#is a (presumed) straight white dude

[subcultureblues]

I have a. Weird hobby. I buy old magazines on EBay. Mostly to read about bands I like whose articles and interviews haven’t been well archived on the internet. An unintended side effect is getting a glimpse of subconscious cultural narratives from 20, 30, 40 yrs ago.

You can tell so much about the state of a society and how they view people like me, from the most random innocuous magazine articles. Their callous disregard for queer people, the mischaracterization and mythologizing of woman, the blasé absence of POC artists and creatives.

It should be disheartening but it isn’t. Society was sick. And in a few short decades we’ve managed to flip the script almost entirely. The society that wrote these words is almost unrecognizable to me now. We’ve come so so far, from such a dark place. And we’ll do it again. And again if we have to. We’ll come back from this dark place too, not through the natural forces of entropy, but by biting and clawing and fighting anyone who dares treat us as less than

[mildlyromanticperv]

Why would I...?

Eunha x MReader. Fluff. Fighting insecurities.

-Babe, dinner's ready! -You called your girlfriend down to the living room after a couple of hours in the kitchen, today's Friday night and you two planned an evening together to make up for the lost time during the week, her job as professional makeup artist is a 24/7 on-call job and you come exhausted every day due to the physical demand of your construction work.

-Coming! -Her sweet voice echoes through the walls of your shared apartment just like music into your ears. Due to the the small amount of time you've been able to spend together the last couple of weeks, she comes out dressed ready for an outdoors date and her perfume... Oh my god her perfume... Such indescribable scent fires up every nerve of your nostrils filling your heart with a warm fuzzy feeling you can only describe as... Love.

-Sweetie, you didn't have to! I'm disgusting and you dressed up so adorable... -You know you're supposed to be a manly man, hairy chest and all... But being alone with your girlfriend takes out that sensitive side of yours only she can experience.

-Don't say that! I mean I certainly wasn't expecting you to be all dressed up in tuxedo or anything, but you look really handsome tonight. -She smirked at you as she took a seat at the dining table. -Plus, the mere fact that you and I can finally spend some time together makes up for anything. I've missed you so much.

At these words you expres a huge "Awwww" within your brain that you can't quite express due to your sheer focus in plating your dinner, as if you were to cook for the president itself. -I've missed you so much as well, baby, actually today I was told I might speak too much about you... Hehe.

-What do you mean!? -She answers embarassed and blushing, her voice raises due to the thought of you flaunting her among coworkers.

-Yes baby, I can't help but presume my girlfriend. -You shrugged and finally came out of the kitchen ready with the food and a couple of tall glasses, not long after you came out with a fresh bottle of white wine to go with the dinner.

-This all look so awesome! I didn't know you were such a good chef... -She says with a sultry voice flirting so blatantly the whole thing felt like two youngsters discovering their new love. -You spoil me too much, I guess tonight I'm going to have to be extra kinky...

-Eunha, behave yourself. -You say jokingly in a very poorly acted stern voice. -I'm not that kinky... -You blushed embarassed for her teasing.

During the rest of the evening you two engulfed the food with awe and excitement, since there was no words exchanged, the looks between you two flew in a mute ode of romance, teasing and... dirty talk.

After such buffet served on your dinner night the only thing left was to rest the food with a movie in your living room, between you two there was always a banter to choose this movie so both could be pleased... although deep down you always knew that she's the one to win since her puppy eyes are almost impossible to say no to.

-Baaaaaaaaabeeeeee, let's watch scary movies! Pleaseeeeee? -She attacks first with pouting.

-But sweetie, you fall asleep always in the middle of the movie, lets watch something with action... adventure, you haven't seen Lord of the Rings, have you? -You block her first punch and answer with a broad swing.

-No, that's only half-naked dudes slashing and punching, no fun... -She holds her chin thinking. -Why don't we watch a Disney movie? Perhaps Aladdin? -She ducks your punch and then respond with a well placed uppercut right on your chin.

-You know I'm a sucker for musicals... -You say to her with a suspicious voice, enjoying the blatant manipulation she just engaged in. -I still don't know... What about Godzilla? You said you wanted to watch it... -You endure that uppercut and throw an open hand punch straight to her cheekbone.

-Mmmm, maybe... But I'm not in the mood for giant monsters destroying cities, plus I don't like the CGI. -She gets ready for her final blow, she knows the power she holds over you and she doesn't hold herself back. -I wanna watch Inside Out babe. -Finally she uses her signatur pout and holds your arm, pressing herself against you and looks from below into your eyes with her stray puppy eyes.

-Fiiiiineeeee. -You answer reluctantly because you know better than upset your cute girlfriend.

As if an oracle predicted it Eunha falls asleep barely at 15 minutes of the movie, your heart flutters at the feeling of her cheek pressing against your shoulder and her steady peaceful breath.

-I love you so much. -You say to her barely above a whisper not really looking to wake her up, slowly and with stealth you turn off the TV and let her lay down on the couch, placing her head on your lap where you start caressing and combing her hair, she stirs around facing your abdomen and curling into a ball right next to you, luckily she brought a blanket for her feet so you cover her to make her comfortable.

Times such as these, so flawless, so quiet, they feel like frozen in time... Her porcelain skin shines under the faint light of the TV and her pink hair spread along your knees and your lap is the perfect combination for you to have to control your every cell not to wake her up and propose right there and then.

Her chest goes up and down slowly following the quiet sound of her breathing, after just a few minutes in which you're completely sure she's fallen completely asleep you let her head rest on a nearby cushion to go and prepare our bed for a much needed long night of sleep. You lift your girlfriend grabbing her gently by her legs and her shoulders, out of love for your girlfriend you just let her in the bed with her current outfit just taking out her shoes and socks.

Finally you start tidying up and cleaning the kitchen and the living room, you turn off all the lights and proceed to lay down on the bed, holding Eunha from behind as the big spoon.

The very next day you wake up next to a pillow with the scent of your girlfriend, but no sight of her.

-Eunha? -You ask still in the recently awoken state and rubbing your eyes. You quiclñy grab your slippers and stand up looking for her just to find her in the kitchen with a very soothing smell of hot coffee.

-Sweetie? Did you sleep well? -She says as she sees you coming out of the room in a groggy state, her outfit changed from her white blouse and furry blazer to a pink pajama with a cotton coat for the cold, a pair of oversized pajama pants and fuzzy slippers. -I didn't want to wake you up, I know you need a good rest.

-It's fine babe... -Yawn. -Did you sleep comfortable? I didn't wanted to wake you just to change into a pajamas last night. -You chuckle remembering her peaceful expression.

-Yes sweetie, I imagined I might fall asleep so I wore comfy clothes.

-You always think of everything even when you're exhausted, that's so cool!

-It's called paying attention to the details, dum dum... -She chukles as well.

-There's only one thing I like paying attention to and she's making coffee... -You walk around the kitchen counter to hug Eunha. -Thank you babe.

-You can thank me by washing the dishes, dum dum. -She says enjoying the closeness of your embrace around her waist, she enjoys this so much she lets out a quiet hum of satisfaction when you start rubbing her arms.

-Okay mom I'll do it soon. -You roll your eyes playfully, but righ away she smacks your cheeks.

-Idiot. -She says with a big smile.

You then start to wash the dishes and notice something you have been noticing for a few days but never really payed total attention to, Eunha's dish was in the fridge with leftovers from last night, she didn't eat the whole thing.

Usually this wouldn't be weird since she stays fit for her own decision, but this time you ensured to give her a reduced portion, so... Why would she left food on the plate?

You spend the rest of your dish washing deep in that thought, not quite being able to explain yourself why that change in her eating habits.

Could it be for health issues? Nah her childhood illness is gone and she told you doctors assured there's no way she'd have it again.

Is she being bullied? Perhaps her coworkers are just jealous she's so fit, but still... She's very confident on herself, it doesn't add up.

What could it be? Is she hiding something?

Your mind runs wild with the possibilities until she gently pokes your shoulder.

-Sweetie? Is everything okay? -She rests her hand on your shoulder, clearly worried.

-Yeah baby I'm okay, I was just lost in thought, that's all. -Surely you didn't lie to her... but you didn't tell her the whole truth as well.

-Is it because of the new construction site rules?

-Sort of yeah, I have the feeling they're withholding information.

-Well babe don't you worry for now for that, it's Saturday, we have to rest.

-You're right babe. What would I do without you? -You clenched your nose playfully to ask her for a kiss.

-You'd be lost, probably even still at the grocery store not knowing what to buy for last night's dinner. -She chuckles and she tips on her toes to plant a soft kiss on your lips.

-I love you, my sweet bunny.

-I love you two, my handsome puppy.

I think perhaps I should've warned about these sweet times, for diabetic people this might not be good for you.

-What are we going to have for breakfast? -She asks once the coffee is poured and you two meet at the table to discuss your day.

-I was thinking of some grilled cheese sandwiches and smoothies.

-Oh, really? -She looks to one side thinking of it but either way accepts the offer. -Sure babe, but we don't have anything for grilled cheese.

-I know, I'm going to order takeout, I want to spend my morning cuddling with you. -You pout as she do with puppy eyes hoping she'd say yes.

-Okay okay babe... -She chuckles. -Come here. -She takes your wrist and walks to the couch where she sits in between your legs and wrapping herself around with your arms. -Babe I.. I want to ask you something, it's... kind of important.

Your heart beats rapidly, anxious and unsure on what to do, what is she wanting to speak about?

-You know you can trust me, honey, of course, talk to me. -You nuzzle your face in the crook of her neck and hold her tight.

-You... you think... -Her voice fades, speaking in such a low voice it's only a faint whisper in the air. -You think I've put on weight? I... I feel like my thighs and belly are getting bigger...

-Wait, honey, is that why you've been eating less? -You ask clearly concerned.

-I thought you wouldn't notice... -She says with a small crack on her voice.

-Babe... -You chuckle slightly obviously not trying to offend her. -I'm worried you might get sick if you don't eat well, for the rest, I don't care... -You start to caress her arms and belly trying to reassure her. -If you feel that you need to do so, I'll support you exercising or eating more veggies, but trust me. -You whisper closer to her ear with a loving voice. -You're perfect just the way you are. Bigger thighs? You know me, that's my favourite feature from you along with your smile and your aroma... Bigger belly? You're just more huggable.

Your words get to her heart, speeding it up so much she feels her own heartbeat on her ears, she goes red and flustered with your words up to the point a small tear of joy falls down her cheek.

-You... you mean it? -Her voice cracking almost going to cry.

-Babe, I really don't care, you can turn brunette instead of your pink hair, or perhaps go bobcut... Hell, you could go bald, gain weight, stop doing your makeup and I'll still love you with all my heart. -You let go of her belly and spin her around gently so she can face you, then you place your right hand on her cheek very gently, caressing slowly. -You're the love of my life, and there's absolutely nothing that could make me love you less.

She leans into your touch, feeling peaceful and reassured with your words, but the faint thought of her insecurities still linger in her brain.

-But... wouldn't you like me to be thinner? -She pouts avoiding your gaze.

-Why would I? Would you stop being Jung Eunbi if you changed or if you gained a pound or two?

-Well... no, but... -You gently lift up her chin to make her meet your eyes.

-No, right? I fell in love with Jung Eunbi, not the body of Jung Eunbi, as long as my baby is still there, I really don't care how you look. -Right after this you clean up the tear that threatens to fall down her cheek.

-You're just too kind to me, you're just saying those words... -She pouts.

Unable to think of anything else to say than the truth that reigns in your heart you just do the first thing that comes to your mind.

You quickly lean forward and press your lips softly against hers, you close your eyes and hum in content, your left hand wanders to her waist and presses her lower back, pushing her body against yours.

-Would you stop loving me if tomorrow I go bald? -You ask after separating your lips from hers.

Her cheeks are blushing wildly and she looks for her breath softly. -No... I wouldn't, but please don't do it, I love your curly hair. -She chuckles feeling reassured by your words and your actions.

-I won't babe, but you get my point, right?

-I... I do, thank you so much sweetie, I love you so much. -She hugs you and nuzzles against your chest, crying slightly out of pure joy and thankfulness by the thought of you loving her that much.

-I love you so much as well, my sweet Eunha.

[dorabledewdroop]

The White Healer Chapter 1

Chapter Summary: Reader makes a new friend. Saves a bunch of people too..

Chapter warnings: Graphic injury, death

Series Masterlist

X—X—X—X

A loud roar caused you to jerk up straight only to get a stray energy blast straight to your chest, knocking you into a building, breaking your spine and rupturing your lungs. Coughing up blood, you sat their for a second as you felt your spine heal itself, your lungs regenerating. The pain was enough to make you pass out but now wasn’t the time.

“HELP ME PLEASE” A distant voice screamed

Immediately, you ran towards a shop whose roof had caved in. As you neared the shop, a shockwave threw you head first into a crumbled building. You let out a scream as a few metal rods pierced your legs, and shoulder. Whimpering, you pulled them out and felt your body immediately reattach muscle fibres and fix your dislocated bone. 

As soon as you could, you ran towards the shop, jumping in through the broken window. You saw an old man passed out on the floor, part of the roof had crushed his leg. Blood gushed out at a concerning rate as you pulled him out. Immediately you started to heal him, wincing as you felt your leg get crushed and blood drain out of yours. However, to anybody watching, they would see the old mans body glow with a white light wherever he was hurt while your body remained the same, a slight glow emanating from your eyes.

Once he was healed, the man shot up and started looking around frantically.

“Wha-“ he started

“Please” you croaked, kneeling onto the ground. “Run towards the flying rescue ships”

“What did you do? I feel better than I’ve felt in decades” he asked as he stood up and rushed to your side.

“It doesn’t matter. Go. Please” you said, slowly getting up.

As soon as he took off you started walking towards the cathedral, where you heard that roar. If you had to guess, it would be where the avengers were fighting. Those fucking robots were everywhere. While walking, you saw one of the robots enter a jet of some sort. Aiming at the arrow dude. You sprinted in that direction and watched in horror as the jet started firing. However, the arrow guy and the girl he was protecting vanished from your sight, instead some dude with white hair was standing near where they were.

“You didn’t see that coming?” He said, looking at someone (presumably the arrow guy) as he fell, his torso riddled with bullets. Without paying much attention to the jet, you slid to the white haired guys side. His pulse was incredibly weak. Immediately, you pressed your hands against his forehead and chest. From the corner of your eye you saw the arrow guy looking at you as the white haired boy’s bullet wounds started to glow white. You winced as you felt your lungs get ruptured by bullets, your abdomen and heart pierced. Within a few minutes, the white haired boy gasped in a breath. His eyes fluttered as he looked around, finally landing on you.

“What did you do” the boy asked as he slowly sat up.

“I did what I had to” you whispered. 

“We need to go, the city won’t last very long. And the last rescue carrier is about to leave” The arrow guy interrupted.

At once, the white haired boy stood up, grabbed the little girl and zoomed off to the carrier.

Sighing, the arrow guy looked at you, eyes narrowed. “You wanna head in?”

Nodding, you walked with him towards the carrier. To your horror there were so many people with injuries. Unable to help yourself, you knelt besides a woman who had a pretty bad gash on her side.

“Please” you said looking at her glassy eyes “Let me help”

Nodding she closed her eyes as you slowly started to heal her. You felt your side rip open and to your surprise, felt 3 of your ribs break. She sighed in content as you finished healing her. Letting her rest you walked towards the next victim, this time a little boy who was cradling his arm. He had some blood running down the side of his head. You knelt next to him and asked him the same question. Once he gave his consent, you brought your hands to his chest and slowly healed him. His glowing head and arm brought attention from everyone on the life raft. They all watched as you healed him, letting out a pained groan. One by one, every person on the carrier had been healed and was resting. You could feel your body screaming at you. While the injuries you healed on others wouldn’t physically show on yourself, you would feel exactly what happened to them and heal before they could be visible. This meant your mind would register every single injury. You sat in the corner of the raft. Eyes drooping from exhaustion.

You heard more than saw the white haired boy sit next to you.

“Thank you. I thought I had died.. I’m Pietro, by the way. Pietro Maximoff” He started.

“Y/N Y/L/N. And it’s no problem” you mumbled

He noticed your exhausted state. Chuckling, he put his hand on your knee

“Get some rest. I’ll look out for you” he said comfortingly.

With that you let darkness take over, succumbing to the fatigue.

[slvtforfiction]

Jealousy

☆ Jealous Colby x Reader 🤭

☆ Secret situationship

☆ Kinda toxic ngl

☆ MATURE. (Suggestive)

☆ Short,sorry loves ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

☆ Masterlist

☆ A like,comment and reblog is always appreciated:)

☆ Creds to @cafekitsune for dividers :)

“Fuck Colby if he doesn’t want to show you off wear it.” Kat shrugged as I looked at myself in the mirror. My silky red dress,extremely short may I add.

