#gregorys whispering in ruin gave me ideas

[holysheithyall]

“The little boy heard the lullaby and opened the door.”

[star-going-supernova]

Fnaf prompt:

Whatever good karma she had, she just used up

Our second-to-last tumblr generated prompt is number 11! Ruin really came through with the development for Roxy, and I thought she deserved a ficlet of her own! (title’s a bit of a silly play on the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”)

One Mimic’s Mistake is Another Roxy’s Victory

Roxy wasn’t sure how much stock she put into the idea of karma, but if it existed, and if hers had been saving up for something big, this would be the moment she’d choose for it to intervene. 

She slammed into the rogue robot that had attacked Cassie and forced it back and away from the girl. She thought it might be an endoskeleton, based on the way it felt, though it was just slightly off in proportion. 

It certainly wasn’t a human or animatronic she recognized, for all that she was blind. And that was the important part. 

“Cassie, run!” Roxy cried, slashing at the bot with her claws. It was a loud, creaking thing, heavy and clunking with every jerky step it took. 

Her highly attuned ears caught the sound of sneakers moving away, and Roxy made sure to angle herself between the monster and the direction Cassie had run off in. 

They tussled a bit, smacking and heaving each other around with their matched strength and weight. Any advantage it could’ve had with its eyes was lost to a clumsy sort of inexperience. 

And then the robot made the dumbest decision it could have made. In a stuttery, slightly mechanical voice, it said in perfect imitation, “I-I’m Gregory.” 

Intellectually, Roxy knew it wasn’t. She knew this was a robot, a skeletal, endo-like robot who had just played a slightly distorted voice clip. 

But hell if those two little words didn’t kick Roxy’s protective anger all the way up to feral rage. She flew at the thing with a wild screech, and it was clearly taken off guard, rendered defenseless in surprise. She snapped one if its knees, bore it down to the ground, and then she braced her feet, dug her claws into its chest, and pulled. Roaring, she yanked with all her strength, plus whatever robotic equivalent of adrenaline that the reminder of Gregory had sparked in her. Metal tore apart, the strain snapping it and shattering the insides of the robot’s chest. 

She split that monster all the way down to its spine, and then just to be petty, she reached into its eye sockets and squeezed until its eyes popped in an explosion of warm sparks and broken glass. 

Her excellent ears caught the sputtering death of its core, the silence where there had once been whirring and creaks and clicks. Roxy, the victor, growled one last time at it and stepped away from the scrapheap it had become. 

“Roxy?” she heard, little more than a nervous whisper. 

“Cassie,” she said, turning toward her voice. “It’s all right now. The monster’s dead.” 

Footsteps tread closer, slowly, cautiously, then, “Whoa.” 

She couldn’t help but preen at Cassie’s impressed tone. “It didn’t stand a chance against me,” she boasted, flexing her arms. Just because her casing had been damaged didn’t mean the mechanisms that gave her her strength had been. 

Cassie giggled lightly. “You really ripped it apart! Are you okay?” 

“Eh, it didn’t get more than a swipe or two in,” Roxy said. Surface damage at best, and it wasn’t like a couple more scratches were going to be noticeable, given her overall state. She could still tap in to security cameras and use them as oddly placed eyes. She knew what she looked like. 

Brave little Cassie came closer still, all the way to Roxy’s side. A small, warm hand slipped into hers. “You saved me, Roxy. Thank you,” Cassie said. She sniffled. “I-I’m really sorry that I hurt you. I didn’t want to, I swear! That thing tricked me, it told me I had to shut down all the security nodes—”

“And I was one of them. I know, Cassie, and I’m not mad at you.” 

The sounds of stifled crying tore at Roxy’s insides, and without her programming restricting her from doing so, she carefully knelt and scooped Cassie up, holding her the way she’d seen a million parents do with their children. 

Other than making a quietly startled noise, Cassie didn’t protest. Instead, she leaned closer, settling against Roxy’s shoulder like it was the most natural thing in the world. 

Her mechanical heart skipped a beat, and she thought she might understand what humans meant when they said they felt all warm and fuzzy. “C’mon,” Roxy said softly. “Let’s get out of here.” 

Cassie nodded, and Roxy went back the way she’d come, following her internal map through the underground tunnels and hallways, up the stairs, and across the flooded cave. The main level of the pizzaplex wasn’t far, and if she wasn’t mistaken, Cassie was nodding off in her arms. 

That was okay. Roxy wouldn’t drop her. 

[rubysunnday]

it’s a bugs life | bridgerton!sis

A/N: I. AM. BACK, BITCHES!!!

Gregory Bridgerton had a slight obsession with animals and bugs. He loved the bugs he found in the garden of Bridgerton house, often collecting the caterpillars and spiders to put in shoeboxes that then lived in his room. Most of his family refused to go into his room when there were bugs within its walls - Gregory had a habit of forgetting to close the doors or lids of whatever receptacle he’d put the bugs in and they often escaped for freedom, ending up in, normally, Daphne’s room - but Colin and Y/N were the two exceptions.

Colin, thanks to his numerous travels, had a soft spot for animals and bugs, like Gregory, and was the main sibling who helped Gregory in capturing and looking after the bugs they found in the garden.

Y/N didn’t mind bugs. She did, however, hate spiders and refused to be in the same room as one - there was an infamous incident a few years back where she’d fallen down the stairs in a desperate attempt to escape a spider, narrowly avoiding smacking her head on the floor thanks to Anthony’s diving catch.

Colin and Y/N’s unfazed nature towards bugs meant that Gregory favoured them both when he need help capturing a bug or animal. Y/N had been roped in to numerous muddy and rainy escapades to collect frogs or worms - she’d ruined many dresses much to her mother’s annoyance - but she secretly enjoyed getting dirty and cold and being able to see Gregory admire the bug in his room and name it something ridiculous. 

The funniest bug incident had involved Anthony, Benedict and a baby bird.

 It’d been a particularly stormy day and Anthony had forbidden Gregory from even thinking of going outside to collect any type of bug. Anthony had sat down in his chair with a satisfied smile, knowing that his little brother wasn’t going to come back in covered in mud with a dozen new bugs.

Naturally Gregory hadn’t listened.

Y/N had been quietly reading a book in the main room when she’d noticed her youngest brother sneak down the stairs, several shoeboxes in hand. She looked over at Anthony, who was having a passionate ‘discussion’ (”It’s not an argument, Y/N,” Anthony said, whilst glaring daggers at Colin, “it’s a discussion”.) with Colin about why he couldn’t just flounce off to Wales for the week, and shut her book, quietly sneaking out the second door and following after Gregory.

“Gregory,” Y/N hissed as she caught him struggling to unlock the back door in the kitchen. “What are you doing?”

Gregory turned around and batted his eyes, looking like an angelic, innocent angel and not a mad, bug obsessed annoying human. “There’s a frog.”

“You have a frog,” Y/N replied, crossing her arms. “Why do you need this one?”

Gregory paused. “Well, there isn’t actually a frog,” he tried again. “I was looking out the window and spotted this baby bird on the ground, hiding under a bush.”

“Bird’s like the rain, Gregory,” Y/N reminded him, pushing herself up onto the counter near the door. “Besides, its mum will probably come back soon.”

“I don’t think it will,” Gregory said, leaning in to Y/N as if he was about to whisper a huge secret. “Its wing looks broken and I saw a fox.”

Y/N sighed and closed her eyes. She needed to not be so easily roped into things. She needed to build up a wall that couldn’t be broken and that no one could -

“Fine,” she said, jumping off the counter and grabbing the gardener’s jacket from the hook by the door. She pulled it on, buttoning it up as high as it would go and pulled the hood up. “Fine, come on.”

The wind ripped the door out of Y/N’s hand and it slammed against the wall. She ushered Gregory out the house and then forced the door shut, pulling it against the wind. Gregory quickly made a beeline to a bush near the side gate, kneeling down in the wet, muddy grass and setting his shoebox underneath the bush.

Y/N, knowing her dress was already ruined by this point, knelt down next to him, feeling the mud seeping through the material of her dress. The hood of the jacket had been blown down and her hair was soaking wet and falling out of it’s intricate styling.

Underneath the bush, cheeping nervously at them, was a tiny, baby bird. It’s left wing was hanging down slightly and looked to be at an awkward angle. Y/N reached her hands out and gently held out a finger for the bird to inspect. It hopped back a few steps, nervous of the newcomer in front of it. After a moment it hopped forward and cheeped, nudging Y/N’s finger.

Y/N took that as a sign and cupped her hands together, gently scooping the bird up and placing it in the shoebox which Gregory was holding out for her.

“Gregory!” 

Gregory swung around, falling on to his bum, at the sudden roar of his name. Anthony was marching towards them, struggling to keep his rain jacket on, holding the hood over his head as he glared at Gregory.

“I told you not to come outside!” Anthony yelled, pointing a threatening finger at Gregory.

Gregory looked down at the ground. “But -”

“No, there is no excuse -” Anthony trailed off as Y/N turned around, cradling the shoebox against her and protecting it from the worst of the rain. “Y/N.”

She gave him a wince of a smile. “Hello.”

Anthony looked like he might explode. “Inside, now.” He pointed a finger to the door but didn’t look away from his rebellious siblings. “Now.”

Gregory quickly stood up and ran inside, slipping on the step as he took the corner too fast. Y/N slowly stood up, shivering as the rain and wind began to get colder.

“Y/N, what were you thinking?!” Anthony yelled as she stepped around a puddle and approached him. “Out of all people -”

Anthony’s rant was cut off again as the biggest clap of thunder Y/N had heard in years went off directly over their heads. Y/N flinched and slipped on the grass, reaching an arm out to Anthony, refusing to let go of the shoe box.

Anthony grabbed her arm with one hand and wrapped the other around her waist, catching her before she fell into the mud. As soon as Y/N regained her footing, he marched her inside, pushing her inside the door and then slamming the door shut behind them.

Benedict was drying Gregory off with a towel and looked up as Anthony slammed the door. He let out a snort of laughter at his bedraggled brother and quickly looked away at Anthony’s scathing glare, busying himself with drying Gregory’s hair.

“What were you two thinking?” Anthony yelled, throwing his hands up. 

Y/N turned away from Anthony, only half listening. She set the shoebox on the counter and gently lifted the lid. 

“Y/N, are you even listening to me?” Anthony snapped. He went to continue his rant but was cut off by a quiet cheep. Anthony closed his eyes. “Please tell me that wasn’t a bird.”

“It wasn’t a bird,” Y/N and Gregory replied in unison, both giving the other a knowing smirk as Anthony let out a long, despairing sigh that only a big brother, who’d been putting up with his siblings for too long, could make.

Y/N picked the box up, turning around and showing her older brothers the tiny bird. “Gregory found it. It’s injured. I couldn’t leave it out there to be eaten!” Y/N exclaimed. She lowered her voice, nodding her head at Gregory. “He was going anyway, Anthony.”

Anthony took a step forward and looked down at the baby bird in the box. The bird cheeped as it noticed Anthony and hopped into a corner, burying itself in the moss.

Anthony sighed again. He looked over at Benedict, who had an arm around Gregory, the younger Bridgerton clinging to his side as he shivered.

“What’s the worst that can happen?” Benedict said, shrugging. “We can get the gardener to look at it tomorrow morning.”

Anthony looked like he wanted to murder all three of his siblings. “Fine. Y/N get changed.”

And with that, Anthony took the shoe box containing the baby bird and disappeared from the kitchen.

“Did he just... did he just take the bird with him?” Y/N asked, staring after her brother with a frown.

Benedict chuckled, letting go of Gregory and wrapping a towel around Y/N’s shoulders. “He has a soft spot for animals, really,” he replied, rubbing her arms with the towel as she shivered. “Now, go get changed before you get ill.”

The baby bird was soon named ‘Anthony’ in honour of the eldest Bridgerton who had subconsciously adopted it for the few weeks it spent in his room as its wing healed. 

There had been numerous other bug incidents over the years. Y/N had fallen out of a tree trying to rescue a cat, Colin had been biting by an angry swan who’d refused to be rescued from the net it’d swam into and Gregory had broken his wrist as he chased away a fox trying to eat the chickens he’d insisted on Anthony getting for Audrey Hall.

The bug incidents tend to stay at home, however. Gregory rarely tried to collect or rescue animals or bugs from any of the garden parties of receptions he was allowed to attend - probably because he was scared of getting into trouble with the hosts.

The night of Lady Danbury’s birthday ball, however, was apparently an exception to this rule.

Y/N smiled and nodded as she listened to a lord (she had no idea what his name was) talk about politics. Colin was standing next to her and was nudging her every so often when he noticed her attention span wandering to other, more interesting things - even the chandeliers were more exciting to listen to.

