#kills her mom and drowns her town

[generallysapphic]

i’ve noticed black panther x fishman shippers never draw shuri right … she’s either shorter than him, smaller than him, small nose, just something about her is just off..

and this is like a consistent thing from big artists to just everyday doodles

they be drawing somebody but it’s never actually shuri it’s some insert of what looks like themselves tbh and hey if you wanna fuck namor just draw yourself, but if you wanna draw shuri draw her accurately… shuri has a small, damn near invisible nose bridge as most black girls often do. her shoulders are wide, her jaw line is sharp and she it fit, not just skinny. and she’s damn near at namors eye level, if not one inch off. and people who ship them draw her like some petite girl with curly hair whos always looking up to him.

it’s almost if.. they can’t ship the shuri we see in the movie with the namor we know because… she fucking hates him and won’t ever be this girly girl enemies to lovers story they think it is 🫢

and if you got something to say agrue wit ya mama, i don’t give a fuck ! you weirdo, shipping someone with the person who killed they mama, you need to be jailed

[incognit0slut]

Better for you

Spencer spends the change of year with a new resolution as he starts looking at his rival differently.

(THIS CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE BUT IS TECHNICALLY A THIRD PART FOR LOSE CONTROL AND THE LAST LAUGH)

words: 4.6k Category: fluff (surprisingly this is not my usual NSFW work) warnings: kissing, suggestive content a/n: I’m killing two birds with one stone here. One, I caved in and did another part for this rival couple. And two, I wrote this as a participation in @imagining-in-the-margins office party writing challenge🥳 Here are the prompts: 1. The team hardly believes it when Character A agrees to dance with B. 2. “I just never saw you as a... party type of person."

WAS A PARTY SUPPOSED TO BE THIS BORING? A subtle sigh escaped her lips as she glanced around the backyard. When Rossi invited the team to gather around at his house in celebration of the new year, everybody was on board.

"Who would say no to a David Rossi party?" JJ had said, which led her to bring her family along the occasion. Even Simmons brought his wife and five little kids. And now Rossi’s place never looked so alive with this many people, it seemed that everyone was present at this joyful soirée.

Everyone but one person, that is.

She turned her attention back to the drink in her hand, leaning against the open bar Rossi had set up, her mind drifting towards a certain man. It wasn't like she was keeping tabs on him. Really, she wasn't. It just happened that his absence became surprisingly noticeable when he decided to take some time off work to visit his mom, even days before Christmas break.

How long had it been since the last time she saw him? Two weeks? Three? It seemed like a considerable amount of time had passed since she saw was forced to work with him, which happened during the case in a remote town. And despite successfully apprehending the Unsub days later, her resistance to temptation, unfortunately, wasn't as successful.

It was hard not to think of what happened during the travel when it kept playing in her mind like a broken record. It was as if the memories were engraved in her brain—his slick, sweaty body pressing against hers; his soft lips caressing her skin; his large hands roaming her curves, traveling to places that had her hot and wet—

What the hell was wrong with her?

She took a sip of her drink—or more like chugging it down—trying to test if the burning sensation could wash away her filthy mind.

"Whoa," a sudden voice broke through her haze and she looked up to find Luke standing close to her. "Easy there."

His easygoing grin met her gaze as he gestured toward her almost empty glass. She shrugged, aiming the glass toward him in a mock toast. "Just trying to enjoy the party."

"Yeah?" He chuckled, leaning against the bar.

She shot him a sideways glance. "What's it to you, Alvez?"

His grin widened. "Well, when someone's drinking like they're on a mission, it catches my attention. Everything okay?"

She hesitated for a moment before responding, her tone calm. "I'm just getting into the party spirit, you know?"

Luke raised an eyebrow, his playful demeanor unwavering. "Is that so? Or are you trying to drown out some thoughts?"

She scoffed. "Thoughts? What thoughts?"

"The kind that makes you chug down your drink."

"You're imagining things. I'm simply enjoying this..." Her eyes scanned the party, trying to find a word describing the ongoing festive. "...ambiance."

"Alone by the table full of alcohol?"

"Well, someone's got to keep an eye on these drinks from disappearing too quickly."

"Hmm," He responded. "It kind of seems like you're waiting for someone to join the party."

Her cheeks warmed slightly, and she scoffed again. "I know who you're referring to, and no, I am not waiting for anyone."

He leaned in, the mischief in his eyes unwavering. "So, you're telling me that if Reid walked in right now, you wouldn't do a happy dance?"

"Please, there would be no happy dance," she said, rolling her eyes. "Just a casual acknowledgment, maybe."

"Casual acknowledgment? You're going with that?" His grin widened, his teasing persistence unyielding. "There's nothing casual about you two."

"If you mean hating each other's gut, then sure, there is nothing casual about Reid and me."

"He doesn't hate you, you know." She gave him a deadpanned look, her skepticism evident in her arched brow. Luke laughed. "Fine, he disliked the idea of having another prodigy on the team. When he got out of prison, he felt like you were his replacement."

She frowned. "I kind of was. Emily wanted someone to fill in for his absence while he was away."

Luke raised an eyebrow, his expression turning thoughtful. "True, but I think you're starting to grow on him." She shook her head, trying to brush off the comment. "I'm serious, I think you made an impression."

Her skepticism lingered as she fully turned towards him, pointing a finger at him. "So you’re telling me every time he tried to pick a fight he was actually impressed by my intelligence?"

"Well, Reid's got this... unique way of expressing himself, but trust me, he respects you."

She raised an eyebrow. "Now you're just pushing it."

"There's got to be something more than what you're letting on. He's not exactly subtle, you know."

She leaned back slightly, trying to maintain composure. "You're reading too much into it. Reid and I have..." a complicated dynamic between coworkers who hate each other but had sex twice—well, three, including that one time in the shower. "...a professional relationship," she decided to say.

His grin widened. "Professional? I've seen the way you two spar during cases."

She huffed. "It's just our way of solving problems. It doesn't mean anything more."

Luke's expression turned thoughtful. "I've worked with him for a while, and he usually doesn't go back and forth with people in smart talk. There must be something about you that intrigues him."

"Or irritates him," she added dryly. "You're giving him too much credit."

"Maybe," he admitted with a laugh. "But I don’t know, he might surprise you one of these days."

She shot him a skeptical glance. "I highly doubt that."

"Yeah?" He suddenly looked past her, a sly grin forming. "Then maybe should find out for yourself."

Confused, she turned around to see what had caught his attention…. And time seemed to slow as her eyes widened in surprise when she spotted Spencer entering the party, a casual smile on his face as he greeted everyone. For a moment, their eyes locked, and despite her attempts to remain nonchalant, a subtle flutter danced in her chest.

She quickly looked away, her attempt to maintain composure falling apart.

"See what I mean?" Luke's voice broke through her thoughts.

She rolled her eyes, trying to deflect. "It's just a party, people look at each other. There's nothing special."

He raised an eyebrow and responded with a hint of sarcasm. “Sure."

"I'm serious. Stop reading into it."

"Alright, I won't."

That only annoyed her even more. She took a deep breath, attempting to regain control of the situation. "You're insufferable."

"What? I believe you," he replied. "I mean, nothing could've happened between two people who were locked together and then forced to share a room, right?"

She shot him a glare, but before she could say anything, she felt a presence coming up behind her. A sudden chill ran down her spine as she caught a whiff of scent she was accustomed to by now, something woody and fresh with a subtle hint of sweetness.

"Reid," Luke greeted as he gave her a side glance before moving towards Spencer, casually dropping an arm around his shoulders. "It's good to see you. How's your mom?"

Spencer's eyes met hers briefly before responding to Luke, "She's doing well, thanks."

“Good to hear.” Luke nodded his head towards her. "Y/n here was just telling me how much she missed you during the holidays."

Suppressing a groan, she shot him a warning look. Spencer, however, responded with a small smile. "You did?"

Her cheeks warmed slightly, caught off guard by his direct question. She feigned nonchalance, offering a casual shrug. "Please, I was just mourning the lack of someone to challenge my wisdom."

Luke chuckled and gave her one last pointed look before excusing himself with a pretense of Rossi calling him somewhere from the crowd. Her eyes narrowed on his back as he walked away, shaking her head in disbelief. "That man coming close to being second place on my hate list."

"I take it I'm still on your number one spot then."

She turned towards him at the sound of his voice, and now that they were alone, she finally took her time to observe him.

Her eyes scanned his clothes, taking in the details. From the carefully styled hair that hinted at the time he took to prepare, to the open dress shirt that he seemed unbothered to button all the way, exposing his long neck and the slight expanse of his chest. He looked good. He looked clean, polished, and undeniably handsome.

She blinked and cleared her throat, attempting to regain composure. "Well, you certainly took your time getting ready."

He met her gaze with a hint of amusement in his eyes, seemingly aware of her scrutinizing observation. "I believe in making a good impression," he replied, a subtle smile on his lips.

She arched an eyebrow, resisting the urge to acknowledge the effect his appearance had on her. "Trying to win over the crowd with something beyond your brain?"

"Partly," he admitted, "And partly because someone once told me that a well-dressed genius is a force to be reckoned with."

"Must have been Garcia."

He grinned. "You know her well."

She took another sip of her drink, a blend of sweet and bitter notes dancing on her tongue. Keeping her eyes on him over the rim of her glass, she observed the play of shadows on his face, accentuating the angles of his features. The ambient light from the party cast a subtle glow, and she couldn't help but notice how it highlighted the soft strands of hair that fell gracefully across his forehead.

"I'm actually surprised to see you here," she slowly remarked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Surprised? Should I be offended?"

"I just never saw you as a... party type of person."

"I'm not," he agreed. "The only exception of social gathering I can endure is with everyone present here."

"Including me?"

“Especially you."

Her demeanor faltered for a split second, caught off guard by the unexpected turn in his tone. It wasn't the usual witty remark she anticipated. A flicker of surprise crossed her features before she could conceal it, her throat clearing as she attempted to regain control over her beating heart.

"Especially… me?" she echoed, attempting to mask the surprise in her voice.

Spencer's gaze held a warmth that felt unfamiliar, and he nodded. "It seems social events are more bearable when you're around."

She tilted her head and studied him. "You're just saying that because you have someone to pick a fight with."

"A fight?" He wondered. "Is that what we've been doing?"

"It's what we've always been doing."

"Not for the past few weeks, we haven't."

She knew what he was referring to. Not wanting to give him the satisfaction of indulging in a conversation about their sexual escapades, she instead responded with, "Well, you haven't, I'm still trying to play my part here."

He chuckled softly, the sound resonating in the quiet space between them. "And what part would that be?"

"The one where I constantly question the liability of your knowledge, of course."

Spencer's smile widened, the lines of his face softening. "Maybe," he began, his voice low, "We can explore different roles that don't involve any fighting."

She raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting a truce, Dr. Reid?"

"More like a change of tactics, Dr. L/n," he replied, gently taking the glass from her hand and placing it by the bar.

Her frown deepened, uncertainty in her eyes. "What are you doing?"

He nodded toward the center of the backyard where most of their team members filled the space of the party. "Dance with me."

She gazed towards the dance floor, then back at him, and her brows furrowed. That did not sound like the Spencer she knew, heck, she wasn't sure she had ever seen him dance before. Her eyes narrowed further when he gave her a grin.

"Come on, it's just a dance. It won't kill you," he urged, extending a hand towards her.

She eyed his outstretched hand with mock skepticism. "Are you implying that dancing with you is some kind of survival?"

Spencer grinned. "Considering the number of times you've survived my intellect, this should be a walk in the park."

She rolled her eyes. "Intellect, yes. Dancing? I'll take my chances."

"Are you afraid you'll step on my toes?" he teased.

"More like I'm afraid you'll step on mine," she shot back.

Spencer chuckled. "Just one dance, and if you don't enjoy it, you can revert to questioning the liability of my knowledge."

Her eyes drifted between his outstretched hand and his gaze, a silent contemplation unfolding within her. She knew that if she agreed to this, there was no turning back. Was it a wise decision? Probably not. But a small, rebellious part of her was curious to see how the night would unfold.

Spencer watched her with a patient expression, his hand still extended. The music continued to play, a steady beat that seemed to echo the pulse of the night, and after a moment's hesitation, she sighed in mock exasperation.

"Fine," she said, finally placing her hand in his, "But I reserve the right to make sarcastic remarks about your dance moves later."

