#granny is ready to throw hands i think

[the-blind-geisha]

Scene reminiscent of King Boo appearing at Darkshire to ward off the people from coming into his woods in my King Boo story. It takes place at night, so a good enough excuse to say it's not that busy with people--even for a town that's in the Boo Woods where it's constantly shrouded in darkness. lol

This image... oof. I had all the pieces put together in June of last year, I wanna say, but I took a look at it and instantly intimidated myself out of it. It sat in my idea list forever until I wanna say, September or so, I finally kicked myself in the rear and got to working on it. I almost tormented myself with making every window visible in regards to the inside, but decided 'nope' and made a lot of stained glass windows instead. Future me thanks past me for that choice..

I had a lot of fun drawing the bandits. I realized I don't draw them enough for someone who has them as a fave enemy, so in they go.

I do have the background saved solo for future projects or any commissions where folks want to ask for it as a substitute background. 😩💦

[lymtw]

The frustration that Satoru feels when he completely stops seeing you as just one of his best friends.

You’re so pretty, modeling the dress you’ll be wearing on your date with some guy who probably dims in comparison to you. Suguru says you should try the outfit without the cardigan, so you take it off for a second and do a little 360 for the trio. Shoko gasps when she sees the lacy details that were hidden by the coat and Suguru claps in validation. “You’re so gonna get some.”

Satoru just watches, cheek resting in his fist as he half listens to the little debate between Shoko and Suguru. It’s all a blur as he focuses on the one glowing in front of him.

“Satoru?” You wave your hand in front of him.

“Hm?” He blinks up at you, acting like he wasn't zoned out while staring.

“Tie-breaker. Coat or no coat?”

He had heard what Suguru said when you took the cardigan off. 'You’re so gonna get some.'

He doesn’t want that.

“You should stay layered. You might get cold later.”

Suguru groans in disapproval, falling back into the couch cushion, while Shoko grins, smugly, at her small victory.

“Coat it is.” You smile, running back to the bathroom to finish getting ready.

“You like her, huh?” Suguru asks as soon as you’re out of sight, a squint of betrayal in his eyes.

“Pfft, nah. What makes you think that?” Satoru defends.

“She asked for our opinion on the dress and you went silent," Shoko says, throwing a knowing smirk at Satoru.

“You don’t want her to get laid or something? Why’d you vote for the granny cardigan?” Suguru adds, arms crossed over his chest.

“I want to see you take care of her when she’s sick. I did it last time, and she was unbearable. Also,” he turns to answer Shoko’s remark, “what can I say? I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

“A lot of her on your mind.” Suguru nods over at you.

Satoru turns, a lucent gleam in his eyes when he sees you.

“Alright, guys. I’ll be back before-“

“Don’t rush!” Shoko says, giggling at the dopey look on Satoru’s face.

There’s a smirk tugging on Suguru’s lips. “Have fun.”

“Call if you need me to pick you up," Satoru blurts, sitting up straight on the lounge chair he was seated in.

Shoko gasps and Suguru’s eyes go wide for a second.

“Uh... sure. Will do. Love you guys, bye!” You walk past your friends, opening the front door and shutting it behind you.

Your perfume had some effect on Satoru because for some reason his heart was racing and he was unable to calm it down.

“What?” Satoru asks when he notices the way his friends look at him. “I’m the only one with a car here.”

“Uh-huh, let’s put it that way," Shoko says, sharing a menacing look with Suguru.

—

You did end up having to call Satoru. Your date was the most annoying, insufferable person you had ever met and you weren't going to pretend like you were enjoying your time with him for the rest of the night. How can someone be so different the moment you’re alone together? You couldn’t stand him, so you excused yourself from the table and went to the restroom halfway through your meal.

You called Satoru, hoping he wasn't kidding about calling him if you needed a ride home.

“Hey, uh, I know this is really inconsiderate of me, but can you come pick me up from the restaurant? If you can’t it’s totally fine. I’ll stay.”

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I'm fine. It turns out I can’t stand this guy.” You chuckle, your hand reaching for the sensor beneath the water faucet, the cool water running through your fingers. "He's gross and just... I don't know."

“Did he do anything to you? Are you okay? ‘Cause, you know, I can kick his ass.”

“You already asked me that, 'toru. I’m okay. He’s just…” you pause, a sigh filling in the silence, “...different from what I remember. I don’t know this guy.”

Satoru is already sitting in his car. The moment you asked him to pick you up, he grabbed his keys and headed for the car.

“Give me ten minutes.”

“It takes twenty to get here.”

“Too bad. I’m running a few red lights. Sit tight.”

“Sa-”

The call ends and you’re left staring at the contact photo you have for him. You turn your screen off and stare into the mirror. You don’t know if you should stay in the bathroom until Satoru gets there or if you should go back out to the man waiting for you.

—

“So, Satoru likes her, huh?” Shoko says, leaning back in the lounge chair Satoru sat in before.

“Who would have guessed? We’ve all been friends for years and he’s never looked at her like that.”

“We should invest in some noise cancelling headphones. Who knows what could happen after tonight?”

Suguru furrows his eyebrows in confusion, so Shoko grins and demonstrates. She rocks back and forth in the old lounge chair, the chair creaking and squealing.

“Oh.” Suguru’s face further scrunches. He didn't need the image of his friends doing that together, in his mind.

—

Your phone vibrates on the sink, and Satoru’s name appears on the screen when you flip it. You quickly answer the call.

“Hey, i’m outside.”

“How do I walk out of here without seeming like a bitch? I didn’t think this through.”

“First, walk out the restaurant doors. Then, get in my car. It’s pretty simple, honestly.”

“We haven’t paid the bill.”

“Fuck it. Let him pay.”

“That’s just wrong. Alright, i’ll be out in a bit. Bye.”

“Bye.”

You sum up all the courage you have and walk out of the bathroom. Once you reach the table, you pull out some cash you have just laying around in your purse, like forty-something bucks, and set it down in the middle of the table.

“Hopefully that’s enough to cover half of it.”

“Where are you going?” Your date asks.

“To keep it polite, I have to go. Have a good rest of your night.”

You walked out of the restaurant, immediately spotting Satoru’s blue Camaro.

The second you get in, you make yourself comfortable, removing your heels and taking down your hair from its updo.

“What’s wrong?” Satoru asks, when you don’t say anything.

“It’s fine. This guy just wasn’t the one.”

Satoru’s chest feels tight now that you’re in the car. The smell of your perfume has returned and you’re glowing in the moonlight. It makes him think of the effort you put into looking the way you do, and how you ended up having to hide in the bathroom.

“Do you wanna go home?”

You’re looking in the sun visor mirror, bobby pins in your mouth as you fix your hair so that it’s not in your face once Satoru starts driving.

“Mm… whatever you want to do,” you say, muffled by the pieces of metal pressing into your lips.

It wouldn’t be whatever he wants to do, though. All he wants to do is kiss you, right now. Do something to soothe the ache you must be feeling.

“Why are you acting like this?” He asks, watching you as you place another pin in your hair.

You laugh through your nose, a bobby pin still between your lips. You put it in your hair before answering.

“Like what?” You look at him while you put your seatbelt on.

“Like this doesn't bother you. You don't have to put up a front, you know? I'm not gonna laugh at you."

The metal clicks, and you fold the sun visor back up. “Because it didn’t bother me. I’m not gonna settle for someone I hate being around."

Part of Satoru wanted this to go well for you. He wanted to see a brilliant smile on your face when you got home. So, the fact that it didn’t end up that way strangely caused some heartache for him.

“Don’t look so down.” You give him a kind smile and pinch his cheek. “I’m okay. Really.”

He tries to distract himself from the warmth that seeps into his cheeks from your quick gesture. “Well, I don’t want to go home. Is that okay, with you?”

“What’s up with you?” You ask, bringing one of your legs up and folding it comfortably on the seat.

“Nothing.”

You stare at him until he breaks out his contagious smile and laugh.

“Really, nothing. I just want to spend some time out tonight. Shoko and Suguru want to stay home and be couch potatoes."

You see your date walking out of the restaurant, phone against his ear. He doesn’t look too defeated, but you don’t want him to see you with Satoru and make any bold assumptions.

“Okay, that’s totally fine, but can we go?” Your leg goes back down, meeting the floor mat and you turn to face the window.

Satoru analyzes your behavior and your expression. Your arms are crossed, you refuse to look in his direction again. It’s weird compared to how you were acting two seconds ago.

“What?” Satoru turns to look at whatever made you shrink, and as soon as he sees him he rolls his window up. “Really?” His eyes are lidded in disappointment. It’s not in you as a person, but in your lack of respect for yourself, choosing someone so far below your league.

“He was nice when I first met him.”

Satoru puts the gear in reverse, backing out of the parking spot. “He looks stupid and on top of that he acts like it, too? God.”

“I know, I know.” You lean against the car door and stare out the window.

“What made you think you deserved him? Honestly, I can’t wrap my head around how low this is for someone like you.”

“I don’t know.”

Your responses to Satoru's interrogation kept getting shorter and shorter and he realized he was beating a horse that was already down.

“You know I care," he mumbles, breaking the heavy silence. “I don’t mean to tell you who to date and who you should be with.”

“I hate this conversation. You’re not my dad, Satoru. It’s fine.” You sit up, back against the seat and face forward. “Where are we, anyway?”

“I just followed a random road to see where it would lead. I don’t wanna go home, but I also don’t want to know where I am.”

“So, we’re lost.” You laugh.

“Hey, as long as we have phones with enough battery, we’re not really lost.”

“Right.” You grin, continuing to watch the road. You look over the steering wheel to see how much gas the car has. It’s two marks below the bold F.

“Can you tell me something?”

You turn to Satoru, giving him your full attention. He’s been more serious than you know him to be since you left the house.

“What’s up?”

“I’m not trying to rehash this father-like conversation, but as one of your best friends… what were you thinking when you accepted a date with this guy?” He glances over at you for a second. “What went through your mind when you said 'yes' to a date with him?”

“Potential love, dates, butterflies. All the stuff that goes into getting to know someone as more than an acquaintance or friend.” You fidget with the extra hair tie on your wrist.

“You want all of that?” He asks, glimpsing at you again.

You nod, silently.

“You’re pretty enough to fuck around with whoever you want, you know? I know some people who wanna do some pretty... vulgar things with you."

Your eyes go wide at how far south the conversation went. You cracked the second you looked at Satoru though. He looked somewhat proud to be friends with someone who could get some anytime.

“That’s… good to know, I guess.” Your mind stumbles over the part where he called you pretty enough.

“You’re not interested in that, though, are you?”

You wince, jokingly. “It’s just not my cup of tea. I want something more long-term.”

Satoru grins, almost like he wants to talk about himself.

“That’s not your cup of tea, is it?” You reciprocate the grin.

“No, no. Believe it or not, the last relationship I was in lasted a whole two months.”

You slapped the car door dramatically. “A whole two months?!”

“Stop it. It’s nothing, really," Satoru jokes, grinning with faux pride.

“Hey, i’m not shaming you. You’re not down with commitment and that’s fine. We're young. There's no need to rush."

“I haven’t found someone I really want to commit to. I'm not stupid enough to ignore the fact that people are really only attracted to my body. They can't stand when I open my mouth, so I figured it’s better to fuck around than to put my heart into something that won’t last without sex.”

Satoru's personality was for people with acquired taste. On the other hand, Satoru's physical appearance was for anyone and everyone. The people who could appreciate all of him would be in for the most amazing ride, because even as his friend, you could confidently say that there is no one like him anywhere in the world. You can only hum in acknowledgement of how romantically lonely he must feel.

“What?” You ask when the car stops. Satoru puts the car in park before turning it off. “We’re not out of gas, so what’s the problem?”

He unbuckles his seatbelt and turns to face you, one leg bent on the seat. He’s met with a breathtaking sight. You look stunning in that navy blue dress, and that shade smeared over your lips was calling his name. He can see part of your thigh from where your dress rides up.

“Can I talk to you about something?” The tension behind the question was enough to make your ears go red.

“Of course you can. You’re scaring me, but go on.”

He smiles, trying to lighten up the mood. He knows better than to just dump information like this on you so heavily, but he can't go home tonight without telling you how he feels. He already doesn’t expect much to come of telling you this, but it's been eating him alive and he can't keep it in anymore.

“You've been on my mind a lot, lately." He sees your slightly furrowed eyebrows. They match the unintentional pout on your lips. You’re confused and for some reason you feel nervous, like your heart might escape your ribcage.

“What does that mean?” You ask, wanting a clearer understanding. He could be worried about you in a totally platonic way. He could be wondering about what you've been up to lately. You're having trouble assuming there's romantic notes to his statement after the brief discussion you just had.

“It's exactly as it sounds. I've been thinking about you." He's not smiling, he's not laughing yet this still sounds like a joke that he’s running to mess with you.

“You done with your jokes? We could both be home right about now," you say, not intending for your words to come out as sharp as they did. His hand is suddenly cupping your cheek, his thumb brushing away a speck of glitter from it.

“You say goodnight to me in the sweetest way—like you won't see me in the morning. And the soft smile you give me before you shut the door... it lingers in my mind. I dream of it from time to time."

You're trying so hard not to lean into his touch and nuzzle your cheek into his palm, but you make no effort to push his hand away. “What are you talking about, Satoru? Don't you think you're reading into it a little too much? I do that for all three of you. Ask Shoko and Suguru.”

His hand has been on your cheek for a while now, and he’s still looking at you like he has things to get off his chest. “I know you don't say it the same way to them as you do to me." He stops, a little sigh leaving him. He’s probably making you dizzy with all of this news, based on the look on your face. He retracts his hand and rests it on his thigh. You look stunned, so he cuts to the chase. “To be even more clear, I don’t see you as a friend. It doesn’t seem right to see you that way when I can picture us doing more. Being more."

“Doing more?” You repeat, cheeks growing warm.

“Holding hands, kissing, being alone together—more.”

The heavy silence returns, both of you nervously avoiding eye contact.

“I..." you huff. "I need some air.” You unbuckle yourself before exiting the car. Your scent remains in the car even after the door shuts behind you, leaving Satoru to wonder if things are screwed with you.

Your back is against the door, your hands interlocked in front of your eyes, shielding you from the gentle moonlight. You groan, irritated by the conflicted thoughts that came with Satoru's revelation.

It’s not long before Satoru comes out and joins you, leaning on the side of his car. It's cold and he doesn't want you to get sick again. His heart could barely handle your involuntarily weak display the first time.

“I didn’t stress you out, did I?” He asks, turning his head to look at you. You shake your head, your hands still covering your eyes. “There’s really no part of you that can envision an us between me and you?”

You chuckle, a sound that makes his heart pang. “It’s funny... you know, a long time ago it was all I dreamed about.”

Now this was baffling news to Satoru. How long ago was a long time ago? A couple months ago? Last year? Three years ago? And why didn’t you say anything?

“I considered you a pursuit that was out of reach. You had—have— all these girls just throwing themselves at you, and I couldn’t be one of them, so I befriended you instead.”

“How long ago was a long time ago?” He asks, nervous to hear the answer.

“Like last year in March. It was during your phase where you would never come home.”

He feels like an asshole. Especially since not too much later, he developed similar feelings for you that he endlessly denied.

“You liked the me you never got to see?”

You both chuckled at the rhyme of his words, your broken senses of humor adding some lightheartedness to the conversation.

“I guess you not coming home was more calming because I didn't have to be nervous to see you.”

You crossed your arms. The cardigan protected you, but not enough. The cold wind was starting to nip at your cheeks. Satoru notices and moves closer to you.

“Let’s go back inside, yeah?”

You didn’t want to. You were nervous being “stranded” with Satoru already, but minimizing the space between you was even more nerve-wracking. He was your greatest temptation before, and you could easily create those labyrinths that guide him into your mind again if you got close enough.

“I’ll be fine," you say, looking straight ahead at the field of weeds in front of you.

“You’re gonna catch a cold. Get in the car," Satoru prompts. He thought back to the tired look on your face as you laid in bed sick, waiting for him to bring you warm soup.

“No," you insisted, turning away from him.

He inched closer, not wanting to look at your back. “Please, get in the car." He thought of the gracious look on your sick face when he brought you another blanket to keep you warm.

“I said no, Satoru. I don't want to get in the car with you."

You were being stubborn as hell, and something about it made Satoru’s blood boil to the point where he did whatever his mind told him to do. You were suddenly pinned to the car, your hands on Satoru’s chest to keep some distance. He blocked every gust of wind that threatened to bite at your skin, and enveloped you in his warmth. You don’t know how, but in this freezing temperature, Satoru’s hands felt like sunlight on your cheeks. His face was centimeters away from yours, his bright eyes searching for a loophole in your feelings for him. Your eyes spoke with an infinite amount of possibility, and some of it didn't make sense, so he kissed you in hopes of translating what you were trying to say.

You didn’t have any fight left in you. Not when you felt so secure in this close proximity. Now, all you wanted was to be in the car with him, alone.

The kiss was released with light breaths from both of you, a look of feeling complete on Satoru’s face. “Will you get in the damn car,” he whispers, his arms caging you against the car.

“Say please," you say in the same intimate volume as him.

“Please," he complies, allowing his eyes to flit between your eyes and your lips.

“Pretty please?" you push.

“Pretty please," he says, the corners of his lips twitching.

“How about pretty please with a cherry on top?”

“Get in the car," he says through a laugh.

You chuckle, shoving him lightly before opening the door and entering the car. Satoru gets in the drivers seat and suddenly it all feels strange. Strange, but in the best way.

The tension from before returns. There's no wind blowing to fill in the silence when you both stop talking.

“Do you ever think of me when you're alone?” It was a weird question to be asked by him, especially since you had already told him that your feelings for him were left behind.

“Never," you reply, a softness in your tone that held memories of when all you thought about was Satoru.

He's somewhat disappointed, seeing as though there's a chance he might be too late.

“Do you think that will change after tonight?” He seems to be getting closer, or at least his hands are. Your skin is irresistible and he wants to feel how soft you are. He's been craving you for so long, and you're right there.

“There’s no way to tell.” You can see how slowly his hand is traveling. A minute ago it was on his lap, now it’s on the armrest between your seats. You can’t wait any longer. The suspense might make you jump out of the car again, so you grab his hand and put it on your thigh, where your dress rides up.

“I’ll throw the question back to you. Do you think of me when you're alone?” You ask him now because he won’t give you some bullshit response at a time like this, when he’s getting everything he’s wanted for who knows how long.

“All the time,” he responds so quickly. “When I wake up, before I go to sleep, in the shower, while I brush my teeth.” There’s this foolish look on his face, like he would give anything to never lose the ability to have you on his mind all the time. "You're in there, organizing the shrine I made for you," he admits, with a grin. His thumb presses into your thigh, massaging the plush skin. It makes you nervous as hell, but you like it.

“Have you told Suguru and Shoko?”

He chuckles, remembering the conversation he had with them after you left. “I’m positive they know."

Once again, you're left staring at each other in silence, drowning in the tension you’ve created within yourselves. Satoru has yet to move his hand away from your thigh, not letting up even when he feels goosebumps spread on your skin. He tests the boundaries you have set up, finding no resistance from you when his hand reaches further up your dress.

“You’re not gonna tell me to stop?” He asks as his fingers are met with lace, a texture that makes his heart thud rapidly in his chest.

You shake your head, leaning back in the seat. His fingers ghost over the front of your panties, finding a satin bow just below the elastic band.

“Were you going to let that guy touch you? Is that why you wore these?” He hasn’t even seen them, and yet he can tell they’re the cutest thing ever.

“Maybe," you mumble, looking away in slight embarrassment.

“Can I see them?” He asks.

You nod, allowing him to slowly pull up your dress. Your heart drops when you hear him gasp.

“God, no way," he says, sounding defeated. His ears slowly turn a bright shade of red as he observes the material covering your intimate area.

“Stop,” you whine, feeling flustered by his reaction and the way he stares.

His hand returns to its previous spot, continuing to play with the part of the elastic that sticks to your hip.

“You wear these types of panties on every date you go on?”

You nod, biting your lip as his fingers move just to feel the fabric. His touch is still ghost-like—light, barely there, but it’s working you up anyway. There’s barely enough friction, yet you can feel your wetness begin to ruin the garment.

He sighs. “You know, no one deserves you.” His tone is smooth and he smiles at you, an angel taking control of his features. “Not even me, but I can make up for the one who missed you tonight.”

He spares his attention to the spot in the middle of your panties, only smiling when a breathy moan involuntarily leaves you.

“God..." you groan in embarrassment, covering your face with your hands. "I can’t with myself."

His thumb rubs up and down your clothed slit, applying pressure when he reaches your clit.

“Don’t be shy. Make as much noise as you want,” he says, luring a gasp from you.

You look away again, red-faced, feeling embarrassed beyond belief.

“What?” A low chuckle follows. His hands settle on your thighs as he leans in and tries to look at your flustered face.

“This is weird.” You look out the window, too nervous to look at Satoru.

“How come?”

You giggle. “I can’t stop seeing you as one of my friends. It’s strange to experience something like this with you.”

“I would hope Suguru and Shoko aren’t touching you like this.” His hand splays on your thigh, kneading softly. “Are they?” He asks, after a pause.

“Of course not.”

He seems satisfied with that response because he’s trying to hold back a smile, but the corners of his lips are twitching. His fingers snap the elastic band of your panties against your skin a couple more times.

“Is it too weird to go on?” He asks.

You consider the facts. He already touched you, he confessed his feelings for you before he touched you so you know he wasn't lying about his feelings for you and he doesn’t just want sex. You had those feelings for him before, but claimed to have lost them with time.

Your overwhelming thoughts are enough to put an end to what was going on. You pull down your dress, hiding the evidence of his touch, and sit up straight in the seat. “Maybe we should head home before we do something we might regret later.”

He hums and smiles, not an ounce of disappointment in his features. “No argument from me."

