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littlespacereader · 3 months ago

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I apologize for the wait! But the Halloween special is here! I wanted to surprise you guys and not tell you what fandom this fic was, leaving it a mystery…But now it’s here!! It’s a part of my kiddo series!! I watched a ton of Scooby-Doo to properly get a feel for how the story plays out. So I reworked it a bunch of times. But it’s here!! Please enjoy this Scooby Doo Halloween story with you and the Scooby Doo gang!

Joining the Mystery💚🧡👻

Happy late Halloween everyone!!🎃

Caregivers! Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy & GN Little! Reader (SFW!)

Tags- Scooby Doo typical scares, stolen stuffed animal, thumb sucking, cuddles, hugs, hand holding

It was getting kind of late, the sun was starting to set and the park was starting to die down.

I sat on the swings, lightly swinging back and forth with my stuffie in my lap. I didn’t want the day to end! It was already such a nice day at the park.

But it was going to start getting dark soon and I didn’t want to walk home alone in the dark. So reluctantly I got off the swings.

I grab my backpack and throw it over my shoulders before heading towards the park exit. Except…there’s a rough group of people over by the exit. I pause for a moment, trying to figure out my next move.

I walked towards the exit thinking maybe I could keep my head down and just walk my way through without making eye contact or talking to anyone. But the moment I started to get closer they all started cracking jokes and teasing me.

“Awwww! It’s the overgrown baby! Going home to Mommy and Daddy?” One said.

“You’re out late! Isn’t it past your bed time?” Another said.

Tears brimmed my eyes as they kept going on. Rather than continuing to deal with their rude comments I decided the best thing to do was to find another way out of the park.

I could hear them cracking jokes and calling out to me as I made my way towards the garden at the back of the park.

“Watch out baby! That garden is haunted!! The ghost of the garden will come and take you!”

Haunted? That’s so stupid. And ghost of the garden and even stupider name…wait is stupider a word?

I unlock the fence and start walking into the garden. I remember when I was younger this garden was beautiful. Filled with flowers and butterflies. But now it was laid without flowers or butterflies or really anything.

Weeds and other plants wrap around the metal covers that are now rusted. The wooden benches now broken or splintered. The brick path cracked under my feet.

I made my way through, holding my stuffie close to me as I tried to reach the other end of the garden when suddenly…

“HAHAHAHAHA!!!!” A creepy laughter breaks the silence of the evening. There, in the path in front of me appears….a ghost?!

“WHO IS IN MY GARDEN?!” He calls out with a haunting voice.

I scream, running as fast as I can back to the park and to the safety of the playground. I run and run and run as the ghost chases me. I can feel him right behind me.

I open the fence and trip, falling hard onto the mulch below.

“Like hey! Are you okay?”

Tears brim my eyes making it hard to see who said that. But soon a guy in a green shirt and his dog walk over to check on me.

“You had a nasty fall there.” He helps me to sit on the mulch, “Are you hurt?”

“I…don’t know…” my voice sounds wobbly as tears stream down my face.

The dog comes over and licks my face, causing me to smile. I giggle as he keeps going on. “That’s it Scoob! I think they’re feeling better now.”

“Just sit down and take a deep breath.” Another woman says as she runs over to us. She’s wearing an orange sweater, a red skirt and thick glasses. “Why were you running so fast?”

“S-Someone was chasing me.” I explain, “It was a ghost.”

“A G-G-GHOST?!” The green shirt guy and the dog said at the same time….wait the dog just talked?!

“You mean the ghost of the garden?” Another guy runs over, a part of the friend group. He’s wearing an ascot and a white shirt with blue pants.

Next to him, another girl with a purple dress. She ran over to me and kneels down. “You’re okay. Just scared you huh?” She pulls down a tissue from her handbag and wipes the remaining tears away. “There we are.”

She makes me feel better. I go to hold my stuffed animal close but…

“MY STUFFIE!” I stand and run over to the fence’s gate. “The ghost! He-He must’ve taken it, I must’ve dropped it…I…I…”

I start to get upset. “He took my stuffie….”

“Hey, hey, hey, it’s okay. I’m so sorry. Come here.” The guy in the white shirt pulls me into a hug, holding onto me tightly. “We’re going to get that stuffed animal back to you. I promise.”

“That’s strange,” the girl in the orange sweater starts to say, “First Tommy’s soccer ball and now their stuffed animal. This ghost is not haunting as much as it robbing.”

“And like why a garden? Usually they haunt mansion type places.” The green shirt guy brought up.

“There’s always been this legend that these grounds use to belong to a rich bachelor. He had this big mansion. And he was greedy, never letting anyone inside. After he died they turned it into a park for the public. And they say he haunts it because he’s angry everyone is on his property.” I explain to the group.

“That must be the ghost!” The green shirt guy says worried.

“There’s no such thing as ghosts. But there is someone who wants that garden all to themselves.” The orange shirt girl points out.

“Gang, looks like we have a mystery on our hands!” The white shirt guy says with a smile, wrapping an arm around me.

“I was afraid he’d say that…” the green shirt guy says worried again.

“And since your stuffed animal is at stake, you’re a part of this too. What do you say? Would you like to help us and stop this ghost for good?” The purple dress girl asked.

They all look to me with hopeful expressions. I immediately not my head. “Let’s save my stuffie!”

“Weah!” The dog agreed, saying a yeah.

“We haven’t even introduced ourselves! I’m Daphne.” The purple dress girl starts out saying.

“I’m Velma.” The orange sweater girl says after.

“I’m Fred.” The ascot guy introduces himself.

“I’m Shaggy.” The green shirt guy says, “And this is-.”

“Scooby Dooby Dooo!!” The dog happily says.

“Or Scooby Doo for short.” Fred jokes. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Y/N.” I introduce myself.

“It’s nice to meet you Y/N. Welcome to the Mystery Gang!” I smile, feeling so accepted with them already.

“Like, I don’t mean to interrupt this moment but I’m getting kinda hungry! Why don’t we go to the diner on 10th street?” Shaggy suggests.

“That’s a great idea Shaggy! We can talk about the mystery and share all the details with Y/N so we’re all on the same page.” Velma smiles.

“Come on gang, let’s go to the mystery machine.” Fred leads the way as we start to walk out of the park and to the parking lot. There sits a van, but not the white creepy van type of van.

No, this van is groovy! There’s flowers on the side, with unique colors like turquoise and orange! It looks so cool. “Y/N, you sit in the back with Shaggy and Scoob. Shaggy, make sure they’re buckled up and safe.” Fred instructs.

“Of course man. Like safety first!” Shaggy opens the side door of the van for me. I sit between him and Scooby Doo, and like instructed, he leans over and helps me with my buckle.

Then it was off to the diner!

~~~

We get one big booth that fits all of us. I sit between Shaggy and Daphne.

My eyes almost pop out of my head as I watch Shaggy and Scooby try to eat this skyscraper tall sandwiches.

“I didn’t know they made sandwiches that big!” I giggle.

“They make them special for us!” Shaggy smiles before he absolutely devours his sandwich.

“Weah! Big wandwich!” Scooby adds before eating his.

I giggle some more watching them go at it.

Daphne taps my shoulder, “You want anything to eat? It’s almost dinner time.”

“I’m okay…” I say a bit shy.

“Y/N, order whatever you want! It’s on us.” Fred smiles.

“No…I couldn’t-.”

“Please, it’s our treat.” He smiles back.

I debate on refusing more but they’re being so kind to me and it would be rude to refuse. “Could I have a milkshake? Strawberry please?”

Fred gives a gentle nod back, “Of course you can.” He pulls the waiter over and puts the order in for me.

“Great choice Y/N! I looooooovvvvvvveeeee milkshakes myself!” Shaggy drapes his arm around me.

“Reah! Rreat rhoice!” Scooby add, saying great choice.

“Now let’s get to what we know about this Ghost.” Velma starts saying. “We know he’s based on a legend, he alway appears at night or close to it. And it seems like each person who sees him, drops something and he keeps it.”

“Maybe it’s something with the garden itself. It’s been overkept for years.” I suggest.

“That’s a good point Y/N.” Fred praises.

“We talked with the mayor and he says it’s owned by the county, but since they don’t have the resources or fund to take care of it, it will soon closed permanently to the public.” Daphne explain.

“Well…” I start to say but look shy.

“What is it Y/N? Don’t be shy. We’re open to suggestions.” Fred smiles warmly.

“If it’s going to be closed…then we should see who would want the garden closed the most. Maybe someone chasing away anyone who wants to help?”

“Like great point Y/N!” Shaggy pats my back.

The waiter comes and drops off my milkshake. I thank him before taking a sip. “This is amazing!”

“See? I told you it was a great choice!” Shaggy smiles.

“We should split up tomorrow. Shaggy, Scooby and Y/N. You go back to the park. See if maybe you can scope out any possible suspects walking around or talking about the garden. Velma you check the public records, Daphne and I will talk to the Mayor again, see if he knows any more.” Fred plans outs

I nod my head, turning back to my milkshake to find it’s all gone. I look shocked but only to see the grin on Scooby-Doo’s face. I giggle and shake my head. “Scooby!” I playfully scold.

As they go about planning tomorrow, my eyes start to get heavy. I start to lean against Daphne, half listening to their conversation. My thumb finds its way to my mouth as I drift off in the diner.

I feel myself being carried and lifted from the booth. I wrap my arms around Fred as he carries me to van. I hear their hushed voices as he pulls the sliding door open and carefully puts me in the van.

I’m sat right next to Scooby and Shaggy. I rest against Shaggy’s side and feel Scoob rest his head in my lap before drifting off once again.

~~~

True to our plan, we spit up into two teams the next day. Shaggy, Scooby Doo and I go back to the park while Daphne, Velma and Fred go back to talk to city hall.

As we approach the park I can see the usual rough group of people standing by the entrance to the park. I immediately look worried.

Shaggy takes my hand, seeing the panicked look on my face. “Like what’s the matter?”

“That group of people over there. They’re the reason I tried to walk through the garden yesterday…they always make fun of me and say rude things…sometimes they push or try to grab my stuff.” I look down.

“You don’t need to worry about them today. Scoob and I will protect you.” He reassures with a small squeeze to my hand.

“Weah!” Scooby echos.

As we approach the park I can hear their snickering and their teases. I brace myself for it until…

Scooby runs in front of us and starts growling and barking at them. “RUN!” One of them yells before they all disburse.

I smile, letting go of Shaggy’s hand to hug Scooby. “My hero!”

Scooby giggles before licking my face again.

“I’ve seen that guy before.” Shaggy points to one of the guys who ran away. “I saw his photo on the Mayor’s desk.”

“He must be the Mayor’s son.” I suggest. “But what’s he doing here?”

“Wey! Who’s wat?” Scooby points out asking who’s that?

Shaggy and I pick up our heads to see a woman walking in the garden. She kneels down by a planter box, planting fresh flowers.

“Huh? I didn’t know they had a gardener.” I say confused. I mean if she’s the gardener she’s not doing a very good job of it. This place is overgrown and unkept.

“Let’s go talk to her. Maybe she knows what’s going on.” I squeezes Shaggy’s hand.

“B-B-But the ghost…” He says shaking.

“He only comes out in the evening or the night and it’s still the morning! Come on!”

We brace ourselves and enter the garden. There we meet the woman planting the flowers. Upon talking to her we learn a lot.

