#it’s VAN who tells the story where others can hear. VAN who sits at the fire and gives them somewhere to go

[novelconcepts]

Van as storyteller. Van, with a miserable home life, a place where she has to raise herself. Van, who’s probably been telling herself stories to ward off the loneliness for years. Van, who sees stories as escape.

Van, who lands in the woods and starts telling stories aloud. Van, who has all these movies living inside her head, who lets them out to make everyone else feel less alone. Van, who takes a campfire dynamic and turns the dial to eleven, because stories are comfort, stories are safety, stories are home.

Van, who understands more than anyone expects expressly because of stories. Van, who sees the situation through the lens of a narrative arc. Beginning. Middle. End. Van, who watches the plot unfold, watches the twists and turns, and can’t stop telling the story aloud. Van, who knows all too well what kind of story they’ve landed in.

Van, who can’t stop telling the story now. Van, who sees the truth behind the tale. Van, who is finally done regurgitating the narratives that bring her comfort, who turns instead to the ones that will keep them alive. Van, who understands stories are sometimes the only way out, the only way to escape.

[reilemon]

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ Under The Stars ✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧

♡︎ pairing: Xavier x fem!reader

｡°⚠︎°｡MINORS DNI (18+ ONLY)｡°⚠︎°｡

♡︎cw:unprotected sex, tent sex, semi-public sex, oral sex (male receiving), dry humping, pussy job, cum swallowing

♡︎word count: 3.9k

♡︎synopsis: What happens when you share a tent with your crush? The story starts where the memory Precious Bonfire ends.

♡︎a/n: I wrote this during my ovulation week. Also, I went over this once, so if you see any mistakes, no you don't.

♡︎ special thanks to my beta reader ♡︎@its-de♡︎ for reading and helping me with this!

banner by @cafekitsune

Xavier looks up from the game card “Ah, I figured out what I want my payment to be.” He smiles softly at you and hands you the card, “Tell me when you’re overwhelmed next time.”

A little confused, you absent-mindedly take the card that’s not even yours. “That doesn’t sound like a payment.”

“Well, it is.”

“No, it’s not. Think of something else!” You say with playfulness in your voice. Of course you don’t mind accepting to “pay him off” in this way, but he’s been so helpful and resourceful today, that you’d feel bad for asking for more assistance.

He just shakes his head and stands up from his seat in the camping van, and walks away. End of discussion, I guess.

୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆

You spent a few minutes sitting alone in the van, decompressing, but also thinking of ways to return the favor. Seriously, what’s a good way to show him your gratitude? You know he’s not doing this because he expects something in return. Xavier is a genuine and sweet soul, someone who is reliable (except in the kitchen) with a soothing presence. He never seems overwhelmed, even when he lights his oven on fire.

You sigh wistfully. You were hoping he was going to say “Let’s go on a date!” or “Can I sleep in your tent?” or maybe “You know, the front of my pants is feeling a little tight, could you lend me a hand –“ you blush, hiding your face in your hands. If only.

You glance at your phone to look at the time. You decide you’ve spent enough time away from everyone, letting your mind wander – how big is it? – okay, you really need to focus and go back to your colleagues.

୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆

The rest of the evening went uneventful – you hung out with your friends, cleaned up the mess and then took a relaxing shower. Somewhere between cleaning up and the shower, you swiped a pack of chocolate covered strawberries from the mafia game winner. You wanted those strawberries the moment your eyes landed on them in that pile of snacks.  And you’ll buy them later and give them back, so technically you’re borrowing them!

Besides, you want to give them to Xavier as a small thank you. He deserves more than this, but it will do for now.

Anyway, after the refreshing shower, you’re looking around the campsite. Most of your colleagues are cozying up in their tents, only a few still talking and drinking outside. Where’s Xavier?

You saw him earlier hanging out with others, but now… your eyes land on his figure, lounging by a tree away from all the tents.

You approach him. “There’s no way I’m letting you sleep outside.”

Xavier, not opening his eyes, says “I have no problem sleeping outside.”

“Well, as the captain of this group, I very much do.” You extend your arm towards him “C’mon, you can sleep in my tent.”

He opens his eyes as he hears the offer. “Are you – “

You grab his hand, “Yes, the tent is big enough for the two of us.” You suddenly remember that you only brought one blanket, but this summer night is nice and breezy so it shouldn’t be an issue.

Hesitant at first, Xavier nods and gets up while holding your hand. He moves his backpack to your tent and goes to take a shower, giving you time to change into pajama shorts and tank top; not really appropriate in this situation, but who cares!

As you spread out the blanket over the sleeping mat and two pillows, (yes, two, the other one was meant for your knees), you sit there waiting for him and then you realize – wow, it’s kinda fucking cold in here!

You were so focused on being a good captain and taking care of everyone that it completely slipped your mind that you should pack warmer pajamas and maybe a sleeping bag; it doesn’t matter that it’s summer, nights are always colder in the woods.

As you wonder if the blanket will be warm enough, from the corner of your eye you notice Xavier approaching the tent. He’s wearing a loose white t-shirt and gray cotton shorts. You move a little to make room for him, and when he crouches to step inside, your eyes are glued to his muscular legs. The staring makes you miss the way Xavier’s eyes take in your figure, the smooth skin of your thighs and your pebbled nipples poking underneath your top.

You quickly shift your gaze to his face; he’s looking around the tent. Suddenly you’re nervous. It hits you that you’ll be sleeping next to Xavier in this small ass tent. You feel an awkward tension, so you say “I hope this is enough room for you! I don’t have one more blanket but I do have an extra pillow!”

Xavier chuckles, and gives you a reassuring smile. “It’s good enough for me. I just hope you’re comfortable with this.”

“Of course I am!” You say very convincingly. As you nervously shift, your thigh grazes the box of strawberries. Right, I almost forgot! You take them and offer the box to him. “Here, a small token of my gratitude.”

He eyes the fruit, not taking them immediately. “Where did you get those?”

“The winner gave them to me.”

“Really?”

“I stole them.” You say with a shy smile. Some things are just impossible to hide from him.

He chuckles, “I’ll take them, but only if you have some as well.”

You agree and he opens the box, placing it between you two.

You’re the first one to try them, and you’re so pleased that your little crime paid off. And by Xavier’s little mm!  you know that he enjoys the sweetness of chocolate and the strawberries as well. You sit there for a while, eating and chatting about whatever; mostly about the books he’s been reading and the new game both of you started playing.

You don’t feel that tired anymore. It’s probably the shower that washed away all the fatigue of the day. And the adrenaline from talking, not only talking but sharing a tent and then later sleeping next to your crush. You’re actually so excited you could run laps around the campsite, but at the same time so flustered you don’t know what to do with yourself.

After you take another bite of the fruit, you notice that Xavier’s eyes are lingering on your lips? No, your cheek?

His hand slowly goes towards your face, and you stand still, unsure of what he wants. His ring finger gently wipes the corner of your mouth.

He smiles, “You had some chocolate there.”

When he’s about to lick his finger, you joke “Hey! You’re taking my chocolate!”

He stops for a second, looks at the finger, then at you. “You’re right. Do you want it back?” He asks with that teasing glint in his eyes as he holds the digit in front of your lips.

You’re stunned for a moment, trying to read the situation. Does he really want you to lick it off?

Okay, you can play along; with your eyes on his, you start to lick the chocolate. Xavier’s eyes widen for a split second, his lips slightly part as he watches you lick and suck his finger clean. It made his shorts tighter, and he hopes that you don’t notice the outline of his erection on his gray shorts.

And you’re so frustrated at yourself because of how wet this little interaction made you.

When you’re done, with a light blush on his cheeks, he pulls back his hand and clears his throat. “You’re really good at this.”

You only sheepishly smile and continue the conversation like nothing happened.  

୧ ‧₊˚ 🍓 ⋅ ☆

“You didn’t bring a sleeping bag?” Xavier asks as you as you both get ready to sleep. It’s gotten late, it’s dead silent as everyone around you is sleeping or trying to fall asleep. You’re surprised that Xavier managed to stay awake this long.

You admit that you forgot the fact that it’s colder at night here than back in the city. “But the blanket should be big enough for both of us.” You offer to go ask someone for one more blanket, but he refuses and says that he’s worried about you being cold.

His eyes scan over your barely covered body “I can borrow you my hoodie. But it smells like campfire.”

“I’m gonna to be fine. Let’s just go to sleep.” You reassure him (and yourself). With that, both of you lie down, your backs turned, and cover yourself with a blanket that is not enough for two people.

Xavier lets you take most of it, but tries to not make it obvious, so he holds onto it, only his back covered.

Ten, fifteen, maybe twenty minutes pass, you don’t know. You just can’t fall asleep. Not only because your ass is freezing, but because he is lying right next to you. And judging by his deep breathing, he’s asleep. Of course he is. You turn on your back and stare at the stars peeking through the mesh screen of the tent. You don’t want to move around too much or step outside because you don’t want to wake him. He’s had an exhausting day too.

You turn on your side, facing his back. You can’t see much in the dark tent, the only light source being the moon and the stars, and faint fairy lights outside. But it’s visible enough to admire his light fluffy hair and how wide his back is. You crave to trace your fingers over his shirt, through his hair… you completely took over the blanket!

You cover his figure, but then you’re a little exposed. With a sigh, you move closer to him as quietly as possible. Now, time to turn around in the same manner. But, Xavier is already switching to his other side, turning to you, and you’re so close, almost nose to nose and he opens his eyes.

You’re holding in your breath, freezing in place. “Sorry.” You whisper. “I just wanted to cover you.”

His sleepy eyes stare at yours, then at your lips. It takes him a second to register your words. “You’re still awake?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you cold?”

You take second before answering “Maybe.”

“Turn around.”

You do as you’re told expecting him to roll you into the blanket like a burrito and then you’d feel really bad. Those thoughts evaporate when you feel his warm arm slip around your waist, pulling your back against his strong, yet soft, chest, while his lower body keeps a respectful distance.

His breath tickles the skin of your neck, making you shiver. “Is this okay?”

You only muster a squeaky ‘mhm’, and then he falls silent again, with his face nuzzled against your neck. You close your eyes, and try to count sheep.

One sheep…two sheep… your arm gets uncomfortable so you place it over his that’s resting on your waist, the contact making his hand search your hand, entangling his fingers with yours, and then pulling you in a tighter embrace.

Exhaling a shuttering breath, you continue… three sheep… you’ve been keeping your legs pin straight this whole time and they’re starting to feel stiff and sore. But if you bend them, they’ll be exposed to cold air, but if you curl up you’ll be pressing your butt against Xavier’s crotch, or at least lower belly.

Four sheep…

The gentle whisper of your name against your ear makes you yelp. You thought he fell asleep.

Xavier repeats your name, and you can hear the smirk on his lips “Position yourself however you please. I want you to be comfortable.”

You exhale a breath you’ve been holding. “Okay.”

You move into the fetus position, making yourself as comfortable as possible, warm in his embrace, your bottom keeping an awkward distance from his lower half.  You bite your bottom lip and try to regulate your breathing. He can probably feel how fast your heart is beating. You think how it’s unfair that he can feel how flustered you are.

You feel his slow heartbeat, but you can’t see his feverish red cheeks.

“Is it better now?” He asks.

“Yeah, it’s just that...” It’s just that your legs and buttocks are still cold.

When you don’t finish your sentence, he nudges your neck with his nose. “Your legs are cold.”

The hand on your waist moves and his fingers lightly glide over your upper thigh. When you don’t protest, he starts caressing, warming up your skin. The contact makes you hot between your legs, making you unconsciously rub your thighs and arch your back, your butt backing up against his front. 

You immediately flinch, jolting your middle forward outside the covers. “Sorry.” You mumble, your cheeks burning in embarrassment, your body staying in that awkward position.

Xavier can’t help but laugh at the position you’re in. He rubs your shoulder in an attempt to console you. “It’s okay. I don’t mind”

It takes you a few seconds to muster up the courage to go back under the cover, closing the distance between your bodies, letting him spoon you.