Satoru put his seatbelt on and watched as you did the same before starting the car. There was no need for him to set up the GPS because all he did was drive straight, so all he had to do was drive back the other way.

You didn’t expect the car ride to be so quiet. Maybe he did want things to go further. You couldn’t bear to look back at Satoru, even though you could feel him side eyeing you as he drove. There were a couple times where he turned his head to look at you when you stopped at red lights, but you knew you couldn’t look back until you had something to say. You were overthinking everything that happened until that point. What can you say when you just went through an entire roller coaster of emotions with someone you call a best friend? Someone who has now seen you in a vulnerable position.

“Did you at least eat?” Satoru asks, finally breaking the heavy silence that engulfed the car.

“Uh, yeah. I was able to get through my meal," you respond, glancing at him quickly before turning back to face the window.

He nods in acknowledgement. You see the stop sign at the end of your street, signaling the closeness of home.

Satoru parks the car in the driveway, and you finish removing your shoes. You enter the house, expecting to see Suguru and Shoko up waiting for you guys, but to your surprise, the doors to their bedrooms are shut.

“Goodnight, Satoru," you say. “Thanks again, for picking me up.”

“Yeah, no worries,” he responds. “Goodnight.”

You can’t shake the void left in your gut after your time with Satoru. You sit on your bed for a moment thinking of the intimacy that occurred between you and him. The gentleness of his touch, the lack of judgement from him when you basically told him that you dress your best even for scumbags. Something inside you was begging you to tell him how much you wanted him to sleep in your room—in your bed. And that’s exactly what you aimed for with this rush of adrenaline that surged through you. You rose off the bed quickly, and made haste to reach his bedroom.

You knocked, calling his name once. Once was all it took for him to leap to open the door.

“Can you help me with something?” You asked, hoping he held no ill will towards you and that he wouldn’t deny you.

“Sure. With what?”

You motion for him to follow you to your room, and he does with no further questions, following your bare feet as you lead him to your room.

“I tied the knot for my dress a little too tightly." You let out a quiet chuckle, your nervousness imbued into it.

“Oh, I see," he says, stifling a grin. "Turn around.” His finger circles in the air.

You turn your back to him, facing the mirror on your vanity. You can feel his knuckles grazing your lower back as he takes the time to slowly loosen the knot, the straps that once sat wrapped around your waist dropping loosely.

“There,” he murmurs, still standing behind you, looking at you through the mirror.

“Thank you,” you say so quietly that it’s almost a whisper.

Normally, that is the cue for someone to leave, but there was this branch of electricity connecting him to you. He couldn’t find a reason to step away from you, so instead he stepped closer. His arms encircled your waist, his hands interlocking above your lower abdomen. Your stomach swarmed with butterflies—blood thirsty ones that knew all too well that they wouldn't be leaving anytime soon, so long as Satoru was in your room.

He leaned in to kiss your shoulder, an act that brought goosebumps to your skin. "You look really pretty." You give in to the feeling, tilting your head to give him the entire canvas of that side of your neck. He wondered if you would be upset if you saw his kisses on your neck in the morning.

He stops and looks for your approval first because he has arrived centimeters behind the line between friends who are really comfortable with each other and something deeper. You have to let him know that it’s okay to cross this line.

“It’s okay,” you say, squeezing the hands that rest on your lower abdomen. “Don't stop."

That’s the green light he needed in order to move on. He did not hesitate at all in pulling back his arms and undoing the knot that held your dress up. He watched as the smooth velvet cascaded down your body, pooling at your feet, leaving you in nothing but those precious lace panties. You felt vulnerable with your bare chest out, but made no attempt to hide yourself.

He was frozen for a second or two, speechless at the sight before him.

“No one deserves you,” he finally says, his arms snaking around your torso. His lips start leaving behind their marks on the other side of your neck. He drags his kisses down your shoulder, biting once, then twice, resulting in a couple giggles from you.

“Close the door, please,” you say, realizing Shoko and Suguru would see what was happening if they opened their doors.

Satoru releases you only to close the door, locking it for safe measures. As soon as he’s back, he’s wrapping his arms around you before pushing both of you towards your bed. He starts stripping his clothes off, until he's left in just his boxers. His eyes never leave yours, a lovestruck smile on his face.

“You will never know how many times I’ve dreamt of this scenario."

“Stop.” You giggle, withstanding the sting of his lips on more than you neck. It’s heat on your chest and on your stomach now, his hands holding your waist so gently. You’ll look like some abstract piece of art by morning with the endless waves of kisses that Satoru gives you. He wants you so badly. Devastatingly so. He wants to prove that he is the closest to deserving you by the end of the night.

Your heartbeat is inconsolable in your ribcage. The eye contact brought some reality to the situation. He chuckles at the doe-eyed look on your face before refocusing on his task. He's nearing the elastic band of your underwear, those cute lacy ones he got to touch in the car. His touch is already affecting you, the evidence being a wet spot reemerging in the middle of your underwear.

"You're so warm and soft, and..." he sighs, your body making his mind cloud. He couldn't have ever accurately imagined how stunning you would be with just the golden street lamp's light shining through your window. "...you smell really fucking good." His hands go beneath the elastic band of your underwear, dragging his dainty fingers through your slit enough times to earn a small gasp from you, before pulling his hand out. "Bet you taste amazing, too," he says, wrapping his lips around his glossy digits. "Mhm..." he practically moans when your taste coats his tastebuds. "Sweeter than I could have ever imagined."

You don't think you'll get over Satoru saying these explicit things to you.

"More. Fuck, I need more." There's so much he wants to do to you, so little time in the night despite it only being 11:30. "God, you're so..." he cuts himself off and kisses down your stomach, impatiently—desperately. "...so pretty. So—fuck— so pretty. Gonna make you feel so good."

"Okay, 'toru, make sure to breathe," you tease, running your fingers through his soft locks as he nears your throbbing core.

He drags his nose up and down the wet patch of your panties, audibly inhaling your scent and exhaling through shuddered breaths. He sounds feral, his aching cock creating its own pool of arousal in his boxers. The tip of his nose was covered in your slick, the remnants of you on his skin driving him absolutely crazy. Once he absolutely couldn't take it anymore, he yanked your underwear down, almost tearing the pretty fabric and tossed it onto the floor. You were soaked at the sight of his pure lust towards you. Those eyes were darker than you've ever seen them before.

He tries to be slow and gentle for you. You're the one thing he's wanted for the longest time and now he has you. You're not guaranteed to be his forever, after this, but at least the night is secured and he has this one chance to prove that he would do it right with you. That he could handle your body with a tenderness and loving that would make you weep. Everything you want in a lover will be given to you in one act of demonstrating how undeniably in love with you he is.

His attempt at slow sensuality never reaches you. His arms are hooked tightly around your thighs to prevent you from squirming away from his greedy mouth. He wants everything you give him to never end. The melodic sound of you moaning his name, the sweet nectar that just keeps drooling out of your cunt, the sting on his scalp from the firm hold you have on his hair and the tugging. He's in heaven. If the possibility of this reoccurring is nonexistent, he wants this moment to loop. For there to be a glitch in real life that allows him to replay this scenario as many times as he likes, like a story with multiple endings.

"You taste so good. So fucking good, princess. Wanna give you a taste," he rambles. He unwraps his right arm from your thigh and uses his forearm to pin it down so that he can use his fingers on you. He bends all his fingers down except for his index and middle fingers. Your slick is already streaming out of you, ready to be collected, but he can't resist the urge to dip his fingertips into your pulsing hole. "Oh fuck, you're so wet," he utters in awe, quickly tossing the idea of just his fingertips going in when his long, lithe fingers sink into you with ease.

"Satoru," you choke out, a sharp gasp following. The pads of his fingers brush against that spot within you that forces you to bite your lip. Your heart is racing. What if you get caught? How would you explain what's going on to your friends and would the dynamic of your living situation change because of it? You care, but clearly not enough to second guess this moment again, like you did in the car.

"Mmm..." he moans against your clit, his lips smacking after releasing the now throbbing bundle. "So sweet." He pulls his fingers out of you and admires the glaze that drips down to his knuckles. He wants to be selfish and put them in his mouth, but his need for you to know how good you are to his tastebuds overpowers those thoughts. "Open, pretty," he says, tapping his wet fingers against your lips. He watches with parted lips as you take his slick coated digits into your mouth, shutting your lips around them to completely suck off your essence. "Good, huh?" A pleased grin appears when you nod. "Yeah... I want it back." He pulls his fingers out of your mouth and puts them on your right breast, smearing your saliva all over your nipple until it pebbles.

All you can do is say "huh?" before your lips are enveloped by his. The kiss starts out slow— he's taking a moment to appreciate how perfect your lips feel against his. For a minute you can feel the way he innocently wants you. You have butterflies in your stomach all over again.

His hunger for you grows with every sharp breath you release and the squirming beneath his unrelenting hands on your chest. Your heart has been pounding in your ears since he slipped his tongue into your mouth and you have goosebumps from all the rubbing, brushing, and tweaking he offers your nipples, the throbbing in your cunt only intensifying as you withstand it. He thinks the whimpers that seep into your kisses are the cutest sounds ever and he doesn't want them to stop, so he glides a hand down your abdomen and gives you the touch you're missing.

You break the kiss, throwing your head back into the pillow at the feeling of Satoru rubbing your clit. He watches through gleaming eyes the way your jaw hangs and allows the sweetest moans to spill from your kissed up lips.

"Feeling good?" He asks, grinning when you respond with a moan that makes you clasp a hand over your mouth. "Yeah? That's an answer, too." He chuckles, watching intently as you crumble beneath his touch, not some zero's who made a fool out of himself.

You uncover your mouth, your sounds amplifying and flowing freely. "Satoru," you gasp. "Oh, fuck– S-Satoru!" The last words you manage to cry out before you cum without a warning.

You look way too pretty arching your back off the bed and chasing friction from his hand. Your neck looks palpable like that, exposed for him like you want him to mark it up and take a few bites.

"Let me make you feel good, pretty girl," he coos, drunk off the cute sounds of the heaves and sobs that wrack through your chest, your little whines shining through them. Lustful, lidded eyes watch as you try to wriggle away from his touch.

"P-Please," you huff out, your trembling thighs working to shut around his hand. It's too much, your peak has passed and now you're left to bear the overwhelming feeling of his unstopping fingers.

"I know, I know. It's terrible..." he murmurs. His tip is leaking so much at the sight of your body jerking and your eyes welling with tears. He really loves the way you've surrendered yourself to him. "You're so pretty." He sighs, dreamily. He stops and wiggles his hand out of the tight embrace of your thighs. You take a deep breath and blink away tears, focusing on the comforting movement of his hands caressing your thighs. He can see the way you look at his body. His chest, the sculpted muscles of his abdomen, the pale happy trail that leads to a part of him that you are unfamiliar with.

He crawls over you, his lower body wedged between your legs. "Don't be scared to touch," he says, his tone sultry. He grabs ahold of your hand and places it on his chest, initiating the contact for you. You take control and allow your hands to roam his body. Like you're in a room full of random unpressed buttons, you explore the different reactions you get from touching different parts of him. You discovered that his nipples are sensitive. He groaned into your neck when you palmed at his pecs and borderline whimpered when you focused your touch on his peaks. He shuddered when you traced along his ribs, but once you neared his stomach and waist, things got hot for you all over again. Your heart raced as he breathed into your neck due to the feeling of your nails gently scratching along his abs. He was rutting his clothed bulge against your cunt, desperate, low moans leaving him with every graze of your nails along his waist.

"F-Fuck, I can't wait anymore. Please, let me in." He whips out the cutest puppy eyes you've ever seen, and though they're unnecessary, you're not opposed to him having to resort to those means.

"Y-Yeah, okay," you breathe, feeling the throbbing in your cunt intensify when he stopped rolling his hips against you.

He's rushing, his movement stuttered and his hands shaking with desperation as he works his boxers off. He's impressed with the amount of precum that went into them, but he doesn't waste time admiring the mess any longer once he frees his achingly hard, drooling cock. It's sensitive to the touch. He'll cum if he doesn't play his cards right while lathering his length with the essence that beads at his tip. With that taken care of, he comes close to you again.

"This is gonna be the slowest start ever," he says under his breath, eyeing that sweet little smile on your face, like you understand the turmoil he's going through with just trying to get inside you. His tip nudges your clit, spreading some of his precum onto the nub as he guides it up and down your slit a couple times. He's working himself up to sinking in because he knows how wet you are. After a few more strokes, he presses just the tip in, nestling it into your warmth with a groan. You gasp as he slowly drives himself into you, the stretch his girth induces proving to be immense. He tries to steady his stuttering hips as he pushes more of his length in.

"Little more, just a liiittle more," he says through soft breaths, more to himself than you. Once he glides the rest of his length in, he feels like he's going to explode. He's throbbing so hard and you're not helping at all with the brief, inconsistent spasming of your walls. "Oh fuck... shit," he whimpers, thrusting only halfway into you. "Sorry—fuck—s-sorry... I can't-" He gasps when he thrusts the rest of the way in, spewing his load as he just grinds against you.

Your eyes widen as you watch him, his eyes shut tightly, his jaw hanging ajar to release shaky breaths. His cheeks, neck and chest are blazed, bright color smothered over his pale skin.

"Shit..." he rasps, still taking deep breaths.

You can't even ridicule him for this when he looks so fine. The laugh he let out was enough to make your thighs twitch.

"It's alright, Satoru. It's getting pretty late, anyway."

"No-the-fuck it's not," he says, looking down at you with the smallest crease between his brows. He's wanted this—wanted you—for way too long and he can't leave your room without showing you just how badly he desires you. It's a need, at this point.

A chill runs down your spine and your heart drops at his response.

"I mean, i'm not tired. Are you?" He asks, softening a little after coming in so hot with his last response.

You're not and even if you were, it's those eyes... They compel you to want to do things for his sake. They're so soft and you feel wanted beneath their force. You feel everything he said to you in the car when you peer into his eyes.

"No. I'm not tired either," you respond, which instantly puts a smile on his face.

"Good. Let me try again."

Neither of you mentioned any of what happened within that quick span of time. No mentions of him spilling the second he got inside you or you trying to end the night to save him the embarrassment, and it turned out for the better. No awkwardness once he recovered and went back to proving his love for you. He went straight into it, thrusting at a slow pace to start you off. He held onto your hips as he leaned in and kissed all over your chest, sucking your delicate skin to leave little reminders of him for you to see in the morning.

He groans, muffled by your warm skin, when you scratch the back of his head, guiding your nails through the short hairs of his undercut and down the nape of his neck. He's purring like a satisfied cat, the soft breaths he lets out through his nose grazing your neck.

With all these good feelings comes Satoru picking up the pace. His hips meet yours a little more quickly and suddenly both of you get a little more courage to make more sound.

"Fuck," you whimper. "Satoru... S-Satoru..."

"I know..." he grunts. "I know, baby. I feel really good, too."

You just look so damn pretty, with your starry eyes and your messy hair, and the way you keep moaning his name. He has to kiss you again. Each time he kissed you before was accompanied by fireworks. This time... who knows? He certainly won't unless he gains the courage to do it once more.

He leans forward and stares deep into your eyes. The level of intimacy has doubled down and you feel like your heart is trying even harder to lurch out of your chest. He's not stopping, you can feel his breath on your lips as he pants through the exertion of his hips. Then, once again, with a whimper as he closes the distance between your mouths, he kisses you. It's not fireworks this time, it's an entire fire and you kissing him back like you need him just as much is fanning the wild flames.

"Love... you," he disperses the words through his kisses. He doesn't only say it once. He says it multiple times as your lips are moving, making those pauses purposeful. "Fuck– I love you," he repeats, breaking the kiss when you don't say anything. "Come on," he chuckles. "Say it back."

"Satoru..." you say, softly.

"You say it all the time to us. What's another time?"

You bite back a laugh when you see those brilliant eyes again. He knows the effect they have on people and uses them to his advantage.

"It doesn't..." he groans, cursing under his breath when you suddenly clench around him. "...have to mean anything more than it usually does."

You're hesitant, but figure that as long as he doesn't take it as more than what he's used to—at least until things are talked through—there can't be any harm in saying what he wants to hear.

"Love you, 'toru."

The words are way too sweet, too gentle on his ears. The smile you offered as you delivered those words was devastatingly beautiful. You've said this a million times, each time so friendly, so lovingly, the meaning never feigned or faded with its repetition, but in that moment, he felt the words more than he ever did before. Your plush thighs are pressed against his hips, your hands are on his chest, and he can still smell that perfume you spritzed on your skin before you left. He's never heard you like this before, so sultry that it almost seems like an invasion of privacy.

"Again... say it again, p-please." With the scene that is playing out before his very eyes, he wants to imagine you meaning it as a term for lovers.

"I-I..." you let out a sharp gasp, your words cut off by the feeling of his cock brushing against that weak spot within you. "I love y-you, Satoru."

You're saying it to him only, right now. It's not 'I love you guys', it's 'I love you, Satoru', and he's drowning in it all. Your voice, the words, the blissed out look on your face. He's weak.

"Yeah?" He laughs, sounding almost delirious from how good he feels and how he's trying so hard not to cum.

"Mhm," you respond.

"T-That's good to know," he says, breathily. He's picking up the pace again, almost knocking the wind out of you with that first thrust in the change of pace. You're scratching up his back, wrapping your legs around his waist while he moans into the crook of your neck.

"G-Gonna cum, gonna fucking cum, again."

"Please... cum inside," you babble, nonsensically.

"Yeah? You want it inside again?" He asks, grinning when you hum and nod in confirmation. Who is he to deny you of such a simple want?

With a few more harder thrusts, he's filling you to the brim again with his warm cum. He's breathing heavily into your neck, mouthing at your skin sloppily as your cunt flutters around him. He's babbling on and on asking you if you came and if you feel good, while you're trying not to cry out too loudly from how hard you did. It's only until he unsticks himself from your tacky skin that he sees the aftermath of your orgasm. Your lidded eyes, the rapid rise and fall of your chest, the sound of your shuddered breaths brushing past your lips. He's thinking about it again. No one deserves you, but clearly, he was the closest.

He tosses himself beside you once you both come down. Your blanket is shared between the two of you, it reaches just above your chest and above Satoru's hips.

He sighs as he turns over to face you as you stare up at the ceiling. "You think they heard us?" He asks, voice low and intimate, yet a mischievous smirk that tells you he wouldn't care if they did, plays on his lips.

"Not sure. I guess we'll find out tomorrow." Now it's your turn to sigh. You don't even want to think about how weird breakfast might be in the morning.

"Hey," he calls for your attention. You turn onto your side to face him, keeping the blanket close to your body. "It's gonna be fine. What's the worst that could happen? They tease us or call us dumb?" You give him a soft smile. Normally, you're the one calling him dumb while the others agree. "Don't know about you, but I don't mind. They don't know the story, anyway. Right?"

"Right."

Time slowed down in that moment. You both just stared at each other in silence, thinking about what just happened. You were comfortable together, lying there, satisfied with your decisions. He pulled you closer by your blanket covered waist and pressed kisses into your cheek, enough to make you giggle until you started returning the kisses. To anybody, this would be considered a sight of two lovers taking care of each other after a night of intimacy. The whispered words, the quiet laughter between kisses, the gentle drags of fingers on harsh marks—it all points to love. You think things might be okay, after all.

It took a while for you and Satoru to untangle yourselves from each other. Eventually, he got up and dressed into everything but his messy boxers. You weren't going to get back into your dress so you laid back for a while and watched as he collected himself.

"Well... I'll see you in the morning." His hand is on the doorknob and he's looking at you, shamelessly raking his eyes over your body as if he's trying to memorize you all over again within the short span of his goodnight to you.

"Mhm. Goodnight."

He pulls the door open, still not detaching his gaze from you. "Goodnight," he says, his voice low, yet warm and brimming with love. He spares one more soft smile for you, before walking out and clicking the door shut behind him.

You think you finally understand why he's so hung up on the way you say goodnight.

[frankenstein-ate-my-left-shoe]

@steddie-spooktober day 29: sweater | T | wc: 1,394

“It was meant to be for your birthday, but I didn't get it done in time… obviously.” he tacks on at the end.

Just like how crochet was meant to be a hobby, a relaxing one at that, but all Steve’s been is stressed about trying to make something for Eddie’s birthday… then about how it was late… and then about how the vision he had of it in his head was nothing like how it was coming out.

The thing was horrid. Absolutely wretched. Steve had no clue why he was even still giving it to Eddie, newfound crush on the long-haired dork besides the point.

Eddie just stares at it. The sad lump of yarn Steve dared to call a sweater.

“You can— Look, I’ll just take it out back and put it out of its misery.” Steve grimaces, reaching for the Thing with one hand and gesturing back toward the backyard where the fire in Hopper’s fire pit was still steadily blazing.

Eddie unfreezes and snatches It out of reach, “Fuck off with that, I’m gonna wear this sweater every damn day.” Then, as if to prove his point, tries to put it on over his already bulky hoodie/leather jacket/battle vest (a new one, since his old one was lost somewhere in the aftermath of Spring Break) combo.

“Waitwaitwaitwait—“ Steve hurries to pull Eddie's arms back down, “It barely fit me when I tried it on, you’ll end up ripping it if you try putting it on over all that.”

Eddie lowers his arms, squinting suspiciously at Steve as he does. Steve rolls his eyes. “I’m not going to take it back if you really want it that damn much.”

“Yeah you better not.” Eddie sniffs, folding the sweater up then shoving it safely under his hoodie. Steve barely has enough time to think about the implications of that, about how scratchy that must be, let alone voice how that ugly lump of granny stitches is going to end up on the ground if it stays there, before Eddie is pulling him in for a hug.

“Thanks Stevie,”

Steve lets out a sigh, and wraps his arms around Eddie’s waist. “You’re welcome Eddie.”

- - - - -

Even with how ungodly lumpy and disfigured the crochet sweater was, Steve was still bummed he didn’t see Eddie wearing it the next time he saw him. Or the next time. Or the third.