She knows about the ghost and has been chased away herself! She plants new flowers here each week and finds them ripped away each time. She’s on a committee to help bring the garden back. But it’s been ignored by the Mayor and city hall.

We talk to her for a while before rejoining with the rest of the Mystery Gang and share the details.

“Huh?” Velma says, adjusting her glasses. “I think I know who’s behind this mystery. But there’s only one way to find out…”

“We have to set a trap!” Fred says excited. “And I know just how we’re going to do it!”

~~~

Honestly, this is the craziest trap I’ve ever seen. Fred has been kind and patient enough to explain it not once but about 4 times to me. And each time I still can’t quite grasp it.

But simply put, from what I understand, Shaggy and Scooby are the bait. They get the ghost to chase them then this crazy trap gets sprung and then BAM! The ghost gets caught in a net.

We all wait in the garden, close by one another, waiting for Shaggy and Scooby to come running by. I hide being a large planter with Velma at my side.

I carefully peek my head out to see what’s going on when I hear Shaggy and Scooby start yelling and running.

They run down the broken brick path of the garden and right….into the trap….themselves…

Velma, Fred, Daphne and myself stand up and look shocked at the events. But we don’t have much time to stay shocked as the ghost starts chasing us!!

*Cue Scooby Doo running sequence.*

We run up the garden, down the garden, left, right, we even run so much the ghost ends up in front of us?! Then we run the other way!

I run ahead, grabbing the rope from the net and pulling it tightly. When the ghost comes by it trips on the rope and falls to the ground. Scooby runs up behind me, grabbing the net and throwing it on the ghost. We caught the ghost!

The police arrive and hold the ghost in handcuffs. “Now it’s time to see who’s really behind this haunting!” Velma announces before she takes the mask off.

And it’s…….THE MAYOR!

“The Mayor?!” We all say in unison.

“That’s right, Mayor Robertson. I became suspicious of the mayor when he said that the county didn’t have the resources to handle cleaning the park. So I did some digging on the Mayor and found out if this garden was to close, he would get a bonus in his paycheck.” Velma starts to explain.

“That’s why he dressed as a ghost, to scare anyone trying to fix the garden.” I start connecting the pieces.

“Precisely Y/N! When he heard about a committee that looked to fit the garden, he started to dress as the ghost to scare away anyone trying to fix it.” Velma goes on to say.

“He used his son as a way of getting the ghost name around town, refusing anyone to leave the park through the exit and instead by through the garden so they’d run into him. Once they’d start to go there, he’d use this,” Fred pulls a walkie talkie off the Mayor, “Walkie talkie to set up the scare.”

“B-But what about all the things he took? My stuffie?” I ask anxiously.

“That would be here.” Daphne walks over to one of the planters, she reaches behind it and grabs a box. “I saw this while we were waiting for Shaggy and Scooby to spring the trap.”

She brushes off the dirt on top before opening the cover to reveal a box full of different objects. But sitting on top sat my beloved stuffie!

I gasp, grabbing the stuffed animal and holding it close. The Mystery Gang smile, all gathering around me.

“Taking stuffed animals? Scaring kids and teens? All just to get a bonus check huh?” The police man nudges the Mayor.

“And I would’ve gotten away with it too if it weren’t for those meddling kids!” The Mayor yells.

We all laugh but Scooby has the last say, “Scooby-Dooby-Doo!”

~~~

As the Mayor is brought to the police car we all stand by the Mystery Machine. “I’ve had so much fun with you guys! Thank you again for helping get my stuffie back.”

“Of course! We’ve loved having you around.” Daphne smiles.

“But speaking of that…we wanted to ask…” Fred starts to lead on, “We have an extra seat in our van and in our group. You’ve helped us so much with this mystery. We could use someone like you for the next one.”

I look in awe of the group, “Really? You don’t care that I-.”

“Regress? Like no dude! If anything we’d love to help take care of you, especially on this mystery. We’ve had fun taking care of you! And we’d like to continue to.” Shaggy right away says.

“What do you say Y/N? Would you like to join us and solve some mysteries?” Velma asks with a smile as well.

I can’t helps but smile and nod my head excitedly, “Yes!! Yes! A million times yes!”

We all share a group hug together before we gather back into the van. Velma, Daphne and Fred in the front, with Shaggy, me and Scooby Doo.

The new Mystery Gang.💚🧡

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 3 months ago

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This is Daphne. She is a very good girl. And the prettiest puppy. This is when we first got her. You said you are not a dog person, so I will show you pictures of a Goddess to get you to at the very least admit that she (and all dogs) are adorable and fluffy deities.

[Referencing this post!]

I will concede that your dog is cute :D

cbjsvsjwjw Don’t worry, I’m okay with dogs as long as I’m looking at them and not interacting with them. I just freeze up and don’t know how to interact with them doggos 🙂‍↕️ Too scared to move in case it excites them even more…

I don’t know what it is 💦 but I have a tendency to attract dogs even if it’s the first time I’m meeting them. I think my friends’ dogs have caught on and started purposefully lying on my feet so I can’t escape OTL Once, one of my neighbor’s dogs got loose and they were able to catch him because the dog had crossed the street and stopped to sniff ME specifically… The universe has cursed me with DOGS. With my dumb luck, I'd probably get a pack of dog-like beastmen hounding me if I ever got isekaid' to Twisted Wonderland 😭 Jack Howl DNI/j

#disney twisted wonderland #twst #twisted wonderland #disney twst #notes from the writing raven #Jack Howl

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lookingfts · 17 days ago

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Dialogue Game - Prompts #17 and #18

#17 - Anthony and Kate Spy AU. Kate is bleeding (your choice of injury) "Oh god there is so much blood. Shhh, I know it hurts, I am here" (Anonymous)

Anthony was no stranger to death.

There wasn’t much that fazed him, now. The last strangled breaths of an informant who had been discovered. The sickening coppery smell of blood all over his hands and clothes. The light going out in someone’s eyes.

It wasn’t pretty, and rarely peaceful. But death was simply a part of life.

“Anthony?”

He heard her weak voice from behind a stack of crates, and ran to her. Something was wrong, he’d already known when she activated her emergency beacon, but this-

His stomach roiled as he knelt beside her. Kate’s face was blanched, dark red liquid streaked all over her hand as she tried to keep pressure on the wound. “Fuck,” he breathed, nudging her hand aside so he could press a cloth to the spot. “What happened?”

“Ambush,” she mumbled. “Shot. Better than the other guy.”

Following her gaze, he could see the dead man halfway between them and the door. Even injured, she had managed to get a shot off. That was his girl.

She moaned in pain, and he shushed her, tugging her against his body. “I know it hurts. I’m here,” he murmured. “Tom is coming with the ambulance. Just hold tight.”

He didn’t want to move her in this state - she was too fragile. Kate leaned into him, breathing heavily. “Talk to me. Distract me.”

“Okay.” Kate was tough - the toughest person he knew, probably. She would never go down with a fight, and he blinked back the tears that were collecting on his lashes, not wanting to alarm her. She would survive. She had to. He wouldn’t allow anything else. “My family is having a barbecue on Saturday.”

She laughed weakly, more of an exhale than anything. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. They’re totally insane. Simon is going to burn the hot dogs, and Hyacinth will probably show off a routine from her dance recital and Colin and Pen will sneak off to have sex and they think they’re so discreet, but everyone knows what they’re doing. And I can’t imagine why you would ever want to go, but I was working up the courage to ask you anyway.”

Kate looked up at him, her lips parted. Well, he’d successfully distracted her. Bleeding out in his arms, and still surprised about being asked on a date.

“I-I don’t think I’m going to make it on Saturday,” she said, slowly moving her hand over the one he had on her abdomen. “But will you ask me for the next one?”

Anthony chuckled damply, pressing their foreheads together. Distantly, he could hear sirens, and it sounded like hope. “The next one,” he breathed. “I’ll hold you to that.”

#18 - “What do you mean he left?!?!” (Anonymous)

“What do you mean he left?”

“Simon heard his car early this morning, and he hasn’t come back yet.” Daphne winced, stepping forward to rub her hands over Kate’s arms. “I’m sure everything is okay. I’m sure he just…”

Her mouth fell shut, and Kate felt a wave of nausea rise in her stomach. She knew women were sometimes left at the altar, but Anthony loved her. More than anything. Didn’t he?

Maybe…maybe this had all been too fast. His issues around love and marriage were deep seated, and even though she thought they had moved past all that, maybe the import of today caught up with him. Maybe he finally realized what it meant to promise himself to someone, forever.

“I’m going to call him,” she said, barely able to recognize her own voice. A single ring, and then right to voicemail. Her hand shook.

“Anthony?” she said quietly. Straight to voicemail meant that his phone was off, or he was screening her calls, but she had to try. Daphne slipped out of the room to give her privacy. “I don’t know where you are. I don’t know if you’re freaking out, and I just…it’s okay, you know? I love you, and that’s all I care about. If you don’t want to marry me today, then we’ll figure out. Please just call me back and we’ll figure it out.”

She lingered, not knowing what else to say, and hung up. Collapsing down onto the chaise, Kate wiped hastily at her eyes. Just as well that the makeup artist wasn’t due for another hour.

God, she was going to kill him. If he wasn’t dead in a ditch somewhere, she was going to murder him and then resurrect him and beg him to stay with her, and then maybe kill him again.

Kate had no idea how much time had passed, minutes, hours, days, but a loud knock on the door startled her. “Are you in your dress, babe? I want to come in, but my mum will throw a fit if I see it before the ceremony.”

She leapt up and threw open the door, gaping at him. Anthony was standing there with a grin on his face, his eyes trailing over her thin silk robe, looking for all the world as if nothing was wrong.

Until she saw the look on her face. “Are you okay?”

It was instinct, really, to raise her hand and smack him across the cheek. Anthony’s eyes widened, and she pushed his shoulders. “Where were you?” Kate said, hurt and fury coloring her voice. “I thought you were gone.”

Kate shoved him again, and Anthony tugged her against his body, holding her tight as she sobbed into his shoulder. “You thought I left you?” When she didn’t answer, he ran a soothing hand over her back. “I thought I could get to London and back before anyone noticed. My phone died, and I didn’t have my charger, and there was an accident, I just- Kate, I would never leave you. Tell me you know that.”

They separated, and she let him clear the tears from her face with his thumb. She was still furious, and a little scared, but she chased his comfort nonetheless. “What was in London?” It wasn’t exactly a skip and a jump from Aubrey Hall.

“These.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out her Amma’s emerald bangles. “Eddie was pretty inconsolable when she realized that she forgot them, so I decided to go so she could help you get ready. I should have told someone where I was going, I’m sorry. You know what a one-track mind I have sometimes.”

Kate laughed, the knot in her chest finally loosening. Not only had he not been leaving her, but he had been determined for her to have a piece of her Amma there. Her most prized possession beside the pearl engagement ring on her finger.

She loved this man so much.

Taking her wrist in his hand, he slipped a bangle on one, then the other. “I promise I’ll get better about communication,” Anthony said, and they shared a chuckle. “But the wrath of God could not stop me from marrying you today, Kathani Bridgerton.”

“I’m not Kathani Bridgerton yet,” she said, lifting her chin imperiously, and Anthony grinned.

“Yeah, you are,” he answered softly, squeezing her fingers. “To me, you are.”

