#harry styles revenge

[harrysxcarolina]

Revenge - 01

Welcome to the beginning of Revenge. In this story you will be shown into the very dark and twisted lives of Raeelynn, Harry, and friends. This story is not for the weak. It will mention some very dark topics and triggering actions. Please use this as a warning, read at your own risk. This story is completely made up by me, and none of the events mentioned in this story is real nor has any of them happened to any of the characters, people that are mentioned, and/or portrayed in this story. This is the second warning that has been made in regards to this story, please be advise to refer back to the Revenge introduction for the full breakdown of what this story will contain. Now without further a do sit back, relax, and enjoy the roller coaster of emotions of Revenge.

Word Count: 4.2k

Warnings: swearing, blood, angst, murder, death.

-

You used to tell me that I could be anything that I wanted to be when I was younger. You would wrap your arms around me and softly kiss my hair before whispering, "Raee promise me that you will always fight for your dreams. No dream is too big or too stupid. So promise me."

The naïve little girl underneath you would smile fully up at you before holding out her pinky and whispering, "I promise. Just for you."

I trusted you completely. I trusted that you would keep me safe. I believed you so easily back then. I was so blinded by you that I had no choice but to let your storytelling distract me from what you were really planning.

It used to be so simple back then. Life used to feel so magical as a kid. Telling yourself that everything is reachable and that one day I could be everything I ever dreamed of. When you get older you realize nothing will ever be that simple again. Well, now all I wanted to be was free. Free of the misery I feel. Free of the pain. Free of my haunted nightmares. Free of the constant reminder that I am not good enough. That I will never be good enough.

I just want to be free. To not feel like this anymore. I hate you. I hate you for making me believe that I could be anything. That I could go out and obtain anything my mind and heart ever wanted because all you did was set me up for failure. You didn't prepare me for the real world. You just kept encouraging me to live in a fantasy that will only turn into a nightmare.

And where are you now? Nowhere to be found. You left me in the moments I needed you the most. You left me all alone to deal with him. To deal with the aftermath of something I never created. You abandoned me and forced me to become someone I never wanted to be.

I used to miss you, and now all I do is hate you.

I hate how I was left with nothing but misery when you escaped and forgot to take me with you.

You don't know what he does to me. You don't know what he allows to happen to me. I want to believe that you didn't know what your actions would cause when you left. I used to tell myself that you didn't because if you did you wouldn't have left me behind. You would have come back and rescued me by now, but I've learned the hard way. You aren't coming. You did know, and you just didn't care. Nobody cares.

Nobody ever car-

"Okay everybody that wraps up today's class. For those of you still working on your thoughts, please finish up your free writing and if you'd like to leave your notepad on my desk, please do so. I will make sure to get them back to you at the start of next week. Don't forget that you have your written essay due on Monday. I expect everyone to have it completed and peer-reviewed by three peers along with your final draft when you turn it in. No exceptions. Have a great weekend!" Professor Tilly states as she stands from her desk, drawing me out of my daze. Glancing around the room watching others pack up their belongings and making their way out of the lecture hall, I begin to grab my things. Slowly marking my journal I close it and slide it deep into my bag.

"Ms. Scott, a word before you leave?" Professor Tilly speaks up as she makes eye contact with me. Her lips smack as her tongue slowly traces the outline of her mouth. Panic sets in. I glance down at my watch. 3:45 pm. I can't be late.

"Yeah sure." I manage to say as I quickly stand up and sling my bag over my shoulder and make my way to her desk. My body goes rigid as I feel myself begin to spiral in panic.

My fingernails slightly dig into my palm as I clench my hands. I can feel the heat radiating off my back as I try to come up with a good enough excuse to use in case she tries to keep me. I can't be late. I can't be late.

"How is the semester treating you?" She asks as she moves back behind her desk and sits on the edge. Her tight skirt slowly slides up her thighs as her hands catch my attention. She’s adjusting the pens in the pen holder that sits on the left corner of the wooden desk.

My chest constricts. My breathing hitches deep in my lungs. They feel like they are about to explode. Not only from the lack of oxygen, but from the pressure of trying to remain calm so she doesn’t catch on. I know where she is going with this. My hand gripping the bag slightly tighter than before.

"It’s uh- it’s going good. I'm enjoying it, Professor." I whisper as I slightly wince at the feeling of my nails digging a little deeper into my palm. Relax. I need to take a deep breath and relax. I can't be late. My eyes divert back down to the black notebooks on her desk.

"You have yet to leave your notes for review," she states. My heartbeat picks up. I fidget with the strap on my bag trying to avoid her eye contact.

"Uh yes, I know. I thought it wasn't a requirement that it gets reviewed by you. I thought-" I started off but was quickly interrupted.

"No, no of course not. I meant it when I said at the beginning of the term. These notepads are for your own personal progress through this class. Almost all of your peers have turned theirs in at least once to get guidance on their progress, and you have yet to do so once. I just wanted to check in and make sure that you have no questions in regards to it." She says as she catches my eye.

Shaking my head as my lip finds its way in between my teeth.

"I’m fine, thank you. I just like to keep my thoughts private," I explain as I sway back and forth slightly. My thoughts are more dark and twisted. They are far too gone to share with anyone except myself, but she doesn’t need to know that. She nods her head in agreement, not knowing the full depth of my darkness.

"Most writers do that. Some prefer the guidance of a village while writing and others are a bit more private when it comes to their thoughts and writing progress. I understand completely. Well, in that case, please have a wonderful weekend, and I look forward to reading your essay on Monday," she states as a chuckle leaves her lips. Giving a small wave, I make my way towards the door quickly glancing down at my watch. 3:58 pm. Shit, I'm going to be late.

Picking up my pace, I quickly make my way out of the lecture hall and across the campus to my car.

***

"Casey it's not that simple," I say with a chuckle as I grab ahold of the stepping ladder and slowly climb up to put the last few books back on the shelf.

"I don't see how it's not Raeelynn. Clearly, he likes you as he keeps coming into the store at the same time every day just to get a small glance at you. Don't be naïve and say that you don't see the way that he smirks at you," my best friend, Casey says with a laugh as she walks behind the ladder and holds up a few more books for me to grab and put away.

Shaking my head, I take one book at a time and gently place them on the shelf.

