#correction: One Last Stop is New Adult NOT YA- the women in the story are 20 somethings not teenagers sorry about that

[exciting]

As requested, books / series I read in 2020 in the order I read them, with a few brief thoughts. (This took me a hot second because there are a few and also I moved cities) Should I keep a consistent goodreads? Yes I should but I didn’t think of that at the time, so bone apple teeth & sorry if I offend you abt your faves x

P.S. I can’t figure out how to do a read more on mobile so long post ahead!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas - This is one of the most vivid published fantasy books I have ever read... I read it twice in rapid succession. The fandom POPS off. I must say I have issues with certain aspects e.g. fae lore completely ignored à la Twilight, all love interests 500+ years old and technically a different species, etc (I’m not going to deconstruct the entire series here but just know that I could... Nesta deserves better)

Cruel Prince by Holly Black - This fucking slaps, HB clearly has done her research, the lore is near immaculate, and it explores the Fae in such a unique way, tying it to the modern world subtly and seamlessly. My only qualm was that the books felt quite short; truly wish there had been more content.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas (6/7) - So basically I read this in one single, hyperfixated fit which meant I literally locked myself in my room for three days straight and read all six books back to back in a row from morning to the wee hours. Which is not to say it was spectacular; although it was a VERY rich world, sometimes it was too much... this felt like 6 stories in one. Ik she was young when she wrote this but it is my humble opinion that SJM needs a better editor & I personally think Rowan is a grade A asshole / straight up abusive (& personally think the ACOTAR Tamlin plot was born from that?). It’s good but not as good as ACOTAR. Skip-read the last book. 

Grishaverse (Shadow and Bone) by Leigh Bardugo (3) - This is essential to read before SOC but was very much simply a YA fantasy book, although the world was cool and the way the love plot played out was, imo, a subtle middle finger to the fantasy trope. Felt very much aimed at younger readers though? Really liked the sandwhich structure of the Proluge and Epilogue, especially in #2

Six of Crows series by Leigh Bardugo (2) - INCREDIBLE continuation of Grishaverse, better than the original series by a mile. It has the range, the diversity, the representation (the male lead is a disabled asexual and still the most cunning of the entire cast of characters), the plot is phenomenal, and it manages such a well rounded plot in only two books which means nothing is stretched out or squeezed in more than need be. Deserves all the praise it gets.

King of Scars series by Leigh Bardugo (0.5/1) - Personally I don’t consider this book canon, and while it’s nice to see the rest of Nina’s journey & the world again & everyone else, I don't like it. I will, however, be reading book 2 when it comes out, so shame on me, I suppose.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (1/1) - this was incredibly cool although it went off in a completely different direction than I thought it would based off the first few chapters? One of my favourite YA-author-debuts-New-Adult novels in 2020 though!

Crescent City by Sarah J Maas (1/1) - This was supposed to be SJM/s New Adult debut, although personally I would put her other series in New Adult, and I can’t say a remarkable amount was different with this except they said “fuck” and “ass” a lot. WHY is the romantic interest 500 years old AGAIN. I just... don’t... I just don’t think it was necessary... the world was cool though, and the last half of the book was riveting, but the beginning was quite slow and I thought the sword thing was predictable. I am interested to see where this goes though.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab (3) - This world is so fucking cool... four Londons aka parallel universes & the one in ‘our’ world is set in industrial era London. Magic, girls dressing up as boys, thieves, pirates, royalty... it all just slaps. Schwab is an incredible writer & I was completely immersed.

Midnight Sun by SMeyer - I didn’t think anything could possibly detract even further from the Twilight story but I was sorely mistaken... seeing the stalking from Edward’s POV - and it was worse than depicted in Twilight, for the record - completely obliterated any sort of romance the first half of the original book may have portrayed. I still hold the opinion that the entire series would have been better if some kind of vampire lore had been abided by, if only to see all of the villains thwarted by someone dropping a bag of rice on the ground, forcing them to have to count them all.

An ember in the Ash by Sabaa Tahir  (3/4) - This was just a very stereotypical ya fantasy series, emphasis on the YOUNG... it wasn’t anything to write home about but I remember quite enjoying it at the time. 

The Power by Naomi Alderman - This book is FUCKING incredible and EXCEPTIONALLY thought provoking... essentially women alone develop a power of electric shock etc. and then take over the world from men, and it explores feminism and the balance between equality & tipping the scales in the other direction. Written by a friend of M.Atwood in a similar tone to handmaids tale, I would say? Content warning; there are some exceptionally graphic scenes in the latter half of the novel. 

Hamlet by Wllm Shksp - I can’t believe it took me this long to finally read it but Ophelia is my favourite name in the entire world & we love to see a woman go batshit (although she didn’t deserve that). 

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas - this was unsettling in the best sense of the word... it was a little slow & honestly more of a concept than a big reveal, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I finished it? A Secret History vibes but make it blurry like the memory of all those dystopian novels you read when you were young?

The Invisible Life of Addie La Rue by V.E. Schwab - This is without a doubt my book of the year, and probably the best book I read in 2020? I stayed up all night on a friend’s couch reading it, got a book hangover and reread the ending, and then thrust it upon my mother who doesn’t usually read but read this, and loved it just as much. HIGHLY recommend and you HAVE to read it, it’s beautiful and endearing and just plain wonderful.

Captive Prince by C.S. Pacat (3/3) - I went into this knowing it was going to be terrible, because I had received a blow by blow telling me as much; although I must say that it did learn a remarkable amount of new words, the books did get better as the series went on, and it did have a rather charming ending? BIG content warning for almost everything.

