#i wasnt prepared and snorted water up my nose

[senju-sekhmet]

oh my god im- 🤣🤣🤣👍👍

yeas

gopnik tobirama time

[brelione]

The Surfer And The Siren

Chapter Two:The Blondes,The Dog and The Girl in the Woods.

Chapter One

@kelsiejayy​ designed this mood board :) 

“Why is it always the blondes?”Richard asked.You shrugged,folding the snack bag closed. “They remind me of him.”You answered.Richard just nodded,pulling the strings of the bag tight. “Will you tell him stories about me when im gone?”Richard asked.You pouted. “You’ve still got a few more years,Rich.”You mumbled.He just chuckled. “Lets get going,weve got thirteen hours to go.”he locked the door as you walked out.You two got into his older car,driving down the bumpy roads to his house.You ran up the small grassy hill and up to the front porch,kneeling to pet Blue on his stomach.You then ran inside,jumping onto the couch and holding your favorite pillow to your chest.Richard let the dog in,going into the kitchen to show you that he had already set out your favorite cookies.ayou ate seven before you ran into the backyard to see how much taller the sunflowers had grown since the last time you had been over to the house.You rolled in the grass,lifting yourself into a tree and giggling loudly.

It felt like it had been a long time since you had even touched a tree.Probably because it had been.Richard placed his phone on the outdoor table,allowing your favorite songs to play.There was some Queen,some Disney,some instrumental and some early 2000’s music.You got down from the tree,telling him you were going to take Blue for a walk.Richard nodded,standing up.He wasnt as fast or energetic as he had been 60 years ago.He couldnt give you piggy back rides anymore or play soccer in the middle of the woods.It didnt really matter though.He was still good old Richard with his shitty jokes and his big grey hound.You grabbed Blue’s leash,clipping it to his collar.RIchard shouted to you to let you know that you could go without him.You ran down the street,racing the large dog all the way to figure eight.You ended up on the beach behind the kook mansions.You had watched as they had been built all those years ago,wondering what kind of rich straight white dudes were going to move in there.

You were unaware of the camera watching you from a tall tree,oblivious to the notification that was sent to Rafe Cameron’s phone.Blue leaned against you,laying down at your feet.You sat indian style,allowing the dog to rest in your lap. “Are you a handsome baby?”You grinned,tapping the dogs nose.He sneezed,moving upwards to look your chin.Rafe came up behind you,his eyes focusing on your hair.He hadnt been prepared or even thought about what he was going to say.He just didnt want to miss you. “Hello?”You called out,feeling someone looking at you.He inhaled sharply and his fists clenched. “Sorry,sorry-I didnt mean to scare you.”He spoke awkwardly.Blue sat up,staring him down and growling.You looked over your shoulder,grip tightening on Blue’s leash.That wasnt Ward.Ward was a normal person,he aged.You had watched him age. “Ward?”You asked,not calling off Blue.Rafe shook his head,not being able to form words.You dragged your fingers along the back of Blue’s neck to calm him.The dog leaned into your touch,slumping against you. 

“Um...Im Rafe-Rafe Cameron.My dad’s name is Ward,though.”He answered.You nodded,standing up and brushing the sand off of your clothing.He looked just like Ward when he was in his early twenties.Ward had always been a bit of the sketchy type but never too bad.He wore his long sleeve shirts rolled up to his elbows,socks and sandals and always had some sort of fancy watch clinging to his wrist.You had been to the Cameron’s dock countless times just to check if Ward Cameron was still alive and walking.You wrapped Blue’s leash around your wrist so he wouldnt go too far. “I like your hair.”He spoke,pointing to the blue curly mess.Your eyebrows fell over your eyes,Blue sensed the tension and licked your fingertips.He glanced up at the tree where the camera was hidden before looking back up at you. “Okay.”You mumbled,not wanting to continue the conversation.He didnt have good intentions.It felt like you were talking to Ward,In fact,you could remember Ward telling you the same thing.Rafe sucked in a big breath,looking down at Blue and trying to ease his mind.

 “Is this your dog?”He asked,gesturing towards the greyhound.You gulped,glancing around the beach for other people. “Friend’s dog.”You answered,your voice hitting him like a wave.He stumbled a bit,deciding to just sit down.His legs couldnt hold his weight and it seemed like his head was full of wet cotton.He felt exhausted and not just from running down the road.He nodded,hands in his lap. “I will see you around,Rafe Cameron.”You spoke softly,allowing the power to sink into the air.It was probably enough to enchant the boys inside houses across the whole neighborhood and more than enough to cause Rafe to fall forward with his eyes closed.You grinned,biting down on your lip and holding back a chuckle.Men were just too easy.You jogged back up the sand and to the street,seeing a boy asleep on his lawn.It only made your smile widen as you ran back to the cut,Blue panting as he sprinted with you.When you got to the cut you were a sweating and panting mess,laughing at the feeling of pain in your kneecaps.

You kept running,savoring the sore feeling at your ankles and heels as your feet smacked the cement.When you got back to Richard’s Blue had dragged himself up the stairs tiredly to drink some water.You went inside the house,leaving the door open for Blue and laying down on the couch.Your cheeks were flushed,your skin damp from sweat. “Did you have a good run?”Richard asked.You nodded,sitting up. “I didnt know that Ward Cameron had a son.”You frowned,pushing the blue hair from your face.Richard gulped,sitting down in his reclining chair. “You saw Ward Cameron?”He asked nervously.You shook your head. “Just his son.Strange looking boy...kind of like Ward with moist hair.I didnt tell him my name,just Blue’s.He’s asleep on the beach as of right now.”You explained.He nodded,opening a bag of skittles.You giggled. “God,do you remember back in 82’ when those things first got to the store?”You asked.He nodded. “How could I forget?I was trying to get you a bag but the buggers were sold out.The rich boys were mixing them with vodka and throwing up on the streets.”He let out a wheeze like laugh.You grinned at the memory,holding your pillow to your stomach.

 “The boy...JJ.Do you know him well?”You asked.Richard raised his eyebrows,shaking his head as he poured skittles into his palm.You sighed,leaning back. “He looks like him...I saw them while I was out today.JJ and Pope,I mean.They were with another boy and a girl.The other one….I forget what he’s called.He looks like an Adam,though.He’s very terrible at surfing,I had to rescue him during a storm.And the girl...she was diving near the caves to clean up trash that had sunk.I feel drawn to them like im supposed to be part of their group.It was that feeling I had when I saw you on the beach on the night we met...I knew it would lead to something good.”You tried your best to explain your feelings.He nodded,reclining in the chair and stretching out his sore legs. “I understand,(Y/N).But I dont know enough about these kids to let you go around them.Im not trying to control you,Im just concerned for your safety.You’ve seen it all before where your kind gets involved with the wrong human folk and winds up dead or trapped in a tank.You cant let that happen,I cant let that happen.I’ll learn as much as I can about them,okay?”He asked.

You sighed,watching as Blue slowly walked in and sat by the door. “I wouldve felt if he had bad intentions or anger,he didnt.When I was out for my swim they tried to find me again to make sure that i was okay.If they were bad they wouldnt have done that.”You mumbled.He nodded. “But they didnt know who you are and what you are.Maybe if they had they would act differently but I dont exactly want to find out.Let me learn about them first,alright?”He asked.You nodded as he turned on his television. “Netflix has new films this month,why dont you flip through them until you find something you’d like to watch?”He offered,leaning forward and handing you the warm black controller.You grinned,biting your bottom lip as you watched the preview for H2o Just Add Water. “Hey-hey Richard.”You laughed.He looked up at the television,holding back a laugh as his nostrils flared. “No-nope.”He shook his head.You laughed,looking through the episode titles before snorting. “Siren effect!”You giggled.He sighed,pinching the bridge of his nose. “If that is what you want to watch than go for it.”He grinned.

You shook your head,going back to the home page.You settled on a show called I Am Not Okay With THis.You werent really paying attention because you were too busy thinking about all the things you wanted to do in such little time. “It really sucks that we cant go into the woods like we used too.”You sighed.Richard frowned,nodding in understanding. “You know that its not safe for you out there alone.”He reminded you.It was dangerous for anyone to go out at night especially young girls.The Cut had some pretty dangerous places that became even more dangerous at night. “Do you think I could go if Blue came with me?”You asked.Blue’s ears perked up at his name,his mouth falling open in a dog smile.Richard nodded hesitantly. “Alright.Dont go too far and stay away from the graveyard.”He leaned back in his seat.You grinned,standing up.You didnt bother with the leash,hopping down the front steps excitedly with Blue right behind you.You didnt think you’d ever get used to the smell of grass and the feeling of dirt between your toes.Your hair got caught in a few branches but you couldnt care less.

You could see the faint green glow of fire flies a few feet away. “Why do I always have to get the firewood?They’re perfectly capable but no,no of course theyre just too high to do basic things.”A feminine voice ranted to herself.There was no way of telling exactly how far away it was but you assumed it was pretty close when the fireflies dispersed.Blue barked softly,a growl coming from her throat. “Hello?”The voice called upon hearing the noise.You huffed,silently thanking the gods that you wouldnt have to speak to yet another boy. “Hello.”You replied,finally seeing the owner of the voice.Her dark hair was tied into a fancy french braided bun that probably took years of her childhood to master.Her skin was the color of werther’s chewy caramels.She wore a white and black hoodie that was large and a bit baggy on her small frame along with a pair of light shorts.You knew she probably couldnt make out your features in the dark.That was one of the advantages you were grateful for.You had always been able to see close to perfectly in the dark which definitely helped with your insecurities when you knew for a fact that others couldnt.

 “Why are you in the middle of the woods?”She asked.You held onto Blue’s collar so he wouldnt lunge at the pretty girl. “The dog needed to pee,what about you?”You asked.She giggled,playing with her fingers nervously as her legs got a tingly feeling. “Oh-um-firewood.What’s your dogs name?”She asked.You slowly let go of the collar.Blue walked forward eagerly to sniff at the girls shorts,hands and shoes. “Blue.”You answered.She kneeled down to pet the large dog as he sat down in front of her,licking a slimy streak on the side of her face. “And what’s your name?”She asked,directing the question towards you.You grinned upon realising that this was her.This had to be a sign. “(Y/N).”You answered,watching as her face fell and her mouth fell agape.You were the girl JJ spoke so fondly of.She could absolutely agree with him about your voice.She had never heard one quite like yours with that weird accent.

You could probably make some really incredible ASMR if you wanted too. “Do you….by any chance have blue hair?”She asked.You smiled to yourself. “That would be me.”You confirmed.She blushed,biting her lip. “Im Kiara.I think you know my friends,JJ and Pope.”She muttered.You hummed,swatting a mosquito away from your face. “I met them briefly.”You told her,snapping your fingers by your side to get Blue to come back to you.You rubbed the back of his left ear,seeing Kiara stand up straight again.The original blue was missing part of his left ear after getting into a fight with a rat the size of a puppy.That was definitely in the top ten scariest moments of your life.You and Richard had been inside the house baking a cinnamon peach cake for his mother when she came home from a long day of work.You had started to smash up butter in a large bowl that you had actually made for them when you heard a mix of screams,hisses and whimpers coming from the backyard.

He had grabbed the broom,ready to break up a fight between two young children.You had both ran outside,screaming in shock at the sight in front of you.Blue had been shaking his head back and forth,trying to get the rat of of him.You had to tackle the poor dog,ripping the rat off and practically suffocating it.Richard had ran inside to grab one of his old dirty shirts,running it under the cool faucet water before running back outside and holding it to Blue’s damaged flesh.You had thrown the rat down the hill as adrenaline coursed through your veins.He had gotten the bleeding to stop,the red liquid had stained the already dying grass.You used your bandana to hold his ear down and bandaged.That had happened only a few months before you had lost your ring and became pretty much completely confined to the ocean.Since then Richard had tried his best to keep everything the same.When the first Blue died he was quick to find a similar looking grey hound from an animal shelter.He’d created a raft out of branches and grape vines and fitted sheets so he could float out to your cave.He put newspaper into plastic wrap so you could keep up with things going on in the land.He didnt go anywhere outside of North Carolina without telling you first.Pretty much his whole life revolved around you.

“Cool,cool.So are you visiting from somewhere?”She asked.You had gotten used to that question. “No,actually.I kind of just stay under the radar,you know?”You asked.She nodded. “So are you a kook or a pogue?”She asked.You shrugged,scratching your nose. “Um...I’d say its complicated.”You answered.She hummed. “Yeah,I get that.So where do you live?”She asked. “Between friends,I suppose.I should probably get this handsome baby home before he falls asleep.It was great meeting you though.”You grinned.She nodded. “Ill see you around,(Y/N).”She smiled.You walked back through the woods the same way you had came,eventually coming back out outside of Richard’s house.

You went through the back door,the dim kitchen light making you realize the scratches on your ankles.It brought a smile to your face.You felt like a normal teen girl for the time being and you knew you only had so long. “(Y/N)?Are you back?”Richard called from the living room. “Yep!”You shouted back before heading to the bathroom.You looked in the mirror,smiling at how dry your hair was.It was dry and hanging at your shoulders,not flowing in the water or getting pushed into your face by currents.The small slits behind your ear were covered with skin and you could move your feet in circles.You werent sure which part of your life you preferred.You turned on the faucet,staring at the water that flowed out of it.You turned it off,looking back up at the mirror angrily.Your sisters never had to deal with everything you had gone through.They were all dead anyways and only god knows how many others there were out there.Hell,there could be some walking around Outer Banks right now with their rings keeping them safe.The shit you would do to get your ring back was ridiculous.