"All I'm saying is it won't hurt that tomorrow when he walks in you simply just say hi. He's been coming in for a few weeks now and you've yet to even speak to him. The poor mate keeps trying to bait me for information on you. I give him credit though he hasn't given up," Casey says as she slightly taps my arse making us both slightly lose balance, me more so than her.

"I've told you time and time again that I am in no place to date or even entertain the idea of dating someone right now. I have too much on my plate. Therefore, I have no reason to talk to him," I state as I slowly make my way down the stepping ladder and make my way to the back of the store to throw the empty box away. Casey huffs in annoyance but follows me.

"Look, you've said that for the past two years. Don't you think it's time to get back on the horse and try again? I know Logan really messed with your head, but babe you've come a long way. Maybe it's time to start letting someone in to help you take some of your stress away." She gently laces her arm with mine and pulls me to a stop. Taking a deep breath we both glance at each other.

"You know that it has nothing to do with Logan, and no one will ever be able to help take my stress away. Plus I’m not going to rely on someone else to help me with any of my stress. All I have is myself. I’ve definitely learned that the hard way."

"Why do you think that way? Why do you think that you are unsavable? Raeelynn, you are amazing, and anyone would be lucky enough to have you. Fight for you." Her eyes get softer and she gives me a gentle squeeze. If only she knew the truth.

Sighing, I pull her in for a hug, "thanks, Cas. I appreciate you. I just can't do it right now. There are things that can't and will not change, so there is no point in trying. At least right now.” She holds me back and I gently lay my head against her shoulder, wishing things could be different. But I know that they will never be any different than they are right now. I wish I could tell you everything, friend. I really do, but it will only ruin you too and I can't drag you down into hell with me. You're too good for it. Forcing a smile onto my face, I pull away but keep her at arm's distance.

“All right let's get the rest of these books stocked or Gloria will have our arses." I say, causing us both to laugh as we make our way into the back room.

***

"Okay, so your total comes out to be $46.53. Would you like me to bag up these items for you in paper or plastic?" I ask as I gather up the books that were just purchased. Taking a deep breath and glancing at the clock, I try to hold back my nerves as the time is getting closer to closing. Today went by too fast.

"Um, plastic will be fine, thank you." The customer states as she continues to rummage through her purse trying to find the exact amount of change for her bill. I quickly bag up the items and print off her receipt, wishing her a good night. Picking up a few misplaced things, I take my time putting them back in their rightful homes as I avoid looking at the clock.

"Alright dear, that does it for me. I'm going to head out for the night. Are you sure you'll be okay to stay by yourself? I know I sent Casey home earlier, but if you need me to stay with you, I don't mind. It's pretty dark out and I wouldn't want anything to happen to you, dear." A soft and gentle voice whispers behind me. I couldn't help but smile as a warm feeling of comfort spread through my body. She was always so worried about me closing up the shop all by myself, but I know how to handle my own. I definitely made sure of it too. More like forced to.

"Yes, of course. You go ahead and head out. I'm sure I can handle it. It won't take me too long, so you have nothing to worry about." We both make our way to the front of the store and begin to close the blinds on the windows. Smiling back at me, she gently pulls me in for a tight squeeze.

"Okay, well, you have my home phone if anything were to go wrong. There are a few boxes in the back that I didn't get to do today. If you wouldn't mind putting out the new merchandise to help stock up for the big sale tomorrow?" She asked as I followed her out to the curb and watched her as she gathered up her keys.

"Yes, of course. I will have everything all set up for you, and I will make sure to call if I need you. Now go on and get home before I have Richard blowing up the store phone asking me why you are late for your Friday dinner!" I chuckle as I shoo her towards her car. She laughs a contagious laugh as she gets in and pulls away.

Shaking my head as I make my way back into the store, making sure to lock the door behind me. I get to work on unboxing the new shipment of books. After what felt like forever, I finally finished going through all the clearance books. I replace them with the new, upcoming author and make sure to place the proper coupons out on the display.

After breaking down all the boxes and placing them in the back room, I go through the store and turn off all the lamps and lights and take one last glance around to make sure I didn't miss anything. I finished cashing out the registers, stocking the shelves, and getting the displays set up for tomorrow. Taking a deep breath I, unfortunately, cannot stall anymore. Gathering up my belongings, I make my way to the back door and lock up.

Heading down through the alleyway behind the bookstore, I dig in my purse for my keys. I source through each and every pocket and I can’t seem to find them. I make a mental note to switch out bags once I get back to the apartment because I can't handle the stress of losing my keys. It's not helping that this alleyway is poorly lit and I have to stop to use my phone flashlight. Finally, after taking every single item out of my purse I found the bloody bastards at the bottom of the bag. Recollecting myself, I begin to walk again only to stop dead in my tracks only after a few steps. There are a few loud bangs and thuds echoing around me causing me to slowly look around.

Nothing seems out of the ordinary. There’s the usual dumpster, a very skinny, homeless cat that looks like it has to have at least 3 diseases, and darkness. Rounding the corner, just a few yards away from where I was standing, there was a really nice black Mercedes. That wasn't there a moment ago. I slowly start to walk again. A cold chill worked its way down my spine causing me to shiver and pull my jacket closer to my body. The crisp air is getting the best of me once again.

"Johnson, this is your last chance. Where the hell is my shit?" A deep, raspy voice shouts, clearly pissed.

"Lo-look I just need a little bit more time to... to get the rest of it. That's all." A shaky and very whiny voice responds.

I slowly and very quietly take a few steps forward, trying to get a better view of where the voices are coming from. I peek up over the dumpster, finally able to see who the voices belong to. Two guys are standing at the back end of the Mercedes, one taller than the other. The taller one is slender, but with a muscular body. His hair is untamed as his dark unruly curls go in every direction. The smaller one is scruffy, very skinny, and looks like he hasn't bathed in weeks. His hair is all chopped up and greasy. The taller one is holding the shorter one by the collar of his shirt. I try to squint my eyes, hoping to get a better look at the two, unable to make out their faces from how dark the alleyway is.

"I have already given you two weeks. Two weeks over your deadline. Johnson, you fucked me over and I never give second chances." He says through clenched teeth as he pulls Johnson up off the ground and in the air.

"No... no, I didn't fuck you over, Styles, I swear! I just had something come up and I had to use the money, but I swear, I'll get it back to you. Just give me one more day, please!" Johnson begs as his legs involuntarily swing back and forth. Styles lets go of him, dropping him on his arse. Styles looks down at him without saying a thing for a moment or two.