Sapiens by Yuval Harari - mind-expanding & must recommend for everyone, there is everything in this and I daresay everyone should posses this kind of knowledge? I listened to it as an audiobook (which I recommend because it’s rather hearty) but will be buying this in hardcopy & rereading it with annotations. 

Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful novels I have ever read, and certainly the most beautiful portrayal of the story of Achilles and the battle of Troy I have ever seen. Patroclus deserved the justice that was given to him in this book; indeed, all of the characters were written with justice and grace. Highly recommend.

Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan (3/5) - Apollo is my favourite Greek God, and the sexiest greek god, and Rick Riordan’s writing slaps, as always. It did pain me to see Apollo, the sexy immortal, have to be forced back into a 16 year old’s body but everything else? Whimsical & wonderful, as expected. 

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong - a retelling of Romeo and Juliette, except it’s set in Shanghai in the 1920′s, and the protagonists already have a history. Very well done, characters are incredibly diverse in race, sexual orientation, gender, and ability / disability (and honestly, representation has never appeared so effortless and elegant). Also it includes a monster and possible magic. Incredibly underrated and highly recommend.

The Once and Future Witches by Alix. E Harrow - this was such a unique concept, and truly captivating, the story was charming, and felt like the kind of beautiful fairytale you would read as children but with more grit? ABSOLUTELY recommend this one

The Pisces by Melissa Broder - I hated this so much, not my vibe at all. Mermaid smut x therapy but make it cynical and judgemental (I know there was a moral in there but that’s not my point) also the dog dies.

Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith (1/2) - really interesting & unique concept (all unwritten novels / ideas reside in a special library that is part of Hell and then sometimes the books can come to life) however, my first thought upon reading this was “this reads as if it’s stemmed from one of those writing prompt tumblr posts” bc of the tone and whatever and as it turns out I was somewhat correct, it did stem from a short story (not bad just obvious). It did kind of settle down as it went on but I found reading it kind of a drag, and I don’t think I will read the second one.

Abandon by Meg Cabot - 1. Meg Cabot’s writing always fucking slaps 2. Hades and Persephone but make it modern & very 2000′s & somehow kind of unique 3. I literally loved this, sue me

Medusa Girls (Sweet Venom) by Tera Childs - Like Percy Jackson except they are descendants of Medusa so they are Gorgons and have fangs & venom (hence the title). Gave me very 2000′s vibes? Quite cool but tbh I found the books quite short (like two hours each, if that)? Do NOT read the GoodReads description of the book before you read it, you will spoil it for yourself.

Bring me their Hearts by Sara Wolf - In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated YA series I read in 2020. The heroine is endearing, self aware, witty, and loves to look pretty even while kicking ass which in my opinion is an incredibly underrated trait. Also, immortality without being hundreds of years old? VERY sexy. HIGHLY recommend. 

A Deal with the Elf King by Elise Kova - High commendation to be given for the fact that it is a standalone and yet manages to fit in the plot of what would usually be a full fantasy trilogy without cutting corners or being a million miles long? Also sweet storyline & beautiful ending? If you liked ACOTAR you should read this as a “what would have / could have been had SJM had a different editor” (No shade I promise).

The Iron Fae by Julie Kagawa (4/4 + novellas) - Incredibly detailed faerie set around the modern world & our current use of technology & iron in it. Very neat adventure-style series, by the time I read the last novella I was well and truly done with the world (aka provided enough content to be fulfilling). Was definitely aimed at a younger audience though, NO smut / smut was brushed over.

The Modern Faerie Tales by Holly Black (3/3 SS) - This is technically the prequel to Cruel prince, set in the modern world, but with the fae world inside it as it traditional? All I have to say is that it is excellent & I highly recommend it.

Bridgerton series (The Duke and I) by Julia Quinn (9/9) - I read this after watching the Netflix show twice through and I am obsessed, although the books were not quite as elegant as the show, and some parts that made me cringe either by their portrayal (it is very firmly set in the 19th century and thus some things are not handled with tact or grace), the characters were exceptionally loveable and I am so excited to see where the show takes them! Lovely language & an abundance of words I had never seen before (always a plus). 

[kattahj]

Five non-horror YA books featuring girls and ghosts

1. A Skinful of Shadows by Frances Hardinge

Explaining this book at all kind of spoils it, because we start off with the protagonist not really knowing anything, but to spoil it just a little bit:

It's set in 1650s England, and starts off in a judgemental Puritan town where a girl called Makepeace is living with her mother, at the mercy of her aunt and uncle. She frequently has nightmares, and her mother tells her to stop dreaming like that and learn to defend herself.

As it turns out, this isn't just mindless cruelty from her mother's side. Makepeace has the power to take ghosts into her body, which is both dangerous and highly exploitable (which makes it even more dangerous). In short, pretty soon, bad shit happens.

This is the kind of book where I couldn't tell at all where it would go, but once I was finished, I looked back and went, "Ah, yes, that's the shape of the story!" I.e. the best kind of book. It's rich and complex, with philosophical and social aspects, and eventually a fair bit of action. It also set the scene very well, featuring a part of history I wasn't previously very well acquainted with.

I could spend a long time analysing it, but it really needs to be experienced firsthand, so I'll just say, read it!

2. Agnes Cecilia by Maria Gripe

This book is immensely well-known to Swedish women 30+ and not many others (though it has been translated to English, Spanish, and other languages). As a librarian, to this day I find that a lot of Swedish ghost stories written are attempts to recreate Agnes Cecilia.