"Deal," he agreed, leading her onto the dance floor with a grin.

She could feel everyone's scrutiny on them as he pulled her onto the dance floor, her breath hitching when he grabbed her other hand and placed her arms around his neck before snaking his arms around her waist.

"Everyone's watching us, aren't they?" she asked as they started to move to the soft beat of the music.

Spencer's gaze held a mischievous glint as he twirled her around, navigating the dance floor with surprising grace. "Let them watch," he replied, his voice low, sending a shiver down her spine. "It's just a dance, after all."

"You don't strike me as the 'just a dance' kind of person." She arched an eyebrow, unable to shake off the sense that there was more to this move than met the eye. "You don't even strike me as someone who even knows how to dance."

He shrugged. "Dancing is easy. All you have to do is move in circles and hold on to your partner."

He proved his point by pulling her further into his arms, and she couldn't help but notice the contrast in their heights. His broad chest pressed against her, the softness of his abdomen against her stomach, while his arms securely wrapped around her body.

Her breath caught for a moment, her gaze instinctively locking with his. The initial awkwardness transformed into a surprising ease, and she reciprocated the movements with a newfound confidence. The subtle sways and turns took on a rhythm of their own, syncing perfectly with the music that enveloped them.

"See?" he whispered, the warmth of his breath sending a shiver down her spine. "Easy."

They continued to move to the rhythm, and she couldn't help but notice the intensity in his gaze. The world around them seemed to blur, and for a moment, she actually enjoyed being held close to him.

But before she could fully relax in his arms, JJ appeared on the dance floor, hand in hand with her husband Will. The look of disbelief in their friend's eyes was unmistakable as the couple approached them while being tangled in their own dance.

"Are my eyes deceiving me," JJ teased, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Or are you two getting along quite well?"

She rolled her eyes, attempting to maintain a casual facade. "It's just a dance. Don't read too much into it."

JJ's grin widened as she exchanged a knowing look with Will. "I didn't think I'd see the day when you and Reid would willingly share the dance floor."

She shot a glance at Spencer, and there was a momentary flicker of something in his eyes—was it surprise? amusement? She couldn't quite place it. Collecting herself, she responded with a mock grimace, "He forced me into it."

Spencer's expression turned playful. "I have a way of convincing people to do things they didn't know they wanted to do."

"You mean manipulate."

He chuckled. "Persuade, Y/n. It's all about perspective."

From the corner of her eyes, she saw JJ and Will exchanging another pointed look. "Either way, you both look like you're having a good time."

"And you both look good together," Will added.

"Thank you."

"We're not together."

They both looked at each other while JJ raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Yet here you are. Spence, you might have just discovered a hidden talent—getting Y/n to dance."

She let out a sigh. "Don't encourage him."

Spencer leaned in, his tone low. "You're just mad because you're enjoying this."

She narrowed her eyes. "Let's not get carried away."

"Come on, just admit it," The corners of his lips lifted in a playful smirk. "You're having more fun than you expected."

"Fun?" She scoffed, attempting to deflect the growing warmth in her cheeks. "I wouldn't call this fun. It's just an unfortunate consequence of being at a party."

"Yet you can't deny that you're not entirely opposed to the idea."

She shot him a glare. "You're dangerously close to overestimating your influence."

"Or maybe you're underestimating your willingness to enjoy the moment."

She shook her head, turning towards JJ. "Can you believe him—"

She stopped when she realized they had been left alone for a while, noticing JJ and Will were already at the other side of the dance floor. However as her eyes scanned around them, the scrutiny of the others didn't go unnoticed by her. She fixed her gaze back on Spencer.

"We must be such a sight to see," she remarked. "I bet they're starting some rumors about us."

He raised his eyebrows. "You think they haven't already?"

She sighed, acknowledging his words. "Fair point."

"What do you think they're saying about us?"

She considered for a moment. "That we secretly don't hate each other," she responded after contemplating her answer. "I think they might be disappointed when they realize the truth."

His arms instinctively tightened around her waist. "And what's the truth?"

She studied him, her heart suddenly beating fast. Weeks ago, she would have answered the question with certainty, stating that they were nothing more than coworkers who were both very stubborn. But as she felt his eyes watching her intently, she wasn't so sure anymore.

"The truth?" she echoed, her voice a little softer than she intended. "I don't know, Reid. What is our truth?"

He held her gaze, and for a moment, she was hypnotized by the look in his eyes. "Well, the part where we secretly don't hate each other is true, for me at least."

Her breath caught as she absorbed his words.

“…you don't hate me?"

"Hate is a very strong word." Spencer leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Hate is often fueled by fear or misunderstanding. It's a complex emotion rooted in our perceptions and experiences. So, in a way, hate is a reflection of the mind rather than a true evaluation of a person."

She couldn't help but let out a disbelieving laugh. "Did you just use psychology to explain why you don't hate me?"

"Considering our line of work, it seemed appropriate."

She shook her head in amusement. "Only you would analyze hate in the middle of a dance."

Spencer continued, "Well, understanding emotions is crucial in our field. And I believe there's more to us than mere hostility."

She pursed her lips together, her mind suddenly going through the times they often bickered. "I still find it hard to believe you didn't hate me the first time we met."

"Dislike would be a better way to put it. But I was at my lowest point at that time. It wasn't just you, I was angry at everyone. At the circumstances. At myself." He slightly leaned back and sighed. "And I admit, it was wrong of me to take it out on you."

Then after a moment of silence, he whispered, "I'm sorry."

She felt the warmth of his embrace, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against hers. The apology hung in the air and she found herself at a loss for words. For a fleeting moment, the walls she had built seemed to crumble, leaving her standing on the precipice of something unfamiliar.

She took a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper, "And how do you see me now?"

Spencer's gaze held a thoughtful intensity as he considered her question. "I think you're someone who challenges me. There's a depth to you beyond the harsh glare and cold shoulder." He eased, pressing a hand on her lower back. "And, if I may say, someone who looks surprisingly stunning on the dance floor."

A blush crept over her cheeks, and she narrowed her eyes, wondering if he had another motive behind the compliment. "You're using flattery now? Are you trying to get in my pants again?"

He laughed. "Is it working?"

She rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile. "Nice try, Reid. Flattery might get you far, but not that far."

His grin widened, and he guided her through the dance floor with ease. "Well, I'll have to come up with better tactics then."

His touch, gentle and deliberate, sent a shiver down her spine as his thumb traced an almost hypnotic pattern on the small of her back through the fabric of her dress. The soft caress felt both intimate and tender, catching her off guard. "I mean it though," he said, his voice a soft murmur that resonated with honesty. "You do look beautiful tonight."

There was something in his gaze that was unfamiliar, even hearing him easily compliment her was foreign in her ears. Her confusion must have been evident on her face because he smiled at her. "What?"

She shook her head, dismissing her thoughts. "Nothing. It's just... unexpected, coming from you."

He chuckled, the sound vibrating against her as they moved in sync with the music. "It's part of my New Year's resolution."

"What? To be nicer?" She guessed. "Be a better person?"

"To be a better person for you," he corrected.

Her heartbeat picked up, and she found herself drawing closer to him, the music weaving a subtle spell around them. The warmth radiating from him, the soft glow of the string lights, and the gentle melody created an intimate atmosphere that blurred the lines between the hostility she often wore.

The distance between them diminished, and she felt the subtle shift in the air. Without registering what she was doing, her fingers came up behind his neck, softly playing with the strands of his hair. They were so soft, just like the look reflected in his eyes. Then her gaze went down to his lips; they too looked incredibly soft.

"Stop looking at me like that."

Her eyes snapped to his. "Like what?"

"Like you want to close the distance between us," he whispered, his voice a low murmur that sent a shiver down her spine. "Because I'm trying to restrain myself from doing just that."

His fingers found the small of her back, pressing gently, while hers continued their silent dance in his hair. Every touch, every movement, fueled the escalating heat between them. His proximity was intoxicating, and the magnetic pull between them was undeniable. The distance diminished further until she could feel his breath, warm and inviting, grazing against her lips.

But before she could indulge herself, Garcia's voice echoed somewhere in the crowd. "It's the final countdown, people!"

Suddenly becoming aware of their surroundings, she released her arms from around his neck and shifted her gaze elsewhere. Her eyes landed on the projector screen, previously used by the kids for a movie marathon and now it displayed the vibrant scenes of people joyously ringing in the New Year celebration.

As the digital numbers on the screen ticked down, the energy in the backyard intensified. The countdown became a collective heartbeat, a shared anticipation that echoed through the crowd.

"Ten! Nine! Eight!"

In those final moments, she stole a glance at Spencer, their eyes locking silently.

"Seven! Six! Five!"

But his stare became so intense that she quickly looked away.

"Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New Year!"

The cheers erupted, and the backyard was bathed in the glow of fireworks, the sky above adorned with bursts of color. She watched the dazzling display in awe, the explosions of light reflecting in her eyes.

Amidst the celebratory chaos, she noticed her friends wrapped in the arms of their loved ones, celebrating happily. JJ and Will shared a sweet kiss, Simmons was embraced by his family, Penelope and Luke exchanged laughter, and even Rossi, with a subtle smile, clinked glasses with Emily and Tara.

And as the colorful explosions painted the night sky, she felt a lingering gaze on her. Turning, she found Spencer watching her intently. His eyes were searching hers as if he were asking for permission to close the short distance separating them.

She knew what he meant. It was beyond asking permission to kiss her. It was a gentle plea to understand the unspoken boundaries that lingered between them. Engaging in intimacy behind closed doors was one thing, but to take that step in front of their peers meant exposing a vulnerability she had carefully guarded. Did she want to cross that line?

A part of her wavered, finding herself drawn to him—his warm brown eyes, his smile, everything about him seemed to call out to a part of her that she had kept guarded. The barriers she had meticulously built started to feel like fragile walls as everything around them started to fade, leaving only the soft glow of string lights and the distant echoes of laughter.

Oh, fuck it.

Feeling the pull of an undeniable force, she took a step closer with a small, bashful smile playing on her lips. It was all the answer he needed. Closing the distance between them, he framed her face with his large hands, his warm touch sending a shiver down her spine. Surrounded by the cheers of the crowd and the vibrant display of fireworks overhead, he finally leaned down, gently brushing his lips against hers.

Warmth spread through her body as he held her, his touch gentle yet possessive. He tipped her jaw, allowing his mouth to move along with hers. His tongue easily slipped into her as he continued to taste the subtle hint of liquor she had been drinking. Spencer was never one to drink, but he didn't mind tasting it on her. If anything, he couldn't get enough.

Her arms instinctively traveled underneath his suit jacket, seeking more of his warmth as she wrapped them around his waist. The fabric of his suit was smooth under her fingertips, and the heat of his body radiated through the layers of clothing.

The kiss deepened as he continued to explore her mouth, growing more intense with each passing second, and it wasn't until they heard someone through their haze calling out, "There are kids here!" that he finally pulled away.

He laughed, a soft, genuine sound and she couldn't help but join in. He then rested his forehead against hers, their breaths mingling in the small space that separated them. The lingering taste of their kiss hung in the air, and for a moment, they simply stood there. The reality of the situation slowly sank in, and they exchanged a glance filled with a mix of surprise and amusement.

"I guess we got carried away," he mumbled.

"You think?" She chuckled, her fingers playing with the lapels of his suit jacket. "We should keep it PG-13 for now."

His fingers gently traced the curve of her cheek. "Does that mean we can go R-rated later?"

She let out a laugh, throwing her head back in mirth. "You're relentless."

He smiled, savoring the moment of ease between them, and he found himself captivated by the genuine joy she radiated. His gaze traveled around the backyard and noticed everyone watching them with amused grins. He leaned down and pulled her flush against him. "Everyone's watching us."

She groaned and hid her face in the crook of his neck. "I can already imagine their teasing."

There was a moment of silence before he responded, "I think it's worth it."

"What is?" she mumbled into his neck.

He pulled away and looked down at her. In a tender gesture, he brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "I can handle the constant teasing if it means I get to hold you like this."

The corners of her lips curled into a soft smile. "You're willing to endure their teasing just to hold me?"

His gaze met hers, unwavering. "More than willing."

Her gaze softened as she looked at him. She couldn't believe how this night had turned out, yet, here they were—wrapped up in a dance of their own. It was a position she would've never imagined herself in. And despite her best efforts to resist, the walls she had meticulously built were crumbling.