Someone ran into Y/N from behind and she stumbled forward, almost dropping her glass of champagne. Colin grabbed her elbow, catching her with one hand as she turned to see who’d ran into her.

“Gregory, what -”

“Help me,” Gregory said, grabbing Y/N’s hand and dragging her away from the group she’d been talking to.

Y/N barely managed to shove her glass into Colin’s hand as Gregory dragged her through the ballroom and onto the terrace outside.

“Gregory, that was actually really rude,” Y/N said as he let go of her hand and stopped running. She looked at him and frowned, noting his panicked expression. “What’s wrong?”

“A duck is chasing me,” Gregory replied, his little face looking very serious. “It’s following me around and keeps... quacking.”

Y/N snorted. 

“It is not funny!”

“Oh, it is,” Y/N replied. “Why is this duck chasing you, then, brother?” 

Gregory squirmed and Y/N’s shoulders slumped. Whenever Gregory squirmed she knew that whatever he was going to say was going to be ridiculous or stupid. There’d been a time when he’d accidentally toppled a bookshelf onto her - long story - and he’d lied to their mother and Anthony about how it had happened. But one glare (well, attempt at a glare, Y/N was on the verge of passing out and was clinging on to Colin for dear life) from Y/N had him squirming and he’d told the truth.

Y/N narrowed her eyes. “Gregory Bridgerton.”

Gregory reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a baby duck.

Y/N had no other word other than, “Oh.”

“It was stuck on the steps so I picked it up to help it down and then the mother duck started flapping her wings and quacking and then ran at me and I panicked and ran away,” Gregory replied, barely stopping for breath. 

Y/N let out a soft sigh and crouched down until she was the same height as Gregory. “Pass it here.”

Gregory carefully handed her the fluffy, chirping duckling. Y/N let it sit in her palm and stroked its head with her little finger. 

“Where did you find it?” She asked quietly, looking up at Gregory.

He pointed to the door the other side of the ballroom. “The pond over there.”

“Come on, let’s go put it back,” Y/N said, standing up and cradling the duckling in her hands. “It’s mum is probably worried.”

Y/N and Gregory walked back into the ballroom, weaving through the crowds of people.

“Y/N!” 

Y/N closed her eyes as her mother called her. She looked down at Gregory. “I’ll be back, go to the pond,” she said, ushering him off.

She turned around and plastered a smile to her face as her mother, Anthony, Benedict and a very unhappy Eloise approached with Lady Danbury and a man who looked slightly familiar but she couldn’t for the life of her remember why.

“Y/N, dear, this is Mr Williams,” Violet said, gesturing to the man next to her.

“Oh, yes, of course!” Y/N said, remembering that she’d danced with the man last week. “We danced together at Lady Christy’s ball, last week, didn’t we?”

Mr Williams nodded. “We did indeed, Miss Bridgerton. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

Mr Williams held out a hand and Y/N suddenly remembered that she was, in fact, holding a duckling in her hands.

“Can you just give me a minute?” She asked. “I’m sorry.” 

She slid past Anthony and her mother, ignoring their confused stares, and quickly walked to the door Gregory was hovering at. She was vaguely aware of the fact her mother was sending Anthony and Benedict after her but the duckling in her hands chirped and she focused on the pond and the fact that she was still holding a duck in her hands.

Gregory led the way down the stairs and halted suddenly. The mother duck and eight other ducklings were at the bottom of the stairs. The mother duck quacked loudly and hissed.

“Alright, it’s ok,” Y/N said softly, slowly walking forward to the mother duck. She knelt down on the last step and lowered her hands to the grass. “Here’s your baby.”

The baby duckling hopped out of Y/N’s hands and quickly waddled over to its mother, chirping happily as it reunited. The mother duck quacked and turned to the pond, the nine ducklings following after it in a line.

“See, she was probably just scared you were going to take her other babies,” Y/N told Gregory, still kneeling in the grass.

“I was just trying to help,” Gregory said softly, looking wistfully at the ducks.

“I know,” Y/N said, ruffling his hair. “But how would you feel if some stranger came and took you away from mother?”

“Scared,” Gregory admitted.

“Exactly. But you did the right thing, Greg. Even if I did have to interrupt mother’s attempt at match-making,” Y/N muttered, glancing behind her at the house. Anthony and Benedict were hovering at the top of the stairs, trying to make it obvious that they clearly weren’t listening but failing impressively.

“Go on,” Y/N said, shoving Gregory back towards the house, “go annoy Hyacinth.”

Gregory smiled and ran up the stairs, pausing for a second to hug Anthony around the legs, surprising the man. Anthony hugged him back and patted his head with a frown.

Y/N stood up, wincing as her legs tingled at the sudden movement. She looked up at her brothers, both of whom were watching her with a great deal of admiration.

“What?” She asked, frowning.

“You’re a good big sister,” Anthony replied, holding out his arm to her.

“I know I am,” Y/N said, taking his arm and smiling as he rolled his eyes. “And you two,” Y/N linked her other arm through Benedict’s, “are amazing big brothers.”

“Colin will be sad he was left out,” Benedict replied.

“Colin stole my cake, he can be jealous for all I care,” Y/N muttered, remembering her cake with a fond sigh.

The obsession with bug’s never did stop for Gregory. When Colin returned from his travels, he would always sit down with Gregory and go through all the drawings and writing’s he’d done on the bugs he’d seen whilst exploring. 

For his fourteenth birthday, Y/N bought her younger brother a book with detailed drawings of every insect known to man. It’d cost her the equivalent of almost her entire dowry but the joy on Gregory’s face had been worth it. And it was on that day that Anthony realised that, maybe, just maybe, he hadn’t done such a bad job of raising his siblings after all.

[louuieferrignojr]

title: pumpkin spice and everything nice (ao3)

summary: when kyle suggests pumpkin picking and couple pumpkin carving contests, things get competitive 

author’s note: thanks to @haloud for the fic title :)

“Do you think this one is okay?” Isobel asked Gregory, picking up a pumpkin from the ground. Gregory raised an eyebrow at the question, looking at the seemingly normal looking pumpkin, before looking beyond Isobel to see his younger brother and Michael in their own little world.

Michael had his arm around Alex, while using his other arm to try and get the beanie to stay atop his own head. Greg could hear Alex’s laughter as the curls made it impossible before Michael instead placed the beanie on Alex’s head.

Watching as Alex turned to look at Michael with a grin, he was interrupted by someone clearing their throat.

Isobel.

“They’re sickenly cute aren’t they?” She asked, before she pushed the pumpkin she chose into Gregory’s arms and he took it without complaint.

He could only shake his head softly before looking at his girlfriend.

“Just haven’t seen my brother this happy in a long time.” The statement was relatively true. Alex had been happy with Forrest Long a few months ago, but they broke up amicably when Forrest realized his time in Roswell writing his book was up and he left the town looking for a new muse.

Now though, Alex was so happy that his older brother didn’t know what to make of it.

“Well let’s go get the lovebirds. My feet are killing me.” The expensive boots she was wearing were not ones you’d wear to a pumpkin patch, but the glare Isobel gave him when he suggested different attire made that attempt pointless.

“Where are the rest of the gang anyway?” He asked, noting that Max, Isobel, Rosa, Maria and Kyle were nowhere to be seen in the huge field of pumpkins they were currently in.

“Gift shop,” she stated, before pulling Gregory along to where the two men were.

“Michael, I’m not that cold,” They could hear Alex say as they watched Michael zip up Alex’s hoodie. It was only 50 degrees out, but there was a strong wind coming in that day and Alex kept getting the chills as they walked through the pumpkin patch.

“You keep telling yourself that, because I can feel you shivering.” He pulled Alex into his arms and kissed him on the forehead, before making his way down his face, kissing his nose and each cheek before finally getting to his lips.

“Okay, break it up.” Isobel said, a smirk appearing on her face as they broke apart. Michael looked affronted, while Alex just shook his head.

“Did you two choose your pumpkin?” She asked, before taking notice of the huge pumpkin on the ground beside them.

Michael picked it up, “Yep. We are going to kick everyone’s ass at this couple’s pumpkin carving contest.”

“Yeah, yeah sure. You haven’t seen what Rosa can do when she gets creative with her art. We’re definitely going to lose to her and Maria.” She saw what Rosa could do the few times she visited her in rehab and she was impressed.

Also incredibly disappointed that she was also going to lose this contest.

“We’ll see about that,” Michael muttered, grabbing Alex by the hand and walking towards the gift shop and cafe that the farm had. They could faintly hear Alex ask if they had hot chocolate and Michael hurriedly agreed to buying him one.

“We’re really going to lose aren’t we?” Greg asked, turning towards Isobel.

“Afraid so sweetie,” and gave him a peck on the lips.

------

“Kyle, she’s cheating!” Michael exclaimed a few hours later at Alex’s house. His entire living room had the furniture and his guitar case moved to one side so they could put newspapers down on the floor as they carved their pumpkins. Kyle came up with the idea about a month prior, after everything with Mr. Jones ended, the alien no longer in the picture. Alex suggested his house as it wasn’t as far out of the middle of town as Max’s or as clean and pristine as Isobel’s. The idea of having pumpkin all over Isobel’s floors or table nearly gave her a heart attack. She readily agreed to Alex’s house and the date was set.

Kyle was the only one standing as he walked around to see how everyone was doing. Isobel and Gregory were doing terribly, as their design they were carving came out more deformed than they expected. Kyle could barely contain the grin that appeared on his face while Isobel gave a long sigh as she sat next to Gregory as he tried and failed to make it look presentable.

Max and Liz were doing a bit better, but Michael’s note about Liz cheating did hold true as she tried to ask Max to use his powers to mess up everyone else’s pumpkins.

No matter how much he wanted to win this contest with their giant pumpkin literally referred to as the “Big Max,” by the people at the farm, Max himself declined that suggestion, not ready for Michael to yell at him. Their relationship was getting better and not even a pumpkin carving contest was going to ruin it, no matter how childish the fight would be.

“Michael, calm down,” Alex suggested calmly, grasping Michael’s hand gently and Michael’s grip on his knife loosened as he finished carving. He looked proudly at his work before Alex gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“You did great babe.”

“Not as great as us though!” Rosa exclaimed, turning her pumpkin around to show everyone.

Their mouths dropped open as they examined her carving and Kyle let out a laugh.

“Michael, we totally lost.” Alex stated, looking down at their own pumpkin.

Rosa’s E.T. carved masterpiece was on another level and Maria smirked beside her, proud of how talented her girlfriend was.

“That’s my girl,” she stated, giving Rosa a quick kiss before looking up with a raised eyebrow at Kyle for the results.

“Well, let’s start with last place. In last place, we have...Isobel and Gregory,” Isobel pouted, before noting that Gregory was still trying to fix the carving, “We lost sweetie.” The older man grumbled, dropping the knife. Isobel could hear Rosa laugh in the background as she looked at their pumpkin.

Kyle took a step towards Liz and Max next, “In third place, we have Max and Liz. Not bad, but not great.” Max and Liz both sighed, and Kyle noted that Liz turned to glare at her boyfriend. Kyle could see that Liz would never grow out of her competitive nature. Michael snorted, “Guess Big Max was no match for Little Max’s carving skills.”

Taking a step towards Alex and Michael, Kyle spoke, “In second place, we have Michael and Alex. Great job gentlemen, but well...you know.” He could only gesture towards Rosa’s alien inspired carving to show them why they didn’t win.

“In first place and receiving a $50 gift card to the new incredibly expensive Italian restaurant in town...Rosa and Maria,” He handed them the gift card and Rosa held it proudly while Maria laughed at the sad reactions from everyone.

“Come on guys,” she got up and grabbed Rosa’s hand and waited for her girlfriend to pick up the pumpkin. “Let’s put the lights inside them and put them on display outside.”

As everyone got up and did just that, Kyle was left alone to start cleaning up everything. After watching him nearly slipping on the newspapers, Michael let out a laugh, “Think fast Valenti,” the words came out of his mouth as a beer came floating towards the doctor.

As he got stable standing on his own two feet and grabbed the beer, he looked at the curly haired alien who was dating his best friend.

“Thanks,” he opened the bottle and took a swig.

“Thanks for this idea man,” Michael looked from Kyle to the front door where Alex was coming in with Maria and Rosa, laughing along to something they were saying. “We all really needed this, but especially Alex. This level of normalcy, we never had it before.” He played with the beer bottle in his own hand before he continued, “Now that we’re officially dating, just hanging out with friends is nice. Before it was always a secret and no one really knew and we never had a real definition to what we were.”

Kyle looked at Michael, seeing a whole new side to the mechanic he never saw before and never expected to, before shrugging. “Not a problem Guerin.”

“Hey, what’s up with you two?” A new voice joined the conversation, and both turned to see Alex standing next to Michael.