At this point you might even kill for one. “Are you okay in there?”Richard shouted.You flicked the light off,coming out of the bathroom with your hand sin the pockets of your jeans. “Rich,I just met the girl.”You told him,standing in the doorway of the living room.He say up straight,placing his bag of skittles down. “What girl?”He asked.You sighed,sitting back down on the couch indian style. “The girl.The girl from the group I saw earlier today.Ive encountered all of them now,that cannot be a coincidence!”You exclaimed.He shrugged. “Well,lets not jump to conclusions now.You say the Maybank boy looks a lot like him,yeah?”He asked.You nodded. “Well then maybe he’s related to the fella.You still have your old photo albums in the caves?The ones I laminated for you?”He asked.You nodded,waiting for him to continue. “This might be jumping to conclusions but what if Jesse is related to him?”He asked.

You sighed,shaking your head. “No,no he never had any kids.”You answered.He grinned. “Yeah,he didnt.But that doesnt mean his older sister didnt.Linda,I think.Wasnt it something like that?”He asked.You gulped. “Linden.She died in 55’ though.I dont know if she ever had kids.How would we find that out?”You asked.His eyebrows knit together,the bags under his eyes seeming darker. “We have google now.Hand me my phone,please.”He requested.You grabbed his phone off the kitchen counter,looking at his screensaver.It was a picture of a sunset taken awfully close to your cave system.You remembered that sunset in particular because of how bright the pink and purple hues had been.You didnt remember him taking the photo though.You tossed it to him,the strange object falling into his lap. “Hey siri.”He spoke to his phone.A ding came from the device. “Show me all information on Linden Silslip.”He requested.A few articles came up so he handed the phone back to you for you to scroll through.It wasnt until you got to the very bottom that you found an article about “The Sea Monster of OBX” with and interview from Linden.You looked through the article,pressing down on Linden’s name.A whole page of information came up.You couldnt believe what you were seeing.

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[planetjisungie]

misconceptions- l.jn

characters; gryffindor! jeno, slytherin! reader ft, gryffindor! mark

an; im making mark debut in every house, its what that man deserves 😔✋🏻 also marks kinda a bitch in this but like we still love him. this is part 2 of the nct dream hogwarts series

jeno sat in the grand hall, watching you walk in alone. your hair was so silky, and you looked so delicate and soft. but that, apparently, was the complete opposite of who you were.

"bro i heard she like, hexed a bunch of first years and made them look stupid in the hallway. poor kids" mark uttered. the topic of conversation was conveniently you, and jeno was slightly confused about where this was all coming from. "and it’s definitely true?" he asked, turning to his blonde friend. mark shrugged. "its y/n, so i wouldnt put it past her. last year she got into a fist fight with kang miyoung"

mark was always gossiping, he knew all the rumours in the school, if you wanted to find anything out all you had to do was ask mark. he knew everything and it was sometimes scary. but it wasnt always true, like the time he spread the rumour that choi san had cheated on his girlfriend when it actually had turned out to be his sister. that was an awkward one. turning back to you, jeno tuned out the sound of mark droning on and on about the things you had apparently done. he watched you sit down away from the other slytherins, grab some pasta onto your plate before silently eating. he watched you drink your cup of water slowly, before going back to eating your food. he also saw how the other slytherins would glare at you, or point at you while laughing. something didnt add up. why would slytherins, known causing petty issues, mock someone who supposedly did just that? it really didnt make sense to him.

so the next day, jeno had heard crying down the hallways. being a gryffindor, he ran towards the sound, wand in hand in case anyone was in danger. what he wasn’t prepared to see, however, was a first year on the ground, holding his ankle while crying in pain. but that in itself wasnt shocking, what was, was you sat next to him, a gentle smile on your face while your wand had a green glow to it, seeingly calming the boy down. he had then noticed that you were using a pretty advanced healing spell, which was odd for a slytherin to know in the first place, especially someone like you. in fear of being caught staring, jeno just swiftly turned around, brows furrowed from the thoughts in his brain.

the next time jeno had seen you, he was playing hide and seek with the gryffindor boys in the forest. he was hiding behind a fallen tree, when he noticed a familiar head of hair, and the black and green robe flowing around you. getting up, he silently walked closer towards you, trying to see what you were doing. seeing a creature next to you, he squinted his eyes. you were knelt next to a unicorn, a large gash on its right side, your wand with the same green glow as when you were healing the first year. you seemed to be at peace here, just helping out. not noticing the small smile on his face, jeno turned and walked away before again, you could notice him.

the third time he had seen you, was not as pleasant as the last two. you were sat on the floor of an empty hallway, a white cat in your lap as silent tears fell down your face. jeno felt his heart break for you, he could practically feel the emotional pain radiating off of you. deciding to actually talk to you, jeno made his presence known, walking closer before sliding down the opposite wall to face you. looking up, your eyes widened noticing the infamous gryffindor heartthrob, the crush of all the younger girls. clearing your throat, you wiped your eyes of the tears, pulling your cat, mr snuggles (the return of mr snuggles) closer to you unknowingly. jeno flashed you a small smile, which you returned. clearing his throat, he moved his gaze from the oddly adorable sight of you cuddled up to a cat to the cold wooden floor. "im jeno" he introduced, causing you to scoff lightly. "im y/n, but you probably already know that" you said softly. surprised to actually hear your voice, it wasnt at all what jeno was expecting, causing his head to whip towards yours. he was expecting an arrogant, cold, high pitched bitchy voice, but was met with a quiet, gentle and melodic voice. by now he was almost certain that you had definitely been misunderstood.

"uh- okay wow i wasn’t expecting-" jenos rambling was cut off with your soft laughter, watching your head lean against the wall slightly and your eyes close, shoulders moving up and down in response to the sound coming from your chest. "i know i know, you were expecting me to be some cold, brutal and violent bitch, right?" you said, a smile now on your face which was a nice contrast to your earlier face of sadness and utter despair. "i mean kind of i guess" jeno shrugged and chuckled awkwardly. you let out a sigh before extending your legs from the crossed position, letting them stretch in front of you. "its fine, everyone just blindly believes any rumours that are spread. youre not at fault, the slytherins are" jeno looked up in confusion after you said this, evidently showing on his face, adding onto that the noise he lets out which couldnt be described other than ‘a jeno noise’. noticing his obvious inquiry, you layed back and closed your eyes.

"i dont exactly fit in with the slytherins. my focus has always been to help others, to share what i have to those who dont. the slytherins obviously didnt like that, and i quickly became a misfit, so they started spreading awful rumours about me. no one usually bothers to check if they’re true or not, so that resulted in me not having any friends" you sigh after explaining practically the whole reason of your mental torture at hogwarts to the gryffindor across from you. jeno once again felt his heart break, and a small pout formed on his lips. "how comes you were put in slytherin then?" he asked. you groaned and opened your eyes. "stupid slytherin parents. i didnt get sorted, they work for the ministry so i was basically forced into slytherin to carry on shitty family tradition bullshit" you snorted, head lolling onto your right shoulder. jenos eyebrows raised. so you were basically not a slytherin yet put in slytherin and people practically bullied you for it. sounds pretty tough to him. "and you couldnt speak to dumbledore about it? im sure hed do something" he said, now genuinely concerned about you. shrugging, you reopened your eyes. "i dont realy care anymore, let the people think what they want"

after that day, jeno watched you a lot more closely. he would see how your nose scrunched up when you saw something you didnt like, or when your tongue poked out when you were focused. he sat across the room from you in potions, so when slughorn announced that you two were going to be partners for the Amortentia potion, he couldnt exactly say he was disappointed. despite the obviously sympathetic looks from people around him, he smiled as you pulled the chair next to him, sitting down carefully.

the lesson began, and you and jeno quickly started working on making the potion, working together efficiently and getting it done to the T whilst also having a little bit of fun. leaning towards the pot, jeno moved at the same time as you to smell what was supposed to be the scent of your crush. immediately catching a strong whiff of jenos apparently overpowering cologne, you leaned back, coughing and covering your nose. "jeno, stop wearing so much cologne" you choked out, trying to inhale fresh air. meanwhile, jeno smelt the scent of lavender and cotton, turning to you in disgust, not at the smell itself but the pure strength of it. "unlike you, i dont douse my clothes in lavender essential oil, jesus christ woman" he lifted his hand whilst staring into the pinkish liquid. "i dont think we did this right" you said, before slughorn came up to you with a delighted look on his face. "oh well done, this is perfect!"

that day lead to a lot of confusion between you and jeno. opting not to ask him about it seeing as he never questioned you, you just sat in silence out on the grass, staring up at the stars. you had snuck out of the castle to sit on the land around it, seeking some sort of relaxation. what you hadn’t expected, was for the black haired boy to somehow find you, sitting down quietly on the grass next to you. "so..." he started, before sighing and looking down. he knew he liked you, how could he not? the way you were completely different to how you were said to be, how you didnt blame others but the slytherins for being mean towards you, and just how kind you were in general. whilst most people would veer away from you, he was the complete opposite, finding himself attracted to you like a magnet. smiling slightly, you turned to face him. just like him, you had found it hard not to fall for him. in the times where people would doubt you, or just be plain rude, he actually came and spoke to you. jeno was the first one who cared about you, and not just the rumours that drifted around, he talked to you when no one else would.

that night, you two had a whole sobbing session, confessing to eachother and apologising for things you didnt even need to apologise for. needless to say, when you walked into the hall hand in hand the next morning, with grins that hurt your cheeks, it definitely put people in a daze.

[naughty-noodles]

The omega and Alpha thing with Toby was fucking awesome- Could you do a part two when you have time? Like Toby kidnaps the omega and kinda forces themcto like him. You're writings really good ☺️

Y/n awoke groggily, head pounding like a motherfuck. The light from a nearby window shone directly on their face, making them move to pull the blanket up. Confusion knit their eyebrows tightly as they realized their arms were restrained beside them.

Y/n's head shot up to see the leather cuffs that kept them from moving too far. Their feet were free to their relief but that emotion quickly faded when the events from the night before came flooding back.

"HELLLLP!!! SOMEBODY HELP ME!!!!" They cried, thrashing their feet and pulling against the restraints. Y/n fell back onto the bed with a thud, realizing their efforts were fruitless. They were alone and likely well hidden.

After Y/n caught their breath, they began looking around. The walls were made of logs so it was probably a cabin located in who the fuck knows where. The light coming in from the window was bright and direct. Depending on their direction, it was either early morning or late evening.

The bed smelled like mothballs as if it hadn't been used since its last wash... whenever that was, and the only other furniture in the room was a small dresser and a nightstand.

Y/n laid there, listening to a ticking clock in the hallway until the exhaustion set back in and pulled them back into unconsciousness.

A door slamming shut caused y/n to jolt back from their sleep moments later. Scraping footsteps and a groan made their heart pound fast.

"Can't do anyth-thing right, can they?"

That voice struck fear into y/n's chest as they struggled against the restraints more.

"Oh, hey. You're up."

The masked man had peered his head in. Y/n laid there too fearful to say anything. The killer removed his goggles and pulled his hood off but kept his face guard on. With a huff, he knelt by the bedside.

"Look... I know you're a-afraid... but I'm not going to hurt you. What yo-you saw was strictly business." His eyes crinkled, showing a weak smile.

"Why..." y/n coughed, their voice strained from the yelling from earlier. "Why do you stutter like that..?"

A maniacal laugh erupted from the killer.

"Of all the things y-you could say to- to me first, you ask about my f-fucking t-tourettes?!" He fell to the floor, seemingly amused by the question. After his laughter subsided, he stared with a bemused look at the omega in front of him. "You're a weird one"

He got up and shut the door before pulling out a pocket knife. Y/n's eyes widened at the sight, breath hitching in fear.

"Relax, omega. I said I'm not going to hurt you." Toby reached for the restraints and began sawing at their bindings.

"The name's T-Toby. I had to restrain y-you while I was g-gone so don't take it personally. Also..." he turned and gave them a look. "Don't try to run when these are off. I'm stronger, faster, and f-from the turnout of l-last night... smarter. If y-you are to live, then you a-are to live here."

Y/n nodded quickly.

"I'm serious, d-despite these f-f-fucking tics" he struggled to get out. "Don't be stupid."

When the bounds were removed, Toby helped the omega sit up, warning them to move slow to avoid getting too dizzy. He seemed more gentle now, not wanting to terrify them.

Y/n rubbed their sore wrists with a wince.

"I'll get you some water. S-Stay here. You won't be f-fit to walk yet."

He left the room, leaving the door cracked. If y/n had said the thought of bolting hadn't crossed their mind, they'd be lying. With how weak they felt and how sure they were of being killed if they tried, it was best that they listened.

Toby had returned shortly with a glass of water. He had even put ice in it, which y/n was grateful for.

"Drink slow."