Nora moves into a new apartment with her foster family and soon encounters ghostly signs, which become more pronounced when she's given a doll from a mysterious unknown person. She comes to realize that a previous inhabitant of the house is trying to contact her.

There's a very magical realist feel to this book. Nora is never frightened of the ghost, just frustrated that it's so hard for the living and dead to communicate that she doesn't always know what it wants.

At its core, this is a story of abandonment, and of adults refusing to acknowledge the child's perspective. It's rather tragic, though it has a happy(ish) ending, and there are many moments that I find heart-wrenching.

One particular example is when Nora thinks back on how her parents died and no-one told her, instead lying that "Mom and Dad have gone on a trip." In order to find out anything at all, she had to quench her grief and pretend that she didn't know, and when, years later, her relatives finally admit the truth and expect her to mourn, she can't show the "correct" feelings, and is dubbed heartless. It's one of the most hard-hitting scenes of adultism I have ever read.

But it's also a very warm and tender story, and while it's hard to call the ending happy, it does show that the circle can be broken and lonely people find each other.

3. The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde

Much, much jollier (and shorter) than the others, though not without sentiment, this classic still works surprisingly well! It's easy to recognize the humour of a ghost that's trying to scare a thoroughly practical modern family and has to deal with prankster kids, an older son who insists on removing ghostly blood stains with Pinkerton's Champion Stain Remover, and parents who helpfully try to oil his chains and feed him medicines.

The daughter of the family, Virginia, isn't as cheerful as her family when it comes to haunting matters, and so when she meets the ghost, the story takes on a more somber note. No doubt Sir Simon is a very wicked ghost, but through Virginia's eyes, we still feel some compassion for him, and so by the end, it's more than just a romp.

4. Time of the Ghost by Diana Wynne Jones

DWJ is my favourite author; of course I was going to include her! This story is a bit different in that the protagonist IS a ghost... kind of. She's not quite sure WHAT she is, but by haunting a certain house, she comes to believe that she's one of the sisters who live there, although she doesn't know which one. Her memories are muddled to say the least, and the ghost knows that the girls are about to do something truly dangerous, but she may not be able to figure out what, or how to prevent it.

While there are definitely some creepy moments in this book, it's yet another story of children faring ill, and as such it may be more upsetting than any of the others. It has been said that this is the most autobiographical of DWJ's books, and the parents are neglectful to say the least. The sisters aren't always too kind with each other either, but when push comes to shove, they do stand up for each other when it counts.

This book does feature a malevolent spirit (though that's not the titular ghost) and if you're easily scared you may want to read it in the daytime. :-)

5. Shadowland/Love You To Death by Meg Cabot (first in the Mediator series - the titles are different in the US and UK editions)

Again, this is the story of a girl who moves to a new town and discovers some ghosts - the difference is that Suze in these books isn't the least surprised by that fact. She's a mediator, a person with the special ability to talk to ghosts and occasionally get rid of them. Since she can't tell people around her what's going on, she has a reputation of being a "bad" kid, but as it turns out, the priest at her new school is also a mediator and can mentor her, though he sometimes disapproves of her methods.

It's all very Buffy, but with a somewhat fluffier touch (written by the same author as the Princess Diaries series). The romance is also a bit more pronounced, as one of the first ghosts Suze encounters in her new environments is Hector "Jesse" de Silva, who was murdered as a teenager way back in the 19th century. Their dynamic is very sweet, though it sometimes falls into the trap of "Why is he so aloof? Does he only want to be friends?" No, Suze, he's being responsible about the fact that he's 150 years old and also dead. But that's a minor gripe.

The rec is for the first book, rather than the whole series, because I'm not too fond of the last few volumes, which I felt were trying to go dark for the drama and lost much of the charm. But do start off with the first and keep reading for as long as you enjoy them!

[kdlovehg]

From the angsty-ish prompt you just shared: Everlark “It’s all YOUR fault!” “Don’t fucking touch me.” Can't wait to read your little brain concoction, I just know it's gonna be amazing! :D xx

I’m terribly sorry for not answering this sooner, considering it was sent ages ago. I hopped on Tumblr a few days ago and noticed this lil prompt chilling in my inbox and I’m in retail now so I thought I’d put the two together. Please ignore the misspelling of the F word, I don’t swear so I just prefer to write it this way. Hopefully, anyone who sees this enjoys it, and again, I’m always open to new prompts.

///////////////////////

Katniss pov

“Don’t fcking touch me” I growl, as his body looms over me, his arm nearly whacking me in the face.

“Well maybe if you’d finished the returns yesterday we wouldn’t be in this mess”. With a click, he hangs an orange dress on the rail in front of me.

I squat down and begin rifling through baskets for any more tops.

The plastic boxes scrape as he drags them across the floor behind me.

“Quit making so much noise!”.

“It’s all your fault!”.

“What did I do?.

"Look at this mess Katniss”, he snaps. I glance over my shoulder to see him tossing cotton pads and shoes out of one of the boxes. Hats and baby socks go flying, and stained pajama trousers litter the floor.

“As if that helped” I reply snarkily.

“How complicated is it,” he says, scrubbing his hands through his blonde waves. He turns around to look at me. “This was all organized when I left. There are tags on all of this junk, how hard is it to put it in the right box”.

“That doesn’t matter”.

“To you! I’m the on putting up with Effie when she’s telling me off cause she keeps finding swimsuits in the winter department”.

“Oh please”, I roll my eyes and get back to digging. “Effie loves you”.