“He’ll be mad though Kat.” I said as I stared at my figure in the mirror as Kat sighed,sitting in my bed watching me check myself out.

If I’m honest I would be jealous of myself,my boobs looked amazing in this dress,not to mention my ass.

“He won’t even show you off to his friends though! Show him what he’s missing!” Kat said happily.

We had already done our makeup and Kat was just waiting for me to agree with her because in the end,she was right.

“You know what you’re right.” I said confidently, “We ready to go then? Because girl you look hella good.” Kat said “Fuck yes let’s go.” I said smiling to myself.

I turned around from the mirror with a little spin as she cheered me on,I smiled to myself,I was never as confident as I was until I met Kat.

My red lipstick,white eyeliner and my straightened hair was beautiful,definitely have to wear this more often.

“Sam!” Kat yelled as she walked in and immediately saw him,Colby looked over in our direction,biting his lip as he watched me strut over to grab myself a drink.

I smiled to myself,my plan clearly working. I mean it wasn’t my initial intention to make him jealous but it was definitely my plan now.

I bent down to grab a white claw from the mini fridge,my dress riding up my ass to show just enough skin. I mean enough to annoy Colby.

He shrugged and walked away and I smiled to myself as I walked over to Sam and Kat.

“Girl he’s pissed!” I shouted over the music, “Who?” Sam asked as me and Kat laughed at each other. “Colby.” I said matter of factly, “Why?” He asked again, “Because of what I’m wearing.” I laughed.

He nodded and walked away presumably going to find Colby. “Girl you should have seen his face!” I said laughing to myself as Kat grabbed a drink “Kind of sad I saw Sam now.” She said laughing light heartedly.

I soon saw Colby walk down the stairs with Sam with no top on,I smiled,If that’s how he wants to play,I can play dirtier.

I downed a shot and walked over to some guy that had been eyeballing me since I got here.

“Hey.” He smirked as I walked over to me,I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes from his cockiness. “Do you wanna dance?” I said jumping straight to the chase.

This guy was a douche and I knew that from the other parties I had seen him at,he thought he could have any girl he wanted and it was infuriating and Colby knew that.

Me and Colby were nothing exclusive,we were only talking,so if he wants to act like I don’t exist in front of his friends maybe I can act like I don’t even know who Colby is.

I began grinding up on this guy as his hands rested on my rib cage, I immediately noticed his terrible hand placement and my mind began to drift back to Colby and how perfect his hand placement was.

I quickly snapped out of my thoughts as my arm was dragged away from him, “Dude what do you think your doing?!” He yelled over the music, “This is my girl,don’t fucking touch her.” I heard someone shout behind me,I looked behind me to see Colby.

He dragged me over to a corner where we weren’t easily seen, “What the fuck was that?” Colby roared.

“I was just having fun.” I shrugged and he didn’t like that answer,he pinned me into the corner and grabbed my hips,slightly harder than he usually would.

“Stand here and tell me you don’t want me and I’ll leave you alone,you won’t ever have to hear from me again.” He told me,I shook my head and quickly pulled him in for a kiss.

This kiss wasn’t lust filled,it wasn’t jealous. It was passionate and filled with genuine love. I smiled into the kiss before he pulled away.

“Y/n,be my girlfriend?” He asked and I quickly pulled him in for another kiss, “Ofcourse Colbs.” I said after pulling away.

[vinelark]

oh hey it's wip wednesday 🫡 [cw for biphobia from some NPCs]

It’s an image post; there’s an article linked underneath, but the poster has presumably pulled the pictures from the webpage and dropped them here directly. The first one shows Tim on a curb, clearly outside a hospital—tham General visible in the top of the frame—looking exhausted and calm and wholly uncaring of the fact that he’s being photographed, even though Kon knows there’s no way Tim isn’t aware. Not on the ground, not in his city. Kon notices the cast next, encasing Tim’s whole lower leg. Crutches tucked under his arms. The brief flash of a white wristband below his jacket sleeve. There’s a sleek car idling in the first image, and in the subsequent photos a girl leaps out of the back seat to embrace Tim. She’s turned away from the camera the whole time, but she’s tall and blonde and her lipstick leaves a mark on the side of Tim’s mouth in the last picture. The linked article speculates that Tim Drake must be taking pointers from his foster father when it comes to cycling through flings; the comments seem to agree, along with unsuccessfully trying to guess who the girl is.

damn, talk about a short attention span, the top comment says.

Good for him ig but wow can we get one bi celebrity who’s not a total stereotype in this city? says another.

dr4per: Lol he’s barely a celebrity, people only care bc of the wayne connection.

hc1942: he’s probably not even really gay anyway. bet he was just drunk off his ass last weekend

33lolnotmyrealname: three-beer queer, tale as old as time

PippinWasFramed: Dude, he’s sixteen.

Ovalcaterpillar1403: Everyone’s just using queerness for clout before going straight again and I’m truly sick of it.

bg_04: wow can we get one reddit user who’s not totally biphobic too?

[xreaderbooks]

Paradise on Earth (21)

Chapter: 21. Poguelandia

Pair: JJ Maybank x Routledge! Reader

Summary: island paradise fades into memory when you and the pogues are rescued by a strange man

Warnings: language, violence, jealousy, kidnapping, plane crash, animal cruelty (i guess), guns, allusions to murder, let me know if I'm missing anything.

Word Count: 7.2k

a/n: idk if you guys listen to lana but i feel like jj x y/n are so 'chemtrails over the country club' coded

Wattpad | AO3 | Playlist

Chapter 20 | Series Masterlist | Navigation | Next Chapter

You once believed that the Outerbanks were as close to peace and paradise as you would ever get. The waves on the beach, tanning on the boat, and beers that tasted like shit but were a refreshing lifesaver on a hotter-than-hell day. You were wrong.

Poguelandia was your Paradise on Earth.

You were aware of how insane it must be to be glad you were stuck on an island with absolutely no way of getting back to modern civilization, but the whole experience of this place was out of body. You were in the most ideal situation of your current stranded status.

You weren't alone, you had your family with you, with your combined strengths and skills you were all able to build a system on how to survive.

The first week was full of prep, foraging fresh fruit, gathering coconuts and wood, figuring out how to boil fresh water, and weaving a shelter from when it rains out of leaves and long sticks. 

JJ made sure to claim the island with a flag made out of his white T-shirt and ash from the fires you all made to keep warm during the night. He climbed high up on top of a palm tree to tie the flag. Just as he said he would, it read 'Poguelandia' with a chicken laying back with its arms (wings) behind its head, chillin' in a coconut bra and Crocs, smoking a joint. 

Sure, fresh water was a bitch and a half to make and food came straight out of the ocean but when you thought about it- the only difference between Poguelandia and the OBX was that the Chateau was a slightly more stable shelter. Well, that and here you had free food.

In all honesty, if there was a boat that miraculously did find a way to this island that could take you all home, you weren't sure if you would want to leave.

The only person whom you shared this confession with was JJ. He confessed he felt the same.

On week two with no sign of life, the reality of the situation slowly creeps its way into the group's minds, with plenty of time to think about what you wanted from life, if there was one past Poguelandia- this was what you wanted. The life JJ's described to you a million times before.

The boards were the only thing lacking, however, JJ was prepared to chop down a tree with his pocket knife and make one through trial and error.

Late one night, the others were fast asleep, you had taken a nap earlier during the day and were the last one still up, you took a walk to the beach and let the cool water trickle over your feet. You stood there with your eyes closed until you felt yourself shiver from the cold.

You were thinking about curling up by the dying fire and willing yourself to sleep, that was until you flinched at the 'Hey dude' you heard to your left.

"Hey," You replied once your heart calmed. "Thought you were knocked out."

"I was but then I felt someone was missing," He nudged you with his elbow. "Had to make sure you weren't eaten by a jaguar or something."

"I'm pretty sure if there was a jaguar here, we would know by now."

"Or would we? They really got that sneak attack down pact," He spoke in a knowing tone.

You nudged him back with two fingers on his shoulders, "Then I suggest we get hunting." JJ looked like a God in sunlight, but under the moon with the view of the water it made you want to kiss the life out of him. Neither of you ever acknowledged the moments in the dark of night during the summer when John B was presumed dead, you knew he didn't want to. 

It was in the back of your mind constantly these days, you no longer pushed back on the thoughts that told you he possibly wanted more, you could file everything under him being a protective best friend and that he was only looking out for you cause he didn't want to see you get hurt, John B would kill him if he could've prevented something from hurting you. Including himself, a voice in your head urged you to consider.

"What?" JJ asked, a nervous smile peeking through. You blinked, realizing you'd been staring at him. 

"Nothing. Sorry," You shook your head with a smile of your own. You both stood in silence for a minute before you gathered the courage to ask him, "If we had a way of getting off this island, would you?" 

"Hell no," He responded without hesitation. "Nah, I mean, would you?"

You scoffed out a laugh, "No, Yes. No." It was a dream you didn't want to wake up from, waking up would be coming back to reality, realistically you couldn't stay here in this moment forever but it will be engraved in your mind for the rest of your life. 

"I get it," He shrugged.

"Do you?" You questioned with no other underlying connotation but hope. He had nothing in the OBX, other than problems, disappearing off of the face of the earth was in his favor. You had... well, you had John B and the Chateau. Was it worth going back for the latter? 

"Nah, not really, we've been living here." JJ spread his arms out and turned in a circle to compliment the island. "Best life I've lived on this here, Poguelandia." 

"Yeah," You fixed your gaze back on the water. 

"But you, I guess, you'd wanna go back to school or something," JJ sniffed.

You raised your eyes to look at him, he thought that you were concerned about school? With all that you've been through, that was the last thing on your mind, that's probably on top two of Pope's list. You supposed that if you were talking about reasons to go back, if you had to, finishing school would have to be a priority in getting your life together. 

"J, fuck school."

He barked out a laugh til he was wheezing, hands on his knees, face red (from what you could see with the darkness), clutching his stomach as he gathered himself. "Fuck school." He nodded and coughed out the rest of his amusement. 

"This was the goal, wasn't it? To stay, I want to stay."

"Yeah you do," He grinned. "If the lady wants to stay, we'll stay."

The deal was sealed with the handshake made years ago, on the last side bump and snap you both stood looking at each other for a second longer than necessary.

"I thought it'd be weird if I just said that I wanted to stay, we have no reason to go back, at least you and I don't."

"Now you know I got you, you stay, I stay. The rest of them can fuck off," He turned back to see everyone still asleep. "Not really, they should stay too, but you get what I mean."

"Yeah, dude." 

 Something slithered past your foot in the water and you jumped. 

"Oh my fucking god!" You squealed, stepping away from the water and onto the safety of the beach sand. "Did you feel that?"

JJ bent a little, reaching his finger into the water, "What, this?" He splashed water up at you.

"JJ!" You giggled and kicked water at him in revenge. "Your ass is mine."

"Promise?" A bigger splash came your way. 

~~~

You, Kie, and JJ were carving wood into spears to hunt for fish when Kie brought up the same topic you and JJ were talking about a couple of weeks ago. She thought aloud about potentially being rescued.

"Rescue?" JJ scoffed, "From what, Paradise? I'm not going back." 

Kie glanced at you with an amused smile and continued to stare at JJ as he admired the island. 

"Look around, we got everything we need, right here." JJ sent you a quick wink, causing you to smile knowingly as you finished wrapping the sharp rock around the rigid stick.

"Just like we talked about," Kie mused. You were taken aback slightly at the romanticism behind her tone. 

With a nod of his head, JJ agreed, "Exactly."

The time on the island has given you time to reflect and accept what's always been there, and you are no longer going to deny the attraction in Kie's eyes when she looks at JJ. There had been a shift in the dynamic and you weren't sure how this would end. Last you checked, JJ was in love with Kie, Kie never batted a lash at that fact, you were in love with JJ- something you never openly confessed to anyone except Kiara. It's not like you needed to anyway, they all more or less knew. 

"We ready to provide for the family?" JJ hops up and twirls the sharp stick. 

"Let's do it," You dust off your shorts. 

"Let's go kill something!" JJ practically skipped in excitement at the thought of action. 

Kie cringed, "You don't have to say it like that." 

"That's exactly what we're gonna do." 

"It sounds barbaric," Kie didn't like the idea of killing an innocent creature but even she had to admit that surviving on fruit was simply not enough. 

"Circle of life, Kie, unless you want to eat coconuts forever" JJ's mention of the fruit made your stomach turn. 

"After the past month, I think I'm good on coconuts," She admitted. 

The three of you traveled to the west side of the beach where there was known to be constant active sea life, as noted by JJ. He instructed you both on how to stand and how to stab the spear into the water, you and Kie practiced until JJ said he saw something moving. 

"Remember, watch your shadow, they see that and they're gone" JJ warned you both. "Here we go."

You weren't entirely confident in your newly acquired skills but it was your nerves or your dinner, and you were starved. 

You spotted something in the water, silver and gliding smoothly in its environment. "Guys, look!" 

"It's a skate," JJ confirmed, "Get 'em."

"Got it!" You went in for the kill but it swam away faster than you could stab. "Kie, he's coming toward you." 

"I can't," She hesitated. "I really can't." 

JJ follows the fish and spears the stick into the water with a grunt, "Damn it, I missed it. Where is it?" 

You snorted, "So do we all just suck at-" Before you could finish your sentence, Kie lifted the makeshift spear with the skate at the end of it. 

"Oh my god," She exclaimed and jumped into JJ's arms. 

"You did it!" You cheered her on despite the jealousy gnawing away at you. 

JJ hugged her back with one arm, "We're having skate tonight!" 

Your nose wrinkled at the blood that dripped from the fish, "Full Pogue." You murmured. 

"Full pogue!" JJ repeated in a loud shout. 

~~~

You came back heroes to the rest. Cheers echoed when you came back with protein. 

You sat around in a circle with adequately full stomachs, a game of truth or dare started not too long ago, it went back to Sarah whose turn it was to ask. 

"John B, truth or dare?" She took the hat made out of leaves and tossed it to your brother who chose truth. "If you could do it all again... what would you do differently?" 

Your mouth formed an 'o' as you nodded, the question was a good one, you knew everyone had plenty of things they'd do differently from the beginning.

"Get the gold before Ward did," JJ spoke. 

"Hide the cross a little better," Pope stated after. 

"Not yell 'murderer' at Ward, maybe," Kie side glanced at you guiltily, her shoulders hunched in a shrug.  

"Steal a couple of bottles of rum before we jumped off the boat," John B answered. 

"Yeah, why didn't you do that, actually?" JJ whose back was facing the group had turned to ask him. 

"Cause I was running for my life, maybe," John B looked at you all for help jokingly. 

You chuckled, "I'd probably not sleep with Rafe." You winced at your own confession. Sarah's eyebrows shot up. 

"Hold up," She let out a laugh of disbelief and straightened on her place on the log, "When was this?"

"Feels like long ago, at this point," You released a stressful sigh.  

"Yeah, we've all made some crazy ass choices," Kie came to defend. 

"I guess we're even now," Sarah eased back into her seat. "You're taste is despicable though."

You couldn't help but look at JJ for a second, to see if he had any reaction, he kept quiet and continued drawing random patterns in the sand with a stick. 

Cleo broke the slight tension that was creeping its way in, "I would look both ways before crossing the street." 

"Yeah, my bad," John B laughed. 

"You're turn, chief." Cleo focuses on John B to ask the next person. He turns to Kie and asks her to pick, plopping the hat onto her head.

She chose, "Truth." 

"If you could go to your parent's house on figure eight this instant, would you do it?" 

She deliberates for a short while, "No chance." 

"Seconded," Sarah agrees. 

"Hear, hear," JJ lifts his coconut. 

"The shower's tempting though."

You groaned at the thought of a shower, "I could use a good shower right now." 

Kie throws the hat JJ's way, it falls to the sand before he picks it up, "JJ. Truth or dare."

"I mean, do you even need to ask?" He fixes it on his head. 

She points to the highest cliff in view, "Big jump. Nobody's done it yet, dare." 

There wasn't a hint of hesitation in his expression as he went straight up the cliff. The rest of you waited down below cheering him on as you saw his small figure standing on the edge of the rock. 

"There he goes," You say to no one in particular. 

Kie stands to the right of you with her arms crossed, shaking her head with a smirk, "He's not gonna do it."