One week after the Hopper Halloween Hbonfire, when Steve is feeling particularly mopey and planning on tossing all his crochet hooks when he got home from work that night, Eddie waltzes into Family Video an hour before close… still sans sweater.

Kicking himself for having so many big feelings about a sweater that no one should be caught dead in, he manages a smile. “Hey Eddie, what’s up?”

He leans onto the counter in front of Eddie, feeling his face tingle slightly when the other man does the same, his face coming in close to Steve’s.

Thank god it’s nearly midnight.

”Nothin’ much Stevie Darling,” Eddie grins, “What’s going on with you? You seem a little bummed.”

Steve opens his mouth to reply, say something random that has nothing to do with the sweater (or lack thereof), when his eyes flick briefly down to Eddie’s torso.

”Just ready to go home, I guess.”

Eddie grins wider, his eyes crinkle up at the corners. God, if Steve hadn’t already been head over heels..

”You sure, big boy? Sure it’s got nothing to do with the lack of lovingly twisted yarn upon my person?”

“… Well yeah. But did you have to say it like that?”

Eddie laughs, his eyes sparkling. “I knew it, “You don’t have to wear it..” my ass.”

Steve sighs, hangs his head momentarily, then picks it back up to meet Eddie’s mischievous eyes. “At least it’ll bring some color to the dump.”

There’s a moment’s pause, then Eddie says, “I didn’t throw it out.” In a tone that implies that should’ve been obvious.

”Well I haven’t seen you wearing it.” Steve grumbles, then kicks himself internally again. “Wait, sorry, forget I said anything.”

He stands straight, nervously running a hand through his hair. Eddie looks up at him from his spot at the counter for a breath, then stands up to meet Steve’s gaze.

”I didn’t throw it out.” he repeats, firmer this time.

”That’s good, I guess, not up to me what you do with it, right?”

”Well, I did try it as a sweater first.”

”…It fell apart, didn’t it?”

”It did indeed.”

Steve huffs another sigh, this one resigned. “I’m already planning on throwing away all my hooks,” he laughs. It comes out strained. “No need to inflict my piss poor crochet on other people, right?”

Eddie smirks, “I wouldn't do that if I were you.” Eddie smirks, then fixes Steve with a look, “And don’t piss on the poor, Steve, we don’t like it very much.”

Steve snorts out a laugh, and Eddie continues. “The boys saw your work and would really appreciate some of their own for Christmas,” He reaches forward and takes both Steve’s hands in his. "If you’d be so kind as to put those beautiful hands of yours to work again.”

Steve wants to laugh at the gesture, initially, but there’s something serious in Eddie’s face.

”You’re— you’re serious? The first thing I crochet falls apart as soon as you try to put it on, and you want me to make more for your friends.. Is this some kind of prank you’re trying to pull on them? Because I’d be all in with you normally, but that just seems like you’re making fun of m—“

The gentle press of a finger to his lips cuts off his rant.

”You gonna let me explain, sweetheart?”

Steve nods, and for a moment, feeling like someone stuffed his head with yarn.

Eddie takes his finger away, and his hands too, Steve clenches his own at his sides to keep from reaching back for Eddie’s.

”Yes, most of the sweater you so lovingly crafted for me did, in fact, fall all the way apart BUT!” he emphasizes, holding up a finger to stop Steve from saying the nothing he was going to. “Some of it did not.”

Before Steve can ask what survived, Eddie spins on his heel and holds his arms out.

The back panel of his vest, the spot that big Dio patch had been on the old one, had been cut away completely. 

Two squares of Eddie’s sweater have been stitched into the space.

Steve even recognizes them, two of the last granny squares he’d done for the right sleeve, one blue and green, and one red and black.

He reaches out to poke at the center of the bottom one, not believing what he’s seeing, but no. They’ve been stretched a bit to fit correctly, but they’re there.

Eddie turns back around to face him, and gone is the cool calm he’d been holding to since walking into the store. Instead, he looks a little wary, like Steve’s going to be mad at him for doing this.

”You— Ed— Wh—“ Steve looks around the store, empty. Has been for the last two hours too. “You know what-“ 

Steve spins around, flicks the lights off, hops the counter, locks the door and flips the sign, then is grabbing hold of Eddie and pulling him across the store to Keith's office.

He tucks Eddie into the small space, closes the door, and leans back against it for good measure.

Somehow, Eddie’s taken this worse. He stands with his back to the dingy filing cabinet and picks absently at a nail while he watches Steve with all the wariness of a feral cat.

And that just won’t do.

Steve surges forward and catches Eddie’s face in his hands, kissing him soundly. Purposefully. 

He pulls back before Eddie can react.

”I can’t believe you did that to your vest.” he kisses him again, this time Eddie’s ready for it.

Steve pulls back again, Eddie cuts in with “I can’t believe you tried making me a sweater.” before Steve can say anything.

Eddie pulls him in this time, and Steve pulls back almost immediately, “Hey, I did make you a sweater. It’s not my fault it fell apart.”

Eddie just laughs and pulls him in again.

family video is open until midnight on fridays and halloween was on a friday in 1986 :o)

divider from @saradika-graphics!

[starry-bi-sky]

What would a mother not do for her child What lengths would a mother not go There's a bond that exists between mother and child With no end to how strong it can grow It's a promise for life between mother and child It begins from the moment of birth.

================

She is six years old, and standing on the porch at her Auntie Alicia’s cabin. She is six years old, and holding an old rifle in her hands, standing at the railing and pointing the nozzle at a large target a couple feet away. There’s a pair of old ear muffs covering her ears. Behind her is her daddy and her sister, and Auntie Alicia. She can’t see them. 

Danielle Martha Fenton is six years old, and her momma has her arms wrapped warmly around her, keeping the gun steady for her. It’s heavy and the butt digs into her shoulder uncomfortably, and she feels nothing but determined. And nervous. 

Her momma was teaching her and Jazzy how to shoot, and they’re down in Arkansas to visit Auntie Alicia for her second “Divorce-iversary” as Auntie calls it. She keeps a hunting rifle in her gun safe for the rabbits that like to nibble on her garden. She mostly grows rhubarb, which goes untouched. But her carrots and greens and other veggies like to be tempting snacks for the game. 

Regardless, she is six years old and learning how to shoot. Her momma and her daddy (mostly her daddy) have been banned from every shooting range outside of Amity Park in a hundred mile radius. So Auntie is the best place to learn, or so momma says. 

Danny thinks it's just an excuse to see her sister, not that she's complaining. She loves visiting Auntie.  

She’s already seen Jazzy do this, her momma told her before the muffs went on to shoot when ready. No use trying to fire when you’re not; you can’t afford to miss when shooting ghosts. 

Danny breathes out steady, just like momma taught her, and quells her trembling little fingers. She focuses down the barrel, and pulls the trigger. 

Immediately, the recoil throws her off, the side of the gun that her cheek was resting on knocks against her skin, harsh enough to bruise if it weren’t for her momma’s steady hands holding onto her. The bang of the gun startles her more than she thought it would, and her heart leaps up and runs a jackrabbit through her chest. 

The gun is carefully slipped out of her hands, and Danny lets it go easily, her cheek smarting in pain and her eyes wide and following up to momma. Momma turns the safety on, and with a gentle hand, pushes against her chest. Danny takes a few steps back, and slips the ear muffs off her head. 

Mommy is smiling big at her, something that Danny can’t help but replicate on her own face as her heart swells. “Did I get it, momma?” She asks, watching as she passes the gun off to Auntie Alicia, who steps over to take it.

“I’m going to go see, sweetie, but I think you did.” Momma coos, before planting both her hands on the porch railing and, in a single leap, vaults over the side and onto the grass. She’s dressed all comfortable for the summer heat, with her hair all tied back and in shorts and a tank top and nice boots. Danny’s ribs swell hopefully, and she stands on her tiptoes to watch her walk over.

“I’ll be hard-pressed to believe if you didn’t, Martha Mae,” Auntie tells her, grinning like a cat, “that was a damn good shot.” 

‘Martha Mae Knight’ was Danny’s granny’s name. Auntie Alicia calls her that because of her middle name — and because, by her words, she has her momma’s weird-shaped eyebrows and piercing blue eyes. The kind that could scare a hawk into singing like a robin. It was Danny’s favorite nickname ever.

Daddy laughs brightly, the sound painful on her ears but twice as nice, and despite the distance, Momma whirls her head around to shoot Auntie a glare; “Language, Alicia. Not around my girls.” She warns. Her accent always comes through when they’re around Auntie. It’s Danny’s favorite thing to listen to. 

“Do you think so, auntie?” Danny says, bright-eyed and ever-optimistic. Auntie Alicia nods fiercely as Momma finally reaches the target and searches for the bullet hole. Daddy then comes up behind her, still laughing, and claps a hand onto her shoulder so hard that it makes her knees hurt.

“Of course she did!” Dad boasts, as bright as the sun and twice as warm. He shakes Danny affectionately, wobbling her on her feet and pulling her straight into his side. She goes so willingly with a burble of giggles. “She’s got the eyes of a Fenton! And our family are darn good shots.”

Auntie eyes him up and down, her smile immediately fading off into a pressed line. “I’m sure you mean she’s got the eyes of a Knight. You couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn at twenty paces, Jack Fenton.” 

Jazzy holds back giggles from where she’s standing by the door, her ear muffs in hand, and Danny watches her Daddy’s dark eyes immediately narrow. Just like Auntie’s, his smile tapers off into a frown. 

Before he can say anything, there’s a cheer from the yard, and they all turn to Momma clapping her hands in delight. 

Danny immediately pricks her ears up, and would’ve darn near rushed over to the railing if it weren’t for her Daddy’s hand on her shoulder. She yells instead, excitement thrumming like a hummingbird against her ribs, “Did I hit it, momma?!” 

Momma beams at her with all the pride in the world, “You sure did, Danny!” And she turns to press her finger against the target, right on the inside red ring of the battered old bag. “Right here, sweet girl!” 

There are cheers from all around, and Danny’s heart bursts inside her lungs with shiny, sunshine glee. She puffs her chest out big, and smiles so wide it hurts the cheek where the gun smacked her. Her Daddy shakes again, squeezing her tight against his side in a hug that Danny happily reciprocates. 

“What’d I tell you, Martha Mae?” Auntie tells with a big wink and a wide grin, the gun still gripped tight in her hands as Momma makes her way back over. “You got a Knight’s eye.” 

When Momma makes it back over the railing, she hugs Danny tight and praises her shot. Danny looks her in the eyes and chases the feeling, and asks to shoot again.

[prettygirl-gabi]

Chapter 27: Ghosted and Launched

Rating: General Audiences

Warning: none

Paring: Paige Bueckers x !photographer fem reader

Fandom: Women's basketball

Summary: All's fair in love and basketball, right....

Welcome to the chapter 27 of Through The Lens. I hope you all enjoy and there is more to come...stay tuned my loveies!! 🏀💕📸

Reader's POV

The aftermath of KK’s Instagram live was overwhelming. My notifications were flooded with DMs, tags, and edits from fans trying to piece together whether Paige and I were actually dating. Between that and the teasing from the team, I decided to take a break.

I logged off all my peesonal social media platforms, only leaving the uconn account up so I could do team posts and such. Paige wasn’t thrilled about it, but understood why.

“So, you’re just going to leave me out here to fend off the crazies alone?” she joked, sprawled out on my bed, hair still wet from her post practice shower.

“You’ll be fine,” I said, rolling my eyes. “You’re Paige Bueckers. You’ve survived worse.”

She laughed. “True. But still, I’ll miss seeing your name pop up in my DMs.”

“Text me like a normal person, P. Like be for real” I teased, throwing a pillow at her. She caught it with ease and tucking it up her arm before turing her head to speak to me. “Baby, I'm the most normal person you'll ever meet.”

Paige’s POV

While Y/N went ghost, I became more active on social media, well more than I already was. It wasn’t on purpose at first, but then KK, started teasing me about it.

“Paige is soft-launching her relationship like she’s in a rom-com,” she said during one of her many Instagram lives.

Aubrey and Ice giving a knowing look to each other before bursting out in a laugh in all the way from the kitchen.

“Am not!” I argued, though I knew she was right.

It started with a blurry picture of Y/N’s camera sitting on the coffee table, captioned, "She’s been busy 💕."

Then there was the photo of her hand holding a bowl of popcorn during movie night, the caption reading, "Movie nights hit different with the right company."

The comments were wild.

@uconngossip: “WHO IS IT, PAIGE?!”

@teamhuskyforever: “The hand looks like Y/N’s 👀.”

@paigebucketsfan: “Nah, it’s gotta be Azzi. They hang out all the time.”

KK wasn’t helping. Every time she went live, she found a way to tease Y/N and me.

“Y’all want to know who Paige is soft-launching?” she’d say, zooming in on me.

“Ignore her,” I’d groan, covering my face.

One time, Ice “accidentally” shoved Y/N onto my lap during a live. I turned bright red as the comments exploded.

@paigebucketsfan: “CONFIRMED!!!”

@courtqueens: “This is the content we deserve.”

@icebradyysmuse: OK, but Aubs, and Ice laughing in the back though....

@wbbwhore: it's Ice pushing her into Paige’s lap for me...

Reader’s POV

By the time movie night rolled around, I was over the speculation. Paige and I had been talking about going public, but I wasn’t sure if I was ready.

“I think it’s time,” Paige said, sitting beside me on the couch.

“Time for what?” I asked, though I already knew.

“To post. For real this time.”

I hesitated, biting my lip. “You think people will be cool about it?”

“Most will,” she said, taking my hand. “And the ones who aren’t? We’ll deal with them together.”

I smiled, squeezing her hand. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

Paige’s POV

We agreed to post at the same time. I picked a picture of her from the first I was with her back in Georgia, but she chose a picture of me asleep in her bed after the family BBQ.

Her caption:"double or nothing, Superstar 🏀💕"

Mine: "All's fair in love and basketball, photographer extraordinaire 📸💕"

The comments came flooding in almost immediately.

@ice.bradyy: great now KK can shutttt up

@kamoreaarnold: girl boo @ice.bradyy

@uconngossip: “KK WAS RIGHT ALL ALONG.”

@teamhuskyforever: “Granny really started this whole thing.”

@paigebucketsfan: “We love to see it! Y/N and Paige = endgame.”

@ballerjade_23: Not the Love and Basketball quotes @yourusername

@yourusername: @ballerjade_23 bestie, pookie it's really fitting if you asked me... now call so I can spill the teaaaa

Reader’s POV

The team was thrilled when they saw our posts. KK, of course, was the loudest.

“FINALLY!” she shouted, throwing her arms around both of us. “Y’all had me carrying this secret for too long.”

“Secret?” Aubrey teased. “You’ve been dropping hints every chance you got.”

Paige laughed, wrapping an arm around my waist. “She’s not wrong.”

Paige’s POV

The next day, during the post-game press conference, the inevitable question came up.

“Paige, your Instagram post last night caused quite a stir. Can you confirm your relationship status?”

I smiled, glancing at the reporter. “Yeah, I can confirm. Y/N and I are dating, and I’m really lucky to have her in my life.”

Reader’s POV

That night, I called Granny to thank her—for the unintended push and for always believing in me.

“You’re welcome, baby,” she said, her voice warm. “But don’t thank me too much. KK’s the one who really made it happen.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “I know, she won'tlet us live it down.”

Granny chuckled. “Oh, dear she reminds me of my dearest friend Avión, Kk...she's good people keep her in your life.”

Before I could react, KK’s voice came through the dorm as she walking in the room.

“Nanna! Let me tell you about all the chaos you missed while she was ghosting you nanna!”

I groaned, but I couldn’t help smiling. Life with this team—and with Paige—was never boring.

■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■

       -Thank You For Reading!🩵🩶

                             -prettygirl-gabi🎀✨️

Tag list: @sayurireidotcom , @astroeliza , @paxaz535 , @0phantom0 , @starlighttsv , @authentic-girl03 , @sevyscoven .... (more to be added... if you wanna be added to the list comment )

[lale-txt]

𝐒𝐎𝐅𝐓 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 (𝐎𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐮 𝐱 𝐟!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫) ❦ 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐬: 𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭!

in which you get to ask all the question you always wanted to ask

a/n: this is probably part 1 of a few because y'all send in too many fun questions and i kinda went a bit overboard oops. there's small interview notes after every answered question :3

⭅ back to m.list

•┈••✦ 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬

Osamu ready to throw hands for y/n 🗣️

"is the dessert bothering you my queen?"

he messed up the pickle recipe because he got measurements wrong in the process (because y/n had already taken over his mind at this point)

less soju more kissing big agree!!

•┈••✦ 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬

Makki and y/n tried sitting next to each other in every class they had but the teacher would seperate them very soon after because they were constantly giggling over something

or snacking on something y/n made (imagine extreme loud paper bag rustling and crumbs everywhere)

Oikawa always urged y/n to become the volleyball club manager but gave up eventually when he realized her head was filled with nothing but recipes and questionable life choices (they're still very good friends and video call often to gossip)

y/n still doesn't know the rules of volleyball and has given up on learning them at this point (Iwa-chan hasn't given up teaching her yet whenever they meet up)

back in high school she didn't watch every volleyball game they had, only the important ones, and sometimes she and the cooking club would do a bake sale to raise money for charity or the next school trip

•┈••✦ 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬

Miya twins passing the shared brain cell back and forth between them

Atsumu came over anyway and now HE is target of the granny knitting club rip

the staff now also believes that Atsumu is a trained goldsmith who crafted the engagement ring after Osamu's exact vision

his ass got called out by Omi who joined an hour later

Osamu changed the password of the onigiri miya twitter account the same day and scheduled some media training for his team

y/n had a mini heart attack (she keeps a screenshot of the now deleted tweet)

•┈••✦ 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬

Osamu is lowkey scared of Akaashi

but he stepped up the moment he felt like his genuine feelings for y/n were being doubted 🗣️

Akaashi took a mental note of that (and a dozen screenshots)

this convo took part shortly after the gbbo special if it wasn't clear

y/n just passed out after inhaling the chocolate raspberry eclair Osamu got her that night, exhausted from filming and the anxiety

yes they cuddled

•┈••✦ 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬

replica y/n special guest appearance!!

she saw Osamu and soft launch y/n argue, thought she'd kiss both if given the chance and still thinks about them to this day

they were arguing which ramune flavor was the best (y/n says the original flavor, Osamu insists it's melon flavor)

✰ 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓:

@brithedemonspawn @gigiiiiislife @yuminako @notverymarley @krissiekris

@wyrcan @kentocalls @simp-simp-no-mi @uncovered-mad-man @honey-deku

@yukichan67 @dailyakira @nu-suave @zq13 @morgan-lowell

@ellouisa17 @toges-cough-syrup @lovingjeankirstein @itsdragonius @bakingcuriosity

@nekomasmngr @spacekedi @nymphsdomain @thatprettybunny @joseimukeaddict

@writing-for-the-hell-of-it @honeytwo @estreya05 @jisookdays @blueballslock

@lonelycrystal-star @weezerbby @iluv-ace

taglist open! fill out this form to be added (or removed, no hard feelings ♡)! minors DNI!

[jaiden-zhou]

(1) casual iso <3

contents: headcanons, reader is a uniqlo employee for plot purposes

not a writer but,, iso is so.. sigh, imagine this reserved uniqlo wearing hitman acting like an absolute puppy for you. yeah this is self indulgent and yeah maybe its based off of my experiences but hey, content.. its long.. i.. the things this man does to me

part 2, part 3

.

.

iso whose closet is practically all uniqlo apparel, from core basics to limited exclusive collabs, anything else is like expensive tech wear/street style clothes, he likes his quality

iso who always grabs heavy oolong milk tea with tapioca pearls, a classic predictable drink (his friends call him basic for it, but he doesn't mind), every afternoon he gets the chance to

iso who ends up being an employee there with how much he visits, the owners are a chinese elderly couple who like gossiping with him in mandarin (he has fun listening to their stories and such)

iso who likes having music playing of his own whether it be from his headphones or speakers, even at work his music is playing loud enough for only him to hear from his headset hanging around his neck

iso who works evening shifts part-time and gains a lot of eyes from admirers where he gets at least three numbers given to him a month like "you're really cute, text me <3 (XXX) XXX-XXXX"

iso who's never interested, none of them catch his eyes like how he catches theirs, and ends up tossing whatever number scribbled onto a receipt away

iso who goes to uniqlo on his day off for a collaboration launch consisting of outerwear jackets and trousers that match his style only to not find his size on the racks

iso who takes his time trying to comb through the racks, desperate to find it on his own and take it with him before giving up, pulling down his headphones, and reluctantly asking you

iso who, at a reasonable distance, looks over your shoulder as you look up the product listing with the desired size and color, hearing faint rap music playing through his headphones slung around his neck, finding that there should be three units left and listens in quietly when you radio your coworkers if there are any in the back before going to look for yourself

iso who waits patiently at the same spot for quite a while before you go jogging up to him with the jacket he has been wanting, the plastic and paper still wrapping it up signaling that it has been unprocessed and untouched

iso who still is patient with you with an expectant look, not the impatient kind, it's the anticipating excitement kind, as you're still a little out of breath from running around finding the item for him unwrapping and removing all the excess packaging and giving it to him with both hands, garbage tucked at your arm

iso who looks at your earnest expression, sweet eyes, and genuine smile and feels his breath hitch before taking the coat and doing a little head bow while muttering a quiet 'thanks'

iso who leaves an anonymous compliment to you, conveying his gratitude for going out of your way to find him a limited quantity jacket and sub-consciously thinks of your cute expression of when you gave it to him every time he throws it on

iso who was asked to pick up a morning shift, no one else could and so he decided to just wake up early enough and suck it up but boy does he not regret it

iso who opens up the shop for the first time ever and lo-and-behold, you waltz in as the first customer and immediately he recognizes you, and apparently so do the owners

iso who listens quietly as, whom he likes to call granny, greets you with a warm voice asking if you're ready to go to work

iso who once again patiently waits for you to walk up and order, finding out that you're also a regular here, always grabbing a drink before your long shift at the japanese clothing store he met you in

iso who's still a little quiet, shy even, when you greet him noting that you recognize him from a while ago, your friendly exterior giving him a fuzzy comforting feeling inside

iso who after making your drink, bids you goodbye and continues on (not before asking to switch to morning shifts.. for some reason hehe)

iso who starts seeing you most mornings before you work and then with some time, working up the courage (it was very hard, he was very nervous you just didn't see it) to ask you for your number, nothing romantic just being friendly, right?

iso who starts getting a little closer to you, learning what day and times you work, your hobbies, your favorite things, the music you listen to <3

iso who sometimes drops by your workplace to give you a drink or some food and simple yet subtly sweet encouragement that always seems to lift your spirits to push through the day

iso who even starts to see you near or at the end of your shift to take you home, you've worked long enough, and it's dark out.. :(

iso who likes to ensure your safety by accompanying you home, his friends like to say (tease) that it gives him an excuse to see you more. it's dangerous out at night, what are they talking about? nonsense. (denial is a river in egypt)

iso who as time goes by, slowly craves your presence a little more than he'd like to admit, you're always on his mind and he often flusters himself with his thoughts of you, his cheeks donning a light-pink blush. maybe his friends are onto something.. ugh

yeah i'm definitely writing more iso content hehe

------

"don't have to take me home every time, zhao yuuuu." you whined next to him. "i've done it before and i can do it again."

you only get a short scoff in return, iso's hands stuffed into the pockets of his jacket.