#prompt game #bridgerton #kanthony #kate x anthony #anthony x kate #bridgerton fic

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mirrorball-leclerc · 1 year ago

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big reputations - part two

series masterlist // previous // next

AN INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL RICCIARDO (EXCERPT)

comments

user1 nah, the interviewer was so wrong for this. you know he wanted to say himself.

user2 daniel's blushing over this. i just know it.

user3 fernando is probably giggling over all of this. we've all see the tiktoks he's posted.

user4 daniel dragged his best friend along to see his future gf at a concert.

user5 this man is giggling like a schoolgirl over a woman who's not even his girlfriend.

user6 daniel, baby, this isn't like you. what about our farm, our six dogs, 3 kids, 2 goats, 12 chickens, and 4 cows?

↳ user7 babygorl, delulu is not the solulu. not this time.

↳ user8 girl wants to raise a whole ass fucking zoo

↳ user6 i've grown up in the country, i am surrounded by animals

↳ user8 that explains it

user9 the interviewer heard we wanted the tea on what happened at the eras tour and she was not going to stop until she got answers. too bad daniel is good at keeping secrets

user10 oh this man so desperately wanted to say himself but had to stop from doing so.

alex albon i get asked about the eras tour one more time i will lose it!

max verstappen someone's bitter they didn't get a chance to go. alex albon YES! I AM! IT'S ALL LILY WILL TALK ABOUT! WE DESERVED THE RIGHT TO GO!

daniel ricciardo well that's up for debate. i waited ages in line to buy those tickets. did you?

alex albon YOU TOOK MAX AND P?? BUT NOT ME OR LILY?

daniel ricciardo i only had three extra tickets??

lando norris THREE? WHO WAS THE THIRD??

daniel ricciardo kelly? penelope's mom?

lando norris oh. i forgot about that.

charles leclerc you forgot penelope had a mother?

lando norris i plead the fifth

logan sargeant YOU'RE BRITISH?? THAT DOESN'T WORK ON YOU! lando norris I CAN BE WHATEVER I WANT TO BE! logan sargeant OF COURSE YOU CAN YOU'RE A COLONIZER! lando norris AT LEAST WE DON'T HAVE SCHOOL SHOOTINGS! logan sargeant YOU CAN'T USE THE SAME FUCKING COMEBACK EVERY TIME ASSHOLE! oscar piastri okay, we are not doing this again logan sargeant YOU STAY OUT OF THIS KOALA!

lewis hamilton can you three be mature?

logan sargeant in the words of the colonizer, 'i don't wanna mature'

fernando alonso por dios, estan locos. (my god, they're crazy)

sergio perez obvio, no estan nada normal (obviously, they're not normal)

george russell i don't speak spanish but all i understood was normal.

alex albon because it's spelled the same way in spanish and english

carlos sainz they're talking shit about the three stooges.

george russell thank you siri!

kevin magnussen so daniel how's your hand?

daniel ricciardo thanks for asking kevin! at least i know someone here cares about my wellbeing.

daniel ricciardo i'm currently texting with one hand because i have to go into surgery soon. it's only a broken bone. if i don't make it back don't let fernando date daphne jones!

max verstappen glad to know you have your priorities straight.

daniel ricciardo of course.

¡leclerc-s speaks! you cannot convince me that logan and lando haven't had a similar argument at least once and poor oscar was stuck as mediator between them.

¡disclaimer! this is in no way making assumptions about the people involved in this story, this is all fake. it is a fanfiction please don't take any of what is said seriously. this is all for entertainment purposes and as a creative outlet for me. enjoy!

#leclerc-s #big reputations series #daniel ricciardo #daniel ricciardo x female oc #formula 1 #formula 1 fic #fanfic #fanfiction #f1 #f1 smau #f1 social media au #f1 instagram au #f1 fic

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loviingpedri · 1 year ago

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scooby doo - joao felix

warnings: cursing, halloween decorations such as fake blood being mentioned, drinking, grammar issues

prompt: halloween special with joao.

“joao! our costumes came in. come try it on. i even got floki something.”

“what are we even suppose to be?” joao picked up the white shirt and orange fabric in confusion. he was trying to piece the idea together, but it didn’t make sense.

“how do you not know what scooby doo is?” looking at him in pure disgust for not knowing the most iconic show.

“isn’t it that one show with that dog and haunted house stuff.” he got the idea, but he still seemed unsure.

“yeah it is. look, i even got floki the collar that scooby wears. try on your outfit!” halloween being a close second to your favorite holiday. mostly for dressing up without any embarrassment. and, spending it while hanging out with your soulmate.

this year was your turn to host the halloween party. fake hand prints of blood on all of your walls. brownies with zombie hands with skeleton cake pops. this event was too good to only happen once every year. little toy spiders hanging that cause floki to bark. stickers of bats that seem to lead inside the house from the front door.

without joao, your ideas would’ve never made it out of your head. it seemed only right you were celebrating a festive day with someone who matched your energy.

“our house is nice. we did good.” joao stood next to you with his hand on your waist. admiring the house in your couples costume. “you know what’s nicer?”

interrupting your thoughts, “what?” you thought you messed something up for a second.

“how good you look in purple.”

you quickly turn flustered at his words. laughing off his flirtatious comment, it was still time to get the house prepared for your guests and trick-or-treaters.

joao put on floki’s scooby doo collar as you made sure the drinks were cold for the night.

—————

more guests flowed in throughout the night. both you and joao taking shots for entertainment, careful not to get drunk so easily.

beer pong being a popular game. it reminded you of college, except you didn’t have to rush to class the next day. everyone was so happy, making you even happier.

setting aside with your boyfriend. it was finally time for some pictures. modeling for the camera as he held onto you tightly.

“i wish i could pause time right now.” he spoke gently, but loud enough for you to hear.

“how come?”

“i don’t think any other halloween can compete with this one.” joao was never the type to really sink in with the decorations. he only admired you being happy. you were glad he understood where the deep connection came from.

the door bell rang. more trick-or-treaters were coming often. opening the door as joao was getting the bucket of candy, you weren’t ready for the surprise.

joao almost dropped the bucket as in front of the door were two kids also dressed as fred and daphne. making eye contact with your boyfriend, you could only see what he was thinking about.

“trick or treat!” the two kids yelled as your heart melted.

“it’s our twins. very nice costume young man.” joao bent down to give them extra candy for their costumes. something about the kids warmed your heart.

as they said their thank you and you closed the door. you and joao shared a smile, knowing that you both wanted to spend the rest of your life together.

#football x reader #football fanfic #football imagine #joao felix x you #joao felix x y/n #joao felix x reader #joao felix imagine #joao felix #fc barcelona #joão félix #fc barca #barca

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xoxoemynn · 8 months ago

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Thank you to everyone who sent well wishes to Daphne. We did get mostly good news from her MRI. There’s no mass or tumor, hooray! What she has is biceps tenosynovitis, which is essentially inflammation of the biceps tendon. The vet said he’d been hoping he had something Les to tell us because while it’s not a life-threatening condition (yay), it’s a chronic, degenerative condition with no cure. Surgery is an option as a last resort, but they don’t want to do that unless she’s limping/crying every day. He was going to call her physical therapist today and talk to some vets with experience in this area and try to come up with a treatment plan.

What I DO find very funny is apparently this condition is most common with labs and Rottweilers….and then there’s my twelve pound Daphne. I think it’s because she THINKS she’s a big dog. Girlfriend manifested too close to the sun. 🥲

Anyway, thank you again for all the love and good vibes, I appreciated them so much. Have a flip year Daphne for your troubles. (She’s sad because she ate all of her favorite treat and there was none left, tragic).

#personal #Daphne #I am extremely relieved but also sad bc I wish there was more we could do #I just hate seeing her in pain 😔

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winchestergirl2 · 1 year ago

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It's Halloween

Dean Winchester x reader

Summary: Charlie and Y/N try to convince Sam, Dean, and Cas to go to a Halloween party.

A/N: Just a little idea I had that I thought might be fun. Hope you enjoy!

Warnings: None

Divider by @silkholland

"Come on Sam it’ll be fun," Charlie said, still trying to convince him to join them at the Halloween party. "Do I have to?" Sam replied. "Cmon man, it's Halloween," Dean added, entering the room stuffing candy in his mouth, "Yeah, and you know how I feel about Halloween... ok, fine, but I'm not dressing up!"

"Yes!" Charlie exclaimed, hugging Sam in excitement. Turning to y/n, "Come on I’ve got an idea," pulling you towards the stairs of the bunker.

"Do you really think we can convince the guys they need to dress up for this party? I really don’t think Sam is going to go for this." "He will when he realises what little effort he has to put into it," Charlie said, turning around and holding up a selection of costumes.

"Are you sure about this?" Y/n asked, looking at what Charlie was holding, "Absolutely it’s going to be great! Go try your outfit on," Shoeing y/n off to the dressing room. "Charlie, do we really need to buy them though couldn’t we just rent some costumes?"

"Of course we need to buy them this way you get to wear it again whenever you... or someone else likes, " she teased with a knowing wink. Y/n rolled her eyes at her friends comment with a grin and headed back into the changing room.

Ignoring Dean and y/n Charlie turned her attention to Sam. "Come on Sam it’s almost like you’re not even wearing a costume," she pleaded with him. "Yeah, and you’ve already got the hair for it," y/n shouted, earning a smirk and chuckle from Dean. "Please, Sam," Charlie continued. Sam looked between them and finally relented, "ok fine I’ll wear it this once!" Charlie squealed in excitement as she and y/n jumped up to hug him.

Later back at the bunker, Charlie produced the costumes for the guys. "Group costumes, really?" Dean asked while Cas stood with his head slightly cocked to the side in confusion. Y/n looked at Dean and just shrugged, "It might be fun."

"Perfect!" Charlie exclaimed as they emerged from their rooms dressed as the Scooby gang.

"I’ve gone from fighting heavenly battles to dressing as a talking dog," Cas mumbled, "that’s the spirit," Charlie said, smiling.

Sam, Dean and y/n laughed.

"C’mon I look good in an ascot," Dean said as they all started to walk off, Sam laughed, shaking his head as he went.

"Yeah, you do," y/n whispered as she leaned in, winking at him. Dean grinned, grabbing you round the waist. "And you make a very hot Daphne," he said, leaning in to give you a kiss.

#dean winchester x reader #dean winchester fic #dean winchester drabble #spn fic #spn drabble #supernatural fic

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rpking99 · 9 months ago

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Date With Daphne

Closed with @delugedecade

Continued from here

Despite all the crooks taking guises as monsters, Clef's true identity as an Aervulf was no mystery to her. Clef was once found by her, passed out and bloodied in his true form in her backyard, and nursed back to health in her guest room.

And now they were in a relationship, him acting sort of as a guard dog house husband while she's months out and overseas solving mysteries. Of course, this means in the reprieves when they get back together, they tend to get extra needy.

"Yeah, you like it when I rip it with my cock anyways~" Said cock slapping against her stomach as he pulls up her tight fitting dress.

"And I know you like the feeling of these nylong clad thighs and feet grinding against your big old throbbing cock." Daphne whispered eagerly into his ear. Her hands reaching down to cup his member, pressing it tightly against her stomach

Letting him feel how thin the dress was, as well as the slight muscular the red head had built up

#delugedecade

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newtonsheffield · 1 year ago

Note

Kanthony AU - Anthony has been told he needs to reduce his stress levels... Yoga is good for that, or so he's heard. Except he sighs up for classes with the most maddeningly beautiful yoga teacher, Kate Sharma. When she comes by asking if she can adjust his downward dog, he tries not to betray his obvious enthusiasm... 😁

Oh my God, Kate and Edwina running a gym and yoga studio and Daphne drags Anthony along because he’s 29 and he’s on medication of his high blood pressure and Daphne thinks this will help.