The cold water had soothed their dry and sore throat. Despite trying to hide it, a relieved hum left their lips. Toby chuckled and took the glass when they finished. He didnt want to risk them shattering it for a weapon, as little as the risk seemed.

Smart little omega, he thought to himself.

A moment passed before y/n dared to speak. "If you're so certain you could kill me if I escaped... then why dont you take your mask off? I mean, if I'm to stay here or risk my life... then can't I at least see my captors face?"

"Captor?" Toby snorted in amusement. "Well if we are b-being tech-technical then I guess that's true."

After a moment of thought, he reached behind his head and began untying it. "Just... prepare y-yourself. It's pretty gnarly."

The mask fell off with ease, revealing a large gash in his cheek. Y/n could see his teeth and gums with how wide it was. They scooted a bit further away with a grimace on their face.

"Told ya."

"How...how did that happen? I've never seen anything like that..."

"Along with tourettes, I also hav-have this thing called CIP. I can't feel pain. It doesnt h-hurt but as a kid, when I got n-n-nervous, I'd chew on my cheek. Only the p-pain wasnt there to stop me."

He removed the gloves on his hands and held them up. Each had was riddled with scars and teeth marks.

"Also developed a n-nasty habit of chew-chewing on my hands.."

Y/n frowned and shakily raised a hand to trace the scars while Toby sat with a blank look on his face.

"You think I'm s-some sort of mo-monster, don't you?"

The omega's eyes shot up to meet his brown ones with shock. "No...no... it actually makes you seem more human, really..." y/n gave a weak smile "I mean, killing everyone else in that bar and threatening to kill me then keeping me captive is scary but honestly, seeing your flaws kinda... puts me at ease."

Toby raised an eyebrow. "You... are taking this surprisingly well, omega."

They shrugged. "Trying to make the most of my current situation seeing as if I leave, I die. No offense but i still dont like you."

Toby frowned. "Understandable, I guess." After a moment he stood up. "You should get some more sleep. That pill had en-enough dosage to take down a m-man twice your size."

A week had passed and y/n was beginning to lose all hope of a normal life. Toby was rarely at the cabin and the isolation was beginning to make the omega crack. It got to the point where the omega was excited for the mornings he'd return from what he called his "job".

They rarely went outside, despite being allowed the privilege of staying within 20 feet of the cabin. Toby had trusted that y/n would stay but only for one reason. He had showed them a picture of what resided in these woods if y/n had ventured too far. A creature he called the rake.

The mere sight of it was enough to keep y/n indoors. If they did go outside, it was only to the cabin porch with the door open to allow easy access back inside. Some nights, the omega could swear they heard the creatures cry of agony at not being permitted near the cabin.

Toby had told them that the only thing keeping that creature back was due to the nature of his job and the man he worked for. It made the omega shudder, thinking that someone was that powerful enough to control the beast.

Toby had another residence where he stayed at more often to keep up appearances. When asked if they could go with one day, he gave a firm no. He had told them the place was full of other alphas, and some were so messed up and bloodthirsty that the thought of an omega in their midst would drive them more wild.

The more respected of the bunch each had their own cabin where they were permitted some privacy. No one was allowed over unless invited. The lack of trust was obvious but the mutual gain was enough to keep them from tearing at each other.

So y/n remained where they were, cleaning, cooking, pacing, and finding whatever ways to amuse themselves while the time passed.

Toby had attempted to win them over with gifts, their favorite foods, and a basic level of trust. Slowly but surely, he was winning.

Everything slowly became second nature... until y/n's omega nature kicked in and they began nesting. Every blanket and pillow in the cabin was taken. The closet was emptied and replaced with every comfy piece of cloth the omega could find. Not a thing was out of place, just how the omega liked it.

But once they snuggled down to rest, they became irritated. Something was missing. Something vital. And the omega in them would not rest until they found out what.

Y/n searched the entire house, sniffing every couch cushion and curtain but nothing was right. They began pacing and biting at their nails. By the time the door opened, the omega was nearly pulling out their own hair.

Toby stopped at the door and raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"Um... what are you doing?"

"Its missing something." The omega grumbled right before their nose caught onto his scent. The whipped around to face him.

"Um??"

"Jacket. Now." The omega glared.

"Excuse me? T-The fuck?"

"Jacket." The omega walked forward and grabbed at it. "I need it."

Confused but slowly becoming more amused, the alpha complied. "Have at it, I g-guess?"

Y/n snatched it and ran toward the bedroom to their closet. Toby attempted to follow but only got so far as the bedroom door before the omega growled. It was then when it got through Toby's thick skull. They were nesting. He's only seen it happen twice. Once when his sister was beginning to present and again when Jeff's brother Liu chose a place to nest at the mansion.

He decided it was best to leave them alone.

The omega began placing the jacket in its correct spot before plopping down, purring happily. An hour or two passed before they began to get antsy again. Something more was missing and the omega begrudgingly knew what. With a small growl, they went back to the living room where Toby lay on the couch, eyes closed in rest.

His eyes opened when he sensed the omega's presence. Pouting, y/n grabbed his hand and began pulling.

"Can I help you?" He chucked, getting up.

"Come." The omega dragged him toward the closet and pointed to their nest. "You go here."

Confused, Toby obliged.

"Okay, 'mega. Now what?"

"Now we sleep." Y/n plopped beside him, now content again. Toby remained at a loss for what to do. The omega stared at him expectantly.

"Well...?"

Racking his brain and wondering that the fuck it was the omega could be wanting, he lay there confused. Until it hit him. Omega's often seek approval of their nests. Without another Omega here to approve, he had to fill that role.

"Its comfy. I like it."

With a happy hum, the omega snuggled up beside him and drifted off while Toby lay there dumbfounded at what he got himself into.

Until he realized. After nesting, comes heat.

.....fuck.

[mcrninqstar]

Christmas Mass

SUMMARY: Lucifer attends Christmas Mass with some friendly and not so friendly faces. TRIGGERS: Lucifer’s daddy issues, Zatanna’s questionable taste in men, Petty Wenches WRITTEN WITH: @ofhxllblazer, @ofwarriors, @zztophat, @hcllprnce, @divinecreaturc, @ofallenangel, @dxtective

John: He wasn't much for Christmas. Never really had a reason to celebrate and never really liked the holiday. The past few years, he's been politely forced to attend the Zatara-Graves holiday get together mostly. Some years he's come terribly close to being spelled into a painting, but he's made it through alright. Today, he found himself loitering outside the church, mug of spiked cocoa in hand, listening to the carolers sing. "Well, aren't they just angelic," he teased.

Jesse: was hardly shocked to see the trench coated male standing outside his church while the chorus sang more traditional christmas songs. The man for some odd reason had taken to dropping by alot unannounced either to talk or join him for a drink and smoke. "Oh now dont tell me you have a scrooge spirit about the holidays?" he smirked before moving to look at the male " No ba humbugs here John, only good tidings to you and you home"

Chloe wasn’t sure what she was doing there, at the church. She wasn’t particularly religious, in fact? Churches kinda made her uneasy. The older they were, the creepier they were. But here she was anyway, barely remembering making the decision to come. She stepped into the building, glancing around. It wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be, dipping her toe in the water by standing just barely past the threshold. Voices from outside distracted her, pulling her attention back out there to see what was happening. “Excuse me” she asked the men nearby, one looking like he might work there. “Do either of you happen to know when mass starts?” She couldn’t believe the words she just spoke. Out loud. To other people.

John: John chuckled as the priest approached him. "Merry tidings to you too," he teased sarcastically. "Hey, its safer here than Zatara's right now so I'll take it." His almost in-laws being in town was always a pain in the ass. Also, Zatanna had a habit of volunteering him for odd end jobs during these events which he was trying to avoid. No matter how much she tried, the man wasnt a people person. His head turned as a female voice asked about mass. "He'd be the man to ask," replied John as he gestured to Jesse. The girl looked entirely uncomfortable in this kind of setting. "This your first christmas mass?" He asked.

Jesse: "Should I take that as our first meeting left such a lasting impression, that you wish to somewhat spend the holidays with me?" He chuckled teasing the other man, in truth he hadn't really expected to see him especially during this time of year, he was plenty sure the man would be hanging out with Zatanna and her family then attempting to nose around the church. Of course the women's voice cut off his thoughts as he chuckled " yes I happen to be the new priest here" he replied before taking noticing of how uneasy she seemed to be here "The mass will start in about a half hour, I wanted to give the kids enough time to shine" he replied before holding out his hand "first time or not we'd love to have you join, everyone just calls me Jesse or Father Custer If your feeling spiritual"

Chloe was a little taken aback at how transparent she apparently was. “I uhh...” she had no idea how to respond to the disgruntled man in the trench coat. He looked to be about as much of a misfit as she was, being there. Plus? She was pretty certain she caught a whiff of something other than chocolate in that cup he was holding. She may be law enforcement, but this experience was far too awkward already to make a scene over something so trivial. “Detective Chloe Decker.” She reaches her hand out to shake that of the preacher. “I’m kinda new to all this.”

John: He snorted as the preacher teased him. "More like avoiding getting assigned to the British station at Zatanna's workshop, Father. Women's got a cruel sense of humor," he deflected. Truth was he liked being around the preacher. He was easy to talk to and not nearly as judgmental as John expected. He looks at the woman who identified herself as a detective. Well, fuck. John and the law had a long and complicated history. "What brings you here, detective? You find god?"

Jesse: he smirked a bit at the other before chuckling "Shame, I wouldn't mind taking a turn around Britain so long as I had a good guide, but I understand how women can tease you in especially cruel ways" He replied smiling before looking at the women he hadn't really excepted a detective to show up to his mass but it had been very open to the public. Though the fact that John was most definitely holding a spiked drink would do best to possibly keep the man off her radar as best as possible. "That's completely fine everyone's had a first time with religion. Some learned from their families and friends while others gained some sort of experience which turns them to hope for something higher than them. Nothing wrong with a little Faith"

Chloe was a little surprised at the question from the man who’s libation she was ignoring. “Not yet. You havnt...seen him anywhere, have you?” She stifled a laugh, wondering what had brought him here. Maybe she wasn’t such an oddball after all. “Nice go meet you....Fath- err, Jesse.” She felt a lively awkward fumbling over titles and names. “Singing among isn’t mandatory, is it?”

Adriel was excited to see a church nearby such a festive event. Although they were constructed for humans, he sometimes liked to visit them. This was a good a time as any to check in with The Almighty, especially after all that had happened as of late. He walked through the snow, seeing the group of people sitting just outside. "Oh, I suppose I've come a bit early, haven't I?" he rubbed his hands together, looking around. "Sorry, apologies, my name is Adriel..." he paused. "Adriel Fell. Are you all waiting on service to begin?"

John: He smirked as Jesse mentioned taking a turn in Britain. "Nothing stopping ya, mate. Her shop is decked out for this whole event. I think she's competing with the Lux. If you've got the time, I can show you around after the service," he offered. John looked down at his drink and then up at the detective. Double Fuck. He grinned sheepishly at her. "I haven't found Jesus, but I did find an angel," he replied as he vaguely gestured to Adriel. "I wouldn't say singing is mandatory at these events, but if you find yourself in the spirit don't let us hold you back."

Jesse: "I'm sure I could carve out enough time after the service, I made it short so everyone could be with their families since I don't have anything like that, I guess I'll leach off you" He replied shaking his head as the detective took notice of John's drink, anyone with a nose could've smelled it but lucky for them he was quite a functioning drinker. "I saw Jesus and God once, it was an experience to say the least." he turned to look at the male he'd pointed out "He's an angel really?" He asked before turning his attention back to Chloe. Nice to meet you as well Detective Chloe, My Friend here is John Constantine" He chuckled softly before shaking his head "No signing is never mandatory, and you may leave my mass anytime you wish, I never force someone to listen to my sermons especially if you find its not for you" He paused before eye the 'angel' again "Mass is set to start soon, but it seems we are growing a bit of a party here"(edited)

LUCIFER: For reasons known to literally everyone, the devil doesn't spend a lot of time in church. No amount of prayer could wash away his sins, but he sure liked to see someone try. He was on his way to the Lux when he spotted the detective with none other than John Constantine and the angel Adriel. What on earth was she doing? He didn't know, but he simply had to find out now. "Detective!" he called out, waving playfully to her as he walked up to the crowd. "Well, isn't this a sight to see. Have I missed the mass? That would be a shame. Christmas sermons are my favorite," he teased.

“An...angel...” She repeated John’s words- doubly surprised when the preacher seemed to take him seriously. “I don’t follow” was she just a walking magnet for the delusional? It’s almost as if they’d been hanging out with- “ Detective! “ She heard him before she saw him, but she didn’t need to. There was no mistaking it. Chloe shut her eyes a moment, letting out a long sigh. Of all the places for Lucifer to stumble upon her, it just had to be church. “Lucifer, do you...know these people?” It would explain a lot, honestly.

Adriel: The Angel paused, not prepared to be...spotted so easily. After all, he had been on Earth for thousands of years, and he never had someone just...say it. he cleared his throat, "I believe you're mistaken, I--" he paused, interrupted as more people began to speak. If he couldn't sense evil, he wouldn't have even noticed Lucifer coming up behind him. "Oh Good Lord--" he backed away a bit, looking at the man. He wasn't sure what to say. Demons? He could handle demons. But Lucifer? He swallowed, his heart pounding.