"it's dark, you're more at risk when you're alone." iso states matter-of-fact. his headphones at his neck with no music playing. "you know this too, so you shouldn't be complaining."

"yeah but," you pause for a moment. "i don't want you to have to make the trip each time to pick me up.."

iso takes in your dejected tone, his eyes soften.

"and i don't want you being in potential danger where i could've been there to deter it." iso chides softly. "please, for my peace of mind.."

"whatever you say," you comply, your shoulder bumping into him jokingly as you share a quiet laugh. "thanks, yu. it means a lot."

"always," he replies, a certain warmth sets in when he hears you say his nickname.

[imthepunchlord]

Turf

Read more here.

.

At times, Okarun has felt that his life has just gone bizarre.

Well, it truly has. 

Getting cursed by a yokai.

Getting confirmation about aliens. 

Discovering a super powerful girl who loves him just as much as he adores her?

It's wild.

But despite it all, one thing that has remained to be strange to him was Miss Ayase swooning every time she heard his name. And it was swooning not for him, but another man. An actor she adores, and Okarun doesn't quite know how to deal with it. 

There’s some odd glee to the effect his name can have on her, and then there’s the jealousy that it’s not him. 

A part of him wonders if she would one day swoon for him— 

His thoughts were lost as her fingers weaved through his hair, pulling at the strands and tickling his scalp. 

Okarun relaxed back, leaning into her touch and settling himself on her, her stomach acting as his pillow. Normally he'd be too flustered and self conscious to do so, but how can he help himself when her touch feels so good , and she smells delightful , and is so warm …

Miss Ayase shifted and shuffled, uttering nonsense with her mouth full of food, throwing a fist with her free hand about as she got into the movie. There was some sort of action sequence happening, but Okarun couldn’t bring himself to watch, just caught up in being surrounded by her and how comfy he was. 

And when her nails lightly scratched at his scalp, a hum rumbled out of him. Gosh, he was about ready to just fall asleep.

Until there was a prickle on his skin, unpleasant enough to jar him out of his comfort. His eyes snapped open, blazing red and alert. His nose twitched like he could smell the disturbance past Momo, which he couldn’t, being so close, everything about her was too strong. 

But he could feel it . 

And there was a rumble of ire for the audacity of its appearance. 

Quiet and fluidly, he withdrew from Momo, startling her. 

“Huh, what’s up, Okarun?” Momo asked, reaching for him as if she wanted to pull him back. 

As tempted as he was, and as much as he wanted to sink back down into her, the prickle on his skin was stronger, and the agitation running through his veins felt like a fire that called to go. Not turning to her to show off his eyes, he said as evenly as he could, “I just need to use the bathroom real quick, Momo-chan.” 

Caught up in these sensations, it didn’t click for Okarun that he wasn’t transformed yet, and had used her name as he was. 

He missed Momo’s gawk after him. 

No, he was more caught up in what was outside, lingering around the torii gate. He fully shifted then, his anger manifesting at the arrogant sight. He leapt forth, landing on top of the torii gate, startling the yokai below by the intense bloodlust coming from above. 

A six tailed fox looked up at him with sharp yellow eyes. 

“The hells are you?” the kitsune questioned, backing away slightly, not liking the haunting shine of the big round glasses locked on him, a head a big mass of flaming shadows. 

“The hells you doing here?” Okarun echoed back, his maw opening up with an angry hiss. 

The wary kitsune took a step back, a little unnerved. “There’s a delightful smell of peach around here, I wanted it.” Just the thought had the kitsune lick his lips. “Is that your peach? Think you can share? I’ll just take a little bite…” 

Okarun’s answer was to dive down, biting into one of the long, streaming tails. The kitsune shrieked in pain and an alarm, racing away, now five tails. The lost tail wiggled and squirmed in Okarun’s maw before it went limp. Spitting it out, Okarun raced after the fox, the hunt was on. 

Caught up in said hunt, he didn’t realize Momo had followed him outside, seeing him chase after a kitsune. 

“Okarun!” she cried out, but her call fell on deaf ears. She was about to go race after them when Turbo Granny grumbled behind her. 

“If he’s going to have some silly territory dispute, he can have the decency to kill that kitsune quietly !” 

Momo turned, seeing her grandmother come join her outside, Turbo Granny on her shoulder. 

“Territory dispute?” Momo asked. 

“Yokai like to claim territory,” Seiko revealed, “often it’s a place where what's important to them resides.” Seiko grimaced. “I wondered if he was going to try and make this his turf.” 

“Egotistical of him,” Turbo Granny spat, “clearly this is my turf as I’m the bigshot around here, and I actually live here!” 

“Okarun literally has all of your power right now,” Momo pointed out. 

“Shut up!” 

Seiko sighed. “I’ll put some wards up to discourage yokai visits. Last thing I want is to tempt Okarun to haunt our home trying to scare off yokai.”

“...He wouldn’t do that, would he?” Momo asked. 

“Of course he would!” Turbo Granny proclaimed. “He’s not a human right now, he’s a yokai. He’s been spilling his own ki around here, yucking it up, making him sensitive to what comes and goes!” 

Seiko confirmed, “If enough yokai come by, then yes, he will want to stay here all the time.” 

Well, that didn’t sound that bad to Momo. Technically Okarun would be one of their better housemates. And she wouldn’t mind spending more time with him… 

Seiko saw that thought process start to roll. 

“Absolutely not,” Seiko shot down. “That’s going to feed into the yokai nature, make him less human, and make it harder to turn him back. We need to put a stop to this now.”

Momo winced. Yeah, that wouldn’t be good. 

Sharply, Seiko yelled, “Four Eyes! You better not be dragging some dead kitsune’s tails into my home!” 

Momo looked, seeing Okarun pause near the torii gate, indeed having a few tails in his maw. He quickly dropped them at Seiko’s shout. 

Momo squinted at Okarun, confused on why he was bringing bits of yokai back. 

Turbo Granny scoffed. “He wanted to present his prize to you.” 

…Yeah, Momo didn’t need that. 

Okarun lumbered in, his red eyes gliding over all of them before settling on Momo. 

Only for Seiko’s sharp clearing of the throat to draw his gaze to her. “I’m going to start putting in a curfew for you, Four Eyes.” 

“What?!” Momo cried out in protest. 

“Bummer,” Okarun drawled, slouching in defeat. 

“I don’t need two teenagers spending most of the night together!” Seiko declared. 

“We’re just watching a movie together, you hag!” Momo snapped. 

“I saw you cuddling!” 

“We’re dating!” 

“Exactly my point! It can escalate!” 

“And this isn’t your territory to defend!” Turbo Granny shouted, not caring for the squabble between grandmother and granddaughter. 

“It kinda is my turf though, yo,” Okarun insisted, a dangerous edge in his voice as he settled a glare on Turbo Granny. 

“You don’t even live here, you brat!” 

“Well I was here before you,” Okarun replied. “I have a better claim here than you do.” 

Turbo Granny launched at Okarun, ready to claw at his face. As an agitated yokai, Okarun for once was ready to literally bite back. Seeing that he was about to bite Turbo Granny and uncertain if she’d be able to take it, Momo quickly grabbed them both and separated them. 

Okarun immediately went limp as Momo held him by the back of his shirt. 

Turbo Granny thrashed and spat in Momo’s hold. 

“Curfew starts tonight!” Seiko declared with firm authority. 

“But our movie!” Momo protested. 

“You can finish it without him! And you! You get yourself home, Four Eyes.” 

“Man,” Okarun sighed. 

“Hahaha!” Turbo Granny cackled, “Getting kicked out of your own territory, Brat? Told ya it was mine!” 

Okarun growled back at her, much to her smug glee. 

“Turbo Granny! This isn’t your turf either,” Seiko snapped, making a point to bring her bat down on the front porch, drawing both yokai eyes to her. “This is mine.” 

Neither yokai could deny that. Both, rather nervously, agreed to Seiko’s official claim. 

[slaymybreathaway]

WASTELAND, BABY! [chapter one]

Chapter List Prologue Masterlist

Word Count: 2.3k

Warnings: language, mentions of underage drinking and drug use

A/n: hopefully this isn't as shit as I think it is 😭

1st Sep 1994▪︎ King's Cross Station

___________________

Irish Slang Dictionary:

Eejit - idiot, fool

Nicked - stole, robbed

You 'right? - Are you alright?/ Are you ready to go?

To cop - to realise

-------------------

One of the best places in the world to people-watch is King's Cross Statiion on a weekday morning, because you're guaranteed to see something different each time.

For example, if someone were to take a look around the station at 10:45 this morning, they might see things like:

Two old men playing cards at one of the tables of Costa Coffee, a young busker performing a cover of Hotel California by The Eagles as people stop and throw their spare change into the empty guitar case infront of her, and two Irish teenagers, hurrying through the station, shouting at eachother.

"It's your bloody fault if train leaves without us!" Y/n accused, glaring over her shoulder at her brother.

"Eh, How is this my fault?!" Seamus asked. The boy was walking fast but struggling to keep up with his sister, as he had to push the luggage trolley that held both of their trunks.

This was the first year that the twins had to head off to school without their parents, since neither of them could get off work today and it seemed like everything that could've gone wrong, did.

"Seamus, you were the reason we had to go back to the house in the first place. What kind of eejit forgets their wand?" She rolls her eyes, quickening her pace even futher.

"An eejit who's sister nicked half his braincells in the womb," he replied under his breath as the pair finally arrived at the wall separating platform 9 and 10.

The twins stood infront of the wall and gave eachother a knowing look. They have gone forward and back through this passage nearly 20 times, but they still didn't trust that they wouldn't crash into hard bricks. "Rock, Paper, Scissors!" They both said in unison, turning towards eachother.

"Ugh fuck sake!" Seamus cried, after his rock lost to Y/n's paper. The boy took a deep breath, quickly blessed himself in the shape of the cross (a habit he had picked up from his muggle granny) and took a running start at the wall, pushing the luggage trolley infront of him.

Y/n watched as her brother disappeared just as he reached the brick wall and waited a few seconds. Then, she wiped her hands on the sides of her Levi's jeans and ran towards the wall, closing her eyes as she braced herself for the contact.

When she opened them again, she was met with the bustling crowd of platform 9¾. Some were parents, who stood waving to their kids as they boarded the Hogwarts Express. Others were students who ran straight to their friends that they haven't seen in three months, greeting them in a hug. She took in her surroundings for a moment before a voice brought her back to reality.

"You 'right?" Seamus asked, putting his hands on his hips impatiently. 'You were the one rushing, now you're not bloody moving at all' he thought.

"Yeah, let's go," y/n smiled, for the first time that day. As led the way to the train door, excitement took over her. She was finally going to see everyone she had been missing.

Y/n hopped in the train first, taking both of the trunks from her brother as he passed them up, along with the crate that held her cat, Lynott.

"See, I knew we wouldn't miss the train," Seamus smirked as he climbed into the train. He took great enjoyment in annoying his sister, it was what kept him from being bored all summer.

"Alright Zoltar, sure you did," Y/n rolled her eyes in response."You off to find Dean, then?"

"Yup, see you at dinner" Seamus bent down and picked up his trunk, before disappeared down the hallway of the train carriage.

Y/n stacked her cat crate on top of her trunk and carried them as she walked the opposite way down the train. After no sight of her friends what-so-ever for good ten minutes, her arms were starting to get numb. It felt like they were going to fall of if she didn't put her things down quickly.

The girl looked into the compartment on her left and saw a tall boy wearing a patterned sweater, putting his luggage onto the overhead shelves. He was listening to a walkman that was clipped into the waistband of his dark denim jeans. His dark, overgrowd hair covered the side of his face, so she couldn't tell who it was.

Y/n put down her trunk onto the seat opposite the boy. "Hey would you mind if I put left these here while I find my friends? They're way too heavy to carry," she admitted.

It was only when the boy turned around, did she realise who she was talking to.

"Neville!" The girl's eyes lit up at the sight of her friend and she jumped at him, wrapping her arms around his neck in a hug.

As soon as Neville had heard the soft Irish accent of the girl he hadn't stopped thinking about, he turned around. What he wasn't expecting was for her to come flying towards him at top speeds.

"Woah," he stumbled backwards, he placed his hands on Y/n's waist to stabalise himself. His face burned red at the proximity and he akwardly wrapped his arms around her. The pair stood like that for a few seconds until Y/n pulled away.

"How was- you alright? You're a bit red," She asked, her hands still resting on his shoulders.

Neville nodded and cleared his throat before speaking. "Y-yeah, 'M fine,"

Y/n shrugged off his odd behaviour. She turned away to close the compartment door, trying to block out the sound of hundreds of conversations, before sitting down on the seat opposite Neville.

"To be honest, I didn't even cop that it was you for a minute," she admitted, opening Lynott's crate. "You look different... in a good way, like. You're taller than me now and your hair-"

"No, don't remind me about the hair," Neville interrupted, putting both hands ontop of his head to cover is hair. "I hate it,"

Y/n let out a laugh. "Well I don't. It makes you look like a rockstar,"

The boy smiled widely at the compliment, but y/n was too busy watching as her black-haired cat stretched on the chair beside her.

Her mother had bought the pet for her as a present at the start of first year (she didn't trust that Seamus would be able keep an animal alive so she bought him a new broomstick, instead). Y/n had named him Lynott after Phil Lynott, the front man of the Irish rock band 'Thin Lizzy'.

"Aw, I missed him," Neville admitted. He leaned forward in his chair to scratch behind the cat behind his ears. The feline closed his eyes and purred in comfort before hopping off the chair. The animal climbed onto Neville's lap and curled up into a ball. This was odd, seen as Lynott usually refused to leave Y/n's side.

"Looks like he missed you too," she smiled before admitting "We both did,"

Neville shyly smiled. His mind flooding with thoughts.

'She missed me.

She was thinking of me during the summer.

Obviously not as much as I thought of her, but still.

She missed me.'

○

A half an hour after the train departed, the door of Y/n and Neville's compartment was flung open by two tall, redheaded boys.

"Just the two people we were looking for!" Fred exclaimed walking in like the owned the place, before sitting down beside Y/n "Alright Finnegan," he asked, slinging an arm over the girl's shoulder.

The action wasn't unusual. Y/n spends a few weeks visiting Ginny at the Burrow every summer break, and during that time she had become very close friends with all of her brothers.

"Alright, Freddie. Heya Georgie," she greeted both of the boys.

"Alright Lucky," George responded with a cheeky smile. He had been calling her that nickname ever since they had met, in reference to 'the luck of the Irish'. He knew that it annoyed her too, which is why he says it all the time.

"I told you to stop calling me that," y/n rolled her eyes with a smile. "What're you guys doing here, causing trouble I assume?"

"Just sorting party stuff. Are you still good to DJ, y/n?" George asked, crossing his arms as he leaned against the doorframe.

"Of course!" The girl replied, buzzzing with excitement.

The Hogwarts parties were a thing of legend. There were 2 big parties a year: Halloween night and the last night before everyone went home for summer. These parties were held in the Room of Requirement, and only 3rd years and above were invited.

Everyone that attended these parties, partied hard. Firewhiskey, sound system, strobe lights, the lot! Since most of the professors attended these parties when they were students, they turned a blind eye.

Smaller parties were thrown in the winning team's common room after a quiddich match. Students of all ages in that house could attend these parties because they were usually more tame.

For the bigger parties, the resident DJ was Dodgy Dan. Dan was a muggleborn Hufflepuff from Belfast who always worked at a record shop during his summer break, so he was always the first one to get his hands on the new muggle dance lps. The guy was a brilliant DJ, he always seemed to know exactly which tracks to fade into eachother, the problem was that he had a habit of not turning up (pronably due to the fact that he was always stoned). This is where he got the his nickname.

Last June, Dodgy Dan passed his N.E.W.T.S, after his second attempt, so the Weasley twins took it upon theirselves to find a suitable replacement for him over the summer. When they went to the Quiddich World Cup final a few weeks ago and heard the tunes blaring out of the Finnegan family's tent, they knew they had hit the jackpot.

"I have big shoes to fill," y/n let out a nervous chuckle. She had only been attending the parties since last year, so she still wasn't exactly sure how they worked.

Almost as if he sensed her worry, Fred pulled her in close to him. "Listen y/n/n, you're gonna be fine. As long as you turn up, you'll already be doing loads better than Dan,"

George glanced over at Neville, as he hadn't heard him speak the whole time that they were there, and saw him staring at Fred's hand placement around y/n's shoulders. 'Didn't know Longbottom liked Irish girls' he chuckled at the thought and made a mental note to tell Fred later.

"Speaking of Dan," Fred's head perked up, with a smile. "Since he's gone, we need to find a new way to access plants,"

"Which brings us to you," George crossed his arms with a smile. Both of the twins turned their attention towards Neville.

"M-me?" His gaze flitting between Fred and George, nervously. "What do you need me for?"

"Well, you're one of the only students that has a copy of the key to the greenhouses," George pointed out.

It was then that y/n realised what they meant by plants. "Lads, I really don't think that he's the right person to-"

"Well, the only plants I can get for you are the left over mandrakes from when that baskilisk was petrifiying people. Anything else and Professor Sprout will notice that it's missing," Neville explained, confused in their sudden interest in Herbology.

The twins looked at eachother in disappointment and were about to politely decline until he added. "Oh but make sure not to eat the root. It's a hallucinogenic,"

Y/n watched as Fred and George's faces lit up. "Yeah, of course not," Fred started, a grin etching itself onto his face.

"Wouldn't want any hallucinations now, would we?" George continued, patting Neville's shoulder with his hand.

A voice came from the outside of the compartment. "I wait in hope for the day that you two get your own friends and stop stealing mine," Ginny spoke, crossing her arms. "What are you doing here?"

"We, my dear sister, were just leaving," Fred responded, jumping up from where he was sitting and stuck his tongue out at Ginny, before exiting the compartment.

"See ya later," George smirked before following down the hallway.

Y/n hopped up and gave Ginny a hug, despite only seeing her a few weeks ago.

"We were wondering when you'd come to find us," she joked.

"Well, we were looking everywhere for you two," Ginny replied, pointing between herself and Luna, who seemed to have just materialised beside her.

"Heya Lu," y/n smiled, giving the blonde girl a hug.

"Hello y/n/n. Hello Neville," she said, looking over y/n's shoulder at the boy who was still sitting down, black cat still asleep on his lap. "Hello Lynott," Luna added, treating the animal as she would any human.

"I would hug you guys but I don't want to wake this guy up," Neville let out a light chuckle.

"It's alright, Nev. We still love ya," Ginny joked, ruffling the boy's hair before sitting down beside y/n, just as her brother had done a few minutes prior.

Neville, Luna and Ginny each talked about what they did over the summer break, but Y/n's mind was elsewhere.

She watched Neville, how his green eyes creased whenever his rosebud lips parted to reveal a cute, toothy smile. How his right hand carefully ran over the fur on Lynott's head, while the left one pushed stray hairs out of his eyes.

There was something different about him this year, and it wasn't just his height and his hair.

Next Chapter

Taglist [comment to be added]: @divinestarling @bookhoe33 @whotfskai @pursuedbyamemoryy @zippyskitty @gia999 @warrensluvr @h3ll0k1ttyl0v3r

[rnakamura22]

First Years X Reader (MC, Yuu, Prefect) in a  Polyamorous  Relationship When you try to go back to your own world

Prefect is female! Yandere!!

Even though you happily enjoyed the relationship with the first years as boyfriend and girlfriend, you still missed your own world. Who wouldn’t be, with the state you were in as having no money or a decent guardian who would protect you. (I’m looking at you headmaster) So, in secret to your boyfriends, you started to look for a way back home by yourself.  Little did you know, your five boyfriends already found it out.

And boy, you better be good at running away and hiding your true intentions, because they are all PISSED in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, no exceptions.

At the same time, they felt betrayed. You accepted all of their feelings. They treated you like a princess. You are their princess, their treasure, their Alice, their Snow White, their Sleeping Beauty.  But you’re planning to throw it all away? NUH-UH. NOT HAPPENING.  It’s time you saw a little bit of the truth because even though you don’t think about it often, you went to a school of VILLANS. Not to mention you’re dating five of them.　If you wanted a VILLAN side of themselves, well get ready because they are showing you a TRUE happy ending made by five VILLANS.　