“It’s a medical condition, Daffy.” Anthony said, refusing to put his shoes on a little petulantly. “I’m on medication and I’m fine!”

Daphne rolled her eyes, “I can see you’re fine from the way that vein in your temple is pulsing, and I’m not so much worried about hypertension as I am the fact that you’re going to give yourself a stroke.”

“That’s not the way that works.”

“It’s a contributing factor!” Daphne snapped, “Just put your shoes on please, otherwise we’re going to be late and you’ll have to sit at the front.”

Anthony narrowed his eyes weighing his disgust for people that couldn’t ever be on time and sighed, “Fine! But I’m not going back! I’m only going once!”

He arrived, awkwardly peering through the door of the class, looking around before Daphne tutted and nudged him inside. “Oh for god’s sake, Anthony! I’m going to get you a loan mat.”

Anthony turned away, grumbling under his breath and turned right into a woman. Not a woman. The most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.

“I’m so sorry!”

“You’re fine,” The woman shrugged, smiling at him as she tied back her hair. “At least… are you okay? You look a little lost.”

Anthony rolled his eyes, “Honestly, my sister dragged me here, I’m here under duress because she thinks I’m going to give myself a stroke and this quackery might help.”

The woman bit back a smirk as she nodded, “And what’s your name, prisoner?”

“Anthony.”

“Well, Anthony. I hope you enjoy my class. It’s just chock full of quackery.”

#kathony #anthony x kate #kate sharma #kate sheffield #anthony bridgerton #molly’s asks and answers

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buckysgrace · 3 months ago

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The Silver Storm

Steve Harrington x fem!OC

Flufftober 2024

CW: Weed

Steve and Daphne get high and watch scary movies when the power goes out.

The farmhouse creaked against the weight of the wind, howling as the moon settled high in the night sky. It was chill outside, the area foggy as large pelts of rain continually hammered down against the earth.

Daphne sat with her legs crossed in front of her cracked window, the cold air creating goosebumps on her skin as she took another large puff from the joint. She was being cautious, fearful of what her parents would say if they had found out she was smoking weed. Or that she had a boy over. They were gone, but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t know.

“Your turn,” She coughed as she passed it back to him, fanning her hand over her face, “It’s strong.” She said as she continued to cough, face burning from her actions. The taste lingered on her tongue, nearly making her gag.

“Good though?” Steve questioned, hair messy over his forehead as he took another inhale from the joint. His hair was a mess, sticking up in all sorts of directions as she observed him. She really wanted to drag her fingers through his soft strands.

“Nice,” She added, feeling like her eyes were already heavy as she held two thumbs up, “But it tastes disgusting.” She added as she rolled her tongue around in her mouth, sure that she could still taste it.

“Sorry,” He grinned as he took another large puff from it, his hair hanging over his eyes this time, “You look cold.” He pointed out, looking at her curiously as she held her hands up over her chest.

“I’m freezing.” She told him seriously, fearing that she was seconds away from turning blue and freezing in her spot.

“Then why don’t you shut the window?” He asked her curiously, hogging the joint once again as she tried to make sense of why she had the window open. Why was it open again? She needed a second to ponder on that question.

“Because I don’t want my parents to know.” She replied once she remembered why she had done such a thing. Her father would not be happy if he knew what she was doing.

“They’re not here, are they?” Steve asked as he shook his head back and forth, doing the same action when he wanted her to do something. She wouldn’t listen, not this time.

“No,” She said in a matter of fact way, “They’re getting cattle.” She remembered, scooting forward so she could steal one last huff from the blunt before he finished the rest of it.

“That’s so weird.” He said, fingers still spread from the way he’d been holding the blunt. She delicately pushed it between his fingers, giggling at her actions. He laughed along with her.

“I live on a farm,” She reminded him, laughing at how ridiculous it sounded, “They’re going to have to buy cows.” She stated, feeling like it wasn’t something that crazy. She lived on a farm and they needed cows in order to do that.

“Yeah,” He replied slowly, lips curled into a cheesy grin, “But they dress them up and make them look pretty. It’s weird.” He shivered from the cold gust of wind as she clenched her teeth together, her body erupting into goosebumps.

“They want to buy the best looking ones,” She shook his head, knowing he wouldn’t understand, “There’s dog competitions too.” She told him, wagging a finger at him as he wrinkled his eyebrows together curiously. City boy.

“I-,” He paused for a moment, eyebrows furrowing together, “What?” He asked her, tilting his head as she groaned. He was clueless. But that was okay. He was handsome and she liked to share all of her knowledge with him.

“Never mind,” She told him quickly, standing up on wobbly legs, “I’m hungry.” She sighed deeply, feeling like a bag of chips sounded marvelous right now. Delicious. She needed them desperately.

“Can I shut your window?” He asked, whining a little bit as he stared out at where the rain was hitting against the screen. His cheeks were slightly red, but she had a feeling it didn’t have to do with the cold air.

“If you go get snacks with me.” She told him seriously, already feeling the effects of the drug seeping in through her bones. Her fingers were tingling and the feeling only continued up her arms.

“I like it here,” He whined as he laid down on her blue rug, “It’s soft.” He pouted out his pretty lips, nearly making her consider his request.

“I don’t want to go alone.” She whined, nudging him with her foot as he laid limp against the floor. He groaned as he dramatically put the blunt out, sighing deeply before he pulled himself onto his feet.

“You’re lucky I’m cold.” He mumbled as he crossed her room to shut the window, dragging his feet in the process. She cocked her eyebrows.

“Just because you’re cold?” She questioned him, grinning as he held his cold fingers out to link against her own. A nice snuggle session sounded good about now.

“And because I’m crazy about you,” He giggled, using his other hand to scratch against his cheek, “What were we doing?” He asked as they came to a halt at the foot of the stairs. She stalled as she took one step down.

“Snacks,” She stated, remembering suddenly, “We could watch some of the movies you brought over.” She suggested as she hopped down with him, for once not caring about the creaky footsteps.

The first bag of popcorn ended up burnt, as it had taken both of them to figure out how to get the tape rewound in the player. Then Daphne couldn’t remember where the extra bags were, or where the candy was. He had wanted Raisinets but she hadn’t wanted anything to do with them, so she had settled on Milk Duds.

“Which movie is this?” She asked him curiously, squinting her eyes further as she inspected the images on the screens. She couldn’t recall.

“Silver Bullet,” He explained as they crossed their ankles together, “It’s based on a Stephen King book.” She noticed suddenly that her matching fuzzy sock was on his right foot, and on her right foot she was wearing one of his white ones.

“I’ve been meaning to read his stuff.” She nodded her head, thinking that it was at the bottom of her very long list to do.

“Yeah?” He questioned her, “When were you planning on doing that?” His hair was still messy, but his eyes looked more green than usual. She thought it had to do with the red that was in his eyes. They had definitely smoked too much.

“Hm,” She thought playfully, “I’ll add it to the list. Maybe when I finally learn how to dance.” She hummed as she took another handful of popcorn, scoffing at the Raisinets that fell against her palms.

“I thought line dancing counts?” He asked as he moved his arm around her shoulders, inviting her closer to him.

“Yeah, but I want to learn how to tap dance.” She told him, beginning to giggle as she thought about it. Her mother had almost gotten her into those lessons. Almost.

“You’re an odd one.” Steve replied, grinning as he took a bite from his popcorn, candy mixture. She furrowed her eyebrows together.

“Says the one who adds Raisinets to his popcorn.” She laughed, pushing a Milk Dud into his mouth. His eyes widened for a second before he chewed it down.

“It’s good,” He mumbled underneath his breath, “Salty and sweet in one bite.” He paraded to her, showing it off before he shoved another handful into his mouth.

“Who taught you that?” She asked curiously, raising her eyebrows at the odd combination. He paused mid bite before swallowing roughly.

“Doesn’t matter.” He mumbled, passing her a piece of popcorn like he was trying to distract her. She analyzed him for a moment.

“Dustin?” She questioned, grinning at the way he glowered in his spot. She thought his little friendships were cute.

“Mhm, maybe,” He hummed as he stared down at their linked fingers, laughing to himself, “Look, we have a freckle in the same spot.” He told her, smiling brightly at his observation.

“I think yours is a crumb,” She laughed as she brushed it away from his hand, making him laugh harder, “But we both have a similar mole on our tummies.” She told him truthfully, thinking about their shared mark.

“That’s funny.” He stated, grinning to himself as he turned his attention back to the TV. She followed suit, eyes widened as the lights flickered in the room.

“The storm is really brewing out there.” She said softly, sitting up a bit to look out the window. She was met with only darkness, but the sound of the downpour was loud.

“It’s a-brewing for sure.” He teased her, adding a little accent to his voice. She scoffed. He wasn’t even on point.

“Don’t be an ass.” She replied teasingly as she poked his side. He hummed in appreciation.

“I like your little twang.” He told her, lips pulled into a dorky smile as he looked at her in appreciation. She snorted at him.

“Thanks,” She huffed, rolling her eyes playfully as she laid her head on his shoulder, “I like yours too.” She told him, wiggling herself closer to him. His side was warm. She liked it.

“I don’t have an accent.” He replied, sounding in disbelief. She scoffed, very much thinking that he had an accent in comparison to hers.

“To me you do.” She reminded him, watching the movie in confusion. She wasn’t precisely sure what was happening, but she was sure she didn’t like it. It was creepy.

“Hm,” He hummed as he rested his head against hers, “I guess you’re right.” He said softly, his voice slightly raspy. She figured it had to do with him smoking so much. It was sort of sexy.

She found herself lost in the movie, despite the many questions that Steve kept asking her. She wasn’t aware of the answers, but they talked them out regardless. It was more fun this way, having someone to speak to instead of being alone.

The old house gave a loud shrill as it seemed to topple underneath the weight of the wind, the lights shaking and flickering before it shut off all together. She froze, waiting a minute before she realized nothing would be coming back on.

“What’s wrong?” Steve asked, snapping out of his stupor and sitting up a bit. She blinked roughly, trying to look at him better.

“The power went out.” She stated, listening to the way the wind was hollering outside. She pulled her legs up to her chest, not quite trusting the darkness. Something could be crawling around on the floor.

“Not a coincidence at all.” He breathed out next to her, pulling his legs up in a similar motion. She curled up closer to him.

“It’s just dark.” She told him, trying to keep the atmosphere calm. Just because it was dark and they were watching a scary movie didn’t mean anything.

“I don’t suppose you have your werewolf safeguards up to date?” He asked her softly, making her shake her head.

“No. I do not.” She told him, wondering if her parents magically had them in place. She doubted it.

“Uh,” He paused, “No. I have a bat.” He replied, making her jerk her head back in surprise. A bat? She supposed it wasn’t the worst idea.

“A bat?” She questioned him curiously, getting a hum in response, “Maybe werewolves like baseball.” She said softly, feeling like it wasn’t totally off. Maybe they really did.

“Would they think it’s a game of fetch?” He asked softly, his tone lighter like he was trying to keep from laughing.

“You know what,” She paused for a moment to ponder on that thought, “They might.” She replied, trying to keep from giggling.

“So all we need is a ball,” He nodded his head along, “Theoretically.” He said laying his head on top of hers again. He pulled her closer, making her grin.