"You are a piece of scum. You weasel your way through life thinking that you can get away with every bloody thing," Styles spits as he kneels down so he is face to face with him. The smaller guy tries to scoot away but doesn't get far, as he is met with the dead end of the brick wall behind him.

"Please. I swear I can get every penny. If Robin was here, he would understand. I just need more time." There was a pause. What the hell am I doing? I’m standing here like an idiot watching this shit. I must be losing my mind. I begin to back away but, I’m once again, drawn back in. A deep chuckle flows through the air and I see Styles throw his head back in laughter.

"Bloody hell. You must be really fucking stupid. Did you really just say that to me? Compare me to Robin? Well, guess what? Robin isn't here. What makes you think that I would actually care what he would have done? Let me tell you why I don't care. Low lives like you are what is causing the destruction. I'm here to clean up the mess Robin made," Styles sneers as he stands back up and quickly runs his hand through his curls. He slowly turns around and faces my direction causing me to quickly duck behind the dumpster. Licking his lips, he turns back on his heel.

"Get out of my face. This is your last warning. If you don't have my money by tomorrow, you'll have a bullet with your name on it. Trust me. I never miss what I aim at," Styles says through clenched teeth. Johnson gets up and starts to speed walk in the opposite direction, but before he can make it far there's a loud bang. His body slowly falls to the wet ground as the blood seeps through his dirty clothes. I gasp and drop to my knees.

My eyes grow big. My stomach drops. I feel sick to my stomach at what's in front of me. His body lying lifeless in front of me. I hear footsteps getting closer to me and the body. I freeze not knowing whether to move or not. Styles pushes the body over with ease by the tip of his shoe. The body flips so he's now laying on his back. He leans down and quickly pulls a phone out of his pocket.

"It's Styles. I need a cleanup on the corner of Blackburn and Lisbon. Be discreet and hurry. We don't need this getting out. Tell Robin the job is done. I'll be there in fifteen." With that, he ends the call. Standing up from his crouching position he continues to stare down at the scrawny, blood-soaked body.

"Scum like you is what makes this job fun." He unlocks the black Mercedes before reaching in the dead guy's pockets pulling something out and twiddling it between his fingertips. I can't tell what it is, but seeing by the look on his face, it’s clearly something important. I gasp with horror as the warm crimson blood slowly makes its way closer to the tip of my shoes. I quickly cover my mouth, my gaze shoots up in hopes he didn’t hear my stupid mistake. My eyes widen and my stomach begins to twist into knots as the man I just witnessed murder another person looks me dead in the eyes. I feel the color drain out of my face. His stare doesn’t leave mine as they dilate and become coal black. Well fuck. Do I run? Do I scream? Both? Oh hell, what if he murders me next.

My body goes completely numb as he begins to take steps toward me. I have to run or I'm going to end up just like that man lifeless on the ground. I quickly turn and run the opposite way. I don't even look back to see if he is behind me. I just keep running. Getting closer to the street lights. My legs are getting tired, but I keep pumping them. My adrenaline is sky-high as I feel my heart pounding in my chest. Heavy footsteps are behind me.

I’m gasping for air, and my legs are getting tired but I must keep running. Internally cruising myself for always skipping gym days. My chest feels like it is getting tighter and tighter by the second. My lungs feel like they are about to catch fire at any second. Flashes of the dead man and all his blood keep replaying in my head as it gets harder for me to breathe. There’s a corner coming up, and I see the Chinese Takeout sign from the place I always order food from. I'm on fifty-second street!! Oh sweet Jesus there's a police station just a block away!

I press my legs harder and faster giving it the last of my energy. I need to stay alive. I need to get to the station. His footsteps are getting closer and closer to me. I'm trying to run faster but my tired legs won't let me. My breathing has gotten worse. Deeper. Harsher. My body is tired but I'm almost there. I see the street light getting brighter and brighter the closer I get.

Finally, I reach the corner, quickly turning and pressing my legs even harder. I keep replaying that dead man's picture in my mind. That's going to be you Raeelynn if you don't run faster.

Maybe I should stop. Maybe he'll listen when I tell him that I won't tell the cops. That I'll act as if I didn't see anything. That I was never even in the alleyway, to begin with. I know I am being delusional. There is no way in hell that he is going to just let me walk away from this alive. Especially because that’s what everyone says in this situation and they always go to the damn cops. He won’t believe me. Shit, I wouldn’t even believe myself.

Keep running. You don't want to die! You have your whole life ahead of you! Not like my life is something I want to keep living, but I guess anything is better than dying. I try to pump my legs harder, faster even, but it seems like no matter how hard I try they won't go any faster. I feel like I am moving in slow motion at this point. I see the station just ahead of me but no matter how hard I push my tired legs it never gets closer. Just as I am about to reach the front steps, I'm roughly grabbed and yanked to a stop.

"If you even make the slightest bloody peep I will kill you. Do you understand?" His rugged voice said close to my ear. I felt his harsh breathing down my neck as his grip on my elbow grew tighter. I slowly nodded my head as I tried to regain my breathing. I force myself to remember all the great times I've had in the short 22 years of my life. There weren't many, but there were some.

I don’t dare say a word as tears slide down my cheeks. He remains quiet as he drags me back down the road, cautiously looking in every direction. We reach the dark alley and he pulls me past the body, towards his car. It takes everything in me not to vomit all over my shoes as my eyes can’t seem to leave his lifeless body as I pass.

I can't believe he killed him. That's going to be me soon. What the bloody hell did I just get myself into? As if my life isn’t already complete shit.

[mochikofi]

"Good girl" respectfully, please kindly wrap yung hands around my neck and slowly fuck me and call me your good girl all over again.

[jordanjump-scare]

Old Hot Top website. :-(

[shakemyassfortomriddle]

spotify not even acknowledging the lyric change truly delulu just like me fr

[lostetiquette]

pleasing 🧶

Eras Tour ~ Toronto, Canada

Night 4 ~ Surprise Songs

11 / 21 / 2024

11/ 13 / 2024,

Pleasing posts:

The "pleasing • Original audio"

was to the tune of

"elevator music"

and if you'd like your own

"perfectly pleasing" merch,

you can find it on Pleasing's website

~ not affiliated, lol, but I've come dangerously close to purchasing the nail polish, however it better make my nails have magic powers for $18 (!!!)

and while we're on the subject of nails:

🕳️🐇

edit: The bunny in the purse is a LOT bunny! 😂 Taylor's purse looks like a Top Hat 🎩 - she's the magician with the Rabbit (Harry) in her hat ... tricks up her sleeve!