"Can I kiss you again?" He whispered. "I promise I'll make it family-friendly."

The corners of her lips curled as she laughed. The unexpected turn of events had brought them to a place she never anticipated, but surprisingly, it felt oddly right.

"I suppose one more won't hurt."

His smile widened, and with a hint of mischief in his eyes, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a tender kiss. "Happy New Year," he whispered against her lips.

She found herself smiling, realizing that perhaps, unexpected as it was, this change of year wasn't so bad. She closed her eyes, savoring the moment, and wondered where her life would take her this year. The path ahead seemed unclear, but one thing was certain—Spencer Reid had managed to find his way into her heart.

.

a/n: if you’ve followed the story since lose control, this is the ending for this short series. As much as I wanted to write smut again for the last part, the fluff was calling out to me :3

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[alwaysmoncheri]

𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 | 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧

summary: in which best friends, y/n henderson and steve harrington get caught up in their feelings while paranormal activities occur in the small town of hawkins, indiana

cw: fem!reader, I wrote this a long time ago(I apologize for everything cringe), shit writing, first person pov, implications of sex, 1k

<3

The day seems to drag on incessantly as I drown in my own pool of sorrow.

As I'm sitting at lunch, Tommy and Carol crack their typical 'humorous' remarks, triggering an unsettling feeling within me.

"I still think that creep killed him." Tommy says referring to Jonathan while spooning food into his mouth.

"He's such a freak." Carol comments, laughing.

Steve shoots his friends a look before he glances at me with a concerned expression. To my surprise, he rests his hand on my thigh and gives it a gentle squeeze, leaving it there, before returning to his food.

Steve doesn't bring up what happened last night.

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

"The brown current ran swiftly out of the heart of darkness, bearing us down towards the sea with twice the speed of our upward progress. And Kurtz's life was running swiftly, too—"

I slump in my seat, absorbing this incredibly boring lecture as the day reaches its conclusion. Suddenly the office lady walk in and halts the teacher's speech.

Thank god.

"(Y/n) Henderson and Nancy Wheeler? If you would come with me, please," She says motioning for us to walk with her.

With exhaustion dragging me down, I rise from my chair and shuffle after the lady through the classroom door to the empty cafeteria - a tense scene awaiting. There, Mrs. Wheeler sits, across from two officers, who look at Nancy and I with stern expressions, which causes my heart to quicken with anticipation.

Nancy sits down next to her mom and I sit myself down next to Nancy.

"We're here to discuss the whereabouts of your friend, Barbra Holland." One of the deputies says, with a notepad in hand.

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

"So, this argument you and Barbra had... What exactly was it about?" The officer, Powell asks.

"It wasn't really an argument..." Nancy says hesitantly, "Barb just wanted to leave. I didn't, so, I... I told her to just go home."

"Then what?" Powell asks.

"Then I went upstairs to put on some dry clothes." Nancy continues.

"And the next day," Powell says, "You guys went back and saw, a bear, you're thinking?"

"We don't know what it was... but we think..." I pipe in, "We think maybe it took, Barb."

"You need to check behind Steve's house—" Nancy starts.

"We did. There's nothing there." The other officer, Callahan, says shaking his head, "There's no sign of a bear."

"And there's no car." Powell finishes.

"What?" I say, as Nancy and I glance at each other.

"Look, we figure that Barbra came back last night and then she took off, went somewhere else." Callahan says.

"Has she ever talked to either of you about running off?" Powell asks, "Leaving town, maybe?"

"No," Nancy says shaking her head, "No, Barb wouldn't do that, ever."

"She wasn't maybe upset about the fact that you were spending time with this boy?" Powell asks, "Uh, Steve Harrington?"

"What? No." Nancy says uncomfortably.

"Maybe she was jealous because she saw you go up to Steve's room?" Callahan presses and Mrs. Wheeler looks at Nancy pointedly.

"It wasn't like that." Nancy argues.

"Like what?" Callahan asks.

"Steve and me... We're..." Nancy's starts, "We're just friends. We just talked."

Callahan looks down at his notes and I avert my gaze to the window, hiding my jealousy.

"Now was this before or after you changed out of your clothes?"

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

After riding my bike home, I grab a snack from the fridge as the phone begins to ring. I walk over to the phone holding it between my shoulder and ear. Opening the wrapper for my snack, I take a bite while answering the call.

"Henderson residence." I say into the phone.

"(Y/n)?" I hear Jonathan's voice through the speaker.

"This is she," I reply.

"Uh, could you help me with something?" He says hesitantly.

"Of course, what is it?" I ask, leaning against the wall.

"I need to organize Will's funeral and I just can't do it alone." He responds solemnly.

"Oh..."

"You don't have to, I just—"

"No, no, it's okay Jonathan," I say, reassuring the boy, "Pick me up in ten minutes?"

"Okay."

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

Jonathan arrives at my house approximately ten minutes later. As he drives us to the funeral home, my thoughts wander to the difference between riding with him and sitting in Steve's car. Jonathan's car is cold and bleak while Steve's car is warm and causes my emotions to buzz with excitement.

Jonathan pulls up outside the funeral home and we both head inside. An old man greets us with a sad smile and guides us over to view the available caskets.

"It's made of soft wood with a crepe interior," The old man says gently, "Uh, now, I don't know what your budget is but over there, we have copper and bronze." He says leading us over to more caskets.

Nancy walks in through the entrance, her steps slow and hesitant. Jonathan and I notice her arrival, prompting her to offer us a wave that mirrors her anxious demeanor.

"Can you just give us a second?" Jonathan stammers before we walk over to Nancy.

"Of course." The man says kindly.

"Hey." Jonathan greets.

"Hey, Nance." I say.

"Hey..." She says, "Your mom, um... she said you'd be here."

"I just... can we talk for a second?"  Nancy continues nervously.

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

"It looks like it could be some kind of perspective distortion, but I wasn't using the wide angle." Jonathan says looking at the taped picture Nancy hands him after we sit down on a bench.

"I don't know. It's weird" He continues handing the picture back to Nancy.

"And you're sure you didn't see anyone else out there?" Nancy asks.

"No." Jonathan replies, "She was there one second and then, um... gone. I figured she bolted."

"The cops think that she ran away." Nancy says sadly, "But they don't know Barb."

"And we went back to Steve's... and we thought we saw something..." I say.

Some weird man or...I don't know what it was." Nancy finishes with a sigh before looking at Jonathan.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come here today." She stands, "I'm so sorry."

"What did he look like?" Jonathan says abruptly.

"What?" Nancy asks turning back around.

"This man you guys saw in the woods." Jonathan says, "What'd he look like?" He repeats.

"I don't know," Nancy stammers, "It was almost like he... he didn't have—"

"Didn't have a face?"

<3

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[silviakundera]

Snowfall ep 1 watch comments

I'm so very ready for patriotic Republican era vampires

Communist vampires lets goooooooo

Big get together of all the important people in town, at an asshole's mansion. Very 1930s. or 1920s. Damn it, someone tell me what approximate year we're in

Everyone knows ML waters his flowers with blood, good job keeping a low profile 👌

Dad of the FL is a rich ass dude w 8 wives, squabbling w the main one loud enough that even chinese opera can't drown it out.

I'm having flashbacks to The Tudors as this guy announces to the crowd that after only having a disabled daughter, he finally has a son to celebrate! Hope he goes the way of Henry VIII with a stinking, puss filled wound that never heals.

Or perhaps he can water ML's garden.

Mr Li is an attractive, smouldering antagonist type guy who wants to win over or kill ML for....mundane reasons? The way our vamp gentleman just paid him zero positive or negative attention, the absolute indifference. Brutal.

ML just fucking hears some domestic violence bullshit and walks out to smoke and casually ruin the hand of abusive mom, then strolls away like a boss. He is THAT kind of cdrama protagonist

Haidong Army are run by some local warlord, I presume. Superintendent Chi? Now that he was so rude to Mr Li they want ML dead and try to kill him 4 different ways. Which the vampire finds v annoying.

Really love how everyone is running around in leather jackets and tailored suits and lighting matches for dramatic effect.

This poor henchman: I ran him over 3 times! Then shot him in the forehead! Then I double fisted machine guns and filled him with lead! Definitely definitely definitely dead!

Abused, blind FL takes a walk in the snow to find a nice place to die. Lucky for both of them, she finds our injured vampire and he very politely asks her to pause seeking death in order to help him out.

Honestly, just what that poor girl needs to give her back some fighting spirit: a project!

Just like in Forever Knight, he has 1 doctor friend. (But probably not an incredibly homoerotic, though censored for television, relationship w his maker. alas!)

Hot antagonist Li is apparently not a total scumbag, just a normal baddy, as he sees a blind teen wandering the streets and stops to help.

But maybe touching vamp blood allowed FL to see for a few seconds???

[nonconstories]

Humbly requesting the pumpkin-headed monsters as a snippet, that one seems timely (and man am I happy to see you writing again!)

Pumpkins pumpkins pumpkins pumpkins pumpkins pumpkins

Click under the cut for a high school bully (cis guy) getting railed by three pumpkin headed monsters in a moonlit field. It is NOT romantic! Rape, vine bondage, demonic possession, pumpkin dicks! What else could you want???

Word Count 2.9k

Lynn Underwood is possessed by the Devil. Everybody knows that. Well, everybody who goes to Kettles Memorial High School knows that, at least. Lynn Underwood is possessed by the Devil, and her brother Felix is a warlock, and her mother is dead, and her father hasn't left the house in years. The house in question sat perched atop a steep hill, overlooking a shallow ravine and the dirty creek that ran through it, and its appearance did little to dissuade the rumors about the family inside. Every inch of the shuttered windows and an uneven roof and a wrap-around porch were covered in ivy and snarled rose vines, and, every Autumn, the property became dotted with pumpkins of every size and shade. If it wasn't for the pumpkins, the Underwoods might have been shunned entirely; but Halloween comes every year, and people need jack o lanterns, and the Underwoods barely charged a thing.

Gunnar Middleson had learned all of this after his family moved into the semi-rural township. Despite his mother's high hopes (and his father's grave warnings) Gunnar had not changed the "behavior" that got him kicked out of both school districts in their previous town. Had, in fact, picked it right back up on day three at Kettles, when he decided to see what, exactly, was in the creepy kid's back-pack.

"Gimmie that," he'd said, and grabbed the top handle of Felix's back-pack, bringing the gawky, droopy eyed freak to an abrupt stop. His free had had grabbed Felix by the scruff of his neck and shoved him forward, hard, while also yanking the bag backwards. With a strangled grunt, Felix had gone sprawling on the walk outside school, and several other students had gasped. Gunnar had ignored them as he unzipped the bag and dumped it out all over the ground and Felix's legs as he struggled to push himself off the filthy concrete.

Half a dozen books covered in strange words and stranger pictures, bundles of dried plants and flowers, weird rocks, jewelry, random things of twine and tape, and couple of leather bags on straps. "Delicate--" Felix spat over his shoulder, and Gunnar hadn't yet noticed his bloody nose or busted lips.

"Holy shit! They weren't lying, you're an actual whack job, huh?" Contemptuously, he kicked at the random shit, and watched Felix heave himself to his feet. "Oooooh. You gotta tie your shoes tighter, bro. Your face is all jacked up."

Hard gray eyes stared at him, and more blood had oozed from his hawkish (and rapidly swelling) nose. "Apologize," Felix had spat, before dropping to his knees to begin gathering his things. Gunnar had promptly kicked him in the gut, knocking him flat on his back, and then stepped over him to head inside. "Apologize, or I fucking swear--" Felix had shouted after him, as whispers swirled anxiously through the crowd.

Gunnar didn't apologize. Instead, he made Felix his new hobby, and, to their credit, the other students really did try to interfere.

Meaning that, over the next few weeks, Gunnar had gotten the story in chunks and snippets and a few dramatic re-enactments from particularly hyped-up students. When Felix and Lynn were in the second grade, their creepy ass mom had drowned herself in the creepy ass crick below their creepy ass house. Then in fourth grade, Lynn had started having fits. Violent outbursts. Would speak in tongues and kill animals and threaten other students. When she nearly stabbed her teacher to death, that was that. Off to kiddie version of the nuthouse for Lynn until she was stable enough for home-schooling.