Michael shook his head, before grabbing Alex’s hand. “Nothing to worry about. Just thanking the good doctor over here.”

Alex looked between the two of them, before shrugging. Kissing Michael on the cheek, Alex let go of Michael’s hand and set off towards the rest of the mess that was being cleaned up in the living room.

“So….we’re watching E.T. right?” Rosa asked 10 minutes later, as she planted herself on the couch that has now moved back to its original spot.

“I think I have the DVD,” Alex muttered, going through his extensive movie collection. Michael could only laugh as his nerdy boyfriend started pulling out his DVDs.

“Ah ha!” Alex exclaimed, pulling the movie out and Michael used his telekinesis to open the DVD player for Alex to put the movie in.

Each couple took a spot in the living room and as Alex got up to sit next to Michael on the couch, he turned to look at his boyfriend. The alien turned his head to look back at Alex and smiled softly at him.

“Happy fall,” he whispered, as the movie started playing in the background.

Alex kissed him on the lips before he spoke, “Happy fall.”

“Some people want to watch a movie, boys,” Rosa stated, glaring at them as she threw popcorn at their heads.

One piece of popcorn got stuck in Michael’s hair and Michael grabbed it before throwing it in his mouth.

“Delicious,” he stated before turning to capture Alex’s lips on his own.

[amnachil]

To the Perfection Chapter 3 Part 1

And here it is! The beginning of the last chapter! I hope you’ll like it.

Thomas Monday April 22

Joël offered him some water. The ginger didn't know why he knocked at the door. Why he came in his friend's bedroom. But here he was, hunched on the bed, feeling worst than he ever had. What have I done ? What the hell have I done ?!

"Sooo are we gonna talk about why you showed up in the middle of the night at my place with the sadest expression you could think of ?" asked the other.

"No."

"Oh okay."

Joël stood up and opened the door. Thomas looked at him, disconcerted. What is he doing ?

"Since you don't wanna talk you can leave." he said. "We have class tomorow and I need to sleep. You know where the exit is."

"You'll let your depressed friend leave on his own in the middle of the night ?" asked the ginger, astonished.

"My friend would talk to me." countered Joël.

A blank followed. Thomas lowered his eyes. I don't even know why I came here ? He won't be any help.

"Fuck it." mumbled Joël. "Look man, I decided years ago I would NOT be involved in any drama with you and Cody. You two are soooo complicated. I always acted nice with both of you and I always tried to let you as much space as you needed. I saw you withdraw but I never blamed you for anything. But that's it. I'm done with both of you and aaaaall your craps. DONE you hear me ? So what do you want Thomy ? Talk or get the fuck out of my place ?"

The ginger glanced at his friend. This one wasn't kidding.

"Talk." he finally whispered. "I want to talk."

"Okay. Let me go grab some ice cream and a strong coffee. I know, orange flavored ice cream for you."

Thomas watched him leave, surprised. He knows that ? How ?

It took some time for them to get more comfortable. Thomas stayed in the bed, and Joël sat cozily on his pouffe. And then, silent. The ginger took a big breath in.

"I'm not really in a relationship with Ilhan." he started. "We're not a couple."

"Sooo... you're not gay ?"

"I'm in love with Dan, Raphaël's boyfriend. Well, ex-boyfriend now."

"So you're gay ?"

"I've been in love for five years and I wanted to be with him. So I did a plan to ruin Raphaël and his relationship. Turn out it worked and they broke up. Or I think so. Anyway, I'm a monster."

"Yup, definitely gay."

Thomas sat up straight and glared at Joël.

"Yes dude, I'm fucking gay ! Can you go past that already ?!"

"Sorry if this is a big news for me ! It's not like if I was always talking to you about girls and how cute they were but close enough ! Dude I feel so dumb now ! You could've warned a man !"

The ginger didn't reply, completely caught out. What the hell is he babbling about ?

"Damn buddy, I must've been so annoying with all my waffle about girls ! I'm sorry !"

"What the fuck are you apologising for ?! I'm gay, not anti-girl you fucker."

Joël made a face.

"Really ? Cool."

He sank into his pouffe and slurped a big swallow of his coffee.

"You can continue now." he invited.

He must be kidding me.

"I love Dan." he said anyway. "The man living with me."

His voice broke. I hurt him so much. I'm so stupid.

"Okay, cool." mumbled his friend but he didn't seem impressed at all. "What about Ilhan ? What is he to you ?"

"A fuck buddy I guess ? I'm just fucking him when I need to release the pressure of being around Dan. Which is every night or so."

Joël licked the ice cream he had on his finger. Why on earth I'm talking to him ?

"Sooo... Is that you who fattened both of them ? For your fetish ?"

"What is it about your weird questions ?"

"You did it or not ?"

Thomas grunted. I think he's missing the point here.

"Yes." he said nonetheless. "I fattened them. How do you know that ?"

"Man, when you fatten someone, they usually become FAT. It's not something you can hide." explained very seriously Joël.

"I don't mean that asshole ! How did you understand it was my doing ?"

"Oh c'mon dude... I know you since kindergarten and you seriously thought I would not notice how many of our acquaintances ended up chubby while they were hanging out with you ? Do you think I'm dumb ?"

Something like that yes. Thomas held his comment. This whole conversation was senseless.

"Anyway back to the topic." continued Joël. "So you and Ilhan are only having sex. Does he know that too ?"

What kind of question is it ? We don't care about this idiot !

"Of course he's." replied the ginger sharply. "What do you imply ? Do you think I would've forced him to have sex only to satiate my selfish desire ?"

"I don't know man, DID you ?"

A blank followed. Thomas grabbed the nearest pillow and hide his head in it. The soft touch made him think about Dan, which was more painful than anything else right now.

"Yeah." he piteously admitted. '"I totally did that. I'm not even sure he's gay... But he never said no ! It was consensual !"

"Okay, okay, I believe that." assured Joël. "Would've been pretty uncool to wake up my father the sheriff to arrest you for rape."

"Jo ! I never did such a thing !"

His friend pouted.

"So you're in love with Dan." he recalled. "Raphaël's boyfriend."

"Yeah. To my defense, I already loved him before they got together." precised Thomas. "And it was very hard to see them all the time. They looked so perfect ! It became worst when Dan moved in and my mom left. I just couldn't control myself, I wanted him so badly ! Note that is why I slept with Ilhan and this is totally Gregory's fault because he gave me the idea. Anyway, that's when Darren showed up."

Joël's whistled, suddenly more interested.

"Another dude ! This is better than the cheesy show my mom watch every night !"

For god sake. Just shut up.

"So I kind of thought Darren and Raphaël had an affair. No, I just decided they were having one because it was the best way to make Dan jealous. I managed to make him doubt my brother. Then I talked with Darren, who turned out to be the old bully of Raphaël in middle school, and I charged them in front of Dan. He was so heart-broken and mad, he didn't thought twice about it and he blamed my big bro. This one ran away and he hadn't contacted us since. And tonight, I almost slept with Dan who was drunk and that's when I realised I had just broke his heart and probalby Raphaël's one too."

A blank followed. Joël processed the whole thing slowly.

"Okay. So a lot of shit happened. What about Cody ?"

"What about him ?"

"Man, you literally turned the whole school against him. Was it only for what he said about your fake couple with Ilhan ?"

The ginger lowered his head, ashamed of himself.

"Actually, he never said that. I was pissed because I thought he was spying for Raphaël and trying to mess with me so I gave him an underserved lesson."

Joël finished his coffee. He's taking all that surprinsingly well. To be honest, saying things out loud was soothing. Thomas was realising slowly how awful and selfish he had been. And how many people I hurt in the process.

"What's the deal between you and Raphaël anyway ?" asked finally his friend.

The ginger didn't understand the question. Is he off track or what ? I just told him the whole picture.

"He's dating my crush dumbass." he explained again.

"Oh big news there." said ironically Joël. "You want me to believe you were ready to literally destroy your brother's life only for your teenage crush ? I get you could be jealous of him. Maybe you could have resented him a little. But it seems to me like you utterly hate the dude. Who, I want to recall, is your BIG BROTHER, the man who took care of you since birth and who's always saying you're his precious little brother. You know, your number one fan..."

Thomas opened his mouth. Closed it. That's... He never thought about it that way.

"Buddy, was Dan the real problem here or were you trying to make a point ?" asked Joël. "Because I would totally understand if you had tried to conquer the person you loved. But to me, it looks like you were more preoccupied by the idea of surpassing Raphaël than having Dan."

"I... I don't know." whispered the ginger.

It was true he was obsessed with Raphaël. He was always thinking about him. About how to be more perfect than him.

"My big bro is... the best man on earth." he confessed with sadness. "It's so hard to be in his shadow. To be behind him. I mean, he's everything I want. He's successful, handsome, always acting logically... Man, am I just desesparate to be him ?"

"Something like that maybe ?"

Thomas didn't realise he was crying until he felt a tear fall on his cheek. What I've done ? I'm the worst person ever... The worst friend, the worst lover and the worst brother.

"Okay I think this is enough for one night." decided Joël. "We'll work through this starting tomorow."

"Why ?"

"Why what ?"

"Why are you helping me ? I've caused only problems to everyone."

"Yeah, glad you realise that now dummy. Just give me some space in MY bed now, it's sleep time."

Cody Monday April 22

< Jo : ThOmy's FeelnG sIcK. WoNt be tHerE todAy. >

It was the text Cody recieved this early morning. He decided to go turn a blind eye to the awful spelling of his friend. Something weird is going on. First Ilhan who revealed that his relationship with the ginger wasn't sane and now that. There are too many things I don't understand. Why Thomas had decided to fuck his friend out of the blue three months ago ? And why he had done it almost everynight then ? Ilhan hadn't detailed much. I know they have sex and he wants it to stop. But what are Thomas's motivations ? Why would he do something like that ? Apparently, he had decided to fake the couple thing in order to avoid complications. So was he only desesperate for sex ? I would have help him on that. Cody blushed. No he didn't thought that at all.

"Hey dude." greeted Ilhan.

He waved him and they walked to class. The dark-haired lad sighed. He had asked Ilhan time before  he had to give him an answer. He needs my help to get rid of Thomas. And me, I want Thomas. Maybe he could learn some tips about what had attracted the ginger in the first place ?

"Did you thought about what I said ?" whispered Ilhan. "Because I fear the moment he'll come back at my place."

"Actually, I did." replied Cody. "And yes, I'll help you. Come to my home this evening and we'll talk more about it."

Dan Monday April 22

One bell. Two. Three. Voicemail. Again. The college student let out a sob.

"Please Raphaël..." he lamented.

Another day filled with silent. Trapped here with his guilt. He had already thought about moving back at his parent's place but he wasn't sure he would be able to face them. He couldn't look Shirley nor Carol in the eye. He couldn't talk with Thomas. He was facing his conscience. Because he had hurt the only person he wanted to see.

To be continued

A really big Thomas’s pov... We’ll be centered around him for a while anyway. 

Joel is... I love Joel. And he’s done with that shit.

[1stunseeliefaelass]

Darksiders Arthurian Tales Revisited

Chapter 8: Closing In

Soon enough Death and Morgen's simple idle chatting turned into both of them ranting and raving together. Hyping each other up as their volume rose higher. Strife placed his ear against the door to listen in and couldn't help being proud of his big bro. War however came over to retrieve him,

"If he comes out and sees you, he'll probably kick your ass and dig your grave personally."

"Shhhchchchchch...listen." Strife urged him whilst pointing at the door.

War sighs before humoring Strife, "If I comes out I'm blaming you."

The two then listened in on the 'lovebirds' as they ranted on a bit more. Having reached their highest point of ranting nonsense.

"YEAH!!!! I WORK HARD AND FOR WHAT?! A PAT ON THE BACK AND A JOB WELL DONE?! NOT EVEN THAT IS A GUARANTEE!" Death raved.

"PREECH IT!!!!! THOSE WITHERING SAD MOUNTAINS CAN GO SHOVE IT!!! THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY HAVE AND IT'LL BE THEIR RUIN!!!" Morgen shouted in her hype.

"IF IT WASN'T FOR US THEY WOULD HAVE NOTHING! IF IT WASN'T FOR US THEY WOULD BE NOTHING!!!! WE ARE THE REASON WHY THEY'RE IN POWER, WHY ANYONE TAKES THEM SERIOUSLY!!!!" Death hollers.

"EXACTLY! YOU'RE THE TRUE FORCE BEHIND EVERYTHING THEY DO! IF ANYONE TRULY PROTECTS THE BALANCE IT'S YOU!!" Morgen replies yelling.

"EXACTLY, and people think we're nothing." Death says before simmering down and chuckling, "It was good talking to you."

Morgen takes a moment to catch her breath and tells him, "To you as well, and for what it's worth, you are indeed something to me. If not perhaps more than that."