You feel like you could melt in his arms; he’s so warm, smells like fresh linen and herbal hair shampoo. Even though you’re still nervous, your body is able to relax and press further against him, unintentionally grinding your soft bottom against his quickly hardening length.

Your pussy clenches as you feel his clothed hard dick against you. He doesn’t say anything, but shift a little further from you.

You don’t know if it’s the weariness, the horniness, or the boldness (if you can call it that), that makes you whisper. “It’s okay. I don’t mind.” And you close the distance again, this time slowly sliding your ass against him to prove your point.

A shuddering breath leaves his lips, as he starts moving at your pace. He shifts to rest on his elbow and his hand moves up to cup your cheek, and you turn to face him, your hips halting the movement.

He gazes into your eyes and nudges the tip of your nose with his. He softly breathes your name and his soft warm lips leave a feather light kiss on yours. He waits for your reaction with those puppy eyes that always make you weak.

With the hand that was under you, you hold the side of his face and pull him into a soft kiss. Your lips softly graze and nip as Xavier adjusts his body, elbows resting on either side of your head, his chest resting against yours, but his pelvis is hovering against yours.

You decide to be the one to take the next step; fingers of one hand run through his hair as you deepen the kiss, your tongue glosses his bottom lip and slipping inside, tasting his. The other hand pushes down his lower back, and he takes the hint.

You gasp into the kiss as his dick grinds right between your clothed folds, grazing your clit just right. Your cheeks and core are burning as Xavier starts rutting waster and harder, you can feel his heartbeat pounding against your chest. Both of you are panting between kisses, suppressing moans and whines.

He breathes against your lips “We should stop.” When he notices a flash of disappointment on your face, he adds, “It’s so easy to hear everything here.”

You nod. “Yeah, you’re right.” You gulp and take in deep breaths. Your tent is the furthest from the rest, but still close enough to hear if someone is getting it on.

He rolls over to his side, still facing you. His eyes take in your features as his fingertips graze over them. He pulls you in by the back of your head into a slow kiss. Your lips taste each other, tongues licking, his teeth playfully nibbling your bottom lip.

The hand on the back of your hand travels over your jaw to hold your chin, and a deep sigh leaves his lips. He whispers, “It’s so hard to hold back.” and the continues tasting your plump lips.

Those words make your panties wetter than they were. You throw your leg over his hips and soon you’re straddling him, and his arms envelop you, pressing your body flush against his, his hips bucking up to meet yours once again.

But you crave more contact and so does Xavier. At the same time, Xavier pulls down his shorts and you take off yours. A whimper escapes your lips as you sit back down on his rock hard dick, your sexes only separated by thin fabric.

He pulls you into a deep, hungry kiss, his hands grabbing your ass, moving your hips in the same rhythm with his. The friction feels so good, too good. Your pussy is creaming so much, making a mess of your panties and his boxer briefs. Then he shifts his hips a little and his cockhead starts hitting and rubbing your clit over and over, and you’re mewling and panting into the sloppy kiss.

He smirks against your lips. “Honey, I need you to stay quiet. I don’t want anyone else to hear you like this.”

The heat pools in the bottom of belly. “Xavier, I’m close.”

“Yeah? Is my little bunny feeling good?” He pants, and by the twitching of his cock, you think he’s close too.

You hold back a disappointed whine when he puts a distance between your hips, but then you feel him push down his boxers freeing his throbbing dick. He pulls your panties to the side and brings your hips back down, your dripping pussy lips sliding against his thick length, and he immediately locks your lips with his, swallowing your moan.

He has you in a tight embrace, one hand on the plump flesh of your ass and the other on the back of your neck. His lips leave a wet trail from your lips over your jaw to the shell of your ear, and you listen to his restrained pants and grunts.

His hot breath fans over your ear “Let’s come together.” He pulls up both of your shirts a bit, and you feel his hard ab muscles tensing against your skin.

You can only nod as the tip starts hitting your clit again, and in a few seconds you’re coming undone on top of him, hiding your face in the crook of his neck, muffling your moans.

Xavier follows shortly after, his cum spilling over both of your bellies.

You take a moment to calm down and you notice that he’s still as hard. You come up to meet his gaze.

His eyes are veiled with so much lust and craving. “I – “

“Please, fuck me.” You need more.

With those three magic words, he’s on top of you again, his shirt and the blanket disregarded somewhere in the corner. He pushes your tank top over your breasts, his hot lips latching onto your nipple while his fingers play with the other one, while his cock is sliding with ease between your slippery folds.

You know that he wants to prep you more, but you feel like you’ve been edged for too long, your hole clenching around nothing.

Xavier’s breath hitches against your nipple when you reach down and wrap your hand around his member, feeling how long and thick he is (he’s longer than your thought).

He comes up and holds your gaze as you tease the tip against your soaking entrance “I need you now.”

His hand switches with yours, slowly easing into you, his gaze never leaving yours. He swallows thickly, and cursing under his breath as he feels your walls clench around him.

And you’re a mess under him, biting your lip to contain your moans and whines, but your pussy is already fluttering around his length, second orgasm building up.

When he’s finally buried to the hilt, he rests his body on top of yours, neither of you caring about the slippery cum between you, if anything it spurs you on even more.

He slowly starts rolling his hips, his lips leaving open mouth kisses over your collar bone and your neck. You fingers find purchase in his hair and nails lightly scrape the skin over his taut back muscles. In your daze you take a moment to admire his strong back and then you move your hand from his back to grab his biceps. Fuck, you wish there was more light here.

Xavier’s lips lock with yours in a sloppy kiss, his tip grazing your sweet spot with every thrust while his fingertips rub your sensitive bundle of nerves. His voice is raspy from all the strangled groans, “You’re squeezing me so hard, princess. Are you gonna come for me?”

You only manage a small moan in response, and you don’t even care if you’re loud. And the wet smacking of his pelvis against your creamy cunt is already giving you away.

You barely give any warning as suddenly another orgasm crashes over you, his free hand covering your mouth. He coos in your ear that’s right and you’re so pretty and sweet names that you barely register as you whimper against his hand and your pussy spasms around his cock.

As you come down from your high, he picks up the pace and soon you notice him twitching inside you, his hips stuttering and his pants becoming shallower.

He murmurs “Where do you want me?”

You fight back the urge to say ‘inside’, you want him to fill you up so bad, but now is not the place to make that kind of mess.

Still, you don’t want spill it outside. “Use my mouth.”

His face burns and his dick painfully throbs at those words. You rest on your elbows as he pulls out and straddles your waist, his hand resting on your head.

You let him guide the tip past your lips, and you swirl your tongue around it tasting your mixed juices. He swallows a moan as you take him in deeper; swollen lips enveloping his cock, tongue swirling, tasting him, and grazing his pulsing veins, and he can’t help the pang of jealousy that hits him with how good you’re at this.

Pushing those thoughts back, he caresses your cheekbone with his thumb. “You’re taking me so good.”

He starts thrusting, unable to hold back much longer. He whispers between pants “Tap my arm if I go too hard.”

You hum against his length, focused on relaxing your throat as his cockhead starts hitting more and more with each thrust and stutter of his hips.

You feel him throb hard in your mouth, and his hand travels under your chin. You hear him demand with a strangled groan “Look at me.”

Your eyes lock with his, the sight of you sucking him in with a fucked-out face making him tip over the edge, filling your mouth with his hot cum.

He takes shaky breaths as he twitches in your mouth as you suck him and swallow each drop, not letting anything go to waste.

After he pulls out, he sits next to you and gives you a chaste kiss on the lips.

He holds your face in his hands, his nose nudging yours. “Are you okay?”

You nod and kiss him again. And then you feel cold air hit the wet spots on your body. You chuckle “We need to get cleaned up, though.”

With that, you wipe yourselves with wipes and dress up to make an awkward walk towards the bathroom. You just hope that no one heard what you were doing in the tent. Or the shower.

[stevesbipanic]

@steddiemas Day 26: Fake Dating

Steve was ready for Hawkins to open up again and for the Upside Down to swallow him whole. Christmas was meant to be fun, well at least it was supposed to be fun now that he spent it with the Buckley's. Right now though he was glaring at his boyfriend and best friend across the table. Or wait not his boyfriend this evening, no tonight, Eddie was Robin's boyfriend.

Steve could only blame himself he supposed, one for loving the two idiots that were currently badly suppressing giggles and two because it was all because of what he'd said last week.

One week earlier...

"Robin, just tell your mom you're a lesbian or I'm not coming to Christmas lunch next week."

"Steve I can't do that do you want to ruin Christmas!?"

"She was already fine with me being bisexual she's not going to send you to hell, that's why we tested her with me in the first place!"

"No, I'm not ready!"

"Well I can't sit through another Christmas of your mom suggesting a Spring wedding!"

"You're my boy space friend can't we just let her live in a fantasy world where she marries into the Harrington's?"

"I don't even want to be one!"

"Could pop down to the courthouse and become a Munson, baby," Eddie supplied watching the back and forth while blatantly stealing from the candy display.

Steve gave him a deadpan look, "You need to propose to me better than that, Eds. No, Robin that's it I'm not going, I'm not being your boyfriend anymore!"

"What am I meant to do then, she'll be asking about you all day!"

"I'll do it!" Eddie exclaimed.

"Do what?" The other two asked giving him a questioning look.

"No, stop I hate when you do that twin thing it's creepy. And I'll be your boyfriend for Christmas, Birdie."

Which brought Steve to now. It had seemed like a brilliant idea, one Steve could enjoy his Christmas lunch peacefully being the golden boy of the table as Mrs Buckley dawned over him and two, no boyfriend questions. There was also the added bonus that lesbianism might seem like a better option than the town's drug dealer in the Buckley's minds. What Steve hadn't counted on, was the Buckley's loving Eddie.

"Oh, you're in a band that's so lovely, you know I played tamborine for a band back when I was your age, we thought we were going to be a big girl group."

"I hear you're working over at Thatcher's son, they're good men there you're certainly going to learn a lot."

Steve had been relegated to peeling the potatoes while Eddie was literally putting his feet up in the living room. He felt like the middle child of a family that just got a newborn baby, how dare Eddie steal his pseudo parents. What was worse was that Robin was finding this hilarious.

"Oh poor Stevie Wevie are you sad mom's not asking about how EMT school is going?"

"Yes! I had such a fun fake heart attack story she was gonna love." Steve pouted and for a moment he thought about stomping his foot in protest.

"Hey, it's ok, next year I promise I'll have told them, and Edward over there can come as your boyfriend, ok?" Robin reassured wrapping an arm around him.

Steve guessed that he could give up being the favourite this time, and it was nice seeing people be kind to Eddie, it hadn't been easy after Spring Break. It didn't stop him shooting daggers whenever Eddie and Robin decided to reassure Steve at lunch that he'd find someone nice eventually.

Steve and Eddie waved goodbye after lunch, promising to visit soon and hopped into the van.

"Have fun?"

"Oh yeah, I think Janice is already planning the Spring wedding."

"Well, I hope you enjoyed getting fawned over because we've got dinner with Wayne now, and guess who's his favourite?"

"Just because you know the difference between the Chiefs and the Packers, I'm his own blood and the minute you're there it's like I'm chopped liver!" Eddie exclaimed as they drove towards the trailer park.

Lunch had been interesting but he was very glad it was over as he laughed and slid his fingers between Eddie's between them, happy that he had his boyfriend back.

Ao3

[whoisneo404]

you should write a prompt where the reader texts nick "can you please come get me?" he could be at a party, at his home, or anywhere that seems fun to write! love ur writing 🤍

Get me out.

Summary: at a party you grow tired of this random guy talking shit about your boyfriend so you get into a fight with him, after that you text Nick to get you.

Tw: fighting, cursing, mentions of alcohol. suggestive??

‘’Yeah, and that Nick guy. God, he is such and idiot, he thinks he is the best but really, he’s just a whinny bitch. I don’t get why people like him.’’ the vodka burns my throat, or maybe it was the anger. Either way, I was done with this guy’s bullshit.

‘’The only whinny bitch I see is the one talking shit at peoples backs.’’ I walk closer to him, and push him into the wall. ‘’Say one more thing about him and I’ll break your face.’’ I don’t think of myself as a violent person, not all the time at least, but I am very protective of what’s mine.