Gadreel: Had no idea what possessed Luci to leave his nice club but once he saw the women he immediately rolled his eyes before they landed on his beautiful angel. If it was one thing he learned was Adriel never enjoyed being in the spotlight or had he ever met Lucifer in person. Moving quickly to his side he smiled softly taking his hand "You are an angel, Mine remember" he winked at the other holding him close. "I don't think you've ever had the chance to meet Lucy, well Lucifer as he prefers to be called., Lucifer this is Adriel the one I've told you about"

Beel sensed his brother was near, frowning at the fact that the only place full of people was the church. He shrugged and made his way to the holy place, quickly sensing his favorite pair of demon and angel were there too. “You just scared the poor angel.” Said when he spotted Adriel, staying close to the principal altar and eventually sitting on the table, his hands carefully touched the gold objects he could find. “I’m hurt. None of you invited me to the reunion.”

LUCIFER: He smiles as he looks at the rage tag team before him. It’s the beginning of a terrible joke, really. An angel, a preacher, a detective, two princes of hell, and....John Constantine. Honestly, he could tolerate them all save for maybe Constantine. “I do happen to know some of these individuals, yes,” he responds to Chloe’s question. “Some more begrudgingly than others,” he says as he gives Constantine a pointed look. “Honestly, detective, this is the last place I expected to see you stalking over the holiday season. Don’t tell me there was a murder in the church and you didn’t call me?” he asks, feigning offense. His attention turns momentarily to Adriel who appears dreadfully frightened. “I seem to have that affect on people, don’t I, brother,” he grins at Beel before turning his attention back to the angel. “Any friend of Gadreel’s is a friend of mine,” he assures. “Although, he does have some questionable tastes in friends every now and again,” he sighs, again giving a pointed look over at Constantine before turning to address his brother. “To be fair, I think my invitation got lost in the mail too,” he smirks. “And you know how I just adore a good church sermon.”

John: “Bloody hell,” he muttered as he watched Lucifer and then Beelzebub approach. This church was becoming more and more crowded by the minute. There were one too many demons around and neither the detective nor the preacher really knew the extent of what they’d just gotten themselves into. He could sense that Lucifer had a soft spot for the detective, but he carried disdain for John which put just about everyone in John’s sphere in a bit of a nasty spot. “Good to see you too, Luci, Beel" he teased. "And here I thought you'd both be too busy for church sermons. Isn't there a party you should be preparing for? Or have you already decided to bow out to Zatanna?" he ribbed. He turned to Jesse, it was best to get him and the detective as far away from this as possible. "You need any help setting up in there, Father?" he asked.

Chloe: A man who hangs out at church, drinking booze. Of course Lucifer knows him. Not to mention the other characters here who seem to believe themselves to be biblical archetypes. Was this all some kind of elaborate prank? She certainly wasn’t about to put it past him. “A murder? uhhhh...no I’m here because...” she had no idea how to explain her presence at the church. “Trixie has been asking about Church lately.” i wonder what could have sparked here interest there. “ I thought I’d scope the place out and see if it’s someplace I could bring her for...whatever it is that happens here.”

Jesse: hadn't expect this much of a turn out when he'd advertised opening up the church during the Christmas Festival but either way he was quite glad at the turn out. Yet he could feel a somewhat growing tension between many of the people now surrounding them. "I somehow doubt anyone can beat Zatanna, her entire store is over the top amazing," He mused before chuckling softly at John's attempt to lead him away from the group, in truth he really did need to get ready as the Mass was quickly approaching, He moved to take the cup out of John's hand before replying "Sure I'd love the help but why you do I'm going to hang on to this Constantine" He smirked  at the male before nodding his goodbyes to everyone and making his way into Church knowing the other would follow.

Gadreel: wasn't about to let Beel insult Adriel any longer as he glared at the male pulling the angel close. "He is none of your concern Beel, nor were we talking to you" He replied before turning to look at  Lucifer before ensuring the other demons kept their distance from his angel. The man wasn't about to let them tease him like he would've so long ago. "To be fair the last time any of us were at a Church, seems to escape me, and its hardly my fault I know both Adriel and John, they are stuck here on Earth which you put into my domain"

Beel smirked at Gadreel’s words. The whole situation just kept getting funnier and more entertaining. He wondered what would  all of these weak creatures do in the presence of any other of the princes. Lucifer and him, they were different. “It’s cute when you think I care about you two, little demon.” The prince held one of the cups and filled it with wine in a second, a priest’s belonging always added a better taste. “It’s a shame that you’re leaving, we could’ve had a good time together.” Beel left that cup aside and extended his hand to the blonde woman, noticing his brother’s leaning towards her. A human that could have that effect in a being like them, should be one of a kind. “We haven’t had the pleasure to meet. My name is Beel, one of Lucifer’s brothers.”

Adriel let out a sigh of relief at the Demon's presence, a blush following immediately afterwards. "Gadreel, my dear. Let's be polite." he felt himself being pulled closer into his space, and gave a small smile. "Here, I'm alright." he looked at Lucifer when he was addressed, "I'm afraid, given the circumstances, I cannot completely believe you." He watched as Beel danced over the church, and pursed his lips. It definitely bothered him, but decided to say nothing of it. "So, what is it you both are doing up here anyways? Is there a new program where the princes of hell have family reunions? Isn't the reason you send demons to Earth is so you don't have to come here yourselves?"(edited)

Gadreel: felt himself calm at Adriel's presence and voice, Beel always knew just what to upset him and he wasn't going to let it not when he'd finally gotten the okay to be with the angel after his talk with Lucifer. "I'll try but its rather had with this  particular prince" He replied nodding his head keeping close to his angel while the conversation continued.  "I'm sure its just all the fun they'd be missing if they didn't come to New York, after all Lucifer came from Las Vegas"

LUCIFER: “Trixie’s asking about church, huh? I’m glad you’re doing your research. They say religion is a slippery slope,” he teases. “before you know it you’ll be knocking on doors asking people if they’ve heard the good words of the lord.” He frowns at Constantine and the priest. “Yes, I have seen Zatanna’s shop. A bit tacky if you ask me,” he shrugs. “If you’re looking for something a bit more fun I’d say swing by the Lux tonight, but you’ll have to come alone, Father. I’m afraid John won’t make it through the door,” he smirks as he watches them head toward the church. “Surely we can behave ourselves for one night,” he chuckles as he glances at Gadreel and then at Beel. “We wouldn’t want to get arrested,” he teases, giving Chloe a cheeky wink. “I think I’ve used up all of my friends and family discounts at the jailhouse.” He only has a vague notion of what’s set off a feud between the two and he knows it centers around the angel Adriel. “Given the circumstances that’s understandable, Adriel, but I assure you I’m not the brother you need to worry about. Your dearest Zatanna has rope Michael into this. I need not tell you what he’s like. I’m just here expanding the business I started in Los Angeles. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“I really don’t think.....”’Chloe shook her head at Lucifer’s joke about her knocking on doors, but was grateful that he’d dropped it to prod at some of the others who were gathered near them. For someone who usually had nary a kind word to say about his “Father” aka the big guy upstairs, Lucifer certainly seemed to be in good spirits today. She definitely had a lot of questions about how all these people knew each other, and how they all seemed to be on the same deranged wavelength. Her attention quickly snapped to Adriel “Sorry, did you just say princes... of hell?” She couldn’t even believe all this. “Are they serving more than tiny little cups of wine at this church?” She wasn’t hyper aware of religious customs, but if she didn’t know better she’d think they’d all been microdosing. or macro “Oh come on, Lucifer. Where’s your Holiday spirit?” She could tell this John guy got under his skin for some reason, and she wanted to find out why. “I’m sure you can make an exception on Christmas Eve?” She smirked a little at John before raising her brows at Lucifer.

John: He smirked seeing the affect the detective had on Lucifer. It appeared even the devil had a soft spot. "I think it's only fair to make an exception for Christmas. I've been on my best behavior this year," he winked at Luci. "Save me a seat, would you, Detective?" he smirked before brushing past everyone to head into the church and help Jesse. This was about to be one hell of a sermon. "So, minor complication," he replied as he caught up to the priest. "Tall, dark, and handsome over there," he said, eyeing Beelzebub. "Happens to be the embodiment of lust. He also happens to be dating my almost, sort of, once upon a time, could have been brother-in-law. And the arsehole with the whole Lucifer Morningstar schtick? He's not joking. He's the actual thing. And unfortunately, it appears they're sticking around for service tonight."

Jesse: He was quite surprised by all the people who decided to come to his little church it was nothing if not amazing of course it was quite obvious that some of them needed to talk to one another. As he walked back towards the Church most of the kids had cleared out with parents and children alike thanked him before John caught up with him. "I suppose that would be quite the Complication, that two demons wish to attend my sermon" He replied chuckling softly looking at the two male from the doorway before entering in "So you? the hot ticket demon slayer allowed your somewhat not brother in law to date a demon? and that man who had more swag then God could ever give a man is truly the devil himself?" He chuckled moving to set up his books.

John: He leaned against the door frame, arms folded across his chest. "Yeah, all this party is missing is an archangel but I think he's occupied at the moment," he chuckled. Where was the sword of God when you needed him? "I didn't allow anything. Blayze is an adult. Unfortunately, he took more after me than he did Zatanna in the department of terrible decision making. Although," he looked back over his shoulder at Beel before turning to look at Jesse again. "I can't say I blame the kid. Lust is an easy sin to give into."

Jesse: Watched the other do absolutely nothing to help him like he said he would "You mean Michael? You know he was always my favorite, Not as much as an ass his Father is" He replied moving to finish up the setup before smiling softly at the male, he cared a lot for this Blayze person even he could tell. "You three sound like quite the cute little family what ever happened there?" He questioned knowing he wouldn't get an answer back, after all the man if anything seemed pretty tight lipped about personal things. "You should know, the stories Father Marcus told me was enough to make a Nun blush, so I'm surprise he isn't feeding off you Johnny Boy" Jesse smirked looking at him

John: "To you, maybe," he laughed. "I'm sure he would have portaled me to hell by now if he didn't have to answer to a certain mage." Of course Jesse enjoyed the blond warrior. It would appear only John and the demons were annoyed by the archangel at this point. He cleared his throat and looked down at the ground. "What happened is I got  Zatanna's father killed," he replied candidly. He was sure Father Marcus told the new priest a whole hell of a lot, but the man deserved to know exactly what he was getting himself into here. "Would have been her if the old man hadn't taken her place instead. Really ruins the romance when people around you keep dying because of your own stupid mistakes."

Jesse: "To be completely fair he was quite the ass to me too but I'm rather used to such behavior" He replied softly chuckling before turning to look at the male, he hadn't expected the man to come right out and tell him by any means. Outside of what Father Marcus told him it hadn't been anything to damning really when he thought about it. He moved to come down from the podium to stand next to John. "Yet it still rips you apart, even I can tell that. as far as stupid mistakes I've made plenty in fact....it was because of me my parents got killed, " He replied not wanting the other to feel like he bared his soul for nothing. "I'm not even going to try and say God has a plan because he doesn't....he is a cruel father who takes pleasure in abandoning his children, and You still are close to Zatanna, she came to see me soon after you did...felt like a bit of a check up"

John: "That sounds like Michael's default mode," he chuckled. "If you ask me they're all a bunch of wankers." That wasn't necessarily true. John knew Michael had the ability to turn earth into a battleground for the next holy war, but the angel cared enough for God's creations to not start a war that would destroy them all. "I'm sorry to hear about your parents," he replied. "It would appear all souls worth saving have a bit of blood on their hands and guilt in their conscience." There was no saving John. While Zatara's death was a stain on his soul, Astra's damnation was a finale nail in his coffin. He could stop the Apocalypse and still the pearly gates of heaven wouldn't open their doors for him. "Please tell me you aren't about to go on that pulpit and preach god is a cruel father to a demon, an angel, two princes of hell, a very confused detective, and your entire congregation" he chuckled. "I'm afraid the Vatican frowns upon that." And it would be quite a shame to have the priest recalled over blasphemous sermons egged on by one erroneous petty dabbler. "I'm not surprised Zee stopped by," he laughed as he shook his head. "We're in a bit of trouble right now," he admitted. "Two princes of hell in one city's caused quite an uptick in the number of possessions. Lucifer's entire club is manned by a bunch of demons and the number keeps growing. We could really use a priest with the voice of God on our side."

Jesse:  Listened to the other he was sure plenty of people thought Michael was more abrasive then he should've been but Jesse had been prepare, mostly because of others he'd met.  He nodded his head at the endearment but of course it'd been years since he thought of his parents, and how much their blood had been on his hands before chuckling softly "But the better question., is why would we want to be saved, too much trouble to keep up, plus all the best people end up in hell so I hear" He teased before chuckling at the male "Of course not, that was your own personal sermon, I think a thank you would be appreciated, I don't preach for free to everyone" He joked before shrugging what didn't the Vatican frown upon, not that he truly cared, he could dodge anything they threw at him. "Well, I hardly mind offering my help to you or Her much like Marcus did, but I'll let you know I'm nothing like a traditional Priest, I actually have a background in Voodoo magic thanks to my grandma....But that's probably little use to you outside of my voice" He chuckled softly.