"Oh, you think I'm not gonna do it?" Somehow JJ heard her from all the way on top. Part of you thought he wouldn't either, he's been up there for a few minutes now as if he calculating the height and the possibility of him dying from the rocks below, though you couldn't recall when was the last time he cared.

"He's gonna do it," Pope counters. "It's highly dangerous, zero reward? He's doing it." 

JJ howled to the ocean, exerting the energy he would need to jump. He took several steps back before going into a run and his body hit the waves. 

He swam to meet you all on the shore, Pope and John B tackled him into the water as soon as he was able to walk away from the waves that were calling to the group. 

While the boys drowned themselves, you and the girls ran into the water, letting it cool you down from the heat of the day. 

You didn't know the guys were done with their mini wrestling match, and let out a surprised scream at a pair of arms circling your waist from behind you and lifting you out of the water to then be body slammed in. 

JJ emerged at the same time you did, you parted the hair from your face as you came up and launched yourself at him in an attempt to 'drown' him. It didn't last very long, his arms were around you once more and carried you bridal style out of the water, following the group back to the shelter. 

"I actually thought I was gonna die, I'ma be honest!" He admitted. 

"You looked like you were gonna die," Pope told him. "I thought you were gonna die." 

"You can put me down now, thanks," You glared at him with no real malice. Your arms were still wrapped around his neck. 

He shook his head, "Nah, I'm good." 

You rolled your eyes, and only missed his warmth a little when he set you back on the ground to walk back where the others were already starting a fire for the night. 

Silence befell the group as the sun went down and the sky grew dark, the lighthearted fun turned into a peaceful calm as you all sat around the pit of burning embers. 

~~~

"Y/n, wake up," You felt your shoulder being pushed. You shoved the hand away from you, you had found a comfortable position a couple of hours ago in your sleep, you were in deep. "Come on."

With an irritated huff of your breath, you wiped the sleep from your eye and saw that mostly everyone was gone, Sarah was hovering above you. You sat up quickly, and your eyes widened at the sound of the blades of a plane. 

You walked over to the figures of your John B, Kie, Sarah, and JJ. The latter looked back to you with a frown, an astute look at what lies ahead if the plane heard the shouts of your brother. 

His voice cracked from how loud he was trying to make himself shout, "We're right here!" He waved with his arms stretched high. 

Pope and Cleo were gone, and you knew that they went to start the signal fire Pope thought to build. Piles and piles of dried leaves and wood to a fire for whomever to see, smoke, an SOS. 

You and JJ shared a frown, neither of you wanted to move. You couldn't help but notice Sarah's lack of enthusiasm as well, it didn't matter, none of you could stay. 

John B wanted out, and Sarah would follow him anywhere. Kiara had her parents, and so did Pope, Cleo had nothing to lose either way. 

You felt guilty for not feeling the sense of emergency the others did, dread overwhelmed you. Kie, and John B, screaming at the top of their lungs. The sound of disappointment as the plane flew into the distance, panic from almost being rescued became relief. 

It came back soon again as the others noticed it turned back around. 

"He's going to the pond," John B announced. "Come on, come on." 

You grudgingly went along behind them, as JJ and Sarah did. John B and Sarah were the first ones to the plane. Cleo and Pope are close behind with Kiara trailing them. 

JJ held your wrist as you were going to follow, you halted your steps and turned your neck to see that JJ had his head down, jaw set, he didn't want to leave. 

You knew, and you didn't want to either, you twisted your wrist out of his grasp and abruptly brought him in for a hug. 

"I know," You whispered in his ear. He gave you one tight squeeze and let you go.

"Come on," He encouraged you to come along with the quietest voice. 

Pope, Cleo, and John B let out exhilarated cheers as they approached the man who opened the cargo door. 

"What do we got here?" The man had a dark striped linen shirt, red shorts, and sandals. A hat dangled from his neck underneath his long brown hair tied back into a low ponytail, and aviator sunglasses to complete the look. 

You thought it was a bit odd for a guy to just so happen to fly by the area when in the month that you've been here there hasn't been a peek of air traffic. 

"Oh, you know, just a couple of castaways." John B always the leader, responded casually. 

"Well, I'll cross that off the grocery list," A southern accent came through. You didn't like that you couldn't see his eyes behind his glasses. "Hold on, I got just the thing for y'all." 

John B appeared to be hopeful, beside him, Sarah had said nothing. It didn't seem like she trusted this guy either. "Hey no, Look at this guy, you think he works for your dad?"

"Two things you need on a deserted island-" The guy continued. 

"It's okay," You heard him try to convince Sarah when she shook her head in denial of his words. You didn't know if this guy worked for her dad or not but there was something off about him. 

"First aid and rum," He brought out a red kit and a bottle, tossing the glass full of liquid at Sarah who let it fall into the water, Pope caught the red box easily. "So, what's the story? You guys sank a boat?"

"Jumped off one," John B shrugged. "Her dad's."

You narrowed your eyes sharply at the back of John B's head, he shouldn't be giving this guy a lick of information, but he was practically giving it all away. What if he was working for Sarah's dad? 

"In-laws, man," The guy drawled out. "They're tough. Well, have no fear, Jimmy's here." 

"Well, all hail Jimmy, guys!" Cleo declared. "Let's go." 

"Welcome aboard the Flying Fish, y'all, I'm Jimmy Portis." He introduced himself as the group boarded the small plane. "I'll be your captain today, now, is this all? Seven of you?"

"Yeah, is that okay?" 

You tuned out their conversation and hung back with JJ, not willing to go back but you knew that John B would drag you back over his shoulder if he had to. You'd like to believe that he'd accept it if you wanted to stay behind but the truth was you only had each other. He wouldn't leave you and you... you can't just leave him. 

Your footsteps felt heavy while walking up the steps of the cramped plane, you said a silent goodbye to Poguelandia. 

~~~

You sat in the back of the plane, across from Kie atop a box, it gave you flashbacks of the shipping container. Though this is much less spacious. 

"What were you doing all the way out here?" You elevated the tone of your voice so it could be carried to the front of the plane for Jimmy to hear. 

"I got a little guide outfit in Saint Vincent, I was spotting fish," He replies. 

You didn't know much about fishing or fishing seasons but his story didn't feel right. He was flying a plane to spot fish, alone? 

"What were spotting?" JJ asked a follow-up question. He was crouched behind the co-pilot seat. 

"You know, the usual, Wahoo." 

John B's head lifted and he caught JJ's eye, moving his head slightly, the small shake of his head was enough to tell you that what that Jimmy guy said wasn't right. 

"I'd hang on to something, get a little spicy on takeoff," Portis warns you and puts on the headset. 

You grab ahold of a hanging handle as the plane takes off. 

The radio is rattling off stats you had no comprehension of, you were all officially in the air. 

JJ beckons you all the move forward, so you all scoot to the front to hear him. 

"Wahoo don't run in September," He affirms. "Ever, alright? So whoever this man is, he's not a fisherman." 

"Maybe the run just starts earlier out here," Pope suggests.

"You sure about that?" The expression on JJ's face said it was highly doubtful. "In the Caribbean?"

"No, I know what this is, he's working for my dad and he's probably been looking for us the entire time," said Sarah.

"We gotta find out, start looking for some sort of clues," JJ trails off when he spots the bag hanging from the back of Jimmy Portis' seat. He signs for John B to distract the pilot while he- the certified Klepto- gets to snooping. 

John B taps on the man's left shoulder as John B is behind him and gets him to look over while JJ works to the right of him. He begins to chat up the pilot with questions about his life and JJ digs through the bag, pulling out a book titled 'The loss of El Dorado'. 

He opened the cover to find a picture of the coastal venture, the ship you had all escaped from. 

Sarah grabs the picture and shows John B, "This is the boat we were on, with Eberhimi and the cross." 

"So he was looking for us," Cleo said more than asked. 

"He's working for my dad." 

The aircraft shook suddenly, making you jump where you sat. 

"Y'all better hold something, we got some unexpected turbulence up here!" Jimmy cautions you all. 

You look out the window to see the mainland in view, "Guys, whatever's happening is happening fast." 

"That looks like Barbados, I've been there with Terrence," Cleo recognizes. 

"There's six of us, one of him, you know vote." JJ, as always, suggests violence. "We storm the cockpit." 

"No, w

"Who's gonna fly the plane, dumbass?" John B rationalized. 

"I've seen Pope fly simulators."

Pope stutters, "I crop-dusted for my uncle last summer, this is not the same thing."

"We are going to die," You accepted your fate. 

Kie speaks up, "No we are not, and we don't have time to pretend that's a real option." 

"Do you have an idea?" JJ snarks back.

"Something safe." 

"Why don't we just wait until the plane lands somewhere safe and then we sneak out," Pope forms a plan. "If somebody comes to mess with us, we mad-dog them." 

Nobody protested the idea, it seemed generally solid. Kie told JJ to put the stuff taken out of Jimmy's bag back before he noticed but as he was in the process of doing so, John B's distraction didn't work so well the second time and he turned his head, catching JJ in his bag. 

"The hell are you doing?" Jimmy shoved JJ out and JJ pushed back, he was fighting with one hand and lost control of the plane. 

You didn't have time to think, the plane was going down, and everybody flew to the front as the Flying Fish dove straight into the water. 

The plane was filling up quickly, already halfway full, you coughed up water as you pulled yourself up from one of the hanging handles. 

John B kicked open the door, and immediately protested, "Oh no, no, no, no. They don't look friendly." 

"No, they look very unfriendly," Pope looked out next to John B. 

"We gotta go."

The vessel was sinking fast, John B was helping everybody get out, Cleo went first, then Sarah, Pope dove out after, and JJ next. 

"Y/n, come on!" John B yelled. 

Your leg got caught on one of the ropes, "I'm going." 

"What's wrong?" Kie panics looking at you. 

"I got it, it's okay, go." You were busy trying to untangle your foot. You heard JJ call out for you guys to hurry before it sunk. 

"Hang on!" She yells back at them and helps you. 

"Shit," You curse, the rope that was tied around your ankle had given cut you from what you assumed was when the plane went down. It was twisted twice around your foot but you were both able to set it free. "Got it, Kie, let's go."

"Portis," She swims to the man who was unconscious, "Help me get him out." 

Fuck, you curse mentally, this thing was sinking fast. You already wasted time trying to set yourself free, now you had to help out the guy who kidnapped you guys. 

You and Kie carried him out with the help of the water, you were both struggling to swim yourself until you reached the shore with no sign of the others. 

You grunted as you dropped your half of the man to the sand, two locals came to help. 

Your ankle now stung with a medium-sized gash was sliced around half of your leg. You coughed out the salty water you swallowed while swimming with the man who was now alive. 

"Thank you," His bloodshot red eyes looked at both you and Kie as he expressed his gratitude. 

"You lied to us," Kie growled. "Who are you?" 

"Kie," You saw men coming in ATV's. "We need to go." 

You were tired of running, but what would happen if you didn't was worse. 

"Shit," She hisses. "Let's go." 

You ran ignoring the stinging sensation of the cut, the adrenaline helping you out, the panic and anxiety set in, and that made you feel more than the open wound spilling blood. 

"Over here," you found an old wooden boat painted blue, rusty oil containers that could shield you from view. You both hid in between them, catching your breath for a good couple of seconds before you were found. 

A man crouching down to look and Kie punched him, and you both ran. There were four men with vests and guns, two on either side. You went one way, she went the other, and you ran straight into them. By the sounds of the struggle, Kie got caught too. 

You flailed your arms and tried to push down his arms from where they were around your waist but it was no use. You kicked your legs, and your elbow hit something but that made the man's arms crush you in his hold. 

"Let go of me!" You screamed and growled. The other man grabbed your legs with no remorse for the cut. You didn't stop moving, you scratched the man who held you in his arms deep enough to draw blood. 

"Fucking bitch!" He squeezed until you felt a deep pain in your ribs. 

They didn't stop moving until they had you on the back of a trunk with your hands tied behind your back. 

Kie was there, shivering in her place, you stopped fighting once you saw her. You supposed now you would have to accept whatever was going to happen together. 

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"Fucking amazing," You grumbled. "Are you?"

"Never been better."

And who else showed his face other than Jimmy Portis? 

"We saved you," Kie snarled. 

"I know, I know, I'm sorry" He looked weak and spineless. "I'm gonna try to help you guys, okay? I swear, I didn't know it was gonna be like this. Look, if you don't fight, if you just do what they say, these guys probably won't hurt you." 

He didn't know it was gonna be like this; meaning he was not high up on whatever fucked up chain this was, which meant his promise of helping meant nothing. 

"What did Ward promise you?" 

"Who?" He gave Kie a quizzical stare. "Just take my advice, do what they say. Good luck."

Another man with a vest sat in front of you both, giving you a hard glare, probably a buddy of the one who grabbed you. If the whole no-fighting thing was true, you were screwed, then again it didn't matter what you did- if he didn't know who Ward was then that meant you didn't know what you were dealing with and you were screwed anyway. 

~~~

The anxiety pumping through your chest was overstimulating. Your body was shivering intensely, at first it was from the initial shock of the surfacing from the fresh water. Now you were sure the events of the day were catching up to you, putting a physical strain on your body, but you fought through it. 

You observed the roads your kidnappers had taken, memorizing as many details as you could for when you would eventually escape. With Kie by your side, the both of you could surely find your way through this town. 

The truck slowed to a stop, the driver rolled down his window to talk to an armed guard with an intimidating German Shepherd. One quick look and one of the two men standing in front of the gate, lifted it for the truck to go through. 

You looked around at your surroundings and noticed this place was heavily guarded, practically a fortress. Miles and miles of land with men stationed not five minutes away from each other.

The estate was several stories high, again- guards posted everywhere. You and Kie were yanked to the front door, and let in by a housekeeper. 

To the right of the foyer, you immediately notice the artifacts enclosed in glass cases.

"Take them upstairs, Orinoco room for this one-" The Housekeeper instructs the guard who grips Kie's bicep and takes her up. "Nazas room for that one." 

The same man who you scratched snatched you similarly to how the other one did Kie, with more unnecessary force than needed in your opinion. "Up." 

"Y/n?" Kie's neck turned to you. 

"I'm right behind you," You reassured her. 

He took you to a room next to Kiara's, he tossed you inside with a sneer, slamming the door behind himself without a word.

"Hey!" You yelled. "What the hell am I here for?" 

No response. 

You pounded on the door to hopefully get an answer, "Who do you work for? Why do they want us here?" 

You grumbled to yourself taking in the room they stuffed you in, you were scared you admitted to yourself. They could have at least kept you both together, you knew they probably wouldn't do that since they could clearly care less about your comfort after kidnapping you... 

The room had three windows with a nook, floral printed curtains, walls painted a coral color. The four-poster bed facing the door, your brows scrunched in confusion at the open wardrobe to the left of the bed with hanging identical red dresses. You walked over to it and plucked the note with the words 'pick your size' written. 

The question 'What the fuck?' just gets deeper and deeper. You aggressively crumbled up the paper into a ball and threw it at the door. 

You sighed and walked to the open door next to the one the guard shut, walking in, there was a mirror and a sink with a shower to the left. You took one look at yourself and winced at the difference you saw from the girl you were. 

Aged, matured, whatever you wanted to call it- that was you. You stood straighter, your hair was frizzed and you were darker than your normal tan from the sun you took on Kildare. Your nose and cheeks were tinted red; burnt. 

Your shoulder slumped from exhaustion, hold it together, you told yourself. You can break down later. 

~~~

The shower was reviving, you felt refreshed your hair felt soft again, and you relished in the feeling of being clean and slipped on one of the dresses that were in your size. You were impressed with the size range the mysterious nabber had. They even had several pairs of heels to match, you released a laugh and felt delirious, this was unreal. 

You admired yourself from different angles and did a double-take when you saw a third door. You went for it and turned the knob, it was unlocked, it creaked open and you gasped. 

Kie's room. There she sat in a dress the same as yours, color and style, down to the heel. She had her head clutched in her hands, lifting her head up at the sound of the door. 

"Kie, oh my god," You strode over to her with arms outstretched. She mimicked you into an embrace. It was comforting to know you weren't entirely alone anymore. 

She sighed into you, "Did the guy tell you anything?" 

You pulled away and shook your head with pursed lips, "No, did he?" You asked if her guard gave her any information.

"Dinner, at eight." 

"Oh yeah? Just a casual sit-down dinner while holding us hostage," You replied sarcastically. "Sounds like an entertaining night."

"At least we have adjoining rooms," Her lips twitched upwards. "If Ward wasn't the one searching for us then who is this guy?"

"Didn't know we had so many enemies," You took the liberty to sit on the edge of her bed. 

"Should we even be surprised at this point?" She rolled her eyes. 