🪄 🐇 🎩

🎶 I thought the plane was going down

How'd you turn it right around 🎶

🛬🛫

sounds very much like a "touch down"

😏

[harrysxcarolina]

Revenge - 05

Word count: 5.3K

Warnings: angst, mention on slight stalking, mention of blood, mention of past death, I take no claim in owning the pictures used in this story along with the people mentioned in this story.

Authors note: Hello lovies! Just wanted to give you a quick introduction to this chapter. Chapter five is a filler chapter, and basically just holds some basic information you, as the reader, will need to continue on with the story of Raeelynn and Harry. Trust me it is about to get ✨ spicy and juicy ✨ with drama. So buckle up and enjoy this short update because chapter six is gonna leave your head spinning!

Spending the entire day laying in bed, eating complete junk, and going over the work that Casey did for me was quite shockingly the one thing I needed the most. I’m quite impressed. For someone who is not taking English literature, she sure knows more than just the basics of the study. Sighing as I finally finish reading over her notes and the peer review she did for my assignment, I close my laptop and begin to gather up the loose papers that I have spread out across my bed. Clicking the pen in my hand over and over again, I lean back and stretch out my muscles. I think over the last few days. Staring blankly at the ceiling, I trace over the swirl patterns in the plaster above me. I lay there trying to convince myself that it wasn’t real. It never happened. Getting up out of bed, I make my way to the opposite side of my room. It had to have happened, or you wouldn’t have been late. You wouldn’t have owed a debt. Standing face to face with the closet door, the thought of if I really wanted to look played over and over again. I could simply go back to my bed and keep them hidden deep in the bottom of my closet and forget they exist. But that just isn’t possible..

Taking a step back and fidgeting with my fingers, I go over the facts that I know are to be true. There were three of us. The blood soaking through the tips of my shoes. His lifeless body laying there. The way he stood above him as if he meant nothing to him.

The life that he so easily took. The burning ache in my legs and lungs as I tried to run.

His hands on my body. His grip getting tighter as his chest beat against mine as we tried to regain our breathing.

Fast cars. Tinted windows. Reckless driving.

Green eyes staring into mine. The window. Blondie.

Bloody hell. I really saw a stranger murder someone in cold blood.

Gnawing my lip raw, I push aside the thoughts and open the closet door. Closing my eyes for a brief moment, I give myself one more out. I sigh, crouching down so my knees are on the carpeted floor. I slowly reach my hand in and feel around for them. Soon enough, my hand makes contact and I clasp my fingers around my white vans. Carefully pulling them out, I hold my breath.

Maybe it was just a dream. A nightmare if you will. Surely it didn’t really happen. There will be no blood. You’re just tired and making things up.

I open my eyes slowly and look down at the canvas and rubber in my hands. My breath hitches and my palms get sweaty. My once perfectly white vans are covered in rusty red blood. The material ruined and stained with the memories of that night. The coldness that slid its way down my spine as his lifeless body slowly fell to the ground. The look on his face at the reality that he’d been caught red handed with his crime. The ache of my muscles as I pushed my legs and lungs harder than I ever have before. The darkness of his emerald green eyes getting darker the more he looked at me as I refused to follow his instructions. The nauseated feeling that kept creeping back as the thoughts of whether I would make it out alive or not was on a continuous loop in my head.

How the hell did I witness a murder and make it out alive?

How did they just let me walk away? Surely they will come back for me. They have to. There’s never once been a book that I’ve read where they ever just let the witness leave unscathed and move on with their life as if nothing ever happened. Surely they will be back. Maybe this is their game. How they get off making people go crazy in their own home until they can’t handle it anymore. Not knowing whether they will come back to finish the job or leave you alone. Maybe that’s what he wants. For me to go mad with fear and off myself. Save himself from having another body to clean up right? Count it as a suicide…

I quickly throw the vans into the off my closet and slam the door shut. Leaning against it, I try to regain my breathing. Bloody fucking hell. Raeelynn you just keep digging yourself deeper and deeper don’t you?

The front door opens and slams shut causing my gaze to shoot up and look out into the hallway. Staying silent, I don’t dare move a muscle.

Heavy footsteps echo down the hallway getting closer and closer to the bedroom. Holding my breath, I inch closer against the wall. As my eyes don’t move from the door. Nothing was scheduled. He didn’t have an appointment for me today. My heart beats in my chest like a drum. Blood rushes into my ears. I surely couldn't have forgotten another one. The door knob slowly turns. The person on the other side doesn’t say anything. My lungs are begging for air as I sit and wait.

“Hey Raee, you still up? I stopped by that Thai place that you like. I was thinking we needed a pick me up after our weekend,” Casey calls out as she swings the door open and throws her purse on the floor next to my dresser. My body instantly relaxes and I lean my head back against the wall. “Girl, why are you on the floor looking like you just saw a ghost?” She asks as she holds up the bag full of food. This is why I love her. She doesn’t ask questions. She shows up and supports me with no hesitation. A small smile spreads across my face as I push myself up off the floor and make my way over to her. I engulf her in a tight hug. The force of my body pushes her back a few steps, but she doesn’t hesitate to wrap her arms around me.

“Thank you,” I whisper in her ear as I fully relax against her. The adrenaline coursing through my veins slowly dies down and my heart slowly goes back to its normal rhythm. She stays silent for a second before a chuckle leaves her lips.

“I mean, I love all the attention I’m getting at the moment, but what exactly am I being thanked for?” She asks as she lets me go and heads out to the kitchen. I follow her, sitting down at the bar, waiting as she begins to plate the Thai food.

“For just being you… and for helping,” I say quietly I avoid her gaze as she slides a plate across the counter. It’s silent for a moment before she picks up her plate and points over at the television.

“Binge watching session. Now. Get ready we are going to make that couch our home for quite a while,” She announces, bouncing her way into the living room and flops down on the sofa. She glances over her shoulder at me and throws me a smirk. “C’mon, Raee I am not getting any younger here.” Trying to fight the smirk that’s making its way across my face I shake my head. I follow her example and grab my plate and welcome the distraction that she knew I needed.