John: “Believe it or not being tortured by every monster I’ve ever exorcised or damned doesn’t exactly sound like a picture perfect afterlife,” he shrugged. With his luck, the demon assigned to torture him in hell would be Astra. Life (and Death) were funny like that. Cosmic retribution, he supposed. “I’m sure I’ll be in good company though,” he smirked as he gave the priest a sidelong look. “Thanks for the pep talk. The voodoo will come in useful. Demons aren’t the only thing that plagues this city.” John knew a bit of Voodoo himself going up against Papa Midnite and his crowd, but he was sure it was nowhere near as extensive as Jesse’s knowledge of the art. He got up to head back out of the church. He didn’t want to leave the detective alone with three demons and an angel. “Well, speak of the devil...” he chuckled as he saw the form of Michael in the distance. “Great.” 

Michael: Being the patron Saint of the Church, Michael was comfortable under the gothic arches of the structure. He hadn’t intended to attend mass tonight, but Zatanna hadn’t scheduled him so he had more free time than he’d expected. He was surprised to see Lucifer and Beelzebub in the throng of people gathering for mass. “Well, I wouldn’t say this is exactly your scene,” he replied as he approached the brothers. “Are you looking for God or are you here just for a laugh?”

ZATANNA: The shop is in good hands for the night. She’d hired people from all over the world for this week of fun and excitement to make the environment feel authentic. So, she’s given herself a day off to experience the fun for herself. Churches aren’t exactly her style, but she figures she’d come to support the new priest. They desperately needed allies and he seemed kind. Zatanna smiles as she spots Michael in the crowd. The towering Hercules is hard to miss. Her smile quickly fades as she watches him approach Lucifer and Beelzebub. What the hell are they doing here? The mage makes her way over to the crowd and her concern grows ten times more as she makes out the figures of Adriel and Gadreel beside them. She looks up toward the church and hopes that the priest is prepared to handle a crowd like this. “Adriel, Michael,” she smiles as she embraced the angels. “Not surprised to see you two here, but I am surprised to see these three,” she said as she eyed Lucifer, Beel, and Gadreel. 

LUCIFER: “Oh, Father bless us,” he curses under his breathe as he watches Michael and then Zatanna approach. “If they are serving little cups of wine I’m going to need about twenty,” he sighs as he looks over at the detective. He frowns deeply as she defends Constantine's right to drink at the Lux. "I think he's had enough already, don't you?" he asks. "Honestly, if you arrest him tonight I'd consider that a very Merry Christmas, indeed," he winks. Nothing would bring him more joy at this point than watching the detective escort Constantine into the back of her squad car. He turns to look at his brother and the mage, rolling his eyes as she hugs the angels. "Why not both, brother?" he grins. "Who doesn't like to start the new year off with a bit of blasphemy?"

Beel could easily ignore whatever happened in front of him, whenever he wanted. Not that he cared about Michael being his normal uptight self or a priest trying to save his soul by spitting the word of ‘god’. Though seeing one Zatanna Zatara there, made him come back to the present. He loved her presence. “I’m so glad you join us, Zatara. I was bored with all this hypocrisy.” He half smiled and walked towards the banks, wanting to be in the front for the mass. “I miss my beloved dad. It’s been a while since our last face to face time, I would like to apologize for such inconvenience back then.” A successful war the he started after his fall. It was so long ago, he deserved a damn award for minding his own business for so long. “I know he holds no grudges, no space for such pettiness in heaven. So, I guess Lucifer and I are welcomed to stay. Aren’t we, Mike?”

Jesse: "Maybe not, but than again you shouldn't act like your the only one who has that waiting for them when they get down there, I've got plenty in my past they could used to break me down hour after hour" He replied softly, all this talk of Hell and uncertainly reminded him of his Grandmother's deal, what if the devil did come to collect when he passed? "I'm glad I could be made useful, I think I shall enjoy teaching you John" He felt himself smile at the fact that not only did Michael show up but Zatanna did as well. The women and male were quite the pair when they arrived when all the demons seemed to have choose this to be their hang out  Honestly the priest felt like he hardly deserved such a turn out as he watched John leave his side he moved back up to the pulpit to start preparing for a bigger mass then he thought.

John: “I’m not here to throw myself a pity party, Jess,” he replied. “I did what I did and I’ll pay the price. The goal for now is to just avoid an early death. No sense in paying the price tonight if I don’t have to,” he chuckled. He’d already avoided an early grave once and it left him on Lucifer’s bad side. “You think teaching me will be fun?” he smirked. “Those are words you’ll likely regret. What do you need me to do to help you set up?” he asked. “Better to get this over with before Zee and Michael start a war on your doorstep.”

Michael: A look of worry crossed his face as Zatanna appeared from the crowd. He hadn’t expected to see the magician tonight. His arms wrapped around her small frame as she greeted him and Adriel. “Zatanna,” he chuckled before letting her go. Her greeting toward the demons was not nearly as welcoming. “Surely there are better ways for you to start off the new year than at church, Lucifer?” he asked as he eyed the princes.”I’ll be sure to pass your apologies up to heaven, Beelzebub. It might be accepted more easily if you sent a fruit cake with it,” he teased. “But you’re more than welcome here tonight. Maybe you’ll learn a thing or two.”

ZATANNA: Her brows furrow as Beel greets her. He’s in rather jovial spirits given the company he’s surrounded by, then again she knows the demon thrives around chaos and mischief. “Hmm, I wish I could say the same, Beelzebub. I figured you’d be with Blayze tonight. And you, Lucifer,” she looks the devil in the eye. “I’m looking forward to this party at the Lux later. I certainly hope it’s everything that you’ve been hyping it up to be. Would hate to disappoint another plane of existence,” she smiles sweetly before glancing back up at Michael. She knows it’ll take more than a sarcastic apology and a fruit cake to save his fallen brothers. “I recall an old phrase in show business that goes something like you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but you’re right. They might learn a thing or two if they stick around. I’m sure Jesse would love the support.” 

LUCIFER: “Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to spend tonight than with family. That’s what this holiday is about, isn’t it, brother?” he asks the archangel before turning to address the annoying mage. “Oh, are you now, darling? I’m glad you got the invitation. Here I thought your biggest fear was having a good time,” he teases. He turns to look at Beel, grinning as he spoke, “Have you invited Blayze? I dare say he’d enjoy himself. Might help Ms. Zatara here unbunch her tights a bit,” he smirks before looking at his elder brother. “Then again, I’m sure a menage a tois with an archangel can assist in that too,” he winks. Clearly both the mage and his brother needed to get laid. Lucifer was only doing his brotherly duty in assisting matters here. “You’d be surprised what kind of tricks this old dog can learn,” he replies, clasping Michael on the shoulder.

Chloe tried to hide her amusement at Lucifer’s ruffled attitude towards Constantine. “Had enough? What ever do you mean?” She feigned ignorance, obvious enough to notice easily.

“ Lucifer! “ She barked under her breath when he mentioned the lovely dark haired woman’s tights. “I don’t think we’ve met, I’m Detective Chloe Decker. Lucifer’s my....” She was going to say “partner” but after that comment she wasn’t as quick to claim him. “We work together.” She offered her hand to Zatanna.

Jesse: "never said your were just stating the fact that there are plenty people going to hell who may not 100% deserve it " he replied moving to open his bible before nodding his head "I agree completely with that statement, lines get blurred more offten then not, but I'll do my best to ensure they dont take you tonight after all your my guest" he teased before laughing " I'll likely regret it huh? There is plenty in my life that I regret I doubt you'll ever been one of them, as for help I'm afraid I'm going to send you into the lion's den, will you be a darling little alter boy and tell everyone mass is starting?" He smirked winking at John before moving to hand sheet music to the organist. "And john dont antagonized them, can't very well kickass then preach about love and understanding"

John: "Believe me when I say I deserve it," he chuckled humorlessly. "Feel bad for the bastards who don't. They deserve our thoughts and prayers just a bit more, I'd say. Not that God's listening anyway." John laughed when the good preacher said he'd keep him safe tonight. "Oh it's not me you gotta worry about causing a storm in these parts. I won't make your job harder than it already is. Can't make the same promise for my ex and the archangel though," he shrugged. He long ago learned that there are unmovable forces out there and Zatanna and Michael happened to be those types of forces. "You're really sending me out there?" He asked as her jerked his thumb toward the crowd. "And here I thought we were friends." He got up nevertheless and made his way to the door. "Well, if I dont make it back it's been good knowing you," he teased dramatically. 

Michael: "Actually, I believe this one is meant to celebrate the birth of Christ, but sure family works too," he replied wearily. He knew what Lucifer was trying to do. It was the same thing his brother was always trying to do. Antagonize. Michael was used to being the center focus of Lucifer's misplaced anger but he hadn't expected his brother to turn on the mage with such ferocity. "Thank you for that advice, Brother," he replied, eyes flaring momentarily as he removed Lucifer's hand from his shoulder. He could feel Zatanna seething beside him. "It would be wise for you to leave Ms. Zatara's tights alone. I'm afraid they probably cost more than that suit of yours," he teased. "Besides you wouldn't want to embarrass your friend here any further," he replied before extending his hand to the pretty blonde who seemed to have the misfortune of dealing with Lucifer on a more daily basis. "I'm Michael. Another brother of Lucifer's."

ZATANNA: Her eyes narrow into slits as Lucifer insinuates that Michael should unbunch her tights. She feels her fingers tingle as magic builds up in her palms and makes its way down to the tips of her hands. She's only a millimeter away from unleashing chaos when Michael chimes in that her tights are probably more expensive than his suit. Zatanna snorts loudly and releases the tension in her shoulders, allowing the magic to fizzle out. "You're right that would be wise. If he can't afford to have me perform at his club, he certainly can't afford my fishnets," she teases before turning her attention to the detective. "It's good to meet you, Detective Decker," she replies as she shakes the woman's hand. Anyone who has the strength to deal with Lucifer daily is worth knowing. "I'm Zatanna," she grins, mischief in her eyes as she looks at Lucifer then back at the detective. "He works with you?" she asks, a bit surprised. She fully expected that if NYPD was ever involved with Lucifer it would be to escort him to lock up for a few days, not to work with him. "I'm sure that's got to be interesting."

LUCIFER: He smirks knowing he's hit one of the magician's buttons. He can feel the electric woosh of magic filling the air and for a second he sees her finger tips light up. Beel was right. It was fun to wind her up a bit. He opens his mouth to poke the bear just a little more when his brother comments that her tights are worth more than his suit. "Doubt it," Lucifer replies incredulously. "She's allowed Constantine to unbunch them. How expensive can they possibly be in that case?" he teases. The fact that she enjoys the company of that charlatan, but can't stand Lucifer or Beel baffles the devil himself. Why anyone would enjoy the company of John Constantine baffles Lucifer, to be honest. "And speak of the devil," he grins as he sees Constantine emerging through the door of the church. "You and I both know the offer I made you was a generous one, Zatanna," he smiles coldly at her when she says he can't afford to have her perform at his club. He'd asked the mage when the club first opened, figuring it would be an olive branch of sorts. Even offered to bring forth her father as a gesture of kindness, but she'd refused him on principle alone and summoned Michael to help her maintain the balance or whatever they were telling themselves these days. He frowns as he watches Michael and Zatanna introduce themselves to Chloe, getting chummy with her on purpose to peeve him. "No, I can't say it's ever dull. I don't think I'll be leaving New York anytime soon. I quite like it here."

Jesse: Looked at the male, hiding pain with humor it was something Cassidy did a lot too. "I don't think prayers and thoughts will do much for the poor sods, but I promise to keep you in prayers regardless what you say" He replied smiling softly rolling his eyes "You know if a storm starts i full expect to see that dark arts to come out and protect little old me" He smirked before nodding his head "You wanted to help and since you didn't actually help you get the crap job" He chuckled as the organist started playing he shook his head "Always a pleasure John"

Chloe hasn’t noticed Zatanna’s magic forming, but even if she had- the whole “professional magician” thing would have explained it just fine. She had a knack for rationalizing everything, hence why she still believed the whole “Devil” schtick was just a metaphor for whatever family drama had created...this whole mess between Lucifer and his siblings. “He’s actually pretty useful.” She smiled at Lucifer, but continued, turning back to Zatanna- “When he’s not....distracted.” She refrained from going into detail about what those distractions usually were, but had a feeling present company knew all about it. “Definitely never a dull moment. Aren’t you the magician from the billboards around town?”

John: "As Michael would say, you're wasting breath praying for a hopeless old cause like me," he chuckled. The angel was a right prick when the mood struck him. "Something tells me if the storm breaks out you're more than capable of protecting yourself and these people. Let's not test that theory tonight though," he replied as he readied himself to go out there and corral the crowd. "Hey, I helped. I gave you fair warning about the crowd tonight. Could've just let you go in there blind to that knowledge," he teased, but nevertheless he opened the doors to the church. "Time will tell which one of us got the crap job tonight. Good luck, Father," he winked before exiting the church. He could see Lucifer and Zatanna in the distance exchanging heated glares. For a moment, he saw her fingertips fill with magic before they dimmed once more at Michael's touch. "Alright then, love," he called out to her. "Mass is about to start. Santa's watching you lot. Let's not disappoint him," he replied as he motioned them to move into the church with the rest of the crowd.