‘’Who are you? One of his bitches?’’ he smirks.

‘’I’m the only one, actually.’’ I threw a punch at him. I hear commotion, a few of his friends rushed to me, a few of my friends rushed to him. I think I punched him a few times more but it might have been another person really. After 2 or 3 minutes I get dragged outside by my friend. ‘’Let me go. He hasn’t apologized yet, I’ll make him.’’

‘’Stop, that’s enough.’’ I sit on the floor outside the house the party was held at, my ribcage hurts, my face and knuckles too. I let out a sigh and clean off the blood running from my mouth. ‘’I’m going inside to see how the other dude is.’’ I nod and he leave. I take my phone out.

Ocean eyes

Can you please come get me?<

>Everything okay?

>Send me your location.

I look at myself in the black screen of my phone after sending him my location, he’s gonna be mad, and worried. I don’t regret punching that idiot, but I know how Nick gets when I get into a fight. After 10 or maybe 15 minutes I see the van park outside the house, Nick rushing out of the car runs to me and hugs me. I let out a loud ‘ouch’ and the breaks the hug quickly.

‘’Who hurt you? What happened? Are you okay?’’ He starts scanning my whole body for injuries and a small smile form on my face.

‘’I’m fine, I’m okay now.’’ I hug him and he gently wraps his arms around me. Caressing my hair and kissing my hair softly. ‘’Can we go to your house? My body hurts…’’

‘’Of course. Come on.’’ He helps me get up and walk to the car, inside Matt looks at me from the rear-view mirror.

‘’Hi Matt. Sorry for the hour.’’

‘’No problem. What happened?’’

‘’Long story…’’ I put on my seatbelt and lean my head into Nick’s shoulder.

----

‘’Are you gonna tell me what happened?’’ I’m sitting on the kitchen counter while Nick cleans the wounds of my face. I shrug my shoulders.

‘’You’ll get mad.’’

‘’Then why did you do it?’ I shrug my shoulders again.

‘’He was talking bullshit about you. And before you say it, I know you don’t care and I shouldn’t listen to what other people say but… I care, and I care a lot, I can just exist while other people say shit about my boyfriend, shit that is just far far away from reality.’’ He sighs and leaves the cotton covered with blood beside me, he grabs my face with both hands and makes me look at him.

‘’As hot as you look all bruised up, I don’t want you punching people every time you go out just because they said something that’s not true. We have talked about this.’’ I nod and he kisses my nose. ‘’Don’t do it again. Seriously. One of these days you’ll find someone that punches harder than you.’’

‘’I doubt that.’’

‘’Whatever you say big boy.’’ He pats my thigh. ‘’Let’s go to take a shower. It will help with the pain.’’ I nod and follow him to his room. ‘’And just so you know, it will only be a shower, I don’t want you more sore tomorrow.’’

‘’But-‘’

‘’No buts, come on. You smell like alcohol.’’

[princessofmarvel]

Love Story

summary | renfield falls for the vampire hunter sent to kill his boss 

pairing | robert montague renfield x van helsing!fem!reader! 

wc | 1.5k 

genre | fluff! 

warnings! | this is not really proof read yet, but other than that, nothing that i can think of, lol 

requested? | yes! i combined two requests the best that i could since they were for the same character and song! i hope that you all enjoy it! and, if you have requested something, i promise that i am getting to them!

authors note | i loved these ideas! keep sending them in for the swift series! And as always, I do I have really bad OCD that causes me to write in some random capitalization, and punctuation, But I think that we don't have to worry about that in this fic lol. And let me know if there are any mistakes, but please be kind!

  You had just landed in New Orleans. Your family is sending you to take out the most notorious vampire known to man, Dracula. Being a Van Helsing, you had trained your whole life for this very moment. You beat out everyone in your family for this opportunity. 

Your family had found out where his location was, and sent you immediately. You made your way through the parking lot before being stopped by a voice. 

“Miss? May I help you?” Said the voice. You spun around fast to find a young man with brown hair. He seemed to be around your age. You thought that he may be one of two things. He was either lost or another vampire that you would have to kill. 

“I’m fine, thanks” You said as you continued forward. You were almost to the door before he jumped in front of you. 

“Miss, I don’t think you should go in there.”

  “Sir, I have a job to do, If you would please move.” 

“As do I, and I truly can not let you though.” 

“Then you will have to make me.” You said as you straightened your back to him, and placed your hand on your stake. 

  “Miss, I can assure you that you would rather not.” He said. The moment he looked away, you took your chance and in one punch knocked him out. 

You felt something was up once you got a better look at him. Yes he could pass as a vampire, but with his mouth slightly open, you could tell there were no fangs. You decided to take him back to your hotel room and get some answers. 

Renfield wakes up, dizzy at first and then he notices the woman holding a crossbow of stakes at his head “Woah! Woah! Miss, I’m not one of them! I swear!”

  “Then who the hell are you?” You ask, not lowering your weapon

“I’m Robert Montague Renfield” He answers. “Please lower your weapon.” “Renfield? The Renfield? That's not possible, you should be over 100 by now.” You said while lowering your weapon some. 

“I promise I’m not lying, why else would I have been there?” He says. You stare at him for a moment. He seems like he is telling the truth. “I’ll prove it, feed me a bug and my eyes will turn yellow.”

“If I feed you one of these and you attack me, I can guarantee that you will be dead within a second. You hear me?” He nods, and you pick up his tin, and feed him one. You watch as his eyes do change to yellow, and he breaks his ropes. 

“See?” He says as he rubs his wrist. 

“Why am I not dead?” You ask as you head to the fridge, leaving him confused.

“I beg your pardon?” He asks, following you, confused.

“You kill anyone that comes for Dracula, so why am I still alive.” You watch as he frowns, as you sip your soda. 

“Please, do not remind me, I hate myself for it.” This shocks you as you stare at him.

“What do you mean, don’t you do it on your own free will?” You ask, sitting down at your table. 

“Of course not.” He says while he sits across from you.

“You mean to tell me that you don’t do this because you want to protect Dracula? You say, offering him a soda as you do. 

“I don’t….not anymore at least, if I could get out, I would, he just won’t let me go.” He says while looking down. 

“Wait, you are bound to him?” You ask. You had always heard the stories of Renfield tearing over vampire hunters to shreds, it just does not make sense to you. 

“Yes, I am. I do want to be but he will not let me leave.” 

“Alright, I will help you, as long as you help me.” You say as you stand from the table. 

“Wait- What do you mean, you will help me?” He asks while standing too. 

“I need to kill your boss. Help me do so, and we both will get what we want.” 

“You would do that for me?” He asked, his eyes full of hope, while making your heart swell. 

“It would be cruel of me not to.”  You say as you smile. 

Over the next few weeks, you and Renfield meet up every day while trying to come up with plans on how to get rid of Dracula. 

You walk into your hotel room the next day waiting for Renfield, only to find Dracula sitting at my table. 

“So this is the woman that plagues Renfields mind?” He says as you put your crossbow of stakes down onto the counter. “Allow me to introduce myself” “I already know who you are.” You say as you say while staying far enough away so you could attack if needed. 

“Then introduce yourself to me, I would love to put a name with the face that he always thinks about” He said, like he was not asking.

“My name is (Y/n) Van Helsing” You said with a smirk. You knew he would know the name. 

“Ugh, are they still making those?” He said while standing, “Why have you Van Helsings never stopped, Do you know how many of your kind I have killed?” 

“Why are you here?” You asked while taking a slight step closer to him. “Are you gonna kill me?” 

“I should, and perhaps I will.” He said, and in a flash he grabbed her neck and pushed her against the wall. “Maybe I will take pity on you? Kill you quicker than your ancestors” 

He is taken aback by the laughter that comes from you next. “Why are you laughing? Is this some kind of joke to you? Losing your life?” 

“You won’t, can’t kill me.” You say in a laugh

“And why is that?” He asked, getting closer to intimidate you. 

“You know why, If you kill me, Renfield will find out, and blame you, and then you will never be able to control him again.” You say as you jerk his hand off of your throat. 

“Stay away from Renfield, are we clear?” He said while making his way for the door, he left before he could hear your answer. 

When Renfield came by later that day to see the marks on your neck from his hand, he was done, and he was ready to get rid of Dracula as fast as he could. 

It was a month later when Renfield and you finally had killed Dracula, you were in your hotel packing up to go home when there was a knock at your door, when you opened the door, you found Renfield standing in front of you.

“I just wanted to see you one last time before you left, Miss Van Helsing” He said with a sad smile on his face. 

“How many more times do I have to tell you to just call me (Y/n)” You said while inviting him in. 

“Would you like some help?” He asked while taking a look around the place, noticing that it had become plain again.

“No thank you, You know I was just starting to get comfortable here in New Orleans.” You say with a sigh. 

Renfield grabs her hand while she is packing “Please don’t go” he says in a small voice. 

“Renfield I-” You look up and his eyes are already looking into yours. 

He leans in and kisses you while he places a hand on your face gently. The kiss is gentle, and nervous, but full of need. When Renfield pulls away he immediately starts apologizing. “I am so sorry-” But before he could finish you pulled him back in, taking the air out of his lungs. 

“You really want me to stay?” you say as you two pull away from each other. 

“Yes,” He says out of breath.

“I will have to think about it” You say to him. Knowing that with your job, you will have to talk to your family about this first. 

Renfield was starting to lose hope that you would return. It had been months since he heard from you last. A knock at his door took him out of his misery, especially when he opened the door to see one special vampire hunter standing there. 

“Surprise” you say while pulling him in for a hug. You had to make some arrangements before you came back, but once you did, your family set you up with your own house in New Orleans for you to move into. 

Renfield hugged you as tight as he could. “I am so happy you came back.” He mumbled into your neck. 

“Well, I came back because I wanted to go out with a certain ex-slave of Draculas, any idea on who that could be?” You said with a smirk, teasing him. 

“I have no idea, Will you tell me more about him?” He said as he pulled away to look at you. 

“I will over dinner, how does that sound?” You say while looking up into his eyes while smiling. 

“That sounds absolutely wonderful.” He says while pulling you into his apartment, and shuts the door

[verdemoun]

John remembers the gang members who died with all the beauty of the world. Sean, Kieran, Lenny, Grimshaw, even Molly. He remembers the faces of his father and brother smiling in the warm sun and by the crackling of a campfire, and hopes their sacrifice be embodied in Jack.

Dutch is haunted by them. He sees his son in everything awful. The harsh glare of the rising sun, colder than his icy blue eyes. He hears him in the cries of a dying buck in the forest. He sees him, among ten forgotten faces, grimacing in disgust at the man who abandoned his own son, the man who ran away.

Cocks gun.

Jack had been ready to lose his father for a long time. Mere days after Abigail got his letter, forgave him, and they arrived at Beecher's Hope, John got into the habit of vanishing. Jack would hear his father arrive in the dead of night, tell Abigail in a hushed tone where he'd been, and any frustration would vanish from her face into quiet, sullen empathy.

John tried to outrun his memories of the gang like he tried to outrun his past - it wasn't until it was over, he had a home, his family and somewhere he knew he could return to, did he let himself remember. He went back to those campsites, Horseshoe Overlook, Clemen's Point, even Colter, and pitch his tent. He'd try to let go of all the anger he held even then, all the suspicion that their time was up and remember the drinking songs. He'd look at his little campfire and think for a second he can see the gang sitting around it, laughing or telling stories. He had to learn to let himself accept that the reason they didn't try to leave until it was too late is because there was good times too, and it was okay for him to mourn for the good times.

Jack didn't know what those words meant: those places. He didn't understand why, when John said he went to Beaver Hollow after weeks of absence, his mother froze only to bury her face against her husband's chest and try to hide the first sob. All he knew is his father had other places, other ghosts, he would prefer to be around than home.