Death sighed before replying, "Thank you, so...I've guess we've gone into the night so....should I be going now?"

"I mean if you wish. I won't force you to stay. Especially if you're tired after today. Given all that's happened I wouldn't be surprised." Morgen expresses.

"Uh...trust me today wasn't exactly that tiring. So you'll be alright alone tonight?"

"I should be, although if anything comes up I'll let you know." Morgen tells him calmly.

Death nodded before leaving and saw his brothers as he left. They'd been backing up a ways when Death indicated he'd be leaving the room. They were now fake walking up, but Death had no proof and could only suspect them of doing so, "What are you two doing?"

"Nothing, just came up here to see if you needed any assistance." Strife stated.

"Riiiiiight." Death replied sarcastically, clearly not believing the story, "Anyway, I'm heading to bed."

"Oh, seriously?" Strife questioned.

"Yes."

"Ok then....normally you don't go to bed until you pass out. Then we usually have to drag you to a bed, or a cot in your case. But ok." Strife explains before walking off with War, "I thought he was gonna do something else."

"Same here." War replied.

With that Death got to his room and after locking the door behind him, began removing his armor. Only leaving his trousers on before falling onto the bed with a groan. Fuzzball meanwhile hopped up and began snuggling him a little. Death chuckled a bit whilst stroking him. Dust began to preen on a recently placed perch nearby before falling asleep himself. Death watched this before looking at Fuzzball as he fell asleep too. Soon Death felt sleep beginning to hit him, and he let it do so, hoping that this time he'd have a decent night's sleep.

Meanwhile Vortigern had happily thanked Gregory for him bringing his wares around yet again. C of course hung back as they spoke, and soon decided to hit the hay herself. If mainly because the lack of much to do was making her sleepy. She kept hearing a voice she'd never heard before in her head. Realizing it was probably the Wendigo, she quickly got to the guestroom she was placed in until the situation had righted itself. It took time, but she soon finally fell asleep on her bed. The cushiony mattress welcoming her all the way.

Within a few hours, everyone else had gone to bed. Even Morgen finally managed, being the last one in the household to do so. As her exhaustion beat out any concerns she had. Course meanwhile, Death had begun to have a nightmare, one he hadn't had in a very long time. Tossing and turning he began muttering in his sleep as he dreamt of Lilith raping him. Fuzzball got woken up and listened in with concern as Death began to plead quietly,

"Nrgh.....arrgh.....No....please stop....nrgh....stop, no....arrrrgh ugh aahh....please.....no more, no more.....no mo-aaaaaaargh....."

Fuzzball grew ever more concerned as Death began getting louder and curling up as if he were in massive pain. As well as occasionally jolting like he once did during a seizure. Fuzzball quickly suspected that's what was happening and tried to hop onto his chest. Only for Death to start screaming now, then after a few seconds of it he jolted awake with a final screams. Throwing Fuzzball across the room by accident. He got into a defensive stance and scanned his room whilst breathing heavily before realizing he was fine. That he was safe and sound, and no one was hurting him. Sitting on the bed, he began working on calming himself. Looking down at the floor, as he felt his emotions trying to hit him like a hurricane. Then he felt something fluffy gently tapping his bare foot, and saw a worried Fuzzball pawing at him.

"Sorry about that." He said before scooping him up and petting the little rodent. Fuzzball gave off little happy purr like noises, being glad his master was indeed ok. Suddenly both were interrupted by the sounds of an infant crying. Death began ignoring it at first, figuring someone else would get to Arthur. Then he heard distorted voices and hushed whispers, that put him on edge and he finally bolted to the room Arthur was in. Upon seeing the shadow from before standing above Arthur, it suddenly fled. Death meanwhile quickly grabbed Arthur and checked him over. Silently panicking as he hasn't dealt with babies in EONS. Finally he held him like anyone should hold a baby. Whilst carrying Arthur, he checks around the room and the halls outside the room. Finding nothing off he then checked the window, and sees the light glinting off the fur of the Wendigo. Realizing what must've happened he slowly sat down in a chair near Arthur's crib. He wasn't entirely sure what to do just yet, but would try talking to him to see if it worked or not.

"Was the scary thing being mean to you?" Death asked before looking out the window again. He saw the Wendigo looking behind it's shoulder for some reason. All of a sudden it gives a shrug of annoyance before finally flying away whilst shifting into a more owl like appearance somehow. Arthur did calm somewhat but even though he wasn't screaming he was still crying. This left Death at a loss before he began thinking for a moment. He summoned forth a bit of light magic and formed it into a bear at first. This got Arthur to stop crying finally as he paid attention to the bear. But when he got a little upset again Death quickly thought of a different animal to try and make him happy. He guessed a lion might do and formed the magic into a lion shape. Turns out it was the right guess and Arthur immediately began reaching out for the shape excitedly. From there Death gained another idea, course this would require some concentration to do. It drained him quite a bit as he worked to get his job done, whilst also adding an enchantment onto the plush lion that was now forming together. After roughly a few minutes of work, Death finally sighed as the plush fell into his hands. Freshly made, with an enchantment to ward off mental attacks from anything. He then showed the little plush to Arthur,

"Now this little guy is gonna help you sleep. If the scary monster comes back again, this'll ward him off."

Arthur then hugged the plush lion happily and Death felt content at placing hi. back into his crib for now. Course as Arthur began to slowly fall asleep, he grabbed at Death's hair and tugged it. He did this a few times, much to Death's annoyance, "Hey enough of that."

Then at another tug, he got a flashback to himself when he was younger. He was holding another baby, a newborn clearly. He could hear a big fire going nearby as he gently went to touch the baby, who was crying. He could hear himself saying in an oh so tender tone, "There now Coventina, now now. She's in a better place now. I'm here now. Daddy's here, daddy's here."

Death suddenly snapped out of it breathing heavily, then looked down at Arthur. He had let go and was asleep at last. Snuggling the plush with a little smile. Death slowly began to back away, doing his best to not make any noise. Just as slowly, he closed the door to the room. Then he heard a voice behind him just as he let go of the knob.

"Is he alright?" Morgen asks.

Death jumped and looked at her, "Not the best time to do that right now."

"Sorry. How's Arthur? I heard him crying a moment ago, then a loud growl or something like that."

"That was the Wendigo, and don't worry about Arthur. I just....I made sure the Wendigo couldn't attack him. And there's something more disconcerting about the Wendigo,..." Death explained before taking her off to the side, "...it can shift forms. I saw it turn into a sort of demented owl like creature."

Morgen of course quickly goes to head to Arthur's room, wanting to be sure he was ok. But Death reassured her, "I made stuffed animal for him with a small enchantment to it. It'll ward any and all mental attacks."

"You're sure of this?"

"I used light magic to do it, would've made the thing glow if it wouldn't disrupt his sleep." Death assures her.

"Alright, I'll trust your judgment. Think you'll be heading back to sleep then?"

"Currently the plan, but plans can change. I have a lot on my mind right now." Death informed her.

"Such as?" Morgen inquired.

"Old memories that I thought were gone, old memories I thought I didn't even have, and other that I didn't even know about." Death expressed with a sigh.

"You want to elaborate on it or.....?"

"Could we do this in private later maybe? You know, late and all. Besides if anyone here needs sleep it's you."

Strife then came out yawning, "Dude you sleepwalking out here or....ooooh.....am I interrupting something? You know what, nevermind. I can see that you two are busy and doing other stuff. Pretend I wasn't even here."

Death looked his way, "Not what you think."

"Oh yeah mmhmm yeah you weren't doing anything. Wasn't here myself." Strife says shaking his head.

Death then facepalmed before telling Morgen, "Well.....sorry about him, and goodnight."

Morgen nodded, "Goodnight Death, rest easy.", as he walked away.

Once Death got back to his room he fell upon the bed again, hoping things would be better. Course Fuzzball hopped over to him again and gave a concerned, "Merph?"

"I'll be fine, it's nice to know that you're trying at least. Just get some rest, I'll be fine."

Fuzzball walked in circles for a second before stamping his little feet and finally laying down to sleep. Purring quietly as he did so. Death tossed and turned for a while, trying to get comfortable. As he finally relaxed, he began thinking about everything that had been going on. From the strange occurrences, his dreams, the twisted Wendigo, the flashbacks, all of it. His eyelids beginning to flutter as his thoughts began to melt together before he finally fell asleep. This next dream he had, was far nicer. He saw a woman, one he'd seen in dreams before. She had wavy golden brown hair with a blonde ombre to it, brilliant eyes of gold, and just overall looked truly beautiful. He wasn't sure why, but he always felt a strong sense of love and adoration when seeing her. The dream was always the same, he'd dance with her in a strangely beautiful realm. He couldn't recognize it, but he saw a permanent aurora borealis within the skies above them. It was the perfect lighting for this dance. Then as the dance ended, the woman would gain this saddened look, as if she was expecting something important from him, and didn't get it. Once the dance stopped, she began to walk away from him. He'd always try to follow but something would prevent him from moving after her. However this time, the dream deviated here. This time, he heard himself shout her name.

"WREN!"

She turned around, looking as though she was crying. But also very shocked and surprised, as if she hadn't expected to hear her name. Before things could change further however, the dream faded and he slowly woke up. Fuzzball was gently licking his face, and only after waking up more did he realize why. As Fuzzball nuzzled him, Death felt a wet spot on his pillow. His hand was wet as well, but he couldn't understand why. He rarely wept these days, even in his sleep.

"Strange. Very strange." Death expressed quietly before finally responding to Fuzzball, "I'm alright, I'm alright."

Death prepared for the morning ahead easily enough, and washed his face briefly before dressing himself. Fuzzball watched keenly, his little tail flopping against the floor. Course Death heard a knock at the door just as he'd placed the mask on.

"Who is it?"

"You alright in there dude?" Strife called out.

"Ugh....yes I'm alright. It was just a dream, nothing to worry about."

Strife looked at him funny, "Right. Just a dream. Anyway, so how you doing this morning?"

"I'm doing quite well, thank you very much. Uh....while you're right there I need to ask you something." Death expressed.

"Ask away."

"Do you remember anyone named Coventina?" Death asked.

Strife gained a concerned look on his face but told him, "Uh...nothing right now. But if I remember anything I'll you know ok?"

"Uhm....alright. You look a little concerned, is something off?" Death inquired.

"Oh nah just uh...trying to remember some stuff. Uhm....I'm gonna go see if anyone's cooking, you?"

"Uhm....I dunno know yet. May check on Morgen, may check on Arthur. I dunno, I haven't really thought of it yet." Death told him.

"Uh alright. See ya at breakfast, when you finally decide to come in."

As Death began to think to himself about everything, a certain Wendigo had a certain punishment going on. Uther hadn't been at all pleased in the SLIGHTEST when the creature attacked his baby son. This transgression would be punished most severely, and severe it indeed was. Now though, the next morning, Uther returned to the caged beast. Bringing along with him various implements that would, better improve this plan in his eyes. As this thing's approach clearly failed.

"If you had allowed me to enter their grounds, I would've had him!" The thing hissed at him.

Uther stayed silent for a moment after then told the Wendigo, "You attacked my son."

"Last I checked...you only wanted the girl! And the Horseman was DIE! You also told me I could do what I wished to anyone else! You didn't say anything about the child!" It retorted.

"Anything in your way, how did children relate to that?"

"Easy, lure them out, get them close, and break their little legs. So that they lure in the real prey, the real game. Unfortunately for you, that Huldra had a few...extra...abilities." It hissed.

"Huldra? I know no Huldrefolk, or any creatures of their ilk." Uther stated coldly.

"That little tyke.....the red head.....she was the one that stopped. Those little girls would've been perfect meat!"

Uther cocked his head, "Anna and Elaine?"

"The little girls? Is that who they were?"

"THOSE ARE MY NIECES." Uther growled.

"I wouldn't have caused that much damage. Just would've broken their little legs. If you wanted the animal, you've got it! If you wanted the humanitarian, you shouldn't have put this stupid collar on me!"

"Hmph, well I'm going to make a few adjustments to you collar. For one thing, I'm going to adjust your abilities. It was also make your more...obedient." Uther informed him.

"The minute....this collar comes off...I WILL KILL YOU!" The creature growled at him.

"No you won't. Nine times out of ten you'll just head back to your little spot, wherever it is."

The creature then attempted to swipe at Uther, only for Uther to step back. It keeps trying before Uther causes the effects of the collar to take place. The cage meanwhile electrocuted the beast, giving Uther the opportunity he needed to begin his ritual. It also numbed the Wendigo for the physical pieces of the enchantment to be placed on the collar. Mystically enhancing it to do a much better job at controlling the 'animal' under Uther's beck and call. From there the Abyssal magic Uther began to use started to twist and contort it into ways that made it writhe and shriek in pure agony. After the metamorphosis it stands up, barely speaking now.