***

“Alright, guys. That's a wrap on today’s class. Don’t forget to leave your essays and peer reviews on my desk as you make your way out. I will have them graded for you by next week. Please begin reading and working on the next assignment. Your final writing project will be worth eighty percent of your grade, so you all need to take this seriously. I didn’t give you the entire semester to work on it for nothing. Make sure you utilize the journal you have been keeping. I am available all week if you guys have any questions.” Professor Tilly announces as she ends the class for the day. Students begin packing up their belongings and collecting their assignments and make their way out. Sighing, I follow their lead and make my way towards the front of the class. Dropping the assignments off on her desk, I hurry up and make my way out of the class fighting the crowd in the process. I push open the doors of the literature hall, squinting at the blinding sun, making my way down the steps.

Holding my bag straps tight, I zig zag between people, wanting to just make it to my car before this pound of makeup Casey applied this morning melts off.

“Look you can’t walk up on campus with your face looking like this without people questioning it, and you most definitely can’t say you fell. No one will believe you.” Casey states as she pins me to my bathroom counter. My face in between her hands as she continues to blend everything in. Groaning, I try to move my face back.

“Look Cas. I appreciate all your help but trust me, wearing this much makeup is going to be way worse than a bruise the size of Manchester on my face,” I bargain as I jump down off the counter and turn to look at what the masterpiece she was trying to create.

“Raeelynn Michelle,” Casey scolds, grabbing my shoulders and turning me around to stop me from over analyzing myself in the mirror.

“Okay. Okay. You win. Finish up, though I gotta leave a bit early to stop by the library.” I give up and take my seat back on the counter, letting her finish her work.

Rolling my eyes, I continue my walk through the busy campus. My lip was almost completely healed, surprisingly which gives me one less thing to worry about. I can’t help but feel slightly paranoid that someone is watching me. Glancing over my shoulder, I quickly look around to see if anything is out of the ordinary. Nothing. Just a bunch of college students rushing around. Some are listening to music. Some are on their phones. While others are simply just enjoying the sunshine. Taking a deep breath and shaking my head, I turn back around to continue my journey but run into a brick wall instead. A brick wall with chocolate brown eyes.

“Bloody hell.” I huff, my hands catch my fall scraping against the rough sidewalk.

“Oh my god! I am so sorry. Are you okay?” A deep voice asks as their hand hangs in front of my face, offering to help me up. Furrowing my eyebrows I squint up at the mysterious man. I hesitate for a few moments before placing my hand in his. He gently pulls me up and takes a step back.” I should totally watch where I am going. I am so sorry,” He apologizes again. His eyes scan up and down my body and gives me a lopsided smile. He’s tall. Has dark hair that is perfectly styled up and slightly to the left. His facial hair is neatly trimmed. It compliments him perfectly. Tattoos line up and down his arms, covering any skin that once was bare.

“It’s okay. Totally not your fault. I was the one that just stopped out of nowhere.” I chuckle softly as I gently wipe off the back of my jeans and straighten my shirt out.

“Well, let me make it up to you. Can I buy you a coffee at least? My mum would be so disappointed if I wasn’t the gentleman she raised me to be,” He said a slight chuckle leaves his lips and he lifts his arm up to run his hand through his locks.

“I’m uh actually late for work,” I say as my lip finds its way between my teeth. I can’t help but scan up and down his body. He’s attractive. Nodding slightly, he smirks.

“Maybe another time then? Uh-” He asks as he holds his hand out for me to shake.

“Raeelynn.” I enclose our hands together, gently shaking it.

“I’ll see ya around. Sorry again.” He takes a step back and motions for me to continue. I quickly step around him. He looked oddly familiar, but, for some reason, I can’t place where I have seen him before.

***

“Oh, dear, how are you feeling? Richard and I were so worried when Casey said that you needed the whole weekend off,” Gloria says as she wraps her arms around me and gently sways us back and forth. I rub up and down her back softly as a small smile spreads across my face.

“I’m doing so much better. It must have been something I ate,” I lied. She withdraws her arms from around me, holding me at arms length. I stare at my shoes to avoid her gaze. I can’t help but feel guilty that I left them high and dry this weekend with what was going to be the biggest sale of the year.

“I’m so sorry! I feel terr-” I start off but she cuts me off.

“Now, don’t you dare apologize. You have already done enough for us and this store. You can’t help that you weren’t feeling too well, now, can you, Darling?” Gloria says as her tiny hands move to my cheeks and forces me to look at her. “All that matters is that you are here and feeling better,” She whispers. She gives me a small smile and lets go of my face. I smile back at her, giving a silent thank you before excusing myself to drop my things off in the breakroom.

Inhaling deeply, I welcome the sweet, musky smell of the books surrounding me. Being away from this place for a few days didn’t help the feeling that engulfs me when I am here. The freedom. The way I am so at ease inside these four walls. I’m myself here. I can be whoever I want to be when I am here with no fear of failing. No fear of punishment. No fear of him. I’m grateful for Richard and Gloria giving me the chance to work here. They didn’t need to accept the small, wide eyed, eager girl who showed up at their storefront all but four years ago ready to beg, bribe, and talk her way into a job. I smile to myself as the memory floods my mind. I run my fingers across the row of books absentmindedly as I make my way down the aisle to the back of the store.

I wave at a few of our normal regular customers as I make my way through the store and slightly tidy up along the way even though I’m technically not on the clock. I just can’t help it. The fact that I have not been here for almost two days has created an itch deep inside me. I need to just run through all the aisles, picking up every single book. Set up displays. Talk to customers about the new hot author is at the moment. To just be here and soak up as much normalcy as I can. It’s the one place I can really be me.

I quickly type in the code for the back room and throw my belongings on the chair. I clock in then head back out to the floor. I rummage through the collection of books that customers changed their minds on before purchasing. Grabbing one of the small book trolleys, I grab a few books and neatly stack them by genre. Making sure they all still have the correct price sticker, I fill the cart up and start to work my way aisle by aisle putting the books back in their rightful place.

I’m on my third trolley before I notice the same weird “someone-is-watching-me” feeling from earlier work its way back up my spine. The air around me seems to chill as I place another hardback book on the shelf. Glancing over my shoulder, I squint and look down the row. Taking a deep breath, I shake my head slightly brushing the thought away and get back to work. Grabbing a few more books off the trolley, I grab the step stool, and place it in front of the non-fiction section. I run my fingers up and down the spine of the top book, welcoming the rough service. I bring it up to my nose and inhale deeply. The smell of new books invades my senses causing a smile to form on my lips before placing them in their rightful place on the shelf.