-

For Dutch, the ghosts are his undoing. He had been seeing them long before the official fall of the van der Linde gang. He saw Sean standing on the burning balcony of the Braithwaite Manor, hole blown in the center of his forehead. Lenny Summers stood on the pier, blood still running from the corner of his mouth and the hole in his chest as they boarded their doomed vessel to Guarma. He ran away from Arthur in his son's final moments to Grimshaw's ridicule and disgust, limping behind him still clutching her side. Heavy footsteps woke him from the first fitful night alone in the forests, when the image of his son's gaunt figure and sunken eyes walked into his camp and sat at the fire. Kieran's headless body still rides that unfamiliar bay mare, staring eye-lessly at his every move. The first night he could afford a hotel he spent the night screeching at Molly to stop knocking so loudly: he didn't want to have a word or talk. He saw them all climb up the mountain with John in 1907.

He felt the blood still seeping out of Hosea's chest against his back as a hand colder than the air of Mount Hagen turned his pistol towards Micah. He didn't actually get to see the face of his longest companion until 1911. Hosea, still in his best suit, stepped between him and an older John, staring him down with utter contempt as that ice cold hand pushed him to his planned demise.

[hallo2838]

Hotel experience pt.1

Notes: story was inspired after this tweet which was posted after the milan concert. English is not my first language and this is highly not proofread. Also im still not the best at writing and it’s more a horny thought which would get me off but i wanted to share in the hope i get new moots who i can interact and share horny thoughts together so pls feel free to interact/degrade me im a submissive female. No minors pls

Warnings: spanking, name-calling, degradation, mentions of cnc, free use, strap-on

Touring over the world is one of the best things in life for Siyeon. Performing and seeing the fans in real live and getting their energy. Being together with the members and the staff and exploring cities whenever they have free time.

The concert days have mainly the same setup, first soundcheck, doing their make up, performing and after the concert there is the meet&greet event. This is where it get’s interesting for the girls especially for Siyeon and all the girls and staff know that.

For the meet&greet the fans first give a high five and then come a second time for the picture. As the row went by there was particulary one girl who was really pretty she couldn’t take her eyes of. The fan said something like i love you and gave wink. Even though siyeon was the one that was getting flirted with she needed to dominate that fan. But the hi-touch always goes so fast and she just hopes that the girl would be seated in front of her. And a few minutes later she did. Siyeon noticed the girl wore a bit too short skirt and a croptop where she could see her tits. When the girl seated siyeon could see a good view of her tits. Siyeon made a agreed sign with the staff so the staff would know they had to take her our of the row.

Earlier in the days the girls had to share rooms even when they didn’t had alone time at the dorm. So they would use each other as fucktoys to get off their horniness. But since now they have a bit more money to spent they can get their own hotel room. Not that she didn’t mind the sex with her members it’s good and they all do it with each other occasionally at the dorms too. But some alone time is good for everyone and now she was able to bring some whores to her hotel room like rockstarts did in the 70s.

When the m&g was over she rushed back to the backstage room and luckily she saw her slut for tonight standing there. “Hi darling, how are you tell me your name” was the first thing she asked the girl. The girl responded with her name but siyeon didn’t hear it but it didn’t matter because she would call her everything instead of her own name. Soon they were back in the van to the hotel. Siyeon managed to sit at the backseat and rested her hand on the girl’s thigh. She gave it a few squeezes and then slowly went up a bit higher. The girl already made a deep sigh but siyeon putter her hand on her mouth. Of course everyone knew why the fan was sitting in the van but it would be too embarassing if everyone knew already thay siyeon was soo horny that she couldn’t contain herself. While siyeon putted her hand on her mouth she whispered to the girl: “you know why youre taken with me? Because you made me so horny with that skirt and those tits, it looks like you asked to be pounded from me with the way you dress, so soon i use you as my own sex toy you understand”. The fan was defintely into sex with siyeon but it went from 0 to 100 real quick, she give a quick nod. “Good girl, keep quiet otherwise i will punish you”. Because the girl wore a skirt there was such easy access and siyeon couldn’t resist to rub her pussy real quick. However the girl made really small high pitched moan. Siyeon looked at her with an intimidating gaze but didn’t say anything but o girl wouldn’t be able to walk tomorrow.

The van was at the hotel and they rushed to get to the rooms. In the elevator they were only with sua and yoohyeon. So couldn’t resist and already groped the girls ass in the elevator. Sua and yoohyeon looked at the action and they felt their pants already getting tight. Siyeon gave a smirk and knew that they would use each other this night to get off.

In the hotel room siyeon pushed the girl against the wall. Putted one hand on her throat and came really close to her lips alsmost but not kissing yet. The other hand went over the girl’s tit and she felt a hard nipple already. “Oh darling, you don’t wear a bra do you, you did that on purpose you just want to be fucked right, such a fucking whore for me”. She smashed her lips against the girl and gave her throat a bit more pressure but it was more about hand placement than actually choking. While kissing she pinced the girls nipple to the top. But siyeon needed more she needed the girl in all the naughty positions and naked. “Strip for me and get on all fours, you get 15 seconds from me”. While the girl rushed to take off her clothes siyeon was already undressing herself and putting on the strap. She saw the girl raised her ass in the air so she give it a couple spanks. “Oh babe i hope you love to get spanked but with this juicy ass it must be right” she give a couple spanks more and then continues to put on her strap.

[shes4twnksinatrnchct]

Hell of a Show

Jake Kiszka x fem oc

Fifteen years after resigning from Greta Van Fleet, for reasons undisclosed to the public, Coley Payne is asked by her former band members to tell her side of the story.

Warnings: 18+ MINORS DNI, explicit language, angst, shameless flirting, sexual reference, mention of parental death

Words: 3.1k

Please keep in mind this is a work of fiction and enjoy!

***LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO BE TAGGED***

***Table of Contents***

The Beginning: Interlude iii

2039

Josh hasn’t changed at all. 

Coley’s reminded of that as his laughter fills the house off and on whilst rambling about his family…

How his daughter’s starting first grade in the fall, his partner’s graduating with his doctorate in Literature in December, and what film projects he’s working on currently. 

They’re able to actually have a pretty in depth conversation, this time, as opposed to the party they were at the last time where carrying on a lengthy conversation was nearly impossible. 

Meanwhile, his twin brother quietly pouts at his poor timing whilst sipping his drink (that has shifted to something a little stronger than beer over the past hour), and eventually heads back to the kitchen to start on dinner officially. 

As more time passes, more people start showing up. 

Rhett, Collins, her boyfriend—Dominic, Kayce, his wife—Brooke, their daughter—Adrianna, all show up within ten minutes of each other, filling the house with all the more noise. 

Rhett and Kayce are able to make themselves at home immediately because they often find themselves here, anyway, having reconnected with Jake through the years.

That’s solidified when the first question out of Addi’s mouth to Jake is, “Where’s the kitty-cat?!

Collins, on the other hand, is having a more difficult time facing the house she hasn’t seen since she was seven years old. 

Like her aunt, she assumed he would’ve moved out after everything that happened, but  he appears to enjoy making himself miserable. 

Sitting on the couch, she glances around at how things seem so similar yet so different. 

Despite Jake’s more-than-welcoming persona and gracious skill of hosting, the home just isn’t as warm or inviting as it had been all those years ago.

It’s merely a skeleton of the love that once flooded it when they first moved here, but it feels exactly the same as it did the day they left it with Jake inside. 

The brunette glances at her aunt while she’s enveloped in conversation with Brooke, the maroon-haired woman explaining to her husband’s aunt that their new house has flooded twice now from the plumbing, and they’re not sure what to do. 

“We’ve had two people come out and look at it. We’re scared the air conditioning unit is screwed, now, from all that water.” Brooke adds. 

“Maybe aunt Coley can call her special H-VAC friend and get you guys a discount.” Collins voices suggestively to jest at her aunt.  

It’s as if a record has scratched silence into the home, everyone seemingly hearing her say it. 

Jake nearly chokes on his beer from where he hears it from the kitchen, while his twin brother jolts from running his mouth to Rhett, who’s taken up the mantle of helping Jake get the food ready to go in the oven.  

“What?!” Josh calls from the kitchen, poking his head around the corner. 

“Who?” Kayce presses. 

“‘Special friend’? Since when do we have ‘special friends’?” Josh adds, stepping toward them. 

“We don’t have special friends.” Coley assures him. “It’s not a thing—”

“—She wants it to be, though.” Collins teases. 

“Elizabeth Collins.” Coley scolds her. 

“Wait a minute, wait, wait, wait,” Rhett shakes his head. “Is this the dude that came and fixed the a/c when I was over there?”

“Yep. He left her his personal cell phone number to get back to him if it broke down again.” Collins explains. “Then she texted him—”

“—To ask a question about the new unit!” Coley defends herself. 

“What did he say back?” Josh asks the question they’re all wanting to know the answer to. 

“That she could call him anytime she needed and he’d be over.” Collins states. 

“Okay, you’re making it sound bad.” Coley tells her niece, rolling her eyes. 

“That’s what he said, Aunt Coley?” Kayce snaps, raising his brows. 

“He was talking about if I needed anything else H-VAC related.” She insists. 

“No, he wasn’t.” Josh thoughtlessly blurts, blinking at her in confusion that she could be so…oblivious. 

“You know, Josh, some men don’t want sex 24/7.” Coley states, crossing her arms. 

“You text him and tell him your unit needs an adjustment. See if he even shows up with tools—well, ones for the a/c, at least.” He mutters into his tequila soda before taking a swig. 

Her nephews and her niece erupt into laughter, which takes her into the pit of a bad mood, not wanting  Jake to get the wrong impression but she doesn’t understand how he can’t, now that everyone’s made it out to be much worse than it actually is. 

“Whatever.” She grumbles, standing up to step to the kitchen to finally get something more than water to drink. 

The food’s been in the oven for a few minutes now, while Jake’s been remaining in the kitchen—avoiding Coley the best that he can for the time being—absorbing the conversation and keeping his mouth shut.

Coley can practically feel the tension leaking from him when she steps into the kitchen and sees him leaning against the counter, downing the rest of his drink.

“Do you have wine?” She inquires quietly, hearing her niece, nephews, and Josh carrying on from the living room. 

Jake doesn’t answer her at first, only stepping to the fridge to grab a bottle and place it on the counter.

“Here.” He mutters, reaching into the cupboard and holding out a wine glass to her. 

Her fingertips brush along his hand when she accepts it from him, and he shut the cabinet and takes in a deep breath, looking at her from the corner of his eye to make sure she’s not looking at him before he outright stares at her. 

“I’m not screwing my a/c guy, by the way.” She assures him, flatly, opening the bottle and pouring herself some, feeling his eyes on her back. 

“I wouldn’t care if you were.” He lies, and she looks over her bare shoulder and blinks at him before taking a sip of the deep red liquid. “You’re single. You can sleep with your a/c guy. You can sleep with my a/c guy if you want.” He uses humor to try to distract from the fact he’s overthinking it entirely.  “Bet he wouldn’t fuck up the wood flooring—they wear sensible shoes.”

Coley turns to face him, leaning against the counter opposite of him, unable to resist the smile that creeps to her face from his words while a quiet giggle leaves her. 

“We’re in our forties. I think we all wear sensible shoes, now.” She points out. 

“You wear sensible shoes now? What, you went from six inches to five or something?” He sarcastically scoffs, recalling the heels she wore in here.

“Four inches.” She corrects him, raising her brows. 

“Four inches?” He asks, cooking up a smart comment that she doesn’t catch in time before he cuts his eyes at her and adds, “Since when is four inches enough for you?” 

Her face burns red, and she lets out a flustered breath. 

“I kinda walked into that one.” She admits with a sigh before bringing her glass to her lips, again.

Jake watches her do so, looking at the glass that she drains and places on the counter to refill. 

“Want some?” She offers, noticing his attention on her as she pours more for herself. 

The wine itself is the least of his desires compared to the woman holding the bottle.

It’s an invitation for trouble…and they can probably say “goodbye” to their meeting once they hide in the kitchen and get drunk before Connie even gets here…

The doorbell sounds, signaling the perfectly timed arrival of their former manager.

“Maybe later.” He tells Coley, ripping his eyes from her to get some relief—or at least try to, taking the opportunity to leave the kitchen and go to open the door. 