Michael: Michael felt the distinct electric buzz of magic in the air as Zatanna fumed beside him. The angel lightly took the mages hand and absorbed some of the magic within himself. In time, she would learn to brush off Lucifer's antagonistic attempts to rile her up, but in the moment he could see they were having an affect on her.  He looked up toward the church as Lucifer pointed out John in the crowd. "If we want to talk bad relationships, why not talk about Eve?" he asked his brother. "How is your ex these days?" he wondered out loud, twisting the knife just a little bit more. He knew about the deal which the devil had presented to the magician and he knew how hard it had been for her to turn it down, but she'd made the right call. "I'm glad you're staying in the city for more than just mass, brother. It's been too long since we last spoke," he smiled jovially before making a sweeping gesture for Zatanna and the detective to go on in front of him to the doors of the church.

ZATANNA: Leave it to the devil to lay some low blows. It’s nothing she hasn’t heard before and yet it still gets to her. Why does the devil think he’s better than the con artist anyway? “Trust me when I say loving John was anything but cheap,” she fires back. She feels Michael’s hand cup hers and take in some of her storm. She can’t help the chuckle that escapes her lips when he brings up the devil’s ex. It’s clear he’s well versed in knocking Lucifer down a peg or two. “Eve? Now, there’s a story I’d like to hear. I’m sure the bible left out a thing or two worth mentioning,” she laughs before turning to the detective. “How you manage to keep him on task is beyond me. You might be a little magic yourself,” she grins. “The billboards are mine and so is the show. If you’re staying in town, I’d love to see you in the audience. The New Years Eve show is one of my favorites,” she replies as she manifests a pair of VIP tickets out of thin air to give to the detective. “And the after party isn’t too bad either.” Hopefully they hadn’t scared the poor girl away after this display of bravado between the brothers. She lets go of the angel and takes a step toward the church. “We wouldn’t want to disappoint Santa now. Let’s find some decent seats.”

LUCIFER: He sees his brother take the mage’s hand to calm her. Michael might be an unmovable mountain, but it’s clear Zatanna is not nearly the solid force she pretends to be. Had she been alone he’s sure his teasing would have caused sparks to fly. Lucifer’s smile drops as his brother brings up Eve. Low blows for someone so high and mighty. “The bible leaves out quite a lot of details. That’s unfortunately a story for another time,” he replies coolly. He watches Zatanna manifest tickets to her show out of thin air. Magicians, he rolls his eyes. Gaudy and showy as usual. “The detective will be busy that day,” he replies as he takes the tickets from Zatanna. “The lux is having its own party. More than disco balls will be dropping that night, I assure you,” he grin mischievously. If there’s one thing he knows it’s how to plan a party. “After you, Detective,” he grins as he motions for her to head toward the church. “Let’s see if we can get saved tonight.”

[tijuana-blues]

I waited until i got to work to type this.

The end of this month crosses the 1 year mark. only one year ago my world was completely different, and on the Verge of Collapse. A little backstory is needed before i continue.

Yesterday was a normal Tuesday for me. Work didnt stress me, no problems arose. My parents texted me and my brother to eat steak for Dinner. The Food was delicious, and i was preparing to head home, hit a Nice Big Dab, play a round of Smite, and hit the sack, seeing as how i hadnt slept in over 24 hours, and the only thing fueling me was the Gram of Coke i bought on Monday lol.

So as i Get up to Put away my dishes and say goodbye, i get a FaceBook Message. Its my Cousin, Isaiah.

He says he got into an Argument with his dad and got kicked out. He needed somewhere to sleep for the night. 

Sure, I tell him. I cant just ignore him if he has nowhere to go. He meets me at my house 5 Minuets later with a backpack full of beer, a bottle of Vodka, and half a loaf of bread and sandwhich meats. My Cousin is crazy lmao, he has the Apache Blood in him more than me. Anyway, since hes staying, i ask if he can find some Wax, so i wouldnt be taking from my Brothers Stash. We meet up a half hour later and pick it up.

so were in my garage, passing the rig back and forth while i Showed him how Smite Worked. And then suddenly he pulls a rolled up baggie out his pocket.

A rolled white Baggie full of powder.

“well we can finish this off, then. since youre letting me Crash here.”

Im not one to ask for payment to crash at my place, but i wasnt gonna say no either lol.

he pours it out on the glass i had been using myself and began to chop it fine with the razor blade i used too.

i had taken a couple pretty good sized dabs in quick order, so i was pretty toasted when he handed me the glass and rolled up dollar. I only saw the 2 lines he had cut on it, so i just assumed he cut two for both of us and i was going first. So i just aim the dollar at the line on the right and Snort away, dragging the dollar quickly, then my Nostril Burst into Flame. I had made a mistake, he cut one line for Me from the PILE on the left.

The PILE i just Tornado’ed up my nose, and was now drinking water to keep my throat from going numb from the river of coke mucus running down it.  I hear my Cousin laughing next to me.

“youre a maniac, Cuz! you railed that whole Fat ass pIle!”

Well Fuck. so much for sleeping. Lighting Coursed through my Veins 5 minuets later, and i started drinking Beers to fight the Drip.

Now Isaiah told me that it was Good Shit, but i hardly take his word for it Nowadays. hes off mark most of the Time. Not this time, Though.

15 Minutes Later im Chainsmoking Cigarettes out front of my Driveway Drinking beer and my Jaw was shaking in my Head.

You know its  Good Shit when it makes someone who spent the last 24 hours doing Coke often, gives him the Jabber Jaw.

me and Isaiah just began to talk bullshit into the NIght. at Around Midnight he was talking about a girl he knew for awhile now liking him. And him liking her too but he didnt think a Relationship would be good at the Time.

Then Youre Face appeared in my Head. Like it always does. I havent Gone a day yet where i dont see you in my head.

I dont know what caused this, Perhaps it was the Coke in my System with the Beer. Or Maybe it made me finally push past my Insecurities.

i Began to talk about how i Felt the Same, how i couldnt really talk to other women or really want to because of the Luggage i was Still Carrying with My Ex, Maria.

And from there i began to talk and Talk and Talk. I couldnt Stop, the Words i had been saying in my head Every day this Past Year came out.  I sat in my Garage all night Long, Until 5:00 AM, Talking to Isaiah About Her.

I didnt hold back, and surprised myself as my eyes stayed dry and my Voice Stone Cold.

I told HIm about How every Woman i ever Dated All Cheated on Me and Left me without a Second Glance.  About How My First Girlfriend Megan roped me into a 3 year Lie and ruined my trust in people. I talked about how the girls i dated afterwards all did the same thing, and how i wished i was joking to him.

I told him about how i blamed myself for each failed relationship, and how id spend nights trying to figure out a way to fix myself. How i felt like i wasnt meant to be Happy with anyone and how i stuffed it all down deep and dealt with it only in my most private moments.

...And Then i told him about How I Met her in my Junior Year of High School. The Class was Anatomy, a class full of 24 teenagers with the worlds Laziest Teacher. It was the First Day, and I walked in to a semi empty classroom with kids walking around, picking out a seat for the rest of the semester. the desks all faced forward, in groups of twos in four rows across. I took a seat on the outside Left side around the Middle. I just dropped my Bag and sat in my Seat, waiting for the class to start, checking my phone every now and Again. 

And the seats began to fill up, the Desk next to me taken by a Tall Nerdy looking kid with blonde hair and Garth Glasses, A KId i Befriended. Daniel Butttruck. Thats not how you spell the last name but thats how it sounds lol. So i named him Butt Truck and thats his name to this day lol. 

The Chair in front of Daniel on the right was taken by a Friend of Daniels, A glasses clad Girl name Aly, And all you need to know about her is that she has a IQ just North of a Bedroom Slipper.

And lastly, A Girl In crutches slowly approached the chair in front of me, and slid into the Chair as the class started. She had a big black velcro Boot strapped to her Leg, and it stuck out into the walkway on our left a bit. She had Dark Hair that was cut into a really cute short style. At first i didnt really notice her until a few weeks into the semester where the Teacher flipped the front two desks around, making Pods of 4. So Now She Faced me and Aly faced Dan on the right. 

Thats When i noticed her.

She had Brown Eyes that shone slightly, like Fine Wood Tarnished to a Dark Brown Mixed with Lighter Browns. Her nose was a small little Button Nose between her prominent Cheekbones that raised when she smiled. She didnt Wear much Makeup, or at least looked like she didnt. I remember to this day about how i would see her smile and laugh a bit as we all got comfortable as a group, me cracking Jokes and being dumb some days, with Days. As time passed i began to Notice her more. I began picking her out in the hallways as i walked to class. Sometimes I would say Hi and see her reaction.She was like me in some ways, wasnt a morning person, and had the same sense of Humor. I remember the time Dan Told us about how he Broke his Leg at Blizzcon.

Yeah, if youre not 12 years old, Dan was the Kid who Broke his Leg in like 2006 at Blizzcon Dancing like a Zombie. He was on Tosh.O or was going to be? ill ask him next time i see him lol. Anyway, hes telling us this story and Maria and I are Freaking Out because we realized he is Internet Famous, and Laughed Like Crazy.

Soon enough, I went from saying hi when i saw her to stopping by her morning class to say hi and chat, since my morning class was down the hall from hers, then sometimes wed walk toward our next class. Mind You, i Was a Junior at 17-going on 18, and Maria was two years younger than me. I never tried to flirt with her, but i enojoyed talking to her. I remember clearly One Winter Morning as i walked in from the Bus Lanes to my Morning Government Class, I see her standing by her Morning classroom, i dont remember what it was. She had her phone and was tapping away on it. I quickened my Pace as i passed her, and called out, “Maria!” she popped her head up and looked at me, and i Flipped her off. She gave a look of Confusion and laughed, walking into her classroom as the bell rang. I remember giggling to myself as i sat down, then asking myself, “Why the fuck did i do that for?? Idiot!”

That was the beginning of my Senior Year, Graduated 2011. We didnt have much contact after i Graduated, while i did the little schooling i did do, and work at that God Awful Produce Factory that first year out of High School.It wasnt until about a year or so later, when i started my job at Wal-Mart and Moved in with Christian. i remember it being Spring When i Saw Her Again. I Was collecting carts to put back in the cart corral, when i heard a Girls Voice Call my Name out in the Parking Lot.

I look out towards Barros Pizza in the plaza and i saw her Again.

It was a Bright Sunny Day, Not too Hot yet in the Summer. Her Hair had grown a bit longer, but still had its shape. She wore a Bright Yellow SunDress with Sunflowers on it. I remember how Cute i thought it was on her. I remember this moment so clearly because it was in that moment i felt something inside my heart. Like a Spark running through it.

I smiled and walked out to meet her, she had two of her other friends with her, they had been eating at Barros. Maria Hugged me and Asked me how i had been, and i told her about how i started working there and i live on my own now, looking into colleges. We chatted for a few minutes before i had to go back to work. I asked for her number to text with and, she walked off. As i went back inside i remember the times in Anatomy with our little group, and how i used to enjoy chatting with her. it also made me Remember the day i flipped her off, Years ago. As i lay down in bed that night, I remember thinking of her and telling myself, “you know, i think she would be an awesome Girlfriend.”

Months Passed and i hadnt had much Contact with Maria. I had my own problems at the time and i remember that period of my life to be so unstable i didnt want to date a girl and Live there lol. But i would text her every now and then and wed talk for a bit. I remember her dating someone at the time, and living with them. One Night in Particular I noticed she was posting on Tumblr and it seemed like she was Upset. So i Texted her and asked if she was doing alright. She said she was fine, but shes too much like me, i say that just to get people to leave me alone. I text back that she can talk or vent to me, that i didnt mind. And she did. She began to talk about her Relationship with her BF and how they rarely see each other because of work schedules and School. She told me she was thinking of just packing her things and leaving while he was at work. I told her, “Do what you have to do. if you arent happy, why are you there?”

i texted about a week or so later. She left him. She Began talking about moving to Portland With a Friend, and Getting out of AZ. I remember being bummed out at the news, my feelings for her had began to grow. I decided to step away for awhile, let those feelings go away. It must have been around 3 or  4 months later, or longer? But anyway, i see her posting on Tumblr Again, and i send her a DM asking how shes been, and if she moved to Oregon. She replied back and said her Friend Flaked, and that she really didnt want to go anyway. She says to text her, and i Ask for her Number Again. 

From then on, we talked semi often every couple days, more and more often as time passes. Finally, one Day i ask her to hangout sometime, go to the arcade, play air hockey. We had been talking pretty often by then, but no obvious flirting or anything. We meet up at the arcade and we take turns playing different games, Giant Connect Four, Air Hockey, Ticket Games. She bought me a little T rex with her tickets, i named him Revan. Then we just sat on a couch and People watched those who walked in. I remember feeling her arm against mine as we sat together, and Me leaning in Quickly and kissing her cheek, and Seeing her Smile.

About 4 or 5 more little Dates Later, I ask her if she would be serious, because i wanted to be.

Her Face Brightened as i saw her give the biggest Smile i ever seen from her, and she said Yes.

