!”

Mister Bug lifted his head off of the metal railing to look around for the familiar disgusted voice. He found Plagg watching them from a satellite dish, his black fur making him practically invisible except for his big green eyes looking down on them.

“What’re you grippin’ about now, cat dude?” Carapace said, crossing his arms at Plagg and leaning back against the rooftop railing. “Your fancy feast not up to your expectations?”

“My camembert isn’t the problem, shell boy,” Plagg shot back. “It’s you two moping around yet again just ‘cause your girlfriends aren’t here for you to make goo goo eyes at.”

Mister Bug rolled his eyes. “We aren’t moping!”

“Kid,” Plagg said, staring him down, “you might be able to lie to each other and yourselves, but I know for a fact you’ve been cuddling your new Ladybug body pillow every night since she left.” He tossed his wedge of camembert in the air and ate it in one gulp. “Just admit you’re lonely and save us all the trouble.”

“No we aren’t!” Carapace lied.

“Yeah?” Plagg said with a lazy yawn. “Then prove it. Do something else besides mope.”

Mister Bug and Carapace gave each other uncertain looks before Mister Bug shrugged.

“So, how’s the mixing going for Jagged Stone?”

“Good enough.” Plagg disappeared into Mister Bug’s yoyo.

After a moment of silence, Carapace shook his head. “It’s not going half bad. Not exactly what I thought I’d be doing working for the legend himself, but I love the work and it gives me plenty of time for fun projects.”

“Fun projects like your movie script?”

“Definitely, bro! Though I’ve gotta say the writing and the mixing and putting out original music… creatively, it is super exhausting.”

“I bet! Sometimes I get exhausted just looking at your soundcloud.”

The two of them shared a laugh.

“What about you, my dude?” Carapace lightly punched Mister Bug’s shoulder. “I know you ain’t a slouch. Especially now that you aren’t working for someone’s else’s dream but your own.”

“You’re not wrong there.” Mister Bug sighed and turned around, leaning his back against the railing. “I still have to do some modeling if I want to get my flower shop off the ground but…” He looked up at the moon hanging bright above Paris. “...I’m getting there. My happily ever after.”

Carapace snorted.

“Got a problem with that, shell boy?”

“Nah, just thinking that you and M are perfect for each other is all.”

“Good,” Mister Bug said with a huff. “Because we are.”

Their conversation was cut off there when the sound of something large crashing suddenly drew their attention. They exchanged looks of surprise before they ran off towards it.

Just like they suspected, it was an akuma. After a two week dry spell, it came as a bit of a shock. Did Hawkmoth finally notice that most of the heroes of Paris were missing? Or did their theory that Hawkmoth was a part of the fashion world suddenly gain some credence? After all, many of the designers who presented early in the event would have headed home by now. Maybe Hawkmoth was among them.

For now, all Mister Bug and Carapace needed to do was worry about the akuma. They could figure out the implications of their enemy’s disappearance and reappearance later.

Tonight’s akuma wasn’t anything incredibly special - someone in the flowing robes with stars and moons sewn on them of a magician’s costume floating around the city. The magician cackled with delight at the devastation they caused, gesturing with one hand to pick up objects, no matter how massive and tossing them around. Cars and buses were thrown just as easily as mailboxes and benches.

But it was what was in the akuma’s other hand that caught Mister Bug’s attention.

“Do you see that spoon?” Mister Bug said, pointing toward the akuma.

“Weird choice for an akuma object, but I’m not about to complain.”

They winced as a car went through a building. It was an empty office complex, but the next one might not be. If they wanted to keep the magician from doing more damage, they needed to act now.

“Hey, weirdo!” Carapace shouted as he tossed his shield, the two of them leaping down to the streets below while it went spinning towards the akuma. “Catch!”

The shield suddenly froze in midair as an aura of purple energy surrounded it - the same energy that rolled off the magician akuma in waves. She smiled malevolently, her hand held out in front of her in a stop gesture.

Carapace held his fist up, his forearm right in front of his face, which was screwed up in concentration. The smile immediately vanished from the akuma’s face as the shield was jerkily pulled towards Carapace in small and quick jumps. She focused even harder to maintain her control, her hand clenching into a fist that she shakily pulled toward her.

Eventually the miraculous proved stronger - either that, or the akuma didn’t want to get stuck in a tug of war. The shield slammed back onto Carapace’s arm.

“Shelter!”

No sooner did the green force field go up than the barrage began. It was slow but steady as the akuma repeatedly made one handed throwing gestures with cars responding in kind. Through it all, Carapace held firm with a steely look of determination on his face as he watched cars hurtling towards them, only for them to break upon his impenetrable shield. Not once did he flinch.

After a few seconds of this, he shouted over his shoulder at Mister Bug, “Got any plans, Spots?”

“No clue.” Mister Bug poked his head around his friend, squinting through the debris raining down on them to look at the akuma. “Maybe a lucky charm will help?”

“Prolly can’t hurt, dude.”

“Lucky Charm!” Mister Bug held out his hands for whatever would come down. Secretly he hoped for a net launcher or a tranquilizer dart. Something nice and straightforward.

A bag of marbles (red and black ones, naturally) landed in his hands.

Mister Bug sighed.

“What’re we working with?” Another car shattered against the green dome.

“Marbles, looks like.” A park bench burst into pieces. Mister Bug stroked his chin and stared at the heavy bag. “What can we do with marbles…?”

“Trip the akuma?” A street lamp bent against the shield.

“Bro, she’s floating.”

“Ah, right.”

“What if we just… get a sock, fill it with the marbles and just wail on her?”

Carapace shook his head as a bus bounced off his force field. “If we could get in beating sock range, we could just punch her.” Carapace frowned. “How about flicking the marbles at her as a distraction?”

“She’d just catch them.” Mister Bug’s eyes lit up as an idea came to him. “Unless…”

Mister Bug gently tossed up the bag and caught it a couple times, getting the feel of its weight. His other hand grabbed his yoyo and got it ready as well. He waited for the right moment, watching the oncoming traffic carefully until…

Now!

He threw the bag with all his considerable might at the akuma. The yoyo was sent right after it. His timing was dead on and just as the akuma reached a hand to stop the bag, the yoyo connected with it, bursting the bag and sending a storm of marbles against her. In wide eyed surprise, the akuma reached out with both hands to stop it.

“She dropped the spoon!” Mister Bug excitedly slapped Carapace’s back and pointed at the spoon in question. “Run run run, get it!”

Under the cover of the shield, they bolted for the spoon. By the time the akuma realized what was happening, it was too late - Mister Bug held it triumphantly in his hands.

“So… how do I…?” Mister Bug glanced at Carapace, who shrugged. “Do I just bend it…?”

As soon as the spoon was bent into a right angle, the akuma came fluttering out in a panic. Carapace caught the falling de-akumatized woman as Mister Bug purified the butterfly. Scooping up a bunch of marbles, he tossed them into the air.

“Miraculous Mister Bug!”

The city was set back to normal. Mister Bug and Carapace shared a grin. Ladybug and Rena will be so proud of them when they get back!

[sapphicscholar]

Miranda Priestly and Ted Lasso for the character meme. Weird combo but I won't apologize...

Hehe I'm all about the random mash ups!

Miranda Priestly

My favorite thing about them: this one's a little harder because so many of my favorite things about her are the elements implicit in canon that fanfic authors have pulled to the fore and spun into beautiful character studies, BUT to take something that's full on, front and center in the film: I love her drive and ambition! She's not particularly kind or nurturing or empathetic or all the other buzzwords that get tossed around when people at publications like the WSJ try to do half-assed advocacy for "women in leadership," but she's good at her job, efficient as hell, and has inspired as much loyalty as she has for a reason

My least favorite thing about them: somewhat related to what I like most about her, actually, but the willingness to throw those closest to her (Nigel, Emily) under the bus when it suits her based on the assumption that they'll be loyal enough not to turn on her. Fandom offered a lot of different paths for how she might move forward with healing those relationships in ways that rewarded that loyalty, but sticking within canon, we're left with two very hurt people abandoned in her wake

My favorite canon relationship: since we don't get anything outside of ended or ending marriages for the more traditional romantic sense of relationship I've been using to answer this question so far, I'll say her working relationship with Andy if only because (within the hour and 45 minutes or whatever of the film that counts as canon) it's the one relationship where there's clear growth. I love how fandom has expanded on her long-standing working and social relationship with Nigel in particular, but given the note the movie ends on, it feels more apt to lean into that growing respect she feels towards Andy (and her increasing sense of identification with her). Plus, it makes for really interesting canon divergence fics in which Andy doesn't quit in Paris!

My favorite non-canon relationship: her and Andy (romantic)

The sexuality I headcanon for them: this is another one where I don't necessarily have a set label I associate with her outside of the delightfully undefined umbrella of queer

What I’d do if I could spend the day with them: I am *certain* I'd hate myself a little during, but I would want to get my wardrobe revamped by the expert. Like yes, go for it, dress me in all the things that are probably very interesting and stylish that I'd never have even contemplated in a store!

Random fact about them I like: that she, master of control and fashion and appearance, has a giant, drooly dog at home

Ted Lasso:

My favorite thing about them: the willingness to see the good in everyone even when (and perhaps especially when) it's hard and maybe only visible in the realm of potential

My least favorite thing about them: the willingness to see the good in everyone sometimes at the expense of seeing and acknowledging problems that need to be addressed

My favorite canon relationship: since we haven't actually seen him date anyone in canon for the more "traditional" sense of relationship, I'll go with his long-standing friendship with Beard--they sold me with the whole let's pretend we don't know each other if we see each other in our dreams bit on the plane in the pilot

My favorite non-canon relationship: either the Love Square or Ted/Trent (now independent)

The sexuality I headcanon for them: within canon S1 I'd have probably said pretty straight, but post S2, I veer towards queer in some vague, undefined kinda way

What I’d do if I could spend the day with them: for not at all the same reasons, I'm offering the same answer as I did for Rebecca in that I'd want to let him plan the day! I'm not particularly impulsive and would probably think of some predictable, nice-enough things to do, but letting Ted loose with the vague "let's have a fun day--low stakes, no pressure" could be very fun

Random fact about them I like: that he knows how to make some killer shortbread cookies - I once had a work husband who I'd have coffee and crumpets with every morning, but damn would we have killed for a biscuits with the boss dude

[ridemedaddyjames]

Split - Part I

Pairing: Kevin Wendell Crumb x reader

Warnings: angst, kidnapping, cursing, stockholm syndrome

Words: 2,500

Summary: The reader gets kidnapped, and starts to find a certain light in her mysterious captor.

Birthday parties. You hated them with a burning passion, and you wouldn’t be mad if you never had to go to another one again. The girl from your art class had given you a pitty invite, but secretly hoped you wouldn’t show.

Part of you wanted to prove her wrong, but the other part of you didn’t care enough to even try. Unfortunately for you, your mother had forced you to go. She insisted that some ‘quality time with friends’ was exactly what you needed.

That was until you’d arrived, and ended up sitting alone at the end of the table. Everyone else was taking pictures, gossiping, and flirting with the “cute” waiter boy. You could’ve hurled at the thought.