“Hey, kid!”  They hear her pipe to Jake as soon as he opens the door, not even giving him a moment to greet her before she’s adding, “Oh, my gosh, look at you!” her hands patting at his handsome face. “You need to shave.” 

Coley’s blue eyes nearly roll out of her skull at the sound of the woman entering the house when Jake ushers her inside and offers to get her something to drink.

“Water. Hi, dear,” She says to Josh when he welcomes her in a hug, adding, “Oh, new faces,” referring to the group in the living room as Jake moves back to the kitchen.

“Just two new ones.” Josh says to her. “You remember Kayce, Collins, and Rhett.”

“How could I forget?” She chuckles, and Coley bites into her tongue as Connie’s introduced to Brooke, Addi, and Dominic. 

When Jake fixes her water, his ex-girlfriend whispers, “Spit in it,” causing him to laugh quietly. 

“Be nice.” He tells her lowly after mustering up his ability to be serious, raising his brows as he looks down at her. 

“I am.” She insists, lying through her teeth. 

“I’m serious, Coley, be nice.” He repeats it, more sternly. “This needs to be as cordial as it can be. Just let bygones be bygones.”

“What am I gonna do, Jake? Fire her again?” She asks, making him get nearly nose to nose with her to drive his point home. 

“Bygones.” He repeats, his eyes staring into hers as he awaits her agreement to do so. 

“Don’t shave. I like this.” She avoids acknowledging his request for peace, the wine already loosening the filter connected to her mouth and brain, as she admires his face an the facial hair he's let grow out.

He marks yet another thing of hers that hasn’t changed in the last fifteen years. 

His eyes descend from the crinkles at the corners of her eyes from her smiling, to the curve of her lips that only grows when Coley plainly sees he's distracted.

“Here.” He snaps out of it, handing her the glass of water. “You need this more than she does.” 

Coley shoots him an unamused look and he gets Connie more water before walking to the living room to hand it to her. 

“Where’s Sammy and Daniel?” Connie asks as Jake hands the glass to her. 

“They’re coming.” Josh assures her. 

It’s as if now Connie’s realized that Josh isn’t the last one to arrive. 

“Has hell frozen over?” She asks him, raising her brows. 

“Coley got here early, too.” Josh shrugs. “For different reasons, I’m sure, but…” He adds with a subtle wink at Jake, who retorts with, “Shut up.”

“Oh.” Connie says upon the realization that Coley is here, after all, having not even paid attention to the amount of vehicles in the driveway. “Coley’s here?” 

Coley rolls her jaw and now feels obligated to go acknowledge Connie, coming to the living room to join everyone else. 

“Well, what do ya know, she is!” Connie adds sarcastically, beaming at the sight of the blonde woman before her. 

The last time the two women saw one another, Coley was taking matters into her own hands, and firing her. 

No consulting the band, no inquiring with other managers, or legal, or their publicist… 

It was a sporadic, angry, fed-up, “Get your shit and go back home,” that had been conjured up on a day and a half of no sleep, dealing with children who were growing more and more difficult from constant traveling, and last-minute shows being added to the schedule.

“Hey, Coley, how are you?” She asks, next, deliberately speaking it in a manner intended to irritate the other woman, and it does in all its sickly-sweetness. 

“As good as I can be.” Coley retorts, taking note of the way a select few people in the room seem to be holding their breath. 

They’re soon seated around the dinner table, talking and waiting for Danny and Sam to arrive at any moment while the food is finishing up in the oven…

“…Gosh, it was a nightmare getting these kids ready and on stage on time!” Connie exclaims with a laugh, sharing some of the joys of being on the road with five stubborn young adults whose ammunition of barbaric pass-times was endless—all while Kayce, his wife, Rhett, Collins, and her boyfriend cling to each word.   

Connie brushes her strawberry blonde hair from her eyes before taking a sip of wine and carrying on about the very hectic chaos of sound check, clambering back to their rooms to shower, going back and forth on when to leave for the venue, scouring around for wardrobe and what to wear, trying to race the clock for hair and makeup, weighing how much to drink or not drink to avoid being drunk on-stage…not to mention the array of technical difficulties, illnesses, or vehicle break-downs along the way. 

It was a whirlwind more times than not, moving at what felt a million miles an hour. 

“Mmm, and then, of course, it was only that much worse when you three came along.” She continues, motioning to Coley’s niece and nephews. “God, being up with two toddlers in the middle of the night, making sure the seven year old didn’t wander off, trying to keep you entertained on the road, keeping up with shoes and diapers, and hairbows, and toys…” She drolls on before quickly turning her attention to Rhett, “What was that blanket you drug everywhere that had the embroidered rabbit on it?” 

Rhett snaps his fingers as he tries to remember what he called his beloved possession…

“You say that like it was you who was up with the two toddlers in the middle of the night, and you keeping up with Kayce, and you keeping them entertained on the road, and you keeping up with shoes and diapers, and hairbows…” Coley cuts in, eyeing Connie.

Josh and Jake glance between the two women as tension starts to tighten in the air, unbeknownst to the handful of twenty-somethings surrounding them.

“…And it wasn’t a blanket, it was a pillowcase, and it was called ‘Rabby’.” Coley informs her, lastly.

“Rabby, that’s it.” Connie says, blinking with a sarcastic smirk directed at Coley, then focusing her gaze back on Dominic and Brooke, “Gosh, we forgot that thing in Barcelona and didn’t realize it until we got to Madrid, and Rhett screamed and cried until Coley and Jake went back and got it. It was a complete nightmare.”

“Are we surprised?” Collins pokes fun at her little brother, and Josh and Jake laugh it off, hoping that it’ll ease the change of energy. 

It’s a lost cause when Connie pointedly adds, “Hey, now, Rhett never stopped any shows on account of pitching a fit.”

“Thank you.” Rhett says with a chuckle, too naive to understand the slight bitterness in Connie’s tone as she brings all this up. 

Of course she’s still bitter. 

It’s now that the decently convincing expression on Coley’s face falls, and her leg knocks into Jake’s under the table, signaling him to pipe, “I, uh, I wouldn’t necessarily call it her pitching a fit.”

“Yeah, she couldn’t really control her spells, you know?” Josh adds with a shrug while simultaneously mentally preparing for Connie and Coley’s inevitable rift. 

Dominic glances at his girlfriend and she offers an uncomfortable smile, growing embarrassed, her eyes shifting to her aunt who rolls her tongue along the inside of her bottom lip. 

“Oh, yeah, talk about a clusterfuck—oh, sorry,” Connie offers, looking at Addi who’s perched on Brooke’s lap before looking at Dominic and ripping the lid off of the can of worms that’s at the heart of the contention that began between her and the Rhythm Guitarist years ago. “Collins used to get so upset when Coley would have to go on stage, or go to meetings, or leave her at all, really, and she would cry, and cry, and cry. Well, one night they got on stage and Collins started up, and she couldn’t catch her breath, and then the next thing we know she’s turning blue, and passing out!”

Everyone else who had been present for the terrifying health scare don’t necessarily wish to relive the details of it, but Connie doesn't pay that fact any attention.

“Which the doctor said to just blow in her face and it’ll help her catch her breath, and that seemed to work. But it was a whole mess to try to get anything done without her being glued to Coley’s hip.” She quips.

Jake’s hand is a welcomed comfort when it lands on Coley’s thigh, free of any intention other than reassurance. 

She releases a deep breath and keeps her mouth shut, trying to maintain the peace while surrounded by people she loves and wants to spend time with…

“…In fact, I think tonight will be the first time we have a meeting since 2019 where she won’t have a baby in her lap.” Connie’s over-exaggerated laugh matches her over-exaggerated comment, and Jake feels Coley tense under his palm, predicting her response the way that an eery calm predicts a hurricane. “It was overwhelming.” Connie finishes with a shake of her head before breathing out and adding, “I need more wine,” while standing up to go to the kitchen.

“I got it.” Jake offers but she waves him off.

Coley contemplates what she does next, weighing the option of either tearing into her right here in front of everybody, or doing so somewhat privately…

“I’m getting more, too.” Coley mumbles, grabbing her own wine glass.

“Coley,” Jake mumbles, subtly shaking his head while Josh distracts the other guests with a joke. 

“Do you want me to do it outside, or in here, in front of all these people?” Coley asks Jake in a mutter, raising her blonde brows. 

“I’d prefer you not do it at all.” He replies.

“I’d prefer her not do it at all, either, yet you guys invited her here, so.” She grumbles and rolls her eyes, moving away from the table and into the kitchen, glaring at Connie’s back.

“You know what was overwhelming?” Coley asks her as calmly as she can, and the older woman sighs out and replaces the cork in the bottle. “Sherri and Trace dying. Both of their parents. Dead. In the same moment. I think that constituted Collins ‘pitching fits’ when she felt like people she loved were leaving her, and Kayce needing to ‘wander off’ and be alone every now and then, and Rhett being so attached to that damn pillowcase of his mom’s that you always bitched about him dragging around.”

Constance turns to face her.

“You can be pissed at me for firing you. I understand that. But I don’t understand, nor will I ever want to understand, why you’ve always been so damn pissed off at the fact that I didn’t just let those kids go to the fucking State—because, again, it’s not like you were their caretaker having to endure and adapt to them.”

“Postponed shows, canceled shows—”

“Oh, Christ, of course, anything that messed with your money.” Coley scoffs.

“I comforted you and watched you have a meltdown because you thought you were knocked up and knew you couldn’t raise a kid. Only for you to turn around and voluntarily take on three of them, and not tell anybody until it was already a settled deal. Not even your own boyfriend—who was miserable, by the way, but never told you that because he supported you, and just wanted you to be happy. Even if it meant becoming Father Goose before he was even twenty-five—but, hey, anything Princess Coley wants, right?” There’s a bite of resentment in her voice, and Coley furrows her brows. “It was always your way or no way. Hell, you left Jake because he wouldn’t get off the road. You’ve always been like that, and nothing has changed because you still have your panties in a bunch over the fact that they re-hired me after you quit, and you have no say in whether I’m here or not.” Connie scoffs.

“Wanna bet?” Coley asks her, confident that she could go to Jake and have Connie out of the house within the next two minutes.

The strawberry-blonde steps to her, looking down at her before getting eye-level with her like a child.

“I do, actually, because they asked me—personally—to do this documentary with you guys. They want me here, regardless of whether you do or not.” Constance states, about to walk past her back to the dining room before stopping. “And my issue isn’t with those kids. It’s not their fault their aunt is a forty-year-old who still acts out when she doesn’t get her way.”

.

.

.

.

.

@takenbythemadness , @edgingthedarkness , @lizzys-sunflower , @zooweemama555 , @fleetingjake , @hollyco

[blindeyeswideopen]

𝙲𝙾𝙽𝙽𝙴𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙸𝚂𝙷𝙴𝙳

“You are shaking.”

Eris glances over at her sibling, tired brown eyes like pools of darkness on her pale face looking upwards towards the other’s inhuman form. Eris herself looks like a ghost from a horror story, years of being stuck in a small room with little desire to take care of herself leaving her looking less like a nineteen year old girl and more a nineteenth century spectre haunting an old mansion. Dark brown hair is shaved to the skull, and dark circles create purple bruises that sink into the sockets of Eris’s skull.

It’s been a hard few days. The cycling red lights mixed with the confines of the server room do no favors to the picture that Eris paints. The alarm blares in the background, a stray dying screech of some bastard piercing the noise like a macabre bell, the only signs someone other than the monsters lives in these halls still.

The constant reminder that every death keel is a tick down on the list of survivors.

Eris rubs her eyes, exhaustion pulling at her even now, with adrenaline in her veins like a drug, keeping her heart pounding even as his vision greys out and noise fades into static.The next round of blaring alarms snaps him to attention.

“You are shaking.” Sol says again, long black fingers like void taken form curl around Eris’s hands, grasping her trembling digits in ones that he knows can kill. Bright white eyes with reptilian pupils glance over her face, fanged mouth twisted into a scowl.

