#getting into the October aura ladies!

[rosehaunt]

My opinion of outfit inspo for perfumes ~

VERY CHERRY ROSE CHOCOLATE PATCHOULI BY MELEG PERFUMES

[kusanagihaku]

maybe, in other life, it goes like this.

⭢ haku x mc, 1.7k

Maybe, in another life, between the firm interlace of your fingers will rest not a curse, but a happy ever after. or: a short drabble of pining, yearning, and what it means to long for someone who wants you too.

—

“There’s a shrine nearby.”

You look up from where your CATSMO map is open on your phone. “How near?”

Haku scratches his ear. “About two minutes? If the Galaxy Express isn’t coming in the next twenty minutes I think we can spare a trip there.”

You look down at the map again. You’re sure it won’t take more than twenty minutes for the Express to arrive, given whatever physically impossible warp speed it travels at, but there must be a reason Haku brought up the shrine. “Missing home?”

Haku laughs. There is an undercurrent of exhaustion, which frankly isn’t surprising given the mission you just wrapped up. “In a way.”

A detour less than half an hour after the end of your mission should be easy enough to fudge on the inspection report, you figure, especially since it’s so near dinner time. And since it’s Haku requesting… You stuff your phone back in your pocket. “Let’s go.”

It’s always hard to say no when it comes to Haku.

The shrine isn’t difficult to find, parked in a small patch of land between two office buildings. There are a few people lingering about in the last rays of evening, heads bowed in quiet conversation as they wander around the honden.

Haku leads you around, however, to a smaller sub-shrine tucked under a large tree. The further you walk into the compound, the more relaxed he seems, shoulders slumping slightly and his breathing a little deeper. The gold chains of his uniform glitter as you pass under a patch of dying sun, then dull completely as you come to a standstill in the shadow of a hollow wooden shrine.

Haku takes a deep breath. His eyes flutter closed, long green brushing against the pallor of his cheeks, almost as if he is basking in the aura exuding from the structure. He has done a good job of hiding his weariness – where you are usually distracted by a charming smile you see now grey-purple bags bruising the hollow of his eyes.

Your hands itch to brush his hair away, to let him lean into your palm, to let him close his eyes and rest as you… you hold back a sigh.

Almost as if he hears you, Haku’s eyes crack open. He glances at you, impish grin hanging itself on the corner of his lips. “Staring at me again?”

You flush, but before you can form a retort something white flashes at the corner of your eye.

Perhaps it is by grace of the fact that you’ve been working on this solo mission with Haku for the past week, or perhaps it is due to the trickle of life-and-death situations you have been in since last October, but you react almost immediately, spinning on your heel and reaching out for Haku.

Haku’s hand finds yours, blindly thrown out in your direction as he steps forward slightly to shield you, but his fingers lace with yours instantly like a magnet finding home. His other hand rests on his hip, uniform jacket pushed aside in favour of easy access to his flute.

It looks almost casual to anyone else, this rehearsed defence looking like a startled step forward on Haku’s part, but you know different. You suck in a breath at the hum of power that surges from your ring to where your fingers interlock with Haku’s.

But it is only an old lady, stepping out from behind the wooden structure. She is dressed in simple priest robes, paper fan slung around her wrist, and her eyes round at your alarmed reaction.

She is not a threat, you decide, and you feel Haku’s body relax next to you as he comes to the same conclusion. There is no need to use either of your stigmas, and yet…

He doesn’t let go either, fingers firm in your own.

The priest apologises for startling you, thick Kansai accent warm with welcome. She peers at you kindly. “A lot of couples get married at the main shrine. Have you come to ask around?”

“That would be nice,” Haku smiles. There is a wistfulness in there that sounds age-old. “In another life.”

You glance at him, eyebrows raised, but he has struck up a conversation with the priest about tonight’s weather and how a little rainfall might do the wisteria by the entrance some good in the April heat.

In another life. The words lick flames up from where your hands are joined, a thrum of want and hope that settles in your chest and paints the wreath of your ribs the colour of sunrise.

You know Haku’s interested — he makes no effort to hide it. He cracks jokes about taking you out on dates at least twice a week, as if hearing it enough will negate the fact that what is left of you will be dead come the crest of October, and both of you will be left with a pain time can never erase.

You make no effort to hide your blushes either — he knows how much it flusters you when he tucks your hair behind your ear, how fast your heart beats when he leans in a little too close. He knows how much you want to acquiesce, and yet…

The priest takes her leave, and the two of you are left in the grey wash of an already set sun.

“In another life.” The words sound strange coming from you, standing out against the hum of the cicadas.

“In this life, too, if you’d have me,” Haku says. His tone is light, but you don’t have to look at him to taste how bitter his smile is. You both know it will not be possible.

The chasm between you is larger than what six months can bridge.

All too soon he is pulling his hand away to hand you a coin, warm from where it has been sitting in his pocket.

“Thank you,” you murmur, and then the only sounds left are the dull clink of the coins falling into the wooden offering box, and the clatter of the bells as Haku steps forward to tug on the straw rope hanging from the rafters.

You both bow twice, and clap.

You don’t remember what you wish for – you pretend you do not wish for him – before your mind wanders off to the phantom press of Haku’s palm against yours.

Maybe… Maybe, in another life, it looks like this:

Your hand in his, standing not on the edge of an inky galaxy but on the infinite edge of forever.

No responsibilities, no curses, no anomalies, just two dust motes floating in a shared beam of sunlight, spinning together again and again like atoms dancing their way home.

Haku does not let you go in this one, no — his fingers will be wound between yours not with the intention of fighting or saving or protecting, but just holding.

The jokes he cracks about taking you on dates will not dissipate into longing, the brush of his breath against your ear will not burn. His eyes on yours, his touch on your hair, his hand on the small of your back — they will not linger late into the night long after you return home.

Instead of giving you his umbrella, he will share it.

His hands will be a warmth, a weight. An anchor under the brightness of rainy moonlight, holding you steady in the sea of ordinary life, like you both are nothing but two river stones finding yourselves in the middle of a shared stream.

You will drink in the whiskey gold of his eyes without fear of setting your lungs ablaze, and taste the laze of his smile without fear of forgetting.

You will meet him in the middle this time, languorous and lingering, and you will love him, like the moon orbiting the earth orbiting the sun, leisurely and without any intention to stop.

Maybe, in another life, between the firm interlace of your fingers will rest not a curse, but a happy ever after.

Or maybe, in another life, it goes like this:

Maybe, in another life, you are sitting next to him on beige-grey tatami, laughter in the air and afternoon sun tangling its fingers in his hair in the best kind of halo. He is looking at you, all bright eyes and soft adoration. It will send your heart bubbling like soda in the back of your throat.

Over and under and under again, he will repeat, then laugh when the red string of your ume-musubi slips through your fingers for the sixth time. Perhaps we can just buy ready-made ones in time for the wedding.

No, you will say, fiercely, not because this is Haku and the deftness of his fingers have already weaved three ume-musubis in the time it has taken you to struggle through one, but because the idea of being wedded wearing plum blossom knots weaved by the other, breathed to life in the curve of your thigh some time between sunset and sleep last night, sings a sweet promise of forever. I can do it.

It will take you two more tries, but you will do it, red tassels slotting into place like Haku has slotted himself into the space between your heartbeats, undeniable and sure.

Well done.

His congratulatory kiss will send the sun down your spine; the reach of his hands for yours will send gold through your veins.

Maybe, in another life, the moor of his fingers as they curl into yours, warm against your ring and the ume-musubi you will pin to his lapel, will mean the same thing two toothbrushes lined up on a bathroom counter does. It will feel like shoebox Nakameguro apartment does, like dancing in your socks by the light of the moon, like my-Hotarubi-hoodie-on-your-side-of-the-closet, like train station warabi-mochi bought because-I-know-you-like-it.

Maybe, in another life, you will be as much each others’ as you are the universe’s.

But in this life, you open your eyes, and you bow, and you turn away from the shrine, and you do not say anything when Haku’s hand brushes the back of yours as the both of you walk away.

[oliversrarebooks]

The Rare Bookseller Part 73: Emily's Safehouse

Previous > Masterlist

tw: mind control, conditioning, memories of abuse

October 1925

Emily woke up in bed -- a real bed for human beings, not a fuzzy little pet bed on the floor -- a sensation both frightening and strangely familiar. She wasn't allowed on the bed, unless her lady --

Her lady.

Her lady was dead.

The events of the previous night came rushing back to her as she lay there in bed, staring up at the ceiling. One moment she'd been in the carriage, drunk and stupefied from her lady's aura, and in the next moment, Lady Jessica was dead and gone. She'd been pulled from the carriage and into a janky old car by a vampire hunter, leaving behind everything she'd known for a promise of freedom, or at least a promise of a hot meal and a place to stay.

Unease gnawed in her gut. Promises of help always came with strings attached. She wasn't sure how she knew that, but she felt it deep inside. She'd have to pay for this charity somehow.

Emily tried to remember. Who had she been and what had she been doing before she had served a vampire? She knew somehow that she hadn't been serving a vampire for very long, so there must have been something that came before, but she couldn't remember any of it, a swirl of colors and scents and pains where the rest of her mind should be. Perhaps serving a vampire was the only thing she was truly good for, the thing she was meant to do.

She sat up in bed, trying in vain to drive the fuzziness from her mind. She didn't want it to be true, because if it were, then the hunter had just taken away the only thing that gave her life meaning.

There was a faint smell of eggs and toast in the air, and Emily's stomach growled, reminding her that there was no existential crisis that was worth missing out on food. She pulled herself out of bed, wearing the thick flannel nightgown that had been handed to her the night before, and pushed open the creaky wooden door.

The vampire hunter's home was an old farmhouse on the outskirts of the city, one with uneven floors and chipped paint and drafts in every window. It was nothing like the luxurious modern townhouse her lady had occupied, with every modern convenience including electricity. Still, Emily liked how familiar this place felt, how natural it was to keep her footsteps soft as she walked down the hall in borrowed slippers.

The kitchen was small but cheerful, done up in bright yellow and lime green. The hunter, Vivian, was tending to a skillet of eggs, while a young woman with red hair and a simple black coat sat at the kitchen table. The woman looked dazed, her eyelids at half-mast, as though she were fighting the urge to drop off to sleep.

"Good morning, Emily!" said Vivian. "Would you like some eggs? And did you sleep well?"

"I think so. And yes, I would like some eggs, please." She sat down at the table, nervously glancing at the other woman.

"Oh, this is Jenny, the thrall I took from Edgar. Jenny, this is Emily, a thrall I rescued last night."

"Pleased to meet you," said Jenny with a smile.

"You were a thrall, too?"

"Yes, for a very long time, until Vivian killed my master. She's helping me get accustomed to the human world again. I spent so long under my master's spell that it's…" She trailed off, sinking back into a daze, before collecting herself again. "It's difficult, after having spent years under a vampire's spell."

"Years…"

"Mmm…" Her eyelids were drooping again, and in a fluid motion, she fell to her knees, bowing her head to no one.

Vivian took the pan off the burner for a moment to shake her gently awake. Her eyes popped open and she sat back down on the chair, blushing. "Sorry, I still slip back under sometimes. Vivian is helping with that."

"You've been making great progress, considering how deep you were in vampire thrall," said Vivian, as she placed a plate of eggs and toast in front of Emily.

As Emily quickly ate her breakfast, she couldn't help but feel embarrassed herself, recalling how she had acted around her lady. Many nights, she'd accompany Lady Jessica to a club or social call, kneeling by her lady's chair, laying her head in her lady's lap, allowing her lady to pet her as though she were a beloved dog. Perhaps she had looked just as Jenny did, lost in a stupor as she mindlessly worshiped a vampire.

It hadn't always been this way, she was sure. How had they done this to her?

"I should be able to help you, too," said Vivian, sitting at the table. "How long were you with vampires? Do you remember?"

"I'm not sure," Emily said, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I can't remember much of anything before my lady's -- the vampire's house. But she has been showing me off to everyone as her new thrall, still, so I don't think it's been that long. A couple of months, maybe."

"That's good, then, it'll be easier to recover if you weren't with her long. From what you've said, it sounds like you had your memories wiped. Did you go through the auction house?"

The mention of the auction house stirred up a particular image in her mind. She was standing on a stage under a spotlight, wearing an uncomfortable frilly dress and jeweled handcuffs, squinting to try and focus on the crowd in front of her, bidding. They were bidding on her, bidding more than she'd ever made in her life, and it was going so fast…

"Yes, I'm sure I went through the auction house."

Vivian nodded. "Do you know if you met a vampire named Lily?"

"Lily! Yes, I remember her well."

"She's the one who wiped your memories, then."

Emily didn't just remember Lily from the auction house, the vampire who put her to sleep so gently, who urged her to be quiet and docile and offer her blood. She also remembered Lily from nights at the Tiger's Eye. In fact, she had cozied up to Lily, shamelessly nuzzling her, feeling a deep need to be near her and to hear her voice, even though she was the one who had stolen Emily's life.

And all of the other little indignities bubbled up in her thoughts. Allowing the vampire to dress her up like a paper doll and walk her on a leash. Mindlessly accepting that she'd be discarded and sold again when her lady tired of her. Smiling dreamily as she offered up her neck to a bloodsucking monster. Oh, god, she'd let that vampire sink her fangs into her flesh and drink her blood so, so many times, and she'd been made to enjoy it.

"Emily, are you okay?"

She wiped at her hot tears. "I let them take my mind, didn't I?" she said, humiliated. "I let them take my blood, too. I don't even remember if I fought them, but either way, they won. They took my mind from me."

"You didn't let them do anything," said Vivian firmly. "Vampires are strong, incredibly so, and particularly some of the ones you've encountered. Their enthrallment abilities can be powerful, almost impossible to resist without magic. Even many hunters eventually fall and become a thrall themselves. It's not your fault that they did this to you."

Emily nodded, still lost in her deep rush of shame despite Vivian's words.

"But I have magic. I've been studying how to ward myself from vampires for a long time. And I know a ritual that can reverse enthrallment, if you're interested."

"Yes!" said Emily. "Yes, I want my memories back. I want to know who I was before all of this. There must be something I can go back to."

"If you're that eager, we can do the ritual right after breakfast, if you like. But I should warn you… not everyone who gets their memories back is happy about it," Vivian said. "It's just that vampires tend to prey on people who… don't have a lot of family, or people to notice if they go missing. A lot of thralls come from bad circumstances. Do you still want to try?"

She would be lying to herself if her heart didn't sink a bit, but she knew that her answer was still the same. "Yes. I think I want to know, even if it's awful. I don't want to feel like offering my blood to a vampire was the only thing I ever did in life."

"Then come with me."

Emily followed Vivian into a sort of parlor and up a spiral staircase that rattled with every step. They emerged in an attic that smelled of dust and mildew. Vivian lit a lantern, and then a number of candles on the floor, and Emily could see a chalk circle with strange symbols written in it. The floor was stained in some places with what looked like blood. She realized that she had been trusting the vampire hunter completely, even though she knew so little about her. Sure, she'd freed Emily from her fate as a thrall, but that didn't necessarily mean she was a safe person in every way.

"I'll need to spill some of my blood for this ritual. Don't worry, it won't harm you, apart from any harm you might get from the memories you've lost." The knife Vivian held had a blade as long as her hand that glinted in the candlelight. "All you need to do is kneel in the circle and close your eyes."

Emily shuddered, her vague memories of the auction house dancing through her mind. After all she'd been through, she really didn't want to be at someone else's mercy.

But she hardly had a choice. Without any memories or skills beyond being a vampire's pet, she didn't think she could survive on her own. She had no place to go, no friends or family that she remembered, and no job -- she was already at Vivian's mercy. Slowly, reluctantly, she knelt in the circle and held her eyes just barely closed.

"Perfect," said Vivian. "Now just try to relax, and whatever you feel, just go with it. Don't suppress it, or the ritual won't be as effective. You might feel awful as your mind returns, because one thing the vampires like to do is suppress your undesirable feelings so that you enjoy being their mindless slave. But you have to accept it, all right?"

"All right."

Emily knelt in the darkness, her knees growing sore, as Vivian began a low chant. With her eyes closed, she could hear Vivian walking around her, chanting, along with rustling noises. The scent of burning herbs joined the candle smoke.

"Hold still for a moment."

She could feel the pressure of Vivian's thumb on her forehead and cheeks, and it felt like she had smeared something on her. She chanted words in an unknown language into Emily's left ear, then her right.

Just as Emily was wondering when the ritual would start to have an effect, a wave of fear and shame and sadness swept her away. She thought she had been embarrassed before, but it was nothing like what she felt now, a deep horror at how she'd been captured and used, her mind stolen and bent and made to serve the monsters who had violated her. A choked sob escaped her throat, and she retched as she recalled what the feedings were like without the glowing haze of hypnosis surrounding them. The suppressed pain, the violence of the vampire's fangs, the smell of her own blood.