"Nope."

Your heart felt heavy. 

~~~

A knock on Kie's door startled you both out of the reminiscent conversation you were having about the island, life in high school and how you both thought last year's summer was gonna go before this whole mess started. 

The maid from earlier appeared you both scrambled out of the bed and fixed your dresses. You glanced at each other, you linked arms as you walked down the steps, and you resisted the urge to take Kie and run through the front doors where you knew you'd be shot down the minute you stepped foot out of the perimeter. 

She directed you both to the dining room, a man was standing with his back to you, serving himself a glass of an amber liquid. 

"Excuse me?" Kie spoke first in a shy tone. 

The man turned and your stomach sank, Rafe. It was Rafe who stood there, in a white button-down shirt and blue blazer. His hair was buzzed, and you felt your heart in your throat.  

"You," You hissed, marching up to him. "You were behind this." 

Rafe sized you up, flashing one look at Kie, "Y/n, what?"

"I knew it had to be you and Ward," Kie jeered at him, a few steps behind you.

"What are you talking about?" He faced you both head-on, "Are you trying to weasel in on my deal, is that what's going on?"  

"I wondered if your little reunion would cause sparks, you know," A voice cut through from a room to the right of the dining table. A tanned man with a beard smirked as he strolled over to you three. 

"Who are you?" Rafe stepped forward. 

"Me?" The man in the grey suit pointed to himself. "My name is Carlos Singh, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cameron. Ms. Carrera, and Ms. Routeledge, I do apologize for the rough tactics in bringing you here. But, please, come sit down."

Apology not accepted? You wanted to say but refrained from doing so, the air around him was not in the least bit friendly or open and inviting though it sounded like he was trying to be. 

"Come now, I don't bite," He waved you all forward. 

You dared to walk through the threshold first, sitting on a sturdy chair that felt expensive underneath you, Kie sat next to you with a round coffee table in between both seats. 

Your eyes stayed narrowed at Rafe as he followed suit, visibly stressed, rubbing the lines on his forehead. "Rough tactics, what about me?" 

Singh poured himself a drink, "Yes, Mr. Cameron, false pretenses. But the ends justify the means, I'm afraid. Sit down, we have a lot to talk about." 

Rafe takes the chair across from you, leaving the one next to him, open. 

"Why are we here?" Kie tensed. 

"Well, Ms. Carrera, Routledge, Mr. Cameron, we share certain interests. Objectives." 

"Is this not about the cross?" Rafe interrupts. 

"It is, tangentially, it is about the cross." He confirms, "It's also about something much, much bigger than the cross by order of magnitude." 

The man stood in front of a painting, "The completion of a grand quest. You see, the story goes that four hundred fifty years ago- a Spanish soldier came out of the Orinoco Basin with a few gold beads, and when they asked the Spanish soldiers where the beads came from the Spanish soldier replied he got them from a peaceful indigenous tribe who lived in a city of gold. El Dorado.

"And for the next four hundred and fifty years, people tried to find that gold. They tried." Singh picked up a knife from the desk cabinet below the painting. "Conquistadors, knights, captains of ships, tribes; entire nations. All fighting each other in a race for the end of the rainbow, thousands of lives laid on the pyre of gold fever, and it falls to me." 

"It falls to me to complete the task," Singh strolled over to you, knife in hand. Your eyes never strayed from the hands that handled it. "To bring full circle a quest that has gone on for almost five hundred years, perhaps the greatest quest in the history of the western hemisphere. You three, are going to play a part in that." 

"Ms. Routledge, daughter of a man who was interested in making history, don't think I don't know you're family history." 

You cleared your throat, "Past, present, future. They all kind of mesh together in my head sometimes, you know." 

"Yeah, I didn't listen to a word you said, okay?" Rafe chimed in, "How much are you gonna keep philosophizing?" 

"You are direct, aren't you, Mr. Cameron?"

"What do you need from us?" Kie asked. 

"I've come to believe that you and your friends are in possession of something that can help me get what I want."

"Which is?" You couldn't think of something he could possibly want. 

"An old manuscript, a diary, actually."

You kept your features neutral, giving away nothing, "A diary?" 

You were starting to notice a pattern with people who talked, thought, and associated with the cross. All greedy fanatics.

"We don't know anything about a diary," Kie shrugged casually. 

"How else could you have learned that the cross was on the Royal Merchant."

"We would help you if we could but we can't."

"I was hoping you wouldn't say that you know, because unfortunately, I don't believe you. you and your friend here," He pointed to Rafe, "Couldn't have found the cross without it." 

"He's not our friend," You clarified. 

"We can't all be friends," Singh's tone was grim. You didn't want to know what was gonna happen, knowing you couldn't give him what you wanted- even if you wanted to the diary was in Kildare. 

"This is ridiculous," Rafe stands, "Okay, I'm out. I don't know anything about a diary." 

He walks backward with hands half raised in surrender to then face one of the many, many guards in the house, gun across his vested chest. 

"Do I look like a fool to you, Mr. Cameron?" Singh grew dangerously impatient with Rafe. "You have the cross, their friends had the cross at one point, so one of you has the diary."

Rafe's eyes bore into yours, you let him, your own gaze unwavering. 

"And if you really don't know, then I suggest you convince your friend to tell me, once I have the diary- you'll be free to leave." He lightens his tone before it darkens again. 

He leads you three up the stairs and into Kie's room, "I must warn you though, I am not a man of infinite patience. You have one day, go to the window for a little demonstration." He pats Rafe on the shoulder before exiting.  

You heard the click of the lock, solidifying the trap. You clenched your fists, fingers cracking to help with the anxiety at what you were going to witness. 

Rafe protests and yanks at the doorknob, Kie comes up behind you as you open the curtain, and then Rafe joins you on the other side. 

You heard shouts, and then Jimmy Portis being dragged by another guy. 

"Who is he?" Rafe being this close to your ear made you shuffle closer to Kie. 

"It's Jimmy Portis, we know him," Kie responds for you. 

You felt a stab of guilt, "He must've been trying to help us." 

Singh looked up at the window where the three of you stood watching, he had a handgun, making it obvious of his intention. He walked out of view where Jimmy was, there was a cock of the gun clicking, and not a second later came the booming shot fired. 

~~~

a/n: SEASON 3!!! thank you all for your love and patience, i love you all, let me know what you think

let me know if you'd like to be tagged :)

@jbassettjmaybank - @deanwherescas - @thtbwltts - @nerdypartytrashpsychic - @random-girl-army - @wisegirlies - @instabull - @sexyfoxlady - @bubs-world - @sdawn03 - @mendesclines - @obx-pogues-4-life - @mentalforfics - @p-prettybitch - @namacissi - @dczedhee - @inkandpen22 - @royalavenger - @ayeitsjustmee - @80strashbag - @onlyangel-444 - @freds-slut - @poppet05 - @itsjuststaticnoises - @ahnneyong - @lovepizza567 - @jasminfelling - @rana03 - @loki-loveer - @rana030 - @lostinatimeline - @boldlypessimistic - @clinelyn - @a-j-stuffs - @yunhobug - @syd223sworld - @strawberry--fawn - @mysticalavenuecheesecake - @itsmytimetoodream - @natashtessabeth12 - @thatsthewaythechrissycrumbles - @chervbs - @or-was-it-just-a-dream - @newbooksmell777 - @afterzonee - @hana-1235 - @ilovesteveharrngton - @s1Ingwns - @jesssssmaybankk - @auspicious-manner - @mirellef2001

if your name is cross that means tumblr won't allow me to tag you, i'm sorry :/

[elliesflower]

i saw you in a dream [6]

chapter 5 here

summary; you get in your head about ellie and cat.

chapter; 6/? 2.5k words

cw (per chapter); language, light angst

an; SURPRISE SHAWTY

it's my birthday but i felt like giving y'all a gift. you all make my days so special and put a smile on my face with your sweet comments and messages. i love you all with my whole heart!

find this chapter on ao3 here, i also made a spotify playlist to go with this story, listen to it here :)

“Cat,” you repeated her name, with a smile. But it felt like poison rolling off your tongue. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” she smiled back, and her teeth were fucking perfect, bleached white and practically sparkling in the soft ambient lighting in the theatre. It sounded insincere, somehow. 

“So, Ellie,” Cat was back to talking to Ellie as if you didn’t exist, turning away from you so that you could gaze at her super angular jawline and dreamy slick black hair as it gently brushed her shoulders. Ellie shot you a quick look that you couldn’t quite decipher—it’s not like Cat would have noticed though, she was too busy tugging at the hem of Ellie’s flannel. You quickly averted your eyes, backing away slowly, scanning the room for Dina. Wishing desperately that the earth would just open up and swallow you whole. Their conversation suddenly seemed…personal. 

“I was thinking tonight I’d take you out to dinner, my treat! Your set was amazing,” she was purring. “I couldn’t have done this without you,” and if she had a tail it would be sticking straight up in the air, curling at the tip and pulling Ellie in. You glanced back at Ellie, who didn’t look at you, and instead looked down and grabbed Cat’s hand from her flannel. You turned all the way around now, swallowing the lump in your throat. 

But Ellie sang your song. Your song? The two of you had hung out one time. You can’t have a song with someone after one hang out, can you? It’s a pretty popular song, and easy enough for a quick performance. Yeah. Your brain tried to piece it all together, drowning out Ellie and Cat’s voices behind you, maybe if you squeezed your eyes shut you could just pretend you were somewhere far, far away, not making a fool of yourself in front of a pretty girl you thought might like you too. 

“Dude, we gotta go, my chem professor just saw me and he’s gonna rip me a new one for missing my final,” Dina appeared practically out of thin air, like a goddamn angel, and grabbed your arm, tugging harshly. You opened your eyes, blinking at her. 

“Wait, you skipped your chemistry final?” 

“What? It’s not like I was gonna pass anyways,” she shook her head at you like it was obvious. 

“Oh. Yeah, okay, whatever,” you sounded dejected. You felt dejected. You probably looked it, too. Dina glanced behind you, presumably at whatever disgusting form of PDA was occurring between Ellie and Cat, based on the change in her expression.

“Who the fuck-” 

“It doesn’t matter,” you cut her off, starting towards the door. “Let’s just go.”

It was stupid. This was stupid. Of course Ellie would end up with a person like Cat. Girls like Ellie don’t go for people like…you. People like Cat always have the upperhand—their features the pinnacle of modern beauty standards, voices like a slow dripping faucet of saccharine honey, a presence that captivates the room in an instant. There was no competing with that. They always win. 

“Hey,” Dina’s voice was laced with concern, and she was by your side in an instant, matching your stride as you practically stomped towards the exit. You tried to blink away the tears that slightly clouded your vision. “What happened back there?”

“I don’t really want to talk about it,” you said, not looking at her. You could feel her gaze piercing into the side of your head, and could envision her brows pinched together with worry. 

“C’mon, just tell me. Who was that?” 

“It was no one,” you grumbled, blinking rapidly now, fighting the burning behind your eyes. 

“Well ‘no one’ sure had some fucking audacity to-”

“Audacity to what, Dina?” You stopped dead in your tracks, turning to face her. She looked at you with wide eyes. “I said I don’t want to talk about it.” Your tone was harsh. You felt it, as it painted Dina’s face with dispirit, the corners of her mouth turning downward slightly. Instantly, you regretted it. 

“Okay. I’ll leave it,” she forced a smile, but you couldn’t say anything else, just stuck dead in your tracks as you looked at her, unmoving. Blinking. Why the fuck are you blinking so much?

“Seriously, it’s okay,” she said after a moment, but her voice sounded a little shaky, and you felt like shit. How did Ellie get into your head like this? 

“Fuck, I’m sorry,” you burst, the pressure behind your eyes turning into a waterfall, spilling from your eyes as you covered them with your hands, shaking your head. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s just…a lot.” 

“Hey, I said it’s okay,” Dina assured, and her voice made you want to cry even harder—she was so good to you, grabbing your hands away from your face and leading you further down the hall, away from the people that were trickling out of the theater. “I’m sorry for pressuring you. You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to. Ever.” 

“No, it’s not that,” you sniffed, letting her lead you out the main entrance. “I do want to tell you, it’s just…frustrating,” you sighed, exasperated as the cold hit your face and pricked your skin through the holes of your sweater. 

“I get it,” she nodded. 

“I can’t believe I thought I actually had a chance with her,” you moped, wiping the wetness from under your eyes. Dina was quiet next to you as you walked, though she looked deep in thought, watching the ground as the two of you walked. She led you all the way to a bench just outside of your dorm building without saying another word. You watched your breath turn to fog as you sat, instinctively pressing against Dina to share body heat. 

You felt shameful. Both for that terrible interaction with Ellie, and for snapping at Dina. You wished you had never even gone to that open mic, that you had just said you were sick like you’d proposed to Dina a few hours before when the nerves were settling in—you supposed you should have listened to your gut. 

“That was her roommate. Cat,” and yep, the name was still venomous. Dina looked at you, silently prodding you to continue. You looked down at your hands, rubbing them together in your lap. 

“Apparently, they ‘go way back,’” you made air quotes. “Wednesday, when she invited me to this, she mentioned something about a toxic ex. I have a feeling it’s her. Although she kind of acts more like they’re currently together.”

Dina watched you for another moment, before turning away, looking down at her feet. She was silent for a moment, and you wanted to scream. Even Dina, the queen of advice, had nothing to say to you. Lovely. 

“I’m sorry, but if Ellie doesn’t see what she could have with you then she’s fucking stupid,” she blurted suddenly, and she was no longer sad, but angry. You looked at her, and she was shaking her head, looking out into the empty courtyard.

“Dina, it’s really okay,” you said, but your voice was small and unconvincing. 

“No, I’m serious,” she said. “That was fucked up. And I’m sorry.”

You looked back down at your hands. 

“It’s okay,” it didn’t sound like it. “It was just a crush. I’ll get over it.” Dina kept her eyes on you, watching as you bounced your knee anxiously. 

Just a crush. Hah. Okay. 

“Do you want to go inside?” Dina asked after a beat. Yeah, you were fucked. 

“I think I’m gonna hang out down here for a minute. I could use the fresh air,” you said quietly. 

“Fresh air? Dude, it’s fucking freezing out here, you’re going to catch a cold or something,” Dina chided, before standing up. “God, you’re making me sound like a mom.”

“I’m really okay, Dee,” you tried to smile, but it felt awkward on your otherwise solemn face. “I’ll walk around a bit. I’ll be fine.” She looked at you for another moment with pursed lips, before nodding slightly. 

“Turn your ringer up, yeah?” 

You nodded, accepting her warm hug, gratefully. Ironically, you thought, she also kind of hugged like a mom. 

You regretted not going in with her about thirty seconds into your walk. It was kind of hard to think about anything but the bitter cold stinging your cheeks—though, you supposed, that was kind of a good thing. Maybe the freeze would seep into your brain and ruin the part of your brain responsible for holding onto memory of Ellie. Kind of pathetic, huh?

“Are you out here all alone?” 

You nearly stumbled over nothing, flinching when a voice startled you out of your thoughts, turning quickly to the sound. 

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. 

“Ellie,” you breathed, your eyes widening, your heart rate increasing by the second. She adorned a tan Carhartt coat now, her hands stuffed in her pockets, and she looked a whole lot warmer than you felt. You swallowed thickly, unsure of what else to say. So much for forgetting about her. 

“You disappeared,” she spoke for you, kicking her foot against the ground softly. Nervously.

“Yeah,” you said lamely. She nodded for a second, before looking down at her feet. You wanted to run away. 

“What are you-”

“I just wanted to-”

Both of you tried to speak at the same time. You immediately crossed your arms across your chest, partially for warmth, mostly because you felt really fucking awkward. 

“Uh, go ahead,” she gestured at you to continue speaking. 

“Oh, I, uh- was just going to ask…uh, what you were doing. Out here,” you stammered a bit, trying to gauge her expression. Fuck, she was hard to read. 

“Well, my house is that way,” she pointed behind you. “So, I gotta walk…this way…” she trailed off, scratching the back of her neck awkwardly. 

“Right,” you nodded, shivering slightly as a breeze swept between the two of you. You didn’t really want to hear what she was going to say. 

“Are you cold?” She asked, eyes suddenly soft. 

“Well I’m not exactly warm,” you quipped, but it didn’t have much weight to it. The corner of Ellie’s mouth twitched up slightly, but her face remained neutral. 

“Do you want to come over?” 

You felt faint. You felt like crying. You felt like saying no. You felt like saying yes. But you couldn’t say anything, so you just nodded instead. 