“August played baseball,” She told him, thinking of her older brother, “I bet he still has his.” She replied as she glanced back towards the creepy staircase, wondering where all of the flashlights were. Or the candles.

“You’re right,” He nodded, sitting up only to slump back in his spot, “I’m too lazy.” He groaned as he kicked his feet out, making her giggle.

“Me too.” She replied as she shoved another handful of popcorn into her mouth. They were reaching the bottom of the bucket, clearly meaning that they needed more.

“The werewolves might as well get us.” He groaned as he stretched his long legs out over her lap. She giggled as she blindly searched for his torso.

“An open buffet,” She nodded as she roughly swallowed what was in her mouth, “I wonder who will taste better.” She hummed as she wrapped her arms around his chest. She could stay here all night.

He chuckled as he rubbed his fingers across her back, making her sigh gently as her eyelashes fluttered shut. She was tired. Really tired. She probably wouldn’t make it very far from werewolves anyways.

“Definitely you.” He whispered softly, making her snort.

#Steve x Daphne #Steve harrington x fem!oc #Steve Harrington x female!OC #Steve Harrington x original character #Steve Harrington x female original character #Flufftober #Flufftober 2024 #Steve Harrington fluff #Steve Harrington blurb #Steve Harrington fic #Steve Harrington imagine #Steve Harrington fanfic #Steve Harrington is a good boyfriend

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alphashley14 · 7 months ago

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One of Us

A Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated/Mystery Skulls Crossover

Chapter 24

Heaven

The Mystery Skulls and Mystery Incorporated each wrote notes for Ricky and Cassidy for whenever they woke up. Then each group packed into their respective vans and set out into Crystal Cove to get started on their part of Arthur’s plan.

The three Mystery Skulls were sitting in the front seats of their van - Lewis driving, Vivi in the copilot’s spot, and Mystery in her lap having taken on the form of a dog. And for the whole ride, he was quiet. Just as he’d been ever since Velma had voiced her idea. The chatter between Vivi and Lewis was minimal as well, as Lewis maneuvered the van through town behind the Mystery Machine. They both knew without exchanging a word that something about his past in Crystal Cove was deeply, deeply troubling Mystery. But neither of them could find the words to ask him about it, and they knew his preference for retelling certain parts of his past as few times as he possibly could. When they stopped in front of their destination, a gothic manor near the edge of Darrow University belonging to a certain formerly disgraced horror writer, the dog went absolutely rigid in Vivi’s arms and she had to carry him out of the car.

Of course, Mystery thought to himself. Of course they would bring me back here. Why do the fates seek to torment me?

Mystery had known, of course, that they were going to visit H.P. Hatecraft. And that Mr. Hatecraft’s home was on Darrow University’s Campus. He had not realized, however, that their destination was this house specifically. The roof had been re-shingled since the last time Mystery was here. It used to be orange, but was now a midnight blue. Yet there was no mistaking the familiar smells, structures, and trees. But of course the smells Mystery used to love the most had long since faded, and would never return again.

Emiya and Donald blowing smoke rings side by side. Elanor cutting George down from that tree after falling into another trap. Joan and Kano scolding Danny, Diana, and Shinobu for setting it. All those wonderful parties and get-togethers… and all of those funerals…

Mystery’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Fred knocking on the door. “Professor Hatecraft? Professor Hatecraft? Hello? Are you home? It’s Mystery Incorporated.”

Mystery raised his head from where it had been resting on Vivi’s shoulder and gathered himself. In order to save the future, the present was what mattered right now. The past wasn’t dead. But it would have to wait. Mystery had lived in solitude with these memories for twenty years. He could wait a day more.

“Please, Professor Hatecraft. We know you’ve been busy, but we need your help!” Velma called.

The door opened, and there stood the man himself, H.P. Hatecraft, still in his black and gray striped pajamas. “My friends! By the maw of Angoroth! How good to see you. What brings you by?”

“Not a social call I’m afraid,” said Daphne.

“We really need your help,” said Fred. “May we come in?”

“Oh. Uh… how about we talk- out here? On the front porch? Gets terribly stuffy inside you know,” he said quickly, not-so-subtly adjusting his collar to better conceal his neck. Everyone raised an eyebrow. What’s he sweating about?

“I wish we could,” said Velma, “but this matter is… delicate. So it doesn’t have to be here, but we need to talk in private.”

“H.P.? Who is it?” Then none other than Harlan Ellison appeared in the doorway from behind Hatecraft in nothing but a pair of striped silk pajama bottoms and a matching robe. Which was untied, revealing his bare torso underneath. And when he saw them, a look appeared on both writers’ faces like they’d been caught and Ellison quickly tied his robe shut.

“Mr. Ellison? What are you doing here so early?” Daphne asked.

“Yeah. And why does it look like you slept over?” Asked Velma.

And Hatecraft and Ellison, who were usually so famed for their use of words, seemed to be all out of them.

“Oh. Uh- Harlan-”

“Hatecraft and I-”

“-Were just um…”

“-Working on that new book!”

“Yes! That’s it. We were just collaborating on our new book!”

Scooby tilted his head, confused. “Uh… In your pajamas?”

“Don’t question the process.” Ellison snapped.

The Mystery Skulls were not nearly as oblivious about such matters. Mystery had been shocked right out of any lingering angst, at least for the moment, and was now shaking in his attempts to conceal his laughter.

“Ya know if you two are together and don’t want anyone to know, nobody here is going to out you,” Vivi said bluntly.

“Wait they’re what-” But Fred was cut off when both writers abruptly grabbed the kids by their collars and dragged them inside.

Harlan slammed the door shut behind them. “Okay, yes. We’re together. Now what do you kids want?” He demanded.

Mystery Incorporated was too slack-jawed to answer.

“Oh shut your mouths before they let in flies!” Ellison said. “We’re gay, not extraterrestrials!”

Five jaws snapped shut instantaneously. “I-it’s not that!” Daphne apologized quickly. “None of us are against it just…”

“Surprised,” Scooby said.

“Well this would explain why you and Angie never got together,” Mystery said thoughtfully. “Her union with Dale wasn’t one I expected, but having met their daughter I’m more than pleased with the results.”

That snapped Velma out of her stupor. She turned so fast it nearly gave her whiplash. “Wait- you knew my parents too?!”

“Not personally, but the Dinkleys had lived in Crystal Cove for generations.”

“I’m sorry- weird talking dog- do I know you? And why do you two look familiar?” Harlan asked, pointing between Vivi and Shaggy (who looked like Arthur at the moment, as you recall.)

“You might’ve known our parents,” Vivi said. “I’m Vivi Yukino. This is Arthur Kingsmen. Well- sorta.”

“Wait- Vivi and Arthur? As in Tedashi’s little girl? And Gawain’s boy?” Harlan’s scowl was abruptly wiped off his face.

“Yeah,” Vivi said sheepishly, “those are our Dads.”

“Old friends of yours?” Hatecraft asked.

“Oh yes! You wouldn’t have known them H.P. All that unpleasantness happened years before you moved here. But I knew their fathers from my days as a grad student at Darrow University,” Harlan explained. “Tedashi Yukino was an expert on Japanese mythology, and Gawain Kingsmen was an Arthurian scholar. Come to think of it H.P, I don’t think I ever told you, but I’d been in this house long before the first time you invited me in. As a guest of the previous owners: the Kingsmens.”

“What?” Everyone but Mystery exclaimed.

“It’s true,” Mystery sighed. “This house was the Kingsmen family home for nearly six generations. Arthur lived out every day he got to spend with his parents here. This place has changed a lot in twenty years, but I remember it well.”

“Holy- now that you mention it this place does look kinda similar to the one in Arthur’s old family photos,” Lewis remarked.

“Gawain and Tedashi were a little older than me, and they were both brilliant in their fields,” Ellison continued. “We collaborated several times on various projects and quickly became friends. And you two - why I haven’t seen you since you were… Still, I can hardly blame Tedashi, Jenny, and Shinobu for moving away. It was a terrible thing that happened to those people-”

“The children haven’t had that talk yet,” Mystery growled before Vivi could ask any questions. “And it’s the duty of their elders to have that discussion at the appropriate time and place.”

Harlan caught the hint as plain as day. “Oh- Yes! Yes, you’re right. Of course. I’m sorry I overstepped. I suppose I had expected them to know, given how old they are now…”

“Indeed,” Mystery sighed. “It is high time they knew, and it is a conversation their parents should have had with them years ago. But I don’t believe they ever expected their children to set foot in Crystal Cove again.”

“I know I wouldn’t,” Harlan agreed with a shudder.

Beside him, Hatecraft placed a hand on Ellison’s shoulder with about a million questions plastered all over his face, but Harlan placed his hand over his and gave him a look that said I’ll explain later.

“So!” Hatecraft said, unable to bear the awkward silence any longer, “How may I help you?”

“We need your help getting into the health sciences building tomorrow night,” Fred said.

“It’s kind of a matter of life and death,” Daphne added.

“The health sciences building? Whatever for?” Ellison scoffed.

“I’m not sure of how much help I could be,” Hatecraft added. “That department is hardly my specialty.”

“-And we realize that,” Velma sighed, “but aside from Dean Fenk you’re the only connections we have at Darrow University, and I doubt she’d be receptive. Daphne wasn’t kidding. It is literally a matter of life and death.”

“By the tentacles of Tawn-Gawn Gorath! You’re asking me to help you break and enter! I’m going to need more of an explanation than that.”

The Mystery Skulls and Mystery Incorporated all looked at each other.

“A moment,” Fred and Vivi said at the same time. They beckoned both of their groups into one big circle and began to speak in hushed whispers.

“How much do we tell them?” Vivi asked.

“Body-swapping aside, what we’re doing is about saving Mr. E,” Velma pointed out.

“Saving Arthur,” Lewis corrected.

“Yeah,” Velma said, “but it’s Mr. E’s body that’s in that situation, so as far as anyone other than us, E, or Angel knows, that’s Mr. E back at Destroido right now. And besides: gang, at this point… even if by some miracle the three of them swapped back right this second…”

“Like yeah, I feel the same way,” Shaggy agreed.

“Reah,” Scooby said, and Daphne and Fred nodded too.

“As would I,” Mystery said without an ounce of hesitation. “And I should hope I speak for the others as well?”

“You do,” Vivi and Lewis nodded.

“-And that’s all anyone else needs to know,” Velma said.

“Like you’re right Velma,” Shaggy said. “Like if we started telling them about body-swapping, other dimensions, doomsday, and crazy magic stuff it would totally freak them out.”

“‘It would be too much,’ as the Mystery Skulls keep putting it,” Daphne said, and all five members of Mystery Incorporated gave Vivi, Lewis, and Mystery a very pointed look at that. To which the Mystery Skulls gave them extremely guilty smiles in return.

“So it would seem we’re in agreement,” Mystery said.

“We tell them anything immediately pertaining to the Original Mystery Incorporated that might get them to agree to help us,” Vivi said. “And we leave out the magic.”

And just like that, the circle broke and all seven heads turned back to the two very bewildered writers.

“It’s hard to say where to begin with this one,” Fred said after a moment, scratching the back of his head. “First thing’s first: how familiar are you with Destroido?”

“That horribly corrupt company that makes all those terrible products?” Hatecraft asked.

“That’s the one,” Velma said. “We have a long and… to say the least complicated relationship with the owner. He goes by Mr. E.”

Ellison’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline. “The owner? How’d you meet him? He never shows himself in public and does all of his business through his CEO, Ed Machine- or at least he did, until he was murdered.”