Grabbing the shelf for levage, I stretch to try and pick up a book that was left laying down. I balance myself on the shelf as my tip toes balance my body on the stool. My fingertips barely brush the paperback as I stretch with everything in me to reach it. Groaning, I finally give up and decide that I will just have to move the stool over a few inches to reach it.

“Need a hand?” A deep voice calls out behind me. Quickly turning on my heel, I lose my balance. The step stool jolts back and forth underneath me. Gravity wins and I reach out for anything to stop me from falling backwards but fail. I brace myself for the hard landing but it never comes. The fall feels infinite until I feel warmth surrounding my body. Arms hold onto me tightly, holding me hostage. My heartbeat pounds in my ears as the adrenaline courses its way through my veins.

I slowly open my eyes, not knowing what to expect. I slowly look around me before following the lines of the arms that have found home around my body. My eyebrows furrow as I try to wrap my head around what is happening.

“You alright? Didn’t mean to scare ya,” The brown eyed boy from earlier asks as he smiles down at me.

“Are you following me?” I ask in shock. I quickly remove myself from his grasp. He frowns down at me and he stays silent. I run my hands up and down my body fixing my uniform of any wrinkles. I quickly looked around in hopes no one saw what just happened.

“Are you just going to stand there gawking at me or are you going to answer?” I demand as I take a step back distancing myself from him. He chuckles under his breath as he leans up and grabs the book I was previously reaching for and holds it out to me before leaning against the bookshelf.

“Sassy one, aren’t ya?” He laughs as if he just made a joke. He notices me not reaching for the book and he gently lays it down on the trolley before running his fingers through his hair. “I’m looking for a book. This is a bookstore innit? I don’t necessarily believe that leads to inquiries of following someone,” He shrugs as a smirk soon finds its way onto his face. Running my tongue over my teeth, I contemplate his response.

“You were at my school. You asked me to get coffee with you. I said no. Now, you are here. At the place that I work. What are the coincedences of that? There are plenty of other bookstores in the area, so I will ask again. Are you following me?” I tuck a piece of fallen hair behind my ear and reach for the trolley.

“Books’n’Realities is the closest bookstore to where I live. Plus, it is the only store that is currently in stock of the book I need,” He explains as he makes his way in front of the trolley stopping my movements.

“What book is that exactly?” I ask with a raise of my eyebrows. He licks his lips as he looks down.

“Okay, so you got me. I wasn’t intentionally following you, but I fancy you. I have for a while. And when I ran into you today I kind of thought that this was my moment to talk to you,” He admits as he slowly lifts his gaze back up to meet mine. I’m at a loss for words. Everything is finally falling into place the more I take in his appearance. He’s the guy. The guy Casey was talking about. The one who comes in and sits up front and asks her about me.

A chuckle of disbelief leaves my lips as I move the trolley to the left of him and continue down the aisle.

“You’re unbelievable. Let me save you time and energy. I am not interested. Clearly you didn’t get the memo when I never spoke to you before as you tried to harass my friend for information. I bet the whole “running into me” today was a total gateway in your pea brain. News flash! That is creepy and quite frankly unacceptable. Get a new hobby and leave me and any other women you might have done this to alone.” I seethe glaring at him. I decided to leave the trolley behind and just get away from him. He steps in front of me once again, blocking me in. His eyes turn from the rich chocolate brown to coal black. His stare doesn’t falter as he takes a step forward, causing me to take a step back. He lifts his hand up to graze his fingertips along my cheekbone. He slowly leans closer causing his breath to hit the side of my neck.

“Trust me. You rather it be me watching you than any one of the others. I’m the nicer one of the pack.” He whispers, causing the hair on the back of my neck to stand straight up. My face falls. Pack? Without even a second ticking by, his presence is gone from my personal space. Looking up at him my eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Wha-” I start but he interrupts me once again.

“Don’t ask questions. Just keep to your normal routine and nothing will happen.” He threatens as he slowly backs away, turning on his heel and makes his way down the aisle. He stops right before the end. He glances at me with a smirk “Oh, and I have a message for you. He has something of yours. He will be by to deliver it in due time.” He goes to turn back around. Taking a step forward, curiosity gets the best of me.

“Who are you? Who are you talking about?” I question.

“The names Liam,” He declares as he pulls his jacket closer to his body.

“What do you have of mine?” I demand, taking another step in his direction. He holds his hand up, stopping me. With a tilt of his head, he once again smirks at me.

“You know the saying ‘curiosity killed the cat’?” He whispers. Nodding my head, my lip finds its way in between my teeth.

“Trust me. You’re gonna wanna be alive for it. All I can say is make sure that friend of yours isn’t in your apartment, or he’ll change his mind.” Before I can even comprehend what has happened Liam is gone in the blink of an eye and I am left standing alone curious and terrified of what the hell is going on.

Trying to finish my shift at the bookstore was anything but easy. My mind raced a million miles a minute with everything that has taken place these last couple days. Trying to get lost in my work seemed difficult as I tried to start a new project. I would zone out with all the possibilities of how Liam knew who I was, why he had been following me, and why the hell he had spent so many weeks hounding Casey about me. In the process of trying to remain calm, I had knocked over two displays of new releases, forgot to put price tags on the new arrivals that needed stocked, nearly tripped over the mop bucket as Gloria and I were finishing up the closing chores for the night.

“Dear, are you alright? Do you still feel ill? You haven’t been yourself all day,” Gloria asks as she places the back of her hand along my forehead. A small smile works its way across my face. Nodding slightly, I grasp her hand and give it a gentle squeeze.

“Yes, I will be fine. Just been a long day, that's all. No need to worry about me.” I assure her quietly. I gather up my belongings and slide my arms into my jacket sleeves. Reaching for my backpack, I quickly stuff some of my school work back in and begin to zip it. “Hey, you haven’t happened to see a small, black journal laying around, have you Gloria?” I ask as I sling the straps over my shoulders. Turning slightly to glance over her shoulder, she takes a moment to think about it. Her eyebrows furrow as she sets the price gun down on the counter top and turns to lean her back side against it.

“No, I haven’t, unfortunately. Why? Have you lost one?” She asks as her arms cross over her chest. Worry consumes her facial expression as she frantically moves her glance across the room. Straightening up, I adjust my jacket and the loose pieces of hair that lay in my face. I look around the break room one last time.