It was after class, where you went to the library once more to look for the book you found a few days ago keeping it a secret from Grim because you might never know when he would spill the beans.  The book was old, and dusty, yet it wrote about your country, your home country. In an instant, you flipped the pages, wanting to know more. And to your delight, there it was. The way back home. 　At the stroke of midnight on a full moon day, if you truly wished for a way, the biggest mirror in the far corner of the academy, it would take you where you want to go.

The far corner must mean the Ramshackle Dorm, since it was at the very edge of NRC. Come to think of it, there was a big mirror in the east room of the second floor, which you avoided because it seemed so eerie. The full moon was to come in 13 days, but you anticipated the day, preparing for the day when you could get home, meet your friends and family.　But this marked the start of your boyfriends acting well... peculiar. 

On the first and second day, all of them, especially Ace and Deuce followed you everywhere. Literally everywhere, and there was not a moment when their hands (pr tail) would be wrapped somewhere around your body, so “you wouldn’t get lost”. (Yeah, right) Third and fourth day?  Sleepovers and intimate sessions were squeezed into your schedule, and you caught them almost sneaking into the second floor. (Please ignore the magical pens and the brass knuckles) (Epel and Deuce averting your gaze) But from your overly freaked out attitude, it seems like they hit a jackpot. That mirror is the key to go back to your world. Well, after the little fiasco, please expect lots and lots of biting, hickeys, and marks on your nape. 

As the days went on, all of your boyfriends said things that stated that you have a future with them in Twisted Wonderland. “You’ll watch me become a police officer, you said so in the star gaze event, right Yu?” 

“Let’s go to my family’s farm again next holiday, OK? Granny loves you and I’m sure she will understand our relationship.” 

“Human!! Which color do you like? Emerald Green or Gold? No reason, but we need to consult which color looks best on you for our plans together!!!” 

“I’ll always look after you perfect, since we met together on our first day, I love you and you’re ours. Mine. Forever.”

“...If it’s not much, do you want to go to the land of pyroxene this summer? My little brother and sister will definitely like you; I know it. Especially mom.” 

Plus, they all had an unnerving look in their eyes. It scared you even more. 

“Why do you want to go back? Aren’t we enough for you?”

“One little Human won’t be a bother for us to help you through and through.”

“We love you, we’ll always support you. You won’t let us go, right?”

“Didn’t you promise me to look at me becoming a policeman? Was that a lie?”

“We don’t want to let you go...please make the right decision.”

It was driving you insane.  But your decision was made up. On the thirteenth night, Grim was sound asleep since you fed him a lot.  

You stood in the front of mirror, the big clock ticking and ticking as the time went on. It was 5 seconds until the midnight. The second the clock hit midnight, the mirror started to glow. You wished out aloud. “ I wish... that I could go back home!” The mirror started to glow brighter and brighter. Just then. “AS IF.” five voices echoed through the room as with the sound of a huge explosion, the mirror shattered into bits. 

There stood your five boyfriends, all carrying their magical pens in their hands. And the look on their faces? Talk about TERRIFYING in all capital letters.  they truly had face of villains. 

“No...no...why....why...” you wailed as you lost your will to stand up and slumped to the ground. 

“Why? What do you think? We only wanted you to not let us go, and what did you do? WHAT DID YOU DO!” Deuce with tears in his eyes, yelled.

“OI, Deuce! Stop yelling! Your attitude will make Yu terrified more than she already is!” Ace tried to calm him down as he knelt down and hugged you and patted you on your back, a dangerous grin on his face.  Deuce followed him, with an identical grin. “You’re so innocent and cute, prefect. Did you really think we would let you go?” Ace said in a nonchalant voice.  

“There, there, Yu. Everything will be alright. You can forget about everything, ... no, you WILL forget everything that happened here and about your world. We’ll all have our happily ever after.” Epel in a sickeningly sweet voice whispered in your ear and kissed you, tongue entering your mouth lightly.

“I know it seems a little shocking and we had to go rough...but please. We all love you and want you to stay.” Jack in a sincere voice said as he also hugged you and wrapped his tail around you, whether or not to comfort you or stop you from going anywhere else.

“This is for your own good, human. You betrayed all five of us. We will forgive, but we do NOT forget. EVER.”

Sebek in his most stern voice scolded you while hugging you too. 

You were mortified and terrified. Was this all your fault? These five men who loved you so much that it drove them insane. Maybe you WERE the reason that drove them mad. Maybe living with them isn’t such a bad idea. After all, they loved you so much.  Unknown to you, Epel had a special sleeping potion mixed, a potion that erases the memory of the past week. As you began to feel drowsiness, you faintly looked at your boyfriends, who were all GRINNING, an evil sadistic grin, fit for a villain. 

“We love you... don’t let us go,... if you do, we will take you back, natural right?”

[overlordofthelollipopguild]

Taking That Second Chance: Chapter 6 -- a Once Upon a Time, Captain Swan fanfiction

Start here on FF.net and here on A03.

Chapter 6 is here and here.

TRIGGER WARNING: A very tiny brief one sentence mention of planned suicide. 

Chapter 6

Kindness can transform someone’s dark moment with a blaze of light. You’ll never know how much your caring matters. –— Amy Leigh

Though irritated and a bit dejected from Rumplestiltskin’s refusal to help, David was somewhat reassured by the knowledge that Emma had magic. It made sense Emma had magic considering she was the Savior. 

When he entered Granny’s Diner, ignoring the hungover Jefferson, he caught Ruby’s eye. Ruby nodded towards the back, indicating that the others were waiting. David walked through the hallway that connected the diner and the inn. Entering the sitting room, he found Blue with a few of her fairies, the dwarves, Granny, Marco, Ella, Thomas, Thomas’ father Edward, Abigail, and Frederick. 

It was good to see so many familiar faces in one space, especially since they hadn’t caught up all that much since the curse broke a week ago. Gods, had it only been a week? So much happened since then that it felt like an eternity. 

Ruby appeared behind him. “I think we’re ready.” She moved behind the armchair occupied by Granny. 

David nodded and looked to the others. “I have good news and bad news.”

Everyone braced themselves, knowing David wouldn’t have gathered them unless the bad news was really bad news. 

David decided that it was better to start with the good news and give them some hope. “Good news, Emma and Snow are on their way home.” David began. “They found allies in the Enchanted Forest and are getting a portal back here.” 

Tension eased in the room as the dwarves cheered and everyone smiled in relief. It was better than good to hear that the Savior and Snow White would return, especially with many still struggling in the aftermath of the broken curse. There were still so many matters at hand. 

“That’s wonderful news, David.” Ella said, happy to hear that one of her closest friends would soon be home. Snow and Emma did so much for her in the past; she owed them everything. 

David hated to ruin the joy felt in that moment, but there was still the news of Cora. Everyone needed to be prepared. 

Abigail noticed David’s expression growing grim. “What’s the bad news, David?” Abigail felt any levity was out the window once David told them. It surely had to be dire. 

He took a breath, steadying himself to share the information. Not many of them knew much about Regina’s mother, but Snow said Cora was the only person she’d ever seen Regina scared of, which counted for something. “A powerful sorceress named Cora is trying to come to Storybrooke. She’s Regina’s mother.”

“Regina has a mother?” Thomas asked, flabbergasted. With how evil Regina was, it was easy to forget that she didn’t spring up out of some dark abyss throwing fireballs and terrorizing everyone. 

“I thought Cora was dead.” Granny grunted. “No one heard from her since the Evil Queen wed Snow’s poor father.” What Granny did know from what little she gathered from Snow over the years was that Cora was bad news.

“Apparently, she’s alive.” David said. “Snow said she’s the only person Regina’s ever feared. Worse, Cora wants to have a family reunion. If she and Regina work together, then it’s possible that we’re in for a war.”

“We’re doomed then.” Doc grumbled. “They both have magic. What have we got?” He shook his head dejected. “We still haven’t found any fairy dust.” 

“Then we’ll try harder.” Leroy was emphatic. “We’ll keep digging and find the dust. Once the fairies have their magic back, then we can face off against Regina and Cora.” 

It was then that Jefferson stumbled in, his face drawn in wide-eyed terror. “I didn’t just hear that, did I? Cora? Cora is here?” No, no, no. Not her too. 

“No, she’s not.” David said. “Not yet, anyway. How do you know Cora?” Had Jefferson dealt with her in the past like he’d had with Regina and Rumplestiltskin?

Jefferson swallowed as he remembered the torment Cora inflicted. “Regina banished Cora to Wonderland years before the curse. Not long before the curse, Regina trapped me in Wonderland and Cora took my head off, literally. She was known as the Queen of Hearts there and her reign of terror was just as infamous as Regina’s was in our land.” 

“Fantastic.” Ruby growled. “So Cora’s just as bad, and if she does get Regina on her side, we’re screwed.”

Seeing how defeated everyone looked already, David couldn’t not give them something to hold onto. “Maybe not. There’s someone else who can fight them.”

“The Dark One?” Edward scoffed. “He’s unlikely to help us.”

“I’ve already spoken with him.” David told them. “You’re right. He won’t help us, but he says he won’t help Cora either. They have a history.”

“He has a history with everyone.” Ella wasn’t keen on conversations regarding the man, who tore her family apart for so long and continued doing so during the curse. 

“Can we trust the word of the Dark One?” Frederick asked. “He has a tendency towards trickery.” 

“I don’t know.” David admitted, though his instincts were telling him that Rumplestiltskin meant what he said. “We have to hope that he won’t.”

“David, if Gold won’t help us,” Ruby started, her brows furrowing. “Then who were you talking about?”

It was Jefferson, who answered, surprising even David. “Emma. He means Emma.”

“Emma has magic?” Ella asked. “Since when?”

“As a product of True Love, she was born with it.” Jefferson spoke, pretty much speaking the very words Rumplestiltskin told David. 

“How do you know all this?” David asked, still relatively suspicious of the man who’d once been an ally of both Regina and the Dark One. 

“You’d be surprised at what I know.” Jefferson said. “You think the changes before the curse happened because she’s the Savior?” Jefferson shook her head. “True she was the one meant to break the curse, but the curse weakening didn’t just have to do with Emma being the Savior. She’s always had magic here.”

“But this is the Land Without Magic,” Blue spoke up. “It’s impossible for her to have had magic here before the Dark One brought it.”

Jefferson arched a brow. “I’ve been observing everyone under this curse for decades, especially Emma when she arrived. She’s had magic, all right, she just didn’t know it.” He leaned against the fireplace. “Have you ever dealt with someone born of True Love before?”

“No.” Blue admitted. “It’s extremely rare for True Love to exist.” 

“Then how do you know what someone like Emma is capable of?” Jefferson’s point was a good one. How many people out there knew anything about the inner workings of True Love magic, let alone what abilities were gifted to children born of such unions?

“So what if the Savior has magic?” Edward huffed. “Is she trained? Could she defeat Regina and Cora?”

“No, she’s not trained.” David said. “But Rumplestiltskin said that he believes Emma has the potential to be more powerful than both Regina and Cora.” He wasn’t exactly sure what that would mean for Emma, especially since all magic had a price, but he hoped that her magic being born from love meant it was different from the other forms of magic they’d all been exposed to over the years. 

“I don’t know how much help we can be.” Blue said. “Fairy magic and sorcery are different, but we can try and help Emma learn.” 

“Well, then you better find a way to kill Cora too.” Jefferson said. “Her heart’s gone. Rumor is she took it out herself years ago and no one knows where it is.” 

Blue simply nodded in acknowledgment of his statement. 

Leroy stepped forward. “Even if Emma has magic, it won’t hurt to have more at our disposal. We’ll redouble our efforts in the mines.”

“Thanks, Leroy.” David said. 

“Come on, men.” Leroy commanded and the dwarves followed his lead. 

When they were gone, David turned to the others. “Look, I know that this isn’t the best news, but there isn’t a guarantee that Cora will come here. Emma and Snow are trying to get a portal before Cora does.” He hoped they would succeed. “But, Cora’s cunning. We need to prepare for the worst case scenario. We need to gather our allies and soldiers and prepare to fight.” He looked hard at everyone as he spoke. “I know that this isn’t our old home, but Storybrooke is home now and we need to defend it. We need all the help we can get.” 

The others nodded in agreement, but Abigail was the one who stated it out loud. “You have our support, David. We’ll let our warriors know, but if people find out that the Evil Queen’s mother might be coming to town, there will be panic.”

David knew she was right, but they couldn’t leave the entire town in the dark. “If Cora comes over and people don’t know, then they’re in danger. We have to let people know, so they can better defend themselves. There isn't a need to panic yet. This is all just preparations for a worst case scenario that might not happen. I have faith that Emma and Snow can prevent Cora from coming over."

Knowing he had a good point, Abigail conceded. “We’ll tell who we can.” 

It wasn’t long after that, after talking about allies they could clue in, the meeting broke up and only Granny and Ruby were left. 

David sighed heavily as he sat down on the now vacated couch. “That went better than I expected.” 

“You’re little speech at the end there helped.” Ruby commented. “Do you think Snow and Emma will be able to stop Cora?”

“I hope so.” David sighed. “They’re both crafty and resourceful. Since Emma doesn’t know she has magic, that’ll have to be enough.”

*****************************

Henry reluctantly passed the storybook to Grace at the lunch table. Stop it. She just wants to find her dad. Still, he couldn’t help but feel protective, or well possessive, of his book. The book changed everything for him for the better. It pushed him to find his real mom and fight back against the curse. It helped reunite his family. To anyone else, it was just a book, but for Henry it represented so much more. 

As for Grace, she took care to open the book. Henry always had it with him, so she knew it was important to him. The last thing she wanted to do was damage it. “There’s no table of contents.” She said after finding the stories right after the title page. 

“I think his story is on page one hundred and…twenty something.” Henry couldn’t quite remember the number, but he read the book so much, he was sure it was about there in the book. 

Grace carefully thumbed through the pages, easily distracted by the artwork, wanting to read to sate her own curiosity. No, you have to find Papa. Focus.

Liam wondered if his own father was somewhere in there, but so far he hadn’t had any luck and Henry didn’t really remember Brennan’s name. He decided to take his mind off of his father before he got too upset. “Hey Henry, is that Cora lady really worse than Regina?” 

Henry winced. “In the book, she ripped out Regina’s boyfriend's heart and crushed it right in front of her.” He always felt sad reading that story, especially as that event was what set Regina down her path of darkness. 

“Ouch.” Liam grimaced. “Sounds like one evil lady.” It was no wonder Regina also turned out to be evil. Her mother must’ve had quite the impact on her even before murdering her boyfriend. 

“Yeah, I don’t think it’ll be a very good family reunion.” Henry said. He wasn’t sure how Regina would respond to Cora’s presence, but since Cora essentially was Regina’s start of darkness, Cora could very well keep Regina on that path. Henry wasn’t sure if he wanted Regina to be good; he knew he didn’t want her to be evil, especially because it would put other people he loved in harms way, but Regina hadn’t treated him well in the past few years. When he was younger there were really good memories; even though everyone else never aged under the curse, the days and seasons changed. That allowed Regina to have lasagna nights with him, birthdays celebrated with friends who never grew up with him, being spoiled at Christmas, having a different story every night. 

But there was still the bad. The confusion of growing up and leaving friends behind; friends who never remembered him. The neglect as he got older and more able to care for himself, allowing Regina to have more time with Sheriff Graham or doing who knows what else. All of the fights they got into where Henry knew that something was wrong and Regina didn’t want to hear it, forcing him into therapy so she didn’t have to deal with him. There was also her actions in keeping his grandparents separated, killing Sheriff Graham, trying to kill his mom, and ruining everyone’s lives.

“Hey, Henry, are you okay?” Liam asked after a while. 

Henry blinked, coming back to himself as he looked at his friends’ concerned faces. “Sorry, what?”

“You completely zoned out.” Grace said. “Are you thinking about your mom and grandma?”

“Yeah, they’ll be home soon.” Liam added. “You must be excited about that.”

“I am.” Henry smiled, but then it faltered. “I’m glad Mom and Grandma are coming home. But I was thinking about Regina. I don’t know what she’ll do if Cora gets here.”

“Won’t she join her mom?” Liam figured that was obviously the choice for the Evil Queen. 

“I don’t know.” Henry shrugged. “She wasn’t the best mom, but when I was younger she wasn’t so bad.”

Grace could understand his conflicted feelings. Though her cursed parents were good parents, she wanted her papa back. At the same time, she felt guilty. Her cursed parents were their neighbors in the Enchanted Forest. Grace owed them so much and they told her that she was welcome to stay with them as their daughter after the curse broke. But she couldn’t stay without knowing where her papa was and if he wanted her back. Of course, it was a bit more complicated for Henry with Regina being the Evil Queen. He was a good kid and he loved Emma and his grandparents so much. But Regina still raised him. “I get it.” Grace said. “I mean my cursed parents aren’t evil, but I feel guilty for wanting my papa when they’ve done so much to take care of me.”

“Yeah.” Henry sighed. “I know she’s done so many bad things to so many people, including me, but she’s still my mom.”

Liam put a comforting arm around Henry. “It’s okay to feel like she’s still your mom, but you shouldn’t feel guilty. Regina made and will make her choices. You’re a kid, what can you do about it?” 

He supposed Liam had a good point. 

“Don’t tell David I said that.” Liam said. “Then he’ll never let us do anything.”

That got a chuckle out of Henry.

Grace’s brows furrowed. “Hey Henry, are you sure you know where Papa’s story is? I went through page one hundred to one fifty and it’s not there.”

With how often Henry read the book, he knew that couldn’t be right. “I’ve read the book so much, I know it should be around there.” Henry pulled the book towards himself to look. As he flipped through, he realized something odd. 

There were stories he’d never seen before. How did that happen? The book hadn’t left his possession since they got it back from August, and he and Liam were looking at it just last night. “That’s not possible.” Henry shook his head. “We looked last night, but now…there are new pages.”

“New pages?” Liam asked. 

“So it added to itself?” Grace shrugged. “Isn’t it a magic book or something?” 

“I don’t know about that.” Henry flipped back to the front of the book. “Before the curse broke, a guy named August added Pinocchio’s story by hand. He had my book for weeks. If the book could just add to itslef, then why would August have to go through all that trouble?”

“Maybe he doesn’t know how the book works?” Grace suggested. 

“He knows more about it than I do.” At least Henry was pretty sure August knew enough about the book. “Maybe he knows how this happened?”

“Well, let’s go find him.” Liam said. 

“I don’t know where he is.” Henry told them. “He’s Pinocchio. When the curse started weakening, he started turning back into wood.” 

Grace and Liam shared disturbed looks. 

“So he’s like a living puppet?” Liam asked. “That’s creepy.”

“If he knows more about the book, then we should find him.” Grace said. 

Henry wondered if that was a good idea. He didn’t know August all that well; the guy wasn’t likely to hurt them, but after reading his story and learning August abandoned Emma when she was a baby, Henry felt sour towards the guy. It wasn’t really August’s fault since he was a kid, younger than Henry at the time, but still, his mom grew up with no one in part because of August. He never even checked up on her to see if she was all right. “Maybe later. Let’s just try and find your dads first. Besides, I want to have a chance to read these new stories. Maybe that will be a clue for us or August.”

Liam and Grace agreed and Henry began looking for Jefferson’s story once more. 

*****************************

While the news that Cora was alive and well with the intention of coming over here wasn’t good news, Rumplestiltskin knew he could get Cora to leave him alone. She was clever, which meant she wasn’t stupid or foolish enough to cross him. He’d have to put Belle under his protection as well despite the fact that she was angry at him right now.

It was all that damn shepherd’s fault. If he hadn’t shown up while Belle had been here, then she wouldn’t be any the wiser to Rumple’s refusal to help the heroes. He wasn’t going to unnecessarily put himself in her crosshairs, least of all for people he couldn’t care less about. Belle would come around; she always did. 

Hopefully, the Savior would stop Cora. Should she come over, that would throw a wrench into Rumplestiltskin’s plans to find his son as he’d have to ensure the safety of the dagger. He didn’t know for sure if the dagger could cross into the Land Without Magic, or how it would react. It was better to leave it here. At least, Cora didn’t know all of his tricks, she just thought that she did. As if the Dark One would teach one lone apprentice everything he knew about magic. It always paid to have cards up his sleeves. 

Now, if only the Savior would get back here. While he hadn’t perfected the potion to retain his memories when crossing the town line, Rumplestiltskin knew he was making progress. He hoped to be reunited with Baelfire soon enough, but he couldn’t go anywhere without her and her knowledge and skills, unfortunately. Though if she was contending with Cora, Rumplestiltskin didn’t have much faith in her magical abilities. While Miss Swan was determined and had so much untapped magical potential, Cora was older, wiser, cleverer, and had much more experience in magical matters. 

Not to mention, Miss Swan inherited her father’s tact. That certainly wouldn’t help her in any situation, let alone one where Cora was the villain. Snow White wouldn’t be much help either. She never faced off with Cora, only Regina, and Regina was too impatient and too…emotional. Cora was more clinical and tended to lie in wait like a predator ready to pounce on her prey. Should it come down to it, Regina versus Cora, or Emma versus Cora, Cora would win. 

If Miss Swan could just prevent Cora from crossing realms, that would be enough. Then he could focus on Baelfire. Though he wondered what his son would say, how he would react to seeing his father again. They hadn’t parted on the best of terms and Baelfire would be a man now. He probably lived his own life. Did he have a wife and children? A family to call his own? Was he successful? Did he have a job he loved? Had he lived a good life?

If Baelfire was satisfied with his life, Rumplestiltskin doubted Baelfire would return to Storybrooke with him. Even if he begged for Bae’s forgiveness, even if he got it, there was no guarantee that Bae wanted anything to do with him. Especially if Bae had his own family to think about.

No, he couldn’t think like that. He hoped Baelfire was finally ready to forgive him. They could move on and rebuild the closeness they once had when Bae was a child. It couldn’t be too late to make up for his past transgressions; he wouldn’t allow it to be too late. Baelfire would forgive him and they’d be father and son again.  