“Ah, yes. I remember seeing that in the news,” Hatecraft said thoughtfully. “Did they ever catch who did that? Wealthy fellow like that, you’d figure his homicide would be at the top of the CCPD’s priority list.”

“See, that’s the thing…” Daphne said. “Ed Machine’s murder wasn’t exactly a hom-icide per say. It was more like a…”

“Ruh rarrot-icide?” Scooby offered helpfully.

“Neither of those are words in the English Language!” Harlan griped. (Bad grammar was his absolute #1 pet peeve.) “And assuming you meant to say ‘parrot-icide,’ what’s that even supposed to mean?”

“How we go about answering that question depends entirely on you, Mr. Ellison,” Mystery spoke up.

“Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

“You were in Crystal Cove twenty years ago. ‘When all of that unpleasantness happened,’ as you put it. So tell me: how much do you remember about those kids that disappeared?”

“Kids? Who- wait- why does that ring a bell…?” And Ellison suddenly had a dazed, somewhat befuddled look on his face, as though stuck between two places at once.

Interesting, Mystery thought to himself. “Brad Chiles. Judy Reeves. Cassidy Williams. Ricky Owens. And their mascot, Professor Pericles. You knew them.”

Ellison blinked at Mystery a few times. Then cried, “My God! How could I have forgotten that? I haven’t heard those names in years. Wait- come to think of it… didn’t they also call their little group ‘Mystery Incorporated?’”

“Reah, they did,” Scooby nodded.

“Oh! I believe I came across an article about them while I was researching for my- ehem- since abandoned teen vampire romance novel,” Hatecraft said. “I didn’t pay too much attention to it, but I do remember thinking it was odd that I had never heard them mentioned before.”

“More’s coming back to me now. This- this is weird,” Ellison said, massaging his temples. “It’s like I’ve opened Pandora’s Box. As I recall, their parrot had everything to do with their disappearance and admitted as much, but refused to say what had actually happened to those kids. Let’s see, what else… As I remember it, a lot of people eventually assumed that if he’d murdered them, the bodies had to have been dumped at a point in the caves where the ocean’s current would have swept them out to sea. But others argued they could still be alive because their van never turned up. Especially Mark. Oh God, Mark! I haven’t seen or heard from him in years, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he was the only one still looking for his boy.”

“Uh… who’s Mark?” Scooby asked with a tilt of his head.

“Mark Owens,” Mystery said, and his eyes had gone glassy. “Ricky’s father.”

The room went heavy and quiet, and Harlan had a hint of suspicion written on his face as he looked at the dog. Why was he the only one in their group who knew that?

“Jenny still sends him a Christmas Card every year. Just like you,” Mystery said, as if he was reading his mind. “-And you’re right… he is still looking.”

Ellison held the dog’s gaze for a moment before breaking the eye contact with a sigh. “I don’t want to say he should give up… it tore this town apart for a while after those kids disappeared, as much as people used to complain about their uh… escapades. Still. Come to think of it - without any bodies or definitive proof of death, it was sort of odd how abruptly the search ended… Why am I only remembering this now?”

“Because something wicked didn’t want you to,” Lewis said.

“What’s that supposed to mean? Ellison asked.

“And back to the original discussion at hand, what do those missing kids have to do with the owner of Destroido?” Hatecraft asked.

And the answer to that, of course, was everything.

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Within the twisted depths of Destroido, Arthur Kingsmen woke with a start. He couldn’t doze off! They had so much to do! Items to move, accounts to secure, a torture device to- oh. He had dozed off. Hours ago, if the state of the room was anything to go by.

He was sprawled across the couch, a blanket had been thrown over him, the room was dark, Marcie was gone, and she’d left him a note on the table.

You dozed off at about 2am. Figured I’d let you sleep. I snuck out to make appearances. Figured the bird might notice if I’m too scarce for too long. You should probably do the same sometime this morning. There’s always a breakfast spread available for the scientists in the mess hall, and as of recently it wouldn’t be unusual for Mr. E to stop by and grab a bite - please eat something. I’ll meet you back in Mr. E’s rooms at noon. -M

Arthur quietly reminded himself to thank Ricky for telling him to recruit Marcie. He would most certainly be having a much harder time doing all of this if not for her.

There came a trilling from the walls, and the three Dead Beats flew in to say good morning. “Hehe, hey guys,” Arthur laughed. The little pink spirits inadvertently tickled him as they wove around him and through his hair. “Yeah yeah, good morning. I’m glad to see you too. How was it last night? Quiet?”

The Dead Beats nodded.

“That’s a relief. What about the bad guys? Did you keep an eye on them like I asked?”

The Dead Beats made angry faces and nodded. One of them made a few very discontent noises, and whatever they said made another one hiss in agreement.

“I know, I know. You want a piece of em’. You’ll get your chance when we make a run for it tomorrow night. I need you guys to be my backup, remember?”

The ghosts trilled excitedly at that, faces lighting up with jagged smiles.

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it too,” Arthur admitted. And he smirked at the thought, in spite of himself.

It was strange. He had a reputation as being the grounding member of the Mystery Skulls. The “chill” one. The gentle one. So it felt weird to… hate someone so strongly. But he did. Maybe whatever that damn entity had put inside of Ricky to rot him from the inside out was seeping into Arthur somehow. He hoped not, but he supposed it would make sense, given that he was wearing a cursed man’s skin.

Still - it might not be an entirely bad thing. In fact, knowing his own shortcomings, perhaps a sprinkle of ambition and a dash of rage were doing Arthur some good.

“Come on guys,” Arthur said, getting up. “We’ve got work to do.”

He couldn’t wait to see the looks on his opponents’ faces when everything they’d worked for crumbled at their feet.

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Hatecraft had taken his guests to a large, gothic lounge so they had a more comfortable place to talk. Save the double doors and high fireplace, the tall room was covered from wall to high-arched ceiling in overflowing bookshelves and paintings of monstrosities from Hatecraft’s books. All things considered, it felt very much like home to the Mystery Skulls. Throw in some magenta and a few heart and skull designs, and one could be fooled into thinking they were back at the mansion.

The eight mystery solvers were seated on scattered furniture around the room, and Hatecraft and Ellison were in matching high-backed armchairs on either side of the fireplace in front of them.

They’d finished telling their story several moments ago, and to say the least the two writers, so well known for their imaginary terrors, looked absolutely horrified upon being told about real ones.

Finally Harlan blurted out, “Why the fuck haven’t you gone to the police?!” And it should be noted that Ellison seldom cursed and usually prided himself on a more “sophisticated” use of language. So suddenly dropping an F-bomb should tell you just how appalled he was.

“It’s just as we told you,” Velma said from her place on the couch, “because then it becomes a hostage situation.”

“That, and Crystal Cove’s police department is about as useless as a one-legged man at an ass-kicking contest,” Vivi added dryly, sitting cross-legged on the floor with Mystery in her lap.

“Our best and only real shot at getting Ricky and Marcie out unharmed is to do so right under Pericles’ beak. Which obviously is better said than done,” Lewis added from the chair next to her.

“And that’s why you have to remove that- thing at the University and not at the hospital?” H.P. asked. “Because that’s what he’d expect?”

“Rep,” Scooby nodded from his place at Shaggy’s feet.

“That, and we don’t want anything violent going down at a place full of doctors and vulnerable sick people,” Vivi added.

“By the claws of Chloringor,” Hatecraft muttered, placing his head into his hands.

“And who, might I ask, is going to be performing this supposed surgery? You kids certainly can’t!” Harlan argued.

“We have someone in mind but haven’t brought this to them yet,” Daphne said. She was sitting on the arm of the couch beside Fred. “They have a lot more to lose than either of you should this go wrong and we thought their odds of saying yes would increase dramatically if we already had a location lined up.”

Hatecraft opened his mouth, but Ellison talked first. Loudly. “So let me get this straight! You’re asking H.P to risk his job, career, and possible jail time to break into a surgery that you don’t even have a surgeon for yet?”

“Like yeah, we are.” Shaggy said. “And like, we realize how much you’d be risking and like how unreasonable of an ask this is. But like… we’re all Ricky’s got. This is like the only plan we have. So we don’t exactly have like, any other options.”

“I’ll do it,” Hatecraft said before Ellison could go on another tirade.

“WHAT?!”

“Harlan,” H.P. said, firmly but with a touch of tenderness, “I know you speak out of concern for me… but this man could die if we don’t do something. For all the writing I’ve done about the monsters that lie just beyond the mortal veil… what kind of man would I be if I didn’t do something to stop the ones living among us?”

“H.P… this is madness. And we haven’t even seen any proof that this crazy story is true!”

“I don’t need to see proof,” Hatecraft shrugged. “These kids have saved my life once and my career twice. They’re too smart and too honest to lie about something this serious, and I don’t see why they would make it up either. I know they wouldn’t seek to ruin me.”

“But-”

“Harlan,” Mystery said, and all heads turned in his direction by the force of his tone. “Walk with me a moment?” And without waiting for confirmation, he hopped out of Vivi’s arms and slunk out of the room.

Harlan looked at H.P, then at the rest of their guests, and everyone including Vivi and Lewis merely shrugged, just as clueless as he was. So what else could he do but get up and follow the freaky talking dog? Mystery was waiting for him just outside the door, and once Harlan was at his side he started walking away, and Ellison followed.

“Alright,” Harlan grumbled once they were quite a distance from the door, “what is it?”

“How much of your memory has come back?” Mystery asked.

“All of it - I think,” Harlan replied. “It’s just- still so peculiar. I don’t know how I could have forgotten something that important. It’s like something went into my head with a correction pen and left a bunch of blank spaces that I’m only now uncovering. The question is why?”

“It was their names,” Mystery said. “There’s a great deal of power attached to names. Dating back in folklore across various cultures and pantheons for thousands of years. As old as stories themselves. If Brad, Judy, Ricky, and Cassidy can be generalized into those kids who disappeared, then it’s easier to wipe them out of existence entirely. But once you give them names, you give them identity, and with identity comes power. Enough to break through whatever was keeping those memories suppressed.”

“But how could I have generalized them?” Ellison asked. “I knew them. Not very well, but I knew them. I knew their families through close mutual friends. How and why did I forget them to begin with?”

“‘Because something wicked wanted you to,’” Mystery replied.

“That’s what that pink haired fellow said earlier. What’s that mean, anyway?”

“It means all those ghost stories about a curse on this town are true,” Mystery said. And he spun Harlan a tale that you should know already. About an entity, a curse, and four kids and a talking animal who were prophesied to break it.

“So, what?” Harlan scoffed. “You’re saying that’s what happened to the Original Mystery Incorporated? Some evil entity wanted them out of the picture because they were getting too close?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying happened,” Mystery nodded.

“Oh for goodness sake! Then what about what the kids said about the former mayor dressed up as some freak, blackmailing them into disappearing?”

“The Freak of Crystal Cove has everything to do with the curse,” Mystery corrected him. “Think about it, Harlan. You haven’t stayed in Crystal Cove for all of these twenty years - you’ve traveled all over the world. Where else on Earth have you seen apparently normal folk suddenly wake up and decide the answer to their problems is terrorizing their neighbors in monster costumes?”

“What’s your point?”

“That there are bigger things happening in Crystal Cove than you know. Things that are worth risking everything for. Supernatural things.”

“Oh please! How gullible do you think I am?”

“Ha! Of all people I would expect you to be more open to such things,” Mystery chuckled.