When the party was over, you sent out an S.O.S. to your mom in the hopes that she would come to your rescue. Fifteen minutes had passed, though, and she still hadn’t shown. Somehow you’d managed to be the only one without a ride, and you cursed her for letting this happen. Your mom knew how much you loathed the idea of social interaction, and you wanted more than anything to be back home in your bed with a good book. Why did she have to be late?

“We are not going until she gets picked up,” Claire’s dad finally said as his daughter demanded that they leave.

“It’s fine, I can wait, I’m sure she just forgot,” you assured them all with a half smile. All you could think about was the long lecture you’d be giving your mother on the way home about how this whole thing wasn’t fair, and that it didn’t help that she couldn’t remember to show up on time. Of course, you knew that when the time came, you’d just bite your tongue and leave your thoughts and opinions to yourself. Opening up was something you never were able to do, and you weren’t going to start now.

Claire’s dad immediately rejected the idea, though. “Y/N, don’t worry about it, I can drop you off. I have to take Marcia home anyway,” he insisted, not giving you any other option.

“Okay,” you finally agreed, following them out to their vehicle. Marcia and Claire took a seat in the back while you opted for the passenger side. There wasn’t enough money in the world to make you sit back there and gossip for the whole ride home.

Instead of focusing on them, you’d let your eyes wander to the rearview mirror, watching Claire’s father load up all of her presents. You’d have thought she were a Queen by the amount of gifts she’d been given, but when you peeled your eyes to look ahead, you couldn’t help but feel like something was off.

Glancing back again, there seemed to be no sign of Claire’s dad, and you’d assumed he had gotten everything loaded and was finally ready to leave. Upon closer inspection you’d found that the takeout boxes had been spilled across the pavement, and wondered to yourself what might’ve happened. That was until another man climbed into the drivers seat, and stared blankly ahead.

“Pardon me, sir. I think you have the wrong car,” Claire stated, more than annoyed by his stupidity of not knowing which vehicle was his.

Just then, everything changed. The man was covering his face, Marcia and Claire were being sprayed by some type of liquid, and all you could do was stare, curiously, at him while they passed out in the backseat. Why hadn’t he done the same to you? Did he not think you would fight back? What made you so special? You had to stop these questions from rolling through your head; were you really about to romanticize a kidnapper for being generous enough to keep you conscious?

There was a slight pause where you tried to regain your thoughts, this wasn’t the time to panic; you needed to think rationally. So you slowly slid your fingers to the door handle, grabbing the latch and giving it the slightest pull until the alarm went off, alerting the man that the door was ajar.

The look on his face seemed to be disappointment as he realized he’d have to knock you out too, and, you hadn’t even had time to panic before everything went black. When you finally woke up, the parking lot had disappeared. It looked as if you were in some kind of makeshift room in someone’s basement.

Something smelt off, and you assumed it was the stale air mixed with the earthy scent of the rock wall above the small cot you were resting on. Taking in your surroundings, you found a bathroom that was way too clean. Apart from that, the room you were in was definitely a work in progress. One wall was completely dilapidated, and pieces of the wood were hanging, limply. The two other walls seemed to be completely brand new as you recognized the sudden smell of fresh drywall, and the concrete floor did little to hold the heat of the room. It was dark, and dingy and, as terrifying as this should’ve been, you couldn’t help but be glad that this had happened to you.

No more school, no more family, no more pretending. Your mother would finally be off your back about leaving the house, and making new friends. You’d finally have some peace and quiet from the chaos that was your life. No, it didn’t matter what he did to you; just so long as you never had to go back.

Your eyes darted to Claire and Marcia who were sat on the other bed, holding each other tightly. Their whole demeanor had horror movie written all over it, and you could almost laugh at the irony. Yeah, ‘they would be the first to go,’ you thought to yourself.

You heard the two of them talking to each other before immediately turning to you, and asking you something you couldn’t quite understand. Apparently whatever he’d knocked you out with had been some pretty hard core stuff cause it was taking you a minute to snap out of it; still stuck inside your head.

That was until the door came open, revealing the same man you’d seen in the car. The one holding you captive. He was holding a chair, and placed it just inside the room, guarding the doorway. Before sitting down, he wiped it with a bright yellow cloth, folded it up nicely, and tucked it back inside his pocket. When he crossed his arms, you could see the outline of his thick muscles, bulging against his tight shirt. ‘The three of you didn’t have a chance’ was the first thing that came to mind. His face went blank as he stared at the wall, eyes finally landing on Marcia as she tried to tug on her short mini skirt; regretting her choice of style all of a sudden. The man took a second before gesturing to her, “I choose you first,” he decided, his voice coming out thick and gruff, expression never changing.

He picked up the chair, snapping it together before setting it aside. When he reached for Marcia, he spoke again. “This will only take a minute,” he said, thickly, dragging her away from Claire as if she were a rag doll. She squirmed, breaking free from his grasp, before diving at the two of you, but it was no use, he’d sifted her into the air, straight off her feet. The way she struggled against the door made you wince to see her so scared. Marcia latched onto the doorframe, horror blazing in her eyes. Even as she slapped him across the face, it still seemed to do no harm. This should’ve horrified you, it should have made you want to get up and fight for her, but a part of you didn’t care. Was it wrong of you to think she deserved it? To be the first to die while you and Claire had to wait your turn. What was this man doing to you? You didn’t even know who he was, in yet, here you were, willing to stay forever. Willing to throw everyone else under the bus just to be alone. ‘Maybe you were just as crazy as him’ you thought before Marcia let out a loud shriek that brought you back.

Her sobs could be heard through the thick, wooden, door, as Claire pounded against it. Marcia was begging him to let her go, and you could count the seconds on your hand before she reappeared once again. Her back was pressed against his chest, tightly, as he set her down, gently on the floor. She must’ve bit his hand as a loud grunt passed his lips, anger filling his face, before he took a firm grasp on the doorway, and growled again. This time, shaking his hand in pain before slamming the door on you once again.

“He wanted me to dance with him,” Marcia said, still shaken up by what had happened just moments ago. “The outside door is locked.”

“Everything is okay,” Claire assured you both, “we’re okay. We’re okay,” at this point you were pretty sure she was just saying it to keep herself sane. She continued to tug on the door, but it didn’t budge. In typical Claire fashion, she went into a full on pep rally in her attempt to motivate the two of you to kick his ass. You being the psychopath that you were, refused to participate. Which only led to her throwing a temper tantrum instead, and managing to turn this whole thing into some kind of democracy to get Marcia against you.

The two of them were trying to convince you that the only way out was for you to gang up on him, but it was no use. You should’ve been pumped, you should’ve been willing to risk your life to bust out of this room, and back to your happy little home life. But you weren’t. Because your home life wasn’t all peaches and cream like theirs was.

Sure, your parents were still together, and, no, they didn’t beat you. What they had done, though, was toss you to the side like you didn’t even matter. This place was sounding a lot better than anywhere else right now; because at least here you mattered. Maybe not to them, but you sure as hell did to the guy behind that door. You knew you’d never make it out of here with her plan. You’d glanced him over long enough to know that there was no getting out, and that, whatever she had up her sleeve, was a suicide mission.

That’s when you snapped. “Did you see how strong he is? There’s no way we’ll ever make it past him,” you reminded her, bringing the preppy blonde back to reality. “Right now we just need to stay calm, and do what he says. Maybe then he won’t hurt us.”

“So what, you’re just gonna sit here? This isn’t some kind of game, Y/N, this is our lives!” Claire shouted, throwing her hands in the air in frustration.

“Exactly!” You hissed back, getting in her face. “And he’s been thinking about this longer than we have. No matter what you try to do, he’s already ten steps ahead.” Just like that, you went back to your spot on the bed, and sat down.

Deeming silence better than arguing, the three of you remained quiet for what felt like forever until you finally heard a woman’s voice on the other side of the door. Both Claire and Marcia dove to try and peek through the lock, but they couldn’t make anything out except her lower half. From what you could hear, the woman seemed to be arguing over something with the man who’d brought you here. All of it becoming one big jumbled mess over the girls shouting. “Don’t go in there!” The man shouted over Claire and Marcia’s screams for help before the door opened and you saw him standing in the doorway in woman’s clothes.

“Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him,” he said with a promising smile, pretending to be someone else. “He listens to me. He’s not well. He knows what you’re here for. He’s not allowed to touch you. He knows that.” Without another word, he disappeared just as quickly as he’d come; every appearance weirder than the previous.

Again the girls began to panic, assuming this was all just some clever scheme. They’d barely had any chance to talk before the man came back in again, dressed in his original clothes. He was carrying a bucket, handle draped across his arm. There were cleaning supplies organized perfectly inside, and he seemed to act more ordinary than ever.

“No!” He said, slightly panicked, when he entered the bathroom. “Please, keep your area neat. The bathroom, it’s unacceptable. To make it easy, I’ve color-coded these.” He gestured, showing you each individual bottle. “Use the blue bottle for the floor and the pink bottle for the ceramic surfaces.” The way he cringed at the spotless bathroom made you finally put two and two together. Between wiping down his seat, folding his napkin before putting it away, and how neat and orderly he always seemed to be, this man had to have a the most extreme case of OCD you had ever seen.

Finally, he motioned for the three of you to join him. You had been the first to go, knowing you were the only one brave enough; although others may have called that ‘suicidal’. No, you seemed to find a soft spot in the way this man was acting right now, and, as much as you wanted to hate him, you couldn’t. Instead you found yourself wanting to learn more.

Taking the bucket from him, you found a place on the floor, looking up at the man with nothing but genuine interest, and, thankfully, he hadn’t seemed to notice. There was an awkward silence before he spoke again, shoving his hands in his pockets as he leaned against the doorframe. “Patricia has reminded me that I was sent to get you for a reason. That you are sacred food, and I promise not to bother you again.” You wanted to believe he said it apologetically, but it didn’t come off that way in the slightest. This should’ve horrified you, but your mentality was so off that you found it almost reassuring that you’d be staying here longer.

The three of you cleaned the bathroom in little to no time, each of you picking a different surface. Although it had been clean before, you somehow had managed to give the room a whole new sparkle and shine. By the time you were finished, the energy from your body had been completely drained; both from the cleaning and the kidnapping. The small, uncomfortable, cot now looking like a five star mattress as you fell face first into the pillow, and passed out from absolute exhaustion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Split - Part II

[spiderman-homecomeme]

Cute fluffy prompt: mj acts like she’s not impressed with the whole Spider-Man thing so peter keeps making excuses to show off his powers/strength in front of her

Okay this prompt is so freaking cute and im so sorry this took me forever, but here it is!! I hope you like it!!

Get ready for 1.5k of some good ol’ fashioned fluff

Peter shouldn’t be all that surprised that upon finding out his secret identity as the vigilante known as Spider-Man, Michelle reacts in perhaps the most Michelle-way possible.

She’s indifferent.

Not entirely impressed.

Maybe even a bit annoyed?

Now, it wasn’t as if he’d expected her to just… fawn over him, to sing his praises in her overt adoration of his deeds. He knew it wasn’t like that; MJ wasn’t like that. But… she could’ve at least faked some enthusiasm. A simple, “Wow! That’s cool!” would’ve been much appreciated.

She could have at least tried to reach Ned’s enthusiasm.

Because Peter has literal, actual superpowers for crying out loud.

He can climb walls.

He fights crime.

But nope.

Nothing.

Just the quirk of an eyebrow accompanied by a comically apathetic, “Yeah. And?”