But she remembered. She remembered her family, the one she'd run from, thinking nothing could ever be worse. She remembered trying to scrape by with odd jobs and artwork, the dingy room she called home, the many nights she'd gone hungry. She remembered being tossed into a cell in the auction house, straining against the iron bars, not knowing what would happen to her.

"Emily." Vivian had stopped chanting. "You can open your eyes now. Are you okay?"

She didn't feel okay. She felt as though she'd experienced a lifetime's worth of trauma in the space of ten minutes. But at least she knew it was hers. At least she knew how hard she'd fought to make herself a real life, how much she struggled against the vampires before the fight had been taken out of her.

"I'll be okay," she said, mostly out of a hope that it would be true. "Thank you. Between this and saving me last night, I don't know how I can ever repay you."

"I don't expect you to pay me. I'm planning on ransacking your vampire's home tonight, and once I pawn most of it, there'll be money for both of us," she said. "But your former mistress was also known to be a real social butterfly, so if your memories are less foggy, I wouldn't mind if you paid me in information."

"What kind of information?"

"Mostly where I can find powerful vampires to kill."

"The Tiger's Eye," Emily said. "It's a club where all of the powerful vampires of the city go to drink and gossip. I think I can show you where it is."

"Oh, I appreciate that, but I already know about the Tiger's Eye. It's how I tracked your mistress. Unfortunately, even though I'm a real crackerjack of a hunter, I don't think I can take on an entire club's worth of vampires by myself. So as much as I'd like to, I can't raid their speakeasy. All I can do is track down the drunk ones once they leave."

"Oh, I see." Now that Emily could think more clearly about it, she would've dearly loved to see the entire place burned to the ground -- after every one of those poor thralls had been saved, of course. She could remember lounging on her lady's lap as Jessica drank from a woman covered in bite scars, who seemed to have barely any awareness of where she was, and bile rose in her throat again.

The Tiger's Eye -- there was something important she was supposed to remember --

"If you know of any individual vampires that would be good to track down… There's actually a few in particular --"

"Oliver!" That had been nagging at her. The thrall who had recognized her last night was Oliver, the unfortunate bookseller who had been her neighbor in the cells. He'd talk to her for hours, taking her mind off the sordid situation, and had ended up hypnotized out of his wits, eager to throw away his life for a vampire -- just as she had.

"Beg pardon? Is that the name of a vampire?"

"No, he's someone I met when I was in the auction house. He was sold to a vampire, of course, and my la-- Jessica said that he lived only a block away from us -- from her. Do you think you could rescue him, too?"

"A block away from Jessica, you say…" Vivian nodded slowly. "Yes, I think I can work with that, especially if you know anything about the vampire who bought him."

"I don't remember his name, but… he was fairly tall and thin, pale and with messy hair. And his voice… this may be a strange thing to recall, but his voice was like -- something you'd want to listen to for days, even if he only read the phone book."

"Hmm, that might be part of his enthrallment. I'll have to be careful," said Vivian. "I can't make any promises, but I think I could arrange a playdate with your friend Oliver and his master."

Previous > Masterlist

Next week: Fitz is put under the Maestro's control.

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[goldenseresinretriever]

Snitches Get Stitches: Chapter 14

Pairing: Jake "Hangman" Seresin x Reader

Part of the San Diego Dogfighters universe

Summary: Jake Seresin, golden boy of the NHL and Captain of the Dallas Stars makes headlines when he unexpectedly signs with newly-formed San Diego Dogfighters. When your future seems at the verge of crashing down, you receive the opportunity of a lifetime to become the team physician for the Dogfighters. You never expected to be working directly with your favorite hockey player. Jake has a secret and you have a job to do. Will he be able to trust you enough to help and will you be able to trust him with your heart?

Series CW: 18+ ONLY, swearing, violence, sports violence, medical stuff, blood probably, angst, fluff, (eventual) smut, forbidden romance, sexual harassment, suggestive language, medical inaccuracies, hockey inaccuracies etc. No use of Y/N.

Word Count: 3k

A/N: This is a repost of my completed series, Snitches Get Stitches. It was originally posted in October-November 2023, and was lost when my blog was deleted.

Previous Chapter // Series Masterlist

Zam swoops in before the reporters can ask either of you more questions and helps you escape back into the privacy of the rest of the building. Your shoulders droop with exhaustion after the events of the day and Jake slides an arm around your shoulder that you lean your head against the two of you make your way back to your office so you can pack up and head home together. Home. You wonder when you started thinking of Jake’s place as home, but it feels right. You’ll have to talk it over with him officially, but you wouldn’t be surprised if Jake and Javy have secretly packed up your apartment already and moved all your things into his house. You push open the door to your office, letting a breath out at the promise of privacy with Jake only to be met with the wide smiles of your parents. You jump, surprised as your mom gives an excited cry and wraps you up in her arms.

“Mom?!” You’re surprised, to say the least. You’d almost forgotten that they’d been at the game and you feel your face heat at the idea of them witnessing your little spectacle. Your dad comes around from where he’s been sitting at your desk, holding out a hand to Jake who’s awkwardly standing behind you.

“When my daughter became your fan, I watched her fall in love with hockey and tonight I watched her fall in love with you. Take good care of her, son.” Your eyes are filled with tears all over again as you see Jake shake your father's hand before your dad pulls him in for a hug. The door to your office opens again and Tucker pokes his head in.

“The lady in pink said I’d find you guys here?” He says as his eyes fall on the four of you crowded into the tiny space. “Hey, are you okay?” He’s pushing through the door in a whirlwind, his hair sticking up every which way where you can tell he’s been running his fingers through it. You’re wrapped up in his arms instantly as he checks you over.

“Tuck, I’m okay.” You reassure him as he releases you and takes your arm in his giant hands, looking over the place where Cyclone had grabbed you earlier, running gentle fingers over the tender skin and you wince slightly. Both Tucker and Jake stiffen at your response. You look up at them and it’s like you’re looking at two giant golden retrievers, your guard dogs, eager to stand between you and the world. “Fine, a little less than okay, but I will be, okay? I’m fine now. I’m safe.” Jake relaxes at that but Tucker still looks unconvinced as he rounds on Jake.

“What the hell, man? You think you can just go after my baby sister because she’s a fan?” Tuck’s two years older than Jake but Jake’s aura makes him look like the older one as he stands up straighter as recognition sparks in his eyes.

“You’re the guy who asked me to sign a jersey last year after a game, aren’t you?” Tucker blinks, surprised by the change in topic but Jake’s still connecting dots. “And that’s the jersey hanging over your bed, isn’t it?” He addresses you this time and you nod sheepishly.

“You have it hanging over your BED?!” Tuck exclaims, and you give him a dirty look.

“I have him IN my bed, what’s your point, Tuck?” You snap back and he mock gags, covering his mouth in shock as he stumbles back to lean on your desk as he processes this information. You put your hands on your hips as you approach him, scowling at him. “Jake’s my boyfriend, and you’re just going to have to deal with that. He’s good to me, I feel safe with him, and most of all he loves me and I love him.” Tucker sighs as his eyes drift between you and Jake where he’s standing just behind you, close enough to look like a unit but far enough away to let you fight your own battles.

“Look, I’m happy for you guys, I really am, but Charlie’s going to go BALLISTIC.” You scoff, rolling your eyes.

“Charlie can shove it as far as I’m concerned. I know it’s been a while but you two need to get used to the fact that I have a boyfriend. I’m not a kid anymore.”

Tucker nods slowly, standing up and extending a hand to Jake.“Take care of her, man. If you ever hurt her I swear to god,”

“TUCKER.” You glare at him. Jake shakes his head at you gently.

“I know what you mean, I have two sisters of my own. If someone hurt my little sister I wouldn’t hesitate either. Bugs is lucky to have you in her corner.” Tucker visibly relaxes at that and grips Jake’s hand tightly in his, an unspoken agreement passing between their firm gazes and clasped hands.

When they part Tucker gives you a long look, “I mean it, Charlie’s gonna go BALLISTIC when he sees the game.” You shrug.

“He can take it up with our PR representative. She’s pretty damn good at handling this kind of stuff.” Jake laughs at that.

“She sure is.”

***

“Blueberries.” Jake reads the next item on the list, turning the cart towards the produce section. Until now, you’ve both been resigned to grocery delivery or having Javy or Zam do the grocery shopping so you’re both excited to finally get to do it together. Sure it’s mundane and simple, but that’s what you enjoy most with Jake. Lazy mornings with him cooking breakfast while you read headlines and cheesy horoscopes out to him. Sunny afternoons sprawled across the couch, watching horrible daytime TV and old hockey reruns. Sweet evenings spent walking along the beach behind his house while Pudding plays in the surf. This is just another simple moment with him that you cherish.

You’re scrutinizing the blueberry cartons when you hear Jake’s voice behind you.

“Hey there!” You turn to see Jake crouch down in front of a little boy who’s looking at him nervously.

“Um, do you play hockey, mister?” The kid asks, his hands fiddling with the strings of his hoodie. “You look a lot like my favorite player. His name is Jake.” Your heart aches as you see Jake’s face break out into a huge grin.

“No way? That’s my name too!” The kid’s face glows with awe as his tiny eyes widen, realizing that he has in fact run into his hero at the grocery store.

“Mr. Jake, you’re my favorite!” He blubbers excitedly and Jake chuckles, giving the kid a fist bump as he trembles excitedly. The kid surprises Jake by throwing his arms around Jake’s neck and Jake lets out a startled laugh before hugging him back just as a flustered woman approaches, wringing her hands.

“Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry! I don’t know what got into him!” She apologizes as she goes to extract her son from Jake’s arms as he stands and you watch the realization hit her as she recognizes Jake just as her son excitedly tells her,

“Mommy! Look, it’s Mr. Jake from hockey! It’s really him!” Jake gives her a sheepish smile.

“Sorry about the trouble ma’am. Your son’s a real sweet kid.” She nods, struck silent by shock.

“Mommy, can I get a picture with Mr. Jake?” The little boy tugs on his mom’s sleeve and it shakes her back to the present.

“If that’s okay with him, then it’s okay with me, Danny.” Jake nods and she fiddles for her phone and you watch as Jake pulls Danny close and poses for a photo.

“Thank you, Mr. Jake!” He gives Jake another big hug that Jake returns.

“Thank YOU for being a fan, Danny,” Jake answers, mussing up the little boy’s curls affectionately. He waves as the boy and his mother take their leave before turning back to you. “What’s that face for, Bunny?”

You shake your head. “Nothing, that was just really sweet.” He wraps you in his arms as you deposit the blueberries in the cart.

“You know I always give my fans the best treatment.” He presses a kiss to your temple as you giggle.

“I do.” You concede, snuggling into his arms.

“And my number one fan gets the best treatment.” He whispers as he kisses your cheek.

“The very best. So I’m thinking?” He arches an eyebrow at you. “Maybe two cartons of blueberries?” He laughs, tugging you close and kissing the tip of your nose as you scrunch it up.

“You can have as many cartons of blueberries are you want.”

***

A few days later you’re sitting at the counter in Jake’s corner enjoying a well-deserved day off. Things are starting to pick up at work with the season opener just around the corner in a few weeks, but thankfully things in your personal life have slowed down. Your relationship with Jake was public now and Cyclone has backed off after Jake’s statement, though you’re sure Zam had something to do with it as well. Things are starting to resemble something that could be called normal. Jake’s making blueberry pancakes across from you as you sip your matcha latte when your phone buzzes. You pick it up, your brow furrowing unconsciously as you see your landlord's name flash across the screen.

“What’s up?” Jake asks in response to the furrow in your brow.

“Just my landlord, reminding me that next month's rent is due on Monday.” You haven’t been to your apartment in weeks, since most of your clothes have migrated to Jake’s place over the last month but you’ve yet to discuss you officially moving in with Jake.

“Tell him you’re ending your lease,” he says smoothly as he flips a pancake with annoyingly good precision.

“W-what?” You stutter as Jake looks up at you, surprised.

“Bunny you practically live here as it is, what’s the point in you paying rent for a place you’re not even using?”

“I just, we never officially talked about it. I didn’t want to overstep.” He nods as he deposits the pancake on your

“Well then consider this me officially asking. Bunny, will you move in with me? Well with us.” He turns and reaches down to scratch Pudding’s head where she’s waiting patiently next to him for any scraps he happens to throw her way. “What do you think Princess P? Should we let Mommy move in with us?” She barks at that and you laugh as Jake looks back up, grinning. “What do you say, Bunny? You ready to be a family?” You nod, fighting the tears that are threatening to cloud your vision.

“Yes, I’m ready to be a family, Jake.”

“Well, then why don’t we finish up breakfast and then go get you all packed up? And text your landlord to let him know. If he has any issue with it, I’ll cover whatever fees he asks you to pay for breaking the lease.”

“Jake, you don’t have to do that,” he fixes you with a stern look.

“I don’t have to, but I want to, Bunny.”

“Then you’re going to have to let me cover half the rent for this place or something to make up for it. I can’t stay here for free!”

“Well, you’re going to have to get used to this because I don’t pay rent for this place.” He says with a shrug as he pours more batter into the pan.

“Wait what, why not?”

“I own the house.” Your jaw drops.

“Since when? I thought all of you guys were renting!”

Jake’s cheeks pinken as he admits with a chagrined smile, “I bought it a couple of days after I met you.” You’re gaping at him as he blushes. “Once I knew I could trust you, I knew I wouldn’t be going anywhere anytime soon. And once I saw you in my kitchen for the first time? I knew I never wanted someone else to get the chance to enjoy that view.”

“Jake,” your heart aches at his words. “I still can’t stay here for free!”

“Oh, I never said you would be. Daily rent is payable to both your landlords in the form of kisses and cuddles.” You roll your eyes as he winks at you.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if you and Javy haven’t already packed up my entire apartment and you're just waiting for me to actually say yes.”

“Maybe,” Jake muses, and your eyes widen.

“Jake, you didn’t!” He shrugs.

“Don’t worry, Bunny. Javy did all the heavy lifting, I promise. Zam’s already got Facebook marketplace listings ready for whatever furniture you don’t want, so just let her know what to post.”

“JAKE!” He grins.

“What? I just wanted to make things easier for you when you did decide. Don’t worry, I bubble-wrapped all the things from your shrine extra carefully.” You blush at that. “I was thinking we could update it, what do you say?”

You nod, too embarrassed to speak. “Perfect.” He gives you a wink as he turns back to the stove. The stove in your home. This is home. You’re home.

***

You push open the door from the garage. You and Zam just handed off the last of your old furniture to their new owners. You turned in the key to your apartment and you’re officially moved out. Your finger runs over the house key on your keychain. Before it was just Jake’s spare but now it’s yours. You live here now. The house is eerily quiet as you step into the living room. Pudding is curled up on her giant hockey-puck-shaped bed in a sunbeam and Jake’s nowhere to be seen. You hang your keys on the hook that’s now yours and go looking for him. You find him in what was supposed to be a second guest room. The two of you finally finished setting up the bed in the first one, and Zam’s already clamoring for a girls’ night. This one, however, has been notably empty except for a few boxes that you’ve been storing in there as you finish moving in.

It’s been completely transformed when you walk in and your breath catches at the sight. There's a gorgeous hardwood desk in the center that you’d been looking at wistfully while you and Jake had been furniture shopping last week. It was way out of your price range, though so you’d left it behind but you’d be lying if you said you hadn’t thought about it several times since. Behind it is a luxurious-looking desk chair but what really makes your heart ache is what’s hanging on the wall behind the desk. The coat from your medical school graduation is framed and hanging in the center of the display. Surrounding it are all your certificates and diplomas from school, and sprinkled in are photos of you as well as some of you and Jake together. Tears fill your eyes as you take in the sight.

“What do you think, Bunny? You like it?” You turn to see Jake leaning against the doorframe, a soft smile on his face.

“Jake,” your voice breaks and you throw yourself into his arms. “Thank you, I love it.” You whisper into his chest as he holds you close.

“I figured if I get a shrine then you should get one too. After all, you deserve to be celebrated too.” He presses a soft kiss to the crown of your head.

“And the desk?” You ask, sniffling as you scrub away your tears.

“I saw you eye-fucking it last week and let’s just say I got a little jealous.”

“JAKE!” You exclaim, slapping his chest playfully and he chuckles.

“I know you didn’t say anything because of the price but I wanted to spoil you.”

“Jake, you ALWAYS spoil me.” You pout at him, playfully.

“I’m your boyfriend, it’s my job to spoil you rotten.” He says, leaning down to pepper your face with sweet kisses and you giggle, scrunching up your face against the assault.

“Well, you’re VERY good at your job.” You give him a sultry smile as you hook your fingers in the collar of his shirt. “What do you say I spoil you for change?” His green eyes darken as his grin turns into a smirk.

“Yeah? What do you have in mind, Bunny?”

“I was thinking we could christen my new office.” His eyes are almost fully black as he follows as you pull him inside, kicking the door shut behind him.

“Sounds good to me.”

***

It’s Tuesday and you’re squirming in your seat beside Dr. Bates. You’re wearing Jake’s jersey under your white coat and you can’t help the way your eyes search for him on the ice as the boys warm up. Tonight’s the season opener and you’re lucky enough to have it at home in San Diego. Jake’s in peak condition. His most recent scans have come back showing his knee to be back to normal and your heart is light.