“Unlike Cape Cod and H.P., I know where the line is between fantasy and reality,” Harlan insisted.

“Do you, now?” Mystery implored. “Because as I recall, your original genre of interest was solely creative nonfiction. But now, aren’t you famous for horror dystopia? Quite a sharp turn, don’t you think?”

“That’s not all I’ve written. And I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The tragedy, you liar. You were on the guest list that night, Harlan. You were there.”

“It was another lunatic in a costume-”

“That’s all most people saw,” Mystery interrupted him. “But you saw something else too that night. Didn’t you?”

Harlan froze dead in his tracks. There was- there was no way. He’d never told anyone about the other thing he’d seen that night. Who would have believed him? Those poor families were going through so much- he hadn’t wanted to make anything worse with his nonsense. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple. “H-how did you… I never…”

“I saw you too, Harlan.” But there was something different about Mystery’s voice. Hadn’t it been coming from… lower to the ground a moment ago?

“You were there,” Harlan realized. And he turned around- Only to be met by a pair of big red eyes shining at him through the dark.

“Yes,” The kitsune rumbled, “Yes I was.”

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There was a song playing somewhere, distantly. Gently kissing his eardrums.

“Baby there's a dancefloor up in Heaven, touch the sky We can dance there all night. Baby there's a dancefloor up in Heaven, touch the sky We can dance there for forever!”

He felt so warm, and so heavy, and so comfortable. Yet the stiffness in his limbs and the rumbles of a hungry stomach gently pulled him into wakefulness. Ricky’s eyelids fluttered open, and at once he was wide awake, his heart caught in his throat.

“Tell me I'm not dreaming, When a kiss from you is all it takes to turn me into stone. Your love is the sweetest-

Was he dreaming?

No - his most recent memories were coming back to him. So unless the whole day had been one big dream borne from his wistful thinking-

Cassidy.

She was alive. She was here. She was…

Breathtaking.

“You're perfect, you're my dynamite, you're so original. How do you do it? When we're dancing, it's magnetic Is this too good to be true?

Angel was sleeping on the other side of the sectional, and her sleeping face was not two feet away from his own. She was curled up on her side, head resting on her arm, a blanket draped over her. But by the way the fabric fell he could see her every curve. The pink flames in the fireplace had cast the entire room in flickering sunset orange, and the way it struck the shine of her beautiful dark skin- no artist could ever hope to replicate it. But if he were ever to spend money on art, he’d pay handsomely to see someone try.

She had never looked so much like an angel as she did now.

“I know a place where we can go Where the music is to die for! “Baby there's a dancefloor up in Heaven, touch the sky We can dance there all night! Baby there's a dancefloor up in Heaven, touch the sky We can dance there for forever!

Ricky’s heart was thudding inside his chest, and he felt all the blood in his body rush to his face. This wasn’t- well- this was hardly proper, wasn’t it? There was so much between them and she probably (wisely) still didn’t trust him-

Which begged the question of why she was sleeping right beside him. And come to think of it he didn’t remember laying down either. What was the last thing he remembered?

Mystery.

“Baby there's a dancefloor up in Heaven, touch the sky We can dance there all night! Baby there's a dancefloor up in Heaven, touch the sky We can dance there for forever!

That’s right. We were waiting for Mystery. He was going to tell us how he knew us. Ricky must’ve closed his eyes “just for a second” and dozed off. But that still didn’t explain how and why Cassidy had wound up asleep too. And how long had they been asleep? What time even was it?

“Dancing for forever Dancing for forever Keep dancing for forever…

That was when Ricky spotted two sheets of stationary on the table - notes from the others. The first one was from the kids.

Mr. Ricky and Angel, Mystery Skulls explained why you konked out in their letter. Crazy stuff right? We know you’ll prob be mad about it when you wake up but in our defense it was all Mystery. Hope you slept well and that you feel better when you wake up. Btw - All of us feel bad we didn’t notice how sleepy you were, Ricky - sorry. • ᴖ • And sorry about the sleeping spell Cassidy - that was all Mystery’s idea. (☉__☉”) Anyway - we went out with MS to make some preparations for Arthur’s plan. We’ll tell you how it went when we get back! Also Scooby said he’s craving Clam Cabin so we were thinking of bringing food back to the mansion and pigging out instead of making Lewis cook again. That’ll be fun! •ᴗ• (We’ll probably bring back food from somewhere else too tho if you’re not down for shellfish - Daphne’s allergic.) Hope you both feel better when you wake up! - Fred, Velma, Daphne, Shaggy, Scooby

When he finished reading the note, it left Ricky feeling warm and fuzzy inside. It read as if they… were looking forward to seeing him again. The corners of his mouth turned upwards against his will. But even so, those sweet feelings quickly turned sour.

He was grateful that they were being so kind to him. Really - he was. But that doubtful little voice was quick to remind him that they were only being nice because they needed something from him: he was in Shaggy’s body. And as soon as their souls were back in their proper vessels everything was going to get awkward again, and he would be subtly or not-so-subtly pushed away. He didn’t fault them for it, by virtue of… how he was. And of course everything he’d done. And besides - he was used to it. But still… as selfish as he’d been already, maybe he could be selfish for just a little bit longer, and pretend that their sweet words meant something more than that.

Ricky carefully tucked the kids’ note behind the other one, which must be from the Mystery Skulls, and started reading.

Ricky & Cassidy, R - you woke up this morning before the potion you took last night could run its full course, so it put you back to sleep. Mystery knew it was going to happen and stalled until it took effect on purpose. The rest of us had no idea so don’t shoot the messager. To be fair tho - it was gonna happen no matter what anyone did. You should wake up when it wears off @ about 1:00. C - Mystery thought you shouldn’t come into town with us in case OG Mystery Inc sees you. Ur supposed to be dead - remember? That & you hadn’t slept in over 24 hrs so u needed the rest. And he didnt want to argue w u abt it so he put a sleeping spell on you. Again - HIS idea, NOT ours. You should be up @ about 3. We & Mystery Inc went out to talk to some allies for Arthur’s plan. Should b back by 5. Will tell you about it when we get back. Leftovers & snacks in fridge for lunch if/when you get hungry, & if you need help with anything ask Dead Beats or suits of armor. Avoid painting ghosts and PLEASE do not explore. You are in a REAL haunted house - Plz use common sense. Hope you slept good & feel better after your nap. Sorry again about Mystery & his meddling. He says he won’t apologize but owes you a story. See you then! - The Mystery Skulls 💀

Any warm and fuzzy feelings the letter may have inspired was quickly banished from his mind by the immense irritation he was feeling towards Mystery. Of course it shouldn’t have taken him that long to go get a book. That sneaky, clever, slippery son of a- … whatever! He’d give that ridiculous beast a good scolding when he got back! Still feeling drowsy, Ricky put the papers back on the table and made himself comfortable again. By that time, the music drifting through the house had changed songs, but Ricky was hardly listening to it. And yet, as he brooded over Mystery and his damn meddling, he found his anger… dissipating.

Knowing what he did now, the kitsune was over a thousand years old and had been a guardian spirit for centuries. To Mystery, all humans were so short-lived that they were all children compared to him. In fact that’s probably exactly what Mystery saw: a pair of drowsy toddlers who needed a nap to get through the rest of the day.

Not that he was exactly thrilled about being mothered by a giant fox, but at this point he didn’t have much choice in the matter. At least Mystery was (mostly) more nurturing than controlling in the way he did it.

Unlike a certain someone.

With a sigh, Ricky rolled onto his side. And in spite of himself, he admired the view.

God, she was so beautiful.

Cassidy’s red lips were slightly parted in her sleep and the subtle furrow always present between her brows was gone. Ricky had never noticed it before, but saw its absence now. Her chest rose and fell with every slow, deep breath and her slack fingers were curled upwards in such a delicate, elegant way. It had been over a decade since the last time Ricky had seen her so at peace. And maybe it made him every bit the greedy, selfish bastard he knew he was. But he wanted that for her. And he wanted to be there to see it.

The guilt that had been eating Ricky alive from the moment he’d learned of Cassidy’s “death” had lessened. But it hadn’t entirely gone away - and it probably never would. She survived, and Ricky would gladly spend the rest of his days repaying the universe for that miracle. But she’d been hurt. She’d nearly died. Because of him. And he was never going to make that up to her.

They were like celestial bodies, the two of them. Without the other they’d go hurling off into space. And yet from the moment they’d reunited five years ago, a sort of gravity seemed to hold them together. Or maybe, even after a decade apart, that connection had never truly been severed. Not touching - no. Never connecting. But trapped in a perpetual dance, each revolving around the other. Always seeing. Always wanting. But they’d hurt each other in so many ways. If they were different people, that red string connecting their fates probably would have been snapped a long time ago. By hurt. By life. By love found elsewhere.

And yet.

As hard as he tried to ignore it, because he didn’t deserve it, he knew in his heart: I want.

I want I want I want I want I want.

You could have her, something else was telling him. Haven’t you suffered enough? Been alone for long enough? They will abandon you once they have their friends back as they were. And you will be alone again. You think they care about you? After everything you’ve done? You wretched, unloveable thing? But it doesn’t have to be that way. You could have her, just as you once did. All you need to do is-

“Shut up,” Ricky muttered quietly. He’d curled in on himself as those thoughts persisted. Clamped his hands over his ears in an attempt to block them out, but they were coming from inside him. They sounded like him too - almost indistinguishable from his own thoughts. Almost. But now…

Now, Arthur’s words were echoing in his memory. ‘It’s more difficult to manipulate someone who’s aware they’re being manipulated than someone who doesn’t.’

“You’ve been found out,” He murmured. Maybe to no one. But those thoughts- they weren’t his own. “-And I’m not going to let you use me to hurt any more than I already have.”

Silence.

Then-

Fool. You really think you could ever be free of HIM?!

That voice! It sounded so clear that- it might not have come from inside Ricky’s head this time.

That was when the house began to shake and it was not Ricky’s imagination! He opened his eyes and sat up to find that the walls were shimmering pink. Furniture and items bounced, clattered, and shifted against the shaking floor. The fire roared, flames jumping and leaping out of the hearth all the way up to the ceiling. Ricky yelped with fright and dashed off of the couch and across the floor to hunker down beside Cassidy. Distantly, he thought he could hear the painting ghosts and Dead Beats moaning and shrieking from elsewhere and the clanging of armor and heavy footsteps. Rumbling, clanging, and the sound of breaking glass. Ricky’s hands slammed over his ears to block out the cacophony of anger!

Then like a subsiding earthquake, the rumbling slowed down, then stopped altogether. When Ricky looked up, everything was just as it had been. And most importantly: that evil presence, whatever it had been, was gone.

“What the hell-” Ricky muttered to himself, but the answer came to him almost as soon as the question left his mouth: The house. Lewis’ haunted mansion and its plethora of supernatural defenses. Acting on their Master’s will, they had banished the intruder. What that had been was another question entirely. But whatever it was, it wasn't good - and Ricky didn’t think it was a resident of the mansion either. He would have to tell the others about this.

With the immediate threat gone, Ricky’s eyes turned to the thing that mattered most. Mystery’s spell must have been strong - even through all the commotion, Cassidy hadn’t so much as stirred. Speaking of which: he had sort of put his arm over her to hold her still and calm his own trembling. His face burning, he was quick to snatch himself away and respectfully retreat back to his side of the couch.