“Take some responsibility Katniss, I can’t bail you out all the time”.

I drag three t-shirts from beneath some damaged makeup and I attempt to brush the brown stains off of them. Do people really think we can’t tell that they’ve bought something and worn it for weeks before returning it. You’d think if they’d try to scam the system they’d at least chuck the clothes in a bucket of water. I lift the shirts to my nose and gag. They reek of sweat. I toss them over the railing, into a box at the back of the fitting room. I’ll get Gale to reduce them later, surely some fool will buy them.

Peeta starts humming behind me and I’m bumped forwards as he squeezes past me.

I jump to my feet. This space is too confined for two people let alone the six rails of returns, dozens of boxes, and four or so baskets that have been haphazardly left spilling onto the shop floor.

I throw my arm out to stop him as he tries to go past me.

“That’s meant to be folded,” I say nodding towards the dad jeans in his hands.

“No”, he reaches into a bin of hangers and retrieves one. “Jeans are supposed to be hung”.

“Give it to me”.

“No”.

I reach for the denim as he lifts his arm up, his green employee shirt stretching thin to accommodate for the movement. He’s not that much taller than me and I could easily grab the leg of the trousers but I know he enjoys these childish stunts.

“See you’re the one wasting time now”.

“A please wouldn’t hurt” he grumbles.

I go to grab the jeans and he leans backward, holding them out of reach, causing me to retreat. No way do I want to be near him. I glance at my watch. 11 am. Has it only been an hour? I have three more till my first break. This is why I don’t do double shifts, I somehow always managed to get lumbered with the goody-two-shoes who seems to take up all the space with his muscular build alone. Why couldn’t they have put me with Rue. The petite little thing who always did what was asked and scuttered around like a mouse, so she was never in your way.

“Look at the sticker,” I say gesturing to the one stuck on the right leg of the jeans.

“It’ll crease” he pouts. I hide my half-smile at proving him wrong. He’s never liked not getting his way. It’s just a shame I’ve always enjoyed it.

“Fold it”.

He drops his arm and begins doing as I ask. “I have a name y'know”.

“Not like that” I interrupt, trying to grab it, “No, you’re doing it wrong! Fold it in half”.

“I’ll fold you in half”, he grumbles shoving past me. Clearly, he’s still upset that I avoid using his name as much as I can but what does he expect. I’m not here to make friends, and the less I have to talk to a six-month retail newbie the better.

I squeeze into a small room adjacent to the fitting room and begin stacking some of the boxes so that they’re ready for being dragged back to the correct department. After a few minutes, a voice calls from the shop floor. I peak outside my room and see his head pop up from behind one of the rails.

“Do you wanna help me put some of this back?” he says quietly, gesturing to the rail that loaded with returned bras and teddies. Of course, he wants help with the women’s lingerie. Twenty-six departments and that’s the one he chooses. I ignore the warmth in my cheeks and struggle to get over to him.

“Only so I don’t have to stay late with you again”. I grab a handful of the underwear.

“Aww but we had so much fun last time” he teases sarcastically, bumping into me again. I almost snap at him to quit touching me but I know that’s what he wants. He just enjoys getting a rise out of me, since I’d been the one to start this nonsense his first week here.

“I’ll start with the…”, he starts looking through the hanged lingerie and then he glances at the one’s in my hands, “non-wired bra’s, Katniss you can start with the push-up bra’s. I’m sure we’d both appreciate that” he teases, with a wink. I avoid his gaze and bite my tongue as he swipes two items from my hands, a bunch from the rail, and sets off.

The nerve of some people.

The nerve of him.

Stupid Mellark.

As the hour goes by we trek back and forth, sorting the underwear by size and colors, everyday use and special occasions. Each time he passes me he tells a few lines from a story, something that happened to him years ago. At first, I found it annoying, not only that he talked but that he’d tease you with a few lines and then leave only to do it time and time again but as the minutes passed I began to look forward to the words that’d spill from his mouth. Sure, he could just shout it. The store isn’t that busy since its a Monday morning; the children are at school, and the men are sleeping after working most of the night, and he’s only a few rails over most of the time but I let him play his game and tell myself that it’s only so I can hear the end of the story.

By the time half twelve has rolled around, he’s finished his anecdote, and we’re on the last few items for this department. My cheeks hurt from hiding my smile and I eagerly wait for the fool to start a new story. I’m sure he’s got a ton up his sleeve and he’s just waiting for the right time to voice them. I glance around at the silence, confused as to why he’s stopped speaking.

“Well say something” I implore, searching for any hint of his head. I return to the fitting room and peak behind each of the rails before returning to the shop floor. Where did he go? There’s no mess of the floor indicating that he’s found another task to do and I would’ve seen him if he’d returned for more clothes. I stalk around, confused. Having someone leave isn’t that uncommon, considering we’re constantly understaffed but having been around Peeta for so long I’ve grown accustomed to his heavier footsteps.

I startle as a hand lands heavily on my shoulder. I whip around, flinching as my braid smacks me in the face. “Where’d you go?” I ask breathlessly. How did he sneak up on me? I need to pay more attention.

“I found a bag behind some of the nightwear. It looked like someone forgot their shopping and it had some er, adult toys from one of the other stores. I figured I’d deal with it so you didn’t have to”.

“You’re not supposed to be in nightwear”, I scowl, “You’re supposed to be with me”. It’s only after I’ve said it that I realize how that sounds. I’d meant that since we’re both on returns we should be sticking together but I know that I’ve just given him another thing to make fun of me for.