"There, that's far better. A good 'pet'. Now, go complete your task. With far better efficiency. And you're allowed to go in the grounds this time, as long as you do so covertly. Change of orders too, bring Death to me alive, incapacitate him yes, but afterwards you can have him yourself. Or what's left of him." Uther demanded him.

The creature then walks out, slowly this time. Whatever's left inside is fighting tooth and nail, fed up with being used as a tool.

Meanwhile Morgen wonders about possibly going outside since the aura of the Wendigo has left entirely. Course she's still nervous all the same, and figures Death may have some advice on the idea. Or perhaps may want to go along with her. Besides they had other things to discuss anyway. After breakfast she came up to him, "Death, a word for a moment?"

"Uhm sure."

She then lead him to a waiting area for guests to sit down and told him, "I wanted some advice from you, and I know you wanted to wait until today to discuss what was on your mind last night. So what better time?"

"I really shouldn't have said that but alright."

"So, what was on your mind?" Morgen asks him.

He began to explain the dream about Lilith, "Well I got by woken by a nightmare, about a person I've told you of. One that did to me....what Uther did to you."

Morgen's eyes widened, "Oh dear...are...are you sure you're alright?"

"Fine for the most part, it's the one that woke me up. Which is how I heard Arthur crying."

"Ah I see. I'm guessing it still haunts you from time to time? As in, what happened to you?" Morgen inquires gently.

"As long as we remember those things, or as long as we live, those memories will haunt us. But there are other ways to deal with the problem, to treat. Talking about it helps, but not lingering on it worked in my case." Death informed her.

"I hear that for some, helping others helps distract their minds from the memories. Would you say that works?"

"Doesn't exactly distract, it gives us a way to deal with it ourselves. Bringing something positive to someone who has similar problems gives you positivity as well. It's all part of the cycle of recovery. You know, shit like that? Damn it, I'm starting to sound like my Mother." Death says chuckling at the end.

Morgen snickered a bit and told him, "It's like you said, giving positivity brings positivity back to you. Your Mother granted you positivity in your most vulnerable moment, and I'm sure she'd gain it right back if she could be part of this conversation."

"I'm a little glad that she isn't right now. Anyway, when I woke up I went to check on Arthur, and that's when I saw the shadow there. I scared it off and then tried get comfort Arthur back to sleep. While I was helping Arthur get back to sleep I uh....I had a vision...." Death states whilst explaining the vision he had.

Morgen nods upon his completion of the explanation, "It sounds less like a vision, and more like a flashback. Do you recall having children? Or could this possibly be a locked away memory for some reason?"

"Wouldn't know entirely, the only person I know who would have any clue is Aspen."

"Aspen, you mean the Elder Dryad? Nimue's sister Aspen?" Morgen inquires.

"Yes, her. She uh....practices memory magic. Well some of the time, how do I put this properly? She's one of the leading experts in it, but it's not the main magic she uses. It may also explain the other dream...." Death explained before telling Morgen about the dream. The one about the woman seemingly named Wren. How it usually went and how it went last night.

"Perhaps this woman and the baby are connected? Think for a moment, did the baby resemble her, if only a bit?" Morgen questioned him.

Death thought for a moment, "Uh...a little bit. It's hard to tell."

"Hmm, well I was going to ask for your advice about going outside today. But it seems we may have an excuse now." Morgen replies.

Death looks at her a bit funny, "You're saying you want to stay in for today?"

"No, I wanted to go outside. But I wanted to be sure of your opinion on it first. Although I'm fairly sure this flashback and dream of yours are a good enough reason. Seems you should be remembering something but can't quite do so for one reason or another. If anyone can help, it's Aspen, like you said."

"Ok then uhm.....right now I'm a little drained from last night. But if you want to go out now, we can ride out to Aspen's wood." Death expressed.

"It's probably for the best that you remember as soon as possible. And if it all turns out to be painful for you, I'll be there to help you through it. As you've aided me these past few days." Morgen replies warmly.

Death sighed, "Ok but....how good are you at holding onto a horse? Because Despair is rough."

"I can manage, after all a unicorn is my choice of mount. She, like most unicorns, often jumps more than she truly gallops."

"Wait what? A unicorn?" Death questions her.

"Yes, her name is Ataraxy. She's a lovely girl, and has quite a bit of muscle to her as well. Trust me, you'll be quite surprised."

"Ok then that's a bit....interesting to hear. Anyway, if we make there and back again we're going to have to leave around now. Let's get some food in our stomachs and we'll be on our way." Death tells her.

Morgen nods and follows Death to get some breakfast. She ate up quickly, but carefully too. As did Death across from her. War looked his way and chuckled, "And I thought I ate fast."

"Zip it." Death said simply.

Both finished their food before too long and Death summoned Despair when they were outside. Naturally he was happy to see his master, and greeted Morgen with a simple snort. "He must like you, he's being polite."

"Seems so." Morgen replied before gently scratching just under Despair's chin. He shook his head and whickered a bit.

"Huh. Anyway, where's yours?"

"Just a moment." Morgen says before pulling a whistle from her pocket and blowing into it. After a moment a pure white, female unicorn came charging forward. Sure enough she was quite the muscular female, and actually stopped right in front of Death. She stared him in the eyes briefly before tapping his chest with her horn.

Death sat still in confusion as the horn began glowing, and looked at Morgen, "Uh is this normal?"

"She's testing you, be patient and calm." Morgsn explains.

In time Ataraxy finally backed away with a high pitched snort of sorts before going to Morgen's side. Morgen then summoned everything she needed to ride Ataraxy. A specially designed saddle and reins along with a saddle blanket and side bags. Ataraxy gave a sweet sound as Morgen mounted her, "I know sweet girl, I've missed you too."

Death noted her muscular frame yet again, and knew the males were usually the heavy set ones, and territorial. The females meanwhile were usually slender and more reserved or cautious. This was something new for him to be sure.

"May I ask about the musculature of this unicorn?"

"I feed her a proper diet for one and she has plenty of exercise even when I'm away. I only occasionally give her treats in the form of candied marigolds." Morgen explains.

"Uh...ok then."

"What of Despair? What breed is he exactly, and are all of your horses the same breed?" Morgen inquires.

"Yeah uhm he's a Phantom Horse. And yes to all of em being the same breed. This one here likes bone marrow, and for the feed it's a mixture between some vegetables and some meats. Honestly enough he's strange, but I'm strange along with him." Death told her whilst gently rubbing at Despair's neck.

"Ah I see. So did you choose him or did he choose you?"

"Would say a bit of both, but he was the one that made the final step." Death says.

"Gaining an animal's trust is always a true treasure for sure. Don't you think?"

Death nodded, "Especially when one's trying to trample you."

Morgen looked shocked before saying, "I see. Well shall we get going then?"

"Yes let's."

They begin the ride normally, simply riding together. Course Morgen gets a cheeky little idea. It helps that Death tells her sarcastically to hurry up whilst he and Despair get ahead of her.

"I thought you'd go faster since this was you idea?"

"Oh that's it."

With that Morgen hurried after him, letting Ataraxy hop over logs in the path as they ride. Despair is only slightly slower than her with his jumps, giving the ladies the edge in that front. Course Death has his own idea. He starts to desummon and resummon Despair, whilst he himself jumps over obstacles in the path. Being a bit of a cheeky bastard. Morgen of course shook her head but continued in their little race of sorts. But despite it all, it ends in a draw as both steeds suddenly halt. Thus sending both their riders flying forwards. Morgen took a bit longer to recover from it than Death did.

Course he did help her up naturally, "Very well done, rarely does anyone get that close to beating me."

"Clearly, glad I could impress you for a time at least." Morgen stated dusting herself off.

"You impress me in other ways, now shall we?"

"Of course. Although, how do I impress you beyond my riding?" Morgen questions him.

"Uh well ah....your intellect for one. Your dancing skills....and your humility. You are very humble, I've never seen you try to show off, which is a little bit weird. Given the fact that you're a noble." Death manages to get out.

"Well....thank you. Though it sounds like we should take more time to learn about each other. Although I do have some things I enjoy about you too. I enjoy how straight you are, you never sugarcoat your words. At least with adults anyway. You're also surprisingly kind, as much as you deny it."

Death got a weird look, about to say something but deciding not to. Before long they reach the edge of Aspen's wood, which they know for sure because of Aspen's Podlings walking around. Course they approach Death before bouncing up and down adorably.

Morgen gushes at them, "Awwwwww....what adorable little things. Are these baby Dryads?"

"Something like that, now move!"

Course the Podlings didn't listen, only converging around him more. Much to his complete annoyance.

"Now now my little ones, don't go pesturing our guests please. Stand aside for Mama." A wizened and sultry voice called out.

Death and Morgen looked past them and saw their Mother, Aspen. A beautiful blonde haired woman with tree like skin, moss on her body, and roots for a makeshift skirt.

"It's good to see you again Aspen, been a while." Death told her.

"Indeed, it's good to see you too old friend. How's your Mother?"

"She's doing alright all things considered recently." Death explains shrugging.

"Ah, so what brings you this time perchance? Knowing you, visits for the sake of them are rare for you. Something for this lovely lady you've brought?"

A bit embarrassed he began, "Ah no but uhm maybe but I uhhhhh...."

"Take your time Horseman, I merely jest."

"Uh...anyway, why we're here is actually rather 'interesting'." Death states before explaining the flashback and dreams he'd been having.

Course Aspen sighs deeply, asking nervously, "If you want me to release these memories, I can do so. But they will be painful for you I'm sure. As for the possible memories involving, Lilith I can check if they are indeed just dreams. But there's a risk that if they are memories, that they may get unleashed. Are you sure you want this?"

"I have to know just in case. And the memories you sealed, I should be able to handle them." Death assures her.

"Very well, you know how I do this Horseman. Step into this tree here...." Aspen explains as an opening in a smaller tree opens up.

Death walks into it and stands at its center. The tree then closes up and Aspen begins the spell to look into his mind. Starting with looking for memories of Lilith his mind may have repressed that resemble his dreams. Morgen meanwhile watches curiously but notices the Podlings looking nervous and scared. One of them nuzzles her foot and she scoops it up tenderly. Aspen's grown daughters meanwhile grow on edge as well, sensing trouble in the woods through the trees and other plants. Creaking can be heard from the woods, clearly something was hunting after someone.

"Wait a moment, the amulet, where is it?" Uther's voice states in his head. He can only respond in growls and groans now though, which tip off Morgen to the danger.

She asks Aspen, "Uhm....how long will this take?"

"I can't rush it girl. It could rend his mind asunder if I do. Let's see now...ah finally let's just check his memories of Lilith and.....wait....oh....oh no...."

Aspen continues to say oh no whilst seeing that Death's fears were indeed real. The dreams were actually memories of what Lilith had done to him in full. She even got to see how Death got the scar on his inner thigh. Though she only viewed it out of curiosity, stopping only when hearing Death starting to scream. She then opened the tree to check on him, finding him on his knees and shaking,

"Death, we can stop here if needed. If you need to take a break or change your mind, we can stop."

Breathing heavily he told her, "We need....to keep going...I need to figure out everything."

"Uh now may not be the best time Death!" Morgen shouted as the Wendigo began to get closer. The Dyrads ready to attack the minute he comes into their home.

Death quickly grabs Morgen and tosses her into the tree. He's then grabbed himself and is dragged away. Then getting suddenly paralyzed by the creature staring at him with Abyssal magic cones spewing from its eyes. After this Death is then bashed into the ground, the paralysis wearing off enough for him to roll away after the first hit. He notes how this creature is now more mindless beast than the intelligent predator it had been. Death begins trying to understand why it's become so mindless, and actually starts to sense something off about it. More off than anything else that one would expect of a Wendigo. Morgen meanwhile is mortified at seeing this and backs away further into the tree. But just as Death realizes what's causing the beast's current mindset, he gets suddenly blasted backwards by a force of energy. One that seems to come off the Wendigo's now even more twisted body. This energy actually leaves him feeling sapped of much of his energy, but Death still manages to stand. Morgen upon seeing his sudden exhaustion, actually casts a spell of her own. She forms a portal over the preoccupied Wendigo and after much concentration a few swords come raining down onto the creature. Aspen then uses this opportunity to bind the Wendigo in place with her vines as best she can,

"WHATEVER PLAN YOU HAVE HORSEMAN, USE IT NOW!"

Death climbs up onto his back with an epic flip and finds the lock on the collar. From there he tries to pick it, as the Wendigo slowly starts to break free of the vines and swords.

"Death what are you doing!?" Morgen shouts to him.