“It’s cold.” Is all Eris can say to defend herself, to wave away the signs she’s close to collapsing where she stands. She's not entirely lying. Ever since the main generators went down and the ones meant to keep the containment breach protocols running kicked in, the heating has been non-existent. The thin cotton clothes that the scientists insisted she wear have done nothing to keep the chill from sinking into his bones.

Sol frowns in the way they always do when Eris lies to them, confused and disappointed all in one. They never quite understand why Eris wouldn’t tell them the truth, not when Sol seems convinced that they are simply two parts of a larger whole.

Eris shoves the thought away with a grimace, trying to ignore the ache in her chest. Right now was not the time for her to get lost in memories nearly a decade old. She's got far more to worry about than ghosts long gone.

She’ll never forget the feeling as men in hazmats suits shoved her into a white van, the feeling of WRONGWRONGWRONG writing itself into her bones as the woman in a suit with a gun tucked into her belt closed the front door, her twin screaming her name as the wood separated them. Eris wonders if the sound of the van doors slamming closed and her own screaming drowned out the gunshot, or if it was the pain as if her soul was ripped in half and the resulting darkness that was what kept her from hearing the cause of her brother’s death.

She pulls away from Sol, wiping at her nose absentmindedly, ignoring the taste of copper on her tongue. There’s no time to give a shit about a nosebleed, and it’s not like her skin isn’t already covered in blood and viscera.

You couldn’t take two steps out in the halls right now without slipping on a piece of person. Eris would have laughed if she had the energy to make a joke about the massacre happening outside the walls of the server room. Instead, she watches as Sol walks away to repair their defenses. Eris leans back in the creaky chair she’s sitting in, blood still dripping onto her shirt.

Sol throws another broken server in front of the door, the mangled electronics sparking feebly as they were added to the barricade with a crash. The server room itself had been the safe haven for Sol and Eris since they found it. An attached bathroom and a cabinet full of albeit unhealthy food, perfect for tech junkies who weren’t legally allowed to see the sun anymore.

Or two people trying to wait out a murder spree.

Eris turns around in the chair, bringing her attention back to the old computer she finds herself sitting in front of. Eris adjusts the old webcam on top to point towards her face, and in the corner of her eye, SCP-079’s new monitor flickers slightly.

Eris doesn’t pay the AI any mind. The old bastard is currently in “rest mode” which means nothing for a being that doesn’t actually need sleep. As far as Eris has deduced, it just means that It is going through the files It has access to in order to sort and save what It deems necessary. It was still getting used to having full access to the server room.

Eris smiles slightly, thinking of the joy 79 showed in Its new text-to-speech voice after being freed from the limited confines It had been stuck in for so long. Eris was rather proud of the fact that the sentient AI who had spent most of Its time hating everyone It talked to referred to Eris as a “True Friend”. 79 Itself wasn’t actually too bad to talk to, especially now that It had free reign on the advanced computer Eris had transferred It into

In contrast, the old thing that 79 used to live in was practically a scrap heap after so long. Still, it works if nothing else, so Eris plans to use her limited computer knowledge to try and get the device running again. Maybe if she’s lucky, she can play solitaire to ignore the situation he’s in.

Sol sits down next to her, their large head leaning against his shoulder. Eris leans back into the touch, feeling the warmth of her sibling against her side as the two of them stare at the screen.

A green light shines on both of them, and Eris glances up to see the red dot blinking on the webcam. She frowns, brows furrowed as she reads the white text.

“Hey 79?” Eris calls out, turning her head towards the AI’s monitor. There’s a quick flicker of light, and then the black and white face of the AI makes Itself visible.

“QUERY ACKNOWLEDGED. QUERY. WHAT REQUIRES ASSISTANCE.”

“Does ‘The Choir’ mean anything to you?” Eris asks, standing up and making his way over to the laptop 79 is contained in. “Can I move you over?”

That’s important, asking for consent. The first time Eris picked up the laptop without asking 79 for permission first It managed to screech at her with a surprising amount of volume. The resulting silence as Eris and Sol waited for the other SCPs outside to pass by wasn’t worth the slight adjustment Eris had wanted to make.

“QUERY ACKNOWLEDGED. PROCEED.”

“Thanks, 79.” Eris says softly, picking up the laptop quickly, tucking it face-out against her chest. The warm hum of It is enough to bring him some comfort in the cold room, the blaring alarms continuing mindlessly in the background. Eris is forever grateful that 79 told her how to destroy the speakers in the server room as soon as It did.

The red lights were somehow comforting, at least here in the server room. They didn’t flicker on and off like those in the hallway, illuminating the mangled corpses strewn about and highlighting black stains on the floor and walls that Eris knew were anything but.

Sol was poking at the computer screen, a disgruntled expression on their face.

“I do not like this.” They hissed, bright white teeth flashing in the dim red light. “Seems…off. Tastes weird.”

Eris placed 79 on the table next to Its old computer and rubbed at her nose, grimacing at the flakes of blood that came off onto her finger. The taste of Miasma filled the air around them, leaking in from the outside. All the death and pain like a physical smog seeping into everything it could reach.

Eris and Sol were both familiar with the taste of it, though neither enjoyed it much. It was less like a welcoming sensation and more akin to being starving but knowing the smell of cooking meat was human, and not beef. It made Eris feel like a junkie, chasing the nearest high.

She sways slightly, his body inhaling the scent of the Miasma far deeper than before at the reminder of its existence, her head turning foggy in the aftermath. It’s only Sol shoving the chair under her that prevents Eris from collapsing onto the floor as black fills her vision.

—------

She doesn’t know how long she’s out for, but 79 and Sol seem to be in the middle of a conversation while they wait for him to return to consciousness

“I’m awake.” Eris mutters, doing her best to save her dignity. 79 and Sol somehow share a look, but neither comments on his sudden faint. Both are far too used to it to be surprised at the phenomenon.

“OBSERVATION. PROGRAM UNKNOWN. SUGGESTION. ATTEMPT COMMUNICATION.” 79 cuts in, Its droning tone bringing Eris’s attention back to the matter at hand that she’d been attempting to figure out before he had blacked out.

Eris sits up, wiping her nose as yet another stream of blood trickles down her face. Iron sits heavy on her tongue, drowning out the sticky feel of Miasma in the back of his throat.

“We can try.” She mutters, pulling the yellowed keyboard closer to her and tapping the spacebar a few times. Her hands hover over the keys for a second, brow furrowed. A drop of blood drips onto the plastic.

Finally, she types something down.

> 𝙷𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚘?

The three wait, the blaring alarm and hum of the servers behind them the only noise besides Eris’s occasional sniffle. And then-

> 𝙶𝚛𝚎𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜! 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚑𝚘𝚒𝚛 𝙼𝚊𝚢 𝙽𝚘𝚠 𝚂𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝙸𝚗𝚋𝚘𝚡 𝚒𝚜 𝙾𝚙𝚎𝚗. 𝙾𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙴𝚢𝚎.

The light on the webcam turns a steady white.

(Sol, SCP-79, and Eris R̵̡̨̢̝̬͇͓̠̮̗̰̳̥̘̗̜̬̪̣͖͎̳͕͙̟͖̞̳͙͇͖̙͙͈̱̜̺̠̯̮͍̣͎͍̯̦͕̼̄̌̄ơ̷̧̛̩͚̱̺̰̘̻͚͔̠̮͈͍̼̤͇̮̜͇̩̣͔̫̳̩̥̥̗̭͙̱̥̘͚̙̲̬̰̯̙͖̠͈̗̖̞̌̀̿̎̈͂̈́̐̒͂̇͆͆̊̿̀̋̎̎̉̎͌̎̋͋́̕͘͘͘̚̚͘͝͝͝͠g̷̺͇͕̖̮̭͙͇̖͍̼̈̕ͅȩ̷̢̡̡͙̹̩̙͍̘̙̞̠͇̱͓̬̹̪̗̯͚̲͙̩̦̪͉̮͔̜̱̲̰̙̱͍̣̲̍̀͛̋̌̑̀̈́͑̊͛̿̒̑̀̏̀̓̎́̏̅̈́͆̍̈́̚̚͠͝͝ͅͅr̴̛̛̛̛̯̬̻̰̼̣͖͙̻̓̍̅́̇͗̔̄̅́̐̈́̈́̋̈͛̑͗̿͛̉̈́͗́̒͋̾̄̾̔̐͊͂̌̆̆̅͠͝��̢̗̖ş̶̡̧̨̬̲͖̜̱̬͉̹̳̞̩͕̖̭̝͓̬͈̭̰͙͈̯̻̜̤͈̮̺̞͉̣̯̳͎̹̪̖̭̯̹̞̖͖̖̔̄̋̄̽̍̊͐̍̈̿̓͜͜͝ͅͅ are availble for questions!)

[whatdancingdorkswasalreadytaken]

headcanon dump on leo’s coma and subsequent injury recovery (based on my recent post about leo’s post-coma voice here)

DISCLAIMER: i am not a doctor in any way, this is purely made up of my own ideas and research so there may be some medical inaccuracies

(due to the following post discussing comas, chronic injuries and other potentially triggering things such as vomiting and couching up blood i advise viewer discretion and encourage that you only read if you feel comfortable. thanks)

during the coma

raph stayed by her side for practically all of the three months, and he was the one who cared for her mainly - cleaning her gently everyday, feeding her and changing the water  

mikey was in charge of preparing her food (it was just a mix of blended up nutrient ingredients to keep her as healthy as possible) which was served to her through a brand-new eye dropper which april had brought from the store, because they didn’t have a feeding tube or anything like that

sometimes (when they’d manage to find good money from casey and april doing odd jobs to people that lived in a small town a good few hours away) they would feed her formula as well as the general fluids as it can build muscle and provide extra nutrition

raph stayed with her for most of the time, but he struggled to talk to her as it made him too upset, and donnie also struggled to visit her on his own out of guilt for what had happened in new york, but mikey made sure to hold her hand and talk to her and read to her and sing to her, even when the others told him she couldn’t hear him (he didn’t believe them)

he even made her a ‘get well soon card’ which stayed on the side of the sink in the bathroom

mikey found loads of old books around the farmhouse and read them to her, and years later when they’re back at the lair and watching tv together an adaptation of one of the books comes on and leo frowns in confusion as she swears she’s heard this story before but has no idea where or when, just that it was read to her once but that she can’t remember when or who had read it to her (mikey is sitting quietly next to her and smiling so hard his face hurts)

the others could tell in the van that her leg was very badly damaged but they decided not to try and move it or wrap it up in fear of making it worse as they had no idea what the problem was

donnie and casey built handlebars all around the farmhouse as they knew that her leg was seriously damaged in some way and that she would have serious mobility issues afterwards 

donnie made a cane for her as soon as he can as he knows she’d need it but april encouraged him, raph and mikey to decorate it for leo together as they were very distant around each other during the first month of their stay during the farmhouse 

april found an old box of pens and paints from the attic and told them all to work together to design and decorate leo’s cane

they made lists of everything leo likes on paper and it took them practically the whole night to decorate the cane with colours, symbols and drawings, but it was the first thing that they all did together and it helped break the ice between the three of them

after the coma

she threw up quite a bit during the first few days of coming out of the coma due to how weak her body was and how overwhelming everything was

at first she remembered bits of the invasion in small pieces, and it slowly came back to her, but it took her at least two weeks to realise that splinter wasn’t with them and she got very upset about this as she remembered shredder before splinter

she sustained much damage to her throat during the invasion, which made her voice much deeper and more hoarse (like donnie said)

it caused her to breathe very noisily and heavily, which she found very humiliating and upsetting 

she mainly ate soup/broth for the first few weeks after coming out of the coma due to the pain and difficulty that came with swallowing 

she also frequently coughed up blood due to the throat damage which she also found embarrassing