Ellie gave you her jacket, after weak protest. It smelled like how your tent does on a warm summer night in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the stars and the peaceful whisper of wind through the trees—also like weed, and that amber aroma that seemed to be trapped in her pores. 

She didn’t say a single word to you, after that. Just walked, wordlessly beside you on the familiar path to her house. You tried to regulate your breathing, tried to push aside the questions that ran through your brain like, why is Ellie here, walking me to her house when she could be having dinner with Cat? And also, where is Cat? 

Ellie’s house smelled exactly as you remembered it, though, the scent was mildly soured when you suddenly remembered that Cat lived here, too. The warm air against your cold skin made you shiver slightly as you shrugged off Ellie’s coat in the entryway—of course, she was by your side in an instant, grabbing it from you before throwing it over the rack. It was still silent as the two of you kicked off your shoes, before Ellie turned to look at you. 

“Do you want to go upstairs?” You weren’t sure why she was asking you. You were already shoe-less, in her entryway. 

“Lead the way,” you found yourself saying. Just like the first time. 

Ellie’s room still smelled the same, too. Earthy and rich, dreamy and intoxicating. You felt high already. Your brain was spinning, your heart racing, your hands slightly shaky. Ellie sat down on the edge of her bed, leaving plenty of room for you—if you ever stopped hovering near the door. 

“You can sit, you know,” Ellie said after a moment, smiling softly at you. An invitation. You swallowed. What the fuck are you doing here? 

But then you were sitting, next to her, just this close to touching her leg with your own. You didn’t look at her. It felt like middle school. It felt exciting. It felt so fucking confusing. 

“So, I thought you were going to dinner with Cat. What happened?” Your mouth was moving before your brain could stop you, and Ellie practically flinched at your words. She regained herself quickly, though.

“Oh, I didn’t really want to go out. I’m just a little tired,” she said, pulling her legs up onto the bed and crossing them beneath her.

“If you’re tired then what am I doing here?” You asked. Her eyes widened a bit.

“Well, I mean- I’m not that tired, I just- didn’t want to go out anywhere, you know?” 

No, you didn’t really. 

“Yeah,” you said instead. She was getting harder to read by the second. You shrunk back a bit, drawing your legs up onto the bed and leaning against the headboard opposite of Ellie. The pause hung heavy, nearly tangible between your bodies.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly, looking down at her lap. You watched a loose strand of hair fall into her face, and her nose scrunched up. You wanted to brush it away, to feel the warmth of her skin beneath your palm as you caressed her face—

“For what?” You asked, even though you kind of knew. 

“For Cat,” she said quietly. 

“What about her?” 

“She can be kind of…a lot.”

“Is she your girlfriend?” You asked, like you were entitled to that information. Like you’d hung out more than once. 

“No, she’s not.” Ellie was quick to deny, looking back up at you now. Her eyes sparkled in the soft yellow lamplight cascading upon her face. Your throat felt tight. You nodded, pulling your knees into your chest. 

“She used to be.” Ah, there it is. 

“And now she’s your…”

“Roommate.”

“Right.”

Just the other day, Ellie had said she knows all about toxic exes. You didn’t think that meant she literally lived with one. What are you doing here?

“She’s just my roommate, I swear,” she was insistent, leaning forward, trapping you in her gaze. You nodded again. You weren’t sure why she was repeating herself. You glanced at the clock behind her on her desk, which read 10:32pm.

“It’s getting late,” you said weakly, knowing fully well you’d be up until three am. Ellie’s face fell, just slightly. 

“You just got here,” she said, though she wasn’t being much of a great host. 

“You said you were tired.”

“Yeah, but I- well-” she stuttered, picking at her cuticles. 

“It’s okay,” you were saying, though you didn’t know why. It didn’t feel very okay. As soon as your feet hit the ground she was standing up as well, one hand awkwardly snaking into her back pocket as she took a deep breath. 

“I’ll walk you back to your dorm?” She offered. 

“It’s okay. I’ll have Dina meet me somewhere.” You won’t even text her. Ellie didn’t say anything, but she nodded, giving you a smile. 

It didn’t reach her eyes.

[gingersnaptaff]

Hello, it's me. I am back again to bore you all to utter DEATH.

Okay, so I was doing some reading in my lil book nook and I came across this poem:

(Sorry it's sideways. I hate it too.)

It's Ode Five by Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd (who is awesome in his own right. Might do a post about him if anybody would like it.) Anyways, there are two (2) things that jumped out straight off that I have highlighted:

1. The reference to Ogrfan Fawr who is Gwenhwyfar's dad. It's super interesting to me that it reads a bit like Hywel (or whoever is narrating the poem) uses Ogrfan to imply that he's being kept apart from his lover. (Presumably the fair - pls remember Gwen is another word for fair, or white, in Welsh - shy girl lady he mentions in the second line.)

Who's got fair in their name? Gwenhwyfar. "Okay, Sarah," I imagine you're saying. "Cool stuff. But what the fuck does this have to do with a twelfth-century poet dude and a fictional queen?"

Ah, okay. WELL. LEMME REFER U TO GARWY HIR:

He's the father of Indeg who is one of Arthur's mistresses, AND lover of Creirwy, daughter of Cerridwen. Now, I find the author's insinuation that the poem is specifically about Garwy Hir to be a bit of a stretch, because why tf is Ogrfan mentioned in the same breath as Garwy? They have little connection to each other in all honesty. (And I have never heard of Ogrfan, Garwy, being Cerridwen being connected.)

Well, there's a Very Prominent Lad who is connected to both of those ladies.

ARTHUR!!!!!

Husband to Gwenhwyfar, lover of Indeg. The dumbass boi himself. (Respectfully. He is just... look, a lot of Welsh sources are mixed about him. Gildas has Proper Beef with Arthur cuz he killed his brother. Also, this is the same man who called Maelgwn Gwynedd, 'a sodomitical grape.' So. He's not fuckin about.)

It sounds like - to me - this Ode could be perceived as a quest - much like his quest to Annwfn (Not outside of Hywel's subject matter. Man LOVED to intertwine war and love. Read his Gorhoffedd. You'll see what I mean.) - that's been forgotten about over the intervening centuries. One that Arthur went on to get Gwenhwyfar from her father's hall. Perhaps this is also - maybe - a far older version of the Gwenhwyfar/Guinevere and Melwas/Melegaunt myth, but idk. I cannot say for certain.

Now. You can think that this is all a bit tenuous. It very much is, I grant you. In 'The Arthur of the Welsh,' O.J. Padel suggests that Hywel is imagining himself as a suitor for Gwenhwyfar's hand (entirely fair. Right there with you, fella. I too would want to be a suitor for Gwenhwyfar.) But I think it makes a little more sense for the Ode to be Arthur.

Also, yes, I admit the reference to Gwenhwyfar is an indirect one, and I am running on 12 cups of coffee, and this didn't go anywhere, but still. It's FUN.

Now, go read about Hywel ab Owain Gwynedd, pls!!!!! His dad, Owain Gwynedd, gets compared to Cai, Cynyr, Gwalchmai, and Dillus in an elegy by Cynddelw, while his court at Gwynedd is seen to be like Arthur's at Celli Wig. (Cynddelw did a praise poem about Hywel too, which also contains lots of Arthurian references.)

[ineffectualdemon]

There is a genre type that is Odyssey type comedy stories and they are often stoner films

Examples:

- Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle (or Get the Munchies depending on your country)

- the OG Adventures in Babysitting. This isn't a stoner film but it is a comedy and fits

- I presume Dude, Where's my Car but I haven't seen it

What makes a story an Odyssey format is the Goal and main task of the story has to be seemingly straight forward and simple

- go home

- get some fast food

- pick up your friend

- etc

But instead of being able to just go and do it you get pulled into continuous and calamitous fuckery. It also, crucially, involves a journey of getting from point A to point B

And the task that should not have taken too long takes a ridiculously long time to achieve

So what I am proposing is a stoner film adaption of the Odyssey

[mrtwizz]

Snow On The Beach [Part Three]

Alternative Title: Xavier and Tyler annoying Y/n for five thousand words straight

Wednesday Addams x Fem Reader slow burn series

Warnings: Xavier and Tyler slander, mentions of murder, hinted underaged drinking, just typical Wednesday stuff

Word Count: 5.2k

Summary: Wednesday and Y/n seek out more information about Joseph Crackstone, Y/n is pining after the Addams girl. And Wednesday is beginning to enjoy her presence? That's impossible, Y/n is just interested in the murder investigation...right?

Part One, Part Two, Part Three

Quick note: I used the word to describe the reader's skin as 'pale' but I'm referring to the way skin pales when there's no blood in the body. I explain that in the fic but I wanted to clear that up before you read, this is an inclusive fic and is not targeted at white people. this fic is targeted for whoever wants to read it.

Eugene, Wednesday and Y/n make their way around the old building, all dressed in pilgrim garb. 

“Eugene, give me your retainer.” Wednesday demands, looking at the lock to the meeting house. 

“What? Why? Your teeth are really good, not as straight or white as Enid’s but-” Eugene begins to ramble.

Wednesday cuts the boy off, “Hand it over.”

The girl sticks her hand out, gesturing for Eugene to put his retainer in her hand.

Eugene takes it out and wipes it on his sleeve, “What if Mistress Arlene catches us?” 

“Hive code, deny everything.” Wednesday responds. 

“That’s not hive code!” Eugene exclaims, clearly not used to the girl’s mannerisms. 

“What’s the deal with this Crackstone anyways?” Y/n asks, watching as Wednesday picks the lock. 

“Stop talking, keep watch.” Wednesday says to Eugene, handing him his gently used retainer back. 

Y/n follows Wednesday into the old meeting house, she lets Thing out of her bag and moves to stand in front of a creepy statue of some dude. The dude Y/n assumed to be Crackstone, looked like every other ugly middle aged white man she’d ever seen.

Thing tugged at the hem of Wednesday's dress and gestured over to a painting. 

“The Old Meeting House, 1625.” Wednesday read out loud and studied the painting. 

An old oil painting depicting a man, presumably Joseph Crackstone, standing over a fire gesturing out to a crowd. As Y/n looked closer she could make out the details of one of the girl’s faces, the girl stood out. She was dressed in a darker dress, and without a bonnet to cover her hair. And if Y/n stared at the girl's face long enough, it resembles that of a blonde Wednesday Addams.

“Wednesday…she kind of looks like you.” Y/n mumbled, not looking away from the painting. 

“This is the girl from my vision.” Wednesday said, referencing the vision she had the day of the Poe Cup, “She’s even holding the same book. The black one she had outside Crackstone’s Crypt.” 

The girl with black braids moved to where a dusty book sat in a display case next to a dagger. Y/n held open the glass so Wednesday could grab the book. 

“This is the book,” Wednesday’s usually flat voice held something akin to excitement, “Codex Umbrarum.”

Wednesday turned to Y/n, “That’s Latin for ‘Book of Shadows’.” The fair skinned girl opened the book only to be bitterly disappointed, “Great, it’s a fake.” 

She slammed the book shut, “I don’t know who Etsy is, but I doubt she was an outcast settler.” 

Y/n would have laughed at how out of touch Wednesday was with the current world, except the door swung open.

An angry Arelene stormed through, holding an unwilling Eugene by the ear, “Just what the fudge are you two doing in here?” 

“Mistress Arlene, how now?” Wednesday pretends to be pleased by the red haired woman’s presence, as if she weren’t doing what she was told not to do. 

Y/n realized that Wednesday was a little too good at lying her way through things, and probably just as good at manipulating others to do her bidding. 

“How now, indeed.” Arlene sneers, “I proclaimed the meeting house is under repair. I know thoust heard me.” 

Eugene spoke up, “I told her the door was unlocked, and that you were dying to learn more about Crackstone.” 

“Yes, and this display case was already open.” Wednesday lied. 

“That book’s a replica.” Arlene said, not believing their lies. 

Wednesday’s sharp tone came back, “You don’t say.” 

“The original was stolen last month, during the two o’clock witch trial.” The woman informs.

“It was probably the only authentic thing you have in here, yet you still charge $29.95 a ticket?” Wednesday questions. 

Y/n thought that Wednesday made a good point, almost thirty dollars a ticket? That’s absurd. 

“Hold thy tongue. I’m reassigning the three of you, to fudge churning duty.” Arlene spits out. 

“The original meeting house, the one in that painting, where is it?” Wednesday demands to know. 

Arlene huffs, “How the hell should I know? I only moved here from Scottsdale in April.” 

Y/n and Wednesday snuck out from under Arlene’s watchful eye before they both could go mad. Wednesday directed their walk towards the coffee house, claiming she needed help finding the Old Meeting house. 

Wednesday stood, staring at a corkboard with all sorts of clippings attached to it. While Y/n shifted her gaze between the corkboard and to Wednesday’s side profile, noting the slope of her nose. And the way her eyelashes were so long they almost looked like they were fake, but Y/n knew better of the girl to assume they were extensions. 

“I thought you two were supposed to be at Pilgrim World.” Xavier Thorpe’s voice came from behind the pair. 

“Deserted it while our sanity was still intact.” Wednesday spoke, moving over to the counter where a little brass bell sat. 

“Oh yeah? Want a coffee?” The boy leaned against the counter,”It’s one of the many perks of this wonderful assignment.” 

Y/n rolled her eyes at the pitiful boy’s futile attempts at flirting, “We’re here for Tyler actually, need his help with something.” 

Xavier’s expression fell, “Y/n, you know he’s bad news.” 

“Yup,” Y/n brushed him off, hitting the little bell on the countertop. 

Tyler came from around the back and there was immediate tension between the two boys, “You rang?” 

Xavier scoffed and walked off, “Want the usual?” 

“And some help,” Wednesday turned to open and place her map on the table, “You know the original pilgrim meeting house, the one for the 1600s?” She turned to face Tyler, “Do you know if it’s still around?” 

“What’s left is out in Cobham Woods, but it’s pretty much a ruin.” Tyler glanced at Y/n, who stood at Wednesday’s other shoulder. 

“Show me.” The girl orders. 

Tyler stutters before pointing on the map, “There, but, look it’s kind of sketchy. Squatters and meth heads used that place as a crash pad. My dad had to clear it out every couple of weeks.” 

Wednesday turns her focus from the boy to the map, “What’s this about?” 

“Nothing.” She grabs the map and refolds it. 

“You’re becoming obsessed with this monster in the woods thing.” Tyler notes. 

“Would you rather I develop an obsession with horses and boy bands?” Wednesday asks sarcastically. 

Y/n let’s out a huff of air that could be considered a laugh at the mental image of Wednesday Addams in a One Direction tee-shirt. Wednesday turns to look at the other girl as the two begin to walk out, “Thank you for your help.” 

“Hey listen,” Tyler says, causing Y/n to turn around, “the ruins are kind of tricky to find.” 

“Wednesday and I are big girls Tyler, I bet we can find them ourselves.” Y/n flashes a fake smile, all while just so happening to flash her elongated canines in the process. 

“I know my way around the great outdoors.” Wednesday adds. 

“Don’t tell me you were a Girl Scout.” Tyler jokes. 

“I could eat Girl Scouts for breakfast,” Wednesday deapans, “actually, I have an uncle who went to prison for that.” 

Y/n laughs at Wednesday’s absurd family history, and the look on Tyler’s face as the two turn around for the second time to leave. The two pass Xavier who looks at Wednesday longingly as they exit the building. 

The duo make their way out to the forest where Tyler had told them the original Meeting House had been. The forest was eerie, and the worst part was the crows that cawed from above. There was a thick layer of fog that surrounded the trees and made it difficult for Y/n to navigate, but Wednesday seemed to have no problem in doing so. 

They eventually made their way to what was now the ruins of the old house. Wednesday sat her bag on the ground, allowing Thing to once more leave its confides, as she walked further into the ruins. 

Y/n looked around as Wednesday turned to face her and Thing, “I was expecting more too.” 

“Who are you talking to, little girl?” An old man with nappy white hair and scruffy beard spoke from behind her. 

While Y/n clutched at her undead heart, though Wednesday seemed unphased. 

Instead she turned to speak to him, “Use the words ‘little’ and ‘girl’ to address me again, and I can’t guarantee your safety.” 

This enraged the man, “This is my place. Get out.” He hollered. 

“Thing, a hand here?” Wednesday addressed her trusty appendage. 

The hand scurried from his spot on the ground next to Y/n, and up the man’s leg to his beard. He tightly grasped the beard, causing him to shriek. The man wrestled the hand as Wednesday looked around some more. 

Y/n wondered how Thing was able to have, for lack of better words, the upper hand to the man with two hands and full body. She then realized that she should stop questioning logistics when it came to the Addams family, and that chances are there are either no answers. Or the answer would make even less sense than what is going on. She watched as Thing seemingly dragged the blond old man out of the ruins. 