“Uh, yeah. I seem to have misplaced it. It’s for a school assignment and I can’t find it anywhere. No worries, it's probably in the back of my car or stuffed on one of my bookshelves at home,” I lie. She nods her head before pushing herself off the counter and walking over to me, pulling me into a tight hug.

“Alright. Well you get on home now. It’s getting late and Casey mentioned that you had a big assignment due today so you must be worn out. I’ll finish up here and have Richard come and get me once I am finished. Hopefully you find your journal, Dear. I’ll keep an eye out here for it as well.” She says as she backs away, holding me at arms length. I give her a small smile before saying my goodbye. I make my way up to the front of the store, but stop myself before grabbing the handle. I turn towards the back exit.

No, Raeelynn. Don’t even think about it! You know what happened last time.

Gulping, I take a deep breath and make my way to the back door. I fight the urge to just leave through the front door and head home. My hands hover over the door handle, debating with my subconscious on if I really wanted to go through with what I know I need to. Making the rash decision and pushing the door open, I welcome the cool wind that brushes against my burning skin. Deja vu takes over as that night consumes my thoughts again. I make my way into the dark. Coming near the dumpster, I see nothing but an empty alleyway. Holding my breath, I round it, waiting to see his lifeless body still on the ground. My eyes grow in disbelief.

My heart stops beating. There is absolutely no fucking way.

The body is gone.

The blood is gone.

No evidence to prove what happened that night was actually real. The adrenaline from that night pulses through my veins once again. The chill of watching his body fall in slow motion to the ground consumes me. I picture the blood soaking through the concrete and through my shoes. Kneeling down, my fingertips gently grazed the rough ground where his body laid. Where his blood flowed. Glancing over at where the tinted black Mercedes sat, there is just an empty street. Not even the tire tracks from Harry flooring it away from there. Surely there should be some trace. Surely someone would have found the body and reported it to the police. Now that I think about it, I haven’t seen anything about a missing person. Or even a murder on the news.

I quickly stand and make my way out of the dark cold alleyway, heading towards the light. Gripping my keys tighter between my fingers, I make my way home through the empty night. The slight burn of my calves draw me out of my daydream as the muscles scream for me to slow down. I was speed walking without realizing it. Glancing over my shoulder, I try to rid my mind of the thoughts that someone was still watching me. I let out a breath I was holding as I see my building come up into view. Basically running the last few yards, I throw open the glass door and take the steps two at a time until I reach the third floor.

Fighting with the keys in my hand, I struggle with finding the right one to fit the door knob. My hands shake as I find the right key, slide it in, and twist it open. Stepping in and quickly closing the door behind me I lock it and throw my stuff on the floor. Relief floods my body as I welcome the safety of my home. Taking a few steps in, my hand searches blindly for the light switch. The kitchen fills with light and I make my way to the fridge in search of something quick and easy to eat before I throw myself into bed.

"Well, you’re home early," A deep, raspy, familiar voice calls out. I see a shadow move out of the corner of my eye. My body goes rigid. I grip the door handle tighter. My breath hitches in the back of my throat and I glance to where I keep my kitchen knives. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." He warns. His voice becomes louder, closer, and deeper, "I heard you met a friend of mine tonight. Glad to see that you received my message." Harry says as he wraps his fingers around my wrist and slowly removes it from the fridge door.

"What do you want?" I ask. My voice is rough and scratchy. "I didn't go to the police. I kept my word." I whisper as tears pool in my eyes, threatening to fall. I knew this was gonna happen. I knew that he would come back for me and finish what he started. I clear my throat and slowly turn to face green eyes staring down at me. He corners me against the counter, letting out a loud laugh.

"I wasn't worried in the slightest whether you would go to the police or not. They wouldn't have believed you anyways." He taunts as he takes a step back, flinging his long limbs onto the counter. He crosses his legs and his fingers grip the edge of the granite. He leans forward.

His eyes never leave mine. I don't answer him. We just continue our silent stare down. I lick my lips and try to control my rapid heart beat.

"What do you want with me?" I ask. I keep my tone hushed, afraid anything louder will cause him to snap. I take a step forward, hesitantly glancing around my apartment trying to plan my escape.

"Don't worry about anything else other than keeping your normal routine," Harry says as he runs his fingers along the outside of his mouth with a shrug. "I had something of yours. I return what isn't mine. It's only fair." He jumps down off the counter and walks towards the front door, totally ignoring my question.

"Better lock up. Wouldn't want strangers wandering into places they shouldn't be. It's a dangerous world we live in, Raeelynn," Harry teases as he quickly opens the door and steps out without another glance in my direction. Stunned and confused, I quickly ran to the door and locked it. Deadbolt and all.

What the bloody fuck is going on?

[swiftiesbuddie]

Inspired by this TikTok

Is this playlist

(Additional suggestions are welcome)

[agunisscar]

photos of nijiro murakami that make me want to raid his closet

[anhed-nia]

BLOGTOBER 10/6/2024: THE I SPIT ON YOUR LADIES' NIGHT MISOGYNATHON, PART 1 - BLINK TWICE AND DON'T WORRY DARLING

Sometimes during Blogtober I'll watch some movie that so activates my pattern recognition that I have to watch several other movies in a row, and then the entry is like this. In this case it is all the fault of BLINK TWICE.

I am perennially interested in stories about insidious forms of sexual abuse, and I thought this was OK. Spoilers be here, if you're worried you could skip to the image from DON'T WORRY DARLING below, although I don't know how surprising BLINK TWICE really is. Well, maybe it's surprising enough that the fucking studio put a fucking trigger warning on the beginning of this fucking R-rated movie like I'm a little fucking baby, but ANYWAY. It is rather obviously about how Channing Tatum is a recently-disgraced techbro who is continuing to do extremely bad things to the women he lures to his tropical island. Part of me wondered if this whole movie weren't some sort of warning shot at Jared Leto about the island cult he has or is trying to start, but in any case it is very entertaining. It's sort of odd to do what is kind of a heavy rape movie and make it this funny, but I supposed there ought to be some alternative to just extreme confrontationalism--although there is a dash of that here too.