He only sighs and continues on his work. Meanwhile a now free hand begins trying to grab him. Death ignores and dodges it as best he can all while still picking the lock. Finally the first part of the lock clicks open and Death hurries to work on the rest. The Wendigo nearly breaks free, but Aspen causes a branch to start holding it down. Hoping Death's crazy plan works. The second part of the lock loosens next, leaving one more left. The Wendigo tries to get up but only tangles himself further. Death tries but fails to get the third lock, giving the creature a chance to once again to try to free itself. The branch snaps and everything is uprooted, leaving it free at last. It then begins to grab at Death wildly, leaving Death trying to hang on for dear life now. Only for Death to dodge it by moving out of the way, going back to the lock. Luckily his progress wasn't reversed, leaving only the final piece in his way. He fails again, leaving to try and grab him only to cut itself on one of the blades currently stuck in him. He finally manages to unlock the collar completely and a great shift occurs. Glyphs on it glow and cause it to vibrate and it suddenly snaps wide open. Death is sent flying off but only lands a few feet away.

"Ow.....that...was unnecessarily long...." Death grumbles.

"Try unnecessarily dangerous!" Morgen yells at him.

[thesquidkid]

Have you tried knocking?

Isobel is known to interrupt a lot, so here's a 3 times Isobel interrupts her siblings + 1 time she gets interrupted + 1 time she isn't (Read on ao3)

There's echo, delmanes, malex, anasobel, kybel. Enjoy! 😁

Isobel had never really bothered with knocking. She usually just opened the door, knowing that neither of her brothers would be busy. And that worked quite well for a decade, but in hindsight it was probably because both of her brothers’ loves were away.

And now, she also had Maria, her great great niece, who she was starting to consider like a sister. But that didn’t mean that Isobel would start to knock.

And so it began.

Maria and Gregory had spent an entire weekend with Isobel and even if they managed to hook up once or twice, they still wanted some time just for the two of them. So after talking with Max and Liz, discussing the fifth alien and his friend, Max and Liz agreed to continue looking for Heath, while Isobel, Greg and Maria focused on Dallas.

They were still staying in the house they rented, and Isobel was out enjoying the promised drinks with Anatsa in a local bar. Maria, having had enough of Isobel’s constant interruptions, took matters into her own hands, or well, took Gregory Manes in her hands.

This time, things moved slowly, they had time, Maria was alive, so they enjoyed a few drinks, finally getting the chance to properly talk. And they talk about everything, from highschool to Greg sharing some stories about his time in the Navy, to where they were now. After agreeing to go on many dates once they were back in Roswell and had finished dealing with the alien drama of the week, they decided to get a head start.

They kissed, making their way slowly to the couch where Maria straddled Greg’s lap, shirts forgotten on the floor. Too focused on each other, neither heard the door slam shut.

“Don’t mind me,” Isobel said in a slightly angry tone of voice before making her way upstairs, heels loud on the parquet. Maria separated from Greg with a frown - Isobel wasn’t supposed to be back until a few hours.

“Something must’ve happened on that date,” Greg said, neither in the mood to continue their activity while Isobel was present and seemingly had had a bad date.

“I’ll go check on her,” Maria said, stepping off of Greg and grabbing their shirts, handing Greg his.

“I’ll go make some tea,” he replied, making his way to the kitchen, leaving Maria to go talk to Isobel upstairs.

They had time to hookup again another time, right now Maria needed to make sure her sister-slash-great-aunt was okay. In the end, they all spent the rest of the evening playing board games, trying to distract Isobel from her date with Anatsa - which in itself wasn’t bad, Isobel just felt like she had ruined it by not knowing what she was after and what she truly wanted in life. And Isobel took Maria’s advice - to text Anatsa back and apologise, the two women ended up finding a new time for another date. This time Isobel didn’t end up interrupting Maria and Greg, being busy enjoying someone else’s company.

----

Max and Liz had found each other again. Liz managed to break the connection between Max and Jones, and was now enjoying her boyfriend being back in his tattooed body. Tattoos that she was currently tracing with her finger, laying naked in bed, enjoying the soft sounds Max made at the feeling of her finger on his skin.

The two were recovering from an active night, where they talked about their feelings on the past of their relationship, in order to find a future together. Strong words were said, Max explaining how Liz’s action was exactly what he had been afraid of since he found out he was a different child, and how he felt betrayed. Liz explained her ideas on the science behind, admitting the lack of morals she had on that day.

Both apologised, both understood, and both wanted to move forward, towards a more stable relationship. They knew that they needed to work on it, work on themselves, but if the fight with Jones taught them anything, it was that they didn’t know what could happen tomorrow, and that there was no point wasting time when they both wanted the same thing. And they had found each other again, bonding in a way they hadn’t before.

And so this is how they found themselves the next morning, laying in bed under the covers, hands exploring each other, soft whispers between them.

They didn’t have any plans for the rest of the day, other than maybe spending all day in bed. Liz was about to start working on that plan, moving on top of Max to kiss him hungrily, when the front door opened with a loud bang, followed by a voice neither wanted to hear at that moment.

“Come on lovebirds,” said Isobel, making both of them groan and separate, still under the covers, “There’s an alien emergency we need you guys to deal with.”

Max turned to Liz with a smile - no matter how much they both wanted to stay in bed, they also knew that neither of them could or would want to resist an alien emergency.

They made their way out of bed and got dressed, meeting Isobel in the kitchen serving herself some breakfast. She raised an eyebrow and smirked at Max being shirtless and LIz wearing a T-Shirt clearly too big for her.

Max and Liz gave her a matching deadly glare and she decided against saying anything - she would have time to tease them later, right now they had an alien emergency on their hands.

----

Out of all her siblings, the one she expected the most to walk on (and who she later found out had nearly walked on before), was the only one she never caught. Well, she did, eventually, but in an unexpected way.

She parked her car in the junkyard and made her way to the airstream carrying a box of donuts, three coffees and a big rectangular bag, surprised to see both Michael’s truck and Alex’s car - she assumed Michael had moved in with Alex by now.

“Michael!” she shouted, like every other time, announcing her presence, “I have bagels.”

She did not expect to see Sanders open the door of the Airstream and come out. “I’m gonna say those are for the boys, eh?” he asked her, closing the door and locking it behind him.

She approached the donut box towards him, “Oh no worries, I bought many.” He took one with a gruff and ate it silently. “And speaking of the boys, I thought they’d be here?” Isobel asked him, looking around the junkyard in case she missed them.

But Michael and Alex were nowhere to be found. Sanders tilted his head towards the entrance to the bunker, “I wouldn’t go in there if I were you, they’re busy.” he said before leaving her, taking another donut, and walking towards the main house, mumbling about water pressure and heat.

Shaking her head with a smile, Isobel walked to the latch and opened it with her powers, hearing the two men shout each other’s names a few times.

“Michael!” she shouted again, “I have donuts and coffee.”

“You can leave them on the ground, Iz, thanks.” came Michael’s reply, although with no bite.

“Thank you, Isobel, you can come down if you want,” Alex said instead, making her smile.

She heard Michael mumble something, but it sounded covered, and she truly did not want to know by what. Using her powers to stabilize the food she brought she walked down the ladder, already prepared to laugh at what she interrupted (and maybe even cover her eyes, there were things about her brother she did not need to know).

Instead, she was dumbfounded at the scene in front of her. Michael and Alex were sitting on an old couch she didn’t even know belonged in the bunker, in front of a TV she could’ve sworn wasn’t there last time she came. They had gaming consoles in their hands.

Her surprise must have been obvious on her face, as Michael laughed before speaking up. “Oh come on Iz,” he said, a teasing smile on his face, “you didn’t think we’d be having sex in my lair did you?”

Judging by Alex’s scoff and the small blush creeping up on his cheeks, it wasn’t hard to assume that the answer was probably yes. But as much as she was interested in her brother’s sex life, she was here for something else.

“I need your help, both of you,” she said in lieu of an answer, piquing both of their attentions. She used her powers to bring her bag on the table, and opened it, revealing a computer. She saw Alex switch the TV off and both men stood up, curiosity clear on their faces.

She explained the situation to them and they worked on her problem. While she watched them, she admired the ease with which Michael was with Alex. It was very different from everything she had seen before, and was glad that their time had arrived.

----

What Isobel should have expected, from having interrupted her siblings so often, was for karma to hit her.

She was enjoying a calm date at the Pony with Anatsa, sitting at a table outside, far away from anybody else that they could flirt all they wanted without being disturbed.

Isobel had found that being with Anatsa was relaxing yet still invigorating. She was never bored, the conversations flowing with ease between them. Just like they were now, as Anatsa was telling Isobel a story about one of her previous jobs.

Listening to Anatsa speak was fascinating. Her voice was soothing yet Isobel paid attention to every single word. She understood how she made such a great journalist, the way she spoke captivated her audience (or Isobel was just smitten, who knows.) Anatsa also used the most specific words to describe a scene, making Isobel dive completely in the story, as if she was there by Anatsa’s side.

They had spent the entire day together, first Isobel had taken Anatsa out for brunch, then they went out in the woods where Anatsa taught her a few archery tricks, followed by them enjoying each other’s bodies, laying on a cover Isobel had brought. Hands had touched everywhere, sounds echoing, far enough from any civilisation that they didn’t need to worry. Their day had ended here, at the Pony, enjoying a few more drinks, neither wanting to say goodbye.

Isobel wanted to ask Anatsa to stay over for the night - was even going to do it that night, with a few more drinks - but she wasn’t quite sure where the two stood. Were they girlfriends? Or was this just a fling?

“Hey,” Anasta whispered, breaking Isobel out of her thoughts, “everything alright?”

Isobel smiled in return, not quite believing how she had ended up here, with an amazing woman. “Yeah,” she answered, voice barely higher than a whisper, “I was just thinking.”

“Well, care to fill me in?” Anatsa smiled at her, putting her hand on Isobel’s arm and leaning in closer.

“Do you wanna come over tonight?” Isobel blurted out, widening her eyes when she realised what she had said.

Anatsa chuckled, “I was wondering when you were going to ask me out”, making Isobel laugh in disbelief. “And the answer is yes, Isobel, I will gladly have a sleepover tonight.”

“Good,” Isobel answered, before leaning in for a kiss, that quickly deepened, both forgetting for a moment that they were in a public place.

Until someone cleared their throat behind them, making them separate. Isobel turned around, about to cuss whoever had dared disrupt her, when she was met with Dallas, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. Her anger quickly deflated, replaced by curiosity, since Dallas didn’t seem to be the type to interrupt just for the sake of it.

He chuckled awkwardly at Isobel’s raised eyebrow, before looking rapidly between the two women. “We, uh, have a situation.” he said hesitantly, not quite sure what to say in front of Anatsa.

Isobel leaned back and crossed her arms over her chest, “What kind of situation?” she asked, not wanting to be bothered by something meaningless, when she could be making out with the gorgeous women next to her, who was watching the exchange perplexed.

“Family stuff,” Dallas simply answered, both knowing what he meant - Jones. Isobel stood up with a sigh and promised Anatsa that they would do the sleepover another time, right now she needed to deal with an evil alien dictator, who had the same face as one of her brothers, and was her other brother’s father. Just another Tuesday in Roswell, New Mexico.

----

After some time of both being single, Kyle and Isobel stopped ignoring whatever was going on between them, and started to embrace it. It had come as a surprise, for both of them, at first. Looking back on when the whole alien stuff had started to include more people than just Max, Michael and Isobel, both Kyle and Isobel were in very different places, and were very different people.

Now, however, they were more alike than one might think at first glance. But, when you looked deeper, both cared deeply about others, both fought like crazy for the people they loved, both didn’t back down from a challenge.

They had started dating a few weeks prior, decided it was best not to tell their friends until they figured it out. However, their friends happened to be a bit more observant than they had thought, and had seen through their lies very quickly.

Luckily for them, their friends were also busy with their own relationships. And with the alien emergency of the week.

Eventually, there was a dull week. No alien emergency, no need to save Max from an imminent death, no long lost siblings to discover, no alien bad guys locked in a pod somewhere in the desert (that they knew of).

The most action Kyle had seen all week was a young child being afraid of doctors, which had caused quite a stir in the hospital. So the weariness he felt when Isobel opened the door to his office without knocking and sat down in front of him was justifiable.

She must’ve seen his reaction on his face, as she raised her hands with a smile, “No worries, doctor, the only skill of yours I am here to see is those amazing abs you have,” she said with a wink, making Kyle scoff with a blush.

He cleared his throat, trying to make the blush die down. Isobel Evans would never cease to take him by surprise. Not that he minded much.

“So,” he said, once the heat in his cheeks had reached a normal level, “what do you require my abs for?”

Isobel chuckled, “Oh I have plans, don’t worry,” she winked. “But first,” she said reaching into her bag, “I am starving so I brought dinner.” She took out two Crashdown paper bags and dropped them on Kyle’s office.