The stands are packed with fans and excitement is buzzing in the air. The boys are all in good spirits except maybe Bradley, but you’re not sure you’ve ever seen him in good spirits. Zam is wearing a butter yellow skirt suit despite the chilly air in the arena. She’s standing to your right, eagle eyes watching the cameras and press. Then a horn goes off and the boys are skating back to the boards for the opening ceremony. Jake tosses himself down on the bench right in front of you, turning to give you a big grin.

“Hey sweet girl, you ready for tonight?” You grin, reaching to grip his glove with your hand.

“I’m ready, are you?”

“Always, Bunny. After all? We’re a team. Everything else will take care of itself.” You share a soft smile as the lights in the arena dim and you swear your love is glowing in the dark because you can see it shining in his eyes as he turns back to his team. He’s going to make one hell of a captain.

[siphoklansan]

300 Followers Milestone Celebration🎉

Introducing…

꧁𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐤𝗼𝐫𝐧𝗺𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐚꧂

อนันต์ อัฏฐกรเมธา

“A young man from a fallen kingdom, his name strikes fear into many hearts.”

Height : 186 cm.

Birthday : October 8th

Age: 18

Homeland : East of Scalding Sands

Best Subject : Astrology

Club: Magical Shift club

Talents: Knowledgeable in astrology and fortune telling, Skilled with archery

Hobby: Crochet, Weaving silk

Likes: Animals, chrysanthemum tea, supernaturals

Dislikes: Misunderstandings

Favorite Food: Street Food

Least Favorite food: pomegranates

꧁𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 & 𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬꧂

"𝐄𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞" The ability to reverse a person’s (or multiple) movements and objects’ movement/form. The length of how far back he can reverse is unknown, but he usually only goes back to 10 seconds. The longer he reverses, the more stamina it takes.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧 : Warriors are adorned with talisman (tattoos) , giving wearers resistance to black magic and blot. And also some resistance to normal physical damage (ex. a normal blade, a bullet)

𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 : Anan is from a blood line directly from The King of Yakshas. He has an enormous amount of mana, making him a very powerful mage both in magical and physical terms.

꧁𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝗼𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐧꧂

His last name : “Atthakornmetha” means a philosopher with skills as if they posses eight arms. Strange, right?

Anan is inspired by a character from a literature called Ramakien (รามเกียรต์). It is a Thai version of Ramayana (just in case this rings a bell to anyone). The character Anan is inspired by is….*drumroll please!* Thotsakan! Bro is the antagonist of the story and has TWENTY ARMS AND TEN FACES…WHAT-

Thotsakan has the ability to remove his heart. He stores it in a box far away from him, so he’s technically immortal. But if he’s near the box, the heart returns to him so he’s not immortal anymore. I initially planned this to be Anan’s Unique Magic, but man, it’s too op like😭 Bro can rival Malleus and I don’t want to make a very OP character. Weaknesses are good!

Adding on to the previous paragraph, the information about Thotsakan’s ability will have something to do with his backstory…stay tuned >:-)

My best friend helped me design Anan. She’s amazing at art and very creative too!

My sister also helped me with some headcanons for him AND his unique magic!<3

I have a lot to work on with Anan, at first, his personality is similar to Malleus. It was difficult to put my finger on something unique for him.

Screaming crying throwing up on whether or not I should create a new dorm for my OCs or shove them into one of the seven dorms. Thing is I already designed a unique dorm uniform for them </3 so for now, Anan will be wearing an orange vest. I’ll edit this post later if I changed my mind!

꧁𝐀𝐛𝗼𝐮𝐭 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐧꧂

Anan really likes animals, especially small and cute ones like rabbits and hamsters. But animals occasionally run away from him. They’re scared of my boi :(

Anan is the type of friend to always look out for you. When you bend down near a table, his hand will cover the edge of the table so you don’t get hurt. Bro always saves a seat for you during lunch time. Bro remembers your birthday too.

He…has an RBF. He’s very friendly, but he just looks intimidating/angry all the time.

He’s also the type to carry a small pouch around with essential items inside. Your lips are chapped? Say no more, he got chu. Need some mints? Here you go, m’lord/lady. Your nails are dirty? Here’s a nail clipper-

Anan is not afraid to show affection. He will show you that he cares, public or private. He’s always there if you need something, and not in a suffocating way either. Despite his intimidating aura (and looks) if you manage (somehow) to relax and let your guard down, he doesn’t seem so intimidating anymore. And it’s quite relaxing.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 300+ FOLLOWERS💗 I’m so happy I get to share my art on tumblr, in a wonderful community and have people enjoying my silly little art! I’d love to interact with everybody so don’t be shy to ask some questions or barge into my askbox! Thank you again~

Lmk if you have any questions or headcanons about Anan, I’d love to hear them🫶

[rage-mode-138]

TMA spoilers for episode 123 and beyond. If you haven't listened to the podcast, I recommend it, but this is my own therapeutic rant about how @jonnywaistcoat made me feel.

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So. I have listened to the magnus archives three times at this point, and each time episode 123 gets me really hard. Johnathan Sims, the archivist, falls into a coma of six freaking months. While I did not experience six months, I did experience it for 50 days.

When I woke up, I had no idea what had really happened. I was vague on the entire situation, and I woke up in the middle of Covid with the world in its own tiny freaking apocalypse.

The voice acting John has in this scene is brilliant at expressing the feeling. Everything has continued around you. Things have changed the entire situation, has freaking changed, and you have to play catch up!

I missed Easter of 2020, but I didn't realize I had until 2021 because I got confused about what had happened to it the previous year. I had to be freaking reminded that it happened during my coma. While I was recovering my voice, my ability to move everything the world kept going. And you know what.

"There was just this great... gap of time where I wasn't". Where I wasn't appart of the world and God was that a terrifying thing to come to terms with.

There's this chunk of time before the coma, and after the Coma, that's so fuzzy to me, and being in rehabilitation until 2022 made everything seem like it didn't happen for 2 years. Like I wasn't part of the world. It's still hard to wrap my head around from time to time.

It hurts how vivid my dreams were in the coma. I had full on screaming matches with my mother, my bestfriend (ex girlfriend at the time, currently my girlfriend now) died in the dream, the world was coming to an end and I talked to a sweet little old lady who I am sure as heck was the grim reaper. It lasted from when I fell into the coma to when I got out and ironically my brain though I had spend 6 months in that coma, telling me it was the middle of October when it was only May.

I'm going to touch on that last dream because the conversation with Oliver in episode 121 it's Erie to listen to.

In the dream, I believe I was vaguely aware I was in a hospital asleep. I remember my mother fighting tooth and nail to keep me from being transferred, but when the hospital staff said that no more visitors were allowed, she scolded me. She told me I wasn't allowed to die. And I tried my hardest not to.

I had this older lady with a bob of white curly hair on the top of her head, and black scrubs came into my room. I remember her scrubs having fruits on it. Apples, bananas, and grapes. It was such a weird detail. But I remember because I was staring her down for what felt like days. I was exhausted, I wanted it to stop, but every time I would close my eyes, she would move closer. When I opened them again, she would move and sit back down in the chair by the door, smiling politely at me like she wasn't there to take me when I dropped my gaurd. After days of this routine, her standing up, inching closer to me, and me being reluctant to give up. She laughed at me. It was a small laugh, one of a parent who was aware of how fruitless a fight I was putting up before going to sleep. She said to me, "You really are determined"

Her voice was soft and soothing. Telling me it was alright. That I could trust her. I knew it was a lie, and I shook my head. And said I wasn't ready to go. That I didn't want to leave.

"Why?" That's all she said was why. A single word, but it was a lot to me. Why would I fight so hard. I hated my life, I didn't take care of myself, I had tried to leave the world before. So why, this time, was I so stubbornly holding on.

I was crying, and the tears hurt my eyes in the dream, but I told her I wasn't ready to go. That I wanted to try again and that I could make it different this time. She nodded at me and finally walked over without that ommission aura she carried over the rest of the time. She touched my cheek and told me, "Alright. You have this one shot. If I see you back here again, there won't be a next time." I nodded and she left.

I woke up after she talked to me. After I made my promise, my choice... like Johnathan did. She was my aspect of death, and i have a feeling I will be seeing her the next time I get ready to leave this earth.

Brains are funky squishy meat sacks that don't know reality. And I still struggle from time to time to process if this is reality. I have to check in with my friends and my loved ones if any of this is real.

But yeah. So I know how John felt after his coma. I know that desperate feeling to want to be near the one you love who you have been pushing away. And I know how it feels for people to move my freaking stuff while in my coma

Sleeping people don't need pens.

But I digress. That's it for this post. Maybe I'll post one on the other dreams I had during the coma. I have never really written them down because they are personal and a bit embarrassing if I'm going to be honest.

Thank you, jonnywaistcoat, for writing a damn good show. Thank you, @rqbossman , for producing it. I'm so happy I found this strange podcast by accident. I look forward to seeing what happens in The Magnus Protocol.

[cartoon-yuri]

Here is a tiny list of things I gathered about Senju Koyomi, this beautiful lady down here in the picture:

She has a younger sister, named Senju Iroha (funnily enough, her name is in hiragana while Koyomi is in kanji, as you can see in their files. I am between thinking that the files have some kind of personal choices that the girls made and parents favoritism towards the elder sister.)

She has a sense, and it is copying other people's sense. Take this one with a grain of salt, since I have yet to try to read the story and used google translate on her file. [I also didn't check the wikia to confirm.]

She seems to enjoy looking for rivals and checking them, which explains her brief apparition on the last episode of the anime. She was probably seeing how Sirius was going on to get a feeling on the troupe.

She seems to know Hiiragi Noa by one of her lines in the game, where she says she was shocked by the other performance and wanted to get back to the stage. [Again, brought by google translate.]

She doesn't want Niizuma Yae's to know, but she is part of her fan club. Koyomi says she has “all of the goods” in a line in the game. [Not surprising, also by the google translate.]

She is clearly an ojou-sama. When looking at some of her cards, it is easy to see she comes from a wealthy place. It is also mentioned that her family is famous, and one of her parents is a Dai Star.

She is the leader of the troupe Galaxy (Gingaza in japanese), but that one is the most easy to know. Also, her birthday is on the 3rd October!

And that's it! I wanted to have more information about her, since she did catch my attention from the start because of her design — I love girls with long black hair that give an aura of being unapproachable — and she does have a lot of favorite potential for me!

Since I don't know japanese, it will be a little hard for me to understand most of the content while there is no translation available; but I will make do with the few tools I have. I hope someone will enjoy this, even if there are not as much as interesting (or trustful) facts as I would like to.

[poisonsage808]

alrightie, alrightie, here I come with my ship request:

can I please get a romantic ship for myself, pretty please? thank you!

I go by she/her and I am bisexual

for fandoms I am fine with either HOTD or GOT, whoever you think will fit better.

I am average height and with an average body (and a feature on myself that I don't really like are my hips dips). I wear glasses (as I tend to see all the world blurred without them) and I do look every inch the Clark Kent aesthetic of the good-hearted nerd. I have brown eyes and I dyed my hair to be a more orange-y brown (does that make sense? but it's a middle way between straight up red hair and brown). I also tan a lot in the summer (except my face, since I am always holding a book over it, whenever I got to he beach).

when I am not writing, cursing Tumblr or having exam, I enjoy reading, watching TV series and crafting beads necklaces and bracelets since I can't stay still unless I am doing something with my hands; I enjoy putting on makeup and find it quite relaxing and for the sake of my own health I need to start every morning with my four steps skincare routine.

I'd describe myself as the anxious girlie that has this scary aura but really hasn't tried to communicate with anybody because she is scared of making a fool of herself. I am a perfectionist with a pendant for rules and routines, although I can be quite clumsy and totally forgetful as I am always stuck into my own reality. I enjoy creating, whether it is in writing, crafting or using my bullet journal. I am an INFP and a scorpio sun, pisces moon and libra rising (and I live by that religiously)

I enjoy: the color purple, being on time, academic validation, new books, old vintage stores in the open air and nice overpriced cafes (although I shouldn't drink it because 1) I don't like the taste, 2) it's bad for the anxiety), and one day I'll just make good on my promise to either buy a bookstore and sell books while I appear as the mysterious and edgy shop clerk or disappear in the woods to write my own novels and support myself economically.

I dislike: pushy people, late people, and I can tell from a mile whether somebody is fake or not; I also don't forgive and forget easily, although I am extremely non-confrontational (to the point of discomfort). I dislike also ignorance and arrogance (although I think that to be confident is a good thing, putting others off for the sake of making yourself better is a red flag to me).

aesthetically my friends would describe me as either the pastel Taylor Swift girl or the light academia overworked student.

fun facts about me:

everybody finds it strange that I am a girly girl who likes also sports (such as Motorsport and F1), but I enjoy watching sports either alone or with my family and it's a bonding thing among me and my sister.

I had and still have an obsession with anything mythological and it influenced greatly the career path that I took (not me on Saturday wandering in the children's section of a bookstore and considering buying this whole cute book about myths across the world) (the only reason why I didn't was because I didn't know where to put it).

I was born on the 31st of October and I am still convinced that one day I'll pull a YA main character move and reveal secret magical powers (I am joking, I am joking but being a telepath sounds cool, although my only superpower right now is overthinking everything)

alright, so I think that this is enough and I can't wait to see ho I get!

thank you again for this chance and have a lovely day!

-𝒜𝓃𝑔𝓈𝓉𝒾

i see you as a sheltered highborn lady (in a good way!) you have an ability, let’s call it, you’re all too aware of the bad in people. you can see the scales being tipped on one direction or the other. it might make you a tad pessimistic at times. it’s exhausting for sure. but your houses keep has a library with all the books you could want, all the spare time and all the material for your crafts. you’re spotted from afar. from your auburn hair to the way you observe people has a certain someone thinking you’re too special to stay hidden away here. you’re stolen;

♡ i ship you with…! ♡

♡ Tormund Giantsbane ♡

• At first you’re only a good contribution to the Freefolk. That is to say literate, Tormund brings you scrolls to read before deciding if it’s worth passing them forward to Mance

• He was right to think you were special, you’re a mediator and gods know they need one from time to time. From orphaned children, full grown adults to even taller giants your presence alone starts to cease arguments

• He’s also the one to pick up on your ability, deciding whether or not they’re trustworthy on the spot, searching them for darkened auras and such. A handful of these newcomers that you’ve dismissed (re: put very little effort into getting to know), ended up being killed for one treason or the other

• Tormund’s the first to notice how weary you become afterwards and how it worsens upon meeting new faces. He may not know why, at the beginning, but he knows that you look tired and require extra energy and that means warmer blankets, less time around people, more food, MANY attempts to slip you giantsmilk. He’s very concerned, he just wants you healthy

• And happy. This man absolutely loves making you laugh! His stories aren’t particularly funny but the way he describes things and talks force you into a fit of giggles. The sound has him grinning for the rest of the day

• It doesn’t take long for Tormund to decide he likes you. He wants to steal you as his this time. He appreciates you communicate like a wildling even if you don’t see it as such. The ginger doesn’t mind standing up for you when you can’t— he really likes taking care of you but has this respect that you don’t need him to do any of it

• Tormund is whipped though, you can ask him just about anything and consider it done before the request completely leaves your mouth (The exception being he won’t do anything that would jeopardize Mance’s cause)

• For example Tormund, at your request, pitched up a tent. You have big plans for this area apparently. The Freefolk can come and borrow or swap books, you plan on offering to teach them to read— you went on and on about this… library. He may not understand why it’s important to you but he doesn’t really need to know more than that. “You want this? You’ll have it.”

• Tormund may not be able to give you that noble life you’ve been accustomed to but he desperately tries to keep you happy. He’ll fight to get you a sliver of normalcy on the other side of that fucking wall

[writer59january13]

Awaiting a growth spurt that never happened

When a boy, I wanted to be as tall as my father (he passed away October seventh two thousand and twenty linkedin to congestive heart failure), who stood at his prime about six feet and two inches and tipped the scales close to two hundred pounds. Teachers and other familiar adults chimed in that though diminutive (yours truly, he unwittingly offered himself as the ideal scapegoat courtesy being longitudinally challenged, weighing no more than an ostrich feather, and hashtagged as "the quietest student," a flower child of the ninety sixties always kept mum every single day of school), would unexpectedly experience peak height velocity. Neither at ages eighteen, nineteen, twenty... sixty three, sixty four and sixty five bore witness to any added inches, which topped out around my sixteenth birthday approximately seventy inches tall and attendant weight a scrawny one hundred and twenty five pounds or thereabouts. Actually since graduating from Methacton High School two score and seven years ago, my weight ballooned an avoirdupois unit of weight divided into 16 ounces, and equal to 0.453 592 kilograms approximately forty plus times such said constituent parts first thing in the morning

after eliminating evacuating re:excreting bodily waste.