I told Isaiah how as the first year passed, i had been drunk off the happiness i had at the time. As i learned more about Maria, the more attractive she was to me. She is unlike any woman ive ever met before, or have met since. I told him about how i talked about her to my friends all the time, how smart she was, how she volunteered at a Funeral Home Embalming Bodies and playing with Corpses like a Badass. 

Then came my 22nd Birthday, on the first year we were dating in 2014. I didnt even want a present from her, she was all i wanted any day. I dont know why i never told her things like that. She Baked me Fudge Brownies after work on the week of my birthday, and i was more than happy.

Then she pulled a box out of Nowhere, Smiled That Warm Smile i Had come to Adore, and Said “Happy Birthday Babe!”

Before that Moment, i Cant recall a time that i was genuinely Surprised like that. I remember the words stopping in my throat and jumbled with the ones i had tried to say Next. Genuine Excitement as i opened the Long Brown Box. I opened the top flap and pulled the Styrofoam Casing to the Rectangle stick inside, Bright White with a Black Line going Down along the Length of it. And inbetween the space in the Line at the Hilt, Was the Red and White Sigil of the Uchiha.  

A fucking Uchiha Sword! Like i was in actual Disbelief when i Realized. And what i explain next i never told anyone other than Isaiah that night.

I had to Try my Hardest to keep from Crying in that moment. Not because i loved the Gift she had gotten me, and how she made it a surprise, Something no one has done for me before. 

It was because i remember a couple weeks before,as we scrolled Netflix one evening, i Saw Naruto on the list. I geeked out and asked you if you ever watched it, and began geeking out about it to her. I Made her watch some of my favorite episodes, and she would playfully Tease me about it. As My birthday neared, i came home from work one day to watch some Naruto Myself, and Booted up Netflix.

Someone went about 4 episodes ahead of where we Left off Last. I was at Work, and it was her Netflix Account. She actually started watching it because of how much i told her i liked it. Then She picked out something SHE thought i would like, instead of asking what I wanted like My Lazy Ass does.

No one had ever shown interest in Me like that before, and it touched me right in that moment. I blocked all emotion and was all smiled as i Hugged her Maria and told her how much i loved it. That thing was glued to my hip for like 2 months straight, i would get high after work and watch old Samurai and Ninja Movies, and act out the sword fighting with it. I even slept with it for the first Week.

In the days after that, i saw Maria in a whole new Light. I always knew the Maria who had her walls up to Anyone, the “i really dont care,” attitude she had when she was grumpy in the mornings. I got a glimpse at the Maria That was Behind that wall, The Real Maria.

Who Was sweet, considerate, and Generous. Loving and who could make me laugh.

Ever since that i saw that small glimpse of Her, My heart swelled and pumped blood thrice as hard, and my hands would shake and my mouth would get dry.

I was Falling in Love with you.

Hours have Passed, its Around 2 AM. The Line of Coke has me at Full Speed still, having plenty to say still. Isaiah just sits and drinks, giving the odd acknowledgement every couple of Sentences.

The months after my Birthday have passed, and things seem great between Maria and I. If i only knew what i know now.....

If i had just Put more Faith in You, and in my Heart. It Kills me to know how things would be if i had just manned up and told you how you made me feel....

After the first year, the strain began. We both worked. I had the accounting Job with the Contracting Company, and Maria was Working at a local Kids clothing store, and Volunteered at the Funeral Home, Along with her classes, AND she tutored.

i understood she had a full plate alot of the the time, not to mention the headaches and pains she would have. And that time of the month the poor girl was in pain Constantly.  So i didnt get upset or mad when she didnt have time to visit or was too tired from work. we were always talking.

But eventually the Strain and My past would come to Signal the End. it was August, 2015. My brother had fallen Behind on his Mortage Payments on his house, and needed to make a payment ASAP or he would lose the House. Naturally i gave him all the spare cash i could to keep a roof over our heads.

Unfortunately, It left me Penniless during the Month of August, which Marias Birthday was in.  I Felt Like Complete Shit but i was in a corner. I apologized to her and promised to make it up to her. It wasnt a big deal to her, but i just hated that it made me look like i dont give a shit. 

I had an Ace an hole, Though. i Saved a link to a site that makes Custom Rings that Maria had posted in Tumblr that she really liked and wanted. I ordered it and did it early enough to get it before Christmas.  It was already Too Late.

Maria was beginning to grow distant, not replying as soon or as often before. the replies getting shorter and shorter, the tone colder and colder. As we approached My birthday again, I plan a Group event with my friends and family, cause last year we went Paintballing and Maria wasnt there, she had work and class.

So im thinking of what i could do for a group, and i see that Charlie Murphy is doing a show ON my Birthday, a Friday! It was Perfect. I called and Reserved seats for everyone, ordered Bottle Service, i was so excited!

I texted Maria Telling her About the Comedy show and Date of My Birthday. She says she cant make it cause of work, she gets off at around 12. I was Bummed, but I understood. 

The Big Day comes and it starts off great. Work was a Breeze, and Maria greeted me with a Warm Happy Birthday first. As the day progressed Everything seemed Normal. As evening sets, we all get ready to go to the show. 8 o clock, Showtime!

it was a Fantastic Show, me and all my Friends and Family drinking and Laughing our Asses off. The only thing missing was Maria. I texted her before the show saying id text her after it was over. it woulda been near to midnight, and she coulda met up with us. The show ends around 1040, and the manager says we can finish off the bottles in the bar. Me and my Friends stay, and start getting Tanked. 

Midnight Comes, and i text Maria asking if she was off yet and if she wanted to come meet us. Time passes, and no reply.

she probably went home and crashed, she was probably tired, I think, as it wasnt Abnormal for her to Nap during the Day or whenever she could. So i check Facebook, and it Hits me.

A friend Tagged her and some friends at Westgate, not Long ago.

My heart Goes into FreeFall in My stomach.

Why would she be at Westgate After work? did she Ignore my Text...? why...?

My insecurites flared, and i assumed the worst. I remember everything going Quiet around me, My heart Hammering in my chest, blocking out all other noise.

i Shouldve just called. i Shouldve had more Faith in you, and what i Meant to you.

When every girl you date cheats on you and leaves, in a Row, it was hard not to assume the worst, when the worst is what always happens to you.

I remember the tears welling up in my eyes as i get up to go outside the bar. She went to go out with her friends, and she knew it was my Birthday Today....

It didnt make any sense to me, it all seemed so unbeliveable. But ive been wrong before. And add the excessive Alcohol, you get a Recipe for a Terrible Mistake. 

I wasnt Dumb, I knew Maria and I were Drifting apart, Our schedules getting more and more hectic. My job stressing me the fuck out day after day, Marias Packed Schedule.

I was so fucking stupid. Why did i wait? Why didnt i just drop to my knees and tell her when i look at her eyes, i feel like i could do anything. That when she was in my arms i Felt like i needed to become a Better man for her. Why did i wait?

December. Jerkoff Hipster making her ring is falling behind, gonna need a couple more weeks. delivery date mid Janurary. I Threw A fucking Fit. i could feel it all slipping away, no matter what I did. Why did i Wait?

I was so Terrified of Opening up to you, and you not feeling the same way. The Thought of looking into your eyes and telling you that i was in love with you, and i wanted to be with you forever, or until i died. I was Terrified of looking into your eyes and Shooting me down. The texts got shorter and shorter. only strengthening My doubts and Fears. 

Christmas. The Ring wasnt Ready yet. Another Fucking Embarassment. She got me a Captain Phasma Painting and some Marvel Shirts. I tell you, “look, i ordered this is time to get it for Christmas, but the Guy Got Delayed and it wasnt ready yet, but... i showed you the Ring on my Phone. 

It was the last smile i Saw on you in Person.

So many oppurtunities, wasted. so fucking Stupid. I promise to make it up to you.

Down to One Word Answers, or no Reply at all.

Janurary 2016. Hiroshima.

Valentines Day is Coming, Ill have the Ring Then! and i ordered a Cute little Stuffed Corgi to go with Some Flowers and a nice Romantic Date! i order everything and wait. 

You came over one week, and seemed in such a foul mood, i couldnt place it. I thought you were in Pain Probably. I tried to cuddle you, kiss your cheek, you clearly dont want the affection. I try something alittle more...Adult. 

You Grabbed my Wrist, and Yanked my Hand away, throwing it off you. I was in Shock. I still remember the look you Gave me that night, Clear as day. That Piercing Glare, Looking Right at me. Pure Anger. and Pain.

Youre replies, in thier Rarity, lacked no padding for thier sharp edges. I believe its all Over Now.

Late January 2016.

You came over one Last time. We had Sex one last time. I remember grabbing you after the first go around as you got up and laid you back down. I was such a Fool.

The Ring was Delivered that Weekend. Monday i text you to see when your free to visit next, your ring is ready and i wanted to see if it fit correctly. You reply your busy tomorrow. i ask with what? you reply with: Concert. i ask What concert. You say: Tribal Seeds.

You stopped Replying After That. The Next Day i texted you again asking when can you come hangout and see your Ring? 

You Broke up with me after that. 

It felt like everything around me had fallen below me, and all that was left was the dark and Silence. Typing about it now makes the Hole in my heart Ache. I remember how hard the Rain Poured that Night.....As i Cried along with it.

And it was only the Beginning for me.

The first weeks after that day are a blur to me. Either Too Many Drugs Or too Many Drinks, take your pic. i was Broken. One moment you were there, you were mine, and i was gonna fix everything come Valentines Day. I had a Nice Romantic Dinner planned, then a Scenic Walk where i would show you the ring and tell you that even though were having a Rough Patch right now, that i loved you and i wanted to do everything i can to prove it to you.

But you Had other plans didnt you?

God i can still feel my heart when I saw pictures of you and Him....I dont know how to Describe how Painful it was to see. It was only Feb, and you were already with someone else? Posting Valentines Shit? I cried for hours, I begged for you not to be like the others, To just leave me for Someone Else so Fucking Fast, like i was Nothing to you.

But thats how it went down, though. Didnt it?

Friends for over 5-6 Years, Lovers for 2.

I couldnt even get a goodbye.....Just a Text. Was that all i was worth, to you?

You got with him within Weeks of Dumping me. Yet your Tumblr youre heartbroken and sad. It was like i had Entered into some NIghtmare.

within the First Two Weeks, I dropped four Hits of Acid at Once. I wanted to Escape. Instead i jumped right into it. I see you posting on Tumblr. Sad, Depressing things. Your Tags show how you deleted the texts from your phone, even though you didnt want to. How you could literally see in your texts of your declining Affection for me. In the end, It was my own doing.

With the Courage of Acid, I messaged you. I ask if your okay, and you ask why, like i dont see your posts, like i dont possibly know why you could be feeling so sad. Even then, at the end, you couldnt be honest with me.

I ask you Maria cant we please Talk?

You say About what? Like you thought i was stupid.

And thats when i just finally, for the first time, although Far too Late. I opened up to you.

I remember Anatomy.

I Remember You At Barros that Day

I Remember Air Hockey at the Arcade.

I remember The Birthday Gift.

The Words poured out then like they do now, The Spark you set in my Heart was the most important thing to me.

Whatever i needed to do to make it work, no matter what, just please dont give up on me.....

You may as well as shot me dead with your reply.

“if you had said that before, things would be Completely different.”

“saying it Now doesnt Mean Much to me now”

Those words still Haunt Me, A Year Later. And it is not even the worst to come.

You Had the verdict long before i even knew. You Found my “dating Profile” Online, and didnt say anything. just let it stew inside you. As we grew apart it hurt to see you just blatantly ignore my messages. So i used that profile to look at women, nothing else. It was only on My Birthday i Night i Made a Mistake i Will Regret forever. Maria wasnt there, she was with her friends. she didnt want to come here, or answer my texts. she chose to be with my friends. I was always the girls’ Second Choice. I got Drunk. I got Upset. I wanted Petty Revenge. I cheated. I Dont even Remember her Name or what she really looked like. Never should have done it.

A month Passes. March. I ask to still be friends, and how i missed you. We start talking again, almost like how it used to be. Tagging each other in posts again.But i also See him. Concerts, posts, tags. It tore me apart. Some Days i would wake up at 4 AM from my alarm for work, and Your Face would be the first thing i see in my head. The Tears would flow before i could even open my eyes for the first time. I try to get you to meet up with me, so we can talk. After i opened up that night you agreed we should talk. Then you just changed your mind....You Said give it time, walk the path, smell the Roses, and maybe we can start again...

My heart is Pumping like a cannon as i go into detail for Isaiah, how i became a madman, was so motivated by the mere notion that MAYBE there was a CHANCE we could work it out later. I couldnt be stopped. I drank Nothing but Water, ate only Chicken, Raw Veggies, Salmon and Fish, and cut out ALL sugar and breads. I dropped 30 pounds in a Month, and was in great shape for a fight at the gym i trained at. I would watch these Inspirational videos everymorning at 3 AM, just to run for an hour. I posted everything on Snapchat, Only Because i Wanted Maria to see it. I was so Optimistic...

April 2016.

Family Vaction in Mexico. A week with a private beachfront Villa and as much Booze as i can drink. i go in with Gusto. The Villa Has Wifi, can keep up with your posts.tagged me in some. Then the posts about him.