Because of course she already knew.

The double take he’d done at her response may or may not have given him a minor case of whiplash. He’d sputtered, face turning an embarrassing shade of beet red as he scrambled to form coherent, human sentences—something that had become somewhat of a theme in his conversations with MJ.

It’s not as if he needs his ego stroked; honestly, that is the least of his priorities. But… he has this crazy, overwhelming desire for MJ’s seal of approval; hell, just a nod, a smile, or even a thumbs up would do. Some acknowledgement, at least.

He, for some inexplicable reason, wants so badly to just impress her.

And he finds himself caring a lot more about whether or not she’s impressed the more and more he tries.

She doesn’t care when he shows her his lightning fast reflexes; he’s lost count of how many times he’s asked her to throw something at him so he can show off that particular skill.

“Hey, MJ, toss me the remote?”

“Hey, MJ, pass me that can of sprite!”

“Hey, MJ, literally just throw my calc book at me.”

(He also wonders if he should be worried that she’s always willing to chuck something at his face every time he asks, without hesitation.)

She couldn’t care less when he hangs from the ceiling by a single thread—okay, it’s maybe more than that, but still—when they’re studying in her room one day, his face scrunched in concentration as he reads Great Expectations from his position.

He can feel her eyes on him, stare calculating as she watches him with a mix of judgement and confusion. An expression that wordlessly asks, “What the absolute fuck are you doing?”

“What?” As innocent as he can act in a situation like this, Peter shrugs, feigning ignorance. “It’s more comfortable.”

She scoffs.

She’s even more unimpressed, maybe even borderline annoyed, when he shows off just how agile he is by literally backflipping onto the couch during a movie night with her and Ned like he’s some kind of Olympic gymnast.

Peter’s smile is triumphant as he lands, feeling pretty damn good about himself, eyes not-so-subtly glancing over to MJ, trying to gauge her reaction.

“Was that necessary?” she asks, tilting her head in miffed bewilderment.

Okay, maybe she had a point.

Even Ned, who was arguably Spider-Man’s number one fan, seems to think the overt display of gymnastics is a bit much.

And that’s saying something.

Peter’s strength doesn’t really do much for her either, or at least he’s pretty sure it doesn’t. He can lift around ten tons,—but who’s counting, really?— stop a bus with his bare hands. He’s stopped the Winter Soldier’s actual metal arm before.

Come on, even the person with the highest standards in the world would think that was at least a little bit cool.

There may have been a hint of a smile, a faint sense of admiration and approval when he lifts up the school lockers with incredible ease, snatching the spare jar of web fluid, making sure to twirl it a couple of times for good measure.

“Wow,” she says, almost breathlessly, with a hint of… What is that?… Wonder? Reverence?

“Way to damage school property, Spidey.”

And like that, he deflates.

He brings out the big guns when he offers her a ride—or, a swing, if you will—when she’s running late to her after school job at one of the local bookstores. She agrees, but only after nearly rolling her eyes out of her head.

To this day, he can still feel the way the butterflies had nearly erupted in his stomach as she’d wrapped her arms around his neck, her body pressed against his as he’d gripped her waist, holding her steady; the way her breath had hitched in her throat as he leapt into the air, the way she’d buried her face in the crook of his neck, the ghost-like touch of her lips less than an inch from his jaw.

He can also still hear the way she’d screamed bloody murder right in his ear the entire swing.

He was pretty sure she might have puked all over him and his suit if it had lasted even a second longer.

Needless to say, Michelle was not impressed.

Not in the slightest.

Really, at this point, Peter begins to think that there was truly no way to please her.

And, slowly but surely, he gets to where he can kind of, sort of accept it.

He’s pretty sure he’ll never get over this whole desire to impress her, but for the time being, maybe he can chill a bit with the showing off.

After all, she’d said it better than he could have.

“Okay, now you’re just embarrassing yourself.”

He nods in silent, albeit a little sheepish, agreement, hands on his hips as he turns his gaze to the ground.

He’d just made one more, one more valiant effort in his quest to get MJ to admit that this whole Spider-Man thing was cool.

Actually offering to take her on patrol with him may have been a mistake.

This sunny Saturday afternoon must have been the day all the criminals in New York decided to take a day off.

And, yeah, it may not have been a good idea in hindsight, with the danger and all that. But give him a break, they were already hanging out… They just happened to change location and he just happened to be wearing his suit.

No big deal.

Plus, he would have never let anything happen to her.

And even with all of that, she’d laughed, actually laughed, and declined, returning to her book as she sat on the park bench.

He knows it’s a fruitless effort, but damn it, he had to give it one last shot.

They’re interrupted when they hear the nearby wailing cry for help of a little girl, and in an instant, Peter’s gone.

As it turns out, the girl’s in no danger at all, but rather, her white kitten—whose name turns out to be Buttons—having got himself caught pretty high up in a tree.

Peter’s heartstrings tug at the way the little girl’s cries fill the air around him. He takes a moment to comfort her, telling her that everything—that Buttons is going to be okay; that he’ll be down before she knows it.

The girl sniffles, wiping at her eyes as she watches Spider-Man climb the tree—slowly, as not to startle the already skittish animal.

It takes minimal effort on his part, getting the frightened kitten down from the tree, but he still treats this as any other deed done as his heroic alter-ego; he handles the small bundle of fluffy white fur carefully as he returns to the ground.

And once again, he’s filled with the same warm, happy feeling he gets when he’s helped someone as the girl hugs the small cat in her arms, her smile practically glowing.

“Thank you, Spider-Man!”

He returns to MJ a moment later, who’s been watching the entire time.

Her face is impassive as he stands in front of her, book forgotten in her lap as she fixes him with a contemplative stare.

He already knows what she’s going to say, how she’s going to react. He’s not set up for disappointment that way.

He can practically hear the words already before she even speaks.

“Nice job, loser.”

Wait. Not those words—

What?

His head snaps up, the white eyes of his suit widening comically as he stares back at her, dumbfounded. “What did you say?”

At that, her lips press together into a thin, very very cute, smile. From what he could tell, there hadn’t been any hint of sarcasm in her tone. Her gaze now makes him feel comfortably uncomfortably warm under all the red and blue spandex.

Okay, he’s probably dreaming.

“I said,” she pauses. “Nice job, loser.”

“Oh,” is all he can muster at first, his voice a little breathless. He coughs, scratching the back of his head, trying to play it cool. “Thanks.”

She nods before quietly returning to her book. “Anytime, dude.”

He’d done it. He’d finally done it. All these days, these weeks, all this time.

And damn it, Peter can’t help but do his best golf fist bump when he’s sure MJ can’t see him, exclaiming a whispered, “yes!” under his breath.

“Please, don’t make me take it back,” she says without even glancing up from her page.

“Ah! Okay, sorry, sorry.”

[softboywriting]

Snowballs and Soft Kisses | Shawn Mendes AU

Summary: Shawn gets some fake snowballs and terrorizes everyone at any chance he gets. You finally have had enough of it and decide to get revenge with real snowballs. [fluff] Part of the Falling In Love Is Easily The Hardest Thing Series that can be found on my masterlist under Mini Series.

Word Count: 1.6k

|Masterlist In Bio|

Shawn is a menace. Over the last two years as his assistant and more recently, girlfriend, you've learned that if you let him go shopping alone when he is bored he comes back with the most off the wall things. Once it was a nutribullet. He claimed he needed it for his protein shakes. It sat in his cupboard for nine months unopened. Another time it was a Roomba. Perfect for the guy who is never home and can't remember to do his own laundry let alone turn on a robot to vacuum his perfectly clean floors. Last month he came waltzing on to the tour bus somewhere in Texas with a bag full of men's body wash and lotion from some high end store when he has a shower bag full of them already.

This time he shows up with something far less expensive than his last ventures, but by far the most annoying. Fake snowballs. Yeah. Little fluffy partially filled white fabric balls. Why? Well as Shawn put it “I miss snowball fights and half time I'm not home anymore while there is snow on the ground.” Immediately you knew this was going to be hell, and you were absolutely right.

Every chance Shawn got he was pelting people with those little snowballs. Backstage? Perfect for a snowball fight. Green room? Time to lob them at each other over the couches. Empty arena? More like a  battle ground. Tour Bus? Oh you can bet you woke up with him tossing them across the isle trying to wake you up or bother you while you worked on your laptop. The guy was a menace, a giggly overgrown child and half the crew was no better. They almost always joined in or egged him on.

After a solid month of shenanigans you'd had enough. You had taken countless snowballs to the face, the chest, the back of the head. You had cleaned up a number of spilled cans and broken cups. It was time for revenge. The tour but had left late in the evening after a later show and was headed for Minnesota for Shawn to play his last show on Christmas Eve before a week long break. You're curled up with him in his bunk, barely any room to move, and you can see one of the snowballs sitting on the bed across the aisle. That's when you decide that it's time for revenge, as you stare at that obnoxious little fluff ball and it mocks you. No, you wouldn't steal his fake snowballs for revenge, you want real snow.

You pull out your phone and bring up the weather app. You type in the bus's destination and find that when you arrive it should be snowing and there is already plenty fallen as well. Perfect. You wiggle back against Shawn and he groans, pulling you tighter against him. He mumbles a sleepy “I love you” and smooches the back of your head. So soft. He had no idea what was instore for him when you stopped but you'd let him rest for now.

Morning, half past eight and you slip out of Shawn's hold. Your back is stiff and legs sore from being crammed into the single bunk all night with a giant man. You quietly get your boots on, grab a sweater of Shawn's and pull your coat on over it. There are gloves in the pockets and you slide them on as you head for the door.

Outside is a blanket of white. A real winter wonderland fit for a Christmas card. Right away you start making snowballs, stacking them by the end of the bus and waiting for Shawn to wake up. It doesn't take long before you have a dozen or more balls and Shawn is texting you, wanting to know where his cuddle buddy is. He always hated waking up without you these days.

“Come to the arena. I'm helping out backstage.” You send him and he says he's on his way. He is falling into your trap perfectly.

The door to the bus opens a few minutes later and Shawn steps out in his sherpa lined denim jacket, a sweater, his green flannel pants tucked into his socks and his boots he wore every day. A fashion disaster and one hundred percent Shawn when he wasn't making a public appearance. Such a boy. You whistle and he turns to find the source of the noise. His hair is mussed up and his face still has bed wrinkle lines still on it. You can't help the laugh that bubbles out of you.

“I thought you said-” he stops mid sentence as you lob a snowball at him and it explodes across his cheek. The snow was a little powdery so you're impressed that it even made it to him without falling apart.

“That's payback,” you grin, packing a second ball from your pile in your hands. “How you like that snowball?”

“Oh you little shit,” Shawn says with the biggest smile. He scoops up some snow and balls it in his bare hands. You throw yours and he throws his. Both miss, his thumping against the side of the bus.

“Hey! That was too hard!” You throw another and it smacks square in his chest. “I call rough play!”

“Oh I'll show you rough play!” He runs toward you and you run out into the snow behind the bus. He chases you, slipping in his old treadless boots as you barely stay just out of reach for a few seconds. He grabs you, taking you down into a snow pile at the edge of the backlot of the arena where snow plows had cleared the driveways.

“Shawn!” You squeal as he pins you into the cold pile. “No fair.”