The two ate, talking about their respective week, Kyle having been too busy to hang out much, as he was trying not to get fired, and had some hours to catch up on.

They finished dinner, among other things, when Isobel realised, resting her head on Kyle’s chest, both laying on the couch, that they had been uninterrupted for the entire evening.

“Oh yeah,” Kyle said with a laugh when Isobel raised her concern for their family, that maybe they had all been kidnapped, “they all just agreed to let me rest a bit once in a while.”

Isobel raised her head, leaning on her arms to loo Kyle in the eyes, asking him to elaborate further.

“Well,” he cleared his throat, rubbing Isobel’s back as he spoke, “Alex thought that after being in a coma and nearly losing my job way too many times, that I deserved one day a week where they cannot barge into my office, even if the world is burning or whatever.”

Isobel hummed in agreement, that Kyle did need to rest, after everything he had done, everything he had risked, for all of them.

“So,” Isobel said, a mischievous look in her eyes, “we have the whole evening where no one can walk through that door, right?”

“I mean,” Kyle replied with a chuckle, knowing exactly what Isobel was thinking, “They can always call me, but -”

He didn’t get to finish his sentence, had Isobel lips on his, deepening the kiss and returning to their earlier activities of the night.

All in all, Isobel decided that maybe she could learn to knock once in a while, to give her siblings the privacy they deserved, and to thank them for giving her and her boyfriend at least one uninterrupted night per week.

But that didn’t mean her siblings could stop reminding her to try knocking, next time!

[amnachil]

The High School Game Part 22

And here we are, the last part !!! I hope you’ll like it.

Liam DAY 174 Monday

Today, Kilian made his come back to the school, against his mother wishes. Of course, she was worried for her son, which was quite strange knowing she was mean to him in the same time. But Liam wasn’t an expert in family's love. (After all, he had two mothers, the real, and the imitator). Anyway, the whole day, he decided to be at his friend's side. Literally. They were beside in class and they ate together. From time to time, Raphaël came, and checked if everything was alright. This bodyguard made Kilian smile.

"Are you sure this is necessary ?" he asked when the captain went once again.

"Yes it is." replied Liam. "They all need to understand I'm with you, and Raphaël too. By the way, even Nate was motivated to help, but obviously he had course."

The goalkeeper still reminbered his bestfriend word about this story. You should stay with him. You're tall and impressive bro. He said this. Tall and impressive. Liam felt tall and fat, but well. (Okay, not fat, but at least plump).

"I brought you the food you asked." stated Raphaël. "But you said to me it was for Kilian, and now I wonder who is genuinely eating this."

The goalkeeper blushed, but his gay friend burst into laughter.

"Don't worry dude ! I'm satisfied, and you just bring enough to feed an army anyway." he explained. "Liam's helping me finishing everything."

"Yeah, I guess he's." smiled the captain. "Whatever, do you think you'll be there for my departure party Kilian ?"

The boy lowered his eyes. He went from a mood to another pretty fast. Sadly, his family certainly wouldn’t agree with this idea.

"I'll ask his mother." decided Liam. "I sure she'll accept when I'll tell her Nate and I will be there."

Kilian looked at him, thankful, but Raphaël just frowned.

"I thought you were frightened by his mother ?"

The goalkeeper blushed again. Of course, his captain being a mutant, he probably could read his mind. I wonder if he knows about my struggle with my weight. Anyway, Raphaël was right, Liam was scared. But for Kilian, he was ready to take risk. He thought about this : he certainly felt pity for his gay friend, and wanted to help. Yeah, the erection and my... feelings were nothing more than pity. (Okay, you can't explain an erection by pity, but boys got sometimes uncontrolled erections after all.)

"Anyway, Liam, I let you convince his mother." whispered Raphaël. "And if you fail, I'll do it myself, okay ?"

The lad nodded. His captain was very cool...

This evening, Liam took Kilian at home, while snacking some donuts bought at Liliano's bakery. His friend invited him to come in, and they went to his bedroom. His whole family was absent, and they were alone, tranquil. Some things changed since the ran away : Ms. De Beauchêne took her son's money box, and put bar on the window, but the young teen affirmed it was not a problem. In fact, he was apparently happy to know his parents were worried for him. Despite their homophobic attitude, at least they still loved him.

"Please, have a sit. Do you want some pancakes ? My mom provides me a lot of those, now."

Liam gave him a powerless look. He already snacked a lot during the day, but it was pancakes. They are calling me. Eat me, eat me ! (Pancakes had, in his mind, their own personality, with a life goal : be eaten by Liam Strucker). He grabbed one and bit in.

"You know... I'm not supposed to eat that much." he mumbled.

Kilian smiled and sat next to him. He took a pancake too (one less for Liam, who felt a bit sad). He was cute, with his thick and curly blond hair, his blue eyes and his freckles. At the end, the goalkeeper found him too skinny, but quite handsome.

"Seems like you're lovin' the pancakes." whispered his friend, noticing he ate already four.

"Yeah, sorry, they are my weakness." explained Liam. "But I need to stop because I'm getting fat."

"Fat ? Are you kidding dude ? You're fuckin' handsome."

Tenderly, the thin boy put a hand on the plump belly of his friend.

"This is not fat. This is the sign of a heatlhy and well-fed young man. It's soft, cute, and really enjoyable."

He started to stroke the tummy, which made Liam blush. What is he doing ? Despite being surprised, the goalkeeper let him continue. It felt good. Really good.

"I wanted to thanks you." whispered Kilian, focused on Liam's belly. "For everything you did. You're nice."

"You already thanked me one hundred of times, you know ?"

But... I kinda like the way you're thanking me. Slowly, his friend put his second hand on Liam's shoulder, and brought his head closer. The goalkeeper felt something strange overhelm his body. A warmth, but not in a sexual way. Just, he felt... comfortable. He took another pancake while Kilian came even closer.

"I already tell you how much you're physically handsome, but did I say you are a lovable person too ?"

Liam blushed again. He faced his friend, their heads separatared by an inch.

"Do you think... I'm doing a mistake ?" asked Kilian.

"No. You're not. Or we both are. I don't know. Whatever."

The goalkeeper kissed the skinny lad with passion and desire. He dreamt about this since at least one week. And as expected, it felt pleasurable. For a long minute, they kissed eachother, and then, Kilian step backwards.

"I... I love you Liam. Seriously, I think you're perfect."

"I love you too." replied the goalkeeper while kissing him again.

His shyness prevented him to go too far, but he wanted more physic contact. Of course, they were in the De. Beauchêne's house, and they had to be discreet. But for now, they were alone, tranquil. And Liam intented to take advantage of this situation to cuddle his new boyfriend.

Shirley DAY 176 Wednesday

In three days, on Saturday night, the girl would play the game for the last time. Thanks to Gregory, she knew Raphaël was suspecting something, and of course, planning a defensive strategy. But Shirley was better, and already considered all the possibilities. In fact, he could not avoid her. Because she was the plan. Literally.

"Babe, what do you think about this one ?" asked Sam while going out of the bathroom.

They were at his home, alone, trying some outfit for the departure's party. To be honest, Shirley had underestimated  Barbara willpower. She had rent the community center and had managed to invite at least one hundred people. The whole 11th grade, of course, but also some friends of Raphaël from other states, or even other countries. Also, she had managed to find enough food and drinks for everyone, plus several decorations she would install during the afternoon. Sam and Shirley so, had to try suit and dress, because the class delegate demanded evening wear. Gregory was right... She’s in love...

"Babe, are you looking to my suit, or thinking about somethin' else ?"

Shirley raised her head and smiled.

"Sorry. It's perfect."

It was. He bought with his mother a new outfit, considering his last one was obviously too tight. His belly pushed a bit against his white shirt, but nothing too uncomfortable. Seing his like this, she realised how handsome he was. Since he accepted his new body, without six pack, Sam became at the same time cuter, and nicer.

"Which dress will you wear ?" he asked, far away her thoughts.

"I don't know honey. I think a basic one will be enough."

He sat next to her, and put a hand on her shoulder.

"Babe, what are you planning exactly ?"

"What ? What are you telling ?"

Sam looked at her, serious. He wasn’t joking. I hope Gregory didn’t tell anything... Otherwise, the plan will fail.

"I know you still blame Raphaël for everything, and however, you are fine with this party, planning how to dress and what we're gonna bring as a gift. So I wonder if you ain't planning something ?"

She laughed. After all, he knows me better than I thought. The old Sam, overconfident and selfish, wouldn’t have asked her about this.

"Don't worry honey. I'm not planning anything. I know Dan'll be here, as my mother. And I decided to make a clean break with past. Also, yeah, I still blame Raphaël, but I'll be exemplary during the party."

"Okay, it's nice to hear that." Sam replied, reassured. "Because I would have be very disappointed if you tried something..."

She smiled. Well... Don't worry my boy, you'll never suspect what I'm planning... She was confident : once Raphaël annihilated, Sam would love her unconditionally... I just have to succeed.

When she left her boyfriend this night, the young girl headed towards Mcdo, where Gregory was certainly waiting for her. She entered in the fastfood, and glimpsed the lazy boy, eating burgers like if they were candies. She sat in front of him and smiled.

"Having fun, Greg ?"

He swallowed slowly.

"I'm training." he laughed. "I heard Barbara spoke about a fuckin' feast in honor of Raphaël, and I want to be the best eater. And by the way, I have to feed this."

He patted affectionately his potbelly. Jeezus, he's so different... Like Sam, the dark-haired lad changed a lot when he gained weight. First oblivious he now enjoyed it even more than her boyfriend. He was constantly eating, and continued his lazy way of life, unworried by the fat paunch he maintained. But she wasn’t here to admire Gregory's new love for laziness.

"Do you think he found the stuff you hid at his home ?"

"No. He did not."

"Good. By the way, I've one last thing to ask you during the party. Will you do it ?"

Gregory leaned towards her. He smelled the grease and the protein shake.

"I really want to see his face when you'll win the game." he whispered. "So yes, I'll do anything you want to. Just tell me."

"Can you isolate him for a while ? During the party of course ?"

He nodded.

"I'll do it. But what is exactly your plan ?"

She had never told him. He was not fully trustworthy.

"Don't worry Gerg. Just isolate him, and I swear to you : his whole life will be ruined."

Gregory FINAL CHAPTER DAY 179 Saturday

This afternoon, the young lad was so excited he had itchy feet. Shirley promised to Raphaël the hell, and he was part of this plan. I can't wait to see his face... Sadly, he had to wait. Right now, he was with Thomas, at the Muller's home, but the captain wasn’t here. His little brother was quite excited too, but not for the same reason, obviously. They were playing videogames, captivated, when the bell rang.

"Don't move dude, I'll be back." stated Thomas while standing up.

However, he came with Sam in the living room a few minutes later. What is he doing here ? Shirley boyfriend looked at Gregory, and sat onto the sofa, his belly hanging over his tigh pant. Of course, Gregory couldn’t really tease him, his own paunch being largely bigger.

"Thanks Thomas." started Sam. "Greg, I needed to talk to you. I need your help."

The dark-haired lad raised an eyebrow. It was kinda surprising from Sam. They were friends (Mcdo friends), but they never talked that much. Thomas gave them some cookies (as the feeder he always have been), and they both started to ate.

"Okay, I think Shirley is planning something for tonight." explained Sam. "Something bad. She's acting too normal, those last few days. Like if she wanted to be at the party. But I know this is false. She made a plan. An evil plan, in order to make Raphaël pay."

Gregory just stared at his buddy with amazement. Wow... I thought he was just a fat dumbass... However, he apparently didn’t suspected that the supporting striker was part of the plan.

"Pay for what ?" asked curiously Thomas.

"She blames him for absolutely everything." replied Sam. "She thinks he's guilty for Kilian's stuff, and Kim's stuff, and Jessy's stuff. And even Greg's stuff. She's convinced everything is a part of the game, and she wants to win. Of course, she didn’t tell me this, but I know it's true."

Gregory opened his eyes wide. Seemingly Sam had understood more things than he let appear. But even more astounding, Thomas laughed, completely unworried for his brother.

"The game !" he guffawed. "She'll not win the game by defeating Raphaël. In fact, she'll lose it. That's funny..."

Sam looked at him, curious, but then focused on Gregory.

"Whatever it be, I need your help dude. You were her worst ennemy, and you know how she's thinking. You probably are aware of her plans, ain't you ? That's why both of you met at Mcdo every night, isn't it ?"

Holy shit. Did he is ignorant of at least one thing ? Sam never indicated he was aware of their meetings. And Thomas looks to trust more in his brother than Shirley... Maybe it was time to betray the young gril. For my own safety. I have a cool life now... Am I ready to lose it only to see Raphaël defeated ? With the possibility to lose everything instead of him ? The answer was evident.