Everybody had seemed oddly...obligated to tell him this, and when he'd impatiently ask what that had to do with him flushing Felix's phone down the shitter or hurling his lunch into busy traffic or whatever...things got even weirder.

"He can talk to it," one girl had hissed, glancing furtively around the library they'd both been confined to for in-school suspension.

"To WHAT?"

"The thing inside his sister! The Devil, or whatever, he can TALK TO IT and--" A teacher coming back had interrupted her, and after that, her nerve was gone and not coming back.

Another had said, "He's dangerous, he's unstable, don't fucking needle him."

And yet another had replied simply: "He's a warlock. He can hurt you much, much worse than you can hurt him."

"Oh? Yeah? Then, why the fuck hasn't he?"

Which brings us right up to the present, where Gunnar found himself waking up in the Underwood's pumpkin patch. Brilliant moonlight had bathed everything in eerie silver, and Gunnar looked around, trying to blink his bedroom back into existence. "Wha--" He cut himself off with a cough, his mouth and throat oddly dry. His feet, sockless and a tad sweaty, slid back and forth in his ratty boots, and he looked down, trying to remember why he'd gone outside and walked all this way in just his sweatpants and shoes. "Why--"

His head felt strange, and it took some effort to move his feet. He started walking towards the house, before abruptly realizing that was probably a bad idea. He felt his sagging pockets for his phone. No luck. Looking over his shoulder, he could see the ravine, a toothless maw of darkness, and couldn't stop himself from thinking of the boy in his chem class. Kieran had solemnly insisted that Mary-Beth Underwood haunted Shivering Creek, that he had seen her more than once, and that her spirit was far from peaceful. In the other direction lay the road. Not as dark, but long, and isolated, and that didn't seem particularly safe either. For the first time in a long time, Gunnar felt small and frightened.

Grass rustled behind him, and he whirled in place. Nothing. Nothing but pumpkins, and the house, which leered at him from the crown of the hill, looking more like a jack o lantern than a building. Gunnar warred with himself, trying to talk himself into walking up to the front door and banging on it until Andrew Underwood woke up and helped him. He had no idea what he'd do if Felix answered the door. If Lynn answered, he'd probably sprint downhill and take his chances with her mom's ghost.

He started to take a step towards the downright terrifying porch, but another rustle of grass and pumpkin vines had him freezing in place again. Heart racing, body cold with adrenaline, he looked around frantically, praying to spot a raccoon, a turkey, a goddamn coyote would be a welcome sight and...and where was the big one?

Confusion mixing itself up with the fear, Gunnar turned more fully towards the nearest clump of pumpkins, and approached them; there'd been a really big one in the middle, weighing at least ten pounds, as big as a watermelon, bright orange, and now it was gone--

And where was the white one? That had been off to the left? And the oddly mottled yellow-ish one, that had been in front of the main cluster of them. Both of those had been pretty big too, and all three were just...gone, all of a sudden.

Something was wrong.

He had to get to the house. He had to--

And then something heavy and leathery and too cool to be mammalian was wrapping itself around both of his ankles and yanking his feet out from under him. Gunnar screamed as he lost his balance, but managed to catch himself on his forearms. He looked back, kicking frantically, and then screamed again, much, much louder.

He'd found the missing pumpkins.

More vines came slithering forward, winding themselves around his calves and dragging him away from the Underwood house and towards the cluster of nightmares behind him. Three...things, that was the only way he could describe them, things, were crowded together, watching eagerly as he was dragged closer and closer to their greedy, viney claws and gap-toothed, leering mouths. They each stood six to eight feet tall, with bodies made of densely woven vines and tightly packed leaves, long legs and long arms branching off of their dark green torsos. But their heads were the worst. The gourds had been intact, pristine, when he'd seen them moments before. But now, their flesh had split in multiple places, giving them mouths and eyes and noses, all of which leaked pumpkin guts and shone with an unearthly orange light.

Gunnar wailed in horror and panic as the things lifted him from the ground and looked him over. Up close, the pumpkins rippled like human faces, twitching with expression as they inspected their wriggling, helpless catch. It was the white one that had him up in the air, suspended by the grip on his upper arms, and Gunnar thrashed even harder when the mottled yellow reached out and started to run its dirty vine-hands over his bare torso. "PUT ME DOWN."

All three made an odd sound. It was choked and thick and repetitive, and Gunnar had a sinking feeling that was laughter. The yellow one reached down and yanked off his boots, dropping them to the ground. Then it pulled down his pants, and Gunnar screamed again, so loudly it sent several birds fleeing from the nearest trees. Bare naked in the moonlight, Gunnar twisted in midair, trying to avoid the eager, unnatural hands that were roaming across his body. The orange one, the tallest by half a foot, looked at him over Yellow's shoulder, and made a long, heavy hissing sound.

"I'm sorry--" Gunnar babbled, barely realizing he was saying it, as the white one unspooled more vines and trussed him up even further. "Jesus I'm so fucking sorry, please, just let me go, Felix--"

The hands on his body forced him to the ground, on all fours, and the vines anchored into the dirt, binding him in place. He was positioned so he could see the house, could see the light shining through its upstairs windows, could see the silhouette watching him from the nearest one. "Felix--" He wailed again, and tried to crawl away, but the vines held him tight. Those awful hands had found his hips, were stroking them and his thighs indulgently, over and over, and he whimpered in terror. Whichever of the monsters was behind him slithered closer, and he screamed again as something hard and smooth and textured like an uncarved pumpkin slid between his spread and trembling thighs. The thing was huge and long and shaped...shaped like a...

Before Gunnar could look down his body to see what was rutting against his half-hard cock, the other two monsters shuffled into view in front of him, once again making that awful, inhuman laugh. The white pumpkin knelt on its knobbly plant-knees, and Gunnar found himself repeating "No" on a terrified, baffled loop, as it grabbed the back of his head and held it firmly in place. Because the thing had grown a new appendage.

A second, smaller pumpkin dangled between its thighs, shaped like a fucking dick. A dick that the creature was now trying to force into Gunnar's mouth as he fought to get away. The mottled yellow had one too, and it was presumably Orange's dick that was grinding against his own, getting hard despite his best efforts.

His jaw stretched uncomfortably and he moaned in despair as the fake gourd dick filled his mouth, and the pumpkin thing laughed at him again. Behind him, the orange dragged its cock up his taint and pressed the tip against his asshole, and Gunnar couldn't even scream; the white pumpkin had started fucking his mouth, and he couldn't scream past the girth. Not even when the orange one thrust past his rim, miraculously not tearing anything but causing him a shitton of serious discomfort. Gunnar squirmed and bucked but it got him nowhere, and the monsters kept laughing as they spit-roasted him in the dirt. The yellow one got impatient and shoved the white one away, but Gunnar didn't have time to do more than catch his breath before a second hard, inhuman cock was stuffed into his mouth.

The two in front passed his mouth back and forth while the third used his ass, and the vines holding his limbs in place only dug in tighter if he squirmed too much. Tears were running down his face and his dick throbbed between his thighs, completely ignored.

Up in his room, Felix Underwood watched, fairly certain he was in for a much more peaceful school-life, come Monday morning.

[vide0-nasties]

Going to be rambling insanely about Ghost and probably what his feelings on the monarchy would be, coming from one deeply damaged povo to another.

Anyway, specifically around the time the parasite in chief in her idiot hat (thanks Eccleston lub u) died and passed said idiot hat on, I was seeing a lot of (fun and gentle-ribbing, mind you!) posts about Ghost getting razzed about the queen croaking and maybe him being sad about it or something - I don’t really remember bc I have shit for brains and I just latch onto what bits my adhd will allow.

SO. I really don’t think Bruv Innit gave two shits about Liz buying the farm, bc he grew up working class in a working class town to a drug addicted, drug peddling dad, and a fairly nondescript mom who likely didn’t have a way to get her and her kids out of that shit situation (per ‘09 MW lore and some presumption). I imagine dude was dragged around a shitload of council estates and his dad’s friends’ shitty crash pads, no stability whatsoever, where food insecurity was a big ass forever-looming deal, mom had no idea if her 20 year old vauxhall was going to make it another trip to her minimum wage part time job, and school was forever on the back burner bc when it came to school supplies/trips vs eating and keeping the lights on. You can guess which one won.

If we’re also going with him being about 35-40ish, he would’ve been 10-12ish or so around Diana’s divorce and then her death. So, here’s this starving, horrendously abused kid, with his starving, horrendously abused mother and little brother, drowning in a system that is pretty much just letting them sink to the bottom, nothing is being done about the evil sperm donor that ruins everything for them, and he’s obliterated constantly by TV coverage and tabloids and radio DJs talking about this goddamned family’s stupid fucking drama. Charles cheated, Diana left, her poor boys in their fancy private schools with their endless wealth and glowing skin and brand new clothes that don’t stink of consignment shops are sad.

Sorrows - sorrows, prayers. 🫶

It’s a story he’s seen countless times, the only difference is money and coverage. And, realistically, the women in the stories he knows aren’t killed in car wrecks, they’re killed by their infuriated husbands who think they’re owed something catching up. Maybe that’s why his mom doesn’t leave the cocksucker that trapped her, she could’ve ended up another council house Diana that no one gave a shit about.

He grows up, becomes a butcher’s apprentice, joins the army. Straightens his brother out, makes sure his mom is set up nice, finally beats the shit out of his dad. And all the while, there looms the most fucking pointless, parasitic family in England: living off taxes taken from the public, god knows how much land and how many castles, even owning all the fucking swans on the island.

Relics, vampires, leeches.

But, you know, twenty years down the road, he’s pushing 40, his services to the country are done in the dark, the family he tried so badly to save were brutally cut down anyway, and when he goes to Tesco, the price of a fifth of piss Smirnoff is insane, and he’s still got Soap swimming in his head mid-rant bc his mam’s fucking knee replacement appeal has been denied for the third time and she can’t even walk anymore, Gaz is moving for the second time in a year bc he just can’t afford to live close to his parents even on his salary, meanwhile there was a stretch where it looked like Philip was surviving solely by being pumped full of virgin blood and straight stem cells.

So, yeah, if anything he probably said cheers when the news broke and cracked a couple extra jokes that day.

“What d’you call one dead Windsor? A good start.”

Edit: This is picking up some traction. @50cal-fullauto-astarion is my CoD blog if you like my Call of Bullshit stuff, this is my main and I don’t really go into CoD here

[lorelaiblair]

imagine knowing a girl your entire life, growing up together, trusting her with everything that you are. spending sleepovers crying in her arms because your dad left, your sister left, your mom became an alcoholic, she cries to you about how her own parents never pay her any attention, how they’re never home and she’s always left alone in a huge ass house that feels haunted with the home that it was supposed to be.

you have horror movie marathons together, you live in her house when her parents aren’t home and your mom is to busy drowning herself in booze than spending any time with you, you cook dinners and breakfasts together, you keep an extra inhaler in her room.

somewhere along the way you fall in love with her.

somewhere along the way she meets a man on the internet, he is too old for her, he is creepily obsessed with a horror movie franchise, he grooms her.

they decide together that they want to make their own movie, in doing this the girl that you love betrays you and everyone else who you have ever cared about.

she tries to murder you.

she tries to kill you.

she tries to kill your sister, she kills multiple of your friends.

she says horrible things, you don’t even recognize her.

the girl you fell in love with.

you are forced to kill her.

if you hadn’t she would have kept killing, could have hurt your sister.

you loved her.

she betrayed you.

you love her.

you killed her.

you leave the town you grew up in with your sister and only two friends who are still alive. you move to new york and you shove down your feelings.

your best friend died.

you killed her.

she was a serial killer.

she was everything to you.

are you allowed to mourn? are you allowed to miss her? are you allowed to move on?

how can you move on?

how could you ever trust anyone ever again?

you miss her. so much it hurts, you feel the hole she left in your heart, worse then the literal holes in your hand and stomach. those healed.

the hole she left in your soul might be permanent.

permanently lacking her presence, permanently missing the sound of her laugh, her voice as she whispered reassurances into your hair, her smile as she teased you and your friends.

your friend mourns his girlfriend, an innocent, his lover, his friend.

your have feelings for him?

how fucking confusing is that?

you loved, you are still in love with, the woman who murdered his girlfriend.

you watched as she pulled the trigger.

does your putting an end to the murders make it okay?

your sister was betrayed too, her boyfriend the creep who groomed your best friend. the monster who masterminded it all.

she’s angry.

she’s hurt.

you are still in love.

she ruined your life.

you see her in everything, in moths and spiders because she would always catch them and set them free. in the movies you once adored, you can’t watch your old favorites anymore. in the apartment you live in, you’re surrounded by people you love, you only want her.

she absolutely ruined you.

you will never stop loving her.