As for Belle, he’d have to make up with her somehow. A day or two and she’d cool off, then he could go back to charming her and reassuring her that he was a man worthy of her. He just had to convince her that having magic and using it was necessary. He’d make her see his way of things; it would just take some time and patience on his part. 

Time and patience were two things he had for the moment. 

*****************************

The cemetery was empty as Whale stalked through the dewy grass towards the Mills Mausoleum. Rain moved in during the mid-morning, leaving behind moist air and wet earth. No one would be out and about at this time, especially on a week day when school was back to normal and people were returning to work. 

Hopefully that meant there wouldn’t be a witness to his actions. The last thing he needed was the nosy sheriff or the Evil Queen on his trail. 

He reached the mausoleum doors. They were unlocked, likely Regina believed people would be too scared to come near it or that people wouldn’t figure out her vault was here. Lucky for him, her arrogance made this so much easier. 

It was dark inside. The tomb was placed in the center of the small room. Jefferson said the vault was underneath. Did the tomb act as a door? 

Whale bent down, feeling along the bottom of the stone. A slight breeze broke through. So there was something down there after all. He’d thank Jefferson later. Standing up, Whale braced his body against the tomb and pushed with his entire body. It gave way easier than he thought. He assumed Regina used magic to enter somehow, but he supposed under the curse, she would’ve have to open it manually and made it easier on herself by either making the tomb lighter or making the mechanisms underneath bear all the weight. 

Interesting. He didn’t have time to further analyze it. The sooner he got what he wanted, the sooner he could return home. He also needed to hurry in case Regina decided a trip to her vault was necessary. 

Once the tomb was out of his way, Whale stared down the stairs. No turning back now. He descended into the vault, relieved to find it empty when he reached the bottom. He looked around, mostly seeing crates, baskets, and trunks. There was no way he could search everything without it being obvious someone had been here. Time was of the essence. If there was a way to create a portal, surely it was important enough for Regina to lock away somewhere. Ignoring the crates, Whale went for the trunks. He opened one a crack only to hear hissing inside. Quickly, he dropped the lid. No way was he chancing death by snake. He search a few of the other trunks carefully, not knowing what other manner of creatures Regina brought over. 

He found drawers and cabinets along some of the wall, and nothing jumped out at him. 

Perhaps what he was searching for was further along? Cautiously, Whale moved deeper into the vault. 

It was the bit of light that caught his eyes first. Behind tied back curtains, there was a source of light highlighting gold boxes. Whale walked into the room for a closer inspection. These weren’t boxes. They were drawers. Curious, yet wary, Whale stepped back and carefully opened one drawer. A glowing red, beating heart stared up at him. 

Whale grimaced. As he looked at the heart, he wondered if it could be useful to him somehow. It wouldn’t hurt to take one. Well, it wouldn’t hurt him at least. He slowly, gently took the heart out and slipped it into the satchel he brought. 

With the heart secured, he closed the drawer. 

Now, where else could he look? 

Knowing that he needed to get out of here, Whale picked up the pace. There were more little rooms and alcoves in this vault than he anticipated. Checking one after the other, he turned up empty every time. Frustration built inside of him. Nothing he’d come across so far seemed to be able to create a portal. True, he wasn’t well-versed enough in magic or magical items, so it was very possible that some items could create portals. However, his own deductions made him confident that he hadn’t seen anything useful. 

As his frustration peaked, he reached a set of closed double doors. Well, it couldn’t hurt to check here too. He pushed them open with ease. Inside the room was a glass coffin with a body of a man laying peacefully as though he were just asleep. 

Whale entered. He recognized the body. Memories of his trickery, aided by Rumplestiltskin and Jefferson, came to him. Now this, he could work with; he had a heart and now the one person Regina ever loved. Using Daniel against Regina to get her to help him was his only option. 

Whale smirked, satisfied that his plan would work. “Hello, Daniel. It’s good to see you again.”

*****************************

They were nearly to the Safe Haven when Emma realized it wasn’t a good idea for her to have the ashes, the bean, and the compass all on her person. If Cora figured her to be the leader, then she might suspect that Emma had the items on her. Cora would suspect her or Snow to have them. Emma didn’t trust Mulan or Aurora, not these past versions of them, and she still didn’t know Marian well. 

Her eyes glanced at Hook. Hook wasn’t a candidate for trust. Cora likely didn’t share her plans fully with him, and she would assume Emma wasn’t one to trust anyone other than Snow. 

Chewing her lip, Emma still felt their kiss, which they hadn’t discussed, but Hook admitted to trusting her and he was keeping her secret. Maybe it was time to show she trusted him; she wasted so much time before. 

Emma looked ahead of her. Mulan and her mother were leading, Aurora and Anton were talking, and Marian was a little ahead of Emma and Hook. 

Time to take a chance. Emma silently reached out, gripping Hook’s right arm to hold him back. 

His expression questioned her, but Emma gestured at him to stay quiet until the group was further ahead. When Marian was no longer in earshot, Emma turned to him. “If we confront Cora at the Safe Haven, she’ll assume that Mom or I will have the ashes and compass.” Emma dug through her jacket pockets and pulled out the compass and the dried bean. “Cora’s arrogant and doesn’t trust anyone. She’ll think I won’t trust anyone other than Mom or the other women.” Her eyes met his. “I trust you.” She swallowed thickly.

Hook’s surprise and delight was obvious. Her trust meant so much to him. 

“You keep the compass and the bean and I’ll keep the ashes. That way if we lose the ashes, we have a back up.”

“But the bean is useless.” Killian said, still confused. Truly, he was touched by her trust in him, but what was she up to? He gently took the bean and compass from her, securing them in the interior pockets of his leather coat. 

Smiling with her future knowledge, Emma spoke. “It won’t be forever.”

Killian scrutinized her for a moment. “More of your secrets, Swan.”

“You did say they were safe with you.” Emma said. “I hope my trust is safe too.”

His eyes softened. “Yes, Emma. I promise it is.” 

God, she wanted to kiss him again. The minute they were alone, Emma knew she’d tell him everything. She couldn’t in good conscience start anything without be honest. That’s why she regretted the kiss on the beanstalk. Him being in the dark felt so manipulative. Hopefully, telling him the truth wouldn’t drive him away, but if it did, Emma needed to prepare for it. 

“Thank you.” Her tone was soft and appreciative of his trust in her as well. She looked and saw they’d taken too long. “We need to hurry and catch up.” 

Silently as they could, they picked up their pace, not wanting to garner attention. Though when they reached a respectable distance, Marian glanced back with a little grin, likely assuming there was something romantic. 

Emma blushed a bit at Marian’s silent assumption, but considering how blatantly Hook flirted with her and how she let him, their mutual attraction was likely noticed by the entire group. Hopefully Cora would reveal Lake Nostos and they’d be in Storybrooke soon, and Emma could take time after reuniting with everyone to speak with Hook alone. For the first time ever, Emma wished Cora wouldn’t let her down. 

After a while, the group took a water break to rest up. 

Emma understood the need to stop, but she wanted to hurry. The sooner they got there, they’d confront Cora and hopefully save the people. She regretted not warning them sooner, but again she couldn’t think of a way to warn them without sounding crazy. Still, she felt in her bones she should’ve done more. Maybe the changes she made were enough to change their fates. Cora had no reason this time around to kill everyone; not when Hook was on their side. Please, to anything out in the universe listening, don’t let Cora kill those people. Please let everything I did change things enough. 

“All right, Swan?” Hook whispered since he was close to her. 

Was her expression troubled? “I’m fine.” She whispered back, trying to look like they weren’t conversing. “I’m just worried Cora will hurt the people at the Safe Haven.” Emma said. She turned slightly towards him so he could better hear. 

“She will if she thinks it’ll gain something.” Hook murmured. “Though considering her cruel streak, she might just do it for fun.”

His words turned her stomach. Emma never thought about her doing it for fun. 

“Time to move.” Mulan called out. 

“How long until we get there?” Aurora asked. Her dress wasn’t conducive to traveling, something she hadn’t considered before following the group, thirsting for her revenge. 

“Another hour if we keep a good pace.” Mulan told them. “Let’s go.” She started walking and the others followed. 

“There’s something more to your worry, isn’t there?” Killian asked quietly. He was concerned over Emma’s obvious upset. He knew there were things Emma was aware of that the rest of them weren’t. He wanted to know, but it surprised him that he didn’t want to know to satiate his own curiosity. He wanted to know to better help and better understand Emma. 

Emma sighed, her brow pinched with worry. “I told you I can’t tell you yet. I…” Emma glanced ahead of them. Maybe she could give him something? Some show that she would keep her word? Could it hurt? “I might know some things. I can’t explain how yet, but I’ve experienced something like this before. People died and I’m worried they will again, because I couldn’t warn them. Okay, I could’ve, but they wouldn’t have believed me.”

That was curious. What did she mean by knowing things? Perhaps Emma had prophetic gifts? "I'm sure you've done what you can, Swan." Always quick to reassure her. Killian never was much for optimism, but it seemed Emma brought it out in him. His desire to know more of her grew with every interaction. It was almost all-consuming enough to make him forget his life's purpose. Killian glanced at the tattoo on his right wrist. 

Milah. He'd spent centuries looking for a way to kill the Dark One without becoming the Dark One. He kept dreamshade in his ship just in case there was nothing else, and of course to use on himself once his mission was complete so that he would reunite with Milah and Liam in death. 

"I don't know." Emma's voice brought him back to the present, scaring away his past demons like a light snuffing out the darkness. "I feel like I should've done more."

"You said it yourself. They might die." Killian said. "Not that they will die. Even if you suspected something might happen, that doesn't guarantee it will." 

Emma glanced at him with soft eyes. "You always reassure me no matter my doubts."

What did she mean by that? "A few days is hardly always." He shrugged off her compliment, noticing how something knowing flickered across her features at his words. When they met, Killian felt a kinship with her deep in his bones, like something clicked in place. Seeing her look at him as if she'd known him his whole life sent a thrill of anticipation through him. She wanted to share more with him; she trusted him. It made him feel light.

It felt like more than just...

A scream disrupted his thoughts and on instinct he, and Emma, ran towards where Aurora, Mulan, Snow, Marian, and Anton came to a halt. 

They arrived at the Safe Haven. Bodies were everywhere.

No. Emma held onto Killian's arm for support. It happened again. I thought I changed enough. There was no reason for her to kill them this time around.  

"What happened here?" Snow asked, shocked. 

"I did." Cora appeared in front of them. Smartly, she was a good distance away.

Anger filled Emma's being as she raced forward. "How could you do this? There was no reason to kill these innocent people!"

Cora grinned as though Emma was a misunderstanding child. "Oh my dear, there was every reason to kill them. Now you all understand that I am not one to be crossed." 

"You monster." Snow hissed, pulling out an arrow and notching it to her bow, quickly taking aim. 

"Dear Snow, you think you can hit me with a simple arrow?" Cora waved her hand and all of their weapons, save for Killian's hook, disappeared. "No weapons now, pets. I have a proposal."

Magic itched at Emma's fingertips. "Try me, bitch." 

Killian moved behind Emma, ready to stop her from getting herself killed, or pull her behind him should Cora attacked. Protectiveness overrode all sense of self-preservation he possessed. 

Cora glared at Emma and Killian, though it was mightily interesting to see Captain Hook backing the Savior up. "You have the ashes, and I'm sure the dear Captain told you about the compass, which means you have the ingredients for a portal." 

"If you think we're going to let you anywhere near Storybrooke, you're mistaken." Snow snapped. 

"There's no need to make this difficult." Cora said. "You have the means to a portal, and I know how to make it work. We all want the same thing here. Working together will have to be a necessity."

Emma knew what Cora meant, but couldn't mention the lake herself. "What do you mean? Is there some spell or something?"

"Now, why would I share that with you?" Cora asked. "I have the knowledge and lording it over you is one of my only advantages." She waved her hand and a little boy with dark curly hair, probably around three years old, appeared at her side in a small puff of smoke.

"Roland!" Marian exclaimed, running for her son. 

"Mama!" The boy cried. 

"No, wait!" Emma called out, but Cora waved her hand again, sending Marian flying back into Mulan and Snow, knocking them to the ground.

"Ah ah ah." Cora tutted. Another small wave of her hand and Roland disappeared. From her dress, Cora produced a tiny heart. "Now, you will all do well to listen. You will travel to Lake Nostos. I will create the portal and, in exchange for my safe passage to Storybrooke, I will return the boy's heart to him and then him to his mother. Is that understood?"

Marian pushed herself up off the ground. "I'm going to kill you."

Cora laughed. "Many have tried. I will meet you at the lake by this time tomorrow, or the boy will die." With that, Cora disappeared. 

White hot rage filled Emma, both at Cora and herself. She could've stopped this. Her future knowledge should've saved these people. If she'd been honest from the beginning, sure there might've been consequences or everyone would've thought her crazy, but she could've saved these people. Now, because of her fear, they were dead. Roland was in danger, and Cora was closer to making it to Storybrooke. 

Emma turned to face the group. Killian looked concerned for her. Aurora and Snow were comforting Marian. Mulan stormed off towards the armory, taking Anton with her. 

"Marian." Emma said, getting their attention. "We won't let her hurt Roland. We'll get him back."

Marian, upset as she was, nodded with determination. Her son wasn't going to be another victim of that monster. 

"Here." Mulan and Anton returned with bows, quivers full of arrows, swords, and daggers. "She might have magic, but we might be able to surprise her."

As they all grabbed weapons, Emma knew she'd need to use magic herself. Cora was going to pay for this.

*****************************

Unsure as to what to do with herself or where to live, Belle found herself in Granny's Diner, sitting at the counter looking over a menu she wasn't going to order from since she didn't have any money. 

Her chin was in her hand and her eyes downcast. What was she going to do? First she was in the basement of Storybrooke General with no memories, then she was the wild Lacey, and now she was the broke, homeless, alone Belle. Until she left Rumplestiltskin's shop, she hadn't truly realized how dependent on him she was for everything. 

"Penny for your thoughts?" A woman asked. 

Belle looked up to see a young woman with dark brown hair and hazel eyes wearing a waitress uniform. "Unfortunately, I don't have any pennies on me." 

The young woman shrugged. "That's what tabs are for, so if you want to order, we can always hunt you down for payment later." 

That was tempting, but Belle didn't know if she'd ever be able to pay the diner back. "I don't have a job." Belle sighed, leaning back. "I don't have anything. I thought I had love and a home, but he doesn't want to change for me. Now, I'm on my own." The words escaped her before her mind even realized she was talking. 

The waitress arched a surprised brow.

Belle winced. "Sorry. I didn't mean to dump my problems on you." 

"That's all right." The waitress shrugged. "I get it all the time. I'm Ruby by the way." She held a hand out for Belle to shake. 

"Belle." Belle smiled, taking her hand. Her stomach grumbled and a blush colored her cheeks. "Sorry."

"I have an idea." Ruby said. "Why don't you order, and then you can start working here. We could always use another set of hands. Then you could pay off your meal."

Belle hadn't thought about that. There was a brief time she worked at a tavern. How much different could a diner be? "I was a tavern girl once."

"See, you'll fit right in." Ruby said. "Now, what'll you have?"

"Um," Belle looked at the menu. "What's a cheeseburger?"

"A meat sandwich with cheese, onions, pickles, lettuce, and a couple of sauces." Ruby said. "You might like it. Comes with fried potatoes." 

Belle grinned. "Okay, I'll try that." 

Ruby wrote her order. "I'll talk to Granny about the job. You can stay here at the Inn too." Ruby disappeared behind a swinging door into the kitchen. 

A weight lifted off of Belle's shoulders. Perhaps things were looking up. 

She would make a life here on her own. 

*****************************

Archie only scheduled two patients today, and planned to use the morning for paperwork, but Regina showing up altered his plans completely. 

She hadn't felt bad about it, not when Archie insisted she stay and talk. Their session lasted three hours, something Archie told her he never did, but wanted to make a first-time-only exception for her considering her situation. 

Any appointments after would be the regular hour-long ones. Still, it felt good to start opening up. The start was awkward with her not knowing where to begin and Archie uncertain as to what questions to ask, but his empathetic assurance that she could talk about anything had her opening up about her childhood first. 

Wasn't that where it all started? With her mother isolating her, because no one was good enough to play with her? Criticizing every accomplishment with how she should have done things and that she could do better next time? Punishing servants for being kind to Regina?

Her lonely childhood led to her desperate romance with Daniel. She truly did love him; he was her hope and light in a dark time in her life. Archie questioned if she loved Daniel for what he represented; a simpler life away from the pressures of Cora and court. 

Regina knew her love for Daniel was real, but Archie may have had a point. When Regina was with Daniel, she was just Regina, a girl who loved horses, who loved to read, who's favorite food was cinnamon apple cake. She didn't have to be a Princess, minor as her father was in the royal circles. Her mother stayed away from the stables unless she had to be there, so the stables were Regina's escape. They were her safe place. 

Daniel became that safe place as well, and Cora ripping that from her left a gaping hole that Regina doubted would ever be filled. 

They finished their session there to be picked up in a couple of days. Archie encouraged her to keep coming. Even if she had an Evil Queen moment, he told her that people trying to better themselves always slipped back into old habits because it was easy. He told her that if she fell back into what was easy, she just needed to remember why she was trying to better herself and needed to be gentle with herself. 

After all she'd done as Evil Queen, Archie's kindness and compassion touched her. Regina knew that this would be the first of many sessions. 

Her heels clacked along the pavement as she strode to her car, when something moved out of the corner of her eye. Her head turned slightly before she realized what she was seeing. 

Halting suddenly, Regina almost tripped over her own heels as she turned her body in the direction where she saw the man.

Nothing was there now.

Bust she could've sworn there was someone there.

Not just someone. It couldn't be but Regina thought for a moment there that she saw Daniel.

"That's impossible." She sighed, rubbing her temple. No, Daniel was dead. Perhaps talking about him and going into so much detail about her past with Archie overwhelmed her mind. She was just seeing things.

Ghosts of the past. 

Shaking herself, Regina got in her car. She needed to go home and rest. Putting her mind at ease and figuring out her next steps over wine and ice cream was exactly what she needed to do.

*****************************

Liam and Henry hopped off the bus, both discussing the book's changes when Henry stopped short. 

"You okay?" Liam asked. 

"That's Jefferson." Henry nodded ahead of them. "Grace's dad."

Liam followed Henry's gaze and saw a man with brown hair and blue eyes staring at the bus. The man's hands were stuffed into his pockets as he shifted nervously watching the bus. "Are you sure?"

Henry nodded. "I recognize him from the illustrations in my book." Of course, he looked a bit more mentally unstable in those drawings, while now he looked sane, but anxious. 

"Do you think he's looking for Grace?" Liam asked. That twinge of jealousy returned. Grace's father was here, looking for her, but where was his papa? Was he looking for Liam? Did he even care? 

"He's got to be." Henry said. "Let's go talk to him."

Liam wasn't too sure about that but followed Henry anyway. 

Jefferson watched the bus, waiting for the familiar sight of blonde hair, his brain abuzz with all of the things he wanted to say to Grace when he saw her. What would he say? Would she be angry with him? Would she even let him explain what happened? 

"Hey." Henry stopped in front of Jefferson, while Liam stayed back a bit.

Surprised at seeing the Savior's son approach him, Jefferson glanced back at the bus, before giving Henry his attention. "Your Emma's son right?" 

"Henry." Henry said. "This is my friend Liam."

Jefferson acknowledged Liam with a nod. "Why isn't Grace on the bus today?"

So he was here for her. Henry smiled, happy for his friend. "She stayed at school to tryout for soccer."

"Really?" Jefferson asked. He didn't know Grace was into sports. Watching her repeat the same day every year only gave a glimpse into her life, but it also limited everyone in what they did. Perhaps now with her free will returned, Grace wanted to try new things. 

"Yeah, she thought it would be fun." Henry said. "She's been looking for you , you know."

A wince crossed Jefferson's face. "I know." Guilt welled up again. He had so much to make up for if Grace would let him. "Is she angry with me?"

"Why would she be angry?" Henry asked.

"Because he abandoned her." Liam spat, his anger even surprising him. "He left her before the curse, remember?"

Henry startled at the venom in Liam's voice. That didn't come from any anger on Grace's behalf; Henry was certain Liam's anger was for his own father. Like Grace, Liam was left alone before the curse, but unlike her, Liam didn't have the luxury of cursed caregivers. 

Jefferson grimaced at the other boy's words. "You're right, I did. I made a lot of mistakes, but I want Grace to know I'm sorry. I want her home."

"She isn't angry." Henry said. "At least, I don't think she is, because she's been worried about you. She wants to know that you're okay." Henry figured that any anger Grace did have would be for Jefferson to deal with as her dad, and it was between the two of them. Henry just wanted Grace to be happy and reuniting with her father would do just that. "She'll want to see you." 

Though Henry sounded confident, Jefferson wasn't so sure. Still, he needed to take a chance and hope that Grace wanted him in her life. "Will she be on the bus tomorrow?" 

"Why don't you come to school tomorrow before the buses leave?" Henry asked. "You know for sure that she'll be there." 

"Maybe." Jefferson said. "Look, in case something comes up, don't tell Grace we talked or that I'll be there. I don't want to get her hopes up." Jefferson hoped he would be brave enough tomorrow to show up. 

"Why not?" Liam asked, glaring. "She should know, and I don't want to lie to her." 

Jefferson wondered why the kid was so angry. He didn't remember seeing him during the curse, but he only ever paid attention to Grace. He only started to watch Henry after Emma came to town, and usually only when Emma was with Henry. The kid was clearly angry at someone else and Jefferson was just the lucky punching bag of the day. 

Henry shot Liam a worried look. Maybe they needed to get going. Clearly Liam needed to talk about something; or at least, Henry would push him to talk. He looked back at Jefferson. "Look, we can't promise we won't tell Grace, but please show up tomorrow. I know it'll mean a lot to her."

Grabbing Liam's arm, Henry walked past Jefferson. "What's up with you?"