“There’s nothing here.” Wednesday comments. 

Thing signs to the Addams girl, “No, I can’t just touch something.” She walked and looked around, looking for something she had to have missed, “My visions seem to happen spontaneously.” Both girls look back at Thing and his furious signing, “I would rather dye my hair pink than ask my mother for advice.” 

Wednesday sounds appalled by the suggestion of asking her mother, and Y/n notes to not bring up her mother in any conversation. 

Thing touches the ruin by his fingers, “Oh, you want me to prove it to you?” Wednesday slaps a stump of wood, not looking away from the hand. 

“Wednesday, do you think that’s the best idea?” Y/n asks, watching as she touches things. 

The girl disregards her concerns, “No.” She throws both hands against the wall, “Nothing.” 

“Ah I bet this will give us some real insight.” She says sarcastically, holding a bag up, before dramatically throwing her head back. 

Y/n becomes to feel more on edge, an uneasy feeling sinking its way into her gut. Telling her something bad was going to happen. 

“My visions are about as predictable as shark attacks.” Wednesday grumbles, picking up her bag and moving to leave the ruins. 

As she touches the gate her body goes rigid and her head throws itself backwards, throwing her mind into yet another vision. This time Y/n is quick enough to catch her body as it spins and falls to the hard ground. 

Y/n sat there as rain began to pour, soaking the three of them. Until Wednesday woke from her trance with a start, sitting straight up. 

“Y/n, Thing, I saw her! The girl from my visions. Her name is Goody Addams,” Wednesday recalls, “and I believe she’s my ancestor from four-hundred years ago.” 

Y/n hears something from beyond the ruins, and Wednesday must have heard it too. Both girls get up from the mud and walk to the destroyed wood. 

Y/n looks past the wood between the cracks and into the woods, “Must’ve been the old man from earlier.” 

She looks again only to come eye to eye with a beast, she lets out a horrified shriek and stumbles back into Wednesday. 

“Come on, come on!” Wednesday exclaims, wanting to follow the man killing beast. 

The two run until the paw prints become footprints, and Wednesday crouches down to examine them.  

“The monster’s human.” Wednesday voices what both girls had realized. 

The footsteps of another come up behind the girls, “What the hell are you doing?” 

The voice belonged to Xavier, he had impeccable timing didn't he? 

Wednesday quickly stands and faces the boy, “We were following the monster.” 

“You saw it?” Xavier is standing under an umbrella, “It’s here? Do you have a death wish or something?”  Y/n shrugs, “I can’t really die, so.” 

“What exactly are you doing here?” Wednesday’s attitude suddenly switches, she’d realized his perfect timing as well. 

“I overheard you two saying you were going to check out the old meeting house. Guess you’re lucky I showed up when I did.” Xavier spoke, looking out past the girls. 

“We did learn one thing, the monster is human.” Wednesday informs the tall boy, “Its tracks turned from monster prints to human ones.” 

“Show me.” 

Both Y/n and Wednesday turn to where the prints had lied only moments prior, now being completely washed away from the downpour.  “Rain washed them away.” Y/n states the obvious. 

Xavier scoffs, “I know what I saw, and Y/n saw it too.” Wednesday defends. 

“I’m trying to keep an open mind.” Xavier says, trying not to smile. 

“How big of you.” Wednesday mutters. 

The three of them begin walking, “I do think you guys were right about Rowan.” 

Y/n turns to the boy, “Why the sudden change of heart?” 

“I texted him again today. I said maybe we could meet over spring break, and go snowboarding like we did last year.” Xavier states, “This time he texted right back, said he wouldn’t be able to make it.” 

“Only you never went snowboarding last year.” Wednesday says, following the trick Xavier played on ‘Rowan’.

“And the mystery continues.” Y/n adds. 

“Part of me wanted to blame his recent weirdness.” He pauses, “I didn’t want to think something bad had happened.” “The cover-up is always worse than the crime.” Wednesday states, causing both Y/n and Xavier to look at the girl. 

“Now I need you to be honest with me,” Xavier stops, making the two stop with him, “why’d you go out to the old meeting house in the first place?” 

“I was trying to learn more about Crackstone, and Y/n didn’t want me going alone.’ Wednesday states, “Figure out how he’s connected to this.” 

“Yeah, you were trying to use your psychic abilities, right?” Xavier looks at Wednesday.

“What makes you think I have any?” Wednesday pretends to not know what he’s talking about. 

“Lucky guess. When did they start?” The boy presses. 

“About a year ago.” Wednesday turns so they can keep walking, “When they happen, it feels like I’m touching live wire. I usually enjoy that sensation.” She remarks, causing Y/n to look at her. 

“Yeah, but you can’t control it, and that freaks you out.”  Xavier continues, “My dad’s a psychic.”

“Vincent Thorpe.” Wednesday says, “My brother’s his number one fan. Watched his Vegas Special so many times that I’m surprised it’s not imprinted on his eyeballs.” Wednesday speaks of her brother with a peculiar sort of fondness. One that only someone with a younger brother could truly understand. 

“So I’ve lived with the self-described master. And the first thing he’ll tell you is that psychic visions can’t be trusted. They only show you one part of the picture.” Xavier explains. 

“I saw Joseph Crackstone in front of me, as clearly as I’m seeing you or Y/n now.” Wednesday stopped walking, “He gathered all the outcasts in the meeting house and burned them alive.”

“Okay he was a sadistic asshole. So what? It was four-hundred years ago. It’s got nothing to do with now.” Xavier spoke like every guy that never paid attention in a single history class Y/n had ever attended, which had been far too many. 

“But what if it does?” Wednesday questions, “You saw Rowan’s drawing. Crackstone was standing in the quad.”

“You’re creating a story in your head, and using visions to back it up.” Y/n rolled her eyes at the way Xavier spoke to the girl in front of him, “They’re telling you what you want to see.” 

Wednesday is appalled, “Are you mansplaining my power?” 

Xavier rolls his eyes as he scoffs, “All I’m saying is my dad, the expert, would warn you that psychic ability isn’t rooted in logic. It’s triggered by emotions. And let’s be honest, emotion isn’t your strong suit.” 

Wednesday looks to where Y/n stood behind her, “I believe Rowan was right. Something bad is going to happen, and I need to stop it. Starting with that monster.” 

Wednesday turns to face Xavier momentarily, “Whoever it is.” Before quickening her pace. 

Y/n sat with Enid as she got ready for her date with Ajax. 

Enid turned to Wednesday who was trying to write her novel, “Too much?” 

Wednesday turned to glance at the shirt the blonde werewolf held up and sighed, “I feel like you just napalmed me, Enid.” 

Enid ignores Wednesday’s comment and turns to Y/n with another option, “So glad I have my date with Ajax tonight. Get my mind off of that trainwreck of an afternoon. I literally think I have PTSD. I didn’t even get to do my dance routine.” 

“Oh no, what a pity.” Y/n laughs at Enid’s dramatic behavior. 

“What kind of twisted psycho would want to sabotage such a life-affirming event?” Enid asks nobody in particular, the girl was really just talking to herself. 

Wednesday stops typing once more, “You’re going to be late.” 

Enid panics, “Is this outfit good enough?” 

“I already told you three times it was perfect.” Y/n tries to comfort her best friend. 

“Wish me luck.” Enid picks up her light pink coat. 

“If he breaks your heart, I will nail-gun his.” Wednesday says. 

Enid hugs Y/n before heading out, “Tell me everything.” 

Y/n continues to lay in Enid’s bed, not wanting to listen to Bianca go on about whatever happened to her today. Not after such a long day, instead she listened to Wednesday type away at her novel. 

An hour later Enid came back to the dorm, sobbing. Both Y/n and Wednesday do their best to console the distraught werewolf. But with little luck, she ends up crying herself to sleep while laying her head on Y/n’s lap. 

Y/n found herself laying back on Enid’s bed, ignoring the burning sensation in her hips and lower abdomen as she did so. She technically didn’t require blood flow, but her heart still beat like it did when she was alive. She remembered back in the 50s when that witch had made it possible. Y/n can’t quite remember how, too many years had passed.

The witch had made it so her heart could beat. Blood didn’t flow, but it beat as any regular old heart would. It was a sensation that Y/n didn’t require but she missed, she also mimicked breathing so much so that she believed that she needed to.

Y/n yearned to be human for so many years, she once would have done anything to go back to that fateful night and save herself. She would have saved herself from all of those lonely years, and would have married whatever man her parents suited. She thinks about how unhappy she would have been married to a man, a loveless marriage just like her parents’. 

Y/n drifted to sleep thinking about how horrid her life would have been had she not been killed that fateful night. She wakes once to the sound of Wednesday speaking to Thing as the two of them try to sneak out of the dorm. But Y/n decides to ignore it as Enid snores loudly, still using her thighs as pillows.

The next morning consists of getting up, and watching Wednesday as she puts up a board with photos that look like they're from a crime scene. Y/n doesn’t say anything as she watches the girl ‘decorate’ her side of the room, soft music that Wednesday must have put on playing as she does so. 

“When I suggested giving your side of the room a makeover, I didn’t have Ted Bundy’s Pinterest in mind.” Enid says, looking at the pictures. 

Wednesday turns to face the girl, “Still not as creepy as your stuffed unicorn collection.”

“Is this why you snuck out last night?” Y/n asks, getting up from her position on Enid’s bed. 

“Thing and I made an un-sanctioned trip to the county morgue, to copy the files of the monster's victims.” Wednesday speaks as though this were a normal trip for her. 

Enid shudders with disgust, “Okay there are so many levels of ‘ew’ in that statement and I don’t even know where to begin.” 

Wednesday’s head shakes ever so slightly, “I need to get inside its head. Discover any patterns or anomalies. I’ve already made a big discovery.” She begins to take pictures off of the black cork board. 

“Turns out, all of the monster’s victims have had body parts surgically removed.” The dark haired girl makes her way to where Enid and Y/n stood. 

She hands pictures to Y/n, “The first one a kidney, the second a finger,” 

Enid begins to feel faint as she looks at the pictures of severed body parts in Y/n’s hands, “Wednesday, I don’t feel so good.” 

“Third, a gallbladder.” She puts a finger up silencing Enid and moves back to her board. 

“And the bearded man, from the meeting house, two toes.” She slaps another picture on top of the small stack in Y/n’s hands, “Do you understand what this means? These murders aren’t mindless.” She goes back to the drawing board once more, continuing about her discovery passionately, “He’s collecting trophies like a seasoned serial killer. It’s quite impressive, actually.” 

Y/n is so focused on Wednesday’s rant she doesn’t notice as Enid’s body sways and her knees give out from beneath her. 

Both Y/n and Wednesday turn and look down at a now unconscious Enid, “Thing fetch the smelling salts. Again.” 

“What even is the gallbladder?” Y/n murmurs, staring at the pictures in her hands. 

Later that day Y/n and Wednesday sat next to one another in Botany with Ms Thornhill. 

“While most plants rewards their pollinators with sweet nectar, many carnivorous varieties turn to sexual trickery. Or deception.” Ms Thorhill talked about plants while Y/n looked at the purple flower in front of her. 

She could feel the eyes of Xavier burning a hole in the back of her skull, but she didn’t care. What she didn’t realize were the glances that Wednesday Addams stole every once and while. She studied the way Y/n’s face changed when she was paying attention vs when she was daydreaming. Wednesday realized she enjoyed the girl's presence more than she should, and chalked it up to Y/n being interested in her investigation and aided it. 

“The orchid produces a pheromone that mimics a female insect, luring the males in. Now, once the plant is pollinated, what do the male insects get in exchange?” Thornhill asks.

“Nada,” Bianca answers, “just like all the guys at the Rave’N.” 

A few kids stifled laughs, “Okay, okay. I know you’re all excited about Saturday. Which is why I haven’t assigned any homework.” 

Students cheered at the prospect of not having any homework, “But I do still need volunteers or the decorating committee. Anyone interested, come and see me up here.” Ms Thornhill finished. 

“Not gonna volunteer? That’s your strongest suit. Y’know, disco balls, spiked punch, and too drunk teen outcasts. Sounds like your kind of crowd.” Y/n teased Wednesday, who looked less than excited about the dance. 

“I’d rather stick needles in my eyes.” Wednesday responds, causing Y/n to smile, “I’ll probably do that anyway.” 

Both of them turn to grab their things, “Or you could invite someone, have some fun?” Y/n tried not to let her teasing tone drop, masking the twinge of hope she had. 

Wednesday ignores Y/n’s comment as they pack up the rest of their things, instead the scratches on Xavier’s neck caught her attention. He was her prime suspect of her investigation after all, she wouldn’t be caught alive thinking about something other than her investigation. 

“Don’t look so glum, I’m sure someone else will ask you to the Rave’N!” Enid tried to cheer Y/n up. 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I don’t even want to go to the dance.” Y/n lied, though she was not as skilled of a liar as she thought she was. 

“Whatever you say.” Enid mumbles. 

Later that day Bianca catches Y/n as she was in the library, studying between classes for an upcoming exam. 

“Hey, Y/n.” Bianca greeted, sitting next to the vampire. 

“Hi, Bianca.” Y/n greeted the same way, feeling weary of the siren. 

“Well, seeing as neither of us have dates to the Rav’N. And I’m assuming Enid already has a date, the two of us could go together. As friends, of course.” Bianca asks, well no not asks she says. 

“Oh! Well, how do you know I don’t have a date?” Y/n asked. 

“Because a certain pig-tailed goth asked Xavier. He told me all about it already.” Bianca said, not thinking about sugar coating it for the girl. 

“Oh, well it’s up to Wednesday who she goes with.” Y/n responds, sounding defeated. 

“We can go together, baddest bitch duo.” Bianca says. 

“Yeah, you’re right. We can go together.” Y/n responds, ignoring the ache deep within her soul. 

“Great, sounds like a plan. I’ll leave you to your studying.” Bianca gets up and leaves. 

Y/n didn’t know what game Bianca was playing at, but she decided she would go along with it anyways. After the conversation she had with Bianca, the studying she had once been doing was long forgotten.

Y/n packed up her notebooks and pens and made her way to her safe place, Enid’s dorm. Even though it was shared with the same girl that made her soul ache in ways she had never felt it ache before, it was still the most comforting place for her to be. 

“Oh my God! Wednesday Addams is going to the Rave’N!” Enid squeals as Y/n enters the room, unannounced. 

‘Jeez rub it in some more universe.’ Y/n thought to herself, before plastering on a smile. 

“My stars, Hell must have frozen over.” Y/n joked, letting her presence be known. 

“You know what you need now?” Enid asked. 

“A bullet to the head.” Wednesday responded coldly. 

“No! A dress!” Enid cries out. 

“I already have one.” Wednesday deadpans. 

Enid looks at the girl horrified, “Not the one you showed up here in, that thing was a fashion emergency not even lightning could resuscitate.” Enid turns to Y/n, “Back me up here.” 

Y/n puts her hands up, “Hey don’t drag me into this.” 

“Whatever, Thing?” Enid turns to where the hand sits on the music stand. 

Thing responds by putting his thumb up.

“You need something that screams, ‘First date. Stand back bitches! I have arrived!’.” Enid exclaims, “And I know just the place.” 

The next day after classes Enid drags Y/n and angry Wednesday to Jerricho to find dresses for the Rave’N. 

The three stand in front of the frilly and pink boutique, ‘Hawte Kewture’. 

“What kind of dystopian hellscape is this?” Wednesday asks, horrified. 

“Our first group shopping spree!” Enid squeals, excited, “Y/n and I have them all the time, but this is the first one with you! The dance committee’s suggesting all white to match the theme, but that’s not gonna fly with us.” 

Y/n adjusts her sunglasses in the reflection of the shop windows. 

“Well, I have more pressing business to worry about than a stupid dress, for a dance I don’t even want to attend.” Wednesday says, turning to face the other two girls. 

“But I thought we were bonding.” Enid says, clearly upset. 

“I feel I’ll only slow you two down, you’re gazelles. I’m a wounded fawn. Cut me loose and go run with the pack.” Wednesday looked over as Yoko and Divina walked into the brightly colored shop. 

“You sure?” Y/n asked, knowing damn well that Wednesday Addams did not want to go shopping. 

Enid laces her fingers with Y/n’s and drags her along into the shop. Y/n was immediately overwhelmed by the different fragrances hitting her nose and the soft noise of some pop songs that were on the radio. 

“You alright?” Enid asked, seeing Y/n scrunch her nose up. 

“Oh, yeah just a lot of different smells. They don’t all compliment each other.” Y/n mentions, moving to look at the racks of dresses. 