[moonsgemini]

american heartbreak - i

summary: all June Summers wants is to be Rafe Cameron’s date to the county fair dance. Everyone from town would be there and she was tired of going alone. She was tired of watching him dance with other women, tired of waiting around for him.

warnings: cowboy!rafe x oc (minimal to no oc description, mutual pining, angst, fluff

wc: 2.7k

an: I hope you guys enjoy! I love cowboy rafe. I also just love writing au’s there’s so much more room for creative freedom. I basically just use rafe as a face claim bc drew starkey is a literal greek god.

series masterlist

The sound of June’s boots as she paced back and forth behind the counter were beginning to drive Amber crazy. She was trimming tulips to make a new bouquet but she could barely concentrate when the her coworker was an anxious mess. The soft sound of music wasn’t enough to drown out the clacking of boots against wood. June bit her fingernails anxiously, her stare not leaving the floor as she was lost in thought.

“June I swear I’m going to kill you if you don’t relax,” She scolded the girl who stopped abruptly.

She smiled sheepishly, “I’m sorry, I just am really nervous. What if he like laughs at me or something?”

Amber rolled her eyes, “That boy would never laugh at you.”

“You never know. What if he like thinks I’m crazy or worse never speaks to me again after he rejects me because he feels so bad!” She exclaimed dramatically.

“How do you even sleep at night with all this worrying?”

“I don’t get much of it.”

All week June had been practicing over and over in her head how she would ask her lifelong crush, Rafe, to the county fair. At the end of the night there would be a dance that the whole town went to. It was a big deal around here, and going with a date was a big deal. Every year there would be some new surprising couple that would be the talk of the town for the next few weeks before some new gossip spread. June had been pining over Rafe Cameron like a love sick puppy since they were eleven years old when boys started becoming cute and not gross anymore.

She had planned on asking him when he came in this afternoon. Rafe always came in on thursday evenings after practice to buy a fresh bouquet of flowers to take to his mom’s grave. A tradition he started in high school, the day before the rodeo, he’d go visit his mom. To this day he swore she was his goodluck charm. When June started working at the flower shop at sixteen she was ecstatic to have another excuse to see Rafe.

She glanced at the clock on the wall and her palms started sweating, it was six now which meant he was out of practice by now. June decided to make herself busy in the mean time to occupy her jittery fingers.

Rafe parked outside the small flower shop and let out a sigh of relief. Being at the flower shop on meant it was the end of his practice week and now he just had to worry about riding. It also meant he got to visit his favorite girl, and he wasn’t talking about his mom.

He looked into his rearview mirror of his old pick up truck and adjusted his hat. Checking himself to make sure he didn’t have any dirt or muck on his face. He got out of his truck making long strides towards the door. As he entered that all too familiar bell jingled alerting June and Amber or his presence. The smell of fresh flowers over took his senses, as well as the presence of his favorite flower girl.

June looked up from where she was picking the leaves off of the carnation stems. Her eyes widening for a second, her face beginning to feel hot as she smiled shyly at him. Suddenly any ounce of confidence she had to ask him about the dance left her body. That smirk he always wore turning her into a pile of mush. She’s surprised her legs were still holding her up as he walked over to the counter.

“Hi Rafe,” She said softly. Amber smiled to herself as she watched them interact. She sneakily walked into the back room to give them some privacy. It was a little routine she did whenever Rafe came in.

“Hi sweetheart, whatcha got today for me?” He asked resting his palms against the counter supporting his weight as he leaned towards her.

He was such a natural flirt. She could barely look him in the eyes most of the time, “we just got a bunch of beautiful tulips in so I made you a bouquet of purple ones with some baby’s breath,” June walked over to the one of the bucked holding an abundance of bouquets, “I also put a few daisy’s to add a bit more to it.”

She showed him the bouquet proudly. A wide smile spreading across his face, “That is beautiful. You’re so good. Mom will love them.”

June knew Rafe’s mom. She cared for everyone in town like they were all her family. Whenever June would be over at their house hanging out with Sarah she would make them food, always let them ride horses. When they were really young she’d let them play in the rain and get all muddy, when other mom’s in town would scold her for letting the kids look like a mess. She was the sweetest woman.

“Always the best for her,” She fidgeted with her hands nervously. If he knew the effect he had on her he’d be too powerful.

He pulled out his wallet and handed her a twenty. Since he was their best customer she never charged him more than that. Clueless Rafe just thought that was how much each bouquet was, “Am I seeing you tomorrow at the rodeo?”

She nodded, “Of course. I might help out Mrs.Mayfield sell raffle tickets.”

“Always the helpful one. I better see you at the Rooster after,” He pointed at her scolding playfully. Roosters was one of the local bars everyone went out to.

June laughed softly, “Maybe, I doubt you’d even notice if I wasn’t there.”

“Darlin I always notice when you’re not around,” He smirked, “I better get going to see mom.”

“Goodluck tomorrow Rafe,” She smiled with a small wave as he began walking out.

He tipped his hat at her with that cute lopsided smile on his lips, “I’ll see you tomorrow Ms.Summers.”

June watched him walk out to his truck, a dumb love struck smile on her face. That crush she’s had on him since second grade was never going away.

“You chicken.”

She jumped and reached to clutch her chest, “Oh my god you scared me.” She scolded her friend.

Amber had her arms crossed leaning against the doorway to the back, “You didn’t ask him!”

“I couldn’t! My brain got all blurry. I-I just can’t handle the thought of rejection. Especially not from him.”

“Did you not hear everything he said to you?” She walked over standing in front of June, “He practically was begging you to go tomorrow. Verbatim said ‘I always notice when you’re not around’ um hello?”

June shrugged, “He’s just being nice, that’s just Rafe.”

Amber stared at her with a deadpan expression, “I wish I could put you in a choke hold right now.”

She rolled her eyes, “I’ll try to ask him tomorrow after the rodeo.”

“I’m sure you will. But we’re definitely going out after,” She smiled.

-

June and Amber had been friends since they were in diapers. Their moms being best friends themselves it was almost a given that their two daughters would be just as close. After they graduated high school they took all the money they had saved up and rented a cute little house in town. Now they were working on buying out Mr.Robertson for his flower shop. They had been working in it since they were fifteen and they wanted it to be their’s. Mr.Roberston kindly offered to sell it to them since he was getting too old to take care of it himself and once he sold it he’d move to Florida with his daughter.

The girls were close to buying it, needing a few more months to get the rest of the money. Most people wanted to move out of the small town they were born in but that wasn’t June or Amber. June liked it there, she liked the familiarity and the comfort it brought. She liked her life here, she liked living with her best friend and working with her too. She liked being five minutes away from her parents. June felt lucky to be where she was and have the people she had in her life.

After closing they had stopped by the grocery store to pick up stuff for dinner. Now headed home in June’s dad’s old mustang they enjoyed the cool summer afternoon breeze and listened to their favorite artist, Taylor Swift. June felt like she had the perfect life. The only thing she longed for was someone to be by her side. Of course she had Amber but she wanted a romantic relationship. She wanted someone who could hold her at night and take her out on dates.

It’s not like she hadn’t tried to get a boyfriend. June had gone on a few dates but they never ended well. She was seeing Liam, a local mechanic, for a month but then she saw him flirting and kiss another girl at Rooster’s. After that she went on a date with a local bull rider, one of Rafe’s teammates, but he never called her after the night was over. June thought it was because she didn’t put out on the first date. She doesn’t know that it was because Rafe cornered the guy and threatened him. Told him if he ever went out with you again he’d tie him to his truck and drag him across town.

Amber had her own boyfriend, James, who was friends with Rafe. They worked together on the Cameron farm and occasionally helped coach Rafe. June has refused his attempts to set her up with Rafe more times than she could count. James moved to town a few years ago after he heard that the Cameron’s were looking for another ranch hand.

“Wanna invite Sarah for dinner?” Amber asked as they carried the groceries into the house.

June shrugged, “Sure, we haven’t seen her since she left for Charleston.”

“I’ll call her, can you get started on the potatoes please,” Amber said as she started dialing Sarah.

“yeah yeah,” June rolled her eyes playfully as she unpacked the grocery bags.

The three girls were all friends in school and Sarah ended up moving to North Carolina for college once they graduated. They managed to stay as close as possible with the distance. Sarah is Rafe’s sister and of course she knew of June’s infatuation with her older brother. Sarah wanted them to end up together, always talked about how perfect it would be to have her as a sister in law.

When they were younger and June would go to Sarah’s house she always prayed she’d run into Rafe. Occasionally she would but he was the same old Rafe back then. Would make slightly flirty comments towards her making her flustered and making her crush on him grow.

-

The girls sat around the dining table laughing at old stories from their childhood. Every time they got together it felt like they were fifteen again sneaking alcohol from Ward’s liquor cabinet and turning into a fit of tipsy giggles.

“And then Rafe came out from the barn and June practically jumped on him she was so excited to see him,” Sarah laughed tilting her head back.

June covered her embarrassed face at the memory, “Oh god! I forgot about that.”

“That was the closest you’ve gotten to him like ever,” Amber added, “You need to drink tequila again.”

“That will probably be the closest I get to him ever,” She said a hint of sadness in her voice.

“June you should just ask him out yourself. Forget all that old fashioned stuff. My brother would never be mean to you.”

June took a sip of her wine, “I know he wouldn’t be mean but it’s the rejection that turns me away. He could have anyone why would he want me. He also is always out with some other girl. She’s usually a lot prettier than me.”

“June Summers you know I don’t tolerate that negative talk in our house,” Amber scolded, “You are beautiful and he would be lucky to have someone like you. I also highly doubt he’d reject you.”

She smiled at her, “And how do you know that?”

Sarah rolled her eyes, “Because he’s like practically in love with you! He doesn’t great other girls the way he treats you. He also looks at you different.”

“Then why has he never asked me out! It just doesn’t make sense. I’d rather keep him as a friend than lose him completely.”

“I wish he didn’t have such a thick skull then maybe he’d have some sense,” Sarah stood grabbing the girls empty plates to take to the sink.

“Fallin off too many bulls in his life,” Amber giggled.

June stood to grab the bottle or wine to refill their glasses, “Oh I’m gonna head out soon. Rafe is picking me up on his way home from James’ and he texted me he’s on his way,” Sarah said beginning to wash the dishes.

“Come on so early?” Amber gave her puppy eyes.

She laughed, “Yes, I have an exam online in the morning I still need to study for. That masters won’t get itself ladies.”

“Speaking of James has Amber told you that she thinks he’s going to propose soon,” June smirked trying to forget about the fact that Rafe was coming to her house soon.

“Shut up!” Sarah exclaimed.

“I know! He’s been so suspicious lately! He’s been working a lot and he’s not so subtly asked me for my ring size last month. Then he went to the city last week but he didn’t want me to come because he said he was doing some boring errands for Ward,” Amber’s cheeks began hurting from smiling so much at the thought of her boyfriend, “But I don’t believe that for a second. I think he went to buy a ring.”

“Oh please get married soon! I want to be a bridesmaid,” Sarah said excitedly as she dried her hands. There was a knock on the door as she finished, “That’s me, go get the door June while I get my things together.” She smirked at her friend.

“I hate you guys,” She whisper shouted in case he could hear them. Amber practically pushed June to the door.

She took a deep breath fixing her hair a bit before opening the door. He stood looking the same as he did earlier that day, still just as handsome as before. He smiled as soon as he saw her, he was really hoping it’d be June answering the door.

“Hi Rafe,” She said softly. Her timid demeanor returning whenever she was around him, he made all her confidence vanish always.

“Hi sweetheart, how are you tonight?” He asked with that cute smile he always wore around her. For a second she pretended he was picking her up for their first date.

“I’m good, and you?” She asked politely still stuck in her daydream.

“Better now, is Sarah ready?” He asked breaking her from her fantasy. Truthfully Rafe didn’t want the conversation to end but he knew he was there for a reason.

“Uh yeah she’s just getting her things,” As if on cue Sarah showed up next to June.