Liam jerked away and kept walking. "He left her. He just left her all alone and now he thinks he can just come back into her life like nothing happened."

"That's not what he said." Henry said. "I don't think you're angry at Jefferson." 

"I don't want to talk about it." Liam huffed, walking faster. He was a bit taller than Henry, so Henry had to jog to keep up. 

"Do you still want to find your dad?" Henry asked as they hurried down Main Street towards the police station. 

"I told you I don't want to talk, Henry." Liam snapped. 

Henry ran ahead and stopped in Liam's path, forcing the other boy to a stop. "Is this because my mom is coming back? Because we won't abandon you when Mom comes home. She was an orphan, so she knows what it's like to be alone."

"I'm not an orphan." Liam growled. Though wasn't that the issue? His mother was dead, and his father gone or dead. He was all alone, even if Henry said otherwise. He'd never be a part of the Charming family. Just an outsider. Tears started to come much to Liam's embarrassment. He swiped at his face, turning away from Henry.

"It's okay to be upset." Henry gently patted his friends back. "I know you miss your dad and you're scared, but I am here for you. I promise I won't leave."

Liam breathed shakily as he stared at the ground. "There was a man.” He remembered a man with an air of danger about him, though that may have just been the long black leather coat he sported. “He came to the tavern and talked with Papa. Then Papa left. I never saw him again. How could he just leave me like that? Why wouldn't he take me with him?” 

Henry was at a loss for answers. "I don't know." He wished he could say more to comfort his friend. "Look, if we never find your papa, I know we won't leave you." He put an arm around Liam. “My mom’s good at bringing back happy endings. Besides, I always wanted a brother."

Liam swallowed thickly. “Brother?" 

Henry shrugged, suddenly feeling shy. Was that the wrong thing to say? "If that's okay?" 

Touched by Henry's words, tears continued to come. Liam wished they'd stop. He felt like such a little kid. “Yeah.” He sniffed. “I always wanted a brother too.”

Henry beamed at him. “Come on, let’s get to the station. If we get there and you still look upset, we can definitely wrangle dinner at Granny’s with hot cocoa and ice scream out of Grandpa.”

His words drew out a loud, watery laugh from Liam. “Sounds like a plan.” 

*****************************

With the breakfast rush, he was certain that the wolves would be too preoccupied in the diner to check on their inn. After watching for a few days, George saw that both Granny and Ruby Lucas lived in the inn on the first floor away from guests. 

George glanced around the foyer of the inn, ensuring that no one was there before he went through a sitting room to his left. There was a closed door he figured led to the proprietor's rooms. He tried the knob, surprised to find it unlocked. Perhaps the monsters figured no one would break into their home. 

He entered to find a small kitchenette. There was another set of stairs. 

As he ascended the stairs, he knew his plan would work. Turning the town on David would be easy if he gave them something to fear. David was friends with the werewolf and the full moon was near. She thought she had control over her beast, but George would prove her wrong.

His first step was to find her cloak. In the Enchanted Forest, George never saw Ruby without it and on the night David conquered his castle and George was captured, George watched Snow toss the cloak over the wolf and saw her transform back. The cloak was key. 

He'd get rid of it, forcing the wolf to transform. In case she was in control, a victim would be needed. There was still time to figure that out. 

At the top of the stairs, there were three doors. The first was a bedroom, which clearly belonged to the old wolf. George searched anyway in case the cloak was safer with Granny than Ruby. Setting his briefcase down on the bed, George looked at the space around him. Seeing a chifforobe, he carefully searched there first, but found nothing. 

A trunk at the end of the bed caught his eyes. Kneeling down, he found the trunk was unlocked as well. Truly it was baffling to him how stupid these beasts were leaving everything out in the open. He found quilts on top. After digging a bit, a sliver of crimson caught his eye. Pulling out the cloak, George grinned. 

He closed the trunk and folded the cloak before transferring it to his briefcase. It was a bit of a squeeze but he managed. he hurried down the stairs and out the door before breakfast ended and he risked the wolves finding him. 

As he walked down Main Street, George smiled to himself. 

His plan was unfolding beautifully. Soon David would fall from the town's pedestal and George would step in as the hero, coming out on top once again. 

*****************************

After traveling all night, particularly at Marian and Emma’s insistence, the group finally reached Lake Nostos. They were earlier than the planned time and Cora was nowhere to be found. 

They plotted different scenarios during their nightly travel, but none were confident they could overpower Cora. 

Emma tried to figure out a spell to use to knock her out since tossing Cora around wouldn’t guarantee keeping her down for the count. Not only that, but she didn’t want to risk damaging Roland’s heart if kept it on Cora’s person. Emma mentioned teleporting the heart, which was something Emma knew she could do confidently, but Marian, believing Emma to be more of a novice than she was, worried about using any magic on Roland’s heart.

Mulan suggested distracting Cora and letting Marian or Killian get close to pick pocket the heart back. That was the plan at the moment. 

“Where is she?” Marian looked around, terrified that her son could be lost to her forever. 

“She’ll be here.” Snow reassured, grimly. “Cora wants to get to Storybrooke more than she wants to torment us.” Once they got Roland and his heart back, they needed to keep Cora away from the portal. The question was how they would manage it. There was no squid ink and Emma’s magic, while useful, was untrained and Snow doubted she could restrain Cora long enough. Not that she’d want Emma to use magic. Magic came with a price and after the life Emma had, the last thing Snow wanted was her daughter to risk herself further by invoking some unknown consequence.

"It will be okay." Aurora spoke, offering comfort to Marian. "We will get your son back.”

Emma walked away from the others, guilt eating away at her. She had a chance to change things and save all those people, and she hadn’t warned them. Of course, she didn’t think Cora would’ve gone the same route with Hook on their side now, but Emma should’ve known Cora would’ve pulled this again. Closing her eyes, Emma breathed deep. People were dead and it was all her fault. 

“Swan?” His voice was soft behind her. 

Emma slowly turned to face him. 

Killian took in how upset Emma seemed. Guilt swam behind her eyes. Did she feel guilty about the Safe Haven? About Roland? “You couldn’t have saved them. Cora wanted to make us know not to cross her.” 

Her eyes flicked over to the other women, making sure they were out of ear shot, before she whispered. “That’s just it. I did know. I just thought things were going to be different. I thought Cora would come after us.” 

Her words confirmed for him that Emma must’ve had a vision. “Perhaps you couldn’t change their fate. Maybe you warned them, they wouldn’t have believed you, and they still would’ve died.” 

Emma stared at him for a moment. She changed his fate. Likely she changed Marian, Aurora, Mulan, Anton, and Roland’s. Why didn’t she just take a chance and tell everyone the truth, damn the consequences? Her instincts told her that revealing her time travel was an extremely bad idea, at least to anyone who wasn’t Killian. Regina often warned magic had consequences, particularly the larger the spell the bigger the consequence. 

Her adventure to the past might be the worse for everyone. “Maybe you’re right, but I still could’ve tried.”

“What would that have done?” Killian asked. “Cora still has magic, you’re untrained, and weapons wouldn’t have stood a chance. There were fifty people there and Cora overwhelmed all of them. You can’t save everyone, Swan. Savior or not.” He hated that Emma felt guilty for Cora’s actions. Even knowing they would happen, Emma didn’t think Cora would go through with it. 

Though he was trying to reassure her, it wasn’t working. Innocent lives were still on her head. If she took Cora out sooner, Roland would be safe and people would be alive. “Saving people isn’t something I ever asked for.” Emma admitted. “But now that it’s my destiny, I should’ve done more.” 

“We can’t change the past, Swan.” Killian said, brushing a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. “We can only stop Cora from hurting anyone else.” 

An odd look overcame her as she met his eyes. 

Indigo smoke appeared near the center of the clearing. Cora smiled seeing they were all there. 

Marian stepped forward. “Where is my son?” 

Cora smirked. “Patience. I need my portal first.”

“No.” Snow snarled, moving to Marian’s side. “Give us Roland, then do what you need to for the portal. You’re not getting the ashes and compass without his safety ensured.” She gripped her bow tightly, but didn’t raise it yet. 

Mulan pulled her sword. “She’s right. The boy and his heart first. Then you get what you want.” She pointed the sword at Cora. 

“It’s adorable that you ladies think you can threaten me.” Cora laughed. 

“Maybe they can’t, but I can.” Emma moved away from the edge of the clearing, fists clenched at her sides. “I might not be trained, but that doesn’t mean I can’t try and kick your ass in a magic fight.”

Cora pursed her lips. “Cute.” 

“Look, you won’t get the ashes or the compass unless we have Roland.” Emma said. “Think of it as an act of good faith.” 

“And you really think that I believe you won’t double cross me?” Cora asked. “I am not a stupid woman, Savior.” 

“No, you’re not.” Emma said. “How about this? You give us Roland and his heart, then we’ll give you the ashes.” She wasn’t going to give Cora the real ashes. They were in her pocket, but she remembered the duplication spell Regina taught her in her training. If anyone wondered how she managed to make a duplicate, Emma could lie and say she just tried it and it worked. 

“Emma.” Snow’s tone warned of the danger.

“If we want Roland back, we need to play fairly.” Emma snapped. “I think a little boy’s life is more important than Cora getting what she wants.” Emma turned to Cora, glaring fiercely. “Well, are you going to bring Roland or not?”

Cora contemplated Emma for a moment. Would she trust the Savior’s good heart? “Very well. I’ll hand over the boy, but his heart remains with me until the portal is open. The ashes?” 

“Fine.” Emma gritted her teeth. She reached inside of her jacket, where the real ashes were, and cast the duplication spell. Another vial appeared in her hand. Emma held it out for Cora to see. 

The vial disappeared in a puff of indigo smoke, reappearing in Cora’s hand. “Thank you.”

Cora waved her hand and Roland appeared next to Marian. 

“Roland!” Marian dropped to her knees, hugging her son to her. 

“Mama!” He cried, clinging to her. 

Emma shared a look with Killian, she silently conveyed that he needed to get the heart if he had an opening. 

Killian nodded ever so slightly. 

Cora turned to face the center of the clearing and raised her hands. Closing her eyes, she used her magic to call upon the waters deep underground. 

While Cora worked her magic, Mulan walked along the edge in order to get behind Cora. Snow raised her bow, knotting an arrow. Aurora and Marian stepped away with Roland to keep him from the fight they knew was about to ensue. Anton, who wasn’t much of a fighter, stood at the ready if needed, but he looked worried. Killian and Emma both slowly walked towards Cora, Emma calling upon her magic and Killian pulling his sword from its scabbard. 

They surrounded her, except Snow who kept her distance for her arrows, as a geyser erupted from the ground. 

Cora’s eyes opened and before Mulan could get her from behind, Cora turned and magically threw Mulan away. 

Anton took a chance and ran for Cora, hoping to knock her down, getting magically tossed away for his efforts. 

Emma’s magic reacted as she wanted, pushing Cora away from the water. “I’ll keep her distracted.” She told Killian. 

He understood. He just needed to get close to Cora. 

Cora threw magic back at Emma, knocking the Savior off her feet. 

Killian swooped in, ducking Cora’s magic, but finding his sword meeting her shield again. 

“You chose the wrong side, Captain.” Cora said, clear disappointment in her tone. “Do you think she’ll let you get your revenge?”

Killian scoffed, pressing his cutlass against her shield, keeping Cora’s eyes on him as his hook grabbed hold of what he needed. “I think that you catch more flies with honey.” He winked at Cora as Mulan came up behind the witch, swinging her blade. 

Unfortunately, the older woman brought up a second magical shield, blocking Mulan’s sword. 

“Enough of this.” Cora snarled. Her magic pushed outwards, knocking Mulan and Killian far from her. Killian rolled a bit and panicked as he nearly landed on the satchel he swiped from Cora. 

Anton tried to lunge again, catching Cora by surprise as they rolled onto the ground. 

Cora’s magic threw him off of her. “Don’t touch me you oaf.” 

Emma pushed herself up, and used her magic to pull branches from surrounding trees, throwing them Cora’s way. 

Seeing this, Cora turned the branches to dust. 

Mulan lunged for Cora again. 

Killian, taking advantage of Cora being distracted, opened the satchel. Inside lay a tiny heart. He pulled the heart from the satchel and hurried over to Marian, Aurora, and Roland. 

“Thank you.” Marian’s relief nearly brought her to tears. “How do we get it back in?”

“I think we just shove it back in.” Killian handed Roland’s heart to Marian. He’d prefer her try it, not wanting to risk harming the boy.

Marian set Roland down and knelt next to him. “Little rabbit, this might hurt, but Mama promises it won’t hurt for long, okay?”

“Okay, Mama.” The boy said. 

Marian pressed his heart against his chest. Taking a breath, she shoved, and it entered the little boy. 

Roland cried out, but Marian swept him back into her arms to comfort him. 

“Let’s get closer to the portal.” Killian suggested. 

Emma and Mulan were both directing Cora away from the water.

Snow was aiming her arrow but she couldn’t get a clear shot with Mulan so close to Cora. 

Anton went to Snow’s side. “What else can we try?”

“I’m not sure.” Snow’s eyes were seared to Cora, looking for an opening. 

Back with Marian, Aurora, and Killian, Marian argued with the pirate. “Why? I don’t need to go to Storybrooke. If Roland’s here, Robin is too.”

“Because if we leave Cora behind, then I fear you will face her wrath.” Killian told her grimly. 

Meanwhile, Emma closed in on Cora, punching the older woman hard in the face. “Killian, Mom, get to the water.” 

Snow shot an arrow at Cora as the witch sat up. 

Cora shouted in pain as the arrow dug into her right shoulder. 

Emma hurried over towards the water and pulled the ashes from her jacket. 

Anton and Snow were at Emma’s side soon enough. 

Snow looked surprised. “You didn’t give her the ashes?”

“Hell no,” Emma said. “I asked my magic to copy the ashes. It worked.” Not entirely a lie. 

Aurora, Marian, Roland, and Killian were near the pool of water the geyser created. 

Mulan hurried over to join them.  

“I can’t go with you.” Marian argued, glaring at Killian. “I need to find my husband.” 

Emma uncorked the ashes and tossed them into the water. The ashes swirled around, turning the water purple, briefly, until a blue portal opened up inside. 

Killian took the compass from his pocket, passing it to Snow, who was closer to Emma. 

“Let’s go.” Snow started towards the water. 

Emma felt herself pulled back by magic. She grunted as she hit a tree, before things went black.

“Emma!” Both Killian and Snow exclaimed. 

Killian ran for her. 

Snow attempted, but Cora appeared behind her, pulling Snow back towards the water. 

“Give me the compass.” Cora snapped. 

“No.” Snow tried to pull away from Cora, but Cora was stronger than expected. “Let me go.”

Killian reached Emma’s side. “Come on, Swan.” He rolled her onto her back. “Wake up, Emma.”

Mulan rammed into Cora, hoping to knock her off of Snow, but it only caused Snow and Cora to lose balance and fall to the ground. 

The compass flew threw the air, landing at Aurora’s feet. The princess picked it up. “Snow, I have the compass.”

Cora turned her attention to focus on the princess. 

Mulan stepped before Aurora, guarding her. “Don’t even think about it.”

“The portal is closing!” Marian’s panicked words caused Killian to pick Emma up and sprint for the water. 

Seeing this, Cora disappeared and reappeared behind Aurora, pulling her into the water. 

Aurora desperately grabbed onto Marian, pulling Marian and Roland in. 

Mulan and Snow lost their footing as they pushed themselves up, falling into the water. 

The portal was closing. 

“Hurry, come on.” Anton encouraged Killian. 

“Go ahead!” Killian shouted, running as fast as he could. “We’re right behind you.” 

Anton looked unsure but jumped into the portal. 

Just as Killian leapt into the water with Emma, the portal closed. He turned at the last second so that his back hit the water and Emma would land on top of him instead of him losing footing and crushing her. 

He struggled to push himself up with Emma still in his arms, but he managed. He kicked at the water angrily before adjusting Emma in his arms. They were stuck here and now soaking wet. Killian swallowed feeling as though he let Emma down. 

Holding her unconscious form close, Killian whispered to her. “I will find a way home for you, Swan. I swear on my life I will get you home.” 

For now, he need to start a fire and warm them up before they took ill. 

Tomorrow was another day. 

[sofasoap]

And life goes on.

Pairing: Simon “ Ghost” Riley x f!Reader/OC ( aka "Mini" MacTavish ) + 141 members + OCs ( the children ) Summary:  life and snippets after "Death, Comes easily". or, mainly how Ghost is overprotective of his daughter. Family moments. Warning: Mostly T to M theme. swearing. alcohol. Do I need to warn people about fluff? Just in case they get toothache??? overprotective father warning.

Character of Mini MacTavish is from @saltofmercury fic “ “The Favorite MacTavish”  which she graciously let me borrow and write bit more expanded universe. Please go read her wonderful story to get bit of background. Thank you so much for leading me the character.

 “masterlist” for more stories to this Mini MacTavish expanded verse.

"Now, your duty as a big brother is to protect your sister from any pests that approaches her today." Soap reminds his nephew as he adjusts his little kilt and sporran. " Don't be like me, I couldn't protect your mother from the biggest pest there was." he sighed. " I am standing RIGHT HERE you know." Ghost growled. Little Johnny, or affectionately known as Tiny, ran towards his dad, twirled around and proudly showing him his formal wear and kilt.

"You look great son." Ghost cracked a smile and patted his head.

" I'm gonna go show Ma!" Tiny ran off like a whirlwind towards the other end of the house. Soap stood up, stretched a bit and straighten his kilt. " Gotta use examples when you teach kids about stuff ye know? Start from young. Plus," walking towards Ghost and did a once-over of his ceremonial uniform and adjusting the medals. " I am doing this for your own good as well, think how many pests will come after Aileen when she grows up?" Ghost stiffens.

" Da," a quiet voice perks up by the door, little head with black hair and flower crown on top popping through. " Grannie want to know if you and uncle are ready."

" All good to go!" Turning around, Soap gave Ghost a slap on the back. " Come on, let's do this , BROTHER." Taking a deep breath, Ghost walk towards the door and pick up his daughter. He is ready to face one of the biggest moment of his life. Marrying you. "Da.. you are messing up my hair." " Sorry my dove."

" Soap, can you pass me the pepper please." Throwing the grinder over, " Here ye go. Oh Ghost, can you pass the oil please." The boys were prepping for the BBQ. You were quite surprised Simon was really particular about cuts and quality of meat.

".... I was apprentice butcher before I join the military..." and after the explanation you always leave anything meat related in his hand. And he never stuff it up.

" Ma, why is Da calling uncle Johnny SOAP? does he like washing himself??? and why is dad called Ghost? is it because he is big and scary?? "

The adults all look at each other. How do you explain THAT to the kids? You can't just say " Your uncle is so good at killing whole room of people!" " Your da was a legend on the battlefield!" Emma pipped in, " Um.. Yes, your uncle Johnny LOVESSS washing himself, doesn't he? " " AHHH yes, ask your Grannie and grandda, uncle Johnny use to steal all the soaps when he was young!"

Pointing to Ghost you explained "and Da is realllly good at scaring baddies that's why they call him Ghost!"

"" OHHHH....."" The kid look at their father with new admiration. and after that, the twins started calling Johnny " Uncle Soap".

" Pssss Poppy Price, Uncle Gaz, do you know Uncle Soap loves stealing soap? that's why he is called soap!!"

"" HUH" "

You were mixing egg and flour together in the kitchen when Ghost stormed in, having this look of despair on his face. He walked over to the liquor cabinet, took out a bottle, pour himself a generous glass of Scotch and down it in one go. " Simon, what's wrong? It's bit early for a drink isn't it?" Wiping your hand on the apron, you approach your husband cautiously.

Ghost sat down on the couch, head in his hands. " Aileen.." "?! what happen to her?!" You were immediately alarmed, looking out the window where the children are, you see Aileen happily putting flowers on top of her baby cousin Simon who's crawling on the grass, while Tiny is running around with Soap playing war game.

"Da,"

" Yes my dove." Ghost lowered his head for his daughter to put the flower crown on top of his head. " I really like Uncle König, he's so cuddly like a teddy bear, can I marry him when I grow up?"

Ghost froze. WHY. WHY is it König again!!!??? " But dove, uncle König IS married.. " " But I really like him.... " his daughter was on verge of tears. Ghost really don't know how to console his daughter about this impossible dream of hers.

You bursted out laughing when Ghost relay the story to you. " IT'S NOT FUNNY." He glared at you. " I.. ah.. oh gosh I can't breath , sorry love it's just too funny.." you gasped for air. " Look," you sit in his lap and gave him a soft kiss on the forehead. "It's only a phase. she will grow out of it."

"I hope so... "

" Sergeant MACTAVISH!"

Three head turned around,

""" Yes? """"

" Not you two, You!" The young soldier pointed their finger at Aileen.

" What can I do for you. " Aileen sat her tea down.

The soldier sneered. " Don't pretend to be all innocent." Aileen raised an eyebrow.

" I saw you getting bit cozy with all the captains aye? Especially Captain Riley!" John and Simon's hand paused mid air , the two cousins look at each other, sensing drama coming. " All of us here are on equal terms, don't think about sucking up to them will give you an advantage in rising up in ranks!" and the soldier storms off.

" I feel like we are back in college with all these teenage dramas." Simon commented as he stuff down the bacon.

" Why didn't you say anything back? " John elbowed his sister.

" I don't owe anyone any explanation. Besides," finishing off her tea, "he's a pure bampot anyway. Oh gosh the tea here is awful. No wonder Da complains about it all the time."

" Ah well, hope that is the last of that." Simon stands up, clapping his cousins on the back. " I'm off to sleep now. " Yawning, " Ju..Just finish my night shift." " Hurry up and go." " See you two later."

"Here's the tea. Will taste way better than the one they serve here." " Thanks Captain."

" .. There she is , whoring herself again." Silence.