Quickly Enid begins to find dresses to try on, Y/n moves between the racks. Gently touching fabrics she thinks would feel nice against her skin. 

Minutes later Enid returns, putting dresses back on the racks before shuffling through more. Shopping was Enid Sinclair’s superpower, she might not have been able to wolf out. But she was a God at finding just the perfect outfit for any occasion. 

Y/n mindlessly looked at dresses, not really caring for any of the ones she’d seen. 

Enid gasped as she saw a light blue dress, she grabbed it to look at it better.

“Try this on, now.” Enid demanded, shoving the dress into the vampire’s arms. 

“Okay, miss bossy pants.” Y/n teases, moving to the dressing rooms. 

Y/n takes notice of the way the silk material feels between her fingers, the pale blue glinting in the harsh lighting of the dressing room. She quickly takes off the purple pin-striped uniform that was issued to her at the beginning of the school year. Y/n had since taken it into her own hands and changed it, made it more her. 

Her first years back at Nevermore, Weems had gotten mad and punished her for the altercations to the uniform. But after the second year she had decided it wasn’t worth the fight, and allowed the ‘young’ vampire to express herself within reason. 

Y/n carefully slipped the dress on, and zipped it up before looking in the mirror adjusting the straps so it fit properly. She stared at herself in the mirror, taking in the dress. Then taking in the way the dress looked on her. It perfectly complemented her skin, which had paled over the years from a lack of blood flowing through her veins. 

She had decided that this was the dress and quickly changed back into her school uniform. She left the dressing room with the dress in hand, she found a pair of white heels to go with the dress and purchased the items. 

Enid had messaged her letting her know that she stopped by the Weathervane with Yoko and Divina.   

[zedortoo]

Mr Stick headcanons before I sleep bc why not... below cut meows cutely (half of these were 'inspired' by Olympe's. Read: I straight up stole them)

He has to practice his sleazy new yorker salesman accent in front of the mirror every day so he doesn't slip up because then people will realize he's a DISGUSTING FRENCHIE

when he's overwhelmed or tired though he just starts cursing in french and people who have recently met him are confused because they thought he was American

He's got a CRAZYYY sweet tooth. It rivals the Noises at times but Stick generally had better self control... Most of the time. He'll still enjoy savory things but will go into withdrawal if he doesn't buy himself a little treat every day.

He really enjoys anything chocolate flavored but mint chocolate is his personal favorite because mint chocolate is fucking good fight me. He's actually a regular at Noisette's cafe and loves her specialty "chocolate milk with toothpaste" (mint chocolate milk is surprisingly good trust me dude)

Most people would presume he likes high end foods, but he's actually a very picky eater. He's afraid of eating shellfish and always triple checks his chicken to make sure it's not pink in the middle and asks for an outsider's input if he's not sure. He's even called up peppino on occasion to put him on video call to check if his dino nuggets are cooked right.

He's got a SUPER souped up flip phone. He loves how portable they are and he's somehow made it run smoothly on apple software. It's got all sorts of gadgets he's added to it, like a set of screwdrivers that pop out of it and a beam of white-hot light that shoots out of his camera and vaporizes anything in his path. Why does he need this? Who knows.

He's very aero- and aqua- dynamic. When he annoys peppino too much, peppino simply picks him up between thumb and forefinger and throws him like a paper dart.

That's all for now hope you enjoy and ummm give me one million dollars

[datoneboardedguy]

Charmcaster x Male Reader Fanfiction (LEMON!)

(DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THE BEN 10 IP OR ANY OF IT’S CHARACTERS!)

Third POV:

A few weeks after Charmcaster/Hope kicks out Darkstar she starts getting lonely again & gets an idea to use her magic to get a man from Earth at random to brainwash & seduce under her spell, she casts the spell to the magical arch door & it disappears to pick someone up.

M/R’s POV:

I’m clocking off of work just as the taller guy called Kevin I think? As he arrives to clock in for his shift he passive aggressively shoulder bumps me as we pass each other, I don’t usually pay much attention since I only ever see him in passing as I get off work. Along the way home I see plenty of students wandering around the neighbourhood coming & going, since I’m not paying attention I almost bumped into a red head student as she says “Whoa, watch out where you’re going.” I look forward & see she’s walking with a blonde girl in a wheelchair who I’d presume is her friend & say “Oh sorry, I wasn’t attention. Excuse me..” as I swiftly walked around the two & went on my merry way. I approached a back alleyway to take a quick shortcut to my street but as I reached the alleyway entrance a couple of teens came out from around the corner with a pair of Mr Smoothie drinks in hand & completely blindsided me, one was a Chinese girl in a pink hoodie & the other was dude in a green leather biker jacket & he spills his Smoothie’s all over my clothes & I say in frustration “AH SH$T!” Then my phone sparks & shorts out zapping my left hand making me drop it due to being soaked in smoothie liquid it then smashes into pieces upon impact with the footpath pavement ground. “MOTHERF%#KER!” The guy apologetically says “Sorry sorry for your clothes & your phone, I didn’t see you!”- “URGH JUST WATCH OUT WHERE YOU’RE GOING NEXT TIME!” I then hastily walk away to head home & get cleaned up & study.

Then as I’m about to get home a massive rift opens up right in front of me which turns into a huge stone arch double door, then a bunch of illuminated pink symbols appear on the top of the arch door before the door slowly starts to open up. Sucking me into the door like a vacuum i then fly through the door & I’m now suddenly falling through a pink void onto a floating stone pathway in the middle of nowhere. I look up at the door I feel through only then for the door to shuts & vanishes, then a castle appears right in front of me & the castle gate opens up revealing a smoking hot white haired woman around my wearing some kind of purple & black costume with a black tiara looking crown that kind of resembles a big black eyebrow for some reason you’d see straight out of D&D. Then she walks towards me with her seductive swaying hips while saying “Looks my man package has arrived, I’m Charmcaster. Welcome to my Realm, that’s right this is my realm..”- “What’s going on here? Where the heck am I & can I PLEASE go home now?!” “Oh my little bird, you’re not ever going home, because this is your home now!..” “Like hell it is!..” I then started running away from her trying to find a way out of here. “So you want to play hard to get huh? Very well. ..Run, run, run as fast as you can! But you’ll never escape me!”

After what seemed like hours of nonstop running in what seems like an endless void of pinkish nothingness I finally found a town on stone buildings but as I got closer to it I realised that it was completely abandoned, a ghost town. “Oh you gotta be fucking kidding me?!” Then I hear a voice behind me say “You can’t run from me sweetie, my realm as you can see ..is endless.” I turned around to face her as she proceeded to say “..& you’re never getting out.” She then starts casting her magic to try & snare me, run away before she finishes her spell into the abandoned ghost town. As I’m running through the empty streets I’m dodging nonstop attacks. Until I get cornered inside of a windowless stone building with a single door way in or out & she’s standing right in the middle of it. “There you are, now hold still sweetie.” She says as she tried to snare me again but I barely dodged it & now I’m literally backed up against a wall with nowhere else to go as she tries again to snare me she, succeeds in grabbing & tying my body up with her magic snare & is slowly pulling me towards her as she says seductively “Nice try handsome, but you can’t escape your destiny.” I’m now standing right in front of her as she proceeds to seductively whisper “Just give yourself into me..” then she puts both of her pink glowing hands to the sides of my face but not touching my face she then closes the distance between us & as our lips finally touch my mouth is immediately flooded with soo much energy my mind immediately goes numb with lust for Charmcaster & I now can’t stop wanting to rip her clothes off & just sexually devoure her slim well toned muscular body & I immediately get a throbbing hard erection, her hands touch my face suddenly Charmcaster warps us both into her supposed bedroom.

We now proceed to passionately deepen our make out session as she magically warps both of our clothes off of us, she then pushes onto her bed. I momentarily regain my senses but I can’t move as Charmcaster seductively crawls onto the bed & crawls on top of me as she seductively whispers into my left ear “You’re mine now M/R..” then she grabs my face & starts deeply passionately making out with me & my mind immediately goes back to blind lust & thirst for her & we started pulling each other close as she inserts my precum leaking member into her folds & we started aggressively making love & thrusting into each other like rapid animals as she’s moaning into my mouth as we’re making out & suddenly pushes my face into her breasts & on impulse I started sucking & devouring her rack making her loudly moan even more. I feel her hands gripping the hairs at the back of my head the more I’m sexually devouring her breasts, I then start to kiss & lick my way up to neck & up to her face to resume our make out session, she moans into it as she starts using her magic to cover my body in her mind controlling runes, every second she traces her fingertips along my body sends endless amounts of ecstasy filled shivers down my spine as she ironically speaks in tongues into our deep kisses & as she finishes tracing her magical fingers over my entire body I feel my climax approaching & I think I can somehow sense hers as well, with every thrust both of her & my moans start to eco louder inside my head & as we finally climax our collective moans filled the bedroom & all of the halls of her castle walls.

As we finally finished she grabbed my face & gave me one last deep passionate kiss as I feel it, her runes start glowing & my body started turning into stone. Her eyes opened up to reveal her beautiful glowing eyes & my eyes started glowing as well as i sink into her beautiful gaze & suddenly I’m no more.. & my master Charmcaster seductively says “Welcome to the family my new lovely thrall!..”

The End!..

[beardedmrbean]

[Huey Zoomer anon]

Okay I keep seeing this from modern fantasy writers with Rings of Power

Modern fantasy writers and their fans: Fantasy lack diversity!

Me: okay i understand when it comes to fantasy most western think of lord of the rings and other European stuff. But when in the crimson FUCK you were force to SOLELY use those European settings?!

Also someone pointed out that when it comes to games like Forspoken “diversity” they point out the issues of CULTURAL EXCHANGE when it comes to non white characters

Probably because the writers don’t look up or don’t understand it…or presume the trendy 2nd to 4th generation SJWs non whites known everything about their heritage….

Like I pointed out how Assassin Creed used historical trade routes to their advantage or most famous is them using the polo brothers travels to the east to set up the Italy renaissance games

I rant on forspoken a lot because it came from a cancelled sequel for Final Fantasy 15 and use the same engine

Wanna guess how I feel seeing the lane af shit in Forspoken which was supposed to be “next gen” vs the cool shit I did in FF15 that I own a physical copy since I was 16? 🥴

Also you can solely introduce Afro Mythos ti western audiences, get them familiar with it. And than do bigger projects

Long term gain is how Henry ford, Firestone, Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs, and historical figures made us their sheep even in death

ALSO FUCKING USE FANTASY MIX WITH STEAMPUNK FOR BLACK AMERICANS INSPIRED CHARACTERS- oh right they hate capitalism and don’t understand that black Americans, and Americans in general, are a new breed of humans history haven’t seen before at such a large scale

“PRAISE THE CHIMERAS, AS THEY ARE THE UNHOLY UNION OF COUNTLESS ROOTS!”

You says I might disappear for 8 weeks straight as soon as shadows get into my hands. I would but I need money!

Ugh, how did these writers work on so big projects?

Me: okay i understand when it comes to fantasy most western think of lord of the rings and other European stuff. But when in the crimson FUCK you were force to SOLELY use those European settings?!

I'd love to see some Nigerian folktale get turned into a movie or series and force in some Koreans in the name of diversity™ and see how that goes over, probably not well since it's supposed to only be European folktales.

Also someone pointed out that when it comes to games like Forspoken “diversity” they point out the issues of CULTURAL EXCHANGE when it comes to non white characters

Again that only works if it's not a story that's European in origin, like it looks like you're saying.

Probably because the writers don’t look up or don’t understand it…or presume the trendy 2nd to 4th generation SJWs non whites known everything about their heritage….

Most of us know we're mutts, or I'd hope we do at least. Genetics=/=culture, white baby that is the only survivor of a plane crash in Chad and is adopted by one of the local families, grows up knowing only that culture and what not is going to be more African than a 5th generation black American dude in Harlem.

Wanna guess how I feel seeing the lane af shit in Forspoken which was supposed to be “next gen” vs the cool shit I did in FF15 that I own a physical copy since I was 16? 🥴

I imagine that's common for lots of people.

Also you can solely introduce Afro Mythos ti western audiences, get them familiar with it. And than do bigger projects

I would enjoy that so long as I don't have to put up with people telling me "It's not for you" because then I will just not interact with it thus denying it my money, since if it's not for me why do I care.

ALSO FUCKING USE FANTASY MIX WITH STEAMPUNK FOR BLACK AMERICANS INSPIRED CHARACTERS- oh right they hate capitalism and don’t understand that black Americans, and Americans in general, are a new breed of humans history haven’t seen before at such a large scale

See previous "mutt" comments

“PRAISE THE CHIMERAS, AS THEY ARE THE UNHOLY UNION OF COUNTLESS ROOTS!”

Amen

You says I might disappear for 8 weeks straight as soon as shadows get into my hands. I would but I need money!

Still working, just not on here so much was what I was getting at, free time will be taken up with playing Shadows and soaking all of it in.

Ugh, how did these writers work on so big projects?

For Stephen King it was copious amounts of cocaine, at least after he was established.

Getting yourself established is the issue, used to be you had someone that was rich as a patron, those are few and far between now but Pateron does exist so they can try and get covered by lots of people, which seems to work for some folks.

Which I'm glad about that, oddly that was one of the original reasons for onlyfans to exist, pateron alternative, people found out they were porn friendly tho so it went the way it's going now.

[peaktotheocean]

home

pairing: steddie ao3 link: here summary: Steve showing up to a metal festival after a twelve hour shift teaching/babysitting a bunch of five year olds, not even changed or showered from his day, covered in paint that he was never going to get out of his favorite sweater vest? The most romantic thing Eddie could think of.

September was already pushing it for an outdoor musical festival in the midwest. Personally, Gareth thought it was better because metal fans quite often wore rather heavy and leather outfits. They were primed to stay warm in the chill as opposed to overheating in July. But no one asked him. 

They did ask him to play drums though. 

Well, Corroded Coffin was headlining the final Chicago show but same thing. 

Touring was all well and good but there was something about being able to play a show in the town where they lived. Corroded Coffin could do a late set, get home on the last L of the night, and still go to sleep in their own beds, with their partners, and for Jeff at least, his toddlers who had no doubt already escaped their cribs hours prior. 

It was the best of both worlds. Rock stars and the comforts of home.

Not to mention the hometown crowds got the best kind of rowdy. 

It hadn’t been too long of a tour. Just three weeks of this new festival. But as Gareth got older (older, god, he was barely 28), he could see how they all felt it in different ways, the nonstop travel and shows wearing on them just a bit. 

To be back in Chicago, finally, after three whirlwind weeks felt too good. Gareth shook his head. A whole three weeks for this traveling festival. They were getting old maybe.

Not too old though. The act before them finished with a bang and Gareth felt that pre-show adrenaline begin to race through his veins and a little shiver went up his spine. He raised an eyebrow at Jeff who fist bumped him and shook out his shoulders a bit. Gareth couldn’t see Eddie but he could hear him further back in the wings, coaxing his first guitar into a final tune. 

The two on-stage performers stumbled into the wings. They were a relatively seasoned duo and old enough that they joined the wind-down tour bus every night with Corroded Coffin instead of the party bus with a few of the younger bands. 

The only issue was that Gareth could never keep their names straight. They had always been introduced together as Tim and Dan so he kept it that way, always addressing them as a unit. Dan and Tim. Tim and Dan. 

“Nice set,” Jeff complimented them, tossing them each a bottle of water. Either Tim or Dan immediately cracked it open and dumped the whole thing over his head. “Crowd is pumped tonight.”

“They are the best. Oh man. Except for—“ Dan and Tim looked at one another and burst into laughter. They both tried to talk over one another to explain, which didn’t help Gareth’s current issue of not being able to tell them apart. 

“This one guy. A white dude with—“ Hands waved, fluffing up each other’s hair in a presumed imitation of the audience member. 

“A dorky sweater vest—“

“Covered in paint. I thought it was the pattern on the vest at first.” Dan or Tim mimed splattered paint onto his soaked white shirt. 

“Like he took a wrong turn—“

“Or popped out of some portal from another universe.”

“He seems to be enjoying himself though,” one of them said graciously. “He came prepared with earplugs at any rate.”

Gareth looked over at Jeff and they both grinned. Jeff leaned his chair back to check for Eddie but the coast was clear. He crooked a finger at the duo that had so accurately described their lead singer’s partner. 

"Where was this guy?" Jeff asked excitedly. 

"To the right. Can't miss him, man. He sticks out."

Jeff and Gareth both made a rush for the stage, stopping just short of stepping out of the wings. They pushed each other out of the way to get a glimpse at the crowd, all while trying their best not to be seen.