Then there came cooing noises from the walls. And through the air like wisps of smoke, in slithered at least a dozen Dead Beats. Some of them coming up at the rear were still clearly perturbed by whatever they had presumably just helped chase off, if their suspicious glancing about and hissing were anything to go by. But the rest, having sensed his distress, were looking at him with sad, sympathetic expressions. “Hey guys,” Ricky smiled at them. “Thanks for having my back.”

The Dead Beats made some sad sounds as they surrounded him, and Ricky quickly found himself overwhelmed. “Wait- hold on now-” But every single one seemed intent on reaching him. They piled into his lap, and slithered around his legs, waist, and shoulders until Ricky ended up leaning back absolutely buried in warm, airy spirits that were purring soothingly like a mountain of house cats.

“Oh crap,” he grumbled, even as he wriggled to get comfortable. “Well- this could be worse.”

…And for some reason, the universe decided to interpret his snarky comment as a wish.

There came the sound of a ringing telephone from somewhere off in the manor. It rang, and rang… and then for some reason it started getting louder. And not ten seconds later, a pair of Dead Beats flew into the room carrying a vintage and rather gothic telephone between them.

Ricky quickly reached out and took the handset from its port to quiet the ringing, then put the transmitter and receiver to his mouth and ear and said, “Hello?”

“Ricky! Hey man, it’s Lewis. Good to hear you up.”

“Yeah, I woke up just a bit ago. I got your notes - sorry for falling asleep on you.”

“Eh, that’s not your fault dude. You’re a first-timer when it comes to magic. So uh- speaking of ‘a bit ago,’ did something… happen? At the house just now? I just felt this huge power surge.”

“Yeah - actually it did.”

“Everyone alright?” Lewis asked.

“I think so. Cassidy slept through it and I’m not hurt. As for the rest of the house… I haven’t left this room yet, but everything seems fine. Anything that moved or broke fixed itself, and most of the Dead Beats came in a few minutes later and are… hanging out?” He glanced at the ghosts, still swarmed all over him like a big blanket.

“Good. Mystery and I both felt it and we were worried. So… what happened?”

“I’m not entirely sure, but I think it was your ‘security system,’” Ricky explained. “I had just woken up and read your letters, and I was thinking about… stuff. When I noticed my thoughts were taking a really steep turn and it kind of occurred to me that… they weren’t mine?...”

The other end of the line was quiet for so long while Ricky explained that near the end he was starting to worry the line had gone dead without him noticing. But finally, Lewis asked, “And that presence is gone now, right?”

“I think so. I don't know how to describe it but the whole room felt… heavier? Darker? I don’t know how to describe it. But it’s not like that anymore so yes - I think it’s gone.”

“You said the Dead Beats are hanging out with you. What are they doing exactly?”

“Well-” Ricky stuck the phone into the mass of ghosts, hoping Lewis could hear all the purring. Then he put it back to his ear. “Did you hear that?”

“Yeah - I did.”

“They’re kind of… all over me, making that noise.”

“Are they pulsing in any way? Look at the way they’re glowing, and the hearts on their chests.”

“They are, now that you mention it.”

“Yep - I know what they’re doing.”

“Well, what’re they doing?”

“Giving you a ghost bath, basically. Whatever that thing was, they can still feel its residual energy on you. So they’re washing it away with their own positive energy. If that negative energy was left as is, at best it would probably leave you in a bad mood. At worst, that entity could come back and use it as a foothold to try getting in.”

“Wait- ‘get in’ as in…”

“Potentially try to possess you.”

“Oh. Uh… shit. So… what was that thing anyway?”

“No idea. But whatever it was, it most certainly wasn’t one of my ghosts and I wouldn’t be surprised if it had something to do with the curse. Mystery, Vivi, and I will investigate when we get back. For now, have the Dead Beats stick by you.”

“Alright then…” Ricky conceded, not feeling nearly as secure as he had a minute ago. “So… how are things on your end? What’re you up to?”

“Vivi’s driving, and I am terrified. Pray for me- ow!”

Ricky snorted at the sound of Lewis being thwacked on the other end of the line. Followed by some aggressively playful banter in Spanish and Japanese that had Ricky biting his lip to suppress his laughter. “-Anyway! Ricky, say hi.”

“Hi, Vivi.” Ricky chuckled, then his tone turned dry when he said, “Hello Mystery.”

Vivi’s muffled voice came through the line, as though she wasn’t speaking directly into the transmitter. “Hi Ricky! Glad you’re up!”

Then came Mystery. “Hello Ricky! I’m glad you’re alright, but I’m not apologizing!”

Ricky scoffed. “Well fuck you too.”

The kitsune was cackling in the background when Lewis put the phone back to his ear. “-Anyway, we just left H.P Hatecraft’s house.”

“The writer? What for?”

“It was Velma’s idea. Hatecraft’s our way into Darrow University tomorrow night.” And Lewis explained Hatecraft’s role in the plan (and also apparently Harlan Ellison’s too.)

“And I assume you know who is going to be cutting that thing out of me?” Ricky asked once he was done.

“Daphne’s sister - Daisy. She’s some kind of surgeon, though Daphne didn’t specify what kind. Her fiance however, is apparently a neurosurgeon.”

Ricky blinked dumbly for a moment while he processed what Lewis had just said.

A neurosurgeon.

As in a health professional. Who specified in surgical interventions. Of the nervous system.

Like… removing a small capsule that kept releasing a neurotoxin within centimeters of his spinal cord?

“What are the odds?” Ricky finally said.

“Right??? That’s what we said!” Lewis agreed. “But.”

“There’s always a ‘but,’ isn’t there?” Ricky sighed.

“It does seem that way, doesn’t it? Anyway - the catch is that Daphne and Daisy apparently don’t get on well. Like even in comparison to her relationship with her other sisters. And to top it off I couldn’t quote the specific law but we’re about 90% sure this is gonna be hella illegal. At best, both Daisy and her betrothed could lose her medical licenses if they get caught or god forbid something goes wrong. At worst, they might face jail time.”

“I can stop that from happening. It would not be difficult,” Ricky said. A statement - not an offer or a question.

“Good luck convincing them of that. It would be one thing if Mr. E was to go meet with them to make this request in person. They’re going to need to take the word of a bunch of meddling kids and their weird talking dogs. We would be offering to come and get you for this, buuut…”

“I’m Shaggy right now, so what good would it do? Got it.”

“Whiiich… brings me to the point.”

“Out with it.”

“If and when it comes to that, can I show them Arthur’s flashdrive?”

Ricky’s mouth went dry.

“Just- They’re doctors,” Lewis explained. “They took an oath. And once they actually see a patient in pain, they may be honor-bound to do something about it. Or, as Daphne suggested, it may become a matter of pride - a challenge just to prove they could. Either way ends with the result we want.”

Ricky cleared his throat. “Yeah- yeah. Makes sense I mean they’d probably need to see it anyway to know what they were treating right? Like it’s not as if they could just take your word for it.”

“That, too.” Lewis said. And the concern in his voice just made Ricky’s heart pound. That thing’s words echoed in his head. You think they care about you? And the demons in his own head joined in. They’ll be so disgusted once they see it. They won’t be able to look you in the eye!

“All of us don’t have to see it,” Lewis said. As if he could hear those thoughts clear through the phone. “It’s too valuable and too important to leave in the hands of strangers unsupervised. So at least one of us, or a few of us, are going to have to see the footage. But not all of us have to. We can stand outside while it’s playing.”

Ricky took a few deep breaths. “Okay,” he sniffed. “Okay then. So- you want me to pick who?”

“I mean you’re kind of the only one with the right to. I can only imagine how personal it is. So yeah. It’s no rush. We’re still about ten minutes away. You can think about it for a bit if you need to.”

So Ricky held the handset away from his mouth, pursed his lips, looked up at the ceiling, and thought about it.

Not the Mystery Skulls. Not yet, at least. Not that he didn’t trust them, but he hadn’t known them long enough. The kids on the other hand… especially-

“Velma,” he said into the phone at last. “She’s seen the worst of me already so at this point… but- you know what? Nevermind. All of them can see it if they choose. Mystery Incorporated, I mean. It wouldn’t be fair to put all of that on Velma, Fred’s parents are going to be in those videos, Daphne’s sister is the one who’s going to cut me open, Shaggy’s stuck in this body-swap mess, and he and Scooby are kind of a package deal. And after everything that’s happened… I think all five of them have more than earned the right to see it. Or not. Whichever they choose. But if somebody has to, then I would rather it be them.”

“Are you sure, man?” Lewis asked. “I mean it’s asking a lot for you to let one. But all five of them?”

“Please don’t question it,” Ricky said. “That’s my decision and I really don’t want to argue or explain myself.”

“Okay. I’m sorry - I’ll back off.”

“And… sorry for getting touchy and not letting you see it. It’s just-”

“Dude! No. Nobody would blame you for that. I mean we’ve known each other barely over a day. I totally read you loud and clear.”

“Thank you, Lewis,” Ricky sighed.

“So… you gonna be okay?” Again. That concern.

“Ask me again tonight,” Ricky sighed.

“Okay… we’re going to be at Daisy’s soon anyway. So I’m going to have to let you go. See you later, Ricky.”

“Goodbye Lewis… and good luck. Thanks again - for doing all of this for me.”

“It’s no trouble. It’s the right thing to do.”

“Well… thanks. Goodbye.”

When Ricky set the handset back into its port with a click, the phone disappeared in a puff of pink flame.

TA-DA! Still alive!!! Thank you to everyone who waited so patiently for the next chapter of my little fic. I know I said last time that I didn't want to make you wait another three months for the next chapter buuuut that ended up happening anyway. I just completed my English minor and literally all of my classes last semester were English Creative Writing classes, so as you can imagine I was doing a LOT of reading and writing with ZERO time for writing fanfiction. But right now I have the summer off of school so I've had lots of time to catch up! Ellison and Hatecraft have joined the party! These are two characters I never paid a tremendous amount of attention to, but Tumblr has given me a newfound respect for them. And their less-than-low-key gayness. Which made it into this fic NOT low-key at all. Lol I hope I did these new characters justice, and you will be seeing them again. I unfortunately didn't have the time to create any fanart for this chapter and didn't want to make you all wait any longer to find out what happens next in the story. I'm sure most of you know how much time and effort it takes to create fanworks, and I can't promise fanart for every chapter. (Veeery much looking forward to it if anyone posts any of their own in the future tho. 👀) This story, as usual, keeps surprising me with just how many words it takes to write. So my original plan for this one chapter got divided into two chapters instead. Speaking of which: Chapter 25 is almost complete and to the last long wait it up to you, I intend to post chapter 25 next Sunday. And God willing, you might get Chapter 26 the Sunday after that, but don't take that word as gospel. As for Chater 27? HA! We'll get there when we get there. Speaking of Chapter 25, as most of you know from my recent poll, the original chapter song/title for this chapter was originally going to be something else before it got changed. This happened because this chapter ended up being substantially longer than originally planned and also because I wanted to put all of the songs with heaven/hell motifs close together. Just to keep the theme going. And 'Heaven' was the last obvious one. Sorry about the poll causing confusion, but here's a treat: Unless something drastic changes (which it might, who knows?) The Chapter Song/Title of One of Us Chapter 25 is "Erase Me (Original Demo)" and the title of Chapter 26 is going to be "Erase me." That's all for now! Chapter 24 of One of Us should be posted to ao3 sometime tomorrow.

Chapters 1-22 of 'One of Us' are presently posted on Archive of Our Own!

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