“I’m ready,” She hugged June tightly, “I’ll see you tomorrow Juney.”

“Does that mean you’re going out tomorrow with everyone?” Rafe asked with a smirk, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

“I guess so, can’t say no to this one,” She smiled nodding her head towards Sarah.

“I’m her favorite what can I say,” Sarah shrugged smirking, “Come on Rafe I gotta study.” She walked towards the truck leaving Rafe behind.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then June bug,” He tipped his hat at her like he always did before walking down the porch steps.

“Bye Rafe,” She waved and waved towards Sarah who was smiling at the pair from inside the truck.

June spent the night praying that the words Sarah said earlier that night were true. That Rafe somehow was in love with her. But she couldn’t help that voice that was always in the back of her head telling her how that could never be possible.

Maybe tomorrow she’d have some tequila.

[tadpoleponders]

AFTG Annotated Playlist: Song #1

Song: Head in the Wall by Ethel Cain

Author's Notes: I picture this song being Andrew at his lowest points, and this song in general is a really intense one so reader discretion advised!

TW for SH, gun violence, drug usage, SA

THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING I WANNA HEAR YOUR (polite!!!) THOUGHTS!! Please keep in mind this is just my interpretation of Andrew and this song, not everyone's or even the artist's at all. This is gonna be a series, and I promise the rest aren't going to be such a sucker punch in the heart!

Lyric analysis under the cut. Any lines not applicable to the scenario/character are strikethrough.

"Sometimes you make me wanna put my fucking head through the wall Sometimes I wonder if I even know you at all Fall asleep to the sound of your old rotating fan I cut the fuck out of myself and soaked the bed sheets with blood again"

A lot of this song I think is Andrew either talking to either Drake or Cass herself. We know Andrew used to sh as a way to cope with Drake's abuse, hence the last line. I think he also wondered if Cass really loved him if she didn't notice he was being abused, hence the second line. Obviously, he didn't know what normal family dynamics are supposed to be like as we know he was seven when something bad happened for the first time, but he was so desperate to be loved even just a normal amount from a parental figure that he was willing to put up with VIOLENT assault to just have a shred of safety under Cass's wing.

[Verse 2] I hold my head underwater just to drown out the noise It's always my fault, girls will be bitches and boys will be boys I know I don’t need you, but I'm terrified of letting you go Even after all the times you fucked the shit out of me while I was crying, "No"

Line one I think can be metaphorical in that Andrew tried to cope with things like alcohol, sh and nicotine that aren't beneficially in the end, hence holding ones head underwater, something that can very quickly kill you. The second line doesn't quite apply as the singer is a woman so she says girls will be bitches, but the boys will be boys thing echoes to what Luther probably said to him when Andrew tried to tell him about his abuse. Line three is in reference to Cass, Andrew thinking he doesn't really need her and knowing that it's probably safest to be entirely alone, but still inside being that scared child who just needs his mom. Line four is pretty explanatory again, talking to Drake, saying how he would put up with it if it mean he could stay with Cass.

[Verse 3] And how am I supposed to feel good about myself when everything I do is wrong? When I'm just an ugly bitch, a fucking freak, and I don't wanna go on? And I don't wanna leave my house, 'cause I know everybody’s staring at me now "Why the hell am I alive?" is what they think, they wanna take me down

Line one and two can be read as things Andrew feels because of the abuse in all of the houses he's been in. He's the only common denominator, so there must be something wrong with him, not the families. Obviously, it took enough of a toll on him he needed substances and sh to cope especially after Drake. The last two lines are in reference to the paranoia that comes with being abused, especially with mental illness thrown in. Whether Andrew was given his medicine for psychosis or if that was just the plea deal doesn't matter, being that abused for so incredibly long makes you so much more likely to develop mental illness and he def has something going on outside of PTSD. Either way, him believing others are out to get him in his roughest moments is why he's so vigilant anyway even if it is warranted sometimes.

[Chorus] And I can't get out, can’t run away, there's no escaping you now (There's no escaping you now) I'm gonna die all alone next to you in this piece of shit town And we've been cursed since the start, Jesus didn’t want us, no And you take all of your sins out on my body like everyone else does Shooting up our old school when we get bored of shooting up And fuck the cops, and fuck God, and fuck this town for ruining us And they'll put holes in all we own and in our heads, pumped full of lead You always told me I could only leave you once we're both dead

There's a lot to unpack here. One, no matter how far away he gets from any of his abusers, he can't escape what happened and the memories of it. Second line, I think at some point in the abuse Andrew must've thought Drake was going to kill him, and that night in Columbia he probably thought it was the end. And in a way, a really fucked up one, he did die right next to Drake, the last of his soul shattering into pieces like Drake's skull, in the piece of shit town of Columbia, in the place he wasn't ever believed.

The next lines I think are towards Renee, whose faith got her through rough times but that Andrew never benefitted from. You could also argue that even though it seems like Andrew initiated their sparring sessions and that it's consensual, I wonder if Andrew ever found the irony of her hurting him (and to be fair him her) as a way to cope, hence taking out ones sins on anothers' body.

I'd argue that the fuck this town part of the next line can be changed to fuck the system for ruining us, in reference to Renee and Andrew again.

The last line is Andrew's reflection on something Drake would've said to him (conjecture, but like it seems like something an abusive piece of shit would say) in a fucked up echo to maybe Cass saying the same thing when Andrew asked about the adoption potentially being permanent and him not having to leave, and she replies "You only have leave us when you die."

[Outro]

Sometimes you make me wanna put my fucking head through the wall Sometimes I wonder if I even knew you at all

*cries* okay thanks guys that's my cue to go sob until I'm a snotty mess about these characters I love Andrew and Renee so much they're so special to me.

[ethanthespookymonth]

The Lorax Creepypasta

Hey guys! What a lovely morning for a Creepypasta, isn't it? This is my Lorax Creepypasta, and I hope you guys enjoy!

“Alright! I’m off to sell my thneeds!” I say as I throw the thneed into the wagon. “Well just remember Oncie,” mom begins to say. “If your creation isn’t a success- Well I wouldn’t be surprised at all!” “Wow, thanks,” I mutter to myself. I leave and begin my adventure to find a place. I end up in a forest full of fluffy trees. They were called the truffula trees. “This is the place! This is it, Melvine!” I say excitedly. Not even halfway through the day, I cut down one of the trees. It starts to get windy and dark out, like a storm was forming. A small creature, the color orange appears before me. He sees the tree that I had just cut down and looks at me. “Did you chop down this tree?” “No!” I say. I drop the ax on a small bear looking creature. “I think he did it.” Then the small creature looks at me in disgust. “I am the Lorax and I speak for the trees. And if you don’t leave before the sun rises tomorrow morning, all forces of nature will haunt you. You have been warned.” But I didn’t know that the warning actually had some very horrible consequences.

I go to bed. “Boy, what a day. That Lorax guy is bad news.” I close my eyes and fall asleep. It’s been a couple hours, and I suddenly feel cold water on my face. I snap awake. “What’s going on?” I look around. I’m in my bed floating in the river heading towards a waterfall. “Oh shit…” The Lorax and some other creatures helped me before PipSqueak drowned. “I just gave you a warning. Please understand the next consequence won't be as easy as this one.” “I swear to never chop another tree down.” The next day I get ready to sell my thneeds. Of course no one appreciates it, and I give up. After a couple days, a large mob of people arrive in the forest asking for more of them. That’s how my factory started up. Let's get going through the story.

The factory had closed down due to there being no trees. It’s dark and super cloudy. Can’t even see the sky or the sun. I look around and see the Lorax. “I told you this would happen,” he says as he puts a rock down that says unless. “Now they all have to go find a new place to stay.” The Lorax then disappears. “What have I done?” I ask myself. I feel ashamed. I feel angry and upset. I feel… sick? I feel something coming up from my stomach. I put my hands up to my mouth and cough up a rose. There’s blood all over my hands, and vines start to cover my body. “WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ME?!” I scream in pain. This can’t be happening to me! Is this what the Lorax meant by the forces of nature haunting me? Did he curse me to become a plant? I feel another rose coming up and lean against one of the factory's walls. Another rose flying out of my mouth. “HELP ME!!!” I scream as the roses and vines grow onto my body. I can feel my eyes glowing and look in the mirror. My eyes are now glowing a bright green. My skin is bleeding from the thorns, and I fall to the ground. It’s too much… 

I wake up and I go to the town close by. I’m holding my ax. “Where is that bastard…?” I say in a harsh raspy voice. “I’m going to kill him for doing this to me…” It’s early, so the sun is just coming up. People are just starting to wake up and go outside. “Mama that man is hurt!” a  child says and points at me. I look at her and spread a wide grin on my face. “Honey, stay away from him… I don’t like the way he looks…” I grit my teeth. “This was never my fault!” I yell and swing my ax at the woman. It hits her in the neck, decapitating her. The child screams and runs inside. A man comes up behind me with a gun. I turn my head to face him. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you…” I say grinning very widely. “I won’t let you hurt anyone else you crazy son of a bitch!” The man says and puts the gun to my head. I raise my hand as vines grow around the gun breaking it. “H-how is that possible?” The man runs. “Very brave,” I say and follow him. He runs to an ally and I come up behind him. “How bad can I possibly be…?”

[mcgnagallsarmy]

Spuffy style Reading Challenge - #27: Monthly Key Word Reading Challenge #3

1st month - Secret, Heaven, True, House, Come, Only, Know, Winter:

A Wonderful Awful Idea by The Danish Bird [NC-17]

With nothing apocalyptic looming on the horizon and hoping to avoid a certain thick-headed commando, it seems like the perfect opportunity when Giles mentions a monster terrorising the good people of Lake Tahoe. What could be more merry than a Christmas trip to the mountains to investigate? The gang is all coming along, defanged vampire in tow. Buffy should totally be able to deal with the demon, ignore Spike and their recent “engagement,” enjoy some resort-town shopping, and be back with Mom on Christmas Eve. Right? What could possibly go wrong? Set in season 4 at the beginning of Doomed.

2nd month - Heir, Night, Bride, Down, Women, Hand, Teach, Guest:

Drive by Holly [NC-17]

Freshly turned and very grumpy about it, Buffy finds herself in a weird place. One where her friends smell like food, her former mortal enemy smells like heaven, and the so-called love of her life has made it clear that killing her is on his to-do list. Throw in some overly zealous army guys and this is not Buffy's idea of a party. So she and Spike decide to hit the road at least long enough to figure out why neither of them can hit anything else. And since they're both single and free, well, Buffy wouldn't say no to a distraction from the never-ending laugh riot that is her life. And Spike can be very, very distracting. Good thing soulless vampires can't fall in love or she might be in trouble.

3rd month - Story, Hunt, Plot, City, You, Cry, Another, Paint:

I Can Get Money by scratchmeout [NC-17]

Spike puts his past to good use to get money for Buffy. However, things become complicated when her ex shows up and targets Spike.

4th month - Darling, Funny, Familiar, Somewhere, List, Meet, Never, Word:

First Alternate by Soulburnt [NC-17]

After ‘Not Fade Away,’ Angel gets the Shanshu. A thrilled Buffy gets her curse-free soulmate. And Spike? He gets his heart shattered again. Gutted and seeing no point in staying in a world without his Slayer, Spike doesn’t hesitate when pursuing a deadly demon through a portal. He finds himself stuck in an alternate reality where he truly died closing the Hellmouth. He also finds another Buffy, one who is devastated that her Spike didn’t believe she loved him. They console each other over their losses… but are they only consolation prizes? Or can two heartbroken people get a second chance for love?

5th month - Library, Dark, Drown, Ex, Iron, Done, Love, Stranger:

If I'm Butter Than He's a Hot Knife by scratchmeout [NC-17]

Buffy meets a man at a bar on Valentine's Day.

6th month - Ink, Fragile, Road, Summer, Breath, Every, Push, Sorry:

Favor by EllieRose101 [NC-17]

Spike asks an impossible thing of Buffy––and is stunned when she says yes. Could he really have gone up in her estimation?

7th month - Mine, Again, Honey, Paradise, Still, Club, Train, Legend:

Eucharist by Holly [NC-17]

He had it all. The prophecy and the girl, merrily ever after and all that rot. But life doesn't stop.

8th month - School, Cut, Sky, Fate, Wing, Belong, Justice, Way:

The Time We Had by Dusty [NC-17]

She was there and then gone. All his life long.