There, true to form and the description brought to them by Tim and Dan, was Steve Harrington in all his glory. Gareth knew that sweater vest all too well. A few months back, the band had drunkenly ranked all of Steve’s outfits and this vest was top ten. Though it was now tragically covered in neon orange and yellow paint all down the front. 

The duo was right about one thing: Steve certainly stuck out in the crowd. If not for his clothing but also because of his actions. No head banging though there was some light head bopping happening, with a small smile and the bright green of his earplugs just barely visible. No chains or leather in sight. Just Steve.

“Oh man, he made it.”

“Eddie is gonna freak.”

“This guy do something to Eddie?” Dan or Tim asked, in such a protective and sweet way that Gareth wished he could remember their names just for that. 

“Nah, that’s Ed’s man," Jeff told them. “They’ve been together since his final senior year."

“You’re kidding me. That guy?” He double-checked again, popping his head above Gareth and Jeff's own, shaking his head in disbelief. 

“He's a kindergarten teacher on the north side. Hence the paint.” Gareth gestures to his own chest. Paint-covered leather wouldn’t be the worst idea for outfits. Maybe the next album cover. It wouldn’t be the first time they’d raided Steve’s supply boxes. “Last spring he came back to the house covered in glitter and they’re still vacuuming it up.”

“You mean Steve is still vacuuming it up.” Jeff shuddered. His children weren't old enough for kindergarten just yet but he could only imagine the revenge Steve would get up to once his girls walked into their uncle's classroom.

“True," Gareth agreed. "He felt bad. Kindergarten rooms need those hazmat showers, man. Like chemistry labs.”

“Do we tell him? Eddie, I mean.” 

“Well, we have to warn security too cause once Eddie sees him, he might dive off the stage," Jeff murmured. Steve's schedule wasn't exactly conducive to their own but he did his best to come out and support the band whenever he could. And each time, Eddie looked at him like it was the best gift he could ever ask for.

Gareth held him back before he could flag down their main bodyguard, an idea forming.

"Maybe we don't warn Eddie. But we do warn security."

"That Eddie might jump into the crowd? That's pretty standard."

"He'll sing to Steve but I don't think he'll go complete PDA." Gareth shook his head, trying to work out a plan. Eddie tried his best to hold back for Steve in public even though that didn't stop him from talking about his partner in print or any other media..

“True. Steve is…well, shy now,” Jeff agreed. He was so unlike the jock they knew in high school. Still Steve, for sure, but more confident and a nicer guy. He kept away from the attention as much as Eddie fed off of it. And Eddie loved no attention as much as the kind he got from Steve. 

“There’s PDA and then there’s PDA,” Gareth defended Steve. “There’s hundreds of people out there. Thousands.”

“So we get a security guy to wait until Eddie sees Steve and then have them bring Steve backstage." Jeff made a face, immediately realizing the logical end to the night. "Then we'll lose our dressing room to the two of them."

"Last time that happened, Steve made lasagna as an apology," Gareth pointed out. He had dreams about that lasagna. "I figure we get Eddie riled up enough, Steve will make us a four course meal."

"Cheesecake," Jeff whispered reverently. "Elena loves that cheesecake of his. She won't stop asking me for the recipe."

"Why didn't you just ask Steve?"

"I asked Eddie."

"That was your first mistake."

Jeff went to handle security and Gareth spun his sticks in his hand, not with anxiety but with excitement. Eddie wouldn't notice Steve during their first song, or even their second. He was almost positive. But right before they launched into their third song, when they paused so Eddie could say hello to the crowd and drink some water. That's when it would happen.

He knew his friend way too well. But hopefully he and Jeff and their families would get a good meal out of it. 

Gareth could still tell the second Eddie saw Steve. His best friend being in love never got old.

-

Steve knew the second Eddie spotted him in the crowd. The slight double-take, the straightened spine, and then the laser focus— all on Steve. 

Then came the smile. 

A beam of sunshine on the chilly Chicago night that Eddie kept trying to talk through, even as he shook his head and stumbled over a few words into the microphone. The crowd could have cared less. Eddie could do no wrong in their eyes. The applause and cheering never stopped.

Steve wouldn’t say he was used to Eddie's delighted expression or the way he did an excited little spin, barely avoiding tripping over the microphone wire. He hoped he never would be, even though it did single-handedly extend the long list of things Robin teased him about. Eddie's energy was always infectious and adorable and made Steve grin instantly. And there was something different about it when Steve experienced it in a crowd.

He didn't get out to see the boys as much as he wanted. His own career made it hard to come on tour outside of the summer. And the migraines didn't help either. Eddie understood, they both did. But god they missed each other.

“Hello you beautiful people!" Eddie shouted into the microphone and the crowd roared back at him. "My boys! My girls! My everyone not constrained by the binary!” Eddie winked and then leered in Steve’s direction. There was sweat and hair everywhere and he had only done two songs so far. Steve loved him so much. “And a special welcome to my man!”

Steve didn't bother holding back a loud laugh and did a little wave to Eddie, who reared back and clutched at his heart, as though he felt the force from it. He quickly skipped forward again, coming to stage right and leaning over as far as he could. They were still a good twenty feet away from each other but Eddie blew Steve a kiss and the crowd went wild. 

Even while knowing his face must be beet red, Steve did what he always did when Eddie blew him a kiss: caught it. 

He held it against his chest and shook his head, even while smiling. Eddie did a spin again and while his partner had never been a ballerina, it sure seemed as though he was using Steve as his own personal spotting point. Then Gareth slammed them into their next song. 

It didn't take long for a security guard to tap him on the shoulder and well, Steve had been expecting it. Jeff or Gareth had probably spotted him. It wouldn’t exactly be difficult in his outfit since he had to come right from the school. He'd watch Eddie from the crowd, from the wings, from anyplace at all.

-

Eddie was well aware that his ideas of romance were vastly different from that of the general population. Metal, for one-- super romantic music in Eddie's opinion.

His partner showing up after a twelve hour shift teaching/babysitting a bunch of five year olds, not even changed or showered from his day, covered in paint that he was never going to get out of his favorite sweater vest? The most romantic thing Eddie could think of. 

Steve carefully bobbing his head along to Eddie's music? Also romantic. 

These were songs that Eddie wrote with Steve by his side. First in his old trailer back in Hawkins and then in the shitty freezing loft that they shared with the rest of the band their first year in Chicago. Steve had been with him the whole time, pressed up against him, stroking his hair while Eddie scribbled furiously, trying to put into words how love made him feel like he was going to explode. There was nothing more metal than that. 

Eddie could see the bright green earplugs in Steve's ears. He was usually the one to put them gently into Steve's ears whenever the band needed to jam inside their house instead of at a fancy studio. When it was still just for them as opposed to any executives or engineers. 

God, Eddie loved that man.

“You knew?” Eddie yelled back to Gareth and Jeff in between songs. 

“Security’s got ‘im!” Jeff hollered back instead of answering the question. “They’re bringing him back!”

Eddie automatically looked to the wings at that and there was Steve, looking just as besotted as Eddie felt. Head tilted to the side and a smile that grew when he saw that Eddie was watching him. 

He was on air the rest of the set. The crowd, the band, the music. Everything had aligned for Eddie Munson and after three weeks on tour, he had come home in the best possible way. There was a heat against his left side, all from Steve's stare through the rest of their songs, including their two encores. 

The crowd was still hollering for more as Eddie bounced off the stage, Gareth and Jeff following close behind. Both of them slapping Steve on the back as they passed by him. Jeff thankfully grabbing Eddie's guitar before he could smack himself or Steve with it. 

“Hey sweetheart," Eddie said softly, voice raspy after a long night. He slid up into Steve's space and wrapped his arms around his neck, letting his fingers play with the long hair curling up there. He kissed Steve once, twice, and a third time before remembering he had to control his breathing just as carefully here as he did on stage. 

Eddie knew sounds and Steve's laughter was the greatest of them all. 

“You guys sounded fantastic.” Steve kissed him again, bringing his hands up to cup Eddie's face. He hadn't stopped smiling since the start of their set and with Eddie back in his arms, he certainly wasn't about to. 

With his voice dropping to a whisper, Eddie asked quietly, "Head?" He gathered Steve in his arms, impossibly closer and Steve's head rested on Eddie's shoulder for minute, earplugs still firmly in place. Eddie stroked his hair, fluffy even after being in a hectic classroom all day. 

Steve, slow and still smiling, carefully shook the head in question, rubbing his face against Eddie's shoulder like a cat. “Head is good, I promise.” He kissed Eddie's shoulder and then looked up, pressing a kiss to Eddie's lips so sweetly that his partner wrapped his arms tight around Steve's waist, refusing to let go.

They could hear the crowd leaving and roadies were packing up around them and Eddie just wanted one more quiet minute with Steve before the ride home. He had missed him so much. He didn't need Steve's arms tightening around his neck to know that he felt the same. 

“A sweater vest though, really?” A voice came from the side, a few feet away. One of the previous acts, one half of a duo that Gareth never remembered the name of. 

“Yeah and I can't wait to peel it off of him tonight,” Eddie growled at Dan. He could feel Steve's chest shaking with laughter against him but he didn't miss the fist bump between Jeff and Gareth. Those two were so weak for his Steve's cooking. 

They'd better not be expecting anything in the next few days because Eddie fully intended to be wrapped up in only Steve and their sheets for the whole weekend. He inhaled and breathed in Steve, whole and in front of him. It was all Eddie had ever wanted. 

-

-

ty for reading! -- ao3 link: here

[josieblueart]

Day 2-Flesh

Fun fact! The poor dude that gets Nothing There’d is named after a character from Sinclair’s literary source, Demian!

~🫁~

Come to the old L-Corp branch in Calw for our meeting. Don’t be late~

~The One who Grips

That was the letter that was delivered to Alfon’s door this morning. No explanation, no meeting time, nothing. Had he even scheduled an appointment or something?

Nevertheless, he couldn’t bear to think of what would happen if he was late.

It took some time to figure out how to get into the facility, but even once he got in, he had no idea where she was. The more he wandered, the more uncomfortable he became. Various torture devices, presumably used on heretics, were scattered around the area. Strangely, the smell of blood was more overwhelming than metal or oil.

Finally, he came across a doorway. Instinctively, he knew that this was where she wanted to meet him. A shadow in the corner of his eye swiftly moved, though he was unsure if he had actually seen something.

He was about to knock when a sound caught his attention, making him hesitate. It sounded like a low growl, as if a wild animal had snuck into the facility.

Finally, Alfon knocked on the door, to which it was quickly opened.

“Alfon!~ I’m glad you made it!”

She seemed so cheery, not what he was expecting from The One who Grips. “I’m honored to be called upon, O One who Grips.” He said, trying to hide his slight anxiety. In response, she laughed. “Oh please, just call me Kromer. Now come in here.”

As he followed the woman, he couldn’t help but wish he was back at his room drunk off his ass, with how unsettling the facility was. “I’ve been testing the EGO equipment left over from this old place.” She paused for a moment, turning to him. “You do know what I mean by EGO, right?”

His mind scrambled for a quick response that didn’t seem stupid. “Yes! Of course! Ever since L-Corp fell, its technology was made public by The Head.” She smiled at him, before continuing.

“Good, that will make things go by quicker.”

He watched Kromer approach a nearby chest, digging in it for a while. Finally, she procured a set of armor, resembling the standard inquisitor outfit. The only difference was that the right arm piece was colored red. “I’ve been able to infuse the original EGO with the inquisitor uniforms, just so it fits in better.”

He didn’t get time to question her priorities before it was shoved into his hands. “Put it on.” She ordered. Alfon was quick to obey, hurriedly equipping the armor. After it was fully equipped, a strange feeling of comfort washed upon them.

Then, without warning, the comfort was replaced with a horrible tightness. As he fell to his knees, Kromer started to speak to him once more. “You feel it, don’t you? There’s a reason why I chose you.”

Something was slowly attaching itself to his skin, making his skin crawl. Just as he wished for it to go away, however, it retracted. “Even if it’s a diluted version of the original, there are still requirements that you must meet, so that you won’t be taken over.”

The more he continued to resist, the harder it became to stay in a steady mind. All the while, she continued to speak. “Nagel und Hammer values the flesh more than anything, and this EGO…” She laughed, a sound that grated his ears. “Oh…it’s wonderful, and now, you’ll get to experience its gift.”

She crouched down, a horrible smile painted across her face. His mind continued to become clouded. As he looked down at his arm, his blood ran cold.

It was covered in a red mess, covering every last inch. Spikes had protruded from the skin, and holes started to open, either revealing an eye or a mouth. The growth had already started to spread beyond his shoulder, and onto his face.

It was nearly impossible to think straight. Kromer continued to speak about humans and the body and whatever, it had become white noise at this point. One sentence had pierced through the static in his mind.

“Just give in already.”

For a moment, he stopped his resistance. He was nothing but a tool for her crusade, why should he be resisting? Everyone else did so, it was only natural, right? All his time, he devoted himself to following her orders, after all, it was the closest thing he had to home. But for something like this? It was insane!

Alfon, in his conflicted mind, had let down his guard, and in turn, his body was taken over.

By the end, he was simply a beast of flesh. His right arm transformed into a blade covered in spikes, eyes, and mouths. The right half of his face was covered in the growth as well, the eye becoming useless. Kromer laughed at the sight. “That’s better. Now come along, I have a place for you to rest.”

Without hesitation, the humanoid followed. He was nothing of his prior self, yet everything of what an inquisitor should be in Kromer’s eyes. The purest example of what she wished for.

[inkofamethyst]

May 2, 2023

AYYYY I SOLVED THE MYSTERY BEFORE THEY DID :D  First time, House s3e2 :)))))  Medical mystery shows are a bit different from the typical whodunnit show because there’s a huge amount of knowledge that I simply do not possess and never intend to.  I know some basic bio and a bit of anatomy with a few fun medical facts thrown in, but I can’t ever in the slightest expect myself to deduce the culprit in any episode, unlike in Midsomer Murders or something where fewer of the clues require extensive, broad-ranging knowledge of very specific topics.  Regardless, I can’t stop myself from semi-actively thinking about solutions to medical mysteries, and it’s finally paid off (mostly thanks to my undergrad concentration in genetics).

I’m not very good at asserting myself.  I am very afraid of being wrong, even when there are no actual consequences.  This is.. not good.  Not at all.  I keep thinking back to when that expert dude was pestering engaging me when I was first presenting my research, and he asked me why I hadn’t included one particularly recent paper in my references.  I thought for sure I had scoured publications and had the most recent articles that mentioned my topic even in passing.  But I didn’t say that.  I could have, but I waited for this white-haired old dude to look up the paper and search for my keyword only for it to not show up anywhere.  Then I felt comfortable saying that I had only found xyz papers and that no one has touched this topic in years blah blah blah.  Everyone can be wrong, everyone.  But that doesn’t necessarily mean I should keep my mouth shut when I think I’m right.  It does the body good, to get used to being wrong sometimes (I’m still reeling from when I confidently asked a question in my first math lecture freshman year and it turns out my assumptions were wrong and the question didn’t make any sense (I really need to let that go)).

Today I’m thankful for my ulta cozy grad uni sweatshirt (likely the first of... three, probably) :)  I know that it’s going to be ~academically rigorous~ n all but I am looking forward to the aesthetic SO MUCH.  I mean, I look so good in this color.  The libraries, the cafes, the commanding a certain level of respect and admiration... UGH.  Literally can’t wait.

Also thankful that while I am technically in my second to last week of school,,,, two of my profs have straight up cancelled class for the last week.  Keep in mind, I only attend three actual classes twice a week, plus a discussion section.  So next week is literally just ballet on two mornings and that’ll be it lol.  No TAing, no more coursework for my major.  My major will sort of just end after I take my last two midterms (and presumably do well on them) and submit my final project for cell bio.

Plan is to go for a night on the town next week after the last day of classes with my photo-, dancer-, and cello-friends.  I’ve never been to a club before.  I did buy a top for the occasion :)  I’ve never even gone drinking before.  I don’t know how much to budget.  $50?  $100???  I’m not trying to go crazy or anything, but transportation, cover, drinks... it’s not cheap.

Gotta force myself to go to bed.  I managed to not take a nap today despite being wrecked by the sleepytired, and I’ve encountered a second wind which is screwing with me.  And it’s uncharacteristically chilly outside, so I can’t go for a promenade about the mall to tire myself out.  I need to be up at seven tomorrow oh my godddd.  Maybe the baritone drone of Cecil Gershwin Palmer can knock me out [edit, next day: night vale did the trick!].