“It's not fair that you ambushed me either.” He stares down at you, nose red from the cold, breath coming out in little white puffs. “If you didn't like my snowball fights you could have just said so.”

“I didn't wanna hurt your feelings though. You were having so much fun.”

“Well yeah but I could have stopped bothering you with them. I'm sorry babe.” He presses a little kiss to your cold nose. “I missed being home at this time of year. Plus you're really cute when you're flustered.” He smiles cheekily.

“Oh you don't need to butter me up you goofball. But I am sorry I ambushed you.”

Shawn sits up on his knees, straddling your legs. “It's okay. I would have won that fight, ambush or not.”

“Oh yeah? You don't even have on appropriate clothing. You would have froze to death.”

Shawn huffs. “Well I guess I'll have to challenge you to a real snowball fight when we get home and I have my coat and gloves and everything.”

“You're going to your parents place aren't you?” You start to sit up and he pulls you up right and starts helping brush the snow out of your hair.

“I was actually wondering if you wanted to come with me.”

“To meet your family?”

Shawn nods. He stands and brushes his pants off before he steps out onto the shallower snow outside the pile. He tucks his hands under his arms and looks down as if he were nervous about this conversation. “I was hoping we could spend Christmas together, y'know, since your parents are going to be on vacation anyway. If you have other plans just-”

“I'd love to. I'd love to meet your parents.” You wrap your arms around him and he sighs heavily, arms wrapping around you in return. “I wasn't sure if you wanted to do anything together for Christmas and I didn't want to ask since I know it's a big thing for your family.”

“You’re my family too now,” Shawn says quietly, looking down at you. “I wouldn't want you not to be there. Besides, I already told my mom you were coming so you kinda have to.”

“I can't wait,” you giggle. You know his family goes all out for Christmas and it's always a huge party. You also know his mom is awesome at gift giving so that makes you even more excited.

“Can we go back to the bus now? I'm freezing and my toes hurt they're so cold.”

You nod. “But no more snowballs, got it?”

Shawn holds his hands up in defense. “I promise. No more.”

“Alright, come on then. Let's watch a movie and warm up until the guys come find us for soundcheck.”

Shawn wraps his arms around you from behind and walks with you to the bus, snow crunching loudly with every step. He presses his face into your hair, warming his cold cheeks and nose as he mumbles, “That sounds like a good plan. Have I told you how much I love you?”

“Only everyday since we admitted our feelings for each other?”

“Mmm. Can't miss today then.” He kisses the side if your cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you more,” you giggle, your usual response.

He shakes his head, giving you another kiss on the cheek. “I love you most.”

A/N: Thank you for reading! Please leave feedback via Ask, reply, reblog or message! -A 

[hello-justawriterofthings]

Someone who Loves You ( Without Me Part 2 ) - Billy Hargrove

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Hey guys, We’re finally here! this is part 2 to Without me. It's not really based off the song this time. I was excited to write this, I just want to Thank everyone for the Amazing support I got on the first part, I appreciate it so much. I hope everyone enjoys <3 { Warnings - Language and angst. I make a lot of Freddy Krueger puns, so bare with me }

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I let out an aggravated huff as I walked up the Wheelers sidewalk on the Chilly October night, the Door opened and I was Greeted by a Smiling Karen, who quickly pulled me into a hug. " Nancy ans Steve are upstairs, still putting their costumes together. You know them, they wait until last minute and throw things together. Yours looks great by the way! " she stated motioning to my costume, if Freddy Krueger were a female, that'd be me. I wanted to go as something, unexpected. Not like the rest of our girls in school and I also wanted something that would hide my face somewhat, since I was avoiding Billy. I left classes early so I wouldn't run into him in the hallway, I ended up at classes 15 minutes early, I ate lunch in the office, after volunteering to be an office aid. I might hve been taking this to an extreme, but I already hurt from being used, I didn't want to feel the whole heartbreak. So, when Nancy guilt tripped me into going to this stupid Halloween party, I knew to expect Billy and his crew to be there. " Knock knock, Better Stay up late, because you're never gonna sleep again! " I chuckled as I entered Nancy's room, Steve rolled his eyes " How long were you rehearsing that one? ". I smirked " Long enough, can you tell that it's me under the makeup? ", Steve and Nancy both nodded. " Shit " I sighed while sitting on her bed, Nancy smiled " It's a great costume though Y/N, besides I doubt he'll even know your there, he's going to be wasted ". " No, he'll know. Yesterday he punched Tommy in the face when he made a nasty comment about you Y/N. Trust me, Billy has it bad " Steve then stated with a slight chuckle, " He only has it bad because I took away the only thing he wanted, the first girl to deny the great Billy Hargrove... Besides, I heard he was out with Jessica or Heather, or whoever he was with last week " I stated seriously while rolling my eyes. " He was not, those girls love making shit up! I don't think he's been out with anyone since you started ignoring him " Nancy exclaimed, " When did you you become Pro Billy? " I asked her with a brow raised. " I'm not, but when you were hanging out with you, you seemed happy. Happier then what you are now, you barely go out anymore because you're avoiding him. I miss you sometimes, it's different, you're different " she stated with a sigh, I didn't reply, but I did stand up and give her a hug, avoiding smudging my makeup I worked 3 hours to get right. Letting her know I was always here, she still had me as a friend.

Once we reached Tina's house, we all got out of Steve's car and made our way towards the party. " Is Jonathan coming? " I asked Nancy since she and him seemed to be be spending more time together recently, she shrugged " He was taking Will trick or Treating, I tried to talk him into it, but I don't know if my tactics worked ". I nodded while letting out a sigh, " Wow, great costumes guys! Thanks for Coming, Wooh!!! " Tina shouted over the music, already drunk. The three of us smiled awkwardly but headed towards the kitchen, I wasn't much of a drinker, but I needed an escape ( But still needed to stay level headed, because if I got too out of control, I end up in bed with Billy again ). When we reached the kitchen, I grabbed a plastic cup with people were calling ' Pure Fule '. " What are you supposed to be Y/N, a fashion victim " Carol stated with a smirk, but also rolled her eyes at the same time. Rebecca chuckled behind her, even though it wasn't funny at all. " I see you two decided not to wear a costumes, just the same old masks you were everyday. Slutty as always " I stated with a smile, walking further into the kitchen as Nancy and Steve decided to dance. " 1, 2 Freddy's coming for you! " I heard Billy shout loudly, " No No, Freddy's not coming for you anymore! " I sighed shaking my head as I quickly found an escape route, turning many corners to get away from him. When I managed to do so, I ended up running into someone else. " Woah, slow down Freddy " The guy chuckled, I sighed deeply " I'm so sorry... ". I looked at the guy, realizing it was Chad from art class. He chuckled " It's okay Y/N, great costume by the way. Make a statement, just because Freddy is a guy, doesn't mean a girl can't dress up like him for Halloween!... How have you been? ", I smiled " Thanks, I've been good, just dodging this guy ". " Hargrove? " he asked, I nodded letting out a deep sigh. " Well, I wish you luck with that then " Chad stated , I looked at him confused. An arm slung around my shoulder, " Buzz off Chad, she's mine! " Billy slurred. Chad held his arms up in defense with a smirk on his face, I pushed Billy's arm off me " I'm not yours, now leave me alone or I'm going to haunt you in your dreams! "{ End of the Freddy Krueger puns, promise }. I then walked away from him once more, not hearing him whisper behind me " You already haunt them ". I ended up leaving the party after that, unaware of what happened after that. I walked to the bus station and caught the closest bus that would end up close to my house. I sighed deeply, receiving weird looks from the other people in the station, I ignored it though. Once I got home, I sighed deeply. My dad wasn't home, thankfully he had left on a business trip that lasted until Tuesday. I went into the bathroom, stripped out of my clothes, jumped into the shower. Scrubbed off the three hours of work I had put into my makeup, the got into my pajama's and then climbed into bed, Good Fucking Night Halloween.

Since Halloween fell on a Friday, I got to lounge around all weekend at home and I planned on keeping it that way. Halfway through the day, around 4pm. There was a knock on the front door, making me groan deeply. I got up and answered it, Nancy rushed her way in while looking frazzled. " What happened to you last night, I thought you left with Hargrove! " she exclaimed quite dramatically, I rolled my eyes " You thought wrong, he was bugging me and I didn't want to deal with it ". " It;s just that, he left soon after I noticed that you were gone and I can't remember anything that happened after that. Steve won't answer my calls, I was worried about you, I was freaked out this morning " she then stated, making me nod " Billy's an idiot, he had so much to drink last night, he was drunk out of his mind. You know I'm not that stupid to get in a car with someone who's drunk, whether I love him or not! ". Nancy's eyes went wide " You love him, why didn't you tell me before ! ", I groaned deeply " Because I'm trying not love love him anymore, that's why I've been avoiding him ". " " Oh my gosh, your first love! " Nancy smiled widely, causing me to roll my eyes and groan " Okay, I think visiting hours are over ". " Y/N " Nancy sighed deeply, " No Nance, I'm trying to get over it okay. I'm going to move on and one day fnd someone who'll treat me better. No one ever ends up with who they date in high school anyway " I muttered loud enough for her to hear. She sighed once more while awkwardly nodded " Fine, I'll drop the subject. Can I stay and hangout with you for a while? ", I nodded " Okay, you can stay, but no more mention of my love life or I'm kicking you out ". She chuckled slightly, but she knew I wasn't joking.

Nancy ended up staying a few hours, we baked cookies, watched a dramatic movie and did little bit of homework. By the time she left it was almost dinner time, so I warmed up leftover pizza and made myself comfortable on the couch. That is until 10 minutes later, I heard a loud bang come from upstairs. I furrowed my brows, grabbed the closest objects to me, which happened to be my math book, then made my way upstairs. Checking all the rooms, until I landed on my own bedroom. I let out a deep sigh, then pushed open the door, only to see Billy laying on the floor groaning. " What the hell are you doing? " I asked tossing my matchbook onto my desk and placing my hands on my hips, " I wanted to talk, why did you move your furniture around, I expected to lad on your bed like I used too " he groaned while rubbing his knees. " Maybe you should've used the front door " I stated, he groaned once while getting to his feet " You wouldn't have answered and I saw that your window was open and took the chance ". " Your right, I wouldn't have answered. Because, when you avoid someone that's what you do " I stated walking out of my room and back downstairs, back to my pizza. Billy followed my of course. I sighed deeply while sitting back on the couch, " Y/n, are you going to avoid me forever? " he questioned sitting on the arm of the couch. " That's the plan " I stated with a smile, focusing back on the TV. Billy let out a deep huff, then grabbed the remote from my hand, switching off the television. " Billy, give it back! " I yelled, making him shake his head no. " Billy! " I exclaimed grabbing for it, making him stick it in his pants. " Go for it now " he smirked, making me roll my eyes " That's all you care about! ". He looked at me confused, " Sex! Billy, all you care about is sex! " I exclaimed loudly. " That's not true " he stated bluntly, making me roll my eyes. " If all I ever wanted was sex, I would have ditched you the minute after we fucked " he stated with a sigh, " You did, you were gone by the time I woke up and if you really cared about me, you would've stayed or at least told me you were leaving! " I snapped back. " You now my dad would've killed me " he stated, " You didn't care any time after that, when you were taking out other girls, your dad didn't expect you to come home those nights. So you ended up here, toying with my fucking feelings. You used me " I spat. He shook his head while fishing the remote out of his pants, dropping it on the coffee table, then started walking towards the front door. " I did not Y/N, I care about you! " he stated loudly on his way, " No! You wanted to talk, let's fucking talk! " I yelled chasing after him. " You only ever came around for sex and for me to make you feel good about yourself! You never once did the same for me, never cared about what was going on in my life or how I was feeling. You took advantage of my feelings, especially when I told you I loved you... So, if you can't accept that, then leave and don't ever come back. My feelings are just as important as yours, stop acting like your the only one that's been through shit! " I yelled, causing him to turn towards me with a softer look on his face, it reminded me of the look I saw the night I met him. It didn't last long, he got that harsh look on his face once more as he stomped his way towards his car, jumping in and then pulling out of my driveway like a bat out of hell. I only hoped now, he got the message.