9th month - Twice, World, Man, Quiet, Sweet, Hold, Shallow, Invisible:

Pardon My French by Girlytek [R]

In retrospect, it was probably a bad idea to let Buffy perform a spell in French. Begins at No Place Like Home.

10th month - Vampire, Here, Mist, Death, One, Missing, Bite, Witch:

Sweet William by cawthraven [PG]

After the fall of Sunnydale, Buffy’s living in Boston and working as a waitress, grateful that here, not everyone knows her name. She’s free for once to be herself—and to grieve.

11th month - Spice, Life, Hello, Keep, Truly, Couple, Joy, Young:

Candy Corn Mischief by honeygirl51885 [NC-17]

Spike gets roped into taking Dawn trick-or-treating.

12th month - Snow, Season, Ice, Merry, White, Under, Mistletoe, Inn:

A Christmas Wish by all choseny [PG-13]

On one lonely Christmas Eve, Buffy makes a wish to a stranger and is given a glimpse of what might have been with Spike.

[awellboiledicicle]

Mo the Human brings a "Coma Kid" and "The Medical Anomaly" vibe to Kilima that the majiri don't really know how to handle.

Mostly because I can imagine them being down for a solid week after a temple explore and everyone being kinda concerned.

Because they absolutely walked into the fire temple and went "ah, this is gonna fucking kill me". And like, it won't literally-- humans are very much blessed by the Pheonix to just kinda magically relocate if they'd drown/burn to death. So they're fine after falling into the fucking molten rock/starting to pass out from the convection in the ENCLOSED ROOMS FULL OF LAVA. Tired, dehydrated, but otherwise fine. Which is fine. They have a job to do, and Sifuu and Hassain seem fine. So they feel v pressured to complete the puzzle and do so well.

They complete the thing. They ask Hassain to take them home. He is half way through forming the 'what' and they pass the fuck out. He gets them home and leaves. Because he kinda assumed they'd bounce back because Sifuu insists humans are sturdy.

Cut to two weeks later and no one has really seen them. Auni checks in on them partially because they haven't popped up at the farm OR around town. He finds them literally flopped on the floor watching their fish swim around. Helps them onto their couch and promptly zooms home early to go "MOM MO'S DYING" "What??" "Well--" "Go tell Chayne to meet me at their plot. Then tell your brother to handle dinner tonight. Go, shoo."

Which is how Delaila insists on meal prepping another week's worth of food, because they've been eating random carrots they crawled to. Because they physically can't hold things of any significant weight. This is also how Sifuu gets a very riled Delaila wagging her finger about dragging humans into adventures that they physically can't handle.

Chayne makes it a point of visiting them when they've not been seen around for a few days. He can't really... he doesn't have the physical ability to do nerve level help. Best he can do is get them high enough to sleep through the pain so maybe it's easier when they wake up rested.

Basically i'm imagining the various moments where their various physical issues cause some hang ups in the ol adventure loop.

And the distress they'd be feeling because they honestly don't know if there IS something terminal going on Chayne can't detect and treat, or if it really is just something they have to live with. They eventually remember it's just a thing to live with, but it would be deeply frustrating.

I'm pondering

[alwaysmoncheri]

𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐒

pairings ❧ steve harrington x reader

summary ❧ nancy, jonthan, and (y/n) investigate the strange events that keep occurring in their small town

warnings ❧ female!reader, shit writing, implications of sex

word count ❧ 1k

additional notes ❧ none ´･ᴗ･`

The day seems to drag on incessantly as I drown in my own pool of sorrow.

As I'm sitting at lunch, Tommy and Carol crack their typical 'humorous' remarks, triggering an unsettling feeling within me.

"I still think that creep killed him." Tommy says referring to Jonathan while spooning food into his mouth.

"He's such a freak." Carol comments, laughing.

Steve shoots his friends a look before he glances at me with a concerned expression. To my surprise, he rests his hand on my thigh and gives it a gentle squeeze, leaving it there, before returning to his food.

Steve doesn't bring up what happened last night.

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

"The brown current ran swiftly out of the heart of darkness, bearing us down towards the sea with twice the speed of our upward progress. And Kurtz's life was running swiftly, too—"

I slump in my seat, absorbing this incredibly boring lecture as the day reaches its conclusion. Suddenly the office lady walk in and halts the teacher's speech.

Thank god.

"(Y/n) Henderson and Nancy Wheeler? If you would come with me, please," She says motioning for us to walk with her.

With exhaustion dragging me down, I rise from my chair and shuffle after the lady through the classroom door to the empty cafeteria - a tense scene awaiting. There, Mrs. Wheeler sits, across from two officers, who look at Nancy and I with stern expressions, which causes my heart to quicken with anticipation.

Nancy sits down next to her mom and I sit myself down next to Nancy.

"We're here to discuss the whereabouts of your friend, Barbra Holland." One of the deputies says, with a notepad in hand.

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

"So, this argument you and Barbra had... What exactly was it about?" The officer, Powell asks.

"It wasn't really an argument..." Nancy says hesitantly, "Barb just wanted to leave. I didn't, so, I... I told her to just go home."

"Then what?" Powell asks.

"Then I went upstairs to put on some dry clothes." Nancy continues.

"And the next day," Powell says, "You guys went back and saw, a bear, you're thinking?"

"We don't know what it was... but we think..." I pipe in, "We think maybe it took, Barb."

"You need to check behind Steve's house—" Nancy starts.

"We did. There's nothing there." The other officer, Callahan, says shaking his head, "There's no sign of a bear."

"And there's no car." Powell finishes.

"What?" I say, as Nancy and I glance at each other.

"Look, we figure that Barbra came back last night and then she took off, went somewhere else." Callahan says.

"Has she ever talked to either of you about running off?" Powell asks, "Leaving town, maybe?"

"No," Nancy says shaking her head, "No, Barb wouldn't do that, ever."

"She wasn't maybe upset about the fact that you were spending time with this boy?" Powell asks, "Uh, Steve Harrington?"

"What? No." Nancy says uncomfortably.

"Maybe she was jealous because she saw you go up to Steve's room?" Callahan presses and Mrs. Wheeler looks at Nancy pointedly.

"It wasn't like that." Nancy argues.

"Like what?" Callahan asks.

"Steve and me... We're..." Nancy's starts, "We're just friends. We just talked."

Callahan looks down at his notes and I avert my gaze to the window, hiding my jealousy.

"Now was this before or after you changed out of your clothes?"

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

After riding my bike home, I grab a snack from the fridge as the phone begins to ring. I walk over to the phone holding it between my shoulder and ear. Opening the wrapper for my snack, I take a bite while answering the call.

"Henderson residence." I say into the phone.

"(Y/n)?" I hear Jonathan's voice through the speaker.

"This is she," I reply.

"Uh, could you help me with something?" He says hesitantly.

"Of course, what is it?" I ask, leaning against the wall.

"I need to organize Will's funeral and I just can't do it alone." He responds solemnly.

"Oh..."

"You don't have to, I just—"

"No, no, it's okay Jonathan," I say, reassuring the boy, "Pick me up in ten minutes?"

"Okay."

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

Jonathan arrives at my house approximately ten minutes later. As he drives us to the funeral home, my thoughts wander to the difference between riding with him and sitting in Steve's car. Jonathan's car is cold and bleak while Steve's car is warm and causes my emotions to buzz with excitement.

Jonathan pulls up outside the funeral home and we both head inside. An old man greets us with a sad smile and guides us over to view the available caskets.

"It's made of soft wood with a crepe interior," The old man says gently, "Uh, now, I don't know what your budget is but over there, we have copper and bronze." He says leading us over to more caskets.

Nancy walks in through the entrance, her steps slow and hesitant. Jonathan and I notice her arrival, prompting her to offer us a wave that mirrors her anxious demeanor.

"Can you just give us a second?" Jonathan stammers before we walk over to Nancy.

"Of course." The man says kindly.

"Hey." Jonathan greets.

"Hey, Nance." I say.

"Hey..." She says, "Your mom, um... she said you'd be here."

"I just... can we talk for a second?"  Nancy continues nervously.

|☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆|

"It looks like it could be some kind of perspective distortion, but I wasn't using the wide angle." Jonathan says looking at the taped picture Nancy hands him after we sit down on a bench.

"I don't know. It's weird" He continues handing the picture back to Nancy.

"And you're sure you didn't see anyone else out there?" Nancy asks.

"No." Jonathan replies, "She was there one second and then, um... gone. I figured she bolted."

"The cops think that she ran away." Nancy says sadly, "But they don't know Barb."

"And we went back to Steve's... and we thought we saw something..." I say.

Some weird man or...I don't know what it was." Nancy finishes with a sigh before looking at Jonathan.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have come here today." She stands, "I'm so sorry."

"What did he look like?" Jonathan says abruptly.

"What?" Nancy asks turning back around.

"This man you guys saw in the woods." Jonathan says, "What'd he look like?" He repeats.

"I don't know," Nancy stammers, "It was almost like he... he didn't have—"

"Didn't have a face?"

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[yvonnesayler]

Welcome to Aurora Bay, YVONNE SAYLER! I couldn’t help but notice you look an awful lot like CAMILA QUEIROZ. You must be the THIRTY year old BARTENDER AT THE FOUR LEAF PUB. Word is you’re RESILIENT but can also be a bit DUBIOUS and your favorite song is DARK PARADISE by LANA DEL REY. I also heard you’ll be staying in CRYSTAL COVE CONDOMINIUMS. Trigger Warnings: Death, grief, drugs

basic stats

Full Name: Yvonne Estela Moreira Sayler

Nickname(s): Yve (pronounced like 'Eve'), Slayer

Gender: Cis woman (she/her)

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Birthday: March 13 (30)

Hometown: Loch Lomond, Florida

Current Residence: Crystal Cove Condominiums

Time in AB: Two years

Occupation: Bartender at the Four Leaf Pub

Education: Just shy of a high school diploma

Religion: Non-practicing Catholic

Pets: None

Hair Color: Light brown

Eye Color: Brown

Height: 5'6

Tattoos: TBA

Piercings: One in each lobe

Favorite Movie: True Romance

Favorite Alcoholic Drink: Jack and Coke

Favorite Food:

brief bio

Yvonne grew up in a mobile home neighborhood in Loch Lomond, Florida. She lived with her mom, Julia, and no father, whom Julia has always claimed was Lou Reed of The Velvet Underground.

She was a moody, eccentric girl in school and ended up dropping out just shy of graduation to marry her boyfriend, who had graduated two years previously at a high school in neighboring Pompano Beach. He came from a wealthy family whom Yvonne got along with very well, at least until she eloped with their son. He already had his trust fund at that point and the two of them used it to leave Florida behind.

They ended up across the country in Phoenix, Arizona, and Yvonne was literally just happy being a wife and curating little hobbies while her husband worked. They were more or less happy for about five years, when she lost him to a drowning accident. In his will he'd left all of his money to her, which became an enormous legal battle with his family, but which Yvonne ultimately won, perhaps not least of all because she slept with his family's lawyer.