I ignore the odd warm feeling that settles in my stomach when he grins at me. “Aww you scared of losing me Katniss?”.

I stay silent, embarrassed at my poor choice of wording. I’ve never been good at saying what I think.

“It’s okay”, he says gently as he steps back. I almost sigh in relief, grateful that I don’t have him so close to me. Not that I didn’t enjoy it. It’s just, distracting.

“I’m not going anywhere”.

I evade his eyes and nod in silence. What a fool I must look like.

A voice breaks out over the intercom and I recognize it as Haymitch, one of the more lackadaisical security guards. “Staff announcement”, he grumbles “Peeta to childrenswear, ya got some clothes to fold”. With a crackle, it switches off and I hear Peeta chuckle. He stretches and I avoid looking at how the material clings to him.

“Good timing hey, you get your quiet at last” he teases, as he heads towards the stairs. “Give me a call if you need anything alright Katniss”, he pauses and it’s only then that I realize he’s waiting for my response. I nod and murmur a ���yeah” but he’s so far away I know he doesn’t hear me.

He stalls for a moment longer and gives me another smile before turning the corner and ascending the stairs to the second floor.

I stand still, the smile no longer on my face as I realize I got what I’d asked for. Now I’ve got a pile of work and the next six hours - including my break - likely on my own. No stories, no-one interfering with my space.

Just what I’d wanted, and yet, for some strange reason I just… I miss him. And I hate being so alone.

[readyourimgaines]

Hey! I was wondering if you could write a second part to the Eugene’s sister story. I just loved it so much. Thanks!

I got the second part done. I left it open ended on purpose so I can write another part if someone wants me to. I hope you all enjoy the Part 2. -Freddie 

“Father, we’ve got it,” Eugene said. The doctor was carrying a box of Alice’s clothes to Snafu’s truck. Snafu and Eugene had repacked their rucksacks and Snafu had gotten two sizable boxes from different air conditioner parts for Alice to pack her clothes and things into.

“I tried tell him I could get it,” Alice spoke up as she followed him.

“You fit all your clothes into the one box?” Mrs. Sledge questioned skeptically.

Alice sighed slowly. She hated this kind of question around Merriell. “I didn’t pack all of them, Mother. Just the ones I thought I’d need.” She shuffled under the stern woman’s gaze and Snafu figured he should step in.

“Your books still in your room, boo?”

“Yes.” Relief filled the girl as she pieced together what Snafu was doing.

“Let’s get ‘em.” He motioned for her to go first and she

led the way.

Dr. Sledge waited until he couldn’t see Snafu or Alice anymore before he spoke. “I don’t know how I feel about my daughter living with two men.”

“You’re not worried about it being two men, it’s that Merriell is...Snafu. I know he seems rough and really out there, but I promise she’s safe. Having spent so much in the service with him, I’ve seen a side of him you haven’t. Trust me when I tell you that Alice’s safe with him.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t let her-”

“Father,” Eugene turned and faced the doctor, “you’re worried about having an empty house. But Alice is 19, I’m 23. It’s our time to go.” Mary Frank started tearing up and Eugene didn’t know what to do. “Mother...we aren’t going far; we’ll still see you.”

The woman looked up at her son who was taller than her despite her slightly heeled shoes. “You’re still having nightmares from the last time you left. The thought of you suffering from such horrors…”

Eugene bit back a smirk. “We’re not going back to Japan. Guadalcanal and Okinawa are behind me now- behind Merriell. We’ll be alright. Merriell and I’ve got each other just like when we first met but with Allie stirred in. You know she’ll make sure we’re eating proper.”

There was a shriek followed by a peel of laughter from both Alice and Merriell. “What’d you go and do that for?” Snafu laughed.

“You two okay?” Eugene called. Their laughing got stronger again.

“Don-don’t. Doin’ it again ain’t gonna make it work, Allie.”

Eugene walked into the house and saw Alice sitting on the floor of the landing with her back against her box of books and her feet against the wall.

“Sledgehamma, I got it dis far an’ she said she wanted ta help so I put it down thinkin’ she was gonna take an end an’ I the other. 60 pounds in cardboard ain’t gon’ move this floor.” Merriell was still laughing.

“How do you know it’s 60 pounds?” Alice was looking up at the Cajun.

Merriell shrugged. “Weighs ‘bout as much as a mortar.”

“C’mon Snaf, let’s get going.” Eugene walked further into the house and up the steps. “We got it Allie.” He ruffled her hair and she smoothed it out with a huff as she moved from the steps and went back outside.

“Ain’t heavy, jus’ awkward,” Merriell informed the ginger.

“You’re coming back for sunday dinners, aren’t you?” Mary Frank was almost in hysterics.

“I don’t see why not,” Alice nodded.

“As much as school and work allow,” Eugene confirmed. He and Merriell slid the box into the bed of his truck and Merriell pushed it shut with a thud.

“We good?”

“I think so.” Alice was starting her way back to the truck but was stopped by her mother wrapping a hand around her elbow. “Mother, we talked about this.” Alice reminded her. “I’m an adult now. I can take care of myself. I’ll even have Gene and Merriell looking after me.”

“My darling girl, do be mindful.”

“I’ll be perfectly safe. We’ll see you on Sunday.” Alice stepped away from her mother and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “See you soon, Father.”

As Alice walked to the truck, Merriell opened the driver’s side door and tilted the seat down so Alice could get into the back seat. “You okay, boo?” he asked softly, helping her into the truck.”

“I’m good, Merl.”

“Got enough room for your hop-a-longs?”