I hated how it made me feel to read them. He had what i wanted for us. Our own Place. Just Us. and a Dog.

He took My Place and it Ate me Alive from the Inside.

I stayed up all night, drinking tequila by the shot, playing Toro Y moi and Chain smoking. I watched the reflection of the moon dance on the waves, and thought of you. When i hear the Ocean, and nights when the Moon is Large and Beautiful, i think of you. 

I Broke that night......

I knew there was no Path, no flowers to smell.

There was no Second Chance.

I Lost her.

And i couldnt get her back. She didnt want me anymore.

she wants someone else now, and when i Think about it I have to imagine Flames burning the thoughts away.

I guess after that night, i lost my motivation, i Wised up.

And i knew i had to come clean to you. It was the hardest thing i ever did.

It hurts so much still, looking back. Im So sorry...

Even after i hurt you that day, i still saw a sliver of you come through your walls.

I begged for you in time to forgive me, and over time we could be friends again. Let me earn back your trust, understand i made a Terrible Mistake and im willing to do anything to make it work.

Most people would have told me to go to hell and never talk to them again.

But not you. Not even then.

You Said, “ Maybe in time i will forgive you. maybe i wont. Depends on how i feel. for now you should make yourself scarce.”

I was stunned,,,those words hung on me for months after.  Did you really mean that, Maria?

And that was the last time i heard from you for awhile...i remember Breaking down at work....The Silence hurt the most. No Texts, No Posts, Nothing.

Not only did i lose the woman i Love, I lost a dear Friend as well...

When i Returned home, i Quit Training, I quit the fight, I quit Dieting. That deep, Dark Hole you brought me out of, Maria.....when i saw you that day....I went Right Back in.

since May 2016 i was in a hole that i could not get out of. sure, i made it look like i was living the life on snapchat, but in reality, on the inside, i was so broken.  Then Life Decided to kick me while i was down, and Took my Bonnie away from me. As if it couldnt get worse. My Brother and I Bawled as they put her to sleep. I was so fucking Lost.....

So i texted the one person who maybe might put up with my Bullshit....You.

and you were nice, you coulda kicked me when i was down and wouldve been justified. But you heard me out....More of that Real you shining through.

It is 4 AM now. i have spent all night telling this story to Isaiah, who has listened intently this whole time.

I tell him how after the months of Bonnies Death, I just didnt leave the house. Tried my Best to leave you be and not see shit that would kill me on the inside. The days became Quiet and Lonely. your presence in Tumblr becomes less and less active. 

I hardly see you or your posts anymore...

i harden my heart and try move on.

Then i see your posts about your health. the doctor scare, Lupus.

I felt so bad, and worried i wanted to see if you were okay, even though i knew you hate my guts.But i worried and Worried and finally said fuck it and just sent a message saying i heard what youre going through, im sorry, i hope you get better soon, if you need anything, please ask

I wasnt expecting a Response, Yet you sent one : Thanks for Caring.

couldnt expect more than that, so i leave it be.

That Night, Maria makes a post.

Its About me. 

My heart jumped into my throat and got stuck. My hands shook as i held my phone.

I didnt completely erase you out of my life.

i still think about you, from time to time.

Thank you for texting me today.

thank you for still caring about me.

Despite the shit i post on here, I still Care about you too.

And No its not the drugs Talking.

I read and Re-Read that post thousands of times in the following months. On Bad Days, Days where i wanted to give up. I read that post and it kept me going. First time reading it i Cried for hours. It was as if God heard a prayer.

To see you say that you still cared.....you will never know what that did. how that felt for me. Even Now it makes me tear up.

My heart didnt hurt as much after that, it healed some of it. I was always confused with Maria. One moment she says she cares, then comes off as your nothing to her. i never knew which was which.

and now, as the year came to face my Birthday again. There was only one thing i wanted. truly wanted. and if i got it, getting nothing else from anybody wouldnt even fucking matter.

I just wanted you to say Happy Birthday.

I didnt think you would. i thought you would have moved on by now, enjoying youre new life with him. I couldnt bleed about it any longer. i took the pieces of my heart and piece it back together again. i began to accept reality. and the pain began to dull.

NOV. 20th 2016

Saturday.

Woke up Early and went out to the woods to do some shooting. all day there. Head back for some Missouri BBQ, and get ready to get Blackout drunk Tonight. Night Goes well, Got trashed, had fun, Fought a couple dudes, enjoyed myself.

Got back to Devins Late that night. Eat Chocolate BDAY cake drunk.

Head off for bed. I sit on the edge of the bed and look at the time. 9:40 PM

She isnt gonna say it. Oh well. 

go to your blog to lookup your post to make me feel better.

Read the words, smile and Remember. Pain Begins to set in. 

back out of tags to leave, see another tag you never seen before.

“C and I”

click tag link.

Heart Explodes in my Chest, Breath Frozen in throat.

Its a picture. of us. Smiling. 

the Caption Read:” I know i have trouble expressing my emotions and feelings and stuff but this guy right here means the world to me. Hes sweet, caring and Funny and---”

I couldnt read the Rest. I began to Cry Non Stop, Like someone Just Told Me my mother was Murdered.

I couldnt stop it, couldnt control myself. The pain was so much. Each one more painful to look at. How did i never see them? How??

I couldnt do it anymore. I couldnt keep taking the pain of it. I deserved to be Happy too..

its been two months since that day.

its been over a year since i last seen you with my own eyes, heard your voice....

And now we reach the end of this story. i force myself to block out the memories, remember nothing.

I have to move on with my life....

and yet....after saying all that Isaiah, which After i had finished,  8 hours had passed. 8 hours i poured out my soul. such a weight had been lifted, it felt so good for someone to hear me out...

so i finish this sad story, and Isaiah asks me one question: How do you feel about her now?

I stayed quiet for a good amount of time. i mulled it over. every memory. Good. the Bad. The Ugly.  and i finally settled upon:

I miss her, Isaiah. Not like a lover misses his spouse, but like a friend who helped another Grow.

I hope to see you again one day, Maria.

[longlivemystories]

A Fire Hotter Than Any Dragon’s: Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen: Stargazer

     When retaining my memories, I thought a lot about my childhood, specifically events involving Stefnir. He was nosy, way over protective and followed me every where, even when he thought I wouldn't notice. I realized my plan was going to be a lot more difficult with him up my butt. When I dressed myself, after a hardened order for Stefnir to leave me alone, I exited my cabin and entered the deck once again. I smiled lightly upon seeing CHarlie and started over, only to be stopped by the one and only douche-canoe. 

    "I would like a moment alone with you, my lady," Stefnir requested softly. "I only wish to discuss some private matters with you," he added, probably having seen my look of blatant distrust.     "Fine," I finally permitted, moving off into a different part of the deck with him. "What is it?"     "It's about you needing a spouse," he answered upon deeming them solitary enough.     "A spouse?" I repeated, quirking an unamused and disbelieving eyebrow.     "Yes. I wanted to be the one to tell you before we had arrived and well... your mother is very ill," he sighed softly, glancing out at the ocean.     My heart stopped Ill? No. She can't be ill. I just got her back.     "What... what do you mean by ill?" I murmured so slowly I wasnt sure he'd understood me.     "That's why I've been searching for you, my princess. I mean we've all been searching for you, however--"     "What do you mean 'we'?" I interrupted quickly, wringing the hem of my shirt.     "The Royal Guard, of course, my dear. Especially Fortem--"     "Fortem? He was... son o the Head Guard, no?" I murmured, recalling a fuzzy memory of playing swords with him. He was the one to teach me to fight.     "Indeed. He is now Head Guard himself," Stefnir informed me. "Continuing on, your mother thinks very highly of him and would very much like you to marry him."     "I haven't seen him since we were children. You can't seriously expect me to make a decision so soon," I snorted, crossing my arms over my chest defiantly.     “ Your mother could use some ease of mind before she passes," Stefnir responded softly.     That made me unfold my arms I hesitated, gaze falling to the floor in an attempt not to let him see my tears. What could I do? I didn't even know what condition my mother was in. I feared her too frail to hear the news about Charlie and myself and I only let out a shaky sigh. What if I never obtained her approval before she died? What if she hated me eternally for bringing shame to our family by marrying a human, let alone a wizard? No. I couldn't think like that. I haven't seen her in over three centuries. I only remembered he being the definition of love; I had to hold onto that or I would lose it.     "We will... see what happens," I mumbled quietly after clearing my throat. "Is that all?"     "No. I don't think Charlie should accompany us," he admitted, jaw rigid.     "And why's that?" I sighed, tired of him already.     "He's a human, Aurora. Not only that, he's a wizard. Need I remind you those are the very people who kidnapped you in the first place?"     "He's also the one who saved me-- Hold on... how... How did you know about them?" I inquired slowly, narrowing my eyes at him.     "It... was merely an educational guess, my princess," he said quickly, straightening his shirt. "Now if I may be excused, I must make sure the preparations for our departure have been finalized." With that, he went off in a huff.     I watched him go, before hurrying off to find Charlie. Once found, I explained to him what Stefnir had said.     "How could he have known they were wizards? I mean, he sounded absolutely sure," I grumbled, glancing over to see Stefnir angrily dealing with a crew member.     "Rory... Sweetie..." Charlie murmured, softly taking my hands in his own. "I'm so sorry."     I returned my gaze to meet his, green eyes filling with tears. I sucked in a breath at first, not realizing why he was so sad, but then it hit me. Hard. My mother was sick. I squeezed his hands more tightly that I had intended, shaking now. I knew how much family meant to Charlie and I felt my own eyes watering. I had no idea how much time my mother had.     "We need to leave immediately," I declared, lightly sniffing.     "Is that a good idea wit your hand, Aurora?" Charlie asked, gently lifting my hands to inspect it.     "I need to do this, Charlie. I can't take the chance of missing her," I murmured softly, taking my hand back.     Charlie watched me for a solid minute before nodding.     "You have my word that we will meet your mother, Aurora," he promised, offering a grin. "Go transform and I'll get everything ready," he reassured, ruffling my hair.     I suddenly had the strong urge to kiss him, however resisted due to Stefnir watching us with an annoying intensity that was hard not to notice. Instead, I watched Charlie leave and head over to speak with his mother and Sirius, as well as the captain. They all seemed surprised and concerned, though didn't make a move to prevent me from transforming, so I did. I shook my wings out and sat down, moving my gaze towards Stefnir, who was running over to me. Not that he needed to go far.     "Princess?! What are you doing?! Your hand!" he exclaimed.     "We're leaving as soon as possible, so you should get ready, too, Stefnir," I answered calmly. "And my hand is fine."     He seemed unsure an even more annoyed at that point, but gave a stiff nod.     "As you wish, my princess," he responded, giving a low bow and taking a few steps back. "I will transform just before take off."     I merely nodded and looked back over to where the crew were now helping to prepare for our departure. Really all that needed to be done was finish packing and make sure Charlie was dressed very warmly. It was fairly amusing watching Charlie pull on all kinds of clothing. I laid down so I could rest my head on my forepaws in order to watch them a little more easily. However I had to sit up again so they could reattach the saddle and Charlie's luggage. I growled at the crew member who touched my belly by accident and I thought he might have peed himself if Charlie didn't put a hand on his shoulder.     "Now, now, Rory. No eating the crew," Charlie teased.     I just playfully rolled my eyes in response and lightly prodded Charlie's back with the tip of my tail. He chuckled lightly and at my side.     "Looks like everything is packed and ready to go," Charlie commented, then turned to Molly, who seemed nervous.     "Are you sure you're ready?" she required, putting a hand on my forelegs.     "Yes, Molly," I answered, lightly nudging her with my nose. "I'll be sure to bring your son there in one piece," I promised.     "Oh, I know you will, dearie," she said softly, patting my cheek now. "It's this troublemaker I'm worried about."     "Ma!" Charlie exclaimed.     "It's true! The only child who hasn't been a trouble maker has been Percy and even then..."     "Okay, okay, ma," Charlie grumbled, cheeks burning.     "I'll make sure to keep him out  of trouble, Molly," I chuckled quietly, nudging him as well, smiling happily.     "Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," he responded, climbing up into the saddle, yet again. "Stefnir! Are you ready?"     "Of course," he answered, turning towards the side of the ship.     With a running start, he jumped off the side and into the water. The crew scrambled to the edge, shouting and calling , trying to see where had had gone. As much as I didn't want to admit it, I was a tad concerned for all of half a minute, when I remembered what he was.  Out of the water he burst, gold and black with silver dusting. The water rushed off of him, droplets clinging to his scales. It was really a marvelous sight, had one not known his true being. I scoffed at the show and turned to watch Molly take a breath of relief.     "Molly..."     "I know, dearie, I know," she sighed softly, shaking her head.     "Do we fly or not?" Stefnir inquired impatiently, hovering above the water.     "Yes, yes," I answered. "Charlie--"     "I know, he murmured. "Mom, I promise to keep in touch, but we should really be leaving.     "Okay, okay," she murmured. "I love you, Charlie, Rory. Now, off you go now. Be royalty and live your fancy life."     "Molly..." You know I'll keep in touch as well," I chuckled softly.     "I know, my dear."     She lightly pat my arm one last time before I lifted off into the air.     "Here we go," Charlie breathed.     "Here we go," I repeated.