The weekend passed quickly, as did the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Finally confronting Billy about everything, felt rewarding and I stopped hiding from everything. He had yet to try to contact me again, so I guess he got the message. Wait, unless you count the midnight phone calls I had been receiving. I knew they were him, the caller never spoke, they waited until I said Hello three times before hanging up. Nancy said, that maybe my voice was like a security blanket, that he still wanted to hear it, maybe it helped him sleep. To that I rolled my eyes, it was just another way to annoy me, but I continued to answer those calls, because somewhere deep inside, I missed him. But after we all returned to school after the Thanksgiving he fell back into his old ways, he pretended as if I wasn't there, had a different girl on his arm everyday and always gave that said girl a ride home after school ( And we all know what happened on those ride homes ). As much as I wanted to stay strong and get over him, it seemed to be a lot harder than I thought. I found myself crying late at night about the old days with him, waiting for him to climb through my window and make everything okay again. Why couldn't I figure out what I wanted, I couldn't get my feelings in check. I'd curse at myself when I woke up in the morning, realizing I'd left my window open the previous night, on purpose. The relationship he and I had was unhealthy, I made the right decision when I ended things, but that thought never brought me any comfort. This pain I was feeling for that boy, was worse than when my parents got divorced, I wasn't sure how I'd get through it.

The week before the Winter Formal, notes had started appearing in my locker out of the blue. Simple ones at first, telling me how nice I looked, congratulating me on how well I did in science class, Odd things. At first I took it as a joke, kids at school were cruel and knew what had gone down between Billy and I. The notes though, were always signed - Someone who loves you. So, it couldn't be Billy, he didn't love anyone. I was taken by surprise when I opened my locker this morning and the note read - Be my date for the Formal? Circle Yes or no, then slip it in locker 306. Someone Who Loves You -. I didn't do anything with it at first, just put it in my pocket and made my way to my first class. I'd deal with it later. Once lunch came along, I grabbed my food and sat down at the normal table. Nancy and Jonathan joined soon after, I let out a deep sigh " I have to talk to you! ". Nancy looked worried as I pulled the note out of my pocket, slamming it on the table. " Oh no, what did Mr. Someone who loves you, say today? " Jonathan smirked, Nancy picked up the note and read it. " He asked her to the winter formal " Nancy smiled widely, I rolled my eyes " I'm not going ". Nancy then scoffed " What! Why not? ", " Because this is probably some prank on Carol's end, they all know what went on between Billy and I... I don't want to show up and be made a fool " I stated with a shrug. Nancy sighed " What if it's not a joke, what if someone actually like you in this school other than Us! Don't you want to find out? " again I shrugged " I'll think about ". She nodded, " What if it's Billy? Maybe hes trying to right his wrongs " Jonathan stated with a smiled. " Billy's locker number isn't 306, it's 490 " I sighed running my hand through my hair, " Well, we have to figure out who's locker is 360! " Nancy exclaimed. " We don't, I wasn't planning on going anyways, it's just a stupid dance " I stated honestly, " Just a stupid dance, I'm appalled! I'm on the dance committee, it's going to be amazing " Nancy stated dramatically. I just rolled my eyes, I hadn't made my mind up yet. This is my decision and only I could make it.

By the end of the day, I had slipped the note, that I had circled yes onto, back into locker 306, hoping I didn't just make a mistake. I got a ride home from Jonathan and when I arrived home, I wasn't surprised to find the house empty. My dad had been dating a new woman recently and he was gone most days / nights. Even though I spent so much time alone now, he seemed to be happy again, so I guess I approved. He was a good man and deserved it. In preparation for the Winter formal, Nancy and I planned on going dress shopping Wednesday after school. Mrs. Wheeler ended up driving us and dropping us off, before running errands of her own. Nancy was extra excited for the formal, she and Jonathan would be going together and I was very happy for the as well. What I wasn't happy about was because our town was so small, there was only one dress shop and it seemed other girls had the same idea coming after school. Wow, look who it is girls. Wheeler and her little side kick Y/L/N. Tell me, did you both finally find dates or are you going with each other " Carol stated with a cackle, I rolled my eyes " Just because this is a stupid dance, doesn't mean you can't go alone or with Friends ". She scoffed " Your lame is you go alone though, imagine how awkward the picture will be. Tommy and I are going together, Heather's going with Josh and Tina tell the who your date is ", " Billy " Tina smirked. Causing me to roll my eyes " Give me a break, did you really think I actually cared who your dates are? You and Tommy are always blowing each others ass holes and I remember both of you last year trying to fuck Steve, face it. You're both pathetic ", " then why are you talking to us, if we're so pathetic? " Carol smirked. " Well, I didn't start talking to you, you both came up to us as soon as we entered the store and started this. Clearly bored with your own lives and Now I'm ending it " I stated with a smile as I grabbed Nancy's arm and walked towards the back of the store. " I'm shocked Y/N, I didn't think tonight would end up like that. I don't get why they have to ruin everything " Nancy stated while looking through a rack of clothes, I just lent up against the wall and sighed " They aren't going anywhere in life, so they have ruin good times for everyone else to make themselves better ". She nodded, picking out a few dresses. I heard the bell ring and noticed Carol and Tina leave the store, carrying large bags with them. " Come Y/N, I know this started off bad, but let's make it more fun, your frown is bumming me out " Nancy then groaned, " Sorry, I just can't get excited for something like this. Especially when I know it's going to be a let down " I stated with a sigh as I glanced around the shop. " Why do you think it's going to be a let down " I stated with a serious look on her face, I shrugged slightly " I just feel like this is one big joke and I'm in the middle of it ". She let out a deep sigh " Well, at least you'll have us there if something goes down. You'll still have your friends to keep you company ", I nodded while sending her a smile " Okay fine! Let's stop talking about it and get back to dress shopping. I actually see something I'm interested in ". She smiled widely as we walked over to the strapless white dress that had pale color marks on it, I ended up getting that one in the end. Now with the formal only two days away, I was getting even more nervous, which was annoying. But what's done is done and hopefully, I wouldn't regret it in the end.

The night of the winter formal, Nancy and I were getting ready in her room, with the help of her mom. The day before I received another note from someone who loves you, saying they'd met me in the back parking lot at 9:30pm. That's about an hour after the dance began, so I'd be able to hangout with my friends before I had to meet this mystery person. Steve swore it was Billy, he said throughout the last week that Billy couldn't keep my name out of his mouth. I just brushed it off, Billy would never go to this amount of trouble to ask someone to the dance, let alone go to the dance, it wasn't his thing. I sat on Nancy's bed, flipping through a magazine as she curled her hair, I just couldn't stop thinking about tonight. It was driving me crazy, not knowing who this mystery person was and I was terrified of looking like a fool in front of the whole school. " Come on Y/N, your turn " Nancy stated wearing a large smile, I sent her a panicked look " That’s it, I'm not going, I changed my mind! ". Nancy let out a deep sigh knowing I'd been thinking far to into this and she was probably tired of hearing my worries. " Y/N, everything will be okay. It's only a stupid high school dance as you put it, but it's also a time to unwind from all the stresses of School and have fun with friends ", Nancy stated with a small smile " Don't let the fear get in the way of your happiness ". I took in her words and nodded, " And you have to go and find out who wins the title of the Ice Queen and King. I Won when I attended Hawkins High, I probably still have the Crown around here somewhere " Mrs. Wheeler stated proudly. Causing me to chuckle and Nancy to roll her eyes " Not now Mom ", I let out a deep sigh as Mrs. Wheeler left the room in search for her Ice Queen crown. " So, are you ready to get pretty? " Nancy asked with a small smile, " Bitch, I already am pretty, but there's always room for improvement! " I stated with my own smile. " Look girls I found it, I can imagine there much small nowadays! " Mrs. Wheeler exclaimed excitedly while walking back into Nancy's room with a large white crown on her head, Nancy groaned loudly as I chuckled, everything was going to be okay.

Jonathan picked Nancy and I up, looking very dashing himself. I let out a sigh as we got closer to the school, the nerves already setting in now. Nancy turned her head towards the backseat, " Hey, remember it'll be okay and besides, if things don't work out, you can always get Steve to dance with you " she stated with a smile. I rolled my eyes as we pulled into the packed parking lot, next to Steve's car. I let out a deep sigh as I stepped out of Jonathan's car, wishing I had worn a heavier sweater. " Wow Y/N, you look... The best I've ever seen you look. Damn, if only I'd known, I would've picked you over Nancy " Steve stated with a joking smile, " Ew.. But, thanks " I smirked giving him a hug ( Steve and I have always had a brother/sister relationship ). " Ha ha, funny Steve! Okay, let's head inside, I'm freezing " Nancy exclaimed grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the front door, Steve and Jonathan following close behind. Once we reached the gym, I looked around, taking in all the faces. Who was I kidding, I was searching for the specific blonde. Tina, Rebecca and Heather all had dates off the basketball team. " Tina's a Damn liar, she's here with Trey not Billy. How many people has she been screwing around with, does she not realize that Billy and Trey are two different people " Nancy stated with an eye roll, causing me to chuckle loudly. 9:30 was approaching fast and I couldn't stop biting my nails, thinking of all the ways this could go wrong. " You okay? " Steve asked sitting down next to me and handing me a glass of punch, I only shrugged because I had no words for the battle that was going down in my head. " I get that your nervous Y/N, but I'll let you in on something, it's not a prank " Steve stated with a sigh, I looked at him confused " How would you know? " . " Because, Chad couldn't shut up in the locker room four days ago. Team members kept asking him who he was taking to the Formal, he didn't say a nae, but said that he asked a girl in a creative way. Through a note " Steve stated honestly. I looked at him shocked " How could he be the note holder? Sure he's a nice guy, but Chad is very artistic, any notes he would've slipped into a locker would've been more deep then. Hey, you looked good in History today. That doesn't sound like him ", He nodded " I get it, he's been my lab partner for 3 years. He doesn't speak like a normal person sometimes, more like a novel. Bit, I'm just telling you what I heard because I know you've been worrying about this ". I smiled slightly glancing up at the clock, seeing that it was 9:22pm. " Thanks for telling me, your a good friend " I stated with a sigh, him nodding in response while wearing a similar smile.