Alice giggled at the wording. “Yeah. I’m shorter than you two. I’m good.” Merriell smiled at the girl and ran a tentative hand through her ginger hair. He tilted the chair back again and sat down. “Where does the term ‘hop-a-longs’ come from? Is that a Cajun thing?”

“Nah. Picked it up from the army. Get-a-longs, hop-a-longs, move-a-longs. ‘Pends on who ya ask.”

Eugene hopped in the passenger seat and slammed the door maybe a little harder than he had to. “Let’s move out.”

Wordlessly, Merriell pulled the truck onto the road.

Alice woke up in the early morning to muffled sobbing in the main of their new flat. She could tell it was Eugene. Going closer to the door, she heard Snafu whispering to her brother.

“Ya gotta be quiet. Yer gonna wake Allie up.” He kept whispering but Alice couldn’t hear all of it. She eased her door open and saw Snafu sitting on the couch with Eugene more or less in his lap. Eugene was sobbing into Snafu’s shoulder with Snafu’s hand wrapped his mouth. Feeling eyes on him, Snafu turned and spotted just the top of the girl’s head and her eyes. He nodded his head to beckon her closer to them. She pushed the door open the rest of the way and went to sit with the two.

“Did you have another nightmare, Gene?” Alice asked. Rather than replying, Eugene pushed himself further against Snafu and thereby his hand.

“You want me ta move my hand, ya gotta quiet down.” Snafu seemingly reminded. “Allie’s up but the neighbors ain’t yet.”

“I-Is he…”

“He’s okay,” Snafu assured. “Nightmare’s all and he’s been going like this half a’ hour or so. Just gotta cry ‘imself out and dry.”

“Can we do anything for him?”

“Not yet.” Snafu shook his head.

Alice sat on the couch  next to Snafu and more or less wrapper herself around Eugene’s back. Slowly, with the pressure and presence of both Snafu and Alice, Eugene’s crying began to subside and Snafu removed his hand, wiping it on his pant leg.

Eugene turned a bit and practically draped himself over his sister. Nothing asked or spoken, Alice hugged him back as his worn out body and mind drifted asleep once more.

When Sledge woke up the second time, it took him a few minutes to piece together why he was sleeping on the couch and why he was resting on top of his sister.

Something resembling shame flooded his body when he remembered sobbing in his best friend’s shoulder as the older Cajun tried to quiet him with his hand. They’d have killed him if they were still in Japan. Eugene turned his head and burrowed his face against his sister’s neck.

Alice stirred at the new feelings and opened her eyes. She gently ran her hand over Eugene’s hair and the older Sledge found himself tilting his head slightly to meet her hand. “Are you awake, Gene?”

“Mhm.” His hum was a little more awake than he felt.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? What for?” Eugene arched his back so was looking at Alice and the action stopped her from rubbing his head. “I didn’t scare you last night. You come in here seeing your big brother sobbing like a child with his best friend trying to keep him quiet?”

“I know you have nightmares and I know Merriell does too. I’m not going to be scared of you. I wanted to help you.”

“You two’re brother an’ sister; that’s weird to see. ‘Least I know for sure you’re from Alabama.” Snafu teased as he came into the room decked out in a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt. Eugene flipped him off as he laid back down.

After lunch, Alice had decided she was going to do the shopping for the week. She had invited either of the boys to come, but Eugene hadn’t been ready to leave the flat yet. So Merriell gave Alice the money and she set out.

“Sledgehamma, how with it are ya righ’ now?” Merriell asked after Alice had been gone for about ten minutes.

“Enough for a conversation.” He closed the book of Alice’s he had found and started reading.

“‘Member how how ya said for me ta not try anything with your sister?”

“Mhm.”

“Could I ask her on a date?” Merriell was sincere and the tone made Eugene look his friend in the eyes. “I ain’t kiddin’, Sledge. I wanted to ask ya first; I didn’t want to-”

“Go for it.”

“You’re serious?” Merriell watched his friend’s face for anything hinting at a joke.

“Yeah.” Eugene paused. “I’ve seen how you are with women who you’re just trying to get with for a night. You’re not like that with Allie. You haven’t been like that with any woman since we got off the train and you met her. So yeah. I trust you with her.”

“Wait, wait. This is a flush?” Alice giggled, laying her cards down.

“No, boo. That’s a full house,” Merriell corrected. Eugene had fallen asleep on the couch by the time alice got back so Merriell helped her put things away and offered to teach her how to play Poker. Black Jack (or Burn’n’Turn as Merriell called it) was easier.

“Okay, so a full house is when all five cards count up?” Alice checked.

“Exactly.”

“So like Yahtzee?”

“Yes.” Merriell laughed. “Yahtzee with cards instead of dice.”

“You could have just said that. You’re bad with giving instructions. Reshuffle. I’m going to smoke your ass at this.” She gave Merriell her cards.

“Can I ask you something?”

Alice stood and went to the kitchen. She got two cups out and filled them with the sun-tea she’d made earlier in the day. “What’s up?” She gave a glass to Merriell and sat down.

“Would you wanna go on a date sometime? Movie and dinner maybe?” Merriell kept his eyes on the cards he was shuffling. He wasn’t nervous. He didn’t get nervous.

“I’d love to,” she grinned. “When do you want to?”

“When would it work with your school an’ everything?”

“Oh goodness. Uh…” She ran her planner through her mind. “I don’t have classes on Thursday and get off of my shift at 4:15.”

“My shift always lets off at 1700. We could always get dinner first an’ then watch a movie.”