"I know she want to trap him." he eventually confessed. "But she doesn't really need my help, and she will do it anyway. She's convinced she can ruin his life."

"Well... I hope for you she'll gave up." whispered softly Thomas. "Because she'll probably also ruin her own life in the process."

Gregory smiled. Thomas's confidence in his brother was kinda amazing. He took a cookie, and watched Sam think. Dude, I hope you'll find something... Otherwise, it'll be a fuckin' chaos. But anyway, as a worthy lazy boy, the dark-haired boy did not care. The only thing he wanted right now was this cookie.

Liam FINAL CHAPTER DAY 179 Saturday

Liam, Kilian (Can he call him his skinny poppet ? He always wanted to call someone his poppet) and Nate were, as volunteer, helping Barbara for the installation of the community center. They had a great time, thanks to the good mood they shared. Of course, the goalkeeper told everything to his bestfriend, who was happy to know he found love again, and accepted his body the way it was. As time spent, Barbara was more and more stressed, and they glimpsed her tears when she failed to fasten a tinsel.

"We'll do this." offered Nate. "Don't worry."

He brought Kilian with him, and they both took the garland. Meanwhile, Liam decided to speak with his class delegate. She's so panicked... She did an Herculean work. Barbara dressed casually, but he had glimpsed the beautiful dress she bought and hid in a corner of the room. This party was maybe for Raphaël's departure, but she could be proud of herself. She did everything alone, because Jessy just abandonned her when her new boyfriend Finn had been expelled. (Liam's ex blamed the class delegate, and the goalkeeper apologised like one hundred time to Barbara, despite being innocent).

"Are you okay ?" he asked. "Everything's ready, you don't have to worry you know ?"

"That's not... not the organization. I just... think Gregory played with my feelings, and I'm sad about this."

"What do you mean ?"

She looked at Kilian, and smiled.

"How did you realised you were gay ?"

Liam frowned. Nice question. He didn’t understand why she asked this, but he decided to be honest.

"I don't even know if I'm gay, bisexual or whatever." he explained. "I just... feel something for Kilian I never felt before. It's... hard to explain, but I feel... fine with him. Fine with my body, with my toughts, with my delirium..."

The last word made her smile.

"I think you work well together." she whispered. "Thanks you for helping me. I owe you something."

"Absolutely not." he affirmed. "We're glad to help for this party. And I'm sure Raphaël'll be thanksful."

"Oh, I know he will..." she smiled, but her eyes hid a glint of sadness. "It's just... did you ever expected so much something, and then, realised it was impossible ? The more you're excited about this, the more it's painful then."

He nodded slowly. I think I understand... But she was a strong girl. She would get through her feelings. And find a perfect boy for her. He wanted to say something, but her phone rang suddenly.

"It must be the first guest !" she shouted.

While she pick up the phone, he headed towards his friends.

Nate and Kilian were finishing to fasten the tinsel, and when they glimpsed him, they both laughed. What did Nate said ? (Yeah, it was necessarily Nate's fault, this little boy was a jolly fellow). Liam came closer, and smiled, curious.

"We wondered how much you'll eat tonight, black hole." explained his bestfriend. "Are you hungry ?"

One week before, Liam would have blush, and just laughed, uncomfortable with his bulge, but now, it was different. Different because like Nate, someone loved this little plumpness. Consequently, he blushed (yeah, classic did not change) but lift his shirt up and smiled.

"Ask my food baby dudes. I think he is kinda hungry yeah."

They all laughed. Nate pinched his stoutness, admirative.

"This is a good baby ! Heatlhy !"

Kilian, this sneaky boy, patted Nate belly and busrt in laugh.

"It seems like he will have a bestfriend. You both have wonderful baby food !"

"Yeah, but stay with me, and soon, you'll have one too." replied Liam.

Of course, not everything was perfect. Kilian's family was still unware of their relation. They were still homophobic, and quit violent towards the young lad, but less than before. In the contrary, Chloe and Liam's mother (the real one) were both aware of the situation, and they took this well, gald to know he was happy.

"Anyway, what are we doing now ?" asked Nate.

Liam smiled.

"We have something to do for Raphaël. C'mon, follow me."

They headed towards the backyard, and the goalkeeper opened the door to Dan, Shirley's brother. The college student came in and greeted them cheerfully.

"Everything went fine ? Barbara is okay ?" he asked.

"Yeah, she's welcoming the firsts guest." replied Liam. "And you, are you ready ?"

Nate and Kilian look out of their's eyes, surprised by the situation. I forgot to explain them what is happening... Woops. (He did not feel sorry at all).

"I think I am." supposed Dan. "But she's as stubborn as a mule. I hope she'll listen to me."

"We all are with you." approved Liam. "She's my friend, but Raphaël is too, I understand your position. Good luck, mate !"

Then, the four boys went in, joining the party. And Liam took Kilian's hand, happier than ever.

Shirley FINAL CHAPTER DAY 179 Saturday

This party was the most noisy and muffled she ever experienced. The night was late, and she was pondering her plan over and over again. Her mother was here, at the buffet, distrayed by Liam, Kilian and Nate. Without knowing it, they were playing Shirley's game. However, Sam was sticking her like a robot. Usually, he had gone to the buffet one or two times, but not during this party. And Gregory didn’t isolated Raphaël yet. I'll do it myself. She was just waiting a good opportunity. Barbara did an amazing work : the decoration was awesome, the food really tasty and everyone was having fun. Except Shirley. When she glimpsed the devil heading towards the toilet, she decided to move into action. Still followed by Sam, she came closer, but suddenly, Thomas and Dan cut her up. What the fuck ? Her brother was wearing a cute suit, enlightening his new muscles, but also his round belly. And Raphaël's brother was like a mini-devil, shorter but as depraved.

"I'm in a rush." she said. "Let me go."

"Wait a minute." suggested Thomas. "Your brother needs to talk to you."

She gave him a dirty look, but did not move. His tone was strangely persuasive. Let's see what they want. Dan looked at her seriously and smiled.

"Sis', listen, I'm sorry. I was enraged, and I overreacted during our last argument. I think I need to explain things better."

Shirley frowned. What was that ?

"I'm gay. Yeah, I'm gay, and you're cool with this. Several friends of yours are gay too. But when I asked you to apologise to Raphaël, it was because you had hurted him, violently, and he had suffer. Not only physically but also..."

"I'm done with this crap." she interrupted.

It was still the same speech. The devil's speech. I don't care Dan. You need to open your eyes, everyone needs to. She avoided him, and headed towards Raphaël. She could hear her brother yelling, but did not care. Her mother would probably try her luck soon, and the devil would certainly took advantage of this. I need to act now. Sorry bro'. She entered in the toilet, more determined than ever.

Strangely, when she went in, she found Raphaël watching the mirror, meditative. He was shirtless, unveiling his incredible six pack, his strong pec and arms, like a top model. Is he contemplating himself ?! Without a look for her, he smiled. Shirley grasped her dress. I'll simulate a rape. I'll do it.

"Dan and I are going out together." he suddenly stated. "We're in a relationship."

She stopped her move and stared at him. What did you just said ? Slowly, the devil turned towards her.

"Your brother is my boyfriend." he repeated. "And if you try something now, especially something this stupid, you'll lose him forever. In fact, you'll lose Sam too, and Liam, and Kilian, and your mother. Are you sure you want to do this ?"

"I don't understand." she mumbled. "How is it possible ?"

"The condo Shirley. His friend's condo. It's mine." explained Raphaël. "When I discovered he was gay, I told him I was too, and we made a date. Look, to be fully honest, I have been loving your brother since 2 years, but I ignored he was gay. Now, we're boyfriends."

"But... why he didn’t tell me this ?"

She was lost. Lost because it make sense. It explained why Dan was overprotecting Raphaël. Why they always were friends.

"He tried, in his own way..." confessed Raphaël. "He told you about weak erogenous area, like mine, which means being sensitive from the crotch. But he didn’t want to hurt your feelings. Plus, I asked him to let you partially in the dark."

She frowned.

"Why ?"

"For the game. You needed to understand the game."

Shirley nodded slowly. The devil was obsessed with this game. But she did not get it. She was still unaware of the rules, of the aim, of everything. What this fuckin' game was, after all ?

"You're what we call in the game a deviant. You are against the conformism, and you struggle against the rules constantly, trying to escape this setting. And for people like you, there is three kind of ennemy in the game." explained Raphaël. "You fighted each one, one after another. And you succeeded at least two times."

She looked at him. Please... Be honest. Her rancor was disapearing. Even if he was a monster, he was right. If she tried something, Dan would never forgive her. Neither Sam, nor Liam. But deep inside, she was not convinced of his evilness anymore. He sounded just like a sociopath.

"Firstly, there are deviants, like you, but who are ignoring themselves." started Raphaël. "This kind of people didn’t really conform to the rules, they try to escape from the game. They're following the rules, but feel uncomfortable. And because they want unconsciously to escape, they blame the others deviants, in order to feel less guilty for their own difference. Sam was this kind of person, as Gregory. Liam was quite similar, but he never charged anybody other than himself. However, now, they all have discovered their true self, and they have become true deviants. Secondly, there are the products of the game. They're people who always follow the rules, and conform to the game. They hunt deviants, and try to annihilate their kind. For example, Kim is a product, as Jessy, or Finn. Even Barbara, but she's smarter, and she know where are her limits. For a while, I thougth Gregory was this kind too, but you proved me he was a deviant."

Raphaël made a break, and she looked at him, surprised. He was telling everything so quietly. She started to understand what the game really was. But she had still several questioning.

"Finally, the third ennemy is the deviant himself." he continued. "Because he refuses to conform, he's always fighting, and he tends to become paranoid, afraid of everything and everyone. For example, you're putting all your difficulties on my back. Deviants wants to feel free, and in order to succeed, they often over blame the others kinds for their problems. This is typically your case. And I'm not sure you'll defeat this ennemy yet."

She nodded. Yeah, it was true. She was turning him as the evil in order to feel less guilty. But what is his role in this game ? And what are truly the rules ?

"As you certainly understood, the game is a rough designation of our society. That's why you can't exactly win the game. Deviants are simply people who are struggling against the standards and the norms of our society. Because you love fat guys, you're not conforming to the natural and social selection, which recommend to love muscled and well built boys. Sam and Gregory, because they have chosen a lazy way of life, are not conforming to the social preference for work and sport. And Liam, Dan or Kilian ain't conforming to the social and biological gender. You're playing the game, since the beginning of your life, and until the end, but you can't win it. However, the better you understand how it works, the more you could feel at ease with this."

Shirley did not know what to say. It was... true. At least, logical, and not stupid. Maybe quite simplified. Raphaël smiled. And for the first time, it was not a cold smile, but a amiable grin.

"As for me, I just helped you to understand this. To be honest, I first tried to help Sam, and then I decided to help you with this stuff. As I told you, deviants tend to choose an ennemy, and I decided to be yours. In this way, I hoped you would understand how our society works, and achieve to struggle against it."

"You're a deviant too." she stated. "Because you're gay. And you love a chubby man, my brother."

"Well, we are coming to my last point." he laughed. "Eventually, I only have one favor to ask. Of course, I'll decline your mother's wish of testimony. But I wondered if you would accept somethin' now..."

"Tell me."

She was completely calm now. She had realised Raphaël was not the devil. As he said, he did not planned Finn's actions, or Kim's ones. He was innoncent, and she had charged him wrongly. He was still a manipulator, obsessed by his training and the game, but he was not her ennemy. Finally, maybe he is a deviant because he's too smart to conform...

"Now I'm dating your brother, I hoped you and I would succeed to be... friends." he whispered.

Shirley smiled. She did not deserve his friendship after everything she had tried. But here he was. I think you're completly crazy...

"I'm sorry." she mumbled. "Now, I regret having kicked you in the balls. And I regret my plan for tonight."

"That's nothing." he replied. "Well, the kick was quite painful, but otherwise, I'm fine."

He put his shirt back and headed towards the door, and she let him do. After all, it was his party, and they probably were waiting for him. He opened the door, and just before going out, looked at her.

"By the way, I found the condoms, the sextoy and the porn magazines in my house. I can tell you Dan and I enjoyed most of them."

The end

Well, that’s it. I hope you liked it. I wanted Raphaël to be her last ennemy since the vey begining. And in a way, I think he’s a real sociopath x) but also right. Today, in Western society, there is a real struggle between conformism to norm and individuals preferences. That’s what I wanted to point out at the end of the story.

I guess we can temporarily say goodbye to all my OCs. But I already started another project with some of them (Liam mainly because I love him so much). Maybe I’ll post it later, maybe not, we’ll see.

In the meantime, I’ll post some fanfic with weight gain / stuffing when I have time and inspiration.

Thank you all for reading !