She then took her money and went to California, where she initially spent a few years in LA before deciding it was too fast-paced for her and relocating to Aurora Bay, still idyllic and still California but a little more her speed. She works now as a bartender at the Four Leaf Pub.

personality

Smokes a lot of cigarettes, thinks vapes are fuckingggg lame

Kind of a coke fiend tbh

Has gotten in trouble with law enforcement for swimming naked in natural bodies of water

Was made for hookup culture, one night stands are her thing these days ever since she lost her husband

Genuinely has no idea if Lou Reed is actually her dad but she very seriously doubts it

Was utterly derailed by the loss of her husband, obviously, but also emotionally vexed by the way the sudden freedom excited her a little bit too

Not at all academically-inclined but very world savvy and can take care of herself

Very friendly and loves to yap but has an introverted side and will sometimes hermit herself away and only be in the mood to see her close friends

Has a 'mysteriously rich widow' vibe like you don't THINK she killed her husband for all that money but you also wouldn't bet your life on it 😭

Has a great singing voice, very croony and old-timey

Loves making her own clothes and has a small Etsy shop where she sells her handmade stuff that she doesn't keep for herself, has been known to take commissions

Has the moodiest wardrobe, absolutely walks around in head scarf + sunglasses combo

Drives a powder blue Audi A4 convertible

connection ideas

Neighbors in Crystal Cove Condos

Some close friends, some regular friends, some acquaintances from around town and regulars at the pub where she works

Anybody who's bought clothes from her or commissioned something

An ex from the last two years that probably deeply didn't work out

Tinder/Hinge/any of those, one night stands, one-or-two-off dates, maybe one fwb but I don't see her maintaining that kind of relo very often

She's such a consumer. Does your muse sell stuff? Have a shop? She's a regular

Her attorney and financial advisor

Possible connection to her late husband (a cousin or sibling of his maybe) but this would have to be discussed

Someone who is absolutely convinced she killed her husband 😭

[a-valourous-choice]

To Rebuild A Home - Prologue

Next Chapter

Chapter Warnings: Minor character death, blood mention, anxious/negative thoughts, food mention, strained-father son relationship. Summary: After a horrific event rips his family apart, Patton decides to move himself and his children back to his hometown. His youngest son Thomas adjusts quickly but his eldest Virgil, harboring resentment towards his father and full of self loathing, has a much more difficult time. Despite their close proximity, Patton and Virgil have never been more distant from each other but perhaps with some help from friends - both old and new - the Sanders boys will learn that recovery can be a family affair. And just maybe they're not as alone in their grief as they believe. Edited by: @winterwynd Available on Ao3 here. -------

Beep! Beep! Beep! Be-

The shrill tone of Virgil’s alarm clock pierced through the silent morning air.

He didn’t mind though. It was the telltale sign that he and his family had survived through the night.

Unless their throats were slit and I couldn’t hear their screams because they were drowning in their own blood, Virgil thought to himself. 

A-CHOO!

Virgil let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. 

His dad was okay then, if that sneeze was any indication. Nobody could make a noise like that if they were dead.

But what about Thomas? 

Virgil unfurled his stiff body from the window seat he had been perched on all night; having the bedroom with the bay window had been one of his conditions when they had moved into their new home.

It was the easiest way for him to see if anyone was walking down the driveway. 

He tiptoed across the hall to his brother’s room, his heart skipping a beat when he saw that the bed was empty and the blankets had been thrown haphazardly to the floor.

Where is he? What happened to him? Did someone take him?!

Virgil tried to compose himself and think rationally; he hadn’t slept a wink all night so surely he would have heard something if Thomas had been kidnapped. 

Unless, of course, he had dozed off… Could he say with the utmost certainty that hadn’t closed his eyes for at least five minutes?  

“Virgil, are you awake, bud?”

Patton’s deep voice traveled up through the house, and Virgil ran to the landing, peering down at the first floor. “Is Thomas down there?” 

Patton nodded. “He’s in the kitchen.”

“I didn’t hear him get up,” Virgil said, almost hysterically. 

“He slept with me last night,” Patton explained, “he had a nightmare.”

“Fuck!” 

“Virgil, language.”

“I’ll be down in a minute.” Virgil snapped, and then stormed off into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him.

That settled it.

If Thomas had snuck into Patton’s room and Virgil hadn’t heard him then he must have fallen asleep... 

…Which meant that he had put his entire family at risk. They could have been killed, just like his mom-

NO!

Virgil dug his nails into his hair, taking deep breaths to calm himself down. He couldn’t think about her right now.

He couldn’t think about how they had moved towns because the pain of staying in their old one had been too much for his dad. He couldn’t think about how he was starting to forget things about his mom, like her laugh and the scent of her perfume. He couldn’t think about how if he had just been a better son then she wouldn’t be-

“Virgil?” A knock at the door. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Virgil rolled his eyes, even though nobody could see. “Just give me a minute.” 

“Are you sure?” Patton was persistent, a trait that Virgil used to admire but it just irritated him these days. “If you’re sick then-”

“I said I’m fine!” 

There was a short pause. “Okay.” Patton sounded hurt. “Come down when you’re ready.”

Virgil heard Patton’s footsteps retreat, and he turned on the tap, splashing his face with cold water. 

He thought about his relationship with Patton as he got ready for the day; they hadn’t always been this way, they had actually been rather close for the majority of Virgil’s life. 

It was when Patton had announced they were moving so shortly after his wife’s death that the bond between the father and son had become strained. Virgil had never wanted to leave the only life he had known - despite the traumatic events he had suffered through - and Patton had felt that a new beginning was the best thing for them. 

His dad had once been his best friend, but nowadays Virgil could hardly stand the sight of him. 

With his backpack slung over one shoulder Virgil trudged downstairs, taking great care not to trip over a few of the moving boxes still strewn about the place; his kitten, Sally, peered out from one of them, observing him with interest.

“I have an idea,” Virgil said, stopping to scratch her under the chin. “Why don’t I stay home and hide from the world and you go to school instead, hmm?” 

Sally rubbed her head against his hand, and he chuckled. The little black cat had been a gift from Patton - possibly a last-ditch effort to win Virgil’s affection back, and it had almost worked.

Almost.

Virgil picked Sally up and she mewed in protest, but he knew that if he didn’t keep her away from the boxes then someone was bound to accidently throw them out with her still inside. 

“How about I smuggle you in my jacket?” he murmured to her. “If I make any enemies then you can bite them for me.” 

Sally didn’t seem to think much of this plan, if her wiggling was anything to go by, so Virgil placed her gently on the floor where she immediately curled up in a patch of sunlight and fell asleep.

“-Uh, ten!”

Relief washed over Virgil as heard his brother’s voice; having Patton tell him that Thomas was okay and truly knowing it for himself made a big difference to Virgil’s nerves. 

“Ten?” Patton seemed a lot happier than he had several minutes ago. “Gosh, that sure is a lot!” 

Virgil stood in the doorway of the kitchen, his dad and brother were sitting at the counter, a stack of pancakes in front of them, and he felt the slightest twinge of jealousy.

He was being stupid, he knew. He was the one who had torn apart the relationship with his dad, but somehow it still hurt to see how well Patton and Thomas got along without him. 

Or perhaps, it was how easily they could just move past what had happened to his mother that made Virgil envy them.

They hadn’t been there, they hadn’t seen the things Virgil had, hadn’t felt her blood slipping through their fingers like sand, hadn’t-

“Virge!” Thomas cried, pulling Virgil out of his thoughts. “You were asleep forever!” 

“Liar.” Virgil scoffed. “I didn’t sleep at all.” He ruffled Thomas’s hair and grabbed an orange from the fruit bowl.

Thomas giggled, but Patton’s smile faded. “Bad dream?” he asked Virgil.

Virgil shrugged. “My whole life is a bad dream.” 

“I wish you wouldn’t say stuff like that, kiddo,” Patton said, “especially in front of Thomas.”

“He can handle it,” Virgil said, idly peeling his orange. “He’s a kindergartener now, after all.” 

Thomas puffed his chest out proudly. “Yeah!” he said. “No more pre-school. I’m not a baby no more.” 

“You’ll always be my baby.” Patton said, and Virgil glanced away.

God. It was hard to believe that Thomas was five and would be starting kindergarten; it felt like only yesterday that his parents had told him he was going to get a sibling.

He was excited for Thomas, he knew that his brother had been looking forward to this day for a long time, but he really wished his mother was with them.

She should have been able to take a hundred photos of Thomas and gush over him, same as Patton. 

“I’m gonna make ten friends!” Thomas informed Virgil. 

“Well, that’s ten more than I’m going to make.” Virgil said.

He wasn’t good at making friends, it had taken him years to build up the very few friendships he had made in their old town, and now he would have to start all over again.

Just another thing to blame his father for.

“Aw, don’t say that.” Patton said. “I’m sure you’ll make tons of friends.”

 “Oh, well, if my dad says I will then it must be so,” Virgil said sarcastically.

He tossed aside the uneaten orange and grabbed a granola bar from the cupboard, shoving it into his backpack. “Are you sure you don’t want some pancakes? I made plenty,” Patton said.

“Yeah, and I helped!” Thomas held out his hands which were covered in maple syrup. 

“They smell delicious,” Virgil smiled at his brother, “but I’ll miss my bus.”

“Do you want me to drive you?” Patton said. “I’m happy to-“

Virgil shook his head. “Dad, it’s bad enough that you’re making me go to a new school,” he said. “The last thing I need is to walk in with you holding my hand.”

“I wasn’t-”

“Have a good day at school, Thomas.” Virgil said. “I hope you make all ten friends and more.” 

“Virgil-”

Virgil ignored Patton as he left the house; he knew that Patton would try and make him talk about it later, but for now he could pretend as if he hadn’t heard him. 

Virgil walked the short distance to the bus stop - the route didn’t go by his house, which was another way this town sucked more than his old one, and he felt his phone buzz in his pocket once he got there.

He pulled it out, hoping that it was one of his friends; the texts from them had come few and far between since the move, but he was optimistic that they were just busy, and hadn’t given up on him.

Unfortunately though it was just a software update reminder and a text from Patton.

From: Patton

I hope you have a good first day, bud. I know things are tough right now but you’ll be okay. Your mom would be proud and so am I 😻 🐸 🌈 💙 xx 

Virgil deleted the message and switched his phone to Do Not Disturb. 

He should have replied, he wanted to, but he couldn’t bring himself to.

Despite what most people would think, Virgil didn’t hate Patton.

Things were just complicated…

His whole life was complicated. 

---- Taglist, please message me if you wish to be taken off or added: @violets-gay-thoughts @warcats-cat @firefox2215 @shapa-likes-art @oatmeal-stans-the-trash-rat

[richincolor]

New Releases

We've got four new YA books on our radar this week! Check out what's on deck for launch this Tuesday:

The Lotus Flower Champion by Pintip Dunn and Love Dunn

It looks like paradise…only it’s not. This was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime family trip to Thailand. One last wish for my dying mama. Instead, we’re stranded on a lush, stunning island with ten strangers—held captive as Thai mythology unfolds around us…and within us.

Now we’re being tested. We’re expected to face our greatest fears—and possible deaths—in hopes of awakening some kind of dormant gift…or curse. One by one, we’re transforming, echoing the strange and sometimes wondrous abilities found in Thai folktales. But my mama has only days to live, my papa is missing, and I’m forced to trust a group of strangers…including our evasive, dark-eyed tour guide, who resembles a minor god. Toss me in the ocean and feed me to the naga now.

Only I’m no hero. My days are managed by numbers and the compulsions that used to keep me safe. I have to prove how far I can go. To survive. To protect my family. And to find a way off this perilous island where everything is a lie…including reality.

Carry My Secret to Your Grave (Murder, She Wrote #2) by Stephanie Kuehn

Small town murders. Big time thrills. The second installment in the suspenseful, modern update of the classic mystery TV series. Perfect for fans of One of Us Is Lying, Sadie, and Gossip Girl.

“Someone knows where you live. And whoever they are, they want you to know… you’re next.” Bea Fletcher never met a cold case she didn’t want to solve. So when she finds herself staying with family near Lake Paloma, she’s torn. Sure, she’s not thrilled to be bunking with her moody, taciturn uncle and his wife while her father’s out of town. Being away from Cabot Cove means less time for Bea to work on her true crime blog, visit her great-aunt Jessica, and spend time with new friends Leisl, Leif, and Carlos and the mysterious underground treasure hunting game they’ve been playing.

But Lake Paloma has mysteries of its own, including the unsolved drowning of teenaged Eden Vicente the year before. And when Bea starts to ask questions about Eden’s death, the answers lead her closer to home than she ever imagined. If Bea isn’t careful, she could be the next girl to end up at the bottom of the lake.

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that’s been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents—who frequently leave her behind.

When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and an ancient golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.

With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.

The Space Between Here and Now by Sarah Suk

Seventeen-year-old Aimee Roh has Sensory Time Warp Syndrome, a rare condition that causes her to time travel to a moment in her life when she smells something linked to that memory. Her dad is convinced she’ll simply grow out of it if she tries hard enough, but Aimee’s fear of vanishing at random has kept her from living a normal life.

When Aimee disappears for nine hours into a memory of her estranged mom–a moment Aimee has never remembered before–she becomes distraught. Not only was this her longest disappearance yet, but the memory doesn’t match up with the story of how her mom left–at least, not the version she’s always heard from her dad.

Desperate for answers, Aimee travels to Korea, where she unravels the mystery of her memories, the truth about her mother, and the reason she keeps returning to certain moments in her life. Along the way, she realizes she’ll need to reconcile her past in order to save her present.