“I’d be good for that.”

“So Thursday for 1800?” Merriell made sure.

“That’s six o’clock?”

“Yep.” Merriell dealt their cards.

“I’ve got a better idea.” Alice smirked.

“What’s that?”

“So, whoever loses pays for the movie.”

“Fine. But I’m payin’ for dinner either way.” Merriell bargained with a smile of his own. He knew he wouldn’t regret this date.

[sacred-arrow-writes]

Twelve Days of Christmas- On the Seventh Day of Christmas-

A/N: In which each day, Kagome gives Inuyasha a gift signed by his Secret Santa in hopes of bringing back his Christmas Spirit.

I got the idea from Hallmark as a prompt. I got the idea from Hallmark as a prompt. Im just using the idea for the story, the only thing I kept the same from the movie is the newspaper, so don’t sue. I do not own Hallmark or Inuyasha and Co. So, enjoy! I’ll post a ficlet a day until December 25th. Enjoy everyone!

So technically, I am a shitty-ass multi-fic author who can’t update on time to save my life. So, he’s chapter eight of my CHRISTMAS fic that is way over due. More to come, because I will finish this fic and my New Years one if it KILLS me. Which it might. Anywho, my main squeezes, this is for you.

@keichanz @inunanna @grapefruitwannabe @mmhinman @purekagome @kagomeforever @akiza-hades-rose @adorableears7

Day Seven December 18, 2016:

—IK—

Miroku glanced at his cousin who sat at her desk with a frown on her face. He guessed it was because Inuyasha -who left in a huff the night before- hadn’t contacted her yet, but he couldn’t be to sure, -after all, women were all crazy-. When Kagome sighed for the umpteenth time, he made his way over to her. Leaning against her desk, with his arms and ankles crossed, he set his violet eyes on her and smiled. “Kags, what’s wrong?”

What once was usually bright brown eyes, were now dull and sad. “Nothing. What’s up?”

“Um, maybe the gloom and doom cloud that’s been looming over you since you got here? Seriously, what has you in such a slump?”

“Nothing. I’m just-”

“Does it have something to do with a silver, haired half-demon with gorgeous eyes and adorable ears?” Miroku grinned when his cousin cracked a smile.

“No, but sounds like you got the hots for him.” This time she grinned.

“I’ll have you know that I am very much attracted to a woman, thank you very much.”

“Attracted to who?” Two sets of eyes flew to the new voice that floated through the office.

“You my dearest.”

Sango rolled her eyes as she kissed him gently. When her gaze landed on Kagome, she frowned. “What’s gotten you in a slump?”

Kagome sighed as she stood. “Ugh, you two are so nosey!” She grabbed her bag and headed for the door, until Sango’s hand caught her wrist.

“Inuyasha’s in a meeting, but he told me to make sure you met him at one o'clock. He wants to share his gift today.” The brunette whispered as she winked.

Smiling, Kagome nodded. “Thank you.”

When she was out of sight, Miroku raised a brow. “What did say to give her a skip in her step? She’s been moping all morning.”

Sango grinned. “She was right. You are nosey.”

Miroku just deadpanned.

—IK—

Kagome looked at her watch. Ten till one. I got a few minutes to spare. She made her way to the coffee shop down the street and wasn’t the least bit surprised to run into her sister. “Kikyou. I thought you were working today?”

“I am.” Her twin turned to wave at a dark haired man at the register. “But look who came back from his trip early.”

“Ah!” Kagome squealed as she hugged the man walking towards them. “I can’t believe you’re home!”

“It’s good to see you too, Kagome.” He hugged her tightly. “I couldn’t stay away much longer. I was having Higurashi withdrawals.” He laughed as he pulled Kikyou in for a hug.

“Oh shuddup.” Kagome grinned. “How’s Souta doing at school?”

Suikotsu ran a hand through his bangs. “Well, he’s gotten his study habits straightened out. I told him procrastinating was a big NO, but he’s twenty-one. All he wants to do is party and talk to girls.”

The twins face-palmed. “Well, at least you took care of it right? You’re practically his big brother, so I hope you brought the hammer down!” Kagome exclaimed as she brought a fist down on her open palm.

Suikotsu laughed as he threw his hands up defensively. “I did. No worries. Him and Mama H are coming up here on the twenty-fourth that morning. Kikyou and I will be picking them up.”

“Okay. Sounds like a plan. Oh! I am so happy you’re back!” She hugged him again, unaware of the golden eyes staring at her from behind.

Hugging her tightly once more, Suikotsu looked up and noticed Inuyasha’s intense stare. He whispered to her as if the half-demon couldn’t hear what he was going to say. “Um, Kags- why is there a silver-haired man, with- are those dog ears?- staring at me as if his intent is to murder me?”

Pulling away from the embrace, her eyes widened, as did her smile, when she waved him over. “Inuyasha! Come meet Suikotsu!”

With a huff, Inuyasha stomped his way over. “Oi. Who is this?”

Kikyou wrapped her arms around Suikotsu’s right arm. “This is my fiancee, Suikotsu Matsuzawa.”

“Doctor Matsuzawa.” Kagome corrected. “He’s a pediatrician. Suikotsu’s been back at our hometown visiting our mother and brother.” 

Inuyasha’s ears drooped as he felt slightly ashamed for thinking Kagome had another man in her intimate life -although he had no reason to feel that way, did he?- “I’m Inuyasha Tashio. Nice to meet ya.”

Suikotsu grasped the hand Inuyasha held out to shake. “Oh! You’re the Inuyasha that I heard so much about. Man, I thought Kagome got over y- oomph!” He bent over grabbing his right side as Kikyou elbowed him.