"Wha..!" Just as Simon tries to pull his cousin back from attacking his sister's insulter,

" Sergeant ..... Smith I believe??"

"... Ye... YES SIR." " that's CAPTAIN TO YOU." " YES CAPTAIN" " CAPTAIN RILEY."

" Cap.. Captain Riley." " Now, I suggest you apologise to your fellow soldier," Ghost step closer and towering over the trembling soldier,

" and NEVER INSULT MY DAUGHTER. DO YOU UNDERSTAND" " Captain Price and Captain Gaz? they are my godfathers, that's my uncle, Captain Soap, you know, Simon's Da..... anddddd. My Da. Captain Simon Ghost Riley."

" Captain." " Yes Sergeant" " Are KorTac going to have joint operation with us next week." " How do you know." " Poppy.. um, Captain Price mention something briefly."

" ... Oh."

".... Da."

Ghost looks up. " yes my dove." usually the children call their father and uncles by military titles at the barrack, but when they are in the private office, with no one else around, they lax a bit.

" Can I... can I introduce you to someone next week?" Aileen blushes.

SO THE DAY HAS COME. HIS LITTLE GIRL IS GETTING TAKEN AWAY BY THE PEST. Ghost's heart tightens.

".. Da? Da ? are you listening?"

" yes yes I am listening. So.. who is this.... person?" WHO IS THIS PEST. Keep Calm Simon. Keep your cool. You are the legendary Ghost.

" um. Do you remember Alex.. " Ghost frowned. Alex? not Soap's Cousin Alex? that's incest then. ... ... wait. .. NO. "You know, Uncle König's son?? " Simon " Ghost " Riley is certain he been cursed by his enemy again. First it's the MacTavish curse ( a curse he now consider a blessing) . now König.

and the Passerby can hear a despair cry coming from Captain Riley's office.

Just imaging the boys in their full ceremonial uniform.. delicious. And and and go google Neil Ellice topless kilt… * drool worthy* that’s our soap in kilt for you.

yes, the twins kept their maternal surname, just because they couldn't be bothered changing. Ghost doesn't mind it. The kids still carrying part of his family's name in theirs anyway. and Yes, Soap named his kid after Simon.

Thank you for reading, likes, comments and reblogs!

[impatiencegyu]

Wei Ying, Wen Qing and A-Yuan

Some context before we start! This is set in the Hogwarts universe, just retaining the sects and clans and the type of magic (don't think too hard about it, I'm confused too). Wen Ruohan used to be Minister of Magic, now it's Jin Guangshan. He's oppressing the cultivation world, especially the innocent Dafan Wens. A-Yuan is a baby and is not at all involved, and Wen Qing has to save him somehow, even if she can't save everyone.

"A-Yuan, you've been awfully quiet all this time! Did Qing-jiejie tell you off for something?" Wei Ying smiles at A-Yuan ruffling his hair as he fake-glares at Wen Qing with a hand on her wrist.

"Qing-jie, I've told you to not be too hard on him. It is this poor mother that suffers when his child is hurt!"

Wen Qing rolls her eyes so hard it hurts, before slapping his hand away. "This is not the time for your dramatics, Wei Ying. You know more than anyone how serious this is."

She watches Wei Ying's smile falter at the edges, before he smiles even wider than before.

"Aiya, jiejie, you worry too much about everything! See, we have to be carefree and calm about such things! Nothing's going to—"

"I don't remember you being this carefree when Jiang Cheng lost his core."

Wen Qing watches the blow burn across Wei Ying's face, and ignores how her heart hurts when his smile drops and his eyes harden.

"Please keep your voice down, Wen Qing. I don't want the whole pub knowing, gods." Wei Ying's voice is colder now as he leans back in his seat. "And, besides, as one bad leader falls, another rises. It's natural. I don't understand why you're so terrified of this. If it was Wen Ruohan before, it's Jin Guangshan now. There's not much we can do about it except being careful, is there?"

"You say it so easily," Wen Qing snaps, "He's killing people, Wei Ying! He's killing more people in a day than Wen Ruohan did in a week! And yet, no one will raise a hand against him because the ones who are being killed are us. Even when we did nothing."

Wei Ying laughs, a dark humorless chuckle that startles A-Yuan, before raising his hand nonchalantly. "Isn't this hand enough? I'm not letting him do shit anymore, jie. As long as you don't decide to throw yourselves at his feet, you'll be okay. I will—"

"Exactly, you idiot. That's what I've been trying to tell you for the past few minutes. Don't help us. Go back to the Muggle world, help Jiang Cheng set Lotus Pier straight. If you can't do that, go somewhere else, experiment with your dark arts. Or, just go to Gusu. Lan Zhan, you know he is—"

"This is not about Lan Zhan, is it?" Wei Ying snaps, slamming his wand down on the table. "Don't bring him into this. He's already done too much for me, lying to the Aurors and what not. I don't want to burden him more. Lan Zhan doesn't deserve that."

Wen Qing inhales roughly, gripping him hard by the wrist. "Lower your voice, you're scaring A-Yuan."

A-Yuan stares back and forth between them, eyes wide with fear. Wen Qing watches Wei Ying's eyes soften, and something akin to self-hatred fills his eyes as he goes to say something, but she beats him to it.

"You say Lan Zhan has done too much for you, and you can't let him do anymore for you. It's the same for us, Wei Ying. You've done too much for us. You've taken your own life apart for us. What if you have to go to Azkaban, what then? Who will protect us if you go away and they all turn on us? I can't even save myself — how am I going to save all of us? This is why I say it's better if we just—"

"You will not surrender to that man, jie." Wei Ying's voice rings like thunder in the small booth, "I won't let you do that. You've all— you can't do that to everyone. They are all—"

"Wei Ying," Wen Qing interjects, eyes teary as she stares at him helplessly. "This is the only way. The only young people with us is me and A-Ning. The grannies and uncles are all ready to go with us. This is the only way. We're not scared to die, none of us are. If all this mess ends if we die, then we'll do just that. We'll go to him."

"Jie," A tear slides down Wei Ying's cheek as he holds on to her hand desperately, "Jie, you can't do this to me."

"This is the only way, brother. And as for A-Yuan," She smiles reassuringly at A-Yuan, who, surprisingly, doesn't smile back, "I'll find a way before we leave."

"I'm not letting you do this," Wei Ying says in a determined voice. "I won't let you do this. We'll find a way, jie, I can't just let you—"

"I'm sorry, Wei Ying," is all the warning he gets before Wen Qing points her wand at him.

"Jie?" Wei Ying's voice is laced with betrayal and confusion, as he stares back and forth between her and the wand.

Wen Qing closes her eyes, gritting her teeth as she holds back tears and whispers, "Stupefy!"

Wei Ying's eyes widen once, before closing, as he falls down on the table with a soft thud. Wen Qing ignores the tears streaming down her face as she takes out the adoption papers and the ink, quickly pressing Wei Ying's thumb against it.

"Jiejie," A-Yuan calls, crying as well, "Will Xian-gege be okay?"

"Yes, he will, love, as long as you are with him. You remember what I said, don't you?" Wen Qing crouches down to his level, ruffling his hair. "You are going to live with your Xian-gege from now. Take care of him. Take care of yourself. Be good, and convince your gege to go see your Rich-gege, alright?"

A-Yuan nods, rubbing his tears away. "Jiejie, will I see you again?"

Wen Qing smiles sadly, kissing his forehead, "Maybe, love, maybe."

She then turns to Wei Ying, knocked out on the table, and presses a kiss to his forehead too.

"Wei Ying, my little brother," Wen Qing sighs, tears falling into his long hair. "Jiejie's sorry, yeah? I know you said you'd raise him, but not like this, ever. This is the only way we can save him if we are gone. I'm sorry, A-Ying. Jiejie's so, so sorry."

Then she turns away, manages a smile at A-Yuan, and gives the papers to him. "Give these to your gege, okay?"

He nods again, not crying anymore, but Wen Qing knows that look on his face. Determined, as if given a great responsibility. An expression too old to be on that young face. The same expression she had seen on Wei Ying's face when he first offered to help them.

Wen Qing bites down her tears, embracing A-Yuan hard once more before leaving.

She doesn't look back.

[slutforsfender]

𝐬𝐢𝐱 - 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭, 𝐬𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐀𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚

"A night out? In North Shields?" I question Phoebe.

"Aye, come on," She says, not thinking about what she is saying.

"Okay, Phoebe there are a few reasons behind my very definite no like the fact it's North Shields and the clubs are you know in the centre of Newcastle which we both definitely don't want to go to" I explain with a deadpan look and tone.

"I don't see your point. Pubs are the new night out" She backfires.

"What about the fact that we both know everyone here so anyone you went home with there would be consequences and most people we know our age are settling down" I state.

"I'll ignore the fact there was no we in going home with someone" She smirks.

"Also I really don't fancy going to a pub with a bunch of people crowding me and asking me why I'm back with the possibility of seeing Sam again because we both know he will also be out just for a canny night when we could just have one here," I say, walking over to lean against the kitchen counter.

"He's always in Low Lights and we just won't go there. Come on Bella, please" She practically begs with her hands, giving me puppy eyes.

"She's right yanno. That lad doesn't go anywhere but the Low Lights" My granny pipes in, entering the kitchen.

"Yeah, but Gran the Chase is on tonight and we all love it," I say, trying to convince her with my pleading eyes.

"Arabella, I am not letting my beautiful twenty-eight granddaughter waste another night back home watching quiz programs with me and your old grump. You deserve another lad that is not fictional. Now lass go get up those bloody stairs and get ready" She says, grabbing my shoulders and pushing me towards the stairs while winking at Phoebe.

I sigh with a roll of my eyes as Phoebe follows me upstairs to begin our night.

We empty my whole wardrobe onto my bed to find suitable outfits for the night. Well, I say we, more Phoebe as I sit flicking through songs in playlists.

"Okay, I got the perfect outfits" She shrieks, throwing two outfits onto the bed.

We spend the next two hours doing hair and makeup, bringing it all together. I'm not even gonna lie we look drop-dead gorgeous right now.

"Night out in the toon" Phoebe shouts, making me laugh uncontrollably like an eighteen-year-old again causing chaos, as we walk downstairs she pulls me down to grab our things.

We link arms as we walk through the familiar streets. I was awaiting the whispers but nothing, the streets were empty. Everybody was having their night out.

Eventually, we reach one of the pubs and walk in meeting the smell of alcohol and loud music. I pause a second, weirdly shocked.

"What's up? Forgotten a Shields night out, London girl" Phoebe says in my ear, making me laugh.

"Take the girl out of Shields Pheebs," I say, walking over to the bar and asking for shots.

"Straight in with it"

"It's a night out after all"

We spend the majority of the night on the dance floor or at our table, talking away with copious amounts of alcohol. I felt like I was eighteen again with Phoebe, except I wasn't drinking away the pain. Well, a little over the same guy.

I hear a bunch of noise from a table near and pause in shock. There they all were. Him. His mates. Phoebe follows my eye direction and pauses herself.

"Shit, you alright?"

"Aye, I'll get us another drink"

I race up to the bar, grabbing onto the bar and breathing deeply. Fuck.

I order us both another pint and a few shots. But as the bartender passes me the drinks, I feel a hand on my shoulder.

Do not be him I silently beg.

I turn around slightly to see a brunette in front of me.

"Hi, I couldn't help but notice you and I just wanted to say you look incredible"

"Oh thank you," I say slightly blushing as I hand the bartender my money.

"No worries. You okay? You seem like you've seen a ghost" He asks, as I check on Phoebe, who herself had found a guy.

"Aye well, you could say that," I say, thinking to myself the ghost of my past maybe.

We get to talking a bit, and Noah, as I learned, seems really lovely. He's not from Shields, he's from centre Newcastle which is great.

"I can't lie, you look really pretty tonight," He says in a completely innocent tone with the most dangerous words.

"You look pretty today"

Here we go. Rapid heartbeat, no control over breathing, tears threatening.

I mutter a sorry and run out of the bar as quickly as I could, not even daring to look at Sam.

I race home, trying to breathe in the cold air. But it didn't work, it never does. Stupid words. Stupid boy.

As I walk onto a nearby street, I hear a voice behind me. A too-familiar voice. I speed up. Not now. Not ever. Please.

Soon enough he grabs my hand and spins me around to face him. Don't look in his eyes, Arabella. I did it. Just don't cry, don't show weakness.

"Are you okay? I saw you run out and I couldn't not come to check on you" He spurts out after a few seconds that felt like hours.

"I'm fine. Go home" I say, trying to remain stern.

"Did he hurt you? Try owt?" He asks as I become aware his hand is still touching mine. I pull it away.

"No Sam, it wasn't him"

I try to walk away but he doesn't let me.

"Arabella, you clearly aren't okay. Come to the beach with me, the different feelings and smells will calm you down remember" He asks, recalling my anxiety attacks.

This is so different and his fault but I agree. The walk there was tense, with so many unspoken words in the air. My trauma attack, felt at ease though around the person who caused them.

We sit on some rocks, watching the ocean sway back and forth. That beach smells hits my nose. The black sky causes a glow on the ripples. Picture perfect.

He had his hands in his pockets, his old nervous tell. His hair going everywhere cause of the wind. I couldn't help but smile, an old habit never dies.

"Why did you run out? Was it me?" He whispers into the air,

"It's always you" I whisper back.

The truth. Every attack, every cry, every song, every smile. It's him.

"Oh," He says, shocked.

Silence again.

"Why are you back?" He asks.

"Hadn't been home in a while and my family plus Pheebs wanted me back. You weren't meant to be here or I wasn't meant to see you" I say, shocked by the truth. Must be the alcohol.

"Your eyes"

I give him a confused glance.

"That's the thing that I see all the time like a reminder of my mistake," He says with a deep breath.

"I ran out because he called me pretty" Sam probably wouldn't understand but the only way to follow the truth is with another whether they understand or not.

"Why can't I let you go Rose?" Sam whispers into the air once again.

----

hi! been a while my loves. honestly I needed a break from life so I thought I'd use it wisely and write this. it might not be as good as my other stuff but I kinda wanted it to be messy because this whole Sam and Arabella thing is messy which is true to the reasoning behind this book. enjoy my loves.

[brooklynislandgirl]

Advent Day XIII ~ When Winter Comes Calling @goodlawman

When Raylan walks into the house, he is all but assaulted by the season. She has instrumental carols playing softly, though these hold more resemblance to her Irish roots than her Oceanic ones; after a moment it becomes apparent that they are genuine mountain music. The kitchen table is covered in trays of baked goods and one particularly lovely gingerbread house. The east corner of the roof has been picked at but otherwise it's rather lovely. There are some jars of shine, too. Food is in the oven, and there's gifts in a dozen stages of being wrapped or ready to be given all around the living room. All of them are marked from Santa, all of them destined for Harlan's less fortunate children. For the less fortunate adults, she's rented out three different motels from Solstice to Imbolc ~ December through February~ for those who have no homes, and she's done it under the names Frances and Helen McKinley. She wants to honour his family, the important women in his life, but she wants no credit to go to Arlo in any way. He's barely kicked the snow off his boots and his hat before she dashes toward him and leaps. Her legs wrap around his hips, her arms wind around his neck and her kisses are sweet and slow and welcoming. "You made it home." Beth wasn't expecting Raylan to be here til after the new year; such is the way of life when you're involved with a Marshal, but she knew what she'd been getting into and still had chosen him for her own. Maybe he's a gift from Art, maybe he's finally taking a little time for himself the way everyone's told him he should. Whatever the truth of it, he growls it low in his throat at her ear seconds before her back collides carefully with the door. There is a delicate dance to it all as they eventually spin away and get as far as the couch. Tender touches, soft sighs, all building until its claws and teeth and tangled limbs. Later, Beth sits in front of the fire place, wrapped in a throw blanket and wearing just his plaid over-shirt as he pulls on his Henley. "M' very proud of us…didn't even interrupt ches'nuts roastin'."

They'd collected those last time he'd spent the weekend here. "I do protect an' serve," he drawls with that sardonic smile of his and then draws her into his arms. They stay that way until the sky darkens. They talk about his latest case, and she catches him up with the things he's missed in town. Eventually she notes, "Is still snowin'. Guess we gonna have a white Christmas aftah-all." They both know what a rarity that is, and it gives them the excuse of tucking in close after she drops off the gifts tomorrow, with the help of a few families she's made friends with on the civic council. "Witch magick, or we just lucky, you think?" She smiles and shrugs her shoulders a little knowingly. "I s'pose I can live with that," he says and shakes his head. Then he gets to his feet, settles his jeans in place, an odd little gleam in his gaze. Tells her to wear something warmer than her skin, that he has a surprise for her. When she comes back down the stairs fully dressed but still in his shirt, Raylan has a large silver bowl in his hands. The shape of it and the patina on it suggests that it isn't a commercial item but something precious handed down the generations until it became his. One that will go on to become Willa's and so on. There's something sweetly charming about it though she can't say why. They make it out the door and now there's a half foot of snow untouched glistening in the porch light. He helps her pick her careful way down into the yard, and as he does he talks about his mysterious kin; a mamaw, a granny, his auntie Helen. He tells her that they ever reminded him that the first snow was poison and should never be taken. They stand buffeted by the frigid gusts while they wait til the bowl fills, though now and again he packs it down. She confesses she has no idea what he's talking about; snow is rare except for some of the tallest mountain peaks ~Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Haleakala~ and not exactly reasonable to get to. In New York the snow comes more often but also no matter how much of it falls, it will never be clean. They end up back inside while she sits at the counter, a hot water bottle wrapped in flannel to warm her hands and middle, Raylan offering a bit of mountain magic of his own. Into the bowl of pure snow he adds an entire can of sweetened condensed milk ~tells her she could do it with heavy cream and sugar in a pinch~ and a touch of vanilla. So very carefully he folds the mixture together until it forms a soft blended texture more like butter than a milk shake. She doesn't know how quite to describe it because it's neither shave ice nor anything else she knows. "Snow cream. A staple of old Appalachia," he tells her, holding a spoonful of her lips. "Honestly, I haven't thought about this in years."

[just--vi]

Young Blood

A muggle AU Marauders era fic featuring wolfstar and jegulus.

After spending a difficult two years alone with his parents, Regulus makes the spur of the moment decision to join his brother and two of his best friends on a road trip. He isn't expecting old feelings for his brother's best friend to come back with such a vengeance, and he certainly isn't expecting James to feel the same way.

Meanwhile, Sirius and Remus navigate some difficult feelings around longing and jealousy.

Additional themes include navigating tenuous family relationships, chronic illness, mental health, and big life decisions.

Please read on AO3

Chapter 1 Snippet

“You’re awake,” his mattress sags under Sirius’ weight when he sits, pitched forward with his hands on his knees. “Alright?” Regulus nods at his hand – which Sirius shakes out and shrugs, a sharp smile spreading over his lips, all teeth and flashing eyes. “Would have taken my eye out with granny’s china if I hadn’t blocked it,” he snorts and then quiets himself – both of them shoot a look at the door. “Reg,” Sirius’ voice sounds rough, and when Regulus leans a little closer to hear him he can only just make out the swollen bags under his eyes, the red-rims that can only come from crying. Regulus chews the skin on the inside of his cheek and his hand hesitates in between them, just over Sirius’ shoulder, before dropping back into his lap.

“James is picking me up in a bit…”

“Your road trip,” Regulus says flatly, sighing and rolling his eyes toward the ceiling. “Weren’t you leaving next month?” Sirius’ shoulders rise and fall in a shrug, his grin is back – a little softer this time.

“Pushed it up, she isn’t ruining my summer…”

A long silence stretches between them, Sirius is scuffing his shoe on the hardwood, twisting a silver ring around and around his thumb. “There’s an extra seat,” he says so casually Regulus nearly misses the meaning behind it. His eyebrows draw into a furrow, and he twists a thread from his comforter around his ring finger.

“You think they’d let me?” Regulus snorts, glowering when Sirius makes a show of rolling his eyes.

“You’re nineteen Regulus fuck they can’t tell you what to do forever.”

“I’ve got to get ready for school.”

“It’s barely June, nobody studies over the summer.”

“I-“

Just then light floods his bedroom, an engine rumbles outside and then cuts off. They are locked in a stalemate for a long moment before Sirius slaps his thighs and says “suit yourself,” pushing roughly up off of the bed and crossing Regulus’ room without a goodbye.

The door clicks shut – they both know better to slam it, though part of him would like to see the fit his mother would pitch if she woke up in the wee hours of the morning to Sirius slipping right through her fingers again. He can see the crimson red of her cheeks, eyebrows creeping higher and higher up her forehead (the only expression she seems to be capable of these days), the shrill cut of her voice when she turns her fury to him instead, the slice of her nails in his shoulder, the sour heat of her breath on his cheek…

He doesn’t realize his heart is beating hard again until he has a hand pressed tight to his chest like he can reach right into his ribs and still it. “Wait-“ his door is closed, there are footsteps on the stairs (heavy ones, they belong to Sirius, uneven like he’s hauling something heavy on one of his shoulders).

“Wait,” he hisses again, one hand gripping his doorframe, standing like a deer in actual headlights in his pajamas, hair wild and eyes wide. “You’re sure there’s room? I need to...”

Sirius drops his bag at once, and nods frantically. “Yeah, come on-“ Sirius brushes past him with a wild sort of smile and throws Regulus’ closet door open, wincing when it creaks. He drags out an old hockey bag they used to haul to away games, shoving Regulus toward his dresser. He fumbles for t-shirts, his favorite sweater (“it’s the middle of summer Reg you won’t need that” Sirius mumbles, but lets him pack it anyway), two pairs of shoes, a few pairs of jeans… He shoves his laptop into his backpack with trembling fingers and turns forlornly to his bookshelf, jamming in as many paperbacks as he can fit alongside his computer charger, he packs his journal but forgoes his sketchpad and nearly forgets his toothbrush, creeping down the hallway to grab it and a black leather bag of toiletries. He dresses behind the closed door, tries to tame his curls, and spits mouthwash down the drain.