I walked through the school, more like snuck, because students weren't really allowed to venture through the school after hours. The faculty was worried kids were going to sneak off and have sex in classrooms, thankfully I had a good reputation around here and the staff weren't worried about me. Once I made it to the back door, I let out a deep sigh, Now or Never. I walked slowly towards the dark figure, butterflies in my stomach and my dinner was ready to make a 2nd appearance tonight. Once I saw that the figure was indeed Chad, I couldn't tell if I was relieved or a little angry. " So, your the mystery note holder " I stated with my arms crossed, Chad let out a small sigh but didn't respond. I rolled my eyes and started walking back towards the door, to possibly salvage and make the rest of the night good. Chad quickly ran around me, halting me in place. " Where are you going? " he asked nervously, " Back inside, if you wanted to ask me to the formal, you literally could of just asked. Instead of writing all those simple notes, that sounded nothing like you. I would've said yes " I spat. He let out a sigh, " Other than my friends, your the only one who's treated me like an equal, the only other guy that's been nice " I stated honestly. He nodded " But Y/N, I didn't write the notes. I've just been the middle man through this whole thing, hell I've been dating the same girl for over 2 years. Natalie Wood ", I furrowed my brows in confusion. Yes, I remember seeing them together, but never thought they weren't anything but friends. " Middle man? " I then questioned, earning a nod from him. " Middle man for who? " I asked, only getting a smirk in return as he pointed towards the parking lot behind me. I took in a deep breath as I turned around slowly, letting out a slight groan as I saw Billy standing there, leaning against his car, holding a handful of flowers. I turned back towards Chad, who was still wearing a smirk. " My locker is locker 306, he didn't want to use his own because obviously you would've known it was him. So, he paid me 5$ to help him out, but this was all his idea, he wrote all the notes, he's got it bad for you " Chad stated with a smile before patting me on the shoulder and making his way inside. The degree's had dropped slightly, making it even colder now. I sighed deeply while walking over towards the blonde, unsure of what I was going to say to this boy now. " Before you say anything, I just want to say... Hi " Billy started off nervously, " I know this is probably very confusing and I know you told me to leave you alone, but I can't. I just want a chance to explain everything to you and after that if you still want me to leave you alone, I will ". I had no words, but I was curious as to what he was going to say. So, I nodded. He let out a deep sigh " Okay, cool... Oh, these are for you... Stole money from my dad to buy them, I'll probably hear about it later, but it was worth it. Didn't have enough for a new suit though... ", he handed me the flowers which made me smile. " Thanks, they're beautiful and I recognize that suit from when we first met, on the beach in California " I stated with a smile, making him nod. I didn't say anything further, waiting for him to continue. " So, the last time we spoke, it didn't end well. But since then, I've realized how much I miss and need you in my life. I will do anything to have you in my life again " he stated with a deep sigh, he's dropped the tough guy act, he's more vulnerable. " I know that you think when we were messing around, I was also fucking with other girls, but I wasn't. Before we started doing things together, I had slept with two girls, none that go to our school. But as soon as we got together, I didn't want another bitch. Anytime I climbed through your window and told you I was out with some girl, I lied. I always came straight from home after having a fight with my dad. I didn't want to tell you, because I know you always worried about me when I was at home. Now I realize that I made the wrong choice in lying. I stayed all night at your house those nights, not caring about the trouble I'd get into when I got home, because at least I got to spend time with you, even if we were just sleeping " he stated a bit winded, I however furrowed my brows in confusion. " I understand that this is a lot to take in, but I want to be with you " he stated strongly, making me let out a deep sigh " But when I told you I loved you, you never said anything, you chose to ignore it ". He ran his hand through his freshly styled hair " I didn't ignore it, I just didn't confess that I felt the same way. I've never felt this way towards someone before and I was afraid of what people would say at school, you know Billy Hargrove being tied down. The longer I kept my feelings to myself, the more I felt guilty. Then you started distancing yourself and I knew I had fucked everything up. But, I love you Y/N and I don't give a fuck what anyone thinks or says! ", I looked at him shocked. I wasn't expecting this to come from tonight, something told me that he was telling the truth. Billy cleared his throat, making me realize I hadn't said anything in a while. " SO? " he sighed deeply, " Your serious, no games? " I asked looking at him intensely. He nodded " Absolutely, I don't want to spend one more day without you ", I smiled at him slightly as I pulled him into a hug. " But, what about Heather and Tina, they both swore that they were screwing you the same time we were messing around. " I then asked, " Both liars, Heather had herpes the last time I checked and Tina is such a fucking snooze fest. You know she asked me to the formal, I told her I'd rather hammer nails into my toes. I was working on getting my girl back and I wasn't risking that on her boring ass " he stated with a slight chuckle pulling me into another hug. " It'll take some time for you to gain my trust again, but if you're willing to put in the work, I think we could get back to what we once were " I stated honestly, making him hug me even tighter " I'll do whatever you want! I'll wait forever if I have to ". I smiled to myself, " Hey, you're freezing! Here take my jacket " he stated taking off the leather jacket and placing it around my shoulders. " Come on, let's get inside, I want to dance with my girl " he stated with a smile as he locked his car and then walked me back into the school. 

When Billy and I walked into the gym together, we caught everyone's eye. A few people laughed, some gasped. Steve smirked, making me think he might have had a part in this too, despite the hatred he had for Billy. Billy and I  got out onto the dance floor, I put my arms around his shoulders and he put his hands on my hips, as we started to sway to the music. I had never seen Billy smile the way he was smiling at me know, things were finally right. Jonathan and Nancy both sent me smiles, causing me to roll my eyes, but smiled happily back. Not long after the principle was on stage, ready to announce Ice Queen and King. " And the Winner is... Jonathan Byers and Nancy Wheeler! " the principal shouted , causing a wave of applaud to abrupt in the gym. I let out a loud shriek of excitement as they were both crowned, Mrs. Wheeler was going to be very happy about this. Billy put his arm round me, pulling me closer and kissing the top of my head. Things seemed to work in my favor I guess, but even though I was happy now, there was no way to tell what was going to happen in the future. But, let's forget about that now and Enjoy the moment.

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Hey guys, I totally over did it with this one, but I enjoyed writing it so much. I've been in a slump lately and haven't been the best of health, so the fact that I was able to enjoy writing this so much means a lot. And I hope Everyone Enjoyed reading it, I just want to say Thank you for the amazing support I've received on this series. You're all Amazing <3<3

[lilacmoon83]

It’s Just a Bunch of Hocus Pocus

Also on Fanfiction.net and A03

Part 3

"Man...every year, this town gets lamer and lamer," Rivers complained, as he ate more candy.

"You're telling me. It's not even that fun stealing candy from the kiddies anymore. Wish we could blow this stupid town for a place like New York," Carny agreed, as he stuffed his face with more of the candy that they had bullied from several little kids, just as Yzma rounded the corner.

"Curse that insipid Snow White...she ruins everything," Yzma complained.

"Whoa...get a load of the hag. That's one hideous costume," Rivers commented.

"No joke…" Carny agreed.

"I'll have you know, you stupid punks, that this is no costume," Yzma informed them. This caused them both to bust up laughing.

"Damn...then you got hit by the ugly bus," Carny said.

"Yeah...at least you waited until it was dark to come out!" Rivers added.

"That's it...I'm sick of the hag and dinosaur quips," Yzma snapped, as the two idiots disappeared in puffs of yellow smoke. They reappeared hanging upside from a light pole outside Gold's pawn shop.

"Ahhhhh!" Rivers screamed.

"Let us down!" Carny pleaded. Yzma smirked in satisfaction, as she waltzed into the shop to find Fiona brewing a potion in a cauldron.

"Is it almost ready?" she questioned. Fiona gave her a sharp glare.

"It is...but it doesn't do any good without any children!" she snapped.

"I tried to lure them to me, but they wouldn't come!" Yzma countered.

"That's because your face is far more frightening than any Halloween mask ever could be," Fiona retorted.

"Hello dahlings…" Cruella called, as she swished into the shop. Fiona sighed in frustration, as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

"What part of don't return here without any brats don't you understand?!" Fiona cried.

"Sheriff Chisel Chin and his distasteful daughter spoiled my plan. I was going to use puppies to lure the brats to me and then make a magnificent coat out of them. But alas...they spoiled my fun, as usual," Cruella reported, as she smirked.

"But fear not...I have another plan," she said, as she left as quickly as she came.

"What do you want me to do?" Yzma asked.

"Continue the brewing process, since I'm clearly going to have to do the hard part myself," Fiona said, as she disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

"Let us down!" Rivers pleaded.

"All the blood is rushing to my head!" Carny complained.

"I think I'm gonna puke!" Rivers warned. Yzma chuckled evilly.

"That's what nasty boys get," she hissed.

~*~

David and Emma hurried along the streets of Storybrooke, as Trick or Treating was in full force, even though it was getting quite late. The holidays were always a big deal in Storybrooke though and trick or treating events peppered the town every year on this night. It was just about the only night that was acceptable for children to be out so late. They were supposed to be enjoying it too right now with the little ones, before going to the Halloween party later, but crisis had once again struck their town.

"Where do you think she went?" Emma questioned.

"It's hard to say with her...they need kids and kids are everywhere tonight," he replied. Then Emma had a thought.

"Archie and Marco were going to set up a face painting and costume contest at the old castle playground tonight! It's going to be a big draw," she said.

"I bet that's where she is," he agreed, as they took off running for the park.

~(~

When they arrived, they hard Marco angrily telling someone off.

"You...get out of here! This is no place for your evil!" Marco cried, as Archie was trying to keep all the children back. As expected, Cruella was there...in a costume. And not just any costume, but a Snow White costume, complete with a bad wig. And she was still wearing her monstrosity of a fur coat as well. Fortunately, her mother had never worn anything remotely close to her movie counterpart, but it was still an unsettling sight.

"But I'm Snow White...come little children. We can have such fun together," she cooed, but they all shied away from her.

"Cruella!" David shouted, as she looked up.

"Oh...there you are, dahling. What do you think?" she asked, gesturing to her outfit.

"This is what you're into, right?" she questioned, as she walked toward them.

"Seriously...did you actually think a bad costume would lure children to you?" Emma questioned. Cruella huffed.

"Well, it was worth a shot, but the little beasts are stubborn. Guess I'll just have to force the little brats to come with me," she replied.

"You're not going anywhere with any kids," David refuted.

"Anger is such a delicious color on you, dahling," she cooed, as she moved into the street.

"Unfortunately...I'm going to have to take care of you and your meddlesome daughter," Cruella hissed, as her hands glowed with green magic and she prepared to launch the attack at them. David put his arm in front of Emma, ready to take the blow for his daughter. But he wouldn't have to, for a white SUV sped toward the two toned witch and hit her head on. Cruella cried out in terror and went flying and flailing through the air, before landing in a heap of fur several feet away. David and Emma grinned, as Snow got out of the car with Leo, Henry, and Violet.

"Nice one, Mom," Emma complimented.

"Thanks sweetie," she said, as she kissed her husband.

"That was incredible...you're amazing," he said, as their lips parted.

"I thought you'd like that," she replied, as Cruella screamed in frustration, as she pulled herself to her feet. She was disheveled and her fur coat was torn and stained.

"Oh...you horrible retch! You ruined my beautiful coat!" she whined. Snow rolled her eyes.

"Mark my words...I will have the last laugh!" she promised, before disappearing. Unfortunately, their problems were just beginning, as Regina and Robin hurried to them.

"We have a big problem," she said.