There is also a dash of some sort of magic realism that didn't seem that well integrated. That the island is full of snakes whose venom just so happens to counteract the techbro's experimental rape drug--and he knows this--is a little too on the nose for me, a little too Eve and the Serpent, kind of silly. And if you're a genius with unlimited resources, why would you chose a place that's full of these problematic snakes for your island where you have to use this one drug for your rape orgies? Yeah, sure, he could have realized this too late and wasn't willing to cut his losses, but it all seems very convenient.

I also had a problem with part of the basic setup: Zoe Kravitz directs Naomi Ackie as this loser millennial who is first seen watching an apology video by Channing Tatum who has become notorious for doing some unspecified Armie Hammer-type shit. Then Naomi sneaks into this gala where she meets him and immediately accepts an invitation to his isolated island, and like *maybe* what you learn much later is supposed to explain why she has absolutely no misgivings about this, but in the meantime you have to spend quite a lot of time wondering what kind of person she is, that she's down for this. Her acceptance of him should mean something. Either she's so naive she believes public apologies from powerful men, or she's suffering from so much internalized misogyny that she doesn't believe other women, or she loves bad boys, or she's hypnotized by his wealth, or...something. I really wanted an excuse because whatever it is would majorly inform her whole character. We all have pretty specific assumptions about people who defend Johnny Depp, there are specific motivations behind that behavior. I just felt like the whole story needed more justification from the jump. Although that said, it is very amusing for a movie about a rape island.

Anyway, while I was watching BLINK TWICE I started to wonder if Olivia Wilde felt ripped off by it. Even though DON'T WORRY DARLING is a science fiction film, it has essentially the same plot: A rich, charismatic techbro invents a little elite paradise for his friends and supporters where they can enjoy perfect control over women. And I'm suddenly realizing this segment is also going to be fairly spoilery, so sorry if you haven't seen this one either but the twist ending actually IS surprising, even if the movie otherwise wears its debt to THE STEPFORD WIVES on its sleeve. But perhaps the most surprising thing of all is that I actually sort of like DON'T WORRY DARLING, and I might be the only person in the world to say that.

I don't even know if I can justify my affection for it, but I am comfortable at least saying that even if it's not great, it doesn't deserve the heaps of abuse it got. In this cold, weird, '50s-flavored thriller, Florence Pugh and her husband Harry Styles live in a remote Southwestern cul-de-sac that houses all the bright young men who work on the mysterious "Victory Project". None of the too-perfect housewives knows what the Victory Project actually is, though everyone is way oversubscribed to the idea that glorified cult leader Chris Pine is somehow building a better future. Inevitably, Florence Pugh figures out that the women are being controlled somehow, which revelation causes some fabulous hallucinations and her eventual action hero rebellion.

I get the problems with this. The story is overly familiar, poor Harry Styles produces absolutely nothing resembling a recognizable character despite his earnest efforts, and worst of all, the movie just misuses its time. The revelation that this is not a Stepford-type project, but rather an underground virtual reality experiment for incels and their kidnap victims is honestly pretty cool. It's interesting! Interesting enough that they shouldn't have saved it for the very end, they should have found a way to integrate it into the main narrative more; instead there are too many repetitive scenes of Florence Pugh being argumentative, which all have forgone conclusions.

But meanwhile, DON'T WORRY DARLING establishes a very sharp, edgy tone that keeps you (or me, anyway) in a reasonable state of suspense and claustrophobic anxiety. I've been trying to analyze where this comes from and I think part of it is just the sound, which is often excellent (if occasionally over the top). There's a certain kind of ambient tone used in the little cloistered homes that makes me smell ozone and feel pressure in my ears. And I think most of the performances are very good, especially Florence Pugh of course who I just love. I love her because I think she could beat my ass. It's like, fucking Scarlett Johansson has been foisted upon the world as an action hero and she just seems so slow and dull and unconvincing. Meanwhile Florence Pugh is scrambling up a gravel road barefoot at alarming speeds and I totally believe it. Even in MIDSOMMAR she's just so fucking physical, and did you see that wrestling movie she made, FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY? It's really good, you should watch it. She could kick anybody's ass.

[asteracaea]

i love the genre of song where a girl is singing about the girl who is stealing her man but it sure sounds like she's more obsessed with her than with him

[number1milfloislover]

🙄😒

I feel like we're in a lesbian film renaissance rn (abt time), and what do us gay dudes get, fucking Saltburn.....

[louisplumpyass]

ONE HARDER PULL AND I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN SHIRTLESS LOUIS ON TOUR JUST ONE PULL THAT'S IT FUCK

[apricusapollo]

better than revenge “I hope you can see, the shape that I'm in while he's touching your skin, he's right where I should, where I should be” barty

[hopelessfandomfreak]

blog information/organization

intro

call me aj or echo! I’m an infp, and I go by she/her pronouns. I enjoy reading, writing, playing and listening to music, and watching tv. in this post, you’ll find a list of my fandoms, favorite musical artists, and my tagging system to help navigate my blog. if you’re curious about my favorite characters or ships (way too many to list), feel free to ask!

fandoms

agents of shield

the umbrella academy

star wars (mainly tcw and the mandalorian)

mcu

only murders in the building

ted lasso

brooklyn nine-nine

parks and rec

the good place

stranger things

the hunger games (mainly tbosas)

gran hotel

severance

wednesday

do revenge

arc of a scythe (book series)

music

hozier

noah kahan

chappell roan

ajr

radiohead

boygenius

phoebe bridgers

billie eilish

conan gray

reneé rapp

säje

florence + the machine

harry styles

tags

#echo rambles - original text posts

#echo writes - posts about my writing/ao3 links

#echo edits - my photo edits

#ask echo - ask game reposts and ask responses

I also try to tag all my posts and reblogs by fandom, character, and/or ship

[maybeweshould]

Lol. 'fucking matriarchy'🤣

[rebekahandwoodstock]

Hi I’m Rebekah and welcome to my blog!! I’m not gonna give to much personal info but I will show you what to expect from me lol. The other part of my username is the name of my cat, Woodstock, my baby. I also saw Louis Tomlinson live!! On here you will see:

•Olivia Rodrigo

•Joshua Bassett

•hsmtmts

•Conan Gray

•One direction

•Harry styles

•Louis Tomlinson

•heartstopper

•any alice oseman projects

•stranger things

•maya hawke

•do revenge

•Taylor swift

•tsitp

•rwrb

•Daisy Jones & the six

• and more, anything that I hyperfixate on or get recommended, that’s just what I probably mostly post!! Enjoy the scroll lol.