“Sorry, we have to get going. See you tonight, sis. Love you!” Kikyou hauled her man away as she angrily whispered to him.

“Okay, that was weird.”

Kagome just laughed as he enunciated the A in okay. She noticed the red box from his secret santa gifts. “Oh! Is that what I think it is?”

“Yeah. It’s my seventh gift. Look.” The front of the box had a cut out of Santa’s head in red and white stock paper with a large bag of toys and candy canes in the bottom right corner. He removed the lid to hand her the little, red stocking with white fur lining the top. Inuyasha cleared his throat and read the card.

On the Seventh day of Christmas, my Secret Santa gave to thee;

To complete your Christmas with child-like awe,

Take a pic with Santa Clause.

Once a boy, but now a man,

What you can’t do, his magic can.

Merry Christmas, your Secret Santa.

“Looks like we’re heading to the Christmas Village to take a picture with Santa Clause.” Kagome’s brown eyes were shining.

“Looks like it. Shall we?” He held out his arm and she smiled as she looped her arm with his.

“We shall.”

—IK—

“When’s the last time you did something like this?”

Golden eyes glanced idly to his left. “Are we talkin’ about visiting Santa or Christmas related things?”

“Well, either-or, I guess.”

He looked back towards the line of kids waiting to visit the man in red as he pondered. “I took Rin two years ago when Kagura and Sesshomaru had to work. I didn’t visit him, but she did. Does that count?”

“I meant you.”

“Then before my mother passed away.” The moment he said it, was the moment Kagome wished she could take all his pain away and heal his broken heart. W

“Inuyasha, I’m-”

“Would ya like to go ahead?”

Kagome looked down at the bright set of green eyes looking up at them. “Excuse me?”

“I said, would ya like to go ahead of me?” A small fox demon was grinning around a pocky stick hanging out of his mouth. “I saw y'all on the front page of my daddy’s paper. He says that the half-demon is a famous man.”

Inuyasha laughed. “Not famous yet, squirt.”

“I’m Shippou!” He held out a small, sticky paw. Inuyasha reached for it, not even hesitating to touch said sticky hand.

“Inuyasha and this is the lovely Kagome.” Kagome was so caught up in assessing the adorable little boy that she didn’t hear the introduction. “Kagome?”

“Wha-? Oh right. I’m Kagome and you are adorable!” She reached down to shake his hand. “Your parent’s are so lucky!”

Shippou blushed. “Thanks. Go ahead of me, since I’m next.” He moved aside.

“Thank you.” Inuyasha ascended the stairs, but before he made his way next to Santa, he turned. “Excuse me, but ain’t you coming?”

Kagome raised her hands and shook her head. “This is all you.”

“Woman, you know the rule.” He held out a hand for her to take. Sighing, she gave in and ascended the stairs as well.

“Okay, but I’m sitting in his lap.”

Inuyasha laughed. Both adults stood next to the jolly man in red and smiled. “Say Christmas!” The elf laughed as she situated the camera.

“Christmas!” When the shutter clicked, Inuyasha motioned for Shippou. “Come on squirt.”

Shippou looked to his mother, who smiled, and he squealed as he bounced up the steps and onto Santa’s lap. “Take one more.” Kagome said as she leaned in closer and smiled.

“Of course! Say Christmas!” The elf said once more as she clicked the shutter.

—IK—

Inuyasha laughed as they made their way down the street towards his office. “He was talkative! I think he even beats Rin when it comes to talking way to much.”

Kagome joined in the laughter. “He was cute! I think tomorrow’s paper should be the picture of all three of us.” Inuyasha couldn’t agree more. “Well, I better get home. Kikyou and Suikotsu are waiting on me.”

Inuyasha grabbed her by the waist. “Wait-” He whispered. “About last night, I wanted to thank you for coming to the party and-” He was leaning in way to close, but she found she didn’t really mind.

“And what?” Kagome’s heart picked up the pace as she too leaned in.

“That I really enjoy spending my time with you.” He was a mere hair away from her lips.

“Me too.”

He smiled. “Good.” With that, he kissed her again. This time, she didn’t pull away. The kiss was long and gentle, -less hungry than before- and when they pulled away, neither one could stop the smile the blossomed on their faces.

“Goodnight, Kagome.”

Her face flushed at the way he said her name. “G- goodnight, Inuyasha.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow for the eighth gift?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

He grinned, kissing her forehead. “Good. See ya then.” Inuyasha turned to walk away.

Kagome was internally screaming as she placed two fingers against her kissed lips. Turning, she practically skipped -like a child- all the way home. She couldn’t wait until the next day.

—IK—

As Inuyasha walked in to his office, he let out a loud YES and fisted both of his hands in the air. Sango had been sitting at her desk when he walked by, so naturally, she followed him into his office. “I take it you had a good day?”

Golden eyes widened as he stood up straight, fixing his posture as if nothing had happened. “Yeah, so what?” A faint blush marred his handsome face and was he wearing red lipstick?

“Oh nothing.” Sango grinned, touching her lips twice and made her way back to her desk.

All she could hear was a string of curses and when she looked back, Inuyasha was rubbing his lips furiously, removing the residue of Kagome’s lipstick. He stopped and touched his bottom lip as the blush resurfaced and a goofy smile decorated his face.

Finally. It was Sango’s turn to squeal internally.

—To Be Continued—

Until tomorrow my loves. Check back and see what day eight has in store for our favorite couple!