"That's a bit of an understatement," David deadpanned.

"What's going on?" Snow asked.

"It's the other two and I'm sure Cruella is joining them. We saw them going into town hall where the party is," Regina replied.

"But why would they bother with that party? There's no kids there," Emma said.

"I don't know, but we better go," Snow said, as they all got into Snow's car.

~*~

The three witches laughed hysterically, as they came out of Town Hall.

"Oh, that was so much fun...you have quite a singing voice, dahling," Cruella commended.

"Thank you...lyrical spells are flashy, but fun," Fiona agreed, as they saw the Charmings hurrying toward them.

"You're too late...I've put all the other adults in Storybrooke under my spell," Fiona said.

"And she was magnificent!" Yzma added.

"She literally put a spell on them with a song! And now they'll dance until they die!" Cruella cackled.

"It doesn't matter...your spell will break when you become dust again!" Henry refuted. Fiona smirked at him.

"And do you really think that you can protect every child in Storybrooke, young one? Especially now that most of the adults are otherwise...occupied?" she questioned. Henry frowned and she laughed.

"Split up, my sisters...and bring me whatever child you can find! The time to try and lure them to us is over! Take them by force if you have to!" Fiona ordered. David drew his sword.

"We'll stop you!" he warned. She glowered at him.

"You'll try...and fail!" she promised, as the three of them disappeared.

"Ugh...how are we going to keep track of them when they keep doing that and we can't," Leo complained.

"We have to track the old fashioned way. We have the best tracker right here," David said, as he smiled at Snow. She smiled back.

"And we have Wilby too," she reminded.

"I'll go get him," Leo said, as he hurried off.

~*~

Eva smiled, as she checked on her little siblings. They were asleep on a couple of cots they had set up for the night with the other children under their watch.

"Out like a light," Paul said, as he smiled at the sight.

"Mmm...and no tummy aches, which is a miracle, considering how much candy they both ate," she replied.

"You're really good with them…" he mentioned.

"I enjoy the pediatrics ward too," she agreed, as he leaned in to kiss her. Eva closed her eyes, as he pressed his lips to hers and they smiled when their lips parted. Unfortunately, Eva screamed then, as Fiona tossed her boyfriend away and he hit the wall.

"Paul!" she cried, as she tried to run to him, but the Black Fairy froze her in place.

"Sorry kitten...but I need a child and I can't think of any other that I'd rather suck dry than your brat of a little sister," Fiona said, as she strode toward Summer, who was awake now, thanks to the ruckus. The other children, including Bobby, were awake too now. But Fiona paid them no mind and Summer screamed, as she grabbed her.

"Say goodbye to little sister," she hissed, before disappearing.

"No!" Eva cried, as she could move again, but it was too late.

"Eva...what's gonna happen to Summer?" Bobby whimpered. She picked her baby brother up, just as Paul groaned.

"Don't worry...Mommy and Daddy will save her," she promised, before hurrying to Paul, as he got up.

"Are you hurt?" she asked.

"No...just dazed. I'm fine," he promised.

"She took Summer," Eva cried.

"We'll get her back...let's go find your parents," he said. She nodded, as they hurried off, taking Bobby with them.

~*~

"Ugh...I feel so sick!" Rivers complained.

"I can't feel my head anymore," Carny whined. It was well after midnight now and nearing morning now, but it couldn't be too soon for the two bullies. They spotted Henry and Violet hurrying to the shop with his family.

"Nolan! Nolan!" Rivers called.

"Thank God Someone is here...please you gotta help us!" Carny pleaded.

"Really? Help you after you bullied me?" Henry questioned.

"We're really sorry…" Rivers pleaded.

"Yeah dude please...let us down. I'm gonna puke my guts out," Carny complained.

"We've got bigger problems than this. But I will do one thing," Henry said, as they looked hopeful. But Henry simply took back his jacket that Rivers was wearing.

"Thanks," Henry said, as he hurried inside the shop, as the two bullies expressed their frustration in groans.

"They've been bullying you?" Emma questioned.

"It's not really a good time to talk about this, Mom," Henry replied.

"Fine...but we're talking about it when this is over for sure," Emma said sternly. He sighed and put his jacket back on.

"This must be the potion," David said, as they approached the cauldron, which was bubbling with a green liquid.

"Tsk tsk...dahlings," Cruella goaded, as she blasted them all back with green magic. She smirked at them and zapped David again.

"You...there…" she purred, as he was picked up and them slammed against one of the walls.

"Yes...that's better," Cruella cooed, as she ran a gloved hand along his face.

"Touch him again and I'll shred that monstrosity of a coat you're wearing," Snow growled. Cruella smirked.

"She does have a lot of spunk. I suppose I can see what you see in her. Except all the goodness and birds and such," she said distastefully, as Yzma walked into the shop, limping.

"Weren't you supposed to find a child?" Cruella asked.

"Those little brats...they all run and scream. And the ones that don't kick really hard," she complained.

"You know, it's nearing dawn. Guess you'll all soon be dust after all," David said smugly.

"Shh dahling...just be quiet and look pretty," Cruella purred, as she started petting his face, much to his disgust.

"He's right...you're going to lose," Snow promised.

"I think it's time to shut you up permanently, princess," Yzma hissed.

"I agree...I told you I'd put you back in your glass coffin, Snow White," Cruella agreed.

"Leave her alone!" David growled, but neither listened, as they took Snow by the arms and dragged her to the counter.

"You know...since we have all the magic, we could have some fun," Yzma suggested.

"What do you have in mind?" Cruella asked with intrigue.

"Well...princess here loves her birds. Perhaps she'd like to become one...for eternity," Yzma seethed. Snow's eyes widened, as her hand became alive with magic. Fortunately, she wouldn't be able to finish the spell, as she was suddenly belted with a crowbar. Regina stood there smugly and Cruella backed away.

"Stay back...you have no powers here!" she said, as her magic wore off and allowed the others to move.

"Thanks Regina," Snow said, as Cruella circled with them. David smirked, as he pushed the cauldron toward her. She tried to steady it, but as it swung back toward him, he pushed it harder. Yzma groaned, as she got up, but it was too late. Together, David and Henry dumped the cauldron on the two witches. They cried out in horror and pain.

"Look at what you've done to my beautiful coat! It's ruined even more now!" Cruella cried.

"Your coat?! That's what you're worried about? Fiona is going to kill us! There's no time to make more potion!" Yzma screamed.

"You idiots!" Fiona roared, as she stormed into the shop. Snow cried out though, as the woman had their little girl.

"Summer!" they cried.

"Mommy...Daddy...help!" she pleaded.

"Let her go...please!" Snow cried, as David held her.

"You have no potion left...it's over. Just let her go!" David cried. Fiona smirked evilly, as she picked up the wooden spoon that they had been using to stir the potion.

"Wrong...there is just enough left for one child and this is the one," she said, as Summer kicked and screamed.

"Open your mouth, brat!" she growled and then cried out, as Summer bit her hand. She dropped the girl and David swept her up, before they started running. Fiona seethed, as she put the remaining potion in a vial.

"Follow them...I want that little brat!" Fiona roared, as the other two witches scurried out and she followed.

~*~

"How are we going to hold them off until the sun comes up?" Emma wondered. They were almost there, but with them having magic, it was still going to be difficult to evade them for long. Robin's eyes widened.

"The cemetery!" he cried.

"What?" Regina asked.

"It's sacred ground...those which have gone to the Underworld cannot set foot on hallowed ground," Robin recalled.

"But we've been to the Underworld," Henry reminded.

"Yes...but none of you were dead," Robin countered.

"It's worth a shot," Snow said, as they hurried to the graveyard. The three witches were right behind them, but stopped just short of the cemetery grounds. Fiona poofed three brooms into their hands.

"Nice try...but it still won't be enough!" Fiona called, as they took to the air and hovered over the graveyard.

"Yzma…" Fiona ordered, motioning her to the left.

"Cruella…" Fiona ordered again, motioning her to the right, while she flew down the center, setting her sights on Snow and Charming. They cried out, as the ground burst open beneath them and Snow became stuck. David tried pulling her free from the jagged ground, as Fiona closed in.

"Charming...go! Get Summer out of here!" Snow cried. He hated leaving her, but knew he had to protect their baby first. He let go of her hand and started running with Summer in his arms. Regina, Robin, and Leo were blasted away from helping him by Yzma, while Cruella blasted Emma, Henry, and Violet, just as Belle, Rumple, and Neal arrived.

Fiona cackled, as vines burst forth from the ground and wrapped around David.

"No!" he cried, as she snatched Summer away hovered above them.

"Open your mouth!" she demanded, as the girl kicked and screamed while she tried to get the potion down her. Henry managed to get up and picked up a rock. With great aim, he knocked the potion out of Fiona's hand. She cried out, as it fell to the ground.

"No…" she cried, as it was slowly getting lighter. She had but minutes.

"Give me that potion or my last act before I'm dust shall be to break her little neck!" Fiona threatened.

"No!" Snow and David cried. Henry looked at the potion in his hand and then back at the witch.

"No...if you want a kid...then you'll have to settle for me," he said, as he downed the sour potion.

"Henry no!" Emma and Neal cried, as their son was now glowing a urethral green. Fiona seethed and let Summer fall. David dodged and caught their little girl, as the witch grabbed Henry by the shirt and took to the air with him.

"Henry!" Emma and Neal cried, as he dangled from her broom and she attempted to suck on his life force. But more rocks pelted her and she dropped him, before being knocked off the broom. Henry landed beside the witch and she growled, as she crawled over to him. Grabbing him by the shirt, she lifted him up and attempted to resume sucking his life force away. But she was puzzled when it didn't work and as she looked to the east. The sun peeked over the horizon and she let out a shriek of agonized defeat.

"Well...this sucks…" Yzma deadpanned, as she exploded to dust.

"Oh poo…" Cruella pouted, as she exploded to dust next. Fiona screamed, as she was turned to stone. Henry broke away from her frozen clutches and covered his eyes, as Fiona's statue also then exploded to dust. It was over...the witches were dead again.

David hurried over and helped Snow from the broken ground. She hugged their baby and then her lips crashed against her husband's, which came as no surprise to anyone.

Emma and Neal hugged Henry fiercely, while Regina and Rumple each tested a fireball, ensuring that magic had returned and everything was back to normal.

"No more messing around with stuff in your grandfather's shop," Neal chided.

"I know...it was stupid. I'm sorry," he apologized, looking at them and his Grandpa Gold.

"We have all done foolish things, my boy. No hard feelings," Gold stated.

"Honey...why didn't you tell us that kids from school were giving you a hard time?" Emma questioned. He sighed.

"Because...they're just jerks that like to harass me, because…" he trailed off.

"Because of your family," Emma realized.

"And I know you'd all want to defend me and help, but trust me, it just would have made things worse. I can handle it better from now on though...I promise," he said. Emma nodded in acceptance and hugged him tightly. David and Snow smiled at them and then each other.

"Mommy...can we go home?" Summer asked.

"Yes, I think that's a good idea. We'll call Eva on the way home and have her come home with Bobby too," Snow replied, as Charming kissed her hair and then Summer's.