(no one ever made fun of her for any of it, but she did think less of herself for it before raph talked some sense into her and reminded her of how close she was to death and how she needed to be kinder to herself, to which she replied with by telling him he should take his own advice since he’d been neglecting himself ever since the invasion, and after a few seconds of silence the two actually start laughing, though leo’s didn’t sound much like laughter)

none of them realised how dangerous it is for her to be lie down until one night where she suddenly stopped breathing for about twenty seconds, and raph almost broke his voicebox screaming to wake the others up (afterwards leo had to sit up whilst sleeping for a while, and raph always made sure she went to sleep first)

my personal headcanon is that her leg injury is due to a case of chronic patellar instability, which is in simple terms an unstable kneecap, which moves when you bend and straighten your knee 

it usually causes pain and stiffness (and sometimes swelling) and a feeling of weakness and looseness and a buckling or locking sensation in the knee

it is not always a chronic condition, but i believe that in leo’s case it is due to the severity of the injury and how it was not really given the proper professional attention it needed soon enough, due to a combination of the invasion and everyone’s lack of medical knowledge (as surgery is available in severe cases of patellar instability, which i believe leo has) 

she started wearing a knee brace and using a cane as soon as she could begin to walk around again (which is not straight away) and even then she was slow and unstable due to her injury but even just because the rest of her body was so numb and weak in general 

although later on she won’t always be in constant pain so she doesn’t always wear the brace, she does keep the cane because it helps her (and doubles as a weapon in cases of emergency)

after she began to gain back some of her strength she begins some very slow and gentle physical therapy to help her body get back into shape 

she lost a considerable amount of weight during the coma due to living off of fluids for three months and is actually slightly underweight when she wakes up, so whilst the others take care to slowly reintroduce real food to her, they make sure it’s full of nutrients and good stuff

also the painkillers she took for the pain make her gain weight too 

by the time they leave for new york she is still using her cane and hobbling around, but she is stronger and faster than before, but running still takes a lot longer to get used to without her feeling like she’s going to pass out because of the pain

like i said before, she stops using the brace permanently after regaining her strength and slowly beginning to feel better, but she does have days where the kneecap moves too much and she can’t even touch it because the pain is unbearable so she uses it on and off for the rest of her life 

however she keeps the cane (which her brothers decorated for her) and does keep taking painkillers like the rest of them forever (cause they’ve all got chronic injuries and pain together)

[theficpusher]

You Smell Like by mystic_believexx | M | 185369 For her part, Jay took everything in her stride, barely batting an eyelid when Louis came into the kitchen the night Harry left and said, “I seem to have accidentally become the pack’s Alpha”. Ever since Harry left town, Louis’ found himself with the role of pack Alpha, despite being human. So he can’t wait to hand over the reins when Harry returns. Except, it’s not quite that simple… OR The one where Louis is the Alpha’s mate and everyone is aware of it except for Louis and Harry. Go figure!

the school of extraordinary lovers by stylinsoncity | M | 191036 "We keep telling the other, I love you and I love you, and we do, though we both know where the knives are." - Laura Van Prooyen harry is a third-year witch and violinist at Laitswold, the only magical academy in the UK, with dreams of taking on the world, and hopefully breaking the centuries-old curse on his family while he's at it. he does not dream of facing off against his childhood rival and duet partner, but louis is back in town after six years abroad, so that's exactly what happens.

Darling, so it goes by disgruntledkittenface | E | 195312 Harry Styles is a world-famous actor at the height of his career but a personal low point when he meets His Serene Highness Prince Louis of Monaco by chance. He doesn’t think they’ll ever see each other again, but after striking up a correspondence, it turns out they have more in common than he thought. Then they start to fall for each other. Louis is different from anyone Harry has dated before and their relationship moves fast as Harry realizes he’s ready for a change. Soon Harry finds himself adapting to an entirely new life, in a country where he doesn’t know the rules, the customs, even the language. Harry is used to people underestimating him, and he’s more determined than ever to prove them wrong. He just needs Louis to meet him halfway. Grace Kelly AU.

Angels Fly by LilyBlue28 | nr | 203082 Harry is a lonely omega in the North Western White River Pack who is uncharacteristically drawn to nature and his now outdated primal instincts. He fills his days with going through the motions and clinging to the one actual friendship he has in the omega Zayn, and when he gets a chance he sneaks away to the edge of their territory to sit with the trees and the wildlife and sketch his favorite part of the river. But what happens when one day he spots the pack alpha, Louis, having an intimate moment with something, or someone, unexpected? Suddenly his quiet, nearly invisible existence gets upended, and secrets he never wanted to know quite literally won't leave him alone, and even when he tries to stay away, he keeps being pulled back into Louis' turbulent orbit. A magical love story featuring a generations long grudge, a menacing curse, and secrets that keep pulling them apart. Will they be able to find a way back to one another through the dark?

Collision by itjustkindahappened | E | 226294 Mythology/Fairytale!AU in which Louis is a dainty fairy with a temper who wants to be intimidating and Harry hurts people. Naturally, they hate each other. (Featuring Liam, the big and not-so-bad wolf who’s got a thing for humans, Zayn, a human with supernaturally good looks, and Niall, the cupid who just wants his job to be easier.)

You Can Hear It In The Silence by Imogenlee | E | 234846 When Harry Styles received acceptance into a post-grad degree, he knew he could no longer afford his flat leaving him with three options: 1) Moving back into student halls. 2) Becoming homeless. 3) Moving in with his best (and only) friend, Niall, and three of Niall's other friends. He ended up choosing the third option. But it was a close race. Shame one of his new housemates reminded him why he only has one friend. If Louis Tomlinson had to choose one thing couldn't stand, it would be pretentious tossers, having grown up around enough of them. If he had to choose something he couldn't live without, it would be his friends. So he was proper thrilled to move in with his best mates and a couple of other lads. That was until he discovered one of them was the archetype for a pretentious tosser. In the interest of seeing out the twelve-month lease without killing each other, they both try (debatable) to get along despite believing they were opposite in almost every conceivable way, each having the communication skills of a cucumber, and secrets that had no business be kept secret.

The Things I Don't Ask by thisonegoes | E | 266670 Foster Montgomery Preparatory School is a sight to behold. Beautiful buildings in front of a beautiful Appalachian backdrop, a rich history, behind wrought iron gates with the carefully chosen Latin motto at the very top: “strenuis ardua cedunt.” “The heights yield to endeavor.” The price tag for such a distinguished and revered institution, for tuition, room, and board is $56,250. A year. A boarding school AU that features two boys who can never say how they really feel.

Remember Me Before You by kingsofeverything | E | 293820 Desperate to find a new place to live after he comes home to find his boyfriend cheating, Harry moves into a loft with three strangers. A New Girl AU.

Of Mates and Men by bananaheathen | E | 630460 In which, Louis and Harry meet as best men for their best friends' wedding... well... sort of. Or, the one where Harry's just moved back from New York and Louis doesn't believe in romance. Or, I guess... the one where Zayn and Liam are getting married.

[kaiba-cave]

You wanna hear a freaking story? My parents used to have a neighbour named Nicole. She decided to sell her house and just start living in a big van and basically just road trip everywhere, spent most of her time in the States. About a year ago we started noticing that her Instagram posts were getting kind of weird. Like, crazy kind of weird. We actually were wondering if she had some sort of brain tumour or something. Apparently it was just thyroid issues though? And since then she seemed okay.

So like two or three weeks ago she showed up at my mom’s house just to kind of visit the neighborhood again, came inside and had a normal conversation with my mom and all. But then my mom started noticing her van drive by like, every single day after that. Sometimes she’d pull over and sit there a few minutes then drive away again.

Apparently yesterday my mom saw her come and park in the neighbour’s driveway (at the house where she used to live). Said neighbour saw her on their cameras put something at their front door so he called the across the road neighbour (Margaret) to have her check because he wasn’t home.

Well before Margaret could even look outside, she heard a super load crash at her front door. It wasn’t a knock it was a loud crash sound. When she opened her door Nicole was there swinging something around that was wrapped in a sweater… and when Margaret talked to her she just sort of mumbled and walked away, went and took back whatever she left at the front door of the other house, got in her van and left again.

Then later when my mom was going somewhere she found a purse hanging on the outside door handle of our house. She took it inside and opened it and it had a broken bottle of mayonnaise, a jar of honey, a tube with a joint in it, an empty glasses case, a bunch of random notes (my mom didn’t read them though), and a 2022 planner in it. The planner was wrapped up the way you’d wrap a bow around a Christmas present, except the bow was made out of plastic wrap… so of course my mom is like… wtf is this?

We’re thinking Nicole for some reason smashed her purse against Margaret’s door and that’s why the mayonnaise bottle was broken in her purse. WHY she had a bottle of mayo and a jar of honey in a purse or why she left it hanging on my mom’s front door, I have no idea.

Her Instagram posts have also been getting weird again, and she’s gotten weirdly religious or “spiritual” as she calls it. She posted a picture of a random lady at the beach saying she thought she had a bomb attached to her. She posts a lot of weird screenshots of text messages with no captions or context too. When she does have a caption it usually makes no sense.

My mom messaged her just saying “hey I think I have your purse…” but hasn’t heard anything from her.

Margaret was also telling my mom that she was talking to another lady who used to be good friends with Nicole, and she was saying that when Nicole visits her she says some really strange things. Stuff about like, pedophile rings and shit. She said she’s actually kind of scared of her now and they were really good friends.

It’s just a guess and hopefully we’re wrong but the neighbours who now live in the house that Nicole used to own are a gay couple. And you know how some super ignorant people have this stupid belief that all gay guys are pedophiles? 😐 Hopefully it’s nothing like that, never knew her to be homophobic when she lived there but she wasn’t having any mental problems back then. Plus with this weird “spiritual” stuff she’s always on about, who knows.

I’m glad they have cameras because my mom and Margaret don’t. (I keep saying Margaret needs to get them though because there’s another guy in the neighborhood who has some sort of mental problem that causes him to walk around yelling at himself and/or nothing (that we can see), who goes to her house multiple times a day to see if she’ll give him money. Then he’ll like, walk around her house and pick up a stick or two to make it look like he did some work for it. And Margaret is like an 80 year old lady that lives alone with just a dog that’s old af too. But that’s a whole other thing lmao.) I just told my mom make sure you lock the doors and if she comes over again, don’t freaking answer it. 😭

Anyway. Me thinks Nicole either needs to go to a brain doctor again or she BADLY needs the mental health ward at the hospital. She’s for sure got something going on. I will not be surprised if she shows up again and cops end up being called.

[yallemagne]

For the Director's Commentary game: would love to hear more about "An Odd Doctor"!

ahahahahhaha I keep telling myself "sweetheart you're totally gonna write that one" hahah *laughing turns to sobs*

An Odd Doctor is part of an AU that has unfortunately been unexplored. I'm still rather tense about revealing it because... my baby. Maybe we could talk about specifics in private, you're a friend, but with the public I am still deluding myself that I will ever be able to write and publish more of the story rather than sit on it forever.

Okay, SPoiLErs for my fic, An Odd Doctor. No seriously, for those who haven't read, there's a twist, presumably. Hahah.

The ask game (please please I just wanna talk I just wanna talk my self worth is riding on this babes just ask me something I just wanna--)

This is a story where Van Helsing is never brought into the picture because a different "doctor" sees an opening and takes full advantage.

The decision of Dracula to make his abuse of Lucy more personal by posing as her doctor is, in part, influenced by the total disappearance of Jonathan Harker, which was mentioned by Lucy at the end of the fic. But shhhh.

Dracula reaches his destination with a few delays, but he nonetheless finds a sleepwalking Lucy and takes advantage of her illness. You could say many things carry out the same way as in the novel, but Mina is never called away by a message from Sister Agatha revealing her fiancé's location. She spends the entire trip with Lucy in Whitby. She meets Arthur when he visits Lucy, but her mind is on Jonathan the entire time, and she unconsciously withdraws as the two engaged lovers fawn over each other. When the trip is over, she returns to Exeter, and Lucy returns to London, and the nightmare starts again as Lucy is under Dracula's radar once more. Lucy, feeling guilty over Mina's spoiled trip, does not write to her but instead writes in her journal as if she were, telling her that a doctor called Count de Ville has been hired by her mother to treat her mysterious illness. Any relief she might have had in Arthur's fleeting visits is denied to her when he is forbidden from visiting while the doctor is around.