A preponderance of adipose tissue long since upended my once upon a time twenty nine inch waist. Slab of flab protrudes from ab - feel free to grab!

What follows initially written quite some years ago

when being skinny as a rail meant no meat on these lovely bones, thus hired myself out as scared crow, now excess adipose tissue thy foe losing battle partially explaining why knight spends inordinate amount of time in his grotto.

Twas an incremental

subtle expansion of waist

plus olympic challenge to tie shoes most likely side effects of one or all nine prescription medications to stave off severe melancholy, social anxiety, panic attack, et cetera when yours truly merely prepubescent self starvation courtesy emaciated Anorexic skeletal ribcage

traced (about two score and a baker's dozen years ago), now whereby most everything thy tongue doth taste immediately delivered a randy (new man) paunch to former washboard six pack smooth as a fresh application of gesso like paste readying fleshy canvass

for partially nude

self-portrait masterpiece

(adjacent to barenaked lady) lived three doors down

depicting mine once perfectly,

(albeit one scrawny lad) proportioned body electric laced with flat as a washboard physique unlike present disk graced whereat when sending a photograph

of shirtless self-try with futility utilizing photoshop to get erased displeasing equatorial zone of anatomy saddled with unwanted fatty tissue that defaced proportionate rock hard stomach one generic measly slender adult man about five foot and ten-inch build evincing an aura of being chaste gone forever analogous to temptation

gobbling house constructed of cake and confectionery, that nearly did likewise to Hansel and Gretel readying their not quite plump enough bodies tubby slathered with baste, yet just in the nick of time the two abandoned minors actually removed courtesy

children, youth and

family services (CYS)

under care of adoption in sync with spade work aced the sinister plot outwitting cannibalistic cackling

croaking old woman inducing all to break out into song - singing the following tune I learned in grade school. Loose air into pipes and croon solo loud enough audible to man in the moon. Sarasponda, sarasponda, sarasponda rat tat tat Sarasponda, sarasponda, sarasponda rat tat tat A doray-oh, A doray-boomday-oh A doray-boomday ret set set

Ah say pah say oh.

[javedakhtar65]

Unveiling the Mystique: Embarking on a Golden Triangle Tour in India

India is a country with many different cultures, a lengthy history, and stunning architecture that has long drawn tourists looking for a distinctive fusion of old and new. The Golden Triangle Tour, one of the many unforgettable experiences this captivating nation has to offer, is a classic tour that takes you into the center of India's historical and cultural treasures. In this blog post, we will delve into the essence of the Golden Triangle Tour, exploring the iconic cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.

Delhi - The Capital City

Delhi, the vibrant capital city that skillfully combines the old and the new, is the starting point of the Golden Triangle Tour. Start your adventure with a trip to the famed Red Fort, an architectural wonder that was the Mughal rulers' primary residence for many years. Old Delhi's bustling streets offer a window into the city's colorful history thanks to its vibrant markets and historic sites like Jama Masjid. Don't miss the striking India Gate, which honors the nation's dead troops, and the tranquil Lotus Temple, a symbol of harmony and peace.

Agra - Home of the Taj Mahal

Delhi to Agra is a short trip, and Agra is home to the magnificent Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This famous marble monument was constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his adored wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a marvel of architecture and enduring love. Overlooking the Yamuna River, the Mehtab Bagh offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Taj Mahal, while the Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides insight into the city's imperial past.

Jaipur - The Pink City

The Pink City, Jaipur, the energetic and colorful capital of Rajasthan, is the destination of the Golden Triangle Tour's final leg. Discover the exquisite City Palace, which combines Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles, and the Hawa Mahal, a unique palace featuring elaborately carved windows that allow the royal ladies to see street celebrations. Explore the astronomical observatory Jantar Mantar's rich cultural legacy, and then take a leisurely stroll through Jaipur's busy markets to indulge in the city's traditional handicrafts and textiles. 

Cultural Experiences and Culinary Delights

Beyond the architectural wonders, the Golden Triangle Tour gives you the chance to fully experience the rich cultural diversity of India. Take in local celebrations, watch traditional dance performances, and indulge in delicious Indian cuisine. The culinary delights on your tour are as varied as the landscapes you travel through, from delicious street cuisine to exquisite Rajasthani thalis.

Beyond the Must-Sees: While the Golden Triangle forms the core, your journey can be tailor-made to your interests. Extend your itinerary to include the serene beauty of Fatehpur Sikri, delve into the spiritual aura of Varanasi, or witness the wildlife majesty of Ranthambore National Park.

Planning Your Golden Triangle Tour

Duration: Choose from flexible itineraries ranging from 3 to 7 days, depending on your pace and interests.

Travel Style: Opt for guided tours for a seamless experience or explore independently for a more personalized touch.

Best Time to Visit: The months between October and March offer pleasant weather, while the monsoon season (July-September) presents lush landscapes.

Conclusion:

Taking the Golden Triangle Tour in India is an expedition that captures the essence of a country, not just a voyage across time and space. You will be mesmerized by the rich tapestry of India's past and present as you explore the historical landmarks, bustling marketplaces, and cultural experiences of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. So gather your belongings, get ready for a sensory explosion, and start deciphering the mysteries of the Golden Triangle. In this mix of culture, architecture, and history, your journey is waiting for you.

[heaven-s-black-box]

Saturday- cafe Recht Chpt.6

Return to File

Recovery date: September 7th, 2020

Description: Miles owns a cafe with Franziska, and Phoenix and Maya are famous actors. Their daughters go to school together, so what happens when they want a sleepover?

Notes: A entry series involving a descendant of a traveler, following the death of her mother it was determined Sky would be better off staying with Miles Edgeworth. This is an OC insert, the fantastical technobabble is just for looks

Chapters: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Word count: 1 318

Back to directory

The rest of the week had been rather uneventful for everyone. Aside from the mini heart attacks Franziska had whenever Maya stopped by for coffee, the only other thing of interest was Klavier’s announcement of a Gavineer’s concert. Athena had gone to school one other day that week, Thursday, and had gone to the cafe after school with everyone else. It had become a daily occurrence to see Sky enter, followed by a group of high schoolers.

Saturday came quickly, and while Trucy was more than excited for her first “ real” sleepover (no, the times her and Pearl slept over at whoever’s didn’t count, they were practically cousins), the astronomy club’s fair came first. 

“Wow!” Trucy said, as they entered the gym.

It was set up a lot like a science fair, each table had a model or poster board. But there was a scale model of the solar system, hanging from the ceiling, and the lights were out. There was glow in the dark tape, marking the path, and everyone got a glow stick wristband. Each station was lit up in it’s own fun way so you could see it clearly.

“So, where do you two wanna start?” Apollo asked. Pearl and Trucy were holding both his hands, so they wouldn’t get lost. 

“Clay’s station!”

“Okay,” he looked down at the map, and just like everything else, it glowed in the dark. “It should be this way.” He pulled the girls off to the right.

“So, what is his on?” Pearl asked.

“It says he did an interview.” Once they were in view of Clay, Apollo let the girls run off towards him. He already had a small crowd around him, but once they arrived he started.

“Hello ladies and gentlemen, fellow space nerds. My name is Clay Terran, and I’m the vice-president of the astronomy club. For my presentation, I did something a bit different than everyone else, I went and got an interview with an astronaut.” There were a few murmurs from the crowd, but it quickly fell quiet again. “I was lucky enough to get an interview with astronaut Solomon Starbuck, who will be going into space on the HAT-1 mission this october. But I’m sure you don’t want to listen to me read his answers, so I recorded the interview. I was also able to ask some of the other employees questions. So, please enjoy it.”

*Beep*

”Hello, I’m Clay Terran, vice-president of Watson highschool’s Astronomy club, and I’m here today with astronaut Solomon Starbuck, Psychologist Metis Cykes, and robotist Aura Blackquill.”

“Hello, I’m Solomon Starbuck, and I’ll be one of the astronauts on the HAT-1 mission.”

“Hello, I’m Metis Cykes, and I’m a psychologist collaborating with the space center on a robotics project.”

“Hello, I’m Aura Blackquill, and I’m a robotist working with Dr. Cykes on a robotics project for the space center.”

“Alright, so the first question is for Mr. Starbuck…”

Throughout the interview, they discussed astronaut training, the psychological impact going to space has on astronauts, and some of the technical behind the scenes stuff. Clay even had a few pictures to share, and his own space center jacket. It was obvious to everyone watching that Clay had enjoyed his work.

By the time they had thoroughly explored the stations, and taken part in some silly space themed activities and trivia, it was six thirty. While the event had started around eleven thirty, they had arrived near the end so they didn’t have to wait around for Clay. 

“That was so cool!” Pearl exclaimed when Clay met them outside the school. 

“It looked like you had a lot of fun,” Apollo smiled. He didn’t think he’d ever seen Clay this excited.

“Thank you Pearly, and I did. It was a nice break from exam prep.”

“Polly’s been studying wayyy too much! Daddy has to keep reminding him to sleep, and that he still has a week,” Trucy laughed, as they made their way back to the Wright’s apartment.

“I just want to be sure I remember everything,” Apollo huffed.

“Working yourself into the ground won’t help that,” Clay laughed, as he slung an arm around Apollo’s shoulders. “I got an idea! Some of the club members were talking about an upcoming Gavineer’s concert, you and I are going.”

“Gavineer’s? Isn’t that that weird law band?” Clay turned to him with a look of offence.

“How dare you call the Gavineer’s weird! But yes, they are the band that sings about law. Besides, just think of it like my early birthday present.”

“First, what they sing about doesn't count as law, it’s at best, thinly veiled innuendos. Secondly, your birthday isn’t for almost three months.”

“He said early present though,” Pearl said.

“Ya Polly, weren’t you listening,” Trucy giggled, sticking her tongue out.

“Three months is too early for an early birthday present!”

---

“Hi papa,” Sky sighed, as she closed the door and buckled herself in.

“Hello, how was dance?” Miles looked up at her through the rear view mirror. She let out a long groan.

“My body wants to die!” 

He chuckled before saying, “Well, cheer up. You have your sleepover tonight don’t forget, and aunt Kath gave me a cupcake recipe for you girls to make.” Her eyes lit up immediately. “They should get there a bit after us. So when we get home, go change.”

“Yay!”

---

“Athena!” Sky yelled, as she got out of her car. She ran at the girl, and tackled her in a hug. “Hi Junnie!”

“Hi Sky, how have you been?”

“Good! What about you? I didn’t see you all week,” Sky said, hugging her. Both Athena and Juniper were slightly taller than her.

“Where were you?” Athena asked. “And what’s with your hair, it’s never up.”

“Oh, I had dance. Come on, let’s head in. Papa said he got a cupcake recipe we can make once the others get here.”

Athena and Juniper sat downstairs, while Sky went to put her pajamas on. While she was gone, Pearl and Trucy arrived.

“Hi, I’m Phoenix Wright. You must be Mr. Edgeworth,” Phoenix said, and shook Miles’s hand, while Trucy and Pearl went to sit with Athena and Juniper.

“Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My daughter is a big fan of yours, I was quite surprised when I found out you were Trucy’s father.”

“Ya, well. We try to keep that on the down low so her and Apollo can have a normal time at school.”

“Understandable. Would you like to have a cup of coffee, or do you need to be getting back?”

“Uh, I would love to, but I need t-”

“Eeee!” Came a squeal, before Sky clamped her hands around her mouth and apologized to Athena with a quick, “Sorry.” But she wasn't down for long as she ran up to Phoenix with a beaming smile. “You’re Phoenix Wright. Phoenix Wright is in our cafe. Papa, Phoenix Wright is in our cafe!” She turned to her father who was trying hard not to laugh.

“Yes, he is. But you need to keep it down, and apologize to Athena properly.” Her smile dropped, and she ran over to her friend.

“I’m sorry Thena,” she mumbled, giving her a big hug. “I just got really excited.”

“It’s okay, it wasn’t too bad.” Athena smiled, even though it had caused her quite a bit of pain. “But, why did you two come with Phoenix Wright?” Athena asked, turning to Pearl and Trucy.

Trucy tilted her head and frowned slightly, before saying, “He’s my daddy.” The room fell silent, as Athena, Sky, and Juniper stared in shock.

“Well, I need to be getting back. Maya’s picking you guys up tomorrow. Bye Mr. Edgeworth, it was nice meeting you!” The bell chimed as the door closed, then the room fell back into silence.

“Well then,” Miles said, clasping his hands, “who wants to make cupcakes.”

[petra-creat0r]

Okay officially back home, and I can add stuff to this! Yippie!

the extra page and the updated main ref. I already hashed all the info on the extra page, well, except that Sariel's eye glows purple like San's glows blue.

Is it obvious by this point that Sari's a daddy's girl? I guess I also forgot to mention some other info that was on the main ref page.

Sariel's full name is Sariel Seraf Dreemurr-Font. He middle name is both a nod to Serif, like the font type, and Serafina, the font Sariel writes in. For speaking though, Sariel speaks in the normal Undertale/Deltarune font.

Her birthday is still October 14th, 2017

Sariel is a very academic and studious young lady. She takes her education quite seriously and is considered rather responsible for her age. It's even her soul trait! (Technically. Really her soul trait is just a combination of Perseverance and Integrity, making the aura around her soul an indigo-ish purple.)

Other than her Dreemurr Beamers, Sariel has skeleton magic. She can summon bones, teleport, use the blue attack (telekinesis), etc.

Other than reading, Sariel also likes to write. Her favorite genre to write is the same one she likes to read, medieval fantasy, with lots magic, princesses, war, and dragons

This stuff's not on the refs, but Sariel's favorite series (and the series she's written like, 100+ chapters of a self-insert fanfic for) is a medieval fantasy novel about a dragonborn warrior princess who must balance the duties of royalty while also trying to piece together a mystery tied to her parents. In Sari's words it's "an epic story taling the adventure of a young girl trying to learn about her past, and in turn, herself. Also it's got dragons and princesses!"

She WILL talk your ear off about this series if you let her. She will tell you the plot of each of the six (soon to be seven) books and how they all tie together, as well as get sidetracked talking about past of the world and the prologue trilogy, and all the world building hidden in the special edition scholastic book fair activity book. So be warned.

Anyways, other than that, have baby Sariel

From left to right, aged 10 months, aged 3 years, aged 6 years.

The teddy bear she's holding is her most favoritest toy that she's had since she was born, Mr. Bear.

I love her hair, it's very fluffy.

Soriel is winning as of writing this (poll ends in like, 15 minutes) sooooo

I mean theory I could just write about both Sariel and CK... and thats exactly what I shall do.

Starting with my girl, Sariel.

I think I shared the WIP of this a while back, and this isn't the current ref. Though the only change I made was changing her voice HC to Olivia Olson, the voice of Marceline the Vampire Queen from Adventure Time since it won the poll.

About this Sariel

Much like her parents, she's an introvert

Obviously likes reading and likes puns

I show it on a second page i can't access since I'm at work and on my phone, but she's got an endo-spine that runs down her back and connects to her tail

Also on the second page, Sariel can't frown (like Sans) or close her eyesockets, (unlike Sans). She changes the shape of her eyelights to express herself

A big fan of medieval fantasy, like it says on her ref. Since she was a little kid, she's enjoyed princesses and fairytales.

Her favorite food is strawberries. Also yes she drinks strawberry syrup like her Dans drinks ketchup.

A powerful magic user, she's capable of summoning her own sorta Gaster Blasters, or Dreemurr Beamers. The biggest of which being her main beamer, Aires.

However much like her dear old Dans, her powerful magic comes at the cost of some weird stats. It's not as drastic as Sans's, but Sariel's stats are abnormal for a boss monster.

Thats really all I've got for her atm, but if anyone wants to send asks for Sariel, then send them. I'll do a post about CK later. (Like when I have access to my computer and drawing tablet)

[fantasies-fairytales-n-fics]

Thranduil and Josie Part 70- Seven

Summary: 7 days till Halloween. Welcome Lestat de Lioncourt. Josie gets quite the greeting from the arcane vampire as she arrives with Garrett and Selene at his mountain top lair. Garrett and Josie have an informative conversation that he is soon unwilling to continue. Lestat displays his musical talents, then makes his status clear to his guests. Josie and her King share a tear jerking reunion until yandere Thranduil learns disturbing news that strikes his Elvenking chord. Another long awaited reunion takes place that doesn't go the way Josie dreamed it would. Caroline and the King turn on each other with possible foreshadowing threats. Josie safeguards her twin flame. Hell hath no fury like a vampiress scorned. The King and Queen make up for lost time. Can anyone say SMUT?"

*Angst. Smut.*

*Note: SO much info to cover in the upcoming chapters in which the Halloween masquerade ball will most likely not be posted on October 31 even though it will take place on that date.

Something about the arctic arms around you as Garrett soared through the frigid night sky soothed your gelid body. It was like the effects of intoxication making you swelter inside. The full luminous moon was so close, you swore you could reach out and touch it. You turned your face to the wind and unpinned your hair letting it flow freely as you as he cradled you against him. He was like superman but with fangs and morals and morals were quite bizarre for a vampire to possess. This was pure magic.

You could easily distinguish his cool breath from the wind as he spoke into your hair that rippled over his face. "Did you really mean what you said about me back there?"

You kept your head in place as you watched his aura gleam around you, or maybe it was your shield seeping out of you in a defense mechanism. Whatever it was...it was absolutely hypnotic. "Of course I did. You are only misunderstood and stereotyped as a monster. A true monster would have left me there."

He paused for a moment. He didn't know how to respond to real conversations as he never had them. "What can I say. I'm a sucker for the ladies. I am a different monster than I was a few months ago. I like these new fangs much better..." You were slowly learning that his witty metaphoric remarks were his defense mechanism of letting anyone get too close.. "You saved me so I saved you. Nothing more."

"But it is more. You also came for me when you could have just let Selene do it." You angled your face to his, now nose to nose. "Why?"

Garrett's now soft blue eyes studied your face and cool breath tickled your lips as he spoke. "You know why....I...I just told you." He then turned his face away. "We are here. Hold on tight." Your stomach dropped from his rapid decline causing you to bury your face in his bitterly cold neck.

He was deflecting as this kind of closeness was nothing familiar to him so his own shield went up. Garrett knew you would soon be in the arms of your true King and never in his aside from this moment.

He gently and gracefully landed on the grounds of Chateau de Lioncourt and steadied you on your feet before releasing you. Your ears were popping from the change in altitude. The irradiated gothic fortress towered above the black rhun. It's crown touched the shadowy ominous clouds that gyrated through the night sky allowing the scintillating moonlight to sneak through the cottony crevices. Another nightmare dressed like a daydream.

Your hair felt awry so you quickly pinned it back up as Selene floated down beside you both. The fast thumping in your chest was achingly loud to Garrett's sensitive ears as his eyes wandered over your breast bone in envy of his lifeless heart. Suddenly, a harsh turbulence of cold air flushed over you thwacking you to the ground as Garrett and Selene moved back.

"Boo." is all you heard which caused you to stop breathing for a moment. You slowly turned with uneasiness to the sound of the unfamiliar man's intimidating voice.

Your eyes crawled up his black leather boots to see his hand extended out to help you up. Your hand reached back of it's own will and took the pale stranger's frosty hand.

He then circled you like a vulture, gawking at you with hungry dark eyes. Your eyes jumped to Garrett in fear who stayed right there like he promised he would. The submitting looks on his and Selene's face told you that you were now in the presence of the vampire Lestat.

"I am the vampire Lestat. I'm immortal more or less. The light of the sun, the heat of an intense fire, these things might destroy me, but then again, they might not. So you are the mortal daughter of Caroline that I have been anticipating. Josie. The resemblance is......uncanny. Such striking beauty." He then slowly backed you against the castle's stone wall. "You're...shaking." he eerily said as his eyes devoured you.

"I...I'm...cold." you stammered while unable to remove your eyes from his.

He half grinned and pushed against you. "Still cold?"

"N..n...no." He was so assertive. You swore you were were going to relieve yourself right there as you finally broke your eyes free long enough to glimpse at Garrett in uncertainty. Garrett's eyes were crimson red which you still weren't sure what that hue meant yet, but in this moment as he had them locked on yours, you deciphered it to be a guarded mode. His body language verified that.

"Tell me, why is a bewitching creature such as yourself braving such dangers? And in such a....delicate condition." Lestat reveled as he traced his fingertips over your stomach. "You're a long way from home Josephine."

You sucked in a frightened gasp at his touch. "I..I just want...to see my..m..mother and...my husband...please..."

Lestat completely ignored your words and took ahold of your hand. He brought it up behind you to a broken window pane and pierced your thumb on one of the shards.

You let out a groan as blood oozed from the puncture. Lestat then placed your thumb in his mouth and seductively sucked your warm blood from it as he twirled his icy slick tongue round and round, leaving a crisp rime behind from the polar like air when he pulled it out.

"Please.....don't..." you squeaked. "Just let me see my mother and Thranduil." Something about you seemed to disenchant him.

"Don't worry Josie. Your kind never satisfies my thirst."

He went to leave. "W...w...wwwait!" you screeched.

He halted and turned, staring at you with impatient eyes. He certainly did not care for your groveling. A wicked sneer formed on his lips. "I will see you inside after you pull yourself together." He then charged into the air in your direction. All you could do was dive to the wet hard ground.

Garrett rushed to you and picked you up. "Are you alright?"

You caught your breath and stood up. "Yes....but what the fuck is his problem! God!" you reeled as you aggressively brushed yourself off and winced in pain as you grazed your sexually assaulted thumb on the rough wool cloak.

"I warned you of his temperament. He does not like his solitude disrupted, especially by that of humans. He has at least invited you in and will most likely steer clear of you for the most part of your stay. I know he fancies your mother so maybe he will come around in time but do not count on it."

"Yeah well I'm not so fond of him either! Why the hell did he taste my blood? or I should say take..."

"For the same reason I tasted yours that night in the Lothlorien realm. I needed to know why I was so drawn to you. Lestat is clearly drawn to you as well. His reaction tells me he actually enjoyed the taste of your blood and it has confused him....as I should know, it tastes like no other..." He instantly realized how creepy that sounded so he tried to lighten the mood. "And you called me theatrical?" Garrett chuckled.

"That's because you are." you smiled and laughed. "But I like it..."

Garrett was taken aback by that and immediately deflected again with his humor. "Come now, you know I'm just a pain in your neck." he grinned. "Come on...I will show you inside and help you get situated." Garrett then turned to Selene. "Sorry love, looks like you're sleeping with the wolves tonight." Selene used to have a thing for a Lycan named Michael so Garrett enjoyed taking jabs at her about him. Vampires loathe and even fear the stinking hairy werewolves. But Selene loved Michael. Really loved him as he did her. Then he just disappeared one night. "Lestat will never allow you inside considering he knows of your prior agenda. Good luck digging yourself out of that one."

Selene snarled at Garrett and bolted off. You walked with him for a few moments in silence then asked him something you were curious to know. "Why are you and Selene at such odds with each other?"

His head dropped with a smile as he rubbed his hand down his face and stared at you.

"I wondered when this would come up. As you know, vampires have many enemies but one in particular we detest even more than the pretty elves. Lycans."

"Lycans?" you asked as you had never heard of the word.

"Werewolves. A very strong vengeful breed that progresses with age. An enemy vampires actually fear as their speed, strength, agility and such are much like ours and these qualities still exist while in human form. Selene met one named Michael Corvin and she fell in love with him. Needless to say, Craven was less than pleased."

For a moment you wondered if Narcisse was referring to these types when he mentioned wolves and it made you shiver. "Is that what those wargs are that Selene mentioned when she smelled them?" Now you were thinking of Haldir and Legolas, praying to god they were alright.

"Much bigger.. Although wargs are extremely dangerous and large, lycans surpass that times a thousand."

"So.....when you said Corvin...is that like in the Corvinus castle? Where Viktor ruled?"

"That would be the one. Viktor was one of three grand elders that included Marcus Cornivus and Amelia. The most powerful of their kind and rulers of the entire vampire population, although Viktor was deemed the most powerful. All are dead now. Viktor was the last and we have been without a ruler for just over a decade now since your mother killed him. Anyways, Michael was a carrier of the corvinus strain passed down by Alexander Cornivus' mortal son. To make a long irrelevant story short, he was bitten by a lycan, then later by Selene in an attempt to save his life, thus making him a hybrid in which Viktor called an abomination. He recruited Craven and myself to kill him and forced Selene to keep her place with Craven where he felt she belonged. Hence their rocky relationship. I was a newborn at that time so I followed orders. I will never understand why Viktor wanted to recruit my as a death dealer. Possibly the line of work I was in which sometimes makes me wonder if that's why Craven turned me. I certainly never wanted to be a vampire let alone a hit man for them. I was with Craven the night Michael disappeared after Craven appeared to have mortally wounded him and as you can see, Selene blames me as she did him. My loyalty at that time lied with Craven and the rules of my new existence, which it also included the hatred of the atrocious beasts. So I in turn became at odds with her for her betrayal to our kind. And...here we are 2 decades later...."

"Wow...that's quite a story. In her defense....we can't help who we love." You said as you thought of your King.

Garrett slightly peeked at you. "No.....we cannot." he softly agreed as he thought of you and then became quiet and continued walking.

You broke the awkward silence. "So...wait a minute. A newborn? 2 decades later? that's 20 years ago....oh my god. That's when everything happened with my mother...."

"Yep...22 to be exact when I was....reborn per se."

You came to an abrupt stop with an flabbergasted look on your face as you peered up at him. "I mean...I knew you didn't speak as if you were from another time but...my god...I guess I just thought you were much older....in vampire years I mean, not that you look old in any way because you most certainly do not....Jesus, I was only 2 when you were changed....this is surreal." You let out an astonished sigh and began walking again. "So....how old are you? I mean...your true age as a human?"

Garrett snickered. "A vampire, like a lady, never reveals his true age."

You stopped and looked him dead in the eye. "I'm 24."

He gave you a snide yet playful look. "I already knew that and....nice try little one."

He then carried on walking. "The front door is right there. Time to go in." He completely shut you down and you didn't want to press him. He did not seem inclined, eager or even prepared to speak about his life. You were lucky to get what you got out of him. So you let it go....for now. But this certainly intrigued you as you could tell, there was quite a tale to this mystery man and you wanted to know everything about him, such as the letter R that was tattooed on his hand that you noticed for the first time tonight.

As you approached the door, you heard the most eargasmic sound of a violin. You promptly thought of Thranduil when he played for you in Rivendell and sprinted through the door expecting to see him. Your heart sank in disappointment when you saw who it was. Lestat.

He sensed your presence and stopped, then looked at you in a beguile way. "Would you like me to play for you?"

His gaze held your eyes in a captive trance. You nodded. He then continued to stroke the instrument in such an alluring way. Slow, then vigorously. You swore smoke was going to soon come out of the strings.

When he finished, his eyes rolled up to yours in a displeased manner. "You were expecting....another. I believe what you desire is just down the hall." Lestat's eyes drifted to a doorway on the opposite side of the room.

Your eyes bolted in the direction his went, then back to his. "Please. I mean no disrespect. Your playing....it's mesmerizing. Such talent you possess. I just...."

"Go...." he flatly said quite dauntingly.

You gulped and turned to Garrett. His eyes were heavy with sadness as he nodded to you. "It's alright. This is why you have came. I will remain here for the time being but I am sure my presence will not be welcomed by the King."

"He is no King in my castle and does not hold power to my preferences of guests, nor any power here at all." Lestat rebuked as a reminder that this was his territory and no one else's. "He is merely permitted here because Caroline has vouched for him. Garrett, I am aware of your importance to both Josephine and her mother as well. You may stay as long as you like, the girl as well. I assure you no harm will fall upon you under my watch by a simple elf, for you are of my people and have caused me no grievances." He then jerked his eyes to you. "As for you, mortal one. Did I not order you to go about your business here?"

His tone carried disgust. Was he pissed at your reaction to his performance? He confused...and scared the shit out of you. You gasped with wide eyes, nodded and quickly scurried off down the hallway.

You ran blindly through the unfamiliar torchlit stone halls in search for your King until you smelled his exhilarating fragrance along with a vinous scent.

You halted at the door the aroma seeped through and deeply breathed him in with closed eyes and smiled. Slowly pushing the door open, there he sat in all his glorious beauty sipping on wine in front of a soft blazing fireplace.

You didn't even have to speak as he immediately sensed you and steadily stood in incredulity at the sight of you.

The sound of his voice releasing your name from his lips sent you sprinting into his arms. "My love!" you cried in a whisper as your arms locked around his neck. A strong gasp escaped his mouth as he embraced you desperately, then he lifted your feet from the ground, spinning you madly in circles that forced giggles out of you. And like music to your ears, he laughed. A very rare sound indeed that the Elvenking ever let slip through his breath unless it was of a taunting nature inflicted upon an enemy or if he was just flat out pissed off. But this laugh was of sheer joy which only you could pull out of him naturally.

"You are here?? How!?" he beamed with a look of utter shock and excitement combined about his glowing face.

"Gúl." (Magic) you smiled as you took his face in your hands and placed your aching lips over his. A growling moan delved out of him as he parted his lips and took your mouth in fully. There was no mistaking exactly how elated he was to have you in his arms by the feel of his arousal pressing against your protruded stomach. When he felt it, he moved back quickly and stared at your now visible baby belly.

It had been so long since he had seen you or been intimate with you that it made the change seem quite drastic for him. The King's mouth hung slightly open in disbelief as he slowly brought his hand to lay upon your stomach. You removed your cloaks so he could see you better. His eyes teared up as he brought his other hand to your belly. It was in this exact juncture that the reality of Leean smacked him right in the face and left him speechless. But what happened next rocked both your worlds. She kicked for the first time.

Simultaneously, you both gasped and looked at each other with sizeable eyes as your mouths formed broad smiles. You began to cry. "She feels you. She knows her daddy is here. Leann waited for us to be together to share in this moment. I can feel it." You could tell he had never experienced anything like this as you were certain Morwen never allowed him to touch her while she carried Legolas.

A tear trickled down his cheek as he cradled your face in his hands. "Nin lend gwen. Im mel cin so limb." (My sweet girl, I love you so much.) Have you...can you...ever forgive me for what I have done..." His vulnerable stance sliced your heart right down the center and his child-like tear filled eyes completely demolished it.  

You kissed him tenderly and then whispered softly against his mouth. "How could I not? You have risked everything to come here for me." He rubbed the back of his hand down your cheek so slowly as his tear enhanced florescent blue moons danced all around in your eyes. You closed your eyes tightly and sighed, knowing this beautiful moment was about to be short lived.

"My love. I...I need to tell you something. It is I who seeks your forgiveness as well."

You watched his happiness fade before your eyes. "I assume you are referring to...Garrett?" he said with a repulsed tone as his hand dropped from your cheek.

"Y..Yes...I....there is more...I don't even know how to...may I just show you?" His brow slightly lifted and he gave a single nod. You took his hand into yours and closed your eyes. Everything from the moment that Thranduil left the Kingdom up till now, you emitted to his mind. Once the transfer was complete, he yanked his hand free from yours. His shocked eyes morphed into rage. Goosebumps formed all over your skin from his expected reaction.

"Treacherui!!" he hissed and glared at you. Your face scrunched up as a whimpered squeak leaped from your lips in fear. He swiftly appeared, towering over you with eyes of daggers as the Elvenking reared his ugly head. "My Queen has not only healed and freed one revolting leech, but TWO! How dare you disobey and disrespect me!"

You cowered under his forceful breath as your legs turned to jelly, causing you to drop to your knees which he did not intend to happen. Through all of his rage, he would die before he ever hurt you. There was far too much evil energy around him and that would certainly cause negative effects on any elf of light.

"Thranduil!!!!" A familiar woman's irate voice scolded from behind him. He stared at her with offended eyes and pursed lips as his neck stiffened straight up. The Elvenking wanted to free her head from her wretched body right there. Although she was your mother, a putrid vampire she most certainly was in his eyes. He hurt inside for what she had done to you and aside from the fact she was a cold blooded killer, there was something else sour about her that raised the hairs on his neck in which he couldn't quite put his finger on....yet. One thing he did know. He would protect you to his death..... Of course he knew he was no saint after his rabid display just now, among many other times, that caused you to look at him like he were the monster. The one thing he first told you when he met you was not to fear him. He was now disgusted with himself as he peered down at you in atonement of his impulsive outburst.

Your eyes rolled up the woman's elegantly dressed body that stood ferociously in the doorway. "M...m...mama?" you chirped like a baby bird. She looked just as you remembered her, except for all the glamour and glowing eyes. She was born in the late 60's and although you were only 4 when she supposably died, you could remember her attire. A plain Jane per se, just like you always dressed. A Celtic gypsy is what you called her when you were older. Aka an Irish traveler which now made sense, somewhat anyways, as to the many different places you lived with her and your father before they split up.

"Seosaimhín. My little Jo. How I have yearned to be with my darling girl once again." she sweetly spoke in her strong Irish accent as her black eyes changed into a glow of white starlight.

She extended her hand down to you and you lifted yours up but just before your hands could unite, something happened beyond your control.

A fiery force field of some sort engulfed between your hand and hers that would not permit you to touch her. She withdrew her hand and smiled with wonderous eyes. "I...I knew it. It is true. The prognostic signs of who you truly are." Her once emerald green eyes like yours were now dark again.

"I....mama..I do not understand." You remained on the floor because for some unknown reason, you feared her, in which you chalked that up to be the fact she was a vampire, if not more. Not to mention, you didn't really know her anymore as you believed she had been dead for 20 years....and technically, she was. And...why couldn't you touch her? Either way...the woman before you...was not your mother.

"Your powers my dear. Although I have witnessed only a mere glimpse of it just now, I have known since the day you were born that you were...unique... as per the little telltale signs here and there. A kind all of your own. But I could never know it until you came of age on your 17th birthday. I watched you from afar over the years but I could not come to close. I had to keep your identity concealed to protect you from that slithering Selene, whom by the way, I know is here. I can smell her lurking in the shadows outside. I will handle that problem once and for all in due time. No one threatens my children and lives. It's as simple as that as some have found out and more will."

You assumed she was referring to killing Viktor after he killed Clover, but he is only one and not "some". Selene that she wants dead for hunting you, would be the "more" that will you guessed. "Mama please...I do not understand any of this."

"My darling Jo....the power you withhold is far greater than any other, even myself. You just have not embraced your full capabilities yet as you are unaware of them. The light in you comes from me, not just your magical King. His powers awoken yours. But the light has always been inside you, burning, waiting to be ignited into pure fire." That instantly made you think of when Haldir called you Lady of Light for the first time just by looking at you. He saw it inside you as his own powers of sensing good and evil permitted him to. And somehow....Narcisse saw it too. "You are a fire sign. As am I. Both of us born on the 7th. I am the 7th daughter of a 7th daughter. You my child....are a full blown white witch....The fire just now between our palms. That only happens between witches. I saw the marks on yours just now. I have some also. Turn your hand over and look. You have all of them because of your bloodline. Healing, intuition, clairvoyance...and so much more that has not come to fruition yet. Although, these marks are not limited to the palms. Some witches have birthmarks or moles in certain shapes. On your lower back, you have 3 small moles that resemble the triple moon for the goddess. That was the first sign shown to me when you were born. And let us not forget our red hair...." She lost most of your attention back when she said that it only happens between witches, the fire connection. It caused your mind to travel back to Stephane again as that happened between you and him when your hands touched, although it was not fire, but more of electricity. A magnetic pull as well. And his butterfly birthmark on his wrist....my god...could he be a witch too? It might certainly explain his reaction of when he first met you, as if he knew who you were...and then there was the fact he seemed to know things about you too...

You had no words as your mind was scrambled with all her information and your own wandering thoughts. She was correct about the moles but you never thought anything of them. Of course, why would you? Upon turning your hand over, she looked closely over your shoulder and pointed out each one with an explanation.

"That one there, the three vertical lines under each of your pinky fingers is the healer's mark. And there, the mystical cross on the middle of your palm and middle of your index finger is your clairvoyance or psychic abilities. Your other palm holds the psychic triangle for strong intuition. And....there...just under your index fingers, the curved line is your empathic abilities." You certainly knew that part of you was the truth and of course your prophetic dreams and healing power. The intuition part of you was working on you at that moment as you strongly felt she was not telling you everything. How could you ask her about the dream you had of your father burning from the inside out and hearing her voice tell him it had to be that way? She just told you about her being a fire sign so now you were even more skeptical of her possibly having something to do with his death in which you were led to believe was cancer. He suffered so many years though, so how could this even be possible? and why? Why would she kill him? The one thing you did remember is he always complained of burning pain.....If she was responsible, she certainly was not going to admit it so you would have to find out on your own somehow. Could this be the reason you felt fear around her? She claims to be of light, but that would not deem true if she indeed murdered him. You supposed she could have been of light once, but the vampire side of her could have taken her to the dark side. She most definitely did not feel of light. The little fire display just now felt more like it was your shield trying to protect you.

Thranduil had been watching you diligently the entire time and you realized he had heard all your thoughts judging by the look of assertion on his face. Did he agree with you about her? All this time you wanted to see her so badly and now you just wanted to be alone with your husband. You felt no connection to her at all and that hit you hard considering she was still your mother. If she in fact caused your father's demise, that would put the nail in her coffin as she would be nothing to you. And...if she was capable of such a horrific act, then what else has she done. Being a vampire was no excuse as they were not all of evil. Garrett was living proof of that. What was it that he said? Evil is a point of view. Your point of view was screaming that she wreaked of it.

The King lowered his hand down to you. "My love...please come up from the ground. I greatly apologize for my harsh behavior for it was inexcusable." His eyes were filled with torment of frightening you in such a way. You took his hand and he gently pulled you up. He then turned to Caroline. "My wife has endured enough this night and needs her rest. I feel it best if you speak with her at a later time." His tone and the way he now looked upon her validated to you that he believed her to be of darkness like you did.

"You do not speak for my daughter nor give me orders. I would tread carefully Elvenking. I once believed you to be her destiny but what I witnessed here tonight makes me question your worthiness of her."

Oh god...the swelling of his pupils meant nothing good. "Yes... you should tread carefully archfiend. I have made a great deal of mistakes but I assure you this. My love for her is very real and I will protect her at all costs, even if that is from you. I smell nothing but wickedness in your breath."

Wickedness is exactly what her smile turned into. "That cost can soon be upon you elfling. Don't say I didn't warn you sprite." With that, she flung her hand up and Thranduil was cast against the wall.

"NO!" you shrieked as your own hand flew up and sent out a bolt of lightening that struck her hand, instantly severing her hold on your King.

She cried out in pain as she held her smoking hand. The stench of burnt skin tainted the room. Her tear filled eyes glided to yours in disbelief. "My baby....why???"

"I...I...I'm sorry mama! I...I didn't mean...I...you were hurting him." You did mean it though, you just didn't expect it. Your instincts and love for Thranduil over powered your ability to reason. As if there would ever be any reasoning when it came to protecting the one thing you loved more than anything in this world, even more than her. There was a mixture of sheer awe, astonishment and love all over Thranduil's face as your 5'7 delicate frame guarded his 6'5 robust build.

Caroline was most definitely scorned by your retribution. "Well...tomorrow is a new day. We shall speak come morning then...." she said with a bitter tone as she death glared at the King and abruptly left. That look sent an indescribable feeling to your very core.

You released the breath you were holding in as soon as the door closed behind her and Thranduil spun you around and gathered you into his arms, holding you firmly against him. "My Queen, I beg of you to forgive my misplaced anger. I would never harm you. Please...please tell me you believe that."

"Of course I believe that. Your anger is not misplaced. You have every right to be furious with me but I did what I had to do to get to you and I will not apologize for that. I'm starting to wonder if it would have been better to have kept her existence from me as I feel I have opened up what some would refer to as pandora's box. Thranduil.....she scares me...." you whimpered.

He pulled your face against his chest and you could hear and feel his heart racing. "Shhhh my love. I will never let her harm you. Cross my heart and hope to die."

"Stop it! Don't ever say..."

He cut you off with a deep passionate kiss that you melted right into with a defeated moan. Your fingers slithered up through his hair as he pulled your hips against his. A deep yearning groan flowed from his throat and tickled the inside of your mouth. "Thranduil....I...please...please take me. I must have you right now." Your words sent a wave of very visible pleasure over his face. He slowly walked to the door and locked it, then turned and removed his robe, dropping it to the ground as he seductively walked towards you. Your body trembled as if it were your first time with him all over again. Not to mention you were going to make love to your elven husband in a vampire fortress.

Thranduil stood shirtless just inches away from you, leering down into your eyes with his inflamed pupils sucking your reflection right inside of them. His rigid cock pressed against your belly with a twitch as it made contact. He then proceeded to nudge you backwards towards the bed with his arms hanging at his sides. Your eyes remained tranced in his as your feet slightly stumbled through each step you took in stride with his. Suddenly the back of your legs were resting against the bed.

The full moon illuminated the room through the prodigious bay window. He gracefully removed his boots and tossed them to the side without breaking eye contact with you. Your arousal was becoming overbearing as your core sent tremors through your walls. A nefarious grin sprouted on his lips at the scent of your enlivenment. His fingertips softly grazed up your arms and came to a rest behind your neck. You felt your zipper slowly come undone. When his fingers arrived at the small of your back, his hands then rose up to your shoulders and without warning, he yanked the sleeves down your arms causing a staggering gasp to leap out of your mouth. Your breathing was turning deep with desire as your dress then slipped straight to your bare feet. The back of his hand caressed your cheek then traveled slowly down your neck, then chest and through the middle of your breasts and halted when it came to your belly. "Thranduil? what is wrong?" you asked as he suddenly had a worried look about him.

"I...will...is this....going to be alright to do?" He fumbled for the right words in asking if this would hurt you or the baby. He hadn't a clue or any experience in this area...nor did you.

"I truly do not believe it will be of any harm and right now, my body agrees. Please...don't stop."

Your pleading words of don't stop made him hoist you up onto his hips and you released a squeal as your legs quickly locked around his waist. He gently leaned you back onto the bed and hovered over you with animal like eyes. You pulled him down into a tongue twisting kiss, then pushed him over and mounted him. The look upon his face was priceless at your dominance and it drove him wild.

You lifted your body enough to slide his pants down to his feet and then he kicked them off vigorously. As you sat back upon him, he entwined his fingers into yours. "More than nin own cuil." (More than my own life) he whispered.

You smiled and traced small kisses from his belly button up to his chest. Arriving at is neck, you breathed in his floral scent as if you were never going to smell it again. He whipped you over onto your back with a victorious chuckle. He then returned the gesture and kissed you from your belly up to your breasts, taking one into his hand to massage, and the other into his mouth to suckle. Moving on, his tongue trailed over your collar bone and up your neck to your ear in which he whispered his hot sweet breath into it. "Are you ready my love. I do not want to hurt you."

Your soaked clit reveled in readiness. "Yes my King."

He adjusted the head of his throbbing cock over your slickened entrance and slowly pushed into you. You sucked in an exhilarating gasp as your drenched walls took in his fullness in one thrust. His groan was enticingly deep as he began shallow teasing pumps. It seemed as if he were scared for you to take all of him in as he was definitely blessed with great length. You made him stop and look at you. "My love...it is alright. I assure you I feel nothing but pure pleasure. Give me all of you."

With that, he slid his fingers through yours and gently pushed himself all the way into you.

He slowly rolled his hips against yours. You knew he was not going to be aggressive no matter how much you begged and you were completely fine with that. His tender motions honestly drove you more insane than his ravaging ones. And with that thought, you were taken over the edge in a euphoric release. Your entire body arched up and shook as you cried out his name. Your contractions slammed over his cock aggressively and caused his simultaneous climax. He grunted your name against your lips as he spilled into you. You began to rock your hips up against his with a strong urgency for more. There was no hesitation from him whatsoever as he was far from done. Neither were you. You were now extremely slick from both of your releases and he slid in and out of you with great ease at a faster pace, but he still remained gentle in doing so. Your moans became in sync with his and he found himself thrusting hard and deep without even realizing it. His breaths became erratic and his body then convulsed into another epic orgasm. His pulsations were vigorous as were his verbal cries. A shockwave was sent through your core as you came undone. Squeal after squeal shot out of your mouth in rhythm with your palpitating walls. Your arms gripped him tight against you as you drove your hips up harder into him in a desire for more. And more he gave you with no reluctance from him in the least. His cock was at a superlative hardness filling your walls to it's maximum allowance. A bouncing like thrust began matching each of his heavy breaths until he was releasing in soft fast jolts against you. Your nails dug into and down his back causing him to cry out your name as you intensely unhinged in repetition with him. His body fell flat in exhaustion as his mouth hovered open over yours. You kissed him deeply and then lightly sobbed. "I...I love you so much."

He lovingly smiled and traced his forefinger softly over your upper lip. "Not near as much as I love thee my sweet girl."

Thranduil rolled off of you and brought you immediately into his arms. You laid your head upon his chest and drifted off to sleep to the sound of his singing heart while your dreamcatcher laid in your cloak pocket across the room.....

@redeemer46 @mirkwoodwarrior

Masterlist

[let-them-read-fics]

Bite

Pairing: Vamp!Lisa x Human!Fem!Reader

AU: Vampire

Word Count: ~ 5,564

Warnings / Misc. -- Mentions of Blood

Disclaimer: This writing is a work of fiction, and no disrespect is meant for those mentioned herein.

A/N: Hey everyone! I'm alive! School has kept me crazy busy and I've had my hands full with other things as well, but I finished writing this one and I wanted to share with you lovely peeps. To everyone who stopped by to check in, and to those of you who’ve been patiently waiting, thank you endlessly. I love having you as my readers 💜

PS ~ I hope this isn't too bad for my first one shot in forever! Also, happy Lisa era. I’m so proud of our girl!

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

Saturday, October 31st

You look like an idiot. 

The nurse uniform you have on is obnoxiously cliché; short and tattered in various places to really sell the "sexy" aspect of it, little is left to the imagination. Fake blood stains dot the flimsy material in random patterns and mat some strands of the tacky blonde wig atop your head, making you look like something out of a B-movie at best. 

A bonafide, absolute idiot. 

When you express that sentiment to your best friend, she just rolls her eyes and holds out one last costume for you to try on. She had a few lined up in case you didn't like her other options, and clearly that's come in handy; you've already worked through the previous picks, so she crosses her fingers as your eyes skim over this one.

"Humor me, will you?" She asks, hoping that you'll give in and at least check this last one out. 

"Fine, but this is your last chance. It had better be good." You raise a pointed finger at her in warning. 

"I have a good feeling about this one," she says, smiling as you take the bag from her and slip into the dressing room one final time. 

Her phone chimes soon after, and she's quick to retrieve it from her pocket.

Willow: Are you guys almost here?? Jackson's been asking about you.

Your best friend bites her lip at that, nervously nibbling on it as she rereads the message to make sure she didn't imagine the last part. She's liked Jackson since middle school, and he'll be swinging by the party that you've all been invited to; that's one of the main reasons she begged you to come with her tonight. 

Y/BFFs/N: Still getting ready. We'll be there ASAP tho!

Willow: Alright, we'll see you soon. Don't take all night, or else👩🤛

Y/BFFs/N: Yah, cut the violence!

The sound of your best friend's soft giggling fills the air just as you manage to fasten the costume's last zipper and pull its hood over your head.

Surprise etches its way into your features as you do a spin, taking in the sight of yourself through the full length mirror of the dressing room. The outfit's red and black color schemes complement each other beautifully, giving you a powerful and sensual appeal that the other costumes didn't even stand a chance of doing. You look alluring in every sense of the word. 

"Holy shit," your best friend says when you emerge, striking a pose. "You look hot!" She squeals, clapping a few times in quick succession. 

There's no way you think this one looks bad. 

"I think Wanda would be proud," you grin, tilting your head up and wrapping the cape around your neck. 

"One hundred percent," Y/BFFs/N nods adamantly, in total agreement. The Scarlet Witch getup really compliments your features. 

"Now," she starts, changing topics as she looks in the reflection of her phone's dark screen to adjust some of her hair that's gone astray. "Let's pay and then go. Willow's looking for us, and my future man's wondering where I am, too." 

"Hell yeah!" You chuckle, patting her on the back. "I'll help you finally land him so you can stop pining."

You watch as she takes a moment to decide between coming up with a decent rebuttal to defend herself or agreeing with you, and you smile when she goes for the latter. 

"I'd accept nothing less," she says, holding her head high like a princess. "You are my wingwoman, after all." 

"And the best one in town," you add, tugging her towards the register. She reaches into her purse and pulls out the money to pay before politely handing it to the cashier. 

The teenage boy takes it with a small smile, though the action looks a little comical as his upper lip gets caught on the cheap, plastic fangs he's sporting. His knock-off version of Dracula is definitely…. something… and you can tell that his managers forced him to wear it for the holiday. 

"Come back and s-shhee us," he says, handing your change back. Your best friend takes it, failing to contain her laughter at his messy speech. He blushes crimson, likely cursing the plastic teeth for making him look a fool. 

"We surely will," you respond, giving him a comforting smile to keep his embarrassment at bay. He nods gratefully, and you're quickly pulled out of the store by your best friend. 

"Happy Halloween!" You shout over your shoulder, accompanied by the chime of the bell over the door. 

"You too," he calls back, letting out a soft sigh. 

---

20 Minutes Later -- The Party

Upon rounding the front of your car and stepping up onto the sidewalk outside of Willow's house, your attention is immediately caught by the numerous decorations that she put up last week. 

"Huh," you mumble, gazing up at the skeleton that towers above you, standing 12 feet tall. "I think it's safe to say that this is her favorite holiday…" 

"What makes you think that?" Your best friend plays, feigning ignorance as she pops up from behind a life-sized, animatronic Jason Voorhees. 

"I don't know," you tut, admiring Willow's hard work a little longer. "Just a feeling." 

Y/BFFs/N giggles in her unique way, making you smile at the sound as the two of you make your way up the path towards the house. You gaze down at your feet, careful to step on the stones of the walkway and avoid the motion-activated hands that scramble out of the weeds to grab unsuspecting guests. 

Having known Willow your entire childhood, you've grown used to her ways. 

*knock knock*

A strong, iconic synth bassline sounds off from inside, filling the otherwise quiet night around you with its catchy beat as you wait to be let in. Its sound is well known, and you almost instantly recognize it as "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics.

A few seconds later, you hear clambering from inside, followed by concerning groans and shouted apologies. 

Y/BFFs/N arches a skeptical brow at you, perfectly mirroring your thoughts.

Directly after, the door swings open in a flash, and you're nearly tackled by a whizz of curly hair. 

"There you guys are!" Willow shrieks, pulling the two of you close as she nuzzles her face against your cheeks. 

"Yep, here we are," you struggle out, nearly being strangled in her tight grip. She responds by squeezing you even tighter, blinded by her joy at seeing you again. 

After all, it's been a while since all three of you have had the opportunity to spend the night partying together like this. 

"Can't… breathe," Y/BFFs/N squeaks, successfully getting Willow to release you. 

"Sorry," she apologizes, stepping back. "I'm just so happy you're here." 

The freckles that spread across the bridge of her nose look especially adorable with the blush she's sporting, and her shy grin makes you forget about the near-fatality you just encountered moments before. 

"We're happy to be here," you reassure her, returning her smile. 

Your best friend agrees from beside you, nodding her head with a happy look of her own. "Believe it or not, we've missed your weirdness." She adds, cocking her head to the side. 

Willow giggles again, and her eyes crinkle up into those half crescents that could surely melt even the iciest of hearts. She's practically sunshine in human form, and you have to resist the urge to shield your eyes. 

"Yo, Willow! Who's at the door?" 

Jackson.

You feel your best friend tense beside you, and you subtly pat her leg to calm her down. 

Willow falls silent, though her lips go through the beginning stages of answering him; they open and purse, but she quickly halts her reply and shuts her mouth. She knows of Y/BFFs/N's crush on him, and she doesn't want to say the wrong thing. 

Plus, if the lovesick girl wants to run and hide in the bushes, Willow's silence could buy her some time to slip away. 

But alas, she doesn't. 

Jackson appears in the doorway a mere 5 seconds after asking his question with a beer clutched in his hand. He moves to lean against the wooden frame as his pearly smile beams at you, and Y/BFFs/N audibly swallows at the sight. 

For someone who's usually so confident, she can really be shy sometimes. 

"Lovely to see you, ladies," he greets, putting his free hand in front of him as he bows. His accent is modeled after that of Jack Sparrow, as is his surprisingly well designed costume.

You nod back at him. "Hey, Jackson. Long time no see." 

You elbow your best friend when she remains silent for a beat too long, and the action snaps her back to reality. 

"Yeah, hey Jackson." Her voice is quiet -- she doesn't trust it to refrain from cracking.

He smiles, not failing to notice the nervous aura that's quickly taken over the girl beside you. Her eyes nearly pop out of her head when he gives her a curious once-over, and you take that as your cue to save her from the impending embarrassment that's lurking just around the corner. 

"Alright, guys!" You clap, stepping forward. "Let's get to partying." 

Her shoulders relax, and you feel her slip her hand into yours as you enter the house, squeezing twice as a silent thank you. 

15 Minutes Later

Willow stands beside you in the kitchen, mixing a few things together in one of the millions of red solo cups that she bought for tonight. You sneak a peek over her shoulder at the concoction, seeing its light blue color turn purple-ish as she adds a new liquor into the equation. 

In comparison to typical house parties, this one is relatively small; most of the rooms are filled with people, but it's a comfortable amount. Maneuvering around the place is fairly easy, which is always a plus when you're coexisting with sweaty, drunk people. 

"Willow, love, why did you buy so many cups?" You ask, toying with the ripped plastic packaging of one of the stacks. 

"You know I like to be prepared," she laughs, brushing off her major miscalculation. "Plus I can just use the rest of them at my next party." 

You nod, knowing she's right. "Are you having another soon?" 

"I think so. Jiu and her crew are coming back in a couple weeks, so I thought I'd surprise them with one." 

You scoff, humor laced in the sound. "What, they didn't get enough partying done at their university already?" 

Willow turns around, grinning at you as she hands you your drink. "Evidently campus police keep a close eye on them. Siyeon whined about that a lot when she called me." 

"Sounds like her," you chuckle into your cup as you take a sip. 

PFFT

"Eww, Willow! What did you put in this?!" 

Your spit take didn't land on anyone, thankfully, but it did capture the attention of some people nearby. You wave a hand at them as a silent apology, and they go back to their previous tasks. 

The curly headed prankster covers her mouth, though the action does a terrible job of quieting her maniacal laughter. 

"You're lucky Y/BFFs/N isn't over here," you say, wiping your lips with the back of your hand. "She'd avenge me." 

Willow uses a napkin to dab the tears of laughter from her eyes. "Why else do you think I waited until she was busy with Jackson?" She asks, motioning to her lounge room across the foyer. 

You look inside, spotting Y/BFFs/N holding a pool cue in her hand as Jackson sinks another shot into one of the corner pockets. 

The sight reminds you of the pep talk and 2 shots of liquid courage you gave her earlier, and how she disappeared with the promise to make a move and actually talk to him. Now, she looks completely absorbed in whatever banter they're sharing, and although your violated taste buds still ache from the sickly-sweet mixture that Willow made, you wouldn't want her to be anywhere else. 

You can get your own revenge. 

Sneaking a glance around the kitchen, you search for something to help with your retaliation. A small package of streamers lays abandoned on the island, forgotten to be put up earlier, and you slyly grin. Their ribbons sparkle with glitter, shimmering as the multicolored party lights stream in from the living room and land on them. 

It's as if the universe is putting a spotlight on them, just for you. 

After side eyeing Willow one final time to ensure that she isn't catching onto your plan, you act quickly. She stands beside the counter, right where you left her, and you dart to the island to grab the streamers. Your fingertips soon gain purchase on the packaging, and you tear it open in one swift motion. 

Her gaze locks onto yours just as you near her, but it's far too late for her to get away. 

"Take this!" You declare, upending the baggie atop her head. She shrieks as they cascade down her body, getting caught in the creases and wrinkles of her costume as they go. A small wave of glitter tumbles out of the bag as well, coating her hair and clothes. 

Boy, that'll be fun to try and get out later. 

Her head slowly raises once you finish your assault and place the baggie on the countertop beside you, but the look in her eye is unlike anything you've ever seen. 

"You're dead," she warns. Just as the smile drops from your face, an even larger, more sinister one begins forming on hers. 

The floor creaks beneath your feet slightly as you take a step back, and you know you have to high tail it out of there if you want to evade her. 

"Catch me if you can!" You shout, springing into action. You turn around and dart out of the room, gliding past numerous partygoers in the hall. 

Willow's choice of footwear works in your favor, you soon realize; the sharp rapping sound of her heels pierces the air behind you, serving as a tell of how much distance is between you.

Her unstable platforms buy you a little time, and you thank the universe as you rush through the living room and back towards the foyer. You plan to cut across it and hide out in one of the bathrooms until she drops her plan for revenge. 

A grin pulls at your cheeks as you skid into one of the walls, looking like a character from Scooby-Doo as you will your feet to work correctly again and get you to safety. Willow laughs behind you, joining in on the fun. 

"Perfect," you mutter under your breath, spotting a clear path through the foyer. It leads under the stairs, and you can see the open door of the bathroom from where you are. 

Your feet take you past a handful of drunk people, bobbing and weaving through them with ease, before you're racing towards the restroom to take cover. 

Before you can make it there, though, you collide with someone rather abruptly as they step straight into your path. 

Your eyes shut tightly as you brace yourself for impact with the ground, but it never comes. The person reaches out and catches you before you can hit the floor, and a soft apology slips past their lips as they scoop you up. 

Upon hearing that uniquely feminine voice speak its regret again, you peek your eyes open. What you see nearly makes the woman's effort to keep you upright moot; she's so gorgeous that your legs almost give out from underneath you. 

Dirty blonde locks cascade over her shoulders in soft waves, half-mussed, half-pristine from your run-in. Her doe eyes are a velvety chocolate color, and you find yourself getting lost in them. Flickers of red show in them, illuminating almost rhythmically the longer she admires you. 

Are those contacts? You ask yourself. They have to be. 

She seems to be just as affected by your presence as you are of hers. 

"Y/N, I'm coming to get you!" 

Willow does her best to sound like a villain from a 90s horror film as she clambers her way closer to you, bumping into a few people on the way. You're brought out of your stupor by her rapidly approaching footsteps, and you take a step away from the woman. Her hands fall from your waist, where they had previously been resting. 

Stealing a quick look at the bathroom, you feel your stomach turn.

Damnit. Someone's in there now. 

Screw this sexy stranger for distracting you. Now you'll have to deal with Willow's wrath. 

"What's wrong?" 

There's that voice again. 

Part of you wants to brush it off and slip away quietly, but an even bigger part of you is determined to stay where you are and tell her. Something about her pulls you in, and you're having a hard time denying it. 

"I need to hide. I glitter-fied my friend and now she's coming after me." 

The woman's plump lips pull back in a humored smile, and she nods as a chuckle leaves her. "Right," she says, like that's a common occurrence. "I can help, if you'd like." 

"How?" You ask, your brows momentarily knitting together in confusion. When she unties and opens the black cloak that's wrapped around her body, your breath catches. 

"You in?" She asks, side eyeing the foyer as Willow nearly careens into the Egyptian vase that her mother bought her last year for Christmas. 

You take a deep breath and hold your hand out to her just as Willow rounds the corner, and she swiftly pulls you in close before you can be spotted. She winds the cloak around both of your bodies, concealing your faces as the fur-lined hood falls atop your heads. 

Unconsciously, you wrap your arms around her waist and pull her flush up against you to further ensure your safety. She quietly grunts when she stumbles over her own feet, falling into you a little. 

"Sorry," she whispers, though her third apology of the night is unnecessary. You almost want to thank her for what happened.

Especially when her warm breath fans across your right cheek, where her head is angled. 

Every breath you take pushes you closer to each other, and the satin shirt she's wearing slides against your heated skin. She swallows thickly as one of your hands falls to the small of her back, testing the waters. 

When she shifts a little to encourage you, you're acutely aware of the thigh that's worked its way between your legs. 

When did that happen? 

You bite back a sigh as she just smirks, quietly shushing you. 

Willow thunders by, shouting your name and threatening to throw you into the pool when she tracks you down. You want to laugh at that, but you'd honestly welcome it right now. Some cold water would surely bring you to your senses after being led astray by this goddess in front of you. 

Her footsteps grow distant as she makes her way outside, still searching.

The two of you remain as you are for a couple more minutes until you're certain that the coast is clear, and then you part. When she lowers the cloak, you look away; a deep blush has worked its way up your neck and across your cheeks, and letting her see it would surely make you die of embarrassment. 

She keeps her eyes on you as she reties the cover around herself, attempting to get a read on you. The bashful aura that's befallen you is cute, no doubt, but she can sense your arousal. She can smell it on you, and the scent is beginning to drive her crazy. 

You fiddle with the sleeves of your costume, readjusting them nervously.

"So, um… thanks," you say, sneaking a glance up at her. 

The red hues in her eyes are even more pronounced now, and the sight makes you press further into the wall behind you -- the one that you were previously pushed up against. 

"No problem," she smiles, showing off her pearly white teeth. Two of them catch your attention; a set of fangs now shine, looking alluring and threatening all at the same time. 

There's only one issue: you're certain that they weren't there when you first bumped into her. When did she put them in? And why do they look so real?

The feeling of her hand landing on your forearm pulls you away from the millions of questions that're firing off in your head right now. 

"May I ask your name?" She politely requests, dipping her head down sweetly. 

"Y/N," you breathe out, quickly realizing that you'd do just about anything she asked you to. 

"Y/N." She repeats, allowing the letters to blend in her mouth as they roll off her tongue. She looks satisfied for some reason as she says it again, trying it out. 

"I'm Lisa." 

"It's nice to officially meet you," you smile, reaching a hand out. Her touch is gentle but firm as she takes it, shaking it with ease. 

"Likewise, beautiful." 

The grin on your face only widens at the name, and you pull your hand away out of fear of what she might do next. She's already putting you under her spell, and you're sure that another touch would have you fully entranced. 

She studies you with pursed lips for a moment, clearly debating on something. Her eyes flicker over the dips and curves of your body as a smirk grows on her lips. 

"What are you thinking?" You question, curious but teasing. 

"That I'd love to have your body on mine again." 

She's bold, and she says it like the fact it is. No shame, no bashfulness. Just true, honest desire. 

You bite the inside of your cheek at her bravery, silently thanking the universe for it. The likelihood of you gaining the courage to make a move is slim to none even in the best cases, and this was no exception. She already has your heart skipping beats and you've only known her a few minutes. 

"How about a dance?" She suggests, quirking a brow. The look on her face disarms your defenses, and you take a deep breath before agreeing to your demise. 

"That sounds wonderful." 

She dips her head again, hiding her face away momentarily, and you think it's the cutest thing ever. 

She's shy all of a sudden as her cool demeanor slips up a bit, and that never happens. You might just be her downfall, too.

She holds an elbow out and steps forward, allowing you to link your arm with hers and cuddle in close. 

Her eyes scan across the living room as she studies it, but she's unimpressed. 

Sweaty, winding bodies thrash around to some upbeat pop song that's been overplayed on every radio station in town for weeks now, and the idea of taking you there puts her off. 

When a drunk boy comes into view with a dildo strapped to his forehead, her mind is officially made up. 

"Let's go outside," she says, leading you through the patio doors. 

A quaint gazebo sits on one side of the yard, and the dance floor that Willow's family installed a couple years ago occupies the other. Both are decorated with string lights in combinations of gold, purple, black, and orange. Other ornaments adorn the surfaces as well, and you smile when you spot a comically large spider sat atop the gazebo's roof. 

"Where would you like to go?" Lisa asks, keeping her voice low. It's calm and deep, running a chill through you. 

Softer music plays out here, offering a totally different vibe than inside. Some couples -- many of them introverted, assumably -- sway on the dancefloor as the DJ that Willow hired takes a sip of her drink on the raised stage. She adjusts a few switches slowly, not rushing for a second.

"Let's try the gazebo," you decide, glancing over your shoulder at Lisa. She's looking away, but you don't think anything of it as the two of you fall in step with one another on your way over. 

Shit, Lisa thinks to herself. 

Her plans to come to this party, feed, and make a quick getaway are totally derailed. She'd hoped to find a victim that she was attracted to but didn't like, if that even makes sense, and feed like the animal she is. Then she would leave them like all the rest, drained but still alive, and slip away. 

But now she's met you, and any desire for those plans have been thrown out the window. 

You interest her, and that doesn't happen often. She hasn't met someone who's been capable of doing that in years, and she's intrigued. Something about you just pulls her in, inexplicably, and she knows her feelings would be glaringly obvious if you saw her face right now. 

"Woah, look at this," you sigh, stepping out of her hold to check the place out. A bench runs the perimeter of the gazebo, only stopping at the doorway, and the lights look even prettier from inside. They shimmer, looking like star showers as their strings hang down in the windowless openings of the building. 

Lisa quickly learns that she loves seeing you like this. Your eyes are alight, and your sweet smile of wonder warms her heart. Her hands slip into her pockets as she eventually manages to take her eyes off you, following your lead as she admires the decorations. 

She does a twirl, looking around. 

"It's gorgeous." 

"I know, right? This is totally up Willow's alley," you say, grinning at the mental image that you can conjure up of her giddily spiffing the scene up. 

"I'll have to thank her for making it look so special, then," Lisa says, smiling. The place really makes you feel like you're in your own little world; everything about it is just right. The ambience, the decor, the company… it’s perfect, and Lisa's content with how the evening is playing out. 

Her fingers skate down your arm as she nears you, trekking their way down to your palm. She takes your hand and spins you, watching with admiration as your hair flows in the breeze. Now facing her, you thread your fingers together around the back of her neck as she encircles your waist with her arms. 

"Why have I never seen you around?" You ask sincerely, looking up at her. 

She hesitates briefly. "My university is a few towns over. I just come here to visit my family every few months." 

Not a total lie, she thinks to herself. 

"And stop by terrible parties like this, of course." You add, smirking. 

She shakes her head at that. "No, I can't say I do. I just decided to check this one out on my way to my friend's house." She explains. 

Underneath your cloak, her hands find their way to the small of your back. One stays put while the other dips a little lower, testing the waters. 

"And besides," she starts again, feeling you pull her closer. "Meeting you here automatically makes this an awesome party. Not terrible."

"Cheeeesy!" You scrunch your face up and groan, making her laugh. 

"Maybe, but it's the truth." 

"Sure, Lisa." 

She shakes her head and you laugh lightly together, still swaying about. You hold her close enough to rest your head on her shoulder, and the pads of your thumbs rub small circles on the sensitive skin of her neck. She hums at the feeling, and you take note of the way she relaxes in your arms. 

The night breeze appears again, performing a flowing dance of its own as it lulls past you in waves. A slight chill resides in it, mixed with a generous amount of the day's sweet, fading heat, and you're at peace. 

The slow song that had been playing across the yard ends delicately, parting with some melodic feature that resembles a warm embrace, and it blends seamlessly into the next song. 

Turning Page, you recognize it as.  

Huh, how ironic. One of your favorites. 

Lisa's lips brush against your cheek as she turns her head slightly, whispering, "I like this one, too." 

How did she know? You ask yourself. You hadn't said it out loud… 

Maybe she's just a good guesser. Yeah, that's gotta be it. 

You feel yourself melt as she begins singing the words to you. It's hushed and sentimental -- meant only for your ears to hear, and that makes it even more special to you. 

"If I had only felt the warmth within your touch"

She croons, pressing her cheek against your warm skin. You blush, catching yourself when you remember what the next line of the song is. 

"If I had only seen how you smile when you blush" 

She brings a hand up to cup your cheek in her palm, and her other arm remains around you, holding you tenderly. 

"Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough"

Now, her thumb runs across your bottom lip. You look into her eyes and find them an even deeper shade of red than they had been before, but it doesn't frighten you for some reason. She glances down at your mouth again, fighting her impatience as she waits for permission from you. 

"I would have known what I was living for all along"

You nod and lace your fingers in her locks, and she doesn't waste another second. 

She leans in, humming against your lips when they meet hers for the first time. Her lipgloss spreads across them upon contact, smudging its precise application, but she doesn't seem to care in the slightest. She draws you in closer, and you bring both of your hands around to cup her face as you deepen the kiss. 

Her mouth is welcoming against yours, and it moves languidly as you get adjusted to one another. Every move makes you feel dizzier than the one before it, and swarms of butterflies take flight in your stomach with no signs of stopping. 

She nips at your bottom lip as her hands dip far lower than before, now kneading your ass as your kisses continue to work her up. 

"Fuck," you curse, breaking away from her lips to catch your breath. She's stolen it all from you, and yet she's still not ready to give you a rest; her mouth drops to your jaw, embracing your skin there before moving down to your neck. 

She doesn't realize how dangerous the game she's playing truly is until it's almost too late. 

Her lips press to the area just above your pulsepoint, where she's learned over the years that blood pumps the hardest and tastes the sweetest. She draws it into her mouth, swirling her tongue over the area as her ears perk up at the breathless sound of your moans. They spur her on, and she nips at the skin, surely leaving a hickey. 

Her senses become even more clouded when you say her name, the title caught somewhere between a whine and command, and she feels the strong impulse to claim you. The sensation is overwhelming, and she knows you can feel it too. 

Your hands tug on the collar of her shirt as she lets her fangs fully extend, no longer suppressing them. They rake across your pulsepoint, making you shiver against her. 

"Please…" 

That's all you manage to get out before they pierce your skin, eliciting a whimper from you. Blood fills her mouth instantly, sliding across her taste buds in velvety waves and calming her constant craving. Your hands tighten in her hair, and the delicious twinge of pain that it provides only encourages her more. 

Your blood is different than anything she's ever tasted; it's richer -- sweeter. A throaty groan leaves her as she savors it, and you shut your eyes in pleasure. It's addicting, but she knows she has to stop herself before she hurts you. If she continues like this much longer, she won't have the willpower to let go. 

She retracts her fangs as she licks your taste from them, and then you feel her warm tongue clean the wound she made. It stings a bit, but in all the right ways.

When she pulls back to look at you, she finds your eyes half-lidded and a pleased smile on your face. It nearly kills her, then and there. 

Her gaze flickers back to your neck to admire the hickie she made earlier, but what she sees surprises her. Below it is a darker, more prominent marking that she's only seen other vampires leave behind before. 

Definitely not a hickie.

Your brows furrow as you look at her neck as well, noticing a faint outline of something growing darker by the second. Blinking a few times to ensure that you aren't hallucinating, you find that it's really there. 

"Lisa, what's on your neck?" You ask. 

"A soulmate mark." She responds, feeling a sense of belonging settle over her as she looks at you again. You just confirmed her suspicions by asking that.

"Same as yours," she smiles.

[callmebrycelee]

THE ROOKIE REACTION

Today's reaction is to the season 5, third episode titled "Dye Hard" which originally aired on October 9, 2022. The episode was written by Natalie Callaghan and directed by Bethany Rooney. Spoilers ahead!

We start the episode one month later catching on what's happened in the interim for our characters. Lucy attended and graduated from the undercover agent training class she was reluctant to enroll in. Now, let me pause here. I know absolutely nothing about how things work in law enforcement, but it seems to me one month in class learning how to be an undercover agent is not a lot of time. I know this show is all about moving the plot along but for some reason, that detail stuck out to me. Also, Nyla is back from maternity leave which doesn't surprise me. One of my coworkers spent a few months on maternity leave when she had her first child, but Nyla strikes me as someone who was itching to get back to work. P.S., I love her friendship with Angela. Last on the list, we have Nolan who is officially a training officer - something he has wanted to be since he became a rookie four seasons ago. Now that we are caught up, let's jump into the episode.

One month later, Lucy is still with her lawyer boyfriend Chris (Kanoa Goo). He informs Lucy that he got invited to join an anonymous online group who are dedicated to tracking down the whereabouts of notorious serial killer Rosalind Dyer. They call themselves Dye Hards. Chris further explains that these group members have done extensive research. They scour message boards, social media and subreddits for tips and take the credible tips and place them into a document they have dubbed the Mother Doc. Lucy rightfully is concerned about Chris's mental and emotional well-being now that he has fully recovered from his near-fatal injuries. She tells him that it's not healthy for him to spend his waking hours researching Rosalind. Chris asks Lucy to take a look at the document and Lucy reluctantly acquiesces.

Meanwhile, at the station, Nolan begins his first day as a training officer. He admits to Grey that he is nervous about messing up and the sergeant assures him that he will. Grey reminds Nolan that he is a good cop who knows how to do the job so he should stop being so concerned with being perfect. Then Grey reminds Nolan that since he is new to being a training officer, that technically makes him a rookie again. I love that four seasons later, the title of this show is still showing relevance.

Nolan is introduced to his rookie, a young woman named Celina Juarez. Right off the bat, I started to speculate as to what kind of rookie Celina would be. Would she be a legacy like our dearly departed Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.), following in her parent's footsteps? Would you be a know-it-all, eager to impress type like Lucy? Would she be timid or rough around the edges? Take orders easily or go off half-cocked. Nothing could have prepared me for what we actually got in the episode. Of course, Nolan would get someone who is a bit new-agey, someone who feels the need to cleanse their "shop" of bad spirits and juju with sage prior to them leaving the station. Of course, she would be someone to pull over an old lady because she saw a dark aura around the trunk of her car. Of course, she would prioritize her intuition over logic. Of course! You know what, Talia Bishop (Afton Williamson) and Nyla had their hands full dealing with Nolan when he was a rookie. Turnabout's fair play!

Celina is reprimanded by Tim for making an illegal stop which could land the LAPD in hot water and Nolan struggles to be an authority figure to her while also trying to see things the way she does. Nolan knows that he had a unique approach to the job that wasn't always appreciated or valued. He wants to make sure that he isn't dismissive of Celina as others were dismissive of him.

Meanwhile, Tim is paired with Thorsen who seems to be way too preoccupied with whatever is on his phone, much to Tim's annoyance. Tim calls him out on it and Thorsen admits that he is being blackmailed. Tim asks for details and Thorsen tells him that someone took one of his thirst trap photos and doctored it to look pornographic. The two of them track down the person who happens to be a teenage boy. Tim chastises the kid but obviously his threats of taking away his computer and other tech falls on deaf ears because the kid takes a photo of Tim and Photoshops it into something very provocative which is mocked by their coworkers. Tim and Thorsen return to the kid's apartment, again, and tell him that he is going to start volunteering at the youth center that James (Arjay Smith) runs. Rather than take the kid's computer and tech away, Thorsen believes he should have a second chance like he was given.

Back at the station, Nyla and Angela are investigating the disappearance of a young woman. I called it immediately when I said that their storyline was going to collide with Nolan and Celina's. As it turns out, the old lady that Celina pulled over, there was blood found in the trunk of her car. The old lady tells Celina and Nolan that her grandson sometimes uses the car. Because there was no probable cause to pull her over, Nyla is very upset at Nolan because the blood found in the car matches the missing woman but since the stop was made illegally then that further complicates things. Celina feels bad for her screw up but insists that she had a legitimate reason for pulling the woman over.

We then head over to Lucy who is out on patrol alone. She notices a squatter going into an abandoned building and she follows him inside. She walks around in what used to be a restaurant and for some reason decides to step inside an old walk-in freezer. The squatter locks her inside and honestly I thought this story line was going in a completely different direction that where it ultimately went. I assumed that being in a locked freezer would remind Lucy of being trapped underground in the barrel, but Lucy actually takes advantage of being trapped without cell reception to read over the Mother Doc Chris asked her to take a look at. She discovers that one of the individuals in Chris's online group used a phrase that Rosalind said to Nolan. Lucy believes that Rosalind has infiltrated the group. When Tim and Thorsen finally figure out that she's missing, they track her down and free her from the freezer.

Lucy reports her findings to Chris who is freaked out because he's divulged details surrounding the case to an online person who is actually Rosalind Dyer. This part of the episode kind of threw me. I get that Chris wanted to gain intel on Rosalind Dyer, but he was super sloppy about it. It seems like there should be some severe consequences for his actions. Anywho, the IP address attached to Rosalind's online persona is tracked to Washington but by the time Lucy and crew get there, there are more dead bodies. Rosalind Dyer is playing chess while the LAPD and FBI are playing checkers. I cannot wait for them to take her down.

We head back over to Nolan and Celina. Celina tells Nolan all about her missing sister and how it wasn't logic and rules that helped find her, it was a psychic. Nolan tries to find a way to blend his pragmatism with her intuition and they are able to track down the missing woman. While Nolan is clearing the house, Celina spots the kidnapper and abandons the victim in favor of going after him alone which is against protocol. Nolan waits for the paramedics to arrive and then he heads off after Celina. Celina chases after the kidnapper and eventually gets the drop on her. The two of them go back and forth and let's just say that Celina can hold her own in a fight. Unfortunately, the perp gains the upper hand and tries strangling her. This scene was pretty dark because he came really close to taking her out. Nolan swoops in to tackle him and they are able to subdue him.

Perhaps my favorite moment of the episode is when Nolan sits down to talk with Celina. They recap their first day of being a training officer and a rookie. Nolan is going to be a great training officer because he has the ability to empathize in a way that Nyla, Angela, and Tim cannot. Nolan has spent most of his life being a civilian so that brings a certain level of understanding of how people work that not even a seasoned law enforcement agent would have. What I didn't particularly care for is how he rationalized away Celina's intuition. He tells her that she more than likely saw the blood on the trunk of the old lady's car, but her brain processed it as a dark aura and rather than having a premonition about the whereabouts of the perpetrator, she simply dreamed about it because she'd spent so much time reviewing details of the case. I would much rather she be this cop who has premonitions and vibes and sees auras and her challenge is learning how to balance that with fact and reason rather than having to ignore those things in favor of doing the job the traditional way.

I really did enjoy this episode. I liked the whole caper with the missing girl and Nolan learning how to adjust to his new rookie. I even liked the Tim and Thorsen stuff. I liked seeing that dynamic. The Rosalind Dyer storyline is starting to drag for me mostly because I don't get her motivation. She is just killing folks for no rhyme or reason while the FBI and LAPD bumble around after her. Seriously, how long is this going to last? To mid-season? Season finale? Will she finally be brought to justice, or will she just escape again? I reckon I'll have to wait to see what happens. Until next time ...

[sakuramidnight15]

-HSA OC Information-

Character Bio

Name: Aimi Hestia

(Japanese: アイミヘスティア)

Romaji: Aimi Hesutia

Quote: "Oh my~ Aren't you a cutie pie~ Did I make your pulse rise~?"

V/A: Ami Koshimizu (Japanese)

Gender: Female

Age: 18

Birthday: October 5

Star Sign: Libra

Eye Color: Redwood (Her Normal Eye Color)

Graphite Black (Second Eye Color and Half-Myth power activation)

Hair Color: Ecru Brown

Height: 174 cm

Race: Half Human, Half Myth/Hybrid

Species: Huli Jing

Homeland: Springfield (The first country in the Island of Enchantment)

Family: Santiago Polas (Father)

Cailin Hestia (Mother)

Rowan Polas (First Older Brother)

Ricky Polas (Second Older Brother)

Rafe Polas (Third Older Brother)

Kymora Hestia (Aunt)

____________________________________

School Status and Fun Facts

Dorm: Legothŕylos (@fullplaidponydreamer)

School Year: Third

Class: 3-B (Same Class with Saburou, Sienna and Geoffrey)

Student no. 2 (A transfer student)

Occupation: Student

Floral Temple Dancer

Video Gamer (In secret)

Official gear-weapon maker of the Army Scout Rank of SIDC (Meaning: Supernaturals Investigation Department Center)

Club: Drama Club

Best Subject: Movement Class, Dance, and English

Dominant Hand: Ambidextrous (Mostly her right)

Favorite Color: Light Red and Black

Favorite Food: Mochi (Any style and flavor), Fried Noodles (From Lynette's Family Restaurant), and Japanese Tea

Least Favorite Food: Steamed Shrimp and Sweet Candies

Likes: Her third brother Rafe (Mostly), Music, Dancing, Fashion and Trends, Video Games (In any genre and in secret), Gymnastics (Mostly),

Dislikes: Loud Noises, Haru's Pranks, Discrimination, Being used in the past (Mostly), Trying to fit in,

Hobbies: Gymnastics (Mostly), Playing Video Games (In secret and mostly), Dancing (Mostly), Gear Machine making, Being a main model, Embroidery,

Talents: Transforming into her half-myth form, Vine Manipulation, Petal Bullets, Extreme Flexibility, Acrobatics, Charm Skills, Willow Balls,

Nicknames: Ai-san or Ai-chan (From her family and friends)

Aimi-senpai or Hestia-senpai (From the freshmen students and mostly for Lynn and her friends)

Mrs. Hestia (From the SIDC workers and trainers)

Ai-nee-san (From Lynette)

Mimi (From her third brother, Rafe)

Other Nicknames:

Lady or Miss Hestia (From servants and others)

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Appearance and Personality

Appearance: Aimi has a simple slender female body build. She has long and curly ecru brown hair which she styled it into two long twin tails with two black ribbons. She has redwood eyes which they can turn into graphite black when using her half-myth abilities. Aimi is known so her honesty but can be rather flirty.

Personality: Born as the only daughter and youngest child in the family. Aimi was raised normally by her parents alongside with her three brothers who happened to be triplets, and her aunt. Her whole family runs a traditional flower temple with her father as the current floral master and they were well-known in public, her oldest brother Rowan is the current heir for the temple's next family bloodline.

Despite the long temple traditions her family runs, Aimi alongside with her three brothers were allowed to roam freely during their break from temple duties. Aimi was rather a wondering child who doesn't have thoughts about life but is mostly seen with Rafe, her third older brother. Who Aimi stated that he is her favorite brother than the other two.

Aimi is sweet thanks to her appearance but she tends to be sharp with her words and does know her manners towards anyone but does know how to add some words that could startled anyone, like a compliment or flirt.

Aside of being flirty, she does know how to understand someone's feelings if you get close to her, which no one but the others she got along with can notice it. Aimi is does know how to handle her words towards anyone near her like a hidden skill. Plus, she can be a sweet lover in a relationship.

Try not to test her patience, Aimi has a very interesting aura when being provoked. Her attitude can change into a very harsh one since she was raised in a well-known traditional flower temple. Can wear a stoic expression when doing so. She may could rise your pulse up till it stops when being pissed off.

Quite a flirt this girl is, but she has her reasons deep down.

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Trivia

-The name 'Aimi' is primarily a female name of Japanese origin that means Beautiful Love. While her surname 'Hestia' means goddess of hearth and home. Hestia as a girl's name is of Greek origin meaning "goddess of hearth and home". In mythology, Hestia is the name of the Greek goddess of the hearth, equivalent to the Roman goddess Vesta.

-She based on Ahri (From League of Legends), Esdeath (From Akame ga Kill), and Vert/Green Heart (From Hyperdimensional Neptunia)

-She considered Lynette a younger sister she never had and is often seen with her alongside with Amelia and Kiara. Lynette considered her as her second sister figure aside from Manase. Can relate with Lynette since they are foxes but in different specimens and also handling with older brothers.

-Aimi is kinda troublesome when at the SIDC work thanks to her flirtatious attitude. Sienna gets headaches from handling her and will scold or punishment Aimi if she doesn't behave.

-She often helps Arianna, Manase and Marleigh when it comes to fashion. Is somewhat a their model for the three.

-Aimi is skilled at embroidery. Her fingers doesn't get pricked.

-A closet gamer but no one but Lynette and Freya only knows about it. Often plays games with the two alongside with Nerine. She wears glasses but no one saw her.

-She's skilled in traditional dances. Especially when it comes from her temple. Never fails to amaze the crowd.

-She secretly liked to dress Hibiki and Yuzuki up in kimonos once thanks to their feminine faces. Hibiki swore to choke her while Yuzuki got annoyed.

-She was once manipulated by a boy that ruined her heart, until he accidentally pushed her off the window with her brothers as witnesses. He was sentenced to prison after she was sent to the hospital.

-Het voice is sweet and gentle but the tone and mood drops when getting pissed off. Which is why I chose Ami Koshimizu to be her voice actor.