"Come on...now that things are back to normal, I say we hit Granny's up for breakfast, before we go home," David suggested. They all agreed, even though they were tired, no one had eaten since the day before. Emma and Neal put their arms around their son and followed her parents and his father through town. Once again, another crisis in Storybrooke had been averted and good had won out. Henry had learned several valuable lessons and had a new appreciation for the peace they now had. And for his family, for no matter what mistakes he made, he knew they would always have his back. No matter what he would face, his family would be there and he would never forget that. They were in this together and he would never hide his problems from them again. Whether the problem was magical or ordinary, Henry would never be alone in any fight and good and love would always prevail over evil...

[missingverse]

Missing Chapter Two

…..

Around the age of ten, when they had only started in the fifth grade, some sort of shift happened with Helga. It was something you wouldn't have noticed unless you were pretty close to her (or just very familiar with her, as Arnold was) and it was gradual, barely seen until one day you paid attention and realized she was a completely different person.

She started wearing her hair differently, ditching the pigtails and the head-eating bow for loose waves, a few strands tied back from her face with a more modest pink ribbon. She grew enough so that her eyebrows finally fit her face, and although they were no less bushy it was in around the time strong eyebrows were just becoming fashionable.

She tossed the spitballs and snide remarks and the all-round air of irritation with the rest of the world, and although she could still be sharp with the insults and quick with a fist mostly she treated everyone around her with a cool indifference. She could have easily become one of the cool girls (and indeed the cool girls at the time were desperate to get her to join their little coven) but she stuck with loyal, steadfast Phoebe. She joined Little League in the spring and quickly became their star player, easily forgiven for driving fast balls that sprained wrists for just how many games the team won with her at the helm.

Boys clamored for her attention, in and out of school. The boys on her baseball team, some of them sixth and seventh graders, jostled each other to walk her home. She got notes in her locker, slipped into her books, passed over at lunch. Arnold watched her open one of these notes once during lunch, watched as she rolled her eyes, tossed it into the garbage can and said something dismissive about it to a giggling Phoebe.

He missed her. He didn't think he would but he did.

He missed the spitballs and the insults and 'Football Head' and that way she used to glower at him with her eyes narrowed and those thick brows furrowed and the deadpan tone of her voice. She no longer spoke to or about him the same way she did, and she seemed to look through him instead of at him.

And then she disappeared, and he would have given anything to have her look through him again.

…..

She said she didn't need to sleep, but when she yawned for the third time he asked if he should set her up with a bed.

“I didn't sleep before,” she said, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “I don't remember yawning much, either...”

“I dunno, maybe you're shifting or something?” he wondered. “Maybe it's different because I can see you.”

“Shifting? Why do you think that?”

“I read something online once, something about spirits taking on different forms for different purposes,” he shrugged. “Can't remember where I saw it though.”

“You think I'm here for some purpose?” she asked, stifling another yawn through her fingers.

“Well, yeah,” he answered. “Like, ghosts in the movies always come back because they have unfinished business...”

She hummed a bit dubiously, rubbing the carpet with her bare foot. The shoed one tapped on the leg of the chair.

“You have unfinished business,” he continued. “No-one knows what happened to you...”

“That no-one includes me,” she told him. “I have no idea what happened.”

“Yeah, and maybe you're meant to find out. Like, maybe you don't know anything now, but your memory could be jogged by something...we could find some clue the police missed.”

Now she looked a little more awake. She glanced at the flickering computer screen, where the details of her case were spread over ten different browser tabs.

“Where would we start?” she asked.

“The shoe,” Arnold blurted out before he could stop himself.

The shoe was that one detail that had caught him like a fishhook. Found in an irrigation ditch thirty miles from Hillwood, on partially deserted farmland. The nearest road was seven and a half miles away, and the land itself was fenced off and undisturbed. It was searched and partially dug up, looking for a body, but nothing was ever found except for that shoe. It was like it had been dropped from the sky.

And it was definitely Helga's shoe. Even if there had been a number of tween girls wearing these particular white sneakers with pink laces, even if her name written on it was a coincidence, the ghost sitting across from him wearing its twin left no room for doubt.

She yawned, again.

“The couch okay with you? It's pretty comfortable,” he said, going to his closet and dragging out the spare comforter and pillows.

“You....want me to sleep here?” she asked.

“None of the boarding rooms are free right now,” he said. “Or I'd clear one out for you, but I'd have to explain that to my Grandpa and....”

“I don't need a whole room,” she demurred. “Up until now I didn't even need a bed.”

“Then you've been awake for weeks, so you definitely need to rest.”

He laid out the pillows and comforter and left to change into his Pjs in the bathroom. When he came back in she was buried under the comforter, just a patch of blonde fuzz visible on the pillow.

“This is nice,” she said, muffled through the fabric. “Thanks.”

A spreading warmth trickled under Arnold's skin, looking at the girl-shaped lump of covers on the couch.

“No problem,” he said. “We can make a plan for the weekend after school tomorrow.”

…..

Helga was still asleep when he left for school. He checked on her, and she looked more solid and real than ever. She mumbled something in her sleep and he tucked her in before he jogged out the door.

It was hard to concentrate in class; he had made a catalogue of all the places he passed on his bike, and he tallied them over and over in his head.

Bob's old beeper shop. Would she have gone there after school? Why?

The street corner where the Jolly-Olly man stopped his truck. He was interviewed, said he didn't see her. But he sees so many kids, why was he so clear he hadn't seen her in particular?

The city library. Phoebe was there after school, Helga didn't go with her. Phoebe's phone was turned off because of the library rules. Helga might have tried to call her if she was in trouble.

The batting cages. Some of her teammates saw her there the day before. She went there a lot after school.

The corner store. Security cameras put her there between 4 and 5pm. She bought a soda and a bag of chips. She was alone.

That kid he sometimes talked to at lunch (Dan?Dave?)asked if he was feeling okay. He hadn't realized but he had been staring hard at his lunch without actually touching it for most of the lunch period.

“I'm fine,” he laughed weakly. “Didn't get much sleep last night, that's all.”

“You worried about the test?” Dan (or Dave?) asked.

“Little bit,” Arnold lied.

Who saw her that day?

She hadn't gotten on a train or bus, security cameras showed that much. She had her bike when she left the corner store, and then Andrew Lancie was caught trying to pawn it two towns over. The woods had been searched with dogs. Speed cameras on the outskirts of Hillwood hadn't picked her up on foot. If she left Hillwood, it would have had to have been in someone's car.

“Maybe you should go to the nurse's office,” Dave (or Dan?) said. “You're seriously spaced out.”

A throaty laugh from the edge of the cafeteria made him jump, and even before he turned around to watch he knew Harold was tormenting another freshman. Apparently he had cornered some poor skinny goth-ish kid and was setting fire to his homework. The cafeteria monitor was watching impassively, with no sign he was going to intervene.

Harold was never this bad before.

That wasn't quite true, was it? He had always been a bully....but his bullying had been a mildly understandable front for his insecurities regarding his weight, his slowness, his appearance. These days he was downright sadistic.

But if he thought about it (and sometimes he did) everyone was worse than they had been before. His former best friend was egocentric and careless with people's feelings. Phoebe was a crumpled shell of what she had been. Rhonda was even more self-absorbed and cruel to other girls. Sid was a creep, Stinky hardly even turned up at school any more. Eugene was constantly out of school with 'illnesses' that doctors couldn't find any evidence of.

Arnold had wondered from time to time if they would have been different if Helga hadn't gone missing. He knew Phoebe at least would be in a better place, but who was to say?

The effect it had on the class couldn't be denied. Before Helga vanished, kids had walked to school, hung out on street corners, let themselves into their homes while their parents were at work. After, parents picked up their kids or got someone they trusted to pick them up. They were called in from the street before the sun even began to set. There were no more latchkey kids, parents quit their jobs instead.

The class was numb for months, disbelieving that anything could have happened to Helga. Their teacher was shaky, prone to tears, and the grown-ups spoke in whispers. Playground rumors spread around were nasty, graphic and upsetting. They couldn't have come away from it all without being damaged in some way.

…..

As Arnold unlocked his bike, he spotted Phoebe shuffling out of the library door, shoving a stack of books into her backpack.

When did I last speak to her?

Helga's ghost had come to him, for some reason, and not her best friend. He felt bad for her, in an all new way.

“Phoebe!” he called.

She looked up, frowned, and hurried away. He rushed after her, his bike clattering against the pavement.

“Hang on,” he gasped as he caught up to her. “I just want to talk for a minute.”

“What do you want?” she snapped, not slowing, not looking at him.

“It's been a while,” he said. “I just want to know how you're doing.”

“I'm fine.”

No, you're not. Everyone can see that.

“I mean, really,” he said, drawing up alongside her to look at her face. “I know it's been hard. I'm sorry I didn't do this sooner...”

“Do what?” she said as she stopped suddenly, glaring at him.

“You know...” he shrugged, at a loss. He had been impulsive, hadn't expected to get this far. “Check in on you.”

“Why would you want to do that?” Furious red spots bloomed on her cheeks, a sharp contrast to her deathly pallor.

He shrugged again, suddenly embarrassed.

“I feel like Helga would have wanted me to keep an eye on you.”

She had been angry before, but as soon as the name left his mouth her fury could be felt radiating from Phoebe in waves. He took a step back; she looked like she wanted to hit him.

“You don't know what Helga would have wanted,” she hissed. “You didn't know her.”

She pushed past him so hard he nearly fell over. He let her go, watching her helplessly.

That could have gone better.

…..

“You feeling okay, Shortman?” his grandpa asked.

The nickname was ironic, now that he was a head taller than Phil. He smiled weakly, and stirred his potatoes into mush.

“Didn't get much sleep last night,” he lied for the second time that day.

“It's those chinchillas,” his grandma muttered. “Too noisy at night.”

No-one in the boarding house had chinchillas, of course, but Arnold nodded in agreement anyway.

“Hey Grandpa,” he began, pushing his plate away. “Mind if I ask you something?”

“Go ahead.”

“Remember when Helga Pataki went missing?”

Gertie got up from the table, shaking her head as she left the room. Phil pushed his own plate away, looking uncharacteristically grim.

“Hard to forget that kind of thing, Shortman,” he said quietly. “What about it?”

“What did people say about it? I mean, I read the reports and a bunch of stuff online....but what about you and the rest of the neighborhood?”

Phil leaned back in his chair and sighed.

“It was pretty obvious to us, Arnold,” he said. “Someone was watching her.”

He blinked. That was pretty unexpected.

“Why do you think that?” he asked. “I thought everyone thought her dad did it....”

“Big Bob was an asshole,” Phil said, and now Arnold knew he was in serious mode because he almost never swore. “But he didn't kill that little girl. He let her wander all over town on her own for years, though. Might as well have painted a great big target on her back.”

…..

Upstairs, Helga was waiting for him. She had made a little nest out of the pillows and comforter.

“I left the house today,” she told him, not even bothering with a greeting. “Made it as far as Stoop Kid's stoop.”

“That's great,” he said. “You think you'll be able to go further?”

“I think so,” she replied. “I feel like I can walk around as long as I have some connection to the house. I can see Stoop Kid's stoop from here so...”

She trailed off with a shrug. Arnold took out a notepad and brought up Hillwood on Google Maps.

“Right,” he said, uncapping a pen. “Tomorrow, we're going to start retracing your steps.”

[meenah-is-a-punk-rocker]

Stephen Colbert, Run The Jewels Create Halloween Music

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