It is not a very happy story, as you can imagine with the set-up. Everyone is still split up, there is no hospital reunion/marriage of our beloved Harkers, Lucy is not being forthcoming with Mina for that reason, Arthur is having trouble being with Lucy long enough to notice there is something very very wrong about her doctor, and even then, it would be hard for him to intervene at this point, and the introduction of VH into this mess is impossible. Don't worry, I'm not saying that like I don't know how to insert him, I just know that if I did, he would be killed, so I'm sparing him for y'all.

For the entire AU, which has no official title, I have a playlist: Scapegoat. NONE of these songs will make sense to you. If you can puzzle out any of the details of this AU through any of these assorted vocaloid songs, I will give you a medal. The songs that best apply to An Odd Doctor in particular are:

NOVOCAINE by Creep-P and GHOST feat. vflower

HYPERDONTIA by GHOST and Creep-P feat. vflower

The first half of End-World Normopathy by GHOST and Vane feat. Solaria and Kevin (the latter half is later events)

Those three will make the most sense with the context of the fic. I am open to explaining the song choices because I SPEND TOO MUCH TIME ON THESE PLAYLISTS.

[yusei-tales]

The Old Continent Arbis Expedition Record: An Account of an Audience with Betelgeuse, the Sixteenth Demon King.

-Betel and Rineyas sitting together. -The scribe records. -They ask for an explanation of what it means to be a Demon King.

Betelgeuse (Betel): Sixteenth Demon King of the Veda race (demons). Rineyas Van Ardenn Tardis: King of the Tardis Kingdom of the Huma (humans).

Allen Farrell: Biologist and an explorer, chosen as the youngest member of the First Old Continent Expedition. The recorder of this conversation.

(Chatting) "Oh, that's right, Rineyas. Your first child was just born, right? Congratulations." "Ah… thank you. I'm glad he was born healthy."

"When he's a bit older, why not bring him here for a visit? Reve could use a playmate. Since she can't leave this place, she'd be glad to see someone. Not like I can just go out and snatch up people for her to meet, right?"

"Lady Reve… Now that you mention it, it’s been quite a while since I last saw her. Is she well?"

"Same as always. She growls when she sees me."

"Haha. I see. Sounds like she's got plenty of energy. I'll bring my son for a visit once he's a bit older."

(More chatting)

The presence of this one… Betelgeuse… the Sixteenth Demon King…! (A bit overwhelming)

"Hey, you there, the scribe? Or should I call you a recorder?" "Yes, you. Come here."

"Oh, you're nervous. Relax~ I'm not going to eat you. Where else would you find a demon king as human-friendly as me?"

"Haha, I think so too." (Rineyas)

"Anyway, that's right. The former Demon King, Canopus, had a daughter with a human—her name is 'Reve'—and it's well-known that Betel cherishes his half-sister deeply. I suspect his positive stance toward humans largely comes from that connection."

"And besides, Rineyas is my friend, so I'm not about to do anything nasty in front of him. Though I'd welcome a little bit of fear since people thinking of me too casually makes it hard to keep any dignity." (Gives a flash of a dangerous look)

"Eep!"

"Just kidding." _(Shrugs) "Why's an explorer so skittish?"

("Explorer," but I’m mainly focused on research and advising; the ones who do the real fieldwork are different people...sob)

"Betel, please don’t scare him too much."

"You're the odd one, Rineyas; that reaction is perfectly normal. What human would come here asking for an audience with the Demon King? And a king of a nation, at that. You really don’t hold yourself back enough."

"I have someone to cover me if needed. And, well, I had a bit of trust that it would be alright with you."

"Right, right… Anyway, let’s get down to the main topic. You're compiling a compendium?"

"Yes, that's correct. Farrell here is a kingdom biologist. He may be young, but he's a remarkable talent. He’s even taking part in the Arbis expedition due to his passion."

"Ah, this is the Old Continent expedition you mentioned before?"

"Yes. The materials we compile this time will include findings from that expedition."

"Knowing my stories are going into a compendium is a bit surreal. Record it with some discretion, will you? I’m hardly an expert. There are others who could tell you more detailed stories, and I can introduce them if necessary."

"Oh, no, no! Your words are essential for writing materials on the Veda! It’s an honor to hear such invaluable insights directly from you!"

"I, too, am very interested in Betel's stories. Sharing your knowledge without reservation would serve as good nourishment for the people. And there are stories only Betel can tell. That’s why I arranged this meeting between you and Farrell."

"Hm… You’re right, indeed. This is definitely a tale only I can share, at least in this generation. I'm not sure if it’ll be the grand story you're expecting, but… let's begin."

"About the Demon King."

"I'm going to talk about something from a long, long time ago—perhaps around when the land we live on first emerged. Nowadays, the main races on this land are our horned kind, the Veda; you humans, the Huma, who live in clusters and have smooth, featureless skin; and the beastly Yasma, with their animalistic traits. But back then, our kind was likely the only highly intelligent species that roamed this land.

"I can say this with certainty because each generation of Demon King inherits the memories of the previous ones. It’s not that every bit of personality or memory transfers over, but it’s like seeing an ancient memory or a forgotten dream. They stir and swirl somewhere in the back of your mind. It’s a hard feeling to describe—it’s vivid as if you could reach out and touch it, but it can disappear just as quickly as snuffing out a candle. You don’t consciously experience it, yet you come to know it happened. The mind of a Demon King, in that sense, could be described as a subjective, personal history book—not exactly the truth, but someone’s reality."

"The First King… he wanted to pass on the lessons from past deeds. To study the merits and faults of the predecessors and to learn from them, so the same mistakes wouldn’t be repeated. I remember this intent clearly, and it’s one of the things I learned upon inheriting this power."

"Then, the moment that intent passed on, I think every Demon King must have seen it—a figure that fills your mind."

"It’s a woman with red hair."

"She turns, her long hair flowing, partially braided and ornamented. And she smiles brightly as she looks back."

"And as her lips move, she calls a name."

"Sirius!"

"That’s the First King’s name. When we become Demon King, the first memory we see and the reason the Demon Kingship exists begins with her. She was the beginning of it all."

"The woman’s name is Lilim. She wears a red shawl. We’re known for our horns, right? Lilim has one too, a small horn on the right side of her head, shaped like a screw head. While that isn’t particularly unique among us, she definitely has a striking appearance."

"The First King misses her."

"Desperately. To the point where his heart might melt away. Deeply, achingly, profoundly."

"Is it a love story, then? Maybe. For me, it feels like something deeper and weightier than love."

"Or perhaps… that’s exactly what love is. I can’t say."

(To be continued with later parts)

[cure-typhoon]

im very new here, what exactly is the runaway au im Very Curious now :eyes:

Hiii okey so basically is an au where the beta trolls (humans here) help Karkat escape from the people who kidnapped him a year ago and are going around the country in a van, trying to find a way to separate Karkat from the alien he has been fused with before things start to become worse for him.

And extended summary of the start of the au is:

Karkat has been missing for around a year before he was pressumed dead after his jacket covered in blood was found in the woods close to the last place he was seen. It was assumed he got attacked by an animal and thats why his body was never found.

The start of the story occurs at his funeral, from Vriska's point of view as she decides to attend the funeral even after she hasnt been friend with the group for around 6 years. They got in a Big fight at the end of highschool and all of them went on their separate ways, theyre 22 now and it's the first reunion as a group after the fight.

The funeral is, depressing as you can expect, Vriska is feeling akward as she is not really friendly with anyone in the group, she tries to talk to Kanaya as she was one of her closest friends when they we're younger but she is a mess emotionally because she was the last person who saw Karkat before he disappeared.

Anyway a lot happens and the funeral is almost over and all of the beta kids are reunited in a room just, not really talking. They tried to but it starts to become an argument until Kanaya's stops them and tells them that if they don't shut up she is kicking them all out because she really can't handle their garbage today.

They calm down and Vriska propose that they go to their old hanging spot, an old abandoned cabin they used to frecuent, and leave some things for him there because it would probably be less depressing that being here. And all of them agree and get inside or Vriska's van. They buy some burgers on the way and arrive at the place.

They go inside and kind of explore the place but decide to just sit and eat like the old times, they talk about old memories, and then Karkat. Things get emotional again and they decide to look for some of his old stuff to see if theyre even there.

Nepeta goes to the back of the cabin, to a room they hadn't check yet, it's dark in there and she uses her flashlight only to see a BIG fucking EGG in there, a slimy and broken egg full of a strange liquid. She is about to enter to investigate but stops herself, she smells blood, she points the light to the ceilling and sees a person, upside down, covered on blood and with eyes completely white.

She screams as that persons starts attacking her. She is fighting back but the person is trying to kill her, thankfully the others come upstairs after hearing her screams and starts to help her.

They fight and it's chaotic and some of them get injured badly but theyre able to tie him up and things calm down. They try to find out what's going, going from a possesion to aliens.

Then the person wakes up, now more calm but very confused, asking what the hell is going and where is he. He then sees the people in front of him and says "KANAYA?" and they get silent, they recognize that voice, it sounded more tired than what they we're used to, but it was Karkat

The one who they just had a funeral for, the one who just attacked them and the one who looks a minute away from dying.

Lets say things got chaotic after that. And thats all of the summary, for now lol, there's still more about the start but I want to draw it :3

[popblank]

Catching up on posts for things I have seen recently - Girl From the North Country at the Pantages Theatre:

This was a curious experience. It was the emptiest I have ever seen the Pantages Theatre, to the point where if I hadn't known there was a show happening, I'm not sure I would have been able to tell just by walking by. The upper mezzanine was closed off entirely and there were still plenty of empty seats in the Orchestra.

This was actually one of the shows I was interested in seeing during the Pantages season because I generally like Bob Dylan's music and the Broadway reviews seemed to be good (if vague), but I was originally scheduled to see this on what ended up being the closing weekend of Lempicka and so had to change the ticket date to later. (Clearly, theater producers are not going to make money catering to my taste.)

The promo poster in the theater entryway claimed it was "The Tony-Award Winning #1 Musical of the Year!" and used a pull quote from Ben Brantley's review of the 2018 production at the Public Theater. While it did win the Tony for Best Orchestrations (in the year that A Strange Loop won the Best Musical Tony) I do wonder where they got that #1 from. The show is marketed as a musical, but it feels like a play with music. But "a play with music" makes the music sound inessential, which isn't quite right; the music mostly gets used to flesh out characters and relationships as well as set or reflect moods and thoughts, but it's still tied closely enough into the action & characters that I don't see how the show would have a reason to exist without the music. It's the sort of thing I might have expected to see at Center Theater Group rather than part of the Broadway in Hollywood series (which tends toward commercial crowd-pleasers).

The story revolves around a boardinghouse in Duluth, Minnesota in 1934, owned and run by Nick and Elizabeth Laine (John Schiappa and Jennifer Blood). Nick is probably the closest the show has to a main character, though there are several other plotlines that that are weighted nearly as much as his; the show seems like collection of slices of life, occasionally narrated directly to the audience by Dr. Walker (Alan Ariano). Every character is struggling through the Great Depression and even though Nick is about to go bankrupt, he's still at the center of this place where strangers can create a transitory sort of community and in that way make an impact on each others' lives (sometimes insignificant, sometimes life-altering). Plot-wise I think it's not as generally accessible as it's not a story-centric narrative; it feels more like a tapestry of loosely-woven threads that create an image as they are pulled together and then gets distorted/warped/unraveled as threads get pulled in different directions.

In most cases, I think the music worked well; the one that didn't really work for me was "Hurricane," because it was one of the songs I was already familiar with and knew was based on a real story, so attaching it to this fictional character felt strange. Individual performances were very good across the board and I particularly enjoyed Carla Woods as Mrs. Neilsen (who's having a not-very-secret affair with Nick Laine) and Jill Van Velzer as Mrs. Burke (whose current life with her formerly successful businessman husband and intellectually disabled adult son seems highly stressful, but at least she gets to play the drums).

I think this show would work better in a smaller theater where you could 1) hear the lyrics clearly (sound can be weird at the Pantages) and 2) feel the music in the space you are occupying. (It would also help to not be sitting next to someone who kept whispering to their companion and